Walt Mossberg - Google’s G1: First Impressions

http://mossblog.allthingsd.com/20080923/googles-g1-first-impressions/

by nickb • 18 years ago

51 44 18 years ago

mossblog.allthingsd.com

iPhone has just lost a bit more if its luster with this release.

jcl4• 18 years ago

Really? I get the impression that this phone lacks a lot of the iPhone's polish... various sliding/pinching gestures, tilt to change orientation, sync with PCs... Of course, the G1 is playing catch-up, and not doing a terrible job -- it has some of the features the first generation iPhone lacked (and vice versa).

The real thing the iPhone loses is exclusivity. Now that they have some semblance of a competitor, will Apple make concessions to developers and customers to maintain their advantage?

lemonysnicket3• 18 years ago

the real thing the iPhone loses is exclusivity

and thus has lost some of its luster -- its not the only player in the market anymore with an app store, touch screen, and all the other goodies

bprater• 18 years ago

I don't see this device being a "must-have" device like iPhone is.

l_frequency• 18 years ago

Umm.. so it's a sidekick...

I'm just glad the android developers finally have a device for their apps.

martythemaniak• 18 years ago

Seems like an OK device hardware wise, but that is likely to change fast and for the better. I'd expect there to be some really nice, polished devices by Holiday season 2009.

Software-wise, it looks pretty solid. Has a number of neat features that the iPhone doesn't, but that's also true vice-versa. Seems users will have to think how they use their device to see which one fits them better.

quasimojo2• 18 years ago

christ we are in the dark ages again

i need a google account to use gphone

i need itunes to use iphone

i have to buy apps from approved channels

it favors the vendors apps

no thanks

wake me when i can buy a device that runs apps i choose, connects to the network i want. i realize this is a pipe dream. the wireless world is a world of shit

i might as well look for the smallest flash-based linux notebook possible that runs skype and just hold it up to my ear old-skule style like gordon gecko and that giant cell phone from wall street

jcl4• 18 years ago

FYI, Android Market apparently will have no review process -- anyone can list an application without approval.

And you have heard about OpenMoko, right?

nickb• 18 years ago

FYI, Android Market apparently will have no review process -- anyone can list an application without approval.

I wonder how long this will last. All you need is one malicious app and the party will be over. If not Google, then the carriers themselves will demand the locking up of the store... all in the name of security.

jmtulloss• 18 years ago

Palm just released the Treo Pro, which lets you run any WinMO app you want and connect to any GSM network you want. They have PalmOS and Windows Phones that connect to any network.

I feel they do nothing but demonstrate why a tightly integrated solution is better than a highly flexible one.

nuclear_eclipse9• 18 years ago

I have an Openmoko Neo FreeRunner: it has GPS, accelerometers, WiFi G, high resolution 640x480px touch screen, Micro SD card slot, good quality speakers/headphone jack, and good battery life; it works with any GSM carrier; it can run just about any operating system compiled for its ARM CPU; you can run and compile programs on it in any language supported by GCC or an ARM-compiled interpreter; it can connect to the internet via GPRS, WiFi, or USB with a PC, to update it's software, install software packages, accept/initiate SSH sessions; it allows software to run that uses any windowing toolkit, including Gtk, Qt, and E.

It costs $399 direct from Openmoko and is available through multiple worldwide resellers ( http://openmoko.com/distributors.html ).

Any questions?

unalone• 18 years ago

I'm not a fan of Openmoko, but you make a good point. There ARE options for people who want them. The cell phone market is more open now than it ever has been in the past.

quasimojo2• 18 years ago

Any questions?

yes. okay you have sold me on the hardware. can i get one, then contact a wireless vendor and get a service plan? or will they tell me that i have to use a authorized device? astoundingly i have never owned a cell phone

lallysingh2• 18 years ago

Yeah, when are we (I've got one too, still working on getting the Mokomakefile system working on Solaris) going to get a decent software stack for the thing? Leaving it suspended overnight shouldn't kill the battery.

icey2• 18 years ago

I have one: Do you actually like using the phone?

Prrometheus2• 18 years ago

Isn't that the one that was a giant trainwreck as far as, you know, actually using it?

http://www.vimeo.com/1366042

From the video, it looks like the FreeRunner is a long way from a usable open phone. And not all the issues are with the horrible software it ships with. The hardware looks like it sucks, too.

Have you tried an iPhone? They're awesome.

edit: Other reviews I've found of the FreeRunner are absolutely frightening as well. It looks more like a $400 toy to hack on than a phone one might actually use.

wh• 18 years ago

We need someone like Linus Torvalds for mobile os.

nuclear_eclipse9• 18 years ago

His name is Sean Moss-Pultz. http://moss-pultz.com/

Interview: http://www.fsckin.com/2008/01/20/interview-with-sean-moss-pu...

His mission statement for Openmoko: http://lists.openmoko.org/pipermail/announce/2008-June/00002...

subwindow• 18 years ago

Wake me when I can use Exchange or IMAP to connect to arbitrary mail providers without having to pipe everything through Gmail.

tsetse-fly• 18 years ago

Wake up. Android has both an email and Gmail application. You can use IMAP without having to go through Google.

sdurkin• 18 years ago

Jesus, guys, hire a design firm. This thing looks literally painful to use.

auston• 18 years ago

Am I the only one who realizes that this phone solves the syncing problem better than Apple & certainly for a much lower cost (free!).

Your contacts/email/appointments move across computer & cell phone with every update.

Copy & Paste is solved by the G1.

There is 3.5G coverage & GPS built in as well as open standards for applications, so before you know it, you can video conference from your G1 over the net to friends in Argentina, Europe or Asia.

Improved maps with a compass, walking directions & street view definitely does not hurt either.

The G1 phone matches or exceeds the iPhone in everything except storage, which you can pay extra for.

iamah• 18 years ago

That was sweet, I hope there will be more applications like this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgkSZS6o050

Walt Mossberg - Google’s G1: First Impressions

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