Posts tagged nexus one
Flash 10.1 Final Hits Nexus One, Coming Soon for Droid
Aug 16th
The Nexus One received an updated version of Adobe’s Flash 10.1 plugin this afternoon, cementing and making official the biggest advantage Google and its Android platform has over the iOS ecosystem. While most of the features were already in place, the final version improves the quality and reliability of video streams and games.
This momentous occasion also falls at the same time as Froyo is being distributed amongst most high-end Android smartphones, such as the Motorola Droid, Droid X, EVO 4G, and soon, the Galaxy S variants, though that won’t happen ’till September.
It’s good that Adobe had a good test subject in the Nexus One: the distribution group was small enough that they could catch any bugs before releasing the major upgrade, and the Nexus One is considered a developers’ or enthusiasts’ phone, so generally those owners were people who wanted to try the latest and greatest beta software.
Congratulations, Adobe and Google! Check out the build in the Android Marketplace.
PS. The Droid version should be available soon, according to Adobe CEO, Shantanu Narayen. It will distributed as a second update to the version of Froyo being released now, in the coming weeks.
(via IntoMobile)
This Week In Android 8/1-8/7
Aug 8th
Even though this week was BlackBerry Torch week, that doesn’t mean Android didn’t have its fair share of news. Multiple numbers came in this week showing tremendous growth in the market share and mind share of Android handsets, the Nexus One isn’t completely dead, and there were various other Android phone release rumors and announcements. Check in after the break to see the week’s Android News.
Android is the best. Or, at least, it’s the most popular. Up 886% year over year.
Half of BlackBerry Users are Ready to Jump Ship to Android and iPhone
Froyo Hitting More Devices. Onto the next one!
Bell Samsung Vibrant launching August 6 for $149.95
Motorola Flipout Now Available From Rogers for $29.99
Android OS Takes the Lead from BlackBerry in Q2
Google Keeps the Nexus One Alive as an Official Developer Phone
Samsung Gem – a Wave with Android for Verizon?
Droid X Froyo Update Coming in “Early September”
HTC Desire Available From Telus for $79.99! Whoa!<Rumour: Bell Samsung Vibrant not unlockable
WIND Mobile Getting High End Motorola Milestone XT720 Android Device?
Google Keeps the Nexus One Alive as an Official Developer Phone
Aug 5th
Whew, that was a close one. Just when we thought HTC’s Nexus One was gone for good, Google’s Developer Blog has announced that the phone will still be available for Android Developers to purchase for $529. You will of course need to be a developer to be eligible to purchase a Nexus One so perhaps that $25 registration fee is worth it if you missed your chance to snag the phone earlier. Thanks Google, we were worried sick that we would lose the most hackable Android phone ever.
[Via Android Developers Blog]
This Week In Android 7/25-7/31
Aug 1st
It’s been a scant week as far as Android news goes. We had word of Samsung’s Galaxy Spica receiving its taste of Eclair goodness, Google’s plan to make $10 billion per year with their Android platform, and yesterday GuruDaniel did an excellent review on the Otterbox Commuter case for the Nexus One. Join us after the break to see this week’s Android news.
Google aiming at 1 billion Android users, $10 billion yearly mobile revenue
Galaxy Spica To Get 2.1?
Accessory Review: Otterbox Commuter Case for Nexus One
Accessory Review: Otterbox Commuter Case for Nexus One
Jul 31st
“Now this is a case.”
That’s the first thought I had when I put the Commuter case over the Nexus One. Yes, this was after using a ridiculously ugly, and flimsy, silicone skin on the device for a few weeks, but still, it’s not often that a case improves the look of a device. And I truly think that this case does that. There are a couple caveats that I’ll touch on later, but ultimately, if you’re looking for a good case for the (now discontinued) Nexus One, look no further.
