N95 vs N95 8GB

Cool video showing boot time between 1st gen N95 (N95-1) vs N95 8GB (N95-2). The N95-1 is using the V20 firmware which makes up for the lack of system memory as the N95 8GB using V11.

How to Unlock your Smartphone?

I’ve had a series of smartphones throughout the past years (BB 7100t, BB8700c, HTC Hermes/8525 and now N95). Each and everyone of it, I’ve been successfully unlock them legitimately and without paying anyone or going through some online services. That is not to say that those online services are not trustworthy, it’s just that if you have a legitimate phone/contract with any carrier, they will very likely unlock for you upon your request.

In all of my scenarios, I ususally wait about 1 to 2 months into my contract. Then I simply place a call with customer service explaining hat my personal traveling would require the need to unlock the phone. It helps if you can identify a country or just have a casual chat with the rep about your vacation plans. 9 out of 10 are very understanding and would be willing to help you with your request. In the recent years, AT&T would put in a request for me and email me the instructions about 3 days later (even though they claim it could take up to 10 business days).

Tip! I would unlock any phone that belongs to you. It is your rights to be able to use your phone with any carrier (this is more applicable to GSM phones). I’ve done so with many phones in the past with the same method. They’ve all been successful.

AT&T Tilt WM6 Smartphone for $99 Only

Gotta love Amazon.com for being aggressive with their cell-phone subsidizing plans. If you are a new customer to AT&T or elgible for renewing your contract with AT&T, this is a smoking deal. A $500 very capable quad-band smartphone (w/ 3G, WiFi, GPS-Integrated, 3MP Cam/Camcorder and 256MB Memory plus 128MB or RAM). The Tilt is considered one of the best phones out there with some serious horsepower.

Amazon.com is currently offering it for $99 after a $50 rebate. If you’ve thought about getting a smartphone to start your mobile experience, I’d say this is the perfect phone. (These phones are so feature-rich that in a few months if you want to buy another phone outright like the N95, you can easily sell this one off on eBay for funds).

Sub-$100 Purple Magic 3G Linux powered mobile phone unveiled by NXP and Purple Labs

The independent semiconductor company founded by Philips - NXP Semiconductors and the embedded Linux solution provider for mobile phones - Purple Labs today announced the low-cost Linux-powered 3G mobile phone. The so called Purple Magic phone is based on the NXP Nexperia Cellular System Solution 7210 for 3G, coupled with the Purple Labs Linux suite. First it’s important to say this is a

Sub-$100 Purple Magic 3G Linux powered mobile phone unveiled by NXP and Purple Labs

The independent semiconductor company founded by Philips - NXP Semiconductors and the embedded Linux solution provider for mobile phones - Purple Labs today announced the low-cost Linux-powered 3G mobile phone. The so called Purple Magic phone is based on the NXP Nexperia Cellular System Solution 7210 for 3G, coupled with the Purple Labs Linux suite. First it’s important to say this is a

Garmin hits iPhone directly with Nuviphone

We know, it’s not like the nüvifone is a total surprise any longer, but just in case you tend to rest easier after digesting information straight from the source, here goes.The Nuviphone aims both to compete with the iPhone as well as to bring Garmin’s experience with GPS navigation to the forefront. Almost entirely controlled by a 3.5-inch touchscreen interface, the device centers around its

Garmin hits iPhone directly with Nuviphone

We know, it’s not like the nüvifone is a total surprise any longer, but just in case you tend to rest easier after digesting information straight from the source, here goes.The Nuviphone aims both to compete with the iPhone as well as to bring Garmin’s experience with GPS navigation to the forefront. Almost entirely controlled by a 3.5-inch touchscreen interface, the device centers around its

Panasonic prepare to lunch Panasonic 822P

Panasonic is going to release its 8.9mm-thick mobile phone ‘822P’ in Japan market, which is equipped with a 2.2-inch display with 240 x 320(QVGA) resolution, a 2M camera with auto focus function and a micro card slot expandable to 2GB. Supporting international roaming service and Bluetooth connectivity.The 822P comes with four different colors including red, pink gold, black and white. It is

Panasonic prepare to lunch Panasonic 822P

Panasonic is going to release its 8.9mm-thick mobile phone ‘822P’ in Japan market, which is equipped with a 2.2-inch display with 240 x 320(QVGA) resolution, a 2M camera with auto focus function and a micro card slot expandable to 2GB. Supporting international roaming service and Bluetooth connectivity.The 822P comes with four different colors including red, pink gold, black and white. It is

Alltel Wireless also announced,Samsung Muse sports

The Samsung Muse sports is the second mobile phone announced of Alltel Wireless with a fresh look and a stimulating sound to satisfy all who find inspiration in music. With the Samsung Muse, those passionate about music always have their favorite tunes within reach. Users can customize the phone with a dedicated music key for ringtones, XM Radio Mobile and easy access to the MP3 player.The

Alltel Wireless also announced,Samsung Muse sports

The Samsung Muse sports is the second mobile phone announced of Alltel Wireless with a fresh look and a stimulating sound to satisfy all who find inspiration in music. With the Samsung Muse, those passionate about music always have their favorite tunes within reach. Users can customize the phone with a dedicated music key for ringtones, XM Radio Mobile and easy access to the MP3 player.The

Alltel Wireless announced the LG Scoop

Alltel Wireless announced the LG Scoop ,plan to be available during the first quarter of 2008.The LG Scoop allows customers to take it easy on their thumbs with a messaging-friendly QWERTY keyboard and chat-style IM. Offered in three colors including citrus orange, slate gray and turquoise blue, the LG Scoop has AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger pre-loaded, so there is never a missed

Alltel Wireless announced the LG Scoop

Alltel Wireless announced the LG Scoop ,plan to be available during the first quarter of 2008.The LG Scoop allows customers to take it easy on their thumbs with a messaging-friendly QWERTY keyboard and chat-style IM. Offered in three colors including citrus orange, slate gray and turquoise blue, the LG Scoop has AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger pre-loaded, so there is never a missed

Bell Mobility lets loose white HTC Touch, Verizon next?

Canadian carrier introduced a white version of the same device and is therefore again faster than Verizon which is expected to introduce a white HTC Touch as the Verizon XV6900 as well.The specs stays the same and the white HTC Touch also runs on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional supporting Bell’s EV-DO high speed mobile network and featuring HTC TouchFLO, a 2 megapixel camera and camcorder,

Bell Mobility lets loose white HTC Touch, Verizon next?

Canadian carrier introduced a white version of the same device and is therefore again faster than Verizon which is expected to introduce a white HTC Touch as the Verizon XV6900 as well.The specs stays the same and the white HTC Touch also runs on the Windows Mobile 6 Professional supporting Bell’s EV-DO high speed mobile network and featuring HTC TouchFLO, a 2 megapixel camera and camcorder,

Pantech’s W61PT in AU KDDI shops

One of the ten KDDI “Spring Collection” presented yesterday,is Pantech W61PT.This time, Pantech is aiming at women from 20 to 40 years old with a sweet design and 3 “fresh” colors (Noble White, Elegant Pink et Midnight Black). The specifications include a 2.4 inches screen, 2 megapixels Digital Camera, MicroSD port and many other functions in just 14.2mm of thickness.Via Akihabara News

Pantech’s W61PT in AU KDDI shops

One of the ten KDDI “Spring Collection” presented yesterday,is Pantech W61PT.This time, Pantech is aiming at women from 20 to 40 years old with a sweet design and 3 “fresh” colors (Noble White, Elegant Pink et Midnight Black). The specifications include a 2.4 inches screen, 2 megapixels Digital Camera, MicroSD port and many other functions in just 14.2mm of thickness.Via Akihabara News

Opening New Screen in Android

An Android application, at most, contains more than one screen. But, how we can open a new screen after clicking a button, choosing a menu, or other? It is not too difficult to do in Android.

There are a few step to do, to open a new screen in android. You have to create an activity class, an xml layout, update AndroidManifest to know your second/third .. activity class, and put a code to call the new activity / screen.

An Activity class can be created with extending from Activity, ListActivity or other Activity class. Each Activity Class should have an xml layout as a view screen as a representation of the Activity Class.

