Archive for February, 2009

With the Google Dev Phone, a sophisticated piece of technology means full access to raw files, or every file on the device. It was originally thought that those with Google Developer Phones (unlocked, root access) wouldn’t be able to buy certain apps from the Android Market. Well it now appears that this was an understatement, because as it turns out, due to the fear that apps would be easily pirated with the Google Dev 1, ALL paid apps cannot be purchased with the phone. This is quite a stiff stance that Google has taken, and it seems that if Google doesn’t step off just a bit with this policy, they will have a good number of customers who are unhappy after forking over $400 for the phone. We will bring you the latest updates on this issue as they develop, only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

What is the better strategy? To have an open platform Operating System like the Android OS, or a closed platform Operating system like the one found on the iPhone? It’s basically a battle of Google vs. Apple, and both sides have their ups and downs, which explains why both sides have, up to this point, been very successful. There is no denying that the iPhone is a huge success. The iPhone’s closed system creates a clean flowing, seamless and balanced user experience – but also comes with the expense of freedom of choice. Whereas we have the open source Google Android Operating System. With Android, any developer who has a good idea and a knowledge of how to put it to good use can create programs or modifications to the operating system to ensure that the problem will no longer exist. In my opinion, both open and closed systems are so opposite in nature, yet so balanced with eachother. In the end, it’s really the question of, “Which do YOU prefer?” [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone News, yes… it is true – Android Netbooks are coming. Freescale Semiconductor has now developed an ARM Cortex A8-based i.MX515 system-on-chip (SoC), and an announcement has been made that Android is one of the OS’s that ports to the chip. So in plain English, this SoC is available in a development board, which includes a netbook reference design. To quote LinuxDevices.com: “The Open Handset Alliance’s Android mobile Linux/Java project already supported ARM, including the Qualcomm MSM7201A ARM processor used on the HTC G1. The new Android support for the i.MX515 is yet another of numerous recent signs that Android netbooks are on the way.” Low cost Android-based netbooks are an exciting prospect, and everyday we get closer and closer to it becoming a reality. [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone News, the Android Market is finally accepting paid applications. Today is the day that developers can finally begin to upload their applications to the Android Market with end user pricing. These prices applications will be available to the United States and the United Kingdom Markets by the middle of next week. Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain will be offering priced applications on the Android Market later in this quarter. The Billing and Payment method for purchasing these apps will be carried out with none other than Google Checkout. If more information develops on this topic, you can be sure to read about it here at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

In Android Cell Phone News Today, it’s a given that Google and Apple have a good working, professional relationship with one another. This may explain why Google has agreed to comply with Apple’s request for Google to not implement the multi-touch feature in it’s Android feature-set. In case you’re not familiar with the iPhone, Multitouch allows you to “pinch” and “stretch” images in order to make them bigger or smaller, and it works in the browser as well. It’s very useful indeed, and extremely convenient. On the other hand, Palm hasn’t made the same attempts to remain friendly with Apple, and is offering it’s own multitouch on it’s upcoming and much anticipated Palm Pre device. We will keep you updated with any news that comes out on this topic, right here only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone Trek news, the much anticipated RC33 update to the Android Operating System for the G1 should be popping up everywhere now. It’s finally running and ready to be put on your G1. Here’s a little overview of what you can expect from this update:

• Google Latitude is an addon to Google Maps
• Checks for software updates
• Save MMS Pictures
• Uses Google’s Voice Search
• Ability to report spam on comments in Android Market
• Displays “available update” for already downloaded and installed apps
• Of course – bug fixes

That is a basic overview – so enjoy. If any other news on topic develops, you can find it only here at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone News, in an earlier post, we stated that the Android App ‘MemoryUp’ was basically malware, causing important memory such as contacts, datebooks, and other information to be deleted, and adware being added to your Android phone. We all know how quickly slander can glide through the internet nowadays, and that is exactly what has happened in this case. Google personally analyzed ‘MemoryUp’, and has come to the conclusion that this app is NOT malware, and that ‘MemoryUp’ cannoy perform any of the malicious things that is had been reported to have done. It would be horrible to unfairly and unjustly slander Peter Liu for his creation of ‘MemoryUp’, but just for safety’s sake, backing up your G1 before you install ANY added programs is always a good idea. If there are any more developments on this topic, you can be sure to find them here only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]