Android Phones: Post here

[evldave]

Oddly, this does not seem to be an issue with my Bionic. Granted, I've only tried to transfer music, but any computer I've hooked it to, with any USB cable it's connected and created a folder.

My Nook Color has the same problem - hypothetically, you can only sync/charge using their 'special' cable...and for some people their normal USB cables don't work. But for others, they've found cables that work - I was lucky and found that 2 of the 3 cables I got from Monoprice worked fine for my Nook (at like $3 each). Far as I can tell no one has figured out what the official difference is (chips, extra wire, interference, etc). I'm just glad I found cheapo extra cables since I lost my original Nook cable

 

[Corey]

Just plugged in my Bionic by the cable that came with it, and my PC installed some drivers for it.
PC is picking up all of the folders on the Droid just fine.

A cable, go figure.
It does look a bit thicker than the other cable I was using that would not let the PC see the Droid as a device.

 

[haven]

new android phones are bigger, faster

Apple disappointed me with their evolutionary approach to the iPhone 4s. I suppose when you're so far ahead in sales, compared to any single Android model, you can rest on your laurels. I read that orders for the 4s with AT&T, Verizon and Sprint have passed 1 million phones -- in the first 24 hours!

Android phone makers, on the other hand, continue to rush the latest technology into production. Three areas where progress is being made are screen resolution, processor speed and 4G data transmission.

-- Screen resolution: Samsung, LG, HTC and Sharp have all shown new models with 1280x720 pixel resolution. These screens have roughly 325 dots per inch, which makes the pixel invisible to the human eye when held at normal viewing distance. The iPhone has a screen resolution of 960x640 with 326 dots per inch.

The new Android phones, with more pixels, have larger screens. They measure 4.5 to 4.65 inches diagonally, while the iPhone screen is 3.5 inches. I saw a note online that demonstrated that the typical adult human thumb is just long enough to reach the full screen of the iPhone. But the thumb can only reach 80% of the 4.5 inch screen when holding the Android phone. Maybe that's why Apple is sticking with its screen size.

Here are examples:

Samsung Galaxy II HD
http://thisismynext.com/2011/09/26/samsung-galaxy-ii-hd-lte-launch-korea-316ppi/

LG Optimus LTE
http://thisismynext.com/2011/10/04/lg-optimus-lte-launch-1280-720-ips-dual-core-official/

HTC Vigor
http://www.gottabemobile.com/2011/10/05/htc-vigor-rumor-roundup-features-release-date-software/

Sharp Aquos 104SH
http://www.electronista.com/articles/11/09/29/android.flagship.to.use.ti.next.gen.mobile.cpu/


-- The latest Android phones have dual core processors that run at 1.5 GHz. The iPhone 4s has dual core, but the clock speed is 1 GHz, just like in the iPad 2. Apple's big improvement is in the co-processor that handles graphics and signal processing. It remains to be seen if the Android or Apple approach will be more desirable for the phone user. And faster quad core processors are already designed and being tested.

-- One area where the iPhone disappointed was in the speed of data transmission. The Verizon and T-Mobile versions use a CDMA EV-DO radio, which is a distinctly 3G solution. The AT&T version gets a faster version of GSM HSPA. Theoretically, it's twice as fast as the HPSA radio in the iPhone 3, 3G and 4. AT&T claims to have upgraded its HSPA service to match the new iPhone. We'll see the results of real world testing next week, but I'm skeptical that the improvement will result in data download speeds faster than 3 megabits per second.

Android phones, on the other hand, are embracing Verizon's version of LTE. The speed of data download with Verizon LTE is between 10 and 20 megabits per second, occasionally faster. This download speed is faster than the typical Internet service provided by your cable company!

AT&T and Sprint are playing catch-up in the race to deploy LTE. They won't have the coverage that Verizon has until the end of 2012. It should be noted that there are several ways to make LTE work, and the solutions from Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are not the same. This means you won't be able to use today's Verizon LTE phone on a different network. In the long run, radio chip manufacturers will offer products that can work with several flavors of LTE.

T-Mobile has a fast alternative to LTE. And they offer their version of 4G in more markets than Verizon does. I have not heard T-Mobile talk about offering a new phone with the specifications listed, but most likely they will in the coming months. While we're waiting, T-Mobile offers the Samsung Galaxy S II (1.5 GHz dual core processor, 4.5 inch 800x480 screen), and the HTC Amaze (1.5 GHz dual core processor, 4.3 inch 960x540 screen). Both run Android 2.3. Read about them here
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/cell-phon...ile-htc-amaze-4g-and-samsung-galaxy-s-ii/6666

Update: Motorola has scheduled an announcement for October 18. It's rumored that a new phone with a 4.3-inch, 960 x 540 Super AMOLED display, faster dual core processor and Verizon LTE will be announced. Guesses about the name include Droid Spyder and Droid Razr.

