The Nexus One and the Future of Android Gaming

With the launch of the Nexus One, the future of mobile gaming on Android looks bright.  Sporting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm that has on-chip graphical capabilities, the Nexus One is packing some promising 3D potential.  Future Android phones are likely to match or upgrade the speed to compete with HTC’s newest phone. In addition, the 3.7 inch OLED screen is very nice and has incredible contrast ratios.  Furthermore, it has about 25% greater pixel density than Sony’s beautiful 11-inch 1080p OLED screen. On the other hand, one of Android’s advantages, namely backgrounding apps, could come to the rescue.  We’re starting to see hardware accessories for the iPhone go hand-in-hand with a software package on the device, but this only works when that app is open.  On Android, we might see third-party accessories that hook into games via a backgrounding “connector” app.  If a company like MadCatz made a slick controller that went along with an API to control games, and that became an industry standard, it could give Android gaming a major edge. Ultimately, I think the direction Android is going will attract some great games.  It’s a powerful platform, and the upcoming devices are, as Google coined, “superphones.”  There’s a problem with the fractured versions of hardware and Android revisions, but if the market is fertile enough, developers will bite the bullet. Source: MediaPost http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=120301MediaPost

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The Nexus One and the Future of Android Gaming

10 Nexus One Questions and Answers

After going from hot rumor to official announcement, it’s time we take a look at what the Nexus One is and isn’t.  We’ll do our best to get to the point and answer any questions you might have about the phone.  Below are the top 10 questions we’ve been receiving from readers and interested parties.  Feel free to add your own questions at the end for others! What is the Nexus One? As Google puts it, the Nexus One is the first “superphone”. That is to say it’s the next evolution in what (Android) handsets are capable of. Who makes the Nexus One? The handset is made by HTC with input from Google. What is so special about the phone? For starters, the Nexus One features a blazing fast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.  Throw in a 3.7-inch (480?800 AMOLED screen), a 5 megapixel camera with an LED flash, wireless support for 802.11 a/b/g/n, a trackball with multicolor LED, and you see where we’re going.  There’s also a compass, GPS, accelerometer, stereo Bluetooth, a 3.5mm headphone jack, light and proximity sensors, and two microphones for “active noise suppression”.  All of this is powered by a 1400mAH battery.  Oh yeah, it’s crazy thin.  Like, less than a pencil, thin. What else? The Nexus One comes loaded with Android 2.1, which features the same great software found in the Motorola DROID, plus more.  This latest version also offers great voice integration.  Every text field found within Android 2.1 is voice enabled, meaning you’ll not have to physically type out emails, texts messages and tweets.  There are also ‘live wallpapers’ with interactivity, a new weather/news widget, Google Earth, and an updated gallery. Where can I buy a Nexus One? You can immediately order an unlocked GSM Nexus One at $529.00 at google.com/phone . Will it work with my AT&T service? Technically, yes.  Don’t expect 3G speeds though as the Nexus One only offers support  for T-Mobile’s 3G bands in the United States – UMTS Band 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900) and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz). What if I don’t want to spend that kind of money? A subsidize Nexus One can be yours for $179.00 as long as you commit to a 2-year contract with T-Mobile.  The catch here is that you must use it on individual, post paid, rate plans.  Family plans, and FlexPay customers are not eligible at this time. What rate plan will I have if I get a Nexus One? As of today, there is only one plan to choose from – 500 voice minutes, nights and weekends, messaging (SMS and MMS) and data. I don’t want to sign up with T-Mobile.  Are there other options? A CDMA version of the Nexus One will be available in the spring of 2010 for Verizon customers. Will there be an unlocked CDMA Nexus One? Don’t count on it.  The answer that was repeated a couple of times during today’s conference was that there will only be a Verizon-based CDMA Nexus One.

