Sprint Might be Winner If ATT Occupation of T-Mobile

If you didn't already know by now, ATT made a surprised bid to gobble up T-Mobile for $39 billion. And after a couple for bloggers, tech pundits, and myself to digest all the information, here is where many stand.

Regulators will have to look at this very carefully. Competitors will make demands. Politicians will chime in with their usual buffoon-ish manners. Consumer advocates will have their day that is like going to be ignored.

Right now, the meat is fresh and bloody and everyone will wait a piece of this in the morning. Dozens of blog posts and online newspaper articles have already been written about this.

And Sprint had already had its say. But let me offer this opinion about the deal with respect to Sprint.

Earlier, as I sat thinking about this, I said to myself that if ATT takes away from me the better deals and options that T-Mobile now has, regardless of whether I am taking advantage of it or not, I'll head on over to Sprint.

So there. If ATT does bungle this deal by alienating current T-Mobile customers like myself who have been happy with things the way they are, we will head on over to the no. 3 mobile provider who offers WiMax and competitive plans/options.

In the end, Sprint may benefit to some extent. Sprint has to continue to be aggressive and now may be a great time for it to launch an offensive campaign for the hearts and minds of confused (betrayed) T-Mobile subscribers.

However, keep in mind that no one knows just how this deal, when and not if it will go through, is going to look like when it is finally wrapped up. Though I am not hopeful, one such as myself hopes that T-Mobile will have a better influence on ATT and not all the bad things and worst case scenarios will come to pass.

More important than regulators, it will be the bloggers with legions of readers who can shape how this deal takes place. And we will work hard to make sure that if politicians allow themselves to be bought and a bigger badder ATT is looking out to screw more users, we will point to other options as best as we can.

Mobile Payment Is Coming In A Big Way

The mainstream media has not caught on to it yet and I've talked about it here from time to time. But be prepared to be bombarded with tons of media reports, blogs, tweets, and e-mails about it in the coming weeks or months.

At week at the Mobile World Congress, near field communication, NFC, was being talked about as if it is the next holy grail of mobile. And to a follower of mobile happenings like myself, this is a big thing. In as few words as possible, NFC allows payments be made through mobile devices.

Think of this as what you can already do at Starbucks. You can order and pay through the app. Well, this will happen in a much much better way. There are a couple of devices on the market with NFC capability, specifically, Google's Nexus S. But as with some technology, being first doesn't mean much.

However, it is largely expected that Apple's next iOS hardware updates, including the next iPhone, will support mobile payment. And I expect an explosion of next generation Android devices to support this as well.

I really recommend reading up on it because just about everyone from your bank, credit card, wireless providers, and hardware companies will be getting in on this lucrative new business. Oh, and retailers would love this as well.

Also, there are also security concerns you'll need to be aware of.

So get ready media and ad blitz coming our way. I'll be devoting much much more attention than I have in the past. I started talking about almost two years ago, pointing the ease that the Japanese users have been able to enjoy with paying through their cell phones for years.

It'll be our turn soon.

Atrix: Tweets and If Netbook Dock Will Change Mobile Computing (Android)

This is a post of my tweets regarding the upcoming Atrix with a laptop dock that will be available on AT&T:

#Atrix: The success of Atrix (or not) will determine whether #Android kills off #Chrome OS faster. #AT&T #Google #motorola (Part 1)

#Atrix: If successful, it might establish #Android as the default OS for future netbooks #AT&T #Android #motorola (Part 2)

#Atrix: It can move Nvidia out of just graphics and into mainstream CPU – Intel/AMD could lose out #AT&T #Android #motorola (Part 3)

#Atrix: This will accelerate #microsoft’s Windows for #arm chip even more if it happens. #AT&T #Android #motorola (Part 4)

#Atrix: Without need for storage, CPU, or others parts in a regular netbook, battery life sould be better. #AT&T #Android #motorola (Part 5)

#Atrix: A new mobile way of working – take your smartphone with you and plug it into any terminal #AT&T #Android #motorola (part 6)

#Atrix: Too bad it’s on #AT&T because it no longer offers unlimited 3G access #AT&T #Android #motorola (part 7)

#Atrix: $500 is a lot. #XOOM may offer better value as a tablet. No need for dock to have larger screen #AT&T #Google #motorola (part 8)

#Atrix: with Atrix & #Xoom, Motorola has a foundation for changing mobile life & computing #AT&T #Google #motorola (part 9)

#Atrix: will be available for pre-order with AT&T on Feb 13 - $199, $499 with netbook dock #AT&T #Google #motorola (part 10)

#Atrix: Impact on mobile computing depends on battery, enterprise, and #iPhone competition #AT&T #Google #motorola (part 11)

#Atrix: #AT&T just push netbook dock combo or else, it’ll just be another #Android phone #motorola (part 12)


Bottom-line: The Atrix is an incredible product on paper and promises to deliver based on the videos I’ve seen.

