G1er: Upgrade Or Wait Till the Contract Runs Out?

T-Mobile hasn't provided much information publicly for G1 owners to upgrade to newer Android-based phones.  Perhaps, there is no upgrade option until the two-year contract runs out.  For US users, there still isn't a whole lot of selection.  For that matter, there is only one option besides G1.

HTC Hero, a very compelling reason for anyone to get an Android phone, won't be coming to the T-Mobile but will be available this fall for Sprint.  But this winter, there could be more Android devices coming our way.

So, as first generation adopters, will you be satisfy with to see your friends and others watching around with a spiffy new Google device?  Personally, I think the G1 is a great device that only shows the potential of mobile computing, not the fruits.  It's always like that with first or second generation technology.  However, as I travel the Web, I'm beginning to see more meat being added to Android.  I don't know if we'll see it with Android 2.0 or the next version after that but it's good to see Google putting a lot of resources into this.

I was a bit worried when they announced Chrome OS earlier this summer.  For instance, we know that VOIP should be support in up coming Android upgrades.

Will I upgrade from the G1 if I can?  Definitely.  I think what I'll be interested in seeing is how Hero does with Sprint with Pre being their flagship device.  Also, word is that Motorola is looking to get into the Android game as well.

It'll be a year or so when a lot of these devices come out.  I'm a T-Mobile guy so I hope many of these devices will also come our way.

Mobile Tip: Get More Out Of Youtube App

One of the frustrating thing about the Youtube app in the Android, as well as the iPhone version, is that you're pretty much limited by the search.

On the main website, you can access directly some shows and channels. On the G1, it's quite limited. And not all the video available for the regular browser is available for mobile viewing. And the search function is abysmal.

The other day, I ran across an old Sherlock Holmes movie. I was able to begin watching it on my Macbook but I also had to leave for an appointment. I tried searching for it on the G1 but I wasn't able to find it directly.

Then, I resorted to e-mail the Youtube link to myself.

Once I received the mail on my G1, I clicked on the link and picked to watch the video through the Youtube app. And to my delight and relief, it worked!

I don't know why some video work and others don't. I just tried an episode of Fullmetal Alchemist and Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. Both worked but MacGyver didn't.

I don't know why that is. Maybe one of our readers can shed some light on that. Until then, it'll be hit-and-miss. This way, you'll get more hits.

G1 Not Upgradable From This Point Forward?

Well, at least this confirms my belief.  G1 is a beta device and we all paid to be a part of it.  Well, no regrets.  If you're wondering what I'm talking about, here it is:  G1 isn't likely to be upgradable from this point forward.

I have waited a few days to confirm this but at this point, it's looking bleak for us G1ers.  However, I'm hoping that T-Mobile might do something for those of us who take the G1 in at good faith and allow us to upgrade without penalty sooner rather than later.

Still, I think the G1 is one of the better devices on the market.  I'm not sure we have to worry about falling behind the rest of the Android market until next year at the earliest.

The G2, myTouch, as far as I am concerned is a G1 without a keyboard.  In any case, I do hope that T-Mobile or Google will continue to support security upgrades and Chrome Mobile.

So, where do we go from here?  Like I said, the G1 is one of the best devices on the market and there should be no need for G1ers to upgrade.  As always, there are two things I want for the future.  Battery life efficiency and speed.

As for Android 2.0 and beyond, well, I'd be lying if I say that I'm not interested but I'm happy with things for the moment.

Google Should Standardize Google Voice

Have you tried Google Voice yet?  Well, if you live in the States, you should.  You really must sign up for an invite.

It takes about two weeks for one to arrive.  I think Google is simply being caution about rolling out one of the most anticipated features of its web apps, if you can call it that.

But I think Google should eventually make Google Voice a standard feature in Android wherever Google-branded phones and mobile devices are sold.

I've been using GV on my G1 and, I have to say, this is the missing app for me.  Along with Meebo that now does a decent job of staying connected with my IM contacts, GV has really done a good job of making you feel like you're connected to your friends, family, and work contacts.

So, if you haven't already, get the GV app and secure yourself a Google Voice number.  Here is the link where you can go get one.

Now, I'm just waiting for Google to push SMS and visual voice mail notifications.  Anyway, while I love my iPhone, I think Android can be just as good if not better since Google isn't likely to interfere with app store politics as much as Apple's more Stalinistic approach does and Android is perceived to be more open (open's definition being arguable).

Note:  There are a couple of scripts available for setting notifications to your gmail to tell you when you have an sms notification.  Right now, you can get notifications whenever you get a voicemail.  Still, push works better, don't you think?