Database Users

Will Android Change to Chrome OS?

I was just thinking, what with Google making their upcoming Chrome OS, does anyone think Android will undergo a change, or a makeover?
Or in fact, a new line of ChromeOS Phones?
Just wondering...

I doubt it... there may be feature cross-merges... but after working so hard on Android, I doubt google would move to ChromeOS... which by the way is a netbook cloud OS, not a mobile phone OS...

craigacgomez said:
I doubt it... there may be feature cross-merges... but after working so hard on Android, I doubt google would move to ChromeOS... which by the way is a netbook cloud OS, not a mobile phone OS...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. Chrome OS and Android are completely separate entities.

I really don't think this would happen. The reason being that Android is not completely owned by Google, its a project by Open Handset Alliance. ChromeOS is Google's OS for PCs. They might share some features but complete merging of the two is something I doubt...

Actually it was talked about not so long ago here.
Whether that is still the case is another question...

I think this is why it's not the best time to buy an Android tablet. With Chrome OS in development, tablets today will be put in an awkward spot without a way to upgrade confirmed.

I don't see this happening because they're meant for completely different functions. Trying to have them merge into one Super-OS for laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets, and cell phones sounds like it would yield a terrible OS. Not only that, but there would be certain parts of the merged OS that you'd never use when in a PC style environment and certain parts you'd never use in a cell phone environment.
The other problem I see is that Android OS has absolutely 0 to benefit from Chrome OS. Anything Chrome OS can do, Android can already do it. It's just the internet, after all. (/queue "Anything you can do, I can do better." )
What Google should do is make Android OS their main platform, and then allow Chrome OS to run Android apps.
BOOM!
That would be downright amazing.
I have no idea if that's possible though...
I know emulating Android on a PC is easy. But via a web browser -- can it be done?
Or maybe just a bootcamp-style switching between Chrome OS and Android?
Anyway, Chrome OS seems weak. I tried it when it first came out; not impressed. My phone does all that already. I'm pulling for Android all the way.
.

I never understood why they had two separate operating systems anyway. I would think Android would be a good platform for any hardware that would be better specced than a cell phone.

I think my biggest problem with Chrome OS is that it's dependant on the Internet.
That brings me to think of two issues:
- Constant streaming would hammer the battery compared to non-streaming OS's
- Nobody gets HSPA or WiFi EVERYWHERE.
This would be perfect when we have blanket LTE or WiMax, but not for another year at least.
It just seems like they constructed it like a phone OS
I Like Paul's idea. Although, I'm sure someone will make an emulator or something similar for android to run ontop of Chrome OS. Perhaps a cloud-based/Flash Android will arise, like all of those website desktops available.

Why there may never be an Android 5

We may never get Android 5.0
Hi guys just sharing an opinion piece I wrote about the future of Android.
My current theory is that eventually Android could be replaced by Chrome OS, or merged and it could happen as soon as the next major update (5.0)
My article and reasons are here and I just wanted to get some input from you guys: my fellow Android Enthusiasts,

I have one word for you: grammar
there and their, you really should know the difference

I can't believe there is a Firefox OS coming. I mean, sigh... I was a big supporter of firefox for a long time, but finally got sick of the bloat. And I might add I can't stand chrome browser, desktop or mobile. Chrome on the XZ was the worst mobile browser I've ever used.

