Go Google... pure Google.

When I sat down to write this post I initially intended to write a review of the Google/Samsung/Verizon Galaxy Nexus. I quickly realized that adding another review to the Web wouldn't really hold any value. There are people who love Android, and there are people who hate it. Many bloggers have already dissected the Galaxy Nexus from hardware to software to cell service. Instead of explaining why I love this particular phone, I think it would be more valuable to explain why I love Android.

I've had a lot of Androids... and I mean a LOT. I started out with HTC devices and then moved to Samsung. Eventually I tried Motorola, and now I'm back to Samsung. One reason I love Android is that it is a common operating system across many manufacturers and therefore there are different designs that fit every type of taste or style. At the same time, this is one of the biggest problems with Android! People have started to refer to devices as "Androids" when in fact they are simply running Android. An HTC device is still an HTC device. A Samsung device is still made by Samsung. They simply share a common operating system. And since it's an open operating system, it could (and does) look and feel very different on each device. It is important, when buying an Android, to know what manufacturer's device you are buying. Realize that the back of the phone might say "with Google," but that does not mean that all Androids are made by Google!

This is what's lead me back to the Nexus. I've owned a Nexus 1, Nexus S, and now the Galaxy Nexus and the best feature of all of these devices has been that they are more Google than other Androids. Google built the operating system and no one messed with it (except maybe Verizon, but that's another article all together). Google updates the operating system. Google even worked very closely with the manufacturer to build the hardware specifically for the new features of the latest version of the operating system. I want my Android to be pure Google, and the Galaxy Nexus definitely is.

I've been using the Galaxy Nexus for almost a month now and I'm extremely impressed. One of the most interesting new features is something that Apple's Siri has somewhat over-shadowed. The Galaxy Nexus (Android 4.0) has an incredible Voice Keyboard! It types as you talk. You can tap mis-typed words to quickly and easily correct them. It learns your voice and therefore improves its dictation over time. I know it may sound weird to actually talk to your phone (((sarcasm))), but it's so much easier and faster to type. I have to say that the Galaxy Nexus is the absolute best Android I have ever used. I'm extremely happy with the Samsung manufacturing and absolutely impressed with the software that Google has designed and developed. I can't wait to see how the Android operating system evolves.