I've been curious to learn more about Google's Android operating system, and thanks to a friend in the wireless industry, I received Samsung's newest flagship phone to test drive. In 2009, Apple wooed me with the iPhone 3Gs. At that time, my assessment of the Android operating system, and the phones available was not at all favourable. I felt the phones were cheap, and the interface flashy, but without substance.
I've been trialling the Galaxy S6 Edge for much of this week, and here are my preliminary comments and thoughts:
- The Android interface installed on the phone is extremely engaging. The animations are fluid and consistent across the interface. Android is well known for the options to modify the interface to one's liking, but so far, I have not found it necessary to make many changes. I'd likely change a number of the ring tones, and notification sounds to be more unique, but as yet, I'm undecided about other modifications.
- This is a well-built device. It feels solid in one's hand, and has the build quality of a premium device. It also comes with a premium price. I'm not yet sold on the "edge" properties of the phone - the rounded edge shows much promise, but it's not there YET. I cab see many things it could be used for by way on notifications and information. I also find the thin edges make it difficult to pick up the phone if left face up on a desk, and I find myself gripping the phone by the lower right corner, pressing the return button in the process. Possibly I need to be in the habit of laying it face down, so a screen protector might be in order.
- Basic setup was pretty much painless. Simply by logging in to my Google account, I had ready access to all of Google's services including Gmail, Google+, Maps, the Play Store, You Tube, Google Drive, and Hangouts. As I am not immersed in the Google ecosystem, I also needed to add my other email accounts, etc.
- I had difficulty to get Samsung's Smart Switch for Mac to connect to the phone to transfer files. Reinstalling the USB drivers corrected the problem, but I am looking for other options to manage the files on the phone. I currently manage my iPhone through iTunes, including adding Apps and keeping backups, so a suitable equivalent for Android is important for me.
-Once set up, it is easy to use the Google Play Store on my desktop computer to find apps then download them to the phone over the USB connection.
- All smartphones place high reliance on social connectivity. I use my phone mere as a business tool, and less so socially. As such I have few applications in the social networking arena, and more utilities. The Google Play Store provides ready access to applications from the developers I am familiar with on my current phone, or apps with similar utility.
- Battery life has been similar to that of my iPhone 6. I can easily get through a day or two on a charge with my use patterns.
More next time......