Database Users

[Q] Buying first WP8. Which one?

Hi all,
im looking for a new phone and have fallen in love with WP8, I have been using Android for 2 years. I have looked at apps. and found the most important ones to be available on WP, the ones I could not find was: Steam, TwitchTV & an app. to watch Anime on. (not crucial)
I wanna know if there might be something that im gonna miss if I swap to WP. I expect WP to have the basics of any other smartphone (WiFi-hotspot, a proper GPS/Maps app. to get guided both in car and on foot, News, Notes, Calculator etc. etc. etc.) but if theres something it does not have that I might be used to in Android, please let me know.
Would also love to know how updates are handled. Is it through manufacturer (Nokia, HTC etc. like Android), or through MS to ensure all phones gets updated?
Last but not least, im considering buying the HTC 8S, as it seems to be the cheapest of 'em all. I would love to buy Lumia 920, but im afraid if I dont love the system, or feel like it lacks something I need (such as apps...), im gonna be stuck with a very expensive phone over 2 years.
I hope someone can give me some detailed, personal insight on swapping to WP from Android, and if HTC 8S would be a good choice.

If you don't wanna buy something really expensive, wait up a bit till lower end phones pop up. SO far, we only have flagships and a couple of mid ends.

mcosmin222 said:
If you don't wanna buy something really expensive, wait up a bit till lower end phones pop up. SO far, we only have flagships and a couple of mid ends.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont consider HTC 8S expensive, its around half the price of Lumia 920 here. The reason I back when I bought my first smartphone went with a top model was because I knew Android - back then - still had frame rate issues with its UI (HTCs Sense did at least), so I wanted the fastest phone.
From what I read though WP8 should run smooth on any phone that has it right now, including 8S (also seems smooth in videos). So that is why im hesitating buying Lumia 920, because the system experience is gonna be identical on both phones (same features, both running smooth UI), and since im on a single-core phone atm., its gonna be a step up either way. Basically im in doubt if I should pay the double for the overall better specs plus PureMotion HD+ & NFC.
Im still interested in hearing personal opinions and stuff I listed in first post.

Windows Phone OS works differently than Android. It always focuses the CPU to what the user does, and background is left for when the phone is idle.
The 8s will run just as fast as lumia 920, the 1Ghz dual core is more than enough for the system
HOWEVER
There are other things you need to look at
1) Storage space: 8s only has around 1.5GB available for user. Although it has an SD card for personal data, you still have only 1.5GB for apps.
2) Camera: Lumia 920 has a vastly superior back camera, and a front camera.
3) Lumia 920 is a Lumia, therefore it has access to some very cool apps. Nokia releases a new feature for its phones every month or so, whereas HTC is really not s active as Nokia.
4)RAM: 8s only has 512, some premium games will require 1GB

mcosmin222 said:
Windows Phone OS works differently than Android. It always focuses the CPU to what the user does, and background is left for when the phone is idle.
The 8s will run just as fast as lumia 920, the 1Ghz dual core is more than enough for the system
HOWEVER
There are other things you need to look at
1) Storage space: 8s only has around 1.5GB available for user. Although it has an SD card for personal data, you still have only 1.5GB for apps.
2) Camera: Lumia 920 has a vastly superior back camera, and a front camera.
3) Lumia 920 is a Lumia, therefore it has access to some very cool apps. Nokia releases a new feature for its phones every month or so, whereas HTC is really not s active as Nokia.
4)RAM: 8s only has 512, some premium games will require 1GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the very informative post, 1.5GB doesnt seem like much for apps. I did read that apps. cannot be stored on an SD card, but then again I didnt think the system would bring the phone to 1.5GB from 4GB.
The reason I considered (yes, considered - defo wont get it now knowing those facts) the 8S is because I simply hate being charged for 24 months!!! Even though we dont pay interest here, its like a never-ending bill. Maybe I should wait for Mobile World Congress, see whats revealed in the Windows Phone world, maybe it will lead to Lumia 920 being dumped in price!?!??
Thanks.

Nokia plans to release a lower end lumia, similar to 8s but with bigger storage space (8GB build-in+SD).
And yes, the system does bring it down that much.

