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See the original image at appleinsider.com

Google's Android demo shows app store, tweaks iPhone formula

appleinsider.com — Attendees at Google's I/O Conference this week were greeted with an Android phone interface that shares yet more common ground with the iPhone from the company's close neighbor Apple, including the first evidence of a dedicated app store.

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  • willgonz, on 05/31/2008, -45/+37iPhone killer?
    • supermanred, on 05/31/2008, -13/+7Not unless they make sure the apps in their app store dont ***** up the whole phone like some of the "jailbroken" apps do the iphone.
      • ultrafez, on 05/31/2008, -5/+5That's because either the developers haven't bug-checked as well as they should have done for their unofficial iPhone apps, or because Apple managed to break their apps with firmware updates.
    • PabloMac, on 06/01/2008, -10/+1iPhone killee.
      • harmil, on 06/01/2008, -1/+6Keep in mind that the iPhone cannot kill Android (though the reverse is possible). This is because, like Linux and BSD (the underlying OS on which MacOS is built), Android is open source. This means that any single Android-based phone could fail in the market, and yet Android itself would continue to be a viable platform.

    • osrevad, on 06/01/2008, -2/+20I hate sensational terms like iPod/iPhone/etc Killer. Just call it an iPod Competitor and leave it at that.
      • Vodd9, on 06/01/2008, -6/+3... because there's obviously no difference between saying "killer" and "competitor".
        • Atomic1fire, on 06/01/2008, -2/+3Well
          to be a killer you actually need to kill something (which most ____ Killers never do)
          To be a competitor you simply need to compete with it.
    • ThantiK, on 06/01/2008, -1/+8I'd say yes. Primarily because the development platform is open. Apple is releasing their SDK as a counter-measure to the Android platform, they know if they don't get lots of apps on the iphone quickly through third party developers it's likely they won't be able to keep their market share.

      I know as soon as an iPhoneish Android phone is out in the market - I'm getting one. At this point I'll admit I'm a google fanboi ;)
    • PatrickBrown, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3The iPhone does not dominate the smartphone market at the moment (far from it actually). Google is not targeting the iPhone but rather smart phone platforms in general.

      Also, Apple products typically have a strong base from loyal consumers. It is unlikely Apple will stop producing the iPhone anytime soon.
  • armas89, on 05/31/2008, -32/+3no.
  • supermanred, on 05/31/2008, -36/+14The first Android demo I saw looked like crap. At least they were sensible enough to copy the iphone UI, which is awesome.

    They could use a new graphic designer for their icons though, looks very Windows 95... It is 2008.
  • andindt08, on 05/31/2008, -3/+61Screen transitions were smooth.
  • smurf22, on 05/31/2008, -9/+69I'm digging the slide to unlock feature.
    • svensksvamp, on 05/31/2008, -30/+2Was this suppose to replace the PIN? In that case.. worthless idea
      Didn't watch the whole video.
      • sparksalot, on 06/01/2008, -5/+0No, its to unlock the keypad lock. lol
        instead of the traditional menu and star combination
        where have you been the last 10 years?
        • svensksvamp, on 06/01/2008, -2/+0the android has been out for 10 years?
      • phantom_mullet, on 06/01/2008, -2/+6You do realize that you completely invalidated your argument by saying, "Didn't watch the whole video," right?

        RTFA, or in this case, WTFV.
        • svensksvamp, on 06/01/2008, -1/+3wow. take it easy, it's not like I farted you in the face.
          let's analyze my post...

          "Was this suppose to replace the PIN?"
          This is a question, not an argument or whatever you call it.

          "In that case.. worthless idea"
          If the answer to my question would turn out to be "yes", then this is what I think about it.

