Android Phones [Archive] - Page 7

Zagrash

03-06-2010, 02:48 AM

Some people on the XDA forums say that Swift is the best keyboard, better than Swype. Have you heard of it?

I've heard of swift, but haven't used it. I'd heard good things about swype too, and so farit's mostly really slick. Its a lot better with longer words, and words that don't end with 2 of the same letter, but its pretty impressive how well it picks up what you're swyping

muddi900

03-06-2010, 05:47 AM

So my dad had to FedEX his Milestone/droid back to Dubai, the camera was busted and he'll probably get a refund. So no android thingamafinickery for now. :(

J Arcane

03-06-2010, 04:01 PM

So, what's a good program for converting movies to an Android friendly format?

I was using WMP9 Encoder for WinMo, but that obviously won't work.

Banacek

03-06-2010, 07:59 PM

So, what's a good program for converting movies to an Android friendly format?

I was using WMP9 Encoder for WinMo, but that obviously won't work.

I use Handbrake, with the iPhone setting. Works great.

Voodoo

03-06-2010, 09:54 PM

I've been using Format Factory.

Loki

03-07-2010, 06:01 PM

Hand Brake for the droid.

opsin

03-08-2010, 12:19 AM

I haven't used it enough to know yet, but doubleTwist might be worth a look. It does syncing variously, but also seemed to auto-convert video dropped onto it as well. It did for the couple of bits of TV I wanted the other week while having completely forgotten about Hand Brake.

Scull

03-08-2010, 12:57 AM

doubleTwist all the way. Converts and syncs to the Droid flawlessly. It does auto convert audio and video as they are being sync'd. The best part is that you don't need to do anything prior to the sync, as long as doubleTwist recognizesthe format you are syncing.

J Arcane

03-10-2010, 02:06 PM

So, it appears that T-Mobile pushed out some kind of update to the Market. Since yesterday I have a T-Mobile tab where my downloads tab used to be, and more annoyingly, the "top paid" tab has disappeared as well, though paid apps still show up in searches.

Also, the thing now requires the radio to be on to use the market. I keep the radio off because I don't have service anyway, so it's pointless to leave it on, but now whenever I go to the Market the damn thing kicks it on anyway whether I like it or not.

Wiki mentions that apparently they've added some kind of update to allow T-Mobile users to bill app purchases to their accounts instead of the usual Google method. Does this mean I won't be able to buy paid apps without service?

I wonder if rooting will get me out of this bullshit and get me a normal Market again.

J Arcane

03-10-2010, 02:17 PM

Further experimentation reveals that removing the SIM card gets rid of the T-Mobile tab, but it also completely removes all paid apps from the market.

What the mother fuck, T-Mobile.

Slack3r78

03-10-2010, 07:13 PM

I wonder if rooting will get me out of this bullshit and get me a normal Market again.

Rooting by itself won't; rooting and running a third-party firmware will.

J Arcane

03-10-2010, 07:53 PM

Rooting by itself won't; rooting and running a third-party firmware will.
May just do that now that I've got the SD card straightened out. It's not a big deal, I did find you can still buy apps with Google Checkout like normal, but it's annoying, and makes an already somewhat hard to navigate shop even harder to navigate.

Also, official 1.6 is kind of slow. 1.5 was great, but I noticed the speed difference from 1.5>1.6 almost immediately.

Other than that though, I'm enjoying it. Best handheld I've bought since my m105.

Deimos

03-10-2010, 10:20 PM

It's been so long since I ran stock 1.6 and even longer since those old 1.5 days. Cyanogen on my G1 is so much smoother than the stock versions ever were. At least that's how they feel to me. Plus I'm not having to deal with this wacky new market you're apparently stuck with. You should really switch to a custom rom Arcane. I haven't regretted it one bit.

On the topic of annoying Markets did you guys see the news that AT&T's first Android phone, the Backflip, won't allow the installation of non-market approved apps? As if the phone wasn't ugly enough physically they had to go and cripple the app selection too.

J Arcane

03-10-2010, 10:58 PM

I can't help but feel that the iPhone has a lot to do with the Backflip BS. Can't do for AT&T or Apple to have their big cash cow showed up in functionality by some upstart little budget priced phone.

Loki

03-11-2010, 03:20 AM

I've been running the ERE53 version of Bugless Beast for the Droid for the last couple of days and it has been phenomenal. Great battery life and sooo easy to get working. Let me know if you folks need any of the software or have questions and I'll hook ya up.

Slack3r78

03-11-2010, 08:08 AM

Also, official 1.6 is kind of slow. 1.5 was great, but I noticed the speed difference from 1.5>1.6 almost immediately.
Odd. 1.6 was always noticeably quicker for me.

Then again, I only ran official 1.6 incredibly briefly before jumping back to a Cyanogen build, so that could be part of it.

Cupelix

03-11-2010, 08:13 AM

I didn't find having the Cyanogen build particularly compelling. I didn't think it actually ran faster on my G1; at times I felt it actually ran much slower.

If you switch to Cyanogen though, don't do it without setting up Apps2SD. If you don't, you'll have no space on your G1 to actually install apps. This is what caused me to switch back to the official T-Mobile 1.6. The install guide I went through for Cyanogen made it sound like it would automagically do Apps2SD for me, but it didn't, so be aware of that.

Slack3r78

03-11-2010, 08:43 AM

If you switch to Cyanogen though, don't do it without setting up Apps2SD. If you don't, you'll have no space on your G1 to actually install apps. This is what caused me to switch back to the official T-Mobile 1.6. The install guide I went through for Cyanogen made it sound like it would automagically do Apps2SD for me, but it didn't, so be aware of that.

You have to create an ext2/3/4 partition on your SD card. As long as the partition is there, it does automagically use Apps2SD.

Amon_RA's recovery image (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=566669) can handle partitioning your SD card for you. I'd highly recommend it for the backup tools, etc, anyway.

Siraris

03-11-2010, 10:49 AM

I wish there was some news on what was coming for the next version of Android, even some speculation. I'm literally chopping at the bits.

J Arcane

03-11-2010, 11:03 AM

You have to create an ext2/3/4 partition on your SD card. As long as the partition is there, it does automagically use Apps2SD.

Amon_RA's recovery image (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=566669) can handle partitioning your SD card for you. I'd highly recommend it for the backup tools, etc, anyway.
Amon_Ra's tool is quite nice. It is a shame to me that so many guides seem to be written for older recovery images, because his is basically the best one I tried, and so damn handy I wish it was the standard one.

NoName

03-11-2010, 11:10 AM

Banacek

03-11-2010, 12:25 PM

Hey, is it possible to add another Google Calendar to the Calendar app? It seems to only let me have the one default calendar.

Slack3r78

03-11-2010, 12:31 PM

Hey, is it possible to add another Google Calendar to the Calendar app? It seems to only let me have the one default calendar.

I rarely actually use calendar, but I actually do have two set up. Do you mean with different Google accounts? I don't think I did anything special; they're both on my main account.

Banacek

03-11-2010, 01:05 PM

I rarely actually use calendar, but I actually do have two set up. Do you mean with different Google accounts? I don't think I did anything special; they're both on my main account.

Yeah, my work uses Google Mail (which is really odd considering the business I work for) with it's own calendar. If I go to My Calendars > Add Calendar the only non-disabled option is cancel. Odd, it clearly wants me to add another calendar, but it won't let me.

Slack3r78

03-11-2010, 01:15 PM

Yeah, my work uses Google Mail (which is really odd considering the business I work for) with it's own calendar. If I go to My Calendars > Add Calendar the only non-disabled option is cancel. Odd, it clearly wants me to add another calendar, but it won't let me.

Actually now that I think about it, one of them actually is from another account. What I did was share the calendar with my "primary" account with write access and I was able to add it to the phone that way.

This was long before 2.x came out, so I dunno if that's still the best way to do it or not.

Banacek

03-11-2010, 01:45 PM

Actually now that I think about it, one of them actually is from another account. What I did was share the calendar with my "primary" account with write access and I was able to add it to the phone that way.

This was long before 2.x came out, so I dunno if that's still the best way to do it or not.

Thanks, I'll give it a whirl later today.

Scull

03-16-2010, 10:20 AM

Well there's finally a stable Cyanogen Mod for the Droid! Check out the details here:
http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?/topic/526-cyanogenmod-for-droid-v5042-03122010/

bapenguin

03-16-2010, 11:53 AM

Nexus One is out on AT&T - unlocked only. Thinking of pulling the trigger.

Edit: I'm weak. Ordered.

J Arcane

03-16-2010, 11:57 AM

Nexus One is out on AT&T - unlocked only. Thinking of pulling the trigger.
It's a sexy phone. If I had a lot more money, I'd be real tempted to buy one. I'd be more tempted if it had a damn hardware keyboard though.

The reviews I read indicate it's pretty much the most powerful phone on the market right now. Hell, the specs rival those of that damn iPad thing.

bapenguin

03-16-2010, 11:59 AM

It's a sexy phone. If I had a lot more money, I'd be real tempted to buy one. I'd be more tempted if it had a damn hardware keyboard though.

The reviews I read indicate it's pretty much the most powerful phone on the market right now. Hell, the specs rival those of that damn iPad thing.

Yeah I have a 2 year old iPhone 3g that's just glitchy lately. I snagged it, figured it'll hold me over till the Windows 7 phones hit and we see if they are the bees knees or not. With the unlocked version it's got great resale.

Jackel

03-16-2010, 12:07 PM

Nexus One is out on AT&T - unlocked only. Thinking of pulling the trigger.

Edit: I'm weak. Ordered.

I'm sitting on the order button right now........damn you AT&T.

Banacek

03-16-2010, 12:49 PM

civil

03-16-2010, 01:21 PM

Voodoo

03-16-2010, 01:39 PM

Verizon version is within 2 weeks.

bapenguin

03-16-2010, 02:10 PM

When the hell is this coming to Verizon? I'd rather eat my own toes than stick with AT&T. :(

True story: iPhone reception is so bad in Chicago (and pretty much anywhere I've traveled to) that a friend of my boss, who only has an iPhone and no land line, is coming into our work for a phone interview on our land lines because the majority of her calls are dropped and she's worried about what that would do for the interview.

I swear I must be the luckiest SOB with AT&T. The only time I ever get a dropped call is when I try to take a call in one of our datacenters here. Otherwise AT&T has been rock solid for years for me, even with the original and 3G iphone.

Granted I sit in a nice pocket between Philly and NYC, but I just don't have issues.

Jackel

03-16-2010, 04:16 PM

I swear I must be the luckiest SOB with AT&T. The only time I ever get a dropped call is when I try to take a call in one of our datacenters here. Otherwise AT&T has been rock solid for years for me, even with the original and 3G iphone.

Granted I sit in a nice pocket between Philly and NYC, but I just don't have issues.

Out of curiosity, how did your phone handle PAX ?

