Languish.org

General Category => Off the Record => Computer Affairs => Topic started by: derspiess on March 06, 2011, 11:44:43 PM

Title: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on March 06, 2011, 11:44:43 PM
Hard to believe we didn't have an Android thread in May 2010.  I guess in those days I was content to threadcrap on the Apple thread.

Anywho, I bought the wife a Nook Color for her birthday.  Was on the fence about it but B&N's $50 off coupon on ebay made it an easier decision.  Came out to $212.xx shipped after tax.  It runs on a locked down version of Android 2.1, but after rooting it I got the Android Marketplace and all the other Google apps.  With an 800mhz processor and a 7" 16:9 screen it ends up being a nice cheap Android tablet.

If it were for me I'd wipe the ROM & install Cyanogen on it (or that beta Android 3.0 ROM some dude came up with), but the wife likes the proprietary Nook e-reader interface.  I also installed the Kindle app on it, so she gets the best of both worlds.

The only mistake I made was installing Angry Birds on it, which makes it a lot more difficult to keep out of my 3-year old's hands.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on November 17, 2011, 03:06:17 PM
I played with a friend's Kindle Fire today. That motherfucker is FAST. The tablet too.

No review to follow. Bite me.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 18, 2011, 10:58:54 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on November 17, 2011, 03:06:17 PM
I played with a friend's Kindle Fire today. That motherfucker is FAST. The tablet too.

No review to follow. Bite me.

I have yet to get my hands on one.  Was it the web browsing that's fast, or other stuff?  The Engadget review said it was sluggish switching between apps & whatnot, which is kind of surprising given that it has dual-core processors (supposedly it's either the relatively meager 512mb RAM or Amazon's proprietary UI that slows things down).

I would imagine web-browsing is fast as hell, given how the web-browser offloads a lot of the heavy lifting to some supercomputer back at Amazon.

Everyone in my office either has one, has one on order, or wants to order one.  I'd like to have one, but for now I can get by using the wife's rooted Nook Color running Cyanogenmod.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on November 18, 2011, 12:27:01 PM
Web browser, netfux and the music was fine. Didn't play with it that much.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 18, 2011, 02:27:23 PM
When they first announced the Fire, I told myself I would definitely buy one.  A $200 Android tablet with those specs is almost a no-brainer.

But I would be forced to either play completely within Amazon's walled garden (the device is pretty heavily locked down  for any apps or content that did not originate from Amazon) or root the device & have a decent cheap tablet with limited onboard storage & lacking some key features such as expandable storage, front-facing camera (there's no camera whatsoever but I would probably only ever use a front-facing camera on a tablet), HDMI output, and bluetooth.

It seems that Amazon (smartly) designed the device so that it's sorta crippled if you root it & use it outside their ecosystem.  They want you to stream your audio & video content from Amazon, not get it elsewhere & store it on the device-- so they limited the onboard storage and omitted any option for expandable storage. 

That being said, I do have a large portion of my music collection uploaded to Amazon's cloud service, and their app store selection ain't too bad (the one free paid app each day is pretty awesome).  If I could get myself to pony up the $80 or whatever for Amazon Prime (which would get me access to their streaming video library), paying the additional $200 probably would be a no-brainer.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 19, 2011, 03:42:31 PM
I was playing with my droid at the car dealership earlier and thought "it'd be cool to have like a ScummVM for this so I could play classic adventure games on it."
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on November 19, 2011, 09:56:48 PM
Word.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Scipio on November 20, 2011, 07:55:07 AM
Nook Tablet looks promising.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 20, 2011, 12:53:59 PM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on November 19, 2011, 09:56:48 PM
Word.
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.scummvm.scummvm (https://market.android.com/details?id=org.scummvm.scummvm) :cool:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 29, 2011, 02:20:52 PM
My brother got me one of these monstrosities for Christmas:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogcdn.com%2Fwww.engadget.com%2Fmedia%2F2010%2F10%2Fpocketedgelead.jpg&hash=8070e3eabebdf1f13e0b2b0fb443010b0963d474)

The e-ink display is small & has the slowest refresh I've ever seen, and the LCD is a resistive touchscreen, which makes it painful to use if you're accustomed to capacitive.  The company went under this year, so there's no support and it comes with only Android 1.6. 

But it's been a fun device to play around with.  The official beta (which is very stable for a beta) Android 2.2/Froyo is out there to be downloaded, so I installed that.  Also rooted the device & installed Google apps as well as the Amazon app store for the hell of it. 

It surprisingly has a 1.2GHz processor, though I suspect it is underclocked.  Overall build quality is good.  The 7" lcd display is decent-- good for movies, pictures, etc.  But the resistive touchscreen is what holds the device back.  If you don't use the stylus,  you pretty much have to use your fingernail.  Typing anything is painful, stylus or not.  One feature that helps with navigation when I remember it's there is the small trackpad/button.

Have not played around with the e-reader function much-- it choked on a pdf of the device's user manual so that's not a good sign.

Overall it's a fun device to mess around with-- miles away from an iPad or Galaxy tab, though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on December 29, 2011, 06:39:37 PM
Didn't the company that make those go under? I remember when those were on the shopping channels. OMG! TABLET! 300 DOLLARS!
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on December 30, 2011, 02:30:36 AM
I like when Ed establishes that he reads as much as Tim does. :P
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on December 30, 2011, 03:17:07 PM
Quote from: garbon on December 30, 2011, 02:30:36 AM
I like when Ed establishes that he reads as much as Tim does. :P

:lol:

I'm only semi conscious.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Tonitrus on January 02, 2012, 11:51:26 PM
Blah, my old iPhone 3G is definitely due for replacement, and I was all prepared to get a 4S...but now I flip-flopping on getting a Galaxy II S Skyrocket instead, and trying out Android. :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on January 03, 2012, 08:01:42 AM
I'm much happier with my SG2 than I was with the iPhone4.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Lucidor on January 03, 2012, 10:34:23 AM
The screen for the Galaxy S 2 is wonderful.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 05, 2012, 10:52:26 AM
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 29, 2011, 06:39:37 PM
Didn't the company that make those go under? I remember when those were on the shopping channels. OMG! TABLET! 300 DOLLARS!

Oh, yeah.  This was a Woot special.  Original MSRP on these things was like $399 I think.  Woot had 'em for $80 in September :lol:

If I could get Netflix to work on it, it could be a nice ersatz video player.  But I still stumble with the damned touchscreen.  Resistive touchscreens are teh devil!!!
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Tonitrus on January 09, 2012, 10:49:52 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on January 02, 2012, 11:51:26 PM
Blah, my old iPhone 3G is definitely due for replacement, and I was all prepared to get a 4S...but now I flip-flopping on getting a Galaxy II S Skyrocket instead, and trying out Android. :hmm:

Now I am looking at Windows phones.

I am: indecisive.

The worst part is, the first thing that got me started looking at Windows phones is that it is the only mobile platform with a decent looking Star Trek LCARS theme.*  :nerd: :nerd: :nerd:





*so I probably won't actually get one.



Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on January 13, 2012, 04:31:05 PM
Is your avatar from the CoDominion?
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 30, 2011, 03:17:07 PM
Quote from: garbon on December 30, 2011, 02:30:36 AM
I like when Ed establishes that he reads as much as Tim does. :P

:lol:

I'm only semi conscious.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on January 14, 2012, 04:26:03 PM
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on January 13, 2012, 04:31:05 PM
Is your avatar from the CoDominion?
Quote from: Ed Anger on December 30, 2011, 03:17:07 PM
Quote from: garbon on December 30, 2011, 02:30:36 AM
I like when Ed establishes that he reads as much as Tim does. :P

:lol:

I'm only semi conscious.

It was.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on January 14, 2012, 10:13:21 PM
Bitchin.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on January 17, 2012, 08:24:23 PM
Work got me a Razr.  It seems cool so far.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on January 19, 2012, 01:58:23 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on January 09, 2012, 10:49:52 PM
Now I am looking at Windows phones.

I love my Windows phone, but I sure don't like Sprint's complete lack of committment to the platform. If you're not on AT&T, don't bother with a Windows phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 19, 2012, 04:49:33 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on January 19, 2012, 01:58:23 PM
Quote from: Tonitrus on January 09, 2012, 10:49:52 PM
Now I am looking at Windows phones.

I love my Windows phone, but I sure don't like Sprint's complete lack of committment to the platform. If you're not on AT&T, don't bother with a Windows phone.

That is pretty puzzling.  Their excuse is that there is a lack of enthusiasm & buzz about WP7, but part of the carrier's role is to help build that.  From what I've gathered, Sprint is making little effort to even train its staff on WP7 basics. 

Conversely, they promoted the hell out of the Palm Pre when it came out and continued to try to push it even when it was starting to look like WebOS might not survive. 

The difference there was that they had an exclusive deal to sell the Pre for several months.  I have a feeling they're trying to spite MS for giving Verizon the initial leg up on WP7 phones.

That N900 running WP7 that Nokia unveiled last week looks like a pretty kickass phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: sbr on January 22, 2012, 05:55:54 PM
Is there any way to rename folders on the home screen?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 24, 2012, 11:26:09 AM
Quote from: sbr on January 22, 2012, 05:55:54 PM
Is there any way to rename folders on the home screen?

I think you need an app to do that unless you're rooted & on a custom ROM that allows it by default.  Any Cut seems to be the most popular option as far as apps go.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on April 17, 2012, 01:20:13 AM
Hey I just put Honeycomb 3.0 on my Nook Color as a little experiment (I hadn't done much with it since the previous version I had on there had been messed up by Nook updates).  Pretty slick.  It looks like the dude isn't updating it anymore though, since its been a 0.4 for a while now.

I might drop it back down to 2.3, since that one is actually finished. E:  Although there is an experimental ICS build available too.  :hmm:  I've never messed around with that version of android.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on April 17, 2012, 09:30:05 AM
You might want to check this out: http://forums.androidcentral.com/barnes-noble-nook-color/150017-roms-new-dualboot-mirage-cm7-ics-cm9-image-sdcard-1-19-a.html

I got a nook tablet (8g) for my wife for her birthday, and have CM7 booting off the 16g sd card we just picked up from staples for $19.  She is much happier now that she can access full 'Google Play' market, and the whole tablet seems snappier...
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on April 18, 2012, 12:18:47 AM
Thanks, man.  I started to do that, but ended up just putting one of the CM9 dailies (one from today) on there by itself instead.  It seems pretty great so far, especially with the CPU max speed turned up to 1.1ghz instead of the regular 800mhz. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Zanza on April 25, 2012, 01:38:03 AM
Has someone updated their Galaxy S2 to Android 4 already?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Valdemar on April 30, 2012, 03:29:00 AM
My son got a Galaxy Nexus with 4.0 from the start, he seems content, but his poor dadday is confused :D

V
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Zanza on May 11, 2012, 02:47:35 AM
I dropped my Galaxy S2 and the display broke. :(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on May 14, 2012, 04:47:08 AM
My problem with my android is the GPS is unreliable as sin. Wonder if theres a cheat to get it to work more regularly.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on May 14, 2012, 11:16:05 AM
Quote from: Tyr on May 14, 2012, 04:47:08 AM
My problem with my android is the GPS is unreliable as sin. Wonder if theres a cheat to get it to work more regularly.

Off and on or inaccurate?  Without more information, it sounds like a hardware issue (not all GPS receivers are created equal).  What phone do you have?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on May 15, 2012, 07:26:06 AM
Not sure of the model but some sort of waterproof Toshiba regza thing.

Accuracy is usually great when it does work. Sometimes though it just won't click initially. I turn on GPS then open the map app but it won't latch onto my current location. Nothing to do with tall buildings either, sometimes it works fine in the middle of Tokyo, other times up at the top of a mountain in the countryside it fails.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on July 30, 2012, 03:19:12 AM
Since the last update I can't connect via USB and the battery life has been dreadful. Anyone else experienced this and have a easy and fast solution? :P
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on July 30, 2012, 07:24:57 AM
Battery problems seem to have been fixed by a factory reset, USB port was defective and is now sent to repair. I'm going to be without a smartphone for 1-4 weeks, I don't know how I'll survive. :unsure:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 07, 2012, 11:28:06 AM
Bought and EVO 4G LTE, which ironically means I'm giving up 4G for a while until Sprint rolls out their LTE network.  I miss my WiMAX 4G already.

