Well it looks like Android Tablets are just going to keep coming, much like there phone’s. We just got word that well in my opinion”The Sleekest Tablet Yet” will be coming in (June 2010) For now the price is set around $321.00, and looks well worth it. My only hope is this will not just be another over sized MP3 player with Android OS. Only time will tell, but if it holds up to it’s promise I will be getting one.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Notion Ink Coming June
(Some of) My favorite Android OS Apps
A few months back my wife and I headed into our local Verizon store. The plan was to get off of our respective parents plans, and, like real grown-ups, have a cell phone plan of our own (complete with outrageous bill).
Being the tech nerd, or geek if you prefer, I was aware of the release of Droid phones on Verizon…in fact, I had been drooling over them in online blogs, videos, and TV ads for several months leading up to the release. It must have been a mixture of an insane load of Grad School work, coupled with my unhealthy yearning to be at home playing XBox, but I had completely spaced that the day we were going to get new phones was ALSO the release of these phones.
Verizon store was insane, and we immediately realized why. I walked towards the MOTO Droid on display and could hardly control the salivary glands leaking from the sides of my mouth…that thing was awesome…and with a $400 price tag, it better be. We “settled” for the HTC Eris…with its $99 price tag, this phone was well within our budget, and Verizon really made it worth it, giving us free upgrades. So far I love the Eris, and am a completely smitten Droid user.
Okay, enough rambling and backstory, time to talk about the best part of Android…the open source applications
Twitter Users
1. Seesmic (Free)
I gave up on the Twidroid app after less than an hour of having my phone…too simple, and the lack of conversation threading was a HUGE turnoff (not sure if that has since been added). Seesmic has a solid reputation for their desktop Twitter program, and although I use Hootsuite on my Mac, I have been (sort of) patiently waiting for one of the Twitter powerhouses to step into the Android realm. Seesmic’s Droid app offers a solid design, easy to navigate, but with enough features to still thrill me. I love the way it easily handles replies giving me the option to reply to multiple people from one tweet.
If you are a Twitter user looking for some solid features and a fairly in depth approach to its build, then Seesmic comes as my top choice. If you are a bit less Twitter obsessed, then my other choice may be right up your alley.
2. Swift (Free)
Swift was my jumping off point. After ditching Twidroid, Swift was my favorite Twitter app. Good conversation streamlining, VERY simple layout, and easy navigation made this my go to app for a long time, until I switched to Seesmic for the increased features. If you’re new to Twitter, or just don’t need so much depth, Swift is still a great, clutter free alternative.
Honorable Mention: Twitterride
Music Lovers
1. Last.fm App (Free)
This app is actually still fairly glitchy…in any given week you may actually see multiple updates. However, when it works, it’s great. Same idea as Pandora, but keeps WAY better track of your music interests and play counts. If your a music-o-phile like me, Last.fm integration belongs on everything from your computer, to your phone, ipod, and playlists.
2. Shazam (Free)
This is one of those apps that is a life saver for music lovers. It listens to a short clip of a song…on the radio, at a restaurant, or basically anywhere you go and need to know what song is about to get stuck in your head. This is the first song identification application that I have seen ACTUALLY work…and if you know me, you know that it was thoroughly tested. I threw what I consider to be some of the most obscure, un-mainstream music at it, and within ten seconds it had title, artist, album art, and a ton more info…this thing is a blast.
Honorable Mention: Pandora (Free)
Fun Stuff/Miscelaneous
1) GMote (Free/$2.00)
I just got this app and am already obsessed. By downloading this app for your phone and a program for you computer (works with Mac/PC/Linux) you have now made your Android phone into a remote…it syncs files, changes volume, mutes, pauses, skips tracks, etc. And, arguably the best part: this is not limited to music or video files…you can use your phone as a remote for powerpoint presentations! There is so much possibility for use with this that I will most likely spend months playing with it. I am already jazzed to use this next semester in classes.
