Friday, February 25, 2011

Android Community

Android Community

Visual VoiceMail Pulled from Android Market Due to Terms of Service Violation

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 10:59 AM PST

In an action that at first has appeared to be a move by Google to send a message to developers that it doesn’t want in-app payments to be processed outside of Google Checkout, popular app Visual VoiceMail has been pulled from the Android Marketplace. This app has around one million downloads at the moment, thusly it’s begun to garner some attention from users. The particular articles it seems to have not followed as closely as it should have are inside section 3.3 of the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement, covering pricing and payments.

In the section in question, Google notes that “If you want to collect fees after the free trial expires, you must collect all fees for the full version of the Product through the Payment Processor on the Market. In this Agreement, "free" means there are no charges or fees of any kind for use of the Product. All fees received by Developers for Products distributed via the Market must be processed by the Market's Payment Processor.” Jonathan Hollander, EVP of PhoneFusion, the group that puts out Visual VoiceMail, is confused at how the app has just been taken down now since the app has not gone through any major changes anytime recently save for a tiny bug fix a couple weeks ago.

Visual VoiceMail is one of the wide array of Android apps that is free to download but requires in-app payments for certain actions. For Visual VoiceMail, those actions are “premium” options like voicemail transcription, the ability to receive faxes through a dedicated number, and ad-free service. PhoneFusion accepts payments via its own website in a manner very similar to how Amazon links to its own site to process Kindle app payments.

Google has released a statement on the subject, saying that they “remove applications from Android Market that violate our terms of service,” pointing questioners toward the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement and Android Market Developer Program Policies. Is this the same sort of situation that got Kongregate in trouble all those weeks ago?

The striking thing about this whole situation, or one of the striking things, is that PhoneFusion was given no warning by Google that its app would be pulled, nor did Google let them know the specific information about the violations incurred. Hollander notes the following: There was no warning that they're going to enforce this, which make it worse than Apple. Even if you disagree with Apple, they gave until June to remove their apps. Here, there's no choice." He’s of course referring to Apple’s recent guideline change on similar matters. Is Google being too harsh?

[via Business Insider]

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T-Mobile reports $4.69 Billion in Revenue, Still loosing subscribers

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 10:33 AM PST

Over at T-Mobile USA they may have one of the best and fastest 4G networks and download speeds. With data ARPUs rising faster than any US rival, but the carrier is still losing users. That and we can’t forget they have the beautiful brunette Carly that does T-Mobile Commercials, that has to count for something right. This year the carrier saw 33.73m subscribers in Q4 2010, according to some even newer figures released today, down from 33.76m in Q3 2010 and 33.79m year-on-year. T-Mobile did mention that one of the larger shifts was with On-Contract subscribers, down a massive 318,000 – over 5x greater than in the previous three month period. That is a pretty big drop. although the pre-pay customers are up from Q3, while still being way down from T-Mobiles pre-pay figures for 2009.

"High contract churn and significant contract customer losses in the fourth quarter of 2010 indicate that we still have a fair amount of work ahead of us" Philipp Humm, President and CEO of T-Mobile USA says, warning that "any turnaround will take time."

T-Mobile did mention that the competitive smartphone market was part to blame, that and more people were switching to smartphones rather than regular phones and that also drives costs up for T-Mo with subsidies. With the increase in smartphone sales they saw a 0.9% rise to $4.69 Billion in Revenue. That brings us to the “Make it Rain” image above.

Press Release:

T-MOBILE USA REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER 2010 RESULTS

Service revenues in the fourth quarter of 2010 at $4.69 billion, up 0.9% compared to the fourth quarter of 2009
Blended data ARPU of $12.80 in the fourth quarter of 2010, up 25.5% from the fourth quarter of 2009
8.2 million customers using 3G/4G smartphones as of the fourth quarter, a net increase of 1 million customers in the fourth quarter of 2010
OIBDA of $1.34 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010 was comparable to $1.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009
America's largest 4G network: T-Mobile USA's national HSPA+ network now covers 200 million people delivering 4G speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., February 25, 2011 — T-Mobile USA, Inc. ("T-Mobile USA") today reported fourth quarter of 2010 results. In the fourth quarter of 2010, T-Mobile USA reported service revenues of $4.69 billion compared to $4.65 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009, and OIBDA of $1.34 billion compared to $1.38 billion reported in the fourth quarter of 2009. The number of customers using smartphones continued to increase significantly during the quarter, driving growth in blended data ARPU. Blended data ARPU in the fourth quarter of 2010 was $12.80, up 25.5% from the fourth quarter of 2009. Net customer losses were 23,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to 371,000 net customer additions in the fourth quarter of 2009.

