One of the largest problems currently facing Google's Android operating system is the great degree of fragmentation due to the many different products that manufacturers and carriers have brought to the market. As it stands now, there are four different versions of Android software on various handsets: 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, and 2.1. The reason for this can be attributed to the inevitable differences in hardware, third party software (such as HTC's Sense UI), and the carrier or manufacturer's capacity to update their products.
Currently released Android phones ordered by their supported Android version so far include the following:
* 1.5: HTC Hero, T-Mobile Pulse, LG GW620, Motorola Cliq, Motorola Backflip, Samsung Behold, Samsung i7500, Samsung Moment
* 1.6: HTC Dream, HTC Magic, HTC Tattoo, Motorola Devour, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10
* 2.0: Motorola XT800
* 2.1: Google Nexus One, HTC Legend, HTC Desire, Motorola Droid, Samsung i5700
This large degree of platform fragmentation finds users and developers unable to take advantage of newer features and bug fixes that the latest release holds. For example, users without Android 2.0 or higher are left without Exchange support and new UI improvements, among other things. Taking note of these critical problems, Google will tackle the issue head on by taking their software into their own hands for their next Android release.
Named "Froyo", Google's next Android version will be detached of the usual set of first party applications and core components that currently populate the OS. Instead of bundling those applications with the operating system, Google will instead make them available through the Android Market for download. This is currently how updates to Google Maps are handled on Android.
This new approach will apply to both Android applications and system components. So for example, if Google brings a new update to the virtual keyboard or email application, all one would have to do is download the update directly from the Market as it instantly becomes available. No longer would users have to wait for their carrier or manufacturer to make it available for download.
Also reported is that Google is finishing up most of the core work required for Android and will soon be shifting development to consumer features and applications. Developers should be getting finalized APIs and frameworks as Froyo arrives, so they can instead focus on making applications faster and easier with greatly matured tools for the OS.
Source - http://www.neowin.net/news/google039s-solution-to-android-fragmentation-coming-in-039froyo039
not my artical just found it orig web page
androidandmeDOTcom/2010/04/news/android-2-2-is-coming-what-features-do-you-want/
replace dot = .
Android 2.2 is coming. What features do you want?
By Taylor Wimberly on Apr 20267
The majority of Android phones are still running an outdated firmware, but that hasn’t slowed Google from advancing their mobile operating system. Everyone knows the next version of Android (codenamed Froyo) is on the way and the rumors (1, 2) are beginning to pick up that the Nexus One will receive it soon.
Based on the data from our analytics reports it appears Google has already begun testing on their next firmware – Android 2.2. Google engineers have routinely given codenames to future builds of Android (Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc.), but they don’t receive a point release till they are finalized and nearing distribution.
We have shared this reporting data before and people are always quick to point out that it can be easily faked, but I have spoke with additional sources familiar with the matter who confirmed Android 2.2 is currently being tested.
The feature set for Android 2.2 was frozen long ago, but it remains mostly unknown. Google decided last year that they would no longer publish public roadmaps for future versions of Android. Based on the information we can gather, it appears Android 2.2 will mainly focus on performance enhancements.
Some of the rumored features for Android 2.2 include:
•JIT compiler
•Free additional RAM
•OpenGL ES 2.0 enhancements
•Flash 10.1 support
•Fixed problem with “crazy screen” / Resolution of cross multitouch
•Activation of Color Trackball
•Enable FM radio
Some of these features are plausible and others we have no clue.
The JIT compiler has already been confirmed by Google and we expect to find out new details during Google I/O. Android engineers will be leading a discussion that informs devs how to test and tune their apps to work with the new compiler.
Additional free RAM should come thanks to the new Linux kernel being used in Froyo. Google is moving from 2.6.29 to the newer 2.6.32 which makes it possible to address the extra RAM. This has already been done in custom ROMs like CyanogenMod so expect this feature for sure.
I’m no expert on OpenGL, but it has long been rumored that Froyo (or a future build) will add new APIs to the Android NDK which will let Java devs have full access to the OpenGL ES 2.0 library.
