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[Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 2]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-2/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/04/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-2/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Last week's Switched On discussed why Google's ownership of Motorola is unlikely to bring major changes to the balance of power among Android licensees. But Motorola also has significant interests in the set-top market. And, of course, there's the question of Android's main licensed rival, Windows Phone 7. In both of those cases, though, there is also unlikely to be noteworthy change, reinforcing the acquisition as a purely defensive move. Read on for more.

Continue reading Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 2

Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 2 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionapplebusinesscellphonecolumngoogleindustrymergermobilepostcrossmotorolaOHAOpen Handset AllianceOpenHandsetAlliancesmartphoneSwitched OnSwitchedOnSun, 04 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 1]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-1/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/28/switched-on-the-accidental-handset-company-part-1/#commentsEach week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology.

Tech company acquisitions often seek to reshape a company or even the entire industry. Buying Applied Semantics catalyzed Google's rise to online advertising dominance. Apple's purchase of NeXT transformed the former's operating system's roadmap. And HP's merger with Compaq created a $40 billion powerhouse vendor of Windows PCs.

That's not the case for "Googorola," a portmanteau that the world formerly knew only as an Italian blue cheese often crumbled into steak salads. Indeed, Google's recent announcement of its intent to acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion may turn out to be the highest profile acquisition ever aimed at maintaining the status quo. Presaged by a blog post from Google's chief legal officer and punctuated by lockstep statements by Motorola's rival Android licensees praising legal protection, the blog post announcing the acquisition promised to "supercharge" Android. But the subsequent Google conference call regarding the merger reinforced that the "IP" Google seeks to acquire does not stand for "Incredible Phones." Google seeks to invigorate Android simply by having the freedom to progress unencumbered along the successful path it already has largely staked out.

Continue reading Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 1

Switched On: The accidental handset company, Part 1 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionapplebusinesscellphonecolumngoogleindustrymergermobilepostcrossmotorolaOHAOpen Handset AllianceOpenHandsetAlliancesmartphoneSwitched OnSwitchedOnSun, 28 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/android-trademark-lawsuit-tossed-out-google-in-the-clear/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/android-trademark-lawsuit-tossed-out-google-in-the-clear/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/22/android-trademark-lawsuit-tossed-out-google-in-the-clear/#commentsThis is just sad, in a happy way. Last week, a judge threw out Erich Specht's attempt to extort $94 million from Google, Android Inc, and Open Handset Alliance. Apparently, the court wasn't swayed by the website that Specht threw up in order to prove he was still using the mark after his company went under in 2002. The judge then punctuated the decision with a cancelation of Specht's "Android Data" trademark on grounds that he attempted to use it as a "sword" against Google and because it could create confusion with the little green bot that consumers have become so enamored with. Ouch. Hooray for legal sanity.

Android trademark lawsuit tossed out, Google in the clear originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid dataAndroidDataErich SpechtErichSpechtgooglelawsuitlegallitigationohatrademarkWed, 22 Dec 2010 03:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Open Handset Alliance adds 13 members]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/open-handset-alliance-adds-13-members/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/open-handset-alliance-adds-13-members/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/open-handset-alliance-adds-13-members/#comments The Open Handset Alliance -- the raucous group of firms officially supporting and contributing to Android's development -- has added a staggering 13 new members today, including Freescale (Moto's former chip unit) and China Telecom, China's EV-DO carrier.

Update: We still don't have have a press release from the OHA for some reason, but the Alliance's Members page appears to be updated, at least in part (Telecom's listed, for example).

Open Handset Alliance adds 13 members originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogleohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceTue, 05 Jan 2010 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/#comments Google's gone ahead and uncorked the bubbly to celebrate the launch of Android 2.0 "Eclair" today ahead of Verizon's big reveal tomorrow, bundling its announcements into two very important sections: SDK support, meaning devs can go ahead and start targeting the new bits, and a comprehensive list of changes in the latest version. Here are the major changes us lay folk are going to care about:
  • Support for multiple Google and Exchange accounts
  • Third-party "sync adapters" allow apps to tie in to the phone's sync services
  • Quick contact menus for fast access to specific key pieces of contact information
  • Unified email inbox (yes!)
  • SMS and MMS search
  • Text message auto-delete after a user-defined thread size is reached
  • Significantly improved camera controls with white balance, macro, effects, and more
  • Improved keyboard layout, dictionary, and algorithm based on multi-touch support
  • Double-tap zoom in browser, support for HTML5
  • Bluetooth 2.1 support with addition of OPP and PBAP profiles
  • "Better" graphics hardware acceleration

Needless to say, we're extremely excited about the changes Google's made here -- and on top of the Droid, we can only hope this action is coming to legacy devices on the double. We'll find out soon enough (hopefully). Check a video of 2.0 in action after the break!

