The Motorola Milestone, the non-Verizon variant of the Droid by Motorola, has seen an online UK retailer put the new, high-end handset up for pre-order.

If SuperETrader is to be believed, we can expect the Milestone to touchdown in the UK on 7 December with a ?439-shaped wedge of cash required to take one home.

For that price, the site is offering the device unlocked and SIM-free, in black, with next-day delivery charged at an extra ?7.99.

We've previously asked Motorola when we might see the launch of the Android-based phone in the UK.

A Motorola spokesperson said: "We've not yet announced availability of this device in other markets, but look forward to continuing to expand our Android-based portfolio around the world".

The Motorola Milestone has launched on O2 in Germany, suggesting the operator may offer the mobile here too. We will keep you posted.

UPDATE: Clove is also offering the Milestone on pre-order for 7 December, priced at just over ?401. Thanks to Tom for the tip.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Motorola Milestone Android Rumours SuperETrader Clove

Motorola Milestone up for £439 UK pre-order originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:32:08 +0000

New gPhone whispers suggest that Google is gearing up for no less than "an all-out assault on the mobile phone market".

The report, from The Times, states that the new, Google-branded handset we've heard about of late will encompass "the first comprehensive Google phone service with unlimited free calls", and a built-in, advanced version of Google Voice.

"For the first time", says the paper, "a single company will control everything from the software in users' phones to the services they use to make calls and surf the web".

The Google handset is said to be "one of the most advanced smartphones, with a large touchscreen display and a [Qualcomm] processor almost twice as fast as the one powering Apple's iPhone 3GS".

It's likely to offer the future version of Android code-named "Flan", which continues the cake-themed updates, and is said to bring high-speed 3D gaming.

As mobile phone operators may be unwilling to offer a device that offers free Google Voice calls, it's suggested that Google may offer the handset direct to the public, although this could push the cost up to over ?500 - but it's a price some disillusioned consumers may be willing to pay.

This latest report pegs a gPhone launch as early as next year in the US - we will keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google gPhone Rumours Mobile phone industry Android Google Voice

Google planning "all-out assault" on mobile market with gPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:13:50 +0000

Adobe?has made its Photoshop.com Mobile for Android app available outside the?US?allowing HTC Hero, Samsung i7500 and Motorola Cliq users, amongst others, the ability to edit their photos on the go.

The app, which is virtually identical to the?Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone?version, has been available in the US for some time on both the Apple iPhone and Android platform will let users around the globe quick access to their photos with easy editing and sharing.

The application features basic editing tools like crop and rotate, colour adjustments and a photo browser that makes it simple to manoeuvre through photos.

In addition, users have the ability to view their entire online collection of photos from Photoshop.com and share those images from their phone via email.

No word from Adobe on whether the iPhone version will be making it to the UK, however it is expected to be, presumably once the application passes the usual Apple app process.?

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android Adobe Photoshop Mobile for Android Photoshop Mobile for iPhone

Photoshop.com Mobile for Android hits UK... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:50:09 +0000

Google has announced that all handsets running Android 1.6 will now be able to get?Google Maps Navigation?for free.

The news, which was announced on Monday, opens up the free GPS software beyond the Android 2.0 operating system and currently the only handset available, the?Droid by Motorola.

The new release, which aims to take on services from TomTom, Garmin and Navigon will, as long as you have a data connection, let you route your way around the US using the same Google Maps functionality, however, with a more traditional style GPS experience.

The release also includes the new Layers feature, which lets you overlay geographical information on the map. View My Maps, transit lines, Wikipedia articles about places, and more says Google.

If you have a phone running Android 1.6, you can download an updated version of Google Maps from Android Market to use Navigation today.

Android 1.6 phones in the US currently include the T-Mobile mytouch 3G,?the G1 and the HTC Tattoo, as well as the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. However handsets like the HTC Hero, Droid Eris, Samsung Moment and the Samsung Behold II all run Android 1.5 so won't be getting the new feature.

Google Maps Navigation is in beta and is currently available in the United States.

Some features of Android 2.0 are not available on Android 1.6, for example, the ability to use the "navigate to" voice command as shown in our demo video.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android Google Google Maps Navigation GPS Samsung HTC T-Mobile mytouch 3G T-Mobile G1 with Google mobile phone Car And GPS Sony Ericsson Motorola

Google Maps Navigation comes to Android 1.6 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:58:52 +0000

A mobile phone gaming company has delivered a blow to the Android platform - in PR terms at the very least - by unfavourably comparing it to Apple's rival offering and revealing it is to cut funding for its Android products.

A senior executive from the French company Gameloft is quoted by Reuters whilst at an investor conference as revealing Gameloft sells 400 times more games on iPhone than it does on Android.

"We have significantly cut our investment in Android platform, just like ... many others", Gameloft finance director Alexandre de Rochefort said, suggesting other games companies were seeing similar results.

"It is not as neatly done as on the iPhone. Google has not been very good to entice customers to actually buy products. On Android nobody is making significant revenue".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone games Android Gameloft Biz iPhone apps Android Marketplace Google Gaming

Gameloft: iPhone game sales 400 times that of Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:43:09 +0000

American computer manufacturer Dell has announced the launch of its new Android-based smartphone, the Dell Mini 3i, on China Mobile.

The global debut of the phone in China sees the new handset available in "red passion" or the slightly dubious sounding "oiled bronze".

More specs for the device have now been revealed and we can report the quadband GSM/EDGE 3i offers a 3.5-inch, 640 x 360 widescreen display, built-in GPS, a 3-megapixel camera with video capture, flash and auto-focus, Bluetooth and a microSD card slot supporting cards up to 32GB.

In China, the Mini 3i will support China Mobile's "Mobile Market" app store, while Dell says the phone's features may well change as it launches across other operators around the world - "feature sets may vary depending on the needs of mobile operators".

Brazil's Claro network is due to offer the handset by the end of the year, but considering this warning Brazilians should hang on for confirmation of specs.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Dell Android China Mobile Dell Mini 3i

Dell Mini 3i smartphone launches on China Mobile originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:48:44 +0000

The?Sony Ericsson Xperia X10?is expected to be hitting AT&T?in the US when it eventually launches in February, if the spec sheet is to be believed.

According to Android news site, Phandroid, the specs for the Sony Ericsson first Android powered handset suggest that it will be going to the US mobile phone operator who also has the iPhone based on the radio bands the handset will offer.

According to the tech specs, the phone will come with GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and UMTS/HSPA 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100, however will not offer UMTS HSPA 900/1700 for phones sold in the Americas.

While to most that will mean very little, it means AT&T will be the only carrier in the US who is able to support the handset.

There is currently no official word from either AT&T or Sony Ericsson.

We will keep you posted, but in the meantime check out our?First Look review.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android AT and T

Sony Ericsson X10 destined for AT&T originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:24:43 +0000

Seesmic, the Twitter client for the Mac, and recently PC, has announced that it is going mobile with BlackBerry and Android apps.

Leaving out the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android users will be able to get their Twitter feeds on their phone from Friday.

"Seesmic for BlackBerry groups all your Twitter timelines into a simple and clean interface", says Seesmic, with features for both apps including the ability to create and view saved searches, view Twitter lists that you've created on twitter.com, shorten urls and send photos, and configure notification alerts for Direct Messages and @Replies.

The news follows an earlier announcement this week that the company was launching a Windows 7 version.

The preview version, which is free, of Seesmic for Windows supposedly "combines the best features from our ever-popular social application and provides it to you in a native Windows environment".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android BlackBerry Seesmic Desktop

Seesmic BlackBerry and Android apps released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Qualcomm has been showing off a bevy of devices called Smartbooks that the company thinks could be poised to swallow up the netbook market by outmanoeuvring them in their core strengths - the small-and-light and always-on-connectivity arenas.

The model pictured above and below is an Android-equipped device from Taiwanese manufacturers Quanta. It's packing a 1GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm which means that it has smartphone-esque features and connectivity, but the power of a low-end notebook.

Qualcomm is betting on 3G connectivity within netbooks becoming as ubiquitous as Wi-Fi. The resulting smartbooks will be more portable, more connected and cheaper than the traditional netbook, and elbow them out of the market.

The company also demonstrated a wireless charging pad for gadgets, and a C-motech Mangrove tablet computer running Windows Mobile 6.5 on a Snapdragon processor. Pics of those can be found on the images tab above.

Tags: Hardware Smartbooks Qualcomm Quanta Lenovo Snapdragon Android

Qualcomm planning smartbook assault originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:13:38 +0000

A new Motorola handset has emerged from the mists of the Internet as an as-yet-unconfirmed coming-soon Android device.

The Motorola "Motus", said to be due an official announcement in early 2010, has been spotted in this oh-so-blurry spy shot sent into an Android fan site.

Looking a little like the new DEXT, or CLIQ depending on which side of the pond you're on, the Motus is said to offer a 3.1-inch HVGA screen, a 5-megapixel camera with flash, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS and run Android 1.5 with the Motoblur interface.

Design-wise the handset gets a reverse flip keyboard and a rear directional touchpad adding serious weight to CellPassion's speculation it could launch as the "Backflip" a name recently registered in the EU by Motorola.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Android Motorola Motus Motorola Backflip Rumours

Motorola Motus emerges originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:05:01 +0000

Google has announced the launch of a "completely new" mobile Google News offering for iPhone, Android, and Palm Pre users.

This follows the availability of a mobile-optimised version of Google News for other phones, such as Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and S60, with the online giant promising "more improvements" for those versions in the near future.

The new iPhone/Android/Pre version claims to offer "the same richness and personalisation on your phone as Google News provides on desktop".

The new homepage displays more stories, sources, and images while there's access to see favourite sections, find articles and play videos "in fewer clicks".

Google News for mobile is now available in 29 languages and 70 editions and can be found at http://news.google.com on your mobile phone's browser.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Google Google News iPhone Android Palm Pre Pre

Google News gets updated for iPhone, Android and Pre originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:13:53 +0000

Sony Ericsson has hinted that it could launch a "PS3" app similar to that found on the Sony Ericsson Aino handset launched earlier in the year for the Android OS, when the company's new?Xperia X10?handset launches in February.

"It makes a lot of sense for it to be on other handsets", said Christopher David, head of developer and partner engagement at Sony Ericsson, before backing up that statement with an "it should be expected".

It is not certain at this time whether an app, if developed, would be restricted to the X10 and Nexus UX platform or be available to all?Android?handsets, but could mean that phone users opting for devices sporting the Google Android OS could access their PlayStation 3 and stream content to their phone from around the world, in a similar way to the Sony Ericsson phone or the PSP console.

The phone, which packs the same DLNA and wireless connectivity as the Aino, before building on the specs with a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and 4-inch screen, would be a perfect hardware device for such an app, something that David acknowledges.

"For it to work you would need wireless and DLNA connectivity," said David, after we tried to lure more than an "it's possible" answer from the man, when asked to engage in the new Sony Ericsson Nexus UX platform for the X10.

As for other apps to expect in the future? David was keeping quiet, however we did get a chuckle and acknowledgement of a "good question asked" as to whether Sony Ericsson's Play Now store, that allows users to download movies and music, would get an Android app of its own.

"You never know", was the official response with a wry smile.?

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Tags: Gaming Phones Mobile phones Mobile phone apps Sony Android PS3 Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

PS3 Remote Play for Android "makes sense" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:23:13 +0000

Sony Ericsson?has implied that it may bring its new?Android?skin destined for the?Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, the Nexus UX platform, to other devices.

"Nexus has been developed with a broader focus in mind", said Steve Walker, head of portfolio planning and communications for Sony Ericsson, following a question in an informal journalist briefing on whether we would see the new UI on other devices.

Although not going into specific details about specific products, Walker hinted in a further conversation with Pocket-lint that the new Nexus interface had been developed for devices of "all shapes and sizes".

The news comes as Sony Ericsson announces further details for its latest handset, the Xperia X10, which is due out in February 2010.

Working in what appears to be a similar way to HTC's Sense UI, Sony Ericsson will create a new "skin" for Android and Symbian OSes called the Nexus UX platform that offers a more graphical interface for users to get involved in.

Creating a dedicated WebSDK to accompany the new "skin", Sony Ericsson is hoping that by allowing developers to create apps specifically for Sony Ericsson handsets, it will help it gain the edge over other Android based handsets from Motorola or HTC.

"It is more than a UI skin", Christopher David, the man in charge of pushing the SDK to developers told us in a one to one interview. "The WebSDK, announced today allows developers to develop applications specifically for our phones and be sold in the PlayNow store".

