Android Community |
- T-Mobile to detail 42Mbps HSPA, announce compatible phones at CES
- NAVIGON for Android Updated to Version 3.5.3, Promotional Price of $20 off
- Dell Venue Released in Hong Kong
- Touiteur Officially Becomes Known as Plume
- MOTO Blur 3.0 For the DROID 2 Leaked, Profiles and New Launcher Style Included
- HTC to Be the First to 4G Again, This time on Verizon
- Droid Pro Updated to Version 2.26.60
- LG Optimus 2X getting January 2011 European launch
- MusicID app hits Android so you can finally figure out what that song is
- Ambarella iOne application processor for Android cameras debuts
- Android Honeycomb due for March 2011 release tip insiders
- Samsung sell 9.3m Galaxy S worldwide; 10m by end of year
- Dell M02M next-gen Streak gets WiFi certified: Looking Glass or Opus One?
- Google TV Update Ready for Release
- AT&T and T-Mobile Direct Carrier Billing Now Available in the Android Market
- This Android UI Stencil Is Perfect for any Developer
- LG Optimus 2X may be available on T-Mobile as early as March
- Nexus S First OTA Update Today! [UPDATE: Maybe Not!]
- Samsung’s SCH-I520 Packs 4G and Front-Facing Camera, heading to Verizon
- MoDaCo Custom ROM for Samsung Nexus S
| T-Mobile to detail 42Mbps HSPA, announce compatible phones at CES Posted: 23 Dec 2010 10:02 AM PST The main talk of the wireless industry is definitely 4G. With all companies trying to either get a head start or now catch up to the upcoming 4G wars next year, CES will be a huge showcase for 4G across all networks. T-Mobile is fully ready for the upcoming battle and they plan on releasing quite the array of Android powered 4G handsets and tablets.  Senior Director of Engineering, Mark McDiarmid, was speaking to the Wall Street Journal and revealed that T-Mobile will "unveil its plans for the faster network in Vegas and added that the technology will be integrated into smartphones next year." T-Mobile also expanded on this statement with the following: "T-Mobile is big on Android, big on faster 4G speeds and big on 4G devices including tablets…we will continue to drive innovation on these fronts in 2011." So, if all goes according to plan, we will be seeing handsets and tablets running on their new HSPA+ network at up to 42Mbps. What would you like to see at CES next year? Are you looking forward to a Honeycomb tablet, or would you rather have a 4G handset? Let us know! [Via TmoNews] )
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| NAVIGON for Android Updated to Version 3.5.3, Promotional Price of $20 off Posted: 23 Dec 2010 09:02 AM PST Navigon, a popular GPS application for Android, has just been updated to version 3.5.3. Bringing in many new features and to attract new customers the price has been dropped a full $20.  Included in this update: Address Click: Address selection from any app that supports an address export, launches NAVIGON MobileNavigator and instantly provides turn-by-turn directions. Users don't have to fumble with addresses while on the go, and can begin MobileNavigator with the hit of a button. Contacts as Interim Destinations: Contacts directly added to an existing route as an interim destination. Reality Scanner Switch: The feature can now be swapped to automatic and into permanent-off mode in the settings. GSM Map Download: Download maps via GSM not just Wi-Fi. Please note: Due the fact that additional costs can occur for GSM downloads, NAVIGON recommends to use Wi-Fi whenever possible. General Performance Enhancements The promotion price of $39.99 is $20 off retail of $59.99, and like all great deals it will not last. The promotion has already started and will end on January 6th, 2011. [Via IntoMobile] )
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| Dell Venue Released in Hong Kong Posted: 23 Dec 2010 08:37 AM PST The Dell Venue was just launched in Hong Kong slightly ahead of its launch in South Korea, which is still expected later this month. Looking very similar to the Venue Pro, minus the curved back design and slide-out keyboard, the Venue will feature a 4.1 AMOLED display with a resolution of 800 x 480.  Other hardware features of the device include a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor sporting 1GB ROM and 512MB RAM, microSD expansion slot, 8 megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and a 1400mAh battery. The killer feature of this device is its curved AMOLED display which not only provides for great viewing angles, it is also said to feel more “natural” when swiping. Software wise it’s running the Stage UI with a preinstalled Swype keyboard. It’s based on Android 2.2 and from early tests of the device it’s looking like a pretty smooth and solid device. The Dell Venue is on sale now for HK$3,999 (US$514). [Via Engadget] )
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| Touiteur Officially Becomes Known as Plume Posted: 23 Dec 2010 08:13 AM PST Last week, we told you that because of a request from Twitter higher-ups, the Twitter application for Android called Touiteur would have to change their name. In reponse, Level Up Studio decided to turn to the users out there, and let them help in the decision. They provided a big list of potential names, and let those who cared enough to vote on what the next name for the popular client would be. The vote has come to a close, and a new name has been selected.
