16 gigs is just way too small, I don't want to put stuff on the cloud.

[JeffDenver]

If LG were to take the N4 and modify the interface of the operating system to it's own designs, I take nobody would consider it a Google phone anymore.

If it was an LG phone, they probably would have added an SD slot to it. And the LG version does have SD. That is an example of Google design...Google decides the specs on Nexus devices. They do not actually produce the hardware.

Being a google phone means that Google decided the features, options, specs, not someone else. It does not mean sticking vanilla android on a phone with someone else's options/specs/features that google had no say in (The Droid 1 for example...the Droid 1 was not a google phone).

what defines a phone as being Googles?

A phone they have been directly involved with from the start. A phone they decided the specs on (in which they had the final say). A phone that they support directly. All Nexus devices so far fit those criteria.

 

[fernandezhjr]

Oh, my bad, let me be more specific since we are obviously splitting hairs here. They are taking this predefined phone, and stripping down all of samsungs and htcs software that has been added (lets remember, it's not just a "skin" or a "launcher," it is much more implemented than just having vanilla android with touchwiz or sense added on top, they are ingrained into the source code. Android is open sourced, they can add whatever they want, modify it however they please. It essentially becomes their software with an android base. Once that software is stripped, they are replacing it with a, and here's the important part, modified version of their vanilla android. It is Google edition because it will not be "skinned" and it will not have carrier bloat, manufacturer bloat, none of it. It will, however, contain a few modifications to incorporate some of the more well known features to these phones. There is no "Google phone." Ever. Any where. It is a fictional term created to label a phone, and that phone does not exist. The important label here is NEXUS, which is the label given when Google partners with a manufacturer to create a phone running vanilla android "from Google." The GE edition phones are not nexus devices, nor are they Google phones.

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Interesting perspective. Since we are all speculating here, what modifications are you expecting that would not define it as a Nexus, per say, as we already know these devices will not be classified as such? Clearly, Google is doing some gear shifting here and direction with this is unclear.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[JeffDenver]

Interesting perspective. Since we are all speculating here, what modifications are you expecting that would not define it as a Nexus, per say, as we already know these devices will not be classified as such? Clearly, Google is doing some gear shifting here and direction with this is unclear.

I think it will be handled like the Droid 1 was, except that Google will do the updating directly. The only reason they are not Nexus devices is because Google was not involved in deciding their specs (google's cloud-centric philosophy would mean no 32-gig HTC One, and no SD on the Galaxy S4). Other than that I would agree they are defacto-Nexus devices.

 

[Jennifer Stough]

Interesting perspective. Since we are all speculating here, what modifications are you expecting that would not define it as a Nexus, per say, as we already know these devices will not be classified as such? Clearly, Google is doing some gear shifting here and direction with this is unclear.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

It is not a nexus because Google had absolutely nothing to do with the designing or manufactering of these phones. I don't understand how that is speculation...they were designed and manufactured before Google even picked up the project. The modifications that will be made to the software also has absolutely nothing to do with whether it is classified as a nexus. Not every phone that runs vanilla android is a nexus. Also not speculation. The modifications that I see coming into play in the software (and this is speculation, minus beats which has been confirmed) are a way to incorporate the ones low light capabilities without it's sense counterparts, a way to incorporate the Samsung's extra sensors (which will still be on the phone regardless of touchwiz being nexed, another example that google had nothing to do with the design and manufacturing of these devices), and a way to incorporate the menu button into apps that are not to Google's frameworks (without black bar, but this is more of a hope than a speculation.)

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[fernandezhjr]

It is not a nexus because Google had absolutely nothing to do with the designing or manufactering of these phones. I don't understand how that is speculation...they were designed and manufactured before Google even picked up the project. The modifications that will be made to the software also has absolutely nothing to do with whether it is classified as a nexus. Not every phone that runs vanilla android is a nexus. Also not speculation. The modifications that I see coming into play in the software (and this is speculation, minus beats which has been confirmed) are a way to incorporate the ones low light capabilities without it's sense counterparts, a way to incorporate the Samsung's extra sensors (which will still be on the phone regardless of touchwiz being nexed, another example that google had nothing to do with the design and manufacturing of these devices), and a way to incorporate the menu button into apps that are not to Google's frameworks (without black bar, but this is more of a hope than a speculation.)