[Via MobileTechWorld]

Read - SDK support announcement
Read - Android 2.0 changes

Continue reading Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK

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Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android sdkAndroid2.0AndroidSdkbreaking newsBreakingNewsgoogleohaTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/android-2-0-support-officially-added-to-sdk/#comments Google's gone ahead and uncorked the bubbly to celebrate the launch of Android 2.0 "Eclair" today ahead of Verizon's big reveal tomorrow, bundling its announcements into two very important sections: SDK support, meaning devs can go ahead and start targeting the new bits, and a comprehensive list of changes in the latest version. Here are the major changes us lay folk are going to care about:
  • Support for multiple Google and Exchange accounts
  • Third-party "sync adapters" allow apps to tie in to the phone's sync services
  • Quick contact menus for fast access to specific key pieces of contact information
  • Unified email inbox (yes!)
  • SMS and MMS search
  • Text message auto-delete after a user-defined thread size is reached
  • Significantly improved camera controls with white balance, macro, effects, and more
  • Improved keyboard layout, dictionary, and algorithm based on multi-touch support
  • Double-tap zoom in browser, support for HTML5
  • Bluetooth 2.1 support with addition of OPP and PBAP profiles
  • "Better" graphics hardware acceleration

Needless to say, we're extremely excited about the changes Google's made here -- and on top of the Droid, we can only hope this action is coming to legacy devices on the double. We'll find out soon enough (hopefully). Check a video of 2.0 in action after the break!

[Via MobileTechWorld]

Read - SDK support announcement
Read - Android 2.0 changes

Continue reading Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK

Filed under: ,

Android 2.0 support officially added to SDK originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 2.0android sdkAndroid2.0AndroidSdkbreaking newsBreakingNewsgooglemobileohaTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/#comments Evidence suggests that the Android Market has a long way to go to be a profitable enterprise for would-be developers, but the good news is that Google seems to understand -- and they're doing something about it. Those in-the-wild shots of a totally rethought interface have turned out to be legit, being made official today by Android's official dev site; the beautified UI itself isn't really anything to write home about, but what makes it all worthwhile is the addition of screenshots and improvements to descriptions that should do a much better job of letting users know what they're getting for their hard-earned cash. Otherwise, there are a few new app categories and Italian support, all of which should bow with the release of Android 1.6 Donut. Sholes, Morrison, you fellas can't come soon enough. Follow the break for official video of the new Market in action.

[Via Phandroid]

Continue reading Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last

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Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android marketAndroid1.6AndroidMarketappapp storeappsAppStoredonutgooglemarketohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceThu, 03 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/03/android-1-6-makes-market-refresh-official-apps-get-screenshots/#comments Evidence suggests that the Android Market has a long way to go to be a profitable enterprise for would-be developers, but the good news is that Google seems to understand -- and they're doing something about it. Those in-the-wild shots of a totally rethought interface have turned out to be legit, being made official today by Android's official dev site; the beautified UI itself isn't really anything to write home about, but what makes it all worthwhile is the addition of screenshots and improvements to descriptions that should do a much better job of letting users know what they're getting for their hard-earned cash. Otherwise, there are a few new app categories and Italian support, all of which should bow with the release of Android 1.6 Donut. Sholes, Morrison, you fellas can't come soon enough. Follow the break for official video of the new Market in action.

[Via Phandroid]

Continue reading Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last

Filed under: ,

Android 1.6 makes Market refresh official, apps get screenshots at last originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.6android marketAndroid1.6AndroidMarketappapp storeappsAppStoredonutgooglemarketmobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceThu, 03 Sep 2009 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 1.5 announced, early-look SDK available today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/#commentsWe've known that Cupcake has been floating around in dev circles for months now, but it's been clear as mud how the Open Handset Alliance plans to incorporate all of the lovely features it brings into Android's trunk, how Android will be versioned going forward, and in general, how the group plans to present a unified front to developers, manufacturers, and end users. That all gets a little clearer today with the official unveiling of Android 1.5 that fully incorporates the Cupcake branch, and -- perhaps much more importantly -- a home screen framework for developing widgets and populating live folders with whatever content you can dream up. There's no word on exactly how 1.5 will come to existing Android handsets in the field, but as far as we can tell, there's nothing listed in the changelog that would prevent current hardware from taking full advantage -- and the OHA is going to be releasing a series of articles about new-to-1.5 features in the coming weeks to help devs "prepare your applications for the release of Android 1.5 on phones." Sounds encouraging, doesn't it?

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Android 1.5 announced, early-look SDK available today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5breaking newsBreakingNewsohaMon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Android 1.5 announced, early-look SDK available today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/13/android-1-5-announced-early-look-sdk-available-today/#commentsWe've known that Cupcake has been floating around in dev circles for months now, but it's been clear as mud how the Open Handset Alliance plans to incorporate all of the lovely features it brings into Android's trunk, how Android will be versioned going forward, and in general, how the group plans to present a unified front to developers, manufacturers, and end users. That all gets a little clearer today with the official unveiling of Android 1.5 that fully incorporates the Cupcake branch, and -- perhaps much more importantly -- a home screen framework for developing widgets and populating live folders with whatever content you can dream up. There's no word on exactly how 1.5 will come to existing Android handsets in the field, but as far as we can tell, there's nothing listed in the changelog that would prevent current hardware from taking full advantage -- and the OHA is going to be releasing a series of articles about new-to-1.5 features in the coming weeks to help devs "prepare your applications for the release of Android 1.5 on phones." Sounds encouraging, doesn't it?

