DROID X GETTING GINGERBREAD TOMORROW, FRIDAY MAY 27

On Wednesday Verizon Wireless announced that Droid X users would start receiving the update on Friday, May 27. According to Verizon, enhancements that come with the update include a new user interface with new colors, a download manager for your apps and attachments, faster access to the numeric keyboard mode, and autosuggestions to group your contacts faster.

Update instructions are posted here. You can either download it manually, which is useful when you're roaming, or wait for the over-the-air update.

This means that a Motorola employee wasn't fibbing on Monday when he told a forum of disgruntled Droid users, all still running Android 2.2 Froyo, that their Gingerbread updates were on the way. He specified that Droid X was scheduled to receive the update by "the end of the second quarter of the year," (i.e. June), barring Verizon's approval. Other Droid phones are scheduled to receive the update by the end of the third quarter, he said.

NOOK COLOR UPDATED WITH ANDROID 2.2, FLASH SUPPORT AND NOOK APPS

On Monday, Barnes & Noble announced that it will be updating the NOOK Color eReader with Android 2.2 (Froyo) and a number of other enhancements. The software patch — which will deliver Adobe Flash Player support – adds a NOOK Friends beta social network for sharing books, 15 new NOOK Kids Read and Play books, NOOK Email, NOOK Books Enhanced with embedded video and audio, and NOOK Newsstand for quick access to magazines and newspapers. A new NOOK Apps store will provide access to more than 125 applications, many of which are free or are priced below the $2.99 price point. The update, officially known as NOOK Color v1.2, is available now for free. NOOK Color owners can visit www.nookcolor.com/update to apply it now, or you can wait for an over-the-air update to roll out over the coming weeks.

RUMOR: ANDROID MARKET DISCRIMINATING AGAINST CUSTOM ROMS

There is a rumor floating around that Google's recently launched Android Marketplace website is not recognizing devices running custom ROMs. Engadget ran a test where the Marketplace successfully recognized a Desire Z running a factory install of Froyo (v2.2), but failed to recognize an HTC Hero running a custom version of Froyo from FroydVillain.

The Hero was logged in and syncing from the same Google ID just used to access the Android Marketplace on the device.

Is anyone else out there having problems with the new Google Android Marketplace?

SONY READER APP LAUNCHES ON ANDROID

The Sony Reader app for Android, promised for December 2010 release, has finally appeared in the Android Marketplace. The app allows users, besides reading ebooks, to automatically syncs previously purchased books, and like the e-readers, it also supports ePub and PDF formats. In addition, you can easily highlight text and adjust font and brightness settings right from the page you're reading.

Sony has confirmed the app will only work with handsets that run Android 2.2 and higher, which is incredibly ironic considering most Sony Ericsson handsets are, you know, still stuck with 2.1.

The iPhone version, according to Sony, is in review by Apple and should be in the App Store soon.

T-MOBILE'S G2 IS NOW....FREE!

T-Mobile has slashed the price of their hot Android powered G2 with Google phone to zero. That's right! If you order online, it will cost you nothing, nada, zip, zilch, except for the two year contract.

The G2 with Google is a 4G smartphone with a Snapdragon processor running Android 2.2 (Froyo). Other specs include:

• 512MB RAM
• 4GB internal storage
• 8GB external SD card,bexpandable up to 32GB
• 3.7" TFT WVGA display (800x480)
• Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
• Bluetooth
• WiFi b/g/n
• 5MP camera w/LED flash, autofocus and digital zoom
• Camcorder, 720p, 30fps
• 1300mAh Li-ion battery

HTC & VERIZON FASTEST TO UPDATE ANDROID

ComputerWorld has published a study that sheds some light on which manufacturer and wireless carrier in the U.S. provide Android users with operating system updates in the most timely fashion. Data was collected on handsets released by AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon from 2009 through 2010. The report examines how many phones were upgraded to Froyo (Android 2.2), how many days it took to receive this upgrade, and what percentage devices are still waiting. The study indicates that HTC has delivered the most Android 2.2 updates to its handsets (50%) while Motorola updates its devices the fastest (54.5 days after 2.2 announcement). In terms of carriers, Verizon took the top spot — taking just 58 days on average to push out 2.2 updates — and was followed by Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T respectively. The report notes, “Between June and December, AT&T failed to upgrade a single one of its nine Android phones.”

NO PROCESSOR REQUIREMENTS FOR HONEYCOMB

Earlier this week, the Internet was aflutter with rumors that Google’s tablet-optimized, Android-build — Honeycomb (Android 3.0) — would require, at minimum, a dual-core processor. Google’s very own Dan Morrill has taken to Twitter to kindly dispel the aforementioned myth. “Random note: there’s no hard minimum processor requirement for Honeycomb,” reads the tweet. “Trust me, if there were I’d know.” So if you are thinking of getting one of the plethora of tablets debuted at CES this week running Froyo, go for it.

DELL STREAK 7-INCHER UNVEILED

The 7-inch version of Dell's Streak tablet has been rumored and teased for months, but today it's officially official! And what it lacks in size it makes up for in sweet, speedy 4G goodness.

