The Motorola Milestone bringing along the stock “Google Experience” and all the hardware that made the phone a success under the Motorola Droid branding. If you are Alltel customer, this is your chance to experience the infamous Android phone the world has been mention.

[via Droidlife]

Unfortunately, it won’t be showing up in Europe today. In fact, HTC –which is based out of Taiwan– has just announced that the update is rolling out to Taiwan customers only at the moment. They’ll be getting the notification for the Android OS upgrade in an Over the Air (OTA) message throughout the next few days.

Has HTC announced when other countries in Asia, and especially European customers, will get the coveted upgrade? Not even a little bit. But, at least it’s starting, one way or another. Hopefully it won’t be too long from now. Of course, Hero owners should just be happy they’re getting it, even if it does mean they probably won’t see Anrdroid 2.2 at all. Something’s better than nothing.

[via HTC Source]

This update includes:
- Upgraded operating system to Android 2.1 Eclair
- Enhancements to sense user interface (UI)
- Enhanced corporate email support
- Variety of minor bug fixes

This time around, Best Buy’s got it on the down-low that the HTC Hero for Sprint is getting their major upgrade to Android 2.1 on May 7th. That’s only two days away. And no, that doesn’t mean that the international version of the HTC Hero is getting Android 2.1 on May 7th, either. Actually, it doesn’t clarify at all when the other versions of the Hero, like the Droid Eris on Verizon Wireless, are going to get the upgrade, either. Right now, all we can say is that the Sprint version seems the more likely of candidates for an “early” upgrade.

[via Pocket-Lint]

Monday, April 19th:

First off, we started the week with a review. That’s right, we love to bring you the latest and greatest, and what’s a better way to do that then to give you an opinion on the latest (and potentially greatest) handsets that hit the market? This time around, the Droid Incredible by HTC got the keen-eyed treatment of the guys over at Android Community and SlashGear. Two reviews for the (free) price of one; doesn’t get any better than that, right?

And then we got some FCC goodness about where the Dell Mini 5, or Streak, if you prefer, might be heading in the near future. According to the documents, it looks like the Android tablet could see some shelf time on T-Mobile USA. Hopefully that means at a subsidized price, because we’re a bit worried about what this thing may cost out-right. Hopefully Dell won’t slap us all in the face too hard.

Tuesday, April 20th:

Do you want an HTC EVO 4G? You know, Sprint’s first 3G/WiMAX handset? The brother to the HTC HD2. Yeah, you remember. Anyway, do you want one? Are you a Sprint Premiere customer? Would you like to win an HTC EVO 4G, a quick gig as a para-professional blogger, and an “extended Summer weekend?” Great. Then you need to check ou the contest Sprint has going on right now, and fill out in 150 words or less why you’d be a perfect fit for the winner’s crown.

Research In Motion’s mobile Operating Systems are one of the best in the industry, no doubt about that, but they need a revamp in aesthetics. If these leaks of OS 6.0 are accurate, then it seems that RIM does indeed have some things held up their sleeve to fix the stagnant nature of the OS. We’re eagerly anticipating the official results, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

Wednesday, April 21st:

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 may not be our favorite Android phone (or any kind of phone, for that matter) out there, and one of the reasons could definitely be the fact that on both the software and hardware end of things, the device simply just doesn’t support multitouch. It’s even been confirmed that the X10 won’t be getting any kind of multitouch support in the future. But, sure enough, there’s a video out there that shows multitouch working just fine on an X10. So, consider us confused. Check out the video to see it for yourself.

More bad news for Android users: the HTC Hero’s update to Android 2.1 isn’t coming until June. We know, we know, it’s blasphemy, and we wish we didn’t have to say anything. But, thanks to an HTC representative directly asked, they’ve confirmed that the Hero will be getting two updates in June. The first will be a prep update, to ready the device for the impending major upgrade to 2.1. A few days later, you’ll get the prodigal OTA, and then everything will be right with the word. Unless, of course, Android’s Froyo (2.x) comes out a month before you get that update. Then, well, we wish you the best of luck.

Thursday, April 22nd:

If you’re one of the many owners out there with a Nexus One, then hopefully you haven’t had any real issues with your 3G coverage. Because Google doesn’t care anymore. Really. They’re stopping any and all investigations into engineering solutions for the problem. They do suggest, however, that you should try moving from your home (permanently?), or try holding your phone in a different way: like upside down. And, we wish we were joking about that.

