Since the launch of Android, we have experienced a lot of change in the mobile development space. Besides the increasing number of Android phones, we have seen a steady growth in Android application development.
Android developers use the Google Android SDK to build their apps which can run on all Android devices. Android is a product of Open Handset Alliance which allows Android Developers to build applications using Java programming language. Also the rich audio / video support available in this platform has taken Android application development to the next level.
Android Development Talk attempts to bring the latest news and updates in Android development and promises to be a useful resource for all Android developers and users.
Android App Development is A Difficult Process, Thinks the Facebook App Developer
Joe Hewitt, the developer of the Facebook mobile apps thinks that the Android is ‘too hard to use’
when it comes to app development process. He has Tweeted his frustration on the issue.
“Android tools are horrendous, OS is hideous…”: Joe tweeted and it’s one of his many other such
tweets.
You can refer some other tweets too; like: “Once a day or so it hits me that I am writing Java,
and I cry a little,”
“The more I work with Android the more it reminds me of Windows…as in, it’s really
flexible, agnostic, and developer-friendly, but also really sloppily designed.”
“The absence of big brother telling me what to do gives it a slight edge,” he says about
Apple. And keeps on expressing his frustrations about the reviewing process of Apple: “I am
philosophically opposed to the existence of their review process.”
Well Android app developers, are you listening to it?
We heard that the Droid Incredible’s 2.2 update has come to an end last weekend , but it isn’t actually dead and there are many users still being served with the Android 2.2 update and to what Verizon has said the update will be rolled to OTA to everyone by 3rd September 2010 , if your wish to update your Incredible with some Froyo love and hate to wait , just check out this Google link and follow the instructions mentioned below but before you do this do remember this update is only for STOCK non rooted users .
Instructions:
IMPORTANT – This is for stock non-rooted users ONLY.
1. Download the update.zip file from here. (DIRECT FROM GOOGLE.)
2. Drop the file on the root of your SD card. (Meaning, don’t put it in any folder.)
*MAKE SURE IT’S NAMED UPDATE.ZIP!
3. Turn your phone off.
4. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power at the same time to boot into HBOOT.
5. When the white HBOOT screen appears, use the volume button to move down to “RECOVERY.”
6. Press the Power button to select “RECOVERY.”
7. When the triangle and exclamation appears, hold the Volume Up and Power button at the same time.
8. Using the volume button, scroll down to “apply sdcard:update.zip” and select it.
9. Your phone will now update and its done .
Android 2.2 Froyo has been the most desired OS till date by Droid users but what about the Droid X users who are still waiting for the Froyo . Hope we see the official update soon , after all we heard its in last testing phase and will arrive by this September according to what Motorola said .
G2 the iteration of the first Android handset G1 is now heading soon to T-mobile . There’s some more news for tech geeks interested in the Android powered G2
The device will feature ( G2 specs)
3.7 inch Active Matrix OLED display,
1 GHz processor,
landscape slide-out QWERTY keyboard,
5MP camera with autofocus, 3G HSPA+,
WiFi + Hotspot capabilities,
aGPS,
Bluetooth 2.1 +Enhanced Data Rate.
Check out the official snaps of the G2 below [ via cellphonesignal]
If this information is indeed accurate (and we sure hope that it is), then X10s all over the UK may finally get the upgrade to Android 2.1 from Android 1.6, which has plagued the device since its release.
Yes the company plans to come up with its Android Tablet in the tablet war , LG says the tablet will have a superior performance and will be lighter and slimmer than its competitors . We also hope to see LG in IFA 2010 with its announcement of the Optimus Pad and its full specs .
The Optimus Pad looks stunning and we hope its even better from the hardware point of view , as LG has just provided limited information about its Optimus Tab we are unsure whether it will feature Froyo or something even exciting like the gingerbread .
Check out the images of the Android tablet from LG , the Optimus Pad below :
And time for another Android tablet announcement. This time it is ViewSonic, with another in the 7 inch category. Surely, this is in direct competition with the Galaxy Tab and the iPad, not the phone market.The tablet has phone functionality with it’s built in GSM/3G modem, but we are pretty sure that we do not want to hold a 7 inch slate up to our head.
