Pocketables

Camangi WebStation Android tablet launching next month

Previously only a concept, a Taiwanese company called Camangi is now on the verge of launching its WebStation MID in early December according to the official website. Featuring an Apple-esque design, much like the Boeye MID 700, the WebStation is also an Android tablet running version 1.5 of the mobile OS. The device features a 7-inch, WVGA (800x480), glass touchscreen, and comes with a choice of either a black or white bezel. Other known specifications include 802.11 b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, a microSD slot and two cameras; a 2MP front-facing camera, and a 0.3MP webcam for video conferencing.

A variety of inbuilt apps, such as the web browser, email, and VoIP are included in the system. In addition, the WebStation can also serve as an e-book reader, digital photo frame and music/video media player, with a retractable stand helping to facilitate these roles. The tablet should be cost around $399 when it launches early next month. Interested parties can register at the official website for the latest updates and a chance to receive an "early bird" discount coupon. The site also mentions they are looking for Android developers to contribute new apps for the device.

Sony Ericsson's Android UI called Nexus, coming to more devices

When the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 was unveiled, one of the things that stood out for me was the new UI that SE had created running on top of Android, much like HTC's SenseUI system. The company has now christened the new system the Nexus UX platform and has suggested plans to bring it to other devices, including the possibility of introducing it into Symbian and Windows Mobile phones.

A WebSDK has been released online allowing developers to create applications specifically for the Nexus UX platform, which SE hopes will differentiate the handsets from competitors. Examples of apps on Nexus UX are the inbuilt Timescape and Mediascape interfaces demonstrated at the X10 unveiling. SE aims to have a couple of hundred apps and plug-ins available when the XPERIA X10 launches early next year  and has hinted at adding a "PS3" Remote Play app allowing users to access media on their PS3s directly through the phone via the internet. 

What do you think of the Nexus UX platform? How does it compare to HTC's SenseUI and the Motorola Droid's more "plain" Android interface?

[Pocket-lint]

Google working on its own Android phone?

Before the announcement of the Android OS, when everyone was talking about the rumored "Google Phone" or "G-Phone," I remember thinking that Google would follow Apple's lead in creating both the hardware and software elements of a phone. This mythical device never materialized when Android was announced, and Google stated that it was staying firmly on the software side of things, leaving the established phone manufacturers to create the devices that would use its operating system.

A new report on TechCrunch now states that Google is indeed developing its own complete Android phone from the ground up, including the complete hardware package to be sold under the Google branding. All the information is mostly unconfirmed rumors, but the information indicates that the device will be produced by a major phone manufacturer (possibly one of the Korean companies) and that Google will be in charge of everything, including the design and hardware specification. If true, the Google phone is expected to be released early next year backed by a major marketing push.

Updated firmware released for Archos 5 Internet Tablet

Archos has today released updated firmware for the Archos 5 Android Internet Tablet. The new firmware, version 1.3.07, has a long list of changes and fixes, including improved support for MP4 and MKV videos, fixed playback resolution issues, and most notably fixed support for full screen playback of YouTube and YouTube HD content. Output of that content using the device's TV-out capability is supported using either the battery dock or mini dock that Jenn reviewed last year for SD quality, or the HDMI mini dock and DVR station for HD quality.

Archos 5 Android owners can either download the update directly using the firmware update function in the device settings or get it manually from the Archos website.

Thanks, Jenn!

Dell Streak MID could be headed to AT&T in 2010

Now I don't want to get everyone overly excited about something that is strictly a rumor at this point, but according to the Commercial Times, Dell has supposedly already decided on Qisda from Taiwan as its partner to make the Streak MID a reality. Not only that, they have apparently thought enough of AT&T to bring them into the fold, so those of us here in the US have yet another Android device to look forward to in the upcoming months.

The article doesn't specifically mention the Streak, but we do know that Dell has prototypes running around out there, so it would be the likely choice to compete with the Nokia N900 that will be strutting its stuff on T-Mobile. It could also be interesting to see how AT&T manages the Streak so as not to ruffle any feathers over at Apple with its cash cow iPhone.

AT&T currently is the only US wireless provider without a single Android device in their lineup, so they have quite a bit of catching up to do. The Streak, which was running Eclair when we last saw it, would be a great way to get into the game, especially if it comes early enough in 2010.

