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Hey,
Got this phone a few days ago, and I wanted to ask, what are the must have apps for samsung vibrant?
Thanks.
Depends on what you're into.
Like music? Check out Slacker Radio, Pandora, Sound Hound, and any of the alternative media players in the market.
Like games? Cleck out Doodle Jump or any of the other games in market.
Like fitness? Check out LiftPro, or many of the interval timers in the market.
Basically... hit up the Market and search for things that are relevant to your interests.
handcent, launcher pro
Keyring - use it the most of any apps.
Watchdog i use and place the home widget right on my homescreen. Don't get all caught up in taskmanagers because android deals with tasks/programs differently than Windoz.
I paid for Launcherpro, but my home launcher of choice is Touchwiz. See Samsung but into your Vibrant a taskkiller, and it recognizes every home launcher out there as a task, so when you simply kill all tasks, your default home launcher has ti re-draw itself. Except for Touchwiz! Some reason the engineers as Samsung made Touchwiz invisible to the task killer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
lawalty said:
Watchdog i use and place the home widget right on my homescreen. Don't get all caught up in taskmanagers because android deals with tasks/programs differently than Windoz.
I paid for Launcherpro, but my home launcher of choice is Touchwiz. See Samsung but into your Vibrant a taskkiller, and it recognizes every home launcher out there as a task, so when you simply kill all tasks, your default home launcher has ti re-draw itself. Except for Touchwiz! Some reason the engineers as Samsung made Touchwiz invisible to the task killer.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because its a system and default launcher.
Its like all thee, bloatware u can't uninstall them without rooting
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
You aught to go ahead and download OCLF (one click lag fix), use that to root.
once rooted
1. Ad free (blocks easily 95 percent of ads on unpaid aps)
2. Titanium Backup (best for uninstaling bloatware, and general uninstaling, but best feature is it backs up all your aps and ap data, i have restored 4 times and it saves SOOO much time)
3. Rom Manager (backups your phones rom, basically everything but aps, plus it is amazing for flashing modifications to your phone and new better roms, if your into that)
4. astrid tasks (great task list, reminder)
5. Dolphin HD (much better browser than stock)
6. Gas Buddy (list of current gas prices around town)
7. Jet VD (app for downloading or just viewing youtube videos)
8. movie fone ( Shows movie times, buy tickets, view trailers)
9. Shoot Me (with a shake you take a screenshot of your phone)
10. Unified Remote ( turns your cell into a rmote for your pc, media remote, browser remote, or just a mouse)
11. wall Switch (automatic wallpaper switcher, every "x" minutes)
And if you really want your phone to fly, root your phone (NO lag fix), download rom manager, and to go teamwhiskey.com and instal their custom rom Nero 3 with voodoo lagfix. it changed my phones life
^ Thank you! I am considering some of the things on your list.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Thx for wall switch suggestion.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
GTasks (automatically sync your tasks with google tasks online)
barcode scanner (to scan labels for prices, shipping status etc)
dropbox (to keep ur files in sync with multiple pcs and phone--- this app is a life saver in true sense of the word and its absolutely free) -------->> click my signature, if you like hehe, link to sign up and we can both get 250 mb additional space free
GPS Restore samsung (app made by samsung for vibrant to fix its gps issues --- this app helps but doesnt fix the issues in its entirety ....doesnt hurt to try)
RingDroid (to make ringtones ,right from your phone, from any audio file )
titanium backup (to back up ur sytem settings plus apps, only if ur rooted)
pandora (for streaming music --- caveat: uses alot of data)
stitcher radio ( if ur into podcasts.... you can find almost all podcasts of most of the tv/radio programs/news etc) data heavy
car home ( to use ur vibrant in car on a dock)
This thread is a great idea to get some new programs that you've never heard about before. Someone should sticky this, and just keep adding programs not already listed.
Angry Birds - awesome game where you launch birds to destroy stuff.
audiomanager console- lets you adjust each individual volume (phone, system, etc)
beautiful widgets - widget for your home screen where you can customize the clock, weather, etc
convertpad - lets you convert from any type of measurement (ft to inches etc)
coupons - shows local coupons for stores near you
color flashlight - turns your screen to full brightness (ie flashlight)
ninjump - fun ninja jumping game
out of milk - program to make lists for the grocery store w/ built in barcode scanner
pocket racing - awesome racing game
smooth calendar - adds home widget showing upcoming calendar events
weatherbug - weather program
zedge - browse and install tons of wallpapers and ring tones
xfinity mobile - allows comcast users to setup dvr and watch some vids (not many though)
A couple programs that I don't believe were mentioned that I'm a big fan of:
- Speed Test - allows you to test the speed of your data connection
- Pulse - gathers RSS feeds for your favorite sites
- PlayerPro - an amazing music player
- No Signal Alert - points out when you've lost signal, the paid version even maps it for you so you can remember deadzones
- Quadrant - tells you the speed of your phone and compares it to other droids
- Score Mobile - find the latest scores of your favorite sport teams
- Opera Mini - I love this browser, it's fast and responsive (note: only 1 zoom level, no pinch zooming)
I just learned about the VLC Stream app. I don't have it going yet, but it sounds sweet! Makes your phone into a server...
-radiant HD (awesome game)
-Chompsms (better messaging app)
-remote for itunes
-XDA app (access to forums to check up on rom updates etc.)
-battery indicator pro
-adobe reader (allows pdf files to be viewed)
-adb wireless (for those who are rooted and know what they are doing)
-google sky map (shows constellations)
-frozen bubble, gem miner, jewels (other fun games)
-AIM
-shazam
-where's my droid (let's you find your phone when you lose it)
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
thanks for everyone, please share more if you know of more apps
awaisuk said:
thanks for everyone, please share more if you know of more apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More um ok let me know if any of these is what your looking for
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=928213
dougstoner said:
weatherbug - weather program
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never liked weatherbug. Probably because it's tendency to be included with junk programs.
