Could HTC be on the verge of releasing an update to their critically acclaimed Touch Flo interface? According to a few sources such as Boy Genius Report & HTC Insider the update is codenamed "Manila" and is supposed to make Windows Mobile devices more "user friendly". They also go on to say that Manila's release my coincide with that of Windows Mobile 6.1. You can check out some screen shots here at The Unwired.net. Personally, I was surprised when I finally got the chance to see Touch Flo in action for myself. I expected it to be sluggish, and not nearly as intuitive to us as the iPhone, but I was mistaken. It even has me considering a Touch Flo based device as my next handset.
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Thursday
HTC: Touch Flo 2.0? Manila
Rumor Killed: Dell Not Attending 3GSM
Whether or not Dell ultimately comes out with a device that runs Android, it won't be announced in Barcelona. PC Magazine is reporting that one Anne Camden of Dell told them that 'they are not going to be at this year's Mobile World Congress (formerly known as 3GSM) conference, and they are not releasing a phone there.'
Fanboys can still pick that quote apart. "She didn't say they weren't releasing a phone altogether though!"
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Garmin Announces Cell Phone
The Apple iPhone did a lot more than just turn the cell phone industry on its ear. With it's "revolutionary" design and interface it showed a stagnant industry that innovation was still possible. It also showed manufacturers of other products that your name didn't have to start with an "N" or an "M" to jump into this market. Enter Garmin, a company synonymous with GPS navigation devices. Last night they announced their own handset they call the Nuvifone pictured in this article. Notice the resemblance to the iPhone? It's all touch screen with only a few buttons on either side. Here are the specs that we know of so far: 3.5G network compatibility, 3.5 inch color touch screen display, GPS functions which will use Google's local search capability, video camera, and MPEGG 4/MP3 & AAC. Garmin bucked the trend by releasing this news prior to the 3GSM conference in Barcelona next month. Stay tuned for more details on this one as it becomes available to us.
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Reserve Price Met: Open Access for All!
Following a few tense rounds without any bids, the nationwide block of eight C-Block licenses picked up a new bid during round 17 to push the potential winning price for the block past the $4.6 billion reserve mark, thereby triggering the spectrum’s open-access provision. The potential winning bid for the block in round 17 sat at $4.7 billion, with the minimum bid for round 18 set at nearly $5.3 billion.We, or Google rather, can all breathe a little easier. Next year at this time, we should be gearing up to start running our open-source devices on an open-source network! Just a couple of things to ponder. Who bid this up today? How much higher is this going to go? Keep checking back with us and we'll let you know what find out.
Good News, Bad News for T-Mobile
Taking the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study seven times in a row is how you keep customers. Congratulations to T-Mobile for the honors! With recent figures showing them picking up nearly 1 million new customers last quarter, odds are good that they'll be happy ones. And as we all know, happy customers are less likely to leave you. Are you listening Sprint?
Now, for the not so good news. T-Mobile is embroiled in a class action suit regarding not allowing their customers the ability to opt-out of receiving text messages. With rates between 15-20¢ per message, people should have the right to stop incoming. No excuses for this one. Fix this now and watch your satisfaction rate continue to climb.
T-Mobile Adds Nearly 1M U.S. Subs in 4Q
T-Mobile Continues to Receive Top Recognition for Quality Customer Care
T-Mobile Faces Text Messaging Lawsuit
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Crunch Time for Google
It's put up or shut up time for those interested in Block 'C' in the 700MHz auction. Why so? For starters, nobody bid for block C during the last three rounds yesterday. With very strict rules regarding inactivity, the FCC will start to disqualify bidders. Even though there are wavers available for some to skip rounds, it's rumored that at least one bidder is set to run out of wavers tomorrow. If this reserve isn't met fast, Auction 73 could quickly turn into Auction 76, tossing the open standards aside and pretty much ruining Google's plans. If they haven't put in a bid yet, then there's no better time.
Stay tuned to AndroidGuys for the latest updates. Better yet, subscribe to our feed so you can be assured of getting everything!
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Wednesday
The iPhone is No Longer Revolutionary
I'm not gonna beat around the bush here. I like the iPhone. I think the design of it is sleek, classy, and very desirable. What I don't like is the fact that unless I want to go about it illegally, I'm forced to go to AT&T to get one. Being a T-Mobile customer, I am more than happy with my current rates and services. I'd just love a new device that does all the stuff the iPhone does. That's exactly why I am holding off until Android comes out before getting my new handset.
Moving 4 million devices in such a short time has definitely opened some eyes. If you count it as a 'smart' phone, then they've snatched huge chunks of market share already. Here's another number for you though. Recent figures have shown that around 1/4th of all iPhones being sold are getting unlocked. What does this statistic tell us? There is a demand to free, or open the device up for other networks and as costly as it is, people are willing to pay for one. If you haven't had a chance to play with an iPhone, I'll say this. It really does feel like a totally different animal. Revolutionary? Last year, it was. Next year, not so much. Allow me to explain.
In the last few months, we've already seen some advances made in cellular software and hardware that were only thought possible on Apple's pretty little baby. And we're not talking about skinning or emulating. HTC's TouchFlo technology and Microsoft's in-development WinMo7 are making it so that touch screen phones no longer need to rely on a stylus for tapping or typing. Even better, TouchFlo knows the difference between a finger and stylus, so you get different reactions based on what you are using at the time. Something that will come in handy for maps or photo applications.
The newly launched SkyFire program for Window Mobile is not only able to act like Safari when browsing the internet, but they also claim that they will be able to allow any rich media or sort of interactivity you might come across online. Even in beta form, it's better than anything else WinMo users have had to deal with.
Will the 3G iPhone hit the market before Android phones do? Apple might do themselves a favor and try to make that happen. Knowing what we do about proposed GPS based mapping programs, local search, and advertising, Google might one up them when Android phones roll out. These devices are going to be able to do a lot more than give you driving directions with your Google Map.
It's for all of these reasons, and more that I am convinced that when Android based phones start hitting the market, we're not going to have iClones, but viable alternatives that offer more.
My advice to Apple is to drop the price again and get your 3G going now. Google is right around the corner, ready to unleash an army of more capable handsets at lower costs. How will they be able to compete with non-subsidized handsets and/or ad-based services with their current business model? T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, and even AT&T will gladly provide service to a phone when they don't have to kick up a few hundred bucks to the manufacturer just for selling it. I think AT&T really stuck themselves good with that 5 year exclusive deal. At least here in the US.
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Dell and Google Launching Phone Together?
File this under rumor. For now. According to MarketingWeek, the word is Dell and Google are planning on making the announcement of a joint effort at next month's 3GSM in Barcelona. Makes sense to us and seems to add up when you consider that Dell recently snatched up a Motorola executive to run their new global consumer group. It would really put Dell back in the game if they came out with one of the biggest names in technology as their partner. naturally, sources close to Google deny any pending announcement.
We're not holding our breath. It sure would be nice to though.
UPDATE: Mike Elgan at ComputerWorld makes a few points to why this is not going to happen. Among his reasons, "Google historically doesn't partner with companies on the co-development of hardware, per se." Good point, but let's not discount that Google wasn't even in the handset game at all 6 months ago. What do we know though? His resume is steeped with credibility compared to ours.
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Tuesday
Motorola Leaving Handset Business?
The numbers are bad, but are they that bad? According to one guy, they might be. Richard Windsor, an analyst with Nomura International thinks that Motorola may exit the handset business and concentrate on becoming an enterprise and government company. Further, he speculates that they might be prime for a good, old-fashioned Chinese buyout. Respect knuckles to MarketWatch for this one. Full Post
700MHz Auction Update: 'C' Block Inches Towards Reserve
The C block closed on Monday at $3.42 billion, which was an increase of $1.27 billion over the previous week. Are we only days away from Google throwing in their $4.6B in dropping out? What if someone else wants it even more?
Developer Challenge Deadline Extended
Based on the great feedback you've given us, we've made significant updates to the SDK that we'll be releasing in several weeks. In order to give you extra time to take advantage of these forthcoming UI and API enhancements, we've decided to extend the submission deadline.Allow us translate that for you. "We know that our developer kit pretty much stunk, so we're giving you a newer one based on all of the complaints. And, in a show of good faith, we're extending the deadline in the hopes that those of you who were turned away by the initial offering will come back and try again."
The official Android blog alerted us today that they've extended the deadline to enter your project for the $10M in booty. Now you have until April 14th to get it in. So is it back to the drawing boards for some?
April 14, 2008: Deadline to submit applications for judging
May 5, 2008: Announcement of the 50 first round winners, who will be eligible for the final round
June 30, 2008: Deadline for the 50 winners of the first round to submit for the final round
July 21, 2008: Announcement of the grand prize winner and runner-up
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HTC Loses Ground in WinMo Smartphone Market
When factoring out touch-screen phones, High Tech Computers (HTC) has lost their foothold in the mobile industry to Motorola and Samsung. No surprises here in the US as the Motorola Q and Samsung Blackjack sold like crazy last year.
Motorola, Samsung and HTC have been competing fiercely in the segment with each vendor accounting for a 20-30% share globally, with Motorola now leading the contest with a small margin, the data showed. - Internal data from Microsoft.Expect the numbers to get thinner all around as more companies jump into the game.
When comparing touch-screen versions, or PDA phones, HTC still has nearly a 50% share. At least according to the same internal data. Again, this will not last long with companies like Palm, HP, and Dell looking to revive or reimagine their product lines.
Read more at DigiTimes.
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Monday
34 Weeks of OHA: #4
Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #4 - Broadcom )
For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.
Company Name: Broadcom Corporation
How the OHA site classifies them: Semiconductor Company
What the OHA site says about them: Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, providing products that enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment.
What they do: They build chips.
Wikipedia proclaims them "...among the Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders." Their site list their offerings as including Bluetooth products, network processing solutions, digital cable products, digital TV solutions, satellite devices, DSL chipsets, mobile multimedia processors, mobile phone solutions, networking components, security processors, I/O integrated circuits, storage solutions, VOIP solutions, WLAN solutions, and Ethernet solutions. They got solutions.
