News
Google can remotly force-uninstall apps
Jun 25th
Interesting bit of news floating around today… it turns out Google has the ability to remotely uninstall applications from android devices. I believe they are using this functionality to reduce the impact of malicious applications, so if a developer was to go rouge, they could pull the offending app from the market as well as uninstall the malicious content from everyone who installed it. What I wonder about though, does Google have the power to remove applications that were side-loaded, and not downloaded from the market? Also, what would happen if the app they are removing was a paid app, would the users get a refund? More >
Android 2.2 Froyo OTA Update Rollout to Nexus One
Jun 24th
Looks like Google is rolling out an official 2.2 Froyo update to nexus one users. Now, its not apparent if this is just an update for those that used the leaked android build, or if this update will actually roll out to all nexus one users, but it would make sense considering that Google just opened up the Froyo 2.2 source today. I have not yet received this update myself on my Nexus one (T-Mobile Nexus on Rogers), but Ill be sure to keep everyone posted. There’s also a XDA Developers thread that you might want to follow as well.
Motorola Android Upgrade Roadmap
Jun 23rd
If you’re wondering whats going on with Motorola and their upgrade schedule for their android devices, you can take a look at their upgrade roadmap for the latest info. More >
Android 2.2 Froyo Open sourced
Jun 23rd
Google just released the source code to android 2.2 “Froyo” today, and it is now available for download via their site. This probably kicks off the countdown to an official build of Froyo as an OTA update for other android phones, such as the Evo 4G and the Nexus One. Head over here for a 2.2 source code download if you’re into cooking your own roms! The 2,2 sdk, which has been available for a while already, can be found here.
Nexus One’s Froyo FRF72 update leaked
Jun 19th
Now, don’t get too excited, this isn’t the official froyo update many have been waiting for, but if you were quick to jump the gun and update your TMobile nexus one to the leaked 2.2 update a few weeks ago, there’s now an update released to fix some bugs in that leaked froyo update. This update is NOT meant to be used alone, so do not flash it if you don’t already have the base 2.2 update installed. Not much is known about what the update actually brings to the table, but mentions of better flash support and a faster browser have been thrown around. More >
Five aigo Android tablets debuted
Jun 9th
Chinese company aigo has recently five new ‘aigoPads’ The devices come with either a four, five, or seven inch screen, and run Android 2.0, but will be upgraded later on to Froyo. Only one name was released at the launch, the aigoPad N701. There also seems to be a possibility of a download service, although if it’s the Android market or something custom, it is unclear. The five inch aigo E500 has been seen on sale for $235 recently. There is speculation the devices will be paired with Nvidia’s Tegra chipset, and offer 3G and WiFi capability. Expected to be on the market by July of 2010. More >
Google Navigation comes to Canada
Jun 9th
After a long wait, we’ve finally got Google Navigation! That is, if you didn’t already have it via all the hacks that are out there, that were unreliable at best though. No need to update anything, just start up Car Home and navigate away! Google released a full list of countries supported:
“Today we’re launching Google Maps Navigation version 4.2 in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland for Android devices 1.6 and higher.”
Android ported to iPhone
Apr 22nd
It may not be Android 2.1, but its a good start! David Wong of Richmond, BC, has ported over Android to run on the iPhone 2G. You can check out the video below and head over to the iPhone Linux blog for instructions on how to get this working. More >
Telus Milestone gets Android 2.1
Apr 22nd
Thats right folks! The Telus Motorola Milestone Android 2.1 update is ready to go. Get ready for the live wallpapers, facebook integration, and more! Download now from Motorola Website
In order to upgrade, you’ll need to download the application above, agree to the licencing agreement, plug in your phone and let it do it’s thing.
Google: Fixing Android Fragmentation
Mar 29th
An article about how Google plans to fix Android version fragmentation via downloable components for apps from the market was posted by Engadget today.
“...We’ve been given reason to believe that the company will start by decoupling many of Android’s standard applications and components from the platform’s core and making them downloadable and updatable through the Market, much the same as they’ve already done with Maps. In all likelihood, this process will take place over two major Android versions, starting with Froyo and continuing through Gingerbread. Notice that we said apps and components, meaning that some core elements of Android — input methods, for instance — should get this treatment. This way, just because Google rolls out an awesome new browser doesn’t mean you need to wait for HTC, Samsung, or whomever made your phone to roll it into a firmware update, and for your carrier to approve it — almost all of the juicy user-facing stuff will happen through the Market….“