I have the Weather Channel app.
I have Meebo for IM, but it drains the battery like crazy.
Aesthetics - Battstat, Tajm, One Seven, Desktop Visualizer, Digital Clock Widget Music Mod, Switchpro
Games - Retro Tower Defense, Angry Birds (obviously), Need for Speed, Words With Friends, Snesoid/Nesoid/ataroid/etc.
Tools/utilities - HandyCalc (great graphic calculator), Speedtest, Google Goggles, SetCPU, Quadrant, Rom Manager, Wifi Analyzer, System Panel, Titanium Backup, Tricorder
Handiness - Handcent, Vlingo, Chrome to Phone, Tasker, bubble, Stopwatch and Timer
Eye Candy - Iamoscope, Fractoid, Fractal Explorer, Strobe Light, Spiral
Musical generation/processing - Micdroid, Ethereal Dialpad, Chordbot, Electrum Drum, Ringdroid, Rehearsal Assistant, RD3
Mindfuck - Hypnotoad
Utilities:
Brightness Control Widget (Curvefish)
Screen Timeout Widget
Audio Manager
Galaxy S Tuner
Quickdesk (awesome!)
mattchew008 said:
- Quadrant - tells you the speed of your phone and compares it to other droids
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be fooled -- Quadrant scores have little to do with actual speed. You can have a low Quadrant score and still have an incredibly fast phone, and a high score with a slow phone. The quadrant rates on other factors as well. Just thought I'd clear that up..
Some of my favorites that have yet to be mentioned:
Google Books - I think it's the best overall, especially since it syncs with Google, so you'll have your collection wherever there is internet to be had.
Button Remapper - I just use this to soft key the Search button. I usually turn it into a Camera, just for convenience. (Requires root)
Gameboid - It's a GBA emulator. Need I say more?
SetCPU - This app makes overclocking/underclocking incredibly easy (although the app can be a bit of a pain to understand if/when you're just getting started.) You can set up profiles, scenarios, etc. (Requires root.)
SMS Backup - You can use this to automatically back up your text messages to your Google account. I don't know about you, but I flash a new ROM just about every week. it'd be annoying if I couldn't look back on my texts.
SGS Tools - This app is amazing. It replaces many of the stock programs your phone comes with, in addition to having a GPS Fix, Android Market Fix, Secret Codes (that Samsung doesn't want you to know,) as well as a slew of other things. I'd suggest this app for ANYONE with a Galaxy S series device.
SiMi Folder/Clock - I like making things look pretty. To keep it short and sweet, these two help you do that.
Twicca - I like to tweet and I wholeheartedly believe that this is the best overall app to do that. It's still in it's beta stages, but I find it to be a more complete package than any other in the Market.
Hope this helps.
Well after owning my desire for a few weeks i have noticed that i keep coming here to look at the appbrain lists and then having to click the link to see what the apps actually do besides that there are lots and lots of pages to scan through to get the apps you actually need/want. So i thought why not put a page together to help all the n00bs like myself out and have all the apps plus a description in one thread
Post 1! Pure Apps .. applications with a function
Post 2! Games .. something to get those fingers tapping
Post 3! Customization .. apps that will make your homescreen or other apps look like you want them too
So here it is
XDA-Developers
Read post and send PM's on our beloved XDA no app list would be complete without it!
FREE
CLICK
Handcent
SMS & MMS tool with more options than The standard sms app including popups And LED notifications.
FREE
CLICK
SMS popup
A more lightweight (but less feature rich) SMS and MMS tool. Receive an SMS get a popup with quick reply!. Free version has no features disabled so added the donate version link if you like it send a little their way to support them.
FREE / Donate
FREE DONATE
LED me know
LED and sound notifications for all sort Of apps from sms to mms.
FREE
CLICK
SWYPE
Typing app that allows you to type words without removing your finger from the screen SWYPing from one letter to the next. Very accurate faster for a lot of users . Use anywhere with an on screen keyboard. Current version is BETA and requires e-mail on phone to register.Note BETA testing is currently open to a certain amount of users.
FREE
CLICK
Astro
Simple easy to use file explorer with bluetooth support , file search , task manager and app manager all in one. Two version available free or paid . Free is ad supported but fully functional.
FREE / $3.99
CLICK
Alarm clock plus v2
Want more than the standard 3 alarms - This app does just that with an extensive features list. Again free and paid versions are available. Free version is also ad supported.
FREE / $1.79
CLICK
Alarm Klock
Another alarm clock app with slide to dismiss. Not quite as many features as Alarm clock plus (no math to turn off etc) but if all you want is a simple alarm then this is the way to go.Totally free app no adds and a nice slide to dismiss feature.
--Thanks to JonasKP --
FREE
CLICK
Vizbattery
Adds a battery widget to a homescreen to see the % amount left in your battery. Newest version removed GPS tracking - wasn't really needed but allowed users to start GPS through the widget but now no longer supported.
FREE
CLICK
There are lots of apps for doing this type of thing so i will add any more you have at request.
Tasker
Automate your tasks with almost unlimited combinations. Set it to turn on your GPS at home time and text your other half to get the tea ready when you get home turn off GPS and internet and connect to wifi instead. Tasker is not a free app but is worth every penny once set up. WARNING Tasker has a severe learning curve attached to it - See attached website before you buy to ensure you can make it work for you!
$6:30
HOMEPAGE LINK
SKYPE
If you haven't used SKYPE online already it is a very cheap alternative to making a phone call using the internet. It does cost to make calls to a landline but is a free app and a SKYPE to SKYPE call will cost you very little data. If you are on an unlimited data plan you can SKYPE to SKYPE all day long.