The Streak 7 weighs less than a pound, and comes complete with 5 megapixel rear and 1.3 megapixel front-facing cameras, Nvidia's graphically delicious Tegra 2 processor behind a 7-inch Gorilla Glass WVGA touch display.

Its size makes the new Streak not as pocket-friendly as the five-inch version, and places it in the same portability gray area as the Galaxy Tab. That it's still borderline phone-sized may mitigate the disappointment that the Streak 7 will launch with Froyo instead of Google's tablet-friendly (and pretty special-looking) Honeycomb OS. It will, though, support full Flash 10.1, and it weighs less than a pound. And we've gotten word that it will get the Android 3.0 upgrade soon after its launch.

And let's not forget that 4G! It's the first tablet to hop on a 4G network, specifically T-Mobile's supah-fast HSPA+. [Gizmodo]

HONEYCOMB TO REQUIRE DUAL-CORE PROCESSOR?

PCMag, citing a report from managing director of Korea's Enspert consumer electronics firm, Bobby Cha, writes that "Google’s new [...] tablet OS will require a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor to run properly.” Mr. Cha went on to note that Honeycomb may also require 1,280 x 720 screen resolution, but should run on tablets with displays measuring at least 7-inches on the diagonal. Presumably, single-core Android tablets already in the market (e.g. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab) would be unable to run the tablet-centric offering. Mr. Cha, who admitted his company is currently working on Froyo, Gingerbread, as well as Honeycomb devices, states that Honeycomb will be shipped to manufacturers “towards the end of January.” [BGR]

LEAKED: LG STAR

More photos of the LG Star have emerged.  These show an HDMI out port and Froyo.  It is expected the Star will ship with Gingerbread.  The leaker, over at AndroidForums, also claims the Star has a 480x800 resolution screen, a Tegra 2 chip and forward-facing camera. [Gizmodo]

MOTOROLA DROID 2 SECURITY FLAW

Reports are surfacing about a bug that affects all stock, unrooted Motorola Droid 2 mobile devices running Android 2.2, Froyo (and potentially other Android 2.2 devices with BLUR).  The bug allows users to access Google Voice Actions even if the handset is locked and a passcode set.

With the Droid 2 locked and passcode prompt on the screen pressing the "search" soft-key or keyboard key for four seconds will trigger Google Voice Actions allowing the person to speak any commands like "Call 555-555-1245".  It is unknown at this time if this affects any other Droid devices running Android 2.2.  If you have a Droid X, give it a try and let us know in the comments section.  Video of this bug is below. [BGR]

T-MOBILE RELEASING ANDROID 2.2 TO MyTOUCH3G

TMoNews is reporting T-Mobile will be releasing Android 2.2 (Froyo) to their MyTouch3G users tomorrow.  The deployment will be a phased roll out between tomorrow and October 25.  The update is only for MyTouch3G and not the special edition Fender or MyTouch3G slide.

The update brings the following enhancements:

New Fully Integrated Exchange Client

• Improved security: Numeric pin and alpha-numeric password options have been added to unlock the device. Exchange administrators can enforce password policy across devices.
• Remote wipe: In the event a device is lost or stolen, Exchange administrators can remotely reset the device to factory defaults to secure data.
• Exchange calendars: Exchange calendars are now supported in the Calendar application.
• Auto-discovery: With just a user name and password users can easily set up and/or sync an Exchange account (available for Exchange 2007 and higher).
• Global Address Lists look-up: This functionality is now available in the E-mail application, enabling users to auto-complete recipient names from an entire directory.

Faves

• Faves Gallery gives customers quick access to the 20 people who matter most.
• Customers can scroll through their Faves Gallery and instantly see the most recent communication from their top 20 Faves – calls, texts, emails, instant messaging, and social networking updates – and respond in a flash.

New Home Screen Features

• Home screen Tips widget provides tips on how to configure the home screen with shortcuts and widgets and how to make use of multiple home screens.
• Market widget lets you keep on top what’s hot on Android Market, showing featured apps right on the home screen.
• Live wallpapers are available on Android Market, such as Aquarium, Google Maps and many others.
• Phone, All Apps and Browser now have dedicated shortcuts on the home screen, making it easy to access them from any of the five home screen panels.

Improved Communication Features

• Gmail app enhancements:
• Include quoted text from the body of an e-mail message Navigate quickly using on-screen previous/next buttons Identify e-mails using colored labels See inline images in messages
• Calendar app now supports multiple Google and Exchange accounts
• Google Talk app lets users search for buddies from the Search key
• Google Voice app now uses Inbox Synchronization so new messages are received in a matter of seconds
• Quickcontact is now available in Gmail, Google Talk, and Google Voice, right from your device. Users tap on a contact image to access various ways to reach that person, such as call, SMS, e-mail, etc.

Other

• Improvements to the camera and camcorder, ability to add multiple languages to the keyboard, enhancements to Google Maps, YouTube app, Facebook app, and Twitter app.

