Bought by Google back in 2005, the open-source operating system was brought to life in 2008 on the T-Mobile G1 smartphone. Since then, Google’s platform has been seen on mobile phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, smartwatches, and even household goods such as fridges and washing machines. It has been the most popular mobile OS since May 2012, with over one billion Android devices having been activated by September 2013. Check out this hub for all Android news, reviews and features.
These days, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a fully-functioning smartphone. Hell, you could probably make one yourself with a Nokia 6210, some extra wires and a some smashed-up calculator parts.
Samsung's outdoors-themed Galaxy Xcover may eventually launch in the UK next year. Initially announced back in the summer for a 2010 release, the waterproof 3.65" Android phone has so far failed to appear. But according to one retailer it's now on schedule for January 2012. [Handtec via Unwired View]
According to Asus, its Eee Pad Transformer Prime should be available to pre-order from today, with the company bundling a keyboard dock in with the new tablet and asking for £499 to get your name on the list.
Craving a taste of Google's latest Android iteration and running a Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc S, Neo V or Ray? This is your lucky day -- SE has made an alpha build of the Ice Cream Sandwich update it's working on available for your early upgrading pleasure.
In a move that's sure to annoy the Occupy Flash movement, Adobe's updated Flash Player for Android to support Ice Cream Sandwich. Currently only the Galaxy Nexus comes packing Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box, but that probably hasn't stopped you from running a custom ICS install, just to be on that bleeding edge.
It wasn't so long ago that GTA III was the bête noire of the games industry. Hysterical tabloid headlines accused it of encouraging everything from gang violence to sexual promiscuity. To see it available in the squeaky-clean environs of the App Store is something of a surprise (but not so much with Android Market). We're reminded of that old saying; "Money Talks, Bullshit Walks".
Let's start with the obvious: this thing is adorable. Less obvious: this thing is powerfully smart. Not only can it learn from you, but it's cloud-connected, meaning it can learn from other DragonBots. I don't covet many toys. But I'd fight you for this one.
Looks like Samsung's let slip a non-final build of its Ice Cream Sandwich update for the Galaxy S II onto the interweb. ICS-craving Galaxy S II owners might be dismayed to see Samsung's not wholly terrible, but worse than stock, TouchWiz skin has survived the 4.0 update.
Google+'s group video chat orgy Hangouts has some nice updates rolling out in the next few days. Most significant among them is that it's coming to G+ mobiles apps. Least significant? Virtual antlers and a red nose for your head.
Windows Phone evangelist Ben Rudolph, with endorsement from Microsoft, is asking Android users to explain their #droidrage on Twitter. That is, to explain how Android malware has screwed Android users over. If people's stories are epic enough, Microsoft will give away free Windows Phones.
After rumours, sketches and leaked shots, the LG Prada 3.0 has finally been unveiled. With its 4.3-inch WVGA "NOVA" display, 8.5mm profile and Prada-styled Android skin, it's certainly a looker. Whether that's your thing or not, it's not all looks and no substance. It's powered by a dual-core 1GHz TI chip, and packs both a 1.3MP front-facing snapper for video calling, and a rear 8MP camera for point-and-shoot replacement duties.
Motorola's second attempt at a decent Android tablet certainly reeks of the original Xoom -- even the box states "this time around we've even beefed-up the battery life". But is the sequel a real winner or is it just another also-ran?
LG is showing off its new Prada phone later today. So it goes without saying that official images have leaked beforehand, showing a phone with a seriously weird black & white Android reskin. Could you love this? It's a dual-core 1GHz model with a 4.3" screen, if that helps you decide. [PocketNow]
Abortion-finding aside, Siri isn't that bad. That's why Google is reportedly feverishly working on its own version of the voice-activated, natural-language assistant, code-named Majel. It's named after Gene Roddenberry's wife — the voice of many a Star Trek computer. While we can't currently confirm a release date, rumours put its street date prior to the new year. More speculation is available at Android and Me.
The BBC's already let loose a 3G streaming-capable iPhone version of its iPlayer app for iOS, but as of now Android-lovers have been left out in the cold. A 3G streaming update for the Android iPlayer app is on the way however; but if you're desperate to watch Have I Got News For You while on the road, and can't wait for the update, it might be worth checking out the mobile web version of the catch-up player.
Concierges are pretty awesome. They're so awesome that Google wanted one and they're acquiring Clever Sense makers of the Alfred app. The app's intelligent recommendation engine should help Google get into the local "hey, where do you want to eat/drink?" space.
