Android Community |
- Opera Introduces New Android Widget Tools
- EVO 4G for $99 at Radio Shack With Trade In
- Dell Streak Price Lowered to $399, Available in January
- Android Trademark Lawsuit Settled, Google Wins
- HTC Incredible HD 4G LTE Phone for Verizon FACE Photo
- HTC Incredible HD Leak Obviously Engineered
- Notion Ink Demos Adam’s Sniffer Application [Video]
- Motorola Acquires Zecter, Plans on Enhancing MOTOBLUR
- Motorola’s Android Update Site Gets Refreshed, Doesn’t Look Promising
- Samsung Epic 4G Reportedly Being Updated to Android 2.2 December 26th
- Nexus S DIY soft-touch battery cover mod is finger-friendly
- Nokia N900 gets Android 2.3 Gingerbread port
- Web-based Android Market imminent as Google updates app links?
- Is Xoom the Motorola Android tablet name?
- Boingo WiFi app comes loaded on MetroPCS Android smartphones
- Ford Sync AppLink available now for 2011 Fiesta owners
- TuneLink Auto shoots tunes from your Android device to your car with no wires
- Sony Ericsson LiveView firmware update due Jan 2011
- Android tips & tricks list released for 2.3 Gingerbread
- Nexus S on sale in UK now
| Opera Introduces New Android Widget Tools Posted: 22 Dec 2010 10:43 AM PST Opera today has announced a new widget runtime platform for Google’s Android OS. They have released their mobile widget manager for Android and it comes with support for WAC 1.0 APIs – which makes it the first runtime that adheres to the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) 1.0 Specification.  With this alpha release, developers can use the runtime platform to create web-based widgets that will run on the Android operating system. For those unfamiliar with the WAC specification, it’s meant to reduce common fragmentation in developed mobile software. Ultimately, it will help web-based widgets and applications to work across many different platforms, which, in turn, will allow the developer not to focus on compatibility as much. Press Release: Oslo, Norway — December 22, 2010 Today, Opera Software introduced its new widget runtime platform for Google’s Android operating system. The runtime will support the new Wholesale Applications Community (WAC) 1.0 Specification. WAC is an alliance of the world’s leading mobile operators and OEMs, such as Vodafone, Verizon, China Mobile, Telenor, Telefonica, AT&T, Samsung, Huawei and others, working together to define, create and deploy a common mobile application platform. Uniting a fragmented applications marketplace, WAC will create an open industry platform that benefits the entire ecosystem, including applications developers, handset manufacturers, OS owners, network operators and end users. This alpha release of Opera’s widget runtime for Android allows developers to get a head start in developing the next step in applications for smartphones. At the same time, the WAC implementation serves as a platform for distribution. “It is a great pleasure for us to present our public implementation of the WAC 1.0 specification and to get developers going,” said Christen Krogh, Chief Developer Officer, Opera Software. “Opera is participating in WAC and remains committed to take the WAC platform to the masses.” With the Widget runtime for Android, Opera enters a natural arena for its popular widget system. Currently, Opera has implemented cross-device widgets on the Opera desktop browser, Opera Mobile and Opera for devices. “We are delighted that Opera is supporting WAC 1.0 with its new widget runtime” commented Peters Suh, CEO, WAC, “In the year since WAC was announced at Mobile World Congress in 2010 we have consistently hit our deadlines, and this announcement underlines that we are on schedule to launch WAC 1.0 devices and storefronts at Mobile World Congress 2011.” To start developing widgets and begin implementing the WAC APIs, simply go to http://www.opera.com/download/get.pl?sub=++++&id=33389&location=270¬hanks=yes and download the runtime. Instructions can be found at: http://labs.opera.com/docs/wac/installation_instructions/ This runtime is provided for evaluation and demo purposes and is free of charge for all developers. Read more about the WAC specifications here: http://www.wacapps.net/ About Opera Software ASA Opera Software ASA has redefined web browsing for PCs, mobile phones and other networked devices. Opera's cross-platform web-browser technology is renowned for its performance, standards compliance and small size, while giving users a faster, safer and more dynamic online experience. Opera Software is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with offices around the world. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. Learn more about Opera at http://www.opera.com/. )