Design
The Commuter case doesn’t have a lot of frills. Like all others from the same line, this case comes in three parts: the silicone inner layer, the hard shell outer layer, and a slide-on screen protector for the 3.7″ AMOLED screen. Like a glove, the silicone case slides over the thin device, and in fact looks quite nice without even the outer shell on top. It emphasizes the volume rocker quite a lot, like a big ear sticking out of a narrow face, but ultimately that’s because the hard case increases the width of the device a little bit. The volume rocker actually works much better than it does sans case, as it is quite hard to use on the stock device, especially from within a pocket. The rubber is springy and always hits the target, which is exactly what it should be.
Along the top, the silicone provides snug covers for the 3.5mm headphone jack and the offers a nice rubber nub for the on/off button, which, like the volume rocker, is a bit difficult to press down without a case. On the botton, the silicone covers the microUSB port, which is my only real criticism of the case. The rubber fits inside the port so well that it is often difficult to remove, and when removed, it is usually impossible to insert the cable without holding the slit open with your other hand. I’d prefer the cover not be there at all, but since the silicone is cut from a single piece of rubber, its inclusion makes sense from a design perspective.
The hard shell provides protection for the back and sides of the device, and there is a hole where the volume rocker slips out. Beautiful design aside, the case leaves the form slender and usable. The screen is fully accessible and the device is extremely well protected. Because the device is not thick to begin with, the added centimetre or so of girth does not injure the clean looks. And, honestly, I prefer the black of the silicone/hard shell combo to the boring grey of the stock device.
Usability
The Commuter case leaves the device pretty much unfettered. It slips in and out of a pocket due to the plastic outer layer, and has performed admirably protecting the device from several drops. I have noticed, however, that the snug fit of the hard shell leaves little room for your thumbs to rest on the side of the device, and when typing, can make it difficult for a user with big digits like myself to reach the outer letters of the on-screen keyboard. This is not usually an issue, but hampers the ability to touch type on the Nexus One.
The screen protector is of good quality, and shouldn’t hurt colour reproduction or contract levels. Just be careful to prevent any air bubbles from forming when applying it, as it is a thicker, plasticky material that is prone to pretty serious air capture. If you are scared of scratching the screen, I would recommend skipping the included screen protector and instead purchasing one from BestSkinsEver.com or zagg.com. They are made of far more durable protection, and are fairly inexpensive.
Conclusion
Nothing much else needs to be said about this. Whereas I was hesitant to recommend the Commuter case for the BlackBerry Bold 9700 because of its added weight and bulk, the version for the Nexus One is a different animal altogether. Though I haven’t tried the other high-end cases from companies like Seido, I would be surprised if they are able to improve much on the design and quality.
Purchase the Otterbox Commuter case for the Nexus One at their website, or at participating retail stores.
Highly Recommended.
Why I Won’t Buy the iPhone 4 in Canada
Jul 26th
Fuck iPhone.
Wait, wait. That’s not right. Fuck Apple.
Ok, that’s better. See, I have nothing against the iPhone per se. In fact, all told, I’ve owned 6 iPhones altogether. That involves buying one, getting bored of it, selling it, buying another one, selling that one, and so on. Each time there would be this inexplicable sense of anticipation, like I was going to pick up a new puppy. Then I would it up, and would set it up, jailbreak it, load all my old apps, and it would be like that first hit, the one that gets you really, really high, all over again.
But like that first high, it’s never as good the second time. Each time the phone was a little less enticing.
So in February I sold another 3GS in anticipation of Telus’ Milestone release. I’d heard great things about the 2.0.1 Android device, and in spite of its shortcomings, seemed like a very cool device. But soon it wasn’t good enough. I missed the apps that Android didn’t yet have. I missed the great RSS readers, the NY Times, I missed how smooth everything was.
So I sold the device and bought another used 3GS. And again I was disheartened. Jailbreaking provided usable multitasking; 4.0 was not an exciting release for anyone in the jailbreak world. The iPhone is app reliant; in fact, there is barely anything you can do outside the app framework. Once a notification comes and goes, there is no way to retrieve them. The Settings app provides no usable information on current installed apps.