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10 Nexus One Questions and Answers

Engadget gets its very own Nexus One

Three full days before Google’s official event , Engadget managed to get their very own Nexus One . Besides the obvious bragging, they don’t mention how they got the device which should probably hint at Google distributing a few actual units to the media, before and probably during the launch event. The good news here is that we’ll FINALLY have plenty of high resolution pictures and video of our favorite device, at least for this three agonizing days before the device becomes available to the general public . Go ahead an indulge yourself with Engadget’s  first impressions article . Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 30, 2009 — Everything We Know About the Nexus One – And a Few Things We Still Don’t [UPDATED] (48) December 21, 2009 — Nexus One Unboxing (27) December 21, 2009 — Did Google Shut Down TheNexusOne.com? (10) December 20, 2009 — “Google Phone” Hits SNL Weekend Update [VIDEO] (15) December 17, 2009 — “I Fondled a Nexus One” (32)

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Engadget gets its very own Nexus One

Ten Minutes of Nexus One Footage to Tease You

When it comes to showing a Nexus One getting put through the paces,  the following video is the best footage we’ve come across so far.  While it’s not high definition by any means, it’s still better than anything else we’ve suffered through these last few weeks.  The ten minute clip shows the user messing with animated wallpapers (very cool), the camera, gallery, weather (neato), maps, and the browser.  The response  and overall speed of the Nexus One seems to be downright incredible.  One of these days, they’ll get around to a better music player.  Right guys? Source: DroidDog Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 29, 2009 — Leaked Screens Confirm Nexus One Sold by Google, Supported by T-Mobile (13) December 29, 2009 — Another Day, Another Nexus One Video (16) December 23, 2009 — Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First (48) December 23, 2009 — Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions (23) December 18, 2009 — Another Nexus One Hands On (28)

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Ten Minutes of Nexus One Footage to Tease You

Everything We Know About the Nexus One – And a Few Things We Still Don’t [UPDATED]

We know there’s a lot to keep up with in regardds to the Nexus One so we’ve tasked ourselves with compiling all the known and rumored information.  Below, you’ll find all the latest gossip and leaks.  Until we hear officially, all of this is subject to change!  For what it’s worth, all the initial rumors are panning out so keep your fingers crossed! The latest is… An event has been scheduled for January 5th , with invitations being sent out to members of the press.   Google is hosting the Android event at the Googleplex at 9:30AM PST. Internal T-Mobile screen shots indicate a Google-sold device with T-Mobile support . Engadget has reported that the Nexus One will start off as invitation only and then roll out to T-Mobile customers The hardware specs indicate a very powerful device with plenty of memory to go around. Rumored price puts the phone at $180 with 2-yr contract and $530 outright. The Back Story … Around the middle of October a writer for TheStreet.com was the first to really get the Google Phone rumors rolling again.  He claimed that Google would be selling a handset directly, bypassing carriers. Google had a meeting on Friday and handed handsets out to everyone .  Twitter helps break the news. Some believe this is the Google Phone news we’ve been waiting for.  Other think it’s just the same thing as last year – nothing more than a gift to employees Nothing has been officially announced.  The closest we have so far is a post from the Google Mobile Blog that says their employees are dogfooding a mobile lab . Said handsets are unlocked and feature new mobile features and capabilities. The Wall Street Journal publishes an article that pretty much confirms the rumors .  The code name ‘Nexus One” is born. A few pictures have identified the handset as “Phone 88″.  Perhaps each phone has a unique model/serial written into it to identify leaks.  Looking back at the first Dragon/Passion images , we were told that the image blacked out parts of the screen because  “ …it has a number that I’m told is used to determine who this phone was loaned to. “  Coincidence?  Maybe. The phone looks exactly like the HTC Dragon/Passion except for the missing HTC branding.  Specs include a Snapdragon 1GHz chip, 3.7-inch AMOLED display, and a 5 megapixel camera. Gizmodo’s source from a few weeks back said that we have yet to see the ‘real’ Android .  Based on collected descriptions, the ‘real’ Android might be one designed by Google which has every screen, button, and animated background specifically designed. According to a quick start that comes with the handsets, there is mention of a page for questions at google.com/phone/support. The site is inactive at this time. UPDATE 3: A r eader of ours swapped the URL around and found a reference to Android at http://www.google.com/support/phone/ T he phone has been cleared through the FCC with AT&T and T-Mobile bands. Google releases a game for Nexus One owners Google applied for the trademark to Nexus One on December 10th.  Why patent an experimental handset that’s designed to stay internal? We’ve Also Heard… Rumored to be sold via Best Buy Rumored to be supported by T-Mobile after Verizon balked Will be unlocked and work over T-Mobile as well as AT&T According to Engadget, it may not work for AT&T after all Nexus One traffic patterns solidify T-Mobile rumors Runs Android 2.1 Expected to have been launched this year, pushed to early 2010 Google is planning on advertising it Eldar Murtazin believes that all of this is a fabrication, possibly started by Apple We Still Don’t Know When launch is  expected – announcement January 5th should reveal this Will this be directly sold through Google? It appears so . Will “real” Android run as WiFi/VoIP? Will Google Voice be integrated? What do other members of the Open Handset Alliance think of this?  Did they even know about it?  What will their reaction be? This may have all started back in March when Google decided to open up shop in Taiwan .  Working with HTC would be considerably easier if you were in their own back yard. Why would a carrier like T-Mobile even want to get involved with Google over this?  It’s simple – their no contract plans are perfect for people who buy them.  T-Mobile never loses a penny in having to subsidize the handset.  And maybe more importantly, they know how big this could be for them.  Why not be the carrier that embraces the move? We’re going to keep this post at the top of the site for a while as answers and rumors hit the net.  If you know of any answers or have any insight , please let us know. See something incorrect or missing?  Drop us a line. In terms of the wireless industry, this could be a big of a game changer as any.  Buckle Up! http://www.androidguys.com/2009/12/29/nexus-one-to-be-530-full-price-180-on-contract/ Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 21, 2009 — Did Google Shut Down TheNexusOne.com? (10) December 17, 2009 — “I Fondled a Nexus One” (31) December 16, 2009 — Nexus One Traffic Patterns Solidify T-Mobile Rumors (29) December 16, 2009 — Video of Nexus One Launches Blog… What’s to Come? (7) December 14, 2009 — Two new shots of the Nexus One (Google Phone) (10)

