Today, Sony has teased us with a picture of what is dubbed the New VAIO Ultra Mobile. At first glance we are thinking it's either a new VAIO laptop or netbook running the Windows platform (Mr. Clippy was a dead giveaway regarding the OS).
However the "ultra mobile" should imply something smaller. With their current 7-inch mobile netbook already tiny enough by netbook standards, could Sony be hinting a Windows Phone 7 OS powered smartphone instead?
Ultra Mobile VAIO smartphone running WP7
The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10, which runs Android, is arguably the best SE handset on the market at the moment. Released only a few months after the Symbian runn SATIO, it has already surpassed it in terms of sales. With rumors that the new Symbian^3 showcased on the Nokia N8 being a major letdown, we can see why SE may have taken a hint from the Xperia X10 and decided to equip their next flagship smartphone with a different OS i.e. Windows Phone 7.
Until Sony decides to release further information we can't do more than speculate. Care to throw us a bone Sony?
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Android netbooks shown in Dell roadmap
Written by Eugene Cheung
Android Central has managed to get their hands on a roadmap for Dell products, right after Engadget’s massive leak on various Dell smartphones that run Android and Windows Phone 7.
The roadmap, shown above, shows various netbook tablets such as the “Sparta” and “Athens”. The latter tablet is labeled as a 0.9-kilogram “true netbook”, which features an 11-inch screen, an ARM processor, optional 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth. The “true netbook” wording could suggest that this tablet will be light on the hardware specs, which fulfills the original intentions of a netbook. The “LG Pro” (not sure if it has anything to do with the company LG) is a 7-inch device that has “high-def” (SVGA 800x600) and a Wi-Fi digital TV connection. Plus, the “Streak” is headed for T-Mobile and Vodafone, along with a Chinese version which would come out later in 2011.
There’s still more to learn about these products, including what exactly they will look like, but if the smartphone leak from last week meant anything, these products ought to serve up some great looks and functionality too!
Android Central has managed to get their hands on a roadmap for Dell products, right after Engadget’s massive leak on various Dell smartphones that run Android and Windows Phone 7.
The roadmap, shown above, shows various netbook tablets such as the “Sparta” and “Athens”. The latter tablet is labeled as a 0.9-kilogram “true netbook”, which features an 11-inch screen, an ARM processor, optional 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth. The “true netbook” wording could suggest that this tablet will be light on the hardware specs, which fulfills the original intentions of a netbook. The “LG Pro” (not sure if it has anything to do with the company LG) is a 7-inch device that has “high-def” (SVGA 800x600) and a Wi-Fi digital TV connection. Plus, the “Streak” is headed for T-Mobile and Vodafone, along with a Chinese version which would come out later in 2011.
There’s still more to learn about these products, including what exactly they will look like, but if the smartphone leak from last week meant anything, these products ought to serve up some great looks and functionality too!
XAP Files Replace CABs in Windows Phone 7
By: Brandon Miniman | Date: 25-Apr-10 |
If you've ever made any tweak to your Windows Phone, you've probably used a cabinet (CAB) file to do so. Well, starting in Windows Phone 7, CABs will be no more. Instead, there will be XAP files. User Da_G from XDA goes on to explain...
A .xap is a simple, every day .zip file, renamed to .xap. Inside, it contains the app and all relevant dependencies. There are a number of possible .xml files that could be included inside the .xap to determine things like required security access level, to tell the system which .dll contains the main() for the application, etc.
I believe the .zip also provides a container for the virtual filesystem available to the app (not sure on that, it may be stored in a separate container, have to analyze more)
At least initially, .xaps will only be available for deployment through the Marketplace.
If you've ever made any tweak to your Windows Phone, you've probably used a cabinet (CAB) file to do so. Well, starting in Windows Phone 7, CABs will be no more. Instead, there will be XAP files. User Da_G from XDA goes on to explain...
