Hey guys, I just bought an atrix the other day, and so far the hardware impresses me, but other than that I'm kind of annoyed. I switched from my 3Gs hoping for an awesome android experience and didn't really get it. You guys might know how to fix some of these issues so here I go:
1) The keyboard is awful. Like someone on another thread said, it has a tendency to ignore the first letters of words. Switching from an iPhone, I'm extremely disappointed in how bad it is. Sometimes I feel that I have to press the screen harder for it to work.
2) My email accounts are annoying to access. On my iPhone I could access all my emails in one unified inbox, or application at the least. On the atrix I have to use the email app and the gmail app to check my mail and its kind of annoying.
3) Overall organization is not so hot. I googled some stuff about folders and plan to try it out along with the adw ex or launcher pro, so this isn't as big of a problem.
If anything I really need help with #1, because not being able to type properly defeats the purpose of the software keyboard. Oh and by the way, I rooted the phone.
krad54 said:
Hey guys, I just bought an atrix the other day, and so far the hardware impresses me, but other than that I'm kind of annoyed. I switched from my 3Gs hoping for an awesome android experience and didn't really get it. You guys might know how to fix some of these issues so here I go:
2) My email accounts are annoying to access. On my iPhone I could access all my emails in one unified inbox, or application at the least. On the atrix I have to use the email app and the gmail app to check my mail and its kind of annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried the messaging application? Not the text messaging application! It has a unified box for all emails.
Cool, it works, thanks. Sorry, I'm a bit of an android newbie, but I just got really good with the iphone and got extremely tired of apple's bs "lock everything down" method, so I switched, thinking it would be easy peasy.
1) The keyboard is awful. Like someone on another thread said, it has a tendency to ignore the first letters of words. Switching from an iPhone, I'm extremely disappointed in how bad it is. Sometimes I feel that I have to press the screen harder for it to work.
Google Gingerbread Keyboard, install that and switch to it in settings. Its much better.
2) My email accounts are annoying to access. On my iPhone I could access all my emails in one unified inbox, or application at the least. On the atrix I have to use the email app and the gmail app to check my mail and its kind of annoying.
Yes try universal messaging app. Or if you want you can run your gmail account through the Email app not Gmail to have them all there.
3) Overall organization is not so hot. I googled some stuff about folders and plan to try it out along with the adw ex or launcher pro, so this isn't as big of a problem.
Try Go Launcher and its ability to have iOS folders in the App drawer. You may appreciate this.
Well, I got the Gingerbread keyboard from the market and it was tiny. It was waay smaller than the original keyboard, but I'll search some more to see if I can find a bigger one.
krad54 said:
1) The keyboard is awful. Like someone on another thread said, it has a tendency to ignore the first letters of words. Switching from an iPhone, I'm extremely disappointed in how bad it is. Sometimes I feel that I have to press the screen harder for it to work.
2) My email accounts are annoying to access. On my iPhone I could access all my emails in one unified inbox, or application at the least. On the atrix I have to use the email app and the gmail app to check my mail and its kind of annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1). Ive had the same experience. I found the device's screen responsiveness to be sub par. I noticed it missed registered touches, not only on the keyboard, but in general, when I tried to move throughout tasks and the phone quickly. A 3rd party keyboard made it a little better (smart keyboard) but the phone still didn't feel fluid in my ability to move quickly and smoothly.
2). If you go into Gmail (on a computer) and go to settings, you can set up gmail to pull email from other accounts. It fetches mail the same way any mail client does. The great thing though, is that this pulling doesn't occur on the device. In this, you don't have to set up fetch frequency and battery use is minimal. The device is pushed mail from Gmail as it is received. You'll receive them with labels of which email account it came from.
Yeah, I'm not sure if I want this phone after I realized how unresponsive the screen is, but the customization and open structure is irresistible. I'm hoping motorola updates it and fixes the bugs.
Keyboard
I'm also coming from an iphone 3gs and this is my first android device. I'm not having the same problems as you though so perhaps your screen is bad? Or, another thought... did you switch to the swype keyboard at some point and not realize it? Swype is painful to type on if you are trying to use it like a regular keyboard (though I'm really starting to dig using it as intended). I found the default keyboard to be pretty decent, I think I actually liked it better than the iPhones (though probably more for the screen size than the keyboard itself), but then I switched to swype, which is way different. And of course, if you aren't using swype, maybe give it a try? It takes some getting used to, but if your screen is responding to presses maybe it will handle swipes better.
I mean its not that big of a deal. I think it is just glitchy sometimes. For some reason its a lot smoother now that I switched to launcher pro (doesn't really make sense), but its still a problem for those with larger thumbs. I've tried it, swype, and about 3 other keyboards, but the others haven't quite been fitted and swype is somewhat painful as you say.
Oh I'm not saying swype is painful, I mean, it is painful to use swype as though it is a regular tap and type style keyboard. I am actually really starting to like swype, but there is definitely a bit of a learning curve.
Yeah, when I messed around with other android phones, I though swype was awesome, but now I realize its easier to just thumb type for me. To each his own.
I too came from a 3gs, def give swype a try. I've been if using it a day and its not bad, and my thumbs are the size of shaq's
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
This is a problem many of us switching from an iPhone are having. I also hate how locked down the iPhone is; but it is the best in a few categories: keyboard, screen responsiveness, battery, and browser. I've tried a ton of phones and not one can beat the iPhone in any of those categories. It's sad buy it's the truth. Still debating between atrix, inspire, or staying with the iPhone. I've been waiting patiently for a solid android phone that works with AT&T 3G.
If I made the change it would be from an i4.
I hatttttte my iPhone 4. I was stranded last night, my iPhone 4 locked up, froze, couldn't restart it. I seriously debating shooting my .45 through it. I was pissed.
However, it seems like the Atrix isn't perfect either.
I agree on the screen. With battery, Some of the ROMs out there definitely beat the iphone on battery life. As to the browser, Android browsers are much more feature rich. Same with the keyboard. Swiftkey and the gingerbread keyboard are much better than the iOS keyboard in my opinion. I came from an iPhone 4 and couldn't be happier besides the signed bootloader.
Those of you wondering if you got the best Android option for ATT I gotta say I am thoroughly satisfied with my inspire 4g. I came from the iPhone 3gs like a year ago to the captivate and android took some getting used to but I could never go back now. What I realized while using my captivate is that most companies are not going to give you the support you want or are used to coming from Apple. Samsungs updates and lack of care to fix the gps was literally appalling. I did a lot of research and found that most HTC owners were as happy or maybe happier than Apple owners. They are the fastest at updates and the most developmentally supported on xda. also the build quality on the inspire is so solid. Feels great in the hand. This is just my .02 so please don't flame just trying to share my experience.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
krad54 said:
Hey guys, I just bought an atrix the other day, and so far the hardware impresses me, but other than that I'm kind of annoyed. I switched from my 3Gs hoping for an awesome android experience and didn't really get it. You guys might know how to fix some of these issues so here I go:
1) The keyboard is awful. Like someone on another thread said, it has a tendency to ignore the first letters of words. Switching from an iPhone, I'm extremely disappointed in how bad it is. Sometimes I feel that I have to press the screen harder for it to work.
If anything I really need help with #1, because not being able to type properly defeats the purpose of the software keyboard. Oh and by the way, I rooted the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have this issue it's irritation because i dont hit that space bar properly so a lot of my texts are just stringed together but only if i type fast. I downloaded an installed gingerbread keyboard free and i seem to have a better luck with typing and entering the space bar properly
krad54 said:
Yeah, I'm not sure if I want this phone after I realized how unresponsive the screen is, but the customization and open structure is irresistible. I'm hoping motorola updates it and fixes the bugs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i switched from a captivate (gps issues dont get me started) my keyboard and screen are very responsive and accurate. i think you should go back and check it at the store. PS GPS locks in 2 seconds and is very accurate even orks in the house near the window.
Just to let everyone know, my keyboard works fine now. For some reason, launcher pro fixed it, either that or motoblur was just making the phone super laggy. So far I think the phone is awesome. I just wish android had some more developers for apps, but its just a minor complaint. I guess I'm too used to playing mindless games on my iphone that I can't play on android. The only game I really am a bit ticked about is monopoly. Why does android not have monopoly??
Both my keyboard and screen are top notch. Not to say I don't have complaints, just not those.
Related
I see all the hate on this forum about motoblur and how crappy it is. I seem to be the only one who likes it.
I've used TouchWiz, Sense, Stock and MotoBlur, and Moto is probably my favorite! Sense comes in second, Touchwiz can go die.
Why all the hate on Blur?
Ya not a fan of motoblur at all when I get this phone I'm going to be running launcher pro plus on this for sure might give blur five minutes of my time but that's it....
yes u are the only one
I like Blur better than sense and definitely touchwiz, but I think most people prefer the speed that the "vanilla" experience android delivers.
I have not owned a Motorola phone since the Verizon Moto Q, so I cannot say Blur is terrible or good, but from the looks of it the only thing I dislike is the blue and green call/contacts button. If I end up hating it I will just load up Launcher Pro or hopefully I will see some custom roms with stock at some point in the future.
I don't like blur but I can live with it. I find it better than HTC sense and the like but at least give us an option to turn it off like seriously Motorola.
PixoNova said:
I see all the hate on this forum about motoblur and how crappy it is. I seem to be the only one who likes it.
I've used TouchWiz, Sense, Stock and MotoBlur, and Moto is probably my favorite! Sense comes in second, Touchwiz can go die.
Why all the hate on Blur?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's how I feel as well, although I do prefer "vanilla" over all...
I can see why some people might prefer the vanilla/stock android experience. But I always hear how Blur can be laggy on phones and such. I haven't experienced any lag (Moto FlipSide)
I do kind-of like Sense. Only if it's on a nice sized screen, unlike the Aria. But I most likely will be keeping Blur, as I like all the widgets available.
YES!!!!
Sent from my DROIDX using XDA App
I have tried droid x. Blur sucks. Even with the latest update the system was laggy. However it will work great sometimes but had sudden lags in launching browser. Sometimes it would hang and take a few seconds to go back to home screen. I returned it and will be getting thunderbolt when it comes out. I went back to att for 2-3 weeks until thunderbolt comes out. i will be porting my number back if I decide to get thunderbolt. I like htc sense specially the newest version that is in the inspire 4g and will be on the thunderbolt as well. It is snappy as hell. It might have to do with the second gen snapdragon processor.
