Comments on: Android: Living on a Cloud http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:02:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Blaine http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48402 Blaine Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:18:49 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48402 @Bryan: Thanks for the information. I'm wondering if Verizon is just lying to me about the cap or they really just dont know any better. I need to get it on record next time. @Bryan: Thanks for the information. I’m wondering if Verizon is just lying to me about the cap or they really just dont know any better. I need to get it on record next time.

]]> By: Richard http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48334 Richard Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:35:28 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48334 Typo: ... I have *NO* definite knowledge of how the data is or is not secured ... Typo: … I have *NO* definite knowledge of how the data is or is not secured …

]]> By: Richard http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48333 Richard Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:33:44 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48333 I am also reluctant to trust my data to the cloud. I have definite knowledge of how the data is or is not secured. Blaine made a good point about the possibility of getting locked out of your data. Another variation would be an identity theft where your Google account was compromised and hijacked. Not only would you loose access to your data but SOMEONE ELSE would have complete access. That could range from very annoying to downright scary depending on what level of detail you keep in contacts, etc. I started out with a Palm IIIx many years ago and have used the Vx, T5, Treo 600, Treo 755p and TX. I decided NOT to go with the Pre largely because of this issue. The Droid looks great but I am still reluctant to trust personal data to the cloud. I am also reluctant to trust my data to the cloud. I have definite knowledge of how the data is or is not secured. Blaine made a good point about the possibility of getting locked out of your data. Another variation would be an identity theft where your Google account was compromised and hijacked. Not only would you loose access to your data but SOMEONE ELSE would have complete access. That could range from very annoying to downright scary depending on what level of detail you keep in contacts, etc. I started out with a Palm IIIx many years ago and have used the Vx, T5, Treo 600, Treo 755p and TX. I decided NOT to go with the Pre largely because of this issue. The Droid looks great but I am still reluctant to trust personal data to the cloud.

]]> By: Bryan Sherman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48288 Bryan Sherman Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:20:47 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48288 @Blaine What I have heard is 5 GB cap, if you add tethering in January it goes to 10 GB. I'll see what I can learn. @Blaine
What I have heard is 5 GB cap, if you add tethering in January it goes to 10 GB. I’ll see what I can learn.

]]> By: Blaine http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48273 Blaine Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:16:51 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48273 I stopped by a Verizon store last night (Kenwood Mall, Cincy) and verified that their unlimited data plan has no data cap. Has anyone else heard this information? From my understanding, and I have heard this now from TWO verizon representatives, is that the unlimited data plan is truly unlimited. The 5GB cap only comes into play if you upgrade to the tethering plan, which is currently not available for the Droid. My only comment on cloud computing is that it is incredibly convenient but I am always really paranoid about what would happen if my google account got disabled. Have you ever tried to contact Google Customer Support? I dont think there is a 1-800 number, its all web-based. If my entire information universe lives with Google and they disable my account (by accident or by me inadvertently breaking TOS), I am pretty screwed. Thanks for the awesome review. Go Bearcats :) Blaine I stopped by a Verizon store last night (Kenwood Mall, Cincy) and verified that their unlimited data plan has no data cap. Has anyone else heard this information? From my understanding, and I have heard this now from TWO verizon representatives, is that the unlimited data plan is truly unlimited. The 5GB cap only comes into play if you upgrade to the tethering plan, which is currently not available for the Droid.

My only comment on cloud computing is that it is incredibly convenient but I am always really paranoid about what would happen if my google account got disabled. Have you ever tried to contact Google Customer Support? I dont think there is a 1-800 number, its all web-based. If my entire information universe lives with Google and they disable my account (by accident or by me inadvertently breaking TOS), I am pretty screwed.

Thanks for the awesome review.
Go Bearcats :)
Blaine

]]> By: The Motorola Droid on Verizon Review — The Gadgeteer http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-48190 The Motorola Droid on Verizon Review — The Gadgeteer Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:37:14 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-48190 [...] sync with your PC to get to the Exchange data, it syncs wireless with the Exchange server. My post Android: Living on a Cloud goes into some of the philosophy around this, but again, the third-party market comes to the [...] [...] sync with your PC to get to the Exchange data, it syncs wireless with the Exchange server. My post Android: Living on a Cloud goes into some of the philosophy around this, but again, the third-party market comes to the [...]

]]> By: Glenn http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47987 Glenn Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:48:04 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47987 @Monty - not sure what your application is here, but there is almost certainly a way to encrypt it before storage in the cloud. Feel free to email me (plunkg at yahoo dot com) if you want to explore some ideas. @Monty – not sure what your application is here, but there is almost certainly a way to encrypt it before storage in the cloud. Feel free to email me (plunkg at yahoo dot com) if you want to explore some ideas.

