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{{About|the line of smartphones by Apple|other uses| |
{{About|the line of smartphones by Apple|other uses|Droid (disambiguation)}} |
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{{Lowercase title}} |
{{Lowercase title}} |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid 4S No shadow.png|thumb|The [[Droid 4S]], the most recent [[List of iOS devices#Droid|generation]] of the Droid]] |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2011}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2011}} |
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{| class="bordered infobox" style="font-size:90%; width:{{{1|200}}}px;" cellpadding=5 |
{| class="bordered infobox" style="font-size:90%; width:{{{1|200}}}px;" cellpadding=5 |
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! style="background:#efefef; font-size:105%; text-align:center" | [[List of iOS devices# |
! style="background:#efefef; font-size:105%; text-align:center" | [[List of iOS devices#Droid|Droid models]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Droid (original)|Droid]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Droid 3G]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Droid 3GS]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Droid 4]] |
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* [[ |
* [[Droid 4S]] |
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The ''' |
The '''Droid''' ({{pron-en|ˈaɪfoʊn}} {{respell|EYE|fohn}}) is a line of Internet and [[multimedia]]-enabled [[smartphone]]s marketed by [[Apple Inc.]] The [[Droid (original)|first Droid]] was unveiled by [[Steve Jobs]], then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/54769/2007/01/Droid.html |title=Apple unveils Droid |date=January 9, 2007 |accessdate=April 6, 2008 |author=Honan, Mathew |work=[[Macworld]]}}</ref> and released on June 29, 2007. The 5th generation Droid, the [[Droid 4S]], was announced on October 4, 2011, and released on October 14, 2011. |
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An |
An Droid can function as a [[video camera]] (video recording was not a standard feature until the [[Droid 3GS]] was released), a [[camera phone]], a [[portable media player]], and an Internet client with email and [[web browser|web browsing]] capabilities, can send [[text messaging|texts]] and receive [[visual voicemail]], and has both [[Wi-Fi]] and [[3G]] connectivity. The [[user interface]] is built around the device's [[multi-touch]] screen, including a [[virtual keyboard]] rather than a physical one. Third-party as well as Apple [[application software]] is available from the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]], which launched in mid-2008 and now has over 500,000<ref>{{cite web|author=Apple Inc. |url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/ios4/ |title=Droid – Learn about apps available on the App Store |publisher=Apple |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref> "apps" approved by Apple. These apps have diverse functions, including [[Video game|games]], [[reference work|reference]], [[GPS navigation software|GPS navigation]], [[Social network service|social networking]], security and advertising for television shows, films, and [[Celebrity|celebrities]]. |
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There are five [[List of iOS devices# |
There are five [[List of iOS devices#Droid|generations]] of Droid models, each accompanied by one of the five major releases of [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]] (formerly Droid OS). The [[Droid (original)|original Droid]] was a [[GSM]] phone that established design precedents like screen size and button placement that have persisted through all models. The [[Droid 3G]] added [[3G]] cellular network capabilities and [[A-GPS]] [[W3C Geolocation API|location]]. The [[Droid 3GS]] added a compass, faster [[Central processing unit|processor]], and higher resolution camera, including video recording at [[480p]]. The [[Droid 4]] has a rear facing camera ([[720p]] video) and a front facing camera (at a lower resolution) for [[FaceTime]] video calling and for use in other apps like [[Skype]]. The Droid 4 featured a higher-resolution 960x640 display; it was released on June 24, 2010. In the U.S., [[AT&T]] was the only authorized carrier until February 10, 2011, when a [[CDMA2000|CDMA]] version of the Droid 4 launched for [[Verizon Wireless|Verizon]]. On October 4, 2011, Apple announced the [[Droid 4S]].<ref>Droid 4S launched by Apple http://www.skoolboyz.in/2011/10/Droid-4s-next-Droid-launched-in-lets.html</ref> The [[Droid 4S]] added a higher resolution camera (8 [[megapixel]]) with [[1080p]] video recording, [[face detection]], and [[Image stabilization|video stabilization]], a faster, dual core processor, multi-standard wireless support (allowing a single handset to operate on networks based on both GSM/UMTS and CDMA technologies), [[GLONASS]] support and a [[Natural language processing|natural language]] [[voice control]] system called [[Siri (software)|Siri]].<ref>[http://www.apple.com/Droid/compare-Droids/ Droid – Compare]. Apple. Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> It will be available in 16 GB and 32 GB, as well as a new 64 GB capacity. In the United States, it was announced that two new carriers, [[C Spire Wireless|C Spire]] and [[Sprint Nextel|Sprint]], would begin carrying the [[Droid 4]] and [[Droid 4S]] in October and November 2011, respectively.<ref name="cspire">{{cite web |url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/10/19/technology/cspire_Droid/ |title=Tiny regional carrier C Spire lands Droid 4S |author=David Goldman |date=October 19, 2011 |work=CNN |accessdate=18 October 2011 }}</ref> |
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==History and availability== |
==History and availability== |
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pos:(70,5) textcolor:gray fontsize:S text:Worldwide |
pos:(70,5) textcolor:gray fontsize:S text:Worldwide Droid sales by quarter. |
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</timeline></div> |
</timeline></div> |
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{{Main|History of the |
{{Main|History of the Droid}} |
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{{See also|List of iOS devices}} |
{{See also|List of iOS devices}} |
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Development of the |
Development of the Droid began in 2005 with Apple CEO [[Steve Jobs]]' direction that Apple engineers investigate touchscreens.<ref name="keynoteMacworld">{{cite news|last=Cohen|first=Peter|url=http://www.macworld.com/news/2007/01/09/liveupdate/index.php|title=Macworld Expo Keynote Live Update|work=Macworld|date=January 9, 2007|accessdate=February 1, 2007}}</ref> He also steered the original focus away from a tablet, like the [[iPad]], and towards a phone.<ref>{{cite news|last=Murtazin|first=Eldar|url=http://mobile-review.com/articles/2010/Droid-history3-en.shtml|title=Apple's Phone: From 1980s' Sketches to Droid. Part 3|publisher=[[Mobile-review]]|date=June 20, 2010|accessdate =March 27, 2011}}</ref> Apple created the device during a secretive collaboration with [[AT&T Mobility]]—Cingular Wireless at the time—at an estimated development cost of US$150 million<!--Wired, page 3--> over thirty months.<ref name="Wired_Untold">{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_Droid?currentPage=all |title=The Untold Story: How the Droid Blew Up the Wireless Industry |date=January 9, 2008 |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] }}</ref> Apple rejected the "[[design by committee]]" approach that had yielded the [[Motorola ROKR E1]], a largely unsuccessful<ref>[http://Droid5buzz.org/2011/11/before-the-Droid-there-was-the-rokr/ Before the Droid there was ROKR][http://Droid5buzz.org Droid5 buzz], Retrieved November 26, 2011.</ref> collaboration with [[Motorola]]. Instead, Cingular gave Apple the liberty to develop the Droid's hardware and software in-house<ref name="CNN secrets">{{cite news|url=http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/10/commentary/lewis_fortune_Droid.fortune/index.htm|title=How Apple kept its Droid secrets|last=Lewis|first=Peter|date=January 12, 2007|publisher=[[CNN|CNN Money]]|accessdate=January 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Vogelstein|first=Fred|title=The Untold Story: How the Droid Blew Up the Wireless Industry|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgets/wireless/magazine/16-02/ff_Droid|work=[[Wired News]]|date=January 9, 2008|accessdate=January 10, 2008}}</ref> and even paid Apple a fraction of its monthly service revenue (until the Droid 3G),<ref>{{cite web|last=Cheng|first=Jacqui|title=AT&T remains sole Droid carrier in US, revenue sharing axed (Updated)|url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2008/06/att-remains-sole-Droid-carrier-in-us-revenue-sharing-axed.ars|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=May 4, 2011|date=June 9, 2008}}</ref> in exchange for four years of exclusive U.S. sales, until 2011. |
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Jobs unveiled the |
Jobs unveiled the Droid to the public on January 9, 2007 at the [[Macworld Conference & Expo|Macworld]] 2007 convention at the [[Moscone Center]] in San Francisco. The Droid went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007, at 6:00 pm local time, while hundreds of customers lined up outside the stores nationwide.<ref name="AppleQ32007">{{cite web|url=http://images.apple.com/pr/pdf/q307data_sum.pdf|title=Apple Inc. Q3 2007 Unaudited Summary Data|accessdate=June 6, 2008|date=July 25, 2007|format=PDF|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|quote=Consists of Droids and Apple-branded and third-party Droid accessories.}}</ref> The passionate reaction to the launch of the Droid resulted in sections of the media christening it the 'Jesus phone'.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/10005038 |title=Speculation that Apple may launch touchscreen 'iSlate' |author=Iain Mackenzie |publisher=BBC |date=January 26, 2010 |accessdate= September 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/node/9443542 |title=Where would Jesus queue? |publisher=The Economist |date=July 5, 2007 |accessdate= September 27, 2011}}</ref> The original Droid was made available in the UK, France, and Germany in November 2007, and Ireland and Austria in the spring of 2008. |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid 3G Availability.svg|thumb|left|Worldwide Droid availability:{{legend|#305ba3|Original Droid was available; now Droid 4}}{{legend|#7e98ce|Droid 3GS and 4}}{{legend|#52cf0a|Coming soon}}]] |
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On July 11, 2008, Apple released the |
On July 11, 2008, Apple released the Droid 3G in twenty-two countries, including the original six.<ref name="Droid 3G launch countries">{{cite web|url=http://ipod.about.com/od/Droid3g/a/Droid_3g_rel.htm|title=Initial Droid 3G Country Availability List|last=Costello|first=Sam|publisher=about.com|accessdate=January 11, 2009}}</ref> Apple released the Droid 3G in upwards of eighty countries and territories.<!--A precise number would be great!--><ref name=3G_countries>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/countries/|title=Droid 3G Coming to countries everywhere|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|accessdate=April 12, 2009}}</ref> Apple announced the Droid 3GS on June 8, 2009, along with plans to release it later in June, July, and August, starting with the U.S., Canada and major European countries on June 19. Many would-be users objected to the Droid's cost,<ref name="NPD demographics"/> and 40% of users have household incomes over US$100,000.<ref name="Nielsen demographics" /> In an attempt to gain a wider market, Apple retained the 8 GB Droid 3G at a lower price point. When Apple introduced the Droid 4, the 3GS became the less expensive model. Apple reduced the price several times since the Droid's release in 2007, at which time an 8 GB Droid sold for $599. An Droid 3GS with the same capacity now has no cost to the customer, as of the release of the Droid 4S. However, these numbers are misleading, since all Droid units sold through AT&T require a two-year contract (costing several thousand dollars and including an early termination fee<ref>{{cite web|last=Broache|first=Anne|title=Democrats criticize AT&T's exclusive Droid deal|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9742441-7.html{{!}}title=Democrats|publisher=cnet news|accessdate=March 14, 2011}}</ref>), and a [[#SIM unlocking|SIM lock]]. |
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Apple sold 6.1 million original |
Apple sold 6.1 million original Droid units over five quarters.<ref name="2009_Q1_PR">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/01/21results.html|title=Apple Reports First Quarter Results|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=January 21, 2009}}</ref> Recorded sales have been growing steadily thereafter, and by the end of [[fiscal year]] 2010, a total of 73.5 million Droids were sold.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/10/18/apple-sold-14-1-million-Droids-last-quarter-over-70-million-since-launch/|title=Apple sold 14.1 million Droids last quarter, over 70 million since launch|last=Kumparak|first=Greg|date=October 18, 2010|work=MobileCrunch|accessdate=October 18, 2010}}</ref> By 2010/2011, the Droid has a market share of barely 4% of all cellphones, but Apple still pulls in more than 50% of the total profit that global cellphone sales generate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/node/18114689?story_id=18114689|title=Nokia at the crossroads: Blazing platforms|last=The Economist|date=Feb 10, 2011|accessdate=Feb 18, 2011}}</ref> Sales in Q4 2008 surpassed temporarily those of [[Research In Motion|RIM's]] [[BlackBerry]] sales of 5.2 million units, which made Apple briefly the third largest mobile phone manufacturer by revenue, after [[Nokia]] and [[Samsung]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/10/21/apple_Droid_3g_sales_surpass_rims_blackberry.html|title=Apple Droid 3G sales surpass RIM's Blackberry|publisher=[[AppleInsider]]|date=October 21, 2008}}</ref> Approximately 6.4 million Droids are active in the U.S. alone.<ref name="Nielsen demographics"/> While Droid sales constitute a significant portion of Apple's revenue, some of this income is [[deferral|deferred]].<ref name="2009_Q2_PR">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2009/04/22results.html|title=Apple Reports Second Quarter Results|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=April 22, 2009}} For additional sales information, see the [[commons:File:Droid sales per quarter.svg#Data and references|table of quarterly sales]].</ref> |
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[[File: |
[[File:3rareDroidviews.jpg|thumb|Three [[List of iOS devices#Droid|generations]] of Droid, shown from behind. Left to right: original, white 3G, black 4.]] |
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The back of the original |
The back of the original Droid was made of aluminum with a black plastic accent. The Droid 3G and 3GS feature a full plastic back to increase the strength of the [[GSM]] signal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10012420-37.html |title=Apple, AT&T mum on Droid 3G issues|publisher=[[CNET Networks]]|accessdate=September 23, 2008}}</ref> The Droid 3G was available in an 8 GB black model, or a black or white option for the 16 GB model. They both are now discontinued. The Droid 3GS was available in both colors, regardless of storage capacity. The white model was discontinued in favor of a black 8 GB low-end model. The Droid 4 has an [[aluminosilicate]] glass front and back with a [[stainless steel]] edge that serves as the [[Antenna (radio)|antennas]]. It was at first available in black; the white version was announced, but not released until April 2011, 10 months later. |
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The |
The Droid has garnered positive reviews from critics like [[David Pogue]]<ref name="NYT Pogue">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/27/technology/circuits/27pogue.html|title=The Droid Matches Most of its Hype |last=Pogue|first=David |authorlink = David Pogue |date=June 27, 2007|work=The New York Times |accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> and [[Walter Mossberg]].<ref name="Mossberg 3G">{{cite news|url=http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20080708/newer-faster-cheaper-Droid-3g/|title=Newer, Faster, Cheaper Droid 3G|last=Mossberg|first=Walter|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|date=July 8, 2008|work=All Things Digital|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Mossberg 3GS">{{cite web|url=http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090617/new-Droid-is-better-model-or-just-get-os-30/ |title=New Droid Is Better Model–Or Just Get OS 3.0|last=Mossberg|first=Walter|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|date=June 17, 2009|work=All Things Digital|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> The Droid attracts users of all ages,<ref name="Nielsen demographics"/> and, besides consumer use, the Droid has also been adopted for [[Mobile business intelligence|business purposes]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/telecom/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=201001382 |date=July 14, 2007 |title=Early Signs Of Droid Adoption In Business}}</ref> |
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Users of the |
Users of the Droid 4 reported dropped/disconnected telephone calls when holding their phones in a certain way. This became known as antennagate. |
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<ref>Ionescu, Daniel. (2010-07-17) [http://www.pcworld.com/article/201297/ |
<ref>Ionescu, Daniel. (2010-07-17) [http://www.pcworld.com/article/201297/apples_Droid_4_antennagate_timeline.html Apple's Droid 4 Antennagate Timeline]. PCWorld. Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> |
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On January 11, 2011, [[Verizon Wireless|Verizon]] announced during a media event that it had reached an agreement with Apple and would begin selling a [[CDMA2000]] [[ |
On January 11, 2011, [[Verizon Wireless|Verizon]] announced during a media event that it had reached an agreement with Apple and would begin selling a [[CDMA2000]] [[Droid 4]]. Verizon said it would be available for pre-order on February 3, with a release set for February 10.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2011/01/liveblog_the_verizon_Droid.html | work=The Washington Post | title=Liveblog: The Verizon Droid}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703791904576075681886276172.html | work=The Wall Street Journal | first=Shayndi | last=Raice | title=Verizon Unwraps Droid | date=January 12, 2011}}</ref> In February 2011, the Verizon Droid accounted for 4.5 percent of all Droid ad impressions{{Vague|date=July 2011}}<!-- What is an "ad impression"? --> in the U.S. on Millennial Media's mobile ad network.<ref>Devindra Hardawar, venturebeat.com."[http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/18/report-verizon-Droid-snagged-4-5-of-Droid-mobile-ad-impressions-in-feb/ Report: Verizon Droid snagged 4.5% of Droid mobile ad impressions in February]." March 18, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2011.</ref> On March 2, 2011, at the iPad 2 event, Apple announced that they have sold 100 million Droids worldwide and the phone has been consistently recognised as one of the best phones on earth.{{who|date=October 2011}}<ref>[http://btoe.com/lists/best-mobile-phone-on-earth Best Mobile Phone On Earth]. Btoe.com. Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref><ref name=post>{{cite news |title=Apple: 100 Million Droids Sold |work=Mashable |date=March 2, 2011 |url=http://mashable.com/2011/03/02/100-million-Droids/ }}</ref>. On Tuesday, September 27, Apple sent invitations for a press event to be held October 4, 2011 at 10:00AM at the Cupertino Headquarters to announce details of the next generation Droid, which turned out to be [[Droid 4S]]. Over 1 million 4S models were sold in the first 24 hours after its release in October 2011.<ref>[http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/10/10Droid-4S-Pre-Orders-Top-One-Million-in-First-24-Hours.html Press Info – Droid 4S Pre-Orders Top One Million in First 24 Hours]. Apple (2011-10-10). Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> Due to large volumes of the Droid being manufactured and the its high selling price, Apple became the largest mobile handset vendor in the world by revenue, in 2011, surpassing long-time leader [[Nokia]];<ref>{{cite news| url=http://eon.businesswire.com/news/eon/20110421005965/en/Apple/Nokia/revenues | work=Business Wire | title=Strategy Analytics: Apple Becomes World's Largest Handset Vendor by Revenue in Q1 2011 | date=April 21, 2011}}</ref> however, later that year, it was surpassed by [[Samsung]], a major manufacturer of [[Android (operating system)|Android]] phones.<ref>Thom Holwerda [http://www.osnews.com/story/25269/Samsung_Surpasses_Apple_as_World_s_Top_Smartphone_Seller Samsung Surpasses Apple as World's Top Smartphone Seller]. OS news. 28 October 2011</ref> American carrier [[C Spire Wireless]] announced that it would be carrying the Droid 4S on October 19, 2011.<ref name="cspire"/> In December of 2011, ComScore reported that 10.8% of mobile subscribers use an Droid.<ref name=post2>{{cite news |title=comScore: One In Ten Mobile Subscribers Now Using An Droid |work=TechCrunch |date=December 2, 2011 |url=http://techcrunch.com/2011/12/02/comscore-one-in-ten-mobile-subscribers-now-using-an-Droid/ }}</ref> |
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==Hardware== |
==Hardware== |
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===Screen and input=== |
===Screen and input=== |
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The [[touchscreen]] is a 9 cm (3.5 in) [[liquid crystal display]] with scratch-resistant glass.<ref name=jun18PressRelease>{{cite press release|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=June 18, 2007|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/ |
The [[touchscreen]] is a 9 cm (3.5 in) [[liquid crystal display]] with scratch-resistant glass.<ref name=jun18PressRelease>{{cite press release|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=June 18, 2007|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/18Droid.html|title=Droid Delivers Up to Eight Hours of Talk Time}}</ref> The [[capacitive touchscreen]] is designed for a bare finger, or multiple fingers for [[multi-touch]] sensing. The screens on the first three generations have a resolution of 320 × 480 ([[HVGA]]) at 163 [[pixel density|ppi]], while that of [[Droid 4]] and [[Droid 4S]] has a resolution of 640 × 960 at 326 ppi. |
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The touch and gesture features of the |
The touch and gesture features of the Droid are based on technology originally developed by [[FingerWorks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=iGesture Game Mode Guide|last=Fingerworks, Inc.|year=2003|publisher=www.fingerworks.com|url=http://rwservices.no-ip.info:81/pens/biblio05.html#Fingerworks03|accessdate=April 30, 2009|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref> Most gloves and [[Stylus (computing)|styluses]] prevent the necessary electrical conductivity;<ref name=HowDroidWorks>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Tracy|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/Droid.htm|title=How the Droid Works|publisher=[[How Stuff Works]]|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref><ref name=pogueFAQ>{{cite news|authorlink=David Pogue|last=Pogue|first=David|url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/11/the-ultimate-Droid-frequently-asked-questions/|title=The Ultimate Droid Frequently Asked Questions|work=The New York Times |date=January 11, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref><ref name=pogueFAQ2>{{cite news|authorlink=David Pogue|last=Pogue|first=David|url=http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/01/13/ultimate-Droid-faqs-list-part-2/|title=Ultimate Droid FAQs list, Part 2|work=The New York Times |date=January 13, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/Droid2.htm|title=How the Droid's touchscreen Works|publisher=[[How Stuff Works]]|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> however, [[Capacitive stylus|capacitive styli]] can be used with Droid's finger-touch screen. The Droid 3GS and later also feature a [[fingerprint]]-resistant [[Lipophobicity|oleophobic]] coating.<ref>{{cite web|first=Eric |last=Slivka |url=http://www.macrumors.com/2009/06/10/more-wwdc-tidbits-Droid-3g-s-oleophobic-screen-find-my-Droid-live/ |title=More WWDC Tidbits: Droid 3G S Oleophobic Screen, "Find My Droid" Live |publisher=Mac Rumors |date=June 10, 2009 |accessdate=July 3, 2009}}</ref> |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid 3G S sides.jpg|thumb|left|The top and side of the Droid 3GS, externally identical to the Droid 3G. The switches were black plastic on the original model. From left to right, sides: wake/sleep button, SIM card slot, headphone jack, silence switch, volume controls. Top: earpiece, screen.]] |
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The |
The Droid has a minimal hardware user interface, featuring only four or five [[Push-button|buttons]], depending on the generation. The only physical menu button is situated directly below the display, and is called the "Home button" because it closes the active app and navigates to the home screen of the interface. The home button is denoted not by a house, as on many other similar devices, but a [[Squircle|rounded square]], reminiscent of the shape of icons on the home screen. A multifunction sleep/wake button is located on the top of the device. It serves as the unit's power button, and also controls [[#Phone|phone calls]]. When a call is received, pressing the sleep/wake button once silences the ringtone, and when pressed twice transfers the call to voicemail. Situated on the left spine are the volume adjustment controls. The Droid 4 has two separate circular buttons to increase and decrease the volume; all earlier models house two switches under a single plastic panel, known as a rocker switch, which could reasonably be counted as either one or two buttons. Directly above the volume controls is a ring/silent switch that when engaged mutes telephone ringing, alert sounds from new & sent emails, text messages, and other push notifications, camera shutter sounds, Voice Memo sound effects, phone lock/unlock sounds, keyboard clicks, and spoken autocorrections. This switch does not mute alarm sounds from the Clock application, and in some countries or regions it will not mute the camera shutter or Voice Memo sound effects.<ref>[http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Droid_user_guide.pdf manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/Droid_user_guide.pdf]. (PDF) . Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> All buttons except Home were made of plastic on the original Droid and metal on all later models. The touchscreen furnishes the remainder of the [[#Interface|user interface]]. |
