I believe it was designed by, but not manufactured by Google. On a slightly related note...
Verizon is coming out with 2 new Android phones that fully support Google Voice and 1 of them Google listed as a "Game Changer". article 1 (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/verizon-plans-to-support-google-voice-will-launch-two-game-cha/) artlcle 2 (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2009/10/robot-invasion-android-and-google-voice-coming-to-verizon.ars)
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on October 07, 2009, 08:42:02 PM
I have a Google phone, the OS is pretty much open source and built on a Linux kernel. The phones have to be manufactured and all the nice features are crammed in so that is why Android phones cost a pretty penny. My Mytouch 3G from T-Mobile supports Google voice, all Android phone support it. I know Google Voice got rejected on the iPhone App store due to AT&T's influence.
While it seems like Google doesn't make any money due to the fact that almost all of their products are free or open source they make a lot of revenue the non-traditional way. Their primary source of revenue is advertising, in 2006 they made about $10.5 Billion just with ads and about $112 Million from other revenue sources.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 07, 2009, 08:53:09 PM
I've been holding off on my "new every two" credit in hopes that Verizon would finally get some good phones this year. Now I can't wait for one of those new Android phones.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 07, 2009, 10:10:26 PM
I've been holding off on my "new every two" credit in hopes that Verizon would finally get some good phones this year. Now I can't wait for one of those new Android phones.
My new every two is coming up in June, and I am eagerly awaiting to see if Verizon hold up to this "big push to be seen as the "open" carrier" and stop crippling new phones and forcing people to use the Verizon store for even simple stuff. Part of what led me to get my current phone was the fact that you could easily put your own ring tones on the phone and skip paying $3.99 for 20 second clips of songs that I might already own in 4 different places (CD, computer, mp3 player, etc etc.) especially when I could buy the entire song for $0.99 online somewhere.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 08, 2009, 03:25:46 AM
Are there any phones that are really that crippled? I know my phone is crippled from what it could be, but I can still use BitPim to upload custom ringtones. Even my old phone would take MP3s renamed as MID through BitPim.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 08, 2009, 03:37:59 AM
My last phone wasn't supported by Bitpim and the one before that (I didn't know about bitpim) required you to jump through hoops to get a highly degraded self added ringtone onto the phone. It was a hassle and I could always not wait to upgrade.
my current phone has had features disabled from the original version of the phone, and I'm hoping that when I check out a phone before it comes to Verizon, that for once it will arrive with all it's features still intact. Not stripped to force you to use V Cast.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 08, 2009, 08:16:07 AM
Are there any phones that are really that crippled?
Network branded phones (that have software branding for Verizon, Orange UK etc etc) are nearly always slower than their "naked" counterparts and introduce a whole new set of bugs.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 08, 2009, 09:17:04 AM
I have a Google phone, the OS is pretty much open source and built on a Linux kernel. The phones have to be manufactured and all the nice features are crammed in so that is why Android phones cost a pretty penny. My Mytouch 3G from T-Mobile supports Google voice, all Android phone support it. I know Google Voice got rejected on the iPhone App store due to AT&T's influence.
While it seems like Google doesn't make any money due to the fact that almost all of their products are free or open source they make a lot of revenue the non-traditional way. Their primary source of revenue is advertising, in 2006 they made about $10.5 Billion just with ads and about $112 Million from other revenue sources.
I just recently bought my girlfriend the MyTouch because the Samsung Behold I bought her not even a year ago crapped out; she couldn't be happier with it (aside from the camera not being as good). I've had my G1 since launch and I love it too, its a great little phone and its surprising how many applications you can download for FREE that are actually very useful. Some don't even come with ads! :P
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 08, 2009, 12:42:20 PM
my current phone has had features disabled from the original version of the phone, and I'm hoping that when I check out a phone before it comes to Verizon, that for once it will arrive with all it's features still intact. Not stripped to force you to use V Cast.
From what I've been reading, Verizon mostly only cripples their dumb phones now, not their smart phones.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 08, 2009, 12:56:49 PM
Well i have the LG Dare, considered a smart phone, and I know that some features were changed for the Verizon version of this phone. I had requested that VZ get the LG Viewty, but they basically got a stripped down modified version of it instead about 6-7 months after I had asked. I can add ringtones, but I have to text msg them to myself, I can't just use songs already on the phone or mem card and they disabled the wifi that the original phone had, and they lowered the resolution of the camera from 5mpix to 3.2mpix.
It's still a pretty good phone, if not a little bit slow, but I was hoping they would bring over the full featured version and not a stripped down verizon version.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 08, 2009, 01:13:45 PM
Well, two things. I said "now," not last year, and the Dare isn't really a smartphone anyway.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 08, 2009, 01:27:51 PM
it's classified as a smartphone/pda, but I'm eagerly awaiting these new phones and my New Every 2 upgrade.
It would be nice to have a hone with apps, a nice camera(pics/video), easy music/user interface, multi-tasking, wifi and touchscreen.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 08, 2009, 01:32:54 PM
They might say that, but it doesn't run a smartphone OS or have a serious processor to run apps. From what I can tell, besides touch, it doesn't do a lot more than my SCH-u740, and that's considered a dumb phone as well.
Title: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 08, 2009, 01:36:15 PM
I consider it a dumb phone, but they sure didn't price it as such when it first came out.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 08, 2009, 03:01:06 PM
If anyone is on Verizon, I highly suggest checking out the Omnia 2 when it releases in a couple weeks. It looks absolutely fan-fucking-tastic. It has mutli-tasking (all Windows Mobile phones do), WiFi, touchscreen, and a 5 megapixel camera. It can also record 30FPS 720p video, unless that has changed from the original Korean version.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 08, 2009, 03:25:50 PM
Wow. this is the first time I started a thread without starting a thread. I was slightly confused for a second until I saw the date since I didn't remember any Verizon thread started by me.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 17, 2009, 04:06:16 PM
Verizon asks 'if the iDoesn't, what does?' (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/verizon-asks-if-the-idoesnt-what-does/)
Quote
(http://xs1144.xs.to/xs1144/09426/m894.jpg) The "there's a map for that" ad was a pretty aggressive way to broadside AT&T and the iPhone, but it looks like Verizon's just getting warmed up. We're hearing that the carrier will be kicking off a major new campaign this evening during the Yankees-Angels game that'll feature "a very different look and a whole new attitude," calling out the "iDevice" (their words, not ours) for all the things it can't do. That's a bold offensive for a carrier that historically has lacked breadth and depth in its smartphone lineup, but with the big new Android releases coming down the pike, this might be perfect timing -- and a strong implication that we can seriously put those endless Verizon iPhone rumors to bed for a little while.
These Android phones better be the **** and Verizon better not be crippling them in any way.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 17, 2009, 05:17:04 PM
Seriously the iphone is completely overrated, and it's taken 3 years for it to *start* getting some of the features that other phones have had for a decade now (thought it still cannot multitask). Nothing will ever "kill" the iPhone though, there are just way too many of them out there.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 02:01:21 AM
Everything iDon't, Droid Does (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPYM-XTqcec)
and a little tidbit from the video that you probably wouldn't have noticed. (http://i35.tinypic.com/2u6o769.gif)
Camera: 5 megapixel with autofocus and facial recognition
Battery: 1390 or 1400 mAh
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3.5mm headset jack CONFIRMED, stereo Bluetooth, MicroSD, USB 2.0, GPS
World's slimmest QWERTY smartphone at just 13.7mm thick. That's about as thick as an iPhone.
Current Android Features (for the uninformed):
Open-source smartphone operating system primarily developed by Google
Over 10,000 apps in the Android Market (recently upgraded with a better UI and screenshots)
This includes Google Voice
Multitasking
Cross-app information exchange (change ringtone based on GPS location, scan QR codes with bar code scanner and the app appears in Android Market, etc.)
Homescreen widgets, "always connected" mini-apps that display small amounts of vital info on one of the three homescreen panels.
Kickass notification system that most tech pundits agree hasn't been surpassed
Kickass WebKit-based browser ([highlight]Flash coming in January 2010[/highlight], rumored to be getting Chrome Sync soon too)
Best damn GMail client available™
Text-to-speech and speech-to-text
Gesture support
WVGA, HVGA, and QVGA supported
Universal search, with app developers able to plug in their apps to the system
Google account required, syncs all contacts, calendars, and mail via push
Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync supported
Soft keyboard can be used if a hard keyboard isn't present (or open)
Video recording and picture taking (recently updated)
Accelerometer-based app and keyboard rotations for portrait or landscape mode
VPN Virtual Private Network support
* Google Experience devices use the "stock" Android ROM plus Google's suit of applications. At the moment this means that it won't ever have the prettier interfaces like HTC's Sense or Motorola's MOTOBLUR, but we don't know how Android 2.0 looks. Google Experience devices also feature the "with Google" branding, and are required to have a camera and compass; additionally, manufacturers and carriers are forced to not interfere with the actual OS, or the Android Market.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 02:52:19 AM
^ If Verizon stick to their new stance of truly open phones, then I will definitely be making the switch, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on October 18, 2009, 04:20:24 AM
I have Verizon and my phone is eligible for the "new every two" but I don't want to pay extra for data services. Is that Droid phone the best one to get?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 04:24:19 AM
Looks like it. But there is also a new HTC phone. HTC Tattoo I think, also android based.
I hear the Pre2 is coming early next year too if you wanna hold a little longer, but these will be the 1st "open" phones on Verizon and shouldn't be Vcast crippled in anyway.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on October 18, 2009, 04:26:32 AM
Vcast is hideous.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 04:28:18 AM
Your preaching to the choir.
Too bad my NE2 isn't valid till June 2010... it's gonna be long wait. I hope they come out with something even better between when these come out next month and June of next year.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 18, 2009, 01:30:27 PM
Seriously the iphone is completely overrated, and it's taken 3 years for it to *start* getting some of the features that other phones have had for a decade now (thought it still cannot multitask). Nothing will ever "kill" the iPhone though, there are just way too many of them out there.
You know what's overrated? Multitasking. Seriously, apart from running streaming audio apps like Pandora in the background I can't think of a single reason I'd need it. It'd be nice to have but in no way necessary. It's like the only reason it gets hyped up is because the iPhone doesn't do it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 02:32:16 PM
You've never wanted to surf the net to look something up while you're still on the phone? or maybe make a phone call while using the internet? or send a quick text message while using your GPS and not have to exit out and then recalculate your route when you come back in? or look for the name of a song in your mp3 folder while in the middle of a text message with out having to save to draft or just exit and re-type?
Might not be something you use all day everyday, but it would be nice to have when it is needed.
-----------------------
Now I need to know which of 2 phones is better.
Sony Ericson Xperia X3 vs Motorola Droid
I keep hearing bad things about SE phones and the fact that they are usually expensive, but the X3 has a 8.1MP camera, 4" touch screen and the UI looks so sexy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDCDUKGaYwI).
on the other hand, I've never owned a Motorola, but I remember the massive amount of broken Razr and Razr related phones that used to be returned all the time when my friends used to work at cell phone stores. But the Droid also looks like a hot phone and it's being launched as Verizons premier Android phone (http://phones.verizonwireless.com/motorola/droid/?cmp=OTC-Droid-redirect1), so they must be proud of this one.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 18, 2009, 02:54:30 PM
Actually, on the iPhone you can use the phone in the background so I could browse the web while talking, and it auomatically saves a draft if you leave the Messages app after typing something without sending. I'm not sure, but I don't think I'd have to recalulate the GPS route; I think it saves it and it would show up when I reenter the app.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be handy sometimes, just that I can't think of many uses for it and don't really need it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 03:54:44 PM
I'm giving lame examples because I haven't had a phone that allows me to multitask, so I don't have any real world mutitasking on the phone experience to draw examples from.
But either way, I want the option, even if I don't use it very often.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on October 18, 2009, 04:35:14 PM
How about just having two web pages open at a time?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 18, 2009, 04:40:11 PM
The iPhone let's you have 8 open at a time.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 05:14:11 PM
iPhone on a technical level may be pretty good, but it still has one glaring problem Who their working with (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCbYTrYD5y8) & who their not (http://www.marketingcharts.com/topics/behavioral-marketing/iphone-verizon-lead-pack-in-smartphone-satisfaction-10644/). and I don't see it getting fixed anytime soon.
These new android phones are the solution to the problem as they can do everything the iPhone can do and more. Android phones may not be new, but with Verizon pushing the narrative it could be seen as the the "new" gadget to own.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 18, 2009, 09:02:36 PM
Yeah, I think everyone's in agreement that it sucks that Verizon passed on the iPhone, and if I were going to buy something that weren't an iPhone it would definitely be an Android phone, but you have to realize how unlikely it catching on to the extent you're hoping for is. Remember how much hype the Palm Pre was getting and look where it is now.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 09:18:50 PM
Did you see the commercials for the Palm Pre..... I think thats explains whatever happened to the Pre hype. that girl was creepy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on October 18, 2009, 09:26:10 PM
I wish she'd go away.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2009, 09:32:00 PM
I kept thinking she was part of the advertisement for that movie Surrogates or something.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 18, 2009, 11:04:42 PM
I mutlitask on my phone *all the time*. I constantly have Google Maps running, Kinoma Play or S2P (iPod touch-style MP3 player) running while surfing the web or sending texts, and while downloading stuff in the background. Verizon is also getting the Palm Pre next year. Multitasking is *not* overrated, the iPhone is, no question about it. It's not an opinion - the phone literally is overrated, especially the 3G-aspect, since AT&T's 3G service sucks.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 19, 2009, 03:40:07 AM
Actually, on the iPhone you can use the phone in the background so I could browse the web while talking, and it auomatically saves a draft if you leave the Messages app after typing something without sending. I'm not sure, but I don't think I'd have to recalulate the GPS route; I think it saves it and it would show up when I reenter the app.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be handy sometimes, just that I can't think of many uses for it and don't really need it.
I just did a little looking around, and I have to ask, is your iPhone Jailbroken?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 19, 2009, 04:04:45 AM
Just have to say that I've been sold. This will be my new phone, unless something significantly better comes out in the next few months.
Verizon's Motorola Droid by Google (http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/19/motorola-droid-hands-on/) (http://i33.tinypic.com/jts5ud.jpg) (http://i37.tinypic.com/4vp8k3.jpg) *non-final keyboard (http://i37.tinypic.com/2i23has.jpg)
Quote from: BGR
We absolutely nailed this puppy to the wall over and over and over again, so it’s only fitting we’d be doing the first actual unveiling, right? We’re not going to get too in-depth though, that will come at a later time. Here are some brief thoughts before the photos:
* It’s running Android 2.0. Duh. * It’s thin. Just slightly thicker than an iPhone 3GS and the thinnest QWERTY-slider we’ve ever seen. * It is the fastest Android device we’ve ever used. (It’s running a TI OMAP3430 processor) * The feel of the device is very reminiscent of the OQO 02 model computer. Just smaller. It’s metal with a non-spring-assisted slide, very sturdy, and half soft-touch plastic. * Awesome capacitive display. Plus it’s huge. Easily the best screen we’ve ever seen on an Android handset, and an amazing screen overall. * The QWERTY keyboard is actually pretty usable and has a soft-touch rubberized finish. We’ve been told the keyboard design isn’t final on this unit, thus the two no-shows. * Have we mentioned this phone flies? It’s the Android device to beat, and easily the most impressive. From what we’ve been told, Google had a direct hand in the Motorola Droid. Something to the point of almost dictating every move Motorola made when designing and making the phone. Interesting, huh? * There’s a desktop cradle/charger that will ship with the Motorola Droid that we’ve been playing around with. It turns your Droid into a “multimedia station” and displays local weather, the time, etc. * No one wants to listen, but it makes the CLIQ looks like a child’s toy (partly because it is, and partly because the Droid, even in its non-final form, is the most impressive phone we’ve used since the iPhone. It’s positively amazing).
Ok, enough of that — enjoy the photos! We’ll put together a nice little review soon.
And for the tech saavy around here, check out the specs on the processor (http://focus.ti.com/general/docs/wtbu/wtbuproductcontent.tsp?templateId=6123&navigationId=12643&contentId=14649) that is being used in this thing.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 19, 2009, 09:39:36 AM
Verizon asks 'if the iDoesn't, what does?' (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/17/verizon-asks-if-the-idoesnt-what-does/)
Quote
(http://xs1144.xs.to/xs1144/09426/m894.jpg) The "there's a map for that" ad was a pretty aggressive way to broadside AT&T and the iPhone, but it looks like Verizon's just getting warmed up. We're hearing that the carrier will be kicking off a major new campaign this evening during the Yankees-Angels game that'll feature "a very different look and a whole new attitude," calling out the "iDevice" (their words, not ours) for all the things it can't do. That's a bold offensive for a carrier that historically has lacked breadth and depth in its smartphone lineup, but with the big new Android releases coming down the pike, this might be perfect timing -- and a strong implication that we can seriously put those endless Verizon iPhone rumors to bed for a little while.
These Android phones better be the **** and Verizon better not be crippling them in any way.
I've started noticing these ads on tv as of last night and i thought they were pretty cut-throat, especially when the atmosphere changes from playful pestering (happy go lucky music playing while the "iDon't ___" slogans run) to "no seriously, **** the iphone" with the cool looking "DROID DOES" logo.
Makes me happy to be part of the Android community over the iphone community. I'm also happy that android phones can appear on different networks so that a lot more people can experience it, unlike the iphone where you had to switch your provider (assuming you weren't with ATT) to get one. I've only had experience with the G1 and MyTouch but the Android OS is the same on both and its fucking awesome.
Oh and multitasking isn't over-rated, but using it over the iphone probably is. I don't do it too often, but it is nice to be able to send a text while streaming music off pandora (or similar apps.. or just my micro-sd card) and switch back to browsing these very forums and maybe downloading a new app or two, all at the same time. Easy access to your last 6 used applications is just a button away, without having to back out of anything.
Know what the nicest thing of all is though? Androids constantly working on their OS to improve it, even if its something minor as adding video recording to the camera you already had, or the ability to copy/paste selected text (previously you could copy/past a tex message but not anything from the browser) without.. you know, introducing a whole new phone model with it. ;)
Speaking of updates, their latest firmware update, dubbed "Donut" supposedly unlocks multi-touch in the phone somehow, but:
A. i've yet to see anything use it B. i'm only going by information posted on blogs/messageboards and haven't bothered going straight to the source to see what exactly came with the update.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2009, 02:25:57 PM
I mutlitask on my phone *all the time*. I constantly have Google Maps running, Kinoma Play or S2P (iPod touch-style MP3 player) running while surfing the web or sending texts, and while downloading stuff in the background. Verizon is also getting the Palm Pre next year. Multitasking is *not* overrated, the iPhone is, no question about it. It's not an opinion - the phone literally is overrated, especially the 3G-aspect, since AT&T's 3G service sucks.
Why do you need Google Maps running in the background as opposed to just opening it when you need it? I can listen to MP3s in the background, I can download things in the background. A bunch of stuff actually runs in the background on the iPhone, just not third-party apps, and nobody has given me a second reason to care that I can't do that. I don't know why I'm bothering to respond, though; if you honestly believe that it's not an opinion when you say the iPhone is overrated you're hopeless.
Actually, on the iPhone you can use the phone in the background so I could browse the web while talking, and it auomatically saves a draft if you leave the Messages app after typing something without sending. I'm not sure, but I don't think I'd have to recalulate the GPS route; I think it saves it and it would show up when I reenter the app.
I'm not saying it wouldn't be handy sometimes, just that I can't think of many uses for it and don't really need it.
I just did a little looking around, and I have to ask, is your iPhone Jailbroken?
No, I never bothered to try that; it never seemed like it would be worth the trouble. That would let me run things in the background, though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2009, 02:55:21 PM
Google Maps = GPS. I leave it open (not always), so I don't have to...open it when I need it, it also keeps the GPS lock on. I can just slide my thumb from the bottom of my screen (Samsung Omnia with Windows Mobile 6.5) to the middle which shows the task manager so I can switch between any open programs. Sometimes I also keep the calculator open in class, as well as the file explorer, etc.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2009, 02:56:40 PM
I'm not trying to **** over the iPhone - it is a great product after all, and what it *does*, it does well. I'm just saying, it simply is overrated, as is the Wii, as is Metal Gear Solid 4, as are many other things
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2009, 03:54:55 PM
Keeping the GPS lock on you makes sense, if I used Google Maps much it would be handy. It just seems to me like most things don't actually need to be actively running in the background. It may be a bit faster than just switching between them but it's gotta hurt battery life. And given the numerous times that you've said the iPhone sucks on this forum I think I can be forgiven for assuming you were trying to **** all over it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 19, 2009, 04:23:46 PM
I need to take a ****.
Does the iphone have an app for that? :P
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2009, 05:48:44 PM
Sadly, there probably is.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 19, 2009, 06:22:50 PM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 20, 2009, 12:44:47 AM
I may talk down upon it, but have I ever said it sucks? I'm not saying I didn't, I probably did, I just don't remember saying it. I'm a big fan of non-HDD iPods, so considering it a music player that is also a phone, it's pretty great.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 20, 2009, 09:46:02 AM
I may talk down upon it, but have I ever said it sucks? I'm not saying I didn't, I probably did, I just don't remember saying it. I'm a big fan of non-HDD iPods, so considering it a music player that is also a phone, it's pretty great.
I was trying to derail the thread of this useless argument.
I took an omega-**** last night. it was foul. Coincidentely i was downloading some new apps on my phone while i did. I think this thread reminded me to.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 20, 2009, 12:06:29 PM
That's nothin. Today in class I got to say:
"Awww SKEET SKEET SKEET SKEET" as an example of newly censored words.
Best part is, the teacher had no idea what I was saying, so I just kept saying it. I made this girl almost turn into Shelly the Shatter.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 20, 2009, 12:18:26 PM
edit: DROID Preview is up: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/23/motorola-droid-preview/
Quote
I just want to add that this is a Google Experience phone, and my line about Verizon and GPS was a joke. Verizon hasn’t and won’t touch or control any functionality on the Droid. GPS is 100% open, there’s Wi-Fi, Android Market, etc.
& Here is a photo of Verizon's other Android phone
HTC Desire (http://i36.tinypic.com/10ygisk.jpg)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 23, 2009, 10:43:58 PM
Day one.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 23, 2009, 11:02:18 PM
On which one? Cause I'm gonna have to raise a shitstorm to get my DROID on day 1. I still have about 6-8 months on my contract.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 23, 2009, 11:05:12 PM
Droid. The HTC phone seems like their Sprint phone, which isn't nearly as impressive as the Droid; the keyboard and screen resolution to name a couple reasons.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 24, 2009, 04:11:26 AM
The Sholes (Droid) has a magnetic sensor that detects when its in a special dock that turns it into a desk clock and a weather station.
Also Verizon's Droid is a series, not just a phone; Droid Eris coming from HTC (http://i36.tinypic.com/xq96j7.jpg)
Quote
We just got some wild information from a trusted source about Verizon's Android strategy, and let's just say this shakes things up a little bit. Here are the big takeaways:
* Droid is the brand name being applied to Verizon's Android devices. It isn't a single phone. * The Sholes -- the phone we've been calling the Droid so far -- may simply be known as the Droid. * HTC's Desire will be coming to market as the "Droid Eris." (Allow us to save you the Wikipedia lookup -- Eris is the Greek goddess of strife.) Interestingly, it's already up on gdgt as such. * Droid Eris will be released -- not announced, actually released -- on November 6. In all likelihood, it will not be announced or shown at Verizon's October 28 event -- that will probably just be for the Sholes.
That's all we've got so far, but it's a heck of a change in plans, isn't it? It's interesting that Verizon will be applying a sub-brand to its Android line -- and a pretty solid sign that Big Red's got a serious commitment to the platform going forward.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 24, 2009, 01:17:12 PM
Damn, looks much sleeker than my phone. Can't wait for the G2 or whatever other iteration of the T-mobile android phone comes out (not a fan of MyTouch; I like having a physical keyboard)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 24, 2009, 01:25:38 PM
Rumored pricing for the Sholes
$579 Full Retail $299 w/ new 2yr contract $149 w/ NE2 & rebate
Tmo's new phone is the Moto Cliq, but it's been getting mixed reviews.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 24, 2009, 02:35:04 PM
Tmo's new phone is the Moto Cliq, but it's been getting mixed reviews.
haven't heard of it, is it another android phone? can you provide clickables? Can i be any more lazy?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 24, 2009, 02:42:02 PM
Everything(?) you need to know. (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376568)
I put a (?) because I didn't actually read any of it since I don't have Tmo
edit: helps if I put the link ;D
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 24, 2009, 09:34:59 PM
I'll look into it later, i'm not in the mood to multitask right now ;) but thanks!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 24, 2009, 09:36:51 PM
that link is gonna expire in t-minus 3 hours and 23 minutes.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 28, 2009, 01:05:55 PM
(http://i36.tinypic.com/1znx30g.jpg)
Quote
HELLO HUMANS: DROID BY MOTOROLA ARRIVES NEXT WEEK
Verizon Wireless DROID By Motorola: World’s First Smartphone with Android™ 2.0
LAUREL, MD – High-speed Web browsing, voice-activated search, customizable large screen, access to thousands of Android applications and hundreds of widgets and the best 3G mobile network in the country: DROID by Motorola arrives on Nov. 6.
Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest wireless 3G broadband network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today unveiled DROID by Motorola, the first smartphone powered by Android™ 2.0. DROID by Motorola features the brainpower and breakneck speed of a modern smartphone, designed to outperform where other smartphones fall short.
“We’re proud to work with Verizon Wireless and Google™ on the first smartphone to feature Android 2.0,” said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. “DROID by Motorola delivers a rich consumer experience with warp-speed Web browsing, a mammoth screen, and Motorola’s expertise in design and voice quality. Combined with Android’s open, flexible graphical user interface and the power of Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, DROID is a smartphone that simply doesn’t compromise.”
“This is an exciting announcement for Verizon Wireless, as the DROID by Motorola is the first device that we are bringing to market under our ground-breaking strategic partnership with Google,” said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “DROID by Motorola gives customers a lifestyle device with access to more than 12,000 applications that will help them stay in touch, up to date and entertained, using the best 3G network in the country.”
DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine – and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.
With DROID by Motorola, you can:
· Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
· See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps™, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7” high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
· Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
· Perform Google Search™ at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
· Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
· Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail™ and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
· Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.
Pre-loaded Applications and Enhancements to Google Mobile Services:
· Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map.
· Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations.
· YouTube™: One-touch recording and playback from homescreen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos.
· Google Talk™: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links.
· Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers.
· Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.’d to your meeting invitations.
· Facebook: Syncs Facebook contacts to your address book, and a live widget gives the ability to update status and view latest updates from friends.
· Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air.
· Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions.
Pricing and Availability:
· DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
· Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com.
· To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
Key Features:
* Available Exclusively on Verizon Wireless * November 6th @ $200 with rebate/2-year contract * Android 2.0, including free Google Maps Navigation * 3.7-inch WVGA (480 x 854) capacitive touchscreen * ARM Cortex A8 CPU + PowerVR GPU - same combo in the iPhone 3GS * 1400 mAh battery - best battery life for Android yet * 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual-LED flash * 480p (720 x 480) 24fps Video Recording * Super-slim but with a hardware keyboard
I want this phone
So here is the breakdown: $200 ($300 before a $100 debit card rebate) w/ a new 2yr agreement Minimum plan of $70 a month (doesn't include text/pix msgs) - $39.99mo for 450 minute plan & $29.99mo web & e-mail Internals of the Moto Driod (Sholes) is the same as the iPhone3Gs (This is Verizon's iPhone) -ARM Cortex A8 CPU + PowerVR GPU (not sure if clock speeds are the same though)
and there is a really cool dock for the phone that adds style to it's function (http://i38.tinypic.com/65r5sh.jpg)
There is also a GSM version coming for people that want this phone and aren't on Verizon http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/motorola-droid-spotted-in-fine-gsm-form-video/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on October 28, 2009, 02:24:43 PM
So get it. Join the community :)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 28, 2009, 07:52:10 PM
Motorola phones are still ugly as sin. That's very much aimed at american markets.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 28, 2009, 08:16:58 PM
This phone looks great.
But this one feature alone makes the whole phone worth it Google Mobile Maps now with Turn By Turn Directions, Voice Search & Navigation & Street View to our destination (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?&entry_id=50462)
edit: Some pics pf the Droid in car dock mode Pic 1 (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/10/2009-10-28droiddocks-3.jpg) - Pic 2 (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/10/2009-10-28droiddocks-6.jpg) - Pic 3 (http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2009/10/2009-10-28droiddocks-4.jpg)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 29, 2009, 12:50:16 AM
Why does everywhere keep saying that iPhone doesn't have multitasking?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on October 29, 2009, 01:26:42 AM
These plans are far too expensive :-S No wonder they can discount $400 off the phone with a two-year plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 29, 2009, 01:32:22 AM
The most expensive part of the plan, for Verizon atleast, it the unlimited voice. With Google voice and Fave 5 you don't need unlimited voice. all you need is the 450 minute plan and that could knock $40-$50 off your bill alone.
I can't speak for Sprint or AT&T
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 29, 2009, 01:39:46 AM
I agree that the plans are expensive, but if you can go in with family like I did, the cost comes down quickly since additional lines are only $10 more / month.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on October 29, 2009, 02:28:05 AM
Verizon's Friends and Family doesn't come with the 450 minute plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 29, 2009, 02:53:06 AM
I just checked and you have to jump up to the 900 minute plan but that is still only $89.99 with unlimited messaging and data according to the website. Same deal with AT&T but only $69.99 over at Sprint.
I'm not sure how you get unlimited data but have a 5GB cap for data or whatever the 5GB thing is. I only say mention of 5GB on AT&T site when browsing through plans.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 29, 2009, 06:59:18 AM
No, friends and family is not the same thing as a family shared plan. The minimum for that is a 700 minute option/unlimited data and txt for $119.99/2 lines. And apparently with that one, extra lines cost double at $19.98 :-/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 29, 2009, 11:12:23 AM
My family has unlimited everything, so essentially I (don't) pay $40 for the additional line and unlimited (5GB) data on my Omnia. Almost every carrier has a 5GB "cap" - they don't actually cut you off, they just throttle your speed down to dial-up levels. 5GB of data is generally more than enough for a phone, if you use more they assume you're tethering to a PC, etc., and penalize you. You can pay $45 for the "truly" unlimited data, at least on Verizon, unless that has changed. When comparing phone plans in general (take off the Droid), the iPhone has the most expensive plan. Also, I'm pretty sure T-Mobile has billshrink in their pocket, so the whole idea of the site is to make other providers look really expensive.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 29, 2009, 11:49:09 AM
I'd also recommend seeing if your employer/school has some sort of discount deal. I get 20% off since my sister worked for Hilton, and I know California state employees get 15% off, which includes the university and students.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 29, 2009, 01:46:23 PM
I get 19% off my bill and 25% off of accessories.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 29, 2009, 02:21:02 PM
Do these new Android phones do multi-touch? That was the one major issue I had with the earlier Android phones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 29, 2009, 02:33:24 PM
yes they do, but only one right now has pinch to zoom. I would assume that p2z is only a firmware upgrade or app away though since one Android phone already supports it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 29, 2009, 04:04:56 PM
Cool, if I weren't such an Apple fanboy I'd look into these next time I was buying a phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 03, 2009, 04:54:46 PM
Is it hot in here? because it seems like AT&T can't take the heat. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/atandt-sues-verizon-over-theres-a-map-for-that-ads/)
Quote
Whoa -- we just got word that AT&T is suing Verizon for false advertising over Big Red's "There's a map for that" ads. We're reading the complaint and motion to stop the ads right now, but here's what AT&T says is the big problem:
In essence, we believe the ads mislead consumers into believing that AT&T doesn't offer ANY wireless service in the vast majority of the country. In fact, AT&T's wireless network blankets the US, reaching approximately 296M people. Additionally, our 3G service is available in over 9,600 cities and towns. Verizon's misleading advertising tactics appear to be a response to AT&T's strong leadership in smartphones. We have twice the number of smartphone customers... and we've beaten them two quarters in a row on net post-paid subscribers. We also had lower churn -- a sign that customers are quite happy with the service they receive.
AT&T also says its network reaches about the same number of people as Verizon's, so we're thinking it's a little miffed that it's being portrayed as an also-ran here. We'll update as we learn more, keep it locked!
Update: So this seems like a very narrow lawsuit, actually. As we've been told, AT&T thinks Verizon is trying to fool viewers into thinking that they can't use any AT&T phone services outside of 3G coverage areas by showing two essentially different maps. Since Verizon's entire network is 3G, the gaps in the red map are actual service gaps -- but Verizon doesn't show that the gaps on the AT&T map might be covered by AT&T's huge 2G network. We can see how that could be misleading, but at some point you've got to compare apples to apples, and AT&T even says it has "no quarrel with Verizon advertising its larger 3G network" in its complaint, so we'll see how the court reacts.
Update 2: Interestingly, Verizon's already changed the ads once at AT&T's behest, editing them to remove the phrase "out of touch" and adding a "Voice and data services available outside of 3G areas" small print disclaimer at the end. Apparently that wasn't enough for AT&T, which says the ads still confuse non-technical viewers into thinking AT&T provides no service at all outside of its 3G coverage.
Update 3: Okay, we've read everything -- there's really not much more to this suit than the arguments over the maps. We're thinking Verizon could have easily dealt with this by just using dark blue and light blue on the AT&T map to differentiate between 3G and 2G coverage, but at this point we don't think Ma Bell is all that interested in anything except getting these ads off the air. All that said, it's hard to deny that Verizon's ads made a perfectly valid point: using an iPhone on AT&T's network in New York or San Francisco is an exercise in frustration, regardless of whether you have 2G or 3G, and we've had zero problems on Verizon. Let's just hope AT&T is working as hard to fight these ads with its actual service as it is with its lawyers.
http://phones.verizonwireless.com/3g/#3Gbasics
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 03, 2009, 06:12:29 PM
That commercial is definitely misleading; look at the 3G coverage map on AT&T's site versus the one in the commercial. I don't know how Verizon's manipulating it to make it look the way it is without being flagrant false advertising. According to the map in the Verizon commercial there's no 3G on AT&T where I am, but I get 3G pretty much everywhere around here.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 03, 2009, 06:39:43 PM
They're just using AT&T's published map.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 03, 2009, 06:43:12 PM
No they're not, unless they're using an incredibly outdated version of it; AT&T's map is a lot more filled in than that.
EDIT: Okay, maybe it's not as filled in as I thought, but it still looks like more than the map in the commercial. AT&T sucks, but not as much as Verizon seems to indicate. **** Verizon for saying no to the iPhone in the first place.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 03, 2009, 07:05:51 PM
Verizon is already kicking themselves for that one. But AT&T has no case on this from what I'm seeing.
edit: DROID on Jimmy Fallon last night. (http://www.hulu.com/watch/106146/late-night-with-jimmy-fallon-joshua-topolsky-previews-verizon-droid)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 03, 2009, 10:27:54 PM
No, AT&T does suck just as much as Verizon indicates. They're not doing anything wrong with their commercials, and AT&T's own map is why I didn't switch to the iPhone a few years ago. I think it's hilarious that AT&T is trying to sue Verizon over accurate advertising, it's not going to bode well for AT&T in the end. I think they're just upset that they're going to lose the iPhone exclusivity soon, so they're trying to shut down these commercials to keep their customers (or future potential customers) from going to another provider.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 04, 2009, 12:41:54 PM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 04, 2009, 01:46:54 PM
I'm so jealous. Hope you do a blog entry on it. An unboxing and first impressions complete with lots of pics.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 04, 2009, 01:50:21 PM
Indeed, I will. There's so much to this phone, and I've never owned a smartphone, so it's going to take a while to see everything there is to see.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 04, 2009, 10:09:19 PM
Google Maps Navigation is going to be awesome. I hope they release a Windows Mobile version soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 06, 2009, 02:22:13 AM
Good news for anyone looking to get a droid and not currently on Verizon & those already on contract.
