Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson's LiveView Android device plays nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/sony-ericssons-liveview-android-device-plays-nice-with-an-fcc-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/sony-ericssons-liveview-android-device-plays-nice-with-an-fcc-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/09/sony-ericssons-liveview-android-device-plays-nice-with-an-fcc-r/#commentsSony Ericsson's 1.3-inch Live View Android device places nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date We're still trying to decide if a postage stamp-sized secondary display for your Android smartphone that you can wear as a wristwatch is a piece of genius or just a misguided widget that became a real gadget when it got kissed by a fairy in a dream. It's looking like we'll get to find out soon, as Sony Ericsson's little LiveView remote/watch has just hurdled over the FCC's measuring device and, according to Le Journal du Geek, will be shipping in November with a price of 59 euros. That's right around $80, which could either be an awful lot or only slightly dear depending on how useful it turns out to be.

Sony Ericsson's LiveView Android device plays nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.3-inchandroidandroid 2.0Android2.0bluetoothbluetooth watchBluetoothWatchliveviewmicro displayMicroDisplaysecondary screenSecondaryScreensonysony ericssonSonyEricssonwatchSat, 09 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/sony-ericsson-liveview-acts-as-a-1-3-inch-remote-control-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/sony-ericsson-liveview-acts-as-a-1-3-inch-remote-control-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/sony-ericsson-liveview-acts-as-a-1-3-inch-remote-control-for-you/#comments You've been asking for someone, anyone, to please kick out a tiny remote control display that can save you from having to whip your smartphone out for every little thing and Sony Ericsson, it seems, has listened. The 1.3-inch OLED screen above is a new Bluetooth accessory for Android 2.x phones that's said to function very much like a desktop widget. There's an app you can install on your phone that'll get it to communicate with the 128 x 128 pixel grid, which can then be used to read messages, find your phone, control music playback, and receive those precious social networking updates from your friends. We know by now you'll be crying foul over Sony Ericsson releasing an Android 2.0 accessory when its handsets are stuck somewhere below that marker, but the plan is to dish this "micro display" out in the last quarter of the year, after that messianic Android 2.1 update has arrived. Fingers crossed.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson LiveView press images

Continue reading Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0

Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryandroidandroid 2.0Android2.0bluetoothbluetooth watchBluetoothWatchdisplayliveviewmicro displayMicroDisplayoledperipheralremote controlRemoteControlscreensecond screenSecondScreensony ericssonsony ericsson liveviewSonyEricssonSonyEricssonLiveviewvideowatchTue, 28 Sep 2010 04:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Velocity Micro Cruz Reader hits stores, Cruz Tablet hitting in October along with more in January]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/velocity-micro-cruz-reader-hits-stores-cruz-tablet-hitting-in-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/velocity-micro-cruz-reader-hits-stores-cruz-tablet-hitting-in-o/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/13/velocity-micro-cruz-reader-hits-stores-cruz-tablet-hitting-in-o/#comments Like everyone else, Velocity Micro's about to cannonball into the tablet pool with the hope of making a big splash. Its first product, the $199 Cruz Reader is already boxed up and arriving on store shelves this week. The seven-inch tablet / e-reader runs Android 2.0 and comes preloaded with Borders' e-book application. We got a chance to check out the device this morning, and while we're impressed with the solid build and rubbery back, it's fairly heavy at a pound and the glossy screen results in less-than-excellent viewing angles. Still, it shows a lot more promise than the Pandigital Novel and Augen GenTouch 78 -- we'll never like resistive screens on this sort of device, but we were able to turn pages by tapping as well as scroll relatively well by dragging a nail down the screen. There's no access to the Android Market, but Velocity has its own Cruz Market and preloads some apps like Twidroid.

But the tablet buck doesn't stop there for Velocity Micro. The Cruz Tablet that we've been hearing about since April will hit a "major electronics retailer" in October for $299. The Tablet we saw today wasn't working, but we nabbed some shots of the hardware below. This one will have a capacitive screen; however, the company isn't planning on rolling it out with Android 2.0 -- it feels the 600MHz processor isn't quite powerful enough to handle that Froyo and Flash goodness. Not to worry: its future eight- and 10-inch capacitive tablets, which will be announced at CES, are going to be powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU and run Android 3.0. Told you it's aiming for a big splash! Hit the break for a short hands-on video of the Cruz Reader and stay tuned for a full review of that one soon.

Gallery: Velocity Micro Cruz Reader preview

Gallery: Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet hands-on

Continue reading Velocity Micro Cruz Reader hits stores, Cruz Tablet hitting in October along with more in January

Velocity Micro Cruz Reader hits stores, Cruz Tablet hitting in October along with more in January originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1bordersBordersBookscruzCruz ReaderCruz TabletCruzReaderCruzTablete booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersimpressionspreviewtabletsvelocity microVelocity Micro CruzVelocity Micro Cruz ReaderVelocityMicroVelocityMicroCruzVelocityMicroCruzReadervideoMon, 13 Sep 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pocketbook announces color touch screen Android powered e-reader and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/21/pocketbook-announces-color-touch-screen-android-powered-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/21/pocketbook-announces-color-touch-screen-android-powered-e-reader/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/21/pocketbook-announces-color-touch-screen-android-powered-e-reader/#comments Manufacturing upstart PocketBook is clearly still gung ho about e-readers, judging by the five new models it has announced will be released at IFA in September, which include a pair of entry-level ProBook 602 and 902 units, as well as the ProBook 603 and 903 premium units. The 60x designated models sport 6-inch screens, while the 90x models have a bigger 9.7-inch. All models will feature 2GB of internal storage, a Linux-based OS, and include WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, the higher-end versions also gain 3G connectivity and a Wacom touchscreen. More interesting and genre-bending though is the so-called "entertainment model" PocketBook IQ that will be available in three case color options, feature a 7-inch TFT color touchscreen, WiFi, Bluetooth, and will run Android 2.0. Access to PocketBook's own Bookland.net e-book store unfortunately rounds out all the details we know so far, but we'll be sure to find out more once IFA gets going. Check out shots of the individual readers and get the full translated PR below.

