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Hey guys, I'm new to the forums and I will be new to Android when my N7 ships hopefully soon.
I'm an Apple guy. I've had every iPhone and iPad. Currently rocking the 4S and iPad 3. Both on iOS 6.0 beta 2. I have also jailbroken every iPhone and iPad to customize it more, something XDA seems tailored to. I have never wanted to switch away from my iPhone because I enjoy it and honestly I haven't been impressed with many Android phone, until ICS. Now with Jelly bean 4.1, Android looks really solid, smooth, and mature. So I really want to give it a try. Again I don't want to switch phones and deal with all the carrier BS (bloatware, locked down, slow/no updates, etc) then Google unveiled the Nexus 7 for $200! So now for fairly cheap I can get a state-of-the-art Android device running 4.1, try a 7" tablet, and keep my iPhone.
So now my question is about unlocking/rooting the N7. With Android being as "open" as it is ie., being able to install non-app store apps, what's the benefits to rooting a Nexus device with no bloatware and the most up-to-date Android version? From my understanding the main reason people root their devices is to update their phone or to remove bloatware installed by the carriers.
Are there apps that you can only install if you are rooted? Are there more or less security issues with being rooted?
Rooting is awesome for many reasons, superuser rights (aka being able to play with files and commands that you don't have access to normally), but my main use for with a rooted phone is to freeze processes that I don't use, example i have handcent sms, so i usually freeze the sms client built into android.
Welcome to Android. I think you chose the right device to test the water. Not too expensive, while able to show off Android capabilities without the extra layer of crapps that manufacturers and mobile operators tend to add. I for one would be very interested in your first impressions and how you think IOS and Android compares over time.
In response to your question: some applications only work on rooted devices. Examples: Titanium backup, ROM Manager, some apps to get rid of ads within free apps, etc. But you don't need to root. I never rooted my tablet, and didn't find a reason to root my Nexus phone until very recently (for Titanium backup), but all my previous phones are rooted mostly to enable tethering, which is not disabled in the Nexus anyway.
After spending some time reading your post, the main reason to root in my opinion is to allow the installation of kernels and custom ROMs. Of course you can get some amazing apps through rooting, i.e. titanium backup and wifikill.
Making an experience tailored for you seems to be the main selling point of Android, and rooting allows you customization to the EXTREME.
I root my android devices to flash custom roms. Stock android is fantastic but teams like cyanogenmod and aokp take stock to the next level with tweaks that just add to the customization of the roms you are on. Some of the tweaks aren't mind blowing but still fun to play with. You can overclock your device to use all the processor's power, at the expense of your battery of course. You can use root only apps such as titanium backup or wifi tether. There are many more root only apps but those are the 2 off the top of my head. There are many advantages to rooting even if you are on a stock android device. just look around and do a little research see if you're interested Rooting isn't for everyone. Good luck and welcome to the forums.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
kisrita said:
I for one would be very interested in your first impressions and how you think IOS and Android compares over time.
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I'm sure I'll write a review of the Nexus 7 after a few weeks, then maybe I'll do a Android from an iOS user post as well. Thanks for all the other advice guys, I'm sure I'll root it at some point just to try it, I'm a bit of a tinkerer.
I believe root is also necessary if you want to use otg usb storage with the stickmount app. This allows you to attach a usb/microsd card, greatly increasing storage space
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
I've had my N7 for a few days now and I'm really enjoying it so far. I really like the 7" size and the weight as compared to the iPad. Battery seems really good to. I have it rooted and working on getting a launcher setup that I like.
The app selection is TERRIBLE when compared to iOS, that for sure. I can't find a good twitter client or Google reader app.
From My Nexus 7
I haven't had the opportunity to compare available apps in both stores, but I keep hearing that comment. I haven't had trouble finding an app when I needed one, of course that might be because I'm not aware of everything that could be available. As an examples, I don't know what you mean by google reader. An ebook reader? News reader? Search engine? Something else? I can't help with twitter apps, I never understood what people need that for, I never tried it... Too old I guess... But since twitter is well known, there must be one among the half million apps in the play store? Perhaps its not yet compatible with Jelly Bean?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Welcome to the Android world.
Like you I have been using IOS (as well as Android.. so not totally new to Android at all..).. every iPhone up to the 4S
I think the arrival of the Nexus has brought over a few from IOS, JB has helped with that... the one thing I heard from many who complained Android wasn't for them was they found it "clunky" and not as refined as an IOS device, I think the N7 has changed and will change that perception.
As mentioned already you will find Android Apps not as good overall compared to IOS (my opinion anyway.. especially games if you are a gamer) but I think you will love that fact you have have more control of your OS (instead of waiting for the Dev team to release the lastest jailbreak using Redsnow etc..) and you can say goodbye to horrible bloatware iTunes lol
Have you tried to tether from iPhone to the Nexus yet?? Reason I ask is I had a Samsung tablet and my 4s wouldn't connect to it, something to do with being an adhoc connection (although I think there is ways around this..) I know my Galaxy Ace connects no probs and has a great speed while tethering to the Nexus.
Enjoy your Nexus
I had problems tethering my N7 to my iPad 3, until I restarted the iPad. Since then its been working great.
