Engadget

Google: Ice Cream Sandwich now accounts for 7.1 percent of Android user base

Zachary Lutz — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 22:36:00 EST

Well, it's about time that Ice Cream Sandwich made some headway -- even if the process is much slower than consumers deserve. According to the Android developer hub, Android 4.0 now accounts for 7.1 percent of all Android smartphone and tablet installations, which is a sharp and welcome increase over the 2.9 percent figure that we reported just two months ago. Naturally, Gingerbread users still account for the lion's share of the Android ecosystem with 65 percent, but it's worth pointing out that this segment also grew during the last month -- no doubt at the expense of Froyo and Eclair. Don't know about you, but we like our desserts fresh, thank you very much. Go ahead and hop the break to see the full breakdown.

Continue reading Google: Ice Cream Sandwich now accounts for 7.1 percent of Android user base

Google: Ice Cream Sandwich now accounts for 7.1 percent of Android user base originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 22:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ICS reaches 2.9 percent of active Android devices, 63.7 percent still on Gingerbread

Richard Lawler — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:17:00 EST

As we check back in on Android's Platform Versions dashboard for the first time since January, we can finally see notable growth in the percentage of devices running some flavor of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, up for 0.6 percent then to 2.9 percent. That's likely fueled by the release of updates for the Samsung Galaxy S II and HTC Sensation family of devices, and is a sharp uptick from last month when it registered on 1.6 percent. Gingerbread (2.3) still reigns supreme, running 63.7 percent of the Android hardware that accessed the Play market in the last two weeks, but its growth seems to finally be slowing. Last year at this time that position was filled by Android 2.2, with 2.3 on just one percent of the hardware and Android 3.0 barely registering at all, a point which highlights the long cycle of upgrades. Call it fragmentation or flexibility, app developers can use these stats to plan their releases going forward, although it may be a little while still before the majority of the crowd can access any Ice Cream Sandwich-specific features.

ICS reaches 2.9 percent of active Android devices, 63.7 percent still on Gingerbread originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android 2.3 continues soaring upward, now installed on 55 percent of Google devices

Brad Molen — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:23:00 EST

Google's monthly Android distribution charts may be the most visual piece of evidence that the mobile OS is riddled with fragmentation, but at least Gingerbread has clearly become the dominant player -- and it continues to build momentum at a healthy pace (for now, at least). As always, Google reviewed which devices accessed the Android Market during a 14-day period of time in the month of December, and found that over 55 percent of those units were running a version of Android 2.3, a ten percent turbo boost from October and an increase of seventeen percent over three months. Froyo devices -- many of which are likely older phones or tablets sentenced to a upgrade-less future -- numbered over 30 percent, and Honeycomb still amounts to a meager 3.3 percent. Cupcake and ICS are tied for last place, but we expect ICS to climb rapidly as soon as it's, y'know, officially available on more devices.

Android 2.3 continues soaring upward, now installed on 55 percent of Google devices originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People of Lava invites Android developers to version 2.0 of its app market for TVs

Richard Lawler — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:57:00 EST

While Google continues to work on an official Android Market for TVs, Sweden's own People of Lava has announced the second version of the app store for its Scandinavia Android TV. With version 2.0 People of Lava is focusing on attracting developers to create apps specifically for the Android 1.5-powered TVs in order to fill its own app marketplace. Like Google, it has opened up a developer site stuffed with information for anyone interested in developing apps for the TVs, which are currently hand built in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes with prices starting at €2500 ($3,564). We wish them well, but with that high price developers may have as much trouble finding a wider audience as current Google TV partners have so far.

Continue reading People of Lava invites Android developers to version 2.0 of its app market for TVs

People of Lava invites Android developers to version 2.0 of its app market for TVs originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 May 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CLIQ XT won't get Android 2.1 upgrade, Motorola's word as good as dirt

Christopher Trout — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST

Motorola's dangled an Android 2.1 upgrade in front of CLIQ XT users for what seems like forever -- now it's putting away the bait indefinitely. In a statement released this morning, the company said that despite months of rigorous testing, the phone will remain on Android 1.5. We first heard promises of an update in June last year, but Motorola quickly reneged. In November, its predecessor got an upgrade, but the CLIQ XT was left hanging. Then in December, the company announced a delay, citing "additional testing," and when those tests failed to bear fruit, it just plain gave up. Now CLIQ XT users are stuck with a phone indefinitely sporting an OS that's three steps behind the most up-to-date competition, and unfortunately, that's all she wrote -- Motorola shows no signs of pursuing another upgrade anytime soon. And that, friends, is your cue to pick up a handset made by HTC and situated on Verizon Wireless.

