Capt'n Corrupt | # 821 | 2010-10-28, 18:58 | Report

My only real complaint is the multiple sign-in, multiple payment account for media. It would have been far better if there was a consolidated login (ie. open ID -- google account), as well as a secure way to consolidate payment (eg. google checkout).

Of course, each provider would have to offer this feature, which makes it an unlikely wish in the short term!

I hope that Google considers including a payment API as part of Android, as it would be VERY useful for the design of apps that would like to integrate payment as part of their services without the perpetual requirement of sign-in/information/payment-credentials. Pushed through Google Checkout, and this could easily boost their revenues dramatically. It would be even better if the API was a stub that could allow for different payment services (and thus maintain its openness).

Capt'n Corrupt | # 822 | 2010-10-28, 19:11 | Report

It looks as if Android 2.3 is around the corner!
http://androidandme.com/2010/10/news...g-gingerbread/

In a little over a week, we should be seeing the first reports.

What do you think it will include? What do you hope it will include?

danramos | # 823 | 2010-10-28, 19:38 | Report

I see Samsung's commitment to openness has paid off, too. This COULD have been Nokia, had Nokia been a company with some intelligence at the helm.

etuoyo | # 824 | 2010-10-28, 19:52 | Report

What are the chances that the Tab could shift with the update when it launches in the US? Unlikely I guess but then how soon after will it be available? Also if you want to get updates earlier it is better to buy a sim free version rather than an operator cripled version isn't it?

Here is a cool looking 3D android homescreen launcher.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/10/28...d-gingerbread/

Capt'n Corrupt | # 825 | 2010-10-28, 20:35 | Report

WOAH! For those that haven't gone to the link and haven't seen the videos, you should totally go.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/10/28...d-gingerbread/

ADW has just jumped up to my most desired launcher. The 3D screen transition effects are tremendously cool -- but not too loud. I've read that ADW is almost unmatched in customization options, which make this a complete win.

This is precisely why GPU acceleration is so great! Not only is this really, really fast, it will also (probably) conserve battery life.

Here's hoping that Android UI developers are taking note! With a robust 3D API that is flexible and can be built upon, not only will things look better, they will also run smoother, conserve battery life, and keep the device generally cooler.

I *hope* it works in 1024x600.

danramos | # 826 | 2010-10-28, 21:07 | Report

Personally, I like SlickUI better from these up-and-coming new Launcher replacements.

etuoyo | # 827 | 2010-10-28, 23:22 | Report

Agree Slick UI looks much more useful but the cool 3D effects are nice. Have to say there seem to be some pretty nice looking android customizations.

Capt'n Corrupt | # 828 | 2010-10-29, 01:20 | Report

I'm going to have to go out on my own and say that the Slick UI looks idealistic at best, but in practice it may leave quite a bit to be desired.

The first thing is, the main pane. While the 'wheel' concept is neat, it could easily be implemented as a widget and shouldn't be be encapsulated as part of the launcher. In fact, the only thing that makes this launcher somewhat unique (other than the assumed unchangeable wheel), is the hidden app draw that you have to slide up to access the convenience buttons, and then again to get access to the apps. Having to perform an action for convenience buttons, isn't all that convenient! I'm also not that excited to have to slide something open with my finger.

The small size of the fonts is a dead giveaway that the conceptual designer was having fun creating something new, but that this is likely his first project.

I think it needs more work ironing out details before development begins. But to each his own.

danramos | # 829 | 2010-10-29, 08:50 | Report

Maybe, but the combination of aesthetics with the idea that the wheel controls which notification mode you're in is pretty slick. We'll see, when it's done, though.

etuoyo | # 830 | 2010-10-29, 10:05 | Report

Acer seems to be releasing 5, 7 and 10 inch tablets on 23rd November. For those looking for more android alternatives (in size and specs, etc). Also something hopefully more reasonably priced than the Tab and peharps with standard ports. Presumably with something higher than froyo.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/10/27...november-23rd/

And to support my theory that it will be higher than froyo we all know that gingerbread is around the corner. However, there is also talk that gingerbread and honeycomb could come out together with gingerbread being for phones and tablets and honeycomb being exclusive to honeycomb. If this happens then even more reason to wait before rushing out to get the Tab since Samsung have confirmed it won't be getting honeycomb.

http://www.intomobile.com/2010/10/28...ead-honeycomb/