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Android Hardware Thread - 2009 Edition

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Skittleguy said:
I guess that means Donut is out in the wild (officially).
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andypackBN.jpg


Man, this is too cute.
 
When the hell is AT&T getting a proper Android phone (I don't want that ugly Motorola)? I'd love to wait for the Sony Rachael, but that seems to be another 6-8 months off.
 
AlphaSnake said:
When the hell is AT&T getting a proper Android phone (I don't want that ugly Motorola)? I'd love to wait for the Sony Rachael, but that seems to be another 6-8 months off.
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They're desperately trying to hold their hands around the neck of onto the iPhone. It wouldn't surprise me if they're deliberately snubbing Android in order to appease Apple.
 
Does anyone know anything about the hackability of that Archos tablet? How easy is it for a company to lock down a device running Android? I need to figure out if I should wait on this thing or proceed with my plan to jump in credit card first when they go on sale tomorrow.
 
ha1f said:
Does anyone know anything about the hackability of that Archos tablet? How easy is it for a company to lock down a device running Android? I need to figure out if I should wait on this thing or proceed with my plan to jump in credit card first when they go on sale tomorrow.
Click to expand...

Hrmm, since it's Android it should be more hackable than their previous devices... Even still, the inability to root the Mytouch means anything's possible. But it's bound to happen sooner or later.
 
Andrex said:
They're desperately trying to hold their hands around the neck of onto the iPhone. It wouldn't surprise me if they're deliberately snubbing Android in order to appease Apple.
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ATT is also the only carrier to still not have a release date on the Touch Pro 2 (winMoi) which also is more direct competition to the iPhone.

If this is being done purposefully I dont really understand why. The plans are pretty much the same price. They dont really make more money on the iPhone specifically unless they get a cut of app profits, which I doubt. Unless apple itself is requesting it, which also seems doubtful since the rumor is that the iPhone will be in more carriers possibly as early as late next year
 
Future said:
ATT is also the only carrier to still not have a release date on the Touch Pro 2 (winMoi) which also is more direct competition to the iPhone.

If this is being done purposefully I dont really understand why. The plans are pretty much the same price. They dont really make more money on the iPhone specifically unless they get a cut of app profits, which I doubt. Unless apple itself is requesting it, which also seems doubtful since the rumor is that the iPhone will be in more carriers possibly as early as late next year
Click to expand...

The plans are exactly the same price for any other smartphone on AT&T when compared to the iPhone. Also, I would think AT&T makes less on iPhone plans because doesn't Apple take a (I assume small) share of the monthly rate plan over the course of the contract?
 
ARGH!!! I just realized something. The Hero and mytouch 3g have the same size screen. Its too small for me. I kept thinking this whole time it was 3.5(iphone). we have the mytouch at work and I loathe the screen size. Its so narrow.
 
Andrex said:
Hrmm, since it's Android it should be more hackable than their previous devices... Even still, the inability to root the Mytouch means anything's possible. But it's bound to happen sooner or later.
Click to expand...
myTouch has been rooted...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=4314039

alternade said:
ARGH!!! I just realized something. The Hero and mytouch 3g have the same size screen. Its too small for me. I kept thinking this whole time it was 3.5(iphone). we have the mytouch at work and I loathe the screen size. Its so narrow.
Click to expand...
Wait for the Archos phone tablet ^^Check the specs above.
 
Gonna have to hold off after seeing stuff like this :\ Figures that the day something with screen size I can get behind is announced is the day Google drops 1.6. Knowing Archos, this new A5 may never even get 1.6 :lol
 
Now that Android support various sized screens, does that mean we could see Android pop up on really old phones?

Would be pretty cool to get it on an old Rzr. Plus with CDMA support, maybe we could get it on MY Rzr (Verizon user here). That would be fantastic.
 
To root, or not to root, that is the question.

Would void my warranty, but I want the firmware update for the Hero (I have a T-Mob G2). Dammit!!!
 
Mr. Durden said:
WAT

Why would you like to buy a G1? It's hideous and looks terribly outdated. Just take the Hero.
Click to expand...

Because i like the look of it? We're not all like you
 
Andrex said:
More interestingly and probably more relevant to many people here is the phone Archos teased at the end of their presentation.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/15/archos-phone-tablet-teased-android-4-3-inch-touschscreen-1ghz/

archos-phone-tablet-rm-eng.jpg


- 4.3" WVGA (854 x 480) screen
- 1 GHz processor
- 10mm thin

I heard people complaining about CPUs? :D
Click to expand...