A .xap is a simple, every day .zip file, renamed to .xap. Inside, it contains the app and all relevant dependencies. There are a number of possible .xml files that could be included inside the .xap to determine things like required security access level, to tell the system which .dll contains the main() for the application, etc.
I believe the .zip also provides a container for the virtual filesystem available to the app (not sure on that, it may be stored in a separate container, have to analyze more)
At least initially, .xaps will only be available for deployment through the Marketplace.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Microsoft planning low-cost Windows Phone 7 devices for developing markets
by Devin Coldewey on April 19, 2010
Suppose that in addition to excluding a decade of apps and development, leaving out certain features, and starting out from scratch with a whole new visual theme, your phone is just plain expensive. So expensive, in fact, due to the restrictions you’ve placed on its hardware in order that it might run well, that you’ve priced yourself right out of huge markets like China and India. Which is to say something like a third of the world’s phone-buying population. What do you do? You make Windows Phone 7 Budget Series, of course!
According to Sudeep Bharati, who works on Microsoft India’s Visual Studio team, says that “the low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end.” Now, it’s not clear whether this is a chassis different from the three already announced. That is to say, it isn’t clear whether it is the third of those chassis or a secret bonus chassis.
If I had to guess, I’d say it would sport the minimum spec, since Sudeep said nothing of a different spec sheet. My guess would be: cheaper materials, candy bar build, 320×480 non-LED screen, and bargain bin graphics.
Suppose that in addition to excluding a decade of apps and development, leaving out certain features, and starting out from scratch with a whole new visual theme, your phone is just plain expensive. So expensive, in fact, due to the restrictions you’ve placed on its hardware in order that it might run well, that you’ve priced yourself right out of huge markets like China and India. Which is to say something like a third of the world’s phone-buying population. What do you do? You make Windows Phone 7 Budget Series, of course!According to Sudeep Bharati, who works on Microsoft India’s Visual Studio team, says that “the low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end.” Now, it’s not clear whether this is a chassis different from the three already announced. That is to say, it isn’t clear whether it is the third of those chassis or a secret bonus chassis.
If I had to guess, I’d say it would sport the minimum spec, since Sudeep said nothing of a different spec sheet. My guess would be: cheaper materials, candy bar build, 320×480 non-LED screen, and bargain bin graphics.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Adobe Announces Flash for Android Beta Testing
by JR Raphael
Apple may not want Flash on its mobile devices, but users of Android will soon gain full support for the multimedia platform.
Adobe has officially begun beta testing its Flash Player for Android. According to Lee Brimelow, an Adobe platform evangelist, private testing is now underway and a public beta will come next.
"There are going to be so many interesting things that you will be able to do," Brimelow promises.
Adobe Flash: The Android Timeline
So when exactly can you expect for Flash to hit your Android phone? Brimelow says no specific dates are being disclosed just yet. Adobe's CEO, however, divulged some general details during a recent interview with the Fox Business Network.
"Google and RIM and Palm are going to be releasing versions of Flash on smartphones and tablets in the second half of the year," he stated.
This is a change from Adobe's previous target launch date for Flash on Android; the company had originally said the technology would become available in the first half of 2010. Adobe's CEO, Shantanu Narayen, didn't offer up any explanations for the delay. He did, however, take a shot at Apple for its progressively extreme steps to keep Flash out of its mobile ecosystem.
"It really isn't a technology decision as much as it is a business decision," Narayen said. "They've chosen to keep their system a proprietary and closed system, which is why they're not supporting Flash. I think that hurts customers."
Adobe Flash for Android: Get in on the Beta
You can sign up to beta test Adobe's Android Flash Player by creating an account and registering here; Adobe will then notify you once the public beta becomes available.
Adobe is also preparing to test an Android version of its Adobe AIR platform. If you're a developer and want to be a part of that limited beta testing group, you can apply at Adobe's AIR for Android sign-up page.
