DoubleTwist, the popular desktop syncing client and elegant phone music player app, has announced a plethora of fantastic stats, immediate updates and future plans for its software. First off, its mobile and desktop (Mac and PC) apps have been hugely successful as they are set to hit 500,000 and 1 million users, respectively, in September. You may be wondering why that second number is so much higher; this is because DoubleTwist also allows syncing with devices like the PSP and both Windows Mobile and BlackBerry phones.
A completely new and revamped website is intended to become "the iTunes.com of Android" and will be adding support for Amazon’s MP3 Music Store "later in the fall" on top of its current podcast and Android app offerings. The site will also feature the ability to install apps to your phone directly from the website similar to AppBrain. In addition, users of the Mac and PC desktop clients get a new update that features faster syncing (finally!) and improved library management. To update, simply launch your DoubleTwist client and it should check automatically, or you can find the manual update button under File (Windows) or doubleTwist (Mac).
Finally, the Android app will be receiving a major update in September to allow use of FM Radio (if your phone already has this feature, one would assume) and the ability to sync over WiFi (!!!). [DoubleTwist]
Posted originally at Android Central
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What happens when manual upgrade links for the Froyo OTA on the Incredible are found, and the Epic 4G is released (and we decide to give one away!) all in the same day? Something so Incredibly Epic that we can’t help but talk about it. Check these out:
That should get you started, but more goes on in the forums than we could ever cover. Have a look, jump in, and I’ll see you on the inside!
Posted originally at Android Central
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Android 2.2 and Tegra 2. That is what it now takes to stack up in the Android tablet game, and Hannspree is saying, “Yes please,” on both accounts. Their proposed tablet will feature a 1GHz Tegra 2, 16GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card, and a 1024×600 capacitive touchscreen. Throw in some micro HDMI and micro USB ports and you have yourself a media machine capable of playing back smooth 1080p HD video, which, beeteedubs, can be viewed for up to 8 hours on one charge of the Hannspree tablet’s3,500mAh battery. Other connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1.
The newly announced tablet is priced at €399 (~$507), but no word on a release date. Hey, at least we have gone from 10 trash Android tablets popping up a week to 10 promising ones, right?
[via Engadget]
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We were all waiting for it, even though it seemed like Motorola might not have any plans to release the Droid 2 outside of the United States. But thanks to an error on someone at Moto’s part, for but a brief moment an official promotional video for the Motorola Milestone 2 found its way to YouTube. The video was subsequently pulled, but not before someone could get a quick screen grab for posterity’s sake.
If you aren’t familiar, the Milestone branding was applied to the original Droid when it launched to carrier around Europe, Canada, and smaller US carriers that weren’t Verizon. The same will happen with the Droid 2 it looks like. Expect the Milestone 2 to carry an identical spec sheet and feature decidedly less dark and droning Droid advertising.
[via Engadget]
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If a lack of HSPA+ coverage in your area was putting you off from purchasing the upcoming T-Mobile G2, the company looks to be making some serious moves in rolling out their high-speed network to all corners of the United States. You may even be lucky enough to find your town’s name among the list of nine new places to receive coverage starting today.
New coverage areas include:
- Boston, MA
- Erie, PA
- Fresno, CA
- Palm Springs, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Miami, FL
- Richmond, VA
- Spokane, WA
- Topeka, KS
Currently the HSPA+ network laid out by T-Mobile covers 100 million Americans spanning 55 major metro areas. HSPA+ speeds as of now max out at 21 Mbps, but TMo plans to double throughput to a theoretical max of 42 Mbps in 2011. Compare that to the 10 Mbps being touted for Sprint’s 4G network.
The T-Mobile G2 can’t quite take advantage of all that bandwidth with 14.4 Mbps maxing out download speeds on the handset, but it should offer a blazing fast alternative to the speed of the Samsung Epic 4G and HTC EVO 4G on Sprint.
[via Android and Me]
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The Samsung Fascinate is only a little over a week out from release, but if you are running out of ways to whittle away the time as you await for your chance to get a piece of the Galaxy S action on Verizon, maybe we can do something for you. You see, we got our hands on the Fascinate User Manual in all 170 pages of mind-numbing instructional goodness. Aside from all the information you could need about the new Galaxy S device, you get a run down of included apps and services including the likes of Bing and V CAST.
