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DISA gets a spoonful of Froyo, approves Dell Venue for military use
Remember when the DoD approved the Android-powered Dell Streak for military use? Well the DISA's latest list of approved gear now includes Dell's Venue and the custom version of Froyo that it runs. Sadly, there are some limitations: operatives won't have access to the Android market, all surfing has to go via a secure proxy server and there's a ban on all classified information being received on the handset. Now if you'll excuse us, we're gonna imagine a unit of Venues at boot camp all chanting "If I play Angry Birds in a combat zone, box me up and send me home."
Samsung Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 gets priced, goes on sale in UK
Sure, it may not be as exciting as those two LTE beasts from Samsung that we saw earlier today, but the Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 has crept on sale in the land of crumpets, Coldplay and some Middleton couple (we jest!). According to reviews on Amazon UK, it appears a lucky few have already got their hands on one, but they're now available en masse; expect to fork out just shy of £200 ($310) for the five-inch media player. The Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 already feels a bit smaller after seeing the giant 5.3-inch Galaxy Note in action, and the software is a bit dated, arriving with Froyo-flavored Android. There's no news about a Gingerbread update hitting this one just yet (though we've been told it's upgradable), but Android 2.2 should be more than enough to tackle its veritable smorgasbord of app-based delights, alongside some smartphone-esque tech specs like Bluetooth and, naturally, WiFi. [Thanks, Cliff]
Archos unveils bare-bones Arnova 7 Android tablet, priced at $99
We caught a brief glimpse of Archos' new Arnova 7 tablet when it hit the FCC last week and now, we have a few more details on the company's affordable Android-based slate. Though there's no information on its RAM or processing capacity, the latest addition to the Arnova clan boasts a seven-inch, resistive touchscreen LCD with 800x480 resolution, supports 720p HD playback, and offers 4GB of flash memory. Running on Froyo, this WiFi-enabled slab will give you access to the AppsLib store, rather than the Android Market, and won't come with any of the front- or rear-facing cameras you'd expect from higher-end products. But, then again, it's pretty hard to argue with any tablet priced at just $99. No word yet on when the Arnova 7 will start shipping, but we'll let you know as soon as we find out.
Pantech Crossover review
Time to ditch the pull-ups, because Pantech's a big kid now. It's hard to fathom that the company responsible for hits like the Zoolander-ish C300, Helio Ocean and dual-sliding Duo is only now -- after five long years -- taking a chance at the Android market in the US. Certainly its long-time partnership with AT&T is finally looking to pay off in a big way, as the network introduces the appropriately-named Crossover. The carrier's been starving for a decent physical QWERTY to add to its (fortunately) blooming Android lineup, so seeing Pantech step up to the plate and fill the void should come as a huge relief. Though it's serving up monoliths in Korea that feature 1.5GHz dual-core processors and other outlandish specs, Pantech looks to be starting its stateside tour with a less-risky investment: at $70 with a 2-year agreement, its modest first impression appears targeted toward first-time smartphone buyers. Is it worth dropping a Grant and a Jackson to adopt the Pantech Crossover for the next two years? Read on to find out.
BeBook Live tablet delivers the goods for Froyo diehards
It's pretty fitting that BeBook chose the word "Live" for its new product, because until we got a note from a member of its staff earlier today, we weren't entirely sure it was still kicking. The company has followed up its solid, if pricey, black and white e-reader with, get this, an Android tablet. The BeBook Live tablet has a seven-inch multitouch color screen, a 2MP front facing camera, 1080p HDMI out, Flash support, and 4GB of built-in memory. Weirdly, the device's "tablet OS" is actually Android 2.2, which will no doubt feel downright antiquated when it launches in June for $279 -- which, to the company's credit, is significantly cheaper than its lower tech predecessor. Video after the break that may or may not be narrated by the Moviefone guy.