Apple may not want Flash on its mobile devices, but users of Android will soon gain full support for the multimedia platform. Adobe has officially begun beta testing its Flash Player for Android. According to Lee Brimelow, an Adobe platform evangelist, private testing is now underway and a public beta will come next.
"There are going to be so many interesting things that you will be able to do," Brimelow promises.
Adobe Flash: The Android Timeline
So when exactly can you expect for Flash to hit your Android phone? Brimelow says no specific dates are being disclosed just yet. Adobe's CEO, however, divulged some general details during a recent interview with the Fox Business Network.
"Google and RIM and Palm are going to be releasing versions of Flash on smartphones and tablets in the second half of the year," he stated.
This is a change from Adobe's previous target launch date for Flash on Android; the company had originally said the technology would become available in the first half of 2010. Adobe's CEO, Shantanu Narayen, didn't offer up any explanations for the delay. He did, however, take a shot at Apple for its progressively extreme steps to keep Flash out of its mobile ecosystem.
"It really isn't a technology decision as much as it is a business decision," Narayen said. "They've chosen to keep their system a proprietary and closed system, which is why they're not supporting Flash. I think that hurts customers."
Adobe Flash for Android: Get in on the Beta
You can sign up to beta test Adobe's Android Flash Player by creating an account and registering here; Adobe will then notify you once the public beta becomes available.
Adobe is also preparing to test an Android version of its Adobe AIR platform. If you're a developer and want to be a part of that limited beta testing group, you can apply at Adobe's AIR for Android sign-up page.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Microsoft May Launch Cheaper Windows Phone 7 Handsets in India
Windows Phone 7 is pretty awesome; there is no doubt about that. However, the strict requirements specified by Microsoft mean that all Windows Phone 7 devices will cost a bomb. In fact, I would be surprised if any of the initial Windows Phone 7 handsets sell for less than Rs. 30,000. This is obviously a problem in countries like India, and Microsoft knows it.
According to Economic Times, Microsoft is already working with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to produce cheaper Windows Phone 7 powered handsets. According to Sudeep Bharati, director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team, “The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end”.
Mobile phones using the new chassis are expected to include at least 128 MB RAM along with 5-megapixel camera. It will offer manufacturers enough legroom to price the devices at around Rs. 25,000 ($500-$600).
According to Economic Times, Microsoft is already working with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to produce cheaper Windows Phone 7 powered handsets. According to Sudeep Bharati, director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team, “The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end”.
Mobile phones using the new chassis are expected to include at least 128 MB RAM along with 5-megapixel camera. It will offer manufacturers enough legroom to price the devices at around Rs. 25,000 ($500-$600).
Friday, April 16, 2010
Microsoft Mulling Over Cheap Windows Phone7 Phone
Microsoft has indicated the possibility of it developing a low-cost, Windows Phone 7 based device designed for emerging markets. The low cost smartphone would be targeted at users from developing countries and would come with the advantage of a lower price, when compared to a "full-fledged" Windows Phone based phone. In fact, if all goes well, you might as well see the handset in flesh by early 2011.
If you have been living in cave for the past few months, let us just give you a brief low down as to what Windows Phone 7 is all about. The OS, which was known as Windows Mobile 7 during its developmental phase, is the latest version of Microsoft's Mobile OS platform. When it was first announced back in February at the Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, it was unlike anything you had ever seen on a phone. Windows Phone 7 was then praised as the next big thing since the iPhone happened in 2007. The OS was a marked departure from the good ol' Windows Mobile UI which had in time become obsolete to the point of becoming unusable.
The first devices based on this platform are expected to arrive by 2010 end - and this is where this latest report regarding a low cost version of a phone based on Windows Phone 7 has started making rounds of the Interweb. The source of the news is a senior Microsoft official Sudeep Bharati who is the director of developer tools for Microsoft India's Visual Studio Team at Tech.Ed 2010 held at Bangalore. According to The Economic Times, Bharati has revealed that the phone will have a different chassis design from handsets that would use version 1 of the OS .