 

[haven]

Generally complimentary review of the Droid Bionic on Anandtech here
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4910/motorola-droid-bionic-review-dual-core-with-4g-lte

 

[Corey]

Pretty good review.
I know I am extremely happy with mine, and the Internet speed.

I might check into the extended battery though, as being online can chew it up pretty good.

 

[Rocket Ship]

Just got a message from my mobile provider that I'm eligible for an early upgrade on my phone. Currently using a Samsung Impact which is a dumbphone touchscreen. It's been practically useless, and doesn't even work great as a phone, so I'm looking forward to an upgrade.

I'm looking at the Samsung Galaxy S II unless anybody has any good reasons not to?

I've been humming and hawing for a while now, about some sort of electronics for the truck, because I need a better street navigation syste. Currently using a Garmin 76 with Topo Canada loaded. It often gives me some pretty "interesting" routes. Last time, I ended up needing to use 4WD Low because it sent me down an unmaintained road with a giant mud hole on a route that should have been all highway. And I was pulling a trailer too. I also need some kind of rear camera system because I can't see anything out the back of the truck anymore. I have to back up blindly.

Anyway, I was looking at getting a Magellan 9055 GPS. Nice unit, 7", with a rear view camera input. Solves both problems. But it's sort of at an evolutionary dead-end.

Now I'm thinking the smartphone might be a better way to go. I get a road-based GPS (I love my Garmin, but it's not great on paved roads). I can also tether it to my netbook, which I can mount in the truck. I was already thinking about doing that for entertainment anyway (for the kids ) The netbook could also serve as the backup system with some kind of USB camera.

 

[Corey]

All Verizon phones including the Droid Bionic are on sale for one penny :Wow1:
http://wireless.amazon.com/f/pennypincher
With a new line of service though...

 

[haven]

That is an amazing deal! The Droid Bionic is listed at $300 on Verizon's web site, plus a two year contract.

I wonder if Amazon is clearing out its inventory prior to the Samsung/Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich announcement, now scheduled for Oct 19.

 

[craig]

It's only good for people signing up for a *new* plan. Sounds like an incentive designed to get people to switch to their network.

 

[Corey]

That is an amazing deal! The Droid Bionic is listed at $300 on Verizon's web site, plus a two year contract.

Really good deal.
I got the Boeing discount for $250, then the next day when I went to get a powered HDMI cable for it at Radio Shack, the manager told me he sells them at $200 out the door.
They got a special deal from Verizon.

I still like my deal though, and I get a monthly discount via Boeing on my service plan to.
$72 a month for service and unlimited data is pretty good with 4G LTE.

 

[haven]

I continue to be intrigued by the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4.0 and 5.0. It's Samsung's version of the iPod Touch, that is, a phone-like device that has WiFi, but no 3G data service from a cell phone provider. The two Samsung models are similar, except for screen size (4 inch and 5 inch, both 800x480 color touchscreens). Both devices have 8GB of flash memory, and a slot for a microSD card of up to 32 GB. Both run Android 2.3.5, and both can access the Android app market run by Google. The 4.0 costs $229, the 5.0 $269.

Here's the 4.0 model, as sold by J&R.com
http://www.jr.com/samsung/pe/SAM_YPG1CWYXXA/

The intriguing part is that these devices include a GPS chip, so you can use any Android navigation app to find your way, even without access to WiFi. I contacted J&R.com for confirmation.

The iPod Touch lacks GPS. You can add a plug-in GPS receiver, such as the Bad Elf, or a Bluetooth GPS such as Dual Electronics XGPS 150, for $100.

I guess the alternative is to purchase a used Android smartphone, and just use it without a cell phone contract. I'm sure it won't be long before Corey will be upgrading to the latest Motorola phone!

 

[gary in ohio]

T-mobile is crap around here. There are lots of places in the middle of ohio where I dont even have VOICE service with t-mobile.

 

[Rocket Ship]

I continue to be intrigued by the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4.0 and 5.0. It's Samsung's version of the iPod Touch, that is, a phone-like device that has WiFi, but no 3G data service from a cell phone provider. The two Samsung models are similar, except for screen size (4 inch and 5 inch, both 800x480 color touchscreens). Both devices have 8GB of flash memory, and a slot for a microSD card of up to 32 GB. Both run Android 2.3.5, and both can access the Android app market run by Google. The 4.0 costs $229, the 5.0 $269.

I don't really understand the point of these? Why wouldn't you just get a Galaxy S phone? They're free with a contract. I just got my S II for $75. Yeah ok, I need a data plan contract, but most people have a cell-phone anyway, and my new plan with 6GB of mobil data is the same price as my old plan.

I noticed this just flipping through the local Best Buy flier. They're still sellling miscellaneous MP3 devices. Portable DVD players, etc. Who's buying these things any more? Why would anybody buy one of these for $150, when you can get a netbook with a nicer screen for the same price?

