Everything Android

[r0gue]

So we have a thread for android apps, but no thread for actual Android products.

So lets start with the Motorola Xoom that was just announced at CES



Looking forward to this thing being released.

[Murley]

Here's the sneak peek of Android 3.0, Honeycomb

A Sneak Peek of Android 3.0, Honeycomb - Official Google Mobile Blog

Looks nifty. Also, check out the Notion Ink Adam which they've got a hands on vid of at Engadget:

Notion Ink Adam hands-on preview (video) -- Engadget

The world has gone tablet crazy!

[r0gue]

That notion ink adam looks pretty sweet.
We are going to be spoilt for choice this year.

[thro]

rumor has it, honeycomb will require dual core cpu.

[r0gue]

ooh

New LG Optimus 2X commercial shows the power of the first dual core phone | Android Central

http://www.androidcentral.com/hands-...=Google+Reader

Yeah dual core is what's being rumoured, sucks for anyone who already bought an android tablet as they cannot upgrade, but cool for all the new tablets coming.

[r0gue]

Wait, hold the phone.
Seems there is no hardware requirment for honeycomb.

http://androidcommunity.com/honeycom...alse-20110105/

[Cam]

Interested to see what comes of the Android tablet market this year.

I've ordered a very cheap unit to have a play with (basically if it does everything my phone can do, just "bigger", then it's got me covered for my holiday computing needs) but the price point is going to be hard to keep down.

I can't see it ever replacing a 'proper' laptop altogether though.

**edit: I still think the iPad is generally stupid and too limited for its own good. No change there.

[r0gue]

So many tegra 2 tablets releasing at CES, its great.

Acer Iconia Tab A500 first hands-on! -- Engadget

[r0gue]

My HTC Desire HD arrived today, sweet.
Anyone got any handy tips?
Very new to Android.

[broon62]

I just got a Desire HD a couple weeks ago, my first Android too!

Tips
- Hold the Home key to show the last 8 apps you opened.
- From any home sceen, pinch inwards to zoom out and show all home screens
- Personalize your home screen and add shortcuts to apps you use frequently by pressing the personalize button in the lower right of the home screen
- Set your screen to automatically turn off, or you will kill the battery quickly. Settings -> Display -> Screen Timeout. You can also press the power button to turn it off\lock the phone.
- If you are with Vodafone there is an app for checking your current usage
- Install dropbox to share documents between your phone and your PC (link gives us both extra space).

[Cam]

If you are with Vodafone there is an app for checking your current usage

3G Watchdog is free and does this nicely, network independant.

[broon62]

Cool, haven't tried 3G Watchdog. The Vodafone one logs in to your Vodafone account and gets your current plan details so you can see what % of your allowance for phone calls & data you've used.

[Cam]

Ah groovy, that's pretty handy. Not sure what other networks have integrated apps like that

[broon62]

I only mentioned it because Vodafone\3 are the only ones with the Desire HD at the moment.

Another tip is that (on this phone anyway) there are two apps each for facebook and twitter. One is the official one, one is the HTC one. Use the HTC one as it lets you link your Facebook\Twitter contacts to your phone contacts (so that when someone calls you it brings up their current facebook photo and last status update, stuff like that).

You can also sign up on htcsense.com. That lets you see the current location of the phone on a map, lets you lock\wipe all data remotely (if the phone has been stolen) and lets you make the phone ring at full volume. At least, it's supposed to. It stopped working last week and tech support says they're still trying to sort it out.

[busa_bloke]

My best tip is Angry Birds, for when time needs a fast forward button..

[Cam]

The stock standard contacts app on my Desire links Facebook, Twitter, etc. As people update their info, my contacts automagically do the same.

[SPman]

I see Creative Zen have got 2 new players using Android - only 2.1 though. Thought of getting one to read books on, watch vids and music on the train - the phones just a tad small.
The Creative Online Store (Australia) | Buy Entertainment Devices / MP3 Players | Creative ZiiO 7"

[Murley]

Prepare to have your mind completely blown.

Motorola Atrix 4G, HD multimedia dock, and laptop dock hands-on -- Engadget

[r0gue]

Wow, that's pretty awesome.
So much choice this year, going to be hard to choose gadgets this year.

[Wedge]

Prepare to have your mind completely blown.

Motorola Atrix 4G, HD multimedia dock, and laptop dock hands-on -- Engadget

Words cannot express... The future maybe? I know the processors in our phones are about the same computing power of a desktop PC of less then 10 years ago. However the ability to carry your desktop PC around with you on your phone is incredible.
I can see the next step might be "Docks" that have boosted processors in them, want to have a lan? bring your keyboard, mouse, screen, dock and phone. Most people will probably have more then 1 dock in their house, so going from one persons house to another just plug your phone into the dock and bingo. Your PC is there. Instant access to all your files, documents and maybe at a later date with boosted docks, proper games...
The possibilities are opening up a whole new market !