According to ZDNet UK, IBM announced at its Lotusphere conference in Florida that they will release a secure Lotus Notes client for Android devices. The app will be free to download, but you’ll have to buy the Lotus Domino server software in order for the app to work.

The mail, calendar and contacts app will run on handsets with Android 2.0 and higher (sorry Android 1.6 and 1.5 users), and will be the second major secure email platform outed for Google’s free mobile OS. Back in December 2009, Good Technology launched an email client that isolates and encrypts sensitive data on Android-powered phones.

So far there’s no word from IBM on the specific features of Lotus Notes Traveler for Google’s open-sourced mobile OS or when the Android email app will be made available. Will you get it when it comes out? Let us know in the comments.

SK Telecom is already the largest mobile carrier in South Korea, but rival KT launched the iPhone since November 28th with over 240,000 units sold since then. So now, according to Ha Sung-min president of SK Telecom’s mobile network operator unit, they will go all out with Google’s free mobile OS.

SK Telecom will sell over 2 million smartphones in the local market by the end of this year by focusing on models based on Google’s Android operating system. We will have 25 smartphone line-ups in 2013, or 40 percent of our total handset offerings, mostly equipped with the Google OS.

It’s clear that SK Telecom will drive Android phones as consumers have greater preferences for phones providing a high accessibility toward Web-surfing and other multimedia contents. In that perception, Google’s mobile services are qualified.

So as you can see, Korean people also demand more Android-based smartphones, and SK Telecom plans to oblige. If only the Chinese government listen to their people’s demands too, and didn’t push Google out of their country.

As we mentioned before, Gigabyte Technology has been successful with their GSmart series running Windows Mobile, but now they – as many other manufacturers – want to jump on the Android bandwagon. Their first Android-powered phone doesn’t have a name yet, but as you can see on the image above, it will be one of the GSmart series handsets.

According to Mobile-review, the new handset runs Android 1.6, measures 103 x 54 x 13.4 millimeters, and it comes with a trackball, G-Sensor, and 3.5 mm audio jack. The price is rumored to be around 9000 rubles (€214 or $303) which isn’t bad, unfortunately the device comes with such a small display compared to other Android handsets in the market.

More Specs for Gigabyte’s first Android:

• EDGE / GPRS / GSM 900/1800 MHz
• Processor: Qualcomm ESM7225 528 MHz
• Memory: 256 MB RAM / ROM 512 MB
• Screen: 2.8 “QVGA
• Built-in GPS / AGPS
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g
• Bluetooth 2.0
• Memory card: microSD
• Connector microUSB (Charging / Active Sync)
• Battery 1500 mAh
• Camera 2.0 megapixel with autofocus

We all know how deep emotions run through us when we are about to get our hands on a brand new gadget. Apparently, that is the case with these three ninjas. As you will see on the stop-action video – which by the way was sponsored by Google – below, three tiny ninjas fight over the Google Nexus One phone after unboxing it.

Unboxing is just a mild word, these tiny ninjas actually destroyed the box where the Android handset was. Next, they begin to reveal some of the accessories and the smartphone itself. But don’t let me spoil the fun, just watch the clip and let us know what you think about it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_ETSvTAo4A&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

According to the Korea Herald, there’s a great chance that Motorola’s new Android handset will make it to the US. First hint came from Rick Wolochatiuk, president and representative director of Motorola Korea, who said: “The product will be launched in other markets around the world.”

Also, at a press conference Bae Joon-dong Senior Vice President of SK Telecom said: “The MOTOROI is a different model from the Droid, (Motorola’s Android smartphone launched in the United States), and it will be launched in the United States around March”. So what do you think, would you wait until March to get this handset?

The folks over at Ericsson Labs have uploaded a video demonstration of their new 3D Landscape API running on the Android-based Xperia X10 phone. According to them, “The SDK libraries uses unique maps in 3D and fast methods for rendering the maps which makes it possible to show realtime 3D maps in high quality.”

They also said, “the maps for the SDKs are downloaded from a backend server and buffered in the mobile as needed.” For now, only Stockholm – capital and the largest city of Sweden – are able to enjoy a limited set of maps. But the guys from Ericsson Labs promised to add more later.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGrwkyWIDOE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Motorola’s first Android 2.0 device for the Korean market shows some basic phone capabilities on the first video. And if you were wondering on how to pronounce the name (MOTOROI) of this handset, well, just pay attention to the clips and you will find out.

