We’re at T-Mobile’s intimate myTouch event right now (we’re currently snuggling up with all four colors — white, black, red and purple), and here are our first-hand impressions:

• It feels good in the hand. The device is pretty slim, has a slight Android chin at the bottom, and all in all seems to be very solidly-built.
• The screen is beautiful, sharp and bright — but not as good as an AMOLED in our opinion.
• It rocks the myTouch UI that first appeared with the myTouch Slide, though it seems a bit more refined now.
• We’re currently watching Vincent from SlashGear and Sascha from PC Magazine try to establish a video call. It was unsuccessful at first, but it seems like they’re having way too much fun now that it’s working. Never mind, Sascha is yelling at the phone now.
• Watching a demo of the phone streaming video to a TV set was pretty cool. After some quick initial buffering, movies, photos and YouTube played effortlessly on the HDTV.

We’re pretty excited for the launch of the new myTouch. It’s packed with features and it nicely compliments T-Mobile’s stock Android G2 device as a younger-focused counterpart. Hit the jump for our full gallery, ok?

Click on over to our T-Mobile myTouch hands on gallery!

Remember JooJoo? Well, apparently they still exist even after some legal trouble and according to the latest reports, they might soon be back in action with the follow up to the original JooJoo. The Joo Joo 2, supposedly to be powered by Android, will be based on Google’s OS but totally modified for what “the tablet market needs now.” An example given was possibly unifying different messaging and social services like Gmail, email, Facebook, and Twitter into one interface. JooJoo said that the company is looking forward to being a multiple device company, so there might be even more JooJoos in the oven. We kind of have to ask… with the enormous success of the iPad and a new wave of tablets from known, established companies like Samsung and Research In Motion, would anyone even consider a JooJoo in the next couple months?

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T-Mobile finally put a price tag and a release date on its upcoming LG Optimus T — the budget smartphone will be available on Wednesday, November 3rd, for $29.99 with a new 2-year contract. Featuring a 3.2-inch touchscreen display, a 3-megapixel camera and the Android 2.2 (FroYo) operating system, the Optimus T is a fairly solid buy for smartphone newcomers looking for a simple point of entry. Then again, third-party distributors such as Amazon.com typically offer a variety of more capable Android handsets for free, making the rationale behind a $30 Optimus T slightly less convincing. Those still interested, however, can hit the jump for T-Mobile’s full announcement.

[Via Phone Scoop]

Beginning Wednesday, 11/3 T-Mobile customers can purchase the LG Optimus T for only $29.99.* Talk about an affordable Android smartphone!

With Google services and a stylish design, LG Optimus T is the ideal device for first-time smartphone users ready to explore the Android world. The LG Optimus T comes equipped with the latest Android platform, features a responsive touch screen, and offers close integration with popular Google services, such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Talk™ and Google Maps™.

*After a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement and qualifying data plan.

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Congratulations, Android fans — you now have a whopping 100,000 apps to choose from in the Android Market. The 100k milestone means Google is gaining ground on Apple’s App Store, which is now approaching 300,000 apps. Of course sheer volume isn’t the whole story when it comes to mobile app markets, and many would agree that Android and iOS share roughly the same garbage-to-gold ratio when it comes to available apps. Google has yet to formally announce this milestone through standard channels, though the company has confirmed the accomplishment via its AndroidDev Twitter account.

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Could there possibly be a better way to introduce the world to an app that locates sex offenders? Antoine Dodson, who inadvertently earned a place in the Web video hall of fame as a result of the Internet phenomenon Bed Intruder Song, does his best to keep America’s children safe by introducing the world to Sex Offender Tracker. The mobile app makes users aware of local sex offenders using a nifty augmented reality interface that… Seriously, just hit the jump for the video and let Antoine tell you how it works.

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We don’t have too much information, but here is what we do know… one of our Motorola sources has confirmed to us that AT&T will be getting one of the hottest devices out of Schaumburg, IL in a little while. We have been told the Motorola Olympus (we’re assuming that is the code name) will be a 4″ tablet style Android device but use a display that is “beautiful,” and will “step it up in resolution.” The phone is also “powered by NVidia.”

