Rubin on adding multitouch to the Nexus One: 'we'll consider it'
By Chris Ziegler 
posted January 5th 2010 12:46PM
posted January 5th 2010 12:46PM
Google and its partners have a track record of being clear as mud about their intentions regarding multitouch -- they're obviously all dancing around the issue, but there's definitely some logic (probably legal logic, but logic nonetheless) behind which devices are getting it in which markets. Notably lacking multitouch, though is the flagship Nexus One -- an odd device for Google to fail to pimp out in every conceivable way, we'd argue. Our man on the ground in Mountain View today pressed Android chief Andy Rubin on the matter today, asking whether we might see multitouch in a future Nexus One software update: "we'll consider it." That's all we could get out of him, suggesting this is still very much a sensitive subject -- but at least we have some confirmation that it's a software limitation alone, so if nothing else, this'll get hacked every which way within a few days of release.
@fredphoesh kinda
I say this as a huge Android supporter: Rubin's answer was PATHETIC.
He should be ashamed.
During the Q&A session they totally avoided answering this question. Dodged it awkwardly.
Multitouch - so friggin overhyped it does my head in.
I'm surprised no one pushed Rubin further. Multitouch is almost necessary when it comes to reliance to an onscreen keyboard. (I'm sure Rubin's argument is use the untested speech to text)
This clearly isn't a patent issue, as multitouch (pinch zoom) is in many places (Zune HD, Sense UI, etc.)
I'm more and more convinced that Google has some sort of *legal agreement* with Apple that prevents them from natively including it.
As in: Apple allows Google Maps on the iPhone as a native app. Apple adds multitouch to Google Maps as their differentiator. In their agreement, Google can't add multitouch to any other version of Google Maps.
Because, at this point:
1. It's not a software issue.
2. It's not a patent issue (see Zune HD, Sense UI).
3. All that remains is a legal issue of some other sort...
@PhineasJW It's a patent issue. The patents are available for download on the internet.
The fact that some people violate patents is not evidence that patents do not exist.
Your secret agreement theory is called collusion, and is a crime. You are suggesting that Apple and Google are knowingly colluding in order to bolster both of their products.
@matthewp The fact that other, major world-players are including multitouch is *evidence* that it is not a patent issue. Microsoft has it everywhere. Do you not think Apple would have filed an injunction the instant the Zune HD was released?
And, what I am suggesting is clearly NOT collusion, but an agreement between companies.
- Apple allows Google Maps on the iPhone.
- Apple adds multitouch to Google Maps.
- As part of an exclusivity agreement, Google agrees not to add multitouch to any other version of Google Maps.
How is that a crime?
What's the use of multitouch again? -s-
Third party apps can use multitouch. Check Dolphin browser from the android market. It's just the google apps that aren't using them.
@marcn404
So what if they do.
If the in built keyboard that is used in every single program is borked for no reason at all then this phone is useless.
@John Hinds I was just saying that not only the hardware supports it, but there's also the API for it.
Plus the keyboard does actually have multitouch since 2.0.1
I own the G1. I am totally turned off by the steep price of this phone when it has no multi-touch and no keyboard. Typing would be impossible on this device.
Also, if I buy it subsidized then Im locked in for 2 years with 500 minutes. I dont know what world you guys live in, but 500 minutes is like the 90's. We need unlimited or 1500+ minutes now to function.
@Slicky
Really? My whole family's plan only has 550 minutes for all of us. We rarely use more than 400 a month, except for holiday seasons.
These people keep selling me iPhones.
People need to shut up about multitouch. It's patented. Apple is to blame for this, they are patenting obvious stuff.
Palm violates the patent. Nokia violates the patent. HTC violates the patent. Don't fault Google for choosing to obey the law. Just shut up.
iPhone fan: "Any feature that iPhone has that Android does not is a can-not-live without feature. Any feature that Android has that iPhone does not is superfluous."
@matthewp A lot of people have an idea of the phone that they'd want to buy and use instead of their current phone. When something like the Nexus comes tantalizingly close to that idea, they compare it to their current user experience. For me, and others, the physical interface of the iPhone feels intuitive and smooth and we've become quite attached to pinch to zoom. Wanting a phone like the Nexus to have that feature doesn't make anyone a fanboy; it doesn't make them stupid or mean they should "shut up." It simply means that people are expressing the features they want in an ideal product, which is a pretty good discussion. Therefore, you're an idiot citizen of goobtown, matthewp.
Is Engadget still unaware that Apple has several multitouch patents in the US, but not elsewhere? Is Engadget still unaware that European editions of smartphones have multitouch gestures enabled, so obviously it must be a software limitation?
I'm so tired of this topic.