Andrew Huff - 2/4 - Android Police - Android News, Apps, Games, Phones, Tablets

Ever since he was old enough to walk, Andrew has been a computer geek and gaming fanatic. This took a turn for the worse after getting the G1 the moment it was released, becoming an Android addict, and eventually snagging a Nexus One.
When not reporting about Android gaming at www.DroidGamers.com and writing for Androidpolice, he spends his time with his wife and a newborn boy.

Jun

Android Does 3D Too: Top 5 3D Games For Android

Posted by Andrew Huff in Game Reviews, Games, News, Reviews

Last Updated: July 24th, 2011

As time progresses and more game developers come over to Android, whether to port the iPhone version of their game or develop new games, more and more 3D games are appearing - high quality ones at that. 3D games come with a slightly higher price, which is usually redeemed by the extra quality you get. However, choosing which games to buy can be a little daunting.

Here is a rundown of our Top 5 3D games currently available for Android, as well as some honorable mentions.

Crusade of Destiny

Crusade of Destiny is developed by DvideArts who made the jump recently to Android.

Jun

Motorola Droid Xtreme/Shadow/Droid 2 Leak Roundup

Posted by Andrew Huff in Droid X (Shadow), Motorola, News, Verizon Wireless

Last Updated: June 6th, 2010

It seems like almost every other day something new is leaked about the upcoming Droid Xtreme. This is fairly typical of any anticipated phone release so, while nothing new, it can get a bit confusing with so many sites reporting on every single leak regarding this phone. Here is a rundown of everything that is Motorola Shadow/Xtreme…

This phone was originally dubbed the Droid 2 before progressing into its second name, the Droid Shadow. It remained as the Shadow for a while, until leaks about its true name started to surface, and finally it has been all but officially confirmed as the Droid Xtreme.

Jun

Carrier Billing For Android Applications Without Google

Posted by Andrew Huff in Apps/Games, News

As a developer myself, one issue with the Android market has always been the payment methods…or rather, the lack thereof. Aside from Google Checkout and carrier billing for some companies within the US, there really aren’t a whole lot of options to consider, especially when dealing with the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement.

Well, as with all things in the world of technology, a company seems to have found a bit of a loophole in regards to carrier billing for developers, or more specifically, integrating it into their applications and games. This has a lot of implications, including a big one: countries without access to paid apps and games on the Android market could still purchase them through free demos released by the developer.

May

Gameloft’s DRM Policy Change – Now With Less Rip-off

Posted by Andrew Huff in Games, News

Well it seems the huge outcry over Gameloft's DRM policy has not fallen on deaf ears as they have announced a change to their DRM policy. The change states that users are now allowed to re-download games purchased through their website, thought this may take some time to implement.

Here is a quote of the official announcement:

We’d like to announce you[sic] that policy regarding Android HD+ games sold through our own store is currently changed to allow you to re-download a game that you paid for.

Unfortunately this change will take a bit of time but rest assured we will announce once it is live.

May

Will Acer’s Stream Make A Splash?

Posted by Andrew Huff in Acer, Devices By Manufacturer, Liquid Stream, News

While the name leaves a little to be desired, the Acer Stream was recently approved by the FCC and will soon be on its way into the hands of consumers.

With specs that closely resemble the likes of the Nexus One and the Droid Incredible, the Acer Stream (a.k.a Liquid Stream) boasts some pretty decent hardware and even better, comes with Android 2.1, although hopefully we’ll see Android 2.2 shortly after the release.

While pricing and a specific release date has yet to be announced, some specs are known and one person already has managed to release a video with a hands-on look at Acer’s new phone.

May

WebM Outs Gingerbread Release Date – Coming Q4 2010

Posted by Andrew Huff in Development, News

If you were hoping for a break in Android upgrade posts now that Froyos been announced, I’ve got bad news. During yesterdays web-centric keynote, Google announced the WebM project, and the folks over at Eurodroid noticed a tasty little bit of information on the FAQ page: a tentative release date for Gingerbread.

The FAQ in question states that WebM support in Android is expected in the Gingerbread release which is currently planned for Q4, 2010! Even though Froyo was just officially announced this morning, we now have a general idea as to when Gingerbread will start hitting devices.

More Confirmation

In case WebM decides to change their FAQ, we took a screenshot of it for your viewing pleasure:

If you tuned into the keynote, you likely saw the teased features from an unspecified and upcoming version of Android.

May

HTC Wildfire Release Date Announced For T-Mobile UK

Posted by Andrew Huff in Devices By Manufacturer, HTC, News, T-Mobile, Wildfire (Buzz)

The very recently unveiled HTC Wildfire now has a release date for those of you over in the UK who want to get your hands on this entry level Android phone. T-Mobile UK just announced, via Twitter, that they will offer the HTC Wildfire starting June 14th, 2010.

Even though this particular phone is considered an entry level device, it does comes sporting Android 2.1 with an updated Sense UI, which should make a lot of people happy.

Here is a screenshot of the announcement made by T-Mobile UK via twitter…

Specs

If you have not already read up on the specs for this entry level phone, here is a quick rundown of the most important ones:

CPU – Qualcomm 528MHz
512MB Flash ROM
384MB RAM
3.2-inch QVGA Touch screen
5 megapixel camera with LED Flash
Android 2.1 with Sense UI
4 available colors

The above specs further illustrate how entry level this phone is - while not the worst specs we've seen on an Android phone, they are certainly far from mind blowing.

May

HTC Files Patent Suit Against Apple – The Circle Of Life Continues

Posted by Andrew Huff in HTC, News

It looks like the patent war between Apple and HTC is beginning to heat up. Apple fired the opening shot two months ago when they filed suit against HTC, claiming they infringed on a number of their patents, and until today, things kept fairly quiet. However, as expected, HTC won’t give up with out a fight, and has retaliated by filing their own patent suit with the ITC asking that all imports and sales of iPhones, iPads and iPods be halted.

The scope of the suit HTC has filed is not as encompassing as Apple’s original filing, covering only 5 patents, where Apple’s suit covered 20.

May

LG Going On The Android Offensive With A New LG Ally/Iron Man 2 Promo Site

Posted by Andrew Huff in Ally (Aloha), LG, News

In order to promote the upcoming Iron Man 2 movie together with the LG Ally Android phone (which seems to be featured in a variety of scenes), LG yesterday launched a new Flash powered site called LGIM2.com. While the url spells out "Iron Man 2", quite a large portion of the site is actually dedicated to the Ally.

In order to gain access to the part of the site where the phone is shown, you have to click on "Nav" at the bottom and then on "LG Ally", or just follow this direct link. After looking around checking out all the pictures and reading what little information about the phone was actually available, we have come up with a list of specs for the LG Ally.

May

Editorial: Google’s Open Handset Alliance A Myth… Are We Really Surprised?

Posted by Andrew Huff in News

Some interesting leaked news are hitting the airwaves today: according to a former high-level Open Handset Alliance executive from Google, the said Alliance was "nothing more than a myth".

The one-time company head called the group “oligarchical” and revolving solely around Android:

"The power is concentrated with the Google employees who manage the open source project"

The Open Handset Alliance

The Open Handset Alliance, founded and led by by Google in 2007, contained 34 large and small companies related to the mobile business, and this number only grew over the years, currently standing at 65.

The primary purpose of this *open* alliance was to share and mold ideas in the open, creating and maintaining standards together: