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I have been lucky enough to get hold of a HTC Dream and have found it 10/10. Has anyone found any good applications for Australian based users?
I noticed that there is now a "HTC Dream Australia" facebook page created. Do you think this means that there is going to be some activity in the market soon?
Hey man, I'm an Aussie user. Have had mine for 2 months or so.
Heaps of discussion here:
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1034239
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1084544
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1126527
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1098876
There's a few other Australian G1 users on here too.
Most apps are all available to us (but some region specific ones will launch in the market too). Any type of apps you're looking for in particular?
HTC's latest device.
By the sounds of things there is going to be a device launch tomorrow for HTC's latest device.
"Here at Giz HQ, we've been gazing at our crystal balls, dialing up 1900-psychics and consulting the stars to try and make sense of all the HTC Dream Android rumors we've been hearing the last couple of weeks. And now, like some gigantic puzzle of epic proportions, we've put the pieces back together to create an all-but confirmed analysis of what you can expect: The HTC Dream Android phone on Optus, on sale later this month (with an announcement coming Thursday)."
More information -->
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2009/02/a...ndroid_phone_launching_thursday_on_optus.html
In my opinion the plans seem to be reasonable. They are priced a little higher than the iPhone, but you need to remember that this phone isn't the iPhone. I would handle paying extra for the Dream, as the Dream offers me more in return.
More details on the available plans here
http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/arti...partners_optus
Is it me or is it starting to get kinda pointless buying Android phones if : HTC is releasing another new higher specd phone every other month (note exageration), and Google seems to drop support for a phone rather quickly and loves dropping system updates that won't support every android phone ie we are still at 2.1 and we pretty much are destined to be discontinued.. and our phone is only a few months old but is just as good as the phones being released every few months with the fancy named snapdragon processor.
Sent from my HTC Espresso using XDA App
Android gets a new ver like every 3-6 months, personally I think that's too soon. Wm & IOS dont do that so often. It needs to be incremental updates, the leap from 2.1--> is minor. They could had added the features to 2.1 instead. 2.0 barely existent, you would figure the 2nd installment would had lived longer. 2.3 AKA Gingerbread is coming pretty soon, we're probably not gonna get it till like junish-decmeber 2011. New phone come out every month from htc every month, they add some feats or take or take some away. he G2 & 4G came around at the same time, the 4G has a better cpu, but cost less & G2 is vanilla and cost more. Why would you make the G2 w/ the weaker cpu is you're gonna plan on making a 2ng gen Snapdragon. So dumb in my opinion, do they even give a damn about their appealing to their loyal customers? If I had a company I would try to build consumer loyalty instead of kicking people to the side. A phone should get 6mon-1.5yrs of service at least.
Ace42 said:
Android gets a new ver like every 3-6 months, personally I think that's too soon. Wm & IOS dont do that so often. It needs to be incremental updates, the leap from 2.1--> is minor. They could had added the features to 2.1 instead. 2.0 barely existent, you would figure the 2nd installment would had lived longer. 2.3 AKA Gingerbread is coming pretty soon, we're probably not gonna get it till like junish-decmeber 2011. New phone come out every month from htc every month, they add some feats or take or take some away. he G2 & 4G came around at the same time, the 4G has a better cpu, but cost less & G2 is vanilla and cost more. Why would you make the G2 w/ the weaker cpu is you're gonna plan on making a 2ng gen Snapdragon. So dumb in my opinion, do they even give a damn about their appealing to their loyal customers? If I had a company I would try to build consumer loyalty instead of kicking people to the side. A phone should get 6mon-1.5yrs of service at least.
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I think the G2 is actually a 1ghz processor, but it is underclocked to help save battery life. I would assume that the G2 cost more than the Slide because of the keyboard. The G2 is geared towards business men and the myTouch 4g isn't. I agree about the updates, yes we get too many too soon, but then again if we don't like it then there's Symbian (Nokia), Windows 7, ios4 (Apple), RIM (blackberry) etc. You just have to find a company that suits your needs. I personally love Android.