On the second clip you will see some of the 8-megapixel camera functions been demonstrated, and the third video shows you how to use the 720p HD video recording capability. As you can see, Motorola’s social networking integration system better known as MOTOBLUR is no where to be found on the new MOTOROI.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0QO5UMWd_I&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBitaNAgtMQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFjTsqCC6Cg&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

A Google spokesperson said the formal launch of the 2 handsets running the Android OS was due to take place on Wednesday, but that’s been postponed now. The Chinese government said Google and other foreign firms have to obey the laws and traditions of the country.

All that’s going on started when many foreign journalists working in Beijing complained about several cyber attacks. These attacks are believed to target the e-mail accounts of human rights activists. Google said that it would no longer censor search engine results in China, even if this means they have to shut down operations in that country.

The Astri MID ereader sports a dual-display (as you can see on the image above), one 5-inch Wacom touchscreen epaper panel on the left and a 4.8-inch WVGA LCD touchscreen on the right. That way you’ll be able to read ebooks and other documents on the E Ink panel.

Meanwhile, the other side – 4.8-inch LCD display – can be used for IM, to check emails, or just to access the web with the Android browser. There’s no word on pricing or arrival date just yet. Enjoy the video below and don’t forget to let us know what you think about this device.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B7cx0OXBD4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[Via SlashGear]

The latest rumors from China say the Motorola Shadow will be the future Google Nexus Two handset (shown above). As you can see, it has a close resemblance to the DROID made by the same manufacturer, just with some modifications.

The handset is believed to have a large 4.3″ touchscreen of either 850 x 484 pixels or 854 x 480 pixels, an 8-megapixel camera capable of shooting High Def video and HDMI port. As you can see the QWERTY keyboard is a little different then the DROID’s, but remember that this image is just a render and not the real deal. What’s your take on this one?

[Thanks darktheory]

The Dell Mini 5 (aka Dell Streak) had a “surgery” which revealed a 1,530mAh battery, a 3G modem with SIM slot and WiFi support. The 5-inch Android-powered device also comes with the already famous 1GHz Snapdragon processor.

The video also reveals that this new device from Dell comes equipped with not only one, but two microSD card slots. It is believed that one of those slots might be for either onboard storage or for Google’s Android OS. No word on pricing or availability.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxcib-ricec&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

This Motorola handset is called the “MOTOROI” (yea, it sounds a little funny), and will be the first smartphone for the Korean market to run on Google’s Android 2.0. The MOTOROI will arrive to Korea sporting an 8 megapixel camera with Xenon flash and a 720p HD camcorder.

The Android-powered handset has a 3.7-inch (480X854) WVGA capacitive touchscreen, multitouch gesture support, and up to 32GB of storage with a MicroSD. MOTOROI owners will be able to enjoy Terrestrial DMB1 with up to 24 TV and audio channels for free.

Press Release:

Motorola Introduces MOTOROI™, Korea’s First Smart Phone Powered by Android 2.0
January 17, 2010

SEOUL, Korea. – 17 January 2010 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in mobile telecommunications, today inaugurated a new era in Korea’s mobile lifestyle with the introduction of MOTOROI™, the first smart phone in Korea to be powered by Android™ version 2.0.

For people who want the ultimate smart phone experience, MOTOROI™ offers the ability to use multiple applications at the same time, effortless pinch-and-zoom browsing, and cinematic navigation through music, videos, and maps of the world.

“We are delighted to announce MOTOROI™, the first Android-based phone, with SK Telecom in Korea, a key partner in one of Motorola’s key markets in the world, ” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. “MOTOROI™ is a smart phone without compromise, delivering a wiser, richer web and messaging experience with the most delightful touch-interface you have ever experienced, all made possible through the combination of Motorola’s expertise in design, a truly differentiated Android experience, and the power of SK Telecom’s network.”

“Motorola’s smart phones powered by Android are receiving tremendous response around the world, and it is our pleasure to introduce one of them for the first time in Korea,” said Ha Sung-min, MNO president of SK Telecom™. “MOTOROI™ by Motorola will bring a paradigm shift in the domestic mobile market with outstanding Internet, multimedia features and access to the fast-growing Android Market™.”

Thousands of Android-Based Applications

Android is widely recognized as the most exciting mobile platform in part because of its unequalled openness. Anyone can develop Android applications and make them available through Android Market, and you can download them on MOTOROI™.

