Author: AndroidGuys

…And we think we already know what it is.  Remember back a few weeks ago when we thought we knew what T-Mobile’s Project Emerald was?  At the time we purported that it was related to the Samsung Galaxy S arriving on the carrier.  After doing some digging around and reading we learned that the project might actually be related to a Sidekick handset.  Well, a Samsung source is telling BGR today that they and T-Mobile are working on a major product launch for July.  Read on to see what we though, and still do, think is happening.

The handset will be the Samsung Galaxy S. However, this will not be an all-out exclusive deal. T-Mobile will be one of four carriers to provide the phone…With the droid Incredible and HTC EVO getting a great deal of attention these last few weeks, Big Magenta has fast-tracked this phone for release the first week of July.

PhoneDog is reporting that the Motorola i1 will be arriving at Sprint’s doorstep on June 20th with a $149.99 price tag attached to it.  The ruggedized phone  is designed to withstand pretty much anything you can throw at it and features a 3.1-inch screen with a 5 megapixel camera.  Looking somewhat like a rounded off Motorola Cliq XT, the i1 is the first push-to-talk Android phone on the market.  As pointed out, the direct ship date of June 20 actually means that is the day it goes out to Sprint locations nationwide.  Expect a full launch shortly after.

As we gear up for the release of the HTC EVO 4G, software developers, and fans, are turning their focus to the front-facing camera and the possibilities that rest within.  Just this week we’ve seen mentions of Fring and Qik for taking advantage of the camera.  What about another software company out there who already offers video chat on desktops?  What does Skype have planned for Android?

As some of you already know, Skype (Android) is currently only offered to Verizon customers.  However, we’ve learn that this may soon change.  The guys over at Skatter Tech reached out to Skype to see if perhaps they would be doing anything special for phones that have cameras on the front. Here’s a shortened version of the response received from the PR team:

Skype envisions a world where video plays a larger role in the way we communicate.  It’s on computers, televisions, and it will eventually be coming to mobile devices too. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.   We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. – Brianna Reynaud, Skype PR

Exciting news!  Two big takeaways – Skype will be available as a download for all carriers video chat is coming too!

As we reported here earlier this week, the Samsung i897 looks to be AT&T’s first serious attempt at releasing an Android phone. In terms of specs, it appears to be almost identical to the Galaxy S with its 4-inch AMOLED screen, Android 2.1, and 5-megapixel camera. Our source for a few hardware details just dropped a handful of pictures on our lap showing the future AT&T device looking ready for prime time.

We’re told this phone also features a Snapdragon processor, however we cannot confirm the speed yet. We’re assuming it’s clocked at 1GHz, but you know how assumptions sometimes end up. Although the phone resembles the Galaxy S on the inside, you’ll notice it has a slightly different form factor.

It appears that AT&T may leave this phone alone and launch it with the full Google experience.   Here’s what our source had to say:

I also noticed that there is the default Google search widget on the main page of the handset.  Not sure if this is a big deal but I remember reading that the Backflip used Yahoo search instead of Google. Of course this is a developer handset  so they still might go with yahoo in the end.

We’ll continue to bring you anything else we can get our hands on should more details pop up.

A cease and desist order sent to Google on behalf of The Tetris Company LLC has resulted in 35 Tetris clones being pulled from the Android Market.  The developer behind FallingBlocks was among the first to feel the fallout as they took to Slashdot to air their complaint.

“… I have received an email warning that my game was suspended from Android Market due to a violation of the Developer Content Policy… I emailed Google asking what is the reason for the application removal. Google promptly answered that The Tetris Company, LLC notified them under DMCA to remove various Tetris clones from Android Market. My app was removed together with other 35 Tetris clones…”

The full notice can be found below.  Using the name “Tetris” in your game title is probably not the wisest thing to do but still… We’ve played plenty of games over the years on a multitude of platforms that could/should be yanked for infringement.

