How to create and insert your favorite Android smartphone icon pack and you’ll find my favorite list of free popular icons.

via large-icons.com

With the advent of new android smart-phones, you can now use and create several types of icons, and insert/download them into your application’s user interface. You may want to try out something other than the pre- packaged icons in your user interface. A number of useful icons are there that you can download in a free icon pack. These graphic icons will bring out a more professional look to your user interface and make it more attractive.

Here is a short and easy guide on how to create icons.

The primary color palette in a basic icon design is made up of white, black and gray scales. Different combinations of these colors are used to make the launcher icons, the menu icons and status bar icons. The launcher icons and certain status bar icons are given accents of bright and clear colors which match with the existing icons. You create the basic steps in these icons in the Adobe Illustrator.

You can make each icon by creating depth and shape, adding color and details. You can also create shadows by tilting the angles and a blurring effect.

Once the icons are created you can then import it to Adobe Photoshop and fit to the desired image size. For a launcher icon and the menu bar icon, you create an image size of 48*48 px, and 25*25px for a status bar icon. In Photoshop you adjust shape of the icon in a transparent background. Once the icons are done you then export the icons in its transparency enabled .png format

Launcher icons are the most basic of the 3D icons using light and shadows for defining objects. Structure wise you can place launcher icons either on the top or the front of the home screen. They are made with smooth rounded shapes to give it that friendly appearance. Menu icon bars are graphical elements that are given a flat appearance and pictured face on. They are given the debars effect to give it a “deep” look. But they are not viewed from a 3D perspective so the basic primary color palette is used. With the correct usage of light, effects and shadows you can create that “glowing” look on a menu icon.

The status bar icons represent the various notifications from your application. Though they look like menu bars they are much smaller, higher in contrast and well rounded. You can create the dialog icon, the tab icon and the list view icons in this manner but remember to use colors when necessary and to design the colors, size and length in a normal perspective. Keep the icons simple and attractive.

Similarly, if you want to get rid of an Android smart phone icon to declutter your user interface, you must first select the icon that you want to remove. By clicking and holding the icon for a few seconds you will notice that the icon becomes movable. The label is separated from the icon and you can then drag the unwanted icon to the applications tab at the bottom of the screen. This same process can be used to move the icons from one part of the home screen to the other. Once you move it to the applications tab the icon to be deleted and the applications tab will turn red then the icon disappears. The removed icon is always available if you drag the applications tab up from the bottom of the screen.

There is a free icon pack from the icon library called the Large Android Icons 2009.3 and it contains a huge collection of icons that display various space creatures, robots, crawlers and other appealing figures. You can also get icons that show their various moods and actions for full effects. These images are a boon to have in your collection of icons because gifted artists who are professionals in their field create them. These come in bright colors and well-defined edges. These icons are made in the PNG format and come in different sizes. You can download these icons at “Free Large Android Icons 2009.3“

You can download more great icon sets from various websites. Its very easy and you just have to follow their process.

The Android Developer Common Icon Set II

download

30 Free Android Menu Icons

download

Free Android 2.x Monster Icons

download

You can get a really big list of large icons at Large-Icons.com

To get some ideas on how to make your own set visit this Forum-XDA-Developers. thread.

You must visit Iconspedia and Forums Crackberry to get more sets of icon packs.

Some of the most popularly used icons in the icon pack are the Alarm Clock, Contacts, Calendar, Email, Gallery, Gmail, Google Talk, Camera, Camcorder, Messaging, Music, Maps, You tube, IM, etc. These are some of the standard icons used in the Android platform. Once you download these icons, make sure that the action you assign the icon is consistent with the action listed.

You can download the Android templates pack, which contains a wealth of template designs, filters and settings that makes your or your developer’s job of creating icons easy.

The templates pack can be accessed in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator file formats, so that when you create the icons in the Android platform, the design and layout are maintained. You can also load the files into any image editing software although the efficiency of each program varies with the type of program that you use.

The android developers suggest that you download the template pack archive before you begin your icon design.

Suggest your favorite icon packs in our comment are.

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Firstview Electronic HK Limited presents their Android based Laptop for $65 on CeBIT 2010 in Hannover, Germany

The website load is very slow when you compare it with more expensive Laptops, but you can buy for $65 in the Chinese factories when you order this Laptop in large quantities.

$65 Android Laptop

Specs:

• Android
• low cost and low power VIA 8505 ARM based 533Mhz processor
• with 128MB RAM
• 2GB Nand flash
• 7″ 800×480 screen
• WiFi
• SD card reader
• 3G dongle support
• run 4 hours on a 2100mah battery

Its not anywhere near as thrilling as the iPad video demo. Its just one of the cheap Android tablets there at CeBIT.

