Android Community |
- Beejive for Android Available Now
- Froyo Source Code Released for the Galaxy S
- Kindle Coming PreLoaded on many Verizon Android Devices
- Advent Vega tablet hands-on [Video]
- TweetDeck now available in the Android Market
- T-Mobile Responds to G2 Tethering and WiFi Calling OTA Update
- Motorola Droid II for a penny on Amazon
- Motorola Olympus/Everest may be two different tablets
- Foxconn, Compal Communications, and other major handset makers to stick with Android
- HTC Bee leaks on way to Alltel?
- MessagEase Android keyboard up for free download
- HTC Desire Android 2.2 update due tomorrow says Three UK
- Dell “commit” to Streak 2.2 update by end of 2010; no more Android 2.1 OTAs
- TweetDeck details it’s Android User base
- Sony Blu-ray Player with Google TV Announced
- Cyanogen shows off CyanogenMod on T-Mobile G2
- Sony Announces the World’s First ‘Internet TV’
- Video Calling to be A focus on Gingerbread equipped phones
- Archos Tablets Get Android Market, Thanks to New APK
- HP Photosmart eStation Printer/Android Tablet on sale now
| Beejive for Android Available Now Posted: 13 Oct 2010 11:26 AM PDT Beejive, a popular instant messaging application on BlackBerry and iPhone, has made the leap to Android. Beejive gives users the ability to tap into a variety of IM networks (AOL, Windows Live, Google Talk, Yahoo!, ICQ, Facebook,and iChat).
Beejive on Android includes most of the features we’ve seen on BlackBerry and iPhone, like group handling, always-on connectivity with push notifications of new messages, picture and video transfer, and voice notes. So what’s the catch? Beejive will cost the consumer $9.99. It’s a hard price to swallow considering there are free messaging client apps available, but the choice is yours. Check out their site for yourself and see if you’d be willing to pay $9.99 (plus tax) for this app. [via IntoMobile] ) |
| Froyo Source Code Released for the Galaxy S Posted: 13 Oct 2010 11:08 AM PDT We knew it was coming, we just didn't know when. Samsung has officially released the source code for the 2.2 Android update for Galaxy S devices. However, it's not all good news to all Galaxy S devices, if you are on a carrier branded version of the phone you will have to wait even longer for the official option.  T-Mobile Vibrants, AT&T Captivates, Sprint Epic 4Gs and Verizon Fascinates will all after to wait until the Froyo build is ported to their specific devices. However, there are always unofficial means of updating if you can not wait any longer, and we can't blame you, Gingerbread is expected to be announced soon. You can find the update at Samsung's Open Source Release Center, build I9000. [Via XDA Developers] ) |
| Kindle Coming PreLoaded on many Verizon Android Devices Posted: 13 Oct 2010 10:46 AM PDT Verizon and Amazon announced that the popular eBook application Kindle will be preloaded on many of the carriers devices. Kindle for Android is arguably the best eReader on the market, and with access to over 700,000 books with 575,000 of these being under $9.99, it is the best option for mobile eBook purchasing as well.  Verizon is planning to include the popular app on it's future devices and it's preloaded now on the Samsung Fascinate, and it’s DROID series. Some of the most popular features of the application are as follows:
Press Release: Kindle for Android lets customers discover and read more than 700,000 books in the Kindle Store and is easy to find on the application screen of the new Samsung Fascinate™ – which boasts a brilliant 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen display – as well as on DROID™ 2 by Motorola and DROID X by Motorola. Kindle for Android allows customers to browse, download and start reading their favorite books directly from their Android phone. Features of the Kindle app include: •Buy Once, Read Everywhere – Amazon’s Whispersync technology syncs your bookmark across devices, so you can pick up where you left off. “We’re very excited to bring Kindle for Android directly to Verizon Wireless customers,” said Jennifer Byrne, executive director, business development and partnerships for Verizon Wireless. “Our smartphones come with great screens that make buying and reading books simple and easy, and Amazon’s commitment to reading and offering a seamless customer experience is directly in line with what our customers want.” “Customers are already telling us they love Kindle for Android, and we think they are going to be excited to get their Verizon Wireless phones and other devices preloaded with the Kindle app,” said Dave Limp, vice president, Kindle. “We are thrilled to be working with such an innovative company as Verizon Wireless and are excited to have Kindle for Android on these three phones and on other devices down the road.” Customers can also find the app by searching for “Kindle” in Android Market™. For more information about the free Kindle app, go to www.amazon.com/kindleapps. For more information about Verizon Wireless, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. ) |
| Advent Vega tablet hands-on [Video] Posted: 13 Oct 2010 09:48 AM PDT The Advent Vega grabbed some interest recently, with the promise of a 10-inch capacitive tablet running Android 2.2 Froyo on an NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset, all for £249.99. The Vega isn’t set to drop into Currys and PC World stores for a few weeks yet, but we grabbed an advance preview with one of the first prototypes to arrive.
