SPG - Android News

O2 Dell Streak update to OS 2.1 is out

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:37:39 +0000

Well it's finally out and available, the OS2.1 Android upgrade to the Dell Streak on O2:

In preparation for the Android 2.1 update, make sure you back up all your data. Anything not stored on the SD card will be erased. Check the Android Marketplace for applications that can back up user content (like contacts, SMS, etc.) Applications can be re-downloaded from the Downloads tab in the Android Marketplace.

Please ensure you switch to WiFi before initiating the update download to avoid additional data charges.

The total process (both the download and installation) will take roughly 30 minutes, depending on your connection speed. If you have less than 50% battery, make sure the Streak is plugged into the charger.

[Source]

O2 HTC Desire 2.2 Froyo upgrade available....... well it was!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 15:41:21 +0000

O2 UK this morning released their much anticipated ROM upgrade to Android 2.2 (Froyo), but it was pulled a while later as some customers were experiencing problems with it. Have a look at the thread on the O2 forums starting here onwards.

Has anyone out there got any experience of the upgrade they could relate to us?

Quote from Site Admin on the O2 forum:

"Hi all
As some of you will have noticed the Android 2.2 Froyo update for HTC Desire on O2 went live this morning. While we’re pleased that so many of you have been able to download it successfully and are enjoying the benefits of 2.2, we have seen that a small number of people are having problems installing the update.

While we check out these issues we’re putting the 2.2 update on hold. We’ll update you as soon as possible and would like to thank our HTC Desire customers for their patience.

Thanks
JP

PS. Crossposted to two threads as both seem to be active!"

Samsung Galaxy Tab now 'Coming Soon' on Vodafone

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:28:16 +0000

The eagerly awaited new 7" slate from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab, is now officially 'coming soon' to Vodafone

Their device page has a lot of information about it's capabilities and these are looking very good indeed!

If you’re looking for a multi-function tablet that uses Android’s popular FroYo 2.2 operating system, get the new Samsung Galaxy Tab from Vodafone.

All of the web - none of the wait

Samsung Galaxy Tab supports Flash 10
Because it runs on the Android 2.2 operating system, the Samsung Galaxy Tab can display Flash videos and websites – so you see them in the way they were meant to be seen. It’s ideal for watching hilarious YouTube clips with friends or colleagues, as well as for making the most of sites which use Flash, like BBC News.

Browse faster on the Galaxy Tab with 3G
With 3G connectivity as standard – together with Wi-Fi when you need it at home or out and about – the Samsung Galaxy Tab makes browsing quick. You’ll also feel the speed of its 1.2GHz processor together with the Android 2.2 operating system – making everything (including the web) respond fast. It adds up to more time enjoying and less time waiting.

Perfect for streaming and sharing

Catch your favourite TV with the Galaxy Tab
There’s no need to worry about missing the shows you love when you’re stuck on the bus. The Galaxy Tab has BBC iPlayer, Sky + and Sky News built in. So relax and catch up wherever there’s a Vodafone signal. And if you fancy watching a movie while you’re away from home, check out the great films on Samsung Movies.

Share things across three screens
The Samsung Galaxy Tab's generous 7-inch screen is great when you're browsing, editing documents or reading eBooks on your own. But when you want to share what you're enjoying, you can send what's on the Galaxy Tab's screen to a laptop, PC monitor or Samsung TV. The All Share app (with a clever technology called DLNA) connects your devices together. So you can share the latest programme from BBC iPlayer when you’re at home – or your presentation when you’re at work.

Great for staying in touch
Make voice and video calls to friends and family
A 3.2 megapixel camera just above the screen on your Samsung Galaxy Tab means it’s easy to enjoy video calling – or video conferencing, if you’re using it for business. Callers can see you, and you’ll be able to see them if their device has video calling features. The Samsung Galaxy Tab can also be used for voice calls, just like a normal mobile phone. If you’re one of our business customers, we’ll include minutes as part of your Galaxy Tab price plan – helping you to stay in touch with colleagues and customers while you’re on the go.