THIS

OMG THIS IS IT.

This is the Android device I've been waiting for. Big, fast and simple.

It's too soon to say Day 1 but I am extremely interested. I also like Etna and have a feeling it'll end up on AT&T but I don't love its 3 inch screen.
 
Fatalah said:
Now that Android support various sized screens, does that mean we could see Android pop up on really old phones?

Would be pretty cool to get it on an old Rzr. Plus with CDMA support, maybe we could get it on MY Rzr (Verizon user here). That would be fantastic.
Click to expand...

The CPU/RAM requirements are still a bit high, and will likely only get higher as time goes on.

Would be cool if someone (preferably Google) developed a stripped down "Starter" version for old hardware.

jonnybryce said:
THIS

OMG THIS IS IT.

This is the Android device I've been waiting for. Big, fast and simple.

It's too soon to say Day 1 but I am extremely interested. I also like Etna and have a feeling it'll end up on AT&T but I don't love its 3 inch screen.
Click to expand...

Yeah, seriously. That thing beats the Sholes (well, minus the keyboard) and will likely give the Xperia X3 a run for its money (unless you go by iapetus.) ;)
 
http://www.informationweek.com/blog...l;jsessionid=3UJBLIV2BFLLJQE1GHRSKH4ATMY32JVN

InformationWeek said:
I was told by a Motorola employee that Motorola's second Android device is "ready to go", but the company was waiting on "Big Red" to get its act together.

I think it's pretty easy to put two and two together here. Motorola originally planned to announce both of its Android phones at the Mobilize event, but changed that at the last moment. Why is not clear. Perhaps it is because T-Mobile CTO Cole Brodman was presenting at the Mobilize conference. Perhaps Verizon needs a couple more weeks of sales during the third quarter to clear current inventory levels.

Whatever the reason for its failed appearance at the Mobilize event, Motorola's second Android phone is headed to Verizon, and soon.

Consensus among my peers in the mobile industry is that the device will be announced between October 1 and October 6. It should be noted that October 7-9 is when the CTIA Wireless trade show is being held. With at least one major press conference already scheduled during the CTIA event by Motorola's competitor Samsung, I'd say it's fair to believe that Motorola will want to get its phone out in the media spotlight before Samsung grabs the attention.

We're watching you, Motorola and Verizon Wireless.
Click to expand...
 
Double post, but I thought it was worth it. :)

Screen-shot-2009-09-16-at-September-16-9.55.44-AM.png


http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2009/09/16/sony-ericsson-xperia-x3-coming-in-january/

MobileCrunch said:
Go ahead – grab your bag of salt. Pull a grain out, and have it at the ready. While we’re still digging for independent confirmation of this, we just got it on good word that Sony Ericsson’s first big jump into Android, the XPERIA X3, is tentatively set for a launch in January.

This seemed a bit strange to us, at first, considering that the X3’s sequential predecessor, the X2, hasn’t launched yet. In fact, the only potential launch dates we’ve seen pop up for the X2 are in January as well. Then we realized: as far as we can tell, these things have been developed in parallel – so why not launch them together? The two handsets are running entirely different platforms (X2 is Windows Mobile, while the X3 is Android), so, if nothing else, they’ll have the bases covered.
Click to expand...

Some rumored prices I've heard are upwards of $850 without discounts, wouldn't surprise me.
 
Fatalah said:
YES! YES YES! Now the bigger press sites are reporting the rumors!

Also, Andrex-- Why are ya knocking the Sholes? We've only seen early shots of it, and it looked pretty good. Early shots of the Cliq had it looking ugly. It came pretty far. Myself, I'm hoping the Sholes is slim.
Click to expand...

I was merely making a comparison specs-wise. The Sholes is rumored to be 1 GHz and WVGA like the Archos Phone Tablet, but Archos' device will also be 4.3" of screen. Hard to beat that.

The Sholes looks to be a powerful beast and will definitely be the premier Android phone when it launches, and the keyboard cements its position in some people's minds due to preference for a long time.
 
The Archos tablet sold out mighty quick in the Archos store. Hopefully I'll get some hardware and software answers from people who took the plunge soon. If Archos screwed this up I'm going to have to go for a Zii or a Zune :\
 
Andrex said:
The Sholes looks to be a powerful beast and will definitely be the premier Android phone when it launches, and the keyboard cements its position in some people's minds due to preference for a long time.
Click to expand...

