Android and Me

Tough phone: Casio G’zOne Commando coming this April 28
Sony announces S1 and S2 Honeycomb tablets
Thunderbolt sales top iPhone 4 on Verizon: a look at why
Sprint’s Nexus S 4G available on May 8
HTC DROID Incredible 2 finally gets an official price and launch date
Samsung Droid Charge First Impressions
HTC DoubleShot heading to T-Mobile in early July?

Tough phone: Casio G’zOne Commando coming this April 28

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 02:53 PM PDT

Today, Verizon and Casio have officially announced that the Casio G’zOne Commando will be released this coming Thursday, April 28, along with the HTC Droid Incredible 2 and the Samsung Droid Charge (Busy day for Verizon!). Android smartphones can be quite expensive, and we all know how much it hurts when we drop our phones (because it eventually happens to everyone). If you have been looking for a rugged Android device that will be able to ride along with your intensive life, this might be the phone for you.

Key features:

Android™ 2.2
Meets Military Standards 810G for Immersion, Rain, Shock and Dust Resistant, Vibration, Salt Fog, Humidity, Solar Radiation, Altitude, Low and High Temperature Storage
5-megapixel camera with auto-focus, still photo, video capture, LED light
High-security encryption for corporate email
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity
Stereo Bluetooth™
VZ Navigator® for GPS and audible turn-by-turn directions
Mobile Hotspot capable-share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devicesCasio

Though it is definitely not the best phone available on Verizon, for $199.99 on a 2-year contract, the G’zOne Commando might be the best option for those that are harsh on their devices. If you happen to be an outdoors adventurer, this device also features what Casio calls G’zGEAR, which offers 8 modes to aid you in your active lifestyle.

G'zGear operates in eight modes

Earth Compass – Functions as a standard compass, the GPS shows the distance and direction to several domestic and international landmarks, including Yosemite National Park and Mt. Everest.
Walking Counter – Measures steps, distance and energy consumption, and total steps for the day, week or month. It also provides virtual treks for famous North American trails and roads including Mt. Kilimanjaro, Annapurna Circuit, Torres Del Paine Circuit, John Muir Trail and Transcontinental.
Adventure Training – Takes training to a new level by allowing users to run with virtual opponents, like world-record holders, wild animals, or their own best personal performance stored in the training history.
Trip Memory – Plots and records outdoor activities along with location information to share with friends and family on Twitter™ and Facebook®.
Tides – Showcases the tidal graph for the day; time of tide ebb and flow; and current, past and future sea tide levels. GPS displays the nearest location map.
Thermometer – Displays current temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit with numeric and graphic thermometer readings and compares the current temperature across multiple locations.
Sun / Moon – Checks the time of the next sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset, and tracks the moon phases for your current location.
Star Gazer – Utilizes GPS to display the stars and constellation names based on the current season and time. Casio

Don’t forget to check out the press release after the break, and also head over to the device’s official website if you would like to learn more about the Commando. So, what do you think? Do you like Casio’s new rugged Android smartphone? Will you be putting your money on it? Do you prefer one of the other phones being released this Thursday?

Show Press Release

Verizon Wireless And Casio Introduce The CASIO G'zOne Commando
First Ruggedized Android Smartphone for Verizon Wireless
BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Verizon Wireless and Casio today announced a new addition to the rugged wireless category and a new Android-powered smartphone in the marketplace, the CASIO G'zOne Commando™. Deployment ready, the Commando is a mobile office with high security features for secure corporate email; Wi-Fi for high-speed Web access; XT9 and T9 trace input for efficient typing; and snap-out menu for customized access to high-use applications.

Designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, the CASIO G'zOne Commando easily transitions from work to play with advanced G'zGEAR software. As the ultimate outdoor tool in a mobile device, G'zGEAR operates in eight modes to enhance the active, adventure-driven lifestyle. With the help of its Triple Sensor technology utilizing direction, acceleration and temperature, G'zGEAR enables adventurers to perform at their peak.

