Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Android Community

Android Community

Android Community


Another Pirate in the Android Market: jasminstory

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 11:05 AM PST

We’ve just received word that there’s another pirate of games out there, and their name is jasminstory. The crime? Ripping applications off the internet and selling them as their own. The punishment? The Android Community crushing the account of the defendant. The wrongdoing is instantly apparent when you take a peek at the list of games this “developer” has available, several of them created by completely different designers in their true form.

What can you do to crack down on villains such as this? Report them straight to Google. Flag their games, don’t BUY their games of course, and notify the rest of the Android people you know to beware. Also of course do not do these things to someone you’re suspicious of without properly vetting them, and if you feel like you’ve found an evil pirate, let us know too! – thanks Nick!

snap20110118_124809 snap20110118_125201 snap20110118_124804 )


Motorola Droid Bionic 4G gets Hands-On Treatment

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 10:48 AM PST

Take a peek at what Pocket Lint’s got – a hands-on with the Motorola Droid Bionic, a 4G capable phone that’s only being released in the USA, being pushed by Motorola as “The World’s Most Powerful Smartphone,” and that it represents “the end of waiting.” So what’s inside to back such a claim up? A dual-core processor (two 1GHz cores to be exact,) 512MB of DDR2 RAM (around half that of its bal the Atrix,) a 4.3-inch qHD 960 x 540 pixel touchscreen display, rear mounted 8 megapixel camera and front mounted webcam. Is that enough for you? Oh you want a slightly closer look?

Inside you’ll also find Android 2.2, though speculation suggests it’ll be running Android 2.3 Gingerbread by the time it’s released, 720p video recording, onboard storage of 16GB, microSD slot able to carry a 32GB card, and a sassy simple body. Take a peek at a couple close-ups courtesy of Pocket Lint.

motorola-droid-bionic-hands-on-3 motorola-droid-bionic-hands-on-1 motorola-droid-bionic-hands-on-4

[Via Pocket Lint]

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LG Pecan to be NFC Phone Launched at Mobile World Congress 2011

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 10:44 AM PST

Two Korean publications, PlusNews and Etnews are suggesting that LG is planning to release a $200 (USD) mass market phone that’s got built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities and goes by the name of LG Pecan. Cute! A strange turn in both stories is that this phone will be running Android 2.2, which, as you know, does not include native support for NFC. On the other hand, both publications say they do have a direct line to LG – which I don’t think is too far out of reality to be true, so let’s listen in!

The following quote comes from Etnews:

LG’s Pecan, another prospective ten-million seller, is unveiled at MWC 2011, too. The manufacturer is planning to set its price lower than that of the Optimus One. “Though the Pecan has a somewhat downgraded display panel and processor, it will be a decent smart phone nonetheless, employing the Android 2.2 and NFC and enabling its users to browse the web fast enough and enjoy social networking services to the full,” said the electronics giant. It continued, “It will beef up our presence in the popular market and help us win over high-end customers in the long term.”

This would make this phone one of the first to have full support for NFC, the market for which is just opening up as we type. Take a peek back at the following posts for more NFC news!
Android NFC apps appear
Samsung Galaxy S2 to have 4.3″ Super AMOLED Plus & NFC tips report
Google Looking to Hire a Tech Account Manager with NFC experience

[Via Near Field Communications World]

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The Angry Birds Team in Lego Form

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 10:38 AM PST

Oh Angry Birds, how popular you really are. It seems the Angry Birds obsession is growing, and growing fast. We've seen the notorious characters on the Christmas tree, cakes, desserts, and now we get to see them in lego form.

Lego-enthusiast, Tsang Yiu Keung, has gone ahead and made a full collection of the notable birds along with the famous slingshot. These all look noticeably professional and are definitely worth of the Angry Birds Hall of Fame.

