First Google Android 2.0 phone arrives
Initial response to the new Motorola Droid smartphone on the Verizon Wireless network have been very good, thanks in large part to the updated Android 2.0 operating system.
A look at how multiple accounts are handled in the contact list of an Android 2.0 phone.
(Credit: Google)The new updated version of the open-source operating system offers new Android phones a series of enhancements as well as improved performance. The updated software is being credited with enabling many of the cool new features, such as the updated version of the Google Maps service, which allows for voice command turn-by-turn directions.
The Motorola Droid for Verizon will be the first device that will use the new software. Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile USA will also be selling Android devices this holiday season, but neither carrier has announced a device that will use the updated version of the operating system.
But that doesn't mean that the Droid will be the only device running the 2.0 software this year. A Google representative said it's very likely at least one other phone will be introduced that uses the new version of the open source operating system.
One of the features that the updated software has added allows for the integration of multiple social-networking and e-mail accounts into the phone's contact list. This means that contact and calendar information can be synced with Microsoft Exchange e-mail services and also other Web e-mail accounts, as well as, social-networking sites like Facebook.
The new version of the software has support for Microsoft Exchange, which is a huge deal because it means that corporate users can sync their work e-mail with their phones. A search function was added to the SMS and MMS messaging feature. The software has also been updated to support a camera that includes a built-in flash, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effect, and macro focus.
A look at a user's combined email on the updated Android 2.0 operating system.
(Credit: Google)The new software has also improved the virtual keyboard layout to make it easier to hit the right keys as well as improved the typing speed. The 2.0 version of software supports an enhanced browser that allows users to directly tap the address bar for instant searches and navigation. It allows bookmarks with Web page thumbnails. It offers double-tap zoom. And there is full HTML5 support, which among other things allows for geolocation applications to be developed to provide location information about the device.
Overall the new improvements to the software should make the Android devices operate much faster than the previous generation of software. A Google representative said the software is backwards compatible with older versions of Google Android hardware. But it is up the carriers whether or not they allow users to upgrade their devices to the new operating system. And the carriers will be controlling the timing of these upgrades.
As for the new Android devices coming from Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile, they won't likely immediately have the Android 2.0 operating system, but it's likely these devices, along with new Android phones will come with the new version of the OS.
A Sprint representative said that traditionally the company pushes out or allows users to upgrade software when it's made available.
T-Mobile, which was the first carrier to offer an Android phone, will have four Google Android phones available for the holidays. Two are available today: the original T-Mobile G1, which launched in October of last year, and the T-Mobile myTouch 3G, which went on sale this summer and is available now for $149.99. T-Mobile is adding two more devices to line-up in time for the holidays: the Motorola Cliq which goes on sale November 2, and the Samsung Behold II, which does not yet have a launch date but will be available before Christmas.
As of November 1, Sprint will have two Android-powered devices as part of its lineup: the HTC Hero and the Samsung Moment, which costs $180 with a $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year Sprint contract.
Marguerite Reardon has been a CNET News reporter since 2004, covering cell phone services, broadband, citywide Wi-Fi, the Net neutrality debate, as well as the ongoing consolidation of the phone companies. E-mail Maggie. 
I hope those collecting unemployment or any other government (tax payer) checks will think before getting a new shiny. Food, housing and child care first, shiny last on the list. For those who can afford a new shiny, why not? You will be helping to pull the economy out of the dumps. I'll stick to my tried, proven and true Curve, it does everything I need and I don't have to "look" cool!
www.fonlogix.us/blackberry-cell-phone-replacement-parts.html
Apple`s paid Nav app is nowhere near as good as Droid`s Fee app. Ouch.
Sucks to be Apple today.
And about your BB sort-of analogy, you've missed a mark. I ported my business away from MS Exchange and BES, selling my servers and CALs, and moved over to Google Premier Apps - next up is ditching the BBs and moving to iPhones and Android devices that have some native Google Premier support better mobile web support in the updated browser. Because of the switch, I was able to recoup some of my expenses earlier this year, will likely get a sweet deal from VZW on Android phones (the Storm's didn't cost me a thing earlier this year, and they're still a headache - but I'll sell them for a net or hand them back to VZW). I'll use those funds I got back to not lay anyone off and hand out a couple of bonuses and use some of the cash for marketing for new work - and I won't have to lay out a wad of cash in January to pay for MS and RIM CALs. And we didn't skip a beat with the email/calendaring switch.
Google SDK, here I come!
My trying? Grammar, please.
Now that?s a tough decision.
What is it with you Apple haters ?
Me thinks price.
What can you do when you run out of storage? :p
The expandable SD card... supports 32-64gb depending on what phone one has.
What can you do when you run out of storage? :"
@timber2005--The problem with the SD solution is that is doesn't store any apps. That may change in the future, but right now, no.
Also, what were they thinking when they designed the back of the phone? It's a mis-mash of plastic seams, and Verizon / Motorola / Google sticker porn.
They're now in rotting in the dustbin of history.
I'd be embarrassed to make such comments like the one you've posted. Though, perhaps being a drone, an automaton for Apple, is how you wish to exist. If that's the case, pat yourself on the back - for Apple's brainwashing programs have you securely bandwaggoning on everything Apple. Shame on you, and shame to all who consciously do the same.
For all the untold millions who don't wish themselves Apple Automatons, fear not - you still have time to save yourself & live without shame!
Caveat Emptor!
I'm waiting for an impartial review.
That's what happened to both Apple and Microsoft.
- by AppleSuxLeo October 29, 2009 12:02 PM PDT
- Droid is Howie Long...iPhone is the guy that "left his little man-step up"
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