gflare

@kramer
Until the update is released, just use the following settings to have a workable GPS for the time-being.

Dial: *#*#1472365#*#*

Application Settings
Session Type: Tracking
Test Mode: S/W Test
Operation Mode: MS Based
Start Mode: Hot Start
GPS Plus: ON
Dynamic Accuracy: ON
Accuracy: 100
Use Skyhook: ON
Use PC Tool: OFF

SUPL/CP Settings
Server FQDN Type: AUTO Config
SUPL Secure Socket: ON
AGPS Mode: SUPL

@iName I'm wondering the exact same thing... Is this worth the wait from the Samsung Captivate Galaxy S phone? I dislike Samsung's UI, and I actually enjoy the sense UI. But on the other hand... The Samsung is still going to have a better proc, screen, and GPU.

@dandy1117
How about this video from the old engadget post.
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03PQyWp0mWE&feature=player_embedded

article:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/24/some-iphone-4-models-see-signals-drop-to-0-when-held-left-handed/

Thank you for posting this article! I never thought about this, but i just CONFIRMED the issue on my original iphone 2G. This very well could explain my poor AT&T experiences (I've had lots of dropped calls, and I use a leather sleeve, so when I'm using my phone I have no case and just directly hold the phone).

@Sunnyd787
I can guarantee that iAd will contain the exact same amount of analytical tracking as AdMob.

The only difference is that apple wants iAd to have a competitive advantage in the space. AdMob's benefit on the iphone platform is heavily diminished without the ability to collect statistics and provide relevant info to potential advertisers. As an advertiser, I'm going to be nearly forced to use iAd for the most targeted & tracked efforts for the iphone market.

Google's best move to combat fragmentation would be to bind the hands of the manufacturers. You would have less handsets, much less diversity, and little to no OS customization (HTC Sense, MOTO Blur, etc). So... If you take out those good points that android has, you'll end up with something similar to the iphone. If you eliminate all the options, and force people to buy a new iteration of a Nexus One each year, then you now have apple's gameplan.

Google is providing people with the Fragmentation-Free version of Android by selling the Nexus One. If that is a major concern you could always buy that phone for use on T-Mobile or AT&T (at least that's more carriers than you can buy the iphone for out of the box).

Manufacturers like HTC and Moto are providing these custom UI changes as a way to differentiate their products, which helps them in the marketing/sales arenas. I can't blame them for doing so, because they are trying to provide reasons you should buy "their" handset over the next person's handset, but the downside is the continued development costs and delayed updates.

There is no right or wrong answer to the issue of fragmentation, nor is it a purely good or bad thing. I think the pro's out-way the cons, only because the Google Experience devices give the option of a fragmented-free future (at least for the normal 1yr or 2yr cycle nowadays). Though I really like what HTC and Moto are doing on the high-end hardware side.

As a final side note: I own an iphone, not android.

Congrats Engadget!

If I manage to get ridiculously lucky, this would finally give be a reason to leave AT&T and move to Verizon!

Happy birthday Engadget! I really don't know how I'd make it through the work-day without you and Lifehacker.

I'd love a droid. I'm still using the iphone 2G on AT&T and it would be great to have a reason to switch to Verizon.

I'm so glad I read the comments for this post. Sisyphus++

I don't want access because Media Molecule might hire me after they witness what I can build.