Fred Wilson and Fortune are right about Android vs iOS (and everyone else), but I hate it

Fred Wilson is recommending developers invest first in Android and Fortune has a similar article about why 2011 is going to be the year that Android explodes. Why? Market share. Android is about to really take off, his thesis goes.

They are both right. But I hate it. First, let’s talk about why they are right.

I’ve been playing with a Nexus S lately and it finally is “good enough” for me to recommend to family members and friends as a smart phone.

I’ve also had some quality time on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, iPad competitor. It, too, is competent and no longer has the kinds of problems that let me confidently warn my friends and family away from Android platform.

These devices are fast. They have most of the apps you’ll need (maybe not the sexiest ones, but most of the ones that you’ll need). A good web browser. Really good maps, contacts, and phone-handling apps. Etc etc.

Compare Android to every other platform and it stands up as the best choice. Yeah, I know, MG Siegler over at Techcrunch got close to recommending Windows Phone 7 to everyone (he’s an iPhone lover like myself) but notice how many major things he said sucked about that system. The Web browser sucks. The lack of apps sucks. The lack of integration into Google’s many excellent systems like Google Voice, Google Contacts, Google Mail, Google Calendar, or Google Maps sucks (I still don’t like Bing’s maps as much, and that’s the most competitive web service Microsoft has going in my view).

And Windows Phone 7 is superior to Nokia’s OS and RIM’s OS, which have even more significant problems to solve (bad user experiences, difficult developer systems, inadequate app stores, very few modern apps, etc).

So, if I take off my iPhone-loving-hat and look dispassionately at the field I see that 2011 is going to be a great year for Android, a moderately good year for Windows Phone 7, a struggling year for Nokia and RIM (unless they noticeably change the game), with a wildcard year for Palm/HP (we’ll know more about that in about a week, because they are announcing some stuff at CES).

So, what about iPhone? Well, there is one thing neither Fortune nor Fred Wilson are including in their analyses: the Verizon phone. It came up at dinner conversation last night with family members (who aren’t geeky and don’t read Techcrunch). There is a LOT of pent up demand for an iPhone on Verizon. If all the rumors about an iPhone on Verizon are true, that’ll give iPhone a big shot and continue keeping it in the top two of the superphone category (unfortunately Nokia has started calling a wide range of its phones “smart phones” which makes the term “smartphone” totally useless). Most people, when they think of a modern high-end phone are thinking of iPhone, Android (and only when put on a big screen phone like the Nexus S), Windows Phone 7, RIM, Nokia’s N8, etc. This is the only category of phones I care about. I really don’t care that in some poor country Nokia sold hundreds of millions of single-chip, small-screen phones that barely can use text features, not to mention have decent access to the web.

But I don’t see how Verizon will sell enough iPhones to keep it in the numbers race with Android.

Now to why I hate this.

In my usage of the Android-based Samsung Nexus S, I’ve found it’s still behind Apple’s iPhone in almost every way. Even AT&T is far superior to T-Mobile (T-Mobile doesn’t even work in my house and I live 16 miles from Silicon Valley. Arrrrgggh).

The iPhone is easier to use. Smoother, especially when scrolling tweets. More consistent UI. Better designed hardware (the Samsung is, while the best Android phone on market, according to Engadget, not even close to as well designed as the iPhone).

Plus, overall, the apps on both iPhone and iPad are still noticeably ahead of those on Android platform. Today.

Yes, I know both platforms have their fans. I’ve argued both sides of the argument with friends and family. The Android wins if you want Google integration. The iPhone wins if you want best overall experience.

But with the Nexus S Android has caught up to be “close enough” to iPhone that I can no longer confidently state that the best system is Apple’s.

Add price into that equation and I will be recommending Android to a wide range of people in 2011.

I hate that. Because it’s not the best designed device.

So, what can Apple do?

