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DigitalSchismSep 9, 2010
Just three words: root your phone.
badqatSep 9, 2010
Three more words if you're on AT&T: Enable side loading.
vicsvengeSep 9, 2010
If we're gonna play that game then jailbreaks count as part of the iPhone platform as well. And all of a sudden every single competitive advantage Android has had for the last 2 years is completely gone.
gizram84Sep 9, 2010
Completely false.
Try to do any of these things with a jailbroken iPhone:
Install a new OS
Overclock your processor
Tether the WiFi without paying anything more
Relocate your (browser/maps/market) cache to an SDcard
Remove system files for a faster user experience
Get official upgrades early
Custom Bootloaders
The list goes on and on. A jailbroken iPhone is like a stock Android device. A rooted Android Device is a limitless laptop/phone hybrid in your pocket.
kiantechSep 10, 2010
jailbreaking
you can install android on a iphone
you can overclock the processor (the 3g at least)
you can tether with mywi
dont need an SD card because it has at least 16GB built in
Official upgrades early....ummm all iphone owners get the update the same time...without a jailbreak..sorry
you can install a custom bootloader if you feel like it
the list goes on an on. A android user is like an an apple fanboy and an android fanboy is a limitless douche that spends all day talking about how much better his phone is.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
foomojiveSep 9, 2010
IF you have a phone that someone has created a working upgraded ROM for. My CLIQ XT can be rooted but no custom ROMs exist yet. So it's almost pointless.
gizram84Sep 9, 2010
Installing a new rom is only 1 benefit of rooting your Android device. There are still lots of great apps that can take advantage of the superuser privileges.
foomojiveSep 10, 2010
True but it's a complicated and dangerous process and it may mean I can't get the OTA update when this piece of crap phone finally gets upgraded to 2.1. Not worth the risk to overclock it and remove default crapware.
gizram84Sep 10, 2010
I wouldn't call it complicated or dangerous. There's an app in the marketplace called easyroot. That's it.
Unlike Apple, Google doesn't ban any apps.
daveericksonSep 9, 2010
You think att doesn't have any push as to what apple allows on the iphone? I am not a fan of apple in the slightest. Their closed ecosystem doesn't appeal to me at all, but I understand some people do like what they have. The bottom line is with the iphone you are battling apple AND the carrier as to what is available, with Android you just have the carrier to worry about. Plus with Android you have a developer community that allow you do do things, such as tethering, without paying an extra penny regardless of whether the carrier wants you to or not.
Just root your phone, it is pretty easy and relatively safe...and legal! You are a big boy, you can do it. There are plenty of people who will help too.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
HotHardwareSep 9, 2010
Dugg for the awesomeness that is in the story photo. He was/is the greatest!
vvaid117Sep 9, 2010
Ii..is..is it safe to come out yet? Finally, did all of our sheeple members move to reddit? Is digg finally a tech community again! :)?
fuzzynyankoSep 9, 2010
It's starting to get worse
linuxpersonSep 9, 2010
more spam from the masters.
c_calienteSep 9, 2010
Hey Kevin, next time listen to your users. Not to Leo Laporte
fishbishopSep 9, 2010
I really disagree with this article's main premise that Android phones aren't open because of the preinstalled apps. At least on an Android device, as compared to an iPhone, you can download an alternate app AND set it as the default.
For example, i hated the calendar app that came on my phone. I bought and downloaded a different one, set it as default, and have not once opened up the stock calendar app since. How is that not open? I use Dolphin browser set as the default. Try that on an iPhone.
commodusSep 9, 2010
Actually, in some cases you can't.
Verizon is deliberately hiding the Google Search app in the Android Market. So not only is Bing the default, you can't even get an app unless you can find a way to sideload it. And installing a ROM is okay for an alpha geek, but you can't ask an average Jane or Joe to do that.
the4thaggieSep 9, 2010
Who is this assclown? Its openness comes from my rooting and tinkering. In all fairness, some of what he says is right, but he is only looking skin deep. I've had quite a bit of fun tinkering with my Samsung Captivate. Yeah, Touchwiz is a resource whore, but I can replace that (Launcher Pro for me).
If all you look at is what the MFG puts out, you are judging Android based on the wrong viewpoint. The evil ones are the phone MFGs and carriers, and thankfully the Android community has helped out. I'm glad to have my Android over the iPhone. Had Apple made the iPhone with a nice big screen (4" like captivate or 4.3" like Droid X), I would have bought it instead as this is my first Android.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
the4thaggieSep 9, 2010
"And before all of you pros storm the comments with how great it is to root your Android phones, consider the average consumers here. They are the ones being screwed by this exploitation of “open.” Anyone with the desire to do so can fairly easily hack an iPhone too. Open is not a reason to choose Android + carrier vs. iPhone + AT&T.
Lol. It's not easy and you actually have to tinker with your phone to get it to exceed mfg expectations. OH NO NOT THAT!!!