Thanks to Andrew Huff for the tip!

Has ex-Googler Erick Tseng already started making an impact with his new employer?  Facebook has unleashed a beta version of their Facebook SDK for Android which was privately demonstrated at last week’s Google I/O conference.  The company plans to provide not only the SDK but also example code and open source tools to help integrate Facebook  into Android applications. 

This comes not a moment to soon for the social networking giant.  Android is growing at a ridiculous rate and the sooner they can find a way better to fit within apps, the better.  If you’re an Android developer looking to mesh Facebook into your app, download the Facebook SDK for Android from GitHub.

Google has announced today that their Google Buzz service is now available on all Android handsets.  Up until now Buzz was only available to users with 2.0 or higher.  While this might not be the same as having a handy widget available on your desktop, it’s a big step forward.  Simply point your Android phone to buzz.google.com and you’re off!  View streams of buzz posts, post messages and comments, and more.

AT&T has a posting over on CrunchBoard which shows the carrier looking to hire a software engineer to help develop and market Android-related devices. The position they are filling is based out of the Santa Clara office and duties would include designing and implementing leading-edge mobile platform software and developing prototypes for technology and UI evaluation purposes. If you might the requirements below, you’re advised to apply for the spot.

REQUIREMENTS

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science or related technical discipline (or equivalent).
• 2 – 3 years experience programming in Java and/or C++..
• Experience developing on platforms like J2ME, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, Android or BREW.
• Good working knowledge of Web standards including XHTML, JavaScript, CSS, SVG.
• Experience with developing browsers and/or browser plug-ins a plus.
• Good grasp of efficient algorithms and data structures.

Senior Software Engineer – Android

Fring is only too excited to share the news today that they are the first company in the world to offer video calling over IP for Android phones. They believe this could change the way people call each other, shop, and kiss their loved ones goodnight. With the HTC EVO 4G and dell streak both featuring front-facing cameras we’re inclined to agree.

Fring is a free download in the Android Market for handsets running 1.5 or higher. Of course, you’ll need a phone capable of video calling if you want to use the new feature.

Today finds Acer officially announcing their latest Android handset, the Stream. With a 3.7-inch AMOLED screen, Snapdragon processor, and Android 2.1, the Stream is designed for “demanding users who look for the best in entertainment”.

Acer has created a new 3D user interface that features animations and a ‘peeling’ gesture to unlock the phone. The lock screen lets users read information without having to open applications and a History panel provides quick access to often-used apps.

As far as hardware goes, the Stream also features a 5 megapixel camera, 512MB RAM, 2GB memory, 3G+, HSDPA 7.2, Bluetooth, and WiFi b/g/n. The FM radio, UPnP technology, and Dolby Mobile sound system compliment the phone quite well in the ‘entertainment’ area as does the HDMI port for watching movies on larger screens.

Look for pricing and carrier availability over the next few weeks.

Video Recensione Acer Stream da batista70phone from batista70phone on Vimeo.

T-Mobile USA has officially announced their Garminfone with a June 9th release through their website and select stores and authorized dealers.  Landing just in time for Father’s Day, the handset will be available for  $199.99 (after $50.00 mail-in rebate) with a new two-year agreement.

To help get things started, T-Mobile is kicking off a two-week Twitter sweepstakes which will see five Garminfones given away.  The  contest is called the ‘T-Mobile Garminfone Navigate Your Life Sweepstakes‘ and is already underway.   To enter the contest, Twitter users must follow @TMobile_USA and need to tweet at them with #needgarminfone in the body.  Let them know about a time when you were lost without GPS in 140 characters or less.   Entries must be received by 11:59 AM on June 9.  A full list of official rules can be found at http://ow.ly/1PPFr.

Gameloft just doesn’t get it.  They’ve tried twice this month to launch their games for Android and appear to be working backwards.  This time around we’ve learned that the DRM and app protection is unlike anything we’ve seen on the platform.