The Casio Commando is ideal for the business environment, especially for fields such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, utilities and healthcare. Workers in hazardous environments, such as construction sites, warehouses and factory floors, need a smartphone that has the capability to download blueprints, files and pictures; update project plans; access field force management, inventory access and corporate applications; and capture signatures.

Key features:

Android™ 2.2
Meets Military Standards 810G for Immersion, Rain, Shock and Dust Resistant, Vibration, Salt Fog, Humidity, Solar Radiation, Altitude, Low and High Temperature Storage
5-megapixel camera with auto-focus, still photo, video capture, LED light
High-security encryption for corporate email
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity
Stereo Bluetooth™
VZ Navigator® for GPS and audible turn-by-turn directions
Mobile Hotspot capable-share 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices

Lifestyle features:

G'zGear operates in eight modes
Earth Compass – Functions as a standard compass, the GPS shows the distance and direction to several domestic and international landmarks, including Yosemite National Park and Mt. Everest.
Walking Counter – Measures steps, distance and energy consumption, and total steps for the day, week or month. It also provides virtual treks for famous North American trails and roads including Mt. Kilimanjaro, Annapurna Circuit, Torres Del Paine Circuit, John Muir Trail and Transcontinental.
Adventure Training – Takes training to a new level by allowing users to run with virtual opponents, like world-record holders, wild animals, or their own best personal performance stored in the training history.
Trip Memory – Plots and records outdoor activities along with location information to share with friends and family on Twitter™ and Facebook®.
Tides – Showcases the tidal graph for the day; time of tide ebb and flow; and current, past and future sea tide levels. GPS displays the nearest location map.
Thermometer – Displays current temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit with numeric and graphic thermometer readings and compares the current temperature across multiple locations.
Sun / Moon – Checks the time of the next sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset, and tracks the moon phases for your current location.
Star Gazer – Utilizes GPS to display the stars and constellation names based on the current season and time.

Pricing and availability:

The CASIO G'zOne Commando will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com on April 28 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. CASIO G'zOne Commando customers will need to subscribe to a data plan. Unlimited data plans are available to customers starting at $29.99 monthly access.
Business customers who want to purchase the device can contact their Business Sales Representatives at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.
For more information on the CASIO G'zOne Commando or for other Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Customers can visit www.CasioGzOne.com to experience the CASIO G'zOne Commando.

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Sony announces S1 and S2 Honeycomb tablets

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 02:42 PM PDT

If you have been coming to Android and Me to read your Android news, you might recall Sony’s honeycomb tablet, the S1 (with that interesting folded-magazine-like shape). Sony has announced this Honeycomb device, calling it the "Sony Tablet," and it is actually not coming alone, there are two versions; the S1 and the S2.

The S1 is the result of the sketch we had seen before, and that interesting look is actually meant to be an "off-center of gravity design," meant to provide comfort while holding, as well as giving it a lighter feeling (The sketch of the tablet made it look a bit awkward, it seems like it just didn’t give it enough justice, since it actually does not look bad at all). Though not much information about the specs is given, it is known that this tablet will have Android 3.0 Honeycomb, a Tegra 2 processor, a 9.4-inch display, WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) connectivity, and both front and rear-facing cameras.

Sony’s second Honeycomb tablet , the Sony S2, is actually a device that looks much like the Kyocera Echo. The gadget is a dual-screen tablet that flips open, carrying two 5.5-inch screens. Unlike the Echo, Sony’s folding tablet actually has Android 3.0, which might make it more desirable (we know many of you don’t like the Kyocera Echo). Just like the S1, the S2 also has a Tegra 2 processor, WiFi and WAN connectivity, and front and rear-facing cameras.

These tablets are both PlayStation Certified, and will come with PlayStation Suite, which is a feature that gamers might find interest in. Sony has been putting major focus on connectivity and networking, and that is an area in which these devices will also excel, having the ability to connect to other Sony products through infrared, Qriocity, and DLNA.

