Trying the Atrix

[Jcoz]

Weather channel widget is the one that sticks out in my mind that was a problem. It was the only widget I had on the home screen though. The others were espn scorecenter and things of that sort.

A bit off topic I realize, but has anyone actually calculated the affects widgets have on battery life and the amount of data they use?

As in, an EVO with widgets x, y or z installed vs an EVO without widgets?

Sometimes I think I might want widgets, but I dont have unlimited data, and I dont think I'd be keen on giving up much battery life in exchange.

Thanks in advance if someone has some info on this...

 

[rjohnstone]

I thought about the Atrix, however I do not like Gmail, and I do not want Google to tell me I have to have a Gmail account in order to use the phone.

I also do not like the fact that I have to buy a $200 phone and get an outdated application like Blockbuster who is basically out of business.

Android need to lock the OS, and dump all the Apps that come bundled with these phones, also they need to improve their Music App, it is a far cry from the way iTunes works.

One of the main reasons I stay with the iPhone is it doesn't have all that junk loaded, they come out with updates often, but I do not have to load them, also it works seamlessly with iTunes, all my apps and music are easy to access and manage, besides that I do not like having to be forced to hide applications that do not belong on my phone, all the apps that come with the iPhone are Apple's apps, except the Nike + which is hidden as a default, but I use it often, and I do not see the same apps available on Android.

Well you're in luck.
The Atrix doesn't actually require you to have a gmail account.
This is thanks to MotoBlur. Granted I'm no fan of MotoBlur either, but at least I can feed it any BS email address and it will remain fairly silent.

As for the preloaded junk "apps", every last on of them can be uninstalled.
Not hidden, but actually uninstalled.

Event the AT&T stuff. They are not locked down in any way.

The only major app I've seen missing from Android is Netflix.
It's available on Google TV, which is also Android, but not on the phone versions just yet. The issue is DRM.

I will agree... the default music player app SUCKS.
Double Twist takes care of my iTunes synching and playback on the phone. I actually prefer the Double Twist player on my Atrix over the iPod app on my iPhone.
Simple, clean and the sound quality simply destroys the iPhone.

Yea I know they are searching for data. But they never get it. I have to delete the widget and re add it for it to work again.

That would be an issue with a poorly built widget.
Just because they are "The Weather Channel" doesn't mean they can't make a crappy widget.
Their app is decent enough, but I stick with Weather Bug.
It actually works.

A bit off topic I realize, but has anyone actually calculated the affects widgets have on battery life and the amount of data they use?

As in, an EVO with widgets x, y or z installed vs an EVO without widgets?

Sometimes I think I might want widgets, but I dont have unlimited data, and I dont think I'd be keen on giving up much battery life in exchange.

Thanks in advance if someone has some info on this...

That's totally going to depend on what widget(s) you decide to use.
Native calendar widgets typically get their data from the calendar app.
The app has it's own synch schedule, so the widget would not consume any additional data, the only resources it would consume would be ram.

RSS widgets or any widget that requires a data feed will eat battery depending on their data synch schedule or if their feeds are real time.

So doing a comparison would be pointless.
Yes, using a data feed type of widget will consume more battery. This is a given. How much will depend on each and every widgets.
There are thousands to choose from and all have their own quirks.

All I can say is experiment.

 

[shelbymayer]

I thought about the Atrix, however I do not like Gmail, and I do not want Google to tell me I have to have a Gmail account in order to use the phone.

I also do not like the fact that I have to buy a $200 phone and get an outdated application like Blockbuster who is basically out of business.

Android need to lock the OS, and dump all the Apps that come bundled with these phones, also they need to improve their Music App, it is a far cry from the way iTunes works.

One of the main reasons I stay with the iPhone is it doesn't have all that junk loaded, they come out with updates often, but I do not have to load them, also it works seamlessly with iTunes, all my apps and music are easy to access and manage, besides that I do not like having to be forced to hide applications that do not belong on my phone, all the apps that come with the iPhone are Apple's apps, except the Nike + which is hidden as a default, but I use it often, and I do not see the same apps available on Android.

WOW your response just made me LOL! You don't want Google to make you get a gmail account to use the phone. YET YOU ARE OK WITH APPLE MAKING YOU GET AN ITUNES ACCOUNT?! how is this different? Like people mentioned before...you never actually have to use the gmail account...ever

You might want to know what you are talking about before responding. My atrix does not have ANY of the AT&T bloatware anymore (including blockbuster)...why? I WAS ABLE TO UNINSTALL IT without having to root my phone...its not hidden...its actually uninstalled (very easily I might add). The only app I couldn't uninstall was Vlingo. So that whole argument doesn't work...sorry!

