Related
It was suggested that we start a thread specifically for the apps that run well on the Android port to the HTC Touch/Vogue. I personally own an (Sprint=CDMA) HTC Touch Diamond, but upon seeing the maturity level of Android running on the Touch, I immediately went to eBay and picked up the Touch handset...and I am glad I did. The only reason I boot back to winmo is for work calendar (Lotus), Skype (iSkoot kinda sucks), and Podcasts (hopefully we getting DoggCatcher soon).I've found that battery life with Togga on to be about 8-10 hours which I can live with it, but it's a pain to keep toggling if you really need to conserve (but it could be worse )I plan on posting more battery data soon, but need a few more days of collection. Hopefully we can find a more permanent way of managing the data connection with balance for battery life.
You can find many apps on http://slideme.org/, AndAppStore (both have phone clients - very market-like) and by searching ".apk" on 4shared.com
The apps I have found to run well on my CDMA with dzo/f00bar's (much respect) latest files:
-Scoreboard - I'm not that big of a sports fan, but this app is slick!
-aLastFM - Just got permission to post the link from the developer. Thanks Oleg!!
-Stocker - Simple but effective stock app, but no graphs. If someone could find a better one...
-Weather - Simple, but effective. Multiple Cities, current and forecast, with menu link to detailed outlook including radar from Undergroud Weather.
-AnyCut -Great for making shortcuts to just about any screen in the OS, especially useful for Battery and Sounds&Display
-TextEasy - for sending a text to multiple contacts, until someone can get a hold of ChomperSMS or K9SMS (K9Mail I have not gotten to work either, we need a better mail app, the native client doesn't even recognize URLS, wtf?!)
-OIFileManager - It's the only one I've tried, so can't comment on the others, but there are several out there. UPDATE: I tried out Astro and Glance. I liked Astro, but after a day it stopped working for me and gives me a force quit. I prefer Glance over OI FileManager, it's on 4shared I believe.
-OIFlashlight - amazing how handy this comes in
-OINewsReader - No frills RSS aggregator
-ShopSavvy - Did you say "We'll match any price"?...but be fast with your fingers, camera is not fine enough to capture the barcode
UPDATE:
I wanted to add SMS PopUp as another great app. You can find it along with a bunch of other APKs here. One of the G1 owners that grabbed all of the apps and is hosting them for download.
WANTED:
-DoggCatcher - for my daily podcast fix
-A true Skype client
-HEADPHONE SUPPORT!!
Please post replies with your own favorite apps that run well on this port (with links, please!)
Cheers!
Wow, no replies?!
I'm looking for SMS PopUp if anyone can post a link.
Cheers!
The Meebo app is well worth a look - look for it on 4shared.com. Lets you IM on just about any IM network (Yahoo, MSN, AIM etc). IMs appear in the notification bar while you are in any other program. Great stuff.
I believe im the only person hosting the meebo.apk at the moment.
Meebo Instant Messenger:
http://jonsingh.com/android/files/meebo.apk
I did recieve the "ok" from the meebo!
thanks
Jon
steve98 said:
The Meebo app is well worth a look - look for it on 4shared.com. Lets you IM on just about any IM network (Yahoo, MSN, AIM etc). IMs appear in the notification bar while you are in any other program. Great stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i installed and signed into my MSN account, however, just a white screen shows up. No list of contacts, etc. No menu options other than to add another account or sign off. Not exactly useful (at least this version). Is anyone using this successfully?
EDIT: I received a chat, and that gave me a buddy online, maybe no one on my list was signed on at the time I first checked.
Also, it doesnt remember your username and password, which is annoying because it randomly closed on me after tapping the notification in the bar during a chat session today. I'll keep looking for a better app or updated version.
Ideal2545 said:
I believe im the only person hosting the meebo.apk at the moment.
Meebo Instant Messenger:
http://jonsingh.com/android/files/meebo.apk
I did recieve the "ok" from the meebo!
thanks
Jon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you might be the only one who got the 'ok' from meebo but as i said, it can be found on 4shared.com also.
What about an updated version of Shopsavvy. Mine keeps saying there is a new version, but of course we can't update off the marketplace.
I'm looking for the Locale application. Even though we don't have GPS running, Locale still alows profile switching based on time and days of the week, which would be useful for office vs. non-office settings. If someone could post this I would appreciate it!
how do i install apps i have them saved to the storage card i just dont know how to load them up, sorry if this is a dumb question
thoughtlesskyle said:
how do i install apps i have them saved to the storage card i just dont know how to load them up, sorry if this is a dumb question
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they are in the AndroidApps folder then they should be installed already. I found that sometimes icons don't show up to launch the program, however. This is where AnyCut comes in handy. Use AnyCut to search in "Activities" to find your app. If you are not seeing it in this list then you may have to "manually" install the app. Open a file browser such as OI File Manager or Glance and navigate to your AndroidApps folder. Click on the .apk file and it should launch teh app installer.