No branding as yet, and even the buttons aren’t labelled, but the Vega is fully functional. Advent – or the OEM behind the Vega – have left the Froyo install relatively unmodified; there’s little in the way of a custom interface here. What you do get is a persistent menu bar running along the top, with a dedicated Home shortcut – there’s no hardware home button, only Back on the top right hand shoulder of the slate – and some status icons. You can drag that down, as on an Android smartphone, to see status messages and alerts. There are five homescreen panes, which can be filled with widgets as normal (though there aren’t any extra than the regular Android phone selection), and a row of shortcuts along the bottom. On the right-hand side of the display are three shortcuts, for the browser, app menu and wireless settings. Unfortunately we couldn’t get the Vega to connect to WiFi, so couldn’t test the browser, but from what we saw it’s the regular Android WebKit-based browser and as a result you might find sites defaulting to their mobile versions. There’s multitouch pinch-zooming support, and the Tegra 2 chipset keeps things moving along slickly. We did spot a few bugs, particularly with screen rotation. Although the Vega is seemingly intended to be used in landscape orientation (with portrait an option, automatically rotating via the inbuilt accelerometer) on a few occasions it would flip to portrait and refuse to flick back. It’s worth noting that this is still a prototype, so hopefully that will be addressed by the time it hits shelves. Ports include mini HDMI, a microSD card slot and a USB, together with headphones and power jacks. On the back there are stereo speakers. A docking port along the bottom will apparently be accompanied by a docking station, we’re told, though it’s unclear what exact functionality that will include; we’re guessing full-sized HDMI out at least, but probably not a QWERTY keyboard. It’ll be sold separately. Generally it’s a decent performer, though the apps are all the smartphone versions and lack the customisation for a larger screen that, say, Samsung has worked on. We had a chance to compare the Vega to a Samsung Galaxy Tab, and there’s a significant difference in screen size; the Galaxy Tab is 7-inches to the Vega’s 10-inches, but side-by-side the contrast is more noticeable. They’re roughly the same thickness, but the broad bezel of the Vega gives it some heft. At the top there’s a webcam which can be used to take stills or record video, while the Android 2.2 OS means streaming Flash video is supported too. No webcam on the back, however, unlike the Samsung.
This particular Vega – which will retail for £249.99 – doesn’t have integrated 3G mobile broadband, only WiFi and Bluetooth, but Advent are apparently looking to introduce a 3G version at a later date. No timescale for its release, however, nor pricing at this stage. We’re cautiously impressed at this stage. The Vega’s spec sheet may omit 3G and a rear-facing camera, and the OS might not be especially fitted to the large display, but it’s a solid slate and the price is impressive; we’ve seen cheap, ARM11 based tablets on sale for the same sort of money, after all. We’ll be able to put it through its paces more when the review units arrive, however, and see how much of a challenge to the iPad, Toshiba Folio 100 and Galaxy Tab it really is.                      ) |
| TweetDeck now available in the Android Market Posted: 13 Oct 2010 08:47 AM PDT Just after ending their public beta this week, and releasing some interesting statistics, TweetDeck for Android is now available. The release version is highly refined and is arguably one of the best looking, and performing Twitter clients on the Android platform.  Bringing Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and Google Buzz integration, TweetDeck is your all in one mobile Social Network hub. You can download TweetDeck, for free, now. QR Code:  |
| T-Mobile Responds to G2 Tethering and WiFi Calling OTA Update Posted: 13 Oct 2010 08:34 AM PDT We know people who have gotten the OTA update for their G2's enabling WiFi Calling and Tethering. However, it seems T-Mobile is not ready to comment, if the push was a mistake, or premature. T-Mobile provided an official response to Phonescoop detailing their stance on what happened. Their response wasn't the response we were looking for but at least they acknowledged that it would be coming, when in another story. 