Android Manifest should be updated to know the new activity / screen. so, when requested to show the new screen, it knows which class to execute.

At last you should put a piece of code to first screen, to show the new screen. Below is an example to open a new screen:

//screen1.java


package test.android;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.widget.Button;

public class Screen1 extends Activity
{
   public void onCreate(Bundle icicle)
   {
      super.onCreate(icicle);
      setContentView(R.layout.screen1);
      Button b = (Button) findViewById(R.id.btnClick);
      b.setOnClickListener(new View.OnClickListener() {
         public void onClick(View arg0) {
         Intent i = new Intent(screen1.this, screen2.class);
         startActivity(i);
         }
      });
   }
}

//screen1.xml


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
   android:orientation="vertical"
   android:layout_width="fill_parent"
   android:layout_height="fill_parent"
>
<TextView
   android:layout_width="fill_parent"
   android:layout_height="wrap_content"
   android:text="You are in the first Screen"
/>
<Button
   id ="@+id/btnClick"
   android:layout_width="wrap_content"
   android:layout_height="wrap_content"
   android:text="Open New Screen"
/>

</LinearLayout>

//screen2.java


package test.android;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.widget.Button;

public class Screen2 extends Activity
{
   public void onCreate(Bundle icicle)
   {
      super.onCreate(icicle);
      setContentView(R.layout.screen2);
      Button b = (Button) findViewById(R.id.btnClick2);
      b.setOnClickListener(new View.OnClickListener() {
         public void onClick(View arg0) {
         setResult(RESULT_OK);
         finish();
         }
      });
   }
}

//screen2.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
   android:orientation="vertical"
   android:layout_width="fill_parent"
   android:layout_height="fill_parent"
>
<TextView
   android:layout_width="fill_parent"
   android:layout_height="wrap_content"
   android:text="You are in the New Screen"
/>
<Button
   id ="@+id/btnClick2"
   android:layout_width="wrap_content"
   android:layout_height="wrap_content"
   android:text="Close"
/>

</LinearLayout>

//AndroidManifest.xml


<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
   package="test.android">
   <application android:icon="@drawable/icon">
      <activity class=".Screen1" android:label="Screen 1">
         <intent-filter>
         <action android:value="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
         <category android:value="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
         </intent-filter>
      </activity>
      <activity class=".Screen2" android:label="Screen 2">
      </activity>
   </application>
</manifest>





ok, Have a nice try!

Do you want to learn more ?
Learning with sample code ?
Learning by Doing ?
Just Visit http://learncodes.googlepages.com/
and there is Android UI Design at there.
You can download code almost the same as this at there too

You want GPS Integrated? I'll give you GPS.

Garmin (one of the top players of aftermarket GPS maker) is officially in the smartphone arena with the "nuvifone". Imagine a typical Garmin nüvi GPS Navigator, add 3G HSDPA, phone, browser and what you have is a smartphone by Garmin.

Its kind of interesting watching the smartphone market unfold. The original attempt was trying to fit every function under one roof (jack of all trades, master of none). As more players become more engaged, smartphones began to take a persona to their own thus our mobile experience is shifting. You got your email intensive Blackberry devices, a multi-media driven iPhone and now a hardcore GPS functional nuvifone.

Run Android Application from Command Line

Sometime, we want to start the android application program from command line (Android Shell). Before, we usually clicking on the icon at application folder to run our program. So, there is an alternative way to run the program.

We use the Android Shell and issue am command to brought up the program. below is an example to do that.
1. Make sure that android emulator is running
2. Enter the shell with issuing command at command shell (prompt): adb shell
3. Issue am command. am command syntax is as follow :

am [start|instrument]
am start [-a <action>] [-d ] [-t <mime_type>]
[-c <category> [-c <category>] ...]
[-e <extra_key> <extra_value> [-e <extra_key> <extra_value> ...]
[-n <component>] [-D] [<uri>]
am instrument [-e <arg_name> <arg_value>] [-p <prof_file>]
[-w] <component>

for example we have android program with Manifest like below:

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
 package="com.iftitah.android.contact">
  <application android:icon="@drawable/icon">
   <activity class=".Contact" android:label="@string/app_name">
    <intent-filter>
    <action android:value="android.intent.action.MAIN" />
    <category android:value="android.intent.category.LAUNCHER" />
   </intent-filter>
  </activity>
 </application>
.
.
</manifest>

To run the code issue command like this (in one line):

am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n
com.iftitah.android.contact/com.iftitah.android.contact.Contact

ok, Have a nice try!

Do you want to learn more ?
Learning with sample code ?
Learning by Doing ?
Just Visit http://learncodes.googlepages.com/
and there is Android UI Design at there.

Greg's 1st Post; Android by Google

Hi, Greg here, this is my first post and I'm very excited about becoming part of this blog!

If you are reading this blog it must be because you feel mobile is the future or at least an alternative of the multi-channel perspective allowing the customers to buy wherever, whenever and whatever.

The m-applications and m-commerces are starting to emerge all over the world at different speeds. The US used to be the first-mover to the information superhighway; however, it seems that mobile growth is more advanced in Asia or even in Europe. As a contributor, I will attempt to share the best international examples and ideas that demonstrates the integration of Mobile Marketing as part of the total global multi-channel marketing strategy.

First, I would like to share a video Google Team presented on Android which is Google's new Open Source System for Mobile.

Since Facebook launched their Open Source System, Google has since tried to mimic what they did with code.google.com. This is an indication that Google would not miss the big opportunity in Mobile Marketing. We now await for the mobile manufacturers develope new handsets which will allow us to enjoy the latest technology like Flash or Java on a mobile platform...

So, please enjoy this video and win $10M if you create the best m-application on Android.

US 3G N95 8GB Available Soon?

Engadget reported that FCC has passed the Nokia N95 8GB US Edition. This phone is finally available making it the ultimate competition against the iPhone (and having true 3G & GPS integration). However, with a price tag at $749, you might be better off with going with the N95-3 with the option to add your own MicroSD at around $500 shipped. When will Amazon stop advertising that they carry this phone already... annoying.

Gmail IMAP Now Works With Windows Mobile

I currently carry two phones around with me during the day, my personal Nokia N95 and my HTC S620 for work. The S620 is a great phone for email, but unfortunately the Windows Mobile version of the gmail mobile app looks awful on it, and gmail IMAP had problems dealing with HTML email.Luckily, the gmail IMAP problems with Windows Mobile have just been fixed and I now have good access to my gmail

Gmail IMAP Now Works With Windows Mobile

I currently carry two phones around with me during the day, my personal Nokia N95 and my HTC S620 for work. The S620 is a great phone for email, but unfortunately the Windows Mobile version of the gmail mobile app looks awful on it, and gmail IMAP had problems dealing with HTML email.Luckily, the gmail IMAP problems with Windows Mobile have just been fixed and I now have good access to my gmail

Nokia to buy mobile software firm Trolltech

Nokia said on Monday that it would acquire Trolltech ASA for about 844mn krona (US$153.7mn) or 16 Norwegian krona per share in cash.The Finnish mobile handset giant said the acquisition of Trolltech will enable it to accelerate its cross-platform software strategy for mobile devices and desktop applications, and develop its Internet services business.The Board of Trolltech has unanimously

Nokia to buy mobile software firm Trolltech

Nokia said on Monday that it would acquire Trolltech ASA for about 844mn krona (US$153.7mn) or 16 Norwegian krona per share in cash.The Finnish mobile handset giant said the acquisition of Trolltech will enable it to accelerate its cross-platform software strategy for mobile devices and desktop applications, and develop its Internet services business.The Board of Trolltech has unanimously

Panasonic VIERA 920P TV Mobile Phone

Panasonic is releasing a mobile phone based on its television line, the VIERA.The Panasonic VIERA 920P is a phone which would initially be available for the Japanese market. To be released for Softbank, the Panasonic VIERA 920P features a 3-inch wide VGA resolution and a simplistic rectangular design to maximize your viewing experience. It can be folded on its hinge either vertically or

