Motorola Inc.'s much-awaited unveiling of the Cliq, no one talked about making a call.
Instead, Thursday's presentation by co-Chief Executive Sanjay Jha touted the device's ability to keep hyper-connected consumers tethered to their social networks while they're on the go.
The introduction of the Cliq as "the first phone with social skills" underscores the mobile phone industry's rapid evolutionary path. What started out as a way to make phone calls from anywhere has turned into a mobile computer, designed to manage reams of real-time information at consumers' fingertips.
Jha cited research from Gartner Inc. projecting that mobile social networking users worldwide will number 800 million by 2012, compared with 180 million in 2008.
"As consumers, our lives are spread across the Internet on different platforms, services and formats," Jha said at an industry event in San Francisco. "We use various ways to communicate with various audiences that we need to stay connected with."
The Cliq is the company's first phone in a lineup of devices powered by Google Inc.'s Android software. The gadget is important both for Motorola, which needs to regain its footing in the mobile-phone industry, and Google, whose Android platform is just getting off the ground.
Jha has been working on the portfolio since he joined Motorola last year in a bid to turn around the company's flagging mobile-phone sales. The technology giant hasn't produced a hit since the Razr in late 2004, leaving it far behind competitors such as Apple's iPhone and Research In Motion's BlackBerry.
Now, under Jha's leadership, the company is pinning its hopes not on a single phone, but on the Android operating system. Although Android is open to any manufacturer, Motorola has built its own technology on top of the platform.
Cliq is the first phone to use Motoblur, a service that Motorola also announced Thursday. Motoblur, which will be available on multiple phones next year, aggregates and organizes content from popular social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The company hopes Motoblur will set itself apart from its competitors.
Jha demonstrated how the Cliq's home screen displays a live stream of Facebook status updates, photo uploads and Twitter posts. Users can update their status on one site or all sites at once from the home screen. Motoblur also offers a universal inbox that collects all messages, whether through Facebook or multiple e-mail accounts.
Andy Castonguay, director of mobile devices research at the Yankee Group, said Motorola and other companies such as Palm are trying to solve a modern-day communications dilemma.
"If you want to contact a person, you have to decide whether that's a call, e-mail, text or (instant message)," Castonguay said. "Therefore, in order to get to that person, you have to navigate the application structure of the phone.
"It looks like Motorola is taking a nice step forward here … to really think about how people connect to each other, and removing some of the artificial nature of the application hierarchy."
Motorola is entering a crowded field as the critical holiday season, the busiest time for handset manufacturers, approaches. Earlier this week, Palm introduced a new smartphone for Sprint called the Pixi. T-Mobile recently announced the MyTouch, an Android phone by Taiwanese maker HTC.
Motorola also will be introducing a second Android phone for the holiday season.
Cole Brodman, T-Mobile's chief technology officer, said Thursday that the carrier will aggressively promote the Cliq into early 2010. He said the phone is ideal for "connected socializers," or thirty-somethings who favor smartphones and want to seamlessly blend their personal and professional lives.
"We expect (the Cliq) to be one of our hottest selling devices in the fourth quarter," Brodman said.
Jha said the integration of the Motoblur service into the phone will distinguish his offering from the iPhone, whose users flick through several screens of icons to find applications. Cliq's address book, for example, shows a person's Facebook profile photo and latest status update alongside contact information.
Charles Golvin, an analyst at Forrester Research, said Palm has a similar feature on its Pre smartphone.
"The days of a simple, static address book and static data are gone," he said. "For people who are tied into social networks and other live services, that's a foreign concept. The real information about the people you care about is live, and you want to see those changes in real time."
Neither Motorola nor T-Mobile provided a release date or pricing details for the Cliq.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-motorola-cliq-smartphone-android-sep10,0,1529630.story
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Google plans change to Android Market?
Google is promising changes to the Android Market, the same week that a prominent application developer complained about issues with the store.
The changes, to be introduced "soon," address some of the common developer complaints, but not all of them.
With the updated store, developers will be able to better market their applications by featuring screenshots in the description of the application, Google said in a blog post. That was a simple shortcoming that Larva Labs wondered about earlier this week in a blog post where it outlined the poor revenue potential for games in the Android Market.
Google will also make it easier for users to find paid apps in the store. Currently, it's extremely difficult to find the folder in the Market that includes applications that users must pay for. "It is possible to get to the paid-only apps in the Market now, but it requires some tricky navigation through a submenu," Larva Labs' John Watkinson wrote on the blog.
The Market will also include new subcategories for applications including sports, health, themes and comics.
The update does not address a couple other issues that developers have long complained about, including the application return policy. While the policy, which lets anyone return an application for any reason within 24 hours, sounds great for end-users, developers say that it's too easy to game.
The policy "would make sense for expensive, involved productivity apps; if the user is unsatisfied with the product, paid good money for it but won't be using it, then a refund is warranted," Watkinson wrote. "However, for many fun apps and simple games, the user isn't expected to get more than a day or so of use out of it."
Another common complaint from developers is that the only payment method available to users is Google Checkout, a system that is not widely used. They would prefer to offer users multiple payment options so customers can choose the most convenient. Google has hinted that other options may come.
Larva Labs pointed out the deficiencies of the Market as possible explanations for why it is earning so little money selling apps in the store. It has two high-ranked games in the Android Market but is averaging £38 in sales per day. The company compares that to some of the well-known success stories in the iPhone App Store, where developers of popular applications have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Techworld.com
The changes, to be introduced "soon," address some of the common developer complaints, but not all of them.
With the updated store, developers will be able to better market their applications by featuring screenshots in the description of the application, Google said in a blog post. That was a simple shortcoming that Larva Labs wondered about earlier this week in a blog post where it outlined the poor revenue potential for games in the Android Market.
Google will also make it easier for users to find paid apps in the store. Currently, it's extremely difficult to find the folder in the Market that includes applications that users must pay for. "It is possible to get to the paid-only apps in the Market now, but it requires some tricky navigation through a submenu," Larva Labs' John Watkinson wrote on the blog.
The Market will also include new subcategories for applications including sports, health, themes and comics.
The update does not address a couple other issues that developers have long complained about, including the application return policy. While the policy, which lets anyone return an application for any reason within 24 hours, sounds great for end-users, developers say that it's too easy to game.
The policy "would make sense for expensive, involved productivity apps; if the user is unsatisfied with the product, paid good money for it but won't be using it, then a refund is warranted," Watkinson wrote. "However, for many fun apps and simple games, the user isn't expected to get more than a day or so of use out of it."
Another common complaint from developers is that the only payment method available to users is Google Checkout, a system that is not widely used. They would prefer to offer users multiple payment options so customers can choose the most convenient. Google has hinted that other options may come.
Larva Labs pointed out the deficiencies of the Market as possible explanations for why it is earning so little money selling apps in the store. It has two high-ranked games in the Android Market but is averaging £38 in sales per day. The company compares that to some of the well-known success stories in the iPhone App Store, where developers of popular applications have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Techworld.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
HTC announces HTC Tattoo Android-powered smartphone "for the masses"
HTC has introduced the HTC Tattoo, an attractive Android-powered full-featured smartphone that will supposedly be affordable to the general public. The HTC Tattoo is the official name of the long-rumored HTC Click device that first appeared this summer.
Under the hood, the Tattoo features a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor along with 512MB of ROM and 256MB of RAM. A 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen(INFO) display with QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) resolution is something a bit new for Android devices, in that most devices so far feature half-VGA resolution capacitive touchscreen(INFO) displays. The Tattoo uses the HTC Sense based user interface, which consolidates voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates for individual contacts under one view.
HSDPA and WiFi data connectivity are included onboard for high-speed transfers and GPS is bundled in for navigation features. On the multimedia front, users can snap photos and shoot video with the Tattoo's 3.2 megapixel camera. Storing music on external microSD(INFO) cards, users can listen to their tunes with 3.5mm headphones or with Bluetooth 2.0 for use with wireless headsets and headphones.
The name Tattoo was given to the device because users can also create custom covers or select from popular designs to personalize the look of their device.
The HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe in early October with additional markets in coming months. Pricing for the device has not been announced, but HTC says it is bringing the device to the "masses."
http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=7777
Under the hood, the Tattoo features a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7225 processor along with 512MB of ROM and 256MB of RAM. A 2.8-inch resistive touchscreen(INFO) display with QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) resolution is something a bit new for Android devices, in that most devices so far feature half-VGA resolution capacitive touchscreen(INFO) displays. The Tattoo uses the HTC Sense based user interface, which consolidates voice calls, emails, texts, photos and status updates for individual contacts under one view.
HSDPA and WiFi data connectivity are included onboard for high-speed transfers and GPS is bundled in for navigation features. On the multimedia front, users can snap photos and shoot video with the Tattoo's 3.2 megapixel camera. Storing music on external microSD(INFO) cards, users can listen to their tunes with 3.5mm headphones or with Bluetooth 2.0 for use with wireless headsets and headphones.
The name Tattoo was given to the device because users can also create custom covers or select from popular designs to personalize the look of their device.
