Is the future of mobile based in gestures?

Yesterday RIM (now renamed just to BlackBerry) officially announced BB10, their all new OS. BB10 is based heavily on gestures...but even in android and iOS gestures are becoming more common. Often, the major "official" players (Google, Apple, Samsung and the like) adopt 3rd party features after they have been tried elsewhere. Think about it. Apple and Google (Google moreso than Apple) are big on acquiring companies that look promising and could add to their services, as opposed to innovate themselves. It's safer, likely cheaper, and just much easier. More developers are including gestures

Swipe, the revolutionary typing experience's feature was one of it's kind back in 2011. Then, in 2012, Swiftkey and Google itself added the option to use "flow", or "gesture" typing, turning the idea of taps into drags. Even the notifications on iOS and android involve gestures - drag down from the top of the screen. I know android best, and there are numerous examples of gestures there. Let's explore.

Nova Launcher has the ability to add gestures in it's settings menu, and quick launch an app based on a shape you draw on the homescreen. Dolphin Browser has had gestures for a wile now, letting you draw shapes or letters to quickly navigate to a certain web-pages (draw a "G" to go to google.com is the default one). SwipePad is an app that lets you drag your finger from a given corner or edge of the screen to open a "launch pad" array of apps, again using gestures to do so.

BlackBerry 10 is the first major player to fully adopt gestures, and I don't think it will be the only. Recently we saw Ubuntu show off it's mobile OS, which is also taking advantage of gestures.

More and more, it looks like the next big thing is already here - gestures. Both my parents have BlackBerry Playbooks, and the gesture system on there works well once you get used to it. Swipe up from the bottom to go to the homescreen which doubles as a multitasking page (recently open apps are previewed in the middle, and all your apps are a tap away at the bottom), swipe down from the top for settings/menu, swipe from the left or right to quickly switch through open apps, and swipe diagonally left/right from the bottom to go back/forward within an app. They work relatively well, and I'm really looking forward to seeing Gestures more often in the mobile world.

Nexus 4 - what a long strange trip it's been

Brief history for those of you who live under a rock: The Nexus 4 was first available on the Google Play Store on November 13, and sold out within half an hour. It showed it's pretty face again on December 3 (at least here in Canada), and then was unavailable since then. Until now. I'm happy to report that there is no longer a need to bash that f5 button any more - the Nexus 4 is still available more than 24 hours later, and doesn't seem to be going anywhere!

Because this is the most elusive device of late 2012 (and 2013 so far), I thought I'd let you guys in on it.

First of all, let's talk a bit about the price. $350 unlocked for the 16GB model. $300 for the 8GB (I wouldn't recommend this though unless you know for sure you won't use the storage). 

You get what you paid for...right? False. In this one case, you get much more than what you paid for...unless you can get a quad core HD 4.7" screen with a kickass design for less than $600. I haven't herd of anywhere. If you think it isn't great, have a look at the specs sheet. Also, just for fun, try to find one review that doesn't suggest the Nexus 4. If you find one, let me know. I'm curious.

That being said, no phone is perfect, and the Nexus 4 is no different. It has a glass back which isn't gorilla glass - meaning it will scratch. This glass back is also extremely slippery, even on surfaces you think will be flat. For these reasons, I've included some accessories I've taken note of. Also, unfortunately, Google left out LTE. And a removable SD card. And the battery isn't removable. And the camera isn't great. Let me explain.

The biggest flaw is the lack of LTE. Google has said that it left this out for 2 reasons: battery life, and freedom. Google didn't want to bow to any carriers specific LTE bands, and instead went with a GSM-only penta-pand phone which will work anywhere in the world (nearly). It isn't compatible with major US carriers besides T-Mobile and AT&T.

If you are at all interested, here is the official link. Because I just ordered one, I went around the InterWebz and found some accessories. I do occasionally drop my phone, but I don't want to lose my shiny Nexus 4 to a petty tumble. That's why I opted for a hybrid protection case - a hard plastic outer shell to absorb any drops, surrounding a soft gel inner case to prevent against scratches and to dissipate the force of any accidental drops. I only found a few cases that protect using this hybrid style, and I only found one that looks as good as the Nexus 4 (or close to it - the Nexus does look very sleek). Here it is, and for only $13 (+ around $10 shipping). 

