Kim Dotcom’s Megabox service will apparently put the music industry out of business

Even though our site has quite a bit of daily traffic, 50 million people each day is a lot. With the theory of “making shareware, into freeware”, former Megaupload founder, Kim Dotcom, achieved that substantial goal.. Through his various legal troubles and protests from anti-piracy supporters, Dotcom is more eager than ever to create his Megabox application, that can possibly change the music industry.

But what does this service do, that makes it “so important”? A couple months ago, Kim Dotcam released a statement on Twitter, describing that his Megabox app would allow users to distribute media, especially music, freely. On Tuesday, he also said that his idea will, “Turn this world upside down,” and that the service will be, “Bigger. Better. Faster. Free of charge & shielded from attacks.”

Of course we don’t know how true this is, but obviously it is no secret since the Federal Government got hold of the initial Megabox domain. Dotcom’s confidence still prevails, however, as he ensured supporters that the application will be available as a multi-platform tool on Android, iOS, and PC.

Though Kim Dotcom’s statements seem a little “far-fetched”, the computer guru plans to have the software completed and published by late 2012. I don’t believe that law enforcement will be Dotcom’s biggest problem, but rather getting the software on the devices themselves… that is the real trick.

What do you think about Kim Dotcom’s future plan to dominate the music industry? Will this software really be “revolutionary”? I would love to hear your comments.

Source: Android and Me

[Review] iHeartRadio Music Application

Chances are by now, you’ve probably heard of the iHeartRadio music app. From being constantly beaten into your head while listening to our favorite radio station, to the endless promos for the iHeartRadio music festival that just wrapped up in Vegas, you’ve no doubt at least heard the name. In my opinion, this app alone is worth the ‘price of admission’ into the smart phone world. 

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I was ecstatic with the idea and realization that I could listen to the “radio” on my PC at home and work. The idea of listening to the same station that I listened to as a kid, which was 800 miles away, just blew my mind. It took me back to those early years – listening to the same DJ’s, the same morning show, afternoon drive, etc. I took myself back to those days while at work or working around the house streaming my hometown rock station.  Fast-forward many years to today.

With that same amount of enthusiasm, I was in awe when I found out a simple application on a small handheld device could provide essentially the same experience as way back when. While the app itself is a few years old, in my opinion it’s still one of the best and most used apps on my Android devices. I love this app for much of the same reasons a younger me streamed the radio stations on my PC. I use it at home. I use it at work. I use it in my car. There aren’t too many apps that you can actually say that about. Yes, you look at a few apps in all of those places, but with iHeartRadio, you actually use it.

The interface itself is a very simple, user-friendly experience. Like some other apps that I’ve come across, you begin by signing up with an email account or your Facebook account. Or you can simply opt out of that initial screen and begin right away. Once signed in or opting out of registering, you’re faced with the iHeartRadio home screen. In a pretty cool handwritten style font, it walks you though setting up the app for the first time. You can begin right away by manually searching for radio stations or you can create your own station. I opted to search radio stations first.

Searching for radio stations is very straight-forward. You’re initially given canned options such as searching locally, for specific cities, or by genre (News/Talk, Sports, Rock, Metal, etc). Once you find a station you think you might like, you simply select the station. It’ll begin buffering, and play will begin shortly thereafter. It’ll also conveniently display the cover-art of the song/album. Once you’re listening to the selected station, you’re given even more options. By selecting a little “+” sign, you’re given the option to create a custom station based on the style of music and artist that is currently playing. So if you’re rocking Metallica, it’ll create a custom station tailored towards the song that’s playing and bands like them – again based on the song that’s playing, not necessarily the band itself. Again, pretty sweet given the fact that you can essentially have that perfect “me” station. Other options on this same screen are things such as Save Station so you can quickly access it later, View Artist Bio, View Lyrics, and an option to Buy from Amazon MP3. However, in order to create custom stations and save stations, you’ll have to log into either your email account or Facebook. (Remember, I opted out at the beginning). Another nice feature you’re given while on the screen listening to a song is an option to Scan. This options works just like the Scan button on your car stereo except it doesn’t scan local, strong stations. It scans similar stations across the nation. One press of the button and you’re listening to a similar station in New York. The next press of the button it may take you to Seattle, all while happening almost instantaneously – even on 3G connections.

Additionally by hitting the Menu button on your phone, you can access the app’s Settings. From here you can sign up giving you access to all of the options previously mentioned. You’re also given options to reset your location, play last station on app start-up (love this), and you also have the option to turn off explicit content. Additionally, there’s an option to use the app with Ford Sync for those that have that option on their Ford vehicle. Once you’re accustomed to the app, you’ll soon have it set up the way you want it with custom stations and all. Accessing those custom stations is easy as it’s just a simple click from the app’s main homepage.

