iPhone Killer? Googles Android Demo

[SteveOBHave]

Whoa there MC Jumpypants! I think he was merely pointing out how this will surely create an Apple/Google divide, but in a sarcastic manner.

If that's the case then I apologise. I'm just fed up with threads on this forum reducing to a my side is better than your side argument.

 

[Christo]

I think Android is a bit of a let down so far (of course that could change). I was expecting far far more from Google - where is the 'cloud' computing future? What is good/better about android over other OS's?

 

[Participant]

To be fair tho Google has a significantly higher profile than Apple could ever hope for - were a Google product of any worth to appear on the high street they wouldn't have to work on the brand recognition.

So if Google released a car, you'd automatically assume it was great? It doesn't quite work like that . Apple are established in high street electronics whereas Google are not, simple as that. This is why Apple can afford such aggressive marketing campaigns.

Actually it's the iPod that is keeping Apple afloat

Hence the last sentence in my first post in this thread; why are you telling me that?

 

[SteveOBHave]

So if Google released a car, you'd automatically assume it was great? It doesn't quite work like that . Apple are established in high street electronics whereas Google are not, simple as that. This is why Apple can afford such aggressive marketing campaigns.

I never suggested that anything that Google released was immediately going to be good - and I quote: "were a Google product of any worth to appear on the high street they wouldn't have to work on the brand recognition."

My point is that Google is a very recognised brand, so much so that they are a world recognised colloquialism - i.e. "Google it"

There is no way I'd suggest that just because it's Google it's going to be good - that's just inane. I personally hate the way that Google is rammed down your throat every time you go to install a partnered app like Adobe Reader. What I do appreciate tho is when they do something good like sponsoring the X-Prize or creating something like Android. I have no specific love for Google nor for all their practices but I will applaud them when I perceive them to be doing some good. Much as I will slate Apple when I think they are doing bad.

Hence the last sentence in my first post in this thread; why are you telling me that?

I'm sorry - re-read - I misunderstood what you were saying. I don't think that the iPod is a substandard device, in fact I don't think that many of Apples hardware has much negative going on with it other than the pricing.

I honestly don't think that the iPhone is a bad product. In my opinion it is a far more user centric product than has been produced in recent memory. They know about user interface, they know about wowing people, and I guarantee that the Android interface will have learnt a large number of lessons from it. My gripe is with the sales structure and my perception of Apple treating it's customers badly. It's hard to actually test the climate amongst the general users for us because we tend to keep a closer eye on the enthusiast market and we're the ones who are going to make observations and whinge first. The general Joe Bloggs probably isn't going to get roiled over the pricing structure, they're just not going to purchase the product - as I think has been evidenced with sales numbers of the iPhone in the UK.

 

[furnace]

Android looks awesome I can't wait to see it on a commercially available phone. Could quite possibly spawn a generation of iPhone killers!

 

[Christo]

Android looks awesome I can't wait to see it on a commercially available phone. Could quite possibly spawn a generation of iPhone killers!

I dont get it - how does it look awesome? And since when is the iphone the be all and end all!?

 

[furnace]

I didn't say the iPhone was the be all and end all, did I? But it is certainly the first step in the direction phones need to go in.

*I* think it looks awesome because it looked like a very pretty interface for a mobile phone. Much prettier than my Symbian or SE's. Also, it's open source - which is also awesome.

 

[Christo]

I didn't say the iPhone was the be all and end all, did I? But it is certainly the first step in the direction phones need to go in.

*I* think it looks awesome because it looked like a very pretty interface for a mobile phone. Much prettier than my Symbian or SE's. Also, it's open source - which is also awesome.

You didnt say it was the be all but you implied it by saying Android could create iphone killers - when there are a host of phones out there already better than the iphone. The iphone is the right step phones need to go in!? Oh dear - I hope you meant the iphone OS.

I agree re the OS and I hope the iphone will force SE/Nokia/WM to improve their OS's and bug testing.

 

[SteveOBHave]

You didnt say it was the be all but you implied it by saying Android could create iphone killers - when there are a host of phones out there already better than the iphone. The iphone is the right step phones need to go in!? Oh dear - I hope you meant the iphone OS.

I agree re the OS and I hope the iphone will force SE/Nokia/WM to improve their OS's and bug testing.

