If you have already updated your Droid X to Froyo today, you may be wondering now about rooting your device. Well, the folks over at XDA-Developers already have that one covered, and it’s (almost) a 1-click solution. Just follow the directions below and you’re good to go.

Download: DoRootForWindows.zip

1.  Extract and Update Android SDK package to your computer.  (Our instructions here.)
2.  Next, extract the files from the DORoot zip file to the tools folder of Android SDK.

(Take them out of the folder they came zipped in and place in tools.)

Ex:  C:\android-sdk-windows\tools

3.  Install Motorola Drivers:  (32-bit or 64-bit)
4.  Enable USB Debugging on your phone and plug it into your PC.  (Settings>Applications>Development)
5.  Double-click and run doroot.bat
6.  Let it run.
7.  It will let you know if it has finished completely.
8.  Reboot your phone and you are rooted!

If these instructions don’t seem all that clear, follow the step-by-step guide which includes adb commands.  Our instructional post can be found here.

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

Android users got a bit of a surprise today from Google in the form of an update to the native Gmail application. The update adds a couple new features, including support for Priority Inbox, a “show quoted text” button, and a floating message actions toolbar similar to the browser-based mobile Gmail site.

Also, the new Gmail app is now up on the Android Market, so users can update Gmail on their own.  The catch? This new app will only run on Android phones running Froyo.

So, to all of our readers running Froyo, let us know what you think of the new Gmail app by leaving us a comment below.

Update: Some users using CyanogenMod 6 are reporting troubles installing this update.  If you are also unsuccessful, please leave a comment below with your phone model, and if you’re running any kind of custom ROMs.

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

If you had any doubts that the HTC Desire HD was going to be fast you can throw them out the window as Quadrant benchmark scores are already in for the newly announced handset. It looks like the next generation of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon pulls its weight in this one with its larger cache and GPU speed optimizations. The Desire HD easily bests an unmodified Nexus One running Froyo and tops out with a score right around 2,000 on Quadrant’s arbitrary scale, making it the fastest stock Android handset we have ever seen.

And why wait to get the Desire HD’s Froyo build on an actual Desire HD when it has already been ported to the HD2? Sure, it won’t be nearly as fast as the actual HD, but you can pretend. The rumblings surrounding the ROM give major props to the new version of HTC Sense. We’re sure you can expect it to start making its way to other rooted handsets as well as those crafty developers have their way with it.

[via IntoMobile]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

*UPDATE* Social feeds is available, you just have to check it in apploader to ensure installation.

Here is a super quick look at OS 6.0.0.222 running on a Verizon BlackBerry Bold 9650. I just pulled it off of my PC and haven’t even played around with it yet. My initial thoughts are that it runs pretty well overall, but its a bit sluggish at times. It has all of the revamped OS 6 goodies in there like the new UI, WebKit browser and Universal Search, but sadly no sign of Social Feeds (unless I’m missing it). So check out the video and if you decide you want to give it a go head over to the original post.

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Quick look at BlackBerry 6 running on the BlackBerry Bold 9650 [video]

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

Google Music — or a version of what Google plans for Music to be — was shown off way back at I/O along with the debut of Android 2.2. It has since then been assumed that the launch of Music would most likely coincide with the launch of Android 3.0 (Gingerbread). From what has been revealed so far, the service will offer cloud-based functionality such as streaming from a desktop system to your Android handset as well as the ability to push song and album downloads directly to your phone. But when, exactly, does Google plan to unleash their counterattack on Apple’s iTunes?

The word is Andy Rubin has been hard at work in an attempt to get the service up and running by the holiday season, which does go hand-in-hand with the rumored release timeframe for Gingerbread. The problem is, so far Rubin and Google have failed to get any record labels to sign on to their music store. It isn’t that they don’t want to. One exec speaking on conditions of anonymity said, “finally here’s an entity with the reach, resources and wherewithal to take on iTunes as a formidable competitor by tying it into search and Android mobile platform. What you’ll have is a very powerful player in the market that’s good for the music business.”