Gallery: PocketBook Pro E-readers IFA 2010

PocketBook IQ 2PocketBook IQ 1PocketBook E-reader 1PocketBook E-reader 2PocketBook E-reader 3

Continue reading Pocketbook announces color touch screen Android powered e-reader and more

Pocketbook announces color touch screen Android powered e-reader and more originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3GAndroidAndroid 2.0Android e-readerAndroid2.0AndroidE-readere booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersIFA 2010LinuxPocketbookPocketbook 602Pocketbook 603Pocketbook 902Pocketbook 903Pocketbook IQPocketbookIqTFT color displayTFT displaysTftDisplaystouch screen e-readerstouchscreenTouchScreenE-readersWacomWiFISat, 21 Aug 2010 12:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Vlingo bows to Google Voice Actions, makes Android version free of charge]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/vlingo-bows-to-google-voice-actions-makes-android-version-free/#comments When Google Navigation hit the scene, it sounded the death knell for paid GPS on Android, so you can imagine the doom and gloom at Vlingo HQ last week when Google released the similar Voice Actions for free. As it turns out, however, Vlingo's not going to give up that easily; Vlingo for Android, once a $10 download, is now free as well. In a surprisingly gracious blog post that genuinely congratulates Google on the accomplishment, CEO Dave Grannan explains that he wants Android users to be able to freely compare the services as Vlingo adds features further down the road, and makes one valid point in his firm's favor -- you can try Vlingo now if you've got Android 2.0 or above, but Google's service only runs on Froyo. Interestingly enough, Vlingo on Android was the only version that actually charged; on Nokia, Blackberry and Windows Mobile, however, you could purchase a "Plus" license. Perhaps the company's not quite as generous as we thought, but there's still no arguing with a free voice command service that also reads your email aloud -- go ahead and give it a try.

Vlingo bows to Google Voice Actions, makes Android version free of charge originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android 2.2Android2.0Android2.1Android2.2appappsEclairFroyoGooglegoogle voicegoogle voice searchGoogleVoiceGoogleVoiceSearchVlingovoicevoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionSun, 15 Aug 2010 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Android versus iPhone live multiplayer gaming made possible in SGN's Skies of Glory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/android-versus-iphone-live-multiplayer-gaming-made-possible-in-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/android-versus-iphone-live-multiplayer-gaming-made-possible-in-s/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/android-versus-iphone-live-multiplayer-gaming-made-possible-in-s/#comments Shocking as this might sound, there are no only a few games in which iPhone and Android users can go at each other in live multiplayer mode. Exploiting this vast void is Social Gaming Network, whose Skies of Glory aerial dogfighting title has been ported to Android (2.0 and above) while retaining the ability to communicate with iOS devices over WiFi, 3G or Bluetooth connections. Frankly, we can't think of a better game to get the cross-platform multiplayer movement going: fAndroids and iPhoneys gunning each other down while talking smack to themselves should prove therapeutic for both parties. On a more serious note, given the tireless growth that both platforms are showing, this kind of thing should hopefully tend toward being the rule rather than the exception.

Update: Our readers have sagely reminded us that Raging Thunder 2 and Homerun Battle 3D have done the cross-platform dance already. The more the merrier, we say.

Continue reading Android versus iPhone live multiplayer gaming made possible in SGN's Skies of Glory

Android versus iPhone live multiplayer gaming made possible in SGN's Skies of Glory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android osandroid vs iphoneAndroid2.0AndroidOsAndroidVsIphoneapplebluetoothcross-platformgamegamesgaminggoogleiosiphonelive multiplayerLiveMultiplayermultiplatformmultiplayersgnskies of glorySkiesOfGlorysocialsocial gaming networkSocialGamingNetworkvideoMon, 19 Jul 2010 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Archos 5 shown running Maemo, Android 2.0, but no Windows 3.11 yet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/archos-5-shown-running-maemo-android-2-0-but-no-windows-3-11-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/archos-5-shown-running-maemo-android-2-0-but-no-windows-3-11-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/archos-5-shown-running-maemo-android-2-0-but-no-windows-3-11-y/#commentsArchos 5 runs Maemo, Android 2.0, no Windows 3.11 yet (video) With the Archos 5 we were shown that Android can be a legitimate media powerhouse. But, it's tough for a player to be stuck with 1.6 while other devices have already broken in their 2.1 shoes. Fear not, as the device is showing to be generally receptive to tweaks, first being an install of Maemo that seemingly runs quite well but, with no WiFi support, is something of a non-starter at this point. Also now booting is Android 2.0, a clean port that was apparently quite easily installed on the device but, sadly, doesn't work with the touchscreen, meaning it is even more useless at this point. Maybe if you're willing to lend a hand you can help to get one or the other rather more functional -- or maybe 1.6 doesn't look so bad anymore. Videos of both alt-OSes are after the break, and installation instructions are at the source links.

Continue reading Archos 5 shown running Maemo, Android 2.0, but no Windows 3.11 yet (video)

Archos 5 shown running Maemo, Android 2.0, but no Windows 3.11 yet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0archosarchos 5archos 5 internet tabletArchos5Archos5InternetTablethacklinuxmaemovideoWed, 12 May 2010 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget app for Android gets updated to 1.0.2 -- now with more widgets!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/the-engadget-app-for-android-gets-updated-to-1-0-2-now-with-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/the-engadget-app-for-android-gets-updated-to-1-0-2-now-with-m/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/the-engadget-app-for-android-gets-updated-to-1-0-2-now-with-m/#comments If you're a fan of the Engadget Android app (and let's be honest, you are a fan), then we've got some good news for you today. The app has been updated with some minor fixes, and one not-so-minor addition... a homescreen widget! Included in this release (besides your new favorite widget) is a fix that enables the Android status bar, built-in sharing for articles and galleries, a refresh button for article views, and other assorted tweaks that will make your Engadget experience even more delightful. Don't sleep on this one -- go get the update!

Update: We know there's an issue with the space the widget takes up, we're working on it!

The Engadget app for Android gets updated to 1.0.2 -- now with more widgets! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5android 2.0android 2.1Android1.5Android2.0Android2.1engadget android appengadget android applicationengadget appengadget applicationEngadgetAndroidAppEngadgetAndroidApplicationEngadgetAppEngadgetApplicationTue, 13 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget app for Android is finally, really here!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/the-engadget-app-for-android-is-finally-really-here/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/the-engadget-app-for-android-is-finally-really-here/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/the-engadget-app-for-android-is-finally-really-here/#comments Everyone, stop what you're doing. The day you've been patiently waiting for has finally come. That's right, the Engadget app is now available for the Android platform... totally free, of course. Can you believe it? Owners of Android 1.5 devices and up will finally have access to the unedited, unrestrained application, which allows quick access to Engadget, Engadget Mobile, and Engadget HD, podcasts, the Engadget Show, galleries, and more. Just as in the iPhone and webOS versions of the app, you've got full support for commenting, options to tip us, and lots of ways to share news with friends, family, or mortal enemies. We're also constantly updating, and we have plans for some changes right out of the gate -- like a homescreen widget that should be coming in the next version, so you can always stay on top of Engadget news. Keep in mind, we're still going to be cranking away on all our other versions too (the BlackBerry and webOS apps have just recently been updated) -- so expect more good stuff coming your way. Okay, less talk more rock -- the app, er... prog, is available for download right now from the Android Market. Go get it!

