Tag Archives: josh miller

Aug 15

Clever adapter connects USB accessories to your ...

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(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

With theiPad Camera Connection Kit allowing users to connect a variety of unexpected USB devices (like a MIDI keyboard) to their iPads, the next logical question was, “Is there something similar forAndroid?”

Although it’s not advertised or sold by any of the big Android phone manufacturers, the solution is a cheap cable called a USB On-The-Go adapter.

USB On-The-Go (Amazon link), or USB OTG, is essentially a female USB port that plugs into the Micro-USB port of a phone ortablet, allowing you to connect devices that use a standard USB 2.0 or 3.0 connection. in a nutshell, the adapter allows the Android device to be a “USB host,” powering and communicating with the connected device.

Compatibility So far, it’s been difficult to figure out which Android devices are compatible with the USB OTG cable. It’s clear, however, that the Samsung family of Android phones and tablets are the most USB-friendly of them all, allowing users to connect the greatest variety of USB devices.

Even though USB host mode is technically available in devices running Android 3.1 and above, the hardware manufacturers (OEMs) must enable the feature. And, even then, the OEM might limit the types of USB devices the Android phone or tablet supports.

With the help of this crowdsourced chart, and some of our own testing, we found that the following devices are compatible with USB OTG:

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

So, it’s clear that many Android phones lack support for USB host mode. It’s possible that OEMs will include the feature in future software updates, but until then, those who want to hook up USB accessories to their unsupported Android devices will have to root.

*Although the Galaxy Nexus family supports many USB accessories, it does not support mass storage devices, like USB thumbdrives.

Using the USB OTG adapter There’s no set of instructions on how to use the USB OTG adapter, or what USB accessories are compatible with it. So, I unloaded my drawer of USB stuffs and got to work.

use USB devices with Android

When you plug the OTG adapter into your Android device, a quick notification will appear, letting you know that the phone or tablet has recognized the adapter and is ready to be a USB host.

From there, you can start plugging in a number of USB devices. here are the ones I tested using the Samsung Galaxy S III (S3):

With time, more Android devices will likely support USB hosting. if you discover any additional devices that support the USB OTG adapter, or other USB accessories that work with it, let me know in the comments.

Clever adapter connects USB accessories to your Android device

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May 29

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review: Dual-core in a ...

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While the Tab 2 10.1 uses a PLS screen, its color accuracy unfortunately isn’t up to standard.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was one of the premierAndroidtablets when it launched in 2011, with specs that, at the very least, matched top tier Android tablets of the time.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 feels almost like a disappointing prequel, rather than a full-fledged “we’ve improved on every feature!” sequel.

I mean, when a premium tablet gets a follow-up, it’s not a crazy thing to expect a lot from said follow-up; however, Samsung went the “budget” route with the Tab 2 10.1, limiting its advances. The problem is, since the Tab 2′s announcement, two Tegra 3 tablets (from Asus and Acer) have been released at very similar (or in Asus’ case, lower) prices than Samsung’s offering.

Still, the Tab 2 10.1 includes an IR blaster, its unique TouchWiz UX interface, and comes with 50GB of free Dropbox storage for a year.

Check out the full review to see whether that’s enough to be worthy of your consideration.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 review: Dual-core in a quad-core world

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May 21

Acer Iconia Tab A510 review: Is Tegra 3 enough?

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The Acer Iconia Tab A510 uses a normal LCD (not an IPS panel) as its screen technology. as you can see, the colors don’t exactly pop from the screen, and the viewing angle is less than satisfying.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

The first quad-coretablet, the Asus Transformer Prime, launched in December 2011, but the adoption rate of quad-core on tablets since then has been disappointingly slow.

The new Acer Iconia Tab A510 marks only the third tablet to use a full quad-core CPU and is actually the first made by a company other than Asus.

But with the Transformer Pad TF300 also using Tegra 3 and currently priced $50 cheaper than the Acer, is there any reason to even consider the A510?

It’s an intriguing question — one that I attempt to answer in the full review of the Acer Iconia Tab A510.

Acer Iconia Tab A510 review: Is Tegra 3 enough?

May 05

The new Archos 101 G9: Is it Turbo-worthy?

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(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

You might recognize the Wi-Fi-enabled Archos 101 G9 from our previous review, but it’s back and it’s been “Turbo-fied.” At least, that’s what the manufacturer has tacked on now that thetablet‘s dual-core processor has been bumped up from 1GHz to 1.5GHz.

