Slim Gingerbread ‘Anzu’ Phone From Sony Ericsson Leaks

By Kat Hannaford on November 10, 2010 at 11:30 PM

It seems we weren’t the only ones doubting Sony Ericsson’s future. In a poll last month, you guys voted on exactly when the company will die – and the results ain’t pretty. Will this super-slim Android-running Anzu save them?

It’s been leaked by the Xperia X10 blog, and is rumoured to be their next flagship phone (taking over from the Xperia X10). Will it show up with the Xperia moniker later? Quite probably – ANZU is just the codename, for now.

The leaked photo shows it running Android 2.1, but according to the leakster it’ll launch with Gingerbread (2.3). A HDMI-output will be added for the “very, very slim” phone, which is said to have a 4.3-inch screen too.

What would it make you go Sony Ericsson, people? A lack of their TimeScape UI over Android? Better quality hardware? [Xperia X10 blog via EuroDroid]

UPDATE: The Xperia X10 blog has published more pics of the Anzu:

Source: Gizmodo

Motorola Milestone 2 Brings Froyo To Vodafone And Optus

By Nick Broughall on November 10, 2010 at 1:30 PM

Motorola has today announced the Australian launch of the Milestone 2 for both Optus and Vodafone customers. The good news is that the Qwerty-toting Android handset will launch with Froyo.

If you’re wondering where you’ve seen this before, the Milestone 2 is the exact same phone as the Droid 2 in the states. It features a 1GHz processor, Adobe Flash 10.1, 720p video recording, multitouch capacitive touchscreen and integrated DLNA. It will also include the latest version of MOTOBLUR, which has been toned down and made much more customisable than Moto’s original version.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but the phone is due to launch in December.

Source: Gizmodo

Many Potential iPhone Users Settling for Android

By Josh MacDonald Nov. 9, 2010, 6:55am PDT

According to research from MyPhoneDeals.co.uk, the iPhone is causing cases of mobile device envy in almost a third of Android owners surveyed. That’s a lot of users toting around a second-choice smartphone, considering Android’s growing user base.

The report found that nearly 30 percent of Android users surveyed would rather have an iPhone. Many users indicated that price is the only barrier holding them back. “I think it’s telling that so many Android owners desire, yet don’t own an iPhone, which I believe points to price being the prohibitive factor,” a spokesperson for MyPhoneDeals told PC Pro. Another contributing factor is network choice, though that may change soon with the arrival of a Verizon iPhone.

On the flip side, only 7 percent of iPhone users would consider jumping to the Android side of the fence. “I think the biggest problem Android-based smartphones face is that they’re constantly playing catch-up to the iPhone. Every time Apple does something new the competition follows, which makes the iPhone always seem the most innovative product.” While in fact Apple was actually behind on several major OS features, such as multi-tasking, the unique innovations they do introduce, like the App Store and the Retina Display, have apparently kept them ahead of the game, at least in terms of user perception.

Only 16 percent of those not currently on any platform indicated that they’d seek out an Android phone. Yet 40 percent of smartphones sold during the past quarter were Android devices. Why? Mainly because Android OS runs on a variety of devices, while Apple OS is exclusively on the iPhone. “Android still faces a lack of recognition among consumers, especially women. For example, many consumers may want a HTC Desire HD, yet are unaware that it’s running Android software.”

The bottom line for Apple? Lower prices and freedom of choice when it comes to carrier would draw many Android users into the iOS fold. But Cupertino should act soon, since as users grow used to and invest in a platform (via app purchases), it will become more and more difficult to win them back.

Android Gingerbread available November 11?

There is a rumored launch date of Android 2.3, dubbed Gingerbread, will be November 11^th.

The Gingerbread Man has already graced the lawn at Google letting everyone know that it’s in progress.  The date also coincides with a Samsung conference on November 8^th that many are hoping for an announcement of a Nexus Two that will have the OS update.

It will be a nice holiday treat for many if this was true.  Of course, the company hasn’t made an official announcement.

Source:  Into Mobile

Optus To Upgrade Samsung Galaxy S To Froyo ‘In The Coming Weeks’

By Nick Broughall on November 9, 2010

Now that the Telstra Desire has got its Froyo update, it’s time to turn our attention to the other premium Android phone from the middle of the year: The Samsung Galaxy S on Optus. The Telco has now given us official word that Froyo is to be delivered to Salaxy S users “in the coming weeks”.

There’s nothing else to go off, so we’ll just have to wait and see just how long it takes Optus to roll out the new OS. Here’s hoping its a simple over the air update that happens sooner rather than later…