Android Smart phones [Archive] - Noncompliance Forums

Klaus

12-15-2009, 09:54 PM

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s41/GrandMasterB1/android-banner.jpg

Gonna start this thread because I own a Motorola Droid and need a place to post likes/dislikes of apps etc.

Short review of Droid

I have had it for 5 weeks so far and love 90% of the phone. My simple reason for getting the Droid over say the iPhone was Verizon. I've had Verizon for the last few years and just can't go back to a shitty carrier like Nextel or ATT. I have a cabin in northern MN and there is no coverage for anything except Verizon within 30 miles. If I had ATT I would have an iPhone. It is the best phone out currently when you look at all other factors minus coverage. There are hundreds of reviews out comparing the two phones so I will just stick to what I like about the Droid.

Likes:
Physical keyboard - my last phone was the HTC touch a WM6.1 phone and while HTC kicks ass I just couldn't deal with typing emails on a touch screen. The Droid keyboard isn't perfect but I prefer it to the touch screen.

Android OS - Open source with 12,000 apps. I even found one that will turn my phone into a Wifi hotspot for my laptop. Porn too :) Windows Mobile was pretty good but finding the apps was hard to do - with the Android "marketplace" all the apps are in one place - did I mention no approval process...

Screen - Holy shit is this screen amazing! 480 x 854 WVGA resolution - I love to view full page websites on this phone. The HTC touch was less than half that and I had to zoom way in.

Multi-tasking - Really nice to be able to run 6,7,8 apps at once. Pandora and email while searching twitter.

Google navigation - Full turn by turn voice navigation with satellite view and street view... I have a Garmin and its been in my garage since I got the Droid. Traffic is free and so is the software.
http://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/google_maps_nav_007.jpg

Voice search - Google really has figured out how to get accurate voice search, voice navigation, and voice dialing. Hit a button on the home screen and say what you are looking for and i would say it's been 80% accurate. Pulls up the search in a google browser or in google maps or in your contacts. With WM6 you had to record you contacts names a few time before it would work - in Android it just works.

Google Voice - This integrates with Android really well. Voicemails are sent to my phone in my inbox to listen to and also transcribed.

Google Voice is the Internet based phone forwarding service by Google. It was previously known as GrandCentral. Google Voice is free except for international calls.
Google Voice gives you a separate phone number which you can give out as if it is your regular phone number. You can then change your settings to have calls forward to any of your phones.

You can forward to one group of phones during the day and another at night. You can have calls from certain numbers forward differently than calls to other numbers. You can block spamming callers and send some calls straight to voice mail.

You can send yourself an SMS message or an email whenever you get a voice mail message, and you can check your voice mail from the Web or from your phone.
http://www.zatznotfunny.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/google-voice-android1.jpg
Apps review
Facebook built in app - decent but not great. Sends you to the web version too much.

Google Goggles - pretty fucking cool.... You take a picture of something and it will try to match it with similar images. Bar codes work - logos work - some objects work - paintings and famous art will be recognized. It's in beta be I see a ton of potential.

Barcode Scanner - take a picture of a bar code and it will do a price search on the internet.

Various Twitter apps - most are pretty shitty but I have found "swift" is the best. Not like twitdeck on iphone but pretty good.

Google Sky map - stand in your yard and launch this app.. It uses the Droid's 3-axis accelerometer to display what you are looking at in the sky. Pretty cool in certain situations.

Will update this as I try more apps.

Kyrillian

12-16-2009, 09:34 AM

I have to say my only real complaint about the iPhone is the lack of the ability to multitask. 90% of the time it doesn't matter as apps load pretty fast. It gets annoying when you're listening to Pandora in the car, you get a call, then after the call you have to restart Pandora. The whole process can take like 5 minutes and it's pretty annoying.

Klaus

12-16-2009, 09:40 AM

I am guessing the new iphone will allow for multi tasking. The processor in the iphone and droid are the same so it can handle it. I have had to pull the battery a couple times due to hard locks when I launch like 10 thing at once - but it's rare.

Klaus

12-16-2009, 12:11 PM

Klaus

12-29-2009, 05:03 PM

Google Voice quick reference card:
http://noncompliance.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11&stc=1&d=1262124211

Klaus

12-31-2009, 11:16 AM

Pretty cool application that should start showing up for all platforms.

http://pocketnow.com/html/portal/news/0000008910//swype1.jpg

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There is a unofficial beta of this out for android and it is f really coo
Really fast input method. should be on iphone soon too.

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Cake

12-31-2009, 10:29 PM

Wow swype looks sick! I'm really glad you posted this, im getting as new phone/provider next month and been really debating whether to go ATT for iphone, or Verizon for Driod. Almost positive im gunning for Droid HTC now.

Klaus

12-31-2009, 11:58 PM

Cool, goto verizon and check it out. htc is making the best phones currently. swype is badass.

Naya

01-04-2010, 02:43 PM

This phone was recently announced by SE, and I've been finding nothing but positive information on it. For those that like slide-out keyboards, you're probably not going to like this phone ... but the UI is incredible.

It has what SE has tagged as the "Rachel" UI, built on the Android 2.0 OS. Here's a link to Sony Ericsson's official page for it: http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/products/mobilephones/overview/xperiax10

The promo video is kinda lame, in that its like a pop singer's music video ...

Other than that silly promo video, it looks like an interesting phone. 8.1 mega pixel camera? 1Ghz Snapdragon CPU? 480 x 854 res? Sounds pretty kick ass.

Klaus

01-04-2010, 02:50 PM

I have read some on that phone and it is supposed to be really really nice. Best part:

1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor

The Google Nexus One phone is being released this week for TMobile and it uses the same processor.

Naya

01-04-2010, 03:07 PM

Damn, that Google Nexus One phone looks awesome too ... I'm telling Luke to wait to get a phone until these come out :P

Naya

01-04-2010, 03:24 PM

The only sad part about the Xperia X10 is that it looks to be releasing with Android 1.6 instead of 2.0, after doing more research. I cannot confirm that using SE's website on the X10, but most other tech sites are saying its going to release Feb. 2010 with Android 1.6 on it :-/

Klaus

01-04-2010, 03:31 PM

Did they mention a carrier for that phone yet? When I read about it non were announced yet. Most Android phones currently out have a upgrade to 2.0 planned. The Nexus One comes with 2.1 with some UI improvements and animated backgrounds that look pretty cool. Check the video out about half way down the page:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/02/exclusive-google-nexus-one-hands-on-video-and-first-impressio/

Naya

01-04-2010, 04:11 PM

From what I've read on the SE website on the X10, these are the available "networks":

GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSPA 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100

There is a disclaimer about this though:

"UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900 only available for phones sold in Americas (except Brazil) and Australia. UMTS HSPA 900/1700 not available for phones sold in Americas. UMTS HSPA 1900/2100 available worldwide."

Not sure what that means, but I've read that it could be that without the UMTS HSPA 1700 network, el no supporto for T-Mobile.

However, I just found this article:
http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=16021&news=Sony+Ericsson+Xperia+X10+Rachael+Google+Andro id+OS

It specifies that the FCC has officially announced the X10's 3G support for AT&T and T-Mobile. The worse bit of info in this article: Neither of the US branches of these carries may want to pick the X10 up as a new smartphone. AT&T and T-Mobile both have decent smartphones at this time. Not sure they'd want to stick their necks out and risk a flop on an expensive phone.

Another article that may have more info: http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=15977&news=Sony+Ericsson+Xperia+X10+Rachael+Google+Andro id+OS

Klaus

01-05-2010, 02:18 PM

Interesting press conf. about the Google One and Android.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/live-from-googles-android-press-conference/?sort=newest&refresh=60

Verizon and TMobile are getting the phone. Droids are getting the 2.1 update.

We know, you're so surprised. Google's finally confirmed (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/live-from-googles-android-press-conference/) the Nexus One (http://www.engadget.com/tag/NexusOne/). We've naturally heard all about the phone already from dubious sources, and even reviewed (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/04/nexus-one-review/) the purported device, but now that they've got one in hand up on a stage, we suppose we'll have to set aside all of our doubts. So, the nitty gritty: 3.7-inch AMOLED display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, compass, GPS, accelerometer, light and proximity sensor, 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a multicolored LED under the trackball. There are also two mics onboard, one on the bottom and one on the back, for the purpose of noise cancellation à la Motorola's CrystalTalk, and the phone is naturally running the brand new Android 2.1 (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/android-2-1-gets-real-on-the-wings-of-the-nexus-one/). The phone is actually HTC branded, unlike the pre-release versions we've seen, and can be custom engraved with two lines of text at the time of order, for that extra personal touch (there's a picture of the phone's back after the break). The phone is available today off contract with a T-Mobile compatible radio for $529 unlocked, shipping to the US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, or with a two year T-Mobile US contract for $179 (both with free overnight shipping in the US). Most surprisingly, the phone is also headed to Verizon this Spring (http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/verizon-getting-the-nexus-one-in-spring-2010/), and Vodafone will score the device eventually as well.

http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/nexusone-vs-droid.jpg

Klaus

01-05-2010, 09:25 PM

Flash Demo on the Nexus One. It's coming to Android this spring.

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Klaus

02-01-2010, 01:09 PM

Klaus

02-02-2010, 08:31 PM

Nexus One Gets Multitouch, Other Improvements
JR Raphael, PC World
Feb 2, 2010 3:53 pm
Multitouch support is officially on the way to Google's Nexus One Android phone. Google announced an over-the-air update Tuesday afternoon that'll deliver native multitouch functionality along with a handful of other software improvements and fixes.

Nexus One Gains Multitouch
The Nexus One update, set to start hitting devices as soon as today, will bring multitouch-driven pinch-to-zoom functionality throughout the phone's interface. According to Google, multitouch will be available in the phone's stock browser, photo gallery, and Google Maps applications.

Previously, the lack of native multitouch support had been criticized as one of the main weaknesses of the Nexus One and other Android phones. Google has not yet said if or when the multitouch-enabling update will reach other Android devices.

Nexus One: Other Changes
In addition to the multitouch addition, the Nexus One update will provide a fix for the 3G connectivity problems some users have been reporting. It will also include a preinstalled version of the Google Goggles Android application as well as an updated version of the Google Maps app.

Google Maps 3.4 will allow you to synchronize favorites between your phone and PC, search suggestions from your Web-based Google Maps history, and take advantage of a new night mode for Google Maps Navigation. The night mode automatically adjusts your screen for optimal viewing during nighttime hours.

As of the time of this publication, Google Maps 3.4 has yet to become generally available within the Android Market.

The Nexus One software update will be rolled out to users over the next several days. If you own the Nexus One, you'll receive a notification when your update is ready to install.

http://images.pcworld.com/news/graphics/188368-nexus-one-update_original.jpg

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Klaus

02-12-2010, 11:36 PM

Looks like PDAnet has some competition now. For the longest they have been the most popular way to tether your Android device without the need for root. Now enters EasyTether.

This tethering solution offers you unrestricted tethering for free. Unlike PDAnet who restricts HTTPS connections unless you pay a fee of $29. To get started scan the barcode, visit EasyTether’s site to download the appropriate drivers and you will be tethering to your hearts delight in no time. The only downside is this currently only supports Windows XP/7 and Vista 32 bit OS’s. But keep an eye out for them they are looking to make this compatible with OSX and all 64 bit Windows OS’s in the near future.

http://androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/chart1.png

Klaus

03-02-2010, 10:13 AM

Apple Goes After HTC In Lawsuit Over 20 iPhone Patents

by Erick Schonfeld on Mar 2, 2010

Apple is using its strong patent portfolio to fight iPhone competitors in court. Its latest target is HTC. Apple has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against the cell phone manufacturer. The suit involves “20 Apple patents related to the iPhone’s user interface, underlying architecture and hardware.”

Steve Jobs is quoted in a press release saying: “We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it. We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.”

The lawsuit could be a way to go after Android, although Android is not mentioned in the press release. HTC manufactures some of the most successful Android handsets, from the first G1 up to the latest Nexus One. HTC’s touchscreen Android phones are the most similar to the iPhone. If that is the case, the lawsuit is a shot across Android’s bow and a warning to all Android manufacturers.

This is not the first time Apple has gone after a mobile phone competitor. It is involved in similar patent litigation with Nokia. That lawsuit is more about Apple trying to get Nokia to license its patents. And the HTC suit may have the same motivation.

Apple thinks it owns the concept of the touchscreen Web phone and it wants other cell phone makers to pay for copying the iPhone. Who will Apple sue next? Motorola? Palm? Research in Motion?

HTC probably makes the best phones currently. It's interesting that Apple didn't go after Google directly. HTC puts a upgraded UI onto it's android smart phones called "sense" that includes some pretty cool features (clock/contacts/home screen widgets) but nothing that I would see as a iPhone copy. The decision to finally release multi touch on Android was where I thought Apple was gonna freak.

Klaus

03-11-2010, 10:48 AM

Interesting info on the Dell "Streak". I guess it would be a decent "couch" browser if it's under $199.

http://images.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/dell-mini-5-leak1-e1268266346517.jpg

http://images.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/dellstreakcontentpartners-e1268266371381.jpg

The Dell Streak has a massive 5 inch display, a front facing VGA camera, as well as a 5 megapixel camera on the back. It also comes with three capacitive Menu, Home, and Back buttons on the side, and a 30-pin dock connector. The dock will probably come later, after the release, but it would be nice if it came right in the box. That might be me asking for too much, though.

What seems to be the best news of the ad is that it looks like there will be a partnership with Amazon for the upcoming device. This means that the Kindle E-book reader, Amazon Mp3, Video Streams, and Store applications will all be available on the Streak. That’s good news, as AT&T can try to push this thing as a tablet, and not just a big phone, which is pretty much what it is.

Klaus

03-11-2010, 11:19 AM

Actually, here is a tablet for under $100....

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When we first spied Huawei's SmaKit S7 Android tablet, we were at CeBit and it was... well, non-functioning. Well Huawei's officially announced the tablet now, and we have to say that it looks just like every other Android tablet being hoisted upon the world these days, but it's got some nice features that make it worth a second gander. The 7-incher boasts an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, 720p playback, 3G connectivity, plus a dock with HDMI out, two USB 2.0 ports, and two microSDHC slots. The tablet, which runs the 1.6 version of the OS, will supposedly be available this summer, though we don't yet have any information about where it will be available or how much it will cost. We'll let you know as soon as we do -- but in the meantime, there's a video demo after the break.

Ender

03-17-2010, 09:15 AM

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=6289

Since I have AT&T already, no need to switch to Tmobile for this phone anymore. I am going to an AT&T store within the next week to look at one and possibly pick it up. It depends on the cost of a plan.

Klaus

03-17-2010, 09:21 AM

Wow I didn't know ATT was getting the N1 too. Thats pretty cool. I assume the plan will be the same as the chart I put above (same as iPhone) but I don't know anything about ATT. You might have to order one off the Google website I am not sure they are stocking the N1. It's Google experiment in selling directly to the consumer.

http://www.google.com/phone

Ender

03-17-2010, 09:27 AM

Well, if I can get a lower plan for around $70/mo, I will probably do it. I will have to see what kind of plan they can do. I am not a crazy texter, so I don't need unlimited texts. And I really only need about 500 minutes per month.

But yeah, It looks like Google is selling them unlocked with a chip that is compatible to AT&T 3G network, so I am guessing that allows you to add service to it through AT&T somehow. I will have to ask them how that works.

Klaus

03-17-2010, 09:33 AM

You should do a pooling plan with Naya (I will always call her that) save some cash.

Also, with Android you can tether your phone to a laptop for free using apps in the Marketplace - so you kinda get cheap internet tether (unlike the $30 or whatever ATT/Verizon wants to add it to a smartphone plan)

They will always try to fuck you on texting. Even with my "unlimited" data plan I pay for texting separately. However, if you can get a Google Voice invite (I am all out of invites) with GV on your phone you can text for free, which is pretty cool.

Klaus

03-17-2010, 09:42 AM

Ok, I forgot Luke ATT did announce they will carry the HTC Desire in store. It is a Nexus 1 but with some improvements - I would see when it will be in stock.

Video:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertwebbe/4426732591/

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/03/17mar10htc9b25egasf.jpg

Klaus

03-23-2010, 04:44 PM

Anyone have Sprint? This is a bad ass and first 4G phone by HTC.
http://pocketnow.com/html/portal/news/0000009839//evo2.jpg

For those of you wondering where the Android-running HTC HD2 was, wonder no more. The HTC Supersonic on Sprint is real, and calling it a "megaphone" wouldn't be an overstatement. To start, it's rocking the Snapdragon QSD8650 1GHz CPU, which is a model above what you'll get on the Nexus One or HD2 (meaning that it probably has advances in speed and power consumption). The screen, like the HD2, is 4.3" and WVGA resolution. The device can take pictures at an amazing 8MP, and has a fill light for dark areas. And guess what...it has a FRONT-facing camera (yes, this is the first US handset to have a front-facing camera, presumably for video chat). Also very cool is that with a special adapter, the HTC EVO 4G will do HDMI out! Amazing.

