In Comes the Google Phone

Undoubtedly the first major tech announcement for 2010 came today as Google officially launched the Google Phone.  The Google Phone is really an HTC Nexus One running the latest Android operating system. 

1-5-2010 4-15-37 PM

Obviously, this is considered the best attempt at a real competitor to Apple iPhone, and in many ways it is superior, but both devices have their pros and cons about them.

For me, one of the most annoying things is not being able to customize the iPhone….at all.  Aside from the icon placement, my iPhone 3GS looks like every other of the millions of iPhones out there.  Being a customization “guru”, this annoys me because I want my device to be more personalized to my taste, not unlike how I change Windows with WindowBlinds.

This is one area the Nexus One really peaks my interest.

I’d really like to get my hands on one to review for a real-world comparison.  Unfortunately, it is only available subsidized on T-Mobile for $180, and an unlocked version is available for $530.  It’s safe to say this won’t immediately takeover the iPhone dominance, but I think this is definitely a good start.

http://www.google.com/phone

35,570 views 21 replies
Reply #1 Top

Yea, Biggest con?  Not on verizon yet.

Oh well, they are the biggees, but no one (apple, google) likes them. :(

 

Reply #2 Top

maybe we should look into doing phone apps so they can be customized? that would be awsomes...

ill do a mock up of one.....and post here. xx

Reply #3 Top

uh uh uh ... HTC  \o/ \o/ \o/   :thumbsup:

err... google.... bleh.... :puke:   :thumbsdown:

Reply #4 Top

I guess the defination of telephone is going to have to be updated, or maybe it has all ready and I missed it. 

These small hand held 'Communication Devices' are no more telephones then computers are storages devices for information.  :-"

Reply #5 Top

been ages since ive seen a phone, so im probably a bit out of touch on the design of things, but this is what i would like to see available on phones...im suprised we havent tapped into this market yet........every boy and girl and his dog would want to customize their phone im sure of that! this isnt my pic by the way, just a mock up from my favourite artist...but i added the phone buttons ect.

Reply #6 Top

There already is a lot of customizing of cell phones... I make backgrounds for many of them. ;)  

Reply #7 Top

Unfortunately, it is only available subsidized on T-Mobile for $180, and an unlocked version is available for $530. It’s safe to say this won’t immediately takeover the iPhone dominance, but I think this is definitely a good start.
End of quote
The $530 isn't bad over time with a few other apps installed: http://nosugrefneb.com/1896

Reply #8 Top

Well, it's kinda far from being "THE" google phone...

Mr Queiroz said there were now more than 20 Android phones available from 59 carriers in 48 nations.

So, theres atleast 19 others besides this one, including the Motorola Droid which is on Verizon. Too bad that one has an underpowered CPU or I might have considered it. <Shrug> Heres to hoping LG puts forth a good Verizon Android phone.

Reply #9 Top

There already is a lot of customizing of cell phones... I make backgrounds for many of them.
End of quote

you do??? can you point me in the direction of where and how?? xx

Reply #10 Top

It's interesting that they chose a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, but they didn't choose Qualcomm's Brew OS even though that's what it is optimized for.  Plus, Qualcomm taped out Snapdragon to fab clear back in 2006, but they didn't even make this year's Christmas rush.   This thing's late to the show. 

Reply #11 Top

you do??? can you point me in the direction of where and how?? xx
End of quote

Check on DeviantART, Kitty.
They've got tons of cell phone stuff.

Made a few myself, for personal use only. ;)

Reply #13 Top

wow very cool teddy!!!




Made a few myself, for personal use only. (quote snowy)

i dont wanna know about yr problems snowby!!! hehe:rofl:

Reply #14 Top

Engadget's review of this phone shows that it's significantly slower than the iPhone.

Reply #16 Top

One could always jailbreak the Iphone, then customize to your hearts content, but this too has it's downfalls.

Reply #17 Top

Google Phone,  psh.

Reply #18 Top

been ages since ive seen a phone, so im probably a bit out of touch on the design of things, but this is what i would like to see available on phones...im suprised we havent tapped into this market yet........every boy and girl and his dog would want to customize their phone im sure of that! this isnt my pic by the way, just a mock up from my favourite artist...but i added the phone buttons ect.
End of quote

Head over to DeviantArt and check the Skins and Themes section, you'll find tons of themes for phones.  Folks have been doing it for years.  The limitation is the phone itself.  If it isn't customizable, then you can't customize it.

 

http://www.deviantart.com/#catpath=customization/skins/cellthemes&order=24

Reply #19 Top

Quoting elvee, reply 15
There is a CDMA version coming in the Spring for Verizon and Vodafone.

 

Nexus One Coming To Verizon And Vodafone, First Of A "Series Of Devices"
 

For me? I am too attached to my BlackBerry
End of elvee's quote

That actually works well for me since I have a contract with Verizon right now, and the timing should make it perfect.

As for the Blackberry, I will say I loved the last one I had.  I have no problems with it, but it was not a touch.  I may go with a touch the next one I get, but having choices is always great!

Reply #20 Top

Quoting teddybearcholla, reply 12
Here you go kitty.....  http://teddybearcholla.deviantart.com/gallery/#Backgrounds-for-handhelds  
End of teddybearcholla's quote

"Fine Silver" is really a cool background, Barb!  :thumbsup:

Reply #21 Top

One could always jailbreak the Iphone, then customize to your hearts content, but this too has it's downfalls.
End of quote

Yeah, but I'm not interested in doing that.  But I will say some of those themes are amazing.