For the other commenter, Google Reader is popular RSS feed aggregator. Basically its a way to see when website publish a new story, and you never miss an article. WWW.reader.Google.com
From My Nexus 7
jayman16 said:
I had problems tethering my N7 to my iPad 3, until I restarted the iPad. Since then its been working great.
For the other commenter, Google Reader is popular RSS feed aggregator. Basically its a way to see when website publish a new story, and you never miss an article. WWW.reader.Google.com
From My Nexus 7
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I understand now. You're looking for a news reader. I'm no expert on this, and only tried two of the following, but check out the links to reviews of what some consider the best news readers on android currently. Maybe one of these will work? Sometimes it takes time to find the best app, so keep looking if none of these are right.
http://www.bestandroidtablet.us/taptu-a-cool-news-reader-for-android-tablet/
http://geekshavelanded.com/android-news-reader-showdown/
hi guys i'm a new member to this community and i'm ready to change from apple and IOS to android which i have never use..
i have find to sell my iphone and with that money to buy the nexus 4. During the last 3 weeks i have read and view many reviews about the nexus 4 and i believe it's a great phone !
what do you think will be the difficulties that i will face during this transition between the two different softwares??
is finally the nexus 4 a better phone than the iphone 4s?
thanks in advance for your answers!!
If your a techie, you shouldn't have any problems and you should be able to guide yourself through Android. Everything you need is in the Notification Drawer! You might have a hard time adjusting to no physical home button, but you'll get used to it. Music is just drag and drop, or it would be worth it to download Google Play Music on your computer and sync your music in the cloud. Just explore the phone the day you get it. I personally like the overall look and feel of Android more than iOS. Welcome to the best Android experience out there, a Nexus 4!!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Gorjira said:
If your a techie, you shouldn't have any problems and you should be able to guide yourself through Android. Everything you need is in the Notification Drawer! You might have a hard time adjusting to no physical home button, but you'll get used to it. Music is just drag and drop, or it would be worth it to download Google Play Music on your computer and sync your music in the cloud. Just explore the phone the day you get it. I personally like the overall look and feel of Android more than iOS. Welcome to the best Android experience out there, a Nexus 4!!!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
thanks for your answer!!!
Like most iPhone users, you're going to spend weeks posting threads asking how to exactly replicate iPhone functionality before realizing that the Android experience is different and you just need to learn new ways of working.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
stefanos7 said:
hi guys i'm a new member to this community and i'm ready to change from apple and IOS to android which i have never use..
i have find to sell my iphone and with that money to buy the nexus 4. During the last 3 weeks i have read and view many reviews about the nexus 4 and i believe it's a great phone !
what do you think will be the difficulties that i will face during this transition between the two different softwares??
is finally the nexus 4 a better phone than the iphone 4s?
thanks in advance for your answers!!
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Click to collapse
Any phone is better than an iPhone.
Just kidding, but seriously. don't get me wrong, iPhones are good phones, they really are. People get them cause they like them, I get androids because I like them. Spec wise, Nexus 4 blows iPhones away. IMO, Nexus 4's are way better than any of the iPhones out right now. I talked to my friends who went from iPhones to Androids, and they said the only difficulty they had was getting used to how the OS is. iPhones are simple, and straight forward. Theres not much you can change about an iPhone unless you jailbreak it. Androids are customizable right out of the box.Only problem you MIGHT face is getting used to android.
@mrjoeltan: I agree with you, just want to add: I feel that android, starting jelly bean, doesn't require any customization. Let me explain.
For the longest time, people compared android to iOS this way: iOS you can't customize, but it works pretty amazingly right out of the box. Android, on the other hand, can be customized to incredible levels; however, right out of the box it is not a great experience. And up till jelly bean, I agreed with this claim.
What I think changed in the last half year is that now android (jelly bean, so Nexus 4 for sure) is as amazing out of the box as iOS, with the added ability to customize the sh*t out of it if you want to.
To not be completely off topic:
There will be very few things you need to "learn" during transition. I think the largest one is the way system handles settings of notifications and alerts: b/c iOS uses only its own push notifications, all sound settings for all apps are done in the "settings" app. Android is a bit different- the apps keep a service running in background for themselves, and so you have to edit sound/alert settings in the apps themselves. The reward for this is that apps can have more advanced notifications with popup menus, repeated alerts etc. They will all appear in your notification drawer, but they can do more.
Music is simple drag-and-drop.
Other difference is handling of files. PDFs will first download, only then you can click on them to view them. They will be stored in the "Download" folder, accessible either via the "Downloads" app or via file manager of your choice (I recommend installing one).
If you have more apps that allow opening some file (ie, you have Adobe Reader and the built-in quickoffice viewer), when you click on a PDF (or some other supported file, even link), you will have a window allowing you to choose what program should open the given file. (don't worry, you can set defaults and not worry about it again)
I suggest you set all google maps links to default to the google maps app, not the browser. Similarly, set all youtube links to go to the youtube app, not the browser.
Hope I helped!
matus201 said:
@mrjoeltan: I agree with you, just want to add: I feel that android, starting jelly bean, doesn't require any customization. Let me explain.
For the longest time, people compared android to iOS this way: iOS you can't customize, but it works pretty amazingly right out of the box. Android, on the other hand, can be customized to incredible levels; however, right out of the box it is not a great experience. And up till jelly bean, I agreed with this claim.
What I think changed in the last half year is that now android (jelly bean, so Nexus 4 for sure) is as amazing out of the box as iOS, with the added ability to customize the sh*t out of it if you want to.
