As I sit here using the Verizon Wireless DROID Incredible I can?t help but love Android. If not for the uncanny ability to multitask my applications at ease, but for the ingenious pull down notification alerts which give me total control over my smartphone. This is no longer just your average cell phone. Sure there is still a long way to go and I get my fair share of force close application warnings, but with each version of Android the improvements far exceed the bugs. It’s hard to believe that less than 2 years ago we began the Android journey and now code names such as Cupcake, Donut, Eclair and now Froyo are part of our vocabulary. The latter of those code names, Froyo, has the Android community on its heels for a possible two to five times increase in performance with our existing hardware compared to Android 2.1. While using the DROID Incredible has me excited about Froyo I can’t help, but wonder what if any future remains for devices like the G1, myTouch 3G and Hero. Has Android followed the path of Windows Mobile through select device updates and ultimately left some devices behind?

For all the reasons that I despise Apple’s iPhone there is one aspect I truly envy as an Android owner – worldwide synchronized software updates.  With over 20 Android handsets in the world today and now four versions of Android, it is clear that a single update to Android which can be delivered worldwide is not possible.  As more and more Android devices are released how much wider will the gap become in the release of Android updates.  If we look back on Android 2.1 which was introduced with the Nexus One, it took 3 months for the Motorola DROID to receive the update and another 3 months for the Hero and Samsung Moment.  It’s hard to tell whether Google is playing favorites with certain devices or if HTC’s Sense UI really requires additional handling to warrant delays.  If Sense was really the culprit then why did the Samsung Moment receive an update around the same time as the Sprint HTC Hero?

My love hate relationship with Windows Mobile stemmed from a very similar situation where software updates were sporadic and the majority of update information came from leaks and forum posts.  I left Windows Mobile for Android to escape the update nightmares and to enjoy the fruits of an open OS.  Now that I’ve had nearly 2 years of experience with Android devices my biggest fear is that I will need to choose my next device based on whether or not I believe Google will prioritize it’s updates.  As of today we know that the Motorola Droid will be updated to Android 2.2 in the coming weeks while the Desire and EVO will be updated in the second half of 2010.  Does this mean that all Sense UI devices will be 6 months behind the Nexus One for all future updates?  What happens to the Android legacy devices – is the G1 cursed?

I believe Android users deserve answers on the updates direct from Google and not dependent upon questioning PR teams for manufacturers.  Fair warning is not too much to ask and if a six month delay is going to become typical because I enjoy Sense far more than the standard Android UI then I think it’s time Google considers purchasing the UI or at least incorporates some of the styling into the vanilla Android build.  My question to fellow Android users is do you feel confident in the future of your device and how much would synchronized Android updates change your experience?

On a side note, while using the DROID Incredible and I’ve been thinking about upcoming Droid Incredible 2.  I’m excited d about Froyo, but I can’t help but wonder what (if any) future remains for devices like the G1, myTouch 3G and Hero.  It’s a bit scary out there for Android users these days, don’t you think?

HTC Corporation, a global designer of smartphones, today introduced an enhanced HTC Sense experience that will be available on two new smartphones that take Android to the next level, the HTC Legend and HTC Desire. The new HTC Sense experience continues to focus on improving your interactions with your most important people. This begins with a new HTC application and widget called HTC Friend Stream that seamlessly aggregates all of your social communication including Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr into one organised flow of updates. This simple aggregation makes it easier than ever to focus on what friends are doing as well as to view the images and links that they share. In addition to Friend Stream, people can be organised into specific social circles, such as groups of friends, colleagues or any other way that makes sense.

The new HTC Sense experience also introduces broad improvements to applications including the browser, email client and others. In addition, the new version of HTC Sense includes a new newsreader application and widget, as well as a new seven-screen ‘Leap’ thumbnail view for quick and easy access to specific screens.

