Nexus S 4G - Unlocking bootloader

I'm going to start this off with a disclaimer: We all know the Nexus S and Nexus S 4G are developer phones, and as such, they're (supposed to be) easy to crack open. While things (like unlocking the bootloader) can go pretty swimmingly, I'll be the first to point out that getting all the appropriate drivers on your computer is a bit of a hassle, so if you're not willing to do some homework beforehand, root is not for you.

That being said, I will guide you through the initial steps of getting all the drivers on your computer so you can proceed with this if you want to, so join me after the break if you're willing to take the plunge.

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It looks like Samsung's finally rolled out its first commercial for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, and while it's not quite in the same vein as its phone offerings, it's still a fun watch -- and takes a swipe or two at the iPad 2.

I think we can all agree it's not quite that easy to convince someone to go and spend hundreds of dollars on a tablet, but nice try in making it look that way. Also, the Flash bit has definitely been a point of contention for a while now, but did it need airtime?

At any rate, I think Sammy's got a good ball rolling now, especially with that slogan. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to Tab.

Source: YouTube; via the Android Central Forums

 

If you love Angry Birds, you'll not want to miss this one. T-Mobile, at the behest of... someone, built a giant, live-action Angry Birds contraption that seems to respond to the on-screen game.

It definitely looks like the whole thing was a blast, based on the large mob that assembles and then all proceeds to take out their smartphones to record video. Brilliant.

So by all means, watch the video and chuckle, but be ready for this reality: next time you boot up Angry Birds on your little 4" screens, you're going to be sad for yourself.

Source: YouTube; Thanks Marshy!

 

Samsung Dart on T-Mobile

For those people looking for a good, mid-level Android device to start them on their Android journey, the Samsung Dart is right around the corner. It's sporting a 3MP camera, an included 2GB microSD card, and comes with Swype preinstalled.

For those who think the HTC Sensation might be a bit too much phone for them, the Dart might be the way to go.

Source: TmoNews

 


Youtube link for mobile viewing

Hear ye, hear ye, all musicians and readers of sheet music. Pretty soon you too will be able to flip through your digital purchases of sheet music on your Android tablet of your choice, removing the need things like paper and folders that we've all grown accustomed to.

It definitely looks like it'll only show music you've bought from Musicnotes.com, but with such an expansive catalog, you'll probably be able to find what you're looking for. Say the developers:

"Over the last few months we've been hard at work creating an Android app for our customers to be able to access their sheet music. It's based on the things that have worked well on the iPad app (which has been downloaded over 100,000 times) -- and will have a few extras that Android allows us to do that Apple doesn't."

Pretty cool stuff, especially if you're the type of person who is used to hauling around a couple of 3-inch binders filled with music. The app is set for release sometime this summer, so as soon as we know it's out, we'll let y'all know.

Source: YouTube; Thanks, Bill!

 

Starting today, users of Google Maps (desktop and mobile versions) will be able to see live transit updates, informing them if their ride is actually going to show up on time. Google's managed to make this magic happen by partnering with transit agencies in four US cities and two in Europe.

If you're living in Boston; Portland, Ore.; San Diego; San Francisco; Madrid; or Turin, Italy; you'll be able to take advantage of this service immediately.

Getting live data is as easy as clicking on a transit station or planning a transit route with Google Maps. Pretty cool, no?

If you live in a launch city, hop on your app and let us know how it performs. I'm sure this will be nothing but a boon to those who rely on public transit in their everyday lives.

Source: Google Mobile Blog

 

We already knew TouchWiz would be a separate download for the Galaxy Tab 10.1, but when the update eventually arrives, this is what we're expecting to be part of the download. Keep in mind this is on a Galaxy Tab 8.9 (and it's a developer unit), but Samsung probably isn't going to completely revise TouchWiz for Tablets between now and launch.

It looks like we're still packing the Associated Press widget, picture frame, date/time, weather, stock quotes, and the like. Kudos to Sammy for not completely butchering Honeycomb in order to leave their lasting mark. The TouchWiz notification area looks pretty slick, as well.

One of the more interesting additions is the "mini apps tray" which looks like it could definitely lead to more legal posturing between Samsung and Apple, but I digress. Aside from the look of it, though, the functionality seems awesome.

So how do Samsung's TouchWiz additions strike you? Useful and slick, or unnecessary bloat? Does this compel anyone to get a Galaxy Tab or not get one? Let us know. We're listening.

Source: YouTube

 

Google Books in the UK

Don't take this as gospel, but it looks like certain Nexus S users are able to download the latest offerings of Books and Music from the Android Market.

As of now it's hard to tell if this is some sort of glitch or if it signifies an impending UK rollout, but if you're a Nexus S user in the UK, keep your eyes peeled in the Market and let us know what you find.

More info as we get it, but as always, sound off and let us know if you find it (or if you don't).

Source: Android Central Forums

 

Pantech Crossover on AT&T

Ah, the Pantech Crossover. It's fresh on the scene, but I think people are still wondering, who is it for? It's got a slide out keyboard but the rest of the hardware definitely alienates some.

It's small, it's compact, and it looks like it's ready to go on mountain hikes with you, just so you can send a snapshot from the top of Mount Everest when you're up there.

Is it the phone for you? Maybe so. Pictures and video are after the break.

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Samsung Exhibit 4G and Samsung Gravity Smart

When we first covered the Exhibit 4G and the Gravity Smart, all we knew was that June was the month they'd be released. There was nary a launch date in sight, but today, that's been rectified.

Both the Samsung Exhibit 4G and the Samsung Gravity Smart are slated for a June 22 release, so if you're aiming for more of a mid-level phone, this is one to consider. (Plus, it comes out two days earlier than that other phone people have been talking about.)

Source: TmoNews