          "Didn't watch the whole video."
          This is simply a side note that explains why I asked the question in first place.
  • D3koy, on 05/31/2008, -1/+74I'd use it, and considering it is Google, odds are hundreds of skins and themes will be added by third parties later on, so it'll look really slick
    • Ratatosk, on 06/01/2008, -1/+2yeah, and it will look slick anyways. They first focused on the features, no the design.... I bet you that the iPhone had also a crappy looking interface when it was in development stage... The difference is that Google shares with us this development stage. I mean, it's so obvious that those ugly buttons with yellow over-color are not gonna be final (they even said: don't look at the interface now)

      about the iphone copying: well, yes the hardware looks similar, but every phone with a huge touch screen and very few buttons will look similar to the iphone.

      the sliding over to switch home screens is a no brainer too: it's just like virtual desktops: they've existed for a long time and if you got a touch interface you are obviously gonne slide that stuff over....

      and I think some people think that apple showed the iphone and then google started copying it... but android was bought in 2005 and those guys have been working on that for years. Of course they got inspired by the iphone, but they I am sure they had most of the ideas long before the iphone came out... having a huge touchscreeny phone is just the next natural step in cell phone development (well android can also be non touch screen...)
      anyways, I really like the sliding down to see the notifcations.

      One last word about the iphone vs. android competition: I see it this way: Android is competition for the iPhone, but the iPhone is no competition for android. Why? If the android gets popular, Apple can sell less iPhones (probably) and thus doesn't make as much money... but if customers just buy the 3G iphone over android, Google doesn't make less money. They don't make money off the iphone directly. What they want is users, and the iPhone gives them a lot of map users already for example (and those will also be more likely to use map on the pc).

      So for Google both, iPhones and android phones out there are good... what is not as good are crappy phones with no easy to use internet
  • secleinteer, on 05/31/2008, -4/+89So why is this under the Apple category?
    • sfacets, on 05/31/2008, -25/+5Because it is basically a copy of the iPhone?
    • 1337jared, on 05/31/2008, -16/+3You can use this phone to go to purchase apple products online, such as the new iPhone.
    • p0tent1al, on 06/01/2008, -2/+18The story is from Appleinsider. I think the main reason is that Android is shaping up to be some real competition for the dominating iPhone.
      • secleinteer, on 06/01/2008, -2/+24It'll be like the Macintosh and Windows, back in the 80s. The company that makes the OS separate from the hardware allows for price warring and innovation among the OEMs, ultimately resulting in a better product. The main difference is that this time, the OS will be open source, which will make sure that the OS doesn't start losing in terms of innovation either.
        • BrendanSheehan, on 06/01/2008, -4/+3"It'll be like the Macintosh and Windows, back in the 80s. The company that makes the OS separate from the hardware allows for price warring and innovation among the OEMs, ultimately resulting in a better product."

          Windows was not a better product. The reason MS won that battle was because the Mac had no stores to sell their stuff and not enough 3rd party software. And it looks like that won't be an issue with that iPhone. They SDK was downloaded 250,000 times. And new Apple stores open each week as well as the phone being sold in a lot of phone shops around the world and online. This is not the same situation at all.

          I can see why you would come to that conclusion but this is not the same thing. If that was the case the iPod wouldn't be such the big player it is. Apple makes iTunes too, that's why the whole experience is so seamless.
        • p0tent1al, on 06/01/2008, -1/+3The main difference is that this time it isn't merely Apple vs Windows, it is Apple vs GOOGLE.

          Even as an apple fan myself, I hope Google comes into the market strong and starts to eat away at the iPhone.
      • jakem1, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1I'm not sure what the iPhone is "dominating". Here in London I've only seen one in the whole time it's been out and I work just down the road from the Regent St Apple store. The only competition that Android will have from Apple is related to hype.
    • consonance, on 06/01/2008, -5/+14Because the Apple fanboys are circling the wagons.
    • Dohko_Xar, on 06/01/2008, -2/+6Because of the satire
    • PabloMac, on 06/01/2008, -0/+35Because there is no "Google" category.
    • Weejay, on 06/01/2008, -10/+11Because Apple (and Steve Jobs in particular) invented Google (and computers..... and toasters).
      • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -2/+3He's being sarcastic idiots who buried him, isn't toasters a good enough giveaway? Sheesh, diggers have no sense of humor.
        • Weejay, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2heh, for real it's even better when you get buried.
    • CarzorStelatis, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2Because it came from an Apple site assessing Android as an iPhone competitor?
  • sfacets, on 05/31/2008, -34/+8Hasn't Apple patented the interface? This is a blatant copy.
    • locojones, on 06/01/2008, -2/+22LOL They can't patent an interface, it's unpatentable subject matter. And besides, it's rows of icons, which even if it were patentable, hardly qualifies as new, useful, and non-obvious. Grow up.
    • canthraxp, on 06/01/2008, -1/+17Hasn't Apple patented everything under the ***** sun?
      • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -0/+3Great idea! Apple ought to patent the sun!
  • Astheria, on 05/31/2008, -24/+11Sad that every touch ui mimics the iPhone; the iPhone's interface is excellent, but does *everything* have to copy it? There could be a better way you know...
    • locojones, on 06/01/2008, -9/+14You Apple zealots are really getting on my nerves. Perhaps you'd like to tell us what other kind of interface is possible on an all-touch screen device that doesn't include icons of the programs available? And while we're throwing around copying allegations, then I guess the iPhone UI is a copy of Microsoft Windows, who had point and click icons on the screen to run programs long before anything else.
  • paOol, on 05/31/2008, -18/+37 i like how all the comments are getting buried by apple fanboys.
  • Astheria, on 05/31/2008, -10/+29"i like how all the comments are getting buried by apple fanboys."

