http://phones.verizonwireless.com/motorola/droid/#

I am so excited. This new phone drops on November 6th and I'm due for contract upgrade.
$199 with a $100 mail in rebate for a phone that should blow the iPhone out of the water.

Anyone else in the phone market looking at the Droid? Anyone else excited?

I don't know, should I be excited? That's a TERRIBLE website. It doesn't show or tell you anything. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing what Android phones are capable of doing now that the OS has had some time to evolve.

As much as you take your cues from me, Pigbag, yes you should be excited.

If you click on the various points, it will tell you what you want to know about the Droid.

I'm looking forward to when I can afford a Motorola Cliq. It's got basically everything I miss from my Sidekick and everything I love from my iPhone without any of the problems of either. And, for once, a Moto phone doesn't have a metric frakton of bugs on its first release.

I dunno, does anybody remember that Nokia Game Phone thing?

can't remember what it was called, but it tried to do to much too fast.

N-Gage

That's the one!

the "Virtual Boy" of handhelds.

It tells me things in VERY general terms, but none of the specifics I actually want to know. For that I have to go elsewhere, like Engadget.

I'll be on my rooted G1 for a while, so I hope Android 2.0 will get a port to earlier phones.

That free free navigation application they just announced would be sweet to have



And I keep wanting to follow "Droid Does" with "What Nintendon't"

Droid's been getting good reviews and seems like the phone for people who
refuse to get a Pre or iPhone. I've heard there's been a lot of updates to the
UI, but you'll still have to pry my iPhone from my cold dead hands. Google's
been making a lot of long strides, but it still feels like a pre-release candidate.

Motorola's advertising campaign is good if they plan on targeting people who
refuse to get an iPhone, but if they'll looking to seep away users from AT&T
then they're going the wrong route. The iPhone itself has a 97% customer
satisfaction rating. They need to go with the Verizon branding message of
chipping away at the armor of AT&T (only a 57% customer satisfaction rate
there). You could assume that the two campaigns are supposed to work in
tandem but they need a more unified feel if that's the case.

My suggestion? Don't drinkl the Kool-Aid and preorder it. Wait until you can get
some good hands-on time and really determine if you like it or not. I LOVE the
Pre's UI, but the hardware thus far has been really lacking and if I had bought
the phone without getting my hands on it (almost did) I would have been very
sorry.

I'm stuck with verizon because they are the only company to have any service whatsoever in northern Kansas, where my mail route takes me. I've been wanting an iPhone type smartphone for some time, but they just don't work with verizon. Add to that, I have a huge hard on hate for apple and this phone just fits everything I've been jonsing for.

Droid is not available for preorder at my verizon store, so I'll have to be there bright and early to snag on. My wife and I have been needing new phones for some time, with both of our batteries failing. This is just the right device at the right time and place.

The determining factor for me will be the monthly plan rates.

I'm anxious to see what other phones will be in the Droid line up too.

Umm is this a Star Wars thing??

Read the fine print:

"DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies"

would like to see a video of its capability. Cant get it cause Im locked with Rogers and I like my AnDROID.

VGM out...

This is exactly who they're advertising to.

Of course it is. and it's working.

The big announcement here, I think, is Google-provided navigation software.

Garmin and TomTom's stocks are both down 20%.

Droid is so want. My Contract is up but I wanted an iPhone. This fills on those shoes nicely without having to deal with AT&T's jivetiness.

The only thing this really has up on the iPhone is not being on a jivey network in the States. First generation UI and hardware can never stack up to a long-standing platform, and Motorola has done nothing to show they can make an "iPhone killer" level device.

Just because the ad tells you something doesn't mean it's true. If it was, I would be cowering in fear from anything that said Windows on it. And I wouldn't have this urge to punch Justin Long in the face.

probably not, they probably just paid to use the word 'droid' which is owned by Lucasfilm.

kinda like how Hulk Hogan used to have to pay Marvel for the rights to the name 'Hulk'.

I'm really excited about that too, considering I'm often called to go out in the middle of nowhere to make deliveries. This will simplify life a great deal.

I love my mytouch.

Android so far is superior to the iphone os in my opinion.

ahh that makes sense. never thought of that. Thanks for the explanation.

VGM out...

Almost makes me wish my contract with AT&T was already up. I do like the Android platform, much more flexible than what's available on pretty much any other phone's OS.

I'm pretty sure AT&T has at least one Android handset on the way. I think they want to see how it sells on other carriers before having a go at it themselves.

