The Inquisitr » google android

Acer Liquid A1 Shipping To UK Customers Before End Of November, Leaves Off Android 2.0

James Allen Johnson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:50:36 +0000

Acer has officially announced that the Acer Liquid A1 will begin shipping in late November. The phone which runs Google Android 1.6 “Donut” has also been priced at £286 before tax ($481), thankfully no contract is required for that pricing.

So what do users get for $500? How about a 3.5 inch WVGA capacitive touchscreen, 3G data access, WiFi b/g and built-in GPS. Acer is also throwing in Bluetooth 2.0 + A2Dp, a 5MP camera and a SnapDragon processor.

Unfortunately, the 1Ghz processor for some reason has been underclocked to 768MHz, which is like saying “here’s a Ferrari but you can’t drive it over 65mph. There’s still no word on whether a Google Android 2.0 upgrade option will be made easily available to Liquid A1 users.

Samsung i5700 Galaxy Spica Android Phone Gets Official With 800Mhz Processor

James Allen Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:12:50 +0000

Samsung today officially announced their newest phone, the Google Android based Samsung i5700 also known as the Samssung Galaxy Spica.

The smartphone clocks in at a manageable 13.2mm in thickness and features a 3.5mm headphone jack for audiophiles to enjoy all of their albums and move fans to listen to all of their favorite movies as they stream them to their phone. The Spica is also the first Android phone to feature built-in DivX support.

The phone also features an ultra fast 800mhz processor, which isn’t quite as impressive as recent 1Ghz Snapdragon offers, but it’s still faster than the iPhone series and it offers multi-tasking.

The units already out in Europe and is headed next ot the Middle Ease and Asia. It’s also a Google phone through and through, if you aren’t convinced of that fact, just check out how many times Samsung mentioned the world “Google” in their official press release.

According to Samsung the phone as should be expected also features:

The Samsung Galaxy Spica supportsthe full suite of Google services, including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™, YouTube™, and Google Talk™, letting users enjoy the familiar desktop computer experience while on the move.

Just one question for Samsung, when is this phone coming to North America?

Samsung Behold II Arrives At T-Mobile On November 18th

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:16 +0000

T-Mobile USA today announced the official November 18th release date for the Samsung Behold II, the companies next phone to feature the Google Android OS.

The Behold II features 3G data speeds and WiFi for easy connectivity, while also becoming the first T-Mobile sponsored device to feature a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen. The smartphone also features a 5MP camera with autofocus, zoom, flash, five shooting modes and video recording capabilities

Samsung has also integrated their “Cube Menu” which gives fast access to music, photos, videos, web surfing, YouTube and Amazon MP3 music download.

“With its first-rate multimedia capabilities front and center, the Samsung Behold II adds an exclamation point to T-Mobile’s already impressive Android lineup for the holidays,” said Wendy Piñero-DePencier, vice president, brand and calendar marketing, T-Mobile USA. “The combination of 3G speeds, its high-resolution touch-screen, and access to loads of entertainment features is sure to make the Behold II into a holiday hit.”

The Android-powered phone also features the Samsung TouchWiz user interface with its moveable widgets and one-touch access to commonly used features and applications.

Users will also be able to take advantage of Google services directly from their phone, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube and Google Talk, while of course downloading applications and games from the Android Market as they see fit.

Business users will also find some handy options via the Samsung Behold II such as personal and corporate e-mail abilities with Exchange ActiveSync.

The Behold II also features built-in GPS, Bluetooth 2.1 + A2DP, visual voicemail, and MicroSDHC card support that can provide up to 16GB, although a 2GB microSD card comes standard with the device.

T-Mobile has stated that the smartphone will be ready for sale at nationwide T-Mobile retail stores and through T-Mobile.com beginning November 18th, 2009.

Dell Officially Announces Mini 3 Smartphone, Forgets To Mention Specs

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:35:38 +0000

Dell has officially announced the arrival of their Mini 3 Google Android Based Smartphone, the companies first foray into the Smartphone market dominated by Apple, Research In Motion (Blackberry) and Google Android Smartphones.

According to Dell the touchscreen enabled device will be available in various regions around the world and will be customized to take advantage of those regions 3G frequencies. Dell has however announced that China will only receive Edge service, while the device in that region will use the OPhone interface and OPhone App Store.

Unfortunately, Dell has yet to give up the devices full spec list, what we know at this point is that it carries a 3MP camera and a display with 640×360 pixels of resolution.