You could always wait for my review of the 8S which will be up later in the week
Sent from my RM-825_eu_euro1_217 using Board Express

Anyway, this forum is pretty great, has options for every Windows Phone 8 known to man that's been released. You can check the respective forums to figure out how other users feel about the phone.
Use the find your device textbox up top the page.

mcosmin222 said:
Nokia plans to release a lower end lumia, similar to 8s but with bigger storage space (8GB build-in+SD).
And yes, the system does bring it down that much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean Lumia 820? Cause I Googled abit and it was the only model I could find that people refer to as "the little brother" of Lumia 920.
The Jones said:
You could always wait for my review of the 8S which will be up later in the week
Sent from my RM-825_eu_euro1_217 using Board Express
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will, thanks for the heads up.

Juusuhako said:
Do you mean Lumia 820? Cause I Googled abit and it was the only model I could find that people refer to as "the little brother" of Lumia 920.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we are talking of the Lumia 620 here. Will be a good budget priced option by the looks of it, similar to the 8S but with more internal storage and all the Nokia apps.

Juusuhako said:
I wanna know if there might be something that im gonna miss if I swap to WP. I expect WP to have the basics of any other smartphone (WiFi-hotspot, a proper GPS/Maps app. to get guided both in car and on foot, News, Notes, Calculator etc. etc. etc.) but if theres something it does not have that I might be used to in Android, please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some things I 'miss' not having are:
The Bluetooth and micro USB not allowing keyboards.
The Bluetooth and micro USB not allowing gamepads or controllers.
Video out restrictions via microUSB.
No PC software that can control the phone, so you can sit at a desk PC and control the phone, type, etc.
Juusuhako said:
Would also love to know how updates are handled. Is it through manufacturer (Nokia, HTC etc. like Android), or through MS to ensure all phones gets updated?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On AT&T in California, USA, both Microsoft, Samsung and AT&T have pushed updates related to their own software, hardware and firmware though the phone and Zune update.
Juusuhako said:
Last but not least, im considering buying the HTC 8S, as it seems to be the cheapest of 'em all. I would love to buy Lumia 920, but im afraid if I dont love the system, or feel like it lacks something I need (such as apps...), im gonna be stuck with a very expensive phone over 2 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I normally don't fear buying a phone and then if it doesn't work out, selling it on the open market. I normally get a high % of the phone's value back and can pay the new phone fee or pay off the contract (we have subsidized phones where I am at).
Have you looked at the lower end Nokia's? Like the 820?

I wanna know if there might be something that im gonna miss if I swap to WP. I expect WP to have the basics of any other smartphone (WiFi-hotspot, a proper GPS/Maps app. to get guided both in car and on foot, News, Notes, Calculator etc. etc. etc.) but if theres something it does not have that I might be used to in Android, please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am Android user for 3 years (Huawei, Xperia, HTC, Samsung) and finally switch to WP.
Damn like quantum leap improvement for speed and reliabilites, while iPhone interface is boring.
I use Lumia 800, now wanna upgrade to Lumia 820.
- WiFi Hotspot already exist in my 800
- Proper GPS Map from Nokia is nice. Offer offline tunr-by-turn navigation and, City Lens (Bing Eye) is amazing.
- News, you can get NewsRoom from Marketplace easily. This is my fave app since Palm WebOS, Android.
- Note is many apps around there from MP, but using built-in Office Note amazing. Uploading on SkyDrive
- Calculator, the amazing SmartBoard you can get from Marketplace, instead of default MS Calculator

The Jones said:
I think we are talking of the Lumia 620 here. Will be a good budget priced option by the looks of it, similar to the 8S but with more internal storage and all the Nokia apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, I see. But thats just on top of MWC, might aswell wait and see reveals then. I wish there was more info on 820, it says it would release this year, but I cant find it available anywhere. Must be delayed.
Thresher said:
Some things I 'miss' not having are:
The Bluetooth and micro USB not allowing keyboards.
The Bluetooth and micro USB not allowing gamepads or controllers.
Video out restrictions via microUSB.
No PC software that can control the phone, so you can sit at a desk PC and control the phone, type, etc.
On AT&T in California, USA, both Microsoft, Samsung and AT&T have pushed updates related to their own software, hardware and firmware though the phone and Zune update.
I normally don't fear buying a phone and then if it doesn't work out, selling it on the open market. I normally get a high % of the phone's value back and can pay the new phone fee or pay off the contract (we have subsidized phones where I am at).
Have you looked at the lower end Nokia's? Like the 820?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never used keyboards or controllers, so thats fine. Same with controling phone via pc.
I wouldnt wanna bind myself for 2 years of payment only to sell it at a lower value and still having to pay it off, that would be throwing money out the window.
Yes, I have looked at 820, but as far as I can tell its not released yet??? Am I wrong?
AREMA said:
I am Android user for 3 years (Huawei, Xperia, HTC, Samsung) and finally switch to WP.
Damn like quantum leap improvement for speed and reliabilites, while iPhone interface is boring.
I use Lumia 800, now wanna upgrade to Lumia 820.
- WiFi Hotspot already exist in my 800
- Proper GPS Map from Nokia is nice. Offer offline tunr-by-turn navigation and, City Lens (Bing Eye) is amazing.
- News, you can get NewsRoom from Marketplace easily. This is my fave app since Palm WebOS, Android.
- Note is many apps around there from MP, but using built-in Office Note amazing. Uploading on SkyDrive
- Calculator, the amazing SmartBoard you can get from Marketplace, instead of default MS Calculator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might get Nokia just for the GPS maps they have, seems like nice software. Thanks for heads up about basic apps.

