droidStory

See bottom of post for latest video. The Nexus One 3G saga continues. Kevin has a great post over at his jkontherun blog.

So over the span of the last three days, I’ve been testing my handset using the SpeedTest application from Xtreme Labs — available for free in the Android Market — and also watching the data indicator on the phone. Aside from testing in Philadelphia, I’ve also tested in various San Francisco neighborhoods and in Phoenix. Every single testing location used was squarely in a solid T-Mobile 3G coverage area — no fringe areas, for example.

And in every location, I saw either miserable 3G speeds, signals bouncing between 3G and EDGE, or — even worse –both.

He also setup this poll to track how many people still experience this problem, and whether the OTA Update provided a fix for some.

I can’t wait for Verizon to release the Nexus One or any of the other new HTC and Motorola Android phones that are in the pipeline. Having been on Verizon for so many years I started to take their excellent network coverage for granted.

Update: I created this short video clip to better illustrate how the OTA Update has not fixed the 3G problem, and how this problem can be easily reproduced. Just cover the  bottom / backside of the phone – you know the way you might hold your phone when answering a call – and a perfectly fine 3G signal disappears.

I installed the firmware update on my Nexus One last night with high hopes that the 3G connectivity problems would be fixed. After some simple tests I have to say that I did not notice any significant improvements. Although the phone seems to try holding onto a 3G connection a bit longer, the result is the same.

No real improvement after the update. 3G Signal strength -97dBm 8asu on Desk — dropping to -111dBM 1asu while holding in hand, barely holding onto 3G. Ooops it just switched to Edge -83dBm 13asu. #FAIL

How come 3bars of 3G just disappear every time you pick up the phone??? I also had a number of crashes when answering calls. Swiping the green answer button just stopped mid way and the phone hung. Perhaps this is related to temporarily losing network connection when switching to Edge after I pick up the phone. This is infuriating to say the least!

Motorola Droid + Verizon: 1
Nexus One + T-Mobile: 0

Google, now what?

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.

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.

The Google online store for the Nexus One went live during the Google press event, today.  The phone is sold and shipped by Google and you need to create a Google checkout account to buy one. At this time, only the unlocked version for $529+tax is available.

Update: The T-Mobile subsidized version is now also available for $179 with a 2 year $79/month contract.

Update1: The Nexus One for Verizon will not be a [dual mode CDMA/] GSM device, so it will not be compatible with T-Mobile, AT&T, or other GSM networks (e.g. Europe or pretty much the rest of the world).

Gizmodo got their hands on the long awaited pricing details for the Nexus One.

Sorry, no love from Google – they are not offering the phone at cost as some had speculated.

So, it’s $530 unlocked or $180 on a two year plan with T-Mobile. There seems to be only one plan for $79.99/month and lots of other small print to consider.