Telenav updates Android version to 6.2, available on AT&T today
Telenav, makers of popular cross platform turn-by-turn navigation software, has updated their Android application to version 6.2. Many improvements come along for the ride, including improved responsiveness, 22 million new points of interest (all searchable inside the app), a new quick search bar, better voice recognition, and new multiple route suggestions.
While we applaud Google for excellent turn-by-turn navigation via Google Maps, ask anyone who uses Telenav and they will likely tell you they love it. It’s a very well written and great performing application, and today’s improvements should only make it better. Especially interesting is the multi-route suggestion — enter your destination and Telenav will tell you up to three different routes to reach it. As Todd Witkemper of Telenav reminds us in their video demonstration (after the break!), there will always be certain roads you don’t like to travel, so having a choice of route from the beginning is a very nice touch. And choice? I’m always for more of it.
Telenav 6.2 is available today as an Android Market update for the Samsung Captivate, the HTC Aria, and the Motorola Backflip, branded as AT&T Navigator 2.2. Telenav also tells us that Android devices on other carriers will soon be able to upgrade their version as well. Follow the break for the full press release, a series of pictures of the new UI, and a video from Telenav showing off the cool new features.
Telenav updates Android version to 6.2, available on AT&T today posted originally by Android Central
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Motorola Backflip, Cliq get multitouch support
Must be rooted: One of the coolest things about Android is the development community it fosters. These developers bring features and software upgrade to devices long after carriers and manufacturers write them off as out dated. One of the newest upgrades froms from J_r0dd who worked multitouch support into his latest Roms for the Backflip and Cliq. It’s great seeing even these "entry-level" devices get the updated software like their newer cousins. [via ModMyMobile]Thanks Rohit R!
Motorola Backflip, Cliq get multitouch support posted originally by Android Central
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Motorola Backflip keeps up with the times — receives Android 2.1 update
If you weren’t lucky enough to be one of the 1,000 users recruited by Motorola and AT&T to test Android 2.1 on your Motorola Backflip, today is the day you can join the party.
The Eclair update is live and well on Motorola’s and AT&T’s respective websites. We weren’t crazy about the Motorola Backflip, or the fact that it launched with Android 1.5, but hopefully this update will improve the Backflip experience for current and future owners.
So what are you waiting for? Check the links above and begin your update process. And while it’s downloading, feel free to check out the release notes so you can know what to expect once you’re up and running on 2.1.
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Backflip to Android 2.1 upgrade instructions, release notes
Motorola has sent out the test version of the 2.1 update for the Backflip to a limited group of people. If you’re not one of them, no worries — the download is out there for the taking — or at least until it’s taken down. Here’s what to do:
- Charge your phone fully. This could take up to 40 minutes according to AT&T, but our tipster says about 15 minutes.
- Grab the file right here.
- Copy it to the root of your SD card (not inside another folder), and make sure it stays named "Blur_Version.3.0.1390.MB300.ATT.en.US.zip." Sometimes Windows likes to add to the file type extension, so double check.
- Tap the menu key > Settings > About Phone > System Updates and look for the update. Your Backflip should find it, install it, and reboot.
When you restart (this process may take a while!) you should be running Android 2.1. Our friend also says that you may experience apps force closing, this can be fixed by uninstalling, then reinstalling. Good Luck! Thanks anonymous friends!
Update: Actually, it looks like Moto’s ready to go with this update as soon as testing’s over. You can find the entire Backflip Eclair update page here, and the release notes here. (pdf)
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola is looking for testers for Android 2.1 on the Backflip
Last week we saw Motorola rolling out Android 2.1 to some of the selected testers, and now it’s the Backflip’s turn Motorola has sent out e-mails asking for willing testers to contact them, and they are looking for a team of 1,000 folks to help them with the testing. Hopefully this testing push that we are seeing means that the official update is just around the corner, and there will be Android 2.1 for all Motorola Backflip owners! Text of the e-mail is after the break. Thanks, ChyA!
Posted originally at Android Central
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Apple sues Motorola over multitouch on its Android smartphones
Another day, another patent lawsuit. And this time around it’s Apple suing Motorola over multitouch on nearly all its Android phones — basically everything up to and including the Droid X. In addition to the multitouch infringement claims, there’s also:
- Object-Oriented System Locator System
- Touch Screen Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Determining Commands by Applying Neuristics
- Method and Apparatus for Displaying and Accessing Control and Status Information in a Computer System.
- Support for Custom User-Interaction Elements in a Graphical, Event-Driven Computer System.
Needless to say, this will take a while. And, no, if Moto loses it doesn’t mean your phone will be taken away — it just means Moto will have to either change how it’s doing things — and/or pay a bucketload of money to Apple. Get the full breakdown on the suit at the source link. [Patently Apple via 9 to 5 Mac]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Motorola Backflip gets rooted [FWIW]
The Motorola Backflip is the latest phone to get rooted, and it’s using the same exploit as was used on the Droid 2 and the Evo 4G. This makes things really interesting, as any root method that works across different models and manufacturers is a very welcome change. And we all should encourage the rooting of all Android phones on AT&T, even if only to uncripple them let them run the OS as designed.
The standard disclaimer that this breaks warranties, can brick your phone, and maybe even make your dog run away still stands. If you decide that this is for you, hit the source link and have at it. [ModMyMobile.com]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Sideload Android apps all you want with the Sideload Wonder Machine
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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Motorola Backflip gets an update — bugfixes, not Android 2.X
AT&T has released a software update for the Motorola Backflip to improve performance and fix bugs, but it’s not an update to Eclair just yet. Instead, you’re getting:
- Improved Text Messaging: General improvements to text messaging – especially for longer message threads.
- Improved Display: Color and clarity improvements to the display.
- Camera Correction: Repairs random occurrence of camera application quitting while in use.
- Bluetooth Improvements: Better audio and connectivity to Bluetooth headsets.
- Removes Size Restrictions for Ringtones: Ringtone files no longer have size restrictions.
- Improved Network Connection: Improves overall connection to the 3G network.
- Better Performance of Android Market™ Applications: Improves performance of downloaded applications from the Android Market™.
- Improved Stability: Additional device stability reduces occurrence of unresponsiveness and/or programs quitting unexpectedly.
- Improved Battery Life: Improves battery performance when battery is fully drained and charging.
- Improved Streaming Audio & Video Playback: Repairs rare instances of streaming audio and video interruptions that have resulted in device powering off-and-on.
This is an OTA update, so just be ready for the message that it’s there, and allow it to download and install. As AT&T reminds us, data charges can and will apply, so if you’re close on your monthly allotment you might want to wait for a steady WiFi connection to grab it. Anyone who updates, feel free to shout out in the comments so the rest of us know what to expect! [Motorola]
Posted originally at Android Central
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Cliq and Backflip owners, Motorola has not forgotten you
Good news for Cliq, Cliq XT and Backflip users — Motorola has set up mailing lists for you to stay abreast of the news about your Eclair (Android 2.1) update. Again, Moto is using the phrase ‘when the 2.1 arrives’ and not if. You’ll need to be a member of the official Motorola forums (see source link for details), and you can sign up here:
Cliq update news ; Cliq XT update news ; Backflip update news
No dates are given (of course) and I’ll stress again that we have no idea when you’ll get your update. Head over and get signed up! [Motorola Owners' Forum] Thanks Jahntassa!
Posted originally at Android Central
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