The Engadget app for Android is finally, really here! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5android 2.0android 2.1Android1.5Android2.0Android2.1breaking newsBreakingNewsengadget android appengadget android applicationengadget appengadget applicationEngadgetAndroidAppEngadgetAndroidApplicationEngadgetAppEngadgetApplicationThu, 25 Mar 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell Mini 5 will run 'something newer' than Android 1.6 at launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/dell-mini-5-will-run-something-newer-than-android-1-6-at-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/dell-mini-5-will-run-something-newer-than-android-1-6-at-launc/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/dell-mini-5-will-run-something-newer-than-android-1-6-at-launc/#comments We've been able to confirm in a chat with Dell spokesfolks this evening that the lovely Mini 5 won't ship with the Android 1.6 build (also known as Donut) that we've seen so far -- instead, it'll be running "something newer." They wouldn't say what that newer version would be -- and to be fair, we're not sure they even knew since Android is always a moving target on account of Google's breakneck development pace -- but it was specifically mentioned that Flash compatibility was something they had on their radar, suggesting that something really, really fresh might be needed. Then again, they also mentioned that the giant phone / MID / thingamajig is going to be totally upgradeable, something that fellow Android skinners HTC and Motorola have both had to reassure the Android-buying public over. How this all shakes out remains to be seen, but let's put it this way: Eclair, at minimum, seems to be a lock by the time the Mini 5 is on a shelf near you.

Gallery: Dell Mini 5 hands-on at MWC 2010

Dell Mini 5 will run 'something newer' than Android 1.6 at launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android 2.1Android1.6Android2.0Android2.1breaking newsBreakingNewsdelldonuteclairmini 5Mini5mwcmwc 2010Mwc2010Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola MOTOROI hands-on with video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/motorola-motoroi-hands-on-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/motorola-motoroi-hands-on-with-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/15/motorola-motoroi-hands-on-with-video/#comments
The Motorola MOTOROI is definitely a stunner, but the looks are almost surpassed by just how amazing it feels, it glows with quality -- think Milestone, but somehow nicer. The display and UI on this Android 2.0 set are right on, with no lag to speak of -- in our really limited hanging-from-a-tether-being-jostled take on it -- while flipping about the OS. Sadly, like most other sets on display, the internet wasn't going anywhere for us to really take it for a spin. But, hey, the MOTOROI is apparently headed to the US in March, and we're without a doubt going to get a little more in-depth with this phone just as soon as we're able.

Gallery: Motorola MOTOROI hands-on with video

Continue reading Motorola MOTOROI hands-on with video

Motorola MOTOROI hands-on with video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0hands-onkt720motoroimotorolamwcmwc 2010Mwc2010Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Xperia X1 and Android 2.0.1 joined in unholy matrimony]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/xperia-x1-and-android-2-0-1-joined-in-unholy-matrimony/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/xperia-x1-and-android-2-0-1-joined-in-unholy-matrimony/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/xperia-x1-and-android-2-0-1-joined-in-unholy-matrimony/#comments Tired of waiting for the Xperia X10 for your first taste of Android and Sony Ericsson? Leave it to the gang at the XDA-developers forum to jump the gun. Last week marked the successful port of Android 2.0.1 (or Android 1.6, if you so choose) to the Xperia X1. No bluetooth, camera, or GPS -- not yet, at any rate -- but WiFI, GSM, resistive touchscreen, and all the other amenities should be functioning. Tweakers at heart can find all the necessary files and instructions via the source link, and as for the rest of us, there's a video to live vicariously through after the break.

Continue reading Xperia X1 and Android 2.0.1 joined in unholy matrimony

Xperia X1 and Android 2.0.1 joined in unholy matrimony originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.62.02.0.1androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android 2.0.1Android1.6Android2.0Android2.0.1ericssongoogle androidGoogleAndroidsesonysony ericssonsony ericsson xperiasony ericsson xperia x1SonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaSonyEricssonXperiaX1x1xperiaxperia x1XperiaX1Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Motoroi coming to USA in March]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/motorola-motoroi-coming-to-usa-in-march/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/motorola-motoroi-coming-to-usa-in-march/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/19/motorola-motoroi-coming-to-usa-in-march/#comments Well, isn't this a novelty? The well practiced skill of lusting after Korean gear from afar won't be necessary with Motorola's latest Android 2.0 handset, as we're hearing the Motoroi is headed to US shelves this March. Moto Korea head honcho Rick Wolochatiuk was on hand at the Korean launch to confirm that the new handset "will be launched in other markets around the world," with the US specifically confirmed for a March release. The Motoroi, if you recall, is a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen spliced atop hardware good enough to record 720p video and output it via HDMI. An 8 megapixel camera with Xenon flash should ensure you get pretty decent photos too. But what are we doing telling you about it when there are perfectly good promo videos after the break? Go get 'em!

Continue reading Motorola Motoroi coming to USA in March

Motorola Motoroi coming to USA in March originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>720p8 megapixel8MegapixelAndroidAndroid 2.0android osAndroid2.0AndroidOsavailabilitycapacitivemotoroimotorolaTue, 19 Jan 2010 07:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Astri's dualscreen Android E Ink MID looks and acts like a knockoff]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/astris-dualscreen-android-e-ink-mid-looks-and-acts-like-a-knock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/astris-dualscreen-android-e-ink-mid-looks-and-acts-like-a-knock/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/astris-dualscreen-android-e-ink-mid-looks-and-acts-like-a-knock/#comments We've never heard of Astri before, but it sure seems to be one ambitious company. We figure it's got to take real ambition to create a pocketable dualscreen device with not just one non-working touchscreen, but two! In theory, the Marvell-powered MID or My Interactive Device (not to be confused with Mobile Internet Devices) runs Android on its 4.8-inch LCD touchscreen, while its neighboring 5-inch E Ink Wacom-enabled touchscreen is meant for reading and taking notes. The concept is similar to the much-more-polished Entourage Edge, or even Spring Design's Alex, though we have no idea if Astri intends the two displays to communicate with one another. We'll be siding with those alternatives until Astri can work out its many issues, though we do like the idea of the more portable e-reading device. Oh, and please don't miss one of the most abusive hands-on videos ever after the break.

