Guys,
I'm looking into getting an Android (HTC Desire looks like the best Android machine but oh would love to be able to get hold of the Evo or similar).
A couple of grey areas I need to sort out are:-
1. Rich Text Format read & write.
2. Finance software.
Reference the Finance software, can anyone point me to having a read on what would be considered a suitable application that can allow me to use the finance program similar to how Cash Organizer on Windows Mobile works.
i.e. Have an index of Accounts, Register, Projects, Planner, Budget, Reports.
Accounts would list all the accounts.
Register would list all transactions within a particular account.
Projects ~ as it says.
Planner would list all future transactions so you can see at a glance what is coming out and what account it is going to.
Budget ~ as it says.
Reports ~ as it says.
My Brother who has a Desire tried briefly MyMoney but he told me it's not powerful enough.... however, I'd like to hear more on this from other users.
These two items are at the moment stopping me changing from Windows Mobile to Android.
If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Beards
Anyone have any ideas??
Hi Beards
Currently I'm using Financisto. It has everything you mentioned except the planner part, which I miss too. But it links your money operations to location and you can see reports based on location. Check it out and tell me what you think. If you'll find a better app please let me know.
Mantas
mantasvarnagiris said:
Hi Beards
Currently I'm using Financisto. It has everything you mentioned except the planner part, which I miss too. But it links your money operations to location and you can see reports based on location. Check it out and tell me what you think. If you'll find a better app please let me know.
Mantas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks Mantas for your contribution.
You mention there is no planner with this software. Unfortunately, this is one of the most important factors, as I need to be able to add all my monthly repeated outgoings so that the finance program will look at them on the specific date and automatically add the item to a named account.
At present all my testing has to be carried out on my Brother's Desire as I am still in the deciding factor on whether or not to ditch my Windows Mobile HD2 and move on up to Android.
Have you tried MyMoney or any other application.
I will however ask him to install Financisto and get him to show me what it can and can not achieve.
Thanks again.
Beards.
have you tried firewallet I installed it last night but not played with it yet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
madmossy said:
have you tried firewallet I installed it last night but not played with it yet.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'de be interested to hear your comments ~ especially if it does what I am trying to replicate from Cash Organizer.
Does it offer a 'Planner' so you can plan your spending's in advance and see from a Tab what date a transaction would be due to be added?
Beards said:
I'de be interested to hear your comments ~ especially if it does what I am trying to replicate from Cash Organizer.
Does it offer a 'Planner' so you can plan your spending's in advance and see from a Tab what date a transaction would be due to be added?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've set mine up to include all my direct debits for the month and they are set to occur every month on the same date, if thats what your after.
There is a 30 day trial of it on the market place, search for Firewallet.
madmossy said:
I've set mine up to include all my direct debits for the month and they are set to occur every month on the same date, if thats what your after.
There is a 30 day trial of it on the market place, search for Firewallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a direct debit planner is ideal.
I'll get my brother to download and test it out for me.
Thanks.
also check out easymoney. that's what I'm currently using after trying out several other options. I'm probably not as much of a power user as you, but I think easymoney can do what you want.
best of luck, and if you do find something perfect I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
When I switched from WM to Android this was also one of my constraints.
Used to work with SPB Finance for years. It never really updated but did a very good job (planner included).
I have now found a good replacement in ClearCheckbook.com.
Is actually better as they also have a website account which syncs nicely with the Desire.
If by planner you mean repeating transactions then yes it is available.
Also have a good customer service .... quick at replying
Only downside is you need to pay for a subscription ....
unclesomebody said:
also check out easymoney. that's what I'm currently using after trying out several other options. I'm probably not as much of a power user as you, but I think easymoney can do what you want.
best of luck, and if you do find something perfect I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sjengie said:
When I switched from WM to Android this was also one of my constraints.
Used to work with SPB Finance for years. It never really updated but did a very good job (planner included).
I have now found a good replacement in ClearCheckbook.com.
Is actually better as they also have a website account which syncs nicely with the Desire.
If by planner you mean repeating transactions then yes it is available.
Also have a good customer service .... quick at replying
Only downside is you need to pay for a subscription ....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the additional Apps to try.
My Brother is popping round tonight with his Desire in order I can try out a few of these titles.
I'll certainly post back which I found most comfortable in using.
Well, thanks once again Guys for all your input.... It has been most welcome and truly appreciated.
I've 'briefly' tried all the Apps you can install and can see both positives & negatives on all but admit these are based solely on my own personal requirements as one App may well suit one user very well whereas with another user it limits the usefulness.
Financisto ~ I found limiting to my requirements.
I was surprised there is no recurring payments or split transaction to name but two.
It was easy to navigate and in no time I was up and running with several accounts.
Location was different and useful. Definitely see a use for this.
Firewallet ~ I found the Bill Reminder (Planner) but it was limiting in the choices given.
Again I could not see any way to split a transaction and worse I could not find a category list.... Please update me if I got that wrong as again I only managed to test it out briefly.
EasyMoney ~ was by far the most professional App, both in it's design and operation of use.
There is so much you can play with this App and love.
Granted I personally would like more control over say individual category expense lists (ability to see at a glance how much each category has spent over a period of time) but of the three I tried EasyMoney held me captive longer.
With more time it could well be my choice... Next step is to purchase an Android and investigate it further myself.
ClearCheckbook.com ~ being an online accounts manager looks promising purely for the fact I can manage the accounts either on the Laptop or on the Android.