These flaming Apple fanbois are getting on my nerves.
In short, this blog post is less than professional, and I can't believe TC lets him write for them.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
vicsvengeSep 9, 2010
soooo again... you have to look at a jailbroken iPhone compared to a rooted Android and all of a sudden they're almost exactly the same feature-wise.
This debate is for OEM Android vs OEM iOS.
thejokkerSep 9, 2010
Speaking of Android 2.2, you know it’s out there right? You’ll be forgiven if you don’t because a whopping 4.5 percent of you Android users are currently running it, according to Google’s dashboard. And again, that’s not Google’s fault, that’s all the carriers. Incredibly, over 35 percent of you still aren’t even running any version of Android 2.x. It’s pathetic.
Apple gets crap for not supporting phones that are three years old with OS updates — the open Android system can’t even upgrade phones that are only a few months old in some cases — again, all thanks to the carriers.
thejokkerSep 9, 2010
oh and I'm not trying to troll with this. I'm getting ready to drop ATT and my iphone because of a few features I like more on Android, but it's a shame I need to try and guess which handsets will support an upgrade when a new version of Android comes out.
elcadSep 9, 2010
Can't you just run Android on your iPhone?
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
"... but it's a shame I need to try and guess which handsets will support an upgrade when a new version of Android comes out."
Why should manufacturers or carriers support an upgrade? Where's the incentive? Does it put more money in their pocket? Users buying new hardware is more preferable from their perspective.
drekorSep 9, 2010
No, users signing up for a new contract is more profitable. The new hardware is just the carrot they use to coax customers into signing.
Closed AccountSep 9, 2010
Though I agree with the sentiment of rooting (I've done it myself), it's still pretty underhanded of the carriers to charge you for features that are inherent to the phone.
Remember when Verizon use to charge you to use Bluetooth? Exactly. Vote with your dollar, or just root. :) And say hi to the guys at XDA Developers when you decide to finally do it!
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
From the article:
"Maybe if Google had their way, the system would be truly open. But they don’t."
You’ll forgive me, but I have to say it: what a load of crap.
Google is not in the phone business because they want to help the poor pitiful user. They are in the phone business for only two reasons; 1) to collect personal data and 2) to deliver advertisements. Android is being offered as an enticement to carriers and manufacturers to look the other way as they do it.
What the user wants/needs falls somewhere below all of the above.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
slash23Sep 9, 2010
It's all about carriers and service. If iPhone were on verizon I'd be willing to bet that the iPhone would outsell Android phones combined on Verizon.
It's a good article - made some strong points - but I don't think it paints a complete picture of the situation.
I think if the poll stated "More Open Than Rival Phones" rather than "Openness" you wouldn't be able to argue against it. Not much Android can do when carriers are controlling things for the most part. Sure you have a Farrari that can do 200mph, but it doesn't do you any good when you're sitting in traffic.
Although at least I'd be able to wave to the fine hunnies in the car next to me. "how you doin!?"
erisSep 9, 2010
And If iPhone were on Verizon you would get to enjoy both Apple and Verizon's restrictions.
brainflakesSep 9, 2010
The problem is that 90% of consumers don't really give a s**t, if they did the Nexus 1 would have sold a lot better.
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
The real problem is that Google don't give a s**t about hardware or the end user. If they did the Nexus 1 would have been supported a lot better.Comment is buried, click here to see the rest.
elcadSep 9, 2010
Nexus 1 would have sold better is people who wanted a Droid didn't already have one. Also the lack of payment plan like most phone have keep away the rest.
ieatskunkSep 9, 2010
Great article! Windows Mobile may not have been fancy, but at least you had control of the OS.
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
MS may still have a chance in this market ... if they can stay the course with WinMo 7 long enough for people to realize that the "open" alternatives that are really anything but.
erisSep 9, 2010
Sure, the level of openness depends on the carrier, but I can choose my carrier. That said, I love that my Android phone can do the little things like run a C64 emulator with a basic interpreter or install an application from a 3rd party.
I wouldn't say most Android phones are open in any true sense of the word, but even Verizon's offerings are more open than the iPhone.
elmoserbeSep 9, 2010
i cant agree more. i have a T-Mobile Pulse right now, running a custom ROM, because the official T-Mob 2.1 update is loaded with a bunch of crap apps like 30-day trial navigation software, exchange-software ill never use and an ugly homescreen, which i cant delete. the homebrew rom runs more fluid, but is still very unstable (which might be possible to get fixed, if tmob would release the sourcecode, as they are obligated to do).
its a pain in the ass and im thinking about selling the phone and buying one with iOS (hello iPhone).
buried in 3 ,2 ,1...
mrnaturalSep 9, 2010
Another example of the industry redefining words that we once thought we knew the meaning of.
New definitions for Open: 1. Spread your cheeks for the carrier 2. What you do with your wallet when your phone bill is due
At least we still have Google Voice (when it works).
