Author: AndroidGuys

The Jetsons kitchen of the future is upon us with SnS Design’s Ikan kitchen appliance. Either that, or we’re looking at quite possibly the most expensive and glorified grocery app yet. With its 7-inch touch screen, WiFi integration, and voice input capability, the device builds a shopping list from items you scan or input before disposing of them. Oh, and it runs Android.  Simply place this on the counter or mount it near the trash can and add +50 productivity point to your life!

Once recorded, the items are sent to your mobile phone or directly to an online grocery retailer’s shopping cart, providing they support Ikan. Schedule your list to be sent to you on preset days so you can be ready to knock out your shopping on the way home from work! With the kitchen appliance, users can include their own branded retailer apps and view specials, recipes, promotions, and more from etc. right from their kitchen or Android phone.

The biggest obstacle I see with a device like this is price. At $400 a pop, I can imagine a bunch of people turned away simply because of the sticker. Even at half that cost, I have a hard time imagining myself “getting my money’s worth” out of it. However, if SnS Design were to send me one to change my mind, I’d love the opportunity.

So what’s your take on the Ikan?  Glorified shopping app?  Does it scratch a real itch for you?  Leave a comment below.

We have a few pictures of the Android version below, thanks to Bill over at Ikan!

The two-day Game Developers Conference kicks off today in San Francisco and Google will be there promoting Android. In fact, members of the Android team will be presenting a handful of sessions including development in Java and/or C++.  They’ll also make themselves available for Q&A’a, product demonstrations, and feedback for budding developers.  For the lucky folks who pre-registered for conference, you’ll be walking away with a Droid or Nexus One.

In a related note, Google announced yesterday their updated Android NDK (r3) is out and offers direct access to OpenGL ES 2.0 features.  Essentially this means developers are able to create better, richer, and more detailed games with the tools in the NDK.

Etsy seller Craftsquatch may have just bitten off more than they can chew with their made to order Android pillows.  These 12″x12″ squares are made with fleece and stuffed with polyester and run $19.99 a piece.  Order a few for yourself and hold onto them as you wait for your phone to get updated from Android 1.6 to 2.1.

If you’d like to pick one of these up, head over to Etsy!

Verizon recently announced that they’ve worked out an exclusive deal to offer Skype Mobile on their Android handsets.  Starting this month, the Droid, Droid Eris, and Devour handsets will come loaded with the “new” feature that allows for calls anywhere in the world without using minutes.  Since neither Skype nor Skype Mobile are technically new, we’d understand if you already know how the respective services work.  However, there’s a large segment of the population who have yet to learn of Voice over IP (VoIP). 

Verizon has taken to a cute little YouTube video to show us how their exclusive agreement stands to benefit current and potential Android users on the nation’s largest network.  Never one to resist taking a dig at the iPhone, Verizon reminds us that “these phones can run more than one app at a time”.

Just over a month ago, we brought you guys news of a Samsung handset called the SWH-M100S. Today finds us already learning of its presumed successor, the SHW-M120S. Thanks to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, we know that this handset will offer Bluetooth 3.0 once it arrives. Other specs listed in the document include a 3.3” WVGA AMOLED, 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, WiFi, GPS, Accelerometer, Proximity Sensor, and HSDPA / GSM roaming.

The M100S that was unveiled last month is boasts similar specs across the board. It features a 3.7-inch AMOLED display, 5 megapixel camera with 720p support, WiFi (802.11n), GPS, T-DMB, DivX support, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On top of all that, there’s an 800MHz processor running things from the inside.

Although the M100S has a larger screen, we agree with Samsung Hub that the new model could come bearing the new Super AMOLED display. We’re just getting started with this one so keep checking back as more specs and details are uncovered.

For those curious as to what Bluetooth 3.0 is, Wikipedia lists it as:  It supports theoretical data transfer speeds of up to 24 Mbit/s, though not over the bluetooth link itself. Instead, the bluetooth link is used for negotiation and establishment, and the high data rate traffic is carried over a colocated wifi link. Its main new feature is AMP (Alternate MAC/PHY), the addition of 802.11 as a high speed transport.

Wired recently published a post on two techie guys who decided to create a robot integrated with Android.  Dubbed ‘TruckBot’ the robot could prove to be more than just gimmick.  While we’ve seen a handful of robots that were controlled using Android phones as remotes, this is the first we’ve encountered with a phone (G1) that acts as the brains.

