Softbank wants to put out an app on Android called “S!Mail” for their launch of “Softbank Mail”. Softbank has chosen Myriad Group to develop this MMS service, specifically for Android 2.2 OS.
This deal marks a shift for Myriad and their growth in the Android Market. You can read the official Press release below.
We first told you about the Xperia X8 back in June, and there really hasn’t been a whole lot of news about this device since, other than a leaked user manual and the fact it will be unlocked.
It would appear that Sony is finally ready to ship the latest member of the Xperia family, but we regrettably must inform you that it is still rocking Android 1.6. An update to 2.1 is promised, but no time frame has been given.
This phone is expected to retail for $300, so if you’re looking for an Android phone sans contract, the price isn’t too shabby. It really is unfortunate that they have chosen to keep 1.6 on this for the time being, but that won’t be enough to deter some people from buying this phone.
These should be landing in retail stores shortly, and you can also purchase one online by visiting the official X8 product page here.
[via ZDNet]
First Orion, makers of PrivacyStar, have just announced that their useful call blocking and caller ID app for Android can now block SMS messages. If you are a text-a-holic like me, you read half way through a message before you realize you are reading some annoying marketing jargon. No longer must you suffer the wrath of the spam king underworld, looking to embed subconscious advertising into your brain. Rock on with your block on with the PrivacyStar app!
In addition to call blocking and text blocking, PrivacyStar also provides caller id, caller lookup, and the ability to report telemarketing violations, so it’s feature-set makes it worth the buy if you want true control of your Android device. PrivacyStar is free for the first 7 days, and $2.99 a month after that (less if you sign up for annual or semi-annual subscription). Hit the jump for the full presser.
So now that Adobe Air has officially been released for Android (well on Android 2.2 anyway) what apps use it? There’s no official list of what apps are based on Air, so how is a techie, Android user to know? Well thankfully appbrain user webkitchen has compiled a list for us. His list features 23 apps that are based on the Air runtime, but a quick search for “adobe air” on the Marketplace will turn up a lot more. All I know is I’m excited to see what the future of Air on Android will bring.
[via appbrain]
Thanks Matthew for sending this in!
I don’t know about you, but I know people who have dropped their phones in the toilet (more men than women) and the darn thing is dead. This is found out only after you actually questioned whether you should go in after it to begin with of course.
The new Motorola Defy may help with those situations as we see in this video below.
Read More…
In a recent Q&A session with PC Mag, Android chief (VP of engineering) Andy Rubin let the public no, in no uncertain terms, his thoughts on Windows Phone 7. He states that “the world doesn’t need another platform”, and says that, based on screenshots he has seen, he thinks the platform from Microsoft is interesting, but does not see the need for it in the Market, now that Android is out there for the people. He says:
“Android is free and open; I think the only reason you create another platform is for political reasons”
He also mentions that a portion of the strength in the Android platform as a whole can be attributed to the way it is tied in with Google’s services. He states that Google has been in this business “since day zero”, giving them the upper hand against Microsoft as they attempt to re-enter the smartphone atmosphere.
Be sure to hit up the source link below for the full interview.
What do you think? Does Android have the upper hand in the mobile race? let us know in the comments!
[via PC Mag]
We just received a note from a reader concerning the upgrade to Froyo for the HTC Desire. According to the email received from Three:
We have checked this with HTC and they have removed the Android 2.2 (Froyo) software update from their server. Customers with generic variants of the HTC Desire will not receive any message prompting them to update the software.
Once HTC launches the software update, we’ll be able to provide it to all our customers. You can always check HTC website for any updates and details.
So, there you have it. Looks like the carrier is holding out for the manufacturers again, and the users are caught in the crossfire.
What do you think of the delay? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
[Thanks to our tipster!]
Love Froyo? Love to beta test? Have a Dell Streak? If you can answer yes to all 3 of these questions, then you should definitely check this out. A beta of Android 2.2 has been released for the Dell Streak and is available for download and installation. Keep in mind, folks, this is beta in every sense of the word – we’re hearing reports of random rebooting, #G data problems after switching off your wifi, and more. Don’t fret, though – with the beta now being released, this gives all the genius minds of developers, hackers and modders a chance to give the bugs a round for their money.
The process itself is relatively lengthy and difficult, no one-click solutions here. But, if you think you’re up for the task, then grab your geek hat and let’s have a Froyo party. Hit up the source link below to check it out.
Note: Your device will need to be rooted.
[via MoDaCo]
We recently reported on Yahoo!’s release of individual apps for a few of their services. Now, it looks like Yahoo has another trick or two up their sleeves, one of which is video messaging. According to an interview with Reuters, VP of Yahoo! Mobile David Katz signaled that the video service would be coming to Android devices.
While Yahoo is already the proud owner of the Yahoo! Messenger app, it currently only has support for IM. With a new update to the app, we are likely looking at free video chats between Yahoo! users. Katz said the app would allow for not only device-to-device video conferencing, but for video messages between devices and desktop machines as well, and the feature could possibly come bundled with support to use Yahoo! video messenger over 3G.
Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
[via Reuters]
Pricing with the Galaxy Tab: it’s like trying to get a picture of Bigfoot. Now, according to a leak via an inside source, the pricing has been revealed. The Galaxy Tab will (possibly) be $400 on a 2-year contract through Sprint, or $600 if you have commitment issues. According to Boy Genius Report, the device will be available starting November 14th in the US.
This pricing puts the Samsung Galaxy Tab in prime position to be a direct iPad competitor. The device will have:
What do you think of this possible pricing and availability? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
[via BGR]