HTC Legend
Built around a newly enhanced HTC Sense, the HTC Legend boasts a unique design with a smooth, continuous surface, machined from a single aluminum block into a seamless compact frame.  To complement its looks, the HTC Legend includes a stunning 3.2 inch, AMOLED HVGA display.  The traditional trackball has also been replaced with an optical joystick, surrounded by a narrow button to improve usability without interrupting its unique design.

HTC Desire
HTC Desire is the richest way to visually experience news, friends, photos, favourite places and whatever else is important on a mobile phone. With one of the most advanced displays available on a phone today, HTC Desire is designed with a large 3.7 inch AMOLED WVGA display to enhance and maximise content, whether it is pictures and videos, browsing the Web or checking on friends’ status updates. HTC Desire is powered by a one gigahertz Snapdragon processor and is Adobe Flash 10.1 ready. As with the HTC Legend, the HTC Desire also includes an optical joystick.

Release Dates
The new HTC Legend will be available in Europe through Vodafone and in the direct channel beginning in April.  It will roll out to other parts of the world including Asia in early Q2.  HTC Desire will be broadly available to customers across major European and Asian markets in early Q2.  The HTC Desire will be exclusively available in Australia through Telstra. The enhanced HTC Sense experience will also be offered as a free upgrade on the HTC Hero in Europe and Asia.

[via]

Orange today announced it will be launching the much anticipated HTC Desire, the next Android device to be ranged by Orange in the UK. Available this spring across all Orange consumer retail and business channels, the HTC Desire will be free on selected consumer pay monthly and business price plans. Offering a rich, intuitive browsing touch interface and premium design, the 3G+ enabled Desire is the latest device to feature Google’s 2.1 Android operating system, allowing users unrestricted access to thousands of amazing tools and applications which can be downloaded straight to the handset.

Created for those wanting an optimised mobile customer experience, the Desire comes equipped for users to make the most out of the internet. The device features the superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 1GHz processor and as part of Orange’s Signature range, users will be able to access great Orange services direct from the home screen, including Orange’s own sat-nav product, Orange Maps, as well as Orange TV, Photography, Games and Orange Windows Live.

The Desire also comes with a choice of specially designed unique user interface options courtesy of HTC Sense and an integrated five mega-pixel, auto-focus camera featuring camcorder capability, a gravity sensor, A-GPS, a digital compass and 512 MB of memory with space for a 32Gb MicroSD card. What’s more, the 3.7 inch WVGA capacitive display features anti-fingerprint screen coating for improved smudge resistance and a longer lasting, clearer display. Orange will be offering the HTC Desire for free to customers on selected pay monthly price plans. The HTC Desire will be available from Orange shops and www.orange.co.uk/shop in April 2010.

Customer support and Google are not exactly synonymous these days as we enter another week of customer complaints about the Nexus One.  The Nexus One is different than other Android devices because it is a trifecta of confusion – sold by Google, manufacturer by HTC and operating on T-mobile.  So who do you turn to when you have problems with your Nexus One?  Today we have an answer, Google has announced a new support hotline for customer inquiries. To reach the hotline, which will be open daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Eastern time, customers can call 888-48-NEXUS (63987).

Consider this the first of many steps Google needs to take if it plans on overtaking the smartphone world.  Some other great news we’ve just confirmed is that Google has dropped the ridiculous termination fee for customers who want to return the handset after the 14-day period (30 in California).  Rather than forking out $550 in fees between T-mobile and Google, unsatisfied customers are now only required to pay $350 in EFTs.  So better support and a lower ETF, sounds like we might have the second coming of the Nexus One or at the very least a little extra comfort for the next US Carrier to launch the device – Verizon Wireless.

[via NYTimes]

With 20 devices on 59 operators in 48 countries using 19 languages, Android has made its mark on the smartphone market. Today Google made the Nexus One official and while we released specs for Google’s Nexus One last week, at Google’s Press Event today they made both the device and the spec chart a reality. If you’ve seen our previous coverage things remain the same with a few additional details on the battery life, display and confirmation that the device will be running Android 2.1 Eclair. Oh yea and we were off by $1 on the prices, it’s actually $179.00 with a 2-year contract on the T-mobile Even More individual 500 Plan and $529.00 without contract.

