Thursday 7 October 2010

Android Community

Android Community

New Verizon Droid Commercial Featuring Droid 2 and Droid X

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 08:12 AM PDT

Droid commercials for Verizon Wireless are known for their visual appeal. Featuring the well known "sphere of apps" giving a high tech visual approach to the Android Market. The well known spheres make another cameo, this time in a commercial featuring the Droid X and Droid 2.

The ad, featuring Lookout Mobile Security, show of some of the features the popular application offers. For the unfamiliar with the full featured security app it offers up many features, some including:

  • Security
    • Protect yourself from mobile viruses and malware. Stop hackers in their tracks. Get free mobile secuirty that is fast, efficient and run silently in the background.
  • Data Backup
    • Back up your contacts and photos. You can access your data from anywhere, and transfer previous data to a new handset.
  • Missing Device
    • Never lose your mobile device again. Locate your lost device on a map from the web. If you can't find it, you can "scream" making your phone erase everything.

For more information on Lookout Mobile Security, check out their website.

Ad:

Click here to view the embedded video.

)

Samsung Galaxy S hits US Cellular as Mesmerize

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 04:59 AM PDT

Samsung spread the Galaxy S love out to just about every carrier you can think of. All of the phones got different names with Verizon calling its Galaxy S the Fascinate. Smaller carrier US Cellular has announced that it is getting a new Android smartphone that is a version of the Galaxy S called the Mesmerize.

If you know the Galaxy S in any of its various flavors, you are familiar with the specs. In case you aren't familiar though, I will run them down for you. The smartphone will run Android 2.1 and has a big 4-inch Super AMOLED screen that is touch sensitive. The processor inside the smartphone is a 1GHz Hummingbird.

The smartphone has 3D graphics and is compatible with DLNA-devices including TVs and computers. The handset will naturally connect to the Android Market and it has a QWERTY keyboard, 5MP camera, and more. The Mesmerize will sell for $199 after an $80 MIR and will land October 27.

)

Crackle movie and TV service hits Android

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 04:43 AM PDT

Android fans looking for a way to get more content onto their smartphones like full-length movie and TV episodes now have a new option that has just landed. Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced that its Crackle streaming content service is now available on Android devices.

The app is able to stream full-length, unedited movies, TV shows, and the original series from Crackle directly to Android users. The service is particularly focused on action, comedy, crime, horror, thriller, and sci-fi. The app is offered as a free download and the free service gives access to Minisodes, which are TV shows condensed to a few minutes.

A premium service is also available for $4.99 monthly that will give access to the full-length TV and movie content with films from Columbia Pictures, Tri-Star, Screen Gems, Sony Pictures Classics, and others. Three month and six month payment options are also available. Crackle will work over WiFi and 3G networks.

)

Parrot to bring web access and more to cars using Android

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 03:56 AM PDT

The gang over at Frost & Sullivan had an interview with Parrot. Parrot is the company behind the sweet AR.Drone and the plethora of Bluetooth headsets and hands free kits for cars and mobile phone users. Parrot’s global OEM director Eric Riyahi gave a hint of what is to come from Parrot in the automotive integration market and the plan sounds good.

There are a number of Bluetooth headset free options on cars today like the Sync system from Ford and others. Sync in Ford cars allows control over many aspects of the vehicle from entertainment to making calls using Bluetooth and voice control. Parrot will be introducing a system to automakers that offers more integration for Bluetooth control and services in the car. According to Riyahi, the Parrot FC6100 module will offer more integration inside the vehicle at a lower cost.

The new solution will offer basics like Bluetooth call capability and will act as a router and hub to share data connections from a 3G modem with passengers in the car using WiFi. The Parrot system uses Android to integrate the software libraries and offers connectivity and the ability to use popular apps from the Android Market right in the car. The system will let drivers and passengers use voice recognition for controls, talk hands free, manage media, get GPS and POI information, and a lot more. Parrot offers no information on what vehicles will get the FC6100 and when it might hit the market.

)

Sprint/Cricket Kyocera ZIO video demo

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 02:58 AM PDT

Kyocera’s ZIO smartphone is a whole lot more interesting now we know it’s coming to Sprint, but the company was showing off the Cricket version at CEATEC 2010 this week.  SlashGear Japan grabbed a hands-on demo.

More photos over at SlashGear Japan.

