Archive for February, 2009
Android applications unavailable for unlocked G1 phones
Posted on February 27, 2009, under Google Android.
Google’s Android division is currently blocking users of unblocked G1 phones from downloading paid applications on the Android market, the policy is aimed at preventing casual user-to-user pirating of applications and only involves copy protected applications. The new policy onle effects “copy protected” applications and not all paid applications.
Palm Linux-based webOS platform
Posted on February 25, 2009, under Google Android.
Palm has published technical overview of their new Linux-based webOS platform that will support Palm application development with web technologies. Platform SDK Palm’s leverages standards-based web technologies and allows third-party developers to build complete applications using a mix of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It uses a custom JavaScript framework called Mojo and bundles some popular third-party JavaScript libraries, including Prototype. WebOS applications are displayed on “stage” elements, which are described with HTML and contain various “scene” elements. Scenes are organized in a stack and can be displayed or removed programmatically with push and pop actions that are executed through the JavaScript scene assistant. Basic widgets are described in HTML by inserting a div element with a custom x-mojo-element attribute that specifies the name of the widget.
ACCESS Linux Platform unveiled in Barcelona
Posted on February 24, 2009, under Mobile World News.
The new version of ACCESS Linux Platform unveiled at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona offers a richer user interface and compliance with LiMo standards. The ACCESS Linux Platform (ALP) 3.0 brings a significant user interface overhaul with support for rich visual effects. ACCESS Platform leverages components of the GNOME mobile and embedded stack, which means that third-party developers can use GTK+ to build applications that will run on the platform. It also includes a Java runtime, a Garnet emulator that enables support for legacy Palm applications, and a Web widget runtime that allows developers to build applications with HTML and JavaScript. ALP was developed by PalmSource, a software company that split from Palm in 2003 and was subsequently acquired by ACCESS in 2005.
HTC’s Magic - Vodafone G2 phone
Posted on February 19, 2009, under Google Android.
Vodafone has presented their brand new model of touchscreen-only Android gphone named: HTC’s Magic. According to the specs G2 will be equipped with a 3.2-inch QVGA screen front and center (that resolution might be a typo, HVGA seems more likely), HDSPA, GPS, 3.2 megapixel camera (no flash), and a G1-style trackball. Details on pricing and availability will be unveiled for local Vodafone markets as they see fit, but pricing in Spain will be from 99 to 199 Euro, depending on contract. Initial markets to nab the phone will be UK (due in April), Spain, Germany, France and Italy, with more countries to follow, and the phone will be a timed exclusive with Vodafone. Crazily enough, the phone has a proprietary headphone jack, proving once and for all that HTC doesn’t like you, but at least this one will ship with a touchscreen keyboard out of the gate — it’s running Cupcake.
Palm plans to open application store
Posted on February 18, 2009, under Mobile World News.
Palm has launched a new online mobile application storefront stuffed with free and paid versions of applications for over 25 Palm devices.The quiet Software Store debut, which it didn’t announce officially, houses 1,000 free applications and 2,000 games. Users can search through categories for applications for personal productivity, fun and games, to professional. You can browse applications listed by device type and also by mobile platform. There are even sub-storefronts for Windows Mobile and Palm’s OS applications.
Is it enough to keep the legions of Palm device users faithful? Palm did not return a call seeking comment. Applications for the Palm platform have long enjoyed a huge following, and have been a key reason many Palm device users, such as Treo and Centro, are sticking with Palm while others are leaving the device for others. Palm has been offering software through its own Shop MyPalm site which is still active. Palm fans can also go to third-party developer sites, like Handango.com, visit retail stores and download applications from wireless carrier sites as well.