A phone manufacturer supporting the development community? What a concept! Beyond a concept, it’s slowly coming a reality with the introduction of the GeeksPhone One. GeeksPhone is introducing a new concept, one beyond the typical handset manufacturer’s business model. This device is targeted at Android developers, specifically ROM and firmware developers. While their introductory device’s hardware might seem behind times, it is reported that they are working on new models also.

What makes this device different?

Most Android based handset manufacturers frown upon 3^rd party development. This is likely because of proprietary software concerns as well as warranty issues. Motorola has come out and said plainly this. HTC, on the other hand, has not openly embraced the development community, however has made their base ROMs openly available on their site.

GeeksPhone took a simple step, placing the recovery image on it’s own partition, which does a lot to protect the phone from bricking. Beyond being a great protection, it should also encourage more people to get their hands dirty with Android.

With the mention of future handsets on the horizon, I’m really looking to see what’s on the table. With the release of a more powerful device, I could see myself owning a GeeksPhone in the future even though it would have to be imported.

How do you sell me a new Android phone? Introduce AIR to Android 2.x and show me a working demo. That’s how excited I am, even though there’s no time frame for the release. While AIR will be a mobile version, it offers the same flexibility Adobe AIR has brought to desktop operating systems. As I’ve written in previous posts, I’m a huge fan of AIR and several applications based on AIR. Let’s put this Flash hype aside and focus on what AIR can do for mobile devices.

While all the possibilities were available on Android through Java, the addition of AIR will bring lots of new apps from non-Java developers. Using AJAX, Flex and Flash as development tools, web developers will be able to implement their apps in a whole new way.

Below is a video of AIR and Flash in action on the Droid.

What are your thoughts? Any applications you’d like to see ported over to the AIR Mobile platform?

Naturally, Google outdoes its announcement of Buzz yesterday by introducing a new service today. The announcement of their new fiber optic ISP trials, offering up to 1gb connections, comes as little to surprise to those following recent news. In the recent weeks, Google has made claims that the internet speeds in the US are lacking in comparison to where they should be. In their blog post Google even mentions that they’ve “urged” the FCC in encouraging faster speeds.

A lot of people I know are screaming “not again,” referring to Google as trying to own every aspect of technology. I see the ISP trial as a step to push regular ISP’s into offering a more competitive environment to help the end users. With the idea that by introducing the ultimate competitor, current ISP’s will be forced to improve their speeds and lower the barrier for such connections.

While I don’t see market trials forcing ISP’s to change their practices, I think it will open the demand for fiber optic at home connections.

The next question that comes to mind, is how Google plans on operating the service competitively with other carriers. Introducing a 1gb/s connection to markets limited at 15mb is going to disrupt the market, entirely, regardless of price. Most ISP’s at this point aren’t able to maintain comparable speeds on their back end, and I’m sure aren’t terribly interested in making such an adjustment.

So what are your thoughts? Is this a fair move on Google’s part? Will ISP’s change their ways after being bullied by Google?

When the announcement came through, I passed on the basic information to a friend who said “ugh, Google, stop it.” While I’m not cynical, thinking Google is out for the world, I thought to myself “what added features could Buzz really bring?” While I don’t have access through Gmail, I do have access through my Google profile and my G1. Naturally, the first step was to browse the Orlando area looking for local updates to see what people were saying. The first updates I read involved being distracted in a lecture, some friendly trash talk between friends and someone making a reference to privacy.

As powerful as Buzz seems, I think the last point is the strongest concern many will have. Google Buzz requires your Gmail credentials, most often linked to your Google profile. For a lot of people this will be discouraging, however I’d imagine managing the privacy settings on Buzz will only be more difficult for those who use Gmail as their email client (not just service). Further more, with location based updates there’s almost the immediate concern as to who is looking to see where you are.

While the intentions are certainly good, the follow through seems a bit weak. Other location based social applications, like Gowalla and Foursquare are task centric. You’re checking into a location, not binding an update your updates to a location. If Buzz was more centered around being a social network feed, it might have been a bigger hit with me out of the box.

Further note: visiting http://buzz.google.com/ from my G1 shows only considerations about Android 2.0. More on that later, though.

With all my ideas and thoughts about the future of technology, I’m going to focus on Android applications because I believe it’s a huge player in the future of the mobile world.  Since the market is really starting to pick up for Android, I’m guessing we’ll see a lot of developers step up to fill the increasing demand for applications. With innovative developers stepping to the plate and the new powerful handsets coming out, I’m sure the applications will really start to stand out compared to other mobile devices.

The first major component we’ll see will be application integration.  Beyond integrating with basic features too, I’m confident we’ll start seeing more applications that act as compliments to others including extensions of current applications.  One application, Twidroid, is already offering tools for third party developers to do write applications that integrate with the powerful Twitter application.  I’d imagine as newer devices become more popular, we’ll begin to see a lot more powerful applications integrating with each other to create a stronger user experiences (thanks to the multitasking ability of Android).