To not be completely off topic:
There will be very few things you need to "learn" during transition. I think the largest one is the way system handles settings of notifications and alerts: b/c iOS uses only its own push notifications, all sound settings for all apps are done in the "settings" app. Android is a bit different- the apps keep a service running in background for themselves, and so you have to edit sound/alert settings in the apps themselves. The reward for this is that apps can have more advanced notifications with popup menus, repeated alerts etc. They will all appear in your notification drawer, but they can do more.
Music is simple drag-and-drop.
Other difference is handling of files. PDFs will first download, only then you can click on them to view them. They will be stored in the "Download" folder, accessible either via the "Downloads" app or via file manager of your choice (I recommend installing one).
If you have more apps that allow opening some file (ie, you have Adobe Reader and the built-in quickoffice viewer), when you click on a PDF (or some other supported file, even link), you will have a window allowing you to choose what program should open the given file. (don't worry, you can set defaults and not worry about it again)
I suggest you set all google maps links to default to the google maps app, not the browser. Similarly, set all youtube links to go to the youtube app, not the browser.
Hope I helped!
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Click to collapse
thank you all for your help!!
I have just ordered the 16 gb with the official bumper!!
i will return with my first impressions as soon as I have it in my hands!
Welcome to the world of Android. You will really enjoy the Nexus 4. The phone is smooth as butter and the customization is fantastic. I actually replaced the standard launcher with Nova Prime launcher as it offers even more customization than the standard launcher.
if you have your iphone jailbroken, it will be easier to port to Android, have fun..
Definitely get back and let us know if you have any questions - I just held my boyfriend's hand through his iPhone to Nexus 4 transition (I give great Valentines presents!), so I'm sure some of your questions will either pop up for him or already have.
calanizzle said:
if you have your iphone jailbroken, it will be easier to port to Android, have fun..
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I have jailbroken it in the past once but now my iphone is without
qocarekeri said:
Definitely get back and let us know if you have any questions - I just held my boyfriend's hand through his iPhone to Nexus 4 transition (I give great Valentines presents!), so I'm sure some of your questions will either pop up for him or already have.
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thank you (great gift!!)
I'm sure about that
how does your boyfriend finally feel with your gift??
does he miss the iphone?
You wont regret buying and android device like the nexus 4.
IMO android is much more flexible customisable and powerful than iOS. The iOS is soo God darn easy to use because there isn't much to do in it. It has a homescreen and... Well that's pretty much it!
But android 4.0+ combines ease of use and great functionality. Once you switch to android and start using all of its features, you'll never go back.
Oh and BTW, I think the Nexus 4 looks damn sexy, looks better than an iPhone.
stefanos7 said:
I have jailbroken it in the past once but now my iphone is without
thank you (great gift!!)
I'm sure about that
how does your boyfriend finally feel with your gift??
does he miss the iphone?
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Click to collapse
There was an adjustment period for him - how do I get X, where can I find apps, where is X setting.
He was a little pouty at the beginning of the process, but after a month or so, he's up and running and very happy. The main thing that he missed was a collection settings that covered all apps.
-Keri
qocarekeri said:
There was an adjustment period for him - how do I get X, where can I find apps, where is X setting.
He was a little pouty at the beginning of the process, but after a month or so, he's up and running and very happy. The main thing that he missed was a collection settings that covered all apps.
-Keri
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Click to collapse
Yeah I can see how that could be a problem. However I went the other way (Android to an iPad) and was greatly dissatisfied with the super easy and noob setting of iOS.
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
wngmv said:
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
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Click to collapse
And when you decide to do so, follow the link in my signature. Do not use a toolkit!
Good luck with it all, you'll love it! Let us know if you need any help. :thumbup:
wngmv said:
Yeah I can see how that could be a problem. However I went the other way (Android to an iPad) and was greatly dissatisfied with the super easy and noob setting of iOS.
On topic, I would suggest OP to use the phone for a couple months, before venturing into any customization options (rooting, kernels, ROMs, launchers etc). Getting used to Android could take you a while but once you get used to it your production will be greatly improved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I used an iPad recently and I actually found it very counter-intuitive having all of the individual app settings under the general settings app. I wanted to sign out of the email app for example but I genuinely could not find a way to do it from within the app itself, and ended up having to go to settings then manage accounts or something similar. In Android I just hit menu in any app I'm using and I can be certain that there will be some sort of settings or options button, which to me seems much more logical since if I want to change an app setting the likelihood is that I'm using that app already. Obviously the opposite will apply for users moving from iOS to Android, but I think I'm just so used to Android now that iOS simply doesn't work for me.
Vangelis13 said:
And when you decide to do so, follow the link in my signature. Do not use a toolkit!
Good luck with it all, you'll love it! Let us know if you need any help. :thumbup:
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ok thanks a lot for your help i will follow your advice !!
however you could find a better avatar!! the red one!!!heheh
na sai kala!!
Hello... hope this finds everyone well.
I am a long time android user and keep getting the urge to jump into the windows phone arena. I was just curious from those who have done the switch what you found good and bad about the experience. Just looking for justifications from either spectrum really before doing so I appreciate all of your time and look forward to hearing your experiences.
Thanks!!
Tancreddo said:
Hello... hope this finds everyone well.
