Android 1.0 Will Have Bluetooth, Won't Have GoogleTalk

Google and the Open Handset Alliance, the group behind the Android OS, have given a status update on two features in this upcoming mobile operating system.

Bluetooth

There have been some rumors going around the Web that the first Android-based devices won't offer support for Bluetooth.

Android

A post on the official Android Developers Blog tries to squash these. "The 1.0 version of Android and the first devices will include support for Bluetooth; for instance, Android will support Bluetooth headsets," writes Dan Morrill, Developer Advocate.

However, the initial version of the developer tools will not include a Bluetooth API. This means third-party software won't be able to directly access the Bluetooth functionality.

But that's not the end of the story. Morrill's post promises "We absolutely intend to support a Bluetooth API in a future release, although we don't know exactly when that will be."

GoogleTalk

Google is the driving force behind Android, so it's no surprise that smartphones running this operating system will be tied in to many of this company's services.

However, there will be one popular service that won't be included: GoogleTalk.

Morrill says the decision to cut this instant messaging app from Android was based on concerns about security. "GTalkService has some fundamental security problems... in the end, the Android team decided to pull the API instead of exposing users to risk and breaking compatibility with a future, more secure version of the feature."

More About Android

Android will be based on the open-source operating system Linux and offer robust multitasking.

Along with the OS will be a suite of mobile applications. The OHA will strongly encourage third-party development.

The initial smartphones running Android are scheduled for release later this year. The first of these will be from HTC and T-Mobile USA, but this will be followed up by devices from a variety of companies and wireless carriers.

Verizon XV6800 Gets EV-DO Speed Upgrade, Windows Mobile 6.1

Even though the Verizon XV6800 debuted last year, a new operating system upgrade pushes this model back to the leading edge.

XV6800Along with the jump to Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro -- the latest version of Microsoft's operating system for smartphones -- this upgrade adds support for Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network, which offers faster data transfer speeds than the original version of EV-DO.

Other enhancements include a threaded SMS client, an updated MMS client, and support for 16 GB microSD cards.

In addition, its built-in GPS receiver now supports the VzNavigator application.

This upgrade is available now, for free, on the UTStarcom website.

More About the Verizon XV6800

Many who overlooked this smartphone before might be more interested in it, thanks to the improvements this upgrade.

The XV6800 offers a variety of wireless networking options. In addition to EV-DO there's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The highlight of this device's design is a landscape-oriented keyboard that can be hidden behind its QVGA touchscreen.

Still, many have criticized this model for being light on RAM, as it has just 64 MB.

What's a ROM Update?

The ROM is where the operating system and built-in applications are stored. Changes made to the files in ROM are permanent and will survive the device undergoing a hard reset.

Updating the ROM will erase everything that's on the smartphone, so it's important to back up any files before installing the new version of the operating system. This doesn't apply to files that are on a removable memory card.

How to Take screenshots on your iPhone 3G

Apple has added this functionality right into the 2.0 software update. When you are on a screen that you want to capture, you simply press and hold the Home button and then press the the power/sleep button.

Your screenshot will then appear in your photo gallery on your iPhone where you can send it or sync it as you desire. I plan to use this functionality when writing software reviews and am pleased it was included in the update. I now need to test it out while playing games and using applications where pressing in on the Home button may affect the program. Cool & useful!

iControlPad iPhone gamepad case prototype surfaces

We saw a couple versions of the iControlPad iPhone gamepad surface back in May, but it looks like the clever add-on is getting close to reality -- check out these case prototypes that just popped up. Yeah, it's not, uh, small -- good thing the target price is under $30. Touch Arcade also has some other pictures of another iPhone gaming accessory that looks like it slides open, check it out at the read link.

READ

Epoq EGP-PP01 KIRF projector phone now shipping

Sigh. We're still stoked about phones with built-in projectors, but we're not at all okay with the first commercially-available unit being the nasty Epoq EGP-PP01 iPhone clone -- yet we've got to hand it to China King for being the first out the gate with a handset that'll beam a 30-inch VGA image on the wall for two hours off the built-in battery. Of course, that doesn't mean we think anyone should actually drop $550 on this uninspired piece, but if you've absolutely got to show off your witty texting banter to the entire bar, this is your only option.