So Android was like an open world; it is World of Warcraft to iPhone’s Diablo (I don’t really do games, sorry if that’s not apt). There was usable information wherever you looked. You could see what song was playing, check out a widget one of the many home screens, turn off WiFi, turn on GPS. Your live wallpaper could show you your location on Google Maps. It breathed. It still breathes two versions later.
iPhone 4 is a beautiful piece of closed world. I cannot wait to read books on it, and to watch HD YouTube videos. But in terms of sheer value, $659+tax for the 16GB version, unlocked and off-contract, does not make sense to me. You can buy the HTC Legend on Bell for $350+tax and unlock it for $5, forever. No software unlock, no tinkering. Forever. You can (could) buy the Nexus One for $529US ($550ish)+tax and it does a whole lot more to the average geek.
I’m a geek. I will always be a tinkerer and a user. I consume like the rest of us, but my heart is in making the software better, faster. Despite the Library of Congress ostensibly legalizing jailbreaking, Apple will not stop trying to stop hackers from doing it. iPhone 4 in Canada will be one of the most popular phones ever released.
But the magic, at least for now, is over.
PS.
I don’t anticipate an Antennagate in this country. The networks are too robust. Shouldn’t be an issue. But when the white iPhone 4 is released later in the year, I expect there to be a new antenna design. And when that happens there will be a lot of really, really pissed off early adopters. And Canadians, with their more robust networks, will be there to pick up the AT&T pieces, unlock the shit out of them, and make them work.
This Week In Android 7/18-7/24
Jul 25th
It’s been a rough week for Android with the largest (and saddest) story being that the famous Google Nexus One is no longer available for sale from Google. GuruDaniel wrote a heart-wrenching salute to the handset, explaining how the Nexus One helped push Android hardware into the next generation, and how it is the ultimate slate for developers and hackers to build on. Other than that, we have a few Android handsets hitting the Canadian carriers Bell and Telus as well as an extra blurry shot of a Droid slider device hopefully headed to Verizon. Check in after the break to see what Android news you may have missed this week.
Google’s Nexus One Discontinued. Wherefore Art Thou, Open Android?
Bell To Get HTC Wildfire? Say It Ain’t So!
If A Droid and Palm Pre Had An Affair…This Would Be The Result
Android 2.1 clears half of all Android devices, Froyo creeps up
Nexus One: 2010-2010
Jul 22nd
Dear Nexus One,
Even though I am using you right now, in fact I am currently upgrading your OS to another custom OS that a very active developer community is tirelessly working to perfect, I am speaking to you from beyond the grave. Your time on this earth was too short. In fact, it was murder. You were killed before your time, and you were just starting to shine through the dark trenches of Android’s harsh climate. You were like a high resolution diamond in a sea of smudgy, inferior products, all clamoring to grab a piece of your awesomeness.
There is a beautiful thing you once told me. When I unlocked your bootloader, instead of telling me you were going to self-destruct in some drama queen firestorm, you smiled and lifted your eyes to me, exclaiming, “Thank you, Daniel. That feels much better.” Well, you’re welcome, old friend. And even if I broke your warranty, our friendship was cemented forever in that moment. I haven’t put you down since. (I even sleep with you occasionally, but don’t tell your sister, HTC Legend).
There was that time I dropped you. I am so, so sorry. You didn’t deserve the cold, harsh reality of that bathroom tile. When I gingerly picked you up, and you peered at me with that loose plastic eye of yours, I swear I let out a tear. For I knew my life without you was going to be so bare, so meaningless. But miraculously you came back to me! I applied a bit of pressure (you always liked it rough), pulled up my sleeves and got to work. I put all your errant parts back together, and though you struggled for breath, your spark was not yet out.
And now, officially, you have been given the military send-off. You and a couple hundred thousand of your brethren will be remembered for moving Android forward in such significant ways, the impact will likely only be felt in the coming years. You were the first device to have Eclair and the first to have Froyo. And Google, while they seem to have given you up for permanent adoption, won’t stop caring for you. For they are fully aware you are their true baby, their Splice experiment gone horribly wrong and ecstatically right all at once. You are a fever dream: hardly real, and yet proof there are beautiful other things out there.
