Flashing the new CM7 Gapps
If you went ahead and tried out any of the CyanogenMod 7 nightly builds, you’ve surely noticed the new Gapps builds. This is something that the fellows on the CM team has been working on as well, and it’s a pretty big change from what everyone is used to.
Whenever things change, we try to get on top of it all and keep you guys informed. Hit the break for the skinny, and if this is all old-hat to you, jump in the forums and help those who need it! [CyanogenMod Forums]
Flashing the new CM7 Gapps posted originally by Android Central
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Gingerbread SDK ROMs everywhere
Gingerbread ROMs are being ported from the 2.3 SDK device emulator left and right. As of this writing, we have the Eris, the Hero, the Wildfire (pictured, and video after the break), and the Evo 4G all booting up Gingerbread, and I’m sure we probably will see more, the OG Droid and Droid Incredible can’t be far behind.
It’s awesome, just because it’s awesome. Booting up Gingerbread and looking through the UI on a device it a load of fun. Don’t expect too much going in, and be sure to have a good backup to return to, then give it a whirl. There’s a video after the break to give you an idea of what to expect for the most part. [Eris; Hero; Wildfire; Evo] Thanks everyone who sent these in!
Gingerbread SDK ROMs everywhere posted originally by Android Central
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HTC releases kernel sources for Aria, Evo, Incredible, Wildfire
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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HTC says to expect Android 2.2 updates by Christmas
Just because we see what looks like Froyo running on a phone with HTC Sense, doesn’t mean it’s right around the corner. The good folks over at Pocket-lint got some one-on-one time with Eric Lin, HTC‘s global PR and online community manager, at the recent Qualcomm Uplinq convention and got the straight scoop about Froyo on the new breed of HTC Sense phones.
At this point I’d like to ask everyone to turn off their WiFi…err I mean put down their pitchforks and rotten fruit. All sharp objects put away? HTC says to expect Froyo on their handsets by Christmas. And since you all are safely empty handed, he also says not to expect Gingerbread anytime this year. Allow me to quote Mr. Lin:
"It takes time to port all of our applications over to Froyo and then make sure that it is running well on each of our devices. That’s not like a one week kind of project. We need to make sure that our applications are taking advantage of the Froyo features. To make sure that they’re all running properly on the OS now that it’s a new version. And then to make sure that it’s running on our hardware as well as we expect."
I’m no happier than you guys are, but at least we’ll see Froyo on our Evos and Incredibles before Sony Ericsson updates the Xperia line. Feel free to discuss and vent in the comments. [Pocket-lint]
Update from Phil: Good lord, people. OK, we should have included the following line (but were trying to to steal all of Pocket-Lint’s quotes). Said Mr. Lin: "I would believe that we would be done with our Froyo updates before Christmas." Updates could come next week. Or next month. Or the month after. Regardless, everybody have a little patience. You’ll get Froyo in due time. This reaction is why we never get more than a ballpark time line.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Fine tuning the MinFree settings (improving on Android’s multitasking)
Hey guys! Jerry back with another neat trick you can do on your Android phone. This one helps keep things running smoothly, and gives us some user control over Android’s internal task killer. Like most things that affect the low level operation of Android, this one requires root, but it’s a good read even for you folks who don’t feel the need to root (and break your warranty!) because you just might have a better understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes. Open up a couple extra tabs on your browser, get your phone (and maybe even your USB cable) ready and follow the break.
Oh, and a warning: This is pretty low-level stuff. It’s not hard to do, but what it does is a bit advanced. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Clear outs two new Android 4G handsets — one HTC, one Samsung
Here’s something I thought a few of you out there in Android Central land just might be a little bit interested in. Clear has posted exception first quarter results for 2010! Oh, and by the way, the company expects to see two new Android 4G handsets on its 4G WiMax network by the end of the year. The company says a device is on the way from Samsung as well as from HTC. Both phones will be 3G/4G with WiFi support. They’re keeping their lips sealed, for now, about the details, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Evo 4G on Sprint as the offering from HTC. There’s plenty of info at the source link, for the dull accounting types among us. [BusinessWire]
Android Quick App: Lockpicker
Android 2.1+ Along with the update to Android 2.1 comes enhanced Exchange ActiveSync support. This is great news for business users, especially the enhanced security features. There is one thing that was bothering me about it, though, and even caused me to take my work e-mail off of my phone: the Exchange lock screen. On my Sprint HTC Hero with 2.1, having my work e-mail on my phone means that instead of a pattern unlock I had to use an alphanumeric password. This quickly got annoying, especially considering the phone locks when the screen goes off.
Then I found Lockpicker [market link]. It allows you to set your unlock pattern, add your Exchange e-mail account, and then enable Lockpicker. From the developer:
I just whipped an app together that disables the Exchange lock screen as soon as the server has enforced its policy by using a background service and an observer on the system setting. This requires no polling, scripting, etc. and survives reboots/enforcements.
So there you have it. That’s all you do and the app does the rest. This has made my life just that much easier. There is also a donate version [market link] if you would like to help support the developer. Note: Your IT department might not be too happy with you if you use this. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Groundbreaking new device announced tomorrow?
It looks like the rumors may be true. Earlier we reported that Sprint should be announcing the HTC Supersonic at CTIA. Well tonight it seem like Sprint Premier customers are seeing a pre-announcement blurb on their account page. If the Supersonic isn’t the groundbreaking device, I can’t wait to see what is.
Whatever this may mean, you can be sure to get the skinny right here at AC – We’ll be there covering the announcement live from Vegas at CTIA. Hit the break for a screenshot
HTC A9292 shows up, could the fabled Supersonic be landing this week?
Engadget reports that a poster over at Android Community by the name of Onyoursix has shared a screen grab of the internal inventory system for indirect Sprint dealers showing some great news. The HTC A9292 WiMax Bar Phone looks like it’s destined to hit the shelves sometime soon. As we reported back in January and saw again just days ago, this just might be the Supersonic. Seems like all that’s left now is for Sprint to finally come clean with the juicy details in Vegas at CTIA. Come on Dan, you have us lined up with our checkbooks in hand. Are we ready for a 4.3 inch Snapdragon powered 4G Android smartphone? I sure am. What about you guys and gals? Image after the break [via Engadget and Android Community]
Sprint to unveil WiMAX-enabled HTC Supersonic next week at CTIA, says WSJ
The Wall Street Journal says Sprint will let loose the oft-leaked HTC Supersonic next week at CTIA, and that it will be the carrier’s first WiMAX-enabled Android device.
The device is expected to be the centerpiece of a presentation made by Chief Executive Dan Hesse during the CTIA Wireless trade show Tuesday. Sprint and HTC declined to comment.
And, conveniently enough, we’ll be there at the event and will cover it live. Stay tuned, folks. [WSJ - pay site]