Built with roughly $30 in parts, the team put assembled their creation in a local tech workshop in Menlo Park, California.  Rather than purchasing a pre-packaged Oomlout kit for $175, the duo opted to use a collection of pieces and parts that included cardboard, wires, and strap ties in addition to breadboards and breakbout boards.

Currently, TruckBot can only roll around on tabletops and use the internal compass to head in a specified direction. However, with a little bit of time and tweaking, a robot like this could be more practical than most think.  If they were to use all of the hardware and software of an Android handset, they could program future TruckBots to avoid obstacles, pinpoint its location, and recognize faces and voices!

To read the full profile on TruckBot, head to  http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/03/android-robot/#ixzz0hbsRt05f

It’s official, you can now get an Android handset on the carrier of your choice.  That is of course, you pick from the top 4 providers in the United States.  Starting today, the Motorola Backflip is available on AT&T for $99 with a 2-year agreement and a mail-in rebate (via AT&T Promotion Card).  The 3G capable handset features a 5 megapixel camera, a flip QWERTY, and MOTOBLUR.  For those of you into that sort of thing, the Backflip offers a 528 MHz processor, 256MB RAM, and 512MB ROM.

If you’re relatively new to Android, MOTOBLUR provides a custom interface designed for social network enthusiasts.  Below are a few bullet points to help you get a better understanding of what it does for you.

• Your friends and Facebook™, MySpace and Twitter updates, along with your latest emails, news and favorite apps and widgets. All just the way you like them.
• Continuously syncs your phone and email contacts with your friends from Facebook™, MySpace and Twitter. Automatically.
• Delivers your texts, emails and messages in one unified inbox.
• MOTOBLUR continuously updates and backs up your information into a secure environment. So you’re connected and protected, even if you lose your phone.

The eagle-eyed chaps over at Engadget just picked up on another Android-based Motorola handset that passed through the FCC. Doing their best impression of Encyclopedia Brown, they’re guessing that the handset with the model name of ‘i1’ is the same we’ve previously reported as the Opus One. For those not familiar, this would be the first iDen handset to run Android and likely end up on Sprint or Boost Mobile.

In addition to iDEN, the handset includes Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi. Engadget assumes, and we tend to agree, that this will be a smartphone. Codenames and final products get changed all the time so this wouldn’t surprise us in the least. Now the question becomes, when will we see this phone announced? Perhaps a few weeks from now at CTIA?

A quick recap of the specs gathered to date:

• 3.1″ HVGA (320—480) capacitive touchscreen
• 3 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash
• Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, A-GPS
• Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, Bluetooth
• microSD card slot
• 2.5mm headset jack
• Home, Menu, Back, Speaker buttons are capacitive buttons with haptic feedback
• iDEN PTT & PTX
• Android LBS which is integrated into the iDEN GPS engine
• 58mm in width, 118mm in length, 100g weight
• 512MB Flash / 256MB of RAM
• 64k and 128k iDEN SIM card support
• Motorola dual-mic technology noise-canceling for noisy enviroments
• Flash Lite v3.1.x
• Corporate email client with ActiveSync support, MOTONAV navigation app, barcode scanner, and document viewer.

Source: FCC

It appears Gigabyte wants in on some of that hot e-reader action that seems to be all the rage these days.  Check out a demo unit of the EB10 which runs Android 1.5 with a 667MHz processor developed by Samsung.  This isn’t some hidden Android like the Barnes & Noble nook either, it’s front and center.  The plan is to allow users to install apps like RSS readers, browsers, and message apps on their own. [Video after the jump]

As of right now, there are details on pricing or launch dates.  The EB10 is still very much a work in progress at this point.

Does the idea of an e-ink device like this appeal to you at all?  Would you be able to deal with the constant refreshing?  Let’s hear it in the comments!

Via CrunchGear

It’s been a while since we last checked in on Ruslan Kogan, the brains behind the just-about-released Kogan Agora Pro.  With a launch only a few weeks away, the Australian electronics maker pulled their Android handset back and quietly went off the radar.  So what is Ruslan up to now?  Bigger, better things!Recently, he was found demonstrating a new tablet at the MediaConnect Kickstart forum in Queensland.  His goal is to release a pad with full HD capability for under $200.  The demo model he had with him featured an ARM 600MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 2GB built in memory, and an SDHC card slot allowed for expansion.  While the screen on the demo was resistive and low resolution (800×480), Kogan stated that any production model would use a capacitive display.  High definition videos would play via an HDMI output at 1080p resolution.

So when can we expect to see this “Kogan Pad” to arrive?  That depends.

