Android Phones

[danielOut]

Yeah, and i'm a bit bummed i couldn't have that cool design on mine. i really do like the camera inset being a different color. looks neat.

Supposedly 01Jan the paid apps hit the market.

[Voodoo]

Second Android (http://apcmag.com/breaking_first_australian_android_phone_revealed.h tm)phone?

Pretty sexy! Looks very similar to the Samsung one that is coming out.

[Slack3r78]

There's a new browser on the Market named Steel. It's based on webkit like the standard one, but with a slightly cleaner UI. I've only had a few minutes to play with it but it seems fairly nice.

[rifter]

I am waiting for Steel to mature about. I have Opera Mini already.

[Xerxes]

Pretty sexy! Looks very similar to the Samsung one that is coming out.

Opera the computer browser turned me off thinking about trying the phone version. The standard one works just fine.

I keep thinking when paid apps hit there well be this plethora of like super hot shit that developers have been holding back trying to get that money. Hopefully that doesn't mean Google will try to push a google mobile office for a price. That shit should be free and in one of there updates.

If the Kogan was available, or LG and Samsung's entry is also very nice, I could see myself trying to trade up.

I don't know if anyone saw it, but the Open Handset Alliance (http://www.openhandsetalliance.com/press_120908.html)went up another 14 members.

[danielOut]

google dropped two new apps on the market. a picasa app, and a sports scores app. the sports scores app is really solid stuff. an example of how it should be.

[Xerxes]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadgetmobile.com/media/2008/12/12-16-08-lenovo_ophone.jpg
What goes down easy with a gorgeous cellphone that'll probably never leave China's borders? Stately rocks, of course. The Android-powered "OPhone" is quite the sight to behold, and while the Lenovo logo may not look quite right to American eyes, we're sure you could learn to love it in time. We're also finding out a bit more about the unit's internals, as it will include a 5-megapixel camera (with Auto Focus and flash), a microSD card slot, English / Chinese input via virtual keyboard, a video recorder and Bluetooth 2.0. Check the read link for a few more angles, and just in case you're wondering, no touchscreens were harmed during the shoot.
Booooo (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/12/16/more-shots-of-lenovos-android-powered-ophone-love-on-the-rock/)

[danielOut]

Jesus H. Christ, look at all the improvements. (http://source.android.com/roadmap/cupcake)

[Xerxes]

This is what's up..# Camera/Gallery

* New features
o Video recorder mode
o Share intent for videos
o Video thumbnails
o Local file playback

So will we be getting this anytime soon?

[danielOut]

Aiming for early-mid spring release.

[JayVe]

Sprint just announced their first Android phone (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/samsungs-android-phone-hitting-sprint-and-t-mobile-by-june/) is coming next year (June).

Without a doubt, 2009 is destined to be the year of The Android. Samsung just announced its ticket to the party with a Q2 launch of its Android phones on both Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile in the US. Apparently, the touch-screen device will be an adaptation of the Omnia (Korea's 800 x 480 pixel version please) and Instinct. In other words, a rectangle with a full-screen display and minimal set of buttons just like every other touchscreen device out there. In case you missed it, this game is no longer about the hardware.

[Xerxes]

Sprint just announced their first Android phone (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/19/samsungs-android-phone-hitting-sprint-and-t-mobile-by-june/) is coming next year (June).

Really liking the keyboard.

[JayVe]

Really liking the keyboard.

I don't think that's a real photo...

[Xerxes]

I don't think that's a real photo...

No. I mean I'm liking the HTC sliders. Real keyboards. I'd be lying if I said the Omnia didn't look nice.

[danielOut]

Yeah, as much as about 1 out of 25 times I'd like a soft keyboard if I needed it, the physical keyboard is absolutely excellent.

[Xerxes]

Yeah, as much as about 1 out of 25 times I'd like a soft keyboard if I needed it, the physical keyboard is absolutely excellent.

Someone told me that new browser Steel has a OSK. I think "cupcake" has one as well. I have to look over that list again. I think the camera being updated is my biggest want. I hope they add more software abilities to normal picture taking as well.

[danielOut]

Yeah, I'm wondering how much the poor photo stuff is the hardware on the G1, and how much of it is just shoddy Android code for photos.

[Xerxes]

Yeah, I'm wondering how much the poor photo stuff is the hardware on the G1, and how much of it is just shoddy Android code for photos.

Seeing as there are little to no options for snapping a picture and the 2MP i had on my Wing(another HTC phone), I have to hope it's the software.

[Xerxes]

Anybody else waiting apps you pay for? I just think apps that cost might be of a different tier.

[Banacek]

Anybody else waiting apps you pay for? I just think apps that cost might be of a different tier.

What apps are out there? I will totally pay for an real turn-by-turn app with audio directions.

Oh, and a way to turn off the stupid shutter noise on the camera. It drives me nuts.

[total]

What apps are out there? I will totally pay for an real turn-by-turn app with audio directions.

Same here. When is TomTom going to get on this?

[Xerxes]

What apps are out there? I will totally pay for an real turn-by-turn app with audio directions.

Oh, and a way to turn off the stupid shutter noise on the camera. It drives me nuts.

Still nothing but free apps. :o

[rifter]

Well, I thought that the shutter noise, was to keep people from using it, stealth like.

I just want a good PDF reader. I have used 2, so far, and they BOTH sucked horribly. I can't say I am looking forward to pay apps. I doubt many are much better than what we have now. My GF has an iPhone, and there are plenty of free apps out there, for it. She has bought a VERY few, and they were VERY cheap.

[Slack3r78]

Oh, and a way to turn off the stupid shutter noise on the camera. It drives me nuts.
SnapPhoto appears to have this option. I just downloaded it this morning for the image stabilization bit, but noticed the shutter sound in the settings.

[rifter]

I have been using SnapPhoto since it came out. He has put up a BUNCH of updates. He seems like a really nice guy, too. It is a great camera app. Quite honestly, it is probably what SHOULD have shipped with the camera.

What I find VERY funny, is that he is getting enough requests/complaints about wanting a flash, he has addressed it in his FAQ... i.e. flash is mechanical... his PROGRAM can't add it! :-)

[Banacek]

all i want is for copy and paste to work in text messages. It's stupid that I can't do that now (unless it's different from the normal copy/paste).

[Banacek]

SnapPhoto appears to have this option. I just downloaded it this morning for the image stabilization bit, but noticed the shutter sound in the settings.

I'll have to check it out. Thanks.

[Xerxes]

Yay! Google Lab have now made Google Tasks. So why are they more focused on getting it on Iphones (http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/tasks-paper-vs-iphone.html).

[rifter]

Check out Open Intents (http://www.openintents.org/en/). OI Safe rules. I also use OI Notepad, OI News reader, OI File manager, and OI CSV all installed. The great part, is that their apps interoperate, so you install once, and use it across multiple items. OI Safe, I use to store passwords in. It also allows you to encrypt your notepad files, if you want certain entries encrypted.

[Xerxes]

Will do, not synced to the crap already in google though is it?

I could also go for a better dialer. I mean when I use to type in number on my tmobile wing it was damn near like it knew who I was about to call. In this phone I have to skim through the address book or type out the full number.

[Bone]

I sold out. As much as Android intrigues me, I'm on AT&T and the iPhone is more mature at this point. It's funny, we just went to the AT&T store to get my wife a new battery for her ailing Razr v3 (one call would drain the whole battery) and walked out with 2 iPhones. It didn't hurt that my company gives me a huge discount on both the minutes and the data plan. Still, I will love Android from afar and I still see a Gphone in my future.

[rifter]

The discount on the minutes/dataplan is key... AT&T rapes customers on their iPhone dataplan. Tmobile isn't a LOT better... but they still ARE better. I still think the iPhone platform is superior... but I think for the PRICE (when you buy in with the subsidty) the G1 is a better deal. I also think the open nature of the G1 will eventually allow it to surpass the iPhone... though, that is a long ways off.

[Slack3r78]

The discount on the minutes/dataplan is key... AT&T rapes customers on their iPhone dataplan. Tmobile isn't a LOT better.
I dunno about that. My buddy has an iPhone as was getting positively raped by AT&T. Their data plan is something like $35/month, then he had to pay ANOTHER $15/month to get unlimited texting.

I know with the G1 I get 600 mins/unlimited nights+weekends, data, and unlimited texts for like $80/month. I couldn't believe the way AT&T was nickle and diming their iPhone customers when he was telling me about his bill.

[Bone]

The discount on the minutes/dataplan is key... AT&T rapes customers on their iPhone dataplan. Tmobile isn't a LOT better... but they still ARE better. I still think the iPhone platform is superior... but I think for the PRICE (when you buy in with the subsidty) the G1 is a better deal. I also think the open nature of the G1 will eventually allow it to surpass the iPhone... though, that is a long ways off.
Agreed. And right now my company discount makes leaving AT&T look stupid- and that's with the mandatory iPhone data plan (2 of them!).

Plus, Android is going to make it to all the major carriers, and that's when I can migrate from my iPhone to a gPhone while hanging on to the sweet discount.

[Xerxes]

I get a 15% discount on tmobile from the university. I still pay like $88 bucks a month. That's unlimited text, net, 600 phone minutes, free nights weekends, tmobile to tmobile, and insurance on the phone(ripoff). I still think I'm getting a good value.

I want, no demand better apps and app support from Google. I'm just comparing it to my T-Mobile Wing, but I demand a slew of Google's apps to placed on it's phone. Such as google docs(yes I type on my phone, it's great for tapping out words when I don't have a keyboard), and Google Tasks (it's new and I'm liking it so far.) I know there alts but I want the sync ability.

Also, I really hope HTC knocks it out the park next time. The hardware is totally underwhelming thus far. Cupcake seems to have some nice changes but still. I bet Samsung will beat them to the punch though.

[Raen]

Ok so I saw a G1 with unlimited internet, unlimited texts and 700 minutes for £35 a month. If I get a job, and therefore some decent income, is it worth considering?

[rifter]

VERY much so. I really like the G1. I tend to like it more and more each day. I felt kind of bad when I first bought it... but I am more happy with it now, than ever.

[Banacek]

I love my G1, but sometimes the GPS just does not work. Then it kills half the battery trying to work. I wonder if this is a common issue.

[rifter]

I love my G1, but sometimes the GPS just does not work. Then it kills half the battery trying to work. I wonder if this is a common issue.

Unfortunately, it is. I have an app that lets me toggle it on/off. I just installed useful switches, and uninstalled the old app I had, that I really liked. Useful switches is just a bit better.

[Xerxes]

G1 is pretty cool. But I am pretty sure any G2 will be a automatic upgrade.

[Banacek]

Unfortunately, it is. I have an app that lets me toggle it on/off. I just installed useful switches, and uninstalled the old app I had, that I really liked. Useful switches is just a bit better.

What is the difference between that and turning it off through the system settings? Just speed of use?

[rifter]

What is the difference between that and turning it off through the system settings? Just speed of use?

That is all. ALL of the toggles are in one spot. :-) Plus, it has a flashlight. (uninstalled THAT app, as well) :-) Having it on the front page is just a lot faster.

As for G2... I am keeping the G1. I like my keyboard.

