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Android Hardware Thread - 2009 Edition

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People just look at the 4.3" and think the device must be huge without giving much thought to the design of the device itself.

HD2 compared to the Droid is only 4.7mm wider, 7mm taller, and 2.7mm thinner and weighs 8g less. Volume wise, it's even less than the Droid.
 
Iknos said:
Could be in the minority but I do. For one if it came with a physical keyboard it would mean the layout could be bigger or include more rows.

Best way to put it: I'd like a pocket sized netbook that can be used as a PDA and cell phone. Maybe thats asking for too much and it starts getting non-practical at that point.
Click to expand...

The HD2 has no physicial keyboard. It is ridiculously thin, though. I'd be interested in it but I'd need to play with it first, that thing might just be huge.

I think 3.7 is basically ideal, like the Droid screen. Anything bigger than 4 is probably too much.
 
Hawkian said:
The HD2 has no physicial keyboard. It is ridiculously thin, though. I'd be interested in it but I'd need to play with it first, that thing might just be ridiculously huge.

I think 3.7 is basically ideal, like the Droid screen. Anything bigger than 4 is probably too much.
Click to expand...

Again, people saying it's too huge when it's not really that different, and most people aren't saying that because of a 4"+ device with a keyboard.
 
tokkun said:
MoDaCo has released a custom ROM that gives the ability to do WiFi tethering and install apps to the SD card.
Click to expand...

So, wait... I could get an Android phone and basically use it via wifi for web-browsing without having to pay a data plan?

*eyebrow raise* Or am I completely missing the point of this.
 
TheSeks said:
So, wait... I could get an Android phone and basically use it via wifi for web-browsing without having to pay a data plan?

*eyebrow raise* Or am I completely missing the point of this.
Click to expand...

With tethering yes, but your mobile data plans usually have a hard limit (several GB) so it's hardly enough unless you really don't do much on the internet.

Edit:
Depending on what you mean by data plan, if you're talking about a phone data plan, then what he said. vvv
 
TheSeks said:
So, wait... I could get an Android phone and basically use it via wifi for web-browsing without having to pay a data plan?

*eyebrow raise* Or am I completely missing the point of this.
Click to expand...

No you're missing the point. It's actually pretty much the opposite of that.

WiFi tethering is a process where you use your phone's data plan to create a WiFi network. Then you can connect your computer to the network and surf the web on your computer through the phone's data connection. It's basically a way of being able to get an internet connection for your laptop no matter where you are.
 
Totakeke said:
Again, people saying it's too huge when it's not really that different, and most people aren't saying that because of a 4"+ device with a keyboard.
Click to expand...

On the Engadget Mobile podcast they were saying that if you have small hands it's actually uncomfortable to hold the HD2 for long periods of time. I'm sure the 4.3" screen is probably not too easy on the battery either.
 
tokkun said:
On the Engadget Mobile podcast they were saying that if you have small hands it's actually uncomfortable to hold the HD2 for long periods of time. I'm sure the 4.3" screen is probably not too easy on the battery either.
Click to expand...

That could be true, but doesn't apply to everyone, also doesn't deter from 2 hand usage if you really need to use it for long periods. As for battery life, it'll definitely drain more (duh), but screen size isn't the only thing that can drain a device's battery, definitely have to wait for more reviews to see how it compares.



Also Google Navigation has been hacked to work on G1.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=582656
 
Totakeke said:
That could be true, but doesn't apply to everyone
Click to expand...

Yep... just want to see one in person is all.

Though if I can figure out how to acquire a Droid this month I'm sure I'll be happy.
 
Not trying to derail the topic here, but since it relates to the HTC Dragon/Passion too, I think it's on topic. ;)

BGR just posted side by side comparisons of the Droid and HD2, just shows you how close in terms of size both of them are. That's 6" more of screen estate.