The HTC Tattoo will be available in Europe in early October with additional markets in coming months. Pricing for the device has not been announced, but HTC says it is bringing the device to the "masses."
http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=7777
Monday, September 7, 2009
Android and HTC preps for Touch Pro 2
Taiwanese handset maker HTC, known for its success selling phones powered by Google's Android platform, may be prepping its updated Touch HD to run the OS as well Handset maker HTC is reportedly working to release currently running on the Windows Mobile operating system (OS), which is instead powered by Google’s fledgling Android OS. Technology blog Register fledgling Android OS. Technology blog Register Hardware Hardware quoted sources from the company saying the company is making the switch for the handset, for which a release date hasn’t yet been set
The source also said the updated handset will use a faster 628MHz Qualcomm chip and feature a 3.8-inch touchscreen. HTC’s decision may not come as great surprise to some, as the company has launched previous handsets with Android, including T-Mobile’s G1 (the first phone to the market that used the Android mobile device platform) and the Vodafone Magic, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February and Hero (the first Magic, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February and Hero (the first Android device to support Adobe Flash) Earlier this month,
wireless carrier Sprint announced the availability of the long-awaited HTC Touch Pro2 on September 8, this Tuesday, when customers can contract. The device offers Windows Mobile 6.1 TouchFlo user interface and entertainment option ike Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming, as well as Sprint’s exclusive sport programming, as well as Sprint’s exclusive sport applications NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprin Cup Mobile Google’s platform, which has experienced a relaxed rate of acceptance in the mobile ecosystem, i nonetheless establishing a foothold. In April, T Mobile, the U.S.’s fourth-largest wireless network operator with 32.1 million customers, announced i operator with 32.1 million customers, announced it had sold one million G1 Android smartphones since its debut in October 2008. Facing intense competition from the Apple App Store, Google also bolstered Android on the application side. Earlier this year,
Google announced a mobile bolstered Android on the application side. Earlier this year, Google announced a mobile friendly version of its Product Search application, emphasizing its utility for iPhone and Android-powered devices. Product Search allows users to type whatever they’re searching for into the search bar and receive results pulled from a variety of shopping sites However, HTC isn’t quite ready to migrate completely over to Android, if the company’s recent announcement in collaboration with Sprint is any indication. Announced earlier thi month, the HTC Touch Pro2 features a 3.6-inch WVGA variable-angle tilting touch-screen, wide, slide-out keyboard that is larger than its predecessor—and the Windows Mobile 6. OS. Features like TouchFlo 3D bring information important to the user—such as quick access to contacts, messaging, e-mail and weather—to the top level of the user interface and battery life has been expanded by 20 percent Sprint claims their mobile broadband network (inclusive of data roaming) reaches more than 271 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports. The company boasts it has three times the coverage of AT&T’s current 3G network and more than 20 times the coverage of T Mobile’s current 3G network, both based on square miles Reader Comments: HTC Touch HD to Run Google`s Android OS?
The source also said the updated handset will use a faster 628MHz Qualcomm chip and feature a 3.8-inch touchscreen. HTC’s decision may not come as great surprise to some, as the company has launched previous handsets with Android, including T-Mobile’s G1 (the first phone to the market that used the Android mobile device platform) and the Vodafone Magic, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February and Hero (the first Magic, unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February and Hero (the first Android device to support Adobe Flash) Earlier this month,
wireless carrier Sprint announced the availability of the long-awaited HTC Touch Pro2 on September 8, this Tuesday, when customers can contract. The device offers Windows Mobile 6.1 TouchFlo user interface and entertainment option ike Sprint TV with live and on-demand programming, as well as Sprint’s exclusive sport programming, as well as Sprint’s exclusive sport applications NFL Mobile Live and NASCAR Sprin Cup Mobile Google’s platform, which has experienced a relaxed rate of acceptance in the mobile ecosystem, i nonetheless establishing a foothold. In April, T Mobile, the U.S.’s fourth-largest wireless network operator with 32.1 million customers, announced i operator with 32.1 million customers, announced it had sold one million G1 Android smartphones since its debut in October 2008. Facing intense competition from the Apple App Store, Google also bolstered Android on the application side. Earlier this year,
Google announced a mobile bolstered Android on the application side. Earlier this year, Google announced a mobile friendly version of its Product Search application, emphasizing its utility for iPhone and Android-powered devices. Product Search allows users to type whatever they’re searching for into the search bar and receive results pulled from a variety of shopping sites However, HTC isn’t quite ready to migrate completely over to Android, if the company’s recent announcement in collaboration with Sprint is any indication. Announced earlier thi month, the HTC Touch Pro2 features a 3.6-inch WVGA variable-angle tilting touch-screen, wide, slide-out keyboard that is larger than its predecessor—and the Windows Mobile 6. OS. Features like TouchFlo 3D bring information important to the user—such as quick access to contacts, messaging, e-mail and weather—to the top level of the user interface and battery life has been expanded by 20 percent Sprint claims their mobile broadband network (inclusive of data roaming) reaches more than 271 million people, 18,652 cities and 1,838 airports. The company boasts it has three times the coverage of AT&T’s current 3G network and more than 20 times the coverage of T Mobile’s current 3G network, both based on square miles Reader Comments: HTC Touch HD to Run Google`s Android OS?
Friday, September 4, 2009
HTC galaxy android powered device, hands on.
Those of you familiar with Android devices will appreciate the sweet, delicious irony in the photo above. Yes, there are indeed Heroes, and they're made by HTC. But they've got some competition because Samsung has an Android-powered phone now, and it's called the Galaxy i7500.
We've been playing with one here at IFA. With its all-glass capacitive touch screen and lush interface, sweeping through the Galaxy's menus was unlike anything we've experienced on a Samsung phone before. Its 3.2-inch AMOLED screen's colors are rich, its menus are responsive, and wrapped in the 12mm-thick chassis it feels like one of the finest Android phones to date It's impressive inside as well: a 5-megapixel autofocus camera; GPS navigation; 7.2Mbps HSDPA Internet connection; Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth; support for DivX H.264, and MPEG-4 video, plus MP3, WMA, AAC, and iTunes Plus music files; 8GB of internal memory expandable with microSD cards; and a real 3.5mm headphone socket Plus it runs Google's Android OS, meaning it's open to a world of application downloads from the Android Market. One of the only things we can criticize at this point is the LED flash, which could've been a xenon But really, that's nitpicking when it comes to smartphone
Courtsey of cnet.com
We've been playing with one here at IFA. With its all-glass capacitive touch screen and lush interface, sweeping through the Galaxy's menus was unlike anything we've experienced on a Samsung phone before. Its 3.2-inch AMOLED screen's colors are rich, its menus are responsive, and wrapped in the 12mm-thick chassis it feels like one of the finest Android phones to date It's impressive inside as well: a 5-megapixel autofocus camera; GPS navigation; 7.2Mbps HSDPA Internet connection; Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth; support for DivX H.264, and MPEG-4 video, plus MP3, WMA, AAC, and iTunes Plus music files; 8GB of internal memory expandable with microSD cards; and a real 3.5mm headphone socket Plus it runs Google's Android OS, meaning it's open to a world of application downloads from the Android Market. One of the only things we can criticize at this point is the LED flash, which could've been a xenon But really, that's nitpicking when it comes to smartphone
Courtsey of cnet.com
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Developers Complain About Android Sales
The Android Market probably produces less than US$5 million a month, despite a recent report that issued that estimate, one successful application developer says.
On Monday, games developer Larva Labs revealed its sales figures for its Android apps and complained that Google needs to make some changes to help developers improve their prospects. It suspects that the Android Market probably produces far less than $5 million per month, as estimated by the AdMob report. That same report estimated that the iPhone application store generates $200 million a month, the veracity of which also has been the subject of much developer debate.
Larva Labs joins a chorus of developers, many of whom have been long clamoring for changes in the way the Android Market works in hopes of earning more from their applications.
One of Larva Labs' games, RetroDefense, was ranked first among paid apps in the Market and is now at number two. Another of its games, Battle for Mars, is ranked number five. Both games have been featured at the top of the Market and on the Android Web site. Yet the games are averaging $62 per day in sales combined. "Very difficult to buy the summer home at this rate," Matt Hall of Larva Labs noted in the blog post.
He compares Larva Labs' experience in the Android store to some of the better-known success stories on the iPhone. The game Trism, for example, earned $250,000 in its first two months in the iPhone store, according to its developer at Demiforce. Over about three months in the Android store, Trism falls in the rank of applications with 100 to 500 downloads. At $2.99 per download, that's a maximum of less than $1,500 in sales.
One issue is that there are far fewer Android phones than iPhones in the market. But developers say there are bigger problems with the Android Market than that.
Since the Market began accepting paid applications, developers have complained about a number of items that haven't yet changed. One is that the only way that users can buy applications is using Google Checkout, a payment system that isn't widely used. Developers want to be able to offer customers more payment options that they might find more convenient.
They may get other options in the future, although it's not certain when or in what form. In the terms of service that Android users must agree to before using the phones, Google says that it may make available various payment processing methods for buying products from the Market.
Larva Labs and other developers also complain about some other somewhat basic limiting features of the Market, such as a short maximum on how many characters a developer can use to describe their application and the inability to include a screenshot in the description.
In a follow-up blog post on Tuesday, Larva Labs pointed to additional issues such as Google's policy of allowing users to refund an application for any reason within 24 hours. The "refund process is just too simple," one developer agreed in a Google forum thread titled "sad application sales."
Developers say that users can too easily game the return policy. "If my plane is delayed and I get a solid two hours of enjoyment from a $3 jumpy game, I shouldn't be able to refund it 24 hours later," Larva Labs' John Watkinson argues in the Tuesday blog post.
Google did not immediately reply to a request for comment about Larva Labs' complaints.
Nancy Gohring, IDG News Service
On Monday, games developer Larva Labs revealed its sales figures for its Android apps and complained that Google needs to make some changes to help developers improve their prospects. It suspects that the Android Market probably produces far less than $5 million per month, as estimated by the AdMob report. That same report estimated that the iPhone application store generates $200 million a month, the veracity of which also has been the subject of much developer debate.