Android market backs up all of your apps OTA. If I switch android devices all I have to do is sign in with my google account...go to the market...click on my apps...and BOOM all my apps can be easily dl'ed again (without the need to plug into a computer...unlike IOS and itunes)

There is a great music app/solution on android called doubletwist that syncs ALL of my itunes music...so again non issue for me!

I loved my iphone's (2g, 3g, and 4) but ulitmately got bored with IOS...android has been a nice change for me!

 

[shelbymayer]

Well you're in luck.
The Atrix doesn't actually require you to have a gmail account.
This is thanks to MotoBlur. Granted I'm no fan of MotoBlur either, but at least I can feed it any BS email address and it will remain fairly silent.

As for the preloaded junk "apps", every last on of them can be uninstalled.
Not hidden, but actually uninstalled.

Event the AT&T stuff. They are not locked down in any way.

The only major app I've seen missing from Android is Netflix.
It's available on Google TV, which is also Android, but not on the phone versions just yet. The issue is DRM.

I will agree... the default music player app SUCKS.
Double Twist takes care of my iTunes synching and playback on the phone. I actually prefer the Double Twist player on my Atrix over the iPod app on my iPhone.
Simple, clean and the sound quality simply destroys the iPhone.

LOL I should have read ahead! +1 to you and pretty well the same responses we both gave!

 

[Faux Carnival]

WOW your response just made me LOL! You don't want Google to make you get a gmail account to use the phone. YET YOU ARE OK WITH APPLE MAKING YOU GET AN ITUNES ACCOUNT?! how is this different? Like people mentioned before...you never actually have to use the gmail account...ever

You might want to know what you are talking about before responding. My atrix does not have ANY of the AT&T bloatware anymore (including blockbuster)...why? I WAS ABLE TO UNINSTALL IT without having to root my phone...its not hidden...its actually uninstalled (very easily I might add). The only app I couldn't uninstall was Vlingo. So that whole argument doesn't work...sorry!

Android market backs up all of your apps OTA. If I switch android devices all I have to do is sign in with my google account...go to the market...click on my apps...and BOOM all my apps can be easily dl'ed again (without the need to plug into a computer...unlike IOS and itunes)

There is a great music app/solution on android called doubletwist that syncs ALL of my itunes music...so again non issue for me!

I loved my iphone's (2g, 3g, and 4) but ulitmately got bored with IOS...android has been a nice change for me!

Owned. Why do people talk crap about Android when they know nothing about it?

 

[mltaylor]

Owned. Why do people talk crap about Android when they know nothing about it?

Exactly. At least people should try it before bashing it. I have a lot of friends who prefer android because they absolutely hate itunes. I have a lot tied up in itunes so it is a harder adjustment. I like both iOS and android but I just cant seem to break myself from apple products. Ive thought about trying windows mobile 7 too.

 

[infidel69]

I've had an Atrix for over a month and it's a fantastic phone with great battery life from the giant 1930 mAh battery. the voice to text support is also very impressive. This is one area where Apple is far behind Google, but the biggest advantage is the excellent Flash support. Who says mobile devices can't handle Flash? Oh ya Steve Jobs but he's wrong again.

 

[Pink∆Floyd]

Has anyone else gotten fed up with some problems, even if minor?

I know I will get harassed about this seeing as it is an iPhone board.

I haven't experienced any problems with my iPhones

I don't know why you come here to whine about it...

 

[mltaylor]

I haven't experienced any problems with my iPhones

I don't know why you come here to whine about it...

android forums might be a better option

I came here because this is an iPhone forum and I was asking iPhone users (past or present) if they have had the same thoughts as me.

 

[mpossoff]

Exactly. At least people should try it before bashing it. I have a lot of friends who prefer android because they absolutely hate itunes. I have a lot tied up in itunes so it is a harder adjustment. I like both iOS and android but I just cant seem to break myself from apple products. Ive thought about trying windows mobile 7 too.

My wife has an Atrix, she loves it. I have an iPhone. I often play with the Atrix but can't get to like the os compared to iOS. What I do like about the Atrix is the screen size perfect for a smartphone, not too big not too small. IMO the iPhone could use a 4inch screen.

