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20/20 Podcast #8
2008-02-05 02:04:00
Last Wednesday saw Jamie and Scott sitting down to record another pair of 20/20 podcasts. Rather than sticking to a pre-planned 'script' for talking from, we decided to give ourselves a few bullet points to choose from and tackle them in whatever order seemed logical. Our conversation felt more natural to us as we shot from the hip. We're pleased with the results and hope that you will be too! If you have a topic or comment that you'd like to see us cover, leave a comment or drop an email. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the AndroidGuys 20/20 Podcast Feed today!Part 1 (#8A) topics include how Google Android will fit into the prepaid business model. We also touch on the Dell/Google rumor from last week as well as Motorola's possible exodus. Finally, the developer kit news regarding the extended entry date for the Developer Challenge and 700MHz auction round out the first 20 minutes.Part 2 (#8B) had us getting into Nokia and Trolltech's announcement last week....
More About: Hardware , Resources , Rumors , Opinion

Some People Don't Get It
2008-02-04 21:37:00
We here at AndroidGuys keep a close eye on around 10-15 tech, gadget, and cellular sites as well as a couple of 'blogs' we like to cull information from. It always surprises us when a site we revere seems to miss the mark rather bad. We came across an article at TechCrunch today that totally will undoubtedly confuse readers. They'd have you believe that Android phones are already delayed. This is completely wrong. Nowhere else will you read this. The truth is, the 2nd version of the SDK is being delayed as is the deadline for the Android Developers Challenge. And that, friends, we reported last week. Google?s Android mobile operating system is already hitting snags. It is not even out of the gate yet, and the software development kit that programmers need to create applications for Android is being pushed back a few weeks. Because of this delay, the deadline for the $10 million Android Developer?s Challenge is also being pushed back a month from March 3 to April 14.We're...
More About: People , Opinion , Links

LiMo Platform Due in March
2008-02-04 18:39:00
We haven't quite figured out whether LiMo is Android's biggest competition or their closest ally. Since both the LiMo Foundation and the Open Handset Alliance share a lot of similar members, it's hard to say.Scheduled to be at Mobile World Congress (3GSM) next week, the foundation will be showing off their software platform. Pretty much all eyes are focused on what Google and partners will be announcing or debuting. Will LiMo steal some thunder from them? We'll find out soon! In the meanwhile, check out this quote... The LiMo Platform is being readied by mobile leaders working in unison to deliver an open handset platform for use by the whole industry," said Morgan Gillis, executive director of the LiMo Foundation. "The first release of the LiMo Platform combines technologies already extensively market proven within an array of leading handsets. This will enable initial LiMo handsets to register in the marketplace far more rapidly than handsets based on unproven technology....
More About: Rumors , Limo , March , Leaks

Google Yahoo's Savior?
2008-02-04 15:44:00
Microsoft is interested in purchasing Yahoo, but the giant search company has another "alliance" in mind. According to Reuters Yahoo is revisiting the idea of an alliance with Google . Such a move could block Microsoft from any type of purchase. You can read the full article here. I don't know about you but I wouldn't mind seeing Yahoo owned by Microsoft. Competition is a good thing, and if Google somehow manages to acquire a controlling interest in Yahoo that 's one less search company for consumers to use. It's obvious why Google doesn't want Microsoft to obtain Yahoo, so this alliance would benefit Yahoo and Google. Microsoft has pretty deep pockets though, so if they really want Yahoo they will most likely win any bidding war. Stay tuned to Android Guys for more on this one. AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
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Ugly Phone Alert!
2008-02-04 15:03:00
We've been pretty hard on Motorola lately, but not on purpose. It seems like these poor guys can't seem to get anything straight. Whether it be their quarterly earnings, corporate juggling, or their product lines, they're having a heck of tough run right now. Well, things probably aren't going to fix themselves once you take a look at the new A810 handset being leaked online. It's alleged to run Linux, which means, it's gonna be Android capable. The thing looks like the bastard offspring of an iPhone , a RAZR, and a BlackBerry Curve. Look at all the wasted space at the bottom of that thing! Head over to Just Another Mobile Phone Blog for a couple more screen shots. AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Rumors , Alert , Ugly

