Rumor: 2GHz HTC “Sabor” to Arrive with Gingerbread Late 2010 [Gingerbread]

I love juicy rumors like these. According to Oxford-Zeiss Content & Research Guide (OZCARGuide), HTC is working on a 2GHz 'Sabor' device for Sprint, expected later this year or early next year. Not only that, but the handset maker is developing their own screen technology said to rival Samsung's AMOLED displays.

'The upcoming HTC smartphone destined for Sprint packs a 2GHz processor, over 1000 resolution display, Android OS 2.5 (gingerbread), 2 cameras with one being a 10-megapixel, 1080p video recording and built-in kickstand.'

The 'over 1000' display would match up to yesterday's rumor of 1280×760, said to a minimal requirement for Gingerbread. The 2.5 listed here conflicts with the 3.0 we've heard matched up to the codename, but we can always worry about that later. For now, let's just drool over 10 megapixel cameras and 1080p recording.

If you didn't check your calendar yet today, I'll break the good news to you. We just started the second half of the year. Things could definitely heat up quickly.

Source: DroidDog

NOTE: Rumor: 2GHz HTC “Sabor” to Arrive with Gingerbread Late 2010 originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

The internationally geolocated geek's slavery [GeoLocation]

Hi, I'm Rani and I am a geek. I'm also international because I live in Israel, which is located outside US. As a geek I love gadgets and new tech but you've probably figured that out already, if you've seen my blog.


Last month I got my latest toy, a Google Nexus One, which hasn't left my hands since (my wife is close to taking my two year old boy and leaving home). I download and test apps on a daily basis and try to read the reviews as much as time allows. I find the geolocation apps to be very game-ish with their continuing appeal on me to win more points and activate more mayorships as well as complete challenges.

Lately I've started to feel a little frustrated. There is no single venue in Israel in the indexes of SCVNGR, in my city there are about 40 places in Gowalla (a few of which I created), and last but not least, FourSquare, which is better but still I already registered at least a dozen venues. So I'm like making my town visible to the people coming to visit here. I feel like a lone rider boldly going where no one has gone before.

I said a lone rider for a reason. Not only the Israeli places are missing in the geolocation apps but also available friends are scarce. I have more then 500 contacts in my gmail account and more then 250 friends, mostly close friends, and non are SCVNGR usrers, 1 is a Gowalla user which until recently was my only FourSquare friend. I now have 7 friends in FourSquare, 2 of which didn't log in for centuries, 3 promotion companies, 1 from Thailand which I don't even know and asked me to befriend him. I did, what do I care... The last one is the one from Gowalla which is my only true friend. As I said, this is pretty frustrating being the pioneer. I actually feel a little like those pioneer to came and tamed the land here in Israel in the beginning of the previous century. Brave, strong headed, motivated and patriots.

If you are a non-US located geolocation user like me, let me know how is it you experience the check-ins lifestyle? What other locations are miserably abandoned like Haifa?

BTW, you can reach me as ranibaron in FourSquare, Gowalla and SCVNGR.

Samsung Galaxy Beam Brings First Android-Based Pico Projector Phone to Singapore [Pico Projector]

Samsung has announced that their Galaxy Beam (formerly 'Halo') handset is headed for Singapore next month. What makes this phone so special is it that it is the first Android handset to feature a built-in DLP pico projector. Running Android 2.1, the Beam also boasts a 3.7-inch Super AMOLED display, an 8 megapixel autofocus camera with flash, and a front-facing VGA camera. Rounding out the phone are support for 7.2Mbps HSPA data, Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11n WiFi, A-GPS, and FM Radio. There's no mention of price yet but we don't expect this to have mass-market appeal. Start saving now.

[AndroidGuys via Engadget]

NOTE: Samsung Galaxy Beam Brings First Android-Based Pico Projector Phone to Singapore originally appeared on AndroidGuys.

iPhone 4 - Droid Incredible - Evo 4G - Nexus One Comparative Chart [Chart]

Here's a chart showing how the Apple iPhone 4 stands against Android latest and greatest models: The HTC Droid Incredible, the HTC Evo 4G, and the Google Nexus One.

[Gizmodo via TIPB]

Nvidia's Android Tablet: Okay, I Could Want This [Nvidia]

A rounded, plasticky take on the iPad. That's how Nvidia's latest Android tablet prototype struck me. It's pretty nice. But not as nice as the inside.

