Thanks to the XDA Forums, you can thankfully put Froyo on your device. However, due to the fact that there’s still some room for improvements, there’s a lot of things not working. Such as: WiFi, camera, GPS, speakerphone, and the Browser crashes every time you try to install Flash Player 10.1.

But! What does work? Where’s the good news, right? If you go ahead and put Froyo on your first generation handsets, you’ll get the ability to make calls, access 3G, get a blinking notification LED, the use of the Android Marketplace and allowed to sync with Google, and the bar notifications work. So, it’s not a perfect release, but hey, it’s not official, you know? Go ahead and take a shot at it, and of course, let us know what you think.

[via Android France]

Android 1.6 brings with it support for alternative screen sizes, CDMA support and a new text-to-speech engine.  There’s also a new scaling algorithm, which means that developers may not have to rework their core software in order to suit different sized displays.

Even if you have a standard, unlocked Dream it will need to have the original factory bootloader (hboot 0.95.3000) or a development bootloader that supports fastboot in order to install the new build.  We’re expecting to see hacks putting 1.6 onto regular devices soon, but for most users you’re probably better off waiting until an official OS release.

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

The app also supports on-device searches and custom playlists, with straightforward access to the company’s huge catalog of tracks.  It’s also synchronized with their existing desktop app, meaning you can search for and add a track on the desktop and have it sync for offline playback on the cellphone.

As a desktop Spotify user, this is just what I’ve been waiting for.  The company has previously said that they’d be requiring mobile users to sign up for their premium service (which cuts out the adverts that intermittently pop up for free account holders) and frankly this looks well worth it.  No word on when we could expect to see a release; they’re promising more details at Google I/O.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ALGPknOsiU[/youtube]

The Global (HTC) G1 will be available on 24-month contracts for $129.99 and on 12-month contracts for $229.99 (presumably Canadian dollars), while a pre-pay version will be $429.99.  It will only be available in black.  As for the Global (HTC) M1, meanwhile, that will only be offered in white, but no pricing was detailed.  Data rates will start at $10 per month for “unlimited email, IM and communities”; $23 for 2.5GB of data and unlimited email; and $40 for unlimited everything.  Tethering will be a $5 option.

The leak, so the story goes, was the retaliation of a fired employee, whom Global Wireless let go over “poor performance in marketing”.  To spite the carrier, he released multiple slides detailing upcoming devices, service plans and other details.

[via BGR]

Rogers have been economical with their press release, basically confirming that each of the handsets are coming, but there’s not much we don’t already know about the Dream and Magic.  The former has been on sale as the T-Mobile G1 for some time now, and has a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen that slides away to reveal a hardware QWERTY keyboard.  Meanwhile the Magic has roughly the same specifications as the Dream, only lacking the hardware keyboard; it has recently gone on sale in Europe with carrier Vodafone.

For now prices and tariffs are unknown, but it’s likely that the carrier will offer an unlimited data package for the 3G smartphones.  It’s possible to sign up for more information as it’s released here.

Press Release:

Canadians to Get Android-Powered Smartphones: Rogers Wireless prepares for the Mobile Revolution with the exclusive Canadian launch of the HTC Dream and HTC Magic

TORONTO, May 7 /CNW/ – Rogers Wireless today announced the exclusive Canadian launch in June 2009 of the HTC Dream(TM) and HTC Magic(TM) smartphones, the first cellphones in Canada powered by the Android platform, allowing for fast and easy access to a wide range of Google(TM) mobile services, including Google Search(TM), Google Maps(TM), Gmail(TM) and more.

“Who else but Rogers would be the first carrier to offer Canadians the first chance to join the mobile revolution with a choice of not one, but two, handsets powered by the Android platform?”, said John Boynton, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Rogers Wireless. “The HTC Magic offers a responsive touch screen and the HTC Dream delivers both a touch screen and a slide out QWERTY keyboard. Both devices offer outstanding wireless internet search capabilities and a full suite of applications that run two times faster on Canada’s fastest mobile network.”

Rogers will release details of the launch soon. In the meantime, customers can sign up for more information at rogers.com/revolution.

[via BGR]

Arsen shot the following demo video of Cupcake 1.5 in action, including the video recording and the new auto-complete URL suggestions introduced with the on-screen keyboard.  According to their feedback, the browser does indeed run faster but 3GP video captured by the G1 was less successful, with numerous skips and judders.

The HTC download will apparently only work with the HTC Dream (aka T-Mobile G1) hardware, and must be a developer device rather than a standard retail handset.  However that’s unlikely to stop the teams of avid Android tweakers who right now are looking for ways to modify the firmware for a general install, ahead of the official May release.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hczgL3C2yrw[/youtube]

[Thanks Paul3G and lovedumplingx!]