Sony Ericsson will start the ball rolling with two applications, Timescape and Mediascape with the promise of many more over time.

Timescape will promise to manage all your communication with one person in one place, allowing you to browse through your conversations on Facebook, Twitter, photos, emails, and texts all in one go. Mediascape will focus on the multimedia elements to the handset, allowing you to search your phone for music, photos and videos as well as access interactive services like YouTube or PlayNow.

"We expect to have around a couple of hundred apps and plug-ins for Nexus at launch", David confirmed.

Other features of the new OS overlay include a feature that links faces with contact details at the touch of a button from within the phone on the fly.?

Sony Ericsson says that users will be able to download dedicated Sony Ericsson Android apps created using its WebSDK via its Play Now store rather than in Android Marketplace, however users will be able to access standard Android Marketplace as you would normally.?

The Xperia X10 is the first of many handsets that will use the platform, says Sony Ericsson, with the new handset acting as the flagship model when it hits stores in February.?

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Mobile phone apps Sony Ericsson Android Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Sony Ericsson's Nexus Android skin promised for more devices originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:52:03 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy i7500's little brother - which we knew was incoming - has finally been made official.

The new handset will launch as the Samsung Galaxy Spica i5700 and offers DivX support, DNSe 2.0, a 3.5mm ear jack and measures in at 13.2mm thick.

Previous reports suggested it boasts the same AMOLED touchscreen, Wi-Fi and Android OS as its predecessor, but storage is down to 1GB and camera is down to 3.2-megapixel, without a flash.

As an Android device, the Galaxy Spica supports the full suite of Google services, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Talk.

Samsung says the device is already out in Europe - a UK launch is planned but we're waiting to hear on availability.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Samsung Android Samsung Galaxy Spica i5700

Samsung Galaxy Spica i5700 announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:52:32 +0000

Sony Ericsson has revealed a little more about the launch timescale for its latest Xperia-branded handset, the X10.

Via a pre-order page on its site, the phone manufacturer has revealed that the new high-end handset is due in February.

We knew the X10 was getting a Q1 launch, but this is the first time the phone's debut has been pinned down to a month - although the exact text reads: "Expected launch - Feb '10".

Those who like the look of the new Android device can pre-register their interest now to be kept informed of progress.

The touchscreen X10 offers a 4-inch display, a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, an 8-megapixel camera, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and Sony Ericsson's new Mediascape and Timescape applications.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 dated originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:13:14 +0000

Google has published the source code of Android 2.0 - the next version of its operating system, and the one that appears on the recently-released Motorola Droid. Until now, only Motorola and HTC had access to the source, but Google has just opened it up for everyone.

The software update features multiple email accounts, exchange support, new address book functionality, a combined inbox, better search, an improved camera, an improved keyboard, a better browser, and more useful calendar, as well as Bluetooth 2.1, better media playback, and more options for developers.

Hackers have already ported the update over to the G1, the very first Android handset to be released. The team behind the port - Cyanogen - said that the handset runs "really well, fast and smooth" with the 2.0 software. They haven't yet got audio/video playback working, but it's likely not to be far away.

For those unwilling to hack their handsets, though, you'll need to wait for a patch from your phone manufacturer. Expect one to be on the way - we'll let you know when they're released.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google Android HTC Motorola Operating Systems G1

Android 2.0 source code appears originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:34:56 +0000

After what seems like decades of speculation, Dell has finally confirmed that the company has a mobile phone ready for launch. The Dell Mini 3i Android-based smartphone will be hitting the shelves on China Mobile later this month, while Brazil's Claro network will have it by the end of the year.

Both networks represent a serious numbers game with 42 million users across the Americas on Claro and China Mobile being the largest in the world, and together they provide a vast platform for the Texas computer manufacturer to enter the mobile market.

Details on the handset itself seem to be as speculated, with a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen on a 360 x 640 pixel display. No word as to when or where else in the world it might arrive next but implications in the Dell press release are that the 3i will be part of a larger Dell Mini 3 smartphone series.

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Related links:

• News - PHOTOS: Hands-on with the tiny Dell Inspiron Zino HD
• News - PHOTOS: LG GW620 Android phone

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Dell Android

Dell confirms Android smartphone launch originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:11:14 +0000

A new tablet has emerged to take on Archos' dominance in the media tablet market from OEM Moto.

The Moto AMP (Android Media Platform) will eventually form a range of three models with 3.5- and 10-inchers due, but for now it's just the 5-incher available.

Boasting a 5-inch OLED capacitive touchscreen good for multi-touch, the tablet offers Wi-Fi, 3G, SD card slot, 720p video and an 8-megapixel camera.

There's no news on which company might pick this up yet, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.

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Tags: Gadgets Internet tablets Moto Android PMPs OLED Phones

5-inch Android-based OLED media tablet unveiled by OEM Moto originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:43:03 +0000

A user at gadget teardown site iFixit by the name of Dr. Wreck, has decided that what he really wants to do with his shiny new Motorola Droid smartphone is to rip it apart, exposing its silicon underbelly for the benefit of gawping tech geeks on the Web.

According to the site, the handset was "quite a handful to take apart, having a multitude of hidden screws and latches". Unfortunately there weren't any secret messages or infrared QR codes, though. Most notable was that the QWERTY is slid out by two simple rails embedded in the screen chunk of the device.

Dr Wreck's been handed $300 for his time and dedicated effort - which we suspect he'll spend on a new Droid. For more images, head over to the full teardown on iFixit.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Android iFixit

Motorola Droid gets ripped apart originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:54:30 +0000

Pocket-lint was there to get the first hands on as LG revealed the LG GW620 Android phone last night in London. As promised, the handset is a QWERTY slider with an HVGA 3-inch LCD. Its features include a 5-megapixel AF camera and "high-res" video recorder, offering one-touch uploads as well as DivX and Xvid support and a 3.5mm audio jack.

On the software side, Android has very much been given reign to rule the roost. There are touches of a subtle S-Class still, but they're non-invasive and can be switched off altogether if you find that they get in the way.

So far the handset has not been given its more friendly name due to a few legal wranglings. Overseas it's known as the LG Eve, but the company told Pocket-lint that this will not be the name adopted in the UK. The name is likely to reflect a whole family of QWERTY silder phones which LG has been developing and we'll all find out when the handset goes on sale in Q1 next year.

We were also told to expect many more LG Androids including full touchscreen models in 2010.

Related links:

• News - LG reveals a little more about the Android-based GW620
• News - VIDEO: LG accidentally unveils GW620 details
• News - LG Etna gets official as Android-based GW620

Tags: Phones Mobile phones LG LG GW620 Android Photos

PHOTOS: LG GW620 Android phone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:56:32 +0000

Samsung is set to ditch the Symbian?OS bringing with it a major blow for the operating system.

According to reports online, Samsung's senior VP Don Joo Lee has confirmed that it will dismiss Symbian from its smartphones.

Phasing out the OS, the phone manufacturer is said to be opting for Windows Mobile and Android moving forward in 2010.

The OS has struggled in recent months to compete with a barrage of new operating systems for mobile phones such as webOS from Palm and Android from Google.

The news comes hot on the heels of an announcement from Samsung of its own open mobile platform - Samsung bada.?With an SDK due to be available in December the first bada-powered mobile phones are expected in the first half of 2010.

UPDATE: Samsung has denied it is to ditch Symbian.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Samsung Samsung bada Symbian Symbian Foundation Android

Samsung to ditch Symbian originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:59:42 +0000

The Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Best Mobile Phone nominations are probably the ones we've all been waiting for. The smartphone industry is ablaze and every year we see more and more impressive handsets as the mobile becomes so much more than simply the telephone it once started out as. They are our pocket computers, our access terminals, our windows on the world and it's time to let us know which ones deserve that extra special praise for their impact in 2009. Which one gets your vote?

Android phones

After a very slow start Android is all the rage right now. Until a matter of months ago, HTC dominated with last year's G1, as well as the Magic - which is likely to be in the running - and the HTC Hero, on which it's very hard not to place a heavy bet for the winner of this award. That said, of late we've seen some really impressive contenders with an awesome come back from Motorola with the QWERTY based DEXT and the pure touch Droid.

Never ones to miss the boat, Samsung brought out the Galaxy i7500 and the imminent arrival of the LG GW620 brings the other Korean giant in on the action as well. The T-Mobile Pulse aka Huwaei's Android effort and the HTCs Eris and Tattoo have also shown that consumers can get a piece of Google's mobile OS at a reasonable price, while the launch of the impressive looking Rachael, or Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, makes Nokia's absence look all the more obvious.

Palm & Apple

The shotgun method is not something you'd associate with these manufacturers' approaches to the mobile phone industry in 2009. Nonetheless, between them they've had arguably the biggest impact of all. We were blown away by the Palm Pre at CES in January with its new OS, slideout QWERTY and beautiful touchscreen - even if we did have to wait the best part of a year for the thing to turn up in the UK - and the Apple iPhone 3GS - once Stevie J and friends had decided how to spell it - did just enough to keep itself on top.

More recently, the Palm Pixi has arrived as the lite version of the Pre and doubtless we'll see more webOS devices in the future. So, will Apple be following suit with an iPhone mini all of its own? One for 2010, perhaps.

BlackBerry

The other mobile cult all of its own is the church of RIM and its beloved BlackBerrys. The company has seen an impressive rise in market share and profits in 2009 with its more consumer facing approach. Handsets like the Curve 8520 and the Bold 9700 have proved as popular as their family heritage would suggest and even the second installment of the BlackBerry Storm seems finally to be going down as its name would have us believe. The only question is whether these recent announcements have left it too late for us all to rave about.

Other QWERTYs

If the OS and the touchscreen have been the biggest mobile trends of late, then the move to QWERTY keyboards has to be the next one down. While they used to be the preserve of RIM and a select few business models, the rise of the smartphone with e-mailing, browsing and IM needs has caused a greater desire for ease and speed of typing on our handsets. Most of the mobile makers have caught onto it and you can now buy the things on PAYG or just cheap contracts with basic phones.

The youth messenger market can now get hold of finger tappers like the LG GW300, the pink Samsung B3310 and Samsung Genio/Corby TXT if you're not man enough for the colour scheme on the other model. Go one step up and there's the slightly more mature LG GW520, the Nokia Surge/6760 and the Nokia E72 - the upgrade to the hugely popular business model of 2008. Last of all, there's the QWERTY to end all QWERTYs with the recent launch in the States of the TwitterPeek handset with the kind of keyboard that'll give your desktop a good run for its money.

Windows Mobile

With Android the rising star of 2009, it's easy to forget that Microsoft launched a new version of its mobile OS as well. Windows Mobile 6.5, or Windows Phone, may not necessarily be the choice of the consumer but the manufacturers can't get enough of it and, to give it its dues, it is getting better. HTC is one of the platform's largest supporters, despite the affiliation with Android, and both the HTC HD2 and the HTC Touch Diamond 2 have turned out to be very impressive implementations of the system.

Both the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 and Toshiba TG01 have taken the custom UI approach to Windows Phone and come up with a couple of handsets to make the consumer's choice that much harder, while Samsung launched an entire update to the OMNIA family with four whole models, each suited to a particular user.

Until the last few weeks, Acer has been solely focused on the Microsoft mobile OS as well with a mass of interesting, if not entirely refined, set of phones and, of course, the LG GM750 is a quick toe in the water for the Korean company while it makes up its mind which way to jump from its own S-Class interface - indeed if it intends to jump at all.

Nokia

It's not been the best of times for the company that still remains the number one in the mobile phone market. Yes, its presence in the developing world is incredible but the Finnish giant's grip on the West has slipped. With Symbian OS the platform of choice, there's still be some noteworthy releases including the headline N97 and N97 mini as well as the super snapper that is the N86.

The business E range is probably one of the strongest and certainly most interesting sectors beyond that, and we've had the pleasure of upgrades like the E52 and the E72 to enjoy over 2009, as well as the intro of the E55 candybar as well.

The classic series has been as well designed as ever with perhaps the Nokia 6700 classic the pick of the lot. Otherwise its all been about the much debated Comes with Music push and the Xpress Music handsets in the shape of the 5530 and the more premium touchscreen X3 and X6 devices, that could well find themselves doing better than some might think in the overall rankings.

Finally, Nokia wouldn't be Nokia if it wasn't trying something crazy and this year it's been the Nokia 7705 Twist. We'll let you judge that one for yourselves.