But a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor, Ice Cream Sandwich, and a 720p display make up for it :)

I had it rooted until I stupidly installed the update to 4.0.3.  At least Google Wallet works now.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on August 09, 2012, 04:05:26 AM
Quote from: Liep on July 30, 2012, 07:24:57 AM
Battery problems seem to have been fixed by a factory reset, USB port was defective and is now sent to repair. I'm going to be without a smartphone for 1-4 weeks, I don't know how I'll survive. :unsure:

I survived. The only thing I really missed was the 32gb of music storage, as I had to make due with my old 2gb ZEN player. Am I cured from the smartphone addiction?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 09, 2012, 09:20:02 AM
Quote from: Liep on August 09, 2012, 04:05:26 AM
Quote from: Liep on July 30, 2012, 07:24:57 AM
Battery problems seem to have been fixed by a factory reset, USB port was defective and is now sent to repair. I'm going to be without a smartphone for 1-4 weeks, I don't know how I'll survive. :unsure:

I survived. The only thing I really missed was the 32gb of music storage, as I had to make due with my old 2gb ZEN player. Am I cured from the smartphone addiction?

No, it will come back.  You're just in remission :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 09, 2012, 08:55:20 PM
Wife got me a Kindle Fire as an early birthday present.  My inclination is usually to root these things and install a custom ROM as early as possible, but I might keep this as is.  The silk browser is fast as hell.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on August 11, 2012, 02:59:34 AM
Hey Spiess, have you gotten your hands on one of the new Nexus 7 tablets yet? 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 14, 2012, 08:16:16 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on August 11, 2012, 02:59:34 AM
Hey Spiess, have you gotten your hands on one of the new Nexus 7 tablets yet? 

Was going to buy one until I ended up with the Kindle Fire.  But it looks like the best tablet deal out there.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 28, 2012, 01:13:33 PM
So my EVO 4G LTE experienced some irregularities this morning, and although I've rooted it and put it through all sorts of torture I don't think it's actually my fault.  Instead of the lock screen, when I push the power button I get what's best described as a still-shot of the "snow" you used to get on analog TV when it wasn't tuned to an active channel.  It will eventually get you to the 'normal' screen but you can tell the colors are washed out and it's nowehere near as responsive as it should be.  It's obviously either a problem with the display itself or with the GPU.  And it goes far beyond the custom ROM I was using since the display problems happen when you're in the bootloader, recovery, etc.  I've only had the phone since early August, so it's going back to Sprint for a replacement.

Only problem was that I had unlocked the bootloader and rooted the phone, so on the bootloader screen it said "Unlocked" and "Tampered".  Or at least it would if you were able to see the bootloader screen, which you couldn't.  But I'm sure they have other ways of finding out.  They obviously won't honor the warranty if you've done that, so I had to run a terminal command to relock the bootloader and then I downloaded the RUU to write a clean, honest factory image back to the phone.

That was all probably the easy part.  Now I need to go to the Sprint store and try to get a quick replacement.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 28, 2012, 04:14:29 PM
Well I took my phone in and through an odd series of events I walked out with a Samsung Galaxy S III.  I would have had to wait about 2 days for a replacement for the same model to arrive.  I'm losing the Google Wallet functionality but getting twice the RAM.  The AMOLED screen is a lot better than on the first Galaxy model, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 30, 2012, 03:46:51 PM
Well it looks like the GSIII supports Google Wallet with its NFC chip, so I'm not losing that.  And I'm gaining what is for me a huge plus: a user-replaceable battery.  I also like the look of the AMOLED screen, even if it appears overly saturated with blue.

Just wish it had a kickstand :mellow:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 04, 2012, 09:16:43 PM
Okay, Samsung's default keyboard sucks major ass.  Thankfully Swype is also installed.  Works great even without using the swipe feature.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 05, 2012, 03:32:40 AM
As for keyboards Swiftkey 3 is very, very good.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 05, 2012, 10:33:56 AM
Quote from: Liep on December 05, 2012, 03:32:40 AM
As for keyboards Swiftkey 3 is very, very good.

I had been using HTC's Sense keyboard for like 4 years, so I had gotten accustomed to that.  Might give Swiftkey a try if I sour on Swype.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 11, 2012, 05:06:51 AM
The battery life of my Samsung has declined to only lasting four to five hours on each recharge with moderate use. Time to change it or did they come with a new software update that fucked up everything like earlier this year?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 11, 2012, 05:07:41 AM
It lost five procent while writing that message. :lol:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 11, 2012, 02:44:42 PM
Quote from: Liep on December 11, 2012, 05:06:51 AM
The battery life of my Samsung has declined to only lasting four to five hours on each recharge with moderate use. Time to change it or did they come with a new software update that fucked up everything like earlier this year?

Change it if you can find a cheap replacement.  I haven't checked yet for my Galaxy S III, but it seems like I can often avoid the huge retail markup and get OEM batteries for like $10 or less a pop on ebay.  With my old HTC EVO I used to get 2 generic batteries plus a charger for $11.  The batteries were great starting out but started to wear out after a few months-- still well worth what I paid.

Also double-check your settings.  Turning down your screen brightness can save a lot of battery life. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 11, 2012, 02:51:06 PM
Quote from: derspiess on December 05, 2012, 10:33:56 AM
Quote from: Liep on December 05, 2012, 03:32:40 AM
As for keyboards Swiftkey 3 is very, very good.

I had been using HTC's Sense keyboard for like 4 years, so I had gotten accustomed to that.  Might give Swiftkey a try if I sour on Swype.

So I was installing some apps from Amazon's app store and realized I had apparently bought Swiftkey 3 from them several months ago.  Downloading it now :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 18, 2012, 10:32:52 AM
Wasn't the battery, at least the new battery is equally horrible. I guess I have to turn it in for repairs, again. :(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 18, 2012, 04:40:25 PM
That sucks.  Is it still under warranty?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 18, 2012, 05:31:37 PM
Yeah, 2 years warranty and I've only had it for about a year and a half.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 19, 2012, 01:06:34 PM
Well at least you have that.  My brother's Galaxy S II only had a 1-year warranty and he had some sort of problem (forget exactly what) pop up after it expired and he's going to have to just live with it until he can get a new subsidized phone a few months from now.

I pay a monthly fee for a equipment protection plan on top of my warranty.  I've never had to use that, but I've found that Sprint tends to take my warranty more seriously when they find out I have the EPP.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on December 26, 2012, 08:02:50 PM
Acer supposedly has a 99 dollar android tablet warming up in the bullpen.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 27, 2012, 11:12:56 AM
Looks like the thumb-drive-sized Android devices are starting to mature, though there hasn't been a "brand name" version on the market yet.  I'm getting tempted to pick up the MK802 III:

(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geeky-gadgets.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F10%2FMK802-III-.jpg&hash=81c0a10c9e05b7bf323d10fca2247ba33c293bd7)

Has a quad-core 1.6ghz processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB of flash memory, a micro SD slot, Wireless B/G/N, and a USB port.  Connects to a TV by HDMI and is powered by a separate micro-USB port.  So if your TV has a USB slot you can power it from the TV itself.  I think this one runs Android 4.1.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: sbr on December 27, 2012, 11:21:32 AM
What is the point of one of those?

To be clear this is an honest question.  I just woke up and haven't even made my first cup of tea so things are still a little fuzzy.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 27, 2012, 11:41:13 AM
Quote from: sbr on December 27, 2012, 11:21:32 AM
What is the point of one of those?

To be clear this is an honest question.  I just woke up and haven't even made my first cup of tea so things are still a little fuzzy.

For me it would be to tinker around with yet another Linux/Android-based device.

For most others it would be an easy, cheap, and zero-footprint solution for having Netflix and other apps on their TVs.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: sbr on December 27, 2012, 11:47:08 AM
I'm turning into my Mom.  I DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL THIS TECHNOLOGY STUFF.  WHY DOES THE TV NEED THE INTERNET??
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 04, 2013, 11:09:46 AM
Quote from: sbr on December 27, 2012, 11:47:08 AM
I'm turning into my Mom.  I DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL THIS TECHNOLOGY STUFF.  WHY DOES THE TV NEED THE INTERNET??

Well yeah you're both of my parents, actually.  They refuse to learn any of the smart tv functions on their Samsung TV because they just don't get it.  Dad would rather walk down to the basement and look up something on his computer when he can accomplish the same thing via an app with a couple button presses.

Anyway, it's not about "need" any more than I "need" all my other gadgets.  If I see something relatively cheap that can do something new, or do it in a different way, ME WANT.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 04, 2013, 11:14:00 AM
Anyway, after some struggling I set up VPN between my Galaxy S III and my home network.  Turns out I had the tools right in front of me all along.  Windows Home Server has a VPN server builit into it that you just need to do a few clicks to enable.  And my phone has a VPN client built into the Settings menu (along with a much more complicated stand-alone app).

So having accomplished that, I'm trying to figure out what I need to use VPN for :mellow:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on January 12, 2013, 12:19:52 AM
Just traded my old Atrix in for an LG Optimus G.

Whoa.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 12, 2013, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on January 12, 2013, 12:19:52 AM
Just traded my old Atrix in for an LG Optimus G.

Whoa.

Nice phone.  Does yours have Jelly Bean yet?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on January 12, 2013, 12:44:06 PM
Quote from: derspiess on January 12, 2013, 10:42:24 AM
Nice phone.  Does yours have Jelly Bean yet?

Not yet, no. I understand it has been released for certain versions though, so hopefully not much longer.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on January 14, 2013, 10:01:45 PM
Uh, yeah, I traded that LG in REAL FAST today after I set it down on my desk at work and the glass on the back all broke.  Seriously.  I set it down, and a couple seconds later, there was a pop and cracking sounds.  I looked, and the back was all cracked. 

I got the HTC One X+ instead.  Not quite as awesome, but this one won't shatter when I set it down, so...uh....that's nice.

E: The Beats Audio thing seems stupid though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 14, 2013, 11:02:40 PM
I liked my HTC EVO 4g LTE which is a lot like the One X. I sorta like my Galaxy S3 better but there were trade-offs.

The Beats Audio thing is kinda dumb. It definitely improves sound quality with it on, save but I suspect they just made it sound shittier without it on just to make that mode sound better by comparison. It's a stupid hyped up gimmick though. The way they advertise it you almost think you're getting the headphones included.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on January 16, 2013, 05:08:40 AM
My Samsung is finally coming back from repairs, seems they changed something called the mainboard. Hopefully it'll work so I can sell it on and get new gadget.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on January 16, 2013, 10:52:53 AM
Quote from: Liep on January 16, 2013, 05:08:40 AM
My Samsung is finally coming back from repairs, seems they changed something called the mainboard. Hopefully it'll work so I can sell it on and get new gadget.

That's the entire guts of the phone, including the onboard memory, processor, etc.  Surprised they didn't just give you a new phone. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on February 01, 2013, 07:21:55 PM
In May when I'm up for an upgrade, I'm trading in my iPhone 4S for a Samsung Galaxy Note II. I can't wait.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on February 06, 2013, 09:54:09 AM
Finally sold my GII. She didn't seem to be a tech genius and I didn't think to keep the manual, so I'm a little worried that giving her my mail address was a wrong move. Can I look forward to "how do I turn this thing on"-mails?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on February 06, 2013, 10:09:05 AM
Quote from: Liep on February 06, 2013, 09:54:09 AM
Finally sold my GII. She didn't seem to be a tech genius and I didn't think to keep the manual, so I'm a little worried that giving her my mail address was a wrong move. Can I look forward to "how do I turn this thing on"-mails?

Possibly.  Does anyone read those manuals?  Maybe you'll luck out & she'll be the type that only uses it as a phone and texting device, maybe with a little email sprinkled on top. 

But more importantly, what are you using now?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on February 06, 2013, 10:19:35 AM
I've jumped across to the dark white side of Apple. And I'm loving the iPhone 5.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on March 25, 2013, 06:56:24 PM
I got tired of how slow the rooted Nook was, and I had a Costco gift card (I guess they lowered the price on the TV I recently bought) + some of those AMEX gift cards from somewhere, so I went and picked up a Galaxy Tab 2 10.1.  Couldn't justify the extra $$ for the Note, since I'm only using it for light internet browsing and reading, etc, but hey it works really well for that and only cost me $160 out of pocket.   :) 

Is SwiftKey Tablet any good?  I have it for my phone, but I guess that version isn't optimized for tablets.  It does look kinda small.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 03, 2013, 01:39:40 AM
I am planning to buy a Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE (has physical keyboard) this month on eBay for my return to the States and the Sprint network. Hopefully, Sprint ramps up their expansion of 4G LTE and 3G improvements.