[BGR]

SKYPE OFFICIAL APP FOR ANDROID LAUNCHES

Skype has released an official app for the Android handsets.  Phones running version 2.1 or 2.2 can now download the app for free Skype-to-Skype calls, IM and more.  Just as with the iPhone version, the Android app will make calls over WiFi or the network, 3G included.  From the press release:

Skype today announced the release of Skype for Android™, a client for mobile handsets, built for smartphones running Android OS version 2.1 or above. With this latest release, the majority of smart phone users globally will now be able to experience the benefits of Skype on the move using either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)*. Skype for Android is downloadable for free from the Android Market or consumers can visit www.skype.com/m to find out more details about how to get the application.
Skype for Android enables users to:
· Make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)[1]to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype's SILK codec for CD-like audio quality.
· Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
· Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype
· Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
· See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
· Easily import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book
· Receive calls on their Skype online number
Mark Douglas, Product Manager of Android said: "The Skype experience is ubiquitous today. More and more people are using Skype to do things together when apart. With the addition of Skype, we are pleased that Skype is now available on three of the most popular mobile platforms today: Android, iOS and Symbian"
Skype for Android™ works on compatible handsets running Android OS v2.1 and above and has been tested successfully by Skype on HTC Desire, HTC Legend, Google Nexus One, Motorola Milestone XT720, and Motorola Milestone. Skype for Android™ supports the following languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese & Traditional Chinese. [Gizmodo]

ANDROID 2.2 ROLLING OUT TOMORROW FOR DROID X

Droid-Life is reporting they have official confirmation that the Android 2.2, Froyo, update will roll out tomorrow at noon for Droid X users.  If you don't automatically get the over the air update, you can manually get it by going to Settings --> About Phone --> System Updates. [Droid-Life]

VERIZON CREATING IT'S OWN APP STORE

Verizon Wireless already has an app store, V Cast App Store, which comes pre-installed on their Blackberry devices.  Now Verizon is opening this up to Android developers and the V Cast App Store will be appearing on Android devices in the not too distant future.

According to a letter sent to developers from Verizon:

• It's Free – No Testing Fees
• Carrier Billing – Your applications are billed directly to the Customer's Bill; No credit cards, PayPal, etc.
• 70/30 Revenue Share – 70% Developer / 30% Verizon
• Hands-on, Experienced Content Programming Team – Get the visibility you deserve, not just a quality-crushing algorithm!

Unfortunately, only those devices running Android 2.2 (Froyo) will be able to take advantage of this new service initially.

Google should not be too upset with this rival to it's own App store since this signals an even deeper entrenchment and investment of Android on Verizon Wireless. [Gizmodo]

SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET SPECS

The Samsung Galaxy tablet has been officially announced.  Of course this device has been one the worst kept secrets of the tech world since...well, ever.

The new tablet will run Android 2.2 (Froyo).  It will have a 7 inch TFT-LCD WVGA screen running at 1024 x 600.  The Galaxy will be powered by a Cortex A8, 1.0GHz processor and a PowerVR SGX GPU and 512MB RAM.

It will have a back facing 3MP camera with auto-focus and a LED flash.  The front facing camera, for video conferencing, is 1.3MP.

There will be two storage capacities offered, 16GB and 32GB, with both having the capability of upgrading another 32GB via a card slot.

There are several connection options including WiFi 802.11n, Bluetooth 3.0 and 3G if want to use the Galaxy with one of the potential carriers.

Software-wise, the Galaxy has a Reader's Hub, Media Hub, Music Hub and Social Hub acting as dedicated areas for particular uses (fancy folders really).  It will not only have access to the Android Market, but the Samsung Apps store as well.  The built in gyroscope, geo-magnetic sensor, accelerometer and light sensor could make for some interesting applications.

As mentioned, the Galaxy tablet will be running Android 2.2, however it won't be stock.  Samsung has slathered on their TouchWiz UI, which is disappointing.

LEAKED: HTC VISION/VANGUARD/G2 TO SHIP SEPT. 29

HTC and T-Mobile are expected to announce on September 15th the Vision/Vanguard/G2 Android phone.  The is the hotly anticipated replacement to the aging G1.  The new phone is expecting to be released on September 29th.

The G2 is expected to run stock Android 2.2 (Froyo) and have a new processor.  The processor is a MSM7x30 Snapdragon with an Adreno 205 GPU on board.  [Android Central]

OFFICIAL FROYO UPDATE COMING FOR HTC DROID INCREDIBLE

For those of you who are skittish on rooting your HTC Droid Incredible to get Froyo (Android 2.2), don't despare.  According to our friends over at DroidLife, the official release of Froyo is coming tomorrow!  This update will include all the goodness of Froyo including Flash 10.1.

LEAKED: ANDROID 2.2 FOR HTC DROID INCREDIBLE

Shipped-Roms has a leaked version of Froyo (Android 2.2) available for download.  If you can't wait for the official release, go grab this executable dated August 26, 2010.

Droid X update to Android 2.2 leaks out

My Droid World is reporting that Android 2.2 Froyo for the Droid X on Verizon is hitting the airwaves.