Angry Birds sure has a following, and a much deserved one at that. It's by far one of the most popular Android games of all time.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

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Giorgio Armani Samsung Galaxy S gets the Hands-On Treatment

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 09:49 AM PST

We have heard a bit about the exclusive Samsung Giorgio Armani Galaxy S device, and now we're being treated to a hands-on courtesy of pocket-lint. Only 800 of the Armani-branded devices will ship, making this a very exclusive device.

In fact, if you're interested in picking up this device, you will have to go to one of only 100 stores in the UK that are actually stocking the device – so you might want to hurry before they are sold out.

The device itself is the Galaxy S i9010 and has a few cosmetic changes. Among them is the obvious Giorgio Armani branding above the screen, spruced up waffle-like design on the back plate, and is done in metal as opposed to plastic like the original device.

The device's design is near identical to the Samsung Captivate, which may be commonplace in the US, but in the UK it's an entirely new design. Shipping for just under £50 as long as you sign up for a contract, the Samsung Armani Galaxy S is truly an impressive device and worth considering.

[Via Pocket-Lint]

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Notion Ink Adam Begins Shipment Tomorrow, Pre-Pones February Shipments to January

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 08:43 AM PST

Take a peek at this! To counter-act all the “Notion Ink Delayed again” headlines that’ve been going around the past week or so, the folks at Notion Ink have found a way to pre-pone (instead of postpone) their February shipments to the last week of January. That seems kinda neato. That in addition to the photos below and the news that the FCC and CE delayed batches will be going out tomorrow – all in all it’s just totally a happy day over at Notion Ink in the factory and on the shipping floor!

Are you pumped up to receive your brand new Adam tablet? What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get it in the mail and turn it on?

On that note, who wants to bet on if the units will be powered when you take them out of the box or if they’ll have to be charged?

Also, does anyone still want to bet on if the screen will be glossy or matte?

Take a peek at these pics straight from the factory, courtesy of Rohan:

img00107-20110118-1829 img00113-20110118-1905 img00104-20110118-1825 img00104-20110118-1825_1 333

[Via Notion Ink]

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Sony Ericsson demo XPERIA Arc Exmor R photography prowess [Video]

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 08:33 AM PST

Sony Ericsson has been talking more about the camera tech in the new XPERIA Arc, its 8.1-megapixel shooter capable of HD video recording. What makes the Arc special isn’t the number of megapixels, though, but the back-illuminated sensor, using Sony’s Exmor R tech, and its f/2.4 aperture value, which add up to improved low-light performance.

We’ll have to wait and see how exactly the XPERIA Arc performs in the real-world to know for sure, but the smartphone could well end up one of the best Android devices for photography. Incidentally, the HD video of the Arc below was actually shot by another Arc, so it’s a useful way to see the video quality as well.

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G-Slate may hit Europe in a model lacking 4G

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 06:12 AM PST

We have seen and heard just about all of the details of the T-Mobile G-Slate tablet that is set to hit T-Mo in Europe and the US. We know that the thing is seeking its FCC approvals for the US already and will support 4G networks. Considering that most of us in the US and UK live in non-4G areas that capability might night be appealing to some that are interested in the tablet.

Reports are surfacing now that LG might be looking to offer a version of the G-Slate in the UK that lacks 4G capability. Losing the 4G modem inside and going strictly 3G would presumably mean the 3G version of the tablet would cost less as well.

Why the non-4G version might not be offered in the US as well is a mystery. The revelation came by way of LG’s James Choi in talks with Pocket-lint where he hinted that the non 4-G version might head to the UK.

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Acer set to bring Sandy Bridge tablets to market and phase out netbooks

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 06:02 AM PST

Acer was one of the more popular names in the netbook market for a long time with its Aspire One machines that sold well. When one of the more popular names in the netbook market starts talking about phasing out netbooks the nails are being hammered into coffins.

Acer is reportedly readying some cool tablets running Sandy Bridge processors for the market and according to TechRadar; the phase out of netbooks is underway at Acer. The tablets will runs Android 3.0 most likely and have screens in the 7-inch and 10-inch range.