(http://i33.tinypic.com/jaic6v.jpg) (http://www.droiddog.com/) (http://i37.tinypic.com/znko05.jpg) (http://www.wirefly.com/specialoffer.aspx?cid=22327_cfe67ad06f2448628ad3c28c9b42e4f0) click the pics for links
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 06, 2009, 02:46:24 AM
Weird, that site doesn't offer data plans to go with the phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 06, 2009, 03:12:40 AM
I noticed that too, but when I saw that you had replied, I was expecting a response with some cuss words since you probably paid more than that, even if not much more.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 06, 2009, 08:34:10 AM
Is anybody going to switch to Verizon for this? If you are, let me know and I'll enter you as a referral, which will net you a $25 debit card.
If i wasn't a year in to my contract I might think about switching, t-mobile has been horrible lately with dropped calls or the network just going down all together to the point I can't even send an SMS. The Motorola Droid is a sleek phone though I'm not sure if i like the keyboard.. i'd have to test it out first, the buttons look too "flat" for my liking. Also i hate that they have the "slide to unlock" thing like the iphone, thats just retarded.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 07, 2009, 12:10:21 AM
My friend got the Droid today, and it's fucking awesome. The camera is simply amazing, the Android 2.0 interface is lovely, and it just "works." Since I'm a Samsung Omnia user, I'm used to a software keyboard, so I probably wouldn't use the actual keyboard on the phone, but I think you have to slide it open to view landscape mode...maybe not, I only played with it for a few minutes. Anyway, it's a badass phone to say the least.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 07, 2009, 12:39:44 AM
You can just tilt in the correct orientation to use landscape, but it doesn't seem to trigger in every app.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 07, 2009, 05:27:13 PM
Got a droid. Need app suggestions. Specifically Twitter.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 07, 2009, 06:29:55 PM
Yeah, that's one problem with unrestricted app posting -- there's a ton of crap and it's hard to find the good stuff. I don't use Twitter, but you might check out Twidget Lite. Instead of a normal app, it's a widget, which means it will take up a dedicated spot on your main screen, but will send updates right into the widget so you don't have to open it to see the latest post.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 07, 2009, 07:42:50 PM
I copy/pasting from a app recommendation spot.
Quote from: Twidget Lite
- A Twitter homescreen widget that keeps you up to date where ever you are. View tweets, reply, favourite, retweet, dm & set your status in an instant!
Quote from: Locale
Locale dynamically manages your phone settings based on conditions, such as Location and Time. Never worry about your ringer going off in the wrong place or at the wrong time again. You can set it and forget it!
Quote from: Wikitude
Wikitude World Browser presents the user with data about his/her surroundings, nearby landmarks, and other points of interest by overlaying information on the real-time (augmented reality) camera view of a smart-phone.
Quote from: ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is your shopping assistant. Use the camera in your phone to scan the barcode of any product and find the best prices on the internet and at nearby, local stores.
besides those, here is a website for jusat what your looking for.
Phandroid - 50 Apps for new Droid Owners (http://phandroid.com/2009/11/06/50-apps-for-new-droid-owners/)
BTW what is your phone plan & whats it costing you? I was thinking of pulling the trigger if I can keep 450 minutes and still get the data plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on November 08, 2009, 01:19:44 AM
I'm thinking about a Droid Eris. I can get it for $50 and don't have to upgrade my plan. I like the idea of 8gb storage, a standard headphone jack and Wifi. Has anyone tried this phone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on November 08, 2009, 10:49:41 AM
Played with the demo droid at best buy (ie it wouldn't turn on all I could do was hold it) and I wasn't impressed.
Its small yet bulky, its pointed edges make it uncomfortable to hold and the keyboard doesn't feel very good. Too bad I couldn't really see it in action.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 08, 2009, 01:24:34 PM
You'll take all of that back when you play with a real Droid. It's awesome. I hate the G1, so it's not Android-bias.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on November 08, 2009, 01:44:00 PM
I like my g1 but as i mentioned before, t-mo has been very shitty lately so if/when I switch i'll definately get another HTC/Android phone. They're awesome.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 08, 2009, 04:54:53 PM
Lawsuit or not, Verizon is not backing down and AT&T is once again left with no response. (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/08/verizon-takes-another-swing-at-atandt-puts-iphone-on-the-island-o/#continued)
edit: Gizmodo has up an article, supposedly a really good read on Droid and Android 2.0 I'm mostly bookmarking it for myself by posting it here so that I can read it later.
Giz Explains: Android, and How It Will Take Over the World (http://gizmodo.com/5397215/giz-explains-android-and-how-it-will-take-over-the-world)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 08, 2009, 10:41:41 PM
I really hope this thing manages to be competitive. I have no intention of buying one; Apple'd probably have to stop making iPhones altogether for me to buy something else, especially if the rumors are true and the iPhone's going to Verizon right around when my contract's up, but if this thing doesn't compete then Apple might get complacent and I don't want to see that. Apple having to compete with someone is only going to make the iPhone better, and I definitely want that, so let's hope this thing isn't just another Palm Pre or G1.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 09, 2009, 08:27:50 AM
I've been relatively happy with my Droid over the last two days (as anyone who follows me on Twitter will note).
I can't tell if that's just general "I finally have a smartphone" happy, or it's specific to the phone.
One thing I'm disappointed with (coming from my iPod touch) are the games available for the Droid. I desperately need to find a great solitaire app (similar to Solebon on the iPhone) and a great Texas Hold 'em app. These are tremendous relaxation things for me when I'm in meetings and what not.
Anyone have any suggestions?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 09, 2009, 12:31:33 PM
- A Twitter homescreen widget that keeps you up to date where ever you are. View tweets, reply, favourite, retweet, dm & set your status in an instant!
Quote from: Locale
Locale dynamically manages your phone settings based on conditions, such as Location and Time. Never worry about your ringer going off in the wrong place or at the wrong time again. You can set it and forget it!
Quote from: Wikitude
Wikitude World Browser presents the user with data about his/her surroundings, nearby landmarks, and other points of interest by overlaying information on the real-time (augmented reality) camera view of a smart-phone.
Quote from: ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is your shopping assistant. Use the camera in your phone to scan the barcode of any product and find the best prices on the internet and at nearby, local stores.
besides those, here is a website for just what your looking for.
Phandroid - 50 Apps for new Droid Owners (http://phandroid.com/2009/11/06/50-apps-for-new-droid-owners/)
BTW what is your phone plan & whats it costing you? I was thinking of pulling the trigger if I can keep 450 minutes and still get the data plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on November 09, 2009, 12:42:01 PM
Do you dial on the touch screen? How does it feel? Do you have fat fingers?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 09, 2009, 12:46:50 PM
Yes, you dial on the touch screen. The virtual buttons are quite large (of course the screen is as big as my entire previous phone), and they have vibration feedback every time you press one. One thing that's cool is the use of the motion sensor-- the screen turns off when you're holding the phone against your face, but back on if you drop it down to look at it. There's also Google Voice integration, so if you have an account, you can actually do things like dial Canada for free (you can also set it only to trigger for international calls, etc. -- I turned it off for regular calls because it seems to lower the call quality).
Just tried tethering with PDANet. It works great-- glad to know I can better cover game events live now, not worry whether airports have free access, etc.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 09, 2009, 01:53:31 PM
What is tethering? I keep seeing people mention it, but I have no idea what it is.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 09, 2009, 02:21:26 PM
Getting internet on your computer through your phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 09, 2009, 02:23:44 PM
I see how that could come in handy, especially when at conventions and things of the sort.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 09, 2009, 03:34:09 PM
Or on the road.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on November 09, 2009, 06:11:18 PM
Do you dial on the touch screen? How does it feel? Do you have fat fingers?
assuming its running the same (or better) android OS that my G1 has, if for whatever reason dialing on the touch screen is trouble for you you can always just hold the call button and speak into the phone "dial __" and it'll pull up the appropriate contact. I've never once had a problem with it (when it comes to contacts*) and its the only way I make calls when in the car since the hands free set it came with is too cumbersome (and i rarely make calls while driving anyway).
Or you can always just dial on the keyboard, but if fat fingers is your problem i guess that won't help since the keyboard buttons are much smaller than the virtual keypad and i doubt verizon will send you a free dialing want if you smash your palm against the screen. ;)
*the only time i have trouble with voice recognition is trying to open apps and a few long winded google searches. Usually its because "call mike" is easier than saying something like "open lolcat builder"
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on November 10, 2009, 01:55:39 AM
Apparently the Verizon has one big nasty issue since the unlimited internet and data has a 5GB limit also the tethering service is pricey. But apparently Verizon is sadly up to some nasty tricks as well :/. You all should read this insightful article (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/181590/verizon_droid_tethering_will_cost_you.html)
Quote from: slashdot.org
with an additional $30 per month for the mandatory 'unlimited' data plan that has a monthly cap of 5Gb. Verizon will charge $50 for each additional gigabyte over the 5Gb limit on the unlimited data plan. Verizon has confirmed that tethering will cost another $30 per month for an additional unlimited data plan that is also limited to 5Gb. If you want tethering you will pay $60 above and beyond the monthly contract for service for an 'unlimited' 10Gb of data per month
Quote from: PC World
Verizon isn't stopping there with the sticker shock either. It also announced that as of November 15 the early termination fee will be doubled for high-end devices like smartphones (a.k.a. the Droid). Users who cancel out of the agreement before the two years are up will be hit with a $350 bill.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 10, 2009, 02:08:53 AM
Hot tip: don't use their tethering service and you won't have to pay extra. All the carriers have always done stuff like this, but there's usually a way around it.
AT&T also has the 5GB limit.
The early termination fee is understandable since it's $400-$450 you're getting off the phone price, but it would be better if they just billed you the difference in cost.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on November 10, 2009, 02:52:58 AM
Is there an Android app that allows no fee tethering without jail breaking?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 10, 2009, 09:26:19 AM
I already named one. Unlike iPhone, you can install unapproved apps without jailbreaking. It's a setting.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 10, 2009, 02:44:40 PM
If you're on an Android or Windows Mobile device, then you need not worry about paying for tethering. Almost, if not every, carrier has the 5GB cap too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 11, 2009, 02:12:55 PM
Aaron, can you link me to something for how you set up this free tethering thing you did?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 15, 2009, 12:55:52 PM
Here's the one I tried: http://www.junefabrics.com/android/ There are also ones out there where you can turn the phone into a Wi-Fi access point, but I think all of them need root access.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 15, 2009, 01:09:52 PM
how is the camera, Ive been hearing people complain about picture quality
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 15, 2009, 02:06:54 PM
Well it's not great, but it's 5MP and has focus, which makes it leaps and bounds better than previous cell phone. Video works pretty well -- I've successfully streamed it live to the internet. I'm not sure how much better you can make something like that without lenses and such. Being in the corner, it's really easy to get your fingers in the way/smudge the cover.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 15, 2009, 02:35:32 PM
what about in low lighting situations?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 15, 2009, 02:45:42 PM
I took some photos in a shaded forest on Friday and it ended up working better than my girlfriend's regular (albeit old) camera in dealing with lighting.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on November 16, 2009, 11:21:47 PM
Verizon has angered me.
I've received a few fliers about "good" and/or "holiday" deals on their phones, when they're not on any more of a sale than a renewal of contract would have them be! Very disappointing indeed!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 18, 2009, 08:25:40 PM
LOL, here's what was wrong with the Droid camera http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/motorola-droid-camera-autofocus-fixed-in-secrecy/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 18, 2009, 09:55:55 PM
I'm so glad I actually listened to myself and stayed patient. More Android phone surprises to come. ;D
The Google Phone Is Very Real. And It’s Coming Soon
by Michael Arrington on November 17, 2009 The debate over Droid v. iPhone rages on, but lots more Android surprises are on the way. Get ready for the Google Phone. It’s no longer a myth, it’s real.
The next “super” Android device will almost certainly be a HTC phone that’s much thinner than even the Droid or iPhone – The Dragon/Passion. This is the phone the senior Android guys at Google are now carrying around and testing, at least as of a couple of weeks ago. If you’re willing to give up the Droid’s keyboard, the Dragon/Passion is going to be a really cool phone. It should be fully available very soon.
But it isn’t the Google Phone. Everything up until now has just been a warm up to the Google Phone.
Way more interesting are the rumors we’ve been hearing for months about a pure Google-branded phone. Most of our sources have unconfirmed information, which we describe below. But there are a few things we have absolutely confirmed: Google is building their own branded phone that they’ll sell directly and through retailers. They were long planning to have the phone be available by the holidays, but it has now slipped to early 2010. The phone will be produced by a major phone manufacturer but will only have Google branding (Microsoft did the same thing with their first Zunes, which were built by Toshiba).
There won’t be any negotiation or compromise over the phone’s design of features – Google is dictating every last piece of it. No splintering of the Android OS that makes some applications unusable. Like the iPhone for Apple, this phone will be Google’s pure vision of what a phone should be.
That’s it for confirmed, super-high confidence information, which frankly isn’t a whole lot more than we all heard back in late October. But we also have a few more details as well that we’ve gathered from a number of sources. Everything that follows we still consider to be just well-sourced rumors:
One source told us that HTC, a Taiwanese company, is building the new Google phone, but we think that information is incorrect. We have some fairly good information that suggests Google is working with a Korean phone manufacturer on the Google phone – LG or Samsung (we mentioned this on CrunchGear earlier this week). Samsung has multiple parts in the iPhone and could be pressured by Apple not to work with Google, which says LG is the more likely partner for Google. So rumors like this one may be much more important than they first appear. But either way, the best information we have right now points directly at Korea as the birthplace of the Google Phone.
We’ve also heard from a good source that Google is planning a big advertising push around the device early next year – like January.
That’s all we have for now. We don’t yet know what the device will look like, how big it will be, or even if it has a physical keyboard. But we do know that Google is getting into the phone building business directly, and doesn’t seem too concerned about competing with all the other device manufacturers building Android phones.
I hope it just blows all other phones away and Google eats most of the cost on it by somehow finding a way of subsidizing the cost. My patience may be rewarded if I just wai a little bit longer!!! ;D
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 18, 2009, 10:47:25 PM
Did you see the update? Doesn't sound so great now. http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/18/the-google-phone-may-be-data-only-voip-driven-device/ But who knows.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 18, 2009, 10:57:03 PM
:(
I wanted a super charged google phone completely subsidized to the point of almost being free.
I know it was too much to ask, but I was trying to justify myself holding out on the Droid for just a little bit longer.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 18, 2009, 11:08:29 PM
If they were to get that thing on Verizon it'd be fine by me. I really only wanted the iPhone for the data features; that plus Google Voice is all I need.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 18, 2009, 11:16:34 PM
How is data only a bad thing? You can still use it as a phone, using Google Voice (apparently), which means you could assign your home phone number to it easily, so you'd have your "real" phone no matter where you go.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 18, 2009, 11:45:58 PM
never said it was a bad thing.
I'm still waiting to see what it is.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 19, 2009, 01:09:49 AM
VoiP-only is a bad thing because it means you can only use it if you have access to a wireless access point. And that kind of defeats the purpose of the cell phone part. If you're using it only as a home phone or something, then it might be useful.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 19, 2009, 01:35:10 AM
Okay, so you don't like the idea under the assumption that VoIP won't be usable anywhere data is. That's a reasonable assumption, but I think it's also a reasonable assumption that Google's not stupid enough to release a phone that only works as a phone in Wi-Fi hotspots.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 19, 2009, 01:44:09 AM
You're right, but...
I just don't understand why AT&T would be willing to sell data-only to Google when iPhone's data usage is already killing their network. And they already know about Google Voice and are trying to get the FCC on their case about it. The whole net neutrality thing revolves around this very idea, with Google and carriers on opposite sites, so I'm trying to see why any of the carriers would back this.
One argument I could see is if Google is splitting ad revenue. Besides just buying Admob, it seems that Google can entice carriers with ad revenue, meaning more profit for them even if they don't like the type of control Google is exerting.
If this actually goes through, then perhaps there really is a chance for the next Nintendo portable to include 3G.
BTW, the Google Voice quality is discernibly lower than regular voice. I switched it off on my Droid because of it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 19, 2009, 02:24:11 PM
You don't need a wireless hotspot for VOIP. The phone *IS* the wireless hotspot, since it will have a data connection.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 19, 2009, 03:50:38 PM
He's assuming that since AT&T doesn't let iPhone users use VoIP apps on the cell network, only on WiFi, they'll have the same policy for the Google phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 19, 2009, 07:26:05 PM
Or maybe it's all bs. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2356075,00.asp Oh, tech journalism...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on November 19, 2009, 07:48:42 PM
I just got the new Bold 9700 today. 4 hours and i'm loving it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 27, 2009, 12:43:53 PM
So apparently PDANet does not have a mac client to connect to an android phone over USB.
However, Bluetooth DUN does work! This post is coming from my MacBook connected to the internet via a wireless bluetooth connection to my Droid. Pretty sweet.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 27, 2009, 01:11:19 PM
My girl did one of those surveys where at the end you complete 2 offers and you get a free Moto Droid. If it works out, that will be my Xmas present, which will let me not use my new every2.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 27, 2009, 03:46:08 PM
Bluetooth is slow as Hell for the internet though, isn't it? On my phone (and almost any WM phone with wifi) I can connect to Verizon's service, then use my phone as a wifi access point for my laptop, etc.
BNM - where the Hell did she get that deal? I want to try it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 27, 2009, 04:01:18 PM
she is signed up to some survey for cash thing. they send surveys to her e-mail where some you fill out and earn money, others you just need to open the e-mail and you earn money. During the filling out the survey part, they try to find out your interest and pull surveys from those areas for you that usually have some sort of prize attached. The Moto Droid was one of them. If she runs across another one, I'll see if I can copy/past the address for it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 27, 2009, 04:03:50 PM
That would be sweet. I've got a long time before I'm eligible for an upgrade. I just saw Flash 10.1 will be on Android (and WM) early next year - and it uses GPU acceleration, even making HD YouTube videos 100% watchable.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 27, 2009, 04:09:27 PM
I put that on this PoS laptop and videos have been much smoother. Full Screen Hulu would usually freeze (audio continues to play) forcing you to exit Full screen. And YouTube HD was so choppy that it was unwatchable.
Both problems fixed with the Flash 10.1 Beta Both work almost flawlessly, a small stutter here and a small stutter there.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 27, 2009, 09:32:45 PM
Bluetooth isn't overly slow... I would prefer USB, but overall it works great.
Hopefully PDANet will make a Mac client for Android connections soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 28, 2009, 01:03:42 AM
That would be sweet. I've got a long time before I'm eligible for an upgrade. I just saw Flash 10.1 will be on Android (and WM) early next year - and it uses GPU acceleration, even making HD YouTube videos 100% watchable.
I got another one for you, I'll send it to your PM. if anyone else wants it, just ask. It gives you 2 phones and I have a feeling that something went bad with the one we already tried to sign up for (delayed completion of sign-up for required promotions). So if mine doesn't go through correctly, will you hook me up with your other free one?
EDIT: DON'T DO THAT DEAL. IT WASN'T FROM THE SAME PROGRAM MY GIRL GOT. it has a ridiculous amount of requirements that need to be completed and the last two require you to spend more money than the free items are worth.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on November 28, 2009, 04:39:50 PM
YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING?! THERE GOES MY WHOLE BELIEF SYSTEM.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on November 29, 2009, 01:25:47 PM
have you ever done any of those sponsorship programs?
I know people that have gotten plenty of free stuff without paying anything(as long as they cancel the free trials on time)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on November 29, 2009, 10:41:43 PM
YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING?! THERE GOES MY WHOLE BELIEF SYSTEM.
Tell that to Pepsi. ;)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on November 30, 2009, 01:38:50 PM
Doesn't count--I had to pay some guy to drink a bunch of Pepsi for me.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on November 30, 2009, 01:49:15 PM
I had the most depressing thing happen to me over thanksgiving. My Mom brought me a ziplock of about 80 pepsi rock band caps and said "didn't you say you wanted some of these?"
:(
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 30, 2009, 02:02:23 PM
Doesn't count--I had to pay some guy to drink a bunch of Pepsi for me.
Now I need to pay some guy to enter in all those codes into my Wii/DSi.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 14, 2009, 07:35:05 PM
Looks like the Google Phone "Nexus One" is real. Unfortunately looks like it's going to t-mobile.
Missed opportunity if you ask me. battle the iPhone head on using the Verizon/Sprint compatible 3G network
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on December 14, 2009, 07:53:29 PM
or on AT&T
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 14, 2009, 08:04:52 PM
Supposedly T-Mobile & AT&T have non compatible 3G standards. But if AT&T can't handle iPhone, why would Google want to help cause more call failure rates on less 3G coverage?
You would think that they(AT&T/T-Mo) would probably allow piggy backing off of each others networks(like Verizon allows Sprint), but maybe neither one sees the benefit since both of their networks aren't much better than the other.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on December 20, 2009, 02:31:49 AM
AT&T and T-Mobile can't be that incompatible; if you hack an iPhone you can get it to run on T-Mobile.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 20, 2009, 03:39:30 AM
on the old 3G standard for the their phones. From what I been hearing AT&T & T-Mobile have both updated their 3G networks and they took different routes on the specifications from each other. Their new 3G networks are not compatible with each other.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on December 20, 2009, 05:02:44 AM
Isn't there a group that requires things like 3G standards to be universal?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on January 15, 2010, 09:23:19 PM
Wow. Verizon is really sticking it to people with these new rate plans. Starting Monday, if I wanted to start up a new account with the exact same features I have now, it'd run me $20 more (~$25 after changes in discounts and taxes - or about 33% more).
I called to find out my contract end date/current ETF and the guy was trying to up-sell me to a smart phone. He looked at my last month's bill and determined that I could do without my current unlimited messaging and drop $10 to the 500/M2M package. I used 445 of those 500 messages last month... way too close for comfort. This new plan of his was going to "only cost $10 more" (until, of course, I ran over those 500 messages). He seemed totally unable to accept the idea that I want the cost of my bill to go down over time - not up.
I can get unlimited talk/text/data on Straight Talk for $45/month - $20 less than I'm paying now - and including unlimited talk (which, to be fair, I don't use much at all) - and $40 less than I'll likely end up having to pay if I ever want to upgrade my phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: bustin98 on January 15, 2010, 10:45:58 PM
I now have the HTC Eris from Verizon. Its been pretty cool so far, other than the battery getting sucked dry every day. I do use my bluetooth headset often, and its checking a couple of mail accounts for me, and I have my Facebook updates... maybe the battery isn't so bad considering its comparable to having a mini-pc in my pocket.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 16, 2010, 04:20:13 AM
@UB: Hmmmmmm......
Verizon and AT&T dial up wireless plan wars (http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/15/technology/verizon_prices/index.htm)
Quote
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Verizon Wireless said early Friday it will lower prices on its unlimited wireless plans.
Later in the day, AT&T followed suit.
Verizon cut its unlimited family talk and text plan from $229.99 to $149.99 and its nationwide unlimited voice plan was reduced to $69.99 from $99.99.
An unlimited family voice plan will cost users $119.99, down from $199.99, and nationwide unlimited talk and text plans were lowered to $89.99 from $119.99.
"Prices either stayed the same or were lowered for unlimited usage," said Brenda Raney, a Verizon Wireless spokeswoman.
The lower prices will be offered Monday. Existing customer contracts will not be affected, but customers may switch over to any of the new plans without a penalty or contract extension.
After the announcement, AT&T said it will cut back prices on unlimited plans as well and the new rates will also be available Monday. 0:00 /3:17US says smartphones are data-hogs
AT&T will lower the price of each of its unlimited plans by $30, leaving the two companies neck and neck yet again.
"We are committed to providing more value to our customers and staying competitive in the marketplace," said AT&T spokesman Fletcher Cook. "These new plans make it even more attractive to choose AT&T."
"The reason AT&T had to lower its prices is because its brand reputation is taking a lot of hits," said Doug Helmreich, program director at consultancy CFI Group. "It's predictable just because they are a big player in the market and they can't not respond."
And because competitors won't want to be left in the dust, other wireless service providers including Sprint Nextel (S, Fortune 500), T-Mobile USA are likely to hop on the bandwagon, said Daniel Hays, wireless expert and partner at consultancy PRTM.
But Verizon's smaller -- but growing -- competitors may be even more affected by the price reductions.
"This is going to put continued pressure on some of the smaller players like Leap Wireless (LEAP) and MetroPCS (PCS) who have really been taking the lead in this pricing competition," Hays added. "They're going to be the ones who are going to have primary impact."
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on January 16, 2010, 04:25:43 AM
I want to get a Droid and plan on switching to Verizon from AT&T in the coming months. I especially decided to go this way when I found out my co-worker pays the same as I do ($100) for her Droid w/ unlimited Data/Text/whatever + 500 minutes.
I pay $100 for 900 minutes + unlimited texting. This is what I got when I finally switched over my phone from my parents plan to my own in December and The nail in the coffin was the AT&T rep said I used over 800 minutes on average so 900 should do me. I get my first full statement and I now have 200 rollover minutes...yeah.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on January 16, 2010, 09:46:05 AM
Interesting that article makes no mention of the new data plan requirements.
Basically, virtually any 3G-enabled phone will now *require* a data package of either $10 or $30.
The Connect and Premium plans are being discontinued.
My current plan gives me 450 Minutes, unlimited messaging and unlimited data for $70 (Nationwide Connect 450). The new Nationwide 450 Talk and Text package is $60 and gives you the 450 Minutes and unlimited messaging. To get unlimited data, you have to add the $30 data package - $90 total.
Now - while I don't *currently* have to change my plan, I know Verizon. Later, when I want to upgrade my phone, I'll be allowed to either A) Keep my current plan and pick from a small selection of the crappiest, most basic phones or B) Change to a current plan to get a phone with industry standard features.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on January 16, 2010, 10:26:37 AM
Off-topic, but this is why I love carriers that use SIM cards (e.g. T-Mobile and AT&T). If you want to upgrade your phone without changing your current plan (or even signing up for a plan if your current one has transitioned to month-to-month) you just buy a new phone on the secondary market, pop your SIM card in and you're all set. Easy as pie!
My parents are on Verizon, and I'll never switch for that reason alone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 16, 2010, 02:18:15 PM
I've upgraded my phone without switching plans and even switched to a different phone from my bedroom without the help from Verizon. All I had to do was log online, so I not sure what you're trying to say.
To switch your phone all you need is the ESM number and enter it into your account. You gonna need a data cable or the online backup plan if you want to transfer your ph#s though.
SIM card is obviously easier, but you make it sound like it's not possible on CDMA.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 16, 2010, 02:21:09 PM
Off-topic, but this is why I love carriers that use SIM cards (e.g. T-Mobile and AT&T). If you want to upgrade your phone without changing your current plan (or even signing up for a plan if your current one has transitioned to month-to-month) you just buy a new phone on the secondary market, pop your SIM card in and you're all set. Easy as pie!
My parents are on Verizon, and I'll never switch for that reason alone.
You can do that with any carrier, it has nothing to do with SIM cards. You can go buy a phone on eBay, call Verizon, and have them switch your activation over, or you can do it on their website. Also, it's usually not as simple as swapping SIM cards, the phone may have to be unlocked first, not all of the settings work the same way, you may have to flash the ROM (if it's a Windows Mobile device), etc.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on January 17, 2010, 12:38:20 AM
Here's a handy, pretty PDF File comparing the prices of the new plans vs. the older plans... Many price increases across the board...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 23, 2010, 01:29:45 AM
Verizon's new plans suck. I'm thinking about switching to T-mobile, but I'm not sure how good their coverage is locally. I may be stuck with verizon. Forcing people into data plans with the vast majority of theirs phone is lousy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 23, 2010, 02:09:20 AM
I almost got a Droid for my B-day last week, but they were forcing a $30 data plan on me that I didn't want.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 23, 2010, 03:16:31 AM
Yeah, the thing is the Droid has Wifi which you could technically use instead of a data plan, but Verizon won't let you.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on February 23, 2010, 06:00:26 AM
I could see not wanting a data plan on some of the lower phones, but what's the point of having a Droid without a data plan?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 23, 2010, 11:58:13 AM
well, if you're in an area with lots of wifi, you could save $30 a month.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 23, 2010, 11:58:29 AM
I have wifi, I don't need the data plan most of the time since I work from home, and I don't want it forced on me just because I have the phone.
I want the phone for the features it supports and I can get the apps on there without the data plan, so why should I be forced to have it if I don't need it 95% of the time?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 23, 2010, 01:34:07 PM
Because they said so. I could care less, I always use the data connection (my phone is my Sirius Radio, Shoutcast Radio, Slacker Radio, Orb playback device, etc, etc) when I'm in the car, or at school and so on.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on February 23, 2010, 02:46:14 PM
As far as I know, it is impossible to turn the data connection off on the Droid, so even if Verizon let you buy one without the 30 bucks a month, you'd be paying more than that in usage fees because it would connect so much.
Also, if the 30 dollar a month plan wasn't required, you'd have to drop significantly more than 150-200 bucks on the phone itself.
If you want an WiFi enabled digital organizer, just get an iPod touch.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 23, 2010, 03:57:27 PM
Maybe I'm just being stingy, but I don't like the idea of paying $100 a month for my phone service. I'm okay with paying full price for the phone up front, because it will still save me money over the year.
T-mobile has a plan with unlimited data for $60. I just don't know what their network is like.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on February 23, 2010, 04:10:21 PM
T-Mobile's USA headquarters is in Bellevue, WA. I would assume (hope) that it's at least above average in your neighborhood. :)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on February 23, 2010, 05:10:59 PM
That really sucks. Maybe you should look into picking up an unlocked phone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on February 23, 2010, 05:41:21 PM
Maybe I'm just being stingy, but I don't like the idea of paying $100 a month for my phone service. I'm okay with paying full price for the phone up front, because it will still save me money over the year.
T-mobile has a plan with unlimited data for $60. I just don't know what their network is like.
I'm not sure about T-MObile USA but UK's here has a streetcheck thingy which basically checks your coverage according to postcode/zipcode and generally advises you against it if the signal is too poor. Don't you know anyone on T-Mobile you can borrow?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on February 23, 2010, 10:08:10 PM
I believe Tmo USA has the same thing, I remember researching coverage for a few phones when my contract was almost up. It was around the time the g1 came out and my areas where covered so I stuck with them since the prices are decent. After hearing what some of you pay for plans on verizon I'm not sure I wanna switch anymore...
Guess I'll just stick it out with bthis phone until the Nexos "two" comes out, since it'll supposedly have a hardware keyboard (the lack of one is keeping me from upgrading to Nexus One and makes me want the "inferior" Moto Droid). Hopefully they'll also sell that one unlocked, should I choose to leave TMo
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 24, 2010, 12:02:32 AM
Droid can be overclocked to 1Ghz, has a hardware keyboard and can run Android 2.1I wouldn't call it "inferior," oh and it costs $329 less, assuming you renew your contract.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on February 24, 2010, 02:05:07 AM
Yeah, mine runs great at 1.2GHz (double rated speed!). Pretty much the only thing the Nexus One has over it is an AMOLED screen (though the Droid screen is higher resolution).
As for T-Mobile, I only know one co-worker who has it, and he complains that data is practically unusable for him.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on February 24, 2010, 08:31:14 AM
What does it take to overclock it? How much hacking do you have to do?
Does it have the same drawback as other homebrew things... like over the air updates can break your phone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 24, 2010, 03:06:51 PM
You don't have to do any hacking, you just download an app from the Marketplace (forget the name) that will root your Droid and let you overclock and do lots of other stuff. Shouldn't be affected by OTA stuff since it's an actual program from the Marketplace. I think it costs $5 though. Also, you can just restore the previous update before installing the new one if you're concerned, but you shouldn't be.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on February 25, 2010, 11:01:15 AM
Or you could do a bit of hacking if you want to avoid paying for the service. A lot of the custom ROMs disable the OTA updates. Also, there is a recovery procedure in the case that you do somehow brick your phone (though it's not likely).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 25, 2010, 11:37:22 PM
Tmobile didn't have coverage were I needed it, and AT&T had the same prices for their plans. Thankfully, Verizon still had the $5 and $10 texting packages, you just couldn't select them on their website.
I managed to get an LG Env Touch for the same price as my old plan by reducing my minutes, so $65 a month with 25mb data. Five bucks a month more than Tmobile and it's not android based, but the coverage was worth it. Seems like a decent enough phone so far.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on February 27, 2010, 06:45:32 AM
Tmobile didn't have coverage were I needed it, and AT&T had the same prices for their plans. Thankfully, Verizon still had the $5 and $10 texting packages, you just couldn't select them on their website.
I managed to get an LG Env Touch for the same price as my old plan by reducing my minutes, so $65 a month with 25mb data. Five bucks a month more than Tmobile and it's not android based, but the coverage was worth it. Seems like a decent enough phone so far.
How much are you paying for the data?
I'm paying £5/month for 1GB.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 27, 2010, 12:21:55 PM
$40 for 500 minutes (unlimited nights and weekends) $5 for 250 text/picture messages and $10 for 25mb data. I don't really plan on using the data at all so that's good enough for me. I did find out that my phone can be used as a PC modem though, so that makes it tempting to get unlimited data for $30. I should see if I can get that for one month and then change it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 27, 2010, 02:41:40 PM
You should be able to. Don't even try to use that 25MB, if you go over, the price absolutely *skyrockets* unless they simply cut you off. Trust me, anyone with a decent phone, you want a data plan. It will come in handy so often, especially when you're on the road.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on February 27, 2010, 02:49:54 PM
Verizon will sometimes let you trial it for a month for free. Check with a store rep and see if they can hook you up.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on February 28, 2010, 06:42:02 AM
When I get a new smart phone I'm just going to go for the unlimited data plan to avoid risks of going over and accruing massive overcharges.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on February 28, 2010, 11:30:14 AM
Droid can be overclocked to 1Ghz, has a hardware keyboard and can run Android 2.1I wouldn't call it "inferior," oh and it costs $329 less, assuming you renew your contract.
I'm too lazy to double check but I'm pretty sure I put the word inferior in quotes, as you did, because I've read a few reports stating the Droid might not see any updates to the Android firmware soon because Moto is taking its sweet time, yet the N1 already ships with the latest firmware. In fact since release there's been another update finally allowing users multi-touch control without hacking the phone. So many tech sites have called the Droid "inferior" in that regard, however in my eyes the droid is the superior phone soley for the hardware keyboard; which I specified before. So unless there's an N2 announced at the end of my Tmo contract, Droid has my money for my next smartphone (or if by then therees a "droid 2" or something just as powerful running the Andriod OS and features a hardware keyboard).
