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Devs - I have been following the android development here on and off. I feel I've had enough of WM 6.5 and want to jump over to android. I have been doing lots of reading lately, but am not getting answers to few questions - Please let me know if android supports the following, I'm continuing my research as well
1) Exchange support: My office e-mail is also synced to my HD2. Does Android allow this?
2) Geo-tagging of pictures
3) Do we have any equivalent of Microsoft myphone? It feels good to have all data backed up to the cloud each night.
4) Twitter / Facebook - no worries here. official apps available
5) Compatibilty with MS Office apps? Can we view/edit excel, ppt's and word docs?
6) RSS feed readers? I use the one that comes with Sense
7) Facebook / Contacts integration
8) What is the best way of exporting PIM data (appointments, messages, contacts) from WM and importing it into Android?
9) Do we have complete media support? I have a good collection of songs and movies on my phone now. Also, does android support hardware acceleration for movies like the HTC photos app does?
10) Does GPS and the digital compass work? does the Google maps app on Android make use of the GPS receiver?
More questions as and when they come up.
I am on the following:
ROM version: 1.48.720.2 WWE
Radio version: 2.05.51.05_2
I am running the stock ROM that came with the phone, and I've got only the official hotfixes from the HTC site. Anything else I should be aware of while upgrading?
thanks in advance for all the help!
I have just installed my first android rom and I don't think you are going to get all you are hoping for. Most things work, depending on which build you go for but as I found you only have about half the functionality you get from WM6.5 - not because of the operating system, android is very slick and pretty, but it's the software you've accumulated over the years that makes the difference.
I think if I spent a few weeks accumulating all the apps then things might get close but android feels a little restrictive after so many years using WM.
You are best off trying it, it will run alongside WM with a little effort.
Upgrading to another ROM & radio is your first step, I'm using the latest stock 3.14 with no problem. Format a fresh SD card and start to load it, make sure all your WM apps are shut as windows exits very fast.
I have to say that the browser in android is the best I have ever seen on any device, flash works, videos play, browsing is almost the same as a desktop - it makes WM look it's age.
1. Yup, Ecxchange ActiveSync is part of android.
2. I've never really used it on Darkstone's FroyoStone, but it's part of the settings in the camera, and it activates the GPS.. So I guess so.
3. I use Gmail. It syncs mail, contacts and calendar. Really haven't searched for anything else, since I used gmail in WinMo.
4. You said it, man.
5. No idea.
6. Plenty on the market, and lots of them are free.
7. Works like a charm, and imho better than WinMo.
8. Again, I used Gmail. It doesn't export messages, but that didn't bother me.
9. No idea.
10. Yes. I'm having a feeling that sometimes my digital compass is acting a little weird, but I'm not sure. Maybe its my sense of orientation thats a little weird
I must say that I feel the exact opposite of boomboomer, android doesnt feel the slightest restrictive to me. The android OS as a whole took a couple of days to get used to, but the plethora of possibilities available just in the android market seems just awesome to me. I spend two days on finding the equivalent WinMo apps on the android market, and stumbled upon a lot more awesome apps in the process. (Even found my beloved Chuck Norris app!
But I do agree on the browser. It really is lightning fast!
You can use Sprite Migrate to move contacts and anything else from WM to Android. Ill post the steps later is necessary but you should be able to just Google it.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App
Klovnecaspar said:
1. Yup, Ecxchange ActiveSync is part of android.
2. I've never really used it on Darkstone's FroyoStone, but it's part of the settings in the camera, and it activates the GPS.. So I guess so.
3. I use Gmail. It syncs mail, contacts and calendar. Really haven't searched for anything else, since I used gmail in WinMo.
4. You said it, man.
5. No idea.
6. Plenty on the market, and lots of them are free.
7. Works like a charm, and imho better than WinMo.
8. Again, I used Gmail. It doesn't export messages, but that didn't bother me.
9. No idea.
10. Yes. I'm having a feeling that sometimes my digital compass is acting a little weird, but I'm not sure. Maybe its my sense of orientation thats a little weird
I must say that I feel the exact opposite of boomboomer, android doesnt feel the slightest restrictive to me. The android OS as a whole took a couple of days to get used to, but the plethora of possibilities available just in the android market seems just awesome to me. I spend two days on finding the equivalent WinMo apps on the android market, and stumbled upon a lot more awesome apps in the process. (Even found my beloved Chuck Norris app!
