Players for the Phoenix Suns will all be getting a Galaxy Tab 10.1 thanks to a joint effort by the team, Verizon Wireless, and Samsung. In doing so, the Suns will be the first in the NBA to have tablets courtside. Each player’s tablet will include a team playbook, video from practice sessions, scouting reports for upcoming opponents, and travel itineraries for road trips. While talking with the Wall Street Journal, head coach Alvin Gentry described the Galaxy Tabs as the best way to display diagrams of plays that he wants to run during a game. ”If I say, ‘I’m going to run a play called four-pop, [assistant coach] Noel Gillispie can cue that right up for me.” There use isn’t limited to game floor, however, the Suns will also be utilizing the Tabs for business relations in forms including season ticketholder presentations, in-game promotional programs, TV/radio broadcasts, and of course social media.

Score one for Android making it into the big leagues, of basketball.

Full press release after the break. 

PHOENIX SUNS, VERIZON WIRELESS AND SAMSUNG MOBILE ANNOUNCE INTEGRATION OF SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB 10.1

Suns become the first professional sports franchise to “Tab” across all company operations

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns, Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile announced today that the Suns have become the first NBA franchise to fully integrate wireless tablet technology into both their business and basketball operations.

Suns President, Brad Casper, Suns Head Coach, Alvin Gentry, Verizon Wireless President of the Southwest Region, Brian Danfield, and Samsung Mobile Vice President of Product Marketing, Ryan Bidan, made the announcement unveiling the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, powered by the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network, as the tablet of choice for the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns are incorporating the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 into business development opportunities, client and season ticketholder presentations, and in-game promotional programs. The team will utilize the tablet throughout US Airways Center on game-nights for more effective activation related to Suns partner initiatives, as well as showing prospective Suns ticket holders an interactive view of seats from anywhere in the arena.

In addition, the Suns are integrating the Tab into various elements of their TV and radio broadcasts as a way to interact with the club’s digital fans through social media and other in-game promotions.

“Our organization has always placed a priority on remaining at the forefront of digital innovation within the sports industry,” said Casper. “Utilizing the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network to integrate the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 into our daily operations is yet another great digital milestone for the Suns.”

Suns head coach Alvin Gentry and his staff will implement the tablet into all aspects of the team’s preparations, both on and off the basketball court. Each player will receive a tablet which includes a custom Suns playbook, video from team practices and games, team and individual scouting reports for upcoming opponents, and travel itineraries for all road trips. The Tab provides the team an environmentally friendly way of communicating with players and team personnel by eliminating volumes of paper communications.

“Today’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era in the NBA, where I think teams throughout the league will want to integrate a tablet into their operations,” said Gentry.

As the exclusive mobile provider of the Suns, Verizon Wireless is pleased to help bring forward, innovative, game-changing technology solutions, all backed by the largest and fastest 4G network in America.

“The Suns’ creativity and leadership, together with the strength of the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network and the extensive capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will no doubt be a winning combination,” said Verizon Wireless’ Danfield.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE is an ultra-slim 8.6 millimeters and boasts an incredibly light weight of just 1.25 pounds (568 grams) for outstanding mobility. Designed with a brilliant 10.1-inch HD touchscreen display with WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 delivers vibrant colors and crisp clarity. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to deliver rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times. Additionally, the Tab 10.1 also includes a 1GHz dual core processor and features a 3 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera providing smooth video chat capabilities and seamless video playback.

“The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hosts an impressive array of technology that will allow the Phoenix Suns to collaborate, share, interact and prepare for games in ways that were impossible before,” said Bidan. “Not only will the Phoenix Suns be untethered from the traditional hard copies of their playbook but the Tab 10.1 will also provide the Suns with a premium and truly mobile, multi-media experience over Verizon’s 4G LTE network.”

It seems like ages ago when Google announced it was buying Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. It was actually about 6 months ago, and at that time we figured it was going to be a battle with the U.S. Justice Department as well as the European Commission. The Wall Street Journal is reporting the U.S. Justice Department will clear the deal as early as next week, according to people familiar with the matter. The European Commission will also decide next week on whether to approval the deal as they’ve set Monday, February 13 as a deadline.

Even if both clear the way, it won’t be smooth sailing as both departments are concerned with Google’s commitment to license Motorola patents to competitors under FRAND (fair, reasonable, and non nondiscriminatory) rules. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have read all about the various lawsuits between Apple, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Microsoft, and others. The concern is that many of these suits involve patents that are essential to making smartphones, like 3G and WiFi. Some of these patents have become industry standards and companies who own those patents need to agree to issue licenses under FRAND.

Google did promise organizations that it would offer licenses for FRAND patents in Motorola’s portfolio, but didn’t rule out seeking injunctions against those that refuse to license those FRAND patents. On the other hand, Apple and Microsoft also said they would offer licenses, but wouldn’t seek injunctions from those they feel violated those industry standard patents.

