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Android comes with a seriously awesome web browser. It can easily browse regular desktop versions of web pages even over EDGE with no major problems. I'm so glad to leave crippled mobile versions of web pages behind me forever.
EXCEPT
Google, of all places, seems to have some kind of lock preventing the Android browser from gaining access to the desktop versions of their websites. They come up with the mobile versions by default, and even if you click the button to switch it to the desktop version, it doesn't. It takes you to yet another mobile version that is just styled a little closer to the desktop version, but it's by no means identical.
Google built this browser, they know that it can handle desktop webpages, why won't they let us do that with their own sites? I find it really annoying to deal with crippled versions of Google's web pages. In Gmail I can't edit my contacts, in YouTube... I don't know what the hell's going on... all I see is large ugly text, in Google Search I don't have the convenient switch to image search while viewing web results. It's FRUSTRATING.
chefgon said:
Android comes with a seriously awesome web browser. It can easily browse regular desktop versions of web pages even over EDGE with no major problems. I'm so glad to leave crippled mobile versions of web pages behind me forever.
EXCEPT
Google, of all places, seems to have some kind of lock preventing the Android browser from gaining access to the desktop versions of their websites. They come up with the mobile versions by default, and even if you click the button to switch it to the desktop version, it doesn't. It takes you to yet another mobile version that is just styled a little closer to the desktop version, but it's by no means identical.
Google built this browser, they know that it can handle desktop webpages, why won't they let us do that with their own sites? I find it really annoying to deal with crippled versions of Google's web pages. In Gmail I can't edit my contacts, in YouTube... I don't know what the hell's going on... all I see is large ugly text, in Google Search I don't have the convenient switch to image search while viewing web results. It's FRUSTRATING.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really dont know why your browser does that, but I have access to the regular google.com classic view page. I can pic between web, images, local, news.. etc.. I can also log to igoogle.com
I can aswell
Most mobile sites have a link to view the regular site. Google has this.
go to www.google.com then you see on the bottom Mobile is default choice, click on CLASSIC to view the regular website version
Anyone else having an issue with the browser where after a while it no longer renders the pages?
It shows the progress bar filling up and done, but just a blank page.
quedijo said:
Anyone else having an issue with the browser where after a while it no longer renders the pages?
It shows the progress bar filling up and done, but just a blank page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I've had that problem as well as not being able to get into market have no clue why. Frustrating!!!
I keep having this problem too. The only thing that seems to solve the problem is a restart. I dont know if it has anything to do with me clearing the cache but it IS verry annoying.
Yeah, even killing the browser process doesn't do it either.
quedijo said:
Anyone else having an issue with the browser where after a while it no longer renders the pages?
It shows the progress bar filling up and done, but just a blank page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats network issues with thew the 3g when i disable 3g it worked but sometimes it wont
i think it has to do with your cache i wish they come out with a new firmware that lets you save programs to sdcard or cache to sd card
I'm having the same issues. It was working when I first got the phone, but now it only gives me the option for mobile view.
I found a solution to the most annoying, biggest mistake from Google. For those who loved iGoogle and cant find it, here it is:
www.google.com/ig/i?source=mofe
And here is an alternate BETA site from Yahoo as backup:
http://beta.m.yahoo.com/
brooklynite said:
I found a solution to the most annoying, biggest mistake from Google. For those who loved iGoogle and cant find it, here it is:
www.google.com/ig/i?source=mofe
And here is an alternate BETA site from Yahoo as backup:
http://beta.m.yahoo.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess Google found out the shut down the site.
Yahoo's Beta sucks.
Has anyone sucessfully used NeoRouter on Atrix. I used to use Hamachi on Windows Mobile, worked great. I've followed all instuctions available on web, and can't seem to get any further. I have all my computers at home and Atrix on the same network...each has an IP 10.0.0.1, 10.0.0.2, etc. But I can't seem to make any applications on Android use that connection. They either want to fire up Wifi or won't recognize the corresponding IP's. Everything works great computer, to computer, etc.
Maybe it's just not possible w/ to limited access we have now w/ locked bootloader still?