But I do agree on the browser. It really is lightning fast!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
boomboomer said:
I have just installed my first android rom and I don't think you are going to get all you are hoping for. Most things work, depending on which build you go for but as I found you only have about half the functionality you get from WM6.5 - not because of the operating system, android is very slick and pretty, but it's the software you've accumulated over the years that makes the difference.
I think if I spent a few weeks accumulating all the apps then things might get close but android feels a little restrictive after so many years using WM.
You are best off trying it, it will run alongside WM with a little effort.
Upgrading to another ROM & radio is your first step, I'm using the latest stock 3.14 with no problem. Format a fresh SD card and start to load it, make sure all your WM apps are shut as windows exits very fast.
I have to say that the browser in android is the best I have ever seen on any device, flash works, videos play, browsing is almost the same as a desktop - it makes WM look it's age.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes all of those things are functional in hyperdroid 1.6. This is what I run. I have posted my directions here. Easy to follow:
http://leoandroid.com/viewtopic.php?f=212&t=168
Thanks everyone for your feedback.
@ Klovnecaspar - how do you sync messages and pics to the cloud? gmail takes care of contacts, mails and appointments
@Zynro - Thanks. I will try it out.
@AMCjungle - Looks like a pretty detailed procedure. I don't have a T mobile HD2. It's a T8585 model. Would there be any change in the procedure?
Okay. I've made the jump. Installed the stock 3.14 ROM followed by the darkstone froyo build. Everything's good so far, still setting up everything ....
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Don't hesitate to post your feelings about it when you get used to android... I loved wm, but use android on my hd2 for months and honestly I can't go back.
My first tips are:
don't use a task killer it will be counter productive
Use an alternative home, launcher pro is highly recommended
For a business use, calendar widgets like pure calendar and pure grid calendar are very readable and customizable
Titanium backup is able to backup all your programs and their data on your sd card. You can after upload them in a dropbox account. Indispensable in case you have a problem or want to change build
For editing office files, the best I found is documents to go. Give it a try its great.
The only drawback I found is that you can't sync your notes with onenote. There are some great apps for notes that can sync to cloud like catch but I prefer use a simple text document with the powerful search features of the file editor Astro.
Oh for playing videos rockplayer is free, and play all kind of videos without a glitch, even with subtitles if you want.
hope that will help your experience
Wow...thanks a ton...will get titanium backup asap.
I've started to encounter the data corruption issue...missing files some of them appear in the "lost. dir" folder.
Another issue is with the data connection...it drops intermittently ans I have to switch on the airplane mode and then turn it off to restore the connection.
Any thoughts?
Overall, it has been a fabulous experience. It would be wonderful if HTC released an official rom for the hd2
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
So after all the hype, the troubles getting an activation code, and then installing WP7 on my HD2, I sit here waiting for my Android DesireHD Nand build to finish re-installing on my device.
I thank the community so much, as I was so obsessed with getting WP7 (i've been a fan of Microsoft's os since my dell axim days) that I was even planning on upgrading my contract early just to get an HD7.
But the truth is.. in which way is this better than WM 6.5?? After two minutes in on this OS i sat there thinking to myself: "Really!!??" Oh wait this is how the dude who made the new Windows Phone commercial got the idea...
Just my two cents.
fair point..
It just depends on what you want to get out of it.
Android may work better for your needs now, WP7 with a bit of development may work for you better in the future.
I tried android for a few months a while back (the SD card builds) and liked it initially but then I found it couldn't do everything I wanted in 6.5. The lack of an equivilant to Softmaker was important.
Granted WP7 cant do anywhere near what 6.5 could (lacking of decent office apps like softmaker) but it does what it does very well. Right now i'm enjoying the ride - It reminds me when I first started palying around with my SPV C500
i had very poor expectations, im a heavy WM6.5 user and i ran Android of SD as a general intrest but since ive got WP7 ive found myself thinking, you know what, it works, it works well, its quick and i dont have this urge to mod the crap out of it.
The only thing WP7 on HD2 lacks is a decent camera app.
