I am going based on what I've heard and seen and since I don't own an Android-based tablet, specifically Honeycomb, I can only go with what's out there. And so far, I've not seen much about it on this matter. Nevertheless, all the focus at Google must be on Honeycomb and tablets, which is where the media and blogs have pegged as the current front in the mobile war.
And with the iPad 2 just released and Xoom as the sole Tegra 2 based Honeycomb tablets, RIM's Playbook out in April, and a few more Android tablets and the Touchpad from HP out after that, I get the feeling that Chrome OS will get a proper introduction and dominate the headlines for like a week before all eyes are back on Honeycomb.
Then let's not forget that development on Android for smartphones are likely happening at a furious pace. Just as the tablet market is getting very crowded, iPhone 5, the next Web OS device, RIM's typical updates will mean that Google and its partners have to some of their resources in this part of the mobile market as well.
I reckon that Google might leverage its position as the sole guardian of Android and convince a few of its smartphone and tablet partners to come out with a Chome OS netbook or two.
I'm not sure where that will go but I am not optimistic at all. It's clear that the iPad, Galaxy Tab, and other tablets have greatly impacted netbook and low-end laptop sales in 2010. And I think the growing tablet market in 2011 will further crowd out the netbooks.
It'll only be a matter of a couple more tablet revisions from Motorola, LG, and Samsung to evolve the tablet into a more robust device for mobile computing. With each passing quarter, Honeycomb will improve along with the hardware.
I think I'm gonna call it now and say that Chrome OS is dead, killed off, not by Apple or Microsoft, but Google's focus on Honeycomb. And I'm not sad to see it go.
Showing posts with label iPad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iPad. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Xoom Superbowl Commercial - Good Enough To Turn Heads And Stop the iPad?
For those of us watching the on-going Superbowl game between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Green Bay Packers, we got to watch the Xoom commercial in full.
The statement being made is that 2011 is not 1984, an unmistakable reference to the iconic 1984 Superbowl commercial from Apple introducing the Macintosh. We received sneak peaks throughout the week and we finally saw it in full.
Here it is again or if you're seeing this the first time, I wonder if you think it was effective.
I like it and maybe I'm biased. I think the Xoom is a worth tablet to highlight the coming out party for Android 3, Honeycomb.
However, outside of mobile fans, I don't know if it will be remembered in any way by regular viewers. We saw no demonstration of features like Apple did with the iPad. We saw nothing in way of production that was iconic and it definitely did not rank near the top as best Superbowl commercials.
I thought the website address was hard to read and was not on the screen very long.
At the end of the day, was it effective enough to turn heads and get people to consider the Xoom over the iPad?
No. For the Xoom's sake, Motorola should do the right thing and copy Apple's approach to the iOS devices. Show buyers its strengths and why we should get the Xoom.
Maybe if not Motorola, Google should spend some of its changes and promote Honeycomb on the airwaves.
The statement being made is that 2011 is not 1984, an unmistakable reference to the iconic 1984 Superbowl commercial from Apple introducing the Macintosh. We received sneak peaks throughout the week and we finally saw it in full.
Here it is again or if you're seeing this the first time, I wonder if you think it was effective.
I like it and maybe I'm biased. I think the Xoom is a worth tablet to highlight the coming out party for Android 3, Honeycomb.
However, outside of mobile fans, I don't know if it will be remembered in any way by regular viewers. We saw no demonstration of features like Apple did with the iPad. We saw nothing in way of production that was iconic and it definitely did not rank near the top as best Superbowl commercials.
I thought the website address was hard to read and was not on the screen very long.
At the end of the day, was it effective enough to turn heads and get people to consider the Xoom over the iPad?
No. For the Xoom's sake, Motorola should do the right thing and copy Apple's approach to the iOS devices. Show buyers its strengths and why we should get the Xoom.
Maybe if not Motorola, Google should spend some of its changes and promote Honeycomb on the airwaves.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Xoom's Superbowl Commerical - 15 Sec Preview - References 1984 Apple Ad
Here is a sneak peak at the Xoom commercial for the Superbowl this sunday. I am sure a lot of folks will be talking about this Sunday night and the next couple of days because there is a reference to Apple's 1984 Superbowl Mac commercial.
