DROIDHEAD

Win a Sprint Hero!

2009-12-11T10:37:00.003-05:00

Looking to stuff a stocking this Holiday season? Well, Sprint and Yahoo have teamed up to give you a little help. Along with the many other 'Win a free Android" device offers popping up this season, why not? All you have to do is give them your first, last name, email address, and phone number. If you visit your Yahoo mail account from m.yahoo.com/mail you will be entered again, so the more you visit the more your chances raise! I do believe you have to be a Sprint customer to play so if you pay Sprint now check it out!

For the official site and rules you can check out HTC.com or Go to the entry page here.

Lets see if you passed this year...

2009-12-10T11:57:00.003-05:00

To be completely honest grading a wireless provider is hard, as we have all know they have many pros over each other as well as having many cons. AT&T and Verizon Wireless can be an example of what I mean! VZW has a HUGE 3G coverage area across the US, but with AT&T you can do multiple actions while on a call (if your device supports multitasking). At DroidHead we are an Android community blog, so why not make it easier and narrow down all the coverages and handsets to one simple thing. . . who treats Android with more respect. Some of you may not be surprised as to who will get the best grade out of the four major US carriers.

T-Mobile was first out of the gate with the G1 so it makes sense to start with them first. T-Mobile introduced the world market place to the Google Android OS with the T-Mobile G1 and later released the MyTouch 3G, Motorola Cliq, and Samsung Behold II. This carrier is a GSM carrier looking to upgrade their signal and strength to HSPA 7.2. With T-Mobile, because they are GSM you can talk, and play with your apps at the same time (apparently that is important). Selection wise, TMo has the most Android devices doubling any other carrier in the US. The problem is the devices they choose to have. . . The G1 is out dated (sorry), the predecessor to it, the MyTouch 3G, is no match for the Hero, or Droid, the Cliq is not a front runner with it's toy'ish feel and adolescent UI, and the Behold II has been bashed in the head with a blunt object by reviewers. There have been many rumors telling us that HTC and Sony-Ericsson is looking to drop two VERY NICE devices Tmo's way, but those are only rumors and we have to grade today. Tmo will get credit for starting the Android race, but will fall a little for not being up to snuff with their hardware. If you have root you can plan to have an "A" here because Tmo has all of the rooted phones (besides the Cliq). As far as stock devices go, Tmo will receive a "B-". For those who have T-Mobile lets all hope they step it up next year with hardware and marketing.

Sprint, being the second carrier to snag an Android device will be second on our list to grade. Sprint brought the US the long awaited HTC Hero with HTC's Sense UI, only Sprint gave us a different look. They also have the Samsung Moment (which I always forget...lol), which runs stock Android and rocks a full QWERTY. Sprint has a CDMA network and trying to push out WiMax which is their version of 4G. As far as Sprint is concerned, they have the Palm Pre with WebOS, we all just saw a commercial (finally) with the Hero in it. Sprint is one of the low men on the totem pole in the US and you would think they would push the Hero and Moment out for those wanting Android on the "Now" network... oh well. For rooted devices you could give them a "B" easy. As far as stock devices go I would have to give Sprint a "C" for the year. Come on Sprint, give us the Android... We don't want the Pre or Pixi!!!

Then comes Verizon Wireless, big red gave us the most anticipated Android device of the year with the coverage to handle it. It also gave the community the best marketing campaign for it as well. VZW has the Droid Eris by HTC (Hero like) and the Motorola Droid (the front runner of Android devices). I have said MANY of times on my Twitter account that the Droid will only be held back by the network it is on,. . . and it is. Unfortunately, Verizon is CDMA (like Sprint) and will not allow you to do anything in the middle of a call, like it's a BIG deal. That is NOT a deal breaker to me. Verizon has also given us the "hands down" best marketing out of all of the carriers with the slogan "In the world of Don't, Droid Does". To the rooters and hackers the world has just began so we will give it a "C" for now. To the common person we will have to give VZW an "A" for the most respect towards Android. I couldn't tell you enough, how much VZW makes me mad with showing up late to the party, but they ran away with it!!!

AT&T, you get an "F" for fail, you know why. Get your heads out of the iPhone's ass and get an Android device!!

So again, our grades for the carriers;
-T-Mobile .......... B
- Sprint ............... C-
- Verizon ............ A
- AT&T ............... F
All I can say is this is the first real good year for Android and the handset makers running them. Let's all hope for an even better one for next year.

If you agree with me on this let me know in the comments below, if you don't agree with me leave a comment on another blog's page. To be serious I would love to hear what you have to say about it, and the only way I will know is if you leave a comment about how you feel below

Finally, Sprint has a commercial with the Hero!

2009-11-18T08:39:00.002-05:00

It only took a few months but Sprint dropped a commercial with what they coined, "The most impressive lineup of phones". Along with the Palm Pre, and Blackberry Tour they finally show us their version of the HTC Hero. There is no love with any carrier for "with Android" but they do let the watcher know that the Hero is "with Google", and has thousands of apps. I think if you watch the commercial below you wont really care too much until the end where they show the CG Android "break dancing" in the "Sprint Shelves". That in my opinion is what makes it news to blog about.

