If you’re looking for an Android tablet, chances are a Galaxy Tab will almost always be the best choice.

Samsung now has the 7.0, 8.9 and 10.1 inches of tablets.

Obviously, the cheapest among all, considering one without a cellular contract, would be the first version of the Galaxy Tab.
The 7-inch WiFi only version.

Officially priced at $349.99 and you can get it from Amazon at $309.99 only.

However, consider these:

1. Android version

This tablet model P1010 has a close sibling, P1000 which is the 3G version. However, the 3G version of the 7-inch tablet is now running 2.3 (Gingerbread) while this WiFi only version is stuck at 2.2 (Froyo). There are no announcement of upgrade in sight and it is unlikely it will ever get any updates.

2. Front camera

Although this tablet has a 1.3 Megapixel front camera for video chat, note that it is totally dependent on apps that supports video chat and is able to work with the camera.

3. Price difference vs specifications

Unless you are against a contract, the 3G version of the 7-inch has a few advantage above the WiFi only, which is the phone functionality and the two very important features above. On top of that, the price difference of this with the 10.1 and 8.9 that has upgraded specifications rendered this version of Galaxy Tab almost obsolete.

Unless you really know what you’re getting into, do ensure that you’re able to live with the mentioned ‘inconveniences’.

Network
HSPA+ up to 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
4G LTE
EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
※ Network differs by country

Processor
1.4GHz Dual Core Processor

Display
5.3” WXGA (1280 x 800, 285 PPI) screen*
HD Super AMOLED

Platform
Android™ 2.3(Gingerbread)

Camera
Main(Rear) : 8 MP with LED Flash / Front : 2 MP
Action Shot, Beauty, Panorama Shot, Smile Shot

Video
1080p Full HD video recording & playback
Recording: 1080p@24~30fps/ Playback: 1080p@30fps
Codec: MPEG4/ H.263/ H.264/ DivX, Xvid, WMV, VC-1

Multi Input
Full touch
+ S Pen (Advanced smart pen)

Memory
16GB Internal memory
+ microSD (up to 32GB)

For more information, visit Samsung Galaxy Note website.

Sony Ericsson gave an official announcement that the 2.3.4 upgrade is starting to roll out all over the rest of the world.

The phones that will get the software update are:

1. Xperia™ arc
2. Xperia™ PLAY
3. Xperia™ neo
4. Xperia™ mini
5. Xperia™ mini pro
6. Xperia™ pro
7. Xperia™ ray
8. Xperia™ active
9. Xperia™ neo V
10. Xperia™ arc S
11. Sony Ericsson Live with Walkman™

The update will be available for all unlocked phones.

So what are the upgrades?

1. Google Talk with Video Chat for smartphones with front-facing cameras
2. Updated Facebook inside Xperia™ functionality for enhanced like, share and discover abilities. We have talked about Facebook inside Xperia™ on previous posts.
3. Xperia™ smartphones introducing world’s first 3D Sweep Panorama functionality powered by Sony.
4. 16x video zoom
5. The software upgrade will enable consumers to turn their Xperia™ smartphone into a mini-mobile PC by connecting USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard or game controller) to Sony Ericsson LiveDock™ multimedia station. Connect the smartphone to a TV via HDMI to get a big screen experience.
6. Gesture input – text input by swiping the finger from one letter to the next
7. WiFi DLNA
8. Screen capture – allows the user to share a screen grab from anywhere in the phone.

Too much text? Watch the video below:

Some conditions though:
Google Talk video chat will only be available for phones with front facing camera.
Xperia™ PLAY will not get 3D panorama sweep but it will get HD video recording.

Hey, it’s not always easy to get a global upgrade, so this really serves as a wonderful good news for Sony Ericsson Android phone owners. Your phone is not dead!

Sony is getting serious in the mobile devices market, with the recent announcement of buying Ericsson out from the Sony Ericsson mobile phone joint venture. A huge reason for Sony Ericsson mobile phone owners (particularly Android ones) to rejoice!