I know, I know. It’s too kind of us. You can thank us later. Download the file from the link below, and if someone is feeling equally kind perhaps he or she could mirror it and post up the link in the comments?
Download: Samsung Fascinate User Guide
And don’t forget the Samsung Fascinate Forum is already bumpin’… head over there for some fascinating forum talk!
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We already know that the Samsung Galaxy Tab is headed to Verizon thanks to a leaked inventory image, but a GCF filing for the device reveals a radio that is quite capable of a wide-range of carriers as well. The Tab carries coverage for quadband GSM/GPRS/EDGE and triband UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA. While we are sure to learn much more of the launch plans for the tablet at its impending unveiling at IFA on Thursday, we get the feeling Samsung wants to take a similar approach with their tablet as they have with the Galaxy S and get it to as many outlets as possible by shunning carrier exclusivity.
[via TheUnwired]
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Angry Birds…I don’t quite get the hype (maybe that is because I have never had the opportunity to play it), but it is coming to Android. Before it can get an official release, however, it must go through its beta-testing rounds. This is where the good news comes in for any readers who have been itching to try the game. An e-mail was sent out today informing that all those who sign-up at the Angry Birds site will be invited to a “massive beta test” of the game come this Friday.
Now you are probably asking, where do I sign up? Android.AngryBirds.com. Do it, and let us know how it goes once the test build gets out. (Also, they are apparently considering a movie and/or TV version of the game in case playing it on your phone doesn’t get you your fix.)
[via DroidLife]
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Along with a slew of feature phone and Blackberry devices, it looks like Verizon’s lineup of Android phones could be getting the prepaid treatment if some recent screen captures are any indication. VZW seems poised to launch a full-blown prepaid portion of their wireless service, and if the device list holds true users will have some pretty impressive options including everything from the original Motorola Droid up to the yet to be released Samsung Fascinate.
The Droid 2 and Droid X are also up for prepaid, as well as the HTC Droid Incredible, the Motorola Devour, and the LG Ally. That just about covers all of the Android phones Verizon currently offers.
As far as prepaid pricing, it looks like data will get a flat $30 per month fee for unlimited usage, plus a voice plan at an undisclosed price on top. Altogether we’d imagine the prepaid package would run about $60-$75 per month at a minimum for unlimited data and a voice plan. Not too much of a steal when you consider these phones on prepaid plans won’t get the same low-cost subsidized treatment of their kin being shipped off with two-year contracts.
[via Engadget]
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It’s time. We’ve been online since 2007 – before any other Android focused website on the planet – and we’ve made a lot of friends along the way. The interwebz is a great place, and with over 200,000 members, we’ve accomplished some pretty amazing things together. Now it’s time to celebrate.
On September 21st, Verizon Wireless will join us as at Crush Bar/Restaurant in Baltimore, MD to host the first ever Phandroid LIVE event – and you’re invited! In addition to Verizon’s entire line of Android-based phones, you can expect delicious food, contests and giveaways, and of course some amazing company. Did we mention it’s FREE?
Two quick and very important things to know:
- Not in Baltimore? You can create your own Phandroid LIVE event in YOUR area thanks to our friends at Meetup.com
- We hope this will be the first of many Phandroid LIVE events so don’t be jealous if you can’t make it to this one – there will be plenty more opportunities in plenty more places.
Now for the most important stuff… READ IT ALL:
- Crush Restaurant, Tuesday September 21st, 6pm
- Space is extremely limited, so don’t wait too long to decide!
- Space is extremely limited, so please don’t register unless you’re sure you can attend!
- Send an E-Mail to events [at] phandroid [dot] com with your name, address, phone number, and AndroidForums.com member name if you have it (if you don’t… umm hello? register now)
- Come with an appetite and ready to have fun
- We’ll follow up with you via e-mail within 24 hours to confirm your registration (or addition to the waiting list) and provide additional event info
Thanks to everyone who has helped make Phandroid the “go to” place for everything Android. We’re looking forward to hanging out with you on September 21st and beyond!
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