Filed under: ,

Android 1.5 announced, early-look SDK available today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 1.5Android1.5breaking newsBreakingNewsmobileohaMon, 13 Apr 2009 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Immersion ready to get haptic technology into Android phones]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/immersion-ready-to-get-haptic-technology-into-android-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/immersion-ready-to-get-haptic-technology-into-android-phones/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/09/immersion-ready-to-get-haptic-technology-into-android-phones/#commentsImmersion's no stranger to bringing haptic feedback to cellphones, and if it has its way, it'll be on an Android-powered cellie in the very near future. The developer and licensor of touch feedback technology has proudly (very proudly, in fact) announced that its touch tech is now available for implementation in Android phones. Few details are spilled to the general populace, but we are informed that makers of Android handsets can "now easily add haptics to dramatically improve the mobile user experience." Of course, the back end of that statement is totally subjective, but don't blame these guys if your next Android phone doesn't buzz with each button press.

Filed under: ,

Immersion ready to get haptic technology into Android phones originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglehaptichaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackImmersionmobileOHAopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancetouch feedbackTouchFeedbackvibetonzFri, 09 Jan 2009 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS looking into Android for Eee Phone and Eee PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/#comments
There's not a lot of meat here, but we like where it's headed: ASUS CEO Johnny Shih talked up the company's "two-pronged" approach to mobile devices last night, which apparently includes a unit that can be "put in the pocket, play MP3s, offer GPS services, works like a PDA and offers Mobile TV altogether" -- with the other prong being the Eee PC, we would guess. When asked about plans to use Android, now that the company is a minted member of the Open Handset Alliance, Shih said that they're looking into using the OS on the already-hacked Eee PC or the Eee Phone (hopefully both!), and that they're big iPhone fans -- we'll just let our imaginations run with that one.

[Thanks, Neerhaj]

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ASUS looking into Android for Eee Phone and Eee PC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusbreaking newsBreakingNewscesces2009ces2009breakingeee pceee phoneEeePcEeePhonemobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceWed, 07 Jan 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS looking into Android for Eee Phone and Eee PC]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/asus-looking-into-android-for-eee-phone-and-eee-pc/#comments
There's not a lot of meat here, but we like where it's headed: ASUS CEO Johnny Shih talked up the company's "two-pronged" approach to mobile devices last night, which apparently includes a unit that can be "put in the pocket, play MP3s, offer GPS services, works like a PDA and offers Mobile TV altogether" -- with the other prong being the Eee PC, we would guess. When asked about plans to use Android, now that the company is a minted member of the Open Handset Alliance, Shih said that they're looking into using the OS on the already-hacked Eee PC or the Eee Phone (hopefully both!), and that they're big iPhone fans -- we'll just let our imaginations run with that one.

[Thanks, Neerhaj]

Filed under:

ASUS looking into Android for Eee Phone and Eee PC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscesces2009ces2009breakingeee pceee phoneEeePcEeePhoneohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceWed, 07 Jan 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget Podcast 121 - 12.12.2008]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/engadget-podcast-121-12-12-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/engadget-podcast-121-12-12-2008/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/engadget-podcast-121-12-12-2008/#comments
Ah yes -- another refreshing installment of the Engadget Podcast! This week the boys get in touch with their deep feelings on Palm's potential New-ness, Nokia's mystery touchscreen phone, fresh additions to the Open Handset Alliance, and news on the forthcoming reader meetup. You also get to hear Josh, Paul, and Nilay mix it up about their hopes for the future, next jewelry purchases, and Gmail contact syncing nightmares. Sounds badical, right?

01:20 - Palm's New-ness, coming to CES
13:38 - Mysterious T-swivel handset appears on Korean site, keeps us guessing
15:43 - Mysterious new Nokia touchscreen interface and handset unveiled (sort of)
26:39 - Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin
51:00 - Reader meetup update: 'Fallout 3' bundles, Nokia N-Gage / Ovi, Make, and more!

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, and Nilay Patel
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Music: Doctor Octoroc - Carol of the Belmonts

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Engadget Podcast 121 - 12.12.2008 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidengadget podcastEngadgetPodcastfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgmailgooglenokiaohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancepalmpalm newPalmNewpodcastpodcastsreader meetupReaderMeetupswivelswivel screenSwivelScreenFri, 12 Dec 2008 17:24:00 ESTEngadget Podcast 121Josh Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller01:02:32podcasts<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson, HTC say new Android-powered handsets due next year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/sony-ericsson-htc-say-android-powered-handsets-due-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/sony-ericsson-htc-say-android-powered-handsets-due-next-year/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/sony-ericsson-htc-say-android-powered-handsets-due-next-year/#comments
According to two reports, Sony Ericsson and HTC are both semi-confirming Android handsets for 2009. An SE spokesman by the name of Garfield Brusewitz was quoted as saying that the company would introduce higher-end models of the Google-powered devices to start with, then supplement those handsets with cheaper versions aimed at a broader market. In another article, HTC says that it will launch one "or more" Android phones in the new year, aiming to have them on shelves by Summer. This hardly comes as a surprise from either of these companies, as HTC has been on-board since day one of the OHA and, you know, already has an Android handset out, and Sony Ericsson's announcement of participation was naturally going to lead to some actual hardware. Now it's just a matter of getting these out the door, and... sneak peaks at CES, anyone?

[Via Phandroid]

Read - Sony Ericsson chooses Android
Read - Google phone to Denmark this Summer

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Sony Ericsson, HTC say new Android-powered handsets due next year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegoogle phoneGooglePhonegphonehtcohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesony ericssonSonyEricssonWed, 10 Dec 2008 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Rich Miner to deliver keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/#comments

Remember not so long ago when Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said that Android was "not yet good enough" for the Sprint brand, and how weird and awkward that was, all things considered? Well, it turns out that Google's VP of mobile technology, Rich Miner, is set to deliver the keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference on December 12th. We assume he'll be there to talk about how much he loves hot dogs, or... an Android and Sprint teamup. So, does this mean that the platform is now approaching Sprint Speed, or what?