The next development, which we’re already seeing in applications like Gowalla and FourSquare, will be location based interaction.  For some, maybe most, there seems to be the concern of personal privacy with applications knowing and reporting their locations. I think as the year goes on, we’ll start seeing people loosen up and location based interaction becoming more popular.  A big part of what’s leading into this has been the progress already made by applications like Layar (Reality Browser) and Sherpa, that use your location to inform you about your surroundings. While I was questionable about this premise at first, the idea started to grow on me as I read more about Gowalla and Foursquare and how they’re being used. A huge upside of applications like these, is that it is opening up a completely new type of marketing environment where companies will be able to reach nearby potential customers. I think it will be huge.

More entertainment applications! I think 2010 will bring a lot of new entertainment to Android devices, beyond games I think there will be new media outlets for the platform. Already, we have a wide variety of options for media types on Android.  While I personally don’t use my phone for music/movies, I think the ability to have a media marketplace on the phone will encourage healthy competition.

Last but not least, I think we’ll really see a whole slew of niche applications coming to Android. While other platforms have their own niche applications, the versatility of Android and ease of publication, will bring a lot of interest from companies trying to get more in touch with their audience/customers.

HTML is so 200x. In my wild mind, I see what Adobe AIR and Google’s Chrome-OS are bringing to the table as a prediction of things to come. While the two might seem vastly different, they shine light on what I believe will be the future of our “on-line” experience.

Adobe AIR, is a recent tool by Adobe which introduces cross platform development giving developers a universal market. While not all of the applications available are portals to web applications, the majority of them interface with on-line counterparts. When people think AIR, they are usually thinking about their favorite Twitter desktop client, however the potential goes far beyond just that as the platform will grow to provide what I think will be a corner stone to the future of development. Taking it a step further, Google developed their Chrome OS as a portal to their services for people on the go, specifically net book owners.

Chrome-OS, while an actual operating system, provides the same on line ideology of AIR (if not more). Chrome OS is a hybrid of hardware based technologies and cloud reliance. With Chrome-OS the idea is that the user will have a lightweight, almost instantly accessible operating system which connects applications (provided by Google and third party developers). Relying on Java, rather then operating on web based programming languages like PHP and Javascript. These applications, the life of your user experience, will require almost no overhead and will be ready to go within seconds of powering on your machine.

To me both of these products are huge. Thanks to AIR, I’ve been able to utilize a lot of the same applications I use on my desktop on my new Netbook running Ubuntu Netbook Remix. Meaning, that with almost no effort, I am able to maintain the same level of productivity without having to adjust to new interfaces. Looking forward to Chrome-OS, the ability to interface with my Google Accounts is a huge step forward because I already use Google’s on line solutions for email, documents, contact management and even Google Voice as my primary number.

On the back burner, a bit less hyped, is Microsoft’s new solution which is looking to provide a cloud based solution for application hosting. While I’ve broken free of Microsoft’s grips, in terms of M$ Office, I still am considering this a step in the right direction for those backing ASP languages. I’m still a bit new to the pricing structure, which seems on par with other cloud solutions, however backing from such an industry leader is a good sign. Conveniently they saw it fit to make the announcement the same day Google announced Chrome-OS.

While I’ve become a big supporter of cloud based solutions in recent months, I have to say that beyond the convenience of being “portable,” cloud solutions still worry a lot of people. The first question I hear is always, without fail, “security” followed with the question of reliability. My response to both of these is “I’m sure the tech who set up the servers hosting your information know more about the issue than you or I.” In the cases of Chrome-OS and Adobe AIR, you’re trusting little extra with the corporations then you are currently using their products and services. Ideally, you’d be sharing less because you are interacting directly with the server and not a document based interface.

No better day to post this.  This is a run down of the applications I currently have installed on my T-Mobile G1, rooted and running Cyanogen’s 4.2.11.1 ROM.

- Astro File Manager: Best file manager system for Android. While it acts like a regular file browser, it has many tools for things like backing up applications.

- Better Terminal Emulator: Best terminal emulator for Android. I also use it for SSH occasionally, however connectbot is a better tool for SSH in my opinion.

- 3Banana: notes application. I usually use OI Notepad, however this integrates with other applications.. not a necessity, but useful to have if you can waste space.

- ANDftp: Mobile FTP Client. With an 8gb SD Card, I’m able to use my phone for quick fixes and backing up files on my server. I’ve also used it to mass upload photos and videos.

- AP Mobile: Horrible news application. I downloaded it to write a review, however it never made the cut.

- Archipela: RTS game on android. It is kind of lame, and easy at times.. but the lite version is worth the free download to check out.

- Armored Strike: fun game. I only have the demo, and don’t really see the point in upgrading to the full. Kind of old school, but good for while you’re taking a shit.

- Artful bit’s MineSweeper: Still play minesweeper? Good (free) minesweeper game.

- aTumble: $1.99 tumblr application. Great for mobile blogging, however I can’t say that Tumblr or the application are my favorite. Still, for those on Tumblr it’s worth checking out.