As for Tmo coverage, I always have good signal and data around my area (in and around NYC) but twice now for business I've had to travel two hours north close to Albany NY and lose service. Its no biggie to me since I rarely travel up that way. My girlfriend and I both had good service out in New Mexico on our trip a few months back, so no complaints from me.
Oh, and when I was upstate for business, my boss had no service at all on his brand new iphone and was pissed I was texting and checking emails from my g1 :P
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 04, 2010, 12:40:22 AM
I just saw a commercial for the Palm Pre on Verizon and the phone has a feaure that allows it to be your mobile hotspot for upto 5 other devices.
Is that something new? Is that the same as tethering? can the Droid do that(wifi hotspot)?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on March 04, 2010, 12:54:39 AM
Hacked Droid can do it. You can't do it without hacking because you need to alter the driver to support becoming a hotspot. You can use wired tethering and wireless (hotspot) simultaneously.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 04, 2010, 12:59:27 AM
can the iPhone do that? because that is major multi-tasking right there.
Actually serious question. Can you still use the phone as a phone while tethering/hot spotting?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 04, 2010, 01:06:54 AM
You can only do tethering with the iPhone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 04, 2010, 01:19:44 AM
you forgot to add the [/sarcasm] tag on your post.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 04, 2010, 01:29:38 AM
I didn't read the second sentence in your post. But to answer that one, yes the phone works while you tether.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 04, 2010, 01:34:25 AM
oh, were you saying that the iPhone only tethers and can't multi or were you trying to say that iPhone is the only phone that tethers?
cause I was responding assuming the latter.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 04, 2010, 01:36:03 AM
it can only tether...not the only phone that tethers
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on March 04, 2010, 01:48:52 AM
You can't do voice and data simultaneously on Verizon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 04, 2010, 01:51:19 AM
at least not yet...
4G's coming out this summer for AT&T (along with it, the 4G iPhone). I assume Verizon has some big plans as well.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on March 04, 2010, 03:40:14 AM
Any word if 4G going to cost more per month?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 04, 2010, 04:16:40 AM
I would assume it would not.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 04, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
Actually, you can't do tethering with the iPhone in the United States; the phone's software would allow it to do it, as it does in other countries, but AT&T has yet to allow it. If you jailbreak an iPhone, you can both tether it and use it as a WiFi hotspot.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 04, 2010, 11:15:18 PM
You can use almost any phone (well SmartPhone or PDA) for tethering/WiFi hotspot (if it has WiFi), and you don't have to do it the "carrier way." I use my Omnia as a WiFi hotspot on occasion.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 28, 2010, 08:10:33 PM
O.M.G. Verizon is killing it with their 3G ads vs AT&T
Verizon's "Big Red" ad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t94QyEoqr5k&)
this made me LOL for real.
and for those that don't get it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxiuuJVT-8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCxiuuJVT-8)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on March 29, 2010, 05:23:02 AM
Wow, I haven't seen or heard of Big Red since...the 80's. Very nice spoof ad.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 02, 2010, 04:14:19 PM
BnM have you seen the specs for the HTC Incredible? Very close in design and perormance to the Nexus One (though the 1Ghz Snapdragon is downclocked to 768Mhz), supposedly it will be hitting Verizon within the next 3 weeks or so. If this is true, then it will be my next phone.
Nice.
768Mhz Snapdragon (downclocked from 1Ghz) 8MP Camera Sense UI (that I've been playing with on my girls HTC Hero) Android 2.1 3.7" multi-touchscreen 6 GB of internal Flash 512 MB RAM
I just wonder how it compares to the HTC EVO 4G on Sprint. That phone looked like a beast.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 03, 2010, 11:52:38 PM
So, Verizon is *definitely* getting *both* the Nexus One and the HTC Incredible
Nexus One for Verizon is right on Google's N1 page - https://www.google.com/phone/choose?hl=en&gl=US&s7e= (https://www.google.com/phone/choose?hl=en&gl=US&s7e=)
HTC Incredible programming information is right on...Verizon Wireless's webpage - https://infodoc.verizonwireless.com/Infomanager/Areas/Equipment/159211.htm (https://infodoc.verizonwireless.com/Infomanager/Areas/Equipment/159211.htm)
Man, I almost bought a Droid a few days ago (my friend is buddy-buddy with the VZW store manager right by my house), looks like I'll be waiting just a *little* bit longer.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 04, 2010, 01:14:38 AM
Which one are you waiting for though?
N1 & the HTC Incred. both sound similar on paper with the N1 clocking in higher and the Inc. having a much higher rez camera.
Whats the UI like on the N1 vs the Touch Sense from HTC?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 04, 2010, 09:48:15 AM
I think N1 has the "basic" Android 2.1 (Droid) style UI, you can install Touch Sense on it, and you can uninstall Touch Sense on the HTC Incredible, surely (most of HTC's customizations are easily removed or added to other phones, at least with Windows Mobile). I'm probably holding out for simply whichever one comes out first, or maybe which one is cheaper if they launch at the same time (which they actually might be...April 28th).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 04, 2010, 11:31:16 AM
Wait.... so you can add Android to a Windows Mobile Phone?
My girl returned her HTC Hero because she didn't like the little ball, and was digging the HTC Touch Pro 2 but wasn't feeling Windows Mobile since it didn't have all the apps she already liked. I'm sure she'd be real happy if she could get that phone and put Android on it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 04, 2010, 01:20:28 PM
I was under the impression that N1's firmware was the more up to date version that what is currently available on the Droid (which keeps getting its update pushed back)..?
Anyway I was playing with my friends Droid last weekend and I didn't like it from a purely aesthetic point of view. The software is great, the updates made from my G1's v1.6 to 2.0 are pretty sweet (pun intended? lol love the firmware names) but still, I don't see myself enjoying the phone as much as my G1 because of the form factor.
I will continue to hold out for an "N2" which might have a hardware keyboard which I like, or until another comparable phone comes around. Still need to check when my Tmo contract is up..
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 04, 2010, 03:18:27 PM
I personally like the look of the HTC Incredible over the N1 and I don't know how AI feel about the Droids keyboard since I don't have dainty fingers capable of pushing 1 single key with any accuracy when moving quickly.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 04, 2010, 03:26:32 PM
I have to check out this Incredible, its the first I've heard of it
edit: Can you link me to a good pic? i tried looking on the official HTC site and can't find anything labeled "incredible". Does it go by another name?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 04, 2010, 03:39:23 PM
I have to check out this Incredible, its the first I've heard of it
edit: Can you link me to a good pic? i tried looking on the official HTC site and can't find anything labeled "incredible". Does it go by another name?
this is the most info I could find onit with a good pic of what it looks like http://nexus404.com/Blog/2010/03/18/htc-incredible-launched-verizon-weeks-rumors-suggest-htc-incredible-coming-find-incredible/
It's not really clear, but I'm hoping that is not a trackball at the bottom. that's the one thing that I wasn't too fond of on the HTC Hero, but only because it was also the camera button and it was really awkward to use that instead of a dedicated button on the side where you finger would naturally rest when holding the phone sideways.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on April 04, 2010, 03:42:52 PM
I believe that's an optical trackpad.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 04, 2010, 03:47:28 PM
trackballs are okay. I like it better than the 8-way directional pad the Droid has. I'm surprised theres no dedicated camera button.. My G1 has one, and its a nice in that it works like a quick key too (ie hold the button down while in any application and the camera opens up), however since the first Android software update I never really use the camera key to snap a picture. I find the trackball, but more especially the virtual key, much easier to use because it keeps the camera much steadier than the small hardware key. It's kinda like the GCN's z button lol..
as for the HTC Inc... it looks okay. I can't tell if thats a trackball either, and the pic isn't all that great so its hard to tell what the phone actually looks like. I personally think the N1 is pretty slick, despite the odd color of it. If you had that in a glossy black, well you'd pretty much have the Incredible don't ya think?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 04, 2010, 04:05:03 PM
I didn't mean running Android on top of Windows Mobile (but yes, there are several phones that you can put a bootloader on and use Android instead of Windows Mobile, though not officially), I meant HTC makes a lot of customizations to their WinMo phones (Mannilla 2D, TouchFlo, etc), all of which can be disabled or even installed on other phones not made by HTC.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 08, 2010, 10:17:39 PM
I'm about to jizz in my pants. The HTC incredible launches April 29th (confirmed by many VZW reps), and the processor will *not* be downlclocked to 768Mhz, and will run at 1Ghz. Here are the specs, and the manual - http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/04/08/htc-incredible-specs-manual-leaked/ (http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/04/08/htc-incredible-specs-manual-leaked/)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 08, 2010, 11:16:28 PM
I'm about to jizz in my pants. The HTC incredible launches April 29th (confirmed by many VZW reps), and the processor will *not* be downlclocked to 768Mhz, and will run at 1Ghz. Here are the specs, and the manual - http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/04/08/htc-incredible-specs-manual-leaked/ (http://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/04/08/htc-incredible-specs-manual-leaked/)
I'm sold. Now I just need a good clear pic of the front of the phone.
also, what is this?
Quote from: HTC Incredible Spec Sheet
Special features - Friend Stream
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 09, 2010, 12:43:52 AM
I just Googled it - http://mashable.com/2010/02/16/htc-friend-stream/ (http://mashable.com/2010/02/16/htc-friend-stream/) - I guess it will take your contacts and link to their FaceBook, Twitter, etc, and show you when they have updates. I don't use any of that crap, but it's a pretty cool feature.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 09, 2010, 11:05:55 AM
Why is it everytime I need/badly want a new phone its at the worse times?
Can't upgrade to n1 on tmo cuz googles picky, nor am I close to finishing up my contract to look elsewhere for new phones. SOB
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on April 09, 2010, 11:46:02 AM
Meh....newer better phones are always releasing round the clock. I only upgrade if I can or have too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 09, 2010, 11:58:17 AM
Which is why I hate the situation I'm in. My g1 is busted to hell (go figure, 1st smartphone and its the one I'm clumsiest with) and it only feels as its getting worse day by day. I definately need a phone but with newer, better phones being released at such a fast pace, no matter what I do it feels like I'm shooting myself in the foot.
I either:
-buy an n1 full price and decide what to do when my tmo contract is up in october.. possibly leaving me stuck with just another tmo contract as the current model is optimized for it.
-cancel my contract, pay whatever fees there are and buy into a NEW contract which will most likely be more expensive than what I'm paying now for unlimited everything.
Either way I go though, I bet once a new phone is obtained the next day something that fits my needs better will be announced (ie. Nexus Two with physical keyboard)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on April 09, 2010, 12:04:58 PM
Why don't you use your warranty and get another G1? You could also do what my brother has done and threaten to leave your carrier and vow to never come back unless a deal is made. They're first obligation is to keep you on contract first, so you do have some leverage.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 09, 2010, 12:41:06 PM
Out of warranty by now, and asfriendly as tmo customer service is their wait time is almost as bad as HSBC's (last time I had to call in for support I was on hold for 45 mins).
I think I just found a replacement g1 on amazon for cheap, maybe ill just get that until its time for a new contract and can get a deal somewhere for a nice new phone. All these HTC android phones are awesome..
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 09, 2010, 07:28:38 PM
Get an HTC EVO 4G on Sprint this summer.
4G may be a extra, but you can buy into that later. Ridiculous phone that you shouldn't feel like you are getting outdated tech because the next phone to follow it probably still won't be as nice.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 12, 2010, 12:50:36 AM
Here's the dilemma though - Verizon launches 4G later this year (at least in 25-30 markets, but I'm a hop, skip and a jump away from Orlando, which I imagine will be one of those markets)...and these are 3G phones...is it worth holding out even longer?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 12, 2010, 01:15:52 AM
you bring up a good point. I have to wait till June as it is, but everyday that goes by has me wanting to chuck my phone into the nearest wall harder and harder as it gets slower and less responsive.
The camera just recently stopped working and somehow the screen got scratched, so I'm really ready to get a new phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on April 12, 2010, 08:43:48 PM
I don't know how Verizon does it, but when my carrier went to 3G it took several months and I was stuck on the old network for a while.
The same rules apply for phones as they do for game systems - you keep waiting for the next big thing, you end up with nothing.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 12, 2010, 10:49:48 PM
True. I don't need 4G (at least I don't think), the Droid already does a nice job at streaming HQ YouTube videos and whatnot over 3G, and HTC phones tend to have pretty decent radios in them as well. The speed would be nice, but I have 15-22Mb/sec cable at home already, and if I could stream WVGA video in my car, I'd probably get in a wreck and die.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on April 12, 2010, 10:57:25 PM
Knowing that something better will come along and knowing about a specific thing and when it's coming out are two separate things. My iPhone is starting to show its age and I plan to upgrade to a new one soon, but I'd be crazy to do that now when I know the new one is coming in just over 2 months. There will be another new one after that, but in this case there is a very tangible gain to be had in a set amount of time.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 17, 2010, 01:18:25 PM
Android 2.1 with HTC Sense experience 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ processor for maximum responsiveness Friend Stream for unified Flickr, Facebook and Twitter updates "Leap" view for quick access to all seven home screen panels 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash for crisp, detailed images Razor-sharp 3.7 inch WVGA (480x800) AMOLED capacitive touch display Optical joystick for smooth navigation Dedicated, touch-sensitive Home, Menu, Back and Search keys Proximity sensor, light sensor and digital compass Integrated GPS Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) 3.5 mm headset jack
Price and availability: DROID Incredible will be available for pre-order online at www.verizonwireless.com (http://www.verizonwireless.com/) beginning on April 19 and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on April 29. Pricing will be $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement.
edit: It's also rumored that the phone can do 720p recording but it has to be unlocked.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 18, 2010, 09:58:45 PM
If you buy it at Best Buy you get it for $199 instantly. Hopefully my friend's buddy can hook me up with the same deal. The only thing I'll miss from Windows Mobile is (unofficial) Sirius streaming, but Android will have it soon enough. If I knew that VZW was going to get (at least the equivalent of) the EVO 4G, then I'd hold out, but I (and a lot of websites) think this will be Verizon's "flagship" phone, so I doubt they would try to out-do it anytime soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 18, 2010, 10:59:49 PM
Can you get the $199 deal instantly and use the NE2 $150 discount to get it for $50?
Because if you can, then I will be signed up by sometime next month.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: EasyCure on April 20, 2010, 07:54:28 PM
i h aven't used the Sense UI but fom everything I read, it doesn't sound like i'd like it So i'm not bummed about missing out on this phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 21, 2010, 12:03:33 AM
I don't know what the Hell you're talking about Bob, there's no way anyone is getting this for $50. It's $199 with a 2 year contract (new or renewal/upgrade).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on April 21, 2010, 12:04:58 PM
Well, when the Droid was advertised at $199 with 2 year contract, I got an extra $100 off with the NE2, so it was only $99. Of course, adding in the tax on top of both phones' (including the free Droid Eris) original price, the NE2 effectively evaporated.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 21, 2010, 09:51:31 PM
Anyone watched any vidoe reviews? Everyone says basically it's the ****. Better than the Nexus One.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 21, 2010, 10:36:01 PM
must..... resist..... the..... HYPE..... !!!!
(http://i25.tinypic.com/24118c1.jpg)
I will probably own this phone sometime next month. I can't stand my current phone anymore. But it all comes down to if I'm willing to pay the forced data plan.
Do I have to get unlimited or are there smaller data plans?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 21, 2010, 11:06:58 PM
It's a minimum $29.99 plan (which is unlimited...which is really 5GB, no matter which carries you're on). It's basically par for the course with any smartphone on any carrier nowadays though. I say it's worth it though, I use my data plan every day.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 21, 2010, 11:16:54 PM
My girl tried to surprise me with a Droid and she says they were gonna give her a $10 month Data plan. I said that there was only a $30 minimum data plan, but she said I was wrong. I haven't been to a Verizon store in a while, so I didn't really want to argue the point if that is what the rep had told her.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on April 22, 2010, 12:00:42 AM
There is a $10 data plan, I have it. BUT accoding to Verizon's website and the two Verizon stores I talked to, the Droid requires the $30 a month unlimited data plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on April 22, 2010, 05:03:03 AM
When I eventually get a smart phone I'm only going to consider unlimited data plans because I know I'll use it a lot and I don't want to ever chance going over on a data plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 22, 2010, 12:50:56 PM
Well, I get a 19% discount, so it will only be about $24 a month, but I don't know how much I'll actually use my data plan right now considering how much time I actually spend out of the house and/or on my phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on May 13, 2010, 07:34:05 AM
I've had these features for a while thanks to custom builds, but it's great that it's going out to everybody. Hopefully, Verizon won't delay this version for as long as they did with 2.1 http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/13/exclusive-google-to-add-tethering-wifi-hotspot-to-android-2-2-froyo/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on May 14, 2010, 12:27:11 AM
LG Ally? Yay or nay?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on May 17, 2010, 04:31:45 PM
I have a question.
Since you got your shiny new iPhone/Android, has your attitude towards the network changed? Are you more concerned about having unlimited data and texts rather than unlimited mins anymore? Do you see the network (e.g. AT&T) for how much interweb you can get rather than mins now?
Would you be willing to leave T-Mobile and go to AT&T, or whoever else, at the first sign of shittyness or just buy the phone outright (ala the Evo 4G) and go whoever suits you best?
I'm more interested in a better data connection and it working all times and will switch if it don't work
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 04, 2010, 03:48:12 PM
O.M.G. I just picked up the new HTC EVO 4G and the screen is GINORMOUS.
it's almost the size of my LG Dare, and I'm just talking the size of the screen. It's beautiful. Does the HTC Incredible that large of a screen too?
The blacked out screen of the HTC EVO also makes for a much better mirror than the Dare since the dare screen does some double imagery on the reflection.
I haven't played with it much yet, but I'm just wowed at the size of the screen vs what I'm used too.
(http://i48.tinypic.com/258w6lf.jpg)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 06, 2010, 04:15:52 AM
Well for better or worse, I have Flash installed. Froyo makes the phone run really smoothly.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on June 08, 2010, 03:56:13 PM
Does Froyo allow for more than 3 screens of apps? =P
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 08, 2010, 04:32:15 PM
It has 5 default with the 3D launcher. I haven't used the old launcher for a long time, so I kind of forgot it was an issue (there are launchers on the market that have customizable screen numbers).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 09, 2010, 02:52:17 AM
i m posting this now from the htc EVO 4G. this craps all over the laptop i was using, so much faster and smoother. most of this post is done with voice to text.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 13, 2010, 10:32:21 AM
Just when I thought I had decided on the HTC Incredible - I find out about the Verizon (Motorola) Droid X (http://gadgetuniversity.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/exclusive-motorola-droid-xtreme-hands-on/). It's basically an HTC Evo (without the 4G, I assume) for Verizon. Everything else known about it is basically the same - 8.0MP camera, 4.3" screen, HDMI out, 1Ghz SnapDragon CPU (though it may actually be a 750Mhz IMAP, but I can't imagine Motorola not going to 1Ghz with the DI out). I'll have to wait for some more specs, but this was quite a surprise.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 13, 2010, 12:31:53 PM
I'm so glad I've been slow to upgrade. I really hope they go with the 1GHZ snap dragon and basically have a Moto EVO 4V[erizon].
How is the Moto Blur UI? I've been getting a little familiar with Sense and Android in general, so I'd like to know how it compares.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 13, 2010, 03:04:15 PM
These new phones are gigantic. Even the Droid was larger than my last phone... How's the EVO 4G working out for you in that respect?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 13, 2010, 06:47:53 PM
EVO 4G is great. I've said this many times but it makes my phone (LG Dare) look like a cheap plastic iPod Touch knock off that plays low quality mp3's and grainy video. After extend play with the phone, mu phone seems small, cheap and very very limited (since it's not a smart phone)
I find excuses to use my girls phone over mine all the time. The internet is very viewable and the larger screen allows me to actually use the onscreen keyboard and type pretty dam quick without many mistakes. For comparison, on my phone, I have to type slow since buttons other than the one I'm trying to push get pushed. The EVO onscreen keyboard (especially in landscape) is very easy to use, pushing links on websites is also very easy too.
I want an EVO 4V and DroidX looks like the phone I've been waiting for as long as the (rumored) 750mhz chip is on par with the 1Ghz SD in the EVO 4G.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Falafel on June 14, 2010, 01:29:54 PM
I want a Verizon phone but I can't find a carrier in my area.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 18, 2010, 02:38:55 PM
Like I predicted (it may have been in a different thread, but it's more relevant here), because AT&T did it, Verizon is considering moving to a tiered, limited data plan model. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/199222/verizon_may_introduce_tiered_pricing.html)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on June 18, 2010, 11:09:08 PM
Not surprised. Cell phone companies move in packs on this stuff.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 19, 2010, 01:57:08 AM
I have an unlimited plan, and always use 2 or 3GB a month, so that would suck dick. As long as I never have to change my plan, then I don't care as much, but it's still bullshit.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Spinnzilla on June 23, 2010, 02:21:07 AM
I recently got my first smart phone. It's not the greatest smart phone in the world but I got it at a steal, it's the Mytouch 3G Slide. But man, oh man, do I love the android OS. Suck it iPhone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 26, 2010, 10:56:24 AM
**** yes! (http://droidx.net/droid-x-reviews/verizon-will-allow-early-upgrade-to-droid-x-with-extended-contract/) Verizon is "pulling an iPhone" and letting anyone whose contract expires this year upgrade to the Droid X when it's released. Sign me up, motherfucker.
BTW, it's out July 15th, and it does have the 1Ghz OMAP processor. Needless to say, but I need to wipe the semen from my monitor right now. Specs get! (http://phones.verizonwireless.com/droid/x/) 24GB (8GB onboard, with 16GB microSD included and expandable up to 40GB [and higher when bigger microSD cards are out I would assume] - suck it, iPhone) storage, 8MP camera, 854x480 4.3" capacitive multi-touch touch screen, 720p recording/playback with slow motion and fast motion (that's fucking awesome), 8 open browser windows at once...and it's Android, so that alone makes it awesome. Free Google Maps w/ turn-by-turn directions, of course. Man I was so set on the Droid Incredible...but now I'm glad I waited.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 26, 2010, 12:06:14 PM
**** yes! (http://droidx.net/droid-x-reviews/verizon-will-allow-early-upgrade-to-droid-x-with-extended-contract/) Verizon is "pulling an iPhone" and letting anyone whose contract expires this year upgrade to the Droid X when it's released. Sign me up, motherfucker.
BTW, it's out July 15th, and it does have the 1Ghz OMAP processor. Needless to say, but I need to wipe the semen from my monitor right now. Specs get! (http://phones.verizonwireless.com/droid/x/) 24GB (8GB onboard, with 16GB microSD included and expandable up to 40GB [and higher when bigger microSD cards are out I would assume] - suck it, iPhone) storage, 8MP camera, 854x480 4.3" capacitive multi-touch touch screen, 720p recording/playback with slow motion and fast motion (that's fucking awesome), 8 open browser windows at once...and it's Android, so that alone makes it awesome. Free Google Maps w/ turn-by-turn directions, of course. Man I was so set on the Droid Incredible...but now I'm glad I waited.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 30, 2010, 02:42:19 PM
Bloomberg says that Verizon gets the iPhone 4g in January
Quote
June 29 (Bloomberg) -- Verizon Wireless, the largest U.S. mobile-phone company, will start selling Apple Inc.’s iPhone next year, ending AT&T Inc.’s exclusive hold on the smartphone in the U.S., two people familiar with the plans said.
The device will be available to customers in January, according to the people, who declined to be named because the information isn’t public. Natalie Kerris, an Apple spokeswoman, and Jeffrey Nelson, a Verizon Wireless spokesman, declined to comment.
The iPhone, which has been the sole domain of rival AT&T in the U.S. since June 2007, will give Verizon a boost in its competition for smartphone customers, UBS AG analyst John Hodulik said in an interview. Verizon customers, who numbered 92.8 million at the end of the first quarter, may buy 3 million iPhones a quarter, he estimates.
“The fact is, Apple is going to dramatically increase the number of devices it sells in the U.S. when exclusivity at AT&T ends,” said Hodulik, who is based in New York and rates Verizon shares “neutral.” “It’s hard to ignore the quality issues that AT&T has faced.”
Verizon Wireless, which is building a high-speed fourth- generation network, plans to unveil several devices that will run on the new technology in January at the Consumer Electronics Show, Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam has said.
Let the mass exodus from AT&T and the network problems for Verizon begin in January.
assuming that they are right this time.... VZW iPhone predictions seem to mirror analyst WiiHD predictions (http://www.pcworld.com/article/200117/a_verizon_iphone_in_january_wait_a_minute.html)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 03, 2010, 12:43:11 AM
So, this thread is now relevant to me: I spoke with a particular rep and I'm getting a business-related discount. Figuring some things out, I can get a smart phone, preferably and Android-based smartphone and an unlimited data package for only $10 more than what I'm paying now, with my normal plan.
I generally haven't seriously followed anything to do with Verizon smartphones. It was recommended that I wait until July 15th for the Droid X, which makes sense, since it's clearly more powerful. Regardless, I began to look things up, and I saw there could be a "Droid 2" coming out in August. Further reading said that the next generation of Android-based phones, as well as "Gingerbread/Android 3.0" would be coming out in October, with a matching generation of phones in November and December.
I can upgrade at any time, but my current contract ends in November, so I'd prefer to do so by then. I'll definitely be waiting for a Droid X, but does anyone else have any sort of solid recommendation for me in this department? Rumors have it Droid X, along with a handful of other Android-based phones will be compatible with the update, but would I be far better served waiting the extra few months for better specs?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 03, 2010, 01:22:42 AM
I'm sure Droid X will have a 3.0 update, and the Droid Incredible as well. It's not a matter of compatibility, it's a matter of will for the service provider's software people. I'm not sure how much better specs are going to be a few months down the road, I think there will just be more similar-spec'd phones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 03, 2010, 02:17:36 AM
Droid Incredible & Droid X should both be compatible with the Gingerbread/3.0 update.
With the current battery life of phones pushing the 1Ghz cpu,. I'm not sure you want a more powerful phone until battery tech catches up. But currently Droid X is the phone to get on Verizon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 13, 2010, 01:32:25 AM
My friend held this thing today at the VZW store. I'm going there Thursday morning and getting one (unless I preorder on vzw.com today)...they're only getting 20...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 13, 2010, 01:42:47 AM
Mine's coming in the mail, apparently. Don't buy into hype like that, just go to best buy or something. They're licensed Verizon dealers in most stores, and have access to the same phones, probably.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 13, 2010, 11:04:35 PM
Where did you order it? I keep checking vzw.com and it's not available for order, at least from what I can see.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 14, 2010, 04:26:10 AM
Where did you order it? I keep checking vzw.com and it's not available for order, at least from what I can see.
Directly from a Verizon sales rep. A business I'm involved with has a deal with Verizon, which is what inspired my upgrade.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 14, 2010, 11:58:15 PM
Getting it (hopefully) in about 8 hours.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 15, 2010, 10:11:44 AM
Son of a bitch, my upgrade is in December, but my contract isn't up until April. I could get one for an extra $105 (ETF) but I would lose my phone number.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 15, 2010, 01:37:32 PM
I wonder, could Nintendo's new protection be related to this? Hack your device and get a brick?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 15, 2010, 01:43:27 PM
I don't see the problem really. I think video game manufacturers should do something similar, have a program that basically bricks the system if it detects an attempted modification. For those who want to do something legal that requires modding it, I guess this sucks though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on July 15, 2010, 03:51:14 PM
The problem is that legitimate things can sometimes cause bricks as well on accident.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 15, 2010, 05:27:33 PM
Apparently the eFuse isn't going to brick the phone. Anyway, I hear you can call and whine and probably get one. Honestly this is the greatest phone I've ever laid my hands and eyes on. It's absolutely ridiculous...I wish it was mine. On the plus side, my friend who got it is going to give me his Droid for free. Still, I'm gonna try and suggest I'll move on to the Evo...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 15, 2010, 05:36:35 PM
Yeah, looks like it was mostly bullshit... it's there, but hopefully it won't be utilized in such a manner. Incidentally, Xbox 360 and PS3 both use the technology, so it's entirely possible that 3DS will.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 15, 2010, 06:56:19 PM
Yeah Microsoft killed the JTAG hack via burning eFuses.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 16, 2010, 06:01:56 PM
So, I've got the phone. The service, the browser, the internet all works great. I didn't know 3G could be as fast as it is, since all my family has iPhones. I'd say it feels about five times faster than my iPhone experiences, but I've done no comparative check, and most of my family lives in an area with notoriously bad ATT coverage (The US).
The phone, itself, feels like too much. I've always thought I didn't need a smart phone. I still don't think I needed one. The plan was only a minor cost upgrade, so I figured I'd consider it, and after talking with family, I did decide to get it. Now that I've got it, I don't know what to do with it. The touchscreen works well, I suppose. I accidentally got tricked into buying a case from the sales-person, because the case for it absolutely sucks. I'm going to go shopping for a different one, and hopefully I can find one that flips over to protect the screen when it's not in use and doesn't impede quick scrolling on the touch screen.
I've had no experience with an Android-based operating system, but this one, so far, seems mediocre. While the apps and such seem to load quicker than they do with the prior generations of iPhones, I don't have comparative experience on the iPhone 4. However, the thing is bogged down with a bunch of random social-networking based apps from the get-go. By apps, I mean programs integrated to run in the background of the operating system. When you sync up a twitter account, for instance, everyone you're following is added to your contact list. This isn't so bad, since you can favorite contacts or even just search through phone contacts as a category, but it's still weird.
I'd much rather have twitter as a separate, individual app, where I can click and then see the most recent tweets, and have general twitter access. As it stands now, there's not even a character counter on the twitter thing. I don't like twitter, when I use it, it's for PixlBit purposes, and I don't really want it so integrated into my phone.
Likewise, I don't want a full notification every time one of my gmail accounts gets a new email. I'd rather have a flowing list of recent emails accessible at a click, and an easy to see counter of the inboxes whenever I go to look at my email.
Beyond that, there's a ton of pre-installed apps and seven pages you can fill up on your desktop/home page. I looked at all of them, and about half of them had duplicate purposes or were generally confusing.
Over all, I'm not so certain I like it. I don't know if the problem is the phone or me, but I've got a 30-day trial type of scenario, and right now, on day one, I'm considering taking advantage of it. I'll use it on an upcoming trip, and if my impressions don't improve, I'm sending it back. I'm going to have to fiddle with things to customize them. I've already downloaded an app to kill programs that run in the background unnecessarily, and you wouldn't believe how programs just keep running and running. Half them time when you go to the home screen, the program closes, and the other half, it just stays open. Apparently that can eat up processor and battery power, which is kind of sad. It could, again, be me that's the problem, but I'm not sure.
I will go on record and say I do like it better than an iPhone, except they've got a wider variety of cases available. The vibrate function is used to offer feedback, and when dialing, it makes more authentic touch-tone phone numbers, things I feel old when I admit I like them. Also, I hate having to slide a bar to pick up the phone when someone's calling and the phone is locked. If only one hand is free, it's annoying.
Anyway, I thought I'd say some initial impressions. I'll be talking to Nick about writing a review for PixlBit at some point, I'm not sure if it exactly fits our market or if I'd be the best person for such a thing, but I'll let people know here as my impressions grow. When a solution pops up to modify the firmware to something less Droid X'y and more Android-ish, I'll probably do that, since, from what I've read, half of my complaints have to do with what Motorola has done to the operating system.
Edit: I've used the touch screen a little bit more to type, and I'm instantly having an easier time hitting keys than I do with an iPhone. Hooray!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 19, 2010, 01:09:07 AM
Got my Droid (no, not Droid X) yesterday, activated it today. Just 3 minutes on Android makes me realize that Microsoft will never be a real competitor in the smartphone business again. The Kin flopped (sold 500 units?), WM6.5 is just the same as everything else (faster and cleaner, but still the same soul), and WM7 keeps getting delayed (I think it was supposed to be out over a year ago, maybe 2). Google Maps Navigation is just plain awesome, I didn't realize how full-fledged it was until I used it today. Google Maps (iPhone or WM) is complete **** compared to the real deal on Android. I gave my Omnia to my daughter (she's 4), she loves to listen to Sweet Dreams (yes, Marilyn Manson) over and over, and now she can with that phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 19, 2010, 02:04:59 AM
For the record, I was shocked to open up the App store and find emulators for the NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Gear, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance right there for sale, with some even for free. They were pretty high in the download list, too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 19, 2010, 09:15:09 AM
That's because Google is awesome and lets people do what they want to do. Think about it - if someone tried to put an NES emulator on the App store (iPhone), then they could just turn that one purchase into as many games as they wanted, so Apple wouldn't make any more money. It can't be for legal reasons (that Apple doesn't allow it), since there's nothing illegal about writing or using an emulator.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: bustin98 on July 19, 2010, 10:02:29 AM
ES File Explorer is cool, Google Sky Map is neat, Save MMS is essential if you get files sent via text, Amazon's app has the barcode scanner, Ringdroid works great for editing MP3s, PhoneFlicks allows you to manage your Netflix but its buggy. And I installed Solitaire for those not enough time to do anything else but still long enough to be boring moments.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 19, 2010, 05:04:56 PM
Before I start taking advantage of all this stuff, I'm going to need a better or second (or third!) battery. The thing doesn't really die all that fast, but I don't want to be caught with my phone out of juice when it might need it, and continuous use of something on the phone would probably drain the battery after four or five hours, six at the most, which really isn't enough.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 19, 2010, 10:48:21 PM
That's because Google is awesome and lets people do what they want to do. Think about it - if someone tried to put an NES emulator on the App store (iPhone), then they could just turn that one purchase into as many games as they wanted, so Apple wouldn't make any more money. It can't be for legal reasons (that Apple doesn't allow it), since there's nothing illegal about writing or using an emulator.
That's just stupid. Of course it's for legal reasons; it's not technically illegal, but that wouldn't stop them from getting into legal battles over it. Apple also wants to maintain good relations with game companies, and although Nintendo's not going to develop for the iPhone, companies like Capcom and Konami do.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 20, 2010, 01:33:07 AM
How is that stupid? Nintendo hasn't gone after anyone making emulators on Android (or anyone making emulators for Windows, etc). I could see them taking action (or trying to) if there was say, a Nintendo DS emulator on Android or iPhone...but I'm pretty sure the fact that there is nothing illegal going on...would prevent any legal battles. It's the same reason Kinoma Play (probably the best program for Windows Mobile) doesn't exist on Windows Mobile or GrooveShark only exists for jailbroken iPhones, people wouldn't need iTunes anymore, and Apple won't let them release the programs because they would lead to less revenue for Apple through app and music sales.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on July 20, 2010, 02:03:05 AM
I thought downloading ROMs of games you didn't own to play on emulators of systems that you also didn't own constituted piracy and was illegal. You can't say 100% of those people using the emulator apps own 100% of the games they were downloading for free.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 20, 2010, 02:53:15 AM
How is that stupid? Nintendo hasn't gone after anyone making emulators on Android (or anyone making emulators for Windows, etc). I could see them taking action (or trying to) if there was say, a Nintendo DS emulator on Android or iPhone...but I'm pretty sure the fact that there is nothing illegal going on...would prevent any legal battles. It's the same reason Kinoma Play (probably the best program for Windows Mobile) doesn't exist on Windows Mobile or GrooveShark only exists for jailbroken iPhones, people wouldn't need iTunes anymore, and Apple won't let them release the programs because they would lead to less revenue for Apple through app and music sales.