It's a nice opinion, but do you develop applications yourself?
Here's my opinion, as consumer, an Engineer and an App developer;
Mobile phones aren't about browsing, frankly, I could care less about web on my phone. Putting everything on the web would be a night mare. Further, no scripting language is going to run as fast as native code, yes most Android apps are written in Java, but are then compiled into DBC (Dalvik Byte Code), yes, this runs on a VM (Dalvik-VM), but it's a highly optimised one. Next, we have the NDK, developers can currently write native applications compiled directly into machine code and ran natively on the hardware, again, this can not be replicated in web scripting languages, nor will the speed be matched.
Further, integrating web technologies would rely on an abstraction layer that allowed the web languages to talk to the hardware, guess what, this won't be written in web technologies, and will be written in native.
Mobiles are powerful pocket computers, but they can't be expected to have internet access all the time. Yes, web apps can be stored locally, but shifting completely to the cloud doesn't work everywhere.
Finally, my thought on Chrome OS, I would never use it personally, it's a late entry into a dying breed of desktop computing, worse yet, it's aimed almost entirely at the casual desktop user. Web browsing, desktop publishing, it's the netbook of the 20-teens(2013+).
Firefox lost my interest as my number one browser when they said screw the companies that need test cycles in order to deploy our latest browsers by switching to rapid release cycles of poor quality updates, that came and went faster than any company get put it through their test process. Firefox OS for phone has no interest from me. Ubuntu OS also isn't quite the "full OS" they claimed it to be, in fact, the dev preview wasn't even Ubuntu and was a hypervisor on top of Cyanogenmod (Android).
Shifting to cloud based services is inevitable, but to have entirely web based OSs such as the ChromeOS is ridiculous currently.
DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion, feel free to disagree, but structure and debate please.

I cringed at the title.

alias_neo said:
It's a nice opinion, but do you develop applications yourself?
Here's my opinion, as consumer, an Engineer and an App developer;
Mobile phones aren't about browsing, frankly, I could care less about web on my phone. Putting everything on the web would be a night mare. Further, no scripting language is going to run as fast as native code, yes most Android apps are written in Java, but are then compiled into DBC (Dalvik Byte Code), yes, this runs on a VM (Dalvik-VM), but it's a highly optimised one. Next, we have the NDK, developers can currently write native applications compiled directly into machine code and ran natively on the hardware, again, this can not be replicated in web scripting languages, nor will the speed be matched.
Further, integrating web technologies would rely on an abstraction layer that allowed the web languages to talk to the hardware, guess what, this won't be written in web technologies, and will be written in native.
Mobiles are powerful pocket computers, but they can't be expected to have internet access all the time. Yes, web apps can be stored locally, but shifting completely to the cloud doesn't work everywhere.
Finally, my thought on Chrome OS, I would never use it personally, it's a late entry into a dying breed of desktop computing, worse yet, it's aimed almost entirely at the casual desktop user. Web browsing, desktop publishing, it's the netbook of the 20-teens(2013+).
Firefox lost my interest as my number one browser when they said screw the companies that need test cycles in order to deploy our latest browsers by switching to rapid release cycles of poor quality updates, that came and went faster than any company get put it through their test process. Firefox OS for phone has no interest from me. Ubuntu OS also isn't quite the "full OS" they claimed it to be, in fact, the dev preview wasn't even Ubuntu and was a hypervisor on top of Cyanogenmod (Android).
Shifting to cloud based services is inevitable, but to have entirely web based OSs such as the ChromeOS is ridiculous currently.
DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion, feel free to disagree, but structure and debate please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agree :good:

hebbe said:
agree :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nosebleed
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

alias_neo said:
It's a nice opinion, but do you develop applications yourself?
Here's my opinion, as consumer, an Engineer and an App developer;
Mobile phones aren't about browsing, frankly, I could care less about web on my phone. Putting everything on the web would be a night mare. Further, no scripting language is going to run as fast as native code, yes most Android apps are written in Java, but are then compiled into DBC (Dalvik Byte Code), yes, this runs on a VM (Dalvik-VM), but it's a highly optimised one. Next, we have the NDK, developers can currently write native applications compiled directly into machine code and ran natively on the hardware, again, this can not be replicated in web scripting languages, nor will the speed be matched.
Further, integrating web technologies would rely on an abstraction layer that allowed the web languages to talk to the hardware, guess what, this won't be written in web technologies, and will be written in native.
Mobiles are powerful pocket computers, but they can't be expected to have internet access all the time. Yes, web apps can be stored locally, but shifting completely to the cloud doesn't work everywhere.
Finally, my thought on Chrome OS, I would never use it personally, it's a late entry into a dying breed of desktop computing, worse yet, it's aimed almost entirely at the casual desktop user. Web browsing, desktop publishing, it's the netbook of the 20-teens(2013+).
Firefox lost my interest as my number one browser when they said screw the companies that need test cycles in order to deploy our latest browsers by switching to rapid release cycles of poor quality updates, that came and went faster than any company get put it through their test process. Firefox OS for phone has no interest from me. Ubuntu OS also isn't quite the "full OS" they claimed it to be, in fact, the dev preview wasn't even Ubuntu and was a hypervisor on top of Cyanogenmod (Android).
Shifting to cloud based services is inevitable, but to have entirely web based OSs such as the ChromeOS is ridiculous currently.
DISCLAIMER: This is my opinion, feel free to disagree, but structure and debate please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good points. I mean why would they kill something which is already working well. Think what happened to Windows 8, it turned out to be
sort of like Vista. Companies need to innovate, but usually it doesn't go as what they desire, but understanding the perception of the user
is not a straight forward task.