Here’s what Google had to say about the Nexus One:

Manufactured by HTC, the Nexus One features dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc., a large 3.7″ OLED display for deep contrast and brilliant colors and a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ chipset for blazing speeds. Running on Android 2.1, the newest version of Eclair, the software includes innovations like a voice-enabled keyboard so you can speak into any text field, fun Live Wallpapers, a 3D photo gallery for richer media experiences and lots more. Of course, it also comes with a host of popular Google applications, including Gmail, Google Voice and Google Maps Navigation.

Today, the web store allows you to purchase the Nexus One without operator service or with service from T-Mobile USA. We expect to add more operators, more devices and more countries in the future, including Verizon Wireless in the U.S. and Vodafone in Europe. To learn more about the Nexus One, and our new web store, we recommend checking it out for yourself by visiting www.google.com/phone. We look forward to seeing how our new program and the Nexus One contributes to accelerating innovation on mobile products for the benefit of users worldwide.

[via Google]

There’s nothing like revisiting a great device with a photo gallery.  Thanks to our friends at eprice we are pleased to continue in our hands-on photo gallery tradition and this time with the GSM version of the HTC Hero.  We’ve become very familiar with the Sprint HTC Hero over the past month, but the GSM version still catches our eye with its unique styling thanks to the raised chin.  Sometimes devices are quickly forgotten in this rapidly changing environment but we believe the Hero has made it’s mark and will continue with great success.  Enjoy the photo gallery and remember to check out all the Android-based devices that are available in our Phones section above.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[via]

We love a good Android port and in the latest YouTube offering we get to see Android 1.5 in action on the HTC Touch or HTC Elf as some of you know the device.  Thanks to the OMAP850 processor and simple cab file you can be off an running Android on your own Wing/Touch/Elf in no time.  Follow the steps in the video for your full rundown on how to get the Android 1.5 building on your own device in no time.

[via]

The Sense UI is no doubt the most impressive feature on the HTC Hero which sets it apart from most other Android devices on the market, yes even the Motorola Droid can envy Sense.  Unfortunately it seems as though the Sense UI is a bit of a Catch 22, we have the superior UI over standard Android, but at the same time Android updates require a bit more care and preparation.  As we’ve seen from the missing 1.6 Donut update, the HTC Hero will probably not be getting updates as quickly as other Android devices and should be skipping intermediate updates in the future.  On HTC’s Twitter feed yesterday they confirmed that the rumors are true, the Hero will be getting the Eclair (2.0) update.  They ask for our patience but what exactly that means in terms of a time frame we have no idea.  If that means a week or two then I am more than happy to keep Sense because the UI is beautiful, but if this means we are months away from the Android 2.0 roll out I think it’s time to download aHome and cut the cord, my 2 cents.

[via]

The follow up to the G1 (HTC Dream), the HTC Magic (G2) has seen releases across carries worldwide.  While the HTC Hero is the new king of the block in the Android world, or at least until the Motorola Droid releases this Wednesday, the Magic is still a wonderful second-generation Android phone.  With the 3-inch 480 x 320 pixel display, Qualcomm 528MHz CPU, 192MB RAM / 512MB ROM, and lighter and thinner dimensions than the G1, the HTC Magic is a solid device.  As we prepare for the next wave of Android handsets to hit the US market, let’s jump back in time with a hands-on photo gallery of the HTC Magic, enjoy.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[via]

The Android entry-level HTC Tattoo is the second Android device by HTC to offer the Sense UI.  While it only features a 2.8-inch QVGA resolution screen and 3.2-megapixel camera it makes up in performance.  After some thorough handling it seems that Android just runs better when using a lower resolution screen and that all of our prayers will be answered once we see the Snapdragon powered HTC HD2 dressed in Android attire.  Thanks to our friends at eprice we are pleased to bring our first HTC Tattoo photo gallery, enjoy.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

[via]