Twitter Update :Samsung Galaxy S to receive Android 2.2 Froyo near September
Jul 30, 2010 Android Phones, News
See what the Samsung UK Twitter account says, the Froyo update for all Galaxy S phones in the UK is on the way, and is set for release on every carrier by the end of September .Sounds good because Samsung guys still have two longs months to make necessary changes and improvements to the Android 2.2 update .
The update may still be in the development phase, but a September release means carriers in countries outside the UK are likely to receive the Android 2.2 Froyo update in the same time-frame and for a phone like Samsung Galaxy S which has already launched in several countries and the number of users is growing high this would be a great news for all the Galaxy S owners . If you simply can’t wait, you can try out the leaked Froyo ROM that is already available over at XDA forums but wait be careful not to brick your delicate beauty .
Tags: Android 2.2, Android news, Android Phone, android release, android update, android updates, firmware update, Froyo, new releases, News, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy S
The Droid 2 manual leak ,features Android 2.2
Jul 30, 2010 Android Phones, News
If you are a fan of Motorola Droid almost every thing related to Droid would be a point of attraction for you , be it the leaked pics the hardware specs or the user manual .
Now Droidlife leaks are quite common and this time they have come up with the Android powered guess… Droid 2′s User manual and specs , the user manual is available for download at MegaUpload , almost everyone is aware of the specs and other details , including launch date ,for those who dont know the launch date is going to be 12th August , and the specs are revised below :
- 5 MP Camera
- 3G Mobile Hotspot
- 1 GHz CPU
- 8 GB on-board memory
- 8 GB microSD card installed, support for up to 16 GB
- Dark chrome color (rather than black)
- Roughly the same size as the original
Probably you would seen the leaked videos and pics and other details related to UI , where the Droid 2 will have the same custom UI as the Droid X , and the best part is that it would be preloaded with Android 2.2 Froyo which is confirmed and would no more come as a surprise on the launch date .
A big smile 
on the face of Android application developers is what we can see now .
Ohh.. Android application development would see another new Android 2.2 in the race.
here are some pics of the Droid 2 User Manual:
Tags: Android 2.2, android mobiles, Android news, android update, Droid, motorola releases, new arrivals, News, OS news, upcoming phone
Official Android 2.2 Froyo Update for HTC EVO 4G …… starts in 5..4..3 days
Jul 30, 2010 Android Phones, News
As promised by Sprint earlier that EVO 4G’s would receive the Android 2.2 Froyo , now it has been confirmed with the Press Release recently out , and Sprint says, users of EVO 4G would be able to receive the update starting 3rd August and would be running updates until middle of the August .
Sprint also says the updates will be available to all EVO 4G users without waiting for any notification , all they need to do is just initiate the update process manually (via Settings > System update ).
Engadget reported this earlier but was unsure of the dates , but had a clear hint of what Sprint aimed at , probably this prompted Sprint to release the Press Release earlier than expected .
Sprint is planning to roll out the Android 2.2 froyo update for early tests but wait and watch will these be available to only a specific group of testers or everyone . Of course if this brings out serious issues Sprint may have to halt the Froyo update and postpone the update process for few more days , like it happened earlier many Sprint devices were bricked with the Android update Sprint had released, but for the safe and smooth update process Sprint has implemented early testing of the Android 2.2 Froyo update on the HTC EVO 4G .
May be Android developers and hacker can take advantage of this opportunity and check for bugs and any further improvements .
Below is the Engadget post which says about the Sprint EVO 4G update : 
We’re not certain that this date is going to hold — things like this have an uncanny tendency to slip at the last possible moment — but we’re at least hopeful to see some internal Sprint communication that they’re trying to get the EVO 4G updated to Froyo as soon as tomorrow, July 30. It’d be the perfect way to kick off the weekend, wouldn’t it? Turns out this is no mere 2.2 upgrade, though — they’re making a bunch of changes, too, including a host of new preloaded widgets, a flashlight mode for the camera’s LED flash, light-assisted 720p video, and “improvement” to the quality of said video capture (something we specifically complained about in our review). Unfortunately, it looks like the hotspot hack might be sealed off with this update, but that really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. As we said, we’re hopefully the date sticks, because Sprint has identified it as a “high priority for competitive reasons” — in other words, these guys must be feeling the Droid heat — but the PR is apparently going to identify the week of August 1 as the first push, so the devices getting the OTA tomorrow might just be a very small, select group to ensure that nothing spectacularly bad happens. We’re pulling for you, EVO owners.
