Google Android
Motorola Droid 2 R2-D2 Edition Launching September 30th!
Aug 12th
Word broke loose at the Star Wars Convention going on in Orlando this week that the rumored R2-D2 version of the Motorola Droid 2 (released today) will be making its debut on the 30th of next month. There’s no word on how much extra this version will cost or how many units will be produced. Either way, it’s always nice to see something a little friendlier than the sharp lines and raw attitude that are typically associated with Motorola’s Android-flavored options.
[Via Android Central]
Google pumps out updates to Gesture Search and Voice Search for Android
Aug 12th
[Click here for mobile friendly viewing]
Google seems to be on a roll with first-party apps these days. Not one day after they update Gesture Search to include an intuitive new way of activating the app, the company releases Voice Actions to complement the already-comprehensive voice control of the device. These updates are only available for Froyo, but we know that the OS is being pumped out to many devices as we speak. And according to Google, it will be available already on the Droid 2.
Though the app isn’t yet available in the Canadian Marketplace, I will update when I play around with it. But as it stands, this is another way Google is trying to separate itself from the iOS crowd by allowing interaction with the device anywhere the API can be activated, regardless of what app is currently being used.
Check out the available commands available with Voice Actions:
- send text to [contact] [message]
- listen to [artist/song/album]
- call [business]
- call [contact]
- send email to [contact] [message]
- go to [website]
- note to self [note]
- navigate to [location/business name]
- directions to [location/business name]
- map of [location]
While you’re at it, take a look at the updated Gesture Search functionality, which lets you rotate your phone in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction in order to activate the gesture search app. Brilliant.
So many decisions, so little time
Aug 12th
Today is the day everyone has been drooling talking about.
Both the Blackberry Torch 9800 and Motorola Droid 2, arguably the two most anticipated phones of the year have both finally officially been released by AT&T and Verizon, respectively, in the U.S., both at the same $199 (with or without rebate) price point on a 2 year term. Both running the latest OS’s from their respective manufacturers and both come harboring many expectations from their die-hard following, but which are you going to choose?
So far the reviews on the Torch have been 50/50, some sites bashing, while others praising it and the newly unveiled OS that it runs. As for the Droid 2 running Froyo, the OS has been out (in both leaked and official variations) for quite some time, thus allowing users to become familiar with it should their current device support the update.
I guess the real answer will be in the numbers when AT&T releases them. Knowing that the Android community in the U.S. is much larger (and more tight knit), I wouldn’t be surprised to see it outsell the Torch 9800.
Are you getting one of these hot new devices? If so, which one and why? Let me know.
An Android Flip, Really?
Aug 11th
It seems as though when Motorola gets on a roll with pumping out hardware they cover all angles.
A flip phone running Android was bound to happen sooner or later by Motorola or someone else.
Say hello to the XT806, looking eerily similar to being a successor to the popular linux based Motorola A1200 (Ming) handset. Though many details are still unknown including which Android OS it will run, what is known is that the processor will be 600MHz TI OMAP3430 chip screen, it will have a 3.6-inch 854 x 480 LCD touch screen, and will rock a 5 megapixel camera and have the ability to record video at 720p.
Nothing about this device has been set in stone, but considering it is being made as a CDMA device for China Telecom, so it could eventually hit Verizon, but I doubt it will hit Canada even when it is released.
[Via Android Headlines]
Follow me on twitterTelus updates Milestone, but isn’t 2.2 yet
Aug 11th
This is a bit of a surprise! IntoMobile is reporting that Telus’ Milestone has been updated, but the software version is 2.1 still. Don’t expect Froyo anytime soon, then.
The updates include:
- Alarm Improvements
- Music Player Functionality
- Audio Quality Enhancement
- PIN Lock Improvements
- Proximity Mode Enhancement
- “My Location” Improvements
Check out the update at Motorola’s website, and wait patiently for 2.2.
Video: Sneak Peak of TweetDeck for Android
Aug 10th
Well, here it is! The first look at TweetDeck for Android. Now, this isn’t exactly exposing anything, but it’s a tease, and we all know how much geeks like to be teased.