Flash 10.1 is coming in the first half of the year. It is entirely possible it could be tied to a future Android firmware and be included with an OTA update.
We have already addressed the HTC touch sensor issues. It sounds like a future software update could be used to clean this up a little.
Multicolor trackball notifications are definitely coming. Android hackers like ChainsDD have already unlocked this feature for users of custom ROMs. Google advertised the multicolor trackball during its launch of the Nexus One, but the feature was cut from the final Android 2.1 build.
When it comes to the FM radio, I have no idea. Other HTC phones on a similar Snapdragon platform (Desire and Incredible) include the FM radio so it’s not out of the question that the N1 has it too.
I spoke with Google’s Eric Tseng during CES and he told me there were many secrets left in the Nexus One that we would discover later.
When is it Android 2.2 coming out?
Circle May 19th on your calendar. This is the opening day of Google I/O and I’m anticipating the release of Android 2.2 (and maybe the Flash 10.1 beta) will be tied to this event. Google has provided every developer attending the event a free Droid or Nexus One, so it is possible to see a simultaneous release on both devices.
I’m really curious how first generation devices are going to play with this release. We are expecting most phones to receive Android 2.1 this month, so it will be interesting to see how Froyo fits in. Some of the Android engineers have been talking about Froyo on the Google boards and it is unclear if the HTC Dream and Magic will be able to support it since they only have 192 MB of RAM.
p.s. if in wrong spot please move it im a tootal newb
Engadget has just posted some of the videos on T Mobile G slate showing the awsome Honeycomb ui
Read further here-http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/googles-android-3-0-honeycomb-for-tablets-a-guided-tour-of-the/
How is this related to the N1?
I find it frustrating that every time I come in here looking for info, I have to sift through 100 threads that have absolutely nothing to do with the N1. Just because you own an N1 doesn't mean that you should post every thread that has anything even remotely android related.
It is nexus one related dude, I read some speculation that Honeycomb was centered around tablets, but smartphones could receive a smaller version (similar to iPad - iPhone OS) for phones.
Although I also heard somewhere recently that honeycomb will only run on dual-core processors. We will have to see if that's true, and if so; if cooking is possible.
Hi guys,
I currently use for my professionnal use my beloved treo pro, even it lacks some beautiful details of my ex 750v :
- glossy plastic instead of "velvet" feeling body of the 750,
- less than quality keyboard compared to the circled arrangement of the keys, and touch contact quality of its predecessor,
But higher resolution, wifi inside are so important improvement, that I could not go without.
But, as I'm getting aged (ok, not so much), I tried several other devices, but I did not feel at home as I do with wm devices, specially because of the sync way I use for outlook.
I dont want exchange things, wifi "ad hoc" created lans (as I used for my pixi plus), don't want either to depend on a third part (gmail, g something).
I use also an iphone, really great device, because it CAN synchronize on itself (yes, using itune,I reckon).
New winmo7 can't do that (wonder why?)
I also bought Bb Torch, tried a bold 9780, looking the future dakota specs, but again, outlook sync is so aukward, and so slow
I kept the iphone for what it is aimed to : a fantastic mini tab, super internet experience, multiple apps, but not very usable as a simple phone.
So, is there a wm device that will finally match my requirements
- a physical keyboard, NOT sliding (very unconfortable ro use with only one hand, that is one off the main reasons I did not keep the Bb Torch),
- Bigger screen possible (at least, more than the native 320x320 treo's),
- outlook sync directely with my computer
As it seems to me, there is only one pricey choice. the motorola ES 400,but I really dont need the military specs, especially because it's making it bolder.
So, any advices are welcome !!
Philippe
Adding my 20 cents....
I also would like to change my Treo Pro with a new device with bigger screen and with possibility to have more apps, and that will allow me to buy and download updated maps for TomTom.
I have been searching the web before spending any money, and the final decision is that I will keep my Treo Pro forever.
- iPhone 4: could be the choice, as TomTom is supported, seems to synk Outlook (via iTunes, but better than nothing), has many apps available, but it needs a MINI SIM and I have a company SIM that i cannot change or cut.