Xerxes

03-16-2010, 06:13 PM

I was reading about tapering sales of the Nexus one. But then you have the AT&T and Verizon sales that haven't even really started. I mean on TMO, most folks who really wanted, probably already jumped on it.

bapenguin

03-16-2010, 07:13 PM

Out of curiosity, how did your phone handle PAX ?

PAX it wasn't doing quite well - but again - I'm not going to blame AT&T. You have 30k iPhones and whatever other phones in an area the size of a football field. Of course the towers are going to be overwhelmed.

Every other city I've traveled with it: Los Angeles (E3), San Fran, Denver, NYC, Baltimore, and Philly have been fine.

Jackel

03-16-2010, 07:17 PM

That's what I figured. I just figured I would check and see if maybe mine was faulty, since I seemed to have poor reception occasionally here in the apartment (although verizon hasn't been much better).

Slack3r78

03-16-2010, 08:33 PM

I'll just say I have not heard good things at all about AT&T + iPhone in NYC or SF.

Siraris

03-16-2010, 09:12 PM

Congrats to Duke and all the other Droid owners (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/16/verizon-posts-android-2-1-upgrade-details-for-droid/).

Now let's hear the info on Android 2.5 ;)

True story: iPhone reception is so bad in Chicago (and pretty much anywhere I've traveled to) that a friend of my boss, who only has an iPhone and no land line, is coming into our work for a phone interview on our land lines because the majority of her calls are dropped and she's worried about what that would do for the interview.

I'm sorry, I don't believe this. I know dozens of people with iPhones in Chicago (literally) including 12 people that I work with every day. None of them have issues with their iPhones or AT&T. Well, I'm sure they have some issues, but not at the level that you are reporting them.

And they use them in the burbs, downtown, and even as far down as kedzie and 31st street, as well as all over the country, from Idaho, to West Virginia, to Alabama and NYC. I'm not a fan of AT&T, but there wouldn't be that many iPhone owners if the service was as bad as some people say it is.

civil

03-17-2010, 01:22 AM

EDIT: Oh Siraris, you silly little man. I don't care what you do or don't believe.

Loki

03-17-2010, 03:29 AM

muddi900

03-17-2010, 06:13 AM

Yeah I have a 2 year old iPhone 3g that's just glitchy lately. I snagged it, figured it'll hold me over till the Windows 7 phones hit and we see if they are the bees knees or not. With the unlocked version it's got great resale.

Its exactly like the iPhone...at launch. With a zune HD interface.

civil

03-22-2010, 11:08 AM

Looks like Google is only selling the Nexus online for Verizon as well (http://www.cooltechzone.com/2010/03/12/google-nexus-one-not-available-in-verizon-stores-confirmed/).

Voodoo

03-22-2010, 11:19 AM

Looks like Google is only selling the Nexus online for Verizon as well (http://www.cooltechzone.com/2010/03/12/google-nexus-one-not-available-in-verizon-stores-confirmed/).

The Nexus series will only be sold via their website. They made this very clear when they released the first one. I've said it a few times on this board but got the 'Nuh Uh' response so I just shrugged.

civil

03-22-2010, 11:19 AM

Siraris

03-22-2010, 11:53 AM

A few weeks ago I mentioned how I expected a bit more effort to differentiate the look between manufacturer's Android versions. This is what I'm talking about. (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/dell-aero-is-atandts-second-android-phone/) Granted there's really only 1 shot, so I'm interested in seeing more, but I like the look; Very Windows 7 feel.

I'm hoping some more manufacturers head in this direction

Slack3r78

03-22-2010, 01:10 PM

I'm hoping some more manufacturers head in this direction

I'm not and I won't buy any phone that includes a non-standard UI.

It might be kind of nifty and whiz-bang at first, but the common thread between all these customized UI phones be it HTC's SenseUI or MotoBlur or whatever is that you then become entirely dependent on the handset manufacturer for updates and the updates are usually incredibly slow to show up. How many first gen Android phones out there are stuck on not only 1.6, but the nearly year old 1.5 because they're not getting sufficient manufacturer updates?

I'm all for Android needing to be prettier and I've been glad to see some more polished apps start to trickle in, but proprietary UIs aren't the answer to this.

J Arcane

03-22-2010, 01:15 PM

I hate 3rd party UIs. Sense was very tempting, but at the end of the day, I want some fucking standardization.

When I buy a PC, I don't get a completely different looking Windows depending on whether I buy a Dell or an HP, and it shouldn't be any different for a mobile OS.

Can you imagine how well the iPhone would have done if they'd allowed third parties to make phones and then slap whatever interface they wanted on it?

Worse still, have you seen the fucking Windows Mobile platform, and it's various excuses for 3rd party UIs?

Slack3r78

03-22-2010, 01:21 PM

Worse still, have you seen the fucking Windows Mobile platform, and it's various excuses for 3rd party UIs?
Well, with WinMo, the standard UI was so bad it was almost needed.

I just don't think it's necessary with Android, especially since the Home screen, contacts management apps, even the dialer are all ultimately user-replaceable. I mean, I use a third-party SMS app on my phone. There's no reason that the manufacturers really need to offer something proprietary.

Siraris

03-22-2010, 01:30 PM

I'm not and I won't buy any phone that includes a non-standard UI.

It might be kind of nifty and whiz-bang at first, but the common thread between all these customized UI phones be it HTC's SenseUI or MotoBlur or whatever is that you then become entirely dependent on the handset manufacturer for updates and the updates are usually incredibly slow to show up. How many first gen Android phones out there are stuck on not only 1.6, but the nearly year old 1.5 because they're not getting sufficient manufacturer updates?

I'm all for Android needing to be prettier and I've been glad to see some more polished apps start to trickle in, but proprietary UIs aren't the answer to this.

Well, this comes down to an issue of personal opinion, so we're obviously going to disagree. I like the idea of giving the manufacturer the ability to build a UI of their choosing, because it is another level of differentiation over a pretty uniform platform. If you don't like it, there's always going to be a platform that has the stock Android UI, so it shouldn't really matter if Motorola, or HTC, or Dell or whomever decide to slap a UI over theirs.

I agree, though, that the updates need to become standardized. There's no reason for such a lag time between updates on these phones. Google should have an agreement with these manufacturers that they need to be prudent with their updates if they are going to support the platform.

J Arcane

03-22-2010, 01:34 PM

Well, with WinMo, the standard UI was so bad it was almost needed.

Frankly, after spending quite a bit of type with the HTC UIs for WinMo, I think the cure is far worse than the disease.

All anyone seemed to accomplish was further obfuscating an already complex OS.

Slack3r78

03-22-2010, 01:46 PM

I agree, though, that the updates need to become standardized. There's no reason for such a lag time between updates on these phones. Google should have an agreement with these manufacturers that they need to be prudent with their updates if they are going to support the platform.
Completely impossible for manufacturers shipping these custom UIs. All the ones I've looked at have involved extensive modifications to the Android's internal system framework. This means that every time Google pushes out a major update, the manufacturer's have code that massively differs from the code they're receiving from upstream. It's not just as simple as slapping their UI app on top of the new Android build in an afternoon and calling it a day, it pretty much requires them to invest a lot of developer time trying to excise their modifications from the old build and make the code work with Google's changes.

This is the reason custom UI'd phones generally lag months behind in updates, and there's just nothing that Google can do about it as long as manufacturers insist on mucking around at a low level. HTC could get away with it on WinMo where the platform was pretty stagnant and their changes were pretty much the main reason to buy a WinMo phone, but it just doesn't work with a moving target like Android.

Bone

03-22-2010, 03:39 PM

Slack3r78

03-22-2010, 04:09 PM

That's a bummer. Isn't Android Linux based? You'd hope they could provide a framework that would allow pretty different GUIs (like Gnome, KDE, etc) to be updated separately from the core services. I can only assume that such a robust framework isn't the goal of a small and lightweight phone OS, but still.

Android is capable of it. Like I said, pretty much every major user-facing piece of the phone can be replaced with something else without screwing around with the framework. Just look at the number of people running custom home screen apps or contacts or SMS apps.

For whatever reason, all the OEMs have decided to implement custom UIs by fucking around with low level code instead, though.

J Arcane

03-22-2010, 04:52 PM

Well if, just for an example, SenseUI is anything as cumbersome as their TouchFlo/3d stuff was for WinMo, there's a good chance they're having to do like, kernel level optimizations just to get the things to run the way they want.

But that's just mean old me thinking out loud. ;)

Xerxes

03-22-2010, 07:53 PM

Well, with WinMo, the standard UI was so bad it was almost needed.

I just don't think it's necessary with Android, especially since the Home screen, contacts management apps, even the dialer are all ultimately user-replaceable. I mean, I use a third-party SMS app on my phone. There's no reason that the manufacturers really need to offer something proprietary.

There is a better SMS messenger?

Slack3r78

03-22-2010, 07:54 PM

There is a better SMS messenger?

Well, I use Pop Up SMS. It still uses the same app for messaging, but totally replaces all the notification stuff and gives you a quick reply option. There probably are full replacement SMS apps, but I haven't looked for them yet.

Bone

03-23-2010, 10:00 AM

Android is capable of it. Like I said, pretty much every major user-facing piece of the phone can be replaced with something else without screwing around with the framework. Just look at the number of people running custom home screen apps or contacts or SMS apps.

For whatever reason, all the OEMs have decided to implement custom UIs by fucking around with low level code instead, though.

I understand now- must have misread. So it's a matter of OEMs not using the APIs properly by keeping GUI design in its own sandbox?

Siraris

03-23-2010, 11:57 AM

Looks like Kyocera is back from the dead (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/kyocera-zio-m6000-joins-burgeoning-android-ranks-with-high-res-a/) with an affordable, and reasonably interesting Android device.

$216 UNSUBSIDIZED? That's an incredible deal.

J Arcane

03-23-2010, 12:01 PM

Well, that depends. I've owned several Kyocera phones, and they were pieces of shit. Even the most basic of their cell phones had massive problems with slow down, poor battery life, heat generation, and so forth.

Still, if it comes out and the reviews are decent, I could see it being a decent upgrade from my G1 if I still can't afford the Nexus by that point.

Banacek

03-23-2010, 02:18 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/dell-mini-5-prototype-impressions/

Anyone been following this? I would hope that the final version has something newer then Android 1.6 installed.

Siraris

03-23-2010, 03:13 PM

I'm interested in this (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/samsung-announces-galaxy-s-android-smartphone/).

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/castlevania/images/thumb/d/d9/The_Master_Librarian.jpg/250px-The_Master_Librarian.jpg

Xerxes

03-23-2010, 03:20 PM

I understand now- must have misread. So it's a matter of OEMs not using the APIs properly by keeping GUI design in its own sandbox?

I think Home++ is more the desired GUI change method. It's more surface level than the other guys. Tell the truth, someone like HTC should of looked into making SenseUI like an app. They probably could of turned decent little profit and and been all up on other peoples phone. Brand recognition I think it's called.

Also that Samsung Galaxy S; Wow. Gonna make me sell my Nexus.

