The donut land on Googleplex

Before you run out of breath hearing the news that the donut update for Android is ready for primetime, please inhale a long deep mouthful of air, use a paper bag if necessary, because the donut you're expecting isn't exactly a firmware update; it's a real donut.

Well, not a real donut as in the one you usually buy and eat, it's a statue. One hella big donut statue to be precise, its size is bigger than a grown man. Google sure is one of a kind company, who has a sense of humor to placed the donut next to the already existed Android and cupcake statue at Googleplex, like you can see at the photo above.

Source is from Phandroid.

SMiT joins the tablet foray with an Android MID-560

Another week means another one of those tablet topics you've been hearing lately. But this time is not from Apple or Toshiba, this time around is coming from a China-based company, in Shenzhen to be exact, called State Micro Technology Co. Ltd (SMiT in short).

The SMiT introduced its Android tablet protoype at IFA 2009 event and it's called MID-560, MID which you may already knew it stands for Mobile Internet Device is a brand and a hardware design made by Intel. The specs of the MID-560 are a bit scarce right now, but here are what we know right now:

• 4,8" touchscreen with 800x480 resolution
• GPS
• 8GB Flash Memory
• WiFi
• 3G
• miniUSB
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Android OS

No price and release date are mentioned yet. At the end of the video, the device is put into a car mount dock station, showing the MID-560 is going to be very useful as a GPS device on the road. How's that for you GPS lovers?

What interesting is when the MID-560 got handled on the video and the back of the device immediately reminded me of iPhone 3G's back, shown at the inset picture above. During the hands-on in the video, you'll notice there's no home button or back button on the MID-560, which is why I always hate prototype device; it shows how the manufacturer is rushing things to show off an unfinished product.

During the video interview, I can't help but to noticed that the laptop used at the SMiT's booth is a unibody MacBook running Windows XP. I bet many Apple fan(-anatic)s out there are crying to see a MacBook is being used that way... ;-p

Sources are from TechVideoBlog, via AndroidGuys.

Are Android users more cheapskates compared to iPhone users?

According to a recent AdMob's survey; 81% of Android users asked are more unlikely to buy apps, while half of the iPhone users are regular App Store buyer.

Is this got something to do with the open spirit of like what the Linux users are having toward the open source platform: why pay for a dime if you can have it for free? Someone will finally made it and then release the app for no charge in the spirit of openness. After all the best things in life come for free. ;-p

But other than that, the survey indicates that Android and iPhone users are not that different and much alike. More than 1,000 Android, iPhone, and iPod Touch users were asked about their habits for downloading apps; the overall of participants said they spent roughly $9 a month for around five apps.

On average, Android users downloaded 8.1 apps per month, and iPhone users downloaded 7.6. Both users spend about the same amount of time: 80-90 minutes for browsing new apps.

Sources are from AdMob survey via PC World.

Glass Platform sets new size for Android phone

Are you one of those people who are not satisfied with the size of your mobile phone and wish your desk phone is better than it, and your shout out is often something like this: “Why does my cell phone have ten times the functionality of my desk phone?”

Then your prayer is going to be answered, in big sized. Cloud Telecomputers has introduced Glass Platform, an Android-powered desk phone for business. The idea to build a desk phone that can perform like today's smartphone is based on that particular inquiry above, and the company believes many 21st century business professionals need such powerful phone on their desk. Here's a quote from the announcement:

“Glass makes the desk phone relevant again,” said David McMorrow, Cloud Telecomputers CEO. “It thoughtfully integrates business applications with IP telephony to bring the office phone into the 21st century. It’s a technological leap forward in terms of applications and usability, helping professionals to be more productive and informed in their everyday communications.”

The very reasons for Cloud Telecomputers to adopt Android is because of its prowess and openness, so partners and software developers can immediately jump into the already thriving platform. So far, the prototype model (pictured above) features are:

• 8 inch color touchscreen
• Tap to dial by name or phone
• Click to dial from Microsoft's Outlook
• Bluetooth connection to answer your mobile phones
• Voice dialing and voice notes
• HD speakerphone
• Android OS

The company anticipates Glass-enabled phones being available in first quarter 2010, with suggested retail prices ranging from $599 to $699, depending on features and configuration.