Connect to Twitter and Facebook
Staying in the loop with your favourite social networks is simple thanks to the Samsung Galaxy Tab’s built-in communication features. Fire up the apps for these and other social services – you’ll find over 70,000 apps in Android Market – and you can be tweeting and updating your status wherever there’s a 3G signal or Wi-Fi hotspot.

Ideal for reading and editing

Read digital newspapers and magazines
Forget carrying around half a dozen of your favourite daily, weekly and monthly reads – enjoy them in their digital form with the Samsung Galaxy Tab’s Reading Hub feature. It makes it simple to find, read, store and organise digital publications.

View and edit any Microsoft Office document
Why wait till you reach the office to start editing important documents? With ThinkFree software on your Galaxy Tab, you open, view and edit Word, PowerPoint and Excel files without being tied to your desk. You can also view PDFs – handy for that restaurant menu or those directions you downloaded.

Specifications:

Networks
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz

Networks
3G (HSUPA 5.76Mbps): 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz

Screensize 7.0 inch TFT-LCD, WSVGA (1024 x 600)

Processor Cortex A8 1.0GHz Application Processor with PowerVR SGX540

Connectivity 30 pin connector / micro SD Connectivity WiFi 802.11n / Bluetooth 3.0

Memory Size
16GB internal memory, up to 32GB external memory slot

Memory Size
4GB NAND Flash for 3rd party applications + 4GB SDRAM for Application Processor

Memory Size
+ 1GB SDRAM for Modem chip

Size 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm

Weight 380g

Battery 4,000mAh (7 hour movie play)

Google landed with a class action lawsuit over Nexus One

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 14:13:22 +0000

Good though Google's Nexus One Android phone was reputed to be, a number of people had problems with it failing to connect to 3G services.

Their inability or unwillingness to address the problem has now landed them with a class action lawsuit according to AndroidThoughts.

My first Android device was a Nexus One, and I experienced these exact same issues. I spent plenty of time on the phone with HTC, who claimed I was just in bad coverage areas (everywhere I went). Even when I could switch my SIM into another 3G-capable device and have a perfectly stable connection in the same location. I was offered the option to send my device in for replacement, but after reading various posts of people on their 4th or 5th device, I decided to get a refund to find another phone. While I am against most suits, I think Google deserves this one.

Perhaps this was one of the reasons they decided to kill the Nexus One off so quickly?

Angry Birds for Android - beta available

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:46:30 +0000

Angry Birds is now available in a Beta form on the Android Market. It's a highly addictive game which was only meant to be in "closed beta" this week but, due to massive demand, the developers have put it out today for everyone.

[Info]

Samsung to focus on Android

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:55:03 +0000

Reuters are reporting that Samsung are going full steam ahead with Android / Bada in the future and that they will introduce a smartphone running Microsoft's new Windows version later this year. They state about that OS:

"There is still some professional, specialized demand there"

Which does not sound that hopeful for support, and they are obviously unaware (unless they know more about the MS roadmap than we do) that WP7 will initially be aimed at the consumer market.

[Full article]

HTC Sync updated for Android 1.5 - 1.6 - 2.1 and above

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:27:24 +0000

Updated European versions of HTC Sync for Android 1.5, 1.6, 2.1 and above have recently been released, as usual I don't know what the fixes are as we are annoyingly never told. The latest 2.1 version does look graphically better though.

You can find the Android 1.5 and 1.6 HTC Sync 2.0.40 version here, and the Android 2.1 HTC Sync 3.0.5422 and above version here on the HTC Europe website. Full installation instructions are given by HTC, but remember to remove the older version of HTC Sync first before installing.

Samsungs Android powered Galaxy Tab is now official!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:11:35 +0000

Samsung have today announced that the Android powered Galaxy Tab is a reality. This 7" screen tablet is set to rival the iPad, and could well do as it already has one big advantage, it can be used as a phone too!

I really like the look of the Galaxy Tab, it's rather large but it's meant to be large which should be a boon for surfing and typing onscreen.