JVogler said:
Has anyone sucessfully used NeoRouter on Atrix. I used to use Hamachi on Windows Mobile, worked great. I've followed all instuctions available on web, and can't seem to get any further. I have all my computers at home and Atrix on the same network...each has an IP 10.0.0.1, 10.0.0.2, etc. But I can't seem to make any applications on Android use that connection. They either want to fire up Wifi or won't recognize the corresponding IP's. Everything works great computer, to computer, etc.
Maybe it's just not possible w/ to limited access we have now w/ locked bootloader still?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use teamviewer, works great.
Just wanted to bump this to the top one time, see if anyone has gotten this to work, before I abandon it for something else. Since Google and Bing don't come up with anything as far as detailed instructions, or anyone's personal experience with it working, I'm guessing it doesn't.
Can anyone explain to me how my first post in this article is now word for word posted on a page designed to come up high is google searches and seems to be just a bunch of ads, with no real content?
Here is page:
http://www.android-support.com/q-neorouter/
I bought my TF as a toy/media consumption device but I'm finding more and more reasons to use it for work. Especially after enabling ad-hoc wifi to connect to my HTC HD2.
With 2X RDP (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.tux.client&feature=search_result) and the citrix VPN client (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.citrix.Receiver&feature=search_result)
I have the power of my virtual servers at my finger tips.
Polaris office is passable as is the browser and the office talk app keeps me "present" on office communicator (https://market.android.com/details?id=ocs.android&feature=search_result)
Who else is using their TF for work and what pros/cons/apps/tips have you discovered? Anyone got any war stories yet?
No war stories yet. Considering droid/tablet apps for the fed govt. The platform is gaining ground now that the feds are contracting with Google for cloud services.
That's strange, I didn't have to enable ad hoc WiFi to tether with my Droid Incredible (running CyanogenMod 7.0.3)... but it was terribly slow and the Market was basically unusable. I wonder if that's why?
Using Splashtop (well, MyCloud) inside my LAN for work purposes... No war stories, really.
I have apps for web development (mostly putty and some text editor with ftp access) ready in case I have an emergency situation when I'm out of home. But never had to do it yet. It wouldn't be easy because I don't have the keyboard dock yet.
Working in IT I've found myself using my TF101 for 75% of my work. With tools like LogMeIn, Wyse Pocket Cloud, Overlook Fing, andSMB, SharesFinder, ASProxy and Connect Bot I can basically do everything I need at my clients right on my tablet as long as they have a WiFi AP.
The only thing that is seriously lacking is serious Office document work. I've tried the 4 major Office suites, and yes I paid for all of them, Docs2Go, Office Suite Pro, Quick Office Pro HD and the included Polaris Office. From my experience, Polaris Office is hands down the best of the bunch overall and its good that it was included in our TF101's but even with the best android tablet optimized office suite editing and generating serious documents is cumbersome at best. It takes me almost 4 times the amount of time to copy an invoice, rename it, edit it and send it out even with the keyboard dock.
So I still use my ThinkPad for serious office document work, printing and to connect to devices via serial ports like Cisco and FortiNet network devices.
Now if devs can get something like Ubuntu to dual boot on our tablets then the Office document problem is solved with OpenOffice and if drivers can be made for USB ethernet and serial adapters to work with Honeycomb then I might just sell my laptop.
I had purchased the TF for 1/3 play, 2/3 work, when on the road - thinking I could use it as a secondary monitor for my thinkpad using idisplay. Fact is, idisplay's refresh rate is worse than I thought - it is virtually unusable (mouse moves way too slow), but still I'm using it to view my emails, to-do list, or specs for a project...
Yeah I use it all the time, I didnt even buy it for work reasons, but I found that it makes my job a lot easier
I work as a marketing assistant and its my job to document the production and make production instructions to the products my company produces.
So I bring my TF down from the office to the warehouse and make articles on our internal production wiki and take pictures. I couldnt use a regular laptop since I have to be quick and agile and walk around and between the machines we construct.
Working with my TF works SO much better than running up and down with papers.
