Database Develop

[Q] Pocket Android Non-phone devices ??

Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !

ADude said:
Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.

yep get used droid, you can use its camera, gps, download textfree/pinger and get text messaging
JLCollier2005 said:
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

ADude said:
Is there such a thing as a pocket size Android device that is not a phone - but has all the other features of a smartphone ?
In other words, a wifi-only Droid/Evo/Thunder/HD2 ?
I was struck by what someone said about the Nook Color, that they did not need the camera or the microphone, because their pocket phone has those things. I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
But I could use something that could scan UPC codes (or QR codes), take quick photos, and could do voice activated tasks that do not need the nice large screen of the Nook.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want something radical try, www alwaysinnovating.com/products/minibook.htm
There is also the samsung galaxy pmps, www linuxfordevices.com/c/a/News/Samsung-Galaxy-Player-4-and-5/
Also look at Archos, but their smaller units tend to be resistive touch screens so check the descriptions well.
And finally a google search for 'android pmp camera' should turn up a couple hits.
-Zhin

Check out the archos 43 here
http://www.amazon.com/Archos-43-Internet-Tablet-Black/dp/B0042RRTOC
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Cowon D3

ADude said:
I do not have a smartphone, because I do not want a big monthly data bill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my thinking on the matter, too and is the reason why I still use a cheap Chinese Windows Mobile 2G clone phone through T-mobile. However, I've noticed that Phone companies are starting to roll out small data plans for about $10.00 a month. That might be enough to get me to finally buy a smart phone, given that I'd mostly use WiFi for data.
Once tethering plans become affordable I'll probably go with that, but I'm talking $15.00 a month on top for data & tethering, and who knows when (or if) prices will ever reach that level (especially with AT&T swallowing up T-Mobile... yaaay, go duopoly!)

Samsung is making one galaxy player I think its going to be called
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Arbelzapf said:
Cowon D3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad reviews say it is terrible
I would say simply wait for the Samsung Galaxy Player to actually be released, hopefully this spring.

JLCollier2005 said:
Maybe someone else can back me (or correct me) up on this as I'm just taking an educated guess here, but any deactivated phone would do this. If you're only looking for a wifi version, that is. You might wanna look into it more, but picking up an old Droid (probably pretty cheap) would work. You would have access to the market via wifi and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am now looking into this, there are lots of Droids on ebay.
I assume that "BAD ESN" only matters if you are going to use it as a cell phone, and for Wifi use, it would not matter ?
Also, I noticed in the completed listings that some with cracked screens sold for just as much as ones without flaws. Why is this ? Is there some easy way to get the screen fixed ? (Just curious on this one.)

Taking notes with the Nexus 7

I know some people want to use this to take notes, and I think it's perfect for that. It can all be done for $2, as well.
1) Go to your local dollar tree/store, and get a stylus (or 8) from there. They work great, and it allows me to keep one at the office/home/etc. If that fails, you can get them from Amazon (they look exactly the same).
2) Buy 7notes (we all have $25, buy some damn legal apps already).
3) Profit! The app works at a keyboard stand-in, and it predicts your words perfectly (I have the worst handwriting, and it has yet to mess up). For syncing stuff, I suggest Evernote (free and nice interface). FYI, Evernote is like dropbox for notes. They are availible everywhere, and with the addon program (also free) Skitch, you can save drawings with your notes.
Alternatively, if you don't want your writing turned into digital text, you can use Freenote, which works great for straight writing/drawing.
Also, root your Nexus 7. If for no other reason than to change the DPI to 160 (tablet mode with the buttons on the lower left hand side, notifications on the lower right, etc) and to get AdAway. The stock browser is also really slick with the thumb navigation menu.

I have not tried it yet, but Evernote allows taking notes in freehand. Used it on my KF in many meetings.
Update, didn't not he mentioned it at the end...
Via my HTC Rezound

ace7196 said:
2) Buy 7notes (we all have $25, buy some damn legal apps already).
3) Profit! The app works at a keyboard stand-in, and it predicts your words perfectly (I have the worst handwriting, and it has yet to mess up). For syncing stuff, I suggest Evernote (free and nice interface).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up on that app. I am a big Evernote user. Being able to hand write and have it convert to digital text will be great.

