Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it?

The Google TV has landed and is already sending ripples through the marketplace, but what about all the companies already blending internet and TV? Whether they are already planning to work with the new initiative (Rovi), even more firmly staking a claim on their existing technology and vision for the connected TV (Microsoft, Yahoo), sounding like it’s an option for the future (Samsung, VIZIO, Boxee) or already working on their own Android on TV projects (People of Lava, MIPS) each one should tell a little bit about where this market is headed in the coming months and years. Read on for their statements — and a quick breakdown of what each is bringing to the table in case you weren’t already running a network cable to your HDTV years ago.

Update: Now with reactions from Roku and PlayOn!

Continue reading Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it?

Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it? originally appeared on Engadget HD on Fri, 21 May 2010 13:40:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at

Whew, Google really knows how to pack it in. Two days of Google I/O and we’ve got enough info on the future of the web, phone, and television to write a couple sci-fi novels and retire. Of course, we aren’t just bystanders here: we’ve also gotten our hands on the latest version of Android (2.2, codenamed Froyo) and put its through its speedy paces. You can catch up on all the action below.

Liveblog

Google TV

Android Froyo

Web tech

Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

HTC: ‘most phones’ launched in 2010 will get Android 2.2

Now that Froyo has gone official, HTC has hurried to reassure customers that most of its 2010 phone catalog will indeed be riding Android 2.2 before the year is through. Prodded on the subject by Pocket-lint, the company has replied that it’s starting out with the Desire and Incredible and working through other “hotly anticipated new phones,” which should sound a reassuring note for prospective Evo 4G owners. A full list will be provided as we get closer to release, but don’t wait with bated breath just yet, current indications are that the software upgrade will be coming in the second half of the year. By which time we’ll all probably have a taste for Gingerbread.

HTC: ‘most phones’ launched in 2010 will get Android 2.2 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 04:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePocket-lint  | Email this | Comments

iPhone 3G’s Android port is ready to download


Had enough Android excitement yet? Of course not. Following up on the Froyo release yesterday, we’ve got the no less vital news that the iPhone 3G port of Android is now ready to download and install. Having shown off Google’s OS running on a 3G two weeks ago, author David Wang has clearly had to iron out a few kinks before serving up the necessary binaries, but here they are now, replete with a handy install guide he’s penned over at PC World. Time to get yourself on the dual-booting bandwagon, no?

iPhone 3G’s Android port is ready to download originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 03:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Redmond Pie  |  sourcePC World (download), (how-to)  | Email this | Comments

Android MID shocker! Eken M003 gets 8-inch display, $230 price tag (video)

Are you a fan of off-brand MIDs, the Android OS, and dangerous bezels? You’re in luck! It looks like the M003, a slightly larger follow-up to Eken’s very own M001 (which caught our attention a month or so ago, mostly on account of its price) has finally reached e-tailers at home and abroad, such as China Grabber who will sell you one for a not too shabby (yet not too awesome either) $230. Keeping the Android 1.6 OS, this bad boy has been bumped up to an 8-inch touchscreen while sporting a 600MHz VIA processor, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, 128MB RAM, and an SD card slot for up to 32GB storage. They’re even throwing in a 2GB SD card because they’re such good sports. Available in pink, white, or black. Hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Android MID shocker! Eken M003 gets 8-inch display, $230 price tag (video)

Android MID shocker! Eken M003 gets 8-inch display, $230 price tag (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 03:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink PMP Today  |  sourceChina Grabber  | Email this | Comments

Wikitude Drive AR nav app beta announced, available in Android Market (video)

With all the action going down at Google I/0 you can be excused for missing this latest tidbit: the folks behind Wikitude have made the beta version of Drive (their augmented reality personal navigation app) available for free for 2,000 users. And we just got our hands on it, so we know that there are at least a few downloads left at the Android Market. The full-featured demo sports NAVTEQ map data, both AR street view and 3D map view, worldwide coverage, voice commands, and both driving and walking directions. There’s no word yet on when the final version will be released, so this might be your last chance for a while to play with what’s stacking up to look like a pretty decent application. See the thing in action and check out the PR yourself after the break.

Continue reading Wikitude Drive AR nav app beta announced, available in Android Market (video)

Wikitude Drive AR nav app beta announced, available in Android Market (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 17:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink SlashGear  |  sourceWikitude Drive  | Email this | Comments

Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)

Dashing away from the Google I/O keynote as fast as our feet would carry us, we scored the very first look at Logitech’s Google TV companion box. While we’ll share full details when we catch a breath, here’s the scoop: the box extends the full functionality of a Logitech Harmony remote and a WiFi access point to your TV, providing not only Google TV but also allowing you to control your entire entertainment system (including DVR) with a still-in-development keyboard / touchpad remote or an iPhone or Android smartphone app over WiFi. Hit the gallery below for a taste of what the little set-top box can do, and rest assured we’ve got more info on the way.

Update: Now with video, after the break.

Update 2: Details and specs after the break, too.

Continue reading Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)

Logitech’s Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

What Is Google TV? [Google TV]

Google TV was announced today. But what exactly is it? Give us two minutes. More »

What Is Froyo? [Froyo]

Google’s out with Android 2.2—codename: Froyo—and so far we’re impressed. But what is it, exactly? More »

Google Is Leapfrogging Apple [GoogleIo]

Google is done playing catch-up. Today they’re setting the agenda: With Android Froyo, Google TV, mobile ads and streaming media, Google isn’t just matching Apple—they’re taking the lead. More »