First Smartphone, Questions I Have

[tcg37]

I've waited to get a smartphone until I thought they could "do everything." I wanted GPS, radio/video streaming, web browsing, phone, music player, e-reader, etc. in one device. After looking at a some Droids and iPhones of my relatives, I believe we've reached that point sufficiently. And that Droid is the way to go.

I recently started hearing/learning about this phone (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) that I intend to buy for Verizon, but I had some important questions first:

1. Netflix - Will it work with 4.0 (ICS)? The app says specifically that it works for 2.2 2.3 and 3.x. Will 4.0 be compatible with it?

2. In that same vein, will apps not specifically designed for ICS work on it? If not, how long before they're updated?

3. It has a built-in GPS, right? If so, has anyone used it, and how well does it work for driving?

4. Are there any extended batteries for it?

5. Does Verizon offer an unlimited data plan?

6. What's the best music-playing app? Previously I've just used my iPod.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jersey Tom]

I can only answer a few of these-

3: Smartphone GPS is awesome. Can't imagine the unit in the GN would be dramatically different than any other phone. I'll put it this way - I used to have a Garmin GPS for my car. After I started using Google Maps' navigation, I haven't touched the Garmin since. Not once in almost 2 years.

5: For new customers I believe the answer is no. They used to, and I believe those of us still on that plan will be grandfathered into continuing unlimited data - at least for the time being.

6: I'm a huge fan of Google Music. You can upload all your music to Google's Cloud, and/or buy music on the Android Market similar to iTunes. Then you can stream your music library anywhere - from your phone on the go, at your computer at home, at a computer at work, at your friend's place - whatever.

 

[Justincase]

The GPS also benefits from the built in barometer to lock onto satellites quicker.

 

[jaydotelloh]

I've waited to get a smartphone until I thought they could "do everything." I wanted GPS, radio/video streaming, web browsing, phone, music player, e-reader, etc. in one device. After looking at a some Droids and iPhones of my relatives, I believe we've reached that point sufficiently. And that Droid is the way to go.

I recently started hearing/learning about this phone (Samsung Galaxy Nexus) that I intend to buy for Verizon, but I had some important questions first:

1. Netflix - Will it work with 4.0 (ICS)? The app says specifically that it works for 2.2 2.3 and 3.x. Will 4.0 be compatible with it?

2. In that same vein, will apps not specifically designed for ICS work on it? If not, how long before they're updated?

3. It has a built-in GPS, right? If so, has anyone used it, and how well does it work for driving?

4. Are there any extended batteries for it?

5. Does Verizon offer an unlimited data plan?

6. What's the best music-playing app? Previously I've just used my iPod.

Thanks in advance.

1. I believe netflix was just recently opened to all devices running 2.2 or higher, and thus should be available on the Gnex.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...gu2wBw&usg=AFQjCNF_nml9mnPGybh2Bf0IUbx6mm-CLA

2. NOT all apps will be completely compatible with 4.0. However, chances are they will quickly be updated to support ICS. This should not be a concern about getting the Gnex as most apps will work fine.

3. Yes, it does have GPS. I hear the LTE and GSM versions have a better GPS than other Sammy devices, and the google maps turn by turn is far better than my stand-alone GPS, IMO. This functionality was one of the main reason I got my OG Droid.

4. There is a 2100 mAh battery that will be available. See here: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...scidBw&usg=AFQjCNEpoSGCXoiBDO5rK6Z78G4hUV2a7Q

5. There are no longer unlimited data plans on VZW. They are currently running a promo to get 4GB for $30, which is more data than I normally use. This SHOULD be sufficient for most users.

6. Hands down best music app AND service is Google Music. www.google.com/music . You upload your music to a google server and it then streams remotely to your device, so you do not need to store any music ON your device (saves space)

 

[jaydotelloh]

The GPS also benefits from the built in barometer to lock onto satellites quicker.

Has this been confirmed yet? I remember reading an article speculating that, but I'm not sure if this is actually the case. To me, I don't see an extreme benefit to knowing your altitude to get a GPS lock, and not to mention, the atmospheric pressure is not constant at a given elevation. There are changes due to weather, etc.

 

[tcg37]

The link about the Netflix app only says specifically, "Supports Android 2.2, 2.3, and 3.x," but nothing about anything higher. Should I be worried?

 

[Fabolous]

Has this been confirmed yet? I remember reading an article speculating that, but I'm not sure if this is actually the case. To me, I don't see an extreme benefit to knowing your altitude to get a GPS lock, and not to mention, the atmospheric pressure is not constant at a given elevation. There are changes due to weather, etc.

GPS locks for me in under 5 seconds, even inside my apartment (albeit close to the window) with wifi off (no ssid assist, only network and GPS).

That's damn impressive.

P.S. Netflix works great.

 

[s.m.knipe]

GPS locks for me in under 5 seconds, even inside my apartment (albeit close to the window) with wifi off (no ssid assist, only network and GPS).

That's damn impressive.

P.S. Netflix works great.

The GPS is much better than previous Samsung devices, but still is not on par with Moto and HTC GPS chips. <5 seconds is extremely impressive, mine ranges between 30 seconds and 5 minutes for a reliable lock. I have also noticed that some apps, like the Camera app start the GPS, but either take forever or never get a lock, while Maps/Navigation/"My Tracks" all seem to get one ~30 seconds or so (unless driving).

To the OP, the GPS is much more than sufficient for Smartphone use and for navigation use.

Also, yes the primary purpose of the barometer is to eliminate part (Altitude, or the third dimension) of the algorithm GPS software uses to determine where you are- as per Dan Morrill's (A Google Engineer) Google+ post a few weeks ago. I also have doubts about this though. This Barometer is the same as the "triple sensor" used in many outdoor multipurpose products (mainly watches), and like those products (they all have disclaimers) the sensor needs calibration as often as possible, and will often not be precise because of fluctuations throughout the day. I really don't see how it will help that much- but it might (they might not need a precise or reliable answer to estimate the angles to the satellites).