Android Central

Android Central


Motorola Droid Bionic kernel source released

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 05:03 PM PDT

Droid Bionic

Samsung's not the only OEM releasing source code today, as Motorola has released the kernel and other GPL source code for the Motorola Droid Bionic.  Developers can use this, and will use this, but more important is that it shows that Motorola is serious about its commitment to open-source software.  We ride them because of their bootloader policies, but in reality all they are required to do is provide source code for the software they distribute that calls for it in the license.  They do a good job with this, and we're glad to see it.  Anyhoo, if you're curious, or actively developing for the Bionic, hit the source link and grab the files.

Source: Motorola's Sourceforge page; More: Droid Bionic hacking forums

Thanks, Conner!


HTC Thunderbolt Gingerbread update anticipated to be coming (back) 'soon'

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 04:36 PM PDT

HTC on Twitter

The HTC Thunderbolt has had a rough patch when it comes to Gingerbread.  Combine lots of rumors, even more leaks, and a pretty poor OTA that ended up getting yanked back and you'll have a mix that's bound to have Android power users up in arms.  We're not going to judge anyone here, heck we can't judge  -- releasing software isn't easy.  Verizon and HTC want you to be happy, because they want you to be a return customer.  To quote a great philosopher, "Shit Happens".

Hopefully, the happenings have finished, and according to the official @HTC Twitter account, the powers that be "anticipate the update being available soon."  By most accounts, the previous build of Gingerbread was about 90 percent, and the few bugs remaining have hopefully been squashed.  We've got Phil's battle-scarred Thunderbolt primed and ready, and as soon as we catch wind of any updates you'll be the first to know.

Source: @HTC; More: HTC Thunderbolt forums

Thanks, Ryan!


T-Mobile Galaxy S II kernel source released by Samsung

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 04:30 PM PDT

T-Mobile Galaxy S II

Samsung has released the kernel (and other GPL software) sources for the SGH-T989, otherwise known as the T-Mobile Galaxy S II.  As usual, this one's not for the layman or even the average Android hacker to fool with, but to developers it's like gold.  Having the kernel source will allow the Galaxy S II to get rooted, and then all sorts of goodness can happen -- and we can hardly wait.  Nice to see Samsung keeping on track and being quick with their code releases.  Hopefully, other OEM's can take a page from their book.  If you're the type who needs a bit of T989 kernel source, hit the link and grab it.

Source: Samsung


Data toggles, Missing SMS messages [From the Forums]

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:55 PM PDT

From The Forums

We're geared up for an exciting week here at Android Central and we know you all are pretty stoked as well. That said; stick with us here on the blogs and in the forums for all the latest news coming your way.

If you're not already a member of the Android Central forums, you can register your account today.


What time is the Samsung Galaxy Nexus event where you live?

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:38 PM PDT

Nexus

 

Sure we all know that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. local time Wednesday in Hong Kong, but what time is that for you? Confusion always sets in around event times, so we wanted to make this super simple for you.

North America

ADT (Halifax) 10:30 p.m. Tuesday
EDT (eastern daylight time) 9:30 p.m. Tuesday
EST (George Town) 8:30 p.m. Tuesday
CDT (central daylight time) 8:30 p.m. Tuesday
MDT (mountain daylight time) 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
MST (mountain standard time) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
PDT (pacific daylight time) 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
AKDT (Alaska daylight time) 5:30 p.m. Tuesday
HAST (Hawaii-Aleutian standard time) 3:30 p.m. Tuesday

 

Hey, rest of the world. We didn't forget about you. Hit this link for a list of cities near you.

And we'll have more coverage than you'll know what to do with all day Tuesday and Wednesday. And remember that the event's being streamed at youtube.com/android. Stay tuned, folks.

More in the Android Central Forums


You know what they say about the size of a guy's phone ...

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 02:16 PM PDT

Size his tool up

Really, in this world of 4.6-inch phones, we can't believe we're just now getting tipped to this app.

read more


New Google Wallet merchants added - Tap to pay and save money

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 01:01 PM PDT

Google has been going strong with Google Wallet as of late in an effort to make NFC more widely used. Their latest announcement is a testament to their commitment of working with merchants in an effort to make things easy, drive sales and save consumers money. They've added more supported merchants to the list, as noted on the Google Mobile Blog:

Today, our partners American Eagle Outfitters, The Container Store, Foot Locker, Guess, Jamba Juice, Macy’s, OfficeMax and Toys“R”Us are rolling out an even better Google Wallet experience. For the first time ever in the U.S., at these select stores, you can not only pay but also redeem coupons and/or earn rewards points—all with a single tap of your phone. This is what we call the Google Wallet SingleTap experience.

So not only will you be able to use Google Wallet at those places, you'll also be able to save some money while doing so. The "Featured Offers" tab within Google Wallet has offers that are exclusive and won't be found elsewhere. Some new ones added today include, 15% off at American Eagle Outfitters, 10% off at The Container Store, 15% off at Macy’s and an all-fruit smoothie for $2 at Jamba Juice and Google is actively working with retailers to have customer rewards / loyalty cards integrated with their services as well.

While Google admits that Google Wallet is still new and they are actively exploring new uses for it, the adoption rate has thus far been great with even more retailers such as Chevron, D’Agostino, Faber News Now, Gristedes Supermarkets and Pinkberry working with Google to accept Google Wallet.

Source: Google Mobile Blog


BlackBerry DevCon begins tomorrow, calls Android developers to have their apps ported for the BlackBerry PlayBook

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 12:51 PM PDT

Android Central

Tomorrow marks -- among other things -- the start of BlackBerry DevCon, the BlackBerry Developers Convention of the year, and this year they will be doing something a bit different. We all know that the BlackBerry PlayBook will have an Android player, and while we are unsure of when it will release to the public, we are seeing that RIM wants to be prepared with plenty of ported applications. So, if you are an Android developer and happen to be in the San Fransisco area this week, be sure to check out the link below to see what you need to do to have your application ported for PlayBook compatability.

Source: CrackBerry


Obvious test is obvious: Glass iPhone shatters worse than plastic Galaxy S II

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 11:26 AM PDT

In an unscientific test performed by unscientific people in a less-than-sterile scientific environment, a glass-bodied phone is surprisingly found to shatter more than a plastic one. Shocking.

Via: @squaretrade
More: The Earth is round


Droid RAZR teaser site not that much of a tease

Posted: 17 Oct 2011 11:06 AM PDT

Motorola Droid RAZR

Yep, there it is. The Motorola Droid RAZR. Cause when you tease something, chances are it's not lurking too far behind. And such was the case with that Droid RAZR teaser site, as many an Android snooper is now discovering. Thin. Presumably light. With that carbon-fiber/Kevlar-esque back. We'll get a better look at Tuesday's event.

More: Reveal.Motorola.com


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