Broadcom is probably best known for their NICs. There's a good chance that the network card in the PC you're currently reading this article on was designed by Broadcom.
Of course, Broadcom doesn't really build any of this. Rather, it employs Asian people to do the building for them.
Special Feature: What is up with the Broadcom vs. Qualcomm conflict?
It's complicated, and probably less exciting than you'd think. Basically, these two seem to get off on suing each other, and have been doing so for a few years now.
The most recent and most interesting contest started back in May of 2005, when Broadcom went after Qualcomm with a lawsuit over 10 supposed patent infringments, as well as a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging unfair trade practices by importing products that infringe Broadcom patents. Then, in July of the same year Broadcom launched a couple more lawsuits accusing Qualcomm of violating antitrust laws.
Then a bunch of legal stuff happened.
The ITC eventually blocked the import of new cellphone models based on infringing Qualcomm chips, a jury awarded Broadcom $19.6 billion dollars, and, most recently, a federal judge has ordered Qualcomm to stop selling the contested chips.
So, like, ouch for Qualcomm.
I'm no legal reporter. This stuff makes my molars ache. Basically, these two hate each other. It makes Thanksgiving at the OHA household a tense affair. Let's leave it at that.
What they bring to OHA and Android: Semiconductors. And, given their history with Qualcomm, domestic violence.
Broadcom kinda has its fingers in everything, including LiMo, a partnership with Trolltech, and now Android. Whether this means they'll have a meaningful contribution to make in the Linux handset space or that they're just lurking to keep options open for the future remains to be seen.
Broadcom Corporation
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MIT to Offer Android Based Software Development Course
In a first-of-its-kind move, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will be offering a class this term revolving around Google Android based phones. As part of their computer science program, the course will start February 8th and work with the Google supplied Android SDK. The class will be broken into teams of 3-4 students each, working on a project for the term. Without giving away too much, Mr.Yu, mobile devices platform coordinator for MIT said that the projects will focus on a range of topics, such as those dealing with location based services (LBS). So far 25 students have been invited to join the class. Finally a class where your professor is not going to throw your phone away if it rings!
UPDATE: Apparently, first-of-its-kind applies to MIT only as Open Source Development of Cognitive Technology on a Mobile Platform is already a class offered at the University of Colorado. Thanks to our readers for being so alert!
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Nokia's Qt to Compete with Google's Android?
Just a few hours ago, Nokia announced that they were purchasing Trolltech, the Norway-based software developer for approximately $153 million. That's right, Nokia just opened up. The agreement should see Nokia contributing to the development of Trolltech's Qt framework. Nokia will most likely license Trolltech's code both commercially and via strictly open-source plans. The deal is slated to be finished during the spring of 2008.
Trolltech's deep understanding of open source software and its strong technology assets will enable both Nokia and others to innovate on our device platforms while reducing time-to-market," said Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia.Apparently, 40% of the world's market share just isn't good enough! We're not gonna hate though. In the end, it's just another move to provide customers with more choices.
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Palm Closing Retail Stores
In what seems like a downward spiral for one of yesterday's bigger PDA and smartphone companies, Palm is shuttering doors on all of their retail stores as well as the locations with Airport Wireless shops. You can probably blame Research in Motion for this one as BlackBerries have really eaten into their market share. We have to agree with most people when we say that Palm's OS seems antiquated when compared to RIM, WinMo6, and even Symbian. What does all of this have to do with Android? Well, Palm is building a new Linux-based operating system that is scheduled to be released at the end of this year, competing with Google's Android Linux-based smartphone operating system. Yet another offering in an increasingly crowded field. Full Post
Sunday
AG Link Love
We love it when a site links to us, whether it's tech related or not. Typically, we'll try to reach out to a website and thank them if we noticed they've added us a technorati fave or plugged our site somewhere. Entrecard has done very well for us in regards to opening our eyes to new blogs and sites in plenty of categories. We've met some incredible people and found some interesting sites through there. With our Entrecard contest, we've had a lot of sites linking to us, even without asking them. Today we'd like to mention a site and hopefully send them a few visits.
TechFires has a very crisp, clean look to their site. Updated every few days with links to other sites, TechFires covers a wide array of tech related subject. It's written in a tone that's easy to understand which is always nice. Who wants a site that talks over their reader's heads? Never too long on words, it's a great site to drop in on once or twice a week and learn a little something new. The three most recent subjects covered were ThinkGeek, CamStudio, and DocuWiki. When you stop by, tell them AndroidGuys sent you.
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Saturday
AG5 - January 26th Edition
Another Saturday, another AG5. For regular visitors, AndroidGuys takes a look back at 5 headlines we think deserve a second look. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome to AndroidGuys! Here's five things to bring you up to speed. Have a great weekend and we'll see you again soon!
#1 - 700MHz Auction gets going.
The illustrious 'C' block reserve price of $4.6 billion was not met, but nobody was really surprised. Look for the auction to last a few weeks before we find out who wins it.
#2 - Motorola releases some rather unappealing numbers.
New CEO Greg Brown has a long road ahead of him as Motorola needs a wake up call of sorts. Did it come in the form of 4th quarter '07 numbers? We hope so.
#3 - HTC seems to be selling Touches a pretty good rate.
Given that nobody has ever seen an HTC commercial, they are doing well against the Apple iPhone. With the right mix of software and promoting, HTC could put out a very sexy handset.
#4 - Android could become a major force.
In the first two months, programmers downloaded the software development kit for Android more than 250,000 times. This is way more than comparable SDK's for mobile devices.
#5 - AndroidGuys showed up on a couple of other sites.
TechWag sat down to ask us a few questions for one of their interviews and Scott guest-blogged on The Big Bald Blog this week. Thanks to both of the for helping to spread who we are and what we think about Android.
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Friday
700MHz Auction: Day 1
After the first day of bidding, the C block's high bid was $1.24 billion. Roughly 1/4th of the reserve price of $4.6 billion. No word on who was high bidder as the auction is blind. For more information, check out the following posts.
OHA News (January 25th Edition)
Another week of lean news specifically surround the Open Handset Alliance. We're optimistic though. It seems like each passing week, some non OHA news trickles out regarding Android. It's just a matter of time before we start getting the meat and potatoes we are looking for. For example, at some point in the near future, we'll have to find out how T-Mobile and Sprint will handle Android and in what capacity. Sooner or later, we're gonna learn what nVidia is up to and just what Intel is doing for their part in the alliance.
Samsung drops a little somethin' for da ladies. (GSMArena)
Verizon getting a white HTC Touch ( CrunchGear)
Google Docs added more features (Google Blogoscoped)
HTC addressed the video driver problem (Engadget Mobile)
Are cops allowed to search your phone? (PopGadget)
HTC and Parrot get together (IntoMobile)
LG and Samung agree to disagree (Just Another Mobile Phone Blog)
Android and Funambol server synergy (Open Androids)
Study shows smartphones were most returned Christmas gift (UberPhones)
First Samsung direct connect phone for Sprint (Phone Scoop)
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Thursday
20/20 Podcast #7
Jamie and Scott sat down on Thursday to go over some current posts as well as recent Android related news. Recorded over two 20 minute segments, we present to you episode seven of the AndroidGuys 20/20 podcast. If you want to check out some previous podcasts, please subscribe to the feed! We're open to suggestions, so if you have anything you'd like us to cover, let us know in the comments!
Part 1 (#7A) topics include the FCC Auction getting underway, Google Android and Yahoo Go!, and mobile search versus local search on phones. Shout outs to TechWag, The Big Bald Blog, and AskTheAdmin for all they have done for us lately, as well as what they have allowed us to do.
Part 2 (#7B) saw us discussing things like Hop-On's Chitter Chatter, NTT DoCoMo, A La Mobile, BancoMap, lowering costs for bringing a handset, and job cuts at Sprint. Respect knuckles to Jordan over at Fandroid.net for his help with the 34 Weeks of OHA!
Don't forget to subscribe to our standard feed as well as the podcast only version.
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Verizon and AT&T Get Set To Chitter-Chatter
Verizon and AT&T will both be carrying a version of Hop On's Chitter Chatter handset. The chitter chatter is one of the first devices that operates on both CDMA and GSM networks at the touch of a button. You can read the complete article here on Mac Report.net. Kind of makes you wonder why it took so long for this technology to be developed considering most of the world operates on GSM. No particular model was released for either carrier, but Hop-On's website features the HOP2001 as "Verizon and AT&T ready". A feature the article seemed to focus on was the Chitter Chatter's ability to offer the latest GPS technology at a fraction of the cost of similiar phones. You can visit Hop-On's website here to take a look at their current line up of handsets. Click here to see the HOP2001. Looks like a great handset to run Android on!
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Sprint Nextel Cuts Starting Near Top
You didn't think it was going to be all retail sales reps, did you? So far, the CFO, CMO, and President of Sales and Distribution are officially "stepping down" tomorrow. There's probably a lot of money to be saved in that move. Bringing in a replacement at lower salary would help the financial side of things pretty quickly. No word yet on whether or not the HNIC will be stepping down.
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It Has Begun!
Today is the start date for the 700MHz auction. Keep your channels locked to AndroidGuys for all the latest spectrum news! Here's a few quick things to know as it gets underway.
- The auction is officially called Auction 73
- The move from analog to digital television is what frees up the bandwidth in the 700MHz range.
- The auction is 'silent' in that the FCC will disclose to bidders the current asking price for each block without revealing anything about the who the high bidders are.
- Some big names participating are AT&T, Verizon, Cox Communication, and of course, Google
- There are 5 "blocks" up for grabs. Block C is by far the most prized of them as it contains the most bandwidth (22MHz, broken into two 11MHz pairs )
- The winner of Block C has to commit to an open-access network. Essentially, any device capable of supporting the protocols must be allowed.
- The reserve price for Block C is $4.64 billion.
