Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
#1002
I looked high and low for a screen cover... btw... I have zero scratches ... anyhoo, I bought the 2 pack of ones that HTC makes specifically for the EVO... they are lint magnets when you're trying to put them on, soooooo
1. either buy the single one that is made for the EVO with the lifetime replacement guarantee by ZAGG they are $14.99 online, but $24.00 at best buy...
2. put the ones from HTC on in a 1000% lint free...
also, I am not sure exactly why, but the edges of neither( I ruined the 1st one I think) of the screen protectors seal all the way, so there is/are chronic bubble(s)...
1. either buy the single one that is made for the EVO with the lifetime replacement guarantee by ZAGG they are $14.99 online, but $24.00 at best buy...
2. put the ones from HTC on in a 1000% lint free...
also, I am not sure exactly why, but the edges of neither( I ruined the 1st one I think) of the screen protectors seal all the way, so there is/are chronic bubble(s)...
Last edited by DarkSithCL; 10-09-2010 at 03:24 PM.
#1004
Safety Car
I looked high and low for a screen cover... btw... I have zero scratches ... anyhoo, I bought the 2 pack of ones that HTC makes specifically for the EVO... they are lint magnets when you're trying to put them on, soooooo
1. either buy the single one that is made for the EVO with the lifetime replacement guarantee by ZAGG they are $14.99 online, but $24.00 at best buy...
2. put the ones from HTC on in a 1000% lint free...
also, I am not sure exactly why, but the edges of neither( I ruined the 1st one I think) of the screen protectors seal all the way, so there is/are chronic bubble(s)...
1. either buy the single one that is made for the EVO with the lifetime replacement guarantee by ZAGG they are $14.99 online, but $24.00 at best buy...
2. put the ones from HTC on in a 1000% lint free...
also, I am not sure exactly why, but the edges of neither( I ruined the 1st one I think) of the screen protectors seal all the way, so there is/are chronic bubble(s)...
The problem with the ZAGG ones are they're too thick and they ruin the touch screen responsiveness because your hand swipes don't go as smoothly due to the rubbery feel. There are plenty of good alternatives out there though but most people swear by a company called Martin Fields to be the best of the best because they're thin but still protect the screens from scratching and don't have the rubbery feel. They're pretty expensive as well though. I guess in the end, all that matter is it does what it needs to do. lol.
http://www.overlayplus.com/US/MFOP-HTCEVO4G
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 10-09-2010 at 10:18 PM.
#1005
Safety Car
If you're planning to run custom ROMs, then you should probably look at another phone. Motorola locked the bootloader on the phone so its making it very difficult to run a custom ROM with the phone.
#1006
Yeah screen protectors are expensive. Usually the bubbles will go away after a couple of days. I'm very picky about that sort of stuff myself. lol. The Galaxy phone would be my first phone without a body and screen protector. Only using a silicone case to protect the backside from scratches since its made of thin plastic.
The problem with the ZAGG ones are they're too thick and they ruin the touch screen responsiveness because your hand swipes don't go as smoothly due to the rubbery feel. There are plenty of good alternatives out there though but most people swear by a company called Martin Fields to be the best of the best because they're thin but still protect the screens from scratching and don't have the rubbery feel. They're pretty expensive as well though. I guess in the end, all that matter is it does what it needs to do. lol.
http://www.overlayplus.com/US/MFOP-HTCEVO4G
The problem with the ZAGG ones are they're too thick and they ruin the touch screen responsiveness because your hand swipes don't go as smoothly due to the rubbery feel. There are plenty of good alternatives out there though but most people swear by a company called Martin Fields to be the best of the best because they're thin but still protect the screens from scratching and don't have the rubbery feel. They're pretty expensive as well though. I guess in the end, all that matter is it does what it needs to do. lol.
http://www.overlayplus.com/US/MFOP-HTCEVO4G
#1007
http://www.overlayplus.com/US/MFOP-HTCEVO4G
"It is removable, durable,reusable and washable"
Unique b/c it has a skin for the lens... which is cool...
1st time I have see this...
Martin Fields Overlay Plus Screen Protector (HTC EVO 4G)
MFOP-HTCEVO4G
Single Pack US$ 16.99
Twin Pack US$ 32.99
"It is removable, durable,reusable and washable"
Unique b/c it has a skin for the lens... which is cool...
1st time I have see this...
Martin Fields Overlay Plus Screen Protector (HTC EVO 4G)
MFOP-HTCEVO4G
Single Pack US$ 16.99
Twin Pack US$ 32.99
Last edited by DarkSithCL; 10-09-2010 at 11:46 PM.
#1008
http://www.bestskinsever.com/htc-evo-4g
HTC EVO 4G
SKU# 1168 G
Availability: In stock
HTC EVO 4G Total Body Skin
$7.99
HTC EVO 4G Front Skin
$5.99
HTC EVO 4G Back Skin Only
$5.99
I dont have a clue how they keep them so affordable...
