Sony Brings Gaming To Android - Competition To Marketplace

Sony is all in with mobile gaming. Not only will it release it own mobile gaming device based on Android OS, Xperia Play "Playstation Phone", it is offering a coding environment for developers to create games for this Sony app. And it will require devices running the latest Android OS, 2.3.

How will this change things?

We're not exactly sure at this moment but this is very exciting news. Sony also introduced their next generation PSP, NGP "next-generation portable", that promises PS3 like graphics and gaming, we have to assume that this Android app will be a very different thing all together.

Still, having access to a library of PSP games is great news for Android gamers. These are games from top tier developers that have yet to commit to Android, or for that matter, Apple's iOS devices.

Sony only would commit to 2011 but would not say when that would be. This is likely a good move for Sony but for Android gaming, we might see a shift away from Marketplace if developers believe they can deliver quality gamings through Sony's setup than through Google.

Here are some key points from Sony's press release:

• Gaming and gamers have diversified. This explains why Sony is deliver a Playstation gaming environment on Android while developing PSP2 in tangent.
• Will offer a “PlayStation®Certified” license program for hardware manufacturers.
• Classic Playstation games will be offered - Woohoo!
• There will be a Playstation Store
• Will have SDK for developers to create games and sell through the PS Store
• Will require Android 2.3 and beyond.

On a level of a mobile warrior, this news from Sony is great. We're talking about increased competition for our wallets. It'll be interesting to see Sony's device competitors like Motorola, Samsung, LG, and HTC open up and install Sony's Playstation app.

Furthermore, this really has Nintendo, and maybe Apple, scramble back to the drawing board to come up with an answer. So stay tuned. I get the feeling well get more answers at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.

More at Android Community.

Android App Market - Users Will Pay For Quality Apps

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed a post compared to other mobile users, Android users are downloading apps but not really buy them, meaning that Android users like free apps rather than paid ones.

I did not react well to it but then I took a look at the guy in the mirror and shut up. I’ve yet to buy one single app for my G1 while I’ve spent quite a bit for my iOS devices. Why?

I think the two platforms are going after different types of users and it isn’t to say that we Android folks are cheap. This is evident in that I do buy apps from the iTunes app store, just not from Marketplace. There are a couple of reasons.

20% of Android Apps Are Potential Spyware? Not So Fast

I don't like hit pieces whether it's against Apple, Google, or anyone else. Even the despicable wireless providers if it's not true. And recently, a CNet article about 1/5 apps from the Android Market are spyware just is plain wrong.

Since the original post, CNet has done the right thing by posting a new headline but I'm afraid some damage might have been done. But it has gotten me thing about it. First a bit about the post. SMobile is the source of the article and its interest is to protect Android users. That's the politically correct part. The reality is that it is also trying to sell anti-virus apps to Android users.

There are two issues here. Fearmongering and dismissal of a potential problem. At issue is the permission being sought by apps when an user download it. That's fine and all. So long as the user understands what he or she is getting into, there should be no problem.

SMobile seems to be exploiting this by saying that 20% of Android apps have the same type of access to the system's information as a spyware would. That alone sounds very scary. Is it? I've wondered that myself. There has been past incidents of malicious apps.

However, those apps were disabled and taken off after their reporting. Here likes the dismissal. Google needs to proactive in assuring users that everyone is being done to make sure that they're keeping information safe. Instead of outright dismissing SMobile's claim, it needs to address it.

And maybe Google does need to provide a more rigorous approval process, maybe not a walled garden like the iPhone app store but at least some kind of fence.

And I'll be honestly, I don't have the same confidence in the Android Market as I do with the iTunes app store and the only apps I download are from top tier developers that I have engaged with in the past.

For smaller developers, they'll need help from Google to make sure claims such as the one from SMobile isn't necessarily true.

More at CNET, And FAQ on ow to protect oneself.

From Onxo: Gameloft And Others Cut Back on Android Dev

Gameloft, as well as other developers, are cutting back or abandoning Android app development all together.

This is what I'm afraid of. Right now, I don't see a lot of people getting excited about their Android phones. It's as simple as that. Android is one of the most exciting mobile platform on the market today for the media, bloggers, and armchair quarterbacks, but it just isn't generating the same kind of excitement among users as the iPhone and iPod Touch is doing for its users.

I've spent $$$ on my iPhone apps while I've spent less than $20 on my G1. Why is that? Here's a couple of reasons:

1. Even at 10K strong in the Android Marketplace, the few apps compare favorably in use, feel, and looks as even mediocre apps in the iTunes app store.
2. I don't know if any app I buy now will work with my future Android devices. Already, there is a lot of fear of fragmentation is what I'm hearing and reading about. Just thinking about the Microsoft Windows Mobile situation.