Hope this helps.
Any word on aLastFM?
etx said:
Any word on aLastFM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the update first post.
Scoreboard.apk
I am very interested in the Scoreboard app, I got it running fine, but the other day the game I added to my favorite never really gave me updates until the game was over by a few hours.
Isnt this application able to provide real-time results?
I am having more success simply by going to www.nhl.com :-S
Thanks for aLastFM!
I was looking around and found another 4shared user with a bunch of APK's!
http://www.4shared.com/dir/11234070/20e0c1f0/sharing.html
Someone in the main topic said something about an ebay app. What is it and is it any good? Is it secure? It'd be nice to have for me.
There's been a couple apps I liked that didn't fit our screen plus having to reinstall android files often I lose all my saved info so it doesn't work out for me. Sprint needs to hurry up with an HTC Android phone.
Maybe a stupid question, not sure... Why can't someone extract the android market application from the G1 to be used on other phones? Seems a bit odd of Google to limit the market to only a specific phone.
There is a discussion about the marketplace on the big long forum. The marketplace is not open source. They're talking about the commands and encryption and such for it. I'd think it's not open because they plan on having pay for apps but I could be wrong
G1 Central
This is a must have for any one with a Grand Central account- G1 Central
http://evancharlton.com/projects/g1central
Allows you to place calls and check voicemail for your GrandCentral account. Pretty much allows for unlimited free calling. Works great on my friends G1.
Still missing a few features.. like the ability to call contacts that are only in your GC account, but still very good.
Heres the problem.. it crashes when trying to dial out on the Vogue!!! Ahhh!
So close to beating the telecoms... If anyone knows anything about error codes or how to get this working, I might have a GrandCentral account invite...
megalewis said:
I am very interested in the Scoreboard app, I got it running fine, but the other day the game I added to my favorite never really gave me updates until the game was over by a few hours.
Isnt this application able to provide real-time results?
I am having more success simply by going to www.nhl.com :-S
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I noticed this also. i resolved by changing my time zone in settings. Only problem is that this then modifies your "synced" time with your carrier, it adjusts + or - according to your time zone, so you have to comensate...each time you boot. Not by any means an elegant solution, but if you need realtime scores this is the answer. Probably better off sticking with NHL.com
aven_soulgazer said:
Someone in the main topic said something about an ebay app. What is it and is it any good? Is it secure? It'd be nice to have for me.
There's been a couple apps I liked that didn't fit our screen plus having to reinstall android files often I lose all my saved info so it doesn't work out for me. Sprint needs to hurry up with an HTC Android phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the "Ebay.apk" from 4Shared, but it doesn't display properly. The tabs extend all the way to the bottom of the other screen which is a common problem for us vogue port users.
It looks like the future of applications for Windows Mobile is leaning towards silverlight 2. So My goal for this summer is to create a good, fun or useful application using silver light. I just need some ideas. What do you guys want?
One app I've been looking for for years. Some apps have some functionality but nothing puts it together in a simple package.
Location Aware Reminders
set up points on a map where a reminder of user defined text would pop up when the device is within a specified distance from that point.
Case #1:
I get off of my freeway exit going home, pass the stoplight before the store, my device plays a recording "DUDE! PICK UP SOME MILK!".
Case #2:
I drive away from my house on a vacation, my device plays a recording "Did you remember to pack your underwear?"
User should be able to:
1. View a map with current location based on gps.
2. Move map to different locations.
3. Define and save a point on the map.
4. Define a distance from that point where reminder would fire.
5. Define the text of a reminder.
6. Define an audio file as a reminder.
7. Define a title for reminder
8. View list of reminders
9. When reminder fires there should be a Snooze and Delete Option.
10. Reminders should have a date/time window of when to fire.
10 ex. All Days, only between 4pm and 7pm.
10 ex. On May 25th. any time.
Yes, there are apps that "sort of" do this. But they are unuseable for this use.
Keeping the functionality simple and specific will ensure EASE OF USE and actual functionality.
I will GLADLY pay you $10 for this app.
sudermatt said:
One app I've been looking for for years. Some apps have some functionality but nothing puts it together in a simple package.
Location Aware Reminders
set up points on a map where a reminder of user defined text would pop up when the device is within a specified distance from that point.
Case #1:
I get off of my freeway exit going home, pass the stoplight before the store, my device plays a recording "DUDE! PICK UP SOME MILK!".
Case #2:
I drive away from my house on a vacation, my device plays a recording "Did you remember to pack your underwear?"
