Android and Me » android phones

Android 5.0 launching in Q2? We’re more than a bit skeptical

Anthony Domanico — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:59:06 +0000

According to Digitimes, Google may release the next major version of Android, Android 5.0 Jelly Bean, as early as Q2 2012. Digitimes cites Taiwan-based supply chain makers who suggest that Android 5.0 will feature optimizations for tablets and tablet-like devices. The timing would put Android 5.0′s release in line with Microsoft’s Windows 8 platform, and Digitimes claims that Google will be appealing to tablet manufacturers to provide customers with dual-boot capabilities that will allow booting into either Windows 8 or Android 5.

With Google promising last year that the Android update cycle would slow down so that one major platform version would be released per year, we’re a bit skeptical that we’ll see a major version of Android launch just 8-9 months after Ice Cream Sandwich was unveiled. It is possible that we’ll see some hints of what’s to come in Android 5.0 at Google’s I/O Conference, which is aptly set to take place in June this year.

The report claims that Android 4.0 was a “failure,” though to date only one phone and a handful of tablets have officially gotten an update to Ice Cream Sandwich. Manufacturers are hard at work building their custom UI skins atop of Android 4.0 so they can release the update to their devices in Q2 and Q3. By the end of 2012, we’ll see a majority of devices in the wild just starting to run Android 4.0, and if Google actually releases Android 5.0 in Q2, we likely won’t see it adopted until well into the holiday season or even Q1 2013.

If we were a betting website (and, we totally are), we’d bet that some aspects Android 4.1 (or 5.0) with tablet optimizations will be unveiled at Google IO in June, and will start to hit devices in September/October. It will be a minor update on the phone side of things, allowing manufacturers to quickly update their devices to the latest version, and will be a major refresh for tablets as Google bolsters its tablet devices to compete with iOS and Windows 8.

What do you guys think? Will Google launch the next version of Android by June, or do you think it’ll be the second half of the year?

Over 20 different phones from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint, all available for free right now from RadioShack

Taylor Wimberly — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:17:45 +0000

Looking for a new Android phone this holiday season? You could wake up early on Black Friday and fight the traffic to score some sweet deals or you could avoid the craziness and head over to one of the 4,600+ RadioShack locations right now. Through Wednesday, November 23rd, RadioShack has over 20 different phones from Verizon Wireless, AT&T, and Sprint, all available for free with upgraded or new 2-year contract.

Not sure if you are eligible for a free Android phone? Just head over to the RadioShack Upgrade Checker and see if you qualify. Check out the chart below to see which phones are free and then keep your eyes peeled for a special device giveaway later this week.

AmazonWireless offers $15k in prizes for Freedom to Choose video contest

Taylor Wimberly — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:23:11 +0000

“Think you’re pretty funny? Have a hidden talent for video production? Care to share your experiences using AmazonWireless.com? If you answered yes to any of these you might be on your way to some serious dinero.”

AmazonWireless is holding a video contest with $15,000 worth of prizes and they invited us to help judge the entries.

Your Mission

From the contest site: “Create a video, 60 seconds or less, that demonstrates how AmazonWireless eliminates the frustration synonymous with the typical mobile phone purchase path. We encourage submissions to be humorous, but be sure to focus on how AmazonWireless keeps the phone shopping experience exciting and easy by giving customers the freedom to choose the phone and/or service plans that’s right for them by highlighting its core benefits relative to buying a phone in a physical store:

Great Selection – Creatively demonstrate how AmazonWireless offers a broad selection of phones so that customers have access to the devices they desire
Customer Reviews and Detailed Product Content – Show how customer reviews and detailed product content help users discover and choose the device that’s right for them and avoid missing out on the latest and greatest features, or conversely, buying a phone with features they don’t want or need.
Legendary Service – Amazon is synonymous with customer service excellence. Illustrate how AmazonWireless can save the day with its free and fast shipping or 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
Great Prices – Many of today’s hottest devices cost as little as one penny to buy. Display how AmazonWireless saves you money while helping you enhance your mobile experience.
Accessories, Apps and More – AmazonWireless not only brings Amazon features to the phone shopping experience, but also makes it easy for you to find all the things you need to take your device to the next level.”