Continue reading Astri's dualscreen Android E Ink MID looks and acts like a knockoff

Astri's dualscreen Android E Ink MID looks and acts like a knockoff originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0astriAstri MIDAstri My Interactive DeviceAstriMidAstriMyInteractiveDeviceDualScreendualscreen e-raderdualscreen UMPCDualscreenE-raderDualscreenUmpce-booke-book readere-book readerse-book-readerE-bookReaderE-bookReaderse-bookse-readere-readersMon, 18 Jan 2010 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola takes Android to Korea with MOTOROI]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/17/motorola-takes-android-to-korea-with-motoroi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/17/motorola-takes-android-to-korea-with-motoroi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/17/motorola-takes-android-to-korea-with-motoroi/#comments That Korean-language version of the XT701 we saw recently is starting to make more sense now that we know exactly what was up Moto's sleeve: meet MOTOROI. The company's very first Android-powered phone for South Korea takes most (but not all) of its cues from its China Unicom-branded doppelganger, featuring a 3.7-inch WVGA display, 8 megapixel camera with 720p video capture, HDMI-out, and -- like most phones sold in and around Seoul -- support for T-DMB television tuning. Like the Droid, it's available with a home charging dock that'll turn it into a handy alarm clock; unlike the Droid, though, the MOTOROI features multitouch browsing out of the box similar to the Milestone in Europe. The oddly-named phone (is "ROI" acceptable for short?) launches early next month on SK Telecom.

Motorola takes Android to Korea with MOTOROI originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0breaking newsBreakingNewskoreamotomotoroimotorolask telecomsktSkTelecomsouth koreaSouthKoreaSun, 17 Jan 2010 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung Galaxy Spica getting Android 2.0 upgrade next month?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/samsung-galaxy-spica-getting-android-2-0-upgrade-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/samsung-galaxy-spica-getting-android-2-0-upgrade-next-month/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/14/samsung-galaxy-spica-getting-android-2-0-upgrade-next-month/#commentsAmong the production Android devices presently languishing on pre-Donut are the Galaxy and Galaxy Spica from Samsung -- both of which use essentially stock implementations of the platform, robbing Sammy of the code-porting excuse that HTC has been using with Sense. That might be close to changing, though, now that Samsung Firmware's saying that the Spica (alias Galaxy Lite) is signed up for a 2.0 update in February and that they "think its [sic] also for the Galaxy." Now, Samsung Firmware is far from an official Samsung source -- but seeing how the site maintains a vice-like grip on every conceivable Samsung ROM the second it's released, they've got some basis to be trusted on these matters. Of course, there's also the circumstantial evidence that the company simply has no excuse whatsoever to sit on the update any longer than it already has -- not to say that's ever stopped a company before, sadly.

Samsung Galaxy Spica getting Android 2.0 upgrade next month? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0eclairgalaxygalaxy spicaGalaxySpicai5700i7500mobilesamsungupdateupgradeThu, 14 Jan 2010 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[GestureTek brings Eyemo gesture control to Android, Momo tracking engine for Windows Mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/gesturetek-brings-eyemo-gesture-control-to-android-momo-trackin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/gesturetek-brings-eyemo-gesture-control-to-android-momo-trackin/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/09/gesturetek-brings-eyemo-gesture-control-to-android-momo-trackin/#comments
GestureTek was showing off some of its gesture-based options for controlling your TV at last year's CES, and it's now back again with a few more slightly interesting pieces of software. That includes a version of its Eyemo software for Android, which is already available for range of other platforms, and lets developers take advantage of a phone's camera to add gesture control options to various applications -- although that only involves gesturing with the device itself, not your hands. The company's recently announced Momo software for Windows Mobile takes things one step further than that, however, and will indeed apparently let you control a game or other application with hand or body gestures -- although that'll likely work best on a device with a front-facing camera.

GestureTek brings Eyemo gesture control to Android, Momo tracking engine for Windows Mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Android2.0cesces 2010Ces2010eyemogesture controlGestureControlgesturetekmomomotion controlMotionControlwindows mobileWindowsMobileSat, 09 Jan 2010 07:17:00 EST<![CDATA[LG's GT540 mixes Android 2.0, pretty, and low-end]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/lgs-gt540-mixes-android-2-0-pretty-and-low-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/lgs-gt540-mixes-android-2-0-pretty-and-low-end/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/08/lgs-gt540-mixes-android-2-0-pretty-and-low-end/#comments LG made the bold leap to Android 2.0 with the low-to midrange GT540 it's showing this week, turning up the style dial a couple notches in a handful of colors (white, pink, dark gray, and black) with stylized wavy backs, chrome accents, and rounded edges. The UI's very standard with only minor tweaks, including a few custom LG apps; we couldn't get much information on it since it's a Euro-only release and the booth's being staffed primarily by the company's US team, but we can see that it's got a 3 megapixel cam, a 3.5mm jack, and a mix of touch-sensitive and physical buttons down below. We couldn't verify what kind of processor this thing has on board, but the UI speed certainly didn't blow us away -- if we had to guess, it's probably the same core that you'll find in the GW620 Eve. Follow the break for a quick hands-on video.