They clearly state that they know these features are important to consumers, and that they are currently planning to deliver them in the future. Without a timeline we have nothing to go off of, which could be a good move on T-Mobile's behalf. Without a timeline it can't get officially delayed, as we with much software releases, and there will be no disappointment. We are currently unaware if users are still getting pushed the update, or if it has been cut. ) |
| Motorola Droid II for a penny on Amazon Posted: 13 Oct 2010 06:00 AM PDT If you are interested in Android as an OS on a smartphone or have an older Android device you are ready to upgrade, Amazon Wireless has a smoking deal today on the Droid II smartphone. The phone can be had for a penny.
If you pick the Droid II up at Verizon, you will pay $199. Apparently, the penny price only shows up when you add the smartphone to your cart so don't be worried if it shows a different price on the site. You do have to sign up for a new 2-year agreement to get the penny price with Verizon Wireless. If you are somehow unfamiliar with the Droid II, the thing has a 3.7-inch screen, slide out QWERTY keyboard, and runs on the Verizon 3G network. The device can also be used as a 3G mobile hotspot. I recommend you pick one up while you can, that price probably won't last long. ) |
| Motorola Olympus/Everest may be two different tablets Posted: 13 Oct 2010 05:53 AM PDT There have been some rumors and hints floating around recently pointing to an Android smartphone called the Motorola Olympus under development. A new product that surfaced recently called the Motorola Everest makes some think that rather than smartphones, these two devices might actually be Android tablets.
The tablets would allegedly run Tegra 2 from NVIDIA inside and would make for some impressive mobile platforms with suspected 7-inch and 10-inch screens. The speculation is reinforced by a quote from Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha from back in May according to Droid-life. Jha said at the time, “I think that a companion 7- to 10-inch device in a home will become very important, [both] as an augmentation to your TV experience [and] also as a way of walking around the house and streaming TV to that device. I think we're very focused in participating in this convergence that's coming between mobility and home, and I think you will actually see some products from us in a very short period of time.” I guess there would be a bit of logic to this considering that the Galaxy Tab is a smaller screen device and Motorola might want to device that could compete more directly with the iPad. All we can do is wait for more leaks or until the product gets official to find out what exactly the devices may be. ) |
| Foxconn, Compal Communications, and other major handset makers to stick with Android Posted: 13 Oct 2010 05:44 AM PDT If any Android fans out there worried that the unveiling of Windows Phone 7 might mean less support for Android that apparently will be far from the case. New reports are coming in that claim that only a few of the big handset makers in Taiwan will use WinPo 7.
The vast majority of the handset makers like Foxconn, Compal Communications, Pegatron Technology, Qisda, Inventec, Inventec Appliances and Arima Communications will stick with Android according to DigiTimes. The reason is that the firms have a big investment in Android development and handsets already, but that isn't the only reason. The report claims that another major reason for staying away from WinPo 7 is the licensing fees. It looks like android will continue to be one of the most popular OS’ on the mobile market, though the move could be an attempt to drive licensing fees down. Apparently, only two or three of the smartphone markers in Taiwan are adopting the new Windows mobile OS. ) |
| HTC Bee leaks on way to Alltel? Posted: 13 Oct 2010 04:50 AM PDT The HTC Bee smartphone has been spotted lurking in an Alltel ROM exhumed by 911sniper, and is believed to be headed to the carrier as the CDMA version of the HTC Wildfire. According to previous leaks, the Bee will have a 3.2-inch QVGA touchscreen, 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7625 processor and a copy of Android 2.2 Froyo.