Above that, i suppose there is a couple of programs i need from WM which is a real pain, i really think that WP7 needs some kind of advanced mode, every day joe via the carriers wouldnt need it but a hidden setting could open it up for us, that way MS keeps its image, its identity to the world and we get that wee bit more freedom we all want, that setting would apply to business users that may need more access, and again, by checking that option MS removes all responsibility from anything that goes wrong, everyone wins!
Most people just want a phone that just works and it is easy to work with. And I think WP7 is very easy to use, and will appeal to the masses.
Need to say more??? wp7 is easy to use, user frienldy and....AWESOME...
I also love Android because you can customize it, many apps and more! But there is something with wp7 that makes me horny!
Just stick around with WP7 and i think it wont dissapoint you!
i have to agree with most of the positive comments here ... i only tried wp7 out of curiosity and just because our beloved hd2 can!! i was pleasantly surprised at the speed and usability. i love the nice clean interface especially the mail client. sure it lacks a lot of apps at the moment but surprisingly i the angry birds withdrawal symptom went away faster than i expected and i'm finding it hard to go back to android even though i do have it on as dual boot.
Actually the only things I really miss from WM6.5/Android are:
1. Choice of browsers. IE Mobile is fine but some sites are not dispaying properly. Opera usually fixes this in WM6.5 and Android.
2. Some sort of Skype, but I guess this is coming soon to WP7 anyway.
3. Ability to attach any sort of file to e-mails. I'm still to figure out how I can attach and send a PDF i downloaded through the browser
Other than that WP7 has many pluses:
1. Excellent e-mail client. By far the best out there on ANY smartphone.
2. Best Office experience out there.
3. Mind blowing games
4. Very neat and clean interface.
5. It's fast and furious.
TheOnly1 said:
Actually the only things I really miss from WM6.5/Android are:
1. Choice of browsers. IE Mobile is fine but some sites are not dispaying properly. Opera usually fixes this in WM6.5 and Android.
2. Some sort of Skype, but I guess this is coming soon to WP7 anyway.
3. Ability to attach any sort of file to e-mails. I'm still to figure out how I can attach and send a PDF i downloaded through the browser
Other than that WP7 has many pluses:
1. Excellent e-mail client. By far the best out there on ANY smartphone.
2. Best Office experience out there.
3. Mind blowing games
4. Very neat and clean interface.
5. It's fast and furious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nicely said dude!
Yeah I agree with most of this.
WP7 is slick, and i really like the basic functions.
WP7
+dialer/txt/email
+Zune
+presentation
-slow to load apps
-hardly any apps and the price of apps is high (no skype, no Nav, no flash, no XDA)
-having to reload apps, (no multitasking)
-browser isn't recognised as mobile a lot of the time
- that tile list is going to get very long once more apps come
Agreed. Nice, clean and simple. Reminds us that it doesn't always have to be about 300 different (mostly unnecessary) apps and all the other bells and whistles but a nice simple and effective interface. Wasn't too sure about it at first but it's definitely growing on me!
GeoMil said:
- no Nav)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Nav = Navigon Select. Works very fine
I agree with the possetive comments too
but the minuses :
there's no GPS and that sucks (hope to find some)
No greats APPs that I love like WhatsAPP, Waze, Skype...
and Not a big fan of the Camera.
But... And this is A Big but...
The OS is Awesome!!! the speed, the clean, the beauty
I'm tempted... but
Is there any solution that's working for WiFi tethering? Is there a multi-client IM app? I also would prefer that there was a better way than through the browser to access gmail and google voice, but I doubt we'll ever see a native app for either of those.
I may load it when I have a couple of days to play just for general interest though.
You don't need a "native" Gmail client. Outlook handles Gmail more than fine and delivers it as push mail if you wish so. WP7 syncs also with Google Calender and GMail Contacts, so switching forth and back between WP7 and Android is very pleasent as all your contacts and appointments are instantly there
I was shocked to see how well WP7 supports Google services
Pros:
WP7 is FAST
Love the GUI
Love integration of social stuff
Zune
Xbox Live
Most of the apps I need are there and are better than anywhere else (Twitter, RSS, Facebook, Ebay etc.)
Games are good
Cons:
Absence of smart dialer!
USB drive! (there is no legal way how to get 55MB pdf to the device)
No data backup!