Xerxes

03-23-2010, 03:22 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/19/dell-mini-5-prototype-impressions/

Anyone been following this? I would hope that the final version has something newer then Android 1.6 installed.

I'm not sure but I find most interesting as how Amazon may be riding those coat tails to fight off Ipad.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/03/dellstreakcontentpartners.jpg

Siraris

03-23-2010, 04:04 PM

Can anyone explain to me why THIS (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/htc-evo-4g-is-sprints-android-powered-knight-in-superphone-armo/) isn't the Nexus One? I mean sans the WIMAX and the Sense UI?

Adam Blue

03-23-2010, 04:09 PM

Wow...now I'm glad I switched to Sprint. I'll be selling my Hero...

EDIT: Reading more about it...this thing is incredible. Those videos are amazing.

Siraris

03-23-2010, 04:32 PM

Holy shit, it has HDMI out.

Adam Blue

03-23-2010, 04:35 PM

Holy shit, it has HDMI out.

I just bought a camera with these camera specs plus HDMI out. I'll probably sell that along with my Hero to get this bad boy.

axion

03-23-2010, 06:07 PM

Can anyone explain to me why THIS (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/htc-evo-4g-is-sprints-android-powered-knight-in-superphone-armo/) isn't the Nexus One? I mean sans the WIMAX and the Sense UI?

I hope that hits up here.

Siraris

03-23-2010, 06:52 PM

I'm almost more prone to say that the Samsung looks better. The screen is GORGEOUS, and it's fast. I can't wait to see what comes next.

Xerxes

03-23-2010, 07:16 PM

Fucking spirint! Samsung better add a very nice camera.

muddi900

03-24-2010, 03:26 AM

I hope we bypass 3G totally and jump straight to WiMax. Do Want!

Xerxes

03-26-2010, 10:54 PM

Sprint has done a good job of making everyone think 4G is the fastest wireless data speed around, but T-Mobile actually will soon have double that 4G speed with HSPA+ and it seems few people even know about this. Maybe T-Mobile should call it 5G.
ZDNET (http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=3356&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+zdnet%2Fcell-phones+%28ZDNet+Smartphones+and+Cell+Phones%29)

Is anyone on TMO rocking HSPA+ or even HSPA yet?

Also... I hate Touchwiz. Like a iphone want to be.
mbJFJ2pmedA

Samsung Galaxy S “Hummingbird” chip to have 3x GPU power of Snapdragon (http://androidandme.com/2010/03/news/samsung-galaxy-s-hummingbird-chip-to-have-3x-gpu-power-of-snapdragon/)

Then again, maybe it's not that bad...
ELlrtJXL0TQ

Siraris

03-29-2010, 11:37 AM

Good News Everybody! Fragmentation may be coming to an end (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/29/exclusive-android-froyo-to-take-a-serious-shot-at-stemming-plat/)!

Maybe now I can get my UI wishes :P

J Arcane

03-29-2010, 11:49 AM

Decoupling core apps from the base ROM could also be a godsend for folks like me still using G1s, as it means they could shift the storage around a little and thus save space for future updates. Rumor has it 2.1 will be missing some features because it just doesn't fit in the G1's ROM.

Combine that with the rumored official apps-to-SD install support, and things could get much rosier for stock G1 users.

Siraris

03-29-2010, 02:51 PM

Anything that allows for easier updates is okay with me. If the core is there, then you can update components on a regular basis without pushing out a major release. This more modular approach will accommodate everyone, from G1 users to Nexus One users. If Google makes a change to the kernel, then the manufacturers can push that out in a much more expedient manner. At that point, they can push out individual updates for apps over time. Even then, if your device can't support that particular component, you still aren't left in the dark ages in terms of support.

I think it's a brilliant idea. I hope we get to see some details soon (it's been 5 months since Eclair as the article says, so I'm hoping we get some deets soon!).

Let's hope that they make some improvements to the market place as well to accommodate this new push. It really needs it!

Xerxes

03-29-2010, 05:48 PM

PathMaster

03-29-2010, 09:06 PM

The Nexus series will only be sold via their website. They made this very clear when they released the first one. I've said it a few times on this board but got the 'Nuh Uh' response so I just shrugged.

While I did post a story about the possibility of them selling, it was mostly high hopes for me. I have a 20% discount on hardware purchases through work, Google selling the phone means I can not get it. Pipe dream dashed..

I assumed that Google would want to retain control over the distribution channel.

J Arcane

03-30-2010, 09:03 AM

So, the Email application on my G1 has stopped working right. Gmail still works great, but the other one isn't giving me my notifications at all. I've tried rebooting the phone, and turning on and off notifications both in the app and system wide.

Any ideas on how to fix this? Or maybe just a third-party app to replace it with, like I had to do for IM?

Slack3r78

03-30-2010, 10:51 AM

civil

03-30-2010, 10:57 AM

...still awaiting word on the Verizon version...

Siraris

03-30-2010, 11:00 AM

...still awaiting word on the Verizon version...

All signs point to next week. I'd just wait for the GSM version of the Evo, though :P Or Verizon version :P

benson

03-31-2010, 11:22 AM

Hey guys. I've had a G1 for a long time now, and I think it is time to upgrade. I'm thinking of either the Nexus One or the HTC HD2 (I'm on T-Mobile). Obviously the HD2 is not an Android phone, it's a Windows Mobile phone, and won't be getting an official upgrade to Windows Mobile 7.

I like Android, and use Google for most of my stuff, like Gmail and GCal, and Google Docs. Other than the Google Apps though (like Maps, Places, and the above mentioned ones), the only apps that I like from the Android Market are ShopSavvy and AK Notepad. I also have Nesoid, but haven't played a game on that in a while.

The HD2 has amazing hardware (basically the Sprint EVO that is coming out, with a crappier camera, no HDMI out, and no 4G - although that isn't a loss since Sprint's 4G isn't as good as T-Mobile's 21Mb 3G that is rolling out). I can get most of the apps that I like on Windows Mobile, and access the Google apps that aren't available via the web. The only things missing really are push Gmail (Windows Mobile uses Imap or Pop3), free turn-by-turn navigation from Google Maps (although there is still a Google Maps version available), and ShopSavvy. I'm sure I can live without those as I haven't used the navigation feature on my G1 yet, and I can probably find something comparable to ShopSavvy.

Anyway, any thoughts guys? I'm struggling with this decision. The other side is that the HD2 is cheaper. $450 with no contract or $200 on contract for the HD2, vs $529 with no contract for the Nexus One.

J Arcane

03-31-2010, 11:31 AM

Well, I hate Windows Mobile 6.5 with a firey passion, and hate how much HTC's addon interface slows down an already slow OS, so I'm perhaps a bit bias.

But personally I'd wait. The Nexus One is nice, but I'm not at all fond of this business about the screen (http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2010/03/secrets-of-the-nexus-ones-screen-science-color-and-hacks.ars).

Personally, I'd hold off. There's more Android phones coming all the time, so there's bound to be one soon with the Snapdragon processor, but paired to a better screen.

benson

03-31-2010, 11:37 AM

I did read that about the N1 screen. Although I didn't notice any issues when I have looked at a friend's N1. Maybe because I haven't compared it to anything but an iPhone and my G1, but it looks fine to me. Pretty sharp, and way bigger than my G1 screen.

You are correct in that there are always more/better phones coming. My problem is that my G1 is getting a bit long in the tooth. It is slow, the camera sucks (I'd like one that takes halfway decent pictures, has a flash, and isn't so slow), and it is very large. Not that the HD2 or N1 aren't good size phones, but both are slim and pocketable. I do have Cyanogen running on my G1, which helps somewhat, but it is still slow.

One more thing about waiting. I guess I understand that there are better phones coming, but really, you can always wait as there will always be something better coming.

J Arcane

03-31-2010, 11:42 AM

Well, I've got a G1, and it suits me OK, though I agree it's a bit slow and if I could've afforded newer hardware I would've.

Honestly, you'd probably be fine with the Nexus, and certainly happier with the OS. My personal reservation is with the reports of blurry text, and reading text is like 75% of my usage time on the thing, between web, twitter, SMS, and IM.

It IS a great phone on the balance, just the screen isn't quite as good as advertised.

Mike Kelehan

03-31-2010, 11:47 AM

Text on my N1 is a good deal clearer than any other handheld device I've used, and the screen is easily the prettiest I've ever had. I did have a stuck pixel, but I downloaded a free pixel fixer app from the market, which fixed it INSTANTLY.

benson

03-31-2010, 11:53 AM

Yeah, that was my worry with the Nexus One as well. I specifically asked him to pull up text based sites and stuff so we could check it out. It looked perfectly fine to me. I'd like to compare an HD2 just to see if that is sharper or not.

My usage of the phone is pretty much email, web, and SMS. Primarily text based as well. When traveling, I like to use Google Maps and Google Places, but that's a very small percentage of my use. I guess I use Google Maps now and then when I forget my GPS as well.

Between these two phones, with my brain, I lean toward the Nexus One as I use Google for everything, and I assume it will continue to get the first Android updates as the official Google phone. However, the hardware of the HD2 just looks incredible, and I find myself reasoning that I can do everything I want to with it, even if I have to use the web or get by without something that I rarely use like the navigation function on Google Maps.

Siraris

03-31-2010, 12:06 PM

Since we don't know when the Desire, and the Galaxy S will be available in the US, and the HD2 is a Winmo device, I'd go with the Nexus.

Can you wait? If so, you may want to wait until June. The Galaxy S will be out then, and the Desire might as well. We also might find out about a GSM version of the Evo.

I have used the HD2, and my friend with the HD2 has a Nexus as well, and he likes his Nexus more. I can tell you that it's got a gorgeous screen, but that's about all it has going for it. And i have a Nexus One, if you didn't know, so I guess I'm a little biased :)

Xerxes

03-31-2010, 12:15 PM

Stop being mean Siraris. The Galaxy S is coming to TMO this summer.

benson

03-31-2010, 12:27 PM

Hmmm, if the Galaxy S is coming to T-Mobile, I may wait for that. I'll have to check it out. I am not a fan of Samsung phones really, mostly because of the TouchWiz interface. It sucks. But if the Galaxy S comes without it, I may have to jump on that.

Like I said, if I were to choose today, I'd probably go with the Nexus One. I like that it should receive all the Android updates first. With all the other phones, I worry about getting updates. I know Google has announced that they are going to try to stop fragmentation by separating out the apps and having them update through the market. And they also said there may be a couple more OS updates then it should slow down as Android will be at a somewhat mature state.

J Arcane, on another note, I like your avatar picture. Pugs are awesome. I have two, a boy and a girl. Both are fawn colored, one is really light, and the other is darker, we got her from a rescue. Anyway, I've noticed your picture before, and meant to say something.

I'm off to do some reading on the Galaxy S.

Xerxes

03-31-2010, 12:33 PM

Ok benson, I wasn't telling the complete truth. I don't know for a FACT it is coming. But Siraris claiming it's not coming isn't helping my desires of getting that phone on a platform I use.

