pro TLH

On 2 Froyo FR72

2010-06-23T07:33:00.001+05:30

News about an update to Froyo has been floating around for a while. This tiny 1.8mb file named FR72 is meant to improve browser speed, flash performance and free up some memory.

While my nexus one didn't really turn out to become a F16 after this update, it did free up some space.

You can download it here from

https://android.clients.google.com/packages/passion/signed-passion-FRF72-from-FRF50.bc033f9e.zip

To install,

Rename the file as update.zip and place it on the SD card root folder.

Power off your N1 and then powerup while holding down the volume down key.

This is get you to a system screen where you should select the recovery option. Use your volume keys to navigate and power button to select.

You will get a black screen with a triangle and a confused Droid. Press and hold power and volume up button simultaneously.

You will now see another screen with small blue font. Choose update from SD card option. Use scroll wheel to navigate and press on it to select.

N1 will now start the update process. Once complete, choose the reboot system option.

Your phone may take a few more seconds than normal to boot this time.Don't worry.

Best part is you can do all this from the phone itself. Apple listening?

I guess this update will work only on Nexus One that are already running Froyo build FR 50.

Though this build is available on Google servers the android guys maintain that this is not the final release candidate.

Given that we have been waiting for the official Froyo release since a month, what's wrong in trying this. We can always switch to the official release as and when it is pushed to our phones. (Highly unlikely in India)

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@nexusOne

World cup 2010

2010-06-13T23:20:00.001+05:30

10 Best World Cup Goals on YouTube

Mashable has posted a video list of the best goals ever scored in FIFA World Cup.

A must watch for all, not just d hardcore followers.

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, ACC Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@nexusOne

Monsoon hits Mumbai : first shots

2010-06-11T08:07:00.000+05:30

The typical Mumbai monsoon arrived in grandstyle with 100% cloud cover and the persistent drizzle that slowly soaks Mumbai.

Wow its good to see it back in action especially when you wake up to a cool morning after a really hot evening!

Aron

on a Google nexus one

Location : P L Lokhande Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@@nexusOne

Iphone 4 : Apple replies in style

2010-06-08T07:45:00.001+05:30

APPLE has literally shown the middle finger to Google and rest of the flocks by packing in the much critized shortcomings iphone had along with a bunch of class goodies.

Most features like the multi tasking capabilities, threaded view on email etc. were long expected and not a surprise.

What takes iphone to a whole new level is its enhanced media capabilities. A brilliant screen with IPS and a pixel concentration of 324xinch combined with its superb contrast ratio makes iPhone a stunner.

Viewing content on such a screen will be Nirvana and is way above the screens that its competitors got to offer.

Couple that to the increased memory and 1ghz processor and battery life, developers now have a monster and can lavish on graphic intensive gaming and media applications.

For consumers, they now can happily be with the beautiful and polished iphone user experience while not sacrificing on multitasking and similar shortcomings.

I guess Google and its android team will be better off concentrating on the enterprise market and work its way above winmo and blackberry.

Better still, Google should develop a market around Internet and small business where they already lead thanks to the Google apps services.

With iphone 4, Apple has clearly reaffirmed that it will remain unrivalled when it comes to media and internet centric smart phones.

Sad part is how much ever polished and beautiful it is, its still a walled garden!

Remember the canary in a golden cage?!

Check this link for more on this awesome device.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/198176/apples_new_iphone_4_thinner_significantly_better_battery_life_and_hd_video_capability.html

iphone http://www.pcworld.com/article/198176/apples_new_iphone_4_thinner_significantly_better_battery_life_and_hd_video_capability.html

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@@nexusOne

Iphone 4.0 hands on

2010-06-08T07:38:00.001+05:30

Photo Gallery: Hands-On With the iPhone 4 | Gadget Lab | Wired.com

Check the Wired post with some awesome pics

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@@nexusOne

Froyo goodness rocks

2010-05-31T20:34:00.001+05:30

Android 2.2 aka Froyo has been in news since April and Google started its rollout last week.

I was lucky enough to get the update on the same day it reached the major tech websites via manual update.

