ARCHOS 7 Announced, First Large Screen Android Tablet Under $200

Today find Archos formerly announcin g their ARCHOS 7 home tablet which aims to bridge the gap between smart phone and desktop computers. With its 7-inch touch screen (800×480) and sleek form factor, the tablet connects via WiFi hotspots and provides access to the Internet. Stay in touch with your Facebook friends and twitter followers, check email, or browse the web. Other features include HD video playback, USB connection for transferring files, an MP3 player, and 8GB of storage. Archos claims the device can provide seven hours of video playback or 44 hours of music from one single charge. The ARCHOS 7 home tablet comes preloaded with select Android apps including eBuddy, Aldiko, and DailyPaper. Archos’ own AppsLib is also installed allowing for users to customize their tablet with even more applications. Look for the tablet next month for $199.99 SRP through selected retailers. If you’d like to pre-order one, head to Amazon.com now! Might We Suggest… Archos Event Comes and Goes – Not the Droids We’re Looking For Those wanting the Archos event that was scheduled for today to have been Android related are going to be a tad disappointed.  As it turns out, a new tablet announced but rather than being full of Goo…

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ARCHOS 7 Announced, First Large Screen Android Tablet Under $200

Twitwars: I Narrate My Experience With Twitter’s Official Android App

Due to the nature of this release, I’ve written this review in an entirely different style. I hope it doesn’t annoy the lot of you, but it’s literally how I perceived the app as soon as I installed it on my phone. While long-term usage isn’t reflected in my tests, the review should still give you a pretty good idea of the quality you can expect with the installation of this app. Additionally, I hope to bring you guys a full gallery of pictures as well as a video run-through very soon for the many people unable to try the app out on their sub-2.1 devices. We first saw Twitter get official apps on both the Blackberry and iPhone platforms. Pondering when Android might get its own official treatment, we wondered if Twitter would develop their own Android app or acquire an existing one like they did with Tweetie. We have our answer , and we’re blown away by the potential that this app has (and the innovation that it brings to the Android market in its entirety). Upon starting the app, I’m greeted with the usual login screen asking simply for my username and password. It’s what immediately follows that blows me away in more ways than one: Twitter asked if I would like it to link my friends up to contacts in my phone. I opted not to do this as I don’t have many personal contacts that use Twitter, but Twitter’s initiative to integrate this into their app screams “this is how it’s done”. It’s clear why the app is exclusive to Android 2.1 and beyond: the app tailors to specific features within the core of Android itself. Excitedly, I move on from that screen and am quickly taken to a nice looking launch screen (reminiscent to what you’d get upon launching the Facebook app). If nothing else, Twitter really shines as an app that shows the potential of the Android OS that’s yet to be unlocked by a majority of developers out there. Animated backgrounds constitute the stunning effect of blue and gray clouds moving across the screen, trending topics pop up at the bottom of the app in fluid motion, and clean, stylized icons make you “feel” like you’re using Twitter. That last bit may be somewhat on the weird side, but there’s an indescribable feeling you get when everything looks and feels official. Clicking near those speech bubbles at the bottom brings up the full offering of trends as you can navigate between current, daily, and weekly happenings. Everything you expect to see from the trends API shows up here, and the app even graciously lets you know how long ago the list has been updated. Straight from here, you can go into the full search view using the icon that resembles a magnifying glass in the upper left corner. You’re given the text box to enter the search term, as expected, but you’re also given a unique set of search options that – up until now – has not been implemented in any Twitter app. You can search by location using a toggle below the search field, and you’re able to differentiate the search between people or tweets. I’ve only seen a handful of apps allow you to search people, so it’s a very welcome addition. Even the apps that I did find it in limited you to just opening specific usernames, while Twitter’s search digs into the profile data, as well. I want to send out a tweet now, so I jump directly back to the homescreen by touching the Twitter logo at the top of the app (it must’ve gotten happy when I touched it because it glowed). On the compose screen, everything looks like business as usual: you’re given a box to type in, the ability to upload photos, and you can add specific usernames to your tweet in case you need to mention that one person who always changes their name. I decided I wanted to upload some video for this tweet, but unfortunately the option wasn’t there. I’ll take a photo, instead. Twitpic integration comes with the app and Twitter does so elegantly. When I returned to my timeline to check out the tweet I just sent, I can see the picture I uploaded integrated directly into the timeline: a real treat that a lot of apps just don’t provide. Unfortunately, electing to see the pic in a larger view takes you out of the app and into the browser, but this is a huge nitpick on my part. Hitting the back button to get back to the app, I notice someone replied to my tweet. Thanks to my short term memory loss, I forgot which tweet they were responding to and frantically searched for a way to view the conversation. There was just one problem: Twitter didn’t code a true conversation view. Instead, I have to click the “in reply to” link (click-able directly on the tweet itself) over and over until I drill down to where I need to go. It’s a cumbersome drawback, but I’ll deal with it, for now. After getting my refresher, I want to check out my friend’s profile to see if they’ve