AndroidMarket -- Engadget Mobile

AndroidMarket posts

Trimble Outdoors app will make an adventurer out of your T-Mobile G1

by Donald Melanson, posted Jul 8th 2009 @ 2:46AM

Trimble may make plenty of GPS-equipped devices of its own aimed at adventure-minded folks, but its Trimble Outdoors software has also made quite a few cellphones a bit more outdoors-friendly, and it's now finally found its way to the T-Mobile G1. As with on some other phones, the app will let you plan your trip online and sync it up with your G1, and give you the ability to geotag pictures, log your trip and share it with others, take text and audio notes and, of course, simply use it as a full-fledged GPS navigator. That won't come free, of course, but the $19.99 app price sure is a good deal cheaper than a separate outdoors GPS device, and you can grab it right now from Android Market.

Google updates Maps through the Android Market

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jun 15th 2009 @ 10:15PM

Google has updated its Maps app for Android -- perhaps the most vital, central app in the platform outside of the dialer itself -- and fortunately for G1, Dream, and Magic users around the world, they've made the update available through the Android Market. That's a really big deal and a major departure from basically every other mobile platform, because it means that folks won't be waiting for carriers and manufacturers to get off their rumps and release firmware updates -- instead, integrated components of the operating system can be pushed out through the Market just like any other app you'd install. The new version's a doozy, too, featuring voice search, more comprehensive support for Latitude, detailed business information, and pedestrian / mass transit navigation, arguably making the Android version of Maps the most robust on any phone. Seeing how Android is Google's own, seems fitting, doesn't it?

[Thanks, Justin]

T-Mobile reveals some juicy G1 stats, half of users traded up from dumbphones

by Chris Ziegler, posted Apr 1st 2009 @ 7:59PM

As Android goes, all eyes might be on the Magic at this point -- but T-Mobile USA's still rocking the G1 hard, and they've got the stats to prove it. The carrier has announced that "roughly half" of its G1 buyers traded up from a dumbphone of some sort, which should really help them put that nascent 3G network through its paces in earnest. Proof of that lies deeper in the numbers: 80 percent of G1 customers are browsing the web on a daily basis from the comfort of their device -- a testament to the goodness of WebKit, we reckon -- over half are using Facebook and YouTube at least once a week, and half are hooking up to WiFi on a daily basis. HTML and streaming video aren't the only things burning through AWS bandwidth, though; T-Mobile's also claiming that the average G1 customers has downloaded over 40 frickin' apps from the Android Market, and four out of five download apps at least once per week. We imagine that number will level off now that paid apps are scaling up, but still -- that's an impressive stat.

Is Google pulling tethering apps from the Android Market?

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Mar 31st 2009 @ 9:55AM

According to folks over at Android Community, Google has begun to pull tethering applications from the G1's Market. One of the contributors to the "WiFi Tether for Root Users" app claims that the company is citing distribution agreements with carriers as the cause of the takedowns. In their words:

Google enters into distribution agreements with device manufacturers and Authorized Carriers to place the Market software client application for the Market on Devices. These distribution agreements may require the involuntary removal of Products in violation of the Device manufacturer's or Authorized Carrier's terms of service" Google Developer Distribution Agreement

Of course, this should come as quite a surprise, given statements T-Mobile's Cole Brodman made to us during the G1 launch last year, and Google's seemingly rampant interest in being the de facto open source mobile OS. It's not clear at this point if this is an isolated incident (possibly related to the root nature of the app), or just the beginning of a more widespread move. Google (and T-Mobile to some extent) -- we await your response.

[Thanks, Chris]

T-Mobile launches 'My Account' app for tracking minutes, sweating bills

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 27th 2009 @ 3:20PM

Tired of logging into your T-Mobile account in order to check your G1 usage figures, existing bill status and plan information? Just too lazy to even do it? If you've somehow managed to remain on the carrier as a customer despite your lackadaisical approach to paying up on a monthly basis, you just might want to give the 'My Account' app a look. Freshly loosed on the Android Market, the app gives G1 users easy access to current activity, bill summary, plan information, online payment, help guides, forums, battery info, storage info, etc. Anyone sucked it down yet? Is it amazing?