How good are these $1 sytli?
The Verge recently had an article about iPad styli and the well reviewed ones were $15 +
would post a link but apparently new users are not able to post links. Just googling "verge stylus review" should bring it up.
I'm thinking about using my Nexus 7 to take notes when I go back to continue my education after a not-so brief break but I would definitely like a good stylus.

ace7196 said:
1) Go to your local dollar tree/store, and get a stylus (or 8) from there. They work great, and it allows me to keep one at the office/home/etc. If that fails, you can get them from Amazon (they look exactly the same).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that the exact same stylus? Just want to know what to look for/ask for, most Dollar Tree employees are not the most technical..

How can I do handwritting with evernote from my N7?
Also I'm looking into different apps for this. I want something that will sync but still be available offline.

Install Skitch. Run it, do your thing, hit the elephant icon at top-right to save it to Evernote.
--
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Rafase282 said:
How can I do handwritting with evernote from my N7?
Also I'm looking into different apps for this. I want something that will sync but still be available offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read my post? Everything is there. Or do you mean you DO NOT want your handwriting transferred to text? In that case follow the above directions (for Stitch).

khaytsus said:
Is that the exact same stylus? Just want to know what to look for/ask for, most Dollar Tree employees are not the most technical..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the EXACT (from looking at the picture). I have NO issues using it. Anytime I'm writing on the N7, it follows the pen.

This is almost what it need. Freenote
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

kisrita said:
This is almost what it need. Freenote
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops, didnt finish. Freenote combined with Evernote would be just what i need, but I also need to have access to all my notes offline. Evernote charges too much for the ability to have my notes offline. Is there a cheaper alternative?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

That's pretty cool and everything, but I don't know that I want it as a keyboard replacement outside of the app itself. Did anybody see a setting that only allows the handwriting input for the app only?
-Flu

Any chance of the stylus scratching the n7 screen?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

kisrita said:
oops, didnt finish. Freenote combined with Evernote would be just what i need, but I also need to have access to all my notes offline. Evernote charges too much for the ability to have my notes offline. Is there a cheaper alternative?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much does Evernote charge? I don't quite understand the "have your notes offline" thing. Would you mind elaborating?

Wow, 7Notes is amazing! I can't believe how well just using their keyboard entry (freehand writing area) works with any app.
This is one of the best stylus apps I've used. I've been disappointed in the past because my iPad had so many options and none of my Android tablets seemed to register the stylus well. Not only does the Nexus 7 read the pen perfectly, the better sharing options in Android make it so much more useful. Just blown away by it.

cvbcbcmv said:
I don't know if they've changed, but last time I got a stylus it was just this big rubber tip that was hard to move and was terrible for writing. I prefer taking notes with my Echo Smartpen though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly!
I hate big rubber tip of capacitive stylus.

yeah. i like noting function , it is important, it can help us memorise many things.

So have people had luck with the non-huge rubber tipped stylus?
Sent from my Nexus 7

Malikai_ said:
So have people had luck with the non-huge rubber tipped stylus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be interested in knowing that too. I'd love to take notes via stylus but I've had such bad luck with the fat tipped capacitive stylus types.
Sent from my Nexus 7

janedoesmith said:
How much does Evernote charge? I don't quite understand the "have your notes offline" thing. Would you mind elaborating?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Offline notes means access to all my previous notes and notebooks when not connected to wifi. This is available in Ever note premium. If I'm willing to pay 45 dollars per year or 5 dollars a month for the premium upgrade... I need offline access to my notes, since the whole point is having all my notes with me without carrying a stack of notebooks, and without access to wifi in my office, or while traveling to our various offsite business partners. But I'm not willing to pay that much for it, and I don't want to sign up for new recurring bills either. All I really need is a better way to save and organize notes created in free note.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk 2

Any good home automation accessories?

