Android Phones

Last week I received my new phone, an Android based HTC Desire.  Android is Google’s operating system, seen on phones and on Apple iPad clones and knock-offs.  After dealing with the expected order and delivery stuffups from that monopolistic telephone company that shan’t be named, I sat down to set it up and check it out.  Well it’s been eighteen months since I last changed phones and what a difference.  Android is fantastic.  Simple, fast, powerful and with lots of applications, where it beats the iPhone is in its user interface customisation.  You can create your own home screen; in fact up to seven of them, loaded with the tools, applications and shortcuts you use the most.  My main screen has a big clock and weather forecast, then shortcuts to the apps I use the most (camera, Google Places, Call History, calendar, contacts search etc).  Swipe to the left or right and a whole new custom screen appears where on one I have VIP speed dial contacts,  another text messages, another email, calendar and on yet another I have news from five different papers and websites.  Turn the phone on its side and a large full width on screen keyboard appears making typing a breeze.  Even when upright the onscreen keyboards text prediction is superb, fixing up the inevitable mistakes from my fat fingers.  While still being early days in my use of the phone, I’m very happy with Android and with a new version around the corner promising even faster performance it’s a good time to consider a change.