While most "fully featured" Windows Phone 7 devices would be an expensive proposition with each handsets expected to cost between $500- $600, these low cost phones are expected to be much cheaper. Microsoft has, however, not divulged any price details as of now. As for the specs the stripped down devices should come with a 5 megapixel camera, a large multi-touch screen, Wi-fi , Bluetooth and a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
"The new version may also have a smaller screen and will thus be priced lower to suit developing markets like India. We are in talks with OEMs to gain their feedback on a new chassis," Mittal said.
If you have been living in cave for the past few months, let us just give you a brief low down as to what Windows Phone 7 is all about. The OS, which was known as Windows Mobile 7 during its developmental phase, is the latest version of Microsoft's Mobile OS platform. When it was first announced back in February at the Mobile World Congress 2010 in Barcelona, it was unlike anything you had ever seen on a phone. Windows Phone 7 was then praised as the next big thing since the iPhone happened in 2007. The OS was a marked departure from the good ol' Windows Mobile UI which had in time become obsolete to the point of becoming unusable.
The first devices based on this platform are expected to arrive by 2010 end - and this is where this latest report regarding a low cost version of a phone based on Windows Phone 7 has started making rounds of the Interweb. The source of the news is a senior Microsoft official Sudeep Bharati who is the director of developer tools for Microsoft India's Visual Studio Team at Tech.Ed 2010 held at Bangalore. According to The Economic Times, Bharati has revealed that the phone will have a different chassis design from handsets that would use version 1 of the OS .
While most "fully featured" Windows Phone 7 devices would be an expensive proposition with each handsets expected to cost between $500- $600, these low cost phones are expected to be much cheaper. Microsoft has, however, not divulged any price details as of now. As for the specs the stripped down devices should come with a 5 megapixel camera, a large multi-touch screen, Wi-fi , Bluetooth and a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
"The new version may also have a smaller screen and will thus be priced lower to suit developing markets like India. We are in talks with OEMs to gain their feedback on a new chassis," Mittal said.
Motorola Dext to get Android 2.1 in Q3
by Damian Koh
Although Motorola has launched a number of Android smartphones, only the Milestone and Dext are available in Asia Pacific. Singapore was the first country to get the Milestone that runs on the latest Android 2.1 operating system, but the company said users in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand can expect a software update "soon". This is in line with the rollout plan (see screenshot above) where the upgrade is being released in stages.
The Dext, which was made available earlier this year, is scheduled for the upgrade only in Q3 this year. Current Dext owners will have to wait a few more months, but at least Android 2.1 is coming their way. Meanwhile, the Google I/O event, which is scheduled to happen next month in San Francisco, may unveil even newer features and enhancements of the software. This would mean existing devices will get an "older" patch. But who knows, Motorola may yet surprise us.
Via Android Atlas at CNET
Although Motorola has launched a number of Android smartphones, only the Milestone and Dext are available in Asia Pacific. Singapore was the first country to get the Milestone that runs on the latest Android 2.1 operating system, but the company said users in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand can expect a software update "soon". This is in line with the rollout plan (see screenshot above) where the upgrade is being released in stages.
The Dext, which was made available earlier this year, is scheduled for the upgrade only in Q3 this year. Current Dext owners will have to wait a few more months, but at least Android 2.1 is coming their way. Meanwhile, the Google I/O event, which is scheduled to happen next month in San Francisco, may unveil even newer features and enhancements of the software. This would mean existing devices will get an "older" patch. But who knows, Motorola may yet surprise us.
Via Android Atlas at CNET
Intel runs Android on Atom chips
Chip giant Intel has revealed that it can run Google's Android operating system on its Atom chips.The low-powered chips are designed specifically for portable devices such as smartphones and netbooks.
The move is significant because before now Android has most often been found on mobile phones based around chips designed by UK firm Arm.
The move is likely to help Google push into handheld gadgets including tablets such as Apple's iPad.