]]> By: Dave http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47981 Dave Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:51:18 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47981 I got a Droid this morning, have Outlook mail synced up on it via a webmail session but am puzzled why my calendar entries aren't also showing up. Under the Data & synchronization part of my my 'Corporate' account, it shows that Sync Corporate Calendar is selected. Does that mean I only get calendar updates if I have the higher priced data plan (the $45/mo vs. the $30/mo)? I got a Droid this morning, have Outlook mail synced up on it via a webmail session but am puzzled why my calendar entries aren’t also showing up. Under the Data & synchronization part of my my ‘Corporate’ account, it shows that Sync Corporate Calendar is selected. Does that mean I only get calendar updates if I have the higher priced data plan (the $45/mo vs. the $30/mo)?

]]> By: Brian Hall http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47963 Brian Hall Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:15:13 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47963 Thanks for the shout out to Missing Sync in the article. We got a few Droids today, and we're hard at work updating to handle OS 2.0. Look for more news from us next week on this. In the meantime, folks can sign up to get an email when we post the public preview at http://www.markspace.com/products/android/missing-sync-android.html Thanks for the shout out to Missing Sync in the article.

We got a few Droids today, and we’re hard at work updating to handle OS 2.0. Look for more news from us next week on this. In the meantime, folks can sign up to get an email when we post the public preview at http://www.markspace.com/products/android/missing-sync-android.html

]]> By: Scott http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47882 Scott Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:24:03 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47882 I love the idea of cloud computing, but also am cautious of keeping important information only existing on the cloud. As Google has recently shown, it is not beyond having issues with their servers. As more and more folks use the service, I can see it getting worse. Look at the sidekick debacle. Backup, Backup, Backup... and then backup again for good measure! I am also very concerned about my private information showing up on the internet for all to see. Amazon, Google and others have no legal obligation to keep your private data private. This is especially true if you are not paying for it. Take a close look at the terms of the agreement and you will see that you have very little recourse at all should your private data become public. As Monty pointed out, this is especially dangerous as far as HIPAA data is concerned. If you must keep it on the web, at least make sure it is strongly encrypted first! The Cloud may turn out to be a beautiful thing.. it might also rain on our parade.... I love the idea of cloud computing, but also am cautious of keeping important information only existing on the cloud.

As Google has recently shown, it is not beyond having issues with their servers. As more and more folks use the service, I can see it getting worse. Look at the sidekick debacle. Backup, Backup, Backup… and then backup again for good measure!

I am also very concerned about my private information showing up on the internet for all to see. Amazon, Google and others have no legal obligation to keep your private data private. This is especially true if you are not paying for it. Take a close look at the terms of the agreement and you will see that you have very little recourse at all should your private data become public. As Monty pointed out, this is especially dangerous as far as HIPAA data is concerned. If you must keep it on the web, at least make sure it is strongly encrypted first!

The Cloud may turn out to be a beautiful thing.. it might also rain on our parade….

]]> By: Bryan Sherman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47876 Bryan Sherman Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:10:12 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47876 @Monty Keep in mind that the Exchange information would exist on your Exchange server and the phone. It would not be "in the cloud". Contacts and gmail would be in the cloud. @Monty
Keep in mind that the Exchange information would exist on your Exchange server and the phone. It would not be “in the cloud”. Contacts and gmail would be in the cloud.

]]> By: Scott http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47871 Scott Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:29:55 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47871 @Brian, Glenn and Shkermaker...thank you for the info and insight. I am able to use Outlook Web Access so it could be possible. I will wait a bit and read some reviews on both Verizon phones and I may jump from BB to Android 2.0 or even Eris. Does anyone know of another site where I could bring this issue of connecting an Android device to a BB Enterprise server? I appreciate the time you have taken. Peace @Brian, Glenn and Shkermaker…thank you for the info and insight. I am able to use Outlook Web Access so it could be possible. I will wait a bit and read some reviews on both Verizon phones and I may jump from BB to Android 2.0 or even Eris. Does anyone know of another site where I could bring this issue of connecting an Android device to a BB Enterprise server? I appreciate the time you have taken. Peace

]]> By: Monty http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47861 Monty Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:26:36 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47861 Is there some way to encript your cloud data? I have medical data that needs to be kept private. I cant use the cloud and comply with HIPAA regs. Is there some way to encript your cloud data? I have medical data that needs to be kept private. I cant use the cloud and comply with HIPAA regs.

]]> By: shkermaker http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47859 shkermaker Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:50:25 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47859 @Bryan I keep forgetting that HTC's Sense UI is different from stock Android.... I must admit - its not all plain sailing with Sense - the lack of week view in the calendar drives me nuts...the agenda view is even worse - it doesnt even open on the current day! You either have to look at it day by day or keep coming out of month view. Only way i can see to fix this is to root the handset and loose my warranty....but a week-to-view isnt that important! @Bryan

I keep forgetting that HTC’s Sense UI is different from stock Android….