FREE
CLICK
MSN talk
Not official but still very good app for MSN (live messenger) free and paid versions available - paid version allows sending of files.
FREE / $4.72
CLICK
Solo (lite)
Solo is an app to play guitar on your phone can't get much of a tune going myself but if you have quick fingers then give it a go.Limited - free version and paid version available.Paid version comes with more guitars and a few more functions.
FREE / $3.95
CLICK
Google Goggles
Want to know anything about something in front of you? . Take a photo with google goggles and it searches the internet for you can even use to find stuff cheaper.Will also scan QR barcodes to get your apps quicker.
FREE
CLICK
Tapatalk
Widely used forum app. Helps you manage and control usernames and passwords and gives you lots of extras like uploading pictures etc. This is a paid for only app so only really useful if you use forums a lot or just don't like logging in every time.
$2.96
CLICK
1-click cleaner
Not quite 1-click unles you are rooted this app will show you all the apps that are using cache files so you can clean each cache - will also clean up your sms. Handy to free up some space
FREE
CLICK
Google Maps
Ok so you're going to say "but iv'e already got google maps on my desire" , well you are correct you do have it on your desire but the reason i mention it here is that some versions of google maps don't or won't tell you there is an update out even when logged into the market. So it goes into my app list just to make you aware you can search for and update from the market.
FREE
No link as everyone knows what it does!!
Tip: Update streetview at the same time
Vplayer
This video player literally blew my mind copy video files to your sd card and play them. Works amazingly well on all popular formats. Once you see the quality of the video it's well worth the money.
FREE TRIAL ($4.75 to unlock)
CLICK
This is by no means a complete listing so please feel free to offer up your favourite apps or some that you wish you had found when you first started using your desire and i will add them up.
Please don't post any task killers as they are not needed by the android o/s and more often than not do more harm than good so i'm afraid i won't be adding them up here.
Post 1! Pure Apps .. applications with a function
Post 2! Games .. something to get those fingers tapping
Post 3! Customization .. apps that will make your homescreen or other apps look like you want them too
This post is for the Gamers among you!
Angry Birds
For me the most addictive game since space invaders. Use various birds in a catapult to smash the green pigs that stole their eggs. Lots of increasingly difficult,frustrating and soo adictive levels with differently coloured birds each with their own ability if you tap the screen mid flight.
Surprisingly FREE
CLICK
Angry Birds seasons
Same as above but you've guessed it seasons instead. Same addictive gameplay and handy once you've completed the first one.
Surprisingly FREE
CLICK
Modern Combat 2
From Gameloft comes a great shoot em up if you are a big fan of war games you will probably like this . Video splash on start is excellent and gameplay although hard to get used to at the start is smooth and well thought out by the devs. Good game but no free version so check out the link before you go an buy it.
From $4.99 (at time of writing occasionally they have offers)
CLICK
Stupid Zombies
Looks like this game uses the same type of controls as angry birds. Same deal lots of levels and very addictive. Aim and shoot all the zombies ..Simples!
FREE (Ad-supported)
CLICK
Post 1! Pure Apps .. applications with a function
Post 2! Games .. something to get those fingers tapping
Post 3! Customization .. apps that will make your homescreen or other apps look like you want them too
This post is to make your homescreen a little nicer or behave the way you want it to!
Launcher Pro
Launcher pro at first seems like a stripped down version of sense but as you get more used to it you will notice that it's a completely different thing altogether. It will allow you to customise the amount of homescreens the transition when you move from one to the other and allows you a clean canvas for widgets and icons. It will also allow you a bigger homescreen where you can switch the amount of rows and columns. This launcher gives you so many options it's unreal.
FREE
CLICK
TIP! Download home switcher to switcher to switch between Launcher and sense.
TIP! If you decide to stick with launcher pro ensure your sense home screens are clear - this will reduce battery usage.
Home Switcher
Allows you to switch between launchers.Standard and Froyo versions available.
FREE
CLICK
Desktop Visualizer
Desktop Visualizer allows you to change icons on your homescreen to add custom icons for things such as apps bookmarks etc.Icons can be downloaded and selected from your sd card to add a bit of class to your icons and your homescreen. Very handy if you are trying to stay with one theme for everything.
FREE
CLICK For icons please see this thread and give thanks to those who are making themICONS
SiMi
SiMi is a folder app that allows you to put various different types of folder onto your homescreens. Nothing that Android won't already do for you except this tool has the added bonus of making invisible folders (see attached video link) you can still tap the folders and it will come up with a list of apps within them but when folders are closed you can see all of your wallpaper. Useful for those who want a clean homescreen but still want to be able to open apps from the homescreen.
FREE
CLICK VIDEO
Beautiful Widgets
Beautiful widgets give you more selection for making your homescreen look a little more customized. Includes clock weather and toggle widgets and over 300 skins to change the look. Only downside to this app is there is no free version (feel free to correct me). Useful for those with a custom ROM or those who just want a different look.
$2.04
CLICK
Fancy Widgets
Simlar to beautiful widgets but has a free version with limited capability. Pro version also available with lots more options.
FREE / $1.99
CLICK
Wallpaper Wizardrii
Wallpaper utility allows you to crop wallpapers as well as disable the wallpaper scroll. Useful for those of you who want a static picture as your wallpaper without the landscape look. For custom ROM users please note this may have some issues if used with a landscape Gsensor homescreen.
FREE
CLICK
WOW....Thank you....keep it coming
shakeebkazia said:
WOW....Thank you....keep it coming
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome i'll do my best to fill it up. Will also try to post some requests from the questions forum if i find something that's useful.
