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Bring the Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro to life!

Skype for Android now supports WiFi

Great news for those who already use Skype Mobile for Android – the application has been updated now, introducing the possibility to make calls using WiFi networks, in addition of course and 3G networks. This, in practical terms, translates to higher speeds and, of course, consume less data traffic of your service, which is slower, it costs money and it’s less stable. The bad news is that now this feature is only available to Verizon users, but the opening will take place worldwide, according to the usual timing of Skype, in the not very long. This software is available free on Android Market for American users, and you can find some videos showing the key features of the Android version of Skype Blog.

Eken M001 custom Android ROM update

This is another and the best so far custom Android ROM for EKEN M001 – Relax v1.9.1. Based on the Android SDK Update 1.9.0, it is a Donut 1.6, it gains speed and fluidity of its share system much lighter and a significant improvement of tactile.

There will be changes to come as the swap, the Apps2SD, Kernel (Overclock) and especially the root integrated.

What’s in this version 1.9.2 :

• Base SDK v1.7.4
• Root system
• Swapper v1.4
• ADW Launcher v1.1.2 Donut
• SytemInfoWidget
• Better Terminal
• Market.apk
• Free AppMarket
• MemoryBootLite
• Home in French

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Hexapod robot controlled by Android OS and iPhone

This video is a blatant example of having too many high-end toys but we love it anyway. Robert Stephenson is controlling a rather awesome-looking hexapod via a Bluetooth connection to his HTC Hero. The app allows on-screen selections to decide which portion of the robot will move as a result of accelerometer data from the handheld. The only thing we saw that was missing is a camera feed to the phone. But this hack doesn’t stop there. The Hero can be used to host a WiFi network while still connected to the hexapod. The second half of the video shows an iPod Touch connecting via WiFi and controlling the bot. Now head on over to the laser cutter to start that hexapod build, and finish up by getting elbow-deep into some Android development.

Via hackaday.com

First leaked photo of Motorola MB520 Kobe

His name is Kobe MB520, but is also known by the name Diablo. This is a new smartphone equipped with Motorola’s Android operating system 2.1. At the moment nothing is known about it, we just discovered an image online. From the picture we cannot understand anything,  “just a terminal with touch screen”. On the back there is a camera of course, but no info about resolutions. That’s for now, we need to wait some time

Twitter, Seesmic and TweetCaster updates for Android

Some fresh updates on the Twitter client for Android, just from yesterday. Following the change of some API known social networks, especially those relating to how it is logged in users, many applications were in fact updated to fit the new situation. Among them, the official Twitter, which reaches the 3.1 version, Seesmic, with 1.4.3, and finally TweetCaster, so now is a version 2.2. May be it’s time to update your social apps

Google Earth 1.1 for Android

Here is the latest Google Earth version 1.1 for all Android users, after more than four months since the previous version 1.0, released last April.

Given the summer release, the developers of Google have decided to make available the opportunity to discover on your Android smartphone even the marine world, which is well known as 3 / 4 of the planet. Just zoom in a marine area and goes to see what lies beneath the surface of the water. As per tradition of Google,there is also a new layer that lets you explore the depths even better, with hundreds of photos and videos from employees of all kinds.

This is for all devices running Android 2.1. The lucky people who already use devices with Android 2.2, however, can also use Flash within the program and you can then view the video directly to Google Earth in cartoons. Simplified further controls in order to make it even easier to travel and observe the surrounding environment.

The find Google Earth – get it for free on Android Market.

HTC Desire HD – first information and specs

Here is the first information on the two new monsters HTC Desire Z and HTC Desire HD. Featuring Android 2.1 (and 2.2 which happened to?), The Desire Z specs – screen from 3.7 inches (800 x 480), 1GHz CPU, QWERTY slide keyboard, HSDPA phone module. Other standard features: Wi-Fi, A-GPS, microSD, accelerometer and Bluetooth 2.1.

More interesting is the Desire HD. In addition to going out with Android 2.2 mounts a capacitive screen 4.3 inch (resolution not specified), 8 megapixel camera and video recording 720p HD. The internal memory is 4 GB and there is also Wi-Fi, HSDPA, GPS, accelerometer, and microSD. Strangely, the processor is not revealed, will be the classic 1GHz?