I haven't used it yet, but the only thing I can see hating about it is the contact button (along with only having a three icon dock, but I could deal with that). Why the hell does there need to be a contact button? If you open the phone app you can go to your contacts right from there. I'd much rather see messaging or the browser. Some kind of central messaging app that pulled in all of one's SMS, emails, facebook, twitter, etc would be cool, I suppose. Better than contacts, at least.
That's a damn good idea a centralized notification button... But I guess it would have a big similarity to the notification bar tho. Still think that's a good idea tho
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
At first I was OK with blur but once you try out other options like Launcher Pro or ADW you might change your mind. Granted, Blur does have decent widgets to supplement it but it left me wanting more.
Now I'm using Launcher Pro + Beautiful Widgets and am loving it.
johnnydeathmatch said:
I haven't used it yet, but the only thing I can see hating about it is the contact button (along with only having a three icon dock, but I could deal with that). Why the hell does there need to be a contact button? If you open the phone app you can go to your contacts right from there. I'd much rather see messaging or the browser. Some kind of central messaging app that pulled in all of one's SMS, emails, facebook, twitter, etc would be cool, I suppose. Better than contacts, at least.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blur contacts works differently than standard android contacts, as it integrates with the social networking. I'd give more detail, but I haven't touched my backflip in a month and haven't had it on a stock ROM since ~november so I don't remember all the specifics. (Used a "deblurred" ROM someone at M3 cooked up till I got a free Aria)
The messaging app does provide a universal inbox. the one one my backflip would pull everything but my gmail into it, and I'm sure I could have set it up so that it pulled that too.
PixoNova said:
...Moto is probably my favorite! Sense comes in second, Touchwiz can go die.
Why all the hate on Blur?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thunderpack said:
I like Blur better than sense and definitely touchwiz...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay please state why you like Blur better. I've never used it but am trying to keep an open mind. I just love Sense and as of now am not sure I can function without it so lets hear it. Obviously it's a personal thing but is there anything in particular...?
lol
yes you are
looks so simple and ****ty
opensourcefan said:
Okay please state why you like Blur better. I've never used it but am trying to keep an open mind. I just love Sense and as of now am not sure I can function without it so lets hear it. Obviously it's a personal thing but is there anything in particular...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much the style. I don't hate Sense, like I said, it comes second IMO. Overall, through general usage, that's how I determine if I like it or not.
As far as moto blur is concerned, IMO it works just fine as a launcher.
So here are the Pros and Cons as I see them
Pro
Simple Layout
Decent Widgets
Unified inbox
Motoblur.com (find my phone, contacts back and edit, remote wipe etc...)
Cons
Does not have a polished look or feel like stock or Sense
I feel like it was an interface designed for teens
Cannot customize the shortcuts on the launch bar
Only 3 shortcuts on the launch bar
Occasional lag when launching apps (this could be that I have only used blur on low-end to mid-level android phones)
No option to bypass motoblur account setup
Overall, it comes down to personal preference and how you feel about it. You won't know until you try it. So far, I have used launcher pro on every android phone I have ever owned, but I always started with the out of box experience before I made the switch each time. I like that LP is customizable, and fast, and you can make just about any device look similar to stock/vanilla android id you want. The only problem with LP is that when I tried it on the Inspire 4G it disabled all of the kick butt HTC widgets, but there are alternatives such as Beautiful Widgets.
My nervousness falls around the screen resolution. I tried Laucnher Pro on my galaxy tab. and it didn't look right with that screen resolution. The resolution on the tab is high enough to have 5 shortcuts on the home screen side by side, and LP only has 4 so things looked oddly proportioned and stretched...
Blur itself has some good features - namely remote wipe and the news widgets that you can set to sync over wifi only - if you want.
If you are really into account integration you get to mix them all into one interface...
twitter, myspace, facebook, photobucket, linkedin, picasa, etc.
I prefer to just use the apps for these products and not do the MotoBlur integration - and you can do this - just don't set them up in MotoBlur. If you don't use Motoblur widgets, then you never really see MotoBlur. Change the launcher to ADW and you are done.
Compared to the captivate and Touchwiz, Motoblur is a lot less intrusive. Calendar, Contacts and Email work the way they are supposed - and are easy to use. I bought my captivate for specs, but the software mods on calendar and email suck.
The only MotoBlur thing you can't turn off is the sync of contacts and settings that are done on the phone. So if you create a new contact on the phone it is also created on the Blur server as backup - you can't turn this off.
On the good side, if you wipe your phone and you have to set it up from scratch, using the same blur account, it recreates most of your settings and widgets and email accounts.
As for Lag - people complain about it, but I have had Droid X and Bravo and they run fine. But, again, i only use the news widget and no social network accounts.
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Try "gladroot"
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just rooted my atrix last night with "gladroot". http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12540398
Before you root, install Motorola driver first. Nobody didn't mention about it until later and it took me for a while to troubleshoot. As long as you read and follow the instructions, it's not difficult.
http://briefmobile.com/motorola-atrix-4g-root
JRSOne said:
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't have to dig far!
Rooting for dummies is on the 1st floor! LOL
Thanks a lot, very nice.