Larva Labs joins a chorus of developers, many of whom have been long clamoring for changes in the way the Android Market works in hopes of earning more from their applications.
One of Larva Labs' games, RetroDefense, was ranked first among paid apps in the Market and is now at number two. Another of its games, Battle for Mars, is ranked number five. Both games have been featured at the top of the Market and on the Android Web site. Yet the games are averaging $62 per day in sales combined. "Very difficult to buy the summer home at this rate," Matt Hall of Larva Labs noted in the blog post.
He compares Larva Labs' experience in the Android store to some of the better-known success stories on the iPhone. The game Trism, for example, earned $250,000 in its first two months in the iPhone store, according to its developer at Demiforce. Over about three months in the Android store, Trism falls in the rank of applications with 100 to 500 downloads. At $2.99 per download, that's a maximum of less than $1,500 in sales.
One issue is that there are far fewer Android phones than iPhones in the market. But developers say there are bigger problems with the Android Market than that.
Since the Market began accepting paid applications, developers have complained about a number of items that haven't yet changed. One is that the only way that users can buy applications is using Google Checkout, a payment system that isn't widely used. Developers want to be able to offer customers more payment options that they might find more convenient.
They may get other options in the future, although it's not certain when or in what form. In the terms of service that Android users must agree to before using the phones, Google says that it may make available various payment processing methods for buying products from the Market.
Larva Labs and other developers also complain about some other somewhat basic limiting features of the Market, such as a short maximum on how many characters a developer can use to describe their application and the inability to include a screenshot in the description.
In a follow-up blog post on Tuesday, Larva Labs pointed to additional issues such as Google's policy of allowing users to refund an application for any reason within 24 hours. The "refund process is just too simple," one developer agreed in a Google forum thread titled "sad application sales."
Developers say that users can too easily game the return policy. "If my plane is delayed and I get a solid two hours of enjoyment from a $3 jumpy game, I shouldn't be able to refund it 24 hours later," Larva Labs' John Watkinson argues in the Tuesday blog post.
Google did not immediately reply to a request for comment about Larva Labs' complaints.
Nancy Gohring, IDG News Service
Sprint Launches HTC Hero Android Phone
On Thursday, Sprint and HTC announced the upcoming launch of the HTC Hero, Sprint's first Google Android-based smartphone. The Hero is the first Android phone with a redesigned user interface called HTC Sense, which offers a multi-panel, customizable home screen with Internet-based widgets.
The HTC Hero will cost $179.99 with a two-year contract and after $150 in rebates when it goes on sale Oct. 11. That's a slightly lower price than Sprint's other flagship smart phones, the Palm Pre and BlackBerry Tour 9630, which both cost $199 after rebates.
MoreAs we discovered in our earlier hands-on with the Hero, Sense means a lot of personalization (you can choose between ten clock designs for your phone), a heavy focus on contact integration (flipping easily between contact cards and all the e-mails you've received from a person, for instance) and the occasional cute, unexpected touch. When you open up the Weather app and it's raining, raindrops appear on your screen and are then wiped away by a virtual windshield wiper.
A related innovation, HTC Scenes, lets you set up different home screens for different situations (such as work and home, for instance.) The Hero also features HTC Footprints, a GPS-based diary app which lets you associate photos, audio and notes about places you've been with a GPS location to form "digital postcards," according to HTC.
The slab-style Hero is better than the other two Android phones on the market, the T-Mobile G1 and the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, in various ways. The Hero has a real 3.5-mm headphone jack, so it's a viable music player. It also has a 5-megapixel camera, versus the 3.2-Mpixel versions found on the other two phones. Finally, the Hero's other advantage is a fingerprint-resistant coating on its screen similar to the one found on the iPhone 3GS.
Most of the Hero's other specs are similar to those other two phones: a 528-MHz Qualcomm processor, stereo Bluetooth, a MicroSD memory card slot, a 3.2-inch, 320x480 capacitive multitouch screen, Wi-Fi, GPS, and all the standard Android applications, including support for Microsoft Exchange push email. The phone connects to Sprint's EVDO Rev A 3G network, which typically produces download speeds around a megabit per second.
The GSM version of the Hero, available from some European carriers, includes Adobe Flash in the Web browser, but we couldn't find anything about Flash on Sprint's press release or fact sheet.
The HTC Hero will cost $179.99 with a two-year contract and after $150 in rebates when it goes on sale Oct. 11. That's a slightly lower price than Sprint's other flagship smart phones, the Palm Pre and BlackBerry Tour 9630, which both cost $199 after rebates.
MoreAs we discovered in our earlier hands-on with the Hero, Sense means a lot of personalization (you can choose between ten clock designs for your phone), a heavy focus on contact integration (flipping easily between contact cards and all the e-mails you've received from a person, for instance) and the occasional cute, unexpected touch. When you open up the Weather app and it's raining, raindrops appear on your screen and are then wiped away by a virtual windshield wiper.
A related innovation, HTC Scenes, lets you set up different home screens for different situations (such as work and home, for instance.) The Hero also features HTC Footprints, a GPS-based diary app which lets you associate photos, audio and notes about places you've been with a GPS location to form "digital postcards," according to HTC.
The slab-style Hero is better than the other two Android phones on the market, the T-Mobile G1 and the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, in various ways. The Hero has a real 3.5-mm headphone jack, so it's a viable music player. It also has a 5-megapixel camera, versus the 3.2-Mpixel versions found on the other two phones. Finally, the Hero's other advantage is a fingerprint-resistant coating on its screen similar to the one found on the iPhone 3GS.
Most of the Hero's other specs are similar to those other two phones: a 528-MHz Qualcomm processor, stereo Bluetooth, a MicroSD memory card slot, a 3.2-inch, 320x480 capacitive multitouch screen, Wi-Fi, GPS, and all the standard Android applications, including support for Microsoft Exchange push email. The phone connects to Sprint's EVDO Rev A 3G network, which typically produces download speeds around a megabit per second.
The GSM version of the Hero, available from some European carriers, includes Adobe Flash in the Web browser, but we couldn't find anything about Flash on Sprint's press release or fact sheet.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Motorola & Android (part 2)
By Roger Cheng and Scott Morrison Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES NEW YORK (Dow Jones)-
The rubber is about to hit the road for Motorola Inc. (MOT) and Google Inc. (GOOG) On Sept. 10, the troubled cell phone maker is expected to unveil its first smartphone running Google's Android mobile operating system, software the Internet giant developed to stake its claim in the mobile search advertising market Both companies have a lot on the line. For Motorola, it's a chance to turn around its struggling mobile devices business and recapture past glory. For Google the phone represents the first in a wave of new Android-powered devices expected to ship by the end of the year, giving Google a chance to make a splash n a market dominated by Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone and Research in Motion Ltd.'s (RIMM) Blackberry"These launches are critical (for Google) because the availability (of Android) has been so constrained," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at product research firm Current Analysis Over the next few months, a number of handset makers and wireless carriers are expected to embrace Google's upstart mobile platform.
The open-source software - which is free to phone makers and third-party developers - was announced in late 2007, but only four phones running the software are currently on the market That is expected to change soon Andy Rubin, the engineering vice president responsible for Android, said in May that Google expects there will be at least 18 Android devices on the market by the end of the year, suggesting an accelerated release schedule over the next four months Google told Dow Jones this week it continues to work closely with manufacturers and still expects handset makers to reach Rubin's year-end target Motorola will almost assuredly be the first to show off its new handset. Invitations to a Sept. 10 event came emblazoned with Android's distinctive robot logo Deutsche Telekom AG's (DT) T-Mobile USA, which already carries HTC Corp.'s (2498.TW) Android-powered MyTouch 3G as its flagship device, is likely to sel the first Motorola phone. Motorola Co-CEO Sanjay Jha shares keynote speech duties with T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Cole Brodman on Sept. 10 Both companies declined to comment Motorola's ability to revive its mobile devices unit hinges on a strong initial launch so it can generate momentum for its follow-on slate of Android devices analysts said.
"The pressure is on," said Nielsen & Co. analyst Roger Entner, referring to Motorola Verizon Wireless - jointly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD) - and Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) have also said they wil bring Android phones to the market by the end of the year Verizon Wireless is expected to carry one of Motorola's two planned Android devices, but the carrier told Dow Jones this week it will not participate in the Sept. 10 Motorola event Industry observers believe Sprint will carry the Hero, which is HTC's flagship Android device, currently available overseas. The Hero uses HTC's own Sense user interface, which separates it from the pack A Sprint spokesman wasn't available for comment Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s (SSNHY) Android-powered Galaxy handset is already available in Europe and the company is expected to reveal more details about its Android line-up next month. The company could push its products to multiple carriers given its strong relationships Samsung declined to comment AT&T Inc. (T) hasn't committed to selling Android phones, noting only that it is open to the platform. Still, industry observers believe AT&T will quickly join the
The rubber is about to hit the road for Motorola Inc. (MOT) and Google Inc. (GOOG) On Sept. 10, the troubled cell phone maker is expected to unveil its first smartphone running Google's Android mobile operating system, software the Internet giant developed to stake its claim in the mobile search advertising market Both companies have a lot on the line. For Motorola, it's a chance to turn around its struggling mobile devices business and recapture past glory. For Google the phone represents the first in a wave of new Android-powered devices expected to ship by the end of the year, giving Google a chance to make a splash n a market dominated by Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPhone and Research in Motion Ltd.'s (RIMM) Blackberry"These launches are critical (for Google) because the availability (of Android) has been so constrained," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at product research firm Current Analysis Over the next few months, a number of handset makers and wireless carriers are expected to embrace Google's upstart mobile platform.
