Wednesday, 22 September 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Droid 2 World Edition Spotted, sporting a Silver and White color Scheme

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 09:50 AM PDT

The Droid 2 World Edition, or Global, is the first phone of the Verizon DROID series to be able to be used outside of the US. Making it a perfect traveling business companion the Droid 2 World Edition features internals capable of global roaming. However, as of now it looks like these new internals are the only feature it has that it's predecessor, the Droid 2, lacks.

The device has a 3.7-inch screen, and not the slightly larger 4-inch that we had hoped. The white on silver offers up a completely different look than the Droid 2 gun metal tone and the contrast really makes the device look great.

Current rumors point to the Droid 2 World Edition to be outing the original device, making it the only Droid 2 on Verizon's lineup. This makes sense not only business wise but also from a manufacturing perspective, why not just make one phone rather than 2 when they are so similar? Hopefully, this phone will keep it's $199.99 price-tag, early adopters of the Droid 2 may not like this all too much.

[Via DroidLife]

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HTC EVO 4G receives general Software update

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 08:30 AM PDT

Today is clearly the day of Android device updates. Following the 2 Galaxy S updates, we now have official word from HTC that the EVO 4G has received an update as well. The current version, V 3.29.651.5, fixes a few bugs in the software of the EVO.

This update specifically fixes calendar event edit issues, as well as adds support for multiple Gmail account syncing.

To update your EVO over the air:

  • Go to the Home screen
  • Tap Menu > Settings > System updates > HTC software update
  • Your EVO will automatically download and install any available updates.

You may need to power your phone off and back on to complete the software upgrade.

You can check out the “Find and update the software version on your HTC EVO 4G” page for further information regarding software versions and update procedures.

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Samsung Announces GPS Update for Samsung Captivate, Available today

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 08:21 AM PDT

Just as we got word of the Samsung Galaxy S update for T-Mobile users, it looks like another update for the device, this time on AT&T and not 2.2, will be pushed to users over-the-air. This update is set to improve the Captivate's GPS performance as well as improving media scanning time, adding the full version of Quickoffice, and addresses Microsoft Exchange 2003 policy support.

“Samsung Mobile and AT&T are pleased to announce an update for the Samsung Captivate. Below is Samsung Mobile's official statement regarding the over-the-air update.
 
An update to improve the Samsung Captivate’s GPS performance is now available. Captivate customers will receive a notification on their device that an update is available and will simply need to download the file to update their phone. The updates will be pushed to customers' devices over the next few weeks.
 
The update for the Captivate will also improve additional device functions, such as media scanning time, add the full version of Quickoffice and address Microsoft Exchange 2003 policy support.”

Regarding the Samsung Captivate 2.2 update, it is still expected sometime in the next month or so.

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T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 2.2 Update coming at the end of the month

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 08:07 AM PDT

On the official T-Mobile UK forums we got word of the 2.2 Android update coming to the Galaxy S by the end of the month. The update will not be pushed over the air and will be available for download through the Samsung Kies PC application.

The Samsung Kies PC only software looks like it will be the only way to get 2.2 on your device. This is because with the software, which checks your serial number, you will only be allowed to download the software that has been approved for your device compared to over the air. Further in the forum discussion it is asked how users of a Mac or Linux based computer will get the update, the response is as follows:

You would need to ask a friend with a Windows PC to install the Samsung Kies software so that you can download and install the update.

Regards

Stef
Forum Team

As with any update it is advisable to back up all of your important data: pictures, contacts, documents, before performing the update just in case something goes wrong (Samsung Kies is not the most reliable software) and all of your data gets wiped.

No official date has been set, but the good news is there is only 8 more days in the month, so expect sooner rather than later.

[Via T-Mobile UK]

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a closer look at the HTC Desire HD in new lengthy promo

Posted: 22 Sep 2010 07:50 AM PDT

In a new promo video from HTC we get to see the Desire HD's key features. The video, running at just over 7 minutes, gives us a look into daily usage of the impressive device. As we saw earlier, the full metal chassis and glass front provide a very professional look and makes it a very durable while making the phone look great.

