Thursday, 20 May 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Android 2.2 Froyo SDK Available Right Now for Download

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:33 AM PDT

That didn’t take long at all. Probably the complete opposite, actually. But, while Google I/O is still going strong, and we’re covering everything that slips out of the conference, Google and the Android Team have officially made the Android 2.2 Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) available for download.

Which, if you’re into that kind of thing, means you can head on over to the Android site, find what you’re looking for, and start up the download and get to that whole developing thing. The initial download is only 18 megabytes, so not bad at all. You’ll get some tools, that don’t tell you any specific platforms at the moment. But, then you pull from another application that you can tell which platform you want, which means you can still develop for Android 1.5.

We know there’s a few developers out there, so go ahead and take a grab at it, and let us know what you think! Of course, if you’re working on anything in particular, by all means, let us know!

[via Android]

Google TV Officially Announced [Updated Video]

Posted: 20 May 2010 10:02 AM PDT

It’s been rumored about over and over again for the last few months, and sure enough, it’s real. Google, at their Google I/O developers conference in San Francisco, have managed to pull some time from Android 2.2 announcements, to finally unveil the next generation of TV. Google’s TV, aptly called Google TV, is what they want TV to be, and they’ve done quite a bit to make it happen.

You’re looking at TV that meets the Web, and the Web that meets the TV. Four hardware requirements: wiFi and Ethernet built-in; connect your existing satellite or cable box to the Google TV box; the Google TV box will have a powerful processor to handle all the hard work; and a keyboard and mouse are required for the intuitive navigation. Better yet, Google Android devices will be able to connect to the Google TV via WiFi, and you’ll be able to use Voice Search to find channels, and whatever else you’ll want to find.

Navigation is made simple by the Quick Search Box, which is pictured here. You can simply type in what you’re looking for, and several different queries will be found. Just moving down to the option will let you instantly access the channel. And, if there’s something coming on in the future, you’ll be able to set up your DVR to record it, right there from the Quick Search Box.

More details to come, so stay tuned. Google’s still going strong here in San Francisco.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Android 2.2 Froyo Brings Speed to the Browser & Apps2SD

Posted: 20 May 2010 09:51 AM PDT

There’s no doubt that there’s plenty of people out there actively calling out for certain features for Android to adopt. While speeding up the browser may not be at the top of everyone’s list, especially considering the native Android browser is pretty quick in of itself, but we know for a fact that adding applications to your SD card is one of the most highly anticipated features ever. And, sure enough, Google has pulled the curtain off the feature.

But first, the speedier browser. Google have introduced the same JavaScript enhancements that they have installed within Google Chrome, which helps to make it so fast, which they believe makes Froyo’s mobile browser the world’s faster mobile browser. Pretty bold statement, right? Well, according to Google, and a little proof given by a quick demo at Google I/O, they are seeing 2 to 3 times faster speeds from the Froyo mobile browser, versus the browser found in Eclair.

Now for the really important part: Apps2SD. You get a whole bunch of new things thrown at you with the inclusion of this feature. First and foremost, yes, you will be able to store your applications on your SD card. More over, though, Android will do it intelligently: so if you’re running out of room, your handset will automatically move a newly installed application to your SD card. Of course, you can do it yourself, too. However, probably our favorite part, is the fact that you can launch, run, and utilize applications while they’re still loaded on the SD card. So, no restoring them back to the phone when you need them. You can put them all on the SD card and have your fun.

Additionally, you can now update your applications from the Android Marketplace. All of them. At once. You have more than one application that needs an update? Go right ahead and download them all at once, instead of having to activate all of them independently. Another great, and long-awaited feature. And, remember that new Android Marketplace for the PC? Well, it’s getting better, too. You will now be able to “queue” an application to download from the PC, and then Over the Air, your phone will initiate the download. Easy. And, finally, there’s a Quick Search Box (which pops up quite a bit in other announcements, too), that will allow you to quickly and easily find your applications on your device. Basically, just an intuitive extension to Universal Search.

The event is still going on, so stay tuned. More updates are on the way.