Unfortunately, there are no Sprint phones yet that support future LTE on the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands. It also sucks that Sprint+Verizon phones have no removable SIM cards for if I later work overseas.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on April 03, 2013, 09:52:37 AM
4G is such an enormous waste of battery life.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 03, 2013, 03:42:15 PM
My phone is hardly ever disconnected from a power source (usually have a charger in my car, in my pocket, etc), so battery life has never been an issue.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on April 03, 2013, 03:45:45 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 03, 2013, 01:39:40 AM
I am planning to buy a Motorola Photon Q 4G LTE (has physical keyboard) this month on eBay for my return to the States and the Sprint network. Hopefully, Sprint ramps up their expansion of 4G LTE and 3G improvements.

Unfortunately, there are no Sprint phones yet that support future LTE on the 800MHz and 2.6GHz bands. It also sucks that Sprint+Verizon phones have no removable SIM cards for if I later work overseas.

I was under the impression that a couple of Verizon's phones were hybrid GSM/TDMA for exactly that reason. :unsure:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on April 03, 2013, 06:18:49 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 03, 2013, 03:42:15 PM
My phone is hardly ever disconnected from a power source (usually have a charger in my car, in my pocket, etc), so battery life has never been an issue.

So it's a land line, then. :D
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 24, 2013, 02:10:25 PM
Got a Nexus 4 to replace my Liquid E. I've been told Android 4.x will blow my mind over 2.2, I have no doubt it will.

This being Canada, it of course came with a 2 year contract & 40$/month plan.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on April 24, 2013, 02:35:41 PM
4.x Android was better, but far from mind blowingly better.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 26, 2013, 11:58:14 AM
Quote from: Liep on April 24, 2013, 02:35:41 PM
4.x Android was better, but far from mind blowingly better.

You say that but You have no idea how crappy an Acer Liquid E is.

I thought I knew but I didn't, really didn't.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on April 29, 2013, 04:34:56 PM
I've been offered HTC One for free, are they good?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 30, 2013, 07:45:17 AM
Quote from: viper37 on April 29, 2013, 04:34:56 PM
I've been offered HTC One for free, are they good?
Headlines of reviews seem good.

I am waiting for a new high-end model that has physical keyboard and supports multiple bands of LTE.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: katmai on April 30, 2013, 09:40:26 AM
YEah i think it's getting better press than the Galaxy IV
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 01, 2013, 12:52:57 AM
Quote from: viper37 on April 29, 2013, 04:34:56 PM
I've been offered HTC One for free, are they good?

Some excellent reviews out there.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 13, 2013, 08:26:19 PM
Scratched my phone screen pretty good

:(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 13, 2013, 10:35:59 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 13, 2013, 08:26:19 PM
Scratched my phone screen pretty good

:(

How.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 14, 2013, 07:10:40 AM
I don't know, I suspect a small grain of sand in my pocket.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 14, 2013, 11:17:02 AM
My Galaxy did something I thought was really cool last week.  It was around 5:30 pm and it buzzed (I have it set to buzz in a heartbeat pattern for notifications).  I picked it up and the screen showed me a traffic map and said something like "Your commute home will take an estimated 46 minutes due to heavy traffic on KY-155".

:wub:

Mind you I've never actually told my phone where I work or where I live.... I don't think. :hmm: :ph34r:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on May 14, 2013, 11:25:35 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 14, 2013, 11:17:02 AM
My Galaxy did something I thought was really cool last week.  It was around 5:30 pm and it buzzed (I have it set to buzz in a heartbeat pattern for notifications).  I picked it up and the screen showed me a traffic map and said something like "Your commute home will take an estimated 46 minutes due to heavy traffic on KY-155".

:wub:

Mind you I've never actually told my phone where I work or where I live.... I don't think. :hmm: :ph34r:

That's Google Now in action.  It factors your current location and your location history.  We just got it on iOS, but it's restricted to bringing up "cards" while the Google search app is running.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 16, 2013, 01:20:49 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 30, 2013, 07:45:17 AM
Quote from: viper37 on April 29, 2013, 04:34:56 PM
I've been offered HTC One for free, are they good?
Headlines of reviews seem good.
I am waiting for a new high-end model that has physical keyboard and supports multiple bands of LTE.

Got it.  I got mistaken though, it was the One X they offered me for free, the One was 49$ after rebate.
Anyway, I got a few new phones, the HTC One and One X among others.  I kept the HTC One for myself :)

Still trying to figure how it works.  The HTC app for synchronizations says it sync everything, but then I don't see my image collection on my phone.  Weird.  ANyway, I'm installing a bunch of apps now.  Hopefully, there's a way to easily transfer that from one phone to the other.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 16, 2013, 01:34:04 PM
15 days until I can upgrade to the Galaxy Note II! :w00t:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 17, 2013, 12:49:23 PM
can you use more than one Google account to download apps?  I want to use Google Play store to put necessary apps on the phones, but if an employee wants some app for himself (I locked the internet connection out of their phones so they can only use wifi :) ), can he use his own Google account to add some more apps?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on May 18, 2013, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.

To not have to worry about employees going over the data cap, I'm guessing.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 18, 2013, 12:37:17 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on May 18, 2013, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.

To not have to worry about employees going over the data cap, I'm guessing.

Data caps sure make me glad I'm on Sprint.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Vricklund on May 18, 2013, 01:26:19 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on May 14, 2013, 11:25:35 AM
Quote from: Caliga on May 14, 2013, 11:17:02 AM
My Galaxy did something I thought was really cool last week.  It was around 5:30 pm and it buzzed (I have it set to buzz in a heartbeat pattern for notifications).  I picked it up and the screen showed me a traffic map and said something like "Your commute home will take an estimated 46 minutes due to heavy traffic on KY-155".

:wub:

Mind you I've never actually told my phone where I work or where I live.... I don't think. :hmm: :ph34r:

That's Google Now in action.  It factors your current location and your location history.  We just got it on iOS, but it's restricted to bringing up "cards" while the Google search app is running.
I wouldn't go :wub:, I would go :tinfoil:. To have something like that running by default is seriously f*cked up.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 18, 2013, 01:49:07 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 18, 2013, 12:37:17 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on May 18, 2013, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.

To not have to worry about employees going over the data cap, I'm guessing.

Data caps sure make me glad I'm on Sprint.

How is Sprint's 3G/4G in your area?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 18, 2013, 05:44:35 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on May 18, 2013, 01:49:07 PM
Quote from: fahdiz on May 18, 2013, 12:37:17 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on May 18, 2013, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.

To not have to worry about employees going over the data cap, I'm guessing.

Data caps sure make me glad I'm on Sprint.

How is Sprint's 3G/4G in your area?

3G is great, 4G is decent. I never use 4G anyway because it's a fucking battery hog.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 18, 2013, 05:47:27 PM
Beginning this summer, Sprint's 3G should get better at building penetration as the year progresses.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on May 18, 2013, 06:32:06 PM
Pretty harsh review of the S4:

QuoteIf the HTC One was a glimpse of Android's promising future of thoughtfully crafted hardware paired with elegantly designed software, the Samsung Galaxy S4 represents its poorly conceived and shoddily constructed past. Like countless Android handsets before it, the Galaxy S4 is spec and feature-rich, but limited by its cheap, flimsy hardware and unnecessarily bloated suite of proprietary software. It's not a bad phone — in fact, there's plenty to like — it simply lacks the level of polish and consideration found in a growing number of its competitors.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/17/samsung-galaxy-s4-review
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 18, 2013, 07:23:07 PM
Good. They should release a Galaxy S4 version with physical keyboard.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 21, 2013, 12:05:58 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on May 18, 2013, 11:07:26 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 17, 2013, 12:52:23 PM
You can use more then one account in Jelly Bean. Wasn't the case in ICS.

Why did you locked the Internet Connection? You are snipping away half the functionnality of having an Android phone.

To not have to worry about employees going over the data cap, I'm guessing.
Yes.  So they don't spend their days streaming music from an on-line site on my account. I only have 500mb a month.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 21, 2013, 12:16:02 PM
You need a better plan.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 23, 2013, 04:12:15 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 21, 2013, 12:16:02 PM
You need a better plan.
Sure.  It's already 55$/month with the data plan and I'm paying less than Bell's offer for SMBs.  Can't really have another provider, they're about the only two that will give me complete coverage everywhere I go.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 23, 2013, 05:56:54 PM
No Fido?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 28, 2013, 01:06:11 PM
similar coverage to Rogers, nothing beyond Rimouski, spotty reception as soon as you get some distance from the St-Lawrence, despite their claims.  So not acceptable.  Only Telus and Bell will cover my entire area.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 28, 2013, 01:42:53 PM
Virgin Mobile could have been a good option then.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on May 28, 2013, 01:53:02 PM
Quote from: Vricklund on May 18, 2013, 01:26:19 PM
I wouldn't go :wub:, I would go :tinfoil:. To have something like that running by default is seriously f*cked up.

Indeed.  When the iOS Google app updated to include Now, I had to turn it off because it forced my GPS on at all times.  As you can imagine, that was a battery-killer.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on May 29, 2013, 12:06:25 PM
So far I am loving the Galaxy S4.

The build qulality is much, much better than I expected given the reviews.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 29, 2013, 12:07:31 PM
I'm not sure why people automatically associate "light" and "plastic" with "cheap". Plastics can be pretty fucking durable.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 29, 2013, 12:12:48 PM
Quote from: Berkut on May 29, 2013, 12:06:25 PM
So far I am loving the Galaxy S4.

The build qulality is much, much better than I expected given the reviews.
+1
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on May 29, 2013, 12:16:37 PM
I'm getting my Galaxy Note 2 on Saturday :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 29, 2013, 03:52:37 PM
I am saving my upgrade for this fall when phones will hopefully start supporting multiple bands of LTE.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 29, 2013, 04:24:09 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on May 28, 2013, 01:42:53 PM
Virgin Mobile could have been a good option then.
no corporate account, no time shared between phones, no unlimited calls between same account.
Only the Platinum plan at 60$/month would be decent, wich is more than the 35$/month I pay with Telus.
Again, not an option.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 29, 2013, 04:47:21 PM
The 60$ plan under Or is better than the platinum one.

Cheap bastard.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 30, 2013, 10:52:23 AM
it seems great for individuals, but with Telus, I can pool my minutes.  If someone with 450 doesn't use it all, the others can use them.  Wich is practical.

Only thing missing is unlimited texts and more data.  But more data costs more.  I pay 35$/month per basic lines, I don,t like the idea of paying more just to use a few bytes of data.  So they use wi-fi when available. Wich isn't much for now, but I plan to extend my network to reach the warehouse, once I find how to do this for cheap.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on May 30, 2013, 11:43:05 AM
Powerline is the answer! Assuming your warehouse has electricity.

http://store.linksys.com/products/linksys-powerline_stcVVcatId554690VVviewcat.htm
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on May 31, 2013, 10:54:32 AM
yes, the warehouse has electricity, but I'm not sure I can extend it that far.

The way I see it, it works with the electical line of my home?  I link the first one with a cable, I plug it into the elctrical power line and the other one is plugged in another room to provide wireless access?

See, the warehouse is physically distant from my office where the router is.  It's another building entirely, I'd say... 300-400m apart, I think (and it's across the street).

What I might be able to do is use my father's internet connection, a range expander in one of the warehouses and another one in the other...  Can we chain link these devices or will I have no juice at all at the other end?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 31, 2013, 01:00:55 PM
Powerline :yuk:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 31, 2013, 01:01:39 PM
Berk, have you spent a lot of time figuring out what all the cool bundled features of the Galaxy S4 are?  I haven't done much playing around with mine yet.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on May 31, 2013, 02:07:32 PM
Not really. I mostly assumed that by definition anything bundled is NOT cool.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on June 02, 2013, 11:09:55 AM
I love this phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on July 17, 2013, 09:47:47 PM
I've had the Galaxy S III for almost 2 weeks now. Love it, great upgrade from my old first gen galaxy.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on July 20, 2013, 11:11:23 AM
Sprint is predicted to release phones this fall that will receive LTE on three frequencies (800, 1900, 2500). :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on July 28, 2013, 07:38:54 PM
Bought the second generation Nexus 7 and having it shipped to my sister so that we have better pics/video of the baby nephew. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on July 28, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
If you are in the sharing mood, I could send you pictures of my babies for a Nexus 7?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on July 28, 2013, 08:12:26 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 28, 2013, 07:54:18 PM
If you are in the sharing mood, I could send you pictures of my babies for a Nexus 7?
I doubt that they are as cute and powerful as my nephew.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on July 28, 2013, 10:16:21 PM
Oh, don't underestimate Quebec chicks.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on July 29, 2013, 09:56:07 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on July 17, 2013, 09:47:47 PM
I've had the Galaxy S III for almost 2 weeks now. Love it, great upgrade from my old first gen galaxy.