[Xerxes]

That is all. ALL of the toggles are in one spot. :-) Plus, it has a flashlight. (uninstalled THAT app, as well) :-) Having it on the front page is just a lot faster.

As for G2... I am keeping the G1. I like my keyboard.

I hope the G2 doesn't abandon the keyboard. That's not what's wrong. :o

[Banacek]

I hope the G2 doesn't abandon the keyboard. That's not what's wrong. :o

I think they announced that they were getting rid of it. Which makes my purchase of the G1 so much better. There is a reason I didn't buy the iPhone.

[boratika]

I think they announced that they were getting rid of it. Which makes my purchase of the G1 so much better. There is a reason I didn't buy the iPhone.

Hey I know, let's steal the competitions bad ideas.

[benson]

I just picked up a G1 as well. Sweet phone. I have had an iPhone before, and I think I like this at least as much. It has a lot of the things right away that I had to wait for with the iPhone.

Reading through this thread, I saw a bunch of programs from the market, so I'm trying several of them out. We'll see how much some of them get used, but I like that most are free, or at least have free versions. Maybe some of the paid ones will be good though, as the iPhone apps are pretty solid, though you have to pay for most of them.

Oh, and I think I'm going to try the geocaching (as mentioned earlier). I've been meaning to try it some time, but haven't gotten to it. I have a BlackBerry from work with GPS and haven't used that before (but it's map sucks and it is locked down so I couldn't use Google Maps). And I have a Tom Tom, but haven't tried it with that either.

Through my company I get a 12% discount on my T-Mobile service, so that's nice (however, I'd get 20% off from AT&T or 19% off from Sprint or Verizon).

[Xerxes]

All of my friends don't want to use Latitude. It seems fun but why would you want folks to know where you are.

[Bone]

All of my friends don't want to use Latitude. It seems fun but why would you want folks to know where you are.As long as there are privacy protections in place (like, it defaults to off until you enable it) I think it's a great feature.

My co-workers and I were just in Vegas, and coordinating our locations to get together for meals was a big pain in the ass. It would have been cool to get all our locations and then do a search in the averaged area between us, where we could all walk a couple of blocks to meet up.

[Xerxes]

As long as there are privacy protections in place (like, it defaults to off until you enable it) I think it's a great feature.

My co-workers and I were just in Vegas, and coordinating our locations to get together for meals was a big pain in the ass. It would have been cool to get all our locations and then do a search in the averaged area between us, where we could all walk a couple of blocks to meet up.

It's off by default. But you also have to invite folks to be on your grid anyways. But none of my friends want to be grided like that. Not like I'm a stalker. <shrug>

Hell, the friends I would stalk, probably would know what's up seeing me attempt something like this.

[JayVe]

Looks like Guitar Hero is coming to the G1

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/guitar-hero-to-invade-the-google-android-market/

Those trendy enough to own T-Mobile's G1 "Google phone" will have the opportunity to mash their touchscreen and rock out to an Android version of Guitar Hero.

This edition of Guitar Hero will feature music from Deep Purple and Guns N' Roses among others, and will be one of a few paid applications for purchase off the Android Market. It'll be playable on any Android OS phone, which is currently just the G1.

Guitar Hero "Android Edition" (not the official name, but we think it sounds nice) will join EA's catalog of games in the surprisingly empty gaming section of the Google phone marketplace. We can, however, be certain that if Guitar Hero becomes a sales hit, Activision will continue to churn out sequel after sequel for the Google OS. It's the Acti way.

[rifter]

Looks like Guitar Hero is coming to the G1

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/guitar-hero-to-invade-the-google-android-market/

Hehehehe... he said we are trendy!

It's off by default. But you also have to invite folks to be on your grid anyways. But none of my friends want to be grided like that. Not like I'm a stalker. <shrug>

Hell, the friends I would stalk, probably would know what's up seeing me attempt something like this.

A friend of mine has a G1, and we both use Latitude. :-) But, he is in Seattle and I am in Boise... so it doesn't do much for us. I keep waiting for it to hit the iPhone.

[Slack3r78]

Latitude is kind of pointless. The only people I'd really feel comfortable with having that kind of info know where I am most of the time anyway.

I do like the improved GPS detection that seems to have accompanied this update, though. GPS is a LOT less flakey now for me.

[Xerxes]

Latitude is kind of pointless. The only people I'd really feel comfortable with having that kind of info know where I am most of the time anyway.

I do like the improved GPS detection that seems to have accompanied this update, though. GPS is a LOT less flakey now for me.

I'm normally at home but that's not all the case.

[rifter]

Well, to save on battery power, I don't normally have my GPS on... so tracking doesn't do a lot.

[Xerxes]

Well, to save on battery power, I don't normally have my GPS on... so tracking doesn't do a lot.

I normally have the find location by wifi option on. It's not as accurate.

[rifter]

I normally have the find location by wifi option on. It's not as accurate.

Actually, I usually do too, and I have noticed the same thing... it is NOT accurate.

[Bone]

How could it be? It's triangulating based on wifi points, which are scattered randomly about. Of course it will never be as good as GPS, which can actually place me in my living room on Google Maps. Creepy.

[Banacek]

Actually, I usually do too, and I have noticed the same thing... it is NOT accurate.

At one point it said I was in the middle of China. I can only imagine how it came up with that.

[JayVe]

Engadget has an article up about some AWESOME multi-touch software (http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/19/stantums-mind-blowing-multitouch-interface-on-video/) for resistance-based touch screens, like the one in the G1. Check out the video. The touch-screen is so sensitive, that it can detect pressure from a paintbrush, tracks as many points as you can fit on it, recognized complex gestures, and has a sensitivity MUCH higher than the actual resolution of the display.

[Voodoo]

HTC Magic
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-android-htc-touch,news-3494.html

[rifter]

HTC Magic
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/google-android-htc-touch,news-3494.html

I still like my keyboard. I really wish they would put some time and effort in the camera. My GF's iphone has a MUCH better camera. I am really surprised they didn't update the audio port... after ALL the flack they caught with the G1! What I want now, is basically a G1, with a better camera, faster proc, and Nvidia's new 3d cellphone chip. :-)

[total]

I still like my keyboard. I really wish they would put some time and effort in the camera. My GF's iphone has a MUCH better camera. I am really surprised they didn't update the audio port... after ALL the flack they caught with the G1! What I want now, is basically a G1, with a better camera, faster proc, and Nvidia's new 3d cellphone chip. :-)

Still waiting to be able to use my G1 to connect my laptop to the internet via bluetooth. Also the camera is fucking horrible. I honestly can't believe they put such a terrible camera (no flash even!) on this phone.

The speed of the phone doesn't bother me in the slightest. The update made my G1 run great. I get almost 2 days out of a single battery charge now. I leave GPS on all the time, but I do turn off wifi.

Is anyone using an ebook reader on their G1? I was thinking of grabbing an 8GB stick and throwing a bunch of books on there but I haven't researched any of the ebook software for it.

[Banacek]

So, I went to buy a Google app today, and instead of charging it to my account, I found out that they want you to use Google Checkout through the phone. Talk about Busch league. I can guarantee that I'm not going through an online app just to buy something for my phone. They fucked up on this one.

[Slack3r78]

So, I went to buy a Google app today, and instead of charging it to my account, I found out that they want you to use Google Checkout through the phone. Talk about Busch league. I can guarantee that I'm not going through an online app just to buy something for my phone. They fucked up on this one.
Doesn't the iPhone app store charge via iTunes? I don't see what the big difference is.

[Banacek]

Doesn't the iPhone app store charge via iTunes? I don't see what the big difference is.

Not sure how the iPhone does it, but previous phones have just charged it to my phone bill. I need to play with it more. If I can set it up so that it remembers my information, then I guess it's not as bad as I thought. If I'm traveling and I have to pull out my CC if I want to buy an app then that's just not going to happen.

[Slack3r78]

Not sure how the iPhone does it, but previous phones have just charged it to my phone bill. I need to play with it more. If I can set it up so that it remembers my information, then I guess it's not as bad as I thought. If I'm traveling and I have to pull out my CC if I want to buy an app then that's just not going to happen.
See, I actually prefer it that way. (The Amazon MP3 store works the same way, FWIW). I'd rather my phone bill be predictable every month and be able to account for purchases separately.

[Banacek]

See, I actually prefer it that way. (The Amazon MP3 store works the same way, FWIW). I'd rather my phone bill be predictable every month and be able to account for purchases separately.

I can see that. I guess it just comes down to convenience. They really should cross-check your CC info against your phone account, instead of asking you to fill out the entire form. I don't even see an option to log in, so that you can reuse your info. Maybe once you buy something it appears?

[boratika]

So, the G-1 is know internationally as the "HTC Magic" and now the follow up will be known, in regions where the name "G-1" is used, as the "HTC Magic".

Does anyone else find this an odd nomenclature. I am reminded of Final Fantasy 2 and 3.

[Bone]

HTC has often had their phones re-branded. I used the HTC Excalibur (or, HTC S620) which was known to most people in the USA as the T-Mobile Dash.

[Xerxes]

The rebranded sort of hurts their brand. I wonder if it's better to be paid to have everyone change your phones name.

I just went into the app store and I'm disgusted. I saw a $5 Hello World app.

[rifter]

Why disgusted about at Hello World app? Anyone can release an app... I just would be surprised to see people BUY the app. :-)

[Xerxes]

Why disgusted about at Hello World app? Anyone can release an app... I just would be surprised to see people BUY the app. :-)

The inclusion of crap is the issue.

[Adam Blue]

The rebranded sort of hurts their brand. I wonder if it's better to be paid to have everyone change your phones name.

They're making the money from the carriers, and overseas.

[Slack3r78]

So, the G-1 is know internationally as the "HTC Magic" and now the follow up will be known, in regions where the name "G-1" is used, as the "HTC Magic".

Does anyone else find this an odd nomenclature. I am reminded of Final Fantasy 2 and 3.
The G1 is the HTC Dream. The HTC Magic is the forthcoming G2.

[JayVe]

The inclusion of crap is the issue.

This is the problem with a free market. Imagine if people could charge you to visit their web page.

In the end, it will all sort itself out with the cream rising to the top, wisdom of crowds and all...

[Banacek]

fMA7wAU5BH0

[rifter]

That is actually pretty sweet.

[Xerxes]

That is truly awesome. I wonder how much that would cost.

[Raen]

That is a pretty awesome app. Weird to be talking about this on a mobile phone, but that's a platform seller to me at least. Really want one now.

[Xerxes]

Samsung Galaxy. i7500 Android phone gets a name. (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/15/samsung-i7500-passes-fcc-with-flying-colors-and-green-robots/)

Yes please. :)

[Urizen]

Has anyone else here rooted their G1 to get apps to run off of SD cards?

I've got CFW that I'm sure has given this capability but I'm seeing conflicting advice and walkthroughs. If anyone has experience with this, I'd love to be pointed in the right direction.

[Slack3r78]

Has anyone else here rooted their G1 to get apps to run off of SD cards?

I've got CFW that I'm sure has given this capability but I'm seeing conflicting advice and walkthroughs. If anyone has experience with this, I'd love to be pointed in the right direction.
I've rooted mine, running the JF 1.5 build that has App-->SD support, but I haven't tried setting it up yet.

[Xerxes]

Am I the only one not running CFW.