What more impressive is that according to an interview with David McMorrow the Cloud Telecomputers' CEO, Rob Jackson from Phandroid found out that: "Cloud Telecomputers is a small company with less than 10 employees…!" And I must agree with Rob, that how come a small company like Cloud Telecomputers can build such a nice Android phone, while multi-billion dollars worth giant companies like Motorolla and Sony Ericsson who have hundreds of people concentrate to build Android phone haven't announce something solid so far..?

Makes you wonder doesn't it? Big wonders are often came from small package... ;-)

Google Listen for Android

Google really is one scary tech giant, well at least for me, because the company which is famous for its on-line search engine seems to keep on inovating and releasing new services, apps, softwares, etc. And recently Google has just released another new free app for its own Android OS: Google Listen.

Google describes Listen as an audio search app, user can type in the keywords and the most relevant results will be shown, after the desired audio feeds downloaded over the air users can listen using the app.

In the layman's term, Google Listen is kinda podcast manager app. But Google prefers to call it as a digital magazine, because user can download as many podcasts he/she want and then put them in queue to be played later.

* Note: As I'm writing this post, Google Listen website is currently down. Probably caused by the heavy traffic of Android users who are trying to download the app, the website stated: "Over Quota". Even Google can have a bad day, huh? ;-p

A Sense of Hero on your Magic

Love playin' those catchy words... ;-)

Rejoice you HTC Magic owners!
Because HTC has just officially announced that its latest HTC Sense UI (User Interface) is coming to Magic for free, but only if you have the one that's without the "with Google" logo on the back. Here's the snipped news taken from the HTC's announcement:

"From August 29 onwards, will also hold large-scale outdoor activities, so that more consumers have the opportunity to experience the HTC Hero. In addition, until early October ended October 31, where to buy HTC Magic of consumers will be able to HTC official website to download the latest software free of charge..."

Mark your calendar for October, because the software upgrade will only be available for a month. Although from what I'm hearing on the net, that HTC Sense UI software upgrade is only going to be offered through Taiwanese wireless carrier Chunghwa, but I believe it's more likely it'll find a way into every Magic in all over the world.

While for you who own the handset with "with Google" logo on the back of your Magic, means it'll depend on each wireless carrier who issued the handset whether to release the software upgrade or not.
Feeling down? You're not alone...

For you who have been brave enough to became early adopters and bought T-Mobile G1 when it first came out, unfortunately you G1 owners won't be able to receive any more software updates after the 'Cupcake'. The reason is as what Android Engineer Jean-Baptiste Queru has explained in his Twitter account: the internal memory of G1 doesn't have enough capacity to host future Android OS, including 'Donut',

HTC debuts an Android phone with a 'Sense' of 'Hero'

Never mind the title up there, I was just trying to play a catchy mis-match of words for the new announcement* of HTC's latest Android-powered smartphone: the HTC Hero. ;-p

It's pretty darn amazing to watch on how HTC managed to keep producing new products every now and then, right after HTC Magic made a splash to some countries including Indonesia and U.S. T-Mobile as myTouch 3G, HTC unveiled a(nother) Android-powered smartphone called as HTC Hero.

Trail blazing the success of HTC's long known Windows Mobile powered smartphone line-ups, the Taiwanese mobile manufacturer is trying to up the competition with new handset that's jam-packed also with new features and latest technologies can be found in today's smartphones.

If Apple is adding 'oleophobic screen' technology into iPhone 3G[S]; then HTC is using a Teflon coating which is said to improve durability on its white surface that is also soft to the touch. Not wanted to be left behind, the Digital Compass technology first found in iPhone 3G[S] is also present inside the HTC Hero. But unlike any Apple's iPhone generations, the HTC Hero will come naturally with embedded Adobe's Flash 10 support for better web surfing experience.

