Android Phones

[Billy Griffin]

Just upgraded to the Sprint HTC Hero. Tons of Android applications, and with this being an open-source development platform, I'm interested to see what weather-related applications may become available!

Besides the usual weather data, anyone know of other wx-related apps for the Android platform?

[Scott Hammel]

Yes I am intrigued to see what the Android developers can do. I am torn right now about giving up my Blackberry Storm to get the new Moto Droid coming out on Verizon Friday. I was for sure going to pick it up until I found out that Verizon's new 'flagship' phone won't support tethering! WTF is that? I know Android being an open development OS, there'll be tethering apps galore eventually but Verizon keeps pretty serious tabs on excessive data usage. Seeing as I stream video while chasing, I think they'd shut me down pretty quickly if I weren't playing by the rules! We'll see...

[D. Hayes]

Scott it will support tethering out of the box but only USB for now. You can bet that wireless tethering will be out soon with the app community making it happen.

[Kiel Ortega]

According to this article the Droid will not support tethering out of the box, but it will be added in 2010. Interesting article, as it looks like carriers are shutting down tethering services for smartphones and AT&T and Verizon look to be the last to continue to offer it.

[Andrew Revering]

I intend to buy the HTC Hero (Sprint) and develop a weather app for the Android and iPhone platforms at some point.

Regarding the Hero... can you tell me how that white light trackball works? Does it blink when you get a text message, or what functionality does it have regarding the light? I think thats a cute novelty.

[D. Hayes]

Originally Posted by Kiel Ortega

According to this article the Droid will not support tethering out of the box, but it will be added in 2010. Interesting article, as it looks like carriers are shutting down tethering services for smartphones and AT&T and Verizon look to be the last to continue to offer it.

The word on howard forums is the Verizon Access Manager software isn't updated yet for the Android 2.0 but you can use the PDAnet software from http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php which cost a one time $30.

[Scott Hammel]

Originally Posted by D. Hayes

The word on howard forums is the Verizon Access Manager software isn't updated yet for the Android 2.0 but you can use the PDAnet software from http://www.junefabrics.com/android/index.php which cost a one time $30.

Yeah I was looking into PDAnet but was told to be careful with my data usage while using it. Basically, Verizon doesn't get a penny if you tether through PDAnet because you are paying just the one time $30 fee, therefore if they see you using a lot (which I do during the chase season) they can shut you off for breaking the TOS. Verizon doesn't look fondly on people taking advantage of them or at least when you use their networks data and they don't receive a cut! Yikes! That's like messing with the mafia.

In regards to VZW Access Manager getting released in 2010, that's great to hear. I hope it comes before April though!

[Brett Adair]

There is an app out there that allows you to view the droid as a wireless network while using it to talk in 3G areas. We used it last Friday when chasing in West Alabama and it was pretty flawless.

[D. Hayes]

Well I'll be stopping by the local Verizon store tomorrow morning to see if they have any androids in stock. Going to give it a spin and see how it works. If I don't like it I'll go back to blackberry for the storm 2.

[Scott Hammel]

I want that Droid tomorrow so bad! But, I'm going to discipline myself and wait until VZW Access Manager comes out for it so I know for sure I'll have tethering in time for chase season. It hurts sitting on the sideline for this launch though