Last week, Google announced the Android O Developer Preview, giving us our first peek at the next major release of its dominant mobile platform. This week, I’m going to throw caution to the wind and dive right in.
Why? Two reasons. So I can learn more about this platform as it evolves. And so you don’t have to, of course.
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As you may know, I was traveling internationally with my Pixel XL last week and relying on it as my day-to-day phone. As has been the case since I purchased this handset at great expense late last year, I remain unimpressed by the Pixel XL, with the sole exception of its camera, which is truly impressive. So the week was a mixture of highs and lows for the Pixel: Using it is frustrating, but the photos it takes are incredible.
But hope springs eternal. And regardless of my opinions of Android generally or the Pixel XL specifically, the platform is indeed dominant and needs to be addressed. Plus, the open nature of Android makes it possible for Microsoft to more deeply integrate its own products and services into this system in a way that is impossible on iOS/iPhone. So Android is perhaps the better choice for Windows phone expats.
On that note, I’ve always gone back and forth on the “Redmonization” thing. By which I mean, I use Microsoft solutions like Arrow Launcher, Cortana, and Swift Keyboard. And then I don’t, and I return to the Google defaults. I do this to gain a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t, and to keep up on updates as they occur. For example, when Android 7.1.2 appeared on my Pixel XL when I was in Germany last week, I switched back to the Pixel launcher (from Arrow) and Google Assistant (from Android) to see what was new.
I do this kind of testing all the time, and it’s often triggered by news of new updates, as was the case here. For example, if/when Microsoft releases the next major Arrow Launcher update, or whatever, I’ll switch to that again to see what’s changed. That’s just what I do. The goal is to be able to speak (hopefully) intelligently on the topic and provide people making this transition with good advice. There’s nothing partisan about it.
Indeed, this is why I often recommend very specific Google apps (on Android or iOS): Because they work better. And it’s why I recommend that those who do choose iPhone/iOS ignore a lot of the Apple apps and services: Because many of them do not. I’ve actually used it all, and will continue testing to makes sure my opinions are up-to-date and don’t occur in a vacuum.
So, Android O.
Yes, it’s early yet. This first Developer Preview release is not for general consumption—literally, it’s so developers can get started on examining new functionality—and, as such, it’s not particularly easy to install on a device. Assuming you even have a compatible device. Which, of course, I do.
So I’m going to look at it. Take note of the new features. See whether any of them point at a future where Android becomes truly usable. Doing so now is good timing: I need the Pixel XL to work as well as it can while I’m traveling internationally, but now that I’m home from this most recent trip, I can afford to let it become a bit unreliable on this Developer Preview. It will be a while before I need to take it outside the country again. Besides, given the performance and reliability issues I had with this phone in Germany, a reset is a great idea regardless.
More soon.
Bats
<p>I know Paul is trying to paint himself as a "professional" technologist who supposedly has deep knowledge and understanding in the practical use of technology, so,,,Why then is he not going into Round Table like discussion to talk technology with other like minded professionals? Instead, he prefers to interact with his "Microsoft" people within his Redmond bubble which is safe from criticism and damage to his image.</p><p><br></p><p>LOL…So Paul is now testing Android O? Yeah…right! </p><p><br></p><p>LOL..how? So he can nitpick and bash it? I don't think anyone can take anything Paul says about Android seriously. Based on his last post regarding Android, where chances are he either lied about the Pixel or garbaged it because he's using that god-awful launcher called Arrow, to which he praised as being the best.</p><p><br></p><p>PAUL clearly didn't evaluate Arrow Launcher very well and it's effect on Android M & N. I know, because I tested it Arrow Launcher on both a Galaxy Note 4, Nexus 6P, and Pixel XL. When your "work ecosystem" is centered around MSFT, like mine, it makes sense to see if the Arrow Launcher can help. From my testing and the comments on so many many many who left their reviews on blogs, the Garage Team did a mediocre job. However, that not what Paul EXPERIENCED and ANALYZED. That's the story of many of the products he supposedly analyzed and wrote about. For example, Chromebooks to which he followed the MSFT narrative faithfully. Today, Chromebook is the #2 Operating System in the world.</p><p><br></p><p>Remember Google Home's "fatal flaw?" He thought it was a product failure and returned it, not realizing that it's a software issue. Hey,…maybe he'll buy it again, but for him to dismiss it so fast without proper analysis and investigation, tells me that didn't understand the technology. FYI…Google announced they will release an update for the Google Home to have multi-account support. Duh…Paul couldn't even see that coming. </p><p><br></p><p>Ha, ha, ha….Don't even get me started on Paul's science diet where he praised and endorse that Gary Taubes’ book “Why We Get Fat.” In Paul's words "It will work…it's science." (Psst….that was years ago and look at his waistline)</p><p><br></p><p>It's actually quite comical that a single person can analyse so badly, write about it, and be constantly wrong, so consistently. It's unbelievable. Therefore, I am confident and sure, he'll get Android O wrong too.</p><p><br></p>
wocowboy
Premium Member<blockquote><a href="#93522"><em>In reply to nbplopes:</em></a></blockquote><p>I use Microsoft Outlook for email on my iPhone 7 and have OneDrive installed as well as the Office apps, and I have no complaints as to how they work, so I don't know what Paul is talking about either. </p>