This is the Droid you’re looking for

[img:cmdaoqd5]http://gamesnet.vo.llnwd.net/o1/gamestar/objects/193178_main.jpg[/img:cmdaoqd5]

Not that!
[img:cmdaoqd5]http://scherle.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/500px-android-logosvg.png[/img:cmdaoqd5]
That!

[b:cmdaoqd5]What the hell is an Android?
[/b:cmdaoqd5]
Android is an operating system created by our overlords at Google. Right now it is mostly on cell phones, but there are netbooks and tablets coming out this year that run Android.

What makes Android so potentially dangerous is that it is mostly open-source and easily adaptable to different technologies. Besides tablets, Barnes & Nobles’ e-reader runs off an Android adaptation, and the first android-powered TVs will be coming out in 2011. The big rumor right now is that the Chevy Volt will operate on the Android OS, but not quite like your phone does.

Development for the android was initially slow at release, as there was only one phone that ran it. Android is now the fourth most popular smartphone OS but the fastest growing. There are now dozens of devices that run Android and more are being released every month.

There are a lot of lists on the web about why android phones are so great or, more common, why they are better than an iphone. Here are some links:

<!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1131">http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1131</a>&lt;!– m –>
<!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-features/49422-why-android-is-better-than-apple">http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-feature … than-apple</a><!– m –>
<!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://gizmodo.com/5398942/the-iphone+to+android-switch-10-things-you-need-to-know">http://gizmodo.com/5398942/the-iphone+t … ed-to-know</a><!– m –>

Oh yeah, and we’ll be able to run Flash soon.

[b:cmdaoqd5]What Android phone should I get?
[/b:cmdaoqd5]
It depends on your carrier. The top of the Android roost is the Droid or Droid Incredible (on Verizon) or the Nexus One (T-Mobile, etc.)

For a breakdown of phone by carrier, check out <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://goondroid.wikidot.com/device-comparison">http://goondroid.wikidot.com/device-comparison</a>&lt;!– m –>

[b:cmdaoqd5]Can I MUD on an Android?
[/b:cmdaoqd5]Hell yes you can. Download the free app called &quot;AndroMud&quot;. It supports alias, triggers and macros.

[b:cmdaoqd5]App Chat (the fun stuff)
[/b:cmdaoqd5]Here’s a list of cool apps I’ve compiled. What apps do you use?

AndroMud – It is a mud client. Duh.
Facebook – No explanation needed
NewsRob – A Google Reader RSS app. I love this thing.
PDANet – This app lets you tether to a laptop/computer and use 3g for internet. It isn’t the fastest, but it works in a pinch. I used this for several weeks.
Power Manager – Changes power profiles depending if your phone is plugged in or not. Get the most of your battery life.
Ringdroid – load MP3s to your phone. use this app to cut them how you want for custom ringtones.
ShapeWriter – This is a custom keyboard app. Instead of trying to peck on the small keyboard, just drag your finger between keys and it figures out what word you wanna spell. Surprisingly accurate.
Twidroid – Probably the best Twitter app.
Weatherbug – There is weather! On your phone!
Shazam – Ever hear a song but don’t know what its called? This app will tell you.

There is a shitload more useful apps listed at <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://goondroid.wikidot.com/useful-apps">http://goondroid.wikidot.com/useful-apps</a>&lt;!– m –>
A good site to check out new apps is <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://www.appbrain.com/">http://www.appbrain.com/</a>&lt;!– m –>

[b:cmdaoqd5]Games[/b:cmdaoqd5]

I don’t really know much about Android games, so if you do please speak up. I know there are some online multiplayer games but I haven’t played any.

[b:cmdaoqd5]What other cool crap can my Android phone do?
[/b:cmdaoqd5]
Google Maps (should come with your phone) has turn by turn navigation with GPS. In other words, you’ll never need a separate GPS unit in your car again.

There is a PokeDex app.
[img:cmdaoqd5]http&#58;//www&#46;androlib&#46;com/appscreenmax/nwAm&#46;u&#46;cs&#46;png[/img:cmdaoqd5]

Some of the major apps coming this summer/fall include Hulu, Netflix, Firefox and XM Radio.

[b:cmdaoqd5]The next update[/b:cmdaoqd5]
The next big OS update will be 2.2, aka Fruyo. It’s going to run faster (no one really knows how much faster). It will enable you to use your phone as a tether (internet on your laptop anywhere you get 3g). It will let you make a wifi hotspot with your 3g. It should have full flash support.

The rumors for 2.2 include FM radio (Nexus ONe, Droid, etc. actually ship with a radio chip, it’s just inactive), better multitouch support, the ability to change the color of your track ball, and the ability to install apps on your SM card instead of on your phone.

Lol. Coincidently, I was just looking at the HTC Eris last night.

The only way they could make this viable on computers is if they made it able to run linux things. That should give it an existing userbase..

[b:2jkz40fx]Android 2.2 update!!!/[/b:2jkz40fx]

Hooray. Google had a big conference this morning to announce what will be in Android 2.2 update. Most of the rumors were true. Features include:

It runs 2-5 times faster
An ‘update all’ apps button (but no autoupdate?)
Sync music and photos from a desktop
Flash support
WIFI tethering and wifi hotspotting

read more at <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://lifehacker.com/5543720/google-announces-android-22-with-flash-google-tv-at-io-conference?skyline=true&amp;s=i">http://lifehacker.com/5543720/google-an … e=true&amp;s=i</a><!– m –>

Can I play Dwarf Fortress on it?

Official Skype app <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://androidandme.com/2010/05/news/skype-mobile-with-video-calling-coming-to-all-androids-this-year/">http://androidandme.com/2010/05/news/sk … this-year/</a><!– m –>
And Sirius XM app <!– m –><a class="postlink" href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/sirius-xm-android-app-hits-the-market/">http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/siri … he-market/</a><!– m –>

working on making my home screen snazzy

[img:5t4tkulv]http&#58;//i1128&#46;photobucket&#46;com/albums/m499/fordll/snap20101124_060942&#46;png[/img:5t4tkulv]

looks like that right now

Also, lock screen.

[img:3hmvgxqv]http&#58;//i1128&#46;photobucket&#46;com/albums/m499/fordll/snap20101124_082205&#46;png[/img:3hmvgxqv]

One step closer.

[img:1xl87frd]http&#58;//i1128&#46;photobucket&#46;com/albums/m499/fordll/snap20101124_111226&#46;png[/img:1xl87frd]

[img:1pd4irb1]http&#58;//erozer&#46;com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/demotivational-posters-smartphones&#46;jpg[/img:1pd4irb1]

Just saying…