[rifter]

I don't even know what CFW is. :-)

[Xerxes]

I don't even know what CFW is. :-)

Custom firmware.

[Whunpo]

Samsung Galaxy. i7500 Android phone gets a name. (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/15/samsung-i7500-passes-fcc-with-flying-colors-and-green-robots/)

Yes please. :)

That's what I'm hoping my next phone will be. I want it so bad.

[Xerxes]

That's what I'm hoping my next phone will be. I want it so bad.
I'm more inclined to go through phone now, so I'll probably jump on this soon as it come out. I would like to see how well the typing is on it though first. But other wise it looks grand.

[Urizen]

I've rooted mine, running the JF 1.5 build that has App-->SD support, but I haven't tried setting it up yet.

Excellent. I hope you're as good a Virgil to my Dante as you are helping me through home networking issues.

Look forward to seeing what you have to say.

But seriously, how are people satisfied with the small ass numbers of apps they can keep on their system memory at any one time?

[Whunpo]

I'm more inclined to go through phone now, so I'll probably jump on this soon as it come out. I would like to see how well the typing is on it though first. But other wise it looks grand.

It would be such a disappointment if such a cool phone was broken by something so trivial as a keyboard. It's like a good game with a bad camera. It had so much potential, but interacting with it is so difficult that it's not even worth it.
Blech, let's hope this isn't the case.

[Voodoo]

Didn't check to see if this video had been posted...
4Pv04Tw6wvQ

[NoName]

Ug, looks like I might be switching to T-mobile in the future.

So now that Android has been out for awhile does it have a large number of apps? How does it compare to the iPhone?

[rifter]

Custom firmware.

So, that means you are not alone in the no-custom firmware department. :-)

[Slack3r78]

Ug, looks like I might be switching to T-mobile in the future.

So now that Android has been out for awhile does it have a large number of apps? How does it compare to the iPhone?
I only use a handful of apps regularly, but there does seem to be a decent breadth of apps. The OS proper got some much needed polish with the Cupcake/Android 1.5 build that just went out. I actually haven't found any negatives so far there.

[rifter]

My girlfriend has an iPhone. Honestly, the Android doesn't hold a CANDLE to the iPhone, when it comes to apps. (well, except maybe fart apps) That being said, there are some VERY solid apps out there. like most of the OI - whatever apps. a few good games, and stuff like that. There are some very good apps for it, and as Slacker said... there is a decent breadth. It is a VERY long way from iPhone, though.

That being said, with user-installed apps... you will be able to find apps that Apple will just not approve on their service.

[Xerxes]

See that's one thing that annoys me. Why won't Mint.com, or Pandora put out a app for andriod but ride dick of apple like it's a gawd damn privilege.

[Xerxes]

So, that means you are not alone in the no-custom firmware department. :-)
I see that now. I'm just waiting for cupcake. I wonder if the rumors of 2.0 = donut, already in the works.

It would be such a disappointment if such a cool phone was broken by something so trivial as a keyboard. It's like a good game with a bad camera. It had so much potential, but interacting with it is so difficult that it's not even worth it.
Blech, let's hope this isn't the case.

Your metaphors fit perfectly.

Didn't check to see if this video had been posted...
4Pv04Tw6wvQ

So far the typing software looks like shit. But that's fixable; he probably didn't even have predictive text on. I wonder can you flip it widescreen to type. You just have to be able to. It makes more sense that way.

Also not loving the bouncing when the accelerometer detects position change. And it looks like a finger print, smudge magnet. I wonder how good the battery life will be on it.

[Urizen]

OK. All I've got access to is a PC running Vista.

Anyone know how I can create a partition on my SDHC and format it as EXT2?

[Slack3r78]

OK. All I've got access to is a PC running Vista.

Anyone know how I can create a partition on my SDHC and format it as EXT2?
Gparted Live CD would be my first inclination, but, again, I haven't had a chance to actually try all this yet. :)

[Slack3r78]

So far the typing software looks like shit. But that's fixable; he probably didn't even have predictive text on.
It's a standard Cupcake softkeyboard, but you're right in that predictive text is apparently turned off on that demo unit. Without predictive text, a softkeyboard is nearly unusable, IMO.

I've been using the softkeyboard for short messages when I don't have a free hand, but the hardware QWERTY keyboard is still much, much faster and more accurate for me.


Also not loving the bouncing when the accelerometer detects position change.
That's an option in Cupcake, and is actually disabled by default. Not sure why they'd have that turned on and predictive text disabled unless whoever played with that demo unit before him had fucked about with the settings.

[total]

Still haven't got my cupcake update. I heard it was supposed to be released by today. :(

[Slack3r78]

Still haven't got my cupcake update. I heard it was supposed to be released by today. :(
It got pushed back, T-Mo says it'll be June before everyone has it. Part of why I just went ahead and rooted mine.

[Urizen]

Gparted Live CD would be my first inclination, but, again, I haven't had a chance to actually try all this yet. :)

Three consecutive coherent and helpful posts? You drinking in the afternoon again?

Also, thanks.

To those interested, rooting and applying Cupcake is pretty damn easy. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

[Slack3r78]

Three consecutive coherent and helpful posts? You drinking in the afternoon again?
I have to go to a high school graduation in less than half an hour.... fuck, maybe I should have brought my flask with me today.

[Xerxes]

IThat's an option in Cupcake, and is actually disabled by default. Not sure why they'd have that turned on and predictive text disabled unless whoever played with that demo unit before him had fucked about with the settings.

Wow... It's jacked up they let him demo that phone thing. I try not to do too long of messages. I really do like the look of it. I think Motorola is trying to get a slider android out this year too. I wonder will these have exchange access like the Magic does.

A better dialer would be nice too. :(

[Xerxes]

Cupcake finally came in, now what do I do. I played with the camcorder and OSK, but I don't know what else is new.

[total]

It got pushed back, T-Mo says it'll be June before everyone has it. Part of why I just went ahead and rooted mine.

Yeah I did it the other day. I got annoyed. My battery life seems to have gone to shit with it though. I am thinking one of my apps is being a jerk.

[Xerxes]

Does any else dislike the dialer? They have another one called Phonebook, but it's not much better.

[benson]

Have you guys tried any of the file manager apps? Any of them any good? I hate the idea of apps running in the background if I don't want them running.

[Urizen]

Every file manager I've tried sucks.

I've got AppManager and Linda installed, but they don't really allow you to do much tweaking. You can basically just open them up to see what you've got running, but can't do anything about it.

[Banacek]

Just used the camera. It's 100x better then what it used to be. I can actually read my notes on the whiteboard!

[Urizen]

It's not the first time in my life that I wasn't smart enough to follow Slack3r's instructions.

I honestly must have put in close to 20 hours into this damn thing but I finally for Apps running off of and installing directly to my SD card. There was so much trial and error and it was my first time ever brushing against a Linux interface. I'm sure a dozen retarded monkeys could have come up with a solution more quickly.

The custom ROMs and firmwares develop some quirks depending on all sorts of variable it seems based on the a given phone's history. I read some very long threads on the XDA Development forums figuring this out. I'm probably not the best person to help anyone here but if there is someone interested, let me know and I'll try.

So, the newest build from TheDudeofLife (1.2b) didn't work for me. Neither did the leaked Hero ROM featuring Rosie's UI.

TheDude's 1.1 is working and I installed the Aero theme. I tried taking pictures but they all looked like ass. If you want to get an idea of what my phone looks like now, follow these (http://androidcommunity.com/forums/f37/theme-port-dudes-cupcake-aero-gloss-suite-plus-its-beautiful-18020/) threads (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37363608@N02/3440983092/).

It's faster than it was running T-Mobile's update or JF. And that's before overclocking it using the Market App SetCPU (from 345 MHz to 528MHz). By the way, I found it much easier to create an Ext2 partition on an SD Card using a trial version of Paragon Partition Magic. No need for a Linuc LiveCD.

Like I said, it was a huge pain in the ass troubleshooting two different CFWs and then eventually giving up on them both, but my phone is fast, stable and pretty right now. The only things I'm missing are Auto-Rotate and Multi-touch.

[Xerxes]

Has anyone come up with a fucking dialer that isn't ass yet?

Then I'll think about going CFW.

[Slack3r78]

Has anyone come up with a fucking dialer that isn't ass yet?

Then I'll think about going CFW.
What's wrong with the stock dialer? Especially since cupcake?

[Xerxes]

What's wrong with the stock dialer? Especially since cupcake?

I don't know. I guess I got used to the one on Tmobile Wing, and this one is kinda clunky. I think even my blackberry while confusing was a little more intuitive. I start dialing a number, and I'm use to the contact pulling up. Instead of a gajillion separate calls, it use to all go under the last time the call and then call details. Cupcake has details, but it still has the millions of times I called them in the initial tab.

[Urizen]

All the dialer mods I've seen are only cosmetic changes. Pretty sure I haven't come across anything like what you're describing.

People have put a lot of work into the camera, though. I still have the stock camera and it's disappointing.

[Cupelix]

So, after all this time with your G-1's - what's the final thoughts on it? I can't get a good read on people's feelings from this thread. It seems to go up and down over and over.

My contract with Verizon is finally almost up, and I'm looking to upgrade my wife and I to phones that have internet access; the G-1 and the iPhone are my obvious first choices, but I'm not sure which way to go, particularly with the new 3GS. I think I'd be lost without a hard keyboard (I have an iPod Touch and can't type for shit on it), and the fact that the G-1 seems way less "locked down" (i.e. its trivial to use an abitrary MP3 as a ringtone, where as far as I can see its not easy/possible on the iPhone) make me lean towards the T-Mobile option. But then I worry heavily about the fact that AT&T's coverage is clearly superior to T-Mobile.

So what are the thoughts on the G-1 at this point? Should I continue waiting for something better to come along? It seems like everything else coming out only has the touch screen keyboards, which makes me want to kill someone.

[Gormanimal]

I second interest in comments on your likes and dislikes of Android.

[rifter]

I have had the G1 since launch, and really like it. I have ALSO used an iPhone. I think the iPhone hardware is much better than the G1... but I have major philosophical differences with Apple. Stuff like... I buy a piece of hardware, I should be free to do with it, what I want... Apple and I just do NOT see eye-to-eye on that aspect.

For the G1, video playback is not as good. It is not bad, but you need a converter to convert the video into something G1 understands. I have non-rooted tethering, of the G1, which is very cool. I can download ANY install package, and install it. I may not be able to get it through the market, but I can still grab it from a website.

I am annoyed that Android does NOT have native exchange support, and I still find it retarded that it does not have google docs support native.

But, the google sync to contacts and calendar rocks. I would say for playing around, the iPhone is better. For a more business orientation, the G1 is better.

That being said, the G1 is being extended by new apps, every day. I like freedom to do what I want with my cell phone. That means Android.

[Gormanimal]

I have had the G1 since launch, and really like it. I have ALSO used an iPhone. I think the iPhone hardware is much better than the G1... but I have major philosophical differences with Apple. Stuff like... I buy a piece of hardware, I should be free to do with it, what I want... Apple and I just do NOT see eye-to-eye on that aspect.

For the G1, video playback is not as good. It is not bad, but you need a converter to convert the video into something G1 understands. I have non-rooted tethering, of the G1, which is very cool. I can download ANY install package, and install it. I may not be able to get it through the market, but I can still grab it from a website.