“We’re capable of releasing it within a month.  I want to hear from people what they want. Apple has created a lot of hype around the iPad, but what are people actually going to do with it? I’m not sure who the ideal consumer is for it. Maybe my Mum, or my mates and me when we’re around the TV watching funny YouTube clips.”

Source: Androinica

Adobe has just announced the release of their Photoshop.com Mobile 1.1 and it comes only a few short months after the initial launch.  Among the changes to the photo editing software are Contrast and Brightness editing tools and a handful of effects.  Users can now tweak their pictures directly from their Android handsets with options like Vibrant, Pop, Vignette, Blur, Warm Vintage, Rainbow, White Glow, and Soft Black & White.

Adobe is also happy to announce that they’re giving developers the ability to embed the editing software directly into their own application(s).

Why would someone want to do something like this? Take for example a “sell-your-home-fast” application that allowed you to upload pictures and descriptions of your home to some web site that will advertise your home to millions of people all over the planet. Now imagine that this “sell-your-home-fast” application allowed you to not only snap and upload pictures – but also edit those pictures so that your home looks its very, very best.

Scan to download Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile 1.1

If this sounds cool to you as a developer and you’d like to learn more, head to Adobe’s resource page for Android developers.  Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile 1.1 is available for free in the Android Market and only needs 1.5 to run!  You can also scan the barcode to the right with your handset to download the app.

The official for Major League Baseball is in the Android Market and the initial response is positive.  Although it’s not quite the home run some were hoping for, it’s still a solid offering.   The only notable omission we’ve heard complaints about is live video.  Much like other Android apps getting ported from iPhone, we expect MLB At Bat 2010 to add features and improvements along the way.  You can pick up a copy for your Android phone today at 14.99 out of the market.

Key features of the application:

• Listen LIVE to every regular season and Postseason game
• Follow every pitch with MLB.com Gameday pitch speed and location data
• View realtime box scores and player stats
• Watch game highlights moments after they happen
• Keep up with news from around the league
• Track standings

Use BARCODE SCANNER to Purchase MLB At Bat 2010 $14.99

In pointless-apps-that-get-thousands-of-downloads news, BIC has announced their famous Concert Light application has arrived for Android.  With the app, users can experience BIC’s authentic flick sound and choose from various lighter designs to use on their Android handset. Concert mode provides an option to zoom-to-flame so you can show off a huge realistic looking flame as you wave that Nexus One around freely at a concert.

Scan with BARCODE SCANNER to Download!

Google has just pushed out another Labs feature for Android handsets running 2.0 or later.  It’s called Gesture Search and it just that – It searches by gesture.  Using the app, Nexus One and Droid owners can search contacts, bookmarks, applications, and music by drawing little letters on the touchscreen.  As you scribble more letters, your results will pare down.

Rather than running on top of the handset as a means of input, Gesture Search is an application that must be opened each time.  It’s recommended that after installing the app, you place a shortcut on your desktop so it’s always within reach.

The jury is still out as to how intuitive this feels or what kind of learning curve it has, but we can imagine this cuts down on the long scrolls through contacts and bookmarks. yes on your phone (don’t take this as a recommendation to use it while driving, though — that’s never safe).

Scan to download Gesture Search

Please keep in mind that this requires Android 2.0 or later and is currently only available in the US.  If you don’t meet these two requirements, you will not find it in the Android Market no matter how hard you try.  Until more handsets get upgraded from 1.6 or 1.5 (GASP!), this type of app is for an elite few.  However, if you do have what it takes, scan the barcode to the right and get going!

Longtime followers of Android will recognize the name of Biowallet.  One of the finalists from the first Android Developers Challenge back in 2008, the app was designed as a “safe wallet” that housed your private information such as passwords, notes, accounts, documents, etc.  The protection came by way of iris or handwritten signature authentication.  Even the phone itself could be locked by these means.  Unfortunately, over a year and a half had come and gone without seeing the actual app arrive.  Somehow a beta version slid in under our noses last month.

Biowallet Signature is available now via the Android Market or from Mobbeel directly.  As of right now, the current version only features the handwritten signature-based authentication. It’s highly possible that the reason we’ve yet to see iris scanning is because handsets just don’t have the camera capability.  Perhaps as things improve with the camera technology and front-facing cameras become the norm we will see this type of security become the norm.

Download Biowallet Signature Beta

Mobbeel is actively seeking participation from the Android community at large.  That’s where you come in!  A dedicated “communication channel” was specifically set up so that they can get your feedback.  Head to http://biowalletsign.userecho.com/ to browse other user’s suggestions, comments, vote them or post your thoughts and suggestions.  You can also email them at [email protected] or follow them on twitter.

