MemoryUp application controversy on Android Market

An Android Market application has become the center of a fire storm of controversy after users accused it of wiping data from memory cards and spamming contacts. MemoryUp Personal, distributed by eMobieStudio, is meant to optimize system memory by taking control of the Java Virtual Machine to reclaim unused memory. Whether it actually achieves that goal has been a matter of discussion on the Android Community forum for a few weeks; forum members have not been convinced of its actual efficacy. This past weekend, however, reports started appearing that MemoryUp was erasing files. According to a post at geek.com, users complained that their SD cards “were wiped totally clean.” Other accusations grew, suggesting that MemoryUp was sending spam using onboard contact information, removing calendar items, corrupting memory and placing adware onto the G1.

Android-based Movit tablet displayed at CES

Movit tablet is a WiFi-enabled device which allows watching streaming videos, browse the web and share content on  social networks like Facebook and MySpace.  Movit device presented at Las Vegas was running the Cupcake development branch of Android or whether the Giinii developers had backported the Cupcake keyboard into a more stable Android release.

Is Google looking at the netbook market

Given how flexibly Android has been developed and how well it adapts to new platforms without needing specific adjustments, Google would be foolish to not at least consider this avenue as an active development path. Google has the strength, the influence, and now it seems the technology, to take Linux-based netbooks and notebooks to a newer, more polished, and friendlier place. With Android and its overall consumer ready interface, netbooks could appeal to a wider group of customers and to a possibly revenue-rich market.

Android on Eee PC netbook

What is a future of Android platform, is it only limited to the handled devices? Last week, two enthusiasts managed to load Android onto an Eee PC netbook. What they did proves Android and Android-like operating systems could have a potential range far wider spectrum of devices. According to their write-up, it took no more than about four hours to compile Android for the Eee and get it up and running.

This wasn’t just a proof of concept install. Once running, Android was able to use the onboard graphics, sound, and wireless capabilities of the device. This installation success is helping fuel speculation about the future of Android and other possible Google operating system initiatives.

G1 unlocked for developers

Google has just announced the availability of a developer phone that can be purchased by registered Android Developers. Costing $399 (roughly the same price as a contract-free G1 phone from T-Mobile), the phone offers an unlocked bootloader and allows easy flashing for the installation of custom Android builds. It is available for purchase in 18 international markets. You must join the $25 Android Marketplace program in order to purchase a device. Regular users interested in an unlocked phone are being warned that these units are intended for developers only and are to be used at your own risk.
Related Stories