I don't think he did - I believe the gist was that the iPhone represented the current peak in mobile phone interface and desirability (yes not to everyone but as the media represents etc.).

Why 'Oh dear' with the iPhone as a piece of hardware - I personally think that it is very clever and quite desirable as a piece of hardware. I believe that it certainly represents a future to the phone industry.

The Android OS may very well produce some iPhone killers - his statement was not an indipendant qualifier on the state of mobile phones.

I agree with him - Android does look very nice as it exists in the Google implimentation - It has a very nice visual interface, what appears to be some very well thought out workflows and an ability to utilise some very powerful aspects of hardware - i.e. the 3d component demo'd.

I'm curious - what puts you off about it Chrisp7? Are there some specific attributes that you don't like? Do you see it as a poor interface? Do you dislike it simply because it's Google and you see it as another attempt to take over the world and steamroll all mobile phone users into using Google? I'm interested in your opinion.

 

[furnace]

You didnt say it was the be all but you implied it by saying Android could create iphone killers - when there are a host of phones out there already better than the iphone. The iphone is the right step phones need to go in!? Oh dear - I hope you meant the iphone OS.

Then stop reading between the lines you picky barsteward (Nah, I do see what you mean though)

To be totally clear though, the iPhone is a bit crippled in a few places and I'd rather have the iPod touch and a seperate phone. I do love the interface but the features don't quite cut it for me, especially when you look at the price! If they had 3G in there maybe I'd reconsider as that's really the thing that made me think "uhm.. no".

Interface-wise, I think their phone is incredible (large touch screen and the software behind it) and that's what other phones need to pick up on and develop!

When someone looks at a phone, the interface of the iPhone will sell it to them. It's only people like us - the ones who bother looking a bit deeper in to a phones features and post on internet forums - who see the iPhone as a bit crippled So yeah, the iPhone is setting a standard really in terms of UI. There are other phones doing it but in my humble opinion they don't look as nice as the iPhone. Which is fine and everything, but if I have a cool phone I want it to look as cool as possible!

What I think will be impressive is "iPhone 2" or whever they want to call it. Hopefully by then though, there will be lots of other large touch screen phones with flashy animated slidey things and wi-fi That's hopefully what Android will spawn And like they showed in the video, maybe some surprisingly well featured mid-range handsets too.

 

[Christo]

I don't think he did - I believe the gist was that the iPhone represented the current peak in mobile phone interface and desirability (yes not to everyone but as the media represents etc.).

Why 'Oh dear' with the iPhone as a piece of hardware - I personally think that it is very clever and quite desirable as a piece of hardware. I believe that it certainly represents a future to the phone industry.

The Android OS may very well produce some iPhone killers - his statement was not an indipendant qualifier on the state of mobile phones.

I agree with him - Android does look very nice as it exists in the Google implimentation - It has a very nice visual interface, what appears to be some very well thought out workflows and an ability to utilise some very powerful aspects of hardware - i.e. the 3d component demo'd.

I'm curious - what puts you off about it Chrisp7? Is there some specific attributes that you don't like? Do you see it as a poor interface? Do you dislike it simply because it's Google and you see it as another attempt to take over the world and steamroll all mobile phone users into using Google? I'm interested in your opinion.

Saying the iphone is the 'current peak in mobile phone interface and desirability (yes not to everyone but as the media represents etc.)' is rather a nonsensical comment! But yes the media is hyping up the iphone, however the media certainly doesnt make the iphone out to be the peak of mobiles - not one bit! (Apart from perhaps the States - where they dont have as advanced phones). And even the general concensus of the public in the UK dont believe it is the 'peak'!

Like I said the iphone's OS is good, and this is the good thing about the iphone - that and the screen. As far as hardware in general, its nothing groundbreaking (form factor has been done before) and its specs are beaten hands down by other phones on the market. I am not too sure what you meant by your comment on the iphone being a future path of the phone industry - if you are talking about form factor/touch screen this well be true, but please remember it certainly isnt the first.

"The Android OS may very well produce some iPhone killers - his statement was not an indipendant qualifier on the state of mobile phones" -

On Android -chillout, dont jump to conclusions! I didnt say I dont like it. I just said I dont know whats so awesome about it, I dont get why people seem to like it so much on here - because to me it doesnt look anything too special. Like I said above, I was expecting more from google - more imagination, more innovation - the android in its current form isnt an OS winner. Tell me what is so good about it?