Like the commercial from Sprint? Want to be a critic and tell us what you would have done better? Let me know in the comments below!

Android Hack: JACHero 2.5

2009-07-10T10:01:00.004-04:00

It looks to be that time for me to take a look at another cooked ROM/Build from XDA Developers.

Stats:
Device- HTC Dream/T-Mobile G1
Radio- H_2.22.19.26I
SPL- 1.33.2005
Recovery- CM 1.3.1

ROM/Build Reviewed - JACHero 2.5

You can find the ROM/Build here

Direction I took to update the ROM/Build on the Dream/G1.

1. Downloaded the build from the link above.
2. Mounted my G1 to the Computer.
3. Open the E: drive or F: drive whatever your phone may be when mounted
4. Copy JACHero2.5.zip to your SD card
5. Change name to update.zip (or "update" only if your comp puts the .zip automatically)
6. Power off your device and reboot into recovery
( The Following steps are what I did or do, if you want to do it the same way it is your choice and DroidHead will not be held responsible for any damage to your device.)
7. Wiped the data, 3 times
8. Repaired ext filesystems
9. Applied SD update.zip
10. Reboot device
11. Setup

JACHero 2.5 is another update in the long line of builds from justanothercrowd (Twitter), this is based off of the official HTC Hero SDK. This is a port for the HTC Dream/G1 so not everything likes to work or move they way you want them too. That is why I am here to help you out. This build does have symlinks apps2sd so you will not need to apply the application to get your apps to work.

At the start:
Already it has taken some time to load the TouchFlo home screen, the HTC emblem has been up for atleast 15-20 seconds. On a mobile device that could be week (lol). Now I like to remove EVERYTHING from the home screens, and on 2.5 there are 7 of them pre-installed with HTC widgets. After removing everything from them the device starts off smooth.... we will see once I get it customized to my likes.

Took me about 20 min to get it where I want it.... that is. . . ok, I would like for that to be faster. I have it now overclocked to 528 Mhz and Swapped 32/60.

Application Tests: I will run a series of test to show speed and will record the findings
(These are in no way official, just done with time.)

Test 1 (Opening Babbler and letting it run for 20 seconds then hitting the home button)-
Findings are that it took about 2 seconds when I hit the home button to show me the home screen then about a half a second to load the widgets. Scrolling between screen became choppy for about 5 seconds, and the applications draw was about the same. So overall on Test 1 I would have to grade it a C, it was good but not great or awesome.

Test 2 (Opening Messaging then hitting phone button then home) - Findings are that it took about 5 seconds for the messaging app to start, 4 seconds for the phone screen and home screen to load. There was no lag on the home screen after words it ran very smoothly. I did shutdown most of my task via Advanced Task Manager. I would have to give that a B, that was great to see it running like it should.

Test 3 (Just locking the phone and unlocking)- I let the phone stand on lock for 10 seconds. After unlocking it ran SMOOTH, and fast. I will deffinatley stamp that with an A, THAT is how it is supposed to work.

Test 4 (Making a phone call)- On the phone for about 20 minutes.... no lag. Another A for 2.5!

Grades:
Camera - B
Web - B (Includes Flash 9)
Contacts - A
HTC Widgets - A (Always with the best)
Speed - B- ( I want it to be faster)
Stability - C+ (Needs to be more stable)
Quality - C (It is what YOU make it, it wont come to you fast)

I like it for it's sexy UI, and HTC makes the sexiest apps and widgets. I wish the device would be snappier or quicker than it is, there is slight lag after normal use of going in and out of apps, locking and unlocking, or just phone usage. I will recomend that you purchase the Advanced Task Manager if you want to go full time with this build, because you will need it I have used it 4 times in this review in 2-3 hours (Lots of use). The bluetooth is not working and on the Dream/G1 you cannot open the device in home to use the keyboard. There are some downs but alot of nice ups. In comparisons to "cupcake" builds (like JF or Cyanogen) it will most likely be slower and laggy, but it will be 10X sexier.

What you have to know is it worth it.... You won't know until you try it.

Link to XDA-Developers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=534479

(PLEASE KEEP IN MIND I AM TELLING YOU MY OPINIONS, YOU MAY HAVE DIFFERENT RESULTS.... ANYTHING YOU DO TO YOUR DEVICE IS YOUR DOING DROIDHEAD WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR BROKEN PHONES!)

Please feel free to join us all on AndroidandMe.com Forums. You can find me there 7 days a week and tell them DroidHead sent you. :)

-Dh

Some screenshots.....

Google wants your smartphone to be smarter.

2009-05-21T06:47:00.003-04:00

Imagine your Android device noticing when you go for a jog every morning and automaticaly launching your music. Google is looking to use the accelerometer in the phone along with other sensors to figue out your daily routeen and conform to your ways. This kind of smarts would come with a training period, most likely 2-3 weeks, but it would get smarter and smarter to your needs and wants the more and more it is used... it's making a personal device, even more personal. The only drag you could see in this is when the next best handset comes out you would have to train it all over again. So, all in all sounds like a great idea, but this might take alittle time to make this happen. . . but hey, it is Google and we are talking about Android here.

-UnwiredView

Could this be the future of Android?

