Amazon Appstore Evolving, Adds App Preview

The Amazon Appstore for Android has only been online for just under a week, but the online giant seems to be out to prove they are here to stay. When the official name for the store was announced, Apple, Inc. quickly sued Amazon over the usage of the term “App Store”, claiming trademark infringement and seeking an injunction to block the usage of the name. Undaunted, Amazon launched their new store anyway, and are quickly attempting to break into the lucrative App market.
Amazon’s latest offering has had to overcome some difficulties thus far, with a fairly cumbersome integration for existing android devices. To enabledownloads on most devices, the user must follow an 8 step procedure to allow apps from “unknown sources” to be installed. This slight roadblock is actually a security feature within Android that was intended to prevent potentially dangerous apps from being installed, forcing the user to use the native Android Market. For many novice users, the security warning they’ll see could be enough to stop them in their tracks. After Google recently was forced to remove 50 programs from their service due to malware infection however, the comparative danger is actually minimal.
Now, showing off their longstanding mastery of online sales tactics, Amazon is raising the bar by adding a test drive feature that will allow potential buyers the ability to try out their Apps on their computer before purchasing. When visiting from a PC, Amazon customers will be able to choose the App they are considering and launch the program in an emulator, which mimics an Android device and lets them test out an App free of charge. This functionality is designed to showcase Apps in a fairly unique fashion, while raising the comfort level of consumers that are typically overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices in the seemingly endless App world.
With the rapid development in the Amazon Appstore, many device manufacturers should begin shipping new devices with the necessary features enabled to use it. Once the new service gains acceptance and traction, the platform has the potential to finally place Android Apps on an equal footing with those sold in the now ubiquitous Apple App Store.
Read more: http://technorati.com/technology/android/article/amazon-appstore-evolving-adds-app-preview/#ixzz1IUfOCOAU

Installing Ubuntu on Your Motorola Xoom Tablet

UPDATE 4/10/11: Now you can enlarge your Xoombuntu install! http://trsohmers.com/2011/04/10/how-to-expand-xoombuntu-disk/UPDATE 4/2/11: Here’s the fix! http://trsohmers.com/2011/04/02/ubuntu-for-xoom-fix/
UPDATE 3/20/11: OK, so there are a couple of modified steps to make the system a bit faster, and to be releasing a small path tonight to fix some issues people have been having with the install.
This is simplified instructions for unlocking the bootloader and rooting the Motorola Xoom on Mac OS X, and today I have full instructions on how to install and run Ubuntu on your Motorola Xoom tablet. The method this uses is to install Ubuntu in a chroot“jail” to keep it separate of all Android processes… similar to how a Virtual Machine (Virtualbox, Parallels, VMware) runs an x86 operating system (Windows, OSX, Linux) on an x86/x64 machine. Since the Xoom and most Android devices run on an ARM processor,  you can only run an operating system made for ARM, so I am using the ARM version of Ubuntu version 9.10.

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: Even though this is running in a chroot jail, and I am 99.9% sure this will not cause any harm to your device, I can not be held responsible for anything that may happen to your device. Just by rooting and unlocking your device (which you have to have done already to do this) COULD void your warranty and/or brick your device. Then again, you COULD be struck by lightning 42 times the next time you walk outside your house… it is highly improbable unless you go outside in a thunderstorm with a lightning rod.
NOTE 2: The install files for this are about 660mb zipped, and once expanded the files are about 2.5gb.
STEP ONE: Setting up your enviornment
NOTE: I will be writing this from the viewpoint of a Linux/Mac user. If you are running Windows, just remove the ‘./’ from the commands.
NOTE 2: My Android SDK folder is /AndroidSDK/… please insert whatever the name of yours is.
1. I am assuming you have the Android SDK from when you rooted… if you do not, download it.
2. Please download this zip… this is the 660mb one, so it may take a while. Get your favorite drink, have a snack, and if you want you can skim through the rest of this  while it is downloading.
3.OK, now that you have the ubuntu.zip file, extract it to AndroidSDK/tools/
4.Take the busybox and installbusybox.sh files and copy/move them to the root of the sdcard on your device… you can do that manually by plugging your xoom into your computer and browsing the directories (on the Mac you have to use the Android File Transfer application provided by Motorola).The other way is to use ADB push, and that is what I will explain.
(Make sure you have USB debugging enabled in Settings > Applications > Development)

4a.Open up your terminal application, and change the directory to your AndroidSDK/tools

4b.Type in ./adb push busybox /sdcard (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

4c.Type in ./adb push installbusybox.sh /sdcard (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

4d.Type in ./adb shell (This allows you to access the terminal on the device itself)

4e.Type in su (This gives the terminal Super User privileges. If you get the error “Permission Denied”, you have not rooted your device)

4f.Type in cd /sdcard (Changes the directory to the device’s sdcard. NOTE: The Xoom doesn’t really have an sdcard at release… but Motorola seems to have made a virtual one so devices that require an sdcard still run.)