There’s also a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash light and autofocus.
[via Engadget Mobile] ) |
| MessagEase Android keyboard up for free download Posted: 13 Oct 2010 04:08 AM PDT Text entry on Android devices has another option today, with the release of MessagEase. A free download from the Android Market, MessagEase shrinks the keyboard down to a cluster of gesture-controlled keys which can be triggered with a single finger.
Exideas, the company behind the alternative keyboard, reckons that makes it handy for single-handed use. Press Release: ) |
| HTC Desire Android 2.2 update due tomorrow says Three UK Posted: 13 Oct 2010 01:38 AM PDT UK carrier Three has confirmed that the HTC Desire Android 2.2 update (v2.25.771.1) will be going live on Thursday October 14th at 16:00 Taiwanese time (e.g. 9am UK time). The update will presumably begin going out OTA at that time, though we’re guessing it’ll be a staggered roll-out and not every Desire will be offered the new firmware at the same time.
) |
| Dell “commit” to Streak 2.2 update by end of 2010; no more Android 2.1 OTAs Posted: 13 Oct 2010 01:33 AM PDT Dell has reconfirmed its plans to push out an Android 2.2 ROM for the Dell Streak before the end of 2010, but with its free engineers all working on Froyo it doesn’t mean there won’t be any further Android 2.1 releases in the intervening period. It also means that no further customers will get the Android 2.1 update as a pushed OTA update.
Dell aren’t talking specific target dates, but do expect Froyo to be released “much sooner” than December 31st. [via Streak Smart] ) |
| TweetDeck details it’s Android User base Posted: 12 Oct 2010 08:54 PM PDT TweetDeck, currently ending it's public beta, has released some interesting information to the internet tonight. Specifically they have released information regarding which devices have been using the application across their 36,427 beta testers and their version of Android – even customized modifications. They are shocked at the amount of "custom roms and crazy phones" were caught running the application, and are pleased that their application could work across so many devices and software versions of Android.  Hardware wise we are seeing the HTC Desire topping the charts, with the Droid, Nexus One trailing. From this we can tell that pretty much every Android handset in existence has been surveyed here and was running the application. Now software wise it's also very interesting. 2.2 (Froyo) is clearly in the lead with over 50% of the share with 2.1update1 in there in second place. Here we also see the huge variety of custom softwares running out in the wild. Full Size Images:   [Via TweetDeck] ) |
| Sony Blu-ray Player with Google TV Announced Posted: 12 Oct 2010 03:47 PM PDT Sony has officially announced today that pre-sales for their Google TV Blu-ray Disc player NSZ-GT1 are happening right now. It will go on sale at Sony Style this weekend. Or, for those of you who prefer to shop in retail stores, they will be available for purchase at Best Buy on October 24. The device will be priced at $399.99.