The device also has more storage space, touting a 250GB hard drive. And for all youAndroid lovers who are tired and done with Honeycomb and Gingerbread, fear not. the device features another noteworthy upgrade in the form of Ice Cream Sandwich.

If you’re curious to see what else is new (or isn’t), check out the review and see why we think its new moniker of “Turbo” doesn’t quite fit the bill.

The new Archos 101 G9: Is it Turbo-worthy?

Apr 11

Windows and Android tablets: More bang for ...

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PC makers find themselves at a fork in the road when it comes totablets, and, to paraphrase Yogi Berra, their best option may be to take it.

even among a group ofiPad competitors that has generally lagged far behind Apple’s tablet in sales, PC vendors have fared relatively poorly. Whether they’ve tried somewhat-interesting keyboard-enabled variations, as Asus has done; cranked out solid thicker devices, as Acer has done; focused on pocketable designs as Dell has done; or ventured forth into their own operating systems, as Hewlett-Packard has done, these companies have seemed out of their element, when it comes to selling devices that fit somewhere between smartphone and laptop.

Android has been the only viable licensed choice for tablets like the 8.2-inch Motorola Xyboard that measure 10 inches or less.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

Part of that is a long reliance on Windows, the dominant PC operating system that will make a strong foray into the tablet market before the end of the year. the introduction of the next version of Windows should not only pair up PC makers with a familiar partner for the tablet market, but also facilitate the development of devices that can serve as notebooks as well as tablets.

AtCES, Lenovo gave an example of such a device: the Lenovo Yoga, whosekeyboard can rotate around behind its screen. According to a recent NPD Connected Intelligence report, the arrival of the next version of Windows should facilitate such products, with 40 percent of those interested in purchasing a tablet wanting a physical keyboard to supplement touch-screen entry.

This does not mean, though, that PC makers will or should abandon Android, despite the hard luck that most tablets based on the successful smartphone operating system have had. as was made evident by the success of the Kindle Fire last holiday season, consumers have some appetite for tablets smaller than 10 inches.

NPD Connected Intelligence has found that 40 percent of those who intend to buy tablets and have a screen size in mind are seeking a device that measures less than 10 inches. Android has been the only viable licensed choice here, powering such devices as the 7-inch Kindle Fire, the 8.2-inch Motorola Xyboard, and the 7.7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab. indeed, the minimum screen resolution requirement to take full advantage of Metro and run two apps side by side is 1,366×768, which lends itself to larger tablets (future Retina Display-like screens notwithstanding).

Advantages to eachThere is room, then, for PC makers to offer both Windows and Android tablets. Windows tablets are capable of serving as full PCs (even if they must temporarily leave the Metro world to take advantage of many Windows apps), whereas Android tablets — particularly smaller onesbetter suited to video playback or book reading than full-on Web browsing and productivityapplications — can be thought of more as PC companions.

If PC makers seek to progress on the latter front, though, and expand their horizons beyond the Windows ecosystem they have inhabited for so long, they must balance the “best of both worlds” message of Windows 8 with the companion device message of Android tablets, a message with which they had fleeting success during the short heyday of Netbooks.

Windows and Android tablets: More bang for makers’ bucks

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Apr 02

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review: 7-plus inches of ...

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No, I don’t actually read the New Yorker, but I do read Edge Magazine, which is like the video game equivalent. (Fun Fact Eric)

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

Don’t overlook this screen. While it doesn’t offer the same pixel density as the new iPad’s Retina Display, it’s still one of the most impressive I’ve encountered, offering deep blacks and an unmatched contrast ratio bytablet standards.

While games looked vibrant and well-saturated with color, there was an unfortunate side effect on background textures.

The full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 has more on that admittedly cryptic statement as well as many other amusing anecdotes.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 review: 7-plus inches of AMOLED goodness

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Jan 02

Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2 review: Stopgap or ...

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The Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2's 4G LTE speeds are impressively fast, but it may not be worth a 2-year commitment.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

The original Xoom arrived in a pre-iPad 2 world. given that context, Motorola’s originaltablet was well-designed, with great hardware, and since it marked the debut of Honeycomb, it was arguably the firstAndroid tablet with a capable operating system.

So, as we prepare to enter yet another year of constantly advancing technology, the release of the Droid Xyboard 8.2 demands the question: did Motorola push the design, performance, and features of its follow-up to the Xoom far enough to make it worth considering, or is this a stopgap on the road to something far more impressive?

Reading the full review grants you the gift of the answer!

Motorola Droid Xyboard 8.2 review: Stopgap or worthy Xoom successor?