Then stop reading between the lines you picky barsteward (Nah, I do see what you mean though)

To be totally clear though, the iPhone is a bit crippled in a few places and I'd rather have the iPod touch and a seperate phone. I do love the interface but the features don't quite cut it for me, especially when you look at the price! If they had 3G in there maybe I'd reconsider as that's really the thing that made me think "uhm.. no".
de
Interface-wise, I think their phone is incredible (large touch screen and the software behind it) and that's what other phones need to pick up on and velop!

When someone looks at a phone, the interface of the iPhone will sell it to them. It's only people like us - the ones who bother looking a bit deeper in to a phones features and post on internet forums - who see the iPhone as a bit crippled So yeah, the iPhone is setting a standard really in terms of UI. There are other phones doing it but in my humble opinion they don't look as nice as the iPhone. Which is fine and everything, but if I have a cool phone I want it to look as cool as possible!

What I think will be impressive is "iPhone 2" or whever they want to call it. Hopefully by then though, there will be lots of other large touch screen phones with flashy animated slidey things and wi-fi That's hopefully what Android will spawn And like they showed in the video, maybe some surprisingly well featured mid-range handsets too.

I agree What is good about the iphone is it has speeded up the development of the OS/GUI's in mobile which can only be a good thing. The iphone2, Nokia's touchscreen effort, Android OS and UIQ all coming out next years make something for us all to look forward to next year!

 

[SteveOBHave]

Saying the iphone is the 'current peak in mobile phone interface and desirability (yes not to everyone but as the media represents etc.)' is rather a nonsensical comment! But yes the media is hyping up the iphone, however the media certainly doesnt make the iphone out to be the peak of mobiles - not one bit! (Apart from perhaps the States - where they dont have as advanced phones). And even the general concensus of the public in the UK dont believe it is the 'peak'!

I guess it depends on where you look - what would you say is the current 'peak in phone interface and desirability'? I can't honestly think of any other mobiles that garner as much interest as the iPhone. The N95 did ok for a short while but that has lost some of it's novelty as will the iPhone eventually. It's an observation and I quite happily accept that you and others may have a differing opinion but from my perception that it attracts more interest and is more innovative than many of the other phones out there. I honestly think that if it weren't for the ridiculous pricing structure that the iPhone is based on, they'd be selling in droves.

Not being argumentative, I am interested in your opinion, but what do you see as being the better mobiles out there? Which do you perceive to be the phones that the public consider to be the 'peak'?

Like I said the iphone's OS is good, and this is the good thing about the iphone - that and the screen. As far as hardware in general, its nothing groundbreaking (form factor has been done before) and its specs are beaten hands down by other phones on the market. I am not too sure what you meant by your comment on the iphone being a future path of the phone industry - if you are talking about form factor/touch screen this well be true, but please remember it certainly isnt the first.

I was meaning the form factor and interface, also the step toward the more intuitive UI. I certainly don't think that the limited capability of the phone is the be all. I'm sure you understand that I don't glorify the iPhone in any way but I do see it as a step in the right direction. There are always going to be refinements like a flash and 3G browsing, GPS etc.

On Android -chillout, dont jump to conclusions! I didnt say I dont like it. I just said I dont know whats so awesome about it, I dont get why people seem to like it so much on here - because to me it doesnt look anything too special. Like I said above, I was expecting more from google - more imagination, more innovation - the android in its current form isnt an OS winner. Tell me what is so good about it?

I like it much the same way as I like the iPhone interface, it looked like they had spent some real time working on an intuitive interface. Fair enough it doesn't leap out at you the same way the iPhone interface does and perhaps I am confusing the issue by looking at the OS as more than what it currently does and what it looks like. I'm looking at it from a perspective of what it can be which is whatever the user wants it to be.

Not to be offensive but I think it is a little narrow minded to define it is its current form. I think it is more important to see it for what it could be.

 

[Christo]

I guess it depends on where you look - what would you say is the current 'peak in phone interface and desirability'? I can't honestly think of any other mobiles that garner as much interest as the iPhone. The N95 did ok for a short while but that has lost some of it's novelty as will the iPhone eventually. It's an observation and I quite happily accept that you and others may have a differing opinion but from my perception that it attracts more interest and is more innovative than many of the other phones out there. I honestly think that if it weren't for the ridiculous pricing structure that the iPhone is based on, they'd be selling in droves.

