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Official: Android 2.1 Update Now Available

banden — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:16:36 +0000

The first phone to be officially upgraded to the Android 2.1 operating system is the Samsung Galaxy Spica (also known as the Galaxy Portal) one day after Verizon posted websites indicating that the Motorola Droid will be seeing it's 2.1 update "soon."

New handsets will include the updated operating system while existing owners can upgrade through Samsung's proprietary PC Studio 7 software (available at http://www.samsungmobile.com). The upgrade is available in Germany and Samsung has detailed that it will be gradually rolled out to other European markets, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Asia, Africa and rest of the world (Antarctica and Americas.)

Motorola Droid owners are shaking their heads in disapproval and perhaps a little misplaced jealousy as the Samsung incantation of Android Eclair will sport no less than nine screens (Droid has three). The Galaxy Spica will also experience some additional multimedia improvements over and above it's current ability to play divx files (which Droid doesn't). The new media browser permits user to easily browse through Media files stored on the memory card and updates to the camera software promise 'enhanced picture options and viewing functionality.'

Source: Samsung Press Release

Telus Milestone: Rooted.

banden — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:29:45 +0000

The developer team over at alldroid.org has managed to gain root access to the version of the Motorola Milestone which was recently released by Telus Mobility in Canada. At first glance this doesn't seem like news; both the Droid and Milestone were rooted months ago. The difference is the Telus version was released with the root exploit patched.

A few days after the Droid/Milestone exploit was discovered, a developer submitted the patch for it to the Android Open Source Project. The patch was accepted and merged into the source code. Interestingly, this developer was Steve Kondik aka Cyanogen who is best known for his custom ROMs which he has developed for rooted HTC phones. You can review the patch here.

The way to root a Telus Milestone is covered in detail here. Basically it consists of completely wiping the memory of the phone and then flashing the memory with the Brazilian Milestone's operating system. This version of the Milestone software doesn't have the exploit patched. Once this is flashed, you simply continue as normal by downloading and running a modified 'update.zip' file which piggybacks the root access inside an over the air update file.

Although this does give the user root access, none of the Milestone branded devices will run a boot image unless digitally signed by Motorola. This means no overclocking, custom roms, or custom recovery menu; but there are already tutorials for running interactive wallpapers, blocking unwanted advertisements, removing unwanted apps, and installing customized themes available over at alldroid.

I wonder how long until these guys figure out how to digitally sign custom ROMs? At this pace we should see them by Friday.

Sources: alldroid.org; telusmobility.ca

Android 2.1 Leaks for Droid and Droid Eris

mindfrost82 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:52:36 +0000

For all of our Verizon Android users out there, if you're willing to take the chance, you can finally get Android 2.1 for your Motorola Droid or HTC Droid Eris, unofficially of course. So far, we've seen reports that the ROM is working good (here for the Droid Eris) once you figure out how to flash it (here is information about how to do it on the Eris). Here's some information on getting it to work on the Motorola Droid. Here is some more information and a video of it running on a Droid. Many believe this will be the update that will be pushed OTA, but there's no word on when that might happen.

Update: The other big news here is that the ROM for the Droid Eris also includes HTC's SenseUI, which is the first time we've seen SenseUI on an Andriod 2.0+ ROM. This paves the way for the other HTC Android devices and confirms that SenseUI will run on 2.1.

BlackBerry Curve outsells iPhone in 4th Quarter, Droid 3rd

BigDiesel07 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:58:12 +0000

According to research firm IDC, RIM has sold more BlackBerry Curves than the Apple iPhone 3GS in the 4th Quarter of 2009. Remembering that the Curve is offered on 7 different carriers as opposed to the iPhone's exclusive deal with AT&T, this is still a momentous occasion as iPhone sales increased by 100%, to 8.7 million units sold. If Apple were to sell the iPhone on multiple carriers, these ranking would be different. The Motorola Droid, a Verizon Wireless exclusive, came in third place with the Apple iPhone 3G and Blackberry Pearl rounding out the top 5.

After the jump is the full list of Top 10. There was no device ranked in the top 10 for Windows Mobile, although Palm's webOS came in 8th with the Palm Pre.

Source- FierceWirless

10. T-Mobile myTouch 3G

9. Research In Motion BlackBerry Tour

8. Palm Pre

7. Research In Motion BlackBerry Storm (including the Storm 9530 and the Storm 2 9550)

6. Research In Motion BlackBerry Bold (including the Bold 9000 and the Bold 9700)

5. Research In Motion BlackBerry Pearl (including the 8110, 8120, and the 8130, excluding the BlackBerry Pearl Flip)

4. Apple iPhone 3G

3. Motorola Droid

2. Apple iPhone 3GS (including 16 GB and 32 GB versions)

1. Research In Motion BlackBerry Curve (including the 8310, 8320, 8330, 8350i, 8520, 8530, and the 8900)

Motorola Milestone Coming To Telus On Feb. 18th

mindfrost82 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:47:13 +0000

Back in January, we reported on a rumor that At&t was getting the Milestone (GSM version of the Droid). It appears this version of the Milestone is headed for Telus. While Telus hasn't officially announced a release date for the Milestone, Best Buy Canada has put up a Pre-Order page that gives us a February 18th date. At&t users could be happy to hear this as well, since Telus supports the At&t 3G bands of 850/1900MHz. Of course you'll have to pay full price for it and unlock it, but given how popular the Droid has been on Verizon, it may be worth it if you want to experience full 3G with Android on At&t and don't want to wait for the Motorola Backflip or one of the 5 Android devices At&t promised is coming in the first half of 2010..