HTC EVO 4G
SKU# 1168 G
Availability: In stock
HTC EVO 4G Total Body Skin
$7.99
HTC EVO 4G Front Skin
$5.99
HTC EVO 4G Back Skin Only
$5.99
I dont have a clue how they keep them so affordable...
#1009
Sprint's Galaxy Tab rumored at $399 with contract
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-...#ixzz12CQbA8fQ
http://evo4g.net/
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-...#ixzz12CQbA8fQ
http://evo4g.net/
#1011
LOL... I am so late on this update... like 20 days!
I just pulled this off the Sprint website:
Last Updated: Sep 21, 2010
Just like your computer, your phone's software needs to be updated periodically to make sure you have all the latest fixes and enhancements to keep it running at optimal performance. Follow the steps below to check your current version and perform any needed updates.
Version History
Current Version: 3.29.651.5
Version
3.29.651.5
Date released
9/22/2010
Description of enhancements/fixes
This update fixes:
- Calendar event edit issues
- Multiple Gmail account sync
Someone asked about this earlier in the thread...
I just pulled this off the Sprint website:
Last Updated: Sep 21, 2010
Just like your computer, your phone's software needs to be updated periodically to make sure you have all the latest fixes and enhancements to keep it running at optimal performance. Follow the steps below to check your current version and perform any needed updates.
Version History
Current Version: 3.29.651.5
Version
3.29.651.5
Date released
9/22/2010
Description of enhancements/fixes
This update fixes:
- Calendar event edit issues
- Multiple Gmail account sync
Someone asked about this earlier in the thread...
#1012
Safety Car
Sprint's Galaxy Tab rumored at $399 with contract
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-...#ixzz12CQbA8fQ
http://evo4g.net/
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-...#ixzz12CQbA8fQ
http://evo4g.net/
From what I see on Google, it looks like that update is to remove the 30 fps cap that the Evo had to supposedly make sure the HDMI out function doesn't get broken.
#1013
Safety Car
Supposedly, the original MT3G is finally getting an official Froyo build from T-Mobile starting tomorrow. I'm gonna keep a look out for this because CM6 is nice full of features but my Ion gets bogged down like no other. Hopefully, the official Froyo has some nice speed tweaks so the phone is usable with Froyo.
Source: http://www.tmonews.com/2010/10/t-mob...ning-tomorrow/
It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard anything regarding the myTouch3G and future Android updates. A lot of you owners have moved on to bigger and better things but for those of you still holding on, or holding out for something better than I hope I have your attention. Beginning tomorrow, that’s right, TOMORROW T-Mobile and HTC will begin an OTA rollout of Android 2.2
The update includes a number of benefits, including a new home screen experience, Exchange email integration and the addition of the Faves gallery.
The update should run between now and October 25th as a staggered rollout so don’t be upset (yeah I know the comments will show otherwise) if you don’t receive it tomorrow. This is great news for myTouch3G owners and I’m sure this will breathe plenty of new life into your phone!
The update includes a number of benefits, including a new home screen experience, Exchange email integration and the addition of the Faves gallery.
The update should run between now and October 25th as a staggered rollout so don’t be upset (yeah I know the comments will show otherwise) if you don’t receive it tomorrow. This is great news for myTouch3G owners and I’m sure this will breathe plenty of new life into your phone!
#1014
Sprint guns for mid-range Android: $149 Samsung Transform, $99 Sanyo Zio, and $49 LG Optimus S include 'Sprint ID'
Sprint ID sounds like a cool idea... keeps the phone from coming with a load of pre loaded junk... I can live with that...
Sprint guns for mid-range Android: $149 Samsung Transform, $99 Sanyo Zio, and $49 LG Optimus S include 'Sprint ID'
By Sean Hollister posted Oct 6th 2010 5:15PM
The rumors were dead-on -- the Samsung Transform and Sanyo Zio are headed to Sprint this week, and by the end of the month the carrier will play host to an LG Optimus smartphone as well. Priced at $150, $100 and $50 (after $100 mail-in rebates) respectively, they're definitely not high-end phones, but if you're looking for a capable QWERTY messenger (with video chat!) the Samsung Transform just might fill the bill. In many ways it's a scaled down Epic 4G, with the same look and feel, though a somewhat slower 800MHz processor, a 3.5-inch screen, and no 4G support, obviously. We weren't terribly impressed with the Sanyo Zio the last time we saw it, but we're happy to hear it's now sporting Android 2.1 and hopefully some bugfixes, and we're eager to try the LG Optimus S simply because it's got Froyo at the $50 price point.