I did not get a chance to try this out; namely due to the fact I first need to create an account with ClearCheckbook and then see exactly what is transferred to the Android device.
It is one which I will investigate after I purchase my Android Phone so again my thanks Sjengie in bringing it to my attention.
Once again thank you all.
Without your input I would not have covered the ground I wish to undertake prior to my Phone purchase.
Cheers for the quick review. I'm after a finance app so I'll give some of these a try.
hi beards et al
I'm very much in the same boat as you & it is great to see I'm not the only one in this dilemma.
I will try easymoney again as I did not find it to be that good when I first looked into this a few months back.
I installed firewallet & got a quick response to a query from the developer re importing data so will try playing a bit more with that. (he advised me to create the accounts I want with a zero initial balance and then import transactions for each account one at a time. will definitely make living year to date transactions easier although I guess I'll have to add in all the categories too).
if you guys could share your methods of migrating your data across into yr new apps & any other tips & tricks that would be great!
also if there are enough of us cdnt we try lobbying a developer to tweak their app to our requirements or even get a WinMo dev to release an Android version of their app?
regards
Ansi
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Thanks for the feedback Beards. Hope you get your Desire soon...
I'm also a SPB finance user on WM and I haven't found anything yet that does nearly such a good job for me on Android, (I've tried all those listed here and more) But another one to try is "Loot" it is free, there is a "pro" bolt on that costs money and adds a few extra features, for me it is one of the closest to SPB finance but still not close enough!
I'm currently still using my Touch Diamond 2 winmo phone for finance tracking (you'd be astounded how long the battery lasts if you leave it permanently in flight mode btw!)
P.
popkid said:
I'm also a SPB finance user on WM and I haven't found anything yet that does nearly such a good job for me on Android, (I've tried all those listed here and more) But another one to try is "Loot" it is free, there is a "pro" bolt on that costs money and adds a few extra features, for me it is one of the closest to SPB finance but still not close enough!
I'm currently still using my Touch Diamond 2 winmo phone for finance tracking (you'd be astounded how long the battery lasts if you leave it permanently in flight mode btw!)
P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... I'll mention this one to my Brother.
I know what you mean in not finding that perfect title.
Maybe it's because we are so much used to the WM application that we can only see what that particular title can give us.
I've loved using Cash Organizer for many years and I know no matter which Android application I find and use it's not going to give me the same as CO.
Having said this, I am sure there will be areas in Android where I did not realize I needed which I'll find and love.
As such I'm going to go in openly and receptive, to look only for the good in the program.
If I can't find the good then there's no point in afterward searching for the bad....
Now I need to focus my attention on getting my Android phone.
It's going to be difficult as my HD2 has for the past 6 months (or so) given me great service and I've been happy with the WM software.
But as we know, it's no point staying with a 'safe' product, you have to look outside the box to better your aims.
HTC Desire or Samsung i9000 Galaxy S
Don't you just love technology.
I don't know anything about this software, I just read a blog post about it...
http://www.mint.com/
Apparently its something from the iPhone that has just been brought to Android.
EDIT: Hmm...just been reading through and everything seems to be in dollars and how it "connects securely to nearly all US banking financial institutions". Could just be an American app.
EDIT 2: Just found this...
Does Mint.com support international banks?
Not yet. Currently Mint only supports US-based financial institutions. We hope to support financial institutions based outside of the US in the future.
Shame, looks pretty good.
Raul Duke said:
I don't know anything about this software, I just read a blog post about it...
http://www.mint.com/
Apparently its something from the iPhone that has just been brought to Android.
EDIT: Hmm...just been reading through and everything seems to be in dollars and how it "connects securely to nearly all US banking financial institutions". Could just be an American app.
EDIT 2: Just found this...
Does Mint.com support international banks?
Not yet. Currently Mint only supports US-based financial institutions. We hope to support financial institutions based outside of the US in the future.
Shame, looks pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for the info and edited updates.... appreciated.
Well I took the plunge and 'Pre-Ordered' my first Android.
After a lot of deliberation I altered my choice in getting the Desire to now opt for the soon to be released Samsung GT-i9000 Galaxy S.
The problem is I will have to wait until the end of the month when shipment is expected.
So, to all who participated I won't be able to make any follow-up on the software titles until after this date, sorry.
Beards
Related
Remember tAgenda?
http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/kohgo/index_en.html
I used this on my old Pocket PC running 2002 or 2003.
It won't work on WM5...does anyone know of another program that does what tAgenda does?
If you never used it, it lists the next X number of days or X number of appointments on your today screen. Very cool.
Calender +
I preferred tagenda though
There are couple SW can do this. I was using tAgenda before but it has an annoying small bug (Today refresh issue on 2003SE). After some trial I choose PocketBreeze. you can download at http://www.sbsh.net
the other SW is SPB Diary (http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com)
tAgenda is way better than calendar +. Pocket Breeze is no freeware...
Eagerly waiting for a wm5 version of tAgenda.
elio said:
tAgenda is way better than calendar +. Pocket Breeze is no freeware...
Eagerly waiting for a wm5 version of tAgenda.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess nothing that costs (even a little) is worth the price?
I'm sorry but that is retarded. If the only complaint you have about a product is that it costs $10.00 then why waste the effort complaining?
I'm sure your phone wasn't freeware.
I've been a loyal user of PocketBreeze for 8 months now, the best $10 I ever spent. I like it so much I also bought PocketWeather and iLauncher from them.
I also spent money on MS Voice Command and HandySwitcher from DinarSoft. Yes I know I could have stole MS Voice Command from any number of sites and there are many free task switchers but I felt the programs were worth the expense.
