David Theiss

As many surely know, Verizon has taken direct aim at AT&T and the iPhone with their new “Droid” line of handsets running Google’s Android operating system.  Technically, the newly released HTC Incredible is the successor to the original Droid which has sold extremely well in the United States since its launch in November.  My wireless contract just ended, so I bought the Incredible on the day of its release, and luckily too, as my BlackBerry abruptly decided to stop turning on the very next day.  My quick thoughts on the phone are as follows:

• The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the device is the screen – and that’s because the screen is the phone.  The 3.7 inch AMOLED screen is pretty amazing, but not as striking as all the published online reviews would lead you to believe.  It’s nice, but I’m not sure I could tell the different between it an the WVGA screen of the original Droid.  I have yet to see them side by side, so maybe I could.  But as of now, the screen is brilliant but not a gamechanger.
• The second thing you’ll notice is the phone is thin – super thin.  I’ve been using a BlackBerry Curve 8330 for the past 2 years and the HTC Increidble literally feels like half a phone.  At first I didn’t like it because it made the handset feel fragile, but over time I’ve gotten used to it.  It’s really amazing how thin these devices are getting and I can’t even imagine the form factor of the device I’ll buy 2 years from now.
• Then there’s the much ballyhooed 1GHz “Snapdragon” processor inside which allows the phone to flat-out fly.  There’s no such thing as lag on this device.  App downloads literally take less than 10 seconds over Verizon’s 3G network and web pages load at an alarming speed.  I haven’t had  too much experience with it over WiFi, but I suspect that when I do, I will be equally impressed.
• The raised back cover is not the eyesore I expected, but rather it provides a nice soft-feel grip when holding the phone.  A real plus and not worth all the negative speculation it got in the run-up to its release.
• Signing in with your Google account and having the deep integration with all the Google services you use is the biggest advantage over the iPhone in my book.  Gmail, Contacts, Google Voice, Youtube, Google Docs, and many more that I have yet to use on the phone are all there and readily available and usable on Android.  Amazing.
• Also, moving from a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard (BlackBerry) to this couldn’t have been less painful.  Typing is easy as can be and the new voice-to-text input option is friggin’ awesome.  Until getting this device I was leery of using a touchscreen only phone for fear that typing and data input would be a hassle.  It isn’t.  I can definitively say touchscreen’s are the future (I do miss my big keyboard juuuust a little, though).
• As for the negative, there’s really only one thing: battery life.  A full day of heavy use is impossible with the current battery.  A full day of moderate use is still hard to achieve.  I’m toying with the idea of buying a larger battery, but I really don’t want to.  You shouldn’t have to blow an extra $50 just so you can use your phone for a single full day.  Turn off the WiFi and GPS when you’re not using it and use a Task Killer to keep power consumption down.  Other than that, there’s little you can do to save battery.  It’s really disappointing.

In all, I’m thoroughly impressed with the phone and extremely happy I bought it.  It’s a huge step up from anything BlackBerry has to offer and really rivals (and in many aspects, surpasses) the iPhone.  Android is an amazingly power OS and the HTC Sense UI (that I thought I wouldn’t like, by the way) really pretties it up and makes it more user friendly.  I’m eager to see what the next iPhone has to offer aside from the OS 4.0 updates that were rolled out a few weeks ago. But in all, the HTC Incredible is truly a fantastic device and will be very hard to top.

This story would have been cool had I written this in 2008.

But unfortunately, the people who run Research in Motion do one thing well (that is make an epic full-keyboard messaging phone) and really are ignorant to the rest of the world.  And as all other phone manufacturers started to encroach into RIM’s wheelhouse – things like security and Enterprise support, also a solid e-mail experience – they failed to expand and adapt to the changing environment.  And as a result, BlackBerry is on the verge of irrelevance to basically all consumers except those who a) are already committed to the platform, or b) require heavy mobile messaging devices.

But the folks up in Waterloo are trying to change that.  They attempted to make a multi-media intensive device (the Storm series) and failed rather spectacularly and their newest entry into the Bold line is a pretty impressive device.  The knock against these devices, as phones move more and more in the direction of mobile PC’s, is that the native BlackBerry browser is basically garbage.  And it is.  There’s really no excuse for how bad the BlackBerry Internet experience is.  I know from painful, painful experience.

That leads to the big reveal today at the Mobile Web Congress.  In hopes of improving their own browser, RIM bought Torch Mobile in August 2009, a company that developed a browser built on the WebKit devlopment technology.  Which only means, their new browser will be made with the same technology that all the better mobile browsers (iPhone, Android, webOS) are made with.  The the below videos is the first anybody as ever seen of it.

