Friday, February 4, 2011

Dell Venue Now Available for Pre-Order for $500 Unlocked (AT&T or T-Mobile 3G), Coming February 18th

7:31 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments




The Dell Venue pro hasn’t been the most exciting device to follow, but it’s actually a nice-looking device that could attract a few eyes sitting on store shelves. Dell’s just put the thing up for order for $500 unlocked.
Dell’s letting customers choose between versions with AT&T or T-Mobile’s 3G bands, so even if you live in Canada no fuss should be made about being able to use this. Europeans also have another option import, of course.
It’s a 4.1-inch WVGA AMOLED device with Android 2.2 that has sprinklings of Dell’s custom Stage UI throughout, an 8 megapixel camera, a sleek design. (Almost Windows Phone-ish, it hurts me to say.)
For performance, it has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor (QSD 8250, we hear), 512 MB of RAM, and 1GB of ROM. (But also has 16GB of internal memory for you to use however you wish.)
If you decide to get it, you can rest easy knowing it’s already rooted and should be easily hackable, but a large community has yet to surround the device.
Be sure to check out the  Dell Venue section at AndroidForums.com to get started in conversation about the device that many should soon own. The device should be shipping around February 18th, according to Dell.

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A (literally) Flexible Android Device? [CONCEPTS]

7:27 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


There can never be too many concept devices, it seems. This morning, our attention was pointed to a tablet device that could flex and bend in any direction. Whacky? Yes. Impossible? Nope. And imagine if something like this were running Android.
Imagine turning a 10-inch slate into a netbook by bending the top portion of it upward and using the bottom portion of the display as a keyboard. Now bend it the other way and use the sides of its own body to keep it upright – visualizing a clock or a self-formed dock?
And flexible displays aren’t the least bit out of the ordinary – folks have been working on that for a long time, now. Start here for an idea of just how many firms are turning that once-conceptualized idea into reality.
In this design, hardware components would likely be placed within the bezel surrounding the display, which – for “bendability” purposes – would need to be a soft mesh or fabric material as you see in the picture below.

 Nothing I expect to come out within the next few years, but I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that several research and development firms are trying to shop ideas to OEMs as I type.
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LG Optimus Pad confirmed for MWC 2011 with Honeycomb

6:57 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

LG spilled the beans on the T-Mobile G-Slate earlier this month, and now its European counterpart is getting ready to make its own debut. A Korean press release has confirmed that LG intends to properly launch the LG Optimus Pad at MWC 2011 in a little over a week’s time.

It’s been a long journey, too, from the first talk of the Optimus Pad back in mid-2010. The slate is expected to be a European 3G version of the G-Tablet, with NVIDIA’s Tegra 2 processor and an 8.9-inch capacitive touchscreen display along with a 6,400 mAh battery; as you can see from LG’s press shot, it runs Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
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How Honeycomb and Android Market’s New App Syncing will Sink Apple

6:51 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Before we begin, let’s just reconcile for a moment with the near-factual idea that iOS and the big fruit cart are a freight train that might never stop. That said, there’s no telling whether the tracks on either side of this train have slicker rails. Therefore let’s continue discussing how the other big mobile giant today, Android, will fare now that it’s making a serious grab for a piece of the tablet market. Today’s reason why Android is continuing its journey into superstardom in the hearts of millions of users across the globe is a set of features just introduced essentially silently during the Honeycomb event this week.



