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20Aug/100

Android Devs Hungry For The Nexus One

Posted by Alex Smith

Ever since Google declared the Nexus One the official dev phone, the devices have been selling like hot cakes. Google stopped selling the Nexus One via their own distribution site, but continued to make the device available for developers. Google’s Tim Bray released an official statement regarding the Nexus One sales, check it out below.

A couple of weeks ago, we arranged that registered developers could buy an unlocked Nexus One via their publisher page in Android Market. We think it’s a good development platform and a nice phone. Apparently, you agree. Somewhat too many of you, in fact; we blew through the (substantial) initial inventory in almost no time, and they’re back-ordered from HTC, who are doing a pretty good job of managing runaway success amid a worldwide AMOLED shortage. Everyone appreciates that it’s important to the platform to get phones in the hands of developers, so we’re working hard on re-stocking the shelves; stand by.

Via: Android Developers Blog

Were you able to grab one before the backorder?


19Aug/100

Adobe Moves On…

Posted by Kevin Stagg

It was the strangest thing. I went to the Adobe MAX convention in 2008 in San Francisco, an event which draws thousands of web developers/programmers from across the globe to discuss Adobe software. I tried to find a person with a Windows laptop and it was a real task. It was basically the technological equivalent of “Where’s Waldo” and the exact opposite of what you find in the rest of society where approximately 93% or so have Windows machines.

Apple computers are entrenched in the developer’s market. At least, this is what I have seen in my travels. I myself use Windows XP at the office (boring) and have Windows 7 (awesome)  at home.  All I really care about is that Adobe Fireworks or Flash Professional opens up when I want them to, or any other programs from the CS5 Suite.

Earlier this year Apple didn’t “play nice” and decided to announce a mere days before the launch of the CS5 Suite by Adobe that they were not going to allow any applications to be built using Adobe Flash to be loaded onto the iPhone4. This, despite the fact that they knew for months about plans by Adobe that Flash CS5 was going to be able to export applications in such a way that it would meet Apple’s existing publishing standards. Millions of Flash developers were thus left homeless.  OK, that last bit is a stretch, but I’m willing to bet that they were a tad pissed.

An embarrassing marketing campaign by Adobe ensued with “We Love Apple” banners posted by Adobe scattered across the web. It kinda reminded me of when John Cusack holds up his stereo up over his head in the movie, Say Anything. I felt like saying to Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, “Dude. Let it go, man. It just isn’t meant to be.”

Well finally Mr. Narayen has come forward and said:

Apple made some statements about the suitability of our technology for mobile devices.  I think we’ve proven that the technology is not only suitable but it actually significantly enhances the value on these mobile devices.

They’ve chosen to keep their system closed and we’d rather work with partners who are interested in working with us.  We believe in open systems. We believe in the power of the internet and in customers making choices and I think a lot of the controversy was about their decision at that point. They’ve made their choice. We’ve made ours and we’ve moved on.

Apparently Adobe has made agreements with 19 of the 20 top mobile companies out there;  Apple being the lone dissenter because, you know – they’re trendsetters,  so they can afford to walk away from Adobe right now. There are also plans to launch to Blackberry later this year and Windows Phone 7 probably in 2011.

Although they haven’t come out and said it, it’s obvious that Apple doesn’t want Flash on their iPhone4 because of the fact that if you use Flash, you can basically develop once and thus export for multiple platforms. This would then eliminate any aura of exclusivity that Apple has with many of its applications within their market. Also, it would cut into the money they make from the applications as well. On a related note, Phillip Shoemaker, Apple’s App Store Director, apparently sells his own fart apps on Apple’s App Market under the company name, Gray Noodle. You can read more on this story here at Wired. It’s true – I can’t make stuff like that up.

On a more serious note. Adobe has also announced that Adobe AIR will be released in Q4 2010. This is the application which basically turns your standard Flash file into a stand-alone application. The App Market for Android is going to explode even more so in terms of the number of quality apps.

Yep – things are looking bright for Adobe and Flash.


18Aug/100

RUMOR: Google to Launch Chrome OS Tablet Black Friday?