While the verdict is still out, I can do nothing but shrug my shoulders at this latest development.  BlackBerry has kind of lost me.  I own one now and really don’t plan on re-upping with a new device with or without this new addition.  I didn’t have a bad experience, I’ve just moved on.  I’ve been seduced by the sweet Siren calls of Android.  But maybe this changed minds for some people.

All you need is love.

My official iPad response: “meh…”

This looks way better.  But in much the same way there are Apple fanboys/girls…well, I love everything Google.

This is just a mock-up showing how a touch screen version of chrome “could” work and isn’t a preview of any potential product.

Google just came out with their self-proclaimed “superphone,” the Nexus One (pictured right) earlier this month and the Internet is abuzz with – well, a lot of buzz.  Reviews have been generally positive, but there are a number of nagging hang-ups that many people have with the device.  As many know, the Nexus One is available through the Google website only, and is sold unlocked for a billion dollars or with a two year contract from T-Mobile for $180.

I love cell phones.  As soon as I buy one, the first thing I do is try to get out from under my current contract so I can buy a newer, sexier model.  A eagerly await the date on which I can use my upgrade and generally pine for a new device every second of every day.  With that being said, I’m always seemingly getting punked by my wireless carrier: Verizon.  They turned down the iPhone when it first came out because they wanted it to be compatible with the Verizon music store instead of iTunes.  They shut out wireless compatibility and free GPS connections on their handsets for the longest time (until they just recently started to rethink their position).  They have yet to release a BlackBerry with WiFi (CORRECTION: The Storm2 has WiFi – but still, not an actual BlackBerry) and they reportedly passed on being Nexus One’s launch carrier.

For me, these turn of events would normally give way to extreme depression.  But when the Nexus One was finally announced, it was revealed that it would be available for Verizon in the Spring 2010.  So, unless the iPhone comes to Verizon before then (which it won’t), my decision on my next phone is super easy.  But, if I’m going to drop $200 on a new phone, I want something in return.  The following are my requests for the Nexus One when it is released for Verizon:

• Give people the option of buying the device in a Verizon store.  Or, at the very least, have a handset in the store for people to play with.  As much as I’ve bought into the new Google Phone, I want to at least touch it before I buy it.  Call me old-fashioned.
• Enable multi-touch.  For me, this isn’t a big deal, but it is to a lot of people.  Apparently gaming isn’t worth anything until you get mult-touch; also, for whatever reason, people really like to pinch when they zoom web page.  Look, if I’m not going to buy an iPhone, I want to buy the phone that kills it.  If multi-touch makes the Nexus One a better competitor, they best put it in there – and stat.
• Allow upgrading for family plans and don’t force a set plan on people.  The T-Mobile version forces people to get a one-size-fits-all calling plan with data and a set number of minutes for $79.99.  Google also doesn’t allow people on family plans to get the upgrade pricing for the Nexus One.  So, the only way you can get it the phone for $180 is to be on a cell plan with only yourself and be willing to swallow the plan they give you.  This is stupid.  You’re Google, you’re supposed to be about being open and honest.  This wreaks of a decision Apple would make.  And yet, they didn’t do any of this with the iPhone.  Lame Google.  Super Lame.
• Improve the casing.  The gray casing is kind of bland and I think the engraving feature on the back of the phone is really stupid and is a half-baked attempt at personalization and making something on the phone seem unique and iconic.  I want a phone that is as nondescript as possible.  The more it looks like a shiny black brick when it’s powered down, the more I want it.  Also, fix the camera lens size  - it looks ridiculous.  Having the phone say “Google” on the back is all the branding and iconography you need.  Traditional or otherwise.  Plus, John C. Dvorak says its as slippery as a “wet bar of soap.”  Though, he did also say that that mouse was a stupid idea when it was first released…
• Solve the service issues.  As with any high profile device launch there are going to be horror stories about people who spend their entire life-savings only to get a device that doesn’t work and a company that doesn’t want to help them.  I don’t know what the issue is with the sporadic 3G connections, but fix it.  You’re Google, you don’t make mistakes like this.  Palm can.  RIM can.  Not you Google.  Especially when you haven’t built up the goodwill like the aforementioned companies in the cell phone industry.  Your first impression is a little shaky.  Also, it’d be in your best interest to get a call center together to support the device (the only way to get a service question answered from Google is via e-mail – WTF?).  Either that, or allow people in the Verizon infrastructure to service and troubleshoot the device.  A product with no support is one that everyone hates.

At the end of the day, I’m hoping the T-Mobile version is treated more like a soft-launch for the big Verizon party that’s coming in the spring.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m probably buying this phone either way the second I can.  But Google would be smart to take some of these complaints to heart – the iPhone 4G is right around the corner.

P.S. – Update the music player.