I am annoyed that Android does NOT have native exchange support, and I still find it retarded that it does not have google docs support native.

But, the google sync to contacts and calendar rocks. I would say for playing around, the iPhone is better. For a more business orientation, the G1 is better.

That being said, the G1 is being extended by new apps, every day. I like freedom to do what I want with my cell phone. That means Android.

I agree with all your points on openness. My problem is that in order to do some of the cool stuff you've rooted your phone; which, as far as I can tell, isn't any different from jailbreaking an iPhone. Up in Canada Rogers has finally rolled out the Android phone (G1 & G2) but have them all locked down. No one has been able to find a root solution yet. I'm sure it's a yet, but it's the same issue as the iPhone. So even though it's not Google doing it, there still are heavy restrictions on what's touted as an open platform. I really want to push open-source, but it seems somewhere down the line every phone is locked down.

Anyways, lock-down issues aside, thanks for the feedback.

[Cupelix]

When the G1 comes from T-Mobile, its not very "locked down" is it? Certainly not in comparison to say, a phone from Verizon?

[total]

When the G1 comes from T-Mobile, its not very "locked down" is it? Certainly not in comparison to say, a phone from Verizon?

I haven't found the need to root my phone yet, and I have a tendency to...tinker. So far there really isn't anything that I can't do with my phone. I would recommend the G1 to anyone. Cupcake (the newest update) really cleaned up a lot of the rougher edges in Android.

[Cupelix]

I've found that the hardest thing researching a 6 month old phone is finding recent reviews on it. Has anything changed about the hardware since release? I thought somewhere I read that the current version of the phone has a standard headphone jack, but I can't seem to confirm that.

[total]

I've found that the hardest thing researching a 6 month old phone is finding recent reviews on it. Has anything changed about the hardware since release? I thought somewhere I read that the current version of the phone has a standard headphone jack, but I can't seem to confirm that.

I can't confirm nor deny that. I heard rumors that T-Mobile intended to include a usb to headphone jack at some point, but I never really looked into it. The adapters can be had for right around $10 if it doesn't come with one.

[Urizen]

I've only had my G1 for a few months but went ahead and rooted it almost immediately. I got FW 1.5 (AKA "Cupcake") early. I got my G1 out of pocket to use with my corporate phone plan. Interestingly, my company is now switching from T-Mo to AT&T and it's a painless procedure to get a G1 to comply with AT&T service. The only thing you miss is 3G, but At&T's Edge is as fast as T-Mo's 3G so I can't complain.

I have the option to move to the iPhone like everyone in the company is doing, but I've decided against it. I've never owned an iPhone. I have used one, obviously - who hasn't? The G1's flexibility is amazing. Rooting my phone allowed me access to a lot more apps and tweaks, like overclocking, for example. You can customize the look, layout and settings to some very particular degrees with some of the market apps.

The absence of Exchange Server support and Google Docs really are the only two aspects they need to sort out.

I haven't gone all out with my mods yet, which is why the icons don't all have a uniform look. It's no the prettiest thing in the world, but if it's something you're interested in, the G1 has a huge and growing community behind it making stuff like what's below happen.

Lock Screen:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843440856.png

Home Screen:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843507193.png

Left of Home Screen:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843566777.png

Right of Home Screen:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843537067.png

Top of Apps Drawer:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843633258.png

Bottom of Apps Drawer:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244843597000.png

[Slack3r78]

I can't confirm nor deny that. I heard rumors that T-Mobile intended to include a usb to headphone jack at some point, but I never really looked into it. The adapters can be had for right around $10 if it doesn't come with one.
They started including them after it'd been on the market a couple of months. Early adopters got hosed on that one.

Urizen, what're you using to get screencaps?

[Xerxes]

Wow... Your phone is awesome. Mines is very very vanilla. Where can I get a battery thing like that.

[Banacek]

Do you have to root your G1 to use custom themes like that? I want to go to there...

[Cupelix]

I've only had my G1 for a few months but went ahead and rooted it almost immediately. I got FW 1.5 (AKA "Cupcake") early. I got my G1 out of pocket to use with my corporate phone plan. Interestingly, my company is now switching from T-Mo to AT&T and it's a painless procedure to get a G1 to comply with AT&T service. The only thing you miss is 3G, but At&T's Edge is as fast as T-Mo's 3G so I can't complain.
Wait! Back up! Talk to me about getting a G1 on the AT&T service. Is this really plausible? Why wouldn't it work on AT&T's 3G network? AT&T's Edge network seemed horribly slow for the folks I know that have a 1st generation iPhone - is T-Mobile's 3G really that bad?

[Urizen]

Urizen, what're you using to get screencaps?

It's an app called "screenshot". I got it off the developer's site for free. I can't seem to find the site right now. If you're still rooted, I can email you the .apk file. It's a little cumbersome. I've found the best way to use it is to set a 10 second delay and the browse over to the screen you want to grab.

Wow... Your phone is awesome. Mines is very very vanilla. Where can I get a battery thing like that.

Which 'battery thing' exactly?

The thing in the top right (in the status bar) is part of the Aero theme I have applied. the one that shows up on the Lock Screen is part of an app available on the Market called 'Lock 2.0'. Again, this app was available for free on the developer's site.

And if you're talking about the battery monitor to the Right of the Home Screen, that's a widget a picked up in some widget pack a couple weeks back. If you're really interested, I can try to hunt it down. (Or email you the widget file.)

rifter, I'll also add one more thing missing from making the G1 perfect, and that's flash support. Adobe is throttling developers on that one.

[Xerxes]

Wait! Back up! Talk to me about getting a G1 on the AT&T service. Is this really plausible? Why wouldn't it work on AT&T's 3G network? AT&T's Edge network seemed horribly slow for the folks I know that have a 1st generation iPhone - is T-Mobile's 3G really that bad?

I didn't contest him cause maybe in his area. But my 3G seemed as fast as my friends Iphone 3G when we were goofing around on the net at the movies.

[Slack3r78]

Do you have to root your G1 to use custom themes like that? I want to go to there...
There are a number of home screen replacement apps that'll let you custom theme your phone. I was using OpenHome before I rooted and installed Cupcake. I've held off on reinstalling it because I'm not sure about where their Cupcake support is yet.

[Urizen]

Do you have to root your G1 to use custom themes like that? I want to go to there...

There some apps on the Market like aHome, DxTop and Open Home that allow you to do some extensive tweaking with appearances. You can go to YouTube for videos of the kind of customization people have done with those apps. The theme I have applied and others like it requires root.

The Super Mario World wallpaper, can be applied to any theme, of course.

Wait! Back up! Talk to me about getting a G1 on the AT&T service. Is this really plausible? Why wouldn't it work on AT&T's 3G network? AT&T's Edge network seemed horribly slow for the folks I know that have a 1st generation iPhone - is T-Mobile's 3G really that bad?

One more thing, before I forget. I have the white G1 which brought one significant annoyance with it. If you're using the QWERTY during daylight hours (when you don't need the backlight), it turns on anyway and actually makes it harder to type because the light makes it white on white. There is a Market app that remedies this by turning the backlight off at the press of a button, but it hasn't been updated to support Cupcake yet.

Onwards...

Read this thread (http://www.modmygphone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3201). Then before you act, watch this video:

3lsHs4MnL5w

If I were you, I'd be sending T-Mo an email right now. Just tell them you need the code because you're traveling. It's perfectly within your right to have your unlock code.

Regarding speed, I haven't made the jump to At&T quite yet but it will happen in the next couple of days. By all accounts of what I have read, I am reporting what seems to be the case. For your curiosity, here are my speed test numbers over T-Mo.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244848709288.png

[Xerxes]

Regarding speed, I haven't made the jump to At&T quite yet but it will happen in the next couple of days. By all accounts of what I have read, I am reporting what seems to be the case. For your curiosity, here are my speed test numbers over T-Mo.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x39/DaXIthR/1244848709288.png

I got 657.8 download, and 138 upload. Upload totally ate ass. :confused:

[Urizen]

I got 657.8 download, and 138 upload. Upload totally ate ass. :confused:

When I get my AT&T service, I'll post my numbers. In the mean time, if someone with an iPhone can do a speed test, that would be great.

[rifter]

I haven't found the need to root my phone yet, and I have a tendency to...tinker. So far there really isn't anything that I can't do with my phone. I would recommend the G1 to anyone. Cupcake (the newest update) really cleaned up a lot of the rougher edges in Android.

I should comment on this. I too, have not rooted my phone... that being said, it looks like it is a HELL of a lot simpler to root a G1, than it is to jailbreak an iPhone. (mine was jailbroken, and it took about a day to update it, each time I wanted to move to a new OS).

Also, the latest 1.5/Cupcake release, really brings the OS up... quicker, soft-keyboard, video, and other features.

[Urizen]

My contract with Verizon is finally almost up, and I'm looking to upgrade my wife and I to phones that have internet access; the G-1 and the iPhone are my obvious first choices, but I'm not sure which way to go, particularly with the new 3GS. I think I'd be lost without a hard keyboard (I have an iPod Touch and can't type for shit on it), and the fact that the G-1 seems way less "locked down" (i.e. its trivial to use an abitrary MP3 as a ringtone, where as far as I can see its not easy/possible on the iPhone) make me lean towards the T-Mobile option. But then I worry heavily about the fact that AT&T's coverage is clearly superior to T-Mobile.

OK. It turns out, I misread your post.

As you'll be moving from Verizon to either AT&T or T-Mobile, you won't be able to call a T-Mo and get your unlock code so the YouTube video I posted does not apply to you. The first link, however, does.

A number of sites provide this service for about $20. They ask for the details of your G1, and will give you the specific unlock code for that particular device.

Also, as for why AT&T and T-Mo have incompatible 3G networks, it has to do with the different bands each provider uses and the antennae their devices are equipped with. I don't understand a lot of the related jargon myself, but you can read up on which UMTS bands each provider has a lease on.

Sorry for the extraneous info earlier. I hope I'm still making sense. Let me know if I'm not.

[Xerxes]

I really like phones with keyboards...

But I kind of want a Samsung i7500...

But is anybody else getting antsy over the myTouch 3G?

Damn this need for latest tech!

You people with cfw. Have yall been able to get exchange (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/23/rogers-htc-dream-and-magic-arent-google-phones-have-exchang/)support?

[Gormanimal]

I really like phones with keyboards...

But I kind of want a Samsung i7500...

But is anybody else getting antsy over the myTouch 3G?

Damn this need for latest tech!

You people with cfw. Have yall been able to get exchange (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/05/23/rogers-htc-dream-and-magic-arent-google-phones-have-exchang/)support?

I just picked up the Magic (myTouch 3G) from Rogers yesterday. So far, it has been a great phone.

[Slack3r78]

My G1 broke last night. If the screen is open, it works fine. If I close it, the video scrambles and some of the time it locks up entirely. They're sending me a new one, but it's annoying in the meantime.

[Xerxes]

My G1 broke last night. If the screen is open, it works fine. If I close it, the video scrambles and some of the time it locks up entirely. They're sending me a new one, but it's annoying in the meantime.