Acer’s Lu Bing-hsian has stated that he tablets will be faster than laptops with windows onboard and will run quad-core processors. At this point, there is no official time frame for the tablets to land.

Via SlashGear

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Sprint $10 Premium Data smartphone fee coming Jan 30 2011

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 05:49 AM PST

Bad news if you were considering grabbing a Sprint smartphone from February onwards; the carrier has decided that, since smartphone users are responsible for 10x the data gobbling compared to featurephone users, they should pay more too. As of January 30 2011 new subscribers buying smartphones will have to pay a $10 Premium Data surcharge every month.

The extra fee won’t get you any more functionality or features, it just makes your bill $240 more over the course of an average agreement, and gives Sprint some extra cash to develop its network.

[via SlashGear]

Press Release:

Smartphones Drive Wireless Data Explosion

Sprint takes step to ensure customers continue to enjoy unlimited data while on the Sprint Network, without overages

Smartphone penetration is expected to double during the next four years.1
Market share for Google's Android operating system grew by 23 percent last year alone.2
Mobile data traffic is forecast to double worldwide each year through 2014.3

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), January 18, 2011 – Today's ability to do more things on the go – such as watching videos, sharing pictures or checking directions – is not only changing the way we live; it is driving exponential growth of mobile data traffic.

Sprint (NYSE: S) is committed to providing its customers a great wireless experience now and in the future. From its packed portfolio of innovative phones and devices to its leadership in introducing 4G services, to its consumer-friendly Everything Data plans, featuring unlimited text, Web and calling to any mobile phone, Sprint offers the best value in wireless.

Sprint will increase its postpaid rates by applying a $10 per month Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones beginning Jan. 30. The charge will assist Sprint in offering simple and affordable unlimited plans for its customers while maintaining a wireless network able to meet the growing appetite for a richer mobile experience. Subscribers with smartphones will still receive the best value in wireless, including the Any Mobile, Anytime feature offered nationwide only by Sprint.

Sprint also offers a full range of traditional feature phones, including popular eco-friendly or touch-screen handsets that do not require the Premium Data add-on charge but still have a great range of capabilities with voice, text and data access. Existing Sprint smartphone customers are not affected unless they upgrade to or activate another smartphone.

"Sprint wants its customers to experience the range of entertainment and productivity possibilities available with today's wireless technology," said Bob H. Johnson, president of Sprint's consumer business. "While some of our competitors impose overage charges and complex plans, Sprint continues to provide a worry-free, unlimited data experience while on the Sprint network. This is responsible, sustainable and reflects our commitment to simplicity and value."

"Sprint's decision to apply the Premium Data add-on charge to activations of smartphones going forward recognizes the enhanced user experience that today's smartphones deliver, which, in turn, drives substantially higher data usage and cost," said Roger Entner, analyst and founder of Recon Analytics.

"Building, maintaining and expanding wireless data networks isn't free – there are real costs involved. In effect, Sprint has chosen to increase the price of its unlimited Everything Data plans, which is still below that of its major competitors, for the segment of customers – smartphone users – who are using wireless data the most and are driving up costs. Consumers have many choices. They can choose unlimited, worry-free data plans on the Sprint network or they can have tiered, metered plans and overage charges with other wireless carriers."

Smartphone customers use, on average, 10 times more data than users of traditional feature phones. Smartphone users have access to more data capabilities, applications and other functionality than traditional feature phones. Examples include access to thousands of applications and games through online marketplaces and full HTML Web browsing with Adobe Flash technology that allows users to browse the Internet on their devices just like they can at home or in the office.

Sprint defines smartphones as devices with robust operating systems that deliver a rich wireless experience by bringing the full function of mobile applications and programs to life, including Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Palm, and the Instinct family of devices. The Premium Data add-on charge previously applied to HTC EVO 4G, HTC EVO Shift 4G and Samsung Epic 4G devices.

