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The Motorola Droid isn’t officially released until November 6. However, The Tech Herald has exclusive access to a device, and for as long as we have it, we’ll post a daily usage journal to provide information, insight, and commentary for the first Android based device on Verizon’s network. Think of this as a day to day review of the Motorola Droid.
The Tech Herald\'s daily usage journal for the Motorola Droid.
[Note: The original Droid launch article is here. There are images and general impressions. This journal is to document the day to day accounting of usage and testing.]
Day 7/8:
Today’s update is brought to you by the number 7 and the number 8 and the letters D R O I D. (Happy Birthday Sesame Street).
I know I mentioned this before. However, it is worth repeating. The longer I use the Droid for day to day activities, the less I am using my BlackBerry. I love BlackBerry, I do, but this phone just fits well with my ADHD style of geekness.
For today’s Journal update, we’ll start by answering some questions. Jericho, I have retested the Google Maps Navigation. I also have an official answer from a Google spokesperson.
“Google Maps Navigation uses the same driving directions as Google Maps, which are based on the fastest average driving time. Users can view the traffic conditions on the recommended route. If they wish, they can request alternate route suggestions and view the traffic conditions on the alternate routes as well. Our goal is to provide the user with the information they need to make the best decision to fit their personal preferences, which often include considerations such as road type (freeway vs. arterial), route complexity, and personal knowledge of the route in addition to traffic conditions.”
When I first tested Google Maps Navigation, I did not use the layers features. This is an error on my part. The layer for traffic clearly shows me areas in the city where traffic is reported as rough.
When mapping directions, I was able to change the route on the fly. Even when I didn’t ask for new directions, such as just taking random turns on my own, the navigation was instantly adjusted for me. I hope that covers your answer Jericho, if not just email me (security@thetechherald.com)
Dan, I’m sorry but I have not heard back from anyone yet on your question. While I’ve covered some of the limitations I’ve discovered during my usage, I cannot confirm through official channels whether there is an exact limit on memory. When I have an official answer, I will leave it here.
If you notice the comments below, there are answers for questions about reception and the overall build quality. Briefly I will cover them here for the benefit of search engine traffic in case anyone is looking for this information.
When it comes to the reception of the Motorola Droid, consistent is the word to use. Despite the actual signal strength, as long as I had one bar, the call quality was clear and trouble free. At no time during my week with the Droid can I honestly say that four bars were available at all times. Yet, like I said, as long as I had one, there were no issues. I noticed the worst reception was in wooded areas south of Indianapolis, and the best reception in downtown Indianapolis. 3G connections had the same reception consistency.
The build quality of the Motorola Droid is solid. However, when asked about how well it would do on a farm, I have to say that it would perform miserably. While the case is rugged, when dropped (accidently) the battery cover came off. If this had happened on a farm, then I can only imagine that dirt or water could have easily gotten inside. Likewise, while the keyboard slide is protected, there is a small gap, and the possibility that dirt could get trapped there is a reality.
On YouTube, I got a question about Bluetooth and data transmissions. You can use Bluetooth for all of the things you would expect, headsets and actual communication with a computer if you wish. However, there are easier ways to move files to and from the Droid. The easiest is to use the USB cable and mount the Droid as a hard drive, an option you are presented with the second you attach it to a computer to charge. (You can use the USB cable to attach a wall charger as well.)
Wi-Fi usage on the Droid is great, as well as VPN testing. However, the best results for VPN usage came from using the Wi-Fi abilities rather than 3G. Overall, for a business phone, with the right applications (DocsToGo, plus an email and data plan for Exchange) the Droid will hold its own with a Windows Mobile device.
Copy and Paste was another question received in email. Can the Droid do it? Yes, yes it can. I’ve used copy and paste in email, on the Web, and in text messages. You will need to use the direction pad on the keyboard to highlight the line in the text message threads, and then press down for the menu. You’ll be presented with an option to copy the text message. You can then repeat the process to paste what you have copied in a note, email, or search box.
If you want to copy text from a search box, then press the shift arrow, (the one pointing up on the keyboard) and move the directional pad left or right to highlight everything. Then press down on the pad for the menu. On a Webpage, there is a menu option to select text, from there you can select whatever you want, and it is copied for you automatically.
Some have asked what applications I recommend for the Motorola Droid. In no particular order, here’s my list of applications that seen the most usage and what I think every Droid should have:
Advanced Task KillerAK Notepad Google VoiceSwiftFacebookYouTubePandoraOpen TableWhereBarcode Scanner / Shop SavvyMagic 8 Ball (It’s just cool to have one)Documents ToGoTV.comGMail Google Maps Navigator
Some of the applications are for fun, while others have a more practical use. During the time I tested the Droid, I think I downloaded one of everything from the free list. The paid applications are affordable, and some are just extended versions of those offered for free.
