The Samsung Galaxy Lite, a phone we've taken an interest to since it popped up earlier this month, has reportedly been pictured and detailed. The Samsung Galaxy Lite will have 3G, Wi-Fi, and will even include a trackball (absent on the Samsung Galaxy). There are reports suggesting that this might be a Google Experience, "with Google"-type phone (not sure if that's a good thing these days though).

We expect the Samsung Galaxy Lite to be offered as a low-end, highly-affordable type device, a market for Android that's largely been untapped. It'll be interesting to see how the Samsung Galaxy Lite and the HTC Click compete against one another in the future. How do you guys feel about the Samsung Galaxy Lite?

[frandroid]

Now this was unexpected. Word on the street (aka 8080.net) is that the phone pictured above is actually Sprint's version of the HTC Hero. It's not that sharp edged, big chin version of the Hero we've grown to love but rather a softer, more curvacious version. The flush hardware buttons are positively slick but we're not sure if we like the two-toned front face. At least the Sprint HTC Hero looks like it'll fit better in the pocket. And for some reason, it just looks like a Sprint phone doesn't it?

We're not sure which version of the HTC Hero we like better (if there are different versions) but since they both run HTC Sense and everything inside is the same, it really doesn't matter to us. If this really is the Sprint HTC Hero, we won't miss the chin one bit.

What do you guys think? Which HTC Hero is best? Sprint or everyone else's.

[via engadget]

hit the jump to see the chin-less HTC Hero!

Not this again. China Mobile has ruined another potentially good phone. The LG GW880 is LG's first Android device, and though we were once eager to see what LG was cooking with Android, the GW880 is another WiFi-less device that runs China Mobile's Ophone. Which is pretty much code for saying we'll never sniff this Android phone. Yeah, lame.

The LG GW880 specs packs a 3.5-inch WVGA touchscreen with 256MB RAM, 512 MB ROM, GPS, 5MP Camera with autofocus and flash, and a front facing camera for video.

Hit the read link to see more pictures of this China-only Android phone.

[slashphone]

It might just be us, but we've always thought Android Market looked a little too 'beta' for our tastes. We love the simplicity it offers but have been itching for a redesign for quite some time now. But worry no more, because a Motorola Sholes User has leaked what looks like a fresh new Android Market and we like what we see.

In the new design, there are clear options to show the Top Paid, Top Free, and Just In applications. There's also a new search icon in the top right corner. Overall, Android Market remains the same, it's just that key points of the UI have been brought to the forefront (and in a much cleaner way). Instead of being buried in menus, everything looks to be much more intuitive.

We like it, what about you guys? Are you happy with the current design of Android Market?

[cnet]

MIIPS Technologies recently demoed an Android-powered set-top box capable of 1080p video. Short reaction: Sweet. Long Reaction: We're unsure if there's even demand for an Android set-top box but if we know one thing about typical TV user interfaces is that they suck, big time. Android could work wonders in that market.

According to MIIPS, this is "a major milestone toward the creation of a reference platform" that'll eventually lead to Android-based products in your living room. This is all only proof-of-concept and with no video of how it actually works, it's pretty tough to tell if it'll be a winner or not. Regardless, we're interested in seeing more development on this front and it just continues to show how amazing Android can be.

We'll definitely keep an eye on Android set-top boxes in the future. Thoughts?

[gizmodo]

Twidroid, our favorite Android Twitter application, just received an update to 2.5.1 (now 2.5.6) and has introduced a PRO version for Twitter enthusiasts. Twidroid revamped their design in this update, bringing a sleeker design which includes a revamped menu bar. Though the icons are a wee bit small, the change is welcome and we're glad to see Twidroid get better. The Twidroid folks recommend uninstalling the current Twidroid and doing a fresh install of the updated version.

The real news is that Twidroid PRO is now available for Android users and it includes features such as: multiple account support, desktop widget, video posting, color themes, and a 'neat black pro application icon'. Twidroid PRO is available for $4.89 via Android Market--we personally think it's a worthwhile upgrade, but it's up for you guys to decide for yourself.

Who uses Twidroid? Who uses another Twitter application? And who doesn't even use Twitter?

[twidroid]

Though Android users don't have the same complaints with AT&T as iPhone users, that may change after the report of AT&T denying Motorola Android phones on their network comes out. By denying Motorola Android devices, the Death Star network is inhibiting their customers from enjoying all the smartphone world has to offer.

MKM Partners analyst Tero Kuittenen reported that AT&T determined that the Motorola Android phones expected to launch on the network were too "out of date" for the quite obviously "cutting edge" product portfolio of AT&T (sarcasm). We think it's a big mistake on AT&T's part because the smartphone world has been expecting a "last hurrah" effort from Motorola and what better network to launch it on than AT&T?

So we guess we can rule out AT&T being a part of Motorola's September 10th Android event. Looking on the bright side, at least this report indirectly gives more credence to a Verizon Motorola Android Phone. Verizon Motorola Sholes for the win!

[thestreet]

Streaming digital TV channels hasn't become commonplace for US smartphones but that's more likely due to the lack of quality offerings on the major platforms rather than the lack of demand. That's all about to change because SPB TV, a popular TV streaming application on Windows Mobile, is now available for Android in Android Market.

For a one-time fee of $9.99 (no subscription whatsoever), Android users will be able to watch TV directly on their handset via a 3G or Wi-Fi connection (Wi-Fi obviously works best). Available channels span from local networks from major cities to international news channels. We've briefly tested SPB TV and came away pretty impressed. There's a 'Lite' version of SPB TV so those wary of the $9.99 startup fee can test the application for free (albeit a limited version).

You'll need an Android device running Android 1.5 and an HVGA screen resolution. We're fairly certain most of the Android community qualifies so go ahead and head to Android Market to check out SPB TV!

We've been hearing so many rumors and reports pointing the HTC Hero in Sprint's direction that it's pretty much become the absolute truth. At this point, to hear anything other than Sprint getting the Hero would be almost shocking. With an expected October release date, it looks like the HTC Hero will begin to take pre-orders at Best Buy a month earlier: September 13th.

$50 down will reserve you a spot for one of the more anticipated Android phones of the year. If this report is true, way to strike while the iron's hot Sprint! (kind of)

Who's going to pre-order the HTC Hero?

[engadget]