New DMCA exception allows you to ‘root’ or hack your phone.

The Library of Congress has added a new anti-circumvention provision to the Digital Millenium Copyright Act that allows people to ‘tweak’ their phones for the purpose of installing legally obtained software. By ‘tweaking’, they mean “jailbreaking” for iDevices and “rooting” for most Android devices. The full statement is below:

Computer programs that enable wireless telephone handsets to execute software applications, where circumvention is accomplished for the sole purpose of enabling interoperability of such applications, when they have been lawfully obtained, with computer programs on the telephone handset.

Engadget said it best when they said that this doesn’t mean that Apple suddenly has to open its doors to the jailbreaking world, simply that they can’t sue anyone for doing it. Also, Apple can still go after developer teams that specifically distributes these jailbreaks.

HTC Desire and Nexus One Going Super LCD

HTC has officially announces that they will be swapping out the current AMOLED displays in the HTC Desire and Nexus One to new Super LCD versions. The reason for the change? According to HTC, it has to do with the demand for 3.7 inch display smartphones as well as availability of AMOLED.

“The SLCD displays provide consumers with a comparable visual experience to HTC’s current 3.7 inch displays with some additional benefits including battery performance,” said HTC CEO Peter Chou.

Apple Expands iPhone 4 Launch to 17 More Countries

A statement from Apple indicates that the iPhone 4 will arrive in 17 more countries this Friday, June 30th. The countries set to release this Friday are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. This will join the existing 5 countries to make the iPhone available in a total of 21 countries.

For those countries not mentioned, Apple says: “iPhone 4 will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.”

Related posts:

1. Mobile Monday Madness: Google App Inventor, Apple Class Action Suit Approved, New comScore Stats
2. Mobile Monday Madness: Droid 2 Leaked, Antennagate Responses, iChatr Pulled from App Store
3. Camera Wars: Droid Incredible vs Nexus One

TIME Mobile Comes to Android for Free

As reported by MobileContentToday, TIME has released their brand new, free app for Android called “TIME Mobile”. The app features a magazine style look, and all of the sections featured from TIME’s website. You may also use the app to read the different sections featured and can swipe over to them with ease. Also worth pointing out is that the app may be used in both portrait and landscape which will help when Android tablets start releasing sometime in the future. If you’d like to download the app for yourself, search “TIME Mobile” on the Market or scan the QR code on the AndroidZoom Android Market.

How to Find Live Wallpaper

One of the best features of Android (2.1 or higher) is the ability to have Live Wallpaper light up and dance on your home screen. While phones that run Android 2.1 come with some stock Live Wallpapers, they don’t fit the bill for everyone. AndroidCreations.net looks to help fix that, as it is a website dedicated to Live Wallpapers and showcasing them to you.

You may find images in their handy thumbnail view, along with videos and AppBrain links. Of course, not every Live Wallpaper is free, but may be worth it for that added customization.

Aol’s New Pair of Android Apps

Aol, looking to cash in on the Android rush, has released a few Android apps. The first app they have released is simply called “Aol” and appears to be a simple portal to the featured sites that Aol encompasses. From sites such as Engadget and Moviefone to general news and AIM, the app seems to have it all when it comes to Aol. One other neat feature is the ability to Voice Search and customize the app’s color.

The other app is called “Aol Daily Finance” and basically allows you to monitor the stock market however you need to, with ease and elegance. Along with this access, you can also have it bring in your personal stock portfolio and get detailed information about any company’s stocks.

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Nook App Released for Android

Barnes & Noble has officially released the first version of their Nook e-reader app onto the Android Market. Similar to the Amazon Kndle app, the Nook app comes with several free sample books. Currently, there are over 500,000 free e-Books available and even every paid e-Book comes with a free preview.

The stark difference between this app and the Kindle is the option to lend e-Books to other users. This should help newcomers to the e-Reader world become a bit more comfortable with the idea of digital books.

Android 2.1 Is Now the Dominant Android Version

The latest numbers (dated July 15th) show that Android 2.1 “Eclair” is now the most used version of the Android OS, with 55.5% of users having that version. Froyo only currently holds 3.3%, and the older versions losing ground quickly.

