The directions on how to install Android on a Nokia N810 Intertnet Table are republished below and come from a variety of soucres (cited at the bottom):

1. Make sure your N810 has the latest software upgrades and is up to date. You should also have a minimum of 110 MB of free space to successfully install Android.
2. Download and save this file to your tablet and then download and install this file to your tablet.
3. Reboot your tablet
4. Start Android from the “Extras” Menu
5. Enjoy!

If you get this going, shoot us a link to a your video of installing this and playing around with it!

[Via IntoMobile, Pocketables, ITT, Random Musings]

This has the chance for hilarity to ensue. Check out the “sample image” called “Andro Dice” which appears to be a Mixed Mobile Artist spoofing Kimbo Slice - the popular Mixed Martial Artist:

Goodluck!

The fact that this comes from an OHA member other than Google is pretty significant. HTC has long been rumored as the company that will release the first ever Android enabled handset, called the HTC Dream. But if the company that seemingly has the largest headstart is only “shooting” for the end of the year and isn’t “definitely” launching the phone, that should raise some questions about what other manufacturers are “shooting” for.

This is all that we’re hearing from the manufacturer side of things… HTC seems to be the only company making solid, public assertions about their Android timelines. The carrier situation is another whole story.

If HTC has the Dream ready for launch before the end of 2008 but either no carrier is ready to support Android and/or no carrier comes to an agreement with HTC, will they still consider their 2nd Half of 2008 timeline accomplished?

From the sound of things, HTC may be the only top-tier manufacturer who will have an Android phone ready to roll before the end of the year. T-Mobile may be the only Carrier ready, willing and able to support Android before the year’s end. So if HTC and T-Mobile don’t plan on working together for the Dream, will our Christmas Dream come trues?

Apologies… will our HOLIDAY Dream’s come true. We’re trying to be all-inclusive here. Which of these manufacturers and/or carriers WOULDN’T want to put an Android Handset out before the end of the Calendar year?

Every 4th quarter, the retail boom makes and/or breaks many businesses. Whoever is able to deliver Android before the year closes out stands to gain an awful lot by being one of the first to market.

On their new 1993ish looking website they talk about the mobile revolution, “Open software is the basic building block for delivering this future. With this in mind, industry leaders are coming together to establish Symbian Foundation, to bring to life a shared vision and to create the most proven, open and complete mobile software platform - available for free.”

The most proven, open and complete mobile software platform - available for free? Look here… the New Symbian Patriots are stealing lines right from the playbook of the Android Jets!

But look, some of the superstars are playing for both teams:

• NTT Docomo
• Samsung
• Motorola
• LG Electronics
• T-Mobile
• Texas Instruments
• Broadcom
• ST

Motorola, NTT DOCOMO and Samsung are founding members of the OHA, Limo and now the Symbian Foundation. These, ladies and gentlemen, are Mobile polygamists. Texas Instruments, LG Electronics, ST and Broadcom are members of all 3 organizations as well. The two largest American carriers have announced their allegiance to Open Source platforms: VZW to Limo and now AT&T to Symbian.

So what gives? We’re working on getting those answers. It’s fairly easy to predict what Google would say about this Symbian development… exactly what Eric Chu said when we interviewed him: “It’s always good to see companies working together to create technology to enable the entire ecosystem. From that perspective, we think any initiative that’s focusing on opening up the mobile ecosystem that’s a great thing.”

Lets take a step back for a minute.

Symbian Limitied, the partnership that develops the Symbian Operating System, was formed by Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson and Psion way back in 1998 to foster the convergence of mobile technologies. By the way, they make sure to mention this “long history” in their press release, which seems a partial attempt to undercut the youth of Android.

Nokia was already the majority owner of Symbian but today they made a move to purchase all remaining shares of Symbian Limited. Nokia then contributed the Symbian and S60 software to the Symbian foundation followed by Sony Ericsson and Motorola contributing UIQ and DOCOMO offering up MOAP(S).

This is of course, subject to approval, but the Symbian Foundation plans to “start operating” by the first half of 2009. As a warning, when rumors start flying that it will “start operating” in late 2nd quarter don’t start a tirade about how it is delayed, like folks did with Android… late 2nd quarter is still 1st half of 2009.

