Google And HTC Alums Reveal $399 ‘Cloud First’ Nextbit Robin Smartphone With 100GB Of Online Storage
If Android is the Batman of mobile operating systems, then where's Robin? The answer is Kickstarter. Robin is the name of a new crowdfunding project by Nextbit, a company consisting of experienced mobile and technology specialists with resumes spanning HTC, Google, Amazon, and Apple.
What exactly is Robin? It's another Android smartphone, but not just another Android smartphone. Part of what separates Robin from the OnePlus and every other Android handset that dares to be different is its emphasis on the cloud. With Robin, the cloud is integrated into Android so that you never run out of space.
The pitch is that Robin's storage grows with you. There are cloud services that already do that with any Android device of your choosing, but not in the same way. Robin adapts to your storage needs by automatically optimizing the space on your phone and learning the apps you use. The stuff you don't use gets uploaded to the cloud so that your local storage holds only what you need.
By default, Robin backs up your apps and photos to the cloud whenever you're connected to power and Wi-Fi (you can change these settings). When you run low on space, the phone will remove apps and photos you haven't used or viewed in long time. Should you want one (or more) of them back, they're just a tap away.
The other selling point is that Robin takes a Nexus-like approach to Android updates. It will ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow (assuming it's available before Robin), and when a new Android version comes out, the developers will push out an update straight away. The developers also promise zero bloatware and an unlocked bootloader.
Right now you're thinking, "Yeah, yeah, just give us the specs already!" You got it -- 5.2-inch Full HD 1080p IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in storage + 100GB online, 5MP front camera, 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and dual tone flash, dual front-facing speakers, finger print sensor, NFC, quick charging support, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and 4G LTE connectivity.
Robin will retail for $399 and is expected to ship in January of next year. If you're willing to back the project on Kickstarter (go here), you can get one for as cheap as $299.
What exactly is Robin? It's another Android smartphone, but not just another Android smartphone. Part of what separates Robin from the OnePlus and every other Android handset that dares to be different is its emphasis on the cloud. With Robin, the cloud is integrated into Android so that you never run out of space.
The pitch is that Robin's storage grows with you. There are cloud services that already do that with any Android device of your choosing, but not in the same way. Robin adapts to your storage needs by automatically optimizing the space on your phone and learning the apps you use. The stuff you don't use gets uploaded to the cloud so that your local storage holds only what you need.
By default, Robin backs up your apps and photos to the cloud whenever you're connected to power and Wi-Fi (you can change these settings). When you run low on space, the phone will remove apps and photos you haven't used or viewed in long time. Should you want one (or more) of them back, they're just a tap away.
The other selling point is that Robin takes a Nexus-like approach to Android updates. It will ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow (assuming it's available before Robin), and when a new Android version comes out, the developers will push out an update straight away. The developers also promise zero bloatware and an unlocked bootloader.
Right now you're thinking, "Yeah, yeah, just give us the specs already!" You got it -- 5.2-inch Full HD 1080p IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in storage + 100GB online, 5MP front camera, 13MP rear camera with phase detection autofocus and dual tone flash, dual front-facing speakers, finger print sensor, NFC, quick charging support, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, and 4G LTE connectivity.
Robin will retail for $399 and is expected to ship in January of next year. If you're willing to back the project on Kickstarter (go here), you can get one for as cheap as $299.