User should be able to:
1. View a map with current location based on gps.
2. Move map to different locations.
3. Define and save a point on the map.
4. Define a distance from that point where reminder would fire.
5. Define the text of a reminder.
6. Define an audio file as a reminder.
7. Define a title for reminder
8. View list of reminders
9. When reminder fires there should be a Snooze and Delete Option.
10. Reminders should have a date/time window of when to fire.
10 ex. All Days, only between 4pm and 7pm.
10 ex. On May 25th. any time.
Yes, there are apps that "sort of" do this. But they are unuseable for this use.
Keeping the functionality simple and specific will ensure EASE OF USE and actual functionality.
I will GLADLY pay you $10 for this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would it use GPS or the GSM/3G Network to determine location? Also what navigation software would this use for the maps? This is a good idea however this seems very intermediate. More ideas people.
I'd like this...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=426089
I would hope it would use the internal GPS.
I like the voice mail thing Like the iPhones right?
It would be nice if my wife could easily make entries via a website or a client on her desktop. (maybe not).
Actually, it would be kinda interesting. Driving down the street and having the app pop up something my friend put in there.
So you could have a group, and allow people to post GPS Pop Ups to your app.
"This is where I proposed to my wife".
"Don't even bother coming to the game tonight sucka cuz you're goin' down".
That would be kinda fun.
Just thinking out loud.
sudermatt said:
It would be nice if my wife could easily make entries via a website or a client on her desktop. (maybe not).
Actually, it would be kinda interesting. Driving down the street and having the app pop up something my friend put in there.
So you could have a group, and allow people to post GPS Pop Ups to your app.
"This is where I proposed to my wife".
"Don't even bother coming to the game tonight sucka cuz you're goin' down".
That would be kinda fun.
Just thinking out loud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great Idea. Only problem it is not even close to easy and I have no gps experience. But i might assemble a team to create this.
An XDA-Developers forum program that tracks your threads and alerts you when there's a new post, etc. Something that would be cooler than the actual site, and if you could, make it for our phones too.
This is very easy to answer:
1) To the date there isn't a SINGLE mobile e-mail client on the market, which is SIMPLE and FINGER FRIENDLY. In fact, there isn't any finger friendly e-mail clients at all. I think hords of users would welcome this kind of app.
2) Also there still isn't an on-demand connection chooser - look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408243
Thank You.
sudermatt said:
One app I've been looking for for years. Some apps have some functionality but nothing puts it together in a simple package.
Location Aware Reminders
set up points on a map where a reminder of user defined text would pop up when the device is within a specified distance from that point.
Case #1:
I get off of my freeway exit going home, pass the stoplight before the store, my device plays a recording "DUDE! PICK UP SOME MILK!".
Case #2:
I drive away from my house on a vacation, my device plays a recording "Did you remember to pack your underwear?"
User should be able to:
1. View a map with current location based on gps.
2. Move map to different locations.
3. Define and save a point on the map.
4. Define a distance from that point where reminder would fire.
5. Define the text of a reminder.
6. Define an audio file as a reminder.
7. Define a title for reminder
8. View list of reminders
9. When reminder fires there should be a Snooze and Delete Option.
10. Reminders should have a date/time window of when to fire.
10 ex. All Days, only between 4pm and 7pm.
10 ex. On May 25th. any time.
Yes, there are apps that "sort of" do this. But they are unuseable for this use.
Keeping the functionality simple and specific will ensure EASE OF USE and actual functionality.
I will GLADLY pay you $10 for this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I had the exact same idea. I'll be making this in silverlight/xaml since I know it's the future of WinMo.
Me and a couple of friends are trying to do this on 3 different platforms - and will be using WPF/Silverlight for WinMo
Don't we kinda need the WM Silverlight runtime first? Last time I checked, it's not out yet.
G-Profile??
aiiro said:
This is very easy to answer:
1) To the date there isn't a SINGLE mobile e-mail client on the market, which is SIMPLE and FINGER FRIENDLY. In fact, there isn't any finger friendly e-mail clients at all. I think hords of users would welcome this kind of app.
2) Also there still isn't an on-demand connection chooser - look here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=408243
Thank You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For #2, I might be completely misunderstanding you, but have you looked into G-Profile for this?
TheParadox said:
I like the voice mail thing Like the iPhones right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. Pretty much
@ Sean D:
About #2. You remember back in the dial-up days when You started Internet Explorer it had an option whether to ask the connection to use or not? Well, I think for PPC and the apps that need internet connection this would be the ideal solution - if You start PIE for example, the system will ask You whether You'd like to use WiFi or GPRS or whatever else connections You have and You'd just check the option that suites You the most at the given location. If You're in a cafe with free WiFi You'd choose to use WiFi, if You're in the woods You'd choose GPRS (or 3G or whatever similar). Instead of manually connecting to desired network before launching browser. I hope You get the idea...