6opx21.jpg

b8mjkp.jpg
 
Totakeke said:
Not trying to derail the topic here, but since it relates to the HTC Dragon/Passion too, I think it's on topic. ;)

BGR just posted side by side comparisons of the Droid and HD2, just shows you how close in terms of size both of them are. That's 6" more of screen estate.

http://i34.tinypic.com/6opx21.jpg[IMG]
[IMG]http://i37.tinypic.com/b8mjkp.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]

That HTC HD2 is a thing of beauty. I hope this phone is not exclusive to Verizon in it's Android flavor. I would jump on this phone if it came to Sprint or T-mobile in a heart beat, since Rachael is so far away.
Click to expand...
 
Jewbacca said:
I just got the Tmobile myTouch... Holy crap this thing is solid. Im digging it.
Click to expand...
Feels good man. :D

Only thing I've had to re-learn is touch typing on a virtual keyboard of which I think I've gotten a handle on now. The fact that my custom dictionary is pretty well rounded now and word choice pops up at the top makes texting a hell of a lot easier it seems.

Looking forward to the Android 2.0 release on the MyTouch here in the next coming weeks.
 
I would ditch my Palm Pre (which I love) for an android HD2. Id prefer as close as it can be to the Windows Mobile version, but im sure HTC will change it :\ So amazing looking.
 
Totakeke said:
Not trying to derail the topic here, but since it relates to the HTC Dragon/Passion too, I think it's on topic. ;)

BGR just posted side by side comparisons of the Droid and HD2, just shows you how close in terms of size both of them are. That's 6" more of screen estate.
**pics**
Click to expand...

Wow, from the pictures at least, that is a lot closer than I would have though. To be fair though, the Eris and Droid looked pretty similar in size from pictures, but the Droid felt a lot larger in my hand. Possibly because it is pretty heavy for its size.

Anyway, if you look at the leaked pics of the supposed Passion, it doesn't look as efficient as the HD2 in terms of screen size to phone size ratio. There is a much larger frame and lip on the leaked photo.

htc-passion.jpg
 
Totakeke said:
Have they actually announced that? I thought it was only coming to Hero.
Click to expand...
Hero is actually getting a delayed release of Android 2.0 due to Sense UI. All of the "with Google" phones will be updated most likely between the end of this month and Christmas.
 
Hawkian said:
The design of the HD2 is a hell of a lot sexier than the Passion if that's really it... :(
Click to expand...

Even if it is, that phone doesn't have carrier branding on it, so it's not necessarily final. Just look at the differences between the GSM Hero / Sprint Hero / Droid Eris.
 
tokkun said:
No you're missing the point. It's actually pretty much the opposite of that.

WiFi tethering is a process where you use your phone's data plan to create a WiFi network. Then you can connect your computer to the network and surf the web on your computer through the phone's data connection. It's basically a way of being able to get an internet connection for your laptop no matter where you are.
Click to expand...


Ah, I see. Good for laptop connections in a pinch, but eh...
 
God I hope Q1 2010 turns around my dashed hopes of a descent droid phone ever hitting on AT&T. I'd get a phone like the Eris tomorrow if it was on AT&T as I don't feel like switching carriers right now. If my only choice come next year though is still the iphone or some lame WinMo 6.5 phones I might bite the bullet though.
 
Brettison said:
God I hope Q1 2010 turns around my dashed hopes of a descent droid phone ever hitting on AT&T. I'd get a phone like the Eris tomorrow if it was on AT&T as I don't feel like switching carriers right now. If my only choice come next year though is still the iphone or some lame WinMo 6.5 phones I might bite the bullet though.
Click to expand...

when i left AT&T, they did one of those calls to surveys, and one of the questions they options was phone equipment. i told them that was my primary reason (followed by network quality) and she asked what i moved for. i said an android device and she replied "the droid?". obviously it's on their radar, and i'm sure after they do a few more of those they'll bubble it up a bit more. who knows.
 
soco said:
when i left AT&T, they did one of those calls to surveys, and one of the questions they options was phone equipment. i told them that was my primary reason (followed by network quality) and she asked what i moved for. i said an android device and she replied "the droid?". obviously it's on their radar, and i'm sure after they do a few more of those they'll bubble it up a bit more. who knows.
Click to expand...

See I'm lucky in terms of the network because they literally are building a new cell tower in my neighborhood, but the phone selection blows unless you want an iphone or maybe a crackberry. The rest of their smartphone lineup and 95% of their feature phones suck hardcore right now.
 
