Google plans to make the service data-only with voice and SMS only being used as VoIP services, likely with Google Voice. Google of course already has its ISP feet on the ground with its Fiber rollout on the Stanford Campus and its just-opened Kansas City network....... Google is launching its Glass head gear next year and would benefit from total control of the network. Without full control, Google is seeing its Voice and Wallet services being blocked by carriers, specifically AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile
And I am thinking this is almost Republic Wireless territory. Granted there is no unlimited talking, but I guess the trick is to use the unlimited data to use your Google Voice app. I have been using Google Voice as my primary phone for years now. It is free. The quality is great. And it is really smart. The integration to my Gmail account is unbeatable. Otherwise I get anxious giving out my regular phone number. My Google Voice is a much cleaner experience. I like my address book in the cloud.
The Republic Wireless price experience with the sexiest phone experience, you can't beat that.
Nexus 4 is sold out. And the T-Mobile pre-paid SIM card that makes the $30 a month plan possible is also sold out. Interesting. Looks like a lot of people are going for this.
If you can manage with a low pool of monthly minutes (and with free Google services, it's more feasible than you'd think), T-Mobile Monthly 4G is about as cheap as you can get for smartphone service. The company's marquee prepaid plan -- which I use myself -- is $30 a month for 100 anytime minutes, unlimited texting, and unlimited data (with the first 5GB per month at 4G HSPA+ speeds). .......... Straight Talk is a Wal-Mart-affiliated provider that offers service on your choice of AT&T's or T-Mobile's network. Its best plan is $45 a month for unlimited minutes, unlimited texting, and unlimited data
trim back your monthly minutes -- and that doesn't mean you have to talk any less ...... The only number I give out to people these days is my Google Voice number ...... a fee-free VoIP phone line for your home and/or office. No hassle, no bills, and -- at least in my experience -- landline-like call quality. ..... As long as I'm at home, my actual cell phone never rings and I never use any cellular minutes. ........ a VoIP calling app for my Android phone ..... GrooVe IP lets you use the free Google calling service right from your smartphone; instead of using cellular minutes, you place calls over Wi-Fi or your 3G/4G data connection
Nexus 4 is about to become my first smartphone. So far I have been a Google Voice person (free calling) and my mobile solution has been a Net10 prepaid. I will very much continue with Google Voice. But the Net10 phone is about to be ditched for a Nexus 4 come November 13.
Finally a phone that meets my high standards. $299 is a cute price point.
You buy the phone for $299 and then go shop for a plan. I think I am looking at T-Mobile's unlimited talk, text, web at $50 a month. I get the impression there is unlimited international calling for $10 more. But international better not mean Europe only. I am looking at Nepal and India.
Rumor has it the Nexus 7 tablet will drop to $99 by the end of the year. That would be tempting. Finally a one laptop per child price.
I am a Google fanboy. The iPhone never competed with the Nexus brand in my world.
will likely be as relevant in 10 months as it is today. ..... Nexus 4 is hands-down the best overall Android smartphone experience and value you can get your hands on right now. ..... software integration and upgrades ..... With the Nexus 4, all that stuff is handled completely by Google. ..... With the Nexus 4, Google has taken the best parts of the Optimus G and polished them to near-perfection. ..... You have an awesome display -- quite possibly the best available on any phone at the moment -- along with absurdly fast performance, a great camera, and a distinctive and cool-looking design that's Nexus through and through. Then, of course, what really makes the Nexus 4 a Nexus: its pure Google Android 4.2 software, with guaranteed fast and frequent updates directly from Google in the future. ..... the real kicker: You get all of that for $300 to $350, unlocked and off-contract. That kind of pricing is unheard of for this caliber of device ..... take it to a prepaid provider for 30 to 50 bucks a month ...... This is market-shifting stuff we're talking about here, folks. ...... Maximum HSPA+ speeds in the States -- via T-Mobile's or AT&T's network -- run from 21 Mbps to 42 Mbps, depending on your connection. With the Nexus 4, I'm regularly hitting speeds around the 18 Mbps mark. ..... The phone comes only with 8 or 16GB of internal space and offers no SD slot for external expansion.