Though it sounds like a minor update, this one is big and I wonder how they managed to pack all of it in 44MB unlike Apple.

Google has made significant changes to the core and this update has supercharged N1.

Froyo lets applications run from SD card and also boosts the available memory to 256mb.

Tethering is brilliantly implemented with just one cluck to turn it into a wifi hotspot. Wish google added this to the power control widget.

Flash has been mixed experience. If not kept off or on demand, the browser slows down trying to load those unwanted flash ads. Otherwise its usable and those 360 degree views on product websites loads perfect.

Froyo adds exchange calendar sync and remote wipe feature in an attempt to appeal Enterprise users.

UI improvements include revised camera UI, collapsing call history, persistant launch keys for call and browser alongside the appdrawer icon, new contextual keys on keyboard and many more.

The market app has been revised to include automatic updates and update all features. But still far behind iphone

To make a serious dent on Apple fortunes, Android must have a better media player that can rival iPod. Maybe Google should get cooliris team to write that too and make picassa a full media suite which can sync n stream content from PC to Cloud to Android. Only that can nail IPhone.

Overall the update has been brilliant and makes a huge difference in overall user experience.

Might be its google at works to defend its position against the next wave of Apple onslaught due next month.

What makes me happy is 'if this is 2.2 then what will 3.0 be?

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, ACC Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@@nexusOne

Location : Jeejabai Bhosle Marg, ACC Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra,

posted via blogaway@nexusOne

Nexus One with multitouch rocks

2010-02-05T07:37:00.000+05:30

Google announced an over the air update for Nexus One which will enable multitouch in few of it's builtin apps including browser and maps. The maps app now shows favorities and maps added by the user through PC. Google has also added a patch to rectify the 3G reception issues faced by many users.

The OTA update is being pushed to Nexus One users by Google servers and is expected to cover all users over a week time. Guys at Android communities already figured out how to manually update the phone instead of waiting for Google's push notification.

The procedure is pretty simple.

Download the update file from google server (check below link for details) and rename as update.zip.

Copy it to the root folder of the SD card

Shutdown the phone and restart while pressing down the trackball

Select bootloader from the list displayed

Select update.zip from SD card option.

This will take you to a screen with a triangle and android
Press down the power button and then the volume key without leaving the power button

Leave your phone to complete the update which may take time
Don't do anything even if you feel that your phone is stuck with an android out of box screen. It will restart after a few minutes.

Once complete check the multitouch on your browser. If it's not working try to soft reset the phone a few times.(I didn't face that problem)

I managed to get the update done without the need for a PC. Just install astro from android market. Download the update, rename and move the file to SD card root folder using Astro!

Check this link for full instructions and download link.
http://www.androidcentral.com/how-manually-update-your-nexus-one

Multitouch has been one big missing factor in Nexus One, especially for people who switched in from iPhone.

If Google develops picasa in line with iTunes to easily manage nexus one media, that will seal the deal. Atleast till the next iPhone comes

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nexus One - My switch seems permanent

2010-01-21T21:24:00.001+05:30

After a week of using Google's Nexus One, I am not missing my iPhone and looks like my switch to Android is for ever. This didn't happen when I tried the Nokia E series and SE K series phones earlier nor did the previous androids impress me for more than an hour.

Hits and Misses

Minus the huge list of accessories, apps and the awesome iTunes media management system, Nexus One beats Apple iPhone in every other respect.

Best of Nexus:

Speed almost double of 3GS
Screen is Just awesome - brilliant images and video
Good Phone: call handling and signal strength (3G networks not used)
Excellent handling of notifications (calls, sms, email, gmail, FB, you name it)
Seamless integration to Google service (gmail, talk, picasa, calendar,etc)
Customization options
GPS and navigation app is far superior
Browser is faster and better in most cases, though grossly missing in multitouch
Camera better than iPhone in most lighting situations including video

Check the youtube channel here for the best

Sour part

No multi touch
Poor media handling - No itunes like service
Poor third party app support - even FB app doesnt do much ( it took 2 yrs for FB to come up to mark in iPhone too)
Accessories and addons - Nil (poor adoption by third party accessories developers)

Future

Nexus One looks more like a benchmarking effort by Google to drive its partners to developing even better devices to strengthen Android platform. A showcase device which can attract developers as well as catch the attention of mainstream media and content delivery companies which are looking at Mobile as a new viable content delivery model.

