Slacker Radio Launches For Android

Topic:

Just in case Pandora wasn't good enough for you Slacker, Inc. (one of the best names for a company ever) has just announced the launch of their Slacker Radio app for Android. Users with Android smartphones can now download the app from the App Market. Like most other custom radio apps, Slacker is 100% free to download and use.

Slacker Radio sets itself apart from the herd by offering several cool features not seen on similar applications. Artist biographies, album reviews, and song lyrics are available to users at a glance, and the app also contains the ability to 'peek ahead' and preview music. The app also lets users totally ban artists and songs from their station.

Posted on Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:14:11 CST | by Robert Evans

Android 1.6 for Zii Plaszma And Zii Egg Is Available

Topic:

Creative's ZiiLabs released an optimized version of Android 1.6 for their Zii Plaszma devices.
Based on the Donut branch of Android Open Source Project, Android 1.6 takes full advantage of the flexible media processing capabilities of the ZMS-05 media processing array. Developers and OEMs can now leverage on the advanced graphics and media acceleration to deliver media-rich mobile and embedded platforms. Read more

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 07:14:19 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Xperia X10 Android Phone Unveiled

Topic:

Motorola is on the upswing with its new Android phones. Will Android be the savior for Sony Ericsson also? Sony Ericsson just unveiled the Xperia X10, formerly known as Xperia X3 or Rachel.
Features of the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 include Android 1.6, 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8250 CPU, 4-inch WVGA screen, 8.1MP camera, 8GB microSD card bundled, and Wifi. See all specifications and a video below. The X10 sounds hot and looks hot (see hi-res photos), but we have to wait for it until Q1 2010.

The XPERIA X10 introduces a new UX platform that Sony Ericsson will expand across the product portfolio and expand over time continuously introducing new features and capabilities. Read more

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 03:29:27 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Android 2.0 Already Ported Onto T-Mobile G1

Topic:

The whole discussion on whether or not the G1 can run the new Android 2.0 release can end now, as the first rough ports from developers appeared enabling Android 2.0 to be loaded on the T-Mobile G1. The Android 2.0 port does not offer full functionality yet, it is more of a proof of concept.

Of course it still remains to be seen if T-Mobile is releasing an official Android 2.0 update for the G1. Read more

Posted on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Android Smartbook Acer's Secret Weapon

Topic:

Asus has delayed their Android-running Eee PC several times, but it now looks like they are getting ready to follow through with a launch early in 2010. This Android device will run with a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, and is being marketed as a smartbook. Asus has high hopes for the gadget, and called it their “secret weapon” in a statement to Shanzai (via Gizmodo).

The itty-bitty smartbook could be a breakthrough in the development of netbooks. With the introduction of CULVs and other ultra-portable notebooks, netbooks have shifted towards smaller, lower-priced machines. When consumers buy a netbook, they want a device that is good for browsing, word processing, and social networking. A netbook needs to boot fast and have great battery life. That is pretty much it.

Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:55:40 CDT | by Robert Evans

Android LG Eve Videos, Pictures Leak

Topic:

Before the year is out, LG will join the swelling ranks of Android smartphone manufacturers. Their first Android phone will be a low-budget number called the Eve. It'll be out sometime in Q4 and, according to Phandroid it will be available in Canada on Rogers Wireless, in addition to several European carriers. The folks at Android and Me have managed to dredge up some new images and bizarre commercials for the Eve.

Both commercials heavily emphasize the Eve's social networking capabilies, which seem to revolve around integrating a contact's phone number, facebook status, twitter updates, and other social media information together in a single phonebook entry. The UI looks fine, but there doesn't appear to be anything that distinguishes it from the herd. This is certainly no MotoBlur or Sense.

Posted on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:42:55 CDT | by Robert Evans

HTC Hero Gets Android 2.0, G1 Can Get It Too

Topic:

HTC is working on an Android 2.0 update for the HTC Hero according to Engadget. Hero owners can lean back and not be too disappointed when a Droid owner shows them Android 2.0. The only open question is how long Hero owners will have to wait until the Android 2.0 update is available.

Yesterday we reported that the Android 2.0 (Eclair) release could be too big for the G1. Read more

Posted on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:19:48 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Android 2.0: Too Big For The G1?