I think it's called being overly optimistic. My heart could be broken in the end. You should probably stay flexible.

Oh and it will have Touch Wiz 3.0. I know it sucks but I'd deal.

Having a Nexus now, I'd say it's a safe bet. Only think I don't like about it is the battery. But that seems to be the case for all smart phones as of late I think.

Zagrash

03-31-2010, 12:43 PM

Even Better! Samsung Galaxy S-Pro w/ qwerty keyboard! (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/31/samsung-galaxy-s-pro-to-come-with-a-qwerty-keyboard-in-june-say/)

benson

03-31-2010, 12:53 PM

Xerxes, I didn't know you had a Nexus. I guess I haven't read through this thread in a long time, I just remember when you got your G1.

But the Galaxy S will have Touch Wiz....that's a downer. A friend of mine had a Samsung Instinct on Sprint, and that thing was terrible. And from what I've heard about the Behold II, which has Android with the Touch Wiz interface, it lags terribly.

So this link (http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/23/samsung-galaxy-s-hands-on-with-video/) says it has European and Asian bands currently. But nothing about what carrier and when it'll come to America.

It does sound impressive, but I just don't know if I'd trust Samsung yet.

benson

03-31-2010, 01:00 PM

Ok, I watched the video at the link I listed, and I'm sure it's the same video posted earlier in this thread, but I am stunned at the difference in display from the iPhone to the Galaxy S. Incredible difference.

Xerxes

03-31-2010, 01:10 PM

OMG if there was ever a phone I wanted... besides the Nexus One. I'd love to return to QWERTY.

JayVe

03-31-2010, 01:23 PM

How about an Android-powered car?

http://www.redferret.net/?p=19914

Imagine rolling with – you guessed it – Android in your car . It was bound to happen, and Chinese car manufacturer Roewe will be producing the first system, expected to be out in April. The Roewe 350 will offer GPS navigation from a computer screen in the center console that runs Android 2.1, the same version that powers the Google Nexus One and the Motorola Droid. And (gasp) you’ll be able to surf the internet and do some online chatting as well.

Oh, that sounds pleasant. Simultaneously, I can check the latest news on The Ferret, chat with my girlfriend and drive around on one of China’s traffic clogged streets! I better use my mobile phone also. Might as well be productive on my commute. Sounds fabulous! It’s also not quite certain how the car itself will have internet connectivity, but that will be worked out I’m sure since it’s pretty much required to run all of these features that Roewe is claiming.

Adam Blue

03-31-2010, 01:26 PM

For me HTC Sense is a selling point. I even enjoy it on WinMo if the hardware is built for it (this is why Win7 is taking a different approach to hardware).

Siraris

03-31-2010, 01:39 PM

Stop being mean Siraris. The Galaxy S is coming to TMO this summer.

When did I say it won't be out this summer? I clearly said:

Can you wait? If so, you may want to wait until June. The Galaxy S will be out then, and the Desire might as well. We also might find out about a GSM version of the Evo.

I just don't know if it's coming to TMO

J Arcane

03-31-2010, 02:09 PM

Iirc, Samsung also has a phone coming w/o TouchWiz. It seems to their approach so far to have one custom phone and one stock Android phone.

I was interested in getting the stock phone because of how awesome I've heard those AMOLED screens are.

Also, thanks for th compliment. Our pug growing up is one of the finest dogs I've ever had. Wonderful animals, and I felt the picture well conveyed my personality, and the seriousness with which I take these internet forum things. ;)

benson

03-31-2010, 04:10 PM

Ah, if Samsung has a phone without Touch Wiz, I may check into that. It does seem that they release one version on one carrier then the other on another. At least I'm assuming that since T-Mobile has the Behold II with Touch Wiz, and no other Samsung Android phones. In fact, I'm not sure any American carrier has the version without Touch Wiz at this time. Oh well, I think it'll have to get great reviews for me to buy it. I just don't trust Samsung phones yet.

J Arcane

03-31-2010, 04:17 PM

There's currently two Samsung phones out there right now. The Moment, which is a stock Android 1.5 (dunno if there's a 1.6 update yet) but now hardware keyboard, and the Behold II which has their shitty 3rd-party interface but a qwerty keyboard.

Which is sort of why I didn't wind up getting one of those (that and the price). My experience has lead me to not want to deal with a software keyboard on any phone that is sub 800x480 in resolution. Trying to use the software Android keyboard in portrait mode at HVGA sucks ass, the keys are too narrow.

appel

04-01-2010, 05:56 AM

For me HTC Sense is a selling point. I even enjoy it on WinMo if the hardware is built for it (this is why Win7 is taking a different approach to hardware).

Funny, Sense is the only thing I don't like about my HTC Hero. :) Too many bugs, performance issues and missing features compared to vanilla Android.

The HTC keyboard is nice though (if only it didn't leak memory) and the gallery app with flickr integration is neat. But HTC could've added them to the phone without for example breaking calendar notifications and cell tower communication (the phone crashes once in a while when it gets garbled data from cell towers).

Good thing you can switch roms easily so I can get what I like and everyone else who prefers Sense can use that.

Adam Blue

04-02-2010, 02:25 PM

Funny, Sense is the only thing I don't like about my HTC Hero. :) Too many bugs, performance issues and missing features compared to vanilla Android.

The HTC keyboard is nice though (if only it didn't leak memory) and the gallery app with flickr integration is neat. But HTC could've added them to the phone without for example breaking calendar notifications and cell tower communication (the phone crashes once in a while when it gets garbled data from cell towers).

Good thing you can switch roms easily so I can get what I like and everyone else who prefers Sense can use that.

The problem is the Hero. This is what Microsoft is fixing with 7. The Hero should not have had the software it does. It's too slow. Though, according to xda-forums, the new update is optimized for the hardware.

But what missing features, btw?

muddi900

04-03-2010, 11:05 AM

The problem is the Hero. This is what Microsoft is fixing with 7. The Hero should not have had the software it does. It's too slow. Though, according to xda-forums, the new update is optimized for the hardware.

But what missing features, btw?

No multi-tasking, no copy paste, only one way to get apps. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't even text forwarding.

Microsoft ripped off Apple very hard here. And they are 3 years too late.

Adam Blue

04-03-2010, 11:19 AM

No multi-tasking, no copy paste, only one way to get apps. I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't even text forwarding.

Microsoft ripped off Apple very hard here. And they are 3 years too late.

I'm referring to what Apple does, MS will do, and Android needs: Specific optimized hardware.

BTW, I see no problem with what MS is doing. I'm tired of 'icons' and the integration across multiple platforms is what I love about HTC Sense. Multi-tasking is a bummer, but I just do what I did with my iphone...jailbreak. win/win.

muddi900

04-03-2010, 11:36 AM

I'm referring to what Apple does, MS will do, and Android needs: Specific optimized hardware.

I was only answering your question. You asked about the missing features.

appel

04-03-2010, 05:16 PM

The problem is the Hero. This is what Microsoft is fixing with 7. The Hero should not have had the software it does. It's too slow. Though, according to xda-forums, the new update is optimized for the hardware.

But what missing features, btw?

When I run a vanilla Android ROM on my Hero it's very fast and much more stable, except for when I listen to Spotify.

In HTC Android there's no week view in the calendar, you can't see if a contact is online in google talk from the contacts and messaging apps and other contact related integration between apps and so on.

Zagrash

04-04-2010, 11:40 PM

I've entered Android and Me's contest for a part-time writer position for app reviews, and my first entry review is up. I'd appreciate any constructive criticism, or any comments on the site. My first review was for an app that was suggested in this very thread - Calorie Counter.

The review can be found here for your reading pleasure (http://androidandme.com/2010/04/applications/calorie-counter-just-how-bad-is-that-taco/).

If you like my review, and want me to review anything else for the contest phase, I'd be happy to investigate it. If by some miracle I happen to get the gig (keeping my fingers crossed!) I'd still be happy to review any apps suggested here. Anyways, wish me luck! This is something I've been wanting to get into for awhile.

Xerxes

04-06-2010, 06:21 PM

I hate you ATT... and Samsung.

We'd already heard from Samsung itself at CTIA that we'd see the high-end Galaxy S complete with blindingly brilliant Super AMOLED display on American soil in 2010 -- and considering that Sammy doesn't play the unlocked, unbranded game in these parts, that means with certainty that it'll be coming to a carrier. Here's where it gets interesting: the Bluetooth SIG has recently certified a "full touch" device (read: no keyboard) from Samsung identified as the SGH-i897 with a 4-inch display and TouchWiz 3.0 -- in other words, a dead ringer for the unbranded Galaxy S that's identified as the i9000. Historically, Samsung models that start with SGH and end with a number 7 land at AT&T (it's a tradition that goes back years) so it stands to reason that this i897 is destined for the orange and blue. Is AT&T actually planning on getting serious about solid Android hardware this year?

Zagrash

04-08-2010, 01:12 PM

If anybody is interested, my second review for Android and Me's app review contest is up now.

What the Doodle?! (http://androidandme.com/2010/04/applications/what-the-doodle-come-see-my-skills-of-an-artist/)

J Arcane

04-09-2010, 09:18 PM

I have officially turned on my phone to be an actual phone now.

T-Mobile's 3G is pretty damn fast. I don't even need the Wi-Fi really, I have it turned off now, because it's fast enough without it.

It'll be interesting to see it's effect on my battery life tomorrow.

Siraris

04-11-2010, 08:58 PM

benson

04-13-2010, 09:48 AM

Alright, so I broke down and picked up the Nexus One. I like Google too much I think. Android is getting so much better, 2.1 on the N1 is so much better than 1.6 on the G1. Plus, the higher resolution screen is nice, the far slimmer size is awesome. I'm not a fan of the trackball, and will probably never use it though. And I had a weird problem this morning with the SD card, it had an error saying it needed to be formatted. I did a quick search online, and found that removing it, booting up, then inserting it again and booting up would fix it, and it did.

So now, although I am not usually a fan of cases for my phone, I feel like I should get one for this one since I'll have it for a while and don't want to mess it up. The screen is huge, and I'd prefer not to wreck it. Anyone have any suggestions? The two I've found that sound and look ok are the Seidio Innocase II, and the Case-Mate Barely There. They are both slim, which I like, and the Case-Mate comes with a screen protector (I think it is similar to an Invisible Shield, but probably not as good). I was thinking that something like an iFrogz case (which are only available for iPhones) would be nice, and the Innocase comes closest, but doesn't include the screen protector. Of course, in my searching, some people like to point out that the N1 screen is scratch resistant, and the back is Teflon coated, so it should hold up pretty well, so that might be how I live with it for a while.

Anyway, it's a cool phone so far, and since I went from Android to Android, not much changed. The Gmail app is a little better, and everything is faster. No lag, and checking out the task list in TasKiller, it has between 20 and 25 tasks running with no issues. The old G1 could barely handle 2 tasks and even then it was lagging. So far, call me impressed.