If you want to protect the butt of the phone from scratches (it is glass, but not gorilla glass. There are reports of lots of scratched backs already) in a neat way, look no further than DBrand. They are about 1/2 the price of the case mentioned above, and come in different colors and styles. From what I've herd they're awesome, and even come textured (the leather feels like actual leather).
Update: My skin came in and you can find out more about it here

I'll give you guys more information once this gear actually arrives (scheduled to within about a week), but these are the most promising accessories I found in a good 2 hour search.

Are you considering getting a Nexus 4? Already got one? Let us know what you think in the comments!

The Floor is Yours

After the success of the first Companion Comparison, I'm going to open the floor up to you guys. I'll compare phones, tablets...any mobile technology (let's keep it somewhat modern though...). I can't say I know as much about other mobile OSs as I do android, but I've got experience with iOS and a a bit with Windows Phone as well. Anything is fair game!

To request a CC, comment below, tweet me (@QandAndroid), PM me on Reddit (QandAndroid), or email me (QandAndroid@gmail.com).

I'd also like to thank you guys for reading; I'm a huge phone geek and it's great getting response back knowing I'm putting my knowledge to good use!

Companion Comparison: Galaxy Note 2 or Sony Xperia Z

Your smartphone really is a personal companion. In this first "companion comparison", we're going to have a look at the similarities and differences between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and the Sony Xperia Z in hopes to help you find the right companion (you can thank Reddit user hhabib92 for this comparison).

I haven't held the Xperia Z personally. That being said, I've herd it's quite the phone (from numerous sources - not just one).

They are 2 very different phones, and the Note 2 certainly looks a bit 'last year', but still holds up quite well. Both have quad core processors (the Note 2 using Samsung's own Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz, but the Xperia Z's quad core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon PRO should beat the Exynos in most performance tests (software can modify performance slightly, and the Z isn't being sold quite yet).

The screens are what you look at every day, and there is a big difference. The Z packs 1080p full HD resolution into a 5" screen, whereas the Note spreads 720p over a larger 5.5". The Z has a ridiculous pixel density of 441PPI, while the Note has a much more modest 267PPI. To put this into perspective, the iPhone has 326PPI, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 (international model) has 217PPI, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 Americain variants have a PPI of 207, the HTC One S, and Motorola Razr line (non-HD) all have around 250PPI...so the Note 2 has a resolution roughly consistent with mid-range phones. Then again, you won't be holding it quite as close to your face in regular use...so you won't notice as much pixelation. The Z's screen is super crisp...the Note 2's resolution is very usable, but becoming outdated. Both also have different screen technologies, so if you like Amoled's over saturated colours, the Note 2 has that. Otherwise, generally the Xperia Z give off more natural colours.

The screen is only worth looking at while the phone has enough juice to power the screen though...and both phones should have quite decent battery life, although there is no doubt the Note 2's massive battery will help it last longer.

In the design department, the Xperia looks better (at least to my eye). It just looks like a sleep slab of superb awesomeness, made out of glass. The Note 2 doesn't look bad either, but plastic doesn't feel like glass. It also doesn't shatter as easily...in short, the Xperia Z looks nicer, but the Note 2 is likely more durable. Again, I haven't held the Z personally, so this is all going by what I've herd. Don't forget that the Xperia Z is dust proof, shatter proof, scratch resistant, and most importantly water resistant (1 meter for 30 minutes).

Software can never be underestimated on your phone. Sure, you can install custom ROMs on your phone, but you shouldn't have to (and 95% of android users don't anyways). I haven't yet really played around with a Sony phone (I've tried demos in stores numerous times), and it feels alright...nothing more. The UI almost looks cartoony (especially the home button icon). Personally, I prefer Samsung's TouchWiz UI. Yes, it is hated by some, but it does add a whole lot of added features and functionality. Also to be noted (see what I did there?), is that the Note 2 comes with the S-pen, a stylus built specifically for the Note. I mention this, because it actually does add to the phone in certain situations. Taking notes is much better with the S-Pen than with any other stylus, and it has a button that will allow you to do certain things faster (or better) than with any other stylus, or just your finger.

