Hey guys,my GS2 finally arrived today!
So,starting from good things.I absolutely love the screen,speed and smoothness.Nothing brings the phone to its knees,not even downloading 30 apps at the same time from market!
I won't go on with the good stuff of the phone,you all already know it's awesome(probably).
I also have some issues though.What I saw first was that my phone came with KE2 on it.I thought ok,I'll update it.I go to Settings->Phone info(Or whatever it is,mine is in greek)->Software Updates and I run a check.It says I have the latest firmware installed.I then try on my PC with Kies and it's the same.What is wrong here?Does anyone know?
Second thing is that it charges really really slow.It's partially normal that it takes longer than my Desire HD to charge 'cause the battery is like 25% bigger,but that much longer?Good thing is it also discharges slower!
Third.That's a pain.Isn't there a USB Disk mode?Cause the only way I can transfer files between my phone and PC is via Kies(I don't like it,reminds me of iTunes).And what's worse,I cannot transfer from my PS3.
Fourth.Some market apps can't install.Mostly games(Only one wasn't a game),for example Angry Birds with the exception of Angry Birds Rio.Is it normal for the SGS2?Cause I saw Chainfire3D has an option to repair something with apps not installing from market.
If I find a fifth or more I'll post again!
Now to questions.
1)How the hell do I put my phone in download mode?I haven't managed to find that anywhere.
2)Can I enter bootloader and fastboot normally by holding volume down key like on HTC devices or is it trickier here?
3)Rooting is just as easy as clicking a button in Odin?With no possible side effects?I can' accept it's that easy!
4)Until I root,does Chainfire3D take care of banding issues too?Cause banding pretty much ****ed up my Robotek experience(I got addicted to Robotek last week for Christ's sake! ).
5)Is making a Nandroid backup possible?If not,is there any way to back up the phone like with Nandroid?
That's for now...I think!Sorry for noobish questions but my whole Android experience was with HTC devices.The Galaxy S 2,as an experience altogether(meaning for software,hardware-wise it blows away everything) isn't worse nor is it better than the HTC devices I've owned.The abscense of Sense will take a long getting used to,but I'll live with it.Meanwhile I'll be loving the speed,the power,the smoothness,the awesome camera and everything else that makes the device great.You know what I mean,right?
Thanks in advance guys!
PS:You don't have to answer all questions simultaneously,answering one or two will make me a happier SGS2 user.If you insist to answer to everything though I won't get mad at you obviously!
you can find many of these questions answered in the QA threads.
charging is about 3-3.5 hours.
I use mine as USB drive by enabling "USB Debugging" mode in the settings, it then becomes a couple of hard drives.
this is all I can answer off the top of my head
In wireless and network it says usb utilities and you can enable usb mode in there.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Firstly thanks for the rapid replies guys!
Ok,I didn't know...Will also search the Q&A threads later,as suggested!
I found two more niggles I want to add to the questions.
1)Is there any way I can use the LED flash as a flashlight?Any apps from market?
2)Can't I change user agent in Samsung's browser?Can't seem to find an option...And I can't stand mobile versions of websites!
Thanks!
Unboxing right now.
So. Finally received my GS2 and in the process of unboxing. Reading these threads (spent 3 days in office doing nothing but ) have made me really anxious, but fingers crossed that everything'll be a-ok.
Gonna spend the next few days testing and putting the phone through it's paces. If you guys want me to test anything for you (or if there's anything specific I should check) let me know.
tolis626 said:
Firstly thanks for the rapid replies guys!
Ok,I didn't know...Will also search the Q&A threads later,as suggested!
I found two more niggles I want to add to the questions.
1)Is there any way I can use the LED flash as a flashlight?Any apps from market?