How'd you do that? :confused:

[total]

My G1 broke last night. If the screen is open, it works fine. If I close it, the video scrambles and some of the time it locks up entirely. They're sending me a new one, but it's annoying in the meantime.

Did you get yours at release like I did? You got me a bit worried now.

[Slack3r78]

How'd you do that? :confused:
No clue. Pulled the phone out of my pocket to check something and it was freaking out. I'd been using it all night at the bar without issue.

Did you get yours at release like I did? You got me a bit worried now.
Yeah, I was pre-order.

[total]

Yeah, I was pre-order.

Well fuck me. I am going to stop opening it now. Ok that is a fucking lie. I've found the soft keyboard to be worthless.

[Whunpo]

Does anyone know how hard it is to get android to work on another smart-phone? I mean, say I had some Samsung Smartphone. Would it be impossible for me to get Android running on it?

[Urizen]

Does anyone know how hard it is to get android to work on another smart-phone? I mean, say I had some Samsung Smartphone. Would it be impossible for me to get Android running on it?

Pretty sure the answer is no. I think it's possible to install one ROM on another as long as you're on some sort of HTC smart phone, but that's about it.

[rifter]

Pretty sure the answer is no. I think it's possible to install one ROM on another as long as you're on some sort of HTC smart phone, but that's about it.
From my understanding, Android is open source. You can hack it onto pretty much anything... don't expect it to be simple, though. :-)

[Press Ninja]

It looks like the G1 is $50 on Tmobile.com, web only. I'm sick of the shitty Sidekick Slide, so I'm thinking of upgrading. Should I grab the G1, or wait till the fall to get the G1v2 or this rumored 'Morrison'?

[Cupelix]

Where do you see that? It shows up at $150 when I look at their phones.

[Banacek]

It looks like the G1 is $50 on Tmobile.com, web only. I'm sick of the shitty Sidekick Slide, so I'm thinking of upgrading. Should I grab the G1, or wait till the fall to get the G1v2 or this rumored 'Morrison'?

If you can get it for $50 then jump on it. I love this phone.

[Press Ninja]

Where do you see that? It shows up at $150 when I look at their phones.

http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Cell-Phone-Detail.aspx?cell-phone=T-Mobile-G1-with-Google-White

I'm seeing it right from there, with the added $100 off Online only discount. Maybe you're not seeing the online only discount? Or I'm possibly crazy...

Have the newer ones fixed some of the problems they had? And do I still need an adapter for the headset and all that?

[Cupelix]

Yeah, I don't see on online only discount, that link shows me a price of $150. Do you have it so that it knows your location? Though, I don't know why an online only discount would apply only to certain areas. Because man, I'd buy those in a heartbeat for that price.

[Press Ninja]

Yeah, I don't see on online only discount, that link shows me a price of $150. Do you have it so that it knows your location? Though, I don't know why an online only discount would apply only to certain areas. Because man, I'd buy those in a heartbeat for that price.

Nope, it's straight from the site. That's really weird. I'm looking in to getting it though, and I'll keep it updated if I get it at that price ect.

[Slack3r78]

Have the newer ones fixed some of the problems they had?
There really wasn't much in the way of major problems, just some rough edges with the interface. It got a lot of polish with the Cupcake update.

And do I still need an adapter for the headset and all that?
Nah, they finally wised up and started packing the adapter in the box with the phone a couple of months after launch.

[Press Ninja]

There really wasn't much in the way of major problems, just some rough edges with the interface. It got a lot of polish with the Cupcake update.


Nah, they finally wised up and started packing the adapter in the box with the phone a couple of months after launch.

Sweet zombie jesus, sir. I think I'll jump on this if I can. The adapter was a big problem in my book. I'm figuring that it allows for MP3 ringtones and such as well? My Sidekick is a pile of shit for that, having to go directly through their bastard of a store. Hell, the sidekick didn't even come with a damn alarm clock! I had to pay friggen $2.99 for that.

Oh, and for Cupelix, here's what the Web Only rebate says,

"$100 Web-Only Discount



For a Limited Time, when you purchase a T-Mobile G1 with Google on www.t-mobile.com or through 1-877-387-4324 receive a $250 instant discount and a $100 web-only discount. The T-Mobile G1 with Google retails at $399.99, after the instant discount you pay $49.99.

To qualify for instant discount, the product must be activated of a qualifying voice plan and a minimum $24.99 Data Plan on a two year service agreement.

Prices exclusive to T-Mobile.com or 1-877-387-4324 with a new line of service activated on a qualifying rate plan for a two-year service agreement (minimum). Existing customers must activate an additional line of service to qualify. Final price is after rebates. Tax and shipping charges (if applicable) are extra. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limited-time offer while supplies last. Instant discount may not be combined with any other rebates or offers."

Also, just spotted these on Gizmodo. Check out (http://gizmodo.com/5299581/ibm-seer-augmented-reality-app-ensures-no-confused-android-users-at-wimbledon) some Augmented Reality (http://gizmodo.com/5292748/layar-first-mobile-augmented-reality-browser-is-your-real-life-hud).

[Voodoo]

I bet that discount is due to the 'G2' being released in about 3 to 4 weeks. Also, there's G2s "out in the wild" that have Exchange server connectors. Because of this, they loose their Google stamping on the back.

http://www.htc.com/www/product/magic/overview.html

[Cupelix]

Oh, and for Cupelix, here's what the Web Only rebate says,

"$100 Web-Only Discount



For a Limited Time, when you purchase a T-Mobile G1 with Google on www.t-mobile.com or through 1-877-387-4324 receive a $250 instant discount and a $100 web-only discount. The T-Mobile G1 with Google retails at $399.99, after the instant discount you pay $49.99.

To qualify for instant discount, the product must be activated of a qualifying voice plan and a minimum $24.99 Data Plan on a two year service agreement.

Prices exclusive to T-Mobile.com or 1-877-387-4324 with a new line of service activated on a qualifying rate plan for a two-year service agreement (minimum). Existing customers must activate an additional line of service to qualify. Final price is after rebates. Tax and shipping charges (if applicable) are extra. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Limited-time offer while supplies last. Instant discount may not be combined with any other rebates or offers."
Weird - I tried going all the way through the process, filling out a cart and everything, and still the price is listed at $150. So, something is obviously different between what I'm doing and what you're doing. I did notice something odd when I went through the checkout process while choosing a plan; for data, I could either choose unlimited web, or unlimited web + unlimited messaging. There was no way to choose unlimited web, and then a text messaging plan. I don't text enough to justify an extra $10, but I don't want to pay per text message either. Kind of strange.

[Slack3r78]

There was no way to choose unlimited web, and then a text messaging plan.
That's because text messaging is part of the G1 data plan. You get 400 text/MMS messages with the $24.99 plan and unlimited with the $34.99 plan.

[Xerxes]

I bet that discount is due to the 'G2' being released in about 3 to 4 weeks. Also, there's G2s "out in the wild" that have Exchange server connectors. Because of this, they loose their Google stamping on the back.

http://www.htc.com/www/product/magic/overview.html

Holy shit! That site has opened my eyes.

Is there anyway to get that HTC Rom on a tmobile phone when it comes out? I would like the exchange support but the dialer. That smart dialer looks like what I've been yearning for.:o

I still don't know if I'll jump on the myTouch 3G or wait for that sumsung.

[Banacek]

But there's no keyboard. I can't live without a keyboard.

[rifter]

But there's no keyboard. I can't live without a keyboard.

That is my issue, as well. :-(

[Xerxes]

I don't think I can either; But the keyword is think. I've yet to have a smartphone that doesn't have a keyboard, but I think I can do without it. Maybe.

[rifter]

I don't think I can either; But the keyword is think. I've yet to have a smartphone that doesn't have a keyboard, but I think I can do without it. Maybe.
I used an iPhone for a while. I found it worked fine, for the most part. But, that being said, I prefer the keyboard more.

[Voodoo]

Holy shit! That site has opened my eyes.

Is there anyway to get that HTC Rom on a tmobile phone when it comes out? I would like the exchange support but the dialer. That smart dialer looks like what I've been yearning for.:o

I still don't know if I'll jump on the myTouch 3G or wait for that sumsung.
BTW, there are two Samsung phones inbound. One (Galaxy (http://http://www.macworld.com/article/141178/2009/06/samsung_android.html)) is touchscreen only just like the G2 while the other (codename Big Foot (http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/06/samsung-android-2/)) has a slide out keyboard. I seem to be missing something because I've always thought the Samsung Android model coming looked similar to a Blackjack.

Also, check this out. Holy Shit! (http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/google-expect-18-android-phones-by-years-end/)

[Xerxes]

Big Foot is fug city! The Galaxy though is what's up.There are a lot of android phones I think are supposed to come out starting Fall, but nothing has really me that interested thus far. I think Asus was supposed to have a rather nice, keyboardless one. And I think Motorola was supposed to announce like 3 of them and they haven't shown anything yet aside from another entry level looking blue and white slider. <shrug>

Sidenote.
Flash 10 for smartphone beta coming this October (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/22/flash-10-for-smartphone-beta-coming-this-october/)

[Banacek]

Big Foot is fug city! The Galaxy though is what's up.There are a lot of android phones I think are supposed to come out starting Fall, but nothing has really me that interested thus far. I think Asus was supposed to have a rather nice, keyboardless one. And I think Motorola was supposed to announce like 3 of them and they haven't shown anything yet aside from another entry level looking blue and white slider. <shrug>

Sidenote.
Flash 10 for smartphone beta coming this October (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/22/flash-10-for-smartphone-beta-coming-this-october/)

Lack of Motorola support should be considered a good sign :)

[Xerxes]

Lack of Motorola support should be considered a good sign :)

If only that was the case. Motorola has made it sound like they will heavily support android phones.

[Press Ninja]

Bah, the deal was true and waiting there for me... Too bad I can't upgrade, because my line's contract isn't even a year old, so I wouldn't get any of the discounts. What bullshit. I'm on the same service, why should it matter? I hate this piece of crap, why can't I just go to a new one?

[Urizen]

Is there anyway to get that HTC Rom on a tmobile phone when it comes out? I would like the exchange support but the dialer. That smart dialer looks like what I've been yearning for.

The ROM's already leaked. You can load on to your G1 right now.

[Xerxes]

The ROM's already leaked. You can load on to your G1 right now.

Do I dare? :confused:

Playing god with tech always goes south. :(

[rifter]

Wow, that new UI on the HTC phone looks awesome. I wonder if it will be available on other models... like my G1!!!

[NoName]

18-20 phones released by years end? I wonder how many of those will be in the US.

Edit: I have a question. With the G1, is there any issues with tethering internet to your laptop? Do you have to root the phone to do this or is it possible normally?

[Xerxes]

The ROM's already leaked. You can load on to your G1 right now.

If you put a Magic rom on a Dream(G1), will the keyboard still work? I mean like what complications could I run into?

[total]

18-20 phones released by years end? I wonder how many of those will be in the US.

Edit: I have a question. With the G1, is there any issues with tethering internet to your laptop? Do you have to root the phone to do this or is it possible normally?

There is a tutorial on the XDA forums on how to do it. I used an old method that didn't require root but I think the new one requires it.

[Voodoo]

18-20 phones released by years end? I wonder how many of those will be in the US.
Here comes another announcement today...