4g.Type in sh installbusybox.sh

After that is complete, busybox should be installed. Try entering a command like cp and see if it displays anything. If not, reboot the device (./adb reboot) and try the cp again.

5. Now that busybox is installed, lets get to actually installing Ubuntu. You now have to move all the files in the Ubuntu folder (minus busybox and installbusybox.sh) to /sdcard/ubuntu …. you can do this using a method other than ADB push, but I will explain it the ADB push way.

5a.Type in ./adb push fsrw /sdcard/ubuntu (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

5b.Type in ./adb push mountonly /sdcard/ubuntu (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

5c.Type in ./adb push ubuntu.sh /sdcard/ubuntu (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

5d.Type in ./adb push ubuntu.img /sdcard/ubuntu (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

NOTE: This file is over 2gb’s! It will take a while to transfer, and on average it takes 25-30 minutes. Time for another snack break.

5e.Type in ./adb push unionfs /sdcard/ubuntu (It should tell you when it has done transferring)

STEP TWO: Installing Ubuntu
6. OK, lets get this installing. You are going to be going to be going into the shell again, so follow these commands:

6a.Type in ./adb shell (This allows you to access the terminal on the device itself)

6b.Type in su

6c.Type in cd /sdcard/ubuntu

6d.Type in sh ./ubuntu.sh

It will give some errors, but as long as it gets to “To enter the Debian Linux Console type in ‘bootubuntu’”, you should be good. Congratulations, Ubuntu is now installed.
7. OK, now that Ubuntu is installed… you want to turn it on, right? now Type In: bootubuntu and you should give you a new line saying “root@localhost:/” Congratulations, Ubuntu is now running. If it is not running, try to Type in su bootubuntu and thenbootubuntu again. If that does not work, try rebooting your device and do it again… if it is still not working, try going through steps 5-7 again. If you have any more issues, feel free to comment here and I will try to help you.
STEP THREE: Setting up Ubuntu
8. You should still be in the shell and at the root@localhost entry. You are now entering commands through your terminal, into Android’s terminal, which is entering into Ubuntu’s terminal (What is this, Inception?). Like all operating systems, you need to update them… but with Ubuntu, this is quite easy.

8a.Type in apt-get update

8b.Now we are going to add a “head” to this “headless” OS. Since Android is the main operating system on here and Ubuntu has nothing to display on, we are going to output X windows (The GUI Linux OSs) to VNC. Type in apt-get install tightvncserver

8c.Once tightvncserver is installed, type in apt-get install lxde

8d.Type in export USER=root

8f.Type in vncserver -geometry 1280×800 (Resolution of the Xoom’s display. You can experiment to find a resolution you like.. you can type this command whenever to change the resolution)

8g.It should ask you for a password for your VNC… you can use something simple like 123 since you are the only one who can access it since it is only on your device.

9.Now we are going to change some settings to make the VNC experience better….

9a.Type in cat > /root/.vnc/xstartup
9b.Type in #!/bin/sh
9c.Type in xrdb $HOME/.Xresources
9d.Type inxsetroot -solid grey
9e.Type in icewm &
9f.Type in lxsession

10.Press CNTRL+D, and then enter this…

10a. cat > front
10b. export USER=root
10c. cd /
10d. rm -r -f tmp
10e. mkdir tmp
10f. cd /
10g. vncserver -geometry 1280×800

11.Hit CNTRL+D again, and enter this…

11a. cat front /root/.profile > temp #Thanks David Tangye

11b. cp temp /root/.bashrc

12. Now you can exit out of the Ubuntu terminal by typing exit
13.Reboot your device

13a.Install a VNC app from the market such as this Android VNC (Free)

13b.Install a Terminal Emulator app from the market like this Better Terminal Emulator Pro (3.99) or Android Terminal Emulator (Free)

13c.Now you can use the ADB shell again, but I suggest doing this on the device using one of the Terminal Emulators.

13c.cd /sdcard/ubuntu

13c.su (If the Superuser app asks for permission, press yes)

13c.bootubuntu

13c.OK, you should see the same thing as you did on your computer screen. Now go back to your homescreen, and  open your VNC client.

13d.Now, in the Nickname spot, put ‘Ubuntu’ or whatever you want.

13e.In the password spot, put whatever you put for a password earlier.

13f.Leave the address blank.

13g.Set the port at 5901.

Set the color format to 256 colors (1 bpp) for the best results.Then you press the Connect button, and you are on Ubuntu!
14. Some information:

1.Tap to click, pretty simple.

2.Double tap for right click.

3.You can switch in and out of ubuntu… just click your home button or the task manager button.

4.You should be automatically connected to the internet since it shares the device’s internet connection. So this will work on 3G, 4G, Wifi, or not having any connection. I am also going to see if I can transfer files between Android and Ubuntu since they should be on the same ‘network’.

That about wraps it up! Hope you will enjoy Ubuntu on your Xoom!

Read the original article here!

ViewSonic ViewPad 10 Dual-Boots Windows 7 And Android OS, Now Available For Sale!