)

Sharp Galapagos ereader tablets video demos

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 02:53 AM PDT

CEATEC 2010 has been running this week over in Japan, and SlashGear Japan have been checking out the latest Android powered hardware for us.  Sharp’s Galapagos ereader tablets have been catching our eye since the company teased them a few months back, and with the official announcement under their belt they’ve been showing both the 5.5-inch Mobile and 10.8-inch Home models off at the show.

As you can see, neither is exactly running in an entirely optimized state at the moment, with page turns and screen navigation sluggish.  More photos at SlashGear Japan.

Sharp Galapagos “Mobile”:

Sharp Galapagos “Home”:

)

Avent Vega and Amico budget tablets due in UK November 1st

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 01:41 AM PDT

UK retail chain Dixons has announced a pair of low-cost Android tablets that will arrive in their PC World and Currys stores from the beginning of November.  The Advent Amico will start at £129 while the Advent Vega will be £249.99; of the two, the latter is unsurprisingly the most interesting.

Specs for the Amico are on the scant side, with only a 7-inch touchscreen, WiFi and Android 2.1 listed; hopefully it won’t be as wretched as some of the other budget Android slates we’ve seen of late.  The Vega, though, is a lot more intriguing, having a 10.1-inch multitouch capacitive touchscreen, NVIDIA’s second-gen 1GHz Tegra 2 chipset, and Android 2.2.

It’ll also have a 4GB SD memory card, WiFi and a 1.3-megapixel webcam, together with a battery good for up to 10 hours continued use, despite being only 14mm thick.

Press Release:

Dixons Retail Launches into the Tablet Market with new Advent Range

• Advent Vega – the lowest priced fully featured tablet in the UK, £249.99
• Advent Amico – offering excellent value, £129.99

Dixons Retail, parent company of PC World and Currys has today announced the exclusive UK launch of two new tablet computers; the Advent Vega and the Advent Amico in a move which will bring tablet computing to the masses.
The Advent Amico, at only £129.99, using Android 2.1 with a 7" touch screen and WiFi, offers customers a great introduction to the fun and convenience of tablet computing. It is only 15mm thick and is great for downloading quality videos, games and music to enjoy anywhere. With the addition of a camera it offers customers fantastic value for money as an entry level tablet.
The fully featured Advent Vega at £249.99 is a quality and affordable tablet computer, brimming with features. It has a capacitive multi-touch 10.1" screen and an nVidia Tegra 2 dual core 1GHz processor making it one of the fastest tablets on the market, perfect for high quality video and sound playback and indeed more powerful than many netbooks.
Popular sites such as BBC iPlayer, gaming sites, MySpace, Yahoo! Mail and YouTube can all be accessed with ease on the new Advent Vega.
The Android 2.2 operating system coupled with the fastest processor for tablets on the market enables users to easily navigate their way around the functions and programmes on the Advent Vega. With a 4Gb SD memory card as standard, up to 10 hours continued use, only 14mm thick, a 1.3 megapixel camera and WiFi capability, the Advent Vega is a very capable tablet, ideal for portable computing, at an affordable price.
The shiny black casing is stylish and elegant, yet robust enough to withstand the stresses and strains of normal daily use.
Jeremy Fennell, Category Director at Dixons Retail said; "We expect tablets to take the computing market by storm and become one of the most popular gifts this Christmas.
"While top of the range tablets may be all singing and dancing, the Advent Amico is a great, no frills, starter product. The Advent Vega meanwhile offers those who want more from their tablets a quality, performance product at a very affordable price."
Currys and PC World will have a full range of tablets in its stores, spanning customers' differing needs and budgets from 1 November.

)

Acer promise Android/Windows 7 for all new dual-core netbooks

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 01:25 AM PDT

Acer apparently intends to make all of its upcoming dual-core netbooks run two OSes: Windows 7 and Android.  According to DigiTimes, Acer confirmed their intention at a recent netbook press conference.

The company has released two dual-booting netbooks in previous months, first the Aspire One D250 and then the Aspire One D260.  Both prioritized Windows 7 for general use, but also included Android for faster access to the internet, multimedia and messaging.

)

HTCSense.com goes live

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 01:04 AM PDT

HTC’s new online interface for their Android smartphones, HTCSense.com, has gone live this morning.  The site – which will allow HTC uses to remotely track and wipe their handsets, browse messaging content, wirelessly send content and links to the device and more – is free to register for.

However, while sign-ups are currently being accepted, the list of completely supported phones for HTC Sense online is limited to just the HTC Desire HD and the HTC Desire Z, announced alongside the new site and neither of which is commercially available at present.

