Vital update for the T-Mobile G1

A brand new update for the T-Mobile G1, the RC29, was released less than two days ago and it is highly recommended that you do get it as soon as possible.

Originally, Google had planned to release on Friday the RC28 update but with the recent security flaws uncovered on Android web browser, they decided to re-work that patch to fix the issues.

This flaw was confirmed last Friday by Google and allowed malicious users to install a keystroke recorder within the browser and which allowed then to record any usernames, passwords or even credit card details.

The RC29 is now ready to be downloaded, installed and make sure you do it to enjoy the wonders of internet on your G1, safely!

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Lenovo and China Mobile want Android

Lenovo and China Mobile are to team up to bring out an Android handset towards February or March, next year.

The pair could prove to be a winning couple, China Mobile announced 415 million subscribers last June and Lenovo is recognised for making quality laptops.

No specific infos have filtered yet, so it's down to imagination at the moment. Is it going to be a touchscreen, or even multi touchscreen? To be continued...

Android Market day one stats

For those big numbers lovers, stats for Android Market's first day have been released by Medialets.

First, in comparison to the first 24hours of the iPhone App store, there are several similiraties according to Medialets:

• Both users play games
• They know their music
• They both shop
• they share the same curiosity about the weather

For the first day of Android Market, 62 apps were made available, all for free. That's 10% less than on the App Store's first day but keep in mind that Apple also made available paid apps immediately, something that will only come in 2009 first quarter for Android Market.

About apps downloading, the most speaking stats are:

• Each app was downloaded at least 7, 800 times
• Nine apps reached the 10,000-50,000 download range

Picture from Medialets

When seeing in which categories those nine most downloaded apps are, it is easy to see that Android and iPhone users have similar taste. Games prove to be very popular once more, with three apps making the most downloaded chart.

These stats, however interesting or encouraging they might be, should not rush to any conclusion. They only relate to the first 24hours of Android Market and it only proves one thing, app downloading on mobiles are becoming a big thing and it will contribute substantially to the phone's success.

If you want more numbers, satisfy your hunger here with the original article. Enjoy!

First T-Mobile's G1 TV commercial

The T-Mobile G1 being the first Android powered phone, we were expecting a big ad push from T-Mobile and it is coming.

The promotion of Android was mainly done through informative videos from Google but T-Mobile is now ready to launch a full campaign.

According to T-Mobile’s marketing head Denny Marie Post in an interview with WSJ, T-Mobile will roll out a tv spot based on the idea that "curiosity is everywhere". The TV spot will be aired this week and will build up over the next weeks.

About Goole, Post said the entire ad strategy lies with T-Mobile, Google, a"nontraditional marketer" will only ensure their company is represented fairly.

Post when she was asked if the G1 could generate as much buzz as the iPhone, also said:

“More than the device, it’s opening the door to the open platform. And I think that’s where the news is going to come from. I think we've taken our own path here."

But enough bla bla and here's what you are waiting for, the first tv commercial for the T-Mobile G1:



When you think that exactly a month ago on September 23rd, Google released the first promotional videos of the G1 and it has now become a reality. For old days' sake, here's one of these promo videos from Google.

No Facebook app on Android

MySpace already has released their Android app and we were all eager to see Facebook's response to that. Unfortunately, it seems that a Facebook app for Android will take some time to land.

A Facebook spokesperson told TechCrunch that Facebook is looking for external persons to develop the app. The Facebook API is available to third-part developers or even Google to develop an app using Facebook services.

This means that Facebook have no intention on working themselves on an Android app, unlike what they did with the iPhone app which was developed internally by Joe Hewitt or with the RIM app, for which Facebook lent some developers to help RIM develop the app.

What is the reason behind all of this? According to TechCrunch, Facebook and Google developed an ill relationship when a year ago, Microsoft was chosen by Facebook as their ad partner and investor. Google reacted by supporting MySpace and by launching Open Social with most of Facebook's rivals.

Facebook seems to have made up their minds so having a sleek Facebook app on Android is still one for the future.

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Android Market opened

The Android Market has opened its gates and Eric Chu, one of the Android's developer has outlined on how the whole thing works.

The market is opened for downloads and there already are around 50 apps available with many more to come. Developers from next Monday (October 27th) will be able to publish their apps on the market. To upload their apps; developers will have to pay a one time application fee of 25$.

