If you don't know the name Linus Torvalds, well, let's just say he's the reason you're holding that Android phone in your hand. He created the Linux kernel, which is what Android is built on. Anyway, he's never been a fan of any kind of cell phone. Until now. From his personal blog:
But I have to admit, the Nexus One is a winner. I wasn't enthusiastic about buying a phone on the internet sight unseen, but the day it was reported that it finally had the pinch-to-zoom thing enabled, I decided to take the plunge. I've wanted to have a GPS unit for my car anyway, and I thought that google navigation might finally make a phone useful.
And it does. What a difference! I no longer feel like I'm dragging a phone with me "just in case" I would need to get in touch with somebody - now I'm having a useful (and admittedly pretty good-looking) gadget instead. The fact that you can use it as a phone too is kind of secondary.
We've seen a lot of that lately: Multitouch makes the difference. So welcome back to Android, Linus. You've been missed.
Reader comments
Linux creater loves the Nexus One
Kind of sad to me that pinch zoom made all the difference. I have much respect for Linus but as an icon he has now become one of those laminated 1 inch squeeze ones you get in a monistary gift shop. Next thing you know you'll. Be telling me he's an avid KDE fan. OK maybe that's a bit harsh.
I have to agree with the person above I wouldn't think it would take the pinch to zoom to push him to buy the N1.
And maybe it's just my police train of thought but I hope he in not doing the pinch to zoom while he is driving...
Is it just me, or is Linus starting to resemble the Linux penguin?
google maps, Hope that you use start using openstreetmap soon!
this guy sounds very ignorant, he shouldnt be allowed to use phones
Do hope you are kidding. Without Linus you would not have Linux aka. Android. You would quite possible just being using WinMO.
Google GPS makes difference. It is like a must have toy for every driver now.