AG5 - February 2nd Edition
2008-02-02 17:15:00
What a weird week that was. From big news to little news, to non-news, there was a little something for ever day. 3GSM/Mobile World Congress is less than 10 days away so we're getting very excited about what could be in store for members of the Open Handset Alliance. These next few weeks are going to help forecast the rest of this year. All the big guys show up and bring their latest gadgets and phones. #1 - The auction for 700MHz met its reserve.We'll have an open network from somebody in just about 1 year. Who that somebody is has yet to be realized or announced, but one thing is for sure. Everyone wins this one.#2 - Dell and Google sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-GHey everybody, Google is gonna have an actual phone at Barcelona! Dell is gonna partner up with them! ...What? They're not? Ahhh crap. Oh well. Wait, Dell's not even gonna be at 3GSM?#3 - Nokia bought themselves a little trollPurchasing Trolltech for $153 million really opens some doors for Nokia. We w...
More About: Hardware , Software , Rumors , Google News , Carriers

700MHz Auction Likely Over: Who Won?
2008-02-01 20:51:00
There has not been a bid for block C of the spectrum since yesterday's round 17. With $4.71B likely to be the last bid, conversation turns to who won. Let's get this out of the way and answer it like this. Regardless of which company actually ended up with the highest bid and walks away with the golden ticket, the true winners will end up being consumers and end users. It will probably take a few years before people can look back and truly see how monumental this auction was. The effects of an open network will be felt by millions of people whether they know it or not. Tell us in the comments... Who do you think will be found to be the high bidder?AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Auction , Discussion

Open Handset Alliance News (February 1st Edition)
2008-02-01 20:07:00
Do you guys feel that? There's a rumble off in the distance that feels like it is getting closer each passing day. We can't help but get the sense that the Open Handset Alliance (OHA) is like a herd of buffalo. Sure, individually, they are pretty mean, but as a whole, they are much more powerful. One of those "stronger than the sum of its parts" things. The anticipation of finding out what each member brings to the alliance is killing us. Someone hit us up with a leak already! White HTC Touch on its way to Verizon (UberPhones)Motorola and Qualcomm renew vows (Wireless Week)Google/DoubleClick likely to pass (Top Tech News )Google founders swear to 20 year pact (Boy Genius Report)Faster infrared speeds from KDDI (PhoneScoop)Samsung is #2 handset maker worldwide (Just Another Mobile Phone Blog)Sprint patches stuff up with Clearwire (MoCoNews)LG has a sexy new phone without a keypad (GSM Arena)eBay trying to stay competetive, cuts prices (Yahoo!)AndroidGuys | The most trusted si...
More About: Hardware , Software , Rumors

Motorola Exploring Realignment
2008-02-01 15:37:00
Officially, Motorola is considering selling off or branching off their handset business. Unofficially, nothing concrete has been decided, yet. You guys follow that? Shedding themselves of the handset division would not necessarily kill MOT off completely. Consider that they still produce equipment for WiFi, WiMax, set-top boxes, etc. After plummeting profits, losing market share, and unhappy shareholders, it might be a good move for them. All of our businesses have exceptional people, products and intellectual property and the ability to achieve category leadership in their markets,? said Greg Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer. We are exploring ways in which our Mobile Devices Business can accelerate its recovery and retain and attract talent while enabling our shareholders to realize the value of this great franchise.Motorola Media Center announcement.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Exploring , Discussion , Realignment

