Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp • Hacker News Board

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#51

Post by MarkCole » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:05 AM UTC

sigmar wrote: post #18

elvirs wrote: post #7

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach sucks. Android can do a lot more than iOS but it does most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way

>Google's hardware approach sucks What is wrong with the Pixel hardware? (Have never owned one and have only heard good things)

I bought a 1st gen Pixel in December 2016, so it's just over a year old. I'm delighted with every part of the hardware, except the screen. After around 6 months I noticed that the nav buttons are really badly burned in where the nav buttons are located([1] picture is not mine but it demonstates what I mean, I believe at this point mine is much worse than in this picture).

This is due to the nav buttons being constantly visible in most apps, an option to hide them and only spring up when required would be perfect. It's not the end of the world but it's one of those things that once you notice it you can't forget it.

[1] https://www.thenextrex.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/enable...

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#52

Post by murukesh_s » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:13 AM UTC

lostmsu wrote: post #45

guhan_ganesh wrote: post #16

Though Apple is lagging behind in innovative features in recent times, I think they are at a higher level because of the excellent hardware that complements their software and vice versa. I think Google feels let down by the other mobile manufacturer's hardware and hence wants to bet big on improving its in house hardware expertise.

Yeah, the battery story shows how excellent their hardware is.

That could be the sales department at work there..

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#53

Post by sparkie » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:14 AM UTC

How come the title was changed? Original title from the article was "Google Bets a Billion Dollars More Brains Can Help Take On Apple".

My thoughts when reading this title: https://i.imgur.com/Y6Js3Ju.jpg

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#54

Post by DrScump » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:25 AM UTC

randomString1 wrote: post #14

elvirs wrote: post #7

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach sucks. Android can do a lot more than iOS but it does most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way

And if you want things like "receiving updates" and "no bloatware, stock android" you have to compromise on the hardware side. Gets even worse when you add phone carriers and warranty to the mix (depending where you live). I just hope Treble will allow us to install a signed stock ROM (custom ROMs don't count in my book) on any device so all that matters is the hardware and customer support.

   you have to compromise on the hardware side

Or, root the phone.

Rooting has it's own rusks and inconveniences, though.

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#55

Post by thisacctforreal » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:27 AM UTC

MarkCole wrote: post #51

sigmar wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>Google's hardware approach sucks What is wrong with the Pixel hardware? (Have never owned one and have only heard good things)

I bought a 1st gen Pixel in December 2016, so it's just over a year old. I'm delighted with every part of the hardware, except the screen. After around 6 months I noticed that the nav buttons are really badly burned in where the nav buttons are located([1] picture is not mine but it demonstates what I mean, I believe at this point mine is much worse than in this picture). This is due to the nav buttons being constant…

Had this problem on my (beloved) Samsung Galaxy Nexus (i9250). It was released in Oct 2011, so I'm surprised it's a problem they still haven't fixed. I suppose longevity is only a small consideration to Google.

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#56

Post by ariwilson » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:36 AM UTC

elvirs wrote: post #7

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach sucks. Android can do a lot more than iOS but it does most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way

For a contrasting perspective, I went Android to iPhone and I can say it sent me running back to Pixel as fast as I could for basic usability.

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#57

Post by thisacctforreal » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:36 AM UTC

guhan_ganesh wrote: post #16

Though Apple is lagging behind in innovative features in recent times, I think they are at a higher level because of the excellent hardware that complements their software and vice versa. I think Google feels let down by the other mobile manufacturer's hardware and hence wants to bet big on improving its in house hardware expertise.

I feel like their approach to user-friendly security is plenty innovative.

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#58

Post by PierceJoy » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:38 AM UTC

ariwilson wrote: post #56

elvirs wrote: post #7

after being an iPhone user for 6 years and recently switching to android (first a pixel, then one plus) I can say with confidence Google's hardware approach sucks. Android can do a lot more than iOS but it does most of the simple things in a user unfriendly way

For a contrasting perspective, I went Android to iPhone and I can say it sent me running back to Pixel as fast as I could for basic usability.

Funny, I've never had a problem using my iPhone. Care to elaborate?

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#59

Post by pokemongoaway » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:42 AM UTC

nicetime wrote: post #34

For sure, the only reason I’ve been on Apple devices these past few years is because Ubuntu is such an abomination. Windows is plainly unthinkable. And if you have my laptop, the mobile devices fall like dominos. I don’t love iPhones, but even at premium prices it’s worth it to integrate with OS X. Android really makes me sick though. Touted as free and open, but you still have to root your phone with shady exploits,…

Exactly, we're going to need a replacement for Google's vanilla Android soon. You can't even take off the Google Now bar - which takes up significant space on all workspaces!

Re: Google closes its $1.1B deal with HTC Corp

#60

Post by zamalek » Wed, Jan 31, 2018, 7:49 AM UTC

PierceJoy wrote: post #58

ariwilson wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

For a contrasting perspective, I went Android to iPhone and I can say it sent me running back to Pixel as fast as I could for basic usability.

Funny, I've never had a problem using my iPhone. Care to elaborate?

People are used to how their phones work, it's a form of lock-in. I can't figure out how a Mac works, never mind an iPhone. I just get annoyed in the first 10 seconds and give up. If iPhone could be made to work more like Android, I'd switch to the superior Apple privacy story. As it stands I really hate using Apple UIs.