Archive for 'Google Android'

HTC’s Magic - Vodafone G2 phone

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.

Google accepting paid applications on Android Market

Google has opened their Android Market mobile app store for paid applications it seems to be the first step towards changing more integrated bussines model following Apple’s lead. Initially, the Android Market offered only free applications. Now, however, the search giant confirmed plans to next week begin selling applications through Android Market after rumors began circulating earlier this week.

Users of the Android-based T-Mobile G1 smartphone can expect to see the paid apps available starting in the middle of next week, according to a Google post on a blog for Android developers. The search giant said Google Checkout will serve as the payment and billing mechanism for the service.

Motorola plans for Android platform

Motorola is planning new revenue stream from Android open source mobile platform devices. According to Sanjay Jha, Co-CEO and mobile device leader at Motorola “Android works well for Motorola, as Motorola’s new device applications are now focused on providing best-in-class Web browsing and unique experiences which would include social networking capabilities. Motorola’s expertise in Linux and Java is also a natural fit for Android development”. He also praised Android’s development flexibility and heavy developer interest. His expectation is that Motorola will be able to leverage Android software to build unique products that will prove alluring to carrier partners and resellers.

LiMo focussed on providing Linux based operating platform for mobile providers

The LiMo Foundation today announced that at least six major operators will be delivering Linux based mobile phones in 2009. LiMo is group focussed on providing a standard Linux based operating platform for mobile providers. In June of 2008 it absorbed its rival the LiPS (Linux Phone Standards) and in my view now competes squarely against Google’s Android and Nokia’s Symbian.

The new Linux phones will come from NTT DOCOMO, Orange, SK Telecom, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone all of whom are LiMO contributors in some way. LiMO claims now to have 33 commercial mobile phones certified as being LiMo compliant.

Is Google working on a second version of gphone?

According to the latest rumors next-generation T-Mobile G2 phone is ready and is due for release this May. The G2 will be thinner and not include the pull out keyboard of the original G1, according to Gizmodo, which published what it said were “spy photos” of the alleged, slick-looking device. New T-Mobile G2 will be equipped with a 3.2 megapixel camera and maintains an interface similar to the current G1 also based on the Android operating system. It will lack a physical keyboard, users will be introduced to the virtual or onscreen keyboard well known from Apple devices.