[via Twitter]

)

T-Mobile LG Optimus T due by the holidays

Posted: 07 Oct 2010 12:56 AM PDT

T-Mobile USA has a new, low-cost smartphone intended for entry-level users, in the shape of the LG Optimus T.  A 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen dominates the front and there’s a 3.2-megapixel camera on the back; a 2GB microSD is preloaded, and the OS is Android 2.2.

LG has done a little work on the UI, and there’s Google’s Voice Actions for Android.  No word on pricing at this stage – we’re hoping $50-$100 on a new agreement at most, otherwise there are definitely other handsets we’d be looking to instead – but T-Mobile says the Optimus T should be arriving in time for the holidays.  It’ll be available in burgundy and titanium.

Press Release:

T-Mobile and LG Mobile Phones Offer a Simple-to-Use, Affordable Android
Device for First-Time Smartphone Customers – LG Optimus T with Google

Exclusive to T-Mobile customers, LG Optimus T offers Android 2.2, Voice Actions for Android and one-touch access to popular Google services to keep customers connected while on the go

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Oct. 6, 2010 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. and LG Mobile Phones today announced the latest easy-to-use and affordably priced smartphone to join T-Mobile's extensive Android™ portfolio, LG Optimus T™. Equipped with the latest Android platform, LG Optimus T features a responsive touch screen sleek form-factor and deep integration of Google™ services, including Voice Actions.

LG Optimus T makes staying connected to friends and family while on the go a quick, one-touch process. Using Voice Actions for Android, customers can control their Android-powered phone by speaking commands to call, text, e-mail and even find directions on a map, among other tasks. LG Optimus T also offers customers close integration with popular Google services, such as Google Search™ (also by voice), Gmail™, Google Talk™ and Google Maps™.

"This holiday season, Android smartphones will be at the top of the wish list for multiple members of the family," said Saj Sahay, director, product management, T-Mobile USA. "With the LG Optimus T, T-Mobile is helping customers who have not yet made the transition to the world of smartphones with an easy-to-use and affordable option."

With access to Android Market™, LG Optimus T customers can download and personalize their phone with thousands of free and paid applications. In addition, the customizable home screen, expandable up to seven panes, on the Optimus T keeps life simple by bringing what matters most upfront and center, including favorite applications and widgets. The Optimus T comes equipped with a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera with video capture, as well as pre-installed 2 GB microSD card and support for up to 32 GB of removable memory.

"LG Optimus T allows T-Mobile users to create a smartphone experience unique to their lifestyle and everyday needs," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president of marketing and innovation for LG Mobile Phones. "With Google features and a stylish design, LG Optimus T is the ideal device for first-time smartphone users ready to explore the Android world."

Availability
Offered in a Burgundy or Titanium finish, the LG Optimus T is expected to be exclusively available to T-Mobile customers this holiday season. For more information about T-Mobile products and services, please visit http://www.T-Mobile.com.

)

Swype for Android amounting to great success

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 07:45 PM PDT

Swype is one of the best and most popular keyboard options for Android phones and tablets. Launched just under a year ago on Android devices, the company is already boasting some very popular accomplishments. In an email sent out from Swype’s PR, we get details on some of these great milestones.

The feats include:

  • Launched or announced for 20 devices across 50 countries including handsets such as the Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Droid, and the T-Mobile G2
  • Expansion to tablets with the Samsung Galaxy Tab, coming this year to many countries, carriers and markets
  • Swype has been preloaded on eight of the last 12 Android US devices
  • Swype language support for 40 languages including:
    • English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Malay, Russian, Finnish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Swedish, Serbian, Czech, Greek, Polish, Indonesian, Norwegian, Icelandic, Chinese, Japanese, Turkish and many more.
  • Funding amounting to $6.6 million from Nokia Growth Partners, Samsung Ventures and DOCOMO Capital Inc, with 2% of the company set aside to fund disability research
  • Two World Records set using Swype for the fastest text message on a touch screen mobile phone

We can only expect to see Swype’s user base growing as it becomes more and more known among Android users.

)

T-Mobile G2 Available Officially Today

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 03:26 PM PDT

The much hyped T-Mobile G2 is officially available today. It's long journey to launch: rumors, followed by pictures, pre orders, early arrivals, and hardware problems, is now coming to an end with the official launch date set at today, October 6th 2010. Early reviews are holding steady regardless of the known issues of the devices, and even those with affected handsets with loose hinges recommend the phone and say they prefer it to their old handset.

