HTC has announced today via Twitter that their Hero handset will be getting an Android 2.0 update. There was no word on exactly when we will be seeing the update but chances are it will be when HTC finished tweaking the Sense UI for the updated OS.

Below is the tweet:

The rumors are true! Hero will be getting an Eclair update. We ask for your patience as we update Sense for the fancy new Android OS.

Tags: Android, Cell Phones, Eclair, Google, Hero, HTC, HTC, Mobile News, Sprint, twitter, Update

We were not expecting Chrome OS to arrive anytime soon but it looks like at least some lucky fellas managed to get it from Google already. Sure it’s not the full version but we could always play with a beta, can’t we?

Unfortunately the download link doesn’t seem to work anymore so you might not be able to download a copy for yourself. But here’s what we’re all missing out on:

2009-10-21: New Chrome OS 0.4.223 beta is available now!
Chrome OS is a brand new free operating system built around the revolutionary Google Chrome browser.
The project aim is to provide a lightweight Linux distribution for the best web browsing experience.
Featured software in Chrome OS:
GNOME 2.24 desktop environment
Google Chrome 4.0.223 web browser
Google Picasa 2.7 photo manager New!
OpenOffice.org 3.0 office suite
GIMP 2.6 image editor
Flash Player 10.0 plugin
and much more!
System requirements of Chrome OS:
Processor: Intel Pentium, Xeon or newer; AMD Duron, Athlon, Sempron, Opteron or newer
RAM: min. 256 MB
Hard disk: min. 1 GB
Graphics card: supports most modern graphics cards

Or was it all a mistake and the beta isn’t even supposed to come out yet?

via Google

Tags: Beta, Chrome OS, Google, Google

The FCC is investigating Google’s Google Voice application but apparently that’s not enough for Google to stop blocking numbers. The Commission is interested in how Google Voice works and it wants to know exactly how and why the app blocks certain numbers.

Google has raised the number of blocked numbers to 100. That’s a lot more numbers than it used to block. Google thinks that these numbers are “engaged in… schemes” which happen to raise carrier costs. So it seems that Google saves you some money. Is that going to be enough for the FCC? Will Google have to unblock all these numbers soon?

via Washington Post

Tags: Blocked Numbers, fcc, Google, Google, Google Voice, Mobile News

The HTC Droid Eris is the other hot Android phone coming from Verizon. And Verizon seems to like Android all of a sudden as it is ready to offer them both at once, starting with November 6. So how much will the Droid Eris cost? If you’re willing to get a new 2-year Verizon Wireless contract then you’re going to get the HTC Droid Eris for just $99.99.

It looks like this HTC Android phone is going to be the cheapest phone ready to hit the U.S. so stay tuned for official confirmation. Although it’s understandable if you’re going to go for the Motorola Droid instead, the Droid Eris is perfect for those of you that have a budget to watch.

via Twitter

Tags: Android, Droid, Eris, Google, HTC, HTC, Motorola, Verizon Wireless

With Google Android’s free navigation app, it will probably make a lot of people happy with its turn-by-turn instructions. However, it does change things in the Navigation market. Apparently, Garmin and TomTom’s stock prices fell at an alarming rate.

This could be one of those times where free technology is going to overshadow those who have gotten rich off of it.

Source

Tags: Garmin, Google, Google Navigation, Google Navigation App, GPS, Mobile Software, tomtom

We just learned that Google Maps Navigation would be featured on the Motorola DROID and now Google has taken the time to detail the service.

First and foremost, Google Maps Navigation is that it is a free turn-by-turn GPS mobile application. This free application allows you to input addresses with both text and voice, it will show you traffic data, For now, it’s available only for Android 2.0 and is in beta but hopefully it will make its way onto other platforms such as the iPhone.

You can check out a 7 minute video demonstration of Google Maps Navigation above, check it out.

Tags: Accessories, Cell Phones, data traffic, free, Google, google maps, GPS, GPS, Mobile News, Mobile Software, navigation, turn-by-turn

Morotola and Verizon have finally come forth to announce the Android 2.0 powered DROID, a handset we’ve heard about for some time now.

The Motorola DROID will feature a 3.7-inch capacitive touchscreen display, slideout QWERTY keyboard, 5MP camera with autofocus and dual-LED flash, GPS with Google Maps Navigation, WiFi, Bluetooh and an included 16GB memory card.