Or, erm, you know what I mean.
Verizon finally announces a release date for the Motorola Droid 2
Aug 10th
Well it’s about time.
Verizon wireless users itching to dump their original Motorola Droid for the sexy successor finally have a date to look forward to and it couldn’t be any closer.
Starting online tomorrow and in stores this Thursday, the device will be available for $199.99 after $100 mail-in rebate on a 2 year voice and data term.
Hit the break for the official press release
[via MobileCrunch]
BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today announced that DROID™ 2 by Motorola will be available for pre-sale on August 11. Hitting all the right keys, DROID 2 is a feature-packed device that helps manage work and social life with an enhanced QWERTY keyboard, ultra high-speed Web browsing, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, full push corporate e-mail, intuitive social messaging and Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 for access to the full web – all built on Android 2.2.
“When we announced DROID X last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue to bring unique Android experiences to the Verizon Wireless network,” said Jeffrey Dietel, vice president – wireless device, marketing and development for Verizon Wireless. “The DROID by Motorola was our first Android device, so it is important for us to include the successor to that phone in our portfolio. DROID 2 is not only a continuation of our commitment to Android but offers customers the features and form-factor they crave on the Verizon Wireless network.”
“With the new DROID 2, we’ve taken a big leap forward from the original DROID,” said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home Business. “We listened to consumers and are providing an even more robust experience built on Android 2.2 that includes a new keyboard, increased processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to send, access and share information even quicker than before.”
DROID 2’s super-slim design helps customers e-mail, text and tweet with ease. DROID 2 offers a redesigned symmetrical keyboard with raised keys for more responsive typing to push out notes and status updates. Speech-to-text input and the virtual multi-touch keyboard allow for quick messaging; or customers can also use Swype for even easier text input. In addition, full push corporate e-mail delivers enhanced features such as remote wipe and password enforcement so that information remains secure.
DROID 2 packs power and speed. Customers can enjoy the freedom of wireless with the 3G Mobile HotSpot and the ability to connect up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices, and watch content on the full multi-touch 3.7-inch brilliant display, or share content captured on the 5-megapixel camera with enhanced functionality and DVD-quality video capture with DLNA connectivity to share on compatible devices.
Customers can also download favorite apps from Android Market™, which has more than 70,000 applications, and store them on 8 GB of preloaded on-board memory and the 8 GB microSD™ card, which can be upgraded to a 32 GB SD card for a total cargo capacity of 40 GB. Popular apps available on DROID 2 include NFL Mobile (downloadable), Skype mobile(™) and BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® presented by V CAST Video. Customers can even manage their wireless accounts or their contacts from their phones with My Verizon and with Backup Assistant(SM).
“It’s great to see amazing new smartphones like the DROID 2 come pre-installed with Flash Player 10.1,” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Creative and Interactive Solution Business Unit at Adobe. “With the completely redesigned and hardware accelerated Flash Player 10.1, DROID 2 users will be able to experience the full Web on the go.”
Adobe Flash Player 10.1 lets mobile users experience millions of websites the way they were meant to be seen – with rich Internet applications (RIAs), content inside the browser, including games, animations, data presentations and visualizations, e-commerce, music, video, audio and more.
R2-D2 DROID 2
In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only online in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale.
Pricing and Availability
DROID 2 by Motorola will be available at www.verizonwireless.com on August 11, and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning August 12 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. In addition to subscribing to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan, customers will also need to subscribe to an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.
Customers can add the optional 3G Mobile HotSpot service to their DROID 2 smartphones for $20 per month. The 3G Mobile HotSpot allows customers to turn their phones into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices. In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by December 31, 2010, can upgrade to any smartphone, including DROID 2, without penalty.
For more information on DROID 2 by Motorola, go to www.droiddoes.com. For information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
Motorola’s Sanjay Jha Says MOTOBLUR Will Not Stick Around
Aug 9th
Good news comes from Motorola Co-CEO Sanjay Jha today, who claims that Motorola’s social-focused Android skin MOTOBLUR, will begin to be phased out of the company’s future handsets. While Motorola had the right idea with MOTOBLUR, the implementation is off and the skin mostly results in a slower and more jumbled Android experience.
