Android Mobiles

Today, February 9th, 2010, Google has yet another release for us(Android Users) that extends the abilities of your Android Device and Gmail account. This free service is called Google Buzz and is essentially another social networking medium. With Google Wave not making much headway, the introduction of Google Buzz to all Google Accounts combined with the simplicity of the service, Buzz may actually prove to be quite popular.  It is accessible through your online Gmail account or from any mobile phone. Buzz specific features include just some of the following:

• Public updates and “buzz’s” that can seen by friends
• Updates can be made public to be seen by anyone
• See nearby buzz updates
• Comment on or Like friend’s updates
• See nearby buzz updates via a new layer in Google Maps for Android, iPhone, Nokia S60, and Windows Mobile
• Read buzz updates about anywhere from the Places Page
• Speak “post buzz” into Android Quick Voice Search on Android and iPhone
• Location added to buzz updates
• Pulls media/photos from links for fast and easy access

Not only will you be able to make status updates but you will also be able to share anything you want with friends such as Twitter, links, videos, pictures, and much more. For a chart of features supported on different mobile phone platforms see below:

If you have not already set up your Google Profile and combined it with Buzz, try it out now! Watch the following video for a demonstration:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Get on Buzz now! You can even check me out here.

“Android” and “open” go together like peanut butter and chocolate, but last year, avid Android followers were reminded that Android might be open, but Google apps for Android? Not so much. Workarounds have allowed use of those applications on phones, but Android’s future is not limited to phones. Manufacturers are testing, announcing, and even releasing Android netbooks, MIDs, and tablets. However, devices in this burgeoning Android market have yet to be certified as “with Google.” While there is no indication that phone sales are better or worse with or without that association, there are several reasons that being “with Google” could be an important distinction for other devices.

GOOGLE APPS
Tablets and netbooks are “connected” devices, but even with robust web applications, native device applications provide several advantages over their web-only counterparts. Features like offline use and cross-app-functionality are two major examples. Android users (or Google app users looking for Android) will expect access to native applications for Google Contacts, Calendar, Gmail, Voice, and Maps, but those native apps are are not part of the “open” Android.

STANDARD USER EXPERIENCE AND ACCESS TO ANDROID UPDATES
Android “fragmentation” comes in several forms, but differing OS versions is arguably the biggest problem for manufacturers, developers, and users. Devices with creative modifications to Android causes more work for manufacturers to keep up with the latest version of Android. Though other mobile platforms may also suffer this problem, Android adoption is vulnerable the longer these “old” operating systems hold onto significant market share. It is nice that Google provides open and updated access to such information (via Android Developers), but manufacturers need to be prepared to keep up with the releases. Developers may already be weary of having to support the “latest and greatest” as well as catering to the larger market segment of older Androids. Though Android 1.6 is still the dominant market release, “with Google” devices could be able to receive such updates in a more timely manner.

ANDROID MARKET
Really, it’s all about the apps. The Android Market is a legitimate marketplace and access to it is critical to the success of any Android device. Device-specific app stores will have a hard time competing with the established Android Market (if they can compete at all). Google and developers will need to work on how to segment applications based on max resolution, but that is not a new problem, even for Android. A soon-to-be-released non-Android tablet has a way to scale apps meant for smaller screens to match larger-screens – something for Google and developers to consider.

GOOGLE HAS THE FINAL SAY
The hurdle to getting Android “with Google” is Google. I expect that manufacturers are interested in selling “certified” devices, but none have yet to surface. The Google blog  announcing Chrome OS acknowledges that “Android was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks,” which sounds reasonable. Unfortunately they confuse the tablet / netbook market (manufacturers and consumers alike) in the very next sentence, saying “Google Chrome OS …is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems.”

Perhaps Google has a plan. Perhaps Google is quietly working with manufacturers. Perhaps the lines will soon be drawn – touch vs. non-touch, minimum / maximum processing power, or even external device support. Wherever they may be drawn, it is important to do so soon and let the netbook market and, more importantly, the tablet market get moving – “with Google.”

“Android” and “open” go together like peanut butter and chocolate, but last year, avid Android followers were reminded that Android might be open, but Google apps for Android? Not so much. Workarounds have allowed use of those applications on phones, but Android’s future is not limited to phones. Manufacturers are testing, announcing, and even releasing Android netbooks, MIDs, and tablets. However, devices in this burgeoning Android market have yet to be certified as “with Google.” While there is no indication that phone sales are better or worse with or without that association, there are several reasons that being “with Google” could be an important distinction for other devices.

