T-Mobile G2 vs. The Samsung Vibrant
Posted by Alex Smith
Many of you are curious to know how the T-Mobile G2 is going to compare to T-Mobile’s current front-runner, the Samsung Vibrant. Thanks to Wirefly, we have a comparison chart below that highlights the similar qualities of these devices as well as their differences. In the image below, you’ll find the known specs of the G2 and the current specs of the Vibrant in a quick comparison format.
- The user interface plays a big role when it comes to devices because certain people have their own preferences. The Samsung Vibrant features Samsung’s TouchWiz 3.0 which comes with its own widgets, launcher, lockscreen and overall appearance, while the G2 will be running stock Android UI which allows users to receive future Android updates a lot sooner.
- Under the hood of the Samsung Vibrant comes a 1GHz Hummingbird processor that runs much faster and more smoothly than the Qualcomm Snapdragon which you can find on devices like the HTC Evo 4G and the Google Nexus One. The G2 will be running Qualcomm’s Scorpion processor clocked at 800 MHz which we are looking forward to testing.
- The Samsung Vibrant is running Android 2.1 with an upgrade to Android 2.2 fast approaching while the T-Mobile G2 will be shipping with Android 2.2 with Adobe 10.1 flash support and the mobile hotspot feature.
- The Samsung Vibrant, like the other Galaxy S variants, features a 4″ Super AMOLED display which is arguably one of the best displays we’ve seen on a mobile device and with Avatar pre-installed on the Vibrant it’ll put your HDTV to shame. The G2 is said to feature a 3.7″ AMOLED display which you can find on the Google Nexus One. Both displays reduce power consumption and reflection when in direct sunlight.
- Both devices feature a 5MP camera, but the G2 will be equipped with an LED flash. The Vibrant records in 720p HD and has various camera settings which include night mode and panoramic capturing. If you own a Vibrant and have yet to try out panoramic mode, I highly suggest you do. Rumored specs of the G2 suggest that it will also come with 720p HD recording as well.
- One of the best features on the Vibrant is the 16GB internal storage and it comes with a pre-installed 2GB microSD card. The T-Mobile G2 is rumored to have 4GB internal storage and we’re not too sure on the microSD card; we would assume a 4GB or even 8GB microSD card will be shipped with the device and will be expandable up to 32GB.
Check out the comparison chart below for more information and keep in mind the G2 specs are currently known specs and could possibly change before this device arrives. Enjoy!
Via: Wirefly
What would you choose, the Samsung Vibrant or the T-Mobile G2?
Motorola Droid 2 Ad Takes Another Jab at Apple
Posted by Alex Smith
Just before the launch of the Motorola Droid X, Motorola took out a full page ad in the New York Times to poke fun at Apple’s “antennagate” issue and today Motorola comes out swinging with another ad mocking the Apple iPhone.
Motorola has done it again as they’re showing off their latest device, the Motorola Droid 2 which is flash enabled. The very last line of the add says:
It’s compromise-free web browsing. The way it should be.
It looks like we can chalk up 2 for Motorola and 0 for Apple.
Via: Phandroid
ROM: danne_jo’s WildPuzzleROM v4 For HTC Wildfire
Posted by Alex Smith
danne_jo has released an update to WildPuzzleROM v4, jbed, jit, ext4, apps2sd, system r/w “live wallpapers”. The latest version is now v4.
This release is supported on the following Device(s):
- HTC Wildfire
Changelog for WildPuzzleROM:
v4
- Removed old apps, redownloaded via wildfire this time and no rename of files, just moved them to /data/app
- Updated su binary and superuser.apk to su-2.3.5-ef, working fine verifyed it with Titanium Backup.
- Tested to download first random app that appear on market, worked just fine, and the second and third, all ended same way, working just fine.
v3
New base, upgraded to 1.25.405.1 from 1.14.405.2v2
Fixed hostfile and some typov1:
New ROM
There are many parts to this ROM so head over to this developer`s page to get the complete list of download options for this ROM. Enjoy!
Head over to danne_jo’s AndroidSPIN Developer Homepage for more information and downloads.
Dell Streak Starting to Receive Android 2.1 Courtesy of O2
Posted by Alex Smith
O2 has begun rolling out Android 2.1 to their Dell Streak users today as we have received multiple reports from users receiving the update. Dell recently stated that they were going to skip Android 2.1 and go straight to Android 2.2 and O2 had taken it upon themselves to push Android 2.1 to hold their users over until Froyo finally arrived.
