Thursday, 21 October 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Toshiba AC100 Review with Closeups!

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 11:18 AM PDT

Toshiba is about to bite the bullet with one miraculous device that hopes to hang on to every market from huge smartphones to netbooks to the smallest of portables. All of that’s here, borrowed and carefully screwed together in the Toshiba AC100. It looks like one thing, runs like another, and has a cute little Android inside of it.

The ports are cute, the highlights are basically a fantastic orange mixed with mustard, and the size is just excellent. But that’s not what you’re interested in, right? You wanna see what’s inside, under the hood. Luckily, this whole post has been leading up the the fact that there’s a giant in-depth look at this lovely machine written by your pal and mine, Chris Davies, over at [SlashGear].

[Via SlashGear]

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BuzzCity Releases SDK with In-App Advertising for Android

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 11:08 AM PDT

The fellows and ladies over at BuzzCity have released a Software Development Kit for Android that supports developers putting advertising into games. Embedding advertising into games of course makes them enter a completely different market than games with none. This move sends BuzzCity into the same categorization as AdMob and Greystripe as far as advertising goes, and they’re no small cookie with their 4.5 billion adverts per month.

BuzzCity sells mobile ad inventory to advertisers who will be getting a great deal as developers are paid on a PPC basis. That’s Paid Per Click, which if you’re the sort of person who has a blog out there, you know can be crappy as you can go days without seeing so much as a cent. On the other hand, this is a mobile market, so perhaps the situation is different.

BuzzCity date shows top handsets used on their system as being Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson – Samsung and Sony Ericsson having 11 Android-based handsets or more. On the announcement of the SDK’s release, Dr. KF Lai, CEO of BuzzCity had this to say: "Android is well positioned to power a large number and variety of connected devices in the near future. It is the only non-proprietary operating system that allows both developers and handset manufacturers to rapidly develop the user interface for new applications – and we believe that this gives it a greater chance of wider commercial adoption."

[Via intoMobile]

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Nexus One, Now with Custom ROM FM Radio

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 10:37 AM PDT

So you’d like to jam to some sweet beats and Baxter’s morning show in the morning at your desk or, if you’re like me, in your completely comfortable and cushy chair, but all you’ve got is a Nexus One? Fear not, ye hoper for the impossible, for now there is a hack. Nexus One, it turns out, ships with hardware that’s completely capable of running a radio station through it. Learn how below!

So, all you’ve got to do is ROOT your Nexus One first, then get yourself one of these lovely custom ROMS: Cyanogen Mod (nightly), or NxSense (with Sense UI), both of them oh-so-easy to find and impliment. Cyanogen Mod seems to use up your batteries faster but runs much quicker, while NxSense has HTC Sense UI. Learn to root in this fabulous video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

[Via Android NG]

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Users Now Testing Android 2.1 on Cliq

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 10:27 AM PDT

The wait is almost over for those digging their fingernails into their kneecaps over Android 2.1 for Motorola Cliq. Word on the street is that a couple thousand super lucky users have been asked to run a bit of Eclair – field trials are on their way toward being under way. Eclair may have already been leaked for Cliq, but this field test means the real, full deal is on the way officially.

Word came from the Motorola Owners Forum where owners of the CLIQ were asked if they’d like to participate in the test of 2.1, having them register and hope for one of the 2,000 spots. If you’d like to be one of those people, head on over to [this registration form] and sign yourself up. Eclair is still slated for release in late Q3 to early Q4.

[Via AndroidCentral]

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Verizon Updates My Verizon App with Express Services

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 07:33 AM PDT

Verizon has started to push an update to it’s account management app with Express Services. Giving an option for Verizon customers to quickly and conveniently manage accounts at home or on the go, Verizon is recommending this application to it’s users to make their account management easier and more convenient.


Using the application you can see a list of frequent transactions and your current plan and devices. In one click users can start to explore their account activity quickly and easily, and complete popular transactions, including viewing a bill, managing Friends and Family, changing billing addresses, or even adding new lines and activating new phones.