"Sprint continues to be the carrier for people who want to do more than just talk with their wireless devices," said Johnson. "Customer growth on our 3G and 4G networks, exponential increases in the use of mobile data applications, and the growing use of smartphones is proof that consumers are getting the message.

"Sprint's unlimited data plans, with or without the $10 charge, continue to beat the offerings of our top national competitors, who cap users' data, charge data overages, and do not offer the unique functionality of Any Mobile, Anytime, which gives subscribers on the Sprint network unlimited calling to any other wireless user in America regardless of carrier."

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.8 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. Newsweek ranked Sprint No. 6 in its 2010 Green Rankings, listing it as one of the nation's greenest companies, the highest of any telecommunications company. You can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.

1 Heavy Reading, Assessment of Sprint's Network Vision Initiative, by Berge Ayvazian, Dec. 10, 2010.

2 Ibid.

3 Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2009-2014.

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Epilepsy.com offers new Android app for people to track condition

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 04:14 AM PST

I have seen people have seizures before and it’s a very scary thing to watch. I can only imagine how hard it must be to have a loved one that suffers from epilepsy and has seizures frequently. Epilepsy.com has announced that it now has a new app for Android users that people with the condition can use to track their seizures, log medications and more.

The new app is called My Epilepsy Diary and it was previously offered only on the iPhone. The app is described as a comprehensive recording tool that can be used to record and share information and details on the patients condition with a doctor. The app is offered free on the Android market right now.

The app can act as a medication diary as well for recoding side effects and more. Side effects can also be emailed to the users doctor from within the app and seizure diaries can be emailed as well.

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Samsung Vibrant 4G for T-Mobile Poses for Photo, Shows Off Android 2.3 [Update]

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 09:03 PM PST

The Samsung Vibrant 4G has been getting a lot of press lately, but not for the right reasons. The device’s feature set should be the focus for potential customers. Instead, suggestive politics and rumors foreshadow this still unannounced device’s upcoming availability. For one unnamed tipster, who managed to get some hands-on time with the device, the next generation Vibrant handset from Samsung is all set to bring T-Mobile’s 4G network to the handset. That, and an unexpected update to the mobile Operating System.

Previous rumors about the Samsung Vibrant 4G pegged the device launching with Android 2.2, or Froyo. However, the tipster who managed to take the picture of the device in their time with it, says that the handset is indeed running Android 2.3, or Gingerbread. The picture clearly shows the familiar tell-tale signs of Gingerbread, with the green-fused indicators within the notification bar.

Of course, the device could be running a ROM, or Samsung may just be changing things up in this early build of the handset. We know it’s an early build, because the tipster says that Samsung is working on adding their proprietary TouchWiz (3.0?) interface to the handset. In the picture though, we see “vanilla” Android 2.3. Further points of interest in the baked ROM department: the inclusion of the PM in the time slot. That doesn’t show up in an actual, standard 2.3-based device, and is usually added in ROMs. Can anyone else point out the differences between stock 2.3 and the version above?

As for the device’s feature set, the Vibrant 4G will take advantage of T-Mobile’s self-titled 4G network with the 21Mbps HSPA+ radio on board. It will have a 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display. Further details about the Vibrant 4G haven’t been confirmed, but there’s suggestions that the 1GHz Hummingbird processor will once again make its presence known under the hood. There’s a front-facing camera for video chats.

[Update] All right, looks like we can probably call this image a fake. As BriefMobile has pointed out, there’s plenty of “what ifs” in here that just can’t be ignored. They also pointed out that the PM was included in the time, as we did above, but they also point out that the device has WiFi turned on, meaning a 4G indicator wouldn’t have to be preset. Furthermore, this device is using an old Android 2.2-based icon for successful download of an application, instead of a 2.3 icon.

Like we said above, this could just be the transition for Samsung as they add their TouchWiz User Interface (UI) to the device, but we doubt it. This looks like an original Vibrant device with a front-facing camera mod. So, the rumors about the handset launching with Android 2.2 under the hood are still on track, it seems.

