Droid Today

Posts Tagged android 2.0

Yes, you can tether your Droid with Windows

Dec 1

Posted by David Santoro in 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Verizon is not likely to be to happy with this and may try to charge you more for tethering.  Use at your own risk.
  3. 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

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Free Android app trumps $30 multimedia dock

Nov 20

Posted by Brian Kelley in Android Phones | Comments off

A new, free application you can download (for now) from the Android application store opens the functionality that you could previously only use on the Motorola Droid by purchasing the Multimedia Dock. The application only works on the the Android 2 OS of the Motorola Droid. Search the app store for DockRunner and install.

The Motorola Droid senses whether it’s being used free-form or mounted in either the multimedia dock or the car-mounted dock through the use of magnets. When mounted in the car dock, the phone automatically launches the Google Maps Navigation application while launching the multimedia interface / clock when the device is cradled in the Motorola accessory. Although you can fire up “Car Home” on the phone without the use of the dock for your vehicle, there hasn’t been an obvious way to launch the hidden multimedia interface without the corresponding accessory for your desktop.

Found at telephonvonline.com

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Android Development on Windows: Part 1 of 2

Nov 20

Posted by Jeff Watson in Android Development, Android Phones | 1 Comment

I recently blogged on the Android SDK and my initial experience.  Since, I’ve received several requests to outline the steps required to get started.  That is, to install, configure and debug an Android application.  This 2 part series intends to do just that.

Where We Are Going

This post will focus on downloading, installing and validating your Android development configuration on Windows.  It is the first step when getting started.

Step 1: Download

First things, first.  Download the required installation files to your local hard drive.  Once everything has completed downloading, continue to step 2.  Keep in mind, my recommendation is different than the instructions you’ll find on the official Android developers website.  This is because I find the following configuration provides the most robust developer experience when working with Java EE, GlassFish and Android.

JDK 6 Update 17 1.6.0_17 is the latest.  I recommend you download the 4th item down titled “JDK 6 Update 17”.  You don’t need any of the bundles. Download Here
Netbeans IDE 6.7.1 This version comes bundled with the GlassFish application server.  Not required for Android development, but you’ll be glad you have it.  You’ll see. Download Here
Android SDK r3 Direct link for Android SDK. Download Here

Step 2: Installation

Rather than give you a play by play, I’m only going to highlight the most important sections for each installation.  For the most part, it should be fairly straight forward.

Read the rest of this entry »

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The Android OS Matures

Nov 17

Posted by Jeff Watson in Android Development, Android Phones | Comments off

Android 2.0 is a mobile operating system running on a Linux kernel and first gained attention when Google purchased 22-month-old startup, Android, Inc. back in 2005.  Last week I downloaded the latest Android SDK to see for myself what the platform brings to the table now that it has had time to mature.  All I can say is wow!

What’s in the box?

First of all, the Android 2.0 SDK comes complete with Android libraries, an emulator, emulator skins, sample applications and a nice set of developer tools delivered as a plug-in for Eclipse.  Pretty much everything you need to write an application to run on the Android platform.  Because I work with Java EE on a regular basis, I chose to install the Android SDK and roll the the Android Development Tools (ADT) into my existing GlassFish/Eclipse bundled IDE.  Worked like a charm following the simple instructions on the Android Developers website.

Hello World

After installing the Android SDK and developer tools I followed the Hello World Tutorial and found myself running my first Android application in the emulator in less than 10 minutes.  At first, you’ll feel this awkward sensation and won’t be able to put your finger on it.  Then, you’ll realize that foreign feeling is excitement.  You’re actually excited about coding again and the flames of creativity long stamped out by “the man” will come raging back.  Just try to stop the ideas from popping into your head!

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Android 2.0 source released, runs on T-Mobile G1

Nov 14

Posted by Brian Kelley in Android Phones | Comments off

Google quietly released the Android 2.0 source code last night. No sooner had it been released when the capable hacker community had it up and running on the T-Mobile HTC G1. The speed with which it was ported is either a testament to the skillz of those who do Linux programming or the stability of the OS build. In any event, it’s within the realm of possibility that a solid build for the G1 could come as soon as this weekend.

Source Code

Ported code progress

“Cyanogen’s” (Steve Kondik) Twitter page

Android 2.0 lockscreen running on T-Mobile G1

Android 2.0 lockscreen running on T-Mobile G1

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In other news…

Nov 12

Posted by Brian Kelley in Android Phones | Comments off

Some miscellaneous news stories.

Droid v. iPhone Deathmatch (review)

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140718/Deathmatch_Motorola_Droid_versus_iPhone?taxonomyId=15&pageNumber=1

Samsung Bada smartphone (running Samsungs open Bada OS) image leaked.

http://nexus404.com/Blog/2009/11/12/samsung-bada-smartphone-gets-leaked-bada-phone-to-be-available-in-december/

Breakdown of differences between Droid and Eris (review)

http://www.redmondpie.com/motorola-droid-vs-htc-droid-eris-9140103/

Samsung Behold II pricing revealed

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-behold-ii-available-nov-18th-19999

Hacking your T-Mobile to run Google Maps Navigation

http://www.softsailor.com/news/11620-how-to-install-google-maps-navigation-on-your-g1.html

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Cannucks get Android-based smart phone

Nov 10

Posted by Brian Kelley in Android Phones | Comments off

The Motorola Droid will be available for sale in Canada sometime early next year on the Telus network. It will be marketed under the name “Milestone”.

“With Motorola Milestone, Canadians will no longer be limited in what they can do with their smartphones,” said Rick Gadd, vice president of Motorola Canada Mobile Devices, in a statement on the Milestone’s impending arrival on Telus. “They will experience the Web the way they’ve always wanted on a mobile device, with lightning fast speeds and pages that show them more.”

eWeek Article

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