Android devices come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, as anyone who has had to write applications for Google’s mobile platform will tell you. But if a new leak is accurate about the next generation of the Nexus Android phones, Google  and its partners may be preparing to remove a common link: the four navigation buttons at the bottom of nearly every Android phone screen.

The Boy Genius Report says that a tipster has leaked info about what is thought to be the next version of Google’s Nexus Android phone lineup, which it designs in order to push the envelope on hardware features and is generally used as a development platform. The Nexus 4G (a nickname for now because it will run on LTE) has state-of-the-art hardware common to Nexus phones, but also has an interesting design change. For the most part, Android users rely on four buttons at the base of the screen to navigate around the phone, pull up menus, and search their devices or the Internet. The Nexus 4G lacks those four buttons.

It doesn’t appear that Google has a new navigation system in mind, but simply that it plans to replicate those buttons using software, rather than forcing phone makers to dedicate screen real estate to buttons that aren’t always needed. That’s a design philosophy that Apple embraced with the iPhone, and if Google is really following suit it would give Nexus 4G owners a bit more screen for watching videos or playing games.

This may be something that only appears on the Nexus-branded phones, but it’s interesting nonetheless. The new model is expected to arrive later this year, probably around the time that Ice Cream Sandwich, the next version of Android unveiled at May’s Google I/O conference, is ready to be released.

Given the news that has already come out about Facebook, you’re probably thinking there is no way that anything else leaks out today. They’re probably on lockdown (real lockdown, not the crazed coding “lockdown”), right? Wrong.

We’ve learned about the existence of yet another secret project within Facebook. And while it’s not quite as sexy as the new Photos app, the ramifications of it are much larger. Say hello to Project Spartan.

As we understand it, Project Spartan is the codename for a new platform Facebook is on verge of launching. It’s entirely HTML5-based and the aim is to reach some 100 million users in a key place: mobile. More specifically, the initial target is both surprising and awesome: mobile Safari.

Yes, Facebook is about to launch a mobile platform aimed squarely at working on the iPhone (and iPad). But it won’t be distributed through the App Store as a native application, it will be entirely HTML5-based and work in Safari. Why? Because it’s the one area of the device that Facebook will be able to control (or mostly control).

Facebook will never admit this, but those familiar with the project believe the intention is very clear: to use Apple’s own devices against them to break the stranglehold they have on mobile app distribution. With nearly 700 million users, Facebook is certainly in the position to challenge the almighty App Store distribution mechanism. But they need to be able to do so on Apple’s devices which make up a key chunk of the market.

As of right now, there are believed to be 80 or so outside developers working with Facebook on Project Spartan. These teams are working on apps for the platform that range from games to news-reading apps. Some of the names should be familiar: Zynga and Huffington Post, for example. The goal is to have these apps ready to roll in the next few weeks for a formal unveiling shortly thereafter.

Work has been going on for at least a couple of months, with Facebook putting in a lot of work before that. So some of the apps may not be fully polished at launch. It may be more of a “look what we can do” type thing.

Reached for comment on the matter, Facebook said they had “nothing to share”. But we don’t need their confirmation. Why? Because I’ve seen Project Spartan with my own eyes.

Imagine loading up the mobile web version of Facebook and finding a drop-down for a new type of app. Clicking on one of the apps loads it (from whatever server it’s on depending on the app-maker), and immediately a Facebook wrapper is brought in to surround the app. This wrapper will give the app some basic Facebook functionality, as well as the ability to use key Facebook elements — like Credits.

One thing the App Store has nailed is an easy payment system. Facebook has been attempting to build the same thing with Credits, but so far hasn’t done much in the mobile space. With Project Spartan, they intend to have Credits built-in to allow developers to sell apps and offer in-app purchases. This will be vital for a partner like Zynga, for example.

Speaking of Zynga, it has been known for some time that Facebook was placing a huge emphasis on making it easier for game developers to build with HTML5 as opposed to Flash (like Zynga and others currently do). The culmination of this will be Project Spartan.

And while the target may ultimately be Apple, in this regard, they’re somewhat helping Apple by killing off yet another huge piece of Flash reliance on the web: gaming.

But again, the real goal is to get people using Facebook as the distribution model for games and other apps, not the App Store (or any other distribution hub).