The open-source software - which is free to phone makers and third-party developers - was announced in late 2007, but only four phones running the software are currently on the market That is expected to change soon Andy Rubin, the engineering vice president responsible for Android, said in May that Google expects there will be at least 18 Android devices on the market by the end of the year, suggesting an accelerated release schedule over the next four months Google told Dow Jones this week it continues to work closely with manufacturers and still expects handset makers to reach Rubin's year-end target Motorola will almost assuredly be the first to show off its new handset. Invitations to a Sept. 10 event came emblazoned with Android's distinctive robot logo Deutsche Telekom AG's (DT) T-Mobile USA, which already carries HTC Corp.'s (2498.TW) Android-powered MyTouch 3G as its flagship device, is likely to sel the first Motorola phone. Motorola Co-CEO Sanjay Jha shares keynote speech duties with T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Cole Brodman on Sept. 10 Both companies declined to comment Motorola's ability to revive its mobile devices unit hinges on a strong initial launch so it can generate momentum for its follow-on slate of Android devices analysts said.
"The pressure is on," said Nielsen & Co. analyst Roger Entner, referring to Motorola Verizon Wireless - jointly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD) - and Sprint Nextel Corp. (S) have also said they wil bring Android phones to the market by the end of the year Verizon Wireless is expected to carry one of Motorola's two planned Android devices, but the carrier told Dow Jones this week it will not participate in the Sept. 10 Motorola event Industry observers believe Sprint will carry the Hero, which is HTC's flagship Android device, currently available overseas. The Hero uses HTC's own Sense user interface, which separates it from the pack A Sprint spokesman wasn't available for comment Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.'s (SSNHY) Android-powered Galaxy handset is already available in Europe and the company is expected to reveal more details about its Android line-up next month. The company could push its products to multiple carriers given its strong relationships Samsung declined to comment AT&T Inc. (T) hasn't committed to selling Android phones, noting only that it is open to the platform. Still, industry observers believe AT&T will quickly join the
Thursday, August 27, 2009
What we might see at Moto's Android event?
Motorola is finally ready to unveil its first Google Android handsets. Invitations sent out Tuesday announced a media event in San Francisco on September 10. Details were limited, but we expect to see an appearance from two rumored Motorola phones, the Morrison and Sholes.
The Morrison should launch on T-Mobile later this year. Initial rumors said it would be a budget Android phone, but the leaked specs are impressive. The Morrison will feature the same CPU as the first two Android phones (G1 and MyTouch), but will offer several enhancements that should make it a desirable phone.
Android fans will welcome the 256MB of RAM that is expected on the Morrison. As that's a healthy increase over the 192MB of RAM on both the G1 and MyTouch, the Morrison should offer better performance. The camera resolution is also greater (five megapixels vs three megapixels) and the Morrison includes the long-awaited 3.5mm headset jack (HTC's Android phones use a mini-USB jack).
Sholes is the codename for the upcoming Android phone for Verizon Wireless. The handset should aim for the high-end user and usher in the second generation of Android devices. Moto has chosen the Texas Instruments OMAP3430 platform to power the Sholes, which would make it the fastest Android phone to date. The OMAP3430 features a 600MHz CPU and is the same platform that supports the Palm Pre.
My sources tell me that the Sholes will ship with Eclair, which is expected to be named Android 2.0. Users can expect a significant user interface refresh, increased gaming performance, and more social networking integration. BoyGeniusReport has leaked documents which show the Sholes launching in late October on Verizon.
We might also get new information on Blur, the codename for Motorola's custom user interface for Android. It is expected to be tightly integrated with many social networking platforms and offer push updates. For example, opening a contact on your phone would instantly display real-time updates from Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. We could also get an update from Motorola on its possible plans to launch its own app store.
Credit: Motorola)
The Morrison should launch on T-Mobile later this year. Initial rumors said it would be a budget Android phone, but the leaked specs are impressive. The Morrison will feature the same CPU as the first two Android phones (G1 and MyTouch), but will offer several enhancements that should make it a desirable phone.
Android fans will welcome the 256MB of RAM that is expected on the Morrison. As that's a healthy increase over the 192MB of RAM on both the G1 and MyTouch, the Morrison should offer better performance. The camera resolution is also greater (five megapixels vs three megapixels) and the Morrison includes the long-awaited 3.5mm headset jack (HTC's Android phones use a mini-USB jack).
Sholes is the codename for the upcoming Android phone for Verizon Wireless. The handset should aim for the high-end user and usher in the second generation of Android devices. Moto has chosen the Texas Instruments OMAP3430 platform to power the Sholes, which would make it the fastest Android phone to date. The OMAP3430 features a 600MHz CPU and is the same platform that supports the Palm Pre.
My sources tell me that the Sholes will ship with Eclair, which is expected to be named Android 2.0. Users can expect a significant user interface refresh, increased gaming performance, and more social networking integration. BoyGeniusReport has leaked documents which show the Sholes launching in late October on Verizon.
We might also get new information on Blur, the codename for Motorola's custom user interface for Android. It is expected to be tightly integrated with many social networking platforms and offer push updates. For example, opening a contact on your phone would instantly display real-time updates from Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr. We could also get an update from Motorola on its possible plans to launch its own app store.
Credit: Motorola)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Asustek's Android Eee PC Remains in Deep Freeze
The CEO of netbook pioneer Asustek Computer said Tuesday that he still sees no clear market for mini-laptops known as smartbooks, the reason the company isn't moving forward in that product segment.
The company raised hopes it would soon launch an Eee PC smartbook based on chips made by Qualcomm and running Google's Android mobile operating system when such a device was displayed at the Computex Taipei electronics show in June. But the company quickly put the project on the back burner, refusing to discuss it days later at a press event that featured Asustek's chairman alongside executives from microprocessor maker Intel and OS giant Microsoft.
It appears the Android device remains in deep freeze.
"Currently, I still don't see a clear market for smartbooks," said Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek Computer, during an investors' conference in Taipei.
The company's backing isn't essential for smartbooks, but it would lend weight to the credibility of such devices, which use mobile phone chips and components to offer far greater battery life than existing netbooks, and potentially ubiquitous wireless connectivity. Smartbooks appear almost identical to the netbooks Asustek pioneered, mini-laptops with 8-inch to 10-inch screens.
Asustek executives have said the reason the Android smartbook was shifted to low priority was because the company's engineering resources were limited and would be used elsewhere. But Asustek could use some of the smartbooks made by contract manufacturer Pegatron, the company's subsidiary.
Several smartbooks from Pegatron were on display at Computex. The estimated retail price of the devices was about US$199, compared to between US$300 and US$400 for a comparable netbook.
Asustek has used Intel microprocessors in all of its netbooks so far, and mainly Microsoft Windows XP as the OS, though it has sold netbooks with Linux OSs. The advantage of netbooks is that since they use Intel x86 architecture microprocessors, they can take software used on regular PCs, while smartbooks can only use software designed for or ported to RISC (reduced instruction set computer) processors, made by Arm Holdings. Arm processors are mainly found in mobile phones.
Dan Nystedt
The company raised hopes it would soon launch an Eee PC smartbook based on chips made by Qualcomm and running Google's Android mobile operating system when such a device was displayed at the Computex Taipei electronics show in June. But the company quickly put the project on the back burner, refusing to discuss it days later at a press event that featured Asustek's chairman alongside executives from microprocessor maker Intel and OS giant Microsoft.
It appears the Android device remains in deep freeze.
"Currently, I still don't see a clear market for smartbooks," said Jerry Shen, CEO of Asustek Computer, during an investors' conference in Taipei.
The company's backing isn't essential for smartbooks, but it would lend weight to the credibility of such devices, which use mobile phone chips and components to offer far greater battery life than existing netbooks, and potentially ubiquitous wireless connectivity. Smartbooks appear almost identical to the netbooks Asustek pioneered, mini-laptops with 8-inch to 10-inch screens.
Asustek executives have said the reason the Android smartbook was shifted to low priority was because the company's engineering resources were limited and would be used elsewhere. But Asustek could use some of the smartbooks made by contract manufacturer Pegatron, the company's subsidiary.
Several smartbooks from Pegatron were on display at Computex. The estimated retail price of the devices was about US$199, compared to between US$300 and US$400 for a comparable netbook.
Asustek has used Intel microprocessors in all of its netbooks so far, and mainly Microsoft Windows XP as the OS, though it has sold netbooks with Linux OSs. The advantage of netbooks is that since they use Intel x86 architecture microprocessors, they can take software used on regular PCs, while smartbooks can only use software designed for or ported to RISC (reduced instruction set computer) processors, made by Arm Holdings. Arm processors are mainly found in mobile phones.
Dan Nystedt
Google Denies Blocking Skype on Android Devices
Google on Friday denied that it is blocking VoIP services like Skype on Android devices, and said that full-featured VoIP apps are not available on Android phones only because developers have not yet created them.
The statement came after USA Today published an article that said Google does not allow a full Skype VoIP app on Android devices. The paper accused Google of blaming T-Mobile, which provides service for Android phones, for blocking Skype and only allowing Skype Lite, a version of the service that runs over traditional phone networks, not the Web.
T-Mobile told USA Today that it did not ask Google to block VoIP services.
At this point, Google does not have a full-featured version of Skype for Android handsets, but Google said Friday that this was not because the search engine giant had blocked VoIP apps.