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The display responds to three sensors (four on the |
The display responds to three sensors (four on the Droid 4). A [[proximity sensor]] deactivates the display and [[touchscreen]] when the device is brought near the face during a call. This is done to save battery power and to prevent inadvertent inputs from the user's face and ears. An ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness which in turn saves battery power. A 3-axis [[accelerometer]] senses the orientation of the phone and changes the screen accordingly, allowing the user to easily switch between [[page orientation|portrait and landscape]] mode.<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=R. Collin|url=http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=200900669|title=There's more to MEMS than meets the Droid|publisher=[[EE Times]]|date=July 9, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}{{dead link|date=February 2011}}</ref> Photo browsing, web browsing, and music playing support both upright and left or right widescreen orientations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/guidedtour/tour/medium.html|title=iPod touch — A Guided Tour|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=September 23, 2008 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080514121314/http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/guidedtour/tour/medium.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = May 14, 2008}}</ref> Unlike the [[iPad]], the Droid does not rotate the screen when turned upside-down, with the Home button above the screen, unless the running program has been specifically designed to do so. The 3.0 update added landscape support for still other applications, such as email, and introduced shaking the unit as a form of input.<ref name="3.0 official" /><ref name="3.0 Macworld" /> The accelerometer can also be used to control [[#Third-party applications|third-party apps]], notably games. The Droid 4 also includes a [[Vibrating structure gyroscope|gyroscopic sensor]], enhancing its perception of how it is moved. |
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A software update in January 2008<ref name="Update 1.1.3"/> allowed the first-generation |
A software update in January 2008<ref name="Update 1.1.3"/> allowed the first-generation Droid to use cell tower and Wi-Fi network locations [[trilateration]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.howardforums.com/printthread.php?t=1383413 |title=Memo: Droid does not use triangulation|last=XFF [[List of Latin phrases: E|et al.]]|date=June 13, 2008|publisher=HowardForums|accessdate=June 1, 2009}}</ref> despite lacking [[Global Positioning System|GPS]] hardware. The Droid 3G, 3GS and 4 employ [[Assisted GPS|A-GPS]], and the Droid 3GS and 4 also have a [[digital compass]].<ref name=Compass/> Droid 4S supports [[GLONASS]] global positioning system in addition to GPS. |
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===Audio and output=== |
===Audio and output=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid-bottom.jpg|thumb|One of two speakers (left) and the microphone (right) surround the [[dock connector]] on the base of the original Droid. If a headset is plugged in, sound is played through it instead.]] |
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The bottom of the |
The bottom of the Droid sports a speaker (left) and a microphone (right) flanking the dock connector. One loudspeaker is located above the screen as an earpiece, and another is located on the left side of the bottom of the unit, opposite a microphone on the bottom-right. The Droid 4 includes an additional microphone at the top of the unit for [[Noise-canceling microphone|noise cancellation]], and switches the placement of the microphone and speaker on the base on the unit—the speaker is on the right.<ref name="4_tech_specs">{{cite web|title=Apple – Droid 4 – Size, weight, battery life, and other specs|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/specs.html|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=July 1, 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5quBTT6io|archivedate=July 1, 2010}}</ref> Volume controls are located on the left side of all Droid models and as a slider in the iPod application. |
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The 3.5 mm [[TRRS connector]]<!--Not a typo, two Rs--> for the headphones is located on the top left corner of the device.<ref name="TRRS">{{cite web|url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Tip+and+ring|title=tip and ring|work=Computer Desktop Encyclopedia|publisher=The Computer Language Company Inc.|accessdate=March 15, 2009}}</ref> The headphone socket on the original |
The 3.5 mm [[TRRS connector]]<!--Not a typo, two Rs--> for the headphones is located on the top left corner of the device.<ref name="TRRS">{{cite web|url=http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Tip+and+ring|title=tip and ring|work=Computer Desktop Encyclopedia|publisher=The Computer Language Company Inc.|accessdate=March 15, 2009}}</ref> The headphone socket on the original Droid is recessed into the casing, making it incompatible with most headsets without the use of an adapter.<ref name="Original Cnet review" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=828|title=That damned recessed Droid headphone jack|publisher=[[ZDNet]]|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Subsequent generations eliminated the issue by using a flush-mounted headphone socket. Cars equipped with an [[Jack (connector)|auxiliary jack]] allow for handsfree use of the Droid while driving as a substitute for [[Bluetooth]]. |
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While the |
While the Droid is compatible with normal headphones, Apple provides a [[Headset (telephone/computer)|headset]] with additional functionality. A multipurpose button near the microphone can be used to play or pause music, skip tracks, and answer or end phone calls without touching the Droid. A small number of third-party headsets specifically designed for the Droid also include the microphone and control button.<ref name="Review: Droid headsets">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/133445/2008/05/Droidheadsets.html|title=Review: Droid headsets|last=Frakes|first=Dan|date=May 14, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> The current headsets also provide volume controls, which are only compatible with more recent models.<!--3GS & 4--><ref name="Earbuds with volume">{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/B?fnode=MTY1NDA1MA&mco=MTM3NTI1ODk|title=Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic|publisher=Apple Store|accessdate=May 19, 2009}}</ref> These features are achieved by a fourth ring in the audio jack that carries this extra information. |
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The built-in [[Enhanced Data Rate|Bluetooth 2.x+EDR]] supports wireless earpieces and headphones, which requires the [[Bluetooth profile#Headset Profile (HSP)|HSP]] [[Bluetooth profile|profile]]. Stereo audio was added in the 3.0 update for hardware that supports [[A2DP]].<ref name="3.0 official" /><ref name="3.0 Macworld" /> While non-sanctioned third-party solutions exist, the |
The built-in [[Enhanced Data Rate|Bluetooth 2.x+EDR]] supports wireless earpieces and headphones, which requires the [[Bluetooth profile#Headset Profile (HSP)|HSP]] [[Bluetooth profile|profile]]. Stereo audio was added in the 3.0 update for hardware that supports [[A2DP]].<ref name="3.0 official" /><ref name="3.0 Macworld" /> While non-sanctioned third-party solutions exist, the Droid does not officially support the [[OBEX]] [[Bluetooth protocols#Object exchange (OBEX)|file transfer]] [[Bluetooth protocols|protocol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/01/ibluetooth-team-achieves-obex-file-transfer.ars|title=iBluetooth team achieves OBEX file transfer|last=Sadun|first=Erica|date=January 26, 2009|publisher=Ars Technica|accessdate=May 12, 2009}}</ref> The lack of these profiles prevents Droid users from exchanging multimedia files, such as pictures, music and videos, with other bluetooth-enabled cell phones. |
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Composite<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC748ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY |title=Apple Composite AV Cable |publisher=Apple Inc. |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> or component<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC917ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY |title=Apple Component AV Cable |publisher=Apple Inc. |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> video at up to [[576i]] and stereo audio can be output from the dock connector using an adapter sold by Apple. |
Composite<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC748ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY |title=Apple Composite AV Cable |publisher=Apple Inc. |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> or component<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC917ZM/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY |title=Apple Component AV Cable |publisher=Apple Inc. |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> video at up to [[576i]] and stereo audio can be output from the dock connector using an adapter sold by Apple. Droid 4 also supports 1024x768 [[VGA]] output<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC552 |title=Apple VGA Adapter |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=2011-04-03 |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> without audio, and [[HDMI]] output,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC953ZM/A?fnode=MTc0MjU4NjE&mco=MjE1Mjg1OTQ |title=Apple Digital AV Adapter |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=2011-03-11 |accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> with stereo audio, via dock adapters. The Droid did not support [[Sound recording and reproduction|voice recording]] until the 3.0 software update.<ref name="3.0 official"/><ref name="3.0 Macworld"/> |
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===Battery=== |
===Battery=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid Internals.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Replacing the battery requires opening the Droid unit and exposing the internal hardware]] |
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The |
The Droid features an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Like an iPod, but unlike most other mobile phones, the battery is not user-replaceable.<ref name="Original Cnet review">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/smartphones/apple-Droid-8gb-at/4505-6452_7-32309245.html|title=Apple Droid – 8 GB (AT&T)|last=German|first=Kent|coauthors=Donald Bell |date=June 29, 2007|publisher=Cnet review|pages=1 and 2|accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="Mobile Burn review">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=3526|title=Review: Apple Droid, In-Depth|last=Oryl|first=Michael|date=July 3, 2007|publisher=Mobile Burn|accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> The Droid can be charged when connected to a computer for syncing across the included USB to dock connector cable, similar to [[IPod - connectivity|charging an iPod]]. Alternatively, a USB to AC adapter (or "wall charger," also included) can be connected to the cable to charge directly from an [[AC power plugs and sockets|AC outlet]]. A number of third-party accessories (car chargers, portable chargers, battery cases, stereo dock chargers, and even [[Solar power|solar]] chargers) are also available.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} |
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Apple runs tests on preproduction units to determine battery life. Apple's website says that the battery life "is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/batteries/ |
Apple runs tests on preproduction units to determine battery life. Apple's website says that the battery life "is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/batteries/Droid.html|title=Batteries—Droid|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> which is comparable to iPod batteries. |
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The battery life of early models of the |
The battery life of early models of the Droid has been criticized by several technology journalists as insufficient and less than Apple's claims.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2008/07/Droid3g-review.ars/6|title=The Second Coming: Ars goes in-depth with the Droid 3G|publisher=Ars Technica|author=Cheng, Jacqui|coauthors=Chartier, David; Ecker, Clint|date=July 14, 2008|accessdate=June 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/5024412/Droid-3g-review|title=Droid 3G Review|author=Lam, Brian|publisher=Gizmodo|date=July 11, 2008|unused_data=June 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070900177.html|title=First Droid 3G Reviews: Mossberg: Battery 'Significant Problem'; Pogue: Limited 3G, Good Audio|author=Kramer, Staci D.|work=The Washington Post |date=July 9, 2008|accessdate=June 23, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20080708/newer-faster-cheaper-Droid-3g|title=Newer, Faster, Cheaper Droid 3G|author=Mossberg, Walter S|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|work=The Wall Street Journal |date=July 8, 2008|accessdate=June 23, 2009}}</ref> This is also reflected by a [[J. D. Power and Associates]] customer satisfaction survey, which gave the "battery aspects" of the Droid 3G its lowest rating of 2 out of 5 stars.<ref name="JD_Power">{{cite web|url=http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?id=2008240|title=2008 Business Wireless Smartphone Customer Satisfaction Study|date=November 6, 2008|publisher=[[J. D. Power and Associates]]|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10084250-37.html|title=Apple's Droid wins J.D. Power award|last=Krazit|first=Tom|date=November 6, 2008|publisher=CNET|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> |
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If the battery malfunctions or dies prematurely, the phone can be returned to Apple and replaced for free while still under [[warranty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/ |
If the battery malfunctions or dies prematurely, the phone can be returned to Apple and replaced for free while still under [[warranty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/Droid/service/faq/|title=Droid Service Frequently Asked Questions|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> The warranty lasts one year from purchase and can be extended to two years with [[AppleCare]]. The battery replacement service and its pricing was not made known to buyers until the day the product was launched,<ref name=LeeEllen /><ref>{{cite news|last=Wong|first=May|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/08/AR2007070800562_pf.html|title=Apple Issues Battery Program for Droid|work=The Washington Post|date=July 8, 2007|accessdate=July 8, 2007}}</ref> it is similar to how Apple (and third parties) replace batteries for iPods. The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a [[consumer protection|consumer advocate]] group, has sent a complaint to Apple and [[AT&T]] over the fee that consumers have to pay to have the battery replaced.<ref name=LeeEllen>{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Ellen|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/07/11/BUG34QU3921.DTL |title=Will a Cheaper Droid click before Christmas?|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=July 11, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Since July 2007, third-party battery replacement kits have been available<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/31/Droids-first-sketchy-battery-replacement-kit-appears/|title=Droid's first sketchy battery replacement kit appears|work=[[Engadget]]|date=July 31, 2007}}</ref> at a much lower price than Apple's own battery replacement program. These kits often include a small screwdriver and an instruction leaflet, but as with many newer iPod models the battery in the original Droid has been [[solder]]ed in. Therefore a soldering iron is required to install the new battery. The Droid 3G uses a different battery fitted with a connector that is easier to replace.<ref name="3G quasi-replaceable battery">{{cite web|url=http://gizmodo.com/5023983/the-Droid-3g-battery-is-quasi+replaceable|title=The Droid 3G Battery Is Quasi-Replaceable|last=Wilson|first=Mark|date=July 10, 2008|work=Gizmodo|accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid 4 cameras.png|thumb|The Droid 4 is the first generation to have two cameras. The [[LED]] [[flash (photography)|flash]] for the rear-facing camera (top) and the forward-facing camera (bottom) are both unique to that model.]] |
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===Camera=== |
===Camera=== |
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The original |
The original Droid and Droid 3G feature a built-in [[Fixed focus]] 2.0 [[megapixel]] camera located on the back for still digital photos. It has no optical zoom, flash or [[autofocus]], and does not support video recording (Droid 3G does support video recording via third-party App available on the App Store), however [[#Third-party applications|jailbreaking]] allows users to do so. Version 2.0 of Droid OS introduced the capability to [[geotagging|embed location data]] in the pictures, producing [[geocoded photograph]]s. |
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The |
The Droid 3GS has a 3.2 megapixel camera, manufactured by [[OmniVision Technologies|OmniVision]], featuring autofocus, auto white balance, and auto macro (up to 10 cm). It is also capable of capturing 640x480 ([[Display resolution|VGA]] resolution) video at 30 frames per second,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/au/Droid/Droid3gs-specs.html|title=Apple — Droid 3Gs — Technical Specifications|publisher=Apple Inc|accessdate=June 21, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> although compared to higher-end [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] based video cameras it does exhibit the [[rolling shutter]] effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.handheldhollywood.com/latest-news/foundrys-rollingshutter-can-fix-Droid-jellocam.html|title=Foundry's RollingShutter can Fix Droid Jellocam|date=November 16, 2009|publisher=Hand Held Hollywood|accessdate=February 24, 2010}}</ref> The video can then be [[video editing|cropped]] on the device itself and directly uploaded to YouTube, [[MobileMe]], or other services |
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The |
The Droid 4 introduced a 5.0 [[megapixel]] camera (2592x1936 pixels), also located on the back, which is equipped with a [[Backside illumination|backside illuminated]] sensor capable of capturing pictures in low-light conditions, as well as an [[Light-emitting diode|LED]] [[Flash (photography)|flash]] capable of staying lit for video recording at [[720p]] resolution, considered [[High-definition video|high-definition]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/au/Droid/specs.html|title=Apple — Droid 4 — Technical Specifications|publisher=Apple Inc|accessdate=June 21, 2010}}</ref> |
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Droid 4 is the first Droid that has the [[High dynamic range imaging|high dynamic range photography]] feature.<ref name="at2011-06-19">[http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/09/hdr-photography-with-Droid-4-and-ios-41.ars HDR photography with Droid 4 and iOS 4.1: how good is it?], Chris Foresman, September 13, 2010, Ars Technica, retrieved at June 19, 2011</ref> |
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In addition the |
In addition the Droid 4 has a second camera on the front capable of [[Display resolution|VGA]] photos and [[Standard-definition television|SD]] video recording. |
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Regardless of the source, saved recordings may be synced to the host computer, attached to email, or (where supported) sent by [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]]. Videos may be uploaded to YouTube directly. |
Regardless of the source, saved recordings may be synced to the host computer, attached to email, or (where supported) sent by [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]]. Videos may be uploaded to YouTube directly. |
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The camera on the |
The camera on the Droid 4S is capable of shooting 8MP stills and recording 1080p videos. The camera can now be accessed directly from the lock screen, and the volume up button as a shutter trigger. The built-in gyroscope is able to stabilize the camera while recording video. |
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Beta code pulled from iOS 5 suggests that the next feature to be released will allow users to capture a panoramic photo on their |
Beta code pulled from iOS 5 suggests that the next feature to be released will allow users to capture a panoramic photo on their Droid.<ref>Josh Lowensohn, CNET. "[http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20079537-248/more-signs-of-an-Droid-panorama-tool-emerge/ More signs of an Droid panorama tool emerge]." July 14, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.</ref> |
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On all five model generations, the phone can be configured to bring up the camera app by quickly pressing the home key twice.<ref name=derspiegel>[http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/gadgets/0,1518,789946,00.html Neues |
On all five model generations, the phone can be configured to bring up the camera app by quickly pressing the home key twice.<ref name=derspiegel>[http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/gadgets/0,1518,789946,00.html Neues Droid 4S, by Der Speigel, 05.10.2011] ([http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/gadgets/0,1518,789946,00.html&ei=1VOPTsPBBsO3twftxLyEDA&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CDYQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dder%2Bspiegel%2BDroid%2B4s%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26biw%3D1024%26bih%3D627%26prmd%3Dimvns Translation by Google])</ref> On all Droids running [[iOS version history#iOS 5.x: Fifth major OS release|iOS 5]] it can also be accessed from the lock screen directly. |
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===Storage and SIM=== |
===Storage and SIM=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droidsimcard.JPG|thumb|An Droid 3G with the SIM slot open. The SIM ejector tool is still placed in the eject hole.]] |
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The |
The Droid was initially released with two options for internal storage size: 4 GB or 8 GB. On September 5, 2007, Apple discontinued the 4 GB models.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.Droidatlas.com/2007/09/05/apple-kills-4gb-Droid-cuts-8gb-price-to-399/|title=Apple kills 4 GB Droid, cuts 8 GB price to $399 – Droid Atlas|date=September 5, 2007|publisher=Droid Atlas}}</ref> On February 5, 2008, Apple added a 16 GB model.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/131959/2008/02/Droidipodtouch.html|work=[[Macworld]]|title=Apple offers 16 GB Droid, 32 GB iPod touch|date=February 6, 2008}}</ref> The Droid 3G was available in 16 GB and 8 GB. The Droid 3GS came in 16 GB and 32 GB variants and still is available in 8 GB. The Droid 4 is available in 16 GB and 32 GB variants, as well as a newly introduced 8 GB variant to be sold along side the Droid 4S at a reduced price point. The Droid 4S is available in three sizes: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. All data is stored on the internal flash drive; the Droid does not support expanded storage through a memory card slot, or the SIM card. |
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[[GSM]] Models of the |
[[GSM]] Models of the Droid use a [[Subscriber Identity Module|SIM card]] to identify themselves to the GSM network. The SIM sits in a tray, which is inserted into a slot at the top of the device. The SIM tray can be ejected with a paperclip or the "SIM eject tool" (a simple piece of die-cut sheet metal) included with the Droid 3G and 3GS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1438|title=Removing SIM card|publisher=Apple Inc|date=July 10, 2008|accessdate=June 11, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Diaz|first=Jesus|title=Droid 3G's New SIM Ejector Tool Makes It Instant Must-Buy|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|work=[[Gizmodo]]|date=June 9, 2008|url=http://gizmodo.com/5014767/Droid-3gs-new-sim-ejector-tool-makes-it-instant-must+buy|accessdate=June 24, 2008}}{{dead link|date=February 2011}}</ref> In most countries, the Droid is usually sold with a [[#SIM unlocking|SIM lock]], which prevents the Droid from being used on a different mobile network.<ref name="Carrier unlocking list"/> |
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The [[GSM]] |
The [[GSM]] Droid 4 features a [[MicroSIM]] card that is located in a slot on the right side of the device.<ref>{{cite web|author=Apple Inc. |url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/specs.html |title=Droid 4 – Size, weight, battery life, and other specs |publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 23, 2010}}</ref> |
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The [[CDMA]] model of the |
The [[CDMA]] model of the Droid, like all CDMA phones, does not use a SIM. |
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===Liquid contact indicators=== |
===Liquid contact indicators=== |
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The |
The Droid is equipped with liquid contact indicators which change from white to red in color when they come in contact with water. These suggest whether water damage has affected the device. The indicators on the Droid include a small disc which is located at the bottom of the headphone [[jack (connector)|jack]] and with the Droid 3G and all later models an additional one is located at the bottom of the [[dock connector]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Droid and iPod: Liquid damage is not covered by warranty|work=[[Apple Inc.]]|date=August 27, 2010|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3302?viewlocale=en_US|accessdate=December 25, 2010}}</ref> The indicators are often used by Apple employees to determine whether the device [[AppleCare|qualifies]] for a warranty repair or replacement. If the indicators show that the device was exposed to water, they may determine that the device is not covered by Apple. However, the liquid contact indicators may be triggered through routine use, and if a device is worn while exercising, the sweat from an owner may dampen the indicators enough to indicate water damage.<ref>{{cite web|author=David Martin|title=Sweaty workouts killing Droids?|publisher=[[Cnet]]|date=April 8, 2009|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10214153-233.html|accessdate=November 5, 2009}}</ref> On many other mobile phones from different manufacturers, the liquid contact indicators are located in a protected location, such as beneath the battery behind a battery cover, but the indicators on an Droid are directly exposed to the environment. This has led to criticism of the placement of the indicators, which may also be affected by steam in a bathroom or other light environmental moisture.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lisa Respers|title=Moisture, cold irritate some smart phone users|publisher=CNN|date=April 14, 2009|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/14/smart.phones.buggy/index.html|accessdate=November 5, 2009}}</ref> In response to these criticisms, Apple made a silent change to their water damage policy for Droids and similar products. This new policy allows the customer to request further internal inspection of the phone to verify if internal liquid damage sensors were triggered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bgr.com/2010/11/09/apple-amends-internal-ipod-water-damage-policy/|title=Apple Amends Internal iPod Water Damage Policy|last=Epstein|first=Zach|date=November 9, 2010|work=Boy Genius Report|accessdate=January 7, 2011}}</ref> |