Much has been made recently about Apple’s partnership with Twitter over iOS 5. It’s widely believe that Facebook was once the preferred partner, but was snubbed — or did the snubbing, for one reason or another. Regardless, the implications are clear: Twitter will be the big single sign-on partner for iOS, not Facebook, even though that’s a key area of focus for them. So they’re taking the fight to the browser.

Android will also clearly be a part of this new platform. But we’re told that the initial target is definitely mobile Safari on iOS devices.

Things are about to get a lot more interesting in the mobile space. More to come.

Cellular South, a diversified mobile communications company have combed through thousands of apps offered on the Android Market specifically geared towards business professionals and have identified the best apps to help them stay connected and productive on-the-go. You may find these Android apps useful.

Cellular South Discover Apps- Top Android Business Apps:

• Nitrodesk Touchdown Exchange – This app is a full-fledged mail and calendar client that uses Microsoft’s Exchange Active Sync to communicate with your business enterprise mail server. Clear, well designed screens give users a quick view of recent unread mail, upcoming appointments and tasks and there’s a widget that gives quick access to the same information without having to open the application.
• Documents To Go for Android – With this app users can get their work done no matter where they are. Users can go to view, edit and create Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as view Adobe PDF files on their Android-powered smartphone. And since it is full featured and easy to use, Documents To Go for Android is one mobile office suite that makes good business sense.
• Astro File Manager – Shows users a complete list of files and directories on any Android device, allows users to view images as thumbnails, create Zip files and manage files on internal memory and SD cards.
• Scan2PDF Mobile – Users can snap a photo and then save the image as a PDF, which can be emailed to business associates.
• ServerUp – This app is perfect for IT professionals by showing users whether a company server or a Web server is down and sends alerts directly to the mobile device. Users can also perform basic networking tasks, such as a trace route, WHOIS look-up and ping check.
• Hello Expense – Allows users to enter basic expense details such as lunch meetings, the associated expenses, attach a category and track meeting attendees. The app has a built-in calculator that can be used for adding up expenses and determining tips.
• Trip It – One of the most powerful travel companions for Android, Trip It allows users to track trip information in terms of hotel plans, airline and car rentals. These details are rolled up into one itinerary that can be saved and shared with business associates. The app also sends travel alerts related to travel plans.
• Mighty Meeting – The app lets users host slideshows in the Cloud and then access them from a device and play them for clients. Users can also run an interactive meeting – sharing slides over the Web.
• ActionComplete – The task manager helps users track their busy work lives on their mobile device. Each action is listed on an easy-to-use summary screen. Users can categorize tasks, sync with Web task manager and control the priority of a variety of tasks. MyCoupons is a great way to find local restaurants and stores that are offering specials users may have not found on their own. The program is simple to use and continues to grow with the number of offers available.

This is from Alltopstartups.com

Netflix recently announced availability of its Android App, allowing many Android users the ability to view streaming video on a handful of Android devices. The app itself is free, and users must be subscribers to the Netflix video service.

Netflix already offers mobile apps for the iPhone, iPad and Windows Phone 7 platforms.

The Netflix Android app is only available on the following Android handsets:

• HTC Incredible with Android 2.2
• HTC Nexus One with Android 2.2, 2.3
• HTC Evo 4G with Android 2.2
• HTC G2 with Android 2.2
• Samsung Nexus S with Android 2.3.

Let’s hope they are able to expand this list soon!

Nokia’s Czech department has started to invite Symbian developers to the Microsoft offices. There, the companies will help developers in their transition from Symbian development to Windows Phone.

Developers will receive a special training that introduces developers to Windows Phone Mango. Before going to the training, Nokia (of course) advices to download the developer tools from Microsoft. We are not aware of any Windows Phone training in other countries, though we expect Nokia and Microsoft to take this program across the world.

Rovio Mobile, the gaming firm behind the blockbuster Angry Birds, has acquired Finnish animation studio Kombo in a cash and stock deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. According to Rovio, the acquisition boosts its animation production capabilities–the startup plans to expand across all facets of the entertainment industry, adding it remains on the hunt for more talent in both animation and application development. Rovio landed $42 million in a Series A venture financing round completed in March.