Regardless of the negative impressions they might receive, Sony is taking a major risk with these new concepts, making their tablets stand out from the crowd. Though Sony did not give us enough information about the price and specs of the devices, we will keep our ears open for any leaks or announcements. In the meanwhile, check out Sony’s video and pictures after the break, and tell us your impressions on these tablets. Do you like the interesting form factors? Do you think the S2 will have the same reputation as the Kyocera Echo?

Gallery

Show Press Release

Sony Announces Optimally Designed “Sony Tablet” with Android 3.0 that Complements Network Services for an Immersive Entertainment Experience
-Also strengthening VAIO in expanding PC markets-

Sony Corporation (“Sony”), announces “Sony Tablet” that delivers the perfect combination of hardware, content and network with seamless usability for a high-quality, engaging entertainment experience. Based on decades of engineering heritage, Sony is developing two tablets with unprecedented design, including S1 (codename) which is optimized for rich media entertainment and S2 (codename) which is ideal for mobile communication and entertainment. “Sony Tablet” will become available in the global market starting in fall 2011.

“Sony Tablet” is equipped with the latest Android 3.0 which is designed for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. Both tablets are WiFi and WAN (3G/4G) compatible and users can not only browse the internet or check e-mail but they can also smoothly access digital content including videos, games and books through Sony’s premium network services and more, on-the-go at any time.

S1 has a 9.4-inch display for enjoying the web and rich content on a large screen. Its off-center of gravity design realizes stability and ease of grip as well as a sense of stability and lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.

S2 has two 5.5-inch displays that can be folded for easy portability. In contrast to existing tablets, its unprecedented dual screen presentation and usability allows its displays to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other.

“‘Sony Tablet’ delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. We’re aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including ‘Sony Tablet’ with content and network,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive, SVP, and Deputy President of Consumer Products & Services Group.

“Android 3.0 is a new version of the Android platform with a new holographic user interface that is designed from the ground up for devices with larger screen sizes, particularly tablets. I’m excited about “Sony Tablet” as it will further spur the development of applications and network offerings which users are looking for.” said Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President, Mobile, Google Inc.

Also, in the mobile computing category, the market for PCs which realize high productivity is expected to steadily grow, particularly in emerging markets. Therefore, Sony will also remain committed to strengthening its VAIO brand and introduce increasingly compelling products which offer new value propositions to the market.

“Sony Tablet” features.
Designed for portability and intuitive gripping
With its off-center of gravity form factor, the 9.4-inch S1 offers stability and a sense of lightness, offering comfortable use for hours.
The dual screen S2 comes with two 5.5-inch displays which can be used together as one large screen to browse websites and more. They can also be used for different functions as users can watch a video on one screen and input commands on the other, or check email on one screen and use the other as a soft keyboard.

Seamless Usability and Performance
Through Sony’s knowhow for combining hardware and software, “Sony Tablet” realizes optimal usability and performance. Because of Sony’s rapid response technologies, users can perform smooth, quick touch-screen operations and enjoy fast and efficient website loading. The keyboard arrangement is also optimized for the large screen, making email and SNS communication a breeze.

Rich entertainment experiences through various network services
Through Qriocity1 music and video services, users can enjoy rich video and music content. Also, through PlayStation®Suite, users can immerse themselves in high quality first generation PlayStation® titles. Additionally, users can easily download ebook content from Reader™Store2 and use both tablets as digital reading devices. The integration with various services allows users to take their entertainment experiences on-the-go. Furthermore, “Sony Tablet” is equipped with functionality that organizes content for easy access.

Remote access functionality with AV devices
Through “Sony Tablet”, users can control home entertainment devices as well as enjoy content in new ways. S1 uses infrared technology and works as universal remote controls for a variety of AV devices starting with . Users can perform functions like turning on their TVs, changing the channel and adjusting the volume. Also, through DLNA functionality on “Sony Tablet”, users can “throw” personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.