I am a long time android user and keep getting the urge to jump into the windows phone arena. I was just curious from those who have done the switch what you found good and bad about the experience. Just looking for justifications from either spectrum really before doing so I appreciate all of your time and look forward to hearing your experiences.
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, it's nice to see you're willing to make the switch.
Honestly, there are some things from Android that you're going to miss here, but there's also a bunch of new exciting stuff on WP, so in the end it all depends on your ability to adopt something new and different.
Although I don't use an Android phone as a daily device (because that place is taken by my Lumia 820), I have one for various mods and stuff, and I just find WP a better option for me (but obviously both have their advantages and disadvantages). The difference in performance and optimization is most visible on low-end hardware - WP excels there, Android not so much. There's also a difference in terms of features and customizability - all those nifty things you could change/modify/replace in Android are mostly not in WP. The hardware of WP mostly caught up to Android, so there shouldn't be any deal breakers there. The store is growing daily and now includes most "major" apps, but it really depends on you whether you'll be able to find your apps or not.
But before you decide and make opinions about WP, I urge you to wait for the 8.1 update - it brings a lot of new stuff and further refines the user experience, so it'd be wise to make judgment based on that. If you can, I suggest you get a cheap WP to have the first taste of the platform, and then decide if you want to upgrade or go back to Android.
In any case, make a decision based on your own opinion and experiences, it'll surely be the right decision for you.
I switched from my Nexus 4 to my Lumia 520 a few months ago.. one thing I noticed is the speed difference. Even though the 520 only has 512 mb of RAM, it feels more fluid than my Nexus 4.
I actually just made the switch.
From a Nexus 4 to a Lumia 925
Its been about a week, so far not regretting it at all. I managed to find all but i think 3 apps or so that i used on android in the WP store. One thing you will notice, some apps dont have all the functionality as they do on android.
What i do notice about WP is that everything is much more fluid. Tasks are easier and quicker to do. Also, in a lot of cases some of the apps on WP are generally nicer than you'll find elsewhere. I am really glad i made the switch. My main reason for switching was because i was just bored with my Nexus, wanted something different.
The only thing that its really missing at the moment is a google music app, i noticed like the day i got my WP, google changed the api or something in google music with borked all the gmusic apps on the windows store. But in everyday use, i dont miss it much. I just use pandora.
Give it a try, people hate on the apps and selection (i did too at one point) but WP has a great selection and some of the apps are absolutely beautiful.
Many people have a go at WP without ever trying it so well done to the OP for this thread.
I have had 10 Android phones and 4 tablets in the past 4 or so years. I think Android is a fantastic OS, easily the most powerful, feature rich and customisable available. In January I was contemplating swapping my N4 for a N5. However looking around at the fact that Android is so popular now I thought about trying WP8. So I got a brand new Ativ S for £140. The plan was to run two phones for a bit. The thing was I never looked at my N4. I know the lack some Google services is a problem but I have music, email & calendar one way or another so I can still interact with my Android family members.
The biggest let down in WP8 is the browser. IE is …. erm not very good. It needs text reflow (but so does Chrome) as a start but in reality MS need to open the platform to allow other browsers to run their own engines.
My advice is to see how tied in you are to Google and Android apps and see if any are missing on WP8. If the missing ones are vital to you then maybe WP8 isn’t for you.
I am now waiting for the new set hardware coming later in the year. I will then decide whether to get a new WP device or go back to android.
finbaar said:
The biggest let down in WP8 is the browser. IE is …. erm not very good. It needs text reflow (but so does Chrome) as a start but in reality MS need to open the platform to allow other browsers to run their own engines.
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Click to collapse
Luckily, IE is getting several improvements in 8.1, so it'll be a more viable option for people. The thing that's missing the most IMO is password management. Every decent browser should have it...
finbaar said:
My advice is to see how tied in you are to Google and Android apps and see if any are missing on WP8. If the missing ones are vital to you then maybe WP8 isn’t for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, if you're heavily tied into Google's ecosystem, you may need to reconsider your choice. Not that support for Google's products and services totally sucks, but it's quite lacking compared to what it could be (mostly Google's fault). But the good thing is, if you manage to make the switch to Microsoft's services, they've got you covered.
Me too.. my final android phone was the Xperia z (for a few days).. i just got bored of Android, wanted something different... i may get the LG G Pro 2 when it comes to the Market as a second phone, but my Nokia 1520 is not going anywhere in the near Future.
Super_Sport said:
Me too.. my final android phone was the Xperia z (for a few days).. i just got bored of Android, wanted something different... i may get the LG G Pro 2 when it comes to the Market as a second phone, but my Nokia 1520 is not going anywhere in the near Future.
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Click to collapse
I am considering a WP however the applications ... Will I be able to install free programs like we do on Android? I can download games and chunky programs from android app sites, and don't burn my precious internet credit.
agispapatias said:
I am considering a WP however the applications ... Will I be able to install free programs like we do on Android? I can download games and chunky programs from android app sites, and don't burn my precious internet credit.
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Click to collapse
Depends on how you define "free". There's free and trial versions of apps available on WP as well. There's only one store for WP, but you don't really need 10 app stores just to get your apps, do you? But if you're talking about piracy, you're out of luck.
