"non-Google" social integration.

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Hello!!

I read about Andriod 4.0 and noticed that it concentrates a lot on Google social networking integration (well it is Google OS after all) like Google+ and Gmail. Since i am using neither of them i was wondering how is the support for hotmail/facebook/twitter? I wouldn't want my phone to constantly ask me if i would like to join any of Google sites.

Secondly the usual question of the phone choice. At first i thought about waiting for Galaxy SIII but if that takes till next summer that's a no no. Also i am not a fan of 4.3+ (Nexus Prime) inch screen. Still i would like a Samsung phone for their awesome displays. So should i purchase Galaxy SII within next month or two or wait for the next big thing?

Thanks for reading (and maybe answering )!

P.S. I am also looking forward for new WP7 devices form Samsung.

 

[daveybaby]

Havent used ICS yet, but if google carry on in the same way as all previous versions of android you shouldnt have any problems.

A google account is required to use the android market and sync with the cloud. You dont have to sync if you dont want to, and you could always use a different market to get apps if you want (e.g. amazon). The phone asks you if you want to set up a google account on first use, but doesnt IIRC pester you after that. IMO its well worth setting up an account though.

Facebook/etc integration is usually added in varying degrees from manufacturer to manufacturer (e.g. HTC adds lots of integration with contacts and message streams etc). Personally i disable all of that guff and just use the facebook app on its own.

IMO the good thing about google is that although they include all of their services with the phone, they dont force you to use them.

w.r.t. phones: if you wait for the next big thing then by the time it arrives there will be another next big thing just around the corner - and there will always be a better phone released just after you buy regardless. Make the decision based on whats available at the time you purchase and dont have any regrets when a snazzier phone comes out after - this is not the last phone you will ever own. Personally i'm not a massive fan of samsung phones but lots of people love the SGSII so they must be doing something right.

 

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That was very helpful for the first part of my question. Thank you!