HTC: Touch Flo 2.0? Manila
2008-01-31 23:04:00
Could HTC be on the verge of releasing an update to their critically acclaimed Touch Flo interface? According to a few sources such as Boy Genius Report & HTC Insider the update is codenamed "Manila " and is supposed to make Windows Mobile devices more "user friendly". They also go on to say that Manila's release my coincide with that of Windows Mobile 6.1. You can check out some screen shots here at The Unwired.net. Personally, I was surprised when I finally got the chance to see Touch Flo in action for myself. I expected it to be sluggish, and not nearly as intuitive to us as the iPhone, but I was mistaken. It even has me considering a Touch Flo based device as my next handset.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Software , Rumors

Rumor Killed: Dell Not Attending 3GSM
2008-01-31 22:36:00
Whether or not Dell ultimately comes out with a device that runs Android, it won't be announced in Barcelona. PC Magazine is reporting that one Anne Camden of Dell told them that 'they are not going to be at this year's Mobile World Congress (formerly known as 3GSM) conference, and they are not releasing a phone there.' Fanboys can still pick that quote apart. "She didn't say they weren't releasing a phone altogether though!"AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Rumor , Rumors , Google News , Killed

Garmin Announces Cell Phone
2008-01-31 20:36:00
The Apple iPhone did a lot more than just turn the cell phone industry on its ear. With it's "revolutionary" design and interface it showed a stagnant industry that innovation was still possible. It also showed manufacturers of other products that your name didn't have to start with an "N" or an "M" to jump into this market. Enter Garmin , a company synonymous with GPS navigation devices. Last night they announced their own handset they call the Nuvifone pictured in this article. Notice the resemblance to the iPhone? It's all touch screen with only a few buttons on either side. Here are the specs that we know of so far: 3.5G network compatibility, 3.5 inch color touch screen display, GPS functions which will use Google's local search capability, video camera, and MPEGG 4/MP3 & AAC. Garmin bucked the trend by releasing this news prior to the 3GSM conference in Barcelona next month. Stay tuned for more details on this one as it becomes available to us.AndroidGuys | ...
More About: Hardware , Cell Phone , Cell

Reserve Price Met: Open Access for All!
2008-01-31 18:55:00
Following a few tense rounds without any bids, the nationwide block of eight C-Block licenses picked up a new bid during round 17 to push the potential winning price for the block past the $4.6 billion reserve mark, thereby triggering the spectrum?s open-access provision. The potential winning bid for the block in round 17 sat at $4.7 billion, with the minimum bid for round 18 set at nearly $5.3 billion. We, or Google rather, can all breathe a little easier. Next year at this time, we should be gearing up to start running our open-source devices on an open-source network! Just a couple of things to ponder. Who bid this up today? How much higher is this going to go? Keep checking back with us and we'll let you know what find out.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Open , Google News , Price , Access , Reserve

Good News, Bad News for T-Mobile
2008-01-31 15:56:00
Taking the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Wireless Customer Care Performance Study seven times in a row is how you keep customers. Congratulations to T-Mobile for the honors! With recent figures showing them picking up nearly 1 million new customers last quarter, odds are good that they'll be happy ones. And as we all know, happy customers are less likely to leave you. Are you listening Sprint?Now, for the not so good news. T-Mobile is embroiled in a class action suit regarding not allowing their customers the ability to opt-out of receiving text messages. With rates between 15-20¢ per message, people should have the right to stop incoming. No excuses for this one. Fix this now and watch your satisfaction rate continue to climb.T-Mobile Adds Nearly 1M U.S. Subs in 4QT-Mobile Continues to Receive Top Recognition for Quality Customer CareT-Mobile Faces Text Messaging LawsuitAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: News , Good News , Bad News

Crunch Time for Google
2008-01-31 07:07:00
It's put up or shut up time for those interested in Block 'C' in the 700MHz auction. Why so? For starters, nobody bid for block C during the last three rounds yesterday. With very strict rules regarding inactivity, the FCC will start to disqualify bidders. Even though there are wavers available for some to skip rounds, it's rumored that at least one bidder is set to run out of wavers tomorrow. If this reserve isn't met fast, Auction 73 could quickly turn into Auction 76, tossing the open standards aside and pretty much ruining Google 's plans. If they haven't put in a bid yet, then there's no better time.Stay tuned to AndroidGuys for the latest updates. Better yet, subscribe to our feed so you can be assured of getting everything!AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Time , Google News , Discussion , Crunch

