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Fun Stuff => CLIKC => Topic started by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2012, 11:57

Title: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2012, 11:57
Anyone have a phone running Android? What type of phone do you have, and what flavor is it running?

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note running Jelly Bean (4.1.2) via CyanogenMod 10.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 12 Oct 2012, 12:02
I have a Droid X2 with Honeycomb 2.3.5. I also own an Acer A500 with ICS 4.0.3.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 12 Oct 2012, 12:24
Ooh, CyanogenMod. Do you have a stable release or something more experimental? How's it work compared to a stable release?

As you're probably aware, I have a Google Galaxy Nexus on Jelly Bean 4.1.1, on the standard operating system. I tried the latest MIUI release, and even though I really liked the features, its interface was overhauled a bit too drastically for my taste, and it was waaay slower than stock Jelly Bean. I got the impression that JB is also snappier than ICS, but I haven't switched between the two since updating so I can't really compare. That's also why I haven't tried CM yet, because the latest stable release is of 9.1.0, and I wasn't comfortable with installing an incomplete version. So I'm compromising with stock JB and a custom launcher: first ADW Launcher, and then GO Launcher, which has some really great features.

Any suggestions for applications? I once saw someone with a weather application that showed the chance of rain in a histogram based on their current location, and I'd like to get that. For the rest, there seem to be astonishingly few applications on Google Play that aren't completely superfluous or simply time-wasters. I could use some things that make this smartphone less dumb. Like the swiss army knife (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digital_and_dreams.android.swiss_army_knife), I like that one.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2012, 12:44
I don't think I'd go with CM if I had a Nexus, since it's just pure Android. I was sick of Touchwiz, and finally went for CM10 the other day. What's cool is in addition to nightly builds, they have monthly builds, which are considerably more stable. I haven't had any issues, and really like it so far.  There's also the fact that without CM, I'd still have ICS for quite some time.  I liked ICS since I got it in April (thanks to a leak of the official ICS that gave it to me three months before AT&T pushed it out), but I wanted to try JB and this seemed the best way to do so.

Ultimately, though, what made me finally decide to take the plunge into CM? I can now go into the About Phone menu and upgrade from there. You don't have to flash the new build, it's as simple as official upgrades...well, I'd think.  I never actually had an official upgrade.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 12 Oct 2012, 13:25
Hah, me neither! My carrier also wasn't bothered to upgrade mine, so I just pulled the factory ROM off the internet and flashed it. Depending on your model, you could probably do the same. I noticed the monthly builds as well, I see they just added a second one, so I'll probably go try that. Their feature list looks very impressive, I hope it's mostly complete in the most recent version.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 12 Oct 2012, 15:18
I've got a HTC One S running ICS 4.0.4. Since this model of phone has no SD Card slot, I've been having some problems rooting it via the suggested manner, since it refuses to boot into the proper mode. I'd love to root it and give root access to Tasker, as well as be prepared for the Jellybean ROM that will get ported over, but alas.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Oct 2012, 22:37
Hah, me neither! My carrier also wasn't bothered to upgrade mine, so I just pulled the factory ROM off the internet and flashed it. Depending on your model, you could probably do the same. I noticed the monthly builds as well, I see they just added a second one, so I'll probably go try that. Their feature list looks very impressive, I hope it's mostly complete in the most recent version.
I'm using the Galaxy Note, which while new, still hasn't had an official version of Jelly Bean leak yet, unlike the S3.  It's funny, though, I hear Samsung talk about how they've sold millions of Notes, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone with one, and I run into people all the time who've never seen one other than mine.  As for CM10, the second monthly I downloaded the other day upgraded me to 4.1.2, which is the newest version for any phone. I think I'm going to stick with monthlies for now.

Also, it should be pointed out, when the official ICS for my Note leaked back in April, I'm pretty sure there wasn't a stable CM9 build for it yet.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 13 Oct 2012, 09:01
I was thinking of getting an android tablet for my wife for christmas, she's been wanting one for a while.  There's a cheap one available at a local store (it's actually a flip screen tabled/netbook), but I know nothing about android. 

How's android as a computer OS in general (rather than as just a phone OS), instead of one of the major OS's (Windows/Apple)?  Are there any serious drawbacks/advantages? 
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 13 Oct 2012, 12:51
I love my tablet. But it's just not the same as a laptop or netbook, and it's not going to be. It's basically a large smartphone, with all the pros and cons of a smartphone. Mine has a full size USB port which is pretty awesome, because it means I can connect thumb drives to it directly. But, as far as I know, most tablets do not have this.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 13 Oct 2012, 13:16
Yeah, Android is basically this:
Pros: Connectivity
Cons: Productivity

Which is to say, it's good as a phone/web browser/navigator but don't expect to do any work on it. It doesn't even have its own file manager, and accessing files outside of the storage directory is almost made impossible. I recently tried some audio recording applications, and the resulting 150+ MB files were, inconceivably, nowhere to be found when my phone was connected to my computer. I'd be staring right at them on my phone's screen, and my computer would just show an empty folder.

I've never used a tablet myself, so I can't provide a definitive judgement, but if I needed a tablet/netbook hybrid (tabletbook?) I'd go with a Windows-based one. It's just way more versatile, and I'd willingly sacrifice however much ease of use Android provides for touch-based devices.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 13 Oct 2012, 13:30
Oh see, I've never had issues at all concerning file recognition on my Android devices, though I'd never bother with syncing the files over since drag and drop seems to be both more consistent and easier. That mixed with a proper and free file manager makes it a pretty simple thing. Also, rooting tends to be fairly easy if that's a thing you're interested in, which makes all of those function much better.

Though yeah, never assume this is a laptop or netbook replacement. Stuff like Evernote and Google Docs goes a long ways towards putting them down the path though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Oct 2012, 18:39
It's basically a large smartphone, with all the pros and cons of a smartphone.
Honestly, this is why I love my Note. It is a large smartphone, but it's not significantly smaller than some tablets. I have no use for a full-size tablet, and a 7" one seems like a waste when I always have my phone on me. (Battery life could be much better, of course)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 14 Oct 2012, 01:48
For me, having the iPhone always on me easily trumps the ease of use of any larger tablet.

My wife, being used to carrying a handbag large enough to hold an iPad, feels the opposite.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Oct 2012, 15:06
Anyone have a phone running Android? What type of phone do you have, and what flavor is it running?

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note running Jelly Bean (4.1.2) via CyanogenMod 10.

I have a T-Mobile MyTouch Slide 3G running CyanogenMod 7 (Android 2.3.7). Last I checked, there were no more recent versions available for my phone.


Yeah, Android is basically this:
Pros: Connectivity
Cons: Productivity

Which is to say, it's good as a phone/web browser/navigator but don't expect to do any work on it. It doesn't even have its own file manager, and accessing files outside of the storage directory is almost made impossible. I recently tried some audio recording applications, and the resulting 150+ MB files were, inconceivably, nowhere to be found when my phone was connected to my computer. I'd be staring right at them on my phone's screen, and my computer would just show an empty folder.

I've never used a tablet myself, so I can't provide a definitive judgement, but if I needed a tablet/netbook hybrid (tabletbook?) I'd go with a Windows-based one. It's just way more versatile, and I'd willingly sacrifice however much ease of use Android provides for touch-based devices.

There are file managers available on the Android Market/Google Play/whatever it's called this week, if your phone's manufacturer's ROM doesn't include one. Astro is the one I used before I installed CyanogenMod (which comes with its own file manager), and it's pretty good.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Omega Entity on 14 Oct 2012, 17:29
I need to look into that. I tried downloading some pics onto mine, only to find that they were nowhere to be found.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 15 Oct 2012, 04:45
I'm guessing your gallery app just didn't recognize them? I use QuickPic which I like because it scans my whole computer for image files, and then you can exclude folders of, say, icons that you don't want to see on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 15 Oct 2012, 10:47
Okay, so does anyone know how to stop background applications like Play Store and Maps from running when you didn't ask them to? They just won't stop showing up in my task manager.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 15 Oct 2012, 10:59
I use Easy Task Killer, and put the widget on one of my homescreens. Then I can end all that crap anytime I want to. My task manager includes an auto end option, but it doesn't seem to work all that well.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 15 Oct 2012, 11:29
I've got that on my homescreen as well (Advanced Task Killer) but it sometimes shows applications I'm not using in green, which means that they're currently being used; I can't end them if they are. Green tasks are usually associated with homescreen widgets. I guess Play Store is active in order to check for updates, but I don't see why Maps has to keep showing up. Google Talk is like that as well, even though I've never, ever used it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 18 Oct 2012, 10:06
It's just a thing that Android does - run a bunch of apps it thinks you use when you don't actually want them. Easy Task Killer seems to be able to close apps that are in use, maybe that would help? You can't do much to stop them from running on their own, though, aside from rooting your phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 19 Oct 2012, 04:22
My phone's already rooted, and I still don't know how to restrict them.

Hmm. Yesterday I got a notification of a system update that was available for the stock operating system on my phone. It told me to restart to apply the update, and when I did, ROM Manager started up in recovery mode to ask if it was okay to install an unknown zip. I guess that meant the update, so I said Yes, but then it ran the update in question and produced an error message. After rebooting again, everything just worked, so I'm not sure whether anything has been changed. The icon for application updates has changed, though, so I guess that means something happened?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Oct 2012, 10:54
Go to settings>About phone. What does it say under "Android version"?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 19 Oct 2012, 10:55
4.1.1, same as before.

Any idea where Android puts the update package it downloaded?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Oct 2012, 11:33
No idea, I've never actually had a normal update. My phone came with Gingerbread (2.3.3, I believe), then I manually installed the leaked ICS (4.0.3) then had that until I manually installed CM10 (4.1.1), and then I used their OTA system which brought me up to 4.1.2.

Honestly if you have 4.1.1, you're ok, there's not much of a difference, just be glad you have Jelly Bean.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 19 Oct 2012, 16:29
You guys sound like a bunch of Mac users. 


Or worse, Linux...    :-P :-D
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 19 Oct 2012, 16:31
What, because of all the operating system jargon?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 19 Oct 2012, 16:55
Heh!  I can make Windows sound like that as well, I assure you.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: celticgeek on 19 Oct 2012, 20:29

Or worse, Linux...    :-P :-D

Well.....you know.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Oct 2012, 22:20
You guys sound like a bunch of Mac users. 


Or worse, Linux...    :-P :-D
Don't mac users use iPhones? But yeah, my laptop runs Windows 7, and I have absolutely no desire to switch to Windows 8.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 01 Nov 2012, 14:32
I was wondering why the moon and the star next to it were moving together. So I checked Google Sky Map on my phone, and the star turns out to be Jupiter! Awesome.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2012, 16:45
Alright!  The stable version of CM 10 came out today!  Hopefully my phone stops resetting now that it's the stable version.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 15 Nov 2012, 05:03
Does google sign-on work? I installed the monthly build last week and couldn't get onto my account.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2012, 06:35
Not sure. You should download the upgrade, you don't have to flash it, just update it from settings.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 15 Nov 2012, 11:56
No, I reverted to my stock rom immediately after. But I installed the stable version now, and it still doesn't have the option to log on to google. The options for accounts are E-mail and Corporate, and I don't think either will restore my message history or give access to the application market.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Nov 2012, 20:13
Oh! I just realized what you mean, you have to flash the Google apps separately!  That is, flash the ROM, then flash the Gapps, then restart.  I've been logged into Google (and using the Play Store) just fine on both the monthly and the stable CM10.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 15 Nov 2012, 20:16
I finally got around to rooting and installing CM10 Stable on my HTC One S. Feels so much better than the stock ROM.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 16 Nov 2012, 01:26
Oh! I just realized what you mean, you have to flash the Google apps separately!  That is, flash the ROM, then flash the Gapps, then restart.  I've been logged into Google (and using the Play Store) just fine on both the monthly and the stable CM10.
Okay, how do I do that?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Nov 2012, 04:18
You flash it the exact same way you flashed the CM10 ROM, except you don't have to do any of the other steps. Just flash it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 16 Nov 2012, 04:42
What I meant to ask is how do I get the additional google applications? They have to come in a zip file, don't they?

Ah, never mind, found 'em. Need to flex my google-fu more, I suppose.

Aaand it's done. Contacts and calendar are there, though my message history isn't, but that doesn't matter. Thanks!

I love how I can do all this stuff on the train ride home. Keeps me busy, at least.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 16 Nov 2012, 08:22
Now you can look at the Tasker (http://tasker.dinglisch.net/) app and see how automated you can make your phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 16 Nov 2012, 12:20
Ooh, I like the look of that. Let's see if I can figure out how it works.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 16 Nov 2012, 12:22
It's pretty ridiculous how much more streamlined and efficient it makes a smartphone if you put some time into it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Nov 2012, 12:50
Might as well try the 7-day trial.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Nov 2012, 13:05
Alright, I'm not sure at all what to do with this.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 16 Nov 2012, 13:10
Check out the wiki. You are basically doing some rather simple programming of apps and features of the phone. So you can do something like make your music player come on when you plug in your headphones, or have GPS automatically turn on when you open your maps app. Maybe have it turn sound off when you leave the pone face down. These are some of the simplest things I can name. If you get deeper into it you can have it do some ridiculous stuff.

Here is the wiki along with some example profiles. (http://tasker.wikidot.com/profile-index)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 16 Nov 2012, 13:53
Here is the wiki along with some example profiles. (http://tasker.wikidot.com/profile-index)

"DOCK - Act like a docking station when plugged into USB"

YES.

...Okay, by copy-pasting some existing commands - I haven't quite figured out how to do it myself - I created some tasks that turn on wifi when my gps determines that I am at my parents' house or the university. That's a start.

So far I haven't spent a single cent on applications for my phone, but I can see myself coughing up some cash to be able to keep using this one.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 16 Nov 2012, 21:47
Once you've got a few basic and common things working for a few days, try using a phone without those things automated. It feels ridiculously clunky.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 17 Nov 2012, 13:10
I wanted to get the task that disables pin protection when you're at home, but there doesn't seem to be an optionfor that. Anyone figured that out? Is the WidgetLocker required?