Basically, Google created a huge potential and has yet to made it work for developers as well as users. You can't blame users or developers for this.

Gameloft is reporting the iPhone has already grown to 13% of its revenue while iPhone apps are selling 400 times better than Android apps. One can attribute that the fact that the iPhone has been in the market two years longer than Google's mobile platform. Maybe.

However, after a year, I believe Apple had been bragging about one billion downloads.

Well, I attribute that to the beta-ish status of the G1. I am hoping the new devices like Droid and others running Android 2.0 will realize the full potential what Android can do.  We'll see what Google does to help its developers and it better come through big time.

Note:  Google is in the mobile market to sell ads and be a player in mobile search.  It gives away its apps for free.

Android Versus Chrome OS

It's been a week and still, I don't get why Google decided Chrome OS is the way to go instead of putting more into Android.

But today, I think I finally learned why. The future isn't Android. The future is still the Web. Android is just something to hold things over until the Web finally takes over. And perhaps, Palm might have it right with its WebOS that relies heavily on the Web and HTML codes.

Vic Gundotra, VP of Engineering, used his 5 minutes of fame to state that app stores like the insanely popular iTunes app store will go the way of the dinosaurs as webapps become more and more robust and useful.

The reasons he offered does make a lot of sense. There are quite a few mobile platforms out there and Google can't support all of them. So if an 800-pound you know can do it, what hope do the little guys have?

Hence, robust and powerful browsers in the next few years. That's what. And eventually, they will supplement the app stores as folks start to develop for it, instead of four or five different platforms. Develop for one, the Web browser, and it'll work for nearly all mobile platforms.

So, where does that leave Android? Well, folks, looks like we've been had. Android is just to hold things over until Chrome OS is ready for prime time or whatever else that Chome OS will morph into. Android is like to remain a priority for Google in the next couple of years. Google can't well tell its Android partners that it's got a new toy to play with and abandon it.

Plus, it's a good hedge just in case the webapp takeover doesn't happen in the time frame Google hopes.

Like I said at the top, I don't get Chrome OS. If it's just a browser, what's the OS that supports it? Well, we know it's Linux, just like Android is. The key implementation is the Web browser. In Google's case, it is Webkit, the open-source browser that powers Android, Chrome, Safari, iPhone's Safari, Palm, and some of Nokia's Web browsers. If it works on Webkit, it'll work on all the mentioned platforms.

Hope to gain more traction, Gundotra invoked Steve Jobs when he told developers to "build for the web" when the iPhone first came on the scene. Perhaps, Jobs was right but he was a few years ahead of the times.

I have to say that Pre's WebOS is pretty sweet and if anything Google's working on is even close, I am excited. More so if it runs on top of Android.

So, is this like Android versus Chrome OS as the title of this post states? Too early to tell. It does feel like Android is no longer the number one mobile priority for Google but I am still excited about webapps and cloud computing.

Sources: Financial Times (Must Read), Fierce Mobile, Wired, Mobilecrunch (must read)

Note: Apple has a directory for webapps that it first ask developers to create. It is still updated and perhaps this is the reason. Look there for useful apps. Since Android devices, iPhone, and Pre all use Webkit as its underlying technology for browsing, those webapps will work for all these devices.

Beware of Ever Getting An Android Device From Verizon

Verizon, yet to even have a Pre or Android device, has boldly stated it will only allow its app store to be used on devices it sell.

If you're a G1 owner now, you know that you have full access to the Marketplace without any overt interference from T-Mobile.  T-Mobile has no policy that we only use their app store.

Now, to be fair, Verizon isn't excluding what they consider to be 3rd party app stores like Marketplace.  It's just that they won't endorse it and won't help you access them. You'll have to do it yourself.  

Honestly, reliable network or not, I hesitate going to a network where it has open stated it will be the gatekeeper of wireless Internet access.  It seems like all their talk about an open network is just that. Talk.

Source:  Onxo

Android Usage Update - Onscreen Keyboard

It's been a week since upgrading to Cupcake.  For fellow G1 users, if you haven't, it's a must.  For others who are curious and interested in the Android realm, welcome and I'm about to update you on the G1 after I've upgraded the OS to 1.5.


First, the onscreen keyboard.  It was a bit tiresome (not too much) to have to flip the screen up to gain access to the physical keyboard hidden underneath the G1.  Sometimes, when I'm surfing the Web, I just want to type in simple searches or the URL.  Having the virtual keyboard saves time.  And if you use your G1 for a lot of your mobile Web browsing on the go, that time adds up.  It's a good addition that should have been available right from the beginning.