Nexus One may be Google's "testing the waters" edition but it indeed is a step in the right direction. To a future of better and much more versatile Android based phones, from Google or its Partners, Apple does have a tough time ahead.

Apple tablet - itab/islate/whatever

Meanwhile, all eyes are now trained to Jan 27 Steve Job's event, when Apple showcases its new tablet baby. Will it change the world like iPhone? 99.9% sure, unless Mr. Job's screws it up big time. Afterall, we expect him to give us something to replace our Notebook, Net book, Smart phone, PMP, Kindle, PSP, Garmin and many more....

Aron

Nexus One vs Competition

2010-01-09T20:46:00.000+05:30

Here is a nice comparision chart listing the "Super phones" - Apple iPhone 3GS, Palm Pre, Motorola Droid and the Google Nexus One.

Palm pre didn't excite me while Iphone 3GS remained elusive for Indian customers with Apple shying away from launching it in India and Grey market rates for unlocked 3GS remains prohibitively expensive. Motorola Droid was awesome but sadly it won't work on GSM and is locked to Verizon.

Then came the Nexus One, right price, great hardware, works on any GSM network and bundled with Apps from Google. It's worth a buy at around Rs 25000.

Check the below chart via Mashable

Nexus One - the next iPhone?

2010-01-09T20:00:00.000+05:30

Without much thought, I have ordered mine through my Collegue and Good Friend Venky in US, who has been more than willing to order and ship my N1 to Mumbai, the very same way I got my iPhone around 2.5yrs back.

Venky as turned Santa for me yet again and wants to see whether the gorgeous NexusOne can create a rift in my love for my gen1 iPhone which is still going strong.

Nexus One

Google says,
"Manufactured by HTC, the Nexus One features dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc., a large 3.7" OLED display for deep contrast and brilliant colors and a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ chipset for blazing speeds. Running on Android 2.1, the newest version of Eclair, the software includes innovations like a voice-enabled keyboard so you can speak into any text field, fun Live Wallpapers, a 3D photo gallery for richer media experiences and lots more. Of course, it also comes with a host of popular Google applications, including Gmail, Google Voice and Google Maps Navigation."

Bye bye Apple, atleast for the time being. But I love you guys for changing the way mobile phones are used, for keeping firmware compatible with earlier models and keeping things simple and elegant.

Aron

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Google nexus?

2010-01-09T19:58:00.000+05:30

The Nexus One is here and thousands including me have ordered the new toy from Google without any hesitation. After all what to doubt when it's Google.

But as I wait for delivery, I am having afterthoughts that Google has evil intentions and Nexus One indeed is a Nexus. Havnt they betrayed Motorola and others who spend millions promoting Android for Google. Motorola must be bitter with Nexus One being launched within 2 months of Droid campaign which made Android a familiar name among the masses.

Havnt Google betrayed it's partners by going back on their intial statement that they will work on the OS only.

Google does have a perfect justification that Android needs a bigger push and the outcome would be beneficial to all partnering in the Android platform. Good thing is that Nexus One is not locked to any particular network.

As gadget lovers and consumer, what can be better than Google themselves taking up the challenge to beat Apple iPhone.

I still have wait till thursday for my Nexus One to reach Mumbai.

Aron

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nexus One would be exclusive in a new way

2009-12-26T23:50:00.000+05:30

Google is going the gmail way for it's handset too.

While the device is not restricted to any particular network, Nexus 1 will be available by invite only! It looks like Google is doing a public beta first just like the web2.0 services.

So this January, we could see a lot of bidding on eBay for both invites and handset itself.

