Best Rated Phones - Mobile phone announcements, news and info » Google-Nexus-one

Delays Push Back Launch of Android 2.2 for HTC Desire

Liam — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:27:40 +0000

If there is one thing that has been the constant bane of all tech fans –it is the delays. With new updates, patches, products, releases and all things happening, it is already hard to keep track of what is new and what is not –having a company delay their update certainly makes things a lot harder to keep up with.

Take this case for instance. It was already stated that the Nexus One Froyo update was coming out last week and the HTC Desire would be getting updated this week. All well and good, but it seems that Google has decided to put in some strategic delays to the launch. Sure, we are getting a great final build of the Android 2.2 Froyo, but the OS has been sitting in Google’s developer shelves for quite some time now.

Even Adobe was pretty fast with the launch of the Flash Player for the Android 2.2 –the software came out days ahead of the Nexus One 2.2 update launch.

This leaves us with the HTC Desire, an impressive smart phone that some would even say rivals the Google Nexus One in terms of both specs and features. Not surprisingly too, HTC manufactured both devices, and HTC is considered to be playing a key role in the development of the Android OS.

The Desire’s main tech specs will certainly sound familiar to the owners of the Android Nexus One –the 5 mega pixel camera, a 3.7 inch AMOLED touch screen display, a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU; these pretty much reads out like the Nexus’ own specs and the reason for this is that HTC made the two devices one after the other. Actually, it was the Desire (then known as the HTC Bravo) that was designed first.

With the launch date of the HTC Desire’s Android update pushed, this means that other smart phones will have to wait longer too.

Expect Plenty of Dropped Calls if You a Left-handed iPhone 4G User

Liam — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:33:30 +0000

“Smooth sailing” is a term that just cannot be used to refer to the iPhone 4G’s release. First, there was the yellow smudges appearing on the Retina Displays and now, reports say that reception is poor on their out of the box iPhone 4Gs. Well for left-handed users anyway.

The reception problem that has been occurring recently can be attributed to covering the mobile phone’s bottom left corner. Bridging the gap with your finger keeps the iPhone 4G’s antenna from getting the signal properly and thus cuts your conversation short. While this is surprising, it is still good news, mainly because it does not involve anyone sending back their beloved units for a replacement.

Well, at least not yet. Simply move your hand out of the way and Apple’s mobile phone should work fine. Actually, going for a case that prevents your flesh from ever touching that part of the iPhone 4G will help keep the reception clear. Here is the advice:

“This is a fact of life for every wireless phone. If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases.”

It may sound weird to you but Apple insists that this is a normal thing for mobile phones and some have it worse than others. This is basically dependent on where the antenna is located on the mobile phone’s chassis. Since the past models of the iPhone had it and the Nexus One has it, then this must be a fact.

But really, what would it have taken to just move the internal parts of the iPhone around to allow for normal phone operations for left-handed users? If Apple is not going to fix this slight miscalculation issue in their production, maybe they should give out some pro bono slip cases to keep the fans happy.

Android Phones Get Confused on Who to Send SMS to

Liam — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 15:49:13 +0000

A bug has affected mobile phones using the Android operating system and it has become a security risk. If you have an Android smart phone, it would be in your best interest not to send any private or classified business SMS or MMS to your contacts.

The issue affects users by switching their contacts whenever a conversation reply is made. For example, if you were in a conversation with your friend John and an incoming message from your friend Pat arrives at your inbox, the message you were typing to John will now be addressed to Pat. On the other hand, if you switch over to Pat, the message can end up addressed to John. The Android software seems to “get confused” and switches your contacts even if you have not specified it to do so.

The clincher is that the switch does not always happen immediately when you receive a new message. Sometimes you do not even realize that you are sending the message to the wrong contact until it is already on its way. Even if the contact specified on your device is correct, there is still a chance that the message will get sent to a completely different person.

This erratic behavior seems to affects mobile phones with two or more running SMS or MMS conversations. And it is not confined to any set or model of Android smart phone either. Google Nexus One users get affected as much as HTC Incredible owners.