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
"At least we still have Google Voice (when it works)."
As long as you don't mind Google making a text transcript of all your phone calls.
sliver85Sep 9, 2010
Well... You could, you know, uncheck the "Transcribe Voicemails" option in Google Voice settings if that bothered you.
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
Unchecking may mean that you won't see the transcription ... but that doesn't mean that the transcription isn't still being done.
The terms of service allows them to transcribe or do pretty much whatever they want with the data that you willingly place on their servers.
mrnaturalSep 9, 2010
A long time ago I decided that I would not speak of anything over the phone I wouldn't anyone to hear. That has always worked well for me because you never know who's listening...
jqp123Sep 9, 2010
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704901104575423294099527212.html
"Let's say you're walking down the street. Because of the info Google has collected about you, we know roughly who you are, roughly what you care about, roughly who your friends are. Google also knows, to within a foot, where you are."
If you use Google Voice, you can count on the fact that Google is listening.
channon65Sep 9, 2010
I had to log in one last time to hate on this guy's stupid articles. How is this front page material? The last one was talking about how the iPhone is the best. Unless you have the iPhone 4 most droid handsets have better hardware than the iPhone. And a lot of the current high end ones are still equal to/better than the iPhone 4.
The only component besides the hardware is the software, and open source is better than being a slave to Apple's will. Sure they are preloaded with garbage apps you can't get rid of, thats why you install what you want and use that instead. The ONLY advantage to using and iPhone is battery life.
And carriers are holding back 2.2 until they can restrict it like the current 2.1 versions, but if you root your phone you will always have the best open source software from the devs.
channon65Sep 9, 2010
Leave a comment...
dfarqSep 9, 2010
I can see a cottage industry springing up, unlocking Android phones and uninstalling the crapware to make them better. The idea of unlocking a phone isn't limited just to techies--I occasionally hear radio DJs and local news anchors talking about unlocking smartphones and posting links. A search of my local craigslist turns up people willing to install modchips in gaming consoles. Since there's less question about the legality of unlocking phones, I would anticipate this to be even more widespread.
And once you unlock an Android device, arguably you have something better than an unlocked iPhone. At the very least you have a broader range of hardware and carriers and a much lighter hand over the official app store.
arcticrobotSep 9, 2010
Me go MeeGo, thank you.
azathothhSep 9, 2010
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lucid00Sep 9, 2010
Go on to the page, scroll down, read the comment at the top of the list.
socialemonSep 9, 2010
MG, I believe makes very good points about the carriers. As expected, anytime anybody says anything about Android it turns into an Apple vs. Google showdown. In MG's defense (a) you should learn to step out of the "developer" box and look at things from a user perspective. Developer, YOU ARE NOT THE USER. (b) fair enough, I understand you need a technical shouting game. Here it is http://www.visionmobile.com/blog/2010/04/is-and...
Keep it up MG!
denshvalauntSep 9, 2010
I'm glad that (as a Nexus One user) the negative aspects outlined in this article do not apply to me. Carrier independent is really the way to go.
Is it really accurate that only 4.5% of Android devices are running 2.2? Every Nexus One, Moto Droid, and EVO 4g should be on Froyo now; do they only make up 4.5% of community?
thirtytwoutsideSep 9, 2010
This just in: people will never cease bitching about one thing or another.
"The iPhone sucks. Android all the way (even though I know next to nothing about it - or the iPhone, for that matter, but am too big of an internet ass complainer to admit it)!"
"Well, I guess now that I'm actually using an Android, iPhones don't seem that bad."
larsoncSep 10, 2010
This account has been closed by the user
draxusdSep 10, 2010
MG clearly has no idea what "open" means. He really doesn't belong on techcrunch.
cruzdreSep 10, 2010
Does any body else think that this author is extremely bias? Plus he hasn't even taken the rest of the world (outside the US) into consideration where both iPhone & Android are subsidised by various carriers, and yet Android's sales are booming.
phebuswinkSep 10, 2010
I think about every argument he has about how it isn't "open" is based on some perversion of android created by a carrier. So its not android hes complaining about really... its the service providers, and I'm pretty sure anyone reading this article already knows that they aren't intending to be open in any way.
GetYourGadgetsSep 13, 2010
You know, you guys are right in the sense that while Android can be awesome the carriers are truley limiting it for its consumers. I read this article at http://getyourgadgetsgoing.com/2010/09/12/why-people-truly-want-android/ and it explained how although carriers were killing Android people want Android simply because it provides the most choice and options.
Is that such a bad thing?
jhotnewsSep 14, 2010
Great :D
ethan282Sep 17, 2010
Nice post
allupakuSep 19, 2010
Yes true indeed! Android is going to be a diaspora
allupakuSep 19, 2010
Yes true indeed! Android is going to be a diaspora
tikierhostingSep 19, 2010
ROOT your phone and that`s it :)
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