LG

With grit like determination to be the number two handset provider in the world, LG has been pushing, showing and innovating its heart out over 2009. While the Cookie continues to be its standout success, the likes of the LG Arena and new versions of both the Chocolate and Viewty in the LG BL40 and Viewty Smart have shown some serious intent, if lacking that final touch of class.

More recently, the LG BL20, or even newer Chocolate, looks to make its Black Label sibling that little bit more affordable along with the launch of the GD510 Pop, but the big design oohs and ahhs were saved for the LG GD900 see through phone and the LG Watchphone. Seen anybody actually wearing one yet?

Samsung

As well as being early on both the Windows Phone and Android markets, Samsung has been on a steep learning curve in all mobile departments throughout 2009. The company has been the first to test out the Vodafone 360 platform with the touchscreen H1 as well as briefly holding the record for the fastest phone in the west with the Samsung Jet.

Having finally perfected the touchscreen, the company has brought out more in the Tocco range for all levels if customer to play with and even gone AMOLED with superb handsets like the HD video shooting Samsung i8910. Beyond that, Samsung was the first to reach the 12-megapixel cameraphone mark with the Samsung Pixon12 and has added a couple of impressive innovations like the Beat DJ for the music obsessive and the solar panelled E1107. Generally a very good year for Samsung.

Sony Ericsson

There was a very long tease for Sony Ericsson fans this year. With the Satio and Aino shown off what seems like decades ago, news of the update to the Xperia back in March and Rachael round the corner since back in the summer, we're all just pleased that they made it in time for the 16th November Pocket-lint awards cut off.

Mercifully, while we were waiting for the big guns we had the pleasure of Maria Sharapova's company in the sale of the Sony Ericsson T707 plus, the eco-friendly Sony Ericsson Naite and the T715 more recently to pick up some native Twitter access. It wasn't a prolific year for the Japanese mobile maker but perhaps its biggest unsung hero was the continuation of the Walkman range with the likes of the Sony Ericsson W995 - one of the most complete mid-range handsets a person could buy. Well worth a shout.

The rest

Naturally, the last 12 months has come with its range insanely expensive luxury designer phones for equally insane people with obscenely insanely large wallets. See the Mobiadio Grand Pioneer, gold Nokia Carbon Arte, Motorola Aura Diamond and Tag Heuer Lamborghini handsets for just four of such examples. We wouldn't presume to deny yourselves and the panel of judges the chance to name any of them mobile phone of the year, but if you'd rather something more sensible, then spare a brief thought for the Land Rover S1 from Sonim and a good hour of pondering whether INQ really has cracked it this time with the INQ mini 3G.

What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our readers have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Mobile Phone 2009? What have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

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Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - home cinema device
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - gaming hardware
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - games

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features LG Nokia Android HTC iPhone 3GS Sony Ericsson Samsung

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - mobile phones originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:49:23 +0000

LG has announced a few more details of its first Android smartphone, the LG GW620, that launches with a focus on social networking.

The GW620 is a QWERTY slider with an HVGA 3-inch LCD. Features include a 5-megapixel AF camera and "high-res" video recorder, offering one-touch uploads as well as DivX and Xvid support and a 3.5mm audio jack.

The device offers LG's "SNS Manager", claims to integrate all the user's social networking needs in "one convenient platform" for managing of multiple accounts while receiving real-time updates.

Unique to the LG GW620, there's "Auto Face-Tagging" and "Face To Action" that lets users tag a friend's face in a photo. The phone also has instant messenger, threaded SMS and real-time push email functions.

The LG GW620 is the first of a number of Android devices LG plans to introduce to the public in the coming year, says the company.

The LG GW620 will be available worldwide starting in Europe from now on, apparently - we will keep you posted with more as we hear it.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones LG Android LG GW620 Social networking

LG reveals a little more about the Android-based GW620 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:25:18 +0000

Google has announced it has signed an agreement to acquire AdMob, a mobile display advertising company based in California, in an attempt to cash in on the rapidly growing number of people who access the Internet as well as connected services and widgets on their phones.

In a blog post, the internet giant says: "AdMob is a great Silicon Valley story - founded in 2006 by Omar Hamoui when he couldn't find good ways to generate traffic for his mobile site. Over the past few years, Omar and his talented team have built a thriving company with great mobile advertising products, and we are looking forward to having them join the Google team and work with us on the future of mobile advertising".

Stating that "despite the tremendous growth in mobile usage and the substantial investment by many businesses in the space, the mobile web is still in its early stages", Google says it thinks that "great mobile advertising products can encourage even more growth in the mobile ecosystem".

Although Google currently offers mobile advertising solutions it says its focus to date has been on mobile versions of its search ads. This differs from AdMob's focus that has been mobile display ads and in-application ads, the potential of which for the Android platform will be lost on no-one.

In honour of the deal, Google has set-up a site that explains the $750 million acquisition and the types of mobile advertising available.

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• Comment - Has Google got too big?

Tags: Phones Mobile phone industry Google Advertising AdMob Biz Acquisitions Android

Google acquires AdMob for $750 million originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:07:32 +0000

Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile for iPhone?app?has come to the Android platform the company has announced.

Following on from the launch of the iPhone app in the US in October, the company has rolled out the "Free" app on the Google OS.

The Android application equips consumers with same image-editing tools, colour adjustments and instant photo-sharing capabilities.

Users get photo-editing tools like crop, rotate and flip as well as "effects" like the Soft Focus filter, which can be used to create a blur effect and for performing color adjustments such as exposure, saturation, tint changes and classic black-and-white.

Due to the ability to multi-task, something the iPhone can't do, Adobe says users will be able to automatically upload pictures to Photoshop.com albums in the background, even when the app isn't running.

As with the iPhone app, the application is currently available in the US and Canada only.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android Adobe Photoshop Mobile for Android Photoshop Mobile for iPhone App Stores

Adobe Photoshop for mobile Android edition launched originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:16:40 +0000

It's been a bumper year in 2009 for software, services and apps as the overarching trend of tech creeps glacially away from its hardware focus and more towards what the Internet and its friends can do for us. So, before you shout out in the comments who you think should be nominated for the Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Best Software/Service/App - and we hope you do - here's a little reminder of how the year panned out.

The Big Players

It was something of a solar eclipse moment in 2009 with both Apple and Microsoft releasing completely new versions of their desktop operating systems. Although Snow Leopard only claimed to be a relatively small upgrade there was still plenty to get excited about with the arrival of 64-bit computing and addition of Grand Central Station, as well as all the other speed, efficiency and power boosts under the hood of the new caged cat. Microsoft, on the other hand, was a lot more overt about the scale of Windows 7 - partially because of the disappointment over Vista and also, with good reason, because of the success with which the product has launched. Like Snow Leopard, it boasts speed and efficiency but, more importantly, the coming of age of the new AERO look and feel which its predecessor introduced.

Naturally, a new version of iTunes came with the OS for Apple with more playlists and more album art as well as offering a block to the Palm Pre's compatibility feature. Aside that, it was really just the next release in the hugely popular video editing Final Cut series with the launch of Final Cut Studio. It seems the Cupertino company was keeping itself busy on mobile matters but more on that in a minute.

The 'Soft, though, hasn't been so content to leave things as thin. 2009 has seen Gates, Ballmer & Sons embrace the cloud with their re-offensive on Google. First there was the highly successful revamp of the MSN Live search into the colourful Bing, and later the launch of Office 2010 web apps to try to take something back from Google Docs. Beyond that, the company has had another go at both the MSN music download store and the free offering of Microsoft Security Essentials, plus there's been some mobile movements with Microsoft too but, again, more of that later.

The real powerhouse this year though has undoubtedly been Google. The company has spread its arms even wider round the globe with its fingers now in the telephone industry with Google Voice, social location software with Google Latitude, the encyclopeadia business with Sidewiki, the energy saving push with Power Meter and, of course, the what-the-hell-is-it business with Google Wave. More recently the company has announced the smack down on TomTom and friends with the arrival of Google Maps for Navigation for Android 2.0, which may or may not make it out in time for a nomination.

Of course, Android itself has been a very big deal but leaving its mobile impact alone for now, let's not forget the OS's arrival as desktop software on products like the Archo 9 and more recently the dual booting Acer Aspire One D250. It hasn't had the traction to make any significant in-roads this year but it's certainly a space to watch for 2010.

Desktop Software

As the cloud rolls in there's a storm slowly gathering for desktop software. By no means will it ever disappear, but what we're certainly seeing is a lot less diversity in this sector. 2009 has largely been left to improvements from the old guard. Avid has put a smile on the faces of both video and music editing enthusiasts with the launch just last month of the Pinnacle and ProTools suites, Adobe has done the same for the imaging community with the more basic Photoshop Elements 8 and the photographer's friend in the free beta of Lightroom 3.0, and Roxio has thrown in a bit of everything with the company's annual release. This season's colour is Roxio Creator 10.

Antivirus has been as strong an area as ever with malware, phishing and scareware on the rise and a tonne of Christmas shopping round the corner. Symantec's new Norton 2010 product managed to block 100% of threats in independent testing - making it the first time ever for any such software but, of course, if you'd still rather not pay, then at least AVG are still helping out on that front.

Last, and more certainly not least, a certain Swedish company also happened to a make a certain popular social music streaming application that rather set the world on fire. Technically, Spotify was released in private beta in November last year, just before our 2009 awards cut off limit, but it has since gone public within the required time frame. Just to confuse matters it's in private beta once more, so I'll leave it to the judges to sort that one out.

Web Services

During the current aftermath of the eighth renaissance of the bursting of the dot com bubble, new sites have been thin on the ground - certainly ones worth mentioning anyway. The majority of developers and start ups have moved to mobile apps in search of the gold, but there have still been one or two notables over the year - all heavily on the quirky side. Wolfram Alpha provided an alternative, well-meaning but rather leftfield form of internet search; Hunch added a layer of advice to the conundrum and Invisible Hand has begun in its quest to help us find cheaper prices on the Web automatically. As with most of these things, it'll take a while for them to catch on. Twitter wasn't built in a day.

Finally here, the latest craze could be on its way with FourSquare. Like Twitter it was released at the general and social media liquorice allsort that is SXSW and it's been going great guns in the States. Now on UK shores, has it left it too late to win our coveted award or have we assessed its potential already?

Mobile Sofware

From apps to OSes it's all about mobile phones these days. We know this. Smartphones have become our windows on the world. If there's a great service on the Internet, then we want it as an app, and most of all, we want it to run like clockwork.

We've seen four significant mobile operating systems launched this year with the rebranded, reskinned and user-friendlified Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 now known as Windows Phone. We've also seen the coming of age of Android - or at least its growth into adolescence - and the launch of the superb iPhone 3.0 software with its 100 or so features. Finally, we saw a rather specific piece of software from Palm with webOS at January's Las Vegas annual tech binge, but that didn't stop it making an enormous splash and perhaps inspiring a few ideas in other mobile software developers.

On the next tier down are those that have deemed their handsets too special to run the common-or-garden versions of Android and Windows Phone and have come up with their own Custom UIs. Probably the two of most note, and certainly the ones who qualify for this year's awards would be HTC Sense as seen on the Hero with its social contacts integration and Motoblur on the Dext.

Any phone can of course have its OS customised by the addition of an alternative browser. Opera has been going strong for years and supplying those on the Symbian platform with a very strong option. 2009 has brought Opera Mini 10 and for the first time, Firefox has gone to the small screen too with the currently underused Mozilla Fennec. Still both certainly well worth a shout though.

At the bottom of it all, though, and yet king of the mountain for many consumers are apps. We saw the little devils explode in 2008 with the launch of the iTunes App Store and this year has taken the trend to a sickening extreme. The world and its wife now has some kind of platform where they can pedal often highly novelty and often profitable software along with a good chunk that are seriously useful too.

It's the latter group which we'd rather you considered for this year's award but if the Mr T Soundboard ends up being the most popular, then so be it. The apps of major note in 2009 have been largely for the iPhone with the arrival of Tweetdeck, Google Lattitude and TomTom. Spotify has offered its premium service for music streaming on the move to both the Apple phone and Android and finally Facebook has got round to supporting Google's mobile OS too. But the big question is which is your favourite? Which is the app you simply can't do without? Let us know at the bottom.

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What do you think?

But these are just some of the fantastic choices our readers have had in 2009. What would you like to see held aloft as the winner of Pocket-lint Best Software/Service/App 2009? Who have we missed out? Which are your unsung heroes and of those we've already mentioned, which would get your vote? Let us know in the comments below and you can help our panel decide which make the shortlist of nominees to be announced here on Pocket-lint on 16 November. We'll have all out coverage of the Vodafone Pocket-lint awards 2009 right here. Don't miss a minute of it.