I write a lot for work, so I am planning to use it as soon as I can get the docking station (not readily available in our parts yet).
How did you manage to connect it to an adhoc network? Or did you find a way to establish WiFi tethering in the AP mode? I am still at loss for this issue.
I would love to start using mine for work but this current company moved away from Citrix & Webapps (which work on android) to using App-V & SCCM instead... which done.
That plus the fact of Lotus Notes instead of Exchange = Fail. I'm stuck with a laptop for the moment
I also want to see usb to ethernet , then maybe my company will give it a go... but why is typing this reply soooo slow almost 1 second delay
I am kinda using it for work as I have my corp email account setup and my EVO does native tethering.
I have a blue tooth keyboard coming tomorrow for typing longer emails/documents.
I just need to get VPN Connections working for my offices Cisco VPN so I can RDP to servers and desktops via 2X.
I use Dolphin HD as my web browser and it does a great job over the stock browser.
Citrix client - how is your experience
How is your experience with the Citrix client?
I have it installed since I got the transformer with intention to use to open our work applications. It works, but it takes extremelly long to establish the connection (5 minutes) until the application is fully opened. Its not the network problem. I hit the same Citrix server from a laptop and use the same wifi, it works reasonably fast.
The issue is only with the connection time that is so long, once its connected, it works pretty well.
If I hit it from our internal network, it runs like crazy-very fast.
lie_ui said:
I have it installed since I got the transformer with intention to use to open our work applications. It works, but it takes extremelly long to establish the connection (5 minutes) until the application is fully opened. Its not the network problem. I hit the same Citrix server from a laptop and use the same wifi, it works reasonably fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The initial connection for an application is something about 15 seconds to our unif. Once it is running, there is no more lag. You might want to look into it with your IT department and/or citrix. 5 minutes seems much to long!
kovla said:
How did you manage to connect it to an adhoc network? Or did you find a way to establish WiFi tethering in the AP mode? I am still at loss for this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Kovla,
you need a modified version of the file called wpa_supplicant - then push that file to the right directory on your TF and set the correct permissions.
I followed these instructions and they worked perfectly for me - I used the third method listed. I have a rooted device - I've also done this using root explorer instead of adb. the modified file is attached to the thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1093778
lie_ui said:
How is your experience with the Citrix client?
I have it installed since I got the transformer with intention to use to open our work applications. It works, but it takes extremelly long to establish the connection (5 minutes) until the application is fully opened.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My experience has been exactly the same as yours. Slow to conenct but then works fine. I haven't tried it internally because when I'm on the internal work network i don't need a tunnel.
Malandro2011 said:
... but why is typing this reply soooo slow almost 1 second delay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed some typing lag in certain situations. Email and documents have been fine but typing into the browser sometimes gives me a small slow down. This did seem to get a little better with the firmware updates and then a little better again when I flashed Prime 1.4 - but that could be unrelated.
I take mine to work since we have software on our network that doesn't allow you access to certain sites (based on keywords I believe). Simply tether to my Inspire 4g and away I go!
Yes, I use mine at work...
to listen to tunes! Will also be using it to test HTML5/CSS3 websites for Androib tablet devices, and that other iOS (shudder) thing when I get some down time.
leonpr said:
I would love to start using mine for work but this current company moved away from Citrix & Webapps (which work on android) to using App-V & SCCM instead... which done.
That plus the fact of Lotus Notes instead of Exchange = Fail. I'm stuck with a laptop for the moment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear your pain, we use Lotus Domino at work too, however we have IMAP enabled on our server, so that with Kaiten Mail makes it usable. Still waiting for Android Lotus Notes Traveller which I believe is very good. Ask your IT manager.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
I set up my fourth. yes fourth, V20 last week (the perils of buying used phones on ebay!) and all seems good. But I noticed a couple of days ago that whenever I try to download the page I'm viewing on chrome, it begins to download but then I get the message,
Download unsuccessful
Download is canceled The content is not valid to download
The pages get the tick in the notification bar and show up in the downloaded section, but when I click on them, there's nothing!
