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Nokia Leaning On Google
2008-02-12 13:14:00
In spite of Nokia 's not so kind words for Google 's Android the Finnish phone manufacturer realizes that business is business, and Google can help them. It comes as no surprise to us that Nokia is embedding Google's search engine into its own search application on 4 of it's new handsets. The N96, N78, 6210 Navigator, and the 6220 Classic. Nokia is well aware of the popularity of Google, so they're giving the people what they want. You can check out the small article here on Techworld.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Google News

No Blackberry For You!
2008-02-12 12:52:00
RIM is experiencing major server issues that caused just about half of it's customers to lose service. Every provider was affected including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile. No word on when this will be resolved, but I would be surprised if it lasted for more than 24 hours. Why not use this time to get to know your family and friends all over again? I'm sure they would love holding a conversation with you were you don't check your Blackberry every other second, and they can help you get through your "Crackberry" withdrawl. Oh, and if you're using Microsoft's Exchange Server you are unaffected by this outage. You can be sure Microsoft will remind the rest of the world of this as well. The game never ends, eh?AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.

34 Weeks of OHA: #6
2008-02-12 07:11:00
Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #6 - eBay ) For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.Company Name: eBayHow the OHA site classifies them: Software CompanyWhat the OHA site says about them: Nothing. The name eBay kinda speaks for itself.What they do: ?eBay is The World's Online Marketplace®, enabling trade on a local, national and international basis. With a diverse and passionate community of individuals and small businesses, eBay offers an online platform where millions of items are traded each day.?If you don't already know what eBay is, you're kinda beyond my help. They are, along with Amazon and Google, one of the pantheon of companies that have gone past web success story and deep into holy-sh*t-that's-a-massive-company territory.But they're a company with spiritually uplifting goals, as well. Check out this bit: ?Ultimately, eBay Inc. will raise the expectat...
More About: Weeks

LiMo Foundation Keeps Getting Bigger
2008-02-11 20:49:00
The LiMo Foundation announced the addition of 9 more members to their partnership, bringing the total to around 30 players. The newest members are Orange, Access Co., AMD, FueTrek, Open-Plug, Renesas Technology, Samsung SDS, SoftBank and STMicroelectronics. Just short of the Open Handset Alliance's 34 founding members, these guys might pose the biggest threat to Google's deployment of Android. Either that or they act as the slightly smaller step-brother who keeps getting Google headlines and brand awareness. We defy you to find an article mentioning LiMo where Android is not in the same piece. It's nothing but free publicity for Google and pals. Anybody wanna wager on how long it takes for Google to pick up a few more partners in the OHA? Who thinks Google might just break out their wallet and wave it at LiMo and tell them to put on Android hats?AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Limo

Samsung Is Making Money
2008-02-11 20:12:00
Not everything is bad in the handset manufacturing business, as Samsung announces double digit operating margins. The handset manufacturer also expects to release an Android based handset early next year. You can check out the complete article here courtesy of Reuters. While they have a long way to go to catch the likes of Nokia things are looking up. Samsung expects to show 11 new handsets at Mobile World Congress. Stay here for pics and specs as they are made available.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Money

Nokia Will Reshape The Internet, Not Google
2008-02-11 19:56:00
Well at least according to Nokia 's president and CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo. What makes him so sure of this bold statement? He believes that MAPS 2.0 an application that will be available later this summer is the answer. In an article on EETimes.com Kallasvuo said "By adding context--such as time, place and people--to the Internet , the Web will become something very different from the one you have today." Take that Google ! You can read the complete article here. Never missing an opportunity to bash Google, Kallasvuo had this to say about Android. "Google's Android is still a Power Point presentation." Ouch! Perhaps one of the many Android based phones at the World Mobile Congress will fall on Mr. Kallasvuo's head, but he should be okay. Afterall, Power Point presentations don't hurt all that much.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Software

Texas Instruments Poised To Be Major Gphone Chip Producer
2008-02-11 19:43:00
According to Information Week.com TI is poised to be the leading chip manufacturer of Google's Android based phones. While this doesn't come as a huge surprise or revelation considering Texas Instruments history in handset manufacturing, the article by Alexander Wolfe does lay out some pretty good reasons why TI's OMAP processor is the "right fit" for Android Phones. You can read the complete article here. Texas Instruments is expected to have a working model of one of these handsets in Barcelona today, so keep checking back for pics and specs.As promised here's a pic of a device running on the Texas Instrument OMAP 3430 at 500 MHz. Thanks to ZD Net for the photo! Don't forget this is a prototype so you will have to excuse it's "rough" exterior. So far we know the device is 500 Mhz, features WiFi Bluetooth, and will show off one button access to apps such as email, web browsing, and messaging. You can check out a more extensive write up here on the Channel Web Network.An...
More About: Hardware , Major