Panasonic VIERA 920P TV Mobile Phone

Panasonic is releasing a mobile phone based on its television line, the VIERA.The Panasonic VIERA 920P is a phone which would initially be available for the Japanese market. To be released for Softbank, the Panasonic VIERA 920P features a 3-inch wide VGA resolution and a simplistic rectangular design to maximize your viewing experience. It can be folded on its hinge either vertically or

Nec Flask Cell Phone Is Pure Liquid Gold

The NEC Flask which will be released sometime in 2008, it is powered by a liquid fuel cell that disappears as power is drained away.The handset features a touchscreen display and what appears to be valve to potentially recharge the handset once the fuel has all been used.There are no other details as of now or even how they plan on refilling the fuel, just these pics from the NEC’s Website which

Nec Flask Cell Phone Is Pure Liquid Gold

The NEC Flask which will be released sometime in 2008, it is powered by a liquid fuel cell that disappears as power is drained away.The handset features a touchscreen display and what appears to be valve to potentially recharge the handset once the fuel has all been used.There are no other details as of now or even how they plan on refilling the fuel, just these pics from the NEC’s Website which

Google CEO bullish on mobile Web advertising

AVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - The arrival of a truly mobile Web, offering a new generation of location-based advertising, is set to unleash a "huge revolution", Google Inc Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday."It's the recreation of the Internet, it's the recreation of the PC (personal computer) story and it is before us -- and it is very likely it will happen in the next year," he told a

Google CEO bullish on mobile Web advertising

AVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - The arrival of a truly mobile Web, offering a new generation of location-based advertising, is set to unleash a "huge revolution", Google Inc Chief Executive Eric Schmidt said on Friday."It's the recreation of the Internet, it's the recreation of the PC (personal computer) story and it is before us -- and it is very likely it will happen in the next year," he told a

Solar Powered MP4 Player 2GB - Mobile Power Station

Uniquely designed 2GB MP4 Player with 2 solar panels built in for either recharging the built in Li-ion batteries or for recharging other electrical devices through the USB OUT. The eco friendly MP4 player will never have to be plugged in to get any power, and with the ability to recharge 4.5V, 5V, 6.3V, 9V devices, you will be getting a mobile power station wherever you go.Other excellent

Solar Powered MP4 Player 2GB - Mobile Power Station

Uniquely designed 2GB MP4 Player with 2 solar panels built in for either recharging the built in Li-ion batteries or for recharging other electrical devices through the USB OUT. The eco friendly MP4 player will never have to be plugged in to get any power, and with the ability to recharge 4.5V, 5V, 6.3V, 9V devices, you will be getting a mobile power station wherever you go.Other excellent

Nokia, the OS company

Nokia bought Trolltech for about $150 million, and there's all sorts of speculation online about what it means. Before I get to that, let me quickly summarize what Trolltech does:

Trolltech is a Norwegian company that makes development tools and Linux software. Its best-known products are Qt (a software layer and development tools for writing applications that run across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux), Qtopia (a user interface and applications layer for Linux), and Qtopia Phone Edition (a Linux software environment for mobile phones).

In the mobile world, Qtopia Phone Edition has been the company's best-known product, although it hasn't exactly been a commercial success. Motorola uses a version of Qt in its Linux mobile phones, but not all of Qtopia. The Sony Mylo mobile device uses Qtopia, as did the Sharp Zaurus PDAs. But Trolltech had so much trouble getting a mainstream phone licensee for Qtopia that it created its own hardware prototype, the Greenphone. (Out of fairness, I should add that Trolltech has a lot of other tiny licensees you've never heard of; you can see the full list here.)

The obvious assumption would be that Nokia bought Trolltech for its phone technology, but that's not what Nokia says. The company's press release says Trolltech will help advance its "cross-platform software strategy for mobile devices and desktop applications, and...Internet services business. With Trolltech, Nokia and third party developers will be able to develop applications that work in the Internet, across Nokia's device portfolio and on PCs."

All About Symbian reinforced that message, reproducing a slide from the Nokia press briefing that showed Qt layered on top of Nokia Series 40, S60, and a variety of desktop PC operating systems (link). The Guardian quoted a Nokia spokesperson as saying the emphasis of the deal is development tools: "This is about Trolltech's fantastic tools. You can much faster develop programmes which can work on multiple platforms." (link).

Vnunet quoted an analyst saying that Nokia will use Qtopia to help deploy its Ovi Internet services cross-platform (link). I don't really see the Internet connection; Qtopia has not been a contender in the net applications world the way that Flash and Silverlight are. But maybe Nokia wants to build it into a contender.

Other analysts suggested other motivations for the purchase. Some of the commentary on Slashdot suggested that Nokia is investing in Linux to counter Google Android (link). ArsTechnica suggested that Nokia might be planning to replace S60 with Qt (link), while others suggested that Nokia plans to use Linux instead of Symbian. Richard Windsor of Nomura pointed out in an e-mail analysis that the purchase of Qt rips the guts out of Motorola's Linux plans, although he guesses that's more of a happy side effect for Nokia than the primary motivation.

But an unsigned article on ZDNet UK had the most sweeping interpretation, basically saying that this spells certain death for all proprietary operating systems (link):

Nokia's bet is that the sheer size of the Qt 4-based market will be a decisive inducement for everyone else, handset makers, operators, and pure applications players alike, and that the explosion in compatibility will amplify the market for everyone much as happened on the desktop when MS-DOS anointed the PC architecture. But unlike then, Qt 4 will break forever the idea that one part of the market can seal itself off as a profitable mini-universe, an idea as archaic in the 21st century as the feudalism it so closely resembles.

As we say here in California, I want some of what he's been smoking.


What does it really mean?

We're all assuming that Nokia actually has a coherent master plan here. Although $150m is a lot of money to me personally, it's mouse nuts to Nokia. Maybe Nokia bought Trolltech just as an experiment, or to keep it from falling into some other company's hands. The fact that Nokia's going to continue to develop its Maemo version of Linux, which is not based on the Trolltech technology, suggests a certain amount of incoherence.

If you want to be really Machiavellian, you could speculate that this purchase is the Nokia mobile phone organization's answer to Maemo -- "you tablet guys keep your version of Linux, now we have our own."

But let's assume there really is a plan, and it's aimed at competitors. About six months ago, I wrote about Nokia's ambitions to be a computer company (link). Now we see them dealing themselves into the operating system competition as well. No matter what you think Nokia's motives are, the fact is that it's now the owner of a respectable cross-platform software layer that runs on PCs and mobile devices. Nokia is now a software layer company, in very direct competition with other layer companies like Microsoft and Adobe and Sun. The deal also makes Nokia a much more important player in the open source community. And it puts Nokia in more direct opposition to the companies with their own operating systems -- Apple and Google and (once again) Microsoft.

That's a huge potential change. I say "potential" because Nokia has a lot more to do if it really wants to compete. The Trolltech team will need more investment (they have been losing money) and Nokia has a lot of work to do in developer evangelism and support to make the challenge real. But the potential is there.

I think that as the implications of the deal become clear, Nokia may have trouble continuing to partner with some of its new competitors. For example, it has spent a lot of time positioning itself as a partner to Adobe Air, but it's hard to see the evolved Qt as anything other than a competitor. Same thing for Google.

As for how this fits with all of Nokia's other products, I'm having a lot of trouble understanding how Qt will cohabit with S60 and Series 40. What exactly are developers supposed to develop for, and which user interface will the phones feature? If Nokia tries to keep all of them going, its phone software is going to look like a petit four, with layers stacked on layers stacked on layers. That makes for a nice pastry, but in a mobile phone it's a recipe for bad performance and short battery life. It's also a certain way to confuse developers.

So a lot depends on Nokia's next steps. Does Qt replace Series 40 and S60? I don't know which group within Nokia made the Trolltech deal, but I wonder if the biggest competitive battle might end up being the one inside the company, between its competing software standards.

Deadline Extension for the Android Developer Challenge

We'd like to let you know that we are extending the submission deadline for the first Android Developers Challenge to 14 April 2008. Based on the great feedback you've given us, we've made significant updates to the SDK that we'll be releasing in several weeks. In order to give you extra time to take advantage of these forthcoming UI and API enhancements, we've decided to extend the submission deadline. In addition, a fair number of developers have also asked for more time to build and polish their applications.