2. Zombie, RUN! (Free)
This app makes even the most mundane trip to the grocery store a fight for survival. It is fully integrated with Google Maps, and uses the phones strong GPS to follow your location, and add in zombies on the map who are closing in on your location. You have the ability to choose the speed/type of zombie, game-type, and even choose an end destination. The goal is to drive/walk/run/hide your way out of risk of zombie attack. The best way to really explain it is to just have you try this app out…after all, it’s free, and may provide just the training you need for the zombie apocalypse.
This is nowhere near all the cool apps available to explore on Android. I hope you find this list fun and useful, and I hope people use the comment section of this post to share more of the newest/coolest Android apps on the market. Enjoy!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Android 2.0 coming to G1 and MyTouch? WiFi tether hacked on the Droid
Word is out that Android 2.0 or greater is officially coming to the G1 and possibly MyTouch 3G. AndroidSPIN says that they have a “source” that says Android 2.0 and/or 2.0.1 are already on some legacy devices. We are hoping this means both the G1 and MyTouch 3G but we also are hoping it doesn’t end there. No device except for the ‘Nexus One’ have Android 2.1 but hopefully when that becomes available to the public the firmware will also be released on these other devices. Android has come a long way in the jump from 1.6 to 2.0.1 and this update will be a very heart warming addition to the legacy phones that got people excited for Android in the first place. No reason for Google not to support its first comers. This is all still just rumor as far as we are concerned but it is something we expected to happen for a long time now. Now if Google could just give some word so G1 users and MyTouch users can breathe a sigh of relief.
In other news, the good folks over at Droidforums.net have provided Droid users with a list of instructions on how to get WiFi tethering working on the Motorola Droid. If you are already content using the “No hack needed” PDANET that is already available in the Android Market which allows BlueTooth and USB tethering, then this isn’t worth the work. If not then you should definitely head over to the Droidforums and follow the step by step instructions on how to root your Droid and allow WiFi tethering. Build your own Verizon MiFi out of the Motorola Driod! ^^ Of course you run the risk of bricking your phone during the root process, which neither us, nor Droidforums, are responsible for. If you are not familiar or comfortable with rooting your device then you definitely should not give this a try. Hopefully WiFi tethering can become somewhat of a norm sometime in the future.
For instructions on how to root your device and get WiFi tethering working on your Droid go here
[Via AndroidSPIN, Droidforums]
Mobile Tech Minutes: Verizon Droid Eris Video
done
HTC Droid Eris
This movie requires Adobe Flash for playback.
HTC is undoubtedly the king of Android with more handsets than any other OEM. The Verizon Droid Eris is essentially an updated Hero that has been adapated to the Verizon (s vz) network. In this video I give a walk around the phone, showing how small and thin it is, along with a look at the HTC Sense interface for Android.
Specs for the Droid Eris:
Processor Qualcomm® MSM7600™, 528MHz Internal Memory 512MB ROM / 288MB RAM (8 GB Memory card included) Display 3.2-inch 320 x 480 HVGA Resolution Capacitive Touch Screen Technology CDMA: Dual-band 800/1900MHz, CDMA2000 1xRTT/1xEVDO rev. A Email Support for Office Outlook Mobile® and Microsoft Exchange® with Direct Push Dimensions 4.45” (L) x 2.19” (W) x .51” (T) Weight 4.23 ounces Battery 1300 mAh Li-onTalk time: 214 min
Standby: 373 hrs
SugarSync Streams Just Work.
In todays world we all know how vital it is to have enough storage. Ecspcaley on a mobile phone. Tho SD cards are all ways on the rise we all ways find are selfs needing more room. With SugarSync all you need is a strong internet connection with both your computer and your mobile, and you can all most instantly play music from your computer to your Android device.
SugarSync just released version 2.1 for Android, now featuring real-time streaming of music and videos to your Android device from any of your synced computers. Streaming has just become the best way to enjoy your music and videos without hogging up the storage on your phone.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Google's New Phone - "Nexus One"
Click To Enlarge
I’ve been reading more and more about Google’s new phone, supposedly called the “Nexus One.” Google gave a bunch of these new phones to their employees and asked them not to go public with it yet. However, pictures, reviews and even videos of the phone are popping up around the net.
