Author: Into Droid

Android 1.0 (No codename)

Into Droid 1 Comment

Overview:

Android 1.0, the inaugural version of the Android operating system, marked the beginning of Google’s venture into the mobile OS market. Released in September 2008, it was the foundation upon which all subsequent Android versions were built. Unlike its successors, Android 1.0 did not have a dessert-themed codename.

History:

The origins of Android trace back to a company named Android Inc., founded by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White in October 2003. Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005, and the team began working on developing a powerful, adaptable, and open-source operating system for digital cameras. However, seeing the potential in the mobile phone market, they shifted their focus to creating a competitor for the then-dominant mobile operating systems, such as Symbian and Windows Mobile.

Changes:

Android 1.0 was a fresh start, so it wasn’t about changes from a previous version but about introducing a new platform. It brought a fully integrated suite of Google services, a web browser, and the ability to download third-party apps from the Android Market (which would later evolve into the Google Play Store).

First devices to receive the update:

The first device to run Android 1.0 was the HTC Dream, also known as the T-Mobile G1 in the United States. This device showcased the capabilities of the new OS and set the stage for the plethora of Android devices that would follow.

Features:

Android 1.0 introduced a host of features that were innovative at the time:

  • Android Market: Allowed users to browse, purchase, and download apps.
  • Web Browser: Offered a full-fledged web browsing experience.
  • Integration with Google Services: Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and YouTube were seamlessly integrated.
  • Notifications: A pull-down notification bar displayed alerts, a feature that became iconic for Android.
  • Contacts and Calls: A comprehensive phone app with a contacts database.

User Experience:

The user experience of Android 1.0 was a departure from other mobile OS interfaces of the time. It was more open and customizable. The interface was designed with touch in mind, with intuitive gestures like swiping and pinching. The home screen featured widgets and app icons, and users could move them around to suit their preferences.

Platform:

Android 1.0 was built on the Linux kernel, making it open-source. This openness was a significant part of Android’s appeal, as it allowed manufacturers and developers to modify and adapt the OS for various devices and purposes.

Security:

Being a new platform, Android 1.0 had its vulnerabilities. Over time, Google would invest heavily in enhancing Android’s security. In this initial version, the focus was more on functionality and establishing a foothold in the market than on security features.

Reception:

The reception to Android 1.0 was mixed. While many praised its open nature and the potential it held, others criticized it for its lack of polish compared to competitors like Apple’s iOS. However, it was clear that Android offered something different, with its customizable interface and deep integration with Google services. The tech community was excited about its future potential.

Motorola Moto X Play

Into Droid Leave a comment

Overview:

The Motorola Moto X Play, released in 2015, was a mid-range offering from Motorola that aimed to provide a balanced smartphone experience with a focus on battery life and camera performance. It was positioned between the flagship Moto X Style (also known as Moto X Pure Edition in some regions) and the budget-friendly Moto G.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, later upgradable to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM with options of 16/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 128 GB.
  • Camera: 21 MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and dual-LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3630 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Water repellent nano-coating, front-facing stereo speakers, and Moto custom features like Moto Display and Moto Actions.

Pros:

  • Battery Life: One of the standout features was its large 3630 mAh battery, which ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy use.
  • Camera Performance: The 21 MP camera was impressive for its price range, producing detailed and vibrant shots.
  • Stock Android Experience: Motorola’s approach to software was minimalistic, offering a near-stock Android experience with some added useful features.
  • Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot was a welcome feature for many users.
  • Value for Money: The Moto X Play offered a balanced set of features for its mid-range price point.

Cons:

  • Performance: The Snapdragon 615, while decent, wasn’t the most powerful chipset and could show signs of lag with intensive tasks.
  • No Fingerprint Sensor: Unlike many phones released in the same period, the Moto X Play lacked a fingerprint sensor.
  • Lack of Quick Charging: Despite its large battery, the device did not support quick charging out of the box (though a quick charger could be purchased separately).

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the mid-range smartphone segment was seeing a lot of action. The Moto X Play faced competition from:

  • OnePlus 2: Offering high-end specs at a similar price point.
  • Asus Zenfone 2: Known for its performance and value proposition.
  • Samsung Galaxy A7: Samsung’s mid-range offering with a premium design.

Launch Date:

The Motorola Moto X Play was announced in July 2015 and released in August 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when multitasking or running demanding apps.
  • Heating Issues: The Snapdragon 615 was known to have some heating issues, and the Moto X Play was no exception, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.
  • Software Updates: While Motorola initially had a reputation for quick software updates, some users felt that updates for the Moto X Play were slower than expected.

Conclusion:

The Motorola Moto X Play was a commendable mid-range device that struck a balance between performance, camera quality, and battery life. Its near-stock Android experience and added Moto features were appreciated by many. While it had its shortcomings, it was a solid choice for those looking for a well-rounded smartphone without breaking the bank.

Samsung Galaxy Note5

Into Droid Leave a comment

Overview:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5, released in 2015, was the fifth iteration of Samsung’s popular Note series, known for its large displays and stylus functionality. With the Note5, Samsung aimed to refine the design and functionality of its predecessor, offering a more premium experience and improved S Pen features.