The iPhone is No Longer Revolutionary
2008-01-31 05:23:00
I'm not gonna beat around the bush here. I like the iPhone. I think the design of it is sleek, classy, and very desirable. What I don't like is the fact that unless I want to go about it illegally, I'm forced to go to AT&T to get one. Being a T-Mobile customer, I am more than happy with my current rates and services. I'd just love a new device that does all the stuff the iPhone does. That's exactly why I am holding off until Android comes out before getting my new handset. Moving 4 million devices in such a short time has definitely opened some eyes. If you count it as a 'smart' phone, then they've snatched huge chunks of market share already. Here's another number for you though. Recent figures have shown that around 1/4th of all iPhones being sold are getting unlocked. What does this statistic tell us? There is a demand to free, or open the device up for other networks and as costly as it is, people are willing to pay for one. If you haven't had a chance to...
More About: Hardware , Iphone , Opinion , Carriers , Revolutionary

Dell and Google Launching Phone Together?
2008-01-30 17:37:00
File this under rumor. For now. According to MarketingWeek, the word is Dell and Google are planning on making the announcement of a joint effort at next month's 3GSM in Barcelona. Makes sense to us and seems to add up when you consider that Dell recently snatched up a Motorola executive to run their new global consumer group. It would really put Dell back in the game if they came out with one of the biggest names in technology as their partner. naturally, sources close to Google deny any pending announcement.We're not holding our breath. It sure would be nice to though.UPDATE: Mike Elgan at ComputerWorld makes a few points to why this is not going to happen. Among his reasons, "Google historically doesn't partner with companies on the co-development of hardware, per se." Good point, but let's not discount that Google wasn't even in the handset game at all 6 months ago. What do we know though? His resume is steeped with credibility compared to ours.AndroidGuys | The ...
More About: Hardware , Phone , Rumors

Motorola Leaving Handset Business?
2008-01-29 19:58:00
The numbers are bad, but are they that bad? According to one guy, they might be. Richard Windsor, an analyst with Nomura International thinks that Motorola may exit the handset business and concentrate on becoming an enterprise and government company. Further, he speculates that they might be prime for a good, old-fashioned Chinese buyout. Respect knuckles to MarketWatch for this one. AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Business , People , Rumors

700MHz Auction Update: 'C' Block Inches Towards Reserve
2008-01-29 15:49:00
The C block closed on Monday at $3.42 billion, which was an increase of $1.27 billion over the previous week. Are we only days away from Google throwing in their $4.6B in dropping out? What if someone else wants it even more? It Has Begun!And Then There Were 214FCC Announced Full Bidder ListWhat You Need to Know (So Far)AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Auction , Update , Block , Reserve

Developer Challenge Deadline Extended
2008-01-29 15:39:00
Based on the great feedback you've given us, we've made significant updates to the SDK that we'll be releasing in several weeks. In order to give you extra time to take advantage of these forthcoming UI and API enhancements, we've decided to extend the submission deadline. Allow us translate that for you. "We know that our developer kit pretty much stunk, so we're giving you a newer one based on all of the complaints. And, in a show of good faith, we're extending the deadline in the hopes that those of you who were turned away by the initial offering will come back and try again."The official Android blog alerted us today that they've extended the deadline to enter your project for the $10M in booty. Now you have until April 14th to get it in. So is it back to the drawing boards for some? April 14, 2008: Deadline to submit applications for judgingMay 5, 2008: Announcement of the 50 first round winners, who will be eligible for the final roundJune 30, 2008: Deadline for t...
More About: Developer , Google News , Challenge , Developers