Visit the Samsung website for more details, specifications and videos.

Motorola MILESTONE™ 2 Gives You More for all your Smartphone Needs

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:42:48 +0000

Today, Motorola have announced the MILESTONE 2 to the European masses:

Motorola today introduced MILESTONE™ 2 enhanced with MOTOBLUR™. The Android™ 2.2 device offers more speed, more connectivity, more messaging, more storage, more web with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, more multimedia and more personalisation than the original award-winning MILESTONE.

The powerhouse device features a 1Ghz processor, allowing users to sift through their content quickly, even when running multiple applications simultaneously or a number of open web browser pages. Respond to e-mails or texts quickly with an improved and more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility for easier typing. MILESTONE 2 also acts as a 3G mobile hotspot1 to connect up to five WiFi® enabled devices, so you turn practically anywhere into a hive of productivity.

“MILESTONE 2 offers more power, more speed, with an improved keyboard, so users can send, access and share information even quicker than before to manage their work and personal life,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. “This introduction not only reaffirms our commitment to innovate on Android but offers consumers the leading edge features they crave including fast web browsing, messaging, application downloads and multimedia.”

MILESTONE 2 also features the latest version of Motorola’s unique solution, MOTOBLUR, which makes it even easier to manage all of your emails, messages and social updates in one easy place with the additions of filtering, resizable widgets, added corporate security and a versatile battery manager.

Further enhancements to the original MILESTONE include 720p HD video capture and playback allowing you to capture life’s moments in crystal clear detail, whilst the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 allows mobile users to experience millions of rich websites the way they were meant to be seen, including rich video and gaming content, and you can share all of your multimedia with DLNA compatible devices. The experience is rounded off with a connected music player delivering lyrics to your songs, additional artist news and information, as well as integrated social applications for sharing and giving recommendations. Users will have plenty of room for their content with up to 8GB internal memory and an 8GB microSD card inbox, expandable to 32GB.

A suite of Google™ mobile applications including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™ are also integrated onto the device. Plus you have access to Android Market™ which has more than 70,000 applications.

Smart Accessories

The device ships with an 8GB micro SD card and wired headset, and owners can also download free the Motorola Media Link software that makes transferring your music and other multimedia from computer to phone even easier.

Make the most of Motorola's MILESTONE 2 at home, in the car or at the office with the optional smart accessories:

* The car cradle is ready for the road. Simply drop in your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE and it automatically turns into car mode. This gives one-touch access to your favourite in-car applications, including your handsfree calling contacts, your music, internet radio, podcasts, Google Maps™ with Navigation™ and more. Plug, play, drive and charge your MILESTONE 2 with the rapid in car charger that plugs into your cradle
* The multimedia station is a stylish dock for your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE. When docked, your phone automatically changes to desktop mode showing alarm clock and favourite multimedia applications such as a slide show of pictures. Desktop mode can be personalised allowing you to show the applications you want, all whilst charging your device.

Key MILESTONE 2 features include:

* 1Ghz processor now with 802.11n support
* 3G mobile hotspot – connect up to five other Wi-Fi devices
* Latest version of MOTOBLUR
* Adobe Flash Player 10.1
* Multi-touch, pinch to zoom, double tap zoom
* 720p HD video capture and playback
* 5MP imager with dual LED flash
* Up to 40GB of memory
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Enterprise Exchange support
* Improved design; more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility
* DLNA / WiFi / Bluetooth® 2.1 connectivity

Additional functionality and apps include:

* Full suite of the Google applications: Google Search, Google Maps with Latitude and Street View, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Talk™
* Unified Google and Exchange Contacts
* Navigation: GPS, Google Maps, E-Compass Latitude
* Email Support: IMAP/POP3, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Corporate Sync, Push Email
* Quick Office document viewer
* IM Support: Google Talk
* Calendar: Exchange, Calendar

Availability

MILESTONE 2 will be available in Europe beginning Q4 2010. For more information please visit www.motorola.com/milestone2

Bing for Mobile comes to your Verizon Android

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:11:33 +0000

MS announce the first official Bing for Mobile Android App available to Verizon customers. You can now download the free Bing App from your Verizon Wireless Android phones’ Marketplace.