As mentioned, this is probably my favorite app on my device. I just love the idea of accessing my hometown’s radio station from work, home, and in the car. It also works wonders for those long road trips where you can’t seem to find anything on the radio except static. It’s also nice to “tune in” to other stations around the country and be exposed to the cutting edge of new music in various markets. The app has recently added ads for featured stations across the nation for immediate access to those music markets. The app isn’t perfect however. Some stations cannot be found when specifically using the search function. I’m assuming this is because they have to be iHeartRadio affiliates while other stations may be affiliated elsewhere, but you’ll definitely find something of your liking. And it’s a great alternative to your local radio.  Best of all – it’s free.

Buzz Terms:

• iheartradio for android 4 04

Featured Play Store Newbie: The Bard’s Tale [Arcade & Action]

Some of you might already be familiar with the PC classic trilogy, The Bard’s Tale. Well in inXile Entertainment just released a mobile version in the Google Play Store, and it just might be the funniest game you will every play. It might also be the largest in terms of file size to date because the HD version will set you back 3.5GB (1.7GB for non HD version). That’s pretty hefty, but not surprising since the game includes over 20-30 hours of gameplay.

It’s a fantasy RPG, and you play Bard, a selfish rogue weary of pointless sub-quests and rat-infested cellars. There’s something else about Bard that’s interesting and it’s the fact that he has the ability to cast spells by singing songs. You will encounter all kinds of enemies to fight, but this game throws some bonuses like a lot of cleavage and when was the last time you saw a zombie dance off?

Features:

• 50 enemy types (not counting bosses!)
• A vast world to explore with towns, wild forests, rivers, castles, towers, secret dungeons, snowy mountains, caverns, haunted tombs and more
• A full cast of bizarre NPC’s
• Over a dozen special boss enemies to defeat
• 16 magical characters to discover and then summon at will to aid you
• Over 150 unique items of weaponry, armor, instruments, tokens, artifacts and loot!
• More Song & Dance numbers than any other game, including a zombie dance-off!
• Over 14 hours of outstanding voice-acting from top Hollywood talent, including Cary Elwes (The Princess Bride) as the Bard, and the inimitable Tony Jay as the Narrator

The Bard’s Tale was already available on iOS, but the Android version gets these new additions:

• Leaderboards—for accumulated Silver and Experience!
• Achievements—over 50 spread throughout the game!
• Autosave—option to save automatically when you near a save-book in game.
• Time-Savers—optional in-app purchases are available to pump up your Bard and save you time! (Note: All such items are attainable through normal game-play, with time and persistence, just as in the original console release.)
• Includes the original classic game The Bard’s Tale I: Tales of the Unknown! 2 & 3 coming soon!

The Bard’s tale is priced at $5.95 and works on devices running Android 2.3 and higher. As I mentioned above, the original PC game was a trilogy and with this download, you actually get the original The Bard’s Tale I: Tales of the Unknown. You will also get The Bard’s Tale II: The Destiny Knight and The Bard’s Tale III: Thief of Fate at a later date for Free.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Play Store Download Link

ViewSonic Introduces The Android-Powered VSD220 “Smart Display” Monitor

So you own a brand spanking new Mac… errr— Windows or Linux desktop PC and you need to compliment the new toy with a shiny new monitor? Just like we told you about sometime in May, respected manufacturer ViewSonic has just the monitor for you. Known as the VSD220 “Smart Display”, this monitor has a whopping 22-inch screen and a 1080p resolution as the first obvious features that pop out when looking at the monitor. While those features are nice and all, the real kicker is the VSD220 monitor is more of a “smart monitor” and actually operates through Android 4.0. Yes, you read that right— the ViewSonic VSD220 is an Android-based monitor. Among the additional features are  TI-OMAP4 dual-core processor, 8GB of storage and a 1.2MP built-in web camera.

A device of this type surely must cost a king’s ransom, right? Well it’s not as much as you’d think since the device is now listed on ViewSonic’s website for $543, though ViewSonic has already pledged the monitor will be much lower in price (around $400) once it’s released sometime next month.

source: ViewSonic
via: Phandroid

U.K. carrier O2 to offer exclusive Skyfall-branded Sony Xperia T

When the Sony Xperia T is finally available in the U.K., buyers will have the opportunity to grab a unique version of the new smartphone. Dubbed “The Bond Phone”, U.K. carrier O2 has announced they will be the exclusive source for a Skyfall-branded Sony Xperia T. Already named the official phone for the next Bond film, this move takes Sony’s marketing of the device to yet another level as fans prepare for the release of the 007 thriller.

The Skyfall inspired Xperia T will come pre-loaded with 007 content including ringtones, screensavers, themes, geo-tagged images for locations that appear in the film, and exclusive James Bond packaging. Along with the content on this special Xperia T, buyers will be able to get the new 007 Legends game for Xbox, PC, and PS3.