3GS -> Atrix
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just made the same switch last week (3GS -> Atrix). Agree that MotoBlur sux and it's also been painful syncing contacts and calendar from my work's Outlook (going through Google isn't an option)
One reason I made the switch was for the less restrictive Android OS. However if you're on version 1.57, it looks like you have to take a few steps backwards to get ahead (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=12540398). Looks like I'll have to set aside some time to play...
JRSOne said:
......and people are right, Moto Blur is a cluster****.
I am not too tech savvy, but not a dummy either.
Suggestions and tips on rooting would be great.
Meanwhile, I will keep digging around this site, I am sure the answers are somewhere here, but there is so much info......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get adw launcher and use titanium backup to freeze blur. Fixes that problem right up. On the other hand, try running gingerblur which has a clean UI and runs quite smooth. It also removes a ton of other bloatware on the phone. Everything except adw launcher requires root of course.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I don't understand why ppl say "blur sucks"....I like BLUR, it's very useful with all that widgets to have all your Social Networks quickly in one hand.
emandt said:
I don't understand why ppl say "blur sucks"....I like BLUR, it's very useful with all that widgets to have all your Social Networks quickly in one hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blur USED to suck, past tense. It doesn't suck too badly anymore. And I can't see why a new user would say it sucks when they have no experience. This is just a blind statement.
I'm very picky with my launchers and if I could tweak Blur to look better and purge a few things I don't use, it actually wouldn't be very bad at all. But I like that with the other launchers I can personally tweak them precisely to my preference.
bongd said:
Blur USED to suck, past tense. It doesn't suck too badly anymore. And I can't see why a new user would say it sucks when they have no experience. This is just a blind statement.
I'm very picky with my launchers and if I could tweak Blur to look better and purge a few things I don't use, it actually wouldn't be very bad at all. But I like that with the other launchers I can personally tweak them precisely to my preference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BLUR sucks.
Exchange 2003 notifications are broken.
Unified Inbox doesn't include GMail. (that's a hurr durr right there)
Duplicate functionality of what already exists (Social Networking, Accounts, Corporate Sync)
I don't mind the homescreen/launcher.
My biggest complaint with blur is simply the lag when switching home screens and bringing up the full list of apps. And that you can't change anything on the dock. And the widgets are ugly. Oh wait...that's pretty much everything that blur does I hate...
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the interface that is the exact same for everyone? The iPhone was made to be simpler. It's so everyone can use it. If you like being coddled by Apple, return the Atrix and get your i4.
It's up to you. WebOS is rising, WP7, BBOS (not as popular). Your pick, dude. Like I said, the iOS devices are made so that even a monkey could pick one up and work it like a pro.
If you're not going to take the time to tweak your device to your liking, go with iOS.
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. The other androids are not that bad. The original froyo has a cleaner and faster approach than motoblur. Motoblur by far is the worst UI-skin you can possibly have.
peacekeeper05 said:
Yep. The other androids are not that bad. The original froyo has a cleaner and faster approach than motoblur. Motoblur by far is the worst UI-skin you can possibly have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever tried TouchWiz? the iPhone wanna-be? Sense is decent, but Blur is one of the closest manufacture's skins to Vanilla Android.
Also, your opinion on Blur is your own. Many people love and use Blur, and many people do not. Just because you say it's the worst, does not make it so.
I advise you to try out all the other different interfaces, and tell me Blur is the complete and total worst you have ever tried.
What about the newer blur on the droid x?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
PixoNova said:
Have you ever tried TouchWiz? the iPhone wanna-be? Sense is decent, but Blur is one of the closest manufacture's skins to Vanilla Android.
Also, your opinion on Blur is your own. Many people love and use Blur, and many people do not. Just because you say it's the worst, does not make it so.
I advise you to try out all the other different interfaces, and tell me Blur is the complete and total worst you have ever tried.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. It was obviously an opinion. I did not in any way said im representing the whole android community duh.
I have tried touchwiz, sense and the LG UI already. And of course i've also tried the original android stock UI.
I kinda want to know what people doesn't like on motoblur. The panels? You can empty all of them and end up with 7 panels on witch you can put whatever icons, shorcuts, widgets (and so on) you like. I'm coming from sense but I can customize the motoblur to look just as good. Don't feel like using launcher pro and already uninstalled regina 3D and adw. I woulg probably give a spb a try if they would have a trial.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
JRSOne said:
I am saying it sucks because I am comparing it to my iphone. I can't express how much cleaner, simplier and user friendly the 3GS is compared to blur.
I certainly hope that other Android phones are not this bad.
If I can't find a better OS that works for me, I will simply get an iphone 4. I guess I was spoiled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also coming from an iPhone, and here are some things I think are superior on the Atrix (and Android) to the iPhone (and iOS):
1. Non-intrusive notifications! I hated how on the iPhone, notifications pop up as dialogs that have to be closed. Sometimes you're doing something important, and you get a text message which pops up right in the middle of the screen. Irritating! I like how you can slide down the top bar when you want and it shows you your notifications.
2. Notification LED. It's great to be able to tell that you have messages or a missed call without having to turn on the screen.
3. Four hardware buttons instead of just one. After you've used the phone awhile, you'll realize how useful a back button and a menu button can be. You have to switch back to home less than you do with an iPhone. Also, hold down your home button and shortcuts to your last 8 used apps will appear.