The new name is Plume. It’s fitting, to be sure. Not only is the word itself connected to the aviary kind, but the word also means “feather” in French. It’s also what was used to write, way, way back in the day, and now thanks to one of the most popular Twitter applications on Android, that’s how we’ll be interacting with people all over again. With the new name being official, Level Up Studio is getting ready to launch a new version of the application. It should be made available in the Android Market later today, with quite a few bug fixes in tow. [via Level Up Studio] )
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| MOTO Blur 3.0 For the DROID 2 Leaked, Profiles and New Launcher Style Included Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:59 AM PST The DROID 2 Blur version 3.0.0 has just been leaked to the internet via MyDroidWorld. It brings profiles which, so far, has only been seen on the newer DROID 2 Global and DROID Pro.  To download the 3.0 (unofficial release) follow these instructions: Download: or 1) Place files on the root of your SD card For further instruction or the support forum, head over to the MyDroidWorld thread. )
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| HTC to Be the First to 4G Again, This time on Verizon Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:45 AM PST HTC has been the leader of 4G phones in the US. Bringing the first 4G devices to Sprint and T-Mobile, they are going to bring the first 4G to Verizon this time around. The device will be announced January 6th at CES.  Verizon is having a press conference on January 6th, and we know that they plan to announce many LTE equipped handsets and tablets. We fully expect this to be the highly “leaked” HTC Thunderbolt/Mecha/Incredible HD. We will be there live and will bring you all the details as well as a hands-on when it’s first made available! Stay tuned! [Via Android Central Forums] )
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| Droid Pro Updated to Version 2.26.60 Posted: 23 Dec 2010 07:37 AM PST The Motorola DROID Pro has just received an update, and with it comes an array of new features and bug fixes. The update, version 2.26.60, is not currently being pushed, but you can download it directly from your phone now.  Changes include:
To start the download, head over to: Menu > Settings > About Phone > System Updates, and you will then start the update manually. The update does remove root, but common rooting methods are still working post-update. [Via Verizon] )
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| LG Optimus 2X getting January 2011 European launch Posted: 23 Dec 2010 04:12 AM PST We get all excited when we hear about new smartphones packing Android around here. Yesterday LG unveiled a new smartphone that is coming soon that sounds really good called the Optimus 2X. The little beastie packs in a dual-core Tegra 2 processor and will hit Europe next month.
The smartphone will have 25 ringtones loaded up and ready to use right out of the box and it will come with music from Ennio Morricone and related content that can be downloaded next year. I’m not familiar with Morricone by name, he makes tunes for movies. More hardware details on the LG Optimus 2X here. Via SlashPhone )
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| MusicID app hits Android so you can finally figure out what that song is Posted: 23 Dec 2010 03:45 AM PST I really hate it when each time I get into a car a song I like is already playing, I don't know what the song is called, and the DJ doesn’t say what it was after the fact. I bet I am not the only one that hates that. A new app for Android users will help you figure out what that song is and gives you information on the song. The app is called MusicID.
MusicID with Lyrics can be grabbed on the Android Market right now for $2.99. It uses the Gracenote Global Media Database and it is the largest and most comprehensive media database in the world. You can get info on music using the artist or track name. The coolest feature is the ability to hold the phone with the app running up to a speaker and let it hear a song that is playing. The app will listen to the music and then help you figure out what the song is and even links you to an online music store to purchase the tune. As irritating, as it is for me to hear a song and not know what it is $2.99 seems like a good deal. )
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| Ambarella iOne application processor for Android cameras debuts Posted: 23 Dec 2010 03:18 AM PST One of the things that most Android phone users would really like is a camera that works better for video and pic taking. A company called Ambarella has announced a new application processor for better photos on Android devices. The app processor is called the iOne SoC and will add advanced HD camera and multimedia capability to Android devices.