The good news here is that the Viewpad will have access to the Marketplace, and an eReader app from Viewsonic. Some of the other features will include, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, A-GPS, USB, LED screen, front VGA camera, 3 megapixel rear camera, G-Sensor, and storage will be taken care of by a microSD slot supporting up to 32GB. This tablet is supposed to be at IFA-2010 and we would bring up the latest updates on this Tablet .
Buzz Voice, a service that converts the posts from your favorite blogs and news sites into speech, which has been previously seen exclusively in the apple ecosystem. Finally the Android development team for Buzz brings the good news this past weekend, announcing the Buzz Voice for Android officially.
The Android Buzz Voice app brings a couple of new features over its apple counterparts, including an Android Radio. Check out the full announcement below:
If you’re not familiar with BuzzVoice, our service lets busy people *listen* to over 1,600 of the web’s top news and blogs on smartphones and other mobile devices.
It’s sort of like “Pandora for news”, and it’s specifically designed to make it faster, safer and more fun to keep up with news on the go (The real sweet spot is in the car, train, gym, etc.).
To date, people have streamed over 2 million stories via BuzzVoice.
BuzzVoice for Android includes the same great multimedia functionality of our iPhone, iPad and iPod touch application, PLUS 3 major new features for Android smartphone owners:
Background Audio Streaming: Listen to breaking stories while checking Twitter, Facebook or email.
A Custom Android Widget, which allows you to control the BuzzVoice app right from your Android device’s homescreen
A New “Android Radio” Station, which continuously updates you on Android-related news from top blogs .
We’d love to hear what you think in the comments below, or, feel free to email feedback@buzzvoice.com
What’s next in Android world ? Android tablets , Android tablets and more tablets .
Now Archos is heading for its Android tablet development . Archos has announced 5 new Android tablets starting from $100 . The tablets are named as Archos 28 , 32 , 43, 70 and 101 and ranging from screen size of a mere 2.8 inch upto 10.1 inch and will offer high resolution displays .
The will feature Wi-Fi , 720P HD video playback , Flash 10.1 , camera , built in accelerometer , 2D graphic acceleration with upto 1 GHz processor and according to what Archos is claiming the media experience on the devices will be best in the class like what we have seen in the past with Archos products and with a wide range of sizes and functionality Archos is trying to target the competitors and users in all ways .
Below is the official press release :
Aug 31, 2010 12:16 ET
ARCHOS Introduces Five New Android Tablets Starting Below $100
Launching Five New Android Tablets With Two Revolutionary Products, the ARCHOS 28 Internet Tablet, First Android MP3/MP4 Player Promoted Below $100 and the ARCHOS 101 Offering the Largest Screen on the Android Market, ARCHOS Now Offers New Ways to Tablet Your Way
DENVER, CO–(Marketwire – August 31, 2010) – ARCHOS, an award-winning technology innovator and leader in the portable media player market, today announces five new Android-based tablets.
From the ultra affordable and ultra portable ARCHOS 28 and 32 Internet tablets, to the multi-media marvel ARCHOS 43 Internet tablet, and the wide screen ARCHOS 70 and 101 internet tablets, ARCHOS’ new range offers a combination of super-fast web-browsing, games, eBooks, social networking and other apps alongside HD video and music in a very slim-line design.
The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet and the ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet, the flagship products of the range, are bringing innovation to the Android world.
The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet offers a unique design including the latest technology. This tablet has the advantage of a connected Android device that adds very fast web browsing and HD multimedia experience. The 10.1” high-resolution screen is nestled in a very slim and light form factor tablet, enabled through a patented construction process.
The ARCHOS 28 Internet tablet is the first Android player below $100. By introducing a connected device at such a low price, ARCHOS revolutionizes the portable music player segment.
ARCHOS has developed four unique Android applications for video, photo and music with the support of 3D cover animations to allow users to keep a digital experience as simple as it should be.
Three Android tablets from 4.3” to 10.1” screen size
A unique design
A patented construction process, which uses an over-moulded PVD stainless steel structure, has enabled ARCHOS to redefine the tablet form, with devices that are smaller, thinner and lighter, making the tablet even more portable. The ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet is just 0.47″ thick and weighs only 15.87 ounces, yet offers a crisp, high-definition 10.1″ capacitive multi-touch screen.
With the adjustable kickstand, users will always have the best position to tap out emails, view a movie or enjoy the photo frame application. Using the device is designed to be both easy and intuitive.