A Google TV built-in, with upgradeable Google TV platform, Blu-ray Dic compatibility playback, downloading Apps from the Android Market (coming early 2011), are just a few highlights of this Android-powered Blu-ray Player. To see the complete list of features check out the press release below. Press Release: The combination of Sony's hardware and engineering expertise and Google's understanding of open software provides a unique user experience, merging multiple content sources in one easy-to-use interface. From broadcast to streaming video from the Internet, Sony Internet TV offers the ability to quickly search and watch content from wherever, whenever. "Sony Internet TV is the world's first HDTV that combines the big-screen impact of television and full Internet search to deliver an unrivaled entertainment experience," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of Sony's Home Division. "Finally, you can seamlessly search your favorite TV programs and web sites on the same screen, at the same time." "We are very proud to be the pioneers of this new entertainment category by delivering the world's first true Internet TV experience," added Bob Ishida, senior vice president, corporate executive, and president of Home Entertainment Business Group, Sony Corporation. "Sony Internet TV creates value by introducing new and compelling ways to enjoy a variety of content." Featuring both integrated television models and a Blu-ray Disc™ player, Sony Internet TV is powered by Google TV. It is built on the Android platform, runs the Google Chrome browser and includes a powerful Intel® Atom® processor offering the ability to quickly search across Internet and television content for easy access to entertainment and information. The models also feature Dual View, allowing users to watch television while tweeting about what they're watching, checking their fantasy football scores, or finding related content on the web. The intuitive hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote incorporating an optical mouse makes it easy to navigate content, type in search terms, and control the TV's user interface. Additionally, select mobile devices such as an Android phone, can control the TV with an app that will be available for download from the mobile Android Market later this fall. Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect to home broadband networks to access web content. Additionally, Sony Internet TV is ready for the future and is fully upgradable through system updates. Featuring four LCD HDTVs with Google TV built-in, the Sony Internet TV line includes the 24-inch class NSX-24GT1 ($599.99), the 32-inch class NSX-32GT1 ($799.99), the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 ($999.99), and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 ($1,399.99). Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player Sony Internet TV and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player are currently on pre-sale at www.SonyStyle.com and www.BestBuy.com. They will be available for purchase at Sony Style on October 16 and at Best Buy shortly after. Product specifications include: Sony Internet TV NSX-46GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-40GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-32GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-24GT1 Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player NSZ-GT1 Sony Internet TV product images can be found at www.sony.com/news. ) |
| Cyanogen shows off CyanogenMod on T-Mobile G2 Posted: 12 Oct 2010 03:32 PM PDT With all of the recent drama about the T-Mobile G2, it doesn’t surprise me that this video was released on the internet. For anyone who didn’t return their T-Mobile G2 yet and are still using it, Cyanogen has a surprise for you guys. They recently showed off their mod in a youtube video.
This device hasn’t been rooted yet, and there are no word on a release date for this super hack. According to Cyanogen’s twitter page, “Booted CM on my G2 in the most horrible way possible, No we still don’t have real root.” This provides a shining light of hope down a dark tunnel for T-Mobile users. We can only hope Cyanogen or some other developer can provide a solution to this T-Mobile no rooting nonsense. In the meantime, just stay tuned for any updates on Cyanogen’s mod. You can also watch their video as well below. |
| Sony Announces the World’s First ‘Internet TV’ Posted: 12 Oct 2010 03:10 PM PDT Sonly has allied with Google, this time to bring the "World's First Internet TV." According to Sony they plan to redefine the current TV viewing style, with an all new remote – more of a mini keyboard – this internet TV will be more of a multimedia lifestyle hub than just a TV.  Sony is set to launch four TV set's all equipped with Google Services and Internet connectivity. From 26 to 46 inches, the prices on the TV's will range from $599 to $1399. They all feature a unique search option that has never been done before on a television. You can search comprehensively across your DVR, TV, and the Web. However, the DVR is not built into the device and the actual search on stage pulled results from the Dish Network DVR. The TV's will feature apps such as Twitter, Napster, Netflix and a Google Chrome full browser. Android developers can build app or enhance their own websites for use on the new set of TV's. The TV’s are available for pre-order now, on sale at Sony Style starting this weekend, and Best Buy October 24th.     