The app homepage features the Bing image of the day, complete with clickable hotspots that you can explore and discover related trivia. Did you miss one of the latest images? Don’t worry; you can still swipe through up to 7 days’ worth of Bing images.

[Full Article]

One does wonder if this will ever be released for the rest of us!

Google drop support fo the Nexus One

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:09:14 +0000

Google has ended their phone support for the Nexus One. Up until the last day or so you could get support from Google for issues with your Nexus one, but now if you dial the old tech support number (888-486-3987) today, you’ll receive a recording with a new number to call for HTC support (888-216-4736) instead.

Dell Streak to get an upgrade from O2

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:02:44 +0000

O2 are to release an upgrade to the surprisingly lowly Android 1.6 OS on the Dell Streak. The device has been well received and people were expecting it to go straight to Android 2.2 but no, O2 are doing an intermediate release to Android 2.1 first!

PC Pro are reporting....

Dell Streak owners will finally get an upgrade from the ageing Android 1.6 operating system that the tablet PC launched with – but not to the latest version.

and...

Dell hadn't come back to us to explain the disappointing delay at the time of publication, but O2 said it was releasing a 2.1 upgrade, with a 2.2 revamp scheduled for an unspecified later date.

“We haven’t made any announcement about 2.2, so I wouldn’t even describe it as ‘knocked back’ to 2.1,” an O2 spokesperson said when we questioned the limited upgrade. “We’re just planning to offer 2.1 first (this week) and then 2.2 after that, exactly when is still to be announced.”

To some extent O2 should be applauded as Dell aren't releasing the upgrade, it's an O2 initiative.

Read all about it here

Viewsonic jumping on the Tablet chariot now

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:50:25 +0000

Viewsonic are launching their take on the Tablet and it will have a 7" screen so sits between the Dell Streak and the iPad. However, where it usurps the Streak is the fact it comes with Android 2.2 (FroYo) whereas the Streak only comes with 1.6 out of the box with O2 about to release a 2.1 (Eclair) upgrade (see other news story) still leaving it behind the current release.

The timing maybe to try and usurp Apple with it's announcements tomorrow (whatever they may be - rumours aplenty) and getting a few column inches in now before it gets swamped in all things Cupertino!

I must say it looks nice. That makes this and the Samsung Galaxy Tab looking very good so far.

PC Pro has more details but I quote...

ViewSonic has launched a 7in tablet - only a day before Apple is rumoured to be unveiling a mini version of the iPad.

In a similar vein to the Dell Streak, the ViewSonic ViewPad 7 is an Android-based device with 3G data and phone capabilities. However, the ViewPad not only trumps the Dell with another two inches of screen, but with the latest version of Android, offering 2.2 compared to the Streak's 1.6.

Fennec for Android alpha test release is out

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:33:49 +0000

Eurodroid are reporting:

Mozilla has today released an official Alpha version of its Fennec mobile browser – which will eventually evolve to be branded as an official Firefox browser. It’s out on Android (and Nokia N900!) right now, and you can get it direct from Mozilla.

There have been various work-in-progress, half-finished, pre-alpha builds of this floating around for months – but this is the official release. Here’s a little highlight from the release notes:

Shipping with the Firefox Sync feature built-in, Fennec synchronizes your Firefox history, bookmarks, open tabs, passwords and form data between your desktop and mobile. Just login with your Firefox Sync account info and Fennec gets to know you right away, taking you to your favorite parts of the Web with barely any typing. Don’t worry about switching to a new phone, or having to type long URLs or passwords again. You can even leave your desktop in a moment’s notice and pick up right where you left off on your mobile phone.

Video Teaser now of the Samsung Galaxy Tab

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 10:59:42 +0000

Following on from the teaser earlier in the week, here's a small video teaser of the device.

Enjoy!

Toshiba 10" Android SmartPad waiting in the wings?