For personal usage, you really can’t go wrong with the Droid, but perhaps it’s better to say that you cannot go wrong with the Android operating system and a carrier who truly supports it. The massive amounts of applications and the easy usage make this platform one of the best things to hit the Smartphone market in a long time. Android isn’t perfect, but it has far more features than flaws.
Overall, the Motorola Droid is just as functional as it is fun. There is a bit of something for everyone. One a percentage scale of 1-100, the Motorola is easily a 90. Sadly, I have to turn this in on Thursday, so my last journal update will be a final review. In the meantime, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
---update---
Just a while ago Chris posted a comment and asked, “I know using Verizon CDMA you should not be able to be on a phone call and also on the internet at the same time. But have you tried this yet on the Droid to see what happens?”
You asked... I tested. I called Jen, who does images for us here on the site. While talking with her, I pressed the home screen icon and opened a browser. I searched Google for The Tech Herald, and afterwards I browsed the site a bit. During all of this, our call continued as normal. Adding to this test, I switched to speaker phone, and talked while I surfed the Web, browsed for a new application, and downloaded it. No issues there either. So, in short, yes you can surf and talk at the same time.
Day 5/6:
Two for one update today, considering I didn’t write one on Sunday. Since this is a rolling review of the Droid, we’ve been asked several questions about its features and usage. Some you’ve seen in the comments, others via Facebook and email. On Sunday, I took them all and blasted through them, testing various settings and features. Today, I collected the notes, and will attempt to cover many of the areas that I’ve been asked about.
First, Jericho and Dan, I’ve not forgotten you. As soon as I have those answers, you will too.
The call quality is great. So far, testing call quality on the Droid alone and Google Voice has been performed indoors and outdoors. Inside, my house for example, the sound was almost perfect. Inside an office, the sound was still great, but some areas had static. This is to be expected, just like the outdoor testing. When outside, some areas were crystal clear, other areas had some spots where you would hear static. Overall, you can easily list the call quality as a nine on a scale of one to ten.
Google Maps Navigation is awesome. When tested, there were no issues if you went off the beaten path, it simply adjusted the time to arrival estimate and told you where to turn. The voice is clear, but as mentioned, comical at times due to pronunciation. The Street View support is what makes the whole Navigation service sexy in my opinion. However, for me, and this isn’t a slam to Verizon, the idea that I can get GPS Navigation without an extra fee is the major selling point here.
As reported in regards to Jericho’s question, Google Maps Navigator did not update traffic pattern status or delays. However, this is only one downside to a useful free application. We’ve asked Verizon for an official yea or nay on this function. (TeleNav Traffic is Free on Sprint, but the TeleNav GPS Navigator costs $9.99 USD a month after a 30-day free trial.)
If you want to monitor traffic on the Droid, there’s a map and app for that. It’s called US Traffic and based on some basic testing it works rather well. Best of all, it’s free.
Email works as expected. Testing included GMail, as well as a separate POP account and IMAP account. Business users can also use Exchange if needed. While we are able to access Google Docs on the Droid, there is no application or widget for it, but one is expected soon. Editing Docs on the Droid is slow at first as you get used to the keyboard. Once that hurdle is past, using Docs is simple.
Early reviews of the Droid complained that the keyboard and buttons are all too flat. True, they are flat, but after using it for almost a week, it’s not an issue. It takes time to memorize where keys are and speed up your typing for email or text messaging. Once you get familiar with the keyboard, it’s actually a great partner to the touch screen. Speaking of text messages, there’s a threaded view for them, which reminds me of an instant message session, nice touch.
Browsing is top notch, and considering you can tap to zoom in and out, reading sites like ours, or The New York Times, posed little challenge. Some sites, those that require Flash, didn’t work. However, when the Flash 10 player is available, this will be a non-issue. So for now, heavy flash sites will display a little funny, like on other mobile browsers.
Streaming video causes no lag and looks clean. The YouTube application also works great, you’ll need this application to upload and watch videos on the site. Yet, try to access YouTube videos on the browser itself and you will get errors. So YouTube users will need this application handy at all times.
Video overall is decent. Not the best, but still good considering this is a phone and not a super camera. However, examples work best. So if you look at Days 1 & 2, you will see video examples. There is a third video, by request, on our YouTube account. If I had to rate the Video on the Droid, then it would be 8 out of 10. I say this because the Droid has solid video production, but the focus is rough when you are close, and that ruins the video.
Sound quality on the phone, for playing music or video is decent. While there is a noticeable lack of bass (it is a phone after all) it is clear and loud. When it comes to playing video, watching TV, or just listening to MP3’s, the best bet is to use a good set of headphones.