Hey war... for the alarm clock i recomend the app called alarm klock... same as the one mentioned, but 100% free of adds and is free of charge
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
JonasKP said:
Hey war... for the alarm clock i recomend the app called alarm klock... same as the one mentioned, but 100% free of adds and is free of charge
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent thank you checked it out not as many features as acp but still a worthy alternative and im all for no ads so added to the list mate Thanks
Hi thanks for all this list ! Can you advise me for the best or a good App - Task Killer please ? For the moment i use TaskPanel.
Best Regards.
Oijkn said:
Hi thanks for all this list ! Can you advise me for the best or a good App - Task Killer please ? For the moment i use TaskPanel.
Best Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i added at the bottom of the post mate Task killers won't be added to this thread they can turn out to do more harm than good and aren't needed within the android os
I'm going to change this thread around shortly and post Apps in post 1, Games in post 2 and Customization in post 3 just to keep them seperate
Coming soon --- launchers,widgets and even more customizations
Sounds great will keep an eye out for the update....
Source by Andrew Williams :-> HERE
50 Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Tips and TricksFor novice users
Hi everybody
So you decided to join the ranks of Android and the millions of happy Note2 owners. But It can be troublesome to setup your phone at the begining. So I decided to search for you some little tricks you can use to better know and use your phone. I found this excellent article by Andrew Williams. I modified some content to better fit XDA's forum format but the info are the same. I also add a touchwiz tweaks that was not in the aticle, Here are 50 useful tips and tricks for new(even less new) Note2 users to pull out the best of your phone. Enjoy!
TouchwizMake Touchwiz go faster.
To make Touchwiz look good, Samsung created some animations to transit between screens. These animations take some times and can make your phone seems slow. The solution is to go in your phone Settings-> Developer options and turn off -> "Windows animation scale", "Transition animation scale" and "Animator duration scale". Now check how much snappier your phone is.:good:
***You can also turn on "Force GPU rendering" but SOME applications don't like that, so you can try it, but if you find you start having problem with some of your aplications, turn it off.
Ringtones - Alarms - NotificationsPut your Sounds in the system.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 allows us to use mp3 as ringtones, alarms or notifications. But if like me you have over 16G of music on your phone it might be anoying to "Go To Files" and search for them. Another way to do it is by creating a folder where Android will automatically look in and put the files in the "Ringtones". To do this just create a folder called "Media" on your sd-card. Inside the Media folders create 3 more folders "Ringtones", "Alarms" and "Notifications". It should look like this.
Media..
--------Alarms
--------Notifications
--------Ringtones
Now move/copy your mp3 files in the according folders. Now if you go on your phone settings->sounds->device ringtones you should see your mp3 files in the list.(Phone restart might be needed)
Screen and video
Get AMOLED colours in check
OLED-based screens like the Samsung Galaxy Note 2's tend to bring oversaturated colours that make skin tones look unnatural. They pop, but they pop a little too much. There's a solution, though. In the settings menu is a Display Setting submenu that lets you choose how vivid the colours are. We recommend the "natural" or "movie" settings.
Fill video codec gaps with third-party players
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has an excellent inbuilt media player, but there are some files it can't handle. We found that high-quality 1080p MKVs were too much for it. Snag a third-party media player like MX Player from the Google Play app store, though, and you'll be flying. These can use software encoding to fill gaps in natuve video support.
Video multi-tasking is in
One of the neatest additional features of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 is that you can overlay a video playback screen on top of any part of the phone. Just press a button in the nav bar of the media player and a little window will pop-up on the homescreen, playing the vid. Watch an episode of Peep Show while browsing the web? Don't mind if I do.
Free games to show off the screen
One of the best ways to show off the Sasmung Galaxy Note 2's screen is with a fancy 3D game. Top free picks to try include Dead Trigger.
Not bright enough? Turn off auto
The standard setting of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 uses automatic brightness, which judges the intensity of screen brightness using an ambient light sensor on the front. If it's still not bright enough at the max slider point, switch off the auto mode for real searing intensity. But it will affect battery life.
The microUSB port can output video
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2's microUSB port is more special than you might guess. It has MHL capabilities when used with a special Samsung cable, letting it output HD video and surround audio. The Samsung adapter, which is essentially an MHL-to-HDMI converter costs around £25. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 does not come bundled with one, though.
Mini home cinema? Tick the surround box
If you want to output surround sound, make sure you tick the Surround box within the Settings menu. This isn't within the Audio bit, which you might expect, but is actually in the Accessory submenu.
Battery life
Keep battery life riding high with auto management
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has a massive 3100mAh battery. Stamina is good at the worst of times, but there's also an auto power management mode to make the most of the phone's juice. It's called Power Saving and has its own section within the main Settings menu. It can throttle the CPU, change the background of the web browser to conserve power (it turns the white background blue), and turns off haptic feedback. These are compromises, but they do work.
Switch off features for extra battery life
The best way to conserve power in any phone is to switch off features - most importantly 3G mobile internet. You can do this manually in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, directly from the pull-down notifications menu, and apps such as MySettings let you do the same thing.
Reduce screen timeout time
Another dead simple trick is to reduce the screen timeout time. This is in the Display submenu within settings, and lets you choose between 15 sec and 10 minutes of time the screen stays lit after a screen press. It's hardly a secret, but it is something not enough people consider.
Grab a spare battery, live forever
In a time of non-removable batteries - the HTC One X and iPhone 5 to name but two - we love that the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has a removable battery. You can swap it out within about 15 seconds. Spare batteries are available from eBay for well under £10. We recommend shopping around for a reliable brand though as some third-party batteries are as dodgy as Del Boy's VCRs.
Turn off S Pen
The S Pen digitser sucks away at the Note 2's battery life a little, so it's a good idea to switch off the detection feature entirely if you're unlikely to use it for an extended period. You'll find it within the S Pen sub-menu in Settings.