Paul O’brien over at MoDaCo has stated via Twitter that the update is coming pre-rooted. He stated in the MoDaCo forums:
To test, enable USB debugging then…
adb shell
su
id…and you’ll probably see you’re root.
Interesting… particularly as this is an enormous security hole. I see no reason why any app can’t call the su binary, elevate itself to root privileges and do all sorts of naughty things!
P
PS This is the official OTA download from O2!
We’re not sure if O2 realized this security hole or if they do know and pushed the update anyway. If you haven’t been prompted for the update, go into settings and check for a system update and enjoy your Eclair.
Thanks Liam!
Anyone else enjoying Eclair yet from the OTA?
First Impressions: Angry Bird Lite Beta
Posted by Jolie Gendel
A few days ago we mentioned Rovio was bringing Angry Birds to Android. The good news is even though the game is still in beta, you can download it from the Android Market. Having never played the iPhone version, I downloaded the game to give it a try.
The first thing I noticed, after the beta warning of course, is that the graphics are nicely done. The main menu mostly consists of links to Angry Birds sites such as their Twitter feed and Facebook page. There are also options for reporting bugs and watching the trailer. The game opens with a short, modified version of the cinematic trailer; after that, it’s into the game.
The basic premise of the game is that you, the birds, are going after some pigs that have stolen your eggs. Each level is a variant of the pigs hiding in a barricade that you have to destroy by launching various birds from a slingshot. The walls come down, the pigs topple over, and poof; you’ve earned yourself some points.
So far, the beta lite version contains 20 levels with a link to get the full version, which as of right now is not yet available. I played the game for about 20 minutes and everything seemed to work as it should, though there have been some reports of crashes. The only issue I found to be of some annoyance is whenever you select a link that takes you outside of the game, the only way to get back is to long-press the home button to select recently used apps; this in turn will open the game, but it does not return you to the point you left off, and you have to view the opening screens again.
Overall, I found the game to be fun and entertaining. Navigation and playing is easy, a child would have no problems playing, although it’s amusing for adults as well.
If you want to try Angry Birds lite beta for yourself, you can download the game by clicking HERE from your Android device, or scan the QR code below. NOTE: as of right now the game only shows in the Market on Android 2.2 devices. If your phone allows for non-Market installations, you can download the file HERE.
Samsung Fascinate Priced at $199 Coming September 9th
Posted by Alex Smith
As you can see in the image above, the Samsung Fascinate will be launching on September 9th for $199. The internal communication shows the Fascinate also coming with a “BOGA” offer which Verizon runs as the “But-One Get-Any” smartphone deal. September 9th is the initial date we reported so no surprise there and just like the other Galaxy S variants, the Fascinate will run for $199 on a new 2yr. service agreement.
Features of the Samsung Fascinate include:
- Android 2.1
- TouchWiz UI
- 720p HD recording
- 16GB preinstalled microSD card with 2GB internal storage
- 4″ Super AMOLED display
- 5MP camera with flash
Now it’s just Verizon’s turn to give up the device.
Via: Android Central
How many of you have been dying to grab this Galaxy S phone?
Motorola Droid X Gets Slight Battery Tab Modification
Posted by Alex Smith
When the Motorola Droid X was launched, people were confused about removing the battery. The yellow pull tab found when you remove the back cover on your DX was to help with removing the battery. Since there was so much confusion, Motorola decided to make a slight modification making it red and adding the text “BATTERY RELEASE” and added a little do not cut symbol. In the image below, you can see the previous yellow tab that just says “pull.” Thanks to Android Central for bringing this to our attention.
Via: Android Central
Epic 4G Joins the Ranks of Top Sellers on Day One
Posted by Alex Smith
The HTC Evo 4G set a pretty high standard when it comes to “day one” sales, and with the recent Epic 4G launch, the Galaxy S device was hot on its heels. Sprint has announced that the Epic 4G was one of their best selling devices for first day sales. With the success of the Galaxy S variants so far here in the States, it’s not too surprising especially if you’ve seen that 4″ Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy S.
If you still haven’t purchased the Epic 4G, you can grab the Epic 4G for $199 from the AndroidSPIN Cell Phone Store by clicking the button below.