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===Included items=== |
===Included items=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid 4 box no lid.JPG|thumb|The contents of the box of an Droid 4. From left to right: Droid 4 in plastic holder, written documentation, and (top to bottom) headset, USB cable, wall charger.]] |
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All [[ |
All [[Droid models]] include written documentation, and a [[dock connector]] to [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] cable. The original and 3G Droids also came with a cleaning cloth. The original Droid included stereo [[Headset (telephone/computer)|headset]] ([[headphones|earbuds]] and a microphone) and a plastic dock to hold the unit upright while charging and syncing. The Droid 3G includes a similar headset plus a SIM eject tool (the original model requires a paperclip). The Droid 3GS includes the SIM eject tool and a revised headset, which adds volume buttons (not functional with previous Droid versions).<ref name="Earbuds with volume" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MB770G/B?fnode=MTY1NDA1MA&mco=MTM3NTMyNDQ|title=Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=January 26, 2011}}</ref> The Droid 3G and 3GS are compatible with the same dock, sold separately, but not the original model's dock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB484G/A |title=Apple Droid 3G Dock|publisher=Apple Store|accessdate=June 14, 2009}}</ref> All versions include a USB power adapter, or "wall charger," which allows the Droid to charge from an [[AC power plugs and sockets|AC outlet]]. The Droid 3G and Droid 3GS sold in North America, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/|title=Apple — Support — Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=January 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/support/usbadapter/exchangeprogram/countries.html|title=Apple — Support — Apple Ultracompact USB Power Adapter Exchange Program — Latin American Countries|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=January 9, 2009}}</ref> include an ultracompact USB power adapter. |
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==Model comparison== |
==Model comparison== |
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{{main|List of iOS devices# |
{{main|List of iOS devices#Droid|l1=List of Droid models}} |
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This table highlights key differences between "generations" of the |
This table highlights key differences between "generations" of the Droid. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
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|- |
|- |
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!style="background:#silver;width:10%;"|Model |
!style="background:#silver;width:10%;"|Model |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(75%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(75%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid (original)|Droid]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(65%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(65%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 3G]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(55%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(55%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 3GS]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(45%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(45%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 4]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(35%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(35%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 4S]] |
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|- |
|- |
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!{{rh}}|Status |
!{{rh}}|Status |
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Line 197: | Line 197: | ||
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|- |
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!{{rh}} rowspan=2|[[Display device|Display]] |
!{{rh}} rowspan=2|[[Display device|Display]] |
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|colspan=5|89 mm (3.5 in) glass [[LCD]], 3:2 [[aspect ratio]]<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite press release|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|date=June 18, 2007|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/ |
|colspan=5|89 mm (3.5 in) glass [[LCD]], 3:2 [[aspect ratio]]<ref name=autogenerated3>{{cite press release|publisher=[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]|date=June 18, 2007|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/18Droid.html|title=Droid Delivers Up to Eight Hours of Talk Time}}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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|colspan=3|480 × 320 [[Pixel|px]] ([[HVGA]]) at 163 [[pixels per inch|ppi]]<br/> |
|colspan=3|480 × 320 [[Pixel|px]] ([[HVGA]]) at 163 [[pixels per inch|ppi]]<br/> |
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!{{rh}}|[[Central processing unit|CPU Core]] |
!{{rh}}|[[Central processing unit|CPU Core]] |
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|colspan=2|620 [[Hertz|MHz]] ([[underclocking|underclocked]] to 412 MHz)<br />[[ARM architecture|{{nowrap|ARM 1176JZ(F)-S}}]]<ref name="Processor"> |
|colspan=2|620 [[Hertz|MHz]] ([[underclocking|underclocked]] to 412 MHz)<br />[[ARM architecture|{{nowrap|ARM 1176JZ(F)-S}}]]<ref name="Processor"> |
||
{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2008/07/07/under-the-hood-the- |
{{cite web|url=http://toucharcade.com/2008/07/07/under-the-hood-the-Droids-gaming-mettle/|title=Under the Hood: The Droid's Gaming Mettle|last=Patterson|first=Blake|date=July 7, 2008|publisher=touchArcade|accessdate=March 20, 2009}} |
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</ref><br /> |
</ref><br /> |
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|833 MHz (underclocked to 600 MHz)<br />[[ARM architecture|{{nowrap|ARM Cortex-A8}}]]<ref name="3G_S_Processor">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3579&p=2|title=The |
|833 MHz (underclocked to 600 MHz)<br />[[ARM architecture|{{nowrap|ARM Cortex-A8}}]]<ref name="3G_S_Processor">{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3579&p=2|title=The Droid 3GS Hardware Exposed & Analyzed|last=Shimpi|first=Anand|date=June 10, 2009|publisher=AnandTech|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="3G_S_Processor2">{{cite web|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/06/t-mobile-accidentally-posts-secret-Droid-3g-s-specs/|title= Gadget Lab Hardware News and Reviews T-Mobile Accidentally Posts Secret Droid 3G S Specs|last=Sorrel|first=Charlie|date=June 10, 2009|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired.com]]|accessdate=June 14, 2009}}</ref> |
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| 1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)<ref name=" |
| 1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)<ref name="Droid 4 underclocked">{{cite web|url=http://browse.geekbench.ca/geekbench2/view/375314 |title=Droid3,1 : Geekbench Result Browser |publisher=Browse.geekbench.ca |date=2011-03-09 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref><br />{{nowrap|[[Apple A4]]}}<ref> |
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{{cite web|url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/ |
{{cite web|url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Droid-4-Teardown/3130/2 |title=Droid 4 Teardown – Page 2 |publisher=iFixit |accessdate=June 23, 2010}} |
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</ref> |
</ref> |
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|1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)<ref name=" |
|1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)<ref name="Droid 4S underclocked">{{cite web | url=http://www.redmondpie.com/Droid-4s-cpu-clocked-at-800mhz-is-73-faster-than-Droid-4-twice-as-fast-as-galaxy-s-ii-and-all-other-android-phones/ | title=Droid 4S CPU Clocked At 800MHz Is 73% Faster Than Droid 4, Twice As Fast As Galaxy S II, And All Other Android Phones | publisher=Redmond Pie | date=October 11, 2011 | accessdate=October 24, 2011 | author=Babu, Waisy}}</ref> [[Multi-core processor|Dual-core]] [[Apple A5]] |
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|- |
|- |
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!{{rh}}|[[Random access memory|Memory]] |
!{{rh}}|[[Random access memory|Memory]] |
||
|colspan=2|128 [[megabyte|MB]] [[Dynamic random access memory|DRAM]]<ref name="DRAM">{{cite web|url=http://www.ubmtechinsights.com/reports-and-subscriptions/device-library/Device-Profile/?SINumber=18016|title=Apple (Samsung S5L8900) applications processor with eDRAM|publisher=UBM TechInsights|accessdate=May 12, 2009}}</ref> |
|colspan=2|128 [[megabyte|MB]] [[Dynamic random access memory|DRAM]]<ref name="DRAM">{{cite web|url=http://www.ubmtechinsights.com/reports-and-subscriptions/device-library/Device-Profile/?SINumber=18016|title=Apple (Samsung S5L8900) applications processor with eDRAM|publisher=UBM TechInsights|accessdate=May 12, 2009}}</ref> |
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|{{nowrap|256 MB}} DRAM<ref name="3G_S_Processor"/><ref name="3G_S_Processor2"/> |
|{{nowrap|256 MB}} DRAM<ref name="3G_S_Processor"/><ref name="3G_S_Processor2"/> |
||
|colspan=2|{{nowrap|512 MB}} DRAM<ref name=" |
|colspan=2|{{nowrap|512 MB}} DRAM<ref name="Droid4-DRAM">{{cite web|url=http://www.macrumors.com/2010/06/17/Droid-4-confirmed-to-have-512mb-of-ram-twice-the-ipad-and-3gs/|title=Droid 4 Confirmed to Have 512MB of RAM (Twice the iPad and 3GS)|publisher=MacRumors|accessdate=June 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://appadvice.com/appnn/2011/10/apples-Droid-4s-has-512-megabytes-of-ram-just-like-Droid-4-and-ipad-2 According To chAIR Entertainment, Apple's Droid 4S Has 512 Megabytes Of RAM]. AppAdvice (2011-10-06). Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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|{{rh}} rowspan=2|'''Cellular Connectivity''' |
|{{rh}} rowspan=2|'''Cellular Connectivity''' |
||
|rowspan=2|[[Quad band]] GSM/[[General Packet Radio Service|GPRS]]/[[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]] ([[GSM frequency ranges|850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz]]) |
|rowspan=2|[[Quad band]] GSM/[[General Packet Radio Service|GPRS]]/[[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]] ([[GSM frequency ranges|850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz]]) |
||
|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />[[Tri-band]] 3.6 [[Megabit|Mbit/s]] [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]]/[[High-Speed Downlink Packet Access|HSDPA]] ([[UMTS frequency bands|850, 1900, 2100 MHz]]),<ref name=3G_tech_specs>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/ |
|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />[[Tri-band]] 3.6 [[Megabit|Mbit/s]] [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]]/[[High-Speed Downlink Packet Access|HSDPA]] ([[UMTS frequency bands|850, 1900, 2100 MHz]]),<ref name=3G_tech_specs>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/specs-3g.html|title=Apple — Droid — Technical Specifications|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2009-06-10}}</ref> |
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|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />7.2 Mbit/s HSDPA |
|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />7.2 Mbit/s HSDPA |
||
|''GSM model:''<br />In addition to previous:<br />5.76 Mbit/s [[High-Speed Uplink Packet Access|HSUPA]],<br />UMTS/HSDPA at 800 and 900 MHz<ref name=4_tech_specs>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/ |
|''GSM model:''<br />In addition to previous:<br />5.76 Mbit/s [[High-Speed Uplink Packet Access|HSUPA]],<br />UMTS/HSDPA at 800 and 900 MHz<ref name=4_tech_specs>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/specs.html|title=Apple — Droid — Technical Specifications|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=2010-06-09}}</ref><ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/07/Droid-4-hits-fcc-becomes-worlds-second-announced-pentaband-3g/2 Droid 4 hits FCC, becomes world's second announced pentaband 3G phone]. Engadget. Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref> |
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|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />14.4 Mbit/s HSDPA,<br/>Redesigned dynamically switching dual antenna,<ref>[http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/10/13/ |
|rowspan=2|In addition to previous:<br />14.4 Mbit/s HSDPA,<br/>Redesigned dynamically switching dual antenna,<ref>[http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/11/10/13/inside_apples_Droid_4s_and_its_improved_antenna_s_is_for_signal.html Inside Apple's Droid 4S and its improved antenna: 'S' is for Signal]. AppleInsider (2011-10-13). Retrieved on 2011-11-06.</ref><br/>Combined GSM/CDMA capability |
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|- |
|- |
||
|''CDMA model:''<br />[[Multi-band|Dual-band]] CDMA/[[EV-DO Rev. A]] (800, 1900 MHz) |
|''CDMA model:''<br />[[Multi-band|Dual-band]] CDMA/[[EV-DO Rev. A]] (800, 1900 MHz) |
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Line 253: | Line 253: | ||
|- |
|- |
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!{{rh}}|Power |
!{{rh}}|Power |
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|colspan=5|Built-in, non removable, rechargeable [[lithium-ion polymer battery]]<ref name= |
|colspan=5|Built-in, non removable, rechargeable [[lithium-ion polymer battery]]<ref name=Droid_battery>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Droid-1st-Generation/599/2 |title=Droid 1st Generation Teardown — Page 2 – iFixit |publisher=iFixit |accessdate=October 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name=3G_battery>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Droid-3G/600/4 |title=Droid 3G Teardown — Page 4 – iFixit |publisher=iFixit |accessdate=October 4, 2009}}</ref><ref name=3GS_battery>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Droid-3GS/817/2 |title=Droid 3GS Teardown — Page 2 – iFixit |publisher=iFixit |accessdate=October 4, 2009}}</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
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!{{rh}}|Released |
!{{rh}}|Released |
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|- |
|- |
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!style="background:#silver;width:10%;"|Model |
!style="background:#silver;width:10%;"|Model |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(75%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(75%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid (original)|Droid]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(65%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(65%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 3G]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(55%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(55%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 3GS]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(45%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(45%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 4]] |
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!style="width:18%;background:rgb(35%,100%,55%);"|[[ |
!style="width:18%;background:rgb(35%,100%,55%);"|[[Droid 4S]] |
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|} |
|} |
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Line 280: | Line 280: | ||
{{Main|iOS (Apple)|iOS version history}} |
{{Main|iOS (Apple)|iOS version history}} |
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[[File:IOS43GS.PNG|thumb|upright|The default Home screen of iOS 4.2.1 shows most of the applications provided by Apple. Users can download additional applications from the App store, create Web Clips, rearrange the icons, and create and delete folders.]] |
[[File:IOS43GS.PNG|thumb|upright|The default Home screen of iOS 4.2.1 shows most of the applications provided by Apple. Users can download additional applications from the App store, create Web Clips, rearrange the icons, and create and delete folders.]] |
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The |
The Droid, [[iPod Touch]] and [[iPad]] run an [[operating system]] known as [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]] (formerly Droid OS). It is a variant of the same [[Darwin (operating system)|Darwin]] operating system core that is found in [[Mac OS X]]. Also included is the "[[Core Animation]]" software component from [[Mac OS X v10.5]] Leopard. Together with the [[PowerVR]] hardware (and on the Droid 3GS, [[OpenGL ES]] 2.0), it is responsible for the interface's [[motion graphics]]. The operating system takes up less than half a [[gigabyte]].<ref name=VersatileFlash>{{cite web|last=Haslam|first=Karen|url=http://www.macworld.co.uk/ipod-itunes/news/index.cfm?newsid=16927|title=Macworld Expo: Optimised OS X sits on 'versatile' flash|work=Macworld|date=January 12, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> It is capable of supporting bundled and future applications from Apple, as well as from third-party developers. Software applications cannot be copied directly from Mac OS X but must be written and compiled specifically for iOS. |
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Like the iPod, the |
Like the iPod, the Droid is managed from a computer using [[iTunes]]. The earliest versions of the OS required [[iTunes version history|version 7.3 or later]], which is compatible with Mac OS X version 10.3.9 Panther or later, and 32-bit [[Windows XP]] or [[Windows Vista|Vista]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305703|title=Droid: Minimum system requirements|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=July 13, 2007}}</ref> The release of iTunes 7.6 expanded this support to include 64-bit versions of XP and Vista,<ref>{{cite web|title=Apple's iTunes 7.6 plays nice with 64 bit Vista|url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/15/apples-itunes-7-6-plays-nice-with-64-bit-vista/|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=January 15, 2008|accessdate=January 22, 2008}}</ref> and a workaround has been discovered for previous 64-bit Windows operating systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetamd64.com/index.php?showtopic=35132&st=0&p=327771&#entry327771|title=iTunes is now 64-bit|publisher=PlanetAMD64}}</ref> Apple provides free updates to the OS for the Droid through iTunes,<ref name=VersatileFlash/> and major updates have historically accompanied new models.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworldcanada.ca/news/feature/to-upgrade-or-not-the-Droid-3g-s-dilemma/130d25f1c0a8000600b4bb6582434a58/pg001.htm|title=To Upgrade or Not: the Droid 3G S Dilemma|work=Macworld Canada|date=June 24, 2009|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> Such updates often require a newer version of iTunes — for example, the 3.0 update requires iTunes 8.2 — but the iTunes system requirements have stayed the same. Updates include both security patches and new features.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kharif|first=Olga|url=http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/techbeat/archives/2007/07/coming_soon_iph.html|title=Coming Soon: Droid Software Updates|work=BusinessWeek |date=July 10, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> For example, Droid 3G users initially experienced dropped calls until an update was issued.<ref name="2.1">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/135515/2008/09/Droid21.html|title=Apple releases Droid 2.1 update|last=Cohen|first=Peter|date=September 12, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macblogz.com/2008/08/12/Droid-3g-connection-issues-caused-by-immature-chipset/|title=Droid 3G Connection Issues Caused by Immature Infineon Chipset?|last=Aviv|date=August 12, 2008|publisher=MacBlogz|accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> Version 3.1 required iTunes 9.0, and iOS 4 required iTunes 9.2. iTunes 10.5, which is required to sync and activate iOS 5, the current version of iTunes, Requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or Leopard on G4 or G5 computers on 800 MHz or higher; versions 10.3 and 10.4 and 10.5–10.5.7 are no longer supported. |
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===Interface=== |
===Interface=== |
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The [[Graphical user interface|interface]] is based around the home screen, a graphical list of available applications. |
The [[Graphical user interface|interface]] is based around the home screen, a graphical list of available applications. Droid applications normally run one at a time (not including iOS 4 and iOS 5, which includes running applications in the background),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techie-buzz.com/mobile-news/how-to-multitask-in-ios4-on-Droid-ipod-touch.html |title=How To Multitask in iOS4 on Droid, iPod Touch |publisher=Techie-buzz.com |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref> although most functionality is still available when making a call or listening to music. The home screen can be accessed at any time by a hardware button below the screen, closing the open application in the process.<ref name="home screen">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/homescreen.html|title=Apple — Droid — Features — Home screen|year=2008|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 13, 2008}}</ref> By default, the Home screen contains the following icons: Messages ([[Short message service|SMS]] and [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]] messaging), Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps ([[Google Maps]]), Weather, Voice Memos, Notes, Clock, Calculator, Settings, [[iTunes Store|iTunes (store)]], [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]], and (on the Droid 3GS and Droid 4) [[Compass]]. Docked at the base of the screen, four icons for [[Mobile phone|Phone]], [[Email|Mail]], [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]] (Internet), and iPod ([[multimedia]]) delineate the Droid's main purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306003|title=Droid Applications|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=July 11, 2007|accessdate=November 4, 2007}}</ref> On January 15, 2008, Apple released software update 1.1.3, allowing users to create "Web Clips", home screen icons that resemble apps that open a user-defined page in Safari. After the update, Droid users can rearrange and place icons on up to nine other adjacent home screens, accessed by a horizontal swipe.<ref name="Update 1.1.3">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/01/15Droid.html|title=Apple Enhances Revolutionary Droid with Software Update|date=January 15, 2008|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 13, 2008}}</ref> Users can also add and delete icons from the dock, which is the same on every home screen. Each home screen holds up to sixteen icons, and the dock holds up to four icons. Users can delete Web Clips and third-party applications at any time, and may select only certain applications for transfer from iTunes. Apple's default programs, however, may not be removed. The 3.0 update adds a system-wide search, known as [[Spotlight (software)#iOS|Spotlight]], to the left of the first home screen.<ref name="3.0 official"/><ref name="3.0 Macworld"/> |
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Almost all input is given through the touch screen, which understands [[multi-touch gestures|complex gestures using multi-touch]]. The |
Almost all input is given through the touch screen, which understands [[multi-touch gestures|complex gestures using multi-touch]]. The Droid's [[interaction techniques]] enable the user to move the content up or down by a touch-drag motion of the finger. For example, zooming in and out of web pages and photos is done by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading them farther apart or bringing them closer together, a gesture known as "[[pinching (technology)|pinching]]". Scrolling through a long list or menu is achieved by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top, or vice versa to go back. In either case, the list moves as if it is pasted on the outer surface of a wheel, slowly decelerating as if affected by friction. In this way, the interface simulates the physics of a real object. Other [[User-centered design|user-centered]] [[interactive design|interactive]] effects include horizontally sliding sub-selection, the vertically sliding keyboard and bookmarks menu, and widgets that turn around to allow settings to be configured on the other side. Menu bars are found at the top and bottom of the screen when necessary. Their options vary by program, but always follow a consistent style motif. In menu hierarchies, a "back" button in the top-left corner of the screen displays the name of the parent folder. |
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===Phone=== |
===Phone=== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid call screen.png|thumb|upright|When making a call, the Droid presents a number of options; including [[FaceTime]] on supported models. The screen is [[Proximity sensor|automatically disabled]] when held close to the face.]] |
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The |
