Mar 03

The Google phone is confirmed to be heading to the UK this coming April.

For those who missed out on the news about this Android smart phone, the Nexus One is the very first Google branded device to be released. The phone was manufactured by HTC, a mobile phone manufacturer with deep roots in the development of the Android operating system. HTC is one of the first members of the open handset alliance and they were the first to manufacture a mobile phone that used the Android OS –the HTC Dream.

Since the Android arrived in the mobile phone industry, its popularity grew thanks to its easy to use touch based user interface, the open source system and of course, Google’s own marketing machine. In two years, the OS went from underdog to mainstream, easily placing second only to the Apple iPhone OS in terms of popularity. 2010 is considered to be the year of the Android with the sheer number of devices using the OS set to arrive this year.

The Nexus One has been out since early January. After a small launch event at Google’s own headquarters at Mountain View, California, the device met with very low sales that many attributed to the fact that the phone had limited marketability due to being exclusive to the Google store. Only 20,000 units of the Nexus One sold during its first week. Despite Vodafone bringing the device over to the UK, the only way to get a unit would still be online.

Android fans who are not too keen on the online ordering system might want to opt for the HTC Desire smart phone. It has similar specs to the Nexus One and is expected to be released sometime this March.

Get to know more about the Nexus One heading to the UK at Tech Radar.

Feb 19

Google BuzzTo ask what the general reaction to Buzz was; it is annoying.

Yep, just simple annoyance; this would have been more than enough reason to just ignore the function all together and treat it like that spam folder we never even have to empty out (it trashes anything older than 30 days anyway).

So imagine our surprise to know that Harriet Jacobs, an American woman, suffered from serious emotional harm because of the social networking tool. Why is this different?

The difference here is that when Facebook, Twitter or other social networking tools are used against another person, it is often due to the victim’s own negligence. Your account is your content; that is what would apply here. For Buzz however, you are suddenly put into the middle of the network without even signing up for it.

Believe me; that one page “yes/no” option does not count at all. Had Google given users the benefits of editing default settings right after you press “Yes” (or literally, something more to the lines of: go see Buzz) then it would never have been a problem.

Instead, you are suddenly followed by everyone and following everyone. Not really what you would want since not everyone in our contacts, received from and sent to lists are people we would want to have as online friends. Some are just co-workers, others are acquaintances we sent a needed document to, others can be customer support staff whom we have argued with and others could be vengeful ex-husbands.

That last example was the exact case for poor Ms. Jacobs. All of a sudden, her ex-husband was privy to all the updates she places online.

At least Facebook lets you confirm who you will be connected to.

Read more about Google’s big problems with Buzz at Times Online UK.

Feb 15

GoogleIf you are already tired of hearing news about Google, brace yourself. It looks like the folks at Mountain View are systematically penetrating every aspect of day to day use technology.

We already have the whole web service combo. Google provides us all with an amazing search engine, a reliable email service, instant messaging, VOIP, maps and even a full faux-3D photo-Earth. Sure there are occasionally services such as Google Video and Wave that simply do not work out. But at the same time, there are gems like Picasa and the acquisitioned YouTube.

Google has also ventured into development outside of web. The Chrome web browser and the Chrome OS are reported to be getting its own net book (and according to rumors, a tablet). The Google Android operating system is getting plenty of positive feedback in the mobile phone community. The Google branded Nexus One mobile phone launched early this January and it looks like a Nexus Two device (through a tie up with Motorola) is in the works.

Now, it looks like Google is looking into providing the internet itself to us.

Right now, they have already laid the groundwork and the foundation by setting up the fiber network for high speed transfer. It has been reported that the connection will reach speeds of about 1 gigabit per second.

So far, the announcement is only good for the US –and most likely in selected areas only. But if Google’s network does prove to be superior to what we commonly consider as the base standard, it would not be too surprising to see other internet service providers to follow suit. For now, the 1gbps connection speed is practically worthless unless you are also accessing content that can deliver the same speed.

Read more about Google’s new broadband service on Times Online UK.

Feb 04

Google Nexus One 1It was not so long ago that Google was just a mere search engine.  Today, they have upgraded their prospects to various other ventures, including the world of mobile phones.  The Google Nexus One: a Smartphone where the population meets the web.  It is one of the most well-designed phones on the markets of modern times.  Of course, Google has topped the charts against the rival, iPhone.  With striking similarities to the iPhone, the Google Nexus One is much thinner, and lighter.

With a removable battery, the internal storage can be enlarged to 32 GB from 4 GB microSD.  The functionality of the phone relies on the bottom with the back, menu, home, and search buttons.  The Nexus One has one of the most vivid and fluid designs in terms of the touch-screen displays.   The Nexus One is power-driven by a Snapdragon 1GHz processor.  This allows an easier handling on the 3-D graphics and will permit many apps to run concurrently.  Contrasting with preceding Androids, there is no slowdown or lagging present when the phones limitations are pushed.  The gadget will maintain to bustle no matter how many apps there are in succession at the same time.

The phone’s battery life is relatively diminutive when in performance with video games and other highly intensive activities.  If you are an avid game player, be prepared to keep the charger close-by.   Otherwise, the phone has 7 hours of talk time, 250 hours for stand-by time, 5 hours of 3G Web use, 7 hours for video time, and 20 hours for audio time.  Not a bad deal for the world’s best super phone.  The upside to the short life span of a charged battery is that users can easily view the battery usage and availability of usage.