Rchard said:
Very good points. I mean why would they kill something which is already working well. Think what happened to Windows 8, it turned out to be
sort of like Vista. Companies need to innovate, but usually it doesn't go as what they desire, but understanding the perception of the user
is not a straight forward task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android is too mature to be killed, it would be like google want to commit suicide... And if i remember well there is a few more corp is involved in android like htc, samsung, sony, huawei , and a few others, and spooks as well , we probably don't know. Android is a perfect spying platform and more then half of the devices on internet constantly. Who would kill that info net??

IOS will die before android, until then it will continue to thrive just like Window OS on your laptop or desktop.
too bad for Apple, they never stay in the lead.

My pov as an marketer,
You cant pull something out of the market when its doing so well at this time or later. Maybe when android becomes crap then yes.
Currently android OS is dominating the global market share. Do you really think they would stop jewing money when they can still jew more? Thats completely suicidal. Android came a long way since it was launched and surpassing iOS or came to being recognized by everyone around the globe.
You know we're in 2013 and everything in business is about money money money, Android OS is definitely one of their major income.
Android will die, but not so soon. maybe a few more years till consumers are tired of it, or when something better takes over the market. How google will keep updating android is unknown, whether android 5.0 will come or not remains unknown, but one thing im sure of is that android wont die that early.

LitoNi said:
My pov as an marketer,
You cant pull something out of the market when its doing so well at this time or later. Maybe when android becomes crap then yes.
Currently android OS is dominating the global market share. Do you really think they would stop jewing money when they can still jew more? Thats completely suicidal. Android came a long way since it was launched and surpassing iOS or came to being recognized by everyone around the globe.
You know we're in 2013 and everything in business is about money money money, Android OS is definitely one of their major income.
Android will die, but not so soon. maybe a few more years till consumers are tired of it, or when something better takes over the market. How google will keep updating android is unknown, whether android 5.0 will come or not remains unknown, but one thing im sure of is that android wont die that early.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jewing?? Really?
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium

Gez77 said:
nosebleed
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what does that mean

are you boring?

sahinz said:
are you boring?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks

Switching To Windows 8 Phone

Hello... hope this finds everyone well.
I am a long time android user and keep getting the urge to jump into the windows phone arena. I was just curious from those who have done the switch what you found good and bad about the experience. Just looking for justifications from either spectrum really before doing so I appreciate all of your time and look forward to hearing your experiences.
Thanks!!

Tancreddo said:
Hello... hope this finds everyone well.
I am a long time android user and keep getting the urge to jump into the windows phone arena. I was just curious from those who have done the switch what you found good and bad about the experience. Just looking for justifications from either spectrum really before doing so I appreciate all of your time and look forward to hearing your experiences.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, it's nice to see you're willing to make the switch.
Honestly, there are some things from Android that you're going to miss here, but there's also a bunch of new exciting stuff on WP, so in the end it all depends on your ability to adopt something new and different.
Although I don't use an Android phone as a daily device (because that place is taken by my Lumia 820), I have one for various mods and stuff, and I just find WP a better option for me (but obviously both have their advantages and disadvantages). The difference in performance and optimization is most visible on low-end hardware - WP excels there, Android not so much. There's also a difference in terms of features and customizability - all those nifty things you could change/modify/replace in Android are mostly not in WP. The hardware of WP mostly caught up to Android, so there shouldn't be any deal breakers there. The store is growing daily and now includes most "major" apps, but it really depends on you whether you'll be able to find your apps or not.
But before you decide and make opinions about WP, I urge you to wait for the 8.1 update - it brings a lot of new stuff and further refines the user experience, so it'd be wise to make judgment based on that. If you can, I suggest you get a cheap WP to have the first taste of the platform, and then decide if you want to upgrade or go back to Android.
In any case, make a decision based on your own opinion and experiences, it'll surely be the right decision for you.