J Arcane

04-13-2010, 11:26 AM

Deadend

04-13-2010, 11:44 AM

Yeah, I really like my G1, but I'm thinking my next big purchase after this will be a new Android phone, as something faster would be highly appreciated.

Problem is, I want a hardware keyboard, and frankly, all of the ones out there right now suck.

I am with you there, I am hoping by the time my contract is up in 1.5 years that I can get a G3 or something like that.

I like the slide out keyboard, I like the fact the phone can withstand being in a pocket. Just crank up the technical stats on it. Give me a sharper screen, better sound, faster CPU, more RAM, longer battery life. Or just more RAM and Faster CPU would be fine too.

Banacek

04-13-2010, 12:10 PM

Unless Dell does something stupid and doesn't sell the Mini 5 unlocked it's the easy front runner for my next phone.

Zagrash

04-15-2010, 10:06 PM

My third review (http://androidandme.com/2010/04/reviews/picsay-pro-everything-looks-better-with-googly-eyes/) is up on Android and Me. This one is for PicSay Pro. Any comments are greatly appreciated.

Voodoo

04-16-2010, 01:56 PM

Banacek

04-19-2010, 01:38 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/19/dell-mini-5-gets-fcc-approval-again-this-time-with-t-mobile-fla/

Sweet. Hopefully I can buy one unsubsidized and jump on the $139 unlimited family plan.

Xerxes

04-20-2010, 01:45 AM

Since hearing about the Streak 7, I've been kind of excited. It's actually so wrong of me too. I had the ipad for being less computer/tablet and here goes another media tablet, and I'm nodding my head like "yes please". More interested in a Chrome OS tablet I suppose.

benson

04-20-2010, 09:29 AM

On the tablet front, I'm waiting to see how the Google tablet turns out. I know they said it'll have Android, but other than that, I don't know much about it. I think that's a good idea though, it'll compete directly with the iPad then, and will have a market of apps that'll work on it, just like the iPad has going for it.

Really, as long as it costs around $300, I'm game for one. I think $500 is too much for tablets. The HP Slate is basically a netbook without a keyboard, but costs more than a netbook. You can get a decent netbook for around $300, so the Slate should be at that same price. Maybe a slight premium for it being the new thing, but $500 just seems like too much.

Xerxes

04-21-2010, 02:06 PM

Any of you guys with a Nexus rocking a spare battery in your pocket?

Adam Blue

04-21-2010, 04:03 PM

I found this:

http://gadgetsdna.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/iphonehd_incredible_evo4g_nexusone_specs.jpg

PathMaster

04-21-2010, 07:37 PM

I found this:

http://gadgetsdna.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/iphonehd_incredible_evo4g_nexusone_specs.jpg

Almost useless until it gets filled in, but it should be a good comparison.

PathMaster

04-21-2010, 08:19 PM

Dell has a number of new phones coming out and a number of them are Android:

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/dell-smoke-slaps-android-in-the-wild-form-factor-you-secretly-wa/): Dell Smoke
Dell calls it a "non-conforming style," but we just call it drop-dead gorgeous

Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5521439/dell-lightning-is-a-beauty-and-runs-windows-phone-7): Dell Lightning
The Windows Phone 7 device has a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, a 4.1-inch OLED display, and more
Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/dell-lightning-the-ultimate-windows-phone-7-device-leaks-out/): Dell Lightning
1GHz QSD8250 Snapdragon processor, WVGA 4.1-inch OLED display, AT&T and T-Mobile 3G, five megapixel autofocus camera, 1GB of flash with 512MB RAM plus 8GB of storage on a MicroSD card (non-user-replaceable, we're assuming), GPS, accelerometer, compass, FM radio, and full Flash support including video playback.

AndroidandMe (http://androidandme.com/2010/04/news/dell-flash-and-thunder-appear-on-the-radar/):
Dell Thunder:
One of the more interesting features of the Thunder is its unlimited online storage space. Dell will offer unlimited support from the clouds to store and retrieve all of your data.
Dell Flash:
Qualcomm 800 MHz MSM7230 processor paired with a 3.5 inch WVGA TFT display. Other notable features include a 5 megapixel camera, TV-out, and support for HSPA+ (up to 14.4 Mbps down, 5.6 Mbps up).
Dell Smoke:
Dell has paired a portrait QWERTY keyboard with a 2.8 inch QVGA display.

Banacek

04-21-2010, 09:54 PM

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/dell-looking-glass-tablet-leaks-tegra-2-coming-your-way-in-nove/

Nice...

Siraris

04-21-2010, 10:38 PM

DAMN you Pathmaster, I was just about to post this, but I lost consciousness from the awesome and you beat me to it.

JUST WOW.

Xerxes

04-21-2010, 11:50 PM

Sadly I'm more interested in the Dell Lightning than their Android offerings.

J Arcane

04-22-2010, 12:12 AM

Yeah, QVGA in this day and age? That's hardly a good sacrifice to have to make for a hardware keyboard. And AT&T only on the Thunder? WTF?

And what the hell is with these damn "tablets" still only being 800x480? If I wanted something that low res, I'd get a phone. They're really not helping the iPad argument when they do things like that.

Banacek

04-22-2010, 12:28 AM

I bet it's an issue with Android. They need to be putting Win7 on these bigger tablets. Still, I'm ready to buy a Streak (bad name) as soon as it comes out.

Banacek

04-22-2010, 02:29 AM

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8136/screenshot20100422at122.png (http://img341.imageshack.us/i/screenshot20100422at122.png/)

Dell is going all out. Good to see someone serious about going after Apple.

Adam Blue

04-22-2010, 10:07 AM

Almost useless until it gets filled in, but it should be a good comparison.

I'm just comparing the Android phones. I don't really care about the iPhone.

The Dell phones are looking great though.

JayVe

04-22-2010, 05:57 PM

That Dell Smoke phone is shithot!

Maybe the name, but something tells me it is Vapor. ;-)

Oh, Android can be installed on iPhones now. (http://www.redferret.net/?p=20579)

PathMaster

04-22-2010, 07:03 PM

I'm just comparing the Android phones. I don't really care about the iPhone.

The Dell phones are looking great though.

Ahh I see. The Incredible looks really interesting. I might grab that later this year.

DAMN you Pathmaster, I was just about to post this, but I lost consciousness from the awesome and you beat me to it.

JUST WOW.

Heh, I just happen to refresh Google Reader and all the links were up.

The Dell Lightning is the most impressive to me at the current time.

Adam Blue

04-26-2010, 10:18 AM

Here's a cool video (http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2010/04/19/t_tt_4g_sprint_evo.cnnmoney/) from CNN Money about the 4G network, as well as use of the Evo on it. I cannot wait to have that phone.

I also cannot believe the size of a 3G station compared to 4G.

Dukefrukem

04-26-2010, 11:03 AM

Good news Sirius/XM and Android lovers... an app is in the works to bring Sirius/XM to your mobile phone. About time!

PathMaster

04-26-2010, 09:34 PM

And it appears the N1 will not be appearing on the VZ network. Google is instead pointing customers to the Incredible.

civil

04-26-2010, 10:39 PM

Fucking cuntrags.

pomeroy

04-26-2010, 10:42 PM

Fucking cuntrags.

I know, right?

benson

04-27-2010, 08:56 AM

So I've had my N1 for a couple weeks now, and over the weekend, I had some of the network connection issues I've heard so much about. I have noticed that it doesn't get as strong of a signal as the G1 did, but this weekend, I was in a mall, and lost signal at some point (wasn't paying attention). Once I noticed it, I thought it would get signal again when I got outside or something. Well, it didn't. I wound up having to pull the battery. That got it back to normal.

In another instance, I was at the mother-in-law's house, which is not necessarily a rural area, but is outside of the metro area anyway (like a half hour outside of the suburbs of Minneapolis). Of the three T-Mobile phones there, mine was the only one that said "Emergency Calls Only" for a bit. After about a half hour of that, it went back to normal, claiming 3 bars of Edge.

In other news, I love the phone though. Super fast, and in most cases, gets enough signal. I haven't had any other issues, so I'm going to chalk those up to fluke cases for now. Next time I'm in a mall or other large store, I'll check the signal to see what it is doing. It works fine at work, but we have T-Mobile repeaters all over the place there (which is good and bad, good that I get signal in every part of every building at work, bad that it is always Edge, no 3G repeaters). As soon as I step outside, I see it go back to 3G.

Also, I know all the reviews hate the screen in sunlight, saying it gets washed out to the point of not being able to use it. I don't know if those reviewers have bad eyes or what, but I can use mine just fine in the sun. Yes it is washed out, but every phone display is. I don't think it is as bad as they say.

Anyway, thought I'd share my experience with the N1 so far. I know several others here have it too.

Voodoo

04-27-2010, 10:22 AM

Fucking cuntrags.
... the Incredible is the Nexus One point Five. It is an improved version of the Nexus One. The only drawback I see is that it'll have its OS updates delayed due to the custom HTC stuff.

For those of you having issues with the N1 on T-Mobile, be aware that the built in APN information is not complete. Here is the full and complete APN info for the N1...

Name = T-Mobile US
APN = epc.tmobile.com
Proxy = 216.155.165.50
Port = 8080
Username = <not set>
Password = <not set>
Server = <not set>
MMSC = http://mms.msg.english.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc
MMS Proxy = 216.155.165.50
MMS Port = 8080
MCC = 210
MNC = 260
Authentication Type = PAP or CHAP
APN Type = <not set>

benson

04-27-2010, 02:46 PM

Hey, I updated my APN settings to those you listed, but I couldn't get a data connection then. I haven't looked around to see if I missed something, but I just reset the settings to default and it works like normal.

Voodoo

04-27-2010, 03:04 PM

Try NONE for authentication type.

civil

04-27-2010, 03:12 PM

... the Incredible is the Nexus One point Five. It is an improved version of the Nexus One. The only drawback I see is that it'll have its OS updates delayed due to the custom HTC stuff.
This is precisely what I'd want to avoid. I know there will be hardware limitations down the line that prevent any phone from having continual software/OS upgrades, so that's to be expected no matter which phone I buy.

But I wouldn't want those upgrades to stop because it's too much hassle to have them interface with another OS that's built on top of it. I want a "pure" Android experience, so to speak, so that my phone is as up to date as it can be (within hardware parameters, of course).

GigaFuzz

04-27-2010, 03:13 PM

I just got a HTC Legend today (my first Android phone, upgraded from a basic Sony Ericsson), and I think I'm in love. All the touch screen goodness is more responsive than I thought and a pleasure to use. Not had a chance to do anything telephony related though since my number will take a couple of days to port over, but I'm impressed so far!

I've spent far too long fiddling and browsing the market.

NoName

04-27-2010, 03:18 PM

I want a "pure" Android experience, so to speak, so that my phone is as up to date as it can be (within hardware parameters, of course).