1. Push onto more carriers.
2. Lower price.
3. Come out with some major innovations, particularly for developers (if you haven’t watched my interviews with the smart people behind the funding of Siri, that was bought by Apple, you really should — that interview gives insights into what Apple could do this year to stay in the game. Part I. Part II).
4. Integrate further with other systems in the home. One of the demos of the iPad that gets everyone going is when I show off how to use my iPad as a remote control for my Apple TV.
5. Make a deal with Facebook. Normal people are ADDICTED to Facebook. Ever sit in a lobby at a restaurant and watch what people do on phones? I do. Facebook is #1 app by far. What if next iPhone had best-of-breed integration with Facebook?

Anyway, unless something major happens this year (it probably will, the world keeps speeding up) it looks like Android is gonna take off.

I hate that.

I sure hope Steve Jobs has one of those moments where he shocks the world again and keeps this game interesting. I sure would hate it if Google took over the world of mobile the way Bill Gates took over the world of desktops. And, yes, it sure does feel like early 1995 in the mobile world. So, Steve, what you got up your sleeve?

UPDATE: I did a followup to this post about why 2011 isn’t 1995 for Apple.

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Gmail for Android 2.2+ gets Priority Inbox specific notifications

December 10 2010 by admin in News |

Google has updated its Gmail for Android app for Android 2.2 (and future 2.3) users to include a new Priority Inbox view.

The new view (at right) certainly looks nice, as those yellow arrows are pretty clearly defined. However, the best part about the new feature is probably this: you can set your phone to just give you notifications from your Priority Inbox, meaning that you’ll only be bothered by the most important messages (that said, Priority Inbox isn’t perfect). Notifications include sounds, ringing and vibrate.

Google has also improved how emails are composed within the app, making it easier to switch between Reply/Reply All/Forward with a new pop-up screen over the message, shown below. Overall, nice improvements, but we’d like to point one thing out: Google seems to have given up development of apps for Android 2.1. Just yesterday, it released a new YouTube app, and that one also doesn’t work on 2.1, and neither will the new coolest features in the Google Maps app work either.

We understand that there are very valid reasons to be doing this, but with 2.1 on just a few percent less of phones than 2.2, you’d think Google would still be providing some newer apps for those users, especially as for most people, if they’re on 2.1, they’re going to be stuck there until their carrier upgrades them. For those users, we’re afraid, getting a new phone might be the only way they are going to be able to take advantage of these increasingly useful Android apps.

You can get the updated app in the Android Market.

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Video: LG’s dual-core Tegra 2 Android handset

December 2 2010 by admin in Gadgets |

Yesterday, LG’s dual-core Android handset known as Star, surfaced in some pretty pictures. However, pictures have nothing on video and that is exactly what the Star popped up on tonight. In a lengthy video narrated in Hebrew, the unannounced device is given the full tour which showcases its gorgeous looking hardware and software.

As a bonus, we’re also treated to a little side-by-side showdown with the iPhone 4 towards the end.

Enough talking, here’s the video:

So what you’re seeing there is a device that has a 4 inch screen, dual-core Tegra 2 processor, an 8 megapixel camera with 1080p support, along with a front facing camera and microUSB and microSD support. Right now, it’s also running Android 2.2 however it should be arriving with Gingerbread when it drops in Q1 of next year. Oh, and if that video wasn’t enough to get you excited, here are some high-res shots.

Are you drooling yet?

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LG’s dual-core Android handset shows up in new photos, confirms more details

November 30 2010 by admin in News |

Two weeks ago, the first photos and information about LG’s dual-core Android handset, codenamed “Star” leaked out.

It supposedly rocked a Tegra 2 processor courtesy of Nvidia. It had a 4-inch screen. It apparently was running a stock version of Android. It’s also said to have an 8MP camera with 1080p capabilities, a front facing camera and microSD and microUSB.

It was also said that it would be arriving in Q1.

Well, some new photos of the “Star” have surfaced courtesy of the folks over at Phandroid and they confirm a couple of new details about the device.

First and foremost, it’s rocking an HDMI port, you can see it very clearly in the picture below. Secondly, it doesn’t appear to have a stock version of Android on board.