"Our service revenues increased year-on-year in the fourth quarter. Data ARPU growth rates are outperforming our main competitors as we leverage our 4G network and provide rich and compelling smartphones and data plans. However, high contract churn and significant contract customer losses in the fourth quarter of 2010 indicate that we still have a fair amount of work ahead of us and that any turnaround will take time. With the ongoing implementation of our challenger strategy we are laying the foundation for improved performance going forward," said Philipp Humm, President and CEO of T-Mobile USA.

"I am pleased with the increase in smartphone adoption and our ongoing improvement in data ARPU. Data growth in the U.S. mobile market continues to accelerate and with the largest 4G network T-Mobile USA is well-positioned to differentiate itself and grow consumer usage. We are not satisfied with contract churn, but we expect that the measures presented at the T-Mobile USA Investor Day in January will lead to improvements in 2011," said René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom.

Customers
T-Mobile USA served 33.73 million customers (as defined in Note 3 to the Selected Data, below) at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010, down from 33.76 million at the end of the third quarter of 2010 and 33.79 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009.
In the fourth quarter of 2010, net customer losses were 23,000, compared to net additions of 137,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and 371,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Contract customers were the primary driver for the sequential and year-on-year change in net customers.
Contract net customer losses were 318,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to 60,000 net contract customer losses in the third quarter of 2010, and 117,000 net contract customer losses in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Sequentially and year-on-year, the decline in net contract customers was driven primarily by fewer contract gross customer additions. Traditional postpay gross customer additions decreased in the fourth quarter of 2010 driven primarily by revised credit standards and competitive intensity. FlexPaySM contract gross customer additions also decreased related to competitive intensity.
Connected device net customer additions, included within contract customers (as defined in Note 3 to the Selected Data, below), were lower in the fourth quarter of 2010 than in the third quarter of 2010 and now total 1.9 million at December 31, 2010.
Prepaid net customer additions, including MVNO customers (as defined in Note 3 to the Selected Data, below), were 295,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to 197,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and 488,000 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
MVNO customer additions were the primary driver of prepaid net customer additions. MVNO customers totaled 2.8 million at December 31, 2010.
Year-on-year, FlexPay No-Contract net customer losses were the primary reason for the decrease in prepaid net customer additions.

Churn
Blended churn (as defined in Note 2 to the Selected Data, below), including both contract and prepaid customers, was 3.6% in the fourth quarter of 2010, up from 3.4% in the third quarter of 2010 and 3.3% in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The sequential and year-on-year increase was driven primarily by prepaid churn.
Contract churn was 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010, up from 2.4% in the third quarter of 2010 and consistent with the fourth quarter of 2009.
The sequential increase in contract churn was due primarily to higher churn of connected devices in the fourth quarter of 2010 and competitive intensity.
Prepaid churn increased in the fourth quarter of 2010 to 7.5% from 7.2% in the third quarter of 2010 and 6.8% in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The sequential and year-on-year increase in prepaid churn was driven primarily by MVNO customers.

OIBDA and Net Income
T-Mobile USA reported OIBDA (as defined in Note 6 to the Selected Data, below) of $1.34 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with $1.32 billion in the third quarter of 2010 and $1.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, OIBDA decreased slightly due primarily to a higher equipment subsidy loss from more customers upgrading to smartphones (as defined in Note 11 to the Selected Data, below).
OIBDA margin (as defined in Note 7 to the Selected Data, below) was 29% in the fourth quarter of 2010, up from 28% in the third quarter of 2010 but down from 30% in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Net income in the fourth quarter of 2010 was $268 million, compared to $320 million in the third quarter of 2010 and $306 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Revenue
Service revenues (as defined in Note 1 to the Selected Data, below) were $4.69 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with $4.71 billion in the third quarter of 2010 and up slightly from $4.65 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Service revenues in the fourth quarter of 2010 were positively impacted by data revenue growth, driven by the adoption of mobile broadband data plans, the revenue contribution from providing handset insurance services, and higher prepaid revenues from the growth of unlimited usage plans. In the fourth quarter of 2010, T-Mobile USA began directly providing handset insurance services which had previously been provided by a third party.
Year-on-year, quarterly service revenues increased due primarily to data revenue growth and from directly providing handset insurance services which more than offset voice revenue declines. The 0.9% increase in quarterly service revenues year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2010 was an improvement from the 0.5% year-on-year decrease in the third quarter of 2010.
Total revenues, including service, equipment, and other revenues were $5.36 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with $5.35 billion in the third quarter of 2010 but down slightly from $5.41 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Equipment revenues decreased year-on-year due primarily to lower sales volumes.

