Surprise, surprise: HTC's Euro-spec Nexus One does multitouch
By Chris Ziegler 
posted January 7th 2010 4:03PM
posted January 7th 2010 4:03PM
Alright, Google, we get it: you hate America. That's the only conclusion we can reach for why the company's last two Android version hero devices -- the Droid for 2.0 and the Nexus One for 2.1 -- have mysteriously opted to exclude multitouch support in the phone's in-built apps (despite retaining support in third-party downloads). As we all know, the European Milestone adds that functionality back in, and it seems that the European version of the Nexus One (which'll be offered by Vodafone) is getting the same boost. We say this because a phone being passed around to Germany's Heise has pinch zooming enabled -- very likely the same stuff Voda will have on offer when it starts selling the phone in the coming weeks. That's fine, Google, whatever, we hate gestures anyway. Hate 'em.Update: According to a Google employee on a Google Mobile help page, the phone shipping to European markets will be no different than the one here in the US. We're not sure we entirely buy that, but we'll get to the bottom of this before long.
[Thanks, Philipp, John]
oh quit your bitching.
at least you probably live in an area that gets 3G t-mobile. AT&T is fucking us with a shitty selection of phones.
Ppl, don't bother with this device. I like how it looks and the screen is good, but everything else is not so impressive. No Multitouch and double tap zoom in not even close to iPhone 3G. I really want to like it, but just can't. Better to wait for the N2 and N3.
@bobman you are a complete imbecile. wow lol
@bobman
Due to the cutting edge hardware specs of the N1, it will get the next several android builds for sure.
Sure, you can also steal food in supermarket or break into apartments, nobody will stop you, in fact in Europe people can do whatever they want, nobody cares.
That comment was meant to people who thinks that software cannot be patented in Europe btw.
(the reply system really sucks here)
I don't understand everyone's obsession with multitouch. Every time I use my girlfriend's Pre, I hate that I have to use both hands to zoom in properly.
HTC had a nice circular zoom gesture that would work with just a thumb, so why haven't more companies gone that route? Do they just want to be the next iPhone when they can make something more user friendly instead?
It is funny to me that any of this stuff is supposedly even patentable. When touchscreens first started kicking around research labs in the late 1960's people were writing papers about gestures, pinch/zoom - basically everything we see in devices today. It is weird that you can make a claim on that. Even funnier are all these comments about how they can't believe engadget didn't bring up this or late - they have already written it about a few times, frankly more cogently that most of the posts here:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/04/some-more-perspective-on-the-droid-and-multitouch/
European regulation is a bit different. Not to mention the competition is different in europe, leading to different products/options being offered. I would say the american market is much more controlled and it seems that options are being held back.
Victor Palmeiro
Maryland Bankruptcy Attorney
www.MarylandBankruptcyPros.com
Will this European version have both T-Mobile and ATT 3G??!!
If so, Im returning my Nexus One. I get 0-2 bars in my neighborhood. And still under contract with ATT. I was willing to pay the 2 phone ETF for the Nexus One, but not with poor coverage or EDGE only on ATT SIM card.
A white version should be sweeter ! But I guess it'll be to "Apple" related..
On a morning talk show this morning they had a comparison of the iPhone and Nexus 1. I taped it. It is interesting to see how the reviewers for consumers look at the two. Here is what he said (mostly direct quotes):
1. Both are of similar high quality.
2. The Nexus has a trackball and the iPhone a button. Both have the ability to flip through screens by wiping a finger across the touch screens.
3. Both have a variety of applications though the iPhone has many, many more and are easily downloaded directly to the phone (not sure why he implied that Android Market does not work the same way, since it does.)
4. Battery life seems slightly better on the iPhone.
5. In my tests where the Nexus outperformed the iPhone was its speed to the Internet most likely because of a faster processor and bigger memory but many have suggested it's because T-Mobile has a smaller network whereas the AT&T network is congested and over burdened.
6. The iPhone beats the Nexus in one very important area. Making the screen content bigger or smaller by simply spreading or pinching your fingers together. Something essential for such small screens.
7. Finally, two phones playing video such as Michael Jackson's Thriller shown here on YouTube the playback on both was smooth and non-jerky that made for good small screen viewing.
8. Now remember, Google was not the first search engine but bested its competitors with a far easier to use product. And Apple was not the first smartphone maker. But they came out with a better, easier to use product. Victory is assured to neither and no one, except consumers who will surely benefit from this epic battle.
Thanks Chris - great write up, brief and funny so I don't cry so much at the bad news :-( ::tear::
Geez! Engadget with the unconfirmed rumor once again! You can always count on Engadget to post blatantly incorrect things from unnamed sources. Engadget = tabloid for geeks!
The Nexus One sold in the USA is the exact same as the Nexus One sold internationally.
Suckas!!! Europe Rules