Nexus One hardware specs were published by Engadget recently

A 3.7" AMOLED screen matching the Droid
512MB of RAM n ROM too
4 GB flash drive with expansion slot
1ghz processor
5mp camera
All common wireless radios
Android 2.1

No wonder Apple has announced a Jan end meet, an interim iPhone update is inevitable to withstand the onslaught of Droid and Nexus One.

Competition rocks!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Apple iTab iSlate whatever

2009-12-26T23:12:00.000+05:30

Happy holidays season has been buzzing with Apple news, especially about the rumored iPhone big brother!

From rumors to Reality, the Apple tablet does seem to be hitting production sometime soon. Major tech websites are betting on Jan 2010 for an official announcement.

Expected to come with a 7inch multitouch screen and all type of chips squeezed in, it's most likely to be called iSlate. Macrumors, engadget n mashable covering this story making it more credible.

Given that Droid and Nexus One makes iPhone look ancient, Apple might be compelled to announce a screen upgrade as a stopgap till July 2010.

An iPhone upgrade is most likely given that Apple have asked its app developer friends to scale up the resolution which certainly means a screen upgrade is coming.

Its unlikely that the Tablet will be running iPhone apps. A Tablet is sure to have it's own UI optimized for landscape mode.

A cooler iPhone or a 7" iSlate / iTab / Apple Unicorn, Apple is going to set the pace for year 2010.

Smart phones: Best of 2009

2009-12-17T09:25:00.000+05:30

Year 2009 has been special with the launch of great high end smart phones and a few of which like the Motorola Droid and Nokia N900 has the potential to attain iconic status.

This year saw some great action in mobile OS with the launch of Web OS by Palm and Maemo by Nokia. Android got some refreshing handsets to call home while Symbian and WinMo had some significant improvements. This Renewed interest in OS has been primarily due to the continued sucess of Apple iPhone. Lesson well learned by others. Apple continued it's dream run and it's lead just seems to be increasing.

While there has been a whole lot of smart phones hitting the market this year (half of it seems to be HTC) the notable aspect among the best sellers was the combination of hardware+OS+services.

1. Apple iPhone 3GS OSX 3.0

Apple continued to lead the pack with it's superfast iPhone and kept it's major OS upgrade compatible with the older iPhones and thus earning some brownies. Though 3GS isn't path breaking, It still gets the top spot as it continues to entice user and dominated the market for 3 years

2. Motorola Droid - Android 2.0

Dec 09 saw the debut of the best ever Android handset, aptly named Droid. A much needed hit for Motorola. Droid garnered 3% of mobile web traffic in the launch weekend itself and has been acknowledged as the first serious threat to iPhone supremacy and Time magazine named it the device of the year. Droid has the potential to be on top spot by 2010.

3. Nokia N900 - Maemo

Nokia continued to bridge the gap between Cellphones and Tablets with the launch of N900. A beast with huge screen n keyboard, it runs on maemo OS (linux based) and represents the future of cellphones or rather the opening up an entirely new market segment which some call MID (mobile Internet devices). Maemo will soon face competition from Chrome OS. Nokia's flagship N97 running the latest symbian however didn't live up to expectation and was quickly overshadowed by N900 and others.

4. Palm Pre - Web OS

Palm made a sucessfull comback to the smartphone market ( something it cofounded) with the launch of Pre running on its brand new WebOS. Though Pre had many shortcomings it was well received thanks to it's ability to take multitasking to the next level and intutive UI making it ideal for the young on the run.

5. HTC HD2 - WinMo 6.5

HTC continued churning out really good looking handsets with their biggest launch being HD2. Driven by a near 1ghz processor this monster tops it all when it comes to hardware and is the best thing that ever happened to WinMo. HTC brilliantly hid the ugly side of WinMo 6.5 with it's SenseMe UI.

With Google phone launch imminent and Droid making excellent inroads, Apple will have the most challenging year ahead as other handset makers line up to take on iPhone with renewed hope.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nexus One : it is

2009-12-16T06:42:00.000+05:30

Now that there are confirmed reports that google had filed for trademark of the term 'Nexus One' it's 99.99% sure that google phone will be commercially sold as Nexus One.

.01% doubt for what if it lands up to be a developer only phone?