Gallery: LG's GT540 mixes Android 2.0, pretty, and low-end

Continue reading LG's GT540 mixes Android 2.0, pretty, and low-end

LG's GT540 mixes Android 2.0, pretty, and low-end originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0cesces 2010Ces2010gt540hands onhands-onHandsOnlgFri, 08 Jan 2010 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 2.0 officially coming to T-Mobile G1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/26/android-2-0-or-maybe-2-1-officially-coming-to-t-mobile-g1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/26/android-2-0-or-maybe-2-1-officially-coming-to-t-mobile-g1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/26/android-2-0-or-maybe-2-1-officially-coming-to-t-mobile-g1/#comments We don't know where this is coming from so take it with a grain of salt, but rumor has it from AndroidSPIN that the progenitor Android device, the T-Mobile G1, is destined to officially get an over-the-air update for an Eclair build, Android 2-point-something. Hey T-Mo, we know the holidays are pretty much over, but could you validate these whispers for us? Thanks!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Android 2.0 officially coming to T-Mobile G1? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Dec 2009 21:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1eclairg1googlegoogle androidGoogleAndroidt mobilet-mobilet-mobile g1T-mobileG1TMobileSat, 26 Dec 2009 21:59:00 EST<![CDATA[ICD Ultra Android tablet hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/20/icd-ultra-android-tablet-hands-on/#comments As you may have noticed, we had a chance to get our hands on a fairly interesting little tablet made by ICD dubbed the Ultra. The 7-inch, touchscreen tablet (resistive in the version we saw, but with capacitive versions to come) sports quite an impressive set of specs, including a 1GHz Tegra T20 CPU, 512MB of RAM and 512MB of ROM, 4GB of hardwired storage, 2G / 3G radios, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera, HDMI out, USB 2.0, and a microSD slot. The device also has an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and 3.5mm headphone jack. The version we had a chance to play with -- a prototype running Android 2.0 -- was blazingly fast when it came to 1080p playback and web browsing (as you can see in the video), but was pretty incomplete as far as the rest of the software was concerned (though the company says they're working on optimizing the experience all around). In terms of pricing, ICD reps didn't have a solid number, though they said they expect the Ultra to sell for somewhere in the $249 price range, with potential for free, subsidized versions depending on what kind of deals they work out with partners. We expect to see a whole slew of devices like this at CES in just a few weeks, but this is nice a taste of things to come. Check out our exclusive hands-on pics in the gallery below!

Update: The video in question is right here!

Gallery: ICD Ultra tablet hands-on

ICD Ultra Android tablet hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android tabletAndroid2.0AndroidTabletconverged devicesConvergedDevicesfeatureshands-onicdicd ultraicd ultra tabletIcdUltraIcdUltraTablettabletultraultra tabletUltraTabletSun, 20 Dec 2009 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint's HTC Hero and Samsung Moment on track to get Android 2.1, not 2.0]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sprints-htc-hero-and-samsung-moment-on-track-to-get-android-2-1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sprints-htc-hero-and-samsung-moment-on-track-to-get-android-2-1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/sprints-htc-hero-and-samsung-moment-on-track-to-get-android-2-1/#commentsSo Sprint's backtracking on its promise to deliver Android 2.0 to its Hero and Moment in the first half of next year, but it's backtracking in an awesome way for a change of pace -- they'll actually be getting 2.1. That makes tons of sense considering that the leaked Hero builds have all been on 2.1 and 2.0 will be all but obsolete by the time HTC gets around to releasing anything -- so yeah, we probably could've predicted this anyway, but now it's official. Unfortunately that 1H 2010 window hasn't been reigned in at all, but here's hoping this is a case where they under-promise and over-deliver.

Sprint's HTC Hero and Samsung Moment on track to get Android 2.1, not 2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1cupcakefirmwareflanherohtcmomentsamsungsprintupdateupgradeThu, 17 Dec 2009 20:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Milestone firmware coaxed into Droid, multitouch ensues (video!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/motorola-milestone-firmware-coaxed-into-droid-multi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/motorola-milestone-firmware-coaxed-into-droid-multi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/motorola-milestone-firmware-coaxed-into-droid-multi/#comments If you thought it'd be easy to move code back and forth between two nearly-identical Motorolas running Android... well, you'd apparently be right. Unfortunately, taking clear video of the completed task proves, as ever, to be an insurmountable task. Of course, the Android hacking community has overcome pretty much every other roadblock it's encountered so far, so it shouldn't come as any surprise to learn that the Milestone's firmware has been successfully ported today over to its big, loud American cousin, the Droid, thanks to the work of AllDroid's Eugene and Barakinflorida who risked their own device for your gain. Our understanding is that the ROM's cooked in some regard -- it's not bone stock, which makes sense if for no other reason than the fact that the Droid's got a completely different radio -- but fortunately, that all-important multitouch support carries over from the Euro side. We're hearing direct from AllDroid's founder, Brent Fishman, that the ROM should drop in a couple of days. Until then, follow the break for a video of the build in action.

P.S. Don't worry Droid owners, Google Navigation is still functional with this build.

Update: Better video added after the break! Man, these guys learn fast.

Continue reading Motorola Milestone firmware coaxed into Droid, multitouch ensues (video!)

Motorola Milestone firmware coaxed into Droid, multitouch ensues (video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0droidhackmilestonemotomotorolaportromsholesThu, 17 Dec 2009 05:09:00 EST<![CDATA[The Google Phone: what we know... and what we don't (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/the-google-phone-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/the-google-phone-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/the-google-phone-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont/#comments There's been an immense amount of crosstalk, speculation, and just plain noise over the past 48 hours about a device allegedly called the Nexus One, or as it's more commonly known: the Google Phone. We've heard all sorts of reports about the HTC-made device, and figured it might be helpful to put together a little roundup about what we know -- and don't -- on one of the potentially more exciting devices we've seen recently. Read on for an exploration of what this device could mean, as well as a little editorial perspective on some of those "confirmed" stories of the day!

Gallery: Nexus One first sample photographs

Continue reading The Google Phone: what we know... and what we don't (updated)

The Google Phone: what we know... and what we don't (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1dev phoneDevPhonegoogle phoneGooglePhonenexus oneNexusOnerumorspeculationSun, 13 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/google-phone-makes-first-twitter-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/google-phone-makes-first-twitter-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/13/google-phone-makes-first-twitter-appearance/#comments
Look familiar? For a story that broke on Twitter it's only fitting that the first reported picture of the mythical, magical "Google Phone" (AKA, Nexus One) would appear there as well. The tweeted image above appears courtesy of one Cory O'Brien, an account manager at a San Francisco Bay Area marketing agency that does not list Google as a client. That note of caution aside, the image above is an exact match to that leaked HTC Passion / Bravo image from October, only this time lacking the HTC logo on the top-side bezel. Besides the pic, O'Brien tweets that the "Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android." Granted, none of this is confirmed yet, but with Google releasing so many of the devices as part of its "mobile lab" concept, well, we expect to see plenty more sightings in the run up to the rumored January launch.

Update: A quick search for "nexus one" on Google's Picasa photo service reveals several pictures taken with a camera pegged as the HTC Nexus One in the EXIF data. The very first of these geotagged 2592×1944 pixel (that's a 5 megapixel sensor folks, hardly "weirdly large" as described by TechCrunch) images were taken by user Bradley (who just happens to be a Picasa friend to Sergey... hint) in the SF Bay Area on November 27th. A few are clearly lit by an onboard flash as well. In fact, many of the pics appear to be taken from within Google's offices and at Google sponsored events. The quality is not exactly spectacular and that won't likely change in the final product because even Google's bound by the laws of physics when it comes to tiny cellphone sensors.