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Klaus

03-25-2010, 09:12 AM

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/admob-android1100.jpg

Also interesting to note is the Top 5 Android devices worldwide, by traffic:
Motorola Droid
HTC Dream
HTC Hero
HTC Magic
Motorola CLIQ
You also can’t ignore the consistent dominance of Apple and the iPhone. Android doesn’t seem to have bitten into the iPhone’s market share, but instead, has begun to join it in dominance. This is what I’ve suggested would happen all along, and its one of the main reasons I’m excited to see what the next version of the iPhone will bring us this year. After all, the innovations of one company lead to the innovations of all companies. Which lead to patent lawsuits.

http://phandroid.com/2010/03/25/android-grows-1100-year-over-year-admob/

http://androidandme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/androidadmob0210.png

Klaus

03-25-2010, 01:33 PM

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/nexus-one-vs-iphone-3gs.jpg

Naya

03-26-2010, 04:47 PM

Oooh! I have Sprint! And I"m up for a new phone.

As much as Luke and I should do a "share plan" or whatever they're called now, I'm still on a plan with my dad and reupped my contract for 2 years back in January. Cwap.

But I am eligible for a new phone. And I currently loath my phone with the fury of a thousand suns ... because its got the slowest damn CPU in it EVAR.

I did see the HTC Evo as well as the Desire. Both are very cool phones that I'm excited to see.

I am STILL wanting to see the Xperia X10. Problem is, I'm worried that these phones are going to cost more than 200 dollars. :(

As soon as my plan is done here (or maybe sooner since I'm "eligible" for a new phone) I'll look in to a new phone again. I'm definitely not pleased with mine.

And yes, I will be forever known as Naya -.-

Klaus

03-29-2010, 09:57 AM

I really liked the X10 but it looks like it's got some serious issues.... I would go with a HTC phone personally.

Sony Ericsson's flagship Android smartphone, the Xperia X10, has been plagued by laggy performance since we first laid eyes on it, but that won't always be the case; the company has confirmed repeatedly that upgrades (including a newer Android OS version) will come. However, it now seems that multitouch is not in the cards. "There's no multitouch in X10 – and I also can confirm that it's not only related to [software] but also to [hardware],"

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/28/xperia-x10-multitouch-issue-hardware-related/

Klaus

04-06-2010, 03:14 PM

Naya

04-13-2010, 10:03 AM

I did read a similar article about the X10 experiencing lag and touchscreen issues. I'm surprised that a phone like that would experience such problems regardless of the CPU. And it looks like hardware is also part of the problem.

After seeing videos of the HTC Evo, and reading more about HTC in general, it definitely looks like the brand of phone I want to go with. Here's my conundrum:

My current contract with Sprint doesn't end until January of 2012. I just "re-upped" in January. Sprint has ridiculous cancellation fees. So I'm pretty much stuck until 2012.

I don't want to buy a phone through Sprint, especially an expensive one, use it for a year and a half, and then have to buy another phone if I switch carriers. I guess that all depends on what carrier Luke decides to go through for his new phone soon; we'd like to get on a phone plan together once my contract is up. So if he goes Sprint, then there isn't an issue. Any other carrier, and I won't buy a new phone until my contract with Sprint is up.

By then, the market for phones will have changed ... and I'm back to not knowing anything about the technology available to me. Oh well!

Klaus

04-13-2010, 10:09 AM

When you renewed your contract with Sprint did you get any new hardware? Or a phone at all? If you are moving from a normal phone to a smart phone they are usually willing to give you the promotional price phone (in exchange for the higher fees you will now pay with the internet etc).

Klaus

04-13-2010, 05:14 PM

Naya

04-14-2010, 01:22 PM

About a year before my contract was up (Jan '09) I got a new phone that ... I guess is considered a "smart" phone? Its the Samsung Instinct. I'm not happy with it anymore.

I doubt that, even though I'm eligible for a new phone, there are no promotions I'd get for actually getting one. I didn't even get any promos for getting my Instinct, and my bill did change. Stupid family share plans *shake fist*.

That HTC Incredible looks great; Luke has a lot of options when it comes to HTC phones.

Klaus

04-14-2010, 01:49 PM

You have had your phone over a year - I wouldn't be surprised if Sprint cut you a deal. There are two different upgrade paths on Sprint - one is a promotional price every year and one it pro rated after a year. If Luke decides to go with Sprint you will probably be able to get a phone at the lowest price (or maybe $100 over the lowest price). If you go to another carrier you will be screwed if you don't serve out almost all your contract. I work with Sprint and Verizon at work with about 50 phones on each. Sprint is definitely in the mode of giving away phones and offering better plans to keep customers currently. I would take a look at the EVO 4G when it hits stores this summer.

Naya

04-14-2010, 02:43 PM

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely look in to the Evo this summer. I just hope the "lowest price" deal doesn't end up being over $200. I don't even want to spend that much ...

Klaus

05-07-2010, 08:10 AM

Welcome to Android
New to Android? Here’s a quick look at what Google’s mobile operating system can do.
Ginny Mies , PC World

By now, you've probably heard an earful about how great Android phones are, how they will take over the mobile world, and how they do everything the Apple iPhone can't. But if you haven't yet fully explored an Android phone, you may be wondering what the hype is all about.

First, a little history: Google's move into the mobile phone market started way back in 2005, when the Internet giant acquired a small startup company called Android, Inc. Rumors immediately began to surface that Google was developing its own challenge to the iPhone. But it wasn't just one phone--and Google wasn't the only company working on the project. In November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance--a consortium of 47 hardware, software, and telecom companies--unveiled Android, a mobile platform based on the open-source Linux operating system.

Because Android is open-source, the platform has many advantages for consumers and developers. Smartphone and other mobile device manufacturers have more freedom to tweak the software to meet their needs, opening up a wider range of options than most other cell phones can offer. For example, a few HTC- and Motorola-manufactured Android phones come with a custom user interface that runs over the base OS. Meanwhile, third-party software developers are free to create apps that improve on the operating system's standard features.

Another advantage of open-source is that Android isn't tied to a single device--whether it be a phone, a netbook, or a tablet. The HTC T-Mobile G1 was the first Android phone available to U.S. audiences, but a rapidly growing number of Android devices have crept onto the scene from various manufacturers, many of them bearing interesting and unique designs. Whether you want a built-in QWERTY keypad or a large touchscreen (or both), you can probably find an Android phone to match your preferences. There are even a few large tablet devices available to compete with Apple's iPad.

Of course, you also have considerable freedom in selecting a wireless network. Android phones are available for every major U.S. carrier. In addition, unlocked Android phones, such as the Google Nexus One, are available; you can use these devices on any carrier that has a compatible network.

Android benefits from its close ties with Google, too. Google services such as Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google search with voice are tightly integrated with the platform. And Android users get first dibs on Google apps like Google Voice, Google Latitude, Maps Editor, and Google Skymaps.

Besides having access to Google's apps, Android users can choose from thousands of third-party apps in the Android Market. Though the Android Market hasn't quite matched the iPhone App Store in number and quality of apps yet, it is getting there quickly. The Android Market stocks paid and free apps that you can download directly onto your device.

Unlike Apple, Google does not have a stringent app approval process, so developers can get their apps into the Android Market more easily and more quickly. Also, unlike the iPhone App store, the Android Market isn't the only place where Android users can obtain apps for their devices. Alternative sources include Web-based third-party Android app libraries (like AndroLib.com) and individual developers' Websites.

Tech research firm Gartner predicts that Android phones will become the second-largest smartphone platform by 2012, right behind longtime industry leader Nokia. As Android software grows more refined and as the variety of devices on the market increases, this prediction doesn't sound at all far-fetched. Since its inception, the Android platform has shaken up the mobile world--and that alone is worth paying attention to.

Naya

05-07-2010, 02:02 PM

I apologize if this sounds dumb but ... who the hell still uses Nokia? My first cell phone was a Nokia about 10 years ago. Yes 10 years ago this Christmas ...

Haven't had a Nokia phone since ...

Klaus

05-10-2010, 10:38 AM

Klaus

05-11-2010, 04:05 PM

Sylvester

05-11-2010, 05:02 PM

Is that a reflection of Luke?

Naya

05-12-2010, 12:31 PM

Is that a reflection of Luke?

If Luke was balding and had facial hair, then maybe. :P

Klaus

05-20-2010, 03:44 PM

Klaus

06-07-2010, 10:11 AM

Klaus

06-10-2010, 01:51 PM

Naya:

Since you got a Android phone thought I would post some of my favorite apps.
How to use QR codes (http://androinica.com/2009/11/05/qrcodes/)

Google Voice: Best voicemail system available. You can get a invite on ebay if you don't know someone that has one available.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice

Dropbox: Makes a folder on your laptop or computer - whatever you drop into it shows up on your phone (2gb for free)
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.dropbox.android

Audio Manager: Control all the different sound volumes on your phone. Includes a widget and profiles if you upgrade for $2
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.smartandroidapps.audiowidget

Barcode Scanner: Allows you to scan these boxes and go right to the app in the market (several scanners will do this). Shopper by google also works well.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.google.zxing.client.android

Handcent: Best text messaging app available. Install it and then turn off the built in Android text message notifications etc. Very customizable - will blink different colors, durations, repeat notifications etc.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.handcent.sms

Mixzing: Better music player for Android with nice widget options.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.mixzing.basic

Pandora: Streaming music for free. Everyone pretty much knows what this is about.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.pandora.android

Weatherbug: Weather with nice widgets.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.aws.android

ASTRO: File manager for Android. This should come standard.
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=135x135&chl=market://details?id=com.metago.astro

Honorable Mention Apps:
Google Buzz - widget
Google Sky Maps - star maps
Mint.com - personal finance
Mediafly - podcasts
Photoshop Mobile - photoshop
Remote RDP - remote desktop app
SNesoid - SNES emulator
Fandango
Google Gesture Search - draw on your screen to search your phone
Google MyTrack - track your runs or bike rides and sync with googlemaps
Nesoid Lite - Nes emulator
Google Earth
Adobe Reader - I like it better then the built in adobe viewer

Doubletwist is what you need to sync your itunes or mps to your Android phone - it installs on your computer.

Tip:
When logged into your gmail account on your desktop computer if you do a google search or google maps search - when the results come up there is a little dimmed star by each one. If you click the star next to your destination or search result it will show up on your phone in a few seconds. If you hit the navigation app there is a starred option - they show up under there.

Google Talk: If you plan to use google talk on your phone (came preinstalled on the droid) sign into gmail on your computer go into the "labs" area and turn on the "green robot" feature. This makes your online indicator a robot when you are logged in on your phone. Not sure if it work since you and Luke will be my first gtalk friends with android phones.

Lyncher

06-12-2010, 10:08 AM

do you guys like your droid phones? i have the one made by motorola and i hate it. i've always had pretty cheap phones, but i finally decided to get something cool. i'm sure all the apps are great (though i don't use many) but as a phone, i think it's terrible. a good 10% of the time when i make a call, i hear nothing after i hit send. no ringing, nothing on the other end, nada. the person i called heard a ring, answered, and then there was nothing on my side. i always have to call back. maybe i got a dud, i dunno. i also run into a problem where it will drop a call when i'm in the middle of talking to someone and show 0 bars of service. when the call is over, i'll have 4 bars. as soon as i redial, i'm back to 0. all i want is a phone that works and also has a web browser

Klaus

06-12-2010, 01:11 PM

I have the Moto Droid and I actually think the phone on it is really good. But Lyncher you are the 2nd person in a week that I know to have reported the phone being shitty. I came from a VX6900 smartphone and a Motorola Q before that which both had horrible phones so made it's just relatively better. I don't think I have ever dropped a call on my phone and I think the quality is very good. Reception is about 50% over the VX6900 I had previously (I get reception in my basement now) You might consider exchanging it with Verizon or getting the HTC incredible Android phone if you have the cash.

I typically use my phone for 90% web and app usage and 10% phone calls.

Naya

06-14-2010, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the app list, Scott.

I use Dropbox already, its awesome. I'll definitely get it added to my phone and check out the other apps as well.

Edit: I love this phone, forgot to mention that.

Edit 2: I can't use Google Voice, it hates Sprint and won't let me set it up because Sprint isn't configured for it or something of that nature. Its installed and looks like it can be used, but during the initial setup it said that my carrier wasn't configured to let Google Voice work. Oh well. All the other apps are fantastic.

Klaus

06-14-2010, 09:53 AM

Looks like there is an additional step:

Using Google Voice with a phone
Starting mid-November 2009, Sprint is enabling free conditional call forwarding on its network, allowing you to use Google voicemail with your Sprint phone number. (Standard charges will continue to apply for immediate call forwarding.) 1
Note: Until Sprint updates your account, Google Voice with your existing number may not work or you may be charged every time someone leaves a voicemail.
After enabling Google Voice on your Sprint mobile phone, calls you miss or ignore will be redirected to your Google Voice account. Additionally, you'll be able to access your voicemail online, read voicemail transcripts, and get notified by email or SMS every time you get a new voicemail.

http://www.google.com/voice/sprint

Klaus

06-14-2010, 02:48 PM

Edit: I love this phone, forgot to mention that.

I finally saw a EVO at Best Buy. At first I thought it was huge but after holding up a Blackberry curve to it - they are surprisingly similar in width. The EVO is pretty slim however. Definitely a different form-factor.

So what's your review of Android so far? Find any good widgets etc yet?

Naya

06-14-2010, 03:55 PM

I finally saw a EVO at Best Buy. At first I thought it was huge but after holding up a Blackberry curve to it - they are surprisingly similar in width. The EVO is pretty slim however. Definitely a different form-factor.

So what's your review of Android so far? Find any good widgets etc yet?

"SHTOP WHINING"

I like soundboards :)

I found a little app that lets me clip mp3's for ring tones. I like that one quite a bit. I also found a wow armory app/widget. And I use the built in "Power" widget that lets me turn off/on wi-fi, gps, and bluetooth. And the advanced task killer is a great battery saver.

The ONLY negative about this phone is that if you're constantly using it (kinda like I am right now because I'm still learning) you drain the batter quite quickly. It lasts about a day.

I bet if I didn't mess with it all day, it would last longer.

Other than those apps, and the ones you mentioned, I haven't found much else besides some silly games (solitare, brick breaker, tetris).

All the apps I'm using now are free. I have yet to change my plan away from my dad's to Luke's, which we're doing tonight.

Klaus

06-14-2010, 04:30 PM

If you are getting a day out of a charge that's pretty good actually. Michelle's Eris gets a day with light use and I barely get a day but I have tons of apps running all the time.

Try to use WiFi and stay away from widgets that auto refresh like weather and news. Or just put chargers all over like I do :) I like most of the apps I have at the cost of battery life. Any application that is "push" like gmail and google voice don't take much juice.

Naya

06-14-2010, 06:40 PM

I was about to try the Tapatalk app but the demo is the only free version. I might try it later after moving to Luke's plan.

Klaus

06-14-2010, 08:13 PM

Btw best way to buy stuff in the market is to go into your gmail account and set up a credit card on google check out.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Sylvester

06-15-2010, 09:40 AM

http://www.noncompliance.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=54&d=1276609197

Chadwick

06-16-2010, 10:28 AM

http://mobile.venturebeat.com/2010/06/14/htc-evo-4g-issues-pile-up-glass-screen-separation-unresponsiveness-reported/?boxes=techchannelventure

http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/09/dont-buy-the-android-evo-it-is-a-seriously-flawed-device/

hmmmmm.....

Klaus

06-16-2010, 11:00 AM

I will say that Sprint puts a TON of unwanted shit on their phones that you can't get rid of. Verizon puts on a voicemail deal and that's it. 4 hours on a charge is a problem but I doubt that's typical - Luke/Gina?

Ender

06-16-2010, 02:30 PM

I am having noticeable problems with battery life, actually. I had my phone fully charged before I went to the Twins game last night. I did use it some to show my parents a few cool things, and to take and post a couple pics on Facebook. I also called Jeanna once.

By the time I woke up this morning it was dead. I had it on the car charger for 30 min on my way to work, and that only got it up to about 15% power. It is now dead again after only using it a couple times this morning.