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
G2 is high end, the Slide is mid range. Its as simple as that and in regards to Android OS updates, from Google last year they said things would be slowing down to one upgrade per year. With 2.3 coming soon we shouldn't see the next version till a year later.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
archie53 said:
G2 is high end, the Slide is mid range. Its as simple as that and in regards to Android OS updates, from Google last year they said things would be slowing down to one upgrade per year. With 2.3 coming soon we shouldn't see the next version till a year later.
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... and this is the very reason I will be waiting to get a new android device. As soon as google gets a bit more settled with OS development and we get into the 1.5ghz or dual core processors I will be holding off on an upgrade. Next time I upgrade I will also be going with a Nexus type device (google flagship phone) that will virtually be guaranteed to get new OS releases/updates first. Mytouch 4G and G2 will be surpassed very soon. The Slide is a very nice phone, I couldn't take another day of the G1's limitations and the Slide was the first real upgrade contender at the time. I will never buy another TMO exclusive device as I believe thoroughly that TMO is responsible for not releasing the blueZ source and I also believe TMO is holding out on a Froyo OTA for the Slide. No biggie, I'll wait. Still, there is no doubt that I'm disappointed that our Slides got left in the dust ...
NJAZ said:
... and this is the very reason I will be waiting to get a new android device. As soon as google gets a bit more settled with OS development and we get into the 1.5ghz or dual core processors I will be holding off on an upgrade. Next time I upgrade I will also be going with a Nexus type device (google flagship phone) that will virtually be guaranteed to get new OS releases/updates first. Mytouch 4G and G2 will be surpassed very soon. The Slide is a very nice phone, I couldn't take another day of the G1's limitations and the Slide was the first real upgrade contender at the time. I will never buy another TMO exclusive device as I believe thoroughly that TMO is responsible for not releasing the blueZ source and I also believe TMO is holding out on a Froyo OTA for the Slide. No biggie, I'll wait. Still, there is no doubt that I'm disappointed that our Slides got left in the dust ...
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Click to collapse
Yea, it definitely is sad that we still haven't gotten Froyo. I think the Slide should of gotten the update around the sametime as other Flagship phones. It doesn't matter if the phone isn't highend. T-Mobile could of made the Vibrant they're flagship, but they chose the Slide as they're flagship phone. If you chose a phone as your flagship then you should deliver the latest software in a timely manner to compete with other flagships. I mean its only fair. The funny thing is that I bought the Slide assuming we were going to get the latest updates in a reasonable time. I guess I was wrong. Its sad how fast this phone faded away and its nowhere near old.
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
We definately shouldbe getting Froyo now. The G2 is out as is the MyTouch 4G and there is reason that we shouldn't be getting updated, at this point its getting alittle sad.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
archie53 said:
We definately shouldbe getting Froyo now. The G2 is out as is the MyTouch 4G and there is reason that we shouldn't be getting updated, at this point its getting alittle sad.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
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Click to collapse
I guess they want people who are getting impatient to buy the g2 or 4g. They probably waiting for sales to hit a certain mark before they roll out the update. I just hope that when we do get the update it will be worth the wait. I'm really hoping for adobe flash 10.1 although they say our processor doesn't meet the requirements.
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
I agree I think ill be waiting for another GOOGLE flagship phone because they get better support and also updates faster that's why I loved my Nexus 1.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
sxufeastkilla said:
I agree I think ill be waiting for another GOOGLE flagship phone because they get better support and also updates faster that's why I loved my Nexus 1.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you've gotten rid of your N1 our its broken. That's the best phone for android support.
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
They say everything about something not meeting some set requirements. I stopped believing that once my G1 started running froyo, which according to tmo and htc, shouldn't at all have met the required standards. It just doesn't make any sense to me that they jump from phone to phone and leave others behind.