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| EVO 4G for $99 at Radio Shack With Trade In Posted: 22 Dec 2010 10:27 AM PST Radio Shack has just opened up another smartphone promotion. This time the company is offering the EVO 4G for $99 when you trade in a new phone and sign a 2-year agreement.  You have until Christmas day to claim your discounted EVO 4G. However, it’s unclear what qualifies as a “phone trade in” hopefully it can be any phone. Any of you readers plan on taking them up on this offer? What phone did you trade in? Let us know in the comments! [Via IntoMobile] )
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| Dell Streak Price Lowered to $399, Available in January Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:47 AM PST Good news for everyone planning on purchasing the Dell Streak within the next couple months, Dell has cut the price a whole $180. Now at a $399 price tag, the device, shipping with 16GB storage and Android 1.6 (Android 2.2 available OTA upon first boot), is even a more attractive for users looking for a decent Android based tablet.  You can pick up your Dell Streak over at Dell’s official site. It’s worth noting, however, that the device will not ship until January 10th, 2011, so don’t expect to get it has your save all last minute gift. [Via Engadget] )
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| Android Trademark Lawsuit Settled, Google Wins Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:25 AM PST All the way back in May of 2009 we heard of Erich Spech suing Google and every company that uses the Android OS for infringing use of the name “Android.” He was the owner of the trademark for Android Data Corporation, which unfortunately went under in 2002. When Google wanted to trademark the name, they were denied because it had already been taken.  Specht, after learning there was a money making opportunity here, decided to sue Google for damages and demanded a name change. The damages requested – an impressive $94 million. The lawsuit has just been tossed out, and Google is now in the clear to use the name. Apparently, the court and judge was not swayed by Specht’s newly thrown up website to prove he still used the name. The decision was made, and Specht’s “Android Data” trademark was canceled because it could lead to confusion with the now very popular Android OS. [Via Engadget] )
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| HTC Incredible HD 4G LTE Phone for Verizon FACE Photo Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:16 AM PST An anonymous tipster has added the all-important face shot to the long collection of images that were jammed across these internets last night. This one’s got a big face and shows quick clearly the big 4G right up top front and center. Also it’s 4:16 PM on this clock so it looks like they took this photo right alongside the rest, waitng to release this one until everyone figured out the puzzle. Neato.
Be sure to take a look at the rest of the collection of photos over at the HTC Incredible HD Leak Obviously Engineered post. This is a big puzzle of items that’s way WAY to convenient to have been a real accidental leak. Believe dat. [Via Gizmodo] )
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| HTC Incredible HD Leak Obviously Engineered Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:02 AM PST As many of you know, a couple of shots were leaked yesterday of an upcoming HTC device. Everyone was excited as sites such as Engadget, Gizmodo, CrunchGear, Android Central and our own SlashGear got “leaked” a bezel image and then an additional image of the device – but not the whole device, of course.  The collection of shots pointed to this device being the HTC Mecha, Verizon’s upcoming LTE 4G handset which is expected to debut at CES in two weeks. But obviously, as many could tell, these weren’t your average tipster leaked shots. We’re used to blurry cams, bad angles, full shots, but with these set of leaks it was different. The images were almost perfect quality and definitely perfectly concealing. Very interesting way to build hype, it sure worked. The device looks great and all but next time, HTC please just send everyone the same batch of shots, it’s like you were trying too hard.       )
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| Notion Ink Demos Adam’s Sniffer Application [Video] Posted: 22 Dec 2010 08:18 AM PST Notion Ink has been on a roll with releasing videos of their highly anticipated Adam Android-powered tablet. And we’re happy to watch them. This time around, the company has treated us to what their calling the Sniffer application, which is designed to work as a file browser. Notion Ink is adamant in its usage, and points out that it’s a very important application for a “power user” of the Android Operating System.
