Android Community |
- Introducing Google TV – Video
- Swype Beta Now Open to All (Limited Time)
- HTC Desire confirmed for US in August
- Google to Focus on UI for Gingerbread
- HTC confirm Android 2.1 Hero two-stage update is underway
- Samsung’s Galaxy Tab P1000 gets video demo
- Android 2.1 for XPERIA X10, X10 mini & X10 mini pro in Q3
- Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 gets official
- AT&T HTC Aria hands-on
- Press Event: Unleashing the XTREME-ly large next-gen DROID
| Posted: 16 Jun 2010 10:53 AM PDT Google has just released a video that explains what exactly we can do with Google TV. As expected, it has great search features integrated that allows you to browse your own content as well as content on the web. Some televisions will come with Google TV preinstalled or you can purchase a set top box to convert your current television to Google TV.
Google TV allows you to search for individual channel and even individual shows. It also allows you to search for shows to record and search shows that you have already recorded on your DVR. The feature that excites us the most is the built-in web browser. You'll have the full internet displayed beautifully on your HDTV (a few of us already have this). This will give you access to everything on the web that you can find on your standalone computer. Each Google TV will have access to the Android Market and you can customize your home page with the content that interests you the most. Google TV is expected to debut this fall. ) |
| Swype Beta Now Open to All (Limited Time) Posted: 16 Jun 2010 10:31 AM PDT For the next few days Swype will be opening up its beta app for anyone with an Android phone that registers. Swype offers a new way to enter text by swiping your finger from letter to letter to input text. This keyboard has been responsible for some amazing text entry speeds.
For awhile this keyboard was only available to select T-Mobile Android handsets. Recently it came preinstalled in a few Android devices from other carriers. Some people have gotten their hands on pirated versions and installed them without Swype's consent. Now we all can join in on all the fun hyper speed texting that the Swype keyboard offers. Just head over to their beta site and sign up now. ) |
| HTC Desire confirmed for US in August Posted: 16 Jun 2010 09:13 AM PDT HTC has announced that the HTC Desire will indeed see a US launch, having up until now been available only in Europe and Asia. According to the company’s official Twitter account, the Desire “is coming to the US via select regional operators in August.”
The exact details – such as which regional carriers and what sort of price tag the Android 2.1 smartphone will carry – are yet to be confirmed, with HTC saying it will announce them closer to the handset’s launch. Similar to the Google Nexus One, which HTC manufacture for the search giant, the Desire runs a 1GHz Snapdragon processor but has HTC’s Sense UI. More details in our review over at SlashGear.
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| Google to Focus on UI for Gingerbread Posted: 16 Jun 2010 08:35 AM PDT No, that title isn’t a code for something else. Though, it could be. (We’ll let your imagination race.) According to some sources speaking with TechCrunch, it looks like Google’s going to go ahead and (basically) pull a Microsoft: with the next release of Android, they want to make it so that handset manufacturers, like HTC and Motorola, have no reason to put their own User Interface customizations on the device.
While Google has been focusing on the nuts and bolts of Android since its launch in 2008, which subsequently resulted in update after update, in rapid succession, that’s not going to be the case with the release of Gingerbread (reportedly launching some time by the end of this year). While there will obviously still be some tweaks to the core system, along with features, it seems that the Android team has all of the necessary features they want at this point, so they’re ready to focus on the next big thing: the UI. We all know that Google’s mobile Operating System is designed with “open” in the fore, and therefore these skins from manufacturers shouldn’t be a problem at all. And, while HTC’s Sense may be great, there are some out there that believe it slows down the experience. Google wants to bring their attention to the UI so they can make something better, and native. As TC puts it, they want something akin to the Apple’s iPhone experience. This is a bold move from Google if it’s true. But, those key acquisitions of Palm personnel over the last few weeks may have something to do with this. And, if it does, then that’s great. We’re curious as to see what this will make Android look like, or how we will interact with our future devices, but it also begs the question: how easy will it be for current generation devices to get upgraded to Android x.x, or Gingerbread, once it launches? Sounds to us like vanilla Android won’t be so vanilla anymore. [via TechCrunch] ) |
| HTC confirm Android 2.1 Hero two-stage update is underway Posted: 16 Jun 2010 02:38 AM PDT With reports that the first stage of the HTC Hero Android 2.1 upgrade was underway, HTC has been in touch to detail exactly what European owners should expect. As before, they’re saying the 2.1 Eclair update should be out by the end of June: the first update, which is out this week, prepares the phone for the second, full OS upgrade.
