In case you’re wanting to keep closer tabs on this bleak global economic state, Google has released an official app for Android to help you do just that. Google Finance is available in the Android Market now for the very appropriate price of $0.00, but only to users in the US. The software has limited stock market support (for now), though the major US indices are covered in near-real time.

More companies are looking at Android as a new and powerful mobile OS for their upcoming devices. Acer has been surrounded by talks and comments regarding the possibility of Android powering their two forthcoming handsets. No concrete answer was given when asked directly if Android was the choice, but an OS other than Windows Mobile was said to definitely be in the cards. Still needing some feature bumps since its original debut in 2006, Road’s S101 HandyPC is rumored to have switched gears from a Linux distro to Android as its OS of choice. Yuhua have also followed up their design of General Mobile’s DLST1 handset with the Xphone-SDK concept. While only a concept at this point, the phone is limited to EDGE connectivity. Considering Android’s dependence on ‘cloud’ computing, this may pose a problem with potential slow-downs.

Potentially ground-shaking news is Android’s perceived ability to give Apple’s OS X Touch (iPhone) a run for its money by 2012. Industry analysts are predicting that current economic conditions paired with Android’s non-commitment to a particular carrier or handset manufacturer will give it the extra boost it needs to catch up with Apple. Also considered was the fact that Smart phones have outsold notebook PCs for the first time ever, possibly signaling more powerful mobile platforms providing the majority of functionality that people need away from their desks. While OS X Touch is somewhat limited in its ability to multitask, Android can accomplish multiple things at once. This could also draw mobile professionals with the need to get more work done while on the go.

Once the market-leader in smartphone OS usage, Symbian has fallen to less-than-half market share over just a few years. This is surely partially due to Nokia’s poor performance, but the advancement of competing platforms also plays a role.

For the first time ever, smartphones have outsold notebook computers. This may symbolize a public’s need to have a more portable device on the go, and a more powerful desktop computer at home. Robust platforms like Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile, and OS X Touch will begin to emerge as the preferred way to access data while away from the home or office. With no ties to specific hardware or carrier, Google could take a huge bite out of the market with the Android platform.

[via vnunet.com]

Based on the drawings included with the patent, it would appear we’ve already seen realization of this dream (gah I’m so funny), but we can’t help wondering what would’ve happened without the help of HTC. Was Google prepared to enter the hardware sector? Or were they hoping all along for a manufacturer to pick up on this patent and offer up a partnership?

Based on the patent application, Google spent a considerable amount of time scheming up the G1′s current slider “arc” motion. A good number of the patent’s points are used to describe the precise movement that the screen on the G1 takes when it is opened or closed. This almost makes it a good idea to keep an eye on hardware patent applications from Google, possibly lending insight into what the software giant has prepared for Android next.

It was a busy week last week at Mobile World Congress 2009 in Barcelona, Spain. Perhaps the biggest announcement for Android was HTC’s revealing of the “Magic,” the sequel to the “Dream,” or G1 as we know it. The Magic will initially be available on Vodafone in Europe, though no timeframe was mentioned. Key changes include a slimmer, light-weight body with no hardware keyboard. The Magic may have also been unintentionally revealed for T-mobile USA by Google during their offline GMail demonstration. The demo unit was branded with the US version of T-Mobile’s logo instead of its Europe counterpart’s or Vodafone’s, possibly signaling that T-Mobile US is about ready to announce the successor to their G1.

A rep from Acer made a rather unorthodox announcement of his company’s entry into the Android realm by sketching out a roadmap planned for their devices in 2009. The notebook sketches (and really no other technical details, as they’re not available) can be seen here.

Mobile World Congress 2009 was otherwise quiet on the Android front. This left questions regarding Samsung and other companies’ dedication to enter the Android realm as quickly as was expected.

The plans are for voice minutes only, but unlimited messages and internet can be added to an account, making truly unlimited service with the Big Pink T cost under $90. A family plan drops per-line costs significantly, with Unlimited Messaging for Families still a steal at $19.99 per account – for up to 5 lines.

Reports are that customers living in the SanFran Bay area or with a San Francisco area code have access to this new plan through their My T-Mobile web gateway starting today. Also of note, no contract extensions are required. The portal does point out that this is a limited time offer, so if you are paying over $90/month for voice/data/text, this may be the deal for you to take advantage of. As a bonus, T-Mobile is also offering a $135 credit to your bill for each line you transfer to your T-Mobile account from another carrier.

[via Forums]

The purchasing process will be through Google Checkout, and developers will need to register for a Google Checkout merchant account before submitting their applications with a price tag attached. There has been no communication yet on how this process will appear to the end-user, and if the purchase process will be integrated into the market or require a web browser visit to Google Checkout.

The paid-market will initially be available to US users only, with support for additional countries “in the coming months.” Many users have been awaiting the paid-for apps, expecting the quality and usability of the applications to rival those of other platforms.