Some of the specs that were announced last week include a 4.3-inch WVGA display, WiFi (b/g/n), 8-megapixel camera, GPS, and the new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. The phone will ship with Android 2.2 with the latest version of the visually impressive HTC Sense.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For further information regarding the HTC Desire HD check out HTC.com

[Via SlashGear]

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It’s here, Droid X Finally gets 2.2 Froyo Update

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 10:19 PM PDT

After much waiting, many unconfirmed dates and a last minute rumor, Android 2.2 Froyo is finally available on the Droid X from Verizon Wireless. Bringing many welcome updates such as full flash 10.1, and improved WiFi hotspot support. A lot of the update to 2.2 goes to under the hood improvements, from the first time you use it you will notice a significant boost in speed and usability, even on a powerhouse such as the Droid X.

Full flash 10.1 is finally here. Being present on some devices for some time now, users of the Droid X will finally get to experience what some fans claim is the "full web." A lot of websites use flash, regardless of claims otherwise, it's not dying at all. The recently patched, safe 10.1 is available with the Froyo update and according to tests does not slow down the device or waste substantial amounts of battery.

Another new feature that you will be able to gets your hands on with, around the same timeframe as everybody else, is the new Gmail app. Google has strayed away from including Gmail in software builds and releasing it as a standalone app which will allow for the ability to update and stay current without the need for a full software update. Some of the news features in the new Gmail app include: a floating bar with important, much used message actions, showing and hiding the quoted text to hide previous messages within a reply, and limited support to Google's much praised priority inbox. The Gmail app, which is available only for Android 2.2+ is free on the android store, search Gmail or scan the QR code below.

We got our hands on a 2.2 based Droid X and ran a quick Quadrant test. The results prove the Droid X to be running wicked fast. With a score of 1370, it improved vastly over it's previous score as well as came out ahead of the Nexus One, Samsung Galaxy, and the HTC Desire.

Quadrant Test - Droid X Android 2.2

With 2.2 and the already impressive stats of the Droid X expect it to be one of the top of the line Android Verizon devices for quite some time.

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Samsung Intercept coming to Virgin Mobile

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 09:35 PM PDT

Virgin Mobile has now confirmed the Intercept to be their very first Android device. Virgin offers up many contract-free plans with unlimited data and very flexible pricing, and with their push into the smartphone space we could definitely see many pre-paid smart phone handsets coming to market.

Some of the offered plans by the pre-paid carrier include an unlimited text, e-mail, with data and voice starting at just $25 a month. Pricing goes up from there depending on the amount of minutes with 1200 at $40 a month and unlimited at $60 a month. It's worth noting that currently the companies only other smartphone offering, the BlackBerry Curve requires a special add-on for an extra $10 a month, no word yet on the potential "Android Tax."

The intercept is the successor to the Samsung Moment and features a QWERT keyboard. Some of it's other notable specs include a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 3.2-megapixel camera, GPD, and WiFi. It will ship with Android 2.1 and no word yet on any planned updates to 2.2+.

[Via Electronista]

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LG Optimus One Coming to Verizon, named Vortex?

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 09:21 PM PDT

LG's Android presence is very small in the United States. Many of the popular electronics maker's handset's overseas are Android based, and they're pretty impressive. Here in the US the Android LG market is small but it may be growing larger with the LG Optimus One coming to Verizon under the name Vortex.

It's overall very similar to the LG Optimus One in looks, except a little varied front key design and the Verizon branding on the top of the device. However the specs are said to be nearly identical.

The device itself is carrying a 600MHz CPU, 3.2-inch display, GPS, Bluetooth, and a FM Radio. It will ship with Android 2.2 but further details have not been provided. When we hear word of pricing or availability we will be sure to let you know.

[Via Android Guys]

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Verizon Updating Samsung Fascinate but not to 2.2, Froyo may come in October

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 07:38 PM PDT

Verizon has now just updated the Samsung Fascinate Software. Unlike the Droid X's update that we got word will be coming tomorrow and updating to 2.2, this update is only minor bugs that have been with the device since launch. However, word is that Android 2.2 will be coming to the Fascinate in October…

According to the Samsung Mobile España's Facebook page the entire Galaxy S line may be updated to 2.2 in "late October." Now this may only relate to the devices in Spain but with a little wishful thinking we will be seeing our Galaxy S devices with 2.2 in the coming month.

It's worth noting that this 2.2 update set to release in October will be for the carrier unlocked version of the device. The carrier specific version's (Vibrant, Captivate, Epic, Fascinate) update will come even later. More information to come in the following weeks, we will be sure to pass it along.