Motorla has a truly added a new dynamic to the mobile market. I look for a lot of copycats in 2012 if Atrix sales explodes. But like I said in the tweets, there could be things holding it back.

Pricing is one. AT&T is making users sign up for a bunch of services that they don’t need if they want to have the Atrix-dock combo.

Second, data plans. I’m not talking about the cost but the limited data access AT&T has. Seriously, as a mobile user, I want unlimited use. I don’t want to be restricted to 2GB or the limitation put on the tethering plan.

Rather than just AT&T, Motorola should have made the dock available to other networks that provide unlimited 3G access.

As it is now, it’s a very enticing product. We’ll just have to see if this is the magic bullet AT&T is looking for to replace its lost of iPhone exclusivity and if this will usher in an new era of mobile computing.

Samsung Tab Sighted In Public

I saw my first Samsung Tab. And in public. Not at a store but I really should go see one. No, I saw one at Borders in Pasadena where I was trying to get some work done.

And this is how it went down.

I did not notice it at first as I was busy hacking away on my Macbook, trying to promise myself that I would finish my nanowrimo project. For those who know what it is, I know, I know, it's already December 22nd. But better late than never.

But I felt someone staring in my direction. I looked up and saw a father standing in line with her daughter for their drinks. When the little girl walked away from her dad so she can get a better look at desserts, in the father's hand was a tablet.

I noticed that he was staring at the iPad that was on my table. I stared back. What was that thing? It was no iPad because the size of the thing was much smaller. The man was able to hold it like a big-sized paperback. And it had a wider-screen than the iPad.

And I know there is no iPad mini. Steve Jobs said so. No 7" iPad!

The staring ended when it was the father and daughter's turn to order. But after they got their drink, they walked towards my direction. I made a point to burn the image of the device into my mind.

Then there was a bit more staring. And I noticed the 3G signal on the screen as he walked by.

After they had walked behind me and I could no longer see the device, I googled the Tab. Then a couple of the other more well known Android tablets. It was the Tab!

So what do I think? I can't say much about it since I did not get to play with it or have it lay next to my iPad. I don't think the man would have agreed to anyway. Believe me when I tell you that his stares were icy.

But I noticed that he would tap on the screen with one hand. Specifically, with one finger. I tried to imagine myself doing that on the iPad. Easily done. I probably would type on the on-screen keyboard than tap at the keys in landscape model.

Then I imagine trying to type on the 7" screen of the Tab. I could probably do it by using my index fingers just like I already do now on the iPad in portrait model. But whenever I try that, I quickly tire and go back to the landscape model.

That's all for now. Oh, and the man was mostly reading from it. I think it was through the browser and not an ebook reader app or another reading app.

Again, just reporting on what I saw. I really should go into a Best Buy or visit one of the carriers to check it out. Anyway, I just thought I share my first Tab sighting. I'm not saying whether the 7" screen is adequate or not or whether Samsung jumped the gun by using Android 2.2.

Over all, it was pretty cool to see someone else using a tablet that did not have the Apple logo on it.

WiMax In Los Angeles?

Being in LA is a good thing at times.  We're close to Hollywood, sunshine, beaches, and hotties all around.  But when it comes to tech, we're almost always the last to get it. High speed bandwidth like DSL and cable in the 90s.  We can pretty much forget about fiber optics.  That seems to be the came for wireless connection as well.

I went to Radio Shack today to play with the EVO and also order an iPhone 4 for my cousin.  In talking to the fellows who work there, they noticed my extreme interest in the EVO.  But I complained about having to pay for the 4G surcharge when we have no idea when I'll see WiMax being supported in my neighborhood.

