Menno's blog

Itching to get the Wall Street Journal on your Android device?  If you have a Galaxy Tab, you can.  In an unusual move, the Journal released an app for Android tablets before/without having one available for traditional handsets.  

When asked about the reason for the timing of their release, they responded:

“Our strategy is to serve readers whenever, wherever, and it’s critical that the Journal’s unparalleled news and analysis are available in a high-quality format across multiple devices and platforms,” said Daniel Bernard, chief product officer for The Wall Street Journal Digital Network. ”The WSJ Tablet Edition for Android continues to blend the best of print and online with an experience that showcases our strength of innovation and original delivery of content.”

The app will allow users to read stories from that day's newspaper, retrieve stock market information, and view full screen videos from the news service.  The daily paper will be "delivered" every morning once it is published, downloading to your device automatically.

The app itself is free, but to gain access to all content, there will be a $3.99-a-week subscription fee.  Current Journal subscribers can gain access to the full tablet app free for a limited time.

The Journal might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a sign that big companies are starting to notice Android's growth.  

If you have a tablet and you want to give it a try, let us know how it looks. Download links are after the break.  [Via an.droid-life.com and The Next Web]

Minor Android legend (or major Android celebrity) p3droid has posted some interesting screenshots from a new OS update reportedly for the Motorola Droid 2.  First, it looks like the Droid 2 is getting Profiles similar to what we see on the Droid Pro.  These will allow you to quickly and easily switch between different homescreen setups as you move through the day.

Another welcome addition is the ability to tether your phone's internet connection to your computer via USB.  HotSpot capability is nice, but choice is always a good thing, right?

P3droid also mentioned that the new update is "wicked fast," so it's more than just an eye candy update.  Any Droid 2 users excited about getting profiles on their device? [Via MyDroidWorld]

Want to learn a bit more about the Motorola Citrus before it launches on the 11th?  

Our friends at how2moto released a series of helpful videos to help familiarize you with the new entry level device in Verizon's Android Army. Via [How2Moto]

Introducing the Motorola Citrus:

YouTube link for mobile browsers

The Citrus is an all touchscreen device, running Motorola's custom Blur interface over 2.1, sporting a compact, eco-friendly design.

Adding a bookmark shortcut to your Homescreen:

YouTube link for mobile browsers

Whether it's a link to your favorite search engine or your favorite Android Blog, adding a browser shortcut to your Homescreen is a simple process.

Texting with Swype:

YouTube link for mobile browsers

Like many Android devices, the Citrus launches with the popular Swype keyboard, allowing for lightning fast text entry that's both accurate and entertaining.

Enabling the Backtrack Cursor:

YouTube link for mobile browsers

One of the most unique features on the Citrus is the Backtrack Cursor, a way for you to manipulate icons on the screen without getting your fingers in the way of what you want to read.

If you're still looking for more information, check out our Hands On video along with the official press release. You can also discuss the upcoming device in our official forums.

Before the Internet and YouTube, nobody had any interest in watching someone else open boxes.  Now, it's practically a rite of passage. 

Our very own KSmithInNY scored the Sprint version of LG's Optimus line, the Optimus S, two days ahead of launch.  He was kind enough to post his initial thoughts and some unboxing photos on our forums.

But this is Android Central. Anyone can nab an early handset and snap some pictures; our readers root them the same day.  Kevin rooted his Optimus S and created an excellent guide for everyone looking to pick one of these up on Sunday.

If you're interested in reading about the newest member of Sprint's Android family, head on over to our Optimus S Forums and check out his impressions. (Thanks Kevin!)  [Android Central Forums]

VoX Communications is partnering with Nimbuzz to bring their popular cloud-based VoIP network to Android devices in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

 For a monthly fee, VoX will provide you with a calling plan as well as a real U.S., Canadian, or Puerto Rican phone number with no contract required.  This phone number would allow you to call anyone in the US, Canada or Puerto Rico over your WiFi or 3G connection by using the free Nimbuzz VoIP applications without paying your carrier any international long distance rates or a costly unlimited plan.

VoX offers three "Domestic" plans:

• Pay as you go: $4.95/Month @ $.05/Min
• Mobile Out 500: $9.95/Month  @ 500 included minutes, $.05/Min overage
• Mobile Out Unlimited: $24.95/Month
• International pricing is also available here.

 If you're interested in signing up for an account, and want to know how to link it to your Nimbuzz application, check out the official VoX website.

And because this application works entirely over data, it will work on any Android device with the Nimbuzz app installed, like a tablet.  Throw in some Google Voice for texting, and you can have that 7 inch smartphone you always wanted.  Via [IntoMobile]

Stuck in a strange airport on layover and have a sudden craving for coffee that doesn't come from a dispenser?  Clear Channel partnered with Geodelic to bring their free FlySmart application to Android devices.

The application, which currently works in more than 20 airports, will give you at a glance information about terminal exits, restrooms, and shops within your terminal.  If you're waiting for a flight, you can use the built in Flight Tracker to see departing and arriving flight times directly on your device. 

Once you leave the airport, the application will tie into Geodelic's location discovery guide, which will give you ideas on what to do in whatever city you find yourself in. 

Hit the Read More link to see a list of currently supported airports as well as a link to grab the free application for yourself. [FLYsmart via Business Wire]

As we previously reported, Facebook is holding a special mobile event at its headquarters tomorrow where it will announce ...  something.

Will this be the announcement of the previously denied "Facebook Phone"?  Or is Facebook announcing new mobile applications for other operating systems, like Android and iOS.  That former Android lead Erick Tseng moved to Facbeook in May is a great source of speculation, there's really no evidence out there.  They've kept a pretty tight lid on what the announcement will entail, so your guess is as good as ours.  If you have a prediction, share it with us in a comment below.

Have a shiny new G2 and an interest to help developers optimize their applications for your handset?

Qik, the popular video streaming application for Android, is seeking G2 owners to participate in a Beta to test their application for the device.  If you're interested in helping them bring their cross platform application to your device, shoot off an email to support@qik.com with "T-Mobile G2 Beta Test" as the subject line.  

Happy testing! Via [Facebook]

Is your phone not holding calls where it previously had a strong signal?  If you have a CDMA device like those found on Sprint and Verizon, you may need to update your Preferred Roaming List (PRL).

The PRL is a list that allows your phone to roam off of towers that are not part of your native network, such as a sprint phone connecting to a former Alltel tower if none of its own are available.  Because roaming agreements are constantly changing and new towers are added all the time, it's important to keep this list up to date.

For most CDMA carriers (including Verizon), you can update your PRL by dialing *228 and selecting the appropriate option.  For example, on a Verizon phone you dial *228 and then select option 2 and listen to the horrible programming music while your phone downloads the latest PRL.

For Sprint, there are two options.  The first is to contact Sprint Customer Service and get your account approved for an update and then dial *2 and follow the instructions.  If you have an Android device, you can also check your PRL by tapping Home > Menu > Settings > System updates > Update PRL. (Thanks milominderbinder) 

With Verizon prepping its LTE launch and Sprint lighting up new WIMAX markets, both carriers are spending a lot of time and resources ensuring their current 3G networks are optimized.  This means a lot of adjustments to which towers cover a specific location, as well as the addition of new towers to handle additional traffic.  Because of this, it's a good idea to update your PRL at least once a month so your phone will always have access to the best coverage available in your area. [Via Android Central Forums]