It makes me start to actually wonder why I should even buy any android phone if not every device is gonna get the latest firmwire. What's the point of releasing so many (especially if not every android phone doesn't have vanilla android) if only a select few will actually stay up to date. And I use that term lightly since there seems to be no up to date according to HTC and Google.
If anything they should give us free/major huge discounts on upgrading on our device if they are going to release a goddamn upgrade to a phone we spent a lot of money for that's ONLY A FEW MONTHS OLD! Was there honestly a point to buying this device?
Sent from my HTC Espresso using XDA App
the nexus s definitely has my attention if only for the fact that it *might* be directly supported by google. that said, the slide is a pretty nice phone, it just lacks support right now. at least two out of three things need to happen before this phone sees its full potential: s-off, release of the bluez source, and a proper update to 2.2- and at the very least, s-off is imminent.
zerolgk5 said:
the nexus s definitely has my attention if only for the fact that it *might* be directly supported by google. that said, the slide is a pretty nice phone, it just lacks support right now. at least two out of three things need to happen before this phone sees its full potential: s-off, release of the bluez source, and a proper update to 2.2- and at the very least, s-off is imminent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is the blue source?
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
OuncE718 said:
What exactly is the blue source?
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluez Source is the Bluetooth source code, so we can have fully working BT in custom ROMS... TMO and Google have been playing the blame game on releasing it
RavenWulf said:
Bluez Source is the Bluetooth source code, so we can have fully working BT in custom ROMS... TMO and Google have been playing the blame game on releasing it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok, thanks for the response. Why would T-mobile release the blue source for the purpose of helping out custom roms?
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
OuncE718 said:
Oh ok, thanks for the response. Why would T-mobile release the blue source for the purpose of helping out custom roms?
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
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Click to collapse
not so that we can... but because they have to due to the rules covering General Public License. as seen in "our" letter to TMO conserning this.
Bluez source code that is used as the Bluetooth® stack on the myTouch 3G Slide™. The source code used by HTC® is licensed under the General Public License (GPL) version 23 and distributed on the myTouch 3G Slide™. In short the GPL states that the modified source code must be provided [by the entity] to any user that requests it if they own the product or software in binary form"
RavenWulf said:
not so that we can... but because they have to due to the rules covering General Public License. as seen in "our" letter to TMO conserning this.
Bluez source code that is used as the Bluetooth® stack on the myTouch 3G Slide™. The source code used by HTC® is licensed under the General Public License (GPL) version 23 and distributed on the myTouch 3G Slide™. In short the GPL states that the modified source code must be provided [by the entity] to any user that requests it if they own the product or software in binary form"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, ok. Makes perfect sense. Thanks for your patience and time.
Black myTouch Slide w/stock rom
www.GoTeamFriday.com
I thought it might be good to have a central place to post information about Gingerbread for the Dinc. I am thinking we can use this thread primarily as a clearinghouse for "news", speculation, rumors, etc.
I remember the way Verizon and HTC left us twisting in the wind for months with Froyo, forcing users into wild speculation and a lot of useless "inside information". Use this thread as you see fit. I would ask, however, that you do your best to include a citation and/or weblink for information you provide here to help users decide the value of your information.
I imagine the devs will have their own ROM/Theme/Kernel-specific information regarding Gingerbread in those threads so obviously check there also.
Senior Member "DS36" posted some information this morning regarding Gingerbread in a thread I started yesterday asking if we should start a Gingerbread. Here is his comment from that other thread:
"Yes start the thread
The .32 source codes for has just been released"
Thank you, DS36, for providing this information. Apologies in advance for cutting and pasting from your original post.
ptgay49 said:
Senior Member "DS36" posted some information this morning regarding Gingerbread in a thread I started yesterday asking if we should start a Gingerbread. Here is his comment from that other thread:
"Yes start the thread
The .32 source codes for has just been released"
Thank you, DS36, for providing this information. Apologies in advance for cutting and pasting from your original post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not a problem thanks for the new thread
lets all get excited and hungry mmm mmm gingerbread
DS36 said:
not a problem thanks for the new thread
lets all get excited and hungry mmm mmm gingerbread
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Click to collapse
drooling already
Posted on Android Community Website on 11-15-2010
Eric Schmidt Demos Nexus S Running Gingerbread
15 November 2010 by Dylan Bailey
Google CEO Eric Schmidt was on stage at the Web 2.0 Summit and then all of the sudden he pulled out one of the most talked about phones of the last few weeks: The Nexus S. He didn’t go into much detail, he even left out which manufacturer is making the Nexus S, even though it’s very obvious.
