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I saw some of the ROMs have multi-touch support... What programs work with it and how does it? Thanks
So far, only the browser and a few market apps have been able to officially support multi-touch. This includes the pinching gestures used on an iPhone to zoom in and out. However, in some cases, multi-touch can cause an application to crash when you touch the screen with two fingers (For example, the Steamy Window application will close if you touch it with two fingers). How it works is that the LCD on the G1 supports multi-touch, but to use it, members hacked a kernel and enabled the multi-touch. Overall, multi-touch is a great addition, and I think you should update to a firmware that supports it. Its pretty cool, considering most G1's you will see probably will not have multi-touch, and you can have something to brag about.
Anybody got a view on this phone, mine arrives on Monday and just wondered what any current owners think.
also... Woohoo first post in the Tattoo forum!
james194zt said:
Anybody got a view on this phone, mine arrives on Monday and just wondered what any current owners think.
also... Woohoo first post in the Tattoo forum!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not an owner but I'm not too fond of all the buttons it has..... The layout mostly.... But overall I think that this is a great entry-level smartphone to buy. Especially since it runs android. Low Cost, powerfull, and it will appeal to a wide variety of people.
Congrats on the purhase.
i want one too~
I have been using my magic about half a year now...
i love the phone, but the wifi problem that it has annoys me too much~
i think is about time that i switch to the new tatoo..
by the way.. where did you get the phone and how much was it?
I have had a Magic now for about 4 months, has been a great phone especially love the ability to hack it to bits! Just want Rosie and the Tattoo looks like a great phone with it installed natively.
I am looking forward to the Tattoo just a bit worried about the QVGA screen and its support of current applications, other than that it is the perfect Android phone. Especially love the 3.5mm jack on it for my car!
Vodafone UK have it available now, I have had to wait a week for it to appear on Vodafones Business user tarriffs but our account manager confirmed it on Friday and shipped us a couple out.
I have the tattoo and i gotta say i like it. I was worried about the small screen and lack of apps but the screen is very responsive and the phone is running great atm, no freezing ect. There's been about 30-40 new apps added to the store since i got it so i guess more will follow. All in all im happy with it
adwin said:
I have the tattoo and i gotta say i like it. I was worried about the small screen and lack of apps but the screen is very responsive and the phone is running great atm, no freezing ect. There's been about 30-40 new apps added to the store since i got it so i guess more will follow. All in all im happy with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen a few videos and the screen looks really responsive. Almost more responsive than my TD2. With that said Resistive screens have come a long way since the TD2. And the TD2 is really resistive. I'd love to compare the 2 screens.
With Andoid 2.0 aren't all apps supposed to be able to support all resolutions?
No real complaints yet
I have had mine for 3 days now and so far not had any real issues. Going from a LONG TIME as a Windows PDA user to a new OS & way of doing things is always going to be interesting, but for the most part very intuitive and good fun!!
So far there are a few things I have found to be a bit annoying;
- I cannot seem to access files / folders directly on the SD Card or the phone itself. The media player picks up any music put on the card automatically as does the picture album app, but if I want to save text files / PDF's etc. and view later that isn't much help.
- The on-screen keyboard isn't as good as some I have used, especially for those of us that have fat fingers. turning it sideways brings up a bigger keyboard in landscape mode but I have had to revert to using an old stylus on the screen if I am writing anything particularly long.
- There seems to be no Task Manager program built in, though the TasKiller app is fantastic and does a good job, that should have been something that was built in. It would also be nice to be able to say which programs are allowed to run at start-up and so on.
All in all a very good phone, my iPhone loving friends have been very impressed, especially when I told them how cheep it is!! I know the Android OS is still very young compared to some of its rivals, but there are a few important things that it seems to be missing and I am loosing that functionality.
Hope this helps
Rob
I got one. It's really nice. The only problem is the market.
Since market 1.6 they created flaggs for the screensize (or it refers to it anyway, I think they're id'ing by phone, not screen). Unless you compile your app with the latest sdk and added the small screen flagg the app will NOT be visible in the market for tattoo's.
You'll have to get those apps in another way.