The information was revealed by Renee James, general manager of Intel's software and services group, during a session at the chip firm's developer conference in Beijing.
"Intel is enabling all OSes for Atom phones," Ms James is quoted as saying by PC World. Ms James added that Intel already has Android running on Atom and also has many customers interested in applying the work.
If widely taken up it could help Google expand the number of devices that can run the operating system beyond the smartphones where it is most widely used. It would also aid Intel's mobile ambitions and help it spread its chips far beyond PCs running Windows.
Many believe that devices such as slates and tablets, which are bigger than smartphones but smaller than a laptop, could prove very popular with consumers in the near future.
The news comes as Google boss Eric Schmidt hinted to the New York Times that the firm is readying its own tablet PC similar to Apple's iPad. Google said it would not comment on speculation about an own-brand tablet.
Intel is not the first to get Android running on the chip. In 2009, Acer put Android on an Atom notebook and chip firm MIPS has also ported it to run in set-top boxes, digital picture frames and media players.
Atom-powered Netbooks, such as Nokia's Booklet 3G, have been out for some time and 2010 will see the arrival of one of the first smartphones using Atom - the GW990 from LG.
Verizon's successor to the Droid could be the best Android phone yet
Verizon has been something of the odd-network-out as it doesn't carry either the iPhone — which is constantly rumored to be coming to the carrier — or the Nexus One (though Verizon is in the cards to get Google's "superphone," too).
Well, now it's Verizon's time to shine thanks to the coming of the humbly-named HTC Droid Incredible, which is set to hit stores April 29th. Verizon carried the original Droid and now, with the Incredible, it's got a phone that's on the same level as the Nexus One.
The Incredible has the same 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor as the Nexus One, a 3.7 inch AMOLED touchscreen display, runs Android 2.1, an 8 megapixel camera with a dual LED flash, and has integrated GPS and wireless.
It's all yours for $200 (with a contract, most likely), and the HTC Droid Incredible will be ready for preorder this Monday.
Confirmed iPhone 4G Release Date and Leaked Picture
Recently rumours have been spreading that the iPhone 4G will be launched by Apple at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts on June 22nd. This is the same venue that the Apple iPad was launched.
This has apparently been confirmed today following these comments by the CEo of the Canadian carrier Robert Watson
“The good news is that (Apple) is coming out with a new version of the iPhone in the June time-frame and they’re going to put us on that. So we’re quite excited about that.”
There is no arguing with these comment, the iPhone will arriving in June. However I doubt Apple will be very happy with his outburst!
The first potential pictures of the iPhone 4G have also been leaked. They appear to show a rather modern looking aluminium back.
This has apparently been confirmed today following these comments by the CEo of the Canadian carrier Robert Watson
“The good news is that (Apple) is coming out with a new version of the iPhone in the June time-frame and they’re going to put us on that. So we’re quite excited about that.”
There is no arguing with these comment, the iPhone will arriving in June. However I doubt Apple will be very happy with his outburst!
The first potential pictures of the iPhone 4G have also been leaked. They appear to show a rather modern looking aluminium back.
BlackBerry, Palm OS, Symbian & Windows Mobile Get Universal App Store
by Gordon Kelly
While many could claim 3D to be the major explosion in the tech space last year, I'd argue App Stores have been more prevalent and, arguably, a more fundamental aspect of our day-to-day lives. The problem is there are so many of them and you can't objectively browse and attain apps from one single store. Or can you?
Prevalent software download site Softwareload has stepped into the mobile space after the success of its UK desktop software portal which launch in the UK last October.
15,000 apps are initially available across BlackBerry, Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile with apps ranging from business software, games and navigation to communication and organisational tools. All apps can be downloaded from the site and installed onto handsets directly or via PCs. So far so good, but what does make for a nice differentiator is Softwareload will allow all customers to store their app purchases securely online for up to twelve months making them immediately available should anything happen to your phone.
