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Live from Google I/O 2011's day 2 keynote!
No, you aren't losing your mind. You're really tuned in to the second Google keynote in as many days, and if we had to guess, we'd say Chrome and / or Chrome OS will take top billing. Things haven't started just yet, but your patience (or impatience) is greatly appreciated. Have a look below to see when things get going! 06:30AM - Hawaii 09:30AM - Pacific 10:30AM - Mountain 11:30AM - Central 12:30PM - Eastern 05:30PM - London 06:30PM - Paris 08:30PM - Moscow / Dubai 12:30AM - Perth (May 12th) 12:30AM - Shenzhen (May 12th) 01:30AM - Tokyo (May 12th) 02:30AM - Sydney (May 12th)
LG Optimus Black review
If you asked us to design our ideal Android phone, it might well end up looking like LG's Optimus Black. The handset that was once known under the codename "B" features a clean, elegant and exceedingly thin exterior, which is garnished with a 4-inch IPS display capable of generating 700 nits of brightness. There's the usual litany of added features, too, like a 5 megapixel shooter with the ability to record 720p video, a special G-Key for motion controls, and Wi-Fi Direct for peer-to-peer file transfers. Of course, looks and headline features are just the tip of the iceberg that is user experience, so if you want to know about the mountainous whole, join us after the break for a deep dive with LG's latest Android phone. %Gallery-123183%
Google clarifies 18 month Android upgrade program, details far from solidified
We're camped out here at Google'e executive Q&A session, and Andy Rubin and co. are spitting out answers to questions from curious minds. While mentioned briefly in the outfit's keynote earlier, the structured upgrade program is obviously becoming a huge focal point here at the show. One of the major pain points for Android owners in the past (and even now, truthfully) is the inability to know if and when your particular handset will ever get an Android update. Epic 4G owners had a particularly hard go at it, but most everyone outside of Nexus One users have experienced something similar. Unfortunately, it seems as if our excitement may be a bit premature. While LG, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, AT&T, Vodafone, Sprint, Samsung, HTC and Verizon Wireless are technically onboard, all of this feels like it was decided upon at the 11th hour here in San Francisco. When pressed about how long it'd take updates to flow to phones after given the thumbs-up by Google itself, there's no hard news to report. In fact, the details there are still being hashed out. To quote Google, "It's a logistics problem." We can only imagine. Trying to get every Android partner to follow a timeline for releases has to be a complete and utter nightmare, but the company seems certain that these stipulations won't cripple anyone's ability to innovate on their skins (or have too little time to make the needed changes). We would've loved to hear a specific figure that we could start holding phone manufacturers to, but alas, it isn't to be. The only hard number thrown out today is 18 months. That's how long future hardware will be in the support cycle (at least, anyway), so you'll "soon" be able to count on your next Android device receiving all applicable updates for 1.5 years after purchase. As for phones that use custom skins, like Blur and Sense? Hard to say if that'll slow things down, and it's even harder to say if outfits like Dell will be joining this party at any time in the future. Though, to be fair, Andy Rubin clarified that there's an "open invitation" for anyone not listed to waltz on in. Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of any further developments from the show floor.
Android Market launches movie rentals, thousands of titles available to your PC, phone or tablet
Google just announced movie rentals in the Android Market at its I/O conference. Chris from the Android services team just hit the stage at Moscone and demonstrated renting movies on the Android Market from your phone, tablet or PC with a single click. "Pinning" mirrors the experience with apps and books, you can select it on your PC and download to the device in the background for offline viewing. Movies are live in the market right now, support on all Android 2.2 or higher devices is expected "in a couple of weeks" and tablets will get support bundled with their upgrade to Android 3.1. On the PC, it ties back to the recently expanded YouTube rental service with the same restrictions (30 days to watch, 24 hour window once you start watching) and pricing, making that per-movie VOD price a bit easier to swallow with its cross-platform support and we even spied a few HD selections for $4.99. Keep an eye on the liveblog for more information. %Gallery-123218%
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.