Update 2: The device seems to have been around earlier with an EXIF identifier of "Phone88." Fortunately, Google's own employees have uploaded pics of the device, by the device, for us to marvel at -- so meta. Check the gallery for the images or a quickie close-up posted after the break.

Gallery: Nexus One first sample photographs



[Thanks, Alberto and Aaron C.]

Continue reading Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!)

Google Phone / Nexus One makes first Twitter appearance? (update: new pics!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0bravobreaking newsBreakingNewsdragongooglegoogle phoneGooglePhonehtcleaknexusnexus oneNexusOneonepassionrumorSun, 13 Dec 2009 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Sprint says Android 2.0 coming to Hero and Moment first half of next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/11/sprint-says-android-2-0-coming-to-hero-and-moment-first-half-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/11/sprint-says-android-2-0-coming-to-hero-and-moment-first-half-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/11/sprint-says-android-2-0-coming-to-hero-and-moment-first-half-of/#commentsIn the wake of Verizon's Droid Eris update announcement, Sprint couldn't very well rest on its laurels and let the world go by while its Android babies grow stale on version 1.5, could it? Indeed, the company has announced today (via Twitter, of all things) that it'll be bringing Android 2.0 to the table for its HTC Hero and Samsung Moment in the first half of 2010. Naturally, we wish they could tighten that up to the first quarter (or heck, this month, for that matter), but as far as we can tell, HTC isn't yet done prepping Sense for 2.0 so they're probably in a holding pattern there. As for the Moment, it's running stock 1.5 -- and we'd certainly expect it to run stock 2.0, too -- so we're not sure what the holdup is on Sammy's end, but you can bet we're looking forward to seeing the Google juice running in full AMOLED technicolor.

Sprint says Android 2.0 coming to Hero and Moment first half of next year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0eclairherohtcmomentsamsungsprintupdateupgradeFri, 11 Dec 2009 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Passion runs Android on 3.5-inch OLED and Snapdragon in Verizon's early 2010?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/htc-passion-runs-android-on-3-5-inch-oled-and-snapdragon-in-veri/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/htc-passion-runs-android-on-3-5-inch-oled-and-snapdragon-in-veri/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/07/htc-passion-runs-android-on-3-5-inch-oled-and-snapdragon-in-veri/#commentsEver since the WinMo-powered HTC HD2 started to drip, drip onto our pages in the form of leaked images and details, we've been asking ourselves one question: where's the Android version? And while we've heard whispers of a supposed Snapdragon-based Dragon device running Android ever since early October, we're left to rely on Motorola's Droid / Milestone to fulfill our Android 2.0 dreams this holiday season. And if DigiTimes is correct, that picture likely won't change until early 2010. Taiwanese DigiTimes' sources have its Taiwan-based neighbor launching its Passion handset running Android 2.0 (or even 2.1 by then) on a 1GHz Snapdragon chipset with 3.5-inch multitouch OLED display sometime in early 2010 (not 2009 as previously tipped) as HTC continues to tweak the device's software. And if previous rumors are true then this CDMA variant of Dragon will be making its debut on Verizon at that time. DigiTimes' sources also claim that HTC will announce a QWERTY-toting Android device, possibly named Espresso, at the huge Mobile World Congress event in February. Of course, all this is rumor for now so hold tight as HTC's roadmap unfolds.

HTC Passion runs Android on 3.5-inch OLED and Snapdragon in Verizon's early 2010? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 02:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5 inch3.5Inchandroidandroid 2.0Android2.0cdmadigitimesespressogooglehtcmobile world congressmobile world congress 2010MobileWorldCongressMobileWorldCongress2010mwc 2010Mwc2010oledpassionqwertyrumorsnapdragonverizonMon, 07 Dec 2009 02:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon commits to 'newer' Android for Droid Eris with Google Maps Navigation in Q1 2010]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/verizon-commits-to-newer-android-for-droid-eris-with-google-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/verizon-commits-to-newer-android-for-droid-eris-with-google-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/04/verizon-commits-to-newer-android-for-droid-eris-with-google-ma/#commentsHTC has pulled no punches about the fact that it intends to bring Heros up to Android 2.0 (or is that 2.1?) spec at some point, though neither Sprint nor Verizon had quickly followed on to assure customers that there'd be upgrades ready and waiting for their versions (sure, technically, the Droid Eris is a different internal HTC codename than the Heros of the world, but they're basically brothers from the same mother). Well, good news: Verizon has just announced that it'll be bringing the phone to a "newer" build of Android with integrated Google Maps Navigation for release in the first quarter of 2010. Since Google's nav app works on 1.6 now, that really doesn't give us much of a clue which version the Droid Eris can expect to see -- but seeing how we have leaked Hero firmwares running on 2.1 at this point, that'd seem like a probable target. With the Droid taking a baby step to 2.0.1 in the next few weeks, it seems at least possible that the shadow-dwelling Eris could end out ahead in the never-ending Android version game -- crazy how the world works, isn't it?

Verizon commits to 'newer' Android for Droid Eris with Google Maps Navigation in Q1 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1droid erisDroidErisfirmwarehtcupdateverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 04 Dec 2009 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Huge stash of HTC Android codenames found within 2.1 ROM]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/huge-stash-of-htc-android-codenames-found-within-2-1-rom/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/huge-stash-of-htc-android-codenames-found-within-2-1-rom/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/03/huge-stash-of-htc-android-codenames-found-within-2-1-rom/#comments You know that leaked HTC Sense ROM with Android 2.1 underneath? Well, somebody did some digging and found a wild stack of HTC Android handset codenames buried within. It starts in the realm of the familiar, with mentions of Dragon, Passion, Dream and Hero, but then it starts to get a little wild. Here's the full list: Bahamas, Bravo, DesireC, Dragon, Dream, Espresso, Halo, HeroCT, HeroC, Hero, Huangshan, Incredible, Legend, Liberty, Memphis, Paradise, PassionC, Passion, Sapphire and Supersonic. Pretty wild, right? There's no telling what exactly this list implies, other than the fact that Passion and Dragon are indeed on the books, and that HTC's naming department can really let the superlatives fly, but we're sure all will be made clear over the next year or two.