Has anyone seen any good home automation accessories that would be compatible with the Note 2 that can be bought or shipped to Canada? I've tried browsing the sites of Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, etc. but have found nothing that would work with a smartphone. Specifically, I'm think of stuff like an NFC garage door opener or door lock. But I am other stuff could also be interesting.

Depending on how involved you want to get, some of the Insteon based controllers for home automation have apps that allow you to manage scenes, and such remotely:
Here is the pay app that you would use.
Edit Can't post external links.
The sky (and your wallet)is the limit for what you can automate/control/view from this system. Check out smarthome dot com for all the parts. Look up mobilinc Pro on the Play store
You will need a couple of pieces like:
Controller (The ISY 994i is what I have)
Phase Coupler connects the insteon network across both legs of the 220v circuits in your house.
Outlets. If you want to control things you plug in.
Switches If you want to control lights/fans etc.
Special use case devices like Garage door openers, thermostats.
They have been running specials since black friday. I got 20% off all Insteon products a few days ago.
Note, I have no affiliation with any of the above mentioned products, i am just passing along the things that I have experience with.
---------- Post added at 08:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 PM ----------
Just search for "Insteon" in the play store. Lots of apps come up that will work with/ control Insteon based systems.

I set up home automation often. Good open entry level home controler I have always recommended is still miCasa Verde. Zwave home automation. Free app is HomeBuddie. Course is you going zigbee or the now outdated x10 this wont help much.
Zigbee is newer to the market and the protocal is more secure/robust. IpDatatel makes a product that intergrates with most "current" alarm panels IPDkit10101. Has a built in zigbee controler anf allows for mid lvl automation.
Honeywell recently got in to this. The Lynx5100 and Tuxedo products offer zwave control and next year zigbee as well. The lvl of control is lacking and the monthly cost is steep.
GESimon XT , XTi and 2gig Go panels offer some very nice zwave control utilizing alarm.com as a service. Probably the best bang for thr buck if your wanting an all in one alarm and automation setup.
To date however packaged setups and integrated systems are not as flexible as a stand alone controller. If you decide on a communication medium then figure out what your controller will be. Everything is modular from that point.
Now if your thinking about Questron or anything like it. You are in the wrong place lol. That lvl of automation is not for the faint hearted nor financially challanged. Usually when you talk Questron its a $20k minimum conversation. Its also not woth it IMO since the tech is out of date and the marked has long since passed and advanced. Its much more affordable and just about anyone can get in to it.
Hope you have fun with it.

I've been eyeing this lock.
https://lockitron.com/preorder
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I want to try this http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/edison-junior-doorbot-video-doorbell/ and it'll work with lockitron
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app

Jamolah said:
I've been eyeing this lock.
https://lockitron.com/preorder
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rackols said:
I want to try this http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/edison-junior-doorbot-video-doorbell/ and it'll work with lockitron
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So here is the glitch I have run in to with WiFi automation products. Ether you get lucky and find an app that is compatible with a few, or you have to have an app for each device. This method is very limiting and the devices often cost more than there standard automation counterparts. Say you want the new Nest Thermostat. It will need an app on your phone. Lockitron will need its own app and so on. But wait a second! What if you want the lights to turn on lets say at around 8pm when you unlock your door so your home will great you with a lighted path, and the thermostat cranks up the heat or ac depending on the time/temp indoors at that moment. Wont happen with unrelated wifi products unless you make some complex tasker on your phone to handle all the commands from you phone. Essentially turning your phone in to a controller.
These single applications are neat and serve a single purpose. If that's all you need then your not doing any home automation this is out of the love of gadgets and some minor convenience. To automate is hands free operation of something automatically. Good automation handles multiple devices under an array of conditions and scenarios.
The benefits of Zwave or Zigbee are simple. Open source, and standardize protocol. No cross compatibility issue. If it has the label then it must be comparable or it wont get certified.
Hope that helps . BTW cool finds.

