Skins Makes Android Popular But Also Fragmentation

One of the things I try to talk about here is on how folks use Android and what changes and developments in the Android realm that impact users. Well, skins developed by various Android developers are having a positive effect on Android adoption.

These skins like Blur and Sense are aggregating pertinent updates for users and provide an UI that Google did not include with Android. And in the next update cycle or two, these skins will become more intricate. However, there could potentially be a risk for Android as a whole.

The skins allow Samsung, HTC, and Motorola to differentiate themselves from other Android developers and each other. After all, Android is just competing with the iPhone, Blackberry, and Nokia but also with each other. These companies that make Android devices (soon, tablets as well) will need to stand out. After all, Android hardware developers are also compete with each other as well.

However, the fear is that even as Android market suffers from partial fragmentation, skin developments may further create rifts in the platform. And I fear this may potentially become an issue for app developers as hardware makers modify their flavor of Android further based on the skin they created.

We'll know if this is truly going to be a problem. Right now most skins are mostly widgets to update Twitter, text, and Facebook feeds. But look for the skins to improve and become more sophisticated. Perhaps, it would be good for Google and its Android partners to come to some sort of agreement on skin development as well.

Only 20% of Android Users Will Get Another One?

Given the previous level of satisfactions that we've seen with users and their Android devices, it's hard to believe this post from CNN that a mere 1 on 5 Android users plan on upgrading to another Android device.

Does that sound right?

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.

Android Update

Word on th blogs is that an Android update is coming.  There's a name for it.  There are even screen shots.  Just as on Onxo and On Apple, we don't traffic in anything but concrete data though we certain have no qualm about wild speculations and such.

Where am I coming from on Android and my beloved but subpar G1?  Let me first say that I'm one of the first mobile warriors to have a G1.  3G.  Sure, love it!  But at the time I went from an iPhone to a G1.  Folks, Android shows promise but is not the iPhone.  Let's be honest.  But I've got a lot of hope for what Google and company will be able to develop and improve on what we're getting currently from T-Mobile.

In the next few months, Android will not only be going up against the iPhone 3G and Storm as has been in the last quarter but it'll have to go up again resurging Palm's Pre (assuming Apple doesn't sue them out of oblivion). 

From what I've seen, the Palm Pre could be going after the same folks G1 has been going after.  Pre will be debuting on a fledgling network, Sprint, just as G1 did on T-Mobile (not as in bad a shape as Sprint).  Just as the G1 was a stopgap against the iPhone, the Pre will be preforming the same role for Sprint, against everyone else.

However, Pre feels new, fresh, and fast.  And the form looks pretty cool.  G1, well, is a bit beta-ish.  And this is why I'm hoping with the new Android update, we'll finally get out of beta and see promises of Android fulfilled.

Once we get the update and have had a chance to play with it, then I think I'll finally write my G1 review.  But I hope there are a few features I like to see coming out of this update:

• Background apps.  Right now, not all the apps run in the background as it should.  Since Android's native IM doesn't stay logged in, I tried with Meebo.  No luck there.  Strangely, other apps like Twidroid and DoggCatcher had no problems running in the background. 
  
• Fix IM - my gTalk account is able to stay connected.  I'm sure everyone else would like to see their Yahoo, MSN, or AOL Messenger accounts stay connected as well.  Not everyone use gTalk.  Not everyone who has a Google account use gTalk.
• Leaner OS.  More optimization.  My G1 runs out of memory from time to time and it takes more time to go from task to task, app to app.
• Ability to use more than one Google account.
• Better e-mail implementation.  
• Somehow, squeeze more out of the battery or greater efficiency.  I'm charging the G1 twice a day and, luckily, I am always near an outlet.  
• On screen in put.  A keyboard.  
• Better calculator.  It's not something I should have to download a 3rd party app for an adequate calculator.
• Not really Android related but here's hoping future G1 or other Android phones will have more than just 1GB of memory.
• More crisp touch implementation.  Multi-touch would be nice (to be implemented without being sued by Apple).  More and more games are coming that may require touch and variety of gestures.
  

 We'll know soon how much improvement my G1 will offer.

Note:  Anyone interested in an Android-based phone, it's my opinion that you wait a bit and see what the new update offers.  We might be surprised with a new Android phone. 

Another note:  Some good news.  App development on the Android seems to be picking up steam.

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.

My Brown G1 Pics - New Observations.

I've left my iPhone comparison pictures on another camera so I don't have those up.  And thinking about it, there's enough of those on the Internet, and better quality.

So, here you go.  First, I've compared it to a Dell Axim and the Palm Zire 72.  As you can see, the G1 is much thinner but both the PDA have bigger screens.  I still use both of them for taking notes and writing in general but without connectivity, I have had to report to wired uploads or memory cards.

Here is a perspective with the Samsung Trace.

As you can see, the G1 is not that much bigger.  But the depth of the G1 is what makes the difference in your pocket.











Here's a couple of looks of the G1 on my XO.

This is the angle I want you to see.  The protrusion on the right is pretty annoying.  I'm sure I'll get used to it.  Luckily for the G1 (and T-Mobile), this mobile device is also about the software, not just the hardware.

Here it is again but with my right hand holding the G1.  You can clearly see the high protrusion here.  Some sites try to avoid talking about it and go right to the software and about having a physical keyboard.  I think it's worth mentioning before you rush out to get one.  Think hard about this.  Play with a Blackberry and see what works best for you.  

But you can't avoid the fact that Android is pretty cool.  

 So, there you have it.  G1 pics.

With one device, Google has altered the landscape and people, especially their competitors, should take notice.  Obviously, I have nothing to say about the design but Android provide handset makers an alternative to Windows Mobile and Symbian and strikes at Blackberry's consumer campaign.  The iPhone has nothing to worry about Android.  Yet.

But with this mobile platform, designs are only the limiting factors.

Today's Color is Brown

I didn't post my pictures but I'll do it tonight.  Now, I want to talk about my choice of color for my G1.  Brown.

Just from a day's use, it looks very good.  The finishing and shade gives off a nice shine.  The back of the case has a matte feel to it.  Because of it, you get the sense it's almost two shades of brown.  Maybe, but for any executives who want to march into a boardroom with it (and doesn't need exchange), it'll immediately catch people's eyes.

But the fact that you're carrying a Google phone into a high-pressured winner-takes-all room dominated by Blackberries and iPhones already says a lot about you.

It's the brown that saves the awful G1 design in my opinion.

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.