It's only 15 seconds that we get to see but it looks pretty effective. It'll have folks talking about it. Question is: will it drive people to take a look at the Xoom and buy it?
Source: Phone Arena.
It's only 15 seconds that we get to see but it looks pretty effective. It'll have folks talking about it. Question is: will it drive people to take a look at the Xoom and buy it?
Source: Phone Arena.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Motorola May Have A Future After All
Meet XOOM, Motorola's 10" tablet running Google-sanctioned Android, Honeycomb, on Nvidia's Tegra 2. And boy, this is the tablet that Samsung should have delivered for the Tab but jumped the gun on.
Here are some of the promo videos that I have managed to track down from the Web.
Aside from the pictures, videos, and specs, we don't know a lot about the user experience that it'll deliver. And I think Google will need to share more of those details. But I have to say Google has once again outdone itself.
The graphics I see are amazing and using a dual-core CPU doesn't disappoint. And let's just say this. The battery life is amazing, 10 hours of video playback. As far as I know, this even ties the iPad in battery life, albeit, last year's iPad.
Here are some questions that I like answered however.
Here are some of the promo videos that I have managed to track down from the Web.
Aside from the pictures, videos, and specs, we don't know a lot about the user experience that it'll deliver. And I think Google will need to share more of those details. But I have to say Google has once again outdone itself.
The graphics I see are amazing and using a dual-core CPU doesn't disappoint. And let's just say this. The battery life is amazing, 10 hours of video playback. As far as I know, this even ties the iPad in battery life, albeit, last year's iPad.
Here are some questions that I like answered however.
- How is the ZOOM different from other Tegra 2 and Honeycomb tablets? They all appear to have to same specs.
- Will this be stock Android or will Verizon Wireless, the exclusive carrier for the XOOM, think it can do better by "coloring" it with a skin and apps that we don't need or want? This was a reference tablet of sort (though not called the Nexus tablet) when Google demo'd Android 3 back in December.
- How is the app market? Will we see an iPad-like translation in apps between the iPhone version and the iPad version?
- The XOOM will initially come in a 3G version but will be upgradable to LTE. Will this cost more?
Anyway, this is the Android tablet to get. Well, we'll need to know what the prices are but from what I can, it's a good start for now.
Engadget has a nice little table with the specs for the ZOOM. I encourage you to head over and check it out. It looks like there will be only one version initially. Listed is only a 32GB version. I have a 32GB iPad model. I would have like to see a 64GB version. Trust me. Apps for tablets take up a heck of lot more space than phone apps.
I think this not only sends a message to Apple, but also for RIM, Samsung, and everyone else competing in this market. I also love to see what HTC has in store. God, I love competition!
More at Engadget.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Samsung Galaxy Player - Android For The Rest Of Us
Over at Onxo, I have blogged about my experience using and iSpot, basically a mifi dedicated to Apple's iOS device. In my case, I've been using the iSpot with the iPod touch and not the iPhone. Why? Because I don't think I like to pay the wireless providers, gatekeepers who only want to hand-cuff its users without innovation, and I believe the future of mobile computing and communication is through VOIP and video and telephony will go the way of the dodo.
For Android fans, there is finally an answer. Samsung will be unveiling a version of the Galaxy S without the telephone function and 3G antenna and rely exclusively on WiFi for wireless Internet access.
At CES next week, Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Player.
And of all the Android device makers, we really should have seen Samsung as the one to provide provide this mobile solution. Like Apple, Samsung with the Galaxy has a brand that is respected and known.
Maybe one day, we'll see a Droid without the 3G antenna and just a Wi-Fi only version but we don't know when that day will come or if it will come. Until then, there will be the Player.
I really like to see what Samsung has to offer and how it will be marketed to the end-users. I gather that many kids will snatch it up just like they do the iPod touch. And the timing is brilliant since the iPod touch will be out on the market for 4-6 months already and folks looking for something new will definitely consider the Player as their mobile device.
What's not to like? Near identical specs as the Galaxy S, great screen, 3MP rear camera and VGA frontal camera for video chats, 4" screen coming with 800x480 resolution, and comes in 8 to 32 GB of internal storage.
Source: Samsung Hub
Note: I spoke at length last last night with a friend about just such a device and I e-mailed him about it this morning when I learned about Samsung's plans for the Player. He's looking for something with a physical keyboard. And I'm looking for one with today's tech like Nvidia's Tegra 2. Hey, Motorola or LG, listen up. We're waiting for you to wow us with your own WiFi-only Android device.