In 2010, Sony launched a network platform called “Qriocity” which connects many of Sony’s network-enabled devices, and has been expanding its services into global markets. Also, Sony Computer Entertainment has been providing various contents and services for PlayStation users through PlayStation®Network, which now has over 75 million registered accounts (as of March 20, 2011) worldwide.

Simultaneously, Sony will continue to announce various devices which leverage these services. Starting in early 2011, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the next-generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP) while Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications brought “Xperia™PLAY” to the market. Sony is introducing “Sony Tablet” to deliver an entertainment experience which integrates hardware with network services that deliver rich content.

With the establishment of Consumer Products and Services Group in April 2011, Sony will focus on accelerating the development of innovative next generation products and aim to deliver a new lifestyle by strengthening the integration of hardware and network services.

1 In markets where service is available
2 In markets where service is available

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Thunderbolt sales top iPhone 4 on Verizon: a look at why

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 10:41 AM PDT

Yes, I am aware that the information that is responsible for me once again putting my fingers to the keyboard is little more than anecdotal evidence. Apparently, this analyst called a whole bunch of Verizon stores and asked which phone sold best. The phrase “Why, the Thunderbolt is outselling everything we’ve got!” or some variance thereof was uttered enough times that this analyst published the information, sharing that the Thunderbolt was out-pacing the iPhone 4 in terms of day-to-day sales. Before you scuttle down to the comments to argue, call me names, or do some other form of oxygen wasting activity, understand that I am addressing the possibility that those figures might be accurate, and why.

See, the Thunderbolt is a good phone. Coupled with LTE, it’s capable of doing really amazing things. It does, as our own Anthony Domanico so graciously put it, have pretty awful battery life. There’ve been other complaints specked across the reputation of Big Red’s first LTE phone, but the general consensus is that the phone is good. So, good enough to outsell what was supposed to be such a gamechanger? Here’s why I think it happened.

LTE

Plain and simple, it’s a smartphone on a network that outpaces most DSL and cable internet providers. Verizon’s 700MHz spectrum powered LTE network is the perfect combination of blazing speed and building penetration, and the network is growing to include more and more cities all the time. Anyone who is in an LTE area and is due for a smartphone upgrade is not likely to walk out of the store without a Thunderbolt, but I wonder if that’s because of Verizon’s…

Sales Reps

Word on the street is that Verizon doesn’t pay real well for the iPhone. Rumors of payouts as low as $5 per activation for customers trying to buy an iPhone would certainly deter any sales rep from offering it up, especially when an activation for an HTC Thunderbolt would get you $50-60 an activation. Is the low payout a result of all the rear-kissing that was necessary to get the phone on their network in the first place? No one knows for sure, but it’s pretty easy to see why a sales rep, even one whose not an Android fan, would push customers away from the iPhone.

SenseUI + Android 2.2 = obvious choice

There’s no denying that HTC’s consistent development of the SenseUI has lead to a really impressive user experience. If you disagree, that’s the great thing about Android, you can change it! For the “average consumer” however, SenseUI offers up an experience that no other manufacturer or developer has really been able to match. Walking into a store and seeing a phone that tells you the weather just by animating it across the screen has generated more “Wow!”‘s than any phone I’ve seen in recent memory. Plus, Android really has matured to allow the average user to be able to navigate and explore with ease, and the Flash browser doesn’t hurt either.

In many ways, this situation illustrates the very thing we’ve seen time after time with ComScore reports and Google Earning statements; Android is making huge advances, and drowning everyone else out in the process. It’s just nice to be able to see little victories like this one pop up for the little green guy, so savor it!

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Sprint’s Nexus S 4G available on May 8

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 10:24 AM PDT

We have been hearing about Sprint’s version of the Google phone, The Nexus S 4G, for quite a while now, and it has even been available for pre-order, but no solid release date has been confirmed until today. Sprint customers that want the Nexus S 4G will be happy to find out that it will be officially available on May 8th, with a price tag of $199.99 on a two-year contract.