- If the reserve price is not met, a new auction will start and 'open-access requirement' will be gone. This is what drives the rumors that Google intends to bid it up to the reserve price then bow out of the auction.
Sun Microsystems Not Sure What This Android Thing Is All About
According to Sun's vice president James Gosling, this Google Android thing is "just a bag of code". When asked to comment or take a position on Android in an interview for Computer World UK Gosling went on to say "It's impossible to have a position [on Android], right, because there is no data," he said when interviewed at the event. "Over the last couple of years, Google has been showing their phone at telecom conferences all over the world and with different business models, all of which really scared the carriers and handset makers." We are used to seeing these types of attacks from Sun because they are in direct competition with Android. Check out the complete article here. Because Android is based on Sun's JAVA platform Sun has always had concerns that Android would further split the Java community by offering yet another OS. Our take is that there's always room for another player. This leads to innovation, and that is something this industry desperately needs.
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NTT DoCoMo Talks GPhones
We are starting discussions to offer handsets that will have the Android operating system," said Takeshi Natsuno, managing director of the multimedia services department at NTT DoCoMo.The picture is becoming a little more clear each day as we find out what different members of the Open Handset Alliance are planning to do with Android. We're going to see Google products and apps added DoCoMo's devices. Additions will include a Google search box on the main I-mode menu page and Google Ads appearing alongside search results. They're also planning to add more Google services like Google Maps down the road. (Get it? "Down the road")
Natsuno added "When I look at the prototype, the Android-based handset works really well even on some of the cheaper handset designs." Encouraging news for those worried about Android phones being high-end, expensive devices. Read more at TechRadar.
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Wednesday
AndroidGuys Guests on The Big Bald Blog
We don't get to blow our own horn very often.Even more rare, we don't get to blow it twice in one day. Well, today's one of those days. Not only were featured on TechWag, but Scott took a little time to spend it guest-blogging over at The Big Bald Blog as well!
If you've read our site for a more than a couple weeks, you will recall that the guy who runs it (Big Pappa) recently gave away an iPod Touch. Even though we didn't win it, we were still very happy to step in and do a little self promotion. Head over there to read more about us and our EntreCard contest! Stop by and tell him that AndroidGuys sent ya.
Part 1 | Part 2
Thanks Big Pappa!
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TechWag Interviews AndroidGuys
We recently had a chance to spend some time talking with TechWag, answering some questions about us and Android. We'll save the good stuff for their site, but we'll at least throw you a little quote to whet your whistle.
Android is the catalyst the mobile industry needs, especially here in the United States. Our network providers have had too much control over the users for far too long. Consumers are learning the benefits of open source technology more each day. It was only a matter of time before people starting demanding more choices from their carriers.Now get over there and check the rest out!
Respect knuckles to RD for taking the time to speak with us. Full Post
Text Message Rates Rising Faster Than Gas Prices
In an effort to get people to sign up for text message bundles, network providers are raising prices left and right on individual text messages. At 15¢ a piece, your hand is forced once you open that bill up and see a $1.50 charge for 10 measly texts. What they want you to do is call them up and sign on for that $10.00 unlimited plan they have. Could you imagine paying $5.25 a gallon for gas if you bought it one gallon at a time but getting it for the bargain price of $3.00/g if you agreed to fill up your tank? Preposterous, right? That's essentially the stranglehold that providers have.
Hard to believe it, but text rates going from 10¢ to 15¢ in one jump is worse than gas prices.
Txtspk Rise GR8 Hope For Carriers (Yahoo!)
OhNo Moto
We've said it here before: Motorola needs to stop riding the coattails of the RAZR and the Q. The proof this time comes in the form of Motorola's Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Sales and Earnings report.
For the full year 2007, sales were $36.6 billion. The net loss was $0.02 per share, which included a net loss of $0.05 per share from continuing operations and earnings of $0.03 per share from discontinued operations. The net loss from continuing operations included net charges of $0.29 per share from items highlighted in the company’s quarterly earnings releases.
Sad stuff from what was once a much revered name in the mobile industry. So what's the game plan Motorola? Slashing prices? New business model? Maybe layoffs and letting people go a la Nokia? How about a new line of phones that doesn't resemble anything else you've done since 2005? One thing is for cure, new CEO Greg Brown has his work cut out for him.
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The Higher Cost of Bringing Your Own Phone
There's a piece up over at PC World called Will Carriers Deliver on Pledge of Open Access? that we found interesting. Towards the end of the article, it mentions the possibility of carriers discouraging people from bring their own handset(s) to them by charging higher prices. Exactly what would cost more is not defined, but we're guessing it is subsidized handsets. Already locking people in for two years due to losing money on the phone apparently might not be enough for providers. Let's raise them some more and penalize the people who don't already have a phone!
It seems counter-intuitive to us. If you raise the price of handsets on average Joe, the first time buyer, you're not going to get him to endear himself to you. Rather, he'd probably look to get either an older, less expensive model or an unlocked phone for roughly the same cost as whatever the carrier is offering. If Joe was educated, he'd buy the unlocked/open phone and ready himself for down the road. With pro-rated early termination fees coming, he'd be positioned to jump ship as soon as another provider offered him a better rate or features. As time goes, more people will know what is available to them when it is buying time. The burden is going to be on carriers to offer the best services at the most affordable price. And let's not discount customer service. If you do your job right and make people happy, they'll be less prone to have wandering eyes.
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Tuesday
Google's Android More Viable?
In an article on MSNBC Olga Kharif does a great job of outlining why she feels Google will be a force to contend with in the future. Read the full article here. She outlines some of the software in development in spite of Android's less than complete SDK. WiFi Army and Grid Gain were two of the applications mentioned. Kharif was also right to point out the lack of features not available in the initial developer's kits such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and basic phone functions to make or receive calls. It's interesting to note that these developers are banking heavily on the success of Android and Google, as Kharif points out in the article "In the first two months, programmers downloaded the software development kit for Android more than 250,000 times, according to Google." She goes on to say "By contrast developers downloaded the Symbian OS Getting Started guide some 70,000 times in the 12 months ended in September." The willingness of developers to ride the waves of Android's initial launch speaks volumes of their faith in the "big G". We suspect that patience will pay off in the long run.
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Calling All Cars
Just came across an article on The Boy Genius Report that claims someone broke into a T-Mobile warehouse over the weekend and made off with $8.2M in phones. Mostly Sidekicks, 36,000 handsets disappeared into the wind. BGR's source is an internal email from someone at T-Mobile. With IMEI's (serial numbrs), they ought to be able to trace them once they are used.
The scary stuff is not so much the black market and pure profit from dealers. Rather, it's the idea that someone could be selling them for funding a terrorist operation.
Just figured we'd throw a little FOX News scare tactic at you guys. Now the question is: If someone approached you in a big white van and wanted to sell you a brand new Sidekick for $50, would you bite?
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34 Weeks of OHA: #3
Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #3 - Audience )
For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.
Company Name: Audience.
How the OHA site classifies them: Semiconductor Company
What the OHA site says about them: Audience is a voice processor company that enables clear communications anywhere with noise suppression technology based on the intelligence of the human hearing system.
What they do: Apparently something that's cool as hell. Check out that bit from the OHA site "Noise suppression technology based on the intelligence of the human hearing system."
The Audience site isn't open yet. Just a big "Starting in 2008, Be Heard", the option to register for info (which I have, I'll let you know if I receive anything), and some cool quotes, including one from Ray Kurzweil talking about "neuromorphic princples". Neuromorphic, according to Wikipedia, describes "... Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) systems containing electronic analog circuits that mimic neuro-biological architectures present in the nervous system." VLSI "...is the process of creating integrated circuits by combining thousands of transistor-based circuits into a single chip." And they're using these technologies to improve the audio quality of mobile calls.
Now that's badass.
Audience CEO Peter Santos' supporting quote attached to the OHA press release:
"We are pleased to be a part of the Open Handset Alliance as it embarks on revolutionizing the world of mobile communications. As open devices enter the market in 2008, Audience is defining the new standard for noise suppression, enabling more usability of rich voice and data applications on this platform. Callers will be able to be heard everywhere from their mobile handset, even in the noisiest places."
What they bring to OHA and Android: Positronic brains.
I had a hard time finding anything specific about these guys, but the technology memes they're slinging around got my Sci-Fi geekboy bits all a-tingle. They're mimicking biological systems in a chip, here. Not just functionally, but architecturally.
Obviously, whether or not this is going to result in anything of note is up for debate. The propaganda sounds cool, but whether all these buzz-words are going to equal honest-to-goodness paradigm-shifting tech is up for debate.
I have hope, just 'cause I'm optimistic like that, that these guys are gonna put some real-life android-y goodness into the OHA's offerings.
Audience, Inc.
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Tira Wireless Is Onboard With Android
We can add Tira Wireless to the list of companies that have announced their support for Android. Tira Wireless helps software companies get their products to different mobile platforms. Their website lists current customers such as Hudson, Helio, Sega, and Sony. You can read the complete article here courtesy of Sys-Con.
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Google Aligns with UIQ and Others
Another day, another partnership for Google. Looking at the list of names in this UIQ Alliance Partner Program, you can get a sense for where Google wants to take mobile devices in the future.
ArcSoft develops multimedia technologies and apps for desktop and embedded platforms. They offer imaging and video solutions to enhance mobile phones, digital cameras, pc's, and other consumer electronics devices. Fring is a service that enables users to make free mobile calls, live chat and interact with other while on the go. ISkoot has their hands in VOIP and push-button internet calls.
Mix together ingredients and stir. Add a touch of GrandCentral to taste.
Shhh... On a still night, you can hear the network providers scrambling to combat this already.ArcSoft, CleNET Technologies, fring™, Google, i-skoot and Mobica are new partners in the UIQ Alliance Partner Program. The agreements basically mean that UIQ Technology will support the partner companies in their development of mobile applications and services on UIQ and Symbian OS for future product releases. The new partners are given access to UIQ roadmap updates, joint marketing, technical support and also have the option to receive early access to UIQ releases.
