Google has obviously tired of waiting for handset manufacturers to push out Android 2.0 to existing handsets before users can play with the Google Maps Navigation beta, and as such has released the turn-by-turn software for Android 1.6 devices. Available now in the Android Market, Google Maps Navigation for Android 1.6 delivers the same topographical layers, voice guidance and automatic rerouting as we found so useful on the Motorola DROID.
Back in August HTC confirmed that certain models in their Android line-up would eventually get an upgrade to HTC Sense, the UI debuted on the well-received HTC Hero. Now HTC Asia has pushed out Sense for the Magic; however it appears to be only for unlocked versions of the Magic (and potentially only Asian-language models) rather than carrier-branded versions such as the T-Mobile myTouch 3G.
As Motorola have found over the past couple of years, it’s taking an increasing amount to get geeks and gadget lovers to stand up and pay attention to a new cellphone. Right now, one sure-fire way of doing that is by launching an Android device, and so that’s what the ailing mobile giant has done in the shape of the Motorola CLIQ (aka the DEXT outside of the US). Not only does the CLIQ promise to make a splash among Android handsets, it also marks the debut of Motorola’s attempt to corral social networking into a mobile device. In our review we’ll not only be looking at the CLIQ hardware, as Motorola’s first-generation Android smartphone, but at MOTOBLUR and its potential beyond the CLIQ. Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.
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The holidays will be here before we know it and T-Mobile has unveiled some of the handsets that will make up its holiday line. Perhaps the most interesting device in the lineup for the holiday season for Android fans will be the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition. The handset is set to debut later this year and will have a guitar-inspired wood grain finish.
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T-Mobile USA have confirmed that the Android 1.6 OS update is now being pushed out to owners of G1 and myTouch 3G handsets. The firmware is being delivered as an OTA (Over The Air) update, the release of which is staggered; there is unfortunately no way to prematurely trigger it, so thousands of Android users will have their eyes glued to their phones over the next few days.
Considered T-Mobile’s myTouch 3G but not yet convinced? The carrier understands your reticence, and so to swing things in their favor they’ve done the obvious thing and enlisted the help of Whoopi Goldberg. Yes, everybody’s favorite Sister Act star not only loves the myTouch 3G, but enough to grin aimlessly while playing with it on video.
Video advert after the cut
It has been only a few weeks since RadioShack announced that it was rebranding itself as The Shack. Only a few weeks before that big name change the company announced that it would be offering T-Mobile phones in its retail locations.
Earlier today we heard about how HTC were unable to offer their Sense UI enhancements to owners of T-Mobile myTouch 3G and Vodafone Magic handsets, as a side-effect of “with Google” branding. Now comes word from one Android developer that, beyond OS 1.5 “Cupcake”, the original T-Mobile G1 may not see any future updates such as “Donut” or “Eclair”.
Since the HTC Hero debuted, owners of the company’s existing Android smartphones have been wondering whether they’d see HTC Sense – the company’s custom UI – released for their phones. Hopes were raised and then dashed back in June, when HTC confirmed that Sense would be available on certain devices, only those not “Google” branded; they’ve reiterated that at a Taiwan press conference, revealing that the unlocked HTC Magic will seen an update but the T-Mobile myTouch 3G and Vodafone HTC Magic will not.
The weekend is here again fellow geeks and geekettes so I am back with another week in review. Monday more rumors surfaced that has Apple launching that long anticipated tablet device this November. The rumors further claim that the tablet will be aimed at gaming and media use. Early this week Verizon cut the pricing on all its smartphones save a few of the new ones to $99. That makes us think lots of new smartphone hardware is on its way.
SlashGear Japan