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By speculation, I was referring more to the Google direction, but also with the devices to a point. In order for these devices to be "Google Edition", there would have to be either hardware or software change. And which we get is speculation, even though it is most likely to be software, but that is speculation. Also, this means that Google would have to rewrite some code for these devices. Would that not mean a new version of Android that will not run on all devices. And if Google allows the manufacturers to rewrite the code, how is that different than the current form of those devices with less features? A prime example of this would be the SD slot. Android 4.2.2 does not read SD. Either there would need to be a new updated version of Android or the hardware would need to be removed. If the manufacturers modify 4.2.2 from it's pure form to include SD , as far as I am concerned, it is no longer vanilla Android. In fact, adding Beats already takes this distinction away. Also, to what extent will they be allowed take modifications? That would be speculation.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[JeffDenver]

Android 4.2.2 does not read SD.

I think this is wrong. Google has stated that they have not removed SD support from Android. They simply do not allow it on Nexus phones. Vanilla 4.2.2 still has support for SD. Even the Nexus 4 has emulated SD support (file managers can see an "SD Card" in storage even though the phone has no SD slot).

In fact, adding Beats already takes this distinction away.

But the One will presumably be supported directly by Google, not HTC.

 

[fernandezhjr]

I think this is wrong. Google has stated that they have not removed SD support from Android. They simply do not allow it on Nexus phones. Vanilla 4.2.2 still has support for SD. Even the Nexus 4 has emulated SD support (file managers can see an "SD Card" in storage even though the phone has no SD slot).


But the One will presumably be supported directly by Google, not HTC.

You may be correct, as storage is emulated, but there would still need to be some recoding done. Stock Android does not include Beats, so that is additional coding. All the lib files would have to be added. And we drift away from vanilla.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[JeffDenver]

You may be correct, as storage is emulated, but there would still need to be some recoding done. Stock Android does not include Beats, so that is additional coding.

I think that is basically the equivalent of a driver. I don't think adding drivers drifts from vanilla.

The One's camera is also part soft-ware (I do not mean the options, but the actual processing of the initial image)...if they replicate that in the GE One I don't think that will drift either for the same reason. Stuff gets added to Android all the time...there was a time when Android had no NFC support. Or Wireless charging.

 

[TheLibertarian]

So apparently being "closed minded and argumentative" makes me appealing to you.

So why do you keep saying "discussion over"? Your responses seem to say you want me to continue.

You are exactly the type of user who is appealing to me. I enjoy correcting the ignorant and assisting the uneducated. You fit the bill.

I say discussion over because every attempt you have made to refuse logical and reason has been thwarted. Now you're just good for a laugh.

 

[JeffDenver]

I say discussion over because every attempt you have made to refuse logical and reason has been thwarted.

Which is why we are still discussing it. LOL

 

[fernandezhjr]

I think that is basically the equivalent of a driver. I don't think adding drivers drifts from vanilla.

The One's camera is also part soft-ware (I do not mean the options, but the actual processing of the initial image)...if they replicate that in the GE One I don't think that will drift either for the same reason. Stuff gets added to Android all the time...there was a time when Android had no NFC support. Or Wireless charging.

It actually goes far beyond just drivers. It will be interesting to see how many features they can or choose to retain without the Sense and Touchwiz frameworks. If it were as simple as drivers, the mods would be able to port the camera software, Beats, and software for other features over to the N4 easily. Unfortunately, these are integrated with the framework, so it will be interesting to say the least.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Captainbob767]

You are exactly the type of user who is appealing to me. I enjoy correcting the ignorant and assisting the uneducated. You fit the bill.

I say discussion over because every attempt you have made to refuse logical and reason has been thwarted. Now you're just good for a laugh.

Frankly I think he has some issues that need a professional therapist.

 

[Aquila]

Where did you get the idea that Google designs the Nexus devices from a hardware perspective? That keeps getting repeated today and I haven't seen anything ever to indicate Google designs, picks specs piecemeal, etc. The way I understand it, a bunch of OEM's bring their prototypes to "bid" on the award, Google chooses, might have a few suggestions and then the chosen OEM goes to work building.