Dr. Sanjay Jha was quoted saying the following:
With MOTOBLUR, we have found that being able to convey the value proposition around MOTOBLUR is not an easy thing to do in a 30-second ad spot. We have decided that we will focus on the value proposition of products and not MOTOBLUR as a brand name in its own right. MOTOBLUR continues to be important and I think you will see increased functionality in MOTOBLUR. This notion of push-Internet is going to be very important to us, but as a brand name, which we make matter in front of consumers as a brand name, I don’t think that’s going to be our focus going forward, but we see the experiences that we deliver is being relevant and differentiating us.
With Motorola’s recent move away from MOTOBLUR by implementing the skin found on the Droid X and the upcoming Droid 2, it seemed evident that MOTOBLUR’s life was running short. Now, if only we can get Motorola to drop the whole skinning thing and just give us some stock Froyo to work with. Baby steps people, baby steps.
[Android and Me via Engadget]
SE Xperia X10 Goes to AT&T Too Late, Too Bad
Aug 9th
Seriously? You haven’t even updated the device to Android 2.1 yet? This is a travesty.
Sony Ericsson announced today they are to release the Xperia X10 this week on AT&T’s network, the only network in the US in need of some great Android devices. Too bad this isn’t one of them, at least not in its current form.
We’ve had the phone in Canada since April, and I have to say, while the hardware is sexy as hell, its implementation of Android 1.6 is half-baked, buggy and slow. Almost unusably slow, especially for the hardware it’s running on.
On the surface, the device is a dream. 1GHZ Snapdragon, 512MB RAM, 8MP camera, beautiful sleek exterior, 4″ 800×480 screen. Really, really nice.
But the on-screen keyboard is terrible. The Mediascape and Timescape apps are awful, and cannot be deleted from the device. And the fact that it’s running a version of Android that has been available for more than a year is inexcusable, especially when most other devices have been updated to 2.2. SE is only claiming that the X10 will be updated to 2.1 in Q4 of this year, which could be December 31st.
So, in my opinion, avoid this puppy. AT&T customers have a much better phone in the Samsung Captivate already.
TweetDeck for Android beta to be released this week
Aug 9th
Hooray! Long-suffering Android users waiting for the ultimate Twitter experience need not wait much longer. The company has released a blog post with some pretty heavy words. They are calling it “the future of their iPhone and iPad platforms” and “a thing of beauty,” all heavy rhetoric for an app.
But if the hyperbole turns out to be true, it will explain why Tweetdeck’s mobile front has been silent for months. There hasn’t been a sizeable iPhone update for a long time, and the iPad app has never been updated since it was released on day one in April. In fact, I have found the iPad app so buggy, I deleted it off my device.
We will update later this week when the beta is officially released, but this is a huge app for Android as a platform.
Full blog post after the break:
To get straight to the point, we’re nearing completion of Android TweetDeck and we’ve really been pushing the limits of what Android can do. Hence we will be opening up a public beta testing period this week for some serious device testing. But before all that happens I wanted to briefly explain what Android TweetDeck means to us because it’s more than just TweetDeck on Android.
First off, we’ve built Android TweetDeck from the ground up to be true multi-stream, laser focused on showing you all your friends’ cross-service activity in one app. Multi-column is still the order of the day but now columns are blended based on the type of activity rather than the service. And all this whilst retaining the most powerful functionality from each included service.
We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time making the app silky smooth from the column scrolling to the custom views - so much so that one of Google’s Android Developer Advocates recently described it as “a thing of beauty“. So look out for the beta test later this week and please do get involved.
Interestingly Android TweetDeck also represents the future of our iPhone and iPad applications. We’ll have a few bug fix releases shortly (awaiting approval in the app store) but in the background we are working on porting Android to iPhone in as quick a time as possible. Finally, it won’t be long before most of the new concepts in Android TweetDeck make it to the desktop and web - we’re also working on this now.
Speaking of the desktop, we have a new build available now which contains a workaround for a Facebook bug which caused TweetDeck to order updates incorrectly.
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