That second upgrade will wipe the Hero completely, so HTC are recommending users back-up their handsets prior to installing it. Meanwhile it’s also a sizeable package, so HTC recommend downloading it over WiFi rather than 3G. ) |
| Samsung’s Galaxy Tab P1000 gets video demo Posted: 16 Jun 2010 01:23 AM PDT The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7-inch tablet has broken cover again, this time starring in a brief and blurry video. Labelled as the Galaxy Tab P1000, the tablet has different controls to the previously pictured version – touch-sensitive keys rather than a physical D-pad – and appears to be running some form of TouchWiz on what is said to be a Super AMOLED display.
Samsung are tipped to have several tablets in the pipeline for 2010; this particular example is said to run Android 2.2 on a 1.2GHz processor with 16GB of onboard storage and a microSD card slot. ) |
| Android 2.1 for XPERIA X10, X10 mini & X10 mini pro in Q3 Posted: 16 Jun 2010 01:08 AM PDT It’s not just the XPERIA X8 that is giving Sony Ericsson Android shivers this morning; the company has also announced its Android 2.1 upgrade plans for the XPERIA X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro. All three handsets will see an Android 2.1 update in Q3 2010 “in selected markets”, which will also see the X10’s camera boosted with HD video recording capabilities.
Then, in Q4 2010, the XPERIA X10 will receive a further update that will tweak the onboard Timescape and Mediascape apps with some new refinements. Finally, it will get the ability to wirelessly connect to a compatible TV, and show multimedia content stored on the handset. [via SlashGear] Press Release: Sony Ericsson delivers the most entertaining smartphones · Sony Ericsson brings together the very best of communication and entertainment in its Xperia™ collection · The Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro will all receive software upgrades from Q3 onwards in selected markets. Additional features to be added to the X10 in Q4. · The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 extends the range of the most entertaining smartphones Singapore – June 16, 2010 – Xperia™ brings consumers the best communication and entertainment experiences, delivered in a collection of smartphones to give consumers choice in size and style. The Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will all receive software upgrades during their lifecycle to improve performance and add new communication and entertainment experiences. From Q3 2010 onwards, the Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will be upgraded to run on the Android 2.1 operating system in selected markets. The Xperia™ X10's position as the best multimedia Android smartphone will be strengthened through the addition of HD video recording as part of the same Q3 upgrade. A further upgrade to the Xperia™ X10 in Q4 will make it possible to connect wirelessly to and display content on your television and enhance the Timescape™ and Mediascape applications. Xperia™ smartphones add best-in-class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as applications (apps), maps, email and fast internet connection to create the most entertaining smartphones. The Xperia™ X10 is the flagship of the Xperia™ collection and has an 8.1 megapixel camera and 4-inch screen for best in class multimedia creation and viewing. Signature applications such as Mediascape and Timescape™ help you to organise content and bring your multimedia and communication alive. In addition to features and applications, design is essential to the entertainment experience. Sony Ericsson's human curvature design philosophy is applied across the portfolio to package the technology into products that look and feel great. Using design innovation, Sony Ericsson makes the Xperia™ smartphones available with a choice of size and style. Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson, commented, "Sony Ericsson's vision is to be the communication entertainment brand. We are focusing strongly on the smartphone market and specifically on creating the most entertaining smartphones. Sony Ericsson is uniquely positioned to do this thanks to our experience in creating Walkman and Cybershot phones and the strong collaboration with our parent company Sony." ) |
| Sony Ericsson XPERIA X8 gets official Posted: 16 Jun 2010 01:03 AM PDT Sony Ericsson have officially taken the wraps off of the new XPERIA X8, after the Android-based smartphone was spotted ahead of time as the “Shakira“. The XPERIA X8 has a 3-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen and runs Android 1.6 Donut with the distinctive Sony Ericsson UI; it also gets a 3.2-megapixel camera and the Timescape and Mediascape apps.