Dec 15

GameStop first to show off Asus Eee Pad ...

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The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, docked to an optional keyboard for use as a laptop.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

Want to try out the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime before it launches later this month? GameStop has your back.

The boutique game retailer said today that it will be allowing customers at select stores nationwide to go hands-on with theAndroid-based device starting this weekend. the company didn’t say where the Transformer Prime will be on display, but did point out that it’s the first retailer to bring the device to the public.

The Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the firsttablet to launch with the new quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, which promises an improved mobile-gaming experience over its predecessor, the Tegra 2.

But it gets better. the Tegra 3 also includes built-in support for streaming game content to a TV. Gamers can then play the game with an Xbox 360 orPlayStation 3 controller. by the end of 2011, about 40 games that take advantage of the Tegra 3′s advanced features will be available.

But the Eee Pad Transformer Prime is catching the attention of consumers for more than just its gaming capabilities. the device will ship with both a front- and rear-facing camera and include 1080p video recording. for an additional $150, the device can be docked in a keyboard accessory and used as a standard laptop.

To sweeten the pot a bit, GameStop is bundling the video game Shadowgun and the Kongregate Arcade App in all the Transformer Primes it sells.

The Eee Pad Transformer Prime is shipping December 19. the 32GB model will cost $499 and the 64GB option will set you back $599.

GameStop first to show off Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime tablet

Nov 21

Asus, Dell: We’re not exiting the Android ...

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Asus reiterated its commitment to theAndroidtablet business, refuting a report that said it, along with Acer and Dell, are looking to retreat after a rocky start.

Asus says it's sticking with its Android tablet business.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

The company was responding to Taiwanese news site Digitimes, which cited suppliers in its report that the three PC manufacturers were looking to phase out their Android tablet businesses.

“As usual, the rumors and reports from Digitimes are incorrect,” said Asus spokesman Gary Key. “Asus is not exiting the Android tablet business.”

Likewise, a Dell spokesman said the company doesn’t have any plans to exit the business either.

An Acer representative wasn’t available for comment.

Regardless, the companies have all struggled to make a dent in the tablet business, which, beyondApple’s iPad, hasn’t seen a second hit product. While it’s still seen as a potentially hot area in consumer electronics, many companies have stumbled in an attempt to breach the market.

All three have taken their stabs at the market. Asus has its Eee Pad Transformer, Acer has its Iconia Tab, and Dell has its Streak. None of them, despite middling carrier support and a varying amount of marketing, has been able to draw in consumers.

To be sure, other mobile companies, including Research in Motion with its PlayBook, and Motorola with its Xoom, also have struggled in this business.

The hardware manufacturers are expected to face further pressure from the likes of Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Amazon’s Kindle Fire sells for $199, undercutting all of its major competitors by a significant margin, while Barnes & Noble’s Nook tablet is $250. both companies are offering a cheaper product in the hopes that it will make money off the digital content ordered through the device. The hardware players have no such luxury, and can’t afford to price their devices at such a level.

The potential of Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest version of Android designed for both tablets and smartphones, could provide a boost, though it’s unclear who would succeed in such a crowded market.

The Guardian points out that the companies could be pulling back on resources for Android tablets as they focus on Windows 8, which will also run on tablets.

Updated at 12:01 p.m. PT: to include a response from Dell.

Asus, Dell: We’re not exiting the Android tablet business

Nov 07

Samsung: Galaxy Tab injunction ...

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Samsung's Galaxy Tab.

(Credit:Josh Miller/CNET)

Samsung Electronics today alleged that the interlocutory injunction awarded to Apple against the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was incorrect and a leap of logic, all the while pushing for the case to be expedited in the courts.

In a case presented before Justice Lindsay Foster in the Federal Court of New South Wales today, Samsung contested the basis on which Justice Annabel Bennett gave her ruling two weeks ago.

Samsung complained on multiple grounds. In Bennett’s ruling, she said that Samsung’s “unwillingness” to move the case to an early final hearing stage counted against the Korean gadget maker.

“[Bennett] based her response on the basis that Samsung wouldn’t accept an early final hearing, which tipped the balance against us,” Samsung’s legal counsel said in court today. “That is a flawed proposition. [What was proposed was] a preliminary hearing based on several prejudicial conditions … including an injunction … and no further evidence. That was used as a black mark that led fundamentally to the grant of interlocutory relief.”

Read more of “Samsung contests Galaxy Tab injunction” at ZDNet Australia.

Samsung: Galaxy Tab injunction ‘flawed’