While he was on stage he also mentioned that Android 2.3 should be out in the “next few weeks” and Google TV integration with major networks is going well.
I believe I'm excited
ptgay49 said:
Eric Schmidt Demos Nexus S Running Gingerbread
15 November 2010 by Dylan Bailey
Google CEO Eric Schmidt was on stage at the Web 2.0 Summit and then all of the sudden he pulled out one of the most talked about phones of the last few weeks: The Nexus S. He didn’t go into much detail, he even left out which manufacturer is making the Nexus S, even though it’s very obvious.
While he was on stage he also mentioned that Android 2.3 should be out in the “next few weeks” and Google TV integration with major networks is going well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
I just realized the minimum requirements for gingerbread are what our phones have do you think this may mean well miss updates after 2.3?
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Gahh Its Lee said:
I just realized the minimum requirements for gingerbread are what our phones have do you think this may mean well miss updates after 2.3?
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hero and Eris have froyo....
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
@Lee Like any great phone, this one is becoming obsolete. Some time after 2.3, our contracts will start to be up for renewal and we will get the next latest, greatest phone just like this one once was. It's a vicious cycle that never ends. But with advances in operating systems, there will always be advances in hardware. Who knows, our next phone may have a quad core processor. Let's just hope battery technology advances lol.
sent from my Incredible running cyanogenmod 6.1 with a quadrant score of 1453.
^
Good point. Since the Dinc is my first smart phone, it seems like I'll want to use it "forever". But with electronic gadgets changing and, for the most part, improving so rapidly, I guess that is not realistic.
My goal is to brick my Dinc exactly 730 days after I bought it.
jbrowning37 said:
@Lee Like any great phone, this one is becoming obsolete. Some time after 2.3, our contracts will start to be up for renewal and we will get the next latest, greatest phone just like this one once was. It's a vicious cycle that never ends. But with advances in operating systems, there will always be advances in hardware. Who knows, our next phone may have a quad core processor. Let's just hope battery technology advances lol.
sent from my Incredible running cyanogenmod 6.1 with a quadrant score of 1453.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I believe the DINC will still be able to handle a couple more updates with ease. If you look at lower end phones like the G1, Hero, Eris, etc, there will always be those awesome devs tweaking the code to make certain phones work, even if the update wasn't specifically made for a particular model( i.e ERIS and the froyo uodate.)
I just love my dinc. I actually got mine rather recently and I doubt ill ever wanna give it up. Although I will throw it off the bridge if I can get a quad core lol.
Random extra thought... What is the word of dual core phones? I remember reading something about some phones possibly being made with dual core.
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Gahh Its Lee said:
I just love my dinc. I actually got mine rather recently and I doubt ill ever wanna give it up. Although I will throw it off the bridge if I can get a quad core lol.
Random extra thought... What is the word of dual core phones? I remember reading something about some phones possibly being made with dual core.
Sent from my Incredible using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chips go on market in 2011
Dual 1.3 and 1.5s
Plus most high end phones should sports samoled in 2011
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I want a new phone now...
Looks like Google won't be waiting for the Nexus S to debut GB..
Now that the Google Nexus S has been delayed, the reasons for which are still unknown, could Android 2.3 Gingerbread make its debut on the Google Nexus One instead — the handset that also intro’d Android 2.1 and 2.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think in the next couple weeks, Gingerbread droid should be dancing around on phones. Just in time for the holidays!