And Here is the Press Release from Sprint : 
Sprint is the first wireless carrier to bring Android 2.2 to customers using the award-winning HTC EVO™ 4G beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3
Android 2.2 offers HTC EVO 4G feature enhancements including Bluetooth® voice dialing, built-in Flash, the ability to store apps to the memory card and much, much more
The award-winning HTC EVO 4G just got that much better. We are excited to announce that beginning the week of Aug. 1; Sprint will begin rolling out the Android 2.2 upgrade to its HTC EVO 4G customers.
Sprint will be the first wireless carrier to bring1 the latest version of Android to its customers. The Android 2.2 software release provides a significant number of feature enhancements, including:
• Voice Dialing Over Bluetooth.
• Application Storage on External Memory, giving users more storage room for all their apps.
• Camera 4-way rotation allows the camera icons to rotate with the camera.
• Improved Browser Performance including a faster JavaScript engine and Flash 10x Support improving the user’s ability to view videos and available content associated with web pages.
“Sprint is thrilled with our customers’ response to HTC EVO 4G and the innovative and exciting experience it offers,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development for Sprint. “It is exciting for us to lead the industry in bringing the Android 2.2 update to these customers and improve on the amazing experience they receive with America’s first 4G capable phone.”
Easy Downloading
Sprint will begin sending update notifications to users in waves beginning Tuesday, Aug. 3 and the upgrade should be available for all HTC EVO 4G users by the middle of August.
The notification will let the users know that the update is available and it will provide the simple two-step over-the-air download process.
1. Users will receive a notification that Android 2.2 is available for download.
2. 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.
For those who just can’t wait to get Android 2.2, there will be an easy user initiated option to download the upgrade. Customers can access the software update through their HTC EVO 4G under the Settings Menu System Updates HTC Software Update. This will initiate the three-step process also.
Rave Reviews and Accolades for EVO
Check out what the top tech reviewers are saying about the device.
Walt Mossberg with the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.) says:
“The HTC EVO 4G, when used on Sprint’s 4G network, offers the highest consistent downstream data speeds I have ever seen on a cellular network. It also has a number of other strong features: a front-facing camera for video chatting, and the ability to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot (for an extra fee of $30 a month) that can simultaneously connect up to eight laptops or other devices to the Internet.”
Chris Ziegler with Engadget says:
“Let us be crystal clear: we love this phone. Nay, we adore it. …truly one of the best smartphones ever made…”
Sascha Segan with PC Magazine says:
“…if you live online, the EVO offers a big, beautiful, and powerful window to the world.”
“The EVO starts with a world-class 3G smartphone and adds 4G as a “turbo boost” option. If you’re an intensive Web user, you’ll like it even without 4G.”
Bonnie Cha with CNET says:
“Overall, the HTC Evo 4G is, hands-down, the best smartphone that Sprint has to offer and certainly ranks as one of the best Android phones on the market today.”
Jessica Mintz with the Associated Press says:
“HTC’s Evo 4G phone is fast, powerful and fun to use – as long as your heart isn’t set on tapping into the speedier new network it was designed for.”
Mark Spoonauer with Laptop Magazine says:
“Even if 4G hasn’t yet reached your neck of the woods, the Evo 4G is a killer device thanks to its zippy processor, huge display, and an interface that makes Android more intuitive and user-friendly. While the keyboard could be better and the battery life longer, the Evo 4G richly deserves our Editors’ Choice award. It’s a no-brainer for Sprint customers, and a tempting choice for those on other carriers.”