The company claims that the iOne will launch a new class of smart cameras with no compromise still photos and advanced HD video recording, internet connectivity and the ability to run powerful apps. The iOne will support multi-stream encoding for live video streaming, WiFi uploading, the ability to play back web content in 1080p60 resolution and it will support 3D. The iOne is based on the ARM architecture and is triple-core part with dual-core 1GHz ARM Cortex A9 processor for apps and a third 533MHz ARM-11 core for real-time camera tasks. The design of the iOne requires a single x32 DRAM and supports HD GUI and OpenGL ES 2.0. The SoC support all leading video formats including DivX and more. )
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| Android Honeycomb due for March 2011 release tip insiders Posted: 23 Dec 2010 02:32 AM PST
Now, DigiTimes has a patchy track record for accuracy, and we’re not sure if Honeycomb is going to be Android 2.4 or Android 3.0 – since Google is yet to confirm version numbers – but it certainly fits in with some previous rumors that suggested a broader February/March release window. )
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| Samsung sell 9.3m Galaxy S worldwide; 10m by end of year Posted: 23 Dec 2010 01:57 AM PST Samsung is reportedly claiming to have sold 9.3m units of its Galaxy S smartphone – and variants – worldwide, with the company looking forward to passing the 10m mark before the end of the year. 2m of those sales were in Korea, apparently making the Galaxy S the first smartphone to break that milestone (and beating the iPhone to it too).
The Galaxy S helped Samsung grab the number one Android smartphone spot in the last quarter. [via TNW] )
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| Dell M02M next-gen Streak gets WiFi certified: Looking Glass or Opus One? Posted: 23 Dec 2010 01:15 AM PST What looks to be Dell’s next Streak tablet/phone hybrid has passed through WiFi certification. The Dell M02M is described as a smartphone with WiFi b/g/n, but the M02M product code is close to the M01M of the original 5-inch Streak.
The new device could well be the “Looking Glass” 7-inch tablet, which Michael Dell whipped out briefly back in September and which was alluded to on case-manufacturer Vaja’s site recently, or it might be the Dell Opus One. That’s been described as the successor – Streak 2, if you prefer – to the original Streak, with a 5-inch higher-resolution panel and a dual-core CPU. [via Pocketnow] )
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| Google TV Update Ready for Release Posted: 22 Dec 2010 03:48 PM PST Google is sending out emails stating that the Google TV update that we heard about last week is ready for release, and with it, many new features will be made available. Some of these features include: Netflix changes, Dual View, a Remote Control App, and Movie Results, these are detailed after the cut.  1. Netflix – A totally revamped UI for Netflix on Google TV makes it easier to browse and watch movies and TV shows in Netflix's streaming catalogue. The Google TV has been the topic of mixed reviews. Many think that it’s just an unneeded device, while others think that it is a welcome addition to the living room. However, both sides of the argument agree that it definitely is optimal yet, and with some improvements it could be a great system. These new features, along with the bug fixes included with the update bring the Google TV system more up to par with what we would expect from a set-top box. Check out a video walkthrough of the new software:
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| AT&T and T-Mobile Direct Carrier Billing Now Available in the Android Market Posted: 22 Dec 2010 03:11 PM PST Bill pay can be a hassle, especially when you’re downloading apps and the charges can get a bit unorganized on your statement. This is now resolved for AT&T customers who now have the option to easily charge their Android Market purchases to their monthly bills with the new AT&T Direct Carrier Billing application for Android.
Google has been hard at work to bring this feature to AT&T and T-Mobile customers and plans on releasing similar applications for other carriers in the near future. This brings users a single and convenient way to purchase Android applications. Google thinks this is a great way to get more sales as the simplicity of a payment to a phone bill beats a single credit card charge for each application.