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect. HTC is still using slower processor for Hero: the Qualcomm's MSM7200A clocked at 528MHz, considering how iPhone 3G[S] and Palm Pre™ are both trying to compete with the fastest processor clocked at 600MHz. Thomas Ricker from Engadget Mobile got to try out the HTC Hero, and he noticed that "the graphic transitions to stutter a bit and results in screen rotations that feel dangerously uncomfortable" most probably from using the not so fast processor. Here's a quick peek at HTC Hero specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm MSM7200A 528MHz
• Operating System: Android
• Memory: ROM: 512 MB
• RAM: 288 MB
• Display: 3.2-inch TFT-LCD touch-sensitive screen with 320x480 HVGA resolution
• Network: HSPA/WCDMA 900/2100 MHz, Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Device Control: Trackball with Enter button
• GPS
• Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• HTC ExtUSB (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• 5MP camera with auto focus
• Battery: 1350 mAh LiOn
• Expansion Slot: microSD memory card
• G-sensor
• Digital Compass

The original HTC Hero will shipped without the "with Google" logo on the back like the one you can found on T-Mobile's G1, meaning you won't get the whole "Google Experience" thing. But of course HTC gives the Hero users something else: Sense, HTC Chief Executive Officer Peter Chou is touting the new UI as: "HTC Sense is a distinct experience created to make HTC phones more simple for people to use, leaving them saying, ‘it just makes sense'."

The HTC Sense comes with a pack of three new user experience: Make It Mine, Stay Close, & Discover the Unexpected. Overall it is similar to the TouchFLO UI that users familiar with HTC's Windows Mobile powered smartphones, and HTC has said to make its Sense UI availabe to older Android handsets.

"HTC sense will be available on some other existing devices", confirmed the company's CEO, Peter Chou, to Pocket-lint after the HTC Hero launch.

The HTC Hero will be available to people across Europe in July and in Asia later in the summer. A distinct North American version will be available later in 2009.

The latest news on the HTC Hero availability just came in; apparently T-Mobile in U.K. is to join U.K. Orange in offering the HTC Hero to their subscribers. And like T-Mobile we know, the wireless carrier will be changing the name into G1Touch. While the U.K. Orange claims to have exclusivity on the graphite finish color for their HTC Hero, looks like U.K. T-Mobile is going to have some sort 'generic gray' finish color for their G1Touch (pictured below).

According to AndroidCommunity; the T-Mobile G1Touch will be available from mid-July priced free as long as you take out a minimum of a £40 ($60) per month contract, that will get you £225-worth of credit to be spent on calls, SMS and MMS messages, together with free on-device data access.

Haier also introduced an Android phone at CommunicAsia 2009

Still coming from CommunicAsia 2009 floor which is held at the Singapore Expo, the China-based electronic maker Haier introduced its very own Android-powered phone called simply as H7.

Unfortunately the H7 displayed in the event was just a mock-up but Haier rep said it'll sport 2.8" LCD TFT, 2MP camera with on-board flash, miniUSB, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and FM Radio. Haier indicates the H7 will ship with Android 2.0 when launched at France first, on September, the handset is estimated to cost around US$150.

Source is from Crave - CNet Asia.

HTC Magic becomes Indonesia's first Android phone

While Android users in the U.S. are still waiting for confirmation of T-Mobile's second Android-powered phone to be called as myTouch 3G, mobile users in Indonesia can rejoice to know that HTC Magic is officially announced as the first Android smartphone to arrive into the local market.

The HTC Magic will be offered by Telkomsel, the same wireless giant that offers iPhone 3G in Indonesia not so long ago. Telkomsel plans to bundled the HTC Magic with its pre-paid wireless service Simpati, and the official price tag is around Rp. 6,500,000.- (US$625).

With few quick phone calls, I found out the HTC Magic hasn't arrive yet but they say it will in just few weeks in the future, probably almost at the same time T-Mobile launch its second Android smartphone too.