2009-05-19T03:17:00.004-04:00

Thanks to Haykuro from XDA, again we have these images of what could be in store for the future of Android. You can see in the video that the UI is completely re-done, widgets and even helping the user with spacing on the home screen. Speaking of the home screen it looks to have more then the standard three, we counted at least 6 or 7 which is capable now but only after hacking.

What we can say now is things are looking up for Android, the future looks bright from here.

Tell us what you think, hit the comment section up.

http://dandan.us/

ISP dabbling in Android for HD video playback for set top boxes.

2009-05-19T00:21:00.002-04:00

ISB Corp is currently playing around with everyone’s favorite OS, getting it to power a set-top box. Last week at the Embedded Systems Expo, they demonstrated a reference board with video playback and web browsing. According to Engadget, the company is said to be in the process of optimizing Android for a smooth HD video playback. They’re also reported to be experimenting with wireless keyboard and Bluetooth support.

-AndroidGuys

Samsung Galaxy i7500 To Launch In France Early July

2009-05-18T15:52:00.001-04:00

Bouygues Telecom have today announced that they will be the first carrier to launch the upcoming Samsung I7500 Android phone in Europe later this year.

Originally scheduled for a June release, it appears the Samsung handset has been pushed back a few weeks with Bouygues Telecom aiming for an early July launch.

The French carrier have also stated that the device will be marketed as the Samsung Galaxy rather than the i7500.

Samsung Galaxy i7500 specs include:

HSDPA 7.2Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps (900 / 1700/ 2100MHz), EDGE / GPRS (850/ 900/1800/1900) connectivity
Android OS
3.2” HVGA(320×480) AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display
5 MP Camera (Auto Focus), Power LED
Bluetooth® 2.0, USB 2.0, WiFi, MicroUSB, 3.5mm headset jack
built-in GPS
Internal memory: 8GB
External memory: Micro SD (Up to 32GB)
Battery 1500 mAh
Size 115 x 56 x 11.9mm

The Samsung Galaxy will launch across France in early July.

-TalkAndroid

T-Mobile USA delays Android 1.5 rollout by a few days

2009-05-18T15:38:00.003-04:00

Looks like it was too go to be true. . . well, semi-too good to be true. T-Mobile has delayed the release of Android 1.5 (Cupcake) by at least a week. Now, everyone will have the OTA update sometime a the beginning of June. T-Mobile has said that it seems that the build is still being "optimized" to "ensure optimal functionality and smooth delivery,". What we find funny is G1 users in the UK have received the update already, so what is this? If anyone knows what is keeping them from releasing it let us know, other then that we will just chalk it up to developers needing to find tune somethings.

Archos could be announcing release of Android device.

2009-05-18T08:56:00.003-04:00

Ok, the story. . . There have been rumors of Archos making a Tablet/MID with the Android operating System. Then we all recieved word from Texas Instruments (Which makes most of the parts for Archos) that they will be making such device. With a 5 inch touchscreen and apparent flash support.

Invitations have gone out and people are excited, because they seem to hint to the Android powered device we have all be waiting for. The invites have a subtle hint of Android all over them. They are painted in "Android Green" the font is kind of androidy, and a ghosted in Archos resides in the fore ground. The event will take place June 11th, so we should find out soon enough.

HTC Hero's build ported to a G1. . . NICE!!!

2009-05-18T08:44:00.007-04:00

We know that Cupcake still isn't officially here yet but we have another update of Android to wet your appetite. Haykuro from xdadevelopers managed to get a build of Android from the HTC Hero (a future Android device) and ported it over to the G1 to show off in a quick video tour. The UI is sexy the browser is HOT! I can't wait to see if this is the recently rumored Donut (Android 2.0).

Also, from Haykuro a screen shot has made it's way to the surface. . . showing, we you decide.

You see the icon that reads flashplugin.so? Yeah, thats what we're saying, could this be the first device with a flash plugin? Wouldn't that be nice, be we can only wait and see at this point.

PC Worlds 11 cool Android prototypes we'd like to see

2009-05-15T20:25:00.004-04:00

PC World has posted a very good read for all of you Droid Heads out there. They have put together the 11 coolest Android prototypes they could find. Whether it is a netbook, tablet, or rumored handset they put it all up there.

Please feel free to read the article here.

Now, we would like to go over what we believe to be the top five.

The Huawei Google Android "G3"- This is one of the sexiest looking Android devices out there. Take away the fact it looks almost exactly like the iPhone, this handset is sporting a 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm headphone jack,something we have not seen OUT yet for the Android OS. Plus, lets be 100% honest, the iPhone with the AndroidOS is Gods phone.
The Archos Internet Media Tablet - This is just the beginning for the tablet. The Archos is a 5 inch full touchscreen that all of us would love to have stuffed. . . well, ANYWHERE on our person. It is sleek in style and well, the software is to die for.
The Lenovo OPhone - The OPhone is up there with the Huawei G3, but one minor thing, it will only be able to used in China's 3G market. We would love to see a fully functional OPhone here in the US.
The Alpha 680 - The 680 is a pretty cool netbook, it has the ability to swivel the screen to become more like a tablet. Plus, with all of the Android netbook talk we would just love to see any netbook, out with Android.
The QiGi i6 - This device is not cool because of it's design, nor is it cool because it has Android. . . as well. It is a cool device because it is able to dual boot both Windows Mobile 6.1 and Android and is powered by a 624MHz processor.