ARPU
Blended Average Revenue Per User ("ARPU" as defined in Note 1 to the Selected Data, below) was $46 in the fourth quarter of 2010, down slightly from $47 in the third quarter of 2010 but consistent with the fourth quarter of 2009.
Contract ARPU was $52 in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with the third quarter of 2010 and up slightly from $51 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Year-on-year contract ARPU increased as data revenue growth and handset insurance revenues more than offset lower voice revenue.
Prepaid ARPU was $19 in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with the third quarter of 2010 and up from $18 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The increase in prepaid ARPU compared to the fourth quarter of 2009 was due primarily to the growth of customers on unlimited usage plans.
Data service revenues (as defined in Note 1 to the Selected Data, below) were $1.29 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010, up 25% from the fourth quarter of 2009. Data service revenues in the fourth quarter of 2010 represented 28% of blended ARPU, or $12.80 per customer, up from 27% of blended ARPU, or $12.40 per customer in the third quarter of 2010, and 22% of blended ARPU, or $10.20 per customer in the fourth quarter of 2009.
8.2 million customers were using smartphones enabled for the T-Mobile USA UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ network (as defined in Note 11 to the Selected Data, below) such as the T-Mobile® myTouch® 4G, T-Mobile G2TM with GoogleTM and the Samsung VibrantTM at the end of the fourth quarter of 2010. This was a net increase of 14% or 1 million customers using smartphones from the third quarter of 2010 and more than double the 3.9 million customers as of the fourth quarter of 2009. 3G/4G smartphone customers now account for 24% of total customers, up from 21% in the third quarter of 2010 and 12% in the fourth quarter of 2009.
While messaging continues to be a significant component of blended data ARPU, the increase in the number of customers using smartphones and the continued upgrade of the network are driving Internet access revenue growth with the increasing adoption of mobile broadband data plans.

CPGA and CCPU
The average cost of acquiring a customer, Cost Per Gross Add ("CPGA" as defined in Note 5 to the Selected Data, below) was $290 in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with the third quarter of 2010 but down from $300 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Year-on-year, CPGA decreased in the fourth quarter of 2010 due primarily to the shift in customer base towards MVNO customers and connected devices.
The average cash cost of serving customers, Cash Cost Per User ("CCPU" as defined in Note 4 to the Selected Data, below), was $24 per customer per month in the fourth quarter of 2010, consistent with the third quarter of 2010 and up from $22 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Year-on-year, CCPU was higher due primarily to a higher equipment subsidy loss as more customers upgraded to smartphones and the cost of directly providing handset insurance services.

Capital Expenditures
Cash capital expenditures (as defined in Note 8 to the Selected Data, below) were $2.8 billion in 2010, compared to $3.7 billion in 2009.
The primary reason for lower cash capital expenditures relates to the 2009 build-out of the national UMTS/HSPA network. In 2010 cash capital expenditures were driven by continued network investment including coverage expansion and the upgrade to HSPA+.
Cash capital expenditures were $828 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared to $643 million in the third quarter of 2010 and $697 million in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Sequentially, the increase in cash capital expenditures was due primarily to the build out of the network, including new cell sites and the HSPA+-enabled 4G network upgrade (as defined in Note 10 to the Selected Data, below). With the latest expansion, T-Mobile USA's 4G network is available in more than 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching 200 million people at the end of 2010.
Year-on-year, the increase in cash capital expenditures was due primarily to payment timing differences.