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Everything We Know About the Nexus One – And a Few Things We Still Don’t [UPDATED]

Leaked Screens Confirm Nexus One Sold by Google, Supported by T-Mobile

The images to the left of this paragraph and below are the most solid indication of the Google Phone (Nexus One) and the plans for it.  We’ve been hearing for a few weeks now about a rumored January 5th date for launch or announcement and these seem to help substantiate that.  Also a commonly spread .  The sources for these two pictures are Boy Genius Repor t and TmoNews tipsters and both essentially say the same thing. As it looks, the Nexus One will come from Google via the internet with carrier support from T-Mobile.  An update to TmoNews article says to look for a January 5th 9:00AM sale.  Support for the device including troubleshooting and exchanged will be managed by Google and HTC. T-Mobile will offer service support including billing, coverage, features and rate plans. The second, smaller image is harder to read but the text has been transcribed. Google, with support from T-Mobile, is scheduled to launch a new Android device in early January. The Google Android phone will be sold directly by Google via the Web. Support for the device including troubleshooting and exchanges will be managed by Google and HTC. T-Mobile will offer service support including billing, coverage, features, and rate plans. Additional details Streamline content regarding the launch of Google’s Android phone will be coming in early January. This will be a very exciting few days!  Will the Nexus One steal the CES thunder? Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 29, 2009 — Another Day, Another Nexus One Video (11) December 23, 2009 — Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First (47) December 23, 2009 — Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions (23) December 18, 2009 — Another Nexus One Hands On (27) December 16, 2009 — DoubleTwist Gets Updated With Nexus One Support (14)

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Leaked Screens Confirm Nexus One Sold by Google, Supported by T-Mobile

Another Day, Another Nexus One Video

We don’t know how it happens, but the Nexus One appears to be landing in the hands of seemingly random users.  How or why this phone comes into the possession of this guys escapes us, but we don’t really care.  Today finds another 5 minutes of blurry and jittery arriving online.  Is it that hard to get this phone in front of a steady camera with someone who knows how to put it through the proper paces?  The sad part is, we sat through this entire video and would gladly watch another. Take it from this guy – This is the best, best Android ever. Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 23, 2009 — Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First (46) December 23, 2009 — Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions (22) December 18, 2009 — Another Nexus One Hands On (26) December 16, 2009 — DoubleTwist Gets Updated With Nexus One Support (11) December 15, 2009 — Exclusive Nexus One Holiday Game (15)

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Another Day, Another Nexus One Video

Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First

Engadget just scooped everyone with an exclusive look at the Nexus One specs and a few preliminary details.  First, the “bad” news.  The Nexus One (N1) be available only by “invitation” at first. Their source didn’t have any specifics on how the invitesbe be determined other than it will be Google doing the inviting.  The good news is that, down the road, T-Mobile will offer the phone directly. 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED screen Memory: 512MB ROM, 512MB RAM 4 GB MicroSD card (expandable to 32GB) 5-megapixel camera with autofocus, 2X digital zoom, LED flash UMTS 1/4/8 (2100/AWS/900) HSDPA 7.5Mbps, HSUPA 2Mbps up to 5.76Mbps GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 WiFi (802.11 a,b,g,n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, A2DP stereo Bluetooth AGPS, compass, accelerometer Weight: 130g with battery Dimensions: 119mmx59.8mmx11.5mm Teflon-coated back cover 3.5mm headset jack Second microphone for active noise cancellation Proximity sensor, light sensor 1400 mAH battery We know you have something to say about this thing… Let’s hear it! Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 23, 2009 — Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions (9) December 18, 2009 — Another Nexus One Hands On (24) December 16, 2009 — DoubleTwist Gets Updated With Nexus One Support (11) December 15, 2009 — Exclusive Nexus One Holiday Game (15) December 15, 2009 — Are the Google Phone Rumors an Elaborate Apple Hoax? (37)

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Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First

Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions

Let’s just this right off the top.  If there is anyone in Northeastern Ohio with a Nexus One, email me.  I will drive to meet you.  I can’t take the jealousy that’s boiling up inside of me. Jason Chen, an editor for Gizmodo, just gloated to shared with his readers that he was able play with a Nexus One and put it through some paces.  Naturally, he wasn’t able to take any pictures.  We’ve gone through and pulled out the quotes we think you’ll enjoy the most. It’s basically, from my time with it, Google’s Droid killer . It’s thin, it’s fast, it’s better in every way. The phone is slightly thinner than the iPhone 3GS, and slightly lighter.  The back is definitely not cheap and plasticky, like the iPhone’s backing, and feels like some sort of rubbery material. So, not smooth like the iPhone, but not as rubbery as the Droid. It’s halfway in-between. It feels long and silky and natural in your hand —even more so than the iPhone 3GS. Even though the screen is the same size and same resolution as the Droid, it’s noticeably better. The colors are much more vibrant and the blacks are blacker…made the Droid seem washed out. The same feeling carries over when you compare the Nexus with the iPhone 3GS.   This is probably the best screen we’ve seen on a smartphone so far . Probably. Nexus One is astonishingly faster than the Droid. Even though it doesn’t have a hardware keyboard, it basically beats the hell out of the Droid in every single task that we threw at it. Chen does speak more in-depth about the internet experience, noting that it bests the iPhone and Droid in almost all tests.  As we’ve heard whispered, the animated backgrounds are interactive and could  make for some fun, interactive apps.  The camera and speakers are good, not great, with both about what most smart phones are offering.   As mentioned by others, the browser does not have multitouch. Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 18, 2009 — Another Nexus One Hands On (24) December 23, 2009 — Engadget: Nexus One Will Be “Invitation Only” At First (8) December 16, 2009 — DoubleTwist Gets Updated With Nexus One Support (11) December 15, 2009 — Exclusive Nexus One Holiday Game (15) December 15, 2009 — Are the Google Phone Rumors an Elaborate Apple Hoax? (37)

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Giz Editor Plays with Nexus One, Shares Impressions

Nexus One Unboxing

There should be little doubt that this phone is a Google branded experience.  Look at that box – there’s literally nothing on there save for the Google logo and Nexus One name.  Reminiscent of you-know-what.   The chaps at TechCrunch were passed 4 pictures of the Nexus One as well as quick bootup video.  Naturally, we felt obligated to share! That UI is sexy, isn’t it?  That stock Android experience has come a long way since the G1!  Oh… and if you break out your Android handset and scan the barcode in the pic, you’ll be taken to http://www.android.com/holidays .  Random question – how does one scan the back of their own phone? Thanks Benjamin! Popular Posts That You Might Enjoy! December 21, 2009 — Did Google Shut Down TheNexusOne.com? (6) December 20, 2009 — “Google Phone” Hits SNL Weekend Update [VIDEO] (15) December 17, 2009 — “I Fondled a Nexus One” (28) December 16, 2009 — Everything We Know About the Nexus One – And Plenty We Still Don’t [UPDATE 5] (40) December 16, 2009 — Nexus One Traffic Patterns Solidify T-Mobile Rumors (22)

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Nexus One Unboxing

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