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

Move over Windows Mobile, but LG is looking to give the Android platform about half the love for its smartphone lineup. Now it’s a bit tough to gather what stance Android has based on the statement by LG’s CEO; Nam Yong. He has reportedly stated that “about 50 percent of our smartphone models will run on Android.” With a decent amount of LG handsets featured with Android at CES, it’s a clear indication that LG’s support for Windows Mobile may be dwindling. Surprisingly though, it was roughly a year ago when both Microsoft and LG formed a new partnership to have WM 6.5 as the platform of choice running on their smartphones. It’s still unclear about what percentage, if any, would be Android versus Windows Mobile. In any case, it could be taken as Windows Mobile still being the clean cut winner – “about 50 percent” could actually mean something like 49.9% for Android. If their CES showing points to a clear outlook, then maybe Android will ultimately outpace Windows Mobile.
source: The Korea Herald via Engadgetmobile

Prepping up for its eventual launch of Android, AT&T is about to unleash its assault with one of their newly announced handsets – the Motorola Backflip. With that in mind, there’s a lot of preparation going on in the background so that a smooth and successful release is in place. After the Motorola DROID’s successful marketing campaign, AT&T is hopeful about the Backflip’s potential to their eagerly awaiting customers – that’s why Eldar Murtazin stated on Twitter that over 400,000 units of the smartphone have been ordered by AT&T. Considering that it doesn’t match the specs found on the DROID, that ball field estimate provides some insight to what AT&T has in store for the Android powered handset. Undoubtedly its release will be watched intently by everyone, so the amount that’s been ordered is looking to have a lot riding on its back.
source: Twitter via Unwired View

With Dell’s Android powered phone widely available in the Chinese market; AT&T customers are getting the first taste here in the US from the PC making giant. Even though Europe has yet to see any form of the PC maker’s Android handset, Dell has gone out to say that the Dell Mini 3i “was built specifically with the UK in mind.” You can take that in any way you can, but it’s unclear at how it is aim specifically for the UK itself. The Dell Mini 3i seems like your ordinary Android handset – 3.5” touchscreen with a 640 x 360 pixel resolution, 3-megapixel auto-focusing camera, GPS, Bluetooth, and a re-skinned Android OS. Whether they’ll have some big marketing campaign for the UK or something else, reasons on why or how it was built for the UK in mind; is not concrete. Still supplementing its mysterious backing, there’s no word about which providers will be offering the handset with pricing also in the dark. One thing’s for sure though, it’ll be available in UK stores in the near future.
source: electricpig.co.uk

This sounds way too familiar and the Nexus One is taking a page right out of the iPhone 3G. With the device now readily available to the general masses, there have been complaints coming in from owners about the handset constantly switching between EDGE and 3G speeds – something that seemed to plague the iPhone 3G initially as well. Even in areas where 3G speeds are available, some are receiving poor 3G coverage. One owner in fact proves a point by comparing a T-Mobile G1 and Nexus One side-by-side at the same location. From the picture provided, you can clearly see that the Nexus One is running off EDGE while the much older G1 is happily basking in 3G goodness. Another user goes on to say how their G1 has a solid 3 bars of EDGE connection while their Nexus One on EDGE has a measly 1 bar. This doesn’t seem to be an isolated event because Google’s Nexus One support forums are overflowing with complaints. So how is your Nexus One faring so far?
via Gizmodo

Since last year, iPhone users have been able to access GPS directions thanks to the MobileNavigator app from Navigon. Now, with the success of their software, Navigon is bringing it to Android and Windows Mobile Smartphones. Two of the primary features will include Reality View Pro, which displays photo realistic 3D views with actual road signs and lane guidance for virtually every highway interchange and exit drivers will encounter, and Lane Assistant Pro, to helps drivers prepare to make an upcoming exit or turn by providing a lane map complete with arrows and actual road geometry. Added benefits include text-to-speech, speed assistant, day and night mode, access to saved contacts in the phonebook, and route planning. You can currently purchase the Windows Mobile version of MobileNavigator for $69 through February 14th, after which time it will be $89. The Android version is expected to be released in the Spring. We are interested in seeing how well it does compared to Google Maps Navigation, since the Google app is free.
source: Engadget

Now that didn’t take too long – AT&T is getting the much needed Android love from Motorola’s camp in the form of the Backflip. It’s a QWERTY handset with Wi-Fi, 5-megapixel camera, and Android 2.1 packing its very different looking form factor. The unique thing about it is that the front side is obviously the touchscreen while the rear is the QWERTY – instead of flipping it to open; you do the opposite by pulling up the front and flipping it around to get it into the correct position. Taking its cues from the Motorola Cliq, Motoblur will be in full force for all your social networking requirements. Battery life is still a concern with Motorola CEO, Sanjay Jha, stating that “we’re still working on battery life.” Motorola isn’t wasting any time on getting this smartphone out to Android hungry AT&T customers – it’s going to launch in the first quarter of 2010.
via Engadgetmobile

The rumor mill is cranking up again with fresh new rumors about two new Motorola Android handsets being unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. According to industry analyst Trip Chowdhry of Global Equities Research, Motorola may announce a new Android phone for AT&T and one for Verizon Wireless, both sporting OLED screens.

Mr. Chowdhry’s sources indicate that the AT&T handset will have a physical keyboard and offer a Google software environment instead of Motorola’s MotoBlur software. The second Android handset that may be announced will be for Verizon Wireless and have a soft keyboard.

Given that Motorola is scheduled for an event on January 6th at 5:30 p.m. in Las Vegas, it could be a safe bet that we will know if this rumor is true on that date. Stay tuned.

source: Barron’s