By default, Android does not come with a file browser installed. That’s why a lot of third party applications have grown in popularity. However, Notion Ink decided to implement their own version, and have been nice enough to show it off. Perhaps most importantly, is that all applications that Notion Ink have developed, are perfectly in sync with Sniffer. Notion Ink says that Sniffer is able to read through MicroSD cards and USB drives quickly, and is able to link files with their corresponding application on the tablet faster. They do point out that Office formats and PDF integration is coming in a future update. You can watch Sniffer in action below. As of the time of this writing, the video hasn’t completely uploaded to YouTube, but keep checking back. It should be up in no time. [via Notion Ink] )
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| Motorola Acquires Zecter, Plans on Enhancing MOTOBLUR Posted: 22 Dec 2010 07:50 AM PST Looks like Motorola is ready to give their MOTOBLUR proprietary User Interface some enhancements. It’s just been announced that the company has acquired Zecter, which is known for their ZumoDrive and ZumoCast cloud-based media streaming and content-syncing technology. Motorola is hoping that the acquisition, and subsequent usage of the technology, will give MOTOBLUR a significant upgrade in its media credentials.
Currently, ZumoCast is avaialble on iOS-based devices, and isn’t available for Android-based handsets. However, Motorola plans on using the new technology to implement desktop integration, wireless sync, and video transcoding to better help MOTOBLUR-based devices (as well as other individual devices) sync and stream their installed media. If that sounds great to you, you’ll have to be patient to sign up for now. While those using ZumoCast right now can still use it, new sign-ups have been frozen for the time being. Motorola is focusing on making MOTOBLUR better, so theres’ no reason to think that the customized User Interface for Android is going anywhere, any time soon. For those who don’t like the BLUR UI, hopefully these enhancements will go a long way to make that usage better. [via SlashGear] Press Release )
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| Motorola’s Android Update Site Gets Refreshed, Doesn’t Look Promising Posted: 22 Dec 2010 07:33 AM PST As Motorola has released more devices, and let them loose around the world, they’ve had one site that owners could visit to check on the schedule for impending updates to their particular handset. Covering devices that have released in the Unites States, and all around the world, it’s a quick and easy way to see if your device is getting updated to the latest and greatest software version. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always have the best news. With their latest refresh of the site, Motorola hasn’t gone out of their way to make a lot of owners happy, and some devices look like they’re going to be eternally stuck at lesser versions of Android (at least, officially).
Perhaps not surprisingly, the StraightTalk Motorola CLIQ XT, which is sold at Wal-Mart, doesn’t look like it will be getting updated to anything beyond Android 1.5. At least, not any time soon. As for the CLIQ XT released for T-Mobile? That device’s update has been pushed back, and now owners will have to wait for Android 2.1 as Motorola puts the handset through additional testing. As for the Droid X? No mention of Android 2.2 — Motorola is happy to show that the update to 2.2 is finished, and ready to go. The original Motorola Droid is also complete, as far as 2.2 goes. Motorola hasn’t added devices like the Droid Pro, Droid 2, or Droid 2 Global to the listing, which is pretty much the least promising thing we can think of. [via Motorola Support Forum; thanks, Nick] )
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| Samsung Epic 4G Reportedly Being Updated to Android 2.2 December 26th Posted: 22 Dec 2010 07:17 AM PST With the holiday season in full swing, getting a bunch of presents (or even just one present) is something to look forward to. It looks like Samsung is ready to give owners of the Epic 4G, the Galaxy S variant that released earlier in the year for the Sprint Network. If a leaked screen shot is any indicator, then Sprint is getting ready to release the Android 2.2 update in an Over the Air update, beginning the day after Christmas.
