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About the New Look 2008-02-08 08:18:00 Alright, we'd like to take a second to address the new logo at the top of the site. For those of you who have visited the site before, you'll recall that we used to have a completely different looking robot at the top of the site. It was from a stock image, royalty free, and easy to implement. When starting out, it was the best thing we could find. Times have changed. The biggest problem we had with the robot was that we are AndroidGuys, plural. That poor robot did nothing to indicate we were two guys. Aside from that, it looked nothing like the stuff coming from Google or Android. Using the little green robot from the official stuff as a reference, we created two unique android guys to use as our new logo. Just in time for 3GSM and right on the heels of all this traffic surging we're seeing. Feels more in line with Google and the Open Handset Alliance and we hope you like it! AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion. ...

Use Google Apps Without Pesky IT 2008-02-07 18:02:00 If you work for a company that has an IT department this news may put a little smile on your face. Personally, I would love to try out apps like Opera's Mini web browser, or the new Firefox mobile web browser once it is released but my IT department views these applications as a threat, so they block me from installing them on my Blackberry. While I understand their need to protect their own information as well as their customers, could someone please tell me how downloading a game from RIMS own website is a security threat? Well at least Google feels my pain as they are set to release Google Apps Team Edition that will allow users to download and install Google's popular productivity suite including the word processor, spreadsheet, Talk instant messaging, and calendar. Noticeably absent from the list is Gmail which still requires IT support in order to re-route the companies email. You can check out the full article here on Computer World.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for ... Google

Talks Heating Up Between Google and Yahooo 2008-02-07 17:46:00 You can say whatever you want about Microsoft regarding their faulty hardware (Xbox 360) or their buggy software (insert any version of Windows here) but you can't knock the success they have enjoyed over the years. The majority of PC's in the world still use the Windows OS, and Microsoft Office is still the productivity software of choice among businesses and eduacational institutions. So why is that with all of Microsoft's success and their proven track record as a company Yahoo seems dead set against being acquired by the software giant? In an article posted on Computer World the talks between Yahoo and Google appear to be heating up. This in spite of most experts in the field agreeing that such a merger isn't likely to pass anti trust regulations. You can read the full article here. Only a few weeks ago we were discussing the moves Yahoo was making to become more competitive with Google. Obviously something has changed in that relationship for Yahoo to openly court their ... Google

Might Android Look Like This? 2008-02-07 15:00:00 We've all seen the screenshots of the Android interface floating around on the mockups and reference model. You know the one with the mountain in the back and the menu below. While it might be cool looking a few people, the general consensus would probably be that it looks antiquated and stripped of any flavor. Enter The Astonishing Tribe. TAT is a group of around 100 or more employees working in Sweden, South Korea, and the United States on projects for companies like Samsung and Motorola. They design mobile user interfaces and they do a darn good job of it too.It's no secret that Apple raised the bar when it comes to UI. Pretty much any phone that comes out within the next few years is going to be scrutinized and compared to how the iPhone feels. With concepts like those pictured here, TAT stands a very good chance at taking Android to the dance in a very pretty dress. Some of these designs look years ahead of the stuff people with WinMo and Symbian are running around with tod ...

ARM Set To Show Android Based Phone 2008-02-07 08:41:00 The mobile chip manufacturer plans to demonstrate prototype handsets running Google's Android at next weeks MWC. You can view the complete article here on Cnet News. No details were released as far as specs, but could ARM be courting an invitation to join the Open Handset Alliance? Stay tuned to Android Guys for more details and pics as soon as they are released.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion. ...

Hey Motorola! 1986 Called... 2008-02-07 07:51:00 You guys remember back in the days of Crocodile Dundee, Wang Chung, and Alf? Well apparently the team of guys who came up with the design for the new Motorola M990 must have used that era for inspiration in the new "Smart Rider" device. It looks like a BlackBerry mated with a pair of Blue Blocker sunglasses and decided to smoke crystal meth during the pregnancy. For those who don't follow, we think this thing is hideous and outdated looking. You're never gonna get out of your rut with devices like this. It gets better. Wait until you see who the target audience is... "with stylish and full features set, it is targeted to a broad band of markets looking for exclusivity like business men, limousines and private cars looking for stylish communication and navigation solution..." FCC - Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Report (PDF)So, if you have a car that looks like this, then you'll love the M990. It doesn't even have a cord on it! Seriously Motorola, from the concept all th ... Motorola

Verizon Vs Google in 700MHz Showdown? 2008-02-06 09:53:00 The latest information we're gathering this morning indicates that Verizon might be the company going around bidding up all the regional spectrum. If you recall from yesterday's post, if the total amounts for the regional spectrum spots are higher than the nationwide block, it gets split up and given to the high bidders of each region.It's rumored that Google was the company who bid up the price just over the reserve of $4.6B and was poised to take it home. Are the Mountain View boys upset by this? We seriously doubt it. They're more than happy that whoever walks away with it, has to open it up. Oh, and by the way... The auction is not over just yet. So hang in there. See, we told you this would be fun!Source: Engadget Mobile | ForbesAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion. ... Google

Do Not Be Fooled 2008-02-06 07:10:00 The rumors you are hearing about an HTC Magnum device are false. It is a prank done by a few guys from Portugal. Seriously.. 30 hour battery life, an 80GB hard drive and 2GB of ROM? Then throw in an 800MHz Marvell processor, 512MB of RAM, and a 128MB AMD graphics processor. Oh yeah... the best part is that it weight 1.6 lbs. guys! But wait, there's more! They have pictures of it. It is rather funny to see all these sites who picked upon it yesterday. Sites like Electronista, PhoneMag, SlashGear are wiping a little egg off of their faces today.AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion. ...