So he said he understood which is why he's waiting as well.  He'll be jumping ship to Sprint from Verizon.  But he expects it soon. According to him, West LA already has WiMax coverage (I didn't know that) and my area is currently being tested.

He thinks it'll happen end of summer.

Anyway, I thought I pass that along in case anyone in LA is wondering about WiMax.

As for my impression with EVO, there was no working one to play with. But I did like the size.  I am not sure I like the plastic nature of the device.  While I don't like Droid's keyboard, I do like the toughness it conveys.

Galaxy S will be out for T-Mobile in July and I play on giving it a good look through because another Galaxy version will be available for Sprint that supports WiMax later this year.

I'm still waiting to see what the iPhone 4 has to offer when I pick it up for my cousin on the 24th.  I like to stay with T-Mobile and I'll be rooting for the Galaxy big time.  But that depends on when HPSA+ is available.  I imagine it'll happen around the same time as when WiMax becomes available for Los Angeles.  I'll pit Sprint's 4G versus T-Mobile's supercharged 3G network to decide then.

Meanwhile, my G1 is hanging in there.

G1 Streaming Audio

Here is something that I think will have a big play in Android and perhaps other mobile devices.

Streaming audio.  Ouside of checking  if Congress and the White House will be handing out any more money (I'm sure we're not part of any bailout), checking e-mails, and getting weather updates and sport scores, I've been listening to streaming audio.

This can be done with any mobile Internet device provided there is an app that streams audio.  And the G1 has just that app to do it.

StreamFusion is my favorite app by far.  If you have a G1, this is a must have app.  It comes with about twenty or so preset stations.  But because it's interfaced with Shoutcast, you'll have access to many more Internet radio stations.

I think this will be even bigger than streaming video or Youtube.  A lot of mobile warriors like myself are constantly on the move:  driving, jogging, or working around the house.  And since we have our mobile devices like the iPhone or G1 with us at all time, it is just an source of entertainment or news.

I've been listening to NPR, FoxNews, and BBC.  Now, if only someone can figure out a way to get CNN's TV audio to stream, then I'll be in heaven (CNN provides audio to their regular US broadcast).

So, if you've got a G1, this is a must have app.

Note:  It also works with EDGE if you happen to venture in a bad neighborhood.  By bad neighborhood, I'm strictly talking about non-3G parts of the country.

Android Netbooks

Android would be a perfect OS for a netbook, wouldn't you think?  Okay, maybe not today given how I've bitched about the G1 and the beta feel to Android.  In fact, I've been getting quite a bit of app crashes of late.

But once a netbook manufacturer like Asus or Acer can get Android to work properly with power management, add a full  web browser like Chrome, you can be looking at a really mean and lean mobile platform that is competitive with the XP and Linux offerings on the market today. 

Once an Android netbook hits the market, users will already have access to hundreds if not thousands of apps available.

And good thing going for netbooks with Android.  Google has a good relationship with Sprint and is a WiMax supporter.  I wouldn't be surprise if the first Android netbook will support WiMax out of the box.  And if you didn't already know, Google is a white spaces backer. 

Today seems to be netbook days as I've posted at Onxo about a potential Apple answer to the netbook segment of the laptop market and Acer teaming up with ATT in providing subsidized netbooks.  But the trend is clear.  Mobility.  Wireless.  Googleness.  Well, the last one is a bit subjective and biase on my part.  So again, why Android netbook?

• Strong alternative to XP. 
• Made for mobility.  That means speed, power saving features, portability.
• Google apps - this is especially useful for folks who live and die by Google.
• Apps already available.
• Cloud computing with Google. 
• Push mail, Android marketplace, support for Google Docs
• Wireless connectivity.  Wi-Fi, 3G, WiMax, white spaces, LTE. 
• An expanded market for developers
• Light weight device with great flexibility.

State of Android - December 2008

If you look around the Web, there is not a lot of information about the G1 nor a lot going on with Android. I think that is to be expected.

Well, not quite true.  We know that HTC expects to sell 1 million G1s by the end of 2008.  An incredible feat if you ask me.  But that is likely based on Google's involvement.  It's the reason I bought into Android.

But since I've gotten it, I have had a love and not-so-love relationship with the device.  First, the design for G1 has lead me to believe that it's a rush-out-the-door device and not necessarily something that Google had envisioned.  It's a debatable point but what isn't debatable is the beta feel of Android.  It is hard to argue this point since Google gave Android Marketplace a beta status.