Droid X Screen Troubles

Many users have reported issues with their  brand new Motorola Droid X phones, in which the screen flickers when trying to use it. Verizon has responded to the issue by acknowledging that “a very small number of Droid X units that have experienced a flickering or banding display.” and that you may return your Droid X for a new, problem-less device if you have this problem. Sounds like Verizon is really taking care of its customers this time.

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2. Barnes and Noble Pushing Update to Nook Offering Web Browsing and Games
3. Android News Wrap-Up: Goodbye Nexus One, Droid Incredible Update, How to Change Software Keyboards

Droid 2 Pictures Leaked

While Motorola has been very hush-hush about the announcement of the Droid 2, this hasn’t stopped some anxious people who just simply can’t wait to get a peek at the new device. On the official Droid Does site for Verizon, a few people have deciphered a code on the site and recovered images of the phone in a flash file. While images of the Droid 2 have been floating around for a long time, these images mark the first ‘official’ confirmation of the device.

The images clearly show that it looks very similar to the original Droid with large screen, 4 buttons, 5MP camera, slide-out keyboard and more. The full spec sheet will have to wait until the Droid 2 is officially announced however.

Other Smartphone Makers Respond to Apple’s ‘Antennagate’ Conference

While Apple did announce some sort of compensation for irritated iPhone 4 buyers on Friday, they also criticized other smartphone manufacturers in their antenna development as well, saying that the iPhone 4 problem is in “virtually all other smartphones.” and not just the new iPhone.

Nokia responded to Apple’s claims by saying that they “prioritize antenna performance over physical design if they are ever in conflict,” which some have interpreted as Nokia saying that their phones are ugly, but at least you can use them to make a call.

RIM, makers of the Blackberry series have also responded to Apple a bit more aggressively: “Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable,” said RIM spokesmen Mike Lazaridis and Jime Balsillie, in a statement. “Apple’s claims about RIM products appear to be deliberate attempts to distort the public’s understanding of an antenna design issue and to deflect attention from Apple’s difficult situation. RIM is a global leader in antenna design and has been successfully designing industry-leading wireless data products with efficient and effective radio performance for over 20 years. During that time, RIM has avoided designs like the one Apple used in the iPhone 4 and instead has used innovative designs which reduce the risk for dropped calls, especially in areas of lower coverage. One thing is for certain, RIM’s customers don’t need to use a case for their BlackBerry smartphone to maintain proper connectivity. Apple clearly made certain design decisions and it should take responsibility for these decisions rather than trying to draw RIM and others into a situation that relates specifically to Apple.”

Motorola has also responded with: “It is disingenuous to suggest that all phones perform equally. In our own testing we have found that Droid X performs much better than iPhone 4 when held by consumers.”

It’s no surprise they would be somewhat angry over Apple’s comments considering that the smartphone environment is currently extremely competitive.

iChatr Removed from App Store

Lastly, a quick story popped up over the weekend concerning the iChatr app on the iPhone App Store. We reported on the release of the App last week, but it appears that was all short lived as Apple has reportedly pulled the app entirely, with likely no return in site. The reason? Well, it’s not surprising at least:

“The iChatr application has currently been removed from the App Store due to reports of a number of users exposing themselves during the random video chat sessions. We are currently discussing possible solutions to the problem with Apple.”

It was fun while it lasted, I suppose. I guess we’ll just have to stick with Chat Roulette for random video chat.

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Say Goodbye to the Nexus One

While Android continues its rise to the top (in a high-powered rocket, no less), that doesn’t come without its fair share of growing pains as well. The Nexus One, while not officially dead, was Google’s flagship phone when it released in January so it’s a bit sad to see it saying its final goodbyes. While the phone will still be sold in the Europe and Asian markets, its time in the US appears to be limited unless a solution is found. Google announced they have received what is to be the phone’s final shipment from HTC, so supplies are going to be limited. Google’s official statement reads:

“Earlier this year, we announced that we will be closing the Nexus One web store. This week we received our last shipment of Nexus One phones. Once we sell these devices, the Nexus One will no longer be available online from Google. Customer support will still be available for current Nexus One customers. And Nexus One will continue to be sold by partners including Vodafone in Europe, KT in Korea, and possibly others based on local market conditions.”