    Actually it seems like most of the pro-apple comments are getting buried. I smell comment graveyard.
    • Phlake, on 06/01/2008, -1/+10I smell the inability to use the reply button.
    • Vodd9, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3fanboys and people getting pissed at fanboys.
  • funsutton, on 05/31/2008, -6/+54I love good competition. It will keep apple on their toes.
    • PabloMac, on 06/01/2008, -9/+2The same way Microsoft is on theirs?
      • Atomic1fire, on 06/01/2008, -3/+2You dont see everyone carrying a zune.
        Or does Steve Jobs not make a lot of money
        • chazuk, on 06/01/2008, -2/+2He only paid himself $1 last year..... So NO!
  • SQLserver, on 05/31/2008, -8/+53Android, as in Linux on an Open source Phone, backed by a big company, is a great idea.
    It has potential to be so, so much more then the iPhone.
    However, they are doing it wrong.
    Things that have GOT to change:
    1. Google should have polished the phone THEMSELVES first, and then introduced developers.
    2. Google should have immediately come out with an actual PHONE running android.

    besides that, Android is awesome. The pure potential of Linux on a Phone is amazing.
    • skyshock1, on 06/01/2008, -2/+91.) Google isn't releasing the source yet until they get it exactly like they want it, even though the SDK is available early. So they pretty much ARE polishing the phone themselves first.
      2.) Google does have an actual phone running android. Many of them in fact. They're just not in mass-production yet. Is that what you meant?
    • nagual678, on 06/01/2008, -1/+7Wow, quick somebody call google and tell them they got it all wrong !
    • ultimateXhobo, on 06/01/2008, -1/+1just like linux a pale tacky imitation of actually good UIs like MAc OSX then?
    • maninalift, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2Why didn't Google hire you as their business strategist?
    • pyrates, on 06/02/2008, -0/+1No one company can ever dominate a market if they're the only ones selling the hardware. But if they make the software and let other companies do the hardware side, then you got a win win situation. You ensure that your software stays relevant but at the same time those companies that manufacture the hardware that your software runs on can ensure prices stay competitive. That is how Microsoft did it. That's why the symbian OS for mobile devices thrives, that's why windows ce for mobile devices thrive, but because Apple makes the hardware and software they can ensure the prices stay at a certain point which keeps consumers away from it for the most part. Consumers like seeing a product made by 2 different companies or more because it ensures that the price for that product doesn't get too high.

