A few weeks ago, we did a blogging series on popular cell phones. There was one model of cell phones we did not cover. This week, we will start our series on Android phones.
Android got its big break in September 2005 when it was purchased by Google. Android was a startup company then, but already had a lot of money invested into it along with some big names to support it. In November 2007, the Open Handset Alliance, OHA, was formed. This increased the popularity of the Android operating system. Some of the members of the Alliance include Google, HTC, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm. In December 2008, the OHA added 14 members including Sony, Toshiba, and Asustek. I tell you all this so you can understand the interests in open source development for mobile devices. The first release of the os was in February 2009 with Android 1.1.
Android is a Linux based operating system. Linux is a free, open source OS. Because it is available to the public, programmers and software writers are developing new software daily to utilize the power of the Linux kernel. Android is a mobile based Linux OS that can be found a number of devices such as netbooks, tablets, and the purpose of this blog, mobile phones. This week we will be talking about the Motorola Droid which was released in November 2009. The name Droid is a trademark of Lucas Films. Verizon Wireless is the only carrier in the US that carries the Droid. The Droid is loaded with features. The Droid is a touch screen device with a QWERTY keyboard that slides out. The Droid also doubles as a turn-by-turn GPS, which comes standard and is free. Droid was released with Android 2.1, but an update for Android 2.2 was released in early August 2010 for this device. The update increases the phone speed and utilizes its core for better performance. Also, because of the update, the Motorola Droid is also one of the first phones to have Flash 10.1. This is a solid device with virtually limitless capabilities.
Be sure to stop by daily as we give you more info about the Motorola Droid. Until next time, happy teching!
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_(operating_system)
Kindle DX
Last week, we discussed the Kindle 3. This week we are going to stay with Kindle, but go bigger. By bigger I mean the Kindle DX. The Kindle DX is as reliable as the smaller Kindles out there. The Kindle DX also has a bigger screen at 9.7 inches. This makes the Kindle DX one of the largest ereaders available for purchase. The Kindle DX weights just over 1 lb. You would think because of the bigger screen and bigger everything that it would hold more books. This is not true. The Kindle DX still hold 3500 book, which is a lot any way you look at it. With wireless off, the Kindle DX will last 2-3 weeks on one battery charge. With wireless turned on, the Kindle DX only lasts 7 days on one charge. The good thing about the Kindle DX is that there is only one version of it; which means the Kindle DX is both WiFi and 3G. Just like the other Kindle, the Kindle DX 3G is free. All in all, the Kindle DX is a good buy. If you are looking for a bigger screen and willing to compromise with the weight, then the Kindle DX is for you.
Be sure to check back later this week as we compare the Kindle DX to some of its competitors. Until next time, happy teching!
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