Android Community |
- Motorola Defy Rooted
- Verizon’s 4G Network Officially launches December 5th
- 2.2 Update Released for AT&T’s Dell Streak
- New Nielsen Data reveals Android tied iOS in “Most Desired” Operating System
- Motorola DROID Update Preparing for Release, Will Bring Software to Android 2.2.1
- Samsung’s New Near Field Communication Chip Promises Increased Wireless Connectivity
- Angry Birds Expansion : Seasons Revealed on Android Only!
- Autodesk launches SketchBook Mobile for Android users
- Google Editions to offer digital books on Android and any other device
- Micromax Andro 60 will be Cheapest Android Phone in India Soon, Runs 2.1
- Motorola Olympus Gets Bought at Flea Market, Runs Motoblur and FroYo
- Sony Ericsson Z1 PlayStation Phone Spied in Video
- LG Star gets hands-on video treatment
- DoubleTwist receives big update, now features AirSync
- Droid X bundle was Verizon’s exclusive deal today
- T-Mobile G2 hardware security hacked completely!
- Android Community Daily Wrap Up: November 30 2010
- WiFi Syncing coming to Android via Winamp
- HTC Merge Spotted Entrepreneur Magazine
- ZTE Micromax Andro A60 Launches in India
| Posted: 01 Dec 2010 11:26 AM PST Oh you love that lovely dunkable Motorola Defy, don’t you? You’d never do anything to harm it, even if you could! You’d never – what’s that? You want to root it so you can go wild with it? Well then! Let’s get to work! User pedrodh of XDA Developer Forums has just the trick for you, in just seven easy steps! Or if you’re one of the lucky ones for whom disturkis4u’s simple one-step program works, by all means, do that one!
First, let’s try this one: disturkis4u suggests you find the app z4root by ryan in the Android Market – one click, permanent root, and done. If this works for you, be happy. Remember that it, and the following, are both roots though, and, like all sorts of messings around on your phone, can have damaging results. So be cautious! Pedrodh has another solution for you that includes the download of the following zip: http://www.mediafire.com/?kjee8aj22j9m5zj and a seven step program you can find over at XDA. Have fun! [Via XDA Developer Forums] )
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| Verizon’s 4G Network Officially launches December 5th Posted: 01 Dec 2010 11:16 AM PST The years of 3G are almost behind us as many carriers are stepping into the 4G market as their new frontier. Verizon has been a focus of the 4G wars with its upcoming LTE 4G network which was revealed today to be going live Sunday, December 5th.  Although currently there is no devices that will utilize the network, we will see them at CES this year – as promised. However, it’s a good start for them to have a solid 4G network available when the devices launch. The initial batch of 4G markets will include 38 cities and 60 airports. The only way to access Verizon’s 4G network, until a phone is launched, will be through one of its USB modems. We will be getting ours here soon and will let you know on our first impressions as well as speed tests of the much anticipated network. You can check out a coverage map, along with additional details of the network, over at Verizon’s LTE 4G promotional page. [Via Verizon] )
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| 2.2 Update Released for AT&T’s Dell Streak Posted: 01 Dec 2010 11:03 AM PST As we near the release of Android 2.3, we are seeing more and more devices get updated to 2.2 so they’re not too behind OS-wise. Continuing this trend, the AT&T version of the Dell Streak has just received the official Android 2.2 Froyo update.  For those of you who have not rooted the device you can expect the update to be pushed to you in the coming weeks. It’s available to some users now, but we all know how the update system works with users seeing the update available for them at dramatically different times. With Android 2.2 on the Streak, users can expect several new features such as Flash Player 10.1, the ability to create a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, a new UI called Stage, and much more refinements and features. [Via The Droid Guy] )
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| New Nielsen Data reveals Android tied iOS in “Most Desired” Operating System Posted: 01 Dec 2010 10:46 AM PST Research firm Nielsen has now published their results for their October 2010 set of surveys. Android is clearly still growing strong with almost 22.7-percent of the smartphone market in the US (which is about 29.7-percent of mobile devices). 