The device is pretty much the same as the Nexus S we have been loving since December, with the exception of CDMA and WiMAX (4G). Sprint’s Nexus S does cost $100 more than the T-Mobile version, on contract, but if you really want those 4G speeds, or prefer Sprint, you will be able to have the pure Google experience in America’s first 4G network.

Having the latest Android version is always a plus, and even one of the main reasons why many prefer the Nexus devices. Google’s phone seems to be going everywhere, with its presence on T-Mobile, Sprint, and maybe even AT&T (White Nexus S with AT&T’s radio frequencies). GSM phones making the jump to CDMA networks is not something we see often though, so this is definitely an exciting event. With the official release date announced, are you thinking of purchasing Sprint’s Nexus S 4G? Do you like the idea of the 4G speeds? Is the price too high compared to T-Mobile’s? Let us know what you think, and don’t forget to check out the press release after the break.

Show Press Release

Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung with Android 2.3 for a Pure Google Experience Available to Sprint Customers in the U.S. on May 8 for $199.99

The highly anticipated Nexus S™ 4G1 from Google™ goes on sale in all Sprint channels, including www.sprint.com, on Sunday, May 8, for $199.99 (plus tax) with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement. Extending the company's 4G device leadership yet again, it is the fourth 4G phone available and 20th 4G device announced from Sprint.

Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, Nexus S 4G is the only Nexus S phone with 4G and provides a pure Google experience with Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones. With its pure Google experience, Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps, and in many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available.

Critics praise Nexus S 4G:

“Whether you're an Android fanboy (or girl) or not, it's tough to avoid drooling over the Nexus S 4G. The device has similar specs to its T-Mobile counterpart – the Nexus S – but it will take advantage of Sprint's super fast 4G data network.” – MSNBC Technology

“It's probably our pick of Android phones now on Sprint – the Evo is nearly a year old, and the major advantage of the Nexus S is that it'll be on the bleeding edge of Android updates.” – Gizmodo

“So, what makes the (Nexus S) 4G different? WiMAX 4G. – IntoMobile
It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience.

Designed with Samsung's brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology, Nexus S 4G's 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user's hand or along the side of the face. Its higher color contrast means colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won't wash them out.
Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera. In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right.

Additional key features include:

3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)
Wi-Fi® – 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
Integrated GPS
1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery

Nexus S 4G from Google will be available from Sprint for $199.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade and two-year service agreement (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com), Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) and Best Buy.

Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint's Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint's Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon's comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon's Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

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HTC DROID Incredible 2 finally gets an official price and launch date

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 08:12 AM PDT

We've known about Verizon's plans to launch the HTC DROID Incredible 2 since before the Incredible S was unveiled at Mobile World Congress in February. The only bits of information missing were the launch date and official price for the HTC DROID Incredible 2.

This morning, Verizon and HTC have made it official; the HTC DROID Incredible will launch on Verizon's network for $199.99 with a new two year contract on April 28^th. For all intensive purposed, the HTC DROID Incredible 2 is identical to the GSM HTC Incredible S with the exception of the phones dual CDMA and GSM radio chip which will allow it to operate on Verizon's network in addition to GSM networks in over 200 countries.

The spec highlights for the HTC DROID Incredible 2 include a second generation 1 GHz Qualcomm processor, an 800 x 480 pixel 4-inch capacitive display, 8 megapixel camera with dual-LED flash capable of 720p video recording, front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera for video calling, 768MB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, and a 1450 mAh battery.

Word on the streets is that the HTC DROID Incredible S in Europe is being updated to Android 2.3 as we speak. We're hoping Verizon's engineers can power through their software testing phase pretty quickly and get the Gingerbread update rolled out within the next month or two.

Any Verizon customers willing to trade in the DROID Eris for something a much better? If you happen to pick up the DROID Incredible 2 later this week, be sure to let us know what you think of it.