[Thanks, Josh]

CLIQ XT won't get Android 2.1 upgrade, Motorola's word as good as dirt originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People of Lava launches Scandinavia Android TV, melts home theater hearts and wallets

Ben Bowers — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:49:00 EST

After teasing us with its cool hardware and even cooler name last spring, Swedish TV maker People of Lava has now launched what it claims is the world's first Android-powered TV -- that is if you don't count Korea's Smartroi TV running Android 1.5. Its top-of-the-line 55-inch models cost a wallet-singeing 40,000 Swedish Krona (or roughly $5,820) and ship with Android 1.5 along with widgets for Google Chrome, Facebook, YouTube and Google Maps. They also have access to an app store which currently only includes 20 titles, but could grow to more than 1,000 by the end of the year -- since according to marketing director Martin Ljunggren, the store should import any app now in the Android Market that's scalable to a TV screen. That's a feat we're curious to see given Android's difficultly scaling apps even to tablet screens -- but hey, what do we know? In terms of sales, People of Lava hopes to move $29 million dollars worth of Scandinavia units in 2011, in both Sweden and niche US and UK markets. Overall that's great news for the tech savvy well-to-do, but considering Mountain Vew's focus on Google TV, we're not sure how long these Android TVs will be around.

People of Lava launches Scandinavia Android TV, melts home theater hearts and wallets originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pandigital Novel review

Joanna Stern — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST

It's our guess that the Pandigital Novel has been turning quite a few heads at retailers across the US during the last few weeks. How could it not? It's got a full-color, 7-inch touchscreen, 2GB of on-board memory, runs a skinned version of Android and is priced around $180 (depending on where you're shopping). Oh, and it's got access to Barnes & Noble's e-book store. About one-third the price of the iPad, we sure can see the attraction, but after attempting to read an entire novel on it we can't help but wonder how it found its way past product development and into the stock rooms of Walgreens, Bed, Bath & Beyond and JCPenny, to name a few. Hit the break for our full review and to see just exactly we're talking about.

Gallery: Pandigital Novel review

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Pandigital Novel review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smartroi Android powered TV is officially headed to Korea

Ben Bowers — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:51:00 EST

Remember our slight skepticism in April over reports that South Korean manufacturer GPNC would soon be releasing TVs running Android 1.5? Well it seems our clairvoyant powers that day were on the fritz, since the company has now officially announced the launch of an Google-powered TV dubbed Smartroi. Other hard details on the unit are predictably slim, but GPNC has confirmed that the TV will be sold in Korea and sport a 42-inch Full HD LED backlit screen, a 5,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a 500cd/m² brightness, and USB connectivity. There's no verification on what version of Android will ship with the unit, but support for OS upgrades in the future has been hinted. Not satisfied with those measly tidbits? Neither are we, but considering Google still labels GPNC's site as suspected of malware, we're content to just keep letting updates flow to us.

Smartroi Android powered TV is officially headed to Korea originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enso zenPad unboxing and hands-on: one disappointment after another

Sean Hollister — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:26:00 EST

For the price, there's nothing truly terrible about the SMiT MID-560A touchscreen tablet. If you've never held an Android device, you might even be pleasantly surprised with the functionality on offer. But if you have -- or if you bought yours from a company called Enso and became embroiled in a vaporware scandal as a result -- the zenPad is quite the letdown. Hear why after the break.

Gallery: Enso zenPad unboxing

Continue reading Enso zenPad unboxing and hands-on: one disappointment after another

Enso zenPad unboxing and hands-on: one disappointment after another originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 May 2010 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RAmos W7 Android MID is alive and shipping (in China)

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:47:00 EST

It's been a long strange trip for the onetime "mystery MID," but now it looks like the RAmos W7 is finally finding its way to customers. According to Pocketables, the Android 1.5 device is selling for 999 yuan (about $146), which isn't bad seeing as how they've gone on eBay for four times that -- although the price suggests that the rumored 3G connectivity is a non-starter. Whatever the case, we'll definitely keep our eyes peeled for a stateside appearance.