See, music execs would love to have someone come along and take the power out of iTunes’ hands, or at least alleviate some of the hold Apple has on the digital music distribution industry. But for the same reason negotiations with Google may take a while. Record labels are very protective of their intellectual property, if you hadn’t noticed, and are pretty hung up on big profits at the same time. We expect most if not all major distributors to hop on board, though whether or not negotiations will delay the debut of Google Music remains to be seen.

[via BGR]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

As we all patiently impatiently wait for BlackBerry 6 to roll out to device other then the BlackBerry Torch, Salomondrin and BBLeaks have decided to give us a video run through of a very early revision of BlackBerry 6 on the BlackBerry Bold 9650. Granted some things are a little choppy in the video but, given the early build nature of the OS it leaves room for improvement. Have a look and let us know what you all think. Personally, I think BlackBerry 6 will run fine on the BlackBerry Bold 9650 but it may have some issues when placed on the BlackBerry Bold 9700. We’ve yet to see any of those videos appear. Alas, just my thoughts. Feel free to share your own in the comments.

Source: BBLeaks

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Bold 9650 running BlackBerry 6 caught on video

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

Here we go! Another round with the BlackBerry Bold 9780 running BlackBerry 6 has shown up along with some up nice, bright clear pics of the device over at BBleaks. Sure, we know it’s just an upgraded BlackBerry Bold 9700 and aside from the OS and 5MP camera there really isn’t anything ground breaking here. But, it’s just so nice to see some iteration of the the 97xx series running BlackBerry 6 since, we’re STILL waiting for an official response from RIM regarding what devices are BlackBerry 6 capable but, I digress a little. Hit the jump for the images.

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry Bold 9780 – Running BlackBerry 6 gets shown off again [video]

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

In case you missed it, an official build of Android 2.2 with HTC Sense was leaked for the Droid Incredible yesterday, and lest you forget that means you can now experience Flash 10.1 on the peppy Android handset. As more and more phones prep for their Froyo updates, Adobe is gearing up to launch Flash for Mobile out of beta. That event will be happening in the middle of August, so it makes sense that so many phones would be getting the Android 2.2 treatment in time for Flash’s debut. Check out the video below from Droid-Life to see what to expect on the Incredible.

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Over the weekend Sanjay Jha wasn’t ready to confirm or deny Motorola’s plans for bringing an Android tablet to market while speaking on Android and the boost it has given Motorola’s cell phone business, but now analyst Ashok Kumar has it from “people familiar with the project” that Motorola is not only working on one, but also planning to release its slate as soon as November. The tablet will feature a 10-inch form factor and — in keeping with Motorola’s commitment to be ahead of the Android curve — will be running on Gingerbread (Android 3.0).

This should further confuse the release time frame of the next iteration of Android, which some sources have claimed won’t be making it to devices until early 2011. Motorola’s November timeframe, however, lines up with early reports of an October release for 3.0. If phone manufacturers are yet to get Android 2.2 on handsets aside from Google’s own Nexus One over two months after its official release, we have to question whether a tablet could see a yet unannounced version of Android on a tablet so soon. Unless of course Google is approaching the Android 3.0 release differently and working closely with manufacturers before an official announcement. Perhaps this Motorola tablet is even the fabled Google tablet that the search giant has had a hand in developing for Verizon (the Moto/VZW/Google team-up has resulted in several hit handsets at this point and helped launch Android onto the fast track to success).

We won’t know for sure whether the OS version or the release date is off, or if we are in for a pleasant surprise and both will hold true and we will be seeing both Gingerbread and a Motorola tablet just in time for the holiday season. One thing is for sure: if Motorola’s streak of knocking it out of the park with high-end Android smartphones carries over to their tablet ventures, we could finally be in for some worthwhile devices in the slate format. Get ready to hear the term “iPad killer” tossed around even more than it already is.

[via UnwiredView]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

For those of you who haven’t pounced on the Droid Incredible or the Droid X, and are holding out for the Droid 2, things just got a lot better for you. There is a picture floating around  that shows the Droid 2 running Froyo, or Android 2.2. It also has the same “NinjaBlur” skin as the Droid X. It seems to be very responsive, and looks to be an all around stellar device. The keyboard has also been improved.

Will you get a Droid 2?

Tell us what you think in the comments!