What I did manage to do is to modify the pre-made Docker script to enable auto-rotate along with the Clock screensaver application, so that I can prop up the phone and use it as a clock without it going to sleep automatically. Now I want to make an application-specific script that makes the time-to-sleep longer when the browser or the pdf reader is active.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Nov 2012, 16:40
Has anyone tried a third party battery? The stock battery on my Note is atrocious.
Title: Re: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 17 Nov 2012, 16:49
What I did manage to do is to modify the pre-made Docker script to enable auto-rotate along with the Clock screensaver application, so that I can prop up the phone and use it as a clock without it going to sleep automatically. Now I want to make an application-specific script that makes the time-to-sleep longer when the browser or the pdf reader is active.

You're getting sucked in... exxxcellent.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 18 Nov 2012, 06:03
The ironic thing is that most of the problems that Tasker is able to solve wouldn't exist if I didn't have a smartphone in the first place.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Nov 2012, 07:15
True, but you'd have the even worse problem of "I don't have a smartphone".
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Nov 2012, 08:44
So I put in a double capacity battery and I still don't think it'll last through the day. It'll get me through work, at least.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 20 Nov 2012, 08:49
I got extra batteries that were supposed to last at least 20% longer, and they don't even last half as long as the battery my phone came with.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 20 Nov 2012, 10:09
No, it lasts longer than the stock battery. That's just not saying much.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Nov 2012, 02:25
What can you do to maximize your battery life? As in, that the battery itself doesn't degrade, not that it uses less power. Should you charge it only when it's below a certain capacity, or is it fine to plug it in at 90% too? How about leaving it plugged in after it's done charging?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 23 Nov 2012, 02:40
Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery#Prolonging_battery_pack_life) cites a source (http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries) that recommends avoiding deep discharge, performing frequent top-up charges, and storing with at least 40% charge; however, it also has a note suggesting that the source is unreliable, though it doesn't say why.  On leaving plugged in to a charger, that's mainly a matter of the quality of the battery management built in to the device, I think - it should be harmless.  I still see sources recommending behaviour (always discharge fully before recharging) that was essential for NiCd batteries, but no other type - that is simply not relevant with lithium batteries.

My old iPhone battery is still performing well at three years.  My usage only discharges it to 75% a day, on average, and I leave it on charge every night.  Once I deliberately did a deep discharge because I read (in the source above) about the battery level indicator needing an occasional recalibration; it had no effect.

My experience with non-OEM replacement batteries for players and laptops has varied from OK to abysmal, with more of the latter than I would like.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Nov 2012, 07:41
I've actually had good luck with this battery, it doesn't last as long as others have said it does, but it gets me through the full day (why it takes a 5000mAh battery to do that is beyond me, but the 2500mAh one would die by mid-afternoon if I used it enough).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 07 Dec 2012, 06:23
I reset my phone to factory settings last night, because I was having a lot of problems (like the battery overheating randomly) and decided it was time. I decided to attempt to root it at the same time. The rooting itself seemed to go well but I couldn't install (flash?) a ROM and then I gave up and it wouldn't restart and I had to reset it to factory settings again.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Cire27 on 07 Dec 2012, 13:19
Is the Droid 4 still the best phone with a physical keyboard?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 07 Dec 2012, 15:58
Droids a phone OS, isn't it?  Not a brand/style of phone. 
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 07 Dec 2012, 16:01
Except the Motorola Droid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Droid_4) is.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 10 Dec 2012, 09:58
(http://pixelpunchstudio.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/the-more-you-know.gif)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: MugenHAN on 10 Dec 2012, 10:01
Is the Droid 4 still the best phone with a physical keyboard?

Determining the "best" is subjective, unfortunately. Every phone has features that may or may not meet the demands of certain people. You should check out some reviews if you're currently looking for a new phone!

(http://pixelpunchstudio.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/the-more-you-know.gif)

Haha, nice.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 14 Dec 2012, 11:19
So my phone is still somehow rooted which is awesome. And I have installed a couple things to help. But I still can't find a ROM that I can use.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 15 Dec 2012, 10:12
My daughter has bought my wife a cheap android tablet for christmas.  Anything I really need to know to help her out?  What's this "rooting" thing, is that just for phones? 
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Dec 2012, 10:35
"Rooting" is breaking the security of the phone's operating system (getting access as the "root" user, which is the most basic system user in Unix-like systems - so the term can be used for other computers as well).  People do this in order to be able to install programs that the supplier doesn't give permission to be installed for whatever reason.  It is the same process as is used by viruses to install keyloggers on your desktop and hence steal your banking passwords and identity.  Although not yet common, there are viruses for phones, and a rooted phone would be more vulnerable to them.  So you need to balance your convenience in running a program you otherwise could not against the risk of having your identity and banking details stolen (if you use your phone for anything that should be secure, that is).

As someone responsible for computer security, you can guess which side I come down on, even though there is a program I'd dearly like to be able to run on my iPhone!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 15 Dec 2012, 10:59
It's not just programs that aren't allowed, there are also several apps on the android market that have added functions if you have a rooted phone. I use it almost entirely for Android ROM Customization and an app called Tasker which allows you to set up a lot of automation on your phone.

But, if the person isn't a power user who is security conscious, then rooting it is basically just giving them a phone with bad security.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 15 Dec 2012, 10:59
Rooting isn't really necessary for the majority of people, in my opinion. So unless you or your wife are big computer nerds that want to be able to customize your tablet more than Android already allows (and they allow much more than Apple devices) then you can ignore the world of rooting.

As for her new tablet, it's fairly simple to set up an Android tablet, usually. It may be easier for her to go to the Google Play store (play.google.com) to look at apps on a computer before she downloads them, at first. Other than that, we are here to help you if you need it :)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Carl-E on 15 Dec 2012, 15:15
Thanks!  Intuitive sounds good, especially for her...  she doesn't get along well with most machines. 
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Dec 2012, 03:47
I was going to post this here, but the discussion turned to phones, might as well just link the post. (http://forums.questionablecontent.net/index.php/topic,28551.msg1119836.html#msg1119836)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 04 Jan 2013, 15:30
I got an application that lets me use my phone as a touchpad. That will come in handy in the unlikely event that I ever find myself at my computer without a mouse or a keyboard, but for now, it helps to give me multitouch functionality on a laptop that normally doesn't have any. Precision is rather poor, though. Now, if only it was possible to simply use it as a mouse...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Jan 2013, 09:04
I love my S3, even though I'm not letting myself hack it anymore because my Note died* of a non-hacking related incident, but rooting it voided the warranty, which meant I had to get a new one.

*It still works, but the SIM tray malfunctioned somehow, so it only works on wifi. I might mess around with different ROMs on it and use it as a mini-tablet if I have the time.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Lupercal on 15 Jan 2013, 15:13
Okay, so I've got the classic conundrum:

iPhone or Android? (read: iPhone or Samsung?)

Birthday is tomorrow, looking at phones.

Pros of an iPhone 4 seem to be its speed, ease of use, the deal I can get on it (8GB, unlimited data/texts, 2000 minutes, £26 a month)
Cons seem to be flawed design (1 out of every 2 iPhone users seems to have a fucked up screen) and the fact I work in London and gangs go around hunting for iPhoners.

I'm looking at a couple of Samsungs - the Ace II which seems to be fairly middle of the road but only runs Gingerbread, and the S II which is older but comparable to the iPhone 4 (hoping to find a similar price for it). Also, expandable memory. Android doesn't seem to get the flack it once used to, and I have quite a lot of Google affiliated crap (docs, mail, all that).

So essentially, cheaper Android running Gingerbread, more expensive Android running ICS, iPhone 4?

I should mention that I don't currently own a phone with apps so they all kind of seem similar to me. If I spend too long researching I'll never, ever buy a new one in fear that a newer, better one will come out.

Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Jan 2013, 18:09
Do NOT get a phone with Gingerbread. The S II has ICS and may actually get Jelly Bean soon.  That being said, if you can spring for the III...do it. It's an excellent phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Jan 2013, 22:02
1 out of every 2 iPhone users seems to have a fucked up screen

I deal with a number of iPhones at work (as well as my own and my son's), and the only trouble with screens I've seen is that one person keeps dropping their phone on a stone floor and has smashed three screens so far.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Lupercal on 04 Feb 2013, 13:35
Just an update on this: got a Sony Xperia T (that's right, the James Bond phone) and it is wonderful. Jelly Bean upgrade coming too. Now I need to work out what playstaion classic games I can play on this thing.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 18 Feb 2013, 12:57
My desktop's internet crapped out, so I install the clockwork mod tether on my phone so I can access my data plan over usb. The application then proceeds to use up 173 mb of bandwith trying, and failing, to connect the phone to the pc. FFFFFFUUUUUUUUUU-

Uninstalled. Guess I'm going to have to reply to my e-mails with two fingers instead of ten.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Feb 2013, 06:25
Wanted to buy the Swiftkey keyboard. Tried to set up Google Wallet. Read their privacy policy.

It's pretty scary. (https://wallet.google.com/files/privacy.html?hl=en_US)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 18 Mar 2013, 02:51
An android topic.

I'm HOME!!!! :lol:

FYI, I have a Bootloader-Unlocked Verizon Galaxy Note II, running Jelly'Beans' 4.1 ROM.

It has become my primary computing device. I am seriously in love with this thing.

I know just about everything there is to know about android (except I lack any ability to code :( ) so you can ask me anything.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 14 Apr 2013, 16:15
So I've updated my device to the latest experimental build of Cyanogenmod 10.1, and with that comes some housekeeping. It seems my internal storage capacity is rapidly running out, and the reason for this is the backups I'm making with ROM manager before every update. For some reason, CM version 9 backups were never larger than 100 MB but all of my CM 10 backups are in excess of 1 GB. There are files called data.ext4.tar.a and system.ext4.tar.a that are ridiculously huge (800 MB/300 MB) and I don't think they're supposed to be that way. Regardless, I'm going to move them over to my computer for now.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 14 Apr 2013, 16:25
I'm desperately waiting for a 4.2 rom to come to my note 2.

I mean, there are plenty of ASOP based roms. What I'm looking for is a touchwiz based 4.2 rom, for all the S-Pen goodies.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Parkour Lewis on 14 Apr 2013, 16:46
I have an LG Optimus 2x running Cyanogenmod 10.1 and the Kowalski kernel.  The build's still experimental, but kowalski makes it pretty stable.  I tried MIUI v4 a month ago and it would run smooth as silk for about two minutes then lock up, making me have to remove the battery to reset it.  Kinda liked the UI though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 14 Apr 2013, 16:50
You can grab the MIUI launcher and lockscreen from the play store. ;)

Also, when I get around to it I really need to put CM10.1 on my tab...  Poor sucker is still on ICS.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 15 Apr 2013, 10:57
My Samsung Galaxy S3 should be here today :D
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 13:45
I just got my S3 in January, and I love it, but I'm tempted to sell it this summer when the Nexus 5 comes out, especially if they do the same pricing ($300 without a contract).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 15 Apr 2013, 13:46
Does the Nexus 5 have an actual release or announcement date yet?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 15:01
Does the Nexus 5 have an actual release or announcement date yet?
no  :psyduck:

My Samsung Galaxy S3 should be here today :D
what carrier and what color? :P
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 15:02
Also why didn't you wait like...3 more weeks and get an S4?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 15:06
See,  I was gonna say that, but I assumed neko had to have a reason....
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 15:49
because it's cheap as shit
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 16:00
But if price is that much of a factor, why not go with the Nexus 4?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 16:12
Nexus 4 is only cheaper if you're not buying on contract which Neko may have been. Also I think I'm gonna wait another year to buy a new phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 16:25
Well I guess it all boils down to what carrier you're on...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 16:30
I think I'm gonna wait another year to buy a new phone.
That feels like the right thing to do. I feel like the market is a bit stagnating, and the impeding rollout of smart watches is going to liven it up a little bit, and will hopefully make smart devices a bit more attractive.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 16:38
Screw smartwatches. I want me some Google Glass.

But an S3 from January should last you though a 2 year contract just fine.

Do you have the Snapdragon or the Exynos version?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 17:13
Snapdragon  :-\
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 17:19
Eh, that's still alright. The snapdragon version has 2gb of RAM, the Exynos only has 1. And in Android, ram is a big deal.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 17:22
2GB of RAM! On a phone!  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 17:30
Smartphones today are basically small computers that can make calls.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 17:31
To me, needing 2 GB of RAM on a MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM calls of bad resource management.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 17:47
Aaaaand that's BS. This separation of "Mobile" vs "desktop" OSes is a load of crap. Sure, there are lighter weight and heavier OSes, but we've well moved past the separation of "mobile" and "desktop" 

Sure, Android is a bit lighter weight than, say, OSX, but lightweight OSes are becoming so powerful that they're able to do everything 80% of the population needs.

When you get gramma an ipad, are you going to say that's not a computer? If course it is. In fact, it's more of a personal computer that a desktop.

The defining line between "mobile" and "desktop" OSes that some people still cling to is ARM vs x86. But android, ChromeOS, and yes, even windows have broken down that barrier.

So you're going to call me out for how much ram my PC-in-my-pocket has?

That's just silly.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 17:52
^^^^
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 17:59
This is truer the bigger your screen goes as well, because you can do so much more. Split Screen multitasking, floating windows, ect. Dare I say TouchWiz Nature is a more powerful android distro than Windows RT.

Also, with the crazy screens "Mobile devices" are getting, it is important to have great specs. The new standard for phones and tablets is 1080p. The Nexus 10 has a nearly 2K Screen.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 18:02
Honestly, I may just keep my S3 and get a Nexus 10 next summer to use as my primary computer when I'm not home. (I'd use a bluetooth keyboard to take notes when I start school)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 18:05
I suppose that makes me simple minded then. I chose not to deal with all the myriad of choices that Android offers, honest to god, I understand the premise of it and that it's probably all good and stuff...

but it's simply too much, and in a way that, to me, in the end, feels inconsistent. Apps feel like they're tacked on, without much thought, and that ruins the entire experience for me. Despite you having 2GB of RAM (that's HALF OF WHAT I GOT IN MY PC), your screens still stutter when scrolling too quickly. And the concept of an app drawer, a grid of icons that say absolutely nothing about their content, is just starting to be so ugly in my eyes that I turn away every device I know now. I suppose I am a Microsoft fanboy. I know saying this will probably get me feathered and hushed out of this forum quicker than I can say "open-source", but.. eh! I don't know what more to say!