"HTC Magic is a sophisticated and elegant smartphone," said Peter Chou, HTC CEO at the launch in Jakarta, June 11. Telkomsel VP Channel Management Gideon Edi Purnomo said, "This is an evolution for us, that every wireless carriers will make the transition from traditional base (voice and SMS) to become data oriented base." Telkomsel is said to add 3G technology network from 4500 Node B to 7500 Node B.

Source is from Kompas.

Huawei showcased Android & WinMo smartphones at CommunicAsia 2009

Fresh from the CommunicAsia 2009 event in Singapore, Huawei just showcased two new smarpthones: the Android-powered "U8230" and the "C8000" which utilizes the Windows Mobile operating system. Both smartphones are slated to arrive in second half of 2009, no pricing and exact dates are mentioned yet, but detailed specs are scarce at the moment.

The most exciting one is of course the U8230, which sports Android operating system. Other than that; it has a 3.5-inch LCD touch screen, 1500 mAH battery and what interesting is the U8230 uses the Google Chrome web browser which supports a variety of Google applications such as Google services (Map, Search, Talk, etc.).

The C8000 is using Windows Mobile but the UI a different 3-D menu, a unique independent display adapter which enables the smooth presentation of video files and DVD-quality pictures on a 2.8 inch touch screen. Huawei said this handset's battery is capable of playing video files continuously for six to eight hours.

"Having joined the Open Handset Alliance in 2008, Huawei is rapidly moving forward with the development of cutting-edge high-end handsets, especially smartphones powered by Android and Windows Mobile operating systems," said Glory Chueng, the spokesperson of Huawei Terminals.

Source is from Huawei.

"Rosie" UI shows how good Android can be

I couldn't put it better than how AndroidGuys put these latest "Rosie" Android UI (User Interface) screenshots into words: "Forget cupcakes and donuts. This looks like a wedding cake." ~LOL~

In the not so-so far away land called rumor, in the not so-so long ago, we were served with such delicious offerings: 'cupcake' and 'donut'. And now, comes a new delicate ice-topping to arouse your gluttony and it's called "Rosie". No, it's not cherry on top like usual. But rest asure, it is better and will leave your mouth-watering yearn for more.

The instant super-kid named Haykuro who became famous since he shown off the HTC Hero firmware in his possession to the world without actually sharing it, has come back with another brand new teaser this time and make us drool for more.

It's still uncertain whether this so called "Rosie" UI is just another customized Android 1.5 ('cupcake'), or just an upgrade from the previous HTC Hero firmware. So far, all we know the nickname "rosie" is used several times during the video demonstration below, so it might be the real code name for this cool new UI after all:

• rosie_arrange
• rosie_add_to_home
• rosie_navi

But the biggest question is, how come a 17-years old teen can have this next gen Android UI from a huge multi-dollar company like HTC? Is this just a prank, just some sort of photoshopped & animated pictures? Or is this a deliberate leak from HTC to make some noise before introducing the HTC Hero phone? First thing first; considering how often it is for HTC to make its own customized UI in Windows Mobile handset line-ups, it's highly possible this so called "Rosie" UI could be a real thing.

And the timing couldn't be any better: HTC is about to face an uphill road in June when iPhone 3.0 and Palm Prē are both going to be launched almost at the same time. So it is best to create some kinda buzz no matter how small to stimulate the market and send a message to the consumers that Android too can be as good, or yet better, as those two over-publicized smartphones.

Then what are you waiting for, HTC? Bring it on! Let the war begin, and may the best of all win.

See more of this "Rosie" UI screenshots here, via Android Community.

HTC Hero - Android firmware got shown off

It wasn't that long ago we got the news about Android next firmware update called 'cupcake' and the Android 2.0 called 'donut', and now we've got another fresh one: a customized Android 'cupcake' firmware which is supposed to run on HTC Hero; an upcoming new Android-based smartphone from HTC.