"While the first generation of our Android software did not support full-featured VoIP applications due to technology limitations, we have worked through those limitations in subsequent versions of Android, and developers are now able to build and upload VoIP services," Andy Rubin, vice president of mobile platforms at Google, wrote in a blog post.
USA Today, however, is "wrong" to suggest that Google blamed T-Mobile for the lack of a full Skype app on Android, Rubin said.
"As we told USA Today earlier in the week Google did not reject an application from Skype or from any other company that provides VoIP services," he wrote. "To suggest otherwise is false."
Why are there no complete VoIP apps for Android? No one has created one, Rubin said.
"At this point no software developer – including Skype – has implemented a complete VoIP application for Android," he said. "But we're excited to see – and use – these applications when they're submitted, because they often provide more choice and options for users."
Rubin closed by saying that Google looks forward to when consumers "can access any applications, including VoIP apps, from any devices, on any networks."
Skype confirmed that it developed Skype Lite because Android did not support a full-featured version of the VoIP service.
"It is our point of view that consumers benefit most when software companies such as Skype, operating systems such as Android, and wireless operators collaborate to deliver a complete mobile Internet experience," a Skype spokesman said in an e-mail.
"Today in the Android Market there are Skype and other VoIP-related applications available for download by T-Mobile customers with Android-based handsets," T-Mobile said in a statement.
Friday is also the deadline for Google, AT&T, and Apple to submit their responses to an Federal Communications Commission inquiry surrounding Google Voice. Late last month, the FCC penned letters to the three companies requesting detailed information about why Apple blocked several Google Voice-related apps from the iPhone as well as data about the companies' roles in approving apps.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2351887,00.asp#w_talkback
The statement came after USA Today published an article that said Google does not allow a full Skype VoIP app on Android devices. The paper accused Google of blaming T-Mobile, which provides service for Android phones, for blocking Skype and only allowing Skype Lite, a version of the service that runs over traditional phone networks, not the Web.
T-Mobile told USA Today that it did not ask Google to block VoIP services.
At this point, Google does not have a full-featured version of Skype for Android handsets, but Google said Friday that this was not because the search engine giant had blocked VoIP apps.
"While the first generation of our Android software did not support full-featured VoIP applications due to technology limitations, we have worked through those limitations in subsequent versions of Android, and developers are now able to build and upload VoIP services," Andy Rubin, vice president of mobile platforms at Google, wrote in a blog post.
USA Today, however, is "wrong" to suggest that Google blamed T-Mobile for the lack of a full Skype app on Android, Rubin said.
"As we told USA Today earlier in the week Google did not reject an application from Skype or from any other company that provides VoIP services," he wrote. "To suggest otherwise is false."
Why are there no complete VoIP apps for Android? No one has created one, Rubin said.
"At this point no software developer – including Skype – has implemented a complete VoIP application for Android," he said. "But we're excited to see – and use – these applications when they're submitted, because they often provide more choice and options for users."
Rubin closed by saying that Google looks forward to when consumers "can access any applications, including VoIP apps, from any devices, on any networks."
Skype confirmed that it developed Skype Lite because Android did not support a full-featured version of the VoIP service.
"It is our point of view that consumers benefit most when software companies such as Skype, operating systems such as Android, and wireless operators collaborate to deliver a complete mobile Internet experience," a Skype spokesman said in an e-mail.
"Today in the Android Market there are Skype and other VoIP-related applications available for download by T-Mobile customers with Android-based handsets," T-Mobile said in a statement.
Friday is also the deadline for Google, AT&T, and Apple to submit their responses to an Federal Communications Commission inquiry surrounding Google Voice. Late last month, the FCC penned letters to the three companies requesting detailed information about why Apple blocked several Google Voice-related apps from the iPhone as well as data about the companies' roles in approving apps.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2351887,00.asp#w_talkback
HTC has yet to announce its Click smartphone!
HTC has yet to announce its Click smartphone, but images now floating around the Web reveal details about the low-priced Google Android handset. The Click, which should launch in the fourth quarter of this year, is reported to cost about $300. This would put the Click on track to being one the lowest priced Android phones available.
The Click's design is similar to the MyTouch 3G with some minor changes. The phone is touch screen only and it features a smaller 2.8-inch display. Gone is the trackball and in its place is a large circular directional pad. HTC has committed to start including a 3.5-millimeter headset jack on all phones and the Click has this highly requested feature.
The remaining navigation controls are similar to the MyTouch, but they also have a new design. The Home and menu buttons and the back and search controls are combined into a single rocker style button. The images also show a dragon design on the battery cover. Features include a microSD card slot and a camera.
Video of the phone also appeared on YouTube, but has since been taken down. In the video, the Click was running Donut, a future update to Android. While we don't know the official specifications of the Click, this is a good for Android fans who have been eagerly waiting on Donut to arrive.
We can't confirm when HTC will officially announce the Click, but it should come in the next few months. Depending on if a U.S. carrier offers the phone, we might see it priced less than $100 with a two-year contract. As we expected to see budget priced Android phones this year, the Click is a welcome addition. Even with its low price, the phone appears to offer the full Android experience in a slightly smaller package.
http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-10315617-251.html
The Click's design is similar to the MyTouch 3G with some minor changes. The phone is touch screen only and it features a smaller 2.8-inch display. Gone is the trackball and in its place is a large circular directional pad. HTC has committed to start including a 3.5-millimeter headset jack on all phones and the Click has this highly requested feature.
The remaining navigation controls are similar to the MyTouch, but they also have a new design. The Home and menu buttons and the back and search controls are combined into a single rocker style button. The images also show a dragon design on the battery cover. Features include a microSD card slot and a camera.
Video of the phone also appeared on YouTube, but has since been taken down. In the video, the Click was running Donut, a future update to Android. While we don't know the official specifications of the Click, this is a good for Android fans who have been eagerly waiting on Donut to arrive.
We can't confirm when HTC will officially announce the Click, but it should come in the next few months. Depending on if a U.S. carrier offers the phone, we might see it priced less than $100 with a two-year contract. As we expected to see budget priced Android phones this year, the Click is a welcome addition. Even with its low price, the phone appears to offer the full Android experience in a slightly smaller package.
http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-10315617-251.html
Saturday, August 22, 2009
GOOGLE TO BRING DESKTOP PHONE!!
By Marin Perez, Aug 21, 2009 05:18 PM
Google said its Android operating system wasn't just going to be for mobile phones and Cloud Telecomputers is bringing it to a desktop phone near you. The enterprise-focused device has some very interesting features that show the vast potential of the Linux-based OS Essentially, the company is trying to bring the functionality and features of smartphone to the desktop. The demo product Mobile Video which will run off a platform known as Glass Mobile Video which will run off a platform known as Glass features an 8-inch touch screen, and it can integrate with your corporate PBX and IP PBX fo corporate calling. The phone will also come with corporate calling. The phone will also come with Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile phone contacts to it easily, and you'll also be able to view Outlook e-mails, as well as click on contacts to call them. Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile phone contacts to it easily, and you'll also be able to view Outlook e-mails, as well as click on contacts to call them The platform itself is a tailored version of Android and the company will be licensing it out to companies that want to create their own model of phones. As you would expect from its name Cloud will be offering hosted services for thi interfaces for custom applications like Salesforce(NYSE: CRM)'s CRM software. Being able to send SMS messages from the desktop and the ability to run multiple apps are also nice features This is still not a firm release date for the Glass products, but the company is expecting devices to be released in the first quarter of 2010 for about $599 or $699. I'm not really sure how big the market for this specific device will be due to the pricing and the fact that many companies' budgets are still hurting, and the desktop phone is way down on the list of priorities. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is also trying to bring smartphone features to desktop phones with devices like its Hub, and I think there will be a decent market for these types of devices, even as features into Glass or the Hub and I'm sure you'd find plenty of people happy to pick one up« AT&T Responds To The FCC: We're Innocent | Main | Apple Responds To FCC » Sign Up Now S
Google said its Android operating system wasn't just going to be for mobile phones and Cloud Telecomputers is bringing it to a desktop phone near you. The enterprise-focused device has some very interesting features that show the vast potential of the Linux-based OS Essentially, the company is trying to bring the functionality and features of smartphone to the desktop. The demo product Mobile Video which will run off a platform known as Glass Mobile Video which will run off a platform known as Glass features an 8-inch touch screen, and it can integrate with your corporate PBX and IP PBX fo corporate calling. The phone will also come with corporate calling. The phone will also come with Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile phone contacts to it easily, and you'll also be able to view Outlook e-mails, as well as click on contacts to call them. Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile Bluetooth built-in so you can transfer your mobile phone contacts to it easily, and you'll also be able to view Outlook e-mails, as well as click on contacts to call them The platform itself is a tailored version of Android and the company will be licensing it out to companies that want to create their own model of phones. As you would expect from its name Cloud will be offering hosted services for thi interfaces for custom applications like Salesforce(NYSE: CRM)'s CRM software. Being able to send SMS messages from the desktop and the ability to run multiple apps are also nice features This is still not a firm release date for the Glass products, but the company is expecting devices to be released in the first quarter of 2010 for about $599 or $699. I'm not really sure how big the market for this specific device will be due to the pricing and the fact that many companies' budgets are still hurting, and the desktop phone is way down on the list of priorities. Verizon (NYSE: VZ) is also trying to bring smartphone features to desktop phones with devices like its Hub, and I think there will be a decent market for these types of devices, even as features into Glass or the Hub and I'm sure you'd find plenty of people happy to pick one up« AT&T Responds To The FCC: We're Innocent | Main | Apple Responds To FCC » Sign Up Now S
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Microsoft Wants To Compete Against Android and iPhone OS By Delaying Windows Mobile 6.5 and 7
Man I hate Microsoft and its Windows Mobile division. I just don’t understand any of their decisions anymore. According to some reliable Taiwan phone manufacturers, Microsoft is going for a dual-platform strategy. That’s not good at all. The Redmond-based company will launch Windows Mobile 6.5 on October 1 (not official yet) this year, and it will upgrade it sometime in February 2010 with a new touch interface.