I would love to see any of these devices out here in the US, preferably as soon as possible.

Samsung i7500 passes FCC.

2009-05-15T17:18:00.003-04:00

AWESOME, the most sexiest Android device to date just got FCC approval to run on American air waves. From what we have learned from the leaked T-Mobile road maps this device should release sometime in fall, whoopee! This FCC filing shows up with AWS 3G alongside 850 and 1900MHz EDGE, we should be so privileged....lol.

I will have to say I love this device so far... I can't wait for more info and videos to drop for the i7500. This will be the best looking device so far, . . . until, maybe the Magic/Sapphire/whatever drops.

HTC adds Exchange support to non-Google branded Magics

2009-05-15T13:20:00.003-04:00

Android Authority has looked into the "Asian Magic Exchange support" matter and have contacted Eric Lin at HTC. According to Eric, the phones that lack the “with Google” branding are going to be offered with additional HTC developed functionality, such as the Exchange client seen by CNET Asia.

To quote Eric Lin:

The Vodafone version of Magic has “with Google” on the back, like the G1. This simple phrase indicates that the phone has a pure Google experience – no customizations have been made to the software. The Magic being sold in most of Asia is not a Google experience phone so we have started to put some of the HTC special sauce into Android. That Magic has Exchange support, a much more responsive and full featured camera application, a custom dialer application with smart dial and additional widgets as well.

He pointed out that the HTC Magic main page (found here) has all the features of the non-Google branded Magics, such as the Exchange support, and predictive text. I think HTC has something going here but it still looks to be an Android device, I guess HTC has a deal to use the OS but add their own features with phones not solicited by Google.

HTC Magic in Asia has Exchange support?

2009-05-15T10:06:00.005-04:00

What in the holy hell is this? CNET Asia was reviewing their version of the HTC Magic with Google Android and found this small little tidbit. . . IT HAS EXCHANGE SUPPORT! The one thing keeping the Android from being an enterprise ready device in the US is available on the Magic in Asia. From what we have read, the division here in the US has contacted Google to see "whats up?" and has gotten the ol' "Android does not currently include support for Microsoft Exchange". If so then why do we see this on Asian devices and not ones here... the Magic hasn't been released in the states yet so how are we to know what is right and what is wrong? For all we know HTC has build in Exchange Support, or this particular model may have some hacking on it. . . Either way the US Android owners will not like this much, some live and die by their MS Outlook. If that is the case I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone else that say,"Android doesn't have Exchange support". I DON'T NEED IT, Google does everything that Outlook can do, but those of you who want to use the G1 or any other Android device for business you will just have to wait for it OR a third party app to help you out.

Googles full statement;
"Android does not currently include support for Microsoft Exchange. This remains a ripe opportunity for 3rd parties, as the Android Open Source project, supported by Android Market, provides developers complete freedom to extend Android and enable a wide range of connected mobile services. We are beginning to see initiatives and products from the community designed to target the mobile enterprise market. We believe our approach of openness, both at the platform level and for application distribution, will drive rapid innovation and availability of consumer and enterprise solutions on Android."

Cupcake update is on the way, by the 25.

2009-05-14T19:48:00.004-04:00

John over at PhoneDog has found a source showing the schedule of the Android 1.5 (Cupcake) release for those of you on T-Mobile US. His source is Michael Martin over at googleandblog and he can't be 100% over the reliability on it but hey, it gives us all hope. By the looks of the report the Cupcake update hasn't gone out until May 14 unlike the original report of May 11th. One good thing of this post is that everyone, I mean EVERYONE, should have Cupcake by or before May 25th as shown by the statement below.

"The initial roll out of the CupCake update has started today Thursday, May 14th reaching only a lucky .1% or 1/10% G1 owners.

The below numbers are what T-Mobile anticipates the reach of the CupCake OTA over time:"

Monday, May 18th - 5%

Tuesday, May 19th - 15%

Wednesday, May 20th - 30%

Thursday, May 21st - 45%

Friday, May 22nd - 60%

Saturday, May 23rd - 75%

Sunday, May 24th - 90%

Monday, May 25th - 100%

So, everyone. . . lets keep our heads high that this is truthful, just don't do anything I wouldn't do... hahaha.

Google product search and barcodes, finally!

2009-05-14T14:42:00.003-04:00

Google has announced today that the long time used Google Product Search will now be able to read barcodes taken from your Android device. As the Android web browser doesn't support barcode scanning natively, the Barcode Scanner app is required and can be download free from the Android Market.

"Today, barcode scanning works best for products like electronics, books, movies or video games, but we're working on adding more barcodes for other items. Of course, if your scan does not return a result, you can always type in the product name just as before."

Google Mobile

USA Today Application now available for news readers.

2009-05-14T10:56:00.002-04:00

Well ladies and gents if you like to keep in touch with the news going on around the US then this should be the app for you. USA Today's app has all the major functionality of the web site, being updated 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You can get the latest news stories, scores, weather and photos you've come to expect from USA TODAY are now available for your Android device. Some things you will be able to do with this app;

Read stories on or offline. Great when commuting or traveling.
Get weather conditions, radar and the forecast at your exact location.
Vote on new USA TODAY Snapshot polls each day and see responses by location.