Huge stash of HTC Android codenames found within 2.1 ROM originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1bahamasbravodesirecdragondreamespressohaloheroherocherocthtchtc senseHtcSensehuangshanincredibleleakleaked romLeakedRomlegendlibertymemphisparadisepassionpassioncromsapphiresensesense uiSenseUisupersonicThu, 03 Dec 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Sholes Tablet detailed, sounds as tasty as we'd hoped]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/motorola-sholes-tablet-detailed-sounds-as-tasty-as-wed-hoped/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/motorola-sholes-tablet-detailed-sounds-as-tasty-as-wed-hoped/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/02/motorola-sholes-tablet-detailed-sounds-as-tasty-as-wed-hoped/#comments Knowing what we now know of the Droid -- codename Sholes -- the mere mental image of that "Sholes Tablet" that we've been hearing about for a while brings us to our geeky knees. Taiwanese forum Mobile01 seems to have details on just what the Sholes Tablet is all about, and while we'd normally be skeptical to the point of dismissal, the presence of a few believable-looking images has us on the bandwagon. The biggies on the rumored spec sheet include HDMI out, 720p video recording paired to an 8 megapixel cam (which is hopefully of much, much higher quality than the Droid's miserable 5) with xenon flash, and Motorola's own CrystalTalk tech for background noise reduction on calls. It'll apparently be running Android 2.0 -- the presence of BLUR is unknown -- and the screen is a predictably awesome 3.7 inches at WVGA resolution with multitouch support; missing, as the name suggests, is the original's sliding QWERTY keyboard. All signs point to use seeing this in the next few months, so enjoy those Droids and Milestones while you can, yeah?

Motorola Sholes Tablet detailed, sounds as tasty as we'd hoped originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0motomotorolarumorsholes tabletSholesTabletWed, 02 Dec 2009 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Hero gets a leaked Android 2.1 ROM with Sense]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/01/htc-hero-gets-a-leaked-android-2-1-rom-with-sense/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/01/htc-hero-gets-a-leaked-android-2-1-rom-with-sense/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/01/htc-hero-gets-a-leaked-android-2-1-rom-with-sense/#comments We just saw some leaked shots of a Hero running Android 2.1 with HTC Sense a couple days ago, and now it looks like you can get in on the action yourself, thanks to a leaked ROM now up on XDA-developers and AllDroid. Installation appears to be pretty straightforward, but there are some steps involved, so make sure you backup and set aside some time to get things right -- and let us know how it all goes in comments!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

HTC Hero gets a leaked Android 2.1 ROM with Sense originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1hackhacked romHackedRomhackingherohtc herohtc sensehtc sense uiHtcHeroHtcSenseHtcSenseUiromromssensesense uiSenseUixdaxda-developersTue, 01 Dec 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[HTC Hero caught running Android 2.1?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/29/htc-hero-caught-running-android-2-1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/29/htc-hero-caught-running-android-2-1/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/29/htc-hero-caught-running-android-2-1/#comments
 HTC promised the world an Android 2.0-based firmware for its Hero line once it figured out the nitty gritty details of porting Sense to Google's latest code, leapfrogging Donut altogether -- but now, it looks like they're gonna do one better. Screenshots found today show a Hero running Android 2.1, which would dovetail nicely with the fact that Google had teased a "minor update" to 2.0 before the end of 2009 back when it announced Eclair last month. The interface looks largely untouched from 1.5, proof that HTC was able to bring Sense up to speed with minimum drama; it's unclear when this'll all be available, but considering that Sprint's version just got a super-minor update, some carrier-branded versions could be in for a wait. One more pic after the break.

Continue reading HTC Hero caught running Android 2.1?

HTC Hero caught running Android 2.1? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android 2.1Android2.0Android2.1firmwareherohtcupdateupgradeSun, 29 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid camera autofocus fixed in secrecy? (Update: it's a date-related self-correction)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/#comments While we were busy looking into external speaker problems on the Droid, it would seem Moto was itself hard at work remedying a separate issue with the device. A number of users on support forums have complained of the Droid's camera failing to focus and giving them "red corners" when attempting to take pictures, but now -- suddenly and without warning -- their ailment has gone away as if touched by the hand of an omnipotent being (or, alternatively, a silent firmware update). This particular autofocus problem was mentioned in Verizon's 5-page treatise on known issues with the Droid, though the planned resolution was an official update by December 11. The fix seems to have been delivered early, as green corners are sprouting up all around, but this silent update conduit sounds a bit nefarious, no?

Update: Sure enough, we can confirm from testing one of our own Droids that the issue has been resolved. The endless quest for the green focus box is over, and you can now finally begin scanning all your discount cards into Key Ring.

Update II: And things have turned surreal. Dan Morrill, from Google's Android team, has confirmed that there's a date-related bug in the Droid's camera software that leads to it having cycles of good and bad focus that depend on the date. Our own testing confirmed this, as backdating to the 11th of November returned those red bars of failure. Apparently, the cycles last 24.5 days, meaning that you'll have good focus all the way to December 11, when the real fix is expected to drop. So breathe easy, Gotham, there are no phantom updates, just an oddly date-sentient camera.

[Thanks, AlexL and Kaiser]

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Motorola Droid camera autofocus fixed in secrecy? (Update: it's a date-related self-correction) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0autofocuscamera issueCameraIssuedroidfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefixissuemobilemotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidproblemsilent updateSilentUpdateupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessverizonwirelessTue, 17 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorola Droid camera autofocus fixed in secrecy? (Update: it's a date-related self-correction)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/#comments While we were busy looking into external speaker problems on the Droid, it would seem Moto was itself hard at work remedying a separate issue with the device. A number of users on support forums have complained of the Droid's camera failing to focus and giving them "red corners" when attempting to take pictures, but now -- suddenly and without warning -- their ailment has gone away as if touched by the hand of an omnipotent being (or, alternatively, a silent firmware update). This particular autofocus problem was mentioned in Verizon's 5-page treatise on known issues with the Droid, though the planned resolution was an official update by December 11. The fix seems to have been delivered early, as green corners are sprouting up all around, but this silent update conduit sounds a bit nefarious, no?

Update: Sure enough, we can confirm from testing one of our own Droids that the issue has been resolved. The endless quest for the green focus box is over, and you can now finally begin scanning all your discount cards into Key Ring.