LG Genesis coming to US Cellular, enV Pro rising from Verizon's ashes
Hey enV fans, remember when Verizon scrapped its Android-based enV Pro citing a failure to impress? Fortunately, US Cellular is keeping the QWERTY clamshell's tradition alive with its appropriately named Genesis. Historically a feature phone, this LG is being reborn as a full-fledged smartphone, complete with Android 2.2, dual 800 x 480 touchscreens and a 1GHz Snapdragon processor. You'll find a familiar 3.5-inch display on the front, and a smaller 3.2-inch landscape screen positioned above the keyboard. The Genesis packs a 5 megapixel camera and supports DLNA sharing, though its camcorder only supports VGA resolution -- so you might want to reconsider streaming those videos to the big screen. As an added bonus, the phone serves as a mobile hotspot for up to five devices, though its price may be hard to swallow -- it retails for $249 on contract. Knowing the high cost of nostalgia, who's in on this one?
Motorola intros dueling portrait QWERTY Android options for Sprint: XPRT and Titanium
It took 'em long enough, but it seems as if The Now Network has managed to snap up Motorola's Droid Pro... just seven months after Verizon Wireless did so. For whatever reason, Sprint's dubbing its version the XPRT, with the same 3.1-inch HVGA touchpanel, full QWERTY keyboard, 1GHz CPU and Android 2.2 loaded. It'll go for $129.99 on a two-year contract starting June 5th, but giving that the Pro hit the bargain bin long ago, we're having a hard time believing anyone will pony up for Sprint's iteration. Moving right along, the Titanium gets off on the wrong foot by shipping with Android 2.1, and while it's hailed as the first iDEN device to combine Nextel Direct Connect and Eclair, the G'zOne Commando has somehow managed to show its brawn while stepping up to v2.2. For those interested nonetheless, there's a 3.1-inch touchscreen and a chassis that's built to MIL-SPEC 810G for dust, shock, vibration, low pressure, solar radiation, high temperature and low temperature. She's unpriced for the moment, but the full release can be found just after the break. %Gallery-122877%
Android 2.3.3 leaks for G2x and myTouch 4G, gives us a taste of T-Mobile's Gingerbread future (video)
When LG's mighty G2x shipped with Froyo, it seemed like a paradoxical pairing to say the least. Of course, this news was softened by T-Mobile's announcement that its flagship phone would soon be transported to the land of Gingerbread, and we're now given a spicy preview. While this is by no means a final build, our friends at This is My Next have received LG's development copy of Android 2.3.3, and like you'd expect from any self-respecting techie, it's been installed and taken for a spin. In particular, scrolling and touch sensitivity were found to be significantly improved, with swipes to the screen responding as intended. In addition, the G2x scored better in the Quadrant test with the new OS version, jumping up more than 200 points. Whatever developers have sprinkled into this recipe sure is tasty. If there's a T-Mobile myTouch 4G in your pocket, grab a fork and sit down for a Gingerbread sampling. Even though it's not quite fully baked, the folks at 911Sniper have released a development version which hints at what's to come. Most notably, users will appreciate a new Quick Settings tab that's accessible from the pull-down notification area, providing an easy way to control which of the phone's radios are active. While many report getting along just fine with this build, others are experiencing problems with WiFi and overall stability. You'll find the recipe for this dessert by following the source link, and we have a video of it coming our of the oven after the break.
Dual-booting ViewSonic ViewPad 10 gets Android 2.2 upgrade, patient owners join 2010
Good things come to those who wait. If you bought the dual-booting ViewSonic ViewPad 10, Android 1.6 be damned, we have some good news -- the tablet's getting an upgrade to Android 2.2. Just to refresh your memories, that leap from Donut to Froyo means ViewPad 10 owners will now get updated Gmail, Calendar, Google Maps, Gallery, and YouTube apps, a refined onscreen keyboard, compatabilty with newer applications, and a healthy dose of sorely needed eye candy. New customers can choose one that also runs Windows 7 Home Premium and has 16GB of flash storage ($599) or one with Win 7 Professional and 32GB of space ($679). As for those of you champing at the bit to upgrade, ViewSonic is keeping things interesting by compelling you to download Froyo onto a thumb drive, and then plug both it and a USB keyboard into the ViewPad to install the update. Then again, something tells us the kind of person who would opt for the ViewPad 10 over other ViewSonic tablets might actually enjoy the challenge.
