Afterthoughts of Motorola’s unveiling event

Posted By Ray Nicolini

Via OMGdroid

Alright so the press conference on Wednesday is over and now that I’ve time to calm down from my excitement and get some other work done, I would like to express my thoughts on the whole event and the direction that Motorola seems to be going in. as you probably know by now, and if you don’t you should read our site more  , Motorola had a press conference last week unveiling what is to be known as “The new RAZR Family.”

Yep, the phone that has been out for only 9 months is already being replaced. After birth, Verizon went back in bed with Motorola and out comes the RAZR M, HD, and MAXX HD. Three phones, for no reason.

Now my first complaint about this is an obvious one, who the fuck needs/wants the RAZR HD if there is a RAZR MAXX HD. They are the exact same phone software wise, yet the MAXX HD will have a bigger batter and larger internal storage. When reading that, who says “Nah, I want my phone to not last so long and not allow me to put so much on it.”? People, including myself, were mad when Moto did this shit in January — releasing the RAZR MAXX just 2 months after the original RAZR was released, dropping the price on the original. Motorola should cancel the HD and solely build the MAXX HD, rename it and offer it for the average of what the MAXX HD and regular HD will retail for. They wouldn’t believe how many sales they would get this way. I’m sure if the RAZR was never released and only the RAZR MAXX (under the name RAZR), for 250$ their sales would’ve skyrocketed.

Second, I’m glad the RAZR M is releasing this upcoming week, but what about the HDs? “Before the holidays” What the hell does that mean? Which should I be looking towards for judgement? Christmas? Thanksgiving? Halloween? Also how much are you going to rape my wallet? Should I just go get 350$ ready now? Don’t show me a product without telling me real information. Atleast Apple gets that right.

Also, what’s with Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.x)? If Samsung can create a phone that’ll have Jellybean (Android 4.1) out the gate, then why can’t you? Especially when you have an undetermined amount of time to release it. Good job on saying that the HDs will be updated this year, but having a phone running JB at release will definitely give you an edge these days. That was one of the reasons the Galaxy Nexus slapped the RAZR in the face last year.

Lastly, umm so what’s on your phone? Good it comes with chrome and ICS, but what else does it have? What features should draw me to your phone rather than something else. Samsung throws features on their phones like it’s no one’s business. HTC tries to make their UI the prettiest, add DSLR cameras and make my ears bleed with Beats. Sony even let’s me bring my gaming system to my phone. And you, …..? Tell me what I’m getting into with these devices.

I did this out of love Motorola, I love you guys. your phones, your tablets, everything. The RAZR M is a great device with great specs and price. Thanks for offering 100$ for my outdated Motorola phones I have. Also, thanks for updating the new one “quickly”. These are just some points that really stressed me out. Don’t get me started on Amazon.

You’re still in my heart Moto. XD

Review: Motorola Droid Pro

By Ray Nicolini

Via www.TheBlackBerryZone.com

When I heard about the Droid Pro with its keyboard combo with touch screen, I knew immediately that I wanted to play with this device. Therefore, after talking to Verizon, they sent me a demo to play with and by far, it is one of my favorite devices out. After saying that though, a few things did stand out on the device that I had problems with. Hit the break for the full review.

Most of you know I am a major BlackBerry advocator, so moving to an Android 1 GHz phone for two weeks was interesting. Obviously, the biggest change is the operating system. Moving from a 9650 with BlackBerry 6 running semi-smooth to Android 2.2 running extremely smooth, proved most of my friends with Android friends right, it is a better performing phone. Saying that, though, I was very thankful to move back to my 9650 after two weeks, it just felt right for me.

First thing you will notice when you unbox your brand new Droid Pro, is how solid the device feels. Being a BlackBerry addict, I know all too well about size and weight of a Smartphone. Having said that, I never got the feeling the phone was bringing down my pants due to its weight or that it looked like I was squeezing a tablet into my pocket due to its size. In comparison, it is smaller than the Bold 9650 but longer by about a third of an inch. In addition, it feels (though I do not have the exact weight) lighter than my 9650, which was good and bad at the same time for me.