Hardware's only half the story here, however, because these three phones will ship with something completely new -- a settings / apps / widgets / themes packaging solution the company's calling Sprint ID. Rather than fill the device with bloatware apps or overlay a custom UI, Sprint's installed a software button that takes you to a store exclusively designed for Sprint's new Android devices. You pick a package -- say, Business Pro -- and it downloads a specific set of apps, widgets and a custom wallpaper targeted at business owners, though if you'd rather decline you can use a package that's pretty much stock Android. The carrier's launching Sprint ID today with 17 partners and 13 free content packs, with more on the way. There's a Sprint exec waiting to walk you through Sprint ID in a video after the break!
sourceSprint
52
Leave A Comment
CTIA 2010, Ctia2010, LG Optimus S, LgOptimusS, Optimus S, OptimusS, Samsung Transform, SamsungTransform, Sanyo ZIo, SanyoZio, Sprint, Transform, Zio
* LG Optimus S for Sprint, first hands-on! (update: benchmarked!)
6 days ago
* Samsung Transform, first hands-on!
6 days ago
* LG Optimus T budget Android phone comes to T-Mobile
6 days ago
From Our Partners
* DLS Review: TweetDeck for Android seamlessly integrates Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare...
8 hours ago
* Windows Phone 7 Phones Announced, Microsoft Back in the Mobile Game
1 day ago
* Skype now available on Android 2.1+ phones, works via Wi-Fi or 3G
7 days ago
Link:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/s...npage_engadget
Sprint ID sounds like a cool idea... keeps the phone from coming with a load of pre loaded junk... I can live with that...
Sprint guns for mid-range Android: $149 Samsung Transform, $99 Sanyo Zio, and $49 LG Optimus S include 'Sprint ID'
By Sean Hollister posted Oct 6th 2010 5:15PM
The rumors were dead-on -- the Samsung Transform and Sanyo Zio are headed to Sprint this week, and by the end of the month the carrier will play host to an LG Optimus smartphone as well. Priced at $150, $100 and $50 (after $100 mail-in rebates) respectively, they're definitely not high-end phones, but if you're looking for a capable QWERTY messenger (with video chat!) the Samsung Transform just might fill the bill. In many ways it's a scaled down Epic 4G, with the same look and feel, though a somewhat slower 800MHz processor, a 3.5-inch screen, and no 4G support, obviously. We weren't terribly impressed with the Sanyo Zio the last time we saw it, but we're happy to hear it's now sporting Android 2.1 and hopefully some bugfixes, and we're eager to try the LG Optimus S simply because it's got Froyo at the $50 price point.
Hardware's only half the story here, however, because these three phones will ship with something completely new -- a settings / apps / widgets / themes packaging solution the company's calling Sprint ID. Rather than fill the device with bloatware apps or overlay a custom UI, Sprint's installed a software button that takes you to a store exclusively designed for Sprint's new Android devices. You pick a package -- say, Business Pro -- and it downloads a specific set of apps, widgets and a custom wallpaper targeted at business owners, though if you'd rather decline you can use a package that's pretty much stock Android. The carrier's launching Sprint ID today with 17 partners and 13 free content packs, with more on the way. There's a Sprint exec waiting to walk you through Sprint ID in a video after the break!
sourceSprint
52
Leave A Comment
CTIA 2010, Ctia2010, LG Optimus S, LgOptimusS, Optimus S, OptimusS, Samsung Transform, SamsungTransform, Sanyo ZIo, SanyoZio, Sprint, Transform, Zio
* LG Optimus S for Sprint, first hands-on! (update: benchmarked!)
6 days ago
* Samsung Transform, first hands-on!
6 days ago
* LG Optimus T budget Android phone comes to T-Mobile
6 days ago
From Our Partners
* DLS Review: TweetDeck for Android seamlessly integrates Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare...
8 hours ago
* Windows Phone 7 Phones Announced, Microsoft Back in the Mobile Game
1 day ago
* Skype now available on Android 2.1+ phones, works via Wi-Fi or 3G
7 days ago
Link:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/s...npage_engadget
#1017
Safety Car
#1019
Hold the onions
these things? they're called QR Codes. scan the code above for a nice app that lets you use your videos as your live wallpaper on adroid phones. no sound from video of course.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804720
Last edited by bud760; 10-14-2010 at 12:41 AM.
#1020
these things? they're called QR Codes. scan the code above for a nice app that lets you use your videos as your live wallpaper on adroid phones. no sound from video of course.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804720
#1022
Safety Car
You can make your own QR Codes too online:
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
So whenever someone scans it they can have whatever info you provided in that QR code.
Not for Android. On that note, Angry Birds full was released earlier today and its free! 150 levels means I'm gonna be busy playing that game during lectures...
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
So whenever someone scans it they can have whatever info you provided in that QR code.