made any changes to their profile. By clicking the icon above his picture, I can also jump into another sizable list of options to access: who’s following them? Who are they following? What lists are they involved with? What tweets have they favorited recently? All of this is accessible with your own profile, as well, with the obvious added benefit to edit all of your information besides the day you became a tweeter (or twitterer? twatter? You decide.) Even with my qualms with Twitter’s native retweet system, I must accept the fact that people use it. As most third-party apps have already taken advantage of the new APIs that Twitter offers, I wasn’t surprised to see it fully implemented here. It’s invaluable to not only see the list of tweets that have been retweeted by the people I follow, but also to see who’s been retweeting you (and stuff retweeted by you, for good measure.) I wanted to retweet something my friend posted that I thought my followers would enjoy, and I also wanted to append my own commentary to it, while I’m at it. While I can’t fault Twitter for it, there is no official way to facilitate old-style retweets. There is a very cumbersome work-around (using Android’s native “Share” feature, but I’d rather not have to deal with it. It’s a disappointment, for sure, so here’s hoping Twitter plans to bring it in future updates. Falling victim to the advent of native retweets, I reluctantly went through the operation and returned to the home screen to do some more of my blue-bird bidding. I haven’t had any direct messages recently, but it appears my inbox and outbox have synched up just fine. Next, I check out lists. I’m listed by quite a few people on my personal account (not nearly as many as the Phandroid Twitter account ) and I can see these lists just fine. Tweets from the other members of the list are aggregated alongside mine, and I can see who’s following the list, too. Everything is as you would expect, with the app even giving you the option to set up a new list (and to dictate the privacy settings for it). I rarely use lists on Twitter, but I created one for the sake of a review. It took me a while to find out how to add someone to it, but after figuring out that you had to goto the user’s profile and hit the menu button, I was on my way. Finally, after exploring every corner of the app (and deciding that I wanted to use it on a daily basis) I headed into the settings menu to customize my experience. If I ever get annoyed with animated backgrounds (and I probably won’t) I can shut them off with ease. I’m able to select the specific URL-shortening service I want to use, too, which is surprising seeing as Twitter dubbed http://bit.ly as their official URL provider. I’m also given my choice of picture uploading sites, as well. You only get a couple of settings per function, but more could definitely be added in the future. Notification options are in-tune with what you’d get on an ordinary app, too, allowing you to set refresh intervals, LED options, the types of tweets you’d like to check for, and the sound you want it to play when new tweets fly in (pun is crucial to a successful diet, folks). Anyway, after setting the app up how I like it, I’m good to go. I almost forgot that Android supports widgets, though. I back out to my phone’s homescreen and long-press an empty desktop to see if there are any widget options available: you can choose between a small and large widget to pretty your homescreen with. Much like Facebook’s widget, you’re given a single tweet at a time with the user’s picture and name to identify (as well as the time, client, and who they’re replying to, if applicable). Navigating tweets is done in similar fashion, too, using left and right arrows to bring up the next one in the queue (in contrast, the small widget only shows the latest tweet). One thing I didn’t understand is why you’re able to reply to a specific tweet from the small widget, while you only have the ability to compose an entirely new tweet from the bigger widget. Fortunately, going into the timeline via the widget itself helps alleviate the pain, but those 2 seconds of time I wasted could’ve gone toward my weird addiction to Twitter. The Pros: This just looks like the Twitter client you’d expect from Twitter themselves. The beautiful interface (including the stunning animated backgrounds) sets a new standard for Android apps (of all types) The application integrates nicely with the core Android operating system, housing the ability to link your contacts up with your Twitter friends to see tweets in the address book Integrates Twitter’s core features with great depth, allowing you to effectively replace the actual Twitter site Allows a degree of customization that you might not expect from an official app. The Cons: No native retweet. This isn’t a feature of the site itself, but it has become such a staple in the Twitter community that you’d expect them to follow suit. Due to its advanced UI features and Android integration, the app is only available for Android 2.1 or higher. The Bottom Line: If you’re a Twitter user (and the lack of old-style retweets doesn’t completely ruin your Twitter experience) you will want this app – that’s granted you are on a device with an up-to-date firmware. I’d love to see Twitter bring out a stripped version of the app for other firmware versions, but for now a lot of people are going to have to do without. Still, the app itself is a development milestone that all developers should strive to match. If only for its UI features alone, it echoes the potential that Android has to create beautiful, compelling, and feature-rich applications that works without fail. While it won’t draw everyone in (especially if you have something against the color blue), you owe it to yourself to at least give it a download and see if you like it for yourself. — Be sure to check back frequently as we’ll be bringing you more reviews of some of the premier twitter apps that the Android market has to offer. If there’s a review for an app you want to see in particular, let it be known in the comments below! Also, be sure to follow me on Twitter if you haven’t already. Other posts in the Twitwars series: Twidgit Lite , Twidroid , Twicca