Androidome – Monome for Android

Androidome is a portmanteau of Android + monome, android being the popular operating system for mobile phones, and the monome being a minimalist instrument/controller/interface/toy. Like the monome, the app itself doesn’t actually do a whole lot out of the box, it simply provides an interface for sending and receiving data to and from your computer.

What do I need to run it?

• Android powered phone running Android 2.1 or higher.
• A host computer (Mac/PC) capable of at least running Max/MSP 5 runtime
• Both of the above to be on the same wireless network.

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55 millions Android powered smartphones at the end of 2010?

The Google market share of the Android OS was 13.8% in the first half of 2010 and is estimated, will reach almost 25% at year end. If we consider the 5% of 2009 is easy to wonder at the exponential growth -  55 millions Android smartphones in late 2010 and still in forecast growth for 2011 … is that what Google wants, to monopolize the mobile market?

For example, the new Samsung Galaxy S smartphone with Android OS, for only 55 days in Korea has sold 800,000 units!

Samsung CorbyPRO B5310 quick review

Last month I decided to purchase a new handset. After making many researches I decided to buy the Android powered Samsung CorbyPRO B5310. I will discuss about the phone in this review.

Here goes the description of the phone. This model from Samsung is full of vibrancy and new features. The first thing you will notice in this phone is its QWERTY keypad. It is nicely designed and buttons are superb. Then comes the 2.8 inches display which is quite responsive for the touches. It is the second highlighting feature. Because of more responsiveness it may happen that you will launch some other applications by mistake very often. This may be considered as a down side of Corby.

The phone has an internal memory of 100 MB. Not only that, but it supports 16 GB microSD .That is simply awesome. Now if we talk about the multimedia part, the camera will come first. The 3.15 MP camera produces sharp as well as eye catching pictures. It serves well in low light also. The video recorder is very good and makes quality videos.

The phone boosts your social connectivity with plenty of apps for facebook, flickr, twitter and other social networking sites. There are also several widgets available for these sites. If you are a lover of web 2.0 then you will definitely love this phone.

The mobile has GPS, Bluetooth and micro USB connectivity. This is an android device which is made mostly by plastic. Still it gives a classic and magnificent look. The weight is just 135gms. The music quality and battery backup are good.

We generally search for all the discussed features, specially the QWERTY keypad in an affordable range. You are getting all of the above for just $300(approximately). To sum up, the phone is well packed with lots of features and affordable. I will give it 9/10.

See the latest Samsung phones at dialaphone.co.uk, for more infomation click to visit the site

Dolphin HD browser 2.3

New release for one of the most popular alternative browser for Android smartphones. We are talking about Dolphin Browser HD, which has just reached version 2.3 and that, thanks to their advanced features, can make the browsing experience even more better.

What’s new:

• Can be installed on memory card;
• File uploads;
• Correcting an annoying bug when working at full screen;
• Greater compatibility.

Flash Player 10.1 for Android devices

Finally! After months and months of waiting, Adobe has decided to satisfy all Android users pending final release, not beta, and here is – Flash Player 10.1. Currently only available for download from the Android Market for the Google Nexus One (already available pre-installed on some other phones), the long-awaited application will be, according to Adobe, soon available for other devices like the HTC Incredible, the Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Droid / Milestone, the Droid X,  Dell Streak and others.

In addition to Android, Flash Player 10.1 in the coming months will be made available for other platforms, including webOS, BlackBerry, Meego, LiMo and Windows Phone 7.  Well done Adobe!

Some of the best cases for Sony Ericsson X10 Mini

The Sony Ericsson X10 Mini is an interesting phone. It’s a tiny Android phone that’s packed full of features. It’s compact size means it’s great for slipping in your pocket or bag on a night out, but it also makes it tricky to find a case that doesn’t interfere with using the phone.

FlexiShield Skin for Sony Ericsson X10 Mini

FlexiShields are one of the best styles of case you can get for your X10 Mini. FlexiShields are a neat fit to the phone and as they’re so thin they don’t much extra bulk to your X10 Mini. They only cover the back and sides of your phone, leaving the screen and the buttons on the front fully accessible. The Keys on the side of the phone are covered, but the case is moulded to accommodate them and still allows you to press them without having to remove your phone from the case.