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Google's Rich Miner to deliver keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddan hesseDanHessedevelopersgooglemobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancerich minerRichMinersprintTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Rich Miner to deliver keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/googles-rich-miner-to-deliver-keynote-at-sprints-mobile-develo/#comments

Remember not so long ago when Sprint CEO Dan Hesse said that Android was "not yet good enough" for the Sprint brand, and how weird and awkward that was, all things considered? Well, it turns out that Google's VP of mobile technology, Rich Miner, is set to deliver the keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference on December 12th. We assume he'll be there to talk about how much he loves hot dogs, or... an Android and Sprint teamup. So, does this mean that the platform is now approaching Sprint Speed, or what?

Filed under:

Google's Rich Miner to deliver keynote at Sprint's mobile developer's conference originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddan hesseDanHessedevelopersgoogleohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancerich minerRichMinersprintTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/open-handset-alliance-signs-up-14-more-android-lovers-including/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/open-handset-alliance-signs-up-14-more-android-lovers-including/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/09/open-handset-alliance-signs-up-14-more-android-lovers-including/#commentsThe Open Handset Alliance just made a major score with 14 more members: AKM Semiconductor Inc., ARM, ASUSTek Computer Inc. (previously rumored), Atheros Communications, Borqs, Ericsson, Garmin International Inc., Huawei Technologies, Omron Software Co. Ltd, Softbank Mobile Corporation, Sony Ericsson, Teleca AB, Toshiba Corporation and Vodafone. That's not quite everyone that matters, but pretty darn close. Were we to climb not-very-far onto the limb of conjecture, we might posit that Garmin might be looking at Andoid for its much-delayed nuviföne, or some sort of followup, while the emergence of an ASUS "Eee Phone" or a XPERIA X1 running Android (Sony Ericsson may very well be the biggest win here, consumer-wise) would be welcome moves from those manufacturers. We'd say at this point the holdouts are starting to stick out more than the actually OHA members, which spells good things for the industry no matter what specific hardware is the fruit of this relationship... but seriously guys, build us some more Android phones.

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Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Open Handset Alliance signs up 14 more Android-lovers, including Sony Ericsson, ASUS and Garmin originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hot on the heels of Electronic Arts kinda-sorta slamming Nokia for its lackluster N-Gage gaming platform comes word that the video game giant will be dabbling in the world of Android here shortly. Unsurprisingly, we're informed that Tetris will be the first Android title out, while Bejeweled and Monopoly should follow suit in November. According to EA Mobile vice president Adam Sussman, "Android is another exciting new platform to offer customers great games with enhancements like touch and tilt capabilities," and while we weren't given specifics outside of the aforesaid titles, more games are definitely "in development."

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EA reveals Android gaming plans: Tetris, Bejeweled, Monopoly, oh my! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid marketAndroidMarketBejeweleddreameaea mobileEaMobileElectronic ArtsElectronicArtsg1gamesgamingGooglehtcmarket placeMarketPlacemobileMonopolyOHAsoftwaret mobileT-mobilet-mobile g1T-mobileG1tetristmobileThu, 30 Oct 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS said to be launching Android handset in first half of '09]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/#commentsWe'd already heard that ASUS had been invited to join the Open Handset Alliance, and DigiTimes is now reporting that the company is, in fact, planning to launch an Android-based handset -- go figure. That phone, some unnamed company sources say, will roll out sometime in the first half of 2009 (we're guessing late first half), and could possibly be released in Taiwan first under ASUS' own brand before making its way overseas in the form of different "customized models" for various clients. Of course, any other details are non-existent at this point, but those same sources did also note that ASUS will be phasing out its use of the Ericsson Mobile Platform (or EMP) in its phones in favor of handset platforms from Qualcomm and Marvell, which is interesting insofar as that both Qualcomm and Marvell are members of the OHA, while Ericsson is not.

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ASUS said to be launching Android handset in first half of '09 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusasustekempericssongooglemarvellmobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancequalcommWed, 29 Oct 2008 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[ASUS said to be launching Android handset in first half of '09]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/29/asus-said-to-be-launching-android-handset-in-first-half-of-09/#commentsWe'd already heard that ASUS had been invited to join the Open Handset Alliance, and DigiTimes is now reporting that the company is, in fact, planning to launch an Android-based handset -- go figure. That phone, some unnamed company sources say, will roll out sometime in the first half of 2009 (we're guessing late first half), and could possibly be released in Taiwan first under ASUS' own brand before making its way overseas in the form of different "customized models" for various clients. Of course, any other details are non-existent at this point, but those same sources did also note that ASUS will be phasing out its use of the Ericsson Mobile Platform (or EMP) in its phones in favor of handset platforms from Qualcomm and Marvell, which is interesting insofar as that both Qualcomm and Marvell are members of the OHA, while Ericsson is not.

