Mobiles reviews - google

Android delayed to Q4 2008 and later

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:35:33 +0000

It wasn't too long ago that Google announced their OHA (Open Handset Alliance) and the Linux-based Android platform. Once Android demonstrations started popping up all over the blogosphere, we couldn't wait to get our hands on an Android-powered device. Unfortunately, we're going to have to wait longer still. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google's [...]

A few HTC Dream specifications revealed

Fri, 30 May 2008 00:05:44 +0000

Just as we're getting used to the fact that the HTC Dream, is, well, a smartphone-dream come true, we're getting more details on the upcoming Android-powered handset's spec-sheet. As if that glorious Google Maps demonstration and huge touchscreen functionality weren't enough, the HTC Dream will apparently be rocking 3.6Mbps HSDPA, 128MB RAM / 256MB ROM, and [...]

Video: HTC Dream live and in the flesh at Google conference

Wed, 28 May 2008 20:12:55 +0000

The near-mythical HTC Dream handset has been rumored for longer than we can remember, and we can't wait to get our hands on the device that was once thought to be the Google Phone (gPhone). Alas, we'll have to wait until Google and HTC can work out the niggling details on the Android OS that [...]

Sprint and Google to bring Google Search, Google Maps

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:27:31 +0000

While Sprint scrambles to get their house in order and get their only hope for serious survival in the US wireless landscape off the ground, the No. 3 US wireless carrier has announced that it has teamed up with Google to bring more functionality to its handset lineup. Apparently, Sprint wants to use Google's search [...]

Qualcomm throwing down with no less than 5 Android handsets this year

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:16:48 +0000

Handset manufacturers are scrambling to get their wares mated to Google's Linux-based Android OS, and it looks like Qualcomm's lending a helping hand. The chip-making giant has announced that it's hooked up with several OEMs looking to launch an Android-powered handset this year. It makes sense for Qualcomm to help these handset manufacturers develop their [...]

HTC getting set to unveil Android-based 'Dream' handset on May 6?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:34:30 +0000

We can't wait to get some serious Android-kit into our sweaty, grubby hands. The launch of the Android-powered HTC Dream is at the very top of our gotta-see list. And, HTC could be setting the stage to unveil the HTC Dream for Android-duty in the near future. HTC sent out invitations for some sort of press [...]

Google LCB - new Google service for mobile searching sans typing

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:11:10 +0000

Tapping away at a mobile phone's keypad can get to be a real bother - and in some cases, a real medical condition. So, it seems that Google has set out to improve the mobile-search experience on handsets. Dubbed "LCB," Google has tipped their newest mobile service in their robots.txt file - a file that [...]

Google releases APIs to work with iPhone

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:06:56 +0000

Ahh, Google and Apple. It's nice to see these two tech innovators continuing to work together in harmony. Google has just released a set of APIs in their GData Objective-C Client Library that will allow iPhone developers to use Google APIs alongside Apple's APIs in the iPhone SDK. Of course, all applications written in Objective-C should [...]

HTC's Android handset to be called the "Dream" - you don't say

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:05:48 +0000

If you're feeling a tinge of deja vu all over again, it's because this has all happened before. HTC, long known to be developing a handset running the Android open-source OS, has finally come out in the open and announced that their Android handset will be called the "Dream." Back in the early days of the [...]

Can Navizon survive Google's location mapping in iPhone v1.1.3?