Of course, while in some ways a progressive step for older OSes, Softwareload's portal is somewhat limited when it comes to newer platforms like Android and iPhone OS which use self contained App Stores and keep a payment record in the Cloud to avoid you paying for downloads twice.
That said, this is something I haven't seen before (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) and it does potentially have value - especially for a household looking to set up multiple handsets or users curious to explore the apps available to different platform options.
So would you rather have sites with applications for all mobile platforms (including iPhone and Android) or do you prefer dedicated individual stores?
While many could claim 3D to be the major explosion in the tech space last year, I'd argue App Stores have been more prevalent and, arguably, a more fundamental aspect of our day-to-day lives. The problem is there are so many of them and you can't objectively browse and attain apps from one single store. Or can you?
Prevalent software download site Softwareload has stepped into the mobile space after the success of its UK desktop software portal which launch in the UK last October.
15,000 apps are initially available across BlackBerry, Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile with apps ranging from business software, games and navigation to communication and organisational tools. All apps can be downloaded from the site and installed onto handsets directly or via PCs. So far so good, but what does make for a nice differentiator is Softwareload will allow all customers to store their app purchases securely online for up to twelve months making them immediately available should anything happen to your phone.
Of course, while in some ways a progressive step for older OSes, Softwareload's portal is somewhat limited when it comes to newer platforms like Android and iPhone OS which use self contained App Stores and keep a payment record in the Cloud to avoid you paying for downloads twice.
That said, this is something I haven't seen before (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) and it does potentially have value - especially for a household looking to set up multiple handsets or users curious to explore the apps available to different platform options.
So would you rather have sites with applications for all mobile platforms (including iPhone and Android) or do you prefer dedicated individual stores?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Android 2.2 – features wish list
Android 2.1 is great – we love it in the HTC Desire and HTC Legend – but there are many ways we can come up with to make the Android OS better. Here are the improvements we hope Google will make with Android 2.2Got any more improvements you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments section.
Installing apps to SD
With Android 2.1, you’re left with only a few hundred megabytes of internal memory to install apps to as you can’t install to SD, which doesn’t leave you with enough when there are tens of thousands out there to check out. Let your internal memory get too low and you’ll start seeing more errors within apps too, so at present you have to be careful with your app downloading. Even the low-end iPhone has 8GB to play with, so this Android limitation seems silly to us.
Native divx/xvid support
Even budget Androids like the HTC Tattoo have screens big and bright enough to watch movies on comfortably, but you have to head on into the Android Market to find a media player that can hack the sort of videos you might download from the web. Plug the functionality into the standard media player and everyone’s happy. The divx players you can grab from the Android Market aren’t the most polished apps around, so a first-party solution would be a big bonus for Android.
Advanced home screen management
Some Androids have seven home screens, some five. Some have fancy transitions, some don’t. Why not let us choose how many home screens we want as standard? It could be an inoffensive option nestled within the settings menu, so that any Android newbies wouldn’t have to worry about it. Not everyone wants a phone cluttered with pages of icons, so the ability to cut them down – right down to one single home screen – would add something to the vanilla Android experience.
Multi touch
The HTC Desire bolted-on multi touch to Android, letting you use the handy pinch zoom move when browsing, but it’s not a standard feature within Android. Trying to implement it would probably cause problems when some hardware won’t support the feature, but there must be some way around this, right? Google’s done some amazing things in its time, and implementing multi touch shouldn’t be too taxing for Google’s best and brightest.
A better Android Market
The Android Market is packed with thousands of apps. Tens of thousands of apps. Actually finding anything good can be difficult though because the basic navigational tools at your disposal aren’t up to the task. Apps are split into sections and there’s a basic search tool but it’s more difficult than either the Apple App Store or the BlackBerry App World. Android is going to become increasingly popular as an OS in 2010, so it’s time its app store got a spruce up, don’t you think?