Now as a single father raising two teenage daughters on one salary I don't have money to throw around but I do recgonize value when I see it.
BTW, most freeware authors appreciate and request contributions if you find their efforts useful. Maybe tAgenda will not be ported to WM5 because not enough users felt they should thank the guy for his hard work...
yeah, tAgenda was great! I use dit on my Magician and tried to contact the writer a few times through email to ask him how version 1.2 in English was coming along, based on his statement on the website that he was working on it. I also asked him about WM5, but he never answered any of my emails. I think he stopped the project and the site still exists without him knowing. Shame really, I now use SPB Diary, nice app, but TAgenda was almost as good and much, much smaller.
To kyphur:
Hey Buddy, thanks for the "morality-trip", but really there was no need for you to get so upset... I was just pointing to another difference between the softwares.
Take good care of your daughters (I also have 3 kids) and don't forget to teach them that some things in life can be dealt with with humor and lightness
I'm using pocketb and I think it is the better one among others, including calendar+.
One of the many things that I don't like about calendar+ is that, if you have appoinments/tasks tomorrow, it will stil show you the date, not the word "Tomorrow", hence, to avoid not being prepared for the tasks tomorrow, you would have to check the date today to reliase that it is tomorrow.
It seems that tAgenda is having the same style. Probably someone should let the author know about this.
I kinda got this habbit of looking for the word 'Tomorrow' when I was using my Palm and it kinda sticked into me. Palm's agenda is good. The eqv one in PPC I think, would be PocketBreeze + Informant
elio said:
To kyphur:
Hey Buddy, thanks for the "morality-trip", but really there was no need for you to get so upset... I was just pointing to another difference between the softwares.
Take good care of your daughters (I also have 3 kids) and don't forget to teach them that some things in life can be dealt with with humor and lightness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll apologize here if my small rant offended anyone. One of things I like about this site is the lack of Warez, Keygens & the like. I was trying to keep from being too preachy, maybe simply using the word 'retarded' (to describe the concept of not wanting to pay for any software) just set a bad tone for the rest of the post.
This forum is full of many good people united in the common goals of taking control of our devices to maximize their value in our lives. It is a shame that a few bad users can leave a foul taste in one's mouth. I just need to stay away from the thread about 'Desperate for some GAMES' becuase there have been several KeyGens posted there.
One thing that is great about WM5 software is that unlike Smartphone (Symbian etc) software you're not tied to the IMEI of your phone. I have several program that were purchased when I was using my SX-66 (the SBSH programs and MS Voice Comand) which moved to my Wizard.
Happy Mobile Computing!!!
To kyphur:
No prob my friend. I think being here on that great forum means we all share the same values.
Best regards to all
I am posting on here so I can find this later. I don't know how to flag posts other than as "view your posts". Sorry.
Get applications like you can get for the iPhone?
I have just had a 'demo' of a load of free apps for the Iphone on a colleagues Iphone and I must admit I was impressed and very surprised, I had always discounted the Iphone as an option for me due to the many (well documented) short commings for power users. However after seeing such applications as the Tioti TV+ which is so quick and smooth and lets you send remote record requests to a Sky+ box - somehting I have been desperate for. Along with great film and cinema applications and many other very neat applications which aren't available on Windows Mobile, I am begining to wonder if I made the wrong decision in purchassing my touch HD??!
Just thought I would share my thoughts with you all....I am sure I will get a barrage of abuse for this post, but would love to know if we think the future of windows mobile may include some more intuitive and consistently looking applications.
P.S. If anyone knows of a SKY+ remote record app which is designed for Windows Mobile I would love to know!
A related question from a relative novice when it comes to downloading and installing apps... is there anything like the iPhone appstore for Windows mobile apps - where applications are listed with screenshots, descriptions, what phones/resolution they work on, etc? I've seen lots of great home-grown apps, and lots of vendor websites that seem to be pedalling a specific product, but haven't seen anything that attempts to bring it all together?
Thanks,
Dave
davehodgkinson said:
A related question from a relative novice when it comes to downloading and installing apps... is there anything like the iPhone appstore for Windows mobile apps - where applications are listed with screenshots, descriptions, what phones/resolution they work on, etc? I've seen lots of great home-grown apps, and lots of vendor websites that seem to be pedalling a specific product, but haven't seen anything that attempts to bring it all together?
Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
www.handango.com for example....
jrshodges said:
Get applications like you can get for the iPhone?
I have just had a 'demo' of a load of free apps for the Iphone on a colleagues Iphone and I must admit I was impressed and very surprised, I had always discounted the Iphone as an option for me due to the many (well documented) short commings for power users. However after seeing such applications as the Tioti TV+ which is so quick and smooth and lets you send remote record requests to a Sky+ box - somehting I have been desperate for. Along with great film and cinema applications and many other very neat applications which aren't available on Windows Mobile, I am begining to wonder if I made the wrong decision in purchassing my touch HD??!
Just thought I would share my thoughts with you all....I am sure I will get a barrage of abuse for this post, but would love to know if we think the future of windows mobile may include some more intuitive and consistently looking applications.
P.S. If anyone knows of a SKY+ remote record app which is designed for Windows Mobile I would love to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use Sky+ and have no idea on apps for this - but, I understood it is possible to control the Sky+ box remotely just via an SMS ?
Another possible option is a Slingbox ?
