It’s finally October, which means there is a fair bit of stuff expected to happen, unless of course you’re waiting for your Android 2.1 or 2.2 update, because that’ll no doubt be pushed back, again! In all seriousness though, there are a couple of fairly big launches coming up, and with a bit of luck we’ll have even more announcements this month leading up to the holiday period in the next couple of months. Hit the break to get into this months Android goodness!
HTC Aria will hit Optus mid-month
In the middle of this month we will see the HTC Aria hit Optus’s Stores on their $49 cap. For a mid-range device, it’s strange that they’re planning to selling it on the same plan as the high-end Galaxy S. So don’t be surprised to see it drop in price shortly after release, and if they do, it may also force Telstra to lower the price of the competing HTC Wildfire.
Froyo set for release on Telstra’s HTC Desire
After months of rumour and release date setback, I think we can safely say the Android 2.2 will land on your HTC Desire’s this month, and if it’s on time, within the next two weeks. The update will speed up your Desire nicely, and allow for new features such as OS-level tethering, Adobe Flash 10.1 as well installing Applications partly onto your MicroSD card.
Dell Streak available from today, Optus exclusive
The Dell Streak was by far the best device I have reviewd so far this year. And if you’re in the market for a large portable phone/small tablet, then I’m sure you’d love the Streak as well. It officially hits Optus stores from today on their $59 cap, which is a very, very good deal. Or if you’d prefer to own it outright, it’s available for $649 dollars, which is $350 less than the Samsung Galaxy Tab, although some would say that’s comparing chalk and cheese.
Sony Ericsson X10 Series may get their long-lost Android 2.1 update
Not only did Sony Ericsson manage to majorly f*** things up by releasing a device with Android 1.6 and no Multitouch, they managed to stuff up their Android 2.1 update and continually keep pushing it back. At the moment it’s slated at a “late October” release, but I’m sure there are people like me out there wondering if they’ll get it before the end of November. None the less, if you are an X10 Series owner, you have something to kind of look forward to for the next couple of months.
Samsung Galaxy S Android 2.2 update expected to roll out
This update is kind of the same as above, it may or may not see the light of day this month, but Samsung seem more committed to getting it out than Sony Ericsson. Galaxy S owners can expect to see their devices significantly speed up, with fixes including no more lag and better GPS positioning response. If you’re update does get pushed back Galaxy S owners, just remember: at least you’re being updated to the latest variant of Android!
HTC Desire HD expected to launch this month on Three & Vodafone
I asked you guys AGES ago if you’d like to see the EVO 4G be made into a GSM device, it was an overwhelming “YES!” and a few months later the HTC Desire HD is announced and is going to make itself home at VHA. No pricing or specific launch has been announced, but it surely can’t be more than 4 weeks away, surely! With its massive 4.3″ screen powered by a 1GHz CPU and HTC’s new Sense UI it will be a hit no doubt.
Motorola FLIPOUT heading to VHA this month
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of almost no one caring about the Motorola FLIPOUT being launched on VHA this month. I think it’s safe to say every Android Motorola device in this country has been a complete flop, partly because of Optus, of course. There’s a small part of me that would like to see the FLIPOUT do well on VHA just to stick it up Optus even more for their careless attitude towards the Android Platform.
Samsung 5 i5503T will launch Oct 16th on Telstra Prepaid.
Telstra is continuing to broaden their Android Device range, and will push the Samsung Galaxy 5 i5503T onto Telstra Prepaid for a suspected low price of $199, which if it’s anything like the HTC Wildfire, will change price store to store. With the low price point comes low specs: 2.8″ QVGA Display, 2MP Camera, 600MHz CPU, WiFi, Bluetooth and of course 3G (850/2100).
Huawei IDEOS to find itself at home on a Carrier
A source of ours sent in a sneak peek of the Huawei IDEOS little over a month ago, and not long after we got confirmation from Huawei that the IDEOS would indeed be heading to Australia but never mentioned which Carrier it was coming to. None the less this small, cheap device will hopefully be out this month and we’ll be getting our hands on one to test it out for you guys.
LG Optimus One will make it’s way to Optus this month
Last, but not least, is the LG Optimus One. The big brother of the crappy LG Optimus. This addition to the Optimus Series comes packed with a 600MHz CPU, 3.2MP Camera, Android 2.2 and Capacitive, yes CAPACITIVE display, a big step up from the resistive display that hampered the original LG Optimus. This little beauty will be hitting Optus for $349 outright or on low-end caps ($49 downwards we believe) and will include a full-blown GPS car kit valued at $99, bonus.