A 17-years old teen named 'Haykuro' has posted up this HTC Hero firmware screenshots on XDA-Devs forum, the alledgely modified 'cupcake' firmware was ran on T-Mobile's G1 handset. Haykuro also provide a recorded demonstration, teasing us all by showing off the complete firmware information to proof he really has it:

Model Number: HTC Hero
Firmware version: 1.5
Baseband version: 62.505.20.17H_2.22.19.261
Kernel version: 2.6.27-00392-g8312bafDan@Lab709 )
Build number: 20090506 Hero_Generic_WWE #
Software version: 1.0.0.A6288

If that isn't mean enough, Haykuro doesn't plan to share the HTC Hero firmware because of some kinda legal reasons. Well, let's just take a look at the bright side: at least now we know there's a HTC Hero comin' up real soon, and how its UI will look like... ;-p

Sources are from XDA-Devs, via PhanDroid. Don't forget to check out the video below of this HTC Hero firmware in action, courtesy of Rob Jackson from PhanDroid.

Donut: Android 2.0 nickname proves that Google loves food

Have you heard the new nickname for Android 2.0? Yeah, it's none other than Homer Simpson's fav snack: 'donut'!

Not only the news caught me off guard that Google has already begun working on the next gen of its mobile platform, but also because of the nickname which Google picked. It feels kinda hilarious since the latest firmware update released not so long ago (Android 1.5) is gaining quite some popularity for being called 'cupcake', and now Google decided to go with something bigger than a 'cupcake'... Well, I guess 'donut' is emotionally logical. ;-p

Android Developers have already started mentioning 'donut' in Google Groups thread, but not much of info on what to be expected in the new version. Although it is said that the basic functionalities in the version 2.0 are very noticeable from the Android 1.x, and it'll not be available in every devices, the implementation of version 2.0 is given entirely to the mercy of wireless carriers and mobile manufacturers.

With that, for you who are about to get today's Android phone, consider yourselves warned. Because it's possible that Google plans to fight back the upcoming iPhone OS 3.0 software update with this 'donut' firmware, and just like the iPhone there'll be some features which are not going to be available in the old hardwares (T-Mobile G1 & HTC Magic).

Sources are from Google Groups, via Phandroid.

Android Cupcake backward compatibility challenge

Not everything about the Cupcake is sweet, both for users and software developers. Android Cupcake 1.5 is an update to the existing mobile OS made by Google, as part of the Open Handset Alliance (OHA).

The first aim of creating Android is to build a mobile OS that will give freedom to mobile manufacturers, developers, and wireless carriers to tailor it according to their needs. But unfortunately, to aim for such grandeur scheme also requires a bigger sacrifice: backward compatibility.

Android Cupcake also fell into the same fate as the iPhone OS 3.0 software update, where old apps written in old SDK will no longer compatible with the latest firmware. Google already tried to help devs to port the old apps with some tips and tricks, but not everything work smoothly.

And to make things worse, Google pushed Cupcake via OTA in only two days when the final version of Cupcake 1.5 SDK released to devs. Software devs must port all of their old apps into the new Cupcake within two days to ensure backward compatibility since Android Market does NOT let you target specific build to different versions of apps, even if they managed to do so, the new apps will probably contain bugs because hurried and untested.

Big In Japan, the maker of the famous ShopSavvy app for Android says this about the Cupcake hassle in their blog:

“This might not sound difficult, but porting to cupcake is a task that would take a week or two of development and at least a week of beta testing. Add in the requirement that it must be backwards compatible adds another week of development. But alas, we must do all of this work in two days. ... My biggest concern is that we are better prepared than most. How many applications will go unupdated or tested? Will new Android users assume Android sucks when all of the applications force close? Perception of the market is key to Androids success..."

In the end, users will feel the last chain of reaction from this new Cupcake 1.5 update. Where they must take extra precautions on updating or not, because it’s highly possible the purchased apps that are installed in their Android handset will not work with the new update. And it’ll depend on the software devs whether to charge an extra fee for the new apps which are compatible with the new update or not?

