Matt Woodward’s posterous

Matt Woodward’s posterous

Matthew Woodward  //  * CFML, Grails, and Java Developer
* Principal IT Specialist, US Senate
* Open BlueDragon Steering Committee Member
* All-Around Geek

Jan 9 / 8:30pm

The Switch From iPhone To Android, And Why Your First Impression Is Wrong

A week or so later, it clicked. When I want an option that isn’t already visible, I hit the dedicated ‘Menu’ button just beneath the screen. Need to jump to a previous screen in an app or the web browser? Hit the dedicated ‘Back’ button. In some ways, these are actually better than the soft buttons located in iPhone apps, because they’re always in the same place. It also saves some screen real estate. Using them has become totally second nature to me. But they aren’t the reason why I’ve decided I prefer Android over the iPhone.

First time I've seen someone make this point, and to me this is dead on. Having used my Droid for a while now, when I go back to using apps on my iPod Touch the lack of dedicated, single-purpose buttons is frustrating, and in some cases even within Apple's much-lauded app store, it's easy to box yourself into a corner and have no way to get back to a previous screen. This is because it's up to the app to provide navigation, and in some cases they simply don't.

This whole article is great and it's refreshing not only to see someone stand up and say that Android is actually better (it is), but to examine and explain why long-time iPhone users may find Android off-putting, at least at first.

Filed under // Android Droid iPhone Mobile

Comments (0)

Nov 11 / 7:04pm

Droid Unboxing - Part 3

Part 3 of my Droid unboxing

Filed under // Droid Mobile Verizon

Comments (0)

Nov 11 / 7:04pm

Droid Unboxing - Part 2

Part 2 of my Droid unboxing

Filed under // Droid Mobile Verizon

Comments (0)

Nov 11 / 7:03pm

Droid Unboxing - Part 1

Part 1 of 3 of my Droid unboxing on Monday

Filed under // Droid Mobile Verizon

Comments (0)

Nov 9 / 3:05pm

Living in the Cloud: You Gotta Trust Somebody

I've been rather vocal about "getting off Google" in the past, and it's a battle I've been winning with my email for a few years now. But today I got my Droid (more on that later), and I thought long and hard before even ordering one because I knew what this would entail.

Obviously the Droid is using the Andoird OS, which means (surprise!) it's Google-centric. Google offers a huge amount of convenience, and the Android OS itself is absolutely spectacular. Temptation rears its head.

I've been researching mobile phones like crazy over the last few months, and when it comes to "freedom" there really are no great choices. The Neo FreeRunner keeps showing promise, but ultimately you're still going to be at the mercy of a cellular carrier, and picking the least amongst evils there isn't easy.

The iPhone is a COMPLETE non-starter for me. AT&T coverage is horrendously bad, particularly where I live, and there is no way I'm diving into Apple's cesspool of control. No offense to iPhone owners; if you're happy with it, great! But it's absolutely not for me.

I've had Verizon for years and been nothing but happy for years, so I've been suffering the crappy phones until the Droid came along. But the Droid has the Google problem I've been avoiding for so long, so what to do?

Well, on the Google fight I give up. I'm keeping my mattwoodward.com email address, but I changed that domain over to Google Apps for Domains today. That way I can get this all working seamlessly with my phone, and I guess I just have to trust that Google isn't all THAT evil. I'll keep using Scroogle for my searches when I'm at my desk though.

I guess the bottom line of this post is if you want the benefit of living in the cloud, you gotta trust somebody. So I suggest doing your research and choosing an option that works for you on all levels. Just make sure to have an out if the solution you align yourself with turns up the evil dial at a later date.

Comments (8)

Nov 9 / 10:36am

Verizon Misfit Toys

I believe the correct phrase to use here is, "Oh snap?"

Filed under // AT&T Funny Mobile Verizon

Comments (0)

Oct 6 / 3:30pm

Verizon executive confirms Pre in January 2010 | PreCentral.net

The Pre on Verizon, yes or no? TheStreet.com says no, analysts say yes. Palm isn’t saying anything, except for “more carriers.” So that leaves Verizon as the only interested party that hasn’t spoken up. Well, now they have, with Jim Gerace, Executive Director of Media Relations at Verizon, telling E-Commerce Times that Big Red will indeed have the Pre next year, and in January at that.

Hopefully it's for real this time! Given their about-face on the control over the application front I can't wait for January.

Filed under // Mobile Palm Pre Verizon

Comments (1)

Oct 6 / 10:16am

Easy and Open App Distribution: There's a Platform for That | PreCentral.net

Palm has made it official: in December, they will facilitate any developer to distribute any app to any Pre owner: directly and easily. The lingering questions about whether 'sideloading' (allowing users to install apps directly instead of through the app catalog) and whether their policies regarding app distribution and open source software have all been resolved in one fell swoop. The resolution, as Derek wrote, is that any developer can submit their app to Palm, who will then provide an URL which will directly install the app -- Palm won't hinder, review, or otherwise throw up roadblocks. There are more details from the developer relations team here and though in this giddy, late hour I don't see devils in those details, it's possible they could be there.

Really, really awesome news. Totally changes my thoughts on the Pre (yeah, people are probably getting whiplash by now). If the Pre makes it to Verizon this will definitely be my next phone.

Filed under // Mobile Palm Pre Technology

Comments (0)

Oct 1 / 1:29pm

iTWire - No FOSS for Palm app catalog says Netscape pioneer

It appears Palm is seeking to follow Apple’s footsteps in gaining a reputation for inconsistent and spurious rejections and removals of iPhone and iPod Touch applications. In this case, Palm has resisted including a free application because the source code is attainable elsewhere.

It's getting to the point where there are zero good options for a cell phone. I had high hopes for OpenMoko's Neo FreeRunner but I think it's still kind of iffy that it's usable as an actual phone (though it's a seriously cool project), and even if it does work I believe I'd have to be on T-Mobile to use it. I'm too happy with my service, call quality, etc. on Verizon to switch.

I'll have to look more into Android I suppose (if they ever make it to Verizon) but I'm starting to think I'll just get a burner and call it a day. Until the mobile companies start being so draconian about everything, low-tech might be the way to go.

Filed under // Mobile Technology

Comments (4)

Sep 25 / 1:53pm

Verizon scraps Palm Pre plans

Poor sales at Sprint as well as interest in handsets from Research in Motion and Motorola reportedly contributed to Verizon's decision to ditch the Palm Pre

So utterly bummed. Guess I'll have to wait for Android phones now ... The Pre is awesome but I really don't want to switch to Sprint. Been way too happy with Verizon over the years.

Filed under // Gadgets Mobile

Comments (0)