MexicanDragon

Blur: May or may not be killed. I know Jha likes it, and Larry may go over to Sanjay and say "look, bro... CEO to CEO, just stop it," but it is a differentiator in the market, as must as we power users don't like it. I know there is talk of unlocking bootloaders, and HTC just started today with a way to unlock the Sensation, but really, it's just for the geeks, nerds, and tinkerers like many of us... not the majority of people buying these phones. As far as Samsung, HTC, LG, and Sony Ericsson are concerned, things could get interesting. The first three already have Windows Phone 7 devices out, but as good as WP7 is, it just doesn't have much of an install base right now. With the Nokia partnership, this could change in a year's time internationally, but I expect it to be at least two years before WP7 is a dominating number 3 OS wise. Android is still staying "open source", and the Moto buy won't change that. Motorola was one of the first companies to join the OHA (Open Handset Alliance), and has always had a close relationship to Google and Android, so I don't see as much of a change as some others may. Samsung, HTC, LG and Motorola will still vie for the coveted Nexus spots, but I wouldn't think they'd just hand it to Motorola from now on. In fact, I imagine one of the first three mentioned (probably HTC) will get it next go-round, if to nothing more than just having Samsung and HTC stay the course. As far as the number of products put out, I think those three will start to gravitate towards a 50/50 split between Android and WP7 over the next 18 months-2 years. They'll have to keep a close eye on things, but especially for HTC and Samsung, they're making a ton of $$$ off Android handsets, even with the patent issues they have. If Google uses it's new found patent portfolio to shore up cases and there is a way to help out it's hardware partners, I think the uneasiness will subside and they'll lean a little closer towards Android again, but this will take some time. Personally, I'm pretty happy for Motorola Mobility. It was a fledgling company just a couple short years ago, on the verge of bankruptcy. I have a feeling their shareholders are rather happy today. @ujamerstand Why do you think there will be an antitrust lawsuit in this? **BRENT**

Google's spending some cash these days. I think it's going to be a pretty big deal in terms of IP for Google. They started out the month with around 1000 patents, and once this acquisition goes through, they should have close to 15,000 with another 7500 pending. I think it'll be a boon for Android and should even expand to the living room with the set-top box industry. I figure GoogleTV will be on Comcast boxes in the next few years. **BRENT**

On the bright side... at least you didn't lose yours in the Atlantic Ocean. **BRENT**

This amuses me for some reason. **BRENT**

http://www.valentine1.com/ **BRENT**

HP Touchpad for $299 for 16 gig, $399 for 32 gig, this weekend at Staples in-store. Click through for coupon codes and whatnot. Also, Acer 15.6" TimelineX for $399.99 at Staples.com with coupon code: 49741. i3-2310M, 4GB, 640GB, S/PDIF, USB 3.0, HD webcam. It goes in and out of stock, but if you're lucky... **BRENT**

In. **BRENT**

Nice! I have mobile hotspot on my Android phone (G2x) and my WM6.5 phone (HD2). Both are free for now... but having trouble getting decent speed out of the G2x. It has HSPA(+)... 14.4Mbps capabilities, and I normally get 5-6Mbps on the phone, but tethering it's closer to 1.5, which is about what I get with the HD2. Gingerbread was released today for OTA availability on my phone, but I'm getting the error "Connection failed caused bye authentication error." I've called T-Mo and they had the IMEI wrong on one of their two systems. We got that updated, but still the same problem. I've had to have a couple replacements, and I think all the swapping around may have confused them. Hope to get that fixed soon. Were there many/any changes to Blur on your Atrix, DH? Do you use a launcher app to change things around? **BRENT**

For Al's mom. She seems to have raised a great family, and I think your friends here benefit from that fact. I didn't have the stuff for a Manhattan, so I made a trip out today. RIP MOTDOTU. -Brent

Glad you opened 'em up to the public, and wish you the very best. Time to send some to Tyll for a little review now, no? @SO... welcome back. **BRENT**

Time to go iPad shopping, Colin! **BRENT**

FWIW, the U1 has and independent tablet and computer setup, it isn't just a dock. When docked, the tablet acts as just a display, but when removed, the tablet switches to tablet mode, possibly retaining some information from when it was docked (laptop web pages are now brought up on the tablet), yet the laptop would still function as a headless machine (hook it up to a monitor, or tv, etc.) Unfortunately, an Apple rig like this would probably start around 2k or more with an HD iPad. **BRENT**

Both. I'd want it to be similar to the Lenovo U1 Hybrid concept, but with iOS 5 and Lion. With a screen of that resolution, it would be incredible. I'm also wondering if they will stick with 9.7", or narrow the bezel and stretch it out a little bit more. I'd enjoy it, but doubt it will happen. **BRENT**