HTC Hero
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2349281,00.asp
http://www.htc.com/www/product/hero/overview.html

[Urizen]

Do you have to root the phone to do this or is it possible normally?

I'm about as big a bumblefuck as there when it comes to anything that violates an electronic device's warranty. But even I can stress that there is no reason to fear rooting your phone.

If you put a Magic rom on a Dream(G1), will the keyboard still work? I mean like what complications could I run into?

The Hero and Magic ROMS have been modded to run on the G1. Both either recommend or force overclocking, though, so I'm certain that within a few months, the Dream won't be able to handle the latest ROMs. The Magic and Hero ROMs have been developed by modders and hackers, and they continually refine and upgrade their work on the XDA Forums.

There will always be complications as you jump on to a new ROM on your Dream hardware. I've tried loading Hero on to my phone. It works fine, but requires a lot of tweaking and you need to follow the ROM developer closely to make sure you're getting the most out of it. Hero was a tad slower for than my hacked Cupcake ROM by TheDude, so I switched back. Also, I didn't need Exchange that drained some resources.

[Xerxes]

There will always be complications as you jump on to a new ROM on your Dream hardware. I've tried loading Hero on to my phone. It works fine, but requires a lot of tweaking and you need to follow the ROM developer closely to make sure you're getting the most out of it. Hero was a tad slower for than my hacked Cupcake ROM by TheDude, so I switched back. Also, I didn't need Exchange that drained some resources.

I really just wish I could have that smart dialer.:(

Here comes another announcement today...

HTC Hero
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2349281,00.asp
http://www.htc.com/www/product/hero/overview.html

Wow... I liked what I see of that. Sounds like it's not going to be a Tmobile phone though.

[Cupelix]

Wow... I liked what I see of that. Sounds like it's not going to be a Tmobile phone though.
Sounds like they really don't know what it will be on. It does look slick though; worth waiting past the myTouch 3G for potentially. Unfortunately, with no release date, and no carriers announced, waiting becomes exceptionally difficult!

[Voodoo]

Sounds like they really don't know what it will be on. It does look slick though; worth waiting past the myTouch 3G for potentially. Unfortunately, with no release date, and no carriers announced, waiting becomes exceptionally difficult!
There's no reason for it not to be on T-Mobile... Here are the radio specifications.
HSPA/WCDMA:


900/2100 MHz
Up to 2 Mbps up-link and 7.2 Mbps down-link speeds

Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE:


850/900/1800/1900 MHz

That's compatible.

[Xerxes]

There's no reason for it not to be on T-Mobile... Here are the radio specifications.

[/LIST]
That's compatible.

Interesting. And At&t didn't seem all that interested in android.

I wonder if Samsung too the liberty of making their UI any different than vanilla android.

[NoName]

So, I'm thinking of switching to T-mobile sooner than later. How big a deal is the extra RAM/ROM that the HTC Magic has compared to the Dream. I think I prefer the G1 based on the slide out keyboard but if the G2 will run apps better...

And is the processor much different? The processor model is different but the speed is the same.

[Voodoo]

So, I'm thinking of switching to T-mobile sooner than later. How big a deal is the extra RAM/ROM that the HTC Magic has compared to the Dream. I think I prefer the G1 based on the slide out keyboard but if the G2 will run apps better...

And is the processor much different? The processor model is different but the speed is the same.
Here are some answers for you...

G1
http://www.htc.com/us/product/g1/overview.html

Magic (myTouch 3G)
http://www.htc.com/www/product/magic/overview.html

Hero
http://www.htc.com/www/product/hero/overview.html

[NoName]

Well I went to a T-Mobil store to ask some questions and ended up leaving with a G1. I'm weak I suppose. (Typing this post from it.) Now I need to root it and get cupcake installed. :)

[Banacek]

Well I went to a T-Mobil store to ask some questions and ended up leaving with a G1. I'm weak I suppose. (Typing this post from it.) Now I need to root it and get cupcake installed. :)

Cupcake is out to the masses. No need to root to get it.

[BLeeP]

Cupcake is out to the masses. No need to root to get it.

Mmmm, Cupcake for the masses.

Anyhow, I'm playing with the idea of eBaying a G1 and using it on my AT&T plan (closest thing we have to that is the iPhone, and the "keyboard" on it blows). How soon till this G2 thing happens, though? Or is it just an assumption that might never happen (ala Blackjack III)?

[Xerxes]

Here are some answers for you...

G1
http://www.htc.com/us/product/g1/overview.html

Magic (myTouch 3G)
http://www.htc.com/www/product/magic/overview.html

Hero
http://www.htc.com/www/product/hero/overview.html

WTF?! They all have the same processor. So how can the Magic and Hero be performing better?

[NoName]

Cupcake is out to the masses. No need to root to get it.

Sorry, I was planning on doing both, one wan't the cause of the other. :)

WTF?! They all have the same processor. So how can the Magic and Hero be performing better?

That was why I asked about ram/rom...

[wyeast]

A friend of mine asked if there was a way (or if there were plans in the works) to get an app that worked with rememberthemilk for the G1?

[Gormanimal]

A friend of mine asked if there was a way (or if there were plans in the works) to get an app that worked with rememberthemilk for the G1?
Astrid Task (http://www.cyrket.com/package/com.timsu.astrid) is one

[Gormanimal]

I really just wish I could have that smart dialer.:(



Wow... I liked what I see of that. Sounds like it's not going to be a Tmobile phone though.
Do you have a link to the smart dialer? I rooted my phone the other day and have a bunch of cool new apps but I don't know if a smart dialer is one of them.

Edit: Found it on the HTC site. Try checking out StarContact (http://mobile.starobject.com/starcontact/screen1.html) in the market, it looks exactly the same and works really well.

[Xerxes]

Do you have a link to the smart dialer? I rooted my phone the other day and have a bunch of cool new apps but I don't know if a smart dialer is one of them.

Edit: Found it on the HTC site. Try checking out StarContact (http://mobile.starobject.com/starcontact/screen1.html) in the market, it looks exactly the same and works really well.

That might work. Doesn't have the picture but that's fluff. I"m looking for the functionality and that might be it.

[Voodoo]

WTF?! They all have the same processor. So how can the Magic and Hero be performing better?

This information is from the pages I linked...

G1
CPU = Qualcomm® MSM7201A™, 528 MHz
ROM = 256MB
RAM = 192MB

The 'other' soon to be released HTC phones
CPU = Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
ROM = 512MB
RAM = 288MB

Here are the specification pages for those two processors.
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a7201a&c=qualcomm_msm7201a
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a7200a&c=qualcomm_msm7200a

The noticeable difference between the two is 90nm (others) vs 65nm (G1) and the CPU Core (ARM1136EJ-S) is the same.

It is very interesting that the 'others' are supposed to get longer battery life than the G1. I'd assume, based on this CPU information, that the G1 would have less power use. Hmm...

Now compare this to the Galaxy's spec's...
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=1863&c=samsung_gt-i7500_galaxy

Same CPU as the 'others' while the ROM/RAM amount of the G1. The big advantage it has though is that it has the Active Matrix OLED display which is supposed to lower power usage by a bit.

Also, this site is extremely useful to compare mobile phone models. I've got the G1 as the default in this link...

http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=1495&view=1&c=t-mobile_g1_htc_dream_100

[Xerxes]

Some has been doing his research. :)
If only the Galaxy had a keyboard.

StarContact is very close to what I desire. Getting to the dialer take an extra button press but I'll live.

I've also been thinking. Isn't Google acting like MS by not supporting exchange. Not very smart of them.

[Voodoo]

Some has been doing his research. :)
If only the Galaxy had a keyboard.

StarContact is very close to what I desire. Getting to the dialer take an extra button press but I'll live.

I've also been thinking. Isn't Google acting like MS by not supporting exchange. Not very smart of them.
Actually, Google states that they themselves won't be building the connector to Exchange but instead have left the availability and 'way' open for any Android developer to do so. In this case, HTC built the Exchange connector. I can't find information if any of the other Android phone providers will be following this as well...

MS not supporting exchange? That's new... All the Windows Mobile phones have full support for Exchange connectivity.

Also, I been a bit interested in the Android phones and am absolutely ready to replace my iPhone (1st Gen) with one. I see that an unlocked 16GB 1st gen iPhone still earns quite a bit of cash on the trade market. :)

[Xerxes]

Actually, Google states that they themselves won't be building the connector to Exchange but instead have left the availability and 'way' open for any Android developer to do so. In this case, HTC built the Exchange connector. I can't find information if any of the other Android phone providers will be following this as well...

MS not supporting exchange? That's new... All the Windows Mobile phones have full support for Exchange connectivity.

No, I meant how MS is kinda like whatever with putting in features of others. With Android it just seems like it's in the best interest. I think the term used is "Google branded" phones. Which all of T-Mobiles are. More here. (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/25/htcs-sense-ui-not-coming-to-any-google-branded-phones/) I really like Sense UI too.

[rein]

I'm thinking of upgrading to the G1. I'm still rocking my T-Mobile MDA with a custom HTC Touch rom. I'm trying to decide if I should switch to AT&T and go iPhone since most everyone I know is with AT&T. It would make those mobile-to-mobile calls free. If AT&T would drop their monthly rates by $10-15 a month I would definitely switch. Other than that, I am waiting for a really good deal on the G1. If the $50 internet deal would have shown up for me I would have ordered it right away.

[Voodoo]

No, I meant how MS is kinda like whatever with putting in features of others. With Android it just seems like it's in the best interest. I think the term used is "Google branded" phones. Which all of T-Mobiles are. More here. (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/06/25/htcs-sense-ui-not-coming-to-any-google-branded-phones/) I really like Sense UI too.
Check out post #405 in this thread. Though I didn't go into as much detail as the link you provided. It really confuses me as to why Google would care about Google branding when these additions would sell more phones. Perplexing...

Google has to know how important it is in today's mobile market to include the Exchange connector. I wonder if it has to do with licensing somehow that if they build it into Android itself that they'd have to owe MS for each phone sold. If they don't include it themselves, then its up to the providers to meet the license requirement. Hmm... What do you think?

I agree about MS. Actually, I was surprised to find recently that you can download a Youtube native app for MS phones. Sure did take a long enough time.

[Banacek]

Anyone give this a try yet?

http://www.telenav.com/gps-navigator/t-mobile-g1-phone/

[Xerxes]

Check out post #405 in this thread. Though I didn't go into as much detail as the link you provided. It really confuses me as to why Google would care about Google branding when these additions would sell more phones. Perplexing...

Google has to know how important it is in today's mobile market to include the Exchange connector. I wonder if it has to do with licensing somehow that if they build it into Android itself that they'd have to owe MS for each phone sold. If they don't include it themselves, then its up to the providers to meet the license requirement. Hmm... What do you think?

I agree about MS. Actually, I was surprised to find recently that you can download a Youtube native app for MS phones. Sure did take a long enough time.

Although I guess it almost doesn't matter with the hacks out there. I haven't looked into it yet but seems highly doable.

Anyone give this a try yet?

http://www.telenav.com/gps-navigator/t-mobile-g1-phone/

I haven't gotten lost enough to warrant $10 a month for GPS. Also the GPS on a G1 isn't all that bad.