I've tried switching to data and have never had any issues with other phones doing this. I'm still on the stock ROM and not rooted. I'm in the UK and viewing UK sites, this is really odd. Does anyone have any suggestions as I caouldn't find anything when I searched online
This obviously isn't the place to ask for help with a Google app. Contact Google through email about their Chome app.
Would anyone have any (useful) suggestions regarding this? It's highly unlikely to be a chrome issue as I've never had problems on any other phones in similar situations (obviously I tried to contact them and went on their forums but I couldn't find anyone who'd experienced the same issue). I can't get the full UK keyboard due to some random geo lock on the H910, that's why I was wondering if anyone had any V20 specific suggestions?
I'd have happily moved to a Chromium based third party browser but I need the sync capability so that the bookmarks are also available on my desktop, so it's Chrome or Firefox as things stand (not really a fan of Opera).
As an aside - I've not found a solution to this and it's NOT limited to Chrome, it is the same when I run Brave, a Chromium browser. So the issue isn't purely Chrome.
It's a sizable pain in the posterior when travelling - it's great to be able to download a selection of web pages before setting off into areas with very patchy signal. I used to use Pocket, but I'd much rather know why I can't use the native function.
It's time to show a little more love for arguably the best browser for the NST/G
I've been reading up on the whole TLS 1.2 thing and bemoaning the gradual eroding of the NST/G internet capabilities as various apps wink out of usefulness due to the recent change. I felt the same way about Opera Mobile 12.10, especially when I had finally figured out an app for Google News, only to find that many of the external links could not be opened, presumably due to this new security protocol.
Imagine my surprise today when I revisited the configuration screen for Opera Mobile and saw that even on this nearly prehistoric app there is an option for TLS 1.2!! Once I had selected that I could suddenly navigate to all kinds of sites that were previously snubbing me! Woo-hoo!
The procedure, in pictures, below. Love live Opera Mobile (at least until TLS 1.3).
Edit: I should mention that this has nothing to do with the recent NST/G update to 1.2.2. B&N only added TLS 1.2 handshaking for their own purchasing system, not anything else. I have one device running 1.2.1 and one updated to 1.2.2. They are identical in their need for and response to this change in settings for Opera Mobile.
Edit, Edit: I've been looking at this issue again recently and found sites that actually test the browser and recommend changes in settings. It turns out that ONLY the TLS 1.2 should be enabled, not older protocols. One site also recommended disabling the SSL v.3, but my tests with two devices trying to access the same sites indicated that was a bad idea.
My most unexpected discovery was a post on an Opera board somewhere that suggested simply clearing cache (from the Menu: Settings>Privacy>Clear Cache) will often allow access to sites that initially give a security connection error. This actually seems to work in many cases. I have no idea why, but it prompted me to try unticking ALL cache settings except for "Empty on Exit" (last screenshot below). Don't forget to "Save" at the end of that section before exiting.
This is great, thank you!
Has anyone gotten this tweak to allow you to sign into Overdrive (online library) websites? New York Public Library's Overdrive page, nypl.overdrive.com still won't let me sign in, even with both TLS 1.1 and 1.2. For the record I think I'm still actually on firmware 1.1.0
jptiger said:
This is great, thank you!
Has anyone gotten this tweak to allow you to sign into Overdrive (online library) websites? New York Public Library's Overdrive page, nypl.overdrive.com still won't let me sign in, even with both TLS 1.1 and 1.2. For the record I think I'm still actually on firmware 1.1.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was the second thing I tried. No joy. Unfortunately there is zero information in a logcat of my unsuccessful session, almost as though the system was ignoring the browser activity entirely, so nothing to work with there.
Out on a limb here, but it could be a case of no contact with systems older than the oldest one to still support an Overdrive app (2.3, I think?). When I encounter a site that still won't connect with Opera Mobile, despite the addition of TLS 1.2, I think that's similar. Such an old browser (and OS) is seen as a security issue. Now exactly how the determination is made, that I don't know. It seems unlikely that it's something as simple as the User Agent string, as I have two NSTs, one running 1.2.2 and the older one with 1.2.1. I'm pretty sure I have not done anything with the UA string on the 1.2.2 device (it's a beast to type in) but I know I altered the other one to match the original stock browser on the device. I'll have to run down both values to see if there's something about the OS in there.