Apple may be arrogant, but they're not stupid. They know that their insane App Store profits aren't going to be affected by a few people who want to play NES games with horrible controls. The real reason they're not there is that they would violate Apple's rules for third party apps. Emulators in general are supposed to not be allowed, though there have been exceptions, but the big one is that the only way Apple would let you put ROMs on the thing would be via in-app purchases, and selling copyrighted ROMs would most certainly be illegal. Like I said, there have been exceptions; Sega themselves put out a Genesis emulator, in which they sell ROMs they have a legal right to.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 20, 2010, 09:36:14 AM
So what you're saying is the iPhone is horseshit because it's locked it iTunes and the App Store. Either way, it's because Apple doesn't let people have any real control over their product, without jailbreaking it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 20, 2010, 10:25:39 AM
That's not what I'm saying, but I'm not going to try to argue with you about it because past experiences with that have taught me it's a waste of time.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 20, 2010, 10:49:52 AM
No need to argue - the thing that you wrote, ROM purchases would have to be done via in-app purchases just shows that being locked to iTunes is bullshit. Sure this isn't the best example, but it's just one of many examples that shows just limited you are by the software, regardless of the 400 billion apps in the App Store.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on July 20, 2010, 10:49:16 PM
Verizon to introduce tiered data plans later this month? (http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/verizon-switching-to-atandt-style-limited-data-plans-later-this-mo/)
And here we go...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on July 20, 2010, 10:57:42 PM
That's why when I saw the deal I could get, I went ahead and took it. Unfortunately, my current hotel room lacks internet. I'm really glad I got my phone before this trip...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 21, 2010, 09:35:32 AM
Verizon can eat a dick if they try to force that plan on existing customers (it's bullshit if they go this route with any customers, really). I've been using the unlimited data plan for 5 years - it's not like it costs more to send information over 3G just because the phones are newer and prettier. We seriously need the public to make a stand against Verizon, AT&T and any other companies doing this new tiered bullshit, we're heading backwards like back when the internet was just catching on and you had to pay by the hour. Now ISPs are doing this crap too - why in the **** would they give you a 15/25/40Mb/sec, etc. line and then cap your total bandwidth?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 21, 2010, 09:52:55 AM
It's simple supply and demand. Smartphones are very popular, which means more and more people are using the network. Demand for 3G data is growing a lot faster than they can increase the capacity the network is able to supply, which naturally causes the price to rise. Instead of raising everyone's rates, they're moving to a system where most people's rates actually go down a bit, while those who cause the most strain on the network make up the cost. I don't like it, and I have no intention of giving up my unlimited data plan on my iPhone, but I understand why this is happening.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 21, 2010, 10:31:49 AM
this is gonna force me to upgrade sooner than I wanted to.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Pale on July 21, 2010, 11:02:18 AM
We pay 30 for unlimited right? If 2 gigs ends up being 25, then I'm not going to really complain.
I have a hard time moving 1 gig of data via my phone in a single month. Though, if I ever get into tethering, that would be another problem all together.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on July 21, 2010, 04:07:56 PM
This isn't going to last long. Maybe 4-5 years at the max. Just wait till other tech makes it easier to access the internet in cities and the usefulness of cell towers will be limited to highways and country roads.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 21, 2010, 07:49:25 PM
Well I must be in the minority, but I use way more than 2GB every month, now that I have a Droid (and Flash 10 on it tomorrow) that's going to skyrocket.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 23, 2010, 02:08:24 AM
Rooted Droid w/ FroYo + Flash 10.1 = w00t! Hulu has been blocked (for mobile phones, period) but I think there is a work around...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 23, 2010, 02:19:42 AM
Rooted Droid w/ FroYo + Flash 10.1 = w00t! Hulu has been blocked (for mobile phones, period) but I think there is a work around...
Yeah, worked the last time I tried it. Only thing is, I think it'll kill your battery, which kind of defeats the purpose.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 23, 2010, 10:48:30 PM
I've been trying out Hulu Plus on my iPhone, and it's really not bad on the battery at all. Probably because it doesn't use Flash.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 23, 2010, 11:23:47 PM
I leave my phone plugged in if I'm doing a lot of media stuff. I just downloaded the Live TV! app, and it's fucking great. It's basically some links from atdhe.net and channelsurfing.net, but it's still awesome to be able to watch a bunch of real TV stations or South Park, the Office, etc at any time on my phone. Picture quality is amazing. Netflix should be out relatively soon, and then, I will sign up again (or just use my brother's account).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 23, 2010, 11:51:07 PM
I'm just not in a lot of situations where I can plug in my phone but am not near a computer.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 24, 2010, 12:00:52 AM
True. I use mine as a radio in the kitchen (at work), I plug it in and hook up my desktop computer speakers to it. I use Xiia Live, it's pretty awesome, a very clean ShoutCast client.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on July 24, 2010, 07:06:03 AM
Good news! I've been having trouble with my 3G services on T-MObile UK for years (who always claimed it was fixed), so i wrote to the chief executive of Everything Everywhere (the parent company of T-Mobile UK and Orange UK) and they agreed to reduce my contract from 18 months to 14. So i'm free! I'm off to a 30 day contract in September to greener pastures AT LAST.
This isn't going to last long. Maybe 4-5 years at the max. Just wait till other tech makes it easier to access the internet in cities and the usefulness of cell towers will be limited to highways and country roads.
It's been commonplace here for years: under the guise of UNLIMITED MOBILE INTERNETS!!!!!!!*
*fair usage of 500mb per calendar month applies
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 24, 2010, 12:17:47 PM
Well I'm an idiot and since I installed the latest FroYo, my phone's not rooted anymore, so I can't install the Hulu fix (I can install it, but it doesn't actually do anything), but Hulu kind of sucks dick now anyway, and I'd probably die driving if I could watch it whenever I want. Still, LiveTV works (and Justin.TV and most channels on atdhe.net), and the new YouTube app is a lot better than the old one, so it's all good.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 24, 2010, 12:22:16 PM
Of course, it's easy to get root back, but you don't actually need it for Hulu.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 24, 2010, 01:06:40 PM
Which version of Flash do you have installed? I tried with the "real" 10.1 beta 3, and with the "Hulu fix" version, using the hulu app that sets about:debug up for you, the "real" 10.1 beta 3 just gives the "Not available on this platform" message, and the "Hulu fix" version just gives the blue lego box meaning Flash isn't actually installed. From what I've read, everyone using this version of Froyo can't get Hulu on their Droid, if you're on a Droid it needs to be rooted, but a Nexus 1 doesn't have to be.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 24, 2010, 03:26:37 PM
I hadn't tried it in a while. They blocked the UA spoof on http://hulu.com/widget/player (http://hulu.com/widget/player) on Dolphin now. It now says "This video is not available at this site."
However, this hacked version works for me. I'm rooted, but it never asked for root permissions, so I don't know why that would make a difference...: http://www.droidforums.net/forum/bugless/55183-how-get-flash-working-2-steps.html (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/bugless/55183-how-get-flash-working-2-steps.html)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 24, 2010, 10:16:16 PM
Yeah thay's the one that only works on rooted Droids. Thanks though. I don't think it specifically asks to do anything but it does modify system files. I can install it, but it shows up on any Flash sites as not installed. I might just root again, but I don't know if you actually can with the ROM I'm using, might have to switch to Bugless Beast or something. Vanilla Froyo is nice though, very snappy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 24, 2010, 10:55:23 PM
Actually scratch that - this ROM is already rooted (didn't even notice the superuser app included)...still though, lots of people with this ROM have the same issue.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on July 26, 2010, 01:13:24 PM
There was an interesting ruling today regarding jailbreaking phones. Every three years the Library of Congress allows some exceptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and these exceptions last until the next review in three years. The actually ruling is rather complex in wording (as most rulings typically are), but the basic gist of it was that you legally can circumvent the phone's operating system as long as you install only legal programs (meaning you can't do stuff like install ROM's of copyrighted games). This exception will be good until the next review in 2013. Other matters ruled on included allowing people to use short clips (about 2 minutes) of CSS-protected DVDs for use in education facilities, inclusion in documentaries, or for noncommercial videos.
The ruling also allows people to circumvent the security locks on video games, but ONLY for the purpose of studying the DRM program used. This exception was basically granted because this one researcher wanted to study programs like SecuROM and SafeDisc without worrying about legal matters.
The final part is that e-books can be modified so that the text can be read aloud as audio, but this is only allowed when there are no commercial alternatives available.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on July 26, 2010, 02:49:42 PM
Nice to hear these went through. There was also a court ruling last week that could be interpreted as saying that breaking protection for the purposes of using the software (as opposed to copying) is not a violation of the DMCA.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 26, 2010, 08:04:47 PM
If that's true (what MegaByte said), then it looks like I can start selling JTAG consoles at my friend's store (since it allows you to play homebrew, and technically doesn't allow you to play burned games). That would be awesome.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on August 02, 2010, 04:27:31 PM
Well, looks like Motorola and/or Verizon is being lame and not enabling tethering in the next Droid update (you have to buy their new phones). Guess it's time to root my girlfriend's phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 09, 2010, 01:49:25 PM
For those interested, Engadget is reporting that leaked ads show that the Droid 2 should be released on August 12 for $199.99 with a two-year contract or $599.99 unlocked.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 15, 2010, 09:29:03 PM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 12, 2010, 03:33:35 PM
Verizon signed a deal to make an Android phone that exclusively uses Bing for search. (http://daringfireball.net/linked/2010/09/07/buchanan-bing) You can argue that Apple has too much control over the iPhone (and as someone who jailbroke his, I'm not going to totally disagree with that), but it's becoming increasingly clear that Google has far too little control over Android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 12, 2010, 03:44:40 PM
^That is just retarded and reeks of the same **** that got MS in trouble with forcing IE on every windows user whether you wanted it or not.
I can see MS paying to get BING set up as the out-of-box default, but to actively block alternatives is just retarded and shame on Verizon for even having anything to do with this.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 13, 2010, 12:28:58 AM
Signed a deal...and released that phone last week. My brother has it. It's actually a beautiful phone, but Bing sucks. Still, it's not Verizon's fault that Google can't get a firm hold on their own OS, and that Microsoft has **** tons of money (you see Bing being market all over the place, they're desperately trying to get people to use it). It is Verizon's fault for blocking it - but not if Microsoft made them agree to do so. Anyway...the Samsung Fascinate (the phone in question - Verizon's version of the Galaxy S series) has already been rooted (and it's extremely easy to do so), so you can get rid of Bing if you really want to. Still, you can also see this as being "totally swell" of Google, for having an open source OS that you can customize and release as you see fit, though the user should be able to customize it, and for the most part, you can.
Anyway, I'm trying to convince him to take it back (he has 30 days) and get Droid X or a Droid Incredible, but the CPU inside the Fascinate (once you get rid of the excess bullshit), is well, fascinating.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on September 13, 2010, 12:40:58 AM
That's what I'm saying though: Google's lack of control over Android is hurting the platform. That, and that Verizon is a dick. They've got better coverage in most places, but as a company I'd much rather deal with AT&T. Verizon is a control freak; that's why they turned down the iPhone when Apple originally offered it to them, because Apple wouldn't let them screw with it like they always do. That especially is why Google's lack of power is a problem: there's nobody to stand up to Verizon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on September 13, 2010, 10:14:00 AM
Signed a deal...and released that phone last week. My brother has it. It's actually a beautiful phone, but Bing sucks. Still, it's not Verizon's fault that Google can't get a firm hold on their own OS, and that Microsoft has **** tons of money (you see Bing being market all over the place, they're desperately trying to get people to use it). It is Verizon's fault for blocking it - but not if Microsoft made them agree to do so. Anyway...the Samsung Fascinate (the phone in question - Verizon's version of the Galaxy S series) has already been rooted (and it's extremely easy to do so), so you can get rid of Bing if you really want to. Still, you can also see this as being "totally swell" of Google, for having an open source OS that you can customize and release as you see fit, though the user should be able to customize it, and for the most part, you can.
I like Bing. It's video search is not that great (there are a lot of videos that don't show up for it, although I do like the previews they offer for the videos, something Google Video doesn't).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 25, 2010, 03:33:05 PM
Ordered my Droid X on Sunday and got it on Wednesday, so I've been playing with it for a few days now (FroYo 2.2 the day i received it).
I lost my last phone in a creek somewhere or possibly at McDonalds, so I was hoping that there was an app out there that allows you to track your phone by GPS if you misplace it.
also what other must have apps should I get/check out?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on September 25, 2010, 08:20:00 PM
I lost my last phone in a creek somewhere or possibly at McDonalds, so I was hoping that there was an app out there that allows you to track your phone by GPS if you misplace it.
It's called "Antidroidtheft". It lets you track a missing Android phone using its GPS on the Internet. The App will e-mail you if the SIM card of the phone is changed, track the phone using its GPS, and lets you see any images taken with your phone's camera. I don't know if you need to first download it on the phone though (which wouldn't help you).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on September 25, 2010, 11:29:39 PM
Ordered my Droid X on Sunday and got it on Wednesday, so I've been playing with it for a few days now (FroYo 2.2 the day i received it).
I lost my last phone in a creek somewhere or possibly at McDonalds, so I was hoping that there was an app out there that allows you to track your phone by GPS if you misplace it.
also what other must have apps should I get/check out?
I haven't taken the time to fully customize my phone or anything, but RockPlayer is a must-have if you've converted any movies to digital formats. It can play m4v and mkv filetypes with the H264 encoding, and likely plays a lot more. Only downside is that the logo shows and there's an annoying "Buy the full version" pop-up at each start-up.
There's a voice-recording app in the store that's supposed to be easy to upload whatever is recorded from that I have, and an app I've got called "Alarm and Timer" that's useful whenever I need to set an alarm.
Additionally, while I haven't used it much, "Poynt" is supposed to be useful.
Like I said, I haven't taken the time to fully go all out and figure out what all I want and why I want it, but that's what I think is worth considering.
Past that, I hear Swype is worth considering, but I haven't tried it out yet. It should already be installed on the phone, I believe.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 26, 2010, 01:24:28 AM
I lost my last phone in a creek somewhere or possibly at McDonalds, so I was hoping that there was an app out there that allows you to track your phone by GPS if you misplace it.
It's called "Antidroidtheft". It lets you track a missing Android phone using its GPS on the Internet. The App will e-mail you if the SIM card of the phone is changed, track the phone using its GPS, and lets you see any images taken with your phone's camera. I don't know if you need to first download it on the phone though (which wouldn't help you).
thanx. installed.
spy cam doesn't work, but it tracked me to the restaurant I was sitting at...... ~1+ hour later.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on September 27, 2010, 05:27:03 AM
I lost my last phone in a creek somewhere or possibly at McDonalds, so I was hoping that there was an app out there that allows you to track your phone by GPS if you misplace it.
It's called "Antidroidtheft". It lets you track a missing Android phone using its GPS on the Internet. The App will e-mail you if the SIM card of the phone is changed, track the phone using its GPS, and lets you see any images taken with your phone's camera. I don't know if you need to first download it on the phone though (which wouldn't help you).
thanx. installed.
spy cam doesn't work, but it tracked me to the restaurant I was sitting at...... ~1+ hour later.
Though that would be handy if your 'missing' phone got sold off to a pawn shop or something.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 27, 2010, 11:47:07 AM
It needs to work quicker, if it actually worked within 10 minutes like it said, then the battery might not be dead or the phone might not have been turned off yet. It should also block the phone from being turned off without removing the battery.
but if they can tweak it to work like google navigate in reverse, then phone recovery should be pretty easy as long as you work quickly. I was very ready to confront someone that might have found my phone, catch them lying, call my phone, hear it ring and then take it back. unfortunately my old phone was a dumb phone and I hope I never need this program with my new phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on September 28, 2010, 05:03:43 AM
I wouldn't even bother trying to catch them lying. I'd call the cops and report it stolen and then say the thief is in my eyesight and I want to avoid a potentially dangerous confrontation. Though I've never done something like this so I have no idea if it could work out in my favor.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on September 28, 2010, 12:11:25 PM
I finally left T-Mobile UK and went to Orange last week after 7 years.
My blackberry works so much better now! Plus i can now also use UMA (essentially calls/data routed via wifi) so i've got 100% signal all the time at work.
I don't understand why it hasn't got a bigger uptake generally speaking (only one Android handset has it, and it's not the Evo, Desire, Incredible) especially considering AT&T is screaming capacity issues and Verizon/Sprint will be at some point in the next 12 months. All Blackberrys have it right out of the gate, but as far as i know only T-Mobile USA support it over there and Orange UK support it here.
It won't fix any issues when you're out and about but it does mean my phone actually works when i'm stationary (almost anywhere with a wifi hotspot) now.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on September 28, 2010, 11:38:48 PM
Because they can't bill you for stuff you do over your own wifi network, and the point of a mobile carrier is to bill you for everything short of breathing.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on September 29, 2010, 08:18:17 AM
Because they can't bill you for stuff you do over your own wifi network, and the point of a mobile carrier is to bill you for everything short of breathing.
They can. My data is going over my wifi but as i'm using up my data allowance as if i'm using it with UMA off. Same with calls and texts. People can still call you on your normal number and the only difference is it gets routed via your wifi.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 29, 2010, 09:43:46 PM
You can't get charged for anything transmitted over WiFi. They wouldn't even have any idea that you were using it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 05, 2010, 11:27:17 PM
Verizon to announce 4G/LTE tomorrow (http://www.slashgear.com/verizon-to-detail-4g-launch-at-ctia-tomorrow-05106054/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+slashgear+%28SlashGear%29), covering 100 million people by the end of the year. This year. As in 2010. Makes me kind of glad I couldn't get the X a couple months ago.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 06, 2010, 04:09:14 PM
WSJ: Apple Making Verizon-Ready iPhone by Year End (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536191649347572.html?mod=e2tw)
Quote
Apple Inc. plans to begin mass producing a new iPhone by the end of 2010 that would allow Verizon Wireless to sell the smartphone early next year, said people briefed by Apple.
The new iPhone would be similar in design to the iPhone 4 currently sold by AT&T Inc. but would be based on an alternative wireless technology called CDMA used by Verizon, these people said. The phone, for which Qualcomm Inc. is providing a key chip, is expected to be released in the first quarter of next year, according to the same people.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 06, 2010, 04:56:41 PM
Meh. I probably would consider getting one if it supported 4G/LTE...but I find Android to be so much better. Actually...I wouldn't even consider it without some *major* changes to the structure and OS.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 06, 2010, 05:30:49 PM
Meh. I probably would consider getting one if it supported 4G/LTE...but I find Android to be so much better. Actually...I wouldn't even consider it without some *major* changes to the structure and OS.
What kind of changes? (That's a genuine question; I'm curious to hear what you'd want.)
Also, people have been predicting this for so long that I'm not going to believe anything until I hear it from Steve.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 07, 2010, 12:23:59 AM
Changes as in removable storage (as in additional storage), not being tied down by iTunes (drag and drop), HDMI output, a true 16:9 display (like Motorola uses - 960x640 is not 16:9). That's just off the top of my head. Oh - open market too. Basically...it would have to not be an iPhone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 07, 2010, 02:18:53 AM
You can do pretty much everything but upgrade the firmware of an iPhone without going into iTunes if you have the right software. HDMI output would be nice, but not really necessary, given the phone's inability to output at a resolution that Component outputs, which are available, can't handle. Removable storage would be nice. As for an open market, I don't really see the need; you can find anything not specifically prohibited by Apple on the App Store as it is, and most of the forbidden things are available on Cydia.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 07, 2010, 10:48:46 PM
So, like I said, they would have to basically change the entire phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 18, 2010, 05:52:59 AM
You can't get charged for anything transmitted over WiFi. They wouldn't even have any idea that you were using it.
I'm a bit late to responding to this but UMA is different to just connecting your phone to your wifi spot. All your calls, texts and data are routed by wifi and its charged according to your existing service plan. While it does mean you're using your wifi to allow this (and a bit of a pain in the bum if you have a data limit on your broadband) it does mean you get perfect coverage anywhere there's wifi.
If you're just connected by wifi (which, all wifi devices can do) then your network operator have nothing to do with it. UMA needs to be either setup or enabled first. I've been using it for the past 3 weeks at work including right right now.
In my case i have 1200 mins, unlimited texts and unlimited data and i have unlimited broadband at home so its win win. And at work it's broadband and works a treat here so i don't care.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 18, 2010, 09:45:56 AM
So Verizon is going to start selling the iPad in on October 28th (it's on their site). Price is the same as buying the AT&T version, but it uses MiFi instead of connecting directly to 3G (unless the MiFi is built-in or something). Either way, I have no interest (Samsung Tab will be better, but I don't want one of those either), but the pricing is a lot better than AT&T's, though it is tiered as well.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2010, 01:13:25 PM
iPad and no iPhone ... yet?
and the iPad data pricing is tiered like AT&T's? that could be the source for that tiered pricing rumor. It could have been about the iPad and not the rest of Verizon's phones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 18, 2010, 02:55:16 PM
Tiered pricing is *only* for the iPad (and netbooks and crap like that), not for phones. iPhone will be out by March, which makes me think it will be 4G.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 18, 2010, 03:44:18 PM
Rumor has it (and you know how reliable they are) the iPhone isn't going 4G until 2012. Given that it didn't even have 3G until the first revision, that's not hard for me to believe.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 18, 2010, 09:50:37 PM
It just seems kind of silly for Verizon to launch 4G, follwed by the iPhone several months later and have it not be 4G...but then again, this would be the decision of Apple, so I can totally see it happening.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on October 18, 2010, 10:48:29 PM
Apple would want the most people to be able to use the 4G network before they launched on it. I was working for at&t when they launched the initial iPhone - in of all things, data support - and I knew the 3G network was utter bollocks in the summer of '07.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2010, 01:49:14 AM
It'll take time for 4G networks to expand, and in that time the tech that powers them will become cheaper, smaller, and more power-efficient. Those last two are why Apple would wait: space is at a premium in the form factor of the iPhone, and battery concerns were what kept 3G out of the original iPhone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2010, 02:26:03 PM
It won't take that long - Verizon will be covering 100 million people by the end of this year. Verizon will have 4G in more places than AT&T has 3G
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2010, 08:26:35 PM
I'm assuming by "this year" you mean 2011, because as far as I know Verizon has yet to launch its 4G network, and the 4G iPhone will launch in early- to mid-2012. Since I won't be buying a new iPhone until 2012's model anyway, I don't really care about the delay.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 19, 2010, 09:24:00 PM
I'm assuming by "this year" you mean 2011, because as far as I know Verizon has yet to launch its 4G network, and the 4G iPhone will launch in early- to mid-2012. Since I won't be buying a new iPhone until 2012's model anyway, I don't really care about the delay.
Verizon (NYSE:VZ) plans to launch its 4G LTE network in 38 major U.S. metropolitan areas by year's end, in an ambitious rollout that will also drape high-speed mobile broadband coverage over 60 airports. In a keynote address Thursday at the CTIA Enterprise & Applications conference, Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon, outlined the cities in the initial launch wave, which include: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Miami, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, New Orleans, St. Louis, Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The scope of Verizon's 4G LTE launch is considerably larger than the plans it outlined in March, which called for an initial rollout of 25 to 30 cities covering about 100 million people. With the expansion, Verizon now expects to offer 4G to 110 million people nationwide.
but plans do change.... and that's just the initial rollout of Verizon's 4G. iI won't be fully blanketing the US from coast to coast till 2013.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 19, 2010, 09:38:03 PM
I stand corrected.
Even so, my points about size and power needs of the tech remain true. Also, Apple tends to be either the first company to really get behind a new technology (Wi-Fi, USB, built in webcams in notebooks) or the last (multitasking, right clicking), and it's a bit too late to be the former. There's also the possibility that the rumor isn't true, as crazy as that concept might seem. Either way, I don't personally care, since I'm not buying a new phone until 2012 anyway, and even then I doubt there will be 4G where I live.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2010, 11:38:52 PM
Well I'd say "rumor," but it's basically been all-but-confirmed by Verizon. Plus, they're releasing the iPad, and no one else is, so that's confirmation to me as well. Still...I don't care, but it's good for Verizon. Hopefully this doesn't hurt Android's momentum (which has been outselling the iPhone for a while now).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 20, 2010, 12:02:11 AM
The rumor I was referring to was the one that the iPhone isn't going 4G until 2012. And the iPhone going to Verizon will most certainly cut into the sales of Android. I know there are people like you who like Android for what it is, but there is a large chunk of its userbase that wanted an iPhone but wanted to stay with Verizon, and Android was as close as they could get. I doubt it's a coincidence that Android's market share is considerably lower outside the United State and that in those countries the iPhone is available on most (if not all) major carriers.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 20, 2010, 09:36:22 AM
I don't think it will hurt the Android platform as much as it will hurt AT&T. I'm sure there will be a bunch of people who have been waiting for one, but a lot of people who were on Sprint, Verizon, etc, jumped ship a long time ago. Android's market share continues to get bigger every month in the US, iOS pretty much stays exactly where it is, and BlackBerry continues to drop. Apple's market share is also considerably lower outside of the US. They're picking up, but so is Google, while Microsoft and Symbian decline.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 20, 2010, 03:44:19 PM
A lot of people have already given in and gone with Android, and they'll probably stick with it, but going forward I expect Android's growth to slow because of this. And yeah, it'll certainly hurt AT&T more than Android.
The thing is, I'm not really sure why Verizon wants the iPhone that much. Sure, if you're only looking at number of users it will help them, but it will also put more strain on their network, and they won't be able to control the platform the way they can with Android. Unless they expect AT&T to be able to dramatically improve their network, I'm not sure why they'd give in and agree to Apple's terms.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 20, 2010, 08:21:12 PM
Money.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 09, 2011, 11:31:33 PM
As you probably have read, Verizon (and probably Steve Jobs) will announce the VZW iPhone 4 on Tuesday. This doesn't matter much to me, the only way I'd consider getting one is if it was LTE compatible. I much prefer Android devices in general, but since you can already run Android 2.3 on the iPhone, it does present a reason for checking it out.
Wall Street Journal, bitch. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704739504576068170230339348.html)
I'm more interested in the HTC Thunderbolt, but it doesn't have HDMI (I assume so HTC can sell adapters) natively, so I'll probably wait until some more phones are announced. Contract is up in January.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 10, 2011, 01:42:33 PM
it better be an iPhone 4G
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 11, 2011, 11:41:35 AM
Apple and Verizon officially announced the deal this morning. Some of the details:
*Pre-orders will start February 3, then goes on sale a week later in Verizon and Apple stores and online. *A 16GB model will be $199 and a 32GB model will be $299 *The CDMA iPhone 4 will have a 5 megapixel camera *The antenna design has been changed to make it work with CDMA networks *Unlike AT&T, Verizon users will not be able to use the phone and data at the same time (like talking and surfing the web) *The phone will not be LTE, they said that would have required a redesign of the phone and Verizon wanted the iPhone now *The deal is for multiple years and is non-exclusive *Verizon and Apple started talking in 2008 and spent a year testing the iPhone on CDMA networks.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 11, 2011, 12:15:03 PM
3G, lame. I'm sure it'll sell like hotcakes, but 4G is the new standard. I'm sure there will be one out in October or whenever it is that Apple always "updates" their product lines, and then you'll be able to talk and use data at the same time. It's a CDMA limitation, not a Verizon limitation. Technically you can talk and use WiFi at the same time though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on January 11, 2011, 01:51:25 PM
I wouldn't call 4G the new standard just yet. It's still in its infancy as a standard. And it makes sense. They said it would require a redesign, and I'm sure Apple isn't gonna go through the trouble to redesign the iPhone and continue to let Verizon have all the attention.
The most interesting part is that there was no mention of any pricing plans today. I really wanna know if they'll really continue their unlimited plans.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: bustin98 on January 11, 2011, 02:05:01 PM
Yeah, I heard that in order to differintiate themselves from AT&T they will continue to offer unlimited data plans. Of course it will change in the future as the Verizon execs have said the industry should move forward with a tiered pricing structure.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on January 11, 2011, 02:38:16 PM
I don't really see why anyone other than perhaps a medical Dr. that uses medical apps for convenience would buy an iPhone at this point. Android has better options and many more choices. That's just me.
Anyway, my brother-in-law that is a Dr. will be switching to Verizon on or around February 10th. He's fed up with the service he's had on AT&T.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 11, 2011, 02:53:23 PM
Verizon also announced that they will also start selling a version of the iPad with a chip built in that lets users connect to their network (currently you need a extra device to do this).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on January 11, 2011, 03:55:31 PM
No bloatware, no Verizon branding. Apple finally got Verizon to agree to their terms.
Since AT&T's service is actually pretty good where I live, I'm in no hurry to switch to Verizon. Unless the iPhone 5 offers me something I can't refuse, I'll be waiting til my contract's up next summer to even begin to consider it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on January 11, 2011, 04:00:20 PM
I wonder if Apple will let Verizon do pre-paid phone plans for it. The biggest reason I haven't gotten a iPhone is because I refuse to be locked into a phone contract, especially one as expensive as AT&T.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: vudu on January 11, 2011, 04:11:18 PM
Word of advice, Verizon's prepaid rates are highway robbery. Unless they're the only carrier that works in your area you can save a lot of money by going with just about any other carrier.
Also, I'm not sure about Verizon, but with a wireless carrier that uses SIM cards you can use a prepaid plan on any phone on their network. I have a T-Mobile G2 on a prepaid plan. I imagine you can get a Verizon iPhone to work on prepaid, but you might have to pay the wireless store extra to do so (and they might not be willing to until launch shortages have been addressed for contract customers).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 11, 2011, 04:14:35 PM
Just buy the phone outright and you don't need a contract. problem solved.
I would wait till after summer when the iPhone4G using LTE is announced before anyone switches over for the iPhone. then it should match AT&T feature for feature(talk & surf) and have superior coverage.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 12, 2011, 12:16:16 AM
It already has superior coverage to AT&T. AT&T's coverage sucks (I don't care if it's good where so and so lives), and Verizon's is the best. This is fact.
Edit - I guess I was kind of reading your post wrong, as you're saying the same thing it appears. Either way, it's true.
Anyway, I still don't want one. I was sold on the HTC Thunderbolt, but then I read about the LG Optimus and the Motorola Droid Bionic, and now I want one of those instead. MDB has a bigger screen (4.3" 960x540), but LGO can do 1080p video.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on January 12, 2011, 02:02:32 AM
I'm on AT&T and the coverage is pretty crummy. I can't putz around at work on my phone as much as I want to. I'm stuck with them until October then I can switch to Verizon. I haven't decided which phone ti get but I'm sure something will come up this year. If RIM can get on the ball and come out with a new Blackberry that uses their QNX developed Playbook OS on it, I'd probably go with that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 12, 2011, 09:39:30 PM
You should look to see home much your ETF would be with AT&T. I'm pretty sure it goes down $10 each month, starting at $375 initially (might only be with iPhones that it's so high). I'd wait for 4G LTE though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on January 12, 2011, 10:34:52 PM
I think it's $325 and goes down $10 every month your on the plan. Apparently, LTE isn't expected until like the middle of the year. Assuming that's like June, I can wait a few more months to not pay anything at all. AT&T's Early Termination Fee used to be $175 and prorated at $5 per month. If that was still the case, I would have strongly considered it.
Also, for relevance: Louis C.K.: "The Shittiest Cell Phone In The World Is A Miracle" (http://gizmodo.com/5658560/louis-ck-the-shittiest-cell-phone-in-the-world-is-a-miracle). Your life sucks around the phone. Lulz.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 12, 2011, 11:25:54 PM
LTE came out last month. There aren't any LTE phones yet, but they'll be out in the "first half" of the year.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on January 31, 2011, 08:10:32 PM
I was thinking about grabbing that Motorola Atrix 4G. Since I'm on a family plan with AT&T, I figured that I'm stuck with them unless we all change (or I'm willing to shell out more cash from my pockets). Plus, I kinda like the fact the AT&T allows the ability to call and surf at the same time. It's come in handy before while using my brother's iPhone.
Anyone have an opinion of the Atrix? It looks pretty sweet from what specs (http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Fact-Sheets/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-Fact-Sheet-353b.aspx) I can gather and it's moderately priced when subsidized (a buck fifty).
I don't need a super powered phone though it makes it future proof. Plus anything I can't imagine I would need right now, I might like having heard of them. But I'm more interested in the fact that it has HTML5 support. That'll allow me to run GrooveShark in the background while I need to do other things (which is a huge plus cuz then I won't even need to fill up the memory with music). I also like the fact that I can plug it in a TV directly with a mini HDMI or through a cheap dock (in price: bout 60) that has 3 usb outs. If I can plug in my external soundcard with an optical port, I don't even need to lug my laptop around anymore. Milkdrop (a visualiztion) can already run in the background on andriod and be projected through the HDMI port. So again, no need to lug around my laptop to broadcast visualization through my projector and music through my speakers. That's pretty sick.
I also like the fingerprint scanner. My brother has an app that locks down everything personal in his iphone. I hope android can do the same except nonchalantly by just scanning to see if it's my fingerprint opening up the phone or not. I'd also like it to be able to register other peoples fingerprints in order to "cater" to them. So if your girl grabs the phone, it'll put a pic of you two in the background. If that hasn't been made yet, I'll probably make it myself.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 31, 2011, 08:24:04 PM
I also like the fingerprint scanner. My brother has an app that locks down everything personal in his iphone. I hope android can do the same except nonchalantly by just scanning to see if it's my fingerprint opening up the phone or not. I'd also like it to be able to register other peoples fingerprints in order to "cater" to them. So if your girl grabs the phone, it'll put a pic of you two in the background. If that hasn't been made yet, I'll probably make it myself.
Now that is GENIUS!! To take it even further, makes certain pics and videos invisible, including certain numbers on the call log/contacts and text conversations(entire conversations or just specific messages). All of this happens as the phone is being held and accessed. All happens in the background and the non-owning user wouldn't even be aware that certain accesses haven't been granted to them. That would be a #1 selling app.
as a matter of fact, I'm c0-copyrighting that idea right here in this post. Stogi my man, lets get rich brotha.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 31, 2011, 10:48:00 PM
You should also make one that makes it look like you just smeared a booger on the screen, or turns the speaker volume up and says your finger smells like ****. You know, practical stuff.
You should know, however, that none of this is actually possible because it's just a touchscreen, not a camera. All of the fingerprint scanners for the iPhone and Android are fake, and are for "entertainment purposes only."
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on February 01, 2011, 12:09:35 AM
Anyone have an opinion of the Atrix? It looks pretty sweet from what specs (http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Fact-Sheets/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-Fact-Sheet-353b.aspx) I can gather and it's moderately priced when subsidized (a buck fifty).
About the only fun thing I can do at work is browse tech websites since IT hasn't blocked most of the big ones. I read about phones all the time though I'm no expert. The Atrix got a lot of buzz at CES, mostly because it can dock to a computer or laptop shell. That's cool and all, but maybe a little ahead of its time. I'd probably never use any of that, but that's probably the direction we're heading in. Phones need faster processors and faster memory and an OS that's specifically built for that. The Motorola Atrix 4G oddly runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) which came out mid-2010. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) came out in recently so I find it strange that a major brand new yet to be released phone, especially one boasting a dual-core Tegra 2, would be running an older version of Android. I think Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) is coming within the next few months. Hopefully, Atrix ships with Android 2.3.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on February 01, 2011, 04:12:44 AM
I also like the fingerprint scanner. My brother has an app that locks down everything personal in his iphone. I hope android can do the same except nonchalantly by just scanning to see if it's my fingerprint opening up the phone or not. I'd also like it to be able to register other peoples fingerprints in order to "cater" to them. So if your girl grabs the phone, it'll put a pic of you two in the background. If that hasn't been made yet, I'll probably make it myself.