Although pricing for the Orange France HTC Dream has not been announced, the carrier has released a few details of its monthly price plan for the handset.  Right now we know that there four different tariffs starting from €23 per month ($29) to cover line rental, calls and messaging, with an extra charge of €36 per month ($45) if users want unlimited mobile internet access.

Interestingly, Orange is not yet a member of the Open Handset Alliance, unlike Vodafone.  This could be a sign that Android’s potential is being recognized outside of Google’s existing group of supporters.

That means a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen running at 320 x 480 resolution, a five-row QWERTY keyboard plus trackball navigation, 3G and WiFi connectivity, and a 3.2-megapixel autofocus camera.  The Dream will also have access to the Android Market, for third-party software and media downloads, together with one-touch access to Google search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps & Calendar.

Availability on either network is yet to be announced, but Optus have revealed their handset pricing and plan details.  The carrier will be charging between AU$3 and AU$51 per month for the Dream, depending on which plan you select; plans range from AU$59 to AU$129 per month, with both 12- and 24-month contracts available.

[via SlashGear]

The first clue we the inconsistency in the name, the title not being the T-Mobile G2 is a clear indication.  At first glance this handset reminded me of the Velocity 103. Many of the menus and the need for a stylus suggest that it is possible this is running on top of Windows Mobile 6.1.

Go ahead and watch the entire seven minutes and try to think of what the continuous “Connection failed, please press OK to continue” may indicate.  Handwriting recognition is a clear indication that this is a Chinese based phone and what kind of phones usually come out of China? Even the charger was the cheap Android USB one that is selling on the Internet currently. We will let you be the judge, let us know what you think.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOnV5lAvW4Y&feature=channel_page[/youtube]

This 113-page service manual is basically the ultimate in geek porn, covering full teardown techniques to testing and troubleshooting methods. You may even see “certified G1 technicians” popping up on Craigslist over the next few weeks. This guide also gives you pinouts and other various technical specifications so that you can get your mod on.

For those of you who are brave enough to tear your expensive G1 down even if just for fun, we want your pictures! I know I have been the first to tear into a perfectly fine primary device based on curiosity and bringing tutorials to users.  Post a comment and show us your teardown and be sure to include your screen name in there so you don’t get flamed. And yes we do know if you post a picture from the manual.

Given the great anticipation and the heavy pre-sale demand for the T-Mobile G1 with Google, we nearly tripled the number of phones initially available for delivery on our Oct. 22 launch date, and have sold through them all.  However, to accommodate additional T-Mobile customers who want to pre-order a device, they now have the opportunity to place a pre-order through Oct. 21, for delivery at a later date.

Also, people can still pre-register on the T-Mobile G1 Web site to be notified prior to launch where they can purchase the device beginning Oct. 22.  Details are available on the T-Mobile G1 Web site, www.T-MobileG1.com.

UPDATE: T-Mobile customers who want to pre-order a device, they now have the opportunity to place a pre-order through Oct. 21, for delivery sometime in early November 10th time frame.

Thanks Kristen, T-Mobile Spokesperson

Next year the T-mobile G1 is expected to contribute over NT$18 billion (around $560 million USD) to HTS’s overall sales for 2009. Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, stated at the T-Mobile G1 announcement that the presence of G1 and Android will definitely give strong pushes to development and applications of the network for handsets in the future.

Industry leaders note that although being inferior to the HTC Diamond, iPhone 3G and the Samsung Omnia in terms of exterior design, the G1 will draw in customers with its easy-to-operate interface and convenient network functions. The G1 will launch in other countries starting at the end of this year.

Photo provided by Android Community member NetCom with finishing touches by heyitsnan

[Via Alley Insider]

“We have completed tests, and the new SanDisk 16GB card will run on the current version of Android.  No new firmware required.” -Google Spokesperson

SanDisk’s 16GB microSDHC card has an MSRP of $99.99 and will be available at Best Buy Mobile stores in October and Verizon Wireless stores in November – the only major retailers in the United States to carry this mobile storage capacity in 2008.

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

The G1 phone was quick and responsive as when we played with it at the launch event last week. We were able to get hands on time with the full version of ShopSavvy. We scanned a barcode (for demonstration purposes, a Logitech webcam) and were able to compare prices online as well as at many stores in the area.

No word on when the application will be released, or if it will be a free application or one in which you must purchase. We can imagine it would be particularly useful for all the Christmas shopping coming up over the next few months.  One particularly useful feature is price alert, allowing you to save products to a wish-list that updates you when the product is discounted into your pre-set price range. Check out the video interview we did with Big In Japan here.