You can always wait until the incredible is release and see what happens in the mod community. I bet it'll be running Cyanogen's N1/Droid mod within a week. :)

Voodoo

04-27-2010, 03:32 PM

This is precisely what I'd want to avoid. I know there will be hardware limitations down the line that prevent any phone from having continual software/OS upgrades, so that's to be expected no matter which phone I buy.

But I wouldn't want those upgrades to stop because it's too much hassle to have them interface with another OS that's built on top of it. I want a "pure" Android experience, so to speak, so that my phone is as up to date as it can be (within hardware parameters, of course).
Unfortunately, the "pure" Android phones aren't getting their updates as quickly as many have liked. My hope (and the talk around the campfire) is that with the Frozen Yogurt release (and Gingerbread) and it's kinship to Debian will move to cease this seemingly endless versioning that is impacting Android. This has always been a major problem with the Windows mobile OS and I certainly hope that Google steers clear of that Sargasso sea.

I'm sorry if that didn't make much sense. Let me explain what this means...

Google intends to modularize Android into components. This way they can update individual components via the Android Marketplace and the central OS Kernal (so to speak) will be able to be updated independent of apps. SO... If they want to update the Contacts app or the Exchange Email connector or even the Calendar app, they can do so separate from the core OS. For example, right now, they can't update the browser without doing an entire OS update. In the future, they will be able to release an Android browser update apart from the core OS update. Core OS updates will then be reserved for central components only.

Xerxes

04-27-2010, 04:43 PM

I thought I heard what Voodoo was just say was supposed to come with Froyo. And after Gingerbread, updates to the OS slowing down.

Anybody else has the sickness for needing new shit when other folks get new shit? I mean the Nexus was nice but now it's not top dog. I'm ready to pack my bags and move on up.

PathMaster

04-27-2010, 08:15 PM

Anyone have the Incredible pre-ordered? I think I may finally jump from my 5 year old phone to the Incredible, or maybe if Apple does announce the iPhone for the VZ network, I may swing that route. But I am starting to think I would rather go with Android as a platform.

Any comments from users of both?

Crittias

04-27-2010, 08:49 PM

Go with an Android phone, not an iPhone. After all, you don't want to reside in North Korea (http://www.androidguys.com/2010/04/27/andy-rubin-reacts-steve-jobs-likens-apple-north-korea/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+androidguyscom+(AndroidGuys)), do you?

Xerxes

04-27-2010, 09:30 PM

I kind of wish people would stop using Android for tablets. Seems like that's what Chrome OS would be all about.

Mike Kelehan

04-27-2010, 09:37 PM

Anybody else has the sickness for needing new shit when other folks get new shit? I mean the Nexus was nice but now it's not top dog. I'm ready to pack my bags and move on up.

It's not top dog hardware wise, but it always will be in terms of software. Once Google finishes a software update, it goes right to the N1, and then carriers and manufacturers have to go through it with a fine toothed comb before it goes to others.

Xerxes

04-27-2010, 09:50 PM

It's not top dog hardware wise, but it always will be in terms of software. Once Google finishes a software update, it goes right to the N1, and then carriers and manufacturers have to go through it with a fine toothed comb before it goes to others.

Hmmmm... Getting Froyo first could be considered a perk.

Banacek

04-27-2010, 11:13 PM

I kind of wish people would stop using Android for tablets. Seems like that's what Chrome OS would be all about.

If I'm buying a full sized tablet then I want a full OS on there, like Windows 7.

Xerxes

04-27-2010, 11:26 PM

If I'm buying a full sized tablet then I want a full OS on there, like Windows 7.

Chrome OS is basically Linux. So it's still better than a mobile OS. I'm looking at a Dell XT2. It's not a full tablet, but it's dipping my feet in the water.

J Arcane

04-27-2010, 11:51 PM

Chrome OS is basically Linux. So it's still better than a mobile OS. I'm looking at a Dell XT2. It's not a full tablet, but it's dipping my feet in the water.
I think you're drastically overstating Chrome OS' capabilities as announced so far.

Everything I've seen indicates it'll be more limited than Android, basically just a web browser + Google Apps, and any third party stuff will be web-based as well.

Banacek

04-27-2010, 11:52 PM

Chrome OS is basically Linux. So it's still better than a mobile OS. I'm looking at a Dell XT2. It's not a full tablet, but it's dipping my feet in the water.

Chrome's dependence on the "cloud" has me less then enthused about it. While the cloud does have some great uses, storage for a personal computer operating system is not one of them.

civil

04-28-2010, 06:32 AM

It's not top dog hardware wise, but it always will be in terms of software. Once Google finishes a software update, it goes right to the N1, and then carriers and manufacturers have to go through it with a fine toothed comb before it goes to others.
This is the Android experience I want. It's the fine toothing that I'd like to avoid.

benson

04-28-2010, 09:25 AM

Two things. First, I agree with civil, I bought the N1 so that I can get the Android updates as soon as possible. I hated having to wait for updates with the G1. And any phone with HTC Sense is going to be worse, and anything with Moto Blur will be even worse off.

Second, I like the idea of Android tablets. Like Apple using the iPhone OS for the iPad, using Android on a tablet will allow the user to have access to a world of applications already there. If they went with Chrome OS, it would basically be a JooJoo, and we all know how that is going over...

civil

04-28-2010, 11:41 AM

Is the Droid on Verizon a "pure" Android experience? There may be a chance I can get my work to pay for it, in which case I really can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Scull

04-28-2010, 11:43 AM

Is the Droid on Verizon a "pure" Android experience? There may be a chance I can get my work to pay for it, in which case I really can't look a gift horse in the mouth.
It is. In fact it was touted as such before release.

EDIT: Just read the last few posts and I'm betting you are wanting something that gets updates the same way as the N1. The Droid does not get them that way. They must go through Verizon for testing and certification first, but they are still released pretty regularly, and not too long after Google releases them into the wild.

Mike Kelehan

04-28-2010, 11:59 AM

Is the Droid on Verizon a "pure" Android experience?

Here's the thing. There may be a time in the future where Google releases a very pro-consumer feature in Android that the carriers don't like. I don't know what, exactly (VoIP? Integrated tethering?), but the reason Verizon is going through the updates with the fine toothed comb is to make sure these features aren't there. When one happens, those with the N1 will get it immediately, and those with Droids won't get it at all.

This may never happen, but I want to be on Google's side if it does.

J Arcane

04-28-2010, 12:02 PM

That's a good point, Mike, and one I hadn't before considered.

civil

04-28-2010, 12:03 PM

Yeah, this is exactly why I didn't want any phone other than the N1. But if I can get my work to pay for a Droid (50/50 chance ATM) then I'll take it and get the N1 if it ever comes out on Verizon.

Scull

04-28-2010, 12:13 PM

That's just another argument in favor of components instead of fully integrated packages. Imagine if Google does do some sort of tethering app, which you know Verizon would hate. VZ strips it out and no Droid gets it. BUT! If it were released to the Marketplace then everyone could snag it and VZ couldn't stop it without altering the Marketplace. Eventually, you'll be able to get most, if not all, of the standard Google apps as soon as they are available regardless of the device you are using.

Mike Kelehan

04-28-2010, 12:32 PM

Yeah, this is exactly why I didn't want any phone other than the N1. But if I can get my work to pay for a Droid (50/50 chance ATM) then I'll take it and get the N1 if it ever comes out on Verizon.

If you get a free Droid, you take it. Free is free, and it's a great phone. If you buy it yourself, though, I do agree that the N1 is still the way to go. You know the N1 has a built-in screen that comes up when you root it, that says something along the lines of, "I see you're trying to root your phone. More power to you, but please understand that it will void your warranty. [OK] [Cancel]." That's classy. But... there's really no reason to root it. Edit: Here (http://titopanicker.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/nexusoneunlock.png)is that screen.

Also, the N1 won't come out on Verizon. They simply don't want to give up that control. Unless you're locked in a contract, though, I say switch to T-Mobile. It's got better coverage in my house than any of my friends with Verizon get, and it's had nothing short of perfect coverage everywhere I've been except for deep inside an office building.

NoName

04-28-2010, 01:01 PM

It seems that CyanogenMod (http://www.cyanogenmod.com/) works on the Droid now. If you don't mind rooting your phone you can get the cutting edge Google experience regardless of what Verizon wants.

Jackel

04-28-2010, 03:29 PM

Yeah, this is exactly why I didn't want any phone other than the N1. But if I can get my work to pay for a Droid (50/50 chance ATM) then I'll take it and get the N1 if it ever comes out on Verizon.

It is a pure Droid device, but you still have to wait for Motorola to release the updates on the device. We got 2.1 in March or early April I believe. However like others have said, mods will be available that should keep it updated even if Motorola drops support for it.

PathMaster

04-28-2010, 06:58 PM

Serapth

04-28-2010, 09:55 PM

So, I'm thinking about getting an Android phone and have two questions.

1- I need a PDF reader, a very good one. I commonly read PDFs 10 - 200 MB in size. Right now on my iPhone 3G I use GoodReader, which does a wonderful job. Is there a good PDF reader available for Android?

2- How important is firmware level? I am looking at a Sony Xperia10, but its stuck on Android 1.6, with 2.1 due in Sept. I HATE waiting on the OEM to release updates and know handset makers are a bunch of douches who support their phones for like... 6 months. My question is, can I upgrade the phone myself to 2.x or whatever the latest version of Android is, or do you have to wait for the handset maker to do something?

Siraris

04-28-2010, 10:48 PM

Mike Kelehan

04-28-2010, 10:51 PM

Worth it to grab the N1 on Sprint at full cost and just use it on the VZ network?

Can you do that? I know they don't use SIMs... do they have some other hardware you can drop in?

civil

04-29-2010, 09:06 AM

Anyone has experience (or know someone with experience) using the N1 on the AT&T network? I hate AT&T with a passion, but I'd love an N1. T-Mobile sadly doesn't look like it would serve me well (according to their coverage map).

torrefaction

04-29-2010, 09:07 AM

DocumentsToGo is pretty solid Serapth.

benson

04-29-2010, 09:28 AM

Worth it to grab the N1 on Sprint at full cost and just use it on the VZ network?

HTC + Microsoft (http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/195167/htc_android_deal_could_pay_off_for_microsoft_not_g oogle.html) vs Apple (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/28/microsoft-htc-deal-micros_n_555214.html)?

To do that, you would need the MSL (also known as sublock) code from Sprint to unlock the phone from their network. Then you would have to get Verizon to add the phone to their network. Supposedly, Verizon will do this once the phone is unlocked from Sprint, as Verizon opened up their network a couple years ago to allow for people to bring phones over from Sprint.

This thread (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/46820-37-verizon-phone-work-sprint) contains some info on that. Also, I read that the frequencies that each carrier operates on may be different, so your coverage may vary.

Mike Kelehan

04-29-2010, 10:15 AM

To do that, you would need the MSL (also known as sublock) code from Sprint to unlock the phone from their network.