Imo very bad advertisement for the android os and a really big precedent but what can you do.
Had my Tattoo for a week now. I have only a couple of issues.
1. No Auto focus, so apps like bar code scanner do not work (though the 2d codes work?)
2. Not as many apps on the store due to 1.6 OS and QVGA screen
The Tattoo is brilliant compared to my WM based HTC Diamond.
My Tattoo is 5 days old now.
In short .. I love it. I love how fast the Android is.
But I furious to know that my Tattoo is not came with Market apps. I think I have to re-flash the ROM with another Tattoo ROM.
Pretty good but.....
james194zt said:
Anybody got a view on this phone, mine arrives on Monday and just wondered what any current owners think.
also... Woohoo first post in the Tattoo forum!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my girlfriend one on Orange (I Have a Hero).
1. Most noticable difference is screen quality. Nothing to do with it being resistive, its just smaller with a lower resolution.
2. There is something strange going on with the Market. There are loads of apps missing that should be there. Not sure if this is a Donut, Orange, Google problem. I have heard that there have been similar issues with other new devices on release. Is it a screen size issue? That would suck.
3. Orange (cos they're daft) have removed the Gmail app (anybody got an .apk that'll work on the tattoo) from they're version! Hard to believe I know, incredibly there is no way to sync your Gmail account or read your Gmail (ok I know you can use HTCs widget but I find the exchange support for Gmail to be a bit flaky). Proper google account sync is a key feature of an android device and Orange have removed it!
Anyway rant over. GF seems happy with it but she deffo wants access to the same apps as I have on the Hero.
Had my Tattoo now for a few days and i love it... Much more smooth running and quicker then the Diamond or the Touch HD (blackstone)...
Good value for the pricetag.....
hp1 said:
2. There is something strange going on with the Market. There are loads of apps missing that should be there. Not sure if this is a Donut, Orange, Google problem. I have heard that there have been similar issues with other new devices on release. Is it a screen size issue? That would suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the screen issue. Tattoo came with 240x320 screen resolutions while almost all the application in the market was set to higher resolutions. Just wait, I think they will update it to support lower android resolutions like Tattoo.
IN regards to the email, I just set up new IMAP account (not exchange) for my gmail, and it works perfectly,
hp1 said:
3. Orange (cos they're daft) have removed the Gmail app (anybody got an .apk that'll work on the tattoo) from they're version! Hard to believe I know, incredibly there is no way to sync your Gmail account or read your Gmail (ok I know you can use HTCs widget but I find the exchange support for Gmail to be a bit flaky). Proper google account sync is a key feature of an android device and Orange have removed it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have setup IMAP on my gf's Tattoo and it works ok but still Orange are complete muppets for removing the Google Mail app (and Google talk and Youtube!).
I am really becoming sick of this conversation guys. Whenever some one asks me what version your android is, I will say 1.6. Then they will ask why old one, I will say them I dont use many functions of 2.2 so I dont bother about it.
I want to know what are function (or apps) availalbe in 2.1 or 2.2 that you cant use now in X10? Please dont say live wallpapers, its just cool to have but its not really a function.
I know many apps support from 1.6. I just want to know what functions that I cant use now in X10.
How about JIT for dalvik?
senthilanandhpv said:
I am really becoming sick of this conversation guys. Whenever some one asks me what version your android is, I will say 1.6. Then they will ask why old one, I will say them I dont use many functions of 2.2 so I dont bother about it.
I want to know what are function (or apps) availalbe in 2.1 or 2.2 that you cant use now in X10? Please dont say live wallpapers, its just cool to have but its not really a function.
I know many apps support from 1.6. I just want to know what functions that I cant use now in X10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahem... 2.2 comes with a JIT implementation for dalvik which give significant performance boost to applications.
And in case you haven't noticed, the number of applications on the market which require 2.1 and above is increasing. The developers aren't going to stick around making sure that their applications work on an year old version of Android... they've moved on, so should SE.
More than 2.1 or 2.2, I prefer SE to improve their custom UI to make their UI more finger friendly like in contact details page. It's almost impossible for me to click the right number type to dial while driving. To make it worse they added one more touch to make the dial with their latest update.