“Now, with one click, customers can use Express Services to select the transactions they want, with time-saving account management services that are simple to use and consistent across multiple touch points, empowering them to save time and control their wireless services, whenever and wherever they want,” said executive vice president and chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless, John Stratton.

[Via PRNewswire]

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Logitech Revue Remote Now Available For Download

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 07:15 AM PDT

Google TV is here, alongside the Logitech Revue just arriving from early orders in the mail, and it’s availability at BestBuy, the Logitech Harmony Remote is now available in the Android Market.

Turning your android device into a fully featured remote, the Harmony app is the perfect addition to the Google TV. The application gives you control for all of the basic control functions as well as search and access to your devices (TV, Set-top Box, A/V Receiver, etc).

It’s available now, for free, in the Android Market.

PR Code:


[Download Link]

[Via Droid-Life]

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HTC Bee And Desire Dummy Units Arrive in Alltel Stores

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 07:05 AM PDT

We first heard about the HTC Bee for Alltel when it’s ROM was floating around the internet with the carriers branding. Now the 2 phones are arriving in Alltel Wireless stores as dummy units.

Most likely pointing to a launch in the next few weeks, the HTC Desire is rumored to be launching it as the “Spitfire.” The chart below are the specs that were released earlier this month for the HTC Bee which looks like an impressive device for any Android user.

[Via DroidLife]

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WinAmp enters beta for Android

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 05:05 AM PDT

One of the oldest desktop music players is WinAmp, it seems like the app has been here forever. WinAmp is now entering into beta specifically for Android devices. If you aren't a fan of the default music player for Android this may be very good news.

WinAmp features WiFi sync along with the ability to sync via USB. The app also has Last.fm capability and more features are in development. Apparently, SHOUTcast and other features are being developed for the Android version as we speak.

You can grab the beta version of WinAmp on the Android Market right now. If you download the app, be sure and let us know what you think.

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ProClip offers mounts, holders, and docks for Droid X

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 04:15 AM PDT

We all need a way to keep our smartphones like the Droid X secure in the car while we drive. The last thing you want to do is have to take your eyes off the road to dig around for a phone that fell into the floor of your car while driving. ProClip is a company that makes some very cool products for cars like mounts that are vehicle specific and holders for specific smartphones.

The company has announced that it has a new line of gear specifically designed to fit the Motorola Droid X. The line includes a new holder for the Droid X that tilts and swivels with a 12V power outlet to keep the phone charged while you drive. This is a great solution for mounting the phone in your car for use as a GPS device when driving.

The holder has a hardwired fixed installation charging cable and it can be adjusted to fit the Droid X with a case or skin installed. The ProClip mounts designed to secure the device to the car are available for just about any vehicle on the market today.

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eLocity A7 Android tablet hits pre-order with more sellers

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 03:03 AM PDT

If you were intrigued by the eLocity A7 Android tablet that hit pre-order back in August on Amazon, you will be glad to hear that you have some new options for pre-ordering the tablet available to you now. eLocity has announced that after successful pre-order sales on Amazon it is expanding the pre-order program to their retailers.

eLocity will now be moving the tablet to five more sellers for pre-ordering. Those sellers include Sears.com, Newegg.com, PCMall.com, Walmart.com, and MicroCenter.com. The pre-orders at all five of the new locations are going right now and the shipment date for the tablet is set for November 22.

The tablet will run Android 2.2 and support apps and Flash video. It has a 7-inch screen and will support 3D gaming with NVIDIA Tegra T-250 dual-core processor inside. The 7-inch screen supports multitouch and it has 4GB of internal storage. The device has a microSD card slot with support for cards up to 32GB. Other features include 1080p HDMI output and a USB port.

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View Quest 5″ and 8″ Android tablets due by Christmas [Update: Video]

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 02:00 AM PDT

A pair of new UK Android tablet options have been spotted making their first in-the-wild appearance, with photographer Nick Dillon capturing the 5- and 7-inch 8-inch View Quest slates on camera this week.  Full details on each model are unknown, but View Quest apparently expect to have them on the market come December 2010 “in time for Christmas.”