Using Google Maps is great, but if you’re driving around, it’s probably not a good idea to keep typing directions into your phone. So, the best way to fix that is to speak to your phone. Right? Well, if you’re using Windows Mobile or Symbian S60, you can sure give it a shot. Google Maps v4.1 gives you the power, folks. Use it wisely, okay?

Friday, April 23rd:

We close the week with something that we thought was impossible: Android running on an original iPhone. Thanks to a hacker (obviously), if you want to go through the steps, you’ll be able to dual-boot the iPhone OS and Android OS, whenever you like. Simply turning off and on your device will give you the option. And, from what we can see in the video, everything seems to be working just fine.

Another model number for what seems to be the Samsung Galaxy S appeared, and this time it’s heading to South Korea. The model number in question is the Samsung SHW-M110S, and it rocks the same 4-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, Android OS, and TouchWiz 3.0 User Interface that we’ve come to love on the Galaxy S.

Initially thought to be hitting HTC Hero’s all over the world some time in February or March, it then turned into a “maybe” situation, before HTC apparently suggested that April 4th would be the date that roll-outs would begin. Then, not surprisingly (yet just as aggravating), HTC confirmed to a customer that April 16th would be the day-of-days. Well, that passed, and there’s still no Android 2.1 for the HTC Hero.

Here’s why: apparently HTC have pushed the update back to June. In an email confirmation to Pocket-Lint, it seems that HTC Hero owners will get a prep update to prepare their device for the major Eclair update, and then a day or two later (hopefully) the full update will head their way. Terrible news for Hero owners out there who have been patiently waiting for this update, and we can’t help but think that this was poorly handled by HTC in the long-run. Because, also from HTC, there’s still an Eclair update scheduled for the end of this month. We’re just as confused as you are.

[via Pocket-Lint]

Monday, April 5th

We started the week off with a pretty interesting leak from Verizon Wireless’ depths. Contained in an InfoDoc activation write-up, the HTC Incredible made a very distinct appearance. This is still one of those devices that’s insanely popular amongst Android fans, along with Verizon Wireless customers who are looking for a powerful new device. The sad thing is, though, Verizon still hasn’t officially announced the device. Hopefully, though, that happens soon.

And we can’t go a week without having some kind of Samsung news, now can we? Of course not. And sure enough, they came through for us. They were out and about, taking slides with them that show off the progression of their Bada Operating System. Familiar faces, like the Samsung Wave, made an appearance at the top tier of the chart, but there were a couple full QWERTY slide-out keyboard devices that definitely piqued our interest. Especially if we can get some Super AMOLED goodness on there, all for about $350.

Ah, the HTC Hero. The light of Android’s eye, so to speak. At least, it was back in July, when it was the flagship device to launch Android 1.5, and bring HTC’s Sense User Interface to the fold. Well, if you’ve got an HTC Hero, or one of its many derivatives, then you know you’re still on Android 1.5, even if the rest of the world is moving on. Luckily for you, though, HTC have apparently given the greenlight for the Android 2.1 roll out, which should begin April 16th. Keep your fingers crossed.

Tuesday, April 6th

There’s no doubt about the fact that Nokia is one of the most beloved wireless carriers around the world. Probably not so much in America, but definitely around the world. And how could it not be, with such stable devices like the E71 and E66? These work horse handsets are some of the most popular ones floating around, and now they’re getting better. Thanks to the wireless carrier’s own Ovi Maps service. The free, offline-enabled service is now officially available for the two handsets, and the best part is it’s completely free.

So, Verizon Wireless wants the iPhone. In fact, Ivan Seidenberg –CEO of Verizon Wireless– says that he and the rest of his wireless juggernaut is ready to carry the Apple banner right now, but he understands that it is Apple’s call. There’s still rumors flying around that Verizon Wireless will indeed get the new (or some kind of new) iPhone for their network in the future, but that’s a rumor that’s been living since 2007, and just won’t seem to die. Well, at least if Steve Jobs and the rest of the Cupertino-based company decide to bring their prodigal phone to Big Red, they already know they’re eagerly waiting for it.

Speaking of Android devices, looks like the Samsung Moment is getting an upgrade. At least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe with these latest unofficial photo shoot. Apparently, the Samsung Moment 2 is going to rock the same slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard as its predecessor, have Android 2.1, and feature Samsung’s infamous TouchWiz (3.0) interface. Other than that, there’s not much known about it. We do know that it’s going to be a Sprint exclusive, just like the original, so that should be some good news to Sprint subscribers out there.