Not for Android. On that note, Angry Birds full was released earlier today and its free! 150 levels means I'm gonna be busy playing that game during lectures...
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds
#1023
Hold the onions
Not for Android. On that note, Angry Birds full was released earlier today and its free! 150 levels means I'm gonna be busy playing that game during lectures...
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds[/QUOTE]
beat me to it
if you like a paid app and you're rooted google + apk name
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds[/QUOTE]
beat me to it
if you like a paid app and you're rooted google + apk name
#1024
Safety Car
You don't really need root to install apps you find online or anywhere for that matter. You only need root for apps that need root access. You're free to install and use whatever you want, otherwise.
#1026
Lamborghini Aventador FTW
iTrader: (4)
Just started getting into a bit more customization of my phone. I'm running a rooted stock Froyo on my Droid 1. I installed ROM Manager, ClockworkMOD, made a back up, and installed the P3Droid Low Voltage 250-1000 mHz kernel. Finished it off by installing SetCPU and making some profiles. I'll see how everything works over the next few days, but my initial impression is that the phone is a lot faster now, and the processor scalability is awesome!
#1027
Safety Car
Just started getting into a bit more customization of my phone. I'm running a rooted stock Froyo on my Droid 1. I installed ROM Manager, ClockworkMOD, made a back up, and installed the P3Droid Low Voltage 250-1000 mHz kernel. Finished it off by installing SetCPU and making some profiles. I'll see how everything works over the next few days, but my initial impression is that the phone is a lot faster now, and the processor scalability is awesome!
#1028
Safety Car
For those who haven't checked it out yet, try out the new Tango app. Its a video chat app that works on Android and iOS. It works on wifi and on 3G. They finally fixed the battery draining in the Android version.
I just tried it out with my girlfriend who has a 3GS and the quality was superior to Fring's and my front facing camera worked unlike with Qik. Check it out in the market. I still need to try it on 3G. It should work with other Android phones as well but it'll use the back camera. Good for showing off places unless you use a mirror and ghetto video chat. Lol.
http://www.tango.me
I just tried it out with my girlfriend who has a 3GS and the quality was superior to Fring's and my front facing camera worked unlike with Qik. Check it out in the market. I still need to try it on 3G. It should work with other Android phones as well but it'll use the back camera. Good for showing off places unless you use a mirror and ghetto video chat. Lol.
http://www.tango.me
#1029
Lamborghini Aventador FTW
iTrader: (4)
You should be able to get better battery life with the proper setup. Just have SetCPU underclock when the screen is off and them have it speed up when the screen turns on with the ondemand setting. Even have it go back to default speeds at a certain battery percentage.
The profile that is blocked by the Superuser notification is Full/Charging, Min: 250 Max: 1000, On demand
#1030
For those who haven't checked it out yet, try out the new Tango app. Its a video chat app that works on Android and iOS. It works on wifi and on 3G. They finally fixed the battery draining in the Android version.
I just tried it out with my girlfriend who has a 3GS and the quality was superior to Fring's and my front facing camera worked unlike with Qik. Check it out in the market. I still need to try it on 3G. It should work with other Android phones as well but it'll use the back camera. Good for showing off places unless you use a mirror and ghetto video chat. Lol.
http://www.tango.me
I just tried it out with my girlfriend who has a 3GS and the quality was superior to Fring's and my front facing camera worked unlike with Qik. Check it out in the market. I still need to try it on 3G. It should work with other Android phones as well but it'll use the back camera. Good for showing off places unless you use a mirror and ghetto video chat. Lol.
http://www.tango.me
Sorry I have been off the grid yall... been so busy over the weekend with my kids...been to fort worth twice and to 3 high school baseball games in Houston and college baseball tryouts.
I sent this info to one of my friends and he was pretty excited to know he could hollar at me via his iphone. He is in med school up in Detroit
#1031
You can make your own QR Codes too online:
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
So whenever someone scans it they can have whatever info you provided in that QR code.
Not for Android. On that note, Angry Birds full was released earlier today and its free! 150 levels means I'm gonna be busy playing that game during lectures...
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
So whenever someone scans it they can have whatever info you provided in that QR code.
Not for Android. On that note, Angry Birds full was released earlier today and its free! 150 levels means I'm gonna be busy playing that game during lectures...
http://www.appbrain.com/app/angry-bi...vio.angrybirds
And I have to check out the Angry birds game... been playing a free tank game that's alot of fun....Tank Recon 3D (lite = free ...LOL)
#1033
Safety Car
Sorry I have been off the grid yall... been so busy over the weekend with my kids...been to fort worth twice and to 3 high school baseball games in Houston and college baseball tryouts.