Inside this 8.9-inch tablet, you see, is Nvidia's Tegra 2, the heart of which is a dual core ARM Cortex A9—a chip that's a generation ahead of the silicon the iPad's A4 is based on—meaning this thing will zooooom. It's also got a gig of RAM (the iPad's biggest technical limitation now is its puny amount of RAM), two USB ports, and a front-facing camera.

Given that both of the units we handled were running just one app each—pretty snazzy looking games—it's hard to tell what it'll be like to use generally, like with the front-facing camera and how the widescreen aspect ratio feels outside of a game, but the games did feel and look great, as you'd expect from the kind of horsepower inside. I wish the screen, which is capacitive for multitouchness, wasn't quite as glossy as the iPad though. Oh well.

None of the devs who had one at their disposal knew when the tablet would actually be coming out, only that it would, one day. It's no Adam, but it's like actually here, almost.
[Gizmodo]

Dell Thunder Android Smartphone Pics Storm Onto the Scene [Android]

In a week that’s been filled with stories of Apple’s smartphone leaks, I guess Dell got a little jealous and let some photos slip out of their own new mobile handset.

The Dell Thunder looks pretty slick from these early pics the guys over at Engadget managed to get their hands on. The Thunder is expected to have a nice big 4.1-inch WVGA OLED screen, and sports an 8-megapixel digital camera. Rumor has it that it will have a zippy Snapdragon CPU powering its brains. Connectivity will be provided by 7.2Mbps HSPDA and Wi-Fi.

From the looks of the user interface screens, Dell has added their own menu system, but under the surface, there’s a full Android 2.1 operating system. Internal documents from Dell indicate that the Thunder will include built-in support for Facebook, Twitter, and Hulu, and also play Flash 10.1 content.

At this point we don’t know a firm release date, but word on the street is a Q4 2010 release for the initial version of the phone.

[technabob]

Swiss Watch Maker Ulysse Nardin To Launch Luxury Android Handset [Luxury]

Looking to blow some cash? Here's a thought. Swiss watch maker, Ulysse Nardin has partnered with SCI Innovations to craft and sell a luxury Android handset. That's right, a luxury Android handset!

According to the Ulysse Nardin website, the handset will be named the 'Ulysse Nardin Chairman' and feature a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen display, a fingerprint reader, 8-megapixel camera and 32GB flash drive. It will support playback of HD video and come pre-loaded with applications for YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Google talk and Facebook.

Additionally, the smartphone will be equipped with a Ulysse Nardin Rotor kinTetic power system and Crown (for winding the phone), which is designed to recharge additional electrical power for the battery. With this, the battery will provide up to 8 hours talk time and 30 days standby time. That's pretty damn impressive if you ask me.

No word yet on when this phone will be released, but the phone will cost between ISL 47,375.41 ($12,800) and ISL 183,209.61 ($49,500). As always, the price goes up as the options go up. So, who is interested?

[AndroidGuys via Ulysse Nardin]

Samsung outs the Galaxy S Android smartphone [Android]

We knew Samsung had something coming today at CTIA. The gigantic banner outside kind of told us that. So here it is: the Android-powered Galaxy S. There's a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen up front with an unspecified 1GHz CPU chilling inside. The Android release has been modified and uses Sammy's 'Social Hub' always-on social networking features. Swype, DLNA, and ThinkFree's MS office app are also included. We hear it will have a world-wide release later this year, but no word on specifics including price or carriers just yet. Stay tuned for some hands-on pics and our initial thoughts.

Update (Gizmodo live):

• Android 2.1
• 5MP camera
• HD (720p) video playback
• up to 16GB of onboard memory

[CrunchGear]

Now in Production: The First Google Android Car [CarDroid]

The first car equipped with Google’s Android mobile operating system will hit the streets this April 23. It’s called the Roewe 350, and it will launch at the Beijing Auto Show.
Roewe vehicles are luxury cars made by Chinese car company SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) using technology purchased from British company MG Rover, which has been owned by both BMW and Ford in the past.
The 2.1 version of Google Android — the same that Google used in the Nexus One and Motorola Droid — is installed on the vehicle’s GPS computer. You can use the computer for directions and traffic reports just as you can with many other GPS devices. But it’s not all vanilla; you can also surf the web and engage in some form of Internet chatting. There’s no telling yet which chat service you’ll be using, but hopefully you won’t be doing it while you’re driving!
We haven’t heard whether or not you’ll be able to install apps from the Android Market yet. We also don’t know how the device connects to the Internet. The car will cost between 70,000 and 130,000 yuan, or about $10,250 – $19,000.