I like mine a lot.  I just wish Sprint would hurry up & roll out LTE here in Cincy so I can actually get 4G on it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on July 29, 2013, 09:57:30 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on July 28, 2013, 07:38:54 PM
Bought the second generation Nexus 7 and having it shipped to my sister so that we have better pics/video of the baby nephew. :)

I may get one of those this week.  Got a gift card I want to burn before I lose it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: katmai on July 29, 2013, 03:53:01 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 29, 2013, 09:56:07 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on July 17, 2013, 09:47:47 PM
I've had the Galaxy S III for almost 2 weeks now. Love it, great upgrade from my old first gen galaxy.

I like mine a lot.  I just wish Sprint would hurry up & roll out LTE here in Cincy so I can actually get 4G on it.

No LTE in Cincy yet?
I figured Anchorage getting it last fall was one of last cities to do so.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on July 29, 2013, 04:36:56 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 29, 2013, 09:56:07 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on July 17, 2013, 09:47:47 PM
I've had the Galaxy S III for almost 2 weeks now. Love it, great upgrade from my old first gen galaxy.

I like mine a lot.  I just wish Sprint would hurry up & roll out LTE here in Cincy so I can actually get 4G on it.

According to Sensorly map, Sprint LTE has started to pop up in Cincinnati.

http://sensorly.com/map/4G/US/USA/Sprint/lte_310sprint
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on July 30, 2013, 07:44:30 AM
My Nexus 4 just got upgraded to 4.3 JB.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on July 30, 2013, 02:52:34 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on July 29, 2013, 04:36:56 PM
Quote from: derspiess on July 29, 2013, 09:56:07 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on July 17, 2013, 09:47:47 PM
I've had the Galaxy S III for almost 2 weeks now. Love it, great upgrade from my old first gen galaxy.

I like mine a lot.  I just wish Sprint would hurry up & roll out LTE here in Cincy so I can actually get 4G on it.

According to Sensorly map, Sprint LTE has started to pop up in Cincinnati.

http://sensorly.com/map/4G/US/USA/Sprint/lte_310sprint

I know-- that's what I keep hearing.  But for some stupid-ass reason they started in all the parts of town I don't frequent.  Heaven forbid they start downtown (where maybe I could actually use my f-ing phone during a game) or the east side where I live.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on July 30, 2013, 03:02:26 PM
Anyway, I picked up my Nexus 7 yesterday.  Blazing fast and a beautiful display.  Gonna root it tonight if I have time.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Weijun on July 31, 2013, 09:00:32 PM
Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile to flash a Galaxy S4 to Google Play Edition?  Would you go with 4.2.2 or 4.3?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on August 01, 2013, 06:15:46 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on July 30, 2013, 07:44:30 AM
My Nexus 4 just got upgraded to 4.3 JB.
Hasn't been available for my Galaxy S4 yet but got pushed to my Nexus 10 a few days ago.  Can't really tell a difference except it seems slightly faster and there appeared to be a new notes writing app.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on August 01, 2013, 08:56:48 AM
What is the advantage, if any, to root a phone?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 01, 2013, 09:21:09 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on August 01, 2013, 08:56:48 AM
What is the advantage, if any, to root a phone?

To most people, not much.  But rooting gives you the ability to do wireless tether to turn your phone into a wifi hotspot-- that's the biggie for me.  Plus you can run custom ROMs if you don't like the look and feel of whatever version of Android you're running.  And there are some other things, like overclocking your processor, mods/tweaks to increase battery life, etc.

Drawback is that you technically void your warranty in doing so, but you can un-root and revert back to factory settings if need be.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 01, 2013, 09:28:55 AM
Quote from: Weijun on July 31, 2013, 09:00:32 PM
Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile to flash a Galaxy S4 to Google Play Edition?  Would you go with 4.2.2 or 4.3?

4.3 has some cool features-- one apparently eliminates the Android version of "bit rot" to prevent your phone from running slower & slower as time goes on.  But you may run into an app here or there that does not support it yet.  My MLB at bat app doesn't stream video on my Nexus 7 running because it's not quite ready for 4.3 yet, but that may be an isolated incident.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on August 01, 2013, 10:21:46 AM
Ok, I get it now.
I can already use my phone as a hot spot, hell, I had an app on the old one that i could use to tether my laptop with. Yeah, for me, there is no need to bother with rooting/hacking my android.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Weijun on August 02, 2013, 02:32:35 AM
Quote from: derspiess on August 01, 2013, 09:28:55 AM
Quote from: Weijun on July 31, 2013, 09:00:32 PM
Does anyone have any thoughts on whether it is worthwhile to flash a Galaxy S4 to Google Play Edition?  Would you go with 4.2.2 or 4.3?

4.3 has some cool features-- one apparently eliminates the Android version of "bit rot" to prevent your phone from running slower & slower as time goes on.  But you may run into an app here or there that does not support it yet.  My MLB at bat app doesn't stream video on my Nexus 7 running because it's not quite ready for 4.3 yet, but that may be an isolated incident.
Much to be said for preventing slowdown.  I had also read that Samsung loads a huge amount of bloatware on the s4.  I guess I will need to comb through the Samsung software and see how much of it I actually use.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on August 02, 2013, 10:38:14 AM
Quote from: Weijun on August 02, 2013, 02:32:35 AM
Much to be said for preventing slowdown.  I had also read that Samsung loads a huge amount of bloatware on the s4.  I guess I will need to comb through the Samsung software and see how much of it I actually use.

They had a lot of bloatware on the S3.  Thankfully there wasn't much Sprint bloatware, but still a ton of Samsung apps I'll never use.  I can delete them (or "freeze" them using Titanium), but I keep meaning to try them out to see if they're useful for anything. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on August 02, 2013, 11:44:24 AM
The only T-Mobile app I use is the account My Account one, takes me staright to my account. The rest are not needed. Samsung has a few other apps I don't use, of the already installed ones, I use the basic browser instead of chrome (I may jump to chrome later, maybe), google maps, the music player, and alarm/calendar/clock, etc widgets. Accuweather app it brought sucks, I use weatherbug.

The most used apps for me are the yahoo email, Kindle app, facebook, browser, maps, solitaire :). What else do y'all use?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on August 02, 2013, 05:59:54 PM
Maps, weather, Canadian Tire App & Chrome.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on September 04, 2013, 02:59:14 PM
The Samsung smartwatch doesn't look very smart. Clunky menus, it looked slow and it's not really very good looking.

I don't think I'll ever get a smartwatch, but I did say that about smartphones, too...
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on September 30, 2013, 07:54:47 AM
Any of you guys have any experience with the cheap Android tablets out there? I want to buy one for my kid so I can have my cellphone back but other then a Nexus 7 I have no good feelings for those things.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AM
Quote from: Liep on September 04, 2013, 02:59:14 PM
The Samsung smartwatch doesn't look very smart. Clunky menus, it looked slow and it's not really very good looking.

I don't think I'll ever get a smartwatch, but I did say that about smartphones, too...
I don't understand why anyone needs a watch at all anymore, except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: mongers on September 30, 2013, 02:18:18 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AM
Quote from: Liep on September 04, 2013, 02:59:14 PM
The Samsung smartwatch doesn't look very smart. Clunky menus, it looked slow and it's not really very good looking.

I don't think I'll ever get a smartwatch, but I did say that about smartphones, too...
I don't understand why anyone needs a watch at all anymore, except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:

Perhaps to tell the time ? :unsure:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on September 30, 2013, 04:01:50 PM
Flicking your wrist is just too hard nowadays.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on September 30, 2013, 07:52:18 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AM
Quote from: Liep on September 04, 2013, 02:59:14 PM
The Samsung smartwatch doesn't look very smart. Clunky menus, it looked slow and it's not really very good looking.

I don't think I'll ever get a smartwatch, but I did say that about smartphones, too...
I don't understand why anyone needs a watch at all anymore, except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:

I love watches. Plus, I keep my phone in my pocket so it's easier to tell the time with a watch if someone asks.

Plus you can observe it during meetings without looking like you're not paying attention.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2013, 04:11:26 PM
Quote from: mongers on September 30, 2013, 02:18:18 PM
Perhaps to tell the time ? :unsure:
Ok, grandpa.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on October 17, 2013, 04:11:50 PM
Quote from: fhdz on September 30, 2013, 07:52:18 PM
I love watches. Plus, I keep my phone in my pocket so it's easier to tell the time with a watch if someone asks.

Plus you can observe it during meetings without looking like you're not paying attention.
My CEO doesn't pay attention in meetings, so why should I? :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on October 17, 2013, 04:15:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AMI don't understand why anyone needs a watch at all anymore, except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:

So you're not that toolshed who has to pull out his phone when he wants to know what time it is.  :) 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: fhdz on October 23, 2013, 11:38:49 PM
Quote from: MadBurgerMaker on October 17, 2013, 04:15:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AMI don't understand why anyone needs a watch at all anymore, except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:

So you're not that toolshed who has to pull out his phone when he wants to know what time it is.  :)

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on November 02, 2013, 12:26:05 PM
I went and got myself an optimus g pro last night. Seems pretty awesome so far.  Especially for a dollar. Heh.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on November 05, 2013, 02:25:47 PM
Wow.  When this phone sleeps, it sleeps.  Really interesting that it can be at 99% battery after 7 hours off the charger (not being used, obviously).  Rebooted it and everything to make sure that was accurate.  I expect it will plummet a bit when I leave work today and use it all the way home though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on February 27, 2014, 01:02:57 PM
AT&T pushed KitKat out to my Galaxy S4 today.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on February 27, 2014, 01:05:25 PM
It will change..........your battery life.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on February 27, 2014, 01:51:10 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on February 27, 2014, 01:05:25 PM
It will change..........your battery life.
For the better or worse? :hmm:

I've had KitKat on my Nexus 10 since November but of course you can't compare that to a smartphone in terms of battery usage.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on February 27, 2014, 02:04:44 PM
On my nexus 4 it went worse but I found that removing my battery manager improved thing significantly.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on February 28, 2014, 09:47:16 AM
Quote from: Caliga on September 30, 2013, 09:01:23 AM
except maybe purely as a fashion accessory. :hmm:
did you really think a 6000$ watch gave you more reliable time?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on February 28, 2014, 09:49:06 AM
Do you know of a way, on Android, to share my e-mail contacts from Thunderbird to all my company's cellphones (Android)?  And only part of the contacts, pre-categorized in TB, and keeping these categories?  I want the office contacts to be shared, but I'd like to avoid sharing my personal contacts too and have them only on my phone.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josephus on March 05, 2014, 05:47:37 PM
So I got a Samsung-3 tablet the other day.

Looked at it long and hard. Can't figure out what to do with it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on March 05, 2014, 05:52:26 PM
You can now play Solitaire on your couch. REVOLUTIONARY.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josephus on March 05, 2014, 06:59:30 PM
Awesome :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ed Anger on March 05, 2014, 08:24:11 PM
Porn.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on March 06, 2014, 03:35:47 AM
Quote from: Josephus on March 05, 2014, 05:47:37 PM
So I got a Samsung-3 tablet the other day.

Looked at it long and hard. Can't figure out what to do with it.

I use my Asus Android tablet mostly for reading comics I've downloaded.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on March 12, 2014, 03:04:00 PM
Woo, my chromebook is here.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on March 12, 2014, 03:33:06 PM
Congratulations, now you can surf and stuff.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on March 12, 2014, 04:03:14 PM
Quote from: Liep on March 12, 2014, 03:33:06 PM
Congratulations, now you can surf and stuff.

in my kitchen without using a piss poor mobile version.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on March 28, 2014, 04:02:22 PM
I have to wait until Tuesday to pre-order it, but I'll be getting the Galaxy S5 when it comes out April 11.  Doesn't look like a huge update over the S4, but it's nice to have my "upgrade date" coincide with a new release for once.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: mongers on March 28, 2014, 09:57:09 PM
Quote from: Caliga on October 17, 2013, 04:11:26 PM
Quote from: mongers on September 30, 2013, 02:18:18 PM
Perhaps to tell the time ? :unsure:
Ok, grandpa.