If the sites have a way of querying the system to recognize whether it is "safe" or not, then there's not much to be done. There was that one older version of UC Mini Browser which was able to negotiate a login at one time, but even if you could get into the library's Overdrive section, the closest you would come to a book is downloading the acsm file and then what? AFAIK there is no way to deal with it on the device itself. It would have to be processed on a PC and then transferred to the NST.
Login would allow you to checkout Kindle books and even confirm the download at the Amazon site (painful as that is), but I don't see how to make the epub thing work solely on the device any longer short of a new OS. That's way beyond my pay grade. I'm curious about it but recognize that it's not something I'm going to pick up at this stage of my life. Too bad the few projects directed at that weren't more modest in their goals. A change to just Gingerbread would have made a huge difference, although even with that, the handwriting is surely on the wall.
but even if you could get into the library's Overdrive section, the closest you would come to a book is downloading the acsm file and then what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the file with Aldiko! I actually used to do this all the time, it was the main way I used to interact with Overdrive for years. Worked great... until I wasn't able to log into Overdrive sites and access my holds any more.
You might need a specific old version of Aldiko, I'd bet I found it on these forums somewhere. I'm writing this on my phone on a subway, otherwise I'd link here. Moot point atm anyway.
jptiger said:
Open the file with Aldiko! I actually used to do this all the time, it was the main way I used to interact with Overdrive for years. Worked great... until I wasn't able to log into Overdrive sites and access my holds any more.
You might need a specific old version of Aldiko, I'd bet I found it on these forums somewhere. I'm writing this on my phone on a subway, otherwise I'd link here. Moot point atm anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There may yet be a magic version of Aldiko that can do this, but I think the operative word in your response might be "used" to interact with Overdrive.
I don't know why but I decided to look at this issue again and stumbled on @straygecko's post re: Overdrive and Aldiko here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=35917607&postcount=2
I scrounged around for a "2.0" version of Aldiko and came up with 2.00.081 (maybe close enough?). Anyway, it does install and the first few steps of the procedure @straygecko outlines actually work great, even the sign in with Adobe--which I found shocking. I was able to painfully add my local library's Overdrive URL to the "My Catalogs" section and actually "browse" to the URL, if you can call it that. If we think Opera Mobile is antique, think more along the lines of the stock NST browser. Mostly floating text appears here and there, lots of broken images, and Search does not seem to work. Oh, and scrolling up the page? LOL! If you can get lower on the page to something like "available now", the screen will not update. It may not be absolutely necessary but while I was chortling and grimacing I also tried the "sign in" option. In little tiny letters across the top of the screen comes the "oops! something went wrong" message, all too familiar.
I hope, I really do hope that there is another version of Aldiko 2.0 that would work. But the post by @straygecko was from 2012 and while at my age that seems not so long ago, in the world of Android, it might as well be 500 BCE.
For your entertainment, I attach the version of Aldiko I was able to scare up. YMMV.
Odd. I think you might be trying to make Aldiko do a different part than I was referring to. Here was my usual workflow after installing Aldiko and logging into my Adobe ID on it:
1 open opera mobile
2 navigate to my library's overdrive page
3 sign in (not currently working)
4 browse and check out an epub ebook
5 download the ascm file
6 when prompted about what to do with it open it aldiko
7 Aldiko then downloads the epub using your Adobe ID and shows it in your library until it expires
If those are the steps you're following, where do you hit the unreadable text? After the book downloads?
jptiger said:
Odd. I think you might be trying to make Aldiko do a different part than I was referring to. Here was my usual workflow after installing Aldiko and logging into my Adobe ID on it:
1 open opera mobile
2 navigate to my library's overdrive page
3 sign in (not currently working)
4 browse and check out an epub ebook
5 download the ascm file
6 when prompted about what to do with it open it aldiko
7 Aldiko then downloads the epub using your Adobe ID and shows it in your library until it expires
If those are the steps you're following, where do you hit the unreadable text? After the book downloads?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, those were not my steps. On my local library Overdrive site it is not possible to check out an eBook without eventually signing in. Catch-22.
nmyshkin said:
It's time to show a little more love for arguably the best browser for the NST/G
I've been reading up on the whole TLS 1.2 thing and bemoaning the gradual eroding of the NST/G internet capabilities as various apps wink out of usefulness due to the recent change. I felt the same way about Opera Mobile 12.10, especially when I had finally figured out an app for Google News, only to find that many of the external links could not be opened, presumably due to this new security protocol.