HTC EVO 4G for Sprint Unboxed and First Impressions from SlashGear [Video]

Posted: 20 May 2010 09:16 AM PDT

We told you it was coming, and sure enough, here it is. The guys over at SlashGear have been nice enough to videotape their first unboxing of the EVO 4G from Sprint, and they’re even including their first impressions of the device. So far? It looks like the EVO 4G is every bit as good as we all assumed it was going to be.

Now, in the box, there’s not much going in the accessories department. There is an 8GB MicroSD card included, thankfully, but other than that there’s nothing worth writing home about. However, the device itself is breathtaking in its gorgeousness. Of course, the real review is coming up soon enough, and they’ll definitely be putting the 1GHz Snapdragon, HTC Sense UI-wielding, 4.3-inch displaying Android 2.1 handset through its paces. So stay tuned!

[via SlashGear]

Android 2.2 Froyo Officially Announced by Google

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:51 AM PDT

Today at Google I/O, Google’s largest developer conference, is going strong in its second day. And, in that second day, they’ve gone ahead and announced the next logical step in the Android platform. While it’s been speculated for a little while now, it’s always good to hear the company itself announcing its existence. So, here we go, folks.

Android 2.2, also known as Froyo, has been officially been announced. It features a major upgrade in speed, and as you can see from the image above, it helps with frame rate, as it actually speeds up the applications you use on your phone. Replica Island is one of the more favored titles for Android, and they tested it on Eclair and Froyo. Froyo did better with its speed boost to keep the frame rate quick.

The event is still going on, so expect quite a few updates regarding Google’s next major release for Android. Froyo is coming, folks, and as soon as we get an update on its release date, we’ll let you know.

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide due June 2nd for $180

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:16 AM PDT

T-Mobile USA has confirmed availability and pricing for the myTouch 3G Slide, the latest full QWERTY Android smartphone to hit the network.  The HTC-made handset will go on sale in T-Mobile stores come June 2nd, priced at $179.99 (after a $50 mail-in rebated) assuming you sign two years of your cellular life away.

Meanwhile the carrier are promising “additional availability” and “an expanded marketing campaign” from June 16th.  Three color versions of the handset will be sold – black, white and red – and each will require both a voice and data plan.

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide has a 3.4-inch HVGA touchscreen together with dualband 3G UMTS/HSPA, WiFi b/g, quadband GSM and Bluetooth.  There's a 5-megapixel camera and T-Mobile drop an 8GB microSD card in the box too; a copy of DoubleTwist is provided for media management.

Dell Streaks Show up in Seattle for AT&T Testing

Posted: 20 May 2010 08:08 AM PDT

Ever wonder how mobile devices get tested on a particular wireless carrier? Take a good look at the image below then, and soak it in. While we’re sure that this isn’t the way every wireless carrier tests upcoming handsets, but it’s definitely one of the more interesting methods. Especially the wood. It’s got a Do-It-Yourself appeal to it, doesn’t it?

For one Seattle Times blogger, who goes by the name Brier Dudley, his lucky day was definitely today, as he just happened to walk by this lovely gentlemen playing with four Dell Streaks, apparently testing them to work on AT&T’s 3G network. He was also making sure that they could send accurate e-911 information, which is pretty important. We can’t help but keep staring at that red Streak, because it’s definitely shiny. In any event, no word on how the testing went at the time, but if everything went well, we should be just a few weeks away from an official announcement. We’re excited. Are you?

[via Seattle Times]

Wikitude Drive Augmented Reality satnav beta starts today [Video]

Posted: 20 May 2010 07:44 AM PDT

Wikitude have announced the first beta of Wikitude Drive, an augmented reality PND app that overlays directions and prompts onto a live view of the road ahead.  Available with both driving and walking directions, the beta is being launched to coincide with Google IO.

The system is based on Navteq mapping data, and Wikitude reckon it’s actually safer to use their live-view AR system than a regular sat-nav app.  That’s because, even when you’re looking at the smartphone display, you’re also seeing what’s happening in the road.  Alternatively there’s a standard 3D map layout, and both modes get voice direction prompts.

Wikitude will be making the Wikitude Drive beta available in the Android Market from 10am PST today, but it’ll only be available for the first 2,000 people to download it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Android “Gingerbread” due Q4 2010

Posted: 20 May 2010 04:26 AM PDT

With Android 2.2 expected to be launched today at Google IO 2010, what better time to be looking beyond that to Google’s subsequent refresh of the smartphone OS.  According to the new WebM streaming video project FAQ, Android “Gingerbread” is due in Q4 2010.