I would say it probably only lasts 4 hrs if you are using it constantly... that seems about right. Otherwise, it will be dead after a day of normal use.

I don't know if this is in line with other smart phones like the iPhone or the NexusOne. Maybe Eric can comment on his iPhone.

The size was an issue for me at first, but I am getting used to it. I still think I would like a slightly smaller phone a bit better, like the iPhone or Incridible. If they have a significantly longer battery life, that would be a definite plus for those phones. The only real advantage of this phone is the large screen (if that is important for you) and the 8MP camera, which does take nice pics. It does also have a pretty cool multitasking and notification feature.

I dunno... the iPhone4 may be better, but who knows since it isnt out yet.

Chadwick

06-16-2010, 02:35 PM

For me the size is actually a plus. I want a bigger phone with a nice big touch screen. I always thought the iPhones were too small.

I guess we will see how it plays out. I do think i should be able to get 16hrs out of moderate use of a phone. I realize in todays world of phones expecting to not have to charge the phone every night is asking a lot when you want all the bells and whistles and use them a fair ammount. But 4 hours?! Yikes!

Ender

06-16-2010, 03:41 PM

Under "moderate" use, I think you get 16+ hrs with this phone, like I said. However, if you are using it constantly for a few hours by browsing internet, posting stuff, calls, messaging, playing music, looking stuff up using gps, etc... then I think it is dead in 4-5 hrs no problem.

In my experience so far though, you basically have to have it plugged in anytime you are in the car, and overnight, in order to for sure keep it powered consistently. It sounds like Scott's experience is very much the same with his Droid phone. I would be interested to hear from an iPhone user.

Naya

06-16-2010, 05:12 PM

I have not had a single problem with this phone (granted I've only had it a week).

Yes, battery life is short. I don't know why, not sure what to say, but I don't really care. My past couple phones have all had short battery lives. I've just learned to have chargers near by. I don't see that to be a big deal either.

Honestly, if you're at work and you're dicking around with your phone all day and running the battery out in a matter of a couple hours (like I did the first day after I got it), I would call that a "stress test". But if you're doing NORMAL use, it lasts all day. I have no problem with putting the phone on charge while I'm in my car or at home.

People just like being haters. That's what I've concluded. Like how I hate Apple and Steve Jobs. :)

What bothered me about the article is that he said the OS was flaky. I've not seen an issue. Pandora locks up though, but I blame Pandora for that, not my phone.

Anybody see Steve Job's promo for the iPhone 4? And how the internet connection crapped out on it? I laughed.

Klaus

06-16-2010, 05:28 PM

If you get 4 hours of heavy use out of any smart phone you are doing good IMO. My phone lasts all day but that assumes it's sitting on my desk for most of the day. With moderate use (checking email, a bit of web surfing, talking on it) I think 6 hours is probably a good target. You just need to remember that when you get in the car to put it on the charger. I use google navigation on my way home every night to show me the traffic situation so I can pick the best route - now that drains your battery (but I plug in). Pay close attention when your phone hits 15% charge a dialog pops up and will show you what used the most juice since the last full charge. I have made several adjustments by looking at that graph - some of the Apps are poorly designed and just sit there and drain your battery.

On Engadget there was a faceoff EVO vs iPhone 4g last week. It was VERY pro EVO - and was pulled down because the editors thought it wasn't fair to post until they actually had a new iPhone to test. While I agree - it was nice to see the EVO on paper was almost better in every area.

The EVO is the flagship Android phone currently.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/iphone-4-evo-fight-rm-eng.jpg

Klaus

06-17-2010, 08:19 AM

I didn't realize this phone was out until Brad told me last night. Looks like the best TMobile Android phone you can get (except the Nexus 1 but that's only directly from Google). Keyboard got great reviews - it's made by HTC - and in the review it lasted all day without needing a charge ;)

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/66I1vM3Yyoo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/66I1vM3Yyoo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Naya

06-17-2010, 08:27 AM

My other thought about the Evo vs iPhone war is that people talk about "Oh my iPhone can download music and holds a shit ton of it, what can your Android phone do?"

The same damn thing. Except I don't have to download them; USB from Phone to Computer, change the connection from USB only to Hard Disk on the phone, and then I have the device listed as Removable Storage in My Computer. Open that, find the music folder, and start copying and pasting mp's. (I could download music if I wanted to, but why pay for more music that I already have?)

iPhone's are for people who don't understand the process I just described :) Apple/Mac has always been about simplifying things, and its really dumbing people down in terms of technology. And that annoys me. I have to talk to those kinds of idiots all day -.-

My iPod plays music just fine. I really don't need a phone to do that for me too, but Pandora is fun to use every once in a while.

I haven't used an iPhone much so I can't compare the two objectively. All the information I have is from Apple-Fanboys or Android-Fanboys and their blogs comparing the two, and then my own use of the Evo.

Eric, next time we see each other, we should do our own iPhone vs Evo blog! :P

Klaus

06-17-2010, 08:30 AM

Have you tried Doubletwist yet to sync your itunes to your phone?

Klaus

06-17-2010, 06:17 PM

Luke and Gina you are super lucky. Flash 10.1 is out today for you - let the porn viewing begin!

Love your Sprint HTC EVO 4G, but hate that it’s limited to the Flash lite player? Well, that ends today, as now you can download and install Adobe Flash 10.1 Player and start enjoying a full flash experience on your EVO 4G – all without the need to root the device, or flash the Android 2.2 Froyo OS.

Download here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695965

Klaus

06-18-2010, 06:12 AM

Thick buttons. Pretty cool

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/itIPS3U2bf8&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/itIPS3U2bf8&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Naya

06-18-2010, 07:42 AM

I'll definitely download Flash 10.1 today. Maybe not for the reasons you mentioned, Scott, but I'll still get it :P

I haven't tried Doubletwist yet, mainly because I have about 13GB of music on my computer. That doesn't sound like a lot, but that's somewhere in the range of 10k songs. So I'm not sure if I want to put all my music on my phone. Especially when I have my iPod right here that holds a charge WAY longer than any phone.

I did a battery test yesterday too. I used it regularly throughout the day, and the battery only went down about a quarter. Then I left it off the charger over night. And the battery is only down about half way.

I'm convinced people are NOT using the Advanced Task Killer and they're letting applications run ALL the time. When we bought our phones at BestBuy, they sales person immediately told us to download Advanced Task Killer to save the battery.

So I don't think anybody should worry about the battery on this phone, its not out of the realm on most other smartphones.

Btw, my name is spelled Jeanna. I KNOW, its lame. Don't mean to be all "spell my name right biatch" but, I hate "Gina", makes me think of the woman from 40-Year Old Virgin, and she pronounces it like the back half of the word "vagina".

Naya

06-18-2010, 07:52 AM

I like that ThickButtons app, its very useful.

Klaus

06-18-2010, 07:54 AM

Sorry Gina ;)

If you get a chance can you run the same test some day without advanced task killer. I used "taskiller" since I bought my phone which is similar to atk but I think it's better (try both) - it has a one icon widget that kills everything except what you exempt and tells you the amount of RAM you free up.

There is a ongoing debate within the Android community: does a task killer actually use more energy attempting to save battery life over the built in application management in Android? I have found it to be a toss up on my phone. I uninstalled taskiller a few weeks ago and I get about the same battery life. On Michelle's Eris she uses it because that phone is slow in general and it frees up RAM.

Klaus

06-18-2010, 07:56 AM

When Froyo (2.2) is released it includes music streaming from your home computer..... that's going to be pretty cool.

Sylvester

06-18-2010, 11:08 AM

http://noncompliance.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=55&d=1276873446

Klaus

06-18-2010, 11:43 AM

Chad white EVO GOGO
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/white-evo-4g-htc-best-buy.jpg

Chadwick

06-18-2010, 03:23 PM

:thumbdown:

Chadwick

06-18-2010, 03:25 PM

http://noncompliance.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=55&d=1276873446

epic

Chadwick

06-18-2010, 03:26 PM

On Michelle's Eris she uses it because that phone is slow in general and it frees up RAM.

Don't you mean Mitchel?

Klaus

06-18-2010, 04:34 PM

Droid X is announced next week for Verizon.... I think it's slightly bigger then the EVO ?!?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/motoroladroidx35.jpg

Klaus

06-19-2010, 09:05 AM

We reported on the EVO’s separating glass and touch sensitivity issues a while back and now HTC has issued a statement addressing both issues. Apparently the glass seperation issues aren’t that big of a deal and have no effect what-so-ever besides a slight “give” when touching the screen. So based on that, HTC has slightly changed its manufacturing process, so there should be no issues on upcoming phones.

In regards to the touch sensitivity problems, HTC has acknowledged that problem as well. They said that issue seems to be more prevalent in arid climates. However, it’s merely a software issue and the fix should be pushed out to EVO owners very soon

http://cdn.talkandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/www.engadget16-500x280.jpg

http://www.talkandroid.com/3899-htc-has-fix-for-evo-screen-separation-sensitivity-issues/

Klaus

06-22-2010, 09:00 AM

Jeanna and Luke you might find this review "humorous". This proclaimed geek is obviously trying to be a troll.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TC-Fm6Ztwrc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TC-Fm6Ztwrc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

And a bit of a more positive review:

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_QlzXUNoEY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_QlzXUNoEY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Chadwick

06-22-2010, 11:51 AM

http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/06/03/tips-and-tricks-to-extending-the-htc-evo-4g-and-incredibles-battery-life-and-what-this-says-about-android/

Wanted to park this here for future reference.

Klaus

06-22-2010, 03:36 PM

New Version of Google Maps out.

New features of Google Maps 4.3 include:

See ratings for aspects about a place such as service or atmosphere
Transit station pages show next departures
Latitude suggests friends

Froyo almost ready for release.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/05/froyo-main-screens-rm-eng.jpg

Klaus

06-23-2010, 04:23 PM

Naya

06-24-2010, 04:38 PM

Haven't seen glass separation on our phones.

Luke had a serious problem with the phone yesterday. The battery lasted for all of 6 hours with moderate use.

We're going to go in to BestBuy tonight see if maybe there's something wrong with it. I haven't had that problem, and for about a week, I didn't have a charger at work, so I only charged it at home. And I used the phone moderately; I was texting throughout the day, maybe a phone call or two, and web surfing (and some FreeCell when I was on lunch :P). It lasted well into the evening after having fully charged the night before.

Luke is quite set on an iPhone 4 after speaking with his uncle and cousin about their iPhone 3G's. But I'm hearing WAY more problems with the iPhone 4 than with the Evo. Like this:

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ixIHyEPO5g&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-ixIHyEPO5g&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

What kind of company doesn't test for that kind of thing? I can understand battery consumption issues, and screen issues. But losing service signal because YOU'RE HOLDING THE PHONE A CERTAIN WAY. WTF?!?!1\one

Hopefully tonight we can resolve the battery consumption problem. I don't like AT&T at all. But if we can't, we might be returning our phones. I don't like having to charge my phone every day, and the batteries on the iPhone last longer. Not sure what else to do if they can't fix it.

I am going to read that article that Chad posted about tips to help prevent battery consumption.

Klaus

06-24-2010, 04:53 PM

The Iphone 4G is a really nice phone. You probably won't like it as much as Luke would - Android is always going to be more "hacker/geek" friendly but for battery life a smaller screen phone with a larger battery it will certainly last longer.

I would also consider Verizon if you don't like ATT - Droid Incredible has gotten solid reviews and it looks like the Droid X lasts all day if you want a 4.3in phone. I still think the EVO is the best Android phone on the market. I would probably think Luke's battery issues fall into one of the following categories:

- Battery not conditioned yet (I near 20 charges and discharges or so)
- Using the phone constantly all day
- A "rogue" app (poorly written) app is always on or constantly refreshing sucking up the power. You should be able to see that on the power use graph that pops up when you hit 15% charge.
- Iphone envy - making any excuse to return the EVO and get the new iphone.

Klaus

06-24-2010, 05:31 PM

Just saw this on my Twitter feed. Not sure if it will fix battery issues:

The Sprint HTC EVO 4G has a nice little pile of issues hanging around it right now, but really, what device doesn’t right out of the box? Well, EVO lovers, an OTA (over-the-air) update could be hitting your handsets soon with some fixes to a handful of issues you may be experiencing.

The rumored update should include WiFi fixes, (which may mean WiFi N becoming enabled, but if it’s not, you can always do it yourself), better battery management, and better Exchange email support. Many EVO users will surely be happy to see the additional fixes coming with the update, yet it’s probably not the update they are really waiting for (ahem, Froyo, cough). Android 2.2 “Froyo” could be weeks, or months away, and the only people who don’t care about the Froyo update are probably oblivious to what Froyo can do for them – don’t let that be you.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/06/24/sprint-htc-evo-4g-getting-an-ota-update-next-week/

Ender

06-25-2010, 10:14 AM

Yeah, I had a major issue with the phone while coming back from Lake of the Woods. I turned it on in Baudette at about 11:15 am since that was probably the first place where i was going to get signal. I used it to go through gmail for a few minutes, send a couple messages, and do some light web browsing. After that, it spent the next 3 hrs straight in my pocket idle because I was driving. I made a call later, and sent a few more messages and checked mail again. It was dead by 5:45pm. So, I only got 6.5 hrs out of the battery with light use. I noticed that even while the phone was idle, it was very warm indicating that for some reason it was using a lot of power.

I had EVERYTHING turned off (4G, WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS) and always hit the task killer before i stop using it and turn the screen off immediately before i stop using it.

The battery life report showed no unusual apps that used the battery up. The top 5 uses were all normal uses of the phone (cell standby, phone idle, android system, display, etc). The biggest thing on the list that i actually used was the phone for the 1 call that I made.

I was pretty pissed after that. I am not sure if it was because i was traveling and it was constantly searching for different signals or what. I have noticed that it does last a bit longer than that if you are in one area, like if it stay in the cities.

The battery life issue has been a killer for a lot of people for this phone, and I may be in the same boat because I think it is total bullshit for a phone to only last a few hours. It defeats the purpose of having a mobile phone in the first place if you have to charge it constantly.

Klaus

06-25-2010, 10:44 AM

I was pretty pissed after that. I am not sure if it was because i was traveling and it was constantly searching for different signals or what. I have noticed that it does last a bit longer than that if you are in one area, like if it stay in the cities.
.

After I saw you posted you were in Lake of the Woods last night I knew exactly what your power issue was. You are correct when you are in a area with spotty coverage every phone will sit and search for signal constantly and burn your battery down. When I drive to my cabin once I get to the north shore if I don't turn my phone off (or change it to airplane mode) it burns down in less then one hour and gets super HOT. Every phone I have used has done this and it's something to be aware of - turn your phone off or change to airplane mode.

Overall, I think you just need to make a decision about your phone usage and what is acceptable battery up time. For me it's 6-8 hours of normal use: turning it on when a email/txt/phone call comes in plus using an occasional app or web browsing. 4 hours for heavy use - sitting in bed browsing the web, reading my twitter feed, watching some youtube, facebook photo viewing etc. I have chargers at work, my car, and at home. Personally, it's kind of a way of life once you get a smart phone. If you are going somewhere you can't recharge for a long period of time make sure it's fully charged beforehand. With the EVO you also have the option of having a extra battery if you want.

If you are set on the Iphone I would go for it - it's an awesome piece of technology and since you are in your 30 day return window you only lose like $50 per phone. But be aware that Sprint currently has the best shared data packages available. With ATT and Verizon you will pay a premium and a per phone data package of $39-$59 plus a upcharge if you teather. I admin several Sprint accounts at work and their current plans are typically 30-50% lower compared to Verizon with very similar coverage maps in MN. Att has well documented coverage issues (especially 3G) so just know that going in.

Eric

06-25-2010, 10:50 AM

What kind of company doesn't test for that kind of thing? I can understand battery consumption issues, and screen issues. But losing service signal because YOU'RE HOLDING THE PHONE A CERTAIN WAY. WTF?!?!1\one

3 things:

1. I hate AT&T too but have somehow become a shameless Apple fanboy because I love the damn iPhone so much. So while Apple has much of the blame in this, I blame AT&T too.
2. I agree that's something that should have been picked up in testing, but this seems to be the common theme in today's industry: the customer base is your testing group. They seem to think that since they can install patches/updates, etc, that they can release an incomplete/flawed product and just fix it later. Case in point: pretty much every single video game released in the last 3 years.
3. "Gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone..." "Spencer Webb, an antenna designer, explains on his blog that the iPhone 4 has two symmetrical slots in the metal frame, which when covered, will affect antenna performance. "There is no way around this, it's a design compromise that is forced by the requirements of the FCC, AT&T, Apple's marketing department and Apple's industrial designers, to name a few," I love when a government agency and a couple billion dollar companies get involved with each other and produce flawed offspring caused by their own restrictions/requirements.