RAmos W7 Android MID is alive and shipping (in China) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Behold II fails to fulfill Android 2.0 promise, jilted users contemplating lawsuit (video)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 27 May 2010 08:33:00 EST

When Samsung launched its Behold II with Android 1.5 on board, it made something of a big deal about the fact the handset will be upgradeable to version 2.0 when that software became available. Such a big deal that it even put the promise of an OTA update into a promo video -- a video that subsequently got yanked as the company realized it wasn't going to be able to stick to its word. Well, that evidence has now been tracked down (see it after the break), and all those buyers who were left with a Cupcake in lieu of a promised Eclair have hardly forgotten about it either. Samsung's position varies between the boilerplate "we don't have a future release date," to a stone cold "the SGH-T939 will never qualify for the Android 2X update," depending on which rep you speak to. The disappointed users have therefore resorted to putting a petition together, which asks that either a refund, replacement Android 2.x handset, or a real update be provided to them, and concludes that "legal action will be taken" if Samsung fails them. That's not exactly unreasonable , given the unfulfilled expectation -- Samsung, what say you?

[Thanks, Yitzhak]

Continue reading Samsung Behold II fails to fulfill Android 2.0 promise, jilted users contemplating lawsuit (video)

Samsung Behold II fails to fulfill Android 2.0 promise, jilted users contemplating lawsuit (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eviGroup's Android Wallet MID now available, chrome is optional (video)

Tim Stevens — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:50:00 EST

The last time we saw eviGroup's Wallet it'd been given an '80s-style two-tone bezel and a January release date. Thankfully, the two-tone look has gone, but that anticipated date didn't exactly pan out either. The MID is officially now shipping, with the base (chrome-free) model going for €199 (about $245). For that you get a five-inch, 800 x 480 resistive touchscreen device running Android 1.5 from 1GB of built in storage, augmented by a microSD slot. Power comes from a 667MHz Samsung ARM processor and the battery is said to last about six hours. For your €199 you'll also get a car mount and a car charger, but given the device has neither GPS nor access to Google Navigation we're not entirely sure the point of all that. Still, it's not a bad price, but those who really like showing off their wealth can get one with a chrome backside for an extra €20. Heart-felt unboxing after the break.

Continue reading eviGroup's Android Wallet MID now available, chrome is optional (video)

eviGroup's Android Wallet MID now available, chrome is optional (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Archos 7 Home Tablet review

Joanna Stern — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:00:00 EST

Upon first look is there anything not to love about the Archos 7 Home Tablet? It's .5-inches thick, has a seven-inch touchscreen, runs Android, and wait for it...only costs $199. It's all sounded pretty great to us since its CeBIT unveil, but then small, yet saddening details began to emerge about the device: it has a resistive touchscreen, lacks an accelerometer, and doesn't have access to the Android Market -- and worst of all, it runs Android 1.5. Sure, you get what you pay for, but can the Archos 7 rise above those shortcomings and persuade us to dig $199 out of our piggy banks? We've spent the last week with the tablet, so you'll just have to click on to find out.

Gallery: Archos 7 Home Tablet review

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Archos 7 Home Tablet review originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alex e-reader rooted, five users overwhelmed with joy

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:53:00 EST

Well, it was only a matter of time before the Alex e-reader got it's Android sportin' self hacked, right? According to e-reader enthusiast (and oddly named pirate) Bluebrain, this is exactly what he did over the weekend! You're psyched, right? Want to see pics? Get instructions? Try it out for yourself? What else are you going to do on a Monday morning -- work? Hit that source link to get started.

Update: Bluebrain sent us a brand-new direct download for the zip file, with 100 percent less irksome advertising. Check it out!

Alex e-reader rooted, five users overwhelmed with joy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Hero won't see upgrade to Android 2.1 until June, at least in Europe

Vlad Savov — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:24:00 EST

Plenty of UK Hero owners were disappointed this morning upon hearing the news that free Google Maps Navigation had spread beyond the borders of the USA but required Android 1.6 as the minimum OS version. Stuck in their Android 1.5 world, they must have hoped that HTC would just hurry up and open the gates to Eclair heaven, but hurrying up is, regrettably, the opposite of what's happening. Tech Radar heard from a Google rep that the Hero's move to Android 2.1 won't be happening until June, and followed it up with HTC directly. The official response was that a free update for European Hero variants will indeed be provided "starting in June." At least this cloud of disappointment will only hang over Europe, as other territories -- like Taiwan -- might still get the update reasonably soon.