Anyway, I'm really liking the new phone. I'm not the type to change phones often, I'm glad I waited to this point in the evolution. The phones are incredible now, and cheap. This thing will replace so many devices. Cell phone, MP3 Player, GPS, light computing, I can Skype on it, drive an HDTV, built in FM tuner, voice recorder. It just goes on an on. Glad I didn't blow $200 on that stand alone car GPS unit. This will do what I need. Just have to find a decent dashboard mount for it.

 

[haven]

next generation Android phones

With the announcement of Android 4.0 (aka Ice Cream Sandwich) due Tuesday evening (Weds morning in Asia), manufacturers are starting to show their next generation phones. Here are examples.

Motorola Razr
----------------------
expected price with 2 year contract: $300

1.2 GHz dual core processor (20% faster than most current smartphones)

1 Megabyte RAM (most phones have 512 KB)

16 GB flash memory, plus MicroSDHC slot for up to 32 GB more storage

4G Verizon LTE data (6-15 times faster than 3G data service)

4.3 inch Super AMOLED Plus display (excellent color, little smearing when images change quickly, as in games and movies)

qHD 960x540 screen resolution
(able to display a readable web page with lots of text in its native resolution,
text on 800x480 displays often is illegible without zooming in, able to display netflix movies in HD.
960x540 is half of the 1920x1080 resolution of full HD)

8 megapixel rear camera (capable of 1080p video)

1800 mAh battery (typical for a phone of this type)

7.1 mm thick (thinner than iPhone, easier to hold and fit into a pocket)

compatible with 10.1 inch and 14 inch lapdocks (Motorola's netbook-like screen and keyboard accessories)

Razr is currently running Android 2.3, but I expect it will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 before it's delivered in November
[Update: A Motorola exec says Razr will get Ice Cream Sandwich in "early 2012." The Razr will be sold with Android 2.3 until then.]


Samsung/Google Galaxy Nexus
-------------------------------
available November 2011
expected price with 2 year contract: $300
ships with Android 4.0
1.2 GHz dual core processor
1 GB RAM, 16 or 32 GB storage
4.65 inch 1280x720 Super AMOLED Plus display
HSPA+ 21 megabit radio, LTE in some markets (including USA)
5 megapixel rear-facing camera, records 1080p video
Bluetooth 3.0 (not 4.0, as found in Motorola Razr and iPhone 4S)
NFC radio for short distance connectivity (use like a credit card)
1750 mAh battery
135.5 x 67.94 x 8.94mm (fat compared to the Razr's 7.1 mm profile)
135g = 4.76 ounces, light considering the huge screen

HTC Vigor (named Rezound on Verizon)
---------------------
available November 2011
expected price with 2 year contract: $300
ships with Android 2.3, upgrade to 4.0 in "early 2012"
1.5 GHz dual core processor
1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, microSD memory card slot
4.3 inch 1280x720 Super AMOLED Plus display
Verizon LTE
8 megapixel rear-facing camera, records 1080p video
Bluetooth 3.0 ?
1620 mAh battery
129 x 65.5 x 13.65 mm (almost twice as thick as some phones)
weight

update: now LG has joined the party with the Nitro HD
1280x800 4.5 inch color display
1.5GHz Qualcomm APQ8060 dual core processor
1GB RAM, 4GB storage, microSD slot with 16GB additional storage included
8 megapixel rear camera, 1.3 megapixel front facing camera
Nitro HD will appear in USA on ATT's LTE network first
will ship with Android 2.3 at first, then upgrade to Android 4.0 when available

 

[Rocket Ship]

So this morning, my phone clobbered my network at work and shut down a network printer. Much research led to an interesting finding... Since Froyo, many, many, many Android devices do not properly adhere to DHCP protocol. Basically, if they are sleeping when you leave a Wifi area, or if it is sleeping when it's DHCP address lease expires, it continues to use the old IP address instead of, or IN ADDITION TO whatever new address it ends up with. My phone is setup for dynamic addresses, and at home it typically gets 192.168.1.50. When I came in to work this morning, it requested a renewal on 192.168.1.29, the same address it had at work last Friday. This is not typical in the protocol. You normally only request renewal just before your lease expires. But, since nobody was on 29, the DHCP server granted it. So that's fine. The problem is, my phone was responding to ARP requests on both .1.29, and .1.50 (my old home address). We had a network printer on DHCP, but with the reserved address of .1.50. The conflict took down the printer until an IT guy had the thought to check the ARP table and saw that my phone was on .1.50 as well as 29.

http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=11236

It appears to be a pretty massive problem, first reported in September 2010. It appears Google hasn't done anything to fix it. And then whenever they get around to it, who know how long until the fix gets rolled out by the service providers. It appears like a large number of Android devices are wandering around causing network conflicts, but not everybody is quick enough to catch the root cause.

Currently I'm in the final stages of figuring out how to root the phone, and will probably install CyanogenMod 7.1. This is to get rid of bloatware, and fix my battery issues.