Last week. we showed you some video of the Nexus One loaded with Adobe Flash. Well, not to be out done, there now is video of the Motorola DROID all loaded up with Adobe’s 10.1 version of its software. The Adobe placeholder has pointed out Flash was going to be added to the handset, so this is no surprise. If you notice a slight difference in the functionality between the DROID and the Nexus One, it could be due to the latter running Android 2.1 and the former powered by Android 2.0.1. But don’t fret, DROID owners (yes, you CAN be fretless) because by the time that the Flash is added to your handset sometime in the first half of this year, your device will probably be also powered by Android 2.1.

Being able to view Flash animation will allow you to get a more in-depth look at the news, such as with the New York Times and BBC sites. Having the Adobe software will also allow the DROID user to access certain video game web pages as well as visit certain web sites that play current television shows. The bottom line is that adding Flash will make browsing on the DROID a much closer experience to browsing on your PC at home.
source: YouTube via TalkAndroid

As if the Nexus One’s reported issues with 3G connectivity weren’t enough, early adopters of the handset are also voicing their disdain about poor device support. The way the handset is being dealt with is very unique – generally you can go to your wireless carrier for technical troubleshooting without the need to be referred elsewhere. It’s definitely a one-stop shop for all your needs – from hardware, software, and network issues; it makes it convenient for the customers. Maybe it’s just the start, but Nexus One owners are complaining that Google isn’t offering the kind of device support they’re used to. Currently it looks as though Google is only accepting email customer queries; which is stated to take one or two days for a reply. Unfortunately turning to HTC or T-Mobile for questions or answer, they are informed to contact Google about all issues. From the start of this all, T-Mobile made it clear that device or technical support was going to be headed up by Google; not them. Although it may seem like baby steps right now, Google will have to adapt quickly in order to meet the satisfaction of their customers.
source: DSLReports

Not trying to ruin the Nexus One’s parade, but news about owners reporting issues with inconsistent 3G connections have plenty wondering where the problem lies. Up until now, neither T-Mobile, HTC, or Google was able to come out and say that the Nexus One had problems. With less than a week since its release, T-Mobile has gone on through its forums to officially recognize the Nexus One’s problems with its 3G network – whether it’s having less bars than other T-Mobile handsets or constantly switching between EDGE and 3G when they’re in great coverage. T-Mobile said, “Google and T-Mobile are investigating this issue and hope to have more information for you soon. We understand your concern and appreciate your patience.” Rather than having one point the blame on someone else, at least T-Mobile is taking the liberty to take up the issue head on and attempting to find solutions to correct the issue. It’s still not clear if the problems stems from hardware, software, the network, or a combination – hopefully more light will be shed on this glaring and hopefully short-term problem.
source: T-Mobile via Phonescoop

It seems the open source nature of Android is one of the reasons behind the increasing number of manufacturers that decided to jump on the bandwagon, come up with handsets based on the growingly popular operating system and expand the market supply of such devices. The company Inbrics makes for an illustrative example, because their first cell phone based on the Google-made platform looks quite promising indeed. Called the M1, it is equipped with 3.7-inch AMOLED display with WVGA resolution, 3-megapixel camera, 16GB built-in memory, microSD slot, Wi-Fi with DLNA support and 800MHz processor. Moreover, the cell phone is impressive with its thin body and full, side-sliding QWERTY keyboard. The version the manufacturer has introduced at CES 2010 is based on Android 1.5, but at Inbrics intend to roll out a variation of the M1 running OS 2.0 in March. The interface is personalized and offers altered home screen and multimedia player capable of 720p video playback. The ad campaign of the manufacturer seems centred on the multimedia and internet functionality of the M1 and there are still no pictures showing us the phone interface in portrait mode, which makes us think the device might be similar to the Nokia N900 or, in other words, an internet tablet with cell phone functionality. 

Inbrics plans to offer the M1 through various carriers that are expected to brand the handset differently, meaning the price of the device will largely depend on the carriers themselves.
source: Engadget

A bug in the 2.01 version of the Android OS might make the DROID a little less safe for its owners. The safety system requires a user to complete a specific pattern using on-screen dots before the system allows access to the phone’s features. To defeat the lock, when a phone call comes in to a locked up Motorola DROID, simply hit the dedicated back button and you will bypass the lock and head to the home screen. That will give the user access to everything on the phone including emails and the phone’s directory. Now it is true that the “spy” would need to know your phone number or wait for someone to call you, but frankly, how safe does that make you feel? The problem was first noticed by The Assurer who says it is only affecting Android 2.01 for the DROID. As for a response, a Google spokesperson says, “We are aware of the issue and we’re working to deliver a fix to Motorola DROID’s soon.” The very same problem happened to the iPhone in 2008, and was ultimately repaired.
source: TheAssurer via TechCrunch