According to Electronista, the first arrivals of the device will come to China Mobile before the end of November, with Brazil’s Claro network set to receive the units before the end of 2009 and the U.S. Slate for AT&T and Verizon early next year. Various other providers will also receive the Mini 3 at some point, including Vodafone, Maxis, M1 and Starhub.

The Dell Mini 3 is a drastic departure from the non-phone capable Dell Axim line which Dell discontinued in 2007. It’s also a departure from those devices Windows Mobile operating system.

Just one question for Dell, how do you debut a phone that’s shipping in the next couple of weeks and then proceed to leave out a spec sheet?

Motorola Milestone Heading To Telus In Early 2010

James Allen Johnson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:18:51 +0000

It’s official! The Motorola Milestone is headed to Canadian wireless carrier Telus sometime in early 2010. The device, which has recently been released in Europe is basically the Motorola Droid with the addition of a multi-touch interface.

The Milestone will feature Google Android 2.0, a sliding qwerty keyboard and 3G+ network access on the Telus wireless network. Unfortunately the units are not slated to include Google turn-by-turn mapping since the program is only in the beta testing stage in the U.S.

No word yet on a specific release date or even an estimated contract price, but knowing how Canada’s wireless carriers operate I assume it will be cheaper than the European model, but with a longer 3-year contract period to supplement the pricing.

It will also be interesting to see if Telus offers any type of tether package with the device, much like the packages currently announced by Verizon.

Motorola MILESTONE Listed On O2 Germany For €550

James Allen Johnson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:51:35 +0000

The Motorola Droid launched in the U.S. this past Friday and now the Motorola Milestone (basically the Droid with multitouch) has begun springing up on O2 Germany’s website and with a very high €549.99 ($815) cost.

Of course that price doesn’t include a contract and it comes with a 16GB MicroSDHC card (Droid = 8GB) that comes preloaded with Western Europe mapping for Motonav, although we’d still prefer Google Maps turn-by-turn directions such as those found on the Droid, unfortunately that option is still only beta testing in the U.S.

Germany O2 customers and future O2 customers can pre-order the device now, however there doesn’t appear to be any word on a release date, or maybe it’s there and my German is slipping…wait, I don’t speak German. [SlashGear]

LG GW620 “Eve” Arrives In Canada Through Way Of Rogers

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:31:48 +0000

The LG GW620 may not be getting the press received by the Motorola Droid or for that matter even the HTC Droid Eris, but it’s still a great Google Android based Smartphone and with it’s Qwerty keyboard and sleek design it’s a great option for Canadian customers on the Rogers Wireless Network.

The LG Eve features a very cool Social Network Services (SNS) Manager that auto pulls all of your Bebo, Facebook and Twitter updates, while the device also provides plenty of picture taking capabilities with the devices 5MP autofocus camera that also provides facial recognition that can take your photos and tie them into your contacts list based on already established pics.

The LG GW620 also comes equipped with a 3 inch resistive touchscreen (yeah we wanted a capacitive screen too), Quad-band GSM, Triband 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and an accelerometer.

It’s cheap at $49.99, but with a three year contract it’s quite a commitment to make for both voice and data services. BTW, it’s already listed as out of stock. [SlashGear]

Here’s the official and somewhat creepy commercial for the LG Eve:

Open Mobile Summit: T-Mobile Discusses Continued Investment In Google Android

James Allen Johnson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:34:32 +0000

T-Mobile USA Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Cole Brodman spoke at the Open Mobile Summit in San Francisco today and he focused his message on the companies investment in the Google Android operating system.

Mr. Brodman spoke about the success of the Motorola Cliq, the companies upcoming Samsung Behold II and the T-Mobile G1 and T-Mobile MyTouch devices, all of which are featured in the companies Q4 line-up.

Coles comments about myTouch usage trending offered some insight into T-Mobile Customer Data Usage:

About half myTouch users visit the Android Market at least once per day.
80% of myTouch users browse the web at least once per day, and 2/3 say several times per day.
Nearly half of myTouch users say they have “completely customized” their myTouch.
More than 40% of myTouch users access social networking sites multiple times per day.

He also talked about the success of the Android Market which has grown to over 12,000 applications, while specifically focusing on the T-Mobile AppPack, an Android market features that shows off 3rd party applications that have been developed by T-Mobile developers and include both free and paid offerings.

