The Gadget Gurus

Yesterday we were all hit with the news that Google’s online strategy was not a success and Google was switching to a retail business model. They will keep the current store open for a short period of time and then make it more of a “window” for viewing current Android phones around the world.

This is basically bad news wrapped in words of good in intention. Google will definitely be able to sell more Nexus One phones through a retail strategy, but here in the U.S. I don’t see carriers hoping all over this. Maybe big box retailers like Best Buy will carry it, but that’s about it. So who will end up selling this in their stores? T-Mobile will likely be the only carrier, in the U.S., to put the Nexus One in their stores.

I have a few issues with this announcement. First off, the Nexus One is untouched by the carriers. They have no say so when it comes to updates or what software is run on the device. There is no carrier testing process or carrier specific software. When Google wants to do something with the Nexus One, they don’t have to go through any hoops.

My other problem is choice. Google had a vision of offering a single awesome phone for every carrier in one place. Instead of having to switch carriers or wait forever for your carrier to get the device you wanted, Google would offer the same great device compatible with all major networks. That won’t happen if Google has to rely on carriers. Look what happened with both Verizon and Sprint versions of the Nexus One. They won’t want to put Google’s phone side by side with their device in their stores.

My last and single largest problem is the end of the Google experience phone. The Nexus One was the first consumer friendly developer phone. It was offered unlocked and untouched by anyone but Google. It is the purest vanilla Android experience. Updates will and have come to the Nexus One first and quick. Why? Because it is “The Google Phone”. With Google deciding to put the power back in the retailer’s and carrier’s hands, it will be much easier for them to work with them as partners and help them create devices. Google made the Nexus One to push manufacturers to the next level and I fear if they stop raising the bar by not making Google experience phones, we will see less innovation and slower progress.

At the end of the day if this retail strategy works, and I hope it does, hopefully it will be a sign to Google to keep developing Google experience phones and not stop at the Nexus One. Carriers shouldn’t dictate what devices we get or what software we run, and the Nexus One is the first device to really break that mold and I hope it is not the last.

So what we have here would appear to be a touch based OS, right? This basically sums up the idea the hybrid blackberry. Touchscreen bolds, curves, etc…I’m calling it right here right now. Boom Boom Pow!

[via CrackBerry]

Apple has finally taken the wraps off of the iPhone’s 4.0 software. Addressing many concerns about multitasking, Apple has added the ability to switch between open apps while leaving the current one in the background. It is not “full” multitasking or background processing, but it answers the cries of many users and fits the bill well. Another addition that is very welcome is folders. Having 12 pages to flip through can be quite cumbersome, now you can put apps inside folders on the home screen. Not to let the iPad have all the fun, Apple has also given the iPhone iBook suport as well. Other than that, they have made some slight changes to email and exchange, as well as a few other minor changes. For the full details of the 4.o software, hit up Apple’s website.

Mobile Mike Thoughts:

After the intense battle on Twitter between Android and iPhone users, I wanted to toss out a few thoughts about the 4.o software on the iPhone. All in all this update is 100% Apple. What I mean by that is they give users what they want, but do it in their own way. Multitasking is the biggest part of this update and in my opinion they implemented it very well. Some may say its not “true” or “real” multitasking, but for 99% of people, switching between apps is all they need. The other features they added are really just icing on the cake and not things people really wanted/needed. One major thing that Apple left off that almost all iPhone users want is better notifications. I am really surprised Apple did not address the way notifications are handled. Android has a great system with the drop down window shade, and webOS has, in my opinion, an even better system of pop ups at the bottom. I was really hoping to see Apple get creative and make notifications work even better, unfortunately they have left notifications completely unchanged.

After all the dust settles, I see this as a good move forward for iPhone users. It addresses one really big concern and Apple does it in a way that is simple and easy. Although some folks will be underwhelmed with this update, it is a step in the right direction and an indication that Apple is listening to users.

**Updated**

Nic ‘the Angry Guru’ Ball Thoughts:

Eh. I’m not in awe over this update but let’s break it down

• Multitasking – It’s not revolutionary by any means. The simple fact that Steve Jobs decided he was wrong and added this feature is almost more shocking then the sexy way apple does it. Everyone should be happy with this feature.
• Home Screen Folders – While a simple idea, it’s needed. I for one hate scrolling through 6 pages to get to an app when I could just have 2 screens of folders. I’m a ‘drill down’ guy rather then a ‘spread it out’ guy. My desktop is only two rows of icons because I keep everything organized in folders, now my iPhone/iPod can too.
• Notifications – Nice. Not really ‘needed’ but nice.
• Universal Inbox – Or whatever they’re calling it…I for one didn’t know that wasn’t already there. I do all my email on a different device. That device has this feature with the option to keep accounts OUT of the universal inbox. Not sure if Apple added the feature to exclude inboxes or not, but it’s a must have add on for this in my opinion.
• iBooks – yea, it’s a must have if you want to get serious about pushing ebooks on the ‘i’ platform.
• Game Center – really? I know this is being done by 3rd party companies but still. I mean it’s cool and all, but let’s get real for a second if we may. iPod/Pad/Phone have cool games, but they’re not direct market compition with hand-held gaming. All games on these devices are really just secondary to the primary use of the device. If apple wanted to get serious with gaming they need to introduce an iGamer or something with more control options. Meanwhile track your plants VS hobo scores with the rest of you $15 gamers. I’ll be playing COD in HD on a 52″ screen.
• iAd – Yea, not sure why any consumers would be happy about this. I don’t want to see ads ever…even during the Superbowl…so frankly I don’t care if Apple is paying devs millions of dollars, I’m still being forced to see an ad. Boo!
• Bluetooth Keyboard – About damn time! Seriously.
• Digital Zoom – This shouldn’t be found on any consumer device! It degrades image quality. I personally believe this goes against Apple’s ‘standards’ because you can produce horrible pictures using their device now.
• Wallpaper Changing – Oh Steve, I love your sense of total control. I feel your grip slowly giving out as you get older. Soon the student will become the master.
• Enterprise – Multiple exchange accounts, finally. It can now be a business device, finally.

All in all, a lot of good changes. Ground-breaking or revolutionary, not really. These are however solid changes and real movement forward. Now we wait for Apple to blow our minds with a device that can compete with anything HTC has been pumping out.