UK gets paid apps in the Android Market tomorrow

by Chris Ziegler, posted Mar 11th 2009 @ 2:39PM

With the US version of the Android Market now in full swing, it was just a matter of time before European markets started to come online. Now, we've got the first concrete date, and needless to say -- T-Mobile UK customers won't be waiting very long. A PocketGamer.biz liveblog of a T-Mobile-hosted Android even in London has revealed that the Market goes live for the British Isles tomorrow, and according to the carrier's head of internet and entertainment, it'll be awesome: "From tomorrow, UK customers will have paid apps on the phone, and there'll be a wide selection of paid apps on the market." In the same event, it was revealed that fully 20 percent of all new customers to T-Mobile UK are selecting the G1, which seems like a promising sign -- and now that there's going to be some better stuff available to download, that number can probably only stand to go up... or down, considering that the Magic's just around the corner on T-Mob's arch nemesis Vodafone.

[Via AndroidPhone.co.uk, thanks Chris]

Paid apps appear in Android Market

by Nilay Patel, posted Feb 19th 2009 @ 10:10PM

Looks like Google is officially in the mobile app store game -- Android Market now contains paid apps. We haven't gotten the update on our G1 yet, but if you have RC33 it's rolling out now -- reboot and let us know what your first purchase is!

Android Market allows returns, but not sexy stuff

by Tim Stevens, posted Feb 18th 2009 @ 11:04AM

Not content to let Apple be the only one having fun banning racy apps that might scar the fragile minds of its users, Google is apparently looking to get in on the action with its Android Market. The company has confirmed that no graphic sexual content will be allowed, nor anything that encourages violence or hate speech. That's bad news for those who like bad apps, but the good news is that if you find something you've downloaded to be just a little too mainstream for your edgy tastes you'll have 24 hours to return it. Keep your download and unlimited reinstalls will be at your disposal, but Google maintains the right to forcefully remove an app from your device whenever it feels like it -- pledging to do its best to get you a refund. Finally, there will be no upgrades provided through the Android Market, meaning you'll rather unfortunately need to get them through some other, less secure means.

[Via IntoMobile]

Google now accepting paid apps in Android Market

by Chris Ziegler, posted Feb 13th 2009 @ 1:46PM

If you've been looking to make a little bank off that awesome flatulence soundboard you put together for the G1, take heart: Google's ready for you. As expected, it's been announced that developers can now submit end-user pricing for applications in the US version of the Android Market, with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, France, and Spain coming later in the quarter. It's no big surprise that Google Checkout is the only form of payment accepted, which publishers can sign up for right from the dev site. As for you Yanks, look for the first paid apps to be available for download in the middle of next week.

Update: We've just gotten official word from T-Mobile that the G1's RC33 build -- which has just been rolled out to owners -- contains paid app support. Thumbs-up for spending money!

Android Market getting paid apps this week?

by Paul Miller, posted Feb 10th 2009 @ 1:28PM

According to a passing mention in the Wall Street Journal, the Android Market could start accepting for-pay apps as early as this week. We've been expecting such a development to hit this quarter, and it makes sense with that RC33 update in the bag. Unfortunately, this WSJ quote -- pulled a piece on Microsoft's mobile strategy -- is all we've got to go on at the moment. Either way, paid apps are obviously an inevitability, and that financial incentive could be a major boost to the Android ecosystem... or the harbinger or farting apps.