HTC Hero Android 2.1 update set for April 16
Written by Andrew on March 23
The date for the long-awaited HTC Hero Android 2.1 update is here – it’ll reportedly arrive in the UK on April 16. The update will bring the latest Android 2.1 edition of the operating system to the HTC Hero, along with the latest version of the great HTC Sense user interface, which comes with updated calendar and social widgets.
To find out how to download this update, when it arrives in April, head on over to the support section of your carrier’s website and you should find documentation on how to get your HTC Hero updated. These dates were posted on the xda developers’ forum.
As one of the most popular phone of 2009, this move to Android 2.1 has been something many Android users have been waiting for. It’s an important bridging of the gap between older and newer Android, which are starting to fragment at an alarming rate. Are we always going to be chasing for Android updates? We’ll have to see what Android 2.2 brings.
The date for the long-awaited HTC Hero Android 2.1 update is here – it’ll reportedly arrive in the UK on April 16. The update will bring the latest Android 2.1 edition of the operating system to the HTC Hero, along with the latest version of the great HTC Sense user interface, which comes with updated calendar and social widgets.
To find out how to download this update, when it arrives in April, head on over to the support section of your carrier’s website and you should find documentation on how to get your HTC Hero updated. These dates were posted on the xda developers’ forum.
As one of the most popular phone of 2009, this move to Android 2.1 has been something many Android users have been waiting for. It’s an important bridging of the gap between older and newer Android, which are starting to fragment at an alarming rate. Are we always going to be chasing for Android updates? We’ll have to see what Android 2.2 brings.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
HTC Creating Their Own Operating System
With Windows Mobile being put to bed, making room for Windows Phone 7 and Android, HTC is investigating doing something completely different and out of the box. They’re creating their own mobile operating system.
According to this report from Mobile Magazine, HTC feels like now is the time to begin building up their own proprietary platform. Assuming it’s not the spinning mess that Windows Mobile turned into for HTC, this may very well provide HTC with the kind of lock-in they’ve obviously been seeking. The real question, however, is will going at it from scratch make or break their mobile efforts?
According to this report from Mobile Magazine, HTC feels like now is the time to begin building up their own proprietary platform. Assuming it’s not the spinning mess that Windows Mobile turned into for HTC, this may very well provide HTC with the kind of lock-in they’ve obviously been seeking. The real question, however, is will going at it from scratch make or break their mobile efforts?
MS to launch low-cost Windows Phone 7
BANGALORE: The world’s largest software maker Microsoft is planning to announce a low-cost version of its Windows Phone 7 for developing markets like India next year. Windows Phone 7 is the new operating system for mobile phones by Microsoft, scheduled to be launched by December, this year.
“The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end,” said Sudeep Bharati, director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team at Tech.Ed 2010 being held here.
The Windows Phone 7 may be priced at $500- $600, same price as Google’s Nexus One. Microsoft officials denied to give any details on pricing .
The Windows Phone 7 will come with a 5 Mega Pixel camera, a large multi-touch screen, Wi-fi , bluetooth and a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
“The new version may also have a smaller screen and will thus be priced lower to suit developing markets like India. We are in talks with OEMs to gain their feedback on a new chassis,” he said. The existing chassis of Windows Phone 7 (due to be launched in December ), carries three buttons.
One of the buttons will carry the Windows symbol and will act like the “start up” key in MS Windows for PCs. The phones to be manufactured by OEMs like HTC, Samsung and LG for Windows Phone 7 will carry a joint branding by Microsoft and the mobile phone maker, the details of which are being worked out.
“The low-cost version of the phone will have a different chassis than version 1 to be launched by 2010 end,” said Sudeep Bharati, director, developer tools for Microsoft India’s Visual Studio Team at Tech.Ed 2010 being held here.
The Windows Phone 7 may be priced at $500- $600, same price as Google’s Nexus One. Microsoft officials denied to give any details on pricing .
