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HTC Pyramid details leaked ahead of April 12 press event

The details surrounding the upcoming HTC Pyramid are starting to come into focus, thanks to an anonymous XDA forums tipster. Along with seeing a handful of new images, we've learned that the hardware is in line with previous rumors.

Look for the Pyramid to debut at some point over the next few weeks with a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 768MB of RAM, and a 4.3-inch qHD 960x540-pixel display. The back of the phone will feature an 8-megapixel camera capable of recording video in 720p, if not 1080p, while the front side will have a VGA camera. Initially expected to launch in May for T-Mobile, the device appears to be coming together sooner.

As some of you might have heard, HTC recently began sending out invitations to an event scheduled for April 12 in London. HTC may well announce a non-Sprint-branded version of the Evo 3D for European markets and may have a few more tablets up its sleeve as well. In any case, we'll bring you all the news from that event. … Read more

Google Music, retooled Market on agenda for Feb. 2?

Google has an Android-related event scheduled for tomorrow where the company promises "an in-depth look at Honeycomb, Android ecosystem news, and hands-on demos" of devices.

Though it's widely assumed that members of the press will get their first real-world impressions of Android 3.0 via the Motorola Xoom, things remain cloudy beyond that. To me, the intriguing part of the invitation is the mysterious and vague phrase of "Android ecosystem." What constitutes as an ecosystem in Google's eyes? My money is on the introduction of two new features: an enhanced Android Market and the … Read more

Samsung has a new Gem

Samsung spilled details about a new Android handset on its Web site today, though it conveniently left out any carrier or release information. But no fear, as the device's model number tells us quite a bit.

The SCH-i100, or Samsung Gem, should be headed to Verizon Wireless or U.S. Cellular. We know that by the "SCH" in its model number. In contrast, anything with "SPH" would go to Sprint and any "SGH" models would land at T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless.

On the Gem's outside we have a candy bar design with … Read more

Trio of new HTC phones uncovered ahead of MWC

The first images of HTC's next handsets have made their way online ahead of next month's Mobile World Congress. Various leaks obtained by PocketNow reveal slightly varied takes on current Android designs. One image, which could be of the flagship model, closely resembles the Desire HD unveiled last September. A front-facing camera sits above what appears to be a screen measuring 4 inches diagonally.

A second, more compact, device features a traditional trackball and a 3.2-inch screen. The top right corner has what could be construed as a front-facing camera or ambient light sensor. Bearing a striking … Read more

Sony Ericsson eyes fresh Android start in 2011

Like many of you, I've watched the rumors of a PlayStation Phone spread across the Internet over the last few weeks. After a so-so 2010 for Sony Ericsson, this is exactly the type of device that could cement Sony Ericsson as a top Android contender. That is, if they get it right. Ask any Android enthusiast about last year's Xperia X10 and you'll likely hear gripes about how badly the company missed the boat.

Once expected to be one of the premier Android phones on the market, the Xperia X10 arrived with muted fanfare. Though eventually it was successful at a couple of carriers around the world, it never took off in the United States, even though it landed at AT&T.

What was the primary reason for this missed opportunity? Outdated software, of course. Even with its 1GHz processor, 4-inch screen, and 8.1-megapixel camera, the phone was hampered by Android 1.6. That inability to run many of today's better applications turned many potential consumers away. And even now, as some Android handsets are getting 2.2 or even 2.3, Sony Ericsson is just pushing Android 2.1 out to various regions. Thankfully, however, the future looks much brighter.

As of right now, the PlayStation should come branded under the Xperia umbrella, possibly carrying the Xperia Play moniker. Although branding it specifically as the PlayStation Phone could be a better move, it will be easier for the company to fold it into the Sony Ericsson portfolio. What's more, listing it with the Xperia name ties it to its other efforts, notably the new Xperia Arc. … Read more

Comparing the Nexus S and Nexus One

Google and Samsung announced today the availability of Android's latest worst-kept secret, the Nexus S. Though not officially positioned as such, the Nexus S is an update to the now-retired HTC Nexus One. Like its predecessor, the Nexus S offers the "pure Google" experience without a disruptive manufacturer skin. That means you'll get direct access to a full set of Google applications, and both versions of the phone, whether you buy it for $529 or $199 with a two-year T-Mobile contract, will be unlocked. Google may be pursuing a quieter product release strategy this time around, but it's clear the company hasn't abandoned the basic Nexus concept despite the first handset's stumbles.

