Froogloid

HTC Dream ~ Someone has it…. or do they?

In the latest a2b release, v1.1.0, we included a small bit of code from flurry analytics that allows Froogloid to monitor a2b’s usage etc. Don’t worry, it does not give us access to sensitive user information such as who’s using the app, where they’re using it etc. It mainly provides a way to monitor what devices are using the app, which countries, # of sessions, and # of errors experienced in the app. Think of it like google analytics but not NEARLY as detailed…
Yesterday I was surfing around the analytics report and noticed something interesting…. there’s a new device using a2b :) That’s right, someone who owns an HTC Magic, aka G2, has purchased a2b! First of all, I have to say I’m quite flattered that one of only a few people in the world that owns the HTC Magic has decided to purchase a2b. Almost brings a tear to my eye :) Second, you know what this means right? The launch of the G2/HTC Magic is getting extremely close! Finally, android will become a multi-device operating system. Although, I use that term loosely considering the HTC Dream is bigger brother of the G1. I’ll get really excited once I see an android device released from another manufacturer.
Here’s a screenshot of the analytics report:

Get an android phone for less than 100 bucks!

If you’re dying to get your hands on a Google phone but you don’t want to spend $175!  You’re in luck!  www.letstalk.com is offering a great deal right now.  You can purchase a T-Mobile G1 for $97.77 AND it comes with a free car charger and a 4gb micro SD card.  The only catch is that you have to sign up for a 2 yr contract. To put this in perspective, I bought my G1 in Oct 08 for $175 with a 2 yr contract.  Then I upgraded to 4gb card for another 30 bucks.  So, 4 months later you can pay $100 less than I did and get a free car charger .  Pretty good deal.

When is a2b going to Europe?

I’ve received a few emails from folks in Europe asking when they’ll be able to purchase a2b.  Unfortunately, the decision isn’t up to Froogoid.  We’re merely pawns in Google’s conquest to take over the mobile app world. Which means, we have to wait for the google market to support paid app in other countries.  Google’s communication has been limited, but here’s what they’ve said thus far ~

“We will also enable developers in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France, and Spain to offer priced applications later this quarter. By the end of Q1 2009, we will announce support for developers in additional countries. Developers can find more information about priced applications in Android Market at http://market.android.com/support/”

Fingers crossed…. google will stay on schedule. 

Speaking of Europe … our good friends at www.androidworld.nl Holland have recently reviewed a2b and it appears they like what they see.  If you can read Dutch :) check it out.  Or, do like I did and use google translator.  Thanks Dimitry/Android World for the great review!