Sources are from:

• Android Applications and Backward Compatability (Phandroid)
• Android Backward Compatibility Talk Begins. This Is Starting To Sound Complicated (TechCrunch)
• The Cupcake Challenge (Big in Japan)

Secrets for Android

"Can you keep secrets? Can you hear a thing and never say it again?" said Sir Leigh Teabing to Sophie (The Da Vinci Code).

One of the catchy lines in the great movie adapted from Dan Brown's controversial novel that still lingers in my ears, sweet yet so dark to illustrate the nature capabilty of mankind to keep secrets. But then again, that was back in the days where paper and pen were the only way to passes down delicate informations, if just android had been invented that time then things might not be so dark.

Errr..., I mean Android as in the mobile operating system that's powering your T-Mobile handset. ~LOL~

Just released few days ago is Secrets for Android, an application to securely store, manage passwords and secrets on your Android-powered phone. Secrets for Android is an open source app using the Apache 2.0 licence, a strong encryption and with auto-logout feature to help ensure that your secrets remain safe, of course assuming that you have used a good/strong password combination. Here's a quick list of using your Secrets for Android:

• The main secrets list shows all of your secrets, ordered alphabetically by description. Each entry in the list shows the description, the Id or email address, and the time and/or date of the last action that was performed on that secret. Tap a secret to momentarily reveal its PIN. Tap and hold a secret to edit it.
• If your list of secrets is long, you can filter it by typing on the keyboard. Only those secrets whose description begins with the typed letters will appear in the list. Press BACK to clear the filter.
• Should Secrets be running when your phone goes to sleep, you will be automatically logged out. The next time your phone wakes up, you'll need to re-enter your master password to continue. Switching to another application and returning to Secrets will also require you to re-enter your master password.

Secrets for Android is not yet available at Android Market, here's the explanation from its maker; Roger Tawa, a Google employee who developed the app on his own: "Google retains the copyright of app, and hence the Google Open source blog post. This app is not tied to any Google services (for the moment anyway)."

Get a copy of Secrets for Android at this link (direct .apk file), source is via AndroidGuys.

So, after you've installed this app, ask the above line to your Android phone. *chuckles*

Android "Cupcake" new killer-features: wobbles & emoticons

The CTIA 2009 has just started running on its first day, and yet MobileCrunch already got their grubby mits on Android's latest beta firmware the "Cupcake" version 1.5 Build number CRA79. The hardware used to show the new firmware is the HTC Magic, and according to them there aren't much of major changes found on the new build.

It seems not only Apple who is working on to make iPhone more perfect by adding in new features with OS 3.0, the Android team is also adding neat new little features in "Cupcake" latest build. As a matter of fact, one of the new features is native text emoticons which is only available in iPhone through third party apps (FrostyPlace & Big Keyboard Email). ;-p

The other notable new feature is the orientation switching animation whenever users change to/from landscape view, the new firmware is now more optimized with visibly "wobbles" zoom in-out. See it yourself in the embedded video below, and head on to MobileCrunch page to know the other little features.

HTC Magic got the new Android's circular zoom feature

Apparently, iPhone is not the only smartphone out there who'll get new and enhanced features. Google was also been busy adding new features into the latest Android-powered HTC Magic, and with the launch date of HTC Magic is getting closer, leaked new informations can be almost found in daily basis.

Phandroid has found out of Android's new feature that will launch with HTC Magic: a circular touchscreen wheel (Scroll Wheel Zoom) allowing for the smooth zooming of websites, pictures and more. The phone was examined in an interview on CNET France...

As we all have know about it before; there's no physical keyboard in HTC Magic and this would be the underlying difference between the Magic and the G1. CNet France writes: This new version of the Google Phone, designed by HTC abandon this mechanical keyboard on the HTC Dream and enjoy the new version of Android: Cupcake.

The HTC Magic will be marketed exclusively by SFR in late April at a price of 99 euros (with 50 euros included for the subscription SFR) and will be bundled with a microSD card to 8GB.

Android soon invade Singapore & Australia in the form of HTC Dream

Rejoice, you Android fans in Asia! Particularly, those of you who live in Singapore and Australia. Because your dream for a Google phone will soon come true.