When it comes to the applications, there are thousands of them. So we’ve not been able to test them all. Right now, Google Voice, Swift, Tetrads, Pac-Man, The Weather Channel application, AK Notepad, Voice Recorder, and WHERE, are our favorite downloaded applications. The Facebook application and the YouTube application were already installed, but both are solid as well.
If there is something you want tested, leave me a comment. Keep in mind, I have the Motorola Droid, not the HTC.
Day 4:
Halloween. Today is a bit colder, but no rain so that is a plus. The Droid went along for some usage tests and photos. During the evening, I used the Droid to upload photos taken on it to Facebook. I also uploaded some images to Twitter. Both applications were used to randomly post messages all night.
Now, when it comes to speed, the mobile uploads to Facebook were quick and posed no problems. However, using the keyboard to type descriptions was tricky, with cold fingers. Touch typing was by far the easiest method to type in messages.
While messing with the controls, we discovered that there is a way to organize the icons on each of the three home screens. You need to press the icon for a few seconds, until it turns red. After that you can drag it. So our earlier comment is retracted. However, there are still limits to the number of items on each of the home screens. Based on a few tests, it looks like it has something to do with the icon’s or widget’s display size.
Performed more call testing, overall it was the same results as before, so the call quality has maintained the expected levels.
Below are some of the images taken on Halloween night, each were captured with the Droid, and uploaded to Facebook.
[This image of the flaming pumpkins is actually two shots. The outer is the original image, and the inset image is another shot of the pumpkins after it was cropped on the Droid. They are combined so you can see the pumpkins better.]
These last images are of me with my mother and father. The second image, taken with dad, is just horrible, no other way to put it. I’m not sure why this is, except to blame it on distance, poor lighting, and maybe camera operator error.
At the end of the evening, the kids had their sweet tooth satisfied, and we had more then half of our battery left on the Droid.
Day 3:
Rain is annoying. Since it is rainy outside, the testing today took place inside. We used Google Voice to call people, confirming voice quality. Much to their amusement, we called them back without Google Voice and tested quality that way. Overall, with or without Google Voice, sound quality on the Droid is great. There were some instances on Google Voice where you’d hear a “tin can” sound. However, this wasn’t consistent and only occurred when we took calls in the basement.
PicSay, the photo editor we mentioned in yesterday’s update, got some usage today as well. For a free application, this little editor rocks, but the full tool set is in the Pro or paid version. You can add messages and text to the images, as well as color corrections. There is a cropping tool too. The controls are a little tricky when using the touch screen, and only get slightly better with the keyboard. In short, this application just needs time to master, but is worth the effort.
An email arrived from Google (We’ve tied a GMail account to the Droid for testing), which warned us that we have activated Google Latitude. “To protect your privacy we would like you to know that Google Latitude is running on your Android-powered device and reporting your location,” the note started. It then went on to explain how to disable the action. Cool points to Google for offering this tip.
In the upper part of the Droid screen, just above the Google Search bar, there is a series of notifications. If you touch them and drag down, a window appears alerting you to Application updates, USB connection, new messages or mail, and other things. This came in handy, as one of our games (Tetrads) and applications (Where) needed updating. Tetrads is a Tetris clone, and rather addictive. Where is an application that works as a travel guide, offering information on places and things around your location.
One thing we like about the application or widget installation process is the warning as to what personal information or control you’ll be handing over to the software you’re about to install.
Another application, ShopSavvy, is the second barcode scanner we’ve tested. It allows you to scan an item’s barcode with the camera or enter the information with the keyboard, and search both online and near your location for the best deal. It isn’t without its flaws however, as a 1 Liter bottle of Mountain Dew was scanned, and the barcode reported it as a “Made in USA 5/16-18 X 3” Length Alum Extended Knb Assmbly” (Price on this is $8.27 USD). Barcode Scanner didn’t like the Mountain Dew bottle either.
When it comes to Twitter, Swift is our application of choice for the Droid. With access to DM, Mentions, Timelines, and profiles it’s well rounded. When it comes to resources, Swift doesn’t seem to lag the Droid at all. Even when it is running constantly. Twidget is a great application, but Swift just offers more.
Since Halloween is Saturday, we’ll take the Droid Trick-or-Treating and see if we discover something spooky. Have a good weekend.
Day 2:
The second day of testing has gone smoothly. Some of you had questions about the device, so while testing today we covered those questions as best as we could. Before we get to all of that, I have a confession. Personally, I’m a BlackBerry person, but the more I use the Droid, the more I regret that my time with it will end soon.
The testing today focused solely on applications from the Google Marketplace (Android Market) and Google’s Navigation offering. The Navigator was used to drive from Indianapolis to Noblesville (20-30 minutes north). Anyone in Indianapolis knows there was bad accident not too long ago where a tanker exploded. This is causing some issues with traffic, and the trip today was no exception.