Press release
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Monday
Android Easter Egg
With the last few days being slow news days, we thought we'd share a little link love with a fellow Android site. The guys over at PointGPhone recently alerted us to a little hidden gem buried within the Android developer kit. It seems that the team behind the SDK have a little appreciation for The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. If you're not familiar with the story, Deep Thought is a computer that was created by a pan-dimensional, hyper-intelligent race of beings to come up with the ultimate answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything. After seven and a half million years of calculation, the answer finally turns out to be 42.
How does this come into play in the SDK? Well, according to our French friends, "Pourquoi je parle de ça? Tout simplement parce que les créateurs d’Android ont eux glissé un easter egg dans leur code faisant référence à ce fameux nombre 42.
Pour le voir, il suffit de lancer la console adb (Android Debug Bridge) et d’utiliser la commande : “service call SurfaceFlinger 7 i32 0 i32 X” où X est égal à 1, 2, 3 ou 4 ce qui permet d’orienter l’écran dans différents sens. Si on remplace X par 42, on obtient un résultat quelque peu inattendu!"
For a picture of what all that means, click here. Long story short, if you change one of the numbers in the Android Debug Bridge, you get a pretty goofy picture. Need help translating?
Thanks guys!
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Carriers Slow to Grant Businesses & Orgnanizations Short Codes
You know that number you have to send a message to when you vote for your favorite American Idol? And the number you have to send a message to in order to get that "free ring tone" you saw on TV? Well, those numbers are called "short codes" and any company that wants one has to apply for it through a wireless carrier. However, it seems that wireless carriers are slow to hand these out, and some speculate that it has to do with competition. In an article on RCR Wireless News.com the FCC launched a rule making to determine whether mobile text messages and short codes are covered by non-discrimination provisions of the telecom act. You can view the complete article here. Even companies like Google, Ebay, and Pay Pal have to apply for these codes.
Carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon claim "anti-competition" has nothing to do with their decision making process when determining which companies are granted codes and which ones aren't, so it would be interesting to learn just what that criteria was. For instance a company like Rebtel that offers consumers a local phone number to dial virtually any number overseas is having a difficult time acquiring a short code from all 5 major carriers in the US. Is it because carriers would lose revenue on calls placed to overseas locations? Perhaps, but the article also states NARAL Pro-Choice America had a very difficult time with Verizon when it refused to grant them a short code. Verizon eventually caved in, but it's hard to see how a pro choice organization could infringe on the profits of a wireless carrier, unless of course we're getting into politics but that's for another blog.
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FCC Set To Enforce Hearing Aid Mandate.....Unless You Are Apple
February 18th is the date the FCC can begin to enforce its 50% rule when it comes to handset manufactures and hearing aide compatibility, unless of course you're Apple and we're talking about the iPhone. You can read the complete article here on RCRNEWS.com . It seems the FCC has granted Apple and the iPhone immunity under the "de minimis exemption". This exception was intended to protect "small" manufacturers that produced only a handful of handsets. Should the behemoth that is Apple fall under this category? We will let the FCC make that decision, but if you ask us the spirit of this exemption was not to protect the Apple's of the world. The FCC stated they will not actually begin to enforce this law until 2 months after February 18th.
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Still No Android Code for Developers
As developers continue to pound away at their Android based applications some have nothing but praise for the open source OS, while others decry it's short comings. In an article released on January 19, (Saturday) Elise Ackerman of the San Jose Mercury News writes "As Google seeks to position itself to be the Microsoft of mobile by offering a free must-have operating system, it is running into Microsoft-style problems that could complicate the Mountain View company's efforts to expand into the mobile advertising market, which is expected to be $11 billion in just three years." Some developers are grumpily awaiting the release of the "code" that was promised by Google. One of the more frequent criticisms Android Guys has heard from developers is the lack of a basic set of phone tools Android is lacking. To be fair to Google they have said all along that the released version was a "work in progress" and that updates would be released to address these issues. As for the source code? Google plans to release it after the first Android capable phones have hit the market later this year.
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Bug Labs Goes Live
The Bug device we've covered here a time or two will be available starting today. More of a device rather than a phone, it's been said that it will be Android capable. The BUGBase Hiro P model goes live today with a couple of modules available as well. Get yours at BugLabs.net
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2 Million HTC Touches Sold
Released only weeks apart from Apple's iPhone, HTC's Touch has sold 2 million devices since last June. Even though it's half of what Apple has moved, we consider this a minor victory. For starters, it's on a brand that's not known in the US like most others. If you asked a lot of average Americans to name a reputable cell phone manufacturer, odds are names like Samsung, LG, Nokia, and Motorola will be mentioned first. Second, HTC's device wasn't packaged and sold as the sexy new era of phones like AT&T and Apple did. Do you recall ever seeing a commercial for an HTC phone? Bet you can hum that iPhone song though.
HTC's revenue grew almost 12% last year and the company already sees good prospects for the first quarter of '08."The first quarter looks good, it will be a lot better than our first quarter last year," said Peter Chou, president and CEO of HTC, at a year-end party Friday evening. Companies in Taiwan and throughout China typically host parties around this time of year as the Lunar New Year is approaching.
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Google's Android & IT Users: Not So Fast!
Everyone is assuming that Android will primarily be a consumer platform, but I don't think Google is that short sighted. I suspect they will want to compete on every level with the likes of Microsoft and RIM, 2 of the larger mobile business platforms in use today. I found a great article on Computer World written by Michael Gartenberg outlining some of the challenges Google faces in this arena. You can read the full article here. He also made an interesting point that while Google is backing Android you may not see their applications on every Android handset. "Google will offer a suite of mobile applications for Android, but it won’t require that the apps be used. In theory, you could see Android handsets with Yahoo Mail and Live Search, but no Google services at all." A risky move indeed, but in order to call Android "open" it would have been unfair to attach mandatory tools to it. Stay tuned to Android Guys for all the latest Android news.
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Saturday
AG5 - January 19th Edition
The last seven days saw Google, Android, and members of the Open Handset grabbing some decent headlines. Even with Macworld taking up most of the tech world's attention, Google still found a way to get a little focus on them. Having Steve Jobs mention talk about your foray into the mobile world helps a little bit too. Not all the news was great, as you'll see below. So without further ado, the AG5. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome to AndroidGuys! Here's five things to bring you up to speed.
#1 - A La Mobile gets Android running on an HTC device.
Finally! A device that is not some prototype or reference model running our favorite new OS. Even though it's an older model from HTC, it still makes all warm and fuzzy when we think about how much more real this is all becoming.
#2 - Jobs (people) cut and stores closed for a member of the OHA.
Sprint Nextel announced that they will be closing 125 of their retail stores and letting go of 4,000 people. Scary stuff for those affected. In related news, Nokia did a little closing/shuffling as well. Growing pains or trimming the fat?
#3 - Jobs (Steve) briefly mentions Android / Google and the iPhone
Ok, so he's probably not the biggest fan of Android for obvious reasons, but that doesn't mean he isn't threatened by Android. On a similar note, Google officially offers their iPhone application.
#4 - FCC gears up for next week's auction.
The list of bidders was trimmed to 214 final participants. For those not up to speed, the auction is on the 24th with a mock auction on the 22nd. Look for this to last a few weeks as the 700Mhz spectrum is highly sought after.
#5 - AndroidGuys profiles Shook Labs in our Developer Spotlight Series
Our most in-depth look into a developer yet. A project that looks to be of the more practical ones we've come across so far. Keep an eye on these guys!
Friday
Can Android Save Sprint Nextel?
Sprint Nextel announced today that they will be closing 8% of their retail stores or roughly 125 of them. On top of that, 4,000 people will be losing their jobs as they indicate that numbers for Q4 '07 will be worse than expected. This brings the total number of jobs lost to 9,000 in last 12 months. OUCH!
What kind of effect Android will have on Sprint Nextel remains to be seen. We have yet to definitively hear how they and T-Mobile will come into play as members of the Open Handset Alliance. Will it take more than open source phones and services to save them? Will they even be partners come the second half of this year? Our two cents: Start by getting your customer service game back on point.
Good luck to those affected by these coming changes. Both of us AndroidGuys have been affected by retail closing in our past so we can definitely sympathize.
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OHA News (January 18th Edition)
It looks as if this was another humdrum week for members of the Open Handset Alliance. Somehow, we have the feeling that any major news regarding Android would have been overshadowed by Apple this week anyways. We're gearing up for the Mobile World Congress on February 11th, so we imagine the news might come fast and hard these next few weeks. We already started crossing our fingers for Android news and leaks at the show. After the letdown that we got from CES, it can only look up from here. Right...?
Opt out of text message ads from Sprint
Samsung unveiling i900 at MWC in February (IntoMobile)
Clearwire to offer Google Apps to WiMAX customers (IntoMobile)
Motorola's Q4 '07 earnings due next week (Just Another Mobile Phone Blog)
Google Eric Schmidt stays mum at Apple board meetings (TechCrunch)
Qualcomm juggles some people around (Wireless Week)
T-Mobile Taps RAD for HSDPA Backhaul (Wireless Week)
Samsung Posts 4Q Net Profit Decline (Wireless Week)
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It's Contest Time: 1,750 EC Giveaway!
WINNERS ANNOUNCED!
1st Place - Cats With Thumbs
2nd Place - Simple PC Talk
3rd Place - Media Morgue
It's no secret that a lot of our recent spiking in traffic is due to EntreCard. This new form of advertising has taken many blogs to a new level of exposure, including ours. We've met a lot of great people on the EC forums and through regular visits to new favorite blogs.
As a way of thanking our loyal visitors, and as a way of roping in some new traffic, AndroidGuys is pleased to announce our inaugural contest! In what is sure to the be the first in a long line of giveaways, we are gonna throw a contest for our fans! So what exactly are the prizes? Read on!
First place is 1000 EntreCard Credits!
Second place wins 500 Credits!
Third place wins 250 Credits!
