Most of you already know that I like to keep an eye on the technological changes and improvements in the electronic and digital world. I don’t speak the lingo, so I don’t always understand the detailed descriptions of how the new gadgets work. But I do enjoy reading about them and occasionally even getting one of the toys to play with.
So far, I haven’t been tempted by the iPhone-type machines, nor was I ever anxious to spend good money for a Blackberry hook-up without having a genuine use for it. But I’m starting to waiver a little bit. GeezerDotter got hooked on an iPhone a month or so ago and she is having so much genuine fun with it that she doesn’t call me anymore. It was a painless step for her to take because her cell phone provider was AT&T already. Personally, I abhor AT&T, so I was content to just watch from the outside. Son of Geezer has something similar, I think it’s a Blackberry but I’m not sure, that has the slide-out full keyboard and a good internet connection. I think his provider for it is T-Mobile.
The thing that has really taken off with iPhone is the “App Store” where the users can download add-ons that do all sorts of expanded things with the phone from games to job-assisting programs. Currently there are more than 85,000 applications, or “apps,” available for downloading. Some are free, some are a nominal charge of a buck or two. But so far there have been over 2 billion downloads of apps. I have seen where there is one for EMT’s that is a CPR metronome that helps you keep a steady and proper compression rhythm.
But on October 30 the phone-toy world will see the introduction of a new device that just might get me sucked into the world of digital dependence. Informed speculation says that’s when Verizon and Motorola are likely to announce the release of their competitor to the iPhone system. This new device is called the Droid, a derivative of Google’s Android phone platform that has been available on some lesser systems with only mild success. But the new Droid has two things going for it. One, it has been technologically advanced to a level that may be nearly equal to the iPhone in use and operation. And the biggy is that it is being rolled out on the Verizon Wireless phone network. Verizon is not only the most-widely available signal in the country, but they also have a far better customer satisfaction record than AT&T does, by a long shot.
The pre-introduction reviews have been very positive for the Droid, and it just so happens that my cellphone provider is Verizon. I just might become a wireless wastrel and get in on the fun after all. I’ll be watching closely. Maybe some of you can help me come up with an excuse that will justify spending the extra monthly fees for the thing. Put them in the Comments and help me get over this reluctance.
First, we’d better get this equipment checked out. I need to get the coffee started, so I’ll see you back in the day room in a little while and we can check out this “teaser” video that Verizon has sent out:
Also on FireGeezer…
- Morning Lineup – January 17 – January 17, 2010
- Morning Lineup – November 23 – November 23, 2009
- Predawn Black Friday – November 27, 2009
- Morning Lineup – November 17 – November 17, 2009