As I said earlier, the main attraction for me on this phone was having a physical keyboard. Whether it is the size of my thumbs or my just overall coordination, I have the worst luck with touch-screen keyboards. Lucky for me, the keyboard on the Pro is exactly like the BlackBerry’s signature keyboard as far as looks and feel (they have the curved keys from the Bold for easier typing). Although it has the same looks and feel esthetically, once you begin to type on it you really feel the difference. I, full out, was not a fan of the typing on it. The buttons did not react as well when typing and sometimes (often) you would push a key and nothing would happen, very disappointed. In addition, the cramped area designated for the keyboard really takes getting used to.

Battery life seemed to do very well on the Droid Pro actually, and that was a major win in my eyes. Not having the extended battery I know have in my 9650, I was used to mediocre at best battery life. I was able to run a full day and a half after a full charge without it dying, and that is with more than decent use.

A big con for me was the screen size. Yes, it is touch-screen and multi-touch, but whenever I used an app or browsed the web on it, it really felt like too much was being squeezed onto the 3.1-inch screen. Although I could live with apps being squeezed, the web browsing experience was horrible to say the least for me. The speed, fantastic; the pinch-and-zoon capabilities, flawless; being able to see what in the world you are looking at, a bogie. I would rather put up with the slow speeds of BlackBerry 6’s Webkit browser and be able to see with good ability what the site is suppose to look like, than to do a good amount of googling on the Droid Pro.

When running benchmarks on the device, it ranked higher than any other Android Smartphone, which was a good sign, but I did have trouble with occasional lag (though that is to be expected).

Overall, I liked the device for its looks and OS, once I dove deeper into the device and its keyboard I almost resented it. I told a few friends that I might have been sold on the whole Android is better than BlackBerry thing, but after living solely on the Droid Pro for three weeks and then returning to my trusty 9650 with BB6, I have to say I was glad to be back. I think Android runs better on other devices and I think it is a fantastic OS (beats the heck out of iOS for sure), but the size of the screen and the keyboard blew it for me. I tried to get used to it thinking it is just because I have been on BlackBerry for so long, but I never could and I do not think I ever will. I hope that the next Android device I review will present its OS in a better light, because I believe it definitely has one.

Top 5: Aaron's top Android smartphones

By Ray Nicolini

Via www.PhoneDog.com

You've seen our "Best Smartphones" list that's ranked by carrier, but that's only half of the story.  This week, I'm focusing on Android with my top five Android smartphones list, ranked by device and not by carrier.  It's important to note two things - (1) there are a lot of great Android devices that didn't make the list, and (2) this list applies to today and today only, as I have no idea what I'll think next week, next month, or next year.  At the pace in which Android devices are coming out, I'm sure the list will be different next week.  As always, let me know what you think in the comments section

Aaron's (PhoneDog) Top Five Android Smartphones - October 20, 2010

1. T-Mobile (HTC) G2

Where it excels: G2 effectively replaces the G1 and Nexus One as the new flagship device for those that want a vanilla Android 2.2 (Froyo) experience.  The grey colors and metal accents make the device appeal to all demographics, and beyond that, it's zippy - an 800 MHz next-gen Snapdragon processor means that everything runs smoothly and without lag.  The G2 has the best physical QWERTY keyboard I've ever used on an Android device, and within minutes, I was pounding out text messages without delay.  It's 3.7-inch display hits the sweet spot between "tiny" and "wow, that phone is huge," even though it weighs a hefty 6.5 ounces.

As if that wasn't enough, the G2 is T-Mobile's first device to support HSPA+, the supercharged 3G network that they're rolling out in response to 4G.  Theoretically, it offers speeds of up to 21 Mbps, though I've been unable to get anything over 5,500 Kbps in both Charlotte and San Francisco.

Where it falls short: G2's hinge is a bit loose, and separates from the device when you're holding it upside down.  I can't say that it bothers me, but for those that text message in bed, on the couch, or anywhere else that requires you to hold it above your head, you're out of luck.  On a more pressing note, two of the three G2's I've worked with all have dead pixels, and I've heard similar comments from G2 users.