This month T-Mobile will even receive their very own channel on the Android Market for apps, while the Android Market will launch carrier billing features to streamline customer services efforts while purchasing applications.

Developers will also be able to visit developer.t-mobile.com to pitch their apps for a daily “featured apps” spot in the channel, a great way for T-Mobile to show customers apps they believe to be the best of the best.

So what’s the point of all this brew-ha-ha with open development, streamlining billing processes, etc? According to T-Mobile USA:

T-Mobile’s goal is to be the easiest carrier to do business with and the most open to new innovation.

If they can stop stupid data issues from occurring it could be a great time to be a T-Mobile USA customer.

Sony Ericsson Officially Debuts Xperia X10 With 1GHz Snapdragon Processor

James Allen Johnson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:15:00 +0000

The Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 (nicknamed: Rachel) was officially revealed today and according to Sony Ericsson it’s only the first of many devices they plan to release with the “Android-based UX “Open OS” platform.

The X10 features a 4 inch capacitive touchscreen with 480 x 854 pixels of resolutions, an 8.1 megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED Flash and an ultra fast 1GHz Snapdragon CPU that puts the iPhone 3GS to shame.

Sony Ericsson officials also talked about the devices “Timescape Utility” which makes it easy to browse and manage online social accounts including Facebook and Twitter, while providing easier access to photos, e-mails and text messages.

According to Electronista:

Recorded videos, YouTube, and PlayNow are all accessible from the Mediascape area. An “infinite button” combines a variety of interactions for one person into a single view, while facial recognition automatically matches pictures to the phonebook.

The Xperia X10 will be out sometime in the first quarter of 2010 in both black and white colors (pictured above). The units also features Quad-Band GSM access and support HSPA-based 3G networks, even the 1,700MHz offering which means the unit may be heading to T-Mobile, although no carriers or pricing have been announced at the present time.

Here’s a video of the big reveal:

LG GW620, Companies First Android Smartphone Gets Its Own “Website”

James Allen Johnson — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:28 +0000

The LG GW620 until this point has been dwarfed by various other Android devices that are about to hit the market. It’s just hard to compete against the marketing that’s went into the Motorola Droid and HTC Droid Eris devices as of late. With that being said the GW620 now has its own official mini-site.

The page still needs some work, but there are several video demos of the Smartphone, a few standard stock photos, a user manual and a download friendly spec sheet.

The main specs that will interest most users are quad-band GSM, UMTS (900/2100), WiFi and Bluetooth. It also comes in two flavors of internal memory at 2GB and 4GB with a MicroSDHC card slot for 16GB upgrade possibilities.

The GW620 also features a 5MP autofocus camera with a built-in LED flash and offers a 3 inch HVGA resistive panel display (come on LG where’s the capacitive capabilities!). The system also features Google Android 1.5 with a specialized S-Class UI running on top courtesy of LG’s own programming team.

The device according to LG will arrive in “select European markets” before 2009 ends. [Slashgear via LG GW620]

The Future Has Arrived With The Acer A1 Liquid

James Allen Johnson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:06:22 +0000

15 October 2009 (Inquisitr Wire) Acer introduces its new smartphone “Liquid” series: the world’s first Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor based and world’s first Android™ 1.6 high definition smartphone, combining cutting-edge technologies, software innovation and an ultra-fluid user interface to create an all-new mobile experience. It is the ideal solution for users demanding the best from their devices, and in particular outstanding multimedia, web browsing, social media integration and video streaming. It also brings smartphone product design forward with its unique and modern style.

Finally something different

Acer Liquid is the first Wide-VGA smartphone in the market benefiting from the latest release of the Android™ 1.6 Operating System (aka Donut) and the first Android™ smartphone in the market equipped with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor.

This platform brings to market unique benefits for the end users and paves the way for a new wave of innovations from the developer community:

•With its High Definition capacitive touch screen (Wide VGA), Acer Liquid offers today an unparalleled experience when watching pictures or videos. But it also holds a promise for the future: the promise of an abundance of new applications on Android™ Smart Handhelds – games, professional applications and web applets that will enrich the end user experience. Now developers can be assured that their investment will build upon a standard resolution for the years to come;

•Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor, Acer Liquid provides instant access to web pages, smooth streaming of videos or music , and instant response from popular mail, maps and search applications. The high-speed processing capability and high-speed internet access (HSPA) of Snapdragon™ brings to life the Android™ experience: no idle-time, almost instant uploads of web pages and downloads of rich multimedia contents. The developer community can now take full advantage of these capabilities to bring to market innovative applications that demand raw computing power and superior handling of 3D graphics.