[Via Talk Android]

Rogue Android app said to be wiping G1 user data

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 26th 2009 @ 10:54AM

PSA: you should probably cancel that MemoryUp Personal download from the Android Market. Like, right now. According to legions of T-Mobile G1 users who gave the program a go, it's pretty much an abject disaster. The app bills itself as being "a handy memory optimizer tool that will keep your Android smartphone running faster and efficiently," but more than a few users have reported that it actually wipes oodles of precious data instead. Reports ranging from cleared SD cards to completely erased contact lists have appeared time and time again, with many straight-up calling it a scam. We're not looking for Apple-like safeguards on the store or anything, but maybe a test or two before letting this thing fly would've been nice, no?

Paid apps still coming to Android Market in Q1 '09, US and UK rollout first

by Ross Miller, posted Dec 31st 2008 @ 11:59AM

Despite a decent selection, we get the feeling Android developers have really been holding back until they can make a little money for their hard labor. Google exec Eric Chu is telling registered Android Market members via email that the rollout of paid apps is still coming first quarter of next year. He said it will occur in stages, starting with the US and UK first, followed by Germany, Austria, and Netherlands for phase two and France, Italy, and Spain after that, with more countries to be announced by the end of Q1 2009. Chu also said to expect an update to the Market website in mid-January that'll allow developers to target specific countries for their apps. Android devs, we hope you're ready -- we can't wait to see what toys you'll give us once you're able to make some coins from it.

SIM / hardware-unlocked Android Dev Phone 1 surfaces for $399

by Darren Murph, posted Dec 5th 2008 @ 11:36PM

Oh, snap! Out of seemingly nowhere, Google has revealed the Android Dev Phone 1, a SIM- and hardware-unlocked G1 designed to be sold exclusively to hard working developers. The handset ships with a system image that's fully compatible with Android 1.0, and obviously, it complies with any SIM card and can "flash custom Android builds that will work with the unlocked bootloader." In other words, the mobile should seriously appeal to devs who live far, far away from areas blanketed with T-Mobile coverage. In order to get one, you must first register as an Android developer on the Android Market site (which involves a one-time $25 setup fee); once you're in, you simply surf over and nail the "Purchase" link. For $399 (including free shipping in the US of A), this swanky G1 -- custom back and all -- can be yours, and it's scheduled to ship in 18 international markets soon. Would it be too much to yell "snap!" again?

[Thanks, Ryan]

Gallery: SIM / hardware-unlocked Android Dev Phone 1 surfaces for $399

EA reveals Android gaming plans: Tetris, Bejeweled, Monopoly, oh my!

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 30th 2008 @ 1:33PM

Hot on the heels of Electronic Arts kinda-sorta slamming Nokia for its lackluster N-Gage gaming platform comes word that the video game giant will be dabbling in the world of Android here shortly. Unsurprisingly, we're informed that Tetris will be the first Android title out, while Bejeweled and Monopoly should follow suit in November. According to EA Mobile vice president Adam Sussman, "Android is another exciting new platform to offer customers great games with enhancements like touch and tilt capabilities," and while we weren't given specifics outside of the aforesaid titles, more games are definitely "in development."

Video: T-Mobile G1 gets unlocked, quirks still present

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 29th 2008 @ 2:02PM

It was inevitable, was it not? T-Mobile's G1 lasted an entire week as the T-Mobile G1; now, it's really anyone's G1. Thanks to the kids over at Unlock T-Mobile G1, any owner with a few spare moments and $22.99 can open their handset up for use on AT&T or any other GSM network across the globe. Reportedly, prospective unlockers simply hand over the aforementioned cash and their IMEI code (scary, we know), and in return they receive an eight-digit unlock code that frees it from the bonds of T-Mobile. Initial tests have shown that calling and texting work just fine on non-native networks, but the inability to even login to Gmail (and thus, the Android Market, etc.) puts a real damper on things. No worries -- we're sure those minor hindrances will be worked out in short order. A video full of proof is waiting just beyond the break.

[Via Android Community]

Continue reading Video: T-Mobile G1 gets unlocked, quirks still present