I'm eager to get mine to see if I'm going to have any issues with the way I hold it. I think the bigger issue here is how AT&T can make billions upon billions of dollars and still have the worst service in the history of the world. Damn you AT&T...damn you...

Klaus

06-25-2010, 11:37 AM

Yeah honestly ATT would rule the world with the Iphone if they would just put tons of cash into their infrastructure. Seriously, it's the only thing holding back complete domination by Apple. I am VERY surprised that Apple hasn't gone to Verizon yet.

The antenna deal probably won't be a big deal in the end. I did read that it's not just a simple antenna is being interfered with issue by your hand. It's actually two components that get bridged when your sweaty hand comes in contact with the metal casing completely dropping your call. My old HTC touch had the antenna toward the top and in the instructions it told you not to hold the phone there. And if I did it would lose a bar of signal strength.

Kyrillian

06-25-2010, 12:26 PM

The Iphone 4g issue is easily fixed by using a phone case or just not holding your phone there lol. It's not even a common place to hold the phone!

My buddy at work has the EVO and was considering returning it because the battery is absolute crap. Just today he was telling me he made 2 5 minute calls and did nothing else and his battery is at 25% when it was 100% when he left his house. We don't really have signal searching issues here as we're in a densely populated area.

One thing that I love about the iPhone is the battery life. My phone has rarely died on me and the few times I've even gotten low power warnings were when I was blatantly abusing it lol. Like a 2 hour angry birds session.

Klaus

06-25-2010, 12:29 PM

Hopefully HTC software update will fix any power issues.

But Kyrillian I don't agree that you don't normally hold the phone there.....

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/hey-apple-youre-holding-it-wrong.jpg

Klaus

06-25-2010, 12:50 PM

Flash on Android looks pretty damn good. Can't wait for Froyo.

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Kyrillian

06-25-2010, 03:06 PM

I'm right handed and rarely use my phone for calls, so I don't hold it there:)

Klaus

06-25-2010, 06:51 PM

Here is Engadgets review. The same one they pulled last week because they didn't have a iphone 4 yet to review. They reposted it today unchanged.

iPhone 4 or EVO 4G: which one should you get?

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/06/iphone-vs-evo-pr-top.jpg

Hoo boy. This is a tough one, isn't it? In our years at Engadget, we've rarely seen such deafening debate and adulation for a pair of devices. In one corner we have the iPhone 4, coming off a few relatively easy rounds atop the smartphone mind share heap. However, the Droid and its ilk have weakened Apple's spot, and here comes the HTC EVO 4G in for the kill, sporting a larger screen, 4G data, and all manner of HTC sexy. If the devices themselves weren't enough, the debate has turned into something larger and metaphorical, with Apple representing tight restrictions and a singular top down vision, while Google's Android stands for something perhaps a bit more haphazard but democratizing. The gloves come off after the break.

Of course, the easy answer is that they're both great phones. The truth of the matter is that what might make the EVO the perfect smartphone for one person doesn't necessarily pop up on another person's radar. In many cases (like this author's, for instance), there are many pros and cons on both platforms and devices that makes the decision difficult, almost painful. We're going to try to lay out the facts, so that you have the best material at your disposal for making the decisions, but we're not going to call the decision "easy" or "cut and dry" for anybody. This is a road we all eventually walk alone... into an Apple or Sprint store.

Hardware

We've stacked these two phones up every which way specs-wise. They're very similar phones when you run down a checklist, but there's one glaring dissimilarity: the EVO is huge. In fact, many people might find a more direct iPhone competitor in the excellent Droid Incredible, or at least the much thinner Droid X. Outside of lacking of a front facing camera and 4G, they're virtually the same phone as the EVO, just smaller (in different ways). But we didn't come here to talk Droids. Here are some of the big ways these two phones compete:

Design

This is the quintessential spot for personal preference, so we won't linger long. Suffice it to say that these are two companies lauded for their hardware design at the top of their game. The EVO is mostly plastic, the iPhone is glass and metal, EVO has a kickstand, the iPhone is thinner (9.3mm vs. 12.7mm). They both fit fine in a pocket, and are both striking enough visually that you wouldn't want to hide them in a pocket. It's hard to tell which would fare better in a drop test, but both are too premium-feeling for us to really enjoy finding out. The heft of the EVO makes it dangerous, and we've seen a couple reports of shattered screens. The exposed glass edges on both sides of the iPhone make it look fragile, and while it's stronger than it looks, it's certainly not invincible.

Screen

The EVO 4G's 4.3-inch screen is amazing and jawdropping, while the iPhone's 3.5-inch screen looks unchanged until you get up close: and realize it's just as jawdropping. The EVO scores an obvious win on size, but the iPhone certainly has it on pixel density -- approaching that of a printed page -- and even resolution (960 x 640 vs. 800 x 480), and we found it to be a brighter, higher quality display as well.

That said, we don't think most people will suffer one bit with the pixel density of the EVO, and while the iPhone certainly bests it in quality, the EVO is certainly passable for viewing outdoors and wonderful indoors. Coming down to... surprise, surprise, a matter of preference: size vs. quality.

Cameras

The EVO has higher resolution cameras front and back (8 megapixel / 1.3 megapixel, vs. 5 megapixel / VGA). Apple claims its low resolution sensor around back is to improve the low light performance, and both manufacturers are using the same "backside illuminated" tech. The EVO wins the spec war, but in practice we tend to prefer the photos and video produced by the iPhone. It has better sound and less artifacting when shooting video, with a higher framerate at 720p of 30 fps, vs. the EVO's 24. Photos seem better as well, with less JPEG artifacting, less grain, and less chromatic aberration. That's just what our eyes tell us, however. You decide for yourself:

Battery

This is going to be a big one for a lot of people. In our experience, the EVO can easily get through a day of light use when used on 3G, and isn't that much worse on 4G. Meanwhile, the iPhone has an improved battery over the already strong 3GS, and can fairly handily beat the EVO on both standby and active use time. Then again, the EVO has a user-replaceable battery if you want to pack a spare. We're confident that most people can survive with the EVO, but if you want battery "comfort," the iPhone is the best bet.

Storage

We've never really liked the way Android segments storage between device and microSD card, and the EVO doesn't help its case by requiring you to remove the battery to get at the included 8GB card. Meanwhile Apple offers the iPhone in 16GB and 32GB flavors, all nicely synced and managed with iTunes. There's nothing stopping you from putting all the apps and music you want on the EVO, and with microSD you have theoretically unlimited storage, but it's nowhere near as pretty a process as Apple makes it.

Platform

Software is much more a "shades of grey" area than hardware, so we're going to have to let a bit more opinion seep in here. Please forgive us. You could spend a lifetime detailing the differences and similarities of these two advanced, complicated smartphone OSes (or at least, like, a day), but we'll try to hit the high points:

Notifications

We're going to call this for Android right away. Google's notification tray is just so much more pleasant, useful, and unobtrusive than Apple's pop-overs -- we just wonder how long it'll take Apple to figure this out.

Messaging

HTC isn't helping itself out here by shipping duplicate SMS and email clients to get in the way of Google's own. Apple's also playing catch-up with iOS 4, bringing a unified inbox and threaded messaging to the iPhone. Basically, it comes down to Gmail: if you use it and love it, Android will always be your best experience of it, but for any other service, the iPhone serves just fine. It also makes SMS a prettier experience, though no more usable than its Android counterpart.

Something that's relevant for a minority, but very relevant for that minority, is Google Voice. There's a decent web app that makes it almost usable on the iPhone, but it's a powerful, extremely useful thing as a deeply integrated app on Android, and now that everybody in the US can get in, it's only going to grow in relevance.

Keyboard

These are both touchscreen-only phones, which might be a bit of a change if you're coming from a physical keyboard-equipped device, but rest assured that many humans throughout the ages have managed to become quite proficient on touchscreen keyboards, and Apple and HTC's are pretty much the best in the business. The EVO benefits from its extra real estate -- the keyboard is almost too large in portrait -- and we like some of the ways HTC handles prediction, like offering multiple word alternatives as you type, but the iPhone still offers the best touchscreen keyboard we've ever used in actual practice, and the addition of spellcheck in iOS 4 only helps cement that.

Widgets

Android: yes. iPhone: no.

Multitasking

Apple is finally entering the multitasking arena with iOS 4, but it's certainly doing things its own way. In truth, Apple still doesn't allow any sort of "true" multitasking on its phone, just background services, task completion, and fast app switching. Android blows this away by allowing full apps to run simultaneously. Still, for all of Apple's overwrought babying of the user, it does have a bit of a point: if you don't kill your tasks vigilantly on Android, your phone will run hot (we're speaking from experience with the EVO), slow down, and devour battery life. If you're smart and proactive, Android's multitasking can make you more productive and also more attractive to the opposite sex. For everybody else, the iPhone is the cleaner solution, and in the multitasking-enabled apps we've been using so far, we'd say the iOS approach is usually sufficient -- though it's really reliant on the app developers to get it right.

Polish

This is certainly a matter of taste, but here's a gross simplification: iPhone is for aesthetes, Android is for nerds. HTC's Sense spitshine adds a bit to Android, but it also increases the quantity of divergent, inconsistent UI. Apple's managed to not only present a unified front in its own apps, but also pass on a strong design language to much of its developer community -- something Google is far from doing. Meanwhile, there's something very homespun and fun about diving into Android's technical, geektastic menus and widgets. Extra nerd points included for those brave enough to put stock Android on the thing.

Apps

You can't argue against the fact that the iPhone has more applications, way more games, and a generally higher level of app quality thanks to a more mature SDK and increased competition. Still, when it comes to doing stuff that's not gaming, Android Market does alright for itself. It's really down to a per user thing: can you live without app X? Is there an adequate replacement for app Y? Do you hate having fun? Both devices have approval processes to get onto the branded store, but Android's is a bit more lax (emulators, for instance), and you can also grab unsigned apps directly. You have to jailbreak the iPhone for that kind of freedom.

Some notable first and third party applications:
Maps: Android is the easy winner, with full dedicated GPS-style turn by turn navigation. This likely isn't going to change soon, either, because Google builds the maps for both handsets.

Browser: Google claims to be making some improvements with its browser, rating its Froyo version as the "world's fastest mobile browser." Unfortunately, there's no telling when this new version of Android will make it to the EVO -- that's up to HTC and Sprint. Meanwhile, the iPhone browser is generally regarded at the top of the heap for speed and compatibility, with one notable exception: no Flash.

Twitter: Now that there's a first party Twitter app on Android things are looking up (HTC's one was pretty horrid), but you can still find the most variety and quality for Twitter on the iPhone.

Facebook: Just about a wash, though there's more integration with contacts on Android.

Calendar: This is a case of personal preference, though HTC's replacement calendar is an easy loser to the stock Android version and Apple's very pretty iPhone one. Google Calendar integration is slightly easier on Android, but iOS 4 makes it more of a default on the iPhone than it has been.

YouTube: The EVO wins easily with YouTube HQ, a glorious sight on the 4.3-inch screen. We'd think the iPhone would be getting this quality bump sooner or later, but no mention has been made.

Tethering: The EVO wins with WiFi hotspot connection sharing, while you have to use a cable or Bluetooth on the iPhone. You can share a 2GB data plan on AT&T for $20 extra, but that ramps all the way to $75 if you use 5GB. Meanwhile the EVO has "unlimited" sharing for $30 extra a month.

Video chat: We have an more in depth spec comparison here, but basically: HTC EVO uses Qik and can chat to computers or phones, while Apple uses its own FaceTime tech, which is currently iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 only (with a supposedly open standard set to alleviate that limitation over time). Still, in practice FaceTime seems to be higher quality and easier to deal with. It's really the same old story: you'll have more flexibility on Android out of the gate, more polish from Apple.

Service

AT&T / Sprint

This one's pretty simple: if you live in a WiMAX area with good coverage, you could see higher data speeds on Sprint than AT&T. The trick is, you probably don't live in a WiMAX area with good coverage -- they're few and far between. Luckily, Sprint's 3G network is actually pretty great (outside of some notable rough patches in certain areas), and we've had a wonderful experience using it on the EVO so far, surpassing even some other Sprint handsets we've used. As we get further into the launch we're starting to see some hints that the EVO is straining Sprint's network somewhat -- middling performance where it used to be excellent -- but that's at least not a widespread, iPhone-scale problem at this point.

Meanwhile, AT&T is AT&T: great speeds and network if it's not over capacity in your area. The company has made some strong strides at fighting dropped calls in major metropolitan areas like NY and SF, and that new external antenna design on the iPhone 4 helps out as well -- as long as you don't hold it wrong. On a more minor note, the new iPhone also has slightly improved upload speeds.

Costs

The HTC EVO 4G is $199 after a $100 mail-in rebate with Sprint, but you can get it elsewhere (like Radio Shack and Best Buy) for $199 straight up. The iPhone 4 is $199 (if you can find one). Service plans get much more complicated, but basically:
AT&T you can get as low at $55 with 200MB of data, 450 minutes of talk, and no messaging. If you want unlimited voice and messaging, along with 2GB of data (the most AT&T will pre-sell you, it's $10 per GB after that), you'll be forking over $115 a month.
Sprint requires you to go for a minimum $80 plan (that includes the required premium data plan add-on for the EVO), which includes unlimited data, unlimited messaging, and 450 minutes of talk. To bump up to unlimited everything (and that $10 premium data charge insures a true unlimited data) you'll be spending $110 a month.

Wrap-up

You know the facts, you've heard the arguments, you've passively observed the roar of comments from each side... now follow your heart!

Not good enough for you? You can find out more on your own with our iPhone 4 review, and our EVO 4G review. Stay tuned for our Droid X review, as well! You won't be sorry.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/25/iphone-4-or-evo-4g-which-one-should-you-get/

Klaus

06-28-2010, 11:08 AM

EVO Update

We have received quite a few notices this morning that the awaited software update for the HTC Evo 4G, Version 1.47.651.1, is now live and ready for the public to gobble up. For you Evo owners, all you have to do is go to Settings > System Update > HTC Update, and you should then get the options to download via mobile network / wifi / 4G, or wifi only. What improvements are included in this update? Supposedly:

Improvements to wifi signal strength reporting
Improvements to Exchange security policies
Network improvements
Battery life improvements
Boy… that’s a lot of improvements. If any of you Evo users have gotten this update, or do so after reading this article, let us know in the comments if you see any substantial improvements on your device.

Naya

06-28-2010, 01:21 PM

Updated without a problem today. Went off the charger earlier to test battery life with major usage (texting, video, internet).

*Crossing fingers* I hope this works. Luke was pretty pissed last week. I don't want to go to AT&T :(

Naya

06-28-2010, 01:32 PM

And as a side note, when I'm on a call, or when I'm using the phone upright (not sideways widescreen view) I hold it EXACTLY how Apple is telling people NOT to hold their iPhone 4's.

I'm not sure why, its just how I hold it. I have medium sized hands (long fingers) so its not like I have to hold it that way. Just habit I guess. Phone goes into the left hand, and I poke around on the screen with right index finger.

I'll post later about the battery consumption with the update.

Klaus

06-28-2010, 01:48 PM

Apple should just send out those bumper cases for free to everyone - problem solved. Requiring people to buy them is kinda insulting. The don't hold it that way answer is pretty lame considering everyone holds their phone that way.

I am 2 hrs since my last full charge and this is what I see (you can get to the battery screen from setting - about phone - battery use)

Wi Fi - 24%
Voice Calls 16%
Display 15%
Cell Standby 15%
Phone Idle 9%
Android OS 7%
Android System 5%
Touchdown mail 5% (15 min sync)

I am at 90% battery.

Update 3pm (4 hours since last full charge)

Wifi 25%
Display 20%
Cell Standby 15%
Phone Idle 10%
Phone Calls 8%

Phone is at 85%

Naya

06-29-2010, 10:13 AM

What I noticed on my phone is that if i have it at my desk at home, and its off the charger for a couple hours, the "Cell Stand-by" details window will show a line that says "Time Without Signal" and then show a percentage. At home, its at about 43% because my desk is in the sub level and the signal there sucks.

If the phone is constantly searching for a signal, then its going to get hot and use a lot of battery. I haven't traveled like Luke has lately, so I haven't been in areas other than our basement that haven't had signal. I think that's the problem Luke is experiencing.

