Five months after the last released version, Google and the Open Handset Alliance publicly launched Android 0.9 SDK beta."Back in November, we made some SDK builds available that we referred to as early look SDKs. The goal was to give developers insight into the platform as early on as possible, and to get some initial feedback. Since then, we've been working with our Open Handset Alliance partners to incorporate much of that feedback, and finish the first devices. Since those devices are shipping in the fourth quarter, the platform is now converging on a final Android 1.0 version," explains Dan Morrill.
The release notes include a lot of changes: a new Home screen, context menus, two removed APIs (Bluetooth and GTalkService), but the good news is that the next versions will not have major changes.
The first mobile phone that will run Android, HTC Dream, has been approved by FCC and is on target for a launch until the end of the year. New York Times speculates that T-Mobile will be the first carrier to offer HTC Dream in October.
A video posted last week on YouTube claimed to show the smart phone, which looks anything but impressive:
TmoNews has some specifications of the upcoming phone: touch screen, full Qwerty keyboard, 3G/Wifi, 3MP camera with no flash, easy access to Google applications. "We have confirmed that the Android device will be available for current T-mobile customers online, for pre-sales, on September 17th. The Pre-sale will last for one week, with the device being delivered on October 13th, which happens to be the national public launch of the device."
Of course, it's good to keep in mind that Dream is just one of the mobile phones that will use Android and users primarily buy the device for its design and features, not for the operating system.
Update: some new specs (528Mhz Qualcomm 7201 processor, trackball, 1GB MicroSD card, POP/IMAP/SMTP, AIM/MSN/YAHOO/GTALK messaging, Google Calendar sync, Google Streetview with built-in compass, 3.17″ screen with HVGA, 5.6 oz weight).
Yet another iphone killer ...lol
ReplyDeleteCheck the In-Depth Video Tour of Google Android 0.9 SDK r1 Beta on YouTube by clicking here
ReplyDeletehttp://in.youtube.com/watch?v=quwXY3w26wg
The video is aweful.
ReplyDeleteI think the phone is good but the vid does not show it.
This vid really annoyed me: the guy in the background sounded like Darth Vader.
Here's good video of it in action: http://www.phonemag.com/htc-dream-phone-031838.php#entrycontent
ReplyDeleteGoogle's first flop? You'd think such a big company with so much money that is making a big move into the mobile space would have some long term strategy?
ReplyDeleteI do anyway. What is it they know about Apple that others don't? Google is certainly a designer in some sense. The anti design in some ways. They took all the extra design out and made the web much better. Apple, has added its own design and made interaction between apps easy and simple.
Both innovators in a big way. The battle for the mobile space won't be decided this October.
AndDream- the second Android Phone Presales Beginning Oct. 13th on AT&T?
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There have been a lot of rumors lately about the highly anticipated HTC Dream phone that is Android-powered. Now it is official, AT&T confirmed today that it plans to launch the second Android mobile phone made by Foxconn. The spokesman for Foxconn, did not give any further details on the launch date.
AT&T today confirmed that AT&T will be the second carrier to offer a smartphone based on Google Android OS. Foxconn (in China, the manufacturer of Apple iPhone) has manufactured the smartphone -- currently known as the AndDream/G2-- based on a Qualcomm chipset.
Rumored to offer a smart touchscreen interface, Bluetooth2.0+EDR and Wi-Fi, the AndDream passed through FCC on Sep.12. AT&T customers in the U.S. are likely to be among the first ones to get a taste of the AndDream. By choosing AT&T first, the Google Android OS can also rapidly spread to other major European markets.
So what should we expect from the AndDream? A lot, when taking the hardware partners into account. Foxconn, HTC, Qualcomm and AT&T have been working together for a long time on Windows Mobile smartphones. AT&T and Foxconn is also known for their user-friendly tweaks to Microsoft's offering.
What's Inside
A recent post in the unofficial AT&T blog, confirms that the AndDream will offer the following features:
Android Home Edition V1.0
Smart Touch screen
WiFi/Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
Full HTML internet capabilities
Easy access to all Google applications (Gmail, Gtalk, search)
Maps
YouTube
Phone
IM/Text
Email
Camera 4.0mp; no flash
Video (playback with recording)
Music player & 1GB memory card pre-loaded, upto 16GB
Applications, all available in Google marketplace (icon on the homescreen)
In fact android is one of the most awaited software for mobile Industry. And Tmobile caught it. That is why Tmobile and Tmobile G1 accessories are in great demand. Fast 3g service, strong application like Android, what else do you want dear?
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