The Prizes

A panel of judges from Android Police, Phone Dog, Talk Android, and Android and Me will determine six of the awards.

1st Place $5000
2nd Place $4000
3rd Place $2000
4th Place $1000
5th Place $800
6th Place $700

There will also be two community awards, voted on by our fans.

1st Place $1000
2nd Place $500

Their contest just started this week and runs all the way through September 28th, so you have plenty of time to get your submission in. Right now there are only two entries, so enter early and rack up some votes. For full details head over to the contest site.

Google introduces online gallery of all available Android phones

Taylor Wimberly — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:54:00 +0000

Are you in the market for a new Android phone? Google just made the process of comparing devices a lot easier with the launch of their Google Phone Gallery. This new online database includes all the major Android manufactures along with most of the carriers that sell their phones (someone forgot our friend Cellular South).

Android phones can be sorted by alphabetical order or release date. Users can even add up to three devices for a side-by-side comparison. It looks like most countries are supported as well since over 35 different carriers are represented.

Right now only phones with Google Mobile Services are listed, so don’t expect any of tablets or other devices without the Android Market to be included.

Check out the site and let us know what you think. What other features or additions would you like to see Google make to the site?

[Thank you c0uP for the tip]

Sponsor post: Droid X and Samsung Vibrant now available for special online price

Taylor Wimberly — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 07:00:35 +0000

Two of the summer’s hottest Android phones are now on sale for a special introductory price.

The T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Droid X both offer 45nm processors, which offer a new level of performance and reduced power consumption. There are always faster devices around the corner, but these phones offer a nice performance boost over the Snapdragon based phones and they will get even faster once Android 2.2 is released.

Recent big launches from HTC have sold out quickly, but Verizon claims they will have plenty of Droid X phones and Samsung also thinks they can meet demand for the Galaxy S.

You can rush to your local retail store and wait in line this morning to pick up either phone or you can quickly order from our online store. Through our partnership with Simplexity we are able to offer these phones at special online pricing, so take advantage of it while you can.

T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant: New customers can pick up the Vibrant for $149 with 2-year contract. Exiting users who are eligible for an upgrade can also receive the special pricing. I believe our contract pricing is the lowest you will find, but if you want to grap the phone off-contract for full price then T-Mobile.com has it for $499.

Verizon Motorola Droid X: If you are on Verizon and interested in the Droid X, then you will have to click to see pricing. The offer is a special introductory price, so hurry while the phone is in stock. Quantities are limited. Those looking to pick the phone up off-contract can grab the Droid X for $569 from Verizon.com.

Browse more offers from the Android and Me phone store

Sponsor post: AT&T HTC Aria and other Android phones for free

Taylor Wimberly — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:53:47 +0000

Next time you are in the market for an Android phone (or any cell phone), take some time and browse the Android and Me Cell Phone Shop. We searched long and hard to find the best partner who could offer the lowest prices and we were pleased to finally team up with Simplexity (the guys behind Wirefly).

Our store offers all the same phones, plans, features, warranties, and networks offered by your local retail stores plus a wider selection, lower prices, no waiting in line, and free returns. As some of you might have seen from previous launches, the prices are often below what the carrier offers and you never have to hassle with those lame mail in rebates.

Right now we got the new AT&T HTC Aria at free for new customers and existing customers who wish to upgrade their plan. If you are looking for a new account contract, the activation fee is waived and standard shipping via FedEx is free.

The Aria is AT&T’s first phone with Android 2.1 and perfect for those looking to pickup an entry level, mid-range smartphone. We’ve been pretty hard on AT&T in the past because they were slow to jump on the Android bandwagon, but things have turned around recently with their new lower-priced data plans and expansion of HSPA+ to 250 million people in 2010.