Matt Buchannan with Gizmodo says:
“It’s actually staggering how different the experience is of using a phone that has over 4 inches of display, diagonally, versus more conventional screens, which run closer to 3.5 inches. Even when you’re using the same OS at the same resolution-in this case, Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI at 800×480, seen on their last few Android phones.
It’s kind of like when the jeans you’ve been wearing forever start to fit a little too snugly because you’ve been eating a little too well, and you finally cave and buy a bigger pair of jeans, there’s a mindblowing moment when you close the button for the first time of how much freedom you suddenly have to breathe. So you kind of hyperventilate.”
CNET, LAPTOP Magazine and eWeek gave HTC EVO 4G awards for Best of Show when it was announced at CTIA this spring. It was also recently cited on MobileTechReview’s Best Smartphones and Best Touch Screen Phones lists.
Customer favorites on HTC EVO 4G’s long list of features include the 4.3-inch screen, dual 8MP video camera capable of capturing HD quality and front-facing 1.3MP camera. They also appreciate the HDMI output jack making it simple to start a movie for your children in the backseat of the car with the phone and then connect to an HDTV to finish it when you arrive at home.2 Business customers highlight its super-fast 1GHz processor, simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G or Wi-Fi coverage areas enabling Web surfing and more during conversation, and built-in mobile hotspot for up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices.3 For HTC EVO 4G images visit Sprint’s image gallery.
Amazing at 3G, Unbelievable at 4G
Sprint is the first national carrier offering the next generation of broadband technology today in 43 markets. Sprint 4G delivers download speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G from any other wireless carrier4, giving HTC EVO 4G a faster data speeds than any U.S. wireless device available today. HTC EVO 4G’s exciting features and applications are compelling and powerful in a 3G world, but they become even more amazing when experienced with 4G speeds.
Android application developers may have some thoughts , do bring them up in our comments section .
Tags: Android 2.2, android froyo, Android news, android update, android updates, firmware update, Froyo, HTC news, Sprint
Good news for Android app developers : Carrier Billing to come to Android Market and more….
Jul 28, 2010 Android App Development, android apps, News
I think this is going to be the best news for Android application developers as well as Android users , Google has recently announced that it will change the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) to include other forms of payment and Carrier billing will be one of them , as discussed earlier and recommended by many Android developers in past , Google has brought changes to the payment modes at a snail pace , may be the Android app developers very too impatient or the Android app users but everyone over the globe had some suggestions for Google in mind the only crowd which was authorized for carrier billing were T-mobile subscribers .
So far, though,Google Checkout has been the only option for Android users (outside of T-Mobile, that is). And instead of just paying once, at the end of the month, Android users have had to make a payment for each transaction, at the time of the purchase.
- In Section 13.1, “authorized carriers” have been added as an indemnified party.
- Section 13.2 is new in its entirety, covering indemnity for payment processors for claims related to tax accrual.
In the Android developers Blog Google said that “(These changes are) in preparation for some work we’re doing on introducing new payment options, which we think developers will like.”
These changes are being applied in 30 days, which likely means Google will officially introduce the carriers that are allowing Android Market billing before the end of August. Whether the new changes will apply to carriers outside of the US isn’t clear.
It will be interesting to see what happens to application and game purchases once the terms go into effect. I believe there is a certain peace of mind with simply adding a few dollars to a bill that likely tops $100 a month already. On the other hand, we’ll have to keep an eye on the process for refunding purchases.
The post does not give any specific timeline on when carrier billing will be available, but it does offer developers a 30-day window to sign the new terms.
So what would be your reaction after these terms are applied , would you download more apps and games ? Or it doesnt matter you ?
Also would App developers start developing for Android and will this be a boon for Android application development ?
What do you think , do let us know in comments .
Tags: Android App Development, Android App Development android development, Android application, android applications, android apps, android developer, android developer news, android developers, android development, android market, Application store
HTC selling its own branded Android phones in China
Jul 27, 2010 Android Phones, News
HTC has been selling their devices in China with the name Dopod , but now it is looking for a change , with the introduction of three new launches in the country .