Not being argumentative, I am interested in your opinion, but what do you see as being the better mobiles out there? Which do you perceive to be the phones that the public consider to be the 'peak'?

1. The iphone just came out - hence a lot of hype - like all phones when released.
2. Apple has excellent marketing hence a lot of hype in the press.
3. A lot of the press in the UK havent been 100% positive, infact most of them have been pitting it against and loosing to other phones already on the market.
4. There were hardly any queues when the iphone was released and it isnt exactly selling in droves.

Not being argumentative, I am interested in your opinion, but what do you see as being the better mobiles out there? Which do you perceive to be the phones that the public consider to be the 'peak'?

public perception changes continually, I dont see how is relevant really anyway. The best mobile out there at the moment in my opinion is the N95 8gb (predictably!) (edit - or maybe the N82 now..) Undoubtably hardwarewise it is the best at the moment.

I was meaning the form factor and interface, also the step toward the more intuitive UI. I certainly don't think that the limited capability of the phone is the be all. I'm sure you understand that I don't glorify the iPhone in any way but I do see it as a step in the right direction. There are always going to be refinements like a flash and 3G browsing, GPS etc.

I already said the GUI/OS is good - no argument there. And I have also said repeatedly on this forum iphone2 and other phones coming out will be something to look forward to. Just remember the iphone isnt the first to come out with touchscreen and that form factor - its GUI is what sets it apart.

I like it much the same way as I like the iPhone interface, it looked like they had spent some real time working on an intuitive interface. Fair enough it doesn't leap out at you the same way the iPhone interface does and perhaps I am confusing the issue by looking at the OS as more than what it currently does and what it looks like. I'm looking at it from a perspective of what it can be which is whatever the user wants it to be.

Not to be offensive but I think it is a little narrow minded to define it is its current form. I think it is more important to see it for what it could be.

On Android, I have repeatedly said - 'in its current form'. Which is why I am not impressed at the moment - I cant see how you find in impressive thats all. Of course in the future it could be, I have said nothing otehrwise. I was hoping for some truely innovative different OS - which in its current form it isnt. hence my bemusement with people who think Android is awesome at the moment..

 

[SteveOBHave]

On Android, I have repeatedly said - 'in its current form'. Which is why I am not impressed at the moment - I cant see how you find in impressive thats all. Of course in the future it could be, I have said nothing otehrwise. I was hoping for some truely innovative different OS - which in its current form it isnt. hence my bemusement with people who think Android is awesome at the moment..

I understand your perspective. I agree it's nothing revolutionary at this stage as a stand alone interface but the concept of an open source OS supported by one of the largest corporation in the world is. The simple fact that the OS is open source and totally editable is in my opinion truely innovative. It's that aspect that produces my perception of Android being awesome.

 

[Christo]

I understand your perspective. I agree it's nothing revolutionary at this stage as a stand alone interface but the concept of an open source OS supported by one of the largest corporation in the world is. The simple fact that the OS is open source and totally editable is in my opinion truely innovative. It's that aspect that produces my perception of Android being awesome.

Well yes being an open source platform is great, and good for everyone hopefully. You should check out Maemo and N810/N800/770's - its an open source platform for Nokia tablets (been around for quite a while) its pretty cool too. I also think the Symbian community and Windows Mobile community is great - apps are created in a matter of days (eg like the Nokia Rotate me, lightsabre etc). All this competition between OS's is good for us all!

 

[bam0]

Maybe that's their intention in the long run, but the SDK is aimed at Java apps. The documentation looks great though.



Natively coded applications won't port across different CPU instruction sets. That's why Windows Vista only supports x86/x64 and OS X only supports Power PC and x86.

Only applications running inside a virtual machine will run across platforms and virtual machines eat up resources.

Maybe you should take a closer look at the documentation yourself, as it appears you don't really understand what Android is based on.
The language you write in is Java, but you don't compile to Java bytecode, it compiles to dalvik executables which run on the dalvik VM, written by Google and optimised for mobile devices.
This isn't an implementation of Java ME which you're right to say is usually poor, it's much more innovative and is as native as any application will get on the platform, there isn't a lower level you would want to code at.

 

[Tunney]

Yeah, I heard it didn't compile to Java bytecode (which must really upset Sun). How far down does the VM go? The whole OS above the kernel?