Update: Mobile Snacking shot some video of the two tablets, which you can see below, as well as getting some specs.  Apparently they each run Android 1.5 – a purposeful choice, View Quest claims, describing it as the “most stable” version – with resistive touchscreens and full aluminum chassis.  No phone capabilities, but you do get speakers and a headphone jack.  Pricing will be £149 for the 5-inch with 2GB of memory, and £199 or £249 for the 8-inch with 8GB or 16GB of memory respectively.  [Thanks Leila!]

Click here to view the embedded video.

view_quest_android_tablet_1 view_quest_android_tablet_2 view_quest_android_tablet_3 view_quest_android_tablet_4 view_quest_android_tablet_5 )

Samsung GALAXY Tab developer forum Introduced

Posted: 21 Oct 2010 12:10 AM PDT

Samsung has gone ahead and released it's Galaxy Tab Developers Forum. Allowing a place for Android Tab developers to get the much needed information, directly from Samsung, that will help them with optimizing their applications for the Galaxy Tab's larger screen as well as basic tips for optimization for the device.

On their site you can download the Galaxy Tab add-on that will help you test and make sure your application is running optimally on the 7-inch device. For full instructions you can check out Samsung's set up page here.

You can also use the developer forum for helpful developing tips such as correct device metrics, banner sizes, and other useful developer quick tips that really can aide in the optimization process.

[Via Samsung]

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Additional details of Verizon’s 3G Data Tiers Revealed

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 11:48 PM PDT

We heard earlier this week that Verizon is planning on joining the ranks of almost all mobile carriers and introducing a tier plan for it's 3G network. Although many details were announced, we were left in the dark about many of the specifics.

We heard earlier this week that Verizon will offer an entry level plan for $15 that will bring users 150MB. Although this isn't an option for everybody, it is an option for some. That is one of the great advantages of tiered data, those who do not need a lot, do not have to purchase it, and we get more options that allow us to come closer to just pay for what we need.

Covered in the leaked document we get a detailed look at all of the options available ranging from mobile phone, tablet, and broadband offerings.

[Via Droid-Life]

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Owner of Epic 4G takes apart keyboard to put in custom gaming controls

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 05:09 PM PDT

Well this is a first. I enjoy playing games on my phone as most people do, especially console emulators, but I have never seen one person go to such an extreme. Android user Cary Golomb decided that he needed to optimize his phone for gaming, so he decided to remove the unnecessary keys on his keyboard. After taking a knife to the keys he didn’t need, he painted the keyboard over with black and gave it a slicker look. Keep in mind that the phone is still fully function-able without a keyboard as well.

I do not recommend trying this on your Samsung Epic 4G because you will not only void the warranty, but probably screw up your keyboard in the process. Your resell value will also highly go down, so if your going to do it, make sure you know what you are doing and what you are getting yourself into. Some hard-core gamers will find this mod very enticing and make take the chance. In the mean time, check out the video below on this mod.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Via [phandroid]

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Evo 4G guest stars on Fringe!

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 04:39 PM PDT

As if it weren’t already evident that Android is slowly taking over the mobile phone industry, Sprint’s Evo 4G made a guest appearance on the popular show Fringe. Apparently this smart phone belongs to Peter Bishop, who is a long time iphone user.

I’m not going to question the Genius’s, who scored a 190 IQ, decision to switch from the iPhone to the Evo 4G. This just shows how increasingly popular Android phones are becoming. Let us know your opinion on Peter’s decision below and check out our iPhone 4 vs. Evo 4G comparison.
Via [Android Central]

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Dead Zebra Vampire Android Collectible Announced

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 03:16 PM PDT

The ever popular Dead Zebra collection of Android figures has just added one more figure to it's lineup. This time the little guy will be released in a vampire paint job, the perfect addition to any desk for the upcoming holiday season.