Please DO prove me wrong, because at this moment, I really don't see it. I don't see Android as what it is.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 18:07
How is an icon that says absolutely nothing about content any different than a desktop icon that says absolutely nothing about content?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 18:14
(https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/551269_582861051739160_1147204111_n.jpg)
Here's my phone. It has icons on the main screen that I use often, and a button that brings me to a simple scrollable list for all the other programs that are on there. I'm honestly not sure what your complaint about the icons is.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 18:20
This is a crop from apps I use on my start screen. If you want the full screen I'm glad to share it with you.
(http://i.picresize.com/images/2013/04/15/51hy.gif)
The news app on the top is showing me the headlines about the Boston bombings.
The mail app is showing me a summary of the mail I sent myself, so it would show up.
The calendar app is showing my next appointment.
The weather app is showing the actual weather.
The photos app is showing a slide show of the pictures in my picture library (and for some reason, found one of Angela Merkel)
And the desktop icon is showing my desktop background.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 18:21
I really don't want to turn this into a This VS that thread, but I want to understand and I don't.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 18:25
See, people want different things. I want the option to easily open things, because if I want to see what's in them, I'll open them. I have no need for my mail to be on the main screen if I can just open the mail program to read my mail. I honestly don't see the appeal in your layout. That being said, Android has tons of what are called widgets that basically do that, I just don't see the need to use them for anything but the weather (and a button that makes it easy to turn the phone into a flashlight).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 18:26
it takes a second to open the app. I keep it open anyway, since I get a lot of work e-mails. But I also get on a glance updates to who wrote me, and what it's about.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 18:28
anyway, I'm gonna go off this thread for now, I'm tired, I'm grumpy, I don't want to get on your bad sides, and I need to work tomorrow.
But I want to talk and I promise I will listen. Just, not today.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 18:32
Apps feel like they're tacked on, without much thought, and that ruins the entire experience for me..
what does this even mean.  :psyduck: apps on android are no different than software on any other OS. sure, they vary. though not as much as on, say, windows.

Despite you having 2GB of RAM (that's HALF OF WHAT I GOT IN MY PC), your screens still stutter when scrolling too quickly.
that's absolute BS. android lag was vanquished so long ago its just a myth now.

And the concept of an app drawer, a grid of icons that say absolutely nothing about their content, is just starting to be so ugly in my eyes that I turn away every device I know now.
so.... the windows 8 "all apps" screen is enough to turn you off from windows 8?  :psyduck: cuz its the same concept. i prefer a grid to a list, but i can change it to a list if i want. but most of the time i don't need to go into the app drawer at all, just like you rarely need to go into the "all apps" screen on windows 8.

I suppose I am a Microsoft fanboy. I know saying this will probably get me feathered and hushed out of this forum quicker than I can say "open-source", but.. eh! I don't know what more to say!
there's a difference between a Microsoft Fanboy and a MetroUI fanboy. which one are you?

Please DO prove me wrong, because at this moment, I really don't see it. I don't see Android as what it is.
clearly.

it takes a second to open the app. I keep it open anyway, since I get a lot of work e-mails. But I also get on a glance updates to who wrote me, and what it's about.
as method said, we have a widget for that. just like you have 1x1 static tiles, and larger "live" tiles, we have static icons and interactive widgets.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 18:35
I'm the opposite, I definitely prefer an alphabetized list, which is why I only have one page of apps/widgets. If it's not there, it's easier for me to go to the all apps list than to remember where and on what page a particular program is. Also, I really am starting to dislike the word "app". When did we start calling them applications instead of programs?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 18:40
wrong. when did we start calling them programs instead of applications? oh yeah, that's right, microsoft coined that term.

also, most launchers give you the option of grid or list for the app drawer. *shrug*

I'll post my homescreen setup in a bit.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Apr 2013, 18:45
wrong. when did we start calling them programs instead of applications? oh yeah, that's right, microsoft coined that term.
Eh, what? The term "program" has been around a lot longer than Microsoft.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 18:50
yeah, but it didn't overreachingly refer to all software that's not the OS, like most people use it as now.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Apr 2013, 19:42
"apps" is a term that was coined by the Jobs-crowd and that I have been unable to shrug off. If Microsoft coined the term program, that's fine by me, use which one you like. I know what you mean.
The jab with the grids was more aimed at iOS, I pity them, because they have to work with them exclusively.
I know Android has widgets, I can't argue their usability due to never having used them. But they all have different designs and aesthetics, and to me that makes them
feel like they're tacked on, without much thought, and that ruins the entire experience for me.
That is a recurring quib I have with Android, one that doesn't necessarily has to do with feature parity (because in that regard they are undoubtedly the best), just of a certain percieved lack of continuity.
Every program in Android is fundamentally different in its percieved behaviour. I never know what's about to happen in an program, if I have to double tap or swipe, or else. The advantage that Android gets because of this is a limitless stream of design choices. But it also suffers from inconsistency. And this is especially true in an ecosystem where virtually every distributer uses a skin that looks and behaves fundamentally different.
I know that every program in Win8 will show the menu bar when I swipe from the top or bottom. I know that a long press will show a contextual menu with options on the item I just pressed. Swiping down on an object selects it. Zooming out in most places will show me an overview of the view I'm currently in, be it in the start screen, the (btw excellently written) Wikipedia app or my cocktail recipes. I know I can trust Win8 to behave like I expect it to, even if I'm in unsailed waters. I don't know if I can with Android. (rest assured, programs still need some work, but I've been using Win8 for half a year now and they're getting there.)
I hate the all apps screen on Win8 with a burning passion. It's so decisively un-modern that I fail to understand it. I only use it for admin access, and to use apps that aren't on my start screen, I use the search charm. Unified search throughout your entire data and programs. I never knew it could be this great.
Also, one last thing mtmerrick, thanks for that wonderful response to my legitimate plea of help. The fact that I wasn't seeing Android the way you see it is so much CLEARER to me now. Anticipating this kind of response was the exact reason why I apologized in advance.
Maybe instead of using foul language (BS still reads BULLSHIT to me), try to understand my point better by engaging me, the way Method of Madness has been doing, and not by showing off the length of your dick. Thank you.
I'm extremely sorry for name-calling.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 19:56
I think my biggest problem with any of the operating system is that once you pick, it's really hard to change. I was iOS from October 2008 to March 2012 before going to Android, but I definitely don't see myself changing again for quite some time, if ever.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Apr 2013, 20:02
Also, one last thing mtmerrick, thanks for that wonderful response to my legitimate plea of help. The fact that I wasn't seeing Android the way you see it is so much CLEARER to me now. Anticipating this kind of response was the exact reason why I apologized in advance.
...
try to understand my point better by engaging me, the way Method of Madness has been doing, and not by showing off the length of your dick.

....wow that's taking it harshly. i was trying to engage you, answering sentence for sentence.

if i were acting like you... lets see what that would look like

Quote
Windows is so badly designed. i mean all it is is a mess of playschool color blocks that are way too large for practical use. Its a weak and useless system.

but i still want to hear your side of the argument.

i am not "showing off the size of my dick" or any such crap, i'm trying to nicely explain things to the guy who comes into the "we like android" topic saying how stupid/useless/overly complex android is.


Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Apr 2013, 20:03
Please stop this now, both of you, before it goes too far.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 15 Apr 2013, 20:38
Oh dear lord...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Apr 2013, 23:01
yeah, but it didn't overreachingly refer to all software that's not the OS, like most people use it as now.  :psyduck:

Someone who started programming in the 1960s would like a word with you...

And yeah, no need for OS wars.  They all exist; they all have reasons to exist.  If you want to compare experiences with different OSes you could start a thread for it, I suppose.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 16 Apr 2013, 02:40
Every program in Android is fundamentally different in its percieved behaviour. I never know what's about to happen in an program, if I have to double tap or swipe, or else. The advantage that Android gets because of this is a limitless stream of design choices. But it also suffers from inconsistency. And this is especially true in an ecosystem where virtually every distributer uses a skin that looks and behaves fundamentally different.
I know that every program in Win8 will show the menu bar when I swipe from the top or bottom. I know that a long press will show a contextual menu with options on the item I just pressed. Swiping down on an object selects it. Zooming out in most places will show me an overview of the view I'm currently in, be it in the start screen, the (btw excellently written) Wikipedia app or my cocktail recipes. I know I can trust Win8 to behave like I expect it to, even if I'm in unsailed waters. I don't know if I can with Android. (rest assured, programs still need some work, but I've been using Win8 for half a year now and they're getting there.)
So, basically, you don't like Android because you're not familiar with it. The thing is, I could probably list a similar number of consistencies across all of my Android applications that allow me to use them effectively. Of course I'm going to be confused by the consistent control method you just described if I got a Windows phone shoved into my hands; I'm just used to using the Android OS. Similarly, whenever I have to work on a Macbook and I want to adjust a simple option, such as mouse sensitivity or number of pages on the screen, I'm all "WTF, this is horrible design" because I have practically no experience with iOS.

What kind of OS you're going to want to use is only really relevant for the first time, because every time after that you're already habituated to one and you're only going to inconvenience yourself by switching to another, which seems weird and arcane by comparison.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 16 Apr 2013, 06:54
I must admit that I skipped over most of what just happened.

It's a blue 16gb, on Verizon. I don't like to spend a lot of money on my phones, but I like fancy gadgets. This cost me $30 and I love it. In two years, I will get the next fanciest phone available for cheap
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 18 Apr 2013, 10:10
Not really related to Android at all, but I find this an interesting phone none the less.

The $12 Gongkai Phone (http://www.bunniestudios.com/blog/?p=3040)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: KingOfIreland on 18 Apr 2013, 10:13
My phone, the samsung wave, released with bada now has android on it with GSM functionality!

Fuck to the effing Yeah!

Open source modem drivers everyone!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1203
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 12 May 2013, 15:05
Cyanogenmod 10.1 RC1 has just been released, and it's given me back the power widget in the notification drawer as well as customisable notification light colour and frequency! Yay! Alarms are still broken, though, so I have to set the timer every time I have to get up in the morning. The native pdf reader is also still missing, but I installed EBookDroid and I actually like that one much better in most regards.

Say, has anyone checked out this Pebble (http://getpebble.com/) smartwatch? I'd really like to have one of those. My old phone had a grey TFT LCD screen which meant it could display the time and notifications in black pixels against the grey background of the unpowered screen. I really missed that function when I got my new phone, because it meant one more button press every time I wanted to know the time or whether I had messages. A smartwatch would solve both problems at once, and it would mean that I could also use it as a replacement for my music player because it has buttons! I operate my music player blind and from my pocket 90% of the time - good luck doing the same thing with a touchscreen device.

It seems that Sony has a few brands of smartwatch available as well, but they don't seem nearly as good. They're cheap, though. Anyone know of other options?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 May 2013, 15:22
I'm a bit old school when it comes to watches, honestly. The GPS on it sounds nice, but the only time I'd need a GPS watch are when I'm running/biking and thus can't carry my phone with me, and this watch doesn't seem that useful if it's not connected to a phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 12 May 2013, 15:23
Smartwatches are an amazing class of devices, but that class is still in its infancy. I've been shopping for one for quite some time now, and I have yet to find one that gives me everything I want - access to all my phone's notifications, voice controls, Google now, music/media controls, and a weather widget. The latest and greatest Sony Smartwatch is the best one I've found so far, but it still doesn't do everything I want, and you must keep in mind that it's useless without a Bluetooth connection to your phone.

For a standalone device that can function as a smartwatch, I'd have to recommend the last-gen ipod nano (the tiny square one) with a watch band. (and man does it kill me to recommend an apple product)

I'm not a huge fan of the pebble, because it doesn't have a touchscreen (making navigation a pain), and it's functionality is limited. However it's one of the only Smartwatches on the market that lasts a day on a charge, so there's that. 

Source: I don't have a smartwatch but I've researched them extensively, and used many of them at CES.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 May 2013, 15:55
My smartphone doesn't always last a day with heavy use, and that's without Bluetooth always enabled. Also, I wouldn't get a smartwatch that wasn't waterproof as well as very hard to break.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 12 May 2013, 16:12
Smartwatches are an amazing class of devices, but that class is still in its infancy. I've been shopping for one for quite some time now, and I have yet to find one that gives me everything I want - access to all my phone's notifications, voice controls, Google now, music/media controls, and a weather widget. The latest and greatest Sony Smartwatch is the best one I've found so far, but it still doesn't do everything I want, and you must keep in mind that it's useless without a Bluetooth connection to your phone.
Those are high standards. If I were you I'd sooner strap an Xperia Mini to the underside of my wrist, that'll probably get you all of those features. How are you going to fit all those things on the display of a watch? I suppose voice control would be useful in that regard, but I've always had an instinctive aversion to using it. If I ever were to rely on it I'd probably end up arguing with my phone like a crazy person. I don't care for weather widgets; I've already got an application that gives me a notification if it's going to rain within the next few hours, and I don't need to know anything else. And Google Now doesn't tell me anything interesting.

Quote
I'm not a huge fan of the pebble, because it doesn't have a touchscreen (making navigation a pain), and it's functionality is limited. However it's one of the only Smartwatches on the market that lasts a day on a charge, so there's that. 
I wouldn't mind having something with buttons, as long as I don't have to contort my hand to use them. I actually kind of miss physical buttons on my phone. I can never escape the disconnected feeling when using a touchscreen, however routine it becomes. Besides, isn't it hard to use a touchscreen that's only about four fingertips large?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 12 May 2013, 16:20
The only times I've ever ran out my note 2's battery is when in watching a TON of YouTube or playing lots of ingress. But i keep a spare battery in my wallet for those scenarios. 

(please note that the Note 2 has the second-best battery life of any smartphone. #1 is Motorola Razr Maxx line.)

@LTK: I use Google now a lot. It's actually quite useful to me. And I have considered commissioning some sort of arm bracer to hold my phone as a arm/wrist computer. This is in fact a very alluring idea and one that I may yet still do.


Based on my experiences with the Sony Smartwatch, it's actually not difficult to use. Tap and swipe. Two finger tap to go home.

The whole point of a smartwatch is that it lets you do the basics without pulling out your phone. If I can't do those things, why have a smartwatch?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 May 2013, 16:50
I kind of regret switching from the Note 1 to the S3 and not to the Note 2. The Note 1 had so many problems, including awful battery life and never getting Jelly Bean, so I was skeptical about the Note 2. I found out later that apparently the Note 2 fixed a LOT of the problems. I'm not due for an upgrade until next year, so I'll probably get the Note 4 next summer.