[Thanks, Paul]

HTC Hero won't see upgrade to Android 2.1 until June, at least in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Engadget app for Android gets updated to 1.0.2 -- now with more widgets!

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST

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.

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The Engadget app for Android is finally, really here!

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:20:00 EST

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.

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Dell Aero first hands-on!

Darren Murph — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:08:00 EST

Here she is, folks -- Dell's first-ever Android device destined for a Stateside release, and AT&T's second overall handset (the first being the Backflip) with a Google-based operating system. At CTIA's MobileFocus event, we were able to brush up against a fully functional Aero (shown beside a Mini 3, just for your information), but we left without seeing the actual home screen. The closest we came to witnessing Android 1.5 boot up was the typical AT&T intro screen, and once that popped up, our presenter promptly popped the battery out in order to stop what would've otherwise been a truly momentous occasion. We begged and pleaded for a few interface shots, but Dell insisted that AT&T was holding an invisible gun to its head in order to keep the screen dimmed. We were told that the interface was still being tweaked, and the carrier simply wasn't ready for the world at large to take a peek.

Outside of that, we learned that this will indeed be the planet's lightest Android phone ever when it ships (believe us, it was light), and while v1.5 will be onboard, Dell seemed confident that 2.1 (and beyond) would be made available shortly after launch. We were also told that it would ship with a 5 megapixel camera (a step up from the Mini 3's 3 megapixel shooter), an undisclosed amount of internal storage, a new color / design scheme (the one you see here will be the only shade available at launch) and a 2GB microSD card bundled in at purchase. You'll also find a good deal of AT&T baked into the OS, but it's not like you should be surprised to hear of carrier meddling. Finally, we were informed that pricing would be set by AT&T, and that it would be shipping "soon" -- far sooner than "six months from now" -- from both AT&T and Dell channels (though not available unlocked from the latter). There's also the possibility that Dell could arrange some sort of Aero / Mini 10 combo deal for those looking to really sink their teeth into a hefty AT&T contract, but there's nothing substantial to go on just yet in that department. Enough chit-chat -- give the gallery below a look to see what's coming your way.

Gallery: Dell Aero first hands-on!

Dell Aero first hands-on! originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint

Ross Miller — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST

Right on cue, just after the aptly-timed teaser poster, Motorola signs on just the right dotted lines to make its i1 push-to-talk Android handset official. Let's run through the specs quickly, shall we? A 3.1-inch HVGA (320 x 480) touchscreen, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and 4x zoom, WiFi, and microSD expansion -- no mention of the processor, so we'll have to find out on our own later. The OS version is 1.5 and, ~~while there's oddly not a single mention in either the press release of fact sheet, given the official images and~~ ~~unofficial leaks, it's definitely got~~ ~~Motoblur~~. The browser of choice is Opera Mini 5 with support for Flash 8, and if you're worried about Mother Nature's wrath, the i1 meets Military 810F standards for handling averse weather conditions. iDEN lovers can pick up the call sometime this summer on Sprint, with price yet to be named.

Update: Motorola's just sent word that the i1 does not have Motoblur, despite the presence of the traditional green call / blue contacts buttons. That begs the question, then, of what exactly defines Motoblur here (is just the Happenings widget missing?), and what Android skin is on the i1 -- the press images here are definitely not showing vanilla 1.5. We're still awaiting a response to that, stay tuned.

Gallery: Motorola i1 melds Android and push-to-talk

Motorola makes i1 official, melds Android and push-to-talk this summer on Sprint originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spring Design Alex review

Joanna Stern — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:37:00 EST

We realize that the e-reader market is about as crowded (not to mention overwhelming) as a Walmart on Black Friday, but ever since the dual-screen Spring Design Alex surfaced and we mistook it as the Barnes & Noble Nook, we've been incredibly intrigued by it. Though its 6-inch E-Ink display and 3.5-inch Android LCD form factor may seem like a riff on the Nook, the Alex has quite a few more tricks up its sleeve, including a full Android browser and the ability to extend what appears on the LCD to the E-Ink screen. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the unorthodox extras baked into the $399 Alex. Still, games and gimmicks only get you so far, and you're probably wondering if it has what it takes to pull up next to the majors like the Kindle or Nook and knock them from the top. We've got that answer and lots more details on what it's like to use two screens rather than one just after the break in our full review. Join us, won't you?