Wednesday, April 7th

The HTC Desire is the Nexus One with some major improvements in the software front: namely, the use of HTC’s Sense User Interface. Other than that, the two devices are pretty much identical, with the exception of the switch from a trackball to an optical trackpad. In any event, the HTC Desire is one of those devices that many people are eagerly anticipating getting unlocked, so they don’t need to be shackled to any kind of service plan for another three years. Unfortunately for them, as of Wednesday, the handset was delayed yet again from hitting unlocked online retailers.

As for the Nexus One, it continues to make the rounds. This time around, it’s heading to France, thanks to Bouygues Telecom. The Android 2.1 superphone showed up on the company’s website, spouting off all the cool details about the handset. There’s no word on when it will be officially released, but our hat is tipped for later this month (like, the end of it), or even the beginning of May. After all, it has to launch on Verizon Wireless here in the States first, along with Vodafone across the pond.

Verizon Wireless has new devices coming soon, and they wanted to make sure that everyone in Verizon Wireless knew about it. The official slide that was passed around internally wasn’t meant for the public’s eye, but was entirely meant to calm the Big Red’s employees, as everyone is expecting new handsets soon. Of course, it could be the HTC Incredible, or a new BlackBerry device. Or, it could be Microsoft’s Project Pink handsets. We’ll find out soon.

Thursday, April 8th

Nokia wants to make sure that their Comes With Music service is heard by all of their Nokia fans out there, but right now, it’s not available in every country. That’s changing in a big way, as Nokia is not only launching the service in China, but now allowing for DRM-free downloads of music. This is a way for Nokia, as well as major music companies in China, to save money on pirated music. It seems like a last-ditch effort to us, but we hope it works nonetheless.

The HTC Incredible showed up again later this week, in two big ways: the first, a Best Buy screenshot that said the device would launch in their stores on April 29th. There’s still no word from Verizon Wireless about the device’s existence, but at this point, we can safely say it’s a done deal. And, if that wasn’t enough proof for you, the handset’s user manual also leaked, just enforcing all the debate. We’re now just waiting for Verizon to pull the plug on this blackout, so we can finally get some official word.

Apple launched iPhone OS 4.0 on Thursday, and they did it with 7 tentpoles holding up their circus. The biggest announcement (at least in the phone department) is the fact that the latest upgrade to Apple’s mobile Operating System includes multitasking. A simple double-click of the Home button now brings up the applications tray, which showcases recently used apps, and you can switch back and forth on a whim. Multitasking made easy, by none other than Apple. Consider us unsurprised.

Friday, April 9th

When it comes to Windows Mobile, there’s only a few handsets out there that actually stand out. One of them is the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2. And, for the lucky owners of the device out there, Microsoft and Sony Ericsson have finally released a much needed update for the handset. This will officially push you into the realm of Windows Mobile 6.5.3, so keep your arms open wide, and accept the future, ladies and gentlemen.

AT&T is changing gears in a big way, starting in the next couple months. They want you to Rethink Possible, because the second largest wireless carrier in America is no longer focusing their energy on being a wireless carrier behemoth. Instead, they want to be a jumping off point for progressive, innovative lifestyle. We have no idea what that means, exactly, but hopefully AT&T will start to clarify their position soon. Furthermore, we just hope this means they aren’t going to forget about their tower upgrades. We still need service, folks.

Research In Motion is trying to find ways to change the game, it seems. According to a lot of insider chatting, it seems the manufacturer of the BlackBerry line of handsets has their eyes set on something completely different for them: a tablet. According to rumors and leaks, it seems that the Canada-based organization has recently purchased some 8.9-inch displays, for what can only be a tablet. These things are meant to sync with their BlackBerry counterparts, and be specifically designed for owners of BlackBerry devices. AT least they’re keeping it in the family.

The skin over Android makes it a bit more difficult for developers, engineers, and testers working under HTC’s roof to push out the necessary (or, wanted) updates in a timely fashion. Nevertheless, it’s coming, and at least it’s soon. April 16th, in fact. But, what’s the bad news? The bad news is the fact that it’s not going to be everywhere April 16th. In a letter sent from HTC to an HTC Club member, the updated ROM is going to begin its roll-out on that date, but considering the depth, in which the upgrade needs to hit, it’s probably going to take a few weeks to get everyone tossed in the mix.