I sent this info to one of my friends and he was pretty excited to know he could hollar at me via his iphone. He is in med school up in Detroit
I sent this info to one of my friends and he was pretty excited to know he could hollar at me via his iphone. He is in med school up in Detroit
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=812548
Yahoo Video Chat App Leaked Thanks to MyTouch 4G/HD ROM
by Quentyn Kennemer on October 19th, 2010
Well jeez, leaked myTouch ROM, you’re just letting everything go, aren’t you? Yesterday, we were able to get a sideways glimpse (literally) of a video that comes with the device, and now the Yahoo Messenger app with video chat in tow has made its way to surface. Reports from XDA – where this ROM originally leaked – said it works great for EVO to EVO video-calling over WiFi, though he couldn’t get anything shakin’ on the desktop version of Yahoo Messenger for the Mac. We’re sure there’ll be some incompatibility issues considering the app isn’t supposed to be out yet, so don’t let that stop you from checking it out anyway. Head on over to XDA now to download.
by Quentyn Kennemer on October 19th, 2010
Well jeez, leaked myTouch ROM, you’re just letting everything go, aren’t you? Yesterday, we were able to get a sideways glimpse (literally) of a video that comes with the device, and now the Yahoo Messenger app with video chat in tow has made its way to surface. Reports from XDA – where this ROM originally leaked – said it works great for EVO to EVO video-calling over WiFi, though he couldn’t get anything shakin’ on the desktop version of Yahoo Messenger for the Mac. We’re sure there’ll be some incompatibility issues considering the app isn’t supposed to be out yet, so don’t let that stop you from checking it out anyway. Head on over to XDA now to download.
#1034
Safety Car
Oh and the backlashes are starting to come from yesterday's earning calls report by Job's. lol. You knew it was coming from the way he was making stuff up. I'm glad the companies are calling him out now:
From the TweetDeck CEO regarding Android "fragmentation":
Steve Jobs' amateur sleuthing last night brought up that gorgeous TweetDeck chart showing the vast variety of Android handsets out there, which the Apple CEO used to illustrate the "daunting challenge" he perceives developers have to face when creating apps that work across all devices and OS builds for the platform. Only problem with his assertion (aside from Steve calling the company TwitterDeck)? His opposite number on the TweetDeck team thinks nothing could be further from the truth: "we only have 2 guys developing on Android TweetDeck so that shows how small an issue fragmentation is." So that's Andy Rubin and Iain Dodsworth, any other company chief interested in taking Jobs down a notch?
Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/19/t...-against-jobs/
Keep grabbing straws...
From the TweetDeck CEO regarding Android "fragmentation":
Steve Jobs' amateur sleuthing last night brought up that gorgeous TweetDeck chart showing the vast variety of Android handsets out there, which the Apple CEO used to illustrate the "daunting challenge" he perceives developers have to face when creating apps that work across all devices and OS builds for the platform. Only problem with his assertion (aside from Steve calling the company TwitterDeck)? His opposite number on the TweetDeck team thinks nothing could be further from the truth: "we only have 2 guys developing on Android TweetDeck so that shows how small an issue fragmentation is." So that's Andy Rubin and Iain Dodsworth, any other company chief interested in taking Jobs down a notch?
Keep grabbing straws...
#1035
Safety Car
One more about Job's concern about Android's "openness". This time from Android's creator:
Source: http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/19/andy-rubin-twitter/
Android Chief Andy Rubin Sends His First Tweet — And It’s Aimed At Steve Jobs
Well would you look at that. Earlier today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs went on a bit of a tirade against Google and Android in particular. And you know that couldn’t have made Android chief Andy Rubin too happy. But how was he going to respond? Well, he decided to awaken his dormant Twitter account and send his first tweet tonight. And sure enough, it’s clearly (but subtly) in response to Jobs.
Without further ado, here is Andy Rubin’s first tweet:
the definition of open: “mkdir android ; cd android ; repo init -u git://android.git.kernel.org/platform/manifest.git ; repo sync ; make”
For those keeping score at home, that’s Rubin using some geeked-out lingo to explain exactly what open is to Steve Jobs. In other words: Android.
Well played.
Rubin has about 100 followers right now. That should skyrocket shortly.
Welcome to Twitter, Andy! I wouldn’t expect a response from Jobs, as he doesn’t use the service. But maybe Apple SVP Scott Forstall will respond instead (he has yet to tweet and still only follows Conan)?
Earlier, I didn’t have a way to verify for certain if it was Rubin or not, so I had some qualified words just in case it wasn’t. I’ve since confirmed with a couple of people in the know that it is in fact him, so I’ve updated the wording.
[thanks Jon]
Well would you look at that. Earlier today, Apple CEO Steve Jobs went on a bit of a tirade against Google and Android in particular. And you know that couldn’t have made Android chief Andy Rubin too happy. But how was he going to respond? Well, he decided to awaken his dormant Twitter account and send his first tweet tonight. And sure enough, it’s clearly (but subtly) in response to Jobs.
