If the iPhone just isn’t for you, then Google has an option, and its called Android. No, its not a robot, its a mobile handset OS. Now, before you follow the link, know that the people over at Android Community are stark, raving mad. Yes, they’re lunatics and then some. They have six videos and at least 50 images of Android in action, an event Google set up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you’re ready, here’s the link.

written by Tyler Regas

Wanna make apps for the iPhone? So do a lot of people. Its easy to do, if you can code. Just hop on over to Apple’s Developer Connection, get a free account, and download the SDK. Just be aware that all development needs to happen on a Mac OS X-capable machine. Oh, and if you don’t have an iPhone to test on, there’s a conveniently provided emulator. Nice, eh?

written by Tyler Regas

Betcha thought the HP 2133 Mini-Note was an HP design. I sure did. Man, can I be a dupe. Anyway, it turns out that VIA is the mother of that slick lappy, and they’ve opened up their reference design to anyone who wants a stab at it. Of course, this is a hardware reference design, so its not like hacking Linux, but if you have plans to sell microlappies, this might be the way to go. I signed up for a free account and received my account information immediately. I validated the account request and voila! I’m in. Now, don’t go expecting delivery of the MoboDojo MicroLappy ‘486 anytime soon, kids.

written by Tyler Regas

Here’s an interesting one. Ubuntu, the Linux-based OS which is being touted as the first distribution of the open source project which is truly accessible to general users, is apparently heading to a Sharp Zaurus near you. Okay, you’ll have to put it on there yourself and you’ll have to acquire the Zaurus if you don’t already have one, and THEN you’ll have to run it in an emulator to add stuff to it before finally copying it over to your device, but it works. I’d say hop on this one right now only if you are Linux savvy, adventurous, and don’t use your Zaurus for anything else. It is pretty damn cool, though. [Source: Linux Devices]

written by Tyler Regas

If you’ve been dreaming of the day when XM Radio and Sirius Satellite would climb into bed together and cuddle, it may be coming. The Department of Justice has approved the merger of the two. Now, however, its off to the FCC for approval. In case you didn’t know, the FCC holds more sway than the DOJ in these cases. Instead of a link, here’s the entire press release:

MERGER OF SIRIUS AND XM CLEARS DOJ

XM and SIRIUS Working with FCC to Secure Final Regulatory Approval

New York and Washington – March 24, 2008 – SIRIUS Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) and XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has informed the companies that it has ended its investigation into the pending merger of SIRIUS and XM without taking action to block the transaction. This decision means the DOJ has concluded that the merger is not anti-competitive and it will allow the transaction to proceed. SIRIUS and XM each obtained stockholder approval in November 2007. The pending merger is still subject to approval of the Federal Communications Commission.

written by Tyler Regas

On the heels of the ridiculously awesome iPhone SDK and associated services announcements of last week, several big outfits have announced that they will be coding for the pocket computer. First out of the gate was Sun announcing that it would port Java to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Sun has stated that its already had some developers working with the SDK. GameLoft has also made an official announcement and says it will have 15 titles for 2008, all based on the Apple iPhone SDK. I’m pleased these won’t be ports or Java. id hasn’t made an official announcement, but when John Carmack talks about doing stuff it tends to be true. Mr. Carmack has announced id will support iPhone as well via a Slashdot post.

written by Tyler Regas

In yet another super cool and open gesture, OpenMoko has announced that they have made the CAD files for their Neo handsets and hardware available to anyone who wants them. The aim is to promote the growth of open source products and to allow anyone to bring advancement and innovation to their system. The CAD files and associated data are available under the ShareAlike Creative Commons license and you can grab them here (NOTE: No registration required, just download!).

written by Tyler Regas

Based on the 65nm processor in Apple’s MacBook Air, Intel’s new 45nm Atom and Centrino Atom chips is the chipmaker’s new line-up in what it expects to the coming mobile computer war. Intel expects to put these in Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and some of those cool device mockups Intel was showing at CES. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about these sometime soon.

written by Tyler Regas

Trolltech, the software shop which has recently been acquired by Nokia, has announced that they have made their popular QT development framework available for Windows Mobile and Window CE. This release allows all applications developed for QT to work on devices which run compatible versions of WinMo and WinCE. Traditionally, the QT framework has been run under Linux environments. This release not only expands Trolltech’s reach towards its QT Everywhere goal, but also raises questions about Nokia’s plans for handset operating systems.

written by Tyler Regas