A Droid that sells for $200 without 3G or Verizon will sell itself. A LG Optimus 2X san two-year contracts is just as enticing.
For Android fans, there is finally an answer. Samsung will be unveiling a version of the Galaxy S without the telephone function and 3G antenna and rely exclusively on WiFi for wireless Internet access.
At CES next week, Samsung will introduce the Galaxy Player.
And of all the Android device makers, we really should have seen Samsung as the one to provide provide this mobile solution. Like Apple, Samsung with the Galaxy has a brand that is respected and known.
Maybe one day, we'll see a Droid without the 3G antenna and just a Wi-Fi only version but we don't know when that day will come or if it will come. Until then, there will be the Player.
I really like to see what Samsung has to offer and how it will be marketed to the end-users. I gather that many kids will snatch it up just like they do the iPod touch. And the timing is brilliant since the iPod touch will be out on the market for 4-6 months already and folks looking for something new will definitely consider the Player as their mobile device.
What's not to like? Near identical specs as the Galaxy S, great screen, 3MP rear camera and VGA frontal camera for video chats, 4" screen coming with 800x480 resolution, and comes in 8 to 32 GB of internal storage.
Source: Samsung Hub
Note: I spoke at length last last night with a friend about just such a device and I e-mailed him about it this morning when I learned about Samsung's plans for the Player. He's looking for something with a physical keyboard. And I'm looking for one with today's tech like Nvidia's Tegra 2. Hey, Motorola or LG, listen up. We're waiting for you to wow us with your own WiFi-only Android device.
A Droid that sells for $200 without 3G or Verizon will sell itself. A LG Optimus 2X san two-year contracts is just as enticing.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
NYT"s David Pogue Reviews The Tab...Sort Of
Here's a video of the video pushing the issue a bit about the Samsung Tab running the Android.
Honestly, I don't know what to to make of it. I went away thinking David Pogue might be Bill Nye's long lost...ah...something...son, younger brother?
Honestly, I don't know what to to make of it. I went away thinking David Pogue might be Bill Nye's long lost...ah...something...son, younger brother?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Android 2.2 Not Ready For Tablet Primetime Says Google
I don't want to get into a pissing contest with Steve Jobs about what is the perfect screen for the tablet. iPads have done will but Android's day under the tablet sky will come.
Right now there are a few unsanctioned Android tablets on the market if you're willing to chance it. Yeah, I thought so. So then therefor Samsung's Tab which will cost close to $1K unsubsidized, $400-600 depending on carrier subsidy.
But even then, Google has publicly said that Android 2.2 is not optimized for tablet use and we'll have to wait for Android 3.0 at the end of the year.
What's clear though is that Android tablets will flood the market early 2011. And if you thought waiting until then is hard, just wait until we have to chose between different versions, screen sizes, and which works best for us.
Right now there are a few unsanctioned Android tablets on the market if you're willing to chance it. Yeah, I thought so. So then therefor Samsung's Tab which will cost close to $1K unsubsidized, $400-600 depending on carrier subsidy.
But even then, Google has publicly said that Android 2.2 is not optimized for tablet use and we'll have to wait for Android 3.0 at the end of the year.
What's clear though is that Android tablets will flood the market early 2011. And if you thought waiting until then is hard, just wait until we have to chose between different versions, screen sizes, and which works best for us.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Current State of Mobile Computing: Tablet or Laptop
Depending on who you talk to you and who you believe, the netbooks, perhaps even lsptops, are taking a sales hit because of the iPad.
Perhaps. Then there are those who are not so sure this is happen on a large scale. Given the potential that Apple may be on the verge of a $20 billion quarter and cuts on orders by dorm laptop and netbook makers, it has industry and mobile observers such as myself very excited.
Is this the beginning of the end of mobile computing as we know it?
More at Greenjava Mobility.
Perhaps. Then there are those who are not so sure this is happen on a large scale. Given the potential that Apple may be on the verge of a $20 billion quarter and cuts on orders by dorm laptop and netbook makers, it has industry and mobile observers such as myself very excited.
Is this the beginning of the end of mobile computing as we know it?