The build is DL11, and it’s set to begin rolling out over the airwaves on December 26th. There’s no telling at this point how close it compares to the DK28 build of Android 2.2 that was leaked not too long ago. With the official update, if you’re not rooted and doing your own thing, you should receive an update notification on the day in question, or soon after, letting you know you can update your device. Spint apparently expects all devices to get the update within four days after its initial roll-out. Here’s what you should expect from the update: The latest version of Android 2.2 for the Samsung Epic 4G: 2.2.1 Any Epic 4G owners out there not already running the leaked version of Froyo, and anticipating the Christmas present for your phone? [via PhoneArena] )
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| Nexus S DIY soft-touch battery cover mod is finger-friendly Posted: 22 Dec 2010 07:00 AM PST If the glossy, fingerprint-collecting back panel of your new Nexus S is getting you down, you could always do worse than a DIY soft-touch alternative. xda-developers member mhaedo took matters into his own hands and used a few coats of Plasti Dip to make it more grip-friendly.
After masking off the camera window and the NFC antenna, he gave it four coats inside and out (so as to avoid any peeling edges in future) and ended up with something debranded and a whole lot more tactile. Best thing is, it should simply peel off when you’re tired of it, so you can sell the phone on afterwards.    [via TheGadgets] )
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| Nokia N900 gets Android 2.3 Gingerbread port Posted: 22 Dec 2010 06:32 AM PST It’s been a while since we’ve seen Nokia’s N900 getting an Android hack – last time it was Froyo on the Maemo smartphone – but this time the NITDroid team have outdone themselves. They’ve supposedly managed to get Android 2.3 Gingerbread running on the N900.
It’s primarily the handiwork of Alexey Roslyakov – aka DrunkDebugger – though not everything is fully functional quite yet. Still, cellular data, sound, WiFi and various other things are working, and he’s suggesting that there’ll be a stable build released before the end of the year. [via HDBlog] )
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| Web-based Android Market imminent as Google updates app links? Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:55 AM PST The online version of Google’s Android Market – as promised earlier this year – may well be just around the corner. Developer René Hesse spotted that Google has updated its Market URL convention, now using a http://market.android.com/ prefix, and indicating that a more iTunes-like system is about to be launched.
In the iTunes ecosystem, clicking on an iTunes link – whether for software or multimedia – opens a webpage for that content that automatically loads the Apple software if present on the computer you’re using. While Google has online listings for some of the most popular apps available in the Android Market, you can’t yet buy them online nor browse the entire catalog. Back at Google I/O, Vic Gundotra previewed the online Android Market; you can see it from around the 31 minutes point in the video below:
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| Is Xoom the Motorola Android tablet name? Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:46 AM PST If you want to find out what products major tech, firms are working on or toying around with before they announce anything, one of the best ways is to watch for patent applications and trademark filings. Those items will often give some hints at what is going on. The latest discovery using trademark apps comes from Motorola.
Apparently, Motorola is looking to grab up the Xoom name in just about every major market around the world. Motorola has applied for a trademark on Xoom for the category of mobile computers and related accessories, reports Pocketnow. The trademark Motorola is seeking will be registered in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, the US, and Canada. Exactly what the product that will wear the Xoom name is we don't know. However, we can guess that the name might be tied to that long talked about Android tablet that Motorola has in the works. It sounds like a good name for a 4G service too. Via Engadget )
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| Boingo WiFi app comes loaded on MetroPCS Android smartphones Posted: 22 Dec 2010 04:36 AM PST
The carrier offering Android devices with Boingo pre-loaded is MetroPCS. All WiFi enabled Android smartphones will have the app installed and ready to use when the shopper buys the device. MetroPCS is a pre-paid cellular provider and Boingo will let users surf the web at over 200,000 global locations. Boingo boasts about 7.9 million subscribers right now and the service for all the surfing using its hotpots you want is $7.95 monthly. Many of the hotspots are in hotels, airports, and convention centers making the service great for business users on the go. )
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| Ford Sync AppLink available now for 2011 Fiesta owners Posted: 22 Dec 2010 03:38 AM PST If you drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta and use an Android smartphone, you need to grab a new update for the Ford Sync system that is now available. The new update allows you to control apps on your Android smartphone using your voice.