      Apple has always catered to niche products. Which is why they have the market that they do.
  • jm1234567890, on 05/31/2008, -10/+3What is the input system like? I have not seen a demo of it :(
    • themonkman, on 06/01/2008, -2/+3If it's running on something like an HTC Mogul, it'll probably have a physical keyboard button layout. I'm sure Apple has patents on their onscreen keyboard that would preclude Google from being able to use a replica of it. IANAPL, so I couldn't say that for sure.
  • christopherRB, on 06/01/2008, -3/+14There are somethings that I have not seen on the IPhone that I really like. I hope they got the unlocking feature patented before microsoft or apple take it.
    • superkendall, on 06/01/2008, -4/+3I'm not sure about the unlocking... more convenient than a PIN, but it has issues I think with being way too simple to crack. No-one is going to make some super complex path through those dots, so cracking 99% of people's phones is going to be as simple as tic-tac-toe lines or simple L shapes.
      • christopherRB, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2I heard from another article that there is also a feature on it that allows you to unlock it via signature. I think that this may be a little tougher to crack, depending on how details it looks for. If it looks at too much detail, you risk getting locked out of your own phone. If it doesn't look at the details, then it will be easier to crack.
      • Aitese, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3Does not replace the PIN...it's just for locking/unlocking the screen so you don't dial people when it's in your pocket...it's more secure than a swipe.
    • Burn, on 06/01/2008, -1/+3Since it's now 'invented' it would count as prior art therefore rendering any future patents worthless anyway.
      • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -1/+1Patent law is stupid and inane though, so you never know.
    • politicalslug, on 06/01/2008, -4/+0how can they patent it if it's open source?
      • CarzorStelatis, on 06/01/2008, -1/+1Open source != free software. Wikipedia will tell you the difference.
        • christopherRB, on 06/01/2008, -1/+1ah, forgot about that. Nevermind
  • LostRiot, on 06/01/2008, -3/+28I want it now.
  • darlyn, on 06/01/2008, -11/+5Looks good. If Google keeps this up, the same hype that was created for the iPhone will be enjoyed by Andriod. Not to bash on the Android, but I a similarity between this demonstration and the ones held for the iPhone at Macworld 2008; that is, both bookmark the New York Times site (proof: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DJArfeZ0Bw&).

    And why does that device Google is using look so strangely similar to the iPhone?
    • colincornaby, on 06/01/2008, -1/+6Why would Android enjoy the same hype the iPhone did? The hype is all up to the device makers. The hardware is what's going to get advertising campaigns, not the software.
    • Lemon, on 06/01/2008, -2/+5It doesn't look like an iPhone. It's an HTC. Is says it ON the ***** device... what everything with touch screen looks like an iPhone now?
      • darlyn, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1I was referring to the chrome border the device sports.... never said anything about the touch screen.
  • unionaire, on 06/01/2008, -4/+12what was the device on the display? it looks very similar to an iphone but apparently not an iphone
  • Arkitan, on 06/01/2008, -0/+11I do like the unlocking feature, I could see myself somehow changing things to make it "better" like I do with my computer and forgetting what I changed it to. Neat though.
  • PuRowdy, on 06/01/2008, -2/+13That is so sweet, the unlocking pattern system is a nice change. I will pass on the iPhone and wait for Android, my BB will do for now.
    • Burn, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3I'm thinking that too. Feature-wise my Nokia E51 is brilliance, but the idea of a large touchscreen is awesome to me.
  • s0urce, on 06/01/2008, -1/+13It's a brilliant phone and will run on a 3g network finally. Since it won't be exclusive to just ONE provider, that's a total win in my book.
    • themonkman, on 06/01/2008, -3/+6It would be even better if it had EVDO. It's faster than 3G.
    • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -0/+4Also, "it" isn't a phone but an OS that runs on multiple phones. And themonkman, EVDO is just Verizon and Sprint's form of 3G, it can't be faster than itself, although it would be faster than AT&T's 3G.
  • iamjames, on 06/01/2008, -6/+14I will buy a Google phone.
  • HILLARY4PREZ, on 06/01/2008, -14/+0Hopefully this puts apple out of business.
    • pzwhite125, on 06/01/2008, -1/+3Because we all know that all of Apple's clout resides in the iPhone market.
      /sarcasm
    • skyshock1, on 06/01/2008, -0/+5Apple's iPhone since it came out sends SO much traffic to Google, that it would make ZERO sense for that to happen. Not to mention Google's CEO Eric Schmidt sits on the board of directors at Apple. Many of Google's competitors are actually customers as well. I've heard a few people describe it as coopetition.
      • HILLARY4PREZ, on 06/01/2008, -4/+0I was just trolling but your statement "Apple's iPhone since it came out sends SO much traffic to Google" is so funny its retarded. Seriously out of the billions of worldwide hits it receives daily, do you think they would care about selected few hits from Iphones that won't even make up 0.1% of their traffic? You should be banned from the internet for writing such mindless retarded *****.
        • skyshock1, on 06/04/2008, -0/+1Well, since you asked, I work for Google. And *yes*, we do actually get quite a big chunk of traffic from iPhone users believe it or not. The release of the iPhone was actually quite a boost for our ad-revenue business.
    • n3tfury, on 06/01/2008, -0/+4um, you do NOT want apple out of business. the more competition the better.
    • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -1/+4That phone in that form wouldn't exist if not for Apple.
      • jakem1, on 06/01/2008, -2/+1Are you serious? Apple didn't invent touch screen phones.
        • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1Are you that ignorant to not even read that correcty? I said in that FORM. As in a totally smooth, single piece of glass or plastic front, and a single or very minimal buttons. Find me a phone just like that from pre-iPhone and you get a prize.
    • Burn, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3Thereby destroying the awesome competition they are driving in the industry...yeah that sounds like a brilliant idea.
    • buddhistMonkey, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2Sure, HILLARY4PREZ... you mean, just like how Hillary put Obama out of business?
  • DarkFoxDK, on 06/01/2008, -9/+19Apple didn't invent the freaking App "store"!