Features:

  • Operating System: Initially launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop, later upgradable to Android 7.0 Nougat.
  • Display: 5.7-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels (QHD).
  • Processor: Exynos 7420 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 4 GB RAM with 32/64/128 GB internal storage (non-expandable).
  • Camera: 16 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, autofocus, and LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: S Pen stylus with enhanced features, fingerprint sensor, heart rate monitor, and Samsung Pay support.

Pros:

  • Premium Design: The Note5 boasted a sleek metal and glass design, marking a significant departure from the plastic build of earlier Note devices.
  • Impressive Display: The QHD Super AMOLED display was vibrant, sharp, and among the best in its class.
  • Enhanced S Pen: The stylus came with improved features, such as the ability to jot down notes even with the screen off.
  • Performance: Powered by the Exynos 7420 and 4 GB RAM, the device handled tasks smoothly.
  • Camera Quality: The 16 MP camera produced sharp and detailed images, performing well in various lighting conditions.

Cons:

  • Non-Removable Battery: A departure from previous Note devices, the Note5 did not offer a removable battery.
  • No MicroSD Slot: Unlike its predecessors, the Note5 did not support expandable storage, which was a point of contention for many fans.
  • Glass Back Concerns: While the glass back looked premium, it was prone to fingerprints and potential breakage.
  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was decent but could be challenging to last through a heavy day of use.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the high-end smartphone market was fiercely competitive. The Galaxy Note5 faced competition from:

  • iPhone 6s Plus: Apple’s larger offering with its A9 chipset, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.
  • LG V10: Known for its secondary display, durable design, and camera capabilities.
  • Google Nexus 6P: Google’s flagship made by Huawei, offering a pure Android experience with a premium build.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 was announced in August 2015 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • S Pen Insertion: Early on, there were reports of users accidentally inserting the S Pen backward, leading to damage or the stylus getting stuck.
  • Software Bloat: While Samsung had reduced its software bloat compared to previous devices, some users still found certain pre-installed apps unnecessary.
  • Overheating: Some users reported occasional overheating, especially during intensive tasks.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy Note5 was a pivotal device in the Note series, emphasizing a premium design and enhanced features. While it was generally well-received and praised for its display, camera, and performance, certain design choices (like the omission of a microSD slot) were controversial among long-time fans. Nevertheless, the Note5 solidified Samsung’s position in the premium phablet market and set the stage for future iterations.

OnePlus 2 / Two

Into Droid 1 Comment

Overview:

The OnePlus 2, unveiled in 2015, was the successor to the highly acclaimed OnePlus One, which had been dubbed the “flagship killer”. With the OnePlus 2, the company aimed to continue its momentum by offering high-end specifications at a competitive price point, while addressing some of the criticisms of its predecessor.

Features:

  • Operating System: OxygenOS based on Android 5.1 Lollipop, upgradable to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
  • Display: 5.5-inch LTPS IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3 GB RAM with 16 GB internal storage or 4 GB RAM with 64 GB storage.
  • Camera: 13 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization, laser autofocus, and dual-LED flash, and a 5 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3300 mAh non-removable battery.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS.
  • Other Features: USB Type-C port, fingerprint sensor, Dual SIM support, and Alert Slider (a physical switch to toggle notifications).

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The OnePlus 2 boasted a premium metal frame and a sandstone back, giving it a distinctive and solid feel.
  • Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 810, the device was capable of handling demanding tasks and applications.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor added an extra layer of security and convenience.
  • Price Point: Despite its high-end specs, the OnePlus 2 was priced significantly lower than other flagship devices.
  • Customizable OxygenOS: OnePlus’s custom skin was close to stock Android but offered additional customization options.

Cons:

  • No NFC: The omission of NFC was a controversial decision, especially given the growing popularity of mobile payments.
  • Overheating Issues: The Snapdragon 810 chipset was infamous for its heating issues, and while OnePlus tried to mitigate this, some users still reported occasional overheating.
  • No Quick Charging: Despite having a USB Type-C port, the device did not support quick charging.
  • Invite System: Initially, to purchase the OnePlus 2, one needed an invite, which many users found frustrating.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the smartphone market was highly competitive. The OnePlus 2 faced competition from:

  • Samsung Galaxy S6: Samsung’s flagship with a premium glass and metal design, QHD display, and Exynos 7420 chipset.
  • LG G4: Known for its leather back, QHD display, and excellent camera capabilities.
  • iPhone 6s: Apple’s offering with its A9 chipset, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.

Launch Date:

The OnePlus 2 was announced in July 2015 and released in August 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Early versions of OxygenOS on the OnePlus 2 had some bugs and stability issues.
  • Battery Life: Some users reported inconsistent battery life, with some days being better than others.
  • Heating: As mentioned, the Snapdragon 810’s heating issues were a concern for some users.

Conclusion:

The OnePlus 2 had big shoes to fill, following the success of the OnePlus One. While it offered a lot for its price and was generally well-received, it wasn’t without its controversies and shortcomings. Nevertheless, it reinforced OnePlus’s position as a brand that challenged the status quo in the smartphone industry, offering flagship experiences at a fraction of the cost.