Reports say that Microsoft wants to compete against Android OS with Windows Mobile 6.5, and against iPhone OS 3.0 with Windows Mobile 7. However Android 1.5 Cupcake looks good, Android 2.0 Donut will be even better, while Windows Mobile 7 will be launched in late 2010. How can Microsoft compete against iPhone OS? iPhone 3.0 is the best now while iPhone 3.1 will be even better when it will be launched later this year.
The strategy of the software maker is wrong although the prices will be lowered. WinMo is old and rusty, and by the time 7 is coming out all mobile platforms will be in front of it. Apple is preparing to release a new tablet, and probably a new iPhone next year.
The iPhone OS will definitely be improved while Google already announced that Android OS is getting 3 updates this year after Cupcake. This means that Android 3.0 or at least 2.5 will be released before 2010, and who knows how many updates it will get until the end of 2010. Just how good Microsoft thinks Windows Mobile 7 will be?
via DigiTimes
Reports say that Microsoft wants to compete against Android OS with Windows Mobile 6.5, and against iPhone OS 3.0 with Windows Mobile 7. However Android 1.5 Cupcake looks good, Android 2.0 Donut will be even better, while Windows Mobile 7 will be launched in late 2010. How can Microsoft compete against iPhone OS? iPhone 3.0 is the best now while iPhone 3.1 will be even better when it will be launched later this year.
The strategy of the software maker is wrong although the prices will be lowered. WinMo is old and rusty, and by the time 7 is coming out all mobile platforms will be in front of it. Apple is preparing to release a new tablet, and probably a new iPhone next year.
The iPhone OS will definitely be improved while Google already announced that Android OS is getting 3 updates this year after Cupcake. This means that Android 3.0 or at least 2.5 will be released before 2010, and who knows how many updates it will get until the end of 2010. Just how good Microsoft thinks Windows Mobile 7 will be?
via DigiTimes
AT&T First ANDROID powered device????
AT&T may delay or cancel its first Google Android device built by HTC, reports digiTimes, which references industry sources in Taiwan. Engagdet reported similar rumblings yesterday.
So far, only T-Mobile has launched an Android device in the U.S., so a launch by AT&T would have provided a nice lift to the platform's popularity. But reportedly, the device, which is codenamed the HTC Lancaster, has not yet passed AT&T's review process. The delay will cause a setback to AT&T and HTC, as other handset makers, such as Motorola LG and Sony Ericsson get close to launching their own devices-most likely on a broad set of carriers that could include Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel.
AT&T is expected to launch two HTC handsets running Windows Mobile 6.5, including the Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2 in October.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082002680.html
So far, only T-Mobile has launched an Android device in the U.S., so a launch by AT&T would have provided a nice lift to the platform's popularity. But reportedly, the device, which is codenamed the HTC Lancaster, has not yet passed AT&T's review process. The delay will cause a setback to AT&T and HTC, as other handset makers, such as Motorola LG and Sony Ericsson get close to launching their own devices-most likely on a broad set of carriers that could include Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel.
AT&T is expected to launch two HTC handsets running Windows Mobile 6.5, including the Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2 in October.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/20/AR2009082002680.html
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
No Further Android Updates for G1; No “Sense” for MyTouch 3G?
No Further Android Updates for G1; No “Sense” for MyTouch 3G?
We early adopters know that we risk not being able to update our first-generation mobile gadgets, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach. Android engineers have tweeted that T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) phones may not be able to handle any OS updates going forward. It seems that the early G1 model has limited system memory and the current version 1.5 (aka Cupcake) update completely filled it up. That means future updates, aka Donut and Eclair, will likely not be released for the Dream, as new versions almost always require more memory.
“As much as I’m hoping that it’ll be possible to somehow continue updating the G1, I can’t promise anything.”
More disturbing news is coming out of Asia (HTC is a Taiwan company) that the HTC Magic, aka MyTouch 3G, will be receiving the innovative “Sense” UI update in Europe, but that T-Mobile models in the U.S. won’t. This is reportedly due to licensing issues with the T-Mobile versions that require “Google branding.” We’ve voiced our concerns that licensing issues might fragment the Android line with updates in some areas but not others and it looks like that concern might be valid. Which is a real shame, as the MyTouch 3G (Magic) is the newest Android phone in the HTC line and the Sense UI is light years ahead of the native Android UI.
via I4U and Gizmodo)
We early adopters know that we risk not being able to update our first-generation mobile gadgets, but that doesn’t make it any easier to stomach. Android engineers have tweeted that T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) phones may not be able to handle any OS updates going forward. It seems that the early G1 model has limited system memory and the current version 1.5 (aka Cupcake) update completely filled it up. That means future updates, aka Donut and Eclair, will likely not be released for the Dream, as new versions almost always require more memory.
“As much as I’m hoping that it’ll be possible to somehow continue updating the G1, I can’t promise anything.”
More disturbing news is coming out of Asia (HTC is a Taiwan company) that the HTC Magic, aka MyTouch 3G, will be receiving the innovative “Sense” UI update in Europe, but that T-Mobile models in the U.S. won’t. This is reportedly due to licensing issues with the T-Mobile versions that require “Google branding.” We’ve voiced our concerns that licensing issues might fragment the Android line with updates in some areas but not others and it looks like that concern might be valid. Which is a real shame, as the MyTouch 3G (Magic) is the newest Android phone in the HTC line and the Sense UI is light years ahead of the native Android UI.
via I4U and Gizmodo)
T-Mobile G1 may not receive major Android updates because of limited flash RAM
One of Google's Android developers said Friday that the T-Mobile G1 may not receive operating system updates in the future because of a lack of internal flash RAM, according to mobile news publication JKOnTheRun.
"As much as I'm hoping that it'll be possible to somehow continue updating the G1, I can't promise anything," Android engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru wrote on Twitter. "We knew that internal flash space was going to be very tight on the G1 and we kept the system partition tight on purpose."
According to the publication, the G1's current operating system, version 1.5 - code named "Cupcake" - filled the memory so future versions, including Donut and Eclair, likely will not fit on the device.
A T-Mobile spokesperson told EngadgetMobile that the OS will continue to be updated, though the carrier was not clear if those updates will include operating system overhauls. "We plan to continue working with Google to introduce future software updates to the T-Mobile G1. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate," the spokesperson said in a statement.
The news comes after HTC said yesterday that it will offer its attractive Android-powered Sense UI, originally developed for the HTC Hero, to HTC Magic users, as we reported. The T-Mobile version of the HTC Magic, the myTouch 3G, will not receive the upgrade.
News by Brian James Kirk on Tuesday August 18, 2009.
"As much as I'm hoping that it'll be possible to somehow continue updating the G1, I can't promise anything," Android engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru wrote on Twitter. "We knew that internal flash space was going to be very tight on the G1 and we kept the system partition tight on purpose."
According to the publication, the G1's current operating system, version 1.5 - code named "Cupcake" - filled the memory so future versions, including Donut and Eclair, likely will not fit on the device.
A T-Mobile spokesperson told EngadgetMobile that the OS will continue to be updated, though the carrier was not clear if those updates will include operating system overhauls. "We plan to continue working with Google to introduce future software updates to the T-Mobile G1. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate," the spokesperson said in a statement.
The news comes after HTC said yesterday that it will offer its attractive Android-powered Sense UI, originally developed for the HTC Hero, to HTC Magic users, as we reported. The T-Mobile version of the HTC Magic, the myTouch 3G, will not receive the upgrade.
News by Brian James Kirk on Tuesday August 18, 2009.
Monday, August 17, 2009
G1 may not be getting update unfortunately :(
No Android past 1.5 for G1; no Sense for myTouch 3G
Wireless provider T-Mobile will not release a significant update to the original
Android-powered G1 handset, according to a recent, unofficial report. While T-Mobile is saying otherwise when questioned, it is being ambiguous enough that its promise of introducing future software updates could be related only to small security updates or bug fixes, with Donut (possibly Android 1.6) and Éclair (Android 2.0) builds not coming to the device. The 256MB internal storage capacity of the G1, which is split for the OS and apps, eliminates this possibility as the updates are too large.
"There will come a time in the near future when we won’t be able to fit the latest release on the G1 internal flash," said Android software engineer Dave Sparks, and the Android software team has said it has struggled to fit the Cupcake update into the G1's internal flash.
Despite hopes to the contrary, the Donut and Éclair updates will not include the ability to install apps to SD cards to free up internal space. This inability to update to the latest system will make the G1 outdated before its two-year contract runs out, leaving owners to upgrade hardware if they want the newer releases.
In related Android news, the Sense UI update that is coming to the HTC Magic device is not likely to be sent out for T-Mobile's Magic, rebranded as the myTouch 3G. This is because of licensing reasons, as Sense is an HTC product, while the myTouch is branded with Google and is thus likely obliged to use Google's interface. European and potentially Canadian Magic users aren't likely to have this problem as their devices are reference models.