Now, there are a couple of issues I have with the onscreen keyboard.  Google, are you kidding me?!  It's horrible!  First it's very small.  Compared to the Storm and in particular the iPhone, the Android keyboard is small, cramp, and easy to use at all.  Perhaps, this is another issue of the onscreen keyboard being a beta version.  


It's very easy to mistype but the screen was not very sensitive to the touch.  This is an issue that I've read about on blogs and users from forums.  The keyboard reminds me of Windows Mobile.  I'm talking about the Windows Mobile on my Dell Axim from 5 years ago.  It's no better.  In fact, I went to my drawer, took out the Axim, brushed off the dust, and charged up the Dell PDA.  I tested the onscreen keyboard and I was getting better results on the Dell.  


So the onscreen keyboard definitely needs work.  The G2 is coming this summer.  It's a iPhone-like form factor.  Here's my recommendation.  The G1 may still be on sale.  I don't know if T-Mobile will discontinue it in favor of the G2.  If they do, it's a mistake.  


Android's onscreen keyboard is not ready for primetime.  Here's my recommendation.  When the G2 comes out, go to the store and play with it.  Use the onscreen keyboard for a bit.  Don't just hack a couple of words on it.  Write a couple of paragraphs.  See if you like it.  If not, as dated as the G1 is now, it's still better than many of the smartphones on the market.  You might consider getting that instead if you do more typing than the occasional texting.


Note:  When I'm dealing with Android, as many iPhone users had to go through (just as Storm users had to go through), the first version is really a beta even if it's called 1.0.  At the pace of development on the Android, we fans have to wait until version 3 for things to be as it should and except from Google.


Note:  I'll try to post a couple of picture and video of the typing I'm talking about when I get a chance and put it to a side-by-side comparison with the iPhone.  


Another Note:  I'm pretty critical about the Android because I truly believe in the potential it offers.  It's not an iPhone OS-like platform.  It's a whole different beast, which is why I'm still very excited.  Nevertheless, Android users can expect a certain level of functionality and quality and, so far, we're not seeing it.  


Third Note:  There is a lot of talk about Android being ported to netbooks.  I really would like to see Google focus on Android on the smartphone market before it moves beyond it.

Dear Game Developers (Onxo)

Over at Onxo, we wrote a letter to all top game developers on what they should do to bring games over to mobile devices like the iPhone and Android devices.

Take a look and we love to hear how else we can entice Sega, EA, and others to ramp up rich and sophisticated games that are still the domain of the DS and PSP.

So far, I see a lot of activities in Marketplace but nothing like what's going on in the iTunes app store. I'm sure that'll change in time. Meanwhile, check out the open letter.

Link: Onxo - Dear Game Developers

Marketplace Live With Paid Apps?

Phandroid is claiming the Android Marketplace may be live with paid apps right now.  However, they haven't been able to see any paid apps.  Nor have I.

An app in their picture called "Aviator Watch" costs $1.  I did a search of "Aviator Watch" and just "Aviator" but neither searches turned up anything.

I'm guess it's one of those "rolling roll outs" that's occurring with T-Mobile as they do with updates.  Perhaps, it'll come our way in the morning.

Via Phandroid

Android Apps: Free Today. But For How Much Longer?

As you know by now, Google is taking apps for sale on the Android Marketplace.

For months since October, G1's T-Mobile debut, we have had a free run in the marketplace while Google works through the kinks of Android's OS.  I'm sure by now, no one is surprised G1 users paid to be beta users.

However, as iPhone's iTunes app store took off during this time with 600 million downloads and 15,000 apps, we G1 users have had to virtually the same apps to download over and over again.  But don't get me wrong.  I appreciate the fact that all the apps were free and that even some were quite good.

Off the top, I can say that I would have thrown my G1 out the window to be crushed by some truck if not for excellent apps like Twidroid (twitter app), DoggCatch (podcast downloader and search engine), Streamfurious, textonphone (ebook reader), just to name a few.

However, once the market is truly opened for commerce, how many of these excellent apps are going to remain free?  Like Google, some of these developers also used us as beta testers for months.  Is the payback for our inputs these months the honor of paying for these apps?

On the other hand, I welcome the arrival of the wealth of paid apps.  This is not a slight against current free app developers but I sure would like to see some of those apps that iPhone and iPod Touch users have access to for close to a year now.

I mean, seriously, the fact that Pac-Man is the top download in the games section really speaks volume about the state of the Android Marketplace.

