It’s been revealed that the fine folks over at XDA have managed to port over the myTouch 3G Froyo (Android 2.2) ROM over to the G1, and so far the whole thing looks to be working quite nicely. Of course, if you haven’t already tried this, then head on through the source link below, and check it out. You’ll need to be rooted, obviously, but if you’ve still got a G1, you’re probably already on top of that, right?

[via XDA]

Apparently the folks over at xda-developers.com have figured out a way to make Google Maps Navigation Beta to work on the T-Mobile G1. Although Android 2.0 is only on the Motorola DROID, and still evading all other phones, the xda-developers have worked out this hack for you; G1 users.

Google Maps Navigation Beta only works in the US, so have in mind that this hack might not work with those G1 phones outside the States. If you like to know more about it, or even apply this hack to your G1, hit the link on the paragraph above to see how it is done. But remember to be careful and try this and any other hack at your own risk.

We are not joking, you will be able to watch every single televised game, nationally and locally, well, almost, since those games are subject to blackout restrictions, regardless of whether team is home or away. But other than that, you’ll be okay. And if you missed a game don’t worry, you’ll have up to 48 hours to check out full game replays from around the league. To review the NBA League Pass blackout rules go here.

Also, you can watch one live game while checking out the scores and status of other games at the same time. So head on out to the Android market place and get your NBA League Pass Mobile season pass. And remember that for now, is only available on G1 and myTouch devices running OS 1.6 or higher. Now, the price of this app will make you fork out $39.99, which is expensive if you ask me, but if you got to have your NBA fix, than I guess it’ll be well worth it.

“The rollout of Android 1.6 (Donut) to T-Mobile’s G1 and myTouch 3G customers is now underway. The over-the-air update will be delivered to all G1 and myTouch customers in the coming days.” T-Mobile USA statement

OS 1.6 also supports more screen resolutions, beyond the native HVGA of current handsets, as well as CDMA devices.  However those improvements won’t make any difference to either the myTouch 3G (aka the HTC Magic) or the T-Mobile G1.  The update comes shortly after HTC updated their developers’ handset with a build of 1.6, intended for coders to test their wares on the newly refreshed OS.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to prematurely trigger the new software, owners can only wait for their phones to flag up the update.  We’d be interested in hearing how Android Community users are finding OS 1.6, so let us know in the comments if your device has updated.

[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]

Now T-Mobile USA are claiming that Cupcake still needs work “to ensure optimal functionality and smooth delivery”.  To that end, their roll-out schedule has been pushed back by “approximately a week”, and their target complete date moved to early June (from the end of May).  There is still no way to manually trigger the update, only wait until your T-Mobile G1 offers the new software to you.

The change in play prompts the question of what might differ between T-Mobile UK G1 handsets, which are already being updated, and the delayed USA version of Cupcake.  Given that developers and UK customers are already using 1.5 it suggests that it’s T-Mobile USA’s own network which may be presenting a stumbling block to roll-out.

“G1 community,
 
We’d like to provide an update on the rollout of Android 1.5 for T-Mobile G1 customers. 
We are working diligently to get Android 1.5 out as soon as possible, while aiming to ensure a consistent, positive experience for our customers. We’re finalizing the build this week to ensure optimal functionality and smooth delivery. Therefore, the rollout schedule has been reset by approximately a week, and we expect all G1 customers will have the update by early June.
 
Your device will notify you when the update is available.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.” T-Mobile USA statement

[via Engadget]

While specific sales figures of the G1 have not been given, it’s telling that the device – the only Android handset available in the US market – beat Microsoft, Symbian and Palm devices to a place in the top five.  Smartphones now make up 23-percent of total US handset sales, up from 17-percent year-on-year; despite that, both Apple’s and Palm’s market share of the segment dropped by 10-percent each.

The news bodes well for future Android devices, such as the myTouch 3G, also on T-Mobile (aka the HTC Magic), and the Samsung I7500.  Broader availability of the BlackBerry Curve over the iPhone was given as one of the reasons for the handset’s success.

Full Ranking:

1. RIM BlackBerry Curve (all 83XX models)
2. Apple iPhone 3G (all models)
3. RIM BlackBerry Storm
4. RIM BlackBerry Pearl (all models, except flip)
5. T-Mobile G1

[via SlashGear]

Cupcake 1.5 brings with it an on-screen QWERTY keyboard, necessary for the new breed of Android devices which lack hardware keyboards, such as the HTC Magic and Samsung I7500 (which will have the new version out of the box).  Other improvements include direct photo and video uploads to Picasa and YouTube, respectively, together with various behind-the-scenes improvements such as faster browsing courtesy of new JavaScript and webkit engines.  Video demo here.

Reports are telling us that the update is reaching users in the US and Europe.  The Android 1.5 system update is a 44MB file, and as yet there’s no way to artificially trigger its download, only wait for your carrier to push it OTA.  Keep track of progress in this forum thread.