AOL Wants to Play Ball Too
2008-02-11 19:13:00
And just when you thought it was safe to stop counting mobile phone operating systems, AOL comes out and says they've got one too. AOL Open Mobile Platform, due out this summer, will provide 'developers with ready access to the tools and source code they need to build and distribute applications across all major mobile device platforms and operating systems including BREW, Java, Linux, RIM, Symbian, and Windows Mobile.Barcelona sure is a happenin' place today! AOL plans to incorporate its e-mail and video service into the platform, with other Internet applications, like its own Mapquest, Winamp and Userplane. Seriously, Mapquest? Aren't there like only 27 people using that program nowadays?Source: TG DailyAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Play , Developers , Ball

zPhone Rumors Start Today
2008-02-11 18:59:00
After pretty much getting laughed at by Yahoo! over the last few days, Microsoft decided they'd buy another company up instead. Today , news is coming out of Silicon Valley that they purchased Danger. Yep, the same Danger who makes the Sidekick from T-Mobile. Let's do a little math, shall we? Hardware(Danger) + Software(MS) + Phone(T-Mobile,etc) = Zune Phone? Did Microsoft just start the ball rolling for their version of the iPhone killer? Time will tell.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Rumors , Start , Leaks

Starbucks Leaving T-Mobile for AT&T
2008-02-11 16:13:00
Coffee giant Starbucks is moving from T-Mobile to AT&T for its Wi-Fi provider. And just like that, T-Mobile loses 7,000 HotSpots. In a deal that dates back to 2002, Starbucks was originally lined up with MobileStar and then T-Mobile. The switch is expected to happen in the second quarter of this year. So what happens to all of the current T-Mobile customers who already had an account set up? Good news! According to Starbucks, they get to keep their accounts. "In recognition of the many T-Mobile customers who enjoy visiting Starbucks, the Company is also announcing that T-Mobile HotSpot customers will be able to continue to access Wi-Fi services at no additional cost, through an agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile."Source: Wi-FI Networking NewsSource: BusinessWireAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Carriers , T Mobile

LiMo Foundation Brings an Army to Barcelona
2008-02-11 15:17:00
In related news, LiMo Foundation is set to show off 18 handsets from 7 different vendors. Exciting stuff for open-source fanboys! Keep your eyes open for devices from LG Electronics, Motorola, NEC, Panasonic Mobile Communications and Samsung.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion.
More About: Barcelona , Army , Limo

Texas Instruments to Demonstrate Android
2008-02-11 15:04:00
The list of companies set to show off Android seems to grow a tad bit each passing day. Rumored, yet never confirmed until today was that Texas Instruments was going to be showing off Android at 3GSM/MWC '08 in Barcelona. Not anymore. TI, one of the founding members of the Open Handset Alliance, has officially made the announcement. Today at Mobile World Congress, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NYSE: TXN) announced it will demonstrate an early look of the Android mobile platform in two forms: a prototype handset based on TI's OMAP850 processor that also includes TI's Wireless LAN (WLAN) and Bluetooth® wireless technology solutions, as well as an OMAP3430 processor-based Zoom Mobile Development Kit from Logic PD. Both demonstrations highlight the flexibility of the OMAP platform's multi-core architecture to deliver high-performance multimedia and sophisticated user interfaces (UI) on the Android platform. Stay tuned for more!AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Googl...
More About: Hardware

AG5 - February 9th Edition
2008-02-09 19:17:00
It's Saturday so you know what that means... Time to hit you guys with 5 articles worth another look. If this is your first time stopping by AndroidGuys, consider this your Cliffs Notes for the last week. 3GSM/MWC starts Monday so check back often for breaking news and updates. We promise to provide you with anything we can get our hands on relating to Android and the Open Handset Alliance. In fact, to make sure you don't miss anything important, subscribe to our feed. Oh, and if you like podcasts, we offer those too! #1 - FCC Auction runs hot and coldFirst we hear that the auction is likely over with the reserve price being hit. A day or two goes by and then we find out that the regional spectrum now sits at a higher total than the nationwide block. Looks like the spectrum will be broken into regions and sold individually. That is unless, bidding gets going again. A few rounds have gone by without much action. Last time we checked, the rumors were that Google owns hig...
More About: Hardware , Software , People , Rumors , Google News