Link:http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/08/17/no.android.updates.for.g1/
Wireless provider T-Mobile will not release a significant update to the original
Android-powered G1 handset, according to a recent, unofficial report. While T-Mobile is saying otherwise when questioned, it is being ambiguous enough that its promise of introducing future software updates could be related only to small security updates or bug fixes, with Donut (possibly Android 1.6) and Éclair (Android 2.0) builds not coming to the device. The 256MB internal storage capacity of the G1, which is split for the OS and apps, eliminates this possibility as the updates are too large.
"There will come a time in the near future when we won’t be able to fit the latest release on the G1 internal flash," said Android software engineer Dave Sparks, and the Android software team has said it has struggled to fit the Cupcake update into the G1's internal flash.
Despite hopes to the contrary, the Donut and Éclair updates will not include the ability to install apps to SD cards to free up internal space. This inability to update to the latest system will make the G1 outdated before its two-year contract runs out, leaving owners to upgrade hardware if they want the newer releases.
In related Android news, the Sense UI update that is coming to the HTC Magic device is not likely to be sent out for T-Mobile's Magic, rebranded as the myTouch 3G. This is because of licensing reasons, as Sense is an HTC product, while the myTouch is branded with Google and is thus likely obliged to use Google's interface. European and potentially Canadian Magic users aren't likely to have this problem as their devices are reference models.
Link:http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/08/17/no.android.updates.for.g1/
Sunday, August 16, 2009
More on 2.0 soDOnOOdONUTMTMo
In the tech industry, nothing is more unforgivable than resting on your aurels. That's why the Android developer team has moved right on from Cupcake to Donut with nary a pause between the two. If you haven't heard yet, Donut is the code-name for the Android 2.0 update. Previously we brought you leaked info about the new widget utilities and UI changes on the dev version of Donut. Now, thanks to a demo from Google, we've got even more juicy Android gossip For one, the Android 2.0 update is bringing an expanded search utility to the open source OS.
'Android Search' will allow users to quickly search for items in your smartphone, or on the Internet. It comes with a text-to speech API, which will allow people to use Google Voice Search in their apps and online. Another neat feature is the ability to draw letters on the touchscreen in order to search for items beginning with that letter Android is moving forward fast, which is exactly what they need to be doing.
Despite some impressive successes and expansion into severa product lines, Google's OS still only controls about 1% of the smartphone market. The main advantage that Android has over larger OS's like Symbian is that, since it is open source, it has more opportunities for expansion and customization Right now, Donut is expected to come out for mass consumption around August, when HTC's new line of Gphones are set to hit the market. If you just can't wait to see what's around the corner, you can always get a dev phone and dig up the Donut that leaked a few days back. If so, please drop us a line and let I4U know what you think about Android 2
'Android Search' will allow users to quickly search for items in your smartphone, or on the Internet. It comes with a text-to speech API, which will allow people to use Google Voice Search in their apps and online. Another neat feature is the ability to draw letters on the touchscreen in order to search for items beginning with that letter Android is moving forward fast, which is exactly what they need to be doing.
Despite some impressive successes and expansion into severa product lines, Google's OS still only controls about 1% of the smartphone market. The main advantage that Android has over larger OS's like Symbian is that, since it is open source, it has more opportunities for expansion and customization Right now, Donut is expected to come out for mass consumption around August, when HTC's new line of Gphones are set to hit the market. If you just can't wait to see what's around the corner, you can always get a dev phone and dig up the Donut that leaked a few days back. If so, please drop us a line and let I4U know what you think about Android 2
Friday, August 14, 2009
ANDROID 2.0???
Android 2.0 bringing multitouch this year?
One of the main reasons to pick an iPhone or Palm Pre over one of their Android rivals is multitouch: Apple has it, Palm has it, Android doesn’t. But that could soon change, if some web speculation proves accurate.
CNET claims there could be two updates to Android this year: Android 1.6 (aka Donut) and Android 2.0 (aka Eclair). Donut is a fairly minor update of the firmware but Android 2.0 should be a biggie.
Apparently it will debut on a handset before becoming available to download on existing Android devices. CNET reckons this could be a Motorola phone, which we can see happening: it’s well known that Moto has plans for an Android-powered handset, and there’s even talk that it’s working on its own Blur UI to sit on top of Android. CNET’s bet is on a phone called the Motorola Sholes becoming the Android 2.0 flagship.
But what about multitouch, we hear you cry. Well, apparently the evidence for that comes courtesy of some new code dropped into the Android Open Source Project by Google. Some code for multitouch has been spotted by developers - but not for Donut. This has lead CNET to speculate that multitouch will be part of Eclair/Android 2.0.
There are a lot of “what ifs” in this story, but we can definitely see Google adding multitouch soon in an effort to keep up with Apple. l will keep you posted.
August 14, 2009 3:30 pm by Sam Kieldsen Categories:
One of the main reasons to pick an iPhone or Palm Pre over one of their Android rivals is multitouch: Apple has it, Palm has it, Android doesn’t. But that could soon change, if some web speculation proves accurate.
CNET claims there could be two updates to Android this year: Android 1.6 (aka Donut) and Android 2.0 (aka Eclair). Donut is a fairly minor update of the firmware but Android 2.0 should be a biggie.
Apparently it will debut on a handset before becoming available to download on existing Android devices. CNET reckons this could be a Motorola phone, which we can see happening: it’s well known that Moto has plans for an Android-powered handset, and there’s even talk that it’s working on its own Blur UI to sit on top of Android. CNET’s bet is on a phone called the Motorola Sholes becoming the Android 2.0 flagship.
But what about multitouch, we hear you cry. Well, apparently the evidence for that comes courtesy of some new code dropped into the Android Open Source Project by Google. Some code for multitouch has been spotted by developers - but not for Donut. This has lead CNET to speculate that multitouch will be part of Eclair/Android 2.0.
There are a lot of “what ifs” in this story, but we can definitely see Google adding multitouch soon in an effort to keep up with Apple. l will keep you posted.
August 14, 2009 3:30 pm by Sam Kieldsen Categories:
What is ANDROID?
What is Android?
Developed by the Open Handset Alliance, Android brings Internet-style innovation and openness to mobile phones.
Android™ delivers a complete set of software for mobile devices: an operating system, middleware and key mobile applications. The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) is now available.
Open
Android was built from the ground-up to enable developers to create compelling mobile applications that take full advantage of all a handset has to offer. It was built to be truly open. For example, an application can call upon any of the phone's core functionality such as making calls, sending text messages, or using the camera, allowing developers to create richer and more cohesive experiences for users. Android is built on the open Linux Kernel. Furthermore, it utilizes a custom virtual machine that was designed to optimize memory and hardware resources in a mobile environment. Android is open source; it can be liberally extended to incorporate new cutting edge technologies as they emerge. The platform will continue to evolve as the developer community works together to build innovative mobile applications.
All applications are created equal
Android does not differentiate between the phone's core applications and third-party applications. They can all be built to have equal access to a phone's capabilities providing users with a broad spectrum of applications and services. With devices built on the Android Platform, users are able to fully tailor the phone to their interests. They can swap out the phone's homescreen, the style of the dialer, or any of the applications. They can even instruct their phones to use their favorite photo viewing application to handle the viewing of all photos.
Breaking down application boundaries
Android breaks down the barriers to building new and innovative applications. For example, a developer can combine information from the web with data on an individual's mobile phone -- such as the user's contacts, calendar, or geographic location -- to provide a more relevant user experience. With Android, a developer can build an application that enables users to view the location of their friends and be alerted when they are in the vicinity giving them a chance to connect.
Fast & easy application development
Android provides access to a wide range of useful libraries and tools that can be used to build rich applications. For example, Android enables developers to obtain the location of the device, and allows devices to communicate with one another enabling rich peer-to-peer social applications. In addition, Android includes a full set of tools that have been built from the ground up alongside the platform providing developers with high productivity and deep insight into their applications.
ANDROID.com
Developed by the Open Handset Alliance, Android brings Internet-style innovation and openness to mobile phones.
Android™ delivers a complete set of software for mobile devices: an operating system, middleware and key mobile applications. The Android Software Development Kit (SDK) is now available.
Open
Android was built from the ground-up to enable developers to create compelling mobile applications that take full advantage of all a handset has to offer. It was built to be truly open. For example, an application can call upon any of the phone's core functionality such as making calls, sending text messages, or using the camera, allowing developers to create richer and more cohesive experiences for users. Android is built on the open Linux Kernel. Furthermore, it utilizes a custom virtual machine that was designed to optimize memory and hardware resources in a mobile environment. Android is open source; it can be liberally extended to incorporate new cutting edge technologies as they emerge. The platform will continue to evolve as the developer community works together to build innovative mobile applications.
All applications are created equal
Android does not differentiate between the phone's core applications and third-party applications. They can all be built to have equal access to a phone's capabilities providing users with a broad spectrum of applications and services. With devices built on the Android Platform, users are able to fully tailor the phone to their interests. They can swap out the phone's homescreen, the style of the dialer, or any of the applications. They can even instruct their phones to use their favorite photo viewing application to handle the viewing of all photos.
Breaking down application boundaries
Android breaks down the barriers to building new and innovative applications. For example, a developer can combine information from the web with data on an individual's mobile phone -- such as the user's contacts, calendar, or geographic location -- to provide a more relevant user experience. With Android, a developer can build an application that enables users to view the location of their friends and be alerted when they are in the vicinity giving them a chance to connect.
Fast & easy application development
Android provides access to a wide range of useful libraries and tools that can be used to build rich applications. For example, Android enables developers to obtain the location of the device, and allows devices to communicate with one another enabling rich peer-to-peer social applications. In addition, Android includes a full set of tools that have been built from the ground up alongside the platform providing developers with high productivity and deep insight into their applications.