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Twitwars: I Narrate My Experience With Twitter’s Official Android App

Is the LG Ally a Smart Phone, or Something Better? [VIDEO]

An LG Ally promo video has hit the internet and it definitely has us thinking a release is merely weeks away.  Check out the clip below and you’ll hear all sorts of wonderful references to Android apps including Latitutude, OpenTable, and eBay.  At the end of the video a website is shown directing folks to LG.com/ally , which (for now) redirects to lgim2.com .  We’re only a week away from Iron Man 2′s May 7th release. Naturally, we’d expect to see LG or Verizon step up with an announcement. Are you ready for back-to-back super phones from Verizon!? (clip after the break) Source: Android Central Might We Suggest… Rumor: LG Aloha Headed to Verizon in May (UPDATE: To Be Called ‘Ally’) The Boy Genius Report (BGR) is reporting that LG’s first super phone, the LG Aloha, should hit Big Red in May.  No exact date or pricing was given, but this is exciting news.  LG has yet to hit the Un…

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Is the LG Ally a Smart Phone, or Something Better? [VIDEO]

Sprint Loves Your Mom, Do You?

Wireless provider Sprint is doing what they can to have you looking like a champ this coming Mother’s Day.  Hesse and Co. have put together a lis t of Android apps designed to make mom’s life easier around the home and office. We’ve taken a little initiative and appended some links for you guys to check out.  Baby Go! – Keeps little ones entertained with colorful letter blocks that dance around the phone’s screen at the push of a button. Meanwhile, the app locks the device itself so information is protected. BugMe! – The quick and easy note-taker for Android and BlackBerry smartphones, BugMe! users can jot notes, ideas and errands and easily set reminders to sound an alarm and pop up an alert when the item is due. Healthy Diet For Kids – Helping kids lead healthy lifestyles begins with parents who teach their children to recognize healthy and unhealthy food. In this game your child’s goal is to select the healthy items to get “health reward” points. MomsZeal – Discuss parenting and anything about being a mom anytime, virtually anywhere on your phone. Community members can post thoughts, questions, comments and answers. MobiZim Parental Controls – Provides parents peace of mind by showing them their children’s mobile phone usage, such as calls, text messages, location and Web browsing history. First things first!  Before she goes off on a downloading frenzy,you have to make sure your mom has an Android phone.  As of right now the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment are both $99.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and a new two-year service agreement. So what are you waiting for? Get your mom on the Now Network, now. Might We Suggest… Sprint’s Android 2.1 Updates Due in “Coming Weeks” Samsung Moment and HTC Hero owners will be excited to learn that Sprint plans to roll Android 2.1 out to their customers in the “coming weeks”.  As the carrier gears up for the Nexus One and,  presuma…

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Sprint Loves Your Mom, Do You?

Did FCC Just Out the HTC Wildfire?

It’s not very often that we get to see pictures of handsets to go with FCC approvals. Such is the case with this new HTC phone, the PC70110 . Based on the looks, we can safely assume this will be an Android-based unit. Look to the front keys for a row of buttons that mimic the Droid Incredible. Nothing concrete is known about this handset aside from the AT&T 3G bands it was approved with. Some are beginning to believe this might be the HTC Wildfire as its design could fit the “playful and full of youth” description. The handset maker recently conducted a poll on their Facebook page asking fans to help pick the name of their next release. Other choices included HTC Jovi, HTC Zeal, and HTC Festi. We’ll be sure to bring you more on this handset as we can gather it. Source: PhoneDog Might We Suggest… Sprint Loves Your Mom, Do You? Wireless provider Sprint is doing what they can to have you looking like a champ this coming Mother’s Day.  Hesse and Co. have put together a list of Android apps designed to make mom’s life easier …

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Did FCC Just Out the HTC Wildfire?

