Android’s Rapid Rise to Smartphone Stardom
Do you remember Google’s Android mobile OS a year ago? Back then, it was just launching its app store and releasing the first phone powered by Android, the T-Mobile G1.
Fast-forward to today. Two days ago, Android surpassed 20,000 apps. Not only that, but the Droid by Google, Verizon, and Motorola has made a big impression. Oh, and don’t forget about the Nexus One, aka the much-hyped Google Phone.
Read the full story on Mashable.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=57fe98ab-4cab-4221-8e12-6af1034da578)
Google Phone By HTC – Early 2010?
Phandroid has joined the Engadget/TechCrunch discussion on the Google Phone. While previously they said there is no chance that Google will have their own branded phone, now they “hoping I have to admit I was wrong all along.”
Here is what one of their sources say about the Google Phone in response toTechCrunch:
- January is optimistic, “first part of the year” would be more accurate
- HTC is definitely making a Google Phone at Google’s request
- Google is assisting and providing input on hardware decisions, but after acknowledging less than perfect hardware decisions on the G1 (which they did dictate) it’s more of a collaborative conversation… with Google merely insisting on certain ideals.
- He can’t confirm/deny LG and Samsung Google Phones but thinks it unlikely at this point
- Could eventually alter the economics of the industry
Guess will have to wait and see…
Related articles by Zemanta
- The Google Phone Is Very Real. And It’s Coming Soon (techcrunch.com)
- Google-branded phone coming early next year? (engadget.com)
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=ae16fa02-e9b9-4741-92a3-5e9839ed2887)
Motorola Droid Free Tethering
Ever since the birth of the Android platform, developers have been working on a process called “rooting,” which gains administrative rights to a device. That allows developers (and users) to have complete control and to utilize all the features found in the Android platform. Now independent developers bundle features such as tethering, overclocking and multitouch into custom OS builds that are available free for download. Firmware mods makes it easy for a regular Android user to have it all.
What exactly does that mean for Droid customers, or owners of any Android phone for that matter? You’ll be able to install modified firmware onto your smartphone and gain access to everything Android is capable of — without paying extra fees on top of your cellphone bill — so long as the hardware can technically support it. For example, you won’t have to pay $30 for Verizon’s official tethering plan so long as you install a free mod that includes the feature.
Earlier Android phones — the T-Mobile G1 and MyTouch 3G — have already been hacked to support Google Maps Navigation, which is supposed to be a Droid-exclusive feature. Thanks to the folks at the XDA Developer forums, all that G1 or MyTouch owners have to do is reinstall an updated version of Google Maps and change configuration settings.
Some manufacturers and carriers are already embracing the direction of open customization with all the available and upcoming Android devices that are hitting the market. For example, T-Mobile’s official development forum allows developers and consumers to discuss step-by-step directions on rooting an Android device. T-Mobile customers who have gone this route enjoy the perks of data tethering, for example, without an additional cost.
You can assume that Verizon, a company which just doubled its early termination fee, won’t look as kindly on the idea of customers rooting their devices and tethering for free.
Of course, changing the way a device operates from a manufacturer’s specifications always comes with a risk, and an Android phone is no exception. There are warnings about “bricking” your phone, which renders a device unbootable, and this commonly happens after installing a custom build of Android. Although it is considered a rare occurrence, a quick Google search brings up many results of Android users asking for help or wondering if their phone is, in fact, bricked.
And don’t think a carrier or manufacturer will offer any assistance with issues caused after modding their device, a clear violation of most Terms of Use. When someone discovers a way to root the Droid, Verizon doesn’t have to take the T-Mobile route of turning a blind eye to these changes. It could retaliate by terminating contracts and voiding warranties.
Read the full story at Wired.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=16c5c6b3-ab77-4da3-bb14-292460ac6559)
