So it’s reported that, that full access to an Android OS device is as easy as downloading a 4MB app called FlashRec and executing it. The app basically replaces the devices recovery ROM with a less restrictive one, so completing the process requires asking the device to do recovery. The user-friendly aspect? This hack is kind enough to allow backups of whatever it overwrites, so returning the whole setup to “pristine” condition is possible.
hat’s the point of “rooting” the Android OS? It pretty much opens up the device to any modified Android OS of a user’s choosing, allowing customization on …read more

According to the source, here are the specs you should expect from Dell’s rumored Android smartphone, the so-called “Benzine” which is rumored as ready for launch:

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE class 12
Size: 68.6cc
103g grams weight
Dimensions: 58 x 122 x 11.7mm
Display: 3.5″ nHD 640×360 LCD, 18-bit, 262K colors
OTA capable
Microsoft Exchange support
Google, AIM, Yahoo and MSN IM support
3 megapixel auto-focus, flash, 8x digital zoom camera with 30fps video shooting mode, built in photo editor
USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
A-GPS
On-screen QWERTY keyboard, hardwriting recognition, multi touch UI
MicroSD slot

Pretty thin and full-featured, if you ask me. And unless the version of Android to run on this gadget …read more

Just to be clear, Sony Ericsson’s upcoming kitchen-sink phone is codenamed “Rachael”, not “Rachel”. So far all info on this phone found online is still unofficial, remaining rumors until made official by Sony Ericsson. That includes the UI demo video below:
What do you think of the rumored interface? It looks too flashy for its own good, taking too much time to animate elements unnecessarily. No doubt the eye candy is sweet, but as our source says, it will probably grow old quickly. Maybe there will be an option to disable the more complicated UI animations? In any case, word on …read more

In attempt to get more people to their website BillShrink recently came out with this well-made digital flyer that compares the so-called “new generation” smartphones:
Here’s that table in real-text form:

iPhone 3GS (AT&T)
Palm Pre (Sprint)
Android G1 (T-Mobile)

Storage Capacity
16GB
8GB
1GB (Expandable SD Slot)

Talk Time (hours)
5
5
5

Standby Time (hours)
300
300
130

Camera Megapixels
3.0
With Video Recording & Editing
3.0
3.0
With Video Recording

WiFi?
Yes
Yes
Yes

GPS
Yes
Turn By Turn (& Digital Compass)
Yes
Turn by Turn
Yes
Turn By Turn (& Digital Compass)

Voice Commands?
Yes
No
Yes

App Store
iTunes App Store
Palm App Catalog
Android Market

Price (With Contract)
$199
$199
$149

Price (Without Contract)
$599
$550
$399

Service Plans
Unlimited:
$99.99 – Voice
$30.00 – Data
$20.00 – Messaging
Unlimited Voice, Data, & Messaging:
$99.99
Unlimited:
$99.99 – Voice & Messaging
$24.99 – Data

Total Costs (+Tax Over 24 Months)
$3,600
$2,400
$3,149

In the video below, you can see the Android OS—originally designed for mobile phones—boot up relatively quickly and take full advantage of the laptop’s built-in HSDPA. Yes, you heard that right, a laptop:
Featured at the recently concluded Computex, it’s obvious that Google needs to change at least one thing: you don’t tell a laptop owner to turn of his or her “phone”. Interesting though how the apparently unvarnished version of the OS automatically adapts to a laptop’s larger-than-mobile resolution. According to the video’s uploader, Asus was publicizing their own Android-based laptop, but reportedly chose not to showcase a demo unit.
Compal, …read more

Finally, Android G1 owners can now edit their Google Doc spreadsheets on their mobile browser, reports TechCrunch. Jonathan Rochelle, the senior product manager Google Spreadhseets, proudly showed off his team’s latest creation.

Imagine typing out a text message, tapping in “reboot”, and wondering why your phone actually rebooted. That’s a quirk caused by a hilarious—but serious—bug affecting G1’s running on the RC29 firmware revision. I totally understand why Ed Burnette called this the “Worst. Bug. Ever.” over at zdnet.com. A bug that ultimately gives a casual user complete access to your smartphone if you happen to leave it unattended is a very bad thing indeed.
At the same time however, Ed’s discussion of the issue also shows the advantages of open source, and why being able to share info quickly over the internet …read more

Seriously, can you call this anything else but ugly?

The G1 Phone is $179, and will be out on October 22. Good thing the price is low, and let’s hope that it doesn’t come with some two-year strings attached. (techcrunch.com)