Also, it will be nice they add some of the basic 'tiny' features all their non-smartphones have like:
1. Send contact to another phone using Bluetooth from contact list (and better if multiple contacts can be selected and sent at once)
2. Send contact information as MMS
3. Smart dialing
4. Ability to select multiple contacts from contact list to send SMS. I have to use Handcent to do this and then look here for Handcent that is customized for X10.
5. Get Swype as default keyboard. It matter big time to average Joe's who don't know about XDA. Some of my friends who recently got captivate are amazed with the keyboard. They are the customers who hardly change anything from default.
6. Timescape is a joke. Don't waste time on it until you catch up with being current with current Android OS as that's what matters to the media and common customer.
Media will kill X10 with their reviews and news tomorrow writing SE's phone comes with 1.6 which is 2 versions behind current version of Android OS. That is not a problem for most of us but the media can over blow it and make Sony look like jokers.
@kitsva.. You can bluetooth contact details.. select a contact.. press the menu button.. select "Send Business Card".. Et Voila!
I wish there's a function that allows you to play next/previous song by holding the Volume rocker button like on the Walkman series. Can't be too hard for them with a software update :/ Anyway...that's just my opinion. I don't even know if a lot of people know that function on the W-series lol.
junkk29 said:
I wish there's a function that allows you to play next/previous song by holding the Volume rocker button like on the Walkman series. Can't be too hard for them with a software update :/ Anyway...that's just my opinion. I don't even know if a lot of people know that function on the W-series lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure there's some media player app that does that, but can't remember the name. It would be nice to have on mediascape though...
kitsVA said:
6. Timescape is a joke. Don't waste time on it until you catch up with being current with current Android OS as that's what matters to the media and common customer.
Media will kill X10 with their reviews and news tomorrow writing SE's phone comes with 1.6 which is 2 versions behind current version of Android OS. That is not a problem for most of us but the media can over blow it and make Sony look like jokers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get why everyone hates Timescape. I find it a pretty useful app, albeit slow at times, but its something unique to Sony Ericsson, and I'm sure it will be more integrated into the OS with the release of Eclair
chris_knows said:
I'm pretty sure there's some media player app that does that, but can't remember the name. It would be nice to have on mediascape though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, would be great if that function works on Mediascape cuz that's the only media player i use. I know they're better one's out there...but that's what special about the X10 lol. Getting my phone out of the pocket, swiping to unlock it, then unlocking the gesture code, then tapping on 'next song' is a time-consuming and battery-consuming task
From what i've read 2.1 and 2.2 provide very gracious speed improvements, which I can't wait to see because 1.6 is very snappy on this phone.
I really wish mediascape will be significantly updated. Aside from sub par output volume this phone gives, both in the headset speaker as well as the output to headphones, i hope mediascape will be given an EQ as well as widget.
I currently use Mixzing as it has great functionality and EQ but would like to see SE step it up as the UI for mediscape is great. It's laggy but has potential.
Sorry for going a little off topic. 2.1 won't give us a whole new experience necessarily but will help with app compatibility as well has speed. Thats quite enough for me to wait impatiently.
pngface said:
I don't get why everyone hates Timescape. I find it a pretty useful app, albeit slow at times, but its something unique to Sony Ericsson, and I'm sure it will be more integrated into the OS with the release of Eclair
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I want to see information of people I don't even care about, I will sign onto facebook. I don't need to see them on my screen, especially if it slows down the phone.
im_iceman said:
@kitsva.. You can bluetooth contact details.. select a contact.. press the menu button.. select "Send Business Card".. Et Voila!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops! I meant from contact list. That way it's easy to send business cards of multiple contacts with fewer touches. I updated my description.
timescape is nice in the fact that you don't have to log into multiply account, just one swipe and you can see all the updates.
2.1 have live wallpaper but who would use it unless your phone can last more then 6 hours using it.
and there is the 720p recording, other than these 2.1 is a joke. Unless you are in for the applications.
People just like bigger numbers.
You think win 7 is more useful then win xp ? ....actually better example winxp vs vista.