[Slack3r78]

Now compare this to the Galaxy's spec's...
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=1863&c=samsung_gt-i7500_galaxy

Same CPU as the 'others' while the ROM/RAM amount of the G1.
Stupid. Limited RAM/ROM is probably the biggest flaw with the G1. Moving my apps to the SD card and freeing up ROM for cache usage made a HUGE difference in both speed and reliability for me. The G1's going to have been on the market 9+ months by time the Galaxy hits the market. Seems inexcusable to me unless it's significantly less expensive.

[Xerxes]

Stupid. Limited RAM/ROM is probably the biggest flaw with the G1. Moving my apps to the SD card and freeing up ROM for cache usage made a HUGE difference in both speed and reliability for me. The G1's going to have been on the market 9+ months by time the Galaxy hits the market. Seems inexcusable to me unless it's significantly less expensive.

Yeah but look at that screen. Got cut cost on something. :o

[NoName]

*snipped long informative post*

Wow, that's a lot of interesting info. I think I'm glad I went with the G1, I like having the physical keyboard and the hardware it has isn't being outdated too quickly.

Anyone give this a try yet?

http://www.telenav.com/gps-navigator/t-mobile-g1-phone/

The monthly fee is a big turn off, I don't understand why it can't be a single set price. Oh well, if I'm lost I can pull over and check my location on Google maps and see where I need to go.

Stupid. Limited RAM/ROM is probably the biggest flaw with the G1. Moving my apps to the SD card and freeing up ROM for cache usage made a HUGE difference in both speed and reliability for me. The G1's going to have been on the market 9+ months by time the Galaxy hits the market. Seems inexcusable to me unless it's significantly less expensive.

Huh. I need to look into moving apps to the SD card. (and buying a micro SD card larger than 2 gigs)

[wyeast]

This information is from the pages I linked...

G1
CPU = Qualcomm® MSM7201A™, 528 MHz
ROM = 256MB
RAM = 192MB

The 'other' soon to be released HTC phones
CPU = Qualcomm® MSM7200A™, 528 MHz
ROM = 512MB
RAM = 288MB

Here are the specification pages for those two processors.
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a7201a&c=qualcomm_msm7201a
http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=cpu&id=a7200a&c=qualcomm_msm7200a

The noticeable difference between the two is 90nm (others) vs 65nm (G1) and the CPU Core (ARM1136EJ-S) is the same.

Why are the two newer phones getting older CPU's? :confused:

[Banacek]

I haven't gotten lost enough to warrant $10 a month for GPS. Also the GPS on a G1 isn't all that bad.

The monthly fee is a big turn off, I don't understand why it can't be a single set price. Oh well, if I'm lost I can pull over and check my location on Google maps and see where I need to go.

Yeah, I feel the same way about the price. Though voice directions would be great. Kind of tired of pulling over when I need to update the google map.

[NoName]

Yeah, I feel the same way about the price. Though voice directions would be great. Kind of tired of pulling over when I need to update the google map.

Well, you could always try it without pulling over. People text while driving all the time, might use a GPS enabled map. ;)

[Gormanimal]

Loaded Hero on my rooted phone today. Wow, it's a very nice rom. Multi-touch in the browser. I have had a chance to dig through a lot of the settings. If you have a rooted phone I definitely recommend it.

[Urizen]

Loaded Hero on my rooted phone today. Wow, it's a very nice rom. Multi-touch in the browser. I have had a chance to dig through a lot of the settings. If you have a rooted phone I definitely recommend it.

I am so envious. Hero just won't run stable on my phone. I've tried literally six times over ten hours fiddling with as many settings as possible.

Got pics?

[Xerxes]

Loaded Hero on my rooted phone today. Wow, it's a very nice rom. Multi-touch in the browser. I have had a chance to dig through a lot of the settings. If you have a rooted phone I definitely recommend it.

With Sense UI?

[Gormanimal]

With Sense UI?

Yeah, it has the UI. I will say this particular release (it's an early leak) is still a little rough (i.e. the weather widget doesn't work yet). But the general feel is really nice step. There's great integration with online services, the browser runs really well. It seems to me like there is a lot of settings to really customize the phone to how you want it.

[Jackel]

Yeah, it has the UI. I will say this particular release (it's an early leak) is still a little rough (i.e. the weather widget doesn't work yet). But the general feel is really nice step. There's great integration with online services, the browser runs really well. It seems to me like there is a lot of settings to really customize the phone to how you want it.

Screenshots?

This could make or break my decision to grab it versus the Iphone.

[Urizen]

Yeah, it has the UI. I will say this particular release (it's an early leak) is still a little rough (i.e. the weather widget doesn't work yet). But the general feel is really nice step. There's great integration with online services, the browser runs really well. It seems to me like there is a lot of settings to really customize the phone to how you want it.

Care to post the link as to where you got the ROM, or the forums where it was found, if the direct link is against the COG TOS for some reason? If it's a ROM I haven't come across yet, I'm definitely willing to try it again.

[Xerxes]

From what I see on youtube, if could run stable with out lag, I'd keep my phone longer than planned.

[Gormanimal]

Screen shots won't serve much purpose. It's Hero with the Sense UI. Just like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKTDSfbcbBU). *Edit*A few of the clocks and wallpapers are missing that were in that video.

It's definitely pretty slick. The multi-touch in the browser which works well. Haven't had time to test out flash yet. The integration with online services like Facebook, twitter, and flickr looks like a great feature; I hope there will be further development there. There looks to be a lot of settings so users can really customize the phone to their liking. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to dig into it.

Here's the link (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=531690) to the thread discussing the ROM for the G1 (which I think most, if not all, of you use). I believe this (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522076) hacker has also started working with the Hero ROM. I can grab the Magic link if there is anyone looking. I use a Magic (G2) but a friend uses a G1 and we were able to get it running on his phone as well. It's a little smoother on mine at the moment, but I'm sure it will be further optimized for the G1.

HTC Hero certainly looks like it's going to be a killer phone.

[Cupelix]

HTC Hero certainly looks like it's going to be a killer phone.Man, no kidding. That video is pretty freaking impressive. There's no official word on when that's coming out in the U.S. though, right? I did some googling and couldn't find any official word.

[Xerxes]

Screen shots won't serve much purpose. It's Hero with the Sense UI. Just like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKTDSfbcbBU). *Edit*A few of the clocks and wallpapers are missing that were in that video.

It's definitely pretty slick. The multi-touch in the browser which works well. Haven't had time to test out flash yet. The integration with online services like Facebook, twitter, and flickr looks like a great feature; I hope there will be further development there. There looks to be a lot of settings so users can really customize the phone to their liking. Unfortunately, I haven't had much time to dig into it.

Here's the link (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=531690) to the thread discussing the ROM for the G1 (which I think most, if not all, of you use). I believe this (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=522076) hacker has also started working with the Hero ROM. I can grab the Magic link if there is anyone looking. I use a Magic (G2) but a friend uses a G1 and we were able to get it running on his phone as well. It's a little smoother on mine at the moment, but I'm sure it will be further optimized for the G1.

HTC Hero certainly looks like it's going to be a killer phone.

Your friend with the G1, did he -- As Slack3r78 said...
Moving my apps to the SD card and freeing up ROM for cache usage made a HUGE difference in both speed and reliability for me.

Maybe that plus, the Hero Rom could run just a little smoother. I might look into it anyways. I had a Tmobile Wing. I can deal with a little lag.:o

[Urizen]

Thanks for the links.

I've tried multiple versions of Haykuro's Hero ROMs and everything Rosie UI I could find. Haven't been to XDA in a couple weeks, but I've got Apps2SD running perfectly, so I'm going to give this a try.

[Gormanimal]

Your friend with the G1, did he -- As Slack3r78 said...


Maybe that plus, the Hero Rom could run just a little smoother. I might look into it anyways. I had a Tmobile Wing. I can deal with a little lag.:o

Apps2SD helps a lot for sure.

Thanks for the links.

I've tried multiple versions of Haykuro's Hero ROMs and everything Rosie UI I could find. Haven't been to XDA in a couple weeks, but I've got Apps2SD running perfectly, so I'm going to give this a try.

These just appeared a day or two ago on XDA and the hackers jumped all over them.

[Urizen]

These just appeared a day or two ago on XDA and the hackers jumped all over them.

So, people in the threads are complaining about all sorts of stuff. No Wifi, no Bluetooth, No multi-touch in the music. There's a laundry list of issues people are having with the first ROM you linked to.

I think I'm going to wait a couple days and wait for some more feedback from you. Let me know if you hit any major problems. Thanks.

[Zagrash]

I've recently started researching the G1 after finally getting my hands on a demo unit to play with, and I could probably find the answer elsewhere, but figured I'd check with those of you that have been using the phone - is the Apps2SD something that is only available on a rooted phone? Or can you do that normally? I'm sure I'll probably have more questions as I keep researching, but that was one that immediately came to mind.

[Slack3r78]

is the Apps2SD something that is only available on a rooted phone?
Yes.

10charactersormore

[rein]

I went to pull the trigger on the G1 until I realized that I do not have T-Mobile 3G coverage anywhere close to me. I would be stuck with Edge. My daughter has an iPhone and she gets great 3G coverage in the area from AT&T. Decisions decisions.

How easy is it to jailbreak the newer iPhones? I really wanted the G1 because it plays genesis and snes emulators really well (yes I own the games for the roms! Most anyway :o). Does anyone here with an iPhone have experience with those emulators? Anyone here with a G1 not in 3G territory? I'm looking for a fast phone that will play the emus mentioned at a very decent speed.

I was really wanting the G1 but I already have a HTC phone and it's pretty slow over the EDGE/GPRS network. I only pay $5.99 /mo for it now. I'm not sure I want those same speeds for $34.99 /mo.

[NoName]

Anyone here with a G1 not in 3G territory? I'm looking for a fast phone that will play the emus mentioned at a very decent speed.

I'm sadly in an Edge area with my G1. I just have to have a little bit of patients. Websites load a bit slower than my friend with an iPhone but it's not that bad. Any social networking (facebook, IM, etc) works fine.

As far as the emulation, you don't need the network for that, it works great. :)

[Voodoo]

Since there's more than one Android phone out now, shall we rename this thread to Android Phones?

Personally, I went ahead and got the MyTouch 3G (HTC Magic). It arrives in about two weeks and I'm pretty happy to be soon selling my iPhone back to the telephone masses. :)

[rein]

I just checked my current download spead at dslreports.com/mspeed. It is not pretty, 38Kbit/sec. Apparently I am connecting at poor GPRS speeds. Like I said above, I am currently using a HTC MDA and it supports EDGE which leads me to believe I would have the same crap service with the G1. I can live with those speeds if I am only paying $5.99 /mo for them but no way I am willing to pay $35.00 /mo for those speeds. This makes me really sad. I guess my only hope is to research and see if maybe the $35.00 plan is offering some kind of speed improvement over my T-Zone plan.

[Kenzington4short]

Since there's more than one Android phone out now, shall we rename this thread to Android Phones?

Personally, I went ahead and got the MyTouch 3G (HTC Magic). It arrives in about two weeks and I'm pretty happy to be soon selling my iPhone back to the telephone masses. :)

Hey! Glad to see I'm not the only one! I only got to preorder mine yesterday because there was some sort of glitch that prevented people from Hawaii from ordering the phone.