I'm tempted to guess they're going to only offer two SKUs for the HD... a 64GB and 128GB. It seems like these may be aimed at "professional" duties, possibly video and photo stuff, especially. I think to help ease the price points you mention, they'd do the memory bump. I'm also REALLY wanting a MBA/iPad HD hybrid. That screen + MBA would be amazing. (Well, or just an MBA style keyboard dock). I know that isn't likely to be an Apple product, but someone will make something like that. It would just be nice to have something as elegant as Apple could produce in that form factor. **BRENT**

Oh man, I can't believe I forgot to post that link. As I said elsewhere, the thisismynext guys are the tech news people I trust the most. I'm kind of surprised about the quadrupling of pixels. I know it's possible, but I have a feeling it'll be pretty pricey. Maybe 200$ more? Thoughts? **BRENT**

I disagree. I see market share as being more valuable to everyone in this except for Apple. Google: Google doesn't make money from Android. Google doesn't sell phones, for the most part. It's not in the business of selling phones. It's in the business of advertising, and the fruits thereof. It is in the business of people using search. There are 500,000+ activations daily at this point. 500,000+ devices using Google services daily. Google is is making plenty of money. Samsung, HTC, Motorola: These guys make money from selling hardware. They want to people to pick theirs over the other guy, so they make skins on top of Android to differentiate. These are the guys who are causing fragmentation. They are also making a ton of money. The Droid and subsequent phones saved Motorola from what was looking to be an inevitable demise. Carriers: Ask them if market share doesn't matter. Especially T-Mobile and Sprint. They don't have the iPhone at this point, they have Android. Guess what? They, too, make a ton of money off of Android. Know why? Smartphones have blown up in the past couple of years. More and more people are buying them and using them. EACH of these customers is spending $15, $20, $30 or more per month. Verizon and AT&T have both Android and iPhone options. These companies are making a ton of money off each customer, no matter which phone they go with. AT&T probably could have made MORE money had they not seemingly been putting Android on the backburner to trumpet the iPhone, but they still made money. Head-Case: This isn't a headphone forum anymore, this is a place for friends to hang out and talk about whatever, headphones included. And for people to be run off. And for people to do their best krmathis impersonation. I believe the place you're thinking about is "Head-Fi." **BRENT**

No. I'm talking about dominating market share. 38.1% vs iOS' 26.6% vs RIM's 24.7%. Via comScore **BRENT**

@Nate... I think you made the right call, for now. I don't necessarily think it will be as soon as 6, or maybe even 12 months, before Android does what it's done with smartphones. I think Honeycomb was rushed out. I've not necessarily been a fan of it, sadly. I still find my first gen iPad more usable than the dual core Tegra2 tablet I've spent time with. Matias Duarte was brought on by Google shortly before 3.0 was launched. Duarte was the guy who was behind Palm's WebOS design, and most people find that to be very intuitive, and very good. He didn't have much time to work with 3.0, but he's leading up the Ice Cream Sandwich team. ICS will bring smartphone and tablet UIs together, which will be needed before widespread adoption, IMO. I don't think Android tablets will catch up with the iPad for a while until they change quite a few things. Distribution, for one. If they are charging the same price as the iPad, but on a two year contract, it's a mistake. The contract has to go. Enjoy your new toy. **BRENT**

Done and done! **BRENT**

Very nice. I'm a big fan of vanilla Android over HTC Sense. Sense just seems too heavy for me these days. Back in the early days of Android, it was a value add. These days... not so much. Did you not have the widget to cut 4G on and off on the Thunderbolt when it was with Sense? **BRENT**

Flaming Lips SomethingOrOtherUberLimitedEditionVinyl I need a bloody turntable. **BRENT**

Happy birthday, ol' chap. **BRENT**

Red Line Compressor Collection Black IP Case 100M Water Resistant Black Rubber Strap Men's Watch 18000-01-BB I kinda like this for 59$. Actually, I REALLY like this for 59$. Anyone familiar with the brand? **BRENT**

FYI... once you start giving Mike money in return for things... it's a slippery slope. Just be careful with it, Marc. You'll wind up just quoting his posts from here about 2 weeks later and saying "+1" or "^ this". Actually, it's not a bad way to live. It's like having a cheap personal shopper. Screw it... go for it. **BRENT**

@Bryan Fan-bloody-tastic news! Congrats! @Al Looks like a fantastic trip, my good man. Me: I got an e-mail from my supervisor saying he needed to talk with me. I made a small mistake (along with some others) and were called out on it in a small group yesterday. I spoke up, as it is an error which could have not been our fault. I was repeatedly told that it wasn't what I was thinking. (After we departed, I was sent data backing up their story). I figured it was something regarding that. I locked my screen and went to have a little chat. I was then, due to my productivity in recent months, given a 10% raise. **BRENT**