The S3 has decent battery life, though, especially with my Mophie case. Not lasting a day with that is pretty rare, but not unheard of.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 12 May 2013, 17:05
the Note 1 actually recently got JB. if you still have your own phone (and its not rooted or anything) plug it into kies and pull down the update. ;) (i'm not sure if the OTA will be avaliable or not, if it doesn't have service)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 May 2013, 17:09
I'm aware, I just meant never getting it while I was still using it. I still have it, but I put CM10 on it ages ago. (And honestly, I rooted it the day I got it last March.) It's sat unused since I got the S3 about four months ago.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 12 May 2013, 19:04
Also, quite relevant:

Quote
He should try to have more foresight, and carry no less than 5 computers on him at all times, like a sensible person
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 13 May 2013, 03:30
Battery life comparisons: remember that phone battery life is crucially dependent on the proximity or otherwise of your carrier's transmitters, and thus how much searching the phone feels it needs to do.  For instance, when I changed my phone from an iPhone 3Gs to a 4S, I also changed carrier.  Now I get far poorer battery life while at home, but at work the battery life is at least as much better; I can even see the difference in usage if I spend a day gardening at the back of the house or in my study at the front. 

In other words, almost all anecdotal comments on battery life are useless unless you can be sure that all conditions are equivalent.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 13 May 2013, 03:40
Which, actually, has been tested many times for the phones i'm talking about. feel free to look it up online, they're unmatched ;)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 24 Jun 2013, 15:54
One nice thing about Cyanogenmod: Blacklist feature. It's really cut down on the number of spam calls/voicemails I get. With my current blacklist, if your phone is registered in Washington, Oregon, Florida, Texas, or Michigan, and you try to call me, I won't get your call (though I did make one exception for a coworker who has a Washington phone number). I've also blocked obviously-fake numbers, like the "000" area code.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 25 Jun 2013, 02:22
Sony Xperia Z Ultra.

Beautiful, amazing, i must have this...... up until i saw that they cut out the freaking camera flash

what the honest-to-god fuck Sony? An absolutely top-of-the-line device, with a pretty good camera to boot, and you cut out the flash.

Its an LED for fuck's sake. how much does it really cost to put in an LED?

I was about ready to throw down money i do not have for this thing. Its awesome. but this is an absolute dealbreaker - I actually use the LED flash of my phone as a flashlight significantly more than i use the camera.

You lost a sale Sony. It could have been a perfect product.....


---


Now that i've written this i kinda feel like it might fit better in the vitriolic letters thread. IDK. I feel to lazy to copypasta it over right now, so......
Title: Re: Android
Post by: snalin on 25 Jun 2013, 02:35
So I was looking into getting a new phone, and from reviews, the HTC one looked like it was the better choice. Then I looked around for where to get it. Turns out that HTC has decided that Norway is only getting the 32GB model. Because this far north, we apparently don't need more storage.

!!!!!!!

So I got a Samsung S4. It's supposedly an inferior phone, but dammit I have lived through some generations of not enough space for all my music on my phone, and I'm not going through that shit again.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 25 Jun 2013, 02:43
The S4 and the One are opposite ends of the spectrum, completely different directions. Personally i think the S4 is the overall better package, but i know most of it really just boils down to personal taste. But rest assured they are the two best phones on the market right now.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Jun 2013, 05:35
Wait, 96 gigs (storage plus SD card) isn't enough for your music? I mean, I understand if you have more music than that, but why would you need it all on your phone at all times?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Jun 2013, 06:01
My CDs are the archive, but my portable player is my usual listening device, so I like to have nearly everything on there - currently about 240GB (in compressed format), but there's still some stuff missing.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 25 Jun 2013, 06:03
If you need that much portable music, you use a dedicated device, like pwhodges does.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: snalin on 25 Jun 2013, 06:31
The HTC one doesn't support additional SD cards. So if you buy one with 32 gigs, that's all you'll ever have for apps, books, movies, music, you name it. If I cut the music that I have on my pc now down to the stuff I actually listen to, that's still more than 32 gigs.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 25 Jun 2013, 07:45
Also keep in mind that a modern "mobile" OS has an allocated system partition of about 5-10 GB.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 25 Jun 2013, 09:12
The area occupied by "other" on my iPhone (4S with iOS6), which appears to be the OS, is barely 1GB.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 25 Jun 2013, 10:56
If i remember how iOS shows stuff correctly,  the system partition is hidden from you - you can't see how much space it takes up, but you should be able to get a rough guesstimate by subtracting the amount of user available space from the amount listed in the back of the device.

(note: this is logic drawing from a rough recollection. I may be completely wrong here,  possibly)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 25 Jun 2013, 12:56
I haven't ever seen a single device or component that had exactly as much storage space as it claimed having. Windows says my 64GB SSD has 59.6GB of space, my music player says that my 16GB MicroSD card actually has a total space of 14.976 GB, and my phone's internal storage reports 13.33GB available of the advertised 16GB. I think that only in the last case there is actually space being reserved for the system.

It seems that there is also a big chuck of space allocated to something that Android does not recognise, seeing how the storage report leaves about half of the used space unaccounted for, even in the 'Misc.' category. Those are most likely the full ROM backups I've been keeping, but I'm not sure.

I'm actually much more interested in where all of my RAM is going. Just like the storage space, it leaves some of the advertised 1GB RAM unaccounted for, only adding up to 694MB, but the running applications are only shown to take up half of that. I assume there are a number of unlisted background processes being used for the Android OS, but then those are taking up a whopping 345MB of the available RAM. Isn't that a bit excessive?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 25 Jun 2013, 13:27
I haven't ever seen a single device or component that had exactly as much storage space as it claimed having. Windows says my 64GB SSD has 59.6GB of space, my music player says that my 16GB MicroSD card actually has a total space of 14.976 GB, and my phone's internal storage reports 13.33GB available of the advertised 16GB. I think that only in the last case there is actually space being reserved for the system.

There's this thing that I hate about advertised storage sizes. The 64GB advertised is 64 Gigabytes (64 x10^3 bytes), but that also a tad over 59.6 Gibibytes (59.6 x2^30 bytes). I suppose technically they aren't wrong, since the Giga- prefix does mean x10^3, but computers will usually report the size in kibi-/Mebi-/Gibi- bytes with a label of kilo-/Mega-/Giga-.

Long story short, what you bought was indeed 64GB but I doubt that's what you thought you were buying. I've fallen in that hole before as well.

To make matters worse, I've sometimes seen RAM with kilo-/Mega-/Giga- prefixes meaning the 2-based value and storage devices using the same prefixes but actually meaning the 10-based value.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 20 Jul 2013, 13:55
On storage space: It checks out perfectly. (http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=16+gigabyte+to+gibibytes)

I've had a little problem with excessive data usage over the past couple of weeks: 'Android OS' would show a constant background bandwidth use of about 100 MB a week, and users cannot restrict the background data use of this process. After some searching online, I figured out that it was related to Google backing up your phone data to its servers, and sure enough, when I disabled Google backup, the data use went back to normal. Now, I still had to figure out what application was using all this data, since I couldn't remember what I'd installed when the data use started going up. Before I could figure out how to read application folder metadata ('last modified' date), I came across another user on stackexchange who had the same problem, and one of the comments said "You aren't changing your wallpaper ten times a day or something, are you?" and the OP said "Yeah, I have Tasker set up to change my wallpaper according to my location, but it only changes two or three times every day."

Now everything falls into place. I'd also recently installed a wallpaper rotation application that changes my wallpaper every 6 hours, and every time that happened, Google would upload a new backup of it to its servers - without my knowledge. Those high-resolution wallpapers are about 4 MB each, and they would change 3 times a day. Multiply that by seven days and the total data use is... 84 MB per week. So that checks out too.

Unfortunately there's no way of telling Google not to back up my wallpaper - because why do I care about losing a picture that I pulled from the internet - and given how infuriatingly difficult it is to actually get in contact with Google about their services, I guess I'm sticking to a single wallpaper from now on.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 20 Jul 2013, 15:30
...I've never had that problem o_O have you tried unchecking Sync Google Photos and Sync Picasa Web Albums?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 20 Jul 2013, 16:05
Where do I do that?

Edit: Ah, I see what you mean. Google Photos is enabled, but not set up to upload anything as far as I can tell. My account doesn't have anything picasa-related. Anyway, my sync settings are irrelevant because those are handled through the Google Services process, not the Android OS process. I guess the backup settings are handled by the OS to reduce the risk of data loss in the event that Google Services fails.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Parkour Lewis on 21 Jul 2013, 00:14
I got mad at CM10.1 because they can't seem to ever fix the dozens of annoying bugs in their OS that crop up on my phone, and went back to the stock firmware for the last couple of months.  Then last week I discovered that it wasn't getting the awesome battery life that I thought it was all this time, but that the battery stats on the stock firmware just didn't ever read right, ever.  So I spent the last two days jacking with my phone, trying different stuff, and finally left regular CM10 with its reliance on the old, outdated bootloader and baseband, and reflashed the new bootloader and an experimental build of CM10 that some guy named "TonyP" made, and after all of this time, I FINALLY have a build of android jellybean that actually works on my damn phone.

So color me happy.

I am currently considering whether to jack with my Kindle fire HD's firmware or just leave it the hell alone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 21 Jul 2013, 12:45
Jack that Kindle!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 09 Aug 2013, 13:52
Welp, I just ordered my new Samsung Galaxy Note II. My sister will be taking my current S3. I'm excited! I have also decided that I probably don't need to keep my tablet at this point, as I rarely use it. 10.1" Acer A500. Would anyone be interested in buying it from me? Send me a pm if so.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 09 Aug 2013, 14:15
Looks over at my own a500. Nah, I'll pass on this one.

I hope you got that note 2 cheap, neko, because while it's an awesome phone the Note 3 is coming out next month.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 09 Aug 2013, 14:19
Of course it is. Argh. Well, my sister wanted a new phone but didn't want to spend anything on it and there was no way she was going to wait another month. Plus I can never afford phones when they first come out.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 09 Aug 2013, 14:25
What carrier are you on, btw?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 09 Aug 2013, 14:42
Verizon.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 09 Aug 2013, 14:52
Well, at least you should get the next update then. Samsung is supposed to be skipping 4.2 for this thing to go right to 4.3, which is expected to be announced late this year. Verizon is slow but reliable with rolling out updates, so that's good for you. AT&T
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 09 Aug 2013, 18:45
My complaint is that carriers have anything to do with updates, rather than people just being able to download the updates from the phone manufacturer themselves as soon as it's ready.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 09 Aug 2013, 19:03
Yeah, that's as issue with american carriers, mostly >_> stupid as hell.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 10 Aug 2013, 01:46
Well, at least you should get the next update then. Samsung is supposed to be skipping 4.2 for this thing to go right to 4.3, which is expected to be announced late this year. Verizon is slow but reliable with rolling out updates, so that's good for you. AT&T

AT&T what?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 10 Aug 2013, 01:54
 :psyduck: I don't remember writing that AT&T.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 10 Aug 2013, 05:11
Matthew fell victim to their subliminal advertising.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Aug 2013, 06:57
I prefer superliminal advertising.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 10 Aug 2013, 13:29
You kidding? I wouldn't touch AT&T with a 10 foot pole. :P
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 10 Aug 2013, 13:30
A ten-foot pole is good for checking for ceiling traps though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 13 Aug 2013, 07:32
I got my phone and it is gigantic and gorgeous and I love it. And it's even easier to type with the touch screen now that it's easier for me to hold it in my man hands.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 08:36
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/13/ryduve8u.jpg)(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/08/13/a6u4adug.jpg)
What the fuck? :psyduck: I haven't said yes to this yet but if I want my school email through my phone I have to. (edit to put the text on a different line than the pictures)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 13 Aug 2013, 08:39
I would not agree to that. And maybe even complain to IT about it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 10:29
IT has nothing to do with it, it's required to connect to Microsoft Outlook (which is what my school uses). I didn't agree, btw, if I have to check it from my phone I'll just go to the website.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 13 Aug 2013, 10:53
Wow that is a shitstorm of requirements. Why would Outlook need those? It hasn't for my systems.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 13 Aug 2013, 10:54
I've never seen a permission request like that. Is it from an application? I use a Live.nl e-mail address (also from Microsoft), why haven't I received such a request?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 10:55
When I tried to access the email account through Android's standard e-mail application, it gave me that. I of course said no and removed the account.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 13 Aug 2013, 10:55
That's a list of what admin mode enables - I presume only one or two things are actually required to set up ActiveSync (which I presume is the point).  Do they not allow vanilla IMAP if you'd rather (admittedly, I don't on my server, but some places do)?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 10:57
Is that easy to do?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 13 Aug 2013, 13:41
I've never seen that before. I have that same app (Samsung stock email app) set up on my phone, and I never had to do that. It is set up with a custom Pop3 email account, however.

Device admistrator is as close to root acess as you can get without rooting your phone. I can think of no reason email would need it.

What do you mean "hook up to Outlook?" outlook.com? Because Microsoft has a dedicated app for that,  works great.

There's no such thing as an email account that requires outlook, and activesync is dead,  so...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 14:05
My email doesn't work with the outlook.com application for some reason. Gonna look into it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 13 Aug 2013, 14:10
Well, is it a from-microsoft account, or is it just an email account you're using with outlook on the pc?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2013, 14:15
Ahh, I see. If I go to outlook.com, it doesn't work, it only works when I go to outlook.com/(my school). Apparently that's different. I'll see if I can tweak the settings in the Outlook.com app to let me do use it.

Edit: Apparently not, there's no options for settings in the app before I sign in. Wonderful.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 13 Aug 2013, 14:36
That's... Bizarre.

I've never used it, but I hear K9Mail is one of the best Android email clients
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 27 Aug 2013, 18:37
Alright, so Google has dropped the price of the Nexus 4 by $100, making the 8gb $199 and the 16gb $249.

Nexus 4 (https://play.google.com/store/devices/details/Nexus_4_16GB?id=nexus_4_16gb)

This may convince me to get the N4 rather than wait for the N5 later this year. I am in desperate need of a cell phone and waiting until November may be a bit much, especially since I expect them to raise the base price by $50.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 27 Aug 2013, 19:22
Something some people don't realize when they buy an Unlocked Phone in the US: it won't work on all carriers. The Nexus 4 is 100% compatible with AT&T & T-Mobile, up to HSPA+42 "4G" speeds. It will also work on many prepaid carriers. Make sure your service provides you with a GSM signal before purchasing.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 27 Aug 2013, 21:36
I'm already well aware of that. Planning on abusing a T-Mobile pre-paid account.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 27 Aug 2013, 22:03
Good for you. :) you'd be surprised how many people are incapable of understanding that fact.