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Videos of the 3D Engine on the Google Android Nexus One Uberphone

The new 3D features  are demoed with the upcoming Google Earth app for Android. These 3D features  will surely bring along many 3D graphics applications and even games (Androlib free) - much like on the iPhone. Google also has teamed up with Cooliris to bring the 3D experiences to the Android Nexus One user.

Now watch these videos and comment in our comment area

3D Engine on Google Android Phone – Nexus One

Even complex 3D engines seem to run fine on flash 10.1

Flash Player 10.1, 3D content on Google Nexus One

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

After you have watched these videos, do you still think flash is too CPU intensive and is slowing down mobile phones?

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HTC’s statement on SlashGear. HTC is defending their own innovations against Apple

Headlines are filled with htc/apple lawsuit news. Apple has sued HTC for infringing on 20 iPhone patents

image via BBC and WindowsMobile7

Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs said:

• “We can sit by and watch competitors steal our patented inventions, or we can do something about it. We’ve decided to do something about it,”
• “We think competition is healthy, but competitors should create their own original technology, not steal ours.” Apple

On Gizmodo you’ll find The Complete Documents here is the first doc

Here is the statement from HTC posted by SlashGear

“HTC is a mobile technology innovator and patent holder that has been very focused over the past 13 years on creating many of the most innovative smartphones. HTC values patent rights and their enforcement but is also committed to defending its own technology innovations. HTC only learned of Apple’s actions this morning via media reports, and therefore we have not yet had the opportunity to investigate the filings. Until we have had this opportunity, we are unable to comment on the validity of the claims being made against HTC.”

(via @SlashGear)

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Hivision SpeedPad for under $100 at CEBIT (Video)

Awesome, Hivision will sell the SpeedPad for under $100

Check the specifications

• 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution LCD touchscreen,
• Samsung ARM11 800MHz processor
• 2GB of storage
• 256 DDR2 RAM
• platform is Android. It has
• WiFi b/g, external 3G
• Bluetooth
• GPS dongle connectivity
• 4200mAh battery (6 h)

Here is the video made

Hivision SpeedPad Android tablet at CeBIT 2010

[via jkkmobile]

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Google Earth for Android phone available on the Android Market and Androlib

Android User eagerly awaited the release of the Google Earth app for the AnDroid phone. (When will google earth be available on Android???)

For exploring the world from the Android smartphone in your hand,  flying around the planet, view the same 3D imagery which is available in the desktop version. Use the searching by voice for cities, places, and businesses function, etc.

Screenshots

Package name : com.google.earth

Images and download the free Droid app from Androlib

hint via XDA-Developers

via AndroidCommunity

update 2/22/2010: Your Android phone must be rooted

(A video guide to rooting your DROID! EASY PEASY!)

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Pulse mini introduced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona by T-Mobile UK

A tiny version of the T-Mobile Pulse with a 2.83 QVGA resistive display isn’t an exciting news for the gadget geeks.

The most important thing to know is, that it will be shipped with Android 2.1 .

Presently, T-Mobile has not offered any contract plans for the Pulse Mini. There also is not a concrete UK release date. The Pulse-mini will be manufactured by Huawei

T-Mobile Pulse mini – first look

The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is not only about HTC or HD mini. Another Android 2.1 smartphone has been launched.

The new T-Mobile Pulse Mini should be available in March, more detailed shots of the device can be seen in the above video.

While a tiny version of the T-Mobile Pulse with a 2.83 QVGA resistive display isn’t the most exciting news for the gadget geeks, it does boast some impressive features.

Features of the rocking T-Mobile Pulse Mini:

• Pulse mini is based on the Android 2.1 and is smaller than the original Pulse. It features a 15 panel homescreen.
• 2.8-inch touch screen, 3.2-megapixel camera with LED Flash and runs on the latest Android 2.1 software.
• a preprocessor

“T-Mobile Pulse Mini

The Pulse Mini supports HSDPA, Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth connectivity. It has 300MB of internal memory, which can be boosted by the use of a memory card – although it’s unclear yet how big the supplied memory card will be.”

reviewed via Which

Gallery via MobileBurn

Check out this post “T-MOBILE PULSE MINI CAN HAVE UP TO 15 HOMESCREEN PANELS“

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Motorola Droid OTA Android 2.1 update appeared in the wild

Motorola has realized that there is a big frustration growing with their subscriber base outside, not only because of the delays with their software upgrade releases, but also the lack of information they have shown in the last month.

This [RELEASE] OFFICIAL OTA 2.1 DROID SYSTEM DUMP will give developers an overview, of the features in the Android 2.1 OTA update

When you extract the downloaded system.rar file this content will appear

• Gallery3D
• Genie Widget
• Google Goggles

(download via AndroidOverdrive)

The feature list sounds impressive and it is understandable why Droid users would like to have the new update pushed out to their devices.