Unique software enhancements

Acer Liquid also bolsters a set of unique features developed by Acer and its partners:
• Improved power management to help achieve longer battery autonomy for intense users;
• A new user interface with easy access to entertainment and web bookmarks;
• An optimized camera with geo-tagging, ISO, self-timer options and accelerated auto-focus performance;
• Exclusive Spinlets™ application providing free streaming of worldwide music and video, that can be shared with friends and family through web-posting or e-mail;
• Smart integration of Facebook™, Twitter™, Youtube™, Picasa™ and Flickr™ in the address book, with realtime notification of status or content updates.

A refreshing alternative to square shapes

With ellipse curves, a choice of red, white and black colors, and a slim body shape, Liquid will please style-seeking consumers. Designed for ergonomy, Liquid fits well in the hand, and displays a smooth finish. The fluidity of its curves gives the Acer Liquid its unique character and unconventional style.

Google Sculptured Sweets Show Up On Companies Lawn

James Allen Johnson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:10:58 +0000

In celebration of Google Android 2.0, codenamed “Eclair” the team of developers working on the project have put out a bunch of sculptured desserts on their headquarters lawn.

The sculptured treats include a cupcake and donut which were the codenames for Google 1.5 and 1.6 and now an Eclair in celebration of their newest mobile OS release.

According to Slashgear, “each time a new version of the Android OS is nearly ready for launch the geeks at Google celebrate by dropping a giant foam sweet on their lawn.”

Android Powered Acer Aspire One Now On Pre-Order At Amazon

James Allen Johnson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:41:56 +0000

The Google Android powered Acer Aspire One just went on pre-order at Amazon. The netbook is one of the first to announce the Android OS and the first we’ve seen go on pre-order.

The netbook is available at Amazon.com for $349.99 and includes free shipping. Much like most of the recent notebooks released to the consumer PC market if features an Intel Atom N280 processor , 1GB RAM and a 160GB hard drive, pretty standard fare if you remove Android from the equation.

I do however appreciate the 6 cell battery with 9 hours runtime and the rather lightweight 2.8 pounds. The Android Acer also features a rather small footprint in terms of dimensions at 8 x 10.2 x 1 inches. [Amazon]

Samsung Moment Gets Official For Sprint Wireless With November 1st Release

James Allen Johnson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:33:32 +0000

The latest Samsung handset for Sprint Wireless was announced today. The Samsung Moment is a Google Android based device that will come equipped with Google mobile services including Google Maps, Google Search, Gmail and YouTube.

The Moment also includes a large 3.2″ AMOLED touchscreen display, while powered by a powerful 800MHz Processor, WiFi and 3G data support. It also features a sliding qwerty keyboard, built-in GPS navigation and includes a 3.2MP camera with built-in flash and autofocus alongside camcorder capabilities.

The Samsung Moment also features a 3.5mm headphone jack and Bluetooth 2.0 + A2DP for all your stereo bluetooth needs.

The Smartphone will be available on November 1st for $179.99 with a two year contract and $50 instant savings plus a $100 mail in rebate.

Sprint C.E.O. Dan Hesse stated a month ago that Android technology was finally ready for Sprint, now we get to find out if Sprint customers are ready for Android. [Ubergizmo]

Motorola Cliq Release Date And Pricing Announced For T-Mobile

James Allen Johnson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:35:40 +0000

There’s been plenty of available information surrounding the Motorola Cliq, its Google Android OS and the new “Motoblur” interface technology that will be offered with the device. What we haven’t known is the release date or pricing, until now.

According to T-Mobile the Cliq will arrive at the U.S. carrier on November 1st for a price of $199.99 with a new two year contract or two-year upgrade.

In the meantime pre-orders for the device will begin on October 19th, while customers interested in more information can also register to receive that info as it becomes available.

As an added incentive for pre-ordering the device you’ll also be entered in a T-Mobile drawing to win a free Cliq.

Currently the Moto Cliq will be available in two colors: titanium and white. The phone will also be available in brick and mortar locations on that same November 1st release date.

Sprint To Offer Google Android-Powered ‘HTC Hero’ By October

AHN — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:45:47 +0000

Sprint Nextel will give search engine giant Google more support in the mobile phone market after announcing it will offer a a product that uses the Android operating system.

Beginning Oct. 11, Sprint will offer the HTC Hero, which runs Google Android, the open-source smartphone operating system. As a result, the $179.99 phone will come ready to sync up with Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube.

“The arrival of HTC Hero and the Android platform to Sprint’s network is an important milestone for our customers and the U.S. wireless industry,” Sprint Vice President of Product Development Kevin Packingham said Thursday. “With the dependability and coverage of Sprint’s 3G network, HTC Hero users will appreciate a much better experience than is possible now with any other Android phone operating in the United States.”

The move is a great sign for Google as it battles Palm, Microsoft, Apple and others to break into the mobile phone market. Google’s open-source approach has failed to gain serious traction, especially after Apple hit the market with its popular iPhone media player/cell phone hybrid.

Google Vice President of Mobile Platforms Andy Rubin put his spin on the deal: “Sprint and HTC are helping to drive openness and innovation in the mobile industry with the introduction of the Android-powered HTC Hero.”

[Image: Sprint]

Sunno S880 Sports Google Android, Throws In WinMo For Good Measure

James Allen Johnson — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:11:55 +0000

Can’t decide whether to buy that cool new Google Android device or a long tested and sturdy Windows Mobile Smartphone? Why settle for just one OS when the Sunno S880 provides a dual boot system with Android and WinMo built-in.

Once I got past the clear Sony Ericsson Idou design I was impressed with the features this device offers, including a 3.6″ WVGA display, 8MP Camera, WiFi and built-in GPS. Rumors are also adding in an 806MHz processor of an unknown origin which means it should be fast for both mobile OS’s.

The S880 is set for an October 15th release date on networks in China, although the exact calling frequencies, word of 3G and other specs are still missing from the mix.

Windows Mobile Pocket PC business device by day, Google Android personal device by night, we’d even be willing to pay a premium for that. Now if they could only tie in the iPhone OS so the device could have 2/3rds of an inferiority complex this could truly be the Cybill of the mobile world.

Google Android 2.0, Codenamed “Donut” Now Available For Developers

James Allen Johnson — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:46:11 +0000

If you’re a Google Android developer, or just an overzealous device user, you’ll be happy to know that Google Android 2.0, codenamed “Donut” is now officially being distributed via the companies official code repository. The new version includes a ton of new improvement that should give Apple iPhone developers a run for their money.

Donut includes text-to-speech, gesture support, universal search and a 5-in-1 toggle switch for home screen use that can help manage Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity among other user set options.

Don’t want to use an unstable Android 2.0 release? You may not have to, some enterprising developers have already begun extracting the best parts of 2.0 and they’re porting those functions (such as the widget option) into the much more stable and available Android 1.5 OS.

Donut has actually been shown off operating on the T-Mobile G1, albeit in a very “crash friendly” state. No word yet on an official release date.

You can download Donut now for your G1 or Hero devices, although we suggest taking that error riddled journey with the utmost caution. [Engadget via xda-developers]

Google Android phone will sell for $199

Duncan Riley — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:27:28 +0000

The first phone running Google’s Android mobile platform will go on sale in October for $199.

Pictures of the HTC designed device leaked yesterday, and now more details are available. The $199 price will be available from T-Mobile on a contract, with the Google brand to be showcased at the point of sale, according to the Wall Street Journal. Along with the phone, T-Mobile will be offering a data plan that will be “aggressively priced.”

The obvious competitor is the iPhone, with a pricing structure to match, however if successful, RIM may take the biggest hit. The handset offers some advantages over the iPhone, including an actual keyboard, making it immediately appealing to Blackberry users.

The thing it is missing though is beauty; although it’s not a final determining factor when many buy a phone, offering a phone the seems to completely forgo looks in place of functionality will make for an interesting entry in a market accustomed to shiny things.

HTC Dream running Android looking good

Duncan Riley — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:47:01 +0000

A blurry video allegedly showing HTC’s Dream cell phone running Google’s Android has surface on YouTube.

From the blurry pics, the Dream includes a slide out keyboard in addition to a near full sized touch screen. The screen includes an iPhone like auto-rotating display, and similar iPhone like icons. Boy Genius isn’t sure if the video is real or not, but if it is, and presuming the 2009 delays don’t drag on, Google Android looks likely to be a strong competitor to Apple.