We're going to draw the winners names on February 1st at midnight so you have two weeks to get your entries in.
There are plenty of ways to gain an entry into the contest.
1 entry for commenting in this post.
1 entry for dropping your Entrecard off
3 entries for subscribing to our feed via email.
10 entries for writing a blurb about our contest.
20 entries for placing our 125px ad on your site until the contest is over.
50 entries for placing this into your site until the contest is over. (be sure to link back to this post !)
There is no limit to the number of times you can drop your card off here! At once per day, you have at least 14 chances to win!
Good luck! Enter as often and in as many ways as you'd like. If you link to us or host our ad, email us at androidguys@gmail.com so we know about it!
Remember, the deadline to enter is midnight February 1st at midnight. Winners will be announced the next day!
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Thursday
AndroidGuys: Developer Spotlight Series #3
Here we are with our third developer spotlight already! One of our loyal readers just happened to be part of a developing team and felt like sharing a little information. Okay, so it's more like a lot of information. Strap in and get ready to learn about Shook Labs and their project known as GeoSyncUp. We're very excited about this application and can't wait to see it in action.
Tell us about yourself and/or your team.
We are a two man team creating an Android application called GeoSyncUp. We are developing GeoSyncUp for the Android Developers Challenge.
The GeoSyncUp team (a.k.a. Shook Labs)
Michael Cook. He has over thirteen years of experience analyzing, designing and implementing a wide range of software applications. Currently, he holds a Software Engineering position at BAE Systems focusing on distributed systems, modeling, and planning for the Air Force, Army and DARPA.
Michael Sheeley. Michael Sheeley is currently a Software Engineer at BAE Systems where he manages software development projects in the area of planning and strategy development. Prior to BAE, Michael founded Mobile-Link Solutions, a software company focusing on mobile enterprise software.
Give us a few sentences about your project. How will it benefit users?
Our Android application is called GeoSyncUp. GeoSyncUp will allow an individual to plan and execute his or her day in the most efficient and effective way possible. Shipping companies such as UPS and Fedex, as well as the military, have the benefit from advanced platforms and systems that allow them to plan and forecast in the most efficient and effective ways possible. GeoSyncUp is intended to do the same for individuals. We aim to make the first version of GeoSyncUp simple but useful. Over time we will add very advanced features, but first we want to see how people interact with the basic application.
Have you ever written for any other mobile operating systems? Which?
We have a lot of experience writing mobile applications. A system I built on Windows Mobile comes to mind. The system allowed cable technicians to send, receive, and process work orders in the field using a ruggedized handheld running MS Windows Mobile.
Are you working on any other titles?
We are focusing all of our efforts into the development of GeoSyncUp for Android. We have plenty of features we want to add to GeoSyncUp that will take advantage of Android's features. But we are agile so that can always change.
Is Android easier or harder to write for than you expected?
We didn't have any expectations about Android before we started working on it. We knew Google was releasing Android well before it was ready for mobile devices so we knew there would be challenges. We have spent our careers developing applications in these types of situations. It can be a challenge, but the struggles and issues we face while developing GeoSyncUp will help make Android a better platform.
What motivated you to work on this project?
Shook Labs views the Android platform as a way to transfer our knowledge of advanced forecasting, planning, and modeling into the world of consumer handhelds through GeoSyncUp. We have both been developing mobile software for years but things are really changing right now. Google and the Open Handset Alliance are changing the environment. We see Android opening up opportunities for developers while giving consumers more choice.
What kind of effect did the Android Developer's Challenge have on you?
We want to act as if all of our energy and motivation comes from within, but this challenge is really adding a lot of extra motivation. The challenge has given us a deadline to work toward and has added a bit of competitiveness to the project. It is really making this a lot of fun.
How do you plan to make your program available?
GeoSyncUp will be included on all Android phones. …yeah, we wish. But, putting our hopes aside, GeoSyncUp will be free to download from www.shooklabs.com.
What kind of investment have you had to make? Time, money, etc.
We have put a lot of time into developing GeoSyncUp. Weekends and nights and just about any free time we have goes toward GeoSyncUp.
We would like to encourage people to take our survey and to look for more updates on GeoSyncUp at ShookLabs.com and AndroidGuys.com
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Yahoo and T-Mobile Cozy Up
Yahoo has worked a deal with T-Mobile to offer exclusive banner ads throughout the internet for phones on the Web'n'Walk program. This fits well in line with some of the things we've mentioned here in posts and podcasts before. According to TheInquirer.net, "Yahoo is hoping that by adding mobile ads to the mix, it will grab a larger share of the whole net based ad market". While we definitely agree with that assessment we do find a later comment to be slightly off the mark. The author of the post, Tony Dennis claims that this is a shot in the eye of Google.
Web'n'Walk is a service that debuted in 2005 and is used in Germany, Austria, Great Britain, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. We would anticipate Google making moves similar to Yahoo at least here in the United States as Android rolls out. T-Mobile is a founding member of the Open Handset Alliance so we're guessing that Google has already approached them about offering a service much like Yahoo's. It should also be noted that Web'n'Walk has been rumored to be more of a Google service than a T-Mobile service anyhow. Hmmm.
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Wednesday
Sprint To Cut Jobs
Right on the heels of Nokia's job cuts in Germany, the Wall Street Journal expects US based Sprint to do the same. Unlike Nokia, the news of layoffs from Sprint was almost expected considering the amount of turmoil the company has been in since the merger with Nextel. You can check out the complete article here on Informationweek.com. The WSJ also expects Sprint to move it's headquarters back to Overland Park, KS. Apparently the new CEO Dan Hesse has been living and working there since taking over. Be sure to check back here for more news on this story as it develops.
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Nokia Falling On Hard Times?
Eventually, Nokia will launch it's new mobile web based service "Ovi" that will offer consumers music and game downloads, as well as mapping services. Yesterday however they made the news for a less positive reason. The worlds leading mobile handset manufacturer is closing its plant in
The
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Steve Jobs: 'Android Hurts Google More Than Helps'
John Markoff (NY Times) was able to spend a half hour with Jobs yesterday after his keynote address where he debuted the Macbook Air. While he had the chance, Markoff asked Jobs about Amazon's Kindle device and Google's Android project. Even though it's only a couple of sentences, it is rather telling of his feelings.
Having created a phone its a lot harder than it looks,” he said. “We’ll see how good their software is and we’ll see how consumers like it and how quickly it is adopted.” In seeking not to get locked out of the mobile phone world, “I actually think Google has achieved their goal without Android, and I now think Android hurts them more than it helps them. It’s just going to divide them and people who want to be their partners.
It appears to us that he recognizes a legitimate threat to his closed-ended approach to mobile phones with AT&T. We're not taking anything away from Steve as we respect him greatly for the ideas and devices he's helped pioneer over the years. We feel, though, that once Android establishes itself in the market, Apple will adjust their strategies to resemble it more closely. Don't forget that the backbone for the iPhone is the same Android. When companies start offering devices that look nearly identical in every aspect, Apple will need to work harder to differentiate themselves.
Eerily reminiscent quote: Palm's CEO Ed Colligan said something very similar of Apple just after the iPhone announcement.
We've learned and struggled for a few years here figuring out how to make a decent phone. PC guys are not going to just figure this out. They're not going to just walk in.
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Tuesday
And Then There Were 214
The FCC announced Monday that the final round of bidders has been trimmed to 214, leaving over 50 people/groups off the initial list. Who's gone? Well, we knew Frontline Wireless was out. So is Faithfone Wireless, the Navajo Department of Information Technology and a dude named Mitchell Hoffman.
Quick primer; This auction takes place on January 24th, with a mock auction on the 22nd. The auction will be blind which means that bidders will know the amount of the highest bid, but not the identity. For more details on the auction, please check out our previous articles here and here.If the FCC doesn’t meet its reserve price for the spectrum it is auctioning off, there will be a rebidding process with loosened restrictions. In that case, Google’s “open to all devices” requirement could be the first rule out the door.
CNN Money article
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Android Campfire
The official Google Android blog informs us today that on January 23rd, they will be holding a campfire with developers and colleagues.
Join us for food, drinks, and great conversation! Come meet other developers as well as Googlers working on Android. Talk business, talk pleasure, or just hang out -- it's up to you.
There is a registration page to sign up as space will be limited. Full Post
Monday
34 Weeks of OHA: #2
Font Store, which is precisely as breathtaking and overwhelming as you'd expect it to be. Oh, and they produce the Personality Kit , which is a system for customizing your Windows Mobile phone with themes, ringtones, and ... fonts. What you may not realize is that Ascender, of whom you may never have before heard, is actually a font superpower. Ever come across Arial or Times New Roman? Comic Sans? Tahoma? Trebuchet? All Ascender's—sorta; that is: the company's two founders, Steve Matteson and and Tom Rickner, worked with Microsoft and Apple developing these foundational fonts, which makes 'em like the Tim Berners-Lee and, er, Steve Wozniak of... fonts. I guess. These guys have a contract to distribute Microsoft fonts and have worked with IBM on Japanese fonts. Steve Matteson designed the fonts for the Xbox 360. And, check out this bit from their Wikipedia article: Ascender has conducted numerous typographic-related research projects including a study on the typefaces that appear on the front pages of America's top daily newspapers. This study identified the most popular typefaces, sources, and the pervasive use of custom fonts in newspaper design. Another Ascender study researched the free and shareware fonts that can be found on the most-popular Websites. The study analyzed more than 450- TureType® fonts that can be downloaded by Macintosh®, Windows® and Linux® users to determine their viability for use in linking downloadable fonts to web pages as part of the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) specification proposed by the W3C. The study found that out of the 4572 fonts tested, 4385 fonts (95.9%) failed one or more of six tests that were performed. “Typographic-related research projects.” These guys are hard-core, yo. What they bring to OHA and Android: Umm, fonts. Specifically, the Droid font collection. In all seriousness, designing fonts that are readable and appealing on a two-and-a-half inch screen is no job for amateurs. These guys are probably the best in the world at what they do, so Android is in good hands. Ascender Corp. Site Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #2 - Ascender )
For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.