In addition to the special Bond phone, reports are also coming out that Sony will produce a white Xperia T. It is unclear whether this will be connected to the Skyfall promotions. We expect there will be more Bond related promotions coming in the next few weeks leading up to the opening. We will keep watching to see if any pop up in the U.S.

source: Android Central

UniFlash Makes Flashing, Modding And Backing Up Your Android Device Easier Than Ever By Using A Desktop Computer

While it’s a fairly straightforward process to flash ROMs on an Android device, it can be a bit intimidating especially as users need to also modify or backup their device— which simply can be a complicated process. Thanks to UniFlash, it is now a simpler process that is done all from the comfort of your desktop PC. UniFlash is the brainchild of XDA member MiHailPro and utilizes a simple GUI so users can edit and flash ROMs and partitions, add or remove system apps, edit system files, and even perform and restore backups. This means you’ll be able to edit your various partitions and edit or manage your ROMs without too much concern or worry as you finally have a simpler means through your desktop computer.

The tool is available now though we’d recommend you backup all the contents on your device considering you know, a snafu or two may happen. Hit the thread at the source link to see additional details.

source: XDA Forums

Android, iOS adoption dwarfs PC adoption of the 80’s by factor of 10

Flurry Analytics, a research firm studying technology adoption, announced results of a study they recently completed looking at adoption rates for the Android and iOS operating systems. Based on data from the first five years of widespread adoption, the study revealed some interesting insights. Compared to adoption of PC technology in the 80’s, Android and iOS adoption is occurring at a rate that is 10 times faster. Of the previous technologies studied, adoption of web technologies came closest to the two smartphone operating systems at one half the growth rate. More recently, Android and iOS grew at a rate three times faster than the explosion of social networking sites.

Flurry’s study found there were 640 million devices in use last month that used either Android or iOS. The top three countries were the U.S. with 165 million devices, China with 128 million devices, and the U.K. with 31 million devices. The order of those top three should change before the end of the year. With a growth rate of 401%, China should overtake the U.S. before 2012 comes to a close.

We recently reported on some data showing Android and iOS accounted for 85% of the smartphone market for the second quarter. This finding is reflected in the penetration rates that Flurry found for the top two operating systems. In Singapore, the two combined for 92% of devices in use, followed by Hong Kong at 87% and Sweden at 86%. The U.S. had the fifth highest penetration rate at 78%.

Do you remember any of these older waves of technology? What is your impression of smartphone growth compared to them?

source: c|net

Ice Cream Sandwich Update For 2011 Sony Xperia Phones To Roll Out This Week

As a follow up to last week’s Xperia P Ice Cream Sandwich rollout, Sony Mobile today announced their 2011 Xperia line of phones will be getting new Android 4.0.4 firmware. Starting this week, the first phones to receive the update are the Xperia arc, Xperia arc S, Xperia neo, Xperia neo V, Xperia mini, Xperia pro, Xperia active and Xperia ray. The Ice Cream Sandwich update will bring the usual enhancements, along with bug fixes, performance tweaks and other improvements. In addition, The Xperia mini pro, Xperia neo L and Live with Walkman won’t be left out as they will be updated in the next few weeks.

The update will come in two ways. If you’re already running ICS you’ll receive an OTA update notification, otherwise if you’re running Gingerbread you’ll need to plug in and upgrade using PC companion or Bridge for Mac. For more information, visit http://www.sonymobile.com/update.

Source: Sony Mobile Blog

Ice Cream Sandwich Update to Roll Out for 2011 Sony Xperia Phones

As a follow up to last week’s Xperia P Ice Cream Sandwich rollout, Sony Mobile today announced their 2011 Xperia line of phones will be getting new Android 4.0.4 firmware. Starting this week, the first phones to receive the update are the Xperia arc, Xperia arc S, Xperia neo, Xperia neo V, Xperia mini, Xperia pro, Xperia active and Xperia ray. The Ice Cream Sandwich update will bring the usual enhancements, along with bug fixes, performance tweaks and other improvements. In addition, The Xperia mini pro, Xperia neo L and Live with Walkman won’t be left out as they will be updated in the next few weeks.

The update will come in two ways. If you’re already running ICS you’ll receive an OTA update notification, otherwise if you’re running Gingerbread you’ll need to plug in and upgrade using PC companion or Bridge for Mac. For more information, visit http://www.sonymobile.com/update.

Source: Sony Mobile Blog

When It Rains… It Pours: HTC To Lose $40 Million Because Of OnLive Restructuring

It’s no secret online gaming service OnLive isn’t doing too well, but it’s affecting other companies as well. HTC (which isn’t doing so well financially itself) has recently announced it will have to book a $40 million loss from its investment in OnLive because of a “lack of operating cash and an inability to raise new capital“. Both HTC and OnLive are no stranger to one another either, as HTC made a $40 million dollar investment, yet OnLive was noticeably absent on most HTC devices released in the past year— despite the service streaming games over the internet on PC computers. OnLive has not made any follow-up statement regarding HTC’s latest announcement.

First the Beats Audio fiasco and now this— HTC just can’t catch a break this year. Here’s hoping it will continue to push the envelope with devices like the HTC One Series of smartphones.

source: PC Mag
via: Android Central