T-Mobile's $30-a-month prepaid plan. .... 100 minutes a month along with unlimited texting and unlimited data (with the first 5GB at 4G HSPA+ speeds). A hundred minutes a month isn't much, but thanks to Google Voice and some crafty location-aware call forwarding I have configured on my phone -- in conjunction with Google-based VoIP "phone lines" I have set up in my home and office -- I rarely use more than that
the Nexus 4 is a vastly superior phone in almost every way. ..... the Nexus 4's construction feels far more solid and substantial than the Galaxy Nexus's plasticky build. (The downside, of course, is that the Nexus 4's glass back could increase the risk of breakage if you drop the device.) ..... The Nexus 4 has a gorgeous True HD IPS screen that pretty much puts the Galaxy Nexus's HD Super AMOLED display to shame. ..... After you've had your eyes on the Nexus 4 for a while, you definitely won't want to go back to the Galaxy Nexus's screen. ...... the N4's screen is also easy to see in direct or indirect sunlight, while the Galaxy Nexus becomes almost useless in those settings. ...... a 1.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor along with 2GB of RAM ...... The Nexus 4 boots up about 30 seconds faster than the Galaxy Nexus ..... loads Web pages five to 10 seconds faster .... any task you do just feels zippier on the Nexus 4. ..... The Galaxy Nexus's camera was never great ..... it's better in both areas (significantly so with Wi-Fi while moderately so with GPS). ....... The Nexus 4's speaker is noticeably louder and clearer-sounding than its predecessor's
bring in your own device and use it at prepaid plan prices. Prices like 30 bucks a month -- a flat rate with no sneaky fees or unexpected overages. ..... he's using a Galaxy Nexus on T-Mobile's network, paying just $30 a month for service ...... T-Mobile lets customers use any compatible device with its Monthly 4G prepaid service -- something other prepaid carriers don't allow. ..... For $30 a month, he's now getting 100 minutes, unlimited texting, and 5GB of 4G (HSPA+) data. The closest equivalent on Verizon -- 450 minutes a month, 5GB of 4G data, and unlimited texting -- would cost nearly four times that amount. Even factoring in the unsubsidized cost of the phone, Bowdre's saving nearly $1700 over two years' time. ...... deals with the lower monthly minute limit by using a VoIP app to make calls from work and home; he also keeps an extra prepaid balance on his account so he can use additional cell minutes if he needs 'em. T-Mobile charges 10 cents a minute if you want to go over your monthly prepaid-plan allotment, so you're basically looking at an extra 10 bucks for every extra hundred minutes you use -- all paid in advance, of course
GigaOm: Republic Wireless to launch $19 unlimited voice, SMS and data service: Republic Wireless ..... will launch a hybrid cellular voice and VoIP service on Nov. 8, 2011. ..... The service, which costs $19 a month, will allow you to make VoIP phone calls over Wi-Fi and will switch to cellular-based calling when a Wi-Fi network is unavailable. Text messages can also be sent via Wi-Fi or cellular networks. The service does require a special Android handset. The plan includes unlimited voice and text messaging. It also includes unlimited data without any bandwidth caps. ...... no different from the Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA)-based service bundled in some T-MobileBlackBerry devices. T-Mobile also has UMA available on some Android phones. ...... When inside the office or your home or inside a Wi-Fi hot-spot, all phone calls and text messages are sent and received via the Internet. ...... like Kineto Wireless’ UMA that is used by T-Mobile, Republic requires you to buy a special phone that can handle this hybrid calling. The company has built this hardware based on Google’s Android OS. ...... also attractive to those who travel internationally and want to save on calling back to the U.S. ...... the idea of unlimited 3G data with the service for $19 a month
Republic Wireless, a new mobile phone service from Bandwidth.com that will be launching on November 8, and could truly be the phone carrier you’ve always wanted. ...... an alternative to the likes of Verizon and AT&T. ..... Users will not have to manually switch between Wifi and cellular — the phone will figure it out automatically ..... New phones are required because the Hybrid Calling relies on both hardware and software ....... You won’t need to sign up for a contract, so there aren’t any termination fees. No overage fees, either. ..... $19 a month, which will include unlimited voice, text, and data.
Also the Galaxy Nexus has been taking too long to show up.
TechCrunch: TechCrunch Review: Google Nexus S a “clean” install of Android..... will become the reference phone for this generation of Android. ..... significantly faster than the Nexus One (and most current generation phones), has a high-end AMOLED 400 x 800 resolution screen that is second only to the iPhone 4 ...... dead simple to set up ..... it’s Google’s various apps, some of which are unavailable for the iPhone, that make it the best phone on the market today. .... very thin and light – just 4.55 ounces ..... significantly svelter than the EVO or the Droid X ..... 6+ hours of heavy voice/data usage ..... gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, proximity sensor, haptic feedback and a light sensor ..... 16 GB of internal flash memory .... Google’s noise cancellation software is also present. When combined with the excellent audio hardware it results in very high quality calls. In test calls from my car the recipient said they heard very little background noise – the iPhone in particular performed terribly in a similar test. ..... So far, not one dropped call..... Nexus S comes with the Google Voice app pre-installed ..... the UI hasn’t seen a ground-up redesign (that’s coming in Honeycomb) .... If the iPhone is 8/10 on text input, the Nexus One is probably 5/10 and the Nexus S is a solid 6/10. .... the real test with us is whether we continue to use it after a post. The EVO and the Droid X were quickly forgotten for us. Michael tested the iPhone 4 but its lack of point to point navigation and unwillingness to play well with Google Voice made him ultimately give it up after a month and move back to the Nexus One ....... The Nexus S will almost certainly be his go-to phone for the next few months. Michael is leaving today for a week in Europe, and taking only this phone with him. The fact that it’s unlocked means he can add a sim card once he is in Paris and continue to use it without extravagant additional charges. ..... Google’s voice search/input applications and Google Navigation continue to make Android phones in general significantly better mobile devices than the iPhone. ..... It is better than the iPhone in most ways.