4. Every application must advertise what features of your phone it has access to in the Manage Applications settings pages. So if an app can read and write to your contact data, it says so in the settings. On the iPhone, you have to rely on Apple to make sure all apps are doing what they're supposed to. Worse, if you get apps from Cydia, well then you're completely on your own.
5. You have 15 minutes to get a refund if you buy something from the Android Market. That's a pretty short time if you have to download a big application, but better that than no refunds at all.
6. Having the option to use an external micro-SD card is pretty nice.
7. Unlike the iPhone, the home screen and the app drawer are two separate things. It's nice to have widgets to customize your home screens.
8. For obvious reasons, Android versions of Google applications tend to have more features on Android than on the iPhone. For example, Maps has that cool 3D compass view, instead of the regular "up is North" top-down view. It also has a Street View add-on which is pretty neat and works quite well.
9. GPS seems faster and more precise on my Atrix than on my iPhone (and my friend's iPhone 4). I've heard others say the opposite with respect to the iPhone 4, so maybe it depends on where in the world you are.
10. For Bell users (ATT users have to pay I think?), Mobile wifi hotspot works great. I've tried tethering my Macbook Pro to the phone via wifi, and it works really well.
11. There's a basic data counter built in, which shows you how much data you're using, and by which apps.
12. There's a pretty decent Battery Manager built in, which shows very clearly what percentage of your used battery was used by each phone function, or application.
13. It comes with Swype as an alternate input system to the virtual keyboard, but you're free to install other 3rd party input methods if you like (there are quite a few).
Well, I don't know if I missed anything, but for the most part, these are the things that impressed me the most after using the Atrix for a couple weeks. I'm very happy I moved to the Atrix, but that's not to say that I hate the iPhone. I still like it, it has a very polished feel and the best screen in the business. And after all, it was the breakthrough smart phone when it first came out. There are just a few things that I think they really need to improve (notifications!).
slimslim said:
I kinda want to know what people doesn't like on motoblur.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I liked some of the features of Motoblur, like having the Manage Applications settings right in the menu of your homescreens. Very useful. Some of the widgets are nice too. My major complaint is that Motoblur is so choppy when scrolling around! That's unacceptable for a high-end phone, in my opinion.
PixoNova said:
the iOS devices are made so that even a monkey could pick one up and work it like a pro.
If you're not going to take the time to tweak your device to your liking, go with iOS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 this is the reason why people think that iphone its a ladies phone. its easy to use, no customizable and very locked device, like you say XD even a monkey can work on it like a pro
How do you like your new Touch Wiz 4.0?
honestly i am quite happy with it.
i like the new settings color theme
i like the built in locator (lost device)
i like the new widgets
overall pretty solid update.
hopefully we will see 3.2 soon !
I am hesitant to update to TW because of the frequent complaints of sheer ugliness. I've seen a few screenshots, and I must say I'm not happy with their choice of light backgrounds. The second big thing holding me back is the locked bootloader and fear of losing root. I love how LBE privacy guard allows me to do post-install permissions. I would not want to do without it. My last concern is battery life as per a report in this thread.
As a person with big hands, I am interested by the new bigger-buttoned interfaced, and who wouldn't all the speed/stability updates? I'm just not sure they are enough to update just yet.
Big thumbs up, assuming the problem with high-profile 720p video gets fixed in a timely manner.
Happy, happy, happy. All the widgets I was used to with Gtab7 have returned. I still miss the readers hub
^looks like ebook app is the readers hub. I have not imported anything, but I'm going to try tonight.
giltwist said:
I am hesitant to update to TW because of the frequent complaints of sheer ugliness. I've seen a few screenshots, and I must say I'm not happy with their choice of light backgrounds. The second big thing holding me back is the locked bootloader and fear of losing root. I love how LBE privacy guard allows me to do post-install permissions. I would not want to do without it. My last concern is battery life as per a report in this thread.
As a person with big hands, I am interested by the new bigger-buttoned interfaced, and who wouldn't all the speed/stability updates? I'm just not sure they are enough to update just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I honestly thought the same when I saw the screenshots (ugly), but it's much better in person.
Battery life seems the same for me, lost 1% on standby in about 6.5 hours.
Without functioning exchange email my tab is little more than a toy. I can only view email older than a week. New email will not display. Sammy support says to factory reset and see if the problem goes any. I may try this when I have a day or two to get my stuff loaded back on it.
Unrelated to exchange email, IMO the fonts are way too big, the white color seems like they are trying to little too hard to be an iPad, the application tray is almost worthless, the "back", "home" and other buttons are ugly and... Perhaps it is a little smoother than before the update but only minimally so. IMO. YMMV.
I had absolutely no complaints with my stock tab before the update. I love my tab but this is a little disappointing.
For me the improvements the TouchWiz UX update brings greatly outweigh the mostly not intrusive customizations of the TouchWiz framework.
JobobJet said:
Without functioning exchange email my tab is little more than a toy. I can only view email older than a week. New email will not display. Sammy support says to factory reset and see if the problem goes any. I may try this when I have a day or two to get my stuff loaded back on it.