The first of these features has to do with Android 3.0 Honeycomb and the tablet platform (though the jury is still out on that singularity as well.) With Android 3.0, when you purchase a brand new tablet and would like to grab all of the apps that you’ve downloaded and the settings you’ve set on your handset (also running Android,) all you’ve got to do is make sure both devices are set up with the same Google account, and sync. This syncing process is simple, requires a relatively small amount of time, and of course encourages you to buy as many devices as you can to make sure you’re getting the best experience with your Android games, applications, settings, and other digital toys.
The second of two features we’d like you to deeply consider right this moment has to do with downloading an app from the Android Marketplace via the new browser-based system. When you download an app now, you don’t just download it to one device, and you don’t just download it to your device. You download that app to your account, aka your cloud, and you download that app to as many devices as you’d like, all at once.
Think of the implications of this set of new features. Where Apple now downloads apps to your desktop, for you to keep for your own (we could also debate about what ownership means when you can’t legally take apart the apps too,) Android keeps the apps in their storage, which you can pick from at any time. But wait, doesn’t that make Android like Big Brother? Does that make Android the owner of my apps, therefor making this situation terrible? No, of course not. You can download your apps any time you like, storing them on any device you like – I’d bet Google even encourages you to do so so the files have a better chance at surviving should Google’s infrastructure go down.
The main punch point here is that you can access the software you purchase from the Android Market from any computer and any Android device, and you can transfer not only your files but your settings from one device to the other without a hassle. It seems intuitive, but it’s not. That’s what makes it genius.
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Regional Best Buy Outs Thunderbolt and XOOM Launch Dates (14th, 24th)

6:40 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments


Release dates, Verizon! We want release dates! Much has been rumored since CES regarding two of their upcoming devices – the HTC Thunderbolt and the Motorola XOOM – and we’ve been seeking validation for both of them.
A FaceBook post from a Best Buy in Grand Rapids, though, suggests the HTC Thunderbolt will see a February 14th release date – just as we saw in several earlier leaks and just as we heard from several independent tipsters.
The Motorola XOOM received a date too: February 24th. We figured this would be pretty close to the Thunderbolt considering training and marketing materials for the tablet were sent out at around the same time. And they’d confirmed late February all along, anyway.
But we still don’t have official confirmation. It’s a recurring theme with Verizon, unfortunately, but we’ve learned to deal with it. Don’t be surprised to see them announce the Thunderbolt’s landing date just a couple of days before it launches.
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Android "Ice Cream" bringing Honeycomb features to phones

6:36 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Shortly after Google held a special event focusing on the tablet optimizations in Android 3.0 'Honeycomb,' additional details surrounding a smartphone variant of the mobile OS have emerged. The latest information suggests the search giant has started creating a smartphone build, GRI17, that is referred to by the code-name 'Ice Cream,' sources have told Phandroid.
The latest details simply corroborate earlier reports surrounding the official name; the company has yet to disclose which Honeycomb features will find their way to the smartphone OS. Separate reports suggest Google's developers may take inspiration from Honeycomb's new notification system and visual themes.
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Top Android Apps in the Week of Honeycomb’s ReleaseTop Android Apps in the Week of Honeycomb’s Release

6:21 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

With the launch of Android 3.0 aka Honeycomb, the week ended on a fruitful note for Google. Honeycomb designed with tablets in mind, a few hot apps this week will look super cool on the bigger screen. Business apps in particular seem to be a huge favourite, QuickOffice even came out with an app version just for Honeycomb this week.
QuickOffice was amongst the elite to demo their app on the Honeycomb at Google’s press event this week. Microsoft Office productivity suite optimized for mobile use, where you can share, transfer and manage files across a number of cloud services. This paid app is worth $9.99.
Android tablets will be a huge business crowd puller; hence, cloud-sharing apps will be on the rise. 2X Client has a free and simple solution to connect your mobile device to your home or office computer. The remote desktop app currently supports Windows desktops, and supports a host of VDIs.
Appcard Light is a new and rising kid on the block. A digital solution to the fumbling business card. This Free app helps create a business card using simple templates. Show your business card on your Android screen, or send it to a new acquaintance via email, Facebook, Twitter or QR code. The full version available for $1.07.
Android Booster is a straightforward take on optimizing your smartphone’s resources. Minimize power consumption, set preferences around Internet usage and run scans for auto-optimization. This app has FREE SD card support, file-managers and traffic monitors.
Mozilla is getting serious about its Android presence, updating its Firefox 4 Beta app with bug fixes, theme support and over 100 add-ons. It staked new share in the Android Market with the launch of Mozilla Firefox Web Browser, it is FREE and has added speed and stability for the new version of the app.
HighNote is a fancy messaging tool, whcih allows you to manage the interface for messages, including SMS, shared media, and social network updates. The service is FREE, with support for photos, music, geo-tagging and videos, as well as events, calendar integration and group messaging.
Check-in the new Google Maps on your Android. It allows you to check-in automatically when you arrive at your destination. Free, Google Maps frequently updated with new social features to the local search app.
Blekko is network of sorts, leveraging a wide community to filter and share the web along with you. This new-age search app is free.