Update : Official statement from T-Mobile PR

Last week, T-Mobile began rolling out a maintenance release (1.1 RC33) to T-Mobile G1 customers, which included several new features and software updates, including Google Search by voice and Google Latitude. Also included in the MR is support for priced applications on Android Market.
I wanted to inform you that, starting next week, priced applications will begin to populate Android Market, providing T-Mobile customers with even more unique applications to personalize and enhance their T-Mobile G1s. Additional information on priced applications can be found at http://android-developers.blogspot.com/.

[via forums user jmejiaa]

Also included in the RC-33 update, and being pushed to other devices with Google’s Maps application, is Google’s Latitude. It utilizes a device’s AGPS and other wireless location-based networking abilities to show where your contacts are in the world on the included Maps app. Latitude is also being deployed on other platforms such as Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Palm. It is expected to make its way to the iPhone in the Google Mobile app or possibly integrated into maps with the next software release.

Followed closely by the official release of RC-33, JesusFreke and others have cooked up JFv1.41-RC33, a custom build of the latest software. It includes all new features of RC-33, and builds in previous hacks to enable an implementation of multi-touch, auto-rotate using the accelerometer, and allows easy access to the root file system of the phone. Notably missing from the cooked update is the RC-33 radio firmware update, which is instead included as a separate install file.

Broadcom has announced availability of a driver compatible with Android for their combination wireless chips. The chips combine WiFi, Bluetooth, and an FM radio tuner into one compact component, allowing manufacturers to add more functionality on a smaller footprint.

Finally, we got wind of new Android handset possibilities for 2009. Samsung is highly anticipated to release an Android handset at MWC ’09, and Motorola has announced their new focus on Android as a mobile OS for their 2009 handset lineup.

Jha believes that “…in 2009, Android is more competitive…” [in regard to WM 6/6.5] “More of our effort and focus in 2009 is going to be Android.” Jha goes on to talk about strategies shifting toward Windows Mobile 7 in 2010, though Microsoft has made no mention of the OS other than its existence.

With Motorola coming to market with Android devices, the OS may see more carrier coverage than just T-Mobile sooner than was thought. Whether Android can truly compete with the iPhone would be seen if AT&T picks up one of Motorola’s new devices.

[via PCMag]

Details are scarce, so it’s not exactly clear what hardware modifications – if any – Intel would need to make to current netbook lines to ensure Android compatibility. Most netbooks today are powered by Intel’s low-power Atom architecture. Android has already been seen running on netbooks in the past, so some think that Intel may not have to change much to break into the Android market.

More and more netbooks are now being shipped with the option of 3G data cards pre-installed, to offer data connectivity on the go. The Android OS is quite the draw in this respect, as it was designed with an always-on connection in mind, and specifically for mobile and embedded platforms. With the Android Market included in the OS, software distribution would also gain a new avenue, and could be leveraged by the manufacturer by offering additional hardware-specific applications through a download-only format.

This release is not, unfortunately, the heralded ‘Cupcake’ branch that so many G1 users long for. This release apparently aims at nailing down some known (yet unspecified) bugs in the system, as well as adds some small, useful features. Among the upgrades are the ability to save a picture or file by long pressing that item and the Google Voice Search feature seen recently released for the iPhone. Also reportedly included is the official ability to force the system into checking for a more recent update.

T-Mobile has said that only a small number of updates have gone out so far, as a test release. The full update should reach everyone by February 15th. There is no stated pattern of the update trickling down to users, and is seemingly at random. New G1 activations are warned that they may receive the update up to 3 days after their data plan is activated. Chime in with comments if you’ve received your update!

T-Mobile also released their Q4 2008 numbers, and the results left some wondering if the G1 was really able to compete with the iPhone, as it hadn’t drawn near the same number of subscribers to T-Mobile from previous carriers. Another factor to consider is the currently bleak job market and economy, and the possible unwillingness to pay early termination fees to switch for a new phone.

In other T-Mobile news, the first publicly available Android phone, the G1, is now available at all US company-operated retail outlets. Previously the phone was only sold by T-Mobile in markets with 3G connectivity, causing EDGE users the need to order online.

Interest has grown in the market of deploying Android, and not just in mobile phone applications. Fujitsu Japan have announced their “Service Built For Android” program, assisting companies in deploying the OS on everything from cars to embedded applications. Another option is Android Bootcamp, a week-long intensive course diving into everything needed to develop for the platform.

Several anticipated applications were released into the Android Market this week, including the Last.fm client, allowing personalized streaming internet radio content. Another app allows users (currently the Netherlands only) to use a form of “Augmented Reality” paired with their Android device’s GPS capabilities to get directions to the nearest ATM. A final version of Opera Mini was also released into the market, giving users a robust alternative to the built-in Android web browser.

General Mobile has announced their intent to bring an Android handset to the market, but the specifications are currently under review to ensure compatibility with the OS. When released, the handset would offer a dual-SIM function allowing two phone numbers (presumably one personal, one business or similar applications) to be used in the same phone.

Certainly weighing on everyone’s Android Brain is the impending availability of a new version of the OS, dubbed “Cupcake.” Users were able to see a video demo of the new features this week, as well as plug the new distribution into their desktop simulators to play around with it. Still not ready for general public consumption, T-Mobile and Google have not announced a specific time period for Cupcake’s release.