But in the last few days, a few apps have come out to help make things more palpable, more in line with what I expect from Google and developers in general.  Which apps?

Let me start with Doggcatcher.  It's a podcast retriever that works well and allows users to pull podcasts from virtually any source.  Only recently is this feature built into the iPhone but I like the fact that its an app that independent of Google.  It's also an app I use a lot and pulling 50MB podcasts over a fast 3G and Wi-Fi really helps.

Another app I like is StreamFurious.  It's an app that allows the user to listen to radio over the 3G network.  I love NPR and the BBC and StreamFurious lets me do just that help satisfied an early criticism I had about Android for the lack of streaming access to certain media, particularly talk radio.  I've used up gobbles of bandwidth with this app and I don't care one bit if T-Mobile does try to throttle down my access.  I simply love it.  I was able to go on a run with BBC updating me on events in India (very very sad for the nation and humanity in general) and when I tired of it, I switched over to the MP3 or podcasts.

I have one other app that I like to highlight here.  Before I get into that, I want to say that G1 allows me access to fast Internet, push e-mail (though limited to Gmail), provides me with a mobile platform from which I can run my life, and if need be, a business.  With better apps now, I'm more able to "connect" as I believe Google's vision for mobility is.

Textonphone is the app I want to highlight.  It's readily available on Safari for the iPhone but I haven't been able to access it on G1's browser.  Now, this ebook reader give me access to thousands of titles.  And I'm talking about just classics which we can read over the Internet or download.  I'm also talking about new books by A-list authors.  I don't know how they have the rights to give readers access to those works and I suspect they don't (a lot of books are updated by users and shared), but knowing that it's there is awesome.  So, finally, an ebook reader.

There are two a couple of more things I like Google to work out for Android.  Better IM as in always on IM, a more efficient Android,  and blogging tools.  I wouldn't mind seeing Google Gears for Android.  Right now, I've had to resort to using e-mails for blogging which I think it rather stupid coming from Google.  Also, G1's battery is just being killed.  Maybe it's the 3G hardware but I still wonder if Android can't be tweaked to be more efficient.

As for IM, it's ridiculous that only gTalk stays connected while other networks can't do the same.  If I can do that in my laptop, I should be able to do that with my G1.  Meebo has recently released their own G1 app but it's still buggy and it doesn't stay connected in the background.

So, things are still promising but not quite there yet.  For those looking to get into G1, it's as good as any device out there san the iPhone.  I'm sorry if folks don't agree.  I expect a lot from Google and I believe they will deliver eventually.  But right now, I wouldn't pit the G1 with the iPhone.

G1 stands well on its own but I do recommend that people wait until G2 or whatever it'll be called.  There are a couple of other companies out there who will be coming out with their own Android devices.  I'm guess we'll see them towards the middle of 2009 at the earliest.

Wait and see.  I'm optimistic given Google's supposed openness for Android.

Note:  I guess I'm a bit torn.  I want to give G1 and Android raving reviews but I haven't even started on a review.  It's simply won't be fair I think given what I've used in the past.  I had hoped that when the G1 launched, there would be hundreds of apps on Android Marketplace but that didn't happen and if you ask any iPhone user out there, the 10K+ apps in the iTunes app store is a large part of what makes the iPhone so cool to use.

G1 - What It Could Have Been

It's been a while since I've written about my G1 experience.  Honestly, I can do what everyone else is doing and provide nearly the same identical experience.

But I want to talk about what it could have been and not what it is now.  What it is now is another mobile device with potential.

As you know by now, Google has beta programs that last years.  I hope this is not the case with Android.  Yes, Android as it is now is a beta implementation.  After using it for a month now, you can still see rough edges. 

I hope that by the end of first quarter of 2009, we'll see a better UI and more features.  For example, as it is now, the Android Marketplace is pretty barren.  

Mediocrity is not what we come to expect from Google.  Overall, my experience with the G1 has been positive.  The 3G speed is very good compared to the EDGE service I had before.  I think that helped a lot. 

However, I had expected great iPhone-like experience.  Maybe that'll come with Android 2.0 or 3.0.  In the meantime, I would like to see other Google desktop apps come to the G1 like Blogger and Docs soon.

