Hasta La Gadget!

Considering that Steve Ballmer himself said that Microsoft “missed a cycle” in the smartphone sales universe, we guess it’s not too shocking to see Android leap past Windows Mobile and Friends in ComScore’s latest US smartphone report. If you’ll recall, we saw back in July that Google was tailing Microsoft by the slimmest of margins, and now that the latest data is live, it’s clearer than ever that Android is rising while the competition is slipping. The research firm’s MobiLens report found that Google’s market share in the US smartphone sector surged five percent in the three month average ending April 2010, while RIM sank 1.8 percent, Apple 1.3 percent, Microsoft 2.2 percent and Palm… well, Palm remained flat with just 4.9 percent of the pie. Of course, one has to assume that Microsoft loyalists are holding off on upgrades until Windows Phone 7 hits the market, but there’s little doubt that the flurry of higher-end Android phones has done nothing but help Google’s cause. And if Gingerbread actually brings support for serious 3D gaming? Look out, world.

[Thanks, S.H.]

ComScore: Google’s Android surpasses Microsoft in US smartphone market share originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re guessing Verizon has been pretty happy with the results of its V Cast App store for BlackBerry, as it looks like the carrier’s now accepting submissions in the Android category for software that’ll propagate its eventual marketplace on that mobile platform. According to a purported letter obtained by Android and Me, Big Red has been sending out letters to developers extolling the virtues of using its store in lieu of Google’s: no testing fee, 14-day turnaround, carrier billing (with the promise of an eventual subscription billing option), 70 / 30 split favoring the developer, etc. Froyo is the flavor of choice, and the only version of Android that’ll be supported from the onset — so that includes both flagship Droids, Droid Incredible, and Droid X. Verizon’s Developer Community Conference is the end of this month (21st and 22nd, to be exact), and we imagine the skinny will be gotten by then.

[Thanks, Ryan]

Verizon gearing up for Android V Cast App store? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 03:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just as Paul Vasquez would have us do, we’re questioning the true meaning behind a curious page that has popped up over at the Droid Does website — a very authentic portal that Verizon Wireless itself has been pushing for nearly a year. Put simply, the splash page details “great news!” surrounding a heretofore unannounced Android 2.2 update for the arguably gigantic Droid X. In fact, we’re even told about all the amazing features that Froyo brings, but alas, our own X has yet to get any sort of notification from Big Red. The image you’re peering at above was purportedly texted to a tipster from VZW, but unfortunately, the links led to the previously referenced splash page rather than a download. Still, we’re guessing that this means a bona fide release is just around the corner — Verizon’s already a few weeks late at this point, so hopefully the finishing touches are nearly done.

[Thanks, Kellen]

Continue reading Droid Does website points to imminent Froyo update for Droid X… but what does it mean?

Droid Does website points to imminent Froyo update for Droid X… but what does it mean? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 17:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man, we’re starting to think Google should just host an I/O event every month. As the search giant continues to roll out new innovations, today’s introduction involves none other than Android. Starting today, folks with Android phones using version 1.6 or greater have a pair of must-downloads to tackle: Walking Navigation (Beta) and Street View smart navigation. The former is bundled into Google Maps for Mobile 4.5, offering pedestrians a more robust routing option when using their own two feet to maneuver from place to place. It’s still in beta, obviously, but we’re definitely digging the “vibrate to turn” alert and the map’s ability to rotate with you as you turn the phone. Street View smart navigation is the same stuff you’re used to seeing on a bona fide desktop browser, but tailor made for operation on your smartphone. Finally, the new Google Maps search bar will make it even easier to find places you’re in need of finding, and if you need some visual stimulation while your downloads progress, hop on past the break and mash play.

Continue reading Google Walking Navigation beta and Street View now available for Android

Google Walking Navigation beta and Street View now available for Android originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We saw it this weekend for a fleeting moment, but thankfully one handy reader sent us copies of the product page for HP’s Photosmart eStation C510, which we can now confirm is the Zeus / Zeen printer and detachable tablet combination we caught wind of back in early August — and we’ve got some more details. Bad news first: as of a month ago, the Gmail app was missing and there was no support for Android Market, meaning the Zeen might not be an official “with Google” Android tablet like the Samsung Galaxy Tab. (The product page conspicuously lacks any mention of the OS, so we’re thinking Android might simply be the hidden-away base layer for the TouchSmart UI, making this thing super boring.) It does have the default Android browser and at least some custom apps for printing pictures from Facebook, Yahoo, and Snapfish preloaded, but we don’t know about anything else. Major bummer, but we’re told it shouldn’t be too hard for the community at large to root the sucker. Beta testing begins this month, so that all might change before the projected September 20th release. Here’s what else we know so far:

• The Zeen is a capacitive tablet running HP’s TouchSmart skin on top of Android 2.1 — it won’t get shifted to webOS, and it’s not clear if it’ll get upped to Froyo before launch given the development time required. It has capacitive touch buttons, an SD card slot, video support, and at least some prototypes have cameras with a special webcam app installed.
• We’re told TouchSmart will be locked in, but we don’t know how deep that’ll go — right now the standard Android homescreen is still accessible. That’s supposedly going away, so don’t get your hopes up for any native Gmail / Angry Birds use.
• E-reading is a major focus, and the Zeen has “significant” integration with the Barnes & Noble Nook bookstore and ecosystem. Makes sense, as the Nook itself is based on Android, and being able to print e-books from the Zeen would be a huge differentiator — and a great way for HP to sell more ink.
• The touchscreen is apparently not very accurate at all, and we’re told the overall experience is far less satisfying than a competent Android phone. Don’t expect this to replace your Droid Incredible for all at-home use.
• The Zeen will come in two configurations: a $399 bundle with a new printer called Zeus and as a standalone unit for an unknown price. The Zeus has its own “basic” control setup, but when the Zeen is docked it provides a rich interface to the printing functions — presumably a web-connected interface like the one HP’s been moving towards with other printers. (Note: the product page listed $399.99 but provided no indication what price the Zeen might go for solo.)
• Ship date is an estimated September 20th but due to some testing issues this may be pushed back.

Until HP comes clean and inks out the details for all the world to see, check out the product page in pictorial format below.

Exclusive: HP Photosmart eStation C510 is Android-powered Zeus / Zeen, may not run Gmail or Market apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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