Today, Google has reduced the need to type on any Android handset running OS 2.2 or higher with the introduction of Google Voice Actions for Android. Instead of typing out that text you need to send, you can simply use your voice to compose the message and send it on its way. Using Voice Actions such as “Navigate to…” or “Go to…”, you will be able to vocalize search requests, ask for specific songs to be played and even request certain web pages like the New York Times. The Google search widget has been updated to include this new feature and a list of the Voice Actions can be found at the sourcelink.

Google Voice Actions and the new widget are pre-installed on the Motorola DROID 2, which launches today. If you are using another Android model running 2.2, you will need to update Voice Search, the Google Search Widget any any music apps that you use (Pandora, mSpot or Last.fm for example). Or, you can click on this link and scan the QR code to get you on the way to replacing much of your typing with talking.
source: VoiceActions via GoogleMobileBlog

Today, Google has reduced the need to type on any Android handset running OS 2.2 or higher with the introduction of Google Voice Actions for Android. Instead of typing out that text you need to send, you can simply use your voice to compose the message and send it on its way. Using Voice Actions such as “Navigate to…” or “Go to…”, you will be able to vocalize search requests, ask for specific songs to be played and even request certain web pages like the New York Times. The Google search widget has been updated to include this new feature and a list of the Voice Actions can be found at the sourcelink.

Google Voice Actions and the new widget are pre-installed on the Motorola DROID 2, which launches today. If you are using another Android model running 2.2, you will need to update Voice Search, the Google Search Widget any any music apps that you use (Pandora, mSpot or Last.fm for example). Or, you can click on this link and scan the QR code to get you on the way to replacing much of your typing with talking.

source: VoiceActions via GoogleMobileBlog

Google recently used its right to remove an installed app from Android phones and the Android Market to get rid of an application that was basically a Trojan Horse. Designed to appear like an app with pictures from the upcoming Twilight Eclipse movie, the app was listed by Jon Oberheide from a security startup, Scio Security.  The real purpose of the download was to expose a security flaw that would allow someone with an evil mind to retrieve executable code without the users permission. Google, saying that the developers had lied about the intended purpose for the app, removed it and one other app developed by Oberheide from several hundred Android phones and the Android Market. The security flaw, according to Mr. Oberheide, would allow “an attacker who develops legitimate-looking apps and distributes them on the Android Market (to) gather a large install base and if there was a vulnerability within the Android operating system or Linux (upon which Android is based) the attacker can phone home to see if there is an exploit to download and push it out to all the phones he controls and take complete control of the phone via the kernel,” he said.

Google has an application called “Remote Application Removal Feature” that lets the company wipe out apps installed from the Android Market due to security reasons. One of the removed apps was called Root Strap and did nothing but simply print the message “Hello World” on the screen. The other app, as we said, was made to look like a preview to the new Twilight movie, Eclipse.
source: Examiner.com

Now that HDMI out ports are starting to becoming prevalent among top tiered devices out there, it would only be natural to see them being accompanied with pretty docks to showcase your new toy. Just like how we’ve recently heard that the HTC EVO 4G will be getting its own micro HDMI dock, the Dell Streak is being outfitted with a similar treatment in the form of an optional HDMI dock. There was a photo taken of the accessory that’s sure to become an equally prized item as it undoubtedly presents your brand spanking new Dell Streak with some class. Even though the handset’s display is more than adequate for viewing videos or content, the HDMI dock can provide owners with more ways to share things with other people aside from the device itself. There’s no questioning that it offers a better presentation, but there is no word on pricing for the accessory just yet.
via AndroidGuys

That add-on game pad made specifically for the Motorola DROID may have made gaming slightly better for owners, but we’re sure it still takes an ample of time getting situated when play a first person shooter game. We all knew that DROID does just about anything, just like how we witnessed the Motorola DROID running both Quake 2 & 3, but this time we’re seeing the nifty Zeemote Bluetooth controlled being utilized. So instead of fumbling around with the DROID’s QWERTY to navigate, owners can jump right on in with the accessory and get some quality time with the game without getting distracted with unresponsive controls. When you see all those fancy 3D intensive games being developed for Android, it really makes you wonder the possibilities if they are able to easily integrate controllers like this one to complete the experience.
via Ubergizmo