I dunno, I'm not having any problems with my phone. I'm used to having to charge it often because I had to charge my previous phone every other day. I say the only reason the iPhone 4's batter life is better is because the iPhone is a mature product. The Evo, out of the box, has experienced very few issues at this point, so I find that worth noting. And I appreciate having a bigantic screen on my phone. Its fun.

Klaus

06-29-2010, 02:09 PM

Ender

06-29-2010, 03:03 PM

I just installed the update this morning, so we will see. Yesterday though, I took it off the charger at about 6am, and it was dead by 5pm (less than 12 hrs). I was on Lake Minnetonka fishing the whole day, so i doubt it was due to searching for signal all the time and that burning the battery. I only used it to make two calls and to download the update... thats it.

Hopefully there is some improvement with the update.

Ender

06-29-2010, 03:06 PM

Eric

06-29-2010, 05:13 PM

OMFG hilarious Scott

Sylvester

06-30-2010, 11:14 AM

God....Damn now my cat is homeless

Kyrillian

06-30-2010, 03:00 PM

So far today though, it was off the charger at home at 6:30am, and currently at about 40%, so it doesn't seem to be doing much better with still very limited use.

Top two uses by far are still Cell Standby and Phone Idle.

My friend at work did the same thing and didn't really see much difference in the battery life. He actually went to the store he bought it and they updated it and changed some settings to lower the power usage, he maybe gets 10 minutes more of talk time if that.

I was messing with him today when I saw him sending a text on his phone, I was like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU'RE GONNA KILL YOUR BATTERY!"

Klaus

06-30-2010, 03:26 PM

I was looking at a teardown of the EVO a few days ago and the battery is actually 20% larger then the 3GS IPhone battery.

Ender

07-01-2010, 04:16 PM

It seems like there has been a noticeable improvement to the Evo's battery life since the update a couple days ago. Yesterday I took it off of a full charge at noon after lunch. Since then, I have only had it on my car charger for 20 min while going to work. The battery is currently at about 1/4 power. Still, that is over 24 hrs with a short charge and light to moderate use. I also did some traveling north of the cities a bit for work today.

Before, it wouldnt last a day even with light use. That is some improvement, and this phone might actually be marginally usable now. My guess is that they can improve this even more... it seems to be something to do with how the phones system operates that eats battery unnecessarily. Hopefully there are more improvements to come.

Klaus

07-01-2010, 10:19 PM

I am sure HTC will figure out the power use issues that are present on the EVO. With 30% more battery power vs the iphone I can't believe that they can't get it to last at least a full day. i personally think it's all in the way you use your phone, what type of applications you install, and what programs are syncing etc. I know a couple iphone owners that don't get 6 hours out of their phones because of the way they use them If you just let your phone sit on your desk all day - it's gonna last all day. But if you have 20 programs running and 20 widgets syncing with the internet every minute you will be lucky to get 6 hours. I use my phone a ton so I am just used to plugging it in all the time. I just know if I go to a Twins game or out to dinner I better make sure my phone is over 70% charged.... or I am gonna be sad when it dies :)

Ender

07-02-2010, 12:51 PM

Off the charger at 7:30 this morning. Currently at 80% battery. So over 4 hours using 20% with moderate internet use. That extends out to 20 hours over the battery's life with moderate use.

Definitely some improvement compared to pre-update.

Naya

07-02-2010, 03:22 PM

My battery is at 20% and I charged it yesterday, once, to full power. I'm over 20 hours since last charged with moderate use: couple phone calls, some internet browsing, texting, and a couple games. NESdroid emulator is fun!

Klaus

07-02-2010, 08:42 PM

Hook up your Wii controller for extra fun with the emulators.

Klaus

07-09-2010, 08:53 AM

Very cool live wallpaper

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Klaus

07-15-2010, 02:26 PM

Check out this app on the Samsung Android phone for "walking" and texting.

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/500x_samsung_road_sms_galaxy_s0-540x336.jpg

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Klaus

07-15-2010, 05:32 PM

Interesting comparison of the Droid X to the Galaxy S. Looks like the Droid's processor is really fast.

http://androidandme.com/2010/07/news/droid-x-vs-galaxy-s-and-more-with-quadrant-professional/

http://androidandme.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/quadrant-pro-total-510x194.png

Note: The Nexus 1 is on Android 2.2

Klaus

07-21-2010, 04:15 PM

Special Forces testing out Android Phones in Battle

Raytheon, the name synonymous with battlefield technology and warfare strategy, is now developing software that runs on the Android platform as a solution to issues in the battlefield. The application being developed utilizes maps and a “buddy list” to assist soldiers in detecting enemies. Someone call Liam Neeson and Mr. T, because this is freaking awesome.

According to an article over at Mobile Media, Raytheon has dubbed the app the “Raytheon Android Tactical System”, aka – RATS. To give you an idea of how it would be used, they give you a real-life example:

“…a soldier could tag an unmanned plane as a “buddy,” track its progress on a map using the phone and then access streaming video from the plane for a bird’s eye view of the area.”

They go on to state that military personnel could interact with each other as “buddies” and track the locations of other members of their group or squad, as well as help identify potential enemies. Mark Bigham, Raytheon’s VP of Business Developments, states, “we’re trying to take advantage of smartphone technology to tailor for what soldiers may need in the field. Google has helped us push the limits of the phone.” He also tells us that one of the main reasons Android was chosen was because of it’s open-source ways, which have made development easier on their thus-tested Motorola and HTC devices.

Raytheon is also looking at adding “lightweight encryption”, so as to assist in securing the reliability and untraceability of the app. They also mention that it will have recognition software so as to be rendered useless in enemy hands, and say that it could even be used as a biometric scanner to be used to gather and store fingerprints.

Sylvester

07-21-2010, 05:10 PM

So is this going to be a free app? :)

Eric

07-22-2010, 12:26 PM

Love the idea, and love that they're using biometric so the enemy can't easily take one and see the locations of all his "buddies". Why limit it to a handheld though? Look at all the video games & movies...where does the screen exist? On your helmet in some sort of transparent, interactive HUD that you manipulate with your eye & where you're looking. Apache pilots have been using this for years. I'm excited to see that we're one step closer to catching up with the technology of sci-fi movies & games, but to make it a handheld device...meh.

Anyway, would be interesting to see how they handle security of the network. I imagine that would be the target since hacking that network would give them precise locations of all "buddies" in the combat zone. Probably some pretty incredible tech used to secure that network...

Klaus

07-22-2010, 05:20 PM

I love the location features they are starting to come out with on the phones. Google Latitude was probably the first but it's not exactly real time so it's only of limited use. I would love a real time app that you can poll - so if you were on a road trip with two cars you could quickly pull up the other cars location. With Latitude it updates every so often and if it can't get GPS it uses cell towers that are not accurate.

I did try one app for finding your car in a parking lot that allowed you to add friends and see their position in real time - problem of course was it drained the battery on my phone because the GPS was always on. I want something that when I pull up my map and hit update it then goes out and gets the other persons location - probably a few versions of Android away to allow other phones to request data from my phone.

Klaus

07-23-2010, 09:52 AM

SFW - Droid X Sexy unboxing

<embed class="rev3PlayerEmbed" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://revision3.com/player-v6566" allowFullScreen="true" quality="high" allowScriptAccess="always" width="555" height="312" />

Naya

07-28-2010, 11:30 AM

Quick question about text messages.

I use Handcent and I want to use just that. I keep getting two notifications, one for the built in HTC messaging program, and the other for Handcent. I'm not sure how to go about disabling the stock messaging program.

Noob, I know, I just need to be pointed in the right direction.

Klaus

07-28-2010, 11:33 AM

Brad just went through that same thing on his HTC phone. He can probably better answer it but on my Droid with stock Android I just had to go into the stock txt message program hit settings and turn off notifications.

Naya

07-28-2010, 12:12 PM

Okay, I think I figured it out. Thanks.

Any other fun apps you've found recently? Besides the ones that use GPS and eat my battery? :P

Klaus

07-28-2010, 12:33 PM

I just installed a Remote Desktop program that works really well "WYSE". IMDb app just came out and it's really well done. Same with the Foxnews app - even if you hate foxnews it's worth a look.

Sylvester

07-28-2010, 03:43 PM

Drudge Report (app is better than online)
SportsTap (if you follow sports at all)
WCCO (for local news)
WeatherBug (for weather)
Shortyz (If you like crosswords)

Klaus

07-29-2010, 04:10 PM

Engadget is reporting that they have insider information that an official announcement will go out tomorrow on the Evo 4G update to 2.2 (plus a bunch of other fun updates), and that the update should start rolling out this weekend. Update includes:

Preloaded widgets
Flashlight mode for LED flash
Light-assisted 720p video
Improvement to quality of video capture
All this and Froyo too? Thank you, Sprint and HTC, on behalf of all Evo users. So watch your phones this weekend, and report back with your new Froyo love.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/evo-4gs-android-2-2-update-starts-trickling-out-tomorrow-loads/

http://www.talkandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CIMG0039-500x374.jpg

Klaus

08-03-2010, 10:26 AM

You guys get 2.2 installed yet? Looks like the Droid get's it tomorrow. Rumor has it 2.2 improves the battery life on the EVO a ton.

Naya

08-03-2010, 01:52 PM

I don't think I put 2.2 on it yet, is it just an update you scan for in the settings of the phone? Not sure where to do this, still new to the Android/HTC Sense OS/UI.

Eh, left my phone in my car ...

Klaus

08-03-2010, 01:55 PM

Yeah, I think you can check for it on this screen:

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/snap20100802191515.png

Ender

08-03-2010, 03:05 PM

Haven't got prompted for it yet...

Klaus

08-03-2010, 03:06 PM

Haven't got prompted for it yet...

You need to request from that system page.

Ender

08-03-2010, 03:06 PM

Okay I just did Check Now and it is downloading it.

Klaus

08-03-2010, 03:07 PM

Sprint is much better because you can request it - I gotta wait until it's my turn.

Klaus

08-03-2010, 05:05 PM

I got Froyo installed this afternoon and there is a noticeable improvement for me on webpage loading time etc. Plus full FLASH support!!

http://code.google.com/p/chrometophone/

Check out the above link for "Chrome to Phone" app and Chrome extension. Basically, if you want to send the web page you are viewing on your computer over to your phone you just click a button next to the address bar. Works slick! There is also more cloud based data in Froyo with google maps having a similar built in send to phone function.

Ender

08-04-2010, 04:53 PM

What exactly is Froyo? I haven't researched any of this.

Klaus

08-04-2010, 05:00 PM

Some of this you already have Luke but some is new.

UPDATE: Check out our full fledged video breakdown of all the new features!
Android 2.2 “Froyo” Overview
So finally Google I/O day 2 has come and with it comes the announcement of the new features of Android 2.2, Froyo. So here’s a quick recap of all the new features and just what they all mean…

First, Google’s own video of Android 2.2′s new features:
And now here is our recap of the new features:

New Tips Widget –Basically a little Android that helps new users learn how to use their new Android device.

New Launcher Buttons -There are now 3 dedicated buttons that float at the bottom of the home screen. In addition to just the launcher button, there are also a phone button to bring up the dialer, and a browser button to open the browser. Making it easy to access these three things regardless of what homescreen you are on.

New Exchange Features – Remote Wipe, Exchange server auto setup (no need to know your server settings anymore), and exchange calendar support have all been added to 2.2

Camera Upgrades - New zoom into picture stacks in the Gallery, new onscreen buttons for the camera app itself for things like zoom, geotagging, etc., and led support for videos (allowing you to take videos in low light situations now).

WiFi Tethering Built In – This is a tricky feature though. It allows you to turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot for your laptop or other devices to connect to. BUT this will only be available on certain devices (like the Nexus One) as some carrier’s won’t be allowing it.

Multi-Language Support – By swiping across the space bar when typing you can switch the keyboards language and have the auto correction and suggestions follow suite.

Speed Improvements – The browser has been sped up with a V8 javascript engine.
The CPU is able to move up to 5x faster on CPU heavy applications using the Dalvik JIT integrated.
The RAM has been improved by adding a Kernel Memory Management Boost which reclaims up to 20x more RAM than previous Android versions.

Apps Have More Abilities – Apps can now send information to the Google server and have it send the info to the phone, wake it up and even load up whatever info they want (check the video for how they do this with Google Maps).

Apps can also backup their settings for users so when a user switches phones or uninstalls and then reinstalls an app, all of its data can be restored back automatically as well.

Flash Support – The browser can now utilize plugins like Flash for instance. Flash 10.1 will be released at the same time as Android 2.2 and allow users to access Flash content on the internet on their phone.

Android Market Improvements – The Market will now have an Update All button, and feature Auto-Update. Auto-Update will be able to be enabled per application and allow that app to automatically update itself whenever there is a new version to save you the time.
For the Developers, a new reporting service will let the developers know of any crashes their app encounters.
-

Ender

08-05-2010, 08:09 AM

Do you have to download an app to get the flash 10.1 to work? Or does it just work now with the update?

I still don't know what "Froyo" is...

Klaus

08-05-2010, 09:13 AM

Froyo is the code name for Android version 2.2. Google names the updates after desserts - Froyo is "Frozen Yogurt". 2.1 was Eclair, 1.6 was Cupcake, and 1.5 was Donut. The new 3.0 version that Google is working on right now is Gingerbread.

Flash needs to be installed from the Market - go into the Market and search for flash or Adobe and you should see Flash beta 10.1. Install that and the "flash adobe showcase" - this will give you full flash. If you are on a page with flash double click on the video and it will zoom to full screen etc. It actually works pretty well. The Droid version isn't out yet so I am using a cracked version from the EVO that is choppy at times but usable.

Klaus

08-05-2010, 04:35 PM

Nice work Facebook!

Hi folks, a number of you have commented on seeing a battery drain on your device since installing the new Facebook for Android app. We have identified the bug that is causing this battery drain and are working on a fix now. As soon as the patch is ready, we will push out an update. Thanks for the quick feedback and for your patience as we get this fixed!

Ender

08-05-2010, 06:02 PM

I looked on the market and found Adobe Flash Showcase and downloaded it. But, I could not find the actual Flash 10.1 utility.

Klaus

08-05-2010, 06:12 PM

Are you sure you are upgraded to Android 2.2?

If so you can get it here - copy to phone - and install.

http://www.mediafire.com/?thgjj5ma2jn

Make sure you have the APP Astro (file explorer) installed and the check box in phone settings to allow for installation of non-marketplace apps checked.

Ender

08-06-2010, 11:07 AM

Yes, I upgraded to 2.2.

I downloaded the file from your link. When I tap on it after it is downloaded to install it, it says "Replace Application: This is a system application. Do you still want to replace it?"

Does that mean that I already have the flash player?

Klaus

08-06-2010, 11:41 AM

I checked in the EVO forums and didn't see any posts about where to get flash - so that leads me to believe your 2.2 update already contains it. Goto the Adobe showcase app and follow the links to some flash sites to test.

Also I saw this info about 4G in MINNEAPOLIS. I guess it was turned on in many parts of the area yesterday. Try it out.

http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g/142686-4g-minneapolis.html

Ender

08-06-2010, 02:55 PM

Yeah it looks like I can already run the flash movies in the Adobe Flash Showcase. So I am guessing the Evo already had the flash utility.

Klaus

08-08-2010, 08:28 PM

They issued a fix for the 2.2 on the Evo too.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Naya

08-10-2010, 10:14 AM

So since I've installed 2.2. on my phone, I've been experiencing a slew of issues.

- Advance Task Killer kills applications but they start right back up. I usually click task killer, it kills 10 or so applications, and then I lock the phone and set it to the side. If I then bring the phone back up, unlock it, and immediately hit the task killer, it kills another 10 applications. Wtf I didn't start any applications!

- Internet browser stores the website you're viewing. So even if I go back to my home screen, it the task killer, and go back in to the internet browser, the last page I was looking at is still on the page.

- If I lock my phone, then bring the screen back up within a minute or two, and slide the lock bar down, my actual lock pattern doesn't come up; it lets me right back in to the phone. It takes about 5 minutes (I think) for you screen lock to actually activate. I think this was meant as a convenience thing for people who were bitching about the fact that they constantly had to input their unlock pattern on the screen every time they turned the screen off/on. I want it to work the way it used to.

- IT DOESN'T FUCKING PRINT MONEY ANYMORE.

I know there's other things I've noticed about "Froyo" that's pissed me off, I just can't think of them right now.

On the bright side, I tried the 4G data connection out in Eden Prairie yesterday and it worked. Download speeds are through the roof with that connection. It'll definitely be nice once the rest of the Twin Cities gets it.