As far as I can tell this looks to be a winner in our books.

Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

eBuddy now available in the Android Market

2009-05-14T10:11:00.003-04:00

eBuddy, the leading Instant Messaging software in the world, is now available through the Android Market. eBuddy allows its users to use IM's such as, AIM, Yahoo!, Google Talk, Facebook, ICQ, and Windows Live Messenger in one interface, with a simple and enjoyable on the go chat experience. So, go out there and get it, let us know how you feel about it, it should be free.

Google Sky Map app shows you the stars

2009-05-14T08:27:00.003-04:00

This is a pretty cool application made by Google. Well, watch the video it will pretty much tell you everything. Go download it for free and tell us what you think of it in the comment section.

Rooting your G1/Dream

2009-05-13T23:36:00.004-04:00

PLEASE READ: This is a resource for those of you who want to root your G1/Dream. When clicking the link and attempting to do this please keep in mind you are doing this on your own and Droidhead or anyone affiliated with the site is NOT telling you to do it. If you brick your handset it will be your fault.

I had a friend of mine ask me about this and told him I would put the information that I had found in the past up for them to see. Well, here is a link to the xda-developers forum for How-to-root,hack, and flashing your G1/Dream.

Also here is a video and resource from PhoneDog.com of the result of rooting your Android device.

Nine Inch Nails app is on the way

2009-05-13T23:17:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Phandroid and their team of Twitterers (if that's what their called) has found a tweet by Trent Reznor himself stating the Android app is in the works and will arrive after the Blackberry app hits their version of an app store.
This is news seeing is how he flipped out a little more than two weeks ago about his iPhone app being denied by Apple's strict rules. In his statement made he was quoted in saying, “Android is cool, but nobody has an Android phone. Blackberry is OK but the hardware is inconsistent and WinMo straight-up sucks balls. If Apple doesn’t get it together, we will most certainly make it available to the jailbreak community. I didn’t invest in this app to see it languish on the sidelines from an idiotic policy while this tour is in full swing”
After hearing that the Android platform will most likely increase 900% in 2009, who wouldn't want to jump on board. As far as we can tell this should be nothing but a good thing for the Android Market. Even if you don't like NIN think of this as the conductor of the marching band of developers, thanks Mr. Reznor.

HTC Magic Available in Taiwan for $640

2009-05-13T09:39:00.004-04:00

Well, HTC being a Taiwanese company you would think they would have received the HTC Magic a lot sooner then now, or at least before anyone else did. Maybe they would give them some features Europe or the US doesn't have?. . . Nah. The only thing HTC has given them is a Black HTC Magic with a red border, and that is it.

ANYWAY, the Taiwanese will get the HTC Magic in black with a red border, for $640.00 (USD) available on May 15th.

I will still rather have full white or full black.

-AndroidCommunity

Google looking for netbook users to test Android.

2009-05-13T08:29:00.002-04:00

Netbook manufactures are looking in to Android to power their netbooks. Well here is the first definate that Google is looking for users of netbooks to help them test usability. Google has placed an ad on Craigslist just for that. . . I think as much as the mobile OS has taken off, this would be a wonderful thing for the on the go netbook user. If you do decide you will do the test for Google they will hook you up with a $75 gift card and most likely something to tell you to hush. Either way let us know if you decide to take this test.

T-Mobile makes changes to data and messaging plans.

2009-05-13T08:24:00.004-04:00

BGR reports, it looks like T-Mobile is going to make some changes to data and messaging plans that might not sit well with their customers. Starting sometime in June, data plans will now be required for all smartphone-type devices (excludes Blackberry Pearl, Pearl Flip & Samsung Behold, Memoir). That might upset thoses who don't need a data plan, or mommy and daddy bought you the smartphone and said only use it for texting. Secondly, the unlimited family messaging plan is going up from $19.95 to $24.99. Which isn't too big of a deal.

If this is a bummer to you, then you probably need to get a dumbphone and lay off the Android....lol

i7500 Good to go. . . In Europe

2009-05-12T18:20:00.007-04:00

Looks like the Samsung i7500 (code named Capella) will be available to all the lovely people of Europe in June and to Switzerland in July. The press release (below) will tell us a "round-a-bout" of what the price will be, 699 CHF (Swiss Francs) without a contract. Converted to US Dollars it amounts to $630 bucks... Not too shabby.There is no knowledge as to when it will be released to the U.S. We like the idea of it dropping in Europe, let them get all the kinks out and then release it to the tough market that is the U.S. Either way, here is the presser by Samsung, please note it is translated from Swiss:

Open is not: SAMSUNG I7500 presented with its first Android phoneZurich, 28 April 2009 - SAMSUNG Electronics has launched the Samsung I7500 is the first among the leading mobile phone manufacturers a Android phone on the market. The smartphone with a full-Touch AMOLED display offers high-speed Internet access to various Google services, and much scope for individual design. The Samsung I7500 is in Switzerland from July 2009 to a non-binding target of CHF 699 - (without contract) is available.
“SAMSUNG has been one of the first members of the Open Handset Alliance, and was therefore very keen for the most innovative Android handset to market.” As JK Shin, Executive Vice President and Head of Mobile Communication Division SAMSUNG Electronics. «With Samsung technology leadership and the consistent strategy of all available operating systems to support, I am convinced that we offer our customers the largest selection and thus offer the greatest benefit.”