Without further ado, here is Andy Rubin’s first tweet:
the definition of open: “mkdir android ; cd android ; repo init -u git://android.git.kernel.org/platform/manifest.git ; repo sync ; make”
For those keeping score at home, that’s Rubin using some geeked-out lingo to explain exactly what open is to Steve Jobs. In other words: Android.
Well played.
Rubin has about 100 followers right now. That should skyrocket shortly.
Welcome to Twitter, Andy! I wouldn’t expect a response from Jobs, as he doesn’t use the service. But maybe Apple SVP Scott Forstall will respond instead (he has yet to tweet and still only follows Conan)?
Earlier, I didn’t have a way to verify for certain if it was Rubin or not, so I had some qualified words just in case it wasn’t. I’ve since confirmed with a couple of people in the know that it is in fact him, so I’ve updated the wording.
[thanks Jon]
#1036
Safety Car
Oh wow, Gingerbread details! Android 3.0. Supposedly the SDK is dropping next week so developers can play with the code:
Source: http://phandroid.com/2010/10/18/excl...bread-details/
[Exclusive] First Android Gingerbread Details
by Quentyn Kennemer on October 18th, 2010
We’ve heard countless reports that it’s out there. We know it’s still in development and we know some Googlers have it loaded onto their Nexus Ones. I’m talking about the Android Gingerbread update, of course, and we can finally bring you the first details regarding the next iteration courtesy of our trusted source close to Google. The biggest change – outside of built-in video chat support (more on that later) – that many have been wondering about has been a possible graphical overhaul. The acquisition of ex-Palm user interface expert Matias Duarte – the guy that designed the still-pretty webOS – implied that Google would be looking to pretty Android up against criticism that it was noticably “uglier” than the competition (they may have an argument up against iOS, but I don’t think Symbian, Windows Mobile (6.5) and Blackberry OS are any prettier. No offense to those respective design teams.)
Regardless of what we think, though, Google’s set out to change the face of Android and they’ve started quite subtly. To start, most of the standard icons have gotten redesigned for a simpler and cleaner look. The Android debugging icon, for instance, now takes on a more 8-bit feel and doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb as it used to. Google’s really gone back to the easel in this area, apparently. It sounds miniscule when you think about it now, but you’ll really notice it after using Gingerbread for a while and notice that everything’s just easier on your eyes. The icons also look like they were all designed by the same person, and I’m betting they were. This not only makes for a cleaner looking Android, but makes for a more uniform Android.
The snapshot of this thing in the wild is as blurry as blurry can get, but we’re working on getting more. At first glance, the graphical changes will be especially noticeable on the notification bar. They’ve gone from the milky/egg-white look of the Android of current to a warm, slate grey (reminiscent of the taskbar on devices with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI.) Everything looks pretty familiar upon pulling the notification bar down, but the carrier branding is displayed a lot more prominently compared to before. Beyond that, it’s pretty apparent that Google’s embracing “green” as the color of choice for Android, just as we’d expect they’d want to. (The mascot and logo are green, why not bits of the OS?) As they bring more green in, they haven’t completely done away with the orange we’re all used to. Depending on what’s being displayed, you’ll still see that warm color roaming about.
Looking at the homescreen, things are fundamentally the same. (We expect that, of course. Widgets have become a huge part of the Android experience and it’d be foolish to do anything to compromise that angle.) Looking at it, though, we’re greeted with more of the green highlights at the bottom of the screen. The application drawer button remains the same, but the Browser and Dialer buttons go from a quiet gray to a standout lime. There isn’t much else to talk about here, but anything could be added between now and the time Google’s ready to build the final version of this gingery house.
From what we’ve heard from our source, one of Google’s goals this time around is to work on the look and feel of individual Google apps to make them seem like more of an extension of the OS than just a tacked on accessory. The YouTube app is among the few to get this treatment. They’ve reportedly reshuffled elements and sections throughout the app and made sure it was as visually appealing as the rest of the apps featured in the newest version. YouTube (which will finally get stepped up to version 2.x) will also add the ability to control the fairly new “Lean Back” version of their site that launches the video-driven social network in a full-screen continous play mode. An ideal use-case sees the user controlling Lean Back on the newly-launched Google TV right from their phone. We’re trying to get more screens and details on how this will work, but we’ll just have to use our imagination for now.