Looking For Android Improvements In 2009

It's been over two months since I've been using the G1 as my primary mobile platform.  In general, I have to say it has thus far performed adequately.  Nothing fancy mind you.  It's not going to win any beauty contest.  There's a lot that the Android team can improve upon.  


I'm not talking about new features but about making existing features work easier.  I don't want to compare it to Windows Mobile or the iPhone but I do want to see it thrive within its own community in the sense that the Android supporters come up with suggestions and solutions.  


First, let's ask Google to make Marketplace more robust.  Get developers excited again.  Again?  Honestly, I don't know how excited developers are because the Marketplace isn't finished yet (it's still in beta) and it's difficult to know if folks are just holding back apps until they can start charging for them or not.  But one look at the MP from an user standpoint and you'll know what I'm talking about.  


Next, Docs for Android.  We want it now!  I do a lot of writing and some simple spreadsheet work.  I want Blogger to work natively either with the browser or as a standalone app.  


Thirdly, stability.  It's a beta copy of Android as far as I'm concerned.  Let's make it faster and more stable.  Also, I've been getting a lot of low memory warnings and I don't even have that many apps or data.  Something has to be done there.  


Now, I've got other stuff I want Android to improve on but I'm going to stop here for now.  I want to go ahead and make a few predictions based on Android handsets and initiatives coming out of Google for its mobile platform but we need to see more data and announcements before I'm willing to go out on a limb.  Even for fun.  


We might see something exciting at the CES in 2009 but so far Android announcements are thing.  I don't traffic in rumors so you'll have to go to the other sites for those on G2, G3, or whatever Moto and Sprint might be up to.  


Well, there is one last thing.  Something the Android community, including Google can learn from Apple this year.  Communicate.  Talk to us.  We're adults (sort of) and we can take it.  Apple kept a lot of folks guessing and created a thick fog of confusion.  Let's not do that in 2009.


So, what do you like to see happen with Android in 2009?  Let's compile a list and see about getting some attention with it.  We're not talking about giant leaps but paving a firm path on which we can travel.

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.

Essential Apps So Far

There are not as many apps as we like in the Android Marketplace right now.  Let's not go comparing it to the iPhone app store.  We're not there yet.  Not even close.

However, there are a few apps that you definite have to have in your G1.  What are they?

1. Hotspot Locator - T-Mobile's app that helps you locate hotspots and log you in directly.
2. Video Player - it's a simply video player.  Nothing fancy.  It just works.  I've used MP4 because that's the format used on the iPod.  
3. Budget Droid - it also "just works".  And it's easy and got a nice UI.  Something other app developers should take notice of.  
4. CardioTrainer - again, nothing fancy here.  It just works.  It doesn't seem to record previous runs so I'm hoping future updates will provide more features.  
5. ShopSavvy - it's a barcode scanner for products so you can find the cheapest price for it.  
6. WikiMobile - with an always on connection, Wiki is only a few touches away.  I've used it many times already.

One of the thing I've noticed so far about the Android apps are they seem more like widgets you see on desktops than apps.  So far, there isn't as much depth as the ones I use on the iPhone.  But with time that should change.  

I've only been able to come up with the six apps above that I consider are must have.  There are few to-do apps but nothing enticing.  

I'll update the list as more apps are released by Google.

Honorable Mentions:  Bank Of America Mobile Banking.  It works as advertised but here's the thing.  You need to be banking with BofA.  

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.

T-Mobile G1 Profile -You Can Move it Around

By my count, all the folks, including myself, who pre-ordered the G1 device, the first Android phone, have just 19 days until we see it at our front doors across America.

So far, we know this much.  Or rather, we think we know.  T-Mobile sold out of its first batch of G1 pre-orders by last Saturday.  Then they offered additional units for those who sat on the sideline a bit too long for delivery at a later date.

Meanwhile, some sites are reporting T-Mobile is asking HTC to ramp up G1 units because of overwhelming demand.  Reports range from 400-500,000 units sold through 2008 and may reach another 2 million by the end of 2009.

However, I believe Android phones may sell that many units, I don't think G1 will.  I maintain that the G1 is sort of Google's beta version of a truly finished Android phone, just like those of us who adopted Apple's first iPhone were really their beta testers.

I'll provide an update on Android news this week later this weekend.  But first, go to T-Mobile's G1 site (via Android Community ) for a 3D look at the Android and an emulator.  You can test out the device even before you get your G1 or if you just want to play with it a bit before jumping it.

I've captured a variety of screen shots here for you.  Enjoy!

email (not gmail)

calendar

IM

map

calls

music

browser

gmail

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.

Post-Android News (Updated September 24, 2008)

The prudent thing is to wait a few days or even a week after an event we had this week with the introduction of G1 by Google and, really, T-Mobile to the world.