Gallery: Spring Design Alex review

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Spring Design Alex review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola CLIQ XT comes to T-Mobile for $129.99

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:21:00 EST

Your hopes, dreams, and deepest desires for a keyboardless CLIQ have finally materialized today now that Motorola's CLIQ XT has reached T-Mobile shops across the country. Interestingly, yesterday's leaked documentation pegged the date, but not the price -- rather than the rumored $99.99, the XT will actually be going for $129.99 on a two-year contract. We guess that's still not bad for a bona fide myTouch 3G alternative with a 5 megapixel cam -- as long as you can get down with Blur, of course.

Motorola CLIQ XT comes to T-Mobile for $129.99 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 06:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Droid Eris rooted to 2.1, but look before you leap

Sean Hollister — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:28:00 EST

Tired of waiting for Verizon and dissatisfied with a series of recent buggy leaks, the fine folks at XDA Developers were determined to trade their Cupcake-laden Droid Eris for a more toothsome Eclair on their own terms. Yesterday evening, it seems they finally achieved their goal, though not without a caveat or three. If you're still running the stock Android 1.5, it's a simple matter of dropping a ZIP file onto your SD card and restarting your phone; if not, you're completely out of luck. Rooters warn that the hack won't work on phones that have already been flashed to that aforementioned Eris 2.1 leak, and that they haven't yet figured out a way to restore any non-1.5 phones back to factory default. If hacking isn't your daily bread, proceed with caution -- Sense UI may be fancy and all, but chaining your phone forevermore to an unsupported OS just ain't worth it. See what an Eris Eclair looks like after the break.

Continue reading Droid Eris rooted to 2.1, but look before you leap

Droid Eris rooted to 2.1, but look before you leap originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola CLIQ XT hands-on

Joanna Stern — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:10:00 EST

We know you've barely recovered from our Devour review, but Moto just threw another Blur-ified phone in our laps this afternoon - the CLIQ XT. We've been playing around with the Android 1.5-based, Flash Lite-supported, multitouch-capable handset for the last couple of hours -- but before we grace you with our first impressions, just a fair warning: we don't yet know the price of the new T-Mobile Android handset, though Motorola did promise us that it will hit shelves this month. With that said, hit the break for a quick rundown of our early thoughts.

Gallery: Motorola CLIQ XT with MotoBlur hands-on

Continue reading Motorola CLIQ XT hands-on

Motorola CLIQ XT hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Zeppelin spotted again, Android-ness confirmed

Chris Ziegler — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST

Yes, we've seen this puppy before -- but last time, we'd merely heard it was running Android. This time around, we've got a little more confirmation that the so-called Zeppelin from Moto is sporting Google code (allegedly Cupcake, sadly) with a dash of Blur added in for good measure. Gizmodo Brazil -- which scored some time with a prototype -- suggests that this'll see duty on the lower end of Motorola's smartphone lineup, and we tend to agree considering the HVGA display that takes up far less space than it could if Moto had wanted to go for broke. A keyboardless companion to the CLIQ / DEXT, perhaps? Carriers are an open question here, but we've heard rumblings of interest on T-Mobile USA's part; the site says it'll hit streets in March, so we shouldn't have long to wait to find out.

Motorola Zeppelin spotted again, Android-ness confirmed originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola CLIQ briefly gets firmware update by mistake, still Android 1.5

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST

A few extremely lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you look at it) CLIQ owners were blessed with a new firmware update today, it seems, before the goods were unceremoniously yanked just minutes later. Phone Scoop reports that software version 1.3.8 -- which still runs Android 1.5, by the bye -- was available for just 15 minutes before Motorola took it offline. No one's coughed up a changelog yet, but users that have received the update have reported that it claims to improve GPS tracking and features a new option for assigning functionality to a double-press of the home button. For its part, Motorola's saying that "a test version of the update was mistakenly enabled" but isn't giving guidance on when we might see an official release -- so let's just make sure it has Android 2.1 next time it goes live, yeah?