HTC Loses Ground in WinMo Smartphone Market
2008-01-29 14:28:00
When factoring out touch-screen phones, High Tech Computers (HTC) has lost their foothold in the mobile industry to Motorola and Samsung. No surprises here in the US as the Motorola Q and Samsung Blackjack sold like crazy last year. Motorola, Samsung and HTC have been competing fiercely in the segment with each vendor accounting for a 20-30% share globally, with Motorola now leading the contest with a small margin, the data showed. - Internal data from Microsoft. Expect the numbers to get thinner all around as more companies jump into the game. When comparing touch-screen versions, or PDA phones, HTC still has nearly a 50% share. At least according to the same internal data. Again, this will not last long with companies like Palm, HP, and Dell looking to revive or reimagine their product lines.Read more at DigiTimes.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Hardware , Smartphone , Market , Rumors , Ground

34 Weeks of OHA: #4
2008-01-29 04:26:00
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: Broadcom CorporationHow the OHA site classifies them: Semiconductor CompanyWhat the OHA site says about them: Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, providing products that enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment.What they do: They build chips.Wikipedia proclaims them "...among the Worldwide Top 20 Semiconductor Sales Leaders." Their site list their offerings as including Bluetooth products, network processing solutions, digital cable products, digital TV solutions, satellite devices, DSL chipsets, mobile multimedia processors, mobile phone solutions, networking components, security processors, I/O...
More About: Hardware , Weeks

MIT to Offer Android Based Software Development Course
2008-01-28 22:36:00
In a first-of-its-kind move, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) will be offering a class this term revolving around Google Android based phones. As part of their computer science program, the course will start February 8th and work with the Google supplied Android SDK. The class will be broken into teams of 3-4 students each, working on a project for the term. Without giving away too much, Mr.Yu, mobile devices platform coordinator for MIT said that the projects will focus on a range of topics, such as those dealing with location based services (LBS). So far 25 students have been invited to join the class. Finally a class where your professor is not going to throw your phone away if it rings!UPDATE: Apparently, first-of-its-kind applies to MIT only as Open Source Development of Cognitive Technology on a Mobile Platform is already a class offered at the University of Colorado. Thanks to our readers for being so alert!AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news ...
More About: Software , Software Development , Google News , Developers

Nokia's Qt to Compete with Google's Android?
2008-01-28 16:59:00
Just a few hours ago, Nokia announced that they were purchasing Trolltech, the Norway-based software developer for approximately $153 million. That's right, Nokia just opened up. The agreement should see Nokia contributing to the development of Trolltech's Qt framework. Nokia will most likely license Trolltech's code both commercially and via strictly open-source plans. The deal is slated to be finished during the spring of 2008. Trolltech's deep understanding of open source software and its strong technology assets will enable both Nokia and others to innovate on our device platforms while reducing time-to-market," said Kai Oistamo, Executive Vice President, Devices, Nokia. Apparently, 40% of the world's market share just isn't good enough! We're not gonna hate though. In the end, it's just another move to provide customers with more choices. Android Guys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Rumors , Compete , Leaks

Palm Closing Retail Stores
2008-01-28 16:20:00
In what seems like a downward spiral for one of yesterday's bigger PDA and smartphone companies, Palm is shuttering doors on all of their retail stores as well as the locations with Airport Wireless shops. You can probably blame Research in Motion for this one as BlackBerries have really eaten into their market share. We have to agree with most people when we say that Palm's OS seems antiquated when compared to RIM, WinMo6, and even Symbian. What does all of this have to do with Android? Well, Palm is building a new Linux-based operating system that is scheduled to be released at the end of this year, competing with Google's Android Linux-based smartphone operating system. Yet another offering in an increasingly crowded field.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Retail , Stores