The official press release says, “The Foundation will make selected components available as open source at launch.” We’re not sure if “start operating” and “at launch” are equivalents, but we assume thats what they mean. Over the course of 2 years, they will work to establish, “the most complete mobile software offering available in Open Source.”

If that doesn’t put the bullseye right on Android’s head, I’m not sure what does. You really can’t get any more direct than that. But how can companies directly responsible for both Android, LiMo AND Symbian be working on 3 projects that all claim they will be the most complete open source mobile OS?

Two years is light years away in terms of the current mobile landscape. We’ll see a TON of innovation and progress between now and then, so this doesn’t provide an immediate threat to Android as a platform but as a concept? It may change the way potential partners and existing members think about Android.

Its true that this is nothing more than an announcement. There is no product yet. There are no terms of exactly what Open Source Symbian will mean or provide.

Despite the timeframe, Symbian poses a threat to Android’s domination. In their first 8 years, the Symbian OS shipped on 100 Million devices. It only took 1.5 years for Symbian to ship their next 100 million by… 2008. Now here they are, moving open source, flying in the face of Android and claiming they will sell an additional 800 million smartphones by the end of 2010. More devices currently ship with Symbian than any other platform.

There is no reason for phandroids to be “worried” - Android is moving at a rapid clip and already has the support of the industry and developers with handsets on the way. But, the folks at Google should take notice and make sure that “2nd half of 2008″ comes to fruition for Android. I WOULD say the OHA should take notice, but half of them are the ones who formed the Symbian Foundation in the first place.

Android, LiMo or Symbian… which Open Source system will dominate?

[Sources: Symbian Foundation, Symbian.com, Sony Ericsson]

As the story goes, the bulk of Google’s time is being taken by T-Mobile who still plans to release an Android handset this year although the timeline now seems to be “late 4th quarter”. Sprint Nextel and China Mobile’s handsets may both be delayed until 2009 while AT&T is still evaluating whether or not to make the Android leap.

The internet game of “telephone” has gotten a little bit out of hand with sources around the world reporting on Android delays without first looking at the facts.

Officials at repeatedly stated for the past several months that the first Android handset and/or handsets would be available in the 2nd half of 2008. Even if T-Mobile were to release the first ever Android phone in late Q4 2008 as is suggested will happen, last time we checked the last day of the 4th quarter is still part of the 2nd half of 2008.

Google and the OHA have been deliberatly vague about timelines because they know that they could face issues and setbacks. The delays being mentioned don’t seem to take into account some information that we’ve already known.

Sprint’s “delays” seem to be related to the fact that they want their first Android handset to be on their new 4G network and not their 3G network. It was only one month ago that the Sprint and Clearwire deal took place and Sprint’s WiMax network (XOHM) was announced as ready for commercial testing. We’ve learned those tests will take place in the Baltimore-D.C. area, but is it really a surprise that Sprint is retooling their focus to put out the first 4G product with Android? They were so obsessed with their Instinct iPhone killer but a 4G Android Handset would seem to have twice the potential.

Then you have China Mobile, the world’s largest carrier, who is supposedly “delaying” their launch to either late 2008 or early 2009 because one of their partners is having trouble translating Android to Chinese. Ummm… hello people… that’s not a delay. At Google I/O, Andy Rubin specifically stated that Google would FIRST work and be perfected in English at which point they can work on altering it for other regions and languages.

The news has folks around the web making comments like, “I told you so”, “Google is learning mobile the hard way” and “it is still too early to count out Google.” Still to early to count out Google? Who even mentioned counting out Google?

Folks, the is delay is only perceived. As long as the first Android enabled handset is launched in the 2nd half of 2008 the only timeframe supplied will have been met. Of course Google (and the world) would rather launch with as many handsets and carriers on board as possible… but nobody thought for a minute that the creation and development of Android would be a cake walk.