Instead, it has Froyo with some alterations. Now, don’t take this a sign that it’s coming with Android 2.2. It could very well have Gingerbread along with it when it drops. Makes sense seeing as though Google’s latest and greatest is supposed to be out very, very soon. It’s also said to have a 480 x 800 capacitive screen which, is actually kind of a let down.

Hopefully that changes too.

Also, take a look at the benchmark scores.

Let that quell doubts as to whether or not this thing is going to be fast. And as if this thing needed to flex its ego anymore, whoever is in possession of this device says that it “outclasses” the Galaxy S series.

As it should.

One last picture of this glorious looking device.

What do you guys think?

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Nook Color rooted, is it better as an eReader or Android tablet now?

November 30 2010 by admin in News |

Unsurprisingly, the Android 2.1 Nook Color has been rooted, less than two weeks after it hit the market.

We’re hardly surprised at this news (the root was accomplished by XDA) – it was inevitable. The root probably isn’t perfect and will get better/easier over time for sure, but that’s the not really the interesting part.  The real question now is about the Nook Color arises: is it an eReader or a tablet?

With the e-ink WiFi-only third generation Kindle being sold by Amazon for $139, and the tablet leader the iPad at $499 for the cheapest model, the $249 price tag of the Nook Color must be making a number of people pause when deciding on what to buy. With the device now rooted, it could become an even harder task to make this decision, as essentially you’re getting a quality-built touch device (according to nearly all reviews) at half the price of the iPad and $350 less than the also-Android Galaxy Tab (no including the data plan of course).

Of course, now that it’s rooted, it’ll only be a matter of time before Android 2.2 builds appear (it should have the hardware to handle it) making it all the more attractive. However, the Nook Color does have some drawbacks if you want to use it as a dedicated Android tablet (i.e. reading won’t be your primary use). The most glaring problem is a lack of a camera, which of course also afflicts the iPad.  Also, battery life is a bit of an issue, as it’s only about half as good as the iPad with WiFi running.

On the other hand, the thing is just $249, is light and is attractively built. So if you don’t yet own a Kindle (or perhaps you do, but don’t want to spend the money on an iPad) this could be a great compromise between the heavier Apple device and the black and white Kindle.

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Acer introduces 4.8 inch Android smartphone, due in April 2011

November 24 2010 by admin in Gadgets |

This is certainly an odd way to introduce a new device. Not only did Acer make good on the report that they would be launching not one, not two, but three tablet devices (one WP 7, two Android 2.2) in 2011, they also unveiled a new Android smartphone that, as of right now, doesn’t even have a name.

It does have specs and a possible release date window though.

Acer’s device is going to be rocking a 4.8 inch display with 1024 x 480 resolution. It’s going to have a 2 megapixel front facing camera, an 8 mega pixel rear facing camera, a 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, DLNA support, Dolby sound, HDMI, and Flash 10.1 support

They also describe it as being 100% tablet, 100% smartphone and it looks to be coming with some sort of update to the Acer UI. Along with the name, they didn’t reveal what version of Android this baby runs either.

Interesting Acer, very interesting.

View the original article here

my6sense for Android gets updates to take over as your social client of choice

November 23 2010 by admin in News |

If you’re not familiar with my6sense, then please stop reading this and go read this first. As I’ve told many people before, there’s simply nothing out there that can compare to the intuition-based feeds that my6sense provides.

The issue that I’ve had with using my6sense as a primary client on my Droid X, however, has been in the fact that it’s a bit limiting because I could only share to my social networks previously. That’s now changed, though, with new updates that let you post directly to Twitter, Facebook or Google Buzz, instead of simply having to share items from  your timeline.

Of course there are some limitations. my6sense isn’t TweetLonger, so you’re limited to the 140 characters for Twitter (but that’s a good thing). Want to post something longer? You can do that with Buzz or Facebook by going up to 420 characters for each of them.

Beyond the ability to push updates, however, there’s also a new widget for my6sense. While I typically use TweetDeck for Android as my main Twitter client, I’m not at all a fan of the widgets choices. I like small (1×4 preferred) widgets, and I want them to display information for me.