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Related links:

• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - laptops
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - digital cameras
• Feature - Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - car gadgets

Tags: Software Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 Pocket-lint Awards Features Apple Microsoft Google Android Mobile phone applications Operating Systems Windows 7 Spotify Symantec iPhone 3GS

Vodafone Pocket-lint Gadget Awards 2009 - software, services, apps originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:23:29 +0000

We've been doing a little bit of digging to find out who, in the UK, will be offering Motorola's forthcoming Droid handset. The Android 2.0-sporting QWERTY slider scored a whopping 9/10 in its Pocket-lint review, but given that it's supposed to be due on Friday in the States, we're not seeing any sign of the handset in Britain.

We gave all the UK operators a call to find out exactly whether any of them were planning on stocking the device. O2 told us that it wasn't going to be selling the handset, despite its German wing selling it as the "Milestone". 3 said the same thing - there are no current plans to offer the handset at this time.

T3 spoke to Nicola Shenton, head of handset and device marketing at T-Mobile UK, who told the magazine that the company had tested the phone, but passed it up. We also talked to Orange and Vodafone. Orange told us that it had nothing to announce other than the fact it's selling the Motorola DEXT, and Vodafone promised to call us back and haven't.

From that, we can rule out three of the major five operators. Orange is looking likely, especially given the non-denial when other networks were happy to confirm "no". ?We'll update you as and when we hear more from Orange or Vodafone.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Android Verizon O2 Orange 3 Vodafone T-Mobile

Who'll be selling the Motorola Droid in the UK? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:17:37 +0000

HTC?and?Verizon?have confirmed the rumours that the second "Droid" handset alongside the?Motorola Droid will be called the Droid Eris and be created by HTC.?

The new handset will offer a virtually identical feature set to the?Sprint HTC Hero?and feature a 3.2-inch multi-touch touchscreen display, 512MB ROM, 288MB RAM and a Qualcomm MSM 7600, 528MHz chip.?

Running Android 1.5 rather than the newly announced 2.0 OS, users will get the Sense UI to guide them through the phones features.?

Differences to the HTC Hero on Sprint will be a smaller battery (1300mAh over 1500mAh) a slightly more rounded design and a matte black rather than silver finish. It will also come with a proximity sensor which turns the touchscreen off when next to your head - something the European and Sprint version doesn't have.?It's also thinner (only just).

In the hand it was quick to respond to our requests, and the multi-touch certainly helps it win out over the Droid by Motorola's 2.0 OS, however it's worth mentioning that with no GSM support this will only work in America.

Priced at $99 (the same as the iPhone) Verizon is being very aggressive on this one it seems. The new handset will be available from 6 November in the US.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Verizon Droid Eris Android Motorola Droid HTC Hero Photos

PHOTOS: Verizon Droid Eris by HTC hands on originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:01 +0000

The HTC Droid Eris has been steadily leaked over recent times, but just-revealed unboxing shots from US blog Boy Genius Report propel this effort from the realm of rumours into the big time.

We know Verizon is planning an entire family of Droid-branded Android phones, and it seems hot on the heels of the high-end Droid by Motorola, we can expect an announcement about this more mid-range effort soon.

What looks to be a variant of the Hero, the Droid is rumoured to launch at the $99 price point in the States - we will keep you posted.

UPDATE: The Droid Eris by HTC has now been confirmed, you can read our First Look review?or check out the?hands on?photos

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Verizon Android Droid Eris

HTC Droid Eris revealed in unboxing pics originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:50:20 +0000

Sony Ericsson's newest handset - the Xperia X10 - isn't due until February next year, but it's already up for pre-order from Clove Technology. The handset formerly known as Rachael can be yours for ?460, including VAT.

As previously reported, the X10 has a heavily modded Android 1.6 OS, 4-inch capacitive TFT touchscreen, and 8.1-megapixel camera and a speedy 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. It has Wi-Fi, HSUPA and Bluetooth, and comes with an 8GB microSD card.

It's packed with a range of apps, too. Mediascape lets you browse through local and online photo, video and audio content, and Timescape lets you organise and interact with your contacts across a wide range of messaging platforms. Both of which are part of the UX platform that will be arriving on several handsets from Sony Ericsson next year.

Oh, and if you need to see a few more photos of the device before you make up your mind, you can check out our gallery of shots from the secret preview event that we attended in London.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android Clove

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 available unlocked for pre-order originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:07:01 +0000

Sony Ericsson has released a detailed video of its new Xperia X10 mobile phone.

As well as offering hands-on footage of the new handset and its interface, the official vid goes into great detail about the new Timescape and Mediascape functionality.

As some of you might know, Timescape is a communications app, which aggregates email, Facebook, Twitter, IM, and SMS into one big "lifestream", while Mediascape is built around music, video and images and organises all three on your device.

Hit play on the video above to see more and we'll keep you posted on Xperia X10 news.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Video Android

VIDEO: Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 demoed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:52:34 +0000

Sony Ericsson, following considerable teasing, has finally unveiled its flagship handset for 2010 - the Xperia X10. It's an Android 1.6 device, complete with 4-inch capacitive touchscreen and a whole host of interface modifications that Sony Ericsson has created for the phone, and for a range of other handsets that'll be launched in 2010.

We got up close and personal with the handset, and spoke to Steve Walker, Sony Ericsson's head of portfolio planning, about how the release represents the company altering the way it does business. He told us that the company is now focusing on providing camera and multimedia functionality in the same phone - rather than splitting the product range.

The X10 represents that move, including both an 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and a 3.5mm headphone jack (very welcome on a Sony Ericsson handset) with a tonne of multimedia software - something that is a weakness of the default Android build.

The Android build has been heavily modified for the X10, but it's just the start of a whole range of both Android and Symbian handsets that'll be appearing from the company in the first half of 2010. Each will share a common interface design and set of applications and functionalities, starting with Timescape and Mediascape on the X10.

Timescape is a communications app, which aggregates email, ?Facebook, Twitter, IM, and SMS into one big lifestream that you can navigate through. Each "event" is represented by a tile, which you can tap to view in more detail, or long-press to get a preview of.

That tile has a button marked with an "oo" infinity symbol. Hitting that will take you to related content - which could be content from the person in question, or it could be web content related to whatever is on the tile. The list can be filtered by medium, and you can reply to individual messages within the application.

Mediascape is the other "signature" application. It's built around music, video and images and organises all three on your device. It incorporates players for all three, too, and can hook into various bits of online content. YouTube was named explicitly, but we'd expect Last.fm and perhaps Flickr to show up here too.

Items in Mediascape also have an infinity button and pressing this will again summon related content. For a band, that could be songs on your device, YouTube videos, or even other artists that are similar to whatever you're listening to. The overlaid controls of this section looked quite similar to the Zune's UI, though that's only a good thing.

Lastly, the image viewer in Mediascape supports facial recognition, meaning that you can tag up to five people in a photo and then the handset will attempt to identify those people in other images too - the more you tag, the more accurate it is. The feature can also hook in with your contacts list - you can tap a person in a photo to call them, for instance.

Although Sony Ericsson has deeply modded the UI, it's still Android at its heart. Any regular Android app can be installed and will look normal, and no sections of the default interface have been locked off and made inaccessible. Mostly they've just been re-skinned.

The handset packs a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and has a big 4-inch capacitive FWVGA TFT touchscreen. It has an 8-megapixel camera, with LED flash, and comes with an 8GB microSD card in the box. It has HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth, and connects to computer via micro- (not mini-) USB on the top.

It'll initially be launched in Q1 in "some markets", rolling out across the rest of the world (including Japan) over the first half of the year. It's not clear exactly which markets, but Walker hinted that Europe could be high on the list, discussing its "more flexible carriers" compared to the United States.

As for when in Q1, Walker said "it's not going to be two months, and it's not going to be five. You won't be seeing this on 31 March". Perhaps late February is a good estimate then, though handsets are often prone to delays. Although it ships with Android 1.6, Walker confirmed that Android 2.0 would be rolled out as soon as possible.

However, as this is only the first in a range of Android and Symbian handsets from Sony Ericsson that'll be packing similar user experiences, we wouldn't imagine that the company would be hanging around in launching this product. When we hear anything concrete about launch dates, or pricing and networks, we'll make sure that you know.

Update: There's now an Official Press Release on the handset.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Android

Sony Ericsson unveils the Xperia X10 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:00:00 +0000

It appears the HTC HD2 has found a home with a UK operator as T-Mobile has revealed via its website it is to offer the new device.

The new Windows Mobile 6.5 handset offers a 4.3-inch multi-touch display, speedy Snapdragon processor, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, GPS and HSDPA.

The "HTC Touch HD2" has now appeared on T-Mobile's coming soon section of its online shop with a due date of November.

However, it's accompanied by the wrong image and is said to boast a 3.8-inch screen and Android Market, so we're certainly not holding our breath on this one. ?

UPDATE: T-Mobile says it has no comment.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC HTC HD2 T-Mobile Android Windows Mobile

T-Mobile to offer "HTC Touch HD2" with Android Market originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:20:04 +0000

Gosh, Sony Ericsson has done quite a job on the interface for its forthcoming "Rachael" Android handset. The bulk of the additions seem to be targeted at the multimedia end of the operating system, which, as Engadget points out, has always been a little on the meagre side.

There's a tinge of blue about everything, and some very Zune-influenced menus and interface choices. Lots of big pictures of artists too, which we hope are sourced from the Web, otherwise our patchy ID3 tags will be exposed. The title of the video also betrays the screen resolution that the device is getting - a roomy 480 x 854.

So we've got a good look at the interface, and a good look at the outside of the device, all that's left is a full reveal of the handset - something that we should be getting imminently. We'll keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Video Android

VIDEO:Sony Ericsson's Rachael Android UI detailed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:44:08 +0000

Suggesting a UK annoucement might not be too far off, it's been revealed the Droid by Motorola, recently jointly announced with Verizon in the US, is to launch in another country soon.

O2 Germany is to offer the new Android handset, but under a different name - Droid being what Verizon has dubbed its forthcoming family of Android-based phones.

In Germany the Droid will launch as the GSM "Milestone" sometime in November although details for consumers are yet to be confirmed.

Whether this suggests the phone may be an O2 offering in the UK - the operator already boasts the iPhone and the Palm Pre in its device portfolio - is anyone's guess.

Pocket-lint got in touch with Motorola in the UK as the Droid was announced to see when it might be touching down in the UK. At the time a Motorola spokesperson said:

"We've not yet announced availability of this device in other markets, but look forward to continuing to expand our Android-based portfolio around the world".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Droid O2 Motorola Milestone Android

Motorola Droid to launch as Milestone in Germany originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:54:05 +0000

LG's accidentally put a website for its forthcoming Android-powered GW620 handset live a little bit early. While we're expecting it to go down imminently, the site is full of latin text but does contain a few videos that demonstrate some of the functionality of the handset.

There's a 5-megapixel camera, full 5-row QWERTY keyboard, 3-inch touchscreen, 3.5mm headphone jack and microUSB port. On the inside, it comes equipped with Android (though not Android 2.0, it appears) with custom UI, a "social networking service manager", and some intriguing facial recognition software.

Check out the video above, complete with social networking butterfly, creepy stalker-owl and awesome QWERTY-toothed monster thing. There's no sign of any pricing or availability info yet, but it's due before the end of the year. We'll keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones LG LG GW620 Android Qwerty Video

VIDEO: LG accidentally unveils GW620 details originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:11:28 +0000

HTC CEO Peter Chou has confirmed that the company has no plans to launch an Android version of its?HTC HD2?handset.

"Technically, we could make the HD2 an Android phone, but I have to take care of Windows Mobile", Chou told Forbes magazine.

The handset, which has just been?priced in the UK and sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, a 1GHz processor, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS and a 5.0 Megapixel camera, is expected any day in the UK with Windows 6.5 as the operating system.

"We're working hard on these kinds of products to get excitement about Windows Mobile back", says Chou.

The news is likely to come as a disappointment to the Android fan base hoping to get a big screen touchscreen device from HTC.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android HTC Windows Mobile HTC HD2

HTC: No Android HTC HD2 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:51:00 +0000

While Verizon has come clean about the Motorola Droid it's had lurking up its shirt sleeve, there's still the mystery of the HTC Droid Eris to clear up.