Google does not seem to have a clue as to what is really happening. A number of users have been posting on the Google support forums and no one has been able to reproduce the phenomenon reliably. For now at least, it would be safer to delete your conversations one you are done with them and it would be best to avoid sending anything you would not send to your lesser known contacts.

A Quick Look at Upcoming Handsets

Liam — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:04:58 +0000

From rumors to forgotten previews, there are many smart phones that we are waiting to see. Leaks often give us glimpses of promising new technology that often become bitter memories when manufacturers decide to cancel production or completely change an upcoming device. Here is a quick list at several handsets that we are hoping would make it to the production line.

First up is an Android handset with a 5.5 inch touch screen display from Sony Ericsson. The device was leaked along with the upcoming SE XPERIA Shakira and the W150 TeaCake. According to the leaked report, the device is an Android smart phone. Looking at the leaked images alone makes us wonder when this impressive tablet hybrid smart phone will actually be available –it even has a slide out QWERTY keyboard that allows it to be used as a netbook.

Right after the launch of the Nexus One, there was plenty of talk about a new handset from Motorola that might possibly end up as the Nexus Two. There were rumors that the next Google phone needed a keyboard and at that point, Motorola’s Milestone/DROID was the best basis for an Android with a keyboard.

By the time word of the Shadow handset in production became public, people were already looking at it as the next Google device. Recent news updates have revealed that the Shadow is still in production.

When it comes to high end Android, no other rumor seems to be as delicious as the upcoming HTC Scorpion (though the Sony device is starting to overtake everything else). This handset is said to be equipped with the latest Snapdragon CPU and is said to possibly be clocked at speeds more than 1.2 GHz.

The Samsung Galaxy S Pro may be the least impressive of these four, but with the already good specs on the original, all it simply needs is the QWERTY keyboard (hence the Pro on the name). So far, Samsung has not commented if the Galaxy S Pro will be made.

Android Froyo 2.2: Out on Nexus One

Simon — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:47:25 +0000

It seems like Google is giving the Nexus One a little head start running the new Android operating system update, version 2.2 Frozen Yogurt or Froyo for short. For those who missed the launch of the Nexus One, this phone is the first Google Branded Android handset and is a collaborative effort between Google and long time Android development supporter and Open Handset Alliance founding member, HTC.

The device packs an impressive 1 GHz Snapdragon CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera and a 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display. In terms of specs, the phone is very high end, and the addition of extra features such as Google’s voice recognition software and better voice quality technology allows for some interesting capabilities such as speech to text and more.

Of course, a phone as great as this is the perfect testing ground for Froyo; this is because the update has native support for Flash and AIR. Flash websites that use plenty of resources like Ecodazoo run fast and smooth –pretty much like it should in a desktop device. The big advantage here is that it supports both Flash and as confirmed, HTML5 in a later update.

Taking a cue from Apple, Google has added in features that Apple will never put in; such as media downloads directly to the phone. One of the biggest issue users have with the iPhone and other Apple devices is that they are very reliant on the iTunes software in order to add and remove media. This dependence on a computer or a laptop makes it hard for some users who would prefer to be able to download directly to their device.

Another major addition to version 2.2 is that the Android not supports tethering. This will allow the use of the Android smart phone as an internet link for laptops and similar devices. Google is now allowing the sale of its phone outside of its own store, meaning that we can now find Nexus One deals through other retailers. Perhaps this will result in an increase in sales? Who knows…

Google Nexus One: They Did It Again!

Simon — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:49:42 +0000

Google has done it again! They have integrated the best features of the web and usability into their own personal brand; The Google Nexus One. The Google Nexus One is unparalleled in the history of mobile phones and this is definitely a must have for the year 2010. The Google has made every aspect that their name represents available into a little pocket-sized compact device. The diminutive size of the phone makes it ideal when travelling and you need to stay in touch with important associates.

The Google Nexus One has all of the fundamental Google capabilities that one would normally experience on the web. The usability is slick and effective with the stroke of a finger, sliding and double tapping apps and selections for implementation. The weather widgets are especially fluid and concise.