Let's wrap this sucker up. The Note 2 has better battery life, and generally better software (very important). Sony's Xperia Z has a slight edge on processing power, a better screen, and is more durable. Depending on what you value in a phone, either could be better...but for Mr. Average Joe, Sony's Xperia Z takes the cake.

Send your own Comparison requests to QandAndroid@gmail.com. Or, tweet me (@QandAndroid)

Motorola Razr V: Full Review

This post has been updated since now I've had enough time with the Motorola Razr V to give my full opinion.

Design

Lots of Motorola's devices feature a prominent hump on the rear top of the phone, and the V is no different. It feels like you are meant to put your fingers just under the hump so that you get even more grip, but the more I use the phone, the more I realize that it's just a way to keep the design great, and sticking ports, cameras and everything in one spot, out of the way. I like that.

The Razr is edgy - looking at it from the top you can see the 4 angled sides, and from there the top and bottom curve into another edgy looking back. The sides are more flat, which is nice because you can actually grip the thing. It isn't ridiculously thin like the original Razr - it has enough weight and thickness to it that it feels good.

The back cover isn't removable, and it has an interesting design pattern on the back with squares that make a V shape. Now I can understand why it's called the V.

On the left edge near the bottom is a hinge door that houses the SIM card and microSD card slots. To the right you find a very nice looking and feeling volume rocker, and everything else is up top. On the top part of the hump you get a power button on the right, headphone jack in the middle, and on the left is the microUSB port. On the rear of the bulge is the camera, LED flash, and speaker.

Overall it's a very nice looking phone, the sides are made of a soft-touch-ish plastic, but the back feels almost waxy. About the back - there were some imperfections when I first took it out of the box (a scratch, and there are some air bubbles forming under the waxy coating that are obvious manufacturer flaws).

Interface

I really like Motorola's UI (is it still MotoBlur or not?!), as it it mostly stock + more features (Motorola even went for the on-screen buttons). The lock screen is one addition Moto made over Google's own code - you have a volume/silent mode toggle in the top right, and 4 unlock options (phone, camera, texts, and unlock). I really do dislike always having my carrier name in the left notification area taking up precious room though.

Despite it's decent hardware, there is lag - sometimes major studdering. On the similarly specced Galaxy S 2, I didn't notice any major slowdowns. The V every once in a wile will cut down to  frame every 10 seconds while typing on it (if you have multiple apps open in the background)...it is the first phone I've used that requires you to close apps. I thought android has come further than that :(

Usability

Battery life was quite good, here are my findings (3 random days I decided to take screenshots):

Day 1:  15h38m discharging time, 3h48m screen on time, 10% battery remaining
Day 2: 14h33m discharging time, 3h17m screen on time, 15% battery remaining
Day 3: 12h2m discharging time, 1h34m screen on time, 60% battery remaining

This is really good. I'd consider that pretty heavy usage, and it never died on me.

The gaming experience is good, COD Zombies ran acceptably smooth - frames were dropped, but I'd expect nothing less from a phone that cost $350. Shadow Gun Deathzone ran a little laggier, and I blame my poor K/D on the dropped frames. Especially in online multiplayer games, a hint of lag means you could die. This isn't the phone for advanced mobile gaming.

Other

The V is chugging along with android 4.0.4, with a "future plan coming soon", whatever that means...As far as ICS goes though, it is generally pretty smooth. Jelly Bean would be amazing though. 

The vibrate on this feels much nicer than either the Galaxy S 2 or HTC One X - this is the first phone I've opted to leave haptic feedback on while typing.

Final Thoughts

The Motorola V is a decent phone, but I'd have a hard time recommending it. For an extra $50, you could get the Samsung Galaxy S 2. Or, if you can wait a month, the Nexus 4 is basically twice as awesome for the same price (though it's currently out of stock and has been for the last 2.5 months).

I'll give the Motorola Razr V an overall 7/10 (+battery life, screen, design. -frequent lag, slowdowns, occasional delay when interacting with the screen)

As always, fan-mail should be sent to qandandroid@gmail.com, and stop by either Twitter or Reddit to ask questions, get answers, and learn more about good 'ol Androidland (with the occasional other mobile OS).

Ghosts of HTC past, present, and future.