If you have any feedback or suggestions on the store, please let us know and we will do our best to address them. Outside of the industry-wide shortages, we have been completely satisfied with our store and the deals we have been able to offer. You can fully expect we will carry every new Android phone from the Tier 1 carriers, so keep us in mind next time you are looking to save some money.

Browse the Android and Me Cell Phone Shop now.

T-Mobile celebrates dads with free Android phones this weekend

Taylor Wimberly — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:45:46 +0000

In celebration of dads, T-Mobile just announced “the mother of all Father’s Day offers”. This Saturday, June 19th, every phone in every T-Mobile store is free to customers who switch to any family plan or add a new line to an existing family plan.

T-Mobile just conducted a survey and found more than half of dads received Father’s Day gifts they didn’t want. Dads want a gift that will get used, with two-thirds admitting they’ve received a Father’s Day gift they’ve never or hardly ever used. According to the poll, one in four dads would ban ties as gifts for Father’s Day, and the majority of dads (56%) would trade all ties in their closet for a new phone.

New Android phones at T-Mobile include the myTouch 3G Slide and the Garminfone. The Slide features a slide-out QWERTY keyboard great for sending emails and the Garminfone promises one of the best GPS experiences of any Android phone.

For additional promotion details visit t-mobile.com/celebratefamilies.

“For this very special day celebrating dad and the entire family, T-Mobile is thrilled to offer an industry-first promotion that helps families stay connected. This unprecedented event champions dad and helps families stick together with the latest phones – all for free.”Adrian HurditchVice President of Marketing, T-Mobile USA

Android Device Showcase: Photos of 50+ phones

Clark Wimberly — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:10:56 +0000

As part of the Android section in the Sandbox at Google I/O there is a huge Android device showcase. Inside is just about every Android device released to date.

In an effort to be thorough, we shot every single device in the case. You can see the whole set on Flickr or peep the slideshow below:

65,000 Android phones shipping per day

Matt Demers — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:29:08 +0000

Well, that’s a big number. In an annual stockholder’s meeting, Google CEO Eric Schmidt reported that Android partners were now shipping about 65,000 handsets per day which includes 34 mobile devices in 49 countries. Interestingly enough, Schmidt also took a subtle jab at Apple, saying that “[Google] is trying to build an entire ecosystem of openness, the inverse of the other guys.”

Google co-founder Larry Page was also on hand, perhaps throwing out some damage control to those who might be worried about Android’s lack of earning potential. He stated that having Android synergized well with the rest of Google “through more searches and other things that we do.”

Schmidt agreed with him, explaining that “while it’s true that we’re very happy to give away Android, the applications and the services that can be provided on a very large, very broad framework can be enormously valuable over the next five or 10 years.”

It is interesting that Schmidt is taking shots at Apple, considering he sat on their board of directors from 2006-2009, resigning after a supposed “conflict of interest.” I really wouldn’t be surprised if there’s some bad blood there, but maybe today’s comments were more of a “looking good for investors” kind of thing.

“Our partners are shipping about 65,000 Android handsets per day but if you check the blogosphere you’ll discover there are some reports that that number might be quite low. Our strategy is very different from everybody else’s. We license our code for free, so that’s really pretty revolutionary.”Eric SchmidtCEO Google

MWC: Hands on HTC Desire and HTC Legend

Taylor Wimberly — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:46:46 +0000

Over a dozen new Android phones were revealed at Mobile World Congress, but HTC is getting the most buzz with their newest pair of devices. HTC announced the high end Desire (which is expected to launch with almost every key carrier) and the Legend (a successor to the Hero machined out of a single block of aluminum).

Our friends from and.roid.es are back again with a hands on report from the Mobile World Congress event. They get a good overview of both phones and walk through some of new Sense UI features. Check out the video for a look at the new Friendfeed widget, cut and paste controls, and new pinch zoom desktop.

For complete details check out the official HTC product pages for Desire and Legend.