If the latest NPD report is to be believed, then yes. It really should not be a surprise, however. There are multiple Android devices scurried across every major carrier in the U.S. alone, and in addition to be priced very competitively, Verizon’s BOGO has no doubt moved quite a few units. NPD’s consumer research data comes from self-reported online consumer surveys and it does not include corporate sales information which will most likely change some of these numbers. Regardless, the actual split in terms of U.S. smartphone share, as reported, has RIM at 36%, Google Android at 28%, and Apple coming in at 21%. Apple hasn’t released a new model since June of last year, and we can’t help but think some of those tech-savvy people out there (BGR readers) are just holding off, but you have to give it to Android this time around — the Android Army has spoken.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dolphin Browser HD released for Android. [Android]
Skyfire may be the hot stuff as of late in Android web browsing world, but there’s always someone else vying for that #1 title. For Android users whom are a bit more daredevilish, opting to try out new and obscure apps, the Dolphin browser is a worthy option. To most using Dolphin now, it doesn’t seem that obscure. But a few months back it was quite a different story. Also, a few months back, Dolphin was a much less capable browser.
Today however the Dolphin team is turning over a new leaf tab with the release of Dolphin HD. This update is a much, much nicer looking browser albeit being a bit heavier in the resource department. One other sticking point we might as well get out at the beginning is the Android 2.0+ requirement. Sorry Cupcake/Donut users, no dice for you. Then again, being a more resource intensive app, those older phones generally have crappier processors which in turn would result in an overall crappy experience. Everything happens for a reason, right?
But there’s joy to be had, specifically in the large assortment of new features.
- Multiple tab support
- Full multi-touch support
- “Flick” thumb nail navigation menu
- Browser extensions
- YouTube video downloader
- Widgets
I’ve been messing around with it for a few minutes and can confirm that while being a bit on the resource intensive side, the added features make up for it. At least for me, my Droid is still chuggin’ along without much stress at all. Older devices that make the 2.0+ cut may not be so lucky. Hopefully as time goes on, the Dolphin team can tighten the browser’s belt a few notches for legacy users.
Bid On A T-Mobile MyTouch 3G Slide
We’re not sure who’s ballsy enough under T-Mobile’s wings to do this, but they’ve listed the item for 7 days (it’ll end on May 16th at 3:49 PM Eastern time). Conversely, we’re not sure who’s ballsy enough to buy this thing at a minimum of $750.00. Unless you’re a rich Phandroid who needs all of the latest devices as soon as they’re available, I can see this auction going by without anyone to adopt the poor thing (and to think the seller was going to ask for A LOT more before being consulted by David over at TmoNews).
Head over to eBay now to spend your next month’s mortgage on this device and get it a little bit before it comes out at – presumably – a much lower price point (as usual, if you do bid, be aware of the seller by checking their feedback: Brandon currently has 2 positives as a buyer, and no record of being a seller).
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Sunday, May 9, 2010
Vodafone 845 Android Phone Now Official *Video*
Vodafone have this week officially revealed their new ultra-small upcoming Android phone, the Vodafone 845.
First discovered out in the wild a few weeks back, the Vodafone 845 will be powered by Android 2.1 Eclair and measures in at a very slim 100 x 55 x 13 mm.
Manufactured by Huawei, the 845 includes a 2.8-inch touchscreen display (QVGA resolution), a 3.2 mega-pixel camera, Bluetooth 2.1 and WiFi b/g connectivity, and support for triband GSM/GPRS/EDGE at 900/1800/1900 MHz as well as dualband UMTS/HSDPA at 900/2100 MHz.
The low cost Android phone is expected to launch across the UK on the Vodafone network from May 2010.
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Google Maps Navigation Now Available For UK Android Phones
UK Android phone owners will be pleased to learn that the Google Maps Navigation app is now up and running for all handsets powered by Android 1.6 and up.
Google Maps Navigation 4.1.1 Beta was sent out to UK devices late last night in a quiet update that extends the Google Maps application to include free navigation services.
Using both vector and StreetView mapping for easy navigation around the UK, the app also includes voice search along with searching the route ahead to let you know about local hotels, petrol stations or restaurants that you might encounter on your journey.
To activate the new software, you may need to restart your handset, but keep in mind the software is only compatible with Android phones running 1.6 and upwards - so if you own a HTC Magic you're out of luck.
[via engadget.com]
For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides
Report: Apple developing a Flash alternative - CNET
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