    Burried as lame!
    • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -7/+2I challenge you to find ONE application of an "app store" that's even similar.
      • rubblecovers, on 06/01/2008, -0/+10Installer
        • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -6/+1Explain the similarities.
        • seventoes, on 06/01/2008, -0/+5Browse apps, put them on your phone.

          Whats different?
          App store costs money.

          Explain what you think is wrong with all this.
        • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1I didn't say I thought anything was wrong, I'm not familiar with that and wanted clarification without looking into myself. Sorry for asking I guess, didn't know things were so high tension.
      • eleazar123, on 06/01/2008, -0/+6Handango InHand: http://www.handango.com/client/Home.jsp

        Handango InHand offers free and convenient access to mobile content directly from your smartphone. InHand simplifies the process of finding, installing and purchasing the content you want.
      • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -0/+6I don't know, ***** Steam? Apple fanboys are ridiculous sometimes.
        • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -1/+1I'm pretty sure you're the one who just had a conniption. Down boy!
      • Aitese, on 06/01/2008, -0/+5Well, right now, and for the last 18 months there is this funny little link on my Nokia N95 called "Download" I can browns apps that Nokia have put in there by themselves and third parties like Gameloft, Google and Microsoft, free and non free and the cost gets billed to my phone bill.

        What's my prize?
      • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1Ok the Nokia one is probably the most similar, and I didn't know it existed (and as closely as I follow technology that's kind of sad) but you still can't claim the entire process is as smoothed over as Apple's. From the incentive to create and level of ease on the behalf of the software engineers to the simplicity of downloading and installing on the users' side.
      • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1On a side note, some of you guys seriously need to settle down. I dunno if you're just getting off work and taking it out on Digg but holy hell man. I asked a question and I swear some of you read that like I just literally insulted your family's name. I can only imagine the ulcer forming in your stomach if you have that sort of anger management problem. I promise it's all gonna be ok..
  • JasonCox, on 06/01/2008, -12/+5Google, give me a real reason to use your software and I'll use it. Because it's based on Linux and it's open source are not reasons that are going to make me or any other user use it. I have reasons to want a Windows Mobile based phone (it's extensible, it's customizable and I can write apps for it in a programming language that alot of people know) or an iPhone (it's cool) but you have yet to sell me on a reason why I should trash my phone for an Android handset besides the "me-to" factor.
    • skyshock1, on 06/01/2008, -1/+13You're saying Android isn't going to have the same calibur of apps as WinMo because Java is a language nobody knows? That an open-source software system isn't going to be as customizable and/or extensible as a closed-source system?

