Google Android
 

Linux-based open OS for mobile phones.


Can they seriously challenge the mighty Symbian & MS?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7078921.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7080758.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7082414.stm

Re: Google Android
 

If its nice and lightweight, doesn't eat a lot of resources such as RAM memory and provides a scalable platform based on Open-Source technology then I reckon they could, their problem is, they've entered the market a bit late, we'll just have to wait and see!

Re: Google Android
 

MS? yes. Windows mobile hasn't made a massive impact on the market.

Symbian? Possible, but unlikely. They'd have to persuade Nokia to use android. Nokia, being part owner of symbian would want a good reason.

Re: Google Android
 

Stepping back a bit from mobile phones - it's becoming ever more obvious that the thing most likely to knock Microsoft from its perch is 'the web' in all its aspects. Google have been working on web-based applications for some time. For the user, this has many advantages. Want to send someone a document? Just email a link to it. It doesn't matter what the format is, the server will display it correctly for anyone. Use a word processing package from A.N.Other? No problem 'cos the server knows how to convert it to plain HTML for display on anyone's computer.

The problem with all of this is: what do you do when you're not connected to the net? This is where the suped-up mobile phone comes in and is, I'm sure, why Google are getting into this.

Re: Google Android
 

I've been watching some videos from Google about Android and the SDK that's been released. Any programmers out there would find interesting, especially MLM as its in Java.

It looks very good, I can't wait use it on phones.

One radical feature I have to mention though, the mapping works without GPS if its unavailable. Apparently it coordinates cell-tower IDs to give a rough positioning. Nice :)

Re: Google Android
 

I imagine myself crashing into the base of Crystal Palace transmitter. :shocked:

Re: Google Android
 

HHHmmm I wasn't sure where to put this but..

If you have a google android handset (1.6 or above) you can now update your google maps to use the google turn by turn navigation system for free.

http://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/mob...tion&dc=gh4smm

I gave it a little go yesterday and found it very good (the voice is synthetic rather than human but I'm used to that lol). It ran in the task bar at the top and did indeed direct me properly while I walked home yesterday.

Re: Google Android
 

That looks very interesting especially as 'the better half' is due a phone upgrade soon :D Her currant choice from the Three offerings are either the Sony Ericsson X10 or HTC Desire (Both Android Handsets)

Re: Google Android
 

I have a HTC Desire. I find it very nice indeed.

Re: Google Android
 

the SE is plastic so its gonna get damaged. I think I am gonna go for the Desire in June unless there is something else new by then lol

Re: Google Android
 

Even I am tempted by the Desire but I also love my iPhone :( Not fair. I think some of the aspects, like working closer with your google account, appeals to me but the app store plus iTunes in general (where I hold all my music) keeps me too the iPhone.

Re: Google Android
 

You should check this out..

http://www.doubletwist.com/dt/Home/Index.dt

For iTunes ;)

As for the app store well it's true there aren't as many apps on the android market but it's getting there.

Re: Google Android
 

i have had my desire for 4 days now and i lurve it! i installed the turn by turn for gmaps on Wednesday, the voice is a bit weird but im sure there will be extra voices soon.

Re: Google Android
 

I got an Acer Liquid a couple of months ago and it's great, especially as it was an upgrade to a 2006 era clamshell.

I specifically wanted Google Android and it hasn't disappointed. The only downside is Football Manager 2010 isn't available!

Street View is available on Google maps as well now, by the way.

Re: Google Android
 

I have a Motorola Milestone, which is nice. My wife has the HTC Desire which is *very* nice. Who needs an iPhone?