We can expect these numbers to grow even further once we see the November/December data. With all of the deals on Android devices for the holidays, and quite a few high-profile device launches, we can expect Android to catch up quickly to both RIM and Apple’s operating systems. Further data:     [Via Nielsen] )
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| Motorola DROID Update Preparing for Release, Will Bring Software to Android 2.2.1 Posted: 01 Dec 2010 10:25 AM PST Owners of the original Motorola DROID have another update coming their way. This basic maintenance update is not 2.3 like we would hope, but it brings some improvements that we definitely can appreciate.  The update will be pushed to a select group of testers over the next 24 hours and if everything goes as planned, remaining users should expect to see the update in a few days. The update’s build is FRG830 and brings in a new Gmail interface, updates to the News and Weather widget, as well as Exchange improvements. Change Log Improvements::
Enhancements:
For step-by-step instruction on how to download and update to FRG830, visit VerizonWireless.com/droidsupport. [Via Verizon] )
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| Samsung’s New Near Field Communication Chip Promises Increased Wireless Connectivity Posted: 01 Dec 2010 10:09 AM PST Today Samsung announces their new NFC (Near Field Communication) chip with embedded flash memory. This low power design has advanced RF sensitivity and will allow designers a hot choice for NFC phones of the future – NFC devices have the ability to instantly connect peer-to-peer working directly with Bluetooth and/or Wifi for fast, efficient data transmission. This short-range, high frequency wireless tech allows devices connection and transfer to other NFC devices without manual configuration, and might work in the future for bus and subway fares on the quick.
Tae-Hoon Kim, vice president of DDI and C&M marketing, System LSI Division, Samsung Electronics, had the following to say about the new NFC chip: “NFC is recognized throughout the industry as an easy and effective way to transmit encrypted information between mobile devices or between mobile devices and other stationary NFC-enabled devices such as kiosks, … As momentum builds for adoption of NFC technology in next-generation/ upcoming smart phones, we look forward to securing a competitive footing in NFC-based solutions with our new NFC technology, offering powerful mobile characteristics such as low power design and advanced RF sensitivity.” This new NFC chip represents the industry’s first adoption of flash for embedded memory which has the ability to allow device designers to upgrade software or firmware easily. This NFC chip is scheduled for mass production in Q1 of 2011, but no info is available on when it’ll be incorporated into US devices. Check out the full press release below: )
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| Angry Birds Expansion : Seasons Revealed on Android Only! Posted: 01 Dec 2010 08:33 AM PST The greatest app EVER MADE has a brand new expansion and at the moment, it’s only in the Android Market! This expansion laughs in the face of iOS iDevice Apple folks who got a Halloween expansion (not available on Android) with not only 25 levels (for the 25 days of Christmas) of holiday snow fun, but what appears to be all the Halloween levels as well – and it’s all free!
Inside the app you’ll find a fun new snowblasted start screen and Play button – inside you’ll find a portal to your everloving holiday levels, all of the Halloween levels, a link to the Angry Birds store to buy some plushies for your honey for the holidays, and links to the original Angry Birds as well as the official Angry Birds newsletter. Hooray! Take a look at the gallery of photos we just took below, then what are you waiting for, get to playing! NOTE: Each of the 25 Christmas levels is only available on the day it corresponds with. Thus, there’s only one level available today because Christmas is 25 days away. Just like Christmas candy calendars of yore! Cute!              )
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| Autodesk launches SketchBook Mobile for Android users Posted: 01 Dec 2010 05:08 AM PST Professionals that have to design things with CAD software will recognize the Autodesk name right away. The company has a desktop software program called Autodesk SketchBook Pro that has been around for a while that allows the user to make sketches and produce artwork digitally. The software can be used for all sorts of professional tasks like early sketches for new products and beyond.
If you make frequent use of the SketchBook Pro software on your desktop computer, you will be excited to hear that Autodesk has unveiled a new mobile version of the application for Android users called SketchBook Mobile for Android. The app is a pro level paint and drawing application that has full sketching tools. It supports a gesture-based interface and has a bunch of different digital pencils, pens, markers, and air brushes so the user can capture artwork and concepts on the go rather than having to use a napkin or paper. The full mobile app is available right now for $2.99 and an Express version is offered for free. All devices running Android 2.1 an up can run the app. )
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| Google Editions to offer digital books on Android and any other device Posted: 01 Dec 2010 04:43 AM PST If you are an avid reader, the thought of a digital bookstore that you can access and read the same books you purchase across all of your gadgets will be very appealing. The WSJ reports that Google Editions will launch in the US by the end of 2010 and will then launch internationally in Q1 2011.
Google Editions is the Google digital bookstore and it will be accessible from any device with a web browser. That will mean you can read the books you buy on your Windows PC in the office, MacBook at home, and your Android tablet or smartphone on the bus. Books from Google Editions will be offered through multiple sellers with independent bookstores selling the books online as well. All purchases will reportedly be tied to a central account so no matter where you buy them you will be able to get to your content in one place. Google Editions is expected to have hundreds of thousands of titles with millions of free offerings thanks to contracts with just about every publisher out there. The sheer number of titles in the library should make it easier to find obscure titles and hopefully get more content in genres like Sci Fi and fantasy that aren’t as readily available on other online bookstores. )
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| Micromax Andro 60 will be Cheapest Android Phone in India Soon, Runs 2.1 Posted: 01 Dec 2010 04:29 AM PST When it comes to cheap Android-based devices, there’s a few to choose from. But, when you start looking at the mid-$100 price range, you have to start wondering if the money is really worth spending, even if it isn’t a lot. When it comes to the Micromax Andro 60, which will be the cheapest Android-based handset to launch in India when it does in the near future, potential owners will have to wonder if having a resistive touchscreen is worth the low cost.