Try also pocketgear.com for applications: http://www.pocketgear.com/en_US/html/index.jsp
and, Softpedia: http://handheld.softpedia.com/#categories-soft
A five second search on google / sky produced this:
http://anytime.sky.com/mobile.aspx
And clicking through to the supported handsets only lists a few manufacturers and I don't think there are any WM devices.
I think it's a Java app? It might work (I don't have Sky, so can't test!).
Cheesy Dave said:
A five second search on google / sky produced this:
http://anytime.sky.com/mobile.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you should read on as there is no compatible version for Windows Mobile 6.1 (HTC Touch HD)!
Hawk
You need to analyse your own requirements before deciding if iphone or HD is right for you.
For me, the lack of GPS software (google map doesnt qualify), office applications, user swappable spare battery, inability to support stylus, and lack of choices in software keyboard in iphone make it an unacceptable choice.
Another person's need might be different.
jrshodges said:
Get applications like you can get for the iPhone?
I have just had a 'demo' of a load of free apps for the Iphone on a colleagues Iphone and I must admit I was impressed and very surprised, I had always discounted the Iphone as an option for me due to the many (well documented) short commings for power users. However after seeing such applications as the Tioti TV+ which is so quick and smooth and lets you send remote record requests to a Sky+ box - somehting I have been desperate for. Along with great film and cinema applications and many other very neat applications which aren't available on Windows Mobile, I am begining to wonder if I made the wrong decision in purchassing my touch HD??!
Just thought I would share my thoughts with you all....I am sure I will get a barrage of abuse for this post, but would love to know if we think the future of windows mobile may include some more intuitive and consistently looking applications.
P.S. If anyone knows of a SKY+ remote record app which is designed for Windows Mobile I would love to know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nighthawk2050 said:
Perhaps you should read on as there is no compatible version for Windows Mobile 6.1 (HTC Touch HD)!
Hawk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed the JAVA components and they work on Windows Mobile 6.1 - the issue is that the software expects you to have a keyboard (or a keypad) attached to input various details .... so you can't use it on a Touch HD !
Thank you for all your comments and suggestions, however I don't beleive sites like handandgo etc are anything like the Iphone Appstore, the apps cost a lot more and you have no idea of compatability. I don't beleive you can easily browse for apps on your handset, like you can with for example the Iphone.
I am not saying I think the Iphone is the best choice of phone, but they certainly got somehting right with the app store and wondered if Microsoft will listen up and provide developers an easy route to dev similar apps for windows mobile?!
I Have tried all the Java Sky remote apps before and as you have spotted they do not work with a touch screen device if it doesn't have hardware buttons too. Also even if it did work it is not very user freindly - I was using this as a example of a really usefull app, which I am amazed has not been built for Windows Mobile touch devices too....it just seems weird why there are so many great little apps for the Iphone, which are so easy to download and browse though, yet it has only been about a relatively short time in comparison with Windows Mobile....I find this most annoying!
Anyway, thanks again for your input
jrshodges said:
Thank you for all your comments and suggestions, however I don't beleive sites like handandgo etc are anything like the Iphone Appstore, the apps cost a lot more and you have no idea of compatability. I don't beleive you can easily browse for apps on your handset, like you can with for example the Iphone.
I am not saying I think the Iphone is the best choice of phone, but they certainly got somehting right with the app store and wondered if Microsoft will listen up and provide developers an easy route to dev similar apps for windows mobile?!
I Have tried all the Java Sky remote apps before and as you have spotted they do not work with a touch screen device if it doesn't have hardware buttons too. Also even if it did work it is not very user freindly - I was using this as a example of a really usefull app, which I am amazed has not been built for Windows Mobile touch devices too....it just seems weird why there are so many great little apps for the Iphone, which are so easy to download and browse though, yet it has only been about a relatively short time in comparison with Windows Mobile....I find this most annoying!
Anyway, thanks again for your input
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome and good luck with your choice - still an Iphone ?
Yes, the apps in WM are expensive and there is no simple app store. Rumours are around that MS will fix this.
Having said that, the app developers for WM are doing some great work. I have loads of apps on my HD (see other forum posts I've made recently).
I would like a TV guide app that brings in channels from across Europe. That is, one that would allow me to select my favorite channels.
Sorry the Sky+ thing did not work, as I said, I don't have any experience with this. I'm surprised the keyboard SIP did not work when using the java app.
michi123 said:
www.handango.com for example....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you - will take a look around that and the others suggested by people. I suspect my response will be similar to jrshodges - not overly clear on compatibility and quite expensive. But I won't be pessimistic...
Thanks again.
Dave
Cheesy Dave said:
You're welcome and good luck with your choice - still an Iphone ?
Yes, the apps in WM are expensive and there is no simple app store. Rumours are around that MS will fix this.
Having said that, the app developers for WM are doing some great work. I have loads of apps on my HD (see other forum posts I've made recently).
I would like a TV guide app that brings in channels from across Europe. That is, one that would allow me to select my favorite channels.
Sorry the Sky+ thing did not work, as I said, I don't have any experience with this. I'm surprised the keyboard SIP did not work when using the java app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers Dave, no - not an Iphone...yet...I am happy to persevere with my WinMo device for the forseeable as I do belive I would miss, like others Sat Nav (which by the way I use TomTom and it looks and works great) ease of Exchange sync etc etc.
I just wanted to rant for a bit about the lack of decent and easily accesable apps for WinMo....in the hopes someone would point me in the direction of a lovely MS App Store (wishful thinking!). I hope you are right and wee do see something from MS soon, although I guess they will wait and in include it in Windows Mobile 6.5 or 7 - although by the sounds of it that won't be anytime soon :-(
And if anyone does ever find a decent TV guide and Sky + App then please remember this thread and post it for us!