As for the phones here in the States running the same hardware, there’s still some questions about when those updates will come through. If the rest of the world is getting it on April 16th, we’d be surprised to see it take much longer after that. Then again, we’re hearing rumors that it could be as early as April 9th for the Sprint version, so we’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed with the rest of you. As soon as we get a confirmation, we’ll be sure to let you know.

[via Pocket-Lint]

Monday, March 15

We started off the week with AT&T launching some new services (like Mobile Share), as well as four new messaging devices. Two from Pantech, the Link and Pursuit, and two from Samsung, Strive and Sunburst. They’re not high-end devices by any means, and specifically designed for those who want a strong featurephone. Samsung is continuing their trend with more TouchWiz 2.0 devices, hoping that the User Interface along with their touchscreen devices will keep up the consumer purchases. The Samsung Strive and Sunburst are actually available now, and the two Pantech devices should be available in the coming weeks.

Monday marked the start of Microsoft’s MIX10, a conference specifically designed for the developers in the world. It’s a place where Microsoft can bring together those of like minds, and talk about where the market is going for developers, and how they can make their applications. This year, the Redmond-based company utilized the conference as a flagship method to release more information on their upcoming mobile Operating System, Windows Phone 7 Series.  We saw plenty of video, with the first being the Marketplace Hub in action. We saw a 3D game, called Harvest, as it debuted for the mobile OS. And we also saw how push notifications would work on the platform. Of course, as Microsoft has noted several times, all of this is up to change before the release date. Features like Netflix are also ready to go with the launch of the mobile platform.

The HTC HD2 is the envy of all other Windows Mobile 6.5 devices (but not Windows Phone 7 Series devices), but that’s not stopping people from creating fan renders of the completely unannounced HTC HD3. We caught wind of the image, and quickly looked over the corresponding specifications list, but quickly denounced it as being fake. Why? Because, despite the fact people were saying that it would be running Windows Phone 7 Series, it simply didn’t have the right specifications. Expandable memory? Not allowed. Even the screen’s resolution was too much. So, it’s a dream. A nice dream, but a dream nevertheless.

Tuesday, March 16

The TomTom application for iPhone got a significant upgrade last Tuesday. It brought some extra features, along with some in-depth additions to present-days features. Within the application, pinch-and-zoom is now available, local search powered by Google, and there’s also an automatic day and night mode. The update was definitely worth the wait for those who purchased the app.

This was a great week for UK wireless carriers, as two of the largest in the area were verified as launching some of the best smartphones on the market. The first, Vodafone UK, is primed to launch the HTC branded Legend and Desire. Two of the most powerful Android-based devices available on any market, we’re happy to see these handsets primed for customer satisfaction. WE love us some AMOLED. And the second carrier, O2, prepare themselves to launch the rebranded Samsung Jet, now known as the Samsung Jet Ultra Edition. There’s not much different in the specification department from the original, 800MHz processor-packing, 3.1-inch AMOLED display handset, but it does sell with some gangster DVDs. So, that’s cool.

Google’s Nexus One, which also packs some AMOLED goodness, is one of the most talked about handsets available on the market, here in the States. It launched back in January for T-Mobile USA, and everyone else not on the network has been waiting for the device to launch on the Big Red network in the Spring. But, without warning (other than some unconfirmed rumors), Google released the Nexus One with AT&T 3G-compatible radios. This may have something to do with the fact that, according to Flurry, the sales of the Nexus One are just about terrible when compared to the iPhone, and especially compared to the other Android-powered handset, the Motorola DROID. The Nexus One, which is sold only through Google’s online store, has sold only 135,000 units in 74 days, which to some just isn’t good enough. And then, Google is punched one more time in the gut, when their application for the Nexus One trademark was rejected. They have 60 days to respond, or Google may have to change the name of the device.

And then, we have the curious case of updates. The Samsung Galaxy Spica, which a lot of users out there may not even know about, is officially getting upgraded to Android 2.1 some time in March. Well, to be more accurate, the roll-out begins this month, and should happen from one region to another through the Spring months. So, if you do happen to own the device, keep your fingers crossed that you’re next in line. And then we have the Motorola DROID, the device to bring Android 2.0 to market. This is the second time Motorola has promised the prodigal update, and yet failed to commit. As it currently stands, almost every Motorola DROID out there is still not running an official release of 2.1. Instead, they’re still waiting.

Wednesday, March 17

As we move further and further into the electronic years, we are finding more ways to rid ourselves of the paper bill. Or, in this case, the paper ticket. United Airlines has officially unveiled their mobile boarding pass, along with mobile check-ins. It’s like the best way to play Foursquare, if you ask us.