"Theeey're heeere."

I love my Android phone.

From Verizon? If so, did you go with the HTC or the Motorola? *EDIT* nevermind, I see you have the Mytouch.


I hear HTC is coming out with yet another Android phone for Verizon sometime soon.

Yeah. It's Droid Eris, which is basically a stripped-down version of the regular Droid.

The Droid Eris is already out. I thought this new HTC Droid phone was supposed to have a "1Ghz Snapdragon processor" or something. I have to get to an appointment right now but I'll try to look up the rumored info when I get back (unless someone else does).

I've got mine and all weekend to figure things out. As is, I'm having a ball with it.

Without Android 2.0

How is it even possible that this thing doesn't have multi-touch? I wouldn't even consider a smartphone without it.

Apple asked Google to not include it, and Google complied.

http://digital.venturebeat.com/2009/02/09/...oogle-complied/

Android supports multitouch, you just have to root your phone.

How reliable is a rumour, from February, that apparently hasn't been verified since? At any rate, if the manufacturers or Android couldn't find a way to include multitouch in the device without violating a patent, they're doing something wrong. I don't think one should have to violate their warranty for basic functionality.

well, there's video of multitouch working on official prebuilds of Android. I think it was in the cupcake update (1.5). Then it magically got taken out.

The reason isn't important really. I know it supports it. I'm actually trying to root my phone atm, but I'm running into some issues.

I'm more interested in the wifi tethering.

Posting this from my droid. Yay me!

So it'd been a week. I've set up my email and facebook on my Droid, have played with the settings and learned the basics.
It may be that since this is my first 'smartphone' that I'm just overwhelmed by everything it does, but at this point I remain tremendously impressed and am very happy with my phone.

There's only one thing I can complain about and it's not really a complaint yet, just an observation. It strikes me that the power button, which is also the lock button, could concievably in the future wear out. I don't know, it just seems like it would considering you have to use that button a lot.
Other than that, I have no complaints. Internet surfing is smooth and easy, the keyboard works like it should, everything runs just like it's supposed to.


If anyone has any questions or specifics they'd like to ask, feel free and I'll answer them best I can.

I hate to bump an old thread, but can anyone that has a Droid (or any other Android device) recommend some apps? I don't want to root the device, but I do want to fill it with helpful and cool things.

So far I have Urbanspoon, Weather Channel, eBuddy, ShopSavvy, Twigee, and Tip Calc.

Also any tips and tricks that I can do without rooting would be appreciated!

As far as apps go, I have the following (not counting games)

Swift for Twitter
Easy Money
Barcode Scanner
Bartender
Battery Indicator
Bump
the BS button (surprisingly handy)
City Caller ID (which I'd DL quick, the guy is being sued for it)
Daily Dilbert
Droid Tracker
Google Goggles
Key Ring
Google Sky Map
Pandora (must have!!!)
Photoshop Mobile
Qik
Ringdroid
Shazam
Trapster
WiFi Analyzer
Radar now.


I've found all of these to be extremely useful and worth it, though most are free.

So does Droid do what Nintendon't?

I have:

Advanced Task Killer
Amazon
AndroZip
Astro file browser
Bank of America
Carcode Scanner
Better Keyboard
Compare everywhere
Facebook
FakeCaller Pro
Gaming Buzz
Gasbot
Google Goggles
Google Buzz
Google Translate
iMusic Pro
Labyrinth
Meebo IM
Movies
Pandora
PdaNet
PicSay
QuickUninstall
Shazam
Sherpa
ShopSavy
Skype
SnapPhoto
Sound Manager
Spare Parts
Speed Dial
SportsTap
Steamy Window
TasKiller
Tube Downloader
Wapedia
Where
Wixel
yxflash

Damn, I have a lot... I use a lot of them all the time too.

Here's what I've got on my rooted G1:

Amazon
Astro File Manager
Barcode Scanner
Battery Widget
Beautiful Widgets
Bluetooth File Transfer
CM Updater (for updating my CyanogenMod rom)
eBay
Facebook
Fandango
GDocs
Google Goggles
Google Listen
Google Shopper
Google Voice
Layar
Loot
Flixster Movies
Ruler (I needed a ruler real quick one day...)
ShapeWriter
SyncMyPix
TasKiller
TweetCaster
XBMC Remote

plus numerous apps that came with CyanogenMod 4.2.14.1.

