Android

The 404 781: Where we have the prejunket jitters (podcast)

The 404 Digest for Episode 781 AT&T in talks to purchase T-Mobile--what's this got to do with me? AT&T puts the boot on unauthorized iPhone tethering. Rebecca Black signals the end of days. Giving in to the Super Moon's cry for attention. Sprint adds Google Voice service for customers.

Episode 781 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

AT&T flashes 3D-capable LG Thrill 4G phone

AT&T will add two smartphones to its lineup in the coming months, including one with 3D capability, the company said today.

The LG Thrill 4G boasts a 1GHz dual-core, dual-channel processor. It will also feature 16GB of storage, thanks to 8GB on-board and an 8GB microSD card. As one might expect from its name, the device will be capable of connecting to AT&T's 4G network. It will sport Android 2.2 and a 4.3-inch display.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the Thrill 4G is its 3D functionality. According to AT&T, the device boasts a "glasses-free 3D experience," in addition to the ability to capture 3D video and snap 3D photos. Video recording in 3D is available at 720p resolution, while 2D recording will output at 1080p resolution. The device will also come with access to the LG 3D Space for people to access 3D games, videos, and images, AT&T said. One downer: the only image available so far is too small to actually offer any detail.

But if the LG Thrill 4G sounds familiar, there's a good reason for that. Last month, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the company unveiled a smartphone called the Optimus 3D with all the same features as the Thrill 4G. That device is scheduled to be available in Europe in the second quarter.

As for the LG Thrill 4G, neither AT&T nor LG are saying how much the device will cost when it launches "in the coming months."

AT&T also unveiled the HTC HD7S today. The device features a 4.3-inch display and a 1GHz processor. It will run Windows Phone 7 when it launches "in the coming weeks." AT&T did not reveal a price for the HD7S.… Read more

Kyocera announces developer program for Echo smartphone

Orlando, Fla.--Kyocera today announced a developer's program for the company's new Echo Android handset that it unveiled with Sprint last month. The Kyocera Android Developer Program won't formally launch until April 17, but the company will show off the SDK at CTIA 2011.

The program is meant to encourage development of applications and games that will utilize the Echo's dual screens. Categories include gaming, social networking, mobile entertainment, location-based services, and productivity.

Kyocera also announced the initial list of developer partners who will issue the first apps optimized for the handset. For the most part, … Read more

Sprint snags 4G Nexus S

ORLANDO, Fla.--Sprint got an early start at CTIA 2011 today when it announced that it would add the Samsung Nexus S to its lineup. Not only will it be the first CDMA Nexus device--Verizon reneged on its promise to add the HTC Nexus One to its lineup--but also it's the first Nexus handset with support for a 4G network.

From the outside, Sprint's Nexus S is largely the same as its T-Mobile counterpart. It has the same sleek profile and shiny, polished exterior, and a 4-inch "Contour" Super AMOLED display.

Inside you'll see mostly … Read more

Subtler Sprint ID arriving on Samsung's Epic 4G, Galaxy Tab

Love it or hate it, Sprint is rolling out its Sprint ID software to the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Samsung Epic 4G, just as they said they would at a Sprint event last October.

Brian Smith, director of Open Platform for Sprint, told CNET that in addition to the expanded support, Sprint ID is changing going forward.

First, it won't be a "forced" experience as it was when it first launched at CTIA last fall. Instead of having to choose from a Sprint ID Pack after powering on your device, you'll now have a stock … Read more

Sprint-branded Xoom spotted online

It appears that Verizon Wireless won't be retaining exclusive rights to the Xoom for very long. Late yesterday an image of a Sprint-branded version of the tablet landed in an online forum.

Presumably, the device will be largely the same as the Verizon model, but it's unknown whether this edition will be ready to support Sprint's WiMax network out of the box. Sources close to site Android and Me have indicated that the Sprint model may come WiMax-equipped from the beginning.

The Verizon Xoom currently features 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity options with an option for users to … Read more

The 404 780: Where we throw the trolls a bone (podcast)

The 404 Digest for Episode 780

Scott Stein sits in for Wilson. Jeff feeds trolls in his Nintendo 3DS blog post. Check out the 3DS review in its 4,000-plus word entirety. TL;DR? The gist: 3.5/5 stars for impressive 3D experience with a weaker-than-usual launch lineup and inactivated online features. Check out this bamboo iPad 2 case by Grove! Video voice mail by Luke from Austin.

Record your own video voice mail on YouTube and send the link to the404(at)cnet(dot)com or leave an audio voice mail by calling 1-866-404-CNET (2638).

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Episode 780 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Impressions: Flash 10.2 Beta on Xoom

One of the advantages the Xoom purportedly has over the iPad is its support for Flash. Unfortunately, Flash wasn't available for the Xoom at its release, but as of today it is. We've taken the Flash 10.2 Beta for Xoom for a spin and have lived to tell the tale.

The full Web (?) Motorola states that this update brings "a full Web browsing experience" with it and for the most part that's true, but it really depends on how a full Web browsing experience is defined.

Yes, Flash on the Xoom does offer support … Read more

Amazon putting finishing touches on app store

The Android Market is about to face stiff competition in the next few weeks once the Amazon's app store goes live. In fact, the long awaited application distribution center may be the biggest competitor to the Google store, even more so than GetJar.

Earlier this week, Android users found that they could navigate their browser to amazon.com/apps where they would see a short list of apps and games. As initially discovered by AndroidNews, the Amazon store offered a few titles at prices lower than the Android Market, some as much as 40 percent less.

While most apps … Read more