      I need some of what YOU'RE smoking!
    • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -0/+5Are you serious? Java is one of the most popular languages these days, in large part because it runs on mostly anything, and even dumbphones run Java applets.
  • M2Mills, on 06/01/2008, -6/+0what more can apple do to the phone?!?!
  • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -6/+20Mark my words... The day Google allows totally open software development and doesn't require any certification is the day you'll have to install Norton System Works: 2010 Mobile Edition.
    • iofthestorm, on 06/01/2008, -0/+6Good thing Android only allows Java apps which will run in a VM so bugs won't crash the system, at least if they design it well. And you joke, but my aunt's symbian phone had an antivirus app on it, although I don't really know what for.
      • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1Oh I know they made a mobile version of some anti-virus apps, that's what makes the joke so funny. Don't you think that would kind of suck? Or would you trade the decrease in security and reliability for the increase in potentially available (because any Joe Programmer can make one) software? I can see an argument to both sides, but I'd personally rather have a more locked down phone that I KNEW worked all the time, no matter what. I can deal with the occasional bug in my computer but when I'm on the other side of the world with my phone that might sorta.. piss me off.
    • blackjack75, on 06/01/2008, -0/+1Java apps do run in a VM, but Android allows access to pretty much any functionality from java (unlike many java phones). But they require a digital signature to access the 'risky' parts.
  • tombonneau, on 06/01/2008, -2/+4Very impressive. The compass mode shown in the second YouTube clip is mighty slick. If they can nail the music app this should be neck-and-neck with the iPhone.
  • utahnkid, on 06/01/2008, -3/+6Yes! Someone out there gets it. Finally a mobile OS that doesn't just try to copy Apple's looks but lack usability. It appears they've made some genuine improvements and even some revolutionary changes.

    I'm a bit worried they might have a little bit too loose of a grip on it, and won't provide adequate structure and organization to it's development. I guess I'm the only dork that sees some benefit of rules in maximizing a product's potential, what with all the sketchy people out there just looking to take advantage.
  • abhim8, on 06/01/2008, -6/+8this might be the only phone on the market that can give apple a run for its money. but apple is known to suprise us now and then, so i might not be suprised that the new iphone will leave this phone in the dust too.
  • mizike, on 06/01/2008, -10/+2I'm confused; is that "device" an iPhone or not? If it's just new software for the iPhone I don't see what the big deal is...if it's a new device entirely why aren't people screaming RIP OFF as the hardware appears to be a blatant copy of the iPhone in every way...
    • weyr, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3Android is going to be an OS not a device, The article says Samsung and HTC are going to be making the devices that this software will be used on
    • Lemon, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3I swear people can't read. 1) That demo is running on HTC hardware. 2) HTC already have an ass-load of touch screen handsets out there the latest few of which have been getting ***** rave reviews. 3) Android doesn't have to run only on touch screen but is designed to run on any hardware/input configuration, so it would work just as well with a d-pad. 4) If you had read 2 articles of the thousands online about Android you would have known that already. 5) but at least you felt like weighing in anyway...
    • PhishTahko, on 06/01/2008, -1/+0The FAIL is strong with this one.
  • Goallie11, on 06/01/2008, -7/+8I don't really see what's special about this. Looks like the iPhone software, and nothing screams OMG BUY ME!
    • notwizt, on 06/01/2008, -0/+0The open platform feels like a pretty big thing. Also the built in compass is a feature that I don't think either the old nor the new iPhone has.
  • invectivelover, on 06/01/2008, -11/+10iPhone what?

    To me this is the idea behind the iPhone done correctly. With style.
  • duddy, on 06/01/2008, -2/+3My gadget lust is being satisfied this year.
  • jasmus, on 06/01/2008, -2/+5The Android OS looks great, and I think the competition will be good for the iPhone. It will be interesting to see how it comes to market, and what hardware companies and carriers will do with it. Also, the debate that's raged for many years (with Apple's systems as well) about Apple's choice to only use their OS on their hardware, vs. opening it up to multiple hardware vendors. iPhone is what it is, and you can't get a better, or worse one. Android though is going to come out on whatever said phone company decides to put it on. In an effort to keep costs down, this could mean flaky and under-powered handsets running Android. I hope not though.
    • Atomic1fire, on 06/01/2008, -0/+2Not if users want android to mean something
      But too many Similar phones running android would be boring
  • indiekiduk, on 06/01/2008, -10/+4without multitouch is just another boring smartphone OS
  • pbgswd, on 06/01/2008, -3/+2we wants the precious
  • drifter, on 06/01/2008, -1/+6It had some nice features thats for sure. The design, which can obviously be changed and customized, was a bit lacking.