The new widget from my6sense’s app allows you to choose between using Google Buzz, Twitter and Facebook, or the combined widget which will display the most relevant information from all of your sources.

my6sense is free, from the Android Market. If you haven’t tried it yet, you owe it to yourself to do so. Within a couple of days, it quickly became my favorite way to find the most relevant information for me and I’m sure you’ll find it to be the same for you.

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Get Rid Of ‘ADB Shell’ Command With Enhanced Putty [Android Guide]

For Android users, ADB (or Android Debug Bridge) is the wonder toy. Most of the modifications, hacks and changes to the Android operating environment rely on the use of this debug bridge. Although now many tools have matured enough to skip the command line interface in favor of a GUI, nothing still beats the power of a manual command input, and the manipulation that it brings. Hence the ADB still remains developers’ favorite.

If you’re working with Linux, that’s one thing, but since most people use Windows, running the ‘adb shell’ command from standard Windows command line interface results in frustration and a blatant interface. Normally, a workaround is established in the form of running a telnet server on the Android device and using Putty in Windows to connect to that telnet server. This again, is not a very easy solution.

Thanks for senior XDA member sztupy, there is an easier way. The ADB itself sports a kind of terminal connection feature, which Putty can connect to directly. To get this working, you need to do quite a handful of manual adjustments. sztupy has compiled a Putty binary with most of the settings pre-set. Hence this Putty binary will give you a new connection type, ‘adb’, as shown in the screenshot below.

Here’s how you can connect your Android device for adb shelll command with sztupy’s modified Putty. Please note that you still need to have ADB installed on your machine – this is not a replacement tool for that.

Put your Android device in USB Debugging mode and connect it to PC via USB cableDownload the modified Putty binary here (mirror) and run itSelect ‘adb’ from connection typeEnter ‘transport-usb’ (without quotes) in the ‘host’ fieldEnter 5037 as port (it should already be there, but enter manually if not)

That’s it. Hit the Open button to connect and enjoy adb shell command in a much better interface. You may want to save these connection settings in Putty for future connections.

For reference and more, check out the actual thread here on XDA forums.

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Another earnings call Android rant – this time in favor of Google’s mobile OS

November 12 2010 by admin in News |

In an earnings call, NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang apparently pulled an anti-Steve-Jobs-Android-rant, gushing his praise for Google’s Andy Rubin and his team, and saying that Android is “a little bit behind” iOS and the iPad, and that the next version of Android and future tablets will be “completely fabulous”.

NVIDIA of course builds smartphone and tablet chips, so the more smartphones and tablets out there for it to supply, the better, and right now, both of those explosions could certainly come from Android-based devices. Here’s the entire – um, talk – that Huang gave, according to ZDNet:

We’re going to start building into our phone and tablet design wins. And although they’re a little bit behind, the work that Google and Andy Rubin’s team is doing at Google is just really amazing. I mean, this is clearly a world-class engineering team. And they’re building a magical product. So I’m looking forward to the next generation of Android phones and tablets that are coming out. And I think it’s going to really, really surprise people and delight consumers everywhere. And so although it’s a little bit behind, I think it’s going to be completely fabulous. Now it’s going to take something absolutely great to compete against the iPad and the iPhone, as we all know. Because both of those devices are quite amazing devices. And so it’s going to take something that is truly remarkable to compete against it. And I think Andy and his team, and all of our engineers here working with them, and all of our partners around the world working on it, are going to absolutely deliver. And so that’s the second thing.

So yeah, “magical”, “fabulous”, “amazing” and “delight” – no lack of hyperbole there. Of course, the first major Android tablet – the Samsung Galaxy Tab – is hitting shelves and reviews now, so how well it does this holiday season will be interesting to watch, especially compared to the iPad. That said, a “little behind” would seemingly be a bit of stretch, considering how much the iPad has dominated this year.

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Samsung Epic 4G Android 2.2 update leaks out

November 12 2010 by admin in Gadgets |

XDA-developers has unleashed some pretty tantalizing things over the past couple of days. First up it was a permanent root solution for T-Mobile’s G2 and shortly after that, a permanent root became available for the G2's sister HSPA+ device, the myTouch 4G.

