Applications on Android

T-Mobile HTC HD2 in March; myTouch Slide May 17th?

Details of T-Mobile USA's upcoming handset launches have emerged, with TmoNews claiming to have release dates for several Android, Windows Mobile and other devices. Perhaps of most interest is the HTC HD2, previously confirmed for T-Mobile in the Spring and now expected in March 2010; we're also curious about two new HTC Android phones, the T-Mobile myTouch Slide (which looks like it could be a QWERTY version of the HTC Magic/myTouch 3G) coming May 17th, and before that an update to the HTC myTouch 3G (described as v1.2) which throws in a 3.5mm headphone socket on February 10th.

Meanwhile there's the Motorola Zeppelin is another Android handset – no word on release date or specifications as yet – while on March 17th Nokia's 5230 complete with AWS support is expected. A Garmin “Columbus” handset is tipped for May 5th.

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LG GW620 Android Smartphone Goes On Sale In The UK

LG's first Google Android powered smartphone is now available in the UK. The LG GW620 features a 3 inch touchscreen display, a five megapixel camera, plus a slide out QWERTY keyboard and built in WiFi and Bluetooth.

The LG GW620 is now available with two mobile phone networks in the UK, T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile.

T-Mobile are offering the GW620 Android handset for free on a £20 a month two year contract, that comes with unlimited data access.

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The cost of cellphone service choice?

If people at your house think the Nexus One phone is cool, they're right, but they still need to think twice about various costs. The new Google phone is a pricey option to begin with: $539, "not including service fees by T-Mobile, Google's first service partner" if untethered from a T-Mobile service fee, the Washington Post reports. But if the buyer changes his or her mind and wants to end service early, the penalties "could amount to $550 in early equipment return and contract cancellation fees," the Post adds (not mentioning that T-Mobile does have a month-to-month plan with no termination fee, but probably higher-cost up front). This when the FCC is reviewing early termination fees at Verizon Wireless.

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Sound Quality Nokia N900 v...

I recently upgraded from a T-Mobile G1 to a Nokia N900, and I'm just loving the sound over headphones in comparison (the G1 sucked for sound, frankly). However, I think I would rather have an Android phone in the long run, and would like to know if the Nexus One also has good sound comparable to the N900. And while I'm asking, do either of them compare to the iPhone?

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Rhapsody app advertisement shows HTC HD2 with Android (Phone Arena News)

The lineup for the advertisement included the Motorola DROID, T-Mobile myTouch 3G, and the distinct looks of the HTC HD2 – although it’s unclear why its screen is showing off the Android app. It’s speculated to be a really bad Photoshop job where someone could’ve mistaken it for HTC’s other premier offering in the Nexus One. Although it’s very unlikely to see an Android powered HTC HD2 right now, it’s always a possibility as we’ve seen the older HTC Touch HD running it. Or maybe this might have some underlying insights into what can happen down the road?

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Eric Clapton Hawking Fender myTouch 3G Android Phone

To some, "Clapton is God." To others, he's mere mortal. To all, he's now a T-Mobile spokesman. According to Engadget, Eric Clapton will soon be coming to living rooms all across America to promote T-Mobile's Fender Limited Edition myTouch 3G phone. The device, slated to launch on January 20th, features a faux wood design and a few extras clearly aimed at the classic rock fan. In addition to the 16GB memory card and the 3.5 mm headphone jack, the specially-issued gadget will also come equipped with several apps for guitar gurus, including a doubleTwist music-syncing application. Fender will also launch its own gift bag of guitar goodies for the phone, running Android 1.6 until the anticipated 2.1 update drops later this year.

The Clapton name may not carry the same cultural weight with young pups that it once did, but for the music fanatic demographic that the product is targeting, he couldn't be a better spokesman. The campaign may even attract more old-timers to the phone; after all, if someone who's ruthlessly waged war on their brain cells for the better part of 40 years can still find their way around T-Mobile's handset, that's about as user friendly as it gets.

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Google may soon pay you to buy a Nexus One

- Ok, so the title of this story is blatently false.

But, the upgrade price for TMobile users who want to buy the flagship Android phone has been reduced by $100 just a little over a week since it was released by Google. Evidently scads of TMobile users were calling to complain about the fact that they had to pay so much to move to the new platform. TMobile/Google have listened and the price has been dropped. Further, early adapters like myself are being given a $100 rebate. I wasn't aware of this when I woke up this morning, but after Chuck forwarded me the story, I looked at my transaction. Sure enough, my refund is in process.

Further, TMobile users were disturbed by having to give up cheaper and better user loyalty plans when transferring to the Nexus One. These complaints registered with the carrier as well, as I found out last night. I was placed back on my $50 unlimited calling AND given a $35 unlimited text and data plan as well.

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Just Another Mobile Phone Blog: Google Nexus One Is a Fine Smartphone Hurt by Iffy Voice Input

Review: Google's Android 2.1-based Nexus One smartphone offers lots of eye candy and fine features. However, the promising voice-to-text input feature keeps the mobile device from getting a great grade. Calls are fine, as are text and voice mail features, but the phone's vacillation between T-Mobile's EDGE and 3G networks was annoying. Once the service problems and experimental software snafus such as with networked voice recognition are worked out, the Nexus One line could be excellent.

I've been using the HTC-built Nexus One smartphone for two days and concluded that this is easily the best Android device on the market.

I did not attend the Jan. 5 Nexus One launch event at Google's headquarters, but Google was kind enough to send me a loaner device.

This device was serviced by T-Mobile and carried a 4GB SD memory card. Readers can see my unboxing and set-up pictures here.

Let's start with how it felt in the hand. It was perfect. The Nexus One is thin, only 11.5 millimeters, and shorter than most writing implements.

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Entelligence: 'Don't be evil' isn't the basis for a relationship

Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide.

After a weeks of speculation, leaks, confirmation and a sneak peek from my colleagues here at Engadget, Google finally told the story of the Nexus One. The Nexus One is the latest and greatest Android device, with a bit of a twist. The Nexus One is available without contract and unlocked directly from Google for $530, as well as subsidized from T-Mobile on a two-year contract for $179. Even with T-Mobile service, the device is only available from Google. Interesting, but hardly the groundbreaking business model that was expected as soon as the words "Google phone" began to make the rounds.

As nice as the Nexus One is -- and in my opinion it's the nicest Android device on the market -- it makes me wonder what Google's up to with Android and why it's even in the mobile OS business, let alone selling phones directly to consumers. I'd ask the same about Chrome and Chrome OS as well. Android is particularly puzzling, however: Google licenses it for free and it's turned up on some rather interesting devices, but none of those devices have helped build out an ecosystem. Many of them are proprietary and Android is rapidly becoming fragmented -- the Archos5 Internet Tablet, for example, can't make official use of the Android marketplace. But nothing is as strange as Google getting into the hardware business directly and selling devices, albeit unlocked and unsubsidized ones, directly to consumers.

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Update on Google Phone saga

An update from Google on my continuing Google phone quest:

Hal J has posted an answer to the question "Ineligible to purchase phone: T-mobile contract changed too recently": Howdy binkley, We've listened very carefully to everyone's feedback and concerns regarding the upgrade issue and are working with our partners to improve the situation for existing customers. In all instances, Google's web store only passes your information along. The carrier then determines eligibility for a full or partial upgrade, as your service contract is with the carrier. You must be fully upgrade eligible in order to get this device at a discount. Stay tuned for more updates about upgrading! In the meantime, you can use the sticky post at the top of this forum to get the latest information and share any more thoughts you may have: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=3c0fd3870ec370a8&#a;l Cheers, -Hal

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