Technology Android

[dilla]

So, what are some cool apps you guys got over applanet that you didnt wanna pay for?

I have about $100 worth of paid apps, that NBA app being half of it. I have Smart Keyboard, Remote for iTunes, MLB At Bat (season's over now, but...), ESPN Radio, GReader Pro, MyBackup Pro, psx4droid, etc.

 

[dilla]

actually, the NBA is losing money. Last year they didn't turn a profit.

Well, in that case, I'm gonna go buy it now.

 

[dilla]

Official Google Blog: Happy holidays from Google Chrome: free holiday Wi-Fi at 30,000 feet

 

[Casey]

Samsung finally (and officially) announces the dual-screen Continuum; Coming to Verizon on Nov. 11 | Android Central)

Samsung has officially announced the Continuum -- Android's first dual-screen phone that's coming to Verizon this month. We brought you the first hands-on and video preview of the Continuum, and now it's finally headed headed to the public on Nov. 11. Specs remain as previously reported:

A main 3.4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen (at 480x800 pixels)
A secondary 1.8-inch touchscreen at 96 pixels high. That's the "Ticker," and it's used to display a variety of info -- weather, news, scores, calling info, music controls -- you name it.
1GHz Hummingbird processor
512MB ROM/384MB RAM
Wifi
Bing
Pricing hasn't been mentioned, but we've previously reported $199 after contract and rebate. We're going to get some more quality time with the Continuum tonight at Samsung's official event in New York City. Stay tuned for live coverage starting around 6 p.m. EDT.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

you're lucky, we dont get converage of NBA using that very same app in this country because its restricted to the States only.

So im yet to download applanet - would i install this using the android market installer by allowing third party installs?

 

[dilla]

What do you think? Editorial: Should your next mobile OS update cost you? -- Engadget

My school uses Blackboard. Not sure how many of us are in school, but there's an app for it. Unfortunately, it requires the latest version of Blackboard on my school's part. And our IT dept. hasn't gotten it. Might have to write an email to them. All my slides for classes are in there. Laptop is better, but having quicker access to them is better.

 

[S O F I]

Can someone briefly recap all the new good android phones coming out before January? I want to get a new phone by the end of the year. Just sort of drop their names and where I can see read previews, see some pics, etc. Thanks.

 

[dilla]

On T-Mo or just in general?

 

[S O F I]

In general.

 

[Casey]

Including some current phones, all of the following are worth looking into, or waiting for information on...

Available Now:
G2 (T-Mobile)
MyTouch 4G (T-Mobile)
Samsung Continuum (Verizon)
Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)

Due for imminent release:
Motorola Droid Pro (Verizon)
Motorola Droid 2 Global (Verizon)
HTC Merge (Verizon)

Rumored:
Samsung "Nexus Two/Nexus S"
Droid Incredible HD
HTC Scorpion
HTC Speedy

Personally I would hold out for information on the Nexus Two/Nexus S, since it's going to be the first phone to ship with Gingerbread.

 

[S O F I]

Droid 2 is out, I believe. What about the Droid Incredible? It's the sexiest phone out, I think. It reminds me of the HTC Legend. It might be its US cousin?

When do you think the rumored Nexus Two/Nexus S will be released?

 

[Casey]

Droid 2 is out, I believe. What about the Droid Incredible? It's the sexiest phone out, I think. It reminds me of the HTC Legend. It might be its US cousin?

When do you think the rumored Nexus Two/Nexus S will be released?

They're about to pull the Droid 2 and replace it with the Droid 2 Global Edition. There are two key differences. The processor in the Global Edition is clocked to 1.2GhZ compared to 1GhZ in the original Droid 2. And more importantly - it has a GSM SIM card slot as well as the inbuilt CDMA, hence the name "Global" edition. You can take it abroad and use local GSM networks wherever you are.

Droid Incredible is the US variant of the HTC Desire, not the HTC Legend. The Legend is closer to a first generation Android device (600MhZ processor, 384MB RAM) whereas the Desire and D-Inc have 1GhZ processors and 576MB RAM.

They'll be releasing the Droid Incredible HD soon, which will be the equivalent of the Desire HD:
HTC - Products - HTC Desire HD - Specification

Same 1GhZ processor, but a bump to 1.5GB internal memory and 768MB RAM plus a 4.3" screen. Rumors suggest the Droid Incredible HD might be the first LTE phone (Verizon's 4G network).

The new Nexus device was scheduled to be announced imminently, but has had some hardware delays. I expect it to be launched pretty quickly though. They'll want to get it out before Xmas to capitalize on that.

 

[S O F I]

They'll want to get it out before Xmas to capitalize on that.

There's the kicker! haha. Word, I'll just wait a month or two.

 

[Casey]

It's been speculated that the Nexus One sales were let down by a post-Xmas launch.....since, everyone gets new phones at Xmas. So I'd be VERY surprised if this Samsung device was delayed past Xmas.

Also worth noting that all rumors point towards Gingerbread being announced on the 11th, so some more information about the Samsung device might come along with that.

 

[dilla]

The Droid Pro is something to look at too. Well, I wouldn't want it, but it's one of the more professional looking Android phones. It resembles the Blackberry very much, physically. I would think it too would have a SIM slot as well since they would expect people to travel with it overseas.

The Continuum looks cool, but the second screen is kinda weird. Not sure if I want that ticker thing on it. But it's not much different from the Galaxy S phones.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

we're talking about all these phones coming out and potential third generation android phones.

let's think back to a year ago when the second generation was leading the way. i was approx 6 months into my G1 contract and had only had root for like 2 months, probably on cupcake or donut. now im two android releases super to where official support for the G1 ended. Im looking at jumping from first gen to third gen and then root again, it'll be a better experience this time.

also, i dont think many phones have been pushed to the limit like the G1 has. That's the power of custom roms and open source - and in the process i've learned quite a lot about android.

 

[Casey]

The dev community have done amazing things with the G1 for sure.

 

[THEV1LL4N]

The dev community have done amazing things with the G1 for sure.

they sure have. my first gen (first ever android phone) had FroYo before arguably the best and one of the latest phones out - the Samsung Galaxy S and other third gen phones. now that, is truly amazing. My phone is now like a Nexus One with a qwerty and inferior specs.

 

[Casey]

Some of the 2.2 only stuff actually works really decently on the G1. The new YouTube update being a good example.

Anyway.....onto other news.

T-Mobile G2 Root Finally Permanent | Android Phone Fans

I knew that wouldn't take long.

Droid 2 Global Now Available for Pre-Order | Android Phone Fans

 

[THEV1LL4N]

great news!!