Graphical changes continue where Google’s added the “bouncy” effect that you see on iOS devices and on TouchWiz 3.0 devices when traversing lists. When you reach the top or bottom of a list via kinetic scrolling, it’ll bounce off of the edge and initiate an orange glow at that edge. The best way to visualize the effect is to picture a force field in a Sci-Fi movie absorbing shock and emitting a nice glow that translates to “nuh-uh, you can’t touch this.” It sounds like a lot of this wouldn’t do well to help overall system performance, but we hear that – despite all of the eye candy – things actually feel smoother than on Froyo and earlier. It’s long been rumored that Google would be implementing hardware acceleration (what makes iOS smoother despite similarities in hardware against high-end Androids) in future versions of Android, and while we can’t confirm that at this point, it sounds like that just might be the case with Gingerbread. Other subtle visual changes include a style change in radio buttons and checkmarks. They’re bigger, cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Nothing to get excited over, but even the smallest pieces contribute to a beautifully-finished puzzle. For what it’s worth, we’re told Gingerbread will eventually end up with a user interface that’s more like Sense than anything. (We believe they mean by how much will be different compared to what we now know and love as the stock Android experience.)
It’s not all about the visuals, though, because Google’s working to add even more functionality at the core of Android. Perhaps the biggest addition (that we can confirm so far) has been support for video chat using the same protocols that powers video chat on the desktop version of Google Talk. We’ve heard this rumor before, but our source is confident that this will be up and running by the time Gingerbread hits the net. Building upon that, we’ve also learned that Google’s adding SIP support in their Google Voice application to allow you to receive calls to your Google Voice number over WiFi and cellular data. For those who use Android devices without a voice plan, this means you can still use your phone as a phone as long as you’re near a WiFi connection. Nothing groundbreaking considering there are many VoIP options in the market currently, but it’s notable that Google’s adding this support natively. We’ve heard that the actual updated Voice application might not be ready for Gingerbread’s release, but the underlying framework has already been checked in. Unfortunately, it sounds like this’ll be a Gingerbread-exclusive feature so you Google Voice fans on Froyo and earlier (everyone, as of now) shouldn’t get too excited just yet.
So the ingredients are still being thrown into the bowl, but it hasn’t all been baked up yet. Still, it sounds like Gingerbread is coming along nicely and is everything it was rumored to be, and more. We’re digging for more information and evidence – including video of some sort – so stayed tuned to Phandroid as we head a bit deeper into development. (An announcement and release for Gingerbread was originally scheduled for Q4 2010, but might not rear its head until Q1 2011. The verdict is still out on all of that.)
PS: Remember that these are just early details of what we can confirm will be a part of Gingerbread. There may very well be more, but for now we can’t confirm that (and as it stands, all of it is rumored until otherwise officially announced.) With that in mind, sound off below!
by Quentyn Kennemer on October 18th, 2010
We’ve heard countless reports that it’s out there. We know it’s still in development and we know some Googlers have it loaded onto their Nexus Ones. I’m talking about the Android Gingerbread update, of course, and we can finally bring you the first details regarding the next iteration courtesy of our trusted source close to Google. The biggest change – outside of built-in video chat support (more on that later) – that many have been wondering about has been a possible graphical overhaul. The acquisition of ex-Palm user interface expert Matias Duarte – the guy that designed the still-pretty webOS – implied that Google would be looking to pretty Android up against criticism that it was noticably “uglier” than the competition (they may have an argument up against iOS, but I don’t think Symbian, Windows Mobile (6.5) and Blackberry OS are any prettier. No offense to those respective design teams.)
Regardless of what we think, though, Google’s set out to change the face of Android and they’ve started quite subtly. To start, most of the standard icons have gotten redesigned for a simpler and cleaner look. The Android debugging icon, for instance, now takes on a more 8-bit feel and doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb as it used to. Google’s really gone back to the easel in this area, apparently. It sounds miniscule when you think about it now, but you’ll really notice it after using Gingerbread for a while and notice that everything’s just easier on your eyes. The icons also look like they were all designed by the same person, and I’m betting they were. This not only makes for a cleaner looking Android, but makes for a more uniform Android.
The snapshot of this thing in the wild is as blurry as blurry can get, but we’re working on getting more. At first glance, the graphical changes will be especially noticeable on the notification bar. They’ve gone from the milky/egg-white look of the Android of current to a warm, slate grey (reminiscent of the taskbar on devices with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI.) Everything looks pretty familiar upon pulling the notification bar down, but the carrier branding is displayed a lot more prominently compared to before. Beyond that, it’s pretty apparent that Google’s embracing “green” as the color of choice for Android, just as we’d expect they’d want to. (The mascot and logo are green, why not bits of the OS?) As they bring more green in, they haven’t completely done away with the orange we’re all used to. Depending on what’s being displayed, you’ll still see that warm color roaming about.
Looking at the homescreen, things are fundamentally the same. (We expect that, of course. Widgets have become a huge part of the Android experience and it’d be foolish to do anything to compromise that angle.) Looking at it, though, we’re greeted with more of the green highlights at the bottom of the screen. The application drawer button remains the same, but the Browser and Dialer buttons go from a quiet gray to a standout lime. There isn’t much else to talk about here, but anything could be added between now and the time Google’s ready to build the final version of this gingery house.