I’ve often found myself being able to predict world events or cool cultural happenings before they actually occur.  When these things come to pass, I invariably try to convince people that I knew that they were going to happen, but no one believes me.  So, the following will be me attempting to make some pretty bold and significant (okay, not really) predictions about things that will eventually happen, or perceptions that have not yet taken hold, but eventually will.  Whether or not I actually think these things will really happen myself isn’t important.  Think about them.  Do you agree?

5.) iPhones Aren’t Cool.

iPhones used to be cool, I know.  They used to be the new hot gadget that Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan just had to have. What about now?  The iPhone 3.0 (“3G S” is the official name, apparently) has just hit stores to pretty ho-hum buzz among all those who aren’t Mac fanboys.  The iPhone problem is this: while it’s cool now to have a touch-screen phone, it won’t be for long.  The trend among consumers is bending heavily toward data input: texting, Twittering, and Internet browsing.  Flat out, the iPhone does not do these things well.  Don’t argue with me about web browsing – great OS impossible typing, I have the Touch.  While there will always be power users who will pimp the apparent ease of the iPhone keyboard, the truth is that it’s just really difficult to maneuver.  This is why Blackberry’s have actually gotten more popular in comparison to the iPhone in recent months.  If you’re a serious person over the age of 16 who doesn’t want to be “cool” or “hip” or find where you parked your car with the flick of your index finger, you get a Blackberry.  You know it’s true.  Physical keyboard > Virtual keyboard.  Apple needs to implement a slide out keypad to stay relevant with people without tight black T-shirts and RayBan’s.  If you look hard enough, I’m sure there’s an app that will tell you that – only $3.99.

4.)  The Browns Will Be Better Than Expected.

Just watch.  There’s nothing else to say.  Mangini is a “coach.”  A real coach with real ideas and real football intellect.  Eventually I’ll write up a real preview to the season with predictions, but until then, expect better than 5 wins.

….for real.

3.) Transformers 2 Will Suck.

The first Transformers was really good, I’ll admit it.  It was so good, I think people forget its faults – which were many.  This wasn’t Citizen Kane, guys.  Nor was it Die Hard.  Expectations for so many were so low going in, no one could be anything else but surprised by how good it was.  Remember, Michael Bay is still the director – a guy that fails spectacularly when the pressure is on – I’ll only cite Pearl Harbor and Bad Boys II as immediate examples (The Island, too).  While most people who liked the first will most likely be happy with the second, more explosions, more robots, and more Megan Fox doesn’t necessarily equal a better movie.  Better story equals a better movie, which will eventually translate to more dollars – somebody let Jerry Bruckheimer in on that secret stat because early word shows that he probably doesn’t.

2.) The Republican Party Will Rise Again.

Okay, this isn’t such a stretch.  But, a recent Gallup poll showed the single largest group of Americans identified themselves as “conservatives.”  The Republican party is pathetic right now, we all see that.  Michael Steel is a buffoon and there are no leaders since John McCain is basically disqualified after such a decisive presidential loss.  I don’t know who is going to step up (or maybe I do?), but it has to be someone.  A message will have to resonate eventually, and when it does, the president will have some real work to do since he’s had no real opposition thus far.  Lower taxes and smaller government has a real audience and I think most people, regardless of party affiliation, like that message – it’s up to a real talented politician (not so fast – take one step back Sarah Palin) to step up and make that case effectively.  If they don’t, Democrats will enjoy another 60 year majority until we get another Ronald Reagan.  And even if you hate him, you have to admit, talents like his don’t come around too often.  If they can be effective though, that will lead me into my number one truth that isn’t true yet, which is…

1.) Barack Obama Will Be A One-Term President.

In the interest of full disclosure, I don’t think this is actually going to happen.  For that matter, I’m not entirely convinced the Republicans will find their way out of the wet paper bag they’re trapped in now, either.  I think there is no one out there with the clout or gravitas to challenge Obama in the next election.  But I need to be bold.  The health care debate is getting pretty cloudy and public support is fading faster than it did in 1993.  If the administration is handed a loss of that magnitude in the battle for a health care overhaul, all bets are off.  Immigration is off the table.  A new electricity grid is off the table.  Latitude on Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan is off the table.  Obama has really spent a significant amount of political capital – we’re already beginning to see a push back in respect to amount of big issues he is trying to take on all at one time.  If anyone can do it, it’s him.  But if he fails, 2012 will be a circus – and don’t be surprised if the president finds himself in early retirement in Chicago when the dust settles.

Oh yeah, and the economy.