Seriously, i actually hate vista more than xp.
wrongfeifong said:
timescape is nice in the fact that you don't have to log into multiply account, just one swipe and you can see all the updates.
2.1 have live wallpaper but who would use it unless your phone can last more then 6 hours using it.
and there is the 720p recording, other than these 2.1 is a joke. Unless you are in for the applications.
People just like bigger numbers.
You think win 7 is more useful then win xp ? ....actually better example winxp vs vista.
Seriously, i actually hate vista more than xp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you're the only one who hates Vista buddy. Seriously, Vista is a big slap in the nuts
senthilanandhpv said:
I am really becoming sick of this conversation guys. Whenever some one asks me what version your android is, I will say 1.6. Then they will ask why old one, I will say them I dont use many functions of 2.2 so I dont bother about it.
I want to know what are function (or apps) availalbe in 2.1 or 2.2 that you cant use now in X10? Please dont say live wallpapers, its just cool to have but its not really a function.
I know many apps support from 1.6. I just want to know what functions that I cant use now in X10.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had the Nexus One with 2.2 & IMO you aren't missing anything important. 2.1 was nice but after 2.2 the reception was crap, the phone overheated & people kept telling me I sounded like crap on their end. Reading the support forums for the N1 on Google people are having major problems using Activesync with their work Exchange servers, such as remote wipe not working & other connectivity problems.
I didn't notice the major speed improvments & my data connection speeds were slow around 1 Mbps down compared to 5 Mbps down I get on my X10a.
There are people actually wanting to downgrade from 2.2 to 2.1 .
What about the webkit 3.1? It supposed to be faster than 1.6's webkit
Functionality. The newer the os the faster android has become. The os or uix used for the x10 isn't as smooth as 2.1.
Personally I can deal with the fact that some apps don't work on the x10. But the I want a phone that scrolls and navigates like a world champ.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
When people say that froyo's faster, does that mean that any phone that can run 1.6 will run 2.2 faster?
It just sounds weird to me, because I'm more familiar with Windows, and a newer OS will usually require higher specs...
chris_knows said:
When people say that froyo's faster, does that mean that any phone that can run 1.6 will run 2.2 faster?
It just sounds weird to me, because I'm more familiar with Windows, and a newer OS will usually require higher specs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not that weird. Since the phone's using java for most of its apps, if the speed of the interpreter is increased so is the speed of the apps using it. And this JIT addition to the interpreter is a major boost. Most computer applications are compiled into machine code that runs directly on the cpu while Android has to be interpreted by java that compiles it into machine language.
Well, even though I actually don't have a problem with WinMo 6.5 outside of a few minor annoyances I've decided to make the switch over to Android...guessing NAND...though, still looking to here about WinMo 7...
I'm just noticing that there is more support and apps being developed for Android and the future of my HD2 suddenly shows more growth...have my fingers crossed waiting for Netflix to resolve the DRM issues they have with Android!
I was always waiting for a solid Android build that actually replaced WinMo (NAND is finally here). During that time I used WinMo and actually liked it. First thing I will miss is the customization. I don't think there's another Mobile OS that beats it in that department...and I REALLY like customizing.
I've been using Android more now and still don't understand how the NAND will work. Have read a lot...as far as installing, that won't be a problem with me. My questions start with customizing. Where will the media folder be? Is there a folder on the SD card that Android associates ring tones with? I make my own ringtones as mp3 files, so i need to know the structure of how Android handles media. WinMo was simple. Also, the Android build I was using did not support USB without major hickups...well...it just didn't work. I'm not going to assume all Android builds are like this, but can I expect Android to be able to link via USB and I can work with it as a storage device and create folders and organize in this manor?
I know you guys work hard and appreciate it, so please do not take this the wrong way. Which Android build is the most stable at this time with all features working? I ask this cuz I notice there tends to be some builds that come along much slower than others and bugs as well as a lack of hardware support can occur. Is there a build that's considered stable and all hardware is supported?
I've basically been trying to make Android provide the same experience as far as apps and ease of use I had with WinMo...I think I'm there.