To download the app you need to log in at Syncmyride and get the new update from the Update and customize section. If you have never updated Sync before there may be more than one update you need to add before you get the new AppLink feature. Once downloaded the install is made using a flash drive and the USB port in the car. The first of the Sync-enabled apps for the new update include Pandora and Stitcher (landing in 2011). The apps need Android 1.5.3 or higher to operate with AppLink. Once the update is installed, the user can hit the voice button in the car, say “mobile applications” and then the name of the app to launch. In Pandora, for instance, the user can then use voice commands to play tracks like “Play station classic rock radio” and the driver can bookmark songs and rate them using their voice as well. )
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| TuneLink Auto shoots tunes from your Android device to your car with no wires Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:54 AM PST New Potato Technologies has announced a new product for Android users. The new product is called the TuneLink Auto for Android and it is a wireless Bluetooth to FM and direct connection in-car audio solution for Android devices. The FM transmitter and Bluetooth potion of the system is a DC adapter that plugs into your car power port.
The FM transmitter that you plug into the power port also has a USB port on it to allow you to directly connect to the adapter for charging your device on the go. The FM turner portion of the device is controlled by an app that you download free from the Android Market. If you have multiple Android devices in the vehicle the FM adapter’s Bluetooth capability allows the connection of multiple devices to the transmitter at one time. It also has an aux output for directly conencting to your car stereo. The TuneLink Auto for Android will hit stores in mid-January for $99.99. )
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| Sony Ericsson LiveView firmware update due Jan 2011 Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:41 AM PST Sony Ericsson’s LiveView failed to set our enthusiasm alight when we reviewed it over at SlashGear, with the Bluetooth-connected mini display falling short of our expectations in terms of functionality and proving temperamental in its wireless stability. The company now says that a firmware update is on course for release in January 2011 which should address some of these problems.
Among the priority fixes are more stable Bluetooth connections – particularly when using the LiveView with non-Sony Ericsson devices. The company is also keen to point out that, despite some reports, the LiveView firmware is indeed upgradable, which does leave us a little more enthusiastic about the sub-display’s potential.
[via Clove] )
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| Android tips & tricks list released for 2.3 Gingerbread Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:35 AM PST Google has released a list of tips and tricks for Android devices, particularly useful for those buyers picking up a new Nexus S ahead of the holidays. The list includes old favorites like mobile hotspot functionality but also some newer text-entry tricks; for instance, the space-bar lights up in 2.3 when the phone can auto-complete your word.
Many of these will be well-known – especially if you’ve read our Google Nexus S review – but there might be one or two tricks you’ve not spotted. Plus, Google has put together a list of apps that every new Android owner should be downloading. )
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| Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:22 AM PST As promised, Google’s Nexus S has gone up for sale in the UK today, with the Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone now available to order online and in Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy stores. Priced at £429.99 for the SIM-free model or free on £30 agreements or above, the Samsung-made Nexus S packs the latest version of Android, a 4-inch WVGA Super AMOLED display and NFC wireless.
Carphone Warehouse will either send online Nexus S orders to your home or to a store of your choosing; if you’re hoping to score one in-store, it’s worth calling ahead first – only “key” Carphone Warehouse and Best Buy locations will have stock, and as far as we can tell there’s no official list of which those are. More info on the Nexus S in the full Android Community review. )
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Boingo Wireless has been around for a long time with its vast network of WiFi hotspots around the country that allow users to surf the web and save their data plan bandwidth. Boingo has announced its first carrier pre-load deal that puts its app on Android smartphones from the carrier.
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