[Mashable via The Next Web]
[img credit: autohome.com.cn]

Innocomm Reveals Ambitious Android Plans [Android]

Smartphone developer Innocomm Technology might be small when compared to players like HTC and Motorola, but their plans for Android are just as big. Around the middle of the year, the handset maker plans to drop their first of many Android-based handsets. Called the Shark, Innocomm's smartphone will be a high-end device with a considerably lower cost.

Innocomm's hopes are that wireless providers might be able to offer their handsets free with contacts. Our hopes are that this happens!

Innocomm Skate

Shark's tentative specs include a 3.2-inch touchscreen, 8-megapixel camera with flash, GPS, 3G, HSPA, Wifi, and Bluetooth. The Shark will be also have a 3.5mm headset jack, a microSD card slot, and mini-USB connection. Also getting squeezed in will be an analog TV tuner with future versions expected to offer a digital tuner.

Other handsets in the Inncomm pipeline are the Shadow, which features a 4.3-inch screen, the Gemini, and Scorpion. Previously, the company showed their Skate handset off at 2009's MWC which sports 'the World's smallest 2.8' smartphone based on the Android OS.' As of right now, the Skate has been pushed back due to changing the chipset inside.

Innocomm has no plans to work with any other mobile platforms, even the recently unveiled Windows Phone 7. 'Windows is nice, but it can't beat the price on Android. It's free and the Google brand is already well known. Android is the only OS we're working on.'

[AndroidGuys via PC World]

Aava Mobile’s Reference Design for OEM/ODMs [Superphone]

AAVA Mobile, a startup comprised of 'engineering wizards', was in Barcelona last week to show off their reference design for OEMs and ODMs. This unnamed device, based on Intel's Moorestown processor is being touted as the first fully open mobile device.

The reference design has support for both Linux-based Moblin 2.1 as well as Android. The list of hardware specs reminds us of some of today's superphones with features like dual microphones, HD video capability, and 3D graphics and sound. There's a 2 megapixel, frontfacing video-conferencing camera and a 5 megapixel (8MP optional) camera with LED flash to add to its cool factor.

We've definitely seen uglier handsets than this AAVA Mobile unit. Hopefully someone picks this design up and runs with it. There's always room for another Android player!Even though it does look a tad like the iPhone, we're fans of the copper finish found in the renders. You'll see in the video at the end where the working model has a slightly different look.

• Intel Atom ‘Moorestown’ Processor
• 864x480 3.8' TFT Capacitive Touch Screen
• GSM/EDGE quad band, WCDMA triple-band (Band I, II and V)
• 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link
• WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB
• Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, 3D compass, Accelerometer
• Haptic feedback, microSD
• 2 megapixel Videoconferencing camera
• 5 megapixel (optional 8 megapixel) and LED flash
• FM Radio,
• MicStereo (echo and background noise cancellation)
• Stereo Speakers

We found a page on the AAVA Mobile site that breaks down the future of smart phones as seen through the eyes of their developers. While some of the stuff is already on its way to being commonplace, it's interesting to see just where they think our phones could be before long.

[AndroidGuys]

The Swiss Army SIM: SK Telecom Squeezes Storage, CPU and Android OS Onto One Card [Android]

This magic SIM card from SK Telecom is a long way off from being commercially viable. But so help me, when someone stuffs this much information into a single SIM, I'm going to stand up and take notice.

Packed into this protoype are a processor, memory, 1GB flash storage, and Android OS. That's enough to keep your entire mobile world into one SIM, making switching phones the simplest thing in the world. You could also use it to easily switch off information between your handset and your netbook.

Of course, it also means that losing your phone would come with its own additional host of problems. Though by the time this would actually be available, it's likely that all your most important stuff would be in the cloud anyway.

I'm looking at you, AT&T SIM in my phone. I'm looking at you with equal parts pity and regret.