2)Can't I change user agent in Samsung's browser?Can't seem to find an option...And I can't stand mobile versions of websites!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
come on ,in one sentence you promise to review the FAQ threads, and in the next sentence you ask more questions that were FAQed multiple times before
your answers
1) a myriad apps can use LED as flashlight. try "Search Light" or "TeslaLED" for example
2) to change the UA just type about:useragent in the browser address box, or install a different browser
kreoXDA said:
come on ,in one sentence you promise to review the FAQ threads, and in the next sentence you ask more questions that were FAQed multiple times before
your answers
1) a myriad apps can use LED as flashlight. try "Search Light" or "TeslaLED" for example
2) to change the UA just type about:useragent in the browser address box, or install a different browser
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just realised I'm an arse,eh?
Well,right now I am very busy with some friends(Playing Pro Evolution on my PS3,hooked to my 42 inch TV,noice! ),so I'll check later on.Sorry about it though,I don't use to ask noobishly anymore!
As for number 1 I knew there are apps that do so,but I don't know if they are compatible.Will check and see!
Thanks for the second,saved my day!
And one more...I hope this one isn't answered in the FAQ!
Why the hell doesn't it show me the current in CurrentWidget?It says "No data" instead of x mA.That is nasty!
look for Flash Light LED (AE) on the market, its free, and doesnt need root
Related
Hey guys.. I was wondering that why there is no option to download android apps on PC? I don't see any reason for why not apart from the different hardware of devices due to which not every device supports every app. But can't we just select our handset and then search for the apps?
By the way, please delete this thread if it's already been started before!
We can very much download apps to the PC. Some of the sites provide downloading only on scanning the QR code from the phone, but there r many many other sites wer u can download the apks on ur PC, like I do since I have no GPRS/3G/WiFi accounts on my phone yet.
A great list of such sites :
www.download.pandaapp.com
www.getandroidstuff.com
www.androidsoft4u.com
www.andappstore.com
www.mobiles24.com
www.bestandroiddownloads.com
www.freeware4android.net
www.slideme.org
www.android-themes.com
www.freewarelovers.com
www.androiddownloadz.com
www.downloadandroid.info
www.freeapk.com
www.androidappsfree.blogspot.com
www.mobile.softpedia.com
Hey!
I was looking for something like Apple's App Store, something official. But anyways, thanks alot!
With minor hacking you can install the official Android Market on you PC inside the official Android Emulator as well as x86 port of Android running on PC hardware. There are a lot of guides explaining how to do this online.
Here is an example:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/2186...ndroid-market-in-the-google-android-emulator/
p.s. This is off topic... I know people use this all the time and I certainly don't have the best grammar myself, but I just wanted to point out that "alot" is not a word in the English language. No one seems to mind little things like that when posting online, but I happen to see students using it all the time in their papers and it is wrong. They use "alot" and when it should just be "a lot".
Before anybody starts to bash me for NOT SEARCHING, Well, I did, I have been doing nothing in the past 3 days except for SEARCHING, here at XDA, and over our friend Google.
Simple things in life that I DON"T KNOW "WHY" I can't do: Its all regarding my Galaxy Tab:
1. SYNC Application that REALLY WORKS ?????
Cannot find Literally ANY that could connect to my Tab, Tried Kies 1.5.3 & 2.0 , (YOUR PHONE IS NOT SUPPORTED)
Tried SAMSUNG New PC STUDIO - TOTAL Failure!
2. No Descent BACKUP APPLICATION? OMG
I remember very well that my HTC Touch HD / HD2 came with a Full version of Sprite Backup, Nothing for Samsung? Do I have to fiddle around trying 30+ to backup (ALL PROGRAMS & DATA)?????????
3. WHERE THE HELL IS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE THAT HAS FIRMWARE UPGRADES AND DOWNLOADS?
Its not a NOKIA you know, It's a Tablet that is using a NOT-Fully-Optimized-For-Tablets Froyo version. and its an OPEN SOURCE for God's sake, OPEN HOW???
Lots of official Fixes should be easily accessible, along with ROM and RADIO Upgrades, Just like what I'm used to with HTC Devices since 8 years
Where is SAMSUNG SUPPORT???????????????????????????
I just have the Silly User Guide and that's about it, what the hell have they been thinking????????????
have they dumped the device, and became fully DEPENDABLE on XDA-Dev?