Android comes full of much loved features such as Youtube, and the Android equivalent to iTunes “Amazon MP3″. The clean interface on these applications give them the edge over competitors applications of the same nature. Google’s new mobile version of Street View is a feature that all people will find useful. Visa has been at work creating an application that will offer account notifications, merchant offers and ATM locations.

It appears that the white G1 was held back from pre-orders, rumor is the white paint used to coat the device was chipping. The white version was even scarcely seen at T-Mobile’s G1 announcement. The G1 “Getting Started” guide got out a few weeks early revealing a lot more about the device including the box contents. Also released this week was the long awaited official Android SDK 1.0. Not much new to see in this polished version.

Photo of the dressed up Android is courtesy of Android Community’s member htc_dreamer.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kngcp0ooDig[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3omdLHn6YM[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSCOGxh5LEk[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZoxIqZtYJ4[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POI1n0v-GDA[/youtube]

Due to the fact that Android Market will initially have free applications, Bonsai Blast and Pac-Man will be given away for free. EA has not yet jumped into the Android Market with their larger games because the level of design put into each game make them easy candidates for a higher price.

“EA will support the Android platform, as any platform that can deliver a robust game experience is good for introducing new consumers to mobile games,” “EA Mobile has elected to wait for the launch of a content billing solution to bring their premier IP to market.”

It looks like Android owners will have to wait for The Sims, FIFA or Spore Origins until EA can charge for them. However with the phrase ‘premier IP’ hints that the publisher might release a few free games for G1 owners until Android Market allows for paid content. It is possible to see a light version of Soduku or Solitaire.

[Via Pocketgamer]

“The T-Mobile G1 microsite experienced a technical glitch this morning, and is now back up and running.  Since Tuesday’s announcement, we’ve experienced heavy demand for the device.  A small quantity of T-Mobile G1s are still available at this time for T-Mobile customers. Please visit http://www.T-MobileG1.com for details.” -thanks Kristen!

Note that there are only a small quantity of the T-Mobile G1s are available.  That means if you want a G1, you better hurry because T-Mobile is running out!

With the overwhelming response to the announcement of the T-Mobile has run out of available devices for the G1 pre-order. Hundreds of people immediately jumped on T-Mobile’s site to pre-order their device. So many in fact that the site was down for several hours.

Very quickly users came forth reporting that customer service representatives were stating there was a very limited supply. Three days after pre-orders started it has been confirmed that there are no more devices available for a pre-order. There is no word on production levels, nor whether dealers will have any models on hand come the official release. Rumors of the white G1 experiencing paint chipping seem very possible with the lack of the white model for pre-order.

Those who have not yet pre-ordered their T-Mobile G1 may not be able to purchase the device from their local T-Mobile store if they are not within the 3Gcoverage area. It seems many dealers do not know any more than anyone else about the situation. I wonder if the G1 will be plagued with short supply.

When users call in to try and order the white G1 not only are they told there are under 1,000 devices left for pre-order, but the white model is not for sale as of yet due to paint chipping. Sounds like we are having another Helio Kickflip issue. Ironically the device’s paint would start to chip and peel to reveal a white plastic.

Hopefully the white model will be available for purchase very soon as its popularity raises. This issue must have dramatically reduced pre-order supplies. For those who are planning on ordering the G1 before October 22nd and don’t mind black or brown act now, supplies are very limited and you haven’t much time.

[Via Android Community]

There does not seem to be too much to rave about the settings menu other than the clear settings descriptions helping the user know what each setting category is about. The layout includes a symbol to the right of each option that quickly and easily informs the user as to wither a specific settings is on or not. The “about” page includes a lot of detailed information about your device and usage including Battery Status, Battery Level, Signal Strength, Network and Kernel Version to name just a few.

Similar to iTunes for the iPhone, Google is offering a vast library of songs for download while on the go thanks to a collaboration with Amazon. Users who currently use Amazon will find the interface familiar; the layout is very simple in comparison to iTunes. Song descriptions include the artist, album cover art, album, song name rating. Amazon even allows a brief preview of each song before you purchase.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kngcp0ooDig[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSCOGxh5LEk[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3omdLHn6YM[/youtube]

The G1 includes GPS and AGPS. It does not currently support walking directions, but that feature is “very forthcoming”. Google has redefined navigation on handsets with the drag and drop directions feature as well as Street View. Being able to see an unfamiliar location before you get there is a dramatic improvement on the way we use our phones to navigate the streets. Street View also allows you to look down the street, move down the street and also zoom in and out with amazing clarity.

Perhaps the most amazing feature of Street View if the compass feature that allows you to look around the street view in full 360 degrees by simply turning your body. This is truly something that one must experience for themselves to fully get the realization of how advanced this is. It is almost like looking through a spyglass.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZoxIqZtYJ4[/youtube]