[Via Wall Street Journal]

For those lagging behind, here is a quick refresher on what key events led up to now:

• Nov 5th, 2007:  Google Announces Android
• Nov 27th, 2007: Verizon Wireless announces Any Apps, Any Device essentially promising to open their network to networks, devices and applications from 3rd parties.
• Jan 24th, 2008: FCC Auction 73 begins with 5 main spectrum “blocks” up for grabs, including the nationwide and most highly sought “Block D” license
• March 24th, 2008: Verizon is announced as the winner of the 700MHz auction, but Google’s bluff bids pushed the winning amount above a pre-determined threshold that force the winner to keep the spectrum “open”. This FCC imposed commitment to creating an open-access network would allow any device that passes the basic standards and requirements to access the network.
• Although seemingly on the same page, the 2 companies begin to feud over the details of the open network.
• Seemingly out of spite, Verizon joins LIMO, a competing foundation and platform for Open Source Mobile software based on Linux.

We already know that Verizon has approved at least one device for use on their 700MHz network. And based on Verizon’s own Open Development Standards the process shouldn’t be too difficult for legitimate devices. Quoting these passages directly from Verizon’s own documentation:

• ” testing will be intentionally minimalistic”
• “Verizon Wireless will certify a number of external test labs to conduct Open Development Device approval testing.”
• “The testing is the only way to determine that the device, once activated, won’t harm or otherwise interfere with the Verizon Wireless network.”
• “We expect the typical [approval] time to be weeks rather than months.”
• “Verizon Wireless will not be responsible for device support issues. The Device Manufacturer will own this responsibility.”
• “Verizon Wireless will not approve, test or service third party applications that customers load onto their Open Development Devices.”

So from their own documentation, most devices should pass this minimal testing by determining they won’t harm the VZW network. Of course, throwing an Open Source platform like Android into the mix is a wild card. Verizon could look for ways and reasons that Android should not be allowed on the networking, claiming that under the FCC’s guidelines, this imposed a risk to their network and they therefore did not have to include Android devices on their network.

Whether out of spite or not, when Verizon announced their membership of LIMO they may have inherently accepted Android onto their network as well. It would be much harder to discriminate against an Open Source platform when your company sits on the board of directors of… another Open Source Platform.

By joining one (LIMO), Verizon has practically committed themselves to allowing the other (Android). They could look for reasons to single out Android but chances are Android will be able to past any test LIMO could with flying colors. Plus, does Verizon Wireless really want to upset the likes of Samsung, HTC and Motorola who are founding members of the Open Handset Alliance?

Anthony Lewis confirmed that the devices, not the applications are what will undergo the testing, “We are leaving the door wide open for applications,” he said. “We are not going to evaluate applications on ODI (Open Development Initiative) devices. Any certification for applications we will leave up to device manufacturers.”

So if LiMo can pass… Android should pass… and then its simply a matter of manufacturers submitting their Android handsets. That won’t happen for a few months since the platform isn’t even finished. But LiMo already has 18 handsets and it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that some of those models Mr. Lewis has seen have been LiMo handsets. So if a LiMo handset can gain approval prior to an Android handset even being submitted it would seem the way would be somewhat paved.

Plus, look at the second bullet above - external labs will be doing the testing. To at least some degree, it appears that this work is contracted out to a 3rd party. Whether this is because they want to maintain a fair and balanced approach to comply with the FCC or whether they don’t have the capabilities internally (or both) the process looks pretty objective all the way around.

By the way, Mr. Lewis was ASKED about the various platforms that might be found on different devices and here are CNET’s comments on his response: “He added that developers are free to use any operating system they choose on their devices whether its Google’s Android, the open Linux platform Limo, or Microsoft’s Windows Mobile.”

Sounds promising, doesn’t it? Verizon Wireless customers eager for Android have been worried that the carrier won’t adopt Android handsets. But with the clamor between Verizon and Google mysteriously absent it seems Android will have its way with the 700MHz spectrum afterall.

When it comes down to it, why should Verizon care? Sure, Google might have been a real pain in the butt with that whole “auction” thing, but people who want Android are probably going to get Android - better on Verizon’s network than somebody else’s, right Big Red?