Being a limited edition it's expected to sell out quickly. Going on sale 10/31/10 at 2pm EST (11am PST, 18 GMT) it's not expected to be available for long. You're limited to per household per day and Dead Zebra is only accepting credit card payments.

To order, head to Dead Zebra Shop, and pick yours up for only $10.00 on Halloween.

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The T-Mobile G2 overclocked, hits 1.42 GHz

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 02:59 PM PDT

The processor onboard the T-Mobile G2 is the well known 800 MHz Snapdragon which although it’s impressive – it’s not good enough for many. But, after some extensive work from the folks at xda-developers the device is now clocking in a a blazing fast 1.42GHz.

The hack is not very simple and it's recommended that you know what you're doing if you choose to try it out. If you're willing, check out the full detailed instructions over at xda-developers.

In the video below we see the benchmark of the actual device and it overclock to 1.42GHz

[Via KnowYourCell]

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YouTube Lands in the Android Market

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 02:43 PM PDT

We had heard grumblings through the last couple of months that the official YouTube application would be finding its way into the Android Market some time before the end of 2010. And, sure enough, it’s just become available for your downloading pleasure.

But, just having it in the Market isn’t good enough. The app has been given a pretty significant aesthetic upgrade. There’s also been a few features added to the mix, too. You’ll be able to watch videos not only in horizontal mode, but also portrait. The overall search function of the application is a lot easier. You’ll be able to view more channel information. Overall, the application makes it feel like you’re on the desktop Browser.

You can find the YouTube application the Market right now.

YouTube-app YouTube app2 YouTube app3 YouTube-Box

[via Droid-Life]

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Acer Liquid Metal and Unnamed Tablet Pose for Photo

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 02:37 PM PDT

It’s been a bit of time since we last heard about the Acer Liquid Metal. The handset is still supposed to release in the UK some time by the end of October, and seeing as how we’re closing down the days before we reach the end of the month, it’s no surprise that the device has popped up for an unofficial photo. The image is coming from Droid Sans, who managed to not only get a photo of the handset, but also of a tablet that’s reportedly being made by Acer as well.

The handset is still looking mighty sleek, even in this unofficial shot. We can’t tell any real details about the Liquid Metal, but what we heard in the past is that it will feature a 800MHz processor under the hood, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a 3.6-inch display with a resolution of 800 x 480. We’ll also find Bluetooth 3.0 on the device, too.

As for the tablet, we’ve got no details regarding its existence. The tablet is obviously running Android, but other than that we don’t know what’s going on here. However, it does look pretty attractive. If the device is near completion, it shouldn’t be long before Acer comes forward and officially announces it.

[via EuroDroid]

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Zeptolab’s Cut the Rope Gets the Greenlight for Android

Posted: 20 Oct 2010 01:47 PM PDT

For the Android mobile platform, there’s not many high-profile games out there. That’s not saying there’s not many good ones; just that there’s not many out there that have plenty of word-of-mouth going for it. Not too long ago now, the full version of Angry Birds hit the Android Market, and it subsequently saw a ridiculous amount of downloads in just a matter of hours. Angry Birds was one such title that had plenty of word-of-mouth going for it, as it was a number one seller on the iOS platform, before it landed on Android. And now it looks like another mega-popular title is making its way to Android soon, too.

The title this time is Cut the Rope, and it’s developed by the team at Zeptolab. You’ll also recognize the name Chillingo in there, too (they were just bought up by EA). The title is a fun game, where you have to get a piece of candy into the little green guy’s mouth. You’ll have to cut strings to make the magic happen, as well as collect items along the way. There’s plenty of levels to go through, and the graphics are great. The game is ridiculously addictive, much like the way Angry Birds is.

Unfortunately, we don’t have an exact date as to when the title will hit the Android Market. We just know it’s coming. You can check out the gameplay trailer for the title below, and start hoping that the title comes much sooner than later.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[via Android Planet]

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