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ASUS said to be launching Android handset in first half of '09 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusasustekempericssongooglemarvellohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancequalcommWed, 29 Oct 2008 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Android making the jump to general consumer electronics in 2009?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/android-making-the-jump-to-cars-and-homes-in-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/android-making-the-jump-to-cars-and-homes-in-2009/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/23/android-making-the-jump-to-cars-and-homes-in-2009/#comments
While the world waits to see the first Android cellphone revealed in New York later today, others are hard at work extending the reach of the open-source OS beyond just handsets. John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River Systems says, "We're starting to see Android get designed in on devices that extend way beyond the phone--things that might go in the automobile or things that might go in the home." Bruggeman then collects his wits and adds, "I don't want to pre-announce any design wins, I think you'll see them in 2009. I would be shocked if you didn't." Indeed. After all, Intel and Wind River (both Android Open Handset Alliance members) have been working on an open, Linux-based car-computing platform since at least May of this year -- so a switch to Android would be an over-simplified snap. It certainly makes sense for the hardware independent -- thanks to Java-based Dalvik virtual machine -- OS, middleware, and apps to spread throughout a consumer electronics industry lacking a common development platform. Whether this occurs by Google's design or just a happy by-product of Android's momentum remains to be seen.

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Android making the jump to general consumer electronics in 2009? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidintelohaspeculationwind riverwind river systemsWindRiverWindRiverSystemsTue, 23 Sep 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google invites ASUS to join Open Handset Alliance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/#commentsWe're not sure if its recent spate of handset announcements had anything to do with it or not, but it looks like Google has now asked ASUS to join the Open Handset Alliance, an invitation that we're assuming ASUS expected to accept (or else we probably wouldn't be hearing about it). Apparently, Google is interested in working with ASUS due to its "brand recognition worldwide," although neither party seems to be making any sort of official comments just yet. Knowing ASUS, however, we're sure it'll find some way to work its Eee brand into the picture before all is said and done. Eee Phone, anyone?

[Via VentureBeat, thanks Michael Y]

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Google invites ASUS to join Open Handset Alliance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasusasustekgooglemobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceWed, 17 Sep 2008 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Google invites ASUS to join Open Handset Alliance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/17/google-invites-asus-to-join-open-handset-alliance/#commentsWe're not sure if its recent spate of handset announcements had anything to do with it or not, but it looks like Google has now asked ASUS to join the Open Handset Alliance, an invitation that we're assuming ASUS expected to accept (or else we probably wouldn't be hearing about it). Apparently, Google is interested in working with ASUS due to its "brand recognition worldwide," although neither party seems to be making any sort of official comments just yet. Knowing ASUS, however, we're sure it'll find some way to work its Eee brand into the picture before all is said and done. Eee Phone, anyone?

[Via VentureBeat, thanks Michael Y]

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Google invites ASUS to join Open Handset Alliance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asusasustekgoogleohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceWed, 17 Sep 2008 14:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Android's secret weapon: China?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/androids-secret-weapon-china/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/androids-secret-weapon-china/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/20/androids-secret-weapon-china/#commentsOkay, it's not really a secret weapon, per se -- China Mobile's smack at the top of the Open Handset Alliance's member list, after all -- but In-Stat's predicting that Android has a chance of absolutely dominating the iPhone's sales figures next year if it can get a big ol' helping of love from China's hundreds of millions of wireless subscribers. Diving into the numbers, the analysis firm predicts that Apple will push some 9.5 million iPhones globally next year, compared to 17.1 million Android-equipped pieces, based largely on the assumption that China will end up throwing its weight behind the more open (read: cheaper) Linux-based platform. That being said, China Mobile is also still in discussions (as far as we can tell, anyway) to bring the iPhone to its network, so the battle could ultimately be about pricing and marketing. Google has done a solid job of building name recognition over there lately, and there's little doubt that manufacturers crafting Android sets will be able to undercut the iPhone, so In-Stat's little spat of fortune telling seems downright plausible.

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Android's secret weapon: China? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lookee here, yet another supporter of Google's Android. Taking the wraps off of its mCUE converged communications client here at CTIA 2008, D2 Technologies is touting said software -- when coupled with Google's Android SDK -- as a "complete turnkey solution for developing multi-mode mobile communication devices based on Android." According to the company's vice president of marketing and sales Doug Makishima, the goal with mCUE is to "make it as fast, easy and affordable as possible for OEMs to deliver converged, unified communications devices to meet the demand [for Android]." Hey world, there's still time left to hop on this (increasingly attractive) bandwagon, believe it or not.

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D2 Technologies' mCUE solution gets powered by Android originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidctiactia 2008Ctia2008d2D2 TechnologiesD2TechnologiesgooglemCUEmobileohaOpen Handset AllianceOpenHandsetAllianceothersTue, 01 Apr 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Firm shows off functional Android build on ancient HTC hardware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/#commentsCalifornia-based a la Mobile has crafted a somewhat complete set of phone apps in prototype form -- you know, the most basic kinds of things you'd need on a smartphone to make it usable -- on top of Android, claiming it's the first group to show off a fully functional prototype. The firm installed its goodies on a Qtek 9090, a rather ancient, janky HTC device from days gone by, proving that a wide swath of devices already in the marketplace will be ripe targets for Android transplants once solid, fully functional code is widely available. Though no one in the 34 member strong Open Handset Alliance has publicly committed to a particular Android software stack -- let alone a particular hardware design -- a la Mobile says that it's making a play among OHA member manufacturers to take a good, hard look at its wares as they navigate the process. The head of the LiMo Foundation, a sorta-competitor to the Open Handset Alliance, naturally downplayed a la Mobile's efforts, calling Android "just like a big lab experiment" -- though he did manage to call the prototype "interesting." How about we keep the verbal volleys to a minimum and get some friggin' Linux in the mainstream, ladies and gentlemen?