The phone boasts 4G speeds, which if you're in the area of T-Mobiles 4G network is proving to be not only fast by reliable as well. The device will cost you $199.99 after $50 mail-in rebate card or $499.99 with no annual contract signing.

Are you one of the lucky ones who got the G2 early? Did you get yours today? Let us know your initial thoughts on the device in the comment section!

)

Samsung Transform Android 2.1 handset Coming to Sprint

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 03:11 PM PDT

Designed with heavy text and email users, the Samsung Transform is coming with Android 2.1 and heavy social network integration. This slider phone includes many of the basic smart phone commodities along with Sprint ID.

The phone features a 3.5-inch HVGA display touch-screen, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Dual cameras – 3.2 MP rear-facing camera with flash, and a front-facing VGA camera for video conferencing – 800 MHz processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and 3G.

The phone runs off of Android 2.1 and is fully integrated with Google's array of services such as Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and Search. Other software features included are Sprit Zone – which provides access to the customers wireless account, tips, news and apps, as well as NASCAR and Sprint TV.

The phone will be available Starting October 10th for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Press Release:

“Attractive Samsung Transform Boasts Sprint ID for the Ultimate in Personalization on an Android Phone

Full QWERTY keyboard, large touch display, dual cameras and
Sprint's new approach to customization bring a
unique and powerful mobile experience

SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 6, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, today introduced Samsung Transform™, one of the first premium Android powered devices to
coincide with the rollout of Sprint ID, a user-friendly new means of personalizing Android phones. This exciting new smartphone was announced at the CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference in San Francisco.

Customers can begin to purchase Samsung Transform Oct. 10 through all Sprint channels, including www.sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), and national retail partners RadioShack and Best Buy. Retail pricing will be $149.99 with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in-rebate (taxes excluded) with a new line activation or eligible upgrade.

Sprint ID allows Samsung Transform users to quickly download ID packs that deliver a predefined experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, all at once. Packs are designed to meet customers' interests – for instance, whether they are a sports fan, fitness fanatic or auto enthusiast. The packs could be brand-specific; allow users to easily switch between English or Spanish; or are specifically tailored to the customers' business or line of work. The marketplace of Sprint ID experiences is growing and customers can have one or up to five on their device, powered by the Now Network.

"Sprint is proud to collaborate with Samsung Mobile again to bring to market another dynamic Android device on the Sprint network," said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "With Sprint ID, Samsung Transform introduces a new level of personalization that allows users to customize their device to match their hobbies, interests or personalities. It's all about delivering the ultimate user experience and helping customers get the most out of their wireless experience."

Samsung Transform features a brilliant 3.5-inch HVGA touch-screen display, full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3.2MP rear-facing camera with flash and camcorder and VGA front-facing camera for video conferencing. It offers the ability to sync personal and corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars, and multiple messaging options, including threaded text. It allows access to social networking sites Facebook®, Flickr®, and Twitter. With access to Sprint Zone™, Samsung Transform evolves into a one-stop source to access the customer's wireless account, phone tips, news, a list of top apps, Sprint TV®, NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM and Sprint Music Plus.

"Samsung Mobile is proud to offer consumers a phone that is truly customizable to fit the personality and style of everyone to make this handset as unique as they are," said Omar Khan, chief strategy officer for Samsung Mobile. "Samsung Transform is a powerful Android device, complete with front-facing camera, that takes the mobile experience to the next level with a full suite of features and the personalization options available from Android and the new Sprint ID service."

Equipped with the Android 2.1 operating system (but scheduled for an upgrade to 2.2 later this year), Samsung Transform provides access to popular Google™ mobile services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™, and access to more than 80,000 applications available in Android Market™. The device operates on the Sprint 3G network and features a powerful processor, access to GPS navigation, Stereo Bluetooth® wireless technology, Wi-Fi capability and Visual Voicemail. It also features a 2GB micro SD card (preinstalled in the device) and a Music Player with MicroSD card slot to support up to 32GB. The feature-rich Samsung Transform weighs 5.4 ounces and is available in Black Pearl.