Klaus

08-10-2010, 10:43 AM

i am jealous of your 4g connection :( - Only another 18 months until Verizon gets it!

I would consider uninstalling your task killer for now. I have been running without for the last few months and I would say my phone has run better and had better battery life.

The lock screen time out can be set in the settings menu (at least on my phone). There is also a app that is a toggle switch for lock pattern/no lock/normal lock.

Last week I broke down and "rooted" my phone by using a app called easy root (that was later pulled from the market). It's a single button app that roots the phone giving you access to everything and super user permissions. Then I installed a root browser that allowed my to see all the files on the phone - I then deleted all the apps that came preinstalled on the phone. I hate all the processes that start up automatically.

I do think there is a fix for Froyo coming out for both the EVO and the Droid soon. On the up side have you tried any flash games or used the chrome to phone stuff yet?

Naya

08-10-2010, 10:45 AM

I did use Chrome to Phone, that was pretty slick.

Haven't used any Flash games/videos, not really sure where to go.:confused:

Klaus

08-10-2010, 10:48 AM

Install that flash showcase app - launch it and there is a games area. Some are actually pretty addictive.

Naya

08-10-2010, 11:36 AM

I tried playing a couple games and could only get the "Mansion Impossible" and FlashChess to work. Wanted to play Alchemist but it won't load, just sits on a white window.

Not sure what's going on.

Omg "I love Traffic" is hilarious.

Klaus

08-10-2010, 02:12 PM

WTF is this. (kinda nsfw but not enough for tags) Japan is messed up.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2YKgqjK6dRY&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2YKgqjK6dRY&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Naya

08-10-2010, 02:49 PM

Japan is definitely weird. They have vending machines with used girls underwear in it. USED NOT NEW.

Almost everything Japan comes up with is very strange. But that was funny to watch :P

Klaus

08-10-2010, 04:58 PM

Our IT consultant stopped by today with a Samsung Galaxy X phone today. I gotta say it's a really nice looking Android phone. I think it's the Samsung Vibrant on Tmobile. Pretty much an exact copy of the iphone's form factor but with a OLED screen (remember Samsung isn't selling their OLED screens anymore to HTC but keeping them for their own phones) and 1Ghz hummingbird processor. It was silky smooth and he said Exchange hooked up no problem (Android 2.1). He was coming from a Blackberry that he hated... Maybe there is hope for Android to be a business class phone.

Klaus

08-10-2010, 05:44 PM

Why the Verizon iPhone is already too late
Apple should have gone to Verizon in 2009 — before Android took off

http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/100720-tech-phones-01-3p.grid-6x2.JPG

Verizon Wireless might get an iPhone this January? It's about time. Or is it too late? New reports show that Google's Android is eating the iPhone's lunch. And by clinging to AT&T exclusivity and staying clear of Verizon, Apple is effectively serving up that lunch on a shiny silver platter.

For a decade, Apple played Ice Man in a calculated dogfight of product design and marketing. It rarely made a misstep, and its successes were legendary as a result. This year, Apple has not shown itself to be so level-headed.

You could cite Antennagate or the missing white iPhone as evidence Apple is losing its cool, but these are mishaps, destined to follow previous iPhonapocalypses and Applegeddons into the void of the forgotten past. No, the biggest reason is that it miscalculated how much a prolonged exclusivity with AT&T would cost. The deal has been lucrative — God knows AT&T pays well for the privilege — but the downside has been that Apple has let a reasonable iPhone copy become the No. 1 selling smart phone platform in America.

It let this happen, by simultaneously creating a burning desire for an app-driven touch-screen smart phone, and then denying it to two-thirds of the American populace. That might be an old rant, but the detrimental result of this decision — or rather, the detrimental result of sustaining the decision for so long — are only now becoming apparent.

Droid fever
Look at Android's momentum. Just last week, NPD said that Android phones accounted for a third of all smart phones purchased in the U.S. , with RIM's BlackBerry at 28 percent and the iPhone at 22 percent. Apple launched iPhone a year earlier than Android, with more immediate critical and consumer success. In fact, the first Android phone, the T-Mobile G1, wasn't even taken seriously as an iPhone competitor. It wasn't until more than two years after the iPhone's AT&T exclusive deal had begun, that it was time to stop waiting for a call from Cupertino, and instead release an iPhone competitor that could fight — and win.

Along comes Motorola's original Droid, launched in the fall of 2009 by Verizon Wireless as the anti-iPhone.

Let's not forget that Verizon has advertising dollars to burn — they would have gladly burned them on an iPhone, but that was not to be. The campaign slogan was "iDon't, Droid Does." But just like the Biblical anti-Christ, the anti-Jesus-phone bears a striking resemblance to its nemesis. People bought the Droid not because of its hardware keyboard or its LED camera flash; they bought it because they could get apps and do GPS navigation and check e-mail and Twitter and all that iPhone stuff ... but on Verizon.

Verizon has spent years strictly controlling a fairly nondescript line of phones, and charging generally the highest prices in the business. The result is consistently high customer satisfaction rating and the perception — one backed with some reasonable evidence — that it has the largest and most reliable digital network. (I know from testing that AT&T has the fastest, but its 3G footprint really is much smaller than Verizon's.) Now that Verizon's phones offer the same functionality as an iPhone, it's looking a lot prettier.

If Apple had ended its exclusivity in 2009, after two years, it could have quashed the nascent Android menace with ease. But this spring, the two iPhone models weren't able to outsell the combined Android army, including Motorola Droid and HTC Incredible on Verizon, and HTC Evo on Sprint.

iPhone, your phone
It's at this point that Apple devotees note, perhaps huffily, that iPhone sales were obviously stalled in the three months leading up to the launch of the iPhone 4. It was, thanks to an unplanned early look, the most eagerly anticipated handset since the very first iPhone. They will also note that despite Antennagate, sales reached record numbers, that Apple is rumored to be ordering extras made to meet demand, and that even this columnist downplayed much of the controversy surrounding the iPhone 4's design flaw (at the risk of being labeled "fanboy").

The third quarter might prove to be wondrous for iPhone sales, but Android phones are selling out too, and besides, there has been a chilling effect. It's best measured by a survey from the research firm ChangeWave. The percent of "very satisfied" iPhone customers has fallen, from the 3GS's 82 percent to the iPhone 4's 72 percent. Twenty percent said the antenna on the iPhone 4 has caused them grief, but still, the biggest ding was the exclusive carrier deal. Twenty seven percent don't want to be forced to use AT&T, the bulk of those complainers citing coverage and quality of network.

Ultimately, this will have a serious impact on iPhone sales. The market research firm iSuppli just put out the most damning numbers: In terms of global smart phone market share, iPhones will peak at 15.9 percent in 2012, then fall to 15.3 percent two years later. Android will snatch 19.4 percent in two years, and keep on growing, hitting 22.8 percent in 2014. The firm's stated reason for the limited Apple growth? "While Apple’s family of iPhone products continues to be the standard by which all other smart phones are measured, the proprietary nature of the iOS and Apple’s closed system business model will limit the number of smart phones with the operating system." Meanwhile, "the flexibility Android offers for hardware designs and its appealing business model" is already luring in loads of eager hardware makers.

Deja vu
Sound familiar? Or maybe exactly like Windows vs. Mac, the decades-long personal computer battle? You know, the one that had one clear winner and one clear loser, at least in terms of market share? I'm hardly the first person to identify Android as the new Windows, and maybe that's something we can talk about in depth at another time. What's surprising to me is that Steve Jobs didn't see this coming, didn't see how too much control over the hardware supply might once again prevent him from grabbing the brass ring. A little control can be a good thing, but a chokehold, well, that's strangulation, brutha.

I'm not asking for authorized iPhone clones. God knows, nobody wants to relive the StarMax years. But I am saying that when one phone platform is available on all four carriers in a variety of shapes, sizes, software configurations and monthly plans, and the other — fashionable, sure, but no longer a league above — is tied to just the one carrier with the one pricing structure, good people who exercise sound judgment will be forced to pick the former, despite the latter's halo of awesomeness.

And when the halo of awesomeness starts shimmering less brightly, well, even people more susceptible to peer pressure and marketing will start looking elsewhere.

Catch up with Wilson on Twitter at @wjrothman.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38635041/from/RSS/38434500

Klaus

08-10-2010, 09:56 PM

Droid 2

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Klaus

08-12-2010, 10:41 AM

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/08/psp-mockupengadget.jpg

Exclusive: Sony Ericsson to introduce Android 3.0 gaming platform and PSP Go-like smartphone

There's no question that gaming on the Android platform has heretofore been relatively underwhelming, but that looks like it's all about to change. It seems that Sony Ericsson -- a company that has yet to even introduce an Android 2.0 device -- is at work on a project to redefine gaming on Google's mobile platform. We now know (via a trusted source) that the company is actively and heavily developing a brand new gaming platform, ecosystem, and device (possibly alongside Google) which are already in the late stages of planning. And we've got the goods on it.

Here's what we can tell you about the hardware: if you're a gaming fan, this is exactly the kind of phone you've been waiting for. The device is described as cross between the Samsung Captivate and the PSP Go -- in other words, it's a landscape slider with game controls in place of the typical QWERTY keyboard. The D-pad is here, but instead of the small joystick, the device will have what was described as a "long touch pad" for analog controls, along with standard PSP buttons and shoulder buttons. The phone has a large display, described as being between 3.7 and 4.1 inches with WVGA or better resolution, a 5 megapixel camera that we're told might not be final, and it'll likely have a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU on board. The phone is mostly black with some silver highlights, and the gamepad area is white / silver in color. Apparently it's currently branded as a Xperia device, but it looks like it will carry PlayStation branding as well. Those who've seen the phone say it looks "pretty damn sexy." The mockup above probably doesn't do the actual hardware justice, but it should give you an idea of what you'll be dealing with.

On the software side, it looks like the device will be running Gingerbread (Android 3.0) with a phone-specific skin, and there will be a new area of the Android Market specifically for the games. That content will be initially accessible only by the halo device, but from the sounds of things, these titles might be made available to other Android phones if their specs and button layouts meet requirements. Games will be graphically in the range of PSX or PSP games, meaning true 3D gaming is headed to Android. Titles currently being shown off seem to be focused around some older PSX as well as new PSP offerings, with God of War, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and LittleBigPlanet possibly on tap, and future plans for titles which incorporate augmented reality features.

In terms of release, it's possible that the phone and ecosystem could be introduced as early as October of this year, but we have yet to confirm.

Right now we're working on getting even more detail about the phone and partnership, but we can tell you now that this is not a random rumor -- we have reason to believe that what we've heard and seen is real and coming to market. It makes perfect sense in a way -- Google gets a much-needed push into the gaming and entertainment space for Android, while Sony (via its partnership with Ericsson) finally delivers the PlayStation phone users have been wanting. We see it as a major win for both companies and the consumer... and we always need another distraction. Stay tuned to this space for updates as we get them, and in the meantime, start socking away the pennies

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/exclusive-sony-ericsson-to-introduce-android-3-0-gaming-platfor/

Naya

08-12-2010, 04:40 PM

Sony Ericsson hasn't even released their damned Xperia X10 in the US yet. I don't even know if its out any place else ...

SE is really behind when it comes to releasing new technology. They start planning on super cool shit well before any other company does, but that's all they do. They sit on the plans for so long that other companies catch up, and then by the time SE starts developing, other companies are nearing releases of their products :-/

I hate SE now, after they lured me on about the Xperia X10 for over a year now. :(

Edit: Xperia X10 is out in the U.K. Look's like that's it.

Klaus

08-12-2010, 07:18 PM

Yes, this guy is quite gay but check out the new voice search options for 2.2....

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gGbYVvU0Z5s?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gGbYVvU0Z5s?fs=1&hl=en_US&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Speak any of these commands to perform a Voice Action on your phone:
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]
And of course, you can still con

Hauser

08-16-2010, 10:43 AM

The upcoming Sprint galaxy has a sliding keyboard as well as touch screen. October release? I might wait for it instead of an evo....

Klaus

08-16-2010, 10:47 AM

That's a really nice phone Hauser. Pre order now - it's available Aug 31.

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/SamsungEpic4Gopen-550x411.jpg

Sprint expands device leadership with the launch of Samsung Epic 4G, Debuting on Aug. 31; Sprint’s Galaxy S Smartphone Boasts Blazing 4G Speeds, QWERTY Keyboard and Brilliant Super AMOLED Touchscreen
New reservation system begins Aug. 13 for Samsung Epic 4G at www.sprint.com/epic4g
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Aug 12, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) –
The wait is almost over! Sprint (NYSE:S) today announced pricing and availability for America’s first 4G-capable phone with a full QWERTY keyboard and brilliant Super AMOLED touchscreen, Samsung Epic(TM) 4G, bringing customers an all-in-one device for staying connected, getting work done and enjoying the latest in entertainment while on-the-go. Samsung Epic 4G is the only 4G Galaxy S(TM) smartphone and the only one to offer a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Samsung Epic 4G will be available beginning Tuesday, Aug. 31, in all Sprint retail

Full Engadget Review here:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/16/epic-4g-review/

Klaus

08-17-2010, 09:28 AM

Can't anyone produce enough phones for a big launch these days....

Sprint’s Epic 4G Reservation Slots All Filled Up

by Quentyn Kennemer on August 16th, 2010

After a few days of being open for reservation from Sprint themselves, all of Sprint’s initial reservation slots for the Samsung Epic 4G have been filled up. You might still be able to try your luck at third party retailers such as Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Amazon, but don’t go in expecting to be guaranteed a device on day one as these things tend to go quick. Sprint’s site indicates that they won’t be taking names for more reservations before the device’s August 31st launch date, but you can still sign up to be notified when they’re back in stock once September 1st rolls around (or some time after that).

Aterdivus

08-30-2010, 05:06 PM

Just ordered the droid 2. Alot of people i work with have the LG Ally, which Amordiva is looking at. Anyone know anything about the Ally? worth getting her or is this a pass?

Klaus

08-30-2010, 09:59 PM

I would get a 2nd Droid 2 but the Ally is a decent mid range Android phone ($100 less then the D2). Should be fine for a new smartphone user.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Hauser

08-31-2010, 03:05 PM

I got the epic 4g. Took 20 minutes at the sprint store. Gotta mail in the 100 dollar rebate and they gave me 50 bucks for my bberry so worked out well...

Klaus

09-08-2010, 09:42 AM

Great Game:

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/angry-birds-550x360.png

http://phandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/angry-birds-qr.png

Klaus

09-08-2010, 09:45 AM

New Gmail available for Froyo users. I installed it and it is much faster etc.

http://rs391.rapidshare.com/files/417576112/Gmail.v.2.2.1.apk

If you’ve got an Android 2.2 (Froyo) smartphone in your pocket, then you have an application update for the included Gmail app awaiting you. A new version of Android’s built-in Gmail application has been found online, and while it’s not a big update, there are a couple of features you may like.

First off, this updated Gmail app may not be new for those who have been flashing custom ROMs onto their device, as the app has been loaded into many of them for some time now. For the rest of you, you’ll find that the new app has rearranged some existing features (like the “Reply” button), in order to make them more accessible. Instead of having to scroll down to the bottom of the message to reply, the option has been added to the top of the email. All you need to do is tap on the button at the top right of and a small menu — similar to the Quick Contact (introduced in Android 2.1) feature — will pop out and give you the option to reply, reply to all, or forward the message. This is the biggest change in the update as a whole, but the app is also faster overall, according to others.

Since I don’t have an Android 2.2 device, I can’t test the application for myself, so I’m just going on what I’ve heard from others. All you need is Froyo on your device, and there’s no need to be rooted. Just download the .apk file to your Android phone’s SD card, and install with a file manager, like Linda File Manager or something similar. This is just one of the many Google Applications that could really use some sprucing up. Let’s hope that there is another set of Google Applications for Android that will be released at some point soon.

We’re wondering if this particular version of the Gmail application will be included in the T-Mobile G2 when it comes out, as it’s the next Froyo-toting Android handset that will be released, supposedly.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/09/07/new-gmail-app-android-2-2-froyo/

Klaus

09-09-2010, 03:59 PM

Google Maps Update

Google Maps for Android just got itself a nice little update, blending the navigation feature with walking directions to create -- you guessed it -- "Walking Navigation." Now you'll get the same three-dimensional view with walking directions as you would in a car, only a little more pedestrian-friendly.

Separately, there's an update for the Street View on Google Maps app that adds "smart navigation," meaning you can tap and drag to make your way through city streets. Check out video of that after the break.