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Firm shows off functional Android build on ancient HTC hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a la mobileALaMobileandroidcellphonegooglelinuxohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancephoneSun, 13 Jan 2008 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Firm shows off functional Android build on ancient HTC hardware]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/13/firm-shows-off-functional-android-build-on-ancient-htc-hardware/#commentsCalifornia-based a la Mobile has crafted a somewhat complete set of phone apps in prototype form -- you know, the most basic kinds of things you'd need on a smartphone to make it usable -- on top of Android, claiming it's the first group to show off a fully functional prototype. The firm installed its goodies on a Qtek 9090, a rather ancient, janky HTC device from days gone by, proving that a wide swath of devices already in the marketplace will be ripe targets for Android transplants once solid, fully functional code is widely available. Though no one in the 34 member strong Open Handset Alliance has publicly committed to a particular Android software stack -- let alone a particular hardware design -- a la Mobile says that it's making a play among OHA member manufacturers to take a good, hard look at its wares as they navigate the process. The head of the LiMo Foundation, a sorta-competitor to the Open Handset Alliance, naturally downplayed a la Mobile's efforts, calling Android "just like a big lab experiment" -- though he did manage to call the prototype "interesting." How about we keep the verbal volleys to a minimum and get some friggin' Linux in the mainstream, ladies and gentlemen?

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Firm shows off functional Android build on ancient HTC hardware originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a la mobileALaMobileandroidgooglemobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceprototypeSun, 13 Jan 2008 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[SiRF toots its own horn, readies location-enabling features for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/#comments
It's not like we weren't already aware of SiRF's participation in the Open Handset Alliance, but nevertheless, the company is sounding pretty ecstatic about the software developer kit it "just received." Reportedly, the outfit is already hard at work on "end-to-end location-enabling features" for Android, and in case you couldn't guess, it's also providing Android platform support for a plethora of products based on its famed SiRFstarIII architecture. Essentially, the firm is hoping to take advantage of having location as a "native feature" within Android, and it makes the obvious sound a whole lot more intriguing by teasing us with visions of "out-of-the-box locative experiences" involving geo-tagging, geo-searching and social networking. Still, we'll tip our hat to any form of tight integration, but this here's probably nothing to get riled up over.

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SiRF toots its own horn, readies location-enabling features for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-gpsAndroidassisted GPSassisted-GPSAssistedGpschipsetgooglegoogle earthGoogleEarthgpslocationohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesirfMon, 17 Dec 2007 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[SiRF toots its own horn, readies location-enabling features for Android]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/17/sirf-toots-its-own-horn-readies-location-enabling-features-for/#comments
It's not like we weren't already aware of SiRF's participation in the Open Handset Alliance, but nevertheless, the company is sounding pretty ecstatic about the software developer kit it "just received." Reportedly, the outfit is already hard at work on "end-to-end location-enabling features" for Android, and in case you couldn't guess, it's also providing Android platform support for a plethora of products based on its famed SiRFstarIII architecture. Essentially, the firm is hoping to take advantage of having location as a "native feature" within Android, and it makes the obvious sound a whole lot more intriguing by teasing us with visions of "out-of-the-box locative experiences" involving geo-tagging, geo-searching and social networking. Still, we'll tip our hat to any form of tight integration, but this here's probably nothing to get riled up over.

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SiRF toots its own horn, readies location-enabling features for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidchipsetgooglegoogle earthGoogleEarthgpslocationmobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesirfMon, 17 Dec 2007 20:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon gets behind Android, still iffy on Open Handset Alliance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/#commentsWhile it's still not clear if it's actually going to go so far as to join the Open Handset Alliance (as previously rumored), it looks like Verizon Wireless is at least getting behind the Android platform, marking a fairly significant shift from its previous position on the matter. According to Business Week, Verizon Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam now says that the company is "planning on using Android," adding that, "Android is an enabler of what we do." It seems that Verizon's embrace of open access won't include the same level of support that it offers to its current handset lineup, however, with the company only promising to "to ensure the wireless connection is working for customers who buy those devices" (although it will test all phones developed to run on its network). According to McAdam, customers will have to "talk to their handset provider or their application provider if they have particular issues." That, Verizon says, will allow it to offer far more devices than it's previously been able to, which should, in turn, attract customers it's previously been unable to lure in -- or so it hopes.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Verizon gets behind Android, still iffy on Open Handset Alliance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Verizon gets behind Android, still iffy on Open Handset Alliance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/04/verizon-gets-behind-android-still-iffy-on-open-handset-alliance/#commentsWhile it's still not clear if it's actually going to go so far as to join the Open Handset Alliance (as previously rumored), it looks like Verizon Wireless is at least getting behind the Android platform, marking a fairly significant shift from its previous position on the matter. According to Business Week, Verizon Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam now says that the company is "planning on using Android," adding that, "Android is an enabler of what we do." It seems that Verizon's embrace of open access won't include the same level of support that it offers to its current handset lineup, however, with the company only promising to "to ensure the wireless connection is working for customers who buy those devices" (although it will test all phones developed to run on its network). According to McAdam, customers will have to "talk to their handset provider or their application provider if they have particular issues." That, Verizon says, will allow it to offer far more devices than it's previously been able to, which should, in turn, attract customers it's previously been unable to lure in -- or so it hopes.

