How To Update Your Nexus One To 2.2 (Froyo)

• Download the update from here.

The rest of the steps I posted before here. But just incase you are lazy, here you go:

• Rename the file to update.zip.
• Copy the update.zip file onto your microSD card.
• With your Nexus One off, hold down the trackball and press the power button.You’ll be booted into a white screen with three Android robots on skateboards.
• Select “Bootloader.”
• On the next screen, select “Recovery.”
• Your phone will reboot, giving you a picture of the Android robot and an exclamation point inside a triangle.
• Now press the power button and volume up button at the same time. It could take a couple of tries.
• Now (using the trackball this time) choose “Apply sdcard:update.zip”

After the installation is complete, you will still have to download and install Flash 10.1 to get things going, just click on any “get latest flash” link in the browser and you are set. or just search for it in the market place.

Enjoy

Android Froyo 2.2: Flash and First Signs of Arabic Support

I just managed to download and install Froyo on my Nexus One today. I have been playing with it for a few hours at it is definitely a great upgrade.

The device feels snappier all around especially in the browser. The inclusion of Flash is awesome, it make mobile browsing much more tolerable. Also the battery life seemed to have improved, I played around with the device for a while a definitely notice a better battery life……. I think. will let you know after a full day use.

Another great feature is the WiFi hotspot. you can transfer your device into a wireless hotspot (think MiFi). this is a great feature indeed making me carry one less device, or maybe just an extra battery.

Also I have notice the first glimpse of Arabic support, I see separated Arabic letters instead of the usual block in both the browser and in the messages. This means that the next major update 3.0 perhaps will include full Arabic support.

Vic Gundorta Taking A Swipe At Apple Every CHance He Gets

Yesterday, Google had its developers event and it showed-off a ton of new stuff (Google TV). But what I was waiting for was the 2.2 version of Android AKA Froyo.

It has a lot of great new features and new API’s. But what was amusing was watching the video and seeing Google’s Vice president of engineering taking a swipe at Apple every chance he gets. He even used Apple’s 1984 Campaign against them (3 minute mark first video)

The Keynote has a lot of info and demos and I recommend watching it if you have an Android device, planing to get one or you just want to see Steve Jobs have a taste of his own medicine.

5 part video.

Windows Phone 7 Series

Microsoft showed the world their new Mobile OS yesterday in Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress. Dubbed “Windows Phone 7 Series” the OS looks awesome from the hands-on and the demo videos that we have seen so far. They show off everything yet as it is still in development (will be released by the end of the year) but from what I’ve seen so far I’m definitely onboard.

With Windows Phone 7 Series Microsoft started from scratch that’s why every thing looks new, amazing and fresh. Windows Mobile 6.5 elements are nowhere to be seen, which is a blessing. The new OS blends The ZUNE HD’s UI with the Android OS’s functionality and integration.

Not to forget also that the ZUNE Service integration is there and works perfectly. and that was the only reason I didn’t buy a ZUNE HD, I wanted the service implemented in a phone and didn’t want to carry a dedicated MP3 player with me, even though the ZUNE HD is an amazing device. It is also integrated with XBOX LIVE, that should be fun.

They really are reminding us that they are still a major player in the smartphone business.

Info Connect 2010

Yesterday we passed by Info Connect at the International Fair Ground to see what’s new. We weren’t expecting much from there except for some new DSL prices but we still had to wonder around checking stuff out before ManU/Arsenal – Egypt/Ghana games.

To our amazement we found a cleaning solution in an Tech/IT expo.

we ended up buying 3 of this AMAZING Kleaner :/

Also when walking around we noticed an unreleased Android mobile device on display in a protected glass case.

Yes it is the SonyEricsson’s upcoming X10. it will be the company’s first android device that should be available as early as next month.

Zidaneoo was also looking for a new laptop. So, we had a quick look around and saw an i7 and an i5 HP laptops that had a very good price. cant remember the exact pricing and specs. but I should have the up soon.

