Skype Calls on KDDI in Japan?

KDDI has inked a deal with Skype such that the VoIP service will be made available through a Skype Android app on KDDI’s handsets; initially Sharp’s IS03

It appears that KDDI’s partnership with Skype will be similar to Verizon’s in the US, where Skype over WiFi will not be allowed, additional restriction is that Skype to land or mobile lines within Japan are also not possible.

More details at Mobile In Japan.

My Decisions to LEAVE Nexus One

After using the Nexus One for 7 days I came to a conclusion on whether Nexus One is suitable for me. That was several weeks ago, My Transformation to Nexus One, and based on the title of this post you can guess what my conclusions are. I will attempt to explain my position in this post.

First and foremost, I do agree that Google’s Nexus One is one of if not the best Android phone in the market; at the moment. This is mainly due to the version of Android OS (2.1.x) it is using; 2 versions ahead of any other released Android phone in the market at the time of this writing. For the Nexus One there are no other layer above Android’s UI to obscure the user experience as Google had intended, this latter point may be an advantage to some and a disadvantage to others. As Google is not famous for developing the best User Interface.

Continue reading “My Decisions to LEAVE Nexus One”

My Transformation to Nexus One [Updated]

On Jan. 22 I received my Nexus One directly from Google.

Since I lived in Hong Kong I bought the USD529.00 fully unlocked version.

The purchasing experience at Google’s Nexus One web site was very present. Google recognized I already had a credit card in my Google Checkout account, and auto filled the shipping address for my order. After choosing the unlocked version of the Nexus One, it automatically chose an AC adpater suitable for Hong Kong. I guess that’s because of the shipping address. I excluded it as I believe it is more convenient to charge via USB.

Within 24 hours I received a message from Google stating that my order had shipped. For international orders Google use DHL as the carrier.

Continue reading “My Transformation to Nexus One [Updated]”

Google Nexus One for Sale in Hong Kong

Stores in Hong Kong are starting to sell the Google Nexus One.

This store in Wanchai Computer City is asking for HKD5880.00 (cash price), which give it a mark up of HKD1554.47 when compared to buying the phone directly from Google

Nexus One = USD529.00
Shipping to Hong Kong = USD28.32
Total purchase price = USD557.32 (approximately HKD4325.53).

Given the high mark up, I don’t see why anyone would purchase the Nexus One from these stores in Hong Kong, unless they do not have a credit card (Google uses Google Checkout which accepts credit cards only). Plus all Nexus One purchased from Google has the option of adding up to two lines of engraving to the back of the phone.

First Android Phone from HTC

HTC has finally made details of their first Android phone available to the public. It bares the moniker “HTC G1“, may be it implies there will be subsequent versions.

It will launch in the USA through the carrier, T-Mobile on October 22, 2009 for USD179.00 and a 2-years contract.

One thing that is interesting, as reported by Engadet, is T-Mobile view on unlocking the phone. They will allow the unlocking of the HTC G1 after the initial 90 days into the 2-years contract, giving the HTC G1 an unlocked price of USD399.00 price.

There are two videos in Engadet’s Hands-on review comparing the HTC G1 to the Apple iPhone and showing off some of the 3rd party add-ons to existing built-in application. The latter is something that the OpenSource nature of Android has over the Apple iPhone.

HTC did not implement any multi-touch technology into the HTC G1. The use of on screen controls and hardware buttons makes the phone feel 1st generation. Also, in my opinion the look is also fairly ugly, but looking at the other HTC models in the past, one cannot expect the elegance of Jonathan Ive (arguably the best industrial designer in the world).

So far no news as to how the HTC G1 will be launched in other geographic locations.

[Update: September 24, 2008]
It is reported that T-Mobile will give away all applications on their Android Market Place free to the early adaptors to the HTC G1.

Androids Arrive at VerizonT-Mobile

Google softwareThere are now significant information to point to a first and new Android phone on Monday, September 22 on the VerizonT-Mobile network in the US.

The reported Android based phone will be manufactured by HTC, and implies that it will support both GSM and CDMA network. But 3G communication will only supports the CDMA network (EV-DO).

So stay tune.

[Updated: September 19, 2008]
Thanks to the reader, Travis, for pointing out my mistake. I stand corrected that it is T-Mobile in the US who will be releasing the first Google Android phone by HTC in early October to the general public.