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Motorola Atrix 4G Arriving March 6th On AT&T, $200 On Contract And $500 With Laptop Dock

6:01 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Here it is gang.  The guess work is over as of today.  AT&T will begin taking pre sales for the new Messiah phone, the Atrix 4G, on Feb 13th with the expected price tag of $199.99 on a 2 yr contract.  The device is touted to launch March 6th with the possibility of an earlier release date, per AT&T.  In addition, those looking to grab the laptop dock along with the Atrix can expect to tack on another $300.00 bones to the mix.  We heard you say “ouch”.  So, for a total of $499.99 the device and dock are yours.  Now, keep in mind that you’ll most likely require AT&T’s Data Pro plan and tethering add-on to go along with the hardware.  In addition, if you’re not too strapped at the end of the month with that hefty cellphone bill, AT&T is also offering an Entertainment Access Kit which includes the HD multi-media dock, bluetooth keyboard & mouse and a remote control for $189.99  Hit the break for more details, pics and the official press release.
Device Specs:
  • nVidia’s 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor.
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 4.0 inch QHD display with 24 bit color graphics
  • 1930 mAh battery
  • Fingerprint recognition reader
  • Two browsers: Android’s default and Firefox 3.6
  • Android 2.2 with Motoblur (Upgradable to Android 2.3
  • 16 GB internal memory with MicroSD Card slot which supports up to 32 GB. That puts the maximum capacity to up to 48 GB
  • Measurement: 2.5 × 4.6 × 0.4 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces
Elaborate Specs:
  • Camera :  Primary  5 MP, 2592х1944 pixels,  Secondary VGA
  • Size :  Dimensions  117.8 x 63.5 x 10.1 mm
  • Display :  540 x 960 pixels,  4.0 inches,
  • Connectivity :   GPRS, EDGE, 3G, HSDPA, HSUPA, WiFi, Bluetooth
  • Weight :  135 g
  • Sound :  3.5 mm audio jack
  • Extra Feature : Biometric fingerprint reader, Gorilla Glass display, Touch sensitive controls, MOTOBLUR UI with Live Widgets, Multi-touch input method, Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate, Proximity sensor for auto turn-off, 1080p HD video playback, Webtop accessory, Biometric fingerprint login security, Noise Cancellation,  Adobe 10.1 Flash compatibility, Android Market, G-mail, Google Maps, G-Talk, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook
  •  



    Press Release:

    AT&T Announces the World’s Most Powerful Smartphone, the Motorola ATRIX 4G, Will Be Available for Preorder on Feb. 13