• Xperia™ mini – the world’s smallest HD video recording smartphone

• Xperia™ mini pro – intuitive fast messaging in a compact smartphone
• Two powerful, versatile and compact smartphones, available this month

Building on the success of the original mini series, these innovative smartphones come packed full of features, powered by a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor, and run the latest platform of Google’s Android™ – Gingerbread 2.3. Beautifully designed,  the Xperia™ mini and Xperia™ mini pro both integrate best-in-class imaging and display technology from Sony, including Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine and HD video recording (720p).

The products offer a full multimedia entertainment experience. Xperia™ mini and Xperia™ mini pro enable access to over 200,000 apps on the Android Market™ and has a 3” scratch-resistant, multi-touch glass screen. The improved user interface allows up to 16 apps to be displayed on the home screen.

Facebook inside Xperia™, a new feature announced recently for the Xperia™ family, provides a unique social media integration by making Facebook immediately accessible from the most used areas of the phone such as the picture gallery, music player, phonebook and calendar.  As people are becoming increasingly reliant on their smartphones for instant communication, Sony Ericsson is enabling people to ‘like’, share and comment more easily than ever before with Facebook inside Xperia™.

Xperia™ mini pro brings the optimised slide-out keyboard with smart functionality first seen on the Xperia™ pro to a compact smartphone. A subtle but fast Type & Send functionality eliminates the need to open a dedicated app for each type of message, and Smart Keyboard triggers predictive messaging actions automatically when the user slides out the keyboard. Xperia™ mini pro also comes pre-loaded with Office Suite and McAfee antivirus software, letting consumers manage documents and e-mails instantly and securely while on the move.

Sony Ericsson Hub General Manager for Singapore and Malaysia, Peter Ang said, “We wanted to provide even greater choice to consumers across the Xperia™ range, while building on the success of the original mini series. These turbo-charged smartphones now contain even more power, enhanced functionality, a larger screen and premium features unique to Sony Ericsson. They are packed full of features, making them a perfect choice for consumers looking for all the benefits of Android and Sony in a beautiful and easy to use compact form factor.”

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini – Key features

• World’s smallest Android™ smartphone with HD video recording
• Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
• Place up to 16 apps in the corners of your home screen
• Over 200,000 apps on Android Market™
• Facebook inside. Keeping your friends closer

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini pro – Key features

• Ergonomic keyboard and smart functions for fast messaging
• HD video and Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine
• Synch your email and view office documents safely on the go
• Place up to 16 apps in the corners of your home screen
• Over 200,000 apps on Android Market™

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini pro is out now while the Xperia™ mini will be available from 19 September 2011 at all Sony Ericsson Exclusive Stores nationwide. RRP: Xperia™ mini – RM699, Xperia™ mini pro – RM799.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini and Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini pro at a glance.

	Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini	Sony Ericsson Xperia™ mini pro
Colours	1. Black with extra white cover 2. Black with extra dark blue cover 3. White with extra dark pink cover 4. White with extra dark blue cover	1.Black 2.White
Facts	Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ Size: 88 x 52 x 16mm Weight: 94g	Operating system: Google™ Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) Processor: 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ Size: 92 x 53 x 18mm Weight: 136g
Camera	5 megapixel camera 8x digital zoom Auto focus Face detection Face recognition Flash / LED Geo tagging HD video recording (720p) Image stabiliser Red-eye reduction Scene detection Self-timer Send to web Smile detection Touch capture Touch focus Video light Video recording Video stabiliser	5 megapixel camera 8x digital zoom Auto focus Face detection Face recognition Flash / LED Front-facing camera (VGA) Geo tagging HD video recording (720p) Scene detection Self-timer Send to web Smile detection Smile Shutter™ Touch capture Touch focus Video light Video recording Video stabiliser
Music	Album art Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) Music tones (MP3/AAC) PlayNow™ service Sony Ericsson Music Player TrackID™ music recognition application xLOUD™ Experience	Album art Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) Music tones (MP3/AAC) PlayNow™ service Sony Ericsson Music Player TrackID™ music recognition application xLOUD™ Experience
Internet	Android Market™ Bookmarks Google™ search Google Voice Search NeoReader™ barcode scanner Pan & zoom Web browser (WebKit)	Android Market™ Bookmarks Google™ search Google Voice™ Search NeoReader™ barcode scanner Pan & zoom Web browser (WebKit)
Communication	Call list Conference calls Facebook™ application Google Talk™ Noise Shield Polyphonic ringtones Sony Ericsson Timescape™ Speakerphone Twitter™ (Timescape™ integration) Vibrating alert	Call list Conference calls Facebook™ application Google Talk™ Polyphonic ringtones Skype™ Sony Ericsson Timescape™ Speakerphone Twitter™ (Timescape™ integration) Vibrating alert Video chat ready
Messaging	Conversations Email Google Mail™ Instant messaging Picture messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Sound recorder Text messaging (SMS)	Conversations Email Google Mail™ Handwriting recognition Instant messaging Picture messaging (MMS) Predictive text input Sound recorder Text messaging (SMS) Type & Send widget
Design	Auto rotate Four corner home screen Keyboard (onscreen, 12 key) Keyboard (onscreen, QWERTY) Picture wallpaper Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine Touchscreen Live wallpaper	Auto rotate Four corner home screen Keyboard (onscreen, 12 key) Keyboard (QWERTY) Keyboard (onscreen, QWERTY) Picture wallpaper Reality Display with Sony Mobile BRAVIA® Engine Smart Keyboard Touchscreen Live wallpaper
Entertainment	3D games Media browser Radio (FM radio with RDS) Video streaming YouTube™	3D games Media browser Radio (FM radio with RDS) Video streaming YouTube™
Organiser	Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Document readers E-Manual Flight mode Google Calendar™ Google Gallery 3D™ Infinite button Phone book Setup Wizard Widget manager	Alarm clock Calculator Calendar Document readers E-Manual Flight mode Google Calendar™ Google Gallery™ 3D Infinite button Phone book Setup Wizard Widget manager
Connectivity	3.5 mm audio jack aGPS Bluetooth™ technology DLNA Certified™ Google Latitude™ Google Maps™ with Street View Media Transfer Protocol support Micro USB support Modem Synchronisation via Facebook™ Synchronisation via Google™ Sync Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync Synchronisation: Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® via Moxier Client Synchronisation: Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® USB mass storage USB High speed 2.0 support Wi-Fi™ Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation	3.5 mm audio jack aGPS Bluetooth™ technology DLNA Certified™ Google Latitude™ Google Maps™ with Street View Media Transfer Protocol support Micro USB support Modem Synchronisation via Facebook™ Synchronisation via Google™ Sync Synchronisation via Sony Ericsson Sync Synchronisation: Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® via Moxier Client Synchronisation: Microsoft® Exchange ActiveSync® USB mass storage USB High speed 2.0 support Wi-Fi™ Wisepilot™ turn-by-turn navigation
Display	Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 16,777,216 colour TFT Capacitive touchscreen (multi-touch) 3 inches 320 x 480 pixels Scratch-resistant mineral glass	Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine 16,777,216 colour TFT Capacitive touchscreen (multi-touch) 3 inches 320 x 480 pixels Scratch-resistant mineral glass
Memory	Phone memory (user-free): up to 320MB Memory card support: microSD™, up to 32GB Memory card included: 2GB microSD™	Phone memory (user-free): up to 320MB Memory card support: microSD™, up to 32GB Memory card included: 2GB microSD™
Battery life	Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 4 hrs 30 min* Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 340 hrs* Talk time UMTS: Up to 4 hrs 30 min* Standby time UMTS: Up to 320 hrs* Music listening time: Up to 25 hrs* Video playback time: Up to 6 hrs*	Talk time GSM/GPRS: Up to 5 hrs 40 min* Standby time GSM/GPRS: Up to 331 hrs* Talk time UMTS: Up to 5 hrs 25 min* Standby time UMTS: Up to 340 hrs* Music listening time: Up to 29 hrs* Video playback time: Up to 5 hrs 45 min*
Networks	UMTS HSPA 900, 2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 UMTS HSPA 850, 1900, 2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900	UMTS HSPA 900, 2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900 UMTS HSPA 850, 1900, 2100 GSM GPRS/EDGE 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Accessories	Xperia™ mini, 1200mAh removable battery, stereo portable handsfree, 2GB microSD™ memory card, charger, micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer, user documentation, AN400 in-car charger  & EC450 in-car charger micro USB cable and one additional back cover.	Xperia™ mini pro, 1200mAh exchangeable battery, stereo portable handsfree, 2GB microSD™ memory card, charger, micro USB cable for charging, synchronisation and file transfer, AN400 in-car charger  & EC450 in-car charger micro USB cable and user documentation.
Additional Bundling	AN400 Car Charger + EC450 charger cable	AN400 Car Charger + EC450 charger cable
RRP	RM699	RM799