Yet, the Nexus S also stands apart from the Nexus One. It's the first handset with "Gingerbread," the next version of the Android operating system, and it offers a number of feature improvements like a Super AMOLED display with a contour design, an NFC chip, and a second camera. Not everything sounds promising--the Nexus S lacks a memory card slot and support for T-Mobile's HSPA+ network--but we're excited to see it just the same. Look for a review this week. … Read more

The hardware guts of your Android phone

When Microsoft prepped cell phone manufacturers about Windows Phone 7, they were crystal clear in defining the minimum hardware specifications each phone would have to support the mobile software--a touch screen, 1GHz processor, and 5-megapixel camera, for instance. Android's rapid development, on the other hand, makes minimum hardware specs murkier. They're documented but less understood than the distinctions between the software versions themselves.

As a result, we've combed through page upon thrilling page of compatibility documents to bring you the minimum hardware requirements of your Android phone and breaking down what that means.

Before we begin, note that Google has not posted documentation for Android 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, or 2.0.1; the company cites technical reasons. Also note that we omit comparing Apple's iPhone, BlackBerry smartphones, and Palm phones because they're closed manufacturing systems.

Android 1.6, 2.1, 2.2 (* not required for v. 1.6) Windows Phone 7 QVGA (240x320 pixels) touch screen Capacitive WVGA resolution (800x480 pixels) touch-screen display (eventually opening up to HVGA) (480x320 pixels)) Virtual keyboard support Virtual keyboard support n/a 1GHz processor Must have a USB connection that connects to a standard USB-A port No manufacturer skins like HTC Sense or Samsung TouchWhiz 92MB RAM; 150MB user storage 256MB RAM; 8GB flash storage 2-megapixel camera 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, hardware shutter button Home, Menu, and Back functions available at all times Start, Search, Back hardware buttons Wireless high-speed data standard capable of supporting 200Kbps; like EDGE, EV-DO, HSPA, 802.11g (Android 1.6 requires Wi-Fi) DirectX GPU support Accelerometer* Accelerometer Compass* Compass GPS receiver* GPS receiver Bluetooth transceiver* Bluetooth transceiver n/a Ambient light sensor n/a Proximity sensor n/a FM radio

'Must' versus 'should' While this list reflects the minimum requirements that Google imposes on manufacturers, it isn't the full story. The Android team makes many hearty recommendations in legalese that "may" or "should" be used when building Android-compatible phones. For instance, a Micro-USB port isn't mandatory, but it is encouraged, as are hardware buttons and a dedicated search key. The base storage requirements also appear low, but Google recommends 128MB RAM and at least 1GB of on-device user storage for things like the address book and photos.… Read more

Verizon issues minor Droid 2 update

Motorola and Verizon have started rolling out a minor update the Droid 2 handset. Like most maintenance releases, the update features general improvements, few new features, and the requisite bug fixes.

Chief among the improvements are better battery life, faster location tracking using GPS, and quicker hand-off between Wi-Fi and 3G for data connections. Other, less noticeable changes include the ability to view the weather widget in landscape and portrait mode and stream videos found in the help center application.

New enhancements found in the update include the capability to backup and export contacts to microSD cards and the option … Read more

First look at LG handset with LTE capability

Engadget obtained a couple of images that show a very sleek-looking LG handset bearing Verizon Wireless branding.

As Engadget reports, there are very few details to share at this point, but looking closely at the touch-only phone, you can discern what appears to be a screen in the range of 4 inches or larger with a high-definition camera on the back. The right side should have a volume rocker and microSD card, and a dedicated camera button should sit on the left side. The striping down the middle of the back side appears to include logos for both DLNA and … Read more