I'm pretty excited about getting it. I get to be one of those guys updating their Twitter and Facebook from a mobile.

[Xerxes]

Since there's more than one Android phone out now, shall we rename this thread to Android Phones?

Personally, I went ahead and got the MyTouch 3G (HTC Magic). It arrives in about two weeks and I'm pretty happy to be soon selling my iPhone back to the telephone masses. :)

Android Phones would be cool. Seeing sooner or later T-Mobile won't be the only game in town, and the G-1 is getting long in the tooth.

[Zagrash]

Decisions decisions...my blackberry is starting to crap out on me, and I'd really like my next phone to be an Android handset. I'm also not quite ready to go with a touchscreen only phone...which leaves me with the G1 for now. All in all after reading through this forum it seems as though everybody is generally happy with it, and the customization possibilities are also very attractive. I haven't seen any other Android phones coming out in the near future that have a hardware keyboard (that don't look like they were meant for 15 yr olds - Motorola...)

So I guess what I'm wondering, is there any reason NOT to get a G1 at this point? I know I can always upgrade later, as long as I don't mind re-upping for 2 years with T-mob.

[Xerxes]

Decisions decisions...my blackberry is starting to crap out on me, and I'd really like my next phone to be an Android handset. I'm also not quite ready to go with a touchscreen only phone...which leaves me with the G1 for now. All in all after reading through this forum it seems as though everybody is generally happy with it, and the customization possibilities are also very attractive. I haven't seen any other Android phones coming out in the near future that have a hardware keyboard (that don't look like they were meant for 15 yr olds - Motorola...)

So I guess what I'm wondering, is there any reason NOT to get a G1 at this point? I know I can always upgrade later, as long as I don't mind re-upping for 2 years with T-mob.

With a need for a keyboard, you have it dead to rights. I have no idea wtf Motorola was thinking. Maybe Smartphones for teens is the target market I guess.

G1 is still great but with the Hero showing what Android could do with more RAM, you see it's getting a little long in the tooth. I hope by the end of the year though T-Mobile has more options.

With HTC pledging to be 50% Android 2010 (30% in 2009 (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/07/22/htc-adopting-android-on-50-of-its-handsets-in-2010/)), I say chances are high their will be a more powerful slider in the future. That's a year away, so if you do go G1 now, next year your T-Mobile phone upgrade will be back to fully charge. It'll remove the rest of your two year contract and resign you up for a new two years.

[Zagrash]

With a need for a keyboard, you have it dead to rights. I have no idea wtf Motorola was thinking. Maybe Smartphones for teens is the target market I guess.

G1 is still great but with the Hero showing what Android could do with more RAM, you see it's getting a little long in the tooth. I hope by the end of the year though T-Mobile has more options.

With HTC pledging to be 50% Android 2010 (30% in 2009 (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/07/22/htc-adopting-android-on-50-of-its-handsets-in-2010/)), I say chances are high their will be a more powerful slider in the future. That's a year away, so if you do go G1 now, next year your T-Mobile phone upgrade will be back to fully charge. It'll remove the rest of your two year contract and resign you up for a new two years.

That's what I've been thinking...then of course i also see this when I got home - Possible Samsung Tegra/maybe Android SOMETHING (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/24/samsung-confirms-a-tegra-based-smartphone-is-in-the-works-all-o/)...but yeah, I figure even if I buy the G1 now, if t-mob gets a new killer Android phone, I can just re-up for 2 years...

I think I was trying to talk myself out of it this afternoon, but I'm pretty sure I'll probably run out and see about picking up a G1

[Xerxes]

That's what I've been thinking...then of course i also see this when I got home - Possible Samsung Tegra/maybe Android SOMETHING (http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/24/samsung-confirms-a-tegra-based-smartphone-is-in-the-works-all-o/)...but yeah, I figure even if I buy the G1 now, if t-mob gets a new killer Android phone, I can just re-up for 2 years...

I think I was trying to talk myself out of it this afternoon, but I'm pretty sure I'll probably run out and see about picking up a G1

I'm in the camp of if you need a new phone and you're on Tmobile, it's a solid choice.

I'm so hoping the Samsung phone there is Andriod, but even if it's WinMo, can't say I would be taken off my radar.

[Zagrash]

So I picked one up, and haven't had a HUGE change to mess with it, but I've been running through the market looking for some of the stuff mentioned in this thread, or various other apps I might like. I picked up some basic stuff like chess, sudoku, etc. but can't seem to find PicSay, which was touted pretty highly a few pages back. I tried searching for PicSay, picsay, Pic Say, etc. but it always came back with no matches found.

I've also noticed that so far I've only seen free apps. I'm certainly not complaining about the breadth of free apps, but it just seemed a bit odd. Maybe things just haven't updated yet (I know I don't have Cupcake yet).

Anyways, any tips on how to find picsay would be greatly appreciated, also, what are the best apps for stuff like Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Thanks in advance for any help you all can give a G1 novice.

[miah]

So my friend went to the GoogleIO conference and got a HTC Magic for free. He wasn't using it and I managed to buy it off him. I'm signed up with TMobile and well I love this phone. Android has some issues sometimes, but not nearly as many as WinCE. WinCE rarely worked, was always laggy, caused me to miss calls.

I will be very sad if I lose this phone.

[pomeroy]

I will be very sad if I lose this phone.

Is that a big problem for you? I've never lost a phone.

[Slack3r78]

I tried searching for PicSay, picsay, Pic Say, etc. but it always came back with no matches found.
Odd. It's listed as PicSay - Photo Editor on my phone.

Anyways, any tips on how to find picsay would be greatly appreciated, also, what are the best apps for stuff like Facebook, Twitter, etc.? Thanks in advance for any help you all can give a G1 novice.
Twidroid is by far the best Twitter app for Android. I've more or less settled on Hi AIM for that. For Facebook you're best off just using the browser and viewing the desktop version of the site, to be honest. Neither the mobile versions of the site or the apps are really worth using.

[Zagrash]

Odd. It's listed as PicSay - Photo Editor on my phone.

Tried searching for that just now, no luck either...crazy stuff...

Twidroid is by far the best Twitter app for Android. I've more or less settled on Hi AIM for that. For Facebook you're best off just using the browser and viewing the desktop version of the site, to be honest. Neither the mobile versions of the site or the apps are really worth using.

can't find Twidroid, I wonder if I just don't have access to the entire market yet or something? Like I said before, I don't see anything other than free apps right now.

[Slack3r78]

All I can suggest is manually forcing an update to cupcake and seeing if that helps. Maybe the market is doing versioning since apps built for cupcake (1.5) won't run on 1.0?

http://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-install-android-15-cupcake-us-version

[Xerxes]

You can go into the settings and do a search for the update. It should pick up you aren't on the latest firmware.

[Slack3r78]

You can go into the settings and do a search for the update. It should pick up you aren't on the latest firmware.
Didn't work that way for me with 1.0 --> 1.5 on my replacement phone. Had to force update it.

[Zagrash]

Crisis averted, everything showed up once Cupcake was pushed to me this morning. I haven't quite gotten into a "normal" charging routine, but I am definitely noticing that the battery life is so far pretty low. Granted I've also been playing with it a lot more than I probably will normally, showing it off, getting new apps, etc. but so far I'm definitely digging it a lot.

[NoName]

Twidroid is by far the best Twitter app for Android. I've more or less settled on Hi AIM for that. For Facebook you're best off just using the browser and viewing the desktop version of the site, to be honest. Neither the mobile versions of the site or the apps are really worth using.

For Facebook, the app Bloo works amazingly. It's not a mobile wrapper like the other apps. It's a whole 1.49 or so though. :)

Bloo's blog (http://fbandroid.wordpress.com/)

Also, after a lot of drama trying to get apps2sd working on JF 1.51 (apparently the apps2sd app has issues formatting a 16 gig card), I've fallen in love with CyanogenMod (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=537204). I've liked it a lot more than JF's build. Also, the "pimped out recovery image" on that page is the best recovery image I've used.

What other custom images is everyone else using?

[Zagrash]

mmmmm.....donut.... (http://gizmodo.com/5322902/android-donut-out-full-multitouch-universal-search-automated-backups-and-better-performance/gallery/)

[Xerxes]

Battery life is horrible when you first get it. All the playing with it you'll do. I also think cupcake really helped the Battery life.

[Banacek]

Battery life is horrible when you first get it. All the playing with it you'll do. I also think cupcake really helped the Battery life.

Cupcake made the GPS and camera usable. Definitely get the G1, I love this phone.

[Slack3r78]

For Facebook, the app Bloo works amazingly. It's not a mobile wrapper like the other apps. It's a whole 2.99 or so though. :)

Bloo's blog (http://fbandroid.wordpress.com/)
Video walkthrough sold me. Lots of very cool features, and it's actually only $1.49. Very easy to spring for it at that price. :)

Thanks for the heads-up.

[Xerxes]

I liked what I saw but now $3 worth. Slacker sold me with the half price correction. :)

[NoName]

mmmmm.....donut.... (http://gizmodo.com/5322902/android-donut-out-full-multitouch-universal-search-automated-backups-and-better-performance/gallery/)

Sweet, yay for continual android development. :)

I liked what I saw but now $3 worth. Slacker sold me with the half price correction. :)

Haha, opps, guess I should have figured that out before posting.

The nice thing is the author has been pretty good with continued updates. It's gotten a lot better since it first launched.

[Slack3r78]

Looks like 3G just went live here. 945/150Kbs, so not particularly fast by 3G standards, but it's a huge improvement over EDGE. Can't wait to see what coverage around town is like tomorrow.

Nice thing about this is gonna be tethering my netbook to it. Wasn't worth the effort before.

[Zagrash]

I've noticed something kinda crappy with this phone, and I just wanted to see if any of you have had a similar problem, or know of any way to fix it...

when I leave an area where I have a saved Wi-fi hotspot, the phone doesn't seem to pick up cellular data right away, if at all. I can use it as a phone, but I don't get even so much as Edge, or anything for data. Is there a setting somewhere I've missed that fixes this?

[total]

Nice thing about this is gonna be tethering my netbook to it. Wasn't worth the effort before.

The latency I get when tethering is dismal at best, 300-600ms. The speeds I get are more or less in line with yours. It works for web surfing...for the most part I guess.

[Slack3r78]

The latency I get when tethering is dismal at best, 300-600ms. The speeds I get are more or less in line with yours. It works for web surfing...for the most part I guess.
I was getting latencies pretty consistently in the 250ms range this morning. Not fantastic, but fine for web browsing, etc. I don't expect to do anything that requires low latency over a cellular connection.

[Kenzington4short]

Looks like 3G just went live here. 945/150Kbs, so not particularly fast by 3G standards, but it's a huge improvement over EDGE. Can't wait to see what coverage around town is like tomorrow.

Nice thing about this is gonna be tethering my netbook to it. Wasn't worth the effort before.

Ah, lucky. Still only EDGE out here. How big of a difference is there between 3G and EDGE? Are we talking dial up speeds for EDGE?

My MyTouch (or HTC Magic) should be arriving later today. It's my first smart phone so I'm pretty pumped about having it in my hands and downloading the apps everyone's been recommending.