android 2.2

Enable swipe-to-delete in Gmail 4.2 on Android

One feature Android users have been asking for in the Gmail app has been the ability to swipe and delete or archive a message. With the release of Gmail 4.2, that's now possible.

By default, the swipe gesture is set to archive or delete a message, depending on whether the message has already been archived. Should you want to change it to always delete (or disable the feature altogether), you'll need to dive into the settings.

To enable swipe-to-delete, make sure you have the latest version of Gmail running on your Android device. After you've updated, … Read more

New Firefox opens up to older phones

Firefox for Android (download) has seen a lot of changes this year that have looked to the future, but today's release makes the browser compatible with a selection of older Android phones.

Released a day ahead of schedule because the features were ready, explained a Mozilla representative in an e-mail to CNET, Firefox 17 for Android supports an expansive list of ARM v6 hardware. This means that older but popular phones like the Samsung Galaxy Pro GT-B7510, HTC Status, Motorola XT531, and Motorola Fire XT can now run the alternative browser.

The hardware restrictions are fairly minimal, and appear … Read more

Samsung DoubleTime review: Funky form on old Android

It really is such a shame.

Apart from the youthful "Facebook" phone known as the HTC Status, AT&T doesn't often branch out into smartphones with unusual designs. Then comes the Samsung DoubleTime with its bubbly white body, its two screens, and its comfy keyboard.

And guess what? The major roadblock holding it back is its operating-system version--Android 2.2 Froyo instead of Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Now, this may not bother you. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of Android users out there who prefer the taste of Froyo to Ice Cream Sandwich, but it seems to me that unless AT&T and Samsung plan on updating this morsel, far fewer people will find it appetizing, even at its very reasonable $49.99 sticker price.

It's worth checking out anyway because it's not a design you see every day. See the video and photos, and read all the pros and cons in CNET's full Samsung DoubleTime review.… Read more

Sharp FX Plus review: Best for Android beginners

Attention, Wal-Mart shoppers! Sharp and AT&T have seen fit to renew their relationship in the form of the Sharp FX Plus, a slide-out smartphone sold exclusively at Wal-Mart and on Walmart.com.

What's that, you say? Sharp?! It's true--while the electronics powerhouse is better known for TVs and other home electronics, the manufacturer does release the occasional handset. Compared with the original Sharp FX, the Plus variety is rounder, smoother, and smarter, now that it boasts Android as its engine.

While there are some nice touches to recommend the Sharp FX Plus--like its compact keyboard and good call quality--there are also some red flags in the too-short battery life and underpowered processor. Still, for just under $30, the handset is priced to sell, at least for shoppers on the lookout for a budget smartphone. Click here to read our full review of the Sharp FX Plus.… Read more

U.S. Cellular adds Samsung Gem, HTC Merge to prepaid

U.S. Cellular customers looking for a prepaid account will now have two more phones to choose from: the Samsung Gem and the HTC Merge.

The angular, black plastic Gem is a full touch-screen Android 2.2 Froyo handset. It has a 3.2-inch screen, a 3.2-megapixel camera, and it'll cost $139.99.

The heavier HTC Merge has metal accents, also runs Android 2.2, has a 3.8-inch touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera, a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, and dual-SIM mode for world travel. It costs $299.99.

U.S. Cellular's prepaid plans range from $40 to $… Read more

AT&T quietly releases Android-powered Sharp FX Plus

It's without much fanfare that we learned about AT&T's Sharp FX Plus, a rather entry-level Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone that has been available since July 30. Like the Sharp FX before it, the FX Plus is positioned as a messaging phone targeting the younger set. However, it does get an upgrade with Android, and a much rounder body that smooths over some of its predecessor's rough edges.

In addition to a virtual keyboard equipped with Swype, the Sharp FX Plus has a slide-out QWERTY for composing longer texts and messages. The handset supports AT&… Read more

Huawei M835 review: At least it's affordable

We experienced a bit of deja vu when we first saw the Huawei M835 for MetroPCS. It's the spitting image of the T-Mobile Comet, but thankfully without the same issue of peeling-off components. It's also one of MetroPCS' most budget-conscious Android phones, starting at $80 after an instant $50 rebate (without a contract, mind you). Unfortunately, that may be the best news about the phone, which we found slow with slipshod performance and design. For example, call quality disappointed, photos were just passable, and data took its time. Some of this is expected for an entry-level Android smartphone, … Read more

HTC Merge review: Rare CDMA world phone

In most respects, the HTC Merge for U.S. Cellular is a fairly standard Android 2.2 Froyo smartphone. It's got a decent but standard touch screen, a nice but not superlative 5-megapixel camera (with 720p HD video capture and playback, we might add,) and an unremarkable keyboard that's nevertheless sufficient.

The phone's primary point of difference lurks below the back cover, a SIM card slot that international travelers can use while taking the phone abroad. Even if you never step foot outside the continent, there are plenty of other features to keep you handy and connected. … Read more

Verizon adds LG Revolution to May 26 launches

As we suspected, Verizon Wireless announced today that the LG Revolution will be available starting May 26 for $249.99 with a two-year contract.

The Revolution is the carrier's third 4G smartphone (following the HTC Thunderbolt and Samsung Droid Charge) and offers a 4.3-inch WVGA touch screen, a 5-megapixel camera and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera, and mobile hot-spot capabilities. The handset will ship running Android 2.2 but note that it will use Bing search and maps.

Other features include a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, Bluetooth 3.0, Swype, HDMI output, and a preinstalled 16GB microSD card.

The LG … Read more