No multitasking for in app downloads etc (coming)
More customization (backgrounds, ringtones)
****ed up syncing with live (I have horrible problems with my main Live ID)
Poor contacts management (no groups, no favorites)
Absence of some apps (Zinio, proper turn by turn, flash) - they are coming, and I understand, that this is normal with new OS:
I love WP7 and am sticking with it. For me, there is more pros than cons. Everything Windows phone does, it does right. MS just needs to bring us the stuff that WP currently doesnt do
I have been using WP7 since it was made available for HD2 and I love it. Very fast and clean UI.
I agree with everything you have here. Its actually kind of nice to have a OS that just works. I haven't restarted my phone in almost 3 wks now. Microsoft really needs to step up with their Bing turn-by-turn directions and new hardware. If HTC comes out with better hardware for Tmobile soon I will definitely upgrade to windows phone 7.
Wp7 is ok but it really needs a better browser! I'm back to android only because of missing flash and the bad browser experience
Edit: the locked down OS is another no go for me. I need usb storage and teetering.
I prefer WP7 over Android because it offers proxy setting right out of the box. To me Android is just a fancier Windows Mobile. And I quite like the smoothness of IE though I wish it would handle more than 6 tabs.
chumaj001 said:
Cons:
Absence of smart dialer!
USB drive! (there is no legal way how to get 55MB pdf to the device) even The OS is not legal, so you should be fine with the illegal way
No data backup! Coming soon with the next update prob.
No multitasking for in app downloads etc (can be done with 3rd party soon)
More customization (backgrounds, ringtones) with chevron you can
****ed up syncing with live (I have horrible problems with my main Live ID) Only with you
Poor contacts management (no groups, no favorites)
Absence of some apps (Zinio, proper turn by turn, flash) - they are coming, and I understand, that this is normal with new OS:
I love WP7 and am sticking with it. For me, there is more pros than cons. Everything Windows phone does, it does right. MS just needs to bring us the stuff that WP currently doesnt do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I <3 WP7 forever
Hi All,
I'm not following the usual paths. I've developed apps for WP7, but now accept that I also need to develop for Android.
Consequently, I need an Android phone as a development test unit. I'm looking at the HTC Desire S or Incredible S phones.
My concern is that I understand that HTC has locked these phones from rerooting.
Would this stop me from creating my apps and testing them on one of these phones, without having to sign up as a developer on the Marketplace.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
Cheers.
You don't need a rooted device to test apps, and a properly installed Eclipse setup will automatically run and debug your app on the phone itself regardless of whether the phone is rooted or whether you are registered as a developer on Android Market. In fact, you can start without even having a phone. The Android SDK for eclipse has a very functional Android emulator included.
But, if you want to browse your db data from developed application root will be helpful. Anyway root is not required.
Yep, you definitely dont' need a rooted phone to develop for Android. I developed my first app and published it before rooting my phone.
As Gene Poole said you can dev even without a phone. I use IntelliJ instead of eclipse - it has Android plugin too, but I think IDE is just personal preference. Though testing on an actual, physical phone is highly recommended.
afaik, there are some cases where you'll need a rooted phone, eg: if you want to make a screenshot app then you might need to root your phone. Though I think this is only if you're doing super funky stuff then you might need a rooted phone, but normal dev should be fine.
As the title says. I'm looking to try out a wm7 phone. I have been on android and never used a wm phone before. Is it easy to flash roms onto them? (has anyone made a guide?). Also any opinions from you experience with the phone would be greatly appreciated.
It depends.
skathed said:
As the title says. I'm looking to try out a wm7 phone. I have been on android and never used a wm phone before. Is it easy to flash roms onto them? (has anyone made a guide?). Also any opinions from you experience with the phone would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends how open minded you are for radical changes in some aspects, Android is a more messed up OS, you have plenty of options(many of which you never use) on the other hand WP7 is a more restrictive OS, you can't do many things here without a full unlock or in other cases (like notification center) even a full unlock won't help(well there is a notification center in the workings on this site(www.windowsphonehacker.com), but i'm on WP7 from the beginning and actually never quite needed one as live tiles are very functional and are capable of storing great amount of information(of course if the developer wasn't lazy and implemented this).