I think there’s a huge reason for making the minis pink. Ladies?

A notice has been served that the Android phone application is violating the Terms of Use of The Star’s website.
Users and readers of The Star can now get the official app from Star Publications (M) Berhad.

What does this mean to you if you’re one of those 18k users?

If you do not uninstall the app, or clear your data, the app will remain on your phone until you chose to remove it. Once removed, as it will not be found in the Android Market, there will not be any options to get it anymore. I’m not giving out the APK, sorry.

To those who had problem running it in your phone, especially custom ROMS, this means you’re not going to get a fix too. Sorry.

To those who had made a donation, I thank you and will continue to find a way to support you in the future.

To those who had signed up for the ‘Goodies and Updates’, I would like to request for your patience, as I will have something in store for you real soon.

This small project was a personal and community project (CodeAndroid Malaysia) and I believe has served its purpose when there wasn’t an official app.

Now that the official app has been published, it’s time for retirement. Thank you for your understanding.

While the number of Android phones are over 300 models now, it just a matter of price and some differences in specifications.

I have been waiting for a successor for my Nexus One (also a HTC manufactured phone), but have not been absolutely awed by any.

I had a very very short moment with the HTC Evo 3D and I had a feeling that this could be it.

Specifications:
Size:126mm x 65mm x 12.05mm
4.96″ x 2.56″ x 0.47″ 　
Weight:170 grams (6.0 ounces) with battery 　
Display:4.3-inch 3D touch screen 　
Screen:109 mm (4.3″) – 540 x 960 qHD resolution
CPU Processing Speed: 1.2 GHz, dual core
StorageInternal phone storage: 1 GB
RAM: 1 GB
CAMERA!
Dual 5 megapixel color camera:
* Capture 2D photos with up to 5 megapixel resolution
* Capture 3D photos with up to 2 megapixel resolution
* Auto focus and dual power LED flash
Front camera:
* 1.3 megapixel fixed focus color camera
HD video recording:
* Record 2D/3D videos with up to 720p resolution
Platform: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

The most attracting feature of this is it’s camera capability of taking 3D photos and videos.
I think you got to see it with your own eyes to believe it.
I will definitely need more time to get acquainted with it to fall entirely in love but the first impression was very good!

Ah, and the following video shows WiFi printing too!

My first impression from the look of it is – It’s so Blackberry.

The special feature of this phone seems to be its tight integration with Facebook.
A dedicated Facebook button that shares your photo, video, and links with just the button press.

While the QWERTY keyboard is a nice feature for those who likes a physical keyboard, the smaller touch screen leaves less space for you to touch and for apps to display.