For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides

Droid 2 Spotted Running Froyo!

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

Let’s face it, BlackBerry media capabilities in the past have been rather relaxed. Sure, we seen some improvements from OS 4.5 to 5.0 but, nothing drastic by any means. The most promising thing added in my opinion was DivX video playback support. Now that BlackBerry 6 is upon us, we once again see that Research In Motion is extending upon those functionalities for the better. Salomondrin, got his hands on rather nice video walkthrough of those changes running on a BlackBerry 9800. "Terrible Bean" does the walk through for us all. Video after the break folks, looks pretty nice although –I’d have rolled with some better music selections but, that’s just me. I overlooked the music based on the fact I got to see the Muppets.  

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. BlackBerry 6 running on BlackBerry 9800 video shows off its media capabilities

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Last one for this round. So far, we’ve all been getting to see early release versions of BlackBerry 6 running on the BlackBerry 9800 and the BlackBerry 9670.  This release is seemingly no exception to that. While it has been updated from .91 it still has a few bugs and kinks in it that RIM will need to work out. That said, I’m starting to like BlackBerry 6 just a little bit more each time I see it. What do you guys think? Is it growing on you? Need to have it yesterday? Video after the break.

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Blackberry 6 Overview (6.0.0.100) running on BlackBerry 9800 [video]

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

The effort has been underway for a while to get Linux variants like Android and Ubuntu running on the HD2, but the touchscreen has been a problem…until today, when the guys at XDA-Developers got it working. Nothing is stable yet, but there is functionality with the touchscreen working along with the Linux bootloader now, enabling both Android and Ubuntu to run. Give ‘em a little more time, and they’ll have the last few kinks ironed out.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more information on Android and the current Android mobile phones, check out our Android Guides

HTC HD2 Now Running Android and Ubuntu

View full post on Google Android News Android Forums

I’ve been using the Nokia E73 Mode as my primary T-Mobile device for the last couple of weeks and as awesome as the N900 is I am finding the utility and ease-of-use of the E73 Mode to be more compelling at the moment. If you are bored with your N900, then you should check out this Android Central post that shows Google Android Froyo 2.2 running on the N900. There are definitely limitations with the build at the moment, but it is pretty slick it runs as well as it does.

I wonder if the issues with the SD card mounting have to do with the fact that there is an integrated flash drive on the N900 since I have seen issue with apps on the HTC Incredible (one of the only Android phones with an integrated flash drive). I am pleased enough with the N900 and Maemo while also having my own Sprint HTC EVO 4G that I do not plan to attempt this port. Any readers try this out? Keep in mind, I am NOT recommending it and just thought it was pretty cool that it is possible.

View full post on Nokia Experts

We’ve seen the Android OS running on different platforms, like we saw it running on Window’s mobile powered HD2 and the iPhone, but what do you think of running Android on the Nokia N900? Yes folks, you heard it right. Hackers have done such a great job by porting Android 2.2 into the N900, which is a very popular device. It’s not the final build, so that’s why some features are not working perfectly. There is a video for you after the break in which you will see the Nokia N900 running Android 2.2.

Have a look at the video, and please share your thoughts:

Source: DailyMobile

View full post on AndroidSPIN

According to a Motorola rep, the Motorola Droid X is not running MOTOBLUR. The device isn’t running NinjaBlur, either. Just what is this thing running then?

You still have the same MOTOBLUR widgets and the same MOTOBLUR UI customizations (albeit with slightly different visuals), but Motorola’s not too keen on calling it anything, at this point. Perhaps Verizon asked them to make a custom skin that’s like MOTOBLUR, but is unique to the Droid X. Whatever the case, just take the skin for what it is: the phone itself still looks awesome.

[via AndroidCentral]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Earlier today we got some nice high quality pictures of the BlackBerry 9800 slider. Now, we get what was got to be the best video walkthrough of BlackBerry 6 to date. Sure, it’s in Chinese considering it came from the folks over at BerryTimes but the language of BlackBerry is universal. Sit back and watch a full 16 minutes of BlackBerry 6 in action. Now, if you’ll excuse I need to go wipe the drool off my keyboard. Video is after the jump folks, enjoy.