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:34:44 +0000

After a flurry of new or promised tablet/slate devices hitting the market, Toshiba are also about to throw their hat into the ring with a device called the SmartPad, according to Techspot

This is indeed a very smart looking slate sporting a 10" screen, but unlike the iPad includes a number of built-in connectivity ports:

First seen last month, more shots of Toshiba's upcoming "SmartPad" tablet have been released, showing an iPad-esque design. While not as aesthetically unique as the dual-screen clamshell Libretto W100, the SmartPad still looks pretty slick. The 10-inch slate uses Nvidia's Tegra 2 SoC, which should pack enough punch to run 3D games and HD video. Nvidia demoed a Tegra-based tablet prototype a few months back and it handled what looked like PS2 quality games with no trouble.

The SmartPad appears to have HDMI and USB ports, two bottom-mounted speakers, a front-facing webcam for video calls, an LED battery life indicator as well as a docking connector. Toshiba hasn't made it clear what operating system the tablet ship with, but most reports online seem to be leaning toward Android. It's believed that the device will officially launch at the IFA 2010 show in Berlin, which runs from September 3 to 8, so the SmartPad's secrets should be exposed by then.

If it's as good as it looks this could really set the cat among the pigeons!

Dell Aero launches in USA

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:11:54 +0000

Dell return to the Smartphone arena has been a long time coming and from various leaks we know some nice hardware is on the way. That said they have re-entered the market with a decidedly underwhelming device called the Dell Aero.

Sporting a 624MHz processor, 3.5" screen and, woe of woes, Android 1.5!

Look this is obviously not aimed at the top of the market but Android 1.5, they are at least 3 generations behind with that. Even Sony Ericsson was launching devices with 1.6 some months ago.

I quote...

Dell has unveiled its first smartphone in the US, called the Aero.

Like the 5in Streak tablet that Dell brought to the UK earlier, the Aero device uses an Android OS, but features a smaller 3.5in screen.

Available for $100 on a contract with AT&T, the relatively low price might appeal to some, but the specs aren't impressive. The Aero runs the 16-month-old version 1.5 of the Android OS, which has since been updated to 2.2, and features a 624MHz processor. The Aero will sell for $299.99 without the contract.

Dell claimed the Aero would be one of the lightest Android smartphones in the US, and would support Adobe's Flash software - one advantage it will have over the Apple iPhone.

More details from PC Pro

T Mobile update Pulse to V2.1- or maybe not!

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:33:10 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, Pulse owning T Mobile customers were given the good news that the V2.1 Android update was now available.

Today, this message appeared, so it's back to square one (and Android 1.5!)

I wonder what went wrong!

Hi,

We want to give all of our customers a great experience when they use our products and services. After receiving feedback on the recent T-Mobile Pulse Android 2.1 software update we've decided to suspend it temporarily. We're working with the phone's makers on an updated version which is expected in October.

Any customer experiencing issues with the Android 2.1 update on the T-Mobile Pulse should reinstall the December 2009 Android 1.5 software offered on our help and support website here.

Regards

Forum Team

Samsung Galaxy Tab teaser out

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:54:02 +0000

Samsung has now posted a teaser page for the Samsung Galaxy Tab - the company's first Android tablet. This shows what the Samsung Galaxy Tab will look like and lists features of; Android 2.2, video telephony, HD video playback, full web browsing and a 7" screen!

I want one already!

New Google Earth for Android lets users tour below the surface of the waves

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:44:23 +0000

With the release of Google Earth for Android 1.1 (available to Android 2.1 and above devices), you can now zoom in below the surface of the waves and explore the majestic wonder of undersea trenches. The 1.1 release also brings in Flash support, so YouTube videos will play right within the app -- if you're running 2.2 and your device has been granted the appropriate plug-in.

Samsung looking for help – offers free Galaxy S machines for “Samsung Mobilers”

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:38:44 +0000

Samsung UK is looking to start up a group for its smartphones, with 20 people able to garb themselves a free Samsung Wave or Galaxy S in return for jumping through a few testing hoops.