On the back there are cut outs for the camera and flash, and on the bottom are cut outs for the charger, microphone and headphones. For full protection I’d recommend getting an X10 Mini Screen Protector too as the FlexiShield doesn’t cover the screen.

Sony Ericsson X10 Mini InvisibleShield

This technically isn’t a case, but it does just as good a job of protecting the phone without covering it up or adding to the size of your phone. InvisibleShields are a really strong film that sticks to your phone. It’s perfectly clear, so once fitted you can’t really see it. It covers all of your phone, with the exception of the buttons, and provides excellent protection against scratches. It has a slightly rubbery, non-slip feel to it which helps you to keep hold of the phone and reduces the chance of you dropping it.

Noreve Traditional A Leather Case for X10 Mini

Noreve make some beautiful cases for phones and this is no exception. The quality of the case is excellent. Instead of having a stitched leather pocket to hold your phone, the Noreve case uses a ‘rail’ system to keep your X10 Mini in place. This allows the phone to be held securely without having the front of the phone covered with strips of leather that restrict access to the screen and controls. The side rails are positioned so that they don’t interfere with the volume or camera keys and all the ports on the bottom of the phone are also left accessible. Cut outs on the back of the case mean that you can leave the phone in the case to take photos.

PDair Leather Flip Case for Sony Ericsson X10

PDair used to be my favourite premium case, but I’m leaning more towards Noreve now because of the rail system that they use to mount the phone. This case is very similar to the one above, but with one big difference. The phone is held in place by a stitched leather pocket that does restrict access to the screen slightly. The other thing that I wasn’t so keen on is that the phone slides up into the pouch, this means that if you’re holding the case with the flip open there is a chance that the phone could simply drop out of the bottom, leaving you with a broken phone and an empty case.

On the positive side though, the case is very well made, has a detachable belt clip on the back and has cut outs that let you use the phone while it’s in the case – just make sure you keep a finger on the bottom of the case to keep the phone in place!

PDair X10 Mini Vertical Leather Pouch

With the X10 Mini being so small, I think that the best style of case for it will be either a FlexiShield or a Pouch. This leather pouch from PDair is really well made and is a perfect for the phone. It’s not a case that you can use the phone in – you’ll need to remove it every time you want to use it, but you can still have your phone in the case when using it with headphones. The case has a sprung belt clip built into the back and is lightly padded to help protect the X10 Mini against knocks and drops.

It may not be the best phone in the world to get a case for, but the case manufacturers have all done a great job of developing X10 Mini Cases.

Blue Notify – Facebook notification app for Android phones

Blue Notify is an application that has one main function, to notify you when you get a Facebook notification. The first version is out and is available on Android Market at the price of £0.79. Search for “Blue Notify” on Market.

Features:

• Choose polling time
• Alerts on Notifications and Inbox Messages
• Vibrate, LED and Sound options
• Open notifications in web browser (touch or web version of Facebook)
• If a connection is unavailable, the app will automatically retry when connected. Compatible with JuiceDefender.
• Doesn’t use a Service therefore no long running processes.

Further versions will then build on this to include:

• More Vibrate, Ringtone and LED options
• Open notifications in official Facebook app
• Better icons
• Add notifications for pokes and friend requests.

HTC Desire HD a.k.a. HTC Ace video preview

This device, meant to be the successor of the original HTC Desire and has a 4.3″ WVGA display with the following specs:

- Android 2.2
- 1GHz CPU
- 720p video recording, 8MP stills
- 4GB onboard memory
- Flash 10.1
- Aluminum unibody

Save battery life by turning off 3G when your device screen is off

So here is a little Android app that enables the 2G only setting automatically when the phone is asleep to save battery. It’s not polished at this point, just trying out the features and come up with more to add.

How it works:

• You can get 2G coverage in all the places that you have 3G coverage
• 3G uses more battery power than 2G
• You don’t “need” 3G data when your screen is off
• Turning off 3G data when your screen is off should save you battery life

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