I switched from my Nexus 4 to my Lumia 520 a few months ago.. one thing I noticed is the speed difference. Even though the 520 only has 512 mb of RAM, it feels more fluid than my Nexus 4.

I actually just made the switch.
From a Nexus 4 to a Lumia 925
Its been about a week, so far not regretting it at all. I managed to find all but i think 3 apps or so that i used on android in the WP store. One thing you will notice, some apps dont have all the functionality as they do on android.
What i do notice about WP is that everything is much more fluid. Tasks are easier and quicker to do. Also, in a lot of cases some of the apps on WP are generally nicer than you'll find elsewhere. I am really glad i made the switch. My main reason for switching was because i was just bored with my Nexus, wanted something different.
The only thing that its really missing at the moment is a google music app, i noticed like the day i got my WP, google changed the api or something in google music with borked all the gmusic apps on the windows store. But in everyday use, i dont miss it much. I just use pandora.
Give it a try, people hate on the apps and selection (i did too at one point) but WP has a great selection and some of the apps are absolutely beautiful.

Many people have a go at WP without ever trying it so well done to the OP for this thread.
I have had 10 Android phones and 4 tablets in the past 4 or so years. I think Android is a fantastic OS, easily the most powerful, feature rich and customisable available. In January I was contemplating swapping my N4 for a N5. However looking around at the fact that Android is so popular now I thought about trying WP8. So I got a brand new Ativ S for £140. The plan was to run two phones for a bit. The thing was I never looked at my N4. I know the lack some Google services is a problem but I have music, email & calendar one way or another so I can still interact with my Android family members.
The biggest let down in WP8 is the browser. IE is …. erm not very good. It needs text reflow (but so does Chrome) as a start but in reality MS need to open the platform to allow other browsers to run their own engines.
My advice is to see how tied in you are to Google and Android apps and see if any are missing on WP8. If the missing ones are vital to you then maybe WP8 isn’t for you.
I am now waiting for the new set hardware coming later in the year. I will then decide whether to get a new WP device or go back to android.

finbaar said:
The biggest let down in WP8 is the browser. IE is …. erm not very good. It needs text reflow (but so does Chrome) as a start but in reality MS need to open the platform to allow other browsers to run their own engines.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Luckily, IE is getting several improvements in 8.1, so it'll be a more viable option for people. The thing that's missing the most IMO is password management. Every decent browser should have it...
finbaar said:
My advice is to see how tied in you are to Google and Android apps and see if any are missing on WP8. If the missing ones are vital to you then maybe WP8 isn’t for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you're heavily tied into Google's ecosystem, you may need to reconsider your choice. Not that support for Google's products and services totally sucks, but it's quite lacking compared to what it could be (mostly Google's fault). But the good thing is, if you manage to make the switch to Microsoft's services, they've got you covered.

Me too.. my final android phone was the Xperia z (for a few days).. i just got bored of Android, wanted something different... i may get the LG G Pro 2 when it comes to the Market as a second phone, but my Nokia 1520 is not going anywhere in the near Future.

Super_Sport said:
Me too.. my final android phone was the Xperia z (for a few days).. i just got bored of Android, wanted something different... i may get the LG G Pro 2 when it comes to the Market as a second phone, but my Nokia 1520 is not going anywhere in the near Future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am considering a WP however the applications ... Will I be able to install free programs like we do on Android? I can download games and chunky programs from android app sites, and don't burn my precious internet credit.

agispapatias said:
I am considering a WP however the applications ... Will I be able to install free programs like we do on Android? I can download games and chunky programs from android app sites, and don't burn my precious internet credit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on how you define "free". There's free and trial versions of apps available on WP as well. There's only one store for WP, but you don't really need 10 app stores just to get your apps, do you? But if you're talking about piracy, you're out of luck.