DaviUnic said:
Depends on how you define "free". There's free and trial versions of apps available on WP as well. There's only one store for WP, but you don't really need 10 app stores just to get your apps, do you? But if you're talking about piracy, you're out of luck.
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I mean is the system accessible like android? In android I can download and install apps from other sources like app sites.
Do WP has a similar system?
As I said, no, and doesn't really need one because quality apps are found in the store. The only other source of apps are homemade apps, but you need dev unlock for that.
DaviUnic said:
you need dev unlock for that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It`s free. And @reker says you`re free to install 10 apps now (was 2 for free unlock).
Hi all, just off the phone from Vodafone and purchased the Sony Z2 Tablet
Comes this Monday.
Just wondering if you guys can give my advise of personal use to weather I have just purchased the best tablet on the market.
I have looked at a few reviews and heard not much bad about this device. I was also wondering if anyone knows if 4.4.4 KitKat will be available in the future for this device.
I am also waiting on the Sony Xperia Z3 mobile coming out to upgrade, best specs i've seen available for a mobile (I know the note4 is pretty awesome specs, but not a big Samsung fan and the screen size is too big for my liking, 5.2 in' is my maximum)
Thanks in advance for your advice guys
Just quickly saw this tablet at local store and it looked pretty nice.
Without any knowledge whether 4.4.4. is coming to z2, i would say that you wont even miss it.
In my opinion 4.4.3 and 4.4.4 brings mostly security updates and not end user updates. But maybe someone can bring some more light into it.
But i think you made a good choice with Z2
---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 PM ----------
To addition you are already able to upgrade 4.4.4 through custom roms but that is another story
I have been using it almost every day since June, and I couldn't be happier. It works flawlessly, it is powerful, fast and smooth, it has no noticeable bugs, it is easily rooteable and customizable if you want. I don't miss anything in it. I am so glad I got the 32gb model...
Android 4.4.4 is coming, it has been already certified, I would bet in a couple of weeks it will be amongst us, first for the phone, and later for the tablet, but i don't care, as current fw works so well.
Enviado desde mi SGP512 mediante Tapatalk
Android 4.4.4 is been rolled out now for old models, apparently it will take a little longer for the z2 as Sony wants to add new features present in the new z3 to the z2 tablet
I have had a lot of phones and tablets in the past but this is my favourite, Sony's UI is great nearly stock but with handy features and looks nice. Its the first tablet where I didn't feel the need to install a custom ROM, plus the battery life is great and apparently may be better in the next update
Oh come on...nearly stock?!
Just because it's not as bloated as Touchwiz doesn't mean it's stock.
Sony also added a lot of bloatware that no one needs and that can not be deinstalled, just deactivated.
Xposed is also a must have for me.
Vaetheran2107 said:
Oh come on...nearly stock?!
Just because it's not as bloated as Touchwiz doesn't mean it's stock.
Sony also added a lot of bloatware that no one needs and that can not be deinstalled, just deactivated.
Xposed is also a must have for me.
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Click to collapse
Ya true I do use Nova launcher so I'm probably biased, I actually don't like the Sony launcher, can't change the margins, cant change font, or icon size and it looks a bit like a cartoonist
Also nova, but I meant all of Sony's apps
Vaetheran2107 said:
Oh come on...nearly stock?!
Just because it's not as bloated as Touchwiz doesn't mean it's stock.
Sony also added a lot of bloatware that no one needs and that can not be deinstalled, just deactivated.
Xposed is also a must have for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Er... you can simply root this device and 1. remove the bloatware (via Titanium Backup or a similar app) and 2. install Xposed.
Where is the problem???
Ofc there is some bloatware in this rom.
It is kind of stupid to blame Sony or any other brand for that.
Compared to the mainstream, we at XDA are a real small group of experienceed users,
who don't need that bloat.
But for the mainstream it has to be as easy as possible. So they install all possible needed sony-apps. And to be honest, Sony has to be stupid to stop doing this, cause it's an easy way to support their services and extra hardware like the ps4 or some tvs.
The ordinary user may loose interest upon the first two steps to use a Sony service.
1. Searching and finding the correct app
2. Installing and configure this app.
The working-out-of-the-box-feeling is most important for the mainstream I guess.
And to be honest... Sonys stock rom works perfectly for me and I don't care about the bloat.
Thinking back to my galaxy tab 2 and the laggy "performance" it had with stock... I love Sony
But to get the mainquestion answered.... You made a great deal. The z2 is an awesome tablet and at the moment I don't wanna switch to an other.
But maybe u have to wait a little for a new firmware to get the touchscreen issues fixed.
Or (what I have done) you use flashtool to get the things working with an user-provided stock rom.
Sent from my SGP511 using XDA Premium HD app
Oh, come on!, bloatware in Android is something of the past. Since 4.1, if i remember well, anybody can disable unwanted system apps, which at all effects is just like deleting them. As these apps are stored in system partition you won't recover free space by disabling them, and if you uninstall them via Titanium Backup, in a rooted device, the freed up space on system partition is useless for installing apps from the store anyway.
Also, as far as i know Sony doesn't include any app which takes too much resources from the system, just their Music/video/games shops, smart connect, some nice image editors, OfficeSuite, Xperia Link, TrackID, Sony Select (the only one i have disabled)... Not a deal breaker to me, they are useful apps, not like Samsung is doing bloating their devices with 2 GB worth of useless apps, constantly poping up with ads.