Wow, and I was worried about the Sholes' specs being too weak. I hope you're right.
 
Level 8 Boss said:
To root, or not to root, that is the question.

Would void my warranty, but I want the firmware update for the Hero (I have a T-Mob G2). Dammit!!!
Click to expand...
If you do root your phone and something happens to it that is covered under warranty (stuck keys), here's a secret: you can unroot it and put stock firmware on it.

Cracked screens aren't covered under warranty, so if that happens you'll have to go through insurance, in which case they'll just send you another one.

I rooted my G1.
 
How long does it usually take phone companies to release a new firmware version? It seems like they are fairly slow if people are hacking their phones and updating the phones themselves.
 
I don't know anything about cellphones and I've never needed anything complicated.

Rogers calls me and says because I'm a loyal customer yadda yadda they'll give me $50 off a new phone. I asked her if there was a phone that was a lot like a PDA...but better than the BlackBerries.

I asked if anything supported Google Apps like Calendar or had anything like them. She didn't know but suggested I check out the phones online on the Rogers site.

Lo and behold I find out about this Android stuff and it looks awesome. Exactly what I needed but also exactly what I hoped phones would be like many years ago.

So I have a choice between the G1 and Magic. I can get either for $30 with a 3 year plan. It's been discussed here many times and while the Magic is more powerful I need a physical keyboard because I plan to use Google Calendar and email almost as much as I use them on a PC.

Since I plan to go with the 3 year plan...I'll need something that would last me a while. G1 is too "first generation" for me. It seems like the Magic does a good job of addressing issues the G1 had.

After going through this thread and the other HTC Magic thread it looks like the HTC Memphis would be the solution I'm looking for. It would probably have the Sense UI with better speed than the G1 and a physical keyboard. I think if I got that I wouldn't mind missing out on the cooler phones coming out in the future because it does what I want.

The only question is...when is the Memphis coming out? There's zero info on the web...was it like that prior to the Magic's release?
 
Wasn't Memphis canned?

Either way I suggest you get a hold of the Magic and try it out yourself. I text, email and post on the web heavily and I do it from my iPhone with ease, there's a slight learning curve and then off I was. I always thought I would need a physical keyboard but you really get used to it, you should give it a shot before deciding based on what you think might happen.

Does Rogers have a return policy like most other carriers? If I were you I would take the maximum amount of time allotted to decide if you can type on the Magic. Get it, know that the first few days will probably feel awkward and see how you feel on day 30. The Magic is much better than the G1 in my opinion, and a big part of that is because how much more solid it is.
 
The first review of the Cliq, AKA DEXT, is in.

That aside, the DEXT is a rock-solid performer from the long-serving Motorola. The fast processor means jumping from widget to widget is smooth as you like, with only the odd touchscreen issue to slow you down, while the connectivity is second to none. Heavy social networkers armed with a Gmail log-in should definitely consider the DEXT. You’ll need to put in some hours to master the mass of options on offer but it at least feels worth the effort. When was the last time you could say that about a Motorola phone?
Click to expand...
 
getting HTC sync to run on windows 7 is the very definition of frustrating.

Now my gfs hero is stuck in it's pre updated slow as molasses firmware phase. Anybody got around this?

Problem is that it doesn't detect the device at all, only a USB hard drive.

theres a link here on the issue
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/08/24/workaround-for-htc-hero-sync-problem-in-windows-7/

however, it doesn't work. when going to devices and trying to update the driver, all buttons are greyed out (I'm local admin)

ffffuuuuu
 
El Papa said:
If you do root your phone and something happens to it that is covered under warranty (stuck keys), here's a secret: you can unroot it and put stock firmware on it.

Cracked screens aren't covered under warranty, so if that happens you'll have to go through insurance, in which case they'll just send you another one.

I rooted my G1.
Click to expand...

Never rooted a phone, so I think I may wait a while before I give it a try, although I've read that it is very easy on the Hero.

Talking of the Hero, the new firmware is out, and reports are very positive, eliminating lag. The update, along with a decent class 6 should see great performance. Sucks I have to wait for T-Mob to pull their fingers out.

If the X3 launches in Jan (doubt it will) then that's when we can expect donut right?
 
Andrex said:
Double post, but I thought it was worth it. :)

Screen-shot-2009-09-16-at-September-16-9.55.44-AM.png


http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2009/09/16/sony-ericsson-xperia-x3-coming-in-january/



Some rumored prices I've heard are upwards of $850 without discounts, wouldn't surprise me.
Click to expand...