Designed to take full advantage of the power of Android 2.0, MOTOROI™ gives you a full touch screen with a huge 3.7 inch, high-definition WVGA (480X854) display, making it easier than ever to view full page websites, videos, games, or photos. The display uses a powerful combination of Motorola’s touch user interface (UI) and a capacitive touch sensor for smooth screen flipping and scrolling, and five main displays let you customize your MOTOROI™ with various widgets with more freedom than ever before.

Google Mobile Services in Your Hand

MOTOROI™ delivers fast and powerful mobile versions of Google™’s most popular services. High speed web-browsing1 is possible at home or outdoors with MOTOROI™’s Wi-Fi support and Android Web Kit Browser, supporting up to eight open browser windows1 and giving you the greatest possible freedom in using Google™’s various mobile services1, including:

*

Google Maps™: Search for places near your location, get driving directions, view map with Street View and satellite imagery
*

Gmail™: Integrates and supports multiple accounts
*

YouTube™: Enables one-touch playback from home screen widget or app
*

Google Talk™: Provides messenger service by Google

Imaging Technology for Digital Camera Experience & Premium Multimedia Features

You expect a Motorola device to offer superb imaging, and MOTOROI™ breaks new ground, offering an 8 megapixel camera with Xenon flash and a 720p HD camcorder – the first of its kind in Korea. Your new MOTOROI™ not only lets you capture, view and share2 high quality photos and videos, it helps you make them look better than ever:

*

Smart image capture: Includes easy panorama, face detection, multi-shot (6 shots in a row), face filter, red eye reduction, camera shake prevention and many more elements designed to improve the quality and variety of your photos
*

HDMI™ (High Definition Multimedia Interface): With Korea’s first HDMI™ capable phone, play your HD video from your phone directly to your HDTV.

MOTOROI delivers an upgraded mobile entertainment experience from the company that pioneered mobile entertainment:

*

MP3 player: Enables you to send and listen to MP3 files without the need to convert files
*

Terrestrial DMB1: Enjoy up to 24 TV and audio channels for free
*

3.5mm ear jack: Listen to music through connecting your favorite head phones
*

Storage up to 8GB3 and Micro SD support up to 32GB3
*

Unique docking station: Enjoy movies by setting the phone on the docking station designed exclusively for the MOTOROI™, or use the phone as table clock or digital frame

User-Friendly and Innovative UI

MOTOROI™ adds a host of small touches to your user interface to help make using a powerful smart phone easy and intuitive:

*

Smart widgets let you use your content more conveniently, adjusting the size of the calendar, memo pad, contacts, e-mail and other widgets and shortcut icons on the home screen as you are using them
*

Pinch to zoom in and out lets you enlarge or reduce the size of web pages with ease
*

MOTOROI™ offers five distinct text-input methods, including a 3X4 keypad, full QWERTY, half QWERTY, hand writing and writing pad
*

The screen lock with proximity sensor lets you talk on your phone with ease as the screen automatically locks when the touch screen gets near your face

Advanced Mobile Office for Efficient Working

We all have to work sometime, and MOTOROI™ supports management of multiple accounts and document editing to ensure you work more efficiently with cutting-edge text recognition and true multi-tasking, which lets you run multiple applications at once:

*

Synchronize and manage multiple email accounts simultaneously, letting you separate your work and personal inboxes
*

Gmail Contacts sync: Synchronize contacts from the accounts that are added on the device.
*

Microsoft and PDF document viewer
*

Optical Character Recognition: Optical dictionary that translates immediately through quick scanning, business card reader which recognizes contact information on business cards and automatically stores information to your phonebook; and document reader which easily scrap books or articles to your phone as text files

The MOTOROI™ by Motorola will be available at SK Telecom™ retailers throughout Korea beginning in early February. For more information on MOTOROI™, please visit the Motorola website www.motorola.com/kr/consumer.

Just to be clear, the Nexus One upgrade price for existing T-Mobile subscribers goes down to $279 from $379. So those who bought the Android device (and are eligible) will receive a refund of $100 from Google. Below is the statement sent from Google’s spokesperson:

Previously there were two price points for those fully eligible for T-Mobile upgrades. Those without data plans were paying $279 for the Nexus One, and those with data plans were being charged $379. We worked with T-Mobile and are now able to offer the higher upgrade discount to all existing fully eligible T-Mobile subscribers. This price is now $279. Refunds will be granted to all eligible subscribers who previously purchased the Nexus One at $379. This doesn’t affect any eligible customers who bought the phone for $279.