S Pen
Quick commands let you launch… anything
An S Pen feature that's easy to miss is Quick Commands. This lets you launch any app on the phone with a quick flick of the S Pen. Just press the stylus button and swipe up the screen, and the Quick commands box will pop-up. Draw your pre-determined character or symbol and key-presto, the right app will launch.
OCR means you can forget the virtual keyboard
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 features excellent OCR, optical character recognition, and it's built into the Samsung keyboard. Whip out the S Pen and the keyboard area will turn into a little box for you to write in, whether you're writing an email, text or searching the web. It's remarkably clever at working out your scribbles too although we haven't tested it on a doctor yet.
S Pen keeper - it's a keeper
We love the S Pen, but the thing is terribly easy to lose. Samsung has devised a way to make sure you don't leave home without it. It's called S Pen keeper. Using the accelerometer and the digitiser sensor of the Note 2, the phone can tell when you're walking away without the stylus in its little hole in the bottom of the device. Walk far enough and it bleats out an alarm tone.
Keep the kids happy with S Note
The stylus of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 makes it an obvious choice for creative types, business types and a host of other busy folk. But it'll keep the kids entertained too. S Note has a feature called Idea Sketch, which lets you write the name of an object, only for it to appear in your sketch. It's a perfect educational tool, and a fun one too.
Air View - hover pen fun
Something that makes the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 S Pen so much more than a standard stylus is that it can be sensed without even touching the screen. Samsung makes great use of this with Air View. It's used throughout Samsung's apps, and makes info pop-up when the S Pen hovers over items. For example, you can read the first lines of emails, see previews of pictures and take a closer look at calendar events. It's fantastic.
You can scribble - on anything
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 S Pen also let you scribble notes on anything. Just hold the button on the stylus down, press the nib down on the screen and hold it there until you see a flash around the screen edges. This is the phone taking a screenshot of what's on-screen, which you can then write notes on. This is further integrated into apps like S Planner, which have dedicated handwriting modes.
Other apps use S Pen pressure sensitivity
Now that the Note series is fairly established, a bunch of excellent apps already make use of the pressure sensitive S Pen stylus. Top picks include Sketchbook Pro and Infinite Painter. It's not just S Note that shows the S Pen off these days.
The S Pen takes screengrabs
Here's a really neat S Pen tool to show off to your "non stylus" friends. Press down the button on the Galaxy Note 2 stylus, draw a shape on the screen and whatever's on-screen within the shape will be saved as a screengrab.
For full S Pen compatibility, check out Samsung Apps
Samsung says that if you want full S Pen certified apps, you'll need to go to the Samsung Apps store. This comes built into the Note 2, and there's even an S Pen apps section. At present, you're still best off using the Play Store as well, though, as the Samsung Apps store isn't exactly rammed full of Note 2 apps yet.
Left handers need a tweak
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 comes setup for right-handers as standard, but there's also a mode for lefties in the Settings menu. This offsets the digitiser sensor, to compensate for the way those strange left-handed types hold pens. A creepy bunch, aren't they?
Interface
One for your grandma? Easy home screen mode
Here's one feature we were a little surprised to see in a device that's such a geek's dreamphone. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has a mode called Easy home screen, which simplifies the layout of the phone's home screens in a way that even your technophobe grandma might be able to get along with.
Full screenshots are easy
Like the Samsung Galaxy S3, the Galaxy Note II makes it pretty easy to take screenshots of whatever's on the phone's display. Just hold down the home button and the power button at the same time, wait or a white flash and a screenshot will be taken and whisked over to the Gallery app.
A cooler/easier way to take screenshot is to swipe the palm of your hand from right to left. For this to work you need to enable "Motion" in Settings and check "Palm swipe capture".
Use one-handed operation mode for on-the-go use
The big screen is one of the main selling points of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but it doesn't half make it hard to use one-handed. Knowing this, Samsung as included a one-handed mode, which organises things like the keypad, virtual keyboard and the unlock pattern screen so that you can operate them with one mitt. You'll find it in the Settings menu.
Don't forget side-loading of apps
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is an Android device, with all the benefits that brings. You don't have to rely on the official Google Play app store for one, with APK installation files available for all sorts of other apps online. Be careful, though, as Android viruses are a real issue.
Customise your phone with non-Samsung widgets
Samsung supplied a nice handful of widgets with which you can customise your home screens, but far too few people try a new look with third-party widgets from Google Play. And there are loads out them out there. Some of our old faves include those of the Beautiful Widgets package.
Gadgets and Gimmicks
Motion control
Here's one we're not big fans of, but some of you may like it. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 lets you control things like the photo gallery and the navigation of you home screens using the accelerometer - by tilting your phone, basically. You can turn it off, though, and it's set to "off" as standard. Phew.
Face unlock
A bit Minority Report, this one. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 can scan your face to unlock your phone. It takes a picture of your mug, remembers the basic geometry of it and then scans your face whenever you try and unlock the phone. It works pretty well, but as a security measure is about as flimsy as the padlock on a filofax.
Smart Stay
The last user-facing camera gimmick is one that sounds kinda neat in principle. It scans for your eyes to check if you're reading, and if it spots them, Smart Stay stops the backlight from turning off. It's designed to make reading on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 a good deal less frustrating. It's a feature you'll find in the Settings menu.
Jelly Bean easter egg
The Jelly Bean easter egg has made it in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Go to Settings menu > About device and tap on the Android version number entry. You'll be transported to a screen with a picture of a giant jelly bean on it. Hold your finger down on said jelly bean and the screen will fill up with dozens of the blighters, which you can flick around. Pure joy.
Arrange your music by moods
The music player of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 features a fun little extra called Music square. This scans through your music library, arranging the tracks by mood - passionate, calm, exciting, joyful or a little in-between. Tap a block in the 5x5 square grid and you'll be greeted with a tune to match your mood.