If Google could only go into the wireless broadband supported by ads market itself, this phone could be practically free. The idea that you have to pay for phone calls is ridiculous. The technology is already there.
Image by Lachlan Hardy via FlickrIf how often I visit a particular blog is the way to measure, Fred Wilson very much continues to be my favorite solo blogger. He does have a home base advantage in that both of us are New Yorkers, but his standing in the blogosphere is obvious. Yesterday his blog post was the top featured story at TechMeme when I visited it, which was in the evening.
Sturdier build, richer experience, is that where we are headed with donut? I have been scouring for details, not many are forthcoming.
We don't seem to know when either. But the anticipation level is very high.
For me it is not just about the mobile phones, although Android seems to really want to open up the territory, for me it is even more about the Netbook space. I am eager to see how Android will reshape the Netbook space.
In The News
Sony Ericsson baking Donut Android phonesReg Hardware several Android phones based on the GoogleOS’ Donut edition ..... little’s yet known about the Donut update’s features. ..... Donut will feature greater multimedia support .... strong contenders in the entertainment category.
Android 2.0 “Donut”Android Phone Fans - Phandroid.com not only are these rumors, but they were Russian rumors translated into English and then went through my rough deciphering capabilities after a spin through the Google Translate machine ..... This would be hilarious if true considering the current version (1.5) has gained incredible popularity with the Cupcake name. ..... The radical difference, which is why everything is silent, that the new machines are built on the Android OS 2.0 code-named Donut. ..... “Acer” is mentioned as launching a Donut based Android Phone. Google Groups: Android Platform
Samsung Prepping Two Smartphones Running Android 2.0Brighthand The Spica ..... 3-inch QVGA touchscreens, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, 3 MPx cameras, and microSD card slots ...... The release of the next version of Google's OS isn't going to happen for about 6 months ...... support for additional screen resolutions: WVGA and QVGA ....... Only HVGA displays are supported by Android 1.5, while both of Samsung's upcoming models will reportedly have QVGA ones. T-Mobile Delays Android 1.5 Update, Android 2.0 SpottedInformationWeeka first look at Android 2.0 will make you want to skip 1.5 altogether. ...... Android is trading cupcakes for donuts. ...... an HTC-customized version of Android, and its very slick.
T-Mobile USA: G1 Cupcake Update Delayed 1 WeekAndroid Phone Fans - Phandroid.com Updates on Acer, Sony Ericsson, and Panasonic HandsetsAndroidGuys “We are seriously considering developing an Android-based handset and entering overseas mobile phone markets in fiscal 2010.” ..... The term ‘near’ future is subjective so don’t go thinking 2.0 is right around the corner just yet. ..... With 9 out of 10 upcoming handset running Windows Mobile, the smartest phone they’ll release in 2009 will be Android. Motorola Morrison Android handset T-Mobile-boundT3 a Motorola Android phone, the Motorola Morrison. .... the scheduled launch date is down as the start of November ..... the version most phone makers have been gearing their handsets to using. ....... Motorola has promised Android phones before the year is out and has been reported as seeing Android as its last shot at sticking with the big boys. ....... the Morrison looks to be phone equivalent of its supermarket namesake, solid and dependable and possibly a little cheaper than the competition. But we'll reserve judgement until we see the full details, a bigger picture and ideally, get hands-on with it. HTC Hero's Android Build Caught on VideoSoftpedia Android Cupcake, Donut, Eclair and Beyond…Android Phone Fans - Phandroid.com
1995 was the biggest year for Windows. It made world headline news. It knocked off Middle East peace from the top spot. That big. Is this year to be the same year for Android? Or is this more like what 1992 was for Windows, big but not the peak? It is hard to tell right now. For one, we are almost half way through 2009 already. Two, there is so much room for innovation and growth still with Android. It has only barely begun to move beyond smartphones to smart laptops. I have a feeling the real Android action is not going to be on smartphones, big as it is going to be, and already has been. The bigger action will be on the bigger rectangle.