Also, the Optimus G (what the Nexus 4 is based on) had 3 primary models the E970 ,E971, E973, E975, and LS970 . Only the E970 had an SD card. That E970, as far as I know, is still available only in the US and only on AT&T. The Sprint version and all international versions have no SD cards. They have 32GB of memory, while the AT&T has 16GB and comes with a 16GB SD card (it can function with up to 64GB).

Thus, of the 1 million or so Optimus G's sold, the majority do not have SD cards, although 100% have more memory than the LG Nexus 4.

 

[Scott7217]

I have an Asus Transformer (TF700) as well. My model has an SD slot...an external one that is easily accessible. No dongle required. It also has gotten updates quickly. Asus gets it.

How is the Asus Transformer? I've seen one before, and it looks like a sleek ultrabook when it's docked to the keyboard. Very nice, indeed.

I always hear the argument that micro SD is a bad thing, and yet, we have new devices that have it. Even the Chromebook Pixel has a card slot (though it is SD, not micro SD), and I thought that the chromebook was specifically a cloud device with little offline capability. Maybe the difference is that Chrome handles things differently than Android, but it appears that Google is not 100% against removable storage.

 

[Scott7217]

Google did not design how the GE S4 and ONE were designed. The Google edition s4 and ONE were designed and manufactured by their own own perspective manufacturers. Google is simply taking these predefined phones, and supplementing their operating systems with it's own, likely to have a few tweaks to retain a few individual features such as beats for the one. Neither of the two are "Google phones." They are a Samsung phone, and an HTC phone, running Google's vanilla software. They are a special edition phone, of sorts.

You are correct about the nexus, however.



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I would love to see if Android Central could run a few articles on the back story of the Google Edition phones. I'd like to know how they came about, what the process is for getting a phone into the program, and how these phones help Google's vision for Android. I suppose everything is on embargo until the release date, but you know everyone will be flocking to the site when that date comes.

 

[JeffDenver]

How is the Asus Transformer?

It is the best-Non-nexus tablet I have used so far. ASUS does not use a heavy skin and they have been very aggressive on updating the OS. The Keyboard modules, while pricey (and a little heavy), are good quality and easy to use. They include additional ports and battery as well.

But I have to say...I liked the Nexus 7 a lot better. It is as fast and fluid as the Nexus 4, and a 7 inch tablet is a lot easier to carry around. I prefer the feel of the case to the metal used in the Transformer series as well. Google did a good job on that. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten a Nexus 7 or 10 despite the lack of SD. But the Transformers are a close 2nd.

I always hear the argument that micro SD is a bad thing, and yet, we have new devices that have it. Even the Chromebook Pixel has a card slot (though it is SD, not micro SD), and I thought that the chromebook was specifically a cloud device with little offline capability.

Thats a good point. Critics would argue that a Chromebook is more a laptop replacement than a tablet.

 

[minnemike]

I always hear the argument that micro SD is a bad thing, and yet, we have new devices that have it. Even the Chromebook Pixel has a card slot (though it is SD, not micro SD), and I thought that the chromebook was specifically a cloud device with little offline capability. Maybe the difference is that Chrome handles things differently than Android, but it appears that Google is not 100% against removable storage.

The Chromebook is indeed a cloud focused device, but it is meant to be your first cloud laptop and transitional. You need an SD card to get all your old stuff into the cloud to begin with. LOL

It also serves as a bootable source when needed.

 

[TheLibertarian]

Which is why we are still discussing it. LOL

Every attempt by you, to refuse logic given by us, has been thwarted by us.

Did that help you understand my prior post? I hope so LOL.

Does it not strike you as odd that no one agrees with what you're saying? I think it's time you read all the posts responding to your winning again... You simply do not have a valid argument to have wasted this many months of your time LOL.

 

[JeffDenver]

Does it not strike you as odd that no one agrees with what you're saying?

They don't? What do all those likes and thanks mean then?

 

[fernandezhjr]

They don't? What do all those likes and thanks mean then?

They like that you are amusing and are thanking you for making them feel really smart.

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