Saturday 11 December 2010

Android Community

Android Community

Brand New Android Marketplace User Interface Available NOW (via ripped APK)

Posted: 11 Dec 2010 10:09 AM PST

Of course, not officially, as it was just announced last night and said to be available within the next couple weeks, but a good XDA Developer will never let you down, right? For sure. So what they’ve done over there is no less than rip the APK for this new layout and make it available for everyone RIGHT THIS MINUTE. It currently only functions on stock Android 2.2 Froyo devices, and implements such features as a brand new lovely look and a 15 minute refund limit.

Take yourself a download over at Multiupload, and note that several folks over at XDA are having some issues with Cyanogen Mod 6.1, so watch out for that if you run such a system, and take a look at XDA Developers Forum for any tweaks and updates therin. And remember, if you have no idea how to run this sort of stuff, just chill, read some instructions over at XDA, or just wait like the rest of the non-hacker world has to to see the full new Android Marketplace official.

The official release will be sure to give you everything promised in [this] Android Developers update. They say there’ll be improvements to merchandising, streamlining of the browse-to-purchase experience, and developers are promised an easier path to distribution of their apps. There will be new categories and a super fun carousel of selections (a couple cats and the carousel can seen in the screengrab above), and more categories will be added “in the weeks ahead.” App details will also contain “related content” which will hopefully also improve app discoverability.

To streamline the browse-to-purchase experience, all information will not be available for an app on a single page instead of through tabs. To help developers manage their businesses more effectively, the refund window for returning apps if you are not satisfied has been reduced to 15 minutes. To improve developers ability to manage and distribute their product, support will be introduced for device targeting based on screen sizes, densities, and GL texture compression formats. Finally, the max size for APK files in the Marketplace will be increased to 50MB “to better support richer games.”

[Via Android Police]

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Nexus S Questions Answered by Best Buy

Posted: 11 Dec 2010 09:52 AM PST

As the Nexus S is quite soon going to be available at Best Buy, and more than just a couple people are interested in it, the store decided to field a few questions about the device. Some of the details you might already know, but a few are oddities and result in facts the rest of the world’s been unaware of up till now. Prices, financing, contracts, display models, accessories, and more!

Some of the facts that result of this Q and A are thus: the release date of Nexus S is indeed Thursday, December 16, 2010. It can be purchased at large Best Buy stores, Best Buy Mobile stand-along stores (in malls, etc,) through Bestbuy.com, and over the phone at 855-813-2021. NOTE though that there is no overseas shipping at this time. The phone will be available as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation or locked with a 2-year T-Mobile contract. There are no pre-orders, and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis via a ticketing system similar to what Best Buy used on Black Friday.

Although some stores might still be in the process of getting prepared for the launch (aka you’ll call them up and they’ll have no idea what they’re doing,) Nexus S will indeed be available at ALL Best Buy locations. There IS a limit to the amount of phones a single person can buy: 2, and that goes for activated units and units purchased outright. At the moment, Best Buy cannot comment on their inventory numbers, so good luck.

Check out the rest of the questions in the official Q&A list from Best Buy below:

The Google Nexus S smartphone, manufactured by Samsung, is one of the hottest mobile devices of the holiday season. Questions have been pouring in ever since the Nexus S was officially announced, so we’ve collected and categorized some of the most frequent customer concerns for easy reference.

THE BASICS
When will the Google Nexus S be available to purchase?
The Nexus S will be available Thursday, December 16, 2010

Where can I buy the Nexus S?
The Google Nexus S can be purchased at Best Buy stores, Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores, Bestbuy.com and through our dedicated call center (866-813-2021).

What carrier(s) are available for the Google Nexus S?
The Nexus S is available with T-Mobile service or as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation.

What features and specs does the Nexus S come with?
Visit Google’s Nexus S page for a full list of specs and features.

Are there two different versions of the Nexus S, locked and unlocked?
No, there is only one Nexus S. It is available locked with a 2-year T-Mobile contract or unlocked with no contract.

Where can I get more information?
Check back here frequently as we update with more information. You can also like Best Buy Mobile on Facebook and follow Best Buy Mobile on Twitter.

BUYING THE NEXUS S
Will Best Buy be taking pre-orders for the Nexus S?
There will be no pre-orders on the Nexus S. Units will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis on launch day. We will use a ticketing system much like we do on Black Friday to allocate inventory and keep the process organized.

