Technology Android

[THEV1LL4N]

I have my brightness set very low. It is slightly difficult to see the screen outdoors, but I don't mind. indoors is perfectly fine. I'm still running the G2 at 800MHz, I'm happy with it so don't want to overclock; and still underclocking to 500MHz when there is < 20%. Think I might change that to 30%.

I have wi-fi, bluetooth and 3G turned off most of the time now although I do occasionally leave the 3G on. I'm always stopping running services in the background like whatsapp and google's location service.

 

[Casey]

Hey Casey, got the NookColor today. AutoNooted it already and tried Honeycomb on a spare SD card. Both lots of fun!

Awesome! I'm still using the AutoNooted stock ROM with Zeam Launcher.

I'm going to wait for a proper Honeycomb ROM built from the source before I consider using it permanently, although if I have some time I might just try the current version for the hell of it. No rush.

I'm also following the progress of CyanogenMod 7 for the NC. It appears to be making really good progress, and I read just yesterday that the CM team have managed to enable to the Bluetooth hardware that's inside the NC but not enabled on the stock ROM or any of the other ROMs currently available. This means that it's possible to use a Bluetooth headset as an audio input, which would be awesome since the NC doesn't have it's own mic. I have a spare BT headset just lying around, so I'm interested to check that out.

There's also apparently an app in the Market now, that will allow the NC to pick up GPS information from an Android phone. Which again could come in handy as the NC doesn't have a GPS receiver (although it can track your location via Wifi).

Here's the links:

Nook Color gets GPS Navigation via Android App > Gadgets > Techtree.com

Wanna Make Calls on Your Nook Color? › AndroidGuys

 

[Rukas]

^ Wow that bluetooth option would be awesome for file transfers! I hate cables. Yeah, I am running Zeam too. Like it a lot better that ADW.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

So I was on the web version of the Android Market yesterday and discovered "Google Body". Seems like a great app. It can be used as an educational tool or just for fun. Seems like its only available for tablets since the option which downloads to my phone was greyed. Also checked the phone version of the market and it was nowhere to be found.

But really, its a good move by Google. I'm really interested in physiology, anatomy and the human body in action - after all, I was going to study physiotherapy before I changed my mind to study psychology instead.

Also downloaded the Blogger app - even though ive quit blogging - just thought i'd check it out and maybe i'll start blogging on the move, like a diary.

 

[Pittsey]

So I was on the web version of the Android Market yesterday and discovered "Google Body". Seems like a great app. It can be used as an educational tool or just for fun. Seems like its only available for tablets since the option which downloads to my phone was greyed. Also checked the phone version of the market and it was nowhere to be found.

But really, its a good move by Google. I'm really interested in physiology, anatomy and the human body in action - after all, I was going to study physiotherapy before I changed my mind to study psychology instead.

Also downloaded the Blogger app - even though ive quit blogging - just thought i'd check it out and maybe i'll start blogging on the move, like a diary.

I saw this the other day. You need honeycomb to download it. So can't download it to any tablet apart from Xoom at the moment.

 

[Casey]

ROI: The $200 Tablet Computer - WSJ.com

Cool article from Wall St Journal about people turning the NookColor into a tablet, as we've been discussing in this thread.

 

[masta247]

I like the trend going on amongst tech noobs. I see people on noobish forums comments under Ipad 2 reviews like "Apple was great with releasing the Ipad/Iphone but they should've done something better with this new edition because they can't compete with that cool system Googles have".
People are already aware of these Motorola and HTC tablets coming out.

 

[Casey]

What y'all think about the Xperia Play? Do you think it will be popular? I have a feeling there's going to be BIG money put into marketing it.

 

[Casey]

HTC phones monopolize top of U.K. smartphone charts; Apple iPhone 4 drops to number 6 - Phone Arena

 

[masta247]

^ Wow, so now Android is not only the most popular system but also Apple lost its argument about Iphone being the most popular device. Now there are single Android phones that beat the Iphone's sales. That's cool.
Also I didn't know that HTC phones are that popular in Britain. Here they are not very that popular and definitely Samsung and Nokia sell more, by far.

What y'all think about the Xperia Play? Do you think it will be popular? I have a feeling there's going to be BIG money put into marketing it.

Hm I don't really feel like it'll be that popular. It'll have its own market but it probably won't sell better than popular smartphones.