Download Rovio’s hit Angry Birds :

 

In April Apple passed smartphone pioneer or should I say veteran BlackBerry to the second spot. BlackBerry already had lost its top spot (occupied for many years) to Google’s Android.

iOS accounts for 26.0 percent of all U.S. smartphones, behind Android at 36.4 percent. That takes Research In Motion’s BlackBerry platform to third at 25.7 percent, down 4.7 percent from January 2011. Microsoft’s Windows Phone platform lags behind at a distant fourth at 6.7 percent.

This is needless to say TERRIBLE news for BlackBerry. I am pretty sure that heads will start to roll at RIM soon enough and so they should. It is a crime that they have fallen so far behind when they have every reason to succeed. Come on lets be honest anyone who has added multiple email accounts to an iPhone, an Android phone and a BlackBerry knows why RIM system is the best. No hassles, no SMTP, no pain.. just your email address and password. everything else is down for you. And in terms of getting mail I am sure anyone who has had a BlackBerry knows that you get your mail on your BlackBerry before you get it on your laptop or desktop. The only problem is that is all BlackBerry does well!! Everything else is quirky. Like restarting in the middle of an ever so important phone call ! Or the dearth of apps. Or the funky OS. Etc.

The question is can they actually ever get back on track ? To do that it would require something extraordinary. Some big changes… I guess we will have to wait and see.

Meet the new Asus Padfone, a new tablet/smartphone combo that gives us a tantalizing glimpse into the future of the smartphone.

The Padfone is one of those gadgets that’s so obvious, you can’t believe no-one’s thought of it before – it’s a smartphone that docs inside a tablet, similar to Motorola’s Atrix lapdock, but without the keyboard.

Just like the Atrix, the smartphone provides all the brains while the tablet is just a large screen with some ports.

But the end result is so obvious, it’s amazing it’s taken over a year for someone to think of it since Apple launched the iPad!

So why is this the future of smartphones? And what chance of success does the Asus Padfone have?

Posting to your WordPress blog while on the go is becoming more and more popular. Each mobile platform has applications in various states of development and we’ve got all the latest news for you. Find out what you can do with your mobile device and start creating more content while you’re away from your computer.

Want WordPress on your Mobile? Click here to download!

WordPress for Android WordPress for Android 1.3.8 was released at the end of November 2010 with loads of bug fixes, especially for issues causing the app to force close. The latest release also came with a new feature: the ability to set post status. When creating new content with the app you can now select the post status: Draft, Pending Review, Private or Publish. Follow the project on Twitter: @WPAndroid

WordPress for BlackBerry Version 1.4.4 of WordPress for BlackBerry was released in late October. Updates have been very regular with releases nearly every month like clockwork. New features include the ability to rotate uploaded photos and improved integration with BlackBerry Torch 9800. This is already a very solid app. Get updates on Twitter:@WPBlackBerry

WordPress for iOS The WordPress for iOS development team is working on shipping updates faster and fixing the a number of bugs that arrived with the latest 2.6.2 release. The only new additions to this release are an in-app crash reporting system and the option to use HTML 4 tags when embedding video in a post. Stay up to the minute on Twitter: @wordpressios

WordPress for Nokia This app is a newer project. It became available in the Nokia OVI Store just last month, so there hasn’t yet been much time for feedback. This app is great if you’re addicted to watching your stats. It comes with statistical analysis built in, which means you can see how your site is performing while you’re on the go.

This is from Wpmu.org

I came across this article and I just needed to post it MobilOpen. It is so much what we have been believing in for so long… That the telcos need to look at developers as their partners and their lifeline to bring content to the user. Rather then the usual role of telcos making developers feel like it was a privilege for them to even consider talking to them ! Hopefully a change is coming…

There’s 10s of telco programs targeting developers. But they all lack commercial traction. Isn’t it about time for telcos to question their approach? Guest author Jose Valles argues for a ‘polarity change’ in the telco business model and discusses the need to rethink the telcos’ relationship with developers.

In life, we tend to take many things for granted; the Sun will rise and set every day and a compass will always point North. But we mustn’t forget that things do not, and in some cases should not, remain constant. The Earth’s magnetic poles are known to reverse their polarity every few hundred thousand years and then, the compass no longer points North, but South.