Will my local Best Buy be carrying the Nexus S? I talked to the staff there and they didn't know.
Sorry for the confusion. We are still in the process of getting all of our stores prepared for launch. The Nexus S will be available on launch date in both locked and unlocked versions at all Best Buy stores, Best Buy Mobile stand-alone locations and online.

Will Best Buy Mobile stores that don’t usually sell T-Mobile carry the Nexus S, since it’s an unlocked device?
Yes. There will be inventory in all stores, as well as available for purchase online as a T-Mobile device and shipped to home.

Can I buy the Nexus S at a T-Mobile store?
No, T-Mobile stores will not be carrying the Nexus S at launch. Best Buy stores, Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores and bestbuy.com and are currently the only points of distribution.

Will your stores have displays for the Nexus S so I can get a feel for the size, screen and other features?
Yes. Every Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile location will have either a mock or live unit for display purposes.

Will there be a limit on numbers of phones per order/customer?
Two per customer is the limit. Same rules apply to activated units and units purchased outright.

If I recently purchased another phone at Best Buy and want to exchange it for the Google Nexus S, can I?
Yes, but only within our standard return and exchange period of 30 days. We regret that we cannot make exceptions to this policy, even if the Nexus S is not available within the 30 day limit.

What will Nexus S stock levels be like?
We cannot comment on inventory at this time.

Are there any accessories available for Nexus S on launch?
Yes. We will have a host of accessories available on launch.

Is no-interest financing available for the no-contract Nexus S?
Yes. We have 18 month financing available for anything purchased in store over $429.

PLANS, CONTRACTS AND NETWORKS
Do the same prices apply to new purchases and upgraded contracts?
Yes. The Nexus S can be purchased for $199.99 with a 2-year new or upgrade activation or $529.99 as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation.

If I purchase a full-price $529 Nexus S, will I be locked in to a 2-year contract?
No. Outright device purchases won't require a contract.

Will the Nexus S work on networks outside of the United States?
The Nexus S is compatible with Global Networks GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900. Please note that all Best Buy purchases are intended for use in the United States only.

Will an unlocked Nexus S work with carriers other than T-Mobile?
Yes, but it won't run on 3G with all carriers. Speed and power will be reduced on non-3G networks.

If I'm unable to upgrade and renew my account, can I still add a new line to my plan and get the Nexus S?
Yes, however, you will need to change your account over to a family plan if you are currently on an individual line. Note: pricing for various activation types is not confirmed yet.

Can current T-Mobile customers purchase the Nexus S locked for T-Mobile for the $199 price?
Yes, with a qualifying upgrade activation. Customers must be upgrade eligible in order to qualify.

Would I be able to upgrade to the Nexus S even if I have a family plan on T-Mobile?
Yes. This would be considered an upgrade activation.

How much will it cost to add a line with my Nexus S purchase?
Adding a line will cost $249.

Does the Nexus S support T-Mobile's 4g network?
No. The Nexus S is a 3G device and does not support HSPA+ data.

Can I purchase a locked, T-Mobile Nexus S without a contract?
Yes, locked phones without a contract can be purchased for $529.99.

If I buy a phone with a contract, am I required to get voice and data plans?
Yes. Voice and data are required.

Will the Nexus S follow the same plans T-Mobile currently offers?
Yes, T-Mobile's standard plans apply.

SHIPPING AND SUPPORT
Can I purchase the Nexus S online and pick it up at a local store?
In-store pick-up for online Nexus S orders will not be available, at least for the first week of sales. Home delivery will be available.

Will the Nexus S be available in Canada?
The Nexus S will not be available in Canada at this time, nor can we currently ship Nexus S orders to Canadian addresses.

Is the Nexus S available for overseas shipping?
No, not at this time.

Can I order the Nexus S from a non-U.S. location and have it shipped to an address in the United States?
Yes, but keep in mind that all Best Buy purchases are intended for use in the U.S. only. Here is some information on our international ordering policy.

Will T-Mobile handset insurance still apply for this handset?
T-Mobile will not be selling the phone so they will not be offering their insurance. We recommend Best Buy’s Geek Squad Black Tie Protection ($9.99 per month).