Source: Engadget (Thanks forum user Deimoss for the tip)

Motorola Milestone Coming To At&t?

mindfrost82 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:42:30 +0000

We're sure you're aware of the Motorola Droid, selling on Verizon Wireless. What you may not be aware of is that there is a GSM version called the Motorola Milestone. It is currently sold in Europe, which means it doesn't support the 850MHz 3G band used by At&t. However, a version that does support both the 850MHz and 1900MHz 3G bands has appeared at Bluetooth SIG. It is already available in Brazil, but according to that site, its geographic availability is "North America". The only other North American carriers to support those bands is Rogers and Telus in Canada. Since At&t announced ramping up their Android offerings in 2010 at CES, this is a likely possibility.

Source: Unwired View

Motorola Shadow The Nexus Two?

mindfrost82 — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:34:35 +0000

The blogosphere is all a buzz about a rendering that has popped up of the Motorola Shadow and rumors that it could be the next Google phone, "Nexus Two". It would make sense to follow up a touch-only device with a sliding QWERTY one. You can click on the image to view the original one.

That's about all the information there is at this point, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as we find out more.

So, what do you think? Could this be a Nexus Two, or just the next iteration of the Droid series?

Source: Engadget

Android Taking Market by Storm

hibby50 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:24:25 +0000

As the rivalry between carriers and phone companies heats up, Android seems to be winning. Android just keeps getting more and more buzz. Apps are continuously rolling out for it. The talk about the iPhone has been swamped by conversation of the Droid and Hero, especially the Droid. I don't know how Verizon does it, but their advertising is incredible. From the marketing war with AT&T to marketing the Droid, they are reaping in customers, and in turn, Android users. If that weren't enough the constant updates rolling out from Google, and the talk of the "real" Google phone has got the Android scene buzzing even more. All of this combined means a larger user base, and since it is an open source platform, more hacks and modifications. Devices can be "rooted" and then the core files can be edited. With Android becoming steadily more popular, what will the future of other smartphone operating systems be? Will Apple make their iPhone more customizable to compete? Will Microsoft get into the widgets game? Only time will tell, but hopefully that time is short otherwise Android may have completely taken over.

Verizon’s DROID Getting 2.0.1 Update

mindfrost82 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:03:28 +0000

Originally, Verizon had said this update would be pushed out to customers in "the coming weeks". There have been reports now that some customers have been receiving the update within the last couple of days.

This update is mostly lots of bug fixes, improved stability and battery life, better camera and call quality, faster visual voicemail and some other enhancements.

Source: Engadget

Motorola DROID to get OTA Update Soon

rainfreak — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:02:48 +0000

Amid all of the hype regarding the Android 2.0.1 SDK today, Verizon sweetened the pot with an announcement that an OTA update for the Motorola DROID will be made available "in the coming weeks." A few of the announced fixes will be for voice reception and the 5.0 megapixel camera's notorious inabaility to correctly focus on subjects. There will undoubtedly be other enhancements and issue resolutions in the OTA update, though more specifics are not yet known.

Keep a close eye here and once we see a solid release date, we will be sure to let you know.

Source: BGR

Motorola Droid for $119, HTC Pure for FREE

BigDiesel07 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:32:51 +0000

If you have been waiting to get the Motorola Droid but have been waiting for a price drop, you are in luck. You could pay $199 through Verizon, or you could go through Dell Mobility and pick it up for $119, plus free shipping through Fedex. Of course, this offer applies only for those who are signing a new 2 year contract with Verizon. But still, $80 dollars is money better spent on something else.

Also, Dell Mobility is selling the Windows Mobile 6.5-packin HTC Pure (AKA HTC Diamond2) for FREE, on a new 2 year contract. This is $150 off the regular price that you can get this device for from AT&T. This does include a Mail In Rebate (which is $50).

Source- CellPhoneHits.net

[PPCG Recommended Joke]- iPhone or Droid?

BigDiesel07 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:51:33 +0000

With all the hardships we face each day (scratched screens, dead batteries, no 3G coverage), I would like to share a comic with you from Randall Munroe over at xkcd.com. It covers a topic PPCG has covered in the past and is especially relevant due to the recent launch of the Droid smart phone. So please sit back and enjoy the laughter!

Has Droid been lost in the Exchange?