“With Android, we offer an operating system to the user a high degree of freedom and individuality possible. In combination with technical finesse, elegance and a variety of multimedia functions, the device is definitely sexy. “, Says Martin Wallner, head of telecommunications at Samsung Electronics Austria.

Google with Highspeed

The Samsung I7500 features a 3.2 inch wide full touch screen AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) that provides sunlight even with a color reproduction is guaranteed. About HSDPA and WiFi connectivity, access to the full Internet browser, and numerous other Google services like Google ™ Search ™, Google Maps ™, Gmail ™, YouTube ™, Google Calendar ™ and Google Talk ™ at breathtaking speed. The integrated GPS receiver allows features such as Google Maps My Location, Latitude, Google, Street View, Local Search and Route Description comfortably underway to use. In addition, the Android market, hundreds of applications. For example, examines the application Wikitude - a mobile travel guide - information about places at the relevant Wikipedia page, and displays the searched data on the mobile phone.

Perfect Multimedia phone with long battery duration

Thanks SAMSUNG technology leadership is the I7500 with the latest multimedia features. The 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED guarantees high-resolution photos. The Music Player plays all common formats, like MP3, AAC, e-AAC +, WMA and RealAudio audio. Videos are in MPEG4 format, WMV or H.263 or H.264, and play. With Bluetooth 2.0 and USB 2.0 allows the user a wireless headset or transfer files. The 8 GB internal memory of 32 GB using a MicroSD card to 40 GB can be expanded, there are numerous photos, videos and MP3 files place. A powerful 1500mAh battery ensures long operating times.

The Samsung I7500 is from June 2009 in Europe and likely from July in Switzerland on a non-binding target of CHF 699 - (without contract) is available.

Specifications Samsung I7500

Rumors: Samsung Bigfoot, Samsung Spica and Android Donut (2.0)???

2009-05-11T21:18:00.014-04:00

Apparently the Motorola Bigfoot is not a Motorola after all. . . at least what the rumor mill has brought us today. The Bigfoot is suposedly a Samsung device running the Android OS. Just like what Phandroid was reporting that if you compare the “Samsung Bigfoot” and “Motorola Bigfoot” to the image initially leaked in the T-Mobile Roadmap, you’ll find that the SAMSUNG BIGFOOT is actually a closer match!From what we have heard here at Droidhead is that people where loving the look of the "Motorola" but would rather have the reliability of the "Samsung". I do feel the same way, if the first image was the Moto and the second Samsung I would love it. . . who knows, this is just a rumor for now.

This is the rumored Samsung Spica. The Spica has a rap sheet already and even though it looks like the i7500 (Houdini) it has differences. The i7500 has a larger screen then the Spica and it will run what the rumors are calling Android 2.0 (donut) along with Samsungs UI called TouchWiz. How?. . . We don't know, or know why. But here are some more pictures floating around.
And a quick comparison of the i7500, Bigfoot, and Spica:

I don't know about you but I would go with the i7500, but that is just my opinion.

Android 900% growth in 2009?

2009-05-11T13:39:00.003-04:00

Strategy Analytics, global Android smartphone shipments will grow 900 percent in 2009. Healthy support from operators, vendors and developers is driving adoption. Apple iPhone OS will be the next fastest-growing smartphone operating system in 2009, with a 79 percent growth rate.

Tom Kang, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics, said, "We forecast global Android smartphone shipments to grow an impressive 900 percent annually during 2009. The Android mobile operating system from Google gained early traction in the United States in the second half of 2008 and it is gradually spreading its presence into Europe and Asia during 2009. Android is expanding from a low base and it is consequently outgrowing the iPhone OS from Apple, which we estimate will grow at a relatively lower 79 percent annually in 2009."

Neil Mawston, Director at Strategy Analytics, added, ""Android has fast been winning healthy support among operators, vendors and developers. A relatively low-cost licensing model, its semi-open-source structure and Google's support for cloud services have encouraged companies such as HTC, Motorola, Samsung, T Mobile, Vodafone and others to support the Android operating system. Android is now in a good position to become a top-tier player in smartphones over the next two to three years."

That is awesome to hear!

Three partners to release more Android phones to T-Mobile.

2009-05-11T13:21:00.002-04:00

Well, well, well, just what we like to hear! T-Mobile's Cole Brodman, in an interview with Gigoam, has been quoted in saying,"We are looking to launch multiple Android-based devices in the second half of this year with three partners". They have also reported that Brodman has told them he could see Android also being used in lower-end devices aswell. The fun part about this story is who is this third company? We know about HTC and Samsung, but could the last manufacturer be that Motorola phone that some people have been whispering about? Who knows but T-Mobile and the device maker. But, it doesn't hurt to speculate.

Lets hear what you would to see running Android. Lets make it good.

i7500 Hands on video.