So as you can see, it is obvious that those who bought the Nexus One SIM-free from $529, and also the new customers that received the subsidized price of $179 do not receive the $100 refund. We hope this helps to clarify any misunderstanding. Are you getting a refund? Let us know in the comments area.

Viliv is a company that offers many media internet devices (MIDs) that normally run Windows XP, Win CE, and most recently Win7. Their latest device; the Viliv P3 PMP can play the dual-booting game; it can run on Google’s free mobile OS or Windows CE.

The device also comes equipped with a 3.7-inch nice-looking AMOLED 800 x 480 touchscreen and a Cortex A8 800MHz processor. There’s also a microSD slot, NAND capacity of up to 32GB flash, optional T-DMB/DAB tuners and 720p HD playback. And apparently, Viliv are planning to bring more Android-powered devices in the future.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AptY1tiMlmQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[Via SlashGear]

But if you are one of those early adopters who paid the $379, do not fret, $100 will be refunded to you and within 14 business days that money will be in your pockets again. It appears the money will be coming from Google itself, and you should hear from the search giant starting today.

In another T-Mobile news, insurance is now available for the Nexus One (see image below). The carrier is now offering its Premium Handset Protection (PHP) for customers who got the Android Handset from Google unlocked and also to those who bought a subsidized handset from T-Mobile, you have up to 14 days after purchase to add the insurance. The price is $4.79 per month, and if you need a replacement, the deductible will set you back $130 for the new Nexus One.

According to a story on Fox 12 Oregon, some 15 year old kid broke into a house 2 days before Christmas stealing 2 mobile phones and a laptop amongst other things. One of the stolen phones was a Motorola DROID equipped with the app lookout (shown on the image above).

The app automatically uploads pictures taken with the handset to your lookout account, so when the victim logged on to his lookout account he immediately noticed some new pictures that weren’t his. Soon after the police had the suspect under arrest (the thief took pictures of himself), but they believe there’s still an accomplice on the loose. There’s no word if the thief was an iPhone fanboy or not.

The latest software update to the Samsung Moment is to version S:M900.8.0S.CL14, which includes Network Assist GPS to allow indoor location fix, updates to several third-party apps, including Visual Voicemail, NFL, NASCAR and Sprint TV. There’s also a change to Emergency Dial on lock screen and other various improvements to battery life, as well as a hard reset available in recovery mode: remove and reinsert battery; press volume down, send and end keys until reboot option pops up; scroll to wipe data/factory reset; press OK.

To find out which software version is running on your Samsung Moment go to the main screen and press Menu, tap on settings, then tap About Phone and you’ll see the software version listed under the Baseband version heading and will be in the format of S:M900.X.XX.XXXX. If you own a Moment and need this update, you need to visit a Sprint retail location with a Repair Center, since the ability to download it directly on your Moment is not available at this time.

[Thanks BirdieMN]

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition will set you back $179.99 with a 2 year service agreement. The Android-powered handset is expected nationwide at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-MobilemyTouch.com by January 20th while quantities last, so you better hurry if you want to have this slick version of the T-Mobile myTouch 3G.

The Fender Limited Edition comes equipped with a 16GB microSD card, a 3.5mm headset jack and an enhanced music player developed by HTC. This new handset will ship with preloaded music from Eric Clapton (Layla, My Father’s Eyes, Rock ‘N’ Roll Heart, and Wonderful Tonight), Avril Lavigne, Brad Paisley and Wyclef Jean. DoubleTwist will be included on the device so you can easily sync your music, images, and videos to and from your PC or Mac. For more info read the press release below, and don’t forget to check the video at the end.

Press Release:

Rock Out With the New T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G Fender™ Limited Edition

Eric Clapton and Fender Join the myTouch 3G Campaign to Showcase the Limited Edition Device, Which Offers Enhanced Music Features, Pre-Loaded Content and New Accessories

BELLEVUE, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–T-Mobile USA, Inc. today announced the upcoming launch of the T-Mobile® myTouch™ 3G Fender™ Limited Edition, and a partnership with legendary musician and Fender guitarist Eric Clapton to help unveil the exclusive new phone.

As part of the myTouch 3G marketing campaign, which has featured a variety of iconic artists including comedians, musicians and sports figures, Clapton’s commercial will debut on national TV on January 20, supporting the availability of the device nationwide in select T-Mobile retail stores and online at http://www.t-mobilemytouch.com. In the ad, Clapton will showcase a personalized myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition.