Motorola CLIQ briefly gets firmware update by mistake, still Android 1.5 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG marks belated Android entry with GW620 UK launch

Vlad Savov — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:29:00 EST

Hey, you know what's hot right now? Android 1.5. You know what else? Resistive touchscreens and chunky bodies, the ladies just can't get enough of them. Good thing too, since in some alternate universe where the Motorola Droid, HTC HD2 and the Nexus One existed, this LG GW620 -- hereafter to be known as the InTouch Max -- would look like it's arriving about a year too late to matter. A phone that's been teased and promoted since September, it has finally found homes on Virgin Mobile and T-Mobile in the UK, where unwitting victims can have it forced upon them for free when they sign up to long-term contracts costing at least £20 ($32.50) per month. Hit the source link for more details, if you must.

LG marks belated Android entry with GW620 UK launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bluebird Pidion BIP-6000 ready to beat Android into you

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:21:00 EST

SDG's Bluebird Pidion line is nothing new -- nor is its ultra-rugged BIP-6000 handheld computer -- but what is new is Android compatibility. Previously equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1, the beastly machine rolls on a Marvell PXA320 at 806MHz with GSM / HSDPA voice and data, a 3 megapixel cam, barcode scanner, 3.5-inch VGA display, full QWERTY keyboard, and -- you guessed it -- mil-spec 810F compliance for resistance to just about any reasonable thing you could throw at it. Needless to say, this isn't the kind of phone you buy for your pre-teen, your grandmother, or yourself for that matter -- but if you've got a fleet of mobile dudes and gals that need to scan stuff, drop their phones without a care in the world, download Market apps on the go, and hate on their Trimble Nomad-toting competition, this could very well be your lucky day. It's on Android 1.5 at the moment, but the company anticipates a "2.x" upgrade (we're guessing this'll be 2.1) either this quarter or next, so start socking away cash -- and dreaming up the most creative way to put that moisture resistance to the test while you're at it.

Bluebird Pidion BIP-6000 ready to beat Android into you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 06:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Touch Revolution puts Android in a microwave and makes an updated Nimble tablet, we go hands-on

Tim Stevens — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST

Last year's Nimble tablet was approved by none other than MC Hammer. So this year's version... well, you just have to expect great things, right? Awash in a sea of keyboard-free devices we weren't really expecting anything shocking and we didn't get anything shocking. It's still a seven-inch capacitive-screened tablet intended for use at home, replacing a landline phone and connecting exclusively over WiFi, providing VOIP calling and of course all the goodness that Android provides -- Android 1.5. That's a few versions behind where we'd like it to be, but given the stock OS install here that shouldn't be too hard to rectify if/when this device comes to retail. More interesting? A microwave with Android. Intrigued? Close the door, press start, and click on through.

Gallery: Touch Revolution Nimble Tablet hands-on

Continue reading Touch Revolution puts Android in a microwave and makes an updated Nimble tablet, we go hands-on

Touch Revolution puts Android in a microwave and makes an updated Nimble tablet, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rogers and HTC give up: Magic will see Android 2.1, but Dream gets a pass

Sean Cooper — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:03:00 EST

Seems that all your cries out in Rogersland have forced somebody to rethink the official company line on updates from OS 1.5 for the Rogers HTC Dream and HTC Magic. The message was simple: there would be no updates for the devices beyond 1.5. MobileSyrup's now heard directly from HTC that there will indeed be upgrades to both devices, with the first scheduled in the next weeks. Bump one will apparently see "a number of benefits for these devices, including bringing the HTC Sense experience to the HTC Magic" though the OS version will stay at 1.5 -- in other words, you'll basically get a current-gen Hero. While that's cause for celebration, mid-year is when we'll get to the meat of the tweaks as we'll apparently see an upgrade to 2.1 for the Magic, but the lowly Dream -- due to "certain limitations," likely meager internal storage if we had to guess -- will stay at 1.5. So there you have it, your sets may get better in the near term and much better -- at least for some -- half way through the year.