And finally, the Google Maps search bar has been refreshed, filtering results, showing prices with dollar signs and adding cross streets. Nice. [Google]

Naya

09-14-2010, 03:47 PM

For those that want Swype on Nexus One/Droid or HTC phones, follow the instructions here:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=687056

New co-worker has a Droid X phone. I saw him using Swype and thought it was the shit. Going to install and try it today.

Edit: Installed it supa easy, Swype is fun to use :D

Klaus

09-14-2010, 03:58 PM

I really liked it before an update broke the cracked version I was using. It really is the fastest text entry keyboard (hardware or software). You do need to force yourself to use it for awhile and not just be lazy and tap type. I still like the microphone button also on the standard keyboard - if you are alone its a really fast option.

Klaus

09-21-2010, 03:08 PM

We've always said the native Gmail app is one of the best parts of Android, and it just got even better: it now supports Priority Inbox, has a "show quoted text" button, and features a floating message actions toolbar like the browser-based mobile Gmail app. The bigger news, though, is that Google's releasing Gmail to Market directly, where it'll be a separate download that can be revved with new features independently of Android itself. That's a pretty great move, but if you're still waiting for Froyo you can't quite join this party yet -- the new app requires 2.2.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/09-21-10gmailapp.jpg

Cake

10-07-2010, 03:51 AM

I just got the epic 4G the other day from sprint, haven't rooted it yet but I am loving it so far. Gonna have to readup a bit on the tricks to proloning the battery, but im guessing it will be easy since 60% of my usage was display so im doing something wrong. Other than that no complaints so far :D

Klaus

10-07-2010, 09:45 AM

That's a really nice phone - Hauser has it also. Should get Froyo in the near future too.

Klaus

10-11-2010, 03:13 PM

Google released a update to the actually Market for phones not on 2.2 yet. It allows you to update all apps at once etc. A really nice feature that was only in Froyo until now.

Klaus

10-15-2010, 12:27 PM

http://images.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/getjar-twitter-angry-birds.jpg

You Angry Birds fans are crazy! GetJar now has the popular game by Rovio for Android, but most folks have had trouble getting a copy of the game this morning. Our own editors here at IntoMobile seem to be having issues as well, and GetJar has addressed the issue on Twitter and is working on it.

According to the mega app store, over 90,000 downloads hit the servers within seconds, causing a huge strain. Naturally, things are a little hectic right now and it may be a while before you Android users are able to grab Angry Birds.

One thing to consider, however, is whether or not this would have happened if the game was made available over Android Market instead of GetJar. What do you think?

Naya

10-18-2010, 12:29 PM

That's almost one of my favorite games on my phone ;)

Klaus

10-20-2010, 12:13 PM

Hauser you should do this mod on your phone....

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2407W5bIae8?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2407W5bIae8?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Cake

10-20-2010, 12:56 PM

I find his excessive use of dragon punch a little outrageous.

Klaus

10-28-2010, 03:41 PM

http://www.talkandroid.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/pcworld-top100.jpg

Klaus

11-03-2010, 02:28 PM

The update to the Android Facebook app that CEO Mark Zuckerberg detailed this morning is now live in the Android Market. New features include:

Groups - Share posts with small groups of friends.
Places - Share where you are with your friends, see where friends are, and discover places nearby.
Improved notifications - view comments and updates within the app.
Update in the Android Market, or hit up the download links after the break.

http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=150x150&chl=market://search%3Fq%3Dpname:com.facebook.katana

Klaus

11-04-2010, 02:26 PM

http://static.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/iPhone-BlackBerry-Android-csection-660x933.jpg

gigi

11-04-2010, 04:19 PM

Does anyone have sprint and has used the Evo HTC phone? I'm thinking of getting one of those as my next phone upgrade. What's slowing me down is the G4 area up here in the hills isn't that large of an area yet. So I'm just wondering if that phone on G3 and sometimes G4 coverage is worth it.

Klaus

11-04-2010, 05:15 PM

Straph, Ixidor, Naya (as you know them) all have the EVO. Hauser/Liger has the Epic 4G on Sprint.

gigi

11-04-2010, 06:22 PM

ok thanks :) i will wait and see what they say.

Klaus

11-10-2010, 10:33 AM

I downloaded this new Youtube Remote app last night and tried it with my laptop logged into www.youtube.com/leanback and I gotta say it's pretty handy if you use a computer hooked up to your bigscreen etc. Check it out.

YouTube Remote app released, controls Leanback on GTV or PC from your Android phone

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/11/youtuberemoteeng.jpg

We weren't completely in love with Google TV's YouTube Leanback experience when we gave the platform a run through, but that could change now that the YouTube Remote app has been released to the Android Market. Users pair the devices simply by signing into YouTube Leanback on the TV or PC and the app on the phone with the same account, then select a video on the phone and send it to the bigger screen with a press of a button. At least, that's how it should work. TechCrunch got a hands on with the new app and a new Topics sorting system for the site during a demo and found some potential, however trying it on one of our devices elicited a slew of crashes before we eventually got everything synced up and working. QR code's after the break so you can have a go of your own.

Update: Once we got everything rolling, we were able to get a better impression of the app. While it was a bit slow to open on our Galaxy S phone, once it is up, it worked smoothly, scrolling side to side through various queues of types of content and our favorites list. While the task of pulling up Leanback in a browser window or even on a Google TV device makes it ill-suited for viewing just one video at a time, where it excels is building a up a queue of videos and sending them over all at once. It will work on multiple screens at the same time as well, but there's no Airplay-style syncing to be had, if one of them starts to slow down or buffer it will simply continue lagging behind, and without any volume controls or ability to reach other functions, you'll still need to keep other remotes handy.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/11/youtuberemoteqr-code.jpg

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/09/youtube-remote-app-released-brings-android-phones-and-google-tvs/

Ender

11-10-2010, 01:09 PM

I like the Evo. Battery only lasts a day at most though, so you need to charge it every day. Not sure if the Epic is better in this category or not... Hauser could tell you.

Klaus

11-12-2010, 09:54 AM

Michelle just picked up a Samsung Fascinate to replace her waterlogged Droid Eris. Pretty badass phone - the Samsung Galaxy S line of phones are really nice. Super AMOLED screen, 1Ghz hummingbird processor, iPhone form factor, Android 2.1 yuck, 720P video recording, etc etc

http://i1.phonearena.com/images/phones/22336-specs/Samsung-Fascinate.jpg

Chadwick

11-12-2010, 12:13 PM

I like the EVO mainly because of the size, phones were getting way to small. The big touch screen is great. Android 2.2 with the new features including ActiveSync is fantastic for me as a small business guy. Blackberry was terrible in that arena. The voice recognition is really well done, and is great for use with google maps. Lots of other great features. Battery life is acceptable. Just gotta charge it every day, as long as you get used to plugging in your phone while you are at your desk at work and/or before you go to bed it is not a problem at all.

Klaus

11-12-2010, 01:23 PM

The EVO and Droid X size screen is starting to grow on me a bit. Rumor is Verizon is coming out with it's version of the HTC EVO (HTC Incredible HD) that will have a LTE (4G) antenna in it sometime in Q1 2011, I might look into that. I saw the Samsung Galaxy S 7 in tablet today at Best Buy, pretty cool large format Android device. I could see picking one up when the price drops..... a lot ($599).

http://images.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/samsungflagship1.jpg

Klaus

12-03-2010, 02:05 PM

Gameloft is running a promotion this month with a different free giveaway every day between now (well, technically the 1st) and Christmas. Yep, a Twitter advent calendar. If you’re not already following them on Twitter, you should start now.

So, the best news? Today and today only they are giving away a free copy of Dungeon Hunter HD for Android. This Diablo-esque game normally costs about five bucks, but today you can head over to Twitter (from your phone) for a link to download the game for free.

Be warned, though, that upon downloading and installing the .apk file, the game asks to download an additional 181MB to be stored on the SD card, so if you don’t have an unlimited data plan, it might be best to do that part on wifi.

Watch the trailer after the break, and hit the source link to download the game for yourself

http://www.talkandroid.com/22717-gameloft-giving-away-dungeon-hunter-hd-for-android-for-free-today-only/

Klaus

12-06-2010, 11:21 AM

Nexus S (gingerbread 2.3) announced. Why is it always T mobile that gets the cool phones.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lxUXulxE5o0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lxUXulxE5o0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/introducing-nexus-s-with-gingerbread.html

2.3 Intro
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jx3pdWBlZ34?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jx3pdWBlZ34?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Kyrillian

12-06-2010, 01:46 PM

Enjoy your exploding phones!

Klaus

12-06-2010, 01:48 PM

I don't think anyone that reads this forum has a Motorola D2 - so nothing to worry about.

Cake

12-06-2010, 06:42 PM

Haha, bout to try that 2.2.1 update for the Epic, bout effing time. Soon as i get this update everyone will probably be on 3.0.

Klaus

12-06-2010, 06:55 PM

Yeah Samsung really blew their 2.2 launch. Michelle has a fascinate on 2.1 still and that update isn't gonna happen until Jan-Feb. Awesome phones but they need to push their updates quicker..... it's that damn touch wiz UI that complicates the roll out. HTC phones are the same way with the Sense UI... takes longer.

You will like 2.2 so many enhancements. Make sure to update all your apps after you install. (and you can set them to auto update in 2.2 also)

Cake

12-06-2010, 07:19 PM

mmm this is a glorious update, soooo much faster. how do i set apps to auto update?

Klaus

12-06-2010, 07:30 PM

Goto the app in the market and there is an option at the top to auto update each one. If any permissions change (like a app version wanting access to your contacts when it hasn't before) it will make you do a manual update.

Cake

12-06-2010, 07:36 PM

Nice! anything else super new i should know or is it mostly an aesthetics and fluidity update?

Klaus

12-06-2010, 07:39 PM

Well its much faster and you get full FLASH (porn) support! Download flash 10.1 from the market... Here is the full list - been awhile since I was on 2.1.

Featured Enhancements

No Flash initially installed however you download it from the Android Market.
Wi-Fi tethering and Portable Hotspot!!!
Bluetooth Voice Dialing for hands-free calling while driving
Cloud to Device Messaging which allows you to send in the near future download Android Apps from the new Android Market; plus send Google Maps, YouTube videos, Webpage links, phone numbers, and text directly to Android Phones
Updated Google Search bar to include dropdown for All, Web, Apps or Contacts search. Plus choose which items are searchable… not just those previously mentioned yet specific apps; Messaging, Twitter, Music, etc.
Yes the is a “Move App to SD Card” feature, but developers have to update and enable this option for their apps to be installed to SD Card… sucks!
System, Hardware and Settings

There are now different color highlights for the trackball. Initially it would either do white or blue when using Bluetooth. Now any color can be used, typically set within apps if the feature is available.
I’m not sure what to call this memory, but usually when I kill apps using apps like Taskiller there is between 30-75MB of memory that can be freed up. Now it’s up to 218MB.
Phone and Browser quick launch are along side the app launcher.
Personalized search results saved to your Gmail profile.
Can allow offensive words in voice recognition settings.
Edge/3G: enable/disable data access over Mobile network.
Battery: sound when battery is low.
Multi-language stock keyboard.
Core Apps: Gmail, Contacts, Messaging, Facebook, Market, Talk, Car Home

Updated Market with auto-update settings, update all apps feature, and updated layout.
Updated Gmail app to finally include Previous/Next buttons when reading emails (shame that simple feature was just now implemented). Plus jump between accounts by tapping the email address in header versus pressing Menu button then tap Accounts. You can select/copy text from email, colored labels. Finally Android Apps (the APK files) can be installed from email attachment. The has now made one of my favorite work-around app obsolete… APKatcher
Finally no dark theme in Messaging & Google Talk apps, slight face lift.
Contacts with multiple similar calls grouped together which can be toggled to show more detail. Option to sort by last name, display last name first.
More Settings in Camera app; Focus Mode, Store location in photo metadata, White Balance options, toggle Flash, Zoom options. For Video; Color effects (Mono, Sepia, Negative, Posterize, etc), White Balance, toggle Flash, toggle Video Quality (even a custom setting for high quality for YouTube capped at 10 minutes).
New Car Home design.
Few Screenshots from Android 2.2:

Klaus

12-07-2010, 11:24 AM

Cake and Hauser sorry but Sprint released a statement that the 2.2 update file isn't the finished product.... If you have installed it everything should be fine and a new update will need to be applied in the future if not just wait.

What happens is Google hosts the update files for all phones with a strange random address. People sit and search all day for these web addresses with a bot etc. When they find one it's marked with what phone it's for and you can download it and force update. 9 our of 10 times its the official one - in this case it wasn't.

Klaus

12-08-2010, 11:15 AM

There is a new version of Swype out that includes the mic button from the stock keyboard (and it's red). If anyone would like it I might know where to find it ;) PM Me

Klaus

12-10-2010, 11:43 AM

I figured this was probably a case of a non exploding phone:

Earlier this month, we told you the story of a man in north Texas whose exploding Droid 2 sent him to the hospital, resulting in a blood splattered handset and a face full of stitches.

The man, Aron Embry, told the press, "Once I got to the mirror and saw it, it was only then I kind of looked at my phone and realized that the screen had appeared to burst outward." He showed off the phone, shattered and covered in blood, a pretty convincing sight as it appeared on the local news.

Things, however, may not be quite what they seem. We got word this morning from a Motorola employee involved with Droid development that the phone may not have exploded at all. The Droid 2 in question "was a phone that got dropped," the employee told PCMag. "[T]he guy didn't notice the glass had cracked [...]so when he put it to his ear, he cut himself."

http://www.gearlog.com/images/droid_2_blood.jpg

Klaus

12-16-2010, 12:55 PM

Google Maps 5.0

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAh4yiCzgKw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TAh4yiCzgKw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Explore maps in 3D
Until now, Google Maps has always downloaded the map as a set of small, square images that we stitch together to form the map you see. (You’ve probably seen those gray squares getting filled in, block-by-block, as the images load over the network.) Starting today, we’ll use vector graphics to dynamically draw the map on your device as you use it, allowing you to interact with it in new ways:
Tilting: Drag down with two fingers to tilt the map. Tilt while zoomed in on one of the 100+ cities around the world with 3D buildings to see a skyline spring to life.
Rotating: Twist with two fingers to rotate the map. After tilting to see 3D buildings, rotate around them to gain a new perspective from any direction.
Smooth zooming: Slide two fingers together or apart, and see the map and labels continuously scale to any zoom level, stopping when your fingers stop.
Compass mode: Center the map on your location, and then tap the compass button in the top right corner. The map will flip into 3D mode and start rotating to match your perspective, while still keeping all the labels upright and readable.
I found 3D buildings especially useful on a recent trip to New York. From my hotel to the Google office in Chelsea and bars on the Lower East Side, this richer representation of the real world made the map much more helpful. And whenever I walked out of a building or subway station, I used compass mode to get myself quickly oriented and on my way. Check out the video below to see tilt, rotation, zoom and compass mode in action, or see more

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7ZYqYi4xigk/TQo-iVyw3UI/AAAAAAAAHNY/slub2cT7Aw4/s400/image01.png

GMaps blog
http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/12/next-generation-of-mobile-maps.html

Klaus

02-02-2011, 03:28 PM

Online Android Market now live... Buy and install apps from your google account.

https://market.android.com/

Klaus

02-17-2011, 10:42 AM

I use my phone the most for traffic I think - this is awesome.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JzhC_lMtx9I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

03-07-2011, 01:36 PM

Google Navigation just added traffic to the alternate routes display and auto re-route due to traffic. Probably the feature I have wanted the most. I hope it works well.

http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/03/youve-got-better-things-to-do-than-wait.html

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzKYcr3ueLs/TXUPZbrO-HI/AAAAAAAAAPg/NBPOO2KR2hs/s400/mets2_clean.png

Before today, Navigation would choose whichever route was fastest, without taking current traffic conditions into account. It would also generate additional alternate directions, such as the shortest route or one that uses highways instead of side roads. Starting today, our routing algorithms will also apply our knowledge of current and historical traffic to select the fastest route from those alternates. That means that Navigation will automatically guide you along the best route given the current traffic conditions.

Klaus

03-29-2011, 09:29 AM

Amazon launched a "app store" this week for Android. Not really sure why the google one isn't good enough but now there are two. This week Amazon is giving away a app each day that would normally cost a few dollars. Today it's Angry Birds Seasons.

http://pocketnow.com/html/portal/news/0000015714//AngryBiordsSeasonsFreeAmazon.jpg

Amazon is committed to offering a different paid title for free every day on the newly launched Amazon Appstore and, if the Day-One premium title offered for free was the exclusive Angry Birds Rio, today we get another Rovio game!