G1 3G Down: Here's Why

Okay, all of a suddenly, I was trying to update my e-mails and surf the Web.  I find that 3G and EDGE were both not working.  I rebooted and rebooted.

Nothing.  I went online and logged into my T-Mobile account and found that my old Internet data plan was no longer there.

Apparently, all of us with G1 has been using 3G for free, an introductory promotion of sort.  Now, it would be nice if they had told us.  But they didn't.   Now, remember when you pre-ordered your G1, you selected a data plan?

Right.  I remembered.  Except when T-Mobile did not automatically switched us over.  Here's what you need to do.  Call T-Mobile or log online to select the plan that you want again.  They won't do it for you.

Supposedly, it may take 24-48 hours to make the switch.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you've still got issues.

Note:  IM and e-mail for Google still works but nothing else.

Note:  (2:30PM PST)  Everything fine again.

Latest Battery Life Review

As I mentioned yesterday, I turned off the 3G because the battery life was just being killed.  So, I decided to see how I can muddle through the day on just Edge.

Well, it turned out rather well.  It got me through the day around 10PM.  Still moderate use if that.  I answered a few IMs and e-mails.  Checked out the stocks and read stuff on my Google Reader.

Just for the heck of it, I decided to check on my banking information.  It was slow.  Slower than on my iPhone for some reason on Edge but maybe that was a subjective feeling rather than a timed benchmark.

At about 6pm, I walked over to the local market to get some stuff for my lunch tomorrow and I had about a little more than 50% of battery life left.  So, I decided to end the Edge experiment and turn on the 3G.

oh, I made also about 15 minutes of calls.

I started charging it again around 10PM.   I had about 20% left and I didn't want bother at that moment.

So, what have I learned other than the obvious fact that 3G takes up a lot juice?

• I learned I need to juggle through the day on 2G if I can.  Where I have broadband, there is no need for 3G. 
• The G1, maybe even Android, is not particularly power efficient, compared to the Blackberry or the iPhone.  
• Here are the following settings that can be turned off to save power:  3G, GPS, Wi-Fi/Cell location, screen brightness (I've got it at 50% which is quite good already), and data sync.  Also, if you have a separate pop mail, you can change the frequency of when the G1  goes out to check and pull the mail.  You can set it from 15 minutes to manual.  

Please come back this weekend and I'll have a general review and, next week, I'll continue to go into specific features and apps.

G1 Use Update - Music

Let's get right into it.   Amazon MP3 store.  The app is easy to use.  I have to say, it works just as advertised.  By that, I mean it does what you we want it to do.

I was able to buy an album I was going to buy on iTunes but hey, since this is DRM-free, why would I get it from iTunes?  It uses your standard Amazon account.  I logged in and asked if I wanted to set up One-Click for easy access (clicked no).

Then it took me to a screen where it shows progress logging in, access the library, charging the credit card, and done.  Nothing exciting happened.  Worked as it should.

It proceeded to download it to the memory card.  One thing to note.  If the G1 is hooked up to a computer (my Mac), the default setting makes the memory card a part of the desktop as a disk, as it would with any USB flash sticks.

When that happened, I was not able to download from Amazon.  Apparently what happened was that when you're using the memory in the phone as a storage on your computer, the G1 cannot gain access to it.

So, you have to disable the "USB storage" feature through Settings.

I didn't bother trying to see if download works over 3G since we're told it won't work.  So, that's Amazon MP3 store.  It's a coup for Google to involve Amazon.

Playing the music was easy enough.  Not iPod UI polished but I'm willing to guess some enterprising developers will solve that issue.  Again, the music player, like the Amazon app, won't will any beauty pageant but it gets the job done.

G1 came with some music already.  A couple of them are actually quite good.  But I'll be getting a bigger memory card for my own library from iTunes that don't have DRM.  It won't be my main music player.  I'll be stick with my iPod Nano but for occasional music here and there, the G1 is adequate.

G1's Short Battery Life

Here's some quick thoughts on the battery life.  I'll create more scenarios where certain things are on or off and let you know what that's like.

Wow, 3G really like juice.  By that I mean, well, you know what I mean.  It's now 1:30PM PST.  I unplugged the G1 about 11PM last night.  By morning, it was already down about 20% without me doing anything.  I  had set the alarm but that was it.

I took it with me on a 20 minute drive with the GPS on because I've never had  GPS unit before and it was cool watchin the dot move on the map.  Then I listened to some music for about 20 minutes.