    Unique line of Accessories, Including the Motorola Laptop Dock, Available with Bundled Pricing
    DALLAS, Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ –
    Key Facts
    * AT&T* begins pre-sales for Motorola ATRIX™ 4G on Feb. 13
    * Motorola ATRIX 4G, powered by the Android 2.2 platform, available exclusively for AT&T customers for $199.99 with a two-year service agreement.
    * Motorola ATRIX 4G is expected to be available from AT&T and select retail channels for customers by March 6 or earlier.
    * AT&T will offer bundled pricing for the Motorola ATRIX 4G and the Motorola Laptop Dock.
    4G Portfolio
    AT&T is the leader in smartphones, and expects to widen that lead in 2011. In January, AT&T committed to an industry-leading Android portfolio in the U.S. in 2011 and said it plans to offer two 4G smartphones in the first quarter. An industry first, the Motorola ATRIX 4G is the leading edge of more than 20 advanced, 4G devices AT&T plans to deliver in 2011. AT&T has completed the deployment of HSPA+ to virtually 100 percent of its mobile broadband network, which enables 4G speeds when combined with enhanced backhaul.
    Motorola ATRIX™ 4G
    The Motorola ATRIX™ 4G Android 2.2 smartphone will be offered exclusively by AT&T and is the world’s most powerful smartphone. Featuring a 2×1 GHz dual-core processor for a total of 2 GHz of processing power, a unique webtop application, the world’s first qHD display, and Adobe flash player, the, ATRIX 4G delivers a remarkable combination of application processing power with 4G speed capability and a high-resolution qHD display, a first for the industry.
    It will be complemented by breakthrough accessories that include a revolutionary, super-thin Motorola Laptop Dock — for which ATRIX 4G is the “engine” — and the Motorola HD Multimedia Dock that uses ATRIX 4G’s HDMI video output capabilities and processing power to enable a revolutionary browsing, application and media experience.
    AT&T will offer two special packages for customers who choose to purchase ATRIX 4G in addition to these unique accessories. The first combines ATRIX 4G and the Motorola Laptop Dock for a promotional price of $499.99 after a two-year service contract and $100 mail-in-rebate after subscription to Data Pro smartphone data plan and tethering add on. Customers who choose to purchase the Motorola Laptop Dock separately pay $499.99. AT&T is also offering an Entertainment Access Kit for ATRIX customers which includes the Motorola HD Multimedia Dock, a Bluetooth® keyboard and mouse, and a remote control for $189.99.
    Motorola ATRIX 4G will also include AT&T Mobile Hotspot service built into the smartphone, allowing users to connect additional Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
    AT&T U-verse® TV customers will be able to manage their DVR recordings – and U-verse customers with a qualifying TV plan can download and watch hit TV shows – right from their ATRIX 4G handset using the U-verse Mobile application. In addition, any ATRIX 4G user, whether or not they have U-verse TV at home, can still enjoy a variety of video options – including live TV – with the new U-verse Live TV application, preloaded and available for $9.99 a month.
    For more information, visit www.att.com/atrix4G. For photos and more information about presales for ATRIX 4G, visit www.att.com/mobilephones-news.

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Android 3.0 Honeycomb Won’t Be Coming To A Smartphone Near You, Just For Tablets, Says Google

5:56 PM Simranpal SIngh No comments

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Google has confirmed that dreadful and unwanted news of Honeycomb not coming to your smartphone.  A company spokesman was asked the question whether or not Honeycomb 3.0 would make its way to handsets, Andrew Kovacs said “no…Google’s Android 3.0 or “Honeycomb” is a tablet-only OS, for now.”
It kind of makes sense though, doesn’t it?  According to various portions of the SDK, it was clear that some aspects of the source code was clearly optimized for larger form factors.  It raised numerous questions as to how this could possibly be delivered to handsets.
In an article by PC Magazine, Kovacs further states:
“The version of Honeycomb we’ve shown is optimized for tablet form factors….All of the UI changes are the future of Android. Yesterday’s event focused on tablet form factors, which is where you’ll first see Honeycomb.”

However, he did state, regarding smartphones, that “features will arrive on phones over time”.
Still, Android 3.0 certainly paves the way for features to arrive on Android 2.2 devices and subsequent followups. In addition to the browser enhancements, Gmail also has drag-and-drop folders. And then there’s Movie Studio, a new video-editing app that could be used in some way on smartphones that can capture video.
Then there is the issue regarding nomenclature.  The author raised the question that if Honeycomb is 3.0, what does this mean for smartphones running 2.x?  And what happens when they get to 2.9?  It seems as though, while one question was answered, a dozen more were conjured up.  Only time will tell, as they say.  But rest assured, Talk Android will be there to cover it all and inform the masses.  Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.
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