Froyo hits Motorola Defy, leaves a lasting impression
Until now, the best way to get Froyo on your Defy was to drop the thing while eating at a TCBY -- thankfully, the water and drop-resistant Motorola handset could take the abuse. Things are a bit easier now, however; the company announced today that the rugged handset is finally getting an Android 2.2 update, hot on the heels of Verizon's Samsung Fascinate -- half a year after the operating system first hit the market and a bit later than originally rumored. Click on the source link for the how-to guide you're obviously searching for. [Thanks, Josh]
INQ Cloud Touch Facebook phone graces store shelves in UK, wallets smile
The first round of the Facebook Phone war is underway in the UK, thanks to INQ launching the first javelin at its main opponent. Even as we continue to wait for HTC's Facebook offerings to come out sometime this summer, the INQ Cloud Touch has shown up on Carphone Warehouse shelves for a rather affordable £300 off-contract, or about $486. We were quick to Like the entry-level handset when we handled it back in February; the Froyo-powered device features an 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor, 5 megapixel sensor, and a custom Android homescreen that fully integrates the Facebook experience into the OS. While the specs may not be enough to make the Android enthusiast salivate, the price will almost definitely cause status-obsessed tweens to commence drooling.
HTC Droid Incredible 2 struts its stuff in leaked press shots? (Updated)
If you had any doubts about HTC's Incredible S making it to our shores, they're probably dissipating as we speak -- not only has the phone obtained Verizon's shiny red checkmark, it's now got the robotic eye of Sauron staring at us with ferocious intensity. PocketNow obtained these pictures of the likely Droid Incredible 2 without naming so much as an anonymous source, and we wouldn't be surprised if it's Verizon's way of reminding us that the handset is rapidly on its way to market. You'll find two more pictures at our source link. Update: Android Central got hold of some new shots of the actual phone itself, which shows off its model number ADR6350 and firmware 2.2.1. Thanks, Bla1ze.
Creative's 7-inch ZiiO tablet gets Froyo this Friday, 10-inch model to follow suit
If you happen to be one of the handful of Creative ZiiO tablet users, then we have good news for you: come Friday, the 7-incher will be the first of the Ziio duo to receive its Froyo update, whereas its 10-inch sibling's expected to follow suit by April. So what's new? Well, the list includes greater language support, new passcode options, the ability to install apps onto external storage, and a text-to-speech engine. Once available, you can obtain the update from either Creative's website or the tablets' ZiiO Space portal; but by all means, feel free to butter up the folks over at xda-developers to slap some Honeycomb onto these ZiiOs instead.
INQ Cloud Touch gets priced in the UK, still MIA in the USA
We've had an affinity for INQ's Cloud Touch since we Poked and prodded the little device back in February, and now thanks to Carphone Warehouse we've got the all important pricetag to accompany the specs. Starting April 6, you'll be able to pick up the Facebook-ified device in the UK completely SIM-free for £300, or about $486. Not a bad deal for a 3.5-inch Android 2.2 handset with a 5-megapixel shooter and a custom Facebook homescreen. Of course, it lacks the Facebook Buttons of HTC's offerings, but if you simply can't wait to be the first person on the block with a Facebook phone you should definitely give the Cloud Touch a peek.