T-Mobile USA Recent Highlights
On January 20, 2011 T-Mobile USA and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) revealed the Galaxy S™ 4G. Powered by Android™ 2.2, the Galaxy S 4G is T-Mobile USA's first smartphone capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps, delivering rich entertainment experiences on T-Mobile USA's 4G network (previous 4G smartphones, such as the myTouch 4G and the G2, were enabled for 14.4 Mbps). The Samsung Galaxy S 4G is exclusive to T-Mobile USA and went on sale on February 23.
On February 1, 2011 T-Mobile USA announced that it will introduce the T-Mobile Global for BusinessTM plan, a unique approach to international voice and data roaming that reinforces the company's commitment to support multinational corporations, as well as government agencies and U.S. enterprises conducting business internationally.
On February 2, 2011 T-Mobile USA and LG Mobile Phones unveiled their Android™ 3.0 (Honeycomb)-powered tablet, the T-Mobile® G-Slate™ with Google™ by LG. With a brilliant, high-definition (8.9-inch, 3D-capable multi-touch display, the T-Mobile G-Slate delivers a groundbreaking mobile entertainment experience, including the ability to record 3D and full HD video. The tablet is expected to be available this spring. T-Mobile USA's 4G network, America's largest 4G network™, is currently available in more than 100 major metropolitan areas, reaching 200 million people nationwide. With aggressive plans to expand and double the speed of its 4G network in 2011, T-Mobile USA expects that 140 million Americans in 25 major metropolitan areas will have access to increased 4G speeds (HSPA+ 42 Mbps) by mid-year 2011.
On February 3, 2011 T-Mobile USA was awarded the highest ranking for the second consecutive time (and the 11th time in the last 13 surveys) in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Wireless Customer Care Performance StudySM — Volume 1.
On February 17, 2011 T-Mobile USA continued its streak of recognition for excellence in customer satisfaction with the fourth consecutive highest ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 Wireless Retail Sales Satisfaction StudySM— Volume 1 results. T‑Mobile USA ranked not only highest overall, but the highest in each area for which the study measured customer satisfaction.

T-Mobile USA is the U.S. wireless operation of Deutsche Telekom AG (OTCQX: DTEGY). In order to provide comparability with the results of other US wireless carriers, all financial amounts are in US dollars and are based on accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). T-Mobile USA results are included in the consolidated results of Deutsche Telekom, but differ from the information contained herein as Deutsche Telekom reports financial results in Euros and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, the information provided in accordance with GAAP. Reconciliations from the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are provided below following Selected Data and the financial statements.

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Android Virus Alert! SW.SecurePhone and SW.Qieting in the background

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:55 AM PST

Attention Android Users, looks like we may have another small virus issue at hand. Reports like this have came out before. Whether you think phones can get viruses or not. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Our mobile phone Anti-Virus friends over at NetQin Mobile have spotted not one, but two issues that need to be brought to everyone’s attention. NetQin said they have found two Malicious Viruses stemming from apps that come from the dark alley side of the Android Market.

According the NetQin, both viruses will sit idle in the background on your phone and collect private data that will then be stored on the SD card and uploaded to a remote server elsewhere every few minutes. Not displaying any type of Icon, or running task or anything. This could be a huge compromise and leak of your private data. From banking info, to contacts, and messages. Something most users can agree on is very unwanted. The SW.SecurePhone bug appears to be spread primarily through Internet downloads in the United States. Then the next sounds even worse. The SW.Qieting bug. This sneaky little bugger happens to be auto-forwarding all messages received to a “monitoring phone”. Same as above with no warning, icon, or task being shown as running. As always with installing apps. If it’s not a big developer or something new I find it’s always best to read the comments and make sure of what I’m about to install. For those worried, AC to the rescue. Here is a few Anti-Virus options for all your security needs. Last two are some bigger names from the PC world.

NetQin Mobile Security
Kaspersky Mobile 9
last but not least Trend-Micro Mobile Anti-Virus

[via i4U]

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HTC Desire line to get Gingerbread update along with Incredible S

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:53 AM PST

HTC has confirmed rumors first heard at Mobile World Congress that they will phasing in a Gingerbread update to all Desire headsets starting with the HTC Desire HD and Z. The update, which will also include the Droid Incredible S, is scheduled to roll out in the second quarter of this year. There’s no news if rumors of the HTC Desire being the last to get Gingerbread sometimes in the fall, but executives have confirmed that the Desire will be part of the quarter 2 rollout.