There has been news that HTC has lost 91% of its profit year over year, and so what better time than now to voice my hopes, and predictions for HTC in the future. To start, let's look where they've come from.

Beginnings

HTC started out strong, and was chosen by Google to make the first 'real' android phone, the Nexus One. It continued as a good manufacturer through mid 2011, but had some serious trouble in late 2011, and that trouble continued throughout 2012.

2011 - just past the peak

HTC released the Sensation around the same time that Samsung released the Galaxy S 2, following up their original Galaxy S (which was at the time one of the best android phones). Both were quite similar on the specs sheets, but the S2 was incredibly thin, light, and had an Amoled screen which was basically the best screen anywhere at the time. Samsung also marketed the crap out of the S2. Both were great phones, but this was the first time that Samsung basically dethroned HTC as the 'most premium' manufacturer.

2012 - downward spiral continues

In 2012, HTC released their 'One' series, which consisted of 3 phones - the One X, One S, and One V (highest end to lowest end). All 3 were good phones, and had lots going for them. For a good wile, the One X was considered the "King of Android", and had the best screen, best camera, a very fast processor and Beats Audio software, all wrapped inside a beautiful body...although it did suffer from battery life, and a lack of removable battery and SD card slots were not good. Samsung soon combated this with it's S3, which neared the One X's screen, camera, and all that without the compromise of LTE, battery life, removable battery, and lack of a SDcard slot. They also marketed a ton, and, well... the One X was pushed aside.

The One S and One V were also good phones, but weren't available on many carriers, and were generally swept under the rug and soon forgotten.

HTC surprised the world with it's Droid DNA (known as the HTC Butterfly in most markets), and it had a stunning IPS3 1080p screen, easily topping the One X's. However, it is only available on Verizon, and select other carriers worldwide. It also lacked expandable storage (capped at 16GB of storage). The launch of the DNA came up at a bad time too: sure it was the Christmas shopping season, but with all the other tech news that happened so recently, it was also forgotten.

2013 - hope?......nope

Now, looking to the future, what can HTC do to get out of this slump? Based on previous examples, HTC should add expandable storage, removable batteries, and maybe think twice about future versions of it's Sense custom UI (especially among the dedicated Android community, Sense isn't very well liked). I believe Samsung is on top of the mobile world right now because of a few things: 1) They market, and they market well. Their anti-iPhone ads were a big hit, and well made. 2) There is no reason not to get a Samsung phone. They include everything you could ever want - features, specs, choice of hardware, removable batteries, SDcard slots...if any phone has it, so does Samsung. 3) Public Perception. Lots of people now own Samsung phones, and that only helps them. The more people see Samsung phones, the more they think that it is a viable option.

I think that HTC can turn around and rise to their former glory, but I can't see them doing it in 2013 unless they make some major changes. HTC is blaming their lack of marketing for their current condition, but it will take more than just that.  A lot more.

Windows Phone

HTC isn't completely relying on it's android side though: it has a presence in the Windows Phone segment, too. In the days of old when WP7 was in, HTC brought some compelling phones, the Titan, Titan 2, HD7, as well as many others. WP7 wasn't really popular, and these didn't mean much to anybody besides the few that owned them. With WP8, HTC's WP lineup is becoming more significant, especially because Microsoft (maker of Windows Phone) has chosen HTC as the 'true flagship' of Windows Phone 8 (for WP7, that title was given to Nokia, maker of the infamous Lumia line). 

Even with Microsoft firmly behind them, the HTC 8X flagship phone is generally considered second fiddle to Nokia's Lumia 920 in many ways. It's other WP8 device, the HTC 8S is solid, however Nokia has more phones saturating the budget market with it's Lumia 820, Lumia 710, Lumia 520 and so on.

In conclusion

HTC is certainly in a tight spot right now. They used to run free, but now Samsung is squishing their Android phones, and Nokia is the "savoir" of WP...so they are between a giant and a God (figuratively speaking). HTC does do lots of good things, they just have to make a few very compelling changes to convince the general public that they are indeed "quietly brilliant". These changes are possible, they just have to get around to doing them, or convince consumers that they are putting their foot down, and that these 'missing features' are in their best favor. They need to pull an Apple.