Its also worth mentioning that although there are a lot of iPhone apps, and yes they are cheap, most are useless eye candy that have about 2 minutes worth of value in them.
Check out my list of apps here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3116988#post3116988
Also, of course, the wiki page:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=HTC_Software
I don't know much about the Apple apps. But, I can say that some of these WM apps are really serious work and clearly have had lots of effort and thought applied to them.
My latest addition is Pocket Stars - a bit of astronomy fun for me, but a serious app for enthusiasts.
The iphone is for simple folk. The app store is for simple folk. IE it works.
WM is bit more complicated but gives those of you willing to use it a lot more freedom.
I do wish there were more apps and games for the HD.
I have both the Iphone and HD at home (well the Mrs has the iphone) once jailbroken the iphone is truly amazing and I almost wish i had one instead, but them my mrs reminds me why i dont have one, I would get board in no time. I played with hers (iphone that is) for a couple of days over the xmas break then went back to playing around on my HD.
Its still early days for the HD and remember the IPHONE has been around for quite some time now.
Give it a little time and the HD will be up there with the iphone, you already starting to see some really nice app/games coming out.
My only other wish would be some way to get multi-touch to work on HD as it makes games very playable on iphone.
The problem with Microsoft trying to replicate the iPhone App Store is that Apple have 2 different handsets to maintain, which are practically identical except for the GPS/3G.
There are many different versions of WM in use, with many software customisations by handset manufacturers and operators and varying hardware abilities.
I'm not sure how it would be possible to test the full range of devices that a particular application may work with. On top of that, people may or may not have updated the firmware for their device, which can break (or fix) applications.
I'd love to see it, but it's certainly more difficult supporting hundreds of different handsets customised by many operators rather than 1 and a bit
I saw on here that someone is working very hard to make a form of "app store" that will work on phones (credit to them for the effort) its called Gecko...i found the link on the forum. Give it time, I think it will come...
I just got an email from Google saying that I qualify to get a Verizon Droid or Nexus One for having an app with over 5,000 active downloads from the market (which I do) for free through their seeding program.
Has anyone else received this and can vouch for the truthfulness of the offer?
Thanks!
Diceman4 said:
I just got an email from Google saying that I qualify to get a Verizon Droid or Nexus One for having an app with over 5,000 active downloads from the market (which I do) for free through their seeding program.
Has anyone else received this and can vouch for the truthfulness of the offer?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://groups.google.com/group/android-developers/browse_thread/thread/49da01a3cb7f8803?pli=1
Quite a few news outlets reporting the same as well (5k+ dls and 3.5+ stars apps)
Congrats man! I'd be super stoked if I were you... get the Nexus One!
If you read through all 80+ messages in that thread, people from Google do confirm it is NOT fake.
Congrats!
Wow, that's damn nice of Google, especially since the requirements seem very reasonable (5000 downloads, 3.5 rating).
I don't think you get to pick which device you get, however.
I received it too. IT'S SO NICE! THANKS GOOGLE! I'm in EU so I'll get a nexus one for sure =)
I got the email as well. I couldn't go to the Google event in London where they gave out free phones, so this is a nice surprise
Congratz guys! Yes I've read bout that too, and its great of Google to appreciate your hard work.
So tell us what apps you guys made so we can try em out.
uansari1 said:
Congrats man! I'd be super stoked if I were you... get the Nexus One!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correction... if you're dev'ing games, then get the Droid. Seems the N1's touchscreen isn't as advanced when it comes to MT.
Becoming an android developer is slowly a no brainer.
Google gives you an updated device every chance they get.
So that you can develop next gen apps at their expense.
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Thats cool i hope next year i can attand a few google events or mayybe have an app in the store.
GNOve said:
Becoming an android developer is slowly a no brainer.
Google gives you an updated device every chance they get.
So that you can develop next gen apps at their expense.
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Thats cool i hope next year i can attand a few google events or mayybe have an app in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to say whats up GnOve!!!
GNOve said:
Seriously why people are still stuck developing on the iphone and not making a transition to android is beyond me.
Im sure they can dual program java and OBJ-C (objective languages)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically, I guess they can. But Apple's not about technic, it's about religion. ("Google wants your data, but Apple wants your soul")
Now, seriously. I really think Apple often polarizes with its easy to use but very homogene and restricted concept. So a lot of Apple users/developers wouldn't touch a non-Apple device (aka "blatant rippoffs") with a stick, while a lot of Android users/developers despise Apple's restrictions (and costs).
Of course most professional software companies prefer money over religios wars, but lots of apps are from hobby developers.
Besides, the differences in development aren't defined by the language's syntax but the used frameworks and APIs. Even though they're "object oriented", there are worlds between VC++/MFC, VC++/SDK, C#/.NET, Java/Swing, Java/Struts(Cx), Java/JSF, Android, and Objective C. Dialogs/forms are created differently, user interaction is handled differently, frontend/backend separation works differently, there are "specials" like MS' "device contexts", different XML files and annotations for Java frameworks, or Android's "Intents", etc.
Anyone found any updates/information about this?
I'd love to get a mail with a "we've confirmed your registration, you'll recieve a device between X and X" or something like that.
Absolutely cool.
Guess I need to start developing for android.
Now to figure out the next big thing and to learn a language that results in an app.. Hell, I've learned 12 different programming languages, whats one more. LOL.