More interestingly is the fact that developers will be able to distribute paid apps, early 2009. They get 70% of the revenue from each download and the rest goes to carriers and billing fees. Eric Chu is keen on saying that Google does not touch a dime.

Having paid apps on Android Market will benefit companies like EA which declared their interest for the platform but were still waiting on seeing if they could distribute paid apps. Don't be surprised to see a Fifa or NBA live landing on Android real soon.

There is also an official website for the Android Market: http://www.android.com/market/ on which you can view a showcase of all the apps already available, like imeem mobile or shazam or even Namco's original Pacman.

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Android code source released

What better day for Google to release the Android code source, when the first Android-powered phone, the T-Mobile G1 hits the stores today.

First, here is the precious sesame, Android code source is available here and it weighs around 2,1Go. For this, you will get the OS based on Linux, all of the middleware and several apps that come with Android.

Google have also released a video explaining all of this, check it out here:



So now that Android is really open-source, what does that mean? Android's biggest argument is that any developer can recode the OS and offer a completely unique and personal version of it. No doubts that big companies like Sony Ericsson and Nokia will have their people working on that code and the results can be incredible and breath-taking.

Google is also keen to remind us that this is only a first version of Android and that many will follow, probably integrating ideas that third part developers will work out.

In the meantime, the T-Mobile G1 is out and is already offering an interesting Android experience

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Android has become reality

The T-Mobile G1 is now available to the masses, from today at 8.00AM with "extremely limited availability" so going there early might just prove to be useful, if not essential.

To get your hands on the G1, it will cost you $179.99, with a two years contract. Also remember that only T-Mobile stores with 3G cover can directly sell the phone. Others will feature demo units and will order the phone for you.

So, try your luck and remember that if you do get your hands on a G1, share your comments and views with us.


Full press release:

T-Mobile Launches the Highly Anticipated T-Mobile G1

Following Strong Pre-Sales Demand, the T-Mobile G1 with Google Goes on Sale Today Online and at Select Retail Stores Nationwide

BELLEVUE, Wash. —Oct. 22, 2008—T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the national availability of the highly anticipated T-Mobile G1 with Google, the first Android™-powered mobile phone. The T-Mobile G1 combines full touch-screen functionality and a QWERTY keyboard with a rich mobile Web experience, dozens of Android Market applications, and popular Google products that millions have enjoyed on the desktop, including Google Maps Street View™, Gmail™, YouTube™ and others.

Beginning today, consumers can purchase the phone in select retail stores across the country and online at http://www.T-MobileG1.com.

“During the past month, we’ve seen unbridled excitement for the T-Mobile G1 and the positive impact it will have on the mobile lives of our customers,” said Denny Marie Post, chief marketing officer, T-Mobile USA. “In fact, among those T-Mobile customers who have pre-ordered the phone, roughly half have traded up from a basic handset, illustrating the leap many consumers are taking to a rich, accessible mobile Web experience. Its design, functionality and value make the first-of-its-kind T-Mobile G1 a truly approachable device for the masses.”

With a fun and intuitive user interface and one-touch access to Google Search, the T-Mobile G1 is the first phone to offer access to Android Market, which hosts unique applications and mashups of existing and new services from developers around the world. Customers can find and download a wide range of innovative applications—from games to social networking and on-the-go shopping—to personalize their phone and enhance their mobile lifestyle. Even better, for a limited time, the dozens of applications available on Android Market are available free-of-charge for T-Mobile G1 users.

“With new, high-value applications constantly being added to Android Market for customers to discover, the T-Mobile G1 is the phone that grows with you,” said Post. “And as the Market continues to grow and evolve, the possibilities are virtually endless.”

Customers can purchase and carry away the T-Mobile G1 at T-Mobile retail stores and select third-party stores in major cities where T-Mobile’s 3G service is currently available. T-Mobile 3G service is currently available in 95 major cities across top population centers. For a list of cities where T-Mobile 3G service is available, please visit http://www.T-MobileG1.com/3G.aspx or see T-Mobile’s Personal Coverage Check tool, available online at http://www.T-Mobile.com/Coverage. All T-Mobile stores across the country will have demonstration devices on-hand and can assist customers with ordering the device for delivery at a later date.