[Via Phone Scoop]

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Verizon gets behind Android, still iffy on Open Handset Alliance originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Android fever, catch it: Verizon joining Open Handset Alliance?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/#commentsIn a recent chat with clients, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster did a little name dropping regarding Google's Open Handset Alliance, casually mentioning in passing that Verizon "is a member." Hold up there, chief; last time we checked, that isn't the case. Among US national carriers, only T-Mobile and Sprint have publicly thrown their hats into the Android ring, so we're not sure whether Mr. Munster knows something we don't (which is entirely possible) or whether he's just a little confused. For what it's worth, we can understand why he'd be confused in light of Verizon's recent commitment to open its airwaves to all comers -- the initiative appears to share much of the same spirit as the OHA's charter, after all -- but by the same token, Google's intention to snap up 700MHz bandwidth would seemingly pit the two juggernauts against one another. We'll have to wait and see whether Big Red's name magically appears on the Alliance's member list, but if it does, the pressure's gonna get pretty high on AT&T to cave, eh?

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Android fever, catch it: Verizon joining Open Handset Alliance? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcellphoneohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancephonerumorverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 30 Nov 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Android fever, catch it: Verizon joining Open Handset Alliance?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/30/android-fever-catch-it-verizon-joining-open-handset-alliance/#commentsIn a recent chat with clients, Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster did a little name dropping regarding Google's Open Handset Alliance, casually mentioning in passing that Verizon "is a member." Hold up there, chief; last time we checked, that isn't the case. Among US national carriers, only T-Mobile and Sprint have publicly thrown their hats into the Android ring, so we're not sure whether Mr. Munster knows something we don't (which is entirely possible) or whether he's just a little confused. For what it's worth, we can understand why he'd be confused in light of Verizon's recent commitment to open its airwaves to all comers -- the initiative appears to share much of the same spirit as the OHA's charter, after all -- but by the same token, Google's intention to snap up 700MHz bandwidth would seemingly pit the two juggernauts against one another. We'll have to wait and see whether Big Red's name magically appears on the Alliance's member list, but if it does, the pressure's gonna get pretty high on AT&T to cave, eh?

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Android fever, catch it: Verizon joining Open Handset Alliance? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglemobileohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAllianceverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwFri, 30 Nov 2007 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Checking in with the pundits on Android and the Open Handset Alliance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/checking-in-with-the-pundits-on-android-the-open-handset-allia/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/checking-in-with-the-pundits-on-android-the-open-handset-allia/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/09/checking-in-with-the-pundits-on-android-the-open-handset-allia/#commentsIt already seems like an eternity ago, but Google's big Open Handset Alliance / Android announcement was arguably the biggest news of the week, and it inspired a number of tech pundits and bloggers to weigh in -- and Steve Ballmer to talk some major smack. Since no one really knows how any of this is going to play out, we thought we'd round up some of the more interesting viewpoints for easy reference -- and maybe some easy laughs -- when we get our hands on the first "GPhone" in late 2008.

We gotta start with John Dvorak, who cut straight to the point and said "The Google phone is doomed." Additional money quotes include "Google is actually not a charismatic company that can make this new platform happen in a big way," and "When I see a bunch of joiners jumping on some unknown, unreleased unfinished pipe dream, I actually laugh." He even roped in the iPhone, calling it more of a "photo album than a phone." Actually, Dvorak's whole column is a great read even if just to experience the man's naked anger towards every phone ever made.

Not to be outdone at the contrarian game, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer came out swinging as well, saying "Their efforts are just some words on paper right now." Actually, he does have a point there -- although Google and HTC may have been developing that "Dream" prototype, the real news will come in late 2008 when Android devices start shipping. How does that compare to WinMo, Steve? "They have a press release, we have many, many millions of customers, great software, many hardware devices and they're welcome in our world."

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Checking in with the pundits on Android and the Open Handset Alliance originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddvorakenderlegoogleohaom malikOmMalikopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancerobert scobleRobertScoblesteven frankStevenFrankFri, 09 Nov 2007 22:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Android platform and the Open Handset Alliance: a quick round-up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/googles-android-platform-and-the-open-handset-alliance-a-quick/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/googles-android-platform-and-the-open-handset-alliance-a-quick/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/googles-android-platform-and-the-open-handset-alliance-a-quick/#commentsCarefully orchestrated announcements for broad, sweeping initiatives like the one staged by Google today don't always do a great job of diving straight into the meat and telling it like it is, so we thought we'd boil down the Android and Open Handset Alliance sitch as best we could into a tight, easy to digest series of bullets. If this list is still wider than your attention span, though, just know this: you can pick up your Google-powered phone in the latter half of 2008.