Yes, I have looked at 820, but as far as I can tell its not released yet??? Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different country, different release date.
In Indonesia, Lumia 920 and 820 will release on Dec 22, 2012.
And I have pre-ordered ticket for it. To upgrade my amazing Lumia 800 into Lumia 820 (for screen size/slim reason)..
Now, actually Lumia 800 getting official update 7.8
http://www.gsmarena.com/newscomm-5213p2.php

Hello im sick about Android.
Iphone to restricted and way tooooooo expensive.
I will take the HTC 8X ! But i will wait at least 3-4 months. Buy it cheap and see how wp8 is performing and developing.

AREMA said:
Different country, different release date.
In Indonesia, Lumia 920 and 820 will release on Dec 22, 2012.
And I have pre-ordered ticket for it. To upgrade my amazing Lumia 800 into Lumia 820 (for screen size/slim reason)..
Now, actually Lumia 800 getting official update 7.8
http://www.gsmarena.com/newscomm-5213p2.php
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read Lumia 820 releases in January here. :/
mek84 said:
Hello im sick about Android.
Iphone to restricted and way tooooooo expensive.
I will take the HTC 8X ! But i will wait at least 3-4 months. Buy it cheap and see how wp8 is performing and developing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is, I really wanna get my hands on a new handset, just to have it and try it. However, im currently home-going till March where I start college again, and my current phone just stands in my dock all day long and I barely use it. I think if I got a new phone it would also just sit and not be used, that is until I start college again. But thats in March, maybe by then there are better options available.
Such a difficult choice, cause I hate waiting.

I suggest HTC 8x, it has beautiful design and thin, beast audio is great so. you can read more review of htc 8x here : http://360dmobile.com/reviews-htc-8x-is-the-best-windows-phone-8-handset-out-there/

I just suggest dont get anything with less than 8gb of memory in it if you want to enjoy apps...and a lot of them. Personally my rule is 16gb, so I can have lots of apps, a bunch of music and a few videos but, my next phone MUST have 32gb...

Just to reinforce that the 8S is bad ... the browsing awful (slow, reflow issues, bugs, low features), somehow even though Microsoft tried to prevent fragmentation they were not capable of coding a browser for a smaller resolution. Lots of random screen taps too.

Sounds like an isolated issue with your phone since no review I've found has any problems with it and they all consider it being the best of the mid-range WP8's.

[SWAP] Smartwatch EC309

Anyone gets a SWAP EC309 smartwatch ?? I cant find any review at the moment but it has been released already.
But it seems strange that the official website still not yet updated ???
"Product Description
sWaP EC309 Smart Android 4.0 Watch phone 512M + 4GB MTK6517 Android wrist Phone - 2.0M Camera - Wifi - GPS Muti-languag Support
This watch has exceptional functionality. Using a Dual Core 1.2G chip and communicating via 2G/3G network, using the Android 4.0 operating system, you can stay in touch anywhere in the world. It comes complete with WIFI and GPS integration allowing you to surf the internet and use social applications such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Skype, Google Play and more. With a 4G flash drive you'll have plenty of room for the latest games, apps, and playlists that will be accessible to you using touch screen technology."

Interesting, though I can't find any reviews either.

For that price and those specs, either get the Omate TrueSmart (waterproof and only $199 on kickstarter) or the upcoming Neptune Pine. That's ridiculously priced.

Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.

Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any experience with the 309? Ali has it for $300.00.

Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found a seller offering the 309 for $219. Think it is worth it?