[Gizmodo via PC World via Engadget]

Huawei Unveils 4 Android Handsets and an Internet Device

Chinese handset maker Huawei is in Barcelona and it's not to see what the competition is up to. They've just pulled the curtain back on 4 brand new Android handsets, the U8300, U8100, U8110, and the U8800. In addition to that, they've also announced a SmaKit S7. Let's take a quick look at each of them, shall we?

U8300

The U8300 is targeted at the youth market, integrates social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, features a QWERTY keypad, and is designed to allow for chatting and texting in comfort. Look for the u8300 in three 'bright' colors - green, yellow and purple.

u8100

Up next, the U8100 and U8110, are the same phone on the inside. The outside however might appeal to different segments (read boys versus girls). These are considered entry-level handsets although we don't have a complete list of specs. What we do know is that they both have 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreens, a 0.3 mega pixel camera in the front and a 3.2 mega pixel camera in the rear. Both of these models are expected in Europe at some point in Q2 of this year.

u8110

The high-end handset,the U8800 runs Android 2.1, offers support for HSPA+ (14 Mb/s download), a 3.8-inch screen and more. With the right network and ideal situations, this phone can download a 400Mb feature-length movie file in under a half minute. As far as carriers, price, or availability go, we're still waiting to hear more.

u8800

Huawei is also introducing their first Android-based Internet Device, the SmaKit S7. Featuring a 7-inch wide screen (800x480 resolution), it's designed to support 'information-sharing across screens to present the same content simultaneously on computers, mobile phones and TV screens'. A screen this size makes it easy to read emails, tweet, and stay connected to friends and family. The SmaKit S7 can also be connected to home gateway, TV, and of course, Android handset.



Be sure to check back with us as we fill in the blanks with the hardware specs and various Android builds for each phone!

[AndroidGuys]

Sony Ericsson makes the X10 mini, X10 mini pro and Vivaz Pro official

Sony Ericsson set the stage for MWC by announcing three new handsets in a press event held on the day before the launch of the international mobile phone conference. Sony rolled out two new compact Android handsets based upon the design of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 and one Symbian-powered handset phone that is the big brother to the previously announced Vivaz. The X10 mini and X10 mini pro are similarly spec’d handsets with the X10 Mini Pro sporting a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The Vivaz Pro is a slightly modified version of the Vivaz and offers a QWERTY keyboard, a touchscreen interface and the Symbian S60th 5th edition operating system. All three handsets are expected to launch in Q2 2010 in select markets. Hit the jump for the full rundown of specs.



Both the mini X10 and mini X10 Pro include:

• 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7227 processor
• 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and geotagging
• 2.55 inch QVGA touchscreen display
• aGPS
• Google Maps
• Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Full suite of Google services
• 3.5mm audio jack
• microSD expansion with 2GB card included in the retail package
• Android 1.6 with Sony Ericsson Timescape
• UMTS HSPA 900/2100, GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS HSPA :850/1900/2100, GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• X10 mini will be available in Pearl White, Black, Pink, Lime, Red and Silver
• X10 mini pro will be available in Black and Red.

The Sony Vivaz Pro will feature

• slide out QWERTY keyboard
• 3.2 inch, 360 x 640 16:9 resolution touchscreen display
• 720 MHz processor
• 5.1 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom, autofocus, face detection and geotagging
• 720p HD recording
• Video calling (main camera)
• WebKit web browser
• social networking support
• A-GPS
• Google Maps
• Wisepilot turn-by-turn navigation
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Bluetooth technology
• DLNA Certified (photos and audio)
• TV out (VGA resolution)
• Wi-Fi
• microSD with 8GB microSD in the package
• Symbian S60 5th edition
• UMTS HSPA 900/2100, GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• UMTS HSPA 850/1900/2100, GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
• Available in Black and White

[BGR via Sony Ericsson X10 mini and X10 mini pro and Sony Vivaz pro]