4. After Restoring Factory settings, I install very limitted amount of Appz, all legal and free, then restore my Contacts using one application, then Restore my SMS using another Application, then restore my Bookmarks with a third application (Damn it) I then lose the ringtone.
It simply does not RING nor VIBRATE when someone calls me.
Please don't tell me to TRY Titanium Backup!!!!!!!!!!
Do I have to go through an infinite list of CRAP, in COLORS, to BACKUP my DATA????????????????????????????????
I'm Terribly sorry to come RANT in here, its my only WAY to Exhaust my ANGER
What astonishes me here at XDA too, that there is no section for Guides, Tips, just some FM versions, and lots of talk about UNLOCKING the SGT, am I blind to that extent?
*#1234# =
PDA: P1000JPJJ2
PHONE: P1000JXJJ1
CSC: P1000OJPJJ3
Anyone else?
Will
I know that the uprades as far as firmaware should come from your provider just as it does with your phone. Just like with the HD2, they release a firmware update to the providers, then the providers release it after they tweak it.
What seems to be wrong with the firmware that is on the tab? I have had my tab a few month and have had ZERO issues with it. I rooted it, and thats all I needed.
As far as syncing your data, you dont want to use titanium backup that does everything, so I am not sure what your asking for.
Dear Willy
If you want real help, please, tell us what is your vision of ideal backup and sync.
I don't see you using Google for that.
I have switched from iPhone in part because I didn't want iTunes and computer every time I wanted to reload data. With Google I am in sync with my online data after logging on Gmail.
It is possible that it does not work as well outside the US but for that purpose Samsung provides Kies software for Windows. Check this link: http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/main/supportMain.do
I did not use it because don't see useful for me but it is exactly a replacement for online sync and backup.
Hope this will help
Thank you dubie76, Now I have some understandings
Thank you too Adapt0r, you are totally correct regarding iTunes and their Lock-Down policy, let alone the very tight platform.
But Still, TB is Okay, but #1 its a PAID App, #2 its really complicated to go through lots of options in various color-codes to get the job done.
I was thinking that there would be an Application that has (Backup/Restore) 2 buttons to do what you need, as simple as that.
and although the SGT is being released in the US to carrier, they also release it in some other countries w/o a Carrier nor a Contract, in such case, SAMSUNG should be providing the Support for it, no body else.
Regarding PC Sync, I just need it to upgrade my FW (the official way) w/o hacks and boot-loader modes, I did some studies regarding my current FW, and its 3 month old, I demand an upgrade to make my usage easier, not to mention the bug fixes.
Every first-release FW/ROM has its flaws, that it get sorted out through UPDATES, got my point?
one more time I would like to thank you for the positive and friendly attitude, I really appreciate that
Willy318is said:
Thank you dubie76, Now I have some understandings
Thank you too Adapt0r, you are totally correct regarding iTunes and their Lock-Down policy, let alone the very tight platform.
But Still, TB is Okay, but #1 its a PAID App, #2 its really complicated to go through lots of options in various color-codes to get the job done.
I was thinking that there would be an Application that has (Backup/Restore) 2 buttons to do what you need, as simple as that.
and although the SGT is being released in the US to carrier, they also release it in some other countries w/o a Carrier nor a Contract, in such case, SAMSUNG should be providing the Support for it, no body else.
Regarding PC Sync, I just need it to upgrade my FW (the official way) w/o hacks and boot-loader modes, I did some studies regarding my current FW, and its 3 month old, I demand an upgrade to make my usage easier, not to mention the bug fixes.
Every first-release FW/ROM has its flaws, that it get sorted out through UPDATES, got my point?
one more time I would like to thank you for the positive and friendly attitude, I really appreciate that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TB will backup and restore everything with one click. Its the batch operation. Yes the pro version is paid. If you really want it, I can PM it to you, but you have blocked PMs. I have been messing with hybrid roms and builds for a long time and I recommend you dont mess with tablet roms yet.
In your list of complains you can add: the worst support for Microsoft Exchange ever seen
The Tab Software is a joke... I can't believe I have read in several articles it was much better than many other Android devices. I don't want to know how bad others are....