I must admit – its not all plain sailing with Sense – the lack of week view in the calendar drives me nuts…the agenda view is even worse – it doesnt even open on the current day! You either have to look at it day by day or keep coming out of month view. Only way i can see to fix this is to root the handset and loose my warranty….but a week-to-view isnt that important!

]]> By: Bryan Sherman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47853 Bryan Sherman Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:02:52 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47853 @Shkermaker That is because the Sense UI on the Hero has Exchange access built in. I am playing with that on the Eris (essentially a slimmer, black version of the Hero). I must say, I like HTC's implementation of Exchange support slightly better than Eclairs. For example, in Eclair your Exchange calendar appears in a separate application, on the HTC they appear on you regular calendar highlighted a different color. @Shkermaker
That is because the Sense UI on the Hero has Exchange access built in. I am playing with that on the Eris (essentially a slimmer, black version of the Hero).

I must say, I like HTC’s implementation of Exchange support slightly better than Eclairs. For example, in Eclair your Exchange calendar appears in a separate application, on the HTC they appear on you regular calendar highlighted a different color.

]]> By: Shkermaker http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47827 Shkermaker Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:45:34 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47827 @Scott and Glenn Not sure what 2.0 brings but I use my University OWA and can collect my mail, contacts and calendar (but not notes) from my exchange account using my Hero. There's no need to set up an IMAP account as the mail remains on the exchange and is accessible wherever. There is even an option for push email (not true push i appreciate - but as and when it is recieved) to select. @Scott and Glenn

Not sure what 2.0 brings but I use my University OWA and can collect my mail, contacts and calendar (but not notes) from my exchange account using my Hero. There’s no need to set up an IMAP account as the mail remains on the exchange and is accessible wherever. There is even an option for push email (not true push i appreciate – but as and when it is recieved) to select.

]]> By: Glenn http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47825 Glenn Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:12:57 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47825 @MartinN - No, you're not the only one. In my mind, the challenge is in how to use (and benefit from) technology while maintaining your privacy. I doubt that Google, Amazon and companies like them are really the people you should be concerned about, however. @Scott - There are two primary ways to get data to your device from Exchange: ActiveSync and OMA/OWA. Even if ActiveSync isn't an option, you can still get nearly the same results using OWA. If your company provides web access to your email (Outlook Web Access), you can usually set up an IMAP account on your mobile and point it to this address, bypassing the Blackberry stuff. I'm making a lot of assumptions here, but it is possible. @Bryan - Thanks for talking about this. You are quite right. There's still a lot of confusion around why this difference is significant. It separates the service that the technology provides from the platform (hardware/software) on which it runs. Although we're getting there, things are still very "siloed", in that even cloud solutions tend to be very vendor-centric. When I can take a picture on my digital camera, seamlessly store the photo in my Amazon AWS storage account, view it on Flickr and attach it to a Gmail message from my phone without having to make copies of it, THEN we've arrived! Oh, yeah - and can I have all that for free, please? @MartinN – No, you’re not the only one. In my mind, the challenge is in how to use (and benefit from) technology while maintaining your privacy. I doubt that Google, Amazon and companies like them are really the people you should be concerned about, however.

@Scott – There are two primary ways to get data to your device from Exchange: ActiveSync and OMA/OWA. Even if ActiveSync isn’t an option, you can still get nearly the same results using OWA. If your company provides web access to your email (Outlook Web Access), you can usually set up an IMAP account on your mobile and point it to this address, bypassing the Blackberry stuff. I’m making a lot of assumptions here, but it is possible.

@Bryan – Thanks for talking about this. You are quite right. There’s still a lot of confusion around why this difference is significant. It separates the service that the technology provides from the platform (hardware/software) on which it runs. Although we’re getting there, things are still very “siloed”, in that even cloud solutions tend to be very vendor-centric. When I can take a picture on my digital camera, seamlessly store the photo in my Amazon AWS storage account, view it on Flickr and attach it to a Gmail message from my phone without having to make copies of it, THEN we’ve arrived!

Oh, yeah – and can I have all that for free, please?