Official FAQ.
http://sites.google.com/site/developermarketandroidgiveaway/faq
David Horn said:
Official FAQ.
http://sites.google.com/site/developermarketandroidgiveaway/faq
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot, dont know how I missed that!
Wow, this truly is amazing. I don't have enough downloads on my two apps but I do have the ratings. Oh well. I need to write apps that will be more widely used.
nurre said:
Anyone found any updates/information about this?
I'd love to get a mail with a "we've confirmed your registration, you'll recieve a device between X and X" or something like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received this email a few minutes ago
Code:
Dear Guy,
We’ve received your information for the Android Market Device Seeding Program and have successfully validated the Google Order Number from your developer account.
Your information will now be sent to our shipping partner for order processing. Just to confirm, the information we received from you was:
Guy Mobile
"PERSONAL INFO"
"EMAIL
"PHONE"
If you need to make any changes to your information above, please contact us at [email protected] as soon as possible. Otherwise, you should receive your phone in 2-4 weeks!
On behalf of the Android team,
Thanks, and happy coding!
Google, Inc.
1600 Amphitheater Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
I just received that email too! Yesssss
I can feel the flames coming
OK I am definitely not disappointed with the Hardware itself. Great form factor and I converted a few of the office Apple fanatics to it... Some guys in my office actually bought the tab after seeing mine
It's my first Android device and... I am disappointed by Android (Flames coming closer) or more precisely by the lack of refinement of the "productivity" apps.
Let me be more precise: I come from the WM 6.5.5 world (boooh). Android OS is definitely more stable (No memory leaks, etc...) more finger friendly, etc... BUT also
* It has way less options, at least in its stock version vs my custom made WM ROM (Sure my Grandma could use it (This is iOSesque type of OS), but that's not exactly what I am expecting for myself)
* The email app, so much praised in many reviews is still way behind outlook for WM. I miss the little arrow sign indicating me whether the email was forwarded, replied, etc... Not even talking about all the options available in pOutlook that definitely simplify the everyday life. A lot of very simple things are just not there. If you have multiple attachments, you need to download them one by one (Have to wait for the first one to be downloaded to have the option to download the second one). Unbeded links and pictures are displayed immediately when in Outlook they are blocked first to protect you in case it's a fishing email. Etc, etc...
* You don't have a single box (Or let's say single app) for SMS, MMS, eMails
* Implementation of Activesync is not good, neither full. SMS are not synced, and there seems to be bugs and quirks here and there (Why the hell is my Sent box often TWO DAYS late on sync ?? Just havent found a way to fix this. It just refreshes... sometimes, when it feels like it)
* Copy and paste is not present everywhere, I cant seem to be able to copy from any text I see on the screen (In WM just long press and then you get the copy and paste menu and the ability to select some text). It's possible in some places that have been thought for, but not from anywhere
Etc, etc... I definitely appreciate the slickness of the OS, the smoothness overall (That said I believe my TP2 would also be super smooth with a Hummingbird processor on board...). The fact that it's a growing platform allows to have access to the latest apps while there was barely anything new for my TP2 these days. But yeah, honestly... a lot of the applications need more refinement. I guess this will grow with age (hopefully) but it's definitely not there yet at least out of the box
I am not saying this for the sole purpose of criticizing. I will keep my Tab and I do like it. But I thought the jump would be without regret and it's not the case for the moment. I feel more like I did a compromise and a move taht had to be (No interest in a closed platform like WP7 and can't stay on a dieing one). And hopefully some of you while reading me will point me to some solutions they found for themselves, some suggestions of third party applications. meanwhile I still go back and forth between my tab and my TP2 and I find it easier to email with the TP2 (OK the physical keyboard helps too) while also cant take my eyes off HTC Sense (This I know it's just up to me to make some effort and install the right stuff to have great home screens)
You have some valid points (copy & paste, sms+emails in one place) but the other features are so obvious.
You can't compare the native apps on Win (Outlook, Active Sync) that suppose to work well on Android. I wouldn't think this is a surprise.
Android definitely has a little bit of a learning curve. My EVO was my first android OS device and after learning the little quirks I am a borderline fanboy.
I am not sure I agree with the comparison to iOS. I think Apple does a lot more "dumbing down" where Android gives you more freedom but you have to learn how to use it. Apparently it's working well for Apple. Can't fault their success.
Are you missing copy/paste in a certain app? I used it just last night (just got my tab yesterday) copying my Launcher Pro plus key from an email to LP. Menu>More>Select Text>Copy, I think. Long press where you would like to paste.
Anyway, give it time. I think it'll grow on ya.
Yes you're right I was a bit unfair to compare with iOS
And yes it's true it's evolving the right way
Copy and paste: simple example. How do I copy amd pate text from a webpage?
I believe you have to press the menu button, go to 'more' and then hit 'select text'. After that gliding your finger over text will select it. Its still not refined because it doesnt add the two 'pins' to move your selection area...that is in Gingerbread I think.
More gives me only print, share page and page info...
Unfortunately...
Founds new bugs that are very unprofessional: some sms going to the wrong inbox
And some emails answers sent... Without the text I typed (empty)
And of course since I dont have the aent emails for the past 2 days I juat cant event check this
I understand it's normal to expect Microsoft technology to be better implemented by Microsoft. However if Google wants to be serious with Android in the enterprise world they need to work on their exchange implementation
honeatly this email problem is just incredible...
Forgot to add that even though there are lots of free apps, some of the very useful ones are not included by default. If you wnat a good RDP client --> $20 for instance (Free with WM) All adding up it makes Android a "luxuary" OS in some cases...
