Author Archive: Gareth

Secret Gingerbread hidden under Honeycomb

Here’s a bit of interesting news for you technophiles that like to monkey around with your tablets. Apparently, their is a "hidden feature" within Honeycomb that allows you to "activate" an experimental Gingerbread interface. This is done by simply changing the pixel density settings of your Honeycomb tablet from 160 dpi to 170 dpi, and voila, you can play with a Gingerbread look to your UI. Here’s a quote from Engadget explaining how the tweak works,

According to modder Graffix0214, all you need for making the jump is one simple tweak in a system file: assuming you already have root access, use your preferred method — Pocketables recommends the LCDDensity for Root app — to change the LCD density value to 170 or higher to emulate a smaller, denser display. After a reboot, you should then see some Gingerbread love as demoed by Graffix0214’s video after the break; and likewise, set the value to 160 or lower to roll back. It sure is nice to have an option, eh?

This seems pretty nifty. Be sure to share in the forums what you think of this if you "monkey around" with it. Here’s a video demo after the break:

Android is conquering the masses

More market analysis showing the growth and dominance of the Android platform. Gartner’s Q1 2011 analysis shows Android with over 36 Million Units sold roughly equating to a 36% global market share. This is compared to Symbian in second place with 27 Million and 27.4%, iOS with 16.8 Million and 16.8%. RIM, Microsoft and HP round out the bottom.

Symbian is essentially taking blow after blow from all angles here and whilst there isn’t a massive reduction in units solid they have not benefited in the Smartphone explosion at all. The uptake of Microsoft platform is also of particular interest as Windows Phone 7 really isn’t making too much noise.

Posted by Gareth.

Dell Streak Pro details emerge

Some details regarding the Dell Streak Pro 10-Inch Android Tablet have been recently leaked. Rumour has it that the tab will come to the American network AT&T with it’s 4G LTE Radio they are about to roll out, a similar rumour to the HTC Puccini we heard earlier in the month. Regardless of the rumour, some other details have materialized regarding the device, and here they are:

• 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip
• 1GB of RAM
• Dual-microphones
• 5-megapixel camera and 2-megapixel camera for video chat
• Maybe three different models = 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB version
• 12.9mm thick (quite a bit fatter than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1)

No price yet and whilst the specs look adequate there is little to set this apart from the competition.

Posted by Gareth

Android 2.3.3 to arrive on Sony Ericsson next week?

They might have annoyed the seven people who bought the X10 with their terrible support when it came to updates, but it seems that are going to make amends with some nice updates to their more recent generation of phones. Sony Ericsson revealed today that their Xperia Arc and Xperia Play will soon rank among the short list of devices running Android 2.3.4, the fresh-out-of-the-oven update that brings along GTalk video calling among other things.

The update will also include a little feature Sony Ericsson has been cooking up called Facebook Inside. It creates a deep integration between the phone and the social network, allowing users to “like” currently playing music, share all sorts of content, and contact and calendar sync.

The update is slated to hit UK networks next week, carrier willing. We can only hope Sony Ericsson extends the privilege to the soon-to-be release US version of the Xperia Play.

Posted by Gareth

HTC Flyer sales are positive

For an Android 2.3 tablet and a pretty heavy price tag it seems that HTC’s little 7 incher is being pocketed by a brave few customers. I would be bold to say that many a blogger, tech journalist and enthusiast speculated the device would not only be a hard sell but have a limited uptake. However, if HTC’s sales outline is honest then they are quite pleased with the Flyer’s debut.

Recently, Android tablets have been outlined as a bit of a flop for many reasons, but perhaps people have been holding back, waiting for the device that suits them. The Flyer is in a limited market with only the aging Galaxy Tab as a competitor. The 10″ market seems to be the target of most retailers but the 7″ seems to be were the action is taking place when it comes to Android Tablets.

Posted by Gareth

Mobile Tech Addicts Podcast Award reminder–Final night to vote

It’s the final night before voting ends and we just wanted one last push in the hope of securing another couple of votes. We have been nominated for a Northern Ireland Social Media Award and you can use the voting button below to add yours. We have been listed in Category 6 – Broadcast Media against local TV channels and radio stations.

An exciting time for us as we only do our little podcast as a hobby and for the pure enjoyment of it. To be listed alongside Ulster Television, Cool FM and Citybeat is an extreme honour.

Thanks for voting!!

Posted by Gareth

HTC Puccini: 10-Inch LTE Tablet

According to Pocketnow we will soon see the HTC Puccini, a rumoured 10-inch tablet HTC is preparing to follow its seven-inch Flyer. All fingers seem to be pointing at AT&T right now for release and the Puccini will be one of the first devices compatible with their "true 4G" LTE network. Specs for this model remain unknown, although it’s likely to run Android 3.x Honeycomb and support HTC’s Scribe capacitive pen input technology. Since Giacomo Puccini was a 19th and 20th century opera composer (La Boheme, Madame Butterfly), there may be a musical focus here as well.

Exciting stuff and it will be nice to see HTC release a hefty tablet to take on Motorola, Samsung and LG as the Flyer looks a little paltry in comparison.

Posted by: Gareth

A quick look at the Samsung 8.9″ Tablet video

Johannes over at NewGadgets.de got his hands on a working sample of the 8.9 inch tablet, and has shot a short video. The Samsung Galaxy 8.9 and 10.1 are probably the two most anticipated tablets this year. Samsung had a decent debut with the 7 inch Galaxy Tab, and hopes to really hit the big time with its pair of new Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Galaxy Tabs. Check out the video below.