The HTC Desire , HTC Wildfire and the HTC’s Tianyi which is a mix up of designs from other HTC phones like the trackball from Nexus One the speaker grill from the HTC EVO 4G and HTC Droid Incredible,and with a look of the Wildfire the specs of the HTC’s Tianyi are not yet revealed .
The Press release is as follows :
BEIJING, July 27 /PRNewswire/ — HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced its brand and first HTC-branded devices in China. As part of its mobile operator focus, HTC also announced a partnership with China Mobile to bring future HTC phones to market and announced a new distribution partnership with China’s largest electronics distributor, GOME Electrical Appliances Holding Ltd.
“We are proud to introduce the HTC brand in China and look forward to bringing a fresh customer-centric smartphone experience to consumers in China,” said Cher Wang, chairman of HTC. “Together with our strategic partner Dopod, we have introduced many state-of-the-art phones over the past few years in China. HTC’s passion for innovation and its commitment to delighting people around the world are what drive us to improve the overall mobile experience in big and small ways. It is this customer-centric approach that has driven HTC’s global leadership position and has differentiated us.”
With a broad portfolio of innovative smartphones, HTC’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that one size does not fit all and focuses on creating an intuitive and personalized mobile experience that is based on a unique people-centric approach. HTC has become a leading mobile brand focused on simplifying how people communicate by emphasizing improvements to little things that deeply impact the experience people have on their phones. HTC’s entry into China represents its continued growth and highlights the broad demand for its unique smartphones and the increased visibility of its brand globally.
“The pace of mobile innovation globally is moving at an extraordinary rate, and we are excited to be bringing many of our most innovative phones to China, the largest and most sophisticated mobile market in the world,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer of HTC. “HTC was founded with a vision for mobile convergence and a passion for innovation that has established us as a globally recognized mobile leader.”
HTC designs some of the world’s most popular smartphones and provides a unique opportunity to make each person’s phone experience uniquely their own. Initially coming to China are HTC’s newly unveiled smartphones with HTC Sense: The HTC Tianxi, HTC Tianyi,HTC Desire and HTC Wildfire. HTC Sense is a unique user experience focused on putting people at the center by making phones work in a more simple and natural way. This experience revolved around observing and listening to how people live and communicate.
The industry has recognized HTC’s contributions through a variety of awards including Fast Company’s 2010 Top 50 Most Innovative Companies and MIT Technology Review’s 2010 50 Most Innovative Companies. The GSMA also recently awarded the HTC Hero as the “Best Phone of 2009.” For more information on HTC’s history of industry firsts, visit www.htc.com/quietlybrilliant.
HTC has been partnering mobile operators in China since 2003 and has delivered many cutting-edge, intuitive smartphones in China. HTC is devoted to developing TD-SCDMA-based phones, the first wireless standard in China. TD-SCDMA(TD) marks an important milestone in the innovation and growth of China’s mobile industry and has spurred development of the cross-strait mobile sector.
About HTC
HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the centre of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.
Tags: Android 2.1, Android 2.2, android 2.2 m android news, Android Phone, HTC desire, HTC Legend, HTC mobile news, htc new phones, HTC upcoming phones, latest HTC phone
NEW ANDROID PHONE UPDATE : Sprint Epic 4G may be seen around 20th August
Jul 26, 2010 Android Phones, News
As we already knew Samsung was planning a 4G and the Sprint version of Samsung Galaxy S is named as Samsung Epic 4G which is supposed to arrive around August 20th . The phone appeared on Samsung TV site with a scheduled date of 20th August and hence it makes sense that Epic could land somewhere around the figure .
Previously we had seen Samsung did the same kind of advertising for the AT&T Captivate and the T-Mobile’s Vibrant , so with guesses and rumors we can figure it out that Samsung Epic 4G could be seen around the date .
The Sprints Epic 4G comes with few additional features along with the goodies of Samsung’s Galaxy S, like the physical keyboard and 4G connectivity .
Lets hope the dates are practical and Samsung shows us some more stuff with the Epic 4G and the desperately awaiting Android freak Sprint users.
Tags: Android 2.2, android froyo, android mobiles, Android news, Android OS, Android Phone, android release, News, Sprint, upcoming phone