When we last checked in on the Fennec browser for Android, the software was in the nightly build stage. While the browser is still in the space between pre-Alpha and Alpha, the new build is faster and is said to be more polished than the prior version. To download the latest build of the Fennec browser for Android, simply click on this link. It is recommended that your Android be powered by a 1GHz processor (Snapdragon, Hummingbird or the TI OMAP 3630-1000) so that your phone will get the ultimate performance from Fennec. The software allows for tabbed browsing and an add-on called “Weave” which allows you to sync your bookmarks, passwords and tabs between the mobile and desktop versions of the browser. There is also an integrated search engine which defaults to Google. For Android users, it is quickly shaping up to be another browsing option in what is rapidly becoming a crowded market.
source: DroidLife via AndroidGuys

You’ve got to applaud the developer community for their hard work in aiding HTC HD2 owners with a stable build of Android, but now things are only going to get better. Now that it’s pretty much guaranteed that the long time Windows Mobile powered smartphone would be excluded from any Windows Phone 7 updates, the developer community took yet another daunting task in building a near perfect port of Android 2.2 Froyo. The new ROM that’s available is promised to be nearly flawless in execution seeing that it includes support for 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, camera with flash, and other essential basics to make it functional to use on a daily basis. The video put together by HDBlog.it demos most of the notable functions of the handset, like a working Google Maps Navigation, with the new custom UI running on the handset. So if you tired of the usual Windows Mobile experience, you can jump ahead of the pack with Android 2.2 Froyo on your refreshed HTC HD2.
source: HDBlog.it (translated) via SlashGear

As is usually the case when the sequel to a cellphone model is released, the Motorola DROID 2 has some impressive hardware improvements to go along with a bump up in software (to Android 2.2 at launch). And when the handset was given a Quadrant benchmark test, it performed very well with a score of 1299. Motorola decided to fix the one major complaint that DROID owners had, which was a rather hard to use QWERTY keyboard. First, the Schaumburg based company removed the gold eye sore that they called a D-Pad from the first model, replaced by 4 arrow keys, and that gave them more room to make the keys bigger. The slide out landscape keyboard feels sturdier and easier to type on.

The DROID 2 brings a faster, zippier processor to the table with a 1GHz TI OMAP under the hood, 512MB RAM (which leaves you about 200MB after boot-up) and also includes a pre-installed Swype keyboard that allows you to type faster with more accuracy. As we noted, the DROID 2 will launch with Froyo and features the same “lite” version of MotoBLUR seen on the DROID X. Similar to the first-gen DROID, the sequel sports a 5MB camera with video capture, a 1300mAh battery and 8GB of internal memory.

With a launch expected later this month, the DROID 2 looks like it might be sexy enough to give Verizon customers a very difficult choice between the DROID X and the DROID 2. After all, not everyone likes to carry around a massive 4.3 inch screen in his pocket. And after the DROID 2 launch, Verizon will probably turn its attention to the Samsung Fascinate which is Big Red’s Galaxy S variant. Tough decisions and good times are ahead for Android fans using Verizon.
source: IntoMobile

Samsung already looks to have a tight grasp in the smartphone market now that two out of the four major carriers have launched their specific versions of the Samsung Galaxy S handset. We’ve only begun to taste the tip of the iceberg with Samsung’s offerings, but there’s no doubt that the Samsung Epic 4G and Fascinate will also accomplish the same feat – thus aiding sales for the Galaxy S line of handsets on a global basis. However, it looks like there might be even more under the covers since Samsung has sent out invitations to members of the press regarding a special event being held on August 11. Presumably, it may have something to do with their upcoming Android powered tablet based on the Galaxy S; the Samsung Tab. Despite the lack of official specs, it’s speculated to sport a 7” touchscreen and will run Android 2.2 from the start – plus it may also implement some phone functions. The invitation states that it will be an opportunity to “see new products” which could mean a laundry listing of products from the Korean manufacturer. So you can’t throw out the notion that they can even announce something like a new 3D television set or appliance product, but you really can’t help think that it has to be something to do with this Android tablet – even when it looks like Samsung Galaxy S sales are looking healthy.
source: CrunchGear

If you are an Android owner and have some time to kill, or want to be the life of the party, install Akinator on your device. For about $2.00, the software challenges you in a game of twenty questions and can usually find the most obscure person or character, dead or alive. We tested the app and was amazed that it picked out our selection of Owl Jolson, the bird from the famous cartoon who sang, “I wanna sing about the moon-a and the June-a” and even displayed a picture of the bird. Not to say that the software was always correct. The late rhythm guitarist, Doug Fieger, from The Knack was over looked as was Palm CEO Jon Rubinstein. On the other hand, Google CEO Eric Schmidt was correctly guessed, although it took 30 questions. The software also tells you how many times other users selected the same person or character. For example, Schmidt was selected by 86 other players of the game. You can install the app from the Android Market.

