Why did Verizon remove Google & Replace it with Bing?!

[Cory Streater]

Even if it can be downloaded it is essentially useless as it cannot be used.

Why do you say that? AFAIK it can be used once downloaded and installed. It's definitely on this guys phone.

 

[Ewing33855]

Even if it can be downloaded it is essentially useless as it cannot be used. For the average consumer this is a huge deal breaker. Average consumer will not be looking to root or even know what that means.

Agreed but thank goodness you are on the forums and know what you're doing

 

[maverick96]

Why do you say that? AFAIK it can be used once downloaded and installed. It's definitely on this guys phone.

According to other review sites the phone defaults all navigation to VZ navigator that's why I made the comment. Also all searches default to bing. No question he has it on his phone in the video but you never see it being used

 

[maverick96]

Agreed but thank goodness you are on the forums and know what you're doing

LOL not sure if you were being funny which is the way I took it anyway or not. Its just really mind boggling as to what made VZW think this would be a good move?

 

[prakash99]

In spite of this Bing fiasco, I am still getting my fascinate tomorrow. I am sure there will be a fix to this problem down the line. As I never use the search widget or capacitative search button, search is not a problem for me. I will just set my homepage to google search. As for google navigation, let's just wait till tomorrow. In the worst case I will have to buy some third party navigation app like copilot.

 

[thebizz]

Money and that's it big trucks of money coming in from microsoft. Hate the idea that verizon preinstalled bing but didnt give users the option on which one they want to use. my favorite thing about android choice. But that choice has been taken kinda sucks thank goodness for root and a great community. But if these rumors about verizon putting bing on all their android phones are true im gone. but I truly doubt that's the case

 

[Ewing33855]

LOL not sure if you were being funny which is the way I took it anyway or not. Its just really mind boggling as to what made VZW think this would be a good move?

it was a compliment. you obviously know what rooting entails and i can't picture the phone not being able to be rooted.

 

[Cory Streater]

According to other review sites the phone defaults all navigation to VZ navigator that's why I made the comment. Also all searches default to bing. No question he has it on his phone in the video but you never see it being used

I guess we won't know for certain until tomorrow, but I'd bet my left foot that when you click on an address in a browser window, calendar location, or contact, you will be prompted as to which app you want to use to complete the action, with a checkbox that allows you to choose the default. The OS always prompts you for this anytime you install an application that provides a duplicate function.

 

[maverick96]

it was a compliment. you obviously know what rooting entails and i can't picture the phone not being able to be rooted.

Well thank you then.

To the other poster I'm guessing it would have to be HUGE money from microsoft for verizon to do this on all upcoming android phones. I'm not sold on that yet though BUT with what VZW did on the fascinate I wouldn't put anything past them.

 

[maverick96]

I guess we won't know for certain until tomorrow, but I'd bet my left foot that when you click on an address in a browser window, calendar location, or contact, you will be prompted as to which app you want to use to complete the action, with a checkbox that allows you to choose the default. The OS always prompts you for this anytime you install an application that provides a duplicate function.

Yeah I'm sure we will know for sure what the deal is, but just by watching Phil's add on video showing launcher pro being used and even seeing him type into the google search bar only to be re-directed to bing isnt very promising. It seems as Verizon is intent on only allowing bing to be used..

 

[Cory Streater]

I just got confirmation that Navigation, which is part of the Google Maps app, does indeed work. The 2 icons we are seeing in the app drawer are actually installed when you install Google Maps. Phil already tested it, and will be posting more about it, so keep an eye on the front page tomorrow.

 

[namebrandon]

I just got confirmation that Navigation, which is part of the Google Maps app, does indeed work. The 2 icons we are seeing in the app drawer are actually installed when you install Google Maps. Phil already tested it, and will be posting more about it, so keep an eye on the front page tomorrow.

Great news! I'm sure we're all looking forward to confirming that today!

This whole thing reminds of the Droid X e-fuse.. "the sky is falling.."

 

[Cory Streater]

Great news! I'm sure we're all looking forward to confirming that today!

This whole thing reminds of the Droid X e-fuse.. "the sky is falling.."

Yeah I was really bothered by the Bing thing at first, but when it comes down to it, if it doesn't interfere with maps and/or navigation the impact to me personally is minimal to none. I actually do most of my searching from within a browser window, not through the widget or search key.

Having said that, from a PR standpoint, IMHO this decision will impact sales of this phone to an extent.

 

[coolkatz321]

Having said that, from a PR standpoint, IMHO this decision will impact sales of this phone to an extent.

I doubt it. I think the "average" consumer will be wowed by the large, shiny screen and 'niceness' of the phone. I really don't think people know enough about Android to really care about specific widgets or map apps.

Having said that, I'd never buy this phone...Engadget hated it and for me, like you, the lack of Google is a colossal dealbreaker.

I'm still convinced the Incredible is Verizon's best phone atm. It's certainly the most polished...

 

[putty]

I'm still convinced the Incredible is Verizon's best phone atm. It's certainly the most polished...

I'm an iPhone user begging for a legitimate Verizon replacement and while researching the Incredible I found that you can't speak on the phone and simultaneously send a text or check a map or use the web, ie no data. That's incredible, but not in a good way.

I have a Fascinate on pre-order and waiting patiently (30 days?) for a root.

 

[Cory Streater]

I doubt it. I think the "average" consumer will be wowed by the large, shiny screen and 'niceness' of the phone. I really don't think people know enough about Android to really care about specific widgets or map apps.

Yeah good point. I often get trapped in my narrow minded world of geekism and forget that average consumers may never care about this. That said, if people are researching their next phone, prior to buying it, there's a good chance they will read one of the many reviews out there criticizing the choice of Bing, which could potentially impact their decision.

And yes, the Incredible is downright Incredible

 

[Stromson]

I'm an iPhone user begging for a legitimate Verizon replacement and while researching the Incredible I found that you can't speak on the phone and simultaneously send a text or check a map or use the web, ie no data. That's incredible, but not in a good way.

I have a Fascinate on pre-order and waiting patiently (30 days?) for a root.

That's not an Incredible thing, that's a Verizon thing. Verizon's 3G CDMA technology doesn't allow for simultaneous voice and data, and won't until they roll out their 4G LTE tech.

 

[putty]

That's not an Incredible thing, that's a Verizon thing. Verizon's 3G CDMA technology doesn't allow for simultaneous voice and data, and won't until they roll out their 4G LTE tech.

So that Verizon-wide? Even a rooted Droid X?

 

[Cory Streater]

Yep - it's the nature of CDMA.

 

[geocomp]

Yeah I was really bothered by the Bing thing at first, but when it comes down to it, if it doesn't interfere with maps and/or navigation the impact to me personally is minimal to none. I actually do most of my searching from within a browser window, not through the widget or search key.

Having said that, from a PR standpoint, IMHO this decision will impact sales of this phone to an extent.

I have to agree with you on this. I am blown away by all the hateful comments about this phone just because Bing is on it. If you don't like Bing then don't use it and remove the widget so you don't see it. Go to the Browser and search using Google. That is what I do know on my BB so it really won't be any different.

A few more hours and I will have my Fascinate delivered. Can't wait to start playing with it.