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!]

Currently in beta stage, and available for Windows users (together with a 64-bit Vista version), the app reportedly works well.  PdaNet is already available in Palm OS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and iPhone versions.

Of course, while this is technically possible, it could very well contravene the terms & conditions of whichever carrier is providing 3G data access for your G1.  It’s worth checking the small print to see what limitations on tethering there are in your cellphone contract.

[via GAB; thanks Matthew!]

T-Mobile

A similar list, for US downloads, was published back in December 2008.  Google recently announced an update to the Android Market, which will allow developers to charge for their applications rather than give them away free.  It’s expected that this will drive coding for the Android platform.

1. The Weather Channel – Provides customizable weather maps and alerts

2. MySpace Mobile – Allows MySpace users to keep connected via their T-Mobile G1

3. ShopSavvy – Allows users to scan a product’s barcode and compare prices online

4. Daily Horoscope – Offers a daily fix of astrology

5. Free Dictionary Org – Works just like a traditional dictionary

6. Ringdroid – Allows users to create their own ringtones using MP3 tracks, or by recording their own

7. Backgrounds – 50,000 backgrounds available to customise your T-Mobile G1

8. Barcode Scanner – Similar to ShopSavvy, allows users to scan a CD or book’s barcode to look up prices or reviews

9. Save MMS – Allows users to save images, video or audio from MMS text messages directly to the G1’s memory card

10. Compare Everywhere – Another shopping comparison service that uses the G1’s camera to scan a product’s barcode to find out more information and comparative prices

Earlier today, Vodafone and HTC announced the new HTC Magic, which will be the second phone to go on general sale with the Android OS.  You can find out more about the HTC Magic here, and see the first of our demo videos here.

While the G1 comes preloaded with Google Maps, that app certainly falls short if you’re looking for the full PND experience on your phone.  Street View and directions are useful, but they’re no substitute for spoken instructions and dynamically-tracking maps.

The GPS Navigator displays directions in full color 2D and 3D maps with voice and on-screen turn-by turn directions in both landscape and portrait orientations.  I decided to literally take the program on a test-drive.  The database has a large, easy to search listing of businesses, restaurants, gas stations (which you can sort by price), shopping, entertainment, lodging, hospitals, services, etc.  You can do your search by entering a specific address, by voice or by text.  I found the voice recognition to be a bit buggy, so I opted to use the text entry method.

I decided to do a search for local restaurants.  It immediately brought up a list of nearby restaurants, indicating their distance from my current position and rating.  Once I chose one, I had the option to call the restaurant, rate it, drive to it, map it or save it to favorites.  I chose to drive to it and within a matter of seconds I had on screen directions to get me where I was going.  I found the GPS to be accurate to within about thirty to forty feet.  At one point, I purposefully made a wrong turn, and the program quickly recalculated my route for me.

One of my favorite aspects is the ability to go into the “My Stuff” file and create commute alerts.  You can enter specific routes, indicate the days and times during which you travel them and it will send you a traffic alert via email to warn you of congestion.  If you are already in route, and a traffic situation occurs, you will receive both a verbal and on-screen notification, with an option to find another route.

TeleNav offers current weather conditions and a five-day forecast for your present location, or any other location that you choose.  Another nice feature is the ability to sync your phone with your online account at www.telenav.com.  There you can add contacts, addresses and even spots to share with friends.  You can also pre-plan your trip online and then send it to your phone, bypassing the on-device text or voice entry altogether.  There are additional plug-ins available for download, including a TeleNav button with which you can highlight an address on the web, click the button and have it send that address to your phone.

Overall, I found the program to be very responsive, accurate and useful.  It is one that I can see myself using frequently, being a commuter in a large city, as well as a frequent traveler.  It can provide users with traffic information, maps, where to dine and lodge, movies, weather reports, and more all in one package with a very friendly user interface.

TeleNav is available for a free 30-day trial at http://www.telenav.com/gps-navigator/t-mobile-g1-phone.  After the trial period is over, you can continue the service for a subscription fee of $9.99 per month.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36V_e0U3x-A[/youtube]

The app uses information from several online databases, including Qype and fonefood, and thanks to the compass the display is automatically changed depending on which direction you’re currently pointing in.  It can also find nearby shows and concerts, landmarks, and presumably any other category that lastminute later add.  Once you’ve found a place that sounds interesting, a tap opens up the venue listing with whatever details, reviews and photos are available.

Held horizontally, with the screen facing up, nru shows the radar-style interface; hold it up, in either portrait or landscape orientation, and it shows whereabouts on your sight-line the nearest venue is.  A free download from the Android Marketplace, nru is currently only available to UK G1 users.

[youtube]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fMA7wAU5BH0[/youtube]

[Thanks Toby!]

HTC have also given the T-Mobile G2 a 3.2-megapixel camera, though it’s unclear whether it has autofocus or not, and there appears to still be no flash.  The casing has a high-gloss finish, but we’re not sure of measurements as yet.