So far the few reviews I’ve seen are all positive and people are explaining the Nexus One as “A sexy beast. Like an iPhone on beautifying steroids.” Rumor is that the Nexus One will hit the market in January and will be available for purchase unlocked or with a T-Mobile plan.
Video:
More pictures:
Click To Enlarge
Click To Enlarge
Sources: Engadget & TechCrunch
Monday, December 21, 2009
2 iPhone App Dev Roles in NYC to 140k - Relo OK
Our New York City client is a full-service agency for the digital age. They are looking for 2 full time, on-site, salaried Senior iPhone App Developers paying to $140,000 + benefits. Relocation assistance provided if required. US Citizens, Green Card holders, EAD or CAN only please.
POSITION #1 – Senior iPhone App Developer, NYC 100-130k
POSITION #2 – Mobile Tech Lead, NYC 120-140k
Skill Requirements:
* Strong C, C++ and Objective C
* XML and SQL
* MVC design pattern
* Xcode
* iPhone SDK
Both roles are VERY hands-on senior, hard core, iPhone App Developer roles where the person/s they hire for each role has been 100% hands-on for years, not necessarily iPhone apps of course, but C, C++, Objective-C and the like for a majority of their career. Current iPhone app dev experience as well.
TO APPLY: The absolute best way to apply for this job would be to not only submit your resume and/or portfolio or samples, but to elaborate on how your experience relates to the job description and submit your salary requirements to beau-AT-open-source-staffing.com – These applications will get noticed first.
Thank you and happy holidays,
Beau J. Gould
Open Source Staffing
www.open-source-staffing.com
beau-AT-open-source-staffing.com
OverDrive Android App Available
From OverDrive…
OverDrive released the beta version of OverDrive Media Console for Android today December 21. The free software for audiobooks can be downloaded to popular phones running the Android operating system, and used to enjoy audiobooks from our ‘Virtual Branch’ website.
Android users can now browse our collection, check out with a library card, and download audiobooks on-the-go. OMC for Android offers popular listening features like resume from furthest played point and custom bookmarking. At this time, OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks are the only digital format available for Android.
While in beta, OMC for Android will be available for download exclusively at the OverDrive Media Console page at overdrive.com. When version 1.0 is released, we will update your Help pages. During this beta period, users will be encouraged to send any support issues and feedback directly to us. If you should receive support questions directly, please do not hesitate to send them along to Jon White so he can forward them to overDrive.
Stay tuned, as we expect to announce more OverDrive Media Console mobile releases in the coming months!
Friday, December 18, 2009
AdMob: Apple Picking Up Steam Overseas
Smartphones accounted for 48 percent of traffic on AdMob’s ad network in November, the mobile ad startup said Friday, up from 30 percent just a year ago. And much of that growth is due to the iPhone’s exploding popularity in foreign markets: Half of the unique ad requests from Apple’s (s aapl) iPhone and iPod touch came from outside the U.S., up from 39 percent in January 2009.
AdMob, which is in the process of being acquired by Google for a hefty $750 million, serves display and text ads on 15,000 mobile web sites and apps. The San Mateo, Calif.-based startup said that while the U.S. remains by far the biggest market for Apple’s mobile gadgets, the company is making substantial headway overseas. Japan, France and Australia were the fastest-growing markets for Apple devices in 2009, according to AdMob’s data, and a total of 23 countries generated ad requests from more than 100,000 unique iPhone and iPod touch users.
Meanwhile, AdMob’s data indicates traffic from Google’s (s goog) Android platform has surged in the U.S. as new devices have come to market. The Droid generated 27 percent of U.S. smartphone requests in November, up from 20 percent in the year-ago period, and 22 percent of Android requests worldwide, despite the fact that the gadget didn’t even come to market until Nov. 5. Apple’s traction should continue to increase as the company gains a foothold in China and other emerging markets, while Android is likely to build on its momentum as new handsets come to market from AT&T (s t) and other carriers around the world.
things are looking up
Creating menus in XML was pretty easy. Now looking for how to use the stock icons – in code you can refer to them as android.R.drawable.ic_menu_* but I’m not sure how to specify this in the XML and docs aren’t being helpful. Trial and error determines that an icon like “@android:drawable/ic_menu_add” will succeed (at least in this case the builder helpfully tells me when I have it wrong). The available icons can be found by having Eclipse autocomplete android.R.drawable.