- Barcode Scanner: Neccesity. QR Codes are more and more popular. While unlike other barcode applications, this doesn’t do price comparison.. but the high point is that it integrates with other applications and is good for reading QR Code.

- Beat Down Boxing: Mike Tyson Punchout on a touch screen. I only have the demo, but I play it occasionally.

- Calvin and Hobbes: Like the comic? Get the app.

- Chess: Mobile multiplayer chess.

- CM Updater: CyanogenMod updater. Essentially a self updater for people running Cyanogen ROMs on rooted phones.

- Compass: Again, probably not necessary. I have used it twice to get my bearing, one of those was to choose the room with the least morning light at my new place.

- Connectbot: Manage a server? Ever need an SSH connection? This is your app. It does telnet/SSH flawlessly. I use it as my primary SSH Client, even while at my computer.

- Daily Dilbert: Like the comic? Get the app!

- Dope Wars: Remember that game we used to play on our TI-83 Calculators? This is the same, with a couple more options. Well worth the FREE download.

- DroidAnalytics: Got a website using Google Analytics to track your stats? This app is the perfect interface with Google Analytics on the go. Information is neatly organized and easily accessible.

- eBuddy: Multi instant messaging client. It’s my favorite chat client on Android, although I rarely use it because it randomly signs me off.

- Facebook: Facebook’s Android client. It’s nice, but I prefer just going to http://touch.facebook.com/

- Flashlight: White screen full brightness.

- FX Camera: Nice alternative to the regular camera. Fun stuff like fisheye lens effects..

- GDocs: Use Google Docs, you might be interested in this application.. I’ve used it for creating documents, but it’s not that intensive.. I’m unable to access folders (shared or unshared).

- Google Voice: This application is win if you use Google Voice.. for those unimpressed like Kevin, this application is likely to be a waste. I use my GV Number for business, which makes the application almost a necessity for me. It allows almost full control over GV.

- Greed: Mediocre RSS reader. It was the top RSS Reader, however got beaten by News Room.

- Gube: It’s like a rubix cube on your phone! Tricky and not really responsive, I have played it several times.. never really made process though.

- Hold ‘em: Online texas hold ‘em game. Multiplayer is fun, I just don’t have time to play.

- Kevin: Remember Simon? The memory based game.. Yeah, same thing on a phone.

- Key Ring: Scan/Save your keyring cards (like Kroger or CVS?) and use your phone to have them read. I got it under suggestion, however shortly later realized that I have no use for it.

- KittenCannon: This is the game of games. Shoot kitten from a cannon.

- Layar: “Reality browser.” Again, not extremely practical. Was asked to review it, but never got arround to it. Kind of like the Sherpa application with more options.

- Light Racer: One of my favorite games. 2d tron type game.

- Listen: Podcast tool.

- Midnight Bowling: decent bowling game. Rather easy though..

- MobileSlide: Alternative to the Android Market. I have it because Google claimed proprietary rights on their market app, and for a while this was the only option.

- My Account: T-Mobile users can check their account from their phone!

- News Room: BEST RSS Reader on android.

- OI Notepad: Preffered notepad application. Basic.

- PacMan: Yes.

- Pandora: Internet radio streamed over 3G.

- Photoshop: John linked to my review. Read it. Enjoy it.

- QuickBoot: Root users only. one touch reboot, one touch reboot into recovery..

- Screen Capture: Does what it says.. Does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Screenshot: Does what it says.. does it well. (ROOT ONLY)

- Seesmic: Twitter client. I don’t use it often, however keep it around because it’s faster the Twidroid.

- SNesoid: Super Nintendo emulator for your phone.

- Solitaire: If you don’t know what solitaire is, shoot your self.

- Speed Test: Speedtest.net on your Android.

- Tapatalk: Application Dave uses for OS.

- Tether Petition: The way for HTC Android owners to get a wireless tether application on your phone. Essentially turning your phone into a 3G modem with WiFi connection. ROOT ONLY
- TheWeatherChannel: You know what it is. It does the job well too.

- Throttle Copter: fun game of keep up. I have found it addictive, but that’s because I’m simplistic.

- Time Clock: I actually use this to track my hours for billing. I’ve found a few glitches, and it’s a $3 application.. but it really has been a help.

- Twidroid Pro: Best twitter client for android. Multiple accounts and almost full functionality of twitter. It starts when the phone starts, and downloads the newest 200 tweets from each account.. So it can be a hassle.. but it can be a great tool.

- Ultimate Stop watch: Is exactly what is implied.

- USA Today: Best news application, due to layout and usability. I know people have their favorite news sources.. but this is the best in terms of layout and accessibility.
- Whois: Ever thought about a domain name you want, but have been away from the computer? This is a great solution, although about as stripped as can be.

- Wireless Tether: What you get with the Tether Petition. Great for ROOT users though.

- Wixel: Boggle meets android. Definitely fun time waster.

- WPtoGO:  A mobile wordpress client utilizing XMLRPC.  Great solution for bloggers like myself.