Imagine my surprise today when I revisited the configuration screen for Opera Mobile and saw that even on this nearly prehistoric app there is an option for TLS 1.2!! Once I had selected that I could suddenly navigate to all kinds of sites that were previously snubbing me! Woo-hoo!
The procedure, in pictures, below. Love live Opera Mobile (at least until TLS 1.3).
Edit: I should mention that this has nothing to do with the recent NST/G update to 1.2.2. B&N only added TLS 1.2 handshaking for their own purchasing system, not anything else. I have one device running 1.2.1 and one updated to 1.2.2. They are identical in their need for and response to this change in settings for Opera Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. I have tried every other browser. This is definitely the only one that works. Thanks so much for the info.
lz199366 said:
Could you share your Opera Mobile.apk? I can't get opera 12.1.0 install on my NST(firmware1.1.2).
Besides, which app did you use to take screenshot in Black&White color ? I tried screenshot ER before. It is good but producing shots in colors only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Opera Mobile: https://ftp.opera.com/pub/opera/android/mobile/1210/
For screenshots, I made two apps. The original produces slightly gray b&w images. The second gives better quality color images. Here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/nook-touch/themes-apps/app-screenshot-t3648855. When I post images I always convert to greyscale anyway since that's what will be seen on the device.
That older firmware may be a problem. B&N did actually have reasons to update firmware now and then. If the Opera Mobile will not run you might try Opera Classic. Some people said it worked for them.
Some additional discoveries
Just a bump to bring this post back up again. I've done some additional tests with different settings lately and have improved the connection success rate quite a bit. Changes reflected now in the original post.
Since you're bumping the thread maybe you can help me with a problem? I think I've tried this APK on my last three Nooks (Glowlight Plus, NG3, and now Glowlight Plus 7.8) and every time I launch Opera Classic from my launcher I get a short splash screen that says "Opera Mobile" and then it immediately dies. Nothing shows in my "running process" screen either (so it's not just hidden in the background).
Any idea where to start looking as far as logs, etc. go? I've never really had much use for a browser on a Nook before, but with the 7.8" display my interest is somewhat piqued again...
spedinfargo said:
Since you're bumping the thread maybe you can help me with a problem? I think I've tried this APK on my last three Nooks (Glowlight Plus, NG3, and now Glowlight Plus 7.8) and every time I launch Opera Classic from my launcher I get a short splash screen that says "Opera Mobile" and then it immediately dies. Nothing shows in my "running process" screen either (so it's not just hidden in the background).
Any idea where to start looking as far as logs, etc. go? I've never really had much use for a browser on a Nook before, but with the 7.8" display my interest is somewhat piqued again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm.....first, this is Opera Mobile 12.1, not Opera Classic, although I don't think that is the issue. Not sure about the Glowlight Plus, but I think the others run at least KitKat? My first suspicion was that Opera Mobile (or Opera Classic) might be too old for those devices, but I just tried installing it on my SIM-less KitKat "phone" and it did just fine.
So maybe screen density? It's hard to know. Like @Renate NST says, a logcat might reveal the cause of the crash--or not. Meanwhile I should think that with a KitKat device there must be a number of more modern browsers that would work OK. I recommend Via Browser. Slick and simple, small footprint. Requires Android 2.3 and up (too bad the NST just missed it...). I run it on my Oreo 8.1 tablet and love it.
nmyshkin said:
Mmm.....first, this is Opera Mobile 12.1, not Opera Classic, although I don't think that is the issue. Not sure about the Glowlight Plus, but I think the others run at least KitKat? My first suspicion was that Opera Mobile (or Opera Classic) might be too old for those devices, but I just tried installing it on my SIM-less KitKat "phone" and it did just fine.