Right now if I had to guess I would say, Windows 95, Android 10, or even Android 11, Android 12.
Android Cupcake
Android Donut
Android E________
Android Fruitcake
Android Granola/Grapes
Android Haluwa
Android Icecream
Android Jamun
Android Kabab
Android Lalmohan
Android Mithai
Android Naan
Android Oatmeal
Android Pie (if it is a clunky version, we call it Android Potato)
I don't know about you, but I think Android has a long way to go. But even under the best of circumstances Android can not expect a Windows like 90% market share. I foresee a healthy market.
In The News Cupcake party: Android 1.5 update coming to T-Mobile G1 owners ...CNET NewsThe update will be delivered over the air in random batches over the next several weeks, and T-Mobile expects to reach all G1 customers by the end of May. ...... user interface improvements, better performance, as well as new features, such as an onscreen full QWERTY keyboard, video recording and playback, and stereo Bluetooth support.
Google's Android Gets A CupcakeForbes more features and functionality to handsets ..... easy video uploads to YouTube and live data feeds. ...... more sophisticated background images and icons and a browser that can display more complex Web pages. ...... bond over video clips ..... BlackBerry maker Research In Motion ( RIMM - news - people ) recently amended its operating system to support touchscreens and faster browsing. Rivals including Apple ( AAPL - news - people ), Palm ( PALM - news - people ) and Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ) are all working on their own software updates or new releases. ........ speech recognition tools and live folders, leap-frog the competition. Others, like the virtual keyboard, are catch-up moves. ...... Cupcake will support a range of phone designs, greatly expanding the market for Android handsets. ...... Talukdar wants tools that help apps communicate with Web sites like Facebook. ........ miscommunication and delays. ...... Backward compatibility issues ....... Google already has a 2.0 version of Android in the works, perhaps to support gadgets larger than phones, like notebooks and netbooks. The code name? Donut. Just as sweet but hopefully more substantial.
What do you want from the next Android device?CNET News the guts of the phone, the actual Android operating system. ..... on-screen landscape keyboard, video recording, stereo Bluetooth, updated Webkit browser, and UI improvements. ...... Native Microsoft Exchange support would be a good start as well as Flash support. G1 users have also complained about the inability to save apps to SD cards and limited internal memory. ...... Android 2.0 (code-named Donut) is already attracting buzz, though we know very little about it except that it will support WVGA and QVGA screen resolutions.
Here's Why Your G1 Android Phone Hasn't Updated To Cupcake 1.5 YetInformationWeek The blogosphere has been buzzing about Cupcake since November 2008. Donut Android build in the works | Google Android BlogJust when you thought that you had your feel of Android firmware-related bakery ...... There has been no word on what is in Donut ..... Android Framework Engineer Dianne Hackborn added that a detailed roadmap and feature list on Donut is not yet available due to concerns about “implied commitments that people are then going to base device schedules around when we are not confident enough about them.” Samsung Bigfoot & Spico Android smartphones with OS 2.0 “Donut”?a 3-megapixel autofocus camera, accelerometer, digital compass and 100MB of onboard storage Homer Simpson Approves of Google Android 2.0 "Donut"seems that the Android development team at Google has sugary baked goods on the brain ...... lines of code. Mmmm… delicious code… Very little is known about Android 2.0 Donut ...... I wonder what the next in the Android line of releases will bring? Macaroons? Brownies? Macadamia and white chocolate cookies? How about a five-minute chocolate cake? Google Android 2.0 dubbed Donut DetailsSo it seems you can have your Cupcake and eat it as a Donut will follow. Stunning Growth (900%) Predicted for Androidcompared to a predicted growth for iPhone sales of less than 80% which suggests that Android-based handsets could be a major player in the smartphone market in the next few years. ...... Interest in Android phones from a variety of sources including operators, phone vendors, phone developers and consumers. ....... Popularity of Google services including Google’s mobile search functions, cloud services and application support. ....... Android’s open-source format. More and more people are interested in seeing mobile phones opened up. ....... Increased variety of handset styles and choice among carriers will naturally increase sales. ........ Since Android is starting with a low user base, the overall industry growth could mean a high level of growth for this particular type of smartphone. ...... more than ten million Android-based handsets could be sold before the end of the year. ....... this is the year for Google Android growth. Android 2.0 aka "Donut" coming Q3 on Samsung Spica & Bigfoot Donut is the just the treat the mobile manufacturers have been waiting for and first out the gates will be Samsung who'll bring us the Spica and Bigfoot handsets most likely on T-Mobile ....... 3.0" WQVGA screens, 3-megapixel cameras, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS, digital compasses and accelerometers Android Cupcake is Now in a DonutGoogle Android Phone News - GAB the most active and bleeding edge Android codebase after Donut is completed.
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