Droid's Android 2.1 Update: Full of Multitouch (and Some Disappointment)

BT is like flash, would have to be dev'd by moto for the HW, and possibly integrated into the OS IMO ... I wouldn't expect it coming from Android itself.

Besides, after using my phone on AUX with the stereo, my BT earpiece is collecting dust now

 

you mean shenanigans

 

"Ohhhh!" :: hands gun::

 

This article makes a REALLY good point:

" Hate to say it, but this feels like even more Android fragmentation. Is anything—even the damn OS—ever gonna be the same between two phones again? Jeez."

It's REALLY stupid for Android phones to be competing with each other over the OS and 'basic' features... the average phone user will see this as a huge turn off not to mention it will seriously hurt the phone manufactures and the carriers after a while if it's not brought under control (and SOON)...

Say what you will about WM phones or the iPhony but there is consistency in both features and support which is what's most important to the average consumer. The main deciding factor when you by a WM phone is the form NOT the FUNCTIONALITY... With the exception of a few minor things all WM phones have the same features so you know what your getting AND that (as long as it's a newer phone) your phone will be supported and updated by M$ (through your carrier)... Google had some leeway at first (and has a little left) being that these were niche devices being used/adapted by techies that understand (and even expect) the development hiccups that come with a new entry/tech but that niche is filling and these hurdles will not be tollerated or accepted by the bulk of consumers. As much as I love the phone and like the concept I'm a bit doubtful as to Google's strategy and ability to get things under control.

 

You all seem to think Google is behind all of this. They are not. They release the source code to the phone manufacturers and they are the ones to decide how, or even whether, to provide the update for their phones. Some people will see this as a weakness. I choose to see it as a strength. no way you can get a customized user experience on an iPhone. HTC has Sense, Motorola has MotoBlur, Acer has their "Enhanced user experience", etc...

Regarding the 2.1 launcher and 3D app drawer, IF it is not in the Droid's 2.1 update 1 software, I would be willing to bet it is because they felt that had to release the update now because of all the whining for it and could not get these functions stable enough. I tried the Sholes 2.0.2 ROM and the launcher and app drawer were constantly causing Force Closes on my phone. After I went to the standard home (which DID have 5 screens BTW) the number of Force Closes I had dropped dramatically. This tells me there is still much work do be done on the launcher/3D app drawer.

 

The idea of 'enhanced user experience' as you gave isn't what's in question. That is even seen on WM phones (HTC most notably with their UI). But Google is responsible for BASIC features within the OS (multi-touch, Nav ect., app launchers ect.) that creates a basic competition between devices aside from what (in addition) the phone manufactures decide to put on.

Again if you look at WM or BB devices if the phones have the same version of the OS they have the same underlying features and capabilities. Now with the fragmentation of 2.1 and the previous fragmentation of version 1.*s there are several phone with the same OS version but EACH have DIFFERENT native (i.e. OS related) features... so the user is now forced to choose which phone they want based on the FEATURES it has rather than the FORM and that will NOT be good for overall acceptance of the devices (or the OS).

 

And Google IS providing those basic features to the phone manufacturers. If they decide not to implement how is that Google's fault? BTW - I find fault with your WM analogy - I had a Motorola Q9c before I got my Droid. Motorola (at Verizon's request I am sure) REMOVED core functionality that had been provided to them by Microsoft in WM. Not to mention the fact that I got exactly 1 update for my phone in the 2+ years that I had it. I have had the Droid for a little over 2 months and am expecting my 2nd update within the next week. WM updates were MUCH less frequent and were often given a pass by either the phone manufacturer or carrier for existing phones. I am sure that the fact that the OS was not free from M$ had something to do with that.

The whole beauty of Android IS that it is sooooo customizable. don't like 3 home screens? there is an app to give you 4, 5, 7... Don't like the look of stock Android?? Buy one with MotoBlur, or Sense UI. If you want the exact same experience regardless of phone/carrier buy a Blackberry, an iPhone or a WM phone.

 

Well I can't speak to your WM experience from your Moto phone but it's different on HTC and others (lmao, one of the reasons this is my first Moto phone is more than 10 years). As to the 'customizable experience' in all honesty Android, at this point isn't really that much more customizable than WM phones. Sure there's OEM UIs, same on WM phones. Sure there's custom cooked ROMs (if your rooted) same on WM. There are/were less 'updates' for WM because (understandably) it's a more mature product that already has the basics down. The only reason the app market is needed for MANY users is because so many BASIC features have been left OUT of the OS (contact management, basic email features, and SO many system features/resources)....

There comes a point were using the 'customizable experience' marketing strategy actually becomes BS for "we didn't bother with this but if you want it maybe someone else will make an app for it". In all honesty aside from the basic look/layout of a my old WM device (which was easily fixed with some basic theme cooking) I didn't NEED to 'customize' the ROM because it already DID what I needed it. I find it hilarious so many people are using the 'it's customizable' line as an catch-all for obvious lackings in the OS.

With that said I like the phone and support the OS. I'm just trying to bring a little reality to Android users and keep them from getting as fanboyish (and defensive) as iPhony (Apple) users which I find HIGHLY ANNOYING. There are flaws in the product. Acknowledge them, accept them and move on:icon_ banana::icon_ banana: that's how a product gets BETTER (not by ignore them or passing them on as Apple does).

 

I am no phanboy and am more than willing to acknowledge shortcomings. It appears though that you should have stuck with WM as you keep singing it's praises. I had 2 WM devices (One built by HTC) and disliked both of them. They were sluggish, locked up had few and expensive apps and were, generally, what you would expect from M$. A lot of people like what WM offers (fewer and fewer though by the looks of WM market penetration) and I certainly don't knock them for their preference. It is ALL about choice. Choose what works for you and let me choose what works for me. If you don't like the strategy/direction of Android - vote with your wallet and buy something else.

I now retire my soapbox. :motdroidvert:

 

Android is customizable and to an extent its up to manufacturers to give us the oppurtunity to be so customizable. I don't see that as the point nor do I see updates all the time as a point either. What I see is a lot of consumers getting pissed calling shenanigans and leaving a google experience because they have to fork out more and m/ore money just to get the latest os. We are not even talking hardware were talking os. With an iphone I know if I bought a 3gs then I will get the latest os, minus hardware specific updates every year until the phone is absolutley obsolete. In this case 4 years later the original iphone still gets updated. Which is great with new every two. With android a phone I bought six months ago is obsolete because it will not allow for the same features..........shoot forget six I bought my droid 3 months ago and obviously its already headind down that path. I think that's b.s. and is something google needs to enforce as part of that alliance. Mix tbhis with the fact that games and apps on the market place work with some not others and vice versa and google has a recipe for bend over and let steve jobs and good uncle bill show you how to squeal like a pig. I love my phone but if its going to be one of those well 3.0 comes out in may and I just got half of 2.1 so motorola tells me sorry buy the new shadow I'm getting my broomstick and we'll......

 

what websites do you guys wanna be able to view when flash its available? the ones I frequent don't need it. just curious, maybe I'll want flash to hurry up as well.