It took several months, but Netflix for Android is now available to most Android smartphones and small tablets. The latest app update adds support for Android 2.2 and 2.3; a change from the earlier Netflix versions that were tested on a device-by-device basis. Read more »
In May of 2010, I examined the Android fragmentation issue. Is it still a problem? Yes, but based on various Google actions that time, the data shows it’s far less of an issue than it was. And it will always exist under the current licensing model. Read more »
Got an LG G2x handset and looking for a new version of Android? LG has created Android 2.3.3 firmware for the smartphone, which hopefully addresses some performance glitches. The software will eventually be pushed over the air to phones, but you can get it now. Read more »
Pantech’s Crossover, the company’s first Android smartphone for the U.S., arrives June 5 on AT&T. For $69 with contract, one can’t expect too much power, but the 3G handset has some advanced features such as mobile hotspot support. Can it compete against the $49 iPhone 3GS? Read more »
Verizon Wireless today announced an April 28 launch for the HTC Incredible 2, a successor to one of the carrier’s most popular Google Android handsets from last year. Although the handset can’t use Verizon’s 4G network, it may appeal to frequent travelers due to GSM support. Read more »
Barnes & Noble released software for its Nook Color e-reader, bringing Android 2.2 and third-party software to the $249 device. At this price, consumers may opt for a multipurpose e-reader over a tablet. Why not, when you can play Angry Birds, YouTube vids and check email? Read more »
Cloud computing, a surge of smartphone growth and increased wireless connectivity have created an ideal environment for the introduction of the media tablet — a consumer-grade device best suited to leisure-based computing activities such as gaming and social networking. This report forecasts the media tablet market, which is expected to grow at a 54 percent compound annual growth rate over the next five years. We forecast revenues and regional growth, including China’s growing importance in the market, and provide a competitive analysis of tablets from Cisco, Research in Motion, Apple, HP and others. Additional companies in this report include Samsung, Dell, Microsoft and Motorola. For a full list of companies, and to read the full report, sign up for a free trial. Read more at GigaOM Pro »
Samsung’s 7-inch Galaxy Tab has long been tied to carriers due to the integrated mobile broadband radio but Samsung is finally introducing a device free from carrier contracts. Priced at $349, the Wi-Fi device launches on April 10 and includes an internal storage boost to 32GB. Read more »
Can a $30 Android smartphone compete with high-end devices costing five times more? Provided you can give up some performance and a few advanced features, it definitely can. The LG Optimus T represents a future filled with low-priced Android smartphones for current feature phone users. Read more »
Two years after the original G1 handset, T-Mobile’s G2 improves in every way: from the newest version of Google Android to a high resolution touchscreen and an extremely usable slide-out QWERTY keyboard. At $199 and with support for T-Mobile’s fast 3G network, the G2 is excellent. Read more »
Two years after the original G1 handset, T-Mobile’s G2 improves in every way: from the newest version of Google Android to a high resolution touchscreen and an extremely usable slide-out QWERTY keyboard. At $199 and with support for T-Mobile’s fast 3G network, the G2 is excellent. Read more »
Nearly three of every four handsets hitting the Android Market are now running modern versions of Google’s mobile operating system, just as rumors begin swirling around Gingerbread, the next Android version. Between Froyo’s uptake and core apps developed as add-ons, Google is quietly reducing Android fragmentation. Read more »
Nearly three of every four handsets hitting the Android Market are now running modern versions of Google’s mobile operating system, just as rumors begin swirling around Gingerbread, the next Android version. Between Froyo’s uptake and core apps developed as add-ons, Google is quietly reducing Android fragmentation. Read more »
The number of quality apps on the Android platform has grown tremendously, and one of the best apps is the Dolphin Browser HD. This free browser builds on the strengths of the stock Android browser by adding key interface methods that are shown in this video. Read more »
Sprint has begun rolling out the Android 2.2 (Froyo) update as promised to owners of the EVO 4G. To maintain good update server speeds, the update will be released in phases, and will appear when available. Manual updating can be done in the phone’s settings. Read more »
Stories this week: Sprint will be the first carrier to offer the Android 2.2 update to owners of the EVO 4G beginning next week. A list of top widgets will extend the utility of your Android phone. The Sprint store goes live in the Android Market. Read more »
Google today released the final version of Android 2.2, aka Froyo, to Nexus One devices through an over-the-air update. But what’s does Froyo bring the table and which phones will see the newest version of Android? Here’s everything you need to know about Froyo. Read more »
Google says that 160,000 new Android phones are arriving in customer’s hands each day after announcing 100,000 daily Android activations just last month. This speedy growth has caused some fragmentation issues, but Verizon and Motorola have plans to address that — all Droids will see Froyo. Read more »
After using Android 2.1 — and some custom ROMs — for the past five months, I’m impressed overall with Android 2.2, aka: Froyo. The user interface provides nice enhancements and the system is slightly faster. Here are some hands on thoughts from the past day. Read more »
Google released Android 2.2 this week at its annual I/O conference. Froyo, as it’s been called, brings a number of improvements to the platform, chief among them performance gains across the board. This release is coupled with the Flash Player 10.1 beta for Android 2.2. Read more »
