Droid Cell Phone

Did you get lucky and get a Android Based Phone for the Holidays? For those who did congratulations and welcome to the future.

When you first open your phone and turn it on for the first time it can be a little overwhelming. The Android based phones have so many capabilities that it will take time to take full advantage of everything available.

Before going crazy and downloading every app you find there are a couple things to do. First see what version of Android you are running. The first batches shipped with early versions. Eris are shipped with 1.6 and Droids are shipped with 2.0.0. Both these phones have updates available. Once the phone is turned on navigate to settings>about phone. At the bottom you look for "Firmwire". If you don't see the latest version you need to update. Check Android 2.0.1 Eclair Update Post.

Next task that is important is to conserve battery life. We have had the Droid A855 running multiple apps while browsing and listening to music all at the same time. Though the device does perform for hours like that we don't suggest it being done constantly. Remember batteries can only perform so much and have a life span.

Take steps to conserve battery life by turning down the brightness to start with. Next grab a task killer from the Android Market. Also if you are not using the GPS and are in WiFi range shut off the GPS Location and connect via WiFi.

Once you have your phone ready start thinking about what you need to do and search the Android Market place from your Droid. PC and Mac users get a limited view of the app store. You will be surprised what you will find. You will find a app for just about anything.

We have a couple posts that will help with getting started. Here's 10 Free Droid Apps and a list of Twitter Android Apps to get you going.

Not only do you have one of the most powerful smartphones ever built you belong to a community. We highly recommend visiting the Android Developers site. You will find the news feed in the footer of our site. Also try grabbing the RSS Feed for updates from us.

We recommend that you only purchase accessories for The Droid from Verizon Wireless. This device is new and only a few OEM products are available for now. We have heard some bad things about none OEM accessories. Example would be Docking Stations. Some reportedly don't charge the phone. Be safe and buy direct from Verizon or Motorola.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

A disclaimer is in order for this post. We are not responsible if you break your phone and we have no idea if modifying your device voids any warranty.

You will need a file manger which most are suggesting "Astro" which you can get from the Android Market.

So your impatient and want to download and install the 2.0.1 now. Thanks to the Android community the update can be done manually. Some users are downloading the file to there Mac or PC then renaming it and then installing it. Others are doing everything right from a Android device.

The folks over at AllDroid have posted the files and instruction here.  All Droid is where the Droid has been cracked. They have succesfully rooted the phone here. Meaning that users can now modify and improve the functions of there own devices. This is what Android is all about.

There is a thread on doing the manual install different ways on Android Central. Some people say the manual update went well and others are reporting errors. If you have any doubts in your own ability we recommend waiting for the update to be delivered to your Android Phone.

Users are reporting that the updates have improved most of the reported issues, but all say it is to early to tell.

Since the Droid was released the daily schedule of exercise has suffered. So I was thinking why not just use The Motorola Droid as my workout device. You could use a Garmin Forerunner which is fine ,but I ride a Mountain Bike for exercise. Hence this post. "Mounting The Motorola Droid on a Bicycle".

First A Disclaimer: DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

The most important part for this is the Speck Holster Pro. I is very ridged and holds the phone very tight. Along with a good case you need a handle bar mount for a light, or anything you can find that YOU! feel safe with.

After gathering the parts take your time and test your set up over and over. Notice in one of the video's that I wrapped a zip tie around the Droid and Case. I knew the case was tight so I felt comfortable securing the tie around the case.

I know some say this is stupid. But I tell ya this works. I completed a 5 mile ride using the GPS and the Cardio Application in the Android Market Place. The app recorded the entire ride and gave me voice feedback along the ride.

I am sure once I get the app set up better and fine tune the mounting, the Droid will be with all my workouts. I can see getting the Bluetooth headset and listening to music. Not so dangerous with a Blue tooth seeing only one ear is used

I made two video's for doing this. The video I recorded as a demonstration ride/test is Okay, but I was using a helmet camera with no view finder.

The second video is a basic assembly of a mounting system.

We have been making lots of how and Motorola Droid Tips Video's and posts. They should be on the site any day now. We are looking for the best way to continue building this website and places to put information. The best way to stay updated is by RSS and Feedburner.