Of course, you can stay the course and submit your applications using any version of the SDK that you'd like. We're looking forward to seeing some great apps, especially after we've had a chance to incorporate some of your feedback into the Android platform.



Here is the updated time line:




















14 April 2008: Deadline to submit applications for judging
5 May 2008: Announcement of the 50 first round winners, who will be eligible for the final round
30 June 2008: Deadline for the 50 winners of the first round to submit for the final round
21 July 2008: Announcement of the grand prize winner and runner-up



For additional details on the Android Developer Challenge, please visit the ADC page.



Good luck and good coding!

Nokia N95-3 for $499 at Amazon.com

Cheapest offer ever! Amazon.com has the unlocked N95-3 for US 3G at $499 shipped free (no tax in some states). Only one catch, they don't have them in stock (see the side option, to buy from Amazon.com only, not a 3rd party vendor). So if you don't mind the wait. Otherwise, Buy.com has the same phone in-stock for a mere $16 more, free shipping as well.

PS - Pickup a 4GB MicroSDHC for around $30 while you are at it. You'll thank me later. (This Kingston SDHC card works despite Nokia claim of supporting only up to 2GB)

Update (1/31) - Amazon.com has the Silver/Bronze N95-3 in stock for $499 shipped.
Update (2/4) - Amazon.com now has the Silver/Black N95-3 in stock for $499 shipped.

Two YouTube Solutions for N95 (S60 OS)

My latest addiction is hitting up a blog known as Symbian Addict. This blog is a great resource to learn all about phones running the Symbian OS (ie. Nokia N95, etc.).

I came across two YouTube solutions from this site:

1. Google/YouTube Application. (Point your browser to: m.youtube.com/app) Detailed video at Symbian Addict
2. emTube (Go Direct) Symbian Addict claims to be the best YouTube S60 solution out right now

I will test both out and report back. Its a pretty exciting times for the Smartphones right now. Firms are making excellent/robust applications left and right.

Update (1/28 11:00PM): Used N95 and pointed to the Google/YouTube link above and a download started instantly. Within 10 seconds, the phone finished downloading a program roughly 500KB+ onto phone's memory. Within a minute, the installation process completed. The software worked flawlessly. The only thing you have to do in advance is to designate a network for your Real Player application first (in my case - MediaNet) as YouTube is using it to stream. I tested out this video using the search function and it was all good. The software is very Web 2.0 like, with a very smooth cover-flow-ish effect when browsing through videos. I like it a lot!

Skyfire Browser for Windows Mobile

Engadget reported this WM5/6 browser supports full on Flash and JAVA making it the best browser available for Windows Mobile (even better than iPhone's Safari?) see demo here.

Of course, this is available right after I decided to ditch my AT&T 8525 in favor of a better web browser. (... speechless ...)
Update: Just visited their site, apparently, Skyfire would work on Symbian handset too, we'll see.

Facebook Applications for BlackBerry

I saw a text ad in my Gmail saying that Facebook is now available on Blackberry. Sure enough after a little research, Facebook has developed an application for Blackberry devices. I will have to pull out the old BB 8700C and give it a whirl tonight. Will update later!

Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman, in Pink

Here is another phone that took the pink plunge lately. After the Pearl, add the Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman to the list of victims being subjected to this "pink" treatment. Features remain the same as the original saintly white version of the W580i including the "shake control" and Yahoo, AOL, and MSN email support. Available on AT&T at $129.99 on a two-year contract.Features* 2.0 MP camera with

Sony Ericsson W580i Walkman, in Pink

W580i Walkman to the list of victims being subjected to this "Here is another phone that took the pink plunge lately. After the Pearl, add the Sony Ericssonpink" treatment. Features remain the same as the original saintly white version of the W580i including the "shake control" and Yahoo, AOL, and MSN email support. Available on AT&T at $129.99 on a two-year contract.Features* 2.0 MP camera with

Samsung Electronics Launches Secret Color Phone Models

Looking like something out of a Barbie set, Samsung Electronics launches two models of their Secret Color Phone Line namely models SCH-W360 and SPH-W3600.The phones feature a two-tone scheme with the keyboards available in four different colors -- blue, pink, green, and red. The keyboard is a touchpad with vibration for tactile feedback. The phones could also support two concurrent Bluetooth

Samsung Electronics Launches Secret Color Phone Models

Looking like something out of a Barbie set, Samsung Electronics launches two models of their Secret Color Phone Line namely models SCH-W360 and SPH-W3600.The phones feature a two-tone scheme with the keyboards available in four different colors -- blue, pink, green, and red. The keyboard is a touchpad with vibration for tactile feedback. The phones could also support two concurrent Bluetooth

iPhone Chinese, Japanese, Korean Language Support

I am giving away some free mobile goodies as part of this blog's 2nd year celebration! Take a look here if interested! Happy Holidays!

[UPDATE: True Chinese Support firmware 2.0 HERE]
[Quick Link: iPhone w/ Japanese Screenshots Here]
[Quick Link: iPhone w/ Korean Screenshots Here]

Ever wonder to what extend is the iPhone capable of handling other languages? I was curious as well. What I have noticed is that within the iPod interface, songs and artists can be displayed in Chinese with no problem. This tells me that the phone's OS is similiar to OSX in that they support the reading of other languages.

First Test: Browser Foreign Language Support: Successful!
So I launched Safari to see if this support extends across the broswer and other languages. Please find three screen shots where I am able to confirm that the browser supports Mandarin-Chinese, Japanese and Korean. I was pretty happy to find that it does fully support foreign text. This is a pretty big breakthrough that people seldomly write about. I proceeded to test this via my Nokia N95's browser, and after inputting Google.com.tw into the browser, Google just defaulted to the regular Google.com/m site where all English texts are displayed.

Second Test: SMS Foreign Language Support: Failed
I asked a friend to send a Chinese SMS text message to my iPhone, and the text came across as "??". To verify this, I even used Gmail to send an SMS in Chinese text to the iphone, the results are still gibberish. It amazes me that Apple could not apply the same Language support to every application.

Third Test: Email Application Foreign Language Support: Successsful!
I sent an email to the iPhone and the text came through just like it does in iPod and Safari. Which is again, pretty cool. Once again, I am baffled by the fact that Apple could not support this across all of its applications.

Foreign Lanuage input is out of the question. I saw a demo on YouTube where you can use a browser-based Chinese input and then copy and paste it to other apps. Knowing that the native OS does support foreign lanuage is a good thing. I hope we are just a few firmware away from being able to fully communicate in another language. Even so, I still think the iPhone is still a few years ahead of competition in terms of its display capabilities which now extends to foregn languge support.

(Update 3/8/2008, I finally was able to put up some pictures for your reference, click to enlarge: iPhone-Chinese Mandarin and Simplified, iPhone Japanese, and iPhone Korean Language)



(Update 5/5/2008, there are some screenshots for iPhone firmware 2.0 which shows Chinese and Japanese input. I took the liberty to translate the original article for you here.)

(Update 5/8/2008, for those searching to find more screenshots of iPhone Safari supporting Korean, click here for more pictures)

(Update 5/13/2008, for those searching to find more screenshots of iPhone Safari supporting Japanese, click here for more pictures)

Opera delivers the Web on world's first mobile WiMax gaming device

Opera Software announced that Korea-based POSBRO has selected the Opera browser for what is labelled the world's first portable WiMax gaming device. The POSBRO G100 takes advantage of the high data speeds offered by WiMax (4G) to deliver online gaming from a portable device. POSBRO used the Opera 9 for Devices SDK to create a compelling Web experience for people using the G100 device.The device

Opera delivers the Web on world's first mobile WiMax gaming device

Opera Software announced that Korea-based POSBRO has selected the Opera browser for what is labelled the world's first portable WiMax gaming device. The POSBRO G100 takes advantage of the high data speeds offered by WiMax (4G) to deliver online gaming from a portable device. POSBRO used the Opera 9 for Devices SDK to create a compelling Web experience for people using the G100 device.The device

Brando SIM-unlock card for iPhone

Apparently the deal with this card is that you slide it into your iPhone and it somehow magically hardware unlocks your iPhone. I am not an electrical engineer, so I can’t tell you how well this thing will work, but if I had to guess, it won’t.Although there does appear to be a chip, and not a memory one, maybe some sort of processor, that might be able to help accomplish the task, but I am still

Brando SIM-unlock card for iPhone

Apparently the deal with this card is that you slide it into your iPhone and it somehow magically hardware unlocks your iPhone. I am not an electrical engineer, so I can’t tell you how well this thing will work, but if I had to guess, it won’t.Although there does appear to be a chip, and not a memory one, maybe some sort of processor, that might be able to help accomplish the task, but I am still

Battle of the Ultraportalbe Laptops

Being a “mobile” fanatic, I am always on the lookout for cool portable laptops (albeit I have never actually bought one, and have always said I would). However, I have strictest requirements for my ultraportable standards. It has to 1). look good, 2). have good power (ULV processors just don’t cut the cheese), and 3). Must be under 4lbs.

Based on all the contenders out there, I have three ultraportable laptops on my radar. All three of these machines must have the basic requirements for me:
1. Extremely lightweight, beautifully designed, with razor thin LED-based LCD screen that is also very energy efficient.
2. Real Intel Core2Duo processors
3. Offers solid state drives to save even more battery juice.
4. Built-in Webcam and Mic

Please find my quick comparison below to help you choose the best one for you.

1. MacBook Air - $1,799 (1.6GHz, 80GB HDD) or $3,098 (1.8GHz, 64GB SSD)
Pros: Thinnest laptop ever!
Pros: Georgous design
Pros: Runs OS X and Windows via Bootcamp (its like having 2 machines in one)
Pros: Did I mention it being absolutely goregous?
Pros: Weights in at 3lbs. Lightest 13.3” ultraportable on the market today.
Cons: Weakest CPU of the three. 1.6 and 1.8 is a bit weak
Cons: Weak HDD options (80GB HDD and 64GB SSD)
Cons: Integrated everything: Battery is non-removable (atleast not easily by user), integrated RAM (2GB max), 1.8” HDD (very expensive to upgrade)
Cons: Lack of expansion options (no SD/Memory Card reader), USB drive is known to be too narrow to allow 3G modems to be connected (via Engadget), lack of ethernet
Cons: Lack of a CD/DVD drive built in. So the weight savings is kind of cheated.
Cons: Priced at $1800 and $3100

Bottom line: This newest laptop to date is a statement for the ultra-cool guys or gals (or atleast you can pretend to be).

2. Sony SZ-791 $2,499 ($200 Price Drop already... Did MacBook Air caused it?) Winter 2008 Model
Pros: This beast has the 2.5GHz CPU with 6MB of L2 Cache (that is faster than my MacBook Pro w/ 2.4GHz and 4MB L2 Cache which was the fastest out there). This could be the first laptop to finally able to man-handle Windows Vista.
Pros: Simple minimalist design using carbon fiber with a good business look to it
Pros: Sony always managed to squeeze in so much technology to their design
Cons: Sony’s insane amount of bloat ware
Cons: Priced at $2700

Bottom line: The most powerful laptop on the market today comes with a hefty price tag. I’d take this over MacBook Air, however!


3. Dell XPS M1330 - Price Starting $999 (Well-Equipped at $1,600)
Pros: Sleek design, slot loading DVD drive, very thin and light weight
Pros: Great entry price, starting at $999. Well equipped at around $1600
Pros: Decent CPU power. Up to Core2Duo 2.2GHz
Cons: Must buy 6 cell battery adds more weights (approx 4.5lb) if you upgrade video card.
Cons: Dell quality can be questionable, especially from first batch users
Cons: No option for blue-ray or HD DVD drive

Bottom line: While the best CPU it offers is no longer king of the hill, I would consider this to be the best value/performance/design in this class. I’d take this one if I hadn’t already bought a MB Pro. It would not surprise me to see Dell up the CPU to 2.5/2.6GHz in the next month or two. Winner!

Noteworthy :
Asus EeePC – is a $300-$400 range ultra-compact machine. Running on Linux on a 7” screen with built-in Webcam and Mic, making this the cheapest ultraportable solution bar none. If your objective is just to use a machine to surf the web and check emails on the go and would like to stay below 2.8lbs., this would be it. Again, for its price, it easily blows the Sony UX and Samsung UMPC’s out the water.

Samsung SGH-L310 and SGH-L320 for fashion

Seoul, Korea, January 24, 2008 - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone and telecommunication equipment provider, today announced the launch of SGH-L310 and SGH-L320 for fashion conscious users.Creating a new segment to introduce a gender concept for mobile phone market with a launch of SGH-A400 in 2001, Samsung has continuously shown a successful female phone line up including

Samsung SGH-L310 and SGH-L320 for fashion

Seoul, Korea, January 24, 2008 - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone and telecommunication equipment provider, today announced the launch of SGH-L310 and SGH-L320 for fashion conscious users.Creating a new segment to introduce a gender concept for mobile phone market with a launch of SGH-A400 in 2001, Samsung has continuously shown a successful female phone line up including

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism adds a touch of glamour

Nokia unveiled its latest addition to the Prism Collection, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism, aimed at design-conscious consumers. With its seamless diamond-cut design with a crystal centre key, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism continues to highlight the geometric shapes and personalized style of the Prism Collection.Nokia worked in collaboration with the creative designer Frédérique Daubal, which

The Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism adds a touch of glamour

Nokia unveiled its latest addition to the Prism Collection, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism, aimed at design-conscious consumers. With its seamless diamond-cut design with a crystal centre key, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism continues to highlight the geometric shapes and personalized style of the Prism Collection.Nokia worked in collaboration with the creative designer Frédérique Daubal, which

YouTube for Mobile (beta)*

Access millions of YouTube videos at any time right from your mobile phone. This downloadable application puts YouTube in your pocket.Which videos are hot?Access the latest, the best and the most viewed videos.Search......and watch any YouTube video.Stay tunedWatch your subscriptions, playlists and favorite videos any time.UploadUpload videos directly from your mobile phone.*Available for Nokia's

YouTube for Mobile (beta)*

Access millions of YouTube videos at any time right from your mobile phone. This downloadable application puts YouTube in your pocket.Which videos are hot?Access the latest, the best and the most viewed videos.Search......and watch any YouTube video.Stay tunedWatch your subscriptions, playlists and favorite videos any time.UploadUpload videos directly from your mobile phone.*Available for Nokia's

Readius® commercial product brings e-reading comfort to mobile phones using rollable displays

Eindhoven, The Netherlands – January 22nd 2008 – Polymer Vision, the inventor of rollable displays and a spin out from Philips, today introduced the Readius® product for commercial launch by mid 2008. The exclusive device exploits the versatility of rollable displays to merge the ‘reading friendly’ strengths of e-readers with the ‘high mobility’ features of mobile phones. Together with the

Readius® commercial product brings e-reading comfort to mobile phones using rollable displays

Eindhoven, The Netherlands – January 22nd 2008 – Polymer Vision, the inventor of rollable displays and a spin out from Philips, today introduced the Readius® product for commercial launch by mid 2008. The exclusive device exploits the versatility of rollable displays to merge the ‘reading friendly’ strengths of e-readers with the ‘high mobility’ features of mobile phones. Together with the

Nokia N95-3 (RM-160) Review Part I

I have decided to let go of my Cingular / AT&T 8525 in favor for a phone with integrated GPS. Currently, there are only two phones that I am interested. Nokia N95 vs. AT&T Tilt. Having owned the 8525 and gone down the Windows Mobile route, I've decided to give the highly appraised N95 and Symbian OS a shot.