We took our time there wich made us miss both game’s kick-off. and when we got to Showtime’s booth i saw this.

Of course they were watching the Egypt game.

And when it was time to leave, it was raining and we were greeted with a lightnings show.

So, not much to say about the Expo. With the exception of semi-good ADSL prices.

Slide Screen – The Ultimate Home Screen

I’ve been waiting for this app for a while now it it just got released recently. It can replace your current Android home screen with over flow of information making the Android’s home screen much more informative than it already is (using the notification bar).

This app is highly recommended and its free (ad supported) and only available for Android OS.

Link

Nokia Offering Turn-by-Turn Navigation For Free

Nokia just announced today that most of Nokia owner can download the new map/nav application for free on their devices.

So that puts it on par with android devices. Except we don’t have good Google maps coverage here in the middle east. Hope Nokia’s offering is much better.

Link

iPhone OS 4.0 To Get Multitasking?!

BGR has an insider that confirms that the new iPhone OS (iPhone OS 4.0) will have multitasking capability (among other tweaks).

• There will be multi-touch gestures OS-wide. (Would make sense for that as the rumored OS for the iTablet is close if not the same as the iPhone)
• “A few new ways” to run applications in the background — multitasking.
• Many graphical and UI changes to make navigating through the OS easier and more efficient. We haven’t had this broken down, but we can only hope for improved notifications, a refreshed homescreen, etc.
• The update will supposedly be available for only the iPhone 3G and 3GS, but will “put them ahead in the smartphone market because it will make them more like full-fledged computers” more than any other phone to date. Everyone is “really excited.”
• The last piece of information is the most vague, but apparently there will be some brand new syncing ability for the contacts and calendar applications.

If that’s true, this takes the iphone to a whole new level. One of my main complaints was multitasking, so this will make me fall in love with the iphone again.

Now we just hope that there will be some hardware upgrades.

Link

Zune Phone in The Works?!

I know I just got my Nexus One, but WMC is next month and the rumor mill is going crazy. It looks like Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Mobile 7 might be the long awaited Zune Phone AKA Project Pink. Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) did confirm in an interview last month that the new Windows Mobile 7 will have integrated Zune functionality, but didn’t give any further details.

What’s exiting about this is not only the software, but also the hardware.The rumored device (LG Apollo) Specs are just insane:

• Launching: August/September 2010
• CPU: Qualcomm QSD8650; 1.3GHz
• CDMA + GSM (aka a World Phone)
• EvDO + HSDPA
• Device Size: 115 x 57.5 x 11.2 mm
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 1GB/1GB
• External Storage: MicroSD (up to 32GB)
• Screen Size/Type: 3.8-inch capacitive AMOLED “Multitouch Supported”
• Screen Resolution: WXGA 1280 x 720 px
• Camera: 10-megapixel with flash and autofocus; HD 720p video@ 30fps
• Video Support: Windows Media Video (WMV), MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) H.264, DVR-MS4
• Audio Support: Windows Media Audio (WMA), Advanced Audio Coding (AAC-LC), FairPlay DRM, MP3
• Battery: Removable 1400 mAh
• Talk Time: Up to 7.5 hours
• Standby Time: 288 hours
• Internet Use: 4.5 hours (3G), 6.5 hours (WiFi)
• Video Playback: 10 hours
• Audio Playback: 30 hours

I guess we will have to wait till next month to find out.

Image above is concept art by Adam Huffman.

More info here

$1000 App from Apple iTunes Store

In 2008 Apple withdrew their “I Am Rich” app from the app store which sold 8 copies and only featured a red gem (shown below) on the iPhone’s home screen. They came under heavy abuse for even allowing an app of this sort into their App Store.

link

But now they are back with a real and working app that also costs $1000.  BarMax CA is a legitimate application which helps law students prepare for the BAR exam. Its price is allegedly justified because companies with the same styled programs sell it for between $3000-$4000. If you find yourself obliged to buy the app you can find it here.

link