Droid Incredible Receives Update for 720p Video

In what is likely a reactionary move towards the iPhone, Verizon and HTC have pushed an update to the Droid Incredible adding 720p video recording, WiFi Hotspot capabilities, a new boot animation to match the Droid X and the Amazon MP3 store. AndroidCentral is reporting that a few new HTC widgets have also been added in the update.

The update appears to be rolling out rather slowly so just be patient until the update manages to hit your phone. Seems like a worthwhile update for the Incredible!

How To Change Your Software Keyboard on Android

AndroidCentral has a neat video showcasing how to change your software keyboard on your Android device. They are much better at explaining it than I am, so I’m just going to let their video do the talking.

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Verizon and Motorola Launch the Droid X

We’ve heard about it, we’ve seen commercials about it, we’ve even read reviews about it; but now, the Droid X is finally here. Well, assuming your local Verizon store has enough stock that is. As was in our Thursday Throwdown just last week, the Droid X is likely sold out just about everywhere as the phone appears to be flying off the shelves this week. With specs like these, however, it’s easy to get excited:

• 4.4-inch, FWVGA 854 x 480-resolution screen
• Android 2.1 with “some new sort of Motoblur”
• 8-megapixel camera
• Ability to record 720p video
• Multitouch keyboard
• 1GHz ARMv7 processor
• 8GB of storage space

If you’d prefer not to go to a store, you may order from Verizon’s website. However, delays are to be expected on the web as well (I’m sure it would be well worth it though!).

Android Market Now Serving Over 70,000 Apps

Google’s Senior VP of Product Management Jonathan Rosenburg announced during a second-quarter earnings call that the Android Market now has over 70,000 applications. That 70,000 is a gain of around 2,000 since mid-June at the Droid X event. Interesting however, that the count is lower than the 100,000 that Androlib (an Android app aggregator) currently states. I’d be willing to go with Google’s number first, however.

Hp Cancels Android Tablet

HP, now in the ownership of Palm, has been working on several tablets that run “Several Operating Systems.” However, All Things Digital’s John Paczkowski has reportedly received a tip that the Android tablet has been canned:

Hewlett Packard is working on a variety of tablet PCs, running a variety of operating systems. Among them, an Android device that was supposed to arrive at market in the fourth quarter of 2010. But no longer. Sources in position to know tell me that HP’s Android slate has been delayed and won’t ship before the end of the year as planned.” stated Paczkowski.

Oh well, I’m sure whatever they produce using the other OS’s and WebOS will be just fine.

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2. Android News Wrap-Up: Goodbye Nexus One, Droid Incredible Update, How to Change Software Keyboards
3. Android 2.1, Now On Your Droid

Apple’s Big iPhone 4 Problem

As we’ve already posted about, the iPhone 4 has a problem with its antenna signal. When held a certain way (blocking the bottom left black strip), the phone is said to drop reception almost instantly and can even lead to a complete loss of signal. While Apple has released a statement claiming it’s mostly a software issue and that they will release an update soon to fix it, many believe that a recall would be more effective.

Consumer Reports released their full report on the iPhone 4 earlier this week and overall gave the phone a higher rating than its predecessor, but could not recommend it due to the antenna issue being “a hardware issue.” Phone Reception expert Professor Matthew Seeger said: “Apple will be forced to do a recall of this product. It’s critically important. The brand image is the most important thing Apple has. This is potentially devastating.”

Opera Mini 5.1 Out Now for Android

Way back in March, Opera released Opera Mini 5 as an open beta boasting faster page loading and an improved interface. Now, the popular mobile browser is now ready to shed its beta tag with the new 5.1 version now available.

As Mashable points out, the new version does not feature many new improvements except for overall stability and a better page layout for the new phones with giant screens (EVO and Droid X, for instance). You can download this new version on the Android Market or by heading to m.opera.com. Below is a trailer showcasing the features of this alternate browser:

Facebook’s Like Button Headed for Mobile

As reported by Mashable, Eric Tseng, Head of Facebook Mobile at the MobileBeat 2010 conference in San Francisco said that Facebook “really sees mobile as the future” and that we will be seeing the “Like” button in mobile apps very soon.