“We are excited to announce that the Desire HD, Desire Z, Desire and Incredible S will received the Gingerbread update in Q2, ” stated an HTC executive.

Originally launched last fall with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and HTC’s Sense overlay, both the HTC Desire HD and Desire Z have 4.3″ screens, with an 8MP rear facing camera for the Desire HD, while the Desire Z gets a 5MP model. Both are capable of 720p HD recording. The Desire Z also sports a flip out QWERTY keyboard. The Droid Incredible S, by comparison, has

HTC Desire HD:

HTC Desire Z:

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USA Today launches a honeycomb of an app

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:38 AM PST

First it was The Daily. Then came Sports Illustrated. And now USA Today has tossed it’s hat into the newspaper app ring with a new USA Today app specifically built from the ground up for Android 3 (Honeycomb) and the Motorola Xoom. Along with the graphics and color photos that grabbed America’s attention, USA Today’s coverage has gone interactive with the latest news, sports, weather and stock quotes. In addition, thanks to the always on nature of the app, users will get news as it breaks, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"We're excited to have the USA TODAY App launch along with the Motorola Xoom," said Dave Hunke, president and publisher, USA TODAY. "Powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb, we've created a fast, friendly interface that users have come to expect from USA TODAY."

Founded in 1982 as the nation’s first daily newspaper, USA Today has always been known for it’s brilliant color photographs and informative graphics. The newspaper continued to grow to an average print circulation of 1.8 million newspapers daily. USAToday.com, launched in 1995, reaches nearly 3 times their newspaper circulation, and their mobile applications have been downloaded over seven million times. The new USA TODAY is now available on major platforms and devices including iPhone, Android, iPad, Google TV, the Chrome Web Store and Windows-based slate PCs.

News for Release

USA TODAY LAUNCHES ANDROID 3.0 APP FOR MOTOROLA XOOM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2011

McLean, Va. – USA TODAY, the nation's top-selling print newspaper, today announced the USA TODAY Android 3.0 App for Motorola Xoom is now available.

The App features the signature look and design that readers have come to trust from USA TODAY providing them with eye catching photos and graphics while delivering the latest award-winning USA TODAY content in a convenient interactive package. The USA TODAY App has all the latest news, sports scores, weather, stock quotes and photos available.

"We're excited to have the USA TODAY App launch along with the Motorola Xoom," said Dave Hunke, president and publisher, USA TODAY. "Users will receive news as it breaks, 24 hours, 7 days a week, as well as photos, weather, stocks and sports scores. Powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb, we've created a fast, friendly interface that users have come to expect from USA TODAY."

USA TODAY is now available on major platforms and devices including iPhone, Android, iPad, Google TV, the Chrome Web Store and Windows-based slate PCs.

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company. Founded in 1982, USA TODAY's mission is to serve as a forum for better understanding and unity to help make the USA truly one nation. Today, through its newspaper, website and mobile platforms, USA TODAY connects readers and engages the national conversation. USA TODAY, the nation’s number one newspaper in print circulation with an average of more than 1.8 million daily, and USATODAY.com, an award-winning newspaper website launched in 1995, reach a combined 5.9 million readers daily. USA TODAY is a leader in mobile applications with more than seven million downloads on mobile devices. The USA TODAY brand also includes USA TODAY Education and USA TODAY Sports Weekly. USA TODAY is owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI).

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Samsung Italy to Release 2.2.1 for Galaxy S, Bada 1.2 for Wave

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:13 AM PST

Just like most the other Galaxy S offerings from Samsung in the U.S. lately, Samsung Italy will also be getting Android 2.2.1 on all the devices. Today on Samsung’s facebook page they have published a little update about both the Galaxy S Italy, and the Wave with the Samsung Bada OS.

According to Samsung. The Galaxy S line will be updated to Android 2.2.1 by March 10th. Same goes for the Bada OS. It will be getting a firmware upgrade to v1.2 at the same time frame. If you’re a fan of Samsung I might as well link you to the beautiful Galaxy S II Hands-On while you are here so you can start to feel the itch to upgrade just like I am.