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CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Full 16 minute walkthrough of BlackBerry 6 running on BlackBerry 9800 [video]

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

Viliv is a company known for their Windows-based tablets, and while their X10 tablet was seen at Computex also running Windows 7, an Android 2.1 version also showed its glass. With a 10-inch, 1366×768 display, the X10 doesn’t skimp on visual candy. You’ll get 720p HD video playback and some impressive 3D graphics to boot.

Though the exact internals powering the vivid graphics and videos weren’t given, the device does feature an SD card slot, USB connectivity, and Wi-Fi. We can expect 3G and WiMax models as well. While the unit showed off was running on Android 2.1, Viliv is saying it will ship with Android 2.2, so get your Flash goggles ready.

[via Laptop Mag]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

ChiefzReloaded has been working hard on his T-Mobile MT3G and managed to get an Android 2.2 ( Froyo ) ROM running. Here’s some screen shots until he has a release ready for public consumption.

I’ll keep you updated as we work with ChiefzReloaded to see if we can get it booting on the T-Mobile G1. Exciting times ahead we hope!

View full post on AndroidSPIN | Your No.1 source for Android news.

Now, this is what I was hoping for earlier this morning. Guess we all just had to wait a little bit longer. CellGuru has just posted up a nice first look video of the BlackBerry 9670 which is of course running BlackBerry 6. This is the closest run through of BlackBerry 6 we have seen so far, minus the BlackBerry 6 preview video posted by Research In Motion.

While a little blurry, you can see for sure the device is running OS 6.0.0.20 and while we’re not exactly sure how up to date that release is, it sure seems to be flying on the device. BBM (5.0.1.5), FaceBook, Twitter for BlackBerry and even Viigo appear to be loaded. One thing missing here is the BlackBerry browser but we do get a quick glimpse of the YouTube application seen from the WES video as well. Now that we got a better look at things, what are your thoughts? Leave some comments, can’t wait to hear.

Source: TheCellularGuru

CrackBerry.com‘s feed sponsored by ShopCrackBerry.com. Video First Look At The BlackBerry 9670 Running BlackBerry 6

View full post on CrackBerry.com blogs

It’s spring. Lots of people have decided to take up running as a way to lose a bit of weight and get into better shape. I mentioned five tools last year that got me running, now for a couple more.

Last year, I listed Five Tools for Getting a Geek Running. Several things have changed for me since last August…

1. I went “hard-core” (at least in my mind) this winter. I bought the clothes to keep me warm so I could run outside in January and February. In Wisconsin. In sub-freezing weather.I just couldn’t run on a treadmill any more.Turns out that I’d rather run in winter than in summer…until this year, I thought people running outside in winter were weird…now I just see them as smart.
2. I got signed up for the Madison (Wisconsin) Half-Marathon at the end of May. I’m presently half-way through a training program to prepare for my very-first half-marathon. The GeekMom signed me up as a birthday gift.  My training plan is part of the features offered through the Nike Running website when you use a Nike+ kit.  I talked and talked about running a half-marathong – this year, the GeekMom moved it beyond talk. I’m on the hook…and there’s nothing more motivating than knowing your money has been spent on a registration for a race and not wanting to waste it.
3. I’m helping the local Boys and Girls Club as a running coach for their running club.  We’re using the tried-and-true Couch-to-5K program to help the kids get ready for a 5K race in early June. It’s great to see these young guys and girls improving week after week – and if I skip out on the training, I’ve got a bunch of disappointed young people to answer to.
4. I’m using DailyMile as a way to connect to other runners. As simple as it sounds, there’s something incredibly motivating having other GeekDads, co-workers, friends, or different people in the same area to connect with.  You can motivate, comment, encourage and see how you rank compared to your friends. If there are any GeekDad readers on DailyMile – here’s my profile. Drop me a note and I’ll follow you. Who knows? Maybe we can get a GeekDad running group set up there.

I used to run alone – but I’ve found it much more fun to run with others — whether young children at the Boys and Girls Club, seeing how I rank against other runners online or knowing that I’ll be running with several thousand people in just over a month.

What about you?