Full presser below.
Second 3G/4G Phone, Samsung Epic 4G, Launches with One of the Best First-Day Sales for Any Sprint Device
The Only 4G Samsung Galaxy S Smartphone is a Hit, Receiving High Praise from Media and Excited Customers
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sep 03, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
Sprint (NYSE: S) retail stores celebrated the arrival of America’s second 3G/4G phone Tuesday by opening their doors early to accommodate anxious customers interested in getting their hands on the acclaimed Samsung Epic(TM) 4G, the only Galaxy S(TM) smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and front-facing camera along with a brilliant Super AMOLED touch-screen. Samsung Epic 4G didn’t disappoint as it became one of Sprint’s best-selling devices for first-day sales.
Tuesday marked another historic milestone as Sprint continues to lead the 4G revolution. In addition to two award-winning Android(TM) phones, Sprint offers Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, enabling 4G connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices, as well as five Sprint mobile broadband devices that can access Sprint 4G data speeds.
“We’re very excited by the customer response to Samsung Epic 4G and the capabilities of our 4G network,” said Fared Adib, vice president of product development for Sprint. “With its beautiful Super AMOLED touch-screen, full QWERTY keyboard and two cameras, Samsung Epic 4G is a terrific smartphone that delivers the promise of the Sprint 4G network. As we continue to build out our 4G network, more and more of our customers will realize the benefits of these amazing devices and the realities of life at these blazing-fast speeds.”
Samsung Epic 4G is available in all Sprint retail channels, including Sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart. It costs $249.99 (taxes excluded) with a new line or eligible upgrade after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new service agreement on select plan with Premium Data add-on. Customers can use the Reserve Now process if their local company-owned retail store temporarily runs out of inventory. Reserve Now allows them to purchase a $50 gift card to hold a Samsung Epic 4G when the smartphones arrive back in stock.
Samsung Epic 4G works on Sprint’s 3G and 4G networks. This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use Sprint’s reliable 3G mobile broadband network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 51 markets and continues to expand to new cities, bringing wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G1.
Customers also praised Samsung Epic 4G:
“I’ve been an Android user since the very beginning and I’m switching to Sprint because I want 4G. I can’t wait to have a phone with a flash for one thing, definitely the Hummingbird processor, the super AMOLED screen, 4G.”-Mike Huntington
“The main thing is just that full slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It’s going to give me a bigger keyboard, and it’s going to give me faster processing speeds.” – Jason Von Moss
“I just heard a lot about the Google Android system and the operating system so I’m excited to try something new. I think the integration with social networking sites, e-mail, just the transition taking video, pictures and post them directly to your networking sites is probably the biggest feature I’m looking forward to using.” – Sean Powell
“I really like the slide-out keyboard, the fact that it seems to be a really fast, bright LED screen.” – Keith Gray
Accolades Continue to Roll InSamsung Epic 4G received Editor’s Choice awards from Laptop and PCMag. Respected technology and telecommunications media and analysts lauded Samsung Epic 4G:
Epic 4G’s 4-inch Super AMOLED display absolutely mesmerized us. – CNET
Like the EVO 4G before it, the Epic 4G sort of blows everything out of the water on paper: 4-inch Super AMOLED display, 5 megapixel primary camera with LED flash and 720p video recording paired with a VGA front-facing cam for video calls, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, six-axis accelerometer, and a 1GHz Hummingbird core. – Engadget
Overall it’s Samsung’s best Galaxy S series phone and yet another compelling reason to switch to Sprint. – Laptop
The one stand-out feature that the Epic will offer you that the Vibrant, Fascinate or Captivate won’t is the front-facing camera that will allow videoconferencing. – IntoMobile
Blazing trails with Sprint 4GSamsung Epic 4G joins a powerful list of 4G-capable devices from the only national wireless carrier to offer 4G service today. Sprint 4G offers a faster wireless experience than any other U.S. national wireless carrier.
Sprint is the only national carrier offering wireless 4G service today in 51 markets: California – Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Visalia; Delaware – Wilmington; Florida – Daytona Beach, Jacksonville; Georgia – Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii – Honolulu, Maui; Idaho – Boise; Illinois – Chicago; Maryland – Baltimore; Massachusetts – Boston; Michigan – Grand Rapids; Missouri – Kansas City, St. Louis; New York – Rochester, Syracuse; Nevada – Las Vegas; North Carolina – Charlotte, Greensboro (includes High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (includes Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon – Eugene, Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Rhode Island – Providence; Texas – Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Utah – Salt Lake City; Virginia – Richmond; and Washington – Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities, Yakima.
Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.
About Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel served more than 48.1 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2010 and is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including the first wireless 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; offering industry-leading mobile data services, leading prepaid brands including Virgin Mobile USA, Boost Mobile, Common Cents Mobile and Assurance Wireless; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. With its customer-focused strategy, you can learn more and visit Sprint at www.sprint.com or www.facebook.com/sprint and www.twitter.com/sprint.
1Up to 10x Faster claim: Based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Indu
Samsung Galaxy S: Europe vs. USA
Posted by Dan Lesser
I’ve been using a Euro-spec Samsung Galaxy S as my phone for just over three weeks now, and first impressions are good. Since a full review of the Samsung Vibrant has already been done on this site, I see no point in doing a full review of the Euro Galaxy S. They are almost exactly the same phone, and so it would be pointless to review a device twice. However, I wanted to do a quick overview of how the European Galaxy S differs from its American siblings.
1. Name and Carrier Branding
T-Mobile has the Vibrant. AT&T has the Captivate. Verizon has the Fascinate. Sprint has the Epic 4G. And, as I have covered before, there is only one model of Galaxy S phone sold in Europe. Its model number is i9000, and no matter which carrier you look at, no matter which country you are in, it will always be known quite simply as the Samsung Galaxy S. In addition, at least in my case, there is no carrier branding on the phone, or for that matter, on the packaging. I have the T-Mobile UK version of the phone, yet in stark contrast to any Vibrant, there are no T-Mobile logos to be found anywhere. I’m not even entirely sure that the phone is carrier locked. Phones sold on other carriers may be different, but in my case, my phone just looks like an unlocked Galaxy S.
2. Look and Feel
The look and feel of the European Galaxy S can be most closely compared to the Vibrant. In fact, the only real difference between the Euro Galaxy S and the Vibrant is the set of Android control keys. The Vibrant, or for that matter, any American Galaxy S phone, has 4 capacitive touch buttons below the screen. The Euro SGS has three buttons. Two are capacitive touch (the menu button, which can be held down to act as a search button, and the back button), while the home key is a physical button slap bang between the two touch buttons. Personally, I prefer having this physical button. Apart from that, and some minor differences on the back panel, it looks and feels like a Vibrant, which is to say, not exactly like a flagship phone. If you want to own a Euro SGS, welcome to the world of a cheap plastic back panel. I seriously recommend getting some sort of a case for it.
3. Software
Just like the USA phones, the Euro SGS runs TouchWiz 3.0 on Android 2.1. However, the lack of carrier branding that I have previously mentioned extends to the software side of things as well. Unlike the Epic, the Captivate, and the Vibrant, the Euro SGS effectively runs a “stock” version of the TouchWiz software. As far as I am aware, regardless of which carrier you get the Euro SGS on, the software will always look the same. In my case, on T-Mobile UK, the only pre-installed applications are the ones that Samsung installs by default, such as Layar and Aldiko. There is no “Web n’ Walk” application like there was pre-installed on my G1. This is a good thing, because many people will not use their carrier applications.
4. The Problems
You remember that GPS glitch? And the menu lag? They’re all to be found in the Euro SGS. But honestly, neither of them bother me too much, and using the latest leaked firmware (JM1) seems to fix both of them at least partially.
5. The Conclusion
The i9000 is, at its core, just like any other Galaxy S phone. Sure it doesn’t have “Avatar” preloaded like the Vibrant, and it doesn’t have the physical keyboard of the Epic 4G, but I don’t care, because it’s still my perfect device.
RUMOR: Galaxy Tab Coming to Sprint in November?
Posted by Alex Smith
It seems that the rumor mill is rolling in full force about which carrier will the Samsung Galaxy Tab go to and when, but the guys over at BGR are reporting from a source that Sprint will be receiving the CDMA Android tablet in November.
We each have our own ideas about the Galaxy Tab, which I think will follow the path of the Galaxy S, but until that device pops up on every carrier, we won’t know for sure. We say definitely chalk this up under “rumor” until we get some more details.
Via: BGR
Where do you think this tablet will land and when?
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