[Via Best Buy Mobile Blog]

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Twidroyd Now Ad Free And Available In The Android Market

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 03:52 PM PST

The nice folks at Twidroyd have now made their Twitter app ad free. They state their desire to change their business model to provide users with a rich Twitter experience and that this is primarily in response to user requests.

This action combined with their recent addition of Twidroyd Factory and other new features, gives Twidroyd a shot at claiming to be the best Twitter app for Android. Twidroyd says it best with, “You Commented. We Listened, And Responded.”

[Via Twidroyd on Twitter]

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Motorola Android Tablet In The Wilds, With Specs?

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 02:33 PM PST

A few days ago we reported that Google’s Andy Rubin gave a quick glimpse of an unspecified Motorola Android Tablet while on stage at a conference. Now it appears the tablet makes another appearance thanks to an unknown tipster, who apparently had one hour to play with the device.

What we already knew about the tablet is that it would pack a NVIDIA Tegra 2 T20 dual-core chip that would push the Android Honeycomb OS. The tipster states that there will be models with both 7″ and 10″ displays, as well as different models that will support UMTS, CDMA, and LTE. Additionally, the tablet will have:  32 GB memory, removable memory slot, 5 MP camera in the rear, and 2 MP front facing camera. The tipster reports all this while saying the price will be no more than that of Motorola’s high end smartphones.

Hopefully the tablet market is gaining a worthy contender and we can enjoy some Honey-Comb.

[Via Engadget, Mobile01]

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Droid X Update Available Now 2.2.1 (Blur 2.3.340)

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 01:33 PM PST

Verizon began pushing out the 2.2.1 (Blur 2.3.340) update to all users earlier today, and although it’s not the update we all would love (2.3), it does bring in some major fixes.

The update that was discussed earlier this week will bring in many Exchange enhancements as well as Madden 2011 (Demo). The update also includes enhancements to Visual Voice Mail, a new Data Widget to home panel and more that we covered here.

To update your device, select Menu > Settings > About Phone > System Update and the OTA update will start to download. For more information about the update and download instructions head over to www.verizonwireless.com/droidxsupport.

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4G Tablet Planned by T-Mobile for 2011

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 01:05 PM PST

In a statement released by T-Mobile today, they confirm they’ve got plans to release a 4G Tablet some time within 2011. They also mention that they’re working close with OEM partners to deliver 4G products by integrating HSPA+ into their roadmaps for 2011 “as the dominant global standard.” Exciting super speeds at super sizes!

Take a peek at the whole statement below, and get pumped up for a T-Mobile tablet of 4G magnitude:

T-Mobile is working closely with the majority of our OEM partners to deliver 4G products by integrating HSPA+ into roadmaps in 2011 as the dominant global standard. Consumers will continue to see HSPA+ fuel future innovation in a variety of mobile consumer electronics from smartphones and tablets to emerging devices. T-Mobile will continue to be at the forefront of wireless innovation, delivering an aggressive 4G product lineup in 2011, including 4G tablets.

Thanks Brandie!

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Froyo now available for Vibrant on Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 12:49 PM PST

Today we have some good news for eager owners of the Samsung Vibrant on the Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel networks. The Froyo OTA download is now available to install on your devices.

A tweet from the company’s official Twitter stated that the upload is now available, however, no word yet on when we will be seeing the update come to T-Mobile Vibrant users.

We are pleased to announce Froyo is now available for the Galaxy S Vibrant devices from Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel:http://ow.ly/3n742

The upgrade process will be the same as most Samsung devices and for those who would like the step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out Samsung’s Android 2.2 Upgrade Procedure for Vibrant page.

[Via Twitter]

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LG Boasts Over 2 Million Sales of its Optimus Series

Posted: 10 Dec 2010 12:29 PM PST

Just a day after we heard that Gingerbread will be coming to LG’s entry-level Optimus devices, we now have word that the handsets have reached 2 million units sold. Only 25 days since the first one million milestone, the LG Optimus is proving to be a very popular device.


The device has been so popular because of its low cost and high quality. For the money, or lack thereof, you are getting a very solid Android based device that will ship with 2.2 until it’s upgraded to 2.3 in the coming weeks. Quite an impressive re-entrance into the smartphone market for LG, as we all await the much-anticipated super powerful LG Star.

[Via MobileCrunch]

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