Actually got WhenDidI app reasonably wired up. Creating a new item on the list works (still need to do this when they press the back button, and store members when activity is paused) and has a working layout. Created a list editor that shows list of lists. Created a row layout for the main screen that is what I want. Menus have icons and send the user to the right place if possible. Feels like I did a lot.
Nexus One Default Wallpapers
Here are the default wallpapers that come on the Nexus One, you can download the ones you like or the whole pack 
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
2010 breakout year for Linux (as in Android)?
I have been thinking for a while now that Android is really the up and coming platform. This article seems to agree but is pretty conservative about it. Things it doesn’t consider is that the Android Market is just one place that apps are released. Apps can be made available other ways, such as a simple download available on the web that you then drop onto your device or accessed directly through specific URL’s.
Also in contrast to native apps there are web apps. Web-apps developed for iPhone’s mobile safari browser also run on other mobile webkit browsers like the one found on Android (and Palm’s WebOS). There is no count on those that I know of, but they are definitely growing in numbers and I suspect their popularity will be increasing dramatically. Less platform lock in is a big draw for developers. Additionally existing tools make developing mobile apps relatively easy. For example Android benefits from already existing tools like JqTouch, xUI, iUI and others
Then there is the fact that Android is starting to show up on things other than phones, like e-readers, tablets, and amazing looking reader-tablet hybrids
With 2010 just around the corner some people are sure to claim (yet again) that this will be the year for Linux to break out, and they might be right as 2010 is really shaping up to be a big year for Android.
From le point.fr / Reuters: Google prend un risque en lançant son propre téléphone mobile
La sortie d’un téléphone mobile sous sa propre marque pourrait mettre en péril la stratégie de Google qui va ainsi concurrencer frontalement les fabricants de combinés utilisant son propre système d’exploitation Android, estiment des analystes.
La semaine dernière, une source proche du dossier a dit à Reuters que le géant de la recherche sur internet lancerait aux Etats-Unis le 5 janvier son propre téléphone mobile en deux versions, dont l’une serait commercialisée par T-Mobile USA et l’autre sans abonnement directement aux consommateurs.
Jusqu’ici le géant américain se contentait de fournir gratuitement à une douzaine de fabricants de téléphones mobiles, tels que Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Sony-Ericsson, LG Electronics et Acer, son système d’exploitation Android et les services associés.
Selon les analystes, il est de l’intérêt de Google qu’un maximum de combinés utilisent son moteur de recherche et ses services, qui représentent l’essentiel de son chiffre d’affaires. Or, en marchant sur les plates-bandes des fabricants de téléphones portables, le groupe pourrait mettre en péril les partenariats patiemment tissés avec eux.
Google va “se mettre lui-même de plus en plus dans une situation difficile en fabriquant effectivement ses téléphones”, déclare Anil Doradla, analyste chez William Blair & Company.
Les analystes restent pour l’instant dubitatifs sur la nouvelle stratégie de Google, faute de détails sur les téléphones prévus. Ils soulignent notamment le manque d’expérience du moteur de recherche dans ce secteur très concurrentiel, animé par Apple et RIM qui proposent à la fois leurs combinés et les systèmes d’exploitation équipant leurs appareils.
RISQUE DE PLUSIEURS MILLIARDS DE DOLLARS
Certains estiment que Google tente d’écorner la domination d’Apple sur le segment des smartphones (combinés multimedia) en renforcent la visibilité d’Android.
En termes de ventes et de popularité, l’iPhone d’Apple dépasse de loin les téléphones fonctionnant sous Android sortis cette année. La décision de Google de fabriquer son propre combiné pourrait donc résoudre ce problème, estiment les analystes.
“Si l’élément essentiel de votre téléphone vient d’un concurrent, cela n’est pas bon. Dans aucun secteur”, souligne Anil Doradla.