The verdict: Spec for spec, this is the Android device I would buy if I was in the market right this second.

2. HTC EVO 4G (Sprint)

Where it excels: Announced at CTIA 2010 in March and released in June, the HTC EVO 4G is an awesome blend of power.  1 GHz processor, 4.3-inch screen, 8.0-megapixel camera with 720p video recording capabilities, and Android 2.2 with HTC's Sense user interface.  I'm a fan of the manufacturer-installed overlays for several reasons, and HTC's Sense UI appeals to everyone from the first-time buyer to smartphone addicts.

Software aside, EVO is one of Sprint's 4G-capable smartphones, so that's a nice benefit.  Still, Sprint's 4G service isn't available everywhere, and there's a $10 monthly "premium data" charge that's assessed in addition to the typical plan pricing.

Where it falls short: Early models were suffering from build issues like light leakage around the screen, general screen issues, and battery life problems.

The verdict: Four months after its retail release, the EVO 4G continues to be a flagship Android device.  The Android 2.2 update made it even better.

3. Motorola DROID X (Verizon)

Where it excels: Outside of the typical high-end specs (1 GHz processor, 8-megapixel camera, here the DROID X stands apart from the crowd is its multitouch keyboard.  I often type faster than most on-screen keyboards can keep up, and the DROID X is one of the few devices that can keep up with me.  I happen to love the industrial design and brash widgets found in MOTOBLUR, and prefer the long and narrow screen to the EVO's short and wide one.

Where it falls short: It competes with the EVO 4G, Samsung Epic, yet it's missing the front-facing camera.  For all I know, it could be a novelty that wears off in a few years, but at the moment, it's quite the hot novelty.  It's also experiencing some minor software issues since the upgrade to Android 2.2, most notably in the text messaging order.

The verdict: If a physical keyboard doesn't matter to you, this is the must-have Android device on Verizon.  Keep an eye out though, as the holiday season looks to be a busy one for Verizon.

4. Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)

Where it excels: The most feature packed of Samsung's Galaxy S line, the Epic 4G sports a 1 GHz processor, 4-inch "Super AMOLED" display, 5-megapixel shooter, and a front-facing camera for video calling.  The physical QWERTY is one of the best I've used, and I enjoyed using it for the occasional video chat.

Where it falls short: Epic 4G is subjected to the same $10 monthly data add-on as the EVO, and it takes longer to charge than other Android phones.  Not a big deal, but noticeable when you're charging 20-30 minutes at a time.  At $249.99, it's slightly outside of the $199.99 price point that consumers are used to, despite Sprint's cheaper service plans.

The verdict: It's a nice device with a lot of great features, though Samsung's colorful iPhone-ish TouchWiz user interface isn't for everyone.  It's also one of the few remaining high-end devices that hasn't been updated to Android 2.2.  It's expensive up front, but you'll probably save money in the long run with Sprint versus Verizon or AT&T.

5. Motorola DROID 2 (Verizon)

Where it excels: Take the DROID X, condense it, add a physical QWERTY keyboard, kill off a few megapixels on the camera, and you have the DROID 2.  Replacing the original DROID, it has an improved keyboard, less of an in-your-face design, and packs Android 2.2 with MOTOBLUR.  The DROID 2 packs a 1 GHz processor (noticing a trend here?), so it's faster than the original DROID in typical tasks.

Where it falls short: Initial units suffered from signal strength and battery life issues.  This doesn't bother me per se, but Android junkies that prefer a vanilla experience will be frustrated with DROID 2's MOTOBLUR overlay.  To that point, I refer you back to device number one on my list.

The verdict: Like the G2, but want to stay with Verizon?  The Motorola DROID 2 is the device for you.

Honorable Mention

• HTC DROID Incredible (Verizon) - An absolutely fantastic device that would have been even better if it hadn't suffered from the supply shortage over the summer.
• HTC Desire (US Cellular) - Excellent Android device for those in a US Cellular market.  It's a Nexus One with HTC Sense, a nicer body, and an optical trackpad.