 

[Awakener]

I don't think iTunes and Google "services" like Gmail are even comparable. People keep saying "You have to get an iTunes account" as if it is equivalent. But iTunes doesn't have near the privacy concerns. iTunes is just for downloading Apps and media, not storing your life on Apple's servers.
As for the "opt-out" options with Google, given the way it operates (see insidegoogle.com), personally I wouldn't trust the opt-outs.

 

[jonhcox]

I sold my iPhone 4 for an Inspire because I prefer the HTC build quality over Motorola. I needed the better notifications system and I like the bigger screen. After about a week my battery life got dramatically better. After a day of moderate use (my typical use) I am retaining anywhere from 38% to 45% battery charge. It's not what I got with my iP4, but it's not bad. Build quality is excellent though. It's a pretty great phone.

All that said, if the next iteration of the iPhone has a larger screen (possible) or iOS 5 has an improved notifications system (likely), I'll drop this handset like a lead brick. Apple build quality is still superior. I tried an Atrix for 7 days and it was nice but my phone got hot and suffered from a really laggy UI. The Inspire is plenty fast and well built and Sense is much better than Blur. Overall, my fascination with Android waned after spending a ridiculous amount of time swapping widgets. Once I did that and had the clock/widget/wallpaper combination that I wanted, I am left with a "now what?" When the next iPhone makes its appearance I'll wait a couple of months, sell this one and upgrade.

 

[rjohnstone]

I don't think iTunes and Google "services" like Gmail are even comparable. People keep saying "You have to get an iTunes account" as if it is equivalent. But iTunes doesn't have near the privacy concerns. iTunes is just for downloading Apps and media, not storing your life on Apple's servers.
As for the "opt-out" options with Google, given the way it operates (see insidegoogle.com), personally I wouldn't trust the opt-outs.

Are you for real?
A gmail account on Android is JUST like an iTunes account on iOS.
You don't have to use it for anything other than Market access.
Same applies for iOS... you MUST have an iTunes account, which must be tied to an email account, if you want to download music or apps.

Again, Google doesn't make you use gmail for all your private/personal needs. People CHOOSE to use it for that purpose, which is a lot different from being REQUIRED to as you're implying.

Take the tin foil hat off and open your eyes to reality.

 

[neko girl]

Android market backs up all of your apps OTA. If I switch android devices all I have to do is sign in with my google account...go to the market...click on my apps...and BOOM all my apps can be easily dl'ed again (without the need to plug into a computer...unlike IOS and itunes)

Does Android Marketplace save your application settings? This would be really great if it did..

There is a great music app/solution on android called doubletwist that syncs ALL of my itunes music...so again non issue for me!

Looking at the website. Seems a lot better than iTunes. Air sync!
http://www.doubletwist.com/airsync/
Edit: I don't see automatic transcode to 128 as a sync option mentioned anywhere. It kind of kills the value prop without this.

Owned. Why do people talk crap about Android when they know nothing about it?

I think people just don't know..

 

[rjohnstone]

Does Android Marketplace save your application settings? This would be really great if it did..

It only stores the apps you downloaded.

There's an app called Titanium Backup that will allow you to save both app and app data, however you must have root access to use it.
This can be packaged up and stored on your computer or saved on an SD card.
Saved my but many times.

Looking at the website. Seems a lot better than iTunes. Air sync!
http://www.doubletwist.com/airsync/
Edit: I don't see automatic transcode to 128 as a sync option mentioned anywhere. It kind of kills the value prop without this.


I think people just don't know..

AirSync is great.
Why Apple hasn't done this already is beyond me.

 

[Awakener]

Are you for real?
A gmail account on Android is JUST like an iTunes account on iOS.
You don't have to use it for anything other than Market access.
Same applies for iOS... you MUST have an iTunes account, which must be tied to an email account, if you want to download music or apps.

Again, Google doesn't make you use gmail for all your private/personal needs. People CHOOSE to use it for that purpose, which is a lot different from being REQUIRED to as you're implying.

Take the tin foil hat off and open your eyes to reality.

Forget your tin foil hat reality and your rolling eyes. In the REAL business world this is a REAL concern. Data of all sorts must necessarily be carried electronically and increasingly the most convenient place is on a smartphone instead of a laptop. Some companies do not want information "in the cloud." It appears that an accidental flick or quirk is all it takes on many "Google phones" for complete upload and breach of security.

This is all my opinion, but if Android is TRULY open source, shouldn't the devices be divorced from Google? The Atrix seems to be overloaded with Google services that can't be uninstalled. How is this any different than your service provider cramming their unwanted services all over your phone?

Looking forward to Android's freedom.