Mais selon Todd Greenwald, analyste chez Signal Hill Group, avec une capitalisation boursière de 189 milliards de dollars et quelque 22 milliards de dollars de trésorerie, Google s’estime peut-être suffisamment gros pour prendre le risque de froisser certains de ses partenaires.
D’après les analystes, Motorola, qui vient de présenter une nouvelle gamme de téléphones mobiles sous Android, dont le Droid, est confronté à de telles difficultés qu’il n’a pas beaucoup de choix. Aucun responsable du fabricant américain n’était immédiatement joignable pour commenter l’information.
Les analyses s’interrogent également sur les chances de succès dans le marché du mobile d’un groupe qui a bâti sa fortune en dégageant des marges élevées dans la publicité associée aux requêtes effectuées sur son moteur de recherche.
Traditionnellement, les fabricants de téléphones mobiles font face à des marges réduites et à des risques de surproduction ou de pénurie de composants.
“Le risque pour Google se chiffre à plusieurs milliards en prenant pied dans la fabrication de matériel aux marges habituellement faibles”, prévient John Jackson, analyste chez CCS Insight.
MONTRER LA VOIE AUX FABRICANTS
Rien qu’en termes de design, l’inexpérience de Google dans la fabrication de matériel pourrait être un obstacle pour prendre de l’avance sur ses concurrents, explique John Jackson.
Selon lui, pour gagner des parts de marché, Google devra trouver d’autres voies pour innover, en offrant éventuellement certains appareils ou services gratuitement, ou encore en subventionnant la connexion sans fil des utilisateurs.
James Mitchell, analyste chez Goldman Sachs, a écrit dans une note destinée aux investisseurs publiée mardi, que le chiffre d’affaires publicitaire potentiel issu des smartphones pourrait permettre à Google de subventionner de 50 à 100 dollars chaque téléphone vendu directement au grand public.
Mais même avec cette subvention et en admettant que le groupe accepte de rogner sur sa marge pour faire baisser le prix de ses combinés, selon les calculs de James Mitchell, les appareils de marque Google seront toujours plus chers que les modèles avec abonnement proposés par les opérateurs télécoms aux Etats-Unis.
En raison des nombreux défis rencontrés sur le marché de la fabrication de combinés, Todd Greenwald du cabinet Signal Hill, suggère que l’objectif premier de Google, en se lançant sur ce secteur, est sans doute de montrer la voie aux autres fabricants de téléphones portables, plutôt que de les concurrencer.
“Je pense surtout qu’ils essaient avant tout de stimuler le processus, de présenter quelque chose disposant de toutes les fonctions qu’ils estiment que les consommateurs veulent, juge Todd Greenwald.
Avec Nicola Leske à Francfort, version française Claude Chendjou
Nu.nl : more pageviews for App than for Web
Dutch news site Nu.nl reports a shift of web traffic from their mobile website to their mobile apps for iPhone and Android.
In November, the traffic on the Nu.nl mobile site saw a 20% decrease to 20 million pageviews. However, traffic on their mobile applications saw a rise. The iPhone app is by far the most popular; numbers for Android are still rather insignificant.
In the Netherlands, about 2,5 million people log onto the Internet via their mobile phone every month. About half of all mobile phones sold with a subscription is a smartphone.
More info here
Monday, December 14, 2009
Google Nexus Coming To T-Mobile January 5th?
So as the weekend totally blew up with news and tweets about the new Google phone known as Nexus, now the mainstream press has started to report about the phone as well.
ABC News is reporting that “Google Inc will sell a version of its own-branded cellphone for a reduced price to U.S. consumers who agree to a service contract from Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile USA, a source familiar with the matter said.”
Phandroid reports that a source from AndroidAndMe states the following:
1.) It’s going to be $199, subsidized by Google. That is pretty game changing from a cell phone sales perspective. Sounds like Google is going to make a big push to get a good Android handset into as many people’s hands as possible.
2.) They are apparently working on some new 3D UI elements for Android.
3.) GSM at first, CDMA version will follow.