Image from  mkorchia (via Flickr)

View full post on GeekDad

A few weeks back Intel announced they had ported Android to their Atom series of processors, and now we are getting word of what could be one of the first Android-based devices to make use of the technology. A few unnamed insiders claim that Sony will announce their collaboration with Google during the upcoming Google I/O conference on May 19th and 20th in San Francisco.

The article over at Bloomberg states that the new line of television and home entertainment devices will use the Atom processor to run a new version of Android. They reference this new version as something called Dragonpoint, but it is unclear if this is in reference to an entirely new OS or simply a user interface being developed by Sony for the new televisions.

Sony has been losing some ground in TV sales, dropping behind Samsung and LG in market share, and their hope is that a partnership with Google and Android will get them back on the up and up. We’ve already seen a few Android televisions for release in markets outside of the Unites States, but this new line of Sony products will be the first mass-targeted towards North America (that is if Samsung doesn’t beat them to the punch). Sounds like Sony and Google want to shake up the TV market, and Android might be just the thing to do.

Could this in fact end up being the officialy-branded Google TV we have been hearing whispers of? We’ll only have to wait a few more weeks to get the full details.

[via Bloomberg]

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Today has just been unreal! Three new Dell Android phones leaked within a couple of hours of each other, and now we’re given a treat that we never thought we’d see: Android has been ported to the iPhone. I came across this link thanks to fabled Android ROM developer Cyanogen, who simply pasted the URL to the blog posting in a tweet on his Twitter account.

The catch is that this only works on 2G iPhones for now, but this is a huge break through in Android development! Everything isn’t smooth, and not everything works (some things will  need special drivers) but WiFi is confirmed to be working, and it seems functional enough to make this a notable achievement for the developer who managed to scrap this together. The developer has stated that a port to the 3G should be fairly easy, and while a 3GS port would require a bit more work, it should be doable as well.

Rob has always told me “we need someone manning the ship even in the late hours. What if the iDroid with Android 3.0 gets announced?”. Turns out, he was right (partially, anyway) and I’m just stoked to see that this is even possible. What about you guys? Do you want to see continued development for Android’s iPhone 2G port? Would you try this out on your own old iPhone (he provides detailed instructions on his blog)?

View full post on Android Phone Fans

Product: Free Run+

Manufacturer: Nike

Wired Rating: 8

Running barefoot may reduce your risk of injury, some say. But jogging in freaky rubber socks like the Vibram FiveFingers? Those just boost the chances of strangers heckling you as you prance by.

Why not take a a few steps in Nike’s Free series? These are significantly cooler-looking sneakers that simulate barefoot conditions, which purportedly helps strengthen your feet, without putting your soles at the mercy of cut glass and other hazards.

Since the first model debuted in 2005, Nike has refined the Free design to great effect. For instance, the laces are positioned asymmetrically, which relieves pressure on the top of your foot, and the grooves in the sole are deeper and wider, which forces you to use your toes more. Nike+ has been incorporated into the Frees, meaning you can insert Nike’s iPod-compatible sensor into a special groove in the sole to track your progress, count calories and gauge your workout.

We tested the midrange Nike Free Run+. The company’s earlier models provide even less support (thus are even better at simulating barefoot experience), but unless you’re already an experienced barefoot runner, the Free Run+ is a good place to start.

Your own experience will probably vary, but our feet took to these shoes in only a matter of days. They’re incredibly lightweight and flexible, but provided more than enough cushion to keep our midfoot from getting sore. This example isn’t empirical, but it’s worth noting: We occasionally experience shin splints, but didn’t notice any pains during or after the half-dozen runs we logged in these shoes.

Perhaps wearing a “barefoot shoe” is, in and of itself, a constant reminder to reduce the heel-stomping. After all, you can’t slam your heel down hard without a big wedge of rubber under it, so shoes like the Nike Frees force you more onto your midfoot and toes. Whatever the case, it worked for us.

WIRED Look like normal shoes (take note, Vibram). Bag-friendly: They’re not only lightweight, but also pack small. Tongue is integrated into body of the shoe, which speeds lace-up time.

TIRED Nike+ must be purchased separately ($30). White soles get dirtier than Kim Kardashian in a mud pit.

View full post on Wired Product Reviews