Nexus S Official - The Key Points

Lets face it, there wasn't going to be anything spectacular about the successor to the Nexus One. It was always going to be an evolutionary step than a revolutionary step, Android doesn't need a revolution so it's quite fine with the progress the Nexus S makes in succeeding the One as the official Android Phone.

Whilst it is unspectacular, there are many new additions and features which clearly shows where the future is headed, and the fact Google seems to understand where we will be in a years time.

CPU + GPU + More Memory

When using a touch oriented handset it's critical everything is snappy and everything looks gorgeous, it's something some others seem to overlook. Human instinct naturally wants to touch something that looks nice, and once we do, we expect a reaction. iOS has mastered that and did so many years before anyone else realised it.

The Nexus S does this using an upgraded CPU - a 1Ghz Cortex A8 (Hummingbird) processor which is helped by a dedicated GPU and 16GB of internal flash memory, this is something that was missing from almost ALL of the previous Android handsets.

Screen + Ergonomics

The Nexus S comes with an aesthetically curved 4 inch Super AMOLED display which Google is calling Contour Display. This is so that the handset fits the curvature of the human face when making calls. The screen is also coated with Anti fingerprint stuff, so those annoying fingerprints aren't visible on screen. A must have for OCD sufferers. The handset itself is also shaped and more curvier than the One, and looks more like a G2, with some bumps and curves on the backside.

NFC

Google has integrated NFC (Near Field Communication) which would allow users to use their handsets to make payments and purchases by touching their handsets to pay points. There are minimal instances of these currently, but going forward VISA are planning to make use of this tech, so it makes sense to have it. NFC is widely used around Asia and is more or less a standard, the western world is just slow on the uptake.

Gingerbread (Android 2.3)

The Nexus S will ship with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) an update to the current Froyo (2.2) which does show some improvements to UI. Google does mention Gingerbread will be"open sourced" shortly to allow others to update their handsets and start building for the platform. How many and how long will depend on various factors (operators, UI overlays etc) so to ensure u get it out of the box, you should get a Nexus S.

This brings us to an interesting point. Google has learnt that having an online only store limited the sales of the Nexus One, so now they're making the Nexus S available via Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse.

After December 16, Nexus S will be sold unlocked and carrier-independent initially through Best Buy stores in the U.S. and after December 20 at Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK.

The prices for UK are either £550 for a SIM free option or taking out a £35p/m contract most likely on an 18 or 24 month. The latter is more likely.

For full specs, images and info on the Nexus S, visit the official page.

[via Google Blog]

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Angry Birds Day Dec-11-2010

Angry Birds Day is officially upon us. What has become quite a phenomenon around the world; the abusing of pigs digitally by hurling suicidal angry birds at them. An official day is taking place around the globe. It's not only to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of Angry Birds created by Rovio, but to also raise awareness to stop the madness. Frankly I'm not sure why animal welfare groups have not noticed this abuse and unneeded violence that has occurred between the birds and pigs already. Maybe they're just too busy sorting out the real world issues to notice the digital atrocities being played out. They must have their priorities right.

So what's the deal? How can you take part in what's going on. Whether you're Pro Pigs or Anti Angry or think Feathered Fluffiness cannot be dangerous, you should head on over to the LeStudio52 blog post as they've been chosen to organise the London event. Yes, I am a member and am proud and excited to help organise this.

All the vital information and scheduling is on the web page and can be followed via the #AngryBirdsDay hashtag.

If you plan to attend you need to register on the Meetup.com and Eventbrite pages respectively. If u want to take part in the flash mob, you should apply to the GoogleGroups page, as they will help organise the day. There will also be a VIP afterparty which you can buy tickets for. This is a limited numbers event, so get them whilst they're still available.

For more updates on the event and information; keep your eyes on the LeStudio52 blog and Twitter account.

Lets work together to stop the madness. Both Pigs and Birds should live happily, until they've been prepared on a plate for us to enjoy.

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The Three Blog Awards 2010

Three UK are doing a very first Blog Awards for 2010. It's pretty small and there are only 4 categories in it, that's not to say they aren't important and interesting ones. Whilst categories like "Mobile Gadget of the Year", "Best App of the Year" and "Social Media High of the Year" are very exciting categories and worthy of highlighting here, if I may, point you towards the "Guest Blogger of the Year" award, which for some insane and inexplicable admin error (I assume) has included me on there!

Those with eagle eyes and great memory may remember I did do a guest post reviewing the Windows Phone 7; the Samsung Omnia 7 ( rolls off the tongue I know) which if u haven't read yet, I would advise to dig in, because it really is something. What it is, I'll leave for you to decide.

So what's the point of this post? Frankly I think, just to point you in the direction of voting for the categories, what's more fun than voting for stuff? Maybe winning them. So if you're thinking of voting for me, and you are 100% positive about it, and not the very attractive Pollyanna or the talented and knowledgeable Ken Lo or any of the other nominees, please do so. And I forever will be grateful.

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