Does Android have a set structure with Wallpapers...ringtones...documents and such? Example...does each file type have its own folder on the device or storage card in which Android associates the tools which manages them? I always keep my device clean and move all files to the card that don't NEED to be on the device. Is this possible with Android?
Android play well with Microsoft Docs?...Word?
I've always felt that Android ran smoother than WinMo 6.5. I noticed after a while it can get a little sluggish. Is Android like that? I believe Android is Linux base? I'm expecting memory management to better. On PC, I'm use to any Unix based OS to out perform WinAnything with resource management.
I also noticed something strange about some of these apps in the Android market. One, a lot of adds within the apps. Two, a lot of these apps tend to require access of priveledge areas that can be security risks...to make it worse you fine yourself saying why a browser would need access to anything else outside on internet and maybe GPS. Other apps have access to areas that make no sense to me.
Are their security issues with Android...it's market...or apps?
That's all i can think of now. Didn't have a moment to proof read, so please excuse me. Have to take care of a few things. be back shortly.
Thanks.
WOW! What can I say... Ditto. I love WinMo, but I'm fearful that I'm watching it's death rattle. Win Phone 7 seems like a illegitimate infant in a world of fast moving, focused, college freshmen (albeit, not the brightest).
I had a lot of reservations with switching from WM. Mainly related to the phone being able to handle work related stuff. So I too ran WM and android on SD. I must admit though, that after having run android for almost 2 months without loading WM, (I basically pretended I had bought a new phone and forgot all I could do with WM), I had figured out work-arounds and got it running more than sufficiently. The only problem I had was having to back-up the SD in fear of a random reboot corrupting the data.img. Now with NAND, it's no longer a problem. I can honestly say that the switch was easy, and I'm glad I no longer have winmo in my life.
IMO Android is a far superior OS, and I can't sing it's praises enough.
As for all the questions:
Media folder is built like this:
media
->audio
->->alarms
->->notifications
->->ringtones
->->ui
Different folders are available for their obvious uses (i.e. go into ringtone selection, and you don't get the ui folder listed).
USB is more than stable (for me at least), never had a problem since NAND. Having most stuff moved to SDCard the phone hates it when I plug it in as a disk drive, (widgets disappear etc.) but within a minute of unplugging it it's back to normal.
I personally feel the desire build are the best, however as for more stable? I believe we are reaching a plateau where stability is the norm. I have tried nexus builds, and have had no problems with them either, it's just personal taste. The HD builds (Desire HD Base) are a little more 'experimental' but with reading, you'll learn what works on each build, and what doesn't. Figure what's important to you, and check.
The best advice I can give is get hold of SPB Backup (For WM). Do a full backup. Then jump in at android's deep end. (After reading how obviously). If you don't like it, re-flash winmo, redo your backup, and it's like you never left. You won't regret it though.
Man I'd love to dump WM as well, bu I can't bear the thought of all the days going by where I can't be the dude on the bus who reboots into ubuntu to pass the time...sigh.
MattOG said:
The best advice I can give is get hold of SPB Backup (For WM). Do a full backup. Then jump in at android's deep end. (After reading how obviously). If you don't like it, re-flash winmo, redo your backup, and it's like you never left. You won't regret it though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft My Phone actually does fine with all the backup I need.
I'm still wondering about security issues. Example: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20026804-83.html
Also, hit a bump in the road. It would seem that Android doesn't support the Mugen 2600 Extended battery!
The primary security issue with Android isn't Android or Linux, it's Google. Google's security is very problematical, Gmail has been hacked (as has Gmails security software) by someone.*
*Some think it's the Chinese government, the official Chinese response is, "No, it's just kids" but since all hacked accounts we know about have been dissidents, the government theory looks pretty solid....
The primary issue is NOT Google. It's the user.
If you're loading up banking apps on a device that you could lose, be stolen, or bluetooth hacked, then don't blame anyone but oneself.
I've yet to know anyone who's been phone-hacked if that's any consolation.
As a former hd2/android user Id have to say It makes the entire experience of the phone better.
I think it also depends on what you are use to. as far as customizing I would venture to say that there is just as much customization with winmo as there is android. Though id have to say I found myself looking for skins more often than not cause winmo was so ugly to me.