T-Mobile is working to ensure that customers have a great experience harnessing the power of their new
T-Mobile G1. Specifically:

· T-Mobile has established a collaborative online forum dedicated to the T-Mobile G1 (http://forums.T-Mobile.com) where customers can ask questions, share tips and get helpful information.

* All T-Mobile retail stores will open early at 8 a.m. on Oct. 22 to give everyone the chance to experience and purchase or order the T-Mobile G1.
* T-Mobile G1 experts will be on-hand at retail stores to demonstrate the phone and answer any questions.

For more information on the T-Mobile G1 in the U.S., please visit http://www.T-MobileG1.com.

Notes: Additional charges may apply to features and services. 3G service may not be available in all locations. Price and availability of device subject to change; taxes and other charges may apply.

About T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile USA, Inc. is the U.S. operation of Deutsche Telekom AG’s (NYSE: DT) Mobile Communications Business, and a wholly owned subsidiary of T-Mobile International, one of the world’s leading companies in mobile communications. By the end of the second quarter of 2008, 125 million mobile customers were served by the mobile communication segments of the Deutsche Telekom group — 31.5 million by T-Mobile USA — all via a common technology platform based on GSM, the world’s most widely used digital wireless standard. T-Mobile’s innovative wireless products and services help empower people to connect to those who matter most. Multiple independent research studies continue to rank T-Mobile among the highest in numerous regions throughout the U.S. in wireless customer care and call quality. For more information, please visit www.T-Mobile.com.
T-Mobile is a federally registered trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG.
Google, Android, Google Maps Street View, Google Talk, Gmail, YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the companies with which they are associated.

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More on the Motorola Android phone

As we already discussed it previously, Motorola plan to release an Android-powered phone, orientated towards social-networking.

Thanks to a report in Business Week, we have more details on the phone. It should feature a touchscreen interface, similar to the iPhone's one, a full slide-out qwerty keyboard, very much like the T-Mobile G1 and will come with a whole lot of social-nertworking features.

Motorola, a member of the Open Handset Alliance said:

"We're excited about the innovation possibilities on Android and look forward to delivering great products in partnership with Google"

The phone is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2009.

The timing could not be more perfect for Motorola, as these details were leaked only three days before the release of the T-Mobile G1, the first Android-powered phone. The race for Android phones has indeed started.

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MySpace Mobile lands on Android

MySpace seems to have been faster than Facebook as their app is available on the Android Market.

The people at Android Community have tried the app and it seems to run pretty smoothly. It allows you to navigate through your MySpace page and access some of the basic features.

"Navigation tabs on the right side of the screen list from top to bottom Home, Mail, Friends and Photos, to allow quick navigation of the application.While the application is not as in-depth as the online version, it still allows you to do many things such as approve friend requests, send and receive messages, search for friends, update your current status and upload photos directly from your G1."

Let's wait now for an answer coming from Facebook! In the meantime, here's a review of MySpace on Android:

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Killswitch on Android

Google have admitted there is a killswitch on Android so they can remotely disable an app on any phone if they wish to.

The revelation is made in the Android marketplace terms and conditions and says that:

"Google may discover a product that violates the developer distribution agreement ... in such an instance, Google retains the right to remotely remove those applications from your device at its sole discretion."

The real question is, to what extent will that killswitch work? Will it be effective only for apps available through Android Marketplace or to any apps, even those coming from third part apps platforms like Handango?

we'll follow this very closely!

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Gizmodo review of the G1

As we are getting closer to the US release of the G1 in a week, Gizmodo have put up their review of the T-Mobile G1.

Their final verdict is one of hope, as it is a solid start for Android. They addressed every single aspect of the phone, from hardware to the OS and its usability.

Check out the review here.

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T-Mobile G1 UK release October 30th

The T-Mobile G1, the first Android powered phone, will land in the UK on October 30th. The phone will then arrive only a week after the US release and will be available in two colours: white and black.

The phone will be free and priceplans will start from £40, including unlimited internet usage. Here's the full press release from T-Mobile UK:

T-Mobile G1 with Google to Hit the UK on 30 October

First phone to run on Android available from T-Mobile on 30 October

London, 15 October: T-Mobile today announces the hotly anticipated T-Mobile G1 – the phone built for the internet and the first to run on the innovative Android open source mobile software platform – will be available in the UK from 30 October.