BigDiesel07 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:32:32 +0000

Do you use Microsoft Exchange for work related E-mails? If so, you will be slapped with an additional $15 charge per month by Verizon. Maximum PC is reporting that using integrated Microsoft Exchange will add $15 dollars to your data plan if you also use a Verizon Droid, the highly hyped "iPhone-killer". The reasoning behind this, at least according to a Verizon spokesperson, is that "The Droid is primarily a consumer phone".

A basic data plan for this device is $30. Including Exchange, the data cost jumps up to $45. Also, Verizon is planning to offer a $50 per month data-only plan for the Droid. Does this make you reconsider the Droid?

Source- InfoWorld.com via Maximum PC

Verizon Wireless Stores Open Early For DROID

mindfrost82 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:40:38 +0000

Verizon Wireless just announced that many of its retail stores will be opening early on Friday, November 6th to give people the earliest opportunity to purchase the DROID, the world's first Android 2.0 smartphone. Some stores will open at 7am and others will open at 8am, so check with your local store for their special hours.

Verizon will also be hosting demonstrations at select locations to let people get the most out of the new handset.

As we mentioned earlier, more facts about the Time Square takeover have been released. Read more after the break.

Source: Verizon Newsroom

The digital billboards will instruct passersby to call a toll-free number (1-888-376-4336) to search locations in the Times Square area. Participants can search for practically anything (e.g. their favorite cuisines, plays, movies, stores), and the search results will be displayed on the digital billboards using Google Maps. This activity takes place from Nov. 6 through Nov. 20, daily from 12:30 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. and from 6:00 a.m. on Nov. 27 through 2:00 a.m. on Nov. 28. Beginning Nov. 6, Internet fans worldwide can also view the experience in real-time by visiting www.droiddoes.com/timessquare.

DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.

The “Droids” are coming. All of them!

MordyT — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:52:29 +0000

For the past few weeks, all I have been hearing about is DROID! Droid does everything you want; Droid is everywhere you need it to be (like Times Square), and it’s “App-Mashing and Multitasking”. Seems like another awesome phone, right? And that’s where we are wrong.

Droid is not just a phone; it’s a series of phones. In fact, it is the name for Verizon’s entire Android phone selection. What is the real name of the phone we have been calling “Droid” you ask? It is known as “The Sholes”, although it may simply be called Droid by everyone else. Another one of the Droid phones is the “Droid Eris” - -A phone that HTC calls the HTC Desire. We can expect to see the Eris on November 6^th.

Source

Thanks imneveral0ne for the story

Droid Does Arrive Very Soon

CozBoogie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:12:06 +0000

It looks like Verizon's Droid will be streeting on November 6, 2009.

People have been receiving emails like the one below,

Only a few more days until you can get the phone that's location-aware. Voice-recognizing. App-mashing and multitasking. It can connect you to anyone or anything at break-neck speed. It's more than a phone. It's a Droid. Check out the new site today. You’ll find many of the features Droid does for you.

In a world of doesn't, DROID DOES:

Voice-activated search w/GPS

High-speed mobile web

Runs simultaneous apps

SmartShade messaging

Thanks to PPCGeeks member Adrianh85 for the tip!

DROID Does Times Square

mindfrost82 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:20:41 +0000

The guys over at BGR have a source that states Verizon Wireless has plans to take over Time Square's two largest digital billboards, the NASDAQ and Reuters signs. Verizon is planning on a “first-of-its-kind” interactive experience that will let people control the signs using only voice commands. The image above is a "sneak-peak".

Source: BGR

Moto Droid – Android 2.0 in all its glory!

mindfrost82 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:59:13 +0000

The guys over at BGR were lucky enough to get a hands-on experience with the Motorola Droid for Verizon Wireless. Its running Android 2.0, which we mentioned the other day.

Its the thinnest QWERTY slider on the market, being slightly thicker than the iPhone. It has a huge capacitive display.

Source: BGR

Read more for the pictures and their review details!

According to BGR:

It’s running Android 2.0. Duh.

It’s thin. Just slightly thicker than an iPhone 3GS and the thinnest QWERTY-slider we’ve ever seen.

It is the fastest Android device we’ve ever used. (It’s running a TI OMAP3430 processor)

The feel of the device is very reminiscent of the OQO 02 model computer. Just smaller. It’s metal with a non-spring-assisted slide, very sturdy, and half soft-touch plastic.

Awesome capacitive display. Plus it’s huge. Easily the best screen we’ve ever seen on an Android handset, and an amazing screen overall.

The QWERTY keyboard is actually pretty usable and has a soft-touch rubberized finish. We’ve been told the keyboard design isn’t final on this unit, thus the two no-shows.

Have we mentioned this phone flies? 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. Something to the point of almost dictating every move Motorola made when designing and making the phone. Interesting, huh?

There’s a desktop cradle/charger that will ship with the Motorola Droid that we’ve been playing around with. It turns your Droid into a “multimedia station” and displays local weather, the time, etc.

No one wants to listen, but it makes the CLIQ looks like a child’s toy (partly because it is, and partly because the Droid, even in its non-final form, is the most impressive phone we’ve used since the iPhone. It’s positively amazing).