I enjoy having almost direct access to all my data without it having to look like winphone7.
As far as security I think its always been tighter because most people were on different types of phones. now that we have blackberrys and iphones and android phones I think possible viruses will show.
I believe google has a built in kill switch for rogue apps. Also if you buy apps from the legit market you should have no problem!
Ok two things that I'm trying not to get frustrated about before I put a little research into it...
First, why in the world does Android want to crop every image instead of using the entire image as a wallpaper?
I even have wallpapers that are the exact size of the display and Android still wants to crop a small portion of that image?....help please...
Second, why can't I get a simple widget or window dedicated to favorite contacts, such as sense in WinMo does without having to pay for it?
Android doesn't have a simple tool that allows you to setup a favs like Sense does in WinMo? There's this LaucherPro that wants to charge me to do so?
Thanks
Why does Photoshop Express require access to personal information, phone calls and full internet access?
Devils1stBorn said:
Why does Photoshop Express require access to personal information, phone calls and full internet access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
checking the install notes It says
the only one that bothers me is the it reads contact info.
the phone state is different than phone info. it basically should shut down when you recieve a phone call. why it needs access to your contacts is why im uninstalling it.
I can also set basic contacts by long pressing a blank spot on the screen and selecting shortcuts>contacts>the actual contact.
wallpaper I believe if you set the picture with the proper resolution it shouldnt crop it
Devils1stBorn said:
Ok two things that I'm trying not to get frustrated about before I put a little research into it...
First, why in the world does Android want to crop every image instead of using the entire image as a wallpaper?
I even have wallpapers that are the exact size of the display and Android still wants to crop a small portion of that image?....help please...
Second, why can't I get a simple widget or window dedicated to favorite contacts, such as sense in WinMo does without having to pay for it?
Android doesn't have a simple tool that allows you to setup a favs like Sense does in WinMo? There's this LaucherPro that wants to charge me to do so?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You can just expand the crop window so it encapsulates your entire wallpaper, if it indeed is in perfect size. Keep in mind the crop window is sized for 3 homescreens or 5 or however many you have, so if your perfect size is for just one screen (480x800) you'll have a bit of a problem there.
2. You can just place contacts on the desktop. That's the closest you'll get without paying for this in LauncherPro. While you're at it, even if you don't want to pay - get LauncherPro and replace the default Launcher already. You'll love its speed superiority immediately.
A lot of devs put permissions on to prevent possible problems, also, not sure if it relates to android, but I know some permissions are needed for things that you would not normally relate them to, possibly things like automatically pausing operations when a call comes in etc...
schunniky said:
1. You can just expand the crop window so it encapsulates your entire wallpaper, if it indeed is in perfect size. Keep in mind the crop window is sized for 3 homescreens or 5 or however many you have, so if your perfect size is for just one screen (480x800) you'll have a bit of a problem there.
2. You can just place contacts on the desktop. That's the closest you'll get without paying for this in LauncherPro. While you're at it, even if you don't want to pay - get LauncherPro and replace the default Launcher already. You'll love its speed superiority immediately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured out the contacts on desktop, thanks though!
As for the wallpapers, I do try to expand the Window and it never completely encapsulates the entire image. I just dont get why Android doesn't allow the Wallpaper to remain static while your homescreens maneuver over it.
Hey guys,
I broought a desire z nam (Bell mobility branded) over the holidays. This is my first android device, so after a month of using it, I finally feel like I have my bearings for the platform (I'm coming from symbian). However, I have a few questions:
When I brought the phone, it came unlocked (I'm using it on AT&T's network in the US. Does this mean the phone has already been rooted? Is there an easy way I can check on this?
Since I am using the phone on at&t network, how will updates work for me? Is it possible for me to get any OTA updates? Or am I restricted to custom roms for updates? I am a little hesitant to use custom roms, as I need this phone to be reliable above all else, and I keep hearing about how unstable some of those roms can be.
What exactly is Cyberon Voice Commander? I always see it hogging a huge amount of memory in my running apps, and I'm wondering if its one of the base apps included with android. Searching around, it seems that it is used for speech to text, so if I remove it, will voice seach and voice actions no longer work?