Sling Media forum user and developer MegaZone writes, “At this time we have not officially announced any development for Android or webOS, but we’re keeping an eye on both of them. Android seems to be the next logical platform, looking at the overall market, and Sling reps have talked about it a few times. I believe some have gone as far as to say it is our next platform, but I won’t since we haven’t made any announcements. The kind of support we’re seeing through the OHA is very promising, and if even some of the announced devices and partners come to market it will be a strong player.”

“There has to be a business justification to invest the resources in developing the client. The next logical platform is Android, which we’re already taking a strong look at. Unlike webOS, Android already has multiple announced devices with commitments from several major device makers for even more, with carriers lined up world-wide. Remember that from our point of view it is the intersection of users with the platform *and* a Slingbox who are also interested in using SPM. Engineering resources aren’t free, so there has to be some return on investment.”

Without coming out and saying, it would appear Sling Media has taken a wait-and-see stance with webOS, sure to be another heavy competitor in the smartphone arena. With several Android-based phones already announced and more reportedly on the way, the platform seems indeed logical as the next obstacle Sling Media must overcome in taking over the streaming media universe.

Purely as speculation, one has to wonder if Sling Media would host some type of beta program with a mobile application on Android, given the open-nature of the platform. Wouldn’t that just be aces?

Launching the T-Mobile G1 with Google’s Android platform during this quarter, T-Mobile may be slightly disappointed that more customers didn’t switch carriers to get their hands on the first commercially available Android handset. One huge factor at play here vs. AT&T and the iPhone’s pull is that Android is not tied to T-Mobile for any length of exclusivity, and may be seen on other carriers before the first half of 2009 is over. Android-loaded devices have been all but confirmed for Sprint in 2009, no definitive word on whether the OS will appear on AT&T.

Also to consider is the nation’s (world’s) current economic status and the impact it may be having toward customers’ willingness to purchase higher-end handsets and sign lengthy contracts. T-Mobile USA is reporting 57% of new customers are using pre-paid or contract-free plans, both typically using lower-end and subsidy-free handsets without the advanced features (and plan prices) of the G1.

[via GigaOm]

This has sparked several discussions about the appeal of the open source community when personal data is at stake. Traditionally a friendly, help-one-help-all environment, the open source community is under attack by many who have had their phone book, calendar, and SD cards erased by this rogue application.

Another issue raised is the Android Market app approval process, of which we’re not really sure there is one. Several commenters have expressed interest in Google taking more of an Apple AppStore approach, with stricter app requirements before allowing downloads by the masses. A link to the application was not provided for obvious reasons.

Up until this point, a customer had to visit a T-Mobile store within a 3G coverage area or order online to snag a G1. Consumers with a fear of ordering anything online could have a T-Mobile store employee walk them through the online ordering process, but the phone still had to be shipped to their home address.

Note that this news only pertains to corporate retail outlets at this time. Your mileage may vary snagging an Android handset at 3rd party dealers. Were you able to grab one at your local, non-3G market store? Let us know!

[via crunchgear]

Similar to Pandora radio, Last.fm learns your music tastes as you listen, and suggests new music that it thinks you may like by inserting songs in between your old favorites.  The entire service is backed by the Last.fm website with access to information about everything you hear on the streaming stations.

Last.fm has been available for Android users through a 3rd party app, but this marks the entry of the service’s official app into the mix.  Test it out and let us know what you think!

In fact, efforts to port Android’s system to the OMAP 3 language (the processor architecture used in the Pre) have been ongoing since July of last year.  The biggest hurdles will be accessing the Pre’s low-level system, called the bootloader, to enable switching between its webOS and Android, and finding enough space to do it in Pre’s fixed 8GB of internal storage.

Since the G1’s bootloader tries to boot from the expansion card first, Android’s first publicly-available handset lends a more easily tested-upon platform for dual-booting.  The Palm Pre does not have user-upgradeable storage, so a new OS would need to be flashed to the device’s memory banks over a USB serial connection.  Once running on the Pre’s hardware, Android would need drivers written for it to allow control of the touchscreen, camera, cell phone radio and the like.  It also remains to be seen how the secondary system would be stored on the phone without compromising the existing functions of webOS.  One thing is for certain: once Pre has been released, its hardware is sure to be tried and tested to see what it’s truly capable of, including running things other than Palm’s intended webOS.

[via precommunity]

So far, it seems the most successful process for accomplishing this is as follows:

•Call 611 from your T-mobile handset or 877-453-1304 from a landline

•Say “Cancel” at the automated prompt – this connects you with a “Retentions Department” representative

•Ask for the “Free MyFaves Add-On”

•Depending on the rep, you may be required to agree to a contract extension

If all goes well, you will have MyFaves added on to your current rate plan, without any additional fees.  Please note, a contract extension varying from 1-2 years may be required, though it has been reported of the add-on being given without an extension.  There have also been reported issues with the add-on not being compatible with corporate or company-discounted lines, though your mileage may vary.

This has been reported as a very limited time promotion, ending as early as today, January 19th.  If you’re interested, best bet is to try now.

Check in at the forums to let us know if this worked for you!