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| This Android UI Stencil Is Perfect for any Developer Posted: 22 Dec 2010 02:44 PM PST One of the most important features of any app is, of course, its user interface. The user interface is what the end user interacts with instead of dealing with all of the complicated code a developer has put together, so it needs to be optimal. Let’s face it, creating one can be a daunting task. However, this task is made easy by the UI Stencils Android Stencil Kit.  The stainless steel stencil includes all of the basic Android UI elements set to 150% scale. With the stencil kit not only will your original concept drawings look professional, they will give you a better, more refined, idea on how your end product will look. The Android Stencil Kit is available from UI Stencil’s website for $24.95 and includes the stainless steel stencil, a Zebra mechanical pencil, and 2 UI Stencil stickers.         )
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| LG Optimus 2X may be available on T-Mobile as early as March Posted: 22 Dec 2010 01:40 PM PST A single-core processor used to suffice even the heaviest smartphone users. What about incorporating two of them into your device, so when one slacks off, the other has its back? The Optimus 2X, announced today by LG, blusters two processors running simultaneously- the first tech of its kind implemented into a smartphone.
Like the HTC EVO on the Sprint network, this phone has been labeled as the "superphone" and is expected to be on its golden pedestal during CES 2011. From there many of the questions regarding the technical performance of the NVIDIA Tegra 2's will be answered by their mobile business manager Mike Rayfield. It is said we may experience superb battery life from the dual cores; a feature we've all longed for on the Android front. If not seen in North America on T-Mobile's network, as this will primarily launch in Europe, we will most likely see more of NVIDIA's dual core genius paired with LG in a revised American version. [Via RCRWireless] )
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| Nexus S First OTA Update Today! [UPDATE: Maybe Not!] Posted: 22 Dec 2010 01:36 PM PST This is the first over the air update to Nexus S and it’s coming in just SIX DAYS after its initial release. This update brings the system up to version GRH78 and contains several important bug fixes and the latest version of maps. If you’d like to wait for the update like a Patient Patty you can do so, but if you’d like to get the update directly from Google right this moment, follow the instructions below.
Before you start, note that this update has given some people the dreaded “Error Status 7″ error, so watch out for that. If it works for you, or gives this same error, please let us know! 1. Download the file you’ll need directly from Google right here 2. Rename it to update.zip and put it on the root of your internal storage. 3. Shut your phone down and reboot into bootloader by simply holding volume up and powering on. 4. Use your volume buttons to choose “recovery” from the list that’ll pop up and select it using your power button. 5. When the red triangle appears, press volume up and power together one more time and a list of options will show up, allowing you to choose “update.” 6. Head on over to our forums or feel free to comment here once you’ve done all this fun stuff and are finding out what’s up with the new system. Candy? Let us know! Thanks Jake! )
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| Samsung’s SCH-I520 Packs 4G and Front-Facing Camera, heading to Verizon Posted: 22 Dec 2010 01:07 PM PST There sure has been a lot of 4G devices leaked over the past few days as we near CES 2011. The Samsung SCH-I520 will be another 4G offering Verizon has for 2011, this is the first time we have heard of the device and it will be heading to Verizon to utilize their new 4G network.  The device will ship with Android 2.2.1 and, according to reports, will have the TouchWiz interface minus all of the Bing. Another point of interest regarding this device is that it has a front facing camera (a Verizon first). Looks like 4G and Video Calling will be the new must have features of 2011 and Verizon is ready to accommodate. [Via Gizmodo] )
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| MoDaCo Custom ROM for Samsung Nexus S Posted: 22 Dec 2010 12:47 PM PST Remember before we even start talking here that this is a WORK IN PROGRESS and that the whole kitchen should be up shortly, so says the fellow doing all the hard work on this ROM, a guy named Paul. Also right away know that you’ve GOT TO wipe your entire device (ALL of it) before flashing this ROM. Paul notes that this is because of the resigning of key components with the AOSP platform key, for facilitating skinning, customizing, and etcetera. And since we’re just going to end up going to the cut before any of the other details anyway, I must remind you that hacking, although seemingly encouraged by Android and Google, should be done with caution as it could wreck your whole device. Have fun below!
Take a peek at all the lovely features you’ll have when you install this fancy ROM:
To do all this you’ll have to do some downloading. One for the prebake: r1 WIP (default options) – [DOWNLOAD] (ROMraid Load Balancing) – MD5: 2335053de6849b7effb49baf590e41d8. And the other once the kitchen is ready. To get this, you’ll have to head over to MoDaCo to see what’s up. If you’re reading this post in the future and you’ve already got this ROM working, please tell us below how it’s working out, if it’s working, what’s going on, how much it rocks, etc!   [Via MoDaCo] )
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