Unrelated to exchange email, IMO the fonts are way too big, the white color seems like they are trying to little too hard to be an iPad, the application tray is almost worthless, the "back", "home" and other buttons are ugly and... Perhaps it is a little smoother than before the update but only minimally so. IMO. YMMV.
I had absolutely no complaints with my stock tab before the update. I love my tab but this is a little disappointing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, Exchange is working perfectly on mine after the update.
-Bobby
i have always hated touchwiz on phones but this is awesome. The typing lag on xda in the browser is also fixed as well. Typing this post on the tab in the browser
mrsbelpit said:
^looks like ebook app is the readers hub. I have not imported anything, but I'm going to try tonight.
I honestly thought the same when I saw the screenshots (ugly), but it's much better in person.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't listen. It's still ugly as sin. I like some of the things TW brings to the table, but I wish they would have left the aesthetics of vanilla HC untouched.
I think it is great!!! And hey, ugly things need love too!
To me who cares if it is a bit ugly if it improves functionality, which it does!
I am extremely happy with the update, I have had it since Wed when I went to the NYC event, and could not be happier.
I'm also digging it. Ive had it for a couple weeks and have it pretty custom with LPP
Sent from my GT-P7510 using XDA Premium App
if youre worried about losing root or whtaever, just flash with CWM the TW rom int eforums
gerrylum said:
Don't listen. It's still ugly as sin. I like some of the things TW brings to the table, but I wish they would have left the aesthetics of vanilla HC untouched.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha, don't get me wrong, it's ugly, but I don't hate it as much as I thought I might. If I could just figure out how to change the font, it would be loads better.
ETA: Settings/Screen/Screen Display/Font Style is how you change it thanks to another XDA'er
Well, of all the android devices, I had to use Samsung. They seem to be the only ones who even attempt to make the android software user-friendly. For my little experiment, I went a full 4 days without using WP7. A full four days using only android. Overall, I enjoyed the games. Dungeon Defenders is a great game that I've poured time into, but the battery life of that thing makes it impossible to play for any fair period of time. I even picked up the Mugen battery with double the capacity, it still had horrid battery life. The hotmail simply doesn't work, regardless of settings the built-in mail just doesn't work. You have to install third party apps to check your email, it's sad. The UI leaves a lot to be desired, it takes a lot of rearranging and way too much management for my taste. I tried other launchers, themes, and folders, it just seemed really haphazardly tossed together. Even as a, "Facebook machine" as most use it, it just doesn't seem to work well. The hardware is great and it would be great if well implemented, but everything short of the gaming I could do on wp7 quicker, smoother, and hassle-free. If customization is your bit, android all the way. It won't be pulling me away from WP7 as I want something that really works and does t cause more headaches than it resolves. Anything you guys would recommend to make an android experience more... User-friendly?
Cool story bro
z33dev33l said:
Well, of all the android devices, I had to use Samsung. They seem to be the only ones who even attempt to make the android software user-friendly. For my little experiment, I went a full 4 days without using WP7. A full four days using only android. Overall, I enjoyed the games. Dungeon Defenders is a great game that I've poured time into, but the battery life of that thing makes it impossible to play for any fair period of time. I even picked up the Mugen battery with double the capacity, it still had horrid battery life. The hotmail simply doesn't work, regardless of settings the built-in mail just doesn't work. You have to install third party apps to check your email, it's sad. The UI leaves a lot to be desired, it takes a lot of rearranging and way too much management for my taste. I tried other launchers, themes, and folders, it just seemed really haphazardly tossed together. Even as a, "Facebook machine" as most use it, it just doesn't seem to work well. The hardware is great and it would be great if well implemented, but everything short of the gaming I could do on wp7 quicker, smoother, and hassle-free. If customization is your bit, android all the way. It won't be pulling me away from WP7 as I want something that really works and does t cause more headaches than it resolves. Anything you guys would recommend to make an android experience more... User-friendly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rooting and flashing an AOSP ROM?
I personally hate TW like hell especially on ICS.....its makes everything look crap.
As for facebook, the official app is always slow IMO. I recommend using Friendcaster.
And for hotmail, there is an official hotmail app from MS i believe.
edit: I personally just auto forward my hotmail to my gmail so therefore no need for third party email apps
I wouldn't use gmail if it was the only email service there was, can't stand it. See, I, disagree though. I got the phone used and it had aosp on it and I went back to stock because I hated it. touchwiz is the only considerable hone replacement I've stumbled upon. I'll check out friend caster though. I want to like this phone, but it feels like someone wrapped a ton of capability in something...
Android is good, unless 2 problems: short battery - high degree
OP: I totally agree with you. Its something iOS and WP7 beat Android in.
Sent from my R800x using XDA
Never got on with TW/ASOP which was one of the reasons I stuck with HTC and got the Sensation, the built in Apps seem more polished, take the email client and Polaris office on the phone, if someone sends me a .xlsm file, I can open it, something IOS and other Android devices I've tried cannot do. The Blackberry playbook can, but that's poo.
Do people still use Hotmail as a daily address rather than just a spamtrap? I haven't logged into mine for about 4 years now, I only have a live acount these days for accessing MS services like their licences page.
Hate gmail but use Android? Makes absolutely no sense.
Thats like me using a Windows Phone and hating Bing.
keep on trying to promote WP7, you may actually stop the losing market share.