[via BGR]

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T-Mobile G2 Now Free Online with 2 Year Contract

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 07:06 PM PST

So you’re hangin out on the internet, looking for a radical new phone to click around on, and what do you find? An ever-so-slightly old review of the T-Mobile G2 by that fellow by the name of Chris Burns over on Android Community. You think huh, CB seems to really like this phone it seems, and it gets 4G speeds, it’s got Android 2.2 Froyo, and one heck of a nice camera on the back. Let’s just check how much it costs… FREE?!

Right this very moment if you purchase a T-Mobile G2 on the internet directly from T-Mobile, you can get the phone for free. You’ve got to sign up for a 2-year contract, of course, but you were going to do that anyway, right? Take a peek at the review of the phone courtesy of yours truly right over [here] the take advantage of the sale by heading directly to T-Mobile.

[Via T-Mobile]

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ATT Sends Out 4G Email Featuring Motorola Atrix 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, and Samsung Infuse 4G

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 03:17 PM PST

This email speaks all about AT&T’s “nation’s fastest” mobile broadband network coming to “several areas around the country.” They’re saying the speeds you’ll get are “up to 4x faster” (than 3G, I suppose,) and that with their HSPA+ now and LTE “on the way” they’ll have the only network with two layers of network technology that deliver 4G speeds. Perhaps the most exciting piece of information on the landing page this email shows is the official announcement of the HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola ATRIX 4G, Samsung Infuse 4G, and some lovely USBConnect Shockwave 4G capable USB modems.

The USBConnect Shockwave will run you… free? That is, if you work with their No-Commitment Pricing which means you purchase this item new and without a contract, this deal available only to customers who are not on a prepaid or GoPhone plan. Of course you’ll be paying more per month then, righty?

Each of the phones have their own landing page and are not yet priced – except the Infuse, which just points toward a “coming soon” bubble. Take a peek at each of these in the gallery below. Each of these items can be found on the landing page here: http://www.att.com/network/

Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.14.06 PM Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.13.55 PM 4gemail Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.10.40 PM Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.09.17 PM Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.09.03 PM Screen shot 2011-01-17 at 5.16.53 PM )


Consumer Reports Cautious on Verizon iPhone 4 – Good News for Android?

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 02:08 PM PST

There’s a Consumer Reports article out today that suggests all would-be Verizon iPhone 4 customers should hold off on purchasing one – unless of course they want a “short-lived” device, that is. Consumer Reports goes on to note that iPhone 4 is beginning to “show its age” and will be replaced by mid-2011 by a newer model. What’s this mean for Android? We can’t be sure, especially since this same magazine warned consumers not to buy the original ATT iPhone 4 because of it’s infamous antenna issue.

Although the bad-mouthing (with good reason?) of one camp doesn’t always mean loyalty to another, we’ve decided that any bad news for the iPhone is inevitably good news for Android, especially when it’s bad news about such a bigtime product as Verizon’s iPhone 4.

Where will consumers go if they’re “waiting” for the new version of iPhone?

Will they hang out on their current iPhone?

What if they get sick of having such an old, crusted over device?

Wouldn’t they rather have a brand-spanking-new Nexus S?

Perhaps if they were informed of the modding they could do, the modding they’ve never before experienced?

If you’ve got an opinion on the matter, feel free to discuss below or [in the forums], as we’ve got over 100,000 wily wacky Android loyalists there to either back you up or tear you to shreds. Believe it!

[Via SlashGear]

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Google Looking to Hire a Tech Account Manager with NFC experience

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 01:17 PM PST

One of the major features of Google's Android Gingerbread was its inclusion of NFC technology. Google fully expects NFC to be the new way to make purchases and are quickly moving resources into the technology. This time they are looking to hire a Technical Account Manager who is familiar with Near Field Communication.

The listing asks for the applicant to have:

“At least 5 years of hands-on experience in Internet products and technologies, and knowledge of one or more of the following: NFC/RFID technologies, different chipset ISO specifications, integration with POS readers & systems and payment processing, technical implementation of merchant loyalty, coupon or incentive programs.”