Samsung Considering Google TV with Android

Samsung is said to be considering the business feasibility behind creating televisions with Android.  The Korean manufacturer already moves more units than anyone in the world so this may or may not come to fruition. As rival Sony is rumored to be hard at work trying to integrate Android into televisions via set-top boxes , it sounds as if Samsung is evaluating embedding the platform directly into tv sets.  The company plans to watch how the market reacts later this year when competitors start to launch similar products. Source: Korea Herald Might We Suggest… Google TV, and Your Android Apps News broke today regarding Google’s TV initiatives, and Android is reportedly part of them. Learn how you can think ahead for your Android apps in today’s episode of Building ‘Droids!…

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Samsung Considering Google TV with Android

Android Development Around the Globe: MOTODEV Interview with Jose Angel

In ramping up for the upcoming MOTODEV Summit , which will consist of a series of events throughout Latin America, Randy Ksar of the MOTODEV team recently sat down for a chat with one of the founders of the Google Technology User Group (GTUG) Mexico City and AndroidTitlan.org , Jose Angel. The full podcast is posted over on the Motorola Developer Blog , and it provides some insight into the upcoming MOTODEV Summit as well as Jose Angel’s take on being a part of the global Android developer community. While many readers may be unfamiliar with Android development and the strong community surrounding it, the podcast is definitely worth a listen if not to only get a sense of the truly global nature of Android. Jose Angel’s GTUG Mexico City is currently the 10th most popular in the world, and in this interview he shares a little about being involved in Android as well as his favorite Android apps. Any readers from Latin America plan to attend one of the summit sessions? [via MOTODEV Blog ]

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Android Development Around the Globe: MOTODEV Interview with Jose Angel

Nook Firmware Update Adds Android Apps, Browser

Barnes & Noble recently rolled out a firmware update to their nook e-book reader and it features some nice changes. This latest version (v1.3) now features a  pair of Android games – Chess and Sudoku, as well as a beta web browser.  The browser comes as a result of may users asking to log into public WiFi spots that require authentication via a webpage. One of the biggest changes to the nook is the new “Read in Store” feature which will let users read complete eBooks in Barnes & Noble stores.  Other improvements include faster book loading, page turning, and an updated home screen.  Of course there are also the requisite bug fixes and tweaks that come with nearly every firmware release. Please note that the update must be done over WiFi as it’s not being supported via a 3G connection.  If you are a nook owner, it’s suggested you head here to grab the firmwar e update with your device. Might We Suggest… Pandora Hacked to Run on Rooted Nook The team over at nookDevs is wasting no time in bending the Barnes & Noble nook to their will.  After successfully rooting the device in 120 hours, the next step was to try to get Android apps in…

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Nook Firmware Update Adds Android Apps, Browser

Automatic App Updating Coming in Android 2.2

One Android feature that our readers have been asking for is the ability to update all applications and games to the latest release.   It’s not uncommon for the average user to see 15 or more notifications a day indicating new versions of downloaded apps.  As phones get bigger and allow for more applications, the headache will only get worse.  It appears Google understands this and has taken steps to address the situation.  Rather than a full blown “update all” option, the Market found in Android 2.2 appears it will give users the option to automatically update apps in the background. Would you use this feature? Are the total opt-in type?  Do you only trust specific developers? Source: 4chan via Phandroid Might We Suggest… Canadians Finally Get Paid Android Apps! Attention Canadians: Now you can buy paid Android Apps! That’s right, now you will be able to get all those pro apps, Americans have been buying for quite sometime. Check out this Android Guys art…

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Automatic App Updating Coming in Android 2.2

Ford’s SYNC AppLink to Allow Hands-Free Voice with Android Apps

Automaker Ford has announced their new SYNC AppLink software to allow for hands-free voice control of a select Android (and BlackBerry) applications. Coming in the form of a downloadable updgrade, SYNC AppLink, will be released for 2011 Ford Fiesta owners with the “award-winning SYNC communications and infotainment system” later this year. Next year will see a larger rollout for most of their SYNC-equipped cars in addition to support for other mobile operating systems. “The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Organization. “SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. In an effort to help keep more eyes on the road, SYNC AppLink integrate with apps using the vehicle’s voice and user interface controls, including buttons on the steering wheel. Among the first SYNC-enabled apps due out later in 2010 are Pandora, Stitcher, and Orangatame’s OpenBeak app for Twitter. Keep an eye on the Android Market for updates to these applications Might We Suggest… 10 Android Apps You Need To Download NOW! by Scotty Brown Have you ever seen one of those lists on a tech site giving you this list of apps that they claim are the end-all-be-all of lists? The type of article that swears up and down that w…

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Ford’s SYNC AppLink to Allow Hands-Free Voice with Android Apps

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