Well while I am unhappy over the name, many industry leaders are worried about the future of Android platform itself. For it wasn't very long ago that Google said it will not enter the device market directly.

What will happen to Sony, Motorola and many more who have invested a lot in Androiding their offerings? Won't they feel cheated?

HTC for sure would be happy churning out millions of Googled nexus one not worrying whether their Hero and Tatoo is selling!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Google phone aka HTC Nexus one is real ! : photos

2009-12-14T18:57:00.000+05:30

Ok, now Engadget has some real footage of the real Nexus One. Unlike earlier said by many as running on Chrome and hardware identical to HD2, this device is more of an avg guy running on the latest Android version 2.1.

That certainly makes things more believable and with the help page being pointed towards a Google support page, it's 99.9% Google phone.

I am still not convinced about the name "nexus One"

Images: belongs to Engadget
View full album here
http://www.engadget.com/photos/google-phone-nexus-one-exclusive-photos/2531515/#2531525

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Now Google phone gets a name too

2009-12-13T21:55:00.000+05:30

Wow, the news is Google phone being named NEXUS ONE!. Something which I think is verymuch unlike Google. Moreover Nexus sounds like some kind of conspiracy and Google won't risk that name for it's flagship device.

The device is said to be running on HTC HD 2 hardware with an UI designed entirely by Google team.

Even an artist impression has surfaced with a HTC HD 2 sporting a white homescreen with icons and a start menu on top aka windows with the icon being that of chrome.

I don't think there is any truth in this news .

- This device isn't in line with the ones distributed to googlers for testing and why would Google risk running Chrome OS when Android has matured as a platform and can support any functionality that Google wants to incorporate onto their flagship device?

- Chrome OS will feature in a google sponsored device soon but it's highly unlikely to be a phone. It would be more of a netbook or tablet to take on Kindle and it's peers.

Google is more likely to introduce a device which wont set standards on high end hardware but would be a exceptional performer when it comes to software and Internet in particular. Verymuch like the way Apple introduced iPhone which continues to lead the market even though it scores poorly in spec sheets.

It is going to be a design centered on the goal to deliver Google services to it's users in a pathbreaking way.

While Nexus One seems to be wishfull thinking, one can be sure that a Google phone would soon be announced.

Competition is good!

Image: via www.fonearena.com
Good place for an Indian perspective of mobile devices market

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Almost ' Google phone '

2009-12-13T03:39:00.000+05:30

Update :-

The news is that Google phone is being named as NEXUS ONE and will be built by HTC.

The name is somewhat spooky and I don't think Google will choose such a name

http://www.protlh.com/2009/12/now-google-phone-gets-name-too.html

Twitter has been buzzing with reports of a HTC made device being distributed by Google to all it's employees.

The device is said to be running Android 2.1 on a snapdragon powered CPU with a gorgeous OLED display and a iphonish formfactor and the microphone placed behind the device supposedly to reduce ambient noise.

Google confirmed that its a part of an imobile labs initiative to test the latest in android on an advanced piece of hardware. It didn't confirm whether this device is a prototype of 'Google phone'.

Google seems to be much more involved in the development of this device unlike the previous Android phones.

Google using only 1 model to do testing under their mobile labs programme means that they are not testing something that will run on all android phones. It's Apparent that a Google device is coming.

Couple this development with the below

- There has been growing distance between Apple and Google over apps for iPhone. Be it the google nav, Google voice and Picasa or PIM, it's clear that Google wants it's way.

- Android has been a slow beginner with hardware partners still trying to play catch up with iPhone. Google certainly would want a better show and will have to step in and take up the challenge.

We can conclude with all certainity that a Google branded 'Google phone' is imminent.

P.S: I m freezing my plans to get the Motorola Droid.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Satio pullback - SE in trouble

2009-12-02T00:47:00.000+05:30

The bad spell for Sony Ericsson doesn't seem to end with Carphone and other major retailers stopping sales of SE Satio due to software issues.

Satio's little brother Aino too have been reported to be not so touch friendly and frequently freezing screens.