A PC-like super-fast web browsing experience
Featuring a powerful 1 GHz processor, high-speed WiFi-n technology and sleek high-resolution screen, the new Android-based tablets offer a fast and enjoyable PC-like web browsing experience. Users can access the entire internet thanks to Android’s support for Adobe Flash™ 10.1 player.
A built-in webcam on the ARCHOS 70 and 101 Internet tablet means users can make video calls to family and friends.
In addition, a new feature in the Android settings menu means that the devices can also be tethered to a 3G phone via Bluetooth or USB for Internet connectivity when on the move.
Hi-definition multimedia at your fingertips
With ARCHOS’ heritage in high-quality portable multimedia players, the Internet tablets offer consumers a full multimedia experience, with 720p HD video playback as standard, whether from a user’s movie collection or streamed from YouTube. Unique Android multimedia applications designed by ARCHOS will allow the end user to enjoy all his multimedia content.
The HDMI TV output offers the best Android, multimedia and games experience on your TV. The tablet can be used as a game pad for your TV thanks to the built-in accelerometer and 3D open GL technology so users can enjoy a unique gaming experience.
The ARCHOS 43 internet tablet also sports a 2 megapixel HD camcorder to capture video and photos than end user can share on the web or on the HD TV screen.
The first connected MP3/MP4 players below $100
The smaller ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets bring the Android revolution to MP3 and MP4 players, adding a new dimension to this market. Alongside music and video playback, the low-cost, pocket-sized devices starting from $99.99 now offer email, web browsing, music and video streaming, 3D gaming, eBooks, social networking and other entertainment, productivity and information-based apps.
The Best HD multimedia experience
The ARCHOS 28 and 32 internet tablets feature music, video and photo applications, developed by ARCHOS, enriching the user experience with smooth browsing through the album covers and with widgets added to the home screen to give instant access and control to media. These unique Android applications allow users to amplify their digital experience.
The devices are also compatible across the major music and video formats, so there’s no need for conversion or the inconvenience of dedicated software support. A simple drag and drop from your computer is all that’s required.
The A32 internet tablet also includes a camcorder for video and photos to capture the greatest memories. Users can upload videos and pictures to the web or share via social networks.
Pocket Computer
With WiFi connection, users can surf the Web at the speed of a computer thanks to the speedy processor. The Internet browsing is also faster than ever; users can adjust the page size of an article with a simple double-tapping or rotating the ARCHOS and the screen will flip into place to display the entire page’s width. There’s also an email application so you can stay in touch with all of your friends.
Applications to make a player what users want it to be
The AppsLib store, with free and paid apps, will make sure you access and directly download custom sized Apps to fit your lifestyle. Games, books, music, social media, recipes, news and sports are now a click away.
ARCHOS tablets can become an eBook reader, with literature classics, the latest magazines or favorite comics available to download and read wherever you go.
A wide range of games, using 3D graphic acceleration, are also available. From the classic Sudoku to the fast-paced racing games, user will immerse themselves in fun games enjoying the comfort of sharp and large screens or using the device as a steering wheel.
Price and availability
ARCHOS 28 internet tablet
Available in September at 4GB, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.
ARCHOS 32 internet tablet
Available in September at 8GB, with a recommended retail price of $149.99.
ARCHOS 43 internet tablet
Available this fall at 8GB with a recommended retail price of $199.99.
ARCHOS 70 internet tablet
Available this fall with a recommended retail price of $274.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (250GB).
ARCHOS 101 internet tablet
Available this fall with a recommended retail price of $299.99 (8GB) and $349.99 (16GB).
About ARCHOS
ARCHOS released the first pocket-sized HD-based MP3 player with the Jukebox 6000 in 2000 and since that time has revolutionised consumer electronics devices. The company invented the portable media player in 2003 and was the first to bring television recording, wireless and touch screens to Portable Media Players. ARCHOS have also introduced the Internet Media Tablet range — the 5, 5g and 7 — offering users instant, uncompromising access to the internet, media content and TV. Established in 1988, ARCHOS has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. ARCHOS is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment B, ISIN Code FR0000182479. www.archos.com.
The hot topic in discussion these days is all about the Android Tablets , and the more we are getting closer to the IFA 2010 event the more people are getting anxious about rumored announcements about the upcoming phones and Tablets .