Topic:

Android 2.0 is right around the corner, and that's got some people wondering if the T-Mobile G1 will be able to handle it. (Android and Me) You might remember when, a few months back, we had the same worry about Android 1.6. Thankfully, our concerns ended up being unfounded and the Donut update came out for the G1 on time and in full form.

But the fact remains that, eventually, the Android base code will grow too large for the G1's tiny amount of system memory to handle. The G1's system partition is just 69120 kb in size, while Android 1.6 is 68800 kb in size. It's clear that the G1 barely had enough space to handle Donut, which makes the question of whether or not it will have enough space for 2.0 very valid.

Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:52:19 CDT | by Robert Evans

Android 2.0 Is Official, See The New Features

Topic:

Google officially unveiled Android 2.0. Android 2.0, also known as Eclair, was exposed earlier and got even more attention recently as it will be powering the new Verizon Wireless Droid smartphone.

For end users Android 2.0 has new features for contact and account management, Exchange support, improved Messaging, flash support and digital zoom for cameras, new Android virtual keyboard, refreshed browser UI and HTML5 support. Read more

Posted on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:43:43 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Ericsson Android Smartphone Coming Soon

Topic:

Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh. I'm sorry folks, but journalistic detachment is going to take a holiday for this article. All of the tech blogs have been geeking out over the upcoming Ericsson Rachel smartphone since the first news of it leaked a few months back. Now Android and Me brings news of a promo on Sony's website that hints at a November 3 announcement concerning 'Project Rachel'. We don't know yet who will carry the X3, but current rumors hint at T-Mobile.

AndroidGuys has some more detailed information about the new Xperia smartphone. It will run Android 2.0 (d'uh), pack a 1 GHz snapdragon processor, and come with a beastly 8.1 MP camera. It's also set to have 32 GB of internal storage and a 4.1" OLED touchscreen. That's right a 4.1" OLED touchscreen. Are you drooling yet? Because I am.

Posted on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:34:46 CDT | by Robert Evans

Android Loaded HD2 Clone Coming To Verizon?

Topic:

If you're like me, the HTC HD2 presented a genuine temptation. If it weren't for the fact that it was a WinMo 6.5 device, the HD2 would have been a much more attractive proposition. Fortunately, it looks like we're about to get our shot at a clone of the HD2 that runs the Android OS. Unlockr (via Gizmodo) has found that the mystery HTC phone that's been floating around the 'net lately is, in fact, the HTC Dragon.

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:48:58 CDT | by Robert Evans

Android Pulse: A Pre-Paid Smartphone

Topic:

Usually pre-paid phones mean crappy, off-brand feature phones with very little 'wow' factor. T-Mobile UK appears to be challenging that trend with the new Android Pulse (via Boy Genius). The Pulse will cost around $292 (in USD) and be available as part of T-Mo UK's pre-paid platform.

Posted on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:58:32 CDT | by Robert Evans

Dell Android MID 'The Streak' Seen Vietnam

Topic:

Apparently Dell is as much of an Android fanatic as those of us who dropped $200 on the G1 last year. Confirmation that the 3i Android smartphone would be heading to the U.S. was exciting enough on its own. Now we're hearing news that Dell also has an Android MID (via SlashGear) headed for the U.S. I've never had any reason to be excited about a Dell product before, but this news has me quivering with glee.

Screenshots of the MID, codenamed the Streak, came initially from Vietnamese-based Tinhte.com. They state that the MID features a 5" WVGA touchscreen, packs Android 2.0, is WiFi capable and 3G enabled, and has a 5 MP camera with a dual LED flash. It's also got a microSD card and a 1300 mAH battery. The model variant is listed as "US", which is proof that this sexy little piece of Android-goodness is bound for the States. The most exciting thing about this MID has to be the front-facing camera stuck on the left side of the display. That means this device will be perfect for video conferencing.

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:59:22 CDT | by Robert Evans

Motorola Calgary Android Phone Photos Leak

Topic:

The rumored second Verizon Wireless Android phone from Motorola dubbed currently Motorola Calgary appears in the flesh in photos on BoyGeniusReport.