DaviUnic said:
Depends on how you define "free". There's free and trial versions of apps available on WP as well. There's only one store for WP, but you don't really need 10 app stores just to get your apps, do you? But if you're talking about piracy, you're out of luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean is the system accessible like android? In android I can download and install apps from other sources like app sites.
Do WP has a similar system?

As I said, no, and doesn't really need one because quality apps are found in the store. The only other source of apps are homemade apps, but you need dev unlock for that.

DaviUnic said:
you need dev unlock for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It`s free. And @reker says you`re free to install 10 apps now (was 2 for free unlock).

[Q] Firefox 2.0 and Geeksphone Revolution

Hello,
I've searched around the forum and haven't seen anything related to this, so I thought I'd create a thread and ask in case anyone knew.
I was interested in purchasing the Geeksphone Revolution and was wondering if a Firefox 2.0 build existed for it? I see there is a a 2.0 build for the Peak and Keon, but those are not available for purchase. So would I be stuck on 1.3 if I got the Geeksphone or would someone have a build that could be loaded onto the Geeksphone Revolution?
Thanks in advance for any info

TheEternalAbyss said:
Hello,
I've searched around the forum and haven't seen anything related to this, so I thought I'd create a thread and ask in case anyone knew.
I was interested in purchasing the Geeksphone Revolution and was wondering if a Firefox 2.0 build existed for it? I see there is a a 2.0 build for the Peak and Keon, but those are not available for purchase. So would I be stuck on 1.3 if I got the Geeksphone or would someone have a build that could be loaded onto the Geeksphone Revolution?
Thanks in advance for any info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
to be honestly - I hate the developers of the Geeksphone. For several reasons:
1. The Android Project is just ****ed up - no USB drivers for PC / MAC (really, you have to put out the SD to copy data!)
2. in the beginning the battery had huge drainage - it just held not even a day (after some updates it's okay and useable!)
3. There are no updates since more than a month. In the beginning there were plenty updates for both systems - every week for android! Now I think they stopped the support.. don't know why
4. Firefox OS has plenty bugs, too - that's why no one uses it. No apps is not a bug - but the hardware keys always shine (that's a battery drainer without purpose - I mean under Android they go off after not touching them. Under FFOS they always stress me). Also other smaller bugs..
5. The most interesting feature - Dual boot - there is no actual dual boot (and never will be) - you can only use and flash 1 OS. Android or FireFox os.. or other os. =>
6. Other OS ? There are no other os! I am really sad that I bought a phone with the ability to flash other OS and there are no! You simply can use 2 buggy OS, none of them are really special or work perfectly.
7. The screen resolution of the phone isn't really nice and bright. I can't understand how they did this. Not even 720p. You can count the pixels in nearly every app..
8. No new updates any more ?! Mhh, don't know but no support from Hackers, no support from Geeksphone themselves - no Android, no FFOS updates (okay they said they would release FFOS 2.0 - but I believe there are still like no APPS in the store, probably other bugs, too but didn't test it).. and no OTHER OS! Okay, you have the ability but if no one releases one - that's a pity!
9. No accessories - you can get a pouch for this phone, but no better batteries, no other things.. I didn't even found replacement screen or something (don't need one, just in case)..
To be honestly - simply get another phone. Maybe Jollaphone, or Fairphone (which may get open webos support or firefox or others as well), or wait for Neo900 (Nokia N900 case with better hardware) or something else.
If you are fine with all those problems and bugs - then go ahead and buy one.
I'm just an honest user.. currently I use my HP Pre 3, Huawei Mate, Galaxy Camera as everyday devices, the Geeksphone more or less for spair and for music outside or something..
Greetz from Germany!