Storage
Expandable storage - where to get it cheap
If you're out to spend as little as possible (and the Note 2 doesn't come cheap as it is), your best bet is to buy the cheapest 16GB model, and supplement any other storage needs with a microSD card. Top retailers for bargain basement-price memory cards include 7DayShop and Ebuyer. A 32GB microSD card these days will set you back less than £15 if you shop hard enough.
Flush the cache for extra memory
If you find yourself running low on memory, you can easily delete the cache and temporary files of any apps you have installed. To do this, go to the Applications Manager section within settings and tap on an app to see how much memory it's leeching. There will be buttons to wipe the cache and data for the app here.
Comes with 50GB of dropbox storage
Cloud storage is the future - you may not like it, but you may as well embrace it. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 owners get to benefit from 50GB of free cloud storage from one of the best providers out there - Dropbox. There are Dropbox apps for mobiles, tablets and computers, and it honestly works like a dream. If this won't convert you, nothing will. You only normally get 2GB of free from Dropbox, making it a pretty sweet deal.
Don't sync, drag 'n' drop
If you chose to go Android rather than opting for an iPhone, there's a good chance that the open-ness of the platform had something to do with it. Samsung is keen on trying to make its users adopt the Kies desktop software, but it's actually completely unnecessary. Plug the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 into a computer with a microUSB cable and it'll show up as a media player drive, which you can drag and drop all kinds of files onto. Transfer speeds are impressively fast too.
Contacts
Nab contacts from Facebook and Twitter
When we first got our Samsung Galaxy Note 2 in, it didn't have any of the usual social apps installed. Even if you're not a massive mobile Facebook-er, it's worth giving the app a download because it lets you harvest contacts from the network, making populating your contacts book a good deal easier.
Blocking Mode
Do you have a bug-a-boo stalking you? Is there a creep who keeps calling? The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 lets you keep them away with the blocking mode. It restricts notifications and calls from all but your approved contacts - and that can be at all times, or just during the hours you choose.
Camera and Video
Use HDR mode in mixed lighting - or all the time
The 8-megapixel sensor of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is pretty good on its own, but the neat camera app ups its skills significantly. One of our favourite bonus bits is the HDR mode. This effectively combines multiple exposure in a single shot to bring out extra detail in shadows. Both the HDR and normal shots are saved, meaning there's very little downside - other than that taking shots is a little bit slower.
Check out slow and fast motion modes
Nestled within the menus of the video camera app are fast and slow motion modes, capturing either more or fewer frames per second than normal. It's not quite the 120fps mode you get in some dedicated cameras, but will come in handy if you're trying to video a sports event, for example.
Don't forget video effects
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 doesn't have the fun face-distorting video effects you get with a vanilla Jelly Bean phone, but it does have a range of funky filters. There are colour pop modes, extracting all but certain shades from your videos, and the cartoon filter is perfect for some arty rotoscope-style vids.
Give the exposure longer time than the sound effect suggests
Each time you take a photo, a shutter sound plays in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. However, we found that occasionally the phone needs a little bit longer to attain a solid focus. Hold still for an extra half-second for good measure.
Get vid previews with Air View
Using Air View, if you hold the pen over the transport bar of a movie clip in the media player, you'll be given a preview of what's going on in the film at that point. It makes finding the right part of a film or TV ep a doddle.
Connectivity
Don't go over you allowance, with Data Usage
A staple Android feature is the Data Usage counter. This can be found within the Settings menu, and it monitors your data usage, showing it as a colourful graph. You can use it to cut off your mobile data connection once you reach a certain limit, to ensure you won't get charged by your carrier.
Wi-Fi sync with Kies
We've already endorsed drag 'n' drop file transfers over Kies sync'ing, but if you're a Kies fan, don't forget that you can also sync wirelessly. To set this feature up, scroll to the bottom of the More Settings sub-menu, where you'll find the Kies via Wi-Fi option.
S Beam
A feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S3, S Beam uses a mixture of NFC and Wi-Fi Direct to let you transfer files between compatible Samsung phones. You just need to tap the phones together to get them playing. S Beam needs to be switched on, though, from within the Wireless and Networks menu.
NFC lets you buy coffee
The NFC connectivity of the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 also let you buy small items such as cups of coffee, sandwiches and the like. Several big high street chains have taken the NFC plunge, including Starbucks and EAT, using apps to let you dump credit onto your phone.
Share screens with AllShare Cast
AllShare used to be just about sending a video file from, say, your phone to your Blu-ray player. But now it does a lot more. AllShare Cast lets you send your Galaxy Note 2's screen contents to another display, a bit like AirPlay Mirroring.
Forget Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct is better
Wi-Fi Direct is tied into the S Beam transfer feature, but you can also use it easily on its own. This is a version of Wi-Fi that doesn't need an internet connection, as it can hook-up directly with another compatible device. It some ways it's a successor to Bluetooth, letting you transfer files, and at a much greater speed than old Bluetooth could handle.
Watch your 4G
If you want to get a 4G-capable Note 2, be aware that the LTE edition is separate from the standard one. EE says it'll stock the LTE Galaxy Note 2 from October 15.
Enjoy!:good:
Frequently asked questions
What is Odex and Deodex -> [Complete Guide] What is Odex and Deodex ROM? From @R_a_z_v_a_n
What is Zipalign? -> [Guide] What is Zipalign and how to make Apps zipaligned From @R_a_z_v_a_n
How to Root Note2 & keep flash counter 0 -> [Root]How to Root Note2 [N7100] & keep flash counter 0 From @dr.ketan
More to come...
PS: Without comments this thread will fall in the abyss of the system(unless it becomes a sticky, which would be good). So please keep it alive with a little reply. thanks.