Thanks, Michael and Brandy

Based on a leaked screen shot of Vodafone’s computer systems, the HTC Desire Z and Desire HD are two more Android handsets that are coming down the pike. Formerly known as the Vision, the HTC Desire Z will be similar to the current HTC Desire, but will include a side sliding QWERTY keyboard. The second smartphone, which was rumored to be called the Ace, is in reality the HTC Desire HD. The HD will feature an all-aluminum one piece casing, similar to the housing on the HTC Legend. As we reported last month, the phone should be equipped with a 4.3 inch screen and an 8MP camera. With both models listed on the inventory systems of Vodafone D2 over in Germany, it looks like the launch of both devices is not too far away.

Thanks Patrick!

source: BestBoyz

Yesterday it was a rumor, today it is official – unlocked versions of the HTC Desire are getting updated to Android 2.2 starting this weekend. HTC also throws in HD video capture for good measure. Here is the full list with goodies from the official presser:

“The Android 2.2 (FroYo) update for HTC Desire will start rolling out across Europe this weekend. As well as including the complete set of Android 2.2 features, the update will contain a few special additions of our own through the latest iteration of HTC Sense. The update will provide 720p video capture, HTC’s App Share widget, as well as our enhanced HTC Caller ID, and improved multi-language keyboard. Also, through the update, HTC Sync will allow HTC Desire users to sync their music with iTunes.

HTC Desire users will be notified that the over-the-air update is available to download when their phone automatically checks for software updates. The update won’t delete any of the phone’s content. However, due to the size of the update, we would advise using a WiFi connection to download it wherever possible to avoid additional data charges.

This update will initially roll out to unlocked HTC Desire handsets. Operator specific versions of the update are undergoing testing and we expect to make them available in several weeks’ time.”
via Engadget

While the Motorola DROID 2 is not expected to be released to the public until mid to late August, the User Guide for the phone has been leaked. So what have we learned from looking through it? Well, we can now raise our confidence level to Fire Truck Red that the sequel to Time Magazine’s 2009 Gadget of the Year will be shipped out with Android 2.2 in the box as the Froyo version of Google search is written up in the guide.The booklet also delves into the Motoblur UI that appears on the unit-it’s the same “lite” version that is on the DROID X. The virtual QWERTY keyboard will be multi-touch as the one on the DROID X is and the DROID 2 will offer the swipe to type Swype keyboard. To view the entire User Guide, click here.

With the DROID X shoving its massive screen right into your face, the DROID 2 could be a hard sell for Verizon-especially if it is priced at the same gold standard of $199.99 after a 2 year contract that most high-end models have been priced at lately. For the same price, you could have the 4.3 inch display of the “X” staring right back at you. Sure, it will appeal to those who want a DROID and need a physical QWERTY (upgraded from the first-gen model, by the way), but there still is the Samsung Fascinate to consider. Big Red’s variant of the Galaxy S will probably be the carrier’s next big launch after the DROID 2. We obviously are looking too far ahead. After all, Verizon has not even introduced the DROID 2 yet.
source: DroidLife

Samsung announced 83% net profit rise year-on-year in the second quarter to $3.6bln. Demand was strong across the board, with a whopping sevenfold sales increase in its core semiconductors business. TV and panels sales also rose significantly, and the company announced it should be able to keep up with the demand for LCD and LED panels in Q3.

It didn’t mention anything about the Super AMOLED demand, though, maybe because it hopes to sell 10mln units of both the Galaxy S and the Samsung Wave phones in this current quarter. Nothing wrong with wanting to keep your major advantage to yourself, especially considering that the average selling price of Samsung’s handsets fell in Q2 because of the competition, despite the nearly 64mln handsets being pushed out.

The company is the world’s second largest cell phone producer, but, similarly to the largest one, Nokia, most of the business comes from basic handsets – only 30% of the company’s phones sold in Q2 were touchscreen, for example.
source: SamsungHub

Google is expecting many things from its Android platform. Like, say, $10 billion in revenue annually. That seems a number that is very optimistic, especially considering that manufacturers pay Google nothing to use the OS; but as CEO Eric Schmidt points out, “If we have a billion people using Android, you think we can’t make money from that?” The executive says that to reach $10 billion, all Google needs to do is to collect $10 from every Android user. One plan that the Mountain View based firm is cooking up is to sell newspaper subscriptions. Google is also developing a social networking site that it expects will match Facebook.

Currently, Android phones are being activated at a rate of 160,000 handsets per day. This allows for continued widespread growth of Google branded apps like Maps, Google Search and others. Will Google be able to monetize all of these things into $10 billion of revenue every year? One thing that many have learned in the industry is not to doubt Google. After all, according to Statcounter, the company controls an amazing 98.29% of the mobile search market. Yahoo is second with an .81% share with Bing tied with “Others” for third with .46%. If Google can put up those kinds of numbers, who knows, maybe $10 billion in annual Android revenue will turn out to be too light.
source: TechCrunch, WSJ