swansonager – what is matt up to?

Saw this earlier today when installing the Micro SD card from my Android device to my laptop – Double Sync tried to install itself… and I got this… nice! Has anyone used Double Twist? Any good?

As an owner of a Android based MyTouch 3G, I’m really tempted to get the Nexus One phone from Google. Question for any current owners of the Nexus One – do you like it? Also, does it run smooth? No lag, etc. That’s my one complaint from my 3G MyTouch is the lag of the phone at times. Don’t get me wrong, I love it but sometimes it’s slow. Tempted to root it with a mod’d Android – anyone have feedback that’s rooted their MyTouch?

On another note, here’s a really funny story about the Nexus One handset from Google a la CNET…

You see, the pungently polite people at Reuters were playing with their Nexus One when they noticed something about its built-in voice-to-text feature.

Every time they said something naughty into the phone, the naughty word came out as “####”–and not just “f—.” It even censored the “S” part of BS.

It’s a ####ing good phone, so I’m told.

(Credit:

CC Pittaya/Flickr)

Here was the last part of the Nexus One ****** story on CNET

One other thing. I have a Croatian friend. If I ever got a Nexus One, I would like to be able to address him by his name. His name is Fuk. Would his name be transcribed, every time, as ###? How sad. – Chris Matyszczyk

RIP iPhone. Parking Lot 1, iPhone 0.

When looking at a new cell phone, what features are the most important to you (other than calls)?

One thing that is very important to me is open development. That is, opening up the guts of the phone to allow anyone to make it a better product. Do you get that with an iPhone? I don’t think so.

With Google signing a deal with Verizon a couple weeks back for four new Android Phones, this will only make the Android footprint larger. The one thing I keep thinking about is this: Is Apple once again going to lose out because of their single point of failure with AT&T much like they did in the early 1980’s by tying their OS to the hardware platform? That’s up for debate, but if sure feels like they are going that route…

There are a ton of open Apps for the Android Operating System (and with the full GPS navigation system in 2.0) you better watch out Garmin. So I’ll leave it open – what’s your favorite Android app? Mine is My Tracks. What’s my tracks you ask? Well, here goes – Open My Tracks, click record and you’ll get detailed stats on any workout, run, walk, jog, hike, mountain bike or trail run. Thanks Google! This rocks.

[Edit - Doubt that Google will take over in the Mobile area? Read this post and you'll change your mind]

Announcing Google Maps Navigation for Android 2.0 – yep. that’s right all you rapid Apple iPhone users. The new navigation system from Google a la Android 2.0 will give any GPS a run for it’s money it looks like. I’ve been using my Android phone for about 3 weeks now and it’s hands down awesome. I like it better than the iPhone and it’s completely open unlike Apple’s device. If you haven’t watched what they have in store for Android, take a look at this video.

Here are the features for the new navigation system from Google:

The most recent map and business data
When you use Google Maps Navigation, your phone automatically gets the most up-to-date maps and business listings from Google Maps — you never need to buy map upgrades or update your device. And this data is continuously improving, thanks to users who report maps issues and businesses who activate their listings with Google Local Business Center.

Search in plain English
Google Maps Navigation brings the speed, power and simplicity of Google search to your car. If you don’t know the address you’re looking for, don’t worry. Simply enter the name of a business, a landmark or just about anything into the search box, and Google will find it for you. Then press “Navigate”, and you’re on your way.

Search by voice
Typing on a phone can be difficult, especially in the car, so with Google Maps Navigation, you can say your destination instead. Hold down the search button to activate voice search, then tell your phone what you want to do (like “Navigate to Pike Place in Seattle”), and navigation will start automatically.

Traffic view
Google Maps Navigation gets live traffic data over the Internet. A traffic indicator light in the corner of the screen glows green, yellow or red, depending on the current traffic conditions along your route. If there’s a jam ahead of you, you’ll know. To get more details, tap the light to zoom out to an aerial view showing traffic speeds and incidents ahead. And if the traffic doesn’t look good, you can choose an alternate route.

Search along route
For those times when you’re already on the road and need to find a business, Google Maps Navigation searches along your route to give you results that won’t take you far from your path. You can search for a specific business by name or by type, or you can turn on popular layers, such as gas stations, restaurants or parking.

Satellite view
Google Maps Navigation uses the same satellite imagery as Google Maps on the desktop to help you get to your destination. Turn on the satellite layer for a high-resolution, 3D view of your upcoming route. Besides looking cool, satellite view can help you make sense of complicated maneuvers.

Street View
If you want to know what your next turn looks like, double-tap the map to zoom into Street View, which shows the turn as you’ll see it, with your route overlaid. And since locating an address can sometimes be tricky, we’ll show you a picture of your destination as you approach the end of your route, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.

Here’s the video from Google about the new GPS Navigation System:

Read more at the official Google Blog about the new software >>