android

How much bigger can Google's world get?

As Google prepares for its third major developer conference, it's getting ready to pitch its vision for the future of computing to 5,000 developers and media at San Francisco's Moscone center. When I/O kicks off on Wednesday, don't expect Google CEO Eric Schmidt to break out into a passionate "Developers!" chant like his counterpart at Microsoft, CEO Steve Ballmer, did all those many years ago.

However, this is clearly one area in which Google and Microsoft--bitter rivals otherwise--can agree: developer support is crucial to the … Read more

This story was updated at 10:36 a.m. PDT with additional information.

Google announced big changes in its Nexus One strategy Friday: it's moving from online to retail.

Google's Andy Rubin, head of the company's Android efforts, announced the changes in a blog post. Google plans to stop selling the Nexus One through its Web store as it increases the availability of the device in retail channels, as it has done recently in the U.K. through Vodafone.

"While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not,&… Read more

As Google gets ready to unveil Android 2.2 "Froyo" at Google I/O next week, Sprint announced that the Android 2.1 update is finally available for the Samsung Moment.

Download instructions are posted on Sprint's Web site as well as a list of update features. These include Google Maps with Navigation, voice-to-text entry, live wallpaper and such improvements as increased speed and performance and Bluetooth fixes.

Also, HTC Hero owners, don't fret. Sprint said via its Twitter account that you're up next.

This show was recorded before we knew the price and availability of the HTC Evo 4G, but we do mention it in the show. We also go over the iPhone appearance in Vietnam, the LG Ally, more Android news, and the latest reviews.

Rumor of the week: Unique Motorola Android handset

News HTC Evo 4G gets FCC approval iPhone 4G prototype in Vietnam? iPhone exclusivity with AT&T? Sprint hangs up on Google's Nexus One Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to get Android 2.1 update … Read more

TechCrunch is reporting today that Android 2.2 "Froyo" will feature built-in USB tethering and Wi-Fi hot-spot capability. This is exciting news for Android users as it could potentially provide all phones with one of the great selling features of the forthcoming HTC Evo 4G from Sprint.

For those unfamiliar, mobile hot spots allow users to share their Internet connection with other devices such as laptops and portable gaming consoles. USB tethering is also rising in popularity, as many Android owners want to share their 3G connections with a Netbook while on the go.

As carriers begin rolling … Read more

LG is getting ready to launch its first Android phone in the U.S. and has partnered up with Verizon Wireless to bring it to the masses. The LG Ally will be available in stores on May 20 for $99.99 but you can preorder yours from Verizon starting Thursday.

The Ally features a 3.2-inch capacitive touch screen, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, Android 2.1, and a 3.2-megapixel camera. LG and Verizon have also launched an ad campaign for the Ally that ties in the release of the "Iron Man 2" movie, and people who purchase … Read more

This post was last updated at 7:01 p.m., PT.

NEW YORK--Sprint CEO Dan Hesse finally revealed the pricing and release date of the much anticipated HTC Evo 4G at a special event here Wednesday. The nation's first 4G smartphone will be available starting June 4 for $199.99 with a two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. The Android device will also be sold through national retailers, including Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Wal-Mart Stores.

Interestingly, the issue of data plans was never mentioned during the presentation and became a source of confusion during the event. … Read more

A few weeks back I reported on an upcoming Motorola phone that was rumored to have 3D capabilities in the display. It was suggested at the time that the flip-over clear screen was possibly tied to a patent filed by Motorola that changed the way in which the touch screen was perceived. Unfortunately, the phone may not be that cool after all.

Details surfaced this week that tell us the top cover provides a capacitive layer for touch whereas the screen itself offers resistive technology. The rationale behind it is simple. When opened, users can write on the screen with … Read more

If there's truth to the rumors, General Motors' next -generation in-car cabin tech suite may be powered by Google's Android operating system. Sources at MotorTrend say the automaker and search giant are in negotiations over just that sort of thing.

The Android/OnStar infotainment hybrid would go head-to-head with the likes of Ford's Microsoft Sync suite, offering access to a user's connected media, allowing two-way communication between a connected smartphone of any brand, and potentially replacing GM's OnStar turn-by-turn directions with Google Maps navigation. Perhaps there's even room for an in-car app store of … Read more