Google's Grand Android Plan 190
CWmike writes with news of a significant change in Google's strategy for Android. According to a Wall Street Journal report, "Google plans to give multiple mobile-device makers early access to new releases of Android and to sell those devices directly to consumers, said people familiar with the matter. That is a shift from Google's previous practice, when it joined with only one hardware maker at a time to produce 'lead devices,' before releasing the software to other device makers. Those lead devices were then sold to consumers through wireless carriers or retailers." JR Raphael adds, "Signs of something big have been brewing in AndroidLand for some time now: First, we've had the increasingly loud buzz about Google's top-secret mission to build an inexpensive Nexus-like tablet. Then, last month, Google opened the door to selling unlocked Nexus devices directly to consumers, eliminating the need for carrier meddling and contract commitments. Now, at long last, we're getting a glimpse at what's likely the final piece of the puzzle."
how does the warranty work? (Score:5, Insightful)
with apple i can go into one of the 10 Apple stores in the NYC area and have a real life english speaking person look at my device and possibly exchange it on the spot.
google better not do it's regular retail FAIL where warranty/support is some internet forum where you get an answer in 3 days and have to send your phone somewhere hoping it won't get crapped on
Re:Wow Google is missing the problem... (Score:4, Insightful)
Updates are a worry to me as well - although I eventually decided my Android adventure wasn't working with my HTC Desire, I've been looking heavily at the Galaxy Note in the past week or two. Having played with one a lot, I think Samsung have a good grip on the issues I had before, but my main issue is that the device is 6 months old, and yet is only just getting ICS this week. So I have to start my comparisons from catch again when I get one with ICS on to play with - is it still responsive, do the apps still work, does the update overbear the hardware etc etc etc.
The Note should have had ICS 4 or more months ago. Right now, the slow update is a huge negative.
Smartphone service for $35/mo from Virgin (Score:4, Insightful)
the MAIN issue is the Carrier's WON'T give a discount on service if you buy your phone outright
They'll have to give such discounts if they want to compete with the $35 per month plan that Sprint's Virgin Mobile brand offers.
Re:Not convinced (Score:5, Insightful)
Wait, you think this exists? I can "accrue goodwill" from that guy at the farmer's market that I buy from every week, or my independent motorcycle mechanic that knows me by name. The idea that you, as a single consumer, can "accrue goodwill" with a major cellphone carrier is delusional. You're a record in a database to them, and a millionth of a percent of their income.