@dubie76:
PM is now Okay, I guess it has been jacked up after upgrading the Forum.
thx dear
Willy318is said:
@dubie76:
PM is now Okay, I guess it has been jacked up after upgrading the Forum.
thx dear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PM sent.
10char
What do you want to backup exactly? (Other than Descent which doesn't have an Android port that I'm aware of).
Kies should work fine, if it's not working then you may have the SGT in debug mode or something.
Kies _is_ the "official website" for firmware updates.
I've never owned a phone that will backup _everything_ for later restoration after a factory reset in an easy fashion. An iPhone does a reasonable job of it I guess.
@dubie76:
Words of Thanking can't do you justice, Truely appreciate it.
KIES, for Some reason won't connect to my SGT, and BTW, if USB Debugging mode is enabled, you will get a prompt on the tab saying that you have to Disable it if you want to connect your SGT to your PC.
The weird thing is, some plp. say that we should choose UPGRADE, from the list that pops up when connecting the SGT to a PC/Notebook. Well, I only have KIES / MASS STORAGE / MEDIA PLAYER.
Last question:
If I bought my SGT from KUWAIT (Middle East), do I have to use a KIES version that is Downloaded off Kuwait region (through SAMSUNG Website)? if so, then that's absurd, if Not, then what should I do?
KIES will be used only to UPGRADE the FW, not for backup or Appz installations or anything else.
thx again for all the help, its so comforting to Ask and be Answered, I Love you XDA People.
Will
I have the same predicament. After installing the Kies, it went well then suddenly it froze. I reinstalled it and updated the driver, still cannot sync. The apps just stayed in "connecting" mode and cannot seem to recognize the gtb. I'm hoping for another alternative. It seems this Kies thing is a waste of my time.
The Samsung website specifically says that Kies will not work in certain territories.
Google search for samsung galaxy tab FAQs and you will find a link that contains all sorts of responses from Samsung, official ones, regarding the issues people seem to be having on this thread.
Sent from my SGH-T849 using XDA Premium App
Wow, talk about confusing, the A7 is a whole new world to me.
I've had computers for years, currently I have two running XP & 7, plus I have two laptops running XP & 7. I understand a lot when it comes to computers, but the A7 is so different.
I've downloaded & printed the User Manual and I have read it several times. I've read numerous posts on this forum and now I'm confused. I feel so dumb. Too many words that I don't understand. I want to learn everything I can about running every aspect of this tablet, but it's like just as I learn one thing, the next time it doesn't work that way.
I need more reading material. Whether it be links to posts, books to read, anything to help me understand what I am doing. I make notes of things I have read so that I will remember what to do next time. Post something to help me, PM me or even email me.
I will be so greatfull for any help given.
Thank you
The user manual you can download on elocity's site is useless because there is a lot of things that were never edited out to match the actual release version of the tablet.
As far as computer knowledge and relating it to the a7 or android in general, windows knowledge will not get you very far. A good working knowledge of Unix/Linux will give you a much better idea of what's going on behind the scenes since android is based on Linux (loosely, in my opinion) but still functions very similarly.
If you have any programming or web design experience, I would recommend downloading the android sdk and do some playing around with simple programs. Also with the sdk you can make a virtual android device to monkey around with without fear of messing up your new $300 toy I use eclipse as my development environment in Linux, not sure what a good windows alternative would be, but the structure of an android app is pretty easy to follow. There are example programs and source available on the android developer site developer.android.com if I remember correctly (same place to get the sdk). And the language itself tends to be pretty similar to writing a Java app.
I've probably missed the mark completely on the information you were trying to find, but if you are anything like me, you'll find hours (years if it gets you going down the Linux/Unix path lol) of obsession with just this info.
Hopefully it gets you on the opensource band wagon (the reason I love Linux/Android)
Wow...where to start? Well, you got that you turn it on and slide the lock to the dot to unlock. Then you are in a "home page". There are 5 of them. there are dots at the top of the screen showing which home page ur on. Usually the center one. Touch the screen and slide one way or the other to move the home pages.
If you touch the square whitish pad at the right of the screen with a bunch of darker squares in it, it takes you to your apps - the programs that do what you want.
