All posts by Jeff Watson

New Android Marketplace update on the way

By Jeff Watson | 07.31.2011 | Android, Android Apps | Comments Off

Google announced a few weeks back that they would be delivering a new and improved version of the Android Marketplace to all devices running on Android 2.2+. Multiple users have informed us today that they have already started receiving the update.

The update brings video rentals and books to purchase to the market. The video section includes star-based rating system, a synopsis of the plot, cast and crew, a short video preview, reviews and related titles. Video rentals will start at $1.99. If you would like to purchase a book, you can view a sample and a description of the book. The new colorful UI allows users to view up to 12 apps or games at a time. Read more…

Email may haunt Google in patent case

By Jeff Watson | 07.30.2011 | Android | Comments Off

It may be wiser for Google to settle its patent infringement showdown with Oracle than take it to trial. New documents emerging from early hearings in the case suggest the search giant may have a tough time mounting a “no willful infringement” defense against Oracle’s claims that the Android operating system infringes its Java patents..

The first bit, as noted by FossPatent’s Florian Mueller, is a passage from an October 2005 email written by Andy Rubin, Google’s senior VP of mobile, concerning Sun, which held the patents at issue here before being acquired by Oracle.

“If Sun doesn’t want to work with us, we have two options: 1) Abandon our work and adopt MSFT CLR VM and C# language – or – 2) Do Java anyway and defend our decision, perhaps making enemies along the way.” Read more…

E-readers with Android back-ends

By Jeff Watson | 08.25.2010 | Tablet Computing | 2 Comments

Although Google’s Android mobile operating system is principally designed for phones, it is also increasingly showing up on low-cost tablets and other kinds of mobile devices. The platform is rapidly emerging as a major contender in the e-book reader market, where it is attracting a growing number of hardware vendors.

Barnes and Noble’s popular Nook is arguably the most prominent Android-based e-book reader, but there are also a number of intriguing offerings from other vendors. Some are differentiating their readers by eschewing battery-friendly e-ink in favor of color LCD screens. These products take a more tablet-like approach and give users the advantage of a multifunction Internet-enabled device at nearly the same price point as regular e-book readers.

One such product is Velocity Micro’s Cruz Reader, which will launch next month. The device has a seven-inch color LCD touchscreen with a resolution of 800×600. It runs Android 2.0 and will come bundled with the Borders book store. Even though it is designed as an e-book reader, users will still have access to the underlying Android environment and will not have to hack the device in order to sideload and run other applications. Velocity Micro is selling the device for $199 and recently started taking preorders on its website.

Dell Aero Android Smartphone Arrives on AT&T

By Jeff Watson | 08.24.2010 | Android Phones | Comments Off

Dell introduced the Android-running Aero smartphone, calling it its first U.S. smartphone — a designation that puts the Streak in clear tablet terms. With an AT&T contract, the Aero is just $99.99.

The Dell Aero is now available on the AT&T network, Dell announced Aug. 24. The smartphone, which Dell is calling its first in the United States, runs version 1.6 of Google’s Android mobile operating system, also known as “Donut.” It’s priced at $100 with a two-year AT&T contract, or $300, via the Dell Web site without a contract.

The launch of the Aero follows the Aug. 13 debut o the Dell Streak — a “hybrid” device that in size and pricing is something of a large smartphone or a small tablet. The Streak is also available on the AT&T network, or unlocked at an unsubsidized price. With the Aero, however, there’s no second-guessing — it’s a smartphone all the way.

“The Dell Aero is built with a focus on style and performance to help people find new ways to connect with friends and express themselves socially, supported by the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network,” Ron Garriques, president of Dell Communications Solutions, said in a statement.

Motorola Droid 2.0.1 update slowly rolling out, DIY now available!

By Jeff Watson | 12.09.2009 | Android Phones | Comments Off

Verizon has begun pushing the 2.0.1 update to Droid users. They are doing it in phases so you may need to wait a few days to receive it. You will get a notification on your phone when it is ready for you. Details of changes and fixes in this release can be found here.

For those impatient souls like myself, there is a way do download the update and apply it yourself. I did it and it worked fine. That said, I don’t recommend it because if you hork up your phone, you will not get any support from Verizon (or me .)

Droid 2-for-1 special in the works?

By Jeff Watson | 12.03.2009 | Android Phones | Comments Off

BGR has reported that Verizon is going to be offering a 2-for-1 special on the Droid starting on December 4th, with the requirement that you activate a new line. It’s definitely worth waiting a few days if you are considering buying multiple Droids.

Update, 12/4. More details have emerged at BGR. You can only get an HTC Droid Eris as your free phone, not a Motorola Droid.

Yes, you can tether your Droid with Windows

By Jeff Watson | 12.01.2009 | Android Phones | Comments Off

I haven’t seen much press about this yet, but PdaNet now supports USB and Bluetooth tethering for your laptop so that you may use your Droid and its data plan for accessing the internet. The best part is that there is no need to ‘root’ your phone. I have personally done it with version 2.12, and it works very well.

For USB tethering you need to install these drivers from Motorola’s website.

Caveats:

After a trial period the free edition of PdaNet will only pass HTTP traffic. For full IP connectivity you need to purchase the full product at $29 US.
Verizon is not likely to be to happy with this and may try to charge you more for tethering. Use at your own risk.
The fine print of your contract says your “Unlimited Data” plan is really limited to 5 GB per month, an amount which can be used up very quickly by a tethered PC.

More info: PDANet for Android