Posted on 09/13/2010 3:01:39 AM PDT by Swordmaker
Gingerbread seems likely to be tablet-friendly OS
Android not ready to power iPad rivals, says Google
Google has stated that it currently isn't using Android on any tablets, hinting that it will have a tablet-centric OS soon.
Although Gingerbread and Honeycomb have been strongly tipped to be tablet-friendly versions of Android, this is the first time Google has confirmed Froyo isn't a platform for iPad rivals.
While some will point to the Galaxy Tab as the flaw in this statement, the device features all the connectivity of the Galaxy S, making it essentially a larger phone rather than a standalone tablet.
"Android is an open platform. We saw at IFA 2010 all sorts of devices running Android, so it already running on tablets," said Hugo Barra, director of products for mobile at Google.
Android Market not for tablets
"But the way Android Market works is it's not going to be available on devices that don't allow applications to run correctly.
"Which devices do, and which don't will be unit specific, but Froyo is not optimised for use on tablets.
"If you want Android market on that platform, the apps just wouldn't run, [Froyo] is just not designed for that form factor.
"We want to make sure that we're going to create a application distribution mechanism for the Android market, to ensure our users have right experience."
This echoes comments made by Archos to TechRadar at IFA, stating that Google is looking for the 'wow factor' with it's tablet platform, with custom animations and UIs, so it could be that we'll be seeing a whole different breed of Android devices to take on the iPad.
Android Market will not support Tablets... yet.
If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.
I’m still trying to come up with a reason why I would want a tablet. Okay, it has a bigger screen than my phone but besides that they’re the same device—and I can’t make a call with a tablet or put it in my pocket.
well i got a kindle 3 instead. Allows me to read freerepublic.com on a mobile device using free internet
This Saturday I counted three iPads in the course of a five minute train ride in West Tokyo. One user was an elderly woman who was using hers to read a newspaper, one kid was going back and forth between email his and a comic book and the third was too far away for me to see what he was doing with his.
They’re all over the place now. It seems most people have dedicated carry bags for them.
I’ve used the iTouch to surf but the text is so small it’s difficult. If I enlarge the text I have to scroll the display back and forth.
I’ve tried Atomic browser. I’m using it now. IMHO Atomic has issues that make it difficult also.
The iPad solves all of that. Love it.
I have 2 Dr. appts. this week and it will be w/ me in the waiting room.
BTW, I’ve got a Sony reader also and the iPad is superior hands down as a reader. The one exception is in sunlight.
It appears you will be able to call and video conference with the new Samsung Tab.
That’s gotta hurt.
Free internet? As in sitting in a cafe using their WiFi?
???
Not me... I have full Android Market access on my Android tablet, and it doesn’t even have a cell phone radio inside it.
I think Google wants to hold its marketing powder until it adds the glitz mentioned by the Archos folks. Right now, I don’t see anything that Android OS doesn’t do that iOS does do. But Google has some extra glitz and features they want to roll for a tablet, so they’re trying to get people to hold off.
Sorry, it’s perfectly functional - and usable - as a tablet OS. I use it every day! In fact, using it right now (with Swype) to make this post.
if you only have the wifi version, but if you get the 3g version, you get free internet
Thanks but curious to know who provides free internet. Does it require a hot spot location? Is there an ‘on the go’ modem such as CLEAR offers? TIA.
It's just not very good, as its writers admit, as a tablet OS. Yugos were perfectly functional too. They just sucked.
I don’t know, I think it’s very good. Of course, I think Ruth’s Chris doesn’t use enough pepper on their steaks!
For someone who really mocks “apple fans” he has a class of his own when it comes to HIS PC religion.
Google the inventor says “its not ready” but oh no, Good ol’ Pug say “PERFECT”.
So, in the future, it will be “more” “perfect”?
Now, don’t get me wrong. It they DO come up with a good platform, and it is free and open and anyone can use it, a LOT of companies will make a LOT of cheap tablets and those numbers, all added up will perhaps be more “market share” than iPad.
But let’s not forget this one thing: The tablet was tried and dead, before Apple brought it to life with the iPad and now everyone will copy THEM.
And they will make FAR more money.
Yeah.
They'll ignore the custom SoC, vastly longer battery life, and better construction of the iPad. A while back PSS was touting what was basically a cheap 7" media player loaded with Android 1.6 as iPad competition. Yeah, right. And a netbook is in the same class as a high-end ultra-portable notebook like a MacBook Air or Sony X series.
BTW, check out the X series if you want to see a superlative example as to why Apple dropped VGA ports.
There are two versions of the iPad -- WiFi only and WiFi/3G. The 3G version has the data service built in. It uses the cell phone network, not the WiMax that Clear uses, which gives it much wider coverage but isn't as fast.
If you have the 3G iPad, there's no contract -- the service is month-to-month, $15 or $25, and you can sign up and cancel from the iPad. Even if you don't have service this month, you have free access to any WiFi hotspot run by AT&T. That includes a lot of cafés, mall food courts and hotels, most Fedex Office (formerly Kinko's) locations, and a lot of MacDonald's and Starbucks (where it's free anyway).
The WiFi-only version does not include free AT&T hotspot access.
Would you be talking about their sleek black ultra thin notebook, with the HUGE PROTRUDING VGA port sticking off the side like a Cancer Tumor?
That's the one. Nice design, although a bit busy on the edges, with that one major glaring fatal flaw.
Okay, I’m a doofus. I completely misread the thread. The Kindle uses the Sprint network — the service is built into the purchase price, so there’s no monthly charge.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.