More at Greenjava Mobility.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Internet Withdrawal
Yesterday, I altered my T-Mobile wireless data plan: now, I am without data on my G1, iPhone, or my upcoming Sony Equinox. I have done away with wireless data completely. Why?
I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.
But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.
It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.
And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.
When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.
You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.
Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.
Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.
I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.
I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.
Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch
I find that I am too connected. At work, home, Stabucks, and bookstores. Not to mentioned between stops at intersections and anywhere that doesn't readily offer free wireless broadband. However, today, it was different. This afternoon, I went to a supermarket deli area for continuing work on my iPhone development. There was no Internet access there. But that was fine as I was able to get considerable amount if work done.
But then I went to my cousin's house for dinner. While he has wifi access, I didn't want to ask (he would have seen it as begging since he detests anything Apple), I held off on it.
It was problematic, not because I could not check my emails or tweet my about my withdrawal but I had a few missed calls that went directly to my Google Voice voicemail. The only solution was to call the missing numbers back but a couple of them I wanted to screen possible voice messages first.
And truly, there was discomfort. It was not so bad that I was going mad but it was like a really bad itch that I couldn't get rid of.
When I finally arrived home, within the range of my wifi network, the chime of mail beeped from my iDevices and I instantly fired up the mail app as soon as I put my car into park on the driveway.
You know what it felt like? Like I was coming up for air after holding my breath for along time underwater.
Okay, you might think me pathetic or exaggerating this ordeal. Okay, perhaps a bit. But the feeling of disconnect certainly was there.
Hoe long can I last with this experiment? I don't know. I am very good at adapting. And the reason I wanted to do this was I was afraid the constant connectivity was preventing from stopping now and then to "smell the flowers". I saw my nephew appreciate his new Wii. Had I had Internet access, I might have missed much of it.
I think this is for the best. Should a greater need require that I have wireless Internet access at all time, I can always get it back.
I'll continue to update my wireless-less experiment as well as my iPhone development experience. Hopefully, both endeavors will turn out well and fruitful.
Note: I was offered an option to being back my data at a considerable discount. But even with this enticement, I will try to hold out longer. Not only that, I was even offered for free a brand new Android device for being such a long and loyal customer. Yeah, I passed on that too.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod touch
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Google Tablet: Android or Chrome OS
It's going to be very confusing if Google doesn't clear up which OS it favors for its slate and tablet strategy. Right now, most hardware developers are working on Android tablets to challenge the dominance od Apple's iPad. However, word is getting out that there are also Chrome OS-based varieties as well.
Well, I for one will be forced to wait and see where this leads before I get one or the other. Deep down, Google would love for users to embrace Chrome OS for netbooks and slates. When Google introduced it to the world last year and updated us again earlier this year, it was in a netbook format. Since it is only a toss and a skip to the tablet form, don't be surprise to see Google trumps it as its favorite OS choice for tablets.
The problem is that we do love out apps. And Google is going to have to reset everything all over again to get the Chrome OS webapp store stocked up to the level of the iPhone app store or Android's marketplace.
So even if Google picks Chrome OS, Android fans might not flock to it. Only the most die-hard of Google fans are likely yo support it out of the gate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Well, I for one will be forced to wait and see where this leads before I get one or the other. Deep down, Google would love for users to embrace Chrome OS for netbooks and slates. When Google introduced it to the world last year and updated us again earlier this year, it was in a netbook format. Since it is only a toss and a skip to the tablet form, don't be surprise to see Google trumps it as its favorite OS choice for tablets.
The problem is that we do love out apps. And Google is going to have to reset everything all over again to get the Chrome OS webapp store stocked up to the level of the iPhone app store or Android's marketplace.
So even if Google picks Chrome OS, Android fans might not flock to it. Only the most die-hard of Google fans are likely yo support it out of the gate.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
3G - Is A Monthly Allotment of 2GB Enough?
Is 2GB of monthly allotment enough for myself? That's what I endeavored to find out tonight. And why 2GB a month? Well, that's what whacky ATT decided on recently by killing off their previous unlimited data plan. And since ATT also has Android-based phones and since the other wireless providers are looking to follow ATT's lead, we all need to get a good idea of our own wireless data usage.
With my G1 acting as a Wi-Fi access point, I linked up my iPad and put both devices through a series of apps just to see how the G1 handled the load and how much data was downloanded and what the real world speed is.
