Hasta La Gadget!

In a move that could shape the mobile landscape — or simply suck down cash, of course — General Motors just revealed that Google was its mysterious infotainment partner. In the final hours before Google I/O, we sat down with GM VP Nick Pudar to tell us what the future thus holds for OnStar. As we saw in January, GM’s already developing smartphone apps for the Chevy Volt on iPhone, Blackberry and Android that will let you remotely lock doors, honk the horn, check tire pressure and more…. But sometime after the Volt launches, Google Maps Navigation will be integrated into the smartphone app, and we got a hands-on tour. Check out the new interface and hear about GM’s strategy after the break.

Continue reading Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more

Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fragmentation caused by the different versions of the Android operating system — a cause of concern among developers — is on the decline. The Android OS is coalescing around three major flavors: Android 1.5, aka Cupcake; Android 1.6, or Donut; and Android 2.1, nicknamed Eclair.

Among those, Android 2.1 has the maximum share. About 37.2 percent of Android phones today have the Android 2.1 operating system, up from 27.3 percent in April.

Android 1.5 comes next with about 34.1 percent of Android phones sporting it, followed by Android 1.6 at 28 percent.

The data comes from Android Developers, the official Android developers’ community website, and is based on OS data reported by devices accessing the Android Market during a 2-week period ending May 17.

In the 16 months since the first Android phone hit the market, Google has made four major upgrades to the operating system. But smartphone makers unable to keep up with that pace have continued to introduce new cellphones with older versions of the OS, leading to consumer confusion about what capabilities various Android phones have. But in the past four months, many handset makers, including Motorola and HTC, have been steadily updating the OSes on their older phones. In most cases, they’re upgrading to the latest version, Android 2.1.

Still, in the rapidly changing Android world it is not enough. At its developer conference later this week, Google is likely to release the next update to Android called Android 2.2 or FroYo.

FroYo will support an updated Android Market, Flash Player 10.1, and tethering.

It will be interesting to see what this chart looks like in three months.

See Also:

• Android’s Rapid Growth Has Some Developers Worried
• Android Fragmentation Declines, But Older Versions Still Rule
• Android Comes of Age at Google Developer Conference
• New Phones Still Sold With Old Versions of Android

Chart data: Android Developers

We’re not entirely sure what Google is up to, but we’re inclined to think that there’s an awful lot of voice over IP magic coming, with the company announcing the anticipated acquisition of another VOIP company. Back in November it acquired Gizmo5 for about $30 million, and now it has made a $68.2 million offer for Global IP Solutions. That company provides VOIP solutions for a number of clients, including Yahoo, and recently announced plans to release an Android library that would enable easy video conferencing in apps. We’re guessing someone in Menlo Park liked what they saw and decided to bake it right into the OS, but that’s pure, unfounded speculation. This offer still needs to be approved by 90% of Global IP’s shareholders but, since that $68.2 million represents a nearly 30 percent boost in the company’s stock price last week, we don’t think there will be any problem there — but there we go speculating again.

Continue reading Google’s VOIP buying spree continues with Global IP Solutions offer

Google’s VOIP buying spree continues with Global IP Solutions offer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kindle continues its mission to let you read your Amazon-bought e-books anywhere. Amazon has announced the forthcoming Kindle for Android, and it is almost exactly the same as other software-only implementations, like those on the iPhone or Blackberry.

Almost. The big difference here is that you can buy books from within the application (this also works on Blackberry). On the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, you are redirected to the Kindle web site as soon as you choose to buy a new book. On Android phones, you can browse and purchase books from within the Kindle app. This is likely because Amazon doesn’t want to give Apple 30% of each and every transaction, the usual cut taken for in-app transactions.

The Kindle for Android app is “coming soon” and will run on any Android device (v1.6 or newer) that has an SD card installed.

Kindle for Android [Amazon via ★]

See Also:

• Kindle
• Amazon Shows Off Kindle for iPad
• First Look: Kindle for Mac
• Tablet Wars: Amazon Adds Apps to Kindle
• Amazon Brings Kindle to iPhone
• Slack-Off in Meetings With Kindle for Blackberry
• Kindle for PC Ships, Hints at Future Color Kindle

Google I/O’s shaping up to be a hell of an event this year. We just received word that OnStar will give a sneak peek at new functionalities it’s developing for its version 2.0 Chevy Volt app with the help of Google. A major new addition — to be demonstrated on Android, of course — will be a navigation tab on the app’s home screen that can identify your position relative to your Volt’s location in Google Maps. Something that should prove handy in tracking down your car in the airport parking lot. Owners can then use their smartphone to enter their destination before even entering the vehicle. When it’s time to drive, your Volt will already be setup and ready to guide you to the spot using OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation. Alternatively, users can follow the voice guidance provided by Google Maps Navigation if they prefer. Unfortunately, these 2.0 addition won’t be in the app at launch this fall. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google

OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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