And T-Mobile prepaid (unlimited for me) is the only wireless service I can recommend or would ever personally choose.  I fully approve.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 28 Aug 2013, 14:31
Well, sorry to say that, but "unlocked" meaning "oh yeah it's not really unlocked, we're just fuckin' with ya" is kind of a bullshit move.

If a phone is unlocked in Germany, it will work on EVERY carrier. And phone manufacturers must provide unlocked phones in some way or another.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ackblom12 on 28 Aug 2013, 14:35
Well, it's not because the carriers purposefully block them exactly, it's because some use FDMA and some use CDMA. Our carriers just never got around to agreeing on which standard to use.

Edit: Wait, or is it the GSM and UMTS freqencies that I'm thinking of?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 28 Aug 2013, 16:07
Gsm/hsdpa/HSPA are the global standard that Unlocked devices are compatible with
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 28 Aug 2013, 21:03
Each is half right. It's GSM and CDMA. Verizon and Sprint are on CDMA, so unlocked phones don't work on them.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 10 Sep 2013, 13:05
I was just wondering: is it at all possible to specifically disable the phone functions on android? We can disable GPS, bluetooth, wifi, 3G, mobile broadband altogether, but I can't press a button that stops me from getting calls and text messages altogether while having the rest enabled. It's something that bothered me about my unlocked Sony Reader as well: according to the battery usage stats, 'mobile standby' was using the highest percentage of battery life, when the reader didn't even have a mobile radio. (Although I could be misremembering that and the battery usage was under 'phone idle' instead, which would make more sense.)

I assume airplane mode does turn it off, but isn't it still weird that the primary function of a phone cannot be directly controlled?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Sep 2013, 14:10
You can put it in Airplane Mode and still use wifi, but I don't know how to turn off phone/texting while keeping mobile data on.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Blyss on 22 Oct 2013, 12:07
So, here's an interesting little factoid I picked up while working for SiriusXM:  Apparently even though the KINDLEs use an android based OS, they do not support the google play store, and therefore do not have access to all those apps (at least by default, obviously this can be changed if you want to take the measures to do so), and yeah, I got tons of calls, from people pissed that they paid for the SiriusXM internet radio, and couldn't use it on their android device, even though there was an android app.

On last report, neither Amazon nor SiriusXM planned to address this.

Oh, and the tasker and task killer on my Galaxy S II are both pretty cool, so thank you for those recommendations.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Neko_Ali on 22 Oct 2013, 13:30
It's the same problem I have with my (older) Nook Color. Just because it runs on Android OS doesn't mean it uses the Google Play store. It has to be a unit that specifically allows access to Google Play.... The annoyance of course being that I bought the color instead of a black and white e-reader specifically because it could access 'an app store'.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 22 Oct 2013, 18:05
That's the worst part of android being open source. Luckily nooks are easily rooted, so the play store can be added to them. Newer nooks already have play access.

I can't recommend kindles for exactly this reason: the Amazon app store is underwhelming at best, and it'll be a cold day in hell before amazon lets the play store on their devices.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 22 Oct 2013, 18:15
I actually highly recommend Kindles, but only the cheapest ones, and only for reading books. Then again I don't see the point of a midsize tablet, it doesn't do anything my phone can't and I always have my phone with me.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 22 Oct 2013, 22:13
I've been wondering, actually: aren't there any third-party DRM-free apk sources that can serve as an alternative to the google play store? The only third-party applications that I ever install on my phone are Humble Bundle games. That was honestly not how I was expecting to use my phone, especially given how DRM-freedom has become an important goal for music and games on PC. When I wanted to get applications onto my rooted Sony Reader I basically used pirated stuff. Does Google really have such an overwhelming presence on the platform that free (as in speech) app stores aren't even viable?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 23 Oct 2013, 00:32
Well, you can install the Amazon app store on any device, but I think you're more asking for SlideMe or AppsLib
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Oct 2013, 08:57
I have been thinking of rooting my nook. I was also thinking of the older Nexus 7, but they didn't have any external storage option other than a work around involving a dongle. And of course the money that I really can't afford to spend on it...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Oct 2013, 08:58
On my Galaxy S3, you don't have to root it to install outside apps, you just have to go into settings and enable that option, but then you can put any apk you want on it (with a few exceptions for apps that require root, but there are some apps that require root that are available in the Play Store!)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 23 Oct 2013, 09:03
Best cheap tablet with expandable storage: Hisense Sero 7 Pro
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Neko_Ali on 23 Oct 2013, 09:27
hmmm. That does look pretty good, thank you. It pretty much has the options I want from it... Mostly reading books and PDFs away from my computer and access to Google Play. I will have to check and see if they carry it at the nearby store.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 23 Oct 2013, 09:32
Downside to the Hisense Sero 7 Pro: its a Walmart exclusive.

Also make sure not to confuse it with the terrible Hisense Sero 7 LTE (light)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Oct 2013, 09:35
I really can't recommend the basic Kindle/Nook enough, simply because of the ease of reading. E-ink is a lot easier on the eyes than a standard screen, it's basically like reading paper. Plus battery life.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 23 Oct 2013, 09:41
Yeah, but those aren't compatible with websites/apps/book readers other than the one its branded after.

Unless, of course, you want to get a YotaPhone
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 23 Oct 2013, 09:45
I love my Nook simple touch. I have a lot of... um, non-purchased books that were really simple to sideload. And it's so much better than reading on a screen with a backlight.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 23 Oct 2013, 09:47
I've used a Simple Touch With Glowlight. I like it better than the non-lit one. :P

actually, the Nook Simple Touch line can be hacked into a halfway capable android tablet, but its not the easiest process.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 23 Oct 2013, 09:49
I have a cheap little book light that I use if I want to read in the dark. Which is rare. And I have a phone, tablet, ipod touch, and laptop for anything else I want to do. I read often enough that I prefer having what is basically a "unitasker" like the Nook simple touch.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Oct 2013, 10:12
I love my Nook simple touch. I have a lot of... um, non-purchased books that were really simple to sideload. And it's so much better than reading on a screen with a backlight.
This. Plus you can use Calibre to convert if your book is in the wrong format.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 23 Oct 2013, 10:18
Exactly.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Nov 2013, 10:09
Anyone who says Android (and probably iOS as well) tablets are easy to use has never had to explain to my mom over the phone how to use one.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2013, 10:16
iOS is definitely easier to use than Android. Ease of use is not why you get an Android.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Nov 2013, 10:19
I got it for her as a birthday present... the reason I got it instead of an iPad was that it was half the price.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 14 Nov 2013, 15:26
Android 4.4 overview (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/android-4-4-kitkat-thoroughly-reviewed/). Looking forward to trying it out.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Nov 2013, 15:26
I'm still waiting on 4.3.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 14 Nov 2013, 18:02
iOS is definitely easier to use than Android. Ease of use is not why you get an Android.

lolwut. everyone i know with an iOS device is constantly annoyed/confused by it, or has no idea on 2/3 of its features. they all find android intuitive and "much nicer", but most of them are too brainwashed to ever switch away.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 14 Nov 2013, 18:10
If Android is intuitive then I'd like to hire you to explain to my mom how to use it so I don't have to.  :roll:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Blyss on 14 Nov 2013, 19:02
It is intuitive, but I wouldn't want to explain it to my mother.  The fact is, some people aren't ever going to see a computer as intuitive because they lack the knowledge to understand new technology.  That's not the tech's fault.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Nov 2013, 01:03
lolwut. everyone i know with an iOS device is constantly annoyed/confused by it, or has no idea on 2/3 of its features.

I am not confused by it - but then computers are my business.  I am annoyed by it, just like I'm annoyed by almost everything that the so-called designers of UI systems do.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Metope on 15 Nov 2013, 03:05
I don't find Android intuitive at all, everyone in my family has Samsung phones and I just don't get it. I've had a crappy Blackberry for years, and while it is easy enough for me to use, it is a piece of shit phone. I've always had problems with computers and technology, I just don't understand it at all. Then I tried my friend's Mac, and wow. I've only ever had PC's, but Macs are so much better! I got an iPad when my crappy laptop died a few years ago, and I bought a Macbook Pro this year, I've never been happier. Getting an iPhone when I'm going to the states next week (they're too expensive in Europe), and I am so excited.

I know a lot of people who give me crap for liking Apple products, but I don't care. I'm not tech savvy, and Apple makes products for non-tech savvy people. Android seems to be intuitive for the tech savvies though, so my brother prefers it for that reason, my mother is like me and absolutely hates it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Metope on 15 Nov 2013, 03:15
The fact is, some people aren't ever going to see a computer as intuitive because they lack the knowledge to understand new technology.

This statement contradicts itself. The word 'intuitive' means you don't need any knowledge in order to understand, here's from the dictionary:
 
Quote
Intuitive: using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive.

So yeah, if you need knowledge about technology to understand it, it's not intuitive.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Nov 2013, 03:49
Yes and no - something may be intuitive given your general background, without specific knowledge of the matter.  Hence people who have grown up with different levels of technology in general may find the same thing more or less intuitive.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Blyss on 15 Nov 2013, 05:21
Yes and no - something may be intuitive given your general background, without specific knowledge of the matter.  Hence people who have grown up with different levels of technology in general may find the same thing more or less intuitive.

This.  Intuition is extremely subjective and specific to each individual.

Some people are great with numbers, others with writing.  They're going to feel differently about how intuitive math is.

And yes, I have an android, but I have used several products with, ios's and I don't find them particularly intuitive.  That changes nothing about how you find it.  :-)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ev4n on 15 Nov 2013, 07:33
I think intuition is like doing a math problem and writing the answer without showing your work.  It's your brain's abiltiy to bypass linear reasoning and jump to a conclusion.

This may be due to wiring, knowledge, background, whatever.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 15 Nov 2013, 14:58
I made a long, ranty post. I deleted it.

What tablet did you get your grandmother? What version of Android is it running?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Nov 2013, 19:21
It's this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2001384336&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-). And I got it for my mother (my grandmother has been dead for 15 years).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: mtmerrick on 16 Nov 2013, 00:08
what OTA is it running? ships with 4.0, sure, but the update to 4.1 completely overhauled everything. it should be on 4.2 by now.

also, if you are setting up a samsung for someone make sure this is installed: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamviewer.quicksupport.market.samsung
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 16 Nov 2013, 08:08
I don't know what version it's running, but it's probably still 4.0. She hasn't been able to get it connected to the internet. She's stuck in bed for four weeks after a surgery, and nobody at the place she's at knows the password for the wifi.  :psyduck: That app looks like it would be useful once she has an internet connection.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: blacksinow on 12 Dec 2013, 04:13
What I don't like about android is it wants to be both a phone and a tablet OS, but fails to divide it's attention. It feels as though google pays more attention to developing the OS for phones then tablets.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Dec 2013, 04:59
I don't think the distinction is always as big as you think. A 7" tablet is much closer in size to a 5" phone than a 10" tablet. Phones these days are just smaller tablets that can make phone calls.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: blacksinow on 12 Dec 2013, 09:10
I don't think the distinction is always as big as you think. A 7" tablet is much closer in size to a 5" phone than a 10" tablet. Phones these days are just smaller tablets that can make phone calls.

It becomes more distinctive when you can't use the newer features of kitkat on your tablet. Like I said, google seems more interested in making phones or "mini tablets" instead of actual functioning tablets. When I buy a seven inch tablet, making a call is the last thing on my mind. Besides, some of the larger tablets don't come with the ability to dial out, you have to look for an appropriate app to make that functionality available.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 12 Dec 2013, 10:46
Can't dial out? Maybe somebody stole the control crystal!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: blacksinow on 12 Dec 2013, 13:38
Can't dial out? Maybe somebody stole the control crystal!

Damn you and your stargate references!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 12 Dec 2013, 14:04
Indeed.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Dec 2013, 14:57
I don't think the distinction is always as big as you think. A 7" tablet is much closer in size to a 5" phone than a 10" tablet. Phones these days are just smaller tablets that can make phone calls.

It becomes more distinctive when you can't use the newer features of kitkat on your tablet. Like I said, google seems more interested in making phones or "mini tablets" instead of actual functioning tablets. When I buy a seven inch tablet, making a call is the last thing on my mind. Besides, some of the larger tablets don't come with the ability to dial out, you have to look for an appropriate app to make that functionality available.
Aside from the ability to make calls, what can you do on a phone that you can't do on a tablet?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 12 Dec 2013, 15:12
Keep it in your pocket so that you have it with you at all times.  I've used my iPhone to connect with servers to put stuff right while waiting in the gate to board a plane at Heathrow; also while out walking my dogs; also in the restaurant of a hotel in Nepal.  A tablet-size screen would have made it a bit easier; but I wouldn't have been carrying it at all.  And, of course, I received the phone calls to alert me to the problems in the first instance on the same device.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Dec 2013, 15:14
That just means your pockets are too small :parrot:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: blacksinow on 12 Dec 2013, 16:49
I don't think the distinction is always as big as you think. A 7" tablet is much closer in size to a 5" phone than a 10" tablet. Phones these days are just smaller tablets that can make phone calls.

It becomes more distinctive when you can't use the newer features of kitkat on your tablet. Like I said, google seems more interested in making phones or "mini tablets" instead of actual functioning tablets. When I buy a seven inch tablet, making a call is the last thing on my mind. Besides, some of the larger tablets don't come with the ability to dial out, you have to look for an appropriate app to make that functionality available.
Aside from the ability to make calls, what can you do on a phone that you can't do on a tablet?

Alot of the new kitkat's new functionality is related to the ability to make calls, something that the nexus 7 does lack and there is no WAY I could fit that in my pockets.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 12 Dec 2013, 21:23
Honestly, if it wasn't so fucking expensive to get phones before you're due for one, I'd get a Note 3 and this (http://www.androidauthority.com/zerolemon-note-3-extended-battery-10000-mah-323098/). Big and powerful enough to make a 7" tablet mostly redundant, with the battery life to even get me through a couple days.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 02 Jan 2014, 05:24
Since upgrading to 4.3, I couldn't teach my phone new words (and it forgot all the words I'd taught it!), causing me to finally convert to Swype. The space bar is way too narrow, so I often hit the period key instead if I'm not swiping. Other than that, I like it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 10 Feb 2014, 13:05
Thousands flock to eBay to sell iPhones with Flappy Bird installed. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/02/thousands-flock-to-ebay-to-sell-iphones-with-flappy-bird-installed/)

From the first comment:

(http://mymememaker.com/media/created/2r3nql.jpg)

People... are SO. FUCKING. STUPID.