Verizon's Droid Charge expected to invade Costco, beckons with free ravioli samples
The Droid Charge, our recently reviewed silent knight for Verizon, is expected to blaze into stores this week now that its retail embargo has lifted. Of course, this news comes like a blast of cold air following news that the handset would be indefinitely delayed. Android Central shares all the juicy details (thanks to a gutsy Costco employee), with the warehouse club expecting shipments to arrive on Thursday. As a side note, if you're intimidated by the $300 price tag, Costco's inventory screen suggests it will sell the phone for $250. Of course, given Verizon's hesitancy in bringing this LTE device to market, any additional hiccups wouldn't exactly surprise us, but if you're willing to brave those warehouse crowds and there's nary a Charge in sight, at least there's plenty of tasty morsels to nibble on.
Droid Charge review
We're still shaking our heads and sighing longingly at the performance of Samsung's Galaxy S II, a phone that wowed us in Europe but likely won't be coming to American shores for some time -- and who knows what it'll look like when it does. But don't get too down, dear reader, because here comes another slice of Samsung and this slab has that same 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display tucked in there. It's a little less slim, a little less classy, and a little less quick than Sammy's latest world-conquering wunderphone, but the LTE-equipped Charge is a proper contender in its own right. Read on to see why.
Samsung's Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 and 5.0 now rolling out to countries far away from you
While Samsung has yet to announce an actual date for its new Galaxy Players in the US, their international counterparts are already heading towards other parts of the world for a head start. The Galaxy S WiFi 4.0 is said to be debuting in Russia followed by other countries, whereas its 5.0 sibling will be launched in Switzerland. In terms of specs, not much has changed since we last saw these 1GHz, DivX-friendly Android PMPs, and yes, they'll still be shipped with Froyo "with a possibility to upgrade to 2.3 Gingerbread." As always, we'll let you folks know when we eventually find out about the US launch (if ever), though to be frank, we'd rather just go for the beefier Galaxy S II instead.
Sidekick 4G review
It's been nearly two years since we last reviewed a T-Mobile Sidekick, and it would be a vast understatement to say things have changed. Then, they were designed by Danger and manufactured by Sharp, and were the messaging phone of choice. Today, following fiasco and failure, the Sidekick empire is in ruins. But good ideas and their originators live on, and several of Danger's brightest wound up in Mountain View, California. Danger's Andy Rubin founded Android, design director Mattias Duarte built Honeycomb (after helping craft the Helio Ocean and webOS for Palm) and now, the Sidekick itself has joined its founders in the house that Google built. In many ways, the Sidekick 4G is a return to form, but in an ecosystem filled with similar Android devices, can it stand out from the crowd? %Gallery-122540%
LG releases Optimus Black in Korea, it's a dark phone with a really bright screen
Okay, perhaps someone at LG didn't get the memo, but unless you're Samsung, this really wasn't the best time to launch a phone in South Korea. Even though it was easily overshadowed, today also marked the launch of LG's Optimus Black, and while its 1GHz processor won't top any benchmark charts, designers had something altogether different in mind for this one. Most notably, the handset features a bright, 4-inch NOVA display that promises energy-efficiency and all-day longevity. Further, the device supports WiFi Direct communication, which enables phones to trade files directly and without an intermediary. The Optimus Black still includes Android 2.2, just as LG said it would, though we're told Gingerbread is in the oven. Hit the source link for an extended peek -- it's in Korean, but there's so much audio-visual stimuli that you're unlikely to notice.
Verizon freezes Droid Charge launch indefinitely, blaming 'unexpected delays' (update)
Can't say we're surprised by this, but turns out Verizon's decided to delay the launch of its Samsung Droid Charge -- originally scheduled for today -- at the very last minute. According to an internal email we obtained, the blame's on "unexpected delays" and no new date has yet been set. This makes sense, considering it wouldn't do Verizon much good to launch a new 4G Android when its LTE service is still down (for over 24 hours and still counting). Ah well, this 4.3-incher better be worth the wait. [Thanks, Anonymous] Update: We're hearing reports that LTE is gradually being restored across the states, and our own Myriam Joire also sees 4G connection in San Francisco. That said, at this stage it's unlikely that the Droid Charge will resume launch today. Update 2: Apparently the folks at Target aren't picking up what Verizon's putting down, as a tipster has told us it's releasing the Charge today as planned. Picture's after the break.