Now Business News analyst Ramon Llamas, senior research anaylst from IDC in Boston says that the Nexus One: “It’s going to be a winner”
Google's Nexus One Proves Arrington Was Right
Well golly, it looks like Michael Arrington’s source was right — Google has created its own phone, sort of. Last month, Arrington wrote of a new Google-branded Android handset. Many journalists, myself included, were skeptical. After all, Google executives repeatedly denied the rumors. There were many good reasons for Google not to get into the handset game. For one thing, producing hardware is an entirely difference process than creating Web services. You have to worry about things like supply chains and material costs. Just ask Apple about that.
Another good reason is that Google would go into competition against its own customers. Currently, all Android devices on the market are co-branded with handset and cell phone carrier companies. A Google phone — particularly one that isn’t tied down to a specific carrier — would go into competition with these other devices. We usually refer to this practice as “biting the hand that feeds you.” These companies have helped Android become a viable smart phone platform. It would seem strange for Google to strain those relationships by marketing its own phone.
We don’t know for sure if that’s what Google is going to do yet. An official Google blog post admits (in a roundabout way) that the company created and distributed handsets to company employees. The blog post states that the new hardware will help Google employees create and test innovative mobile device applications. In other words, the hardware is a sandbox tool. Such a device may never go to the consumer market (though I bet you’ll find a few on sale on eBay or Craigslist before too long). According to this report from Reuters, the device is codenamed Nexus One and was made by HTC.
But there are some good reasons why Google might launch this phone as a consumer product. Because Google decided to take a more open approach to the Android platform, the company faces some challenges when developing new features. It’s possible that not every device on the market running Android will be able to run the same set of features smoothly. If Google took more control over the design process and established an “official” Android phone, the company could create features that are guaranteed to work on that phone. This is the approach Apple took — Apple controls every aspect of the iPhone’s production either directly or indirectly. The resulting hardware is less open but it also works (more or less) the way Apple intended.
If you’d like to see some images of the device, Engadget has a post with several photos. Engadget also has a few more details of the phone and its native applications.
Obviously, rumors will continue to circulate over whether Google will release this device to the public in the future. I’m sure we’ll hear more from Google in the near future.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Acer Liquid Android Handset Coming to AT&T?
While the Acer Liquid handset is already available in Europe, the U.S. is anxiously waiting to see if the Android (s goog) device will arrive here. If our friendly FCC is to be believed, odds are pretty good, says Unwired View. The Qualcomm (s qcom) Snapdragon powered handset underwent the standard testing for any wireless device to be sold here. Although there’s no guarantee of sales, devices can’t even be offered without passing the test, so at least one major hurdle is down.
Of course, the more interesting bits are in the frequencies that were tested, since these generally tip off which carrier could support such a phone. In this case, it’s AT&T (s t) thanks to the 850 MHz and 1900 MHz tests for 3G connectivity. Theoretically, you could use an Acer Liquid on T-Mobile’s U.S. network for voice, but you’d only see dismal EDGE speeds for data. And with a 21 Mbps mobile broadband network coming from T-Mo, you wouldn’t want a “slow” phone, now would you?
Early looks at the Liquid show the 1 GHz processor under-clocked to 768 MHz and minimal additions to the stock Android 1.6 experience. Arne Hess offers an excellent overview of the Liquid and its included software, so if you’re on AT&T, you might want to do some early research now.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Time: Motorola Droid Top Gadget of Year
Google (s goog), Motorola (s mot) and Verizon (s vz) are all feeling pretty good about the Droid today. Time has rated the Droid as the top gadget of the year, The editors of Time gave big props to the Droid’s physical (although not great) keyboard, and loved the nice display on the phone.
I’m not sure I agree with them that the Droid is the top gadget of the year, even though I like the phone. My vote for top gizmo goes far and away to the Novatel MiFi (s nvtl).
10 Web Trends for 2010
I just read an article on CCN’s Technology site that talks about which web trends are likely to be hot for 2010. I read the list and I agree with many of the picks that Peter Cashmore made. As you can see from the list below there are three things that will enable these changes:
- Better Smart Phones like the iPhone and Google Android Phones.
- Better Web Browsers like Firefox and Chrome.