What to Expect From Android 2008-02-06 07:10:00 A lot of the hype around Android comes from developers and their geeky community. The main reason for this is because they "get it". They understand just how groundbreaking an open-source operating system is, especially for mobile devices. But what about the average guy with no idea what Android is or how it could benefit them? That's where I come in. I'm here to help you, the typical AndroidGuys visitor, gain an understanding as to what Android truly is and how it will change your life.Forecasting the Future Using HistoryThe easiest way for me to illustrate my points is by comparing how Firefox changed your internet experience with how Android will change your mobile experience.Remember a few years ago when Mozilla was a relatively unknown, untested company who dropped an alternative web browser on us? Do you recall how at the time, pretty much everyone using the internet was using Microsoft's Internet Explorer? We had been told time and again that it was the best experience we cou ...

FCC Auction Has Surprise Ending in Store 2008-02-05 12:03:00 Here's what we have so far. The high bid for the national block of the spectrum is standing still with a bid of $4,637,854,000 after 17 rounds. However, the combined bids for the regional blocks now total $4,748,030,000 after 31 rounds. This amount exceeds the nationwide block and throws a twist in. FCC rules state that when the total regional bids exceed the bid for the nationwide block, then the regional bidders win, and the blocks are sold individually. Somebody wake the President. The auction might have just gone into DefCon 5! We'll keep an eye on the auction for you and report back whatever we hear. For now, the smartest thing you can do is to subscribe to our feeds. AndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Google Android news and opinion. ...

Sub $100 Linux Phone 2008-02-05 09:01:00 Purple Labs, a member of the LiMo Foundation has recently announced a 3G Linux reference feature phone offering video telephony, music playback, high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming at a transfer price below US$100. As of right now, this is more of a proof of concept, or prototype so don't expect to see one available for a while. The best part about all this is that since it's Linux based, it's Android capable! Remember kiddies, just because the Open Handset Alliance members aren't the ones releasing devices like these, they are not restricted from running Android.If you're dying to get a glimpse of it in action, run to your nearest airport and purchase a ticket to Barcelona, Spain. That's right, Purple Labs will have these babies at Mobile World Congress/3GSM. "The Purple Magic reference phone clearly demonstrates our combined leadership in the mobile Linux arena," added Wilkinson. "While the mobile Linux industry has largely concentrated on high-end devices, th ...

Intel's Silverthorne Due Q2 '08 2008-02-05 08:21:00 Described as "the smallest (x86 instruction set) processor we've built in the last 15 to 17 years", the Silverthorne is coming in the next few months. The good news is that the chip operates at lower power with the performance of a Pentium processor. The not-so-good news is that it still operates at a slightly higher temperature than most other handheld chips. Source: TopTechNewsAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion. ... Intel

Brown to Oversee Motorola Handset Business 2008-02-05 07:35:00 First leaked in an internal email to Reuters and later confirmed by a press release, new CEO Greg Brown has assumed control of the handset division and will oversee it himself. Is he going to right the ship and take them out of the storm? After recent news and speculation, it's more likely that he is he going to clean it up and make it real shiny-like for potential buyers. So what happened to the guy who was supposed to be running the handset division, Stu Reed? He's going to remain with the company and work with Brown on the handset business according to Reuters. For those needing help with translating that, he's going to be the first guy to take orders from Brown. The official 'yes' man.Lot's of luck to Brown, Reed and Motorola. Let's hope they can turn things around.Source: RCR NewsAndroidGuys | The most trusted site for Android news and opinion. ... Motorola

34 Weeks of OHA: #5 2008-02-05 05:59:00 Open Handset Alliance Member Profiles (Week #4 - Broadcom ) For 34 weeks, each Tuesday, Jordan from fandroid.net will be joining us to offer a profile of each of the 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance.Company Name: China Mobile Communications CorporationHow the OHA site classifies them: Mobile OperatorWhat the OHA site says about them: Nothing. There's no blurb. Might be a translation issue.What they do: Provide mobile service to more people than any other carrier in the world.They have somewhere around two-thirds of the Chinese mobile market, which, according to Wikipedia, gives them 350 million customers. That's a lot. They also own Pakistan telecomunications company Paktel, which seems like an odd fit, but whatever. China Mobile is the largest company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.They're owned by the government of the People's Republic of China, which may or may not be OK depending on how you feel about human rights and the decline of the West.What they bring to OHA and ...

20/20 Podcast #8 2008-02-04 19:04:00 Last Wednesday saw Jamie and Scott sitting down to record another pair of 20/20 podcasts. Rather than sticking to a pre-planned 'script' for talking from, we decided to give ourselves a few bullet points to choose from and tackle them in whatever order seemed logical. Our conversation felt more natural to us as we shot from the hip. We're pleased with the results and hope that you will be too! If you have a topic or comment that you'd like to see us cover, leave a comment or drop an email. If you like what you hear, subscribe to the AndroidGuys 20/20 Podcast Feed today!Part 1 (#8A) topics include how Google Android will fit into the prepaid business model. We also touch on the Dell/Google rumor from last week as well as Motorola's possible exodus. Finally, the developer kit news regarding the extended entry date for the Developer Challenge and 700MHz auction round out the first 20 minutes.Part 2 (#8B) had us getting into Nokia and Trolltech's announcement last week. I ...