We know that Verizon is planning a veritable family of Droid handsets and the Eris, also known as the HTC Desire to its special friends, is tipped to be the next relative to market.

There's been whispers of low-end spec and a pocket-friendly price point of around $99, but now an image of the Hero-esque device has emerged over on PhoneArena.com.

The snap - from a tipster - comes in with the info that the Android device will get Wi-Fi and a 5-megapixel camera, but none of the slim-line slider looks of the Droid by Motorola.

If that wasn't enough to entice, HTC CEO is on record saying:

?"We've worked with Verizon for several years, but this is the first time we've been elevated to the role of core supplier", he says. "We are very excited about that opportunity".

The comment came in a recent interview with Forbes where it reports the?"company will introduce an Android phone on Verizon later this year, Chou confirmed. He says the handset, which will likely debut in the first week of November, is a sign of HTC's growing rapport with Verizon, the largest U.S. wireless operator.

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• and via - Forbes

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Android Verizon Motorola Droid Rumours

HTC Droid Eris gets a little bit more leaked originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:55:05 +0000

The New Yorker's front cover for its latest issue will show an illustration of parents accompanying kids as they trick or treat on the street.?

The interesting element though, isn't the illustration style or the recording of something millions of families do at Hallowe'en, it is the fact that while the children ask at the doors of houses for sweets, the adults are buried in their phones.?

The latest edition of the New Yorker will be out on the 2 November, with no hint as to what the cover story will be about.

But it's a good question? Will this be you at the weekend? Let us know in the comments

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones iPhone Android

Phone addicts at Hallowe'en: Is this what we have become? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:57:39 +0000

HTC?has confirmed that it will be bringing Android 2.0 to the HTC Hero.

"The rumors are true! Hero will be getting an Eclair update. We ask for your patience as we update Sense for the fancy new Android OS", the company said via its official Twitter feed.

No deadline was given as to when the handset maker will release the update, or whether it will be coming to other handsets like the G1, G2, Magic or Tattoo, but presumably it's a matter of implanting the Sense UI into the OS.

HTC is expected to announce?a new handset?next week under the Droid family banner from Verizon, however comments from Verizon suggest this won't be an Android 2.0 sporting device.

We will keep you posted.

UPDATE: There are unconfirmed rumours that in the meantime, the HTC Hero won't be getting the Donut 1.6 update. Our approaches to HTC on the subject were met with a refusal to comment.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android HTC Google HTC Hero

Android 2.0 HTC Hero Inbound originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:39:37 +0000

Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 will not just be setting the cat amongst the pigeons but is probably more akin to handing a rocket launcher to our feline friend as well. From demonstration, the turn by turn satnav system has got several advantages over traditional PND devices from the off but if you need convincing, hereare five reasons why you might want to try it and a few just to make you think again.

More accurate maps

One of the problems with satnav devices is that they often rely on outmoded maps usually either supplied by Tele Atlas or Navteq. The trouble is that, not only are these maps slightly inaccurate on purpose, but roads change quite frequently and theses companies can only send round cars to check once every 18 months or so. Recently Google started crowd sourcing corrections much as the OpenStreepMap project does, which means that the internet giant's atlas is going to be more accurate than on any other navigational device. Perhaps it's only a relatively small amount, but take into consideration the updates to way points and business addresses too and it becomes more important. Nothing more frustrating than to drive all the way to a museum to find it's closed or not even there any more.

Superior search

You don't have to just search for a destination or address but you've got the whole of Google's database to rely on for finding a place you want, and you're not going to find one on any PND as good as that. It's up to date and comprehensive and it'll even search specifically places along the corridor of your route. While most satnavs have a set number of way-points, this system will find you just about anything. If you're looking for a spanner on the way to fix your girlfriend's car, then it'll take you via the appropriate hardware store with just the one you need. Scarily, it's probably the ultimate on the move tool for stalkers for the same reasons too.

Voice Control

This is one of those areas that you really need to have tried out before we know whether it's a boon or not but, potentially, a voice activated satnav is a lot easier and a lot safer while drivers are supposed to be keeping their eyes on the road. You can use it just as you would a Google search and demand the same parameters, even if they're fairly vague - eg: cinema in East London that shows art house films. It'll then direct you to Rich Mix or Rio or any suggestion for the theatre you're after. Naturally, traffic noises, the radio, kids in the back or a poor mic on your handset could completely scupper this one but it's a nice idea. It did also seem to take the phone a little while to register in the demo video but at least it cuts down on finger work for long search enquiries.

More views

While traditional hardware satnavs recently added 3D views to their maps and a few landmarks too, these have only ever been in place for a limited number of roads and cities. GMN can offer a complete set of satellite maps with which you can zoom in to road level detail plus there's also Street View for a few parts of the world to offer drivers an exact picture of what the upcoming junction may look like. You might not use it all the time but that's one feature you just can't compete with.

Live traffic integration

We were calling for this one for years before the satnav companies finally linked up the traffic reports with route guidance to give us now, not only the shortest journey from A to B but also the fastest as well. The trick here for Google is the way they've shown it on the UI and the fact that it comes at no extra cost as well. The traffic view mode highlights sections of your route in either green, yellow or red depending on how heavy going the conditions are. If you're not happy with what you see, you can get the software to re-route for you.

It's free!

There's probably quite a bit of egg being wiped off TomTom's faces right now and, if there isn't, it's because the company must be too busy worrying just how it's going to convince consumers to pay the ?59 for the mobile app when it launches on Android. It might also tempt a few potential iPhone users away from the platform, but then we all know that that Apple logo doesn't come cheap. The fact is that whatever satnav hardware or other navigation mobile software manufacturers can offer - which is probably going to be a lot less than this Google package anyway - it's going to be next to impossible to beat them on price, and, as a race of thoroughbred cheapskates, that means a lot.

So, Google seems to be right on the money with this but it's not all roses. There could be a few problems with the software's implementation and practical use in the field. Most of them are centred around the age old issue of the software they can account for, but over the hardware that runs it, Google has a lot less control.

Sucks up battery

If you're using GMN on your Android phone then it's going to tear through the battery, which is massive issue as smartphones get smarter anyway. You'll have to find an adaptor for your 12V car socket or you can kiss goodbye to complete route guidance, let alone a day of actual phone use. This, of course, isn't so much of a problem with a traditional satnav. You're not going to need one of them to make a phone call after you get out of the car.

Small Screen

The very smallest satnavs have got 3-inch displays and many people prefer something around 5 inches for a decent route guider. There's not a lot of phones out there with that kind of pixel power and it's really a tablet that you're going to need to offer that kind of size.

Touchscreen trouble

The whole system is going to rely on a decent interface. Google can take care of one end but there's nothing more frustrating than a satnav with a dead touchscreen. This is not the kind of thing that'll make the GMN experience a joy. Pick the wrong phone and you might never use the service again. The same is true of the microphoneto to a lesser extent, but that would only affect the voice control feature.

Less of a navigational pedigree

Now, it might be that Google gets it bang on but TomTom, Navman and co have been practicing with their market for many years. There are touches in their systems like fuel counting and economy settings that don't appear to be part of GMN as it stands. Until we get a good look at the system, we're not going to know what else might have been missed out. Also, as far as commercial organisations go, it's a lot cheaper to buy their drivers PNDs than it is to fork out for Android handsets and educate their employees on how to use them.

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• News - Google to add free turn-by-turn navigation functionality to Maps on Android 2.0 phones

Tags: Phones Android Google Google Maps GPS software GPS Software Android 2.0 Street View Video Google Maps Navigation

Six serious reasons why Google Maps Navigation is pure win... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:54:47 +0000

Verizon has officially announced the teased and leaked Motorola Droid - or as it's officially dubbed "Droid by Motorola" - in the US with a launch date in early November and a $200 price tag to those happy to sign away 2 years of their mobile life.

And happy they might well be as the Android 2.0 device, complete with Google's new Maps Navigation, looks like a pretty capable gadget offering 3G speeds, slide-out QWERTY keyboard yet skinny dimensions, multi-tasking abilities, a 5-megapixel camera with video, voice-activated search and a 3.7-inch high-res widescreen, capacitive touch display.

Due to be the first Android 2.0 device to hit the market, the Droid gets Wi-Fi, A-GPS, Android Market, customisable homescreens, accelerometer, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, 3.5mm headset jack, USB 2.0, visual voicemail, expandable 16GB memory card, Flash 10 ready HTML5 browser, Gmail (plus others), Exchange support and Amazon MP3, Google Talk and YouTube preloaded.

Droid by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon from Friday 6 November for $199.99 with a new 2-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Motorola will also be offering a multimedia docking station to "transform" the Droid into an alarm clock, movie player or digital picture frame. An in-car mount will also be available.

Pocket-lint got in touch with Motorola in the UK to see when we can expect to be able to do the robot with this new device, but have received a statement that gives nothing away. It reads as follows:

"We've not yet announced availability of this device in other markets, but look forward to continuing to expand our Android-based portfolio around the world".

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Related links:

• Photos - Hands on gallery

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Verizon Motorola Droid Android Google Android 2.0

Verizon officially announces Motorola Droid originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:40:33 +0000

Google has just thrown somewhat of a spanner in the works for satnav hardware and software companies as it has revealed it is to offer free turn-by-turn navigation functionality to its Maps product that will be offered in Android 2.0 devices.

"Maps Navigation" will debut in beta by default on all Android 2.0 devices and appears to offer a comprehensive satnav service that integrates Google's two very popular products, satellite and Street View, which could be used for the likes of lane guidance.

Hit play on the video above from Engadget that sees a Google product manager giving an overview of the potentially disruptive new service and we'll bring you more on this breaking news as we have it.

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• Feature - Six serious reasons why Google Maps Navigation is pure win...

Tags: Phones Android Google Google Maps GPS software GPS Software Android 2.0 Street View Video

Google to add free turn-by-turn navigation functionality to Maps on Android 2.0 phones originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:35:06 +0000

So, Eclair has arrived, pretty much as we predicted. The SDK is now available to developers who want to build the next version - version 2.0 - of Android into their devices, as well as people who want to create apps for the platform.

Among the improvements will be email and contact syncing with multiple accounts from multiple sources, Exchange sync support, a combined inbox for those multiple email accounts, better calendar, improvements in address book UI, loads of camera improvements including flash, digital zoom and a macro mode, a better virtual keyboard, improved graphics, three-point multi-touch, a better browser and Bluetooth 2.1.

Some of those things, like the keyboard and exchange support, have been provided by device manufacturers building their own editions of Android, and some have been waiting in the wings for a while. Will these improvements bring bog-standard Android up to the same level that HTC took it to with its Sense add-ons?

We'll have to see when there are some phones available with it on.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Google Operating Systems Video

Android 2.0 rolls out to developers originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:58:47 +0000

Early next year, Google is set to launch version 2.0 of its Android mobile operating system, codenamed "Eclair". The platform is confirmed to be appearing on the forthcoming Motorola Droid, but what about other manufacturers?

Samsung is staying tight-lipped about its Android experiments, perhaps following the difficult birth of the Galaxy i7500. HTC, however, buoyed by the success of its Hero handset, has happily confirmed to Gearlog that it has Android 2.0 in-house and it's working on it for future handsets.

What's not entirely clear yet is whether current Android handsets will be able to be upgraded to version 2.0. An Android 2.0 announcement is due imminently, so perhaps some of the questions surrounding the platform will be answered then. We'll keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Operating Systems Android HTC Samsung

HTC working on Android 2.0 handsets originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:11:54 +0000

Google has unveiled a new version of the Gmail web interface for the iPhone and Android handsets. The last edition was released back in April, but since then the company has made a whole host of improvements, making the mobile version nearly as feature-complete as its desktop equivalent.

Google says: "Over the last six months, we've added a lot: mute, label management, keyboard shortcuts, smart links, an outbox, and the ability to move messages (label and archive in one step)".

"Some new features, like swipe-to-archive and auto-expanding compose boxes, take advantage of these mobile phones' unique properties. We also made address auto-complete faster, enhanced refresh capabilities, and sped up loading so Gmail for mobile starts in under three seconds on newer smartphones".

To get the update, you'll need to go to Gmail.com in your mobile browser, and when we tested it on an HTC Hero we had to download and install a small amount of data, presumably to enable the speed enhancements and offline support.