Garmin-ASUS intros the nüvifone A50 and M10

Any smartphone worth a darn has GPS capabilities, but some are more adept at finding their way than others. After getting a reputation for a company that takes it sweet-ass time launching a handset, Garmin-ASUS today announced two new handsets in the nüvifone A50 and nüvifone M10. First up is the A50. An Android device with a 3.5″ HVGA touchscreen display, 3 megapixel camera, HSDPA connectivity, 4GB of internal memory and accelerometer, the A50 is said to be one heck of a pathfinder thanks in part to its e-compass and GPS chipset that draws location signals from satellites as well as network and terrestrial sources. Add in not apps like Google Maps and cityXplorer but Garmin’s very own pre-loaded turn-by-turn navigation software and one no longer has any excuses for getting lost while driving to the in-laws new country cottage. Moving on we have the M10. Running Windows Mobile 6.5.3, it isn’t as spec’d out as the A50 GPS wise, but it still can take on any other smartphone and even many dedicated GPS units with one hand tied behind its back. Physical characteristics include a 3.5″ WVGA display (resistive), Wi-Fi and HSDPA radios, 512MB of RAM and ROM and 4GB of in-built memory. Consumers and procrastinators should note each handset features support for just about every location-based and social media service under the sun, while corporate types will be pleased to note that Microsoft Exchange is fully by both phones. And yes, the A50 does have a multi-touch WebKit browser. Barring any unexpected delays, both devices will go on sale by the end of Q2.

Product: nüvifone A50,  nüvifone M10
[BGR]

The HTC Scorpion may pack 1.5Ghz processor, Android v2.2, and WiMax – if it exists

HTC cranks out Android handsets like candy corn – and we love that. The only downside to this, however, is that each new leak has us drooling before the last leak even has time to become a real product.
Our salivary glands were just warming up for the HTC Incredible and the HTC Legend, but now we’ve got the HTC Scorpion (possibly codenamed “Olympian”) to dream about. According to the very-latest of leaks, this thing might pack a scorchingly fast 1.5 Ghz processor and the as-of-yet unreleased Android v2.2.


[MobileCrunch]

Even at 4-inches, The Qisda QCM-330 Dwarfs the iPad's Resolution [Smartphones]

You hear the 9.7-inch iPad has a screen resolution of 1024x768, and you think to yourself, that's not so bad! And it's not. But when you later hear that a new 4-inch smartphone will feature a resolution of 1280x1024, well...
...it's just tough to be floored by anything less.

The Qisda (you also know them as BenQ) QCM-330, expected to debut at the upcoming CeBIT tradeshow this March before being available through Vodafone, features a 4-inch, 1280x1024 screen that could be sharper than life itself, along with HSDPA and Wi-Fi. From the Render you can guess a 3.0 MP camera on the back side.

We don't know much else, other than that it will most likely run Android given the Home key (which makes the prospect of importing a phone for its hardware alone so much more appealing). But if you're one of those people who doesn't like to use the same phone as other people, the QCM-330 might be a decent handset to watch.
[Gizmodo via Unwired View via SlashGear]

HTC Incredible leaks, is as red as Mr. Incredible’s suit

This is the so-called HTC Incredible running on Verizon. It has a Snapdragon CPU with 256RAM and a bold and beautiful screen a la the Nexus One. Interestingly, it has two rear LED flashes and appears to be clad in a red backplate which reminds me of butterscotch pudding although a video, now unavailable, shows it is really red.

Click through for a UI shot. Also, can I just say that I am more in love with Android every time I see it? It just seems fresh.

[CrunchGear]

How the Nexus One Was Created [Nexus One]

Google has launched a series of videos on its official Nexus One YouTube channel, documenting various details on how one of the world’s best Android phones was created.
The videos are being gradually rolled out; two are already live, and the other three will appear in the next three days. Other than soothing music, cool animations and 3D models, they do contain some interesting information. For example, the folks at Engadget and Android Central noticed there’s a car dock there, and another dock with an integrated spare battery charger, which aren’t yet available in stores. Check out the first video in the series below.


[Mashable]

HTC Bravo Snapped in the Wild

On paper, the HTC Bravo appears to be everything the Nexus One offers. Although the two practically mimic each other in terms of specs, there are some subtle differences. For instance, there is an optical joystick in place of the trackball. Also, there are four physical buttons across the bottom as opposed to touch sensitive buttons found on the Nexus One. The other two changes are the inclusion of Sense UI and multi-touch support. Other than that, one might consider them the same phone.
Thanks to someone over at Omio, the first 'in the wild' shot has arrived for the Bravo. For now, it appears that Bravo will be headed to T-Mobile UK. It's not known whether or not this phone will arrive in the US, but we get the feeling that many of our readers would welcome it. Couple the hardware of the Nexus One with the great interface that HTC has put together and you have a winning combination.
[AndroidGuys]