Oh, and i like Sony's stock launcher more than Google's launcher, i think they are near, buy sony's one looks better and more modern. I never liked the look of pure Android (GB, JB and KK).
You cannot disable all apps unless rooted and even if you disable them, some of them still run in the background and use resources.
SANGER_A2 said:
You cannot disable all apps unless rooted and even if you disable them, some of them still run in the background and use resources.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example?
Enviado desde mi SGP512 mediante Tapatalk
Phone
SANGER_A2 said:
Phone
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Ok, I've got to give my 2 cents here because I think this last post may be the very beginning of a possibly long and unnecessary discussion.
If and only IF you have one of the WiFi-only models and if and only IF those models include the Phone app it can be called bloatware (I don't own one of those models to know if they have the Phone/SMS Messaging/Contacts apps, mine is a 4G one).
But if you own a 4G Z2 Tablet, be that a SGP521, 541 or 551, then you should know that these tablets are phone-capable tablets, i.e. you can actually make phone calls over the standard mobile network, just like a smartphone, and that is meant as a feature, not bloatware.
You can call a bloatware any other apk in Sony's firmware that is not meant to be used as a system feature and there are indeed many of those in Sony's stock ROMs. To name a few that are in the app drawer, you have OfficeSuite, Xperia Link, TrackID, Sony Select, like @RoberM mentioned, just like you have a few of Google's own bloatware, such as Play Games, Play Music, Play Movies, Google+ and Hangout, to name a few. You can even say that AR Effect, Infoeye, Face Unlock and so many others are bloatware. All of these apps have some sort of functionality but they are in no way essential for any of the tablet's features (unlike Phone). Hell, with the exception of Xperia Link, I personally delete each and every one of the apps mentioned in this paragraph with TB (it is actually one the very first things I do after rooting my device).
If you go deeper inside the system you'll also find some bloatware that are not accessible on the app drawer (in other words, you'll have to go deep with Titanium Backup or search for them in Settings -> Applications or delete them directly on system/app or /priv-app folders). To name a few, you have the Wikipedia/lyrics/karaoke extensions (don't really know which app needs them, but I've always deleted them), you have com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks and partnerbookmarks.res.overlay (which add that useless Sony folder on Chrome's Favorites tab) and so on.
The fact of the matter is that all of these apps I've just called bloatware can be disabled without any problem to the OS. But the Phone apk on a phone-capable device is not (the same goes to Contacts or SMS).
And I have to agree with both RoberM and @schurgatzi when they say that 1- arguing about bloatware is a thing of the past when we can easily disable them; 2- mainstream users don't really care or want to care about this things, so for them it is better to have the app and not need it than to need the app and not have (apps they don't need are just put in a folder labeled "useless crap" and left in the last tab of the app drawer); and 3 (and probably most important one)- we on XDA cannot, under any circumstance, think of ourselves as mainstream users - the very fact that we are here having a simple discussion over what is bloatware and what is not, or the simple fact that we spent a few minutes of our time searching on how to get rid of these bloatwares is proof that we are not mainstream users. Mainstream users (and this counts for every-single-body I know) simply don't care about these things (and I honestly think this is the main reason why iPhones are so damn popular and they'll continue to be in the future).
I'm not kidding. The look on my friends' face (some of which I know for more than 10 years) when one of them couldn't remember his WiFi password and I found it by opening the wpa_supplicant.conf file on the data/misc/wifi folder was absolutely priceless (the geek inside of me rejoiced for a while).
SANGER_A2 said:
Phone
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Are you calling "Phone app" bloatware in a calling capable device?, or are you saying that you can disable "Phone app" in settings menu but it still uses resources?. Anyway... Good for you!:good:
RoberM said:
Are you calling "Phone app" bloatware in a calling capable device?, or are you saying that you can disable "Phone app" in settings menu but it still uses resources?. Anyway... Good for you!:good:
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Click to collapse
Both. For me.
I don't know why you're being such a d!ck about this. I offered some helpful, constructive information into this thread as a further explanation why some people (including me) may want to root. If you don't want to root your device, I won't attack you about it. Most users here will not have the LTE version of this tablet and will have no need for the phone module that runs (even if you root and disable it) all the time. If there is a feature that is installed on a device that I will never use: it is bloatware to me, even if it isn't bloatware to everyone. I have my own method of removing about half of the stock apps on this device because I personally don't use them.
---------- Post added at 07:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:46 PM ----------
Tiu Fiu said:
Ok, I've got to give my 2 cents here because I think this last post may be the very beginning of a possibly long and unnecessary discussion.
...
I'm not kidding. The look on my friends' face (some of which I know for more than 10 years) when one of them couldn't remember his WiFi password and I found it by opening the wpa_supplicant.conf file on the data/misc/wifi folder was absolutely priceless (the geek inside of me rejoiced for a while).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I didn't notice this post until I posted my rant. But I agree that it's not worth getting into a flamewar about bloatware!
But the reason I'm not replying is because WOW! I can't believe that file isn't encrypted! Considering that android is basically Linux (which I have a lot of experience of and always assumed it was totally secure) I always assumed that all OS's would encrypt this and hide it away from the user. It lead me on quite an interesting search to see how Linux and Windows hide/secure them. Basically, they don't! It's scary to see how easy it is for anyone with a bootdisk and physical access to a device can gain access to your wifi network.