(This may be only tangentially related to Android but I felt this was still the best place to express this.)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2014, 13:38
I don't know if it was taken off the Play Store as well, but an .apk won't be hard to find if someone still wants it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 10 Feb 2014, 14:13
Of course, that's one option. The other is to play one of the ELEVENTY HUNDRED GADZILLION CLONES (http://iwantaclone.tumblr.com/tagged/flappy-bird).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2014, 14:14
Heh, I'd rather not, I got sick of Flappy Bird like 5 minutes in. It's all the frustration with none of the fun.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Feb 2014, 14:55
Notification on my Galaxy S3
Quote from: Security information
The device has detected an application attempting to perform actions that are not permitted. It is recommended that you restart your device.
I can dismiss it or reboot, but either has it coming up again. It won't tell me WHAT the application is, because that would be far too helpful :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ev4n on 13 Feb 2014, 16:10
My flash seems to be going off from time to time, but I can't figure out what I'm doing that's triggering it.. :(
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 14 Feb 2014, 00:31
The NSA.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Feb 2014, 08:13
God damn it, now it's restarting on its own.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Feb 2014, 13:32
Taking the battery out worked, at least so far. Huzzah!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Feb 2014, 04:40
The advantage of having a Samsnug phone. I couldn't take out my battery if I wanted.


100 internets for the person who tells me where "Samsnug" is from.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Feb 2014, 11:31
Specifically - no idea; but it's the exact kind of thing that is widely done in anime to avoid being charged for using trade marks, so I'd be confident that it's been done in some even if that's not what you have in mind (computers running Mindows is a common one as well)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 15 Feb 2014, 12:05
The advantage of having a Samsnug phone. I couldn't take out my battery if I wanted.


100 internets for the person who tells me where "Samsnug" is from.
I bought a Samsung tablet for my mom. The one time it froze up and so I tried to solve it by taking out the battery... and then found out I couldn't take out the battery. I ended up finding out you could hard-shutdown it by holding the power button for 60 seconds, though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 15 Feb 2014, 12:58
Specifically - no idea; but it's the exact kind of thing that is widely done in anime to avoid being charged for using trade marks, so I'd be confident that it's been done in some even if that's not what you have in mind (computers running Mindows is a common one as well)


But it's exactly what I had in mind:


(http://i.imgur.com/FfoCWzrl.jpg)


(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 15 Feb 2014, 16:12
OK, yes I recognise that, of course - just look at many of my avis - though I didn't recall it as where I'd seen it (I was thinking of actual Japanese manga/anime at the time, though I do class Scott Pilgrim in the same category).

"Don't break up with me while I'm out, okay?" is a brilliant line.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 15 Feb 2014, 16:34
I didn't think Samsung devices would be finicky about letting you taking out the battery. My Galaxy Nexus certainly isn't.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Feb 2014, 16:44
Maybe it's just tablets, I think all their phones have removable batteries.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Coffee_Kaioken on 17 Feb 2014, 13:12
What I did like about Samsung phones/tablets is the AllShare functionality, provided you also happen to have a Samsung SmartTV. I tried the Galaxy Tab 3 (8.0), but barely used it aside from the occasional torrenting.

My problem with the Samsung Galaxy S4 - when I used to have that - along with the Tab 3 was the wi-fi reliability. It would connect, then drop, then re-connect, then drop. That and after about 5 minutes of use, apps would lag. I've heard from other Android users that this is mostly due to Samsung's TouchWiz overlay, and that Nexus might be a better way to go.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 17 Feb 2014, 13:20
I pretty much never use wifi on my Galaxy S3, but I'm lucky enough to live in an area with decent mobile data and a grandfathered unlimited data plan :parrot:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 25 Feb 2014, 11:52
Ok, so after this thread has been alive for a year and a half, I finally have a reason to use it! I'm jumping on the smartphone bandwagon finally and have a few options. I'm hoping that some of you might have experience using one or more of the phones I'm looking at and can recommend something for me because I'm clueless and I don't think we have a general "phone" thread so this is as close as I can get without making a thread specifically asking for help buying a phone.

I've narrowed it down to 4. I'm currently looking at the following Droids: Ultra, Razr M and Mini. I'm also looking at the iPhone 4s because it's the only iPhone that Verizon is offering for free and I don't make enough money to be paying $200 for a cellphone. (edited to add- the 4s is 3G while the Droids are 4G. Does this REALLY make a big difference? I'm only getting a 1GB data plan so I won't be using it that much)


I did the fancy comparison chart thing on the website and came to a few different conclusions- the Ultra and Mini have some serious battery life and 16gb of storage. Those are both pluses. The Razr M has removable memory which I definitely enjoy. I like the prospect of being able to move my stuff if/when I get a new phone but I don't think it's a high priority. The iPhone is tempting simply because I could pop any music into it that I want right from iTunes (and because everyone I know with an iPhone loves it to pieces. it's almost scary).

I'm leaning towards the Ultra, but seriously? Every Droid Verizon has to offer is friggin' HUGE. The Ultra is an inch longer and a half inch wider than the iPhone. I don't know if I could deal with that big of a change. My current phone feels huge (the dreaded enV Touch) and it's smaller than anything I'm looking at now. I'm thinking about going to a store to check out how a few of them handle but wanted some feedback from someone who might have used one (or more) for a while.

Really, I just want something that isn't going to crap out and piss me off. My current phone randomly turns itself off (or on), drops calls, fizzles its display and is generally a big ol' pain in my ass. Husband blames all of that on the fact that I keep it in my purse and it gets jostled around. I think my phone is just a douche. (It turns itself off when it's sitting on my desk, untouched). But, perhaps durability should be a factor as well......

Please help!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Feb 2014, 12:22
I have the Galaxy S3, which probably isn't that pricey since it's a year and a half old. I'd recommend it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: snalin on 25 Feb 2014, 13:08
I'm pretty happy with my Galaxy S4. If the Mini you're talking about is the S4 mini, and it's not too different from the S4, it's a solid phone.

Have you looked into used phones? I've been getting (completely useless to me as a foreigner) ads for Ting.com, which claim to offer lower rates than other providers. They've got a calculator that shows how much cheaper they are than everyone else, but everybody does. Why they might be interesting is that while they don't do $0 phones, they've got a market for used ones, so you could get an older smartphone model for under $100, which might give you a bigger selection to chose from. You also avoid the big caveat of $0 phones, which is that they usually come with much more expensive plans than the phones you pay for.

Even if you're stuck on Verizon, you might be able to buy a used phone and move the plan over, which means that you can change to a cheaper plan sooner. A used S3 could be a great money saver, and you still have a decent phone.


On the features - while removable storage is a plus, you generally only use it whenever you change phones. If you're mainly going to use that storage for stuff you're going to have copies of on your computer (music and pictures you take with the phone), storage that you can't remove isn't going to be a problem.

4G vs. 3G is kinda weird, since there's no real standard on what you can call 4G and 3G. From what I can see online, Verizon 4G is faster than Verizon 3G, but how that compares to the IPhone 3G isn't really clear. What is clear is that Verizon might throttle your 3G speed if you're a "heavy" user (over 2GB in a month), while that doesn't happen with 4G (see here (http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57564716-94/unlimited-verizon-data-customers-beware-make-sure-your-next-phone-is-4g/). If you're not going to be watching videos or streaming music to your phone, it's probably not going to make any difference to you whatsoever.

Moving music from ITunes to an IPhone is pretty easy, but it's going to be pretty easy to move the music to any droid phone. If you're just using ITunes to play mp3s, you're just going to have to copy the music files to your phone. If you've bought music through ITunes store that's one some kind of bullshit closed format (FairPlay), there's free programs out there that can convert those files to mp3 - that's going to take some hours of work, but I'd say it'd be worth it.

Battery life is probably what's going to be the biggest thing in your day-to-day life, and I consider that the most important point of everything you listed above. It's probably what should be the biggest influence on your purchasing plan.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 27 Feb 2014, 15:53
It's probably a terrible idea but I just installed a GBA emulator on my phone. Time to play some Pokemon on the train!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Feb 2014, 16:33
Other than battery drain, what's the issue?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 27 Feb 2014, 16:37
I'm guessing it's the time-wasting part.  :-D
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Schmee on 27 Feb 2014, 19:12
I had a Gameboy emulator on my calculator. My proudest achievement is evolving a Dragonite during my Year 12 Further Maths exam.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 27 Feb 2014, 19:39
I'm guessing it's the time-wasting part.  :-D
On the train? Isn't time-wasting a good thing? :roll:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ev4n on 03 Mar 2014, 06:16
It's probably a terrible idea but I just installed a GBA emulator on my phone. Time to play some Pokemon on the train!
Weird.  I think we both did this on the same day.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Mar 2014, 06:18
I had a Gameboy emulator on my calculator. My proudest achievement is evolving a Dragonite during my Year 12 Further Maths exam.
Okay, now I'm curious as to what calculator has enough CPU power to run a Gameboy emulator.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: snalin on 03 Mar 2014, 06:25
The first gameboy was primitive as hell. I'd imagine that any modern programmable calculator could achieve that feat.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 03 Mar 2014, 06:58
Yeah, the most modern calculator I've used is a TI-89, so they may have made a lot of progress since then.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Mar 2014, 13:24
Why does the Facebook update for Android ask for permission to read my texts? Why would it need to do that?

(I haven't updated yet but it keeps asking me to no matter how often I dismiss the reminder)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 03 Mar 2014, 13:43
Because WhatsApp isn't enough.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Schmee on 03 Mar 2014, 13:46
I had a Gameboy emulator on my calculator. My proudest achievement is evolving a Dragonite during my Year 12 Further Maths exam.
Okay, now I'm curious as to what calculator has enough CPU power to run a Gameboy emulator.
The TI N-spire, I think. It was surprisingly simple to install, and it even had a turbo button that ran the game as fast as the calculator could manage - about 10x for Red/Blue, 3x for Gold/Silver. I imagine that newer versions of the calculator could run Gen 3 games.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 03 Mar 2014, 15:17
Why does the Facebook update for Android ask for permission to read my texts? Why would it need to do that?

Because all the big Internet companies want to be the ones who control your life.  And I'm not joking.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 03 Mar 2014, 15:21
I'm not sure what I'm more surprised about, that they asked for this permission or that they didn't already have it. But since it was listed as a new permission, I did not install the update, and I won't for as long as it is my choice.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 04 Mar 2014, 00:21
About a week then?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 04 Mar 2014, 05:08
Give or take.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Mar 2014, 13:14
I got a full screen notification that my version was "about to expire". I can dismiss it and continue using it but a week may have been a bit optimistic :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Wervelf on 07 Mar 2014, 23:56
I am planning to buy the new moto g next week. Am all excited about it :)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Mar 2014, 14:10
I'm thinking of upgrading to a Nexus 5 (I'm not due for a carrier upgrade until December). Any thoughts? Current phone is a Galaxy S3.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ev4n on 26 Mar 2014, 14:28
I can't fathom what my Galaxy S3 would be insufficient for.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 26 Mar 2014, 14:30
That is true. If anything, my only complaint is the battery life, but the Nexus 5 doesn't improve that.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 21 Apr 2014, 17:52
Apparently AT&T was selling Note 3s for $250 the other day, with no contract needed. Apparently I missed it. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ev4n on 22 Apr 2014, 05:46
I'm kind of tempted to get a tablet (other than my playbook, which as zero apps but is a cheap excellent ereader), if only to play catan, alhambra, and whatever other board games I can find on it.

There's a pretty good selection of android tablets under $200 Cdn these days.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 22 Apr 2014, 08:12
So this morning I witnessed someone drop an iPhone from a chair onto a carpeted floor and shatter the screen. For all the frustration that Intercept caused me, I dropped it in a parking lot so hard that it bounced a couple times, a few chips off the edge of the phone but not a scratch on the screen. This is why I avoid Apple products.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 23 Apr 2014, 11:13
Installed CM11 on my GNex this weekend and am LOVING it :) Runs way better than the JB-based ROM I'd been using previously. Incredibly smooth, clean, so far perfectly stable. I love this phone. Second hand, several generations behind, yet perfecly suited to my needs and preferences :)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 23 Apr 2014, 11:15
If I can get my hands on a OnePlusOne, I will. It comes with CM11 and top of the line hardware for $300/350 (16/64 gigs). No contract.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 27 May 2014, 12:44
So I switched to Cm11 on my GNex a while back, and not long afterwards I began to have some major problems with sysui-crashes of a particular kind that seems to be plaguing many other GNex users. I kinda felt like it had something to do with Xposed but was unable to resolve the problem by uninstalling Xposed, something about there not being a backup to restore. Updating the ROM didn't help either. I was so sick of backing up and restoring and so frustrated with the frequent lockups that I went and ordered a Moto G. But, the next day, I switched from Dalvik to ART and presto! No more crashes or lockups. I have no idea why on earth that woulda fixed anything but I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth so to speak lest it crash :o cancelled the Moto G order and it's been smooth sailing the past few days :) back to excellent battery time again too.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 27 May 2014, 15:25
Dalvik to ART? Could you explain those terms? I know about clearing the Dalvik cache when flashing a ROM, but that's about all...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 28 May 2014, 06:40
I finally upgraded!! I went from the LG enV Touch (aka nightmare phone) to this beauty (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/device/smartphone/lg-g2?&zipRdr=y).

It just arrived yesterday so I'm still getting a feel for it, but so far, so good! It's got a buttload of memory, a quad core processor and a kickass camera. Now I can see why people become obsessed with their phones. This thing is so much fun to tinker with.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 05 Jun 2014, 12:46
Hmm. I had some time to kill so I played a few rounds of Ridiculous Fishing, but the game's performance has tanked really hard. When I first got it I seem to remember it running without any problem, and between then and now I think I've had maybe one OS update. Killing all other processes doesn't seem to make any difference. What could have made it worse?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: GarandMarine on 15 Jun 2014, 19:31
So I ended up getting a Droid Maxx (now living in an Otterbox case) with a 2gb Data plan (it cost what I was expecting to pay for a single gb) I am running Kitkat I believe.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 15 Jun 2014, 19:39
Which provider?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: GarandMarine on 15 Jun 2014, 21:46
Verizon Wireless. I'm on a group plan with the rest of my family so it actually extremely cost-effective for all of us when you break it down. As a side note I am fucking loving voice to text this is fucking cool.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android
Post by: J on 16 Jun 2014, 01:01
so up to now i've been using a jail-borked 4th gen itouch as my handheld, in conjunction with a burn-phone. this setup has worked just fine for me as i almost never talk on the phone, however, it is time to upgrade to a proper smartphone & i'm making the jump to android.

to that end, i am in need of a few app recommendations.