One of my watches is 5-6 years old, battery will last probably 10 years, it's 18 grams and waterproof and unlike a mobile phone because it's attached to you, there's not much risk of dropping it.

Oh and it probably cost me about $12.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on March 30, 2014, 02:33:38 PM
Quote from: derspiess on March 28, 2014, 04:02:22 PM
I have to wait until Tuesday to pre-order it, but I'll be getting the Galaxy S5 when it comes out April 11.  Doesn't look like a huge update over the S4, but it's nice to have my "upgrade date" coincide with a new release for once.
Still with Sprint? I am more pleased now with its 4G and 3G improvements.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 01, 2014, 09:30:53 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on March 30, 2014, 02:33:38 PM
Quote from: derspiess on March 28, 2014, 04:02:22 PM
I have to wait until Tuesday to pre-order it, but I'll be getting the Galaxy S5 when it comes out April 11.  Doesn't look like a huge update over the S4, but it's nice to have my "upgrade date" coincide with a new release for once.
Still with Sprint? I am more pleased now with its 4G and 3G improvements.

Yeah, I'm still a sucker for their unlimited plan.  They're still slow in rolling out 4G to all of my area, but at least I get an LTE signal in some parts of town.  4G LTE speeds are pretty modest for now-- not quite what 4G WiMax was.  3G is still annoyingly slow in most parts of town (doesn't help that the damned phone shows 3G even when I'm connected to slower than dirt 1x).

My GS5: preordered from Amazon.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 02, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
I decided to be cheap and use my upgrade tonight for a "free" LG G2 on Amazon.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 10, 2014, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 02, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
I decided to be cheap and use my upgrade tonight for a "free" LG G2 on Amazon.

That's a nice phone.  My coworker got one & it runs a lot better than my GS3.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 10, 2014, 11:07:28 AM
Anyone have a Chromecast device?  I got one last year and it died a few weeks ago.  Got the pink LED of death (which the Google support dude said means it won't reboot).  The factory reset button didn't do anything, so Google is sending me another one. 

Regardless, it's a pretty cool gadget for $35.  It's a dongle that plugs directly into the HDMI port and can draw sufficient power from the USB port on the TV.  I have it connected to the TV in my son's room to stream Youtube & other stuff.  Plus it had a cool Santa Tracker app complete with games & stuff around Christmas time.  My only gripe (other than the thing dying) was that my phone would sometimes lose connectivity with the device while it was streaming a video and I'd have to reboot the Chromecast for my phone to see it again.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 11, 2014, 02:52:24 PM
Well, that was quick.  I completed the RMA request just yesterday afternoon and had my new one on my doorstep this morning.  A lot of fuss over a low cost device but I'll take it. 

And my GS5 should be here tomorrow.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 13, 2014, 10:09:33 PM
Quote from: derspiess on April 10, 2014, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 02, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
I decided to be cheap and use my upgrade tonight for a "free" LG G2 on Amazon.

That's a nice phone.  My coworker got one & it runs a lot better than my GS3.
LG G2 is indeed functionally and aesthetically nice. My main qualm is the max volume is not loud enough for me compared to my last phone: the Motorola Photon Q, especially when I am using Google Maps while driving.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 15, 2014, 08:59:16 AM
I'm liking the GS5 so far.  What was a nice surprise was that I can remove pretty much all the Samsung and Sprint crapware without rooting the phone.  There is a root method available for it but I may hold off & root it later.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 16, 2014, 10:00:01 AM
I'm a little puzzled as to what Amazon is trying to accomplish with their Fire TV set top box.  The Fire tablet was a great idea-- it came in at a very attractive price point and carried some unique features.  But you're not really getting much with Fire TV that you can't get from a Roku box, Apple TV, or one of the Google TV devices, pretty much all of which are priced the same or lower.

Some are saying they intend it to be a gaming platform, and I can sort of see that.  They have an optional controller and a few games in their app store.  But from what I've read, the games designed specially for the device have been half-baked and/or rushed ports.  And they're promoting it as a media device, at least for now.  The game thing seems to be an afterthought.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 16, 2014, 10:01:48 AM
You pretend to not know and then proceed to explain it in the perfect terms.

That's what it is.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 16, 2014, 03:22:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2014, 10:01:48 AM
You pretend to not know and then proceed to explain it in the perfect terms.

That's what it is.

I guess I'm not sure why they think it will succeed.  I could hook up a game controller to either of my Google TV boxes & it wouldn't make them bona fide gaming consoles.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on April 16, 2014, 03:25:38 PM
Quote from: derspiess on April 16, 2014, 03:22:20 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2014, 10:01:48 AM
You pretend to not know and then proceed to explain it in the perfect terms.

That's what it is.

I guess I'm not sure why they think it will succeed.  I could hook up a game controller to either of my Google TV boxes & it wouldn't make them bona fide gaming consoles.

Apparently they now have more streams of their content in US than Hulu - so perhaps just part of building an Amazon world.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 18, 2014, 11:16:27 AM
So the Galaxy S5 can utilize the new ART runtime which will replace Dalvik in future Android versions.  ART is supposed to be faster and have some benefits to battery life-- downside was that it used more memory but that's less of an issue these days.

So I enabled the developer options on my phone and switched over to ART.  Ran fine-- I didn't really notice any increase in speed but the benchmarks I saw convinced me of the benefits.  Problem is my phone will occasionally not recognize my Swiftkey keyboard and sometimes the screen won't turn on after it has been off (phone still works otherwise-- the screen just stays dark).  Only remedy for either is to reboot the phone (by pulling the battery in the latter case).  So at least on my phone ART is not ready for prime time, though to be fair it's still considered experimental & may be a case of some software not being ready for ART.

Switched back to Dalvik and hoping the problems don't persist.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on April 21, 2014, 10:23:08 PM
I went ahead and got the S5 myself also.  The screen staying dark problem isn't tied to ART, as I've had it happen to me this morning, and I haven't enabled ART.  My co-worker's wife had the screen go dark and it wasn't 'fixable' by rebooting/pulling the battery...she is going to get a replacement now.

Have you noticed any improvements with ART?  Or too soon to tell?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 23, 2014, 03:51:17 PM
Quote from: Arvoreen on April 21, 2014, 10:23:08 PM
I went ahead and got the S5 myself also.  The screen staying dark problem isn't tied to ART, as I've had it happen to me this morning, and I haven't enabled ART.  My co-worker's wife had the screen go dark and it wasn't 'fixable' by rebooting/pulling the battery...she is going to get a replacement now.

Have you noticed any improvements with ART?  Or too soon to tell?

Funny, I did not have it happen after I switched back to Dalvik (also have not had the Swiftkey issue).  I would say things *seemed* to be faster with ART but I could have been imagining it-- it was already pretty fast.  I keep meaning to check to see if my Nexus 7 has the ART option since it is also on 4.4.2.

One sidenote: when you switch to ART you have to reboot the phone and then it takes a couple minutes or so to "optimize" (pre-compile?) your apps & processes.  I wonder if maybe it didn't hit a snag when it did that.  It also reboots & "optimizes" everything when you switch back, FWIW.

I may try ART again sometime soon just to see if the problems pop up again.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on April 24, 2014, 09:48:21 AM
So I switched to ART on the Nexus 7 and had processes crashing left and right as soon as it rebooted.  Would not even run the standard Android keyboard.  Had to go back to Dalvik on that one as well.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on April 25, 2014, 10:01:15 AM
Thinking of the HTC One over the S5.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on April 26, 2014, 08:05:23 AM
I briefly tried turning on ART on my S5....didn't get any force closes, but had real odd behavior like having the keyboard pop up over the top of the input box...only way to see what I was typing was to periodically close the keyboard.  Decided it wasn't ready for primetime yet :)

My previous phone was the HTC One X+, and I don't think I'll go back to a phone that doesn't have a removable battery again.  I think HTC is stuck on that design point.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on May 27, 2014, 06:03:39 PM
Quote from: derspiess on April 10, 2014, 10:58:43 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 02, 2014, 10:23:49 PM
I decided to be cheap and use my upgrade tonight for a "free" LG G2 on Amazon.

That's a nice phone.  My coworker got one & it runs a lot better than my GS3.

After 2 months, I very much like the phone's form, screen, camera, etc. but the GPS sucks. :(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on June 09, 2014, 04:20:58 PM
I'm finally getting a Sprint LTE signal downtown.  Hope this is a rollout and not just testing.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on June 09, 2014, 08:31:05 PM
I want Sprint and T-Mobile to merge, though the deal seems a bit pricey. The two alone are just too small. Even combined, they would still be smaller than AT&T or Verizon.

As for Android phones, I will consider the soon-to-be-released LG G3. Even with a 5.5-inch screen, it is still around the same size as a Galaxy S5. :o
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on June 10, 2014, 11:55:31 AM
Quote from: Phillip V on June 09, 2014, 08:31:05 PM
I want Sprint and T-Mobile to merge, though the deal seems a bit pricey. The two alone are just too small. Even combined, they would still be smaller than AT&T or Verizon.

I'm trying to figure out how it will affect Sprint users.  All the T-Mobile customers I've known have been happy with their service, so I kind of feel bad for them.  About the only thing keeping me with Sprint is the unlimited data plan.  But they'll be my super-best-friends if they can blanket downtown Cincy with LTE and I can actually use my phone at a Reds or Bengals game.

QuoteAs for Android phones, I will consider the soon-to-be-released LG G3. Even with a 5.5-inch screen, it is still around the same size as a Galaxy S5. :o

I finally broke down and got a case for my S5.  The plastic back plate was easy to grip (the one on the S3 was slick and slipped out of your hand easily) and I really liked the thin form factor.  But I figured I was playing with fire, so I got an Otterbox Commuter case for it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on June 11, 2014, 07:23:49 PM
Optimus G Pro is still going strong.  This is the first phone that I've had where I didn't/haven't almost immediately started thinking about what's screwed up about it and how long until I can upgrade.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on July 15, 2014, 04:36:42 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on June 09, 2014, 08:31:05 PM
I want Sprint and T-Mobile to merge, though the deal seems a bit pricey. The two alone are just too small. Even combined, they would still be smaller than AT&T or Verizon.

As for Android phones, I will consider the soon-to-be-released LG G3. Even with a 5.5-inch screen, it is still around the same size as a Galaxy S5. :o
Ordered a gold LG G3 yesterday.


(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fphandroid.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F05%2FLG-G3-gold-lockscreen.png&hash=d8fe0d3647bd518a2eafd30c93a90a19f1a025db)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Jaron on July 16, 2014, 02:14:12 AM
:mmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on August 28, 2014, 04:32:54 PM
Who invented the word 'wearables' for smartwatches? Not easy to pronounce. :angry:

At any rate, the LG G Watch R looks pretty nice.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 17, 2014, 09:58:36 PM
Anyone have Lollipop yet?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on November 17, 2014, 10:28:19 PM
Quote from: Caliga on November 17, 2014, 09:58:36 PM
Anyone have Lollipop yet?

I got an update soon after it was released, got all excited, but it turned out to be some other shit AT&T and LG pushed out for the G3.  Blah.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 18, 2014, 09:04:55 PM
Hah, I got that update for my S4 too.  Lollipop definitely isn't available yet for the S4 from AT&T.

It is however available for Google devices and I have a Nexus 10.  I'm just not one of the lucky few who have gotten the OTA update yet.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 20, 2014, 12:05:28 PM
I haven't installed it on my Nexus 7 (haven't even checked) but I heard there have been issues.  Apparently won't be ready for my GS5 until January unless there's a leaked ROM.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 20, 2014, 03:10:41 PM
Lollipop for my Nexus 10 downloading OTA right now.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on November 21, 2014, 10:54:38 AM
Quote from: Caliga on November 20, 2014, 03:10:41 PM
Lollipop for my Nexus 10 downloading OTA right now.