Samsung gives you a phone, you test as requested, then you might get to go to Samsung’s HQ. Full details on Samsungs Facebook page.

Flash 10.1 apk available for all FroYo users!

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:50:04 +0000

Droid-life.com has posted up details of how to get Flash 10.1 on any Android 2.2 (FroYo) device. Best part is there is no rooting required, just download the apk!

We just posted up a way for you to find the official Flash 10.1 in the market and in the comments, one of our amazing readers happened to post up the .apk file which doesn’t even require root in order to install. In fact, all you need is to be on a phone running Android 2.2 and you can run it. No root required people. Enjoy your Flash.

Download

More information here

Android interfaces starting to mimic ZuneHD/Windows Phone 7

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:42:32 +0000

WMExperts are reporting Android skinners are beginning to mimic the well-received but little seen (outside North America) ZuneHD interface and the upcoming Windows Phone 7 interface....

I quote: -

Well, it was just a matter of time before 3rd party developers come up with a way to mimic the ZuneHD/Windows Phone 7 start menu on Android--actually, we're kind of shocked it took this long.

'Zune Home Launcher' is not a bad beginning, though we'd argue it misses the best part of 'Metro': the dynamic start tiles. In fact, the "list as a Start menu" thing is probably the weakest part of Metro at this point (we're not looking to endless scrolling, something already common on Android).

More information here

Official Samsung update invalidates Vodafone Warranty

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:11:41 +0000

Just read this over at el reg.

"Galaxy S owners who accept Samsung's offer of updated firmware will invalidate their warranty according to Vodafone, which wishes to remain the only source of official upgrades.
The upgrade is offered automatically by Samsung's Windows synchronisation software, as supplied in the box from Vodafone, and has not been approved by Vodafone.
The synchronisation software is called Kies, and comes on a CD in the phone's box. Last week those using Kies were offered the chance to upgrade to a bug-fixing version "JM1", and happily posted their experiences to the Vodafone forums - reporting faster performance and fewer bugs. But forum administrators were quick to remind posters that installing unapproved firmware invalidates the phone's warranty, even if that firmware comes from the handset's manufacturer."

Full Story Here

Unlock your Galaxy S for free

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:07:54 +0000

If you own (or plan to own) a Galaxy S, and want to know how to unlock it for free - wel then you may be interested in this tutorial over at Xda-Developers. There is a slight warning tone though with the page stating:

"This did not work for my i9000 at first…. I cannot guarantee you will find your code…. If your device freezes (to many attempts) I am sorry but I cannot be held responsible. "

But if you want to try it then here is where you need to go!

Vodafone UK to start upgrades on Desires to FroYo

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:50:40 +0000

As I mentioned last week, Vodafone were expecting to release UK Desire upgrades shortly, looks like it could be starting from tomorrow - woohoo!

The HTC Desire for Vodafone will finally be getting Android 2.2 from Monday, 23rd August, according to Vodafone. This comes after the carrier was pressured by their users to release the upgrade amidst an arguably “pointless” non-Froyo OTA update that seemingly had no other purpose than to add bloatware beyond belief.

you may or may not get it Monday as they’re employing a staggered upgrade process. The wait will probably be a bit longer for a lot of you, but rest assured that updates will finally be going out. At least Vodafone’s committed to helping you get rid of the Vodafone 360 software (aforementioned bloatware) from your device once you finally do receive the upgrade. I’m sure many will appreciate that just as much as Froyo itself.

[Source]

Motorola announce upgrade schedule

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:04:20 +0000

Last night on Facebook Motorola announced their upgrade schedule stating:

We're pleased to announce that Milestone will receive a free upgrade to Android 2.2(FroYo) in Europe with an initial roll-out beginning at the end of this year.

For other software updates please check our software update site:
https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/manager/softwareupgrades

HTC Legend end of life already?