Any word on what Sprint has in store for 2010? I love my Hero, but I was hoping they'd have something snapdragon for the new year. PEACE.
 
Since no one has posted this yet, might as well.


T-Mobile USA Launches the Samsung Behold II on November 18
Multimedia Powerhouse Joins Broad Selection of Android-Powered Smartphones for T-Mobile Customers

BELLEVUE, Wash., and DALLAS — Nov. 13, 2009 — T-Mobile USA, Inc., the wireless leader in offering the broadest selection of Android™-powered smartphones in the United States, today announced that the Samsung Behold® II will be available beginning Nov. 18. The full touch-screen Behold II is a multimedia powerhouse with fast Web and data supported by Wi-Fi® and T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network.

Available exclusively from T-Mobile USA, the Behold II is the first phone from T-Mobile to feature a 3.2-inch AMOLED screen for crisper colors and wider viewing angles, which is paired with a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus, zoom, flash, five shooting modes and video capabilities. Samsung’s intuitive cube menu also provides quick access to six top multimedia features: music, photos, videos, the Web, YouTube™ and Amazon MP3 for music downloads.
Click to expand...

$229

http://phandroid.com/2009/11/13/samsung-behold-official-press-release/


Engadget Unboxing
 
Brettison said:
I bet Android is a big deal at CES this year with so many companies embracing the OS.
Click to expand...
Most likely... I would venture we'll also be seeing a lot more touch screen netbooks/laptops running Android as well. (some old news... some new)

^ Also @ the behold II... am I the only one that thinks the phone is worse looking that a kids toy?
 
jayb said:
what is the processor in the Samsung Behold II? I can't find that info anywhere.
Click to expand...

Yeah, no one seems to know, and some are speculating that it'll suck because they're withholding the information.
 
Pimpwerx said:
Any word on what Sprint has in store for 2010? I love my Hero, but I was hoping they'd have something snapdragon for the new year. PEACE.
Click to expand...


Would love to get some word on this.
 
Oh yeah, forgot to post this too.

The phone pictured in the Android SDK is now real and called the Google Ion and comes unlocked and is intended for developers.

vrd2qh.jpg


Run and debug your Android™ applications directly on a device. Modify and rebuild the Android operating system, and flash it onto a phone. The Android Dev Phone 2 is carrier independent, and available for purchase by any developer registered with Android Market™.

Please note that this device is intended for development purposes, and may not include certain features found on consumer Android devices.
Development Platform Features
SIM unlocked – Put any SIM in the device
Hardware unlocked – Rebuild the Android operating system, and load it onto the device
Test out your apps on real hardware before publishing them to the world
Ability to see forward locked apps in Android Market
Click to expand...

As for the specs, it's basically a HTC Magic. Costs $400.

http://phandroid.com/2009/11/13/android-dev-phone-2-adp2-is-the-google-ion/
 
Is it too early for an Android Hardware Thread - 2010 Edition?

vega-large-1-425.jpg


vega-large-2-458.jpg


vega-large-523.jpg


Android Leaps from Phone to Tablet

One of the promises of Google’s Android operating system has always been that it need not stay confined to powering cell phones. That’s already starting to come to fruition, with an Android netbook on the way from Acer and both the Barnes & Noble Nook and the Spring Design Alex eReaders also launching soon with Android under the hood (thought apparently it’s no accident the latter two devices are so similar).

Now there’s another Android (Android) device on deck that’s not a phone, dubbed Vega. Made by Seattle-based company Innovative Converged Devices, the Vega is a tablet-like device with a detachable stand to prop it up, running Android 2.0 (the same version used in the Motorola Droid).

The device, slated to launch in the first half of 2010, will actually come in three sizes: 7, 11 and 15-inches. It will support connectivity via Wi-Fi as well as 3G, and be available at reportedly “low cost” (read: subsidized) from major carriers throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Designed to be put to flexible use throughout the home, the Vega will feature high-definition entertainment and a touchscreen along with a webcam, Bluetooth (Bluetooth) support, accelerometer, 512MB RAM and storage via microSD. The brain of the machine will be NVIDIA’s Tegra processor, a high-powered combination CPU and graphics chip that was designed for low power consumption and long battery life.