Company Name: Ascender Corp.
How the OHA site classifies them: Software Company
What the OHA site says about them: Ascender Corp. is a leading provider of advanced font products and innovative applications for mobile devices.
What they do: Fonts. Big fonts, little fonts, fat fonts, thin fonts. Chinese fonts and Hebrew fonts. Fonts from A-B. In fact, they run a
Open Handset Alliance Press Release
What Google's Android Could Learn From Yahoo's Go!
While there wasn't a whole lot of Google Android news out of CES this year, Yahoo did release an update to their dandy little mobile web portal Yahoo Go!, and Google could learn a thing or two from Go as Android gets closer and closer to market.
Go! is Yahoo's attempt to deliver their content to multiple devices regardless of manufacturer or carrier, and you know what? It does a pretty good job of it. Go! 3.0 in it's beta form fixed some issues with the previous version, but the biggest addition is the ability to add your own widgets from other sites, giving you more options to customize it to your liking. The more I used Go! the more I began to realize what I wanted out of Google's Android. If you've never seen or used Yahoo Go!, it's a program that you must install, then run on your handset. It essentially does away with the need to log onto Yahoo.com to access Yahoo's content. Email, news headlines, stock updates, sports, and even a search engine are all included. I began to think "what if there was some way to make Yahoo Go! the backbone of my handset?" I would still need access to my phone book and contacts, but that shouldn't be too difficult to implement.
I would never need to "log in" to check my favorite news topics, or check on my favorite teams. The web would always be on, which would make life more efficient, and in the end isn't that what we all want? With my current set up (Nokia N95) if I want to search for something online I have to open up my browser, choose my access point, access my bookmark for Google, then wait for the page to load. If I had an always on option, all I would have to do is locate the search section and start typing! How much time would this save? If I wanted to check how my favorite teams were doing in the playoffs I would only have to go to that section and click on my team, instead of logging into a website and waiting for several pages to load. Now, I know I can have alerts delivered to my phone, but wouldn't you prefer to have it in "real time" rather than wait for an alert at the top or bottom of the hour?
I know there are a few things that may prevent Android from having this option in the beginning, and the most obvious to me is affordable data plans from wireless carriers. I think T-Mobile offers the most competitive options because their unlimited plan is only $29.99 a month when attached to a voice plan. The lack of high speed mobile access across the country may also be a detriment, but I think "always on" could even work with EDGE technology. If Google is serious about making the internet more accessible on mobile devices I think this would be a huge step in the right direction. Not only would it enrich our web browsing experience, but it could also have a profound effect on the future designs of mobile phones and devices.
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Google's MacWorld Announcement
Improvements to the Google services that can be integrated into the iPhone have been officially announced today. These new features and improvements provide iPhone users with a Google web application experience that is very desktop-like in terms of ease-of-use, speed, and feature richness but optimized for iPhones. Changes and improvements include improved UI, customization of default tabs, gmail that automatically shows up without refreshing, and implementation of the iGoogle gadgets.
If you have an iPhone, all you have to do is navigate to http://google.com on your Safari browser. Smart money says that Android phones will operate nearly identical when it's launched. Ok, maybe not 'smart' money, but 'our' money.
Official Google press release
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Sunday
A La Mobile Drops Android onto Qtek 9090
Alright, it's official. Confirming what we reported on last week, A La Mobile is the first company to offer a complete package of software based on Android. This is another step in making things feel more real each passing week. Although it's an older HTC phone, it still looks just as good as some of the other devices we've seen. On top of that, it does not need to be hacked onto the device just to get it to run.
The demo unit includes a Google browser, phone dialer, audio player, Google maps, camera, games, calendar, contacts manager, calculator and notes installed. Pretty much the standard software we'd expect across the board. You can pretty much bet that A La Mobile is pimping this thing to the 34 OHA members right now.
What do you think? Would you rock one of these if it ran Android?
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AG Link Love
We love it when a site links to us, whether it's tech related or not. Typically, we'll try to reach out to a website and thank them if we noticed they've added us a technorati fave or plugged our site somewhere. EntreCard has done very well for us in regards to opening our eyes to new blogs and sites in plenty of categories. There have been a couple of occasions in recent days where a site has mentioned us and linked to us. We're not above doing the same right back, and starting today, we will .
Tech and Amusing Stuff recently added us to their blogroll by way of EntreCard. We were contacted by their admin last week and were impressed with the way he spoke with us. After checking it out, we found the site to be a nice place for both tech and amusing stuff. Lots of pictures, a clean layout, and nice topic selection make this one a nice place to visit every couple of days. The last three subject covered were Israel’s uphill subway, clever advertising, and a photo called Fired Fox. When you stop by, tell them AndroidGuys sent you.
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Saturday
AG5 - January 12th Edition
Alright so maybe this week didn't turn out to be quite as eventful as we'd hoped for Open Handset Alliance news. CES was somewhat of a letdown in regards to Android information, leaks, and announcements. Regardless, we're true to our word and are here to compile the five articles we feel you need to take a second look at. And if this is your first time stopping by, welcome to AndroidGuys! Here's five things to bring you up to speed.
#1 - Yahoo Go to play nice with Android
Rather than trying to compete with Google and all of their services, Yahoo opened up their software so that it will work on not only Android, but the other mobile operating systems as well. Smart move.
#2 - Wistron Neweb GW4 will be Android Capable
Since none of the four handset makers brought any Android phones to the show, the GE4 got the big news this week. A sleeker looking version of that prototype phone we saw in the video, this phone resembles the T-Mobile Dash.
#3 - Penguinistas hacked Android onto devices
Leaver to Linux hackers to start throwing Android onto things as fast as they can. It's only a matter of days and weeks before people are using it in a regular capacity. We're most excited that we are finally seeing video and not just pictures. Makes things feel that more real.
#4 - Android was MIA @ CES
Not one of the 4 hardware manufacturers brought a single device to the show. Are they waiting for the big show in Barcelona? We certainly hope so.
#5 - Frontline Wireless closed up shop
After just being declared eligible for the 700MHz auction, one of the bigger names bidding ended up shutting their doors. No specific reasons were given. Could it be related to the billions needed to participate?
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Friday
BancoMap Helps Find ATM's
OpenAndroids alerted us to an application from BancoMap which will help you locate the nearest ATM's using the mapping program and GPS. It's one of those simple ideas that seem like it would become more practical over time, especially for travelers. According to OpenAndroids, only Italian addresses are currently supported. Click here to see a flash demonstration as to how it would work.
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OHA News (January 11th Edition)
This week was slightly busier in regards to Open Handset Alliance news if not only for the fact that the hardware manufacturers were in Las Vegas showing off some of their upcoming devices. Although we didn't get any major Android leaks or announcements, there is still plenty to catch up on. We're expecting to see this list get bigger over the next few months as software becomes available and network providers start unveiling their plans to incorporate Android.
Samsung launches F490 (CrunchGear)
LG Scoop is Alltel's Rumor (Engadget Mobile)
Sprint Nextel tests emergency alerts (RCRNews)
Intel's iPhone-like device showed up (IntoMobile)
HTC's 2007 numbers look strong (justamp.blogspot.com)
LG and Samsung competing in mobile television (PhoneScoop)
Sprint inches towards WiMax launch (TechNewsWorld)
Intel banking on ultramobiles (TopTechNews)
T-Mobile USA Investment Slows Company Profit Margins (Wireless Week)
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Thursday
Android's Challenges
CEO's and CDO's are talking about Android and some of the things that might stand in the way of Google reaching the next level in search. Take for instance Dan Olschwang, CEO of JumpTap. He says that "they have to seriously overhaul it" to serve a mobile audience. If somebody asks, 'Where is the closest gas station?' they need that information now, and they don't need 20,000 results." Very valid point. Who is going to care to read sponsored ads for starting a gas station or buying one? Don't believe us...?
Users are going to want an instant result that says "BP is 2.3 miles with a map to go along with it." Rather than thousands of results, we'll want 5 or so. Olschwang predicts that Google will not "completely fail" in mobile web but he doesn't "think they will be nearly as successful as they are on the (desktop) Web." Dan wouldn't be heartbroken if Google didn't do so good because JumpTap has developed a search engine and search-advertising platform for cellphones.
T-Mobile's chief development officer, Cole Brodman sheds a tad bit of light into how they will implement Android into handsets. He says Google's basic wireless goal is to use Android to better target ads to wireless customers so it can charge advertisers more. By combining "unique information about consumers from the Web," he says, with "other information" from mobile devices, such as location, "Google believes search responses can be much more targeted for Google, and that the value they can bring back to advertisers can be quite a bit higher."
Sounds great, but what about all the ads people are worried about seeing on their phone? Brodman says that Android will not favor Google over Yahoo or other search engines and that consumers also can "opt out" of Google's "cookies," used to track their movements on the Web. Brodman says T-Mobile won't blanket its customers with advertisements from Google or any other company. "Mobile phones are personal and private, and we want to ensure that we are speaking for the consumer in terms of any advertising" that gets pitched their way, Brodman says. "Just getting blasted with search results and banner advertising is not something most consumers will accept."
What say you, Sprint?
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Another Android Prototype Coming Next Week?
According a recent USAToday article, San Ramon-based a la Mobile is set to debut a new Android based phone sometime next week. We checked their website for any news around this but were yet to find anything. We did however learn a little bit about what they do. Founded in 2005, a la Mobile believes that Linux is the strategic operating system that the mobile industry is ready to adopt.
Designed to be readily adaptable to wireless handsets, this new platform enables handset manufacturers to bring new Linux-based smartphones to market rapidly while drastically reducing development, testing and deployment costs. Convergent Linux is the first viable mobile operating system alternative to proprietary offerings.Full Post
Wednesday
20/20 Podcast Episode #6
Last night Jamie and Scott got together to talk about some recent news and events in the Android world. Recorded over two 20 minute segments, we present to you episode six of the AndroidGuys 20/20 podcast.
