WolframAlpha app for Android arriving in October

by Steve Ginter on
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WolframAlpha is headed to Android on October 6th and will be arriving with the launch of T-mobile’s G2 (pictured above).  In case you didn’t know, WolframAlpha is a sort of “nerds” search engine – dubbed a “computational knowledge engine” by its creators.  Give WolframAlpha  mathematical problems and it will spit back answers to you like it’s nobody’s business.

It not only does math though, WolframAlpha is a fact genius, color master, and so much more.  For example, I just asked it about Android – unfortunately it didn’t give me anything about a phone operating system, but it did tell me that it’s worth 9 points in Scrabble.

The WolframAlpha app is expected to cost $1.99 when released and will run on Android 1.6 and higher.

[via Eurodroid]

Which Android phone is the best wifi hotspot? Find out now

by Jesse Bauer on
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Laptopmag.com has posted some results to help determine what the best smartphone device is to handle hotspot usage. The original results include mainly Android devices (as it should) as well as a couple of Palm’s. However, the Palm’s were cut from the final results after finishing well below what we would consider standard speeds with today’s carriers.

The results were shown after tests using Speedtest.net with a Toshiba Satellite A665 for Wi-Fi connectivity. Popular sites such as ESPN.com, NYTimes.com and CNN.com were all tested by download times using Google Chrome as well. Head on past the break for the results.

» Read the rest

Verizon Droid X back in stock!

by Jesse Bauer on
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Reports have come in that the Droid X is back in stock at Verizon! That comes with a sigh of relief for all those Verizon customers (and maybe some potential new ones) who have been waiting for a couple months for the ability to order.

As a side note, reports are not confirmed as to whether the Droid X will be shipping with Android 2.1 or 2.2, but we will be sure to let you know as soon as Verizon makes a confirmation.

Now, we’d like to hear from you. Have you been holding out on renewing you contract, or have you signed with another device hoping it will satisfy the Droid X void?

[via Droid-Life]

Galaxy Tab to be offered with free keyboard dock in Spain

by Tyler Cunningham on
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Consumers in Spain who may be on the fence about buying a Samsung Galaxy Tab have a bit more of an incentive now. Spanish customers who pre-order a Galaxy Tab between now and October 14th will receive a free keyboard dock, which retails for around $100.

Also, it seems that this offer is only available in Spain, so residents of other European countries may be out of luck. Users interested in registering for the Galaxy Tab can do so here.

[via unwiredview]

Motorola Defy put to a stress test (video)

by Mikka Burrell on
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Recently, retailer Expansys tested the Motorola Defy’s ability to, for lack of a better word, defy various situations that would normally spell the end for a smartphone device, such as being dropped on the floor or immersed in water.

This rugged Android device is seemingly being pitched to the ultra-clumsy smartphone user who needs a device that can withstand more physical abuse.

So, for you European smartphone users who are interested in a rugged but equally capable Android device, preorder starts soon. Continue after the break for a video of the Defy going through a series of stress tests.

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New photos of Verizon’s HTC Lexikon emerge

by Mikka Burrell on
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BoyGeniusReport seems to have gotten their hands on some new pictures of Verizon’s upcoming HTC Lexikon. This sleek, all-black handset running Android 2.2 has a 5 megapixel camera, SIM card for global capabilities, and a microSD card slot; all the makings of a new Verizon Wireless flagship device.

The model name of this device is ADR6325 and looks like it will be paired with the Motorola Droid 2 World Edition in Verizon’s lineup of Android devices.

Check out this new HTC device in greater detail and let us know what you think in the comments!

[via boygeniusreport]

Tutorial: Hack an FM radio onto your DROID 2

by Dustin Karnes on
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Over at xda-developers, member “slayher” has managed to do some pretty clever hacking on his DROID 2. Using his method, which has been made public in the xda-developers forums, you can add FM radio capabilities to your DROID 2 as well. Just like that, your phone will be cooler than all the other kids’ on the block. We should mention that this isn’t by any means easy; no one-click solutions here. You could easily brick your phone if you’re not careful, so be sure to proceed with caution. But, if you’re familiar enough with your device and things like ADB and filesystem remounting, then feel free to give it a try.

All you have to do is download the zip file here, and then follow these instructions directly from the xda thread:

» Read the rest

Get the Samsung Fascinate for a penny!

by Steve Ginter on
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Amazon has the Samsung Fascinate for just a penny when you sign up for a new service plan with big red.  It doesn’t get much cheaper than that, ok maybe it does, but this is a smoking deal on a Galaxy S series phone.  Need more info on the device?  No problem, head on over to our TalkAndroid review of the Samsung Fascinate, complete with sexy hand modeling and full frontal video action.

Spot any more deals on Android phones?  Send us a tip, and we’ll let your fellow droid family know!

[via Amazon]

Norton Mobile aims to secure your Android phone

by Jesse Bauer on
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Symantec has launched a mobile version of Norton for Android devices. It is currently in “beta”, and free for Android users. The main system requirements are that you are running Android 2.x and up, as well as have at least 1.8MB of storage available.

Norton Mobile for Android will protect against:

  • Loss/Theft of Your Private Information
  • Loss/Theft of Your Mobile Device
  • Cybercriminals
  • Annoying Unwanted Calls and Text Messages
  • Mobile Threats

» Read the rest

Samsung uses Atmel maXTouch touch solutions for new Galaxy Tab

by Dustin Karnes on
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Samsung’s new tablet, the Galaxy Tab, is gaining a new partner in the solutions department. Samsung has now partered with Atmel, and is planning on using the company’s maXTouch for a touchscreen solution. What does the maXTouch bring to the table? According to the press release:

The Atmel maXTouch solution offers higher performance, better accuracy, faster response times and lower power than competing solutions to provide a better user experience. Its true unlimited touch functionality and faster performance enable advanced features including rejection of unintended touches, multi-touch stretch/pinch and rotate gestures, and handwriting recognition on larger form factor screens, ranging from mobile Internet devices (MIDs) to PC Netbooks and notebooks. The maXTouch solution is based on Atmel’s proprietary microcontroller technology, combined with software algorithms for a more robust touch solution.

Hopefully this new partnership will prove gainful for both companies. What do you think of this new partnership? Be sure to let us know in the comments. Full presser after the break.

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