News Article from the Pop Herald dated 11-21-2010
Windows Phone 7 and Android (Gingerbread preparation) Marketplace updates
November 21, 2010 By Joan Lee
Android’s upcoming update with codename “gingerbread” still unavailable, but report says Android marketplace will get few tweaks before the launch. Plus, Windows Phone 7 catching up with new apps.
Google’s mobile OS, the Android 2.3 with codename “Gingerbread,” is just around the corner. And before its launch, reports say few changes on Android’s marketplace interface for developers were seen.
This only means one thing, more “cool” apps for Gingerbread are possible.
There were improvements last week called ”Recent changes” for applications. In this new section, users can now see the details of every changes made with the app. For example, if the developer creates one new feature like “share,” the update log made will be visible to the user who wants to download it.
In the Android developers interface, a 325 characters of space is now available, where app creators can mention bug fixes, support for additional languages, new options, and more.
Users can also feel the application “more” with the developer requirement of 1024×500-pixel graphic, plus a YouTube video link. With a bigger resolution, users can see a bigger screenshot of the app, plus developers can now add videos to give users more insights like how-to and preview. Perfect for game apps.
These updates are expected to give the Android apps more purchases, more profits and more fun (for the buyers).
News Article from slashgear.com 11-24-2010
Andy Rubin to release Android 2.3 Gingerbread on Dec 6?
By Chris Davies on Wed Nov 24th, 2010
Speculation is mounting that Google will launch Android 2.3 Gingerbread on December 6, when project mastermind Andy Rubin is expected to take the stage at the “D: Dive Into Mobile” show in San Francisco. The prediction, says IntoMobile, fits in with Google CEO’s Eric Schmidt’s suggestion that Gingerbread would see a release in the next few weeks; Rubin’s appearance will be three weeks from Schmidt’s confirmation earlier this month.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread will roll out to the Google Nexus One initially, and then it will be up to individual manufacturers to put their development money where their mouths have been and deliver updates to their handsets. As we’ve seen with previous Android updates, however, the timescale for that will likely vary from weeks through to months.
NOTE BY POSTER ptgay49: That last sentence is a buzz kill.
What new features are in 2.3?
Not much worried about it.. owning a incredible with the developers in xda 's forums it won't be long after release to having it running on my phone..super pumped about it though
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Gingerbread Features
dpwhitty11 said:
What new features are in 2.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Article found on androidandme.com dated 11-25-2010
Now Andy Rubin, the godfather of Android, is scheduled to speak at D: Dive Into Mobile on December 6th and everyone is speculating that might be the magic day for the Android 2.3 announcement.
We can’t say for sure what he will talk about or possibly announce, but as we get closer to the launch of Gingerbread more and more features are starting to leak out. Read on after the jump for 12 features that could be appearing in the next release of Android.
1. Tweaked UI
It doesn’t sound like the Android UI is getting a complete overhaul till Honeycomb, but Gingerbread will include some small tweaks. The notification bar at the top of the screen has gone from white to black, the launcher buttons are now green instead of translucent, and many of the native app icons have received a makeover.
Most of the existing native apps will also look slightly updated thanks to tweaks with the styling of menus, check boxes, and radio buttons as leaked in the last Google Maps update. Other small tweaks include new animations when you swipe across the desktop and when you power off the display (as reported by Phandroid).
2. Near Field Communications (NFC)
We first reported back in October that Samsung’s Google experience phone would support MasterCard PayPass, and then last week Eric Schmidt confirmed that Gingerbread would support Near Field Communication (NFC).
NFC is a short-range, high frequency wireless communication technology that only operates when two devices are about 4 inches apart. It is basically just another form of electronic identification except the ID is tied to a bank or credit card company. All the user needs to do is just setup their account then tap their phone to a wireless payment pad and complete the transaction.
Eric Schmidt said that in the future your phone could replace your credit card, so you can see how important this is to Google and their partners.
