droidStory

The Nexus One Desktop Dock is now available in the Google Store. Of course, I’m kidding about the two-year contract option, but forty-five bucks for a dumb piece of plastic with a USB connector.

Google, seriously?!!!

The Droid Dock sells for $25, which is about as much I’d be willing to spend on a phone accessory.

The Nexus Dock does have an audio connector though, which is missing from the Droid Dock. Does this justify $45 – I think not! Let’s see what the aftermarket can come up with…

Update: Apparently the Dock uses Bluetooth for the audio connection, so I stand corrected, the “plastic” has some smarts. Still, silicon is cheap.

After weeks of frustration in waiting and much heated discussion voiced in more than 1,500 posts to Google’s support forums, there is now a glimmer of hope that a fix to the “Spotty 3G” issue is in the works.

As posted previously here, the Nexus One is having some trouble holding onto a steady 3G connection under certain conditions.  Interestingly, similar problems occurred with the first iPhone 3G and were later addressed with a software fix. Following Apple’s playbook, Google has been mum on the issue until now.

Google finally posted the following statement to the forum today:

Hi Folks,

I wanted to post an update to the Nexus One Help Forum to let you know what we’ve been working on to help address the 3G issues some of you have been facing. I also wanted to thank you for being patient as we work to investigate the problem, an effort which has included our hardware partners.

The data from that investigation tells us that the majority of reported cases appear to be the result of being in low 3G coverage areas.  However, our engineers have also uncovered specific cases for which a software fix should improve 3G coverage for some users.  We are testing this fix now, initial results are positive, and if everything progresses as planned, we will provide an over-the-air software update to your phone in the next week or so.

Thanks again for your patience and for your feedback, and we will continue to keep you informed.

Thanks,

Ravi

I’m glad there’s finally an update on this. I’m really enjoying my Nexus One overall, but having weak or no 3G access takes a lot of fun out using it or showing off its great features.

Stay tuned for an actual date on the OTA update.

TechCrunch just broke this story.

Apparently there is a bug in Android 2.01 – the version currently running on Droid – which allows you to simply hit the ‘Back’ button while receiving a call to bypass the screen lock and jump straight to the home screen.  This problem seems to only affect the Verizon Droid and has not been seen on other phones, like the Droid Eris.

Here’s how you reproduce the problem:

1. Lock your screen
2. Call your Droid and accept the call
3. Hit the ‘Back’ button

You now have full access to all programs, email etc. without ever unlocking the phone as long as the call is in progress.

I was unable to reproduce this on the Nexus One.

Flash – the missing piece of web content is coming soon to your superphone.
Watch demos of early versions of the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 on both the Motorola Droid and Google Nexus One. The Android Flash Player is expected to be released within a few months – I can’t wait…

I’ve been using the Nexus One on t-mobile for a few days now, and while a LOVE this phone overall, I have not been impressed with its 3G performance.

Metro-Boston and surrounding suburbs supposedly have very good 3G coverage, at least according to t-mobile’s map, so I was hopeful being spoiled by Verizon’s excellent network performance and coverage. I noticed right away that the phone kept switching networks and didn’t seem to hold onto the 3G signal very well, regardless of my location.

A quick check of the Google support forum revealed that a number of people are experiencing the same problem.

It’s hard to tell what is causing this, and if this is a hardware or a software problem. I did notice one thing though. My phone is connected to 3G in my house and I can use data services at 3G speeds as long as I keep it on my desk. As soon as I pick-up the phone and hold it in my hand, 3G disconnects and the phone falls back to Edge.

Here’s a short video:

Update: Apparently there is a configuration screen that allows you to select network preferences. Some people suggest that forcing 3G (pick WCDMA only) will remedy the problem. You can get to the configuration screen by simply dialing the following number *#*#4636#*#*. Proceed at your own risk. I tried different settings and did not notice any improvement.

Update2 – From the T-Mobile Forum: Google and T-Mobile are investigating this issue and hope to have more information for you soon. We understand your concerns and appreciate your patience.

Now that the Nexus One is officially released sporting the latest version of Android 2.1 aka Eclair, many Droid owners are wondering when this update will be available to them.  Engadget had a post in December showing the video of the newest Android OS already running on Droid.

Sanjay Jha, the Motorola CEO was present at the Google launch event yesterday. His response was rather ambiguous to the question whether Droid will be getting the update, saying:  He “thinks” this will happen.

This seems strange considering that he was sitting right next to HTC’s CEO Peter Chou, who announced that other existing HTC handsets will be getting the upgrade.

One would think that Motorola ought to make a stronger statement, especially at the launch of a competing product that is destined to steal some of Droid’s thunder.

Of course, CES is starting tomorrow and Motorola (will) may have some Android announcements of their own…