Speaking of running apps, is it normal to have 50+ apps running at the same time? This phone boots with a ton of apps already running, and a lot of them seem like system processes. The phone does feel sluggish at time; however, this being my first and only android device, I don't really have a good reference to whether this is normal or not.
The touchscreen seems off. It always tends to register touches slighty above or below where my finger hits (super annoying when you're trying to select something on a list) is there any way to calibrate the screen?
On the subject of screens, is there a way to activate the screen other than pressing the power button? That button is a bit hard to reach for me, especially with 1 hhand operation
Htcsense.com doesn't seem to be working for me. It can't locate my phone, making the phone ring doesn't do anything, and I don't see the menu bar up top. Anyone know what's up with it?
And finally, I'm trying to find a good chinese handwriting input method; the phone comes with pinyin and wubihua input methods on the default htc keyboard, but no handwriting reconginition. The only app I found on the market for it is terrrible at picking up my strokes (HanWriting IME), can anyone recommend anything for it?
Thanks a bunch
I have the same device running on ATT as well.
The phone does not come 'rooted' even if it is an unlocked version. Root allows you to write to the 'OS Partition' on the phone memory in addition to other things. To check if you have root, you need to boot into the recovery mode of the phone. The first line in recovery will read either S-OFF (root obtained) or S-ON (no root). I suggest reading up on 'GFREE' and using that method to obtain root. Visionary is also an option, but doesn't appear to be as 'safe' as GFREE.
As far as I know, we are on our own for OTA updates. I have been using Custom ROMs on my device since about day 3 of owning it and it was the best decision I have made. I currently run CyanogenMod 6.1 and it runs great. Much better than stock. It is VERY stable and I haven't had any issues, everything is working. They are currently developing CyanogenMod 7 (Android 2.3) but it not officially released as stable version yet.
I am not familiar with that Voice Commander app. Check Google.
I don't have 50+ apps running but do have quite a few. Froyo 2.2 (shipped on phone with HTC Sense Skin) is designed to automatically shut down applications that are not being used so they do not eat up system resources. I didn't use stock for long, so I can't say how it performs but I have no lag issues with Cyanogen.
I do recall a 'calibration' option on Stock, but again I didn't use it for long and can't remember where it was.
In Cyanogen mod you can wake up the screen by pressing the track pad. Search in the Themes and Apps section of the Desire Z/G2 forum and there is an application you can install that does the same thing. I think its called Trackpad Wake.
Sorry never used HTCsense.com or any chinese writing apps. For the writing app, you can check the Android Themes/Applications thread from the main forum page. There are lots of other apps discussed there that are no in the Desire Z forum.
Welcome to Android!
Some good answer in the post above. Just to add some additional info:
The Vision Wiki describes how to verify root
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/index.php?title=HTC_Vision
But your phone is likely not rooted. When you buy a phone unlocked, that usually means SIM unlocked, so you can use other SIM cards besides Bell. Cell phone dealers usually just have ways to get the SIM unlock codes for phones, same as the paid SIM unlock services you find on eBay and other places.
All ROMs have bugs, including the "official" ones. In my experience, the custom ROMs usually are more stable and less bugs than the official ones they are based on. In any case, I wouldn't worry too much about OTA updates. If you want to flash an official ROM, they get posted on here faster then you would get them OTA.
I just checked, and I have exactly 50 apps running on my Bell Desire Z (running on AT&T like you). I wouldn't worry about it. As mentioned in the previous reply, Android is designed to keep processes open in the background until the memory is needed, then it kills idle processes as needed.
I've never used a Symbian phone. But the Desire Z is one of the fastest Android phones currently on the market. It gets bogged down a bit by the Sense UI in some conditions (especially if you have lots of widgets loaded). But this is minor, and I have found the performance to be very good overall. If you want some more speed, you can root and overclock the CPU. Overclocking to 1 GHz does not even increase voltage to the CPU, so the effect on battery life and risk is minimal.
HTCSense.com is still a work in progress, unfortunately. The features not working is normal, its not just you.