Opponents of NFC say it might fail because it is too complex and big companies will fight over who owns the point of control for the transaction, but if Google is going to make this a standard feature on all future Gingerbread phones then we think that ensures it will at least move the mobile payment standard forward.
MasterCard has not been confirmed as a NFC partner, but I think there is a good chance they are on board in addition to some other payment companies like PayPal.
3. New Motion Control APIs
True 1:1 motion processing is coming to Gingerbread thanks to InvenSense, the company behind the MEMS gyroscope sensor found in the Nintendo Wii MotionPlus controller.
Gyroscope sensors have already appeared in some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S, but Android 2.3 will add new sensor fusion APIs including quaternion, rotation matrix, linear acceleration and gravity. These new tools will open the door to all kinds of motion controls for augmented reality apps, games, navigation systems, and camera improvements like image stabilization.
See our previous post for a video with several real-world demos.
4. Native Video Chat
In his last interview, Andy Rubin hinted that native video chat was coming to the next version of Android. “We support video chat today, with Google Talk Video. It works on the desktop. Whether that can be repurposed and made appropriate for sipping bandwidth for mobile, it’s an exercise that’s underway.”
If Mr. Rubin is willing to admit that it’s underway, that tells me the project could be nearing completion and already in the testing phases.
It looks like all the high-end phones coming in the next few months will include front-facing cameras so this is another sign that Android is ready for a native video sharing app to connect all these devices.
5. New Android Market
Google has been telling us for awhile that a new Android Market was coming and recently said new features could appear in the next few weeks. The Android Market can be updated separately from the operating system, but the timing tells us the new Market could be tied to the release of Gingerbread.
Confirmed features for the new Android Market include YouTube video previews, parental controls, PayPal payments, and new high-res promotion graphics that sound like they will be used on the desktop browser version of the Market.
At the Google I/O Developer Conference we attended back in May, Vic Gundotra demonstrated the browser version of the Market that was being tested. See the video below for an idea of what to expect.
6. Google Music
As you can see from the video above, Google is also working on a music streaming service for Android. They launched a music search service earlier this year and hoped to get their music store opened before Christmas, but the latest reports say it might be delayed till 2011. Apparently the music labels are still negotiating with Google on how their “digital locker” will store purchased music, but maybe they come to an agreement this year.
This is coming sooner or later so if it doesn’t make it into Gingerbread then I expect we will see it early next year when Honeycomb tablets are revealed.
7. Support For More Large Screen Devices
On the Android Device Dashboard there is a report where Google displays the different screen sizes and densities of devices that access the Android Market. The Large category is currently blank, but look for more big screen devices like tablets to be officially supported in Android 2.3. This means we could see more 7-inch tablets like the Galaxy Tab (1024 x 600) get certified and maybe a few other resolutions for the new smartphone displays that are rumored to be coming.
We have also heard that Google might relax the rules of their Compatibility Definition Document and allow non-3G devices to be certified. No WiFi-only devices have been certified to use the Android Market yet, but Android 2.3 should hopefully change that.
In a somewhat related note, I believe this is the reason the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab was delayed till next year so that Samsung could make sure that Google allowed them to ship it with the Android Market.
8. Virtual Keyboard Enhancements
Google recently acquired hot startup BlindType to improve their virtual keyboard and we are hearing the enhancements might be coming as soon as Gingerbread. The old company website is now down, but you can still see a demo of their technology on YouTube.
What is BlindType? It is a revolutionary system that:
Eliminates touch typing frustrations
Allows for super sloppy typing
Helps you type easier and faster
Constantly adjusts to the user’s “perceived” keyboard and typing style
Just type the way you are used to – no gestures, nothing new to learn!
9. Support for WebM and VP8
We know that support for WebM and the VP8 video format are coming to Gingerbread because Google and the WebM team have told us this.