Samsung Transform requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans. Sprint's Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM gives customers unlimited text, Web and calling to and from every mobile in America while on the Nationwide Sprint Network, all for just $69.99 – the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for unlimited talk only (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint Everything Data plans automatically enroll customers in the Sprint Premier loyalty program, whose benefits include annual device upgrades on the primary line. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

The Sprint Free Guarantee is the only full-money back guarantee on service plans in the wireless industry today, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer isn't completely satisfied, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the service plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.

Sprint is the only wireless carrier to offer Ready Now service with trained retail associates to work one-on-one with customers to personalize their Samsung Transform, set up features and demonstrate how it works before the customer leaves the store. Customers have the choice of sitting down with a Sprint retail associate at the time of purchase or they can schedule an appointment for a later time at www.sprint.com/storelocator.

)

LG Optimus S Coming to Sprint for less than $50

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 03:01 PM PDT

Sprint also announced the LG Optimus S today at it's press conference in San Francisco. Designed with new smartphone users in mind, the Optimus S is making Android navigation an engaging and comfortable process. Featuring Android 2.2 it's a full featured, highly customizable smartphone on the Sprint market.

Some of the hardware features of the device include a 3.2-inch capacitive touch-screen, 3.2-megapixel camera, microSD slot that supports up to 32 GB, and Integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and 3G. The battery is a 1500 mAh, that will boast up to 5 hours of talk time.

The device will also serve as a mobile hotspot supporting up to five WiFi enabled devices to share the 3G experience simultaneously. Other software features of the upcoming device include Visual Voicemail, MP3 player, Corporate Email, and GPS Navigation all under a Android 2.2 build.

The phone will be released October 31 for less than $50.

Press Release:


“With Sprint ID and Android 2.2,
LG Optimus S Boasts the Ultimate in Style and Personalization;
Available for Less than $50 from Sprint Beginning Oct. 31

SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 6, 2010 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) today announced the upcoming availability of LG Optimus S™, one of the first Android™-powered devices to offer the ultimate personalized experience with Sprint ID, a new user-friendly way of personalizing Android devices. Offering easy-to-use Google™ applications, LG Optimus S delivers an engaging Android experience for first-time smartphone users. LG Optimus S will also be the only Sprint ID phone to launch with Android 2.2 offering users hotspot functionality.

LG Optimus S will be available beginning on Sunday, Oct. 31, in all Sprint retail channels including www.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1 for just $49.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $100 mail-in rebate (pricing excludes taxes).

Sprint ID allows LG Optimus S users to quickly download ID packs that deliver a predefined experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, all at once. Packs are designed to meet customers' interests, whether they are sports fans, fitness fanatics, auto enthusiasts or more. The packs could be brand-specific; allow users to easily switch between English or Spanish; or be specifically tailored to the customers' businesses or lines of work. The marketplace of Sprint ID experiences is growing and customers can have one or up to five on their devices, powered by the Now Network.

"We are committed to bringing our customers a variety of choices in devices that offer Sprint ID," said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president-Product Development. "LG Optimus comes packed with Android 2.2, a 3.2MP camera and visual voicemail at an amazing price. "This stylish and feature-rich smartphone is sure to be a hit for the holiday season. We are anxious to introduce it this fall."

This affordable and highly customizable, full-featured smartphone keeps customers socially connected and organized with Android 2.2 and other key features including:
• Sleek and slim design
• 3.2-inch capacitive touch-screen
• Virtual QWERTY keyboard
• Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the 3G experience simultaneously
• 3.2MP camera with 2x digital zoom
• microSD card slot (supporting up to 32GB)
• Android Market™ – choose from more than 80,000 apps to personalize your phone
• Visual Voicemail

"LG partnered with Sprint to deliver a handset that would empower first-time smartphone users to discover the changing mobile phone marketplace," said Ehtisham Rabbani, corporate vice president of Marketing and Innovation for LG Mobile Phones. "LG Optimus S brings users closer to social networks, applications and online resources that mean the most to them and creates a smartphone experience that is unique, easy to navigate and convenient for life on-the-go."

LG Optimus S requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans. For just $69.99 Sprint's Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM gives customers unlimited text, Web and calling with any mobile in America while on the Nationwide Sprint Network – all for the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for unlimited talk only (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint Everything Data plans automatically enroll customers in the Sprint Premier loyalty program, for benefits including annual device upgrades on the primary line. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

An optional charge of just $29.99 per month turns on LG Optimus S's mobile hotspot feature, connecting up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, gaming devices and digital cameras, at 3G speeds anywhere on the Sprint 3G network.