As usual, the upgrade will most likely be available with Kies.

[via Samsung Hub]

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Google Places opens up new features

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 09:10 AM PST

Google Places has added some extra search features which will make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for when they’re on the go. Under the Places tab, there’s now an option to show only businesses that are open now. That’s sure to come in handy for a late night snack after an evening of clubbin’. Users can also serach by star ratings and even distance, so, if users are at the movies and want to grab a good burger, Places can now help with that.

Other additions include the addition of storefront images, user reviews, and easier to press buttons to view the map or call the business directly. Places will also post hours of operation. The new local search feature is available on both Android and iPhone devices and can be accessed by going to www.google.com and pressing the “Places” link at the top of the page to search.

[via Google Blog]

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HTC Merge Officially Announced

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 08:55 AM PST

We’ve all seen it, it’s been leaked more than a few times. Now it’s official, HTC has just announced the HTC Merge. They have announced it as a Beautiful, Powerful, and Feature-Rich device coming to “multiple” North American carriers starting in Spring 2011. We have known about this phone for a while now and I’m sure many are eager to get some hands on with it. After all it looks to be HTC’s answer to the Motorola Droid Verizon was so successful with.

If you’re like us and follow leaks you’ll probably remember this phone as the HTC Lexikon as it was called when it first leaked. Here’s also more info on this device being found on the Verizon Website. This Android 2.2, HTC Sense UI wielding, 3.8″ Display, 5MP Camera with a full Slide-out QWERTY keyboard phone is sure to get a few excited over at Verizon. HTC also mentions that this is HTC’s first CDMA World Phone.

[via PRnewswire]

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HTC Inspire 4G Source Released by Dev Center Aside Gratia, Droid Eris

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 08:45 AM PST

Those of you who love to peek at the insides of the phones before and after you’ve actually got the devices in your hands, your time is now, again! Having just released the Kernel Source Codes and Binaries for mtTouch 4G, Desire HD, Aria, and Desire Z a mere three days ago, the HTC Developer Center now sends out the sources of Droid Eris, Gratia, and our current in-pocket favorite, HTC Inspire 4G. Bigtime insides for all of the hacking and peeking at.

As you’ll soon be discovering, the HTC Gratia is a 2.6.32 kernel source code, the same as the Inspire 4G, while the Droid Eris is back at 2.6.29. You can grab all of these files completely for free and so forth over at the HTC Developer Center. Take a peek back at our full HTC Inspire 4G Review next, and have a big fat look at all of our HTC-specific news by entering the [HTC PORTAL]. It will suck you in!

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Galaxy S Android 2.3 Gingerbread Update Imminent

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 08:28 AM PST

We’ve just received word from German Android site SmartDroid.de that they’ve got a friend sitting in at Samsung in Frankfurt who’s heard a rather important update to the status of Galaxy S devices to Android 2.3 Gingerbread. They’ve heard, apparently straight from Samsung, that Gingerbread will be coming to Galaxy S in March. Will this just be in Germany, or will it be worldwide? We’re guessing at least Germany and USA, though that’d be an odd combination.

We’ve been waiting QUITE a while for this update, especially since Froyo is still scarcely to be seen on Android phones across the board. When will the future include universal updates to all units? Never. When will we see Gingerbread on Galaxy S? Next month! We’re pumped.

[via SmartDroid.de]

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Motorola XOOM Ad [Laptop Cracker]

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 08:06 AM PST

Behold the newest member of the Verizon / Motorola family’s ad set, one we’re calling “Laptop Cracker” because of the striking action taken by the man in the video 3 seconds in. He’s got what appears to be a 13-inch nondescript notebook which once he opens, he cracks directly in half, pushing the top back to the underside of the base. Once the top is pulled up and underneath the base, the laptop is cracked in half once again, the man turning up and toward the camera, now showing it to be a brand new Motorola XOOM.