From the insanely popular Angry Birds series, you can now have the Angry Birds Seasons premium game for no charge from the Amazon Appstore. You need to have the Android application for the Appstore installed and access the online market to claim your free copy for today. Meanwhile check out our first video look at Amazon's new software market.

MnWilly

03-29-2011, 11:52 AM

Let the open market throat slashing begin!!

Klaus

04-01-2011, 01:33 PM

TODAY ONLY WeatherBug Elite (Android) FREE, Apr. 1 8 AM

Amazon has the WeatherBug Elite Android App for FREE.
Offers live weather reports and forecasts, animated radar images, updates on conditions around the world, and much more.

Klaus

04-14-2011, 04:57 PM

Good news. Gingerbread is coming out soon for the EVO..... doesn't look like much has changed.

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D8J8rjQBx-8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Ender

05-03-2011, 07:36 PM

Does Gingerbread fix the fucking battery usage problem?

Klaus

05-07-2011, 11:24 PM

Not sure if there are battery tweaks.... HTC has decided it seems to sacrifice battery length for a slimmer device.

Klaus

05-10-2011, 11:20 AM

If anyone is bored at work like I am today. Tune into the google keynote that kicks off Google IO 2011. 11am (I guess it's pretty much 100% about Android this year)

http://www.google.com/events/io/2011/

Klaus

05-10-2011, 11:47 AM

Google Music. Beta request link

https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=sj&passive=1209600&continue=http://music.google.com/music/listen&followup=http://music.google.com/music/listen

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrNhKcxBbZo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

05-17-2011, 11:09 AM

Google Movies

https://market.android.com/movies

Ah poopy it's only for web viewing or Xoom tables currently. Coming to phones etc soon.

Klaus

06-02-2011, 12:14 PM

EVo owners;

HTC EVO™ 4G from Sprint will receive the Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, update through an over-the-air maintenance release beginning on Monday, June 6.

Sprint will send update notifications to users in waves. The notification will let users know the update is available and provide the simple two-step, over-the-air download instructions.

Users will receive a notification that Android 2.3 is available for download.

Once the user has downloaded the update, they will be prompted to install the update. The user will be notified that their device will be disabled during the installation process. The phone will be ready to use once the process completes.

Can't Wait Until June 6?

For those who just can’t wait to get Android 2.3, there will be an easy user initiated option to download the upgrade starting on Friday, June 3. To access the update – from the home screen/Menu/Settings/System updates/HTC software Update. This will initiate the upgrade process.

The software release upgrades HTC EVO 4G to Android 2.3, Gingerbread. This version of Android improves download management through the Downloads application, offering the user easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email or another application. It also fixes the devices ability to stream media through certain applications for the device.

Gingerbread restores HTC EVO 4G’s ability to sync multiple Gmail™ accounts, display email attachments in the email client and fixes battery discharge issues.

Ender

06-02-2011, 12:44 PM

I really hope the battery fix is actually significant this time.

Ender

06-03-2011, 05:03 PM

I installed the update at around noon. After installing, the battery was at about 1/2. Since then, I have noticed that it has decreased much slower than normal. It is at about 1/3 right now, but it is usually at 15% around this time of the day.

More observation is needed, though.

Klaus

06-03-2011, 05:18 PM

Any other changes?

Ender

06-06-2011, 09:15 AM

Nothing else really noticeable, except for a few icon changes.

The battery life is definitely improved though. I was up fishing on Mille Lacs this weekend and had it with me in the boat. Before, when you would travel and go through low signal areas, the cell standby would eat the battery up very quickly. That is not the case anymore. I had it off the charger at about 5am Sat morning, and it did not die until 10-11pm that night. And I had used it a bit for web browsing and a couple phone calls in low service areas.

The biggest uses of the battery now are the display and simply making phone calls or web browsing. Cell standby is usually 3rd or 4th on the list depending on how long your phone is idle. Before, cell standby was 1st by a lot.

For minimizing the display usage, I went into brightness and noticed it was turned back up all the way. I had it turned down some before, but the system update must have defaulted it back to max brightness. There is now an automatic brightness setting though, and I am trying that out. I think it adjusts the brightness based on time of day and what you are doing, but I am not sure exactly how it works. I may just end up setting it to 50% brightness instead.

Of course, animations should be turned off, and the display should be set to turn off after no more than 30 seconds.

Ender

06-06-2011, 09:36 AM

After reading more about auto-brightness, it sounds like it sucks. It uses a light sensor, which probably eats more power than it saves, and it apparently doesn't do a good job of picking the correct brightness setting.

I will just set it to a fixed reduced brightness. I found that about 1/3 on the scale still looks fine.

Klaus

06-06-2011, 09:39 AM

I don't like the auto brightness. I use the "power control" widget and just change between medium (inside at night) and high (outside) most of the time.

Ender

06-07-2011, 05:02 PM

Looks like I am getting around 16-18 hours of battery life. Much better than 8-10. 2x improvement in battery life.

Maybe I won't need to get a new phone soon after all.

Klaus

06-07-2011, 05:05 PM

Wow, I wonder what they did to "fix" the problem. All the phones with larger screens that HTC has released over the last year have had similar battery complaints. The Thunderbolt on Verizon is said to have the same issues AND it's a smaller battery compared to the Samsung and Moto Android phones. I still say get a extra battery for times when you can't be near a charger but I can see how not making it an entire day would be annoying.

Naya

06-27-2011, 02:05 PM

The problem I was having was that the Cell Standby was eating up the battery more than anything else. Not even the display usage could top what the Cell Standby did. The problem was that, when the phone was not getting a radio signal, it would constantly search for one until it picked it up again. I think this update resolved that, though I can't be sure. Now my Cell Standby battery usage is low, and the display is second, if not first.

Klaus

07-06-2011, 01:13 PM

Update to Google Navigation. Adding bus/train support.

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1NTXkd0dguQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

07-06-2011, 02:49 PM

Oh yeah and you can now download map data to your phone!

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vSgcNTZ0afg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

07-12-2011, 05:28 PM

New Market - adds games and books.

<iframe width="853" height="510" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5Pbo-d62ivY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

07-14-2011, 12:48 PM

My boss has the EVO 3D and I have been helping him set it up. Initially I wasn't impressed with the "3D" features on the phone. It just looked like all the icons etc were drawn in 3D and the sense 2 interface was nice but not really 3D..... But then I switched the camera to 3D (yes it has two lenses on the back to do photo and video in 3D) and took a photo. Holy shit glasses free 3D right on the screen. Looks amazing but there is a sweet spot right in front of the screen you need to be in.

Lyncher

08-01-2011, 05:07 PM

Can someone tell me how to root my phone so I can use it as a wifi tether? Klauso helped me before and it used to work fine, but no longer works for whatever reason. The last time I tried was last summer, so I assume it's just a program update.

Klaus

08-03-2011, 10:04 AM

I don't have a OG Droid anymore but it looks pretty simple.

http://androidforums.com/droid-all-things-root/25252-how-root-your-droid-non-linux-non-geeks.html

Klaus

12-06-2011, 11:41 AM

The Android Market has recently crossed the threshold of 10 billion downloads and in celebration of that momentous achievement Google has dropped the price on 10 of the top selling apps in the Market to the bargain price of just 10 cents a piece. The following apps are included in the deal or you can just hit the source link below to see them all on a single page.

Asphalt 6
Color & Draw for kids: phone ed
Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro
Field Runners HD
Great Little War Game
Minecraft Pocket Edition
Paper Camera
SketchBook Mobile
SoundHound
Swiftkey X Keyboard

Source (http://androidandme.com/2011/12/news/android-market-surpasses-10-billion-downloads-drops-10-popular-apps-to-10-cents/)

Klaus

12-08-2011, 09:36 AM

Todays list

Talking Tom Cat 2
ADWLauncher EX
TETRIS
Reckless Getaway
Can Knock Down 2
Homerun Battle 3D
Blue Skies Donation Wallpaper
Space Physics
Toki Tori
Kids Learn to Read (Preschool)

Klaus

12-09-2011, 09:09 AM

Day 4

Spirit HD
Shazam Encore
Sentinel 3: Homeworld
Farm Frenzy
Toddler Spanish
Need for Speed Shift
Jelly Defense
Game Dev Story
Baseball Superstars 2011
My Beach HD

Klaus

12-12-2011, 10:08 AM

Day 7

Beautiful Widgets <----Get this if you don't have HTC Sense
Block Breaker 3
Blow Up
Doodle Jump
Flight Control MIKE get for abby ;)
Flick Soccer
Roll in the Hole (International)
Sound Hound
Super KO Boxing 2
When I Get Bigger

Klaus

12-13-2011, 09:33 AM

Day 8

FlightTrack
HD Widgets
Instant Heart Rate – Pro
Where’s My Water
Train Conductor 2: USA
Shazam Encore
Flick Golf!
Christmas HD
SlideIT Keyboard
SketchBook Mobile

Klaus

12-16-2011, 10:17 AM

Purchased the Galaxy Nexus (Samsung) yesterday and so far I really like the new version 4.0 of Android (Ice Cream Sandwich). As a Android Tablet owner the new UI is a blend of the tablet UI (Honeycomb) and new phone features. There are no physical buttons required anymore - everything (buttons) is on screen now. I use my phone for navigation every morning and this allows the buttons to move to the side when I put the phone in my car mount which is pretty cool. This phone is huge at over 4.5in but I really prefer a large phone for navigation etc, the Incredible was under 3.5in and hard to see. I am a huge fan of Samsung's screens (HD Super AMOLED) and @ 720×1280 it's the same pixel density as the iPhone 4.

4G LTE is FAST on Verizon. I speed tested at 10-15Mb down and up with 4/5 bars of 4G signal.

http://zapp5.staticworld.net/images/article/2011/12/galaxy_nexus_iphone_606-6210101.jpg

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1DpwwLgj_hM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

02-07-2012, 01:19 PM

Google Chrome beta. Only for 4.0 devices so far. I tried it and it's a pretty awesome browser. Sync with desktop is really nice. I still like Dolphin HD as my everyday mobile browser.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lVjw7n_U37A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

02-13-2012, 12:39 PM

Cheesy as shit but I tried the Indoor Google Mapping at MOA a few weeks ago and it does work pretty good. Not sure how they do it with no view of the sky..... must be wifi triangulation.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2DdEjaJHRyA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Klaus

03-06-2012, 02:26 PM

Google renamed the "marketplace" today to Google Play (yuck). But they are giving everyone a reach around with cheap apps today...

How do you soften the blow of upending everything users are familiar with and introducing a totally new app and media download store? Offer some great deals to go along with it. Along with the “7 Days to Play” promotion, Google has slashed the price on a selection of games and applications including popular titles Shadowgun, Osmos HD, Sprinkle, and World of Goo. Each is now priced at a bargain $0.49 for a limited time.
That’s not all, though. Here is a full list of other titles included in the sale:

World of Goo
Jamie’s 20 Minute Meals
SHADOWGUN
Osmos HD
TuneIn Radio Pro
I Just Forgot - Little Critter
Sprinkle
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit
Asphalt 6: Adrenaline
Dead Space
Business Calendar
SoundHound ∞
mSecure - Password Manager
NFL Flick Quarterback
N.O.V.A. 2
Quell Reflect
Endomondo Sports Tracker Pro
Flick Golf Extreme
They Need To Be Fed
Paper Camera
ZOOKEEPER DX TouchEdition
SwiftKey X Keyboard
Camera ZOOM FX
It’s Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Pocket League Story
Sniper Vs Sniper: Online
Colosseum
Homerun Battle 3D
You really can’t beat that. I think I’m

Link (http://phandroid.com/2012/03/06/huge-sale-kicks-off-google-play-tons-of-great-apps-and-games-for-only-0-49/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

Chadwick

03-21-2012, 04:50 PM

Placing this here for my future reference:

Fix for Android to Exchange Activesync Problem where Phone will not push calendar items to Exchange.

First be sure when entering Items on phone to select exchange as the sync account for the item...

1. Delete Activesync account on phone
2. On phone: "Menu", "Settings", "Applications", "Manage Apps", "All" Tab....Delete ALL calendar data (up to 3 different flavors of applications).
3. Close all apps and restart phone
4. Add activesync account back in to phone.

If this does not work. Do all of the above except after data has been deleted and before adding the account back to the phone categorize all calender items in outlook on desktop, wait for server sync, then uncategorize all items.

Klaus

03-22-2012, 11:29 AM

Good info. I am sure I will need it someday. We just upgraded to Exchange 2010 and all our Android phones have been working flawlessly (unlike on 2000).

Klaus

04-03-2012, 12:25 PM

One of the last iPhone only apps had been released for Android (the largest mobile platform currently)....... So if you want to take your 8-12 megapixel photos and make them look like cheap old weathered 70's film prints here you go....

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instagram.android

Eric

04-18-2012, 01:59 PM

I was at a conference last week and they were discussing how smartphones are changing the world (durr) but there were some interesting theories.

First, they discussed a future where we don't have an actual phone at our desks because our smartphones will seamlessly bounce networks. Meaning when you're close to your office, your smartphone becomes your office phone number (but will still ring when someone dials your mobile number), and when you walk outside it switches to the 3G or 4G (or whatever) network. Once you get home (or to any wifi) it associates with your that wifi and then all office calls get routed to your smartphone (if you want this). The cool part about this is that your unified communication (UC) and presence will actually show not just the "dumb ball" (green = available, yellow = away, red = unavailable, etc.) but also an icon to show that you're either in the office, travelling, at home, etc. Anyway, theory #1: smartphones are eliminating deskphones.

And yes, you Droid guys can rejoice in the 50% share that you have, 30% iphone, 15% BlackBerry, and (lol) 5% Windows Phone. The publisher of CIO Magazine joked "Every SmartPhone user is a mobile user, and 95% of people have SmartPhones now, so that means everyone is a mobile user".

Oh and another shot at Microsoft: apparently now that M$ bought Skype they're trying to really push the whole Softphone, where your computer is your phone. A different panelist joked "Softphones? Someone should tell Microsoft that Softphones died 10 years ago. When I walk away from my desk am I supposed to carry my laptop around with me?"

Another big idea behind not having a desk phone is only having 1 business phone number. None of this "Here's my office line, and my cell phone, and my home phone, and my boat phone and my cabin phone..." That way you don't have to give anyone your actual mobile number, and changing your mobile number isn't a big deal since all of your business contacts only call 1 number to reach you. Makes sense, especially for sales guys. Also, if a sales guy leaves the company and all of his clients are calling his cell phone instead of his office number, you can imagine the negatives with that. If a sales guy leaves the company, I can simply route all of his calls to his replacement and not lose business.

Theory #2 that I got a kick out of is the idea that someday the tablet will be replacing the workstation. Meaning, you walk into your desk and all that's sitting there is a docking station. You either pull out a bluetooth/wireless keyboard or (hopefully) they have some sort of keyboard solution that projects to your desk (or something fancier hopefully!). With the current tablet solutions that are available I don't see it happening yet, but the interesting theory was this: when you think of tablets, who do you think of? Apple and Google. If the workstation is being replaced by tablets, and the producers of the OS of the tablets are Apple and Google, where does that leave Micro$oft? Hence, Windows 8, Windows Tablets this year, etc. Could this be where Microsoft finally stops being the dominant OS? Again, I see tablets being huge for convenience and travel, but for "work" I think people still need workstations.

Theory #3 was that Unified Communications, Presence, Instant Messaging and Text Messaging will eventually replace email. I chuckled when I heard it but the reasoning here is that this is how "young" people who are entering the workplace communicate. Email is old, expensive, slow, and antiquated technology. These young professionals don't email, they chat, im, text, Facebook message, status updates, Tweet, etc. If companies want to entice the young talent, they'll want to evolve and start using the tech that they are using. I chuckled, but meanwhile I'm rolling out Lync 2010 this year, just rolled out a new IP phone system that has presence on it last year, and plan to do more with collaboration/UC/IM in the future.

Final buzzword of this conference was BYOD. Bring Your Own Device is getting huge, as IT organizations really only need to support the Android and iOS operating systems since BlackBerry/RIM will be completely out of the smartphone game in a couple years. That one took me by surprise since 100% of our business smartphones are BlackBerries (our parent company won't allow Droid or iPhone compatibility). We're set to disconnect from our parent company's network in the next 12 months, so I'll be supporting iPhones and Droid, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to allow people to just walk in and say "Hey, I just bought this phone, let me get my mail and calendar on it." Then again, the joke was that iPads weren't allowed in the environment until last Christmas when the CEO walked in and said "Hey look what the wife bought me, can I get my mail on it?"

Anyway, some interesting stuff! (Well interesting to me anyway!)