Short version: Any games you purchase from them are good for only one install on one device.  That’s it.

Long version: Dave Loft emailed us today to let us know about his ongoing battle with the game maker.  After running low on space with his Android phone, he uninstalled it to make room.  Later, when trying to reload it, he ran into a bit of trouble.  He reached out to Gameloft and received the following response:

“…according to our refund policy, once the game is successfully installed, we cannot resend it for any reason, unless you buy it again. One purchase entitles you to one download of the game to one phone number and on one phone model only. If you delete or otherwise remove the game from your phone, or change your handset, you will have to buy it again.  About updates, I’m sorry, I have no information.”

Our recommendation to you guys is to stay away from Gameloft until this policy changes.

Kyocera unveiled their Zio M600 over two months ago at CTIA yet we’re still waiting to hear which carrier will be offering the device.  The last time we checked in, it was rumored to be Sprint-bound with a $99 price tag attached to it.  A source of ours is telling us tonight that it’s actually headed for Boost Mobile with a possible Best Buy exclusive deal. Close enough, right?

The Zio M600 has received somewhat lukewarm reception thus far as it’s on the low end of the Android totem pole.  We played with one at CTIA and found it to be rather unremarkable.  However, this might be the key to its success.  With a rumored $169-$219 unsubsidized cost and a $50 all-you-can-eat calling/data plan, the Zio M600 could do very well.

As a quick refresher, the features include:

• 3.5-inch WVGA (480×800 pixels) touch screen
• Android 1.6 (Donut)
• 600MHz processor
• 512MB internal storage
• 3.2 megapixel camera

A few months back a few documents were listed on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group website for a Samsung i897 handset.  At the time it was found that the quad-band GSM device featured a 4.0-inch AMOLED screen, the TouchWiz 3.0 interface, and Bluetooth 3.0 support.  Sounding very similar to the Samsung Galaxy S that debuted at CTIA in March, many believed it could be a variant destined for AT&T.  As we draw closer to the inevitable release we’re starting to learn a few new specs.

A tipster of ours informs us that in addition to the previous details, the phone will be running Android 2.1 “Eclair” when it arrives.  Other hardware details are said to be a 5-megapixel camera and 2GB internal storage.  The touch-only device features a display reported to be 800×480 resolution.

If you ask us, all of this still sounds eerily similar to the Galaxy S.  The two phones match up in pretty much every area so far.  We’re hoping to dig a little deeper and perhaps get our hands on a picture or two.  Be sure to check back or subscribe to AndroidGuys if you want to stay in the loop!

After months of waiting, Dell finally officially divulged their plans for the 5-inch Streak tablet today.  Starting next month, the “iPad Killer” will become available for customers in the UK through a variety of channels.  Dell plans to release the device here in the United States this summer.

The Streak features a 5-inch WVGA display, a 5-megapixel camera,  and a front-facing camera.  Other hardware details include a 1GHz processor, 2GB internal storage, WiFi, and 3G connectivity.  In terms of software the tablet phone comes loaded with Google Maps, Android Market, and a variety of other applications.  Although it will launch with Android 2.1 installed, Dell plans to upgrade the device to 2.2 (Froyo) later this year.

Pricing and data plans have yet to be announced but both are expected over the next few weeks.  Initially, the Streak will be available throughout the UK at O2 stores, O2.co.uk, The Carphone Warehouse, and Dell.co.uk.

Award-winning food website, Epicurious.com has dropped their first application into the Android Market today.  The freely available Epicurious’ Recipes & Shopping List: On the Go and In the Kitchen provides users with the ability to browse and search the Epicurious.com database of over 28,000 editor-created and tested recipes.  Further, the app provides step-by-step instructions, a shopping list, and recipe sharing. Oh, there’s also a great little widget that provides the recipe of the day! 

