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HTC Hero users hit by Twitpocalyse bug


It's great having lots of manufacturer provided applications in the ROM of your mobile device, but what happens if one of them breaks? It's not as easy as just contacting the developer for an updated version is it!

This is exactly the problem being faced by users of 'HTC Peep', the Twitter client on the HTC Hero.

Last night, the unique id number assigned to each Tweet exceeded 4,294,967,295, in an event we covered as 'Twitpocalyse II'. This is the highest number that can be stored in an unsigned 32 bit integer. If the developer of a Twitter client uses this method to store the Tweet ID, then unexpected things will happen. Hence, since this occured, Peep users have been unable to use the application, instead being greeted by the error message above (after which the application either closes or refuses to load new tweets).

We have contacted HTC to ask how long Hero users should expect to wait for a fix, but if you are affected, it might be time to try out Twidroid, Twitterride or perhaps Swift!

UPDATE: HTC have responded to this issue. They have said "Thanks for helping to make us aware of the details of this problem. We have are investigating the issue and are working with Twitter on a solution. We apologize to our users for any inconvenience this has caused."

We'll bring you more information as it comes in.

Filed under: Mobile Minute, Mobile, Android

Mobile Minute: HTC releases software update for the HTC Hero


If you are a HTC Hero owner, you've likely been waiting with baited breath for the device software update that has been widely publicised as giving the Hero a much needed speed boost.

Wait no more, it's finally here!

Wearing version number 2.73.405.3 (in line with the leaked version that surfaced last week) for the WWE region (an Asia release will follow), the update adds also adds a new radio layer for improved reception and will require a wipe of your data to install. The update can only be installed via a Windows PC.

If you are lucky enough to have a Hero, there is absolutely no doubt you should install this update to significantly improve the performance of your device - grab it from the HTC support site.

The update does also flash a new bootloader which makes 'rooting' the phone for full unrestricted access slightly more difficult, but due to HTC failing to patch a vulnerability in the kernel, it can still be done!

Read more →

Filed under: Windows Mobile, Mobile Minute

Leaked HTC TouchFLO interface for Windows Mobile hits the web

Manila
There's an unofficial application floating around that may be a beta version of an update to HTC's TouchFLO interface for Windows Mobile. TouchFLO is basically a skin that replaces the default Windows mobile user interface with one that packs nice big icons that are easy to use with a finger rather than a stylus.

Some folks at the XDA-Developers forum have managed to get the application, which bears the codename Manila, up and running. And while it's certainly pretty to look at, it's reportedly quite sluggish. In fact, once you have it up and running, you'll be lucky if you can get your PDA or phone to do much of anything. So we certainly wouldn't recommend installing Manila, at least not until someone leaks a faster version.

[via the::unwired]

Filed under: Business, Internet, Web services, Google, Search

Google phone in the final stages

Google phone in the final stagesRumors has it that the Google branded gPhone is on its way. Now when exactly is a different story.

Our brothers at Engadget report that sources at the DigiTimes have said that Google will definitely be launching a handset. The mobile OS is rumored to be Linux-based. The only issue is that hardware specs, production facility, and operating partners are still getting worked out.

As for the handset design, Google is supposedly leaning towards a 3G device instead of a full EDGE compatible cellphone, this all leading to a first quarter 2008 release.

We suppose we will wait for the initial gPhone announcement before deciding on whether to drop some coin on Google's device or the iPhone.

Filed under: Audio, Business, Google, VoIP

More Google HTC phone rumors

More Google HTC phone rumorsAnd the rumors keep rolling in on Google's phone development. This magical device that will be host to Google's powerful services like Gmail and Search while on the go. This time a person inside HTC has confirmed the development of the device.

The rumors specify that the Gphone will be shipping from Taiwan, and is scheduled to launch Q1 of 2008. The team at Google has been going over the current 20 HTC models on the market and finalizing its handset design. Gphone will have a specially built version of Google Maps, just as the iPhone does, with built in GPS compatibility. Previous reports stated that the device would not have GPS, and that it would support both 3G and EDGE platforms. Gmail and Calendar will be present, with Google Talk becoming part of the phone in a VoIP mode. As for the operating system on the Gphone, the insider said it would use Windows Mobile 6, however some think that a Linux OS would be more realistic. As for price, there have been buzzing's that the device would stay in the range of only $100. Will it be unlocked? We will have to wait and see, but chances of that are fairly slim.

What mobile device are you saving your money for?

Filed under: Business, Google

Google phone out by late 2007

google phoneHTC, the company that has supposedly been hard at work manufacturing the Google phone apparently has a date for shipping the finished product. According to the handsets component makers, the official ship date will be the end of 2007, and could reach as high as one million units for the first run.

Unfortunately the handset will not have GPS functionality; it will support 3G and EDGE platforms. The top features of the phone will include preinstalled Gmail and Google Search functionality.

This device is expected to hit European telecom providers first, possibly Orange, before hitting North American soil.

[via digitimes]

Filed under: Business, Internet, Web services, Apple, Google

The Google phone - coming soon?

google phoneIs it true? Could Google be working on a mobile phone? Om Malik has reported that according to the Observer of London, they are doing just that. Google has supposedly met with Orange in the UK about a partnership worth a few billion dollars that could make it easier for users to search wherever they are. The phones are rumored to be branded by Google, but would also have an Orange logo on the device. HTC, specialist in PDAs, is said to be the manufacturer of the device.

This team of software experts, forward thinking mobile telecom company, and leading edge device manufacturer almost puts a damper on Apple's rumored iPhone news, but will surely create something fantastic for users. Imagine lightning fast searches providing exact location-based results in the palm of your hand. This device has the potential to be a huge success from all three companies that could be involved. Of course this is all speculation at the moment until an official release comes out, but this sure offers some salivation for Google and handheld device lovers alike.

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