I checked my Nexus 7 this morning and nothing.  But I can't see anything about Lollipop that I *have* to have for it.  If performance is the same or better I'll be happy, though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Neil on November 23, 2014, 08:55:43 PM
My old Atrix died after a long, happy life.  I got one of those Samsung Galaxy Alphas to replace it.  Seems fine.  Not too huge, although a little bigger than I'm used to.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on November 24, 2014, 07:22:35 AM
Quote from: derspiess on November 21, 2014, 10:54:38 AM
I checked my Nexus 7 this morning and nothing.  But I can't see anything about Lollipop that I *have* to have for it.  If performance is the same or better I'll be happy, though.
On my Nexus 10, performance does seem a bit better.  I'm basically ambivalent about the other (mostly cosmetic and interface) changes, though.  The lockscreen notifications are nice for phones (which is something iOS has already and I really like for my iPhone), but I don't see the value for a tablet.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadImmortalMan on December 02, 2014, 07:37:59 PM
Custom Motos. (https://www.motorola.com/us/motomaker?pid=FLEXR2&action=designNew&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=PaidSearch&utm_content=G_BD_Brand+_MotoXG_BD_Brand+_Customization_Broad&utm_campaign=MotoX&dclid=CJXxvb_QqMICFVaraQodSRUAxQ)


Can Motorola be saved by this? It's a cool idea, but I dunno.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 10, 2014, 01:00:59 PM
My Sprint GS5 got an update, but it was just from 4.4 to 4.4.4 :mellow:

I did swap out my Otterbox Commuter case for the Magpul case, which I definitely prefer.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on December 10, 2014, 02:16:01 PM
My nexus 4 has been at 5.0 for 2 weeks now. There is incompatibility issue with French Canada language settings.

>_> Can't wait for 5.0.1
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on December 16, 2014, 09:13:10 PM
How do I send e-mails from my phone?  I have the M8, if that matters, but my old HTC one had the same problem.

I can receive my e-mails, but I can't send any when I'm out of the office.  If I'm plugged on my office network, I'm ok.  Once outside, on Telus network, not ok.

I'm configured for Imap on my phone, if that matters.  I used the same settings as provided by my ISP on its page for desktop e-mail clients.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on December 16, 2014, 10:15:27 PM
Quote from: viper37 on December 16, 2014, 09:13:10 PM
How do I send e-mails from my phone?  I have the M8, if that matters, but my old HTC one had the same problem.

I can receive my e-mails, but I can't send any when I'm out of the office.  If I'm plugged on my office network, I'm ok.  Once outside, on Telus network, not ok.

I'm configured for Imap on my phone, if that matters.  I used the same settings as provided by my ISP on its page for desktop e-mail clients.

It sounds like the imap ports are blocked by Telus.  When you're on your office network, you're in control of what ports are blocked, but when you're out on the Telus network, you're at the mercy of whatever ports they allow or that you can talk them into forwarding.  You might want to check with your ISP to see if they have a separate configuration that's more friendly to mobile networks.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on December 17, 2014, 10:05:20 AM
ok, I'll call Videotron first then, Telus if necessary.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on December 19, 2014, 11:16:20 AM
Think I got it...
They use a different port than on a computer, and I need to use my email adress instead of the username the ISP gives me.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Zanza on December 28, 2014, 11:24:15 AM
Any suggestions for a mid-range Android phone (350-400 Euro price range). I was looking for the Nexus 5, but it seems they stopped producing it and it is hard to get a new one in Germany. :(

Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on December 28, 2014, 11:40:42 AM
I like my Samsung Galaxy S4. I don't do anything too fancy with it, though (web surfing, Spotify, mostly).
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on December 28, 2014, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: Zanza on December 28, 2014, 11:24:15 AM
Any suggestions for a mid-range Android phone (350-400 Euro price range). I was looking for the Nexus 5, but it seems they stopped producing it and it is hard to get a new one in Germany. :(


LG G3

http://www.amazon.de/LG-Smartphone-Quad-HD-IPS-Display-2-5-GHz-Quad-Core-Prozessor-13-Megapixel-Kamera/dp/B00KKM2UZG/
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Ideologue on January 05, 2015, 10:56:55 PM
I just bought a cheap-ass LG Transpyre.  It can't be worse than the broke-ass Galaxy S2 it's replacing, nor the Verizon prepaid service (half the price) be worse than Sprint's ungodly-bad service.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on January 08, 2015, 03:57:08 AM
So, have you decided yet, Zanza?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Zanza on January 08, 2015, 01:53:40 PM
Quote from: Syt on January 08, 2015, 03:57:08 AM
So, have you decided yet, Zanza?
Several friends suggested the Sony Z3 Compact. I am just looking for that.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on January 09, 2015, 12:57:07 AM
Don't have any experience with the Z3 Compact, but I can second the G3 recommendation.  Personally, I hated every minute with the last small Android phone I had (of course, it didn't help that it was slow as molasses, but I haven't liked any of the compact phones I've come across lately, either), but YMMV.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on March 29, 2015, 06:22:14 AM
Mart: translate plz?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on March 29, 2015, 06:48:18 AM
Google says:

QuoteAlternating roof is a valuable investment that absorbs the exact valve to prevent leakage. While replacing ridge is walking about, homeowners need to know how to apply shadows shortcomings. Replacing the roof is a dispute rather than noting the average consumption for the back. The ridge is allowed dochrapać the task of standing amendment is also azali word chronos to turn up to the company offering the darkness of the back in Hayward, CA? The following mention relieve deduce what homes renewal is simple, but what brings pervasive replacement of the roof. A certain degree of the first things to make chimney systems, while there is a test searches roofer personal contact information. Is roofer law? Roofers will be explained powders intangible items, and not a pocket request. Roofing company must have the vastness asekurowania guard houses and from the claims. Roofer must have compensation tudzież protection from the moment of social responsibility to ensure consistent guard. Failure to have adequate asekurowania perhaps let the home owner sensitive, because they manage to exist inside dbałego medical bills and expenses niedrugie traumatyzmem cemented from the employee. Several companies will use the roof of the sub-contractors for their selection, during when we adopt different homes to choose from subcontractors. Had a subcontractor working a job, it is important to find out azali contractors have adequate asekurowania and training. When considering the rich roofing companies, ever ask for approval of roofing. Azali roofer both now have a license? Podarujże not to do in a balloon passing unit licensed as roof license, because there are two wide variety of issues and is expected to occupy the intention to organize a good license. Rapid is a few roofers do not tear the old roof before installing the new ridge. Old shingles falls ucapiłby to identify niechudego articles, which are perverse or have niedrugie trouble. Failure to niesędziwego roof can complicate defend the noble shingle ridge. Roofers will attempt to cancel the superior roof as the payment program point during the service. After installing a new spine, a few falls of the roof will be installed again a clear intention to enable the functioning of the spine. Metal drip edge or finds himself under the shingle where it starts to come off the back of the border. Tight metal cube roof expands and is licensed watt transfer to gutters. There is a finite word sick roof system, yet there is a considerable margin of the roof to prevent leakage. What happens to the aura of change? Had bidnych weather strikes over the roof assembly, which roofer made to keep the house spared? The average roofer add or plastic tarps on the roof of care, lest if he spills dissuade they remain committed superior ridge. Roofer must have a map on matters as weather and embarrassed that accumulate on the job before the overall duration. Various roof will be the building blocks of the word guarantee. Shingles are guaranteed grip, but the physical work that goes into the design of the back does not exist. Talk of the unit roof, so to find out they exist or guarantee or Porec in the impersonal service. Comparing roofers, it is important to be in use approximate translation. Dokumentnego assessment will include supporting materials, the amount of staff time frame and sumpty. Companies providing canopies in Hayward, CA, will sound every pierwiasteki skontaminowane of the robot in respektach, lest relieve homeowners and deduce the course of their rights.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on March 30, 2015, 12:27:49 PM
Princesca wants us to upgrade to the Galaxy S6 like the day it shows up in the AT&T stores. :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on March 31, 2015, 01:02:17 PM
Just now got my 5.0 update on my Galaxy S5.  Was supposed to get it many weeks ago.  I guess they finally said "oh shit" and pushed it out today so they can say they did it in the first quarter.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on March 31, 2015, 01:10:36 PM
No Lollipop yet for the S4.  I figure they're holding it back as a way of encouraging people to run out and buy an S6.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Warspite on March 31, 2015, 02:32:13 PM
Quote from: Zanza on January 08, 2015, 01:53:40 PM
Quote from: Syt on January 08, 2015, 03:57:08 AM
So, have you decided yet, Zanza?
Several friends suggested the Sony Z3 Compact. I am just looking for that.

I just got one. It's fantastic.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on March 31, 2015, 03:29:39 PM
Quote from: Caliga on March 31, 2015, 01:10:36 PM
No Lollipop yet for the S4.  I figure they're holding it back as a way of encouraging people to run out and buy an S6.

Yeah, my S4 is still at 4.4, what was it called? Kit kat?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on April 02, 2015, 01:00:02 PM
Quote from: Caliga on March 30, 2015, 12:27:49 PM
Princesca wants us to upgrade to the Galaxy S6 like the day it shows up in the AT&T stores. :hmm:

Ew.  Even being an Apple owner, it seems like the thinking went thusly:

Let's NOT make it waterproof.
Let's NOT give it a user-replaceable battery.
Let's NOT make the memory expandable with MicroSD.

Let's take everything that made the S5 awesome, throw it out... and sell a knockoff iPhone 6.

So bloody stupid.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 02, 2015, 05:42:30 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on March 31, 2015, 03:29:39 PM
Yeah, my S4 is still at 4.4, what was it called? Kit kat?
Yep.  Product placement FTW.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 02, 2015, 05:42:59 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on April 02, 2015, 01:00:02 PM
Ew.  Even being an Apple owner, it seems like the thinking went thusly:

Let's NOT make it waterproof.
Let's NOT give it a user-replaceable battery.
Let's NOT make the memory expandable with MicroSD.

Let's take everything that made the S5 awesome, throw it out... and sell a knockoff iPhone 6.

So bloody stupid.
Correct.  However, happy wife = happy life. :sleep:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 08:31:29 AM
My S4 just picked up and is downloading a massive update (~1 Gb).... probably Lollipop.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 07, 2015, 08:47:03 AM
Hmm, I better get to deleting some old spreadsheets, pics and maybe an app or two. LOL
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 09:02:27 AM
Yeah, I'm surprised I had enough slack space for this given all of the mp3s on my phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on April 07, 2015, 09:18:17 AM
Quote from: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 09:02:27 AM
Yeah, I'm surprised I had enough slack space for this given all of the mp3s on my phone.

You need to start listening to .flac then like all the cool kids.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 10:19:18 AM
 :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 07, 2015, 10:29:57 AM
I wish there was an easy way to clean up all these useless apps I never use.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 10:40:23 AM
Yep, it was Lollipop.  Running on my phone now (some apps are still updating though).
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 07, 2015, 10:45:34 AM
If you use swipe to unlock your phone, you'll learn to hate it. :lol:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 12:06:23 PM
 :hmm: Just did, same behavior as with Kit Kat.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 07, 2015, 12:49:28 PM
Mine changed. Went from swipe any direction to open to a swipe up to unlock, swipe left for phone & swipe right for camera.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 07, 2015, 01:19:16 PM
Weird... no difference here.  Maybe that's a cell provider overlay or something?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 07, 2015, 01:38:51 PM
It's possible. I have a Nexus 4.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 08, 2015, 09:28:03 AM
My phone contract is up at the end of April. The new plans pricing have gotten too expensive for my taste but I can of course keep my current one or there is always the possibility that I can get what my gf has with Bell.

However, the phone choices seem to suck. What is your recommendations, guys?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on April 11, 2015, 03:43:15 AM
I will get an S6 once the price drops to $99 with contract.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Barrister on April 13, 2015, 12:10:42 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 08, 2015, 09:28:03 AM
My phone contract is up at the end of April. The new plans pricing have gotten too expensive for my taste but I can of course keep my current one or there is always the possibility that I can get what my gf has with Bell.

However, the phone choices seem to suck. What is your recommendations, guys?

You know... :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 15, 2015, 08:00:38 AM
That's funny.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 16, 2015, 12:27:17 PM
Me and the other IT boys ran into an AT&T store after lunch because one of the hardware guys needed a replacement SIM, and I played with the S6 and S6 Edge models they had there.  I like them a lot... noticeable improvement over the S4.  Much lighter and thinner and the resolution upgrade was pretty obvious as I pulled out my S4 and ran them side by side.