Interested? It could be yours on November 6th for $199 on a 2-year contract

Press release after the break.

(more…)

Tags: Android, bluetooth, Capacitive, Cell Phones, Droid, Google, GPS, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Motorola, Motorola, Qwerty keyboard, Verizon, WiFi

The Internet is buzzin’ about Google Wave despite the fact that only a select number of individuals, and their friends, are actually able to use the service.

We kind of know what it does, we kind of know how it works, but today Google told us something we didn’t know; it’s going to feature it’s own app store off sorts. That’s right, developers will actually be able to produce Wave extensions and upload them to the store from which users can purchase said extensions.

It’s a cool feature, but we’ll have to wait until Google announces more like how much the typical extension will cost until we pass final judgment.

via thenextweb

Tags: Accessories, App Store, Desktop PCs, extensions, Google, google wave, software

Sure, the HTC Magic is a nice handset but I bet you never though it’d be used for this — A DIYer has taken HTC’s handset, coupled it with a pair of goggles and a cardbox box to make a pair of virtual reality goggles.

The system relys on Google Street View in the sense that you move your head around and the picture will adjust depending on the position of your head.

Still confused? Check out the above video demonstration and let us know what you think.

via slashgear

Tags: Accessories, Cell Phones, goggles, Google, google street view, HTC, HTC Magic, Mobile News, Mobile Software, virtual reality

Early last week we showed you a device that was reportedly an unannounced HTC manufactured Android phone and had virtually no details as to what it was. Today, we have word that this device is to be called the HTC Passion and will hit Verizon towards the end of this year and feature a 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

Unfortunately, that’s all we know for now but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

via theunlockr

Tags: Android, Cell Phones, Google, HTC, htc passion, Mobile News, Mobile Software, SnapDragon, Verizon

Motorola seems to have a lot of fun rolling out one Android phone after the other. We’ve already seen the CLIQ, the Droid and the Calgary. And today we spotted the Motorola Zeppelin, a phone which is apparently heading to China.

The phone is not official yet but it’s said to come with a 3.1-inch 480 x 320 touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera with flash, WiFi, dual SIM slots for GSM and CDMA SIM cards, HDMI connectivity and Android OS. The phone should be available in China in the first quarter of 2010 while everyone else should get it at some point later next year. Pricing is unknown but we’ll definitely return with more news soon.

via AndroidOS

Tags: Android, Calgary, Cliq, Droid, Google, Mobile News, Motorola, Motorola, Zeppelin

Rumors of the HTC Desire on Verizon have been circulating since the beginning of this month when the device was found on Verizon computers. Today the above live shot of the device has appeared with it wearing none other than the Verizon branding.

As you can see, this is an Android powered touchscreen device running the HTC developed Sense UI.

We’ll keep you posted as more information is made known.

via bgr

Tags: Android, Cell Phones, Google, HTC, htc desire, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Sense UI, Verizon

We’ve already seen the Dell’s Mini 3i for the Chinese smartphone market and now it seems they are also working on an Android powered MID.

According to BGR, this device will be called the Streak and feature a 5-inch multitouch display, 3G, WiFI, 5 megapixel camera, Bluetooth and a microSD slot.

As for availability? Well, like most things unannounced there was no word.

Tags: Android, Dell, Google, MID, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Portable Devices, streak

If you’re living in the UK and looking for a nice pre-paid handset then you should definitely check out the T-Mobile Pulse. This phone has recently been put up for sale as a pre-paid device for T-Mobile UK and is available now.

The T-Mobile Pulse features Google’s Android operating system a 3.5″ touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, 3G, WiFi, GPS and 2GB of internal storage.

If you’re looking to pick up the Pulse you’re looking at £176.16 or about $291.

via talkandroid

Tags: 2GB, 3.2 megapixel, 3G, Cell Phones, Google, GPS, huawei, Mobile News, Mobile Software, Pulse, T-Mobile, T-Mobile, touchscreen, WiFi

What do you know; I have one more Android phone to show you today. This time it’s the V808 which happens to be the second Android phone coming from Philips. Hear that Sony Ericsson? Other manufacturers are launching more than one Android phone this year!