Specifications
Display - 2.6-inch touch screen with 480 x 320 resolution
CPU speed – 800 MHz
Memory- ROM: 512 MB
– RAM: 512 MB
Camera - 5 megapixel color camera with auto focus and LED flash
– VGA front camera
Platform - Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Detailed specification : http://www.htc.com/sea/product/chacha/specification.html

In Malaysia, HTC ChaCha Retail Price is RM1099 and Maxis is running a virtual queue for the first 200 of its Facebook fans to get it for RM299 with a 24 months contract.

From 22 July 2010 onwards, this phone will be available at RM499 with a 24 months contract.

100 million Android fans can’t be wrong

Interesting points to note :

1. Every day another 400,000 Android devices are activated.
2. At last count, Android software was on more than 300 different phones and tablets around the world.
3. For some consumers the Android brand has surpassed Google in coolness. Google is corporate (though new CEO Larry Page aims to make the company more like a startup); Android’s image is edgy and youthful.
4. Google’s competitors have taken notice. Oracle (ORCL) is suing Google, claiming Android infringes patents held by its Sun unit. HP in 2010 acquired device maker Palm and is planning to use its webOS in its new tablet. Nokia earlier this year contemplated replacing its Symbian platform with Android in most smartphones, but instead teamed up with Microsoft, whose revamped Windows Phone 7 is a big improvement over previous versions.

Source: Fortune

Watch the video below (in HD) for the launch event of the Xperia arc with a dancing Android mascot.

Some highlights of the Xperia Arc phone.

- Runs on Google Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

- Sony’s reality display technology of Mobile BRAVIA engine making images appear at least 33% brighter than on traditional display.

- 8.1MP camera with Sony’s Exmor R imaging sensor, producing pictures and videos even in low light environment

At the demo booth, there are boxes with Android logo, when the phone is placed on top of the box, covering the only opening with the camera lens, the Android logo is still visible by the camera sensor. True awesomeness.

- 4.2″ multi-touch display, 854×480 pixels (FWVGA)

- HDMI-connector built-in, view videos, pictures and even play games in HD on TVs via HDMI cable

- Built-in apps includes TrackID (think Shazam), Whatsapp, FourSquare

Built-in apps in the Xperia Arc
TrackID™: Sony Ericsson’s proprietary music recognition system that records a small sample of a song playing in the background, and displays artist, song and album info in a matter of seconds.

WhatsApp: WhatsApp Messenger uses 3G or WiFi connectivity when available to freely message family and friends, exchanging messages, pictures, audio notes and video messages.

Foursquare: Foursquare is a location-based app that helps you find new ways to explore places, see where your friends are, learn about these places they frequent and unlock rewards as you go along.

The phone package includes exclusive in-box content worth RM 429 that consists of a HDMI cable, in-car charger, 8GB memory card, screen protector and the Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset (Hi-Fi Wireless Headset with FM Radio MW600).

Pricing
This is for the official devices from Sony Ericsson.

You can get them contract-free from any Sony Ericsson Exclusive Stores and selected Sony Style stores at the recommended retail price of RM 2,099.

You can also get the Xperia Arc from Maxis with a 12 or 18 or 24 months contract at RM1,749 or 1,599, or RM 1,499 respectively.
The deal is you need to sign up for the Maxis Value Plans of 50, 80, 150, 250 or 500) with a data bundle package of 500MB or 1.5GB or 3GB).
Customers for this package are also eligible for RM10 monthly rebate on the monthly data plan.

For more information and demonstration, you can head on to the Sony Ericsson and Maxis booth at Mid Valley Megamall.

Or checkout the website of Sony Ericsson’s or Maxis.

However, eventually with later versions of the SDK, I gave in.

It is actually a good idea to save your contacts online, to the cloud.

When you lost your phone, you do not really need to scurry all over printing notices like these when all things important are just your contacts.

If you have Sync your Contacts via Accounts & sync under the Settings Menu, your contacts should be safe with you.

You can either access it from http://google.com/contacts or once you have another Android phone, all the contacts will be sync over to the device.

You’d be glad to be able to recover all phone contacts you thought you might have otherwise lost.