You have left a legacy. Since your birth, manufacturers have been forced to improve their own code to meet your high standards. Your sleek body, your gorgeous screen. All enviable and tough to beat. You have your problems, but what children don’t? Ultimately you are the quiet, brilliant kid in the corner to Motorola’s loud, brash bully. You will always be my favourite, my true love.
Even as you sit here next to me, unaware of your impending damnation, I weep for your limited future. You won’t soon be forgotten to the ocean’s endless bottom, but eventually, like any once-brilliant actor past his prime, you will be replaced with someone stronger, faster, more productive. To me, though, you’ll always be Baby, and, baby, Baby comes first.
Android 2.1 clears half of all Android devices, Froyo creeps up
Jul 21st
| Platform | API Level | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Android 1.5 | 3 | 18.9% |
| Android 1.6 | 4 | 22.1% |
| Android 2.1 | 7 | 55.5% |
| Android 2.2 | 8 | 3.3% |
Every month, Google’s Android developers’ forum releases the latest breakdown of Android user distribution based on downloads from the Marketplace. This month, things are looking pretty rosy for Android 2.1, and the upcoming Android 2.2 OS, which was recently released on the Nexus One, and soon on the Droid 2 and Droid X.
Android 2.1 has risen to 55% market share, making it the clear majority holder. The nice thing about it, too, is how quickly it has risen to that spot. Check out the break for the breakdown distribution over time.
Google’s Nexus One Discontinued. Wherefore Art Thou, Open Android?
Jul 19th
So today the last shipment of Nexus One devices were delivered to Google. Once the inventory runs out, that’s all she wrote for the now-famous direct-buy, no-carrier phone. For its time, the phone’s specs were some of the best ever seen, and really still have not been far eclipsed in the seven months since its online-only release.
The beauty of the Nexus One was in its flexibility and the ease in which it could be hacked to its owner’s content. The open bootrom, in layman’s terms, meant that should you find the stock OS insufficient, a couple lines on a command prompt later you could potentially load any number of user-designed OS’s based on Google’s AOSP (Android Open Source Project). One of the more famous ones now is CyanogenMOD, which is a group project to bring many custom improvements, both visual and performance-wise, to the platform.
The business model was not without its detractors, however. To purchase the phone was to buy it outright (except through T-Mobile): it came unlocked for any carrier, you just chose the radio inside the phone (for T-Mobile/WIND or AT&T/Rogers/Bell/Telus). For $529, this was not the cheapest option, but the fact that there was no contract that needed to be signed. In a sense, the phone, once purchased, was about as free and open as you could possibly imagine.
But the experiment didn’t work: Apple sold millions of iPhones in the time that Google sold only 135,000 Nexus One devices. Perhaps people in the United States just weren’t comfortable buying a phone outright; their allegiances to the subsidized carrier prices were too strong. And what’s a two-year contract in the long run? For me, it’s two years too long.
So now what? What happens to open Android? Where does one go to get his hackable Froyo? For all we’ve heard about Motorola making it practically impossible to hack its new Droid X phone, the move seems to be away from the open concept of Android and into the OEM-controlled UI changes and awful pre-loaded junkware of AT&T and Verizon. When we purchase a phone, we should have the right to remove programs we don’t want and don’t need. But the carriers feel that with their subsidies they have the right to lock down the devices we buy. It’s ludicrous.
So the Nexus One may go down as a failure in Google’s pocketbooks. But the community that has derived from its open nature is far more important. Thousands of people band together on forums like XDA-Developers to try and crack the problems that Google couldn’t. No 720p video recording? No problem. Battery life getting you down? Install a custom Linux kernel. It’s all possible with the Nexus One, and my fear is that in the future Google will be too scared to pursue the same results with a different phone.
The Nexus One will still be sold via Vodafone in Europe, KT in South Korea, and perhaps some other vendors. But when the inventory runs out on Google.com/phone, it will be the end of an era. I don’t think we have to worry about the success of Android as a platform: the Droid X and Droid Incredible are still out-selling most other smartphones in the US, and Android was the only platform to gain users in the Feb-May time period. But for open Android, it’s a different story.
(via ReadWriteWeb)
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