When the official Droid 2.1 rolls out, there will the expected updates and enhancements be and all will be satisfied

The ‘normal’ Motorola Droid owners will have to wait patiently for the arrival of Droid 2.1.

Official Droid OTA Update Android 2.1

The file which is not installable and is really only useful to developers at this time is available, but please don’t ask me for instructions on how to get it working. 

file:  system.rar

Thanks to DroidLife and AllDroid

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With Flash 10.1 for the Android around the corner (hopefully), it’s worthwhile to look into some of the flash games you’d be able to play on your Android.

Thanks to PlayedOnline for this post and the images “Best Nintendo games remade in flash”

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SPB Mobile Shell has been available exclusively for Windows Mobile smartphones with touchscreens, version 5.0 is to be released for Android, Windows Mobile and Symbian.

Watch the new portable SPB UI Engine in action

First look on the new SPB Mobile Shell 5.0

One important innovation in SPB Mobile Shell 5.0 is the Natural Interaction Engine which includes support for G-sensor and multitouch, a dedicated Feedback Engine providing realistic visual and haptic responses, and a Physics Engine responsible for the real-world behavior of all objects.

“…, SPB Mobile Shell is planned to be spread to more mobile platforms.” SPB Software

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First Images of Dell’s latest Droid Phone prototype the Dell-Mini-5 aka “Streak” or “M01M”

Once they have met with general recognition of specialists, such a tendency Dell tells secrets to assume that the Mini-5 built into so far officially unpresented Intel processor family, Moorestown.

It should be noted, however, that a very powerful ARM processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Tegra 250, or Nvidia, have just been officially presented at CES. The company also did not disclose how the processor used in the device. The screen resolution is higher than in the Nexus One type of smartphones with the operating system, but Dell would not give exact dimensions in pixels. Android immediately reacts to the touch screen and gives the finger to operate smoothly. Dell effectively modified the interface of Android with a few own widgets, which allow access to Facebook, Picasy and other such services without the need to open specific programs.

At apress conference at CES Dell only briefly demonstrated Internet Tablet with a 5-inch screen in a brief photo session for the journalists present in the courtroom, but later in the lounge in the company showed a bit more openness – for example, confirmed that the device will be called the Mini – 5.

The Mini 5 has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, which should mean it’s fast enough to do a healthy amount of charging and video hopping on.

More great images of the Dell-Mini-5 via Engadget “Dell Mini 5 in-depth hands-on”

Post idea via “Dell Mini 5: we have it” and MOBILITYSITE “Dell Mini 5 – Some good “non-spy” shots!“

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comScore’s latest Smartphone Platform Market Share anylysis from Sep. 2009 – Dec. 2009

“…, Palm with 6.1 percent share (down to -2.2 percentage points), and Google with 5.2 percent share (up 2.7 percentage points).

more about Top Mobile OEMs and Mobile Content Usage, via comScore

Can the Palm which arrived at Verizon a few days ago fend off the Google Android smartphone?

via BusinessInsider

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Best Smartphone-app-list of Voice Recording applications for the iPhone, Android and Blackberry

It is possible to use the Smart Phone Voice recording software to record multiple things. For example, you can use voice recorder software to record your voice on thoughts, memos, or other miscellaneous items. You can even record someone from the law if you need to do so. However, it has just come to the attention of most people that it is not possible to record someone from law enforcement unless you notify that person. If you do not notify someone, it is called “illegal electronic surveillance.”

Cop recorded beating somebody

Although there are laws that hinder you from just recording anything on the street, the possibilities for recording voice is endless. Newer smart phones have standard audio recorder software already installed as an application. However, with recorder software, the extra options available will be endless. Just remember that before you record a conversation with someone from the law, you need to let him or her know.

If you have a question about some of the best voice recording software available, just look at a few of these.

iPhone

a. Quick Voice is an application that has won different awards for their voice recording software in both Mac and Windows. It is a “touch and speak” application that allows voice recording that is simple and efficient. In addition, it is an application that should be expensive, but it is not.

b. There is also a downloadable version of the voice recorder software for iPhone, Voice Memo if you were not able to do so originally. Although it may not have as many features as Quick Voice, it gets the job done.

c. iProRecorder Audio Recording Software is another good application for recording your voice on your iPhone. It is a high quality application with features such as playback and file transfer. The interface is simple and it is not an overall bad recorder software application.

Image credits and more via iPodnn

Android

a. Developed by Mamorou Tokashi, this simple Voice Recorder for the Google Android is an app that does not cost anything and will cause no inconvenience.

b. For those obsessed with recording conversations with those who represent the law, the Cop Recorder application may better suit your needs. Specifically for the Android phone, this may be the best voice recorder software. You can find it at Androlib. This application may be the best voice recorder, as it records invisibly and stops recording when you open the application opens again.

c. This free downloadable Voice Recorder at CNet is another choice. So far there have been 430 downloads from this link and it is an application that is easy to use on your Android Phone.