If you touch an app it runs. Touch the return arrow just to the right of the screen to close the app and go back. It always takes u back.
You have to "root" the machine to get the good apps. Usually with Dexters mod. This is easy. You download the file, rename it to upgrade.zip, place it on a micro SD card, and go to settings/About Device/System Updates/ then touch update device.
The home button at the right side of the screen always takes you to the center home page. - It DOES NOT close the app you have open at the moment.
you should get an app closer to close all of the un-closed apps for you.
Oh yea, android market place is the app you want to add all of the apps you want.
You get it with Dexters Mod (4.1 right now)
and there is tons more...............
Based on Linux ... now I understand why this is confusing to me. I've never worked with it before, but I understand from fellow users, they like it better than Windows OS.
I've never done any programming or web design, but maybe it's not too late to learn something new.
I thank both of you for your info and appreciate everything you have said.
mrpete2u I really appreciated the details of your instructions. I know I'm a dummy at this, and I'm sure there are more of you guys out there to help.
Thanks
mrpete2u said:
You have to "root" the machine to get the good apps. Usually with Dexters mod. This is easy. You download the file, rename it to upgrade.zip, place it on a micro SD card, and go to settings/About Device/System Updates/ then touch update device.
you should get an app closer to close all of the un-closed apps for you.
Oh yea, android market place is the app you want to add all of the apps you want.
You get it with Dexters Mod (4.1 right now)
and there is tons more...............
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another newbie jumping in....and trying to figure this out. To "root" the machine do I need to update the firmware from the elocity site or can I jump to Dexters right away. If so, where do I find that?
Thanks for your advice.
your a7 is rooted already with dexters mod or elocity firmware.
My Kernel version is 2.6.32.9-svn2514
[email protected]#1
And Build # PBJ8000.2.0124
And ECv is 0.14
Would you mind explaining what these numbers mean, please?
Thank you
koalaw said:
My Kernel version is 2.6.32.9-svn2514
[email protected]#1
And Build # PBJ8000.2.0124
And ECv is 0.14
Would you mind explaining what these numbers mean, please?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are one version in the rear, version now is 2.0133, most member her are running Dexter Mod 1.41 include myself an entirely different beast, stock Roman won't let me load Asphalt5 game so Dexter it is...A7 come from factor rooted Don't think any other tablet come out already root...
Your saying I need to upgrade one version
and that my A7 is already rooted??
Thank you for the answers.
koalaw said:
Your saying I need to upgrade one version
and that my A7 is already rooted??
Thank you for the answers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look here for Dexter mod forget about the stock rom ....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=890042
I have now updated to 2.0.0133
Now I need to figure out how to get the market icon so I can start looking for more apps & games. Tried downloading earlier and it keeps telling me that I have downloaded to my phone? I don't have a fancy phone to download to.
Here I am again confused, but what's new about that!!
There is a thread in the device section on adding market to stock rom.
Or you could just run elocitymod by Dexter.
I did run the elocity mod 1.41 and my firmware was updated to 2.0.0133
When I am on market.android's site, they want my phone number so they can download the app to my phone.
I'm trying to download the app to my tablet.
Am I confused or what
Thanks for answering me.
koalaw said:
I did run the elocity mod 1.41 and my firmware was updated to 2.0.0133
When I am on market.android's site, they want my phone number so they can download the app to my phone.
I'm trying to download the app to my tablet.
Am I confused or what
Thanks for answering me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, yes you are lol
For all intents and purposes (as far as Google is concerned at least) your tablet is a phone.
Install market enabler on the a7 and fake a cell provider. The a7 should show up on the Google market website after that.
You didn't install dextermod and then apply eLocity update over it did you? Just want to be sure.
Your laughing at me .... that's ok ... right now I'm so new at this, I really don't care, in fact I am laughing at myself for being so dumb.
I went to dexter's site and downloaded a file called elocitymod1.41 and renamed it to update.zip and that is what I installed.