I also am playing with a (corporate) iPhone 6 right now and thinking about switching it out for my current 5S. :cool:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 16, 2015, 01:42:06 PM
Yea, I'm gonna take the iPhone 6.  Needs a case before I can comfortably carry it around though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 16, 2015, 02:29:34 PM
Traitor.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 16, 2015, 02:46:40 PM
Relax dude, I carry both an Android and iPhone at all times. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 16, 2015, 02:47:51 PM
Nope, you are a traitor, next you will be wearing pleated pants.  :yucky:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 16, 2015, 02:48:35 PM
I actually do wear pleated pants, yes. :blush:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 16, 2015, 02:50:50 PM
:nelson:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Barrister on April 16, 2015, 05:01:10 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 16, 2015, 05:13:19 PM
:(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 16, 2015, 06:38:08 PM
This is not helping me pick a phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 16, 2015, 07:07:55 PM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 16, 2015, 06:38:08 PM
This is not helping me pick a phone.
Just pick both like me. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 17, 2015, 10:30:54 AM
Picked a Nexus 5 because that is the only sensible choice.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 17, 2015, 07:35:16 PM
I was carrying three phones at one point today. :lol:  I went into this chick's office for a meeting and was fumbling in my pocket trying to get the right one out and just ended up pulling all three out.  She actually said "Double-you.  Tee. Eff." :lol:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 17, 2015, 07:41:38 PM
Did she ask Spy or Drug dealer?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on April 17, 2015, 07:42:27 PM
No, because after she said that I said "I'm Batman."
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on April 21, 2015, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 07, 2015, 01:38:51 PM
It's possible. I have a Nexus 4.

Samsung uses their own UI, TouchWiz.  If you love it, you love it, though there is a contingent of people who hate it because it behaves differently from the stock Android interface.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on April 21, 2015, 11:04:49 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 17, 2015, 07:41:38 PM
Did she ask Spy or Drug dealer?

In pre-restructuring times, RadioShack had a pretty heavy focus on prepaid cell phones.  We had plenty of likely drug dealers coming to us to pick them up; they'd buy one nice phone for themselves, but for the most part, they'd buy a crappy cheap smartphone for their street guys- Kyoceras, cheap LGs... and they'd always give the most ludicrously obvious fake names and fake addresses for towns nowhere near the store when buying the phones.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 21, 2015, 11:30:43 AM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on April 21, 2015, 11:01:02 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on April 07, 2015, 01:38:51 PM
It's possible. I have a Nexus 4.

Samsung uses their own UI, TouchWiz.  If you love it, you love it, though there is a contingent of people who hate it because it behaves differently from the stock Android interface.

I am in that contingent.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2015, 02:30:58 PM
Got the S6 and just finished dumping a ton of music on to it.  Strangely, Kies doesn't support the S6.  I guess they have some new thing but it looked like I had to go to the Google Play store from my PC to download it, so I just said screw it and copied stuff over once the drivers installed after I'd connected via USB.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on May 02, 2015, 05:41:35 PM
Kies and the samsung app store were the worst thing about the S2 when i had that.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 02, 2015, 06:02:59 PM
All I ever used Kies for was copying data back and forth anyway.  It had backup/restore features and firmware update capability, but both are redundant now due to OTA features that perform the same thing.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on May 04, 2015, 11:25:04 AM
Did you get an Edge, or just the normal S6?

I am going to upgrade at the end of the month, haven't decided yet what to get.

Also - is the base 32 GB adequate?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on May 04, 2015, 11:29:37 AM
I got the regular S6.  I couldn't figure out what was so much better about the Edge to justify the cost differential.

I got the 64 Gb unit because I have a shit ton of music I'd like loaded to my phone... I've already put 5 Gb worth on there since Saturday afternoon. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on May 12, 2015, 01:41:18 PM
You could have also just bought a 64GB microSD card.  OH OOPS
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Berkut on May 12, 2015, 02:33:53 PM
I thought the S6 doesn't allow expandable storage?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on May 12, 2015, 02:38:38 PM
Cal should give us a review of the S6. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on May 12, 2015, 02:39:27 PM
Quote from: Berkut on May 12, 2015, 02:33:53 PM
I thought the S6 doesn't allow expandable storage?

Good to see Samsung's picking something up from Apple.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on May 12, 2015, 04:36:59 PM
Quote from: Berkut on May 12, 2015, 02:33:53 PM
I thought the S6 doesn't allow expandable storage?

That was my point :D   And also why I'm probably not going to buy one.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on May 13, 2015, 04:46:33 AM
My Galaxy S4 had its Lollipop update. Since then, battery drains significantly faster. Also, volume is way down, and I've yet to find a way to restore the old level.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on May 13, 2015, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Syt on May 13, 2015, 04:46:33 AM
My Galaxy S4 had its Lollipop update. Since then, battery drains significantly faster. Also, volume is way down, and I've yet to find a way to restore the old level.

Haven't had the volume problem, but battery definitely drains faster after the 5.0 update.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on May 13, 2015, 11:14:44 AM
Well, volume might not be the right word; it sounds all muffled, as if all equalizer panels are pushed to max reduction. No highs.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 23, 2015, 07:28:58 AM
Just got the Galaxy S6. Any tips or tricks I should know? First time Android user. :blush:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on November 04, 2015, 03:13:57 AM
So what's people's opinions on the Galaxy S6? I have an S4 and am quite happy with it, but I can extend my contract and get a free upgrade. I use my phone mostly for texting, listening to Spotify, reading (Kindle + Comics), and surfing the web.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on November 04, 2015, 10:45:31 AM
So what's people's opinions on the Galaxy S6? I have an S4 and am quite happy with it, but I keep running out of storage space and the battery does not hold a charge as good anymore. I use my phone constantly for emails, spreadsheets, word documents, pdf, scanning, gps tracking my running, texting, listening to Spotify, reading books (Kindle), watching YouTube, playing solitaire while I poop, and surfing the web.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on November 04, 2015, 04:29:52 PM
I have the Galaxy S5 so I can't speak to the S6 directly, but my son got himself one a couple of months ago and he really likes it.  I just ordered a Nexus 6p myself, so I'll be switching in a couple of weeks when it arrives.  The S5 has been nice, but once I upgraded to 5.1 it went to crap.  I finally tracked down a ROM I like in Exodus and am happy though.  I got talked into getting a new phone because my daughter wants my S5 to replace her S4 (with broken front camera). :D

Overall, Samsung makes nice phones.  The S6 was their first foray into non-removable batteries though.  QuickCharge is awesome from what my son says though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on November 12, 2015, 05:54:40 PM
Anyone got any smartwatches yet? The LG Urbane 2nd Edition actually looks good.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on November 13, 2015, 03:17:24 AM
Got my Galaxy S6 yesterday. I will set it up over the weekend, though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on November 16, 2015, 10:24:37 AM
Got my Nexus 6P last Monday.  I really like it.  Biggest difference from S5 -- I never run out of memory (3G ram is a huge difference).  That, I no longer have to manage my disk usage with an external SD (got the 128G unit).  Oh yea, it is fast and smooth.   Best phone I've had yet.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on November 16, 2015, 10:38:34 AM
Happy with my S6 so far, though the step up from S4 => S6 is not mindblowing. Going from Nokia E-7 to Samsung was a much bigger transition.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on November 23, 2015, 08:00:41 AM
I went with an S5. Seemed  better than the 6 on a key metric (battery life) and 200 quid cheaper. So....

I do like it now I'm used to it. Using my little iPhone screen again feels odd. A few niggles though. Like how do I kill the default browser (chrome was also there by default so why do I even have that)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on November 23, 2015, 01:40:19 PM
Quote from: Liep on November 12, 2015, 05:54:40 PM
Anyone got any smartwatches yet? The LG Urbane 2nd Edition actually looks good.

I've been wearing a second-gen Pebble Steel for quite some time now (since before the Apple Watch release)- as much as I loved Power Rangers as a kid, I don't need to be able to text and call from my wrist, thanks.  The Urbane has been known for some time in the mobile junkie circles as a boondoggle, and now it might not even be released.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on November 23, 2015, 04:13:38 PM
Quote from: Tyr on November 23, 2015, 08:00:41 AM
I went with an S5. Seemed  better than the 6 on a key metric (battery life) and 200 quid cheaper. So....

I do like it now I'm used to it. Using my little iPhone screen again feels odd. A few niggles though. Like how do I kill the default browser (chrome was also there by default so why do I even have that)

You *should* be able to to Settings -> applications, find the default browser, and disable it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on November 26, 2015, 08:41:52 AM
Cannot.
I'd like to tie chrome to the home screen search bar at least  but that too seems unchangeable.  Weirdly
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on November 30, 2015, 10:03:05 AM
Hmm,

Another option is to go to Settings -> Apps -> All -> Internet -> Clear Defaults

Then try the search and/or open a link from some other app (hangouts, text message, etc.)

You should get prompted to pick an app, and you can choose Chrome and check the 'make default' option.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 02, 2015, 01:48:00 PM
I was planning on not getting a GS6 because I didn't want to lose my removable battery and SD card slot. But Sprint had a deal over the weekend and I bit. I don't like the concept of leasing my phone but Sprint is making it almost impossible to buy the old way.

The GS6 is an iterative improvement on most things but performance is clearly better. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on December 05, 2015, 12:21:42 AM
Quote from: derspiess on December 02, 2015, 01:48:00 PM
I was planning on not getting a GS6 because I didn't want to lose my removable battery and SD card slot. But Sprint had a deal over the weekend and I bit. I don't like the concept of leasing my phone but Sprint is making it almost impossible to buy the old way.

The GS6 is an iterative improvement on most things but performance is clearly better.

Yeah, the S6 came out from left field for me- on paper, the things taken away seemed pretty damning, but I was pleasantly surprised, especially at:

1) S5s only stay waterproof/dustproof as long as the (extremely delicate) door cover over the charging port stays intact.  So not very long at all, in most cases.
2) The fast charger for the S6 actually goes faster than the USB 3.0 charger for the S5.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on December 21, 2015, 03:10:06 PM
OK, sorry to interrupt our Star Wars conversations, but what how is the S6 doing battery wise for you guys?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on December 22, 2015, 09:52:05 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on December 21, 2015, 03:10:06 PM
OK, sorry to interrupt our Star Wars conversations, but what how is the S6 doing battery wise for you guys?

I guess all your batteries have died and you can't respond?  :(
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Caliga on December 22, 2015, 03:29:20 PM
My S6 is fine, battery-wise.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on December 22, 2015, 03:56:39 PM
Gracias. Anyone else? I have read quite a few reviews online, but I'd like the opinions of people I actually know.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: derspiess on December 23, 2015, 02:25:23 PM
Quote from: DontSayBanana on December 05, 2015, 12:21:42 AM
1) S5s only stay waterproof/dustproof as long as the (extremely delicate) door cover over the charging port stays intact.  So not very long at all, in most cases.

I'm generally pretty gentle on my devices but after two years or whatever that charging port cover just got abused.

Quote2) The fast charger for the S6 actually goes faster than the USB 3.0 charger for the S5.

Yep, pretty amazed.  I can go from 25% to 75% in just a few minutes.

But man I wish I had an SD card slot. 
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on December 26, 2015, 12:36:17 PM
S6 seems good battery wise and the charging is so quick. That said I have been looking to see if one of those charger batteries would make sense on my European sojourns when I'm away from easily accessible wall sockets all day.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on December 28, 2015, 02:37:31 PM
Hey is anyone with Marshmallow experiencing an...oddity....with their bluetooth connection when they're calling out?  It's something that seems to happen when it has been connected to my headset for a few hours without being used (when it's sitting on my desk at work).  When I go to make a call, it just hangs on the dialing screen with no info until I turn bluetooth (on the phone) off/on.  Then it'll make the call like normal, showing the contact, etc.  If I don't turn bluetooth off, it will hang until it the dialer crashes.

I don't have another headset I can test it out with, and I'm not going on any long-ish road trips to leave it connected to my car and try it there.

E: The phone is a Moto X Pure, so it's stock Android (outside of one Motorola app that can handle voice and motion commands if you want) like the Nexus.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on December 28, 2015, 02:54:32 PM
Quote from: garbon on December 26, 2015, 12:36:17 PM
S6 seems good battery wise and the charging is so quick. That said I have been looking to see if one of those charger batteries would make sense on my European sojourns when I'm away from easily accessible wall sockets all day.