Here are some of the apps that I like best (only two are paid apps!):

***abcOrganizer Lite: "ABC" stands for Applications, Bookmarks and Contacts. This program allows you to apply labels to your programs (such as "Games", "Multimedia" or "Tools") and then create folders on your desktop that link to those labels. You can also create folders on your desktop that link to your internet bookmarks and contacts.
***ASTRO file manager: Allows you to access the files on your phone...among other things that I don't use.
***Battery Indicator: Adds a box in the notification bar that states the remaining battery life as a percentage.
***AIM: Allows you to access AOL Instant Messenger. There's also a program called "IM+ Lite" that can access other IM accounts such as Google Talk but it isn't very reliable for me when I'm also logged onto my IM accounts on my PC. In other words, I may receive someone's IM but I can't send them an IM back.
***Photobucket: You can upload pictures and edit your Photobucket albums.
***Uninstaller: Just gives you quicker access to deleting applications.
***DockRunner: Enables the Home Dock on the Motorola Droid without having to actually place the Droid in the home docking cradle.
***Documents To Go (free version): The free version lets you view Word and Excel files. The paid version lets you view and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and also view PDF files. This may be the first app that I actually purchase.
***DroidLight: At least for the Moto Droid it allows you to turn the camera flash LED on to use as a flashlight.
***Dolphin Browser: I'm still testing this web browser but I think it's worth a look.
***GPS Speedo: This is kind of a neat application to test the speedometer in your car or to track your avg MPH, max MPH and estimated distanced traveled.
***GPS Status: This shows you where the GPS satellites around you are located. Supposedly you can calibrate your GPS with it too so that Google Maps is more accurate.
***Mobile Defense: Allows you to login to a website on your PC and track your phone via GPS. Useful if your phone gets lost or stolen. Also, the program can only be deleted from the website once it's installed.
***Home ++: Alternative Home screen. Gives you a "taskbar" of sorts with access to phone, favorite contacts, voice search, browser, list of all apps, notification bar hide/unhide, etc. that is visible on every home screen. Also allows you to have up to 7 home screens with continuous scrolling (you can scroll from page 7 directly to page 1 and vice-versa).
***Missed Call: Gives you more control over how you're notified of incoming text messages, missed calls, battery life, airplane mode status, bluetooth status, etc.
***Movies: Lets you see what movies are playing at theaters nearby, upcoming movies, etc.
***My Verizon: Gives you access to your Verizon Wireless account (if you have Verizon, of course).
***OI Shopping List: There are lots of shopping list applications out there. This one is pretty simple and does everything I need right now.
***Photoshop.com Mobile: Simple picture editor.
***PicSay: Simple picture editor.
***Screebl: The "Lite" version is basically a trial version which is what I used until it expired. This program will keep the screen turned on while the phone is kept within a specified angle of tilt. When I had it I really did like it and need to go ahead and buy it.
***ShopSavvy: This is the best product lookup application that I've used.
***SpeedTest: Tests the speed of your internet connection.
***Timeriffic: Allows you to alter rigner on/off, vibrate on/off, ringer volume level, notification volume level, main volume level, wifi on/off, airplane mode on/off, Bluetooth on/off and screen brightness level depending on what day and time it is. There is also another program called "Locale" that is very similar but uses GPS coordinates instead of timers. I worry that this might drain the battery if it's constantly trying to figure out the GPS location...it's also a paid app so I haven't tried it yet. LOL
***Tricorder: Stupid application that is supposed to mimic the Star Trek Tricorder and actually give real information. I don't know if the information is accurate but it's fun to tinker with for 5 minutes.
***YellowBook: You can look up places like when you use the...yellow pages. Surprising, huh? I like this app because it also offers a voice search widget.

The Android 2.1 over the air update begins today for the Droid! Pinch zooming in the native browser (I don't like Dolphin)! Live backgrounds! Redesigned gallery! Voice typing!!!

Having never done an ota upgrade before, I hope it's smooth.

Bout time!!!

Got pushed back, unfortunately. Supposedly some last minute bug cropped up.

suppose that means I can stop checking for an update every hour.

jive.

I feel so out of touch having my little LG Shine...


Sigh...

I don't have the money to upgrade to a droid phone. I know AT&T (My provider) carries some *Just not THE DROID* I also have a friend who works for Verizon. Contemplating switching....

I here ya, Rhinox.. Been tempted to install one of the hacked roms and the only reason I haven't is because the official update was supposedly coming soon.

Bah, I'm waiting for my eris to get the 2.x upgrade period. Love the phone, but I'd like it equally functional as its motorola brother