All in all, a fully unlocked device will give you the kind of freedom( sideloading apps, even installing apps from the browser, storing apps in the internal memory of the phone, messing up with the background colors, tiles of the screen, lockscreen customization, creating folders with apps on the start screen, changing values inaccessible for non unlocked devices(like adding *never* option to the lockscreen timeout, and many others).
But you will find and many things that you didn't experience on android, like the search experience, the integrated office experience(a very useful thing if you work with documents), facebook, twitter, linkedin and mail integration and the feeling of security you don't expect from another OS, no bloatware and the stability no other OS can offer, as the speed of the system isn't changing over time )).
Thanks that helps heaps. Im getting less confident in Androids safety since they have the largest slice of the consumer pie. I have ordered one from overseas (dont sell this model in my country) and hope to see it soon.
Some help.
skathed said:
Thanks that helps heaps. Im getting less confident in Androids safety since they have the largest slice of the consumer pie. I have ordered one from overseas (dont sell this model in my country) and hope to see it soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Well i can give you some useful advices )) , when creating your live id select your country as US or UK as this setting determines your marketplace region and if the marketplace isn't present in your country you will literally have no apps to install ))
2) As you get your device, don't bother with official updates, install a custom bootloader from here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1485569 , but BEWARE --> check your device revision( 1.3 or 1.4) if you get a 1.3 revision device you're lucky as these usually get more custom love )) and after you install the bootloader you can install this great rom for revision 1.3 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2016769
or this rom for 1.4 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024825
3) In settings of the device there is the Region+Language option, there you select your region for correct date/time/currency and other stuff BUT for the Browser & search language select English United States as this setting will give you the full Search experience( i mean Local Scout/Music/Vision and Voice, these functions are very neat, you'll understand ( search youtube for WP7 search )
4) Make sure you install these great homebrew apps :
- Bazaar
- Bt File transfer
- Blue Manager(requires the previous to work)
- Call Manager
- File Manager
- Folders( www.windowsphonehacker.com )
- Marketplace Config( helps changing marketplace settings so you can download other OEM's goodies )
- Nokia apps( must have)
- Program Manager
- WPH tweaks ( again www.windowsphonehacker.com )
5) The device has a microsd slot, but BEWARE, not any microsd will work for it, you will find a list of working cards here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Samsung_Focus , i myself added there the A-Data 16GB Class 4 (AUSDH16GCL4-RA1) as this is what i use now in my Focus, and it's working fantasticly well for 2 years already.
And there is one more thing you need to know about the microsd, it will not work as it used to work on android phones, here you must install it from the beginning because the OS formats it and it merges with the internal memory, so in the end it behaves like one unified memory, you can't access it aside from your device, and you can't swap cards, ass swapping cards requires HARD REST of the device, so if you plan to put a microsd card doit from the beginning.
Well, good luck ))
If you really can't wait for a Windows Phone 8, Samsung Focus is still available on eBay for about $125. It's worth the money without doubt. The only problem is that it comes with no warranty whatsoever.
Wait and get a WP8?
skathed said:
As the title says. I'm looking to try out a wm7 phone. I have been on android and never used a wm phone before. Is it easy to flash roms onto them? (has anyone made a guide?). Also any opinions from you experience with the phone would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Focus is a solid phone (I'm still using mine and I've gone through 3 custom ROMS - I'm currently using Voluptuary's clean WP7.8 ROM), and it's pretty simple to root it and install a custom ROM on it. That said, it's probably worthwhile to get a WP8 device if you can manage the extra cash. Nokia has some cheaper WP8 offerings, if I'm not mistaken. I think the Lumia 620 is $250 or so.
Hello Guys,
before I start: My apologies for this, I am not quite sure if I am even in the right Topic.
I think of myself as pretty new to Android, but got some experiences in Rooting, Custom Roms and such. But that is already as far as it gets.
Now my Problem: We lost our BES and now my Company decided to go with Android (SG4 I9505) and I have to make it happen :angel:.
1. I Need some Kind of Freeware tool to administer Android Devices (Basic: find device, delete data, restrict Apps)
2. If something like this dont exist (which I dont think-I just havent found it)), I would Need to know if I can use CM 10.2 as our Standard Rom and before you start rolling your eyes with experimental and such....
