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VoIP + IM

Even if you never use the free Fring app for making VoIP or two-ways calls using Skype or SIP services, it's still a more-than-decent program for chatting with friends on multiple IM networks.

Fring helpfully pulls in contacts from your address book so you can choose to chat, call, or place a video call--the latter depending how fast your phone's processor is and if your chat service will support video calling. You'll be able to IM on GoogleTalk, ICQ, Yahoo, Windows Live Messenger (MSN), and AIM, and you can view Twitter messages as well. Unlike Fring on … Read more

Sprint releases Android 2.1 update for HTC Hero

Making good on its word from a couple of days ago, the Android 2.1 update is now available for the HTC Hero.

Aside from getting a taste of Eclair, the update also brings enhancements to the HTC Sense user interface and corporate e-mail as well as a number of bug fixes.

Sprint will not be releasing the update over the air, so you'll have to head over to the carrier's support site for instructions on how to download and install the software. Happy updating!

Samsung Moment finally gets Android 2.1 update

As Google gets ready to unveil Android 2.2 "Froyo" at Google I/O next week, Sprint announced that the Android 2.1 update is finally available for the Samsung Moment.

Download instructions are posted on Sprint's Web site as well as a list of update features. These include Google Maps with Navigation, voice-to-text entry, live wallpaper and such improvements as increased speed and performance and Bluetooth fixes.

Also, HTC Hero owners, don't fret. Sprint said via its Twitter account that you're up next.

Verizon begins rolling out Android 2.1 update for Droid Eris

I'm sure many of you thought this day would never come, but all you HTC Droid Eris owners are finally getting your Android 2.1 update.

Verizon announced via its VZW Support Twitter account that it has begun rolling out the over-the-air update and will continue to do so over the next couple of weeks until it reaches all customers. The update is being released in random batches and you will receive a notification on your phone when it's ready for download.

Once installed, you'll be able to enjoy new features and improvements, such as pinch-to-zoom support … Read more

New details emerge on unique Motorola handset

New details have emerged concerning a handset we previously reported as being codenamed the Motorola Twist. According to Italian blog HDBlog.it, the phone will end up bearing the name of Motorola Flipout when it arrives in June.

With nothing officially announced from the handset maker, we only have rumors to work off for now. Hardware is said to include a 3.1-megapixel camera, a 2.8-inch touch display, and a QWERTY keyboard that flips out from behind the screen. The processor is listed as 700MHz with memory coming in at 512MB ROM and 256MB RAM. In terms of software, … Read more

Sony Ericsson delivering Android 2.1 to Xperia X10 in Q4

Sony Ericsson's Product Launch blog is reporting Thursday that the entire Xperia X10 lineup of phones will see Android 2.1 updates. The problem, however, is that this upgrade won't arrive until the fourth quarter of this year.

Aside from strictly updating the handsets to Android 2.1, this UXP (UX platform) update will enhance the Xperia X10's Timescape and Mediascape applications, as well as add wireless connectivity via Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA).

A minor update is scheduled for the next few weeks, although it isn't mentioned what will be addressed. As of right now … Read more

Sprint's Hero getting Android 2.1 in early May

If a pair of recently leaked photos are correct, Sprint's HTC Hero may only be a few short weeks away from getting the Android 2.1 update. The images show screens from an internal Sprint system that indicate that "the much-anticipated Android 2.1 software is coming in early May."

Indeed, it's been a long wait for many Hero users. We can trace the start of the rumors as far back as December when Sprint said they'd have an upgrade in the first half 2010.

Sprint remained largely mum on the rumors until earlier this … Read more

Motorola outlines Android 2.1 plans for product line

Motorola has shed some much-needed light on the timing for Android 2.1 updates to its product line. The Droid recently got its 2.1 update, but T-Mobile's Cliq has picked up only a minor maintenance release in recent weeks. As such, owners of MotoBlur-equipped devices are wondering when they'll get their turn. The simple answer is they will--at some point.

Looking through the chart, I find it interesting that AT&T's Moto Backflip isn't slated for 2.1 until the third quarter of this year, yet T-Mobile's Cliq XT, which was released a … Read more

T-Mobile MyTouch Slide details and pictures emerging

As we mentioned last weekend, the T-Mobile MyTouch Slide appears to be on the fast-track for a mid-May release. A handful of leaked photos have appeared recently online, indicating production-ready phones are being used and tested.

The latest batch of pictures coming out of TmoNews shows a handset running Android 2.1 with the Espresso build of the HTC Sense user interface. This would be T-Mobile's first Android handset with 2.1 at launch.

While it may not be on the same level of sexiness as other HTC offerings like the Legend and Desire, the MyTouch Slide should have … Read more

Motorola Twist with Android 2.1 due in June

A new Motorola handset made its Internet debut late last week, thanks to a leaked photo. The image, first appearing online at DroidDog on Friday, has since been pulled down, but it's impossible to unring the bell once it hits Android blogs.

As you can see from the picture, the device has a small, square design and it appears to run a version of MotoBlur with some new widgets. Thanks to Android-france, we already have some preliminary specifications.

According to documents obtained by the French blog, the phone goes by the codename Motorola Twist and is slated to arrive … Read more