Anand's Google Nexus One Review
by Anand Lal Shimpi on April 3, 2010 3:40 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Mobile
Made for Google, by Google
From the very start you're made well aware that the Nexus One, as any other Android phone, is built for tight integration with Google's online services. Things like Google docs, Gmail, Google Talk and Google Voice are all well coupled to the OS. To even start using the device you have to provide or sign up for a Google account. While this is what all companies in Google's position have tried to do (Microsoft pushing Live and Hotmail, Apple pushing Quicktime, iTunes, Mobile Me) the difference here is that virtually all of Google's services are among the best in their class, and they're all free.
I can't really complain about Android's integration with Google apps other than to say that I feel like I'm contributing to making an entity that is seemingly innocent today, even more powerful. Maybe one day we'll pay for giving Google so much power and access, but for now just enjoy the convenience.
 |
 |
The integration is visible on so many levels. For example, instead of just a single Email icon you have two apps: a Gmail app and an Email app. Distinguishing between Gmail and Email? Interesting.
 |
 |
By default the Gmail app lives on its own homescreen but obviously you can move it anywhere. The two apps work pretty much the same way but the Gmail app is obviously more flexible. You can search your inbox, you get a grey instead of a black background and of course Gmail on Android supports push. Otherwise, the two apps are rather similar in functionality.
There's integrated Google Talk support, which is also a welcome change from the iPhone's lack of any integrated messenger (you have to rely on 3rd party apps for that). You get new messages and chat invitations as notifications in the upper left hand of your screen just like you would a text message or a missed call.
Google Maps ships with the device and it's ridiculously fast. There's finally multitouch support in the app so it's just as functional as the Maps application on the iPhone, it's just faster on the Nexus One.
 |
 |
Google Maps for Android also fully supports the Nexus One's integrated GPS and compass, so you have an idea of exactly where you are and what direction you're facing. While these are both features echoed on the iPhone, Google one-ups Cupertino by offering a built in, free of charge, navigation app that integrates with Google Maps.
That's right, you get turn by turn navigation directions with voice for free with the Nexus One. The obvious limitation is that map data is streamed to the phone in real time and not stored on the device like on a dedicated portable nav unit. So if you're in a location where you don't have data access then you do lose navigation.
Nav can run in the background
The turn by turn directions work quite well, although you'll need to remember that the loud speaker on the Nexus One is on its backside so keep it free of obstruction if you're trying to hear the directions.
All in all it's a huge improvement over what the iPhone offers. Turn by turn navigation support can be enabled on the iPhone through 3rd party applications (expensive ones at that), so this isn't a feature that will ultimately drive users to the Nexus One, but it's one that is definitely appreciated.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
95 Comments
View All Comments
Chloiber - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
Sorry for repeating myself, but I really look forward to a test of the HTC Sense UI with either the HTC Desire, Legend (slower though) or Evo. I read several reviews and in every single one they were really impressed by the onscreen keyboard.ol1bit - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
I love the android platform. Now my last smart phone was the first Palm ever, so I could be thrilled with anything.The kicker for me was buying my android at Amazon for $49 (3 weeks ago), and now it's only $19!
It's hard for me to grasp how much power is in my hands for $19. Sure I have to have a 2 year contract, but I'd have that anyway.
As far as difference between mine and Goggle's? there's some, but the core functionality is present in both, just like an HP and a Dell computer with their built in thingy's.
Cheers on a great review!
LongTimePCUser - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
Today on Amazon the Motorola Droid is $19.99.Amazing. I bought mine about 3 weeks ago at $49. I thik that it is great and a bargin at the price I paid.
They are practically giving it away now. That tells you how profitable their $30/month data plan is.
naalex - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
Wow, I've got to say: Super Job! Not only did you review the Nexus One, but you managed to simultaneously review Android, review the iPhone OS, compare the two's strengths and weaknesses, and describe ARM's role in the smartphones and microprocessor business (which I never understood). Long yes, but every page was well worth it.After reading all the hyperbolic tech news coming from Engadget, CNET, and PhoneArena, I was under the mistaken impression that Snapdragon was a clear smartphone platform champion, so I found it rather interesting that Snapdragon's integrated GPU was inferior to the PowerVR solution on the iPhone 3GS. If I'm not mistaken, this is the GPU that is used in the TI chip in the Droid, so does this mean that my Droid may be able to keep up with Nexus Ones/Snapdragons with 3D gaming apps, or will there be too much hardware and OS fragmentation for any app developer to create any optimized 3D gaming app for Android.
This is going to be my go-to resource to provide to people who ask, "What is that strange object pressed to your face that isn't an iPhone? Does it cure cancer like the iPhone?" Trying to explain to my clueless tech friends that there are other viable smartphone options out there is an uphill battle, but one that may go a little easier now.
ExodusC - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
Anand, I'll admit, this is the gist of what I expected from your article (I don't mean that in a bad way, mind you--). I own an iPhone 3G, and have for almost a year now. I like it, but I don't particularly love it. I imagine the 3GS would be a more fluid (and therefore more enjoyable) experience. For some reason, tech reviewers tend to not want to get rid of their iPhones for some reason. Even with a device like the Nexus One at their fingertips. I type this from a Motorola Droid right now, and I love it.I agree, I love the fluidity of the iPhone compared to Android devices (why must they be so powerful, but so choppy? That's my biggest complaint), but I love the feature set of Android even more.
I also really want to know, why do you feel Android's pull-down notification menu is awkward? The first time I picked up an Android device and used it (never knowing about the feature), I felt it was very intuitive and a wise design choice.
I completely agree with your general consenus that Android needs some polish, however.
I absolutely love your website, reviews, and attention to detail. Keep up the good work! I just thought I'd share my honest opinion with you. Hopefully you'll have time to respond.
ExodusC - Sunday, April 4, 2010 - link
Excuse my extra "for some reason" in that post. I was a bit distracted while typing up my reply...Anand Lal Shimpi - Thursday, April 8, 2010 - link
It's just an odd construct in my opinion. It's the only place in the entire OS that you pull something down to reveal more notifications. If anything I'd expect a tap to expand sort of deal, but the pulldown seems strange to me.I will say that after using it for a while, it has lost it's weirdness in my opinion :)
Take care,
Anand
DukeN - Monday, April 5, 2010 - link
Love the slide out keyboard - if only this was like the original G1 but with all the new horsepower.The G1 is the first phone that has tempted me away from a blackberry (well...almost) in 5 years.
EazyVG - Monday, April 5, 2010 - link
I have been a WinMo user for past 3-4 years, but I have to agree that Android, not WinMo7, is the replacement for Windows Mobile 6.5, and hence I will be jumping to Android phone (as of today I like the HTC Desire, but want QWERTY) from my current HTC Touch Pro 2.Pitne - Monday, April 5, 2010 - link
wow I cant believe how biased this article is towards apple. Almost every word you used when talking about the Nexus One had a negative connotation. Most of your 'negatives' towards the nexus one are completely false.The notification area for one--this implementation is 100% better than apple or palm and you think its a poor way of handling it? Wtf are you smoking.