Motorola’s latest wares are on display at the 2011 Cable Show (we suspect the sluggish cable boxes actually in service right now are rarely mentioned) including this “Live Streaming Device” aka Televation. Functioning as a cable company provided, in-home-only Slingbox, it transcodes the MPEG-2 TV broadcasts into MPEG-4 IP streams for viewing on other devices (Android or iOS tablets, IP-connected TVs, etc) that are on the same local network at whatever bitrate or resolution they can handle. Motorola figures this cuts out legal disputes like those encircling Time Warner’s TWCable TV iPad app since it uses existing TV broadcasts. Collaborating on the project were engineers from Comcast, which could make for an existing branch on its existing plans for new boxes, IPTV, and mobile apps. Sling / Echostar has been trying to crack the cable box market with its more flexible solution for years and is expected to announce the new Aria platform tomorrow, so may the best platform — and not just the one with the cheapest / sweetest deal for the cable company — win.

Continue reading Motorola Televation turns cable TV into IPTV streams for the whole home

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Consumer Reports magazine last updated its smartphone ratings in August — and a lot has changed since then. But one thing that definitely hasn’t changed is that Android dominates the ratings. It’s almost embarrassing, actually. Here’s how it breaks down for the four major U.S. carrier, with positions in parenthesis:

• Verizon: Motorola Droid X (1), Motorola Droid 2 (2), HTC Droid Incredible (3), LG Ally (4)
• T-Mobile: Samsung Vibrant (1), HTC myTouch 3G Slide (2)
• Sprint: HTC Evo 4G (1), Samsung Intercept (2), HTC Hero (3)
• AT&T: Samsung Captivate (1), HTC Aria (3)

Astounding, actually. Android has the top two rated phones for three out of the four carriers. The only one it didn’t have No. 2 on was AT&T — and that went to the iPhone 3G, not even the iPhone 4G. In fact, there’s a sidebar in which CR writes that it still doesn’t recommend the iPhone 4 because of that whole reception thing (though it is actually rated higher than the Captivate, even if it isn’t recommended). Be sure the entire breakdown. [Consumer Reports]

Posted originally at Android Central

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The HTC Aria tends to find itself sitting on the back burner when it comes to news, but for those still holding strong with the device you will be happy with this little treat. Earlier this week the Froyo Sense RUU was leaked for this device, and now it has been made available in a flashable ROM form. The wait is over, get yourself some Sense 2.2 on your device today. Be sure to let us know how it is, the good, the bad or the ugly in our forums! [XDA via Android Central Forums]

Posted originally at Android Central

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HTC today announced the Gratia, a new handset destined for Europe. The Gratia is basically an Aria, but the international version. (check our Aria review)

Aside from having the same specs as the Aria, the Gratia will release with Android 2.2 and unfortunately not include the new HTC Sense. It offers Europeans a solid, mid-range Android device to compliment the higher end Desire lineup.

Find the official announcement from HTC after the break. [via Phandroid]

Posted originally at Android Central

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The unrevoked team has announced that version 3.2 is now available for download, and support for Froyo has been added.  This brings the list of devices supported by the flashing tool to:

• Sprint EVO 4G (HTC Supersonic)
• Droid Incredible (HTC Incredible)
• HTC Desire GSM
• HTC Desire CDMA (HTC BravoC)
• HTC Aria
• Droid Eris (HTC DesireC)
• HTC Wildfire (HTC Buzz)

In addition, users of the Sprint Evo 4G, Droid Incredible, and the CDMA Desire (US Cellular version) can now unlock their NAND and root using the tool.  People using other modern HTC devices not listed above are encouraged to contact the unrevoked team.  Be sure to read the directions carefully, and happy hacking! [unrevoked] Thanks Mike for the tip!

Update: The unlock tool has been temporarily pulled. Says the Unrevoked team: "We’re seeing some strange problems with Unrevoked 3.2, so we’ve pulled the release for a bit. Please hold on! Don’t worry if you’ve already run 3.2 – you are rooted and everything is OK. It’s just a problem for users while running it."

Posted originally at Android Central

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Remember when we reported Amazon was selling the Captivate and Vibrant for insane discounts? Well, Amazon has many other Android phones available for purchase now at far below what you will find in any carrier store or website. You do have to be a new customer to the carrier to get the price, but this should make it easier than ever to jump your current carrier’s ship for that new Android phone you have been craving. We’ve rounded ‘em all up for you after the break. [Amazon]

Posted originally at Android Central

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Late last night HTC released a torrent of code — kernel sources for the Aria, the Evo 4G update, the Incredible update, and the Wildfire; plus the FRF91 system image for the Nexus One (Happy dance).  Even though they are obliged to release the kernel source code by the GPL, I don’t think anyone expected them this early.  Developers should start cranking things into gear shortly, and have something tasty cooked up for us soon.  [HTC Developer Center]

Posted originally at Android Central

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Apparently, the first scavenger hunt was such as succes that HTC and AT&T want to being the fun to a new town. Residents of Duluth, Minn., will be able to get together this Thursday (that’s Aug. 12) to compete for numerous prizes, including HTC Aria phones. The contest is open to all Minnesota residents at least 18 years old. Details can be found on AT&T’s event page on Facebook. [AT&T on Facebook]

Posted originally at Android Central

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When it comes to installing Android applications, there are two ways of going about it. The most popular, of course, is directly through the Android Market. And that’s how most of us do it. But from time to time we need to be able to sideload apps. Maybe you purchased it directly from a developer or some other perfectly legitimate method.

Or maybe *ahem* your phone doesn’t allow you to directly sideload apps, for whatever reason. And that’s where the Android Central Sideload Wonder Machine comes in. We’ve rigged up a simple Windows program that allows you to install any .apk file (that’s the extension for an Android app) via your computer. It’s completely legit — nobody’s going to track you down and take away your phone — it’s completely free (and open source!)  and now you’re back on the same playing field as everybody else, no rooting necessary.

Want to see it in action first? No problem. Video and download instructions are after the break.

Posted originally at Android Central

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HTC has released an update to its HTC Sync software for the HTC Aria, and along with it comes the ability to install third-party applications and enable mobile network sharing.  Hallelujah! While this isn’t nearly as handy as installing the applications directly from the phone, it’s a huge step in the right direction.  The addition of mobile network sharing is a huge boon as well, just remember to keep an eye on your data usage if you’ve switched to one of AT&T’s new plans. 

HTC Sync is also a great way to sync calendar events and contacts with Outlook (or Outlook Express/Windows Live Mail) on your Windows PC.  Sorry, Mac users, you can sit over here with us Linux guys and grumble.  Hit the source link to check out the requirements and download the software — you’ll need your device serial number, click and enlarge the pic to the left for help finding it. [HTC Aria Product Support] Thanks to everyone who sent this in!

Update: As Spary points out in the comments below, there was an apparent SNAFU at HTC and this update does not enable sideloading, nor does it change any settings on the device itself.  HTC has reached out to Engadget and apologized for any confusion, and says their website will be updated with the correct information Monday.  Felt good for a couple hours though!

Posted originally at Android Central

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