I have to restrict the phone solely to Telefone, Exchange and some preselected (mostly travel)Tools. NO GAPPS!!! and I think that nightly CM provides this with no problems
To realize this I downloaded the nightly from 18th, I think. I then added some APK´s into \System\app Folder and installed the ROM. This actually worked fine until I updated to phone afterwards via build in updating tool - all Tools were gone.(what did I miss?)
Now, our Standard is SG4 I-9505.
Any ideas on how I could do this? (I couldnt find what I was looking for)
1. Adminster a fleet of androids (free)
2. Customize a Custom ROM for corporate Identity (How to pre-setup Exchange Boot Logo, Lockscreen, etc.)
3. or customize a ROM to the Point it cannot do much except what is in the \System\app Folder and turn off updates
Any link is much appreciated. Sadly there is sooooo much andoid articles out there that I seem to get lost while searching for the right one. Thanks in advance!!!!
AccEss-dEniEd said:
1. Adminster a fleet of androids (free)
2. Customize a Custom ROM for corporate Identity (How to pre-setup Exchange Boot Logo, Lockscreen, etc.)
3. or customize a ROM to the Point it cannot do much except what is in the \System\app Folder and turn off updates
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is I'll get flamed for saying this - but here goes.
Android corporate (MDM) leaves a lot to be desired next to iOS, at least as far as I've been able to find. We manage a lot of iPads and obviously minus the custom ROM we've been able to do it all for little to no cost. We've shied away from Android a lot because of the limited MDM control.
But, since you asked:
1. Meraki Systems Manager (and the accompanying app from Google Play)
2. Good luck with that
3. See number 2
I think the reality is you're going to need to do something to the effect of either cook your own ROM and deploy it or use a tool like CWM to create an "image" that you would then restore to the devices. I did that with a batch of 60+ Nexus 7s and it worked out pretty well.
Edit:
With all that said - I would urge your management to reconsider their approach as the world has changed since Blackberry was the only game in town. Yes, still stick with MDM, device location, remote wipe etc. But unless you're dealing with highly sensitive information (exp banking), let people actually USE the device you're giving them. Don't lock it down to where its basically a first generation iPhone. I'm a big fan of giving someone a good tool and letting them use it the way that works best for them, while still keeping the device and more importantly the data under corporate control.
Assuming you have Exchange, does this not provide the management part?
AccEss-dEniEd said:
Hello Guys,
before I start: My apologies for this, I am not quite sure if I am even in the right Topic.
I think of myself as pretty new to Android, but got some experiences in Rooting, Custom Roms and such. But that is already as far as it gets.
Now my Problem: We lost our BES and now my Company decided to go with Android (SG4 I9505) and I have to make it happen :angel:.
1. I Need some Kind of Freeware tool to administer Android Devices (Basic: find device, delete data, restrict Apps)
2. If something like this dont exist (which I dont think-I just havent found it)), I would Need to know if I can use CM 10.2 as our Standard Rom and before you start rolling your eyes with experimental and such....
I have to restrict the phone solely to Telefone, Exchange and some preselected (mostly travel)Tools. NO GAPPS!!! and I think that nightly CM provides this with no problems
To realize this I downloaded the nightly from 18th, I think. I then added some APK´s into \System\app Folder and installed the ROM. This actually worked fine until I updated to phone afterwards via build in updating tool - all Tools were gone.(what did I miss?)
Now, our Standard is SG4 I-9505.
Any ideas on how I could do this? (I couldnt find what I was looking for)
1. Adminster a fleet of androids (free)
2. Customize a Custom ROM for corporate Identity (How to pre-setup Exchange Boot Logo, Lockscreen, etc.)
3. or customize a ROM to the Point it cannot do much except what is in the \System\app Folder and turn off updates
Any link is much appreciated. Sadly there is sooooo much andoid articles out there that I seem to get lost while searching for the right one. Thanks in advance!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I currently work in the infrastructure of a good sized corporation. We're using IOS with a mixture of android hardware and there's some good news and bad news for what you want to do.