Lokifish Marz said:
Omate or get the EC309 directly from the manufacturer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Lokifish Marz you appear to be one of the world's leading expert's on smart watches; I'm curious - is there a watch you would recommend?
I got here from the Omate thread re: CES 2014 where you said the EC309 firmware was better than the Omate's.
I'm looking for the best Android watch that has access to the Google Play store (unofficial or not, I don't care), has accessibility service so I can get notifications and ideally has 1GB of RAM, good battery life etc. I don't care about IP6 waterproof etc. Headphone jack would also be a major plus.
Would love to hear your thoughts....thank you for your time.

javaguy44 said:
@Lokifish Marz you appear to be one of the world's leading expert's on smart watches; I'm curious - is there a watch you would recommend?
I got here from the Omate thread re: CES 2014 where you said the EC309 firmware was better than the Omate's.
I'm looking for the best Android watch that has access to the Google Play store (unofficial or not, I don't care), has accessibility service so I can get notifications and ideally has 1GB of RAM, good battery life etc. I don't care about IP6 waterproof etc. Headphone jack would also be a major plus.
Would love to hear your thoughts....thank you for your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.

Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks...will do. I really want one though!

Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ZGPAX could be the best of the bunch, but as of yet, there is no Devs working on it. A custom rom would make this top notch.
If you want to use skype or similar apps for front facing camera, This is the only one thus far. Others have camera's on the side or other weird positions.
Skype works on this, but it does heat up alot with any cpu intensive app.
I have tried the apps that change the cpu such as rom toolbox, MTK6577 CPU governor Switch, etc, but none of the settings (ondemand performance, powersave, or super powersave have done much to lower the overheating problem.

fibroman said:
The ZGPAX could be the best of the bunch, but as of yet, there is no Devs working on it. A custom rom would make this top notch.
If you want to use skype or similar apps for front facing camera, This is the only one thus far. Others have camera's on the side or other weird positions.
Skype works on this, but it does heat up alot with any cpu intensive app.
I have tried the apps that change the cpu such as rom toolbox, MTK6577 CPU governor Switch, etc, but none of the settings (ondemand performance, powersave, or super powersave have done much to lower the overheating problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys got BigBison420, didn't do the TWRP recovery. I also can't find any 3G bands listed for it anywhere, just that it has it.

Lokifish Marz said:
You guys got BigBison420, didn't do the TWRP recovery. I also can't find any 3G bands listed for it anywhere, just that it has it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah, there are no custom ROMs per se but so far I am enjoying this little beast for sure. :highfive:
Not sure about 3G but I was only connecting with 2G when I tried my SIM card with ATT. Didnt play much with it as I only do it when at the Ice Rink and for data I connect to their free wifi so the SIM card is just for calls and MMS at that point.

Lokifish Marz said:
If you could merge the TrueSmart, EC-309 four button model, ZGPAX and the TOQ then I would have the perfect device. (Or update the WIMM One and add a couple of things). If I could be certain the AI Watch existed with the specs listed then that would get a vote too.
My personal recommendation is to wait and see what CES or the devs bring to smartwatches.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Lokifish Marz now that CES 2014 has gone and passed, would you be able to make a smartwatch recommendation? I didn't see anything really new that runs Android...the Intel one looks interesting but couldn't tell if it is running a proprietary OS or Android.
I'm all ears as to what you think is best at the moment!
Thanks

shaolin95 said:
Oh yeah, there are no custom ROMs per se but so far I am enjoying this little beast for sure. :highfive:
Not sure about 3G but I was only connecting with 2G when I tried my SIM card with ATT. Didnt play much with it as I only do it when at the Ice Rink and for data I connect to their free wifi so the SIM card is just for calls and MMS at that point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got a ec308 and it says its supposed to support 3g bands but can only get 2g with my att sim as well. anyone else been able to get 3g with this thing? false advertising it seems at this point. 2g is only good enough for email

johnnobts said:
got a ec308 and it says its supposed to support 3g bands but can only get 2g with my att sim as well. Anyone else been able to get 3g with this thing? False advertising it seems at this point. 2g is only good enough for email
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ec-308= 2g
ec-309= 2g/3g

Lokifish Marz said:
ec-308= 2g
ec-309= 2g/3g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
excuse me, the auction said it was the ec309 watch, but still only letting me register on 2g networks so they obviously sold me the ec308 and advertized falsely... not happy.

johnnobts said:
excuse me, the auction said it was the ec309 watch, but still only letting me register on 2g networks so they obviously sold me the ec308 and advertized falsely... not happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not exactly the device's fault. Go after the seller. Was this on ebay where you got it?

