gingerbread

How to use multitouch key-chording on the Droid X

The Gingerbread update to the Droid X added a new multitouch keyboard feature called key-chording. It allows you to quickly use numbers and symbols on the multitouch keyboard. Here's how to use it: Key-chording is achieved by using the ?123 key as a shift key. While typing, press the ?123 key and hold it. When the number and symbol key layout displays, without lifting it, drag your finger to the number or symbol you want. Once you've selected the number or symbol, let go. The keyboard will automatically return to letters.

Pretty simple, right? Now you can type … Read more

Sprint debuts Motorola Photon 4G, Triumph; hands-on impressions

NEW YORK--In a renewed effort to bring more innovative devices to market together, Sprint and Motorola introduced the Motorola Photon 4G and Motorola Triumph today, 2 of 10 new devices the companies plan on launching together in 2011.

Though Motorola handsets have been available on Sprint and its prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile, for years, they have tended to be more on the entry-level to midtier side, especially when compared with the carrier's higher-end offerings from HTC and Samsung. Realizing that void, Sprint said it made the conscious decision about a year ago to work more closely … Read more

How to customize your Droid X dock icons

The Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) update gave the Droid X a new customizable dock. It now has three customizable app icons, in addition to the fixed app launcher. Here's how to get the apps you want onto the dock:

Step 1: Long press on the icon you want to change.

Step 2: Select the app or shortcut you want in the Add to Dock list.

That's it! Now you can have your most critical apps on the dock at all times.

How to display Android events in your home time zone

Android Gingerbread phones can now display your home time zone for calendar events, even when traveling to another time zone. Here's how:

Step 1: Go into your Android calendar and hit the Menu Key, then tap Settings.

Step 2: Tap the box next to the "Use home time zone" setting to check mark it. Make sure that the "Home time zone" setting, just below, is set correctly to your home time zone.

That's it. Now when you're traveling, you can still see all of your events in your home time zone.

How to create custom app groups on the Droid X

The Gingerbread update to the Motorola Droid X added the ability to use app groups. Here's how to create custom app groups to help organize your growing collection of Android apps:

Step 1: Tap the App Launcher icon on your desktop to open up your master list of apps.

Step 2: Tap the "All apps" box in the upper left-hand corner to display the group list.

Step 3: Tap "New group" to create a custom app group.

Step 4: Type in the name of your new app group and tap the save icon.

Step 5: … Read more

HTC Evo 3D, Evo View 4G on sale June 24 from Sprint

Sprint announced today that the HTC Evo 3D and HTC Evo View 4G will both be available on June 24 for $199.99 and $399.99, respectively, with a two-year contract.

Sprint Premier customers will actually get a bit of a head start, as they'll be able to purchase the Evo 3D (only) online starting June 21 while supplies last. However, anyone can preorder the devices now at any participating Sprint store with the purchase of a $50 Sprint gift card. The carrier will open stores early--8 a.m. local time--on June 24 if you're really anxious to … Read more

How to sort contacts by last name on your Droid X

With the latest update to Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3), the contact list on the Droid X can now be sorted by last name. Here's how:

Step 1: From your contacts list, hit the Menu key, then select Display Options.

Step 2: In Display Options, select Sort list by.

Step 3: Select Last name to sort your contacts by last name.

That's it. Now you can finally sort your contact list on the Droid X by last name.

Looks like we're headed for another Android summer

It seems not a day goes by where another Android phone or tablet is either announced or arrives on the market.

A quick glimpse across the four major U.S. carriers, and I see at least eight handsets on the horizon, with another half dozen rumored devices. It's certainly not a bad issue to have, but with so many recent Android announcements and leaks, things can get confusing.

So, to help keep track of everything, I thought it would be worth rounding up all the upcoming and expected devices in one place for your viewing pleasure.

What's coming T-Mobile has been the most active lately, announcing three phones in rapid succession. The company started off the week by tapping the HTC Sensation 4G with a June 15 launch date and quickly followed that with today's Samsung Gravity Smart and Exhibit 4G announcements.

The two Samsung handsets are expected in June, but exact release dates were not disclosed at this time. While the Sensation 4G will appeal to savvier Android users and early adopters, the Gravity Smart and Exhibit 4G should do quite well considering their low price points. … Read more

HTC Evo 4G getting Gingerbread on June 6

We're loving the recent push of Android 2.3 Gingerbread updates, and the latest group to get a sweet taste of the Gingerbread will be HTC Evo 4G owners.

Sprint announced this morning that it will begin rolling out an over-the-air update on June 6 to deliver the latest software release. As usual, the update will come in batches and users will receive a notification on their smartphones to let them know when the update is ready for download.

However, if you simply can't wait, there will be a manual download option starting June 3, where you can … Read more