Expected to be available this week at the App Store and Android Market is the Square Payment System which turns your iPhone/iPad or Android device into a credit card reader. With the reader plugged into the phone’s 3.5mm audio jack, you simply swipe the card after entering information about the transaction, and you receive an approval. Retailers using the system will have to pay 2.75% of the amount of the transaction plus 15 cents, but that is much lower than other services and does not even take having to buy more expensive hardware into consideration. If a mobile card reader is something that your business could use, check out the video below.
source: Square

In showcasing the possibilities that can be accomplished with the Android platform, gamers will surely love how the platform can play host to a myriad of fun loving games – even if it doesn’t offer a QWERTY keyboard. The Motorola DROID might’ve received a neat new accessory that transforms it into a nifty game pad, but now it looks like the Nexus One is taking it to another level as it combines the Nintendo Wiimote to play games like Donkey Kong Country with the aid of an emulator. Thanks to the Wiimote Controller App, you can simply bring along the popular gaming accessory with you in all of your travels and have some much needed wireless fun on your Nexus One. So if you happen to own both devices, the Wiimote and Nexus One, then you can have a shot at having some console fun on the go.
source: YouTube via Engadget

After a good amount of time that has passed since the Nexus One’s launch, one of its most anticipated accessories has finally landed into the Google Store. The Car Dock accessory now supplements the existing accessories for the powerhouse Android smartphone like the popular Desktop Dock and the recently made available spare battery. Luckily it can be fetched for a mere $55 which is easily more affordable than the TomTom car dock accessory for the iPhone that retails for $119.95 – plus it offers some similar features such as built-in speakers and a handy volume control right on the accessory. In addition, the Car Dock accessory has the ability to be rotated to a specific position to offer the best visibility for the user and will charge the Nexus One as long as it’s plugged into the car’s 12V utility socket. Even though it’s nice that the accessory is finally available, there is no denying the unusual lack of availability of some of these common accessories from the start – still, it’s better now than never we suppose.
source: Google Store via IntoMobile

The HTC EVO 4G might be getting the most face time among people right now, but that’s not stopping the Nexus One from bringing the spotlight back to itself. Since its launch, consumers interested in the Nexus One were exposed to a new sales operating process that was quite different from the usual mobile phone shopping experience people tend to be comfortable with. From the looks of it, Nexus One accessories have begun to infiltrate T-Mobile stores across the country which could raise some flags that the device could come next. In addition, these accessories are being rebranded to the HTC Nexus One as opposed to the Google Nexus One – which could point to a new device name if it will indeed be offered in stores. When you look at the numbers the HTC HD2 has managed to accomplish in its short time, one would clearly see some advantages of making the device available to customers who prefer purchasing their device through a store. Not only would the Nexus One get some face time among a new class of customers who particularly don’t shop online, but it could also spur some additional sales.
source: TmoToday

Everyone’s favorite loving Android powered Truckbot was first on the scene sporting a rather tacky and humble exterior that made you feel somewhat badly for it. After a bit of work and dedication, Truckbot is back with a new look that truly showcases its slow evolution to a usable and decent looking device that’ll accomplish some basic tasks on its own. The new acrylic body that houses all of the electrical components and T-Mobile G1 looks a bit more polished and finished compared to what we saw when it first came out. Now it looks like the Truckbot can move in specific directions through the use of voice activated directions – the next thing you know, it could be programmed for mankind’s destruction with one clear voice guided command. There’s no doubt that the Truckbot will continue to be fined tuned by its programmers and creators to show everyone what kind of neat tricks that’s in store for this Android powered little Truckbot.
via Ubergizmo