Our source promises it’s the finest Android handset to hit AT&T, and from the limited specs we have received, we’re inclined to believe them.

Now, we realize that this isn’t a shot of the actual handset’s release date, but hey, people have to get their cases on launch day, too! One of our Sprint sources sent us in a photo of the HTC Knight’s accessory list sheet, and the case for the HTC handset is set to launch on January 6th. We have also been told there is a good chance the phone will come to market as the HTC Speedy. No, we’re not kidding. Plus, do you know what day January 6th is, friends? It’s the first day of CES, the Consumer Electronics Show. Yeah, we’d pretty much guarantee this release date now. The HTC Speedy was pictured earlier in the day if you’re interested in seeing what it looks like.

According to Droid-Life, yes. They seem to have come across a public test webpage URL on Verizon’s site that show the pricing for the soon-to-be launched Motorola DROID Pro at $299 with 2 year service agreement. Now, it’s possible the price is just a placeholder, but $299 for a primarily business-aimed handset wouldn’t be out of bounds in our opinion. Especially with global roaming capability. Thoughts?

[Via Engadget]

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No major Android update is complete without the customary unveiling of its dessert statue. The Googlers have uploaded a YouTube video showing them taking delivery, and erecting, the much-awaited Gingerbread man. Gingerbread is the next iteration of Android and was previously believed to be enumerated as “3.0.” Recent reports have suggested Gingerbread might be referred to as Android 2.3; according to a Google employee 2.3 is a “major release.” Whatever it may be numbered, the latest version is believed to bring a re-worked GUI, native video chat and VoIP calling, amongst other new features. The official release date is still unknown, but our money is on sooner rather than later. Hit the break to watch the Gingerbread man and Froyo in peaceful co-existence at Google’s HQ.

YouTube

If you thought you would have to wait until Android 3.0 to see the next major revision of Google’s mobile OS, think again. In an Android support thread, discussing an issue with Android 2.2 and WPA enterprise wireless networks, an anonymous Google employee let out a little bit of a bombshell. As the post reads:

Yes, Android 2.3 is a “major release”, and this patch will be available then.

The “patch” the Google employee is referring to is a fix to allow WPA EAP authentication that was, apparently, broken, committed to the Android repository, and pushed out with Android 2.2. Sounds good to us, but what do you think Android 2.3 is going to be called? Our vote: Pavlova.

[Via Android Central]

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Kids, don’t try this at home. Seriously. Despite the fact that the Internet let out a collective gasp when the T-Mobile G2 was revealed to sport an 800MHz processor, the handset is fantastically responsive out of the box. But that won’t stop the good folks over at xda-developers from ripping T-Mobile’s latest G-phone apart, of course. Forum member coolbho3000 has posted all the goodies one would need to overclock a T-Mobile G2 to a blistering 1.42GHz. While we recommend strongly against attempting the mod unless you really know what you’re doing, that shouldn’t stop anyone from ogling the results of this great hack. Hit the jump for a video of the G2 tearing through benchmarks like a champ.

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While AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers are beginning to enjoy their first taste of Windows Phone 7 devices, Verizon Wireless reportedly has a bundle of new smartphones ready to help keep subscribers’ minds from wandering this holiday season. New rumors place four sexy new smartphones on Verizon Wireless store shelves early next month: the Motorola DROID Pro, DROID 2 Global and CITRUS, and the just-announced Palm Pre 2. All four of these fine phones are said to be launching on November 11, leaving plenty of time for shoppers to get familiar with them ahead of the holidays. While none of the aforementioned handsets have the hype or $500 million marketing blitz enjoyed by Windows Phone 7, they’re all respectable offerings that will help bolster Big Red’s lineup ahead of you know what.