From what we’ve heard from our source, one of Google’s goals this time around is to work on the look and feel of individual Google apps to make them seem like more of an extension of the OS than just a tacked on accessory. The YouTube app is among the few to get this treatment. They’ve reportedly reshuffled elements and sections throughout the app and made sure it was as visually appealing as the rest of the apps featured in the newest version. YouTube (which will finally get stepped up to version 2.x) will also add the ability to control the fairly new “Lean Back” version of their site that launches the video-driven social network in a full-screen continous play mode. An ideal use-case sees the user controlling Lean Back on the newly-launched Google TV right from their phone. We’re trying to get more screens and details on how this will work, but we’ll just have to use our imagination for now.
Graphical changes continue where Google’s added the “bouncy” effect that you see on iOS devices and on TouchWiz 3.0 devices when traversing lists. When you reach the top or bottom of a list via kinetic scrolling, it’ll bounce off of the edge and initiate an orange glow at that edge. The best way to visualize the effect is to picture a force field in a Sci-Fi movie absorbing shock and emitting a nice glow that translates to “nuh-uh, you can’t touch this.” It sounds like a lot of this wouldn’t do well to help overall system performance, but we hear that – despite all of the eye candy – things actually feel smoother than on Froyo and earlier. It’s long been rumored that Google would be implementing hardware acceleration (what makes iOS smoother despite similarities in hardware against high-end Androids) in future versions of Android, and while we can’t confirm that at this point, it sounds like that just might be the case with Gingerbread. Other subtle visual changes include a style change in radio buttons and checkmarks. They’re bigger, cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Nothing to get excited over, but even the smallest pieces contribute to a beautifully-finished puzzle. For what it’s worth, we’re told Gingerbread will eventually end up with a user interface that’s more like Sense than anything. (We believe they mean by how much will be different compared to what we now know and love as the stock Android experience.)
It’s not all about the visuals, though, because Google’s working to add even more functionality at the core of Android. Perhaps the biggest addition (that we can confirm so far) has been support for video chat using the same protocols that powers video chat on the desktop version of Google Talk. We’ve heard this rumor before, but our source is confident that this will be up and running by the time Gingerbread hits the net. Building upon that, we’ve also learned that Google’s adding SIP support in their Google Voice application to allow you to receive calls to your Google Voice number over WiFi and cellular data. For those who use Android devices without a voice plan, this means you can still use your phone as a phone as long as you’re near a WiFi connection. Nothing groundbreaking considering there are many VoIP options in the market currently, but it’s notable that Google’s adding this support natively. We’ve heard that the actual updated Voice application might not be ready for Gingerbread’s release, but the underlying framework has already been checked in. Unfortunately, it sounds like this’ll be a Gingerbread-exclusive feature so you Google Voice fans on Froyo and earlier (everyone, as of now) shouldn’t get too excited just yet.
So the ingredients are still being thrown into the bowl, but it hasn’t all been baked up yet. Still, it sounds like Gingerbread is coming along nicely and is everything it was rumored to be, and more. We’re digging for more information and evidence – including video of some sort – so stayed tuned to Phandroid as we head a bit deeper into development. (An announcement and release for Gingerbread was originally scheduled for Q4 2010, but might not rear its head until Q1 2011. The verdict is still out on all of that.)
PS: Remember that these are just early details of what we can confirm will be a part of Gingerbread. There may very well be more, but for now we can’t confirm that (and as it stands, all of it is rumored until otherwise officially announced.) With that in mind, sound off below!
#1038
Safety Car
Not really true yet...Those XDA devs can pull off anything. If they were able to get Froyo running on the G1, which had the crappiest specs even after Google said they couldn't do it, then I can only imagine the extent they can pull of with custom ROMs for other phones. Keep watching the XDA forums. Especially once the SDK comes out. I'm sure Cyanogen will cook something up like he always does.
#1039
Safety Car
Oh and to follow up on the leaked YM chat app. It works! The only problem for me is its not recognizing my front facing cam. I guess Yahoo will fix it once it becomes official. Quality wasn't as good as Tango's but no lag and it was loud! Skype is really missing out. Oh and I did it using 3G to the PC.
Last edited by CGFebTSX04; 10-19-2010 at 09:09 AM.
#1040
Lamborghini Aventador FTW
iTrader: (4)
Not really true yet...Those XDA devs can pull off anything. If they were able to get Froyo running on the G1, which had the crappiest specs even after Google said they couldn't do it, then I can only imagine the extent they can pull of with custom ROMs for other phones. Keep watching the XDA forums. Especially once the SDK comes out. I'm sure Cyanogen will cook something up like he always does.
I hope it will work out for me