Up to a Dozen Prototypes Expect at MWC
2008-02-09 18:41:00
Next week will be the coming out party for Android. With roughly 100 days passed since the announcement of Android and the Open Handset Alliance, things have come together rather quickly for some. So who will be showing off their wares? You can expect to see plenty of players in the OHA rolling in to town to give consumers a glimpse at their 2008 products and services.Handset manufacturers High Tech Computer Corp.(HTC), LG Electronics Inc., Motorola Inc., and Samsung are all confirmed. We're also going to see chip makers Intel Corp. Broadcom Corp., and Qualcomm Inc. For the most part, the entire OHA will out representing in some form or another!According to CNN Money, it is expected that up to 12 prototypes for Android will be shown at MWC. And here's your final takeaway class... Just because you're not part of the alliance, you're not prohibited from making phones capable of running Android. Watch for ARM's design next week and see what we mean.AndroidGuys | The most tr...
More About: Expect , Discussion

Two Applications Debut for Android
2008-02-09 01:37:00
We were contacted by a representative from Iambic this afternoon. Seems they have a couple of programs for Android ready to go. The first one, 'Tipper' is one of those handy apps that finds itself becoming more useful over time. Impress your friends when you are able to split up a bill and calculate tips based off of number of payers and percentage. Ok, so it's not exactly groundbreaking but with a nice clean look to it, Tipper should make for easy use.The other application finds itself being more practical yet. 'Googhelper' for Android is a utility that helps you launch different Internet searches using mobile versions of sites like Google, Yahoo! Finance, and Amazon, among others. Another case of simple design with intuitive interface. Programs like this get a lot of play when it's so easy to get around them.Once you're done with AndroidGuys, take a trip over to iampowered.com to read more about their projects and other applications. You'll find a couple of videos of...
More About: Software , Applications , Developers , Debut

Open Handset Alliance News (February 8th Edition)
2008-02-08 16:57:00
Holy cow! We are so close to 3GSM / Mobile World Congress that we can taste it. Have you noticed how almost all the discussion surrounding next week is anticipation for Android and what Google is bringing to the show? This time next week we should have a very clear picture as to what the different handset makers are doing for 2008. T-Mobile changing up their T-Zones service (mocoNews ) Samsung Soul appears in time for 3GSM/MWC (Akihabara News) Google adds 'local' to news page (Google Blogoscoped) Qualcomm as LTE in their future (PR Newswire) Spring adds an unlimited everything plan (Sprint) Motorola hooking up with Siemens & Philips? (GSM Arena) HTC Magnum fooled a lot of people (Into Mobile) TI and MIT get together for a new chip concept (TechNewsWorld) Pre MWC LG KF510 is S.E.X.Y. ( UberPhones)AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Software , People , Rumors

About the New Look
2008-02-08 15:18:00
Alright, we'd like to take a second to address the new logo at the top of the site. For those of you who have visited the site before, you'll recall that we used to have a completely different looking robot at the top of the site. It was from a stock image, royalty free, and easy to implement. When starting out, it was the best thing we could find. Times have changed. The biggest problem we had with the robot was that we are AndroidGuys, plural. That poor robot did nothing to indicate we were two guys. Aside from that, it looked nothing like the stuff coming from Google or Android. Using the little green robot from the official stuff as a reference, we created two unique android guys to use as our new logo. Just in time for 3GSM and right on the heels of all this traffic surging we're seeing. Feels more in line with Google and the Open Handset Alliance and we hope you like it! AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.