ViewSonic ViewPad 10Pro hands-on
We promised to dig up ViewSonic's dual-booting Windows 7 and Android 2.2 ViewPad 10Pro tablet when we got to Barcelona, and here we are delivering on our word. We just got a chance to check out the 10.1-inch slate and we have to say hardware-wise, we're dealing with typical ViewSonic quality -- the 1024 x 600-resolution, capacitive screen isn't exactly high quality (horizontal viewing angles were pretty bad) and the build was mediocre at best. However, software-wise we have to say the 10Pro is pretty interesting -- the Intel Atom Oak Trail-powered slab boots Windows 7 Home Premium, but is running Android 2.2 on top. Unlike the first ViewPad 10, you don't have to reboot the device to switch between Android and Windows as the Google OS is running as a virtualization. No word on the pricing of this one, but it should be hitting the market this May. Hit the break for a quick look at the relatively-quick Android / Windows hand-off. %Gallery-116532%
eLocity A7 tablet finally shipping, $399 still buys you Froyo and Tegra 2
Looking for a bargain bin tablet without the bargain bin stigma? We told you around three months ago to look Stream TV's way, but it seems that the same message could be applied today. For whatever reason, the 7-inch eLocity A7 tablet actually didn't ship in September, but according to a fresh piece of PR, that's being remedied today. The A7 -- complete with Android 2.2 and NVIDIA's Tegra 2 silicon -- has started shipping today to those who placed a pre-order, and it's also found a safe and secure spot on Amazon's website. 'Course, it's listed as "out of stock" for the time being, but as soon as the factory lines start cranking at a decent clip, the $399 slate should make an appearance at Walmart, NewEgg, BJs, Tiger Direct and Micro Center (among other places). Emphasis on should.
Archos unleashes five (five!) new Android Froyo tablets, we go hands-on
"How do you tablet?" Oh yes, that's Archos' new tag line when it comes to its growing number of Android tablets. Good timing since, you know, it just went ahead and released a quintuplet of new gadgets. The offerings range from small PMP-like devices with 2.8- and 3.2-inch screens to higher-end 4.3-, 7- and 10.1-inch tablets. All will ship with Android 2.2 "Froyo" and will include accelerometers, while only some have capacitive touchscreens, front-facing cameras and 1GHz processors. There's a lot more to them all -- we're talking five different devices, of course -- so we suggest hitting the break for a short rundown of each of them along with our early impressions. And don't forget to check out the gallery of hands-on pictures and videos below. %Gallery-100791% %Gallery-100804%
StreamTV Elocity A7 tablet packs Tegra 2 and Android 2.2, coming to Amazon for $399 in September
We can't say we'd ever heard of StreamTV, but all the company had to say was "Tegra 2 Android Froyo tablet" to get us to meet up with them in NYC earlier today. The Philadelphia start-up is planning to bring its Elocity A7 -- essentially a re-badged Compal's NAZ-10 -- to an Amazon order page near you, and from what we saw during the hour-long demo it may just be a contender for your stashed away $399. The 7-inch tablet has an extremely responsive 800 x 480 resolution, capacitive touchscreen -- yes, multitouch worked in the browser and photo gallery -- with a front-facing 1.3 megapixel cam on the left bezel. We actually got to make a quick Fring video call to one of the other tablets in the room, though it was rather lagging since we were running over it all 3G. Surrounding the tablet is an SD card slot along with USB and HDMI ports, the latter of which did come very handy for hooking up the tablet to a 22-inch HDTV and watching an extremely smooth 1080p clip. (Thank you 1GHz Tegra II-720 CPU!) Speaking of, we also got to play a racing game, Asphalt 5, on the device, though the accelerometer steering was a bit flaky. Besides that, we've got to say the entire tablet experience was pretty smooth -- you can see for yourself after the break and in the upcoming episode of the Engadget Show -- but the unit we saw was running Android 2.1. The SteamTV's CEO says they'll only be shipping 2.2-running units come October and with a supplemental GetJar app store since it cannot preload Google's Marketplace because of restrictions. He also tells us they'll be including an HDMI cord and wireless keyboard in the box -- all for $399. It all sounds rather promising, but so do all these future Android tablets!
HTC beginning Froyo rollout tomorrow? Maybe, maybe not
HTC Europe director Mark Moons caused quite a stir this morning when he tweeted that the company would begin rolling out Android Froyo updates to devices tomorrow, starting with the Desire, but we wouldn't get too excited yet -- HTC tells us that it's possible a rollout will begin tomorrow, but nothing's finalized yet pending some final testing. We've certainly got our fingers crossed -- and we're sure Desire owners the world over will be hitting that System Updates button nonstop for the next few days.