Devices that operate on the 700MHz spectrum won’t be sold with contracts. Usually you see phone prices coupled with the lines “with 2-year agreement” and “with mail-in rebate”. These won’t come bundled on Verizon’s Open Network.

As far as service goes, you would buy the Android Handset seperately and then take it to Verizon Wireless afterwards for use on their network. Pay as you go or month-to-month deals are the likely scenario but details about the exact method and/or pricing haven’t been disclosed.

It seems the stars are aligning for Android, and at least in theory, Verizon Wireless should be included in the carrier mix when Android is first launched to consumers in the 4th quarter of 2008.

The big news has been a YouTube video which seems to show a Nokia N95 running a version of Android, complete with Google Maps implementation and the dialing/calling feature. While the video was posted on almost every tech blog on the planet, we didn’t find it all that exciting.

Why not? The video is of the worst quality possible and when it comes down to it, haven’t we seen demoes of Android running on hardware presented by Google themselves? If others can explain why this is so exciting, feel free to leave a comment. The video is below, but you may just want to skip watching it and read the rest of the article below which is probably more interesting:

If its any consolation, we do like the choice of music.

Speaking of Android running on hardware, much more official (and we think exciting) was a recent visit that Vijay Anand had with the one and only Andy Rubin to demo some Android software. Although Rubin would NOT allow any pictures of the device running Android, it was said to look VERY much like the HTC TyTN II.

Below is a picture of the HTC TyTN II to give you an idea of what we’re talking about. The actual device is probably the HTC Dream but we repeat, the picture below is of the HTC TyTN II just for reference purposes:

If the HTC Dream looks like that, but thinner and with a full QWERTY Keyboard, we might have to break into HTC headquarters James Bond style and swipe one… because the TyTN II is already pretty sweet.

The other informative bits come from an explanation of Android’s UI:

The Android user interface, like any other mobile phone’s, has an information bar at the top which tells you how much battery you have left, which network you’re on and what time it is. The main screen area is a blank slate much like the desktop space on a PC. Swiping the finger at the sides of the screen will move this desktop around as it is larger than the actual resolution of the LCD. As expected, there are many Google applications by default, 20 in total, according to Rubin. These include a YouTube program with which you can search and view all YouTube clips, a Gmail app and Google Maps.

The interesting part here is the mention that “the screen” is “larger than the actual resolution of the LCD” so you swipe your finger to see more. If this is implemented similarly to how we saw the navigation on Firefox Mobile, we would give thumbs up. But be reminded that, since Android is Open Source, this could be customized and changed and distributed to work completely differently by any developer anywhere.

You’ll also not that there were 20 total Google applications installed by default. This is how Google will likely make their money, by having Google applications installed and used on mobile phones. That’s not to say that you can’t just replace Google’s “default” solutions with your own. But, since Google’s solutions are usually the best anyways, why would you?

Here are a few pictures from that interview:

The origin of these pictures and information comes from two sources. The first reads like an excellent beginner’s summary explaining what Android actually is and can be found at HardwareZone. The second is more detailed and explains the UI and can be found at CNET Asia.

That question has been answered with the company line, “in the second half of 2008,” over and over and over. But the “company line” is blurry when you’re talking about the OHA, a group of 30+ companies with their own agendas and priorities to manage. And HTC may have accidentally provided more detail on that timeline.

At the HTC Touch Diamond press conference, blogger Meraj Chhaya had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Kevin Chen, General Manager of HTC for MEA and CIS. According to Chhaya, Chen explicitly stated that their first Android Handset would be released in the 4th quarter of 2008 with Windows Mobile 7.0 devices shipping in Q1 2009.

So there you have it… 4th quarter. Of course everything is subject to change and we don’t recommend using your pen to mark any calendars. But, the fact that we’re finally getting some indication as to what, “the second half of 2008,” means is promising.

Lets keep in mind that the next stage of the First Android Developer Challenge is on June 30th with winners being announced the week of July 21st. So that leaves AT LEAST August and September until Q4 begins.

That sounds like a lot of extra time and it also sounds exactly right. Google and the OHA should MAKE SURE that when the first Android enabled devices ship, they have ALL the possible kinks worked out. Let’s face it… Android doesn’t have much margin for error here. If Android is going to catch on quickly, it’ll have to get it right the first time.

