Motorola's Droid (available on Nov 06) is the first touch-screen smartphone to use Google's Android version 2.0. Droid's features include sync to Exchange right out of the box so that you can check your work emails and download contacts and calendar. It also syncs your contacts with Facebook. Droid has a 5-megapixel camera with built in flash. Like other Android based phones, it can run multiple programs at once. The Google maps application in Droid can turn the smartphone into a GPS device providing turn-by-turn directions.
However, compared to iPhone, Droid's OS and look-and-feel is not refined. It does not support true multi-touch and it's application foot print is not as big as that of iPhone. Android's inability to use more than 256MB of apps is another drawback. But, better wireless coverage from Verizon and positive reviews by technology critics would make this smartphone a top shopping item for people looking for a mobile this holiday season.
According to Google, 18 mobile phones will be using Android platform by the end of 2009. Below is a partial list of phones available in North America:
Phone | Android Version |
|---|---|
| HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1) | 1.0 |
| HTC Magic (T-Mobile myTouch 3G) | 1.5 |
| HTC Hero (T-Mobile G2 Touch) | 1.5 |
| HTC Click | 1.6 |
| Samsung Galaxy | 1.5 |
| Samsung Moment | 1.5 |
| Motorola CLIQ | 1.6 |
| Motorola Heron | 2.0 |
| Motorola Droid | 2.0 |
| Sony Ericsson Xperia | 1.6 |
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Of the Android based phones, only droid comes close to being a competetior for iPhone. However addition of physical keyboard makes it a little bit bulkier. Also, the location of the D-pad on the physical keyboard doesn't seem appealing.
ReplyDeleteGoogle navigation incorporated in Android 2.0 is the most fascinating feature. It uses the Google Street View, i.e., it shows the real pictures of road. This makes it best GPS device available yet on the market.
Did any of you guys checked it out in person??
ReplyDeleteDude, it is not released yet. It will be released on Nov 6th as PReddy pointed out. So, no hands-on. Plenty of info is available online though.
ReplyDeleteI know it's not released. I am just pulling your leg as you are passing judgments without checking the phone. ;) I did the same and trashed iPhone before using it.
ReplyDeleteYou obviously misunderstood what I wote and you should read it again. And by no means I was neither passing judgements nor trashing the Droid. The physical dimensions point in my comment is a fact (search for dimensions of both and you will get it). And if you are thumbing using the physical keyboard it seems like you might have to re-adjust your right hand position because of the D-pad. If you had thumbed, you would understand.
ReplyDeletePlanning to try Droid this Black friday ( no buying, just checking the features). Any idea if Verizon stores have working models on display to play around?
ReplyDelete