Android Mobiles

In just a few short days, T-Mobile is expected to release the updated version of their myTouch 3G handset. Among the notable changes in design are a 3.5mm headphone jack and more memory.  A leaked internal screenshot for T-Mobile indicates a software enhancement will be joining the party too.

The folks over at TmoToday have a screenshot shows the myTouch 3G with 3.5mm headphone  jack (catchy title) will also offer the unique soft keyboard, Swype.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Swype works by dragging your finger from letter to letter, rather than pecking them.  It’s rather unconventional, but we hear it’s pretty awesome.We’re not sure what kind of learning curve it has, however, it appears it could be a preferred way of typing.

It’s interesting to see something like this being bundled with a handset, but it does help differentiate it from other Android phones.  At least out of the box. Swype also comes preloaded on the Samsung Omnia II.

Fun Fact: Swype was founded by the same guy (Cliff Kushler) who invented T9 texting.

Thanks for the heads up, Jim!

In just a few short days, T-Mobile is expected to release the updated version of their myTouch 3G handset. Among the notable changes in design are a 3.5mm headphone jack and more memory.  A leaked internal screenshot for T-Mobile indicates a software enhancement will be joining the party too.

The folks over at TmoToday have a screenshot shows the myTouch 3G with 3.5mm headphone  jack (catchy title) will also offer the unique soft keyboard, Swype.  For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Swype works by dragging your finger from letter to letter, rather than pecking them.  It’s rather unconventional, but we hear it’s pretty awesome.We’re not sure what kind of learning curve it has, however, it appears it could be a preferred way of typing.

It’s interesting to see something like this being bundled with a handset, but it does help differentiate it from other Android phones.  At least out of the box. Swype also comes preloaded on the Samsung Omnia II.

Fun Fact: Swype was founded by the same guy (Cliff Kushler) who invented T9 texting.

Thanks for the heads up, Jim!

One handset manufacturer who has been relatively silent here in the US is LG.  Of all of the founding members of the Open Handset Alliance, their Android plans have remained the most secretive.  Although we’ve yet to see to see a handset here in the states, that may be changing soon.

According to AndroidRelease,  LG is prepping two handsets for Verizon over the next few months.  Their source says that one device feature a physical QWERTY keyboard while the other will be a touch only unit a la Droid Eris.  So far, the only handsets we’ve seen out of LG have been slideout QWERTY models like the GW620.  Hopefully, LG and/or Verizon make some official announcement at Mobile World Congress.

It seems like forever since we started talking about the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10.  After months of of hype and anticipation, the sleek and sexy Android handset is finally getting some official release information.  We’ve learned today that T-Mobile Germany will be offering the Xperia X10 starting in April with an undetermined price point.  Only a few months beyond that rumored February launch!

We’re anxiously awaiting the announcement for a US carrier.  Last we heard, it could go either way with both AT&T and T-Mobile specs found within paperwork.  We’ve spoken to quite a few people who have spent some time playing with one of these and they have nothing but glowing remarks for it.  The only thing we’re remotely bothered by at this point is the Android 1.6 hiding underneath the user experience.  Of course, that’s easily fixed with an OTA update.

Source: the unwired via Engadget Mobile

Engadget Mobile has an article up taking a look at Chinavision’s “Robot” Android handset. Check out the article for the full specs and lowdown on the phone.  I’ll give you a hint before you go – It’s a 2.8″, dual-band snoozer.  As I stated in the title, this handset is nothing to get excited about in the least bit.

What I find interesting is the fact that we are starting to see Android penetrate deeply into the handset market, where even low end phones like this one are carrying Android. I really thought we would see this start to happen as Google pushed for Android to be on as many handsets as possible but I was not so sure after the release of the “superphone”.  However, this is an example of how a low end developer takes advantage of the free and open source Android.  In my opinion, this is a good thing, if only because that means Android is becoming the “go-to” OS for companies.

If you live outside of North America and do have an interest in this handset, it retails at $179.00.

If you’ve been coming to AndroidGuys lately, you’ll note that we’ve covered a phone here called the Motorola Zeppelin.  Also known as the XT800, this handset is now official from Motorola with 3.7″ WVGA display, 5 megapixel camera, 720p HD video, and 550 MHz processor.

Imagine our confusion when a picture of another handset from Motorola, going by the name of Zeppelin, arrived on Engadget Mobile today.   According to mobil.cz (translated), the phone pictured above is in fact one that should making its debut at Mobile World Congress.  The rumored specs include , touch-sensitive buttons, 5 megapixel camera, 3.2-inch HVGA touch screen, and MOTOBLUR.

We’re not sure what to make of the naming situation, but we still like the looks and specs of this phone either way.  TmoNews believes that this new Zeppelin is the T-Mobile handset rumored for March 10th, but our money is on the Motoroi.  Still, both would make welcome additions to the lineup of smart phones.

Fears that Android handsets might not find their way into China have been calmed.  Reuters is reporting today that China will not try to limit use of Android.  So long as the platform complies with Chinese law, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology spokesman Zhu Hongren said China would not place limits.

Two handsets were scheduled to be launched last week on China Unicom’s network but were delayed over the cyber-attack/Cold War between Google and China.  As of now, no announcements have come from Google, Motorola, or Samsung as to when we’ll see them.