At MIX10, Microsoft showed off a third device, an unknown Samsung, to showcase Windows Phone 7 Series, and blow all of our minds. It was actually some keen eyed readers at SlashGear that caught us on to the fact that the device in question looked strikingly familiar, and sure enough, it seems that Microsoft showcased a Samsung i8910HD, and not a future Windows Phone 7 Series device at all. In further device news, LG apparently has a second Windows Phone 7 Series device in the works, as a render made an appearance in the middle of the week. Rumors are that it is fake, but we’d be shocked to think that the company isn’t working on more than one device.

Google is releasing several first-party applications for their Android platform. This time around, we have Gesture Search. Basically, you run the application, draw a letter, or string of letters, and the application finds what you’re looking for. It may not be the most practical application in the world, strictly for the fact that it is, indeed, an application. But at least it’s fun.

Thursday, March 18

Apple and HTC have begun the age-old trademark and patent dance, as the two of them square off to begin what’s definitely going to be a lot of rounds in the ring. HTC publicly responded to the Apple claims, and have made it very clear that they are not going to back down any time soon. They’ve got a strong portfolio, dating further back than the iPhone’s launch in 2007, and they want everyone to know that.

Research In Motion is one of those stalwart companies that’s not going anywhere any time soon, but that doesn’t mean people don’t want to see some kind of new device from the company. Luckily, we may be getting our wish. The BlackBerry T, which is quite possibly the slider we’ve seen before, now has a codename, a model number, and pictures. Is CTIA 2010 going to be the place that we finally get an official announcement?

And then our Android news wraps up Thursday with talk that the HTC Incredible could launch on the Verizon Network, with those Verizon colors so bold on the device, in just two weeks. There’s also talk that it could get announced at CTIA 2010 as well. And then, that Motorola DROID 2.1 update we spoke about before? There’s no time frame when it might get released to the customer base at large, as the update has been labeled as To Be Determined (TBD) now. So, stay frosty, DROID owners.

Friday, March 19

The iPhone is still a hot commodity, and wireless carriers all around the world still want their chance with it. Apple is scheduled (unofficially) to launch the next iteration of the iPhone right around the corner here, and it looks like China Mobile wants in on the action. They’ve reached out to the Cupertino-based company, hoping that the two companies can work something out.

Sprint got the last bit of news on Friday, as two of their devices got the upgrade talk. The only difference is that one device, the HTC Touch Pro2 actually got upgraded, and the others, the HTC Hero and Samsung Moment, are getting upgraded. The latter of which should see the light of day in the coming weeks, with April sounding more and more like the official unveiling of Android 2.1 on the hardware.

Sunday, March 21

And then we have today. Research In Motion’s BIS 3.0 is scheduled to hit retail units over the coming weeks, starting March 28th. It’s entire purpose is to make the integration of BlackBerry devices and Gmail more complete. In the end, what this means, is that using Gmail on your BlackBerry may actually not drive you to madness anymore. And then we have a video of a man unboxing the HTC HD2 with T-Mobile USA. The only problem is, is that he’s the first consumer to actually get the HD2, especially considering it’s not due to start selling until March 24th. Very curious.

So, that wraps it up for this week. Again, let us know what you think of the new layout. If you need to compare it, here’s a link to last week’s. We want to hear your feedback. Keep your eyes out for this week, as SlashPhone brings you the latest information from CTIA 2010. Hopefully we’ll see some of our predictions come to bear.

Thanks to the keen eyes of AndroidCentral, we can safely say that “in the coming weeks,” Android 2.1 will be gracing the hardware of both the HTC Hero and the Samsung Moment. Yeah, we know. It’s exciting news. While the document itself is (next to) impossible to read, we’re taking it on a safe bet that the text reads something like this: Sprint is actively working on having the 2.1 platform available to their customers in the coming weeks. And, that we should expect more information about the upgrade in April. So, there we go. April seems to be the month. Of course, we can’t help but look at the fact that it says expect more information about the upgrade, and not that it necessarily is getting the upgrade in April, but that’s just us picking apart the little things. Maybe another company should do that.

We’ve heard that the HTC Hero in European land would be getting its upgrade to 2.1 in April as well, so this does line up pretty well. However, we’re wondering if that also means the Nexus One will show up in Google’s Store for an April launch as well. Given the opportunity, would you rather pick up the HTC Nexus One, or keep your Hero/Moment? As soon as we hear more, we’ll pass it on.

[via AndroidCentral]