OK I will install market enabler
Thank you again for helping this dummy .... LOL
From the perceived tone of the post prior to my last one, I thought you were already at the laughing stage. I thought I was just laughing along, sorry for the mix up.
Sounds like you are doing everything right. I just wanted to make sure that we were dealing with a clean install of elocitymod, and not something mixed together by trying to ally another update on top of it.
Needless to say ... I am still confused.
Installed the market enabler, but I am not getting anywhere.
Why I try to install an app I get a message telling me there is no phone attached to this account and they want me to log in with another account. When I try creating a new account, there is no place to give a phone number and I get all those stupid messages again.
Just wondering if I am too dumb, because you all make this seem so easy, that maybe I should give up and figure out other ways to get apps and leave the android market site alone???
Sorry if I have frustration in my voice, but I guess I thought this would be easier.
koalaw said:
Needless to say ... I am still confused.
Installed the market enabler, but I am not getting anywhere.
Why I try to install an app I get a message telling me there is no phone attached to this account and they want me to log in with another account. When I try creating a new account, there is no place to give a phone number and I get all those stupid messages again.
Just wondering if I am too dumb, because you all make this seem so easy, that maybe I should give up and figure out other ways to get apps and leave the android market site alone???
Sorry if I have frustration in my voice, but I guess I thought this would be easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just use market from the tablet? I wouldn't stress so much about trying to get it to work and remotely install from the web site.
Each time I go to the site, I am on my tablet. Mainly because it has a direct install button and not a download, so I want to be on the tablet to install on it.
koalaw said:
Each time I go to the site, I am on my tablet. Mainly because it has a direct install button and not a download, so I want to be on the tablet to install on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So are you hitting the Market icon (opening the Market app) or are you trying to open http://market.android.com/ in the web browser?
Nexus 7 2012, 4.4.4
Bought it for my 10 year old girl. I am not paranoid, but want to keep her and the device safe. Looking for recommendations on app, settings, on how to find the device if lost, and how to keep her and the device safe.
1) losing the device
++ I installed the android stock app Device Manager (think that is the name) and also Lookout. They both provide a siren to help find the phone and a gps locator map. but obviously this must only work if the device is wi-fi connected and has battery?
++ lock the screen with password after 2 minutes.
++ owners contact infor (cell phone numbers) on lock screen
-- anything comments or advice?
2) virus protection
++ installed Lookout.
3) Safe surfing
++ nothing installed
4) parental controls
++ nothing installed
Maybe try this? Looks like it does more than one thing.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avg.family
Thse are a bit too baby for a 10 year old. Maybe I need to reask my question. Looking mostly for common sense ways to find the tablet when it gets lost and how to help people get it back to you. I am not big on parental controls. But have an open mind.
thebrenda said:
Thse are a bit too baby for a 10 year old. Maybe I need to reask my question. Looking mostly for common sense ways to find the tablet when it gets lost and how to help people get it back to you. I am not big on parental controls. But have an open mind.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try AVG, if I'm not mistaken it can also locate a device, I am sure that it emails you immediately to notify you if the Sim has been changed.
EDIT: there are many apps that will email you a photo of whoever fails to unlock the device, I'm sorry I cannot provide links or names but I have tried a few, they work. You can google this one.
Sent from my GT-I8190 using Tapatalk
thebrenda said:
Nexus 7 2012, 4.4.4
Bought it for my 10 year old girl. I am not paranoid, but want to keep her and the device safe. Looking for recommendations on app, settings, on how to find the device if lost, and how to keep her and the device safe.
1) losing the device
++ I installed the android stock app Device Manager (think that is the name) and also Lookout. They both provide a siren to help find the phone and a gps locator map. but obviously this must only work if the device is wi-fi connected and has battery?
++ lock the screen with password after 2 minutes.
++ owners contact infor (cell phone numbers) on lock screen
-- anything comments or advice?
2) virus protection
++ installed Lookout.
3) Safe surfing
++ nothing installed
4) parental controls
++ nothing installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2. If you d/l only fron google Play store, no virus protection needed
3/4. Open DNS is great for the home. You can restrict all types of websites..just log in to OPENDNS (web site) and go from there.
d
What about an app that tells you what happens have been used at what times? My girl is supposed to read for 30 minutes every day. Now she wants to read in her room on the tablet. I want to srr her app history.