G-profile is not asking You how to connect, it just manages Your connections with profiles for different occasions. You'd still have to manually choose a profile with the desired connections before launching a browser.
Ha!
aiiro said:
@ Sean D:
About #2. You remember back in the dial-up days when You started Internet Explorer it had an option whether to ask the connection to use or not? Well, I think for PPC and the apps that need internet connection this would be the ideal solution - if You start PIE for example, the system will ask You whether You'd like to use WiFi or GPRS or whatever else connections You have and You'd just check the option that suites You the most at the given location. If You're in a cafe with free WiFi You'd choose to use WiFi, if You're in the woods You'd choose GPRS (or 3G or whatever similar). Instead of manually connecting to desired network before launching browser. I hope You get the idea...
G-profile is not asking You how to connect, it just manages Your connections with profiles for different occasions. You'd still have to manually choose a profile with the desired connections before launching a browser.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I misunderstood you. But the funny thing is, i was just thinking that WM needs this function the other day.
So yeah, this gets my vote too.
Good, then it's settled
Well, OK, just one minor issue left - kinda have to wait for the approval from the thread starter too
FloatingFatMan said:
Don't we kinda need the WM Silverlight runtime first? Last time I checked, it's not out yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The whole point of this thread is that since it's pretty much confirmed there will be a silverlight or some type of WPF subset for WinMo, applications can be designed so that when devices do release, some changes can be made (e.g. support for accelerometer) so that the program can be released from the get-go.
It's also to provide devs with some practice with WPF/Silverlight
ND4SPD said:
Wow. I had the exact same idea. I'll be making this in silverlight/xaml since I know it's the future of WinMo.
Me and a couple of friends are trying to do this on 3 different platforms - and will be using WPF/Silverlight for WinMo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could care less about how it's written....I got $10 burnin a whole in my pocket for this app...
BTW...did you read my post about the community part of the app?
OK, seems it's again just one of those countless threads that get started with a big hooray and then is forgotten forever. I mean I still do post in these in hope that someone will some day build the connection manager I keep asking for, but having posted it already to couple of threads and seeing that after couple of days the thread just dies and the original author of thread mysteriously disappears, I think there are some dark forces behind it. OK, just kidding, but seriously, just from top of my head You can check this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=413600 - or this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=506672. They have all died as far as I know. Or if You just wanna have a laugh (completely off-topic) check this thread - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=425424
Hi everyone,
I am currently a Windows Mobile user, Xperia X1a, and am looking to switch to an Android device sometime soon. Since the Nexus One is on Android 2.1, I figured this would be a good place to ask a few quick questions, if any kind user could help
1) Button mapping -> On Windows Mobile it is possible to map different applications/actions to a button, as well as a different action based on a short click or a long tap/hold. Is there something similar in android? I had trouble finding it in the base 2.1 build in the Android SDK emulator
2) Calendars -> I believe that Android support multiple Calendars on device, unlike Windows Mobile, is this true? Or is it multiple calendars synced to the main Google Calendar in the crowd? (My main issue is I want to sync my work and home calendars as 2 different calendars on the phone, something I have never successfully done through Windows Mobile)
3) Any alternatives to System Seven for syncing OWA email and calendar to the device? System seven only supports email right now
4) Any native app for Google Reader? I currently use SpeeedReader on WM which is not amazing, but gets the job done.... somewhat. Based on all my research even Android has to use the browser to access Google Reader.
5) DivX / Coreplayer/ any real video codec support? WM has Coreplayer, but most devices are too slow/crippled to take advantage of it. Nexus One and others have Snapdragon processor which is better than the current devices.
6) bluetooth handsfree - This appears to be a major problem according to forums and Google Bug tracker. A friend who has got into the vlingo beta for android confirmed that clicking on the "speak now" button enabled him to use the phone completely handsfree. Related to question 1, is there a way to change the bluetooth button to access vlingo app instead of the native app?
7) For a current Windows Mobile dude, who thought he knew most tweaks in WM. Just how hard is the learning curve for Android? (I know its the noobest question of all, but I would like some reassurance /stories to help transition over, I spent 5 years on WM devices )
Thank you so much for your time.
I was in the same situation as you: I've been on winmo for more than 7 yrs and I was dreading the shift. I got my N1 and kept my winmo device at hand and fully functional...only to discover 24hrs later that I totally forgot about it!
Basically, all you can do on winmo, you can do on Android, although sometimes in a slightly different manner and of course a different interface.
Major pros after 3 months of use: besides the hardware (amazing speed), very smooth UI, no need for soft-resets (on WM it was a daily burden), friendly community, rapidly developing apps...
Go for it
I've come from 5 ish years on Windows mobile to Android too, I'll try answer the questions from what I know.