 

[Casey]

Yeah HTC definitely dominates here. I know lots of people with HTC Desire, HTC Hero, HTC Desire HD....and they just released the HTC Incredible S here and I know people that are planning on getting it.

Galaxy S sold really well but so far it's the only Samsung phone that has, with any OS. I don't know anyone with any Samsung phone other than Galaxy S.

 

[Casey]

http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/t-mobile-announces-android-sidekick-4g-15-03-2011/

Having moved on from a Sidekick Slide (and prior to that, a Sidekick 3) to Android after Microsoft bought Danger Inc, ran it into the ground and never bothered releasing a follow-up outside of the US, it's nice to see things come full circle.

The screen is a little disappointing, only 3.5" compared to 3.7" on my G2, but this has a front camera which the G2 does not, and the keyboard is better. Custom skin a little lame too, but no doubt it will get rooted with the quickness.

Sure, Danger's servers are going away, but the Sidekick brand belongs to T-Mobile -- and that particular component of the teen-friendly smartphone ecosystem pioneer isn't going anywhere. Of course, the carrier's been saying for a couple months now that it'd be relaunching Sidekick on Android, but they're making the device very official today with the unveiling of the Samsung-sourced Sidekick 4G. Though it lacks a swiveling display, T-Mobile is quick to note that the phone's got a "pop-tilt" mechanism that should still be pretty unique in the market -- and this is the first Sidekick with a touchscreen (3.5 inch WVGA, to be exact). The Android 2.2-based unit has a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, 3 megapixel primary cam, and a pretty fierce-looking user interface (dare we say a tad Kin-like?) that comes loaded with a couple Samsung staples -- Samsung Media Hub, notably -- along with Qik video calling,DriveSmart texting-while-driving lockout functionality, and Sidekick Group Text and Cloud Text, which together form some manner of cross-platform messaging tool. Pricing and availability are a little murky at this point, but we can expect it "later this spring" in your choice of black or "pearl magenta." Follow the break for the full press release.

T-Mobile Sidekick Is Reborn
New Sidekick 4G is a Lightning-Fast and Stylish Communication Hub, Delivering Evolved Messaging and Entertainment at 4G Speeds

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS - March 15, 2011 - T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S.,1 today unveiled the new T-Mobile Sidekick® 4GTM by Samsung. The new AndroidTM-powered smartphone pays tribute to its heritage with its stylish good looks and a killer keyboard while redefining messaging and upgrading to 4G speeds. One of T-Mobile's fastest smartphones running on America's Largest 4G NetworkTM, the new Sidekick 4G is capable of delivering theoretical peak download speeds of up to 21 Mbps.

The T-Mobile Sidekick has long been known for its innovative and distinctive design, and the Sidekick 4G does not disappoint. The 3.5-inch display marks the first Sidekick to feature a touch screen and its sturdy "pop-tilt" hinge reveals the previously acclaimed, five-row QWERTY keyboard that has long been a Sidekick hallmark and the reason behind its status as an exceptional messaging device.

The new Sidekick 4G leverages its quality keyboard along with Sidekick Group TextTM and Cloud TextTM to redefine messaging. Sidekick's Group Text feature lets customers create, name, manage and participate in reply-all group text conversations, enabling them to lead their network in conversation and social planning. Group Text breathes new life into one of the most popular forms of messaging allowing Sidekick 4G customers to initiate and share the benefit of the application with SMS-capable devices from flip phones to smartphones. In addition, Cloud Text provides the option to text with friends or groups across platforms, whether from the comfort of their PC's large screen and keyboard, or from their new Sidekick 4G.

"Backed by the faster speeds on T-Mobile's 4G network, the new Sidekick 4G offers customers both speed and style," said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. "We've reinvented the messaging experience that made the Sidekick such an iconic device, and supercharged it with communication and entertainment experiences that take full advantage of our 4G network."

Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile, said, "We are proud that T-Mobile selected Samsung to help create the next-generation Sidekick and carry the iconic Sidekick brand and device to the next level. Samsung redesigned the new Sidekick 4G with our best-in-class hardware, combined with T-Mobile's 4G network speeds, the Android operating system, and unique messaging and entertainment features, to make this a perfect match for both loyal Sidekick fans and new Sidekick owners."