The Sprint Free Guarantee is the only full-money back guarantee on service plans in the wireless industry today, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer isn't completely satisfied, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred, and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the service plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.”

)

Sanyo Zio By Kyocera coming to Sprint

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 02:49 PM PDT

At Sprint's press conference during CTIA SF Sprint announced 3 new devices. The Kyocera Sanyo Zio – featuring Sprint ID is definitely as beautiful as it is powerful. Being only .5 inches think and weighing in at a minimal 3.7 ounces, it is one of the thinnest and lightest Android devices on the market.

The device features a 3.5-inch WVGA touch-screen with a resolution of 480 x 800, 3.2 MP camera/camcorder with auto-focus, microSD card slot including a 2GB card, BlueTooth, WiFi, GPS, and 3G. Other features on the device include: Intuitive trackball for easy navigation, Visual voicemail, Sprint Music Plus, Sprint Zone, and support for the new Sprint ID system.

Press Release:

“Sprint Announces Sanyo Zio Featuring Sprint ID
for a Personalized Android Experience at a Great Value

Thin, sleek Sanyo Zio from Kyocera debuts at Sprint on Oct. 10
as an ideal blend of brains and beauty for less than $100

SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 6, 2010 – Proving that a wireless device can be smart, attractive and unique to each individual, the Android™-powered Sanyo Zio™ will launch with Sprint (NYSE: S) on Oct. 10. At the CTIA Enterprise & Applications trade show today, Sprint and Kyocera Communications Inc., provider of Kyocera- and Sanyo-branded wireless devices, announced the launch of the new smartphone to coincide with the rollout of Sprint ID, a user-friendly new means of personalizing Android devices.

With a focus on making the Android experience accessible to those looking for a phone priced under $100, Zio will cost just $99.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade and after a $100 mail-in rebate (pricing excludes surcharges and taxes). It will be available in all Sprint retail channels, including www.sprint.com and 1-800-SPRINT1.

Sprint ID allows Zio users to quickly download ID packs that deliver a predefined experience, including applications, widgets, ringtones and wallpapers, all at once. Packs are designed to meet customers' interests, whether they are sports fans, fitness fanatics, auto enthusiasts or more. The packs could be brand-specific; allow users to easily switch between English or Spanish; or be specifically tailored to the customers' businesses or lines of work. The marketplace of Sprint ID experiences is growing and customers can have one or up to five on their devices, powered by the Now Network.

"With Sprint ID, Zio introduces a new level of personalization that allows users to completely customize their devices to match their hobbies, interests or personalities," said Fared Adib, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. "Each ID offers a variety of unique apps, widgets, wallpapers and ringtones and gives users the opportunity to customize their devices. Pairing Sprint ID with Zio, a robust and easy-to-use Android 2.1 device, offers a rich multimedia experience with a large intuitive touch-screen at an amazing price."

The intelligently sleek device with the customizable Android 2.1 operating system opens new realms of rich multimedia experiences with a 3.5-inch WVGA touch-screen, 3.2 MP camera and 30-frame-per-second video record and playback. The handset's high-resolution, touch-screen display is like carrying a flatscreen TV that fits in a pocket.

Designed with productivity and entertainment in mind, Zio boasts multiple keyboard options, all with haptic feedback, an accelerometer to rotate between landscape and portrait orientations and an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness to optimize viewing. The easy-to-use trackball also helps users navigate between the seemingly endless features found on Zio, including address book integration with such social apps as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace; GPS functionality and digital compass plus preloaded Google Maps™; media player for streaming videos; full HTML Web browser; and a full library of more than 80,000 widgets and applications available from Android Market™. Zio also features a pre-loaded Exchange Email application that supports corporate Outlook e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks, while also supporting ActiveSync and enhanced security features.

"We are confident that Zio's blend of style, functionality and affordability will make the virtually unlimited customization and personalization of Android available to entirely new groups of consumers who were intimidated by the technology or price of previous smartphones," said Yasuhiro Oishi, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Kyocera Communications Inc. "Zio humanizes the technology and puts the power of Android in a sleek, attractive device."

As beautiful as it is powerful, Zio is only 0.5 inches thick and weighs only 3.7 ounces, making it one of the thinnest, lightest Android devices on the market. The jet-black exterior is trimmed in silver with a soft-touch back that helps ensure that it won't slip out of your hands. With 512MB of internal memory, a 2GB microSD memory card (provided in box) and support for up to 32GB microSDHC cards, Zio can handle even the most robust of applications.