Unfortunately it doesn't hook into the notifications section of Android devices - they take you to the platform's default, but limited, Gmail app instead. We'd expect improvements to the default Gmail app in future Android builds, like Donut and Eclair.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android iPhone iPhone apps Google Apps Gmail Email

Gmail gets updated for iPhone and Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:43:07 +0000

Video footage of the Dell Streak - a 5-inch, touchscreen, Android-based mobile internet device, or MID - has hit the net.

Tinhte has gotten hold of one of the mythical machines and it looks like a pretty nifty internet tablet-type offering, although being much larger than a phone and much smaller than a netbook means it won't appeal to everyone.

With a 800 x 480 resolution screen, it's thought to run Android 2.0 and offer Bluetooth, 3G, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, a microSD card slot and Wi-Fi.

Hit play now to see a good 3 minutes of Streak action and we'll keep you posted with more news on this new device as we have it.

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Tags: Hardware Tablet PCs Dell MIDs Rumours Android Internet tablets Video

VIDEO: Dell Streak Android-based MID leaked on film originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:58:49 +0100

So much for a teaser campaign,?Motorola?has just gone live with full details of its yet unannounced handset the Droid thanks to a slip up from the website team.

The microsite, which has since been pulled, offered, albeit briefly, a plethora of details no doubt spoiling any build up from Motorola and Verizon in the run up to an expected unveiling on 28 October.

Details, and there are plenty, show that the new Android powered handset will sport a slide out QWERTY keyboard, CMDA connectivity (via Verizon) Android 2.0 (?clair), a 5 megapixel camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3.5mm headphone jack.

On the front it will come with a 3.7-inch screen, weigh 169 grams and offer all the swings, bells and whistles that you would expect from a high-end smartphone.

On the camera front users will be able to capture video at DVD quality up to 24fps and zoom in 4x via a digital zoom. There is a dual LED flash and it features automatic focus.

The browser is the Android standard Webkit offering, however it will feature HTML 5 and Flash 10 support when available in 2010.

Accelerometer, 550MHz processor and 16GB microSD pre-installed with support up to 32GB completes the package.

Pre-installed apps include Amazon MP3, Facebook and Google apps. The phone will also support Google Voice search.

No word on pricing or availability as yet.

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Related links:

• Via - BGR

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Motorola Droid Google Android Verizon

DROID by Motorola officially outed... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:53:32 +0100

HTC is struggling to meet demand for its flagship Android handset, the HTC Hero, according to the company's VP Asia-Pacific Jack Tong. Sales in Europe and Asia are very strong he said, which is causing production difficulties.

"The tight production will not be eased until November and the sales momentum of HTC Hero is expected to continue in the first quarter of 2010" said Tong when asked about the handset by DigiTimes. HTC believes that despite competition from a whole range of other manufacturers, it can maintain its lead in the Android phone market.

However Tong admitted that it'd take until the second half of 2010 to actually call the race, given Motorola's late, but strong-looking, entry with the Motorola Droid. There's also the recently launched US edition of the Hero to consider.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC HTC Hero Biz Android

HTC Hero "in short supply" originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:57:24 +0100

Said to be the first pay as you go Android-based smartphone, the T-Mobile Pulse is now available to buy in the UK for ?179.99.

A Huawei-made handset, the new Pulse is an HSDPA device, packing in Wi-Fi and GPS while around the back is a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera, but no flash.

The slimline touchscreen phone comes with a 2GB microSD card under a flap on the side with a 2.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone and an adapter in the box.

As well as on a PAYG basis, the Pulse is available on a ?30 per month, 24-month contract.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones T-Mobile Android T-Mobile Pulse PAYG Huawei

T-Mobile Pulse now available in the UK originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:45:18 +0100

The much-rumoured gPhone turned out to be "not one, but a thousand gPhones" when Google announced the launch of Android, its mobile phone operating system, but that is about to change.

While it's unclear what has prompted the internet giant to make the switch to offer its own hardware, design sources from within Google have revealed it is to offer an Android smartphone of its own.

"Google is working with a smartphone manufacturer to have a Google-branded phone available this year through retailers and not through telcos, according to Northeast Securities analyst Ashok Kumar, who has talked to Google's design partners about the plan", reports thestreet.com.

By offering the phone direct to consumers, rather than through an operator, it could be suggested Google's reason for a move into manufacturing could be to allow the consumer - and not the operator - to decide on features and apps, such as Google Talk, the VoIP solution.

The report suggests that the phone will use Qualcomm chips and could possibly be manufactured by HTC, a company Google appears to have good relations with that has worked with Android since day one.

The same source also reports that a Google Chrome netbook, again with Qualcomm chips and made by Qunata, will go on sale next summer.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google Android gPhone HTC Qualcomm Rumours

Google will launch an Android gPhone originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:19:38 +0100

Sony Ericsson's Xperia handsets are due a successor, and it seems version 3 isn't too far off. The official Twitter account of Ericsson Labs (which isn't part of Sony Ericsson, technically) has been retweeting a rumour that the handset will be announced in November.

The Xperia 3 is expected to be powered by Android and has been codenamed Rachael by Sony Ericsson. It's rumoured to contain an 8-megapixel camera, 3.5mm headphone jack, 800x400 display and microSD card expansion slot.

Some spy shots have leaked out too, which marry up with spy shots seen in the past of the handset. We'll find out for sure next month, and if you stay tuned to Pocket-lint then you'll be the first to know.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Sony Ericsson Xperia 3 Android

Sony Ericsson Xperia 3 spy shots leak originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:02:20 +0100

Images of an unidentified HTC phone have been posted online, prompting speculation this could be the rumoured HTC Dragon.

The Dragon or "Zoom 2" is thought to be the Android counterpart to the recently announced high-end HD2 Windows Phone from HTC, although this device's design details don't look as slick as the HD2.

The leak, from a "ninja" source of theunlockr.com, reveals nothing about specs, but androidguys.com has stepped in with news of a Snapdragon processor, multi-touch display, 5MP camera, Wi-Fi and GPS on an Android 2.0 handset.

We will keep you posted.

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• First look - HTC HD2
• Via - BGR
• And - AndroidGuys

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC Android Rumours HTC Dragon

Mystery HTC Android phone gets snapped originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:52:00 +0100

The ebook reader product releases continue apace, but this time round there's something a little different on offer with an Android phone incorpoated into an ebook reader.

Spring Design has announced "Alex", the first e-book reader running Android with full browser capabilities and two screens - one a 6-inch E-Ink display and a 3.5-inch colour display underneath.

The unusual device can "liven up text" with multimedia links, the target of which can be displayed on the secondary colour LCD screen, actually an integrated Android mobile device, which can also show photos and videos.

"Duet Navigator" tech means content can be shown on either screen while "Link Notes", a multimedia authoring tool means users will be able to "dynamically grab relevant content".

With Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, Alex offers expandable storage via SD card, headphones and speakers, as well as "smartphone capabilities".

Spring Design says it is "currently in discussion with, and enlisting major content partners and plans to release the Alex device for selected strategic partners by the end of this year".

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Tags: Gadgets eBook readers Spring Design Spring Design Alex Android Phones ebooks

Spring Design Alex dual-screen ebook reader announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:02:18 +0100

Motorola's leaked Droid, a new Android-based handset, is getting very close to launch as Verizon - the mobile phone operator in the States that will offer the device - has begun a teaser campaign.

"All the things your phone doesn't do, Droid Does", states Verizon, in a direct attack on Apple's popular iPhone while the ad lists all the iPhone's "iDont's".

These include digs at the iPhone's lack of ability to run simultaneous apps, that fact that phone only has a 3.2-megapixel camera, lack of "open development", and no interchangeable battery.

Hit play now to see the ad/attack - the Motorola Droid is being prepped for a November launch - we will keep you posted.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Android Verizon Advertising Video Rumours iPhone Apple

VIDEO: Verizon teases with "Droid does" anti-iPhone ad originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:03:45 +0100

After months of rumours, some specific info - and images - of the Motorola Droid have been leaked online by US blog Boy Genius Report.

The new phone, due to launch on the Verizon network in the States, appears to be Motorola's high-end attack on the Android market.

Running Android 2.0 the handset is said to be fast, and although just thicker than an iPhone,? thin for a QWERTY slider.

With a capacitive touch display, the Droid will come with a desktop cradle charger that will mean the phone can be used as a "multimedia station" displays weather, time, and the like.

"It's the Android device to beat, and easily the most impressive. From what we’ve been told, Google had a direct hand in the Motorola Droid", says BGR.

More detailed information is promised soon - we will keep you posted.

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• VIDEO - Verizon teases with "Droid does" anti-iPhone ad

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Motorola Verizon Android Motorola Droid Rumours Google

Motorola Droid leaked in more detail originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:40:40 +0100

It seems as if Motorola is going all out with the robot theme for its new, and as-yet unannounced, Android phone the Motorola Droid.

Previously leaked under its production name of Sholes, the new gPhone is a QWERTY effort due to the Verizon Wireless network in the States.

US blog Boy Genius Report appears to have gotten hold of a handset and is merrily teasing away with a suitably skimpy clip. Hit play now - and more is promised soon.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Motorola Verizon Rumours Video Motorola Droid

VIDEO: HELLOMOTODROID teaser originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:13:58 +0100

Eric Schmidt, Google's CEO, declared during the company's earning's conference call that "Android adoption is about to explode". He's referring to his company's open source mobile phone operating system that powers handsets like the Motorola DEXT and HTC Hero, unless we're mistaken and Google's about to launch a range of human-like robots.

There are now 12 Android phones available on the market, six of which are available in the UK. Google's objective in offering its platform for free to phone manufacturers is to increase the amount of people using the mobile web, so that the company then has more advertising inventory to sell across it.

Google says that mobile search is up 30% on Q2 of 2009, so it might be making headway in that area. As the range of handsets increases, so too will the amount of people carrying Android phones. Schmidt reckons that now the range has reached the crucial point where there's something for everyone - the "necessary conditions" are now set for growth.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Google Eric Schmidt

Google's Schmidt predicts Android explosion originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:31:41 +0100

Google's had a whopping great big foam eclair delivered to its front lawn. If that means the same thing as when the team got a massive great big donut delivered, then version 2.0 of the Android operating system should be just days away. Each Android release has a cakey codename - Cupcake, Donut, and Eclair, with Flan to follow afterwards.

The release will just be to developers, though. Donut, which showed up in September in its giant foam incarnation, is only now starting to slowly roll out to consumers - starting with US T-Mobilers. We're still awaiting confirmation of when UK Android owners will be able to get their hands on the update.

Best estimates of Eclair arriving to consumers are Q2 2010, to match up with Motorola's second Android device - the Sholes handset. There's nothing official on that front yet, but the very moment we hear anything we'll be sure to let you know.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Google Software updates Video

VIDEO: Giant foam Eclair arrives at Google HQ originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:39:26 +0100

It was a day of firsts for Acer today: their first Android handset, the first handset with 1.6 Donut installed (for how long?) and the first Android device powered by the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset (again, for how long?). We got our hands on the pretty sparkly red number and grabbed a few snaps.

Like the other Snapdragon handsets out there – Toshiba's TG01 and HTC's HD2 – the Liquid A1 has a massive screen with a high resolution, in this case 800 x 480 WVGA. It makes it a natural choice for those wanting to watch movies on the move.

The build is solid enough, but it lacks the wow factor of HTC's Hero, instead looking as though it has mostly come out of the mould of the Acer S200 (aka F1). Like the design, the Android offering is rather raw too: you don't get the sort of friendly user interface you'll find on the HTC Hero or the Motorola DEXT.

The Android interface is laid out with a basic three-page home screen set, so you can swipe to one side and find photos on a carousel, and swipe the other and find browser bookmarks, both sitting neatly across to one side, leaving space for future customisation.

The application menu shoots up from the bottom of the screen with real purpose. So far so good, but it is difficult to tell from a brief hands-on of a device without a SIM or content exactly how the Snapdragon experience will be.

We did try to get something out of the Acer Sync application, but in a disconnected device it isn't possible to see exactly how the 360 syncing service is actually going to work.

We also don't yet have a full run down of the specs, but playing around with it you get HSDPA, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a 5-megapixel camera with various advanced functions, like ISO options, offering some scope with the absence of a flash.

We don't yet have prices or dates, although the rumours are that we'll be seeing it again around the end of November.

Until then, feast your eyes.

News -?Acer Liquid A1 Android handset announced

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Acer Android Acer Liquid A1 Photos

PHOTOS: Acer Liquid A1 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:03:15 +0100

Acer unleashed its Android netbook on the world today, something it had already admitted it was going to do.