<--Don't forget to hit THANKS if I helped
Re: So you just bought a Note2 - 50 Galaxy Note 2 Tips and Tricks(Make phone faster)
It is a copy and paste from a website I know I don't remember the link guys.
..................
●•¤SENT FROM MY BEAST●•¤
★★GALAXY NOTE 2 GT N7100★★
USING ●XDA PREMIUM HD● APP
aviralsingh16 said:
It is a copy and paste from a website I know I don't remember the link guys.
..................
●•¤SENT FROM MY BEAST●•¤
★★GALAXY NOTE 2 GT N7100★★
USING ●XDA PREMIUM HD● APP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The source(link) and name of author are the first thing on the OP.
Thanks
Thanks for the great article! I agree, this SHOULD be a sticky!
Re: So you just bought a Note2 - 50 Galaxy Note 2 Tips and Tricks(Make phone faster)
Good work, to the original op, and the second one.
Best regards
Sifou
Using a Samsung N7100
Great article. Really helpful.
For this point, when I connect my Note 2 directly to my Mac, it does not show up.
Any ideas?
Don't sync, drag 'n' drop
If you chose to go Android rather than opting for an iPhone, there's a good chance that the open-ness of the platform had something to do with it. Samsung is keen on trying to make its users adopt the Kies desktop software, but it's actually completely unnecessary. Plug the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 into a computer with a microUSB cable and it'll show up as a media player drive, which you can drag and drop all kinds of files onto. Transfer speeds are impressively fast too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
luckyconverter said:
Great article. Really helpful.
For this point, when I connect my Note 2 directly to my Mac, it does not show up.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't own a Mac so I can't confirm 100% but it should be the same.
When you connect your USB you should see the USB symbol on the status bar (on the top left).
pull down your status bar and select USB options
it should bring you to Connection option, selct USB as Media device
Should also add the S-Voice Tip too
Re: [Novice Guide] So you just bought a Note2 - 50+ Tips and Tricks+Make phone faster
Gj. Was handy
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
McLaren__F1 said:
Should also add the S-Voice Tip too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note taken.
OP updated.
KurlyK said:
Thanks for the great article! I agree, this SHOULD be a sticky!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree
Bump
Bumpy
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
I installed Nova launcher. I lose the S Buddy Page helper (so when you plug in headphones or take the pen out a new home page appears), but it means I can put more icons on the home screens to make better use of the display, and Nova is pretty slick and quick.
speculatrix said:
I installed Nova launcher. I lose the S Buddy Page helper (so when you plug in headphones or take the pen out a new home page appears), but it means I can put more icons on the home screens to make better use of the display, and Nova is pretty slick and quick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and you can easily make folders in the dock by sliding icons on top of each others so you can keep a clean screen. You can also "swipe up" on each icons in the dock to lauch a "hidden" apps. To do so just long press one icon in the dock and choose "edit", then chose the app you want to lauch with the icon swipe up.:good:
Thanks for posting this. Really useful for a new note 2 user shaking off the iphone withdrawl. Love this phone.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Smegwitch said:
Thanks for posting this. Really useful for a new note 2 user shaking off the iphone withdrawl. Love this phone.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the best.
Thanks for the tip!
bs_flatline said:
Thanks for the tip!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure
Hi folks!
I am making this thread for people who haven't yet upgraded from MiUi 7 to MiUi 8. For all those, here are 10 good reasons why you should upgrade from MiUi 7 to MiUi 8!
1. The Calculator:
In MIUI 8, the new MIUI calculater app is now having the currency converter feature. We can even check 3 currencies at once with the MIUI Calculator App. Hence there's no need any 3rd party app for this feature. Not only that, but there's been additions like complex algebraic symbols for efficient and quick calculations.
2. Image Editor:
With the update of MIUI 8, now we can have more features when editing our image in Gallery. There are more settings and effects to play with, hence we can save up spaces from downloading 3rd party image editor.
3. Video Editor:
Did you know that we can finally edit our video in MIUI 8 without install any 3rd party apps? We can now easily trim our video and add some simple effects on it to make it more interesting!
4. Wallpaper Carousel:
We have Wallpaper Carousel that provides us daily wallpaper and Theme App Store which have thousands of wallpaper to be chosen. With MIUI 8, we don't even need to download any wallpaper from external sources.
5. Cleaner:
In MIUI 8 security app, one of its main features is Cleaner App. It will not just only clear cache, deep clean will help us remove the duplicate photos, big files and unused apps to clear up our storage even further. So why do we need a 3rd party app if we already have this feature in MIUI 8?
6. WiFi Transfer (Mobile to PC):
Did you know that MIUI allows us to transfer file from phone to PC via FTP? Frankly, this feature already existed since MIUI 5 and its still rocking! We don't need to download any 3rd party app to transfer our files wirelessly in MIUI.
7. Improved Mi - Drop:
In MIUI 8, we have a file-transferring feature called Mi Drop. This is used to transfer any files between two phones which have these features. This doesn't require any Internet Access to do it, just using Hotspot and transfer the file wirelessly. So we don't need any 3rd party app for this as well.
8. Anti-Virus:
Since MIUI 5, there is a virus scanner in Security App and downloading a 3rd party anti-virus app in MIUI ROM is not necessary at all. Although some might have said the MIUI virus scanner is not the most powerful, the native app is always the best as it "understands" the host (MIUI ROM) the most.
9. Data Usage:
Want to monitor your Data Plan usage? In MIUI 8, we have this feature under Security App. It is called Data Usage Stat. With this feature, we don't need to install any other apps to help us monitor our data usage. Isn't that awesome?