Rogers and HTC give up: Magic will see Android 2.1, but Dream gets a pass originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg

Tim Stevens — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST

It's pretty rare that a tech demo starts with the phrase "you know what I'm gonna do?" But, this one certainly does, a dark, shaky, but thoroughly comprehensive exploration of the recently rumored Motorola Opus One smartphone. Jive- or profanity-averse readers (or anyone who hates zebra cake) will probably want to skip the four videos embedded below, but we'll give you the highlights: iDen is confirmed, Android 1.5 Cupcake is currently installed with Motoblur frosting, there's a five megapixel camera on the back, and with its push-to-talk this one looks to be going to Nextel or Boost Mobile. Those are the deets, but click on through if you want to do that video, dawg.

[Via iNicc0lo]

Continue reading Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg

Motorola Opus One caught on video, dawg originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barnes & Noble Nook torn down and rooted -- but still respected

Nilay Patel — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:11:00 EST

Barnes & Noble might be pitching the Nook to the literary set, but it turns out the Android-based dual-screen reader is pretty hacker-friendly as well: both the OS and filesystem are stored on a microSD card. That means the newly-formed crew at nookdevs has already managed to root what they describe as the "generic" Android 1.5 build that's hidden under the Nook's navigation UI, and they say the device can do "everything a rooted Android phone can do." That's certainly intriguing, especially since the Nook has a data-only AT&T 3G modem and WiFi to go along with that capacitive touchscreen and E Ink display -- can you say "potential"?

[Thanks, Andy]

Barnes & Noble Nook torn down and rooted -- but still respected originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Behold II review

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

It was but a year ago that Samsung graced us with the original Behold. At the time it was more or less positioned to win the hearts of folks who wanted a luscious touchscreen but had no real truck with smartphones. So what do we have here? With the Behold II, the company has switched things up a bit: instead of a respectable feature phone, you not only get Android 1.5, but a 3.5mm headphone jack and WiFi as well. At least this shows that Sammy has been paying attention! Still, a couple questions come to mind: how does this one compare to the original? And how does it stack up as a Google Android device? Engadget has put her through the paces and our findings are sure to shock or surprise you (or maybe not). Continue reading below.

Gallery: Samsung Behold II

Continue reading Samsung Behold II review

Samsung Behold II review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camangi's WebStation tablet ships soon, sports Android, loves early birds (video)

Tim Stevens — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:24:00 EST

The CrunchPad may or may not have stumbled, but competitors seem to be swooping in for the kill regardless. The latest is Camangi with its WebStation, a 7-inch, Android 1.5-powered tablet said to be shipping in just a few weeks. Detailed specs have still not been made official, but the glass touchscreen is 800 x 480, WiFi 802.11b/g, and there's GPS on tap if you want to take this out into the real world. We found two demonstration videos, both embedded after the break for your viewing pleasure, the first a simple walkthrough while the second shows it struggling to render the Avatar trailer -- something James Cameron is surely hoping won't be a problem on the final device. Retail price is said to be $399 but the site indicates the first 100 purchasers will get "early bird pricing," whatever that amounts to. Might as well sign up and see. What's another bit of spam these days?

[Thanks, Peter]

Continue reading Camangi's WebStation tablet ships soon, sports Android, loves early birds (video)

Camangi's WebStation tablet ships soon, sports Android, loves early birds (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sprint prepping update for Hero, still 1.5-based

Chris Ziegler — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:49:00 EST

Looking forward to a warm, delicious Donut or Eclair to get beamed down to your Sprint Hero? Well, keep on waiting -- because there's an update in the works, but it's still going to rock the same Android 1.5-based core that you're already enjoying. It looks like users can expect a so-called maintenance release in "the next few weeks," and while a complete changelog isn't yet available, folks are being told that it'll fix DST and messaging issues. As far as we know, HTC hasn't put the finishing touches on Sense for 2.0 anyway, so we wouldn't get discouraged just yet.

[Thanks, Matt Z.]

Filed under: Software, HTC, Sprint, Android

Sprint prepping update for Hero, still 1.5-based originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Access and China Telecom in talks to launch CPhone custom Android platform

Nilay Patel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST

Man, the Android action in China just keeps heating up: hot on the heels of China Mobile's OPhone platform debut, we're hearing China Telecom and Access are in talks to launch a rival called "CPhone." Just like OPhone, CPhone looks to be a specialized build of Android 1.5 with a custom UI, but instead of OPhone's KIRF iPhone look, Access seems to have filtered any number of haphazard Samsung UIs through a case or two of Tsingtao and called it a day. The big question right now is whether this one 3.5-inch device is the CPhone or whether Access and China Telecom are looking to launch a range of CPhone devices, but we're sure to find out more soon.