hackint0sh said:
Hi,
to be honestly - I hate the developers of the Geeksphone. For several reasons:
1. The Android Project is just ****ed up - no USB drivers for PC / MAC (really, you have to put out the SD to copy data!)
2. in the beginning the battery had huge drainage - it just held not even a day (after some updates it's okay and useable!)
3. There are no updates since more than a month. In the beginning there were plenty updates for both systems - every week for android! Now I think they stopped the support.. don't know why
4. Firefox OS has plenty bugs, too - that's why no one uses it. No apps is not a bug - but the hardware keys always shine (that's a battery drainer without purpose - I mean under Android they go off after not touching them. Under FFOS they always stress me). Also other smaller bugs..
5. The most interesting feature - Dual boot - there is no actual dual boot (and never will be) - you can only use and flash 1 OS. Android or FireFox os.. or other os. =>
6. Other OS ? There are no other os! I am really sad that I bought a phone with the ability to flash other OS and there are no! You simply can use 2 buggy OS, none of them are really special or work perfectly.
7. The screen resolution of the phone isn't really nice and bright. I can't understand how they did this. Not even 720p. You can count the pixels in nearly every app..
8. No new updates any more ?! Mhh, don't know but no support from Hackers, no support from Geeksphone themselves - no Android, no FFOS updates (okay they said they would release FFOS 2.0 - but I believe there are still like no APPS in the store, probably other bugs, too but didn't test it).. and no OTHER OS! Okay, you have the ability but if no one releases one - that's a pity!
9. No accessories - you can get a pouch for this phone, but no better batteries, no other things.. I didn't even found replacement screen or something (don't need one, just in case)..
To be honestly - simply get another phone. Maybe Jollaphone, or Fairphone (which may get open webos support or firefox or others as well), or wait for Neo900 (Nokia N900 case with better hardware) or something else.
If you are fine with all those problems and bugs - then go ahead and buy one.
I'm just an honest user.. currently I use my HP Pre 3, Huawei Mate, Galaxy Camera as everyday devices, the Geeksphone more or less for spair and for music outside or something..
Greetz from Germany!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetz from USA
Wow, everything that you said is quite interesting. I honestly don't care too much if there are bugs since Android has always had issues (and I'm talking official releases. That's why there are so many updates and each device can't guarantee it works because between Android changes, and hardware manufacturers customizations...it's a giant mess). I currently have a Open ZTE with a prerelease of FFOS 1.3 so like I said, a few bugs isn't a big deal.
No usb drivers is just plain silly though. Seriously that's pretty dumb :\
Thanks for the suggestions though, I'll check them out
I hadn't heard of Sailfish OS either. looks very interesting. I really am interested in FireFox OS though and I'd love to keep using it and watch it mature It really has great potential. That's why I thought it woul dbe nice to have something that allows me to switch between OS. I'm happy to consider other alternatives, so please anyone, keep the suggestions coming

hackint0sh said:
Hi,
1. The Android Project is just ****ed up - no USB drivers for PC / MAC (really, you have to put out the SD to copy data!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why i use Linux

Geeksphone forum is start 18 August.

I'm so sad to hear firefox os is dead

I love firefox os. Has fast UI based on html, Has many applications
Maybe late Fx0 discount was caused by it.... How about your opinion?

I believe that Firefox needs greater support from developers. I read that Firefox will stop their phone production venture. I am not sure if that will mean that Firefox OS days are counted. Still shameful to learn that people values having their identity compromised in android, IPS, windows, .... platforms that use our data for profit.

It looks like just a launcher.

H2015H said:
I believe that Firefox needs greater support from developers. I read that Firefox will stop their phone production venture. I am not sure if that will mean that Firefox OS days are counted. Still shameful to learn that people values having their identity compromised in android, IPS, windows, .... platforms that use our data for profit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel it the same way. While I didn't use FFOS apart from some testing (missing Viber app is a no-go for me) I'd been looking forward to having a privace-friendly open-source mobile OS. Well, shoot ...

Firefox isnt dead......it is alive. Infact its developers preview 2.5 is out and available on mozilla official site. And it is available for android in apk. Full package:thumbup:

Dead? The boot2gecko github repo was updated just 12 days ago, the gaia repo - a few hours ago.
Firefox OS isn't dead yet, but it's certainly on it's way.

@nigdyci really? Good to hear

Yeah...it a way better than android...ui alot like apples ios