Fuck! My contract ends mid December. I can wait a month or so, to see where I jump ship to. I hope this phone is available to either Sprint or T-mobile. Seeing how AT&T is not trying to push Android right now gives me hope that the S or the T will get it. This is the phone I want. The Hero and the Cliq are ok, but this phone takes the cake.
 
http://www.droiddog.com/android-blog/2009/09/noah-gets-a-tattoo-on-his-hands/

I can barely tell it's QVGA and resistive. The customizable plates are also really cool.

Level 8 Boss said:
If the X3 launches in Jan (doubt it will) then that's when we can expect donut right?
Click to expand...

Nah, we can expect Donut/Android 1.6 next month. Actually, I wonder if the Cliq will ship with it...

Android 2.0 (Eclair) was supposed to be December, but I don't know if I see that happening... It'll probably be January or later.
 
Doesn't sense have the pinch to zoom and stuff? Did they add in a zoom slider?

It's decent looking. I wish the buttons at the bottom were a bit nicer instead of huge ass rockers but I'll probably get a black one to keep as a toy.
 
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/0,39029477,49303669,00.htm

CRAVE said:
Google's open-source operating system for mobile phones, Android, is gaining momentum, rolling like a snowball and accreting new handsets as it goes. HTC showed how it could be done with the first Android phone, which it released with T-Mobile as the T-Mobile G1. But at the souped-up speed of the mobile market, it's practically a museum piece already, as a heap of new phones have sprung up with their own flavours of Android.

Three new manufacturers have just entered the fray with the Samsung Galaxy, the Motorola Dext and the LG GW620. For the robot-lover on a budget, HTC has come up with the entry-level HTC Tattoo, while pay as you go is now an option thanks to the T-Mobile Pulse. The force is still strong with the HTC Hero and HTC Magic.

If you're overwhelmed by the options for getting on board with the little green robot, read on for the Android-vs-Android showdown. Each phone will have its moment under the microscope, and finally we'll bring them together with a table comparing the crucial features -- and price -- to see who comes out on top.
Click to expand...

It's finally happening. :)

androidvsandroid.jpg


jonnybryce said:
Doesn't sense have the pinch to zoom and stuff? Did they add in a zoom slider?

It's decent looking. I wish the buttons at the bottom were a bit nicer instead of huge ass rockers but I'll probably get a black one to keep as a toy.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Sense has pinch-to-zoom. I like the rocker look more than the lop-sided, incongruent bottom of the original HTC Hero.
 
Quick noob question, I'm thinking of rooting my G2 Touch (HTC hero) and want to back-up the ROM which was shipped with the phone. What can I use to do this, I've heard of Nanodroid, is that any good?

Also, regarding voiding warrenties with rooting products, what's the deal with this. I can't see anything in T-mobiles terms and conditions, but have read that rooting nulifies the warrenty. I mean it's an open-source os ffs, it seems so easy, that HTC wants you to root.

If I root, and upgraded to a new custom rom. Then had to send away for repairs, would a restore of stock rom and factory reset, would they be able to tell it was ever rooted. Some people have said there's a file that indicates that a phone has been rooted, not sure if that's BS though?

Also, how do I had pictures to contacts, and set favourites for facebook etc. I'm a smartphone noob, mucho gracias gaf.
 
Level 8 Boss said:
Quick noob question, I'm thinking of rooting my G2 Touch (HTC hero) and want to back-up the ROM which was shipped with the phone. What can I use to do this, I've heard of Nanodroid, is that any good?

Also, regarding voiding warrenties with rooting products, what's the deal with this. I can't see anything in T-mobiles terms and conditions, but have read that rooting nulifies the warrenty. I mean it's an open-source os ffs, it seems so easy, that HTC wants you to root.

If I root, and upgraded to a new custom rom. Then had to send away for repairs, would a restore of stock rom and factory reset, would they be able to tell it was ever rooted. Some people have said there's a file that indicates that a phone has been rooted, not sure if that's BS though?

Also, how do I had pictures to contacts, and set favourites for facebook etc. I'm a smartphone noob, mucho gracias gaf.
Click to expand...
Nandroid is the best. It will save an image of your phone to your SD card. You need to flash Cyanogen's recovery image for Hero. Cyanogen is a pretty well known Android rom chef. His recovery image has Nandroid included, it will make a complete backup of your phone, so if something happens, you can just load the backup. You have to have root before you can use Nandroid, so flash Modaco's Custom Hero rom that includes root and goodies (wifi tether, etc), or whatever rom you choose.