2009-05-09T22:42:00.004-04:00

Here is an awesome hands on video of the Samsung i7500, or is it Capella? Watch in the video where the reviewer looks at the firmware on the new Samsung device and look at the model number. . . you know where it says Samsung_Capella. Thank you Phandroid for the lead on this video. This device is showing a 5.0 MP camera with video capture, a beautiful design and what looks to be full accelerometer. That is ALWAYS a plus, you know, just in case you pull it out of your pocket up-side-down, or you just want to turn it to the right this time. Either way from the video you can tell it will be running Android 1.5 (Cupcake). I know if you are reading this you will agree with me when I say, Samsung. . . HURRY UP ALREADY!

T-Mobile's Magic / Sapphire / myTouch / G2 getting 5 MP camera?

2009-05-08T16:50:00.006-04:00

The HTC Magic, I mean Sapphir-MyTouch 3G...2? Whatever you call it it will come equiped with what is the most MP then any Android device out there. The HTC Magic on Vodafone in Europe comes with a 3.2 megapixel camera, which is good but 5.0 is better, :).

You know what that means. . . The US will get something better than Europe, as far as this device goes. :)

PayPal releases new app.

2009-05-08T14:06:00.005-04:00

Well, Paypal has released a new app to make the millions of users with Android devices happy. You will have easy access to your paypal account directly from your Android phone among other things. . . This is what they have announced.

Direct integration with the contact list. You won’t need to remember people’s numbers or emails anymore to send them money! Just select their name from your list of contacts, and we’ll make sure they get paid.
Recent history. You can use your phone to look at your transactions over the last couple of months. So if you ever need to check whether or not a payment has come through, it’ll be simple to find out.
Balance checks. We show you all your balances in any of the currencies you hold.

And just incase you forget OR do not know how to navigate the Android Market here are lovely directions for you. . .

Click on the Android Market
Search for “PayPal” (or scroll through the finance category)
Click install

Thank You Paypal for the love.

G1 v.2 comming to Wal-Mart

2009-05-08T13:52:00.008-04:00

BGR with more Android gold... Looks like what we reported, or should I say asked, was what it was. On the previous T-Mobile road map, the G1 v.2 is on there for 148.99. Now, specifics are not out yet on this Android device but it looks to me a lot sexier then the G1 or Magic. With what looks to be a large slide-out Qwerty key pad and a beautiful design. . .We just can't wait to see the specs. Droidheads say hello to the beginning of a wonderful handset.

T-Mobile and their roadmaps. . . Walmart edition.

2009-05-08T13:42:00.005-04:00

Thanks to the guys over at BoyGeniusReport.com we have, yet again, another T-Mobile road map. Well, this one shows us the Wal-Mart releases. We are an Android site so let me point out the first thing real quick. The Blackberry Gemini will be released in July for only $78.99. But what is pretty cool about this is the G1 is going to be sold in over 1000 stores nationwide for only $98.99. The cool thing about this is that T-Mobile is selling them through the store and online for more then $150.00. Also if you look closely at the month of October... second row down, could that be the G1 v.2? For 148.99?!?!. We hope so.

So what have we learned today? . . . Go to Wal-Mart and get yourself some Android gold.

HTC Magic unboxing video.

2009-05-08T04:47:00.003-04:00

Android Community

Pretty standard unboxing . . . feel free to comment. :)

CNET: 9 favorite Google Android apps

2009-05-08T04:31:00.002-04:00

CNET always has good writers and good reviewers that love their jobs almost more then I love my car, so I will post the link to this awesome article.

If you feel like discussing it please feel free to use the comment box at the bottom. . . don't worry it wont bite.

ENJOY!

Android heading to the land of the rising sun.

2009-05-08T04:20:00.003-04:00

According to memn0ck, DoCoMo will soon release the HTC Magic, under the name of HT-03A for NTT DoCoMo in Japan . It will come with Cupcake 1.5 of course, and most likely the same colors as the European models do. The price has not been announced nor has a date for release, but at least NTT DoCoMo stayed true to their word that they would have an Android device in 2009.

Also would like to add a welcome to all the new DroidHeads from Japan.

UnWiredView.com

Rumor: Dell and Android ganging up to make a netbook?

2009-05-08T04:03:00.003-04:00

Looks like Bsquared may have let the cat out of the bag a little too soon. Making announcements and then stripping them like no one had already taken screenshots or copy and pasted it in to an email . . . really. Either way looks good to Android and Dell, can't wait to see when they announce something for real.

Bsquare to Port Adobe Flash Lite on New Google Android Netbook for Dell

Leverages Bsquare's Android Competency to Improve the Adobe(R) Flash(R) Lite Experience on Dell's Mini Inspiron 910

BELLEVUE, WA—(MARKET WIRE)—May 6, 2009 — Bsquare Corporation (BSQR - News), the leading software solutions provider to the global embedded device community, today announced it is porting Adobe's Flash Lite 3.17 technology onto Dell Netbooks running Google's Android platform.

Adobe is a leader in rich internet and user interface technology for mobile devices. Flash technology ships on over 800 million devices worldwide with more than one million designers and developers using Adobe Flash to build video and rich media applications.

