applications - Android Community

Handwriting Android Style

By Alison Spong
on 27 Mar, 2009

Those with bad handwriting beware (or those trying to read it rejoice). Diotek have announced their first handwriting recognition software for Android.

Exclusive review: TeleNav GPS Navigation Service for T-Mobile G1 Android phone

By Susan Helander
on 12 Feb, 2009

T-Mobile G1 owners will soon be able to use the feature-rich TeleNav GPS Navigator. TeleNav made the official announcement this morning that their award winning software will be released on February 24th via their website, and will be available in the Android Marketplace later this year. Android Community was given the opportunity to test out the program in advance of its release.

Google Latitude location-sharing app hitting Android

By Chris Davies
on 4 Feb, 2009

Google have released Google Latitude, an update to their Mobile Maps app which adds the ability to share your location with other users, track friends' movements and trigger calls, emails and IM conversations with them directly from Latitude's user interface. Available for Android devices now, G1 users in the US will be receiving Maps v3.0 in a system update soon. Since using GPS in this way can be a contentious issue, Google have given Latitude users the ability to restrict location information on a contact-by-contact basis; alternatively it will let you enter a false position manually. Results are shown either on a map or in a list, from which individual people can be contacted without having to exit Latitude and go into your phonebook. Right now, the app works in 27 countries; there's also an iGoogle plugin available for desktop use. Since not everybody uses a T-Mobile G1, Latitude is also available for most Windows Mobile 5.0 and above devices, most Symbian S60 handsets, and most color BlackBerry smartphones. Versions for the iPhone, iPod touch and many Sony Ericsson handsets will apparently be available soon. [gallery] [via TechCrunch]

Android Community Week In Review – Week 5 2009

By Brady Landgren
on 2 Feb, 2009

This week saw a few big stories for the Android platform, the most anticipated being T-Mobile's official announcement of offering more Android-based handsets in 2009. A specific number was not given, but HSPA capabilities on these handsets are almost a given, with T-Mobile's stance that they will have 3G data networks available in 300 cities by the end of 2009. This would make T-mobile highly competitive with Verizon and AT&T. 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.

Android Market App Destroying Phone Data

By Brady Landgren
on 25 Jan, 2009

According to the application reviews from the Android Market, the app "MemoryUp Personal" is destroying personal data when installed onto an Android handset. There are reports of e-mail accounts being spammed, adware installed, and SD cards being erased - all linked to the installation of this app. 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.

Last.fm For Android Launches

By Brady Landgren
on 23 Jan, 2009

Last.fm has announced the availability of their internet radio streaming app on the Android platform. It is available in the Android Market now for download, or by clicking here. 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.