There’s no suggestion of how significant a release this might be – some sites are suggesting it’s Android 3.0, though of course it could equally be Android 2.3 – and aside from WebM support we don’t yet know what “Gingerbread” will actually bring.  Still, it’s something to look forward to as we pace the Google IO floor in anticipation of Android 2.2’s arrival.

[via EuroDroid]

Android eviGroup Wallet MID goes up for sale [Video]

Posted: 20 May 2010 03:59 AM PDT

eviGroup’s Android-based Wallet MID is finally up for sale, and if you’ve been waiting for a 5-inch touchscreen handheld then here’s your chance.  Packing a WVGA 800 x 480 resistive touchscreen, WiFi a/g/n and Android 1.5, the Wallet is being positioned as a mobile internet browser, ebook reader and PND; in fact, it comes with a car-kit in the box.

Two versions are on offer, a matte finish model for €199 ($246) and a chrome finish version for €219 ($271).  Both have 1GB of storage and a microSD card slot, a 2,000mAh battery estimated for up to 6hrs continuous use or 24hrs standby, miniUSB and 3.5mm headset ports, and a Samsung ARM 6410 533/667MHz processor.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via SlashGear]

HTC EVO 4G for Sprint Reviewed by All Things D

Posted: 19 May 2010 08:13 PM PDT

You know there’s a new gadget hitting the market when all sorts of sites, all over the Internet, start releasing reviews. And, sure enough, the HTC EVO 4G is no exception. The legendary Walter Mossberg has had his hands on the 3G/WiMax handset for about a week now, and his review reflects his tests with the device in two different cities. However, while he does a good job of outlining why people would want the phone, he seems to focus on one thing, and one thing only: the battery.

We’ll keep this little run down of Mossberg’s review short, simply because we’ll have our own review of the behemoth Android-based device up for your reading pleasure soon, but we did want to focus on what he focused on: battery life. While Google just released a statement telling folks it’s not Android’s fault, Mossberg seems to clarify the point based on his own independent tests. While it may not be Android killing the battery on the EVO 4G, it’s definitely the WiMax connection. Unfortunately, it just equals another Android-based handset with a subpar battery, and that doesn’t help the cause at all.

Mossberg tested the EVO 4G in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. D.C., doesn’t have its 4G footprint completely rolled out yet, while Baltimore does. In the latter location, Mossberg was never able to download at the maximum amount that Sprint claims for their WiMax handset. He was only able to get about 3.4Mbps download, and usually under 1Mbps upload. While Sprint claims that you should be getting anywhere around 3-6Mbps download. Sprint also caps the upload at 1Mbps, so keep that in mind. However, in D.C., he was able to get anywhere between under 1Mbps and upwards of 4Mbps in the download area.

As we mentioned above, we’ll be bringing you our own review of the HTC EVO 4G from Sprint, featuring its 4.3-inch TFT LCD WVGA touchscreen, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Android 2.1, and HTC’s Sense User Interface (UI) here soon, so stay tuned. And, if you have any questions, and you want us to cover them before our review hits, just leave it in the comments, and we’ll do our best to cover it for you.

[via All Things D]

Motorola Cliq Running Android 2.1 Screenshot

Posted: 19 May 2010 03:06 PM PDT

This one is basically just a Public Service Announcement, because we literally have no information to give you about this. We just got a tip that this image, the one you’re seeing right here, is the first screenshot of a working Motorola Cliq running the latest version of Android: 2.1. The model number is certainly MB200, and the System Version does indeed label T-Mobile as the carrier of choice.

Blur_Version.2.0.1 3.MB200.T-Mobile.en.US, with the Firmware Version set at 2.1-update1. That last bit is all too familiar, as we’ve seen it on all sorts of updated Android devices.. But, in the end, this is just a screenshot, and it’s pretty simple to fake this kind of thing. So for right now, take it for what it’s worth: either a quick glimpse of an impending update to the Motorola Cliq, or just someone having a little bit of fun with Photoshop.

[Thanks Cliquser!]
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