There was a lot of excitement.  But as the details came out, we feel less and less thrilled about what we see.  To begin with, the comparison to the iPhone was missing but there were subtle jabs at Apple's walled garden.  And Apple doesn't deny that.

However, to say that Android is open is not true at all.  There's spin so I don't want to call anyone a liar.  Let's face it.  It's Google OS for all intent and purposes.  Not all apps will be allowed on G1.  T-Mobile made sure VOIP, for one, does not make it onto the G1.

Then T-Mobile went ahead to cap the 3G access at 1GB.  It was only furor over such fine print that T-Mobile removed the statement and vague warned potential customers that we are still subject to speed bumps if we get in the way of them running a smooth 3G experience.

After some musing, I've decided to give the G1 another look.  I really want to see one in person and feel it in my hand before going ahead and order one.  I love the fact that Google has developed an OS and looks to change how mobile users work, play, and communicate.

Plus, Google is a formidable competitor in any arena they enter because they are young, hungry, and with deep pockets.  Google has been laying the ground work for Android to do well.  Look for multiple devices based on Android to hit the market.  G1 is just the first step.  We've mentioned before whoever makes apps work outside of mobile handhelds will have the potential gain customers outside of the customary smartphone market.

So, those are my thoughts.  Now, here are some from others across the political spectrum on mobility.

Thoughts in specs, features, and plans:

• jkontherun on T-Mobile's 3G backtrack.  They are also suspicious.
• Onxo on why T-Mobile was less evil today.
• CNet's side-by-side comparison between the iPhone and G1. Some info already dated like the 1GB cap.
• GigaOM thinks there's more to this T-Mobile spin about the 1GB cap.  This is like when Google tried to pull a fast one over us with the Chrome statement.
• Silicon Alley Insider offers another perspective on T-Mobile's attempt to handicap Android.

Comparison with iPhone (it's funny, really.  Nokia, RIM, Palm, and Blackberry seem so irrelevant):

• Gizmodo on comparing developing for our two favorite companies.
• Onxo wants more than specs comparisons.  
• TechNewsWorld says there are factors to consider in choosing.  
• Engadget offers video comparison between iPhone and G1 and other G1 videos.
• Gizmodo's post of all their posts.
• iPhone Matters linked to InfoWorld to discuss SDK.

Those who think Android is subpar:

• Former Google manager can't understand Android.
• Marketwatch does not see a market changer in G1.
  
• Wired on how Google can save Android.  Fragmentation is the word of the day.
• jkOnTheRun on G1's limitations and how developers can fill the gap.
• Silicon Alley calls G1 "safe".  
• Mossblog lukewarm on G1.  MacDailyNews' commentaries.
• Seeking Alpha on Jonathan Ives but also talked about Android.  MacDailyNews' commentaries.
• Roughly Drafted on Android challenges.  It's as if we have to choose between the iPhone or G1 for President.  
• Appleinsider believes there is nothing similar that warrants comparison.
• iPhone Matters - 10 things iPhone has to do to catch up to G1? (updated Thusday noon)
• Business Week - Don't underestimate Apple either.
• iSmash Phone analyzes where G1 falls short. (updated Thusday afternoon)
• Mainstream media now realizes G1 shortcomings.

Those who think Android hit it out of the park:

• SF Gate asks if Google is evil.  
• Google's word on Android.
• CNet doesn't think Apple, RIM, and Microsoft should  underestimate Android.
• Android Guys compare G1 to Amiga.  
• Phandroid offered a view and video from the perspective of an Android fan.
• TmoNews on G1 unlocking and new data issues.
• Engadget offers what they like or don't like about G1.
• Symbian Freak asks if Android will put Symbian to rest.  Guys, this is Nokia with a lot of deep pocket too.  Oh, but it's Nokia.
• Time believes Jobs is in danger of repeating history with Android.  Macdaily's pro-Apple rebuttal.

Those who think Google will have to work hard but are in the middle and news:

• FT thinks there are a lot of players who will give Android a lot of competition.
• LA Times thinks this will be a long long duel.  I agree.
• Electronista reports Sony mulling Android.  This was not unexpected.  Android powered PSP, anyone?
• Kotaku reports Gameloft will make games for Android.
• Crunchgear reports Google offered final Android SDK to everyone, not just folks they like.  If you recall, they secretly gave certain developers a version of SDK not available to everyone.  I think Google did apologize for getting caught, not for the deed itself.
• Wired on programmers who got rejected by Apple.  Not all are going to Android.
• Android Guys on G1 shortcomings.  Good and honest.  Very fair.

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.