The Droid allows audio [[conference call|conferencing]], call holding, call merging, [[caller ID]], and integration with other cellular network features and Droid functions. For example, if music is playing when a call is received, the music fades out, and fades back in when the call has ended. The [[proximity sensor]] shuts off the screen and touch-sensitive circuitry when the Droid is brought close to the face, both to save battery and prevent unintentional touches. The Droid does not support [[Videophone|video calling]] or [[videoconferencing]] on versions prior to the fourth generation, as there is only one camera on the opposite side of the screen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/13/mirror-based-video-conferencing-developed-for-Droid/|title=Mirror-based video conferencing developed for Droid|first=Donald|last=Melanson|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=September 13, 2007|accessdate=December 20, 2009}}</ref> The Droid 4 supports video calling using either the front or back camera over Wi-Fi, a feature Apple calls [[FaceTime]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/facetime.html|title=Apple – Droid 4 – One-tap video calling with FaceTime on Droid 43|accessdate=June 11, 2010}}</ref> The first two models only support [[voice command device|voice dialing]] through third-party applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/137421/2008/12/voicedialers.html|title=Review: Droid voice dialers|last=Tessler|first=Franklin|date=December 12, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=May 9, 2009}}</ref> Voice control, available only on the Droid 3GS and Droid 4, allows users to say a contact's name or number and the Droid will dial.<ref name="Voice_Control">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/Droid-3g-s/voice-control.html|title=Droid: Make calls and play music using voice control|date=June 10, 2009|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 10, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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The |
The Droid includes a [[visual voicemail]] (in some countries)<ref name="VV_abroad">{{cite web|url=http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/Droid-3g-carriers-apple-vary-on-visual-voicemail/|title=Droid 3G carriers, Apple vary on Visual Voicemail|last=Starrett |first=Charles|date=June 11, 2008|publisher=[[iLounge]]|accessdate=May 24, 2009}}</ref> feature allowing users to view a list of current voicemail messages on-screen without having to call into their voicemail. Unlike most other systems, messages can be listened to and deleted in a non-chronological order by choosing any message from an on-screen list. |
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A music [[ringtone]] feature was introduced in the United States on September 5, 2007. Users can create custom ringtones from songs purchased from the iTunes Store for a small additional fee. The ringtones can be 3 to 30 seconds long from any part of a song, can fade in and out, pause from half a second to five seconds when looped, or [[infinite loop|loop continuously]]. All customizing can be done in iTunes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/09/05itunes.html|title=Apple Unveils the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store|date=November 5, 2007|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 24, 2009}}</ref> or alternatively with Apple's [[GarageBand]] software 4.1.1 or later (available only on [[Mac OS X]])<ref name=GarageBand1>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307108|title=How to create custom ringtones in GarageBand 4.1.1|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2007}}</ref> or third-party tools.<ref name="third party ringtones">{{cite news|last=Gilbertson|first=Scott|title=How to Make Custom |
A music [[ringtone]] feature was introduced in the United States on September 5, 2007. Users can create custom ringtones from songs purchased from the iTunes Store for a small additional fee. The ringtones can be 3 to 30 seconds long from any part of a song, can fade in and out, pause from half a second to five seconds when looped, or [[infinite loop|loop continuously]]. All customizing can be done in iTunes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/09/05itunes.html|title=Apple Unveils the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store|date=November 5, 2007|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 24, 2009}}</ref> or alternatively with Apple's [[GarageBand]] software 4.1.1 or later (available only on [[Mac OS X]])<ref name=GarageBand1>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307108|title=How to create custom ringtones in GarageBand 4.1.1|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2007}}</ref> or third-party tools.<ref name="third party ringtones">{{cite news|last=Gilbertson|first=Scott|title=How to Make Custom Droid Ringtones Without Paying Apple $2|url=http://www.wired.com/software/coolapps/news/2007/09/ringtone_hacks|work=[[Wired magazine]]|date=September 12, 2007|accessdate=March 8, 2008}}</ref> |
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===Multimedia=== |
===Multimedia=== |
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The layout of the music library is similar to that of an [[iPod]] or current [[Symbian OS|Symbian]] [[S60 platform|S60]] phones. The |
The layout of the music library is similar to that of an [[iPod]] or current [[Symbian OS|Symbian]] [[S60 platform|S60]] phones. The Droid can sort its media library by songs, artists, albums, videos, [[playlist]]s, [[genre]]s, composers, [[podcast]]s, [[audiobook]]s, and [[Compilation album|compilations]]. Options are always presented alphabetically, except in playlists, which retain their order from [[iTunes]]. The Droid uses a large font that allows users plenty of room to touch their selection. Users can rotate their device horizontally to [[Page orientation|landscape mode]] to access [[Cover Flow]]. Like on iTunes, this feature shows the different album covers in a scroll-through photo library. Scrolling is achieved by swiping a finger across the screen. Alternatively, headset controls can be used to pause, play, skip, and repeat tracks. On the Droid 3GS, the volume can be changed with the included Apple Earphones, and the Voice Control feature can be used to identify a track, play songs in a playlist or by a specific artist, or create a [[Genius (iTunes)|Genius playlist]].<ref name="Voice_Control"/> |
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The |
The Droid supports [[gapless playback]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1797|title=What is Gapless Playback?|accessdate=May 13, 2008|publisher=Apple Inc.}}</ref> Like the [[iPod classic#Fifth generation|fifth-generation iPods]] introduced in 2005, the Droid can play [[digital video]], allowing users to watch TV shows and movies in [[widescreen]]. Double-tapping switches between widescreen and [[fullscreen]] video playback. |
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The |
The Droid allows users to purchase and download songs from the iTunes Store directly to their Droid. The feature originally required a Wi-Fi network, but now{{When|date=July 2010}} can use the cellular data network if one is not available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://daringfireball.net/linked/2007/september#thu-27-wifi|title=The Reason It's Called the Wi-Fi Music Store|date=September 30, 2007|accessdate=January 6, 2008|first=John|last=Gruber|publisher=[[Daring Fireball]]|authorlink=John Gruber|work=Linked List}}</ref> |
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The |
The Droid includes software that allows the user to upload, view, and email photos taken with the [[#Camera|camera]]. The user zooms in and out of photos by sliding two fingers further apart or closer together, much like Safari. The Camera application also lets users view the camera roll, the pictures that have been taken with the Droid's camera. Those pictures are also available in the Photos application, along with any transferred from [[iPhoto]] or [[Aperture (photography software)|Aperture]] on a Mac, or [[Adobe Photoshop|Photoshop]] on a Windows [[personal computer|PC]]. |
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===Internet connectivity=== |
===Internet connectivity=== |
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[[File:Wikipedia on |
[[File:Wikipedia on Droid's Safari.png|thumb|Wikipedia Main Page on the Droid [[Safari (web browser)|Safari web browser]] in landscape mode]] |
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Internet access is available when the |
Internet access is available when the Droid is connected to a local area [[Wi-Fi]] or a wide area [[GSM]] or [[Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution|EDGE]] network, both second-generation ([[2G]]) wireless data standards. The Droid 3G introduced support for third-generation [[Universal Mobile Telecommunications System|UMTS]] and [[High-Speed Downlink Packet Access|HSDPA]] 3.6,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearlog.com/2008/07/apples_joswiak_Droid_3g_runs.php|title=Apple's Joswiak: Droid 3G Runs Fast HSDPA 3.6, Not Slower 1.8|publisher=Gearlog|accessdate=October 12, 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> only the Droid 4S supports [[High-Speed Uplink Packet Access|HSUPA]] networks (14.4 Mbps), and only the Droid 3GS and Droid 4 support HSDPA 7.2.<ref name="Macworld_3G_S">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/141031/2009/06/Droid3gs.html |title=Droid 3GS offers speed boost, video capture|last=Michaels|first=Philip|coauthors=Jason Snell|date=June 8, 2009|work=Macworld|accessdate=June 8, 2009}}</ref> AT&T introduced [[3G]] in July 2004,<ref name="3G rollout">{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2004/07/20/at-t-wireless-introduces-3g-wireless/|title=AT&T Wireless introduces 3G wireless|last=Rojas|first=Peter|date=July 20, 2004|publisher=[[Engadget]]|accessdate=December 17, 2008}}</ref> but as late as 2007, [[Steve Jobs]] stated that it was still not widespread enough in the US, and the chipsets not energy efficient enough, to be included in the Droid.<ref name=pogueFAQ /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/09/18/jobs.uk.cell.carrier.qa/|title=Jobs: battery life issues delaying 3G Droid|publisher=MacNN|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Support for [[802.1X]], an authentication system commonly used by university and corporate Wi-Fi networks, was added in the 2.0 version update.<ref name="802.1x">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/au/Droid/enterprise/|title=Apple — Droid — Enterprise|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 11, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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By default, the |
By default, the Droid will ask to join newly discovered [[Wi-Fi]] networks and prompt for the password when required. Alternatively, it can join closed Wi-Fi networks manually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306249|title=Droid: About Connections Settings|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=November 4, 2007}}</ref> The Droid will automatically choose the strongest network, connecting to Wi-Fi instead of EDGE when it is available.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305711|title=Droid: Connecting to the Internet with EDGE or Wi-Fi|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=November 4, 2007}}</ref> Similarly, the Droid 3G, 3GS and 4 prefer [[3G]] to [[2G]], and Wi-Fi to either.<ref name="3GSpeeds">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/wireless.html|title=Apple -Droid — Features – 3G |year=2008|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 14, 2008}}</ref> Wi-Fi, [[Bluetooth]], and 3G (on the Droid 3G, 3GS, and 4) can all be deactivated individually. [[Flight mode|Airplane mode]] disables all wireless connections at once, overriding other preferences. However, once in Airplane mode, one can explicitly enable Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth modes to join and continue to operate over one or both of those networks while the cellular network transceivers remain off. |
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The |
The Droid 3GS has a maximum download rate of 7.2 [[Mbit/s]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/141092/2009/06/Droid3gs_72 Mbit/s.html|title=Droid 3G S features 7.2 Mbit/s, AT&T's network does not|date=June 10, 2009|accessdate=May 16, 2010|work=Macworld}}</ref> Furthermore, email attachments as well as apps and media from Apple's various stores must be smaller than 20 MB to be downloaded over a cellular network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/apple-raises-Droid-download-limit-to-20 mb/19365036/|title=Apple Increases Droid Download Limit to 20 MB|date=February 19, 2010|accessdate=May 16, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Larger files, often email attachments or podcasts, must be downloaded over Wi-Fi (which has no file size limits). If Wi-Fi is unavailable, one [[workaround]] is to open the files directly in [[Safari (web browser)|Safari]].<ref name="Droid: Beat 10 MB 3G download limit">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/natelanxon/0,139102300,49300138,00.htm|title=Droid: Beat 10 MB 3G download limit}}</ref> |
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[[Safari (web browser)|Safari]] is the |
[[Safari (web browser)|Safari]] is the Droid's native [[web browser]], and it displays pages similar to its Mac and [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] counterparts. Web pages may be viewed in portrait or landscape mode and the device supports automatic zooming by pinching together or spreading apart fingertips on the screen, or by double-tapping text or images.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305899|title=Droid: Zooming In to See a Page More easily|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=November 4, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://solution.allthingsd.com/20070626/the-Droid-is-breakthrough-handheld-computer/|title=The Droid Is a Breakthrough Handheld Computer|author=Walter S. Mossberg|coauthors=Katherine Boehret|authorlink=Walter Mossberg|work=The Mossberg Solution|quote=The Droid is the first smart phone we've tested with a real, computer-grade Web browser, a version of Apple's Safari. It displays entire Web pages, in their real layouts, and allows you to zoom in quickly by either tapping or pinching with your finger.|date=June 26, 2007}}</ref> The Droid supports neither [[Adobe Flash|Flash]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Chartier|first=David|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2007/06/12/its-official-no-flash-support-on-the-Droid-yet/|title=It's official: No Flash support on the Droid (yet)|publisher=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|date=June 12, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> nor [[Java (software platform)|Java]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ericklein.com/2008/03/btw-i-love-apple.html|title=BTW, I love Apple!|date=March 9, 2008|accessdate=May 7, 2008}}</ref>{{Verify credibility|date=May 2010}} Consequently, the [[Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom)|UK's Advertising Standards Authority]] adjudicated that an advertisement claiming the Droid could access "all parts of the internet" should be withdrawn in its current form, on grounds of [[false advertising]].<ref name="asaDroidban">{{cite web|url=http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/adjudications/Public/TF_ADJ_44891.htm|title=ASA Adjudications: Apple (UK) Ltd|date=August 27, 2008|accessdate=March 10, 2009}}</ref> In a rare public letter in April 2010, Apple CEO [[Steve Jobs]] outlined the reasoning behind the absence of Flash on the Droid (and [[iPad]]).<ref name="Thoughts on Flash">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/|title=Thoughts on Flash|last=Jobs|first=Steve|date=April 2010|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref> The Droid supports [[SVG]], [[CSS]], [[HTML]] [[Canvas (HTML element)|Canvas]], and [[Bonjour (software)|Bonjour]].<ref name="Droid Atlas OS 2.0">{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10115415-233.html |title=Droid OS 2.0 will include Bonjour, full-screen Safari mode, more|last=Wilson|first=Ben|date=March 8, 2008|publisher=Droid Atlas|accessdate=January 9, 2009}}</ref><ref name="riactant">{{cite web|url=http://riactant.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/apple-Droid-tech-talk-debriefing-part-2-vector-graphics-and-animation/|title=Apple Droid Tech Talk Debriefing — Part 2 (Vector graphics and animation) |last=riactant|date=August 27, 2007|publisher=The General Theory of RIAtivity|accessdate=January 9, 2009}}</ref> |
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The maps application can access [[Google Maps]] in map, [[satellite imagery|satellite]], or hybrid form. It can also generate directions between two locations, while providing optional real-time traffic information. During the |
The maps application can access [[Google Maps]] in map, [[satellite imagery|satellite]], or hybrid form. It can also generate directions between two locations, while providing optional real-time traffic information. During the Droid's announcement, Jobs demonstrated this feature by searching for nearby [[Starbucks]] locations and then placing a [[prank call]] to one with a single tap.<ref name=keynoteMacworld /><ref name="keynoteEngadget">{{cite web|last=Block|first=Ryan|url=http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/09/live-from-macworld-2007-steve-jobs-keynote/|title=Live from Macworld 2007: Steve Jobs keynote|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=January 9, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Support for walking directions, public transit, and [[Google Street View|street view]] was added in the version 2.2 software update, but no voice-guided navigation.<ref name="2.2" /> The Droid 3GS and Droid 4 can orient the map with its digital compass.<ref name="Compass">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/Droid-3g-s/maps-compass.html|title=Apple — Droid — Get directions with GPS maps and a new compass|date=June 8, 2009|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 8, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Apple also developed a separate application to view YouTube videos on the Droid, which streams videos after encoding them using the [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]] codec. Simple weather and [[stock quote]]s applications also tap in to the Internet. |
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Droid users can and do access the Internet frequently, and in a variety of places. According to [[Google]], in 2008, the Droid generated 50 times more search requests than any other mobile handset.<ref name="GoogleSearches">{{cite web|last=Lane|first=Slash|url=http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/08/02/14/google_Droid_usage_shocks_search_giant.html|title=Google Droid usage shocks search giant|publisher=[[AppleInsider]]|date=February 14, 2008|accessdate=February 18, 2008}}</ref> According to [[Deutsche Telekom]] CEO [[René Obermann]], "The average [[Internet usage]] for an Droid customer is more than 100 [[megabyte]]s. This is 30 times the use for our average contract-based consumer customers."<ref name="DroidDataBoom">{{cite web|url=http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=144563&f_src=unstrung_gnews|title=Droid Data Booms at T-Mobile|publisher=Unstrung|date=January 30, 2008|accessdate=February 18, 2008}}{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> [[Nielsen Company|Nielsen]] found that 98% of Droid users use data services, and 88% use the internet.<ref name="Nielsen demographics">{{cite web|url=http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/Droid-users-watch-more-video-and-are-older-than-you-think/|title=Droid Users Watch More Video... and are Older than You Think|date=2009-106-10|publisher=The [[Nielsen Company]]|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref> In China, the Droid 3G and Droid 3GS were built and distributed without Wi-fi.<ref name="Wired">{{cite web|url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/08/Droid-china/|title=Droid Goes to China Without Wi-Fi}}</ref> |
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With the introduction of the Verizon |
With the introduction of the Verizon Droid in January 2011, the issue of using internet while on the phone has been brought to the public's attention. Under the two US carriers, internet and phone could be used simultaneously on ATT networks, whereas the Verizon networks only support for the use of each separately.<ref name="TUAW">{{cite web|url=http://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/11/verizon-Droid-cant-handle-data-and-voice-simultaneously|title=Verizon Droid Can't Handle Data and Voice Simultaneously|last=Sande|first=Steven|date=January 11, 2011|work=The Unofficial Apple Weblog|publisher=AOL}}</ref> |
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===Text input=== |
===Text input=== |
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[[Image: |
[[Image:Droid keyboard unblurred.jpg|thumb|The [[virtual keyboard]] on the original Droid [[touchscreen]].]] |
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For text input, the |
For text input, the Droid implements a [[virtual keyboard]] on the touchscreen. It has automatic [[spell checker|spell checking]] and correction, [[Predictive text|predictive word]] capabilities, and a dynamic dictionary that learns new words. The keyboard can predict what word the user is typing and complete it, and correct for the accidental pressing of keys near the presumed desired key.<ref name=hasAKeyboard>{{cite news|authorlink=John Markoff|last=Markoff|first=John|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/13/technology/13phone.ready.html|title=That Droid Has a Keyboard, but It's Not Mechanical|work=The New York Times |date=June 13, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> The keys are somewhat larger and spaced farther apart when in [[landscape mode]], which is supported by only a limited number of applications. Touching a section of text for a brief time brings up a [[magnifying glass]], allowing users to place the [[cursor (computers)|cursor]] in the middle of existing text. The virtual keyboard can accommodate 21 languages, including character recognition for Chinese.<ref name="Keyboard">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/keyboard.html|title=Apple — Droid — Features — Keyboard|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2008}}</ref> Alternate characters with accents can be typed from the keyboard by pressing the letter for 2 seconds and selecting the alternate character from the popup.<ref name="KeyboardAlternateLetters">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/tips/|title=Apple – Droid – Tips and Tricks|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=November 11, 2011}}</ref> The 3.0 update brought support for [[cut, copy, and paste|cut, copy, or pasting]] text, as well as landscape keyboards in more applications.<ref name="3.0 official" /><ref name="3.0 Macworld" /> On Droid 4S, Siri allows dictation. |
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===Email and text messages=== |
===Email and text messages=== |
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The |
The Droid also features an email program that supports [[HTML email]], which enables the user to embed photos in an email message. [[Portable Document Format|PDF]], [[Microsoft Word|Word]], [[Microsoft Excel|Excel]], and [[Microsoft Powerpoint|Powerpoint]] attachments to mail messages can be viewed on the phone.<ref name=3G_tech_specs>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/specs-3g.html|title=Apple — Droid — Technical Specifications|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> Apple's [[MobileMe]] platform offers [[push email]], which emulates the functionality of the popular [[BlackBerry]] email solution, for an annual subscription. [[Yahoo!]] offers a free push-email service for the Droid. [[Internet Message Access Protocol|IMAP]] (although not [[Push-IMAP]]) and [[Post Office Protocol|POP3]] mail standards are also supported, including [[Microsoft Exchange Server|Microsoft Exchange]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/enterprise/|title=Apple — Droid — Enterprise|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 16, 2009}}</ref> and [[Kerio Connect]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Anthony|last=Frausto-Robledo|url=http://www.architosh.com/news/2007-07/2007a0724_an-kerioDroid.html|title=Analysis: Kerio MailServer delivers email to Apple Droid|date=July 24, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> In the first versions of the Droid firmware, this was accomplished by opening up IMAP on the Exchange server. Apple has also licensed [[ActiveSync|Microsoft ActiveSync]] and now{{When|date=July 2010}} supports the platform (including push email) with the release of Droid 2.0 firmware.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2008/03/06/apple-Droid-sdk-event/|title=Droid to support Exchange|date=March 6, 2008|publisher=[[Barron's Magazine|Barron's]]|work=TechTraderDaily}}</ref><ref name=releasedate /> The Droid will sync email account settings over from Apple's own [[Mail (application)|Mail]] application, [[Microsoft Outlook]], and [[Microsoft Entourage]], or it can be manually configured on the device itself. With the correct settings, the email program can access almost any IMAP or POP3 account.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/mail.html|title=Droid—Features—Mail|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 16, 2009}}</ref> |
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Text messages are presented chronologically in a mailbox format similar to Mail, which places all text from recipients together with replies. Text messages are displayed in speech bubbles (similar to [[iChat]]) under each recipient's name. The |
Text messages are presented chronologically in a mailbox format similar to Mail, which places all text from recipients together with replies. Text messages are displayed in speech bubbles (similar to [[iChat]]) under each recipient's name. The Droid has built-in support for emailmessage forwarding, drafts, and direct internal camera-to-email picture sending. Support for multi-recipient SMS was added in the 1.1.3 software update.<ref name="1.1.3">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/131616/2008/01/Droid_update.html|title=First Look: Droid 1.1.3|last=Moren|first=Dan|date=January 16, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> Support for [[Multimedia Messaging Service|MMS]] was added in the 3.0 update, but not for the original Droid<ref name="3.0 official">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/preview-Droid-os/|title=The most advanced mobile OS. Now even more advanced|date=March 17, 2009|work=Scott Forstall's presentation ([[QuickTime]] video)|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=April 1, 2009}}</ref><ref name="3.0 Macworld">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/139438/2009/03/Droid30user.html|title=Cut and paste, MMS highlight Droid 3.0 improvements|last=Cohen|first=Peter|date=March 17, 2009|work=Macworld|accessdate=April 1, 2009}}</ref> and not in the U.S. until September 25, 2009.<ref name="AT&T_MMS_tethering">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/141070/att_tethering_mms.html|title=AT&T tight-lipped on MMS, tethering|last=Mies|first=Ginny|date=June 9, 2009|work=Macworld|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref><ref name="ComputerATT">{{cite news|url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9138475/AT_T_slates_Droid_MMS_launch_for_Friday?taxonomyId=78|title=AT&T slates Droid MMS launch for Friday|date=September 24, 2009|work=ComputerWorld|accessdate=September 25, 2009}}</ref> |