The addition of Android isn't the only bonus for the D250 – it also now comes with Windows 7 rather than the Windows XP of the original version.

It is bizarrely familiar to those who have Android handsets, but without the touch support does seem a little weird. Plus, there are no designated keys to support Android, so you end up using the trackpad to get around and the ESC key to go back.

We were on hand at the launch to grab some shots of the new, or rather old, hardware with the new OS shoehorned into place.

We've got a date now too - the D250 will be hitting shelves from 22 October and will come in two versions. The XP Home with Android version will be ?279 and the Windows 7 with Android will be ?299.

News -?Acer officially announces Aspire One D250 with Android

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Tags: Hardware Laptops Netbooks Android Acer Acer Aspire One D250 Photos

PHOTOS: Acer Aspire One D250 with Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:06:44 +0100

The arrival of products like the Archos 5 media tablet and now the dual-booting Acer Aspire One D520 are likely the beginning of more and more Android-based machines arriving on our shelves. The mobile version of the OS hasn't quite got going yet and doesn't do the whole advertising job on behalf of Google computers at this stage but, just because the jury's still out for the main body of the public, it doesn't necessarily mean that an Android-running laptop isn't the way to go. So, is it worth chancing fame, fortune and street cred as an early adopter or are Android PCs a fad worth giving a miss?

Android's Advantages

1) It's light
There's a reason Windows wasn't part of the very first netbook options and perhaps why Apple hasn't been so speedy to bring out an ultra-mobile machine running OS X. They're pretty heavyweight pieces of software and if you're looking at computing on the move then speed is of the essence rather than whether or not you can edit HD video at the same time as getting stuck into a multi-player deathmatch. Android offers boot up speed and a lighter load on your hardware that simply doesn't exist with Windows, without some of the fear and confusion that weighs on consumers considering Linux.

2) It's free
It's okay. We're all cheapskates here. Whether it's part financial or sticking two fingers up at the man or somewhere in between, it's nice not to have to buy into the corporate badge that is Microsoft. Give it a few years and we'll probably be saying the same about Google, but for the time being less money spent on software means more money free for your hardware or food and other such biological and necessity driven annoyances.

3) Mobile syncing
It all rather depends what kind of phone you have, of course, but there seems to be a little less love out there for Windows Mobile than for Android smartphones, which are expected to take second place in phone OS popularity in the next few years right behind Symbian. The beauty of most smartphones is that they will sync up with all the bits and pieces on your computer given a few twists, tweaks and the odd app, but it'll work seamlessly if the two happen to be running the same system. Just the way it is. So, if you're using Android on your mobile or are planning to, then that's a pretty large factor.

4) Less malware
It's a numbers game really. There's very little to no malware at all for Android, the same as for all Linux based systems. It's not that these OSes are necessarily more clever and secure in their own right, just that no one bothers coding the stuff in the first place. It's simply not worth the hacker's while to spend time developing software that's only got a chance of infecting a minute percentage of the world's computers. There's just no money in it. So, not only is your Android laptop lighter from an OS with a smaller footprint but you don't need to have any anti-virus software to slow it down either.

5) Head in the clouds
If you're life's in the Google ecosystem anyway, then there's a lot of sense in opting for an Android PC. If Gmail and Google Docs are the way you run your world, then you might well find that all you need for your mobile PC is a web connection and a browser to sail by. Your main home computer can still stay your hub of all media and graphics, but if you're travelling friend is just for office, e-mail and the Internet then look no further.

The way of the Windows

1) Fewer applications
Just as you don't get as many apps in the Android Marketplace as you do the iPhone App Store, there just isn't as much available software for Android based netbooks. What's more, much of the Linux software won't work on Google's OS either because of issues with running established Java standards. So, you might well have a lightening fast little PC but end up with very little non-web-based apps that you can actually run on it.

2) Familiarity
Are the benefits of Android really that, well, beneficial? Most people will be making the choice between Android and Windows and, as many issues as Microsoftware may have, it suddenly feels very different when faced with the idea of learning a new operating system. It's all fun and exciting on the face of it but when things go wrong and you're trying to dig around options menus that you don't even know where they are any more, it's another thing. So, make sure you're up for the adventure.

3) Multi-tasking issues
One criticism of Google's OS is that it's not so hot on multi-tasking. Now, that's all very well on a mobile phone but even on the move it's quite an important and basic principle of a computer. You may be largely using your browser on a laptop but there's still plenty of times you'll need two, three or more applications open to move between some images, your work, e-mail or even look at some video. And there's few things more annoying than a brand new computer chugging along at snail speeds the minute you start to push it.

4) Hardware compatibility
There's a very limited set of drivers available on Android compared to Windows for the very same reason as there's a very limited amount of malware. It's just not top of a developer's agenda. Turn over enough hardware boxes on the shelves at Dixons et al and you'll be lucky if you see support for Linux, let alone Android. Fortunately, if you do see the friendly little penguin, there's a decent chance it'll work with Google's take on the kernel as well but no promises. You could find yourself with a few headaches in this department.

5) Windows will do
The thing is that, firstly, the latest Windows software isn't wildly expensive any more - and often heavily subsidised in a new PC anyway - and, secondly, even netbooks are getting quite powerful these days - so are the issues of Windows being heavy, slow and costly quite what they were even a year ago? Taken purely on those factors, Android still has the drop on Microsoft but add in the potential problems above and the balance starts to tip.

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Related links:

• News - Acer officially announces Aspire One D250 with Android

Tags: Hardware Android Laptops Features

Five reasons to buy an Android laptop... originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:33:15 +0100

Acer has officially launched their dual OS netbook, combining the Android operating system and Windows 7, which we first brought you news of back in June 2009.

This will mean instant-on booting (18 seconds "to be able to chat") and fast shutdown (3 seconds). You'll be able to access emails and the Internet through Android and switch over to Windows 7 when you want to be more productive.

The new Acer Aspire One D250 with Android comes with a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 LED-backlit LCD display, and is powered by an Intel Atom processor backed by up to 2GB of RAM, and a 160GB hard drive.?

Acer is also claiming that any internet connections made on the Android OS can remain active, even if you "reboot the netbook or suspend the session". We'll pin them down on exactly how this works and will update when we have more details.

We've got a date now too - the D250 will be hitting shelves from 22 October and will come in two versions. The XP Home with Android version will be ?279 and the Windows 7 Start will Android will be ?299.

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Related links:

• Feature - Five reasons to buy an Android laptop...

Tags: Hardware Laptops Acer Acer Aspire One D250 Netbooks Android

Acer officially announces Aspire One D250 with Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:23:10 +0100

Those of you lucky enough to both be in the Google Wave preview and own an iPhone or Android device might be interested to hear that the service apparently works on mobile.

If you visit wave.google.com in your mobile browser, you should find an interface that allows you to view and select waves, different contacts, or view specific things. We tested this ourselves, and got a big fat "Could not open page" on both Android and iPhone, so we can't confirm this development ourselves, but TechCrunch is reporting it as fact.

More interestingly, if - on the iPhone - you save the bookmark to your home screen and re-launch it, then you get a version of the app that doesn't have the Safari functions around it. Instead, it appears full-screen, like a regular app would. This is a feature that was made available a year ago in the 2.1 iPhone update.

One of the biggest issues with Wave in its current state is that you can't access it when you're not sat at your computer, making it considerably less useful as a communications tool. A Wave app for Android can't be too far off, but it'll be interesting to see whether Google sticks with the web app for the iPhone, after its recent difficulties getting its Latitude app approved.

Does it work for you on your Android handset or iPhone? Let us know in the comments.

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Tags: Phones Software Google Google Wave iPhone Android Rumours

Google Wave working on iPhone and Android? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:15:04 +0100

Acer has officially announced the Acer Liquid A1, the company's first Android handset and also the first Android device to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipset.

It will come with version 1.6 (Donut) of Google's operating system and features an 800 x 480 WVGA capacitive touchscreen. It packs in all the normal connectivity with a full fat HSDPA internet experience boosted by the 1GHz processor.

It has an autofocus 5-megapixel camera around the back, which Acer claims is optimised for geotagging, with ISO and self-timer options. It comes in a choice of colours too - white, red and black.

Acer will also be offering their new Acer Sync service in the new phone, which they describe as keeping "one handed" (phones) and "two handed" (notebooks) devices in sync. ?

Other details are currently thin on the ground, but we'll update with more info when we have it.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Acer Acer Liquid A1

Acer Liquid A1 Android handset announced originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:55:46 +0100

HTC has revealed its first set of covers for the HTC Tattoo, the company's new entry-level Android phone now available in the UK from Vodafone.

The HTC Tattoo gets HTC's Sense interface along with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.8-inch QVGA display, GPS, compass, Bluetooth, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD expansion slot and of course, the option to personalise it with HTC's ready made covers.

For those really arty types among us, there's also the chance to design your own cover for the new device. Pricing is from 11.99 euros and the covers are available, direct from HTC, now.

Related links:

• PHOTOS - Palm Pixi Artist Series designs

Tags: Phones Mobile phones HTC HTC Tattoo Photos Vodafone Skins Android

PHOTOS: HTC Tattoo cover designs revealed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:11:17 +0100

Vodafone has announced a triple-whammy of new handsets for customers on its network. There's the Windows Mobile LG GM750, the Android-tastic HTC Tattoo and the snap-happy Sony Ericsson Satio.

We'll start at the top. The LG GM750 has a 3-inch display, 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and GPS. It runs Windows Mobile 6.5, so it'll synch with Outlook and other work-related things, as well as offering four home screens and apps for accessing Facebook, Twitter, email and IM. It's free on ?25+ 2-year monthly contracts.

The HTC Tattoo is another entry-level Android handset for the UK market. It has HTC's Sense interface, like the HTC Hero, along with a 3.2-megapixel camera, 2.8-inch QVGA display, GPS, compass, Bluetooth and the same 528MHz Qualcomm processor as in every other Android handset. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD expansion slot too. Again, it's free on ?25/month 2-year contracts.

Lastly, the Sony Ericsson Satio is a renaming of what was originally called the Idou. It combines the company's Walkman and Cybershot brands to deliver a phone that can take 12.1-megapixel photos with a Xenon flash but also comes with media player functionality. It runs Symbian and has a big 3.5-inch screen. This one comes free on ?35/month 2-year contracts.

All three handsets are available now, and come with 300 extra minutes per month when you buy them online.

Related links:

• News - HTC Tattoo "mass market" Android phone announced

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone HTC HTC Tattoo Android LG LG GM750 Sony Ericsson Sony Ericsson Satio

Vodafone gets LG GM750, HTC Tattoo and Sony Ericsson Satio originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:15:45 +0100

Google has written a blog post and put together a video about one of the biggest new features that comes with the Android 1.6 update (better known as "Donut") - the Quick Search Box. This is a system-wide search engine for your device, meaning that it can look through apps, contacts, and browser history as well as content from the Web.

It'll also provide suggestions as you type, meaning that you won't need to muck about with an on-screen keyboard as much as you might with a traditional search box. Quick Search Box will also learn from your habits and give you faster access to things you search for the most often.

You can also use voice on the search box - tapping the microphone icon and speaking your query or the name of the person you want to call. That only works in English for now, though. Lastly, developers will be pleased to hear that they can hook into the Quick Search Box too - Google's provided some tips on that front on its developer blog.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Google Android HTC Magic HTC Hero Orange T-Mobile T-Mobile mytouch 3G

Google introduces quick search box for Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:21:31 +0100

Vodafone has confirmed that HTC Magic?customers in the UK will be getting the latest Android OS update on Monday 19 October.

"Donut (Android 1.6), the latest version of Google’s Android operating system, is making its way onto the HTC Magic, with the UK roll-out scheduled for October 19", it said to FoneHome.co.uk, a site that the mobile phone operator sponsors in the UK.

The news, which will bring a number of new features, follows Donut rolling out to US MyTouch users, the virtually identical handset.

The update includes an improved Android market, a rolling-together of the camera, camcorder and gallery interfaces, an updated voice search app, and better search experience from the home screen. It also fixes bugs and improves the general performance of the device.

No word on whether or not the HTC Hero, available on Orange and T-Mobile in the UK will be getting the software OS update at the same time.

In the US, Sprint's HTC Hero, which ships on the 11 October will ship with version 1.6 according to Sprint, however Pocket-lint's review unit came with Android 1.5 installed.

We will keep you posted.?