[Via Engadget]

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Android 2.2 ready for the Droid X, Coming Tomorrow at 12PM

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 12:30 PM PDT

Verizon has updated their support page for the Droid X now detailing that the Android 2.2 Froyo update will be available for download tomorrow. With Android 2.2 Droid X users will be getting the now patched 10.1 Flash, automatic updates, screen rotation supports, and better 3G mobile hotspot performance.

Droid X Froyo Update

Customers do not have to wait for the over the air push, they can obtain the official update via the device itself by following these steps: “Menu” > “Settings” > “About Phone” > “System Updates”. For more information and step-by-step instructions please visit www.verizonwireless.com/DroidXsupport.

The update is 67.6MB and is version 2.3.15 of the software. Much welcome general speed improvements will come with the update making the Droid X still one of the most powerful DROID devices Verizon has to offer, now if only they will keep their updates coming for once.

You can check out the PDF at Verizon’s Droid X site.

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Google’s Gmail Updated, Now Available in the Market

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 12:18 PM PDT

Google has just broke the news that they’ve updated their Gmail application on Android-based handsets. The new update is available right now, and brings with it plenty of cool features. For example, message actions now stick to the top of the display as you scroll up and down, and you can now view previous messages far more easily. That is, if you’ve got a device running Android 2.2.

As you scroll through a conversation, your most important message actions will now float at the top of the screen.



You can now show and hide quoted text to reveal the previous message to a reply. Similar to the desktop version of gmail, you will be able to decide if the previous replies will be available to see, making it a lot less cluttered.



Now including limited support for Priority Inbox. If you've enabled Priority Inbox via the desktop version of Gmail, you'll see an "Important" label that shows all messages flagged as important. You can even add a shortcut to "Important" to your home screen. Priority Inbox has been a very popular feature so far in Gmail and people who are used to the desktop version will much appreciate it on their Android Devices.

This Gmail update requires Android 2.2 and updates are expected to be semi frequent. To download search Gmail in the Android Market or scan the QR code below.

[Via Google Mobile Blog]

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Samsung comments on Galaxy Tab App Display issues, admits to some apps not scaling

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 11:52 AM PDT

Samsung today has acknowledged that some Android apps on the upcoming Galaxy Tab will not display correctly due to running smaller than the 7-inch screen allows. The issue here would be with apps that are 800-by-400 in pixel resolution. This problem only applies to a few downloadable third party apps, Google’s entire suite of mobile apps such as the Market and maps are fully scaleable, as well as our own Android Community app.

We confirmed most apps to look just fine in our first hands-on video with the device back at it's announcement last week. An exact number of apps that will not work has been commented on by a Google spokeswoman:

“It has not been exactly determined how many of the Android Market apps will be fully scalable/non-scalable,” the spokeswoman said. “What Samsung is focusing on is bringing all of its own proprietary services and apps such as Social Hub, calendar, e-mail, etc., as fully scalable, along with Google mobile services like Google Maps, Gmail, etc. What we do know now is that many of the Android Market apps will be scalable, but it is just too early to put an exact number of percentage.”

This is not specific to the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Any device with a larger than 4-5" screen will have problems. Even though they may not be as dramatic as they seem, Google still may pull market access and push tablet makers toward their upcoming Chrome OS.

[Via ComputerWorld]

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Verizon’s VCast App Store Launching by the end of 2010

Posted: 21 Sep 2010 11:33 AM PDT

Last week we heard word that Verizon was planning on releasing their own app store to include on all Verizon Android devices. Verizon is now accepting submissions for apps running on Android 2.2, and stated that the Verizon App Store will be available by the end of this year. We still do not know the motivation in releasing their own App Store that will directly compete with the Android Market but Verizon is all about control and an App Store to host their own VCAST apps must make sense to them.

When questioned of the need of a second store Greg Haller, vice president of consumer solutions at Verizon, simply stated

“Is there really a need for another store? We think so because it will provide choice, opportunity, simplicity, and competition. We’ll help customers find apps and let them decide how they want to get them."

So apparently this is leaving the choice to the consumer and they will determine which way they want to get apps. Hopefully this "choice" will mean Verizon will not take any explicit action in making it default and ruling out the Google Market, similar how they ruled out Google in favor of Bing.

[Via PC Mag]

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