Now that is GENIUS!! To take it even further, makes certain pics and videos invisible, including certain numbers on the call log/contacts and text conversations(entire conversations or just specific messages). All of this happens as the phone is being held and accessed. All happens in the background and the non-owning user wouldn't even be aware that certain accesses haven't been granted to them. That would be a #1 selling app.
as a matter of fact, I'm c0-copyrighting that idea right here in this post. Stogi my man, lets get rich brotha.
Hahaha we think alike. We won't get rich but I have no problem being well off.
You should also make one that makes it look like you just smeared a booger on the screen, or turns the speaker volume up and says your finger smells like ****. You know, practical stuff.
You should know, however, that none of this is actually possible because it's just a touchscreen, not a camera. All of the fingerprint scanners for the iPhone and Android are fake, and are for "entertainment purposes only."
Not this one. The fingerprint scanner is on the top of the phone and is the same button used to open and shut the screen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuD-8wyzHjY#t=01m56s
Anyone have an opinion of the Atrix? It looks pretty sweet from what specs (http://mediacenter.motorola.com/Fact-Sheets/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-Fact-Sheet-353b.aspx) I can gather and it's moderately priced when subsidized (a buck fifty).
About the only fun thing I can do at work is browse tech websites since IT hasn't blocked most of the big ones. I read about phones all the time though I'm no expert. The Atrix got a lot of buzz at CES, mostly because it can dock to a computer or laptop shell. That's cool and all, but maybe a little ahead of its time. I'd probably never use any of that, but that's probably the direction we're heading in. Phones need faster processors and faster memory and an OS that's specifically built for that. The Motorola Atrix 4G oddly runs Android 2.2 (Froyo) which came out mid-2010. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) came out in recently so I find it strange that a major brand new yet to be released phone, especially one boasting a dual-core Tegra 2, would be running an older version of Android. I think Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) is coming within the next few months. Hopefully, Atrix ships with Android 2.3.
Yeah that is weird but I think it has to do with the Webtop application it has running on top of Android. Also, I could give a damn about the laptop case. Though nice, I wouldn't find any use for it, since the majority of my web browsing can be done from the phone itself. And when I do need a computer, it's either to access my media collection or make music.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on February 04, 2011, 12:07:27 PM
iPhone 4 Breaks All Verizon First-Day Sales Records in Two Hours (http://www.macworld.com/article/157682/2011/02/verizon_iphone_preorders.html?lsrc=rss_main)
Quote
Keep in mind, Verizon Wireless and Apple opened preorders at 3 a.m. ET Thursday morning, and even then, only to existing Verizon Wireless customers. While the iPhone 4 broke Verizon Wireless’s sales records just two hours later, preorders lasted until Thursday afternoon, when both Verizon and Apple had to stop accepting them.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 04, 2011, 12:15:32 PM
Still not gonna make Apple the #1 phone platform in America, but that's still pretty damn impressive. http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/canalys-android-overtakes-symbian-as-worlds-best-selling-smart/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 04, 2011, 01:51:46 PM
Can you hear me now? Guy has put on a little weight.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on February 04, 2011, 05:36:21 PM
Which guy?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 04, 2011, 05:38:05 PM
that guy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on February 04, 2011, 06:35:49 PM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on February 04, 2011, 06:37:31 PM
I have a confession. I'm that guy, ShyGuy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 09, 2011, 01:10:36 PM
This is for Sprint, but it looks like Kyocera has made a Dual Screened phone http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/sprints-kyocera-echo-dual-screen-android-phone-announced-we-go/ (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/07/sprints-kyocera-echo-dual-screen-android-phone-announced-we-go/)
(http://i.imgur.com/wzbrc.jpg)
You can supposedly even run 2 different apps at the same time on either screens. Youtube on top screen, email on bottom screen? could come in handy.
One full screen for just the keyboard will also be a help.
2x 3.5" screens 1Ghz Snapdragon Android 2.2 3G only (no WiMax/Sprint 4G) multi screen applications rear facing 5MP camera comes with extra battery $199 (after $100 rebate)
I think I would wait for version 2 on this thing, but it sounds cool. Same design with front facing camera @ 5MP, rear facing camera @ 8MP, dual core support, 4G & Android 3.0 and then consider me interested.
Here is a video that shows off all it can do. http://pocketnow.com/android/kyocera-echo-dual-screen-android-hands-on-video (http://pocketnow.com/android/kyocera-echo-dual-screen-android-hands-on-video) Direct link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwOsP9sKiiU&feature=player_embedded# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwOsP9sKiiU&feature=player_embedded#) Looks like a pretty cool phone even if a little dated feature-wise.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on February 09, 2011, 02:07:27 PM
What I've read is that it doesn't allow true simultaneous dual-apping. It alternates between the two apps running quickly, or something like that. Which means a youtube video couldn't play at the same time you write, or at least, if it did, it would be choppy. That's only the tiny bit I've read, though, and it could be jumping to conclusions.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 09, 2011, 02:28:55 PM
you are. The video at the bottom shows them multitasking by playing a Youtube video on the top screen while 2 more video queue up in the background, then while the video is playing, he brings up his e-mail (moving the video to the bottom screen) and starts browsing through it.
Of course if you need to send an email, the onboard keyboard takes over the bottom screen while you are typing, but I think the video was still playing behind it.
I think the true multitasking is only for certain Kyocera configured apps as Android wasn't built with dual screen or simultaneous multitaksing in mind, so I'm sure more true multi-tasking apps will come to market as support grows. Kyocera had to heavily tweak Android for the device.
I would still wait for the more feature rich version though.
Also the external battery charger is shown off in that video too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 09, 2011, 03:27:18 PM
That sounds awesome, but it's underpowered severely (even though those are still pretty stellar specs for a cell phone). The price is awesome, but yeah, I'd wait for a dual core 2Ghz version (shouldn't take too long) with 4G, etc. Price is nice though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on February 10, 2011, 01:05:31 AM
I would wait for a better processor too, but if I needed a second phone, this would be it. Something with Android that does something completely unique (in the smart phone market that is).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on February 10, 2011, 11:07:51 AM
Gizmodo said it was terrible in their hands-on...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 16, 2011, 03:38:22 AM
This doesn't really have anything to do with Verizon directly but Nvidia is aiming to lock down the tablet and pocket multi-media game with the Tegra 3 (Kal-El) http://androidandme.com/2011/02/news/nvidia-kos-the-competition-quad-core-cpus-in-android-devices-by-summer/
Quad core CPU & 12 core GPU, 1440p decoded on the fly displayed via HDMI out from a downscaled 4000p RED filmed video. Coming out this summer.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 17, 2011, 10:14:38 PM
Got myself an HTC Thunderbolt today. I got tired of waiting for the release dates to show up for (better) newer phones, but this is the absolute best phone available for Verizon for the time being (and it will stay that way until the Droid Bionic is released...and Android 2.4). A lot of people like to compare it to the EVO, but as far as benchmarks are concerned, it absolutely wipes the floor with the EVO. I've only had it for a couple hours, detailed impressions to follow soon. If I end up not liking it, I have 14 days to return it ($35 restocking fee).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 17, 2011, 10:26:00 PM
How does it differ from the EVO because they look almost identical.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 18, 2011, 12:32:26 AM
It actually whoops the EVO's ass. Sure it has the same size screen (though it has 65M colors vs EVO's 65K), and a kickstand (which does vertical and horizontal), and they have the same 8MP rear and 1.3MP from camera, and that's where the similarities end. The Thunderbolt's 1Ghz Snapdragon is 8 months newer, and almost twice as productive as the EVO's. I was concerned that it was just a Verizon EVO, because a lot of people seem to feel that way just because it's a 4.3" screen vs a 4.3" screen, and a 1Ghz vs 1Ghz CPU, but then I watched the "Schmack Down" video on wirefly.com, which shows the Thunderbolt simply dominating the EVO. The EVO is an awesome phone (best you can get on Sprint still, IMO), but the Thunderbolt makes the EVO its bitch. I plan on testing it with some emulators and stuff soon, so I'll tell you how it performs.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 18, 2011, 12:46:15 AM
I'm playing Super Mario 64 on it right now...pretty awesome ****.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 20, 2011, 01:18:06 AM
Wow, I just read something on another forum, and confirmed it - even on Verizon's 3G CDMA, you *can* talk on the phone and browse the web at the same time using the HTC Thunderbolt. As far as I know, this is the only CDMA phone that lets you do this, and it works perfectly. I took a 720p video (under bad conditions though - indoors, at night, using the camera's flash and florescent lighting), to show the quality. I'll get it on YouTube soon and share it. I really am impressed with this thing, and if you're on Verizon I *highly* recommend it. Verizon will be switching to tiered 4G pricing like AT&T and T-Mobile (I think) soon, so if you want to get grandfathered into $29.99 unlimited 4G LTE, now is the time to do so.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 20, 2011, 03:50:04 AM
Arte you sure you weren't talking and web surfing under 4G and not the 3G?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 20, 2011, 09:30:46 AM
Nope, I don't even live in a 4G area. I've confirmed it on several websites too, it's even in the documents for Verizon reps to use when talking about the phone. They're told not to mention it as a benefit of Verizon in general, because it's their only phone that does so. Apparently it's the first phone with "SVDO" as opposed to "EVDO" which Big Red uses for every other 3G phone. If you Google SVDO you'll see a bunch of stuff about it.
Anyway, here's the test video I was talking about. The quality really good be way better, but like I said, it was taken under pretty horrible conditions. I'll make an outdoor clip later on. The subject matter isn't anything too interesting, I just randomly picked some things, starting with my Xbox 360s, Wii, and PS3, then walk over to my daughter's DSi and then my soldering station and a PSP and some Wii's that I'm working on. Enjoy...or don't. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruNiNSHPoP0&feature=channel_video_title (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruNiNSHPoP0&feature=channel_video_title)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 20, 2011, 12:15:10 PM
So I just made a new video, need to wait till I get home to upload it, but the subject matter is *very* interesting...andd I'll be posting the link and a couple pics in a certain other forum on this site...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 20, 2011, 12:25:46 PM
God help us all.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 20, 2011, 12:46:08 PM
Nope, not for the funhouse (good guess though). I was at Best Buy and saw this little gem...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on March 20, 2011, 03:03:55 PM
Not sure if this deserves its own thread or not, but at&t is buying T-Mobile USA. http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/atandt-agrees-to-buy-t-mobile-from-deutsche-telekom/
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 20, 2011, 03:14:39 PM
Not sure if this deserves its own thread or not, but at&t is buying T-Mobile USA. http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/20/atandt-agrees-to-buy-t-mobile-from-deutsche-telekom/
Dammit, you beat me to it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 20, 2011, 03:31:55 PM
Saw that earlier, don't know if it's worse for current AT&T users or current T-Mobile users. Just goes to show that AT&T is deathly afraid of Verizon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 20, 2011, 03:57:43 PM
First Cingular customers were forced to deal with AT&T and now T-Mobile customers too?
So now we will have AT&T&T-mobile?
But this move should make Verizon the largest Network now right, or pretty close to it at least? Maybe Verizon will swallow up Sprint and Metro PCS and we can have a 2 network system... [/sarcasm]
I like this part though
Quote
In the event of the deal failing to receive regulatory approval, AT&T will be on the hook for $3 billion to T-Mobile -- a breakup fee, they call it -- along with transferring over some AWS spectrum it doesn't need for its LTE rollout, and granting T-Mo a roaming agreement at a value agreeable to both parties.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 20, 2011, 04:32:45 PM
Saw that earlier, don't know if it's worse for current AT&T users or current T-Mobile users. Just goes to show that AT&T is deathly afraid of Verizon.
It'll be a long time before the deal has any real effect on either group. I'm not surprised it's happening; AT&T has gotta be really desperate now that they've lost the one thing that was keeping it a fair fight.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 20, 2011, 04:47:16 PM
If they had instead spent a portion of that $39Billion on infrastructure, they wouldn't need to worry about a fair fight.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on March 20, 2011, 06:24:19 PM
Well I'm assuming they plan on integrating T-Mobile's existing infrastructure with their network. That would have been a lot handier if they'd done it when the two companies were still using compatible networks, though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 20, 2011, 07:42:43 PM
I was doing some reading on this and it was mentioned that they did this mostly for T-Mobiles 4G network since AT&T "royally fucked up" their own 4G rollout.
anyone know the story on that and care to summarize it for me?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on March 20, 2011, 08:50:31 PM
I was doing some reading on this and it was mentioned that they did this mostly for T-Mobiles 4G network since AT&T "royally fucked up" their own 4G rollout.
anyone know the story on that and care to summarize it for me?
From what I understand, AT&T wanted to rollout HSPA+ before LTE and wound up missing he boat on some spectrum they wanted. Then Sprint and Verizon began rolling theirs out, making AT&T's strategy look really dumb. T-Mobile didn't wanna be left out, so they started calling their HSPA+ network "4G" (hello, My Touch), leaving AT&T to appear to be the only ones without.
Actual infastructure issues I'm a bit in the dark about, but AT&T clearly has some egg on its face over this 4G thing.
Well I'm assuming they plan on integrating T-Mobile's existing infrastructure with their network. That would have been a lot handier if they'd done it when the two companies were still using compatible networks, though.
Too bad they didn't do that when they bought Singular. I swear my service actually got worse.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 22, 2011, 10:58:18 PM
This is a Sprint Phone, but dayuuuuum http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/18/sprints-ctia-announcements-htc-evo-3d-htc-evo-view-4g-motorola-xoom-much-more/#disqus_thread (http://www.bgr.com/2011/03/18/sprints-ctia-announcements-htc-evo-3d-htc-evo-view-4g-motorola-xoom-much-more/#disqus_thread)
Quote
the HTC EVO 3D most certainly will be part of the announcement, and it’s going to be a pretty feature-packed handset. We’re talking about a 4.3-inch qHD 960 x 450-pixel Autostereoscopic 3D display, 4GB of RAM, 1GB ROM, 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm 8660 Snapdragon CPU, dual rear 5-megapixel cameras with dedicated camera button, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, and 1730mAh battery. That’s not all, though.
The HTC EVO 3D will run Android Gingerbread 2.3 with HTC Sense UI and it will also output 1080p video via HDMI and output 720p 3D content as well. There will also be a Blockbuster 3D on demand app as well as YouTube 3D.
3DS better watch out and Netflix needs to step up.
They mentioned that the Ram/Rom may be switched around, but that was how it was reported to them.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 23, 2011, 12:21:29 AM
There's no such thing as 4GB RAM on a phone, they most likely have them mixed up. I read about that a few days ago, sounds incredible...but it's Sprint. Never seen YouTube 3D, but Blockbuster on Demand blows (have to download first, no streaming). The display resolution is wrong too, it should be 960x540. Still...I want one. It's a new Snapdragon, so it should support Netflix when it's officially released. I really want to get a Xoom (might as well get the WiFi, since I already have a phone bill, and HTC phones let you tether anyway)...but I don't think it will get Netflix (officially).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on March 23, 2011, 01:08:00 AM
There should be a way to use your phone data plan through multiple items that you own. As in wishful thinking.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 23, 2011, 01:40:44 AM
Mobile hotspot is as close as you come for now.
But i agree. I pay for cable, I can hook it up in as many rooms to as many TV's as I wish. I pay for land line phone, then I can hook up as many phones around the house as I wish. I should be able to do the same thing with my mobile voice and data too. I pay for unlimited data and 450m minutes a month, then it shouldn't matter what mobile device I'm using that voice or data on as long as it's attached to my account.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 23, 2011, 01:50:51 AM
PdaNet is your friend. You have to use USB (or BlueTooth DUN...but that's retarded), but it's free (unless you pay $15.95 - current price - for the registered version which gives you https access), and it doesn't count as "tethering" with your service provider. I agree with both of you though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on March 23, 2011, 01:59:37 AM
Or just root and get the same thing with no restrictions.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 23, 2011, 02:49:39 AM
I just looked up PDAnet: http://www.junefabrics.com/android/ (http://www.junefabrics.com/android/)
It's as simple as that to use a laptop online anywhere I get a signal? Install, connect cable, internet access?
Or just root and get the same thing with no restrictions.
I've been curious about rooting, but don't you potentially run the risk of messing up your phone or violating some sort of agreement since they can track the amount of data you are using or is all of that a non-issue? I've really been wanting to wipe all the Verizon and Motorola stuff off my phone and install a vanilla version of the latest android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on March 23, 2011, 03:00:26 AM
Yes, it's that simple. Android phones (should, but check model) have a failsafe where you can restore back to factory image, even if it's otherwise bricked. If you're on unlimited and not using huge amounts of data, you shouldn't have a problem as it will look like the traffic is coming from your phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 23, 2011, 10:33:01 AM
Well I was going to suggest rooting and tethering, but apparently AT&T has been catching people doing this, and forcing them to either purchase a tethering plan or take some kind of action (not sure on the specifics, I'm on Verizon so it doesn't affect me). AT&T already has ridiculous pricing, so it makes sense for them to do this, but they're the only ones so far.
Conversely, if you are on a LAN (or just internet connected PC) that doesn't have WiFi and want to get online with your phone (and have no signal, or need a faster connection), you can use "internet passthrough" and use your networks wired connection on your phone. Basically the opposite of tethering.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 24, 2011, 11:41:46 PM
I got an Android question.
Is there an app or an option that will shut the phone down at 2% battery life so that it doesn't fully die before shutting off?
The problem is that right now my phone will die, and when I notice it's dead it has to charge to 5% before I can turn it back on. That can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, so while it sits on the charger, I tend to forget to check back in 5-10 minutes to turn the phone back on. So I would rather it die a minute earlier and let me turn it back on so I can charge it than to do what I have to do now where I tend to forget until 45minutes to an hour later to turn it back on.
Title: "Text back STOP if you don't want to subscribe"
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 25, 2011, 02:11:32 PM
AT&T, Verizon, Jawa Make Millions From SMS Scams? Jawa owner building 100,000sq ft house from the profits http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Verizon-Jawa-Make-Billions-From-SMS-Scams-113383 (http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Verizon-Jawa-Make-Billions-From-SMS-Scams-113383)
Earlier this month Verizon sued a company by the name of Jawa and twenty other related shell companies all run by a man named Jason Hope. According to Verizon, Hope has been engaged in an elaborate string of text messaging schemes for more than a year. The schemes, according to Verizon, involved the forced sale of frequently useless SMS services, covered up by what Verizon calls "sophisticated cloaking software" to misdirect auditors to shell websites compliant with Verizon's consumer protection and disclosure policies. Jawa and Hope meanwhile claim Verizon knew about this all along and took 30% of profits:<...> The blog AZ Disruptors has been tracking Hope and Jawa's methodology, and created this interesting video that explains precisely what Jawa's doing. Specifically -- users receive an SMS telling them to "Text back STOP if you don't want to subscribe." Most smart users ignore this message thinking it's a scam -- but in this case ignoring the message ensures you enroll in the scam service and are charged $10 a month.The blog notes that Hope is busily building a 100,000 square foot home in Scottsdale off of the profits made the last four years.
I've received 2 text like that in the past and replied STOP to both of them, I'm on Verizon. My girl also got one around the same time I got my first one. She is on Sprint.
I didn't notice a change in my bill, but her bill was a little higher than usual. I think I better forward this on to as many people as I can to make sure they aren't getting charged and not realize it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: broodwars on March 25, 2011, 02:20:31 PM
Gee, I'm so glad that AT&T is buying T-Mobile now, so now I have the opportunity to be a part of this nonsense. ::)
Yeah, my family's definitely switching to Sprint, as distasteful as that apparently is.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on March 25, 2011, 05:45:49 PM
Makes me glad I check my bills every month. Though that has never happened to me. I get a 23% discount with AT&T from my company so I'm pretty happy with my package. Though I might upgrade to a smartphone soon because I can get one with the same plan for pretty much the same price.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 28, 2011, 01:55:13 AM
This isn't Verizon related, but I just flashed Android 2.2 onto a T-Mobile HD2, and I must say it's pretty impressive. Testing Quadrant on it yielded an 1195, which puts it *right above* the Evo 4G, and barely under the Droid X 2.2 - which is pretty awesome considering this is a Windows Mobile 6.5 phone. I also put a few games on it (Angry Birds, Ninjump) and it runs them just as well as my Thunderbolt. Just ran Super Mario 64 using N64oid...not the smoothest thing in the world, but a little overclocking would probably make it run like a champ. It's just so awesome that this phone runs Android better than most Android phones out there (until now of course). If you have one of these and are tired of bullshit WM6.5, then I can help you out with getting Android up and running.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 31, 2011, 11:06:35 AM
So I'm in a 4G area today...so far my best speed is 13.22Mb download, 41.32Mb upload. I think Ookla's speedtest app has a glitch with uploads, but downloads are completely accurate. I'll use my ISP's speed page in a little bit...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 31, 2011, 11:13:00 AM
Using my ISP's test page over Verizon 4G...20.36Mb download, about 2.5Mb upload. My home connection is 25Mb/2.5Mb, so now I can basically take it with me. Glad I got locked into unlimited 4G @ $29.99.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 31, 2011, 11:50:23 AM
You think I could add 4G to my plan even though i don't have a 4G Phone since it cost the same as an unlimited plan anyway?
or is the unlimited the same as the 4G unlimited?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 31, 2011, 12:10:12 PM
Not sure really, but if you buy a phone from a distributer that will ship a SIM with it, then I imagine you can do that. AT&T doesn't let you do that anymore. BTW, just hit 26.65Mbps a minute ago, watching HQ YouTube with no buffering...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 31, 2011, 12:25:06 PM
Actually I don't think thy have an actual "4G plan" for phones right now, so they just say data is data and if you get 4G, thrn you get 4G. When they start actual 4G plans I've read (and heard from VZW employees) that they will be tiered like with the Xoom and LTE modems, part of the reason I plan on getting a WiFi Xoom.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on March 31, 2011, 12:32:01 PM
I hope if you have an unlimited data plan then you have an unlimited data plan however your phone connects to data.
It would suck to have to miss out unlimited 4G because I'm stuck on unlimited 3G for another 1.5yrs. I should atleast have the option to clarify on my account that I have the unlimited 3G/4G plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 31, 2011, 12:50:37 PM
Well I would just call a local store and ask, you may be better off getting a 4G phone at retail and replacing your current one. Thunderbolt is like $750 retail though(you might be able to find one for $599 or so), but you can always sell your current phone to make up for part if it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on April 09, 2011, 01:01:24 PM
Supposedly Gingerbread (Android 2.3.3) pre-release is out in the wild and things run much smoother using it.
I'm pretty irritated with the Droid X, but it's not because of the phone itself, it's because of all the other stuff on there making it laggy and sometimes non-responsive. So I've decided to root my phone (maybe not today, but soon), wipe it and then install the new FW with select things I like from the MotoBlur experience. But maybe I'll see what a Stock Android experience is like before I put back more than Swype. I think I might wait for the Verizon release of 2.3 before I do this though to see if it fixes any issues I have.
I found these step by step instructions on GAF that I am gonna modify a little with links, and I want to know if this is not only correct, but the easiest way to do this; ---------------------------------- 1.) Copy z4root apk (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=833953) to your sd card.
2.) Install and run z4root (choose the option to root permanently)
3.) Download Bootstrap Recovery for Droid X (here (http://www.koushikdutta.com/2010/08/droid-x-recovery.html))
4.) Download your Rom and save to sd card (Fission from teamdefuse.com (http://www.teamdefuse.com/roms/install-instructions-and-downloads/))
5.) Allow Bootstrap Recovery root access and it will reboot you into a recovery menu
6.) Make a backup (its an option in this menu)
7.) Wipe cache and data (also both options)
8.) Choose option to load rom and you can opt to pick one off sd card. Pick the rom you downloaded in step 4.
-----------------------------------
Now that seems pretty straight forward and simple, the link in step 4 gives some indepth instructions for using Fission. My only question is how easy is it to restore official FW and unroot so that Verizon doesn't try to void my warranty or something?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 09, 2011, 11:35:23 PM
I can't say from experience, because different phones are often rooted in different ways (I'm pretty sure there's a 1-click root app for the DX in the market, could be wrong though). Going back to stock is simple though, just download the stock (preferable latest) ROM (in .zip format) for the DX, and install it with ROM Manager or Clockwork Recovery. Basically you do step 8, but instead of a custom ROM, you choose the stock one.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 06, 2011, 09:40:02 AM
Not sure where to put this, so I'll put this here.
I'm wondering if it's possible to create an ad hoc network, similar to streetpass, between two Android phones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on May 06, 2011, 11:19:35 AM
You could probably rig something up with Bluetooth.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 06, 2011, 11:39:20 AM
Bluetooth would be too slow for what I'm thinking of doing.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on May 07, 2011, 06:56:17 PM
Has anyone ever used webOS? If so, how is it? I've heard nothing but great things. The HP Pre 3 is on my short list of phones I'm thinking of getting when I switch to Verizon later this year. HP hasn't announced any carriers, but AT&T and Verizon are front-runners. I believe the HP Veer was just announced for AT&T.
The other phones on my list are the Blackberry Bold 9930 (definitely coming to Verizon since its a CMDA phone) and the Motorola Droid 3. Right now, the Pre 3 is the frontrunner. RIM's Jesus phone with a QNX based OS isn't coming until probably late 2012 at the earliest. I don't feel like waiting so I'm getting a new phone for the interim. Yes, all of these phones have a physical keyboard. I just can't get the hang of touchscreen keyboards.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 07, 2011, 09:10:59 PM
Not a fan of WebOS. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty cool, but it will never, ever, catch up to Android or even Windows Phone now. Taking time off was probably the worst thing HP could have done when they bought Palm. The Pre and the Pixi were pretty nice, but what has there been in between? It's just too late. BlackBerry waited too long to go for mainstream appeal too. Every BlackBerry product until the PlayBook was catered to businessmen (even the "hip" phones like the Storm and the Tour) and people who don't want to actually do anything cool with their phone, other than try to look cool (ever taken a look at the available BlackBerry apps? They're horse ****.). It's just over. Nothing will ever surpass Android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on May 07, 2011, 10:49:56 PM
Every BlackBerry product until the PlayBook was catered to businessmen (even the "hip" phones like the Storm and the Tour) and people who don't want to actually do anything cool with their phone, other than try to look cool (ever taken a look at the available BlackBerry apps? They're horse ****.). It's just over. Nothing will ever surpass Android.
Lulz. Blackberry App World is pretty pathetic, but honestly, it suits my needs. I don't own a smartphone because I need to do anything cool with it or even look cool. Blackberry got off the hip train something like 4 years ago. I got a Blackberry because its physical keyboard is literally unrivaled. I've messed around with a number of different phones and the Bold keyboard rapes and murders all other mobile keyboards in its path, even the Curve's. It does what I need it to do. Honestly, I have like 4 apps, all of them are free: Google apps, Facebook, NBA Gametime Lite (which stopped working for some reason and I only need for like 8 months anyway), and Text From Last Night (for lulz purposes). Besides the basic functions of a cell phone like texting and that thing where people dial a predetermined set of numbers and speak to another person (and who really uses it for that anymore...), I'd like to browse the web and watch youtube videos (again, for lulz purposes).
I'm currently on Blackberry OS5. Apparently, OS6 is better (it does have the Torch Mobile browser which blows the old browser away) and OS7 is supposedly just an extension of 6. I'm probably the only person who's excited for the Pre 3 and I'm only considering it because RIM is taking its dandy ol' time with the QNX OS which steals borrows a lot from webOS anyway.
You're right though. It's basically a 2 horse race in the mobile OS market between Android and iOS, especially in terms of apps. Everyone else is vying for a distant 3rd. I think RIM takes that one and not because I own a Blackberry or have some special attachment to Blackberry phones. Between RIM, MS, and HP/Palm, RIM is the only one with a following. They've made some great moves to prepare for the future like acquiring Torch Mobile, The Astonishing Tribe, and QNX, but they'll always be 3rd at best because they're ridic slow at rolling out changes (how/why did it take them 3 years after the iPhone to get a WebKit browser?) and they focus too hard on their own fanbase.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 07, 2011, 11:59:15 PM
Yeah the new BB OS looks like a total ripoff of the last WebOS. When I saw the PlayBook commercial I was wondering why there was this new Palm tablet, then I saw it was BB. Half the people that use BlackBerrys have no idea how to even use them. Some lady brought one into our store and was trying to figure our how to send picture messages, I gave up after like 10 minutes because it was the most retarded, ass-backwards process I had ever seen on a phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on May 09, 2011, 02:24:58 PM
My wife got a webOS phone this time, I've personally had iOS and I currently have Phone7. If you are looking for a phone that is a pretty tight complete package and are willing to go through the slight learning curve it is a solid phone OS. I like a lot of what they do in it. If Phone7 doesn't get some QoL upgrades by the time my contract is up and webOS is still viable I probably go that direction.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 09, 2011, 04:22:01 PM
I agree with Brandogg. Nothing can beat Andriod. There's a whole community making even the worst android phones into something spectacular.
I just recently picked up the Atrix 4g and it's amazing how terrible Motorola's proprietary UI is compared to a custom rom that some guy made. I mean the difference is night and day.
I haven't used WebOS, but simply because you are stuck with it, no matter how polished it is, it's automatically worse.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on May 09, 2011, 04:41:02 PM
I agree with Brandogg. Nothing can beat Andriod. There's a whole community making even the worst android phones into something spectacular.
I just recently picked up the Atrix 4g and it's amazing how terrible Motorola's proprietary UI is compared to a custom rom that some guy made. I mean the difference is night and day.
I haven't used WebOS, but simply because you are stuck with it, no matter how polished it is, it's automatically worse.
I personally find that as a weakness more than a strength. For my phone I really don't want to fiddle with it much. Part of the reason I like Console gaming more in general because of how complicated PC gaming can get. All the none game stuff that can get in the way and things randomly going boom. Its a lot of power being able to change thing but that makes it a lot of ways to shoot yourself in the foot as well.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 09, 2011, 05:14:30 PM
I guess it's personal preference, like always. I see it as freedom, you see it as complicated.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 27, 2011, 07:48:39 PM
Verizon just offered me a REALLY early upgrade to a 4G phone. I'm not due for an upgrade till 1 year from earlier this week (5/22/12). I turned it down for now even though my DroidX gives me issues, n favor of waiting to see what the next batch of 4G phones are. Was that a good call on my part?
Any word on whats coming up for Verizon in the Android phone market?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 28, 2011, 07:19:48 PM
The sickest phone on the European market, the Samsung Galaxy S2, is suppose to make it over to the states this summer. It's suppose to be on all the major carriers as well. So yeah, I think you made the right choice.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 28, 2011, 08:58:25 PM
I think the Droid Bionic has been cancelled. Droid X 2 just came out, it's awesome in every way except no 4G. I'm almost considering trading my Thunderbolt for one since there's still no 4G in this area anyway. Only other bad thing (and ti's not that bad) is the DX2 doesn't have a front facing camera. I'd be giving up the only phone on Verizon that can do talk and internet at the same time though...on second thought, I think I'll keep it. Droid Charge (Samsung Stealth) is out now, I've seen mixed reactions to it. Other than that the LG Revolution is coming soon, the Sony Ericcson Xperia Play should be out in a couple weeks on Verizon. The Droid 3 will be out later this year (probably sooner than later), and for all the iPhone lovers, the iPhone 4S (that's right, 4S, there will be no iPhone 5 this year) will be out and it should work on just about any carrier, though it will probably only be sold through Verizon and T-Mobile (or directly through Apple). The Galaxy S2 is awesome, but to be honest it looks exactly like an iPhone, and that kind of disappoints me. If you really want a good Android fix, you might want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 or 8.9 when they are available soon, seem to be the cream of the crop as far as tablets are concerned.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 29, 2011, 04:08:53 PM
GS2 looks like the iphone? I don't see it.
I'm most excited by it cuz not only does it come with Honeycomb stocked but it has Wifi-Direct and NFC. I want to make an app for both so that's the phone to have.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 29, 2011, 06:53:11 PM
GSII vs iPhone was similar enough that Apple named it specifically in the lawsuit against Samsung.
They aren't identical, but I'm not sure how you can say you don't see the similarities.
(http://i.imgur.com/gMo93.png)
But then is it possible to not be similar taking a standard rectangle shape with a large screen, minimal bezel on the side, speaker at the top and a single button on the bottom? I think it's highly unlikely to mistake one for the other if you can actually see them, and I also don't think any "similarities" are simply because of limited design choices of a already set standard. Next Apple will be suing other laptop makers for making laptops that look similar to the MacBook.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 29, 2011, 07:03:15 PM
That is really similar. Except for the back of it, which is pretty clunky.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 29, 2011, 07:29:12 PM
Aesthetically, sure. They do look like one another. Feature wise, they couldn't be more different.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on May 29, 2011, 07:34:10 PM
My old Razor (Razr?) went out and I had to switch to a backup Razr that won't charge the battery. But I CAN charge batteries with the broken one so I'm using the bad one as a charger and swapping batteries in the good one. Doubt this will last long considering the older Razor is falling apart so I took it as a last chance sign to upgrade before they both go out completely. I ordered a free Motorola Bravo through AT&T which appears to get good ratings as a medium level smart phone. It has Android and can be rooted so I might start dabbling in that stuff.
Any thoughts? Did I make a good choice? I don't have the money to dump $100 on a new phone yet (which I had hoped to do later this year) so I don't have much of a choice now.
How does the Android market work? Can I transfer apps from this phone to a new one down the road or do I have to re-buy stuff?
I'm with ATT because the service it good in my area and I get a nice 23% discount through my job.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 29, 2011, 10:27:38 PM
Apps bought through the market should transfer over with your Gmail account. The Bravo isn't anything to write home about, but it's still better than any Android phone on Metro, or the Motorola Citrus. My advice - before you even start to use that phone, root it and flash a custom ROM like this one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065767), it should be a huge improvement over the stock software. There might be other custom ROMs, but this came out earlier this month and is apparently the very first one, so maybe there aren't any others. Can't be bothered to check.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on May 30, 2011, 06:51:01 PM
My old Razor (Razr?) went out and I had to switch to a backup Razr that won't charge the battery. But I CAN charge batteries with the broken one so I'm using the bad one as a charger and swapping batteries in the good one. Doubt this will last long considering the older Razor is falling apart so I took it as a last chance sign to upgrade before they both go out completely. I ordered a free Motorola Bravo through AT&T which appears to get good ratings as a medium level smart phone. It has Android and can be rooted so I might start dabbling in that stuff.
Any thoughts? Did I make a good choice? I don't have the money to dump $100 on a new phone yet (which I had hoped to do later this year) so I don't have much of a choice now.
How does the Android market work? Can I transfer apps from this phone to a new one down the road or do I have to re-buy stuff?
I'm with ATT because the service it good in my area and I get a nice 23% discount through my job.
Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/23/smartphone-buyers-guide-the-best-phones-for-verizon-atandt-spr/) recently posted what they think are the best phones for each carrier.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 30, 2011, 09:38:52 PM
That list sucks. First, the iPhone 4 is not the best phone on AT&T, and if they think it is, then why don't they rank it as the best phone on Verizon as well? The Atrix is the most powerful phone on AT&T, still even more powerful than anything on Verizon, yet they rank the iPhone 4 higher on AT&T, and rank the Droid Charge highest on Verizon. It simply doesn't make any sense. The only list they have that makes sense is T-Mobile's, since the G2X is basically the best phone on the market, at least in the US. Kind of retarded that they even put any Windows Phone 7 devices on the list (and 2 on AT&T's), since WP7 holds less than 5% of the market.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 30, 2011, 09:50:04 PM
That list sucks. First, the iPhone 4 is not the best phone on AT&T, and if they think it is, then why don't they rank it as the best phone on Verizon as well? The Atrix is the most powerful phone on AT&T, still even more powerful than anything on Verizon, yet they rank the iPhone 4 higher on AT&T, and rank the Droid Charge highest on Verizon. It simply doesn't make any sense.
You're very biased against Apple, and could never admit that Apple made the best phone even if they did. Also, power isn't everything. Just because it's more powerful doesn't make it the best.
Anyway, a list like that is stupid, because which phone is best depends on what you're looking for. No phone is best for everyone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on May 31, 2011, 12:49:21 AM
Apps bought through the market should transfer over with your Gmail account. The Bravo isn't anything to write home about, but it's still better than any Android phone on Metro, or the Motorola Citrus. My advice - before you even start to use that phone, root it and flash a custom ROM like this one (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1065767), it should be a huge improvement over the stock software. There might be other custom ROMs, but this came out earlier this month and is apparently the very first one, so maybe there aren't any others. Can't be bothered to check.
Got any links to a good tutorial for rooting and flashing a phone in general. Since this will be my first time I want to do it right and not brick my phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 31, 2011, 08:50:06 AM
I was throwing in power with the "better" yes, but that's basically how the article ranks the phones. I was just pointing out that the Atrix is a better phone than the Charge, yet they put the iPhone 4 higher than the Atrix on AT&T, and it's not even listed on their Verizon list. My point is - if it's really so great, then it should be at the top of both lists. No, I do not like Apple products, but I will admit that the iPad 2 is a pretty incredible piece of hardware.
Stratos, make an account on forums.xda-developers.com, they have just about every Windows Mobile and Android phone there is. I believe in order to root the Bravo you just download a 1-click app from the market.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on June 04, 2011, 08:45:12 AM
Anyone got some recommendations for apps? Do I need to worry too much about what permissions apps ask for?
I don't need an app to play music on my phone, do I? This is all so new and exciting. lol, feel like a kid in the candy shop with a $20 bill.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 04, 2011, 12:06:49 PM
Pandora is a good music streaming app.
Google just invited me to to Google Music, not sure if you signed up or that or not.
I would suggest Google Goggles or Shop Saavy - Bar Code scanning and general item identification
RingDroid -make custom ringtones from the music on your phone.
DroidLight -Turns your phones flash into a flashlight. Not sure if it would work with your phone though. but there is another version that turns your screen into a colored light of you choice too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on June 04, 2011, 04:35:48 PM
You got invited? Where's my invite at? This is bullshit, google.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 04, 2011, 05:23:34 PM
I think I got 2 separate invites.
one for my gmail account and one for my one of my comcast accounts
But i'll have to double check that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stratos on June 05, 2011, 06:27:34 AM
I got Pandora going and I love it on there.
I'll check out RingDroid.
Got any good sound packs to refer? I really want some game sounds for my notifications and ring tones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 05, 2011, 09:43:00 AM
Slacker Radio used to be pretty awesome, but it seems they strip features every time they make a new version, so that you'll pay for the service. It's basically the same thing as Pandora, but with more options. The worst thing about Pandora is the audio quality, if I remember it's something like 92kbps or something, there are no highs or lows. If you just like certain genres of music, then Xiia Live is awesome, it's a Shoutcast player for Android. Just wait for when Kinoma Play finally launches on Android - I'm not big on paid apps for phones, but I'd happily pay the $15-30 it usually runs. It basically turns your phone into a pretty full fledged multimedia device - Shoutcast, YouTube, BBC, podcasts, all types of videos, etc. It's awesome.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on June 05, 2011, 05:25:31 PM
Leaked video tutorials show purported Droid 3 (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20069121-1/leaked-video-tutorials-show-purported-droid-3/)
Just watched these videos. The Droid 3 is looking like a pretty sweet device. The third video briefly shows the new keyboard and it looks like a decent improvement. How is the battery life on other Motorola Android phones, namely the Droid 2?
From all the research I've done, I like the webOS platform the most. It looks like the most user friendly, but it will likely have the worst support out of the phones I'm considering. However, since HP bought Palm, I have a bit more confidence in the platform. HP isn't my favorite company, but they have the capital to support their $1.2 billion investment.
The Blackberry Bold 9930 is more of the same. I'm familiar with what a Blackberry offers and I'm satisfied with it. My problem is that everyone I know who had/has Blackberry phones, replaced or is planning on replacing it with Android so there goes one advantage (BBM). Also, RIM upped the specs significantly but included a smaller battery so I'm weary that one of its other advantages is less of one. I currently use a Blackberry Bold 9700. The battery life has decreased in the roughly 19 months I've owned phone, but it still lasts about 2 days without needing a charge since I rarely talk on the phone.
After viewing those videos, the Droid 3 is currently the frontrunner, surpassing the HP Pre 3 which I haven't really seen or heard from since HP announced it in February. The Droid 3 just looks like a beast. It's like Motorola took the Droid 2, injected it with steroids and taught it to use the Force. To me, the (rumored) specs are unreal since I've never had a state-of-the-art super magic smartphone before. I'm pretty sure other Android phones outpace it spec wise (the Atrix may be more powerful though I'm too lazy to compare). Apparently, it's not a 4G phone which is fine by me. I can wait a contract cycle for the state of 4G to improve in terms of price and battery life. I'll just be glad to get the hell off of AT&T blackhole service. I'm worried about the Droid 3's battery life and I've heard it may ship with Android 2.2 Froyo instead of Android 2.3 Gingerbread. I've read too many reports of phones getting bricked from downloading the latest version of the OS. This happened to a friend of mine when he bought his Droid X late last year. It gets taken care of eventually but I'd rather not deal with it. I would want the latest version so maybe I should wait for Android Ice Cream Sandwich. I believe my contract with AT&T is up in November though I have been considering paying the cancellation fee just to be done with them.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 05, 2011, 09:36:11 PM
If you plan on cancelling your plan, sign up for your new service and port your number over first, if you don't you'll lose it forever.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 06, 2011, 12:51:19 AM
Not a Verizon phone but I picked up a mint condition HTC HD2 yesterday (with box, charger, and rubber case) for $50 yesterday. Flashed the latest port of the Nexus One Gingerbread ROM, and it's pretty fucking awesome, even Netflix works. My wife recently switched to H2O (prepaid AT&T), next month we're gonna try out Simple Mobile (prepaid T-Mobile), and soon I'll be able to get her actual prepaid T-Mobile for a ridiculously low price, with unlimited everything (including 4G...err HSPA internet)...$50/month, possibly even less.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 06, 2011, 09:24:24 PM
Nevermind, the Droid Bionic is still coming...and now I wish I waited. 4.5" qHD screen, etc...http://www.androidcentral.com/more-droid-bionic-pictures-leak-show-45-inch-display (http://www.androidcentral.com/more-droid-bionic-pictures-leak-show-45-inch-display)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on June 06, 2011, 10:21:56 PM
That phone is enormous. The Droid 3's 4 inch screen seems just the right size for me.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 07, 2011, 01:32:16 AM
Still not as big as the Dell Streak 5 (or 7). I replaced the LCD and digitizer on one of those recently...what a beast.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 21, 2011, 08:23:34 PM
Verizon dropping unlimited data plans next month, moving to a tiered system. (http://allthingsd.com/20110620/if-you-want-that-verizon-unlimited-data-plan-you-really-need-to-hurry/) If reports are to be believed, 2 GB will run you $30.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on June 21, 2011, 08:33:34 PM
Well, I guess I need to make a decision soon. I'm thinking about a Droid X2, but I've been wishy-washy for a while because I've never owned a smart phone before. I mean, I've been debating this since the Droid 2 came out.
What will happen to people on unlimited plans before then? Are they in the clear until their contract expires?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 21, 2011, 09:11:40 PM
I read about this yesterday. We better be grandfathered in on existing plans. And an unlimited internet plan better mean 3G & 4G like the Verizon rep told me.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 21, 2011, 09:13:37 PM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 21, 2011, 09:57:15 PM
That's why I got the Thunderbolt when I did, supposedly this was going to happen a while ago, so I could have held out, but nothing better (at least 4G-wise) came out since it, so I'm still happy with my decision. Droid X2 is awesome though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on June 22, 2011, 08:42:09 PM
Why do many people hate Motoblur? I'm hearing varying accounts of this. Some say it's not that bad any more but was really annoying on the Droid 1 for a variety of reasons. Others say it's still bad. However, they seem to be the same people who do all kind of crazy **** like load custom ROMs with their phones that I would never do and also complain about the locked bootloader which I'm almost entirely sure wouldn't even matter to me. Is Motoblur really that awful?
Also, I think in my never-ending quest to find the best phone for my needs I've all but crossed the HP Pre 3 off my list, leaving the Droid 3 as the only real phone left standing. The specs are so last summer and it'd be the Blackberry Bold 9700 for the next 2 years all over again. I like that HP controls webOS so updates would come quickly and directly as opposed to every company that uses Android, fucks around with it and then trickles out updates Google made months earlier. That said, I've been reading rumors about the next Nexus phone and it's apparently a beast. It doesn't have a physical keyboard but it supposedly will come with stock Android 4.0 ice cream sandwich and since it's the "Google phone" I can presumably download OS updates pretty much as soon as Google posts them. If I get the Droid 3, I'll probably switch to Verizon (probably around July 5 to qualify for the unlimited data plan. I supposedly have 1 week to switch phones after buying it so I figured I'd get the Droid Charge then trade it for the Droid 3 which is rumored to come out on July 7. Otherwise, I'll let my AT&T contract end, then switch over to Verizon as soon as the Nexus 4G comes out. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 22, 2011, 08:47:51 PM
This will affect me if I switch to Verizon next year when I get a new phone, but since I switched to the 2 GB plan on AT&T I'll only be getting screwed in the sense that I'll be paying $30 instead of $25 for the same amount of data, and on a slower network.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 22, 2011, 09:02:13 PM
I have a Moto Droid X and I don't know if it's MotoBlur or Verizon's customizations, the phone itself or a combo of all 3, but the phone sometimes lags. Sometimes the camera will stop working. Sometimes I will snap a photo and it will take so long that I had enough time to turn the camera around, slap the screen a few times, hit the home button and then go into full on rant noise before the camera made the camera noise and completely missed the shot I was trying to take. Sometimes I'm forced to restart the phone because the lag is just infuriating. I'm pretty sure it's software related, but I've never gotten around to wiping the phone and going with a stock android OS, so I won't ever really be sure.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on June 22, 2011, 09:08:26 PM
The upgrade to 2.3 has helped with mine, but what started off as a nice, great phone has definitely been made into something less worthwhile thanks to the slow customizations Verizon and/or Motorola has made. It's sad when my phone is more powerful than several on the market, but runs apps in the mid-tier. Now it's actually in the middle with all these later releases, and with the 2.3 upgrade, it finally acts like it should, power-wise.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 22, 2011, 09:35:58 PM
Why do many people hate Motoblur? I'm hearing varying accounts of this. Some say it's not that bad any more but was really annoying on the Droid 1 for a variety of reasons.
Motoblur was never on the Droid 1...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on June 22, 2011, 09:48:26 PM
Whoops, I meant Droid 2. That pesky 1 key is right next to the 2 key I wanted to press. One thousand apologies for this most heinous transgression against you and your family.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 23, 2011, 12:17:04 AM
This will affect me if I switch to Verizon next year when I get a new phone, but since I switched to the 2 GB plan on AT&T I'll only be getting screwed in the sense that I'll be paying $30 instead of $25 for the same amount of data, and on a slower network.
Verizon is faster than AT&T in most markets, since AT&T doesn't have 3G service anywhere even close to as expansive as Verizon. If you're talking 4G, then Verizon wins again because AT&T doesn't even have 4G anywhere yet. They have HSPA (in some areas), but it's not really fair to call that 4G (especially since if and when the T-Mobile merger goes through they'll be going to LTE). Supposedly by Summer they'll have LTE in all of...4 cities (where Verizon already has it in 74 cities).
I've only had a little bit of experience with Motoblur, but I think it's fair to say that it sucks.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 23, 2011, 03:36:49 AM
I happen to live in a market that's not "most markets." I get 3G on AT&T everywhere around here, and I'm pretty sure it's HSPA. So until Verizon brings LTE here, AT&T wins.
I'll probably still switch to Verizon though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 23, 2011, 03:48:18 AM
According to Verizon's map, you should already have LTE coverage.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on June 23, 2011, 03:53:12 AM
That may be true. I don't have much reason to look at Verizon's map very often. Next year's model should definitely support LTE, so there you go. I'm almost wishing this year's won't have it, because if it does I'm going to have a hard time not switching this year and eating the early termination fee.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 23, 2011, 09:10:17 AM
If you want to keep your number you need to switch before you cancel your AT&T service.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on June 23, 2011, 08:22:46 PM
Why do many people hate Motoblur? I'm hearing varying accounts of this. Some say it's not that bad any more but was really annoying on the Droid 1 for a variety of reasons. Others say it's still bad. However, they seem to be the same people who do all kind of crazy **** like load custom ROMs with their phones that I would never do and also complain about the locked bootloader which I'm almost entirely sure wouldn't even matter to me. Is Motoblur really that awful?
Give this editorial (http://mobile.engadget.com/2011/02/23/editorial-motorola-sort-blur-out-or-give-it-up/) a read. (Note that Motorola doesn't even market Motoblur anymore.)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 23, 2011, 09:47:25 PM
It's just called Blur now, and it's still horseshit. I prefer a "vanilla" Android setup, but my Thunderbolt has Sense 2.0 (2.1 soon...and then maybe 3.0) and it's pretty awesome. There's so much you can do with Sense that makes it awesome, but at the same time you can't sync a Wiimote to the phone, and the bitpool for bluetooth is low, so that kinds of kills it for me.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on June 23, 2011, 09:55:41 PM
The best non-vanilla UI I've used is MIUI, which is sort of a Chinese iPhone clone by default, but has theme capability.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on June 24, 2011, 09:00:17 AM
@Shaymin - Thanks for the article. Very enlightening. Through my "research" (aka dicking around the internet when I should be working), I found out that Motorola was phasing out the name "Motoblur" due to negative public perception and that's how I found out that most people tend to detest Motoblur, hence my question. Still, it makes me wonder what the point is. Motoblur or Blur itself sucks and, like that article suggests, if Motorola insists on having it, they need to fix it and not come back until they do.
I'm not tech savvy enough to jailbreak a phone or load a custom UI (which I'm sure involves the bootloader and a series of pulleys and clockwork gears). I may just wait for the Nexus and force myself to use a touchscreen keyboard. That's what I like about companies that handle their hardware and software like Apple, RIM and now HP. The problem is that only Apple keeps up with the technology curve.
My Blackberry Bold 9700 inexplicably went from 25% battery to 0% yesterday. That doesn't always happen but it does happen. That said, I'd be more willing to deal with the dated hardware and antiquated OS if it didn't do shizzle like that and other equally annoying things, but since it does, I'm looking elsewhere.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 24, 2011, 12:48:43 PM
If I wipe Moto's Blur off my phone, can I put Sense on there instead?
I've always liked HTC's Sense.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 26, 2011, 09:59:36 PM
If there's a port of a Sense-based ROM for your phone, then yes. This wouldn't be as simple as "uninstalling" Blur and "installing" Sense - it would have to be an entire wipe of your phone and you'd install a ROM. Take a look at forums.xda-developers.com and see what is available for your phone. I think you have a Droid X, right? http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=691 would be where you want to look. I don't think there is a Sense ROM (might not even be possible), but you can definitely get a "Vanilla" Gingerbread ROM and install something like Beautiful Widgets and Launcher Pro and make it look pretty similar.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 14, 2011, 12:39:56 AM
So I pretty much resigned myself to the fact that most phone manufacturers are sabotaging phones with physical keyboards (i.e. Droid 3) and if I want to get an elite super-Jesus-phone, I'm going to have to get a touchscreen phone. /grumble
Right now, I'm between the iPhone 5 and the Nexus Prime (assuming it comes to Verizon). I expect the iPhone to have better battery life which is the only thing I'm really concerned about. Anything I would want to do on a smartphone is possible on both phones. I'm leaning towards the iPhone primarily for the battery life (and maybe the screen).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on August 14, 2011, 12:54:50 AM
I've seen Bluetooth keyboard cases for iPhones. Anybody know of any for an LTE-capable Android phone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 14, 2011, 01:25:03 AM
I've seen those too. They're kind of bulky and bluetooth is going to eat some of the battery. I'm sure I can get to the point where I don't detest touchscreen keyboards but I'll probably always prefer a physical one.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on August 14, 2011, 01:41:21 AM
I don't want to start a war, but Android is extremely battery efficient if you make it that way. There are plenty of tweaks you can do to make your phone sip juice rather than chug it. It is especially possible with the Nexus phones because they have no bloatware like HTC Sense or Motoblur and can be scaled back to only the most necessary applications.
So yeah, point is, if it's all about battery life, Android is the way to go.
EDIT: One more thing, if Samsung makes the Nexus again, I can guarantee that they'll put there Super AMOLED+ screen on there. If that's the case, it can be even more battery efficient since the screen only uses power for color. So doing something as simple as setting the screen to a dark background can lengthen your battery life.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 14, 2011, 09:28:50 AM
When it comes to Android, I'm only considering the Nexus Prime because I want a pure Android experience. I don't like propriety user interfaces like Sense and Blur and even when they unlock the bootloader like they said they would, I still don't feel like messing with it. Additionally, I'd prefer getting updates as soon as Google releases them instead of waiting for the manufacturer to get their act together. A few weeks ago I was fiddling with the Droid 3 and I liked the keyboard, but I hated the pentile screen and Motorola's UI. On top of that, it's not even an LTE phone yet I read the battery life is mediocre and changing some options offers minimal improvements. Pass.
I'm torn between the next iPhone and the upcoming Nexus because I'm trying to decide what I'm more likely to do. My needs are simple and I'm lazy. That said, the iPhone will most likely function as well as I'd need it to out of the box and the screen is unrivaled even though it's not really a "retina display." On the other hand, I could google instructions on how to make stock Android an equally or better experience but again, I'm lazy. Stock Android should give me the flexibility to avoid battery issues like the Droid 3. I suppose my main problem is that I'm not certain Nexus Prime will be available on Verizon and I'm definitely switching. Rumors state that Google is planning on releasing it on every major carrier, but who knows?
The rumored specs of the Nexus Prime are insane in the membrane. A 4.5" screen? That sounds nice on paper, but do I really want to carry that around in my pocket? And I hope they don't use that curved screen like the Nexus S. I'm not a fan. The iPhone 5 and Nexus Prime should be unveiled in the next month or 2 which will make this decision a little easier once I know what each phone is packing.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on August 14, 2011, 03:35:51 PM
Is this your first smartphone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 14, 2011, 05:41:26 PM
It doesn't matter what Android phone you get if you want a stock experience - buy the phone, wait a couple weeks, root it and install a custom ROM (I suggest CM7). I have vanilla GingerBread on my Thunderbolt (well, vanilla plus the tweaks and extras that CM7 includes) and it's great. HTC Sense is brilliant, but it can be a hinder as well.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 14, 2011, 05:56:32 PM
No. Well, I currently have a Blackberry 9700 but it wasn't very smart so yes, this is will be my first smartphone.
In all seriousness, it had 3 key strengths: keyboard, BBM, and battery life. The keyboard is the only one that still holds today. BBM is great except over the past 2 years the number of people I know with Blackberry phones has dwindled so only one person still has one. She happens to be the person I'd message the most, but she's investing in an Android phone and I'd rather just pay for unlimited texting. As expected, the battery life has slowly degraded. I have to charge it every day/day and a half which from talking to others is what I should expect right off the bat with an iPhone/Android. I know why Blackberry phones have great battery life. The technology inside even the latest Blackberry is about 1-2 years behind everything else that came out at the same time. The CPU requires less power and the screen is smaller.
The platform is just ridiculously limiting by today's standards and this is coming from someone who doesn't do all the crazy stuff that some others do. I really just want a better browsing experience and a device that can occasionally double as an MP3 player when I workout. I could get an iPod Touch; I'd just rather save $300. RIM's QNX based superphones aren't expected until Q4 2012. I'm not willing to wait that long just for a fancy keyboard.
It doesn't matter what Android phone you get if you want a stock experience - buy the phone, wait a couple weeks, root it and install a custom ROM (I suggest CM7).
I know, but like i said I don't feel like dealing with that. I'll **** it up somehow. I'd rather just start with the stock experience and the rumors say the Nexus Prime is a beast. Can't go wrong there.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on August 14, 2011, 06:06:04 PM
If you just want a clean, effective stock interface without having to modify much of anything, I'd go with the iPhone. Especially since you'd be waiting for the iPhone 5, which will ship with iOS 5, which removes the only glaring flaw with vanilla iOS right now, the shitty notifications system. It's good enough that I'm not even going to wait until it's jailbroken to upgrade; I'll use the official release until they get that working.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 08:52:13 AM
Well, in some minor, unrelated news, Google just bought Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion, bolstering their patent portfolio. They said they plan to run Motorla as a separate business. Hopefully, they step in sooner rather than later to kick Blur to the curb and rid Motorola devices of those awful PenTile screens.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 11:09:23 AM
Does that mean my Droid X is now a Google Phone?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 12:09:51 PM
I assume you mean "will future updates to my Droid X be stock Android?" This is just conjecture on my part: you're either stuck with what you have until it dies/you buy a new phone or Google makes it so your Droid X updates to the latest version of Android (i.e. Ice Cream Sandwich) as long as the hardware can handle it though it should. It makes no sense for Google to continue supporting Blur, a UI almost universally panned, when the purpose of proprietary user interfaces was to make each manufacturer's devices seem unique. For that reason, I think future Motorola phones not already in production will launch with stock Android. As far as I know, no other company releases a pure Android smartphone unless commissioned by Google (Nexus) so, in a way, stock Android is unique.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 15, 2011, 12:15:57 PM
Latest version of Android is GingerBread, ICS isn't out yet for any end users. I think this is AWESOME news, especially since I have the Xoom and have plans to sell my ThunderBolt for a Droid Bionic eventually...maybe. The Xoom gets updates directly from Google already, and the Droid always had stock Android...this should be badass, the potential is basically unlimited for Android now. Expect iOS to start dying soon...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 12:37:35 PM
iOS isn't going anywhere. It's too entrenched in our culture and many people find it perfectly suitable for their needs. These are many of the same people who don't care what Android can do better. Apple posts record quarter after record quarter. There's really no reason to believe they're in any kind of trouble just because Googlle bought Motorola Mobility.
EDIT: I'm aware that Gingerbread is the current version of Android which the Droid X should be running unless I'm mistaken. I meant, if Google offers Droid X owners an upgrade, it would be for the latest version which would be Ice Cream Sandwich at that point.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 12:47:37 PM
I would love for an update that wiped MotoBlur off my phone.
I'm still haven't put any effort towards rooting my phone to wipe all this Verizon/Moto stuff off of here, so an official update that took care of half of it would be really nice.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 15, 2011, 03:49:54 PM
If you haven't updated to the latest update (Gingerbread) you can root easily (if you can use DOS in any shape or form, you can root an Android phone). If you are updated, you can reflash to Froyo and root, then install a badass ROM (again, I suggest CM7) that gets rid of all of the bloat, increases battery life, stability, speed, etc. Check out these forums[/url - start in general to learn to root, then get a custom ROM from the development section. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=687)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on August 15, 2011, 04:12:02 PM
The Nexus aka Google Phone is made by Samsung. So this seems more like Google wants to cut out the middle man.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 04:53:26 PM
I think it has more to do with Apple and Microsoft patent trolling. I read that Motorola has like 17,000 patents that now belong to Google. They even ran the purchase past major partners Samsung, HTC, Sony, and LG who all supported the move. I imagine Google is willing to share those patents with them to help protect them from Apple and Microsoft.
Imagine how strong Google's patent portfolio would be if they got their hands on RIM. They'd even get their hands on those Nortel patents they lost out to last month.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on August 15, 2011, 04:57:46 PM
Interesting. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the next Nexus (after prime) was developed in-house.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 15, 2011, 05:00:30 PM
Imagine how strong Google's patent portfolio would be if they got their hands on RIM. They'd even get their hands on those Nortel patents they lost out to last month.
With the alliance Microsoft and Research in Motion have, I doubt RIM would let Google buy them. If anything, I would expect Microsoft to buy them if Google showed interest.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 05:01:31 PM
Interesting. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the next Nexus (after prime) was developed in-house.
Oh, most likely. I'm sure this doesn't really affect HTC or Samsung. They only made the Nexus One and Nexus S because Google footed the bill. This might actually be good for them if Google decides not to release as many phones as Motorola did.
With the alliance Microsoft and Research in Motion have, I doubt RIM would let Google buy them. If anything, I would expect Microsoft to buy them if Google showed interest.
It was just an example because Google has been patent hunting (they recently bought a grab bag of patents from IBM). In any case, I'm not sure how strong that alliance between RIM and Google is. Bing is replacing Google as the default search engine on Blackberry phones. If Microsoft goes after anyone, I would expect them to go after Nokia first though nothing is really stopping Microsoft from going after both. Microsoft and Google are both competitors of RIM because they both have competing platforms. Android just happens to be handing both of their asses to them. It really just depends on who makes a better offer. HP swooped in at the 11th hour and bought Palm. I'd say Google has more to gain.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 06:02:49 PM
According to Google, Moto Mobil will be run separately from Google and will have to put in a bid at the end of every year to build the next Nexus like usual. Chances are, in good faith, Moto will not win this or next year.
But this was all about the patents and hardly about the hardware. Google is amassing a Patent library to shut down all this patent war crap that has been going around. By purchasing Motorola, they bump themselves upto somewhere in the Top 10 mobile patent holders, up from somewhere in the mid-high 20's. Now Google will be able to attach all these patents to the Android license and all licensed devs (and especially Google) will be better protected from a majority of the frivolous lawsuits that have been going around.
I also just read about Google buying over 1000 patents from IBM related to networking and running fiber optics or something like that. And then I think about that Google FiOS that is being tested out. Free nationwide wifi for all Android phones incoming?
But I'm also very interested in what Google is gonna do with the Moto Mobil set-top boxes where they have ~60% of the market (Comcast, Time-Warner, AT&T, etc etc.). Will they push some Google Software into the boxes like GoogleTV? I really hope they do, because for as big as these boxes are, they could be doing alot more than they are.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 06:55:45 PM
The only real benefit of the Nexus line was that it offered stock Android and could receive the newest updates as soon as Google made them available. Even run independently, I can't see why Motorola would want to continue investing in Blur. That said, I think either Google kills the Nexus line and we pretty much see multiple Nexus-esque vanilla Android phones from Motorola throughout the year or Motorola starts producing Nexus phones.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 15, 2011, 07:06:31 PM
Quote from: Google
We have the Nexus program and the lead device strategy. What we do is we select an OEM around Christmastime of each year -- a chip company, everything else -- and they all huddle together in one building, and around the holidays a new device pops out. That won't change, Moto will be a separate business and part of that bidding process.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 15, 2011, 07:32:02 PM
Fair enough. I'll believe it when I see it. I'm curious how this bidding process works for Motorola as it'd essentially be giving money to itself. I can only buy this independent company stuff to a point. Motorola's entire strategy changes knowing that ultimately they answer to Google as a wholly owned entity. Believing otherwise is just plain gullibility. Google isn't going to invest $12.5 billion (to my knowledge, their largest investment ever) without checking up on what Motorola is doing and making sure they aren't fucking up.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 16, 2011, 09:18:47 AM
I don't think you've done any reading on this...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 16, 2011, 10:03:29 AM
On the contrary, I've done a lot of reading on this. I'm aware of what Google is saying. I'm not inclined to believe everything that I hear, especially from major corporations. How many times have we seen a company say one thing then do another? This isn't the first time a company has claimed a recent acquisition will operate independently then turn around and do the opposite down the road. If Google can raise profits or cut losses by absorbing Motorola and taking over their day to day operations, we'll see how much all the things they've been saying is worth.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 17, 2011, 09:21:20 PM
Leaked pictures of the Droid HD on Engadget and Android Central...too lazy to link but it looks pretty awesome. Gigantic screen on that thing. Verizon wins again!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 19, 2011, 01:07:14 PM
HP is discontinuing webOS hardware (and apparently their PC hardware too). I'm glad I wrote off the Pre 3 a while ago though I don't think HP is even launching it in the US anymore. HP stated they "will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward." I supposed they could make it open source, but it really just sounds like they want to unload it. What a waste. Considering RIM desperately wants their QNX operating system to just be webOS in Blackberry clothing, RIM should have made a play for Palm last year then spent the next 15-18 months bumping up security to make it enterprise compliant. Both companies would probably be in better positions today. I wonder if Google is still patent hunting. I'm sure Palm had some good ones.
Anyway, this Droid HD intrigues me. If that comes out this year, I wonder what the point of the Bionic is because the Droid HD looks like it shits all over everything.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 19, 2011, 03:15:11 PM
I think I'm ready to root my phone and install some custom ****.
After my phone tweaking out the way it did this morning, to needing my phone as a wireless router for my 3DS for an upcoming trip, I think I'm ready to do it.
So I've read some positive recommendations for Cyanogen Mod(CM7) so that's what I'm gonna install, but why is this so damn complicated!?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 19, 2011, 04:28:35 PM
I have a rooting question.
Once I hook up the phone to the computer through USB, what setting should it be under?
PC Mode (which I currently have it on), Mass Storage, Charge only?
and when they say to do something in "terminal", does that mean at the command prompt or the run/search bar in Win7?
edit: Here is where I'm having issues
Quote
Gaining Root Access
On the computer, open terminal and run the following commands:adb push rageagainstthecage-arm5.bin /data/local/tmp/adb shellchmod 755 /data/local/tmp/rageagainstthecage-arm5.bin/data/local/tmp/rageagainstthecage-arm5.bin
I think windows is not doing the chmod command and I end up with a $ instead of a # and thats after I do the shell command.
If anyone know what I did wrong or has an easier way to root a Gingerbread Droid X than the guide I've been following: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Motorola_Droid_X:_Full_Update_Guide (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Motorola_Droid_X:_Full_Update_Guide)
please let me know asap.
p.s. I'm running a Droid X on Android 2.3.3
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 20, 2011, 04:25:18 PM
Ok I figured it out.
When they said firm ware they meant system version.
I got Cyanogen up an running, but now I have no access to the the android market, my apps, the bootloader program, gmail app, or anything of the sort. WTF went wrong?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on August 20, 2011, 05:56:05 PM
See, this is why I would get a Nexus phone and start with stock Android if I were to get an Android phone. Not only would I no have access to the Android market and apps, I'd be on fire and my bricked phone would be calling my mother a whore. I can't be bothered.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 20, 2011, 06:15:10 PM
I figured it all out. All is good in the land of the rooted now.
Motorola was sure to make this as difficult as possible. But, had I known I needed to downgrade my FW before starting, it all would have went smoother.
The Wiki and all the guides say you have to be on Android 2.3.340 or lower My Android was 2.3.3 but what they meant was that your System Version needed to be 2.3.340 My system version was 2.6.something.somethingsomething and prevented everything was working right.
Then after I had to hunt down a Droid X CM7, since it wasn't on the CM7 wiki like they lead you to believe, I also had to d/l the google apps file to get all my apps back (except for my Verizon Backup Assistant, which I'm not sure how to replace).
So after I exported all my contacts from MyVerizon into my google account and then reinitiated the account sync, all is good now.
Only took me 27 hours to figure it all out.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 20, 2011, 08:52:17 PM
Sorry I didn't check this thread over the past day I would have tried to help. I think CM7 is so awesome, but really just about anything other than a carrier-branded stock ROM is going to be a massive improvement. I love the way your GMail account automatically brings back all of your apps from the Market, even on custom ROMs. BNM now install adfree to block all the ads in webpages and apps, and use CM7 tethering (it's in Settings>CyanogenMod Settings) to use your phone as a WiFi hotspot. Also make sure to get Veetle from the Market (don't need root for it), they finally released an Android app and it's basically the best thing ever.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 20, 2011, 10:28:33 PM
Can I do OTA updates?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 20, 2011, 11:43:55 PM
Yes but you will lose root. Wait for someone to make a zip that bypasses the bootloader so you can keep it, then just use CWM recovery or the regular recovery menu to update. It's pretty easy after you've done it a couple times. I used to flash my Windows Mobile phones like crazy, but it's a different process with Android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 21, 2011, 03:14:04 AM
I was hoping to try out an animated wallpaper, but they don't work on my phone now.
Also my video camera ain't working and the wifi tether option isn't where you said either. I found one in the widgets, but it don't work. Downloaded Barnacle, but that don't work either.... atleast my 3DS won't connect to my phone as a hotspot even though the phone was broadcasting.
Any ideas on what to do to fix those issues?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 21, 2011, 09:00:30 AM
Here (http://www.droid-life.com/2011/06/16/wireless-tether-appears-to-work-on-cm7-for-the-droidx/) is a short article mentioning that WiFi Tether for Root Users (http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list) works on the Droid X with CM7. As far as Live Wallpapers, I see there is a problem (at least as of July) with them working...not sure if there's a fix. Sorry if I got you into this, there are plenty of other ROMs you can try out, though I'm pretty shocked at how limited the development is on the DX, but it's probably because the bootloader is still locked. The xda-developers forums still have quite a few custom ROMs linked, and several can be found in ROM Manager from the market. You may want to try out MIUI, it looks like a much improved iOS port (though of course it's still Android) and it's pretty customizable too.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 21, 2011, 10:57:01 AM
That Wifi tether worked beautifully. I'm not at all worried about live backgrounds because my battery life sux enough as it is, but I do need a solution for my camera issues. Can't do with out my video/camera.
I will probably ride out CM7 for a while, but if I wanted to switch roms, would I need to do a complete wipe first?
edit: Turns out that it's not just my video camera that don't work. I can't play videos I've laready recorded and I can't watch youtube videos. Not through the youtube app or the internet browser. Strangely enough, I can watch Netflix though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on August 21, 2011, 01:32:34 PM
Even though it's based on CM7, http://MIUI.us has been working better for me on original Droid lately. You can sometimes switch ROMs without a wipe, but it often leads to weird behavior or performance problems.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 21, 2011, 02:04:41 PM
I found the camera fix and re-installed Swype Beta 3
All is good now, but I MIUI was the next rom I was gonna check out after seeing some other people's home screen mods.