Highly touted as being an open development platform, you may want to be more cautious the next time you download and install an app from the Android Martketplace. One particular application has been found to contain malicious code that tries to compromise banking information on your Android handset – thus possibly being used for banking/credit/identity fraud. First Tech Credit Union, who is being affected by it all, has posted a statement on their web site informing anyone who downloaded the Droid09 app to immediately uninstall it. Droid09 was a rogue Android app that creates a shell of mobile banking apps that attempts to gain financial information. First Tech Credit Union does not currently have an app available on the Android Marketplace – so it’s a little bit scary to imagine how apps are meticulously being looked at before making its way onto the Marketplace. As a precaution, always double check your financial institution if you’re unsure if there is an app available for your specific platform.
source: First Tech Credit Union via PhoneNews

Think back a year ago when Android first launched with plenty of excitement with Google’s backing to where it is now. It was probably unlikely to see Google diving past the software development of Android and get straight into the hardware landscape – that’s exactly what ended up with the launch of the Nexus One. Way back in November before any news of the Nexus One arrived, Sony Ericsson announced that it was calling the custom Android UI, the one found on the XPERIA X10, “Nexus” and that it would be seen on more devices from the veteran handset maker. That changed when all the excitement of the Nexus One came into light – forcing a showdown between the two companies. An unnamed Sony Ericsson representative admitted to Pocket-lint at CES that they were forced to abandon the name in relation to mobile phones in the wake of Google’s handset. It eventually was changed to “Timescape” and “Mediascape” – referring to the apps that sort contacts and multimedia content. It’s showing the fragile relationships between the two companies with Android. Sure we’ve seen a huge explosion of handsets featuring Google’s Android platform, but there are already inconsistencies between all handsets – possibly showcasing the disparities between forged relationships in the industry.
source: Pocket-lint

It’s the million dollar question in the Android community. Why can the Motorola Milestone, the overseas version of the DROID, support pinch to zoom in the browser while the DROID does not. And now it looks like the same thing is happening between the domestic version of the HTC Nexus One and the overseas model. Some blame some type of legality between Apple and Google that prevents the U.S. version of the Android OS from enabling pinch to zoom. Before we delve into this some more, we need to clear up a misconception. The DROID does support multi-touch, just not in the places where it would be most useful like in the browser, Google Maps and the image gallery. The Milestone supports multi-touch in all of those places. Why?

If you believe Andy Rubin, it is because he does not like two handed operations on a phone. Engadget was able to interview the Google exec and they had the following exchange- Engadget: ““You call this a superphone — 3.7-inch capacitive display, but no keyboard and no multitouch. Yet it has multitouch outside the US. Why not America?” Rubin: ““It’s not an America versus outside America kind of thing. It’s a decision that is a result of the OEM model. I personally don’t like two-handed operations… there is no conspiracy.”  Would you believe that the only thing holding back the DROID from having multi-touch in the browser and in Google Maps is Mr. Rubins’ hatred of two handed operations even though the rest of the world wants it? Or is it easier to believe that Apple asked Google not to use multi-touch as per a story that circulated last February? Despite that story, HTC managed to put pinch to zoom on some of its newer models. Besides, even if Rubin doesn’t like two handed operations, multi-touch can be used with two fingers on one hand. Obviously there is more here than meets the eye and until we are given the real reason why multi-touch can’t be enabled on U.S. models and is a feature of overseas units, strange stories and theories will continue to spread.
source: Phandroid

The unannounced HTC Espresso is the source used by the gang at AllDroid for the Sense UI it has placed on top of  Android 2.01 on a DROID. You can try to add some Sense to your DROID, but first you will need to root your handset. To do that, click on this link. Once you have successfully completed that task, head over to the source link to finish up the job. Of course, it is important to understand that a mistake could leave your handset as a paperweight or doorjam. Let us know if you are able to install the UI on your DROID.
source: AllDroid via RedmondPie

The Nexus One has been birthed and now eyes turn toward Google to see what the company will do for an encore. According to Reuters, no less a source than Andy Rubin says that the next model (the Nexus Two?) will be made for business users and will feature a  physical QWERTY keyboard. Such a device would strike fear into the heart of BlackBerry maker RIM whose handsets concentrate on the enterprise user and most include a physical QWERTY keyboard. Perhaps it is Rubin and Google’s intention to go after the competition one by one with the Nexus One aimed at the iPhone and the BlackBerry the target of the second device. Will the Nexus Two be called the Nexus Two? Will it be manufactured by HTC, the Taiwanese company that makes the Nexus One? When will it launch and what will it cost? All of these questions will be answered in due time. In fact, you should relax and enjoy the Nexus One and when more info comes out, we will pass it on to you.
source: Reuters via UnwiredView