Update: We are hosting one last open public hangout this evening (Dec.21st) at 8PM(-8PST) to talk a little about christmas, Android and our own person Goodbye. We hope to see some of you there.
We (Tom Gray & Ryan Moore) wanted to take this time, as it’s a very nice time of year to sit back and reflect, to write you a note.
I can’t believe 2024 is almost over, and another year has gone by. I remember last year this time being urged by Tom to do up a ‘video’ message to you guys. Seemed so ‘new’ to offer that, but over the past year with the hangouts, it’s seems to be an entirely commonplace thing.
Over the past year we’ve seen some incredible things. The Galaxy Nexus reaching our shores, JellyBean 4.1 being parachuted into the masses and even Hurricane Sandy couldn’t stop the desire for the Nexus 4.
Android has gone from a strong competitor on the field last year to a whopping majority; not even to speak of its maturity in how it looks. I have a heartfelt giggle whenever I see my friend’s HTC Magic (my old device)… even 2.2 seems so far removed from what’s available now.
Our little blog here has grown up incredibly as well. With Google+ just exploding in social media reach, and how we’ve connected with each other, we’ve amassed over 5,000 followers on that site (more than we have on Twitter and Facebook combined) and we were one of the rare few that got a verified G+ name.
Amazing accomplishments, all because of the community. As I heard at the AndroidTO conference, and I whole-heartedly believe it, Android is owned by its users. We help shape it and help keep it improving.
As writers here for our little corner of the globe, we can only have the sense that we’re just along for the ride, and we appreciate that you’ve let us be a part of that ride with you.
With that reflection in mind, Tom Gray and I both have some news. As the end of the year comes and a new one starts, it gets the mind rolling on new beginnings. With that, we’d like to announce that we’ll be retiring as writers from this page.
It’s not an easy decision, as you, our readers, have made it a great journey. But, as with most things, a time comes for one thing to end and new projects to start.
That being said, we’re not quitting Android (Tom will still buy phones like he’s obsessed, and Ryan will still advocate “all the Google things” to anybody that will listen). We will continue to check in on the blog now and again and continue the discussion.
We may be gone from here, but the journey will continue on the social side. So this is Ryan Moore and Tom Gray signing off for the final time. So long, and thanks for all the fish!
Merry Christmas to everyone. And we hope that the new year brings in many successful opportunities for not only you, but for Android as well (I know I’ve got some wishes of what to expect out of Android in 2024).