Mobile Phone News

Filed under: Handsets, Software, HTC, T-Mobile, Android

We already found that the Cupcake branch of Android made available a software keyboard on Nokia’s line of Internet Tablets, and at this time that very functionality is being showcased on a bona fide T-Mobile G1. We can’t say how stoked we are to see a real deal on-screen keyboard on the handset, and we’re even more jazzed about the eventual release of these caloric goodies to the masses. Have a look yourself at the vid just after the break.

[Thanks, TareX]

Continue reading Cupcake’s on-screen keyboard shown on T-Mobile G1

Cupcake’s on-screen keyboard shown on T-Mobile G1 originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software, Apple, OS X

Okay, any talk that consistency in Apple’s approval process for the App Store has improved definitely has to be put on hold at this point; first we had that BdEmailer situation that duplicates functionality (albeit shoddily) of the iPhone’s own email capabilities, and at this time we have official confirmation that Google did a no-no when it slipped its voice-powered search through the checkpoint. The problem is that enabling the automatic voice detection requires use of an undocumented API call for the proximity sensor that Apple neither guarantees nor approves use of, meaning firmware updates can break it at will. In and of itself, that’s not a very big indiscretion on Google’s part since they’re probably committed to keeping it up-to-date, but the real issue is that this violates an explicit rule of the App Store that bans the use of undocumented calls. Apple, guys, seriously: if you want to be jerks about what gets through and what doesn’t, fine — but at least do it consistently so it doesn’t look like you’re favoring companies run by members of your own executive board (or in the case of BdEmailer, companies that are Makea bang-up job of making your own products look better).

[Via mocoNews]

Confirmed: Google was naughty, broke App Store rules with iPhone app originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Software, Apple

Recently we were sent a PR email about an iPhone app called BdEmailer. No big deal, press releases about new iPhone applications show up in our box in large bundles every day — but this one was different. According to the release, the program is the “the first wide email iPhone app that supports client SMTP.” That means, in essence, that it duplicates an exact function of Apple’s Mail application on the iPhone and touch. That’s kind of a very big deal, because up until this point we’ve been led to believe that this duplication of functionality is one of the company’s red flags when it comes to approval. at this time mind you, we’re not complaining. The idea of having more apps to choose from for Makethings like sending email is a great idea, but Apple… what the hell is continue? You refused MailWrangler and Podcaster for similar reasons, yet BdEmailer passes through your review process, SMTP functionality intact? This means one of two things as far as we can tell — either you’ve relaxed your policies on duplicate functionality, or you’ve gotten incredibly lazy when it comes to approving applications. We’re inclined to believe it’s the latter, as BdEmailer has a fair share of bugs that need working out, but really, people need some clarification in this place on what will and won’t pass — and moving the goalpost all the time isn’t plan to help.

Apple approves third-party email client for the App Store, violates its own policies originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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