1: an instant messenger that will be simple enough for my semi-luddite mother to use. must be multi-platform so it can run on her iphone & my brother's itouch (having a desktop client would be nice as well). preferably something not tied into or associated with facebook.

2: a good pod-catcher. the one and only ios app i'm going to miss is downcast (http://www.downcastapp.com/) & being able to easily import my feeds from that via OPML would be extremely handy.

3: a good audiobook player

4: anything else that are worth recommending.




one thing i'm actually kind of excited for is having something with an NFC reader, since that means i can install actual physical buttons (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dimple-io-your-own-custom-android-buttons) on the thing. ya'll have no idea how much i've missed electronics with actual physical buttons.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 16 Jun 2014, 07:49
Anyone else have a weird issue with their phone not successfully playing embedded videos? Is there an easy fix for this?? I'm getting perfect audio but the video is weirdly choppy and mostly black.  :-( Googling the issue hasn't been much help either. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: GarandMarine on 16 Jun 2014, 08:28
My phone is being dumb about letting me do custom ringtones. Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuurses.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Jun 2014, 14:46
Plug it into your computer, find the ringtone folder, drag the mp3 of your choice into it. It's pretty simple.

J - How about Google Talk? (Re: question #1)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: J on 16 Jun 2014, 15:32
possible, will have to look into it. googe remains slightly less evil & creepy than facebook.

thanks


i'm also considering line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_%28application%29). has anyone here ever used it?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 16 Jun 2014, 16:05
I mean I'm already on Facebook and Google so I just use those (mostly Facebook really).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 16 Jun 2014, 20:20
I decided to get uncheap this month and paid for a data plan for my cell phone. Except apparently T-Mobile has turned off their 3G signal in this area to free up spectrum for 4G, which my phone doesn't support. So I can't get data on my phone anymore. Eh, back to the cheaper plan and Wi-Fi, I guess.  :psyduck:
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 01 Jul 2014, 01:18
I think my phone is about due for a reformat. The back button no longer works in the browser 60% of the time, the keyboard takes forever to show up, internet browsing applications crash semi-regularly, and everything is just slow. I hope a fresh star will improve things.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 01 Jul 2014, 19:44
I have yet another silly problem. When I first got my phone, I could switch back and forth between apps with no problem and the app I would return to would be right where I left it. Now, when I return, the apps all restart. What did I do? :-( 
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 01 Jul 2014, 19:51
I don't have quite that extreme, but when I'm listening to something in the music player, if I pause it for more than a few minutes, the track will reset. Not a big deal for a song, but kind of annoying when I listen to audiobooks with 30+ minute chapters.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 02 Jul 2014, 01:40
I have yet another silly problem. When I first got my phone, I could switch back and forth between apps with no problem and the app I would return to would be right where I left it. Now, when I return, the apps all restart. What did I do? :-( 
Maybe you're running out of RAM. If an application needs more memory than is currently available, it might terminate a background program in order to make room for it. You can check your RAM usage by going into Settings > Apps > Running, at least on my Android version.

Ah, I just looked at my own RAM usage and it's almost maxed out. That could explain a few of the problems I've been having. Out of the ~700 MB it says there is total (the phone is supposed to have 1 GB RAM) about a quarter is shown to be used by running applications. The rest is used by hidden processes, apparently, and I only have around 60 MB left. Restarting my phone puts that back up to 200, so maybe that'll help things. Remember to reboot regularly, people!

Edit: yep, back button works again, everything is way more responsive. Reformatting can wait  until another day.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 02 Jul 2014, 06:25
Ahh. That makes sense. I'm seeing apps running that I haven't used in weeks (Vine, Amazon, NFL Mobile??? Gonna delete that last one lol)

I've stopped some of them previously and they start back up again. A quick Google search leads me to people recommending a "task killer" app. Is it safe to say that this is the best way to get those pesky returning apps to stop returning? Does anyone have experience with one of these?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 02 Jul 2014, 08:04
I've actually heard that the task killer apps aren't good - android phones are made to run apps in the background, and it makes it work harder since it has to constantly restart apps. But I don't know if that's true or not.

I suggest first deleting every app you can that you don't use. Not including system apps, which won't let you delete them anyway.

Then, disable any built in app that you're not using. If you go into your applications through the settings menu, there should be a disable button on the top right for each app that you are able to disable. For example, NFL Mobile came with my phone, and I couldn't give less of a shit about sports. So I disabled it, since I can't uninstall it.

Getting rid of any apps you don't use should help a lot with RAM.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 02 Jul 2014, 08:11
I just discovered the "disable" function after finding out that NFL Mobile couldn't actually be uninstalled and then went disable happy on the other stupid apps like that. So far, that seems to be working!

I'm also going through and disabling notifications for a lot of other apps, hoping that will cut down on A)The obnoxious twittering that my phone barfs at me all day long and B)Battery life/RAM usage. I have no proof that it will change either one of those, but logically it seems as though if an app knows I don't want notifications, it'll chill out a bit.  :-P
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 08 Jul 2014, 22:16
I haven't found any news apps with a widget and breaking news notifications except CNN. And I don't want CNN's brand of "news."
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 06 Sep 2014, 09:59
Considering rooting my LG G3. Y/N and why?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 07 Sep 2014, 17:55
Considering rooting my LG G3. Y/N and why?

Depends if it's still under warranty. Unlike jailbreaking, rooting has always been legal, but it does void your warranty and if you send your phone in for anything they'll find out about it. If that isn't a problem for you, rooting is pretty great because it allows you to get rid of pre-installed bloatware and download apps that help your phone run better.

The other downside besides warranty cancellation is that you have to be careful what apps you download - you open yourself up to viruses and spyware. Do research before downloading any. Also before rooting make sure you find a good set of instructions and follow them carefully, because it is possible to brick your device trying to root it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 07 Sep 2014, 19:40
It's definitely still under warranty, just not sure if it's worth the hassle or the risk.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 07 Sep 2014, 20:53
It's definitely still under warranty, just not sure if it's worth the hassle or the risk.

Honestly unless your phone has very limited memory it's kind of overrated.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 08 Sep 2014, 02:23
Considering rooting my LG G3. Y/N and why?

Depends if it's still under warranty. Unlike jailbreaking, rooting has always been legal, but it does void your warranty and if you send your phone in for anything they'll find out about it. If that isn't a problem for you, rooting is pretty great because it allows you to get rid of pre-installed bloatware and download apps that help your phone run better.

The other downside besides warranty cancellation is that you have to be careful what apps you download - you open yourself up to viruses and spyware. Do research before downloading any. Also before rooting make sure you find a good set of instructions and follow them carefully, because it is possible to brick your device trying to root it.
Yet except in the most dire circumstances, rooting is completely reversible. If you relock the device before sending it in for a warranty claim (and reinstall the original OS if you installed something else) then I believe your claim is still valid.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 09 Sep 2014, 12:03
Man, I can't get over wanting the Moto 360, even though it'd probably mean having to get a new (second-hand) phone and I'd have to keep it in a pocket at least 8 hours every working day. Stupid gadgets why do you have to be so sexy!



Re. rooting, if you have no particular reason for rooting it right now--no particular thing you want to do that requires rooting, eg. a specific app that you want to use--then there's no real point. You can indeed unroot most phones but, even though rooting itself is easy, all of these antics can lead to unexpected loss of time, energy and good cheer.

However, if you're okay with that and enjoy mucking about with gadgets in ways that occasionally make them go wonky then root it :P

Rooting has helped me get a lot more life out of my phones, because it's a prerequisite for installing custom ROMs which in turn is basically a prerequisite for being able to use the latest features after the phone's manufacturer stops upgrading their own shitty software. Many custom ROMs also come with a lot of cool features, although an inordinate amount of features have to do with more-or-less useful "customisation". It also gives me low-level control of what gets installed to my system partition as well as exactly what my apps are allowed to do or not do (sometimes necessary both to extend the phone's life-cycle as well as to discipline important but naughty apps). Access to system files has also helped me solve a number of extremely frustrating problems eg. wrt connectivity, and recently it let me retrieve a couple of important wifi passwords.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 09 Sep 2014, 14:30
Man, I can't get over wanting the Moto 360, even though it'd probably mean having to get a new (second-hand) phone and I'd have to keep it in a pocket at least 8 hours every working day. Stupid gadgets why do you have to be so sexy!

DON'T get the Moto 360. The battery life is said to be abysmal and you'd buy into an unproven platform that still needs to mature. Hold out on this and maybe the next generation.

I do get you though. I want a smart watch so bad! My choices are even more limited though, as I use Windows Phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 09 Sep 2014, 15:30
Early rumors of battery-life problems may have been exaggerated, and some problems may be mitigated by software updates, but the honest truth is I can think of no use-case for any smartwatch that'd be truly compelling to me :( I just want them because I have a hardon for dumb gadgets sometimes :( :(
Title: Re: Android
Post by: J on 10 Sep 2014, 03:30
honestly, i don't really get the point of smart watches.





unless you're old enough to have childhood fantasies of dick tracy to live out, i suppose.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 25 Sep 2014, 15:16
I'm very conflicted atm. I may be buying a Nexus 5 tomorrow, but I've just gotten my slightly sickly Galaxy Nexus to behave again and god damn it it is the most comfortable smartphone I've ever held.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 25 Sep 2014, 15:45
I'm inclined to agree, I had a look-feel of a friend's Nexus 5 and while new stuff is always nice, I still don't see a compelling reason to get rid of my own Galaxy Nexus. I keep noticing that other, newer smartphones have a really wobbly vibrate, while the Galaxy Nexus is sharp and slightly resonant. I always enjoyed that. It's two years old now and still is as functional as it was when I got it, perhaps even more so given the OS updates.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 25 Sep 2014, 20:45
My LG G3 has its flaws, but speaking of comfortable phones to hold, this might be my favourite I've ever owned in that regard.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 27 Sep 2014, 11:14
Nearing the end of my first day with the Nexus 5 and I regret nothing except the attempts to get it working with F2FS. The screen's bigger and better, but the phone's about the same size, only slimmer and lighter. The soft-touch back reminds me of my old beloved HTC Desire, so I don't miss the GNex's backplate nearly as much as I thought I would. The flat, sharp and slightly angled sides make it very comfortable to hold, so I don't miss the GNex's little booty :o stock android is buttery smooth and very nice, but CM11 is a little less polished. Still, can definitely live with it. This will serve me well past the launch of Project Ara.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 14 Oct 2014, 17:06
Alright, I switched to T-Mobile on my unlocked phone, and it's working fine, but I can't tether or use wifi calling. I might be able to do those things if I flash the T-Mobile stock rom in place of the AT&T one, but is it worth backing everything up and doing that just for those features I'd almost never use? Also...what's the best way to back everything up if I choose to do this? (Contacts, apps and texts, mostly, pictures are on the microSD)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 18 Nov 2014, 12:51
I now own an LG Tribute and so far I love the shit out out of it. It has a fast processor, good camera, and a really nice custom UI. It gets 4G LTE. Unlike my previous phone the screen is easy to see in sunlight and it has a longer battery life (my old Kyocera Rise couldn't even last half a day of moderate use)

The two complaints I have so far are: the internal storage is limited (4GB, but over 2GB are taken up by the OS) and a MicroSD card is not included. I pulled the 2GB card out of my old phone but I don't know if that'll be enough. The other complaint is that, speaking of the SD card, getting the case off to get to the battery and card reader is a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 18 Nov 2014, 15:00
Yeah, that seems to be the case in most phones for some reason.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 02 Dec 2014, 13:18
I distinctly remember that Dropbox on Android used to give me the option to tick a list of files that I could then download to internal storage, but apparently this feature is totally gone. I can't even export a single folder, the only options are 'share, delete, rename, move'. If I want to download a file from Dropbox now I have to press the arrow, press More..., press Export, press Save to device, choose the folder and press Export, which is mind-bogglingly inefficient. What the hell did you do, Dropbox?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 10 Jan 2015, 01:04
Many programs go through that sort of change and I can't help but wonder what breed of programmer/designer is responsible. This app lets you download whole folders at a time though: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jjinx.dropboxdownloader&hl=en

For my part, I've been playing around with Google Cardboard and, though it's def. imperfect and nowhere near as polished as Oculus Rift, it's just so much fun :D gonna make some mods to the headset I have now while waiting for my Viewbox to arrive.

Can't wait for the consumer edition of Oculus Rift... it'll be one of few tech products I'll be almost happy to buy new and at full price, even though it'll sting to get one for each of us
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jan 2015, 07:10
I'm almost tempted to get a Galaxy Note 4 (even though it'd be little-to-no improvement over my current LG G3) just so I can get the Oculus made specifically for it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 10 Jan 2015, 08:33
I'm almost tempted to get a Galaxy Note 4 (even though it'd be little-to-no improvement over my current LG G3) just so I can get the Oculus made specifically for it.

I own LG's cheaper version of the G3.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jan 2015, 08:53
...the G2?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: ankhtahr on 10 Jan 2015, 08:57
I don't get why people want phones that large. My new Moto G LTE is around the maximum for me with 4.5". If I want to do something that requires a larger screen I have my Nexus 7 in my bag. I wouldn't want such a large screen on a device which I always want to carry in my pocket.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jan 2015, 09:22
My hands are larger than most, and 5.5" is the perfect balance where I can hold it in one hand, it fits it in my pocket, and it's big enough where I don't need a tablet. Why would I want two devices when my phone does everything I need?

Hell, I'd get a Nexus 6 if it had MicroSD support and that's only an inch smaller than the Nexus 7.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 10 Jan 2015, 09:51
I love my G2, now that I generally understand how to use it! I bought it when there was no G3 :-P

Initially I was turned off by the size but when I went to go see it, I loved it. I have pretty large hands too, tbh.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 10 Jan 2015, 13:07
...the G2?

The LG Tribute. It was released around the same time as the G3, has a similar design, the same UI, and many of the same features. But it's smaller, has less memory and a slower processor, the camera isn't as good, and it has KitKat instead of Lollipop.

I can't afford an expensive phone. Besides which I'm not really into the whole phablet craze.

