The rumors are true, folks. The new version of T-Mobile's myTouch 3G sports the Swype keyboard, and that's just the start of the lovefest. Swype announced today that it'll be on "a number of future devices," including the Windows Mobile-powered HTC HD2.

For the uninitiated, Swype is a keyboard that in addition to normal touch typing allows you to slide your finger from letter to letter, and a lot of you swear by it. [Swype]

This week seems to be the week to announce Android 2.1 update happenings, doesn't it? In this week alone, we've seen the Droid receive confirmation that it'll be rolling out 2.1 within the week, the Cliq caught word that it'll join the 2.1 party in March, and now the European HTC Hero is being rumored to rock the wonderfulness of Android 2.1 by mid-March. And it's only Wednesday!

The HTC Hero had been rumored to get Android 2.1 in February but as the days go by, that's looking less and less likely. We guess there are bound to be problems in updating Android when the HTC Sense UI is so embedded in the software. Word on the street is that Sense is also supposed to get an update with a new 'Friend Stream' widget that brings you closer to your social networks. Other HTC Hero Android 2.1 observations can be found here.

[tweakers via engadget]

AOL Mobile has just released their very own AIM instant messaging client into the Android Market. If you been trying other IM clients in the market and have not been satisfied, this may be just the app you've been in search for as it is packed with a ton of great features.

• Send and receive messages with your buddies instantly
• Real time updates of your buddies' status and availability
• Fling support for switching between conversations
• Update your status, post to your Lifestream and also cross post to any synced Facebook or Twitter accounts
• Facebook chat support so you can chat with your Facebook friends
• Portrait and Landscape support
• Supports 1.5, 1.6. 2.0, 2.1 Android OS

The app seems pretty well polished and possibly is the best AIM client available in the market. It is free, so you have nothing to lose. Give it a try and let us know how it's working for you! Scan the QR code above, or click on it in your Android browser, to download.

You can also participate in this thread in the Android Central forums dedicated to AOL's AIM app.

Update: Interesting. Motorola took the page down. But the bullet points likely still stand. Stay tuned, folks.

OK, let's put an end to the speculation and confusion as to what Motorola Droid owners can expect when they update this week to Android 2.1. This is straight from Motorola:

• Voice recognition for virtual keyboard. Anywhere you can type, you can dictate. Swipe your finger across the keyboard (or press the microphone button) to activate. Same as on the Nexus One.
• Virtual (on-screen) keyboard enhancements.
• 3D Gallery: Should be the same as the new gallery that's on the Nexus One, and that's been ported to the Droid.
• Pinch to zoom: Already on board for Google Maps, now you'll have it in the browser and gallery.
• News and weather widget/app. That's the widget from the Nexus One that we get questions about in our videos.
• Previously published Google Maps 4.0 improvements.
• Enhanced Music application. New tabs at the top for easier access an navigation to artists, songs, albums and playlists.
• Google Goggles: Now built into Android 2.1. No separate downloads.
• Fixes the security lock bypass.
  
• Yahoo e-mail now has setup optimization.
• Battery life improved.

So that's it. Folks. While you're waiting for the update to be pushed out, be sure to join the discussion in our forums. [Motorola] Thanks, Alex!

We kind of knew this day would come. Google has just announced that it's building and testing a 1-gigabit-per-second network in "a small number of locations across the United States." They're talking straight fiber to the home (hello, FiOS) for at least 50,000 people up front, and building up to as many as 500,000. We'll let Google tell its story:

We're planning to build and test ultra high-speed broadband networks in a small number of trial locations across the United States. We'll deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. We plan to offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

Our goal is to experiment with new ways to help make Internet access better and faster for everyone. Here are some specific things that we have in mind:

• Next generation apps: We want to see what developers and users can do with ultra high-speeds, whether it's creating new bandwidth-intensive "killer apps" and services, or other uses we can't yet imagine.

• New deployment techniques: We'll test new ways to build fiber networks, and to help inform and support deployments elsewhere, we'll share key lessons learned with the world.

• Openness and choice: We'll operate an "open access" network, giving users the choice of multiple service providers. And consistent with our past advocacy, we'll manage our network in an open, non-discriminatory and transparent way.

This is still in the early planning stages, and Google's asking for you to nominate your neighborhood as a test site. You can do so here. [Google]

From the Forums is a great way for you, our readers, to see the hottest topics being discussed. But you must be a registered member and becoming a member is a simple process. So if you have not already already done so, head on over and register now!

• Motorola Droid owners got some great news earlier this week with the announcement of Android 2.1 finally being released for their beloved device. We know you want to talk all about it, do so here: Droid 2.1
• So you say you are using a modified ROM on your Moto Droid but want to go back to stock before the official update? Well learn all about that in this thread right here.
• Still holding out for that Nexus One to hit Verizon? So are a lot of our forum members. Join in on the conversation here!
• Today Google announced their new social networking tool, Buzz. We's like to hear your thoughts on Buzz and do you plan on using it?
• So the next version of Android will be called Gingerbread, what new features are you hoping for in this upcoming release?!

See you on the forums!

We've known for a while that Opera was planning on bringing a version of its Opera Mobile browser to Android. And now we're going to get a look at it. Opera announced in a news release that it will unveil Opera Mobile 10 for Android at Mobile World Congress next week in Barcelona. And if it's anything like the version Windows Mobile users have been enjoying, it's definitely something you're going to want to check out. [Opera]

If you're a person who demands the best out of your smartphone, we think we just found your next device: the HTC Scorpion. AndroidSPIN has received a leaked build file that details this device and it's a doozy: the Scorpion runs Android 2.2 on a 1.5 GHz Snapdragon Processor with support for WiMAX. That means it pretty much outspecs every device currently on the market and sets a new standard while at it. Yeah, we can't stop drooling either.

But then again, we're not even absolutely certain that this device is real (we hope so), if this is even close to releasing (we don't think so) and what it'll look like (with the beauty it has on the inside, does it matter?). For all we know, this could be a glorified text file that some kid drew up and sent around town. A pipe dream, if you will. But where would the fun be in that? Here's what we know for sure: HTC can make devices that set the bar in this industry, if anyone can create this ridiculously spec'd device, it's HTC.

So, Nexus One, are you ready to hand over the Android throne yet?

BGR is hearing that the Motorola Cliq will receive an update to Android 2.1 in March. Yep, you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of Android 2.1 next month! This follows the news that the Droid will be receiving the 2.1 update sometime this week, so it looks like Motorola is getting all their devices on to the same Android version. The Motorola Devour, which is supposed to launch with Android 1.6, should also be able to update quickly to 2.1 since it runs the same Motoblur UI as the Cliq. Here's to hoping it all works out!

Yep, there it is. Another look at the HTC Legend, which appears destined to replace the venerable Hero. And with a new picture comes new specs: A 3.2-inch AMOLED screen at half-VGA, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, aGPS, 3.5mm headphone jack, a Qualcomm MSM7227 processor at 600MHz, and the other usual bells and whistles.

The processor keeps it from being in the top tier of Android phones, but it's certainly still up there, and an AMOLED screen can make up for a lot. No word, however, on availability or pricing. [Twitter via AndroidCommunity]