I don't know that you'd need that for an N1, though, since it's not locked in the traditional sense. I could be wrong.

Serapth

04-29-2010, 10:38 AM

DocumentsToGo is pretty solid Serapth.

Wow, is that the Office reader app? Thats been around forever, I had it on my Palm III! Anyways, can you verify it can read LARGE documents? Thats always the catch, I tried a dozen on iPhone that would choke on anything over 30 or 40 megs.

torrefaction

04-29-2010, 02:04 PM

Wow, is that the Office reader app? Thats been around forever, I had it on my Palm III! Anyways, can you verify it can read LARGE documents? Thats always the catch, I tried a dozen on iPhone that would choke on anything over 30 or 40 megs.

Not really sure.

Voodoo

04-29-2010, 02:10 PM

benson

04-29-2010, 02:23 PM

Anyone else download the new Skyfire 2.0 beta? I watched the vid on Engadget and thought it looked pretty smooth. Plus it'll play flash video.

J Arcane

04-29-2010, 02:59 PM

Anyone else having problems with the Market?

benson

04-29-2010, 04:20 PM

Not since I downloaded Skyfire. I just checked and it loaded fine, and I could browse around. I didn't try to download anything though.

Xerxes

04-29-2010, 04:30 PM

I have issues from time to time but I'm getting Skyfire just fine at the moment.

J Arcane

04-29-2010, 04:56 PM

I'll reboot my phone, see if that helps. I keep getting a force close whenever I start up Market.

J Arcane

04-29-2010, 05:04 PM

Nope. Still doing it. Can't even start it, I get a white screen, then a force close, then a force close again after it's already closed like 10 seconds later.

WTF.

Xerxes

04-29-2010, 06:00 PM

Nope. Still doing it. Can't even start it, I get a white screen, then a force close, then a force close again after it's already closed like 10 seconds later.

WTF.

Last time I had this issue it was my location. For like a week my 3G wouldn't work at home and I couldn't get to the Market even on wifi. Worked fine when I went to work though.

J Arcane

04-29-2010, 06:05 PM

the only thing I can find on line that hints at a fix basically says to factory reset.

I could try the location thing though. Maybe I'll go out to Redmond or something this weekend and see if it works there.

Strongly tempted to use this as an excuse to order a Nexus One. I'm still not sure about no hardware keyboard, but at the rate they go on eBay if I don't like I could always resell it and would probably get my money right back.

Siraris

04-29-2010, 06:17 PM

Skyfire seems a little buggy, but it is beta. Multi-touch is wonky, pages won't load, formatting issues. But it's nice. I'll wait til final to draw any conclusions.

civil

04-29-2010, 06:51 PM

Siraris, how's your reception in the city? I'm really tempted to go Nexus, despite my severe hesitations.

EDIT: I should clarify, Nexus on T-Mobile.

Xerxes

04-29-2010, 06:56 PM

Grrrr.. Skyfire won't play Hulu vids. I would of went crazy if that had worked. I could watch another episode of Samurai Champloo.

Adam Blue

04-29-2010, 07:05 PM

Grrrr.. Skyfire won't play Hulu vids. I would of went crazy if that had worked. I could watch another episode of Samurai Champloo.

Interesting. Back in '08 this was my means of survival at work when I owned a Tilt. Is there a reason for this not working?

Xerxes

04-29-2010, 07:19 PM

Interesting. Back in '08 this was my means of survival at work when I owned a Tilt. Is there a reason for this not working?

Skyfire isn't full on flash. I suppose Froyo will fix all this.

J Arcane

04-29-2010, 07:22 PM

I was reading something today from a guy at ZDNet who was saying he'd been using an Incredible and it already had Flash?

Was this one of those carrier-exclusive dick moves like Skype and Opera Mobile pulled or something?

benson

04-29-2010, 07:25 PM

civil, I know you are checking out Chicago reception for T-Mobile and the N1, but I thought I'd throw my experience in. I have the N1 in Minneapolis on T-Mobile and it works great. I've had the G1 for around a year and a half and taken it to Chicago like 4 or 5 times, and it's worked great each time. Before Google Maps was upgraded recently, I would use Google Places all the time to find places to eat and stuff while we were downtown. I never took it to the suburbs aside from on the road on the way in and out of town which would be the north side, and it worked fine there.

Just thought I'd let you know. I love the N1. And T-Mobile works well enough. It worked pretty well on our recent trip to Portland, my reception was just as good as AT&T was for my girlfriend's sister and brother-in-law who were with.

civil

04-29-2010, 10:43 PM

I should actually be more concerned about NYC, as I'll be moving there next year. I just read that T-Mobile upgraded their 3G to HSPA+ there. I wonder...4G sounds good. But honestly I'm craving the N1, which for the time being means T-Mobile.

benson

04-30-2010, 09:25 AM

Did I post the review I found of a comparison between Sprint 4G and T-Mobile HSPA+ in Philly (the first place to have both)? Here's the link (http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=8641). Long story short, the T-Mobile HSPA+ tested out really well, better than the Sprint 4G at the time. T-Mobile was getting around 5 mbps downloads, and Sprint was getting around 1-2 mbps.

civil

04-30-2010, 09:33 AM

Man, I did a lot of looking up T-Mobile experiences in NYC yesterday and for the most part it was rated fair to middling (http://www.cellreception.com/coverage/ny/new-york/page1.html) among the major carriers.

And I stumbled across this (http://ask.metafilter.com/150292/In-general-how-good-is-TMobiles-reception#2153186) but haven't yet researched the "truthiness" of it:

FYI, in cities with tall buildings, CDMA has better building penetration than GSM, so AT&T and T-Mobile won't be as good, but on the other hand, you can't use your phone internationally unless you have a GSM phone, so there's a tradeoff.

Adam Blue

04-30-2010, 09:34 AM

Yeah, but even in the article they explain how the equipment is still in its early phases, both being rolled out in different ways which makes initial impressions not final.

EDIT: Civil, yeah CDMA does have better penetration, but GSM phones in the end are better for travelling. Though, there are a handful of CDMA world phones, you'd just have to research. I know in Brazil my Hero worked fine everywhere I went.

benson

04-30-2010, 12:50 PM

Yeah, I should have clarified a little more that it was an early comparison, and really, they all will be for a while. Sprint 4G has awesome theoretical bandwidth, something like 100 mbps speeds.

Also, I have heard that CDMA does work better in buildings. But yeah, GSM is better for traveling, by far. CDMA only works here, you'd have to get one of the few traveling world phones, which just add a GSM radio. That is one of the reasons that I went to T-Mobile from Sprint, along with the fact that I got no Sprint service in my house. I had to go outside to answer the phone or make calls.

NoName

04-30-2010, 01:03 PM

If you still have a G1, it looks like Cyanogen released CyanogenMod 5 for the Dream/Magic (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=672992)!!

It's the first 2.1 build for the G1 that I've seen with almost everything working, including video. I can't wait to get home and flash this!

NoName

04-30-2010, 04:47 PM

Wow, CM5 on the G1 is incredibly fast. Much faster than anything that's been released before.

The apps2sd isn't automatic anymore, it requires turning on a setting under Applications and then a reboot.

Also, it appears there's something in this initial build that's draining the battery faster than normal but it's getting looked into. Overall I'm estatic to have a fully functional 2.1 build on my G1. :D

Banacek

04-30-2010, 04:49 PM

J Arcane

04-30-2010, 05:16 PM

If the next version fixes the battery, I might just be convinced to hold out on the N1 and root the phone. I gave up on it previously because I was only doing it to try and get around the SIM lock, but now that I've got a proper phone it'll be easier.

I'm gonna have to do a factory reset at least to fix the Market anyway.

Zagrash

04-30-2010, 06:29 PM

oh yes, once they fix the G1 battery issue (and maybe release a stable version) I'll be flashing this at once!

Perfect timing too, because Twitter just released an official app, but it's for 2.1 only right now

http://androidandme.com/2010/04/news/official-twitter-for-android-now-available/

Wow, CM5 on the G1 is incredibly fast. Much faster than anything that's been released before.

The apps2sd isn't automatic anymore, it requires turning on a setting under Applications and then a reboot.

Also, it appears there's something in this initial build that's draining the battery faster than normal but it's getting looked into. Overall I'm estatic to have a fully functional 2.1 build on my G1. :D

NoName

04-30-2010, 07:40 PM

Damn you for tempting me. I can only hope the Bluetooth works better on the G1 with this build. So tired of it randomly working.

Well, it paired with my car fine. I'll have to test some calls tomorrow, flaky bluetooth always annoyed me with OE.

But if cyanogen managed to get video working I have hope. :)

Sent from my HTC Dream using Tapatalk

J Arcane

04-30-2010, 07:44 PM

Is the software keyboard any better on the Nexus One than the G1?

NoName

04-30-2010, 07:56 PM

Is the software keyboard any better on the Nexus One than the G1?

Get the apk for the HTC_IME keyboard, its a ton better than the standard keyboard. :)

Sent from my HTC Dream using Tapatalk

NoName

04-30-2010, 08:01 PM

oh yes, once they fix the G1 battery issue (and maybe release a stable version) I'll be flashing this at once!

Perfect timing too, because Twitter just released an official app, but it's for 2.1 only right now

Sorry for the double post, tapatalk needs multiquote support.

I d/led the new twitter app. It's about the same as twitteroid. Though if you idle on the home screen it actually tweets...

I also learned from cyanogen's tweats that the battery issue is limited to the G1, he's trying to determine the cause. There's also been over 20k downloads already! o_0

Sent from my HTC Dream using Tapatalk

benson

05-03-2010, 09:12 AM

Is the software keyboard any better on the Nexus One than the G1?

I think the N1 software keyboard works fine, but that is probably partly due to the larger screen. I'm personally not a fan of the HTC keyboards, I like the standard Android one.

J Arcane

05-03-2010, 09:33 AM

I done rooted my phone.

Thanks to that Market bug, I needed to do a factory reset anyway, so I figured, what the hell, I'll try the Cyanogen thingy. I figured if I could get Apps2SD working I wouldn't have to worry about it happening again, since the bug is apparently caused by letting your phone get under 20MB of free space.

Unfortunately, my SD card's only a Class 4, and no where around here seems to sell a MicroSD in anything faster, so I'm boned on that. But the UI changes are interesting, and the extra panes are nice. I could potentially have a whole seperate pane just for my emulators now.

NoName

05-03-2010, 10:57 AM

As for the battery drain issue, there's a work around until Cyanogen fixes the bug.

First turn off the battery percent display in spare parts. That makes the battery life feasible again.

People are also saying that the battery recalibration (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php/Troubleshooting) helps, I'm just now trying that out.

J Arcane

05-03-2010, 10:59 AM

I'm still running Cyanogen 4, let me know when the battery issue is straightened out, I'll give 2.1 a try once I get a new card.

Is Apps2SD support built in on Cyanogen 5?