1. Button Mapping -> It's possible to create shortcuts to applications on the phone's "desktop". It's also possible using the "Anycut" app to create specific actions (not used this myself so not sure of details). What I did love was you can create a shortcut to direct dial or direct text someone on your contacts list. Overall I found this much much easier and quicker on Android compared to WinMo.
2. I've only used Google Calendar and, yes, you can sync multiple calendars as they are setup on your desktop Google Calendar. I've found implementation of this is to be really good. If you're currently using Outlook it's possible to sync that to the browser Google Calendar and then to your mobile.
3. Everything works best and smoothest when linked with Gmail and Google Calendar. Afraid I don't know much more about OWA email, hopefully someone else will be along shortly to help on that score.
4. I've only used Google Reader from within the browser, but it's still slick and fast.
5. Don't think there's support for playing DivX yet. I believe Core Player are working on it but it could be some time.
6. Sorry, don't use Bluetooth headsets so can't advise. I think it is possible but sometimes fiddly depending on the headset.
7. For me the learning curve was extremely easy. I never found myself getting frustrated even right from the beginning, the UI to me seems very intuitive. In fact I'd say I was more frustrated with WinMo after 5 years than I was with Android after 5 minutes in terms of trying to figure out what I wanted to do.
Go for it, I think it's so refreshing going from WinMo to Android. Maybe less so going from the iPhone UI to Android because they are in some ways similar but in other ways quite different and you can get confused about which way to do things after being so used to the Apple way.
6. I use 2 different Bluetooth headsets and never had any problem.
The guys above did a pretty good job describing things. This is what i can contribute
1) Yes there is a long press and it allows you to create shortcuts and many other things to the home screens (in general it kind of works like a right click opening menus in many programs). There isn't really button mapping because there aren't buttons, everything is very intuitive.
4) for google reader there are several applications that link up to your subscriptions and will download them to your computer. I personally use newsrob for articles and google listen for podcasts. Both work well and sync with google reader nicely.
6) The only thing i've used bluetooth for was pairing it with the dock and streaming audio. I've never had a problem with that. But I guess that's not all that surprising since the dock was made solely to work with this phone.
Thanks Guys. I think that nearly all the items I asked about without getting a phone myself have been answered.
I suppose it will take months for me to build the kind of knowledge base/app library that I had with Windows Mobile, but keeping in tune with RSS feeds from various sites, I think I have found a tweak/app for nearly everything on Windows Mobile. Max a 1 time conversion is needed for the Call Log/eBooks/ SMS initial backup-synch. Looking forward to a snapdragon device that does NOT take 20 seconds to move from one screen to the next.
I don't suppose there are any other solutions out there for Outlook Web Access email/Calendar syncing, huh?
Thanks again!
Hi everyone,
I'm searching for an efficient, fast, and well designed google reader application but have not come across one that is really good.
What I'm looking for area these:
- the first level should show the folders, such as Android folder, economy folder, technology folder, etc.
- When I click on the folder, I do not wish to see the feeds such as CNN, engadget, but to the items list. I want the option to say how many items I want to show, and whether to show only new (unread) or all item.
- I want to be able to mark the items as starred item with merel one swipe, or to unmarked it.
- I want a to with one button indicate all e item on the screen as read, and fetch the nest batch of unread items. I want another button to mark all items in that folder as read although they have not been listed on the screen yet.
- when I click on the item, I want to read part of the news. Then I want to be able to swipe to the next item or go to previous item. I also want to be able to share that item to facebook, to mail to friend, etc. And I want to be able to bring up my default web brewer to go the the original web page.
More importantly, I want all these operations to be instant, without lag.
For those of you coming from iPhone background, you will recognize this as the RSS g Flash application.
I love that design very much and hope to get something like this from the market place, or as close as possible.
Could anyone help? TIA.
I use Feedr its simple yet powerful can sync folders structure. Try it
Try Newsrob.
You want NewsRoom. I found it does everything I wanted from an rss reader... it's now on my first homepage.
Thanks guys. Keep the suggestions coming. I'll try everyone before deciding which one will stay on my desktop.
Cheers.
eaglesteve said:
Hi everyone,
I'm searching for an efficient, fast, and well designed google reader application but have not come across one that is really good.
What I'm looking for area these:
- the first level should show the folders, such as Android folder, economy folder, technology folder, etc.
- When I click on the folder, I do not wish to see the feeds such as CNN, engadget, but to the items list. I want the option to say how many items I want to show, and whether to show only new (unread) or all item.
- I want to be able to mark the items as starred item with merel one swipe, or to unmarked it.
- I want a to with one button indicate all e item on the screen as read, and fetch the nest batch of unread items. I want another button to mark all items in that folder as read although they have not been listed on the screen yet.
- when I click on the item, I want to read part of the news. Then I want to be able to swipe to the next item or go to previous item. I also want to be able to share that item to facebook, to mail to friend, etc. And I want to be able to bring up my default web brewer to go the the original web page.