WebM is defined on the official project page as, “An open media file format designed for the web. WebM files consist of video streams compressed with the VP8 video codec and audio streams compressed with the Vorbis audio codec. The WebM file structure is based on the Matroska media container. Though video is also now core to the web experience, there is unfortunately no open and free video format that is on par with the leading commercial choices. To that end, we started the WebM project, a broadly-backed community effort to develop an open web media format.”
YouTube now offers WebM videos as part of its HTML5 player experiment. Logitech and Skype are also working with the format for future video calling services.
10. New YouTube With Broadcasting
As we get near the end of the list some of these possible features might be a stretch, but there are still hints that new YouTube features are coming. Phandroid reported that Gingerbread will have a new YouTube app and we know that they are also testing their new live broadcasting platform.
If you look at how important video will be to the upcoming Gingerbread experience, then it is not too hard to imagine that YouTube will allow live broadcasting from your phone similar to Qik or Ustream.
The next generation of superphones will include dual-core processors that support 1080p video streaming and also have speedy 4G connections, so the hardware is definitely going to be there to make it happen.
11. Google Me or Social Gaming Network
Google recently denied the reports they were working on a Facebook competitor called Google Me, but all the signs are there that Google is working on a way to bring together all their social services. TechCrunch reported that Google’s master pitchman Vic Gundotra was being placed in charge of the project, so we expect big things from him.
Andy Rubin hinted that Gingerbread would include improvements for gaming in a previous interview. “I think gaming is an area that I think is underserved right now. If we were to carefully look at what new features and functionalities in the platform that we would need to support all forms of gaming across the entire spectrum, I think that would probably be an interesting thing to pay attention to.”
A number of recent acquisitions and partner agreements might also play a role in this social gaming platform. In the last year Google acquired LabPixies for $25 million (an Israeli startup that made web games), Jambool for $70 million (makers of a virtual currenty platform), Slide for $182 million (Facebook games developer), and invested $100-200 million in Zynga (makers of Farmville).
Apple’s Game Center and platforms like Open Feint have really raised the bar for social gaming, so Google will have to release something soon if they want to catch up.
12. Flagship Phone – Nexus S
Finally, what good is a brand new operating system unless you have a flagship product that can show off all the new features. That device is the Samsung Nexus S which is widely expected to be released alongside Android 2.3. Google’s CEO recently demoed the phone to show off its NFC capabilities, so hopefully we see the device soon.
The Nexus S was originally planned to launch at Best Buy on November 11th, but then TechCrunch reported a serious hardware issue had caused a delay. One of our tipsters said the original Samsung Nexus S was scrapped for a newer dual-core version, which shocked many people because they did not expect Samsung to have a dual-core phone this year, but another trusted source also confirmed that Samsung had such a device in testing.
Conclusion
In the next few weeks we should hopefully get an official list of new Android 2.3 features from Google, but don’t be surprised if Andy Rubin doesn’t announce anything on December 6th.
Google and Samsung already missed the rumored launch date, so they could delay this project till next year in order to iron out all the launch details. Some would say that Samsung has rushed their recent Android products to market without properly testing them (aka GPS issues), so I have no problem with them taking as long as they need.
I would love a taste of Gingerbread for Christmas, but if waiting till next year gets me a fully functional dual-core Nexus S then I’m all for waiting.
How do you think Android 2.3 is shaping up so far? Does this sound like a worthy update, or do you hope that Google is packing in even more exciting features? What other types of improvements would you like to see included with Android 2.3?
This is an article from engadget yesterday. I can't posts links yet so here you go.
"Select AT&T android devices may get app sideloading as early as tomorrow...
It's a classic romantic tale of "network meets OS, network disables OS," and just like any love story, this one is building up to a happy ending. Fourteen months after AT&T introduced a lineup of crippled Android phones that weren't allowed to install third-party apps, the carrier extended an olive branch to fans of the OS by quietly slipping the sideloading capability onto the Samsung Infuse 4G; now, the network is reportedly updating three members of its Android lineup --the HTC Inspire 4G, HTC Aria, and Samsung Captivate --sometime today. We're sure there were many Atrix users scanning this short list with fingers crossed, but unfortunately your phone did not make the cut this time. No word on why your favs were left out, but at least four devices with Amazon Appstore access is still better than zero. At present time we haven't seen the updates get pushed to our phones, however, so we'd love to hear if any of you have seen differently down in comments below."