Exclusive to T-Mobile, the G1 offers a completely new mobile internet experience with full touch screen functionality plus a QWERTY keyboard for easy online communication, high speed internet with popular Google services already on board, and access to innovative application downloads from the new Android Market.

Since unveiling the device in New York in September, over 25,000 UK consumers pre-registered their interest in the device. The wait will be over on 30 October as the T-Mobile G1 hits the shelves at T-Mobile stores just five weeks after its official unveiling.

The G1 is available for free on T-Mobile Combi and Flext price plans from £40 a month, including unlimited fast mobile internet browsing powered by T-Mobile’s award-winning network. Combi 35 offers 800 minutes and unlimited texts while Flext 40 gives up to 1,250 minutes or up to 2,500 texts or any mix of the two.

Jim Hyde, Managing Director T-Mobile UK said: “With so much excitement generated by the announcement last month, we’re thrilled to bring the T-Mobile G1 to the UK in time for Christmas. It’s set to revolutionise the way we use the internet on our mobiles: it’s uniquely built for effortless online communication – whether you want to email, text or blog – and with access to some groundbreaking applications on Android market, the possibilities really are endless.”

The T-Mobile G1 will feature a range of exciting applications pre-loaded at launch and with a couple of short clicks to Android Market, customers can find and download innovative applications from games and navigation tools to on-the-go shopping comparisons.

The G1’s full QWERTY keyboard makes it simple to write exactly what you want to say and navigating is even easier using the touch screen and trackball. There’s also one touch access to all your favourite Google applications including web search, Google Maps, Google Talk and Google Mail. So whether it’s email, instant messaging, social network updates or even calling and texting, the T-Mobile G1 is perfect for whatever form of communication you prefer.

With Google Maps, T-Mobile G1 users can instantly view maps, satellite imagery, find local business and get driving directions. And Google Maps synchs with the built-in compass – an industry first – to allow users to view locations and navigate 360 degrees by simply moving the phone with their hand.

Vital statistics: The T-Mobile G1

• Available in two colours – black and white
• GPS and compass
• Rich HTML email client which seamlessly synchs email with POP3 or IMAP services
• 3.5G (HSDPA/HSUPA) and Wi-Fi connectivity
• 3 Mega pixel camera
• MP3 music player
• Pre-installed 2 GB Micro SD memory card (device supports up to an 8 GB card)
• Bluetooth-enabled
• Up to 130 hours standby and up to 5 hours talk time
• Dimensions: 117.7 x 55.7 x 26.5 mm
• Weight: 158g

Android is reality!

Microsoft keeping an eye on Android

Microsoft consider bringing Silverlight to Android as they gave up on an iPhone version.

So said Microsoft Vice President Scott Guthrie:

“Basically where we’re at right now is we have talked with Apple. We are very interested in being able to run [Silverlight] on the iPhone. At the end of the day, Apple ultimately controls what software runs on the iPhone. To date, what they’ve said is that at this time, they’re not looking to enable browser plug-ins like Silverlight or Flash to run on top of it.”

The openness of the Android platform once again seduces third part developers and Microsoft is not exception. Not only can anyone submit an app but this app can also bring alternative possibilities to what the OS can do. Besides, Android apps will also be able to run in the background. Guthrie added:

“[The] Google phone is slightly different. It’s more of an open platform, that is something we’re going to continue to look at. Certainly as it’s gotten deployed and if sales are good we’ll definitely keep our eyes out and look at that in the future.”

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Let's Youtube on Android

The official Google Mobile blog has been updated with another focus on one of the most awaited app for Android, Youtube.

So what do we learn? Well Youtube on Android is pretty much what you have on a computer but with some fancy ideas.

Tap on the app to start looking for videos and very much like on a computer, you can browse videos through categories like "Most viewed", "Most Discussed" and so on. Or of course you can simply do a research.

The video playback is easy to manage with the usual play, go forward or go backward buttons as well as the sliding progression bar so you can skip sections.

More interestingly, you can share a video by sending the link via email to a friend, with a personal note if you wish so.

And this is where it gets more interesting. Once again, Google has worked hard on integrating apps into a coherent system. If you receive a mail with a youtube link, tap on it and it will take you to the video. Or you can long press on Artist or album or song name in the music player, to find relevant videos.