Google Nexus One 3

The Nexus One will be readily available to meet the consumer demand for the phone.  Google is offering another version of the phone through T-Mobile for around €130.  Google offers a plan for service; unlimited SMS, unlimited data and 500 minutes.  The plan will cost around €57 a month in the US.  There can be ways to avoid the full costs of the phone by terminating a plan immediately and paying only €275 for the phone.  Google will be shipping the unlocked versions of the phone to markets in US, Hong Kong, UK, and Singapore.  The UK will see the Nexus One released via Vodafone in the coming months.

The Android 2.1 operating system is employed on the Nexus One and has a range of software features that will please customers.  Google Voice can be used to command the phone features by speaking into the phone.  Keyboard by Google is similar to the voice commanding, and users will be able to activate the microphone.  When the microphone is activated, it will convert speech into texts and commands.   Background noise is reduced by 90% and drops around 70% in a moving vehicle.  Even if the voice commands and text are submitted with error, it is easy to edit the errors at a later time.  The microphone benefit is definitely a time saver and users will progress with daily tasks with easy and satisfaction.

Jan 07

Google Nexus OneThe Google Nexus One will soon be released in the United States then Europe. In the U.S., T-Mobile will be the phone’s carrier. In Europe, Vodafone will carry the phone. Yesterday’s invitation-only press event was highly anticipated. Individuals on “Nexus One watch” had been anxiously waiting for word concerning the phone. They finally got it yesterday. Rumor had it, that the Google would introduce the phone at a consumer electronics showcase. That obviously proved to be untrue. Instead, Google unveiled the phone at their headquarters in Mountain View, California.

There was so much excitement about the Nexus One for a number of reasons. The fact that it uses the Android 1.2 operating system was responsible for some of the buzz. The fact that it was manufactured by Google also generated a lot of discussion. The expectations were pretty high for the company and it looks like they didn’t disappoint. The phone has nice specs, on par with those of the iPhone, the Nexus One’s biggest competition.

The mobile phone is extremely crowded and competitive. New phones are made available everyday. Many quickly come, are forgotten about and then disappear. The Nexus One, as did the iPhone, has an advantage in that there has been so much interest and anticipation that people will be talking about the phone for a long time, good or bad. This could turn out to be great if the Nexus lives up to the hype. However, if it disappoints, Google will hear about it for a very long time.

By the looks of things, it appears that the Nexus One is a very good phone. Of course, we won’t know for sure until the phone is actually released and people have a chance to use it. That will be the true test. Right now, everything is about advertising and projection of an image. Whether or not the phone passes or fails won’t be known until a few months from now.

Jan 06

Google Nexus OneIt’s a well known fact that Google dominate the online world, and they are one of the highest ranked companies in the world in terms of profit and work force. Google have developed their Android operating system for many mobile phones in the past, but never have Google released their own phone. Featuring direct integration with many famous Google programs and applications, you do not have to go through a web browser to access their programs. Features such as Google maps, Google trends, YouTube and the classic search engine are available from a simple desktop icon on your phone which can be operated by simply touching the touchscreen.

Using a high resolution screen, the Nexus One allows you to view photographs and movies in quality picture, meaning you can use the phone as a portable TV player, and weighing at only 133g it certainly won’t be a burden in your pocket or hand for however long you hold it for. The phone comes with a built in noise cancellation microphone which gives you much clearer conversations. The noise cancellation system helps to reduce unwanted noise by using compression technology to keep out the unwanted frequencies of sound.

A 5.0megapixel camera will help you to capture your favorite moments and times when a video needs to be taken. Perhaps you need to photograph your work brief, or want to capture a funny family moment, the camera is capable of doing it all, and the Facebook application built into the phone allows you to directly upload your photos saving you time. The Nexus One will be available on the Vodafone network in the United Kingdom, and T Mobile in the USA.

Jan 05

Google Nexus One 1There has been a lot of buzz about the upcoming release of the Google Nexus One. The official release of the handset is scheduled for sometime within the next 7 days. It is another Android phone, a pretty expensive one. Rumor has it that the phone will cost at least $530 unlocked. For those who purchase the mobile phone from T-Mobile, this price is reduced to $180, but will likely require a contract.

Not a lot of information has been given about the Nexus One’s specs. More information should be forth coming either on the release date or as it approaches. The phone will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The Google Nexus One will be on the GSM network. This means that it will not be operable on the Sprint Nextel and Verizon Wireless but it is operable on the AT&T’s network in the US. The Google Nexus will be powered by Snapdragon processor.

As stated above, the specs for the phone have not been officially released. However, there have been some rumors regarding what features the phone will include. It is supposed to have a 5 or 6 megapixel camera, a 3.7 inch touch screen display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and FM radio.

The phone will reportedly offer a uniformed platform for Android phones. This will make it possible for individuals to more easily use various applications and for designers to create them without as much difficulty. As it stands, individuals are only able to use those specific to their phone and designers are essentially giving up, moving to the iPhone. The unification of the Android, gives them many more options making, their jobs a whole lot easier.

The Google Nexus One looks like it is going to be an excellent, new phone. It certainly has the industry abuzz, as does just about everything Google gets involved in these days.  People are anxious to see if the search engine power house will be able to successfully enter and compete in the mobile phone market. They have dominated internet search rather easily, seemingly coming out of nowhere. Industry pros are wondering if they can strike gold twice. We will all have to just wait and see.