The Nexus One finally became official in Canada, where it first started on Rogers, then followed by Bell and Telus, and now Wind Mobile has been added to the list of official carriers. While many users have already been using their Nexus One’s on Wind Mobile, it is always good to see the name officially on the list. So yet another carrier to become official on the Nexus One before Verizon and Sprint, what gives? [via Mobile Syrup]
Sitting at home, and checking in on Foursquare as though you are somewhere else, just to claim mayorship, or to steal it from someone else? More people have been doing this than you think. So, the team at Foursquare has added a GPS fix that will not allow you to receive points, or steal mayorships if you are not actually at the location you claim to be at. While they have stated they are never going to take away the ability to check in virtually anywhere at any time, they do want to prevent people from wrongfully claiming and stealing mayorships, and earning points for checking into locations when they are sitting at home all comfy cosy. [via foursquare blog]
Before you go getting all excited about seeing that 9,300 applications were added to the Android Market last month, know this: There’es a lot of fluff in there. It is always great to see that you are able to customize applications by adding skins, but should we really count each of the dozens and dozens of skins as an application in the market? Does anyone really need that many adult-style applications? And beyond that, do we need to continue and add another application, instead of adding content to the original?
In mid-March we reported that the Market had hit 30,000 applications, and the numbers will rise and rise. While, yes, we are indeed seeing some quality applications being added to the Market (See our weekly AndroidCentral Editor Picks of the Week for examples) we can all agree that playing the numbers game is, at best, a game. Let’s go for quality over quantity. [via Electronista]
Are you an everyday user of Google Voice? Do you use it as a primary number when exchanging contact information with others, in case you need to use the block feature in the future, or because you are simply not willing to give out your actual phone number?
TechCrunch reports that internal testing of a desktop app that can place and receive calls is under way, as part of the Gizmo5 purchase last year. While more information about the application, as well as it’s release date have not been announced, we can take the internal testing as positive light that it is definitely on its way, and hopefully sooner then later. [via TechCrunch]
For you T-Mobile faithful who have been anxiously awaiting the release of the myTouch Slide — and we know there are many of you — Engadget snagged some screen shots of an internal Radio Shack system called Direct2U that lists the new (and as-yet-unannounced) myTouch Slide. Now what this may mean for the release of the device as far as dates are concerned, we are still unaware. Stay tuned for more information, and hopefully a release of this soon to come! [via Engadget]
Android 2.1+ The Motorola Droid finally saw its official Android 2.1 update come this week. And still you guys wish for more, especially when it comes to home screens, and how the Droid is still stuck with the same old three that we previously had. Personally, this did not bother me, as I had previously loaded ROM’s with five screens, and only ended up really using three of them at most. Want to change that? Enter HelixLauncher, which we’ll show you how to use after the break.
Earlier this week we showed you a very early build of Firefox for Android, and those who may have tried to install it noticed that the file was extremely large in size. And slow. As we all know, this was nowhere near to be debuted as an alpha, let alone a beta, but people decided to give it a shot anyways. It appears as though they have continued their efforts, and continued to work towards improving it, and the update looks a bit more on the usable side. Unfortunately at this time, they are still not ready to release nightly builds at this time, but they appear to be more keen on the idea that it will be happening soon. Be sure to check out the another video of this running on a Nexus One after the jump, and stay tuned for further updates on the development of Firefox for Android. [via Vlad Blog]
Well, what have we here? It appears as though someone has captured an image showing that the HTC Incredible has been ordered by Verizon and the shipments are on their way to the warehouse locations. Over at Android Forums someone with Verizon insight appears say that these 156,709 units are actually sitting in the warehouse, just unable to be sold at this point. This information falls in line with the two-week shipping timeframe we previously heard, now it’s just a matter of time until these show up in the stores. [Android Forums via Engadget]
Seeing your favorite smartphone get some screen time is something that many people enjoy. But the Nexus One hasn’t gotten nearly the push that we’ve seen with the Droid, myTouch 3G or … well, any other phone. But Hulu now has a Nexus One commercial that plays throughout the site. Whether this is an attempt from Google to sell more of these devices, since we know it didn’t quite outsell the Droid or iPhone, or just plain average marketing, we are unsure. Either way, thanks, Jason, for sending this in!
Since a majority of time is spent on my Droid, while on the go I need ways to keep organized, and one that has stuck out to me is ColorNote. What caught my attention about this application right off the bat was the fact that it was just like Stickies on my Mac, which I find great use in for reminders, and building various lists. Yes, there are many applications that will allow you to compile lists, and keep them organized, but will they allow you to place a sticky note on your screen as a reminder?
What’s that I hear? PayPal bump coming to Android, and no longer only found on the iPhone? Yes, it is indeed true, as PayPal has announced they will be bringing this great feature to multiple platforms, instead of just keeping on the iPhone. For those of you that may not know what this feature is, this will allow you to simply bump phones (just don’t go slamming them into each other) to transfer funds from one account to another. This feature is rather handy for quickly settling debts right on the spot, but won’t be much help for those doing long-distance deals. During an interview at CTIA, CNET was informed that the application for the Android and BlackBerry should be rolling out in the next two or three months. [CNET via Gizmodo]
Ever wonder what would cause a phone company or cell phone carrier to support the Android OS? (Besides it being totally cool, of course?) MocoNews cites anonymous sources that say Google has been paying these carriers and companies through the profits generated from advertising. These payments come for devices and providers that support specific Google functionality, like search, Gmail, maps and others.
Meanwhile, Phone Scoop fired off e-mails to various cell phone providers and manufacturers, and nearly all of them answered in the same "we do not discuss our business agreements" style. How big of an impact could this whole to-do be making? Well, as we have seen, many new carriers and manufacturers are continuing to board the Android train, so the impact may be much larger then we will ever know. [MocoNews via Phone Scoop]
Sorry for all those who read Motorola Droid and thought we would be bringing you a 2.1 update, but life must go on. It is always fun to see your favorite smartphone make its way into a cast members hand on your favorite TV show, and this week made its way right into a scene or two of Castle on ABC. Have you seen any other Android appearances in other shows? If so, stop in the forums and let us know where! [thanks @videos4bb for the image]
There’s a map for that? Why yes, yes there is a map, but now there is only one map for all "data coverage", so where did that 3G map go? Sorry Luke Wilson, but it appears as though along with many calls, AT&T plans to drop your commercials. The new combined map shows coverage over most of the US, but don’t be fooled, the network wasn’t upgraded, those with EDGE coverage will still have EDGE. You are still able to click to see the towns that have 3G coverage, it just appears they decided to hide it behind a more full looking map. Sorry AT&T, but it looks like Verizon has defeated you on this one, again.