Find Your Own "Best of Android" with Sprint ID
Sprint ID brings together content into themed packs that can be deployed on Zio at the touch of a button. Zio users can load up to five Sprint ID packs on their phones and change themes on a whim as the mood strikes. Specific packs can even be further customized – adding or removing elements to match preferences – while the MyID function allows users to define and create their own application packs.

Zio requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans. For just $69.99 Sprint's Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM gives customers unlimited text, Web and calling with any mobile in America while on the Nationwide Sprint Network – all for the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for unlimited talk only (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint Everything Data plans automatically enroll customers in the Sprint Premier loyalty program, for benefits including annual device upgrades on the primary line. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

The Sprint Free Guarantee is the only full-money back guarantee on service plans in the wireless industry today, allowing customers to try a new line of service with Sprint for 30 days. If a customer isn't completely satisfied, they can cancel service and return their device to be reimbursed for the device purchase and activation fee, get the early termination fee waived, get a full refund for monthly service plan recurring charges incurred, and get all associated taxes and fees waived. In addition, Sprint will waive the restocking fee for new customer exchanges as part of this policy. Refund excludes usage not included in the service plan, premium content, third-party billing and international charges.”

)

Sprint Announces 3 New Android Phones -Samsung Transform, Sanyo ZIo and LG Optimus S

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 02:33 PM PDT

Sprint has just announced, and briefly revealed, 3 of it’s upcoming phones. The Samsung Transform, Sanyo ZIo, LG Optimus S will all be running Android, and while the press conference is currently ongoing we are getting more details in every minute. All 3 will feature Sprint’s new Sprint ID as well as all upcoming phones on the carrier.

)

Sprint Announces Sprint ID – Packs of apps, ringtones, etc [Video]

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 02:25 PM PDT

Sprint has just announced their plans to roll out what they like to call Sprint ID. Essentially they are a bundle of apps, wallpapers, ringtones, etc. that after download will completely change the way your phone looks and acts on a page-by-page basis.

So far Disney, eBay, Oprah, StubHub, HSN, E Entertainment, ESPN, and Amazon are onboard to create ID packs. Own businesses are even allowed to create their own ID packs to send to their workers, the workers could then have this "work" home screen, and then have a few personal pages as well.

Each app will manifest itself as it's on Android homepage. If you flip to the right you will see the ESPN them and it's included apps as a page, flip again and you will see it's Disney ID pack. You are allowed up to 5 ID packs, and are allowed to further customize the pages to your liking. You can check out the video demonstration below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

)

Sprint Press Conference happening now at CTIA SF

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 02:07 PM PDT

Sprint is currently taking the stage at CTIA San Francisco 2010. We are expecting some new hardware announcements, possibly from Kyocera's Zio line, and an LG Optimus handset for Sprint. We may even be lucky enough to hear the official pricing and availability of the Samsung Galaxy Tab which is still expected later this year.

We are currently in the audience eagerly anticipating some major announcements, stay tuned for updates!

)

Verizon’s 4G Smartphones and Tablets set to be announced at CES

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT

Verizon has just gone and revealed it's current plans for it's upcoming 4G LTE network, and with it we go insight on when we can actually expect to be utilizing the network on mobile devices. Well the answer is not long at all, COO of Verizon – Lowell McAdam, has announced that we will be seeing these tablets and smartphones at CES in January 2011.

Specifically we can expect to see "around a dozen" new devices that are Verizon LTE compatible. We can expect to see at least one tablet coming to the network, and possibly the Motorola Tegra 2 phone we heard about earlier today.

Android Community will be covering CES this January, so you can fully expect detailed updates when we get to the much hyped Consumer Electronics Show.

)

Verizon Updates it’s map with 4G markets

Posted: 06 Oct 2010 01:46 PM PDT

With it's announcement of coming to 38 cities by years end, Verizon has gone and given us a visual aid of where it's 2010 4G cities and airports will be located. Now we know more are coming, we do not even have any LTE ready phones from Verizon yet, so we still have to wait until early 2011.

The map is missing the Detroit marker, this is simply because they are having issues with the network and are currently working out some final bugs before it goes live. No roadmap yet on which cities will be launched in the coming years but, as they stated, they do plan to expand at a competitive rate.

Full size maps below:

verizon-lte-markets verizon-nfl-lte-1 )
Posted by at

1 comment:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)