PLEASE make sure you read up before you start messing with your phone, because there's always a chance you can brick it. If you follow the directions exactly you should be fine. Just make sure you understand what your doing first, I'd hate for you to brick your phone.

If you root your phone and have to send it in for warranty replacement or repairs, you can always flash the stock rom and recovery image / SPL. I don't think there's any way for them to tell you rooted once you flash to stock.

General Android Info

XDA Developers Hero Forum
 
El Papa said:
Nandroid is the best. It will save an image of your phone to your SD card. You need to flash Cyanogen's recovery image for Hero. Cyanogen is a pretty well known Android rom chef. His recovery image has Nandroid included, it will make a complete backup of your phone, so if something happens, you can just load the backup. You have to have root before you can use Nandroid, so flash Modaco's Custom Hero rom that includes root and goodies (wifi tether, etc), or whatever rom you choose.

PLEASE make sure you read up before you start messing with your phone, because there's always a chance you can brick it. If you follow the directions exactly you should be fine. Just make sure you understand what your doing first, I'd hate for you to brick your phone.

If you root your phone and have to send it in for warranty replacement or repairs, you can always flash the stock rom and recovery image / SPL. I don't think there's any way for them to tell you rooted once you flash to stock.

General Android Info

XDA Developers Hero Forum
Click to expand...

I'm now rooted, was a piece of cake, even for a non-tech head like me. New rom is great, multi-tasking with great speed. Only thing is my weather widget doesn't display the weather in my city any longer. Not sure how to resolve this.

Now I just need to learn how to use the phone lol. Can't seem to get my favourites list populated with people/pictures. But this is a great phone, and android has a rapidly expanding community.
 
I just purchased a Google MyTouch. I've never had a touch screen device and feeling very old/confused here. Are there some apps I should definitely get?
 
SimleuqiR said:
Fuck! My contract ends mid December. I can wait a month or so, to see where I jump ship to. I hope this phone is available to either Sprint or T-mobile. Seeing how AT&T is not trying to push Android right now gives me hope that the S or the T will get it. This is the phone I want. The Hero and the Cliq are ok, but this phone takes the cake.
Click to expand...
You won't seea Sony Ericsson phone on Sprint unfortunately, they are pretty GSM exclusive.
 
Luckily just reflashed the stock t-mobile rom as I need to exchange my Hero, as it keeps on power down. Damn the shipped rom absolutely sucks.
 
Getting a new phone in a couple days and still not sure which bandwagon (Android or iPhone) to jump on.

- Is there somewhere that lists/explains all available apps for Android?

- How many music related apps are there (synths, sequencers, etc) for Android compared to the iPhone?

Whichever one has the most musical function or potential is what I'm gonna jump for.
 
The Interrobanger said:
Getting a new phone in a couple days and still not sure which bandwagon (Android or iPhone) to jump on.

- Is there somewhere that lists/explains all available apps for Android?

- How many music related apps are there (synths, sequencers, etc) for Android compared to the iPhone?

Whichever one has the most musical function or potential is what I'm gonna jump for.
Click to expand...
You got a fart app on the iphone. I think that speaks for who uses it and what its about.
 
The Interrobanger said:
Getting a new phone in a couple days and still not sure which bandwagon (Android or iPhone) to jump on.

- Is there somewhere that lists/explains all available apps for Android?

- How many music related apps are there (synths, sequencers, etc) for Android compared to the iPhone?

Whichever one has the most musical function or potential is what I'm gonna jump for.
Click to expand...

There's a great music "emulation" app for rooted phones that includes tons of instruments and multi-touch support, "Musical."

Musical: http://www.androidmusical.com/
Reviews: http://www.androidtapp.com/
Full List: http://www.androlib.com/, http://www.cyrket.com/
 
trinest said:
You got a fart app on the iphone. I think that speaks for who uses it and what its about.
Click to expand...

I don't want an iPhone purely for the vast majority of morons that have one. Idiocy by association if you will. But I've used quite a few cool music apps on it and want to replicate those experiences on an Android phone...most likely the HTC Dream.

I heard the Android API kits are lackluster when it comes to audio/video app development and I want to ensure the apps aren't gimped.
 
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