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 22:41:14 +0000

As the iPhone gets more and more comfortable with itself as the “gotta-have” gadget of 2007, nay 2008, the Apple handset just keeps getting better with time. Firmware upon firmware, the iPhone keeps adding more usability and functionality at the click of a (”Sync”) button. The next iPhone firmware release, previously rumored and now widely documented as the v1.1.3 firmware version, touts Google’s new location-based “My Location” mapping feature built into the Google Maps application. There are other cool features included in the v1.1.3 firmware, but we’re just going to talk about the location-mapping aspect of Google Maps. Until now, the only way to get cell-tower triangulated positional data (we like to call it faux-GPS) on your iPhone was through a third party application called Navizon. The application is incredibly handy and was recently updated to give directions from your current (approximate) location and keep in touch with friends (the “Buddy” feature). And, in the face of Google’s recent “My Location” announcement, Navizon launched a “Lite” (read: free) version to keep up. Well, now that the new Google “My Location” feature is ready to prime-time with the next iPhone update, we have to wonder what Navizon is doing to keep up. So, we went to our little birdie to get more info on what to expect from Navizon in the future and it looks promising. Navizon already offers (for free) the same type of cell-tower triangulation technology upon which Google’s “My Location” features relies. But, if you need even more accuracy (close to that of GPS positioning) Navizon offers a premium upgrade that leverages WiFi hotspot-positioning to help you get an even more accurate location-information. But, that’s not all. We can’t exactly tell you what (at least not yet), but Navizon will be offering even more unique and exciting features in the near future. Fear not, Navizon fans, Google’s “My Location” (likely) integration in the next iPhone firmware update will not be the end of your favorite little location-information application. Keep an eye out for more Navizon updates soon! ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Navizon goes BlackberryGPS location data on your iPhone - kinda, sortaNavizon launches free Navizon LiteNavizon for iPhone upgraded; Now with Buddy FinderApple iPhone GPS software maker offering refunds on Navizon

Android SDK full of bugs, lacks support - developers frustrated

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 23:12:38 +0000

Google is the last company we would have expected to botch a platform launch . But, in hindsight, they may have rushed things a bit more than would have been prudent. After all, there’s a fair amount of heat coming from Cupertino, and we’re sure Google didn’t want to get burned by holding off on Android any longer than they did. There’s a problem. Developers are getting frustrated trying to deal with the Android SDK ’s bugs and lack of documentation. Furthermore, Google’s ommission of a tracking system for reported issues is hindering the Android development push. The general feeling in the land of Android-development is that the platform just isn’t ready to the big-time. Bugs have to be ironed out, documentation needs to be published, and an issue-tracking system needs to be developed. Still, Ars Technica’s Ryan Paul took a whack at the Android SDK and found that “Despite some of the bugs and limitations in the API, it is definitely a viable and effective platform for application development.” He goes on to say that the API is “conducive to rapid application development, but there are still some gaps… it doesn’t make it easy to create applications that have a really polished look and feel.” Hey Google, get that documentation out quick. Apple’s iPhone SDK is looming and you just don’t have the time to fiddle with whatever pet-projects are responsible for this Android-oversight. We can’t wait for those first Android devices next year, they better not be filled with bugs (or look huge/ugly , for that matter)! [Via: Ars Technica ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Apple starts seeding official iPhone SDK to a select few developersShut Up: You are not allowed to praise or slam Android until the SDK comes outGooge cultivating Android development community with $10 million petri-dishHTC plans to release 2 to 3 Android based devices in 2008Google will be presenting Android and running thru [...]

Willcom shows off Android prototype - multi-tasking on Android is a go

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:44:36 +0000

Ever since Google blitzed the blogosphere with their Android and OHA announcements, we’ve been waiting on news of manufacturers tooling up their Android-based wares. It looks like Willcom, our favorite wacky-mobile-phone manufacturer in Japan have an Android-based reference board up and running. The image you see above is the Willcom reference board running Android on a FreeScale CPU. What’s interesting is that the image shows an incoming call while running Google Maps. Multitasking may not be as spectacular as we’ve come to expect from other OS’s but at least we have some pretty good evidence that Android will be able to do some multitasking. [Via: Digital World Tokyo ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:HTC could ship 1 million Android handsets in 2008Synaptics jumps into Android party; To provide its touch interface driverPalm says "NO" to AndroidGooge cultivating Android development community with $10 million petri-dishSymbian answers to Android threat: We've heard it all before!

LiPS Forum nails down Release 1.0 specs - ready to take on Android

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:11:11 +0000

Google’s announcement of Android was big, there’s no doubt about that. But, the OHA and Android aren’t the only group to push for an open-source mobile phone movement based on Linux. The LiPS (Linux Phone Standards Forum) Forum has been championing the Linux cause for handsets on the open-source tip. With the might of Google behind it, Android and the OHA stole the show - almost banishing the LiPS Forum to obscurity - until today. The other Linux movement has finalized the specifications on their Release 1.0. LiPS aims to “enable mobile industry players to achieve basic interoperability for applications and services deployed on Linux-based phones,” in order to foster the development of services and compatible devices. And, with LiPS good to go, the open-source handset market can look forward to “interoperability through real open standards and specifications, not de facto acceptance of single platform implementation.” So, just what is the difference between an open-source model and the more traditional (ad-hoc) model? These charts should give you a good idea: Traditional (ad-hoc) model Open-source model We’ve heard it all before. But more competition hopefully means better innovation and hardware offerings. Next step? Get some hardware manufacturers and developers to back LiPS’s wares. [Via: Linux Devices ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Android is out and I feel let down, almost embarrassed I hyped it so muchPalm says "NO" to AndroidGooge cultivating Android development community with $10 million petri-dishHTC plans to release 2 to 3 Android based devices in 2008Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer on Android: It's just a press release