The Windows Phone 7 will come with a 5 Mega Pixel camera, a large multi-touch screen, Wi-fi , bluetooth and a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
“The new version may also have a smaller screen and will thus be priced lower to suit developing markets like India. We are in talks with OEMs to gain their feedback on a new chassis,” he said. The existing chassis of Windows Phone 7 (due to be launched in December ), carries three buttons.
One of the buttons will carry the Windows symbol and will act like the “start up” key in MS Windows for PCs. The phones to be manufactured by OEMs like HTC, Samsung and LG for Windows Phone 7 will carry a joint branding by Microsoft and the mobile phone maker, the details of which are being worked out.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Microsoft About to Turn Pink
Microsoft is supposed to trot out Project Pink, its long-awaited new smartphone platform with its new UI and social networking widgetry on Monday, April 12. Gismodo says it's Windows CE-based (not Windows Phone 7, which is due out later this year and will mean different applications). There are reportedly two Microsoft-designed Sharp-made phones, Pure and Turtle, that'll be sold by Verizon Wireless. According to comScore Microsoft currently has 15.1% of the U.S. market, Google 9% and iPhone 25.4%. Microsoft is depending on the Windows Phone 7 release for a tickler.
Microsoft Adjusts Windows Phone 7 Name
Microsoft announces it will drop "Series" from the "Windows Phone 7 Series" name. The rechristened Windows Phone 7 is intended by Microsoft as a restart in the smartphone operating system arena, where the company has been losing market share for some time against fierce competitors such as Apple iPhone and Google Android. A recent survey from Appcelerator showed increased developer interest in the Windows Phone 7 platform. Microsoft has stated that it will continue to support its previous Windows Mobile franchise, even as it pushes increased resources toward promoting Windows Phone 7.
Microsoft dropped “Series” from the “Windows Phone 7 Series” moniker for its upcoming smartphone line, streamlining a name repeatedly derided by the media for being a mouthful. The announcement comes as developer interest in creating applications for the platform has increased, according to a recent Appcelerator survey.
An April 2 tweet on the Official Windows Phone Twitter Channel read: “Tis the season for Series finales. We’ve got one too—dropping the ‘Series’ and keeping the ‘Windows Phone 7.’ Done.”
Microsoft envisions Windows Phone 7 as a fresh start in the smartphone operating-system space, where it has been losing market share over several quarters in the face of fierce competition from the likes of Apple iPhone, Research In Motion’s BlackBerry and Google Android devices.
Friday, April 2, 2010
SE Xperia X10 may come with Android 2.2
By John Chan
According to a spokesperson at Sony Ericsson's Asia launch of its new smartphones, the Android-based Xperia phones may get updated to Android 2.2 from their current Android 1.6 software in the second half of the year.
The phones in question are the same ones CNET Asia saw at the recent Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona and include the X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro. Earlier this year, the company had confirmed that the devices will enjoy an upgrade to a newer version of Android. We assumed this would be version 2.1 but were informed today that it "will be an Eclair variant, so it could be 2.1 or even 2.2", according to the spokesperson.
There have been rumors of Android 2.2, most significantly one about a certain HTC Scorpion originating from AndroidSpin. But this is the first time we're hearing about the existence of this version from a device manufacturer. The update timeframe isn't very specific, and could range from four to as distant as eight months from now.
According to a spokesperson at Sony Ericsson's Asia launch of its new smartphones, the Android-based Xperia phones may get updated to Android 2.2 from their current Android 1.6 software in the second half of the year. The phones in question are the same ones CNET Asia saw at the recent Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona and include the X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro. Earlier this year, the company had confirmed that the devices will enjoy an upgrade to a newer version of Android. We assumed this would be version 2.1 but were informed today that it "will be an Eclair variant, so it could be 2.1 or even 2.2", according to the spokesperson.
There have been rumors of Android 2.2, most significantly one about a certain HTC Scorpion originating from AndroidSpin. But this is the first time we're hearing about the existence of this version from a device manufacturer. The update timeframe isn't very specific, and could range from four to as distant as eight months from now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
