No, I’m not pleased with Verizon’s tiered data intentions. There are mitigating factors, yes. But we’ve grown used to a land where we can stream videos and music at will. Those days, at least for those not grandfathered into the unlimited plans, are over. Eventually, they’ll end for us grandfathers as well. As I said in last night’s editorial, I will be leaving Verizon once this is implemented (so long, at least, as other carriers have more palatable deals). Not everyone feels the same, of course. In some areas Verizon has by far the best coverage, and perhaps it has the one handset you’ve craved. In that case you’ll have to limit your data usage. Today we’ll look at a few recent article and apps that can help you along the way.
I have but one regret with my Nexus One. When I ordered there were a number of accessories available, but I chose to buy none of them. While that decision has worked fine for the most part, I’m pained to this day, nearly a year later, because I forwent the opportunity to buy the extended battery. It’s impossible to like every aspect of my phone, because to like every aspect means that I use it enough to dislike the battery life. This isn’t a problem specific to one handset, but rather something that plagues almost all high-powered smartphones. Battery life is one reason I don’t get the full experience on many apps.
Read the rest of Information overloading my brain and my Android battery…
Complaints about Samsung’s slow movements in getting Android 2.2 to its Galaxy S phones have flowed in since the devices were released last fall. It wasn’t long ago that I ranted a bit myself. Samsung keeps laying out the same excuses. While Galaxy S users still run 2.1, we’re seeing more devices get 2.3. Soon enough we’ll see a release of 2.4. What will it take for 2.2 to hit one of the most popular Android devices? According to a post in the XDA Developers forum, it might just be a matter of money.
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It might not have generated much buzz if it were further down in the article. But it was at the top, and so more people will read it. In a article about Facebook malware attacks, Bill Brinner of PCWorld quotes Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at Sophos, on the effect this has on mobile platforms. The quote he used: “The iPhone operates in a more controlled environment and the BlackBerry security model is fairly strong. Because Android operates in a more open environment, it’s more open to infections.” Does this mean you should do everything possible to protect your Android device?
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Android 2.2, a/k/a Froyo, has been in circulation since early summer, but it still hasn’t made its way to the majority of devices. At the most recent check-in, only 43.4 percent ran 2.2. That’s more than any other platform, including 2.1. But it still seems as though a number of devices that should have gotten Froyo — namely the Samsung Galaxy S line — still have not. You might be wondering, what is the big hold up? Didn’t Samsung mention Froyo coming in November for the Galaxy S line? Today on PhoneNews.com, Christopher Price provides some insight.
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It has taken many months, but I’ve finally grown used to typing on a touchscreen. My finger dexterity did me no favors here. Now that I’m used to it, I’m starting to realize the inefficiencies of the Froyo keyboard. That leaves me hoping for an improved experience for the Gingerbread keyboard. It appears as though this will happen. Russell Holly of Android Guys installed the Gingerbread keyboard on his Nexus One and demoed it for his site. The result is something that can provide a favorable keyboard solution.
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For a few weeks now Adobe Flash has been available for Android devices running 2.2, and it has been available for a bit longer in beta form. This means plenty of people have had a chance to try it out, but I haven’t seen much in the way of reviews. I tried it myself a couple of times and didn’t notice much, but there’s probably not much I can learn from watching two or three videos. Over at NewTeeVee they have a video demo of Flash on a Nexus One. Those who don’t yet have Froyo might be disappointed.
If you read any one Android article today, make it this post from How-To Geek on maximizing your Android battery life. We’ve discussed battery life issues before, specifically as it relates to applications that drain your battery rather quickly. This guide goes over that and more. It is probably the most practically useful Android guide I’ve yet read.