Blackberry

a. VR+ Lite voice recording application is truly interesting. It is not just software allows you to record voice; this application allows you to send voice messages. It even has a voice-sharing tool that allows you to share your thoughts through Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger. It is even possible for you to record your own podcasts and allow others to listen to it, as well as you.

All of these voice-recording apps are simple to use. While some are free, others may cost money. Either way, voice recording software is an efficient appl that will solve many problems. If you need proof for legal issues, you want to create your own podcasts, or you want to make classes easier, voice-recording software on your smartphone can solve many problems.

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The ‘Motorola Droid’ caught a lot of attention in the last months, therefore I thought to research the web a bit to make this YouTube video, comparison review list.

Most of the information in this post are about ‘Motorola Droid’ comparison with the BlackBerry Storm 2, the Nokia N97/ 900 and my other favorite Droid the HTC-Droid Eris.

Another way leads to the ‘iPhone 3GS’ which has been compared with the Droids and with the ‘Palm Pre’, the ‘Palm Pixi’, the  HTC Touch Pro2 Windows Mobile and the Verizon Wireless Touch Pro2 smart-phones.

Motorola Droid Vs. RIM BlackBerry Storm 2

The launch of the Motorola Droid in November ’09 wasn’t very useful for BlackBerry Storm 2. The ‘BlackBerry Storm 2′ was RIM’s second attempt to try to offer an alternative Smartphone, which should compete with Apple’s famous iPhone. Now Motorola’s Droid smartphone receives plenty of attention, that the launch of the BlackBerry Storm 2  falls into oblivion.

In this video Jon Rettinger aka jon4lakers from technobuffalo.com compares the functionality of the  Browser and Browser speed, the Text entry, customization, navigation and apps on these both smart-phones.

The Motorola (An)Droid has the better Browser rendering plus the right screen which wins against BlackBerry’s baby screen. The page load on 3G and Wifi is on The Droid much faster than on the BB. The Storm’s keyboard is much better to use then Motorola’s soft and hard keyboard.

The Blackberry Storm 2 looks much more compact, but I would prefer the bigger screen of the Motorola Droid over the BlackBerry Storm.

I also would prefer that the OS of the Motorola Droid is open source, while the BlackBerry OS 5 is not.

Android’s open source software allows adding widgets without restriction, which is a smart way of customizing your Droid’s Desk very easy.

Load your Android 2.0 applications via the Android Market.

The Black Berry Storm limits the added Widgets to 8 and the applications on the Webstore seems also be a bit more expensive then the commercial apps for the Android phone.

The HTC-(An)Droid Eris vs Motorola Droid

Motorola Android vs Verizon Wireless Touch Pro2

The Eris is a very cool smartphone with pretty much the same characteristics then the Motorola Droid has. The Motorola Droid has a faster processor, but I’m not quite sure if this makes such a big difference, because the speed difference seems to be very low.

Besides the bigger screen, the pictures on the Motorola have a much higher resolution and the fact that the Motorola Droid delivers a 16 GB SD card, that makes an advantage against HTC’s Droid Eris by as much as 8gb. You may also like this Side-by-side comparison

Motorola Droid vs N97 mini vs N900 vs Touch Pro2

Nokia N900 – Video Promo

I decided to concentrate on Nokia’s latest N900 which has almost similar features

Score: 72%

When: November 2009

Worth: $560Carrier:

Unlocked

Nokia’s Internet Tablet uses a Linux OS and the best Web browser around. Is it time to ditch your smartphone for something smarter? Find out in our Nokia N900 review.

If the N900 has a better overall look-n-feel it depends on your taste,  when you are a music lover, you will like  the FM Radio/Transmitter and the 32 GB memory. These are the main reasons why you should use the N900 over the Motorola Droid also people says that the N900  has a Better Keyboard  and a better Camera.

Now I will stop writing people love short posts and when I feel that you are on an Android I’m feeling sorry for this long post.

A big thank you to InfoSync.com for providing their great review list where you can compare four phones of your choice.

This is my favorite comparison on

Motorola Droid vs. HTC Droid Eris vs. Google Nexus One vs. Palm Pre because I cannot await the start of ‘Google Nexus One’

Watch and decide in the comment area.

Motorola Droid Vs. iPhone 3GS Vs. Palm Pre

Palm Pixi vs. Motorola Droid vs. Palm Pre vs. IPhone 3GS

You should also read this post The new Motorola Droid compared with Apple’s iPhone 3GS (Image)

Droid vs MyTouch 3G (Head to Head Performance Comparison)

Motorola Droid Vs HTC Touch Pro2 Windows Mobile 6.5 Review

At the end I want to link you also to Dell’s latest Android the Droid ‘mini 3‘

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