These issues seems to be beyond the typical launch bugs associated with SE devices which SE users are used to.

Once a leader in highend cellphones market, this pullback is a major setback for SE as it continues to struggle in regaining it's lost place.

It's apparent that poor Software is responsible for all recent failures for SE. All brilliant designs, useful innovations and good hardware but poor software spoiling all the goodness.

Wonder why SE still going for Symbain and WinMo when Android is available. SE should realise that they are weak at software, so embrace Android and let thirdparty developers do the coding while you guys concentrate on Design and hardware where none beats SE.

Gone are the days when software glitches weren't deal breakers.

As a former SE fanboy and still a fan of SE design, I and many like me are waiting....

http://www.protlh.com/2009/10/se-satio-anio-brilliant-looks-n-feature.html

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

God of War Collection -India

2009-11-30T23:28:00.000+05:30

Just incase you are still hunting for God of War Collection which is yet to be officiaaly released in India, then reach me on Twitter @rawkeron or post a comment below

Best rates guarenteed and shipping available pan India

Let me reassure you that God of War Collection on PS3 is thrice as good as the orginal titles on PS2. pure awesomeness.

All latest releases and exotic ones on PS3 and XBox360 platforms are available, just incase you are hunting for Assasins Creed or Liberty city.

http://www.protlh.com/2009/11/god-of-war-collection.html

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

26/11 Lest we forget, but did we learn

2009-11-28T01:12:00.000+05:30

An year went by, Media played it's role responsibly an kept the fire alive, Lest we forget.

We lit candles, held prayers and donated blood.

But did we as a nation learned anything from this tragic event.

That 10 men is enough to take a city by it's nerve. Wonder what would have happened if there were 100 men! Maybe they could declare Colaba as a part of Pakistan for a few days.

More than declaring compensation to those uniformed men who lost their life due to poor governance, what have we done?

As a friend of mine Said " the compensation announcements n visits to their homes by our politicians were more of a PR stunt than real compassion. We lose men almost every other day, real men who sacrificed their family life to protect our borders 24/7 or fighting Naxalites and ULFA. What do they get other than a national flag and some pittance called pension.?"

While the bravest of our men fell to bullets in Mumbai and our borders, why do we let the politicians escape with just compensation & road naming gimmicks ?

Why do we keep quiet as Bullet proof jackets and associated files went missing. Why is it that we keep quiet seeing all the new armoury that police got when it's clear that survelliance, communication and coordinated response were the weakness that needed correction.

What's the point in having MP5s, armoured jeeps and amphibious UVs when we don't have the right tools for proper command and control? What's the point in having all these when our command center still don't have the ability to accurately track the location of it's men. Even after an year, our police doesn't have GPS based tracking nor do they have proper surveillance equipments to remotely monitor a situation.

What we need is good war room which can efficiently mobilize our exsisting resources.

As an article pointed out, what use is an AK 47 when our men hvnt got even one refresher training in using fire arms ever since they passed out of the police academy.

The only thing that we have are a few brave men who willingly confronted terror with ancient guns that never fired and jackets that never stopped bullets.

Our policemen held fort till NSG came without proper leadership, equipment and information. Our firemen risked life to douse fire and save civilians in the midst of this gun battle.

Our police force has learned a lesson the hardway. How the corruption within itself lead to the lose of it's own men.

my only prayer is, atleast now you guys resist political pressure in procuring substandard and useless equipment. Tell them to quote double the rate and make money but atleast buy something that really works and is usefull

Lest those brave men died in vain

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

HTC HD 2: HTC inching closer to iPhone supremacy

2009-11-25T02:16:00.000+05:30

HTC 's recently announced sequel to it's much appreciated HD is brilliant by spec sheets and is certain to give iPhone 3GS a formidable challenge.