On the continuum of things that make up the shared human experience, there are few pleasures (if any) that I would palce above one incredibly exciting and moving adventure: playing video games.  So, it would only stand to reason that there would be only a handful of events held around the world during the calendar year that could ever even hope to match the sheer coolness that is E3 – AKA The Electronic Entertainment Expo.  Every year, the three big console producers (Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony) and their third party developers present the blockbuster games and peripherals they plan to release in the near future.  This year, E3 will be held in Los Angeles on June 2nd through the 4th.   I’ll attempt to outline the really big releases that are expected to be showcased at this year’s conference – I’ll catagorize the releases by console.  Enjoy.

NINTENDO (Wii & DSi)

Wii Motion Plus

Nintendo will be presenting their much hyped controller peripheral that will supposedly allow for true 1:1 player to game movement – in other words, this will give gamers the control they thought the were getting when they first bought the Wii.  If your character is holding a sword, the movements you make with the controller in real time will be mirrored perfectly by the character on screen – or so they hope.  It will be bundled with a few different games this June and undoubtedly be gobbled up by millions of suburban families shortly thereafter.  But if third party developers can harness the power of this properly, it has the potential to be absolutely HUGE.

Wii Fit Plus

Publisher: Nintendo

Rumors are swirling that there’s another Wii Fit on deck that will be shown this year.  I never played the first Wii Fit, so I can’t offer much insight into the original experience or the upcoming release as Nintendo is keeping pretty tight lips (as usual) on what to expect.  Let’s hope the game has some real depth and is actually beneficial to your health and fitness to use – and not just a fun distraction like the first.

New Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Kid Icarus?

There are also strong rumors that Nintendo, after a pretty lackluster showing last year, is planning to play more to their “core gamers” by introducing a new game featuring one of their flagship characters.  Everyone wants more Mario, or more Zelda (with at least some tiny innovations, please!), more Metroid (aside from the Prime compilation), or a new  Kid Icarus.  I can’t to wait to see what the give us.

NOTE: Nintendo’s keynote address will be held at 9:00 a.m. PDT, June 2.

MICROSOFT (Xbox 360 & Zune)

Mass Effect 2

Publisher: Bioware

The trailer for this debuted a few months back.  I was late to the 360 party – I got mine this past Christmas – but I have the original Mass Effect and I love it.  I am eagerly awaiting the sequel.  The game designers have advised those who played the original to keep their save files as the decisions they made in the first game will influence their experience in Mass Effect 2.  Awesome.

Assassins Creed 2

Publisher: Ubisoft

The barrage of sequels continue.  I’ve heard pretty mixed reaction from the original game, but having never played it myself, I can’t offer an opinion.  That being said, there is no reason the concept for this game alone can’t produce a great experience.  Open world, free-roaming games are all the rage these days, but the world design and originality displayed in the first game sets this apart.  Let’s hope the execution is there.

Zune HD

This isn’t gaming related, but it’s a pretty big release so it’s worth mentioning.  The anti-iPod is getting a face lift.  I have an iPod so this does nothing for me.  It really felt to me that Microsoft is fighting an uphill battle with this product.  I’m sure it’s great, but Apple has such stranglehold in brand recognition alone: Mp3 player = iPod.  The OLED display looks pretty amazing though.  I’m sure there are other features Bill Gates and Co. have up their sleeves.

NOTE: Microsoft’s keynote address will be held at 10:30 a.m. PDT, June 1

SONY (PlayStation 3 & PSP)

God of War III

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

This is a huge release.  The PS3 really struggled out of the box due to a lack of killer apps and the ridiculous price point, but has really come on strong over the last six months.  This may be the title that forces a good chunk of the gaming public to finally go out and buy the console.  The first two games were absolute blockbusters with fans and critics alike.  This is exactly what the doctor ordered for Sony.

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

I’m not sure how big a release this game actually is, but I’m pumped for it.  I played the first one only sparingly, but I like the concept and there seems to be a lot of potential here.  This is the Indiana Jones game that people have been waiting for since the NES was all the rage.  The PS3 lineup is looking strong.

NOTE: Sony’s keynote address will be held at 11:00 a.m. PDT, June 2.

MULTI-PLATFORM RELEASES

I’m sure there will be a new Madden and Guitar Hero/Rock Band releases this year, but I don’t care about those.  Here are some big games being released on multiple consoles.

MODERN WAREFARE 2 (Xbox 360 & PS3)

Publisher: Activision

A new Call of Duty by Infinity Ward.  Nothing else needs to be said.  Turn down the lights, and turn up the 5.1 surround.  It’s a freaking movie.

Bioshock 2 (Xbox 360 & PS3)

Publisher: 2k Games

The most artistically significant (even if the game play was pretty standard) FPS gets a sequel.  If it’s anywhere near as beautiful to look at as the first, this is a must buy.  We NEED a playable demo.

There are CERTAINLY other games to be seen and spectacle to be had at E3, but hopefully this is starter.  Keep up with everything live as it happens over at Gamespot.

I love video games.