We keep saying this but for a first shot in a very competitive mobile industry, it is already pretty neat and sleek.

Check out below the official presentation video of Youtube on Android.

Buddymob here we are

Buddymob makes the news as one of Kiboo's founder, Christophe Hocquet, was interviewed by Telecom TV about Android and the opportunities it will give to developers and users.

It was also a good chance to explain in details what Buddymob is and what you will be able to do with it.

Check out the interview video here.

The interview is part of a video article on Android, its strong potential and the companie supporting it.

The full video is available here.

T-Mobile G1, it's a millionair

The latest figures are simply astounding; The G1 pre-orders sales have reached 1.5 million units meaning T-mobile have sold their entire pre-orders stock. Besides, HTC had tripled the order and all was sold as well in no time.

This simply tops all the expectations T-Mobile and HTC had for the G1 and it proves that the interest for Android is very much real and alive.

HTC will be shipping millions of new G1s from October 23rd and be sure to order yours! Getting your hands on the G1 might just be a bigger struggle than expected!!

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Android, a game changer

MobileTechNews have a very interesting article on how Android can become a game changer in the smartphone industry. Android if proved to be a success, will shift around not only consumers' habits, but also mobile networks' strategies and phone manufacturers.

Smarthphones only represent 14% of the total mobile traffic so a standardization, says MobileTechNews is the way forward for Google to push Android all the way to the top. The trick is to convince Mobile networks and especially phone manufacturers that not only smartphones should run on Android but also "normal" phones to offer a more coherent lineup and a more efficient, better service.

This is all based on an ABI research on Smartphone and OS Markets and according Kevin Burden, ABI Research director, "If Android is to become the ubiquitous mobile phone platform that Google and the Open Handset Alliance hope it will be, it will be because operators and handset OEMs recognize the value to their own business models of using standard platforms, not because wireless subscribers clamor for feature-rich phones, much less an Android-based phone."

This is definitely an interesting one because there is a lot at stake with Android. If Google manages to bring their experience in the Mobile world, especially its ad-funded strategy, it will change the conception we, mobile networks or phone manufacturers have on phones. Google's implementation in the mobile business has been slow but steady and the success of the Google Maps app for iPhone for exemple is a simple proof of that.

For the full ABI Research "Smartphone and OS Markets", click here.

Find your way with Android

After a very detailed post on search in Android, David Convey, product manager, just posted more details on the official Google mobile blog about the Google Maps app for Android.

Besides already detailing what we all already know, it is interesting to see a recurrent theme in each of these posts. The developers are very adamant to remind us two main things:

- There will be strong interactions between apps so that in only a few clicks, you can perform several actions. The example taken here is that once you have received a mail or a text message with a location, click on it and it will show in Maps where you can find your way and have directions to go there. If that location comes with a number, click on it to instantly make a call. There's nothing new and many phones can actually do similar things but it's reassuring to see that for a first phone, it's working very well

- What's more interesting though is the openness of the platform and Google have been insisting on this for a long time. But it's coming to life and in this case, for example, any developers will be able to use the MapView or Location APIs to implement them in their own apps. This particular point is Android's biggest strength. It offers an easy and free environment for developers to create their apps. There were also recent rumours that some developers who planned to develop their apps for the iPhone have given up to turn to Android. At the moment, the App Store is a definite success with over 3,000 apps (mostly games) available and have topped 100 million downloads since July. But would it be a surprise if the Android Market reach those numbers? Surely not.

Coming to the Google Maps app, you can check out the video below. It will show all the different features we have come to know very well: location, map, satellite and street view with compass mode and search.

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Mail Goggles to save you from shame

Who has never regretted that crazy spur of the moment mail sending when you tell your ex she is the love of your life at 3am, after many drinks? This might have happened to some of the Google programmers as well as Google now makes available for Gmail a little functionality called Mail Goggles.

When activated (from the labs tab in Google's settings), this experiment will test you with five maths problems in a limited time. On default, Mail Goggles is set to test you on Friday to Monday betwenn 10pm and 4am but this can be changed (from the general settings).

If you still manage to get over those 5 problems, no panick because you can increase the difficulty (from level 1 to 5) and make it harder for yourself to send that silly mail.

Google labs is a a sort of addon that allows you to access all the latest experiments coming from Google. It is only available to US and UK users and offers many more experiments.

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