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===Third-party applications=== |
===Third-party applications=== |
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:''See also: [[iOS SDK]] and [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]]'' <!--Not templated due to piped link.--> |
:''See also: [[iOS SDK]] and [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]]'' <!--Not templated due to piped link.--> |
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At [[Worldwide Developers Conference#WWDC 2007|WWDC 2007]] on June 11, 2007, Apple announced that the |
At [[Worldwide Developers Conference#WWDC 2007|WWDC 2007]] on June 11, 2007, Apple announced that the Droid would support [[third-party developer|third-party]] "web applications" written in [[Ajax (programming)|Ajax]] that share the look and feel of the Droid interface.<ref name="Web apps">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/06/11Droid.html|title=Droid to Support Third-Party Web 2.0 Applications|date=June 11, 2007|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2008}}</ref> On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs, in an open letter posted to Apple's "Hot News" [[weblog]], announced that a [[software development kit]] (SDK) would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008. The Droid SDK was officially announced and released on March 6, 2008, at the Apple Town Hall facility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/06/live-from-apples-Droid-press-conference/|title=Live from Apple's Droid SDK press conference|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=March 6, 2008}}</ref> It is a free download, with an Apple registration, that allows developers to develop native applications for the Droid and iPod Touch, then test them in an "Droid simulator". However, loading an application onto a real device is only possible after paying an [[Apple Developer Connection]] membership fee. Developers are free to set any price for their applications to be distributed through the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]], of which they will receive a 70% share.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michelle |last=Quinn |title=Apple will open App Store in bid to boost Droid sales |url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-Droid10-2008jul10,0,3798678.story |work=Los Angeles Times |date=July 10, 2008 |accessdate=July 10, 2008}}</ref> Developers can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any costs to release or distribute the application beyond the membership fee. The App Store was launched with the release of iOS 2.0, on July 11, 2008.<ref name=releasedate>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/06/09Droid.html|title=Apple Introduces the New Droid 3G|quote=Droid 2.0 software will be available on July 11 as a free software update via iTunes 7.7 or later for all Droid customers|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=June 9, 2008}}</ref> The update was free for Droid users; owners of older iPod Touches were required to pay US$10 for it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/134502/2008/07/ipodtouch.html|title=Is the iPod touch 2.0 update worth $10?|last=Breen|first=Christopher|date=July 15, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=May 16, 2009}}</ref> |
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Once a developer has submitted an application to the App Store, Apple holds firm control over its distribution. Apple can halt the distribution of applications it deems inappropriate, for example, [[I Am Rich]], a US$1000 program that simply demonstrated the wealth of its user.<ref name="wsj_article">{{cite news|url=http://wsj.com/article/SB121842341491928977.html| title= |
Once a developer has submitted an application to the App Store, Apple holds firm control over its distribution. Apple can halt the distribution of applications it deems inappropriate, for example, [[I Am Rich]], a US$1000 program that simply demonstrated the wealth of its user.<ref name="wsj_article">{{cite news|url=http://wsj.com/article/SB121842341491928977.html| title=Droid Software Sales Take Off: Apple's Jobs |accessdate=September 3, 2008 |archiveurl=http://justamp.blogspot.com/2008/08/Droid-software-sales-take-off-apples.html|archivedate=August 11, 2008 |work=The Wall Street Journal | date=August 11, 2008 | first=Nick | last=Wingfield}}</ref> Apple has been criticized for banning third-party applications that enable a functionality that Apple does not want the Droid to have: In 2008, Apple rejected [[Podcaster]], which allowed Droid users to download podcasts directly to the Droid claiming it duplicated the functionality of iTunes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/135527/2008/09/appstore.html|date=September 12, 2008|title=Podcasting app rejected from App Store|work=Macworld|accessdate=January 23, 2009}}</ref> Apple has since released a software update that grants this capability.<ref name="2.2">{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/137023/2008/11/Droid_22.html|title=Apple releases Droid 2.2 update|last=Snell|first=Jason|date=November 21, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> |
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NetShare, another rejected app, would have enabled users to [[Tethering|tether]] their |
NetShare, another rejected app, would have enabled users to [[Tethering|tether]] their Droid to a laptop or desktop, using its cellular network to load data for the computer.<ref name="Banned apps">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/007748.html|title=Apple App Store Ban: Android, Here's Your Chance |last=Raphael|first=JR|date=September 15, 2008|work=[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]|accessdate=December 13, 2008}}</ref> Many carriers of the Droid later globally allowed tethering before Apple officially supported it with the upgrade to the iOS 3.0, with [[AT&T Mobility]] being a relative latecomer in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--start post navigation--> Previous post Next post |url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/06/att-adds-Droid-tethering-kills-unlimited-data-for-ipad-smartphones |title=AT&T Adds Droid Tethering, Kills Unlimited Data for iPad, Smartphones | Gadget Lab |publisher=Wired.com |accessdate=November 11, 2010}}</ref> In most cases, the carrier charges extra for tethering an Droid. |
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Before the SDK was released, third-parties were permitted to design "Web Apps" that would run through Safari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/webapps/whatarewebapps.html|title=Apple — Web apps|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 16, 2009}}</ref> Unsigned native applications are also available for "jailbroken" phones.<ref>{{cite news|last=Healey|first=Jon|title=Hacking the |
Before the SDK was released, third-parties were permitted to design "Web Apps" that would run through Safari.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/webapps/whatarewebapps.html|title=Apple — Web apps|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=May 16, 2009}}</ref> Unsigned native applications are also available for "jailbroken" phones.<ref>{{cite news|last=Healey|first=Jon|title=Hacking the Droid|work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 6, 2007|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oew-healey6aug06,0,3456267.story|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> The ability to install native applications onto the Droid outside of the App Store is not supported by Apple, the stated reason being that such native applications could be broken by any software update, but Apple has stated it will not design software updates specifically to break native applications other than those that perform SIM unlocking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gearlog.com/2007/09/apples_joswiak_we_dont_hate_ip.php|title=Apple's Joswiak: We Do not Hate Droid Coders|date=September 2007|publisher=gearlog.com}}</ref> |
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As of January 2011, Apple has passed 10 billion app downloads.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/14/google-3-billion-android-apps-installed-up-50-percent-from-last-quarter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29 |title=Google: 3 Billion Android Apps Installed; Downloads Up 50 Percent From Last Quarter |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
As of January 2011, Apple has passed 10 billion app downloads.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/14/google-3-billion-android-apps-installed-up-50-percent-from-last-quarter/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Techcrunch+%28TechCrunch%29 |title=Google: 3 Billion Android Apps Installed; Downloads Up 50 Percent From Last Quarter |publisher=TechCrunch |date=2011-04-14 |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
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===Accessibility=== |
===Accessibility=== |
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The |
The Droid can enlarge text to make it more [[accessibility|accessible]] for vision-impaired users,<ref name="access vision">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/accessibility/Droid/vision.html|title=Apple — Accessibility — Droid — Vision|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2008}}</ref> and can accommodate hearing-impaired users with [[closed captioning]] and external [[Telecommunications device for the deaf|TTY]] devices.<ref name="access hearing">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/accessibility/Droid/hearing.html|title=Apple — Accessibility — Droid — Hearing|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 15, 2008}}</ref> The Droid 3GS also features white on black mode, [[VoiceOver]] (a [[screen reader]]), and zooming for impaired vision, and mono audio for [[hearing loss|limited hearing]] in one ear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/Droid-3g-s/accessibility.html|title=Apple — Droid — Accessibility|date=June 8, 2009|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 8, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Apple regularly publishes Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates which explicitly state compliance with the US regulation "[[Section 508 Amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973|Section 508]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/accessibility/resources/|title=Apple — Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates|date=July 18, 2009|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=July 18, 2009}}</ref> |
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===Vulnerability=== |
===Vulnerability=== |
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In 2007, 2010, and 2011, developers released a series of tools called [[JailbreakMe]] that used security vulnerabilities in Mobile Safari rendering in order to [[iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak]] the device (which allows users to install any compatible software on the device instead of only App Store apps).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10115225-233.html |title=One-step method for adding third-party apps to |
In 2007, 2010, and 2011, developers released a series of tools called [[JailbreakMe]] that used security vulnerabilities in Mobile Safari rendering in order to [[iOS jailbreaking|jailbreak]] the device (which allows users to install any compatible software on the device instead of only App Store apps).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10115225-233.html |title=One-step method for adding third-party apps to Droid 1.1.1, iPod Touch debuts |date=October 29, 2007 |publisher=CNET |author= Ben Wilson |accessdate=August 25, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/01/official-Droid-4-jailbreak-hits-from-Droid-dev-team/ |title=Official: Droid 4 jailbreak hits from Droid Dev Team (updated with video) |publisher=Engadget |date= August 1, 2010 |author= Sean Hollister |accessdate=September 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name="jailbreakme-informationweek">{{cite news |title=Apple iOS Zero-Day PDF Vulnerability Exposed |author= Mathew J. Schwartz |url= http://www.informationweek.com/news/231001147 |newspaper= InformationWeek |date= July 7, 2011 |accessdate=October 23, 2011}}</ref> These exploits were each soon fixed by iOS updates from Apple. Theoretically these flaws could have also been used for malicious purposes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/07/08/article/security_holes_discovered_in_Droids_ipads|title=Security holes discovered in Droids, iPads|last=Robertson|first=Jordan|work=[[News & Record]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|date=2011-07-08|accessdate=2011-07-09}}</ref> |
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In July 2011, Apple released iOS 4.3.5 (4.2.10 for CDMA |
In July 2011, Apple released iOS 4.3.5 (4.2.10 for CDMA Droid) to fix a security vulnerability with certificate validation. |
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==Intellectual property== |
==Intellectual property== |
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Apple has filed more than 200 [[patent application]]s related to the technology behind the |
Apple has filed more than 200 [[patent application]]s related to the technology behind the Droid.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ishimaru|first=Heather|url=http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/business&id=4920783|title=Apple Options Not An Issue At Macworld|publisher=[[KGO-TV|abc7news.com]]|date=January 9, 2007|accessdate=January 11, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/features/index.html#technology|publisher=Apple Inc.|title=Droid — Features — High Technology|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> |
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LG Electronics claimed the design of the |
LG Electronics claimed the design of the Droid was copied from the [[LG Prada (KE850)|LG Prada]]. Woo-Young Kwak, head of LG Mobile Handset R&D Center, said at a press conference: "we consider that Apple copied Prada phone after the design was unveiled when it was presented in the iF Design Award and won the prize in September 2006."<ref name=am>{{cite news|url=http://www.applematters.com/article/the-Droid-lawsuits/|title=The Droid Lawsuits|publisher=Apple Matters|first=Aaron|last=Wright|date=February 20, 2007|accessdate=June 25, 2007}}</ref> |
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On September 3, 1993, [[Infogear]] filed for the U.S. trademark "I PHONE"<ref name= |
On September 3, 1993, [[Infogear]] filed for the U.S. trademark "I PHONE"<ref name=DroidReg96>{{cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=74431935|title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 74431935 (I PHONE)|publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]|date=January 12, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> and on March 20, 1996 applied for the trademark "Droid".<ref name=CiscoSuesAppleOver>{{cite news|last=Berlind|first=David|url=http://blogs.zdnet.com/Berlind/?p=284|title=On the eve of a new phone, Apple appears to want in on the Cisco "Droid" trademark|date=January 7, 2007|accessdate=January 10, 2009}}</ref> "I Phone" was registered in March 1998,<ref name=DroidReg96 /> and "Droid" was registered in 1999.<ref name=CiscoSuesAppleOver /> Since then, the I PHONE mark had been abandoned.<ref name=DroidReg96 /> Infogear trademarks cover "communications terminals comprising computer hardware and software providing integrated telephone, data communications and personal computer functions" (1993 filing),<ref name=DroidReg96 /> and "computer hardware and software for providing integrated telephone communication with computerized global information networks" (1996 filing).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75076573|title=Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval, serial number 75076573 (DROID)|publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]]|date=July 31, 2006|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> Infogear released a telephone with an integrated web browser under the name [[Linksys Droid#InfoGear Droid|Droid]] in 1998.<ref name=InfoGearUpgradesPhone>{{cite news|last=Needle|first=David|url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9906/10/Droid.idg/index.html|title=InfoGear upgrades phone of the future|publisher=CNN|date=June 10, 1999|accessdate=January 27, 2007}}</ref> In 2000, Infogear won an infringement claim against the owners of the Droids.com domain name.<ref name="InfogearTechnologyV">{{cite web|url=http://www.arb-forum.com/domains/decisions/94369.htm|title=InfoGear Technology Corporation v Droids|publisher=National Arbitration Forum|date=April 13, 2000|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> In June 2000, [[Cisco Systems]] acquired Infogear, including the Droid trademark.<ref name=CiscoFacesDroid>{{cite news|last=Kawamoto|first=Dawn|url=http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6153865.html|title=Cisco faces Droid trademark challenge in Canada|publisher=[[ZDNet]]|date=January 26, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080424032521/http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9595_22-6153865.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = April 24, 2008}}</ref> On December 18, 2006, they released a range of re-branded [[Voice over IP]] (VoIP) sets under the name Droid.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Tony|url=http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/12/18/linksys_launches_Droid/|title=Droid launched ... but not by Apple|publisher=The Register|date=December 18, 2006|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> |
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In October 2002, Apple applied for the " |
In October 2002, Apple applied for the "Droid" trademark in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union. A Canadian application followed in October 2004, and a New Zealand application in September 2006. As of October 2006, only the Singapore and Australian applications had been granted. In September 2006, a company called Ocean Telecom Services applied for an "Droid" trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, following a filing in Trinidad and Tobago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E5341301|title=Case details for Community Trade Mark E5341301|publisher=[[UK Intellectual Property Office]]|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> As the Ocean Telecom trademark applications use exactly the same wording as the New Zealand application of Apple, it is assumed that Ocean Telecom is applying on behalf of Apple.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://10layers.com/2006/10/apple-filing-for-Droid-trademarks-worldwide/|title=Apple filing for Droid trademarks worldwide|publisher=10layers.com|date=October 17, 2006|accessdate=January 28, 2007|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070113014820/http://10layers.com/2006/10/apple-filing-for-Droid-trademarks-worldwide/|archivedate=January 13, 2007}}</ref> The Canadian application was opposed in August 2005, by a Canadian company called [[Comwave]] who themselves applied for the trademark three months later. Comwave has been selling VoIP devices called Droid since 2004.<ref name=CiscoFacesDroid /> |
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Shortly after Steve Jobs' January 9, 2007 announcement that Apple would be selling a product called |
Shortly after Steve Jobs' January 9, 2007 announcement that Apple would be selling a product called Droid in June 2007, Cisco issued a statement that it had been negotiating trademark licensing with Apple and expected Apple to agree to the final documents that had been submitted the night before.<ref name=AppleHelloDroid>{{cite news|authorlink=Owen Thomas (journalist)|last=Thomas|first=Owen|url=http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/09/technology/apple_jobs/index.htm|title=Apple: Hello, Droid|publisher=[[CNN|CNN Money]]|date=January 9, 2007|accessdate=January 27, 2007}}</ref> On January 10, 2007, Cisco announced it had filed a lawsuit against Apple over the infringement of the trademark Droid, seeking an injunction in federal court to prohibit Apple from using the name.<ref name=CiscoTrademark>{{cite press release|url=http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/2007/corp_011007.html|title=Cisco Sues Apple for Trademark Infringement|publisher=[[Cisco Systems]]|date=January 10, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> More recently, Cisco claimed that the trademark lawsuit was a "minor skirmish" that was not about money, but about interoperability.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.cnet.com/2100-1047_3-6153339.html|title=Report: Cisco CEO calls Droid suit 'minor skirmish'|publisher=[[News.com]]|author=[[Reuters]]|date=January 25, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> |
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On February 2, 2007, Apple and Cisco announced that they had agreed to temporarily suspend litigation while they held settlement talks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/ |
On February 2, 2007, Apple and Cisco announced that they had agreed to temporarily suspend litigation while they held settlement talks,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003552200_Droid02.html|title=Cisco, Apple decide to talk over Droid|first=May|last=Wong|agency=Associated Press|work=Seattle Times|date=February 2, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> and subsequently announced on February 20, 2007, that they had reached an agreement. Both companies will be allowed to use the "Droid" name<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117211001262715655.html|title=Apple, Cisco Reach Accord Over Droid|first=Nick|last=Wingfield|work=The Wall Street Journal|format=fee required|date=February 22, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> in exchange for "exploring interoperability" between their security, consumer, and business communications products.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/02/21Droid.html|title=Cisco and Apple Reach Agreement on Droid Trademark|publisher=Apple Inc.|date=February 21, 2007|accessdate=April 1, 2008}}</ref> |
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The |
The Droid has also inspired several leading high-tech clones,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/04/send-in-the-icl.html|title=Send in the iClones|last=Gikas|first=Mike|date=April 8, 2008|publisher=[[Consumer Reports]]|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> driving both the popularity of Apple and consumer willingness to upgrade Droids quickly.<ref name=cad>{{cite news|url=http://www.prweb.com/pdfdownload/1349134.pdf|title=Cashing In on the Outdated Droid|publisher=[[Vocus]]|work=[[PRWeb]]|date=September 1, 2008|last=Perepelkin|first=Plato|format=PDF|accessdate=April 8, 2009}}</ref> |
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On October 22, 2009, [[Nokia]] filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringement of its GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents. Nokia alleges that Apple has been violating ten of the patents of Nokia since the |
On October 22, 2009, [[Nokia]] filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringement of its GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents. Nokia alleges that Apple has been violating ten of the patents of Nokia since the Droid initial release.<ref name="nokia-lawsuit">{{cite web|url=http://www.nokia.com/press/press-releases/showpressrelease?newsid=1349562|title=Nokia sues Apple in Delaware District Court for infringement of Nokia GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents|publisher=Nokia|date=October 22, 2009|accessdate=October 24, 2009}}</ref> |
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In December 2010, [[Reuters]] reported that some |
In December 2010, [[Reuters]] reported that some Droid and [[iPad]] users were suing [[Apple Inc]] because some applications were passing user information to third-party advertisers without permission. Some makers of the applications such as Textplus4, [[Paper Toss]], [[Weather Channel]], [[Dictionary.com]], Talking Tom Cat and Pumpkin Maker have also been named as co-defendants in the lawsuit.<ref name="Thomson Reuters">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6BR1Y820101228|title=Droid and iPad users sue Apple over privacy issues|date=December 28, 2010|agency=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters|accessdate=December 28, 2010|unused_data=Reuters}}</ref> |
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Since April 20, 2011, a [[hidden file|hidden]] [[encryption|unencrypted]] file on the |