Gallery

Show Press Release

DROID Incredible 2 by HTC Available Beginning April 28

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and HTC today announced that DROID Incredible 2 by HTC, exclusively from Verizon Wireless, will be available beginning April 28 in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online at www.verizonwireless.com for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement.

DROID Incredible 2 by HTC follows in the footsteps of the popular DROID Incredible by HTC and features the Android™ 2.2 platform, a crisp 4-inch super LCD display, next-generation 1 GHz Qualcomm^®Snapdragon^® processor and 3G Mobile Hotspot that can connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Equipped with the hallmark HTC Sense™ experience, DROID Incredible 2 by HTC offers advanced personalization options, consolidated email capability and unique camera effects and filters. With its sleek, all-black design, DROID Incredible 2 by HTC combines functionality and speed into one stylish package. DROID Incredible 2 by HTC is a global-ready Android smartphone, allowing customers to enjoy wireless voice and data service in more than 200 countries, with more than 125 with 3G speeds.

Additional features include:

8.0-megapixel main camera with dual LED flash
1.3-megapixel front facing camera
720p HD video capture plus DLNA^® to share multimedia content with a compatible TV
Adobe^® Flash^® Player
SRS WOWHD™ surround sound
Automatic face detection for more accurate pictures
Integrated noise-cancellation technology

Verizon Wireless customers that purchase DROID Incredible 2 by HTC will need to subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Nationwide Talk plan and a smartphone data package. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access and an unlimited smartphone data plan is $29.99 for monthly access. Verizon Wireless customers traveling outside of the United States should contact Verizon Wireless' global customer support team at 1-800-922-0204 before embarking on their trip to ensure their phones have the right features for global usage.

For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Media can access high-resolution images of the DROID Incredible 2 by HTC in the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library atwww.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.)

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Samsung Droid Charge First Impressions

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 05:00 AM PDT

Verizon and Samsung have teamed up to release the Samsung Droid Charge, which will hit retail stores on Thursday, April 28th for $300. You may remember the Droid Charge from our coverage of CES, including Nick Gray’s hands-on of the early build. Then dubbed the unnamed Samsung 4G LTE Smartphone, the Droid Charge was one of a series of three phones Verizon is using to unleash its stupid-fast 4G LTE network. The Droid Charge marks the second of the three LTE phones to be released, with the Thunderbolt being released earlier this month. There have been many concerns regarding battery life on 4G devices, so the biggest question remains whether or not the Droid Charge will be plagued by the same issues that seriously plague the Thunderbolt.

Hardware

The Droid Charge is packing a gorgeous 4.3″ Super AMOLED Plus display which makes the device easy to look at (and pleasing on the eyes), even in broad daylight. The Droid Charge is touting an 8 megapixel camera with a single LED flash on the back of the device, and a 1.3 megapixel front facing camera for video conferencing or self-portraits. The Charge is touting a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, and performs on par with the Thunderbolt and current line of pre-dual-core devices.

The volume rocker and microUSB charging port can be found along the left side of the device, while the right side of the device has the power button and HDMI out port. The 3.5 millimeter headset jack is found up top.

Samsung elected to go with the hard keys for menu, home, search, and back on the front of the display. Hard keys vs. capacitive buttons is really a matter of preference; some of you will be happy Samsung decided to go with keys you know when you’ve actually pressed down, while others have grown quite fond of the capacitive buttons found on many of the newer devices. Personally, the Nexus One is still my daily driver, and I have found in my limited time with the Droid Charge that the physical buttons are nice to have and don’t take too much screen space.