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Im confused...you had an SGSII, got rid of it months ago and then bought another one to "try out"? That doesn't make much sense at all...
U sir don't know what android is about.When u start messing with rooms and customization u will know.Give it some time.And flash aokp or cm9 loads of features
Sent from my SGS2 powered by cm9 love
I REALLY don't get you. Android is common sence. Download a easy launcher if you don't know what your doing. Android was never intended for people without common sence if you read they're story.
Also, you saw samsung has the most user friendly interface however all android phones have the same basic stock ui. The layout is the same just different styles.
Remember you have widgets
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Had a gs2, didn't like, heard ICS fixed all that I've hated, gave it a shot as I'm an equal opportune type when it comes to an OS,.still the same issues. The OS just isn't very intuitive.
Anyone got a ROM that will give me more than my hour and a half battery life? Something with Swype as the stock keyboard won't keep up.
Matty, don't mock someone common sense until you can distinguish the difference between, "your" and "you're" or, "there," "their" and, "they're."
z33dev33l said:
Had a gs2, didn't like, heard ICS fixed all that I've hated, gave it a shot as I'm an equal opportune type when it comes to an OS,.still the same issues. The OS just isn't very intuitive.
Anyone got a ROM that will give me more than my hour and a half battery life? Something with Swype as the stock keyboard won't keep up.
Matty, don't mock someone common sense until you can distinguish the difference between, "your" and "you're" or, "there," "their" and, "they're."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use AOSP not that bloat filled ugly thing called TW ontop of ICS
Just sign up for Swype beta and you can get swype on any device
Last I signed up for Swype beta, there was a waiting list. AOSP isn't really appealing to me. It's pretty unpleasing aesthetically.
No more waiting on swype beta. Just sign up.
Or you can use WP7 keyboard.
Hour and a half battery life is a over exaggerated, dont you think?
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
z33dev33l said:
Last I signed up for Swype beta, there was a waiting list. AOSP isn't really appealing to me. It's pretty unpleasing aesthetically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
each to their own.
If you dislike android so much; go back to WP7
Won't is my main OS, I use it as my daily driver.
I tried the imitation wp7 keyboard, it's still a bit slow. I'll sign up for Swype beta and look for more battery friendly roms. I wish I was exaggerating, my phone dies faster than it charges while plaiting dungeon defenders.
How can you use something as gimmicky and non-user friendly as WP7 and say Android is not intuitive? Basically WP7 is similar to the beta Windows 8and can be considered a step backwards for MS going by the new UI so I wouldn't exactly call WP7 intuitive and user-friendly/
AndIKnow said:
How can you use something as gimmicky and non-user friendly as WP7 and say Android is not intuitive? Basically WP7 is similar to the beta Windows 8and can be considered a step backwards for MS going by the new UI so I wouldn't exactly call WP7 intuitive and user-friendly/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly an assumption without foundation.
How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.
Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.
No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?
Twenty minutes before the first bump and between the first and second - get a bit of patience! People aren't lurking on forums waiting to jump on your every post...
1. Yes - Minimalistic Text and others
3. Yes - search Play store for "picture widget"
4. Why not Swype? What makes it unsuitable (that'll make it easier for others to make suggestions.
Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Honestly, any keyboard that works well with one hand, will also reconfigure so much that you'll essentially have to relearn it.
Messagease and 8pen are good with one hand, but they obviously don't look anything like qwerty. And one-hand typing is really only feasible with phones anyway.
Best bet is just to use voice recognition and hope it really is as up to snuff.
You're probably not going to like my answer, but I tried this (also with a person who had use of only one arm) and it didn't work. I mounted it to a table on a movable arm to make it easy to use.
Beyond the shaking hands and weak eyes, the biggest problem is understanding the UI. To you and I it's not complicated, but we grew up with computers. That's not any sort of judgment; the guy was capable of using a windows XP computer (very very slowly), it's just that switching to a new IU is much more confusing to the older brain than for a younger brain. They just don't have the filters to pick out the important information from the screen quickly, and every step requires conscious thought. This can be very tiring for an older person, and--at least in my experience--older people don't have a lot of tolerance for frustration.
I don't want you to be discouraged by this; I spent weeks on this (and several hundred dollars) and ended up getting him a small laptop on which I installed a simplification program that allowed only basic email and internet. But your relative may be more savvy, have better coordination, or just more interest in making it work. Here's what I'd suggest:
1) "minimalist text" can be customized to put static text on the screen. You'll have to play with it a bit.
2) There's no applications I can think of that make it easier, but I'd suggest giving her some system to mount it where she can both see and reach it. Have her sit as she would when she wanted to use it (chair, table, bed) and figure out how she can use it with her arm resting on something.
3) I think the picture frames widget is included in stock android. I'd strongly suggest against using anything other than a solid-colored background though. Again, it's difficult for an older brain to parse large amounts of information, and older eyes to see past the contrasts. I'm sure there's some way to have a rotating photo widget on some part of the screen in the market though.
4) Swiftkey. It's a bit advanced, but has one major advantage: predictive text. She can enter a few letters and the software will come up with a few words. Often it will get the intended word within a few letters, which can save a lot of inputs. That said, I think the stock android keyboard in JB has this functionality too, so you might hold off and try that.