- Better Social Networks.
The list is as follows:
- Real Time Web-apps will ramp up.
- Location based Web-apps will ramp up thanks to smart phones equipped with GPS and compass.
- Augmented Reality will find a home on smart phones.
- Curated Content will be needed to deliver essential information and undo some of the “information overload” of today.
- Cloud computing will become more mainstream.
- Internet television and movies will move into many living rooms thanks to Hulu and Netflix.
- Convergence will occur among portable devices thanks to smart phones.
- Social gaming will be the new frontier for video gaming interactions.
- Mobile payments will become more abundant thanks to Smart Phones.
- Fame abundance and privacy scarcity thanks to Social Media and Networks.
Source Article from CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/12/03/cashmore.web.trends.2010/index.html
Monday, December 7, 2009
HTC Espresso Just May be HTC's Android Driven HD2
Ever since the WinMo-powered HTC HD2 started to drip, drip onto our pages in the form of leaked images and details, we’ve been asking ourselves one question: where’s the Android version? And while we’ve heard whispers of a supposed Snapdragon-based Dragon device running Android ever since early October, we’re left to rely on Motorola’s Droid / Milestone to fulfill our Android 2.0 dreams this holiday season. And if DigiTimes is correct, that picture likely won’t change until early 2010. Taiwanese DigiTimes‘ sources have its Taiwan-based neighbor launching its Passion handset running Android 2.0 (or even 2.1 by then) on a 1GHz Snapdragon chipset with 3.5-inch multitouch OLED display sometime in early 2010 (not 2009 as previously tipped) as HTC continues to tweak the device’s software. And if previous rumors are true then this CDMA variant of Dragon will be making its debut on Verizon at that time. DigiTimes‘ sources also claim that HTC will announce a QWERTY-toting Android device, possibly named Espresso, at the huge Mobile World Congress event in February. Of course, all this is rumor for now so hold tight as HTC’s roadmap unfold
Porn App Store launched for Android phones
Where there is no app for that on the iPhone, there now is for porn on the competing Android mobile operating system. A Seattle-based company named MiKandi (pronounced “my candy”) has released an app store specifically geared towards porn. The application attempts to create a red light district for adult Android apps allowing adult content providers to set up shop within a MiKandi app.
Read more
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Android
I’ve got myself the HTC Magic mobile device, since I’m working on some interesting android app. Really excited about it I hope that the app will be worth the investments, because, I’m not into shopping and gadgets stuff. Also got a 512mib of RAM for my laptop. The android emulator is very resource intensive. See you soon with the app, until then, checkout the web and PC version of Wowd at http://www.wowd.com
Acer Plans Chrome OS Netbook But I Hope They Mean Smartbook
When Google (s goog) recently shared its progress and plans for the Chrome OS, one tidbit left out was the names of hardware partners. We now know one of them and it’s no surprise to me that Acer has stepped forward. The company told DigiTimes that it plans to offer the first Chrome OS netbook in the second half of 2010. Why isn’t this shocking? Early this year, Acer was the first top tier hardware company to adopt an Android strategy with netbooks. That effort was an on-again, off-again affair, but in the end, Acer did bring a product to the table. The netbook changed from an Android only device into a basic XP netbook that first boots into Android, but the objective was met. I didn’t see much merit in it at the time and I’m not hearing about any sales records for the device either. But now I’m at a crossroads for where Google fits in the netbook space, even if Acer isn’t.
Chrome OS is a browser for web apps. There won’t be any application installs within the operating system. Android on the other hand offers apps and the web. It’s geared for a smaller screen with touch. While Chrome OS will run on x86 devices, it will also support ARM-powered units as well. Now Acer hasn’t announced what hardware platform that their Chrome OS netbook will run on, but when they say “netbook,” I immediately think of x86, which might be overkill for nothing but a browser. My hope is that by “netbook,” Acer means an ARM-powered smartbook in a clamshell form-factor with a touch-type keyboard. If instead, they mean a traditional x86 netbook costing around $300, it’s going to be a tough sell when the same money buys you both a browser and application experience, no?
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