[DigiTimes via Engadget]

Creative to reveal "Zii Android mobile phone" at Zii Summit next month

Following last week's announcement of its ZMS-08 media processor for low-power handheld devices, capable of decoding Blu-Ray quality 1080p video, Creative is set to show off a range of OEM-ready devices powered by Zii technology at the Zii Summit 2009 conference in China on the 1st and 2nd of December.

Apart from the MediaBook revealed earlier this month, the most interesting devices to be shown include a touch tablet PC and a Zii-optimized Android mobile phone platform. Based on information on the Zii Summit website, Creative will demonstrate a handset running Android powered by their ZMS-05 processor. The advantages of this should include more processing power for the Android OS and its applications, as the ZMS-05 is a multi-core chip with dual ARM processor cores, seamless OpenGL ES 3D graphics, and 1080p high definition video playback/output.

The thought of an Android smartphone having such capabilities is a very exciting prospect, but we'll have to wait and see exactly what the Zii-powered phone can do and whether there are any compromises to achieve it. We will bring you the latest developments as they happen. Bring on December!

[myCreative Fansite]

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 expected to launch in February 2010 in UK

A brief update today on the possible launch date of the recently announced SE Xperia X10.

Previously, we were told the X10 would be launched in Q1 2010. While this is still true, there's now a firmer date involved than a vague three-month quarter. According to the Coming Soon section of Sony Ericsson's UK online store, we can now expect the Xperia X10 to launch there in February 2010. Those of us in the UK can elect to pre-register to receive the latest updates for the X10 direct from Sony Ericsson.

Alternatively, I highly recommend a visit to the Sony Ericsson Product Blog to feed your interest in this highly anticipated smartphone. Previously known as the Satio blog, covering the development and launch of the SE Satio, the site will now focus on the Xperia X10 from now until its launch early next year. Some of the recent updates of interest to X10 followers include sample photos and videos taken by the 8.1MP auto focus camera, a discussion of the X10's Android OS and OpenGL capabilities, and a Q&A of some of the most frequently asked questions.

VIA working on MID phone that runs Windows XP and Android

Despite my slight sense of deja-vu after yesterday's news concerning the Windows XP running ViewSonic VCP08 phone, an anonymous source leaked some new information and images of a prototype VIA-based MID phone that not only runs Windows XP, but also Android at the same time!

The concept of the device seems to have been in existence since Computex 2009 in June, where a non-working mock-up identified as the Dr. Mobile or CCI MID with preliminary specifications was on display. The latest information and images of what seems to be a working prototype, however, indicate that the VIA MID combines two separate hardware systems: a UMPC portion running Windows XP and an independent smartphone system running Android. Detailed specifications are currently unknown apart from the MID side of things using a 500Mhz VIA processor, most likely the Nano. Previous information mentioned the use of an 800Mhz Freescale chip powering the Android portion of the device, although there is no confirmation of this in the leaked information. Unlike the ViewSonic VCP08, the VIA MID is a more conventional slider arrangement with a full QWERTY keyboard and a single screen that switches between the two operating systems.

ICD to launch Vega tablet with Android 2.0 and nVidia Tegra processor

Following my comment yesterday on internet tablet MIDs being an emerging hot product category, a new day has brought another new candidate to add to this growing selection of products. And like many of its contemporaries, it is also running Android.

Just announced by Innovative Converged Devices (ICD), a company based in both the UK and Seattle, the Vega tablet is described as a "sleek, kitchen-friendly Android touch device." The Vega is the first in a future line of similar tablet products running Android that will be low-priced, feature-rich, HD entertainment, and information devices. Apart from running Android in its 2.0 guise, these new products will also all feature 3G and WiFi (802.11 b/g) connectivity, have a touch interface, and be powered by nVidia's Tegra processor (which is also found in the Zune HD). A variety of screen sizes will be available including a pocketable 7" model, as well as larger 11" and 15" sizes that I presume are the "kitchen-friendly" options!

Archos 5 Android struggles to coexist with iPhone 3GS

Did you ever have a gadget that you felt you were supposed to really like but, try as you might, you could only just kind of like? That's how I feel about my Archos 5 Android Internet Tablet.

It's a significant improvement over last year's Archos 5 IMT, offers faster web browsing speeds than other ARM Cortex A8-powered devices, has a large high-resolution touchscreen, and runs on an operating system compatible with a growing catalog of third-party applications . . . yet the iPhone 3GS is still my go-to device for nearly everything I should be using the Archos 5 Android for.