I certainly don’t see any of these legal battle slowing down, but I’m excited to see what Google and Motorola are going to do together. Motorola has been behind the shadows of Samsung, but they make the best hardware hands down. Motorola may or may not make the next Nexus device, but I believe we should see some interesting things out of Motorola by the end of the year, assuming this deal is finalized.

source: wall street journal

The title says it all, for those of you with the Samsung App Store on your devices, today’s freebie will make an excellent addition to your app drawer, if you haven’t shelled out for it already. Modern Combat 3 is one of the prettiest games on Android today. Pair this game up with a USB controller and you’ll have a console quality experience.

The game has a robust singleplayer mode as well as online multiplayer. You really don’t want to miss getting this one for free, especially since the game costs $6.99 on Android Market

via: DroidGamers
 

Photo Courtesy of Pocket-lint

The Samsung Galaxy Note phone/tablet is no doubt a cool device, that’s a gimme. Well Samsung took the device and threw on some white covers, making it even more attractive than it already was. The fine team at Pocket-lint got a chance to go hands-on with the newest color of the Galaxy Note. While the white version is identical to black version (same processor, RAM, camera, etc.), there are some noteworthy differences that were pointed out. For starters the back of the white version is gloss white, while the original black version was matt-mottled. It is suspected that the gloss white was done on purpose in order to make the shinier plastic being easier to clean and prevent it from getting as dirty quickly. They also note, the S Pen pressure-sensitive stylus has a matt finish, and could become grubby with constant use, but is unlikely since most users won’t be using it very much.

Boy the device sure looks great in white. Let’s see how many people will move towards the white version of the phone/tablet, despite it potentially getting dirtier faster than the black version. Which color do you prefer? Let us know in the Comments section below.

source: Pocket-lint

Dan Rosenberg, the same tech genius that brought us root for our Lenovo ThinkPad Tablets, has struck gold again, rooting the Sony Tablet S. Unfortunately for him, it wasn’t nearly as easy as it was for the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet. He’s posted the whole process in detail on his blog, so check out the source. It’s a really interesting read, and can provide insight into what happens when you choose to root your device. Keep in mind that rooting your device and the subsequent activities that are made possible by doing so can possibly brick your device. Do so at your own risk!

Source: Dan Rosenberg

The famous bird launching game, Angry Birds turns 2 today, with its developers Rovio celebrating the milestone by offering 15 new birthday cake themed levels bringing the total level count to 300. As well as the new levels, the folks at Rovio have added an expandable orange bird, new menus and graphics, birthday achievements, and – wait for it – all episodes are now unlocked!

From everyone at TalkAndroid, have a great birthday Angry Birds!

Android Market Link

Would you look at that? The MIUI 4 ROM is now available for the Amazon Kindle Fire. In addition to the sexy Android 4.0-based UI, the ROM includes full support for both the Android Market and the Amazon App Store. Keep in mind the ROM is a work in progress, so the following features are not working at this time:

• Tethering via USB
• Hardware accelerated graphics
• Static wallpaper
• Themes

MIUI 4 kind of makes that old Kindle Fire feel new again, doesn’t it? If you’re brave, ambitious and love to tinker, be sure to root the Kindle Fire and hit up the MIUI forums at the source link below. Happy ROMing folks!

Click here to view the embedded video.

source: MIUI Forums
via: Phandroid

I don’t remember ever complaining that the Google+ app had performance issues, but Google thought so. Google has been busy this week with updates to Talk and the release of Chrome Beta for Ice Cream Sandwich devices. Things keep rolling as Google+ was just updated, and according to Google, you should notice “massive performance improvements.”  That’s not all as the full change log includes:

• Massive performance improvements across the app
• What’s Hot!
• View who +1′d a post or comment
• Stream posts shortened to fit more per scroll
• Infinite photos feed in ‘From your circles’
• Stream no longer jumps to the top for an automatic refresh

Let us know what you think in the comments and if you haven’t downloaded Google+ yet, hit one of our links after the break

Android Market Link

With the release of a new version of the Vonage Mobile app today, the company made a large advancement in the long standing war with Skype.  While Vonage has struggled in recent years, they are upping the ante by promising  rates around 70 percent cheaper than mobile carriers, and 30 percent cheaper than Skype.  Those percentages are based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called.  In addition, Vonage is offering a limited time offer of free calls to any landline or mobile phone is the US, Canada or Puerto Rico for up to 3,000 minutes per month, according to the description in the Android market.

The app is free and you do not have to be a Vonage customer to use the app.  Adding calling credit is simple through the Android market, using increments of $4.99 and $9.99.

The app works on Wi-Fi and 3G/4G worldwide, making it a true mobile VoIP provider.  It will allow you to call or text current Vonage users for free.   The app will use your existing contacts and will display a separate list of those current Vonage users who you can call or text for free.  Vonage assures good international rates when calling anyone who has not yet downloaded the app.   When you call someone, they will see your mobile number on their caller ID.