Can you combine/overlap widgets using the ADWLauncher? I saw a really nice home screen clock, date weather combo that I want to replicate. http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/342/a/4/whitesmooth_by_squaredd-d34h02a.png
Also is there anyway to find out what is actually playing on some of Veetles movie channels?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 23, 2011, 02:12:20 AM
My only issue with CM7 on my DX is that it eats my battery like like it's popcorn in a theater.
anyone know of a fix for that?
edit: Since no one seems to be able to help with CM7, I looked further into MIUI which has a battery fix. For some reason, when I tried to do some of the battery fixes in CM7, it would force quit. I'm assuming this has to do with the data loaded from previous installations of apps being restored along with the apps.
So I guess I am doing a fresh install of MIUI over the CM7... or should i fresh install CM7 again?
edit2: whats with all the japanese on MIUI? It works flawlessly so far though. I don't like all my apps on the screen, is that the MIUI way? Isn't that how iPhone does it too?
I really love the way it shuts the screen off like a TV though. Anyway to get that in the base CM7 mod?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 23, 2011, 10:54:46 PM
That's weird, the TV effect is built in to every CM7 ROM I've used on any phone (and even on my wife's HD2, which is running a port of the Nexus One's Gingerbread release). MIUI is Chinese, btw...so that explains...the...Japanese. Whenever you flash a ROM it's always recommended to make a backup first and wipe data (twice is actually recommended) before you go installing apps and such, it usually takes care of many otherwise unexplainable issues. I tell you your CM7 experience is actually bugging me out a bit, I really thought the DX would be a hacker's paradise, but that whole bootloader thing is probably keeping many developers away. I just hope the Droid Bionic and Droid HD aren't locked down. Now I want to find out how to TV-ify my Xoom...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 23, 2011, 11:30:02 PM
Ok, so I've installed MIUI, realized it works much better than the CM7 did, but now I can't use widgets and have an iPhone look.... I hate the look.
Problem is, MIUI won't let my loader work, so the recovery fails everytime I try to wipe and reinstall CM7. I'm leaving for a week long trip in the morning and really need my battery in my phone and teh wifi tether to be functional (....forgot to go buy a 3DS game, but atleast I will still have netflix and dual tasking internet), so I guess I'll just deal with this Chinese(i didn't really look at the text, just kept scrolling past it to find english) mod tell then.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on August 24, 2011, 01:36:54 AM
Uh, you did install the English version, right?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 24, 2011, 01:58:01 AM
It's in english, it's just when I was looking for more backgrounds, boot screens, lock screens, etc etc, alot of them were in chinese so I couldn't tell what they were. I would just scroll past them to the occasional english worded pic.
But I figured out how to do the Widgets and put most of the apps in "folders".... I wonder if I can put folders inside of folders. Next I just have to replace my background, change my theme, get all my google apps and get swype working again get new ringtones (since every MIUI ringtone SUX), and I'll be a happy camper again.
I still find it funny that MIUI won't let me uninstall it and go back to stock or CM7.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on August 24, 2011, 02:15:45 AM
I've not had a problem wiping and installing CM7 afterwards on Droid. Also, if you don't like the menu, you should be able to replace it with something from the market.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 24, 2011, 03:10:41 AM
This whole modding thing is very new to me, so being able to customize everything turns into an all day affair.
I'm almost back to satisfied though. My main issue was resolved though. The battery life is great so far. I've been streaming radio and music for the last 3 hours and only lost about 25% battery life since I started that. My phone hasn't been plugged in since 5something pm and that almost 7 hours ago and i started with a ~70% battery life. I think I'm at about 33% battery left right now.
edit: Problems with the camera now. Won't support the 2 highest resolutions. Tried to install the fix, but all it did is black them out instead of seeing the jacked up imagery.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 25, 2011, 01:00:51 AM
On today's episode of "BNM's Adventures in Modding"....
SO everything was good. just needed ringtones and everything would have been alright. btut my battery was still draining faster than I would like, so I decided to gamble on a batterfix .zip file and it ended up bricking my phone. Well... it put it in an endless reboot loop that no amount of data wipes a factory resets were gonna fix.
I guess it's a good thing that my I missed my flight out today and could come home where I already had everything set up and all the necessary windws open on my computer so I could restore it back to "just bought" setup.. Stupid me didn't back up just before that zip file, and never actually figured out how to actually restore a back up anyway...
so after 7 unsuccessful reboot and refresh attempts, here I am back at a fresh MIUI install. So I have to remember which backup program I was using and when was the last time I actually backed up all my data (why did I forget that step..... I was bored sitting on the BART though, so I was kinda sleepy and not thinking).
Now I have to get back at it so my phone is ready to go before tomorrow morning.... gotta let it finish charging first though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on September 07, 2011, 10:12:51 AM
The Droid Bionic is finally coming out tomorrow and this is the first I've heard of a firm release date. I hope Motorola does a better job of marketing new devices under Google. Like the Droid 3, the Bionic is getting a fairly low key launch. It's just odd because it's supposed to be a major 4G device on Verizon. I would have expected Motorola and Verizon to pull out all the stops.
In any case, I'm still waiting to hear more about the iPhone 5 and the Nexus Prime/Droid Prime (not sure what to call it anymore). I'm itching to get a new phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on September 07, 2011, 06:02:03 PM
I saw a badass commercial for it last night. I honestly didn't know what it was trying to sell me till the last second. It could have been anything.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 07, 2011, 09:04:00 PM
Typically all of the Droid commercials are pretty awesome (Droid 2 and Droid 3 aside). This phone really doesn't need that much marketing, it's probably the most hyped Android phone ever (so far). I really want one, since it's basically the best phone ever made...but I don't have the money, and I'd have to get a decent amount for my Thunderbolt to make up the difference at retail. Maybe one will show up on Craig's List soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on September 08, 2011, 08:00:18 PM
I think Droid commercials are awful. Android commercials, too. They do ridiculously poor jobs at showing how the Android platform isn't complicated, and instead focus on power and usability is areas that people already know is there.
While not a commercial I'm talking about, I saw a Verizon advertisement for a specific tablet. At one point, a Verizon store employee literally says "Your wife will love the nVidia Tegra 2 processor." That's really gonna sell everyone on a tablet. -_-
Point being, Apple's commercials show people how easy it is to use the phone. How easy it is to go and browse the internet, how easy it can be to find apps and use them, and they show real-world applications.
Android commercials talk about how their phones are the fastest and most powerful, but rarely communicate how someone can use that power and speed.
To that end, people believe iPhones and Apple products are easier to use and more one-size fits all.
Last time I held an iPhone in my hand, I was tasked with calling someone based on the number from which a text message was received. I could not, for the life of me, figure out any way to take that number from within the phone and call it. Tapping it did nothing, holding my finger over it did nothing, and there was no "option" screen available to let me do that that I could discern. On my phone, I could tap the number, and then I'd see an option to call it. I could hit a menu button and the same feature would be there. I could copy and paste the number pretty easily, too. The different base functionalities were all there. In the end, with the iPhone, I had to scribble down the phone number, then go to the phone section, and dial it in.
Point being, I think Android could really sweep away Apple and the iPhone by just going after those little things that are wrong with iOS. With so few developments and ideas that only come from one place, when it comes to usability, the iPhone is falling behind, but public perception is exactly the opposite. Why not just point that out?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 08, 2011, 11:47:53 PM
Because Apple would sue them for making commercials that show the features of a phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 12, 2011, 04:36:27 PM
MIUI started tweaking out on me so I had to switch back to CM7 using ROM Manager.
MIUI would start randomly cycling through my text messages asking if I wanted to make a call it was also eating through my fully charged batter in a matter of 2-3 hours making my phone battery very very hot in the process. But the tipping point was when it would randomly switch my phone to Airplane mode, therefore cutting out all incoming calls and text messages until noticed that I wasn't receiving or sending anything and would reset my phone.
CM7 was giving me issues before, but for the past 24 hours, my battery has been fine, phone is not over heating and I haven't had any issues that I've noticed with sending or receiving calls/messages.
I don't have quite the level of customization built in as MIUI (custom lock screen, custom startup graphic), but I'm sure there are apps out there for that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 12, 2011, 06:07:29 PM
You can change the boot animation (or logo in the beginning) using CWM Recovery. You can always just switch to a rooted stock ROM, then you can add/remove whatever you feel like.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on September 14, 2011, 04:54:31 PM
I found out that I can, in fact, browse the web and talk on my phone (Droid X2) at the same time. So what is AT&T on about in those commercials?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on September 14, 2011, 05:21:35 PM
Verizon upgraded that in the past year, but older phones don't support it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 14, 2011, 05:31:24 PM
Can my Droid X do it?
I'm too lazy to try and find out for myself.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 15, 2011, 08:53:39 AM
No, it can't. I didn't know that the DX2 had SVDO (like the Thunderbolt has) you sure you're not on WiFi? Also AT&T's new thing is they have the only iPhone that lets you surf the web and talk st the same time (which will change next month), and T-Mobile has always supported doing both together as well.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on September 15, 2011, 10:04:38 AM
I recall reading that CDMA couldn't handle both but it would be possible on Verizon with 4G LTE.
I'm on AT&T now and I may have checked the web while on a call maybe 3 or 4 times. I definitely see the benefit of it. I just rarely talk on the phone for extended periods of time and I'm usually near a computer anyway.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on September 15, 2011, 02:01:35 PM
It's possible on 3G with SVDO as Brandogg mentioned.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on September 15, 2011, 04:58:31 PM
T-Mobile and ATT use the same tech essentially. I hope they have parity.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 19, 2011, 06:08:07 PM
I guess this is the right thread...I just made an edit of the Mortal Kombat 2 intro as my ringtone. Shao Kahn's "Excellent" is my notification sound (I might change it to the sound made when you insert a "koin" in Mortal Kombat 1 though). This site is awesome - http://www.youtube-mp3.org/ I just pasted a link to the theme, saved it as an MP3, cut it down to the good stuff (after 16 second mark) in Goldwave and put it on my phone. Best. Ringtone. Ever.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on September 19, 2011, 06:14:20 PM
Yeah that song is sickkkk nasty. It always makes we want to jump around and kick **** like Caterkiller.
The first time I loaded up the newest MK, I played this song.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 04, 2011, 11:55:35 AM
Oh, look! Nexus Prime leaks less than 2 hours before the iPhone 5/4S unveiling. I'm as surprised as you are.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 04, 2011, 03:09:02 PM
I'm tempted to make a new thread...
iPhone 4S is announed: Is same thing as iPhone 4.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 04, 2011, 03:20:58 PM
The spec bump was a given. I was hoping that Apple would at least make the back aluminum. Also, I didn't expect them to make the screen larger but I wanted them to. So much for that.
Still leaning towards the 4S when I switch to Verizon. If I can get my hands on one at Best Buy before November 25, I may pay the $65 early termination fee and ditch AT&T sooner. And yes, I have to get it at Best Buy because I have an obscene amount of gift cards.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 04, 2011, 04:55:07 PM
It's the same thing as the 4 in the same way the 3GS was the same as the 3G: physically it's basically the same (though they apparently completely eliminated the antenna issues), but they bumped all the specs and dramatically improved the camera (8 megapixels with 1080p video recording). Apple seems to be in the habit of doing the huge changes every two years, in line with the idea of the two-year contract.
It does both GSM and CDMA, which is good for people who want to use Verizon in the US but also want to use it abroad. They've finally upped the internal storage to 64 GB on the high end. No 4G, but we pretty much knew that going in. I'm not buying one, but they'd have had to blow the doors off the thing to get me not to wait another year.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 04, 2011, 07:43:27 PM
The World Phone aspect is pretty nice, but most people won't ever use it, especially people on Verizon and Spring that don't even know what a SIM card is, but still, it's a nice option. Still though, I find the new 8GB version utterly pointless (even the 16GB is kind of silly since it records HD video now), especially since the iPhone doesn't have any support for removable storage. No LTE is a mistake, but understandable since they only make one version of the phone now (capactity aside). If you don't have a contract with anyone, or your contract is up, or you're already on Sprint...then if you must get an iPhone 4S (shudders), then Sprint is the obvious choice to go with (if you're going to be getting a new contract at least), since they still have unlimited data and they're the cheapest option. I still maintain that Apple is in the habit of making huge changes...never, just subtle changes that catch the iPhone up to the phones that came out a year ago in terms of capability.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 04, 2011, 09:02:51 PM
I don't think the lack of LTE is a mistake. Only Verizon has an LTE network that's worth anything right now and it's still not ubiquitous. Most iPhone owners are still on AT&T which just recently started rolling out LTE. Unless there's a mass iPhone owner exodus to Verizon (there won't be), this isn't really going to matter. Obviously, the reason why Apple didn't include LTE is because it would force them to make concessions on battery life or form factor and we both know they'll do neither. Here's a nice article on it from AnandTech (http://www.anandtech.com/show/4925/why-no-lte-iphone-5-blame-28nm-maturity).
I'm currently still on AT&T's unlimited data plan and I don't come close to using 2GB a month. Yeah, I'm still using a Blackberry (insert laugh here), but even if I was using a "real" smartphone, I doubt I'd surpass 2GB. If I ever were to go over the 2GB limit (once I switch to Verizon), an extra GB is only $10 and I really doubt I'd go over 3GB a month. Maybe if I signed up for Spotify Premium and even then, I could probably stay under 2GB.
For most people, the iPhone is a great device that suits their needs. They're not comparing specs and really, it's not just about specs anyway. The latest version of iOS only ever has to run on like 3 hardware configurations though the newest features are only available on the newest piece of hardware (Siri probably won't run on anything but the 4S). Newer versions of the operating system still run well on he older devices despite having dated hardware. As long as it functions, I really don't think it's matters to the general public. My friend at work is still rocking a 3GS and I don't think she's even thinking of upgrading. Things like HD video and GB and LTE don't mean anything to her.
So, yeah, I'm most likely getting the iPhone 4S which is automatically a massive upgrade from my Blackberry Bold 9700. I believe Samsung is holding an event next Tuesday to officially unveil the Nexus Prime but it'd have to blow me away to change my mind. I'd probably use both phones the exact same way but the iPhone is probably the safer bet for my needs. That's just a guess on my part based on what I've read and what I've been told from friends who have had iOS/Android devices for what seems like ages but, in reality, has only been like 2-3 years.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 05, 2011, 01:13:39 PM
The 4S is fine and all and they've said the Siri is only available on it already, of not Phone 7 has had similar functionality since the get go but, this does take it a step further. What I think is the bigger news is that the iPhone 3g is going to be put in the Free phone with contract slot. I think That is bigger news then the 4S. iPhone is still the Smartphone to have and putting a base model in reach of the all consumers is a good idea.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 05, 2011, 09:47:56 PM
You guys are silly. BlackBerry is horse **** though (no offense, and I assume none is taken). Expect that OS to be gone soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 06, 2011, 10:04:03 AM
Blackberry allows a degree of corporate control that none of the other phone OSes allow, because there more consumer oriented. While companies need that control Blackberries will still be around. Those type of controls are very low priority for Phone7, iOS, and Android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 06, 2011, 03:20:51 PM
Actually, Apple has increased support for that kind of thing in every successive version of iOS;you just don't hear about it that much because it's not a selling point for consumers.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 06, 2011, 03:37:47 PM
Actually, Apple has increased support for that kind of thing in every successive version of iOS;you just don't hear about it that much because it's not a selling point for consumers.
Never said they didn't but, it hasn't cross the threshold yet. I give it about 2 years personally.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 07, 2011, 01:16:06 PM
Good news from Sprint customers (and Verizon should they ever buy Sprint), but Sprint is switching their inferior WiMax 4G over to the much superior LTE 4G network that Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T currently use. http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/07/sprint-converts-its-cdma-network-to-lte/
Quote
Sprint finally went public with plans to "simplify its network" by converting its 1900MHz holdings and LightSquared's 1600MHZ spectrum ("pending FCC approval") to LTE, an industry favorite. Helping the operator make that transition is the swath of 800MHz spectrum it reclaimed from the, now defunct, iDEN push-to-talk network -- which had been a drain on the company's resources. This spectrum, acquired from Nextel, will be phased out by mid-2013 and rolled into LTE. The company plans for a rapid deployment of this new 4G network, with the first LTE markets and handsets to hit in mid-2012, and the full rollout mostly completed by 2013. Current subscribers signed up for WiMAX plans won't have to worry as their devices will continue to be supported throughout 2012.
That will surely help all those millions of Sprint Smartphone customers that have been paying for 4G actually be able to use it sooner rather than later since LTE is not only faster but has a much wider range (IIRC) than WiMax.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 07, 2011, 09:02:20 PM
AT&T hardly uses it...5 cities, while Verizon has almost 200 and counting. Verizon's 700Mhz LTE is badass, you can be in a bomb shelter and still get a signal. In other news...the Nexus Galaxy looks badass, and pretty much will make every other machine (even the Bionic) its bitch.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 07, 2011, 09:24:08 PM
And it just got delayed. Google/Samsung fail.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on October 07, 2011, 09:42:03 PM
The announcement was delayed, but it'll probably come out around the same time. They'll probably do a "And it's available... right now" routine on about 10/27.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 07, 2011, 10:05:30 PM
Actually it's not a fail, they did it out of respect for Steve Jobs and Apple.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 07, 2011, 11:25:23 PM
Yeah, sure. That's why they delayed it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 08, 2011, 12:10:01 AM
That Nexus Galaxy looks sick. Faster than everything out there and has no buttons? Dope. I especially like the curved screen and that it'll have ICS from the get go.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 08, 2011, 07:58:29 PM
Yes, it is why they delayed it (they even mentioned it in a press release, I believe). Several people on the Android team used to sit on the board at Apple, and they'd look like total dicks if they debuted their phone that completely owns everything else out there (and everything that launches next Friday) 6 days after Steve Jobs died.
Anyway...I might have to sell my Thunderbolt when they release the Nexus Galaxy. Samsung is slowly (quickly) taking over the world in cell phone sales, might as well join them (again) now.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 08, 2011, 08:35:43 PM
Oh, okay. You're absolutely right. Since it was in a press release, that must mean they aren't totally full of ****. Jesus Christ on a crutch, man... You act like Android cures cancer and AIDS.
The iPhone is going to continue outselling every single individual smartphone on the market. This isn't going to change. Google and Samsung can release their Jesus-phone with its water-into-wine specs and the iPhone is still going to take its mother out for a nice seafood dinner then never call her again. /Anchorman
That's just the way it is because the iPhone brand is a fucking juggernaut. I'm not saying one is better than the other. For my needs, Android/iOS/WP7 all do the same exact thing. I want a phone with decent battery life that allows me to dick around the internet when I'm away from home, specifically at work when I should be responsible. They all pretty much do that. I just want to try the iPhone though I'm still curious about the Nexus Prime/Galaxy.
I'm not gullible enough to believe that Google or any company is going to postpone a major product launch because the founder of a rival passed away. In fact, delaying a product because said product is oh so much better than the iPhone in "honor" of Jobs makes Google/Samsung look like a bunch of arrogant pricks. "Don't be evil," my ass.
So, no, I don't actually believe that at all. Delaying a product is fairly common. Sometimes it's a short delay and sometimes it's the Droid Bionic. Ice Cream Sandwich or the Nexus Prime/Galaxy probably just needed some last minute tweaks.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 09, 2011, 11:09:41 PM
It may outsell every individual phone, but the Galaxy S II is well over 10 million before it even hit the US, of course it's a different phone on each carrier, so I'm not sure how to accurately count it when you add in the US sales...but Android in general gets a larger market share every month, while Apple's #2 spot continues to shrink. I don't know if the Nexus Galaxy will count as a Galaxy S II device anyway. On one hand it shouldn't since it's way more powerful, but on another hand it kind of should since Verizon doesn't have a Galaxy S II device, and they're the #1 carrier in the US. Anyway, CTIA is more about Android (and ICS) in general than it is just about the Nexus Galaxy, and the Android OS will continue to leave Apple's mother behind instead of taking her out to dinner. I don't think Google is jerking anyone's chain with their explanation, after all, the Nexus Galaxy video and screenshots leaked just a few hours before Apple's repeat presentation from last year. I'm not acting like Android cures anything other than the idea that Apple is actually doing anything innovative with the iPhone. You can believe whatever you want to believe, but PR is PR.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 12, 2011, 03:20:56 AM
It may outsell every individual phone, but the Galaxy S II is well over 10 million before it even hit the US, of course it's a different phone on each carrier, so I'm not sure how to accurately count it when you add in the US sales...but Android in general gets a larger market share every month, while Apple's #2 spot continues to shrink. I don't know if the Nexus Galaxy will count as a Galaxy S II device anyway. On one hand it shouldn't since it's way more powerful, but on another hand it kind of should since Verizon doesn't have a Galaxy S II device, and they're the #1 carrier in the US. Anyway, CTIA is more about Android (and ICS) in general than it is just about the Nexus Galaxy, and the Android OS will continue to leave Apple's mother behind instead of taking her out to dinner. I don't think Google is jerking anyone's chain with their explanation, after all, the Nexus Galaxy video and screenshots leaked just a few hours before Apple's repeat presentation from last year. I'm not acting like Android cures anything other than the idea that Apple is actually doing anything innovative with the iPhone. You can believe whatever you want to believe, but PR is PR.
If Apple wasn't so "premium focused" they should have made that "iPhone Mini" for $250 and maybe iPhone Micro for $100-150 to start to aim at the lower end of the market.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 12, 2011, 02:11:38 PM
I would really love to see them make a phone based off of the Nano that came with the Bluetooth headphone for it. It be a cool watch phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: nickmitch on October 12, 2011, 02:21:01 PM
If making it only a smidge bigger would let them put a camera and speaker on there for video chat, I'd be sold.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 12, 2011, 04:30:37 PM
I always figured our phones would become our "pocket computer" and our watch or whatever would be linked to it. So I never have to actually fish out my phone unless for extremely important tasks or needing the size of the screen for some reason. Other wise, web surfing, video chat, music playing, text messaging, phone calls, etc. etc. could all be handled by our watches.
So imagine getting a phone call and looking at your watch to see who it is and answering it. Or even cooler, video chatting on your wrist. I could swype texts messages and even access gps among other things on the fly.
Unless batteries and processors make a drastic change in size, having a phone as powerful as the one's today on your wrist isn't feasible for a while. So simply having your watch be the "hub" with which you access your phone, makes a lot more sense.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 12, 2011, 04:38:37 PM
I always figured our phones would become our "pocket computer" and our watch or whatever would be linked to it. So I never have to actually fish out my phone unless for extremely important tasks or needing the size of the screen for some reason. Other wise, web surfing, video chat, music playing, text messaging, phone calls, etc. etc. could all be handled by our watches.
So imagine getting a phone call and looking at your watch to see who it is and answering it. Or even cooler, video chatting on your wrist. I could swype texts messages and even access gps among other things on the fly.
Unless batteries and processors make a drastic change in size, having a phone as powerful as the one's today on your wrist isn't feasible for a while. So simply having your watch be the "hub" with which you access your phone, makes a lot more sense.
You can get that today. Let me dig to find it. Was a couple years back and probably on here somewhere. Here's the Phenom Watch. (http://www.newlaunches.com/archives/phenom_wrist_watch_phone_is_the_ultimate_spy_companion.php)
I can't seem to find it but I know it exists because I was thinking why wouldn't you just take your phone out of your pocket.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 12, 2011, 04:58:37 PM
I can't seem to find it but I know it exists because I was thinking why wouldn't you just take your phone out of your pocket.
I'll give you 3 good reasons why you wouldn't want to take your phone out of your pocket.
- When you are having a conversation and your phone goes off, digging into your pocket and holding your phone is very rude to whomever you are talking to, even if you are just checking who is trying to contact you. This will only get worse as time goes on because phones are getting more and more powerful and encompassing our entire lives. So the ability to take a quick glance to your wrist to see who's calling or who sent you a text, is much less distracting and much less rude.
- How fast can you access your wrist compared to the inside of your pocket? Point made. Now imagine that speed with NFC. Now you get it.
- Having a phone on your wrist with all the bells and whistles would not only be expensive but more susceptible to damage from stimuli. So, if you have a cheap hub that simply accesses your phone instead, it'll be cheaper to replace if you do break it.
- And its just cool. If you had the first one made, your friends would **** their pants. Bitches would be all over you. And business clients would be immediately impressed.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 15, 2011, 08:25:57 AM
I'm currently at work. Service, as expected, is much better on Verizon. As for the phone, so far I'm digging it. I'm still getting used to the touch screen. More on the that later.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 16, 2011, 08:57:20 AM
And this phone is the...?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on October 16, 2011, 10:12:01 AM
He said in an earlier post that he'd likely buy an iPhone 4S, so it appears he's joined the winning team.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 16, 2011, 04:50:22 PM
If you're on Verizon then you've joined the winning team...as far as phone choices...well...
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 17, 2011, 03:28:01 AM
Yeah, I got the iPhone 4s. I didn't feel the need to specify since I've been talking about it for awhile and it was the most recent major phone release. My thoughts:
Verizon vs AT&T Honestly, there's no comparison. Verizon is awesome, AT&T sucks. I was with AT&T since 2004 via Cingular. That didn't matter until November 2009 I got a phone that required a data plan. AT&T supposedly has the fastest 3G network. That's great and all if you can even fucking get a sustainable 3G connection. Most of the time, I was browsing on the EDGE network which was slower than an old lady in a supermarket. There were other factors contributing to the slow web browsing but AT&T's total ass network deserves the brunt of it.
Verizon offers many of the same perks as AT&T, except roll-over minutes which I've personally deemed pointless since I never used a single roll over minute ever. There are 2 big differences from the switch. The first is, obviously, the network is far more stable. I've been running around a lot this weekend and I've always had a 3G connection. The second is that since most of the people I know are on Verizon, I can take advantage of mobile to mobile unlimited texting. I also get unlimited mobile to mobile calls but I don't talk on the phone often. The only person I need to worry about is my sister who is on AT&T and doesn't know the meaning of brevity.
I'm actually paying less on Verizon because I have the $10 text plan that includes unlimited mobile to mobile messaging (as opposed to the $15 plan for, I think, 1500 texts I had on AT&T) and I didn't sign up for insurance (more of that later). Overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I lose unlimited data but unlimited data means nothing on a network as spotty as AT&T's. I'll never touch 2GB anyway.
iPhone 4s It's not really fair to compare it to the Blackberry Bold 9700 outright considering the 9700 is approaching 2 years of age. The iPhone 4s is obviously the better phone in terms of specs and technology simply due to being released in 2011. That said, I'm going more for personal user experience.
Blackberry phones have 3 main advantages: physical keyboard, BBM, and BES. None of those matter to me (BES never did). While I still prefer using physical keyboards, I'm pretty much used to typing on a touchscreen already and my phone was off for most of Saturday after I applied a Best Skins Ever screen protector (which is awesome, by the way, though it loves dust). iOS 5 includes iMessage. The 2 people I previously BBM'd the most are also on Verizon, one got a Samsung Droid Charge in July and the other is getting an Android phone in November so I can't iMessage them but mobile to mobile is just as good. Blackberry Enterprise Server is the only real advantage RIM still has and apparently, they're planning to launch their first QNX smartphone without BES support. If true, they're clearly suffering from an identity crisis and have absolutely no idea (not just slightly no idea) what they're doing anymore so I'm glad to be done with them.
Even by 2009 standards, the web browser on the 9700 was a pain in the ass, a combination of poor hardware and even worse software. It was just outclassed by every other smartphone on the market at the time despite being the top of the line Blackberry upon release. I miss the trackpad which made editing texts and forum posts a cinch so I kind of wish the Home button on the iPhone 4s doubled as a trackpad. Not a huge deal. I'll live.
Web browsing on the iPhone 4s is MOTHERFUCKING PHENOMENAL. This is the main reason I have a smartphone so I'm glad it's a joy to use. So far, I haven't needed Adobe Flash for anything. I can still play youtube videos and Dorkly uses Quicktime. I probably would have been happy with the iPhone 4 but that A5 processor makes everything, not just the browser, really zippy. I don't have a lot of apps and so far, all of them have been free (i.e. Facebook, Facebook Messenger, and Words with Friends). I'm probably not going to play a lot of games on it because that's what I have a 3DS for. Infinity Blade 2 looks pretty amazing, but ehh... I can do without. I'll probably get Angry Birds at some point.
Like the Macs, I'm glad Apple doesn't put any of that undeletable 3rd party bullshit on the iPhone. In fact, there are no pre-loaded 3rd party apps. The iPhone 4s only came with one app I will absolutely never use (Stocks). I shut that off immediately from the Notifications Center. iCloud is interesting but I shut off the one thing I really wanted to use it for: Photo Stream. Apparently, you can't delete individual photos from Photo Stream. You can shut it off but it will delete every photo saved oniCloud which is odd and I'm sure Apple will update that in the future. I'll enable Photo Stream as soon as they fix that. Siri is interesting. I know it can do a lot more, but I'm probably only ever going to use Siri to "text" while driving which doesn't even happen that often. On the 9700, I only texted at red lights and normally, it could wait until I got to wherever I was headed. The camera is great. I don't have a dedicated point and shoot camera. The iPhone camera will be more than enough for my needs. The ability to take nice photos and shoot HD video is one of the main reasons I got the 32GB version.
After 2 years, the 9700 would just get me through the day with average use. The battery used to last 2 full days when I first got it. In its first full day of use the iPhone 4s just about got me through 12 and a half hours with average use. I'm a little weary to see how the battery is going to be in 2 years. I signed up for Applecare Plus instead of getting insurance but I don't think it covers battery replacements, only defective batteries. Depending on how bad it gets, I may pay to replace it but then I'd have to order a new Best Skins Ever since the side screens cover the screws. I'm not sure this counts as a con since the iPhone is generally given high marks for its battery life. It was just a little jarring compared to what I was used to on the 9700. Of course, it does so much more and better so I can't really complain. I suppose 4G would have been nice, but given the beating 4G would have given the battery, I likely would have turned it off. Verizon's 3G is more than good enough for me.
I love the iPhone 4s however, I personally have a few qualms with it. Sure, the glass back looks nice, but I still can't justify it as necessary. I only dropped the 9700 three times. If the back was glass, I would have been fucked. I would have preferred if the back of the iPhone 4s was the same stainless steel as the edges. Yes, I'm aware that that would have made it heavier. I bought a case and it should withstand all but a deliberate phone spike to concrete.
I didn't like having to save my credit card info to access the App Store. I get that that's how most people pay for apps, but especially after the Playstation Network got hacked earlier this year, I was a little weary. Is there an alternative to this?
While I'm glad the iPhone 4s came with USB Power Adapter, I'm not fond of the dock connector. It's limiting and inconvenient if I'm in a bind and need to charge my phone. I know that Apple makes a killing by licensing it out, but it's still dumb. Apple trolled the entire world when they signed an agreement in Europe to adopt micro-USB as the standard charging method in 2009 and then a couple weeks ago, they released this to honor the agreement:
(http://i.imgur.com/VAbE2.png)
No, I'm not surprised. I'm just pointing out how that completely defeats the purpose of having a standard. If you need to remember to bring that adapter around, you might as well just carry the dock connector with you.
That's about it. I'll post more thoughts if I discover anything that's worth mentioning. I tried to bold what I felt were the important parts for people who didn't want to read everything. I deliberately avoided Android comparisons because comparisons between the 2 are pointless. I would use both exactly the same way but not the same as I did the Blackberry Bold 9700. I decided to try the iPhone 4s because it was an obvious upgrade from the 9700, just like the Nexus Prime would have been. It suited my needs. I have no doubt that the Nexus offering stock Android could have fit the bill as well, but I chose the iPhone 4s and I'm not disappointed in the least.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 17, 2011, 05:32:13 AM
Your alternative to the CC for AppleStore purchases is to get a pre-paid, and only load it with what is necessary at the time.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 17, 2011, 11:25:32 AM
Well at least you didn't settle for the 8GB version.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 18, 2011, 09:09:48 PM
So now they announce (officially) the Droid RAZR...which looks pretty amazing. But then the Nexus Galaxy will be announced in a few minutes too...which also looks pretty amazing. The Droid RAZR is the thinnest smartphone now (7.1mm) and apparently is lighter than air (almost). It's also made out of kevlar (the back at least)...wonder if it can stop a bullet? Oh, and it's 4G LTE, which makes the thinness even more amazing (although admittedly I don't really care about thinness that much) and a 4.3" Super AMOLED Advanced display. Apparently it's nearly impervious to water too (non-removable battery to thank?). It will be the first phone to use Netflix HD, and has 8.9 hours of video playback. I want one.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on October 18, 2011, 09:54:51 PM
I'm loving that WebTop docked software thing Moto has going on.
I keep my dock right in front of my monitor, so docking my phone and it turning into a mini computer, complete with wireless mouse (& kb?) sounds awesome. Especially since it still functions as a phone and a computer at the same time using WebTop.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 18, 2011, 10:21:01 PM
Does it have Wifi-Direct?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 18, 2011, 11:52:52 PM
The Droid Razr pretty much sums up what I detest about every non-Nexus Android phone. Even though it has all of that Moto-crap on it and it's launching with an older version of Android, I'm looking at it in awe because it's gorgeous. And I couldn't help but think, "Didn't the Bionic just come out last month?" I know the Bionic was delayed but the Droid Razr still makes me think what the point of that phone was. The Droid Razr makes the Droid Bionic look fat and oafish by comparison. According to Ars Technica, this new hotness is coming out in mid-November, roughly 2 months after the Droid Bionic.
And I keep reading that the browser in Gingerbread isn't designed to access both cores of a dual core processor. All that extra power isn't even being used for one of the main things I want a smartphone for. That's a waste. Motorola probably won't get around to putting Ice Cream Sandwich on their devices until roughly the middle of next year and by then, they will most likely be releasing another phone which based on timing will probably be the Droid X3 and will probably just look like the Droid Razr anyway. I can't be bothered with manufacturers obsoleting their own devices every 2-3 months.
The Galaxy Nexus is a total badass. Unfortunately, it's fucking huge. This is the phone I'm recommending to 2 friends who want Android phones (one is migrating from Blackberry, the other is still rocking an original Droid) but they have stupid little baby girl hands and pockets. They're not going to root it or mod anything or ask anyone to. I figure, the Galaxy Nexus is like the Galaxy S2.1 and they'll already have ICS so they won't need to worry about any of that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on October 19, 2011, 12:11:59 AM
I'm not going to touch the Galaxy Nexus. I wanted it. I was planning on buying it. Then I saw it doesn't have expandable memory. No thanks. I like to be able to carry around extra memory cards with things like movies I've ripped and all that. It's come in handy more than once.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 19, 2011, 02:16:15 AM
Carrying around microsd cards is great way to lose them/mix them up, but I see your point. Considering most phones allow up to 32 gb (where the Galaxy Nexus starts), it's not such a bad deal.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: that Baby guy on October 19, 2011, 02:39:39 AM
Carrying around microsd cards is great way to lose them/mix them up, but I see your point. Considering most phones allow up to 32 gb (where the Galaxy Nexus starts), it's not such a bad deal.