Use Google Apps Without Pesky IT
2008-02-08 01:02:00
If you work for a company that has an IT department this news may put a little smile on your face. Personally, I would love to try out apps like Opera's Mini web browser, or the new Firefox mobile web browser once it is released but my IT department views these applications as a threat, so they block me from installing them on my Blackberry. While I understand their need to protect their own information as well as their customers, could someone please tell me how downloading a game from RIMS own website is a security threat? Well at least Google feels my pain as they are set to release Google Apps Team Edition that will allow users to download and install Google's popular productivity suite including the word processor, spreadsheet, Talk instant messaging, and calendar. Noticeably absent from the list is Gmail which still requires IT support in order to re-route the companies email. You can check out the full article here on Computer World.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site ...
More About: Software , Google News

Talks Heating Up Between Google and Yahooo
2008-02-08 00:46:00
You can say whatever you want about Microsoft regarding their faulty hardware (Xbox 360) or their buggy software (insert any version of Windows here) but you can't knock the success they have enjoyed over the years. The majority of PC's in the world still use the Windows OS, and Microsoft Office is still the productivity software of choice among businesses and eduacational institutions. So why is that with all of Microsoft's success and their proven track record as a company Yahoo seems dead set against being acquired by the software giant? In an article posted on Computer World the talks between Yahoo and Google appear to be heating up. This in spite of most experts in the field agreeing that such a merger isn't likely to pass anti trust regulations. You can read the full article here. Only a few weeks ago we were discussing the moves Yahoo was making to become more competitive with Google. Obviously something has changed in that relationship for Yahoo to openly court th...
More About: Google News , Discussion , Heating

Might Android Look Like This?
2008-02-07 22:00:00
We've all seen the screenshots of the Android interface floating around on the mockups and reference model. You know the one with the mountain in the back and the menu below. While it might be cool looking a few people, the general consensus would probably be that it looks antiquated and stripped of any flavor. Enter The Astonishing Tribe. TAT is a group of around 100 or more employees working in Sweden, South Korea, and the United States on projects for companies like Samsung and Motorola. They design mobile user interfaces and they do a darn good job of it too.It's no secret that Apple raised the bar when it comes to UI. Pretty much any phone that comes out within the next few years is going to be scrutinized and compared to how the iPhone feels. With concepts like those pictured here, TAT stands a very good chance at taking Android to the dance in a very pretty dress. Some of these designs look years ahead of the stuff people with WinMo and Symbian are running around with ...
More About: Software , Rumors , Leaks

ARM Set To Show Android Based Phone
2008-02-07 15:41:00
The mobile chip manufacturer plans to demonstrate prototype handsets running Google's Android at next weeks MWC. You can view the complete article here on Cnet News. No details were released as far as specs, but could ARM be courting an invitation to join the Open Handset Alliance? Stay tuned to Android Guys for more details and pics as soon as they are released.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Phone , Rumors , Show , Google News

Hey Motorola! 1986 Called...
2008-02-07 14:51:00
You guys remember back in the days of Crocodile Dundee, Wang Chung, and Alf? Well apparently the team of guys who came up with the design for the new Motorola M990 must have used that era for inspiration in the new "Smart Rider" device. It looks like a BlackBerry mated with a pair of Blue Blocker sunglasses and decided to smoke crystal meth during the pregnancy. For those who don't follow, we think this thing is hideous and outdated looking. You're never gonna get out of your rut with devices like this. It gets better. Wait until you see who the target audience is... "with stylish and full features set, it is targeted to a broad band of markets looking for exclusivity like business men, limousines and private cars looking for stylish communication and navigation solution..." FCC - Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report (PDF)So, if you have a car that looks like this, then you'll love the M990. It doesn't even have a cord on it! Seriously Motorola, from the concept all...
More About: Hardware

Verizon Vs Google in 700MHz Showdown?
2008-02-06 16:53:00
The latest information we're gathering this morning indicates that Verizon might be the company going around bidding up all the regional spectrum. If you recall from yesterday's post, if the total amounts for the regional spectrum spots are higher than the nationwide block, it gets split up and given to the high bidders of each region.It's rumored that Google was the company who bid up the price just over the reserve of $4.6B and was poised to take it home. Are the Mountain View boys upset by this? We seriously doubt it. They're more than happy that whoever walks away with it, has to open it up. Oh, and by the way... The auction is not over just yet. So hang in there. See, we told you this would be fun!Source: Engadget Mobile | ForbesAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Rumors , Google News , Carriers

Do Not Be Fooled
2008-02-06 14:10:00
The rumors you are hearing about an HTC Magnum device are false. It is a prank done by a few guys from Portugal. Seriously.. 30 hour battery life, an 80GB hard drive and 2GB of ROM? Then throw in an 800MHz Marvell processor, 512MB of RAM, and a 128MB AMD graphics processor. Oh yeah... the best part is that it weight 1.6 lbs. guys! But wait, there's more! They have pictures of it. It is rather funny to see all these sites who picked upon it yesterday. Sites like Electronista, PhoneMag, SlashGear are wiping a little egg off of their faces today.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Rumors , Leaks