ANDROID.com
Thursday, August 13, 2009
5 Android Market Apps!
You've already seen our hands-on review of Google's new mobile operating system, Android—so now it's time to take a look at what kinds of apps third-party developers have made available for the platform. The first phone running Android has been out in the wild for eight months now, and every day new applications have appeared in the Android Market that add fun and functionality to your handset. Best of all, most of them are free. Let's take a look at our favorite free apps (so far) that make working and living a lot easier in Android. Note: There are plenty of games and social networking apps available for Android, from Pac-Man to Solitaire to at least seven dozen Twitter clients, but this review's gonna stick to the stuff that makes doing stuff (besides eating virtual pellets) faster. For a longer list of apps that include games and kill-the-time type stuff, check out Gizmodo's marathon Android App review. Alright, let's make your Android phone more productive. To install any of these apps, hit up the Android Market on your phone and search for 'em by name.
Any Cut
My one must-have app, Any Cut creates one-click shortcuts on your home screen to common activities, like texting your sweetie. To Android's credit, sans Any Cut, you can already make a direct shortcut to a Gmail label (like "to respond"), and there are configurable application keyboard shortcuts baked into the OS. But Any Cut goes that extra mile towards making repetitive actions a one-click task. Here's the Any Cut two-step workflow to create a shortcut: Here's what a shortcut to text Terra looks like (tap that to launch a new SMS message with Terra's phone number all filled into the To: field):
Caller ID
Should you pick up the call from that unknown number or not? The WhitePages.com's Caller ID app helps you decide with a little more information—specifically, whether the number of the incoming call is a cell or landline, and where it's located. Worked like a charm for both a San Diego landline and NYC cellphone, though disappointingly it only includes cities, and not specific listings.
TooDo
You want your to-do's in the cloud, and you want them on your phone. There are quite a few list apps available for Android, but TooDo is my pick for the serious GTD crowd. TooDo is a very rich to-do manager that does all the things a featureful desktop task manager does—including reminders, categories, and dependencies—with some sweet location-aware goodness too, like geographical-based reminders (ie, if you're within range of the dry cleaner, pick up the pants). Since Android has had all kinds of trouble pinpointing my exact location, I can't tell you whether or not the geo-reminders actually work. To be honest, TooDo had so many options and controls, it was almost too overwhelming. The developer says attaching audio and video notes to tasks is even on the way. But the kicker feature? TooDo syncs with Remember the Milk and Toodledo, so you don't have to peck out your list on the phone keyboard.
Compare Everywhere
Having only heard of bar scanner apps and never using one myself, Compare Everywhere gave me a serious "holy cow" moment. Point the camera at a bar code—on a book, DVD, or any kind of product—and the phone auto-detects it, vibrates when it's scanned the code, and brings up the product details, with prices at online stores and brick-and-mortar retail locations near you. Then you can add the item to a list—like your shopping list or wishlist. Magical. Here's what the scanner looks like pointing at the back of my book. Note this acts just like a bar scanner—you just swipe, no need to hit the shutter button: Here's the product lookup result on this scan:
Cab4Me
You're exhausted and stranded in a neighborhood you don't know at all because your best friend left the bar with that hottie and left you high and dry. Instead of starting to Google for a local cab company, fire up Cab4Me, which finds cabs near your current location. Tap one to make the call.
ToddlerLock
Sometimes your productivity (or just plain sanity) depends on how quiet the kid is. ToddlerLock turns your phone into an interactive toy, with bright shapes and colors on screen and (optionally) fun sounds. Your kid can draw on screen and press the keys to make new shapes appear; a complicated key combination quits the app. Good for long grocery lines and funerals.
Hotspot Locator
When the slow data connection is killing you but you need to get some serious surfing done on your phone, locate a T-Mobile hotspot near you to get some free wireless love. This app will get you there.
Translate
When you don't speak the language, you don't want to futz with the web interface to Google Translate. The Translate app offers a cleaner way to look up translations quickly. Type in your phrase and set the "from" and "to" language and go—up to 150 language pairs are available; this one's a must-have for international travelers.
Musical Productivity
While music isn't always under the "personal productivity" umbrella, there are still a few Android apps that let you get music-related tasks done a lot quicker.
Ringdroid
Turn any MP3 on your phone to a ringtone without touching your desktop with Ringdroid. Using the app you select the start and end of your tone on a song timeline, and preview it before you save. (That sound you hear is iPhone owners eating their hearts out while they manually sync ringtones from iTunes.)
Shazam
Just like the popular iPhone app, Shazam identifies songs you hear on the radio or elsewhere. Just hold the phone's microphone near the radio's speakers while it plays the song in question, and Shazam will guess what it is. Shazam only works with recorded music, not humming or live versions. Scroll down the result to search for the song on YouTube and in Amazon MP3 (included on the phone so you can purchase the tune on the spot).
TuneWiki
See the lyrics displayed in time with a music video using TuneWiki, the awesome app that will finally settle arguments about what the hell that line was, anyway. YouTube videos work too (pictured), although the lines aren't always synced—but you can tap the screen to advance to the next one. Your best bet is to check out TuneWiki's lists of popular songs (of the day, week, month, etc) to see the synchronization go as the song plays. G1 owners, what Android apps have become your must-haves? Let us know in the comments.
Gina Trapani.
Any Cut
My one must-have app, Any Cut creates one-click shortcuts on your home screen to common activities, like texting your sweetie. To Android's credit, sans Any Cut, you can already make a direct shortcut to a Gmail label (like "to respond"), and there are configurable application keyboard shortcuts baked into the OS. But Any Cut goes that extra mile towards making repetitive actions a one-click task. Here's the Any Cut two-step workflow to create a shortcut: Here's what a shortcut to text Terra looks like (tap that to launch a new SMS message with Terra's phone number all filled into the To: field):
Caller ID
Should you pick up the call from that unknown number or not? The WhitePages.com's Caller ID app helps you decide with a little more information—specifically, whether the number of the incoming call is a cell or landline, and where it's located. Worked like a charm for both a San Diego landline and NYC cellphone, though disappointingly it only includes cities, and not specific listings.
TooDo
You want your to-do's in the cloud, and you want them on your phone. There are quite a few list apps available for Android, but TooDo is my pick for the serious GTD crowd. TooDo is a very rich to-do manager that does all the things a featureful desktop task manager does—including reminders, categories, and dependencies—with some sweet location-aware goodness too, like geographical-based reminders (ie, if you're within range of the dry cleaner, pick up the pants). Since Android has had all kinds of trouble pinpointing my exact location, I can't tell you whether or not the geo-reminders actually work. To be honest, TooDo had so many options and controls, it was almost too overwhelming. The developer says attaching audio and video notes to tasks is even on the way. But the kicker feature? TooDo syncs with Remember the Milk and Toodledo, so you don't have to peck out your list on the phone keyboard.
Compare Everywhere
Having only heard of bar scanner apps and never using one myself, Compare Everywhere gave me a serious "holy cow" moment. Point the camera at a bar code—on a book, DVD, or any kind of product—and the phone auto-detects it, vibrates when it's scanned the code, and brings up the product details, with prices at online stores and brick-and-mortar retail locations near you. Then you can add the item to a list—like your shopping list or wishlist. Magical. Here's what the scanner looks like pointing at the back of my book. Note this acts just like a bar scanner—you just swipe, no need to hit the shutter button: Here's the product lookup result on this scan:
Cab4Me
You're exhausted and stranded in a neighborhood you don't know at all because your best friend left the bar with that hottie and left you high and dry. Instead of starting to Google for a local cab company, fire up Cab4Me, which finds cabs near your current location. Tap one to make the call.
ToddlerLock
Sometimes your productivity (or just plain sanity) depends on how quiet the kid is. ToddlerLock turns your phone into an interactive toy, with bright shapes and colors on screen and (optionally) fun sounds. Your kid can draw on screen and press the keys to make new shapes appear; a complicated key combination quits the app. Good for long grocery lines and funerals.
Hotspot Locator
When the slow data connection is killing you but you need to get some serious surfing done on your phone, locate a T-Mobile hotspot near you to get some free wireless love. This app will get you there.
Translate
When you don't speak the language, you don't want to futz with the web interface to Google Translate. The Translate app offers a cleaner way to look up translations quickly. Type in your phrase and set the "from" and "to" language and go—up to 150 language pairs are available; this one's a must-have for international travelers.
Musical Productivity
While music isn't always under the "personal productivity" umbrella, there are still a few Android apps that let you get music-related tasks done a lot quicker.
Ringdroid
Turn any MP3 on your phone to a ringtone without touching your desktop with Ringdroid. Using the app you select the start and end of your tone on a song timeline, and preview it before you save. (That sound you hear is iPhone owners eating their hearts out while they manually sync ringtones from iTunes.)
Shazam
Just like the popular iPhone app, Shazam identifies songs you hear on the radio or elsewhere. Just hold the phone's microphone near the radio's speakers while it plays the song in question, and Shazam will guess what it is. Shazam only works with recorded music, not humming or live versions. Scroll down the result to search for the song on YouTube and in Amazon MP3 (included on the phone so you can purchase the tune on the spot).
TuneWiki
See the lyrics displayed in time with a music video using TuneWiki, the awesome app that will finally settle arguments about what the hell that line was, anyway. YouTube videos work too (pictured), although the lines aren't always synced—but you can tap the screen to advance to the next one. Your best bet is to check out TuneWiki's lists of popular songs (of the day, week, month, etc) to see the synchronization go as the song plays. G1 owners, what Android apps have become your must-haves? Let us know in the comments.
Gina Trapani.
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