Archive for May, 2009

We haven’t really been aware of any Panasonic Phones in the US, nor did we really have an idea that they even participated in the Cell Phone Industry. So as a bit of a surprise, Panasonic announced that they are interested in using the Android Operating System on some of their phones. It seems that when it comes to Android, everyone wants a piece. Quoting Panasonic Executive Keisuke Ishii:

“We are seriously considering developing an Android-based handset and entering overseas mobile phone markets in fiscal 2010. The global market for smartphones based on open source platforms including Android will reach 100 million units in three years,” Ishii said. “We are discussing specific measures to succeed in such a large market.”

It seems that Panasonic has high confidence in the android Operating System, and it’s potential. We agree completely in the fact that the Android Operating System probably has the most potential out of all the available Operating Systems out there. We’ll bring you more information on this as it develops, only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

According to schedule, today was supposed to be the first day of the Android 1.5 Cupcake Update, and T-Mobile has flaked out and delayed the update once again. This is a major disappointment for all of us who have been watching the development of the update, and waiting to see the improvement that it will have on our Android Phone. T-Mobile is saying that they are, “finalizing the build this week to ensure optimal functionality and smooth delivery,” and that they, “expect all G1 customers will have the update by early June.” Although this isn’t TOO long of a wait time, in the opinion of most G1 users, any wait is long enough. We’ll bring you more information as it develops, only at AndroidTrek.com. [AndroidCentral]

What we already know is that a great deal of PC manufacturers are already looking into using Android as a viable platform for their Netbooks. Now we know that Google is now interested in seeing if Android is actually usable for netbooks. Google has been posting on Craigslist, seeking Netbook users to participate in a Google Android Netbook Usability Test. You will get stuck with an NDA on your mouth, and a $75 American Express Gift Certificate. It seems like Google is beginning to get serious about this whole Android Netbook operation. [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone News, Paypal has just announced that they have released an Official PayPal App in the Android Market. This Application allows PayPal users easy access to their account, and adds a bunch of functionality. To quote PayPal:

• Direct integration with the contact list.  You won’t need to remember people’s numbers or emails anymore to send them money!  Just select their name from your list of contacts, and we’ll make sure they get paid.

• Recent history. You can use your phone to look at your transactions over the last couple of months.  So if you ever need to check whether or not a payment has come through, it’ll be simple to find out.

• Balance checks.  We show you all your balances in any of the currencies you hold.

It’s such an exciting time to be able to see big companies like PayPal bring their services to a Mobile Level to increase use and ease of access. We’ll bring you more information as it develops, only at AndroidTrek.com! [AndroidCentral]

In Android Cell Phone News today, it is posted that the T-Mobile G1 in the fifth most popular phone on the US Market. The rankings are judged by the number of units sold. So here are the top 5 devices:

1. RIM BlackBerry Curve (all 83XX models)
2. Apple iPhone 3G (all models)
3. RIM BlackBerry Storm
4. RIM BlackBerry Pearl (all models, except flip)
5. T-Mobile G1

This is a good sign for Android, being up in the ranks with BlackBerry, who just sold quite a number of phones in a promotion with Verizon, and the iPhone – enough said. What we’re projecting this to mean is that, if given the opportunity and a little bit of market exposure, more Android based smartphones will be climbing the ranks as they are released. The people have spoken – and they love Android. [AndroidCentral]

Today in Android Cell Phone News, The company Averatec has announced that it will be releasing a 10″ sub-notebook with what they call a “surprise” Operating System which “merges cell phone and PC technology.” Now I’m not much of a gambling man, but if I were to put my money on guessing which Operating System that Averatec was talking about… I’d say it sounds like the Android OS. Any Opposition to my bet? [AndroidCentral]