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Google Modifies SDK Terms In Attempt To Curb Fragmentation

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by Rudy Rivapalacio on
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Android Fragmentation

Google has made a change to the terms and conditions of the Android SDK (software development kit) to explicitly prohibit developers from taking any action that may lead to the fragmentation of Android. This is the first change to the terms since April, 2009.

Section 3.4 of the SDK terms states: You agree that you will not take any actions that may cause or result in the fragmentation of Android, including but not limited to distributing, participating in the creation of, or promoting in any way a software development kit derived from the SDK.

With such a wide variety of Android devices of different specs and sizes, Google and the different Android manufacturers have had a hard time keeping devices updated with the latest OS. The multiple versions of Android in use by consumers makes developing for Android a much more complex and pricey endeavor. This change marks the first overt step Google has taken to combat this issue.

Source: Google
Via: CNET

Kindle Fire HD 7 root method

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by Jeff Causey on
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As consumers start to get their hands on a new Amazon Kindle Fire HD 7 device, some will certainly want to stretch the capabilities of their new tablet. They will be met with frustration if they decide to pursue a new bootloader as it appears Amazon has locked down the devices extra tight. XDA forum member kinfauns did some digging only to discover Amazon has employed some high security device techniques similar to Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet devices. Unlike a Nook, the Kindle Fire HD 7 does not have an SD card slot that can be used as an alternate boot device. Developers are exploring workarounds for this situation.

There is good news though on the root front. RootzWiki contributor jcase(OP) has determined Amazon failed to secure a known method for gaining root access on Ice Cream Sandwich devices. Using the Android SDK, it is only a matter of minutes to root the device. Just hit the source link for the instructions if you want to give it a try. Just remember though, you are responsible for what happens to your device if you root it and something goes wrong.

source: RootzWiki

Ice Cream Sandwich Source Code Will Be Released Soon

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by Harold Williams on
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Android developer Dan Morrill posted in the Android Building group stating “We plan to release the source for the recently-announced Ice Cream Sandwich soon, once it’s available on devices.” While the ROM community may not be the majority out there, this is still awesome news for those of us asking “Got Root?”. While the SDK has been released for ICS, it’s still unknown exactly when the source code will be available. In either case, we know we’ll get to giggle soon enough when devs start pushing ICS ROMs to devices well before the manufactures do.

[via androidandme]

Dockless Root Method for Motorola Photon 4G courtesy of XDA

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by Harold Williams on
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Looking to root your Photon 4G, but haven’t picked up the HD dock yet? I promise I’m not playing with your emotions here because the dock is no longer needed.

Member edgan over at XDA has posted a new dockless method for your rooting pleasure. It looks relatively easy, but you will need to follow some well written instructions, download a few apps from the market, and use the Android SDK. Hit up the XDA link below for the thread.

[via xda]

Android-powered robot tank built by London developer

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by Harold Williams on
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Web developer Tamlyn from London has built an Android phone controlled RC tank. After leaving only the tracks, drive motors, gears, battery and on-off swtich, an Android phone and IOIO board were added to drive the tank remotely. Now that’s cool!

Using Tamlyn’s own application, the tank can receive steering and movement commands via any web browser. The Android device is running a basic HTTP server with a web page listening for commands. These are received and then sent to the tank via USB to the IOIO board. The response time over 3G hasn’t been tested yet, but he has the current response times over WiFi down to about 30ms which he deems fast enough.

It’s also worth noting that Tamlyn stated that, with help, writing for Android was easy.

“This is my first Android project but thankfully the Android SDK and documentation are outstanding. With the help of a few tutorials I went from Hello World to a simple app that accepted HTTP connections in just a few hours.”

While he isn’t sure what this robot tank will ultimately do, it’s sure worth thinking about possibly of the camera being live. This could lead to some really cool applications besides checking on and scaring your cat or dog while at work. Be sure to check this cool creation out in the video and let us know what you think in the comments.  Hit the break for another screen shot and the video demo.   » Read the rest

HTC to Allow Future Devices to be Unlocked via the Web

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by Ryan Brooks on
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It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about HTC’s revisions to locked bootloader policy, so [impatiently] we’ve waited for more news. We’ve gotten an update, what an update it is.

Having listened to their customer’s concerns, and knowing that locking a phone is out of the question, HTC has devised the perfect compromise. Phones will continue to ship locked, however, users can register with HTC for access to a web tool use to unlock the device. The process is more complex than that, requiring that the Android SDK be installed and a couple of command-line lines to be run, but should make a welcome change from the norm. Certainly not needing to wait for developers to “hack” it should expedite ROM development initially.

I see no problem with HTC requiring registration. HTC should not need to deal with a bricked phone because of user error; you knew what you were doing when you got started, and if something goes wrong, you voided the warranty. It shouldn’t be HTC’s responsibility to fix your phone should you break it. That said, it isn’t clear if ACTUAL faultiness will still be covered after running the tool, and to what extent. I have no reason to believe HTC will screw this up, but if they do, rest assured you guys will know about it.

[via facebook]

Android 2.3.3 allows screenshots without rooting, Android SDK

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by Mikka Burrell on
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Some changes have been made to the Android 2.3.3 code which allows taking screenshots without rooting your Android phone. Screenshots have always been possible with Android SDK, pictured above, as well as various apps that require your phone to be rooted. But with Android 2.3.3, screenshots can be finally achieved through applications due to changes in what is captured from the framebuffer.

Being able to take screenshots without rooting your Android device is something that many users have been wanting for awhile it. For those of you who already have Gingerbread, it shouldn’t be long before developers start including this awesome capability into later updates.

[via AC]

Android 3.0 Honeycomb SDK released – features, images and changes

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by Jesse Bauer on
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android-honeycomb

There’s been a lot of anticipation over Android 3.0, especially since CES 2011 in Vegas a few weeks ago. With the launch of so many Android tablets, and some launching with Honeycomb like the Motorola Xoom, and LG G-Slate, many are curious how different the new version of Android “built for tablets” will be from it’s previous versions. Since Google launched it’s SDK for Honeycomb, many have been digging in deep to see what we’ll find. Here is a summary of the new features and changes within.

See the features and changes below…

BuzzCity launching in-app advertising SDK for Android

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by Mikka Burrell on
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Android is renowned for the majority of its apps being free in Android Market. But, that does get paid for by someone: advertisers. BuzzCity recently launched an SDK for Android which will allow advertising in games and applications. The company will see competition with the likes of AdMob and Greystripe, however.

BuzzCity’s success is attributed to their existing distribution channel(s) that ensure the apps and games will be available all around the world. Currently, their global mobile advertising network serves 4.5 billion adverts per month.

Advertisers and developers, are you interested? The company will be auctioning off mobile inventory to advertisers, while developers will be paid on a per click basis.

[via intomobile]

Rumor: Android Gingerbread SDK May Drop Next Week

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by Jesse Bauer on
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Android Gingerbread

Rumor mills are spinning, as we have seen several postings about the possible drop of Android Gingerbread SDK next week!

The word on the street is that this version of Android OS will be the most radical change to the OS we’ve seen. Majority of speculation has also been that Gingerbread will be version 3.0, but in the view of snacks and baked goods, it’s likely it will be numbered at 2.3-2.5.

For any of the above to have any impact aside from sheer hearsay, we’ll eagerly await the official release from Google.

[via intomobile]

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