Features found in Epicurious’ Recipes & Shopping List: On the Go and In the Kitchen:

• Proven recipes: Over 28,000 professionally tested recipes to ensure a delicious meal. Sources include two of the most respected brands in the business, Gourmet and Bon Appétit, plus web-exclusive recipes from renowned chefs and cookbook authors.
• Voice Recognition Search: Speak the name of an ingredient or recipe into the phone and instantly receive recipes.
• Homepage widget: Click here to find out what Epicurious.com’s delicious recipe of the day is.
• Browse functionality: Browse popular recipe collections, from Weeknight Dinners to Cool Cocktails. Select a recipe collection from the Home screen, then swipe to flip from recipe to recipe.
• A robust search engine: Swipe through cool icons on the search screen to filter by what’s in your fridge, what’s healthy, what’s in season, and more. Find inspiration browsing by type of dish, main ingredient, cuisine, dietary consideration, dish type, and season or occasion. Or, search recipes by keyword.
• Saving and sending functionality: Save recipes to your Favorites by tapping the plus sign on any recipe image. E-mail any recipe to yourself or to a friend.
• Shopping List: Shop on the go by saving recipes to your Shopping List (just tap the plus sign on any recipe image). At the store, check off items as you shop.
• Cookbook mode: Tap “view recipe” to see the recipe in step-by-step view for easy-to-follow instructions in the kitchen.

This marks not only the first Epicurious app created for Android but also the first Condé Nast Digital selection as well.  You can find this in the Android Market for all version of Android starting with 1.5 and higher.

Alarm.com, a big player in the mobile security and monitoring game, has released their application for Android handsets.  Available immediately, customers with Android 1.6 or higher can and/disarm a security system, check motion activity, or watch live video while on the go.  The free app also provides real-time notifications to users’ phones via email and text messaging whenever a system event takes place.  Worried that someone might open your liquor cabinet or take a dip in your pool?  You need to get this app.

Features found in Alarm.com for Android:

• Check on system status and motion activity at your property.
• Remotely arm or disarm your system.
• Watch live video feeds and view stored clips.
• Access a complete, searchable history of system and alarm events.

For more information about Alarm.com  for Android, visit www.alarm.com/android.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has given us our first (tiny) glimpse at yet another Motorola smart phone.  Known as the XT502, the phone may also go by the codename of ‘Greco’.  The picture associated with the product detail carries the name greco1.jpg so we’re assuming that comes from the handset maker.

The details are pretty slim but we do know it’s a quad-band ( 850/900/1800/1900 ) GSM device with support for 8021.11 b/g, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, and GPS/AGPS.  If the picture is any indication, the phone likely has a stock Android experience although there is plenty of time to tweak things before release.  Other details we can somewhat assume are a 3.5mm headphone jack and camera with a flash.

Source: Unwired View

Vlingo Corporation has formally announced the availability of their first Android widget application today.  Called Vlingo for Android, it lets users speak to their handset in order to get it to carry out commands.  For example, one could press widget button and send a text message, email, or tweet.  Other options include searching Google Maps, Google Search, or simply dialing contacts.

Another great feature of Vlingo for Android is SafeReader,  an option which lets users hear their incoming text messages and emails while driving or otherwise occupied.  This too is as simple as pressing a button.  Once activated, all incoming messages are read out loud to the user.

Vlingo for Android runs on handsets with 2.0 or higher and is available in the Android Market for a one-time $9.99 purchase.   According to the company, this price is a limited time offer.  It’s not know what the cost will be once the introductory period is over.  Look for Vlingo to arrive later this year as a pre-loaded feature on a number of devices!

The word around the campfire this morning is that AT&T is planning to unveil an HTC branded Android phone called the Aria on June 7th.  Yeah, the same day Steve Jobs and Co. take to the stage at WWDC.  The handset is said to be running Android 2.1 with HTC’s Sense UI.  Aside from that, everything else remains a mystery.  Good luck to AT&T if they really do plan on announcing anything handset-related that day.  Something tells us it might get lost in that day’s news.