After the XOOM is displayed to the camera, the man goes through the moves that show the magic that goes on inside the tablet, moving back and forth speedily, Google Maps, video chat, excellent video playback, and the like. It’s all over though after the first few seconds. We’ve got the idea in our heads, and this XOOM is a laptop without all that silly extra hardware. Motorola, you are so smart. Brand power forever. Have a look at the ad spot here:

Screen shot 2011-02-25 at 10.03.46 AM Screen shot 2011-02-25 at 10.03.11 AM Screen shot 2011-02-25 at 10.02.56 AM Screen shot 2011-02-25 at 10.02.38 AM Screen shot 2011-02-25 at 10.02.20 AM )


Motorola XOOM teardown reveals EVDO/HSPA+ World Modem

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 07:01 AM PST

Motorola’s XOOM tablet has suffered the screwless indignities of the teardown, with iFixit taking the 10.1-inch Honeycomb slate apart for the unblinking gaze of the camera. The freshly rooted tablet is unsurprisingly straightforward to open – considering that’s something Motorola will be doing a lot of, while replacing the 3G modem with a 4G version later in the year – and reveals what iFixit describes as a blank “mini-PCI interconnect board” which seems to be a placeholder for the 4G modem.

Interestingly, the XOOM uses the same Qualcomm MDM6600 3G radio as Verizon’s iPhone 4, which as you may remember is potentially world-phone capable (the radio, that is, not the iPhone 4). That could imply that the HSPA+ capable chipset won’t be changed out for the GSM versions of the XOOM, merely have its GSM capabilities unlocked through software/firmware.

In the end, iFixit have glowing things to say about the XOOM’s repairability, though they do warn that there are a lot of screws to get past in order to access all of the different components. For more on the performance of the XOOM, rather than the hardware inside, check out the Android Community XOOM and Honeycomb Review.

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iDisplay for Android turns your smartphone or tablet into second display for computers

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 04:33 AM PST

If you use an Android phone or a tablet and have often wished you could extend your desktop from Windows or Mac computers to your mobile device you can now with a new app. iDisplay for Android has launched and the app will let your smartphone or tablet running Android act as a second screen.

The app is available for download in version 1.0 right now. It will work with any device running Android 2.1 and up. The app sells for $4.99 and will work on Intel-based Macs with OS X 10.5 and higher. The app will also work with Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

The app allows you to extend the display to drag and drop items from one screen or the other. You can also completely duplicate your display on the Android device. That might be the perfect way to keep an eye on software that your smartphone can’t run directly. The app supports both portrait and landscape modes.

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KDDI Samsung SMT-i9100 Android Tablet a lock-in for March 11

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 04:06 AM PST

It’s been a long time since we first saw Samsung’s SMT-i9100 Android tablet for Japanese carrier KDDI, but the 7-inch slate is almost here. According to KDDI, as of March 11, 2011, buyers will be able to pick up the Galaxy Tab-esque Froyo slate.

The specs are unchanged, so you still get a 2-megapixel camera on the back, a 1024 x 600 capacitive touchscreen, WiFi b/g/n, 4GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM. There’s a bundled docking station in the box, and a full charge is expected to last around 6hrs.

No internal 3G, though, with KDDI suggesting you use a mobile hotspot instead. Frankly, with new Honeycomb slates arriving imminently, this no longer seems that great a device (and it was hardly ground-breaking four months ago); pricing will be the deciding factor, but KDDI isn’t saying exactly what that will be until closer to launch day.

[via Impress]

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Consumers more likely to buy Android devices than iPhone according to survey

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 04:05 AM PST

According to research firm Market Force Research, the average consumer in the US is now more likely to buy an Android device than the iPhone. A survey conducted by the firm found that 34% of respondents planning to buy a smartphone are looking for Android devices and 21% are looking for the iPhone. A mere 12% have eyes on a Blackberry for their next smartphone.

Of all the survey respondents about 21% didn't know what smartphone they were going to buy. The firm also found that 51% of consumers have a smartphone and of those that don't, 33% plan to buy one in the next six months. Only 6% of those that responded plan to purchase a phone without data access.

"With the Verizon-Apple partnership in motion, we anticipated that more consumers would be moving to the iPhone, so it intrigued us to see the sizeable shift toward the Android," said Janet Eden-Harris, chief marketing officer for Market Force. "Some of our other research data shows that consumers aren't likely to switch from their current wireless carriers, and a large portion use Sprint and T-Mobile, so Android will most likely be their smartphone choice."

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Samsung Galaxy S II hits pre-order, ships in March

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 03:41 AM PST

If you have a serious hankering for a new Samsung Android powered smartphone and have your eyes set on the Galaxy S II i9100 we have some new details on the smartphone today. Clove.co.uk reports that the smartphone will start shipping in March.