About the AndroidGuys 20/20: We feel that 20 minutes is a sufficient amount of time to cover one subject in depth, without beating a dead horse. At the same time, it also allows for multiple topics to be covered in short segments.
Segment one topics include: Lack of CES Android news, Yahoo! Go, and form factor of the Android prototypes and GW4.
Click here to download 6A
Segment two topics inlcude : Open Moko and other hardware designs, 34 Weeks of OHA, Android release within 180 days, Google service model.
Click here to download 6B
Don't forget to subscribe to our standard feed as well as the podcast only version.
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Android Hacked Onto Devices - Video!
We're not even gonna pretend like we know what it takes to get this kind of stuff to happen, but 'Penguinistas' have hacked Android onto some older technologies. Behold video of Android running on pre-existing hardware devices like the Sharp Zaurus. Of course, these devices are not meant to run Android so you'll be forgiving if it is not quite as fast as it will be in real life scenarios...right? Anyways, here is a link to a few videos couresty of LinuxDevices.com.
Also worth checking out is AndroidZaurus' blog as it features screenshots of Android's "Lunar Lander" game, OpenGL 3D graphics demos, style picker, and Google's index page.
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Bonus Podcast from AndroidGuys
A few weeks back, John and Lukai sat down with Scott and revisited John Dvorak's comments regarding Android and his reason for why the Open Handset Alliance will fail. We were around 6 weeks removed from his article and had a much clearer vision as to what the Alliance was to going to do and where technology was heading. When we started talking about the piece, we realized that it would be fun to record and release as a podcast. So, today we bring you an unearthed, never-before heard, digitally enhanced, original recording! Here's the rub: You have to subscribe to the podcast only feed for this one. We're not going to just give this stuff away for free. Ok, wait, maybe we are anyhow. To get this latest podcast click here.
But wait, there's more! If you act today, we'll throw in all of our previous podcasts absolutely free!
On a related note, there will be another pair of 20/20 podcasts coming later today.
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Frontline Wireless 'Closed for Business'
Frontline is closed for business at this time. We have no further comment.One of the Silicon Valley startups looking to bid on the 700MHz spectrum later this month has shut down after months of jockeying and positioning themselves for the auction. Frontline may not be completely out though as their principals and financial backers have relationships with other companies, including Backline and Cellular South Licenses Inc.
RCRNews Full Post
Tuesday
Qualcomm Reference Designs Make Us Drool
Geek.com had an intimate encounter with two new platforms that will be emerging by the end of 2008, if not early 2009. One platform, a 'Fairbanks' unit is more or less a glorified GPS unit with some bells and whistles (bwhistles?) tacked on. By that we mean a micro-SD slot, live television playback, and a 3MP camera. The other platform, 'Anchorage', is based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform. This means will use a 1.0GHz processor as well as WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, cellular, and all the usual suspects. According to Sal Cangeloso, Snapdragon will offer close to the best power/performance ratio of anything currently on the market and will be aimed more towards productivity. He also claims that 'So far we know that Samsung and HTC are on board, but there are a few others that are not official yet.'
This is exactly the kind of phone we want to see with Android. It's sleek, robust, and sexy. Qualcomm, Samsung, and HTC are all founding members of the Open Handset Alliance, so we pretty much feel like these types of phones are where the line starts when Android is launched. Hardware-wise, we expect nothing less than this.
This bears repeating: These are reference models only so future iterations could see dramatic changes.
Head over to Geek.com for more pictures of both platforms!
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Android Developers Wanted
Are you looking to join up with a few partners and make a run for the Android Developers Challenge? Perhaps you are an individual looking to join a corporate giant like Motorola. Well whatever the case may be, OpenAndroids has gone and put together a classifieds type section for people looking to hire or join a team. Your selections can be narrowed by full time, contract, and/or permanent basis.
OpenAndroids has been on our radar for quite some time now so we figured we show them a little bit of love.
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Google Inks TV Deal
For clarification, the first sentence of this article was changed.
Matsushita, the world’s largest consumer electronics manufacturer who produces Panasonic, has signed a deal with Google that will see the company launch flat panel sets which will allow users to access YouTube, Picasa, and other Google services. The non-exclusive deal should have the first units launching here in the United States in over the next few months. Throw in an Android DVR or some widget capability, and you'll be one step closer to Android TV!Matsushita's (Panasonic)Net-enabled TVs will let users access YouTube's video-sharing site and Google's Picasa photo-sharing site by simply pressing a button on the remote control, the Nikkei said. The maker of Panasonic brand electronics is likely to monitor sales of the Internet-enabled TVs, as well as the development of copyright management systems around the world, before deciding whether to also sell the TVs outside the US.
CNN Money
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Yahoo Mobile Services On Google and iPhones
Yahoo reveals it's strategy to compete with the likes of Google and its other rivals. "If you can't beat em', join em". Instead of reinventing the whe....er' phone like Google is attempting to do, Yahoo wants to include it's web based mobile services or "widgets" on it's rivals platforms. Could this mean we will see Yahoo Go! on the iPhone or Google's Android? We sure hope so, because we absolutely love this software. You can check out the full article here on eWeek.com
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Monday
34 Weeks of OHA: #1
Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #1 - Aplix)
For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.
Company Name: Aplix Corporation
How the OHA site classifies them: Commercialization Company
What the OHA site says about them: Aplix Corporation enables mobile handset manufacturers to have a faster, lower development cost and lower risk route to deploy wireless Java solutions.
What they do: Aplix develops embedded software for mobile phones and PCs. They are a world leader in deploying Java technology on mobile handsets. They are probably best known for Jblend, which the Aplix site describes as "...an embedded software product that enables Java technology on resource constrained devices such as mobile phones." Jblend has been shipped on almost 360 million handsets. Most of Jblend's deployment has been in Asian markets; it is deployed on devices by Samsung, Panasonic, Hitachi, Motorola, Sanyo, Sharp, and Toshiba.
They also offer Mobile PictDirect, middleware for printing photos directly from a mobile handset which complies with industry standard PictBridge.
Aplix has been in a strategic alliance with (and is an investor in) MontaVista Software for a little over a year now, with the goal of better integrating MontaVista's Mobilinux OS with Aplix's middleware. The company is a member of LiMo.
What they bring to OHA and Android: Mobile mojo, I guess.
Honestly, It's a little difficult to see Aplix's role here, basically because I can't see what they offer that Google needs. Jblend is nice and all, but Android basically cherry-picks the Java syntax for Android while discarding Java ME. Aplix is a true-to-the-cause Java lover, and Google has gone off the holy path.
Forgive my cynicism, but the PictDirect thing is silly.
The MontaVista connection may have been a factor; Aplix has genuine experience mating Java with Linux on mobile devices. But, again, I have to wonder how much that experience means when the traditional Java runtime has been discarded. MontaVista is not to be seen in the OHA roster... yet. When asked if he would join, MontaVista's CEO Thomas Kelly replied “Absolutely. We consider the OHA to be very compatible to everything we're doing.” I'm guessing, however, that Google hasn't yet sent out the invitation.
It may have been Aplix's general mobilespace facility may have been attractive to OHA's overlords. They have the Java experience, the Linux experience, and the mobile software business experience; they'd be nice to have at the table in a consultant capacity.
Aplix Corporations
Open Handset Alliance Press release
Thanks again to Jordan from Fandroid.net for providing this week's feature!
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CES: Where is Android?
Eric Zemen at InformationWeek tell us in a post today that there is pretty much zilch in the ways of Android aside from the GW4 already reported. He goes down the list of manufacturers and gives his findings. It is after 9 AM out here in Las Vegas and most of the day's major news items are public. So far there have been several snoozeworthy mobile phone announcements and not much else. Not a single smartphone has been officially introduced.
The closest thing to the WNC phone was one that one of the HTC guys uses. He uses it at work but conveniently didn't bring it to the show. He did say that it was 'awesome' though. So what's the deal here? Nobody sneaking a peek, teasing the fans, or even talking about it. We have to say that we'll be very disappointed with LG, Motorola, Samsung, and HTC if they don't give us a sample at all.
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Open Moko To Unveil "Free Runner" UPDATE
Open Moko is all set to unveil it's Linux based handset named "Free Runner" at a private showing in this years CES. From the specs this handset looks to be a beast. It boasts a 500 Mhz processor, 2.8 inch touch screen, WiFi, motion sensors, and hardware-accelerated 2d/3d graphics capabilities. You can read more about Open Moko and the Free Runner here at ars technica. Don't expect this handset to run Google's Android, as it appears to be in direct competition sporting it's own open platform. I can't wait for some pics of this one. Be sure to check back later once they're available. Cheers.
Here's the biggest picture we can find right now. All indications are that it looks very similar to the NEO1973 announced last year.
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D2 Technologies Embedded Mobile Convegence Solution
D2 Technologies has been working on a convergence solution that will allow one device to access several different messaging clients. Now, you may be saying "This is already possible with my Blackberry or Pocket PC". You would be correct, but D2's offering will be tailored more towards the corporate user, allowing access to company directories, VoIP, Google Talk, and others simultaneously! Wow. You can check out the complete article here by Reuters, but you may have to read it a few times before you get the complete gist of it. D2 Technologies is unveiling this software to the public at this years CES.
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LiMo Grows, Throws Mud at Android
The LiMo Foundation plans to announce some new members today including Trolltech, Acrodea, ETRI, Huawei and Purple Labs. These names will join founding member like NTT DoCoMo, Motorola, and Vodafone and put their total at 25 members to the OHA's 34 founders. Some of the vendors in the LiMo Foundation are also members of the Open Handset Alliance including NTT DoCoMo, Motorola, and Samsung.
LiMo's head, Morgan Gillis thinks their offering will not only beat Android to market, but also prove to be more successful. An important difference is that the code within the LiMo platform is market-proven technology that has been brought to the platform by our founder members in the form of Motorola, Samsung, NEC and Panasonic. We simply reintegrated it to form the first release of the LiMo platform.He goes on to call Android a new software platform containing "unproven code" that Google has only just produced.