The Tribute is 4.5", I saw a CNET review complaining that the screen was small, I still think it's gigantic and certainly larger than any phone I've had previously. I fail pretty hard at touchscreens so I don't even own a tablet, my laptop will do fine for watching videos and such.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Jan 2015, 16:12
My G3 has KitKat, I'm not sure if Lollipop was put out yet in the States but it'd be a tricky process to put it on anyway, since I have an AT&T phone that I switched to T-Mobile. Plus it's rooted and honestly I don't see a need to upgrade, so I'm probably not gonna see Lollipop until I get a new phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: nekowafer on 10 Jan 2015, 21:45
I love my Note 4. Perfect for my giant hands.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 11 Jan 2015, 06:02
I thought the Nexus 5 would be way too large for me but it took only moments to adjust to the larger display. I have small hands but I think I can get used to a 5.5" phone provided they shrink the bezels :o
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 11 Jan 2015, 19:40
The Nexus 5? That thing's tiny! Like Galaxy S3 size.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 09 Feb 2015, 02:35
Shit, for some reason my phone's e-mail syncing went haywire and used up all my bandwidth over the course of one day. How the hell did that happen? I didn't even receive any e-mail. Have to turn off mobile internet for the rest of the month now.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2015, 05:21
Yikes, are there no carriers with unlimited data where you are?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 10 Feb 2015, 06:04
There might be, but that shit's expensive.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 10 Feb 2015, 07:56
Not everybody can afford to flesh out 80 bucks a month for an unlimited data plan.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 10 Feb 2015, 08:00
I've been fine with the $40/month 500 MB plan I have, but I found out T-Mobile is apparently going to be increasing my data to 1 GB, but no longer allowing tethering...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 10 Feb 2015, 08:10
Not everybody can afford to flesh out 80 bucks a month for an unlimited data plan.
I only pay $30 for the data itself.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 10 Feb 2015, 08:25
Something that can be cheaper here, it seems.  I have unlimited 3G and 4G data for £15 a month (sim-only).
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 10 Feb 2015, 08:32
Is that just for data? The $40 price I mentioned includes calling and SMS.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: SubaruStephen on 11 Feb 2015, 20:31
I only recently got a cell phone and am still getting the hang of it.

It was the cheapest one I cound find that had no contract. It's a Kyocera Event running Ice Cream Sandwich (whatever that means), $35 a month from Virgin.

And for some weird reason, any photo I take keeps coming back after I delete it. Which really sucks because the camera has no auto focus, so the memory is full of blurry pics that won't go away.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 13 Feb 2015, 15:41
For the past few weeks I've been struggling with the worst battery drain issues I've ever had on Android. I think I've "solved" it for now, but not sure yet.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 13 Feb 2015, 15:47
And for some weird reason, any photo I take keeps coming back after I delete it. Which really sucks because the camera has no auto focus, so the memory is full of blurry pics that won't go away.

Have you tried deleting them using the stock gallery app or just from the camera app?

Does the problem persist even if you disable photo backup/sync?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: SubaruStephen on 13 Feb 2015, 18:38
Have you tried deleting them using the stock gallery app or just from the camera app?

Does the problem persist even if you disable photo backup/sync?

Yes and yes.

Yes.

They also come back even if I take the microSD card out and delete the photos using my computer then put the card back in the phone.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Aimless on 28 Feb 2015, 14:12
If you delete the photos directly from the microSD-card using your computer and then put the card back into the phone while making sure wifi and mobile data are turned off, do they still come back?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: SubaruStephen on 01 Mar 2015, 17:43
If you delete the photos directly from the microSD-card using your computer and then put the card back into the phone while making sure wifi and mobile data are turned off, do they still come back?
Yes. :-(

The only way I've found is to format the SD card and do a complete factory reset on the phone itself, but I can't do that for every out of focus pic.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 01 Apr 2015, 04:05
Sounds like your phone is literally haunted.

I'm running int-o o the problem that replies to an extremely long back - and- forth e-mail chain are no longer showing up in my browser inbox, only I do get mobile notifications of it arriving. Then when I try to open it, it just shows a blank. Does anyone have an e-mail application to recommend that's better than the stock application?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 05 Apr 2015, 16:22
My phone has been updated to Lollipop. I hate it! The color schemes are ugly, it's slower (and spastic) and my data toggling widget is incompatible. Plus, it keeps refreshing when I try and switch between apps. Tons of fun when reading long articles  :roll:

*whine*
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 05 Apr 2015, 17:20
Why'd you upgrade then?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 06 Apr 2015, 05:48
My phone has been updated to Lollipop. I hate it!

Glad it's not just me. Have you discovered the fun that comes with the volume controls?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: lepetitfromage on 06 Apr 2015, 06:46
I generally just have it all the way up or on silent so I haven't discovered anything yet. Anything I should be aware of?


Method- if I don't update, I get an annoying pop up every 24 hours, demanding that I do so. I put it off for a few days but after a while I give in. Plus, I don't know if I dislike the updates until after they happen.  :-P

(Can you un-update? Is this a thing?)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 06 Apr 2015, 06:58
Ah. On my Nexus, the default volume slider was the media volume, regardless of what you were doing. Now it's changed to the alarm/notification volume unless you are doing something that looks media-ish. Sometimes.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: SubaruStephen on 07 Jul 2015, 22:05
Sounds like your phone is literally haunted.

Aaaand now it's almost ready to do some of its own haunting. For the past two months it's been randomly restarting itself, yesterday the alarm went off at 5:00 AM. It was set for 6AM... :? Then it went of at 6AM like it was supposed to. And then at 7... :x
Today during lunch I take it out of my pocket to watch old episodes of Top Gear and it was off, and it wouldn't turn on. After smacking it on the table, taking out the battery and rubbing the power contacts with an eraser, and swearing a blue streak at it, it finally turned back on.

When I got home after work it did the same thing, and when I plugged in the charger the LED started blinking red.

Damn thing had better last another two weeks, I can't afford a better one till after the next payday.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Welu on 23 Jul 2015, 13:00
I made the move from iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy 5 and so far, I am loving it so much.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Jul 2015, 17:13
If you're feeling brave, try a custom ROM! Cyanogenmod hasn't disappointed me yet and will keep your operating system up to date even when Samsung doesn't.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jul 2015, 17:21
I was pretty disappointed to find out that Cyanogenmod never released a ROM for my phone...
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Welu on 23 Jul 2015, 17:28
Any other newbie Android tips would be appreciated. :)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Jul 2015, 17:47
I was pretty disappointed to find out that Cyanogenmod never released a ROM for my phone...
Well ain't that a kick in the teeth. What's your phone?

Any other newbie Android tips would be appreciated. :)
Well uh, maybe install the Swiftkey keyboard, I'm pretty happy with that too. AVG antivirus would be a good idea. TitaniumBackup for, well, backup. You could customise your home screen with launcher applications, which is a good way to personalise without having to jump into the deep end of installing a custom operating system. There are hundreds of them, take your pick. My choice is ADWLauncher.

Keep in mind that I've chosen these options years ago and never changed them, so something better might have come along since.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: cesium133 on 23 Jul 2015, 17:51
I was pretty disappointed to find out that Cyanogenmod never released a ROM for my phone...
Well ain't that a kick in the teeth. What's your phone?
LG Optimus F6 (model number LG-D500)
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 11 Aug 2015, 19:41
I am now connected to the internet on my laptop for free, by using my phone's data connection. And all I had to do was root my phone at the campus library this morning. The last time I rooted a phone was the first smartphone I ever had and it was to get rid of bloatware. The connection is slow though, I will buy real internet service eventually.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 13 Aug 2015, 07:29
So bluetooth tethering has caused me to hit my soft data limit in rather short order. Which means I'm not browsing the Internet at blistering speeds of 150 kbps. The forum still runs almost as well as before on those speeds, but videos and social media are pretty out of the question. Fortunately someone from charter is coming today.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 13 Aug 2015, 11:07
What service do you use?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 13 Aug 2015, 17:49
What service do you use?

Virgin, because it's the cheapest way for me to have a smartphone. I get "unlimited" data, but after 2.5 GB a month I'm throttled to 2G speeds.

Normally I'll only go over that if I took a long road trip and used my phone for Spotify and GPS.  But even then it's a minor inconvenience for a couple days, my months start on the 15th.

In this case I blew through a gig of data in just a day of light browsing. Plus tethering isn't part of my data plan, I imagine the Superuser app I used wasn't very conservation-minded even though I was trying to stick to using mobile sites. But now that I have Charter set up for WiFi in my apartment that's not an issue anymore.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 10 Sep 2015, 15:48
My phone decided that reading SD cards wasn't something it wanted to do anymore (I tried another card to check) so I'm putting out to pasture and replacing it with an HTC Desire 626. In the meantime my current phone is pretty much only useful for calls, texts, and light internet browsing. It doesn't have enough internal memory to run many apps, even if I did root it. And the audio port has been janky (cleaning didn't help) so I was already considering replacing it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 03 Oct 2015, 19:18
I've just discovered a life-changing app called Pushbullet, which when combined with a Chrome extension allows me to see push notifications from my phone on my computer. This is extremely useful, especially since my new phone's UI is still unfamiliar to me and I sometimes miss text message notifications.

I can also use it to send SMS messages from my computer. So now I can discretely text in class just like everyone with an iPhone and Macbook.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Oct 2015, 12:22
I got myself a second-hand Oneplus One. It seems like a good phone so far, but the OS has received some updates which means all the how-to articles about it that were written on launch are outdated now. It used to have features like wallpaper scrolling, but the instructions on how to enable it refer to menus that no longer exist, and I see videos of functions like dragging up from the home row to access custom assigned buttons that are absent now. The only thing the buttons can do now is one function out of six (!) for long pressing or double tapping. And none of those functions are put to sleep or launch a specific application other than the camera. It's very disappointing.

Also, it came with Chrome which I haven't used the mobile version of before, and it gave me three options for search engines based on my country: Google, Yahoo, and Vinden.nl. And no option to add another search engine. Seriously, what the fuck? Even the stock Android browser has at least twice the functionality of this thing.

I don't know what they did to this phone between now and when they released it but I think I won't waste any more time before installing Cyanogenmod on it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 23 Oct 2015, 14:46
Really? The version of Chrome on my Nexus 7 seems to be just the same as on desktop. Perhaps yours needs an update.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 23 Oct 2015, 16:21
I imagine the tablet version of chrome would be similar to the desktop version, yes. The phone version is a lot different though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 24 Oct 2015, 11:11
Kind of obnoxious that you can't use tablet apps on a phone.The Nexus 6 is just one inch smaller than the Nexus 7.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: LTK on 25 Oct 2015, 04:37
There's some tweaking you can do to make the application think you're on a tablet, I'm guessing it involves spoofing the device model, but it's hardly worth the trouble.

Anyway, I slapped Cyanogenmod 12 on this thing and now all is well. It can do everything OxygenOS did and everything my old phone does. Got the Cyanogen browser back too, much happier with that. However, I was expecting this to be able to set a custom search engine, but apparently it forces you to select them from a list much like Chrome does. Unlike Chrome, it actually has DuckDuckGo as an option, which is what I was looking for in the first place, so it works out just fine.

Still, it's strange this functionality isn't there. How hard would it be to edit the file that contains these search engines and replacing the URL with a different one?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 05 Feb 2016, 02:32
The 626 was a bust, it seems. I never got used to the UI, and last week I restarted it (on a full charge) to see if that would fix the facebook messenger app not working and it never turned on.

I switched back to the LG Tribute (advantage of a prepaid account being that you can do that sort of thing) while awaiting delivery of my new phone, the Moto G.

It came today, I had some initial network configuration issues that Virgin worked out within a couple hours. Their customer service gets a bad rep but I've always found them to be pretty responsive.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: hazlett on 15 Feb 2016, 18:59
I learned that it is a waste of time saving file in android phone because, windows does not recognize it.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Pilchard123 on 19 Feb 2016, 12:17
Really? I've never had a problem. What version of Android are you using?
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Rhodderz on 21 Feb 2016, 23:58
I saw some people either get confused or have questions about android so if you want, ask a question and i shall answer to my bestest ability as an android dev.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: hedgie on 22 Feb 2016, 00:01
I'll keep that in mind if I continue to have problems getting the playstore to work in a genymotion VM.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Rhodderz on 22 Feb 2016, 00:09
Have you tried Bluestacks or AnDy? Geny used to have quite a few problems and i personally wouldnt call it "stable"
Title: Re: Android
Post by: hedgie on 22 Feb 2016, 00:25
Unfortunately, those two would require running an emulator in another VM.  Geny seems to be considered the top tool for *nix that doesn't come from the fruit company.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Rhodderz on 22 Feb 2016, 00:41
ah the problem with vmception i see. There really needs to be a chroot of android on linux systems (instead of it the other way round as thats been done to death). Might check this during my lunch.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: 94ssd on 05 May 2016, 06:39
I broked the Moto G due to a drunken incident (and the screen had already been cracked due to a previous non-drunken incident). It's back to the Tribute for the foreseeable future. Even though the audio jack doesn't work, which means I have to use bluetooth headphones like a douchebag. It also also uses much more data on the same apps than the other phones I've had. I need to find out if there's a fix for that. But the SD card and SMS issues that were part of the reason for replacing it seem to have magically fixed themselves, it still has way too little memory to do as much as I'd like though.
Title: Re: Android
Post by: Masterpiece on 18 Feb 2017, 19:11
Been using a Sony Xperia Z5 on Marshmallow for a year and it's steadily been slowing down. Battery life was shot and apps started to really take their time.

Yesterday I was updated to Nougat, and suddenly the phone flies. I must say I am completely astounded, I never thought the update could achieve so much. I'm actually excited to use my phone again.

This post was sent from inside my phone!

Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Feb 2017, 09:13
bluetooth headphones like a douchebag
Aww, I like my bluetooth headphones!
Title: Re: Android
Post by: jwhouk on 19 Feb 2017, 11:05
I'm on a Nextbook running Lollipop, and there are a bunch of annoying things about it.

Typing is hit and miss, for one. Second is the frequency of crashes of apps. Also it always seems like I run out of memory quickly.

Sent from my Nextbook on Tapatalk

Title: Re: Android
Post by: Method of Madness on 19 Feb 2017, 11:13
Also, it insists on letting us know that you're using it :P
Title: Re: Android
Post by: pwhodges on 19 Feb 2017, 12:16
That's Tapatalk, not the Nextbook.