Google talks Android Market app store

Android's gaining a head of steam as it heads towards release -- Google just posted up some details on the upstart OS's app distribution system, Android Market. Just like Apple's iPhone App Store, Android Market will run on Android phones like the HTC Dream and allow users to browse and install apps, as well as comment on and rate apps they've already purchased. (Somewhat terrifyingly, Google describes the rating and comment-system as "similar to YouTube," but we're hoping the reference is to user-generated ratings in general and not the grammar and language catastrophe that is YouTube comments.) Unlike Apple's store, however, Android Market will be open to all -- Google wants devs to "have an open and unobstructed environment" for their apps, and it'll only take three steps (register, upload, describe) to put content on the service. The first Android handsets will come with a beta version of Market that supports free downloads only, but a version that has app sales, versioning, and other features will arrive soon after launch -- given the number of mediocre apps that have somehow passed Apple's vetting process, it'll be interesting to see what shows up in Google's store with no filters at all. More screenshots after the break.

Could There Be a CDMA Version of Palm's Treo Pro?

Last week, Palm announced the Treo Pro, a Windows Mobile-based smartphone for business users. This device is designed to work on GSM networks, and an unconfirmed report indicates there will be a CDMA version, too.

Palm Treo Pro vs. Palm Treo 800wBut there's a small wrinkle in this; some would say there's already a CDMA version of the Treo Pro. It's the Treo 800w, which was released by Sprint earlier this summer.

The two have much in common. The 800w was Palm's first Windows Mobile device with a 320-by-320-pixel screen and its first smartphone with Wi-Fi and GPS, while the Treo Pro also has these features. Both also have the same general shape (see image at right).

Nevertheless, a report in the China Economic News Service says a CDMA version of the Pro is in the works. This hinges on one of the primary difference between the 800w and the Pro: they are manufactured by different companies.

Specifically, the Treo Pro is reportedly being assembled by HTC. And CENS says that Palm has asked HTC to produce a CDMA version of this device, too.

This will come as good news to some CDMA users who prefer the Treo Pro to the 800w. Because, for all their similarities, there are some differences. The Pro is thinner yet has a higher-capacity battery. Also, its sleek black-and-silver design has impressed people who weren't thrilled with the 800w's blue-and-silver color scheme.

The CENS report doesn't say when the CDMA version of the Treo Pro will be released. The GSM version will debut in Europe and N. America in September.

Also left open is which carrier(s) will offer the alternate version of this smartphone, though Verizon Wireless is an obvious possiblility.

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!