Press Release: The combination of Sony's hardware and engineering expertise and Google's understanding of open software provides a unique user experience, merging multiple content sources in one easy-to-use interface. From broadcast to streaming video from the Internet, Sony Internet TV offers the ability to quickly search and watch content from wherever, whenever. "Sony Internet TV is the world's first HDTV that combines the big-screen impact of television and full Internet search to deliver an unrivaled entertainment experience," said Mike Abary, senior vice president of Sony's Home Division. "Finally, you can seamlessly search your favorite TV programs and web sites on the same screen, at the same time." "We are very proud to be the pioneers of this new entertainment category by delivering the world's first true Internet TV experience," added Bob Ishida, senior vice president, corporate executive, and president of Home Entertainment Business Group, Sony Corporation. "Sony Internet TV creates value by introducing new and compelling ways to enjoy a variety of content." Featuring both integrated television models and a Blu-ray Disc™ player, Sony Internet TV is powered by Google TV. It is built on the Android platform, runs the Google Chrome browser and includes a powerful Intel® Atom® processor offering the ability to quickly search across Internet and television content for easy access to entertainment and information. The models also feature Dual View, allowing users to watch television while tweeting about what they're watching, checking their fantasy football scores, or finding related content on the web. The intuitive hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote incorporating an optical mouse makes it easy to navigate content, type in search terms, and control the TV's user interface. Additionally, select mobile devices such as an Android phone, can control the TV with an app that will be available for download from the mobile Android Market later this fall. Built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to connect to home broadband networks to access web content. Additionally, Sony Internet TV is ready for the future and is fully upgradable through system updates. Featuring four LCD HDTVs with Google TV built-in, the Sony Internet TV line includes the 24-inch class NSX-24GT1 ($599.99), the 32-inch class NSX-32GT1 ($799.99), the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 ($999.99), and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 ($1,399.99). Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player Sony Internet TV and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player are currently on pre-sale at www.SonyStyle.com and www.BestBuy.com. They will be available for purchase at Sony Style on October 16 and at Best Buy shortly after. Product specifications include: Sony Internet TV NSX-46GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-40GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-32GT1 Sony Internet TV NSX-24GT1 Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player NSZ-GT1 Sony Internet TV product images can be found at www.sony.com/news. ) |
| Video Calling to be A focus on Gingerbread equipped phones Posted: 12 Oct 2010 02:32 PM PDT Ever since the announcement of the iPhone 4 and it's video calling service FaceTime the world has fallen in love with the idea of seeing the person on the other end of the line face-to-face. Others have tried to duplicate this feature but no matter what happens it requires you both to be running the same app, which could be troublesome for many. However, if recent reports are correct, Android 2.x/3.x (Gingerbread) will focus on video calling as well as an improved user interface. 
The first Android-based handset to feature a front-facing camera was the HTC EVO 4G. Now at the time the Android SDK did not support video calling, so Sprint went to Qik to develop a way to bring it to end users. Many applications followed suit with Fring adding support via their app, and Yahoo! rumored to be bringing the service to it's mobile app. However, many would love a video calling option built into the Android platform itself. Word is that Android engineers are currently working to bring Google Talk Video to the mobile operating system, this would open up not only mobile-to-mobile calling but also calling to computers or other IM clients on different operating systems. When asked about the possibility of video chat on Android, Andy Rubin responded:
With the upcoming array of phones with front-facing cameras we can reasonably expect some sort of video calling option built into an upcoming release of Android. [Via AndroidAndMe] ) |
| Archos Tablets Get Android Market, Thanks to New APK Posted: 12 Oct 2010 02:32 PM PDT The only downfall we’ve see with the Archos tablets has been the lack of Android Marketplace on them. And even though you can side load the Android Market .apk on a lot of the devices, there were inevitably compatibility issues with Archos‘ Android 2.1 and 2.2.
But thanks to ArchosFan, a forum member successfully compiled a new gApps4Archos.apk that can be easily side loaded and installed to give you access to Google app and Marketplace. There are still a few issues, and you need to have the latest 1.0.70 firmware in order to successfully connect to Google’s servers, but at least it’s a start. What do you think about the Archos tablets and the .apk side loading apps? [via Engadget] ) |
| HP Photosmart eStation Printer/Android Tablet on sale now Posted: 12 Oct 2010 02:05 PM PDT The HP Photosmart eStation C510 Printer with Android Tablet has been quite the buzz around the internet since it's announcement. It's a $399.99 printer that will also yield a 7-inch Android 2.1 tablet. Now although it's not a full featured tablet, it's uses with the printer are quite impressive.  Designed to act as a "wireless digital companion and control panel for remote printing" the detachable tablet offers up something we have yet to see in a printer. Other than it's print managing capabilities it's relatively lackluster in appeal to tablet users. It has no access to the Android Market but is equipped with some basic apps. Equipped with Yahoo! Search, Facebook and Snapfish, your options beyond the apps preinstalled are very limited unless a root comes along. If you're interested in the printer/tablet combo you can pick yourself up one now at HP.com, or find a reseller. [Via Engadget] ) |
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