I checked my mail twice.

Now, I'm about 40% left.  I can't tell for sure.  I'm still familiarizing myself with the G1 so I don't know if there is a true battery indicator in settings or anywhere else where I can see the exact percentage of battery life left.  According to the battery icon, it's definite way less than 50%.

So, there you have it.  A short post on battery life.  I'm going to try it with the 2G tomorrow and see how the battery life fares and then I'll give you a comparison with the iPhone.

The G1 Has Landed

I received my G1 around 11 this morning and I rushed home just to get it.

I've took some pictures, as is customary for reviewers.  I am not a professional photographer but I have compared the G1 to some known PDA and phones.

First, why did I get the G1?  Well, I like new gadgets.  I am a gadget-fan.  I love my iPhone, iPods, PDAs, and laptops.

Now, I'm going to come at G1 from the prespective of an user.  And G1 owner.  No quicky reviews.   Quick reviews make it easy for us to understand what the product can or can't do but it does tell us how it helps us through the day.

I'm going to provide my first impressions and then over time talks about the specifics in the context of how I use the G1 and Android over days.

First, I have to say the GPS is pretty cool.  It's must first porable GPS and it was cool to watch it move, watch me move, on the map.

Here are some first impressions.

• Okay.  It's big.  I was afraid it was going to be too big but as you can tell from the pictures, it's not too bad.  Still with the iPhone in my pocket, you almost forget it's there but with the G1, you know it's there.  
• Set up was easy.  Everyone has a Google Account so it's not an issue.  The thing is that I've got more than one Google account.  So far, I haven't figured out a way to set up another one and still get push mail.  I have set it up with the regular mail function.  
• G1 comes with the GPS feature off.  Make sure you turn it on.  It doesn't tell you that.  
• G1 has a protection scheme for unlocking the screen.  Basically, you have to unlock it by connecting four points with the points lined up 3x3.
• Apps running in the background.  This is something that isn't possible on the iPhone.  This is something Blackberry is very good at.  I've yet to run G1 on a full charge with apps running in the background.  I'll let you know about it when I get a chance to have a full few days use.
• The majority of the apps were taken off the Android Marketplace for some reason.  I don't know why.  I read online it may because of maintenance.  
• I'm looking forward to using the Amazon's MP3 store.  iTunes has spoiled me and I want to see how this works out.  If there is a reason for me to go with a DRM-free store, Amazon on G1 might be it.  

Typing:   I'm used to the iPhone's touch-screen.  Typing is easy and no pressure is needed.  But for folks used to pressing on keys, the touchscreen can be difficult to get used to.  Conversely, I'm trying to get used to typing on the G1's keyboard.  So far, my right hand is a bit soar.  

I think that's largely due to the heightened protrusion on the right-hand side.  I can't understand why they made it like that.  As far as I am concerned, it's a design flaw.  It is not a big big deal but you can get tired with the right hand, especially when you have to reach across to get to "y" on the keyboard.  I found myself compensating with my left thumb.  

But over all, it works as advertised.  If anything, I do hope that future Android updates will have an iPhone like keyboard so you don't have to slide out the screen every time you need to type something.

Browsing:  It's great.  Let's not compare it to the iPhone's Safari.  Let's compare it to everything else.  I have to say Opera mobile is a good comparison.  The implementation is easy and one of the best mobile Internet experiences so far.  Because it's a combination of touch and keyboard, I'm gonna have to learn to use the shortcuts if there are any.  I really enjoy using the Webkit-based browser.  

Instant Messaging:  I've got the $25 plan which means I get 400 text messages.  Well, I can't confirm this just yet but if you happen to use the IM, it might count as a text message.  It's the only explanation I have for the diminishing text message counts available because I haven't used it all day.  14 Messages in one day.  Previous record was five.  Something's not right.  

Anyway, I've got more views coming including the battery life, music, app store, camera quality, and more!

Looking Forward to Amazon's Music Store on G1

I'll be getting my G1 tomorrow.  Hopefully.

The one thing that look most forward, among the other stuff that we ready know about Android, 3G, and the apps, I'm looking forward to using the Amazon MP3 store.

Here's why.

I've been so addicted to iTunes that it's difficult to break away from it.  It's a habit.  And the truth of the matter?  Apple has made it so freakin' easy to use.  Open up iTunes.  Look for what you want.  Download.  Listen to the music or upload to my iPhone or iPod.