Ordered mine from chinavasion.com (with comes with 1yr warranty) on 9 Jan and received today! So far so good!
Am whatsapping on mine.

mcmlxxvi said:
Ordered mine from chinavasion.com (with comes with 1yr warranty) on 9 Jan and received today! So far so good!
Am whatsapping on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question... Can you sync this watch with a phone at all? i.e. SMS sent to the phone show up on the watch? Also, can you take a phone call through the phone on the watch (watch serving as a bluetooth headset for the phone)? I'm looking for something of a companion device to my phone, but not necessarily a watch that serves as my primary phone.

This is a standalone watchphone so it doesnt sync with your phone as a second screen.
Not sure if there are downloadable apps for this.
I tried pairing via bt with my tab 3 7.0 and it could only use the watch as an internet access point.
With a dual core 1.2ghz processor, the watch is no doubt powerful. Youtube videos stream in HD without a glitch. And i suspect you could run pretty intensive games on this thing. But i seriously doubt the 500mah battery could see it thru a couple of hours.
At best this would be adequate as a messenger and voice call notifier kinda device, maybe some push email and calendaring and thats about it. Perhaps the odd google lookup for an address or location.
Will still need another device for decent portable net surfing and entertainment and real work if any.

V Strike watch

While I impatiently wait for my Omate TS, I have been poking around for an alternative. I have simple requirements (at least I thought so) that I would like: GPS, Bluetooth, and the ability to run Android apps. You see, I really just want an Endomondo watch. Enter the V Strike.
It looks very similar to the IM Watch, but includes GPS and 2G GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz). The selling point is $213, direct from China - of course.
www.chinavasion.com/kixe/
Thoughts?

Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards

shaolin95 said:
Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons: that ugly camera and branding.

mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.

shaolin95 said:
mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean as much as who made it, rather the placement of the brand on the front of the watch. At this point, they all seem to be Chinese Factory developed watches.

It is yet another EC-308 rebrand and not even an EC-309 so no 3G or HSPA+.

That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.

jimlivingston said:
That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are not looking for a stand alone cellular smartwatch then the SmartQ Z would be a better choice. Newer Android version, BT 4.0, water resistant and is less than half the price. I'd say hit up the SmartQ thread and see if somebody will test some apps for you.

If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Hold The Phone
jimlivingston said:
If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't test this myself, however, someone in the SMartQ thread says that the watch INDEED has GPS. Even though its not Advertised. Though don't quote me on that.

Who is getting the Flame?

I'm wondering how many XDA folks have ordered the new Flame reference phone? I was able to check it a few weeks ago and have to say its an even more polished device then the ZTE Open and Keon. I'm looking forward to getting one soon.

bkerensa said:
I'm wondering how many XDA folks have ordered the new Flame reference phone? I was able to check it a few weeks ago and have to say its an even more polished device then the ZTE Open and Keon. I'm looking forward to getting one soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If they had a "Flame Mini" with a maximum 3.5" screen and physical shutter button, I'd bite.

The price and specs are to far apart for me to buy, that price I can buy an octa core android phone, $100 max on a dual core even $100 is to much, but willing to let slide. I simply can't justify paying $170 for a dual core when I know for a fact I can get an 8 core for less. I am out on the flame.

I've been thinking about it, especially since my Nexus One is about to bite the metaphorical dust, but I'm not sure. I've grown quite accustomed to Android over the past couple of years, and though I know that rationally, my Nexus 7 can still run ParanoidAndroid to satisfy that part of me, it's quite the jump.
So, possibly. Once my N1 decides it's time to die, anyhow. Should be anytime within the next couple of weeks.