10. Battery Saver Auto Powered:
Want your phone to automatically power on the battery saver when you're sleeping? MIUI 8 can do that! It can be found under Security App > Battery > Battery Saver. This awesome feature was already implemented since previous MIUI versions and has some improvements!
11. Messaging Timer:
Do you know that MIUI Messaging has a feature that we can set a timer for our message to be sent? This feature is pretty useful for someone forgetful like me, and I bet it will be useful for you all as well!
12: Blocklist:
Is there's someone who always disturbs you and you want to ignore his call or SMS? Blocklist comes in handy when you set his number in the list. You will not receive any of his calls or SMS's anymore, and you can manage settings for the blocked numbers. This feature can be easily found in Security App.
13: Second Space:
Having second space is like having two mobiles in one mobile. This feature partitions your phone into two, so two people can use it randomly, protecting each others privacy as well!
14: Dual Apps:
Ever used Parallel Space? Imagine a MiUi built-in Parallel Space. Yep! MiUi 8 features dual apps, so you can have two instagrams or WhatsApps for different accounts!
15. Continuous Screenshot:
Ever wanted to take a screenshot of the whole page, but needed to take seperate screenshot for each column? Well, problem solved!
MiUi 8 introduced a new feature- continuous screenshot .
Here's how to take a continuous screenshot:
Just take a normal screenshot and when a pop-up displays at the upper right corner, tap it and tap on 'scroll' to take a continuous screenshot!
So, that's all for now folks! I'll keep updating the thread with new posts soon. Stay tuned!
Hit Thanks if I've Helped!
Regards,
PoseidonKing
it is really great list out here good feature in miui 8
look4sky said:
it is really great list out here good feature in miui 8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hit Thanks button if this thread helped you!
Regards,
PoseidonKing
Thread Updated
Screenshot feature added!
Regards,
PoseidonKing
How do you make a choice between LG's own system applications, such as clocks, calendars, QUICK memos +, and Google apps? It's too hard for me ,because they each have their own advantages. So I want to hear your opinion. How would you choose to use, all with LG? All with Google? Or other options?
I'll fully admit to perhaps a bit of cognitive dissonance with this answer. I bought the LG G6 as an upgrade from my Nexus 6p. I liked the smaller footprint, but comparable screen size. I also liked the UX.
However, I generally don't use the built-in LG apps.
* Launcher - Replaced with Nova
* Email / Calendar / Contacts - I use Nine (from 9 Folders)
* Phone - Google Dialer
* Music - Google Music
* Clock - Google Clock
* Camera - AH! I use the LG Camera
Generally I've found that the built-in apps lack functionality that I grew to rely on while I was on my Nexus 6p, and while there may be some benefits to using the LG apps, I find they have more minor annoyances in workflow and are more restrictive - even if they look more at home in the LG skin.
Perhaps I'm simply being stubborn and don't want to adjust my workflow. Then again... that's the best part about Android
gewecht said:
I'll fully admit to perhaps a bit of cognitive dissonance with this answer. I bought the LG G6 as an upgrade from my Nexus 6p. I liked the smaller footprint, but comparable screen size. I also liked the UX.
However, I generally don't use the built-in LG apps.
* Launcher - Replaced with Nova
* Email / Calendar / Contacts - I use Nine (from 9 Folders)
* Phone - Google Dialer
* Music - Google Music
* Clock - Google Clock
* Camera - AH! I use the LG Camera
Generally I've found that the built-in apps lack functionality that I grew to rely on while I was on my Nexus 6p, and while there may be some benefits to using the LG apps, I find they have more minor annoyances in workflow and are more restrictive - even if they look more at home in the LG skin.
Perhaps I'm simply being stubborn and don't want to adjust my workflow. Then again... that's the best part about Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please tell me how can install Google dialer
Sent from my LG-H870S using Tapatalk
MsuatafaKhatab said:
Could you please tell me how can install Google dialer
Sent from my LG-H870S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take a look at https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/help/google-phone-dialer-t3607557/post72345435#post72345435
MsuatafaKhatab said:
Could you please tell me how can install Google dialer
Sent from my LG-H870S using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link is to the last non-nexus version that has the spam and caller id working. I know that it works as intended as I had a local company call me that I did not have in contacts and it showed proper caller id. It also shows the spam callers as it should.
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-phone/google-phone-7-0-140861421-nonnexus-release/google-phone-7-0-140861421-nonnexus-android-apk-download/
mix and match, according to workflow/needs. for example:
- i use the LG Gallery so i know what's on my phone (plus the UI is nice and simple) AND i use Google Photos for free and easy backup, and gallery sharing
- LG QuickMemo+ is proprietary, and i can't edit/add outside of the phone. so i disabled that, and use Google Keep instead (besides, i have years of Keep material)
- LG Calendar is pretty boring, but at least it has options for monthly view. so until Google Calendar gets their head sorted, i'm stock
etc.
AM Radio said:
mix and match, according to workflow/needs. for example:
- i use the LG Gallery so i know what's on my phone (plus the UI is nice and simple) AND i use Google Photos for free and easy backup, and gallery sharing
- LG QuickMemo+ is proprietary, and i can't edit/add outside of the phone. so i disabled that, and use Google Keep instead (besides, i have years of Keep material)
- LG Calendar is pretty boring, but at least it has options for monthly view. so until Google Calendar gets their head sorted, i'm stock
etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use KEEP.Thank you, I see.It`s so clear.
I think mine are all google apps. Messaging, phone dial, keep, photos, google calendar, nova and many more
Sent from my LGUS997 using Tapatalk
I just changed some but back to stock better
* Launcher - Stock
* Email / Calendar / Contacts - Inbox by GMAIL / Stock-Google Calendar / Google Contacts
* Phone - Stock
* Music - Spotify
* Clock -Stock
* Camera - Stock
* SMS - Stock