Google May Nuke Custom UIs in Android 3.0

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gpace

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I don't know what to think of this. It can be a plus because it's one less layer that the hardware has to deal with (faster response), but it's another big company in control.

If they tweak the built in UI is better for general tasks then the custom UIs, while still allowing custom UIs depending on what the user needs, then that would be good for everyone.

Note: I've barely had any time with an Android device.
 

dancunder

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Honestly, I dont know what to think. I have HTC Desire. I love the power and advanced OS compared to my last phone, the HTC Touch Pro 2 (with custom win 6.5 ROM). But what I am missing the is a unified multimedia and desktop experience that would make feeding my phone with music, videos and podcasts a snap. Google needs to create an alternative to ITunes (and no, DoubleTwist doesn't cut it). I am also missing the HTC sense from the windows mobile phones. These current widgets, and icons and crap... not my style.
Last, but not least, I am waiting for Microsoft, their Phone 7 and the connection with Zune and XBox live games. That should prove as a very advanced and unified concept.
 

Shadow703793

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Ok, I think this is a plus on the fact that all Android phones will have the ability to look the same. On the other hand, I think Google should give the USER (aka us) the choice to decide on the UI (Standard or Custom).
 

Abrahm

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I'm all for Google trying to spruce up the UI and the user experience, but I don't think blocking 3rd party UI's is necessary or beneficial. Companies like Motorola and HTC may not be as inclined to make an Android phone if they can't put a personal touch on it to try and top similar competition.

As for the article...

"In its current state, the stock Android interface is far less user-friendly than its main competitor, the iPhone."

According to who? What is so complicated about a desktop and an app drawer?

"pre-Android 2.2 is slow enough as it is"

What? By what measure?

Let's keep it objective. You mention the iPhone 6 times in a 4 paragraph article that has nothing to do with the iPhone. Come on.
 

Pei-chen

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I think down the road Google might buy out HTC or limit the hardware option in Android phones. The last thing Google wants to do it to Windowsize Android.
 

Tuguz

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It would probably be a good thing in my opinion, I really liked google's chrome browser UI. I would assume they would make an amazing and very functional UI.
 

martin0642

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They should use a "device speed index" like Win 7 with Aero and let effects match device capabilities. That way you can have one UI on different platforms. A plugin architecture for UI effects would allow for developers to focus on customizing as much or as little as they want. They may only want to change the default "page transition" effect in books or app trays. If feature development is split into easily digestible chunks - developers will blow the doors off it. I can imagine a UI app store there each effect and view is chosen individually, or left to default.
 

djtronika

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hahaha. you guys love whatever Google does even if it means closer to an iPhone experience. You're all as bad as us Apple users.

Sorry, but I just ordered my iPhone 4 16gb and couldnt be more excited. helicopter glass?! yes please.
 

cashews

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At the moment it is all just speculation. What we do know is that the guys at Google aren't dumbasses and realise that personalization is a large part of why enthusiests choose android.

 

jeffk464

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Hmm, I kind of like the openness of allowing manufacturers to do whatever they want but it does make it hard to get the newest android system. I have to wait for HTC to make 2.2 available for my incredible.
 

ordcestus

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I'd be fine with a strongly recommended user interface and then a simple ability to adjust if you have the skills or an app released that will change the UI
 

dannyaa

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[citation][nom]Abrahm[/nom]I'm all for Google trying to spruce up the UI and the user experience, but I don't think blocking 3rd party UI's is necessary or beneficial. Companies like Motorola and HTC may not be as inclined to make an Android phone if they can't put a personal touch on it to try and top similar competition.As for the article..."In its current state, the stock Android interface is far less user-friendly than its main competitor, the iPhone."According to who? What is so complicated about a desktop and an app drawer?"pre-Android 2.2 is slow enough as it is"What? By what measure? Let's keep it objective. You mention the iPhone 6 times in a 4 paragraph article that has nothing to do with the iPhone. Come on.[/citation]

UI friendly: according to users in surveys. And I've used google's too. It's not bad but it's definitely not as friendly and polished as Apple's.

Speed; according to benchmarks.

Funny how other manufactures criticize Apple and then realize they're doing the things they do for very good reasons. Win phone is saying no porn, no multi-tasking at first. Flash is running like crap on other smartphones (videos, reviews, first hand experience). Google talks about the problems of its open market VS apple's app store. Now they are trying to limit the UI being so customizable.

 

Azriel4444

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Anyone who owns a vanilla Android phone, that is without a manufacturer's UI, is praising this. The two things I rooted my phone for: wifi tethering and fast, cool UIs. Of course now I enjoy all the other mods now available, but those were what lead me to root it.
 

anotherzen

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[citation][nom]Enzo Matrix[/nom]I just saw Nuke with a capital "N" and thought Duke Nukem. You made me sad[/citation]

me too ^^
 

azhardware

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[citation][nom]Shadow703793[/nom]Ok, I think this is a plus on the fact that all Android phones will have the ability to look the same. On the other hand, I think Google should give the USER (aka us) the choice to decide on the UI (Standard or Custom).[/citation]

Exactly! Let the user decide. Carriers want to build some kind of fancy UI, great. If I don't like it or feel it's too slow I just turn it off and get the "standard" android UI.
I love choice :)
 

audioee

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Having one UI makes sense in a couple respects.

1. The end user would not have to wait until their phone manufacturer updates the UI to the new version of the OS.
2. Google can have UI "themes" and then charge for new themes. What the UI to represent your favorite sports team, buy the team's Android Theme. It could be another revenue stream.
 
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