Posted by Alex Smith

With tablet-talk on the rise, there are rumors circulating this morning about a Google tablet in the works running Chrome OS that will be manufactured by HTC. The very first Android device was introduced to us by HTC and earlier this year the Taiwanese handset maker brought us the Google Nexus One. According to Download Squad, Google is planning to rival Apple’s iPad with their own tablet that will launch on Verizon November 26th.

What will this device be running under the hood you ask? According to Download Squad, this tablet is likely to run:

  • Based on the NVidia’s Tegra 2 platform
  • 1280×720 multitouch display
  • 2GB of RAM
  • Minimum 32GB SSD
  • WiFi
  • Bluetooth
  • 3G connectivity
  • GPS
  • Webcam
  • Possible expandable storage via a multi-card reader

Is your mouth watering yet? Keep in mind, this is all one big rumor. November 26th is slowly but surely making its way here and as the wait time draws to an end, we’ll learn more about this device or similar devices that are currently in the works.

Source: Download Squad

Via: Gizmodo

Did anyone else just revoke their child’s college fund for this tablet?


18Aug/100

Official: T-Mobile G2 Coming as First HSPA+ Device

Posted by Alex Smith

The T-Mobile G2 is official and will be the first HSPA+ device. T-Mobile has updated their HSPA+ page adding the newly designed G2 logo, as well as a nice little write up.

The T-Mobile® G1® was the world’s first Android™ -powered phone. Launched nearly two years ago, it created an entirely new class of mobile phones and apps. Its successor, the T-Mobile G2™ with Google™, will continue the revolution.

The T-Mobile G2 will deliver tight integration with Google services and break new ground as the first smartphone designed to run at 4G speeds on our new HSPA+ network. In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details about the G2 and offer exclusive first access to current T-Mobile customers.

As you can see from the text above, current T-Mobile customers will get first access to the T-Mobile G2. If you haven’t signed up for the latest news and updates on the T-Mobile G2, We suggest that you head over to T-Mobile’s G2 page, enter your info and wait patiently for the updates to hit your email account.

Via: T-Mobile

One thing is for sure, I’ll have this device on launch day. Anyone else care to join me?


17Aug/100

Did You Miss Google’s Press Event Last Week? Check It Out

Posted by Alex Smith

Since some of us could not make the Google press event that was held last week, they were kind enough to share the event on YouTube. If you missed out on what was announced last week, you should make yourself comfortable and enjoy this 30 minute video. If your time is valuable and you would like the speed version, please scroll past the video.

For the Google Chrome browser extension for Google’s Chrome to Phone feature click here. Next, download the Chrome to Phone application via the Android Market by searching for “Chrome to Phone” or by scanning the QR Code below or if browsing via your Android device, simply click the QR Code. Only available for Android 2.2 devices.

Google also enhanced their Voice Control feature by adding their Voice Search application to the Android Market. Scan the QR Code with your Android device or search for “Voice Search” in the Android Market or if browsing via your Android device simply click the QR code. Only available for Android 2.2 devices.

Lastly, Google added their enhanced Google Search widget to the Android Market allowing for you to search the web or items on your device. Scan the QR Code with you Android device or search for “Google Search” in the Android Market or if browsing via your Android device simply click the QR code. Only available for Android 2.2 devices.

Via: YouTube

Do you think Google should post all of their press events on YouTube?


14Aug/100

Pay Via Paypal Coming to Android Market?

Posted by Jolie Gendel

Not too long ago, we mentioned that Google would soon be adding more payment options to the Market. While it was thought the expansion would have additional carrier-billing options, I did suggest Paypal would be a great addition as well.

Now, Cnet is reporting that Paypal is in talks with Google to bring Paypal yet another billing option for app purchases. It would appear these talks are still in the early stages; Paypal and Google aren’t even commenting on a possible launch date yet.

Still, the Android community loves options. Combine that with the popularity of Paypal, and this sounds like a great partnership. What do you think?

Source: Cnet


14Aug/100

Oracle Hits Google with Patent and Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

Posted by Salim Ibrahim

Oracle is suing Google for patent and copyright infringement over the use of Java in the Android operating system. The complaint, which was filed in the Northern District of California, makes several claims that target Google’s use of the Software Development Kit (SDK) and Dalvik virtual machine, which are both used to run the Android OS.