Verizon Wireless is already teasing and pushing the new Droid as iPhone killer.

The new Motorola Calgary is not as impressive as the Droid. It also has a slide-out QWERTY keyboard but is aimed at the low-to-mid range. Read more

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Asus Android Smartphone: Before 2010?

Topic:

Let's get one thing straight right off the bat; the Garmin Asus Nuvifone was not a bad smartphone. It was a decent smartphone that came out in the U.S. 18 months too late. If it had been released much earlier, it would've had some impressive features. As it happened, the Nuvifone ended up going against the 3GS and the Pre and a whole bunch of other smartphones that beat the hell out of it in every conceivable category.

Now then. With that out of the way, we'll turn to the spectre of Asus' mythical Android smartphone. According to chairman Jonney Shih (Digitimes) an Asustek Android smartphone will be revealed before the end of 2009. This news should be taken with a big, heaping grain of salt. We still have yet to see even the faintest glimmer of an Asus Android smartphone in the offing.

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:32:32 CDT | by Robert Evans

Alex Dual Screen Android Powered eBook Reader Unveiled By Spring Design

Topic:

What is this? We just received a press-release announcing an eBook reader with two screens running Android dubbed Alex. The Alex eBook reader is by California based Spring Design.
Alex looks pretty much like the leaked photos of the alleged Barnes & Noble eBook reader that is supposed to be announced tomorrow.
Alex is the first e-book based on Google Android featuring full browser capabilities and patented dual screen interaction technology, the Duet Navigator. Read more

Posted on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:10:32 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Mystery Android Smartphone Spotted

Topic:

It seems like there is a new Android smartphone out every time you turn around. Manufacturers are really starting to choose Android more and more often these days. HTC was the first company to put out an Android phone and, according to The Unlockr (via Boy Genius) they've got another Android smartphone on the horizon. Snapshots of this new mystery phone have made it onto the Internet.

Posted on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Android 2.0 Walkthrough Out

Topic:

The lads at Boy Genius have managed to get their hands on a next-generation Android smartphone running a working version of the 2.0 OS. They've posted a detailed list of screenshots and factoids about how the new update works. Here are a few of the best highlights from 2.0 as I see them.

-Native Exchange and Facebook support are in, and the email inbox has been totally unified.

Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:50:29 CDT | by Robert Evans

500GB Archos 5 Android Ships And New Firmware Supposed To Fix Issues

Topic:

The Archos 5 Android Internet Tablet started shipping earlier this month. Back then only the 160GB and the 32GB Archos 5 Android players were available. Now the top of the line 500GB Archos 5 Android ships as well for $499.99 from Amazon.com.

Over the last days Archos 5 Android users reported issues with their device and Amazon actually stopped offering the 160GB model due to customer reports. Read more

Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:32:22 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Motorola Cliq Android Phone Review Round-Up

Topic:

T-Mobile announced the Motorola Cliq Android phone in early September. Today several tech sites published Motorola Cliq reviews.
Features of the Motorola CLIQ include slide-out QWERTY keyboard, 3.1-inch HVGA touch-screen display, 5MP camera, Wi-fi and Motoblur software.

Engadget reviewer sees the Motorola Cliq as a good basis for future Motorala Andriod phones: "Would we recommend the CLIQ? Against a G1, yes, if for no other reason than the fact that you're getting more internal memory and a more robust, modern, un-weird hardware design. In the bigger picture, though, we'd keep our wallets in our pockets for the time being -- the CLIQ looks and feels like a testbed, not quite ready for primetime but a genuinely heartening sign that Moto's still got a pulse."
Read more

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Acer Aspire One AOD250 Dual Boot Android And Windows XP Netbook Is Official

Topic:

As reported yesterday the new dual boot Acer Aspire One D250 is already available for pre-order on Amazon. Just now Acer made the dual boot Acer Aspire One AOD250 netbook official.
The 10.1-inch Aspire One AOD250 with Android and Windows XP lets you switch between Android and Windows XP Home operating systems with just a click of a mouse.

I do not quite understand why Acer is launching a new netbook with Windows XP and not Windows 7. Only reason I can see here that the netbook is aimed at Android fans and the Windows OS is secondary. Read more

Posted on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:57:52 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr