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Girl Tattoos Android Robot Onto Her Wrist
We’ll be the first to admit that the Android Robot is probably the cutest green robot we’ve ever seen. I mean, look at it! It’s round, has plenty of character, and seems just so…friendly. But even we were surprised when we stumbled on a girl tattooing the Android Logo onto her wrist–cute green robot and all.
Her name is Natalie “Kommodore” Thompson and she’s either the biggest fan of open source operating systems or just loved that green robot more than us. And hey, we don’t have any problem with this kind of self-expression because come on, the Android Robot is certainly a better tattoo to get than the Storm on your ankle.
Anyone else have Android Tattoos they’d like to share?
Yes! We Want Android On Every WM Device, Please
So our good friends over at WMExperts (check out their new layout!) are in an uproar over Android being ported to all their devices. We had a stab at the Tilt, the Touch, and now it looks like we’re even getting onto the uber-sexy Touch Diamond! Can you blame us? After the promise of Android being on multiple devices, it still is only available on the G1–we’re simply itching for more devices!
Though porting Android to the Touch Diamond is more of a proof-of-concept than anything else (nothing really works yet), it sure would be flipping cool to have Android show up on different form factors. I think of all our biggest wishes for 2009, more Android devices tops the list! So in the meantime, thank you Windows Mobile for providing the hardware home for our Android. =)
T-Mobile Really Sending Out Replacement G1 Batteries?
We had originally reported on the rumor that T-Mobile was going to be sending out replacement T-Mobile G1 batteries to G1 Users. A lot of information was unclear: how was T-Mobile going to send out all those batteries, what size will they be, will they demand we return the battery, etc. When we asked T-Mobile about it, they stated that T-Mobile does not comment on any rumor/speculation stories.
But according to a tip from one of our well-informed readers, tyler, it looks like things are beginning to take shape in regards to this replacement battery giveaway:
Just wanted to let you guys know that i just got off the phone with a tmobile supervisor who confirmed that replacement batteries are being sent out and that there was an internal memo sent around that extra batteries are being sent out free of charge and there will be no need to send back your old one! He was unable however to confirm whether or not they would be of a higher capacity or not.
We at Android Central definitely wouldn’t mind an extra battery, but still hold out hope that they’ll improve it to 1400 mAh or so. Stay tuned to see if this rumor comes true!
Thanks for the tip tyler!
Round Robin: WMExpert Dieter Bohn’s Final Thoughts on the T-Mobile G1
Our good friend Dieter Bohn over at WMExperts has finally finished off his full review of the T-Mobile G1! Dieter is no stranger to the Android platform, but is a die-hard Windows Mobile guy, so his perspective is unique and definitely worthy of a read. Because of my personal belief that Android is going to take a lot of Windows Mobile’s marketshare, it’s interesting to see how Android and Windows Mobile measure up.
In all, this is the last review of the T-Mobile G1 from another editor, which means, expect Android Central’s own take of the T-Mobile G1 very, very soon!
Head over to WMExperts to see Dieter’s Final Thoughts!
This is an Official Round Robin Contest Post, Comment to Win a T-Mobile G1 !— More Details Here
The Smartphone Round Robin Extended to January 10th!
Well, lucky you! Due to the holidays, the time each device takes, the depth of each article…and of course a bit of irresponsibility on our part (sorry!) we’re going to extend the Smartphone Round Robin until January 10th! So though you won’t be able to rock the T-Mobile G1 as your daily driver (if you win, of course) when the ball drops to 2009, you’ll certainly have 10 more days to enter the Win a Smartphone contest!
So to remind you of what you can win here at Android Central: the T-Mobile G1, the BlueAnt Z9 Bluetooth Headset, and SPE Screen Protectors. Not a bad deal to ring in the new year! And to make it even easier for any latecomers who’ve just heard about the Round Robin or even if you want a refresher on all the reviews from an Android User’s perspective, we’ve tidied up a list of all the eligible posts after the break.