From what we’ve seen, they’ll do just that. And as long as an Android phone is shipped sometime in 2008, we won’t complain. From our point of view, take as long as you need to not only ensure the handsets and OS are 100% ready, but also that distribution channels and such are in place and ready to go.

And what WILL come out when Android handsets are finally unveiled? Nobody really knows, but Ashley had an amazing idea on our post called Android: 3 Questions, 3 Answers: “What I think phone carriers should offer is the ability to customize the phone that you receive initially, much like Dell’s online computer distribution.”

Android a la Carte!

How slick would that be? Build your own Android. Pick a phone - any phone. Choose your display. Choose your apps. Choose the types of things you like to do/enjoy. Choose this, that and the other and we’ll just pop together a custom build of Android to fit your needs.

We like it. But we also doubt it. Carriers don’t want the extra burden of content distribution unless its their own. That being said, I’m SURE that carriers will prepackage certain applications into Android depending on the type of phone it is. A phone that focuses on the camera ability? Load it up with camera apps. A Sony Ericsson Walkman based Android phone? Music apps galore.

Of course, thats entering some shaky ground too. But a fella can dream, can’t he? Prepackaged or not, we’ll keep you up to date with the best applications so there will be no questions what you need and where to get it when Android phones launch!

[Sources: TelecomTV, PhoneReport]

Lets take an extremely abbreviated look at the main technologies playing into American carriers today to get everybody “up to speed”. We’re currently living in a mostly 2G world with two general schools of technology - GSM and CDMA.

GSM is the most widely used technology, the standard in over 210 countries and used by American carriers AT&T and T-Mobile. These devices have SIM (subscriber identity module) Cards which allows a sense of openness. Put your SIM card into any GSM enabled device and it will work. That’s the process behind all these “unlocked phones” you hear about on the market.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint work on a technology called CDMA. The technology allows for slightly quicker upstream and downstream data transfer compared to GSM with the downfall being it isn’t as open as its SIM Card counterpart.

Both of the technologies are 2G (2nd Generation) because they are digital as opposed to analog which typifies 1G devices. Instead of a straight leap to 3G technologies, each carrier has a transitional technology called 2.5G which are basically upgrades to their existing infrastructure that make speeds quicker. The GSM based AT&T and T-Mobile 2.5G network is called EDGE while the Verizon and Sprint CDMA counterpart is 1XRTT.

But all of that is soon to be history because 3G is ushering in a new era. The 3G technology for the CDMA-based Verizon and Sprint network is called EV-DO while AT&T and T-Mobile have the GSM version of 3G known as HSPA.

Any electronic buff knows how quickly the technology world moves… it seems like shortly after their computers, laptops, iPods and other gadgets get up and running they just as quickly become obsolete. So you might be interested to know that while 3G network speeds are all the rage, carriers have their eye on 4G technology sure to render your 3G device pathetic in the near future.

And if Clearwire has anything to say about it, your 3G device will be pathetic sooner rather than later. Clearwire, who recently worked out an agreement with the likes of Sprint, Google, Timecast, Time Warner and Brighthouse to pioneer the 4G WiMax technology, still faces FCC approval for the to-be-created merger to be named New Clearwire.

Considering the terms outlined by New Clearwire in document filed with the FCC, there’s virtually no way the move will be blocked. Lets take a look at some of the more interesting promises:

• “New Clearwire will permit consumers to use any lawful device that they want so long as it is compatible with and not harmful to the WiMAX network”
• “New Clearwire also will permit consumers to download and use any software applications, content, or services they desire, subject only to reasonable network management practices and law enforcement and public safety considerations”
• “New Clearwire will offer non-exclusive wholesale access to its network”
• “New Clear wire will deploy an advanced mobile WiMAX broadband network that will cover up to 140 million people in the United States in 30 months”

In a private pitch to investors, Clearwire projected it would cover 140 million people by the end of 2010 and up to 220 million people by 2017. And while these are coverage and not subscription numbers, the numbers themselves are HUGE.