bkerensa said:
I'm wondering how many XDA folks have ordered the new [...] Flame reference phone[/URL]? I was able to check it a few weeks ago and have to say its an even more polished device then the ZTE Open and Keon. I'm looking forward to getting one soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I got my flame last friday. German customs and DHL wanted 52 Euro before they handed the device over to me. So in total I paid now around 170 Euro.
Putting this aside, after 3 days of extensive usage, I can tell following things:
It comes with firefox os 1.3.0.0-prelelease (git commit: 2014-06-16 5c43d012)
Pro:
- Dual Sim capabilities are working nearly perfectly, having my private sim as first one using internet and in/outgoing calls and my buisness sim put into the second slot for receiving calls. Doing a call over the second sim requires to get into settings menu and reassign the outgoing calls to second sim, which is a little inconvenient.
- Hardware seems very well built and due to the weight, the device feels very valueable.
- I like the design
- Firefox OS boots very fast and runs then without any glitches or freezes, it feels responsible like android device with 2.2 ghz processor.
- Applications start instantly, almost no waiting.
- Chatting using various protocols (Whatsapp, jabber, irc) works quite well using apps from marketplace.
- Surfing the web works perfect, especially the scrolling feels so natrual, no noticable delay.
Neutral:
- Battery lasting just about 15-16 hours under normal load (Chatting from time to time, browsing and about 30 minutes of youtube videos), but as I'm usually having a powerpack or usb available wherever I go, this is no real showstopper for me.
Cons:
- The camera. Pictures just look aweful, in case you are not lighten your object with a bulb as powerful as the sun. Pictures with enabled flash are even worse.
- It's hard to search for information, as google always thinks you mean "firefox" instead of "firefox os"
I'll now dig into app development and start "programming" or better scripting some stuff.
kind regards,
--peter;

Mine arrived in Perth, Western Australia on Friday also but I was away at work and so only picked it up on Monday.
Thanks for the brief review, I too like the heft and feel of mine. Not tested the cameras yet ...
The screen cover feels like glass ... I sure hope it is because I haven't been able to find a protective cover for it yet.
I'm trying to "educate" google by attaching FxOS to the word Firefox whenever I search and it seems to help. FxOS by itself doesn't show much (yet!) but the personal "filter bubble" should kick in soon. Some people fear the "Google Filter Bubble" but it is useful in cases like this.
xypiie said:
Hi,
- It's hard to search for information, as google always thinks you mean "firefox" instead of "firefox os"
;
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---------- Post added at 05:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:32 AM ---------
---------- Post added at 05:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 AM ----------
Those who got their Flame this week, did you unpack it carefully enough to keep the Recovery Cable?
Mine was not inside the box but just loose in the bubble wrap bag. No sign yet of the companion "Emergency Download Tool" software. I hope it's not too far away because I'd like to backup the factory rom the try FxOS 2, help with debugging etc. which of course will increase of probability of temporary "brick" creation.
I found wifi certificates for what seems like our phone where it's described as:-
Company TCT Mobile Ltd.
Product Foxfone One
Model Number Flame
Anyone know whether it's a close enough match to another model in the Alcatel One Touch range to buy covers and screen protectors for it?

Actually if you are a developer and want to port your apps to Firefox OS there is a program that lets you get a Flame for free in Mozilla Hacks hacks(dot)mozilla(dot)org/2014/05/build-your-next-app-with-a-flame/
Yet you have to meet some requirements

Instructions for using Emergency download mode, a link to the Thundersoft Emergency Download Tool software, and instructions for updating the rom, all the way to the still unstable version 2.1 nightly builds.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/Firefox_OS/Developer_phone_guide/Flame
Excellent support from Mozilla and Thundersoft, this phone could become a classic, if this continues.

Can Android smartwatches be used to track seniors with Alzheimer's?

My father-in-law is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's. Can these Android 4.4 or 5.1 smartwatches be tracked remotely with GPS using something like the Android Device Manager website's "locate my phone" feature?
Thanks

Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
Sent from my ONDA A9 Core4 using Tapatalk

RASTAVIPER said:
Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
Sent from my ONDA A9 Core4 using Tapatalk
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Due to his disease, he has already lost two mobile phones. We think he'd be less likely to lose a smartwatch.

Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
RASTAVIPER said:
Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
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thankyouxda said:
Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
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Oh, yes
I searched this weekend and it turns out there are quite a few!
Here's a whole Google+ community dedicated to them:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118329295257118922433/communities/109827242607524552712

I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.

thankyouxda said:
I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.
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I'm pinning my hopes on the upcoming Finow X1 Plus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQBPmHpC2GQ
But I'll first need to read some convincing reviews before biting!

If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html

afblangley said:
If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html
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Thanks, but for some reason although there are many such watches for kids, there are very few for the elderly. Also, many of them rely on expensive US-based subscriptions and charge extra for other countries. The thing that I like about these full Android watches is that they're way cheaper and you can simply use a regular SIM card with cheap pre-paid service anywhere in the world. *Assuming the battery life and GPS are decent*, which is yet to be seen

Don't expect GPS-enabled watches to last for more than 1 day, without charging.
Unleashed by my M1 NOTE