I've been keeping an eye on Googles Android platform for some time, and the first UK product has been revealed! I'm not one for gadgets, but this looks really good, better than the iphone IMO.

Clicky for BBC link and video




I like the look of the phone itself, I like the sound of the deal that is offered, and I like the fact that it is an open platform. That makes it easier to write custom apps for than the crappy iphone. I've never bought a smartphone or pda before, but I might be wandering along to a shop around christmas to purchase one of these bad boys.

Im strangely excited by the barcode scanner. What a genius idea that is

I know!

I want one now.

For everyone who hasn't seen the obvious...

Android -> Chrome -> iGoogle -> Google web apps.

All wrapped up in Google's plethora of advertising methods.

Its a nice way of linking it all together IMO. Plus it is open source so that you can choose your own apps and develop your own stuff. Much better than Apples "THOU SHALT NOT!" approach to third party development.

That's actually nothing new at all.

I have a friend of mine who, when in Uni 5 or 6 years ago, build his degree on taking a picture of a barcorde which would then be scanned by the software on the phone, detect the product then search the Internet for cheaper items of the same type, taking into consideration the location you were in. He also linked it into things like IMDB so you could snap the barcode of a movie and find out if it's any good before buying.

In fact I believe he was going to patent it, so either that app is his, or he is due for a f**k off payout.



Apple makes money from their hardware. Their business model isn't based on software (which is what Microsoft's predominantly is).

The one question everyone should be asking is; "if it was wrong for Microsoft to have such a monopoly from before, would it be right for Google to have on in the future?" Essentially they have far more information about you and your habits than MS ever did.

The whole "do no evil" mantra is lovely in theory, but when it comes down to cold hard cash (and especially if Google are acquired or sold to a less scrupulous company) then you could find a lot of people locked in to Google.

Its not brand new technology, but it is something that you don't see on mainstream phones, and its another thing the iphone doesnt do (along with youtube).

True.

Personally I wouldn't own an iPhone or an Android enabled one, and considering data charges are so high and the lack of Internet sites who actively accommodate mobile devices I can't see me getting one ever.

I was always of exactly the same view for the reasons you gave, never had any interest in it at all. However, I use the internet more when I'm on the move now, and also I like to dabble in bits and pieces. The Android platform in theory makes it easier to mess about with java at will, and websites are a lot more mobile friendly these days. I think Ill be taking the plunge this christmas for the first time.

Err...there's a YouTube app by default on the iPhone. Written by Google, and added a good while ago...well before Android was even announced.

Am I missing something here? You tube is a separate app on the home screen of my iphone.



The web sites on my iphone are as they are on a pc