]]> By: MartinN http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47817 MartinN Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:02:50 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47817 I may be a dinosaur and a dying breed, but this post really makes me NOT wanting the Droid (or any other Android phone). Why would I trust Google with all my private information? I don't want my WiFi picture frame connecting to my TwitterTube cloud account to display my pictures, simply because all my pictures are on my home server. Also, I don't want my books on loan from Amazon, where they even can retract them at will. Am I the only one who don't want to send all my files and private information to some shoddy companies on the Internet? I will take a good look at the Nokia N900 now. I may be a dinosaur and a dying breed, but this post really makes me NOT wanting the Droid (or any other Android phone). Why would I trust Google with all my private information? I don’t want my WiFi picture frame connecting to my TwitterTube cloud account to display my pictures, simply because all my pictures are on my home server. Also, I don’t want my books on loan from Amazon, where they even can retract them at will.

Am I the only one who don’t want to send all my files and private information to some shoddy companies on the Internet? I will take a good look at the Nokia N900 now.

]]> By: Bryan Sherman http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47812 Bryan Sherman Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:53:06 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47812 @Scott That's a really good question. And by really good I mean, I don't know. I have hardly no experience with the Blackberry. My first inclination would be no, since it accesses mail through Exchange ActiveSync. But if the Blackberry enterprise works with ActiveSync it may mean there is a way. I'll bug my wife since her firm is heavy blackberry users, but maybe someone else will chime in here. @Scott
That’s a really good question. And by really good I mean, I don’t know. I have hardly no experience with the Blackberry. My first inclination would be no, since it accesses mail through Exchange ActiveSync. But if the Blackberry enterprise works with ActiveSync it may mean there is a way. I’ll bug my wife since her firm is heavy blackberry users, but maybe someone else will chime in here.

]]> By: fuchikoma-x http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47804 fuchikoma-x Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:23:49 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47804 i know that running torrents is not a viable option but they should allow people to use at least a portion of the allocated 5GB soft cap for tether purposes. of course they can use Q.O.S. on the switch to monitor port rules and count bytes etc... but people for the most part do not do research on the telcos and get shafted on bloated pricing and unnecessary additional services. the ability and tech is present, i love what android is doing but i cannot understand why abusing customer ignorance (see: exploit) is industry norm. i know that running torrents is not a viable option but they should allow people to use at least a portion of the allocated 5GB soft cap for tether purposes. of course they can use Q.O.S. on the switch to monitor port rules and count bytes etc… but people for the most part do not do research on the telcos and get shafted on bloated pricing and unnecessary additional services. the ability and tech is present, i love what android is doing but i cannot understand why abusing customer ignorance (see: exploit) is industry norm.

]]> By: fuchikoma-x http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47803 fuchikoma-x Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:17:45 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47803 i have an iPHONE but i have to hack it just to ride on 3G data via my mobile units using PDAnet. why is it we have to pay twice for a data line. i'm curious to hear if open source truly means that: i can just pull down an application via the OS store to use the grid to tether for FREE! not this $15 additional fee they have planned in Jan 2010. i have an iPHONE but i have to hack it just to ride on 3G data via my mobile units using PDAnet. why is it we have to pay twice for a data line. i’m curious to hear if open source truly means that: i can just pull down an application via the OS store to use the grid to tether for FREE! not this $15 additional fee they have planned in Jan 2010.

]]> By: Scott http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47802 Scott Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:54 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47802 Quick question: If my work only supports Blackberry enterprise is there a work around to get calendar, email and calendar invites pushed to the droid? I appreciate any assistance that helps me leave the Blackberry platform. Quick question: If my work only supports Blackberry enterprise is there a work around to get calendar, email and calendar invites pushed to the droid? I appreciate any assistance that helps me leave the Blackberry platform.

]]> By: Robert http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47801 Robert Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:37:48 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47801 I too enjoy the Android os. It has enebled me in so many ways to stay ontop of my day to day activities. I had my ipaq for ever it seems then various "smart" phones, almost went the iPhone route but did not want to be tied to it, the G1 has enhansed my business and personal life. Now i will have a hard time living with out my phone. I too enjoy the Android os. It has enebled me in so many ways to stay ontop of my day to day activities. I had my ipaq for ever it seems then various “smart” phones, almost went the iPhone route but did not want to be tied to it, the G1 has enhansed my business and personal life. Now i will have a hard time living with out my phone.

]]> By: shkermaker http://the-gadgeteer.com/2009/11/05/android-living-on-a-cloud/comment-page-1/#comment-47797 shkermaker Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:44:04 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=24740#comment-47797 Android has totally changes the way I work. I switched fully to mac is and Linux at the start of the year and my Google account and my G1 then my hero have made the switch so much easier. I can access, amend, share, collaborate all of my info FOR FREE! No me.com subscription fees etc and excellent backup/offline facilities. +1 from me! Android has totally changes the way I work. I switched fully to mac is and Linux at the start of the year and my Google account and my G1 then my hero have made the switch so much easier.

I can access, amend, share, collaborate all of my info FOR FREE! No me.com subscription fees etc and excellent backup/offline facilities.

+1 from me!

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