That said not to be unfair the market of free apps is quite impressive (compared with WM)
I think Android is great. The new Android 3D maps are amazing both on my Nexus One and Galaxy Tab.
That said, my single complaint so far is the lag in the native browser and with Dolphin HD. I can't say I blame this on Android OS because my N1 does not have this problem. I'm a noob so I blame this on Samsung.
Alcibiade said:
Founds new bugs that are very unprofessional: some sms going to the wrong inbox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got that 3 days ago, an incoming sms displaying the wrong contact!... So I found that after answering to that same wrong contact, who warned me I probably have mistaken. I wonder how this can be possible... Samsung app?
Alcibiade said:
Forgot to add that even though there are lots of free apps, some of the very useful ones are not included by default. If you wnat a good RDP client --> $20 for instance (Free with WM) All adding up it makes Android a "luxuary" OS in some cases...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that unlike Android, WM is not free in and of itself anyway, so the comparison is slightly flawed - only slightly though because as an end user you do not pay directly for WM, the OEM does!
Personally, I've found Wyse PocketCloud to be excellent, even in its free incarnation - it was so good, I bought the Pro version!
Of course, no OS is perfect - despite WM6s age, it still has some strengths. In many ways, it's a shame that MS threw the baby out with the bathwater with WP7!
Regards,
Dave
Alcibiade said:
More gives me only print, share page and page info...
Unfortunately...
Founds new bugs that are very unprofessional: some sms going to the wrong inbox
And some emails answers sent... Without the text I typed (empty)
And of course since I dont have the aent emails for the past 2 days I juat cant event check this
I understand it's normal to expect Microsoft technology to be better implemented by Microsoft. However if Google wants to be serious with Android in the enterprise world they need to work on their exchange implementation
honeatly this email problem is just incredible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android gets a lot of blame for things that have been modified by the vendor. I've been on Android since the launch of the G1. One thing I can tell you is every device is different. HTC has their own Exchange client, same with Samsung. Many times I see their proprietary apps cause these problems. It's the price we pay for open.
The Galaxy Tab's ROM is pretty flawed. Typical for a first gen device. I'm counting the days till an update is released.
My suggestion is go with an Exchange client from the market. Touchdown (no longer called that) was generally considered the best or just hang on till the next update. For SMS I use Handcent which I love.
Alcibiade said:
Forgot to add that even though there are lots of free apps, some of the very useful ones are not included by default. If you wnat a good RDP client --> $20 for instance (Free with WM) All adding up it makes Android a "luxuary" OS in some cases...
That said not to be unfair the market of free apps is quite impressive (compared with WM)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All enterprise apps demand big bucks. In Wimo's case that's a MS app hence free. But all the other enterprise stuff is $$$ for any platform. I agree with the other poster, PocketCloud is very good. I also have an Ipad and can tell you their apps are totally "luxuary" priced.
Give the platform more time. You're new and things are different so you're just going to see the negatives. Over time I would be shocked if you could even look at a wimo device...much less use it on a daily basis.
orenxda said:
Got that 3 days ago, an incoming sms displaying the wrong contact!... So I found that after answering to that same wrong contact, who warned me I probably have mistaken. I wonder how this can be possible... Samsung app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait what ? That happened to me couple of days ago.
orenxda said:
Got that 3 days ago, an incoming sms displaying the wrong contact!... So I found that after answering to that same wrong contact, who warned me I probably have mistaken. I wonder how this can be possible... Samsung app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think we can blame Samsung about this. It's a real shamr cause I answered in a similar fashion to the wrong girl... Got in little trouble... But in the end kind of funny
Anyway shame on Sammy on this one. Very unprofessional...
Been reading the previous posts. My point was not to be critical of the OS itself. I do believe it's a much better OS than WM. It was much more about the applications that are still rough on the edges and not as mature as for other platforms
another example: in the samsung messaging application you cannot click on an HTML link to go straight to the webpage. Which year are we? 2005?
I too am very happy with my TP2, but I want a 7" phone. Although the Tab is the most close, it is still not there: many web contents are still available to WM and iPad only, the CDMA versions cannot make calls and are too pricey for the sluggish built-in browser.
Fixup said:
I too am very happy with my TP2, but I want a 7" phone. Although the Tab is the most close, it is still not there: many web contents are still available to WM and iPad only, the CDMA versions cannot make calls and are too pricey for the sluggish built-in browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both now
Just need to find a good way to sync SMS between both...
Sad point is in the US you cannot have 2 SIMs with the same number. Otherwise would be living ina perfect world
Just found out it may not be possible to change my outlook calendar entries inthe Samsung calendar
i can delete but not move it to another dats
Maybe I am not doing it right... But we are getting close to a deal breaker
Honestly Android is a cool toy but feels so far from a professional well rounded product and only comparing with WM 6.5...
more and more diaappointed day by day..
This is why android is so great though...you said you had no complaints about the hardware being used, and I hear that a lot.
There are so many developers working on android devices including the tab trying to improve the UI and enable hardware acceleration etc.
I think that within a few months the tab will have roms that will fix or work around the various issues that are present in the current tab software.
Agreed android has a great future ahead
but there is quote some work to do. We are not there yet!!
Alcibiade said:
Agreed android has a great future ahead
but there is quote some work to do. We are not there yet!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the point is that Android scores lots of points where WinMo scores none, and vice versa!
