Honeycomb Bits Already in Android Open Source Project Repository

That’s right race fans, start revving your engines if you haven’t already, Honeycomb is getting closer and closer to being released to the public via Google’s AOSP repository. We’ve recently had some unmentionables hit the fan over the fact that Google was holding back the source for Honeycomb, people flipping out over how they though this meant that Android was moving away from open-source. In fact Google was just waiting, watching, thinking, twiddling their thumbs, and the time is soon approaching – a couple bits are already out!

 
Our excellent friends over at Android Guys have published the path back to Al Sutton who appears to have pieced together a puzzle that’s lead to the discovery of both references to Renderscript as wells a few new build options. As you may well know if you’ve taken a look at our gigantic Honeycomb guide, Renderscript is a relatively new function to be found only in builds post-Honeycomb. That means Honeycomb and possible Ice Cream, if that is indeed what Google intends on calling it.

Right after Al Sutton posted his findings, mister Jean-Baptiste Queru, a fellow who works for Android down in Silicon Valley, said that he added the bits Sutton found “last week,” and that what Sutton was looking at is “just a current snapshot of master, in case incompatibilities develop over time.” The best part about this whole thing? Bits of Honeycomb have been in the AOSP repository for months:

•  [via Android Guys]

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Samsung Intercept Nabs Froyo Starting Today

We’re getting reports from owners of Virgin Mobile’s lovely Samsung Intercept that they’re being bumped up to Android 2.2 Froyo today, finally, oh joyous day! This update, like most upgrades to newer Android versions, comes after months of speculation. The first date was December 17th of last year, then it was “sometime this spring,” and now it’s today. Today, today, callooh, callay!

This update brings Virgin Mobile-carried Samsung Intercept up to the nearly-newest version of Android, Android 2.2 Froyo. Of course eventually it would be ideal for this phone to be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread and then 2.x (whatever it’ll be) Ice Cream. Don’t hold your breath! This may well be the last update in the lifespan of said phone. That said, we’ve been taking a peek at the cute little LG Optimus V for the past week, and Virgin’s been treating us well. 

To see if you’re next in line to get the upgrade to Android 2.2 Froyo, just follow the following directions:

Within the next few weeks you will be receiving a prompt on your phone to update your Intercept phone software from 2.1 éclair to 2.2 Froyo. The update process will take 5-15 minutes to complete. Ensure that your phone is charged or connected to AC before clicking Restart and Install. Do not remove your battery during the update process.
Google or Exchange Contacts, Email accounts, Text Messages, Alarms and installed applications will be backed up and restored. A soft reset may be required to re-sync Calendar events. Music files, Photos and Videos are stored on the memory card and are not affected. Memos, Call Logs, Speed Dial numbers, Playlists, Folders, App shortcuts and Widgets will be deleted. Backup any important Memos before proceeding.Speed Dial numbers, Playlists, Folders, App shortcuts and Widgets can be recreated after the update is complete.
After the installation is complete, your phone will restart. You will be prompted to re-enter your Google Account Password.
Froyo 2.2 enhancements include:
· Exchange Active Sync updates
· ability to install applications to external memory card
· improved Bluetooth device support
· Bluetooth Voice dialing
· improved operating system performance
· dedicated phone, application and browser icons on every home screen
Virgin Mobile

[thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

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