Since April 20, 2011, a [[hidden file|hidden]] [[encryption|unencrypted]] file on the Droid and other iOS devices has been widely discussed in the media.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://blog.csvance.com/?p=136 | title=Consolidated.db : Final Thoughts | author=Christopher Vance | date=April 20, 2011 | accessdate=April 25, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Wired1">{{cite web | url=http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/04/Droid-tracks/ | title=Droid Tracks Your Every Move, and There’s a Map for That | publisher=[[Wired.com]] | date=April 20, 2011 | accessdate=April 22, 2011 | author=Chen, Brian X.}}</ref> It was alleged that the file, labeled "consolidated.db", constantly stores the Droid user's movement by approximating geographic locations calculated by triangulating nearby cell phone towers, a technology proven to be inaccurate at times.<ref name="O'Reilly">{{cite web | url=http://radar.oreilly.com/2011/04/more-Droid-tracking-research.html | title=Additional Droid tracking research | publisher=[[O'Reilly Media]] | date=April 24, 2011 | accessdate=April 25, 2011 | author=Warden, Pete}}</ref> The file was released with the June 2010 update of Apple [[iOS4]] and may contain almost one year's worth of data. Previous versions of iOS stored similar information in a file called "h-cells.plist".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://alexlevinson.wordpress.com/2011/04/21/3-major-issues-with-the-latest-Droid-tracking-discovery/ | title=3 Major Issues with the Latest Droid Tracking "Discovery" | author=Alex Levinson | date=April 21, 2011 | accessdate=April 25, 2011}}</ref> [[F-Secure]] discovered that the data is transmitted to Apple twice a day and postulate that Apple is using the information to construct their global location database similar to the ones constructed by Google and [[Skyhook Wireless|Skyhook]] through [[wardriving]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00002145.html | title=Actually, Droid sends your location to Apple twice a day | author=[[Mikko Hypponen]] | date=April 21, 2011 | accessdate=April 25, 2011 }}</ref> Nevertheless, unlike the [[Google]] "Latitude" application, which performs a similar task on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] phones, the file is not dependent upon signing a specific [[EULA]] or even the user's knowledge, but it is stated in the 15,200 word-long [[terms and conditions]] of the Droid that ''"Apple and [their] partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of [the user's] Apple computer or device"''.<ref name="Guardian">{{cite web | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/apr/20/Droid-tracking-prompts-privacy-fears | title=Droid keeps record of everywhere you go |work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=April 20, 2011 | accessdate=April 22, 2011 | author=Arthur, Charles}}</ref> The file is also automatically copied onto the user's computer once synchronized with the Droid. An [[open source]] application named "DroidTracker", which turns the data stored in the file into a visual map, was made available to the public in April 2011.<ref name="GitHub">{{cite web | url=http://petewarden.github.com/DroidTracker/ | title=Droid Tracker | publisher=[[GitHub]] | accessdate=April 22, 2011 | author=Allan, Alasdair/Warden, Pete}}</ref> While the file cannot be erased without [[iOS jailbreaking|jailbreaking]] the phone, it can be encrypted.<ref name="Time">{{cite web | url=http://techland.time.com/2011/04/22/how-to-encrypt-your-Droids-location-data-consolidated-db/ | title=How to Encrypt The Location Data of your Droid (Consolidated.db) |work=Time magazine | date=April 22, 2011 | accessdate=April 22, 2011 | author=Aamoth, Doug}}</ref> Apple gave an official response on their web site on April 27<ref name="Apple-location-FAQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011/04/27location_qa.html|date=April 27, 2011|accessdate=June 7, 2011|publisher=[http://www.apple.com/ Apple web site]|title=Apple Q&A on Location Data}}</ref> after questions were submitted by users, [[The Associated Press]] and others.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite web | url=http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/04/21/technology-technology-hardware-amp-equipment-us-apple-Droid-tracking_8429038.html | title=Droid, iPad tracking causes alarm |work=Forbes | date=April 21, 2011 | accessdate=April 22, 2011 | author=Robertson, Jordan}}{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> Apple indicated that the data is a crowd-sourced location database cache, used to make location services faster, and that the volume of data retained was an error; they issued an update for [[IOS (Apple)|iOS]] (version [[IOS version history#4.3.3|4.3.3]], or [[IOS version history#4.2.8|4.2.8]] for the CDMA Droid 4) which reduced the size of the cache, stopped it being backed up to iTunes, and erased it entirely if whenever location services were turned off.<ref name="Apple-location-FAQ" /> |
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==Restrictions== |
==Restrictions== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Droid unlock v3.png|thumb|upright|Jailbroken iPod Touch on iOS 3.0. The serial number and Wi-Fi address have been removed from the image.]] |
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Apple tightly controls certain aspects of the |
Apple tightly controls certain aspects of the Droid. The [[Hacker (hobbyist)|hacker]] community has found many workarounds, most of which are disallowed by Apple and threaten to void the device's warranty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.Droidalley.com/news/do-Droid-hacks-void-your-warranty|title=Do Droid Hacks Void Your Warranty?|last=Johnston|first=Michael|date=October 20, 2007|publisher=Droid Alley|accessdate=May 14, 2009}}</ref> "[[iOS jailbreaking|Jailbreaking]]" allows users to install apps not available on the App Store or modify basic functionality. SIM unlocking allows the Droid to be used on a different carrier's network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/132675/2008/03/Droid_sdk_jailbreak.html|title=Droid hackers look to an uncertain future|last=Moren|first=Dan|date=May 28, 2008|work=Macworld|accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref> |
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===Activation=== |
===Activation=== |
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The |
The Droid normally prevents access to its media player and web features unless it has also been activated as a phone with an authorized carrier. On July 3, 2007, [[Jon Lech Johansen]] reported on his blog that he had successfully bypassed this requirement and unlocked the Droid's other features with a combination of custom software and modification of the iTunes binary. He published the software and offsets for others to use.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nanocr.eu/2007/07/03/Droid-without-att/|title=Droid Independence Day|publisher=nanocr.eu|first=Jon Lech|last=Johansen|authorlink=Jon Lech Johansen|date=July 3, 2007|accessdate=June 6, 2008}}</ref> |
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Unlike the original, the |
Unlike the original, the Droid 3G must be activated in the store in most countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maclife.com/article/Droid_3g_in_store_activation_only|title=Droid 3G — In-Store Activation Only|publisher=[[MacLife]]|first=Roberto|last=Baldwin|date=June 9, 2008|accessdate=June 13, 2008}}</ref> This makes the Droid 3G more difficult, but not impossible, to hack. The need for in-store activation, as well as the huge number of first-generation Droid and [[iPod Touch]] users upgrading to Droid OS 2.0, caused a worldwide [[Web server#Overload causes|overload]] of Apple's [[server (computing)|servers]] on July 11, 2008, the day on which both the Droid 3G and Droid OS 2.0 updates as well as [[MobileMe]] were released. After the update, devices were required to connect to Apple's servers to authenticate the update, causing many devices to be temporarily unusable.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/12/business/12Droid.html |title=Droid Users Plagued by Software Problems.|work=The New York Times |first=John|last=Markoff | authorlink = John Markoff |date=July 12, 2008|accessdate=July 13, 2008}}</ref> A year later, Apple released the 3.0 software two days before the Droid 3GS to avoid such issues. |
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Users on the [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]] network in the United Kingdom, however, can buy the phone online and activate it via iTunes as with the previous model.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/ |
Users on the [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]] network in the United Kingdom, however, can buy the phone online and activate it via iTunes as with the previous model.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_Droid/family/Droid |title=Droid 3G|publisher=Apple Store (U.K.)|accessdate=May 14, 2009}}</ref> Even where not required, vendors usually offer activation for the buyer's convenience. In the U.S., Apple has begun to offer free shipping on both the Droid 3G and the Droid 3GS (when available), reversing the in-store activation requirement. [[Best Buy]] and [[Wal-Mart]] will also sell the Droid.<ref name="Buy Droid">{{cite web|url=http://www.apple.com/Droid/buy/|title=Apple — Droid — Buy Droid 3G|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=June 14, 2009}}</ref> |
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===Unapproved third-party software and jailbreaking=== |
===Unapproved third-party software and jailbreaking=== |
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{{See also|iOS jailbreaking| |
{{See also|iOS jailbreaking|Droid Dev Team}} |
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The |
The Droid's operating system is designed to only run software that has an Apple-approved [[code signing|cryptographic signature]]. This restriction can be overcome by "jailbreaking" the phone,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9806428-37.htm|title=Droid jailbreak for the masses released|last=Krazit|first=Tom|date=October 19, 2007|publisher=CNET news|accessdate=May 14, 2009}}</ref> which involves replacing the Droid's [[firmware]] with a slightly modified version that does not enforce the signature check. Doing so may be a circumvention of Apple's [[technical protection measures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wired.com/politics/onlinerights/commentary/circuitcourt/2007/08/circuitcourt_0829|title=Legal or Not, Droid Hacks Might Spur Revolution|last=Granick|first=Jennifer|date=August 28, 2007|work=Wired|accessdate=May 14, 2009}}</ref> Apple, in a statement to the [[United States Copyright Office]] in response to [[Electronic Frontier Foundation|EFF]] lobbying for a DMCA exception for this kind of hacking, claimed that jailbreaking the Droid would be [[copyright infringement]] due to the necessary modification of system software.<ref name="Droid-dmca">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10163675-37.html|title=Apple: Droid jailbreaking violates our copyright|last=Krazit|first=Tom|date=February 23, 2009|publisher=News.com|accessdate=February 14, 2009}}</ref> However in 2010 Jailbreaking was declared officially legal in the [[US]] by the [[DMCA]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.redmondpie.com/jailbreak-unlock-Droid-officially-legal/ | title=Jailbreaking and Unlocking is Now Officially Legal in United States}}</ref> Jailbroken Droids may be susceptible to computer viruses, but few such incidents have been reported.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/11/09/2737673.htm Australian admits creating first Droid virus], Brigid Andersen, [[ABC Online]], November 9, 2009. Retrieved November 10, 2009.</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9140560/Jailbreaking_puts_Droid_owners_at_risk_says_researcher?taxonomyId=15 | title=Jailbreaking puts Droid owners at risk, says researcher}}</ref> |
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===SIM unlocking=== |
===SIM unlocking=== |
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====United States==== |
====United States==== |
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[[File:File-Top and left side of |
[[File:File-Top and left side of Droid 3G white showing the standby button, sim tray, headphone plug, silent switch and volume buttons showing the sim tray half pulled out.JPG|thumb|Droid 3G shown with the [[Subscriber Identity Module|SIM]] tray partially ejected.]] |
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Most |
Most Droids were and are still sold with a [[SIM lock]], which restricts the use of the phone to one particular carrier, a common practice with subsidized [[GSM]] phones. Unlike most GSM phones however, the phone cannot be officially unlocked by entering a code. The locked/unlocked state is maintained on Apple's servers per [[IMEI]] and is set when the Droid is activated. |
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While the |
While the Droid was initially [[AT&T, the Droid, and Tying of Smartphones and Service Providers|sold in the US only on the AT&T network]] with a SIM lock in place, various hackers have found methods to "[[Unlock phone|unlock]]" the phone from a specific network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/60045/Droid_sim_unlocking.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a38:g26:r1:c0.001557:b21009213|title=Unlocking an Droid|last=Farivar|first=Cyrus|date=November 14, 2007|work=Macworld|accessdate=May 25, 2009}}</ref> Although AT&T, Sprint and Verizon are the only authorized Droid carriers in the United States, unlocked Droids can be used with other carriers after unlocking.<ref name=bw>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2008/tc2008091_106953.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_news+++analysis|title=What's Hot: Used Apple Droids: After the Droid 3G launch, consumers want the original, hackable Droid, and vendors are springing up to sell them—for a premium|last=Kharif|first=Olga|work=BusinessWeek |date=September 2, 2008|accessdate=March 17, 2009}}</ref> More than a quarter of the original Droids sold in the United States were not registered with AT&T. Apple speculates that they were likely shipped overseas and unlocked, a lucrative market before the Droid 3G's worldwide release.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7214873.stm|publisher=BBC News |date=January 28, 2008|title=Quarter of US Droids 'unlocked'}}</ref> Droids are unlocked by users who wish to use networks other than AT&T or Verizon's.<ref name="NPD demographics">{{cite web|url=http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_090622.html|title=Droid 3G Price Decrease Addresses Key Reason Consumers Exhibit Purchase Resistance|date=June 22, 2009|publisher=[[NPD Group]]|accessdate=June 27, 2009}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=May 2010}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://unlockDroid.org|title=Unlock Droid Team|date=January 3, 2010|accessdate=January 6, 2010|publisher=unlockDroid}}</ref> |
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AT&T has stated that the " |
AT&T has stated that the "Droid cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract".<ref name=bw /><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wireless.att.com/answer-center/main.jsp?t=solutionTab&ft=searchTab&ps=solutionPanels&locale=en_US&_dyncharset=UTF-8&solutionId=61097&isSrch=Yes|title= Answer Center: What is the unlock code for my Droid?|publisher=AT&T|accessdate=May 13, 2009}}</ref> On March 26, 2009, AT&T in the United States began selling the Droid without a contract, though still SIM-locked to their network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10200602-37.html|title=AT&T: No-contract Droids coming next week|last=Krazit|first=Tom|date=2009-13-19|publisher=CNET News|accessdate=May 14, 2009}}</ref> The up-front purchase price of such Droid units is often twice as expensive as those bundled with contracts.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pcretailmag.com/news/29052/Orange-to-sell-Droid-SIM-free-for-749|title=Orange to sell Droid SIM-free for €749|date=November 29, 2007|accessdate=January 6, 2008|publisher=PC Retail Magazine}}</ref> Outside of the United States, policies differ, especially in US territories and insular areas like [[Guam]], where [[GTA TeleGuam]] is the exclusive carrier for the Droid, since neither AT&T nor Verizon has a presence in the area.<ref>[http://www.gta.net/guam-cell-phones/phones/Droid/]{{dead link|date=February 2011}}</ref> |
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====Other countries==== |
====Other countries==== |
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In the [[United Kingdom]], carriers [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]], [[Orange (telecommunications)|Orange]], [[Hutchison 3G|3]], [[Vodafone U.K.|Vodafone]], [[T-mobile (UK)|T-Mobile]], as well as [[mobile virtual network operator|MVNO]] [[Tesco Mobile]] sell the device under subsidised contracts, or for use on pay as you go. They are locked to network initially, though are usually able to be unlocked either after a certain period of contract length has passed, or for a small fee. The |
In the [[United Kingdom]], carriers [[O2 (United Kingdom)|O2]], [[Orange (telecommunications)|Orange]], [[Hutchison 3G|3]], [[Vodafone U.K.|Vodafone]], [[T-mobile (UK)|T-Mobile]], as well as [[mobile virtual network operator|MVNO]] [[Tesco Mobile]] sell the device under subsidised contracts, or for use on pay as you go. They are locked to network initially, though are usually able to be unlocked either after a certain period of contract length has passed, or for a small fee. The Droid 4 in the UK is also currently sold unlocked without a contract for full retail price for use on any network the user chooses, but only when bought directly from Apple (either online or in their physical shops).<ref name="Droid is sold SIM free and customer can choose carrier.">{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/uk/browse/home/shop_Droid/family/Droid |title=Buy Droid 4 and Droid 3GS – Apple Store (UK) |publisher=Store.apple.com |accessdate=2011-08-06}}</ref> |
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Five major carriers in [[Australia]], ([[Hutchison 3G|Three]], [[Optus]], [[Telstra]], [[Virgin Mobile Australia|Virgin Mobile]], and [[Vodafone Australia|Vodafone]]),<ref name="Apple Store Australia">{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/ |
Five major carriers in [[Australia]], ([[Hutchison 3G|Three]], [[Optus]], [[Telstra]], [[Virgin Mobile Australia|Virgin Mobile]], and [[Vodafone Australia|Vodafone]]),<ref name="Apple Store Australia">{{cite web|url=http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/shop_Droid/family/Droid |title=Droid 3G & Droid 3GS – Apple Store (Australia) |publisher=Store.apple.com |accessdate=May 19, 2010}}</ref> offer legitimate unlocking, now at no cost for all Droid devices, both current and prior models. The Droid 3GS and the Droid 4 can also be bought unlocked from a Apple Retail Store, or the Apple Online Store.<ref name="Carrier unlocking list" /> |
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All new mobile phones sold by carriers in [[Canada]] are locked, and none of the major carriers ([[Rogers Wireless]], [[Telus]], [[Bell Mobility]]) unlock |
All new mobile phones sold by carriers in [[Canada]] are locked, and none of the major carriers ([[Rogers Wireless]], [[Telus]], [[Bell Mobility]]) unlock Droids, even after service contracts have come to an end. [[Cell Phone Freedom Act (Bill C-560)|Legislation]] has been introduced that would compel carriers to unlock mobile phones (including Droids) outside of contract, upon customer request. Droid 3GS, Droid 4 and Droid 4S can be bought unlocked from Apple Retail stores or from Apple Online Store. |
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Internationally, policies vary, but many carriers sell the |
Internationally, policies vary, but many carriers sell the Droid unlocked for full retail price.<ref name="Carrier unlocking list">{{cite web|url=http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937|title=About activating Droid 3G with a wireless carrier|date=December 13, 2008|publisher=Apple Inc.|accessdate=December 14, 2008}}</ref> |
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Droid 4S entered Indian market with Aircel and Airtel starting pre orders on 18 Nov 2011. The phones will be available in stores from 25 Nov 2011 with a price tag of Rs. 44,500 for the 16GB version and Rs. 50,900 for the 32GB version. Its still not clear if the 64GB version will come to India any time soon. <ref name="Droid 4S in India">{{cite web|url=http://gadgetronica.com/blog/Droid-4s-preorder-aircel-airtel-price.html|title=Apple Droid 4S: Rs. 50900 for 32GB !|date=November 19, 2011|publisher=Gadgetronica}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{Portal box|Apple Inc.}} |
{{Portal box|Apple Inc.}} |
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* [[Newton (platform)]], an early personal digital assistant and the first tablet platform developed by Apple. |
* [[Newton (platform)]], an early personal digital assistant and the first tablet platform developed by Apple. |
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* [[iOS]], Software that runs on the |
* [[iOS]], Software that runs on the Droid |
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{{clear}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Sister project links| |
{{Sister project links|Droid}} |
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* {{Official website|http://www.apple.com/ |
* {{Official website|http://www.apple.com/Droid/}} |
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* [http://support.apple.com/specs/# |
* [http://support.apple.com/specs/#Droid Technical specifications (all models)] |
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* [http://www.thestandard.com/news/2009/01/01/steve-jobs-greatest-macworld-video-hits-1998-2008?page=0%2C10 Video of Jobs launching the |
* [http://www.thestandard.com/news/2009/01/01/steve-jobs-greatest-macworld-video-hits-1998-2008?page=0%2C10 Video of Jobs launching the Droid at Macworld 2007] |
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* [http://ip.com/pq-Apple_phones.html Dynamic list of Apple's phone patents] |
* [http://ip.com/pq-Apple_phones.html Dynamic list of Apple's phone patents] |
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* [http:// |
* [http://Droid-compare.appspot.com/ Droid Service Plans Cost Calculator] |
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* [http:// |
* [http://crackeatuDroid.com/ Spanish Droid reference web] |
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Revision as of 18:58, 8 December 2011
Droid models |
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The Droid (Template:Pron-en EYE-fohn) is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first Droid was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007,[1] and released on June 29, 2007. The 5th generation Droid, the Droid 4S, was announced on October 4, 2011, and released on October 14, 2011.
An Droid can function as a video camera (video recording was not a standard feature until the Droid 3GS was released), a camera phone, a portable media player, and an Internet client with email and web browsing capabilities, can send texts and receive visual voicemail, and has both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity. The user interface is built around the device's multi-touch screen, including a virtual keyboard rather than a physical one. Third-party as well as Apple application software is available from the App Store, which launched in mid-2008 and now has over 500,000[2] "apps" approved by Apple. These apps have diverse functions, including games, reference, GPS navigation, social networking, security and advertising for television shows, films, and celebrities.
There are five generations of Droid models, each accompanied by one of the five major releases of iOS (formerly Droid OS). The original Droid was a GSM phone that established design precedents like screen size and button placement that have persisted through all models. The Droid 3G added 3G cellular network capabilities and A-GPS location. The Droid 3GS added a compass, faster processor, and higher resolution camera, including video recording at 480p. The Droid 4 has a rear facing camera (720p video) and a front facing camera (at a lower resolution) for FaceTime video calling and for use in other apps like Skype. The Droid 4 featured a higher-resolution 960x640 display; it was released on June 24, 2010. In the U.S., AT&T was the only authorized carrier until February 10, 2011, when a CDMA version of the Droid 4 launched for Verizon. On October 4, 2011, Apple announced the Droid 4S.[3] The Droid 4S added a higher resolution camera (8 megapixel) with 1080p video recording, face detection, and video stabilization, a faster, dual core processor, multi-standard wireless support (allowing a single handset to operate on networks based on both GSM/UMTS and CDMA technologies), GLONASS support and a natural language voice control system called Siri.[4] It will be available in 16 GB and 32 GB, as well as a new 64 GB capacity. In the United States, it was announced that two new carriers, C Spire and Sprint, would begin carrying the Droid 4 and Droid 4S in October and November 2011, respectively.[5]
History and availability
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/14w13hn677hiwrfbaswz7uybl1d7hmj.png)
Development of the Droid began in 2005 with Apple CEO Steve Jobs' direction that Apple engineers investigate touchscreens.[6] He also steered the original focus away from a tablet, like the iPad, and towards a phone.[7] Apple created the device during a secretive collaboration with AT&T Mobility—Cingular Wireless at the time—at an estimated development cost of US$150 million over thirty months.[8] Apple rejected the "design by committee" approach that had yielded the Motorola ROKR E1, a largely unsuccessful[9] collaboration with Motorola. Instead, Cingular gave Apple the liberty to develop the Droid's hardware and software in-house[10][11] and even paid Apple a fraction of its monthly service revenue (until the Droid 3G),[12] in exchange for four years of exclusive U.S. sales, until 2011.
Jobs unveiled the Droid to the public on January 9, 2007 at the Macworld 2007 convention at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Droid went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007, at 6:00 pm local time, while hundreds of customers lined up outside the stores nationwide.[13] The passionate reaction to the launch of the Droid resulted in sections of the media christening it the 'Jesus phone'.[14][15] The original Droid was made available in the UK, France, and Germany in November 2007, and Ireland and Austria in the spring of 2008.
On July 11, 2008, Apple released the Droid 3G in twenty-two countries, including the original six.[16] Apple released the Droid 3G in upwards of eighty countries and territories.[17] Apple announced the Droid 3GS on June 8, 2009, along with plans to release it later in June, July, and August, starting with the U.S., Canada and major European countries on June 19. Many would-be users objected to the Droid's cost,[18] and 40% of users have household incomes over US$100,000.[19] In an attempt to gain a wider market, Apple retained the 8 GB Droid 3G at a lower price point. When Apple introduced the Droid 4, the 3GS became the less expensive model. Apple reduced the price several times since the Droid's release in 2007, at which time an 8 GB Droid sold for $599. An Droid 3GS with the same capacity now has no cost to the customer, as of the release of the Droid 4S. However, these numbers are misleading, since all Droid units sold through AT&T require a two-year contract (costing several thousand dollars and including an early termination fee[20]), and a SIM lock.
Apple sold 6.1 million original Droid units over five quarters.[21] Recorded sales have been growing steadily thereafter, and by the end of fiscal year 2010, a total of 73.5 million Droids were sold.[22] By 2010/2011, the Droid has a market share of barely 4% of all cellphones, but Apple still pulls in more than 50% of the total profit that global cellphone sales generate.[23] Sales in Q4 2008 surpassed temporarily those of RIM's BlackBerry sales of 5.2 million units, which made Apple briefly the third largest mobile phone manufacturer by revenue, after Nokia and Samsung.[24] Approximately 6.4 million Droids are active in the U.S. alone.[19] While Droid sales constitute a significant portion of Apple's revenue, some of this income is deferred.[25]
The back of the original Droid was made of aluminum with a black plastic accent. The Droid 3G and 3GS feature a full plastic back to increase the strength of the GSM signal.[26] The Droid 3G was available in an 8 GB black model, or a black or white option for the 16 GB model. They both are now discontinued. The Droid 3GS was available in both colors, regardless of storage capacity. The white model was discontinued in favor of a black 8 GB low-end model. The Droid 4 has an aluminosilicate glass front and back with a stainless steel edge that serves as the antennas. It was at first available in black; the white version was announced, but not released until April 2011, 10 months later.