Well, they are at it again and this time they have released something even more spectacular.

Froyo for Sprint’s Galaxy S device, the Samsung Epic 4G.

For those of you with a little courage, you’ll need to root and follow some instructions, you can get Android 2.2 up and running on your Epic 4G right this minute. No need to wait for Samsung and Google to roll it out which by the way might not happen until the end of November or possibly even later.

However, as with any leaked update, you do run a couple of risks including the possibility that your phone will end up bricked. The update is also said to have a number of bugs but if you feel like you can deal with that, jump right in.

Hit the source link below to get the necessary file.

And for those taking the plunge: good luck, tread carefully and most importantly, enjoy your scoop of Froyo at long last.

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Android Market reaches 100,000 Apps, Apple still far ahead!

This tweet, from Android Developers’ official twitter account would bring a lot of joy to all Android aficionados and Apple haters out there. The Android Market reached an impressive tally of 1 Lakh Applications. The actual numbers for the Android Market have been an area of confusion, with the world having to rely on unofficial estimates from the likes of Androlib. The veracity of which is always an issue.

The figure by itself is impressive but pales in comparison to that of its biggest rival. Apple’s App Store is estimated to be closing in on 300,000 apps (over 280,000 at last count). While the two ‘Application Markets’ come from two highly contrasting schools of thought, they are in the same business – selling apps.

This is where the real challenge for the Android Market lies. It has a significantly higher percentage of free apps and lower revenue earning potential for developers as compared to Apple’s App Store. In fact, an article in the New York Times earlier in the week had a quote that summed up Android’s dilemma - “Google is not associated with things you pay for, and Android is an extension of that. You don’t pay for Google apps, so it bleeds into the expectations for the third-party apps, too.”

Personally, I’m not a fan of Apple’s closed Eco-system and I cant come to terms with a phone that doesn’t let me open it up. But the numbers make it very hard to criticize their ‘business model’. The idea behind developing applications for an eco-system is to earn money. It is very hard to do that with users who don’t expect to pay, and in the long run could represent a problem for Google’s Android. They will need to do a lot more than offering them free Google TVs.

In Fact, App store Analytics firm Distimo’s latest report on the App stores stated that number of free apps on the Android Market was 57% compared to 28% for the iPhone. The figures are based on data till June’10 and fall in line with the long term trend. Here’s a chart based on more recent data from Royal Pingdom, which estimates that percentage to have gone beyond 60%.

While the growth rate of the number of Apps is certainly impressive(Android Market has been around for just under 2 years) it is revenue generating potential that will rope in developers. On that count too, Apple has a clear lead.

Is Google’s ‘Give Stuff for Free’ policy hurting Android? Or will it finally catch up with Apple’s App Store. Let us know what you think?

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Categories: International, Mobile, News, Views, google
Tags: Android, Android Market, app store, apple, apple app store, Free Apps, free vs paid, google, ios, Paid Apps, revenue

After BlackBerry, BuzzCity Launches In-App Advertising For Android

With the number of increasing applications of mobile phones, advertising had to enter applications as well. Now, Android developers have a software development kit (SDK) from BuzzCity which will help Android developers place advertisements in application and games developed by them.

SDK for Android

BuzzCity had earlier launched a SDK for BlackBerry which was a huge success and had the same functionalities as the new SDK for Android. Now Android developers can look at higher revenues on a CPC (cost per click) basis, and can also achieve global distribution of their games and applications which is currently unavailable.

Another boost for Android

Android has placed itself in prime position to power a large number and variety of connected devices in the near future. Google’s OS has been very popular amongst users and as a result many companies, like Skype,  are creating applications for Android. As a matter of fact, Android is set to be second only to Nokia by the end of this year. With such immense popularity, new advertisers will be lured onto the platform and developers, thanks to the new SDK from BuzzCity, will be able to cash in on this.

Android seems to be hitting all the right notes and now with in-app advertising, the popularity amongst developers will reach new levels.

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