A few other suggestions:
1) Get a launcher that can be cut down to just one screen. ADW EX does this. And get rid of the elastic screens (allows it to stay static). You said you already have a custom launcher in mind; which one were you thinking of?
2) When AOKP gets their hands on this, they'll allow you to add and change buttons to the notification bar. Get rid of the long-presses, maybe even get rid of everything but the home and back button.
3) Forget the speech recognition stuff. Old voices are not easy to understand for anyone, much less a computer, and convincing an older person to speak slowly and annunciate is not easy. Also, the first time it doesn't work you'll have a very frustrated relative to deal with...
4) Keep it simple. The first time you show her how to use it pick one thing (probably email or video chat) and show her how to do just that. If you take just one suggestion from me it's this. Add something next time, once she gets how to do email or video chat (test her first). Seriously, everyone will end up happier as a result.
OK, good luck! Hope it works better for you than it did for me!
I would say, a very simple background. No live wallpapers. A Big clock widget,
Get her a Bluetooth Keyboard, there is no sense in trying to force an older person to use a touch screen, that requires near perfect fingers. A normal keyboard is something she most likely has seen and used before. So it will feel normal.
A Widget for changing volume. Something with like a large Plus and Minus sign, and a big percent so she can easily see how loud it is.
Brad387 said:
How can I make the Nexus 7 super-easy to use?
I have an elderly relative who has never used any Android device, or much technology at all to be honest besides old feature phones and television boxes, and we shall soon be purchasing her a Google Nexus 7. We settled on this idea after noticing that the 8GB Nexus 7 model is only £159 GBP, which isn't much more than the Kindle Touch and also offers a slightly larger screen. I am looking to make the experience personal and also easy for her.
Since I am going to use a custom launcher to prevent access to the app menu and simplify the user experience by showing her only the apps she will need to use (preventing access to the settings will prevent her accidentally deleting things), I am looking for a widget which will allow me to add my own custom text set to a custom size to the home screen. With this, I'll separate up the few apps she plans on using. Any recommendations for such an application?
Since this person does not have full function of a second arm, are there any applications which make one-handed operation easier on the tablet's 7 inch display?
Is there a widget which will allow me to add "picture frames" to the home screen? I could put some pictures of the family in these, which will add a nice personal touch.
Are there any keyboards which are good for one-handed use? Please do not say Swype.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
Any suggestions to any of my issues I face? Also, any general app recommendations are welcome, but keep in mind who this tablet is for when making suggestions. For example, no messenger apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brad387 said:
No ideas to any of those applications/features I'm looking to implement?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol man, RELAX. Bumping your thread like that is terrible forum etiquette.
I'd refer to your own thread that you opened not long before this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1757848
Aps at startup
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.
Thanks. I will likely use Nova Launcher to keep the amount of screens to a minimum.
darkamikaze said:
This might dumb the phone by a lot but: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=name.kunes.android.launcher.activity&hl=en
Here's a photo widget app that people seem to like though : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.thinkjava.androidphotowidgetfree
If you can wait for further development.. flashing MIUI seems to attract a lot of newer android users due to the similarities with iOS. If not you can always get the MIUI style launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fascinating. But this isn't for you; it's for an older person.
OP, the folks pointing out that it's bad forum etiquette to create multiple threads and bump them are right. And considering the time folks put into answering your question, it wouldn't hurt to respond and click the "thanks" button.
thebobp said:
Swype probably requires two-handing on a device this big.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand how you would use Swype with two hands even if you wanted to. Swyping requires one continuous swipe with one finger across all of the letters that spell out your word, and besides the actual act of swyping, I don't understand how using it would be any different from using one finger to type on a non-Swype keyboard.
blackhand1001 said:
Yuck. No thank you on miui. I hate the unorganized nature of having every icon on the home screen. App drawer please.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.
dparrothead1 said:
Sorry that you don't know much about MIUI. It's the easiest ROM that I have used and now have it on my Infuse and Nook Color.
I am 66yo and like very simple and clean screens that are easy to use. The attached s/s's are from a 7" Nook Color screen.
1. Home screen.
2. Favorites expanded
3. 2nd Page....only have 2 pages...show all my apps in folders...no app drawer.
4. Reading folder opened
EDIT: You can set up as many or as few folders as you need and name them anything you choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used miui on several devices. I just find it clunky. I like having an alphabetically sorted app drawer.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm working on the same issue for my mom, who just turned 86.
I downloaded Minimalistic Text for her, but I had assumed it would be simple to set up - it isn't.
Am I correct that it's very limited as to what it can display? It appears to be able to display the time, date, temp, and then a few other things not important to your typical 86 year old, such as battery level, cpu speed, etc.
I had hoped I would be able to have it launch apps, so I could for instance, have it show "Email", Facebook", etc.
Older people have difficulty remembering the names of apps sometimes. "K9" for instance, would not mean email to my mom.
Something that would allow you to make app icons larger might help. But I had high hopes for Minimalist Text!
Btw, we did a four way hangout with her yesterday. She has beginning Alzheimer's, but she loves technology!
Edit: I see in the OP's other thread someone mentioned Simple Text . Can that be used on a stock N7? Must I use a different launcher?