Sent from my LG-P769 using XDA Free mobile app
Really if this is an issue, turn off Internet access and let her read ebooks already downloaded. 10yo if you can't trust, make her read where you can monitor. Still no trust, no Internet device, it its simple.
107
thebrenda said:
What about an app that tells you what happens have been used at what times? My girl is supposed to read for 30 minutes every day. Now she wants to read in her room on the tablet. I want to srr her app history.
Sent from my LG-P769 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your daughter goes to school, then there is a huge chance there is some kid at school that can flash her device. A few points to think about.
1) If your installing these apps with out her knowledge, you can't get mad at her if she has someone flash it.
2) If your installing these apps with out her knowledge and she finds out, you've now broken her trust of you. As a previous rebellious teen girl this is a big mistake, something she will not forget anytime soon.
3) My daughter has to read daily as well. What I do is read the same book as her. We make it fun. While I make dinner we discuss the book. If I find she hasn't read it yet today, I suggest she go do that while I make dinner.
We don't use technology as a punishment or reward in our house, it's just part of life. My daughter (an yours probably too) can just go to a friends house and surf/play/whatever with out my knowledge. It's more important that my daughter trust me and know that I trust her.
Open DNS . Com. Family shield is free VIP only $19.95 per year.
Platform: Fire HD 8 (6th edition)
OS: 5.4.0.1
Willing to rollback?: Yes (it has broken some email functionality)
Launcher: Nova paid
I have activity launcher installed, as well as launcherhijack v3.
I have set the home screen button in accessibility, and have Nova enabled as the home. I have Nova enabled as the launcher, but have not deleted the fire launcher, as I would prefer not to.
The issue I'm having is that I can't seem to use widgets. I have read up on adb use for the fire, but Windows doesn't want to play nicely, and I don't currently have a linux machine available (yes, I could VM one, or setup a bootable USB, but I'm looking for a solution that would work with what I have currently in place).
Issue: Any time I go to place a widget on a Nova launcher screen, it brings up the list per normal, but when I go to place the widget, I get bounced back to the Kindle settings UI, and am unable to sort out a workaround.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, particularly if they don't require ADB, as so far Windows does not want to allow me to update the ADB drivers (it shows them as current stock drivers and functioning, as well as stating that the ones from google are a no-go).
Sadly, pushed the update when I did not expect it, so all of this was done after update rolled out. Play store was isntalled prior, and settings are for allowing debugging and developer settings, so at least I got the play store on prior to the update (which apparently some people are having issues with). For me, the store is working well, as is sideloading, which is why I'm thinking there must be a reliable solution to get widgets functioning in Nova without needing to ADB command it on.
Thank you,
--bb
No, you definitely need a working adb, it's your gate to all Fire HD hacks and improvements. If you can't - stay with Amazon bits and don't ask questions like this here.
Thanks to @DragonFire1024, we have a pretty nice hack to enable widgets on any launcher; it's very easy to apply and use. But PLEASE don't complain about prerequisites, if you can't get adb working on Windows, it's better to stay off all hacks and actually this site. Just enjoy your Amazon Fire HD (it's pretty cool even with OEM software installed).
Agreed! There is no need to be rude to those who are just learning. I appreciate those like Dragon who gives help to others without making them feel like idiots. With the help of this forum, I have gotten everything but gmail working! And that weird go to black screen and back to lock screen when I swipe application off the screen. An sure it will get fixed.
The widget script might work in a terminal emulator. Jack Pals on the play store is by far the best. Just search for terminal emulator for Android, place the script in the internal storage and try running it in the emulator. I honestly don't know if that will work though as all the hacks I do are usually with ADB.
DragonFire1024 said:
The widget script might work in a terminal emulator. Jack Pals on the play store is by far the best. Just search for terminal emulator for Android, place the script in the internal storage and try running it in the emulator. I honestly don't know if that will work though as all the hacks I do are usually with ADB.