[Via Cloned in China]

Filed under: Handsets, Android

Access and China Telecom in talks to launch CPhone custom Android platform originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Access and China Telecom in talks to launch CPhone custom Android platform

Nilay Patel — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones

Access and China Telecom in talks to launch CPhone custom Android platform originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST

When we first caught wind of HTC's Hero coming to Sprint, we were more than a little hopeful that the issues we experienced with the European version would be alleviated. If you'll recall, we had a bit of a love-hate affair going on with the chinny, wine-drinking iteration of the Android-powered phone due to a seeming lack of horsepower required to push HTC's totally amazing Sense UI. In the last few weeks, we've heard lots of chatter about the forthcoming Hero update and the wonders it would do for the speed of this phone... but unfortunately there's no such luck in the US, CDMA version of this device.

So, the point here is we were planning on doing a whole new review to showcase the differences between the old and new version of the Hero, but there really aren't any besides the obvious physical changes. Sprint has added some great new apps, like its visual voicemail, which works like a charm (oh by the way Coleen, you got that job -- maybe you should give them your new number too), and Sprint Navigation, though it's also muddied up the mix by including the yawn-maker NASCAR app. Of course, this phone provides a full-on 3G experience, unlike the European version (for obvious reasons), and Sprint's network seems as snappy as ever -- general web browsing was a noticeably more enjoyable experience, for instance.

Here is what we can say about the phone: the industrial design of this version versus the older model is a marked improvement, chucking that awkward chin shape for a proper bottom half, and rearranging the hard buttons so that you're not constantly getting your hands cramped up. We also have to mention the trackball, which is the most comfortable we've ever used. While the performance is still not where we think it should be, the Hero is an awesome addition to Sprint's growing line of serious contenders in the smartphone game. If that new update is all it's supposed to be (and if Sprint is expedient in bringing it to market), many of our complaints should be quelled -- and this will be the killer device we know it can be.

Update: To commenters asking for a longer review, or asking about discrepancies in our findings versus other sites -- we can only report on what we observed. In our eyes, there is nothing significantly different or improved about the Sprint version to warrant a second review. There are some very minor differences in camera quality, and obviously the network performance is better (since it's not EDGE), but a full-length review did not seem necessary (you'll note many of our contemporaries also have short-form reviews). While reports may differ (especially those stating that this phone has the updated ROM we've heard about), we're still seeing the same kind of sluggishness and slowdown we experienced with the European version. What we said in the original Hero review very much applies to the Sprint version, and we suggest you take a peek.

Gallery: HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on

Filed under: Handsets, Features, HTC, Sprint, EV-DO, CDMA, Android

HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions

Joshua Topolsky — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST

Gallery: HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones

HTC Hero for Sprint hands-on and impressions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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T-Mobile G1 won't see any Android updates beyond 1.5 (update: maybe it will)

Darren Murph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:23:00 EST

Pioneering T-Mobile G1 owners have been enjoying the spoils of Android 1.5 (or Cupcake, as it's known 'round these parts) for months now, but it looks as if that very treat will be the last taste of confectionery goodness that the smartphone gets. According to Android software engineer Dave Sparks, a time is soon coming when devs "wont be able to fit the latest [Android] release on the G1's internal flash," and yet another engineer has chimed in via Twitter to say that he "can't promise" that any update after 1.5 will fit. For whatever reason, HTC gifted the G1 with an incredibly meager amount of internal flash, and considering that no Android phone will support app storage / loading from a microSD card, there's no way to free up room for Donut, Eclair or Flan. You've been a real champ, G1, but without 2.0+, we just can't give you the love and devotion you truly need. Go on, call us fickle -- we deserve it.

[Via Electronista and jkOnTheRun]

Update: We've received a statement directly from T-Mobile on the matter, saying "We plan to continue working with Google to introduce future software updates to the T-Mobile G1. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate." It's unclear whether those are just going to be security and stability updates to 1.5 or whether we'll see wholesale new versions like Donut and beyond, but for the sake of G1 owners everywhere, we're hoping it's the latter.

Filed under: Handsets, Software, HTC, T-Mobile, Android

T-Mobile G1 won't see any Android updates beyond 1.5 (update: maybe it will) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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