The original source of the photos reports that the G2′s interface is “very similar” to that of the original G1, and that T-Mobile will be releasing the smartphone come mid-May.  No spec details available as yet, though we’d presume an on-screen keyboard – something the G1 lacked as standard – has now been developed.  Renders of the new G2 were among the leaked shots of HTC’s 2009 line-up.

The “T-Mobile Google G1” as they call it wont cost you the $699.99 that is advertised on the CellHut website, but the sale price of $499.99, this may be a lot of money but hey you get free shipping! . At this point we just recommend just getting the unlocked developers version, at least you get the cool design and save $100.

For those who are still a bit new about this type of phone, an unlocked handset is one in which you can use on any GSM/ SIM card enabled network with supported radio bands. For example the T-Mobile G1 is factory locked to only work with T-mobile, if you get an unlocked version you can then use it with AT&T, Cricket and MetroPCS phone plans.

[Via CellHut]

HTC’s new 2009 roadmap was leaked including one device dubbed the “Android Hero.”  This mobile phone has the same basic shape as the G1, but is thinner, does not have a keyboard and comes in pink. CES this year had a nice surprise for us Android enthusiasts. The GiiNii Movit Internet tablet was on display running our favorite mobile operating system.

FlyCast has made its way over the Android platform after being on other smartphones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry handsets. Very similar to Pandora, FlyCast offers streaming music with no need to actually download it to your memory card. CompuLap has just introduced their new Exeda Android-powered handset. This device is really very wide and has a full QWERTY keyboard as well as several navigation controls and a landscape oriented screen.

A new rumor is flying around that we would actually like to see come true. We hear that Asus is working on an Eee Phone. With Asus’s recent success in the netbook market we are sure that they can bring the same quality and reliability to the mobile market. At CES we also had the opportunity to play with OpenMoko’s Android-powered version of the Neo FreeRunner. There was nothing particularly new or exciting about this device, as we have already seen the Android platform in action and the hardware has not changed at all. There is however there was a virtual keyboard that looks very nice.

A video popped up demonstrating a device that is branded on the front as “Dream” but under the back covering it reads “Dream G2.” This does not appear to be a quality handset; it could even be a fake with Android running on top of Windows Mobile. This phone is indeed from China where most knockoff phones come from. Dan O’Sullivan has created a G1 hat to better help give technical support to family members. The hat allows him to see what his family needs help with.

The Australian consumer electronic manufacturer who was going to release the Kogan Agora Pro has delayed the production “indefinitely” because the screen resolution may not be compatible with future Android applications. For those of you still experiencing less than desirable battery life you can now order an extended life battery if a thicker device does not bother you. The standard battery is 1150mAh, while the extended life is a monster at 2600mAh. There is also some new information regarding what will and what will not be taken from the cupcake update and released in the next official Google update. This info however must be taken with a grain of salt because nothing is set in stone.

Power users and those who game on their T-Mobile G1 will need to pick up this extended life battery from Seidio. This battery does make your device a lot thicker than it is normally, but hey its only $55 and your phone wont need a charge as often. The battery is so big that a back cover is needed just to house it.

Take a look at the picture for a moment and try to get a good realization of just how large this makes your handset before ordering, you may be surprised. The standard battery is 1150mAh, but this monster backs 2600mAh! At least now you can bring down even the largest person from across the room with one good throw of your handset.  Do you feel this extra bulk is worth it?

[Via Seidio]

At fist he though that one of those network cameras would work well, but his mother does not have an Internet connection so that went out the door.  The perfect idea came to mind, streaming the video live such as the application Qik does. He decided to program Android to do the job, it was a single day project for ITP’s 4in4.

The code he came up with basically munches together the camera preview example from the Android api. Now all you have to do is create a ridiculous hat to stick on your mother as she runs around the house fixing technical problems. I guess the questions is, would you resort to putting your mother through this in order to make your life easier?

[Via NYU]

Back in November we reported on a video made by RyeBrye that showed that two separate finger presses could be recorded on the G1 if the kernel was recompiled with the functionality put back in. Now we have another video created by Sir Luke Hutch. He claims to provide this demo on a stock G1 and will release instructions for developers who would like to incorporate it into their applications.

He modified just one system class in the Java-based user interface stack. From what we can see this appears to work perfectly. So does this mean we will be seeing multi-touch in Android applications in the near future?  Got 6 minutes? Take a look at this video and tell us what you think.

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

[Via YouTube]

The process is quite simple, simply rename the file, copy it over to your microSD card, and run through the standard procedure for re0flashing your G1. This method has been tested and does indeed work but proceed with caution, as with all firmware hacking of any kind there are risks involved.

Good luck to all those who are going to revert to a much easier hackable firmware. With this new method out there, how many of you are now going to slave away trying to regain control of your handset?