I don't like that some of the music I bought has DRM and with Amazon, that won't be an issue.  Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how easy Amazon and Google has made this.

I'll have my review tomorrow.  And for better or worse, it'll be a review of an owner.

EA Games Coming To Android

I'm a big iPhone/iPod Touch game fan.  I've bought over $200 worth of games (not including non-game apps) for my i-devices since the app store went life.

So, I was heartened to learn that EA will be bring its games over to the Android platform.  However, that won't happen until Android's main overlord, Google, implements the ability for vendors to charge for the app.

Regardless, it is good to see there is tier one support for the platform.

However, I find gaming on the iPhone to be much more unique and the jury is still out for me on whether I will be buying games for my G1 since I view it mainly as a "work" device than a fun device like my iPhone.  I'll decide when the time comes.

Free games, that's another story.  Still looking for a good Pokemon-like or other DS-like RPG games though.  I haven't seen anything like that on the iPhone yet.

Via Gizmodo and Pocket Gamer

Note:  Fact that the payment system for Android isn't ready confirms what I've thought all along.  Those of us who bought into G1 are beta testers.

Android Has Serious Issues and Questions To Answer

There is plenty of time for Google and T-Mobile address issues and shortcomings with G1 before it is finally made available on October 22nd.

One of the issues is the 1GB 3G cap that T-Mobile sought fit to impose on potential G1 users.  Everyone thought that was a bad idea.  To my knowledge, no one has thought otherwise.  And that has had an effect on folks like myself who were initially read to take out our credit cards and make the buy.  (T-Mobile is still vague about it and Google seems awfully quiet, probably want to distance itself from this fiasco.)

Still, issues exist that will keep people from embracing what had been a promising mobile platform.  Now, it is in danger of being marginalized by wireless providers and their demands so that they may retain control over their subscribers.  And control is what they want.

So, when Phandroid's post attempts to marginalize the issues that remains and promises of openness broken in Google's deal with T-Mobile, it has effectively turned Android into another puppet and any future Android-based device becomes just another smartphones and Google will seem content to be the search engine and ad provider and users be damned.

Let's examine Phandroid's lack of concerns.  Just the main ones.  The lack of standard head jack or Amazon sales through Wi-Fi only doesn't bother me as much as other issues.

First, let me tackle VOIP.  Phandroid doesn't think VOIP is important.  If that were the case, why would T-Mobile specifically made sure Google disable any VOIP apps from working on the G1?

Let me take this a step further.  What else are we not being told?  What other apps are not allowed?  This is an open platform, right?  I think most mobile warriors including myself have a different definition of "open" than T-Mobile and Google.

The other issue is Exchange support and wireless syncing only.  I'm lumping this together.  What this is is Google trying to get users to develop the habit of relying on cloud computing, specifically Google's, than on desktop computers, meaning Microsoft.  I understand what it's trying to do here.  The danger is that people may not be ready for just such a change.  And it's not as if Google is offering a massive (or unlimited - guess we'll have to be careful about what Google's definition of "unlimited" is too) amount of storage in the cloud.  Where are we suppose to put our data, music, and video?

So, there are a lot of questions we don't have an answer for and judging by the quick response from T-Mobile, the Android camp doesn't either.  And none of these concerned, raised by anyone, should be so cavalierly dismissed.

Google has to step up and start dictating terms to the market.

Impact on mobile warriors:  Google is happy.  Not about the deal with T-Mobile.  They are happy just to get the first Android phone out.  And it likely know at this time, Android is not "open".  But Google's got a foot in the door and that's what's important.

Phandroid's post

Note:  Tonight or tomorrow, I'll get into how Google can totally kick ass.  Yes, I want Android to succeed very much.

T-Mobile Is Now Less Evil

But still a baddy.  Make no mistake.

Today, Engadget is reporting that T-Mobile has decided to remove the 1GB cap and promises to make it an issue for only a small number of users who may abuse the network.

Nevertheless, it's not something I'm looking for.  I'm looking for an iPhone like data plan.  Unlimited.  

Still a move in the right direction.  Now, if Google can grow some and use this opportunity to push back and "open" up G1, that's go a long way in my book in getting more folks to buy into the new exciting platform.