GOOGLE APPS
Tablets and netbooks are “connected” devices, but even with robust web applications, native device applications provide several advantages over their web-only counterparts. Features like offline use and cross-app-functionality are two major examples. Android users (or Google app users looking for Android) will expect access to native applications for Google Contacts, Calendar, Gmail, Voice, and Maps, but those native apps are are not part of the “open” Android.

STANDARD USER EXPERIENCE AND ACCESS TO ANDROID UPDATES
Android “fragmentation” comes in several forms, but differing OS versions is arguably the biggest problem for manufacturers, developers, and users. Devices with creative modifications to Android causes more work for manufacturers to keep up with the latest version of Android. Though other mobile platforms may also suffer this problem, Android adoption is vulnerable the longer these “old” operating systems hold onto significant market share. It is nice that Google provides open and updated access to such information (via Android Developers), but manufacturers need to be prepared to keep up with the releases. Developers may already be weary of having to support the “latest and greatest” as well as catering to the larger market segment of older Androids. Though Android 1.6 is still the dominant market release, “with Google” devices could be able to receive such updates in a more timely manner.

ANDROID MARKET
Really, it’s all about the apps. The Android Market is a legitimate marketplace and access to it is critical to the success of any Android device. Device-specific app stores will have a hard time competing with the established Android Market (if they can compete at all). Google and developers will need to work on how to segment applications based on max resolution, but that is not a new problem, even for Android. A soon-to-be-released non-Android tablet has a way to scale apps meant for smaller screens to match larger-screens – something for Google and developers to consider.

GOOGLE HAS THE FINAL SAY
The hurdle to getting Android “with Google” is Google. I expect that manufacturers are interested in selling “certified” devices, but none have yet to surface. The Google blog  announcing Chrome OS acknowledges that “Android was designed from the beginning to work across a variety of devices from phones to set-top boxes to netbooks,” which sounds reasonable. Unfortunately they confuse the tablet / netbook market (manufacturers and consumers alike) in the very next sentence, saying “Google Chrome OS …is being designed to power computers ranging from small netbooks to full-size desktop systems.”

Perhaps Google has a plan. Perhaps Google is quietly working with manufacturers. Perhaps the lines will soon be drawn – touch vs. non-touch, minimum / maximum processing power, or even external device support. Wherever they may be drawn, it is important to do so soon and let the netbook market and, more importantly, the tablet market get moving – “with Google.”

Last month, Google kicked off an official YouTube page for the Nexus One.  Just this last week, however, they decided to take us on a tour of what goes on behind the device.  Over the course of 5 videos, Google has been giving viewers an inside look into everything that has gone into the concept, design, testing, and manufacturing of our favorite Superphone.  The last video is expected tomorrow, but you can watch the first 4 installments now.  The latest clip shows the handset as it is manufactured and prepped for shipping.

If there’s one area where Google could improve the Nexus One experience, it would be in how support is handled.  Thankfully, things look to be headed in a positive direction.  A posting has been found on a Google’s job board that shows the company seeking a “Phone Support Program Manager, Android/Nexus One,” who will be based out of their Mountain View location.  This comes as welcome news to those users growing frustrated with forums, message boards, email support, and a perceived lack of human touch.

“We’re working quickly to solve any customer support issues as they come up, and we are trying to be as open and transparent as possible through our online customer help forums. We continue to address all issues in as timely of a manner as possible, and we’re flexible and prepared to make changes to our processes and tools, as necessary, for an optimal customer support experience,” the company said in a statement.

We’re assuming that whatever is done for the Nexus One will ultimately happen for other handsets as they are rolled out.  Whether that includes phone support or not remains to be seen.

Source: CNET via Androinica

Looks like Google won’t be having any of that backtalk from Steve Jobs after all. According to the Nexus One News and Updates page, Google will be rolling out an over-the-air update for the Nexus One beginning today. Some may not receive the update until later in the week. The update is said to include some new features, as well as bug fixes.

Here’s what Nexus One-ers can expect:

Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web

Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:

• Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com – access your favorite places from your phone or computer

• Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history – makes it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before

• Night mode in Google Maps Navigation – automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving

Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications

3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones

This OTA update is sure to shake things up a bit. Google has been extremely vague and shady when it’s come to speaking about pinch-to-zoom and other multi-touch gestures. Cyanogen has already enabled these gestures for the “rooting” community, but it requires you to load his custom ROM onto your device. This update is long overdue, but probably the most welcomed update in Android history. It’s sure to shun all the non-believers who said that Google was scared of Apple. Looks like the gloves are off.