While we already heard about the Galaxy Tab now Galaxy Tab accessories have been spotted .A leather bag case , table charging station with a embedded HDMI out port , USB cable , a keyboard dock and headphones .
And now that we are very near to the Galaxy Tab announcement , it could show up anywhere in the coming days for a pre order ,so stay awake with your credit cards and other payment methods. And with the news that the device features a 7 inch screen and comes with Android 2.2 froyo , we are very excited to have a hands on review on the device .
Check out few snaps of the accessories for the Galaxy Tab below
The Galaxy S has hit the mark of 1 million devices shipped since the release , thats a impressive number of devices being shipped in a short time since July 15th .
The chief reason behind the success of Galaxy S is the availability of Galaxy S on multiple carriers across the globe .
Other reason is the availability of the Android phone in markets where HTC and Motorola lag penetration , usually markets other than US where people are yet to see mobile phones released long back like HTC Desire and Motorola Droid .
Another main reason is the marketing strategy Samsung has been using has proved to be a serious hit , the day Galaxy S was released in US , people could see big banners on the streets , on every possible website related to mobiles ads , Newspaper , News channels , links to buy the device instantly or atleast book it .Check out the images below
Samsung stands as the only Superphone powered by Android in the markets which are still emerging with smartphones , so its the only and most wise choice for any geek .
We cannot deny the fact Samsung makes some great devices but it has also put up great efforts to make the device succeed internationally with a good Brand value , Customer satisfaction and trust , marketing efforts , compiling the best technology into its Galaxy S , and giving users the best open platform available .
We still have a wait for a few more months until we get to see the official Android 2.2 on the Galaxy S which comes preloaded with Android 2.1 currently .
Check out the Full press release below :
SAMSUNG MOBILE SHIPS ONE MILLION GALAXY S DEVICES IN THE U.S. MARKET
Android 2.1-powered smart phones available at AT&T and T-Mobile and coming soon to Sprint, Verizon, U.S. Cellular and Cellular South
DALLAS, August 30, 2010 —Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the U.S., today announced that it has shipped one million of its Android™ 2.1-powered Galaxy S devices in the U.S. market. Samsung Mobile began shipping the Galaxy Sportfolio2 on July 15, which are currently available with AT&T and T-Mobile. Galaxy S devices will also be available with Sprint on August 31 and will be available with Verizon Wireless, U.S. Cellular and Cellular South this fall.
Samsung Mobile has packed cutting-edge technology into its Galaxy S portfolio, including features such as a stunning 4-inch Super AMOLED display screen, 1GHz Hummingbird Application Processor and a multitude of entertainment, messaging and social networking capabilities. In addition, all Samsung Galaxy S devices will be upgradable to Android 2.2 in the future.
“Bringing Galaxy S devices to multiple carriers has given Samsung Mobile the opportunity to reach millions of consumers,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “I am proud of the instant success of the Galaxy S line up and I am very pleased to announce that because of the support of our carrier partners and loyal customers, we have shipped one million Galaxy S devices in the U.S. market. Samsung Mobile looks forward to sharing additional Galaxy Smilestones in the future.”
The roll out of Samsung’s Galaxy S portfolio has been supported by a multi-tiered print, online, cinema and television advertising campaign, including major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN and MTV and in cinemas such as AMC, Cinemark and Regal. Samsung Galaxy S was also a sponsor of X Games 16, which was held in downtown Los Angeles from July 29 to August 1. From September 30 to October 3, the Samsung Galaxy S lineup will be showcased at the World Cyber Games Grand Final in Los Angeles.
In addition, Samsung Mobile has executed a comprehensive Galaxy S social media campaign, which included a Facebook promotion and daily content sharing on Samsung Mobile’s social media channels, which include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube™. As additional Galaxy S devices become available, Samsung Mobile will continue to distribute key digital and video assets to sustain awareness of the Galaxy S.
For additional information on the Samsung Galaxy S portfolio, please visitwww.samsung.com/galaxys.
1 Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics, Q2 2010 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.
2 The Samsung Galaxy S portfolio of devices includes the Samsung Captivate™ at AT&T, Samsung Epic 4G™ at Sprint, Samsung Vibrant™ at T-Mobile and Samsung Fascinate™ at Verizon Wireless. Additional Galaxy S devices will be available with U.S. Cellular and Cellular South.
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Android App Development is A Difficult Process, Thinks the Facebook App Developer