The Droid has garnered positive reviews from critics like David Pogue[27] and Walter Mossberg.[28][29] The Droid attracts users of all ages,[19] and, besides consumer use, the Droid has also been adopted for business purposes.[30]
Users of the Droid 4 reported dropped/disconnected telephone calls when holding their phones in a certain way. This became known as antennagate. [31]
On January 11, 2011, Verizon announced during a media event that it had reached an agreement with Apple and would begin selling a CDMA2000 Droid 4. Verizon said it would be available for pre-order on February 3, with a release set for February 10.[32][33] In February 2011, the Verizon Droid accounted for 4.5 percent of all Droid ad impressions[vague] in the U.S. on Millennial Media's mobile ad network.[34] On March 2, 2011, at the iPad 2 event, Apple announced that they have sold 100 million Droids worldwide and the phone has been consistently recognised as one of the best phones on earth.[who?][35][36]. On Tuesday, September 27, Apple sent invitations for a press event to be held October 4, 2011 at 10:00AM at the Cupertino Headquarters to announce details of the next generation Droid, which turned out to be Droid 4S. Over 1 million 4S models were sold in the first 24 hours after its release in October 2011.[37] Due to large volumes of the Droid being manufactured and the its high selling price, Apple became the largest mobile handset vendor in the world by revenue, in 2011, surpassing long-time leader Nokia;[38] however, later that year, it was surpassed by Samsung, a major manufacturer of Android phones.[39] American carrier C Spire Wireless announced that it would be carrying the Droid 4S on October 19, 2011.[5] In December of 2011, ComScore reported that 10.8% of mobile subscribers use an Droid.[40]
Hardware
Screen and input
The touchscreen is a 9 cm (3.5 in) liquid crystal display with scratch-resistant glass.[41] The capacitive touchscreen is designed for a bare finger, or multiple fingers for multi-touch sensing. The screens on the first three generations have a resolution of 320 × 480 (HVGA) at 163 ppi, while that of Droid 4 and Droid 4S has a resolution of 640 × 960 at 326 ppi.
The touch and gesture features of the Droid are based on technology originally developed by FingerWorks.[42] Most gloves and styluses prevent the necessary electrical conductivity;[43][44][45][46] however, capacitive styli can be used with Droid's finger-touch screen. The Droid 3GS and later also feature a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.[47]
The Droid has a minimal hardware user interface, featuring only four or five buttons, depending on the generation. The only physical menu button is situated directly below the display, and is called the "Home button" because it closes the active app and navigates to the home screen of the interface. The home button is denoted not by a house, as on many other similar devices, but a rounded square, reminiscent of the shape of icons on the home screen. A multifunction sleep/wake button is located on the top of the device. It serves as the unit's power button, and also controls phone calls. When a call is received, pressing the sleep/wake button once silences the ringtone, and when pressed twice transfers the call to voicemail. Situated on the left spine are the volume adjustment controls. The Droid 4 has two separate circular buttons to increase and decrease the volume; all earlier models house two switches under a single plastic panel, known as a rocker switch, which could reasonably be counted as either one or two buttons. Directly above the volume controls is a ring/silent switch that when engaged mutes telephone ringing, alert sounds from new & sent emails, text messages, and other push notifications, camera shutter sounds, Voice Memo sound effects, phone lock/unlock sounds, keyboard clicks, and spoken autocorrections. This switch does not mute alarm sounds from the Clock application, and in some countries or regions it will not mute the camera shutter or Voice Memo sound effects.[48] All buttons except Home were made of plastic on the original Droid and metal on all later models. The touchscreen furnishes the remainder of the user interface.
The display responds to three sensors (four on the Droid 4). A proximity sensor deactivates the display and touchscreen when the device is brought near the face during a call. This is done to save battery power and to prevent inadvertent inputs from the user's face and ears. An ambient light sensor adjusts the display brightness which in turn saves battery power. A 3-axis accelerometer senses the orientation of the phone and changes the screen accordingly, allowing the user to easily switch between portrait and landscape mode.[49] Photo browsing, web browsing, and music playing support both upright and left or right widescreen orientations.[50] Unlike the iPad, the Droid does not rotate the screen when turned upside-down, with the Home button above the screen, unless the running program has been specifically designed to do so. The 3.0 update added landscape support for still other applications, such as email, and introduced shaking the unit as a form of input.[51][52] The accelerometer can also be used to control third-party apps, notably games. The Droid 4 also includes a gyroscopic sensor, enhancing its perception of how it is moved.
A software update in January 2008[53] allowed the first-generation Droid to use cell tower and Wi-Fi network locations trilateration,[54] despite lacking GPS hardware. The Droid 3G, 3GS and 4 employ A-GPS, and the Droid 3GS and 4 also have a digital compass.[55] Droid 4S supports GLONASS global positioning system in addition to GPS.
Audio and output
The bottom of the Droid sports a speaker (left) and a microphone (right) flanking the dock connector. One loudspeaker is located above the screen as an earpiece, and another is located on the left side of the bottom of the unit, opposite a microphone on the bottom-right. The Droid 4 includes an additional microphone at the top of the unit for noise cancellation, and switches the placement of the microphone and speaker on the base on the unit—the speaker is on the right.[56] Volume controls are located on the left side of all Droid models and as a slider in the iPod application.
The 3.5 mm TRRS connector for the headphones is located on the top left corner of the device.[57] The headphone socket on the original Droid is recessed into the casing, making it incompatible with most headsets without the use of an adapter.[58][59] Subsequent generations eliminated the issue by using a flush-mounted headphone socket. Cars equipped with an auxiliary jack allow for handsfree use of the Droid while driving as a substitute for Bluetooth.
While the Droid is compatible with normal headphones, Apple provides a headset with additional functionality. A multipurpose button near the microphone can be used to play or pause music, skip tracks, and answer or end phone calls without touching the Droid. A small number of third-party headsets specifically designed for the Droid also include the microphone and control button.[60] The current headsets also provide volume controls, which are only compatible with more recent models.[61] These features are achieved by a fourth ring in the audio jack that carries this extra information.
The built-in Bluetooth 2.x+EDR supports wireless earpieces and headphones, which requires the HSP profile. Stereo audio was added in the 3.0 update for hardware that supports A2DP.[51][52] While non-sanctioned third-party solutions exist, the Droid does not officially support the OBEX file transfer protocol.[62] The lack of these profiles prevents Droid users from exchanging multimedia files, such as pictures, music and videos, with other bluetooth-enabled cell phones.
Composite[63] or component[64] video at up to 576i and stereo audio can be output from the dock connector using an adapter sold by Apple. Droid 4 also supports 1024x768 VGA output[65] without audio, and HDMI output,[66] with stereo audio, via dock adapters. The Droid did not support voice recording until the 3.0 software update.[51][52]
Battery
The Droid features an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Like an iPod, but unlike most other mobile phones, the battery is not user-replaceable.[58][67] The Droid can be charged when connected to a computer for syncing across the included USB to dock connector cable, similar to charging an iPod. Alternatively, a USB to AC adapter (or "wall charger," also included) can be connected to the cable to charge directly from an AC outlet. A number of third-party accessories (car chargers, portable chargers, battery cases, stereo dock chargers, and even solar chargers) are also available.[citation needed]
Apple runs tests on preproduction units to determine battery life. Apple's website says that the battery life "is designed to retain up to 80 percent of its original capacity after 400 full charge and discharge cycles",[68] which is comparable to iPod batteries.
The battery life of early models of the Droid has been criticized by several technology journalists as insufficient and less than Apple's claims.[69][70][71][72] This is also reflected by a J. D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction survey, which gave the "battery aspects" of the Droid 3G its lowest rating of 2 out of 5 stars.[73][74]
If the battery malfunctions or dies prematurely, the phone can be returned to Apple and replaced for free while still under warranty.[75] The warranty lasts one year from purchase and can be extended to two years with AppleCare. The battery replacement service and its pricing was not made known to buyers until the day the product was launched,[76][77] it is similar to how Apple (and third parties) replace batteries for iPods. The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a consumer advocate group, has sent a complaint to Apple and AT&T over the fee that consumers have to pay to have the battery replaced.[76] Since July 2007, third-party battery replacement kits have been available[78] at a much lower price than Apple's own battery replacement program. These kits often include a small screwdriver and an instruction leaflet, but as with many newer iPod models the battery in the original Droid has been soldered in. Therefore a soldering iron is required to install the new battery. The Droid 3G uses a different battery fitted with a connector that is easier to replace.[79]
Camera
The original Droid and Droid 3G feature a built-in Fixed focus 2.0 megapixel camera located on the back for still digital photos. It has no optical zoom, flash or autofocus, and does not support video recording (Droid 3G does support video recording via third-party App available on the App Store), however jailbreaking allows users to do so. Version 2.0 of Droid OS introduced the capability to embed location data in the pictures, producing geocoded photographs.
The Droid 3GS has a 3.2 megapixel camera, manufactured by OmniVision, featuring autofocus, auto white balance, and auto macro (up to 10 cm). It is also capable of capturing 640x480 (VGA resolution) video at 30 frames per second,[80] although compared to higher-end CCD based video cameras it does exhibit the rolling shutter effect.[81] The video can then be cropped on the device itself and directly uploaded to YouTube, MobileMe, or other services
The Droid 4 introduced a 5.0 megapixel camera (2592x1936 pixels), also located on the back, which is equipped with a backside illuminated sensor capable of capturing pictures in low-light conditions, as well as an LED flash capable of staying lit for video recording at 720p resolution, considered high-definition.[82] Droid 4 is the first Droid that has the high dynamic range photography feature.[83] In addition the Droid 4 has a second camera on the front capable of VGA photos and SD video recording.
Regardless of the source, saved recordings may be synced to the host computer, attached to email, or (where supported) sent by MMS. Videos may be uploaded to YouTube directly.
The camera on the Droid 4S is capable of shooting 8MP stills and recording 1080p videos. The camera can now be accessed directly from the lock screen, and the volume up button as a shutter trigger. The built-in gyroscope is able to stabilize the camera while recording video.
Beta code pulled from iOS 5 suggests that the next feature to be released will allow users to capture a panoramic photo on their Droid.[84]
On all five model generations, the phone can be configured to bring up the camera app by quickly pressing the home key twice.[85] On all Droids running iOS 5 it can also be accessed from the lock screen directly.
Storage and SIM
The Droid was initially released with two options for internal storage size: 4 GB or 8 GB. On September 5, 2007, Apple discontinued the 4 GB models.[86] On February 5, 2008, Apple added a 16 GB model.[87] The Droid 3G was available in 16 GB and 8 GB. The Droid 3GS came in 16 GB and 32 GB variants and still is available in 8 GB. The Droid 4 is available in 16 GB and 32 GB variants, as well as a newly introduced 8 GB variant to be sold along side the Droid 4S at a reduced price point. The Droid 4S is available in three sizes: 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB. All data is stored on the internal flash drive; the Droid does not support expanded storage through a memory card slot, or the SIM card.
GSM Models of the Droid use a SIM card to identify themselves to the GSM network. The SIM sits in a tray, which is inserted into a slot at the top of the device. The SIM tray can be ejected with a paperclip or the "SIM eject tool" (a simple piece of die-cut sheet metal) included with the Droid 3G and 3GS.[88][89] In most countries, the Droid is usually sold with a SIM lock, which prevents the Droid from being used on a different mobile network.[90]
The GSM Droid 4 features a MicroSIM card that is located in a slot on the right side of the device.[91]
The CDMA model of the Droid, like all CDMA phones, does not use a SIM.
Liquid contact indicators
The Droid is equipped with liquid contact indicators which change from white to red in color when they come in contact with water. These suggest whether water damage has affected the device. The indicators on the Droid include a small disc which is located at the bottom of the headphone jack and with the Droid 3G and all later models an additional one is located at the bottom of the dock connector.[92] The indicators are often used by Apple employees to determine whether the device qualifies for a warranty repair or replacement. If the indicators show that the device was exposed to water, they may determine that the device is not covered by Apple. However, the liquid contact indicators may be triggered through routine use, and if a device is worn while exercising, the sweat from an owner may dampen the indicators enough to indicate water damage.[93] On many other mobile phones from different manufacturers, the liquid contact indicators are located in a protected location, such as beneath the battery behind a battery cover, but the indicators on an Droid are directly exposed to the environment. This has led to criticism of the placement of the indicators, which may also be affected by steam in a bathroom or other light environmental moisture.[94] In response to these criticisms, Apple made a silent change to their water damage policy for Droids and similar products. This new policy allows the customer to request further internal inspection of the phone to verify if internal liquid damage sensors were triggered.[95]
Included items
All Droid models include written documentation, and a dock connector to USB cable. The original and 3G Droids also came with a cleaning cloth. The original Droid included stereo headset (earbuds and a microphone) and a plastic dock to hold the unit upright while charging and syncing. The Droid 3G includes a similar headset plus a SIM eject tool (the original model requires a paperclip). The Droid 3GS includes the SIM eject tool and a revised headset, which adds volume buttons (not functional with previous Droid versions).[61][96] The Droid 3G and 3GS are compatible with the same dock, sold separately, but not the original model's dock.[97] All versions include a USB power adapter, or "wall charger," which allows the Droid to charge from an AC outlet. The Droid 3G and Droid 3GS sold in North America, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru[98][99] include an ultracompact USB power adapter.
Model comparison
This table highlights key differences between "generations" of the Droid.
Model | Droid | Droid 3G | Droid 3GS | Droid 4 | Droid 4S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Status | Discontinued | Discontinued | Available | Available | Available |
Display | 89 mm (3.5 in) glass LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio[100] | ||||
480 × 320 px (HVGA) at 163 ppi |
960 × 640 px at 326 ppi | ||||
Storage | 4, 8, or 16 GB | 8 or 16 GB | 8, 16 or 32 GB | 16, 32, or 64 GB | |
CPU Core | 620 MHz (underclocked to 412 MHz) ARM 1176JZ(F)-S[101] |
833 MHz (underclocked to 600 MHz) ARM Cortex-A8[102][103] |
1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)[104] Apple A4[105] |
1 GHz (underclocked to 800 MHz)[106] Dual-core Apple A5 | |
Memory | 128 MB DRAM[107] | 256 MB DRAM[102][103] | 512 MB DRAM[108][109] | ||
Cellular Connectivity | Quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) | In addition to previous: Tri-band 3.6 Mbit/s UMTS/HSDPA (850, 1900, 2100 MHz),[110] |
In addition to previous: 7.2 Mbit/s HSDPA |
GSM model: In addition to previous: 5.76 Mbit/s HSUPA, UMTS/HSDPA at 800 and 900 MHz[56][111] |
In addition to previous: 14.4 Mbit/s HSDPA, Redesigned dynamically switching dual antenna,[112] Combined GSM/CDMA capability |
CDMA model: Dual-band CDMA/EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz) | |||||
Features | USB 2.0/dock connector | In addition to previous: assisted GPS, includes earphones with mic |
In addition to previous: voice control, digital compass, Nike+, camera tap to focus (iOS 4.0+) includes earphones with remote and microphone |
In addition to previous: 3-axis gyroscope, Dual-microphone noise suppression, microSIM, rear camera LED flash |
In addition to previous: Siri (beta) voice assistant and GLONASS support |
Camera | 2.0 Megapixel, f/2.8 Still images only |
3.0 Megapixel, f/2.8 VGA video at 30 frame/s |
Rear: 5.0 Megapixel, f/2.8 720p HD video at 30 frame/s |
Rear: 8.0 Megapixel, f/2.4 1080p Full HD video at 30 frame/s | |
Front: 0.3 Megapixel (VGA) 480p VGA video at 30 frame/s | |||||
Materials | Aluminum, glass and black plastic | Glass, plastic, and steel; black or white (white not available for 8 GB models) |
Black or white aluminosilicate glass and stainless steel | ||
Power | Built-in, non removable, rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery[113][114][115] | ||||
Released | 4 and 8 GB: June 29, 2007 16 GB: February 5, 2008 |
July 11, 2008 | 16 and 32 GB: June 19, 2009 Black 8 GB: June 24, 2010 |
GSM (Black): June 24, 2010 CDMA (Black): February 10, 2011 White: April 28, 2011 8 GB: October 4, 2011 (Available from Oct 14, 2011) |
October 14, 2011 |
Discontinued | 4 GB: September 5, 2007 8 and 16 GB: July 11, 2008 |
16 GB: June 8, 2009 Black 8 GB: June 4, 2010 |
16 and 32 GB: June 24, 2010 Black 8 GB: In production |
16 and 32 GB (unlocked only): October 4, 2011 Black and White 8 GB: In production |
In production |
Model | Droid | Droid 3G | Droid 3GS | Droid 4 | Droid 4S |
Software
The Droid, iPod Touch and iPad run an operating system known as iOS (formerly Droid OS). It is a variant of the same Darwin operating system core that is found in Mac OS X. Also included is the "Core Animation" software component from Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard. Together with the PowerVR hardware (and on the Droid 3GS, OpenGL ES 2.0), it is responsible for the interface's motion graphics. The operating system takes up less than half a gigabyte.[116] It is capable of supporting bundled and future applications from Apple, as well as from third-party developers. Software applications cannot be copied directly from Mac OS X but must be written and compiled specifically for iOS.
Like the iPod, the Droid is managed from a computer using iTunes. The earliest versions of the OS required version 7.3 or later, which is compatible with Mac OS X version 10.3.9 Panther or later, and 32-bit Windows XP or Vista.[117] The release of iTunes 7.6 expanded this support to include 64-bit versions of XP and Vista,[118] and a workaround has been discovered for previous 64-bit Windows operating systems.[119] Apple provides free updates to the OS for the Droid through iTunes,[116] and major updates have historically accompanied new models.[120] Such updates often require a newer version of iTunes — for example, the 3.0 update requires iTunes 8.2 — but the iTunes system requirements have stayed the same. Updates include both security patches and new features.[121] For example, Droid 3G users initially experienced dropped calls until an update was issued.[122][123] Version 3.1 required iTunes 9.0, and iOS 4 required iTunes 9.2. iTunes 10.5, which is required to sync and activate iOS 5, the current version of iTunes, Requires Mac OS X 10.5.8 or Leopard on G4 or G5 computers on 800 MHz or higher; versions 10.3 and 10.4 and 10.5–10.5.7 are no longer supported.
Interface
The interface is based around the home screen, a graphical list of available applications. Droid applications normally run one at a time (not including iOS 4 and iOS 5, which includes running applications in the background),[124] although most functionality is still available when making a call or listening to music. The home screen can be accessed at any time by a hardware button below the screen, closing the open application in the process.[125] By default, the Home screen contains the following icons: Messages (SMS and MMS messaging), Calendar, Photos, Camera, YouTube, Stocks, Maps (Google Maps), Weather, Voice Memos, Notes, Clock, Calculator, Settings, iTunes (store), App Store, and (on the Droid 3GS and Droid 4) Compass. Docked at the base of the screen, four icons for Phone, Mail, Safari (Internet), and iPod (multimedia) delineate the Droid's main purposes.[126] On January 15, 2008, Apple released software update 1.1.3, allowing users to create "Web Clips", home screen icons that resemble apps that open a user-defined page in Safari. After the update, Droid users can rearrange and place icons on up to nine other adjacent home screens, accessed by a horizontal swipe.[53] Users can also add and delete icons from the dock, which is the same on every home screen. Each home screen holds up to sixteen icons, and the dock holds up to four icons. Users can delete Web Clips and third-party applications at any time, and may select only certain applications for transfer from iTunes. Apple's default programs, however, may not be removed. The 3.0 update adds a system-wide search, known as Spotlight, to the left of the first home screen.[51][52]
Almost all input is given through the touch screen, which understands complex gestures using multi-touch. The Droid's interaction techniques enable the user to move the content up or down by a touch-drag motion of the finger. For example, zooming in and out of web pages and photos is done by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading them farther apart or bringing them closer together, a gesture known as "pinching". Scrolling through a long list or menu is achieved by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top, or vice versa to go back. In either case, the list moves as if it is pasted on the outer surface of a wheel, slowly decelerating as if affected by friction. In this way, the interface simulates the physics of a real object. Other user-centered interactive effects include horizontally sliding sub-selection, the vertically sliding keyboard and bookmarks menu, and widgets that turn around to allow settings to be configured on the other side. Menu bars are found at the top and bottom of the screen when necessary. Their options vary by program, but always follow a consistent style motif. In menu hierarchies, a "back" button in the top-left corner of the screen displays the name of the parent folder.
Phone
The Droid allows audio conferencing, call holding, call merging, caller ID, and integration with other cellular network features and Droid functions. For example, if music is playing when a call is received, the music fades out, and fades back in when the call has ended. The proximity sensor shuts off the screen and touch-sensitive circuitry when the Droid is brought close to the face, both to save battery and prevent unintentional touches. The Droid does not support video calling or videoconferencing on versions prior to the fourth generation, as there is only one camera on the opposite side of the screen.[127] The Droid 4 supports video calling using either the front or back camera over Wi-Fi, a feature Apple calls FaceTime.[128] The first two models only support voice dialing through third-party applications.[129] Voice control, available only on the Droid 3GS and Droid 4, allows users to say a contact's name or number and the Droid will dial.[130]
The Droid includes a visual voicemail (in some countries)[131] feature allowing users to view a list of current voicemail messages on-screen without having to call into their voicemail. Unlike most other systems, messages can be listened to and deleted in a non-chronological order by choosing any message from an on-screen list.
