Category: News (Page 96 of 130)

      Eric Schmidt says Android is about to blow up

      October 17, 2009 /

      Android's about to get big.I’ve been cautiously skeptical about Google’s Android operating system as a successful mobile platform. I love the features, I love the UI, but the phones were seriously lacking. Google CEO Eric Schmidt made some comments during the company’s earnings conference call that may change my mind, though.

      Schmidt says Android Adoption is set to blow up, and it’s because of those crappy phones the system currently runs. It’s not the phones themselves, but the number of them. There are currently 12 phones running Android, and more phones and netbooks coming out monthly it seems. As that number continues to grow, it gives developers more and more reason to spend time on the platform.

      Mobile is Google’s next great frontier, and where analysts expect most of the company’s growth to come from over the next couple years. With more Android adoption, that growth is essentially guaranteed. Hopefully 2010 will see the release of a phone that might make me consider getting rid of the iPhone. I love a healthy competition.

      Mobile, News

      Apple allows in-app purchases for free apps

      October 15, 2009 /

      iPhone App Store. Apple has decided to lift yet another App Store restriction, one that has bloated the App Store (that app count isn’t entirely accurate) for some time. Developers are now allowed to have in-app purchases in free apps, a move that spells the demise of all those “lite” apps.

      As things used to be, developers were required to charge for the download of an application if they also wanted to charge for content to be added later. By lifting the restriction, Apple has finally enabled developers to make just one version of an application that can then be unlocked through in app purchases.

      I know this makes trial or limited downloads a lot more appealing. Downloading two apps for one purpose always seemed like a hassle to me. I’m glad things have finally turned the corner.

      Apple, Apps, iPhone, News

      Michael Dell confirms mini 3i US release for 2010

      October 15, 2009 /

      Dell mini 3i.According to TechPulse, Michael Dell has confirmed the launch of his company’s first Android phone, the mini 3i, for 2010. The device is rumored to be coming to AT&T and should see a hardware upgrade from the version available in China, namely to add Wi-Fi and 3G support. Smart move, Dell. Launching a phone without those things would just put me over the edge.

      The phone wasn’t all that well received when Dell first started shopping the thing around, and it doesn’t look like things have improved. Of course, it’s pretty hard for people to get excited about what looks to be an iPhone/Pre mashup running on Android. If anything had a shot at the iPhone in recent days it was the Pre because Palm had some pretty clear differentiators. Dell doesn’t have that. What it does have, though, is the pure gall to call underwhelming product releases an attempt at competition in essentially every market the company takes part in. As I’ve said before, this will be one long, agonizing death.

      Mobile, News

      Accessories for the Storm 2 show up in Best Buy

      October 12, 2009 /

      Blackberry Storm 2 skins.Engadget got an early look at some accessories for the Blackberry Storm 2 today. It’s just more in a year-long string of leaks that point to a release some time this month, maybe even some time this week. The shots from Best Buy are just some silicone skins, but none of the material can seem to agree on a name for the device.

      The accessory packaging shows 9550, the numeric nomenclature for the device, Storm II (is there a Storm III in the works?) and even Odin, which used to be the product’s code name. The three names show up right next to one another, apparently to assuage any doubt about just which device the skins are for. That a major retail chain has them, though, almost definitely points to a release date in the near future.

      Mobile, News

      Another Apple/Google board member shows his allegiance

      October 12, 2009 /

      Arthur Levinson.Genentech chairman Arthur Levinson decided to resign from his board position at Google. The announcement isn’t far from Eric Schmidt deciding to leave the Apple board, where Levinson also sits as a director. Ties between the two companies are becoming scarce as investigations continue and competition heats up.

      Google made the announcement earlier today, which included comments from CEO Eric Schmidt. “Art has been a key part of Google’s success these past five years, offering unvarnished advice and vital counsel on every big issue and opportunity Google has faced,” Schmidt said. “Though he leaves as a member of our Board, Art will always have a special place at Google.”

      That’s certainly a gracious farewell from a company wrapped up in investigations that just seem to get uglier as they go. Earlier this month Schmidt encouraged Levinson to remain on both boards, though it wouldn’t be surprising if ol’ Steve was leaning on him pretty heavily to pick a side.

      Apple, Mobile, News

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