There’s no word on what that “low cost” price may be, and it may end up varying by carrier as well (no word on whether you’ll be able to buy it outright without 3G yet, either). Nonetheless, the Vega is certainly an interesting entrant into the once again nascent tablet device playing field, with the Apple Tablet and the Microsoft Courier being the two hot tablets that no one will admit are real yet.

Check out a few more images of the Vega below. Do you see a place for these tablet devices in the home? What would the price need to be for you to pick one up? Would you rather it run Android, Mac OS X, Windows, or something else?
Click to expand...
 
There's more than several dozens of those non-phone devices loaded with Android coming up, I'd say it would need a separate thread to discuss all those (if people are interested).

As for that tablet, it'll require some heavy skinning.
 
What is the attraction of putting Android on tablets and netbooks?

It's a step up for phone OSs in both capability and openness. But it doesn't offer anything over Windows and Linux, 2 OSs that can already be found on very cheap netbooks.
 
I'm surprised that Android is making its way to netbooks and the like, especially with Chrome OS on the way (which is rumoured to be getting a release next week)

Hey ho, its all good I guess.
 
Battersea Power Station said:
What is the attraction of putting Android on tablets and netbooks?

It's a step up for phone OSs in both capability and openness. But it doesn't offer anything over Windows and Linux, 2 OSs that can already be found on very cheap netbooks.
Click to expand...

many of the advantages it has on the phone carry over to other battery based devices. all the groundwork is done, and in a very nice way, to give it a step up above other linux distributions.

it's going to be significantly cheaper than Windows, and it'll be able to make use of the marketplace, which will only continue to grow.
 
SimleuqiR said:
OMG!!! Rachael in action!! Real UI no mockup!!!! O_o

I came!!

http://vimeo.com/7422001

http://www.androidcentral.com/hands-video-sony-ericsson-xperia-x10
Click to expand...
*sigh* The only phone that'll make me regret switching to Sprint. Oh well. After using the much-ballyhooed SenseUI, I'm craving the chance to get plain, vanilla Android 2.0 with a Snapdragon processor.

These extra skins just add unnecessary bloat. The basic Android UI is highly functional, though light on visual frills. But I don't want any of the lag I currently get with Sense. It's small, but it's there. There's a delay placing calls, returning to the home screen, and a couple other things.

I think Android could adopt some things like the thumbnail viewers in different apps, and the design of some of the widgets. But otherwise, these skins aren't a good thing. PEACE.
 
Pimpwerx said:
*sigh* The only phone that'll make me regret switching to Sprint. Oh well. After using the much-ballyhooed SenseUI, I'm craving the chance to get plain, vanilla Android 2.0 with a Snapdragon processor.

These extra skins just add unnecessary bloat. The basic Android UI is highly functional, though light on visual frills. But I don't want any of the lag I currently get with Sense. It's small, but it's there. There's a delay placing calls, returning to the home screen, and a couple other things.

I think Android could adopt some things like the thumbnail viewers in different apps, and the design of some of the widgets. But otherwise, these skins aren't a good thing. PEACE.
Click to expand...

If SE can smooth out the kinks and performance issues on their UI, they have a winner, if not, they have a dud.

Definitely need more phones with snapdragon though.


Edit: Well, it seems that the "skinning" part launches when you tap on an icon, it might not even be running by default? The media UI is definitely a welcome addition.
 
Totakeke said:
Edit: Well, it seems that the "skinning" part launches when you tap on an icon, it might not even be running by default? The media UI is definitely a welcome addition.
Click to expand...

The Timescape and Mediascape seem to be SE's apps more than full blown UI replacements. Timescapes handles all your contacts/online-networking etc, and Mediascape handles well, your media. And after reading the review of Android 2.0 Mediascape is a very big welcome!! Because Android 2.0 is seriously missing a good media player. I also hope SE has a way of syncing and organizing your media for the phone.

As long as stock Android 2.0 (eventually) is the standard OS and SE just enhances/replaces the short comings of it I will be happy :D .
 
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