For those not familiar with the N95 Variations, it basically comes down to about 4 versions. The original N95 (aka N95-1) was the first release with only Europe and Asia support of 3G. This phone was a great intro but due to the 64MB RAM configuration, it is often too stressed to support multiple applications running at once. Later came the N95 8GB (aka N95-2), another Euro+Asia only 3G phone with bigger LCD, 128MB of RAM and bigger battery. Finally, a US 3G supported N95 NAM (aka N95-3 aka RM-160) with the first gen LCD but 128MB of RAM and bigger battery came along. As one would have guessed, a US 3G N95 8GB (N95-4) is now soon to be available. (CORRECTION: the N95-4 is not available. The link I provided originally had inaccurate description according to some of the reviewers, this is just a N95-2)

I have purchased the N95-3 from Buy.com as they have the best price. While 8GB version would have been nice, the difference in price ($515 vs $649) and having SDHC potentially capable of supporting up to 32GB made me decided to go with the N95-3.

First impression of the phone is that it is gorgeous looking and the Symbian OS is definitely more slick compared to WM6. The overall material and craftmanship can use some improvement. As I have read it elsewhere, the material and feel of the phone is not worth its MSRP of $699. Nokia's quality is usually superb especially in their premium phones (I used to drool over the 8000 series). As far as features goes, they work like a charm, everything from GPS, 3G data, WiFi, Full Web broswer, 5MP Camera, Media Player and even its PC Suite sync software worked flawlessly. I will spend some time in the next week reviewing these functions and compare them against my last phone.

Update (3/2/2008) - Please find the second part of my review here!

Toshiba Unveils New G450 Mobile Phone Plus USB Modem

Toshiba UK today also announced the G450, a unique four-in-one innovative mobile device designed to enable anyone to connect a laptop to the internet using a HSDPA mobile network. As well as providing instant high speed mobile broadband access, the G450 is a mobile phone for voice calls and texting, a USB data storage device and an MP3 player. It will be available across Europe in the first

Toshiba Unveils New G450 Mobile Phone Plus USB Modem

Toshiba UK today also announced the G450, a unique four-in-one innovative mobile device designed to enable anyone to connect a laptop to the internet using a HSDPA mobile network. As well as providing instant high speed mobile broadband access, the G450 is a mobile phone for voice calls and texting, a USB data storage device and an MP3 player. It will be available across Europe in the first

LG KW838 Chocolate Phone with 2 Flavors

LG chocolate phone has got 2 flavors in one in China. The upcoming chocolate phone, LG KW838 will support CDMA and GSM network with its 2 sim card slots.When both GSM and CDMA sim cards are inserted, both networks can be activated and stand by at the same time. Whenever there is an incoming call from GSM network, you press the G button to answer/end the calls. The C button will be used for CDMA

LG KW838 Chocolate Phone with 2 Flavors

LG chocolate phone has got 2 flavors in one in China. The upcoming chocolate phone, LG KW838 will support CDMA and GSM network with its 2 sim card slots.When both GSM and CDMA sim cards are inserted, both networks can be activated and stand by at the same time. Whenever there is an incoming call from GSM network, you press the G button to answer/end the calls. The C button will be used for CDMA

Intercontinental Androids

When I recently blogged about our upcoming Android Campfire, I hinted at some international events we've been working on. We've now finalized plans on those, and registration is open.



We've got Android Code Days lined up for these locations:




  • On 31 January, we'll split up, and host Android Code Days in London, UK and Tel Aviv, Israel.

  • On 23 February, we'll host one in Boston, Massachusetts. (We'll post the registration page for this event soon.)



In addition, as we've announced via Mobile Monday Germany, we'll be having a similar event in Munich, Germany on 29 January.



What's a Code Day, you ask? Well, it's just our name for a day-long introduction and immersion session for Android. We'll give a technical introduction to the platform as well as a more in-depth look into topics of interest to the attendees. Then we'll have a free-for-all coding session that we like to call the "Laptop Lounge".



In other words, the agenda is largely up to you! Each of these events includes food and refreshments and is free of charge, but space is limited so please be sure to click on the registration links above to reserve your spot.



I said before that I think I have a really cool job; now I get to travel the world to meet developers and talk about cool technologies. I can't believe I get paid for this!

Nokia Introduces Low End Nokia 2600 Classic and Nokia 1209

Nokia unveiled the Nokia 2600 classic and the Nokia 1209, two mobile handsets that offer range of colors or exchangeable covers for consumers in emerging markets. Nokia 2600 classic, which will retail for approximately 65 euros before applicable taxes or subsidies, has begun shipping, ramping up in all key markets during the first quarter of 2008. Nokia 1209 will become available globally during

Nokia Introduces Low End Nokia 2600 Classic and Nokia 1209

Nokia unveiled the Nokia 2600 classic and the Nokia 1209, two mobile handsets that offer range of colors or exchangeable covers for consumers in emerging markets. Nokia 2600 classic, which will retail for approximately 65 euros before applicable taxes or subsidies, has begun shipping, ramping up in all key markets during the first quarter of 2008. Nokia 1209 will become available globally during

iBoom JukeBox

iBoom JukeBox takes iPod speakers to the next level by including an RF remote that enables you to control iPod playback from across the room and through walls. The remote also features a bright and easy-to-read display screen for surfing and selecting your iPod content right on the remote. Total control at your fingertips!With its elegant design and touch-sensitive controls, iBoom JukeBox is sure

iBoom JukeBox

iBoom JukeBox takes iPod speakers to the next level by including an RF remote that enables you to control iPod playback from across the room and through walls. The remote also features a bright and easy-to-read display screen for surfing and selecting your iPod content right on the remote. Total control at your fingertips!With its elegant design and touch-sensitive controls, iBoom JukeBox is sure

Is Modu Similar to Will Com's W-Sim in Japan?

Today Modu Wireless releases a teaser video on their upcoming product. Without any explaination but just the promotional video, people are guessing the functionality of the card they are showing. It looks really like the idea of W-SIM in Japan though.Available in 2005, the W-Sim is a new technology used by Japanese PHS operator Willcom. The card is much larger than your normal sim card, but it

Is Modu Similar to Will Com's W-Sim in Japan?

Today Modu Wireless releases a teaser video on their upcoming product. Without any explaination but just the promotional video, people are guessing the functionality of the card they are showing. It looks really like the idea of W-SIM in Japan though.Available in 2005, the W-Sim is a new technology used by Japanese PHS operator Willcom. The card is much larger than your normal sim card, but it

Sony Ericsson T270 and T280 Coming on 24-Jan

24-Jan is the day for a Sony Ericsson press event in India this week. News from several blogs that T270 and T280 will be announced this week.Similar to Sony Ericsson T250 announced in 2007, the new T270 and T280 are low end phone with bluetooth and FM radio. Both of them will have a 128 x 160 resolution display screen. The T280 will have an extra camera module compare to T270. Other than that

Sony Ericsson T270 and T280 Coming on 24-Jan

24-Jan is the day for a Sony Ericsson press event in India this week. News from several blogs that T270 and T280 will be announced this week.Similar to Sony Ericsson T250 announced in 2007, the new T270 and T280 are low end phone with bluetooth and FM radio. Both of them will have a 128 x 160 resolution display screen. The T280 will have an extra camera module compare to T270. Other than that

New Sony Ericsson Kxxx phone

New Sony Ericsson announcement is expected to be held very soon. While we are playing the waiting game, more rumors are being leaked as usual. pconline.com.cn posted a possible new release, which is another cybershot branded camera phone. No confirmed model name yet, but the site says it will be belongs to the k-series.The new K-series cybershot phone from Sony Ericsson comes with a 5 megapixel

New Sony Ericsson Kxxx phone

New Sony Ericsson announcement is expected to be held very soon. While we are playing the waiting game, more rumors are being leaked as usual. pconline.com.cn posted a possible new release, which is another cybershot branded camera phone. No confirmed model name yet, but the site says it will be belongs to the k-series.The new K-series cybershot phone from Sony Ericsson comes with a 5 megapixel

No Downgrade from iPhone 1.1.3 to 1.1.2 or Earlier Firmware

For those of you who decided to try out the latest iPhone firmware in order to check out the new features, planning only to downgrade back to 1.1.2 or 1.1.1 after deciding whether or not the loss of third party applications was worth it, a bit of bad news has found (or shortly will) its way to your doorstep. As it turns out, what was previously witnessed with the leaked 1.1.3 firmware, holds true