More importantly, I want all these operations to be instant, without lag.
For those of you coming from iPhone background, you will recognize this as the RSS g Flash application.
I love that design very much and hope to get something like this from the market place, or as close as possible.
Could anyone help? TIA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 for Feedr....
Tyxerakias said:
You want NewsRoom. I found it does everything I wanted from an rss reader... it's now on my first homepage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same, i like the look and feel of it, very nice
it has that elegant yet simple clean look, that makes reading feeds and news update a joy.
+1 for feedr
+1 for NewsRob
I've tried a lot of the client apps but they all take too long to sync (and I don't like things like that happening in the background).
I've yet to find anything as good all-round as the mobile webclient from the browser.
Is there a trial version of feedr? I would like to try first before I buy.
I love the interface and response time of newsroom. It's just a pity that I can't view it by the google reader folders. I would also love to be able to see the item list first before going down to the article itself. On my iphone and iPad, I usually skim through a couple of thousand articles each day, some are repeats, or articles that don't interest me. I've also no time to read all of them. So the item list view is useful.
The news-rob is so slow I don't think it's useable for me. Too much waiting at the black screen and syncing takes too long to complete.
I've also tried out gReader which is also incredibly slow.
News reader, together with browser, music players, picture viewers, and YouTube, are among the extremely high usage application, and I don't mind paying good money of it if it is really good. But I must be assured that it meets my expectation first.
Any other recommendation?
So im finally there, i have to switch to Android. I was using a windows mobile device before, so i probably expect a lot of functionality wich Android might not offer. But there are a lot of questions left i hope some of you can answer me:
General usage:
- is it possible to remove that "slide to unlock" thingy, i dont see its use, the phone has one button to toggle it that wont get pushed in my pocket
- battery symbol, i see a lot of people having an additional battery symbol with the exact percentage of the remaining power, i think thats bull****, i dont need 2 battery symbols, just one thats working the right way, is it hard to change the battery symbol in the noticication bar?
- can i bind the hardware keys, for example long press of a button starts the recording for voice control, short press opens a taskmanager
- is the copy and paste working 100% and is avaiable in all programs?
- can i have the device in USB mass storage as standard setting (not asking everytime i connect it)?
- can i have a shortcut that would check all my registred mail accounts when i click it (no automatic checking, i decide when the device connects to the internet)?
- can i create shortcuts to html, doc or excel files?
- can i use java programs in android?
- is there a program that would display a symbol for calls, sms and emails that would change their apperance when i have a missed call, new message or mail?
- is it possible to active bluethooth or wlan by shortcut or voice command?
- are there USB host drivers so i could connect USB mass storage devices?
Applications needed:
- i would like a simple task and program manager, to switch between them and close them if i want to, i thing it would be best suited in the drop down bar (since its there..why not use it)?
- SMS, call time and data counter for incoming and outgoing, is there something like that? I suppose i could put it as widget on one of the homescreens
- backup software for settings, SMS messages, emails and installed programs and their settings, is there something like that, are there backup programs that work after updating to a newer Android version?
- my device will have a Snapdragon CPU, what about a CPU speed manger that underclocks when in standby and has profiles for programs so i could run it at half speed in general but for some specific programs get the full CPU power?
- TMC data for navigation: i think there is no such thing yet, right?
- a decent file explorer with all features expected from a good explorer (it should be able to create shortcuts for html, word or any other file that the phones software can handle)
- a program that insertes local holidays into my calender, with support for birthdays wich are not in my contacts
- a good serious photoeditor: with serious i mean i dont need any effects bull**** wich comes with most camera applications, i need the ability to open large files, crop them, maybe even display tifs with layers, something like a pocket version of Photoshop
- videoplayer is there something like VLC is for windows PCs and CorePlayer is for windowsmobile? A player thats is capable of playing everything
applications i allready found and will probably use:
- as office solution i suppose i can use the programs from Softmaker, dont know if there are android drivers for my BT Freedom Keyboard
- multimessenger with MSN, ICQ, Jabber, Facebook: maybe palringo, at least it was good on windows mobile
- navigation: i think there is TomTom and Igo
- calendar that can display a whole month with visible icons for appointments: should work with pocket informant, because it does on windows
Dumb questions?
General usage:
- is it possible to remove that "slide to unlock" thingy, i dont see its use, the phone has one button to toggle it that wont get pushed in my pocket
I believe this is only possible if you have root
- battery symbol, i see a lot of people having an additional battery symbol with the exact percentage of the remaining power, i think thats bull****, i dont need 2 battery symbols, just one thats working the right way, is it hard to change the battery symbol in the noticication bar?
again, I believe you need root
- can i bind the hardware keys, for example long press of a button starts the recording for voice control, short press opens a taskmanager
pretty sure you can do things like this with root
- is the copy and paste working 100% and is avaiable in all programs?
it's always seemed fine to me.. just try it out for yourself.