- Android: sync with Outlook via cable does not work well, and I cannot use google because not allowed by my company. TomTom is not supported (yet ?), calendar will not handle recurring appointments after 3 months from today, Outlook contacts fields are handled differently so yuo loose all categories, groups and multimple phone nbrs for the same contact
- WinPhone 7: Outlook sync only via cloud, TomTom will never be available.
- WebOS: not so many apps available, including TomTom
- BBerry: I do not use push mail, Outlook sync has some problems, no TomTom.
I really hope my Treo Pro will last long. And if it dies, I can always switch back to my PalmOS Treo 650, that is still functional..
Successor to the Treo Pro?
Hi all. I too wondered what to do... I posted the following on another board:
"My 2yr old Pro is getting long in the tooth and I'm also unable to find useful apps for WM6.1 and the microUSB port died as well. So I'll be replacing this if I can find something viable. I'm after either Android or WM7 for the OS, so crackberries are out. Their newest has nice features but I don't want the BB OS...
Has anyone heard of any new smartphones that have a good touchscreen AND qwerty? I intensly dislike virtual keyboards, as I enter things by touch when I speed dial people. Can't do that on a pretend key. I use AT&T and would need a GSM phone.
Other than video, which is too tiny to bother with anyway, my Treo Pro has done everything I need it to do. Too many phones out now are either smartphones with NO qwerty or "messaging" phones without the capability the Treo has."
I DID get a lead that might work well, other than the problem with syncing Outlook:
Quote:
Originally Posted by hockey
The Motorola Droid Pro (and the soon-to-be released unlocked GSM Motorola Pro) look interesting...
I had seen a decent review on Cnet that seemed to say the GSM Droid Pro version would be out by now...
And on Aug31 Mobilegazette.com said "The Motorola PRO+ is an upgraded version of the Motorola PRO, which we suppose is pretty obvious from the name. The thing is that the PRO isn't even out yet, and with an anticipated launch date of October for the PRO+ then it's quite likely that the original PRO will be quietly canned."
It looks VERY interesting since it has the Pro form factor AND The Motorola PRO+ comes with a much larger and more usable screen, a 3.1" 480 x 640 pixel display with Gorilla Glass to protect it.
Does anyone else think this sounds like a worthy replacement for the Winmob 6.1 Treo Pro besides me?
sorry, the sysadmin won't let me post the link to it, so I'll try this: look for the Motorola PRO+ on mobilegazette com, it is in a list by manufacturer on the left side. Just scroll down to it.
Treo Pro successor
I have been looking for a replacement for my aging Treo Pro for many months. I was contemplating buying a Blackberry Bold Touch, but they are not available yet on my carrier (AT&T) and cost more than $600 unlocked.
Then I found out about the Nokia E6.
The Nokia E6 has qwerty, touchscreen, and a d-pad (unlike the Bold Touch which has an optical trackpad). These seem like the most Treo-like features of any phone I have found yet. It seems to edit office documents, open pdf files, and sync with Outlook. An additional plus is that it is available on Amazon for $350 unlocked (cheaper than my Treo Pro or the Treo 680 that preceded it). It also has a 8 megapixel camera with flash and a newer browser than my Treo, two things I was hoping for in my next phone.
The drawbacks are smaller display (though with higher pixel count) and only a 680mhz processor. Some might say Nokia's move away from symbian is a drawback, but Palm no longer exists and I still like my Treo Pro.
I have never used a symbian device so I'm a little nervous about this phone, but if my Treo Pro continues to act up, I may have to take my chances and buy one.
Thoughts?
Been there myself (sort of speak).
Gone from a Treo 750 (...loooong time ago...) to a Nokia E72, then tried and Android device - after falling in love with Android, I have been looking for an Android device similar to the E72/BlackBerry devices, and although the waiting has felt very long, I think I have finally found the solution/right device: Motorola PRO+!
I'm getting my MOTOROLA PRO+ (AKA: MB632, "Elway Plus", apparently...), on Monday, from the UK.