Motorola to unveil Android phones in September for Verizon and T-Mobile

Motorola to unveil Android phones in September for Verizon and T-Mobile

The stakes are high for Motorola. Many people have questioned if their bet on Android can turn the company around. I’m no Wall Street analyst, but I’m here to tell you the answer is yes.
Imagine the following scenario: Verizon, America’s largest wireless carrier, releases Motorola’s first Android phone (based on the Snapdragon platform) just in time for the crucial holiday shopping season. Would that get you excited?

It might sound far fetched, but it is closer to reality than you think. Motorola has told everyone they are making Android phones, but have been very tight lipped about the actual handsets. Reports had placed the rumored Motorola Calgary as Verizon’s first Android phone, but it was unclear on the exact specs or time frame of the device.
The picture got a little clearer today when new images of the Motorola “Sholes” were leaked by a Russian fan site. The design is an updated version of the Calgary renders we saw and now has the Verizon logo clearly displayed on the front. The specs were impressive, but conveniently left out the CPU.

Highlight of the Motorola “Sholes” include:

3.7-inch touch-sensitive display with a resolution 480×854 pixels

Memory 512 MB Flash ROM / 256 MB RAM / micro SDHC slot

Camera 5 MP with auto focus

Dimensions 60.00 x 115.80 x 13.70 mm

Weight 169g

Battery Li-ion 1400mAh

3.5 mm headphone jack

802.11g WiFi

Expect more details of the phone soon. Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha said on Thursday’s quarterly earnings call that we would see their first devices soon. “Around mid september time frame, we hope to be able to let you play with these (Android) devices more and get your feedback as to
where you think it fits into the marketplace.”

Mr. Jha made it clear the phones will go on sale in the 4th quarter. “We will have two Android devices in stores for the holiday season. We have deals that are signed and we will launch with two major carriers in North America and multiple carriers outside the US.”

All signs point to Verizon launching the Motorola “Sholes” and T-Mobile offering the Motorola Morrison. It is clear the “Sholes” is the higher end device and it could be Android’s flagship phone for 2009. Verizon has been trying to get their hands on the iPhone, but it won’t be happening anytime soon. The “Sholes” is Verizon’s best opportunity to have a device that
directly competes with Apple.

There are hints floating around that suggest “Sholes” could provide real hype for Verizon.
Why was the CPU info mysteriously left off the leaked specs of “Sholes”? Could it be that the phone will be based off the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon platform? This would provide the needed fire power to speed up Android. We know a CPU bump is coming after getting four Android phones in a row with the older Qualcomm MSM72xx processor. The Snapdragon platform, with a 1 GHz CPU, is the next logical step for Android.

Before recently joining Motorola as its new CEO, Sanjay Jha spent over a decade working at Qualcomm. He led and oversaw the development of five generations of modem and cell site chipsets, before becoming COO of Qualcomm. I believe Mr. Jha has been so secretive about Motorola’s handset design because they have a big surprise for us.

We have seen Windows Mobile phones (Toshiba TG01) based off Snapdragon already pass the FCC. Is it that hard to believe Motorola will unveil a 1 GHz Android phone? They need to make an impression with their first Android device and I believe it will be the Snapdragon platform.
The possible addition of the Android 2.0 stamp could add even more momentum to Motorola’s first Android phone. As we have learned over the last month, Android 2.0 is just marketing fluff and Google can whip it out whenever they choose. Who knows if the Donut branch will even be a release. Google could choose to hold off their next update to include new features being worked on in Eclair and Flan.

All of these Android releases are carefully coordinated between Google, the carriers, and the handset manufacturers. Google could have promised Verizon the Android 2.0 moniker to launch their first phone. This may explain why they stopped updating their roadmap if marketing deals are still being done behind closed doors.
All we can do is wait till September as the speculation builds. What do you think Motorola has up their sleeve?

Update 7/31:

Motorola could preview their upcoming devices at the Mobilize 09 event on September 10, 2009. The keynote lineup includes Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha and T-Mobile CTO Cole Brodman. Qualcomm COO Len Lauer is also on the speaker lineup. That sounds like an event I would like to attend.