The V808 has been made official and it’s probably going to be available really soon in China from China Mobile. The V808 will feature a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen display, 3.2-megapixel camera, GPS, GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, microSD support, widget support and music and video players support. As you can see the V808 doesn’t come with any special features which means that it shouldn’t cost that much once it becomes available. Pricing details and arrival dates haven’t been specified yet and we have no idea if other markets will get this Philips Android phone anytime soon.

With all the Android talk today, what Android phone are you planning on buying?
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Tags: Android, China, China Mobile, Google, Philips, Philips, Sony Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, V808

Rumors say that the first Android phone coming over from Sony Ericsson will be the Xperia X10 and not the Xperia X3 as expected. The phone should be available in February 2010 and not earlier as previously expected. That seems a little too late! In the mean time we’re going to see a lot of other Android phones which will probably steal a lot of customers that could otherwise be interested in the Xperia X10.

An insider familiar with the X10 had this to say about the phone:

The device is super flat and further the size of the screen similar to that of the HTC Touch HD. Furthermore, the device is slightly rounded, according to the two-SE employees that the new trend in SE … What had struck me as the big screen and the thickness of the device. The device is really ultrathin fact! I also do not specifically on the camera side view, but the device is comfortable to hand and is much lighter than a x1.

Maybe someone should tell Sony Ericsson that Motorola will probably launch the Droid, HTC will unveil the Dragon and Acer will start selling the Liquid A1 before February 2010. If the X10 is such a great device, maybe we should see it in the flash earlier. Let’s say before Christmas 2009?

via GSMArena

Tags: Android, Google, Sony Ericsson, Sony Ericsson, X10, x3, xperia

We told you some time ago that Barnes & Noble was gearing up to launch an ereader that would go up against Amazon’s Kindle but haven’t heard much about it since. Well the day has finally come that the Android powered Barnes & Noble Nook has been announced.

As you can see from the above picture this device features both an e-ink display for reading ebooks and a color touchscreen for easy navigation. Additionally, the device will feature both 3G connectivity (thanks to AT&T) and WiFi. What’s even better is if you hop on a WiFi network at a Barnes & Noble retail location you will be able to browse through entire ebooks for free. Storage wise you’ll find 2GB of internal space with a memory card slot located on the back.

You can pre-order the Nook now, here, for $259 here with orders being fulfilled in November.

Tags: barnes noble, ebook, eBook Reader, eReader, Google, Kindle, Mobile News, Mobile Software, nook, Portable Devices

As more people continue to venture out into various regions and countries, the itinerary they have in mind may not necessarily push through without the proper scheduling. And while some feel that they have them all in their head, here is an app that should set things straight. The app is the TripChill Mobile Travel Assistant for the Android device and iPhones which provides travelers the ability to view travel itineraries offline. Additionally, the app can transform your device into a virtual GPS as it informs your family or friends regarding your whereabouts, including flight departures and arrivals.

(Source) Press

Tags: Apple, flight departures and arrivals, Google, HTC, iPhone, iphones, itinerary, travel assistant, travel itineraries, travelers, virtual gps

Spring Designs has introduced Alex, the first e-book based on the Google Android carrying full browsing capabilities as well as dual screen interaction technology, the Duet Navigator. The Alex combines the ability to read on a monochrome EPD screen while displaying the dynamic hyperlinked information on the secondary screen in full color. Alex is the first Google Android-based e-book device to provide full Internet browsing over Wi-Fi or mobile networks such as 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM.

There is no word yet on when the Alex would be made available since Spring Design is still in talks with major content providers. Hopefully something definite would come out at the end of the year.

(Source) Press

Tags: alex, capabilities, CDMA, content providers, dual screen, e-book, Google, Google, interaction technology, mobile networks, Portable Devices, spring design, spring designs

Back in June we let you know that ASUS was gearing up to debut an Android powered smart phone sometime next year. Today, ASUS executives have taken center stage at a press event that went down in Taiwan to let us know that the handset in question will in fact be revealed later this year as opposed to next year.

That’s about it, we’ll keep you posted as ASUS reveals more about this mysterious device.

via digitimes

Tags: Android, ASUS, ASUS, Cell Phones, Google, jerry shen, jonney shih, Mobile News, Mobile Software, smart phone