 

[BlindMellon]

The Atrix seems to be overloaded with Google services that can't be uninstalled. How is this any different than your service provider cramming their unwanted services all over your phone?

please list the apps you're referring to because iOS has an equivalent counterpart from apple.

 

[dccorona]

have you actually experienced the clock issues, or did you just read about them?

 

[mltaylor]

have you actually experienced the clock issues, or did you just read about them?

Yes.

 

[kdarling]

It appears that an accidental flick or quirk is all it takes on many "Google phones" for complete upload and breach of security.

The user has to enable mail, calendar and/or contact sync'ing.

This is all my opinion, but if Android is TRULY open source, shouldn't the devices be divorced from Google?

Sure, if that's what you want, there are tons of Chinese Android devices that are divorced from Google. That means they don't come with Google services, of course.

If their maker doesn't belong to the OHA, their devices don't come with Market access either.

Those are value added things, just as people pay for extra features and support on Linux versions from various companies.

However, hackers fairly quickly figure out how to get those things onto those cheap devices. Which is why I think that companies like Motorola might be a big proponent for holding back Honeycomb. The Color Nook, for instance, could be cutting into Xoom sales. I know I found it a lot cheaper to try HC on a $200 Nook.

 

[rjohnstone]

Forget your tin foil hat reality and your rolling eyes. In the REAL business world this is a REAL concern. Data of all sorts must necessarily be carried electronically and increasingly the most convenient place is on a smartphone instead of a laptop. Some companies do not want information "in the cloud." It appears that an accidental flick or quirk is all it takes on many "Google phones" for complete upload and breach of security.

This is all my opinion, but if Android is TRULY open source, shouldn't the devices be divorced from Google? The Atrix seems to be overloaded with Google services that can't be uninstalled. How is this any different than your service provider cramming their unwanted services all over your phone?

Looking forward to Android's freedom.

There is no "accidental flick", it's a yes or no question on these types of apps/services.
Failure to read what you're agreeing to is not a flaw of the OS or phone. It's the user's choice. Failure to choose accordingly falls in the user.

Again, you are not required to put anything in the cloud.

The Atrix itself has very little Google "services" installed. Motorola chose to replace many of them with their own version "Blur".
Contact Management, News feeds and Social integration are all run by Blur services, not Google services.

The only Google services on the phone by default are messaging and synch services if you have it fetching external data or email.
Again, you can chose whatever mail provider you want.
Hell, I have my old Hotmail account being synced so I can keep my TechNet stuff out of my personal email account.

Each of these can be disabled if you want to, but that kinda defeats the purpose of having a smartphone.

Don't confuse the list of "available" services with those that are actually in use.

 

[Awakener]

There is no "accidental flick", it's a yes or no question on these types of apps/services.
Failure to read what you're agreeing to is not a flaw of the OS or phone. It's the user's choice. Failure to choose accordingly falls in the user.

Again, you are not required to put anything in the cloud.

The Atrix itself has very little Google "services" installed...

Checked out the Atrix in the store, there is a single slide bar authorizing cloud storage. And it was "Google this, Google that" all over the phone with few uninstall options. There are *supposedly* controls for the user, but like service provider bloatware who wants to continuously think about, navigate around, avoid, opt out, etc. No thanks.
If you trust Google, enjoy. If you don't then Apple or another option is probably best.

 

[rjohnstone]

Checked out the Atrix in the store, there is a single slide bar authorizing cloud storage. And it was "Google this, Google that" all over the phone with few uninstall options. There are *supposedly* controls for the user, but like service provider bloatware who wants to continuously think about, navigate around, avoid, opt out, etc. No thanks.
If you trust Google, enjoy. If you don't then Apple or another option is probably best.

Demo phone !=/= actual consumer version.
The demo phones in AT&T stores do not run the standard Moto retail image.
There is no "single sliding bar" option on a retail Atrix.
Account options are MotoBlur and "Other".
You can "choose" to add a Google account, but it's not there by default.
Contacts and other info are backed up to your Motorola Blur account IF you turn that feature on.
It's off by default.
There are no Google cloud options on the phone at all.

 

[ipadfreak]

Help

See this is killing me. I have an IP4, but it is not working right. I REALLY like the atrix, but I am just afraid the OS wil be too buggy, and it won't run apps lik angry birds etc... What do I do?

 

[ipadfreak]

See this is killing me. I have an IP4, but it is not working right. I REALLY like the atrix, but I am just afraid the OS wil be too buggy, and it won't run apps lik angry birds etc... What do I do?

And I. Afraid of the IP5