Oracle is claiming that Google infringed on Sun’s patents and trademarks, including the use of code and documentation. The claim, which also seeks monetary damages, has asked the court to stop Google from further infringement – an action which would possibly stop Google from shipping its Android operating system.

Snippets from the lawsuit quote that :

“In developing Android, Google knowingly, directly and repeatedly infringed Oracle’s Java-related intellectual property. This lawsuit seeks appropriate remedies for their infringement.”

“Without consent, authorization, approval, or license, Google knowingly, willingly, and unlawfully copied, prepared, published, and distributed Oracle America’s copyrighted work, portions thereof, or derivative works and continues to do so,”

“Google’s Android infringes Oracle America’s copyrights in Java and Google is not licensed to do so.”

For detailed information on the suit click HERE.

You can also download the full complaint filed by Oracle click HERE.

Source: PC Magazine


14Aug/100

Vlingo Goes Free Following Google’s Voice Search Debut

Posted by Alex Smith

Vlingo is known for its advanced voice features that previously allowed more functionality than the native voice control features on your Android device. Yesterday, Google launched their new “Voice Search” application in the Android Market that now allows users to launch more features using the voice control application and since Google’s application is free, Vlingo’s previous paid application has dropped to free in order to compete with Google. The main draw Vlingo has over Google’s new “Voice Search” application is that Vlingo is available to Android 2.1+ plus users while Google’s latest app is currently only available to those running Android 2.2. If you are running Android 2.1 and would like to use advanced voice control feature, I recommend getting the Vlingo application. Below is a video that shows off Vlingo’s features. Enjoy!

Scan the QR code below with your Android device

or search for “Vlingo” in the Android Market. You can also click the QR code if browsing with your Android device.

Via: Vlingo

Is the Vlingo application better than Google’s app?


13Aug/100

Google Add Extra Voice Control to Your Android 2.2 Device!

Posted by Simon Walker

When I got my hands on the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G Slide and had a chance to play with the enhanced Genius features, I kept wondering why we couldn’t all have the cool features of sending email and text messages using just our voice.  The guys over at Google obviously have some form of telepathy and heard my thoughts.

Google today announced in a press conference in San Fransisco that they have released an updated voice service for all devices running Android 2.2 and above.  The new enhanced voice control add-on for Android now includes Voice Actions that allow you control more features of your Android device than previously permitted.

Quoted from Google announcement today:

Voice Actions are a series of spoken commands that let you control your phone using your voice. Call businesses and contacts, send texts and email, listen to music, browse the web, and complete common tasks, all just by speaking into your phone

I played around with the application a little this afternoon and I can say that’s its working very well on my Google Nexus One. Accurate voice recognition and command detection seemed to be the order of the day and most of my attempts at sending emails, text messages and navigation commands went through without a hitch.

Mike LeBeau, the lead engineer for Voice Actions, shows you how it all works in this video:

Google has added quite a few extra commands to the existing voice search facility in Android. They include:

  • send text to [contact] [message]
  • listen to [artist/song/album]
  • call [business]
  • call [contact]
  • send email to [contact] [message]
  • go to [website]
  • note to self [note]
  • navigate to [location/business name]
  • directions to [location/business name]
  • map of [location]

If you’ve already got Android 2.2 on your device, when you get a chance, head over to the Android Market and download the updated Voice Search application.

You can click or scan the QRCode below from your phone so head over and download it now.

What other features do you think Google could add to Android to make our every day lives more exciting?


13Aug/100

Google’s Chrome To Phone Comes To The Android Market

Posted by Alex Smith

Google’s Chrome to Phone feature allows you to push web page, YouTube videos, phone number, etc… to your Android device from your Chrome browser. This feature is currently limited to those that are enjoying their delicious Froyo. Today Google has launched their Chrome to Phone browser extension to help make this feature a lot easier. With this feature, you can casually browse the web and when you have to leave, you can easily take that news article, YouTube video, etc… with you. Below is a video showing just what Google’s latest Chrome to Phone application can do. Enjoy!

As the Google vs. Apple battle continues, we can successfully mark a “W” for Google.

Scan the QR code below with your Android device

or search “Google Chrome to Phone” in the Android Market of click the QR code

Via: Google

To add the extension to your Chrome browser, head—-> HERE.

How important is this feature to you?