ViewSonic just announced that it’s dual-boot capable ViewPad 10 tablet PC is now available for sale. The ViewPad 10 was originally announced later last year and has since then been considered as one of the first high-performance dual-boot enabled tablet PCs.
The ViewSonic viewPad 10 features a 10.1-inches LED-backlit capacitive touch display which renders a display resolution of 1024×600 pixels. It packs in an amazing agglomeration of technical specifications in an elegant-yet-sturdy looking form factor.
The most interesting thing about the ViewPad 10 is its ability to boot two different operating systems. Yes, the ViewPad 10 is designed to support both Microsoft’s Windows 7 and Google’s Android operating systems under a single hardshell.
Under the hood, the device is packaged with a 1.66GHz Intel Atom processor, 2GB of  DDR3 RAM, a 1.3megapixel front-facing camera for video calls, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity and plenty of SSD storage.
There’s also a microSD card slot for up to 32GB of additional storage space. The ViewPad 10 comes preloaded with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat  among other business and productivity applications besides social networking apps like Facetook and Twitter.
According to Adam Hanin, Vice President of Marketing for ViewSonic Americas -
“The lines of professional and personal life are blurring, which creates a need for devices that are suited for both sides. The ViewPad 10 delivers just that by enabling users to merge business productivity with personal enjoyment anywhere, anytime. We are proud of our 10-year tablet history and are dedicated to further extending our tablet product portfolio to meet every individual need.”

The device is available with either of Windows 7 Home Premium (with a 16GB SSD hard drive) or Windows 7 Professional (with a 32GB SSD hard drive) for respective ESPs of $599 and $679 and Google Android 1.6 OS.

Free AVG Antivirus for Android Devices

With the rapid growing of Android-powered gadgets such as Android smartphones, tablets and etc, this population of devices has become lucrative targets for the financially-motivated cyber criminals. For instance, Google have recently found a couple dozens of Android apps infected with the notorious rootkit malware – “DroidDream” that could steal private information from the Android gadgets. Although Google acted to remove such apps from Google’s Android Market immediately on being alerted, but it would a better situation if a defense mechanism in the Android devices exists to prevent such apps download.

As the malware threat for Android devices is on the rise, AVG’s Antivirus for Android Devices is the antivirus you might want to try. In details, AVG’s Android Antivirus is based on the famous DroidSecurity in which AVG has acquired in November 2010. Both free and premium versions are offered by AVG for protecting the Android Devices.

Here’s the list of protection features available in AVG Antivirus for Androids:

• Only simple clicks are needed to scan, detect and remove viruses.
• Scan Android apps, website content, emails and SMS prior to the download.
• Scheduled scans can be configured to run full scan at weekly, daily or on demand basis.
• Theft protection features: track lost device using GPS, lock and wipe content, etc.
• SMS spam protection (For premium version only)

Here are the links to get AVG Android Free Antivirus:

• Download using Android device: market://details?id=com.antivirus
• Download using PC: http://www.droidsecurity.com/VirusFree.apk

Refer to the guide on how to install .apk onto Android device.

Market Share of Android - Apple Causing Google’s Android to “Think Different”?

Since the beginning of the Android operating system’s development, one of the cornerstones of the movement has been the fact that the OS has remained open source in nature. What this means is that interested developers and hardware manufacturers have had direct, free access to the source code of the OS, enabling them to custom tailor it to their needs. With the Release of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), Google has so far decided not to release the source code, in a move that is sure to provoke irritation for vendors and developers worldwide.
Google has stated that it doesn’t have a timeframe yet for releasing the Android 3.0 source, because they have developed it specifically for the tablet market. At this point, they appear to be concerned that the tablet-specific features they’ve integrated wouldn’t translate well to mobile phones, leading to a bad user experience on such devices. By taking this position, Google may have concluded that the closed nature of their biggest competitor, Apple’s iOS, is forcing them to retain tighter control over where and how their software is used.
It’s understandable that the fierce competition in the tablet and handheld OS race is beginning to give Google a sense that they must assert greater control, or run the risk of becoming an also ran. The counter argument is that device manufacturers have just as much to lose by releasing mobile devices with a badly integrated version of Android 3.0, and would probably not be likely to allow such mistakes to happen.
The giant advantage that Apple has developed in the mobile computing space is that it has absolute control over its platform, leading to a nearly identical user experience across all Apple devices.  While Google can’t possibly achieve such uniformity for Android, due to the enormous list of devices and manufacturers using it, they are appearing to be hesitant to waste the opportunity that the Android 3.0 system presents.
The enormous downside to this latest twist of events is that Google may be effectively stifling the growth of their own OS, along with that of their manufacturing partners, at a time when the race is Apple’s to lose. So far, there have been few Android devices that have drawn complaints, and the very openness of the platform has been the biggest engine in its development. Google would be wise to trust the judgment of the very developers and manufacturers that have pushed Android to the top of a market that seemed almost impenetrable only a few short years ago.
Read more: http://technorati.com/technology/android/article/is-apple-causing-googles-android-to/#ixzz1IUejx817