UPDATE on 21/10/09: Vodafone has confirmed that the Donut upgrade is currently being rolled out to Vodafone HTC Magic users in the UK. This process is taking place between the 19-26 October.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Vodafone Android HTC Magic HTC Hero Orange T-Mobile T-Mobile mytouch 3G

HTC Magic to eat Android 1.6 Donut update within days originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:47:25 +0100

Sprint has launched yet another Android handset on its network in the US - this time the Samsung Moment.

The new Google OS powered handset will feature a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, come with the usual array of Google mobile services, including Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail and YouTube, as well as thousands of applications available in Android Market of course.

As with the company's range of Omnia handsets?the "Moment" will get a 3.2-inch AMOLED touch-screen. It will be powered by an 800 MHz processor.

Other features include a 3.2 megapixel camera, Stereo Bluetooth, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Those keen to get the into the "Moment" (see what we did there) will be able to do so from the 1 November for $179.99. Keeping with previous handsets though, that price will only be achievable after a $50 instant saving and $100 mail-in-rebate.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Samsung Android Sprint

Sprint Samsung Moment savours Android OS originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:38:26 +0100

Dell is to launch a smartphone in the US on AT&T early next year according to the WSJ.

Citing "People briefed on the plans" the newspaper is claiming that the new handset will be powered by Google's Android handset, come with a touchscreen display and sport a "tiny camera".

"The phone, like Apple Inc.'s iPhone, has a touch screen instead of a keypad as well as a tiny camera, these people said. Dell's AT&T phone is similar to a device Dell showed in China in August, but has some different features, they said".

If true it would be Dell's first foray into the smartphone market in the US, however not its first foray into a portable PDA device.

Up until 2005, Dell offered a range of touchscreen organisers under the "x" moniker although later shut down the product line over lack of sales.?

The news follows rumours in August of a?Pre-like Dell smartphone running Android which turned up on a Chinese PDA?site.

Earlier on Wednesday?Dell teased with a brief showing of the new Adamo XPS in the flesh.

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Dell AT and T Android Rumours

Dell AT and T powered Android smartphone heading to US? originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:24:55 +0100

T-Mobile's US branch has put out a press release that gives details of the rollout of Donut to owners of the G1 and the myTouch 3G - the latter of which is known in the UK as the HTC Magic. The company says that it's accelerated the rollout of the update after reports that the device would wipe after calling 911.

The update includes an improved Android market, a rolling-together of the camera, camcorder and gallery interfaces, an updated voice search app, and better search experience from the home screen. It also fixes bugs and improves the general performance of the device.

T-Mobile US users will be getting it "in the coming days", and T-Mo "strongly encourages" you to install it. Over in the UK, there's no sign of the update but the company's UK branch has promised us an update on the situation shortly. We'll keep you informed as soon as we hear anything.

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Related links:

• News - Google plans Donut, Eclair and Flan Android upgrades

Tags: Phones Android Software Software updates T-Mobile

Donut rolling out to US MyTouch users originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:52:23 +0100

Following its teaser video the other day, DoubleTwist has announced a new version of its software for Mac that allows users to avoid iTunes and load up music, videos and other media onto their mobile phones. The update brings the addition of the Amazon MP3 store.

It's essentially a desktop front-end to the web store, but the integration - as you can see in the video above - is pretty nifty. Tracks can be purchased with just an Amazon login and will automatically download into your library complete with metadata, ready to be dragged over to your device.

The software works with BlackBerry, Palm Pre, and Android handsets, as well as the Sony PSP and "hundreds of other devices". It's available now, but the version with the Amazon MP3 store won't be out until 13 October. Grab it now, and it'll auto-update then.

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Related links:

• News - doubleTwist parodies Apple's 1984 ad
• Via - MacRumours

Tags: Audio doubleTwist Mac software Apple BlackBerry Palm Pre Android PSP Video

DoubleTwist builds OS X app for Amazon MP3 originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:59:36 +0100

T-Mobile has announced that it will be launching a wooden myTouch 3G in connection with Guitar maker Fender for the Holiday season.

Called the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition, the handset, which is supposedly "perfect for music lovers", is a reskin of the myTouch 3G and features a Limited Edition guitar-inspired wood-grain finish.

If that wasn't enough to woo you into wanting more, HTC has added a 3.5mm headset jack into the mix, as well as, a pre-installed 16GB microSD card and exclusive pre-loaded video and audio clips by iconic musicians in the box.

No word on whether T-Mobile in the UK will be taking the handset, although as it's currently a Vodafone exclusive, it is very unlikely.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones T-Mobile HTC Android Fender T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition T-Mobile mytouch 3G HTC Magic

T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition takes wooden approach originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:22:32 +0100

T-Mobile has finally released the firmware update for its T-Mobile G2 handset in the UK HTC has confirmed.

Although Orange customers have been using the new Orange HTC Hero firmware update for over 2 weeks for their version of the HTC Hero, T-Mobile customers have been left in the dark with T-Mobile giving no reason for the delay.

The new update, which shouldn't be confused with the expected Android donut 1.6 OS update, improves performance of the handset and general bug fixes.

Orange users who have already downloaded the update have reported vast improvements in speed and usability of the device.

G2 users are required to download the update and install it via a PC as the update software isn't Mac compatible.

T-Mobile also notes that "Downloading and updating your software may take some time due to the volume of interest there is in this latest update, so please be patient".

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Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android HTC T-Mobile

T-Mobile G2 HTC update released originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:52:20 +0100

US mobile phone carrier Verizon is the latest company to announce that it is hopping into bed with Google to develop a range of Android powered handsets.

The news, announced on Tuesday, comes as Microsoft launches its Windows Phone, or Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system with a range of new and updated handsets.

"The two industry leaders will create, market and distribute products and services", Verizon and Google said in a joint statement before adding, "consumers will be able to purchase products resulting from the collaboration in Verizon Wireless retail and online stores".

According to the companies, the two mobile powerhouses plan to co-develop several Android-based devices that will be pre-loaded with innovative applications from both parties as well as third-party developers and be released in the coming months.

Although details of what those handsets would be and who would be making them are scarce, the two CEO's might have inadvertently leaked two possible new handsets already thanks to the photo shoot after the announcement.

Looking at the photo call pictures it clearly shows Eric Schmidt holding a currently unreleased handset - perhaps a Verizon version of the HTC Hero - while the Verizon CEO looks to be also holding an announced handset, which some have said could be an unannounced Motorola handset. The Motorola Sholes.

We will keep you posted.?

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android HTC Motorola Verizon Google HTC Hero Motorola Sholes

Verizon to offer Android; CEOs leak new phones originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:34:23 +0100

Samsung has announced another Android handset to follow up the Galaxy i7500. It's called the Behold II, and as far as we know for the time being, it'll only be available in the US - carried by T-Mobile US. As well as Android, it'll carry Samsung's TouchWiz UI.

Like the i7500, it has a 3.2-inch AMOLED display and the aforementioned TouchWiz UI allows you to interact with widgets found in a slide-out tray on the left side of the homescreen. You can also access Samsung's "Cube" menu, which gives access to music, photos, videos, the web, YouTube and Amazon MP3.

It also has a 5-megapixel camera, flash, visual voicemail, music player, the capability to pump in 16GB of external storage (presumably from a microSD card), A-GPS and Bluetooth. We would guess that it'll also come with Wi-Fi, but there's no confirmation of that.

The handset is scheduled to launch "later this year", i.e. before Christmas. Pricing and availability, as well as any news of a UK launch for the device, are unknown. We'll keep you posted.

Related links:

• News - Samsung TouchWiz phones to get App Store

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Samsung Android Samsung Behold T-Mobile Google

T-Mobile US to sell Android-equipped Samsung Behold II originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:29:52 +0100

Acer will be shifting its focus to Google's Android operating system for its smartphones, according to industry sources quoted by DigiTimes. The company will be putting the open-source platform on at least half of all the new models it launches in 2010.

The remainder will be staying with Windows Mobile, with the company sticking with its current production partners, outsourcing both Windows Mobile- and Android-based smartphones to Compal Communications and contracting Windows Mobile handsets to Inventec Appliances.

Acer joined the Open Handset Alliance earlier this year, and its first Android-powered smartphone is due out in November. It's called the A1, and as soon as we're able to get our hands on it, we'll be bringing you a full review.

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Related links:

• News - Acer shows working L1, C1 and F1
• News - Acer announces Android phone due in Q4

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Acer Android Open Handset Alliance Google Biz

Half of Acer's 2010 handsets will run Android originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:42:59 +0100

T-Mobile has launched a new mobile application, the Recycle Guide, which it says "takes the confusion out of what you can recycle and where, both at home and on the go within the UK".

The app offers users info on exactly where the nearest recycling points are, drawn from the largest recycling database in the UK.

As well as info about standard items to recycle, there's also details on where to recycle items such as mobile phones and Christmas trees.

In addition, the Android version lets users pledge to recycle a certain amount and share that promise with a friend.

The application works on most modern mobiles and can be downloaded for free from www.thespark.t-mobile.co.uk or by texting RECYCLE to 80988.

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Tags: Eco T-Mobile Mobile phone apps Android Recycling Phones

T-Mobile offers free Recycle Guide mobile app originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:57 +0100

We've brought you news of the plans to release an Android-based handheld gaming console previously, but now have more info on a release date and a rough idea of pricing.

The Odroid console, from Hardkernal, runs the Android OS 1.5 from a memory card and should be available to consumers from December with pricing pegged around $250.

A developer version of the device has now gone up for pre-order for around $320 with deliveries expected in early November.

The Odroid device offers the same 833MHz Samsung S5PC100 processor as in the iPhone 3GS, 512MB of RAM, a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and an SD card slot with an 8GB card thrown in.

The developer version also offers a download/charger cable, serial console debugging board and extra batteries.

We will keep you posted on the consumer release of this new gaming device as we hear more.

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Related links:

• News - Android games console revealed
• Via - Engadget

Tags: Gaming Android Odroid Phones Gaming hardware Hardkernal

Odroid Android gaming device due December originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:58:46 +0100

Truphone has announced that its popular Android app is getting an upgrade, to version 2.0. The application will be benefiting from a completely new user interface, better account management and it'll also now run natively - meaning it'll run faster.

Truphone, in case you're unfamiliar, allows you to make international calls for the price of a local call - which for most people is free. The call hits a local Truphone gateway, and is then transmitted over the Truphone network.

You can also call people on Skype, on Google Talk, and use IM on the aforementioned services, as well as allowing you access to your contacts on MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM and Twitter.

Karl Good, Director of Consumer Apps for Truphone, told Pocket-lint: "The improvements to the Android application come from customer feedback and lessons learned from our first application to provide a slicker and faster user experience. This new Android application builds on our heritage of being a pioneer in the mobile industry, providing high quality voice services and making Truphone the smart choice for people with an international lifestyle".

If you've got an international lifestyle, then you can download the app from either the Truphone website or the Android market. You can also get Truphone apps for iPhone, BlackBerry and Nokia handsets.

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Related links:

• News - Truphone launches Android app

Tags: Phones Mobile phone apps Android Google Truphone VoIP Software updates

Truphone Android app gets refreshed originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:55:07 +0100

Open-source Android mod Cyanogen has been hit with legal trouble from Google. The ROM heavily modifies the original Android operating system to make it much faster, using parts of code that are already available from the open-source development team, but not yet publicly released as a fully-fledged update.

But Google doesn't like it. The issue is that Cyanogen redistributes Google applications like Maps, Talk, Market and YouTube that the Goog says are proprietary and not part of the open-source operating system. Manfuacturers like HTC who mod the Android OS (with HTC's "Sense" interface, for example) have to get Google's permission to include those apps on their devices.

For a while, it looked like Cyanogen would be forced to shut down, but the modder behind it has come up with a cunning solution. Future releases of the mod will be "bare bones", which will have the call, SMS, photo, etc functionality, but won't have any of the Google applications in by default.

But given that those apps shipped with your handset already, it should be legally okay for you to reinstate them on the new Cyanogen interface. All you need to do is make a backup - using an app that Cyanogen is developing - and then overlay that backup onto your handset. There'll also be an alternative app store, like SlideMe or AndAppStore, which will let you grab alternative applications instead.

Cyanogen promises that more updates will be available once he's manged to work out the code. We'lkl keep you posted of his progress.

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Related links:

• News - Android-based Archos 5 launched
• Via - TechGeist

Tags: Phones Mobile phones Android Operating Systems Google Cyanogen

Google issues cease-and-desist to Cyanogen originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:53:09 +0100