Netbook and Nettop computers offer the functionality and efficiency of traditional laptops, but with lighter weight and better portability. Research firm Gartner estimates that worldwide shipments of netbooks will increase by 50 percent to 7.8 million units in 2009, while overall computer sales are expected to decline. Industry analysts also predict that Android will gain traction on smart devices, such as the ultra-portable Dell Mini Inspiron 910, which are used in a range of industries.

"Integrating Adobe Flash technology with the functionality of Google's Android platform on the full range of Netbook devices will allow our OEM customers to meet the high expectations their customers have of this new industry segment," said Bsquare's CEO Brian Crowley. "As the Netbook and Nettop market segments expand, our Adobe Flash Lite port to Android is just one of the software products we will offer our OEM and ODM customers."

In the last 12 months since its acquisition of NEC America's Adobe Flash Technology Consulting and Distribution business, Bsquare has worked on over 40 different customer devices including handsets, set top boxes, digital signage, consumer devices and netbooks. Bsquare has built an Android competency in its professional engineering services group through customer engagements and by hiring top talent in the field.

Gizmodo.com

Android cupcake widgets

2009-05-08T03:55:00.003-04:00

Thanks to John Walton (again) we have a nice video of what could come to be for all T-Mobile users when Cupcake gets its May 11th OTA push. The video shows widgets like live RSS Feeds, Weather, Battery Power, and a quick Twitter status bar. Of course all of this fun does come with a small price as you saw, the system may slow down a bit. . . but, I think we will still have fun downloading them.

PhoneDog.com

Android heading to the great white north.

2009-05-08T03:44:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Rogers Wireless more Droidheads will be saying,"Eh?". Rogers has the exclusive rights to both the HTC Dream (G1) and the HTC Magic. Both devices are planning on being launched in June of this year (of course). If you live in Canada please feel free to call your local Rogers Wireless or visit their website. But, the only info I can give you would be from the CNW.

TORONTO, May 7 /CNW/ - Rogers Wireless today announced the exclusive Canadian launch in June 2009 of the HTC Dream(TM) and HTC Magic(TM) smartphones, the first cellphones in Canada powered by the Android platform, allowing for fast and easy access to a wide range of Google(TM) mobile services, including Google Search(TM), Google Maps(TM), Gmail(TM) and more.

“Who else but Rogers would be the first carrier to offer Canadians the first chance to join the mobile revolution with a choice of not one, but two, handsets powered by the Android platform?”, said John Boynton, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Rogers Wireless. “The HTC Magic offers a responsive touch screen and the HTC Dream delivers both a touch screen and a slide out QWERTY keyboard. Both devices offer outstanding wireless internet search capabilities and a full suite of applications that run two times faster on Canada’s fastest mobile network.”

Rogers will release details of the launch soon. In the meantime, customers can sign up for more information at rogers.com/revolution.

Android Cupcake will go out May 11th.

2009-05-08T03:43:00.000-04:00

BGR Reports the image above, yay! Android update 1.5 Cupcake will be available to all of the G1 owners via over-the-air (OTA) updates. We have been waiting for a while for this to finally come out... now all you have to do is wait.

The OTA update will start going out May 11th till the end of the month. It should look similar to this;

Ubuntu running on G1?

2009-05-08T03:41:00.001-04:00

Thanks to John Walton of PhoneDog.com we now can see pictures of a T-mobile G1 with the Debian-based Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope with LXDE - Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment. I couldn't tell you how to do it but thanks to PhoneDog I can post you a link. By clicking the link you are doing so at your own risk, I am NOT telling you to hack and possibly breaking your G1.

For the daring or reckless, here's the how to - it's your business.

HTC Hero. . . G3. . . and NOT pink.

2009-05-08T03:39:00.000-04:00

CodeAndroid.org has the first shots of the latest and greatest HTC device to be running the Google Android OS, at least thats what the pictures show us. They recieved these photos from a source showing the HTC Hero running Android. By the looks of the other photos there will be no trackball just a D-pad, but still the ugly chin remains. Also the Hero was originally spied to all in a ravishing shade of hot pink, what happen to that? Any way, the HTC Hero (G3) is said to hit the market sometime in Q3 of this year, what provider is still unknown, but boy are we eager to find out.
-CodeAndroid

Droid Rumors: T-Mobile to release new Android devices.

2009-05-08T03:36:00.001-04:00

From the looks of the image plastered all over the internet today, TmoToday.com is showing a road map of T-Mobiles future ideas. What has us a little excited here at Mobile Now! is the fact that more Android devices seem to be trickling out of the wood work.
First thing is first the G1 is rumored to be seeing an "End of Life" (That's what the EOL stands for.), but replacing it is the G1 v.2 aka Bigfoot. Mobile Now! not having the full information on this device can say that it looks to be almost Helio Ocean like, with a slide out qwerty keyboard. We can give you more info. when it is recieved.
Second, the road map shows us a picture of the "G2 HTC Sapphire" dropping in the summer time. The "G2" is Rumored to be the MyPhone 3G, or in Europe the HTC Magic. T-Mobile will have alot of happy campers on there hands with these two rumored devices.
What we think, is that the Samsung Houdini pictured above releasing in the fall time of next year will be the newly spied Samsung i7500. That will make those happy customers, become ecstatic costumers
All in all it is just a rumor . . . but boy can't we wait.