MWC Day 2 Recap: Android, Android Everywhere!

It was day 2 (almost on its way to day 3)  of the MWC in Barcelona and it was Android’s day to shine. Several carriers and smartphone makers announced today that they will be launching devices powered by Google’s Android OS. First up, Vodafone announced that it will launch HTC’s Magic, the keyboard-less G1. Following up on Vodafone’s announcement with 1-2-3 punches, Heuwei launched its sleek-looking Android device; Acer is working on 2 Android based devices while Samsung does one better by launching 3 Android devices and potentially a Linux Mobile phone too.

In other news, Nokia announced that it will bundle Skype software on all its N-series phones starting with the N97.  Also, a group of 17 phone manufacturers and carriers, under  the auspices of GSM, adopted the universal charger standard. Phone manufacturers including LG, Samsung, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and operators like AT&T, Orange, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Telefonica agreed to use the microUSB socket as the standard power sockets on all their phones by 2012. Key holdouts include Apple, RIM and Palm, though RIM already uses MiniUSB on its Blackberry devices.

GSM-only Blackberry Storm passes FCC

For all those who are not on Verizon Wireless (or hate it) but have been envying the Blackberry Storm, there is some good news. FCC has approved the GSM-only Blackberry Storm. According to Boy Genius Report, the specs for this phone are:

• 1GB of memory, 192MB RAM
• 1400 mAhr battery. Standby time: 528 hours
• MicroUSB port
• MicroSD and MicroSDHC expandable up to 8GB
• 3.2 megapixel camera, flash, 2.5x digital zoom, auto focus, and image stabilization
• Video capture. Normal mode (480×320) and MMS mode (176×144)
• Assisted GPS – Enhanced version of GPS that performs at a faster speed
• Quad-band

There is one downside in that it does not appear to have tri-band HSDPA, which means that it might not be able to leverage AT&T’s 3G network. However, all of you waiting breathlessly, relax, you will get your Storm soon. In the meantime, if you are eligible US voter, take a break from reading this and other news, go out and vote! It is only the most important election in US history. (Sorry, I have to do my part for the cause).

[Via Boy Genius Report]

LG Viewty: Camera that can call?

LG is coming out with a new phone called Viewty aka LG KU990, that is more camera than a phone. It has all the standard features of a smartphone including Java support, Microsoft Office document support, and contact management. It also includes the Google package: Google Search, e-Blogger, Gmail™ and Google Maps™ for mobile handsets. Based on GSM technology, it comes with 100MB internal memory, 2Gb microSD card slot, and has 240X400 touch screen with handwriting recognition. But, boy, what a camera it is. It comes with largest resolution in camera-phone so far, 5Mpxl, with both auto and manual focus capabilities, 4 ISO settings 100, 200, 400 & 800, image stabilization, and high-speed video recording with 120 frames per second. I can’t wait to get my hands on this puppy! Sadly, no word on whether it will be released in US yet.