AT&T busts doors wide open - announces open network to allow 'any device, any app'

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:55:20 +0000

In the wireless industry, the best weapon any one carrier has against their rivals is the mighty pen. Well, it’s more like the “mighty keyboard,” but you get the point. Not to be outdone by the other big-dog in the play-pen, AT&T has announced that they’ll be opening up their network to “wireless phone, device and software application from any maker.” Beating rival Verizon to the punch , AT&T’s network will be open to all GSM devices and applications “starting immediately.” “You can use any handset on our network you want,” says Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T’s wireless business. “We don’t prohibit it, or even police it.” AT&T customers can choose from a world of feature-phone and smartphone options, and they don’t even have to sign a contract to get on AT&T’s network. And, to rub it in the face of Google’s OHA , AT&T boasted that they are doing today what the OHA has planned for a year from now. Ralph de la Vega added that “We are the most open wireless company in the industry.” So, it looks like Google and the OHA successfully revolutionized the wireless market - just as we expected . Or did it? While Google’s move to create an open-platform for mobile phones and wireless networks has prompted an all-out PR-war between the largest network operators, did it really prompt AT&T to open up their network any more than the rest of the GSM-world? Not really. AT&T’s announcement of an open network is basically a reiteration of the way a GSM network works. You can take any unlocked GSM phone, pop in an AT&T SIM card, and start using that device with any software you see fit - it’s always been that way and always will. So, just what did AT&T accomplish with this announcement? Aside from one-upping their competitors in the PR deathmatch that is the wireless-game…nothing. [Via: USAToday ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Verizon set to open its network to 'any app, any device' in 2008When did Verizon Wireless join the Open Handset Alliance?Verizon confirms LTE 4G network trials with Vodafone; to share with AT&TQualcomm unveils new 3G chip with 700Mhz frequency support - works on all networksAT&T backs FCC Chairman Martin's open access position [...]

Is Google seriously serious about bidding on the 700Mhz spectrum auction?

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:13:03 +0000

We know, we’ve been talking about Google’s intention to bid on the upcoming FCC 700Mhz spectrum auction, and Google CEO Schmidt even confirmed his company’s intent to do so. But, according Bloomberg, some analyst think that Google isn’t planning on submitting a bid beyond the initial $4.6 billion minimum opening-bid. Is Google’s bid for the 700Mhz auction just for show? These analysts are saying that Google could have simply talked a big game and feigned interest in snatching up the 700Mhz spectrum in order to affect policy changes like the controversial open-access regulations that were placed on the spectrum by the FCC. Google’s commitment to bidding on the spectrum could end at the opening bid - after which Google will simply let the industry big-dogs duke it out for the winning bid. Afterall, Google will still have an open network to provide its services regardless of who wins the auction. And, with Verizon Wireless’s recent announcement that they’ll be opening up their network to “any app, any device” in 2008, Google could see little benefit to actually owning the 700Mhz airwaves. “They’re going to get what they want without having to put up billions of dollars,” said Todd Dagres, general partner at Spark Capital, adding that “the ideal scenario is to get the openness so [Google] can offer their services. I’m not sure they want to be a wireless carrier.” We’re cautious to put our faith in this kind of speculation - everything we’ve heard about Google’s plans seems to indicate that they’re serious about winning the spectrum. But, it makes a lot of sense for Google to “put [their] money where [their] principles are” in an opening bid, and then sit on the sidelines as they wait for their open-network to go live. [Via: Bloomberg ] ---Related Articles at IntoMobile:Google is still a player in FCC's 700Mhz spectrum auctionGoogle getting serious about 700Mhz wireless network plans700Mhz FCC auction delayed, new auction rules publishedFCC releases details, rules for upcoming 700Mhz frequency spectrum auction - $10 billion reserve price700Mhz frequency spectrum primed to be worldwide standard for mobile broadband