Cyberon Voice Commander is bloatware pre-installed by Bell. Its supposed to allow you to command the phone (with your voice, obviously) without having to touch the screen to perform certain functions (call or find a contact, play a song, etc.). But its pretty useless, and pure crap, IMO. Even when it recognizes your command, it will often still require touch input to make the selection, which completely defeats the purpose! Its faster to just access the functions the normal way.
Bloatware is part of the ROM, and therefore not completely straightforward to remove. All methods require the phone be rooted, AFAIK. The following thread has a method (using Titanium Backup) to remove most of the bloat.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=831584
I've also found a paid app ($1.99) on the market called Absolute System Root Tool removes the bloatware successfully
As mentioned, there is a hack to make the trackpad button wake the phone. But I couldn't tell if the feature could be removed or turned off, so I haven't tried it yet, personally.
Aha, a fellow Symbian convert! Welcome to the greatest phone ever - like an N97 that doesn't suck. I used to run Symbian-Guru.com - please feel free to PM me with *any* questions, I still love to help folks.
I would *highly* suggest you root your phone, if for no other reason than to dump the bloatware that comes with it and be able to take screenshots and that sort of thing. You may also want to look at the Virtuous ROM - it's a port of the Desire Z ROM that has some extras built-in. I've been using it on my G2 pretty much since I got it and it's fan-freakin-tastic. I easily get 12-15hrs of battery life, and that's with normal usage. It also has trackpad wake built right in - it's awesome.
Most of your other questions were answered above. In any case, welcome to XDA, and to Android.
Thanks for the replies. I'm loving the phone so far; just there's a lot of quirks in android that I'm not used to. That's to be expected with any transition to a different os, so I'm sure ill adapt.
you mentioned offical roms are also posted there as well; will flashing those roms require S-OFF? I might be in the minority, but I actually like senseUI. The only thing I wish I could change would be replacing the customization button on the dock with a browser shortcut. I've tried adw and launcherpro, but everytime I end up missing the htc widgets and going back to sense.
Ill probably start looking into some custom roms. I'm really holding out for the offical 2.3 update though. Ill also have to find a way to revert to the original rom should I not like the new one. I can't seem to find a copy of the original rom from bell to download anywhere; so is titanium backup my only option? Finally if I flash in a new rom, (offical or custom) will I lose my carrier unlock?
Thanks
Before you flash any different ROM you should do what is called a "nandroid" backup of your current ROM via Clockwork Recovery/ROM Manager (which you can install once you have root and S-OFF).
No, flashing a different ROM will not lose your SIM unlock.
If you have SuperCID from gfree, then you will be able to flash different official ROMs, not just the Bell one.
Sent from my HTC Desire Z
makken85 said:
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks
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Please hit the "thanks" button on the responses that were helpful to you. So those of use that took the time to answer can increase their thanks meters!
You're not completely alone. I like Sense also! FYI, the Virtuous ROM recommended by orange bandit is a custom one built on the Sense UI. Although I'm probably going to wait until a Gingerbread Sense ROM myself.
makken85 said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm loving the phone so far; just there's a lot of quirks in android that I'm not used to. That's to be expected with any transition to a different os, so I'm sure ill adapt.
you mentioned offical roms are also posted there as well; will flashing those roms require S-OFF? I might be in the minority, but I actually like senseUI. The only thing I wish I could change would be replacing the customization button on the dock with a browser shortcut. I've tried adw and launcherpro, but everytime I end up missing the htc widgets and going back to sense.
Ill probably start looking into some custom roms. I'm really holding out for the offical 2.3 update though. Ill also have to find a way to revert to the original rom should I not like the new one. I can't seem to find a copy of the original rom from bell to download anywhere; so is titanium backup my only option? Finally if I flash in a new rom, (offical or custom) will I lose my carrier unlock?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Virtuous ROM is basically the same as what you're running now, but fully rooted with some improvements here and there (trackpad wake, a bit of overclocking, etc).
There is a Rosie hack to be able to replace the right dock button with whatever you want, here's the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=876464
I did it on my Virtuous ROM, works great, though I couldn't stand the simplicity of Sense and went back to LauncherPro, myself.