Good news is, like Jpcurrie said, exchange will handle remote wiping and locking the phone down. you can require the phone to use a PIN, remote wipe and and a bit more. As for locating the phone, Google actually has finally built in remote locating of your device and remote wipe as well. There's a couple good apps out there (lookout) will turn on your GPS and allow you to locate the phone and they're free. If you happen to have a virtualized environment with VMware, you could also use VMware View Horizons which builds in a secure sector on the phone and you can remotely manage which apps and files the user can use. the best part of View is you can use a BYOD model and keep corporate data secure. The biggest issue is if you don't happen to already use a VMware architecture it gets pricey quickly.
Here's the rub now. you want to install your own logos on the bootup which you could do by installing a custom ROM. This will void your warranty on the hardware and as it isn't 100% stable you'll be spending a LOT of time trying to keep a consistent environment.
Like netsyd said, talk to management about an MDM, and the branding of the devices, maybe even talk to them about using a BYOD to reduce costs of hardware and administration of that hardware.
Isn´t Knox supposed to allow administrators to only delete the data that belongs to the Corporate account (emails, calendars, tasks, etc.), or an administrator can still force a full device wipe? Sorry if the questions is too basic, I've tried searching around for info on Knox but couldn't find anything besides press releases.
I'm not a network administrator, I'm just a user and my school secure wifi installs a device administrator.
I'm sorry to deviate the topic a little bit from the original.
At Delta we use Air Watch but it's far from free. You can however manage devices and remote wipe. You can also view installed apps and remove what should not be there. Options for device profiles also. I help maintain these devices everyday. Not Free but an MDM is your best bet.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
long time - no see
Hiya,
sorry I didn t answer - kinda was overwhelmed with this Task.
Wanted still to thank you: I did what you suggestet and wanted to let you know where I am now.
1. Meraki = implemented - now runnning 160+ devices. (at no costs)
2. CM12.1 implemented (without GAPPS/no SU)
3. Standard Image/w Apps defined. (Mostly Offline capable Tools like "here" etc.(which actually reduced costs))
4. Since Android has limited capability to be administered in a "real" professional Fashion we mitigated this issue by creating a policy to forbid the user to temper with the device (e.g. Installation of Software/SU etc) yet to allow the Installation of Software manually by us via creating a ticket. We check the Software mainly for "sanity" and malware and install it if ok.
This has been working so far like a charm for us. None of the user were happy to loose the Gapps obviously - but once they had their Software and settled in, all was ok. For the Administering part: Meraki can tell me if Software is beeing installed without our Knowledge, also we see if SM doesnt speak with us anymore. So, for now, we got the most out of the System and I am happy to say: I got minimal Control in a Quality sense. No no more "KO Critera" - and we have implemented Android. Tracking etc. is forbidden in Germany anyway - so we use Meraki mainly to wipe if lost and to check if someone goes against policy.
What is still open:
- I am still working on a way to have the user enter his credentials and automatically enter These in all respective config files. (haven't had much luck - with the absense of SU obviously.
- a Little cosmetics still open (I am still trying to figure out how the theming really works ... I usually f**k up the Pictures and sounds.... but so far making Progress
- with less and less good Android devices coming out (now, I am probably beeing flamed now ) that suits our needs (open bootloader, known/supported CPUs, removable battery, SD Card Slot) - I think we might Switch by Q4/2016.
netsyd said:
My guess is I'll get flamed for saying this - but here goes.
Android corporate (MDM) leaves a lot to be desired next to iOS, at least as far as I've been able to find. We manage a lot of iPads and obviously minus the custom ROM we've been able to do it all for little to no cost. We've shied away from Android a lot because of the limited MDM control.
But, since you asked:
1. Meraki Systems Manager (and the accompanying app from Google Play)
2. Good luck with that
3. See number 2
I think the reality is you're going to need to do something to the effect of either cook your own ROM and deploy it or use a tool like CWM to create an "image" that you would then restore to the devices. I did that with a batch of 60+ Nexus 7s and it worked out pretty well.
Edit:
With all that said - I would urge your management to reconsider their approach as the world has changed since Blackberry was the only game in town. Yes, still stick with MDM, device location, remote wipe etc. But unless you're dealing with highly sensitive information (exp banking), let people actually USE the device you're giving them. Don't lock it down to where its basically a first generation iPhone. I'm a big fan of giving someone a good tool and letting them use it the way that works best for them, while still keeping the device and more importantly the data under corporate control.
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