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Following a flurry of purported Android 3.0 details, a new report out of Taiwan claims that Google is putting a solid time line in place with its Android partners. Citing “sources from notebook players,” the rumor roulette-wheel that is DigiTimes suggests that Google recently contacted its partners with news that engineering samples of Android 3.0 will be ready by December. The report also claims that manufacturers such as Samsung, Motorola, Acer, Asustek Computer and Micro-Star International will have Gingerbread tablets in hand to show off at CES in January, 2011. Digitimes wraps up its communique with word that Android 4.0 will launch in the second half of 2011. It also notes that Android’s popularity amongst tablet makers will continue to surge thanks to lower software and hardware costs compared to Windows-powered tablets. Whether or not consumers will bite, however, remains to be seen.

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For the first time since July, when an Android project manager let slip Google’s intention to launch a music store alongside Android 3.0, details surrounding the next major Android release have emerged. While these new details aren’t quite as firm, they’re sure to please Android fans waiting for some serious forward progress. First off, the OS is said to have undergone a good amount of UI retooling, which is news that will certainly be welcomed by critics of Android’s less tailored look. Unfortunately, most of the graphics-related changes mentioned in the post are relatively minor, such as a reworked notification bar, new icons, new scroll effects and more green accents. Even still, the report seems to suggest there will be more significant changes to admire when Gingerbread starts rolling out — especially within individual Google apps.

Beyond changes surrounding the GUI, Android 3.0 is also said to introduce two pretty major new functions. The first, video chat, will supposedly be added as a core element of the OS. While video chat still hasn’t gained mass appeal, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Google would implement it quickly to compete with Apple’s FaceTime. The other big news is that Google is apparently (finally) preparing to add VoIP calling to its Google Voice service. The report plays it down, but the addition of integrated VoIP calling features to Android phones would obviously be pretty major… if carriers let it through. And it will also be big news for Android tablets, which will be able to tout a polished, fully integrated voice calling solution that doesn’t rely on cellular connectivity.

Hit the break for a blurrycam shot to end all blurrycam shots that is said to depict Android 3.0 running on a Nexus One. We doubt it will instill any added confidence in the aforementioned Gingerbread details — but it’s something, we suppose.

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Verizon Wireless today announced the imminent availability of a new set of account management tools for subscribers with Android handsets. The new tools, dubbed “Express Services”, give Android phone owners easy access to a variety of account-related information such as call logs, billing history and Friends & Family management. Express Services also allows users to quickly activate a new phone or even add a new line of service. John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless, had this to say:

Now, with one click, customers can use Express Services to select the transactions they want, with time-saving account management services that are simple to use and consistent across multiple touch points, empowering them to save time and control their wireless services, whenever and wherever they want.

Express Services will be delivered this week as an OTA update available across all current Android models. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Verizon Wireless “Express Services” Empower Customers To Manage Their Online Accounts

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Beginning this week, Verizon Wireless customers will find it easier than ever to manage their accounts using enhanced Express Services. Express Services are Verizon Wireless’ easy-to-use tools that enable customers to quickly and conveniently manage their accounts at home or on the go.

Verizon Wireless customers using My Verizon (www.verizonwireless.com/myverizon) online or accessing My Verizon Mobile from any Android device will now see a list of frequent transactions involving their bills, their plans and their devices. In one click, customers can start to explore their account activity quickly and easily, and complete popular transactions, including viewing a bill, managing Friends & Family®, changing an address, adding a new line of service, or activating a new phone.

“Now, with one click, customers can use Express Services to select the transactions they want, with time-saving account management services that are simple to use and consistent across multiple touch points, empowering them to save time and control their wireless services, whenever and wherever they want,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Verizon Wireless.

The new My Verizon Mobile will be available initially on DROID by Motorola, DROID™ 2 by Motorola, DROID X by Motorola, DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola, Motorola DEVOUR™, DROID ERIS™ by HTC, DROID Incredible by HTC, LG Ally™, and the Samsung Fascinate™. My Verizon users on Android devices will receive an alert to install the free update. Customers who have not yet tried My Verizon may download the application from Android Market™.

Later this year, Verizon Wireless plans to implement changes consistent with Express Services on additional phones and smartphones and on the voice response system customers use when they call customer service.

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