Archive for April, 2009

Well Well Well…. Do I see an Android-Based future in the life of Verizon Wireless? According to a job posting which was listed on Verizon’s Career Site, the company is looking for an “Android Devices Expert.” This means that Verizon is looking for someone who can:

“It will be responsible for end to end delivery of innovative java based mobile applications on existing or pre-commercial handsets with an initial focus on voicemail applications. It is also expected to drive application development; conduct required testing and provides production support.”

It seems that verizon is looking for a way to create Apps for Verizon based Android Phones. We all know the powerhouse provider has the means of dominating a huge share of the market, but with T-Mobile already an established Android dealer, could it be a bit too late to jump in the game for Verizon? I suppose that only time will tell. [AndroidCentral]

With the up and coming Android 1.5, everyone’s excited about upgrades! Why shouldn’t they be, unless of course a percentage of apps will stop working in the midst of an upgraded Operating System. But fret not – there is a solution for developers to “Future Proof” the Android Apps for Version 1.5. There are 5 main problems that developers should steer clear of in order to have an app that works on countless versions and upgrades of Android.

1. Do not use Internal API’s
2. Do not directly manipulate Settings
3. Do not go overboard with layouts
4. Do not assume that some hardware will always be available (ie. Physical Keyboard)
5. Be sure to allow “graceful” re-orientations of the screen

If you’ve got the picture, great. If you want more information, then check out the Android Developer’s Blog.

[AndroidCentral]

A strong statement being put out by the CEO of Google Eric Schmidt, “Overall, it looks like Android is going to have a very strong year.” With new announcements of partnerships with providers and the Companies Operating System, the Footprint of the Android OS will be quite significant in the world of Mobile Phones. What we’ve been told by Schmidt is that we can expect better, faster Android powered Mobile Phones, and a whole new family of Android OS Netbooks. We will bring you more information on this topic as new news develops, until then, you can find all your Android related Cell Phone news only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

Google has just made an announcement pertaining to an “Early Look” SDK for Android 1.5. Exciting times in the lives of Android OS Users. The Android v. 1.5 is based off of the Cupcake development branch. This version of Android packs in a lot of great features and fixes, such as API’s for Soft Keyboards, live folders. homescreen widgets, stereo bluetooth, and much more. Android 1.5 will improve upon the performance of Android by having a faster camera start-up time, acquiring GPS location faster, have smoother page scrolling, and more, and there is also some mention of User Interface improvement. We’ll bring you more information as it develops only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

If you’ve had the chance to check out Google’s New G-Mail app and Calendar on your Android Device lately, you may notice some changes. Google is letting us know that it has changed the applications, and accessing G-Mail and the calendar through your browser should be a “new and improved” experience. Some improvements include things such as the user interface to make messaging easier, a floaty bar that makes common actions, such as archive and delete, in just one click. If you haven’t already tried it, then whip out your Android Phone and access your Gmail account and Calendar and let us know how it is! [AndroidCentral]

According to a report done by the New York Times, T-Mobile is planning on releasing a Tablet Device and a Home Phone for next year (2010), and that both of the devices will be running the Android Operating System. We’re getting more Android Phones and More Android Devices, an exciting time to be with T-Mobile. The Home phone supposedly comes with a docking station for syncying and recharging, and is said to release earlier than the tablet, which the only details known about it is that it will be about 7 inches, so small enough to be handheld, yet large enough to use as a device for more tasks than a cell phone. We will bring you more details on this development as they come out, only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

Alas, T-Mobile has released some numbers in relation to their G1, and we must say that the statistics are very interesting. According to the numbers, out of the T-Mobile customers who have purchased a G1, roughly half have traded up from a basic handset. 80% of T-Mobile G1 users browse the web on a daily basis. Nearly all of T-Mobile G1 users use Facebook and YouTube at least once a day and access Wi-Fi an a daily basis. Here’s an interesting fact: On average, T-Mobile G1 customers have downloaded more than 40 applications from Android Market – These G1 users are some hardcore Android geeks! Last but not least, 4 out of 5 G1 customers download applications at least once a week. [AndroidCentral]