  • At its core, Android forms the basis for Google's operating system and supporting software for phones. In Google's own words, it's a software stack.
  • Two separate but related entities form the basis for today's announcement: the Linux-based Android mobile platform (a result of Google's 2005 acquisition of a start-up of the same name) and the Open Handset Alliance, a 33-strong group of device manufacturers, component manufacturers, software companies, and carriers that have committed to working with Android.
  • There is no cut and dried "Gphone" and Google doesn't intend (or at least it hasn't indicated an intent) to enter the hardware business. Instead, it'll leave that to established players like HTC, LG, and Samsung -- and theoretically, anyone else that wants to have a go at it since the Android platform and its code base is wide open.
  • Unlike the platform itself, there's no guarantee that devices based on the Android platform will be open to third party developers. Google says that'll be left to manufacturers and carriers to be decide, although it doubts they'll choose to lock them down (hmm, has Google ever worked with a carrier before?)
  • Nokia, Apple (on whose board Google CEO Eric Schmidt sits), Palm, and Microsoft are notably absent from the alliance. Palm has come out today to announce that it intends to continue to integrate Google services into its future products.
  • Carriers currently in the alliance include China Mobile, KDDI, NTT DoCoMo, Sprint Nextel, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, and T-Mobile. T-Mobile and Sprint Nextel are the two national US carriers that are signed up; AT&T and Verizon are not.
  • The first Android-powered devices are expected in the second half of 2008. Rumor has it that Google has been using an HTC-sourced device, the "Dream," to demonstrate Android to potential partners. HTC may launch a version of the Dream as one of its first handsets to use the platform.

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Google's Android platform and the Open Handset Alliance: a quick round-up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgooglegphonehtckddilglinuxmobilentt docomonttdocomoohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesamsungsprintMon, 05 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Symbian, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple downplay Android relevance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/#commentsPalm's not the only company that isn't afraid to speak out on the Open Handset Alliance. Nokia, Microsoft and Symbian made it most clear today that they don't perceive danger from the new initiative and corresponding Android OS, with Nokia stating it quite bluntly: "We don't see this as a threat." Microsoft was a bit more on the defensive. "It really sounds that they are getting a whole bunch of people together to build a phone and that's something we've been doing for five years," said Scott Horn, from Microsoft's Windows Mobile marketing team. "I don't understand the impact that they are going to have." The Symbian folks stated the obvious: "If Google was not involved the industry would have just yawned and rolled over," said John Forsyth of Symbian. "We take it seriously but we are the ones with real phones, real phone platforms and a wealth of volume built up over years." UIQ was a bit more optimistic about the OHA, saying that "Generally, it's positive for the industry." Apple wasn't as commital either way. "We have a great relationship with Google and this doesn't change anything," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. "They are certainly an important partner for iPhone."

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Symbian, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple downplay Android relevance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplegooglelinuxmicrosoftmobilenokiaohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesymbiasymbianuiqwindows mobilewindowsmobileMon, 05 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Symbian, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple downplay Android relevance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/symbian-nokia-microsoft-and-apple-downplay-android-relevance/#commentsPalm's not the only company that isn't afraid to speak out on the Open Handset Alliance. Nokia, Microsoft and Symbian made it most clear today that they don't perceive danger from the new initiative and corresponding Android OS, with Nokia stating it quite bluntly: "We don't see this as a threat." Microsoft was a bit more on the defensive. "It really sounds that they are getting a whole bunch of people together to build a phone and that's something we've been doing for five years," said Scott Horn, from Microsoft's Windows Mobile marketing team. "I don't understand the impact that they are going to have." The Symbian folks stated the obvious: "If Google was not involved the industry would have just yawned and rolled over," said John Forsyth of Symbian. "We take it seriously but we are the ones with real phones, real phone platforms and a wealth of volume built up over years." UIQ was a bit more optimistic about the OHA, saying that "Generally, it's positive for the industry." Apple wasn't as commital either way. "We have a great relationship with Google and this doesn't change anything," said Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. "They are certainly an important partner for iPhone."

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Symbian, Nokia, Microsoft and Apple downplay Android relevance originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplegooglemicrosoftnokiaohaopen handset allianceOpenHandsetAlliancesymbiauiqMon, 05 Nov 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Google and HTC's "Dream" phone prototype semi-revealed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/google-and-htcs-dream-phone-prototype-semi-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/google-and-htcs-dream-phone-prototype-semi-revealed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/05/google-and-htcs-dream-phone-prototype-semi-revealed/#comments
Sure, a Google-sponsored phone OS in the way of Android is pretty great news for mobile phone land, but what if your really had your heart set on some Google hardware this Monday morning? Well take heart, because Forbes has the skinny on an HTC device labeled "Dream," (most likely not pictured above) which could very well be oft-rumored hardware of legend, and could also be hitting the market as early as next year. Apparently the phone is one of roughly five prototypes that Google had built to demonstrate the Open Handset Alliance software to potential members, and HTC's Peter Chou says in the two years it's been working on OHA designs, "this is the best one we've seen." The device itself, which measures about 3 x 5-inches, sports a touchscreen, navigational controls at the base, and a full swivel out keyboard. When swiveled the screen goes from portrait to landscape mode, but unfortunately that's the limit of info on the actual hardware. The software apparently has "time-sensitive" touch controls that expands your area control the longer you touch. Icons for your most important apps -- which are apparently email, text documents, and YouTube -- are lined up across the top of the screen. There's also some fancy stuff under the hood to keep an ongoing browser session open to speed launch times, and the browser downloads large files in stages to speed delivery. HTC is considering a commercial version of the phone, which we could be seeing as soon as the second half of 2008.

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Google and HTC's "Dream" phone prototype semi-revealed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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