The Glade 4.0

As part of my job is mobile video integration and implementation, and we're launching multiple streams of our content, I need to be able to test delivery on an Android device. I don't have one, and I don't want to drop a bundle on one, nor do I want to sign up for a two-year contract or anything. So what's a good Android device (phone, tablet, whatever) that I can pick up for a decent amount? Just needs to do typical things, primarily web browsing and web video playback.

Are you developing an application? Or using an existing app?

As far as a platform my only real recommendation is to get something with native android installed.

What about android versions? Are you expecting to be able to test on all versions? 1.5 up to 3.0?

Are you planning on delivering over WiFi only? or using a carrier data network? Any particular carrier?

Google phones are the development standard. Unfortunately they aren't cheap. The Nexus S is the newest model, and is an awesome handset, but very expensive. The Nexus One is still a good solid phone and quite capable, but you'd have to find a used one somewhere, as I don't think there are any new ones to be found...

Can prolly pick up a Droid One for cheapish. Anything older might not run the newer versions of android well enough.

There's a link here on Dev Phones
http://developer.android.com/index.html

A question though... why are *you* paying for this? Your company should pay for the development platform.

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Holy shitsnacks!

Huh? They are; I just don't like wasting their money, particularly when it's going to a single-use device.

I just need something to test out our video (VOD and live streaming) now, and for any future changes we make.

We'll eventually develop iOS and Android apps specifically, but that's a little ways away right now.

so you are going to use a stock app of some kind?

As someone experienced in testing similar functionality on these platforms, I strongly encourage you to establish baseline specifications for your test device.

The Android ecosystem (I hate that word) is severly fractured. Nearly every device is different. Different core Android builds, different custom builds, different skins, even different functionality. Even among different manufacturers, they strip out some functionality and add in their own on a device by device basis. What works well on a Droid X may not work well (or at all) on a G2x for example.

It's impossible to test on every platform, so it's best to start with a base build on 'stock' development platform and go from there.

I'm not very familiar with whats available from consumer data plan standpoint. I don't have one :p. But I'm pretty sure you can buy a device without a contract and use a pre-paid or pay-as-you go plan. At least I'm pretty sure T-Mobile has these. Not sure about the others. This will be far more expensive per unit (MB, minute, etc...) but may be cheaper in the long run if you don't want to buy a 2 year contract. And without contract subsidies, the handset will cost even more.

My advice though is don't skimp a few hundred dollars on a test platform. Get one that represents your users as closely as possible. The Nexus S (only available at Best Buy I believe) is the current release dev platform, and that's probably what I would go with if I were in your position.

The good thing about Android is, once you get your handset, the SDK is free, and well documented, and there is a TON of free information available online for getting through the app development process. Also, the SDK has device emulation capability, so some things can be tested cross platform without even pushing your code to an actual handset.

Anyway, good luck. Let me know if I can help. =)

Doesn't Titanium include an emulator so you can see it on your desktop?

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The SDK has device emulation built into it that allows you to view it on your desktop.

Not sure about Titanium

If everyone would use the G2X as the standard, then I couldn't go wrong.

Doesn't the SDK for iphones cost money? I could be wrong but I thought I heard that.

Yeah, it does, Lex.

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"Aaaah! Emotions are weird!" - Amdee
"... Mirrorshades prevent the forces of normalcy from realizing that one is crazed and possibly dangerous. They are the symbol of the sun-staring visionary, the biker, the rocker, the policeman, and similar outlaws." - Bruce Sterling, preface to Mirrorshades

To be clear, the SDK I was referring to in my post above is the very free Android SDK... (Isn't that what this thread is about?)

What does iPhone SDK have to do with this? Did I miss something?

do you have Cricket cell phone service in your area.
If so you should be able to get an LG optimus for under 200 and no contract
the driod plan with them is $55 a month unlimited everything

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History of the Condom
In 1272, the Muslim Arabs invented the condom, using a goat's lower intestine.
In 1873, the British somewhat refined the idea, by taking the intestine out of the goat first.

Sorry, I misread the thread. I thought it was talking about iPhones.