+
1ghz processor
Display size and resolution
Formfactor and built quality
SenseMe
Multimedia playback and camera
No carrier restriction
Easy sync with WinOS n Office
Browser gives desktop like experience

-
Poor inbuilt memory (memory card reading is always slower)
The hidden and ugly WinMo UI shows up at times
Media load times doesn't do justice to the screen
AppStore / Marketplace almost non exsistent
3rd party apps doesn't blend with SenseMe UI and not touch friendly

Choosing WinMO seems to be a deliberate choice by HTC keeping in mind the fact that many major businesses still stick to WinMO and Blackberry as far as Mobile OS is concerned, thanks to many ancient IT Security codes. After all who wants to have an NC during the many Audits that businesses need to undergo each year.

HTC while sticking to WinMO has taken it's touchflo interface one step ahead with it's new SENSEME UI. This time HTC have re skinned almost all the screens that an average user will encounter. A neatly done UI hiding away the ugly WinMo screens while making it much more touch friendly.

SENSE ME is near perfect in what it intends to do thus allowing HTC to ditch the resistive screen and go for touch friendly capacitive screen as seen in iPhone.

Since 2007, iPhone has been the benchmark for smartphones and it's quite natural that HTC HD 2 is being compared against 3GS. HTC does beat 3GS with an awesome huge display, near double processing speed and a much better camera and a host of other hardware features.

The advantages however ends there. When it comes to UI, HD 2 has a lot more catching up to do. While one has to wait for thumbnails to load on HD2, iPhone has it ready with no delay. Same is the case with songs and movies. The good part is HTC HD 2 leaves iPhone far behind once the image / video is loaded thanks to it's sexy display.

The other make or break factor is availibility of 3rd party apps. While apps were available since the time WinMo started, Apple redefined the experience through it's in device AppStore. It made 3rd party apps accessable negating the need to google around for that free app which converts currency. Something no other company thought of.

AppStore is an important aspect, sucess of iPhone itself proves that. WinMo market falls flat on it's nose. HTC, if they wish to continue with more WinMo devices should seriously think of a dedicated app service built right into it's SenseMe UI. currently 3rd party apps on WinMo is a stark contrast to the look and feel of SenseMe and many of them not optimised for touch based input.

Considering all the above, HTC HD 2 would have rocked the iPhone supremacy had it been running on Android. Well maybe corporates won't chose it.

For people who are comfortable with a bit of complex UI and finding work arounds, this device can do far more than what iPhone does. But you will miss those custom applications from fedex tracker to flight stats. But the browser + screen compensates much of that shortcomings

Most manufatures have cracked the logic behind iPhone's sucess and are slowly adopting Apple's product+service model. A long list of models with impressive hardware are scheduled for launch in the coming months. Couple that to the recently launched nokia N900, SE satio, Samsung Omnia HD, Motorola Droid and many more, Apple iPhone has a tough year ahead.

Steve Job's boys will have to come up something really incredible next July to continue dominating the smart phone market.

Competition is good.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Aron

God of War collection

2009-11-23T16:27:00.000+05:30

Got hold of God of War collection. Among the very first copies to reach Indian shores

But a bit dissappointed not to find a demo download voucher for God of War III within this pack.

Why Sony why?

http://www.protlh.com/2009/11/god-of-war-collection-india.html

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Jammy

Kratos : The ultimate God of War

2009-11-23T13:34:00.000+05:30

A selection of great Kratos clay model images and screenshots and from the upcoming God of War 3 (GOW III)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Gmail web app for iPhone gets a minor update

2009-11-22T23:38:00.000+05:30

Google has given a small facelift for it's gmail and gcal web apps for iPhone which may go unnoticed by many

It is more of a cosmetic job with a new better looking color combination and seems to have slightly bigger nav icons. Most noticable aspect is the absence of that navyblue bar with app title and links which was prominent in the previous version.

I loved the new blue gradient which makes those toolbars and drop downs look softer n richer.

The calendar app too has got a subtle facelift with the new color combo which makes those nav buttons more visible.

I didn't find any noticable performance improvement but the new look does improve the UI feedback.

Other google apps still looks the same. Picasa webalbums desperately needs an update. It looks dated, especially after using Flickr which was recently updated.

Guys@Google please give us the option to save pictures on iPhone from picasa webalbums. We do need that even though we have broadband n netbooks.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Aron