Most phones allow 32 GB, yes, but they also typically have at least 8 GB of on-board storage at this point, too. I've run into the situation several times where people have run out of space to store content on their phone, myself included. Allowing expandable memory solved my problem, and if I think I'll need it, I can pick up a Micro SD card with a variety of my movies and TV shows on it. For those other people who lack memory space, they have to go through all their things, manage what they want now, what they think they'll want later, and what they might not want, but might want to keep. Call me a pack-rat, but expandable memory is important to me when it comes to a major media device like phones have become. I don't want to rely on a cloud, or NetFlix, or an internet connection to access things, and any phone that doesn't allow expandable memory is a step back from what's on the market, iPhones and Galaxy Nexus included.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on October 19, 2011, 02:43:07 AM
I understand what you meant and I get it. I love having a card I can take out of my phone and plug it directly into any sd-card reader. It's great and convenient. I'm not sure why they don't allow on the Galaxy Nexus when the S2 has it.
But if Galaxy Nexus comes with Wifi-Direct (which hasn't been mentioned but the S2 has it so why wouldn't it), there's always the ability to hot-swap with others in the future. In those that don't have a Wifi-direct certified phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2011, 04:06:47 PM
I didn't realize the GN doesn't have a MicroSD slot...that kind of sucks. Still though, 32GB is nice, especially if it treats that 32GB as an SD card anyway like HoneyComb devices do.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 19, 2011, 04:07:52 PM
Will they ever again make a slider that isn't gimped somehow? The Stratosphere is 4G, which I've been waiting for, but isn't even dual core.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2011, 04:09:37 PM
The MyTouch 4G Slide is a powerhouse. Probably the best phone on T-Mobile that isn't the Galaxy S 2.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 19, 2011, 04:11:52 PM
On Verizon. I don't need my network gimped either ;)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 19, 2011, 04:15:20 PM
ZING! Slide phones suck in general if you ask me - if that flex cable goes then you're screwed. The Droid 3 is probably the best slider on Verizon, but still it feels like a 3 year old phone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 19, 2011, 04:22:18 PM
I've never know anybody to have that fail though. I'd also be willing to get a phone with a bluetooth keyboard slider case, but there seem to be very few out there that fit anything other than iPhone.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on October 28, 2011, 12:39:59 AM
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 28, 2011, 09:40:36 PM
Saw that the other day, looks pretty awesome. On another note: Samsung is the number one smartphone manufacturer now (http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/samsung-claims-top-spot-in-global-smartphone-shipments-for-q3-20/). Suck it, everyone else. Looks like they're taking more market share from Nokia than anyone else though. I don't know why anyone even acts like they're excited for the whole Nokia/Windows Phone deal - they're both sinking ships. The Nokia warehouse/factory that used to be right down the street from my house (in Melbourne, FL of all places) has been gone for years, their market share is drying up faster than Steve Jobs' corpse, and Windows Phone is basically dead in the water anyway.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on October 29, 2011, 08:16:44 AM
Most people don't buy phones based on operating system. They go to a store and ask the sales rep for a recommendation or just point to a shiny phone and say, "Guh, that one." The vast majority of smartphone users don't know they can root an Android phone and wouldn't even if they did. That's the best thing about Android and the average user couldn't care less about it. That's why I never understood the fanaticism when it comes to anything. Just get what works for you and be happy.
Nokia pretty much just turned the iPod Nano into a phone. The Lumia will stand out in the sea of similar looking phones and there will be people (most likely women) who buy one not because it's a Windows Phone 7 Phone Phone 7 phone but because they can get it in pink (EDIT: magenta, my bad). Will it change the landscape of the mobile phone industry? No. I still like that WP7 exists. It's good for the industry and they all steal/borrow ideas from each other. I don't really care who sells the most phones or which operating system is dominating the market. I care about me and what I get. For example, I downloaded Shantae: Risky's Revenge, a game I already own, for my iPhone just because it was free.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 31, 2011, 12:40:42 PM
If someone asked me what smart phone I give a Baby Boomer or above I point them straight to WP7.
An Elitist: iPhone A Techy: Android (Maybe WP7 Considering the Type.)
Each OS has distinctive Pros and Cons. Which I think puts phones in a good place. I would like to see WP7 get a better App Parity with the others (Where is my Hulu Plus app to go with my Netflix one?); I like to see iOS and Android out of the box differentiate themselves a bit more Look and Feel wise.
Now days though it really is mostly about the OS because the phones aren't much different then each other now. Especially since I'm sure WP7 will probably have a Siri in the next 3 years, it has all the infrastructure already built in but, whats there needs an intelligence upgrade. I don't know about Android because of its nature.
All that to just say I agree with Adrock.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on October 31, 2011, 12:47:49 PM
See that's the funny thing about the iPhone though - it's really more of a Soccer Mom phone. Windows Mobile 5-6.5 I would agree with you on the techie part, but nowadays I'd say it's for grandparents. Siri just gets answers from the Internet, try getting any useful information if you don't have any service or aren't connected to WiFi. Any phone could have a Siri-like experience, Android has had it for years with Google Voice Search.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on October 31, 2011, 03:58:40 PM
See that's the funny thing about the iPhone though - it's really more of a Soccer Mom phone. Windows Mobile 5-6.5 I would agree with you on the techie part, but nowadays I'd say it's for grandparents. Siri just gets answers from the Internet, try getting any useful information if you don't have any service or aren't connected to WiFi. Any phone could have a Siri-like experience, Android has had it for years with Google Voice Search.
It explicitly says that it needs an internet connection though. I managed to confuse it last night by playing RFN from my iPod into my iPhone and watch it process infinitely.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on October 31, 2011, 04:10:10 PM
See that's the funny thing about the iPhone though - it's really more of a Soccer Mom phone. Windows Mobile 5-6.5 I would agree with you on the techie part, but nowadays I'd say it's for grandparents. Siri just gets answers from the Internet, try getting any useful information if you don't have any service or aren't connected to WiFi. Any phone could have a Siri-like experience, Android has had it for years with Google Voice Search.
It explicitly says that it needs an internet connection though. I managed to confuse it last night by playing RFN from my iPod into my iPhone and watch it process infinitely.
RFN. Hunting Boxes and Destroying Robot Overlords.
Bring the Freedom with you.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 07, 2011, 02:31:19 PM
Verizon is doubling your data if you're on the capped plans (http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/verizon-to-begin-offering-double-the-data-for-your-buck-tomorrow/). This is for 4G LTE phones only, but you don't actually have to reside in a 4G LTE area. If you already have a plan, you can call or go online and have it changed so you get the same deal. I'm grandfathered in to the actual unlimited plan, but this is awfully nice of them when you compare the prices to AT&T. There's no 4G LTE here yet, but if there was, 2GB would last about 15 minutes.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 09, 2011, 05:22:51 PM
Adobe has halted development on Flash for mobile platforms. (http://allthingsd.com/20111108/gone-in-a-flash-adobe-said-halting-development-on-mobile-version-of-its-plug-in/)
Huh. Who could have possibly imagined that running Flash on mobile devices might not be the best idea?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Shaymin on November 09, 2011, 05:48:36 PM
Batteries the world over rejoice.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 09, 2011, 09:15:33 PM
That's an odd move, but it probably has a lot to do with the 750 jobs they just cut. Flash runs very nicely on my Thunderbolt and Xoom, and now that dual core 1.2 Ghz and 1GB RAM is basically the standard, this really seems strange. I guess there's hardly any money in getting Flash on a phone, at least they'll still support what is on phones now. Also the newest Flash is going in a different direction than past versions it seems, but the current version of Flash 10/11 on Android now is quite nice. Usually don't have any problems streaming a football game or PPV on my phone or tablet.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 10, 2011, 02:50:15 PM
Adobe will still continue to support the current version of mobile Flash. I can't comment on the quality since the only device I have used the mobile version on is my DSi and 3DS, but it seemed fine. Since the only mobile device I currently use to browse online is my iPod Touch and iPad, I have no problem with Adobe moving to support HTML5.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on November 10, 2011, 04:39:54 PM
That's probably a wise move by Adobe considering that both the leading handheld OS providers (Google and Apple) are slowly transitioning to HTML5. Flash maybe what's used right now, but in 5 years, HTML5 and javascript will be all the rage.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 10, 2011, 05:03:06 PM
I can't comment on the quality since the only device I have used the mobile version on is my DSi and 3DS, but it seemed fine.
Neither of those devices have Flash.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 10, 2011, 06:05:43 PM
I thought they did? Hmm, guess I am mistaken.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 11, 2011, 12:09:09 AM
A lot of people assume that Netflix uses Flash (not saying you do, but a lot of people think that) when it doesn't at all.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on November 11, 2011, 08:12:31 AM
The few times I tried watching Netflix on my MacBook Pro, it asked me to uninstall then reinstall Microaoft Silverlight which is why i just stick to watching Netflix on my PS3. Is that what Netflix uses on all platforms?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on November 11, 2011, 09:33:12 AM
The few times I tried watching Netflix on my MacBook Pro, it asked me to uninstall then reinstall Microaoft Silverlight which is why i just stick to watching Netflix on my PS3. Is that what Netflix uses on all platforms?
Yes, Its one of the premier Silverlight Applications. I have a sneaking suspicion that its even using it on the platforms without native support.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on November 11, 2011, 12:38:36 PM
I like Silverlight quite a bit. I use it a lot between Netflix, NHL GameCenter Live and MLS Match Day Live, and I've never had any issues with it. Way better than Flash in my experience.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on November 11, 2011, 01:32:50 PM
I'm pretty sure only the Xbox 360 and Windows versions of Netflix use Silverlight...also Microsoft is about to ditch it altogether I believe.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 11, 2011, 01:45:56 PM
That was just a rumor that started after Microsoft announced their support for HTML5. Microsoft quickly denied it and is planning to release Silverlight 5 soon.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on November 11, 2011, 01:47:45 PM
The rumor is that Silverlight 5 is the last version. Heck, the Windows 8 Metro version of Internet Explorer doesn't even support it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Ceric on November 11, 2011, 01:51:43 PM
As of last I checked, Microsoft has gone on record to say that it will be moving to HTML 5. Silverlight is still being used to program Windows Phone 7 applications. With 7.5 Silverlight could be used in XNA apps if I'm not mistaken on Windows Phone.
I hadn't heard about IE for Win8 not supporting it but that makes sense. Microsoft to this day refuses to release a 64bit version of Silverlight so I have to go into Firefox to use Silverlight apps.
Here's an Article on this that was posted just 2 days ago. (http://www.dailytech.com/Microsoft+Considers+Silverlight+Exit+Strategy+Platform+May+Get+the+Axe/article23240.htm)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on December 20, 2011, 02:46:17 PM
I just want to brag a little about my phone plan. Now, I know you can get some of this via apps and/or other measures which are against the terms of service with your provider - but everything I'm doing here is 100% on the up-and-up.
So, $59.99 Calling Plan + Unlimited messaging. That's 450 minutes + Mobile-to-Mobile +N/W + 5 "Friends and Family" numbers... virtually unlimited calling, for all the voice calls I make. Seriously, one of the local Pizza places is in my top five.
Then, 20% discount off that...
Then, $29.99 for unlimited data. On a 4G device (can't wait for 4G to launch here... did a speed test and got nearly 20 MBps download in a 4G area).
Then, $20 discount off that unlimited data plan.
Then, $29.99 for unlimited tethering. Again, 4G (but in a non-4G area for now... sadface.)
Then, 20% discount off that.
So, virtually unlimited calling, unlimited messaging and unlimited data however I want to use it - on the best network - for ~$82 before tax.
When 4G launches here, I am killing my current home internet (which sucks, loses connection all the time, is actually slower than my phone on 3G and is ~$35/month).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on December 21, 2011, 11:00:23 AM
how did you get $20 off internet?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on December 21, 2011, 11:55:02 AM
1200 any-network anytime minutes, unlimited text messages and 1GB data on a 30 day contract, 40% discount. £18. Not exactly unlimited everything, but its an insane amount for less than $30/month.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: UncleBob on December 21, 2011, 02:38:41 PM
It was a special promo Verizon sent out to select customers - I get to keep the discount as long as I don't change my plan (i.e. keep unlimited messaging and unlimited data, I think I can change my minutes... but I don't know why I would) until the year 2038. It's actually coded in the system that way.
Now, eventually, I'm sure Verizon will start introducing new phones that "won't work" with my current plan, requiring me to change it in some way that will make me lose my unlimited data... but, until then or 2038 (whichever comes first), I'm set. :D
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on December 21, 2011, 02:41:29 PM
2038 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y2038) is when Unix time runs out. I hope they get their date system fixed up before then!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 28, 2012, 12:19:38 AM
Droid Razr Maxx
tell me all you know. Who has seen it, used it, owns it?
I heard 8 hrs of continuous video playback with 4G enabled or 20+ hrs of talktime on a single charge.
The only thing to not like about it is that you can't remove the battery and it might not be the prettiest phone out there.
Can it be rooted? I need to tether. it's become essential to my 3DS usage on the go (Swapnote) and sometimes laptop and Wii usage (Netflix) when traveling.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 29, 2012, 09:59:02 PM
I'm not sure if there's root yet (I don't think the phone is even out yet, though I imagine it's identical to the DROID RAZR aside from the battery and housing. I will tell you this though - the phone is fucking amazing. It's incredibly light, nearly waterproof and is incredibly tough. Oh, and it's fast as a motherfucker. I don't own it, but I finger-banged the demo unit at Best Buy. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on January 29, 2012, 10:23:01 PM
Someone warned me of something called subpixelation or something like that. Something about the pixels not scaling on the screen or something and making it look bad....
then It was suggested that I wait till after March for the ICS phones to start rolling out.... but my screen is 75% blacked out 75% of the time (the other 25% of the time it fades between full full visibility and not being able to see up to 75% of the screen)
It's very annoying... this is my desktop right now (http://i43.tinypic.com/2r5ulaw.jpg) because that's how I have to use my phone if I want to see whats on the screen.
Laggy desktop app, but for the most part it does what I need it to.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on January 29, 2012, 10:52:52 PM
Nice desktop. I don't know of any issues with the DROID RAZR, but there's always a handful of bad phones when they first ship. Hopefully someone around here has has a DROID RAZR (or Galaxy Nexus) and wants to upgrade to the MAXX, so they put it on CL for a decent price. I'd jump on it.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 04, 2012, 09:32:51 AM
I'm just gonna drop this here so I don't have to look for it later http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-razr-hacks/181762-how-root-your-motorola-droid-razr-windows-only.html
since I assume rooting the regular Razr is no different from the Maxx
I'm gonna try an install of basic Android and see if that fixes the screen issues. If not, I might be a Maxx owner before the weekend is over...
although I would really love a Car Dock to go with the HD Dock
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 04, 2012, 10:02:21 PM
You know what, as bad-ass as the Droid RAZR is, the HTC Rezound is just as bad-ass. It's not as thin, but it is just as light, is prettier (with red LEDs in the capacitive buttons), and has a 720p screen which looks amazing. Not sure what I'm gonna get in November, but I talked to Verizon today (when I activated a Droid Incredible 2 to myself today to get it SIM-unlocked for T-Mobile) and they confirmed that I'm grandfathered in to the unlimited data plan forever, as long as I use a smartphone, even when I upgrade or renew my contract. Pretty read, though it kind of makes me feel stupid for getting the Thunderbolt since I thought it was the only way to not have to get a tiered plan...but I would actually be more upset if I waited for the Bionic only to see the Galaxy Nexus and RAZR released so soon afterwards.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on February 09, 2012, 09:48:57 AM
Apparently, the Droid 4 is coming out tomorrow. That was fast. The Droid 3 came out less than 7 months ago. From what I've read, with 4G, double the RAM and a slightly faster processor, this is the phone that should have been released last July. It's kind of a slap in the face to all of the original Droid owners who upgraded to the Droid 3, including a friend of mine who upgraded in November. Shame. While I'm more than happy with my iPhone 4S, if the Droid 3 was this phone, I would have had a much harder time deciding between the 2. I would have been fine with this running Gingerbread last year but if I was getting a phone tomorrow, I'd most likely wait, especially if Motorola is going to start releasing newer models of the same line within months. That one of the things I really like about my iPhone. I have the best one for at least the year and Apple supports my model for at least 2 more years after that. In any case, the Droid 4 looks like a good choice for people who prefer physically keyboards. Without actually playing with it, the only real negative I see is that it's not launching with Ice Cream Sandwich though, as far as I know, only the Galaxy Nexus currently runs the latest version of Android.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Plugabugz on February 09, 2012, 03:57:49 PM
Apparently, the Droid 4 is coming out tomorrow. That was fast. The Droid 3 came out less than 7 months ago. From what I've read, with 4G, double the RAM and a slightly faster processor, this is the phone that should have been released last July. It's kind of a slap in the face to all of the original Droid owners who upgraded to the Droid 3, including a friend of mine who upgraded in November. Shame. While I'm more than happy with my iPhone 4S, if the Droid 3 was this phone, I would have had a much harder time deciding between the 2. I would have been fine with this running Gingerbread last year but if I was getting a phone tomorrow, I'd most likely wait, especially if Motorola is going to start releasing newer models of the same line within months. That one of the things I really like about my iPhone. I have the best one for at least the year and Apple supports my model for at least 2 more years after that. In any case, the Droid 4 looks like a good choice for people who prefer physically keyboards. Without actually playing with it, the only real negative I see is that it's not launching with Ice Cream Sandwich though, as far as I know, only the Galaxy Nexus currently runs the latest version of Android.
I have a rooted image of Ice Cream Sandwich for my Nexus S.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 09, 2012, 10:00:34 PM
Galaxy Nexus is the only phone that shipped with ICS, but it's on tons of devices now. I've had it on my Xoom for a couple months.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 09, 2012, 10:11:04 PM
Is there any word of a Droid X3 coming out soon?
I'm about to pull the trigger on a RazrMaxx, but a DX3 would fit my current accessories (assuming they keep the same form factor again) and that would be very nice.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: MegaByte on February 11, 2012, 01:35:05 AM
I picked up the Droid 4 earlier today. I'll comment on it this weekend.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 20, 2012, 02:11:55 AM
So I called Verizon today about upgrading my phone to the Razr Maxx and tried to work out a deal for NE2 and Corporate discounts + special treatment for longtime customer and birthday gifts. Told them all about my current phone issues and previous complaints on record with my current phone.
Long story short, they are sending me a replacement Droid X for free due to my phone apparently having had every known manufacturing defect on record and me also having an extended warranty. (Wish I had called them sooner....)
So I get to hold out on an upgrade for just a bit longer. Now I just need to flash my phone back to OTA status without knowing if I can see the screen or not. Should be fun.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on February 20, 2012, 09:45:03 AM
This is the second month Verizon has sent me a text alerting me that I've reached 50% of my data allowance. My billing cycle ends tomorrow. I guess I play Words With Friends a lot.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 20, 2012, 10:00:42 AM
Unlmited data plan?
Words with friends seems to eat alot of bandwidth with the checking for updates every 60 seconds. (I don't know if it's that often, but it seemed like it when I could use my screen to actually play the game.)
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on February 20, 2012, 12:09:21 PM
Nah, I'm on the 2GB plan. Verizon got rid of unlimited data in July and I switched in October. I'm never coming close to going over my limit.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on February 20, 2012, 01:17:47 PM
Grandfathered into unlimited data for life, muthafuckaaaa!
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on February 28, 2012, 02:03:26 AM
Free 4G Phones for Loyalty Customers on Verizon http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/27/2827660/verizon-galaxy-nexus-droid-razr-stratosphere-free Free Nexus, Razr or Stratosphere for existing loyalty customers that sign up for new 2yr contracts.
"South Region" only?
I'm gonna call sometime tomorrow and inquire more. See if I can get a Razr Maxx instead or for the price difference on my account ($50).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on March 19, 2012, 10:06:43 AM
Engadget has a blurry cam pic of a new Motorola phone with a 4.6 inch screen which is the same size as the Galaxy Nexus screen. Originally, I thought that a 4.6 inch screen might be too big but then I discovered Draw Something and now it totally seems like the minimum size every screen on every single smartphone in existence should have forever. I know Draw Something is just glorified Pictionary but damn, it's fun. If I had money to spare (I don't, I'm mega poor), I'd consider getting a tablet for Draw Something and watching Archer on Netflix.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on March 19, 2012, 11:36:10 AM
Whatever it is, it gave me a boner. I'm not getting a new phone until November though, which seems far away, but if HTC would hurry up and release their ICS build for the Thunderbolt it wouldn't seem that long.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on April 14, 2012, 10:31:40 AM
I picked up a Droid Bionic with a cracked LCD yesterday for $70. Activated and flashed ICS on it, and I'm really liking it. LCD is already on it's way ($66), so $136 for a Bionic off contract is a pretty nice deal. Most likely gonna sell my Thunderbolt after I fix this one (which should take about 5 minutes).
If anyone is looking for a rooted Thunderbolt with a car dock, send me a PM and we can work something out. I'll sell it for like $175 shipped w/ original box, charge cable and wall charger, and the car dock.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on May 18, 2012, 11:25:53 PM
Bad news, Verizon customers. (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57436642-94/verizon-you-can-have-unlimited-data..-just-no-device-subsidies/) If you like your unlimited data plan and want to keep it, you can no longer get subsidized prices for phones, meaning you'll be paying about twice as much for them. Apparently this is an improvement over their original plan, in which you had no option and lost unlimited no matter what.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 19, 2012, 12:13:25 AM
That will happen eventually (and could be pretty soon), but it has not happened yet...especially considering Verizon doesn't even have any shared data plans yet.
I am really digging the Bionic, btw (and sold my Thunderbolt for $150). No ICS yet, but it's really snappy as is.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on May 19, 2012, 12:43:13 AM
I will be getting my new subsidized upgrade in June to enjoy with my unlimited data plan.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 19, 2012, 08:27:07 PM
I'll have to see what the shared plans are. I saw on some webpage before (don't remember where I found it either) that showed Verizon had a 22GB plan for $99...which is a lot, but it's certainly cheaper than 11 2GB (or at the new doubled rate, 5.5 4GB plans). We have 5 phones on our family plan, so if that's what we went with, it would actually bring the bill down, and certainly be enough for everyone.
Although if they get 4G LTE here before the change takes place...then I'll probably buy a non-subsidized phone and download like there's no tomorrow.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2012, 04:29:03 PM
Anyone have the Galaxy Note? I was thinking about getting one. And no, I don't think it's too big. In fact, I think all smartphones will eventually be that size.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 26, 2012, 05:42:31 PM
Don't have one, but it's awesome. I'm assuming you have Verizon since this is the Verizon thread...and the Galaxy note is exclusive to AT&T in the US right now, but it's coming to T-Mobile in a couple of weeks, and possible to Verizon a little later as the "Galaxy Journal."
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Stogi on May 26, 2012, 07:22:22 PM
No, I have AT&T.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on May 26, 2012, 10:04:38 PM
Sorry to hear that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 05, 2012, 12:23:24 AM
Galaxy S III is coming to all US carriers (real US carriers) in a few weeks...including Verizon. I believe it may actually be the same exact phone on each carrier (they say it's LTE and HSPA capable), which would make the Verizon version by far the best (assuming you have Verizon), since you could use their 4G LTE network, or unlock the phone and use AT&T or T-Mobile's HSPA networks. Anyway, it's based on (or is) the Japanese version, which has the 1.5Ghz Snapdragon 4 (Krait) CPU and 2GB RAM, which basically smokes everything else. I believe I will be purchasing one ASAP, the best thing ever would be if Samsung releases a lapdock-like add-on like Motorola has for the Atrix, Bionic, RAZR, etc.
Edit - I may have spoken too soon about them all being the same phone (as in LTE and HSPA), but the best part is that since it's launching on all of the networks, Verizon can't jack up the price like they typically do (16GB is $199, 32GB is $249). I hope VZW continues their trend of including 32GB microSD cards, though 64GB would be really nice. I don't know what I would need ~96GB of storage for, but 1080P videos take up a lot of space.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on June 24, 2012, 04:05:58 AM
I finally got fed up with my Droid X, after my experience with the phone @ E3, so I call Verizon and requested another replacement but not the same phone.
They sent me a Droid 3 free of charge under my warranty plan. I haven't set it up yet (I'm kinda in the process), but I also plan on upgrading before the 28th of June.
Why the 28th of June? Because if you don't upgrade before the 28th of June (as in on the 27th at the latest) you will have to pay for an unsubsidized phone if you plan on keeping your Grandfathered Unlimited plan
My plan was to get a Razr Maxx, but I just checked out the Samsung Galaxy S III, and now I need to find out if I can stay grandfathered even if I have to pre-order and not receive the phone till some time after the cutoff date. Galaxy S3 looks pretty bad ass and it's the same price as the Razr Maxx but a much better phone all around.
2 new phones for the price of one!
Does anyone know if the Droid 3 is easy to root? Droid X was a bitch to do anything with.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on June 24, 2012, 10:12:38 AM
Droid 3 is simple to root, just run motofail, I believe it will root any Motorola phone that's on Gingerbread. I just installed the leaked ICS update (newest) to my Droid Bionic, and it's pretty f'ing awesome - it also overclocks (or maybe un-underclocks) the phone to 1.2Ghz, making it equal (spec-wise) to the Droid RAZR.
Get the Galaxy S 3 - and yes, if you pre-order it you can keep your unlimited plan. Someone brought in an unlocked GS3 from Saudi Arabia the other day, I held it, and came in my pants. My contract isn't up until November, so I'm screwed if I want to update - but I should probably be able to find a GS3 second-hand for around $250 by then anyway.
Just make sure you get insurance no matter which of those two that you get, replacement screens for the RAZR (and RAZR MAXX) are about $250 right now, I can't even imagine what a GS3 screen costs (720p, LCD and digitizer are fused together, which are also fused to the frame of the phone).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 26, 2012, 12:01:12 PM
We got 4G LTE here in Melbourne, FL a couple weeks ago...and it's fucking great. I average about 20Mbps download and 10Mbps upload. Now if I'm hogging all the bandwidth on my PC, I can just turn on my hotspot and literally double my available bandwidth at home. Still locked in to unlimited, with the "entitlement check" disabled on my phone...good stuff.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 27, 2012, 12:19:52 AM
I got the Galaxy S3 the other day.
Function-wise, it's fantastic. It's like finally getting out of an abusive relationship (good riddance Droid X). I press buttons/icons, and predictable things happen, and they happen immediately. It's great. I can actually use my phone to do something other than text and occasionally make calls again.
I haven't played around with it too much yet, (the camera is fantastic and so is the screen) but there are 3 things I don't like about it so far.
1. It so damn slippery. You need a case or a replacement back piece just to add some grip. I'm still looking for one I like, so I haven't picked one up myself yet, but it's on the priority list.
2. It's way too quiet. I have to keep my backup phone on as my alarm because the S3 is just too quiet.... and all the built in alarm sounds SUCK!!! since when does a soft babbling creek with a few faint birds chirping wake someone up? I'll have to import sounds for this.
3. Google Search doesn't work right. as your typing, the predictive suggestion text shows up in the drop down below the search bar, but if you click on the predicted text, it won't actually replace what you were currently typing. It will just search what ever unfinished text you had typed yourself, making the whole predictive text part useless other than to check your own spelling while you type it out yourself.
And Bonus #4: Swype is better than whatever built in "swype" comes with the system. But I believe I can replace that... just haven't tried yet.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 27, 2012, 01:46:06 PM
Try Volume+ from Google Play to increase your volume. They are pretty slippery, but they are fucking beautiful. I got a boner just looking at one the other day. There should be a bazillion different options for a case or even battery cover replacement, since they've already sold 10 million of these and it's the same design model globally.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 27, 2012, 10:00:46 PM
I installed Volume+, we'll see how that works out. thanks for letting me know it existed.
as far as cases and/or replacement back covers..... I've looked, and haven't found one I like yet. I'm looking for one that not only adds grip, but also a horizontal kick-stand.
and if I have that, then I probably won't need the horizontal dock that doesn't seem to exist (the only one I found was really ugly).
I would appreciate some help finding one... so if any of you don't mind keeping an eye out and then posting about it if you see one. That would be great
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 27, 2012, 10:06:07 PM
That's the one undeniable benefit of the iPhone: there are tons and tons of options for accessories. Say what you will about everything else, you'll always have more than enough options for cases and whatnot.
Speaking of the iPhone, where the **** is it? I had to pay the money to get mine fixed earlier this month, and would have much rather just upgraded, but I sure as hell wasn't buying a 4S at this point.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 27, 2012, 10:19:47 PM
A little more looking found me the PERFECT case.
when I originally looked on Amazon, this one didn't show up, but I guess you just have to know exactly what to search for. This also solves my need for a dock, so now I'm really happy.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: Adrock on July 27, 2012, 10:37:49 PM
That's the one undeniable benefit of the iPhone: there are tons and tons of options for accessories. Say what you will about everything else, you'll always have more than enough options for cases and whatnot.
Agreed, even if the majority of the options aren't all that great. The case I originally bought for my iPhone cracked somehow (I never dropped it). I ended up just getting a bumper. That variety was one of the reasons I chose an iPhone.
Quote
Speaking of the iPhone, where the **** is it? I had to pay the money to get mine fixed earlier this month, and would have much rather just upgraded, but I sure as hell wasn't buying a 4S at this point.
The 4S came out in October instead of June for whatever reason (presumably to launch further away from the iPad and closer to Christmas, from what I've read) so I would expect the new iPhone in October. I'm probably upgrading next year. As long as I take care of it, I can probably get the 2013 model for free after trade-in at Best Buy. They gave me like $110 for my crappy Blackberry 9700.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 27, 2012, 10:46:56 PM
I'm probably switching to Verizon when I buy my next one, and I'm out of contract since I bought the iPhone 4 at launch, so I could have done that right now, but I was pissed to have to shell out $150 to get it fixed if I wanted to wait for whatever the hell the new model's going to be called.
I was probably going to wait till early next year to do it so I'd have the money for the Wii U launch, but I was already out half the price of a new one anyway and would much rather have spent twice as much for something I wouldn't be replacing in a few months.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on July 28, 2012, 01:17:27 AM
when I originally looked on Amazon, this one didn't show up, but I guess you just have to know exactly what to search for. This also solves my need for a dock, so now I'm really happy.
I forgot to link to the case I found. solves my issues and it looks nice.
I'm probably switching to Verizon when I buy my next one, and I'm out of contract since I bought the iPhone 4 at launch, so I could have done that right now, but I was pissed to have to shell out $150 to get it fixed if I wanted to wait for whatever the hell the new model's going to be called.
I was probably going to wait till early next year to do it so I'd have the money for the Wii U launch, but I was already out half the price of a new one anyway and would much rather have spent twice as much for something I wouldn't be replacing in a few months.
What was wrong with your iPhone anyway?
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on July 28, 2012, 01:41:39 AM
Something with the cellular radio. I think it overheated. I wasn't getting any signal at all, and when I tried to restore it I couldn't even get it to activate. I did consider sending it to you, but I needed a quick turnaround time, and Apple got it back to me two days after I sent it. They really do have phenomenal service, although I guess I deserved it for what I paid.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on July 28, 2012, 02:00:46 AM
The overheating thing is a real issue. We've been getting several iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4th gens lately that overheat and blow the GPU (or at least that's what it seems to be). Everything works, but no display. Water damage can be a real bitch on these too, for some reason it tends to take out the WiFi chip. Despite what people will say, throwing your phone in a bag of rice after it gets wet is usually a terrible idea. If it happens, take that **** apart IMMEDIATELY.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 14, 2012, 09:29:21 PM
Traded my DROID Bionic for a DROID RAZR today. Lady had left Verizon, but updated her RAZR to official ICS which can't be downgraded and GSM unlocked (as in US AT&T and T-Mobile), luckily my Bionic is on an ICS leak...downgrading now and SIM unlocking it so she can put it on AT&T (even gets 3G internet!). Trading on up! Started with a Thunderbolt...gonna see if I can get anyone to trade me for a Galaxy Nexus soon, and then maybe a Galaxy S 3.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: King of Twitch on August 15, 2012, 01:01:26 AM
Oh darn it. I dunked my pantech crux and gave it the rice treatment afterwards. Oh well, I couldn't see anything on the screen anyway.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on August 24, 2012, 10:45:18 PM
So, Brandogg, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the news of the day (http://www.pcworld.com/article/261436/federal_jury_decides_largely_in_apples_favor_samsung_hit_with_1_billion_in_damages.html).
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: ShyGuy on August 24, 2012, 10:51:10 PM
Somebody got bought off.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 24, 2012, 11:54:08 PM
The ruling basically means nothing, since this will get appealed, and appealed, and appealed. But either way, I'm a Motorola guy, and I have always said that Samsung copied the "iPhone look" with the Galaxy S and S2 (at least the international designs). I'm sure the final bill (assuming Apple wins appeals for the most part) will be less that 50 million.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 25, 2012, 12:00:43 AM
But my thoughts - Samsung admitted in their own memos and internal documents that they were trying to make their UI more iPhone-like, but still tried to make it different enough to avoid a lawsuit. I do think that TouchWiz on the S and S2 looks very much like iOS, and when the capacitive buttons are not lit-up, the S and S2 (international) look a lot like the iPhone from the front. However, I don't believe for one second that this has caused any harm to Apple, and think the whole case should have been thrown out from the beginning. Samsung didn't present their case well enough, but this should have never even gone to a jury.
Things do tend to look like other things, after all, and it does seem like the jury showed a strong bias towards Apple.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: NWR_insanolord on August 25, 2012, 03:57:25 PM
That kind of goes with my reaction, that the people who should be really upset by this situation are the other companies that make Android phones. Apple doesn't need the money, what with being the most valuable company in the history of the world, and Samsung can easily afford to pay it even if it stays at a billion. Samsung got to the top of the Android heap by cheating, though, which has to piss off the other companies that didn't resort to that.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 25, 2012, 05:22:26 PM
And Bonus #4: Swype is better than whatever built in "swype" comes with the system. But I believe I can replace that... just haven't tried yet.
So I'e finally had it with the Predictive Text "Swype" feature on this phone. I have discovered that you can not swype the word "got". If you attempt it, you will the word "for" and "got" is not even one of the suggested replacement words. I would film this for you, but I'm too lazy for that right now. just know that it is very irritating to have the system replace the word I'm typing with a completely different word that uses letters that I've haven't even swyped across... and certainly not in that order.
Poor imitation of the original. So now I downloaded Swype..... phone won't let me unselect the Samsung Keyboard and I have to use "predictive text" if I want "swype"-like ability.
Almost thought I had to root to get Swype to work.... but a phone reset did the trick.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on August 25, 2012, 08:42:48 PM
Really it's bad for all phone developers, not just Android developers. Windows phone is different enough at a UI-level (and not nearly important enough for anyone to cry about any Windows phone manufacturers), but Apple has basically been grant a patent for rectangles with rounded corners. I still wouldn't call what Samsung did "cheating" - lazy, unquestionably. They didn't make a KIRF iPhone copy though.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 29, 2012, 12:40:20 PM
I finally decided to root my Galaxy S3.
I was about to start the Odin method, when I ran across this method instead: http://www.droid-life.com/2012/07/25/new-root-method-released-for-verizons-galaxy-s3-no-odin-required/
It was sooooper easy, as soon as I realized that my windows firewall was blocking the root. :embarrassed:
after that, it was basically hit enter a few times, a few auto-reboots and 7-8 minutes later, I was rooted.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BranDonk Kong on September 29, 2012, 05:26:41 PM
Did you flash the developer version bootloader? I don't have an S3...but I would if I did.
Title: Re: Verizon phones
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on September 29, 2012, 05:55:29 PM
I don't really know what the boot loader is for or why I would want the developers version, but I have a 1-click unlock for it.
