Tag Archives: new

Call for Articles

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Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone who has had a hand in helping Droidweb.com off of the ground. I’d say this has been a successful first month, considering the forum has seen about 20 active members join in addition to 500+ views.
Let us continue this success together in the coming month by keeping up the participation. If you know anything interesting related to Android, let us know by making a post in the forum. Currently we are interested in articles about:

  • New Android Phones / Devices
  • Android Software Updates
  • Android Market Developments
  • Android in non-standard applications
  • Your personal experience with Android
  • Much, much more.

Here’s to many more successful months. Thanks!

Where's the Magic?

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Htc link

Such is the sleek header found at HTC‘s website. However, underneath the surface, things aren’t so rosy. A recent report states that HTC suffered a 30% profit decrease. While most scapegoat skeptics would point towards the hopelessly flailing economy as a reason for this, others (myself included) point towards the fact that HTC expected the Magic to be released by now. Having leaked rumors back in January about the phone, we’ve been abuzz about the second iteration of Android devices (I’m reluctant to call this second generation). Originally slated for release this month, this device’s release date has been slid to May.

Why so serious delay? The explanation is simple. They’re waiting on Cupcake. The Magic has no slide out keyboard like the G1. The Magic, as one of its features, touts video capabilities. Both of these are features that aren’t coming to Android until the Cupcake update is released.

No Cupcake for you!

But while we [impatiently] wait for Cupcake to come out, lets look at the Magic and some of its specs, shall we?

Most data from: HTC product specs

Features

  • Access to your favourite Google applications like Gmail™/Google Mail™, YouTube™, Google Maps™, Google Talk™, Calendar and Google™ Search
  • High-speed 3.5G network connection and Wi-Fi technology with seamless transition to open networks
  • 3.2 megapixel color camera with auto focus for quality image and video capture
  • microSD™ (SD 2.0 compatible) expansion slot for all your storage needs
  • 3.2-inch touch-sensitive screen with HVGA (320 X 480 pixel) resolution
  • Support for Bluetooth wireless stereo headsets

Specifications

Processor Qualcomm® MSM7201a™, 528 MHz
Operating System Android
Memory ROM: 512 MB
RAM: 192 MB
Dimensions 113 x 55 x 13.65 mm ( 4.45 x 2.17 x 0.54 inches)
Weight 118.5 grams ( 4.18 ounces) with battery
Display 3.2-inch TFT-LCD flat touch-sensitive screen with 320×480 HVGA resolution
Network HSDPA/WCDMA:
  • 900/2100 MHz
  • Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:

  • 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

(Band frequency and data speed are operator dependent.)
Device Control Trackball with Enter button
GPS Internal GPS antenna
Connectivity Bluetooth® 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
Wi-Fi®: IEEE 802.11 b/g
HTC ExtUSB™ (11-pin mini-USB 2.0 and audio jack in one)
Camera 3.2 megapixel color camera with auto focus
Audio supported formats AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC-LC, MIDI, OGG
Video supported formats MP4, 3GP
Battery Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Capacity: 1340 mAh
Talk time:

  • Up to 400 minutes for WCDMA
  • Up to 450 minutes for GSM

Standby time:

  • Up to 660 hours for WCDMA
  • Up to 420 hours for GSM

(The above are subject to network and phone usage.)
Expansion Slot microSD™ memory card (SD 2.0 compatible)
AC Adapter Voltage range/frequency: 100 ~ 240V AC, 47/63 Hz
DC output: 5V and 1A
Special Features G-sensor
Digital Compass

Pictures

EDIT: Apparently the Magic is up for pre-order as of April 17th, with a release date of May 1st. Does this mean that the first crumbs of Cupcake will be released by then?
Reference: droiddeveloper.com

AndFTP: Efficient Client for Android in the works

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AndFTPThere are some utilities a serious computer user needs on all of his devices. A FTP client is one of them. Personally I use FTP clients to maintain webpages, store / backup my homework on other computers, efficiently share files, and save the world before bedtime. (You wont believe how much bandwidth that last venture takes up).

Therefore you can imagine my happiness upon learning of the existence of a new FTP client for Android. Still in its infant stages (the latest release is RC6), this program shows a lot of promise. The GUI is clean, efficient, and welcoming (something that a lot of Android applications lack). To compliment the nice GUI, the program is functional. I was able to set up my most used FTP connections in less than 3 minutes (yes I did time myself). I dare say it was easier to use and FileZilla (Desktop FTP client).

However, while using the application, there were a few stumbling blocks. Firstly, after making my first connection, I closed the phone to be able to scroll through the file-listing. Apparently switching views causes the connection to reset, which I rather it not do. Also the program is somewhat unstable. More than once, the program locked up and refused to connect to a server. I guess that is why the application is still in pre-beta. For now I give the program 3 and 1/2 stars with potential for much more once some bugs are fixed. Once the final version is released, this is a definite download.

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Call for Applications

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Similar to the style of calling for papers for a major conference, I am calling for all your applications fellow developers. Its time to show the world what kind of applications are out there for the Android platform. Currently, we have 10+ applications listed on our site. I’d like to see many more applications posted, including those from very diverse categories.

If you have an original application for Android that you wish to be reviewed here on droidweb.com, e-mail me an updated .apk file for your application at triplemwebsolutions.

Look forward to hearing from you!

PlanetariaX: An app out of this world!

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One application has revived my enthusiasm about Android. No, its not office documents support, though that would be nice, or a more intuitive picture viewer than the one packaged with android. It is a “pocket skymap” for Android called PlanatariaX.

This application does a good job showing off the potential of the Android platform. It makes good use of sensors such as the GPS and accelerometer and combines this with smooth animations and an overall gorgeous UI.

Ok. I’m done drooling. Lets talk about what this application actually does. It is essentially a planetarium in your pocket. Once the phone determines your location it allows you to point the phone at the sky and it gives you a view into whats really out there in the universe. It has several modes, including night mode, a handy search feature, and compass for your orientation needs.

Rating: 4.5 Droids

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