No Downgrade from iPhone 1.1.3 to 1.1.2 or Earlier Firmware

For those of you who decided to try out the latest iPhone firmware in order to check out the new features, planning only to downgrade back to 1.1.2 or 1.1.1 after deciding whether or not the loss of third party applications was worth it, a bit of bad news has found (or shortly will) its way to your doorstep. As it turns out, what was previously witnessed with the leaked 1.1.3 firmware, holds true

Lotus Notes wear for iPhone

The Lotus Notes Email is coming to Apple iPhone and iPod touch. The official information about this is expected tomorrow, when annual IBM Lotusphere conference kicks off in Orlando. If it is true, the application would possible be the first official, third-party application developed with new Apple iPhone SDK.IBM is also expected to declaration about their free Lotus Symphony flavor of OpenOffice

Apple Delivers iPhone software update 1.1.3

Apple today announced a free software update for its iPhone that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes Movie Rentals right on their iPhone. New iPhone products shipping from the

Apple Delivers iPhone software update 1.1.3

Apple today announced a free software update for its iPhone that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes Movie Rentals right on their iPhone. New iPhone products shipping from the

Nokia N95 8GB Now DLNA Certified

Nokia today announced that the Nokia N95 8GB had the distinction of being the first ever mobile phone to receive Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification. The DLNA is a body advocating the interoperability of wired and wireless consumer devices. For the consumer, this accolade translates into convenient and intuitive connectivity between your DLNA Certified home electronics devices,

Nokia N95 8GB Now DLNA Certified

Nokia today announced that the Nokia N95 8GB had the distinction of being the first ever mobile phone to receive Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification. The DLNA is a body advocating the interoperability of wired and wireless consumer devices. For the consumer, this accolade translates into convenient and intuitive connectivity between your DLNA Certified home electronics devices,

Lotus Notes wear for iPhone

The Lotus Notes Email is coming to Apple iPhone and iPod touch. The official information about this is expected tomorrow, when annual IBM Lotusphere conference kicks off in Orlando. If it is true, the application would possible be the first official, third-party application developed with new Apple iPhone SDK.IBM is also expected to declaration about their free Lotus Symphony flavor of OpenOffice

Toshiba presents G710, G910, and G450

Toshiba has unveiled a set of three new phones to their Protege series with the G710, G910, and G450. We saw the 910 back in December when it was approved by the FCC, along with its 920 sister phone. The G450 (pictured) is a brand new design as far as we can tell. It's being dubbed as a USB modem HSDPA handset, which can double as a perfectly able phone. Hit the jump for highlight features on all

Toshiba presents G710, G910, and G450

Toshiba has unveiled a set of three new phones to their Protege series with the G710, G910, and G450. We saw the 910 back in December when it was approved by the FCC, along with its 920 sister phone. The G450 (pictured) is a brand new design as far as we can tell. It's being dubbed as a USB modem HSDPA handset, which can double as a perfectly able phone. Hit the jump for highlight features on all

You can't rush perfection, but now you can file bugs against it

We expected a lot of attention when we launched the early look of the Android SDK, and that's certainly what we got! Developers haven't been shy in speaking their minds on our Discussion Groups, and we've been listening. We've also been hard at work on Android, and meanwhile the Developer Challenge has been heating up and the submissions have started coming in.



We've been improving that "early look" and are preparing for the next big SDK release, so it's time to take the whole thing up a notch. As we move toward the first handsets, it's time to formalize the process, and the first step in that is to enable an issue tracker for developers to submit feedback.



I know a great many developers have been waiting eagerly for this, so I'm very pleased to be able to say that the Issue Tracker on the Android project on Google Code Project Hosting is now open for business. You can find the Issue Tracker here:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/list



We're now actively tracking that system, and we invite developers to file an issue to let us know about any problems you find with the SDK.



When you submit an issue, remember that the more detail you can give, the more likely the issue is to be addressed. (We especially enjoy the subtle and delicious flavors of reproducible sample code.) Of course, you'll still be able to ask for answers and advice on the Discussion Groups, so don't stop posting there. We'll be reviewing submitted issues regularly and keeping the database up to date, so that you can rely on it as a reliable and timely resource.



I think just about everyone will find this useful -- I know I definitely will. Happy coding, and now: happy reporting!

Linux mobile software firm plants flag in China

A design center in the South of France specializing in Linux mobile phone development has opened offices in Beijing. Purple Labs's China office will be headed by newly appointed GM of Asian sales Gordon Tsang (pictured at left), formerly of Openwave.Based in Chambery, France, Purple Labs is said to offer "one-stop" services "from hardware reference design to a complete customizable Linux software

Linux mobile software firm plants flag in China

A design center in the South of France specializing in Linux mobile phone development has opened offices in Beijing. Purple Labs's China office will be headed by newly appointed GM of Asian sales Gordon Tsang (pictured at left), formerly of Openwave.Based in Chambery, France, Purple Labs is said to offer "one-stop" services "from hardware reference design to a complete customizable Linux software

China Telecom selects Nokia Siemens Networks to boost its MegaEyes service for better work efficiency and life experience

Nokia Siemens Networks to enable broadband and multimedia services for operators through its industry leading Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) capability.China Telecom, the leading wireline provider of telecommunications services in China has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as the primary solutions provider for its video monitoring service, MegaEyes. This video monitoring solution is an operator

China Telecom selects Nokia Siemens Networks to boost its MegaEyes service for better work efficiency and life experience

Nokia Siemens Networks to enable broadband and multimedia services for operators through its industry leading Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) capability.China Telecom, the leading wireline provider of telecommunications services in China has selected Nokia Siemens Networks as the primary solutions provider for its video monitoring service, MegaEyes. This video monitoring solution is an operator

Google announces faster, more customizable Google experience for iPhone Users

At the first day of Macworld, Google announced new improvements to the integrated Google experience on iPhone. The previous version, launched just over a month ago, brought together our suite of web applications -- including Search, Gmail, Calendar, Reader, and more -- into one easy-to-use interface. Since then, we've streamlined the interface even further, making the applications faster and

Google announces faster, more customizable Google experience for iPhone Users

At the first day of Macworld, Google announced new improvements to the integrated Google experience on iPhone. The previous version, launched just over a month ago, brought together our suite of web applications -- including Search, Gmail, Calendar, Reader, and more -- into one easy-to-use interface. Since then, we've streamlined the interface even further, making the applications faster and

MacBook Air: Object of lust or awkward compromise?

It's been interesting watching the reactions to Apple's announcements this week. Probably the most predictable was the disappointment many people expressed (link). After the iPhone announcement last year, almost anything was going to be an anticlimax. At this point Steve Jobs is competing with himself at these keynotes. Never mind that he single-handedly got as much attention as the entirety of CES the week before, if this year's keynote is not more Earth-shaking than the one last year it's a letdown.

Live by the spectacle, die by the spectacle.

To me, the two most interesting announcements were the MacBook Air and the new Apple TV and its associated services. Apple TV is strategic and needs a longer blog post than I have time for tonight. But I'd like to make a quick comment on the Air.


The next PowerBook, or the next PowerBook Duo?

I'm trying to reserve judgment on the Air until I can see one in person. On paper, it makes some uncomfortable compromises. No removable battery, no optical drive...it gives me nasty flashbacks of the PowerBook Duo. Like Air, the Duo was very thin and lightweight for its time, and like the Air it compromised on a lot of features. The Duo had a pretty elegant docking station that allowed you to use it as a full computer at your desk, then take the portable part with you when you traveled. I was working at Apple at the time, and I thought the whole concept was pretty clever.

It didn't sell well.

Turned out most people wanted to take the whole computer with them, not just part of the computer. They traded up to a heavier device with full features.

I worry that they might make the same decision about Air.

On the other hand, I just last week I wrote a post lavishly praising the new iPod Nano because its thin, elegant design more than compensates for its somewhat limited feature set. A lot of people criticized the Nano when it was first announced, in part because the photos couldn't do justice to its elegant design. When you saw it in person, it all made sense.

