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December, 2009 Articles

Android Developers – Optimize Your Layouts

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

“Writing user interface layouts for Android applications is easy, but it can sometimes be difficult to optimize them. Most often, heavy modifications made to existing XML layouts, like shuffling views around or changing the type of a container, lead to inefficiencies that go unnoticed. Starting with the SDK Tools Revision 3 you can use a [...]

Sony Ericsson J10 Coming To GreenHeart?

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

“As a general rule of thumb, we’d say that whenever you hear rumors of an Android-powered candybar with a numeric keypad, it’s probably going to end in tears. Such might be the case with Sony Ericsson’s codename “Susan,” a device originally thought to accompany the X10 in the company’s brand-spanking-new Android line but now apparently [...]

Samsung Galaxy2 Already Hits Rumor Mill2

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

I can’t believe it has already been zero days since Bell launched the first Galaxy as its very first Android device.  It seems like only earlier today! Finally, rumor rolls around for the successor – Galaxy2! According to PhoneReport – super secret ninja that shall not be named, Eldar Murtazin, has got his hands on [...]

Acer’s Android Lineup Nearing Expansion

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

A couple weeks ago we posted an article with what was then the current update from Acer on their 2010 plan.   Naturally we had to speculate a bit based off the quotes we were given – and it boiled down to 3-5 Android devices for 2010. This was based off the fact that only 10% [...]

Unboxing And Initial Impressions Of The Nook

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

The fellas over at AndroidandMe got their Nook in the other night and while a full review is in the works still – they have posted an unboxing and initial thoughts video for all you e-readin’ readers out there. They didn’t have a ton to say in the article itself but here’s a little preview [...]

Dell To Launch Android Tablet

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

“Dell is to launch an Android-based tablet device, Pocket-lint has learnt, possibly beating the also rumoured Apple tablet to the market. The new model, which will go up against the currently available Archos Internet Tablet and recently announced JooJoo (formerly the CrunchPad), will allow users to surf the Web from a handheld device bigger than [...]

Bell Gets First Android – Samsung Galaxy!

by Rob Jackson on December 10th, 2009

Oh Canada! Your country has given us many good things: bacon, politeness, cheaper prices for those who cross the border, and John Candy. So it’s only adequate that we give you the Android in return. We told you last week that the Samsung Galaxy would go on sale December 10th on Canada’s Bell and it [...]

AT&T Wants More $MONEY$

by Robfactory on December 10th, 2009

AT&T customers might have to pay more for their service. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, Ralph de la Vega, AT&T CEO, said the carrier might have to change its $30 unlimited data plan for an ala carte pricing plan. This is due to the stress multifunction phones have placed on their [...]

HTC Eris OTA Update

by Robfactory on December 10th, 2009

According to Verizon and BGR, random HTC ERIS users should have received an update right around midnight last night (or is that this morning?). The new ROM version is 1.16.605.1 and the radio version is 2.32.40.11.09. Like all OTA updates it will be distributed to some first and then the majority. So be patient and [...]

(Updated) Video Review of Samsung Behold 2

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 10th, 2009

Phonedog has published a video review of the Samsung Behold 2 and let me tell you – that was one hell of a painful video (for Samsung) to watch. Sure, the phone *looks* nice but to at least one reviewer.. is a disaster. John went out of his way to repeatedly point out what he [...]

Samsung Saturn Picture Peeps Out?

by Rob Jackson on December 9th, 2009

The first Samsung Android Phone was called the Samsung Galaxy and, like a lot of manufacturers these days, it appears Samsung is sticking with their “out of this world” theme. The Samsung Saturn looks to be an Android Phone launching in Q1 2010 and mobile-review snagged what they say is the first picture: Tentative rumors [...]

Motorola Droid Battery Cover Falling Off? Fix It Yourself!

by Rob Jackson on December 9th, 2009

Roll up your sleeves, use your noggin’ and contribute a little elbow grease and the world is yours. A common complaint for the Motorola Droid is miniscule in the grand scheme of things, but if your darn battery cover keeps coming off when you pull it out of your pocket you’re in luck – there [...]

Hey Europe: You Want Google Navigation But Can’t Have It

by Rob Jackson on December 9th, 2009

I’m sure Google would LOVE to allow Europeans, Asians, Africans, South Americans, Australians, Canadians and even Antarcticans to enjoy the wonders of Google Navigation on their Android Phone. Unfortunately, licensing restrictions have prevented Google from offering their service anywhere except the United States. Bummer… right? Not so fast! Clever hackers got Google Nav working in [...]

GeeksPhone One Unboxing

by Rob Jackson on December 9th, 2009

It is a little anti-climatic to put your own product into a box and then take it right back out and call it an unboxing – but nevertheless, TECHNICALLY this is the first unboxing of the GeeksPhone One. Just a few pictures of the process we’re teased with: Whaddaya think? [Via GeeksPhone Blog]

Droid Overload? Too Bad – News Isn’t Stopping! (Manual Update/Second Update Rumor)

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 9th, 2009

Man oh man, every other article I see and/or write is about the Motorola Droid! Droid this Droid that.. but you know what?  Fine with me.  Not just because I own the phone. Not just because it’s my first Android device. It’s not because it’s TIMES #1 gadget of the year, or because its (arguably) [...]

Tune into LeWeb’09 – With Android

by Talton "Phases" Pettigrew on December 9th, 2009

For those of you with ridiculously long battery life (or your charger) – you can tune into LeWeb’ 09 with an Android app provided by Ustream not too long ago. Head to the market to grab that should you be interested. A far more convenient approach is to just stream it on your computer itself, [...]

TIME: Moto Droid #1 Gadget of 2009

by Robfactory on December 8th, 2009

According to Time , one of the most prestigious news magazines, Droid was the “Numero Uno” gadget of the year. The Droid is a hefty beast, a metal behemoth without the gloss and finish of the iPhone, but you don’t miss it. The phone, which has only been out since the beginning of November, has [...]

Motorola Droid Rooted!

by Rob Jackson on December 8th, 2009

Sooner or later it was bound to happen. The hottest Android handset on the planet had to have the hottest legion of Android developers following its every move, prying and prodding at its inner core until they could do what oh so many people hoped – root tha dang thing! Here are the instructions as [...]

Android Struggling In Europe?

by Rob Jackson on December 8th, 2009

According to research by IDC, manufacturers and carriers are pushing their Android Phones in Europe but consumers are pushing back: “Consumers steer clear of Google’s OS and sell-out is below everyone’s expectations. Consumers recognize the Google brand, but still do not understand what Android is,” IDC analyst Francisco Jeronimo said in a statement. In the [...]

Motorola MILESTONE Now Available In UK

by Rob Jackson on December 8th, 2009

Droid envy has struck pretty much every part of the world but UK citizens can seek redemption today and receive it in as few as 4 business days. That’s right… the Motorola Milestone is now available for purchase through Expansys who has an exclusive deal on the device throughout December. If you plan on buying [...]