If you’d like to give the new and improved Vonage app a try, hit up the link below.  

Android Market Link

Amazon has announced a new partnership with Viacom in a deal that will bring major TV stations such as MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, Nikelodeon, Spike, TV Land, BET, CMT and logo to their Amazon Prime subscribers.

Prime members will be able to enjoy a myriad of prime time TV shows on over 300 devices including top-selling (hybrid) android tablet, the Kindle Fire.

The partnership could prove to be quite a coup for Amazon and will instantly boost their library from 13,000 to 15,000 titles. Throw in the recently released SlingPlayer application and the Kindle Fire is fast turning into a media powerhouse.

Things are really heating up in the battle for video streaming supremacy. Earlier this week we brought you news of Verizon’s recent deal with Redbox and now tech giant Amazon are upping their game, it could prove to be tough at the top for current market leader Netflix. Who are you currently using for your streaming service and will you be considering any of these news services? Let us know your thoughts!   

Press Release

Amazon today announced that it’s reached a streaming agreement with Viacom that will bring television shows from MTV, Comedy Central, Nikelodeon, TV Land, Spike, VH1, CMT and Logo to Amazon Prime subscribers — and that means to the Amazon Kindle Fire as well.

That pretty much runs the gamut from the worst television has to offer – Jersey Shore, The Hills,The Real World – to the best of Comedy Central (Chappelle’s Show and The Sarah Silverman Program are mentioned; here’s to hoping The Daily Show is included as well) and Nikelodeon, including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Yo Gabba Gabba.

All GTL kidding aside, this is yet another big deal for Amazon, which already has a killer streaming offering through Amazon Prime. Package this up with perhaps a slightly higher-resolution Kindle Fire, and we’re going to go through the roof.

Full presser’s after the break.

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 8, 2012– Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced a licensing agreement with Viacom that will allow Amazon Prime members to instantly stream TV shows from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, TV Land, Spike, VH1, BET, CMT and Logo. This deal will bring the total number of Prime Instant Videos to more than 15,000. Amazon Prime members can enjoy this selection on over 300 different devices, including Kindle Fire—the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, magazines, apps, books, games, and more. Right out of the box, Kindle Fire users experience the benefits that millions of Amazon Prime members already enjoy — unlimited, commercial-free, instant streaming of movies and TV shows with Prime Instant Video and the convenience of Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items from Amazon.com.

Prime members will have access to thousands of episodes from Viacom through Prime Instant Video over the next several months. Titles will include kids’ favorites, stand-up comedy, and reality TV. Amazon will offer MTV shows including The Hills, Jersey Shore, The Hard Times of RJ Berger, several seasons of The Real World, and Comedy Central shows such as Chappelle’s Show and The Sarah Silverman Program. For kids, Amazon brings Nickelodeon episodes of iCarly, Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, Yo Gabba Gabba, along with TV Land favorite, Hot in Cleveland.

“Over the last year we have received fantastic customer feedback about Prime Instant Video. We are constantly working to improve the service by adding the shows that our customers enjoy the most,” said Brad Beale, director of video content acquisition for Amazon. “This deal with Viacom brings Prime customers and Kindle Fire users thousands of comedies, kids’ shows, reality TV and much more from some of the best cable networks available. We now offer more than 15,000 movies and TV shows in Prime Instant Videos and are working hard to add even more great content.”

About Prime Instant Video

Prime Instant Video is a benefit for paid Amazon Prime members. Prime members get unlimited, commercial-free, instant access to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows. Since the launch of Prime instant videos last year, Amazon has secured licensing deals from partners such as CBS, Fox, PBS, NBCUniversal, Sony, Warner Bros, Disney-ABC Television, Viacom Media Networks and many more.

About Amazon Instant Video

For customers who are not Prime members, or who are looking to instantly purchase or rent movies and TV shows, Amazon offers Amazon Instant Video. Amazon Instant Video is a digital video service offering downloads or streaming of more than 100,000 titles including new release movies, TV shows the day after they air, as well as contemporary and classic videos in SD and HD. Customers can instantly watch movies and TV shows from Amazon Instant Video or Prime Instant Video on a Mac, PC or directly on a TV with any of the 300 compatible devices, including the new Kindle Fire.

About Prime

Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $79 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items including books, home and garden products, electronics, video games, clothing, and much more. Amazon Prime members also get access to unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows and access to tens of thousands of books to borrow for free, as frequently as a book a month, with no due dates from a Kindle device. Customers who receive free Prime shipping benefits through our Amazon Student or Amazon Mom programs can upgrade to an annual paid membership to receive Amazon Prime’s digital benefits.

About Viacom

Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in approximately 160 countries and territories. With more than 160 media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom’s leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, celebrating its 100th year in 2012 and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world’s most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon’s new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant color touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.