Maybe it will be the same for Air. I want to see and touch one. Maybe the lust factor will overcome the feature shortcomings. Or maybe personal computers are judged differently from music players. We'll find out.

Android Database

Database is important thing in programming. Many of our code always use data to be processed and saved. Just like any other programming environtment, Android support database programming too. You can use default database supported by android, SQLiteDatabase.

Database in SQLiteDatabase can contains more than one table, assume that we have one database PERSONALDB, and have one table BIODATA. The structure of BIODATA is:

_id integer
code string
name string
gender string

_id is for key increment,
code, name, and gender is for description of person.

When program called in the first time, we have to make sure that the database and table opened if it is exist. if not, than we have to create the database and tabel. As an example from Android notepad sample, here the class PersonDbHelper for manipulating table Biodata.

import java.io.FileNotFoundException;
import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

import android.content.ContentValues;
import android.content.Context;
import android.database.Cursor;
import android.database.SQLException;
import android.database.sqlite.SQLiteDatabase;
import android.util.Log;

public class PersonDbHelper {
    class Row extends Object {
        public long _Id;
        public String code;
        public String name;
        public String gender;
    }

    private static final String DATABASE_CREATE =
        "create table BIODATA(_id integer primary key autoincrement, "
            + "code text not null,"
            + "name text not null"
            +");";

    private static final String DATABASE_NAME = "PERSONALDB";

    private static final String DATABASE_TABLE = "BIODATA";

    private static final int DATABASE_VERSION = 1;

    private SQLiteDatabase db;

    public PersonDbHelper(Context ctx) {
        try {
            db = ctx.openDatabase(DATABASE_NAME, null);
        } catch (FileNotFoundException e) {
            try {
                db =
                    ctx.createDatabase(DATABASE_NAME, DATABASE_VERSION, 0,
                        null);
                db.execSQL(DATABASE_CREATE);
            } catch (FileNotFoundException e1) {
                db = null;
            }
        }
    }

    public void close() {
        db.close();
    }

    public void createRow(String code, String name) {
        ContentValues initialValues = new ContentValues();
        initialValues.put("code", code);
        initialValues.put("name", name);
        db.insert(DATABASE_TABLE, null, initialValues);
    }

    public void deleteRow(long rowId) {
        db.delete(DATABASE_TABLE, "_id=" + rowId, null);
    }

    public List<Row> fetchAllRows() {
        ArrayList<Row> ret = new ArrayList<Row>();
        try {
            Cursor c =
                db.query(DATABASE_TABLE, new String[] {
                    "_id", "code", "name"}, null, null, null, null, null);
            int numRows = c.count();
            c.first();
            for (int i = 0; i < numRows; ++i) {
                Row row = new Row();
                row._Id = c.getLong(0);
                row.code = c.getString(1);
                row.name = c.getString(2);
                ret.add(row);
                c.next();
            }
        } catch (SQLException e) {
            Log.e("Exception on query", e.toString());
        }
        return ret;
    }

    public Row fetchRow(long rowId) {
        Row row = new Row();
        Cursor c =
            db.query(true, DATABASE_TABLE, new String[] {
                "_id", "code", "name"}, "_id=" + rowId, null, null,
                null, null);
        if (c.count() > 0) {
            c.first();
            row._Id = c.getLong(0);
            row.code = c.getString(1);
            row.name = c.getString(2);
            return row;
        } else {
            row.rowId = -1;
            row.code = row.name= null;
        }
        return row;
    }

    public void updateRow(long rowId, String code, String name) {
        ContentValues args = new ContentValues();
        args.put("code", code);
        args.put("name", name);
        db.update(DATABASE_TABLE, args, "_id=" + rowId, null);
    }
    public Cursor GetAllRows() {
        try {
            return db.query(DATABASE_TABLE, new String[] {
                    "_id", "code", "name"}, null, null, null, null, null);
        } catch (SQLException e) {
            Log.e("Exception on query", e.toString());
            return null;
        }
    }
}

in Method onCreate Activity you just put single command below to initialize the database :
...
Db = new PersonDbHelper(this);
...

it will try opening PersonalDB first, if it is not exist, than it will create the database. in this PersonDbHelper class, you have method for inserting, deleting, updating, querying table.

Ok, have a nice try

Do you want to learn more ?
Learning with sample code ?
Learning by Doing ?
Just Visit http://learncodes.googlepages.com/
and there is Android UI Design at there.

Gmail iPhone Updates

Apple made big waves yesterday with the launch of MacBook Air. What kept my interest going was the iPhone firmware upgrade (v 1.1.3). This upgrade has taken iPhone to new heights, I won't list all the options here, but feel free to check out Engadget for a comprehensive review. I will say that Google Maps on iPhone is closest thing to an emulated GPS device that is currently available.

What I have noticed this morning in my Gmail inbox is the new iPhone Updates notification. Basically, Google formatted their Gmail to better suit iPhones (as they've been with all of their mobile interfaces). In this round of update, you get:
* Auto-complete when composing
* Automatic refreshing
* Faster load times when viewing email

I've been playing with the iPhone all morning including the new firmware update. It definitely leaves me wondering if my N95-3 on the way was a good choice. Ounce for ounce, there is not another device out there with such a sex appeal as the iPhone. Those of you who's made the 1.1.3 update will attest to the graphics engine when trying to re-arrange the homepage icons... amazing!

LG dropping new silver version of the Prada phone

With over 700,000 of these babies sold its no surprise they are trying something new to see how much longer they can capitalize on this single design, and they really are truly amazing devices. Other than the external color change there is at least one internal update as well.The internal update comes in the form of some better QWERTY keyboard software, I wonder if that brings it closer to that

LG dropping new silver version of the Prada phone

With over 700,000 of these babies sold its no surprise they are trying something new to see how much longer they can capitalize on this single design, and they really are truly amazing devices. Other than the external color change there is at least one internal update as well.The internal update comes in the form of some better QWERTY keyboard software, I wonder if that brings it closer to that

Layouting Component Choices

Component Arrangement on Android is simple and we have more than one way to make the same design screen. we can use RelativeLayout, LinearLayout, or other layout. And we can combine two or more layout into one design screen.

For example, we want to desain screen as the image below:


The design screen can be expressed as below:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<RelativeLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="fill_parent"
>
<TextView id="@+id/objLbl1"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:text="Code"
/>
<EditText id="@+id/objTxt1"
android:layout_width="134sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:layout_alignTop="@id/objLbl1"
android:layout_toRight="@id/objLbl1"
android:text="Edit 1"
android:singleLine="True"
/>
<TextView id="@+id/objLbl2"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:layout_below="@id/objTxt1"
android:text="Name"
/>
<EditText id="@+id/objTxt2"
android:layout_width="134sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:layout_alignTop="@id/objLbl2"
android:layout_below="@id/objTxt1"
android:layout_toRight="@id/objLbl1"
android:text="Edit 2"
android:singleLine="True"
/>
<Button id="@+id/objBtn1"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:layout_below="@id/objTxt2"
android:text="Save"
/>
</RelativeLayout>

Or, your can replace with xml below:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<LinearLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="fill_parent"
android:orientation="vertical"
>
<LinearLayout
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:orientation="horizontal"
>
<TextView id="@+id/objLbl1"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:text="Code"
/>
<EditText id="@+id/objTxt1"
android:layout_width="134sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:text="Edit 1"
android:singleLine="True"
/>
</LinearLayout>
<LinearLayout
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:orientation="horizontal"
>
<TextView id="@+id/objLbl2"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:layout_below="@id/objTxt1"
android:text="Name"
/>
<EditText id="@+id/objTxt2"
android:layout_width="134sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:text="Edit 2"
android:singleLine="True"
/>
</LinearLayout>
<LinearLayout
android:layout_width="fill_parent"
android:layout_height="wrap_content"
android:orientation="horizontal"
>

<Button id="@+id/objBtn1"
android:layout_width="80sp"
android:layout_height="24sp"
android:text="Save"
/>
</LinearLayout>
</LinearLayout>

Ok, have a nice try!

Do you want to learn more ?
Learning with sample code ?
Learning by Doing ?
Just Visit http://learncodes.googlepages.com/
and there is Android UI Design at there.