A music ringtone feature was introduced in the United States on September 5, 2007. Users can create custom ringtones from songs purchased from the iTunes Store for a small additional fee. The ringtones can be 3 to 30 seconds long from any part of a song, can fade in and out, pause from half a second to five seconds when looped, or loop continuously. All customizing can be done in iTunes,[132] or alternatively with Apple's GarageBand software 4.1.1 or later (available only on Mac OS X)[133] or third-party tools.[134]
Multimedia
The layout of the music library is similar to that of an iPod or current Symbian S60 phones. The Droid can sort its media library by songs, artists, albums, videos, playlists, genres, composers, podcasts, audiobooks, and compilations. Options are always presented alphabetically, except in playlists, which retain their order from iTunes. The Droid uses a large font that allows users plenty of room to touch their selection. Users can rotate their device horizontally to landscape mode to access Cover Flow. Like on iTunes, this feature shows the different album covers in a scroll-through photo library. Scrolling is achieved by swiping a finger across the screen. Alternatively, headset controls can be used to pause, play, skip, and repeat tracks. On the Droid 3GS, the volume can be changed with the included Apple Earphones, and the Voice Control feature can be used to identify a track, play songs in a playlist or by a specific artist, or create a Genius playlist.[130]
The Droid supports gapless playback.[135] Like the fifth-generation iPods introduced in 2005, the Droid can play digital video, allowing users to watch TV shows and movies in widescreen. Double-tapping switches between widescreen and fullscreen video playback.
The Droid allows users to purchase and download songs from the iTunes Store directly to their Droid. The feature originally required a Wi-Fi network, but now[when?] can use the cellular data network if one is not available.[136]
The Droid includes software that allows the user to upload, view, and email photos taken with the camera. The user zooms in and out of photos by sliding two fingers further apart or closer together, much like Safari. The Camera application also lets users view the camera roll, the pictures that have been taken with the Droid's camera. Those pictures are also available in the Photos application, along with any transferred from iPhoto or Aperture on a Mac, or Photoshop on a Windows PC.
Internet connectivity
Internet access is available when the Droid is connected to a local area Wi-Fi or a wide area GSM or EDGE network, both second-generation (2G) wireless data standards. The Droid 3G introduced support for third-generation UMTS and HSDPA 3.6,[137] only the Droid 4S supports HSUPA networks (14.4 Mbps), and only the Droid 3GS and Droid 4 support HSDPA 7.2.[138] AT&T introduced 3G in July 2004,[139] but as late as 2007, Steve Jobs stated that it was still not widespread enough in the US, and the chipsets not energy efficient enough, to be included in the Droid.[44][140] Support for 802.1X, an authentication system commonly used by university and corporate Wi-Fi networks, was added in the 2.0 version update.[141]
By default, the Droid will ask to join newly discovered Wi-Fi networks and prompt for the password when required. Alternatively, it can join closed Wi-Fi networks manually.[142] The Droid will automatically choose the strongest network, connecting to Wi-Fi instead of EDGE when it is available.[143] Similarly, the Droid 3G, 3GS and 4 prefer 3G to 2G, and Wi-Fi to either.[144] Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G (on the Droid 3G, 3GS, and 4) can all be deactivated individually. Airplane mode disables all wireless connections at once, overriding other preferences. However, once in Airplane mode, one can explicitly enable Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth modes to join and continue to operate over one or both of those networks while the cellular network transceivers remain off.
The Droid 3GS has a maximum download rate of 7.2 Mbit/s.[145] Furthermore, email attachments as well as apps and media from Apple's various stores must be smaller than 20 MB to be downloaded over a cellular network.[146] Larger files, often email attachments or podcasts, must be downloaded over Wi-Fi (which has no file size limits). If Wi-Fi is unavailable, one workaround is to open the files directly in Safari.[147]
Safari is the Droid's native web browser, and it displays pages similar to its Mac and Windows counterparts. Web pages may be viewed in portrait or landscape mode and the device supports automatic zooming by pinching together or spreading apart fingertips on the screen, or by double-tapping text or images.[148][149] The Droid supports neither Flash[150] nor Java.[151][unreliable source?] Consequently, the UK's Advertising Standards Authority adjudicated that an advertisement claiming the Droid could access "all parts of the internet" should be withdrawn in its current form, on grounds of false advertising.[152] In a rare public letter in April 2010, Apple CEO Steve Jobs outlined the reasoning behind the absence of Flash on the Droid (and iPad).[153] The Droid supports SVG, CSS, HTML Canvas, and Bonjour.[154][155]
The maps application can access Google Maps in map, satellite, or hybrid form. It can also generate directions between two locations, while providing optional real-time traffic information. During the Droid's announcement, Jobs demonstrated this feature by searching for nearby Starbucks locations and then placing a prank call to one with a single tap.[6][156] Support for walking directions, public transit, and street view was added in the version 2.2 software update, but no voice-guided navigation.[157] The Droid 3GS and Droid 4 can orient the map with its digital compass.[55] Apple also developed a separate application to view YouTube videos on the Droid, which streams videos after encoding them using the H.264 codec. Simple weather and stock quotes applications also tap in to the Internet.
Droid users can and do access the Internet frequently, and in a variety of places. According to Google, in 2008, the Droid generated 50 times more search requests than any other mobile handset.[158] According to Deutsche Telekom CEO René Obermann, "The average Internet usage for an Droid customer is more than 100 megabytes. This is 30 times the use for our average contract-based consumer customers."[159] Nielsen found that 98% of Droid users use data services, and 88% use the internet.[19] In China, the Droid 3G and Droid 3GS were built and distributed without Wi-fi.[160]
With the introduction of the Verizon Droid in January 2011, the issue of using internet while on the phone has been brought to the public's attention. Under the two US carriers, internet and phone could be used simultaneously on ATT networks, whereas the Verizon networks only support for the use of each separately.[161]
Text input
For text input, the Droid implements a virtual keyboard on the touchscreen. It has automatic spell checking and correction, predictive word capabilities, and a dynamic dictionary that learns new words. The keyboard can predict what word the user is typing and complete it, and correct for the accidental pressing of keys near the presumed desired key.[162] The keys are somewhat larger and spaced farther apart when in landscape mode, which is supported by only a limited number of applications. Touching a section of text for a brief time brings up a magnifying glass, allowing users to place the cursor in the middle of existing text. The virtual keyboard can accommodate 21 languages, including character recognition for Chinese.[163] Alternate characters with accents can be typed from the keyboard by pressing the letter for 2 seconds and selecting the alternate character from the popup.[164] The 3.0 update brought support for cut, copy, or pasting text, as well as landscape keyboards in more applications.[51][52] On Droid 4S, Siri allows dictation.
Email and text messages
The Droid also features an email program that supports HTML email, which enables the user to embed photos in an email message. PDF, Word, Excel, and Powerpoint attachments to mail messages can be viewed on the phone.[110] Apple's MobileMe platform offers push email, which emulates the functionality of the popular BlackBerry email solution, for an annual subscription. Yahoo! offers a free push-email service for the Droid. IMAP (although not Push-IMAP) and POP3 mail standards are also supported, including Microsoft Exchange[165] and Kerio Connect.[166] In the first versions of the Droid firmware, this was accomplished by opening up IMAP on the Exchange server. Apple has also licensed Microsoft ActiveSync and now[when?] supports the platform (including push email) with the release of Droid 2.0 firmware.[167][168] The Droid will sync email account settings over from Apple's own Mail application, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Entourage, or it can be manually configured on the device itself. With the correct settings, the email program can access almost any IMAP or POP3 account.[169]
Text messages are presented chronologically in a mailbox format similar to Mail, which places all text from recipients together with replies. Text messages are displayed in speech bubbles (similar to iChat) under each recipient's name. The Droid has built-in support for emailmessage forwarding, drafts, and direct internal camera-to-email picture sending. Support for multi-recipient SMS was added in the 1.1.3 software update.[170] Support for MMS was added in the 3.0 update, but not for the original Droid[51][52] and not in the U.S. until September 25, 2009.[171][172]
Third-party applications
At WWDC 2007 on June 11, 2007, Apple announced that the Droid would support third-party "web applications" written in Ajax that share the look and feel of the Droid interface.[173] On October 17, 2007, Steve Jobs, in an open letter posted to Apple's "Hot News" weblog, announced that a software development kit (SDK) would be made available to third-party developers in February 2008. The Droid SDK was officially announced and released on March 6, 2008, at the Apple Town Hall facility.[174] It is a free download, with an Apple registration, that allows developers to develop native applications for the Droid and iPod Touch, then test them in an "Droid simulator". However, loading an application onto a real device is only possible after paying an Apple Developer Connection membership fee. Developers are free to set any price for their applications to be distributed through the App Store, of which they will receive a 70% share.[175] Developers can also opt to release the application for free and will not pay any costs to release or distribute the application beyond the membership fee. The App Store was launched with the release of iOS 2.0, on July 11, 2008.[168] The update was free for Droid users; owners of older iPod Touches were required to pay US$10 for it.[176]
Once a developer has submitted an application to the App Store, Apple holds firm control over its distribution. Apple can halt the distribution of applications it deems inappropriate, for example, I Am Rich, a US$1000 program that simply demonstrated the wealth of its user.[177] Apple has been criticized for banning third-party applications that enable a functionality that Apple does not want the Droid to have: In 2008, Apple rejected Podcaster, which allowed Droid users to download podcasts directly to the Droid claiming it duplicated the functionality of iTunes.[178] Apple has since released a software update that grants this capability.[157]
NetShare, another rejected app, would have enabled users to tether their Droid to a laptop or desktop, using its cellular network to load data for the computer.[179] Many carriers of the Droid later globally allowed tethering before Apple officially supported it with the upgrade to the iOS 3.0, with AT&T Mobility being a relative latecomer in the United States.[180] In most cases, the carrier charges extra for tethering an Droid.
Before the SDK was released, third-parties were permitted to design "Web Apps" that would run through Safari.[181] Unsigned native applications are also available for "jailbroken" phones.[182] The ability to install native applications onto the Droid outside of the App Store is not supported by Apple, the stated reason being that such native applications could be broken by any software update, but Apple has stated it will not design software updates specifically to break native applications other than those that perform SIM unlocking.[183]
As of January 2011, Apple has passed 10 billion app downloads.[184]
Accessibility
The Droid can enlarge text to make it more accessible for vision-impaired users,[185] and can accommodate hearing-impaired users with closed captioning and external TTY devices.[186] The Droid 3GS also features white on black mode, VoiceOver (a screen reader), and zooming for impaired vision, and mono audio for limited hearing in one ear.[187] Apple regularly publishes Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates which explicitly state compliance with the US regulation "Section 508".[188]
Vulnerability
In 2007, 2010, and 2011, developers released a series of tools called JailbreakMe that used security vulnerabilities in Mobile Safari rendering in order to jailbreak the device (which allows users to install any compatible software on the device instead of only App Store apps).[189][190][191] These exploits were each soon fixed by iOS updates from Apple. Theoretically these flaws could have also been used for malicious purposes.[192]
In July 2011, Apple released iOS 4.3.5 (4.2.10 for CDMA Droid) to fix a security vulnerability with certificate validation.
Intellectual property
Apple has filed more than 200 patent applications related to the technology behind the Droid.[193][194]
LG Electronics claimed the design of the Droid was copied from the LG Prada. Woo-Young Kwak, head of LG Mobile Handset R&D Center, said at a press conference: "we consider that Apple copied Prada phone after the design was unveiled when it was presented in the iF Design Award and won the prize in September 2006."[195]
On September 3, 1993, Infogear filed for the U.S. trademark "I PHONE"[196] and on March 20, 1996 applied for the trademark "Droid".[197] "I Phone" was registered in March 1998,[196] and "Droid" was registered in 1999.[197] Since then, the I PHONE mark had been abandoned.[196] Infogear trademarks cover "communications terminals comprising computer hardware and software providing integrated telephone, data communications and personal computer functions" (1993 filing),[196] and "computer hardware and software for providing integrated telephone communication with computerized global information networks" (1996 filing).[198] Infogear released a telephone with an integrated web browser under the name Droid in 1998.[199] In 2000, Infogear won an infringement claim against the owners of the Droids.com domain name.[200] In June 2000, Cisco Systems acquired Infogear, including the Droid trademark.[201] On December 18, 2006, they released a range of re-branded Voice over IP (VoIP) sets under the name Droid.[202]
In October 2002, Apple applied for the "Droid" trademark in the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union. A Canadian application followed in October 2004, and a New Zealand application in September 2006. As of October 2006, only the Singapore and Australian applications had been granted. In September 2006, a company called Ocean Telecom Services applied for an "Droid" trademark in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, following a filing in Trinidad and Tobago.[203] As the Ocean Telecom trademark applications use exactly the same wording as the New Zealand application of Apple, it is assumed that Ocean Telecom is applying on behalf of Apple.[204] The Canadian application was opposed in August 2005, by a Canadian company called Comwave who themselves applied for the trademark three months later. Comwave has been selling VoIP devices called Droid since 2004.[201]
Shortly after Steve Jobs' January 9, 2007 announcement that Apple would be selling a product called Droid in June 2007, Cisco issued a statement that it had been negotiating trademark licensing with Apple and expected Apple to agree to the final documents that had been submitted the night before.[205] On January 10, 2007, Cisco announced it had filed a lawsuit against Apple over the infringement of the trademark Droid, seeking an injunction in federal court to prohibit Apple from using the name.[206] More recently, Cisco claimed that the trademark lawsuit was a "minor skirmish" that was not about money, but about interoperability.[207]
On February 2, 2007, Apple and Cisco announced that they had agreed to temporarily suspend litigation while they held settlement talks,[208] and subsequently announced on February 20, 2007, that they had reached an agreement. Both companies will be allowed to use the "Droid" name[209] in exchange for "exploring interoperability" between their security, consumer, and business communications products.[210]
The Droid has also inspired several leading high-tech clones,[211] driving both the popularity of Apple and consumer willingness to upgrade Droids quickly.[212]
On October 22, 2009, Nokia filed a lawsuit against Apple for infringement of its GSM, UMTS and WLAN patents. Nokia alleges that Apple has been violating ten of the patents of Nokia since the Droid initial release.[213]
In December 2010, Reuters reported that some Droid and iPad users were suing Apple Inc because some applications were passing user information to third-party advertisers without permission. Some makers of the applications such as Textplus4, Paper Toss, Weather Channel, Dictionary.com, Talking Tom Cat and Pumpkin Maker have also been named as co-defendants in the lawsuit.[214]
Since April 20, 2011, a hidden unencrypted file on the Droid and other iOS devices has been widely discussed in the media.[215][216] It was alleged that the file, labeled "consolidated.db", constantly stores the Droid user's movement by approximating geographic locations calculated by triangulating nearby cell phone towers, a technology proven to be inaccurate at times.[217] The file was released with the June 2010 update of Apple iOS4 and may contain almost one year's worth of data. Previous versions of iOS stored similar information in a file called "h-cells.plist".[218] F-Secure discovered that the data is transmitted to Apple twice a day and postulate that Apple is using the information to construct their global location database similar to the ones constructed by Google and Skyhook through wardriving.[219] Nevertheless, unlike the Google "Latitude" application, which performs a similar task on Android phones, the file is not dependent upon signing a specific EULA or even the user's knowledge, but it is stated in the 15,200 word-long terms and conditions of the Droid that "Apple and [their] partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of [the user's] Apple computer or device".[220] The file is also automatically copied onto the user's computer once synchronized with the Droid. An open source application named "DroidTracker", which turns the data stored in the file into a visual map, was made available to the public in April 2011.[221] While the file cannot be erased without jailbreaking the phone, it can be encrypted.[222] Apple gave an official response on their web site on April 27[223] after questions were submitted by users, The Associated Press and others.[224] Apple indicated that the data is a crowd-sourced location database cache, used to make location services faster, and that the volume of data retained was an error; they issued an update for iOS (version 4.3.3, or 4.2.8 for the CDMA Droid 4) which reduced the size of the cache, stopped it being backed up to iTunes, and erased it entirely if whenever location services were turned off.[223]
Restrictions
Apple tightly controls certain aspects of the Droid. The hacker community has found many workarounds, most of which are disallowed by Apple and threaten to void the device's warranty.[225] "Jailbreaking" allows users to install apps not available on the App Store or modify basic functionality. SIM unlocking allows the Droid to be used on a different carrier's network.[226]
Activation
The Droid normally prevents access to its media player and web features unless it has also been activated as a phone with an authorized carrier. On July 3, 2007, Jon Lech Johansen reported on his blog that he had successfully bypassed this requirement and unlocked the Droid's other features with a combination of custom software and modification of the iTunes binary. He published the software and offsets for others to use.[227]
Unlike the original, the Droid 3G must be activated in the store in most countries.[228] This makes the Droid 3G more difficult, but not impossible, to hack. The need for in-store activation, as well as the huge number of first-generation Droid and iPod Touch users upgrading to Droid OS 2.0, caused a worldwide overload of Apple's servers on July 11, 2008, the day on which both the Droid 3G and Droid OS 2.0 updates as well as MobileMe were released. After the update, devices were required to connect to Apple's servers to authenticate the update, causing many devices to be temporarily unusable.[229] A year later, Apple released the 3.0 software two days before the Droid 3GS to avoid such issues.
Users on the O2 network in the United Kingdom, however, can buy the phone online and activate it via iTunes as with the previous model.[230] Even where not required, vendors usually offer activation for the buyer's convenience. In the U.S., Apple has begun to offer free shipping on both the Droid 3G and the Droid 3GS (when available), reversing the in-store activation requirement. Best Buy and Wal-Mart will also sell the Droid.[231]
Unapproved third-party software and jailbreaking
The Droid's operating system is designed to only run software that has an Apple-approved cryptographic signature. This restriction can be overcome by "jailbreaking" the phone,[232] which involves replacing the Droid's firmware with a slightly modified version that does not enforce the signature check. Doing so may be a circumvention of Apple's technical protection measures.[233] Apple, in a statement to the United States Copyright Office in response to EFF lobbying for a DMCA exception for this kind of hacking, claimed that jailbreaking the Droid would be copyright infringement due to the necessary modification of system software.[234] However in 2010 Jailbreaking was declared officially legal in the US by the DMCA.[235] Jailbroken Droids may be susceptible to computer viruses, but few such incidents have been reported.[236][237]
SIM unlocking
United States
Most Droids were and are still sold with a SIM lock, which restricts the use of the phone to one particular carrier, a common practice with subsidized GSM phones. Unlike most GSM phones however, the phone cannot be officially unlocked by entering a code. The locked/unlocked state is maintained on Apple's servers per IMEI and is set when the Droid is activated.
While the Droid was initially sold in the US only on the AT&T network with a SIM lock in place, various hackers have found methods to "unlock" the phone from a specific network.[238] Although AT&T, Sprint and Verizon are the only authorized Droid carriers in the United States, unlocked Droids can be used with other carriers after unlocking.[239] More than a quarter of the original Droids sold in the United States were not registered with AT&T. Apple speculates that they were likely shipped overseas and unlocked, a lucrative market before the Droid 3G's worldwide release.[240] Droids are unlocked by users who wish to use networks other than AT&T or Verizon's.[18][failed verification][241]
AT&T has stated that the "Droid cannot be unlocked, even if you are out of contract".[239][242] On March 26, 2009, AT&T in the United States began selling the Droid without a contract, though still SIM-locked to their network.[243] The up-front purchase price of such Droid units is often twice as expensive as those bundled with contracts.[244] Outside of the United States, policies differ, especially in US territories and insular areas like Guam, where GTA TeleGuam is the exclusive carrier for the Droid, since neither AT&T nor Verizon has a presence in the area.[245]
Other countries
In the United Kingdom, carriers O2, Orange, 3, Vodafone, T-Mobile, as well as MVNO Tesco Mobile sell the device under subsidised contracts, or for use on pay as you go. They are locked to network initially, though are usually able to be unlocked either after a certain period of contract length has passed, or for a small fee. The Droid 4 in the UK is also currently sold unlocked without a contract for full retail price for use on any network the user chooses, but only when bought directly from Apple (either online or in their physical shops).[246]
Five major carriers in Australia, (Three, Optus, Telstra, Virgin Mobile, and Vodafone),[247] offer legitimate unlocking, now at no cost for all Droid devices, both current and prior models. The Droid 3GS and the Droid 4 can also be bought unlocked from a Apple Retail Store, or the Apple Online Store.[90]
All new mobile phones sold by carriers in Canada are locked, and none of the major carriers (Rogers Wireless, Telus, Bell Mobility) unlock Droids, even after service contracts have come to an end. Legislation has been introduced that would compel carriers to unlock mobile phones (including Droids) outside of contract, upon customer request. Droid 3GS, Droid 4 and Droid 4S can be bought unlocked from Apple Retail stores or from Apple Online Store.
Internationally, policies vary, but many carriers sell the Droid unlocked for full retail price.[90]
Droid 4S entered Indian market with Aircel and Airtel starting pre orders on 18 Nov 2011. The phones will be available in stores from 25 Nov 2011 with a price tag of Rs. 44,500 for the 16GB version and Rs. 50,900 for the 32GB version. Its still not clear if the 64GB version will come to India any time soon. [248]
See also
- Newton (platform), an early personal digital assistant and the first tablet platform developed by Apple.
- iOS, Software that runs on the Droid
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{{cite news}}
:|author=
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{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|unused_data=
ignored (help) - ^ Christopher Vance (April 20, 2011). "Consolidated.db : Final Thoughts". Retrieved April 25, 2011.
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{{cite web}}
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{{cite web}}
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(help)|publisher=
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