Droid Charge gets semi-unboxed behind the scenes at Best Buy
Still not convinced of the Droid Charge's inevitable release? Well here's some photographic evidence direct from a Best Buy backroom, you cynics! Our tipster was too excited about his triumph to tame Mr. Blurrycam or even finish unboxing Verizon's Froyo-packing handset, so the rest of us will have to wait until tomorrow for some clear shots of Samsung's 1GHz LTE beast from all angles. With luck, the unit above should be fully unboxed by then. [Thanks, Anonymous]
LG Optimus Big brings a 4.3-inch NOVA display and 1GHz dual-core to the superphone party
What's big, mostly white, and set for a Korean launch tomorrow? That's right, the LG Optimus Big! This 4.3-inch whopper, LG's largest handset to date, touts a 1GHz dual-core processor, a slightly skinned Android 2.2 as its OS, HDMI output, a 5 megapixel camera, and 16GB of built-in storage. That spec sheet sounds mighty close to the elder Optimus 2X that launched earlier in the year, though a couple of items have also been borrowed from the still unreleased Optimus Black. They are the NOVA display, which can crank all the way up to 700 nits of brightness, and WiFi Direct, which allows for wireless inter-device communication without the need for an intermediary WiFi access point. This big, delicious spec sandwich is hitting its home market on April 28th, but there's sadly no word on when and where else it might show up. Just keep an eye out for it, shouldn't be that hard to spot.
HTC Merge launching on US Cellular on April 29th? (updated)
While we wait for the HTC Merge to maybe (or quite possibly) launch on Verizon, the phone's rolling out fast and furious on smaller carriers. Alltel's already selling it, Cellular South said it plans to, and now it seems US Cellular is gearing up to launch it on Friday. If you take a gander at that screen grab an anonymous tipster sent in, it's clear the carrier is putting the finishing touches on its plan to unveil the device in its retail stores. Just to refresh your memories, the Merge is a world phone with a slide-out keyboard, 3.8-inch touchscreen, and 5 megapixel autofocus camera running Android 2.2 with HTC's Sense UI layered on top. Still no word on whether US Cellular will match its competitors' sweet $125 price or bundle Amazon's App Store, but we're optimistic on both counts. Update: A US Cellular rep wrote in to clarify that the carrier will launch the Merge "later this spring," not this Friday. So there you have it!
Rugged Casio G'zOne Commando official, coming to Verizon on April 28th for $200
We knew it was coming, and now it's official: Casio's macho G'zOne Commando is coming to Verizon on April 28th for a price of $200 on-contract. The Commando strays from a long line of durable dumbphones, and is the first ruggedized Android handset on Verizon's network. In addition to meeting 810G military specifications for water, dust, shock, vibration, salt fog, solar radiation, and temperature extremes, it runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) and has a 3.6-inch (480 x 800) display, 5 megapixel autofocus camera, microSD slot, WiFi, stereo Bluetooth, and a hotspot feature allowing it to share its 3G connection with up to five devices. And, being built like a tank, it also bundles a handful of apps for outdoorsy types, including a compass, pedometer, star gazer, and thermometer. If you've never handled a rugged smartphone, you'll get your chance Thursday when it hits Verizon retail stores. Until then, check out the PR after the break for more details.
Motorola XT316 introduced to FCC, won't be staying in America
The FCC spends a good chunk of private time with countless handsets, a majority of them never even making it onto American shelves. The Motorola XT316 took its turn at a meet-and-greet with the Commission, and has the paperwork to prove it. If you're shooting off blank stares in our direction right now, an explanation is in order: the XT316 is an even smaller version of the Droid Pro with a passport specifically stamped for China. Details are scant at the moment, but we do know it will be a 2.8-inch Froyo candybar with a portrait QWERTY keyboard and WCDMA 850 / 2100 bands. If you are at all intrigued by such a device, we're going to break your fragile hearts; the XT316 won't have complete 3G connectivity in the US, so it almost certainly will not be picked up by any of the major carriers.