The Fender Limited Edition puts a rock-and-roll spin on the original T-Mobile myTouch 3G with Google™, offering a fresh design and enhanced features to create a unique mobile music experience. The device will ship with preloaded Clapton classics including “Layla,” “My Father’s Eyes,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Heart,” and “Wonderful Tonight,” and T-Mobile is a proud supporter of Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Designed in partnership with Fender, the new limited edition myTouch has a Fender guitar sunburst-finish inspired design. The Fender Limited Edition comes equipped with an array of features for an enhanced music experience — a 16GB microSD card to house thousands of songs/videos, a 3.5mm headset jack for headphones and an enhanced music player. The music player, developed by HTC, offers an intuitive user interface that allows for toggling between different views or for changing a song or album by simply touching the album art. It also allows customers to create ringtones from songs that are playing.

“In a modern culture that forms an essential bond between music, mobile devices and one’s individual lifestyle, Fender is very proud to partner with T-Mobile on the exclusive new T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition,” said Mark Van Vleet, senior vice president of Business Affairs, Fender Musical Instruments. “This is an exciting and innovative way to connect people to their passion for great music wherever they go, and we are thrilled to share this news with our customers and fans.”

Content preloaded on the phone includes popular Android™ Market applications, Guitar: Solo and Musical Light. To accompany the preloaded Clapton tunes, the device also will ship with songs from Wyclef Jean, Avril Lavigne and Brad Paisley. New accessories allow further customization and usability, including additional Fender-branded shells, a Fender carrying case, screen protector, and Rock Dock, a docking station equipped with speakers.

“The myTouch 3G, which runs on Android, gives us an open, highly customizable platform to create truly unique experiences that go beyond what’s possible on proprietary platforms,” said Andrew Sherrard, vice president of product development, T-Mobile USA. “The new limited edition myTouch is a perfect example of this innovation and personalization, and we are excited to bring our customers this special limited edition, feature-rich, music-inspired device.”

With the myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition, T-Mobile is introducing a customized multimedia sync solution in partnership with Silicon Valley startup doubleTwist™, allowing customers to easily take advantage of the phone’s advanced media features. doubleTwist is a free software application that enables users to easily manage and sync their music, videos and images from a Windows®-based PC or Mac directly to their mobile device. doubleTwist automatically finds all of the music already on the computer and allows customers to import their iTunes playlists, providing full media management functionality. An exclusive T-Mobile version of the software will be pre-loaded on the new limited edition so customers can simply connect their device to their computer for a seamless installation experience. The software offers a sleek, intuitive interface for syncing and managing music and other media. T-Mobile also will offer the customized version of the software to customers using other T-Mobile Android devices.

The new limited edition myTouch also offers the popular features and same great technology as the original T-Mobile myTouch, including a highly personalized experience, with home screen customization and more than 16,000 applications available from Android Market. The device also offers customers one-touch access to the Google™ mobile services that millions use every day including Google Search by voice, Google Maps™ with Street View, YouTube® and Picasa®. The Fender Limited Edition, which runs Android 1.6, is expected to be updated to Android 2.1 this spring.

Pricing and Availability

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Limited Edition is expected to be available starting January 20 nationwide at select T-Mobile retail stores and online at www.T-MobilemyTouch.com, while quantities last. The device will cost $179.99 (plus taxes and fees) with a new two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan. See www.t-mobile.com for details.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZJH2FJWdzo[/youtube]

The S1200 smartphone (image above) is made by Gigabyte under its GSmart line, all of the company’s handsets run Windows Mobile. That might soon change if they join forces with a wireless technology company named AboCom Systems.

Vibo Telecom, a Taiwanese mobile carrier is currently negotiating with Gigabyte Technology and AboCom Systems to produce a new Android-powered smartphone. Yesterday, Vibo Telecom unveiled for the Taiwanese market its first own-brand Android-based handset, the A688.

[Via Pocketables]

As you can see on the image above, the Nexus One Help page gives us a clue on the car dock for the Android device. On that site you’ll find the instructions on how to use “Car Home” on the Nexus One even if you don’t have a car dock, which is coming soon. The Car Home icon will open five large buttons (image above) that you can touch to access Maps, Navigation, Voice Search, Contacts, and Search, as well as a Home button.

Meanwhile on Google’s Mobile Help Forum site there’s a question about official Nexus One accessories by Richard J. Barbalace. Ry Guy, a Google employee answered that “The docking stations for Nexus One are not available at this time. Stay tuned though, they should be available soon.” As you can see, that implies that not only one dock (car dock) is coming but the Nexus One Desktop Dock must be on its way too.