You can pre-order the smartphone on the Clove website in two versions. The only difference between the two versions is the among of storage. The 16GB S II will cost £510 + VAT and the 32GB version will cost £590 + VAT. The phone has Android 2.3, a 1GHz processor, and a 4.3-inch screen along with lots of other features.

The retailer points out that as of now the prices listed are correct, but those prices could change. The price of the 16GB smartphone has already increased once from the original Clove listed price. Charges to the user’s credit card won’t be made until the phone is ready to shop and by that point, you should know the exact price.

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Android apps apparently caught running on BlackBerry smartphones

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 01:54 AM PST

Signs that RIM may be testing BlackBerry devices capable of running Android applications have been spotted, with the eagle-eyed developers responsible for ShopSavvy finding mention of various BlackBerry handsets in their flurry logs. The BlackBerry 8300, 8600 and 8520 were all caught running ShopSavvy at different times in January and February this year.

Talk of RIM experimenting with an Android-compatible virtual machine on smartphones and the incoming PlayBook tablet surfaced last month, amid suggestions that the company hoped to broaden its consumer appeal by tapping into the wealth of apps available for Android devices. Whether Google will allow BlackBerry devices to access the official Android Market remains to be seen, however.

[via BGR]

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Direct Installs for Android 2.3.3. Gingerbread for Nexus One and Nexus S discovered

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 01:31 AM PST

Google’s warning that the OTA Gingerbread update for the Nexus S and Nexus One might “take a few weeks” to reach all owners was a dash of unpleasantly cold water to the face; happily, xda-developers have dropped by with a hot towel. They’ve dug up the official links from Google for the Android 2.3.3 update, which means the impatient can now update their handsets without waiting for Google’s schedule to notch along.

Two different downloads are available, one for the Nexus One:

http://android.clients.google.com/packages/ota/passion/81304b2de707.signed-passion-GRI40-from-FRG83G.81304b2d.zip

… and another for the Nexus S:

http://android.clients.google.com/packages/ota/google_crespo/e0b546c442bf.signed-soju-GRI40-from-GRH78.e0b546c4.zip

If the links are too slow for you, there’s information on mirrors at the original forum post.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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HTC ThunderBolt Best Buy Release Date [MARCH] [EXCLUSIVE]

Posted: 24 Feb 2011 10:06 PM PST

You’ve heard essentially every single date from here to the end of February for a release date for the ThunderBolt, the pre-order for ThunderBolt, and everything else in between. For instance there was a February 28th date for release, a February 24th date for release, and even a March 10th date for release. All of these may very well be untrue given the seemingly undercover photo we’ve just been slipped. Here it appears that the official release date for the HTC ThunderBolt at Best Buy on Verizon is March 10th, 2011.

Now this is a tip of the semi-anonymous tip, a cool tipper by the name of catalase, but the amount of tips of this type we’ve received of this type in the past that ended up being true weighed up against those that ended up being bunk are very much so tipped in favor of truthiness, if you know what I mean. But why has there been so much coverage of the release date for this particular phone, you might ask? Because it’s a freaking awesome phone, that’s why, you silly.

Have a look at the coverage we’ve already got here on Android Community and behold below our hands-on video we collected back at CES 2011. This nice lady will let you know all about this phone that’s currently driving the entire Android world bonkers:

– thanks again, catalase!

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Motorola Xoom Rooted Already

Posted: 24 Feb 2011 04:35 PM PST

Looks like the Motorola Xoom has already been rooted. It’s been released for just one day and Koush as we all know him by has got a Xoom Root Guide already posted online. Since the Xoom is a Google Experience device he said it was a pretty easy device to root once he got the proper support for full fastboot. It ships with fastboot support but it is limited. While your here read about the Xoom Unlocked for Flashing also.

Instead of getting into all the juicy details and trying to explain it. I’ll just send you over to his instructions so you can get started on Rooting your brand new Xoom right away. Check out the via link at the bottom of the page. Otherwise feel free to read up on any of our other Xoom stories. Here are a few:
Data plan no longer required with Xoom Purchase
Motorola Xoom in Action Commercial
Moto gets a lawsuit over the “Xoom” name

[via Koush]

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