So maybe screen density? It's hard to know. Like @Renate NST says, a logcat might reveal the cause of the crash--or not. Meanwhile I should think that with a KitKat device there must be a number of more modern browsers that would work OK. I recommend Via Browser. Slick and simple, small footprint. Requires Android 2.3 and up (too bad the NST just missed it...). I run it on my Oreo 8.1 tablet and love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah yes, I forgot that the original NGP was where the jump to KitKat occurred which opened up more options for apps. I'm going to give Via a try - thanks for the quick response!
First problem:
Our (at least my) /system/lib/libgui.so does not have
status_t GraphicBuffer::lock(GGLSurface* sur, uint32_t usage)
The Opera libOS15.so requires it
Eclair had this function, I don't think KitKat has it.
I think this Opera "Opera_Mobile_12_1_Generic_Opera_Armv5v7.apk" was designed for Eclair and uses stuff no longer in KitKat.
You need to find a different APK.
@myshkin Once again, you've answered one of my questions before I asked it! I am going to use an NST to interact with my online scheduler for a sweet e-ink, easy on the eyes, scheduling unit.
First I want to thank for well written guide how to set things up to make any browser (in this case obviously Opera) working on NST. I read several threads about browsers and wondered how those could be solved. It seems to me that some of those problems could be solved using web grabber or offline browser or some of those plugins that redirects to cached version of the web page on Wayback machine (Brave browser is gone incorporate that option so I have been told). Naturally that might work for reading cached content on NST inside your browser if it supports page rendering and so. Still for pages that need user/reader interaction that won't solve anything. Would application like Gapps browser resolve at least some of the issues you experience? It should run on Eclair but I am not sure will it run on NST. That need to be tested.
SJT75 said:
First I want to thank for well written guide how to set things up to make any browser (in this case obviously Opera) working on NST. I read several threads about browsers and wondered how those could be solved. It seems to me that some of those problems could be solved using web grabber or offline browser or some of those plugins that redirects to cached version of the web page on Wayback machine (Brave browser is gone incorporate that option so I have been told). Naturally that might work for reading cached content on NST inside your browser if it supports page rendering and so. Still for pages that need user/reader interaction that won't solve anything. Would application like Gapps browser resolve at least some of the issues you experience? It should run on Eclair but I am not sure will it run on NST. That need to be tested.
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I had never heard of Gapps browser but I can tell you now that it does not work properly on the NST. It never gets past a partial, immobile screen of Google News. None of the other options do anything at all.
While I still prefer Opera Mobile for general browsing and value its ability to open local HTML files (something I have exploited in a number of my news apps), Opera Mini 7.6.4 also functions on the NST and can skirt around some of the SSL issues because the pages are initially picked up by Opera's up-to-date servers, rendered, and then passed on to the user. However, sites with complex constructions and modern WebView requirements will not display properly, if at all. Opera Mini also has a "picker" that will allow you to open media files (like videos) in an external player. This is something Opera Mobile will not do. It just refuses to deal with them at all.
On the whole, the browser issue is the proverbial straw for the camel's back when it comes to older Android OS. I have seen this working with KitKat ROMs where already many sites cannot be accessed because of the outdated WebView. Lollipop, which is the first OS version with a WebView that can be updated, is a little better. But custom ROMs (or ROMs like on the NST) that are not properly updated for SSL are never going to be able to hold on forever in this regard.
Thanks for thorough reply. I fear that it is not only updates of the software that is hampering factor but very nature of e-ink devices that hold us back. Even Kindles from Amazon have the issues in that regard and it is certainly not from lack of funding that firm can provide to solve the problem. That is why I mentioned web grabber approach. As last resort someone might try to print some web page as PDF for later reading but that would not solve problems like logging in some web services etc. I even considered text based browsers as alternative. My friend who is proficient in programming, web administration and computer related stuff said me the same thing as you did that Opera is by far best browser for mobile device.