Video below, courtesy of Engadget:

Click here to view the embedded video.

[Source - Engadget]

There has been plenty of spilled ink (and pixels) surrounding products released over the past few years by Google and Apple with both putting   out game changers or a iWhatever killers.  A perceived rift may be becoming a reality.  As both an Apple and Google fanboy, I am saddened by a situation that doesn’t seem as if it will ever get better.

I really like what both companies are doing even if they have their respective issues.  Nobody is perfect. I will list a few of the things I like and don’t, you can perfectly disagree with the following statements and share your point of view in a comment.

• Apple has a great OS: Mac OS X. It can be simple if you don’t want to know how it works but you can also have access to Terminal and the power of Unix.
• Google has a great email service: Either Gmail or with Google Apps (only online and not through pop3 or imap on a client). I think this is the next step of evolution for email: huge storage accessible whatever device you are using, labels and not folders, powerful search.
• Apple is controlling: Apple, or maybe just Steve Jobs, think they know exactly what consumers want and what they don’t need. Apparently, we don’t need Blu-ray drive in high-end computers or camera on a tablet.
• Google is slow: Like any large companies, everything takes time. They have to evaluate everything and this process take time. Sometime I wish they change things as fast as they can give search results. When will we be able to buy Android apps in more countries?

However they share a lots and worked together in the past. Google is still providing web search and maps for Apple products and even if Apple would like to change the situation, it will not be easy and quick.

Now, how can someone can be both an Apple and Google fans. The logic would say that if you own a Mac computer, you will own an iPhone. If you compare Android OS and Mac OS X they have tons of similarity:

-Menu bar in OS X and Notification Bar in Android: You’ll get the time here, your network status, battery status… all in the same place.

-Dock and Slider bar: These are very similar concept, you click or drag and you will see icons of all your apps.

-Terminal/root: On both systems you can use the stock interface as it is or you can customize and improve it. I have Path Finder to replace the Finder on my Mac and a MoDaCo ROM on my HTC Hero.

-WebKit: Safari on OS X and Android browser are based on the same open source engine used to render web pages.

I could add few more but the point is that Mac OS X and Android have a lot more in commun than Mac OS X and the iPhone (or iPad to be trendy). So, for an Apple/Google fanboy the logical choice is to own an Android phone that you will be able to use like you are using you Mac OS X computer. Would you agree?

Rumors of a Sprint enabled Nexus One have been floating around since Google announced that the “superphone” would make it’s way to Verizon in the Spring. Then, Walmart decided to kick the rumors into a higher gear by “accidentally” launching a Nexus One coming soon page which showed 3G bands for ALL major US carriers.

Now, according to Gizmodo, Sprint users can jump for joy. Below is a letter received from Sprint Customer Solutions:

“Thank you for contacting Sprint regarding the nexus one.

Unfortunately, this handset model is not on offer as of now.

Once it is launched, you will see promotional campaigns related to the launch date, cost and the features of the handset on our Web site and other promotional media.

Thank you for showing interest in our products & services. Please let us know if you would like us to assist you with anything else.”

It makes sense for Sprint to get the Nexus One. If a Verizon version is already being made, it would make no sense for Sprint to miss out. The company has been pretty Android-quiet since the release of the Hero and Moment. The Nexus One on Sprint would mean that people could enjoy the most powerful Android device available, on a robust 3G network, at a low cost. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited by this! Now all we need is an official announcement!

It doesn’t come as a surprise, but Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha confirmed today that his company is working in partnership with Google on an Android phone to be sold directly to consumers.

Presumably, this handset would join the Nexus One in Google’s online store. Further, Jha made clear the phone is to be released this year, along with 19 other new Motorola smartphones, all likely running Android.

Fears that Android handsets might not find their way into China have been calmed.  Reuters is reporting today that China will not try to limit use of Android.  So long as the platform complies with Chinese law, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology spokesman Zhu Hongren said China would not place limits.

Two handsets were scheduled to be launched last week on China Unicom’s network but were delayed over the cyber-attack/Cold War between Google and China.  As of now, no announcements have come from Google, Motorola, or Samsung as to when we’ll see them.