I'm rooted, have sideloading enabled, and love the phone but why not AT&T? What do you have against us??
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
I heard it would beincluded in our next OTA
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
"And as for the Motorola Atrix 4G? AT&T says it's working with Moto, which will provide the update for non-market apps in a future maintenance release."
http://www.androidcentral.com/att-confirms-third-party-apps-coming-existing-phones
We're included.
Doesn't really matter either way since Gladroot does it for you.
There's much more important things that this device needs, like Gingerbread and a freakin update for Bell users... *sigh*
HTC just announced a little over an hour ago that it will no longer lock any of the bootloaders on their devices.
Link to FB post: http://www.facebook.com/HTC/posts/10150307320018084
Here is the site where Sony Ericsson users can unlock their phones:
http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/
This is a quote from Motorola in regards to the locked bootloder:
"We completely understand the operator requirement for security to the end user, and as well, want to support the developer communities desire to use these products as a development platform. It is our intention to enable the unlockable/relockable bootloader currently found on Motorola XOOM across our portfolio of devices starting in late 2011, where carriers and operators will allow it."
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Shouldn't Motorola follow the current trend and open their systems?
What do you guys think of HTC and Sony Ericsson's actions?
Well, we love them! Mototola is a terribly frustrating company. Good riddance.
If only there were good HTC phones in att when I bought this phone (still love it)
Sent from the bowels of hell...
This proves that Motorola was using carriers as a scapegoat. Deceptive and cowardly!!
I love the Atrix but I'm feverishly looking for the quickest way to get an HTC Sensation (willing to switch back to old provider if need be!). I'll gladly sell my Atrix to anyone here. The only way I want to stay is if we get an unlocked bootloader or HDMI mirroring for landscape mode.
I hope Motorola comments on this. I should subtly troll their Twitter.
Framing sweet, my aria is a nice little phone
ATT M-Atrix via XDA app.
bongd said:
This proves that Motorola was using carriers as a scapegoat. Deceptive and cowardly!!
I love the Atrix but I'm feverishly looking for the quickest way to get an HTC Sensation (willing to switch back to old provider if need be!). I'll gladly sell my Atrix to anyone here. The only way I want to stay is if we get an unlocked bootloader or HDMI mirroring for landscape mode.
I hope Motorola comments on this. I should subtly troll their Twitter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget the Sensation man, it's Holiday time!
http://www.pcworld.com/article/228445/htc_holiday_specs_outed.html
Above link said:
The rumored specifications come courtesy of a ROM discovered by 911Sniper, a prominent source for HTC-related leaks. The exposed details point towards the device having a lot in common with the HTC Sensation. The Holiday will apparently have a 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon processor, 1GB of memory, and a slightly excessive 4.5-inch, 540 by 960 resolution screen.
The ROM leak also pointed towards the smartphone running Android version 2.3.4 (Gingerbread), and having both an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera.
Further details regarding the phone, such as price points, are currently low on the ground, but some sites are suggesting that the HTC Holiday could be part of AT&T's promised range of late-2011 4G LTE smartphones.
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phobos512 said:
Forget the Sensation man, it's Holiday time!
http://www.pcworld.com/article/228445/htc_holiday_specs_outed.html
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Click to collapse
Damn, I'll have to keep an eye out. I think I'll draw the line at 4.3", but the nice thing is that I'm sure it's ROM will be ported to the Sensation or Evo 3D.
Looking towards getting another HTC device again. I really wished the Atrix could get Gingerbreak to make sure of the Tegra 2, or that we'd have an unlocked bootloader for now. I was more satisfied with my Desire Z regretfully.. c'mon, Motorola!!!