Looks like LG is ready to start rolling out their Android-based  superphones.  Next up for the handset maker is their touch-only LU2300.  Featuring a Snapdragon processor, 5 megapixel camera, Tv-Tuner, WVGA AMOLED screen and Android 2.1, it sounds almost exactly like a Nexus One.  LG is also taking steps to preload a few applications on the handset for customers whereas in the past they left it up to the user.

The LU2300 is due sometime in the second quarter.  Other specs, including the memory, are unknown but we’re sure to see them trickle out before long.

Source: MobileTechWorld via ubergizmo

Smartphone developer Innocomm Technology might be small when compared to players like HTC and Motorola, but their plans for Android are just as big. Around the middle of the year, the handset maker plans to drop their first of many Android-based handsets. Called the Shark, Iccocomm’s smartphone will be a high-end device with a considerably lower cost. 

Innocomm’s hopes are that wireless providers might be able to offer their handsets free with contacts.  Our hopes are that this happens!

Innocomm Skate

Tentative specs include a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera with flash, GPS, 3G, HSPA, Wifi, and Bluetooth. The Shark will be also have a 3.5mm headset jack, a microSD card slot, and mini-USB connection. Also getting squeezed in will be an analog TV tuner with future versions expected to offer a digital tuner.

Other handsets in the Inncomm pipeline are the Shadow, which features a 4.3-inch screen, the Gemini, and Scorpion. Previously, the company showed their Skate handset off at 2009’s MWC which sports “the World’s smallest 2.8″ smartphone based on the Android OS.” As of right now, the Skate has been pushed back due to changing the chipset inside.

Innocomm has no plans to work with any other mobile platforms, even the recently unveiled Windows Phone 7. “Windows is nice, but it can’t beat the price on Android. It’s free and the Google brand is already well known. Android is the only OS we’re working on.”

Source: PC World

A new app has arrived in the Android Market called Happy Hours and it is likely to be a hit. It’s one of those “genius-in-simplicity” applications that appeals to many of us.   Open the app up, let it detect where you are via GPS, and find nearby happy hours. Period.  While this might not be the newest idea on the planet, it does offer one advantage over similar apps. Rather than being confined to specific metropolitan markets or one in particular, Happy Hours kicks off with more than 30 to start.

Designed with help from Village Voice Media, the app pulls up over 15,000 happy hours from across the United States and offers up additional resources. Learn what kind of food is service, what the atmosphere is like, and read reviews from other users.

The following cities are already  supported by Happy Hours: Akron, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Boulder, Broward / Palm Beach, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Fort Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Saint Paul, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Seattle Eastside, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington DC

Source: Washington Post/TechCrunch

Medialets unveiled their new Analytics Software Developers Kit (SDK) for Android yesterday to help developers track application metrics and more. Using their SDK, developers can also define and measure customized events such as unique users, session length, frequency and average run-time.

Developers will be able to take advantage of the SDK by creating custom metrics based around their own preferences, drilling down to what’s most important to them. The example given by Medialets is a game developer who track how far users get withing their title as well as anything collected by the user along their journey. Have an app that features a great deal of reading?  Find out who is reading what and how far through they get!

The setup process only takes a few hours and be started by visiting http://www.Medialytics.com.

T-Mobile’s next Android handset, the Motorola CLIQ XT is dropping with a great price attached to it.  At $129.99, this marks the lowest debut price point for an Android phone on the nation’s fourth largest carrier.  Yet-to-be-announced, the handset is a touch-only device that was once known as the Zeppelin.  It should be noted that while more expensive on contract than the G1, it’s $40 less if you buy it outright.  The CLIQ XT will be $329 if you decide to purchase one without a service agreement.  In fact, this will be T-Mobile’s least expensive Android handset if purchased alone.

A quick rundown of specs peg the handset at 528 MHz processor speed, 256MB RAM/512ROM, a megapixel camera w/ autofocus and LED flash, and MOTOBLUR (Android 1.5).  This marks the first handset from Motorola to feature their custom user experience on top of a touch-only handset.  Also noteworthy, the CLIQ XT also features Adobe’s Flash Lite built in, giving the phone an improved web experience over other Android handsets.

If you’re interested in picking up a CLIQ XT, they’re rumored to drop on March 10th.

What do yo guys think of this handset and pricing?  Are you swayed either way now that you know the costs involved?