What to Expect From Android
2008-02-06 14:10:00
A lot of the hype around Android comes from developers and their geeky community. The main reason for this is because they "get it". They understand just how groundbreaking an open-source operating system is, especially for mobile devices. But what about the average guy with no idea what Android is or how it could benefit them? That's where I come in. I'm here to help you, the typical AndroidGuys visitor, gain an understanding as to what Android truly is and how it will change your life.Forecasting the Future Using HistoryThe easiest way for me to illustrate my points is by comparing how Firefox changed your internet experience with how Android will change your mobile experience.Remember a few years ago when Mozilla was a relatively unknown, untested company who dropped an alternative web browser on us? Do you recall how at the time, pretty much everyone using the internet was using Microsoft's Internet Explorer? We had been told time and again that it was the best experience we ...
More About: Opinion , Expect

FCC Auction Has Surprise Ending in Store
2008-02-05 19:03:00
Here's what we have so far. The high bid for the national block of the spectrum is standing still with a bid of $4,637,854,000 after 17 rounds. However, the combined bids for the regional blocks now total $4,748,030,000 after 31 rounds. This amount exceeds the nationwide block and throws a twist in. FCC rules state that when the total regional bids exceed the bid for the nationwide block, then the regional bidders win, and the blocks are sold individually. Somebody wake the President. The auction might have just gone into DefCon 5! We'll keep an eye on the auction for you and report back whatever we hear. For now, the smartest thing you can do is to subscribe to our feeds. AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Auction , Store , Ending

Sub $100 Linux Phone
2008-02-05 16:01:00
Purple Labs, a member of the LiMo Foundation has recently announced a 3G Linux reference feature phone offering video telephony, music playback, high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming at a transfer price below US$100. As of right now, this is more of a proof of concept, or prototype so don't expect to see one available for a while. The best part about all this is that since it's Linux based, it's Android capable! Remember kiddies, just because the Open Handset Alliance members aren't the ones releasing devices like these, they are not restricted from running Android.If you're dying to get a glimpse of it in action, run to your nearest airport and purchase a ticket to Barcelona, Spain. That's right, Purple Labs will have these babies at Mobile World Congress/3GSM. "The Purple Magic reference phone clearly demonstrates our combined leadership in the mobile Linux arena," added Wilkinson. "While the mobile Linux industry has largely concentrated on high-end devices,...
More About: Phone

Intel's Silverthorne Due Q2 '08
2008-02-05 15:21:00
Described as "the smallest (x86 instruction set) processor we've built in the last 15 to 17 years", the Silverthorne is coming in the next few months. The good news is that the chip operates at lower power with the performance of a Pentium processor. The not-so-good news is that it still operates at a slightly higher temperature than most other handheld chips. Source: TopTechNewsAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware

Brown to Oversee Motorola Handset Business
2008-02-05 14:35:00
First leaked in an internal email to Reuters and later confirmed by a press release, new CEO Greg Brown has assumed control of the handset division and will oversee it himself. Is he going to right the ship and take them out of the storm? After recent news and speculation, it's more likely that he is he going to clean it up and make it real shiny-like for potential buyers. So what happened to the guy who was supposed to be running the handset division, Stu Reed? He's going to remain with the company and work with Brown on the handset business according to Reuters. For those needing help with translating that, he's going to be the first guy to take orders from Brown. The official 'yes' man.Lot's of luck to Brown, Reed and Motorola . Let's hope they can turn things around.Source: RCR NewsAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Business , People , Rumors

34 Weeks of OHA: #5
2008-02-05 12:59:00
Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #4 - Broadcom ) For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.Company Name: China Mobile Communications CorporationHow the OHA site classifies them: Mobile OperatorWhat the OHA site says about them: Nothing. There's no blurb. Might be a translation issue.What they do: Provide mobile service to more people than any other carrier in the world.They have somewhere around two-thirds of the Chinese mobile market, which, according to Wikipedia, gives them 350 million customers. That's a lot. They also own Pakistan telecomunications company Paktel, which seems like an odd fit, but whatever. China Mobile is the largest company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.They're owned by the government of the People's Republic of China, which may or may not be OK depending on how you feel about human rights and the decline of the West.What they bring to OHA a...
More About: Links , Carriers , Weeks