Singapore Telecomunications (SingTel), the largest mobile wireless carrier in Singapore and also the company who own Optus in Australia; will offer HTC Dream smartphone in both countries.

There's no need of introduction anymore for the Dream phone, it's already widely known as T-Mobile's G1 handset, which is an Android-powered smartphone.

Optus will start offering the Dream on February 16 with plans that start at A$59 per month plus the cost of the handset itself, but for Singapore there haven't any information yet on the availability and pricing.

“We’re thrilled to see the mobile ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region embracing the Android platform. The openness that has shaped the Internet and driven innovation is now coming to mobile devices,” said Daniel Alegre, Vice President, Sales and Operations - Asia Pacific, at Google.

Oh, Palm. Where art thou? The competition is heighten, where Android has taken advanced steps necessary to grab the untapped potential market in Asia, Palm better catch-up soon or else...

Sources are from Optus Australia, via PC World & T3.

SMS Popup brings out eye-catching message notification for Android

No matter how good Google has made Android into perfection in its first release, not everyone is satisfied with the built-in features, and in this case is about the text message (SMS) notification.

Adam K., the man behind SMS Popup app for Android is one of many software developers out there who think of the unthinkable and figure it out with a simple yet very useful app. Instead of turning on your G1 phone whenever the tiny green light flashes to notify there's a new message (SMS, MMS & email) comes in, SMS Popup can eliminate the little hassles by simply shows a popup dialog of the incoming message.

Is it a trivial app? Not according to the users, Adam received over 300 emails with comments, bugs and feature requests within the first week of the SMS Popup launch. Since then Adam has keep on upgrading the app until v0.9.5, which was just released on the end of last month.

Okay then, if you're interested more about SMS Popup app for your G1 phone; then you can stop staring at Olivia picture on the left there and start heading to AndroidGuys' review of the app. ~LOL~

T-Mobile, Dell & Fujitsu to shower us with Android mobile devices this year

It's gonna be one hell'a fight later this year in mobile market, where Google's open platform for mobile phone has picked up its first pace with the help from T-Mobile G1 phone back in 2008, and that's just the start for Android.

We know we'll be seeing more Android phones after a quite successful launch of G1, but instead of having rumors to confirm of the next gen of G1, an assurance came directly from T-Mobile camp itself.

Neville Ray; T-Mobile's senior vice president of engineering and operations in USA slipped out this when interviewed by FierceWireless (via AndroidGuys):

"Our primary focus is consumer-based devices. As the year progresses there will be a significant number of HSPA-capable smart phones. We will be launching more G series phones and other products. You will see us launch a data card product. This will be happening in the coming weeks and months."

That's it, that's the truth bomb; there will more Gs coming our way. And judging from the way Ray spoke of them, the phones seem to be already prepared and ready for launch soon. How much can you spell Gs in a row...? ;-p

A second coming of Android phone is from Dell, the USA-based computer manufacturer has long been rumored making mobile phones not only with Google's mobile OS, but also with Microsoft's Windows Mobile as well. PC World was reporting the Dell's phone code name is MePhone, which will run on both mobile OS respectively.

The rumor has been running back as far as from July 2007, but the reassurance this time came from Wall Stree Journal who reported Dell will introduce in February at the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona two new mobile phones.

And for the last one is a big announcement came from Fujitsu, the Japan-based computer company has announced a new project called “Service Built for Android”. The project is aiming for the company to assist any other company who's interested and looking to deploy Android-based devices.

According to Android Community; the service is not limited to smartphones, either, with Fujitsu suggesting cars, consumer electronics and embedded devices being ideal candidates for Google’s open-source platform.

Assistance can take any form of consulting, training, engineering and embedded middleware. It’s unclear how much Fujitsu will be charging for the technical support, but they maintain that in utilizing both the free platform and their own services will see a cheaper final product and faster deployment.

Oh boy, Palm you better watch out and your new webOS™ better be as good as you've demonstrated, cuz it'll sure is going to face a tight competition ahead.