Skype, Slingplayer, ABC video app, and Netflix.
I think this is worth sharing with my fellow Android users and fans because in the next few months, we are going to see a bunch of Android-based tablets on the market. And I came away with some interesting conclusions.
More at Onxo.
With my G1 acting as a Wi-Fi access point, I linked up my iPad and put both devices through a series of apps just to see how the G1 handled the load and how much data was downloanded and what the real world speed is.
Skype, Slingplayer, ABC video app, and Netflix.
I think this is worth sharing with my fellow Android users and fans because in the next few months, we are going to see a bunch of Android-based tablets on the market. And I came away with some interesting conclusions.
More at Onxo.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I Want An Android Tablet But...
By now, you're very excited about the pending Google-Verizon hatched tablet based on Android. After all, it can't be just a rumor if it came straight from Verizon Wireless' CEO, right?
Here are some thoughts about it that I had throughout the day about it. A bit more after these tweets:
Here are some thoughts about it that I had throughout the day about it. A bit more after these tweets:
- Android Tablet: I already have an iPad but also want an Android tablet. But… (part 1)
- Android Tablet: I don’t want a Dell, HTC, or someone else’s tablet because support is probably spotty (part 2)
- Android Tablet: I don’t want Verizon’s tablet (or whoever else’s) because updates will suck big time (part 3)
- Android Tablet: I want a Google backed tablet. A gTablet. But I want to make sure Google has the right customer support in place (part 4)
- Android Tablet: I was about to get a Nexus One when Google said it would stop working on the 3G problems with it…seriously, WTF (part 5)
- Android Tablet: However, with the right support, an Android tablet from Google will totally rock! (part 6)
- Android Tablet: Imagine a 7-10” tablet with Nvdia’s Tegra 2 support with Flash for hulu playback (part 7)
- Android Tablet: For naysayers, Sprint & VW didn’t reject Nexus One. Sprint has Evo and VW has Incredible. ‘Nuff said. (part 8)
- Android Tablet: Google needs to sell the tablet direct as well as subsidized. (part 9)
- Android Tablet: Needs to support 4G wireless Internet. WiMax & LTE verson as well. (part 10)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Who Should Make The Android Tablet
I am writing this post from my new iPad. I am also in the market for an Android tablet. But probably like you, who I am assuming to to get a dedicated mobile fan and Android devotee, have sethe nothing on the market that is compelling. Archos has made a valiant effort but no cigar. No iPad killer.
So I got to think. Why not HTC? Why?
One. HTC made the first Android device, the G1. Since then, Google entrusted the honor of making the Google phone, Nexus One, also to HTC. Here are probably a dozen or so Android and Windows Mobile devices on the market made by HTC.
Two. They also shows that they can out together pretty neat UI.
Third. They want to too be trusted by the consumers in the West. If they were to make a tablet to challenge the iPad, they would make damn sure that it has the mojos to back it up. That means making sure that the software is constantly updated. No nonsense about using Android 1.6 while 2.1 is available. Certainly, the design will also be top notch.
Sure, Motorola can also make a decent Android tablet but just because they hit it out of the park with the Droid doesn't mean lightning will strike twice. On the other hand, HTC has proven it has what it takes.
I think we are probably two to three months away from getting our hands on viable Android tablets, I will be waiting to make sure that I see what HTC has in stored for us before picking one up.
So I got to think. Why not HTC? Why?
One. HTC made the first Android device, the G1. Since then, Google entrusted the honor of making the Google phone, Nexus One, also to HTC. Here are probably a dozen or so Android and Windows Mobile devices on the market made by HTC.
Two. They also shows that they can out together pretty neat UI.
Third. They want to too be trusted by the consumers in the West. If they were to make a tablet to challenge the iPad, they would make damn sure that it has the mojos to back it up. That means making sure that the software is constantly updated. No nonsense about using Android 1.6 while 2.1 is available. Certainly, the design will also be top notch.
Sure, Motorola can also make a decent Android tablet but just because they hit it out of the park with the Droid doesn't mean lightning will strike twice. On the other hand, HTC has proven it has what it takes.
I think we are probably two to three months away from getting our hands on viable Android tablets, I will be waiting to make sure that I see what HTC has in stored for us before picking one up.
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