The new Sidekick 4G also comes preloaded with Facebook® and TwitterTM applications, and provides easy interaction with customers' social networks by allowing them to update their status from the notification pane and browse their feeds from the home screen. They have the ability to sync their social network contacts to the phone's address book, which lets them post to their friends' walls or comment on their status. And multitasking is easier than ever with the Sidekick 4G's jump key, an easy-to-access physical button that enables customers to quickly switch between active applications, even during a phone call, or assign keyboard shortcuts to their favorite functions or applications.

In addition to a communication hub, the new Sidekick 4G is now an entertainment hub. With speeds as fast as home broadband, enjoying a favorite TV show or surfing the Web on the go is a breeze. Sidekick's Media Room features one place to enjoy music, videos, movies, YouTube®, T-Mobile TV® and Slacker Radio, and to search for content regardless of the source. The integrated media player, also accessible through the Media Room, spans across all media including music, video and Internet radio. Customers also have the option to rent or purchase their favorite movies and TV programs directly from the Samsung Media Hub, which offers a robust collection of movie and next-day TV show titles from CBS, Fox, MTV Networks, NBC Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Customers now have the option to place Media Hub charges directly to their monthly T-Mobile service bill.

Complementing the messaging communication features, the new Sidekick 4G is equipped with a VGA front-facing camera and pre-installed T-Mobile Video Chat powered by QikTM, to ensure you are always present with your social circle. Powered by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a speedy 1 GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird processor, so consumers can keep up with their favorite blogs while on the move, search for the must-try dinner spots and map the way to their next destination - all at blazing fast speeds. The new smartphone will also offer dynamic media features and integrated GoogleTM services, including GmailTM, Google MapsTM and access to thousands of applications on Android MarketTM.

The new Sidekick 4G also comes equipped with DriveSmartTM from T-Mobile, a first-of-its kind service from a U.S. carrier, that helps prevent distracted driving. When initiated, DriveSmart Basic provides automatic incoming call and message management, sending a customizable note to callers and senders, letting them know that the recipient is driving and will respond when it's safe. DriveSmart Plus offers the same functionality, with the added capability to automatically activate when the handset is in a moving vehicle, as well as advanced parental controls for enhanced peace of mind when teen drivers are behind the wheel.


Offered exclusively to T-Mobile customers, the new T-Mobile Sidekick 4G is expected to be available later this spring in two stylish colors - matte black or pearl magenta. Customers can visit http://sidekick.t-mobile.com/ for more information.

 

[Casey]

Motorola Droid 3, Droid X2 and Targa pictured

The Motorola Droid 2 and Droid X are both headed toward their one-year anniversaries this summer, which has pretty much become the culling hour for a smartphone of any creed these days. Their successors, ingeniously titled the Droid 3 and Droid X 2, have seemingly made an appearance over atHowardForums, courtesy of longtime forum member wnrussell. He's also kindly provided imagery of a heretofore unknown device, called the Targa, which promises Verizon 4G LTE and has a protrusion on its rear that looks to be dedicated to accommodating an outsized camera sensor. It reminds us most of Motorola's XT720, though it sports a chrome outline to its body similar to what you see above on the purported Droid 3. Click past the break to get an eyeful of this Targa device and its Droid X 2 brandmate.

 

[Rukas]

Im down for the Droid 3 if it has an unlocked bootloader (Xoom having one makes me hopeful) or at least no fucking MotoBlur.

 

[Casey]

Unfortunately it will have MotoBlur. You can tell from the hardware, it has the menu button with the four squares. Only Blur devices have that.

 

[Prize Gotti]

I've pretty much disabled anything motoblur related from my Defy, the skin was gastly.

 

[Rukas]

Casey...

Can we get a flash player on the Nook Color?

And also can you post on the forum from your nook? I cant seem to get the keyboard to show up when I click in this field in Dolphin. Didn't try default browser.

 

[Casey]

Theoretically yes if you are running Nookie Froyo or CM7 (Gingerbread). Flash Player hasn't been released for Honeycomb yet. There may be some issues but I'm sure the devs are working on it.

Haven't tried posting on here from it. I tend to use my Nook more for reading/viewing, and my laptop and G2 for typing. I get frustrated trying to type anything more than a couple sentences on a virtual keyboard. I'll give it a shot.

 

[Casey]

another droid 3 pic...

 

[Rukas]

^^ Extra row of keys suggests to me it's going to have a nice large screen