    But remember this is the software...now you need the hardware. if the phone its self is ugly, hard to use, or just not appealing. it wont matter what kind of software it has.
  • vtor67, on 06/01/2008, -2/+1if sprint gets android phones (its a dream, but its possible) im gettin one.
  • mojojojo, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3The most obvious advertising application for the Android will be tied to the compass street view feature. Just move the phone around your physical location and see an augmented reality of overlaid offers and reviews.... if they don't do that (they will, mark my words), .... they will. there is no 'if'. It's far too easy a connection to make.

    And far too cool. I see the 3g VERSION OF THE IPHONE having this feature as well. Don't quote me on that, but a 'compass' in this sense wouldn't be much of a stretch beyond the GPS and accelerometer to be included in v2. The obvious relationship would be Google sponsored augmented reality ads tested on the iPhone and more widely deployed once Androids gains traction on other carriers.

    Yes? Just my 2 cents.
  • casabona, on 06/01/2008, -0/+3I didn't read all of the comments but did attend the conference and according to the Android team, they haven't done anything definitive about an 'app store' or repository for all apps but they want to do something to help developers distribute the app.

    @vtor67 Sprint is part of the Open Handset Alliance, the organization responsible for Android (it's not just Google), so chances are Sprint will have an Android enables phone.
  • dudefaceguyman, on 06/01/2008, -3/+4I'm getting a smartphone this fall for college/work and so I don't have to lug my laptop EVERYWHERE I go. Crossing my fingers for this since I'd love to not follow the iphone pack and get an andriod phone instead. As it's looking great so far!

    Nothing against apple. I guess I'm just happy to keep compitition in the market. You should thank me. I'm one of the people keeping AMD alive by using their CPU's in my gaming rig's, I have an Apple computer (macbook) as I love OSX to do my work/art stuff and I'm planning to install my first copy of Ubuntu through vmware soon. (my first linux experience!) I'm also getting a Zune for my birthday (woot! Zune pass is freagin epic!)

    I'm always rooting for the underdog. Even if it's a stretch to call something by Google an underdog. =P
  • PatrickBrown, on 06/01/2008, -0/+7Here is the full movie & from much better perspective: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk1HvP7NO5w

    Skip to around 23:50 mark for android stuff.
  • Billions, on 06/01/2008, -2/+3Looks cool, but I still have to see it a) running in person, and b) available for walk-out purchase in a store for me to get excited enough to act like I'll switch from my iPhone. I love the 'street view compass' thing, although at this very moment 'street view' doesn't have the type of coverage to make that compass feature useful in more than a few cities, and then if you think too hard about it, it may not be that useful even there. OF COURSE I would love that sort of feature, I'm no Spartan luddite, I prefer having a feature rather than not, but I can't really think of how it would be more useful than gps-empowered Google Maps itself, other than to see what used to be where you are on the day the 'street view' beetle drove past three years ago or so.

    Maybe what could be useful, however, are phone images geotagged and uploaded from devices like these to be used by 'street view' on devices not in the area, and being able to believe them because of gps confirmation. Then the community could begin to fill in areas not covered by Google's vehicles yet, with software like Microsoft's Photosynth fleshing out the 'street view' experience.

    Like I said, it's all awesome but it's not in our hands yet, so until then, I'm happy with my iPhone.
  • nebkiwi, on 06/01/2008, -1/+2why does the interface look like such a rip off of the iPhone, I support what google are doing with the open OS, but why not do something a little more original?
  • lolo2007, on 07/26/2008, -0/+0The Android OS looks great, and I think the competition will be good for the iPhone. It will be interesting to see how it comes to market, and what hardware companies and carriers will do with it. Also, the debate that's raged for many years (with Apple's systems as well) about Apple's choice to only use their OS on their hardware, vs. opening it up to multiple hardware vendors. iPhone is what it is, and you can't get a better, or worse one. Android though is going to come out on whatever said phone company decides to put it on. In an effort to keep costs down, this could mean flaky and under-powered handsets running Android. I hope not though.
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