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Thank you! I will give that a try.
Let's try to keep the comments directly related to Q&A for this device.
Getting snarky with other users and starting a back and forth argument is off-topic, and usually rude (both violations of the rules).
So, please; keep the Off-topic back and forth off the thread. If you are offended by, or feel another user's comment violates the rules, simply REPORT the comment and do not engage the other user further. No need to add MORE clutter.
Thanks for your cooperation.
sensboston said:
No, you definitely need a working adb, it's your gate to all Fire HD hacks and improvements. If you can't - stay with Amazon bits and don't ask questions like this here.
Thanks to @DragonFire1024, we have a pretty nice hack to enable widgets on any launcher; it's very easy to apply and use. But PLEASE don't complain about prerequisites, if you can't get adb working on Windows, it's better to stay off all hacks and actually this site. Just enjoy your Amazon Fire HD (it's pretty cool even with OEM software installed).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain to me how I can update the ADB? I'm not familiar with how to do this at all.
https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
Yeah, but...
bladebarrier said:
https://www.xda-developers.com/install-adb-windows-macos-linux/
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This is where I started, but I have been unable to find a way to find anything mentioning ADB (much less enable it) on our Fire HD 8 (7th Generation).
I have been looking through multiple guides for the past 20 minutes, but the newest firmware seems to have hidden or disabled the ability on the actual device. I am logged into the tablet on the main account, but even under "Device Administrators" it says "No available device administrators".
Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Edit: Fire OS 5.6.1.0
Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Yes, they did. It's the razor and blades business model. Such as one item is sold at a low price (or given away for free) in order to increase sales of a complementary goods.
When you go into the Setting then into Device Options, is Developer Options at the bottom of the list? If it isn't I think you need to tap the Serial Number 7 times, then it should appear and that is where you can enable ADB.
The dedication of the members of the xda forums are the only reason why a lot of devices such as these manage to reach their potential. I'm pretty new here (joined in February) but I never seen any member give up on a device. What most see as frustration, including myself, a lot of the members here not only see a challenge but an opportunity.
caldersm44 said:
Agreed! There is no need to be rude to those who are just learning. I appreciate those like Dragon who gives help to others without making them feel like idiots. With the help of this forum, I have gotten everything but gmail working! And that weird go to black screen and back to lock screen when I swipe application off the screen. An sure it will get fixed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now without a rooted device the kick to the lock screen cannot be fixed. That is an unfortunate event which is a result of disabling fire launcher without root. Gmail is give or take. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. If I really had to take a guess I would say Google and Amazon are fighting between each other to get Gmail to work or stop working. It seems when enough users complain Gmail stops working within a few minutes it works again in a couple days later Amazon stops it. I would go back to an old version of Gmail, take your pick and keep trying different versions from there. If he older versions don't work that I'm at a loss at the moment. I do not currently use Gmail on my Amazon tablets. Only because I get too much mail lol. however with that having been said I have never had a problem with Gmail on any of my Amazon tablets with or without root.
dondraper23 said:
Did Amazon manage to lock these down to be nothing but a pimp for Amazon (as was their intended goal)?
Yes, they did. It's the razor and blades business model. Such as one item is sold at a low price (or given away for free) in order to increase sales of a complementary goods.
When you go into the Setting then into Device Options, is Developer Options at the bottom of the list? If it isn't I think you need to tap the Serial Number 7 times, then it should appear and that is where you can enable ADB.
The dedication of the members of the xda forums are the only reason why a lot of devices such as these manage to reach their potential. I'm pretty new here (joined in February) but I never seen any member give up on a device. What most see as frustration, including myself, a lot of the members here not only see a challenge but an opportunity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reminder of how to enable Developer Options - it has been a while since I had to do that. ADB is now enabled!
Thanks to everyone in the xda-developers community!
AnotherNameFFS said:
Thanks for the reminder of how to enable Developer Options - it has been a while since I had to do that. ADB is now enabled!
Thanks to everyone in the xda-developers community!
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Glad you got it enabled! It's one of those steps that is easy to forget
Why are you saying that he should get off the site. Thats rude