All of the integrations are focused on the aspect of social networking. This is where the Google Nexus One comes in handy. With the accurate picture imaging, you can update your profile with newer pictures without necessarily worrying about the quality. Focus imaging stability is unsurpassed when the Nexus One is concerned. The videos can be taken with the ease of 20 frames a second.

No one ever thought that Google would raise the bar on the quality of mobile phones, but they did. Even though HTC created the Nexus One, the phone is still running on the basic Google apps and usability. If Google continues to increase their productive innovations, they will be practically dominating the market in all areas of technology. The iPhone is being compared to the integrated Google functions. Unlike the focus that is applied on the Google operating system, iPhone is not necessarily dominated by any entity. The Google Nexus One has the advantage of using a universal platform and apps which make the larger market base fancy the phone with the apps and programs that come with it. So many people are already integrating with the functions of Google in their daily lives. Google has taken the usability of their features by taking their persona to the Smartphone level. Even though the iPhone has over 100,000 games, Google at present has only 19,000 games, but this will change over time.

In Europe, the Nexus One will be available from Vodafone and in the US the phone will be available from T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Buying an unlocked phone is inevitably expensive. Some people might try to take advantage of the 2-year contracts offered by their phone retailers then attempt to shut off their service before being billed. Most services will charge a price for early termination that costs just as much as the phone would be unlocked. Either way, most are going to end up spending over 400 Euros in their quest for the Nexus One.

Today the Google Nexus, Tomorrow Who Knows?

Simon — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:10:04 +0000

It has been one day since the Google Nexus One was unveiled to the world. Sure, not everyone cared but for those techies and electronics buffs who had been keep tracking of the phone, eagerly anticipating its release, yesterday was a pretty good day. Google finally acknowledged what everyone knew, that the Nexus One would be the company’s latest contribution to the Android operating system.

The Nexus One comes with a 5 megapixel camera, complete with auto-focus and a LED lens. It also has video recording capabilities, GPS, 512 MB of memory (more can be added via the phone’s microSD memory slot) and voice recognition. This is obviously not a full and comprehensive listing of the phone’s specs. That can be found on the phone’s home page or in an online review.

Google will first release the Nexus One in the United States. T-Mobile will initially be the carrier and then Verizon. It will then become available in Europe via Vodafone. The price of the phone is $529 (£331). Individuals can save money if they purchase the Nexus through T-Mobile and agree to a 2 year contract with the company. Those that choose to, will qualify for a discounted price of $179 (£112).

Now that the wait is over, individuals will finally be able to take a closer look at the Nexus One. Until yesterday, most of the information available about the phone could not be confirmed because there hadn’t been any official word on the matter. That changed just 24 hours ago.

Right now, everyone is extolling the Nexus One, mostly based on its specs. Granted, it deserves it. It is an impressive phone. However, the handset’s true test will come when the public gets a hold of it. They will truly be judge and jury. Whether or not, they are pleased with it will likely affect the entire direction of the Android.

Vodafone announce they will be offering the Google Nexus One

Simon — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:18:09 +0000

Google are famous all across the world for their bright and new ideas alongside with great service for free to the general public. From producing powerful computers to help predict the weather and threat of global warming, to giving us complete satellite coverage of the world available at the touch of a button, Google can solve almost any of your problems using the search engine. They even have trend information for different websites and businesses.

Their new phone the Nexus One is designed to combine many of Google’s great applications and services, with the functionality and reliability of a normal mobile phone you would expect. There are many features built into the phone to help you use as little effort as possible to use the phone. Using built in noise reduction software, when you talk on the phone certain noises are reduced by using a compressor. This takes out frequencies that are not relevant to your phone calls and doesn’t let them through, thus giving you a clearer signal.

The Nexus One comes complete with a 5.0megapixel camera, so you will never need to take a digital camera with you again. The built in camera provides ample quality photographs, and you can view them on the high quality screen. Once done taking your photos, you can then transfer them across to your computer or laptop, or upload them directly onto the website from your phone, provided the website has the ability to do so. The phone is going to be available in the United Kingdom in Spring 2010 on the Vodafone network, and in the United States on the T Mobile network. The phone will be available directly from Google to start off with.