Thanks for leading me to learn something new today! :good: (I know that sounded kinda sarcastic, but it honestly wasn't).
SANGER_A2 said:
Unfortunately, I didn't notice this post until I posted my rant. But I agree that it's not worth getting into a flamewar about bloatware!
But the reason I'm not replying is because WOW! I can't believe that file isn't encrypted! Considering that android is basically Linux (which I have a lot of experience of and always assumed it was totally secure) I always assumed that all OS's would encrypt this and hide it away from the user. It lead me on quite an interesting search to see how Linux and Windows hide/secure them. Basically, they don't! It's scary to see how easy it is for anyone with a bootdisk and physical access to a device can gain access to your wifi network.
Thanks for leading me to learn something new today! :good: (I know that sounded kinda sarcastic, but it honestly wasn't).
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Hehehehehe the very same thing I thought the first time I learned that. One would normally think this kind of data would be secure somehow (encrypted to say the least) due to its sensitive status. And this is not Android, Windows or Linux's, it's all of them... They basically don't protect WiFi passwords at all. And I'm glad I could share some knowledge today
Tiu Fiu said:
Hehehehehe the very same thing I thought the first time I learned that. One would normally think this kind of data would be secure somehow (encrypted to say the least) due to its sensitive status. And this is not Android, Windows or Linux's, it's all of them... They basically don't protect WiFi passwords at all. And I'm glad I could share some knowledge today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL. Although, I work at a school where we have a Windows domain and all the laptops run Windows 7 and they've been set using active directory policy so you can't view the password just by clicking the "show password" button, even for me as a domain admin I can't do it. I'm gonna try one of the wifi key viewer apps tomorrow and see if the file/registry entry is encrypted or not.
Backstory: I've always used iPhones, was tired of the bull****, and wished for Android especially the S8. Was shocked, and I'm rarely shocked, but the agressive violation of privacy, the crazy amount of bloatware, and the unoptimised UX and system services overall.
Now, I'm in charge of a wide ecosystem of people using smartphones in our company as well as other companies I consult for. While people always blab about personal privacy (which is a concern of course), what I don't understand is how people dealing with either sensitive, contractual or strategic informations could use Android devices given that it *excuse but there's no better terms* rapes your privacy in every, but also I'm pretty sure, illegal, ways.
For exemple the Sound Detector app, even when disabled, is constantly listening to your environment without your priori knowledge or permissions. In fact it's mainly the permissions scheme that baffles me: on iOS or any PC or Mac, you can install any app without being constrained to accept giving out information or accessing functions that have nothing to do with the app, THEN you can choose what precise permissions, when and why. And of course there's the whole wider problem of usage and data tracking (which I apparently have to install...a firewall??) or even malware (I have to install a separate antivirus for...on a smartphone). Worst exemple being that of course: www.theverge.com/2018/1/2/16842294/android-apps-microphone-access-listening-tv-habits
Now I like Android for all their efforts, development and implementation, as well as Samsung efforts...but I'm on the verge of having to present a report to ban all Android phones (for a "leave at door" Policy or either iPhone, BBMs and any other "more" secure smartphones) like I just realise they did in the US government and other official institutions as well as some corporations...or...understand very well how it works, and devise a clearly guide on how to completely optimise and secure Android smartphones like I would for PCs/Macs.
So here's my mission if you accept to help me:
1. I want to deconstruct how Android works in a very simple scheme for noob.
2. From that I want to list all the system packages and services, to determine those that are critical, optional or bloatware, and actually describe exactly what they're for so people have a clear idea.
3. I want to list all the base applications, stores or packages apps, to determine those that are critical, optional or bloatware, then what they're for and most importantly the best alternative apps to these.
4. I want to list and make a simple schemes of how the device components (sensors, cam, mic...), the different data canals, and the the different permissions are circulating or violating privacy while screwing cpu time, battery and data.
5. Finally I want to learn, understand and create a simple noob introduction to the different tools like Xposed (and XprivacyLua which seems to be the best options), package disablers (I personally went for BK), Firewall, Adblockers and Antivirus (honestly didn't even think I would need those on Android).
So I guess first, I'll list all the apps, packages (and sub-services) that my Galaxy S8 came shipped with that overwhelmed me, so as to know for a basic Galaxy S8/+/Note what is a consensus of what to disable, why, how and by what to replace if there's alternative, while listing basic how-to's of the tools to that. Note that I only know about BK Disabler as of now.
Reserved
Upd: I haven't had time, but I'm starting to do a table with all the packages, what they're for and wether to disable them.
You do know that Silverpush do affect both iPhone and Android, right? And "leave at the door" policy or either iPhone or BBM? There's two errors in this sentence. Are you really what you claim to be? Or just someone with an agenda who just created an XDA account?
why would you need an antivirus for a phone if you stick to play store apps?
rashat999 said:
why would you need an antivirus for a phone if you stick to play store apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of play store garbage apps with spy ware and crap in them
vladimir_carlan said:
You do know that Silverpush do affect both iPhone and Android, right? And "leave at the door" policy or either iPhone or BBM? There's two errors in this sentence. Are you really what you claim to be? Or just someone with an agenda who just created an XDA account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iPhone (pretends to) be safe and secure and doesn't straight-up violate your privacy by forcing unneeded permission even before installing the app and running tons of spyware as per unbox while giving all your infos out to apps that demand it and more. It's also a question of procedure: iPhone are really easy to fix/secure with a jailbreak, I didn't even root this Android I got and realised how terribly aggressive their violation of privacy is.