Serapth

05-03-2010, 11:50 AM

Can any phone be upgraded to 2.1? Sony is being bloody slow to upgrade ( Sept ). Will I still have full functionality?

J Arcane

05-03-2010, 12:13 PM

Most every phone on the market right now is capable of running 2.1.

The G1 is a special case though, as while it can run it, it has a space issue with the ROM, so it has to be cut down from the stock ROM.

Voodoo

05-03-2010, 12:29 PM

@Serapth You may go straight to FroYo or Gingerbread.

NoName

05-03-2010, 02:10 PM

Is Apps2SD support built in on Cyanogen 5?

Yes, it's build into Android itself now, it's really slick! It's off by default, you have to turn it on in the app settings. If it's on then items install to the SD card automatically.

The really cool thing now it's build into Android is that you can have some apps in internal memory and some on the SD card. So I moved the apps I use most often to internal memory and all my extra apps on SD.

I also just read a long informative post going over the pros/cons of using swap. I'm now using 32mb of swap with a swappiness of 20 (plus autokiller to limit how much is running at once) and my phone (G1) has sped up quite a bit.

It's been awhile since I was this excited about my phone. :D

Serapth

05-04-2010, 12:07 PM

Something about my phone HATES switching between Wifi and 3G. I have no idea why, but it just stops retrieving mail. Oh, and GMail does some seriously strange things to HTML mail. By the way, is there a way to turn off that horrible threading GMail does ( not specifically an android problem ) as its fucking irritating.

Also, is there a way to tell Android to always download images/full email messages? I hate both of these features too.

Another odd thing ive noticed, my 3G speeds are WAYYYYYYYYYY faster than on my iPhone. This really doesn't make sense, but its completely true.

Finally, why does the phone charge SOOOOOOO slowly. I like the battery life, but recharging takes about half hour for 15%, so 4 or 5 hours for a full charge! My iPhone would fully charge in about 17 seconds.

J Arcane

05-04-2010, 06:16 PM

My phone is like, completely borked.

Rooting did not go well. It was fine the first day, but it just gets worse and worse. I'm gonna flash back to stock, and maybe put in an order for a Nexus One.

I'm tired of how underpowered this phone is, and rooting only makes it worse, not better, and more buggy to boot.

Mike Kelehan

05-04-2010, 11:18 PM

Finally, why does the phone charge SOOOOOOO slowly. I like the battery life, but recharging takes about half hour for 15%, so 4 or 5 hours for a full charge! My iPhone would fully charge in about 17 seconds.

So... charge it while you sleep? I've been extremely impressed at how quickly it charges when plugged into the wall. Over USB, of course, is a different story. It's a big battery.

J Arcane

05-04-2010, 11:21 PM

USB charge on Android phones seems to be universally rubbish from what I understand.

Wall charge is great though.

Serapth

05-05-2010, 07:44 AM

I am charging it overnight, but even plugged into the wall, it takes a number of hours to charge completely. Some days I am such a power user of my phone I like to do a recharge in mid day. Used to be able to do that with the iPhone, not so much the Xperia.

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 07:46 AM

Hmm. Maybe the Xperia charger just sucks. How big is the battery?

Also, I ordered a Nexus One last night. I really hope this sucker's worth it.

civil

05-05-2010, 08:05 AM

J, what phone were you using again? Before the N1.

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 08:08 AM

J, what phone were you using again? Before the N1.
I've got a G1.

It's a good phone, but more and more it just seems like it's straining to make up for it's own underpowered hardware. I think my recent problems with rooting are probably as much that as they are bugginess in the software.

So, in frustration, I caved, and for lack of a decent keyboarded phone, I went for the Nexus, figuring if I don't like it, after market value on these things right now is within just a few dollars of new, so why worry?

civil

05-05-2010, 08:13 AM

Ah. For some reason I thought you had a Motorola Droid, and since there's a small chance I may get one from work you had me worried.

If it weren't for moving to NYC, I'd be all over an N1 myself.

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 08:35 AM

Nah, can't get a Droid because I can't get one that runs on T-Mobile, not here in the States anyway. There's the Milestone, but from what I can tell that's not available here.

Plus, I got hands on a Droid recently in a store, and was rather unimpressed with the keyboard.

benson

05-05-2010, 09:28 AM

I love the N1. I did the same thing as you J, went from the G1 to the N1. The G1 was lagging and slow, and I just felt I was ready for an upgrade. I went N1 because it is fast, nice, and a huge benefit (to me anyway) is it should continue being the first phone updated being the "official" Google phone. Yeah, there is no hardware keyboard, but the software one is plenty good. The larger screen definitely helps. Plus, you can always download different ones if you don't like the Android keyboard. Personally, I think the Android one is good.

Anyway, the N1 is a great phone, I'm sure you'll like it. Did you pay full price, or get it subsidized?

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 09:36 AM

My biggest complaint with the Android keyboard on G1, was just that the keys in vertical orientation were too narrow, and it made it very hard not to hit the surrounding buttons. It was fine in landscape, where the keys were nice and generously spaced.

And I paid full price. My finances on student moneys just aren't predictable enough to want a contract. $530 is a steep price, but it affords considerable piece of mind, and I don't foresee the N1 hardware falling behind any time soon.

benson

05-05-2010, 09:49 AM

Yeah, that is very true of the Android keyboard on the G1, the screen was very narrow. I have found that the keyboard on the N1 is pretty decent in vertical orientation, though for typing anything more than websites and other small things I'll rotate to landscape.

I also agree that the full price is very expensive, but I liked not renewing my contract and that I am sure that reselling the phone would recoup most of that if I were to switch carriers or something. Though that is not likely either as I don't want to enter a new contract with another carrier either.

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 10:23 AM

Yeah, used N1s are going for as much as the new ones, and even more at times (which is pure stupidity, but hey, if it makes me the bread . . .), so I'm not too worried as to course of action if I don't like it. I'll just hang onto my G1 until I'm sure I like the new phone.

Serapth

05-05-2010, 02:38 PM

Hmm. Maybe the Xperia charger just sucks. How big is the battery?

Also, I ordered a Nexus One last night. I really hope this sucker's worth it.

1500nha

I hate that fucking tagline from taatalk. I would return it if i knew it couldn't be globally disabled.
Sent from my X10a using Tapatalk

NoName

05-05-2010, 02:48 PM

1500nha

I hate that fucking tagline from taatalk. I would return it if i knew it couldn't be globally disabled.
Sent from my X10a using Tapatalk

But it can be disabled. Open Tapatalk, click menu > Settings. Tapatalk Signature > None.

benson

05-05-2010, 02:48 PM

NoName

05-05-2010, 02:52 PM

So I am seeing more people using Tapatalk now. I downloaded it and kind of used it briefly. But don't you have to pay to reply to posts? Isn't it easier then to just use the browser and post through there? Just checking.

I find browsing the forum and posting is a lot faster using Tapatalk. It doesn't try to load everything like it would if you view from a browser and it's automatically formatted perfectly for your phone. Viewing images that have been posted work really well too.

If you don't find the demo faster or more convenient that just using the browser than the paid version isn't worth it.

benson

05-05-2010, 02:58 PM

I find browsing the forum and posting is a lot faster using Tapatalk. It doesn't try to load everything like it would if you view from a browser and it's automatically formatted perfectly for your phone. Viewing images that have been posted work really well too.

If you don't find the demo faster or more convenient that just using the browser than the paid version isn't worth it.

That's a good point, that it could load faster and it is formatted to your phone. When using the browser, you have to zoom in to get it even worthwhile.

Really, that's why I was asking why people are using it, to see if I'm missing something in my brief use of it. I'll play around with it some more and see how I like it. Thanks for the quick response!

Serapth

05-05-2010, 03:00 PM

Excellent thank you! Had to be at the very first screen to get the menu. Plus now 50 posts per page.

I notice with the soft keyboard it does a lousy job with the edge keys like p and q. It shows them being pressed but the keystroke never renders.

1500nha

I hate that fucking tagline from taatalk. I would return it if i knew it couldn't be globally disabled.
Sent from my X10a using Tapatalk

But it can be disabled. Open Tapatalk, click menu > Settings. Tapatalk Signature > None.

Adam Blue

05-05-2010, 03:03 PM

The Evo will act as a 4G router, allowing up to 8 devices at once. This is pretty fucking awesome.

benson

05-05-2010, 03:13 PM

The Evo will act as a 4G router, allowing up to 8 devices at once. This is pretty fucking awesome.

That is awesome. As long as the 4G service is decent (which I hope is the case). The HTC HD2 does that too, but I think it is limited to 4 or 5 devices at once if I remember right.

Speaking of 4G service, this morning Engadget posted that T-Mobile has been in talks with a LTE equipment manufacturer. If true, and T-Mobile goes that route, LTE would be the dominant tech in 4G for North America. Not that it wasn't going to be anyway with Verizon and AT&T already choosing it, but every little bit helps...

Mike Kelehan

05-05-2010, 03:28 PM

The Evo will act as a 4G router, allowing up to 8 devices at once. This is pretty fucking awesome.

Hmm... is it possible for there to be an app for standard Android phones that will do this?

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 04:28 PM

Hmm... is it possible for there to be an app for standard Android phones that will do this?
Actually, I've seen apps for Android on the market that do precisely that, using the wi-fi and data connection in tandem to turn your phone into a hotspot.

However, if your provider has a policy against tethering you might find yourself in trouble.

Mike Kelehan

05-05-2010, 04:32 PM

Actually, I've seen apps for Android on the market that do precisely that, using the wi-fi and data connection in tandem to turn your phone into a hotspot.

However, if your provider has a policy against tethering you might find yourself in trouble.

I haven't seen them. What are their names? I'd love to give it a try.

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 04:33 PM

I haven't seen them. What are their names? I'd love to give it a try.
To be honest, I can't remember. I just know I ran into at least one on the market while looking for a wi-fi toggle button I think it was.

But I'm pretty sure such a thing exists.

Serapth

05-05-2010, 04:43 PM

Wait a minute, androids can act as a wifi receiver??

J Arcane

05-05-2010, 04:45 PM

Wait a minute, androids can act as a wifi receiver??
To the best of my knowledge, yes.

Adam Blue

05-05-2010, 04:57 PM

I currently use PDAnet. You have to pay to access the full internet though. Though, I think it only does Bluetooth or USB. I know my N95 did wifi, but that's not too common. I know with the Sprint 4G data you can surf unlimited. Though, people go past the 3G's 5GB limit on their smart phones (up to 40GB) and Sprint hasn't done anything yet.

NoName

05-05-2010, 05:02 PM

I haven't seen them. What are their names? I'd love to give it a try.

You guys need to also read the android app thread. ;)

The de facto standard has been Wireless tether for Root (http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/) but this is not on the market (afaik), you have to download the APK from the projects google source page.

I've been trying out Barnacle Wifi Tether (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.net-szym-barnacle-Ajji.aspx) from the market and it's worked great so far.

The ability to turn my phone into a mobile hot spot has been useful on many occasions, especially when traveling.