I keep one in my bag on holidays as my phone often depletes during a day a of walking about taking photos. It works quite well, not too heavy and got about 2 re-charges in it.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on January 13, 2016, 11:15:06 AM
S6 on out for delivery in a UPS truck somewhere around BHM. :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on January 13, 2016, 02:12:44 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2016, 11:15:06 AM
S6 on out for delivery in a UPS truck somewhere around BHM. :)

UPS tracking says: delivered!
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on January 13, 2016, 10:04:23 PM
Just how many updates will this thing download?! :lol:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on January 14, 2016, 04:25:15 AM
Carrying my phone absolutely everywhere at home and work in order to property track my walking grows tiresome. I'm looking for a cheap fitness tracker to work with my phone now.
Gadget escalation <_<
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Arvoreen on January 14, 2016, 09:11:34 AM
Check out the list here: http://www.wareable.com/fitness-trackers/best-budget-fitness-trackers-under-gbp-50
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on January 14, 2016, 10:43:09 AM
Quote from: lustindarkness on January 13, 2016, 10:04:23 PM
Just how many updates will this thing download?! :lol:

Final count of phone and app updates? A million and one! :D

That Smart Switch app was awesome, transferred everything over, contacts, text conversations, phone logs, pics, documents, everything.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on January 19, 2016, 03:02:34 AM
Ok. Typing on this phone can really be a pita.
I write pig....it automatically prints 🐷.  Sushi gives 🍣.  Relieved  😌.
Grrr. As a secondary suggestion fine. But stop the automatic shit.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on March 27, 2016, 09:37:29 AM
So Samsung finally got carriers to start pushing out update to marshmallow. I'm not sure though if I want to update as my S6 works nicely as is...
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on March 28, 2016, 06:02:56 AM
Marshmallow new wifi handling will suck your battery die.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Brezel on April 02, 2016, 09:29:20 AM
Thinking of finally caving in and buying my first smartphone ever. I think I'll go for Galaxy S6. I prefer the looks of Sony Xperia but I've read the z3 models have some overheating issues. The reviews suggest that Xperias are really good but S6 and S7 are even slightly better.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on April 02, 2016, 11:30:46 AM
Quote from: Brezel on April 02, 2016, 09:29:20 AM
Thinking of finally caving in and buying my first smartphone ever. I think I'll go for Galaxy S6. I prefer the looks of Sony Xperia but I've read the z3 models have some overheating issues. The reviews suggest that Xperias are really good but S6 and S7 are even slightly better.

Cost a consideration?  I am thinking of ordering the LG G4 today; as good or better than Galaxy S6, but cheaper.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on April 02, 2016, 12:23:32 PM
Quote from: Brezel on April 02, 2016, 09:29:20 AM
Thinking of finally caving in and buying my first smartphone ever. I think I'll go for Galaxy S6. I prefer the looks of Sony Xperia but I've read the z3 models have some overheating issues. The reviews suggest that Xperias are really good but S6 and S7 are even slightly better.

S6 is first one I ever purchased. :hug:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Brezel on April 02, 2016, 05:26:28 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 02, 2016, 11:30:46 AM
Cost a consideration?  I am thinking of ordering the LG G4 today; as good or better than Galaxy S6, but cheaper.

For some reason the leather back of G4 feels a tad old fashioned for my taste. And I'll most likely buy from operator that is offering S6, z3+ and G4 at pretty much the same price.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on April 05, 2016, 02:08:52 PM
I have completed the switch to Android & data plans for nearly employees. 

I want to automatically share the apps between all phones.  If I buy/install an app for me, I want all employees to have that same app.
However, I do not want them to use my credit card info to buy apps from the store and I want them to each have their agenda, not mine.

I have one Google account I created for the company, when I got my first HTC One.  Do I need to create an account for each phone?  How would I automatically share the apps between phones then?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 05, 2016, 06:12:37 PM
https://www.google.com/work/android/
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on April 06, 2016, 09:24:41 AM
I need a domain name for that?
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on April 06, 2016, 09:34:48 AM
I do not know.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: DontSayBanana on April 06, 2016, 04:29:55 PM
Quote from: Phillip V on April 02, 2016, 11:30:46 AM
Quote from: Brezel on April 02, 2016, 09:29:20 AM
Thinking of finally caving in and buying my first smartphone ever. I think I'll go for Galaxy S6. I prefer the looks of Sony Xperia but I've read the z3 models have some overheating issues. The reviews suggest that Xperias are really good but S6 and S7 are even slightly better.

Cost a consideration?  I am thinking of ordering the LG G4 today; as good or better than Galaxy S6, but cheaper.

The G4's pretty good, but I've seen a lot of issues in G3s and G4s where the digitizer craps out and has to be replaced under warranty.  That issue aside, I vastly prefer the G4's camera, and I tend to like the LG interface better than Samsung's TouchWiz.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: lustindarkness on April 19, 2016, 01:29:55 PM
Marshmallow seems to be working just fine on my S6. :unsure:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on April 19, 2016, 01:32:58 PM
Quote from: lustindarkness on April 19, 2016, 01:29:55 PM
Marshmallow seems to be working just fine on my S6. :unsure:

Yeah I gave in and did it about a week after - no issues though still haven't really seen any improvements I needed/wanted either.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on August 15, 2016, 10:11:44 PM
I have now upgraded to LG G4 and given my LG G3 to my father.  Very pleased.  :)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 04, 2016, 04:25:49 PM
Any thoughts on Google Pixel? From my quick look at details on it - I'm wondering if who it'll hurt most is Samsung even though positioning is versus Apple. Samsung is already in PR nightmare and while Samsung Galaxy S7 is cheaper for most builds, there'll finally be a competitive high end Android phone that isn't Samsung. Given lag time between Android release and Samsung retrofit, gives Google leg up that its hardware and software can be designed together like Apple's.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Zanza on October 06, 2016, 12:18:40 PM
And it doesn't come with Samsung's bloatware. I'll definitely look into it when I have to replace my current Samsung phone. I had looked at the Nexus last time, but wasn't convinced.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Phillip V on October 06, 2016, 12:47:38 PM
Quote from: garbon on October 04, 2016, 04:25:49 PM
Any thoughts on Google Pixel? From my quick look at details on it - I'm wondering if who it'll hurt most is Samsung even though positioning is versus Apple. Samsung is already in PR nightmare and while Samsung Galaxy S7 is cheaper for most builds, there'll finally be a competitive high end Android phone that isn't Samsung. Given lag time between Android release and Samsung retrofit, gives Google leg up that its hardware and software can be designed together like Apple's.

Depending on pricing, Pixel XL seems competitive with top tier phones.  I like this new competition and later the resulting push to differentiate/improve.

As for me, the Pixel XL is longer, heavier, and has a lower resolution camera than my LG G4.  I will wait until next year for the next top tier releases.

http://www.phonearena.com/phones/compare/Google-Pixel-XL,LG-G4/phones/10263,9104
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 06, 2016, 03:22:54 PM
Quote from: Zanza on October 06, 2016, 12:18:40 PM
And it doesn't come with Samsung's bloatware. I'll definitely look into it when I have to replace my current Samsung phone. I had looked at the Nexus last time, but wasn't convinced.

Same. I'd originally thought I was getting a Nexus but a review I read that it looked like a prototype for a phone really stuck with me.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: MadBurgerMaker on October 08, 2016, 10:54:04 PM
Cross posting here because they have an Android version too: 

Hey if anyone ever wanted a Magsafe type connection for their phones, Goat Case is having a sale on their charging doohickey: https://www.goatcase.com/products/goat-magnetic-charging-cable?lssrc=popular&variant=23450906817
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on October 09, 2016, 03:57:05 PM
Things are heating up for Samsung.

https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/09/more-galaxy-note-7-replacement-fires/
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: mongers on October 11, 2016, 09:24:08 AM
Quote from: Liep on October 09, 2016, 03:57:05 PM
Things are heating up for Samsung.

https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/09/more-galaxy-note-7-replacement-fires/

I'm bemused as to why the Apple PR* company in the UK is running that item as the main item on their world news section.  :hmm:




*alternatively known as BBC.com:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world (http://www.bbc.com/news/world)
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 07, 2017, 07:09:53 AM
I really hope that all phones don't go headjack less now that the Pixel 2 is following Apple's lead. :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on October 07, 2017, 07:19:01 AM
Quote from: garbon on October 07, 2017, 07:09:53 AM
I really hope that all phones don't go headjack less now that the Pixel 2 is following Apple's lead. :thumbsdown:

Wireless headphones are much nicer though, sure it's another thing to have to charge but I love having no wires tangling up.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 07, 2017, 07:30:56 AM
They also cost more to replace.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on October 07, 2017, 07:48:25 AM
Quote from: garbon on October 07, 2017, 07:30:56 AM
They also cost more to replace.

Sure, and for that reason I've never spent much on headphones. Currently using a set of €25 bluetooth headphones called Ink'd from Skullcandy. They're discreet with pretty good sound and have surprisingly stayed alive for almost a year.

Sadly I'm not allowed to use proper headphones at work, goddamn passengers. :P
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on October 07, 2017, 08:17:17 AM
And my current ones were €13. Also, it really is about limiting options. You can, of course, use wireless headphones with phones with a headjack. :P
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on October 07, 2017, 11:03:55 AM
I hope the same but you can always expect a manufacturer to keep it. Flip phones are still a thing.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: jimmy olsen on April 20, 2019, 09:19:47 AM
My pc is not recognizing my phone. Tried a bunch of things and it just won't do it.  :hmm:

It recognizes my portable hard drive though.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: viper37 on April 24, 2019, 09:51:23 AM
Quote from: jimmy olsen on April 20, 2019, 09:19:47 AM
My pc is not recognizing my phone. Tried a bunch of things and it just won't do it.  :hmm:

It recognizes my portable hard drive though.
create a Linux Boot disk, use Mint, Ubuntu or any other distro you might like, boot in live mode (don't install), plug your phone, see if Linux detects it.  If yes, there is a driver problem in Windows, check your manufacturer to see if there's something special required.  If not, the problem may be with your phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: The Minsky Moment on April 26, 2019, 04:01:31 PM
The headphone jack is the crowning achievement of Western civilization.  Apple should be damned for eternity for plotting its destruction.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: mongers on April 26, 2019, 07:24:55 PM
Quote from: The Minsky Moment on April 26, 2019, 04:01:31 PM
The headphone jack is the crowning achievement of Western civilization.  Apple should be damned for eternity for plotting its destruction.

But which, 3.5mm or 1/4in ?   

:P
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Josquius on May 05, 2019, 09:09:49 AM
It's now approaching a year since I decided I really need a new phone and still in supreme inaction. :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Liep on May 19, 2019, 05:32:28 PM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2019, 09:09:49 AM
It's now approaching a year since I decided I really need a new phone and still in supreme inaction. :hmm:

I'd avoid a Huawei.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48330310
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Grey Fox on June 05, 2019, 07:23:20 AM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2019, 09:09:49 AM
It's now approaching a year since I decided I really need a new phone and still in supreme inaction. :hmm:

:lol: It's just a phone.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Maladict on June 06, 2019, 03:30:34 AM
Quote from: Grey Fox on June 05, 2019, 07:23:20 AM
Quote from: Tyr on May 05, 2019, 09:09:49 AM
It's now approaching a year since I decided I really need a new phone and still in supreme inaction. :hmm:

:lol: It's just a phone.

Seriously. And there's so little difference between them these days, it doesn't really matter anyway.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on March 14, 2022, 08:32:13 AM
I preorderd the Samsung Galaxy S22 as an upgrade to my S8. Today I got in the mail the new phone case but still unclear when I'll get my phone. :D
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: Syt on March 14, 2022, 08:34:36 AM
Quote from: garbon on March 14, 2022, 08:32:13 AMI preorderd the Samsung Galaxy S22 as an upgrade to my S8. Today I got in the mail the new phone case but still unclear when I'll get my phone. :D

I was considering that esp. since I could get "up to" 25% of the price if I turn in my current phone. But ultimately it doesn't seem like enough of an upgrade to my 3 year old Galaxy Note 10+ :hmm:
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: mongers on March 14, 2022, 03:57:43 PM
Opened this thread to read about the Android Threat.
Title: Re: Android Thread
Post by: garbon on December 12, 2023, 01:28:52 PM
I saw Samsung tried to fuck with me by adopting a new font when it upgraded. :glare: