Contest: Last Day to Win a $25 Google Play Gift Card From Droid Life! (Updated: Winners Picked!)

Contest: Last Day to Win a $25 Google Play Gift Card From Droid Life! (Updated: Winners Picked!)

by: Kellex | posted 12.07.12 | Contests, News

The final day has come. All week, we have been handing out $25 Google Play gift cards to the fabulous readers of Droid Life, but this is your final chance. Well, final chance for this week. If you listened to the DL Show this week, then you know the next two weeks are going to be filled with prize giveaways. It’s going to be a hell of a ride. But, for now, let’s do one more $25 gift card, to help someone fill up their phone with wonderful Android apps, books, movies, magazines, and more. 

Multi-User App Share Enables Users to Share Apps Through Android 4.2′s Multi-User Feature

Multi-User App Share Enables Users to Share Apps Through Android 4.2′s Multi-User Feature

by: Tim-o-tato | posted 12.07.12 | Apps, News

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Tablet owners that are running Android 4.2 have the ability to take advantage of the all new multi-user feature, which allows for multiple user accounts on one device. To save people space, a developer has created Multi-User App Share, which allows for applications and their data to be shared between users, so no duplicate downloading and installing is needed. Root is required and the app, if used improperly, could potentially harm your device’s data if you accidentally misplace it. So, if you’re thinking about giving it a try, please use caution.
As another note, applications that use Market license checks could potentially not work as well, given there is another email tied to accounts. App Share is still in beta, so expect plenty of updates to come to improve functionality.
Play Link
Cheers Brian!

Galaxy Camera Confirmed for Verizon Thanks to Samsung Site

Galaxy Camera Confirmed for Verizon Thanks to Samsung Site

by: Kellex | posted 12.07.12 | News

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Last week, we saw a Galaxy Camera variant cruise through the FCC with a 4G LTE radio inside, one that was ready to jump on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Neither Big Red nor Samsung would confirm that the device was on the way, but they no longer need to as an official product page on Samsung’s site is now live for the device. We don’t have a price, but we can’t imagine it will run for more than the $499 price of the HSPA+ version. If it is more expensive, they that would be a massive mistake.
In our review of the device, we talked about the convenience that the camera brings with the ability to share photos from anywhere, however, the price is too steep for a camera that won’t “Wow!” you as a camera.
Via:  Samsung | The Verge

Google Looking to Replace Head of Mergers and Acquisitions?

Google Looking to Replace Head of Mergers and Acquisitions?

by: Tim-o-tato | posted 12.07.12 | News

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We can’t get through a full week of working it seems that we don’t hear about another purchase by Google. Whether it’s a high profile buyout like they finished up with Motorola, or a smaller snatch up like they did with Snapseed, they tend to always directly relate to Android or some other product Google is working on or has future plans with. Today, sources close to the matter say that Google is to replace their head of mergers and acquisitions with their top internal lawyer, Don Harrison. 
The man that has been in charge of over 70 deals of Google’s has been David Lawee, but there is no confirmation from Google as to why the change is happening. From what is being reported, it looks as though Lawee will be placed in an investment group that could work closely, but separately from Google Ventures.
Whatever is taking place, good luck to you, gentleman.
Via: Electronista

USPTO Declares Apple’s Multitouch “Steve Jobs” Patent Invalid, The Crowd Goes Wild

USPTO Declares Apple’s Multitouch “Steve Jobs” Patent Invalid, The Crowd Goes Wild

by: Tim-o-tato | posted 12.07.12 | News

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Hot off the wire is the announcement that the U.S. Patents and Trade Office has found Apple’s ’949 multi-touch patent, that was a key factor in suits against Samsung and Motorola, to be invalid. After close re-examination, all 20 points of the patent have been ruled invalid, which means we can maybe expect some lengthy appeal processes from many OEM’s that fell victim to Apple’s trolling earlier this year, assuming it stays invalid. 
Given that he has plenty of experience with patents, we’ll assume Florian Mueller of FOSS Patents knows what he’s talking about when he says that this move is preliminary. In other words, this doesn’t mean that Apple’s patent is done, but that this is the first step towards invalidating it.

First Office actions and other non-final Office actions are just preliminary. Many patent claims that are rejected at this stage do ultimately survive. There are many steps inside the USPTO, followed by a potential appeal to the Federal Circuit (and in a few cases even the Supreme Court).
Some people say that first Office actions are partial because they are based only on submissions made by those challenging the patent, and many examiners like to take a tough position early on in order to enable and require the patentee to present the strongest arguments in favor of validity. But it would be a mistake to underestimate the significance of a first Office action.

We shall see what happens next.
Via: FOSS Patents
Cheers Scrub175, Tony, Bensir, and zepfloyd!

Nexus 7 an Early Hit, Selling Out at Most Retailers Already

by: Kellex | posted 07.13.12 | News

Hopefully you pre-ordered a Nexus 7 and your retailer of choice is holding onto it for you if you have yet to pick it up. Reuters is reporting that stores like Gamestop, Sam’s Club, and Staples are all selling out of their first allotments of this hot little $199 tablet before it has officially gone on sale. All signs are pointing to next week being the official launch, since Google is just now shipping Play Store orders, however, pre-orders at many retailers have been available for pick up all day today. Online stores and brick and mortars have only a few left or none at all. If you had planned on trying to snag one this weekend, be sure to call ahead.
And if you haven’t yet, be sure to read our Nexus 7 review. Spoiler alert! We love it.
Via:  Reuters

Android 4.1 Headed to AOSP Today!

Here comes Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to AOSP. JBQ announced within the hour that today is the day.
Go build those ROMs, boys.
Via:  Google Groups