While the higher-end Android devices, as well as plenty of the cheap variations out there, feature a capacitive touchscreen display, the Andro 60 replaces that with a resistive version. You’ll also find the Swype alternate keyboard pre-loaded onto the device. Other features include a 3.5mm audio jack, integrated GPS, a 3.2MP camera on the back with autofocus, and a 600MHz processor under the hood. The display measures in at 2.8-inches, and it’s a QVGA. You also get Stereo Bluetooth, and Android 2.1. As far as pricing goes, that’s said to be at about 6,999 INR, or about $157. You will also get a 2GB microSD card in the box, too. [via UnwiredView] )
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| Motorola Olympus Gets Bought at Flea Market, Runs Motoblur and FroYo Posted: 01 Dec 2010 04:07 AM PST One of the must-have devices of the upcoming new year, is the Motorola Olympus. While it may look like a larger version of the previously released Motorola Defy, there’s a few changes included with this new device to make it one device that any Android fan would want to get their hands on. Namely, that display that’s supposed to be larger than 3.7-inches, and the processor under the hood. For one lucky individual, who just happened to be in the right flea market at the right time, it looks like they get to enjoy the device well before any other consumer.
According to the source, who sent the images into Gizmodo, he picked up the device from the market “not knowing it would turn on.” When he tried pushing the volume down button, along with the power button, the purchaser was able to access a developer’s menu. One of the options therein, was the ability to bypass the activation screen, which subsequently let him access the device proper, and snoop around. We can tell that the device features an HDMI port, and it will also have a microUSB port for when you need to sync data, or charge the device. As for that Tegra 2 processor, there’s still no absolute confirmation that the Olympus features this, but the rumors haven’t died down regarding this feature. The display, as we mentioned above, is supposed to be larger than the Defy’s, which means it will measure in more than 3.7-inches. One thing to notice, though, is that the Olympus is obviously promoting full Motoblur connectivity here, so that will either be a draw for some, or a negative to others. [via Gizmodo] )
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| Sony Ericsson Z1 PlayStation Phone Spied in Video Posted: 01 Dec 2010 03:58 AM PST There’s no denying that there’s a significant amount of hype being built up around the upcoming “PlayStation Phone.” While the details about the device are still up in the air, as far as concrete information goes, we can safely say at this point that a few things have been confirmed: like the current mobile Operating System on the device, and the fact that it’s still just as mouth-watering as ever.
While the still-photos of the device may have been enough for some people, we’ve been eagerly waiting to see this thing on video, and now we’ve got our chance. From what we can see, the device seems to be running Android version 2.3, better known as Gingerbread. The report, which corresponds with the video you can watch below, says that the device is smooth in operation, which is a good thing. It also appears that the Android-powered handset will feature a 4-inch touchscreen display, too. Not surprisingly though, is the fact that it looks like Sony Ericsson has decided against “PlayStation Phone,” and went with something a bit more to their business model: the Z1. Check out the video below to see the device in action. Anyone getting excited to get their hands on this? Click here to view the embedded video. [via Engadget] )
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| LG Star gets hands-on video treatment Posted: 01 Dec 2010 03:35 AM PST I know that I am not the only person excited by the LG Star Android smartphone with its sweet dual core NVIDIA Tegra processor and other cool features. If you have been following the other information that has surfaced on the handset, you are in for a treat today. I mentioned yesterday that some new pics showing the UI had surfaced.
Today we have a new video hands-on of the device coming from GSM Israel. The geeks say that the smartphone has plastic and metal construction and feels well built. The smartphone is said to be comfortable in the hand despite its larger size. The team also says that the device operates smoothly and is fast compared to other devices running Android 2.2 and they expect things to be even better when it gets Gingerbread installed. Check out the video below to see the LG Star in action for yourself. Click here to view the embedded video. )
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| DoubleTwist receives big update, now features AirSync Posted: 30 Nov 2010 07:32 PM PST DoubleTwist has recently released a new update for Android devices and for their desktop client as well. The biggest new feature of the update is the Airsync ability. Basically it allows the user to manage and sync your iTunes music, photos and videos wirelessly between your computer and your Android device.