There’s also UMTS (in either 900/2100 or 800/1900/2100 flavors) along with quadband GSM/EDGE, WiFi and A-GPS. Running the show is a 600MHz processor with a microSD card slot. It has all the usual Google Android apps, and will arrive in Q3 2010 in a choice of colors: White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, or Silver/ White. According to GSMHelpDesk it will be priced at €259 ($319).        [via SlashGear] Press Release: Sony Ericsson delivers the most entertaining smartphones · Sony Ericsson brings together the very best of communication and entertainment in its Xperia™ collection · The Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro will all receive software upgrades from Q3 onwards in selected markets. Additional features to be added to the X10 in Q4. · The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 extends the range of the most entertaining smartphones Singapore – June 16, 2010 – Xperia™ brings consumers the best communication and entertainment experiences, delivered in a collection of smartphones to give consumers choice in size and style. The Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will all receive software upgrades during their lifecycle to improve performance and add new communication and entertainment experiences. From Q3 2010 onwards, the Xperia™ X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones will be upgraded to run on the Android 2.1 operating system in selected markets. The Xperia™ X10's position as the best multimedia Android smartphone will be strengthened through the addition of HD video recording as part of the same Q3 upgrade. A further upgrade to the Xperia™ X10 in Q4 will make it possible to connect wirelessly to and display content on your television and enhance the Timescape™ and Mediascape applications. Xperia™ smartphones add best-in-class entertainment on top of smartphone fundamentals such as applications (apps), maps, email and fast internet connection to create the most entertaining smartphones. The Xperia™ X10 is the flagship of the Xperia™ collection and has an 8.1 megapixel camera and 4-inch screen for best in class multimedia creation and viewing. Signature applications such as Mediascape and Timescape™ help you to organise content and bring your multimedia and communication alive. In addition to features and applications, design is essential to the entertainment experience. Sony Ericsson's human curvature design philosophy is applied across the portfolio to package the technology into products that look and feel great. Using design innovation, Sony Ericsson makes the Xperia™ smartphones available with a choice of size and style. Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson, commented, "Sony Ericsson's vision is to be the communication entertainment brand. We are focusing strongly on the smartphone market and specifically on creating the most entertaining smartphones. Sony Ericsson is uniquely positioned to do this thanks to our experience in creating Walkman and Cybershot phones and the strong collaboration with our parent company Sony." Today Sony Ericsson announces the Xperia™ X8, which will build on the success of the X10 and the mini products and extend the most entertaining smartphones collection to an even broader audience. Introducing the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 is a great entertainment smartphone that extends the appeal of the Xperia™ collection to new market segments. The user interface is similar to that of the Xperia™ X10 mini, with the four-corners that give easy one hand use and can be customised for one touch access to your favourite applications. The Xperia™ X8 also includes Timescape™ for easy access to all your social networking and the infinite button for one click access to a world of content. The open Android operating system delivers great smartphone functionality and access to thousands of applications on Android Market™. Timo Maassmann, Product Marketing Manager for XperiaTM X8, said, "We are delighted to be able to bring the full experience of our XperiaTM smartphones to new consumers by delivering a fully featured device at a more accessible price point." The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 is perfect for enjoying multimedia entertainment. Whether it's a game from the Android Market™, the latest funny clips on YouTube™ or browsing the web, the 3-inch screen means you won't miss a thing. Discover and download songs from PlayNow™, then listen to all your music using the 3.5mm headphone jack. If you are feeling more creative, there's a 3.2 MP camera and video recording functionality. Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 – Key features · Four corners for easy one hand use and one touch access to applications · Customise the four corners with your favourite apps and add widgets to your homescreens · Enjoy games, video, internet and more on the 3-inch screen · Timescape™ shows all your communication in one place for ultimate simplicity · Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained · 3.2 MP camera – snap away and upload instantly to Facebook™ The XPERIA™ X8 supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100 The XPERIA™ X8 will be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colours White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White. Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products - ENDS - The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X8 at a glance Camera 3.2 MP camera Direct picture upload to Facebook™ Geo tagging Sony Ericsson Album application Video recording PlayNow™ Sony Ericsson Music Player TrackID™ Bookmarks Pan and zoom WebKit web browser Facebook™ application Sony Ericsson Timescape™ Push email Instant messaging Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync® support with Dataviz™ RoadSync™ Picture messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Text messaging (SMS) Auto rotate Picture wallpaper Capacitive touchscreen Infinite button Sony Ericsson FM radio Video streaming Video viewing Calendar Flight mode Phone book with dialer Sony Ericsson Home with Widget Notes A-GPS Google Maps™ Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation* (free trial version) *The service may not be available in every market. For more information, go to www.sonyericsson.wisepilot.com 3.5 mm audio jack Bluetooth™ technology Micro USB connector NeoReader® barcode scanning app Sony Ericsson Sync USB mass storage USB support Wi-Fi™ Android Market™ Client Gmail™ Google Calendar™ Google LatitudeTM Google Maps™ with Street View Google search widget Google Talk™ YouTube™ 16,777,216 colour TFT touchscreen Capacitive touchscreen 3- inches 320 x 480 pixels (HVGA) Scratch-resistant (min. pencil hardness 6H) · XPERIA™ X8 · Battery 1200mAh · Stereo portable handsfree · 2 GB microSD™ card · Micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer · User documentation Optional: · Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600 · Portable Stereo Speakers MS450 · Hi-Fi Headset with Remote MH810 Weight: 104g Phone memory: Up to 128 MB Memory card support: microSD™ up to 16GB Memory card included: 2 GB Operating system: Google™ Android Donut, version 1.6 Processor: 600MHz Availability and versions Networks UMTS HSPA 900/2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 UMTS HSPA 800/1900/2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 Available in selected markets from Q3 2010 Dark Blue/White Aqua Blue/White Pink/White Silver/White Legal 1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant. 2) Operational times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. playing games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market. ) |
| Posted: 15 Jun 2010 03:44 PM PDT The HTC Aria made its unexpected debut yesterday and isn’t set to hit AT&T stores until June 20th, but we’ve grabbed a handset to bring you all the details ahead of time. Based on Android 2.1 with HTC’s familiar Sense UI and a 3.2-inch HVGA capacitive touchscreen, you could well argue that this is AT&T’s answer to the HTC Legend.
However, unlike the unibody-style Legend, the Aria looks to another HTC device, the HD mini, for its styling. A flush-finish fascia with only the optical trackpad protruding, together with a rubberized back cover that curves around the rear of the Aria and has punched holes to expose the hefty alloy-finish screws holding the smartphone together, it’s a distinctive design and, in the hand, surprisingly pleasant.
Inside it’s the usual mixture of WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth, along with 3G/HSDPA and a 5-megapixel camera. Unfortunately, AT&T has omitted a flash of any kind. Power is courtesy of a 600MHz processor, rather than the Snapdragon we’ve grown to expect, but in the absence of any extreme 3D effects in the Sense UI it’s sufficient to keep things moving nicely. This isn’t a storming phone by any measure, but nor is it unduly sluggish.
It’s still unknown why AT&T doesn’t trust users enough to allow installation of apps outside of Android market. Get with the program AT&T — Verizon and Sprint both allow this feature, why aren’t you?
What does distinguish the AT&T Aria is its diminutive scale, and as you can see from our comparison photos the roughly 4-inch long HTC is dwarfed by other recent handsets. It’s light, too, though we can’t help but wish that the price had gone on a diet too: expect to pay $129.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and assuming a new, two-year agreement come June 20th.
We’ll be putting the HTC Aria through its paces over the next couple of days in preparation for its full review, so until then enjoy the image gallery!                                                 ) |
| Press Event: Unleashing the XTREME-ly large next-gen DROID Posted: 15 Jun 2010 01:31 PM PDT BREAKING NEWS! We just received an email invitation to witness the birth of Verizon's next generation of DROID. Expect the house to be packed with important folks from Google, Motorola, Adobe and of course execs from Verizon. We'll be there liveblogging the event starting at 1PM ET on June 23, 2010 (that's right – the day before iPhone 4 goes on sale!). Make sure to log on to http://live.slashgear.com for our live coverage of the press event.
It's no BIG secret what we're expecting to see at the launch event – it's got to be the DROID XTREME (duh!). There have been lots and lots of sightings around town and it appears to feature a large 4.3" capacitive touchscreen, a 1GHz Snapdragon, HDMI out, a new version of MOTOBLUR and I suspect @androids 2.2 since Adobe is present at the event and Flash 10.1 only works on the latest version of Android. Long gone are the capacitive buttons replaced by good-old physical Home, Search, Back and Menu buttons.
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