AG Link Love
2008-01-27 20:05:00
We love it when a site links to us, whether it's tech related or not. Typically, we'll try to reach out to a website and thank them if we noticed they've added us a technorati fave or plugged our site somewhere. Entrecard has done very well for us in regards to opening our eyes to new blogs and sites in plenty of categories. We've met some incredible people and found some interesting sites through there. With our Entrecard contest, we've had a lot of sites linking to us, even without asking them. Today we'd like to mention a site and hopefully send them a few visits.TechFires has a very crisp, clean look to their site. Updated every few days with links to other sites, TechFires covers a wide array of tech related subject. It's written in a tone that's easy to understand which is always nice. Who wants a site that talks over their reader's heads? Never too long on words, it's a great site to drop in on once or twice a week and learn a little something new. The thr...
More About: Love , Links , Link

AG5 - January 26th Edition
2008-01-26 17:12:00
Another Saturday, another AG5. For regular visitors, AndroidGuys takes a look back at 5 headlines we think deserve a second look. If this is your first time stopping by, welcome to AndroidGuys! Here's five things to bring you up to speed. Have a great weekend and we'll see you again soon!#1 - 700MHz Auction gets going.The illustrious 'C' block reserve price of $4.6 billion was not met, but nobody was really surprised. Look for the auction to last a few weeks before we find out who wins it.#2 - Motorola releases some rather unappealing numbers.New CEO Greg Brown has a long road ahead of him as Motorola needs a wake up call of sorts. Did it come in the form of 4th quarter '07 numbers? We hope so.#3 - HTC seems to be selling Touches a pretty good rate.Given that nobody has ever seen an HTC commercial, they are doing well against the Apple iPhone. With the right mix of software and promoting, HTC could put out a very sexy handset.#4 - Android could become a major force.In ...
More About: Hardware , Software , Resources , Links , Google News

700MHz Auction: Day 1
2008-01-25 18:32:00
After the first day of bidding, the C block's high bid was $1.24 billion. Roughly 1/4th of the reserve price of $4.6 billion. No word on who was high bidder as the auction is blind. For more information, check out the following posts.It Has Begun!And Then There Were 214FCC Announced Full Bidder ListWhat You Need to Know (So Far)AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion.
More About: Auction

OHA News (January 25th Edition)
2008-01-25 17:26:00
Another week of lean news specifically surround the Open Handset Alliance. We're optimistic though. It seems like each passing week, some non OHA news trickles out regarding Android. It's just a matter of time before we start getting the meat and potatoes we are looking for. For example, at some point in the near future, we'll have to find out how T-Mobile and Sprint will handle Android and in what capacity. Sooner or later, we're gonna learn what nVidia is up to and just what Intel is doing for their part in the alliance.Samsung drops a little somethin' for da ladies. (GSMArena)Verizon getting a white HTC Touch ( CrunchGear)Google Docs added more features (Google Blogoscoped)HTC addressed the video driver problem (Engadget Mobile)Are cops allowed to search your phone? (PopGadget)HTC and Parrot get together (IntoMobile)LG and Samung agree to disagree (Just Another Mobile Phone Blog)Android and Funambol server synergy (Open Androids)Study shows smartphones were most returne...
More About: Hardware , News , Rumors , Links , Google News

20/20 Podcast #7
2008-01-25 04:02:00
Jamie and Scott sat down on Thursday to go over some current posts as well as recent Android related news. Recorded over two 20 minute segments, we present to you episode seven of the AndroidGuys 20/20 podcast. If you want to check out some previous podcasts, please subscribe to the feed! We're open to suggestions, so if you have anything you'd like us to cover, let us know in the comments!Part 1 (#7A) topics include the FCC Auction getting underway, Google Android and Yahoo Go!, and mobile search versus local search on phones. Shout outs to TechWag, The Big Bald Blog, and AskTheAdmin for all they have done for us lately, as well as what they have allowed us to do.Part 2 (#7B) saw us discussing things like Hop-On's Chitter Chatter, NTT DoCoMo, A La Mobile, BancoMap, lowering costs for bringing a handset, and job cuts at Sprint. Respect knuckles to Jordan over at Fandroid.net for his help with the 34 Weeks of OHA! Don't forget to subscribe to our standard feed as well as the...
More About: Software , Resources , Rumors , Links , Podcast