Unfortunately, to gain the new Airsync feature, it’s going to cost you $.99. Doubletwist is a great application for syncing your itunes music to your non apple device. Let us know what you think of this new feature and if you’ll be dishing out a dollar to add it. Go ahead and download it at the barcode below and give us your opinions. Via [DoubleTwist] )
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| Droid X bundle was Verizon’s exclusive deal today Posted: 30 Nov 2010 07:15 PM PST Verizon is currently running a campaign that lasts for the 24 days leading up to christmas. Each day, Verizon unveils a new surprise deal sometimes being a bundle package, while others being a free phone on a new 2 year activation plan. Today’s deal happened to be the Droid X.
It doesn’t surprise me that Verizon threw out an android as the first phone since they are Verizon’s most popular phones. If you did purchase this bundle or are going to before the end of the night, you’ll be getting the Droid X and the Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Headset all for $30 off. I assume that the Jawbone Icon will be thrown in for free, but I’m sure that you’ll have to sign a new 2 year contract to get this deal. Its a pretty nice deal for anyone interested in purchasing a Droid X and who also likes to make calls hands free with the awesome Jawbone Icon bluetooth headset. Check it out at the link below. Oh, and one point, to access the deal you have to share it on either Facebook or Twitter, so get to it! Via [Verizon] )
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| T-Mobile G2 hardware security hacked completely! Posted: 30 Nov 2010 06:01 PM PST Even though T-Mobile took a lot of precautionary measures to make sure that the phone wouldn’t be able to be rooted, the hardware is now fully unlocked. This is more than just simply rooting and putting ROMS on, the hardware is now completely open for development.
Keep in mind that it’s a very complicated process done by some pro developers who know exactly what they are doing, but I’m sure they’ll post a step by step guide on how us normal android users can do it. The guys over at XDA definitely deserve a round of applause for this feat, since it definitely wasn’t easy getting past that many restrictions and security issues on the phone. Check out the link below on how you can do this(not recommended unless you’re truly experienced at rooting your phone) and also check out our T-Mobile G2 Review. Via [XDA Wiki] )
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| Android Community Daily Wrap Up: November 30 2010 Posted: 30 Nov 2010 05:06 PM PST November is coming to an end, as we near closer to December the topic on everyone’s mind is the impending release of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. However, thats not all the Android news going around, devices such as the Archos Internet Tablets saw an update to the now current Android 2.2. We also saw the ratings in the Android Market going live today, now developers must also submit a suggested content rating for all applications. And probably the most interesting news of the day is the popular music player for Android, Winamp, saw an update that brings WiFi syncing! Check out all of the stories of November 30th, 2010 below:  R3 Media Network AndroidCommunity AT&T and T-Mobile to possibly get Acer Liquid Metal?
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| WiFi Syncing coming to Android via Winamp Posted: 30 Nov 2010 04:53 PM PST One of the most used features on a smartphone is its music playing capabilities. We all love music and our mobile phones provide the excellent way for us to take our music anywhere. For those who use an Android device for music you are very aware that the current music playback system on Android is lacking. Capitalizing on that fact, Winamp has just released its updated player – this time bringing WiFi syncing.  WiFi syncing is very simple. All of your music will be synchronized between your desktop and phone application making sure you never go a day without your latest downloads. With no cables or SD card mounting required, this is definitely a much needed feature for any music listener. Winamp is available for free from the Android market and the desktop counterpart is also free! All you need to start syncing wirelessly is a username and password, so set up your own account and grab Winamp from the Android Market! QR Code:  [Via Winamp] )
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| HTC Merge Spotted Entrepreneur Magazine Posted: 30 Nov 2010 02:13 PM PST The still unannounced HTC Merge has made an appearance in the latest Entrepreneur Magazine. In its 2-page spread it’s being described as a work phone that’s updated for your life, and can do everything your old phone couldn’t do.  Clearly targeting business users, Verizon is advertising the HTC Merge along with its DROID Pro for that specific group of users, it seems. We still have no idea why the Merge has yet to be released, we’ve seen it’s case hit stores, leaked images, and it has even got the hands-on treatment. Now all we have left to do is wait for an announcement from Verizon, which is a familiar feeling. [Via AndroidCentral] )
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| ZTE Micromax Andro A60 Launches in India Posted: 30 Nov 2010 01:35 PM PST Micromax, an Indian phone manufacturer known for their entry-level affordable handsets, has just released a new entry-level Android device in India. Launching as the Android A60, also known as the ZTE Penguin, the interesting device will sell for 6,999 INR which is about $152.  The device features a 2.8-inch QVGA resistive touchscreen, HSDPA, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, 3.2MP rear-facing camera, and 2GB memory. The device will run Android 2.1 on 600MHz processor and ships with the Swype virtual keyboard.  The device features a unique design and is being advertised as the best “first Android.” For more details on the phone you can check out its official page MyFirstAndroid.com and even enter to win one of the devices. [Via UnwiredView] )
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