Android 2.2 Froyo manual update found, now available for select Nexus One devices
It was only a matter of time. The direct link to download the Android 2.2 "Froyo" update from Google's servers has been found. According to XDA-Developers, it only works if you have a "non-rooted stock ERE27 system" Nexus One. Meet the requirements? Can't wait any longer? Download link below. Update: Want no pre-conditions? Here's another link, albeit less official so proceed at your own risk. [Thanks, Justin!] [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at
Whew, Google really knows how to pack it in. Two days of Google I/O and we've got enough info on the future of the web, phone, and television to write a couple sci-fi novels and retire. Of course, we aren't just bystanders here: we've also gotten our hands on the latest version of Android (2.2, codenamed Froyo) and put its through its speedy paces. You can catch up on all the action below. Liveblog Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote! Google TV Clicker.tv brings streaming internet video to your TV's browser; it has a web browser right? Google TV turns on at I/O: runs Android and Flash, partnered with Sony, Logitech, and Intel Sony Internet TV, DISH first with Google TV this fall; Adobe, Logitech and others along for the ride CE-Oh no he didn't!: Sony's Sir Howard says 'when you beat Apple, you're dominating' Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!) Android Froyo Foxconn's Tegra 2-powered Android tablet hands-on (video) Google's Larry Page says there's 'something wrong' if your Android phone's battery doesn't last all day Android Gingerbread is 'planned for Q4 2010' Android 2.2 Froyo officially announced Google claims Froyo has the world's fastest mobile browser Android 2.2 'Froyo' beta hands-on: Flash 10.1, WiFi hotspots, and some killer benchmark scores Flash 10.1 for Android beta unveiled: Hulu a no-show, Froyo now a minimum requirement Google adding over-the-air app installation and iTunes streaming to Android Android 2.2 SDK goes live, developers likely unable to crash Google's download server Web tech Google Wave opens doors to public, asks old friends for new chance Google launches open WebM web video format based on VP8 (update: hardware partners and Microsoft statement) Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more Google unveils Chrome web store, Sports Illustrated app impresses OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google mSpot stores your music* in the cloud, makes it available anywhere**
Android 2.2 'Froyo' beta hands-on: Flash 10.1, WiFi hotspots, and some killer benchmark scores
Much to our surprise at the time, when Adobe sent us a Flash 10.1-enabled Nexus One for testing, the phone came preloaded with a preview build of Android 2.2 -- a.k.a. "Froyo" -- the apparent turning point for curbing Android fragmentation due for a very public unveiling today at Google I/O. We've had a day or two to dig into it, and while we're surely missing some improvements here or there (Google was unable to provide us a changelog as of this writing), we've spent pretty much all our waking moments combing through every virtual nook and cranny. So what can Eclair alumni expect from the revised platform? Read on for more! %Gallery-93349% %Gallery-93350%
Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote!
Yesterday's Google I/O keynote brought about a number of big newsbits -- a Chrome web app store, the open WebM video format, and so forth -- but even more tantalizing were Vic Gundotra's not-so-subtle hints at some major announcements coming at today's keynote. Will we finally get some details on Android's latest updates on the food roadmap?
Adobe CTO says Flash 10.1 for Android in June -- will Froyo follow suit?
Let's take a break from Apple and Adobe's back-and-forth, shall we? Instead, we'll let the latter company talk about its work with Google, specifically the Android platform. Flash-based CTO Kevin Lynch said today in a post, "We look forward to delivering Flash Player 10.1 for Android smartphones as a public preview at Google I/O in May, and then a general release in June." Good news, indeed, but with all this talk of Froyo having native Flash support, and this month's conference serving as the largest gathering of Android developers, we can't imagine a better platform (pun intended) for Andy Rubin and company to unveil its fragmentation-curbing Froyo update. Might Flash 10.1's May preview / June release schedule line up with the OS, as well? Just some fat-free food for thought. [Thanks, Steven]