This is a very good device (on paper at the moment, I will find out more in 48h when I finally have it) but for those of us that want a "bar" type, qwerty keyboarded, Android smartphone, for mostly emails, texting, calls (obviously) and - most important (at least as far as Im concerned): one of the best battery lives amongst all Android devices! - this is a dream!
~SilverLad~ said:
Been there myself (sort of speak).
Gone from a Treo 750 (...loooong time ago...) to a Nokia E72, then tried and Android device - after falling in love with Android, I have been looking for an Android device similar to the E72/BlackBerry devices, and although the waiting has felt very long, I think I have finally found the solution/right device: Motorola PRO+!
I'm getting my MOTOROLA PRO+ (AKA: MB632, "Elway Plus", apparently...), on Monday, from the UK.
This is a very good device (on paper at the moment, I will find out more in 48h when I finally have it) but for those of us that want a "bar" type, qwerty keyboarded, Android smartphone, for mostly emails, texting, calls (obviously) and - most important (at least as far as Im concerned): one of the best battery lives amongst all Android devices! - this is a dream!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW ! I'm looking forward to read your feedback on the PRO+ !!! Particularly with regards to Outlook cable sync (recurring appointments more then 3 months in the future are handled ? How are the multiple phone nbrs for the sema contact stored on the phone ?)
Thanks !
iamhiguma said:
WOW ! I'm looking forward to read your feedback on the PRO+ !!! Particularly with regards to Outlook cable sync (recurring appointments more then 3 months in the future are handled ? How are the multiple phone nbrs for the sema contact stored on the phone ?)
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No probs! I will post my findings as I go along - very excited myself!!
MOTOROLA PRO+ "Temp Forum"
Im hoping not to be contravening any rules here but since there is barely any info on the MOTOROLA PRO+ at the moment (not much info either on its predecessor MOTOROLA (DROID) PRO), I though all little bits of infor around (I have posted a few things in different places) could be gathered in one place - HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=19973225#post19973225 ...at least until when (and if) a dedicated section is created for this device...
I'm leaning towards Windows phone 7 or IOS in worst case. I just find MS phones so productive over Android. I went from a Samsung Moment to Treo Pro. So far, it doesnt feel like a downgrade.
I bought the Imagio from Newegg in September of 2011 for $145… sorry for you guys who paid $300?
I like this phone.
Why is there absolutely No Support from any of the parties responsible for this device?
1. Newegg sold it new “as is” with No Support
2. PDA Giant in Miami only helped with CDMA/SIM settings. Otherwise, No Support
3. I called HTC America. No support
4. I called Verizon (in CDMA mode). They were friendly… No Support
5. MicroSoft is completely autonomous. I spent several weeks on the web… No Support
6. Google Search for: “Verizon HTC Imagio Lack of Support” yielded no results
7. XDA-Developers forum search: “Verizon HTC Imagio Lack of Support” yielded no results
What is the real story?
I understand that some folks enjoy a challenge: Hacking, software fixes and cooked ROM’s.
Was there a class action suit? I would feel just great if I could get the responsible parties to make my device do what it is supposed to do.
I love my Imagio, too, but this phone was DOA when it launched in Sept. 2009. Everyone associated with it wants nothing to do with it. It was the first phone to launch with Windows Mobile 6.5, which was resoundingly panned, and in fact so bad that HTC felt the need to almost completely skin it to hide it from users.
HTC, which used to be Microsoft's favorite partner, has instead gone all-in on Android, so they don't care about the Imagio. Microsoft is all about WP7 and doesn't care about legacy WinMo devices. And Verizon never cared about any of it.
Even among WinMo and HTC enthusiasts, the Imagio was quickly eclipsed by the HD2, which had a bigger screen, better processor and multitouch. And because WinMo isn't touch friendly, a lot of people who might've considered the Imagio got the TP2 instead to get a keyboard (plus, the TP2 was available on more carriers). Long story short, among latter-day HTC WinMo phones, the HD2 and the TP2 have far more users and have always gotten much more development attention.