So what are ya waiting for? Comment on any of the posts to give your chance a shot at winning! You have until January 10th! Heck, we’ll even make THIS post a Round Robin contest post!
This is an Official Round Robin Contest Post, Comment To Win a T-Mobile G1! – Details Here
HTC Predictions for 2008: Over 1 Million G1 ‘Droids!
CEO Peter Chou of HTC reports that sales of the Android-runnin’ G1 should exceed 1 million for 2008 and that 2009 may bring another two Android handsets, one of them slated for as early as Q1 2009. With over $500 million in revenue for November alone, HTC seems to be rocking. Other handset makers? Not so much. It seems that HTC has found a nice “sweet spot” with that lovable lil’ green ‘droid as more handsets are on the way. Will the faltering economy take a toll on sales, or will demand for Android handsets remain healthy for 2009?
[engadget]
Google Gift to Employees: Let Them Eat Dogfood!
Just when I was feeling the Christmas blues about my company bonus (or lack thereof), along comes this little tidbit that makes me all warm and fuzzy and full of Christmas cheer. Instead of a big fat Christmas bonus (historically upward of $20,000), Google employees can look forward to scarfing down some “dogfood” this year. Ok, not REAL dog food. “Dogfood” is corporate jargon for making employees use the company product, one of the benefits being continuing improvement of that product. So, Google employees can look forward to receiving their very own Dream phone (Android G1) in their stockings this year. From the mouth of Google:
This is a chance for us to once again dogfood a product and make it even better! Second, as we discussed in our email this week, the current economic crisis requires us to be more conservative about how we spend our money. We felt that giving the Dream phone would be a great holiday present - something we could all celebrate.The Dream phone (G1) has a special ‘droid emblazoned on the back, will be unlocked, and carries a $180 value to Google employees. When Google isn’t handing out $20,000 Christmas bonuses, we know that times are tough. To get even more details, check out Gizmodo here. Also, HUGE props to Gizmodo for a most excellent picture!
[Gizmodo via Valleywag.gawker.com]
Android On-Screen Keyboard Coming
For those of you who are like me and aren’t crazy about a slide-out keyboard, there is relief on the way. The “cupcake” branch of Android development has spilled the beans that Google has been working on a soft, or on-screen, keyboard for the Android G1. It will be available as early as January 2009. What does this mean to you and me? It means that the G1 can be more one-handed-friendly! Take a look at the YouTube video which reveals how the on-screen keyboard works on the G1. Just select a text-entry box and the keyboard appears, ready for action!
G1 Makes Cover of Consumer Reports
T-Mobile’s Google Android phone, the G1, may not have cover-girl looks, but is still sexy enough to make a splash on the cover of the January 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine. This is a most excellent tip with a very special thanks to one of our forum members, Dr. Tyrell (’Blade Runner’ reference duly noted and appreciated!). Thanks Dr. Tyrell!
As noted by Dr. Tyrell, the G1 and the iPhone 3G are recommended as “best choices for multimedia use.” Below is an excerpt from Dr. Tyrell’s post found here in the Android Central forums:
“I will just note that they primarily looked at voice quality, ease of use, talk time and PDA features. The G1 was knocked for some things that should be coming soon such as Exchange support, document editing and video capture.“
Good work on spotting this one, Dr. Tyrell! It’s nice to know that the G1 and Android are getting some cover time.
T-Mobile To Get Rid of Upgrade Fees?
Tmonews is reporting that there are whispers that T-Mobile is going to finally get rid of the $18 upgrade fee that has irked a lot of customers whenever they upgrade to a newer handset. Obviously $18 isn’t going to be a dealbreaker if you really wanted your G1 but in these tough economic conditions, every dollar counts.
“We have received feedback from you on behalf of our customers that the $18 Handset Upgrade Fee is a real customer diss atisfier. Based on your feedback, we are eliminiating the $18 Handset Upgrade Free effective immediately.”This is another sign that T-Mobile is still the friendliest carrier around these parts. And that isn’t a backhanded compliment. Well, not really.
[TmoNews]