Tseng further explained how this ties in to Facebook’s Open Graph by explaining “If you were to walk near a coffee shop and get a location-aware notification that there’s a happy hour going on there, you’ll probably be even more inclined to visit it if the notification comes bundled with recommendations from your Facebook friends.”

App discovery will also be a part of Facebook in the future. As Tseng pointed out: “Inevitably, app stores will become more social. As we get more apps, that’s going to be great. But the average user isn’t going to go through thousands of apps on their phone.”

All very interesting news, especially concerning the future of mobile. Now, the question is on you. Should Apple recall the iPhone 4? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Google App Inventor

Today, Google has released a new utility that looks to change the way people create new apps for Android phones. Google App Inventor invites non-coders to develop complete Android apps simply by connecting a series of blocks. App Inventor has been test marketed prior to this release in a few schools and is only still currently available to those who request it and are approved by Google.

The concept isn’t a new idea, but this form of execution really hasn’t been seen before. The Android Market is perfect for this kind of development though, simply due to its open development policies. Also, with the Market quickly gaining on the iTunes App store, this should only help its chances with the almighty “app count”.

Mashable‘s question regarding the App Inventor: Will the apps created with it be worthwhile or just cookie cutter versions of the same app? It’s hard to say at this point, but this move will certainly draw some attention to the Android Market while everyone gets a chance to check it out.

Apple and AT&T’s Class Action iPhone Lawsuit Approved by Judge

A federal judge has approved the class action status of a lawsuit against Apple and AT&T’s “monopolistic practices” concerning the iPhone.

The Associated Press points out that several lawsuits popped up in 2007 and 2008 claiming that Apple and AT&T’s five year exclusivity agreement essentially locked in customers for that entire amount, not just the two year contract they signed when starting service with AT&T.

Along with AT&T issues, Apple is under fire for “driving prices up” and hurting competition by deciding which apps are available on the App Store and which apps users can install. This lawsuit seeks damages caused by these practices, legal fees and an injuction that would require Apple to sell unlocked phones only and stop regulating apps.

Even with their hot new iPhone 4, it seems Apple is finding it difficult to catch a break these days.

comScore Shows Android Still Gaining Rapidly

The last time we checked in with comScore, Android was growing faster than the mobile market itself at an astonishing 5.2% gain. The latest statistics don’t veer too far off of that rate with Android still showing a 4.0% gain for May.

In total, Android now sits at 13% marketshare sitting just behind Microsoft (13.2%) in overall share. I would expect with the new Droid X shipping later this month, Android will quickly overtake Microsoft given the hype around the new device.

RIM is still in the lead with 41.7%, Apple in second with 24.4% (-1.0% loss) but these numbers only reflect the end of May, and therefore do not show how the launch of the iPhone 4 has effected them. Also, the 1% loss is simply likely due to the amount of people waiting for the release of the iPhone 4 as well.

Well, that does it for this week’s edition of Mobile Monday Madness. We’ll see you next week!

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The Android launch has already attracted supporters, some of which include Glu Mobile, Digital Chocolate, Hudson Entertainment, and even indie developer RocketCat Games. According to Slide to Play, OpenFeint Android features include mobile payment options, app discovery, virtual item management and more. Interested developers can learn more here.

Is the move away from the iPhone a direct consequence of Apple’s Game Center? Earlier this year Apple announced Game Center, a service that it appears would effectively make OpenFeint obsolete. Broadening their horizons seems a lot like creating a safety net. However, the cross-platform move can only mean good things for Android users.

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MobileContentToday also believes that saying apps are free is not a curse word as they tend to be of at least decent quality and usually have advertising. Developers have to be grabbing some sort of cash from Google’s Admob service if their apps are being downloaded and used into the hundreds of thousands.

Also, as pointed out, Android has a much larger potential market than other app stores. iPhone is only available on AT&T for instance, which potentially puts a limit on how many users can use iOS devices. Verizon has several flagship Android phones either available or in development and just happens to be the country’s largest carrier as well.

Are free apps less viable than paid ones? I would say it depends on the market and if there is other compensation. Ads are a great way to make up money that’s otherwise lost on free apps. Perhaps iPhone users are better trained to buy apps rather than look for free alternatives.

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