- can i have the device in USB mass storage as standard setting (not asking everytime i connect it)?
I don't know of any way to do this.
- can i have a shortcut that would check all my registred mail accounts when i click it (no automatic checking, i decide when the device connects to the internet)?
go to settings-> accounts & sync. then click on the account and disable "sync gmail". Then, when you open up gmail, you can manually refresh.
- can i create shortcuts to html, doc or excel files?
I don't think so.
- can i use java programs in android?
I believe htc sense phones can but it is not included in AOSP
- is there a program that would display a symbol for calls, sms and emails that would change their apperance when i have a missed call, new message or mail?
there's lots on the market. Personally, I use launcher pro (homescreen replacement) that includes this by default. I highly recommend it.
- is it possible to active bluethooth or wlan by shortcut or voice command?
have you tried the power control widget?
- are there USB host drivers so i could connect USB mass storage devices?
It's certainly possible but it might require a custom kernel or something. I'm not sure. It depends on your hardware as well though. Many/most android phones cannot output power through their usb port, which makes this impossible. USB drives need power.
Applications needed:
- i would like a simple task and program manager, to switch between them and close them if i want to, i thing it would be best suited in the drop down bar (since its there..why not use it)?
task managers really shouldn't be necessary. android can handle it just fine itself. I do have one just in case. I like "Advanced Task Manager". As for switching between apps, just long press the home button. if it's not there, just open it from the app drawer again.
- SMS, call time and data counter for incoming and outgoing, is there something like that? I suppose i could put it as widget on one of the homescreens
phonalyzer does what you're asking for, I think.
- backup software for settings, SMS messages, emails and installed programs and their settings, is there something like that, are there backup programs that work after updating to a newer Android version?
I really like mybackup pro. However, it's impossible to backup app settings without root access. You can backup apps but not their data (progress in games for example).
- my device will have a Snapdragon CPU, what about a CPU speed manger that underclocks when in standby and has profiles for programs so i could run it at half speed in general but for some specific programs get the full CPU power?
setcpu is great. requires root.
- TMC data for navigation: i think there is no such thing yet, right?
no idea. google navigation has traffic updates of some sort.
- a decent file explorer with all features expected from a good explorer (it should be able to create shortcuts for html, word or any other file that the phones software can handle)
I use astro file manager. I don't think it can create shortcuts though. I have no idea why you would ever want this..
- a program that insertes local holidays into my calender, with support for birthdays wich are not in my contacts
google calendar can do this by default. I have no idea what you're talking about with birthdays though. Just add them to your calendar...
- a good serious photoeditor: with serious i mean i dont need any effects bull**** wich comes with most camera applications, i need the ability to open large files, crop them, maybe even display tifs with layers, something like a pocket version of Photoshop
never had an urge to do this. "Adobe Photoshop Express" might be a good place to start though.
- videoplayer is there something like VLC is for windows PCs and CorePlayer is for windowsmobile? A player thats is capable of playing everything
I don't really watch videos on my phone so I don't know.
applications i allready found and will probably use:
- as office solution i suppose i can use the programs from Softmaker, dont know if there are android drivers for my BT Freedom Keyboard
never even heard of softmaker. documents to go is supposed to be good
- multimessenger with MSN, ICQ, Jabber, Facebook: maybe palringo, at least it was good on windows mobile
I like meebo, personally.
- navigation: i think there is TomTom and Igo
I don't know why you would pay for these when you can just use google navigation for free..
- calendar that can display a whole month with visible icons for appointments: should work with pocket informant, because it does on windows
what's wrong with google calendar?
smaskell said:
General usage:
I believe this is only possible if you have root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont care what it takes as long as its possible.
smaskell said:
- can i have the device in USB mass storage as standard setting (not asking everytime i connect it)?
I don't know of any way to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it seriously asking everytime?
smaskell said:
- can i have a shortcut that would check all my registred mail accounts when i click it (no automatic checking, i decide when the device connects to the internet)?
go to settings-> accounts & sync. then click on the account and disable "sync gmail". Then, when you open up gmail, you can manually refresh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only gmail? I would like to check severy pop3 accounts.
Didnt know there is a taskswitcher included, alawys thought id had to go the long way via homescreen.
I will check phonalyzer out thanks.
Will also check out mybackup, even though apps come from the market and a re probably newer version than in the backup, saving settings would seem more logical.
SetCPU, thanks again.
smaskell said:
- a decent file explorer with all features expected from a good explorer (it should be able to create shortcuts for html, word or any other file that the phones software can handle)
I use astro file manager. I don't think it can create shortcuts though. I have no idea why you would ever want this..