While driving, I pulled off the plotted course to get some gas in the car. Instantly, the voice altered the driving plan and started prompting me with a new route. The voice is clear, but will mispronounce words. For example, Ft. Wayne is pronounced “FfftWayne” and Shadeland is pronounced “Shad-lend”. Mispronunciations aside, the navigator got us to exactly where we needed to be with no issues.
So with that said, Jericho asked, “Does the Google GPS Nav have traffic redirection, i.e. alert for traffic slowdowns and re-route if possible? Curious to know how it compares with other cell phone Nav solutions, like Sprint's Telenav.?”
During our testing, no it didn’t. There was no mention of slowed traffic on I-69 south or 465 or US 37, after the freeway ends. However, that isn’t enough of an answer, so I asked Verizon the same question. When they get back with me I will post their answer for you Jericho.
Dan asked, “I've heard that Droid is limited to 256Mb worth of apps (i.e. they are stored in ROM - of which there is 512Mb half of which is used by the O/S). Can you confirm or deny??”
I’ve asked Verizon to confirm this as well. In the testing so far, there are definite limits to the number of Widgets and Bookmarks you can add to each of the three screens. (There is the home screen, and the other two are a finger swipe to the left or right.) When Verizon responds Dan, we’ll update the journal. Speaking of the home screen and other two screens, there is no ability to manage the placement of the icons, which is actually a little sad.
Application-wise, we used Google’s Navigator the most. However, the Barcode scanner is a nifty little tool. We downloaded Pandora and CBS’ tv.com applications. Thanks to the display of the Droid, watching tv.com was a joy. The sound quality from the Droid is solid, but as it is a phone we honestly didn’t expect much. We’d suggest a good pair of headphones.
We’re still learning PicSay, the photo editing software we downloaded. However, from what we’ve seen so far this little editor is great. We left Twidget for Swift when it comes to Twitter, and the internal Facebook application takes no time at all to master.
We had a question about video. On YouTube, both “daoist” and “FichDak” wanted to see how the video capture worked with close ups. In addition they wanted to know how the video looked when uploaded directly from the phone.
The video below is what we created for their testing request.
At the end of the second day of testing, we’ve discovered that the Droid isn’t perfect, and there are some limits to things. However, so far this is still a solid phone. We’ll post more tomorrow. If you have questions let us know.
Day 1:
The day it was announced that Google and Verizon would hook up and release an Android phone, geeks and gadget junkies took notice. On October 28, when Verizon announced that the first Android phone on their network would be the Motorola Droid, we were already using the Google Marketplace (Android Market) to download Google Voice and Twidget.
To say that the Droid is a great phone is understating things. It would appear that this Smartphone has everything. Now granted, the Google Marketplace (Android Market) has a long way to go before it catches up with Apple’s App Store. However, for what is available right now, there are plenty of usable applications.
Aside from Twidget, we also tested Swift. Twidget is great for fast Twitter updates, but Swift allows all the expected options and seems to run better. The Facebook application is another handy thing to have if you need to use it. Facebook and Twitter are the minor applications tested on day one, what we wanted to do was test some major applications and core options.
To start, we downloaded and used Google Voice. Once you enter your credentials, you can have Google Voice used for all calls or only ones you select yourself when prompted. When talking on the Droid using Google Voice, the quality was superb, with no echo, static, or tin can sounds.
When someone called the number for the Droid we’re testing, using Google Voice to answer and take the call offered no problems, and the call quality was just as good as when we used it to dial out.
Next we snapped off a few pictures. As you can see below, they're not the best images in the world. However, there was low lighting and it is seriously gloomy outside. Overall, despite the weather, the cars came out looking decent.
Finally, we shot a video to test how well the Droid can deal with movement.
A note about the video, and this could change. You can’t attach them to emails, because the file sizes are too large. The one we uploaded to YouTube was only just shy of 4MB, yet when we attempted to attach to an email on the phone, the process failed. There is a workaround however, as you can use the YouTube application to shoot video and upload it directly.
When we uploaded the video attached to this journal entry, we had to take it from the microSD card and upload it by hand. If you use the YouTube application to upload video, you will need to use a Wi-Fi connection depending on the file size.
We’ve had the Motorola Droid for just over six hours now. Overall, based on first impressions, this is a solid phone.
If there is any complaint to be said, it is that you need to remove the battery before you can access the 16GB microSD card. Answering a call is tricky as well, as you’ll need to slide the green answer button to the right. The directional pad on the keyboard is placed on the right hand side, so those looking for it on the left will need to get used to it feeling backwards.
So far, after heavy usage, at the 6 hour mark the battery is at 50%. We’ll drain it completely before charging it.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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