One of the most pleasant surprises with the Droid Charge can be found under the hood. Samsung has elected to preload the device with a whopping 32gb micro SD card, a nice gesture on behalf of Samsung, though one that’s desperately needed as the Droid Charge only features 2gbs of internal storage.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that the Droid Charge feels to be of the same plasticy-build quality that was often a criticism of the first line of Galaxy S phones. In order get an outsider’s opinion, I asked my wife to hold my Nexus One and then the Droid Charge, and she said that though the Droid Charge felt a bit heavier than the Nexus One, the build quality of the Droid Charge was far inferior. I couldn’t agree more, the Droid Charge simply feels cheaply made; like I’m going to break it through my everyday use.

Software

The Droid Charge is running Android 2.2.1 Froyo, with Samsung’s infamous Touchwiz UI. Touchwiz is a custom skin which overlays the Traditional Android UI, and is the manufacturer’s way of delivering Android in a way that gives them a competitive advantage over their competitors.

Now, I must admit that when it comes to Android, I am strongly biased toward stock “Vanilla” Android, the base flavor of Android that comes straight from Google. When it comes to custom UIs, I’d personally rank Touchwiz just slightly above MOTOBLUR, which I hate, and well below HTC’s Sense, which is “okay.”

Touchwiz UI just feels a bit too iPhone-y for my taste, a point which Apple may agree with considering they recently filed a lawsuit against Samsung for similar reasons. Touchwiz’s one redeeming factor for me is the lockscreen, which presents itself as a jigsaw puzzle that has one free piece you must drag to the hole to unlock your phone. But that’s not what I like about it, where this lockscreen concept is really useful is when you have an unread text message or missed call. The lockscreen will provide a puzzle piece for your texts or callss (or both) in addition to the standard unlock piece, and you can drag that particular puzzle piece to launch directly to your messaging or phone applications.

The lockscreen is right about where I lose interest with Touchwiz, as the rest of the UI feels a bit like overkill, such as the keyboard automatically inserting words as you’re typing, which is really frustrating if many of the words you use aren’t recognized as the first most likely one.

Software can make or break a device, and though the fact that the Droid Charge has Touchwiz isn’t enough to get me to steer you clear of the device, it certainly doesn’t make me want to rush out and tell you to drop what you’re doing right now and head over to Verizon to pick one up. It’s okay, but not good/great, and I look forward to the day when most Android phones are launched with stock Android.

Battery Life

I’ve only had the device for a few hours at this point, so it’s a bit too early to tell how well the battery is going to perform. I’ll have the device for a few more days, and will post my experience with battery life at the end of my time with the Droid Charge. Look for a post by Friday.

That being said, I’ve been using the device off and on for 2 hours now, and the battery is already down to about 70%. I’m hoping this is more the exception than the rule, but that amount of battery use would put the Droid Charge just about on par with the Thunderbolt, signaling some rough times ahead for battery life on Verizon’s data hungry networks.

Final Thoughts

The Droid Charge will be available from Verizon Wireless on Thursday, April 28th, for the whopping 2-year contract price of $299.99. With that hefty pricetag and lack of a real differentiating factor other than the gorgeous Super AMOLED Plus screen, I’d be hard-pressed to recommend this device over the $50 cheaper HTC Thunderbolt if you’re in the market for a 4G-LTE device. Or just hold out for the dual-core Droid Bionic, set to drop in a month or two.

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HTC DoubleShot heading to T-Mobile in early July?

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 09:04 PM PDT

The HTC Espresso (T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide) may not have been the most exciting Android handset of 2010, but we have a feeling that T-Mobile’s follow-up to last years QWERTY slider will do a much better job of pleasing the crowds. A leaked user agent profile for the HTC DoubleShot gives us a little insight into what HTC and T-Mobile have in the works. The handset is powered by a 1.2 GHz processor with a 800 x 480 resolution display, 6+ megapixel camera with HDR functionality, and slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Rumor has it that the HTC DoubleShot (myTouch 4G Slide?) will land on T-Mobile’s network in early July. This means we should start seeing more details and hopefully a few pictures of the handset within the next few weeks. The DoubleShot will certainly be double the phone the original Espresso was; lets just hope the price doesn’t get multiplied by the same factor in the process.