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Click to collapse
Because there are some excel and word files i often use and of course in want them fast. So shortcuts on Homescreen or where the other applications are. Speaking of that list. Is there some way to organzize it? Change the order, put some in subfolder? The way they are now it sucks.
For the birthdays i need to remember some birthdays of people that dont have phone, mail or anything. So creating a contact would be pointless. But i want to see their birthday everyyear with the info how old they get.
Will look at Adobe Photoshop Express.
smaskell said:
- TMC data for navigation: i think there is no such thing yet, right?
no idea. google navigation has traffic updates of some sort.
- navigation: i think there is TomTom and Igo
I don't know why you would pay for these when you can just use google navigation for free..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because online navigation sucks if i am out of my country and have to really pay for datatranfers.
smaskell said:
- calendar that can display a whole month with visible icons for appointments: should work with pocket informant, because it does on windows
what's wrong with google calendar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It just doenst show me what i want to see.
As far as i understand google voice command (even if it would understand anything else than english allready) decodes the spoken commands online. So when i tell it to open my excel file i would first have to wait till my phone connects to the internet. Is there any voice command software that works on the device and not in the cloud. Like voice command for windows mobile did?
i recommend the app Trapster.
I switched from WM to android not that long ago, so I kanda know where you're coming from. You do have to unmount your storage from your phone every time you want to transfer things, I usually just send things over the air and avoid plugging in. WM loved to be attached to your computer, but android would rather be connected to the internet. I think if you're running sense you can transfer stuff with HTCsync without unmounting every time, not 100% though as I flashed sense onto my N1 a couple times but never downloaded HTCsync.
I think you'll want a rom with sense on it. Sense has the 'sync all' button that you can put on your home screen to sync all of your accounts on demand. They also have a partnership with TomTom for offline navigation. There's also a nice calendar widget, and unread counts for your messages, etc. If you were using touch flo on WM, HTC have kept a lot of the nice features in sense on android.
Android isn't as friendly for key mapping as WM was. You can get onscreen toggles for most things, though. there was one rom I had on my N1 for a while, I think it was CM6, where there were toggles on the drop down menu. This made it possible to switch settings in-app, which I missed from WM. For app-switching, just long-press home to bring up your MRU list. One of the other things I miss from WM is having the battery bar that runs all the way across the top of the screen, just on the top few pixels. Only 1 rom I tried, the MIUI rom, was able to do this. It was a lot easier to mess with in WM.
Programs:
file manager - Astro
IM - IM+, nimbuzz, fring, etc. there are lots of them. im+ does skype
backup - I used SMS backup&restore for SMS, Titanium takes care of everything else.
Calendar - google calendar lets you set a repeating event for birthdays, automatically adds the holidays you tell it to.
Also, USB host is possible, but you need to use a powered USB hub to power the device you're plugging in. Doesn't seem to be another way to get power to the port. If USB host is really important, a hacked kernel and a powered port should get the job done.
I hope this helps, and don't worry. Once you've used android for a while, you'll see that it's really user-friendly. I'm sure you'll grow to love it.
Try Jorte calendar if your don't like the Goggle one.
If you get a phone that's rootable, try Root Explorer for file explorer.
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http://ron-droid.blogspot.com
Jorte isnt bad for displaying texts each day in monthview, but symbols would be better.
Never cared much for Sense, to much graphics to little information.
IM+ sounds good, all in one +Skype would be great.
What me really bothers is that USB thingy, cant it unmount in backgroud without bothering me, even winmobile was able to do that.
Another question: Would trying out a lot of apps polute my OS like it happens with windows (leftover files and registry settings after uninstalling). Or ist Anrdois perfect in this matter.
If not i guess i would have to test a lot of apps till i find the ones i like, then hard rest and make a clean install, or wont this be nessesary in Android?
From what I can tell, if you uninstall an app, everything is cleaned up with the exception of maybe a folder on your sdcsrd. And this generally only happens if the app has an optional setting that allows you to specify that the sdcard be used for backups or downloads, etc.
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http://ron-droid.blogspot.com
rigman said:
From what I can tell, if you uninstall an app, everything is cleaned up with the exception of maybe a folder on your sdcsrd. And this generally only happens if the app has an optional setting that allows you to specify that the sdcard be used for backups or downloads, etc.
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Click to collapse
Pretty much true.
the sd card thing is really frustrating. sometimes apps add stuff to seemingly random folders on your sd card so you don't know if you can delete it or not. Apps should be forced to only create folders with the same name as the app. Also, I think you should be able to implement an "onUninstall" method or something in your app, with which you could delete all of the files that you created.
Not everyone has data...
smaskell said:
- navigation: i think there is TomTom and Igo
I don't know why you would pay for these when you can just use google navigation for free..
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Click to collapse