My business uses Google Apps for Domains, so Android is a massive win for me. If your an MS shop, WinMo stills holds a great hand though 3rd party apps on Android can fill many of the gaps.
Over time we will see an awful lot of convergence - WP7 will get better and so will Android.
To be honest, for the most part, thus far Google have pitched Android as a consumer rather than business OS, and have relied on 3rd parties to provide full business integration. I expect 2011 will bring more to the biz table.
Regards,
Dave
Hi all,
As a new dev in the android ecosystem, I am looking for other devs feedback on the following.
I have an app with about a few thousands user base. Growing slightly, but also with a decreasing active ratio.
As my revenue is ads driven, I'd like to experiment a few tricks to encourage users to use the app more, without being too intrusive.
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
-> Devs, any stories on trying something similar?
Any feedback appreciated.
I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Wish I could help with the question, but I'm not really sure how to expose apps to a wider audience. I've thought about porting to iPhone/iPad and Windows Mobile to expand my user base. But I'm still pretty new to Android development and want to get more into it before learning yet another programming language right now.
I've actually thought of going to local bars and trying to strike-up conversations with people using smartphones and showing them my apps. Maybe buy them a drink LOL.
I firmly believe that if you have a solid working app and one person uses it, they may tell 5 of their friends and maybe 2 of them will buy it and tell 5 more people of which 1 or 2 might but it. Pyramid type sales but it's slow moving.
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'
adn37 said:
A few ideas:
- show a notification after a few days that the app hasn't been used, to encourage the user using it again.
- feature: user can share the app's install page with friends (stimulate organic growth), via a share intent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your first option sounds REALLY annoying. Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
Rootstonian said:
What kind of bothers me is all the damn FREE apps out there; I think they should be segregated from the Google Market; I've yet to go to any type of Market and get something for free! LOL And I wonder about free apps sometimes. Take SMS pop-up or whatever it's called. It's a decent app...it's free. I saw it at "over 250,000 downloads". Well, why didn't they charge $1.00 or $0.50 for it (do the math, I'll take $125,000!!). Any possibility it's forwarding people's text messages? Just sayn'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not everyone is in it for the money. Some people just maybe write something that is missing on the market but don't want to make money from it. It might be just their hobby. Not everyone needs to be capitalistic, trying to turn everything into revenue.
The Android market is a lot about freedom, and there is high competition between free and paid apps. If your sole intent is to make money on apps, you will probably better off trying to target iOS. The most recent news I have is that an average iOS user will spend 7 times as much money on apps than an Android user. I think this fact kind of speaks for itself.
However if you still want to stick by, here are a couple of things I would suggest:
Offer a (free) lite version of your application as this will give users the ability to see whether your app means business or not, and if they'll like it they might go further to go for the paid version.
Android market uses keyword searching (there's probably a better term), so make sure your description hits as many possible words that may be applicable to your product while not being too heavy to read.
Advertising... don't ask me where as I wouldn't be able to help much with that. But if you're in it to make money, you probably have a business model so you should have some capital too that you can put into advertising.
That's about all I guess.
@Rootstonian
I have apps on the market, and in the last 3 months have made over $1k off ads in my free version, while only making about $250 off of the full paid version.
Very good responses there This forum does have some very intelligent people on it!
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. If that hurts my sales, then so be it; I can live with that. I won't allow ads in my apps.
As far as free versions, I would have to write "crippled" versions of the programs to limit full functionality. Well, not going to do that either. And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
Actually, the 15 minute return policy has hurt me I think. Some apps just can't be reviewed in 15 minutes, to wit, my current (almost done) Spam Text Blocker. There is no way someone can evaluate that in 15 minutes, so I have to code some type of limit on how many rows can go into the spam database.
Anyways, I'm way off topic (as usual) and being negative which is usually something I don't do. And I must remember, my stuff has only been out ONE month.
I do use a Macbook Pro, and I have downloaded the iPhone SDK; maybe I should take a break from Android OS and port a couple of apps to iOS and see what they do.
P.S. A smart man doesn't limit his options. How does the apps with ads stuff work?
Just apply to admob, its easy. They give nicely detailed usage statistics too
hi all,
Thanks for the feedback.
On "tell a friend about this app" feature:
Your second option sounds perfectly fine. See later on for further points on what might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll just stick with that, then. Any idea what's best to link to? A blog? Android market?
I'm still looking for an app that does it in a nice way, as a case study.
I'm a new developer, old-time programmer. Put 2 apps out December 21, 2009 and I'm approaching a whopping 30 sales; be happy you have 1,000+ (or more)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel you. Unfortunately, this is all about execution and idea potential. As coders, we are often thinking about code quality, this is only the 1st step.
On ads: at the end of the day, it might be a hobby to design apps, but fun decreases when it comes down to fixing bugs for the sake of it. Ihmo, a slight revenue is good, as it encourages devs to keep up enhancing their apps.
I'm anti-adware unfortunately. ... And to be honest, who can't afford $1.00?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not a big fan of ads neither. It's all about culture. On Android, people are reticent to pay.
Good points and well said Adn
I actually got into this starting with Google Market apps, but my true goal is to get into corporate mobile development. I feel this is a technology barely in it's infancy. Just as almost all business' needed a web page, I think the same will hold true for a mobile app.
I just put in my resume to a company looking for an iPhone developer (1 year contract), but they also wanted to talk to Android developers too (wish me luck LOL).
Now, I'm on the fence as to what platform to go with. I think with the iPhone AND iPad, that iOS is the way to go with regards to corporate coding; so I'm going to head in that direction for now.