Update 2: And things have turned surreal. Dan Morrill, from Google's Android team, has confirmed that there's a date-related bug in the Droid's camera software that leads to it having cycles of good and bad focus that depend on the date. Our own testing confirmed this, as backdating to the 11th of November returned those red bars of failure. Apparently, the cycles last 24.5 days, meaning that you'll have good focus all the way to December 11, when the real fix is expected to drop. So breathe easy, Gotham, there are no phantom updates, just an oddly date-sentient camera.

[Thanks, AlexL and Kaiser]

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Motorola Droid camera autofocus fixed in secrecy? (Update: it's a date-related self-correction) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0autofocuscamera issueCameraIssuedroidfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatefixissuemotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidproblemsilent updateSilentUpdateupdateupdatesverizonTue, 17 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's 5-inch Android Streak MID on AT&T in 2010?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/dells-5-inch-android-streak-on-atandt-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/dells-5-inch-android-streak-on-atandt-in-2010/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/dells-5-inch-android-streak-on-atandt-in-2010/#comments It's not much to go on but after months of rumors and then the sudden appearance of Dell's 5-inch MID on video, well, even unsubstantiated reports from the Commercial Times can be taken with a degree of truthiness. The latest tattle has QISDA manufacturing Dell's Android 2.0-based MID (spotted with a 5 megapixel camera, 800 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, 3G data, and WiFi) with the intent of ramping up for an AT&T launch sometime in 2010. Given the uptick in leaks recently, we'd expect a Q1 launch to be just about right.

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Dell's 5-inch Android Streak MID on AT&T in 2010? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0attcommercial timesCommercialTimeseclairmidqisdarumorstreakTue, 17 Nov 2009 02:16:00 EST<![CDATA[ICD confirms Vega tablet, includes Android 2.0, Tegra processor, our hearts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/icd-confirms-vega-tablet-includes-android-2-0-tegra-processor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/icd-confirms-vega-tablet-includes-android-2-0-tegra-processor/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/13/icd-confirms-vega-tablet-includes-android-2-0-tegra-processor/#comments The CrunchPad may be dead, but with devices like this on the docket forgive us if we're not shedding any tears. The mystery tablet from earlier this week is the Vega from Innovative Converged Devices, or ICD. Available in 7-, 11-, and 15-inch sizes it's a simple but beautifully svelte design, and with that Tegra processor should have plenty of muscle. The resistive nature of those screens may be a bit of a bummer for some, but naturally it'll do everything Android does -- though without a GPS sensor we're guessing Google Navigation is out. The only questions left left now are when, how much, and who will be pumping the bits to its cellular antennae? Those are answers we hope to bring you from Vegas in two months' time.

Gallery: ICD Vega tablet

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ICD confirms Vega tablet, includes Android 2.0, Tegra processor, our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0google androidGoogleAndroidicd vegaIcdVegaiceinnovative converged devicesInnovativeConvergedDevicestegravegaFri, 13 Nov 2009 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey, Google: failing to spellcheck Android 2.0 can have 'undesireable consequences']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/#comments Add this into the December patch, won't you, Google?

[Thanks, Yosef]

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Hey, Google: failing to spellcheck Android 2.0 can have 'undesireable consequences' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0droidgooglemobiletypoTue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey, Google: failing to spellcheck Android 2.0 can have 'undesireable consequences']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/hey-google-failing-to-spellcheck-android-2-0-can-have-undesir/#comments Add this into the December patch, won't you, Google?

[Thanks, Yosef]

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Hey, Google: failing to spellcheck Android 2.0 can have 'undesireable consequences' originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0droidgoogletypoTue, 10 Nov 2009 21:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Qik gets rebuilt for Droid, 480p streaming is upon us]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/qik-gets-rebuilt-for-droid-480p-streaming-is-upon-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/qik-gets-rebuilt-for-droid-480p-streaming-is-upon-us/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/qik-gets-rebuilt-for-droid-480p-streaming-is-upon-us/#comments Qik had already been available on Android, but when you bring a monster like the Droid into the mix, it warrants a rewrite -- and that's what the company has put together this week. Qik's new Droid-specific build brings a wealth of new features into play, chiefly Android 2.0 support and an impressive 720 x 480 streaming video resolution, perfect for the Droid's expansive display and 5 megapixel (albeit questionably usable) camera. The version also includes an improved version of what Qik calls the "Speed Sharing Ribbon," an area at the bottom of the display that allows users to drop frequent contacts for sharing recorded videos. There's no word on when the new version hits Droids around the nation, but it's already in an invite-only beta stage, so hopefully it'll be available soon enough. Follow the break for a quick video of that wild 480p support in action -- you ready for the data onslaught, Verizon?

Continue reading Qik gets rebuilt for Droid, 480p streaming is upon us

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Qik gets rebuilt for Droid, 480p streaming is upon us originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0droidmobilemultimediaqikstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideovideoTue, 10 Nov 2009 14:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst estimates 100,000 DROID smartphones sold in first weekend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/#commentsThe lines may have been subdued, but one way or another, it sounds as if Motorola managed to sell quite a few DROIDs over the weekend. According to analyst Mark McKechnie at Broadpoint AmTech, the outfit managed to move around 100,000 of 'em during the opening weekend, with most stores moving at least half of their original shipments. He also estimated that Moto would sell one million Android-based phones in Q4 2009 alone (which includes the CLIQ, obviously), and that he viewed the first few days as "encouraging." It's been a long, long while since we've been able to say this, but hey -- nice job, Motorola.

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Analyst estimates 100,000 DROID smartphones sold in first weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0cdmacellphonedroidev doevdogooglehandsetiphonemobilemotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidsalessmartphoneverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst estimates 100,000 DROID smartphones sold in first weekend]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/analyst-estimates-100-000-droid-smartphones-sold-in-first-weeken/#commentsThe lines may have been subdued, but one way or another, it sounds as if Motorola managed to sell quite a few DROIDs over the weekend. According to analyst Mark McKechnie at Broadpoint AmTech, the outfit managed to move around 100,000 of 'em during the opening weekend, with most stores moving at least half of their original shipments. He also estimated that Moto would sell one million Android-based phones in Q4 2009 alone (which includes the CLIQ, obviously), and that he viewed the first few days as "encouraging." It's been a long, long while since we've been able to say this, but hey -- nice job, Motorola.

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Analyst estimates 100,000 DROID smartphones sold in first weekend originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0Android2.0cdmacellphonedroidgooglehandsetiphonemotomotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidsalessmartphoneverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessTue, 10 Nov 2009 09:12:00 EST