The verbage of the FDD document goes hand-in-hand with what Google was seeking in the 700MHz auction. Verizon Wireless won the auction, Google successfully lifted the price above a specified threshold, and the FCC is supposed to hold Verizon to the duty of providing an “open” network that is accessible to all devices. Similar to what Clearwire outlines above.

Google has been suspicious of Verizon’s responsibility to maintain an open network and even filed requests and pleas to the FCC suggesting Verizon declare their intentions. With Clearwire’s WiMax network, Google would get what they want WITHOUT being at the mercy of VZW.

WiMax isn’t limited to mobile. The “wholesale access” outlined above would allow companies like Time Warner and Comcast to package in Clearwire’s WiMax service with their own bundles, offering a one-stop-shop for what some are calling the “quadruple play”: Voice, Video, Data and Wireless.

And just for the fun of it, we can’t help but mention the possibility that Google could actually offer wireless service through a wholesale agreement with Clearwire. They are financially invested in the company… so why not? Could Google help the dream of free phone service come true? Just buy a basic gPhone that would come with free calls and free internet every month up to a certain amount. The price would be subsidized through advertising on the phone.

We can dream… but chances are it won’t happen. At least, not in the forseeable future. We do love the idea though! It’s more likely that they’ll follow the intent outlined in the FCC document which is to develop: “novel Internet applications and services for WiMAX devices operating over the New Clearwire and other WiMAX broadband networks.”

Great, so by the end of 2010 4G will be well on its way and we’ll want to ditch our current handset for the first ever WiMax enabled 4G device, right? Not so fast… what about LTE?

LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution and is the GSM-based 4G technology adopted by the likes of AT&T and Verizon, moving forward. While Verizon currently has a CDMA based network they’ll add the GSM-based LTE technology IN ADDITION to their existing framework. Verizon has already publicy announced that their new 700MHz spectrum space will go towards supporting the 4G LTE technology. Not only that… but it will be made available in 2010 and on a mass scale by 2012.

Uhoh… looks like some head buttins gonna go down. Most would claim that LTE is the favorite here, especially considering the country’s two biggest wireless carriers have put their full fledged support behind the technology. Sprint stumbled with their XOHM branded version of WiMax but hopefully the newly formed Clearwire will get off the ground quickly.

Competition is good… and so is openness. Failure of WiMax would lead to less consumer choice and less product/service differentiation. And of course, with less competition in the marketplace the LTE service providers would feel less pressure on prices as well.

So while you sit there with warm and cozy 3G feelings inside, you should know that the next step isn’t far behind. Whether it will be WiMax or LTE that holds the 4G torch… nobody can know for sure… but the fact the next generation is only a few years away is reason for excitement.

[Sources: Gizmodo, MocoNews, ArsTechnica]

Nothing short of amazing. The integration of tabs and navigation within the contsraints of limited mobile screen real estate is a huge step forward in building an experience specifically for mobile.

Keep in mind that this represents, “a possible direction,” and that, “this isn’t necessarily the exact way we’re going to go with mobile. It might look entirely different.” But they would only make it “different” to improve it further. And as it stands, this browser already kicks butt.

So will you be able to have Firefox on your Android phone? Of course. And for the iPhone-wielding readers out there? Tough luck:

For the iPhone, Apple’s licence can not install software to have an interpreted language. But Firefox includes JavaScript, which makes it legally impossible to carry on the iPhone….For Android, Webkit is integrated into the OS, and only Java applications can run. And Firefox is not written in Java. So that’s why [Fennec will not run on Android]. However, in both cases, things may change in future, but it does not depend on Mozilla.

That’s not to say Apple won’t somehow make some accommodations, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see them pushing forcing their Safari browser on users. Piece by piece, we’re starting to see the flexibility of Android in relation to competing systems where user choice is restricted and limited.

Firefox, owned by Mozilla, is currently the main source of browser innovation. Slowly but surely, more and more computer users are adopting Firefox as their default browser in favor of the majority used Internet Explorer. Since the mobile web world is so young, it’d be difficult to say any one browser is the “default” or “favorite”. But, it looks like Firefox is on track to reach that status.

[Via CNET]