I love a remark by one of Engadget's readers: looks like the bullet extraction procedure from the foot went well.

Source:  Engadget  

Detailed Explanation of Diff Between G1 And the iPhone

I posted a few key differences between the iPhone and the G1 over at Onxo .

I found some explanations explaining the difference at Network World that warrants reading and I highlighted some important ones.

At the same time, it's only been a day or so since the unveiling of the G1.  It's worth noting that things can change between now and October 22nd.

Particularly, I'm hoping T-Mobile will realize the 1GB cap on 3G access is pretty stupid.

The Party's Over

The clean up crew has moved in and started putting away the decoration, the chairs, and get it ready for the Boggle club tomorrow.


So, what a day for Google, THC, and T-Mobile, eh?


Now that the party's over, it's time to look a closer look at G1.  The design.  The software and interface.  The partners.  And finally, the reception.






Right now, there are few who are taking a way-and-see position.  Not surprised.  Google really played up our expectation since last year.  So, either G1 met expectations or fell short.  As far as falling short, I'm not talking about the phone itself but the entire pack.


Either way, Android's influence has rippled across the mobile market.  And make no mistakes, they are mere ripples as far as I can tell at the moment.


I'll be honest.  I'm an iPhone user and I love most things about Apple products (not so cool with their cult status, secrecy, and draconian practices).  After spending over an hour trying to back through the throng of early adopters, I finally was able to log into my T-Mobile account and get G1 product page and was all set to check out when certain started showing up on the blogs covering the G1 launch.


And I had already promised my iPhone to my brother.  So, what are some of these things that bug me?

• 3G access.  1GB limit per month and then they throttle you down to 50kbps after that for the rest of the month.  T-Mobile and Google has said that won't happen.  Fine, then take it off the contract.  Why hide it in fine print?  
• No regular headjack.  Let's see.  $180 for G1 plus $25 for the adapter.  No longer cheaper than the iPhone.  Oh, let's not forget, I'll have to get a 8GB memory card to do anything with the phone.
• No multi-touch.  Not an issue since the iPhone is the only device available with multi-touch as far as I can tell.  What's the big deal then, right?  Well, when you're used to navigating on the iPhone's screen with multiple fingers it's hard to adjust to not having that feature.

And this is the problem I have with Android.  It's "open".  It's what they kept bring up over and over again during the conference this morning.  And something about that bugged me a bit.  

In recent day, Apple has been chastised by developers regarding its NDA regarding iPhone development and app rejections.  In fact, just today, Apple extended its NDA reach to cover the rejection letters.

So, Apple horrible,  Google good, right?  Not so fast.  Wired confirmed some of my misgivings at this point.

• No VOIP.  Even Apple didn't make that restriction.  T-Mobile "had 'worked with Google' to make sure Android couldn't run VOIP".  No VOIP.  Are you kidding me?  VOIP potential is why Apple added a small speakers and "voice recording" function to the iPod Touch.  
• Reliance on Google and all things Google.  If you want an Android, you will have to submit to the fact that you'll need a Google account (of which I have four) in order to appreciate all G1's functions.  Well, you don't have a choice.  You have to have one when you get G1.  Apple does not require a MobileMe account before using the iPhone.  
• Rough finishes.  Gizmodo pointed it out.  Look I love Google services for the most part.  I think I will eventually get an Android device if G1 is not what I get later this month.  But I also get the feeling that somehow, I'm being pressed into a beta program, you know, like other Google beta programs.  
• It's not open, guys.  We're going to learn over the days and weeks what we can or cannot do.  We shouldn't have to do that if it's a truly open system.  Wired:  "We want to be open in a way that consumers can rely on," T-Mobile CTO Cole Brodman told Wired's Daniel Roth. Translation: We don't really want to be open.

You may be thinking, "hey, your post seems pretty negative".  Well, that's not the point of this post.  Rather, if I'm going to get locked in for two years, I want to make sure I am using a truly mobile device that has the ability hold me over for the duration of my contract.  

I am still holding onto dear hope that some of my concerns such as 3G usage will be changed before G1 is available for purchase.  

Note:  I'll be posting a summary of opinions and links of the days event and hope to update my initial analysis of G1 and associated services.  Google has been known to stop on a dime and go in a different direction.  I don't know how they can do that with a wireless provider as a liability.  If anyone can do it, it's Google.