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:00:43 +0000

It is looking like the uni-body HTC Legend is hitting end of life already. A number of air time providers are now showing the Legend as no longer available, and Bell in the USA is going even further showing is designated as 'End of Life' quoting '....due to ongoing supply constraints from the manufacturer, the HTC Legend for Bell is effective immediately being discontinue.'

This could well be due to the shortage of AMOLED screens that are causing supply issues for HTC.

[Link]

Dell Thunder Prototype seen by Engadget

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 07:22:50 +0000

We have seen a number of references to Dell's upcoming Android smartphone, named the Thunder, and Engadget has now got their hands on two samples of prototype models with apparently slightly different specs.

The inferences are that this may be a dual standard phone (GSM and CDMA) with an 800*600, or higher screen resolution. It definitely sports an 8MP camera with LED flash, and may have an OLED screen though the samples are LED.

Follow the link to the article with a video of the machine in use.

Quote extracts:
Christmas came early at Engadget HQ this year, as evidenced by the picture above -- you're looking at two Dell Thunder prototype smartphones, each with some surprising quirks, and hints that they might include global HSPA, AWS for the likes of T-Mobile, and maybe even a dash of CDMA support. We'll warn you ahead of time that these are labeled EVT1 for "engineering verification test" and date back to the April leak, so they're about as early as you can get -- don't expect the final handset to arrive without some significant differences. Good?

Hardware: When Santa Claus delivered our two units, he forgot to bring the rear cover for either one, but even without it the Thunder's a sleek, sexy beast. Completely curved chrome sides make it feel like an original iPhone in the hand, but with completely recessed hardware buttons that give the handset a touch of class and a gorgeous curved glass screen. The top houses a full-size 3.5mm headset jack, while the bottom has a pair of tinny but loud speakers and a micro-USB port for charging, and both surfaces are coated in soft-touch plastic, which made for a pleasant single-handed landscape grip by pinching those sides between our forefinger and thumb. Inside the device's back panel is one of the most logical layouts we've seen, with both microSD card and SIM slot completely accessible without removing the easily-swappable 3.7V, 1,400mAh battery. Also, notches at either side show the rear cover is slid, rather than pried off. Last but not least, there's rear-facing 8 megapixel camera with autofocus and a 4x digital zoom, plus a bright single-LED flash right under the camera module. While the power and camera buttons were stiff and difficult to to press and there were quite a few visible, light-leaking seams, those sorts of things typically get tightened (or loosened, as required) closer to production anyhow.

Screen: There are two things you should know about the Thunder's curved glass screen: the glass is awesome, and the actual LCD panel underneath is not. Using the glass is like looking through a window into the world of Android, with off-angle views distorted in a manner that's as useless as is it cool, but in this case the window has a pretty dismal picture on the other side. If these prototypes have the OLED panel we were promised, we'll eat an Engadget T-shirt, as they appear to be dim, standard LCDs, and though one unit is running at 800 x 480, the other seems to be pushing something more like 1,280 x 768... yet manages to be uncomfortable to read. Honestly, both screens reek of prototype and we expect both to be swapped out for rich, saturated OLED screens -- especially considering Dell's debug app includes a suite of AMOLED-specific tests. Here's hoping it's high-res, too, because if the Thunder had a pixel density akin to Apple's Retina Display, the screen would be unrivaled.

Sounds interesting!

Sony Ericsson offers free Office Viewer for Xperia X10 mini and mini pro Users

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:20:04 +0000

The unwired posted a nice news snippet:

While the Android OS is pretty complete for a mobile OS, it still lacks native support for Microsoft Office documents, as Microsoft's Windows Phone has and handset manufactures either adds Office viewers to their Android smartphones or leave it to the customer to buy Office applications from the Android Market. However, as pointed out in the Sony Ericsson Product Blog, paid applications are yet not supported by all Android Markets around the world; for instance paid apps are yet not available in Sweden where Sony Ericsson is located. Therefore, and for the favor of all Xperia X10 mini and X10 mini pro users around the world, Sony Ericsson has added a free version of MobiSystem OfficeSuite Viewer to the company's own PlayNow online shop.

[Source]