But again, I just want to give people the choice as long as their device is secure, that's why I'm learning all the quirks of Android and how to secure them. All our IT guys confirmed that unless you know exactly how to secure Android devices like we did for our computer park, employees better go for an iPhone.
There's a difference between Apple that might have backdoors to the NSA, and Android that is a crazy open buffet for -permitted- informations stealing without even talking about spyware or silverpush. My Galaxy S8 came with apps and packages that were constantly listening through the mic without my prior knowledge, installation or authorisation, this is intolerable. But I switched for a reason, I'll see if using Android is easily manageable or if it's better to ban them from inside use.
OgreTactic said:
iPhone (pretends to) be safe and secure and doesn't straight-up violate your privacy by forcing unneeded permission even before installing the app and running tons of spyware as per unbox while giving all your infos out to apps that demand it and more. It's also a question of procedure: iPhone are really easy to fix/secure with a jailbreak, I didn't even root this Android I got and realised how terribly aggressive their violation of privacy is.
But again, I just want to give people the choice as long as their device is secure, that's why I'm learning all the quirks of Android and how to secure them. All our IT guys confirmed that unless you know exactly how to secure Android devices like we did for our computer park, employees better go for an iPhone.
There's a difference between Apple that might have backdoors to the NSA, and Android that is a crazy open buffet for -permitted- informations stealing without even talking about spyware or silverpush. My Galaxy S8 came with apps and packages that were constantly listening through the mic without my prior knowledge, installation or authorisation, this is intolerable. But I switched for a reason, I'll see if using Android is easily manageable or if it's better to ban them from inside use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mate my question still stand: are you really what are you claiming to be or you just have an agenda? Some badass company appointed you to decide what is secure and what not. Really? You? In Op you are talking about thinking to allow only iOS and BBM (it's Bbos BTW) only. BBOSS? Really? BBOS was discontinued one year ago...no more updates no more security patches, no more nothing.
vladimir_carlan said:
Mate my question still stand: are you really what are you claiming to be or you just have an agenda? Some badass company appointed you to decide what is secure and what not. Really? You? In Op you are talking about thinking to allow only iOS and BBM (it's Bbos BTW) only. BBOSS? Really? BBOS was discontinued one year ago...no more updates no more security patches, no more nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not my job, but that's part of mine to decide or push in front of committees what tool we should use, purely from a utilitarian, managerial and system POV. None of us beside IT guys ever realised how Android were intolerably insecure, I've had my head in Apple buttock for years thinking "yeah, that's too limited and I heard Android is now as stable and well made".
But I don't want to go back to iPhone either, so here I am sitting with a Galaxy S8 I'm still not using because I don't where to start to secure it, whether I should try to fix everything on the factory rom or just root it.
OgreTactic said:
That's not my job, but that's part of mine to decide or push in front of committees what tool we should use, purely from a utilitarian, managerial and system POV. None of us beside IT guys ever realised how Android were intolerably insecure, I've had my head in Apple buttock for years thinking "yeah, that's too limited and I heard Android is now as stable and well made".
But I don't want to go back to iPhone either, so here I am sitting with a Galaxy S8 I'm still not using because I don't where to start to secure it, whether I should try to fix everything on the factory rom or just root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay...what exactly makes you to feel insecure? I understand you're bothered that some apps are accessing your microphone. That's easy... Settings-Apps. Tap on those three dots and chose app permission. You'll see what apps have access to microphone and deny permission for them. Job done. What else makes you to feel insecure?
vladimir_carlan said:
Okay...what exactly makes you to feel insecure? I understand you're bothered that some apps are accessing your microphone. That's easy... Settings-Apps. Tap on those three dots and chose app permission. You'll see what apps have access to microphone and deny permission for them. Job done. What else makes you to feel insecure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I put my S8 away for now I went back to an iPhone. I'm using it off-grid to still try and figure out how it works.
Basically my problems are clear:
1. There's no transparency in background processes/services, the component they use and the data they send.
2. The way permissions are managed is intolerable: forcing you to accept non-necessary and arbitrary access to connected components or private information BEFORE installing the app is a form of extortion. The same goes when running the app: forcing permissions that are not critical to the app code actually running is a form of extortion. Baffles me how Google even allows that today.
3. The fact that there's even a need for a firewall and antivirus, and that the official stores is filled with illegal (copyright infringing app so blatant) and therefor myriads of potential malicious apps like Silverpush-enabled one, without any store control or curation on Google's part.
All this means there is no way I will use an Android rather than an iPhone and allow anyone dealing with private or "sensitive" commercial informations using one inside the company. I'm still trying to figure out if going straight to root is the solution, if I'll have to use cryptography for documents and coms, or if I'll have to spend days figuring out Xposed+Xprivacy, Packages Disablers, MicroG alternative libraries, Firewall and Antivirus and god knows what to make it decently secure like an iPhone (which doesn't aggressively violates your privacy and is really easy to secure with a jailbreak...unless there are hidden backdoors which is still far from the probably illegal open-buffet of private and sensitive informations Google provides to any potential malicious websites, scripts or apps).