Also worth mention, the first NFC apps are already appearing in the Android Market. One of them is Japanese, which is not surprising considering how fond Japan is to the technology. Others include Taglet, and Enable Table which are contact sharing and restaurant bill pay NFC apps respectively.

We can fully expect the see a lot of NFC as Google has even been in talks with PayPal which would be huge for both company's to offer NFC solutions. 


[Via PhoneArena]

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LG Optimus 2X 1080P Video Surfaces

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 12:45 PM PST

One of the biggest features of the LG Optimus 2X is its ability to record 1080p video. Lucky for us, we get to see exactly what this looks like (well, uploaded to YouTube) and you can see the video after the break.

We are graced with a shaky camera panning across a calm fishing dock. The video is pretty impressive, however, it's not the optimal action shot that we would have hoped for. Check it out:

Note: Be sure to watch full screen as well as select “1080p.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

We're quite impressed with the device, and we can't wait until the device gets launched to the general public. If you would like more information on the device, including a hands-on video, be sure to check out our Hands-On with the LG Optimus 2X.

[Via Engadget]

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Giant Android Falls off Truck on the Interstate

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 12:43 PM PST

MAN it is a weird day for news. We’ve just received a tip to take a peek over at a news site in Cincinnati – WLWT where Cricket Wireless say they’ve lost a life-size Android costume off the back of a truck on the interstate. Seems suspicious, as furthermore the costume has been valued at $4,500 while they’re offering a $1,000 reward for it’s safe return.

This costume is said to have been lost somewhere between Florence Ky., and Mason Ohio back on January 7th. Why they just now decided to release a news tip about this incident, we also do not know. Anyone who’s seen the costume (like if you’ve got it on your couch or something, more than likely,) is supposed to call LaToya Robinson at 513-546-2269. – Thanks SingerG!

[Via WLWT]

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Sprint Event Hinting at 3D Android Phone?

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 12:26 PM PST

Just a few days ago (January 12th to be exact,) we received an invite to a Sprint event to be taking place on February 7, 2011 that promised no less that an “industry first” in wireless, this event to be joined by illusionist David Blaine. Now we may have (MAYBE) put the puzzle pieces together in an older post (old as in November 2010) which pointed toward an HTC phone with 3D capabilities.

Back in late November there was a post here on Android Community by the name of HTC Considering E Ink and 3D Displays/Imaging for Future Devices, and now we’re suspicious. This post came with a note on a job advert that was calling for no less than a Baseband Design Engineer who would be doing work in “new display and camera technologies for next-generation mobile devices.” Has it been long enough between then and now for them to have created some sort of miraculous phone for release with Sprint on February 7th?

This listing also noted that Sprint would prefer that the engineer candidate for the job would also have an aptitudes in both E Ink and “3D display and imaging technologies.” Do the symbols align in the sky? Could David Blaine be bringing us floating images hovering just inches above our Android phones on Sprint?!

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Yamaha R15 Motorcycle Gets Android’d

Posted: 17 Jan 2011 11:55 AM PST

So you’re a lover of Android, yes? You love it so much you’re willing to plaster your vehicle with it? We were glancing around Tumblr today and happened upon a lovely machine which can be tracked back to BikePics, a site that hosts… well.. pictures of bikes. Motorcycles most of the time, I’d say. This one’s a Yamaha R15 sharp as a tack 2009 model in black, and the owner (whom we assume is either sitting there on that Ratnagiri India beach or is behind the lens of the camera taking the photo.

Would you do this to your bike? It looks pretty neat from here, but is it high quality when you step up close? Make sure of that when you’re making your own. Customization of your vehicle, especially when you plan on making it an Android machine, needs to be top notch. Next step- customizing the insides with an actual Android OS computer. Doable?

Would you do this to your own machine?

[Via BikePics]

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