It typically takes two to three years before handset software is stabilized and ready for volume production.
We picture the handset field almost like two competing Justice Leagues. Each going around picking up members. In this case, some members belong to both groups. Either way, they're all 'good guys' taking on the Legion of Doom known as the wireless industry. Corny analogy, right? Get over it. Full Post
Yahoo Pushes Reset Button at CES
Yahoo is expected to announced today that they will open up their mobile platform for outside programmers. This way, they can develop new apps that can be planted on Yahoo pages and widgets for mobile handsets. Yahoo hopes this move will attract more advertisers and ultimately compete with Google's Android platform.
Yahoo will also unveil their redesigned home page for mobile devices. Look for features that enable more content and the ability to designate material that users want highlighted. And finally, Yahoo is releasing an upgrade to its "Go" software which should make it easier to internet on mobile phones.
Yahoo feels that their "Go" software gives the company a head start in the high-stakes war to deliver advertising and Internet services to the masses.AFTER.
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Sunday
Bug Labs Pricing
Just a fast and furious update to the Bug Labs device we've profiled a few times. CrunchGear has some pricing on the device for those of you who don't find the thing to be all that ugly. The jist of it is this: BUGbase - $349, LCD module - $119, GPS module - $99, Camera module - $79, Motion detector / Accelerometer - $59
Apparently, there is a discount for those who hop on board within the first 60 days of release and the online store opens up on the 21st of January. We're waiting on our comped model to be sent to us although 'wishing' might be the more appropriate term.
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AndroidGuys: Developer Spotlight Series #2
We're back with another edition of the spotlight series and today we're showcasing a guy who goes by the name of "Living Sword". For those of you who missed the first edition of the series, you can check it out here. Living Sword runs the Android in Progress website for those of you interested in checking out another Android site.
The spotlight series is where we delve a little deeper and give you a little bit of insight into what developers working on Android are running into. The kind of software being worked on, how it will benefit the end user, and what expectations to have are all things that interest us. We're here to pull back the curtain and let you take a peek as to what is going on behind the scenes. Down the road, we will do what we can to get the word out about these developers and their software. We'll even host the software if you'd like.
What type of program are you writing for Android?
I am writing a multimedia player. Although I had other applications in mind, a multimedia player is the basic application found in every mobile today. So, I thought Android should get its basic applications first like a media player, task manager etc.
Have you written for any other mobile OS?
No.
Is Android easier or harder to write for than you expected?
Easy..as I expected. Because, one, the applications are written in Java which I am well versed with and..two, the extensive docs and groups' discussions provide good help and useful pointers for coding.
Are you working alone or on a team?
Currently I am working alone. Let’s see if I find a partner/team which are at the same wavelength as I am.
Do you have an idea as to when your program will be available?
Well, the first version will be out sometime around New Year.
Is your program aimed at consumers or entrepreneurs?
For the consumers.
Do you plan to write more applications for Android?
Yes. I have few more ideas which I wish to implement after this one.
How do you feel Android will impact the overall mobile market?
Competition is always good. It will make Microsoft, Symbian and Apple pull up their socks (although they pretend to ignore the threat). With the kind of image Google has, we could expect a new business model in the mobile industry.
I think more handset manufacturers will join-in after the first series of phones are out. Simply because, Android will have a broader developer base then.
Future will tell if Android has the might to dethrone Symbian. Wait-n-watch is the new game.
What excites you most about Android?
I think the fact that Google has come-up with it and that it’s Open is very interesting. I like to work on new technologies and Android gives me an opportunity to do just that.
Were you motivated by the Developers Challenge to start writing software?
Yes and I think that should be the universal answer to this question.
Thanks again for reaching out to us and taking the time to answer the questions.
If you are a developer working alone, or on a team, we want to hear from you! Email us at androidguys@gmail.com and let us know. We'll be happy to spotlight any developer out there, regardless of size or programming skill.
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Wistron NeWeb GW4 is Android Ready
Word is coming in that Wistron NeWeb (WNC) has a pretty slick looking phone running Linux 2.6. Some of the hardware specs include WiFi, BlueTooth, a 2.5” QVGA touch screen display, and a QWERTY keyboard. The camera on the back is only 2MP, but hey, what are ya gonna do? The GW4 looks reminiscent of the prototype phone we've seen over the last few weeks only more polished. From what we're gathering, it's a very light phone. The description we read was that it's lighter than the T-Mobile Dash and the Palm Centro. If you'd like to see some pictures of it, please click here. They're not the cleanest looking or best lit, but you definitely get the feel for the phone.
Respect knuckles go to SlashGear for the heads up.
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Saturday
Nominate AndroidGuys for a Bloggie!
We don't ask for things very often at AndroidGuys, but today we are. The 8th Annual Bloggies are running right now and they are taking applications for all kinds of categories. We qualify for a few categories including Best Computers or Technology Weblog, Best Group Weblog, Best-Kept Secret Weblog, and of course, Best New Weblog.
You'll need to nominate three blogs for any category you decide to take part in so if you need some help, we'll help you a little bit. AndroidGuys suggests AskTheAdmin for Computer/Technology and Saphrym and The Big Bald Blog for Best-Kept Secret. There ya go! We made it a lot easier for you.
On a serious note, we are very excited to see the level of interest in Android. More importantly, we are overwhelmed with the level of interest in AndroidGuys. If you don't feel like nominating us for anything, it's all good. You'd be doing us a bigger favor just by Stumbling us or adding us to your technorati faves!
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Friday
Site Maintenance
As we continue to clean up AndroidGuys and make adjustments, we may run into a snag or two. If you see something that does not work properly, please let us know! If you've been following us for any length of time and want to give us some feedback, leave a comment below. We want to know what you think of the new look! Full Post
AG5 - January 5th Edition
Okay folks, here's the deal. We're giving you the weekend off. That's right! No need to come back tomorrow and see the weekly wrap-up. In the wake of two back-to-back slow news weeks, we're going to power down the AG5 and get ready for CES next week. We're hoping that next Saturday's edition is so jam-packed that we have to figure which articles we're going to trim off the list. Buckle up! We should be in for a few hectic weeks!
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OHA News (January 4th Edition)
The first week of 2008 had just about as much moving and shaking going on as the last week of 2007. By that, we mean it was another semi-quiet 7 days for Open Handset Alliance news. CES is next week, so we're pretty sure things are going to be a little different come next Friday. Even as slow as things have been going, there was still plenty worth keeping up with this week.
LG was rumored to be having major problems with their Rumor handset.
A day later, LG cleared things up with a bit of damage control.
Qualcomm was hit with a major injunction from Broadcom
Motorola unveiled a live TV mobile video player.
T-Mobile UK is getting the HTC Touch
HTC is thinking about getting another chip supplier.
Samsung wants to be #1 in sales and profit in 2009
Sprints say QChat is still on track
Another pair of defections from Google
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New GE Line: Hint at Things to Come?
The DECT 60 line from GE will make its real world debut next week at CES, however we've already learned a little bit about it. According to the press release, the DECT 60 series is 'The ultimate phone for young families in larger homes and perfect for busy parents juggling responsibilities...' While it's not a mobile phone,it does offer something we've not seen before. Looking closely at the image you'll notice a dedicated button for GOOG-411, the free, voice-activated, business directory assistance service from Google.
Could we see something like this integrated into a Google Android phone? We've certainly seen dedicated buttons on cell phones before.
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Developer Challenge News
Dan Morrill, a 'Developer Advocate' has posted some information on the official Google Android Blog, including the link to submit your project to the Android Developer Challenge. It should be noted that you can submit as an individual, team, or as a corporation. Dan is very excited about the challenge and offers some interesting tidbits about it. For instance, you can submit your application now, and then again later should you refine it. The submission period is open until March 3, 2008, so you don't need to rush to submit your application just yet. March 3 is definitely a hard deadline though, so you must have your applications submitted by then. If you choose to submit now, you can always re-submit a later version of your application closer to the end.
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CES Updates
Although we are not physically attending CES next week, you can rest assured that AndroidGuys will be bringing you the most up to date and hottest information regarding any and all members of the Open Handset Alliance. With names like Motorola, LG, Samsung, Intel, and nVdia at the show, we're practically obligated to! We're anxious to see whether or not anyone will be previewing Android at the show. We, and our fans, are dying to see video of it in action. Full Post
Thursday
Cross-Browser Bugs Blamed for Developer Challenge Snag
For all the developers out there looking to start submitting their programs to the Android Developer Challenge listen up! You might want to wait another day or two. According to the official Google Group there is a slight delay.
Unfortunately final testing revealed some cross-browser bugs in the application we'll be using to allow you submit your work. We're fixing those now, and will have the site up and running as soon as we possibly can. At the same time that the submission application becomes available, we'll also make the final Terms and Conditions of the competition available.So, pump the brakes a little bit. You have plenty of time to get your entries in anyhow. Good luck!
If you wanna let the world know a little bit about your project, contact us and we'll be happy to spotlight you and your application! Full Post
Wednesday
WhatsOpen.com Goes Beta Today
In what looks to be a considerably cooler program than we initially anticipated, WhatsOpen has dropped their beta release on the public today. If you try to do a search right now, you'll be limited to California, however this still gives you more than ample opportunity to get a feel for how this program will operate. We tried looking for "taco" in Mountain View, CA and were immediately shown a map with over 50 locations in addition to hours of operation, distance, and phone number.
Coupling this with GPS or the new feature from Google Maps, your Android based phone (or iPhone) will be exponentially more useful when it comes to finding anything! We first reported on WhatsOpen back in early November '07. It appears as if this program will be everything we anticipated, plus some. We can't wait for the mashups to begin!
The iPhone and Android applications are in private alpha and will be rolled out in a public beta over the next 60 days. Also keep an eye out apps built for Facebook, Google's Open Social, and other open platforms in the first part of 2008.
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