smarthome.com
CircularLogic said:
Has anyone seen any good home automation accessories that would be compatible with the Note 2 that can be bought or shipped to Canada? I've tried browsing the sites of Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Rona, etc. but have found nothing that would work with a smartphone. Specifically, I'm think of stuff like an NFC garage door opener or door lock. But I am other stuff could also be interesting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
smarthome.com
ton of cool stuff ... my home is fully automated

I saw some new belkin dongles in best buy the other day. No idea how well they work but basically can control an outlet with your phone. Pretty cool. $50
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Xperia PLAY Experience Pack XP151 - 55% off (UK)

Previously listed at £29.99. Now sold for £12.90.
Code:
[url]http://www.sonymobile.com/gb/products/accessories/xperia-play-experience-pack-xp151/[/url]
Pack includes:
Multi media dock DK300
Pocket Micro USB cable EC300
3,5mm Music Cable MC100
3 free Gameloft games
Granted, the selection of GL games is a bit dated but when I bought one recently, the provided voucher code to claim the games didn't work (other people have had this problem) so I contacted GL support and was told to choose any 3 of the latest games for them to text/email to me. Can't go wrong with that imo :good:

Been this price for sometime, when I clicked on this I thought it was 55% off the £12.90.
>_<

1st...is it worth getting? 2nd....you mean to say that gameloft actually got back to you? Lol, that's a shocker if it was through txet/email....their costumer service sucks, especially with online games (O&C, MC)...mainly I just wanted to see if the dock and extras are worth it.
Sent from my R800x using xda app-developers app

Anyone know where I can get a official car charger for the Xperia PLAY ?

Official?
http://shop.sonymobile.com/gb/buy/compact-car-charger-an401-black/1242-0313/
Something Like that I suppose?

AzNTypeR said:
Official?
http://shop.sonymobile.com/gb/buy/compact-car-charger-an401-black/1242-0313/
Something Like that I suppose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! will it work with the Xperia PLAY ?

sufy1000 said:
Thanks! will it work with the Xperia PLAY ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will - check your phones box , mine came with one. Any usb car charger will work with the xperia play - as long as it has a micro usb end - I've used a few and they all worked.
EDIT- Also, the dock is and has been cheaper on amazon - so unless you want to pay £3 more for the games - just buy the dock, it includes everything minus the games. The pack is also the same price on amazon.

Nabeel_Nabs said:
Yes it will - check your phones box , mine came with one. Any usb car charger will work with the xperia play - as long as it has a micro usb end - I've used a few and they all worked.
EDIT- Also, the dock is and has been cheaper on amazon - so unless you want to pay £3 more for the games - just buy the dock, it includes everything minus the games. The pack is also the same price on amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The standalone dock includes the 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack and the MicroUSB? Because I might get that as I can get that in white whereas this is only available in Black ;p

AzNTypeR said:
The standalone dock includes the 3.5mm to 3.5mm jack and the MicroUSB? Because I might get that as I can get that in white whereas this is only available in Black ;p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does and a charger(you connect it via the micro usb cable).

brsingr said:
1st...is it worth getting? 2nd....you mean to say that gameloft actually got back to you? Lol, that's a shocker if it was through txet/email....their costumer service sucks, especially with online games (O&C, MC)...mainly I just wanted to see if the dock and extras are worth it.
Sent from my R800x using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your 1st question; it is worth it at the reduced price. I needed a dock and its good to have a branded one for the sake of reliability and knowing its safe to use. Last thing I need is another house fire due to dodgy electrics.
One thing I'll warn of is that the included mini usb connector is incredibly small and made practically useless by this fact, though luckily I had some decently sized spares anyway.
Secondly, I'm no great defender of Gameloft, what with there track record of botched updates and poor implementation of games which require tons of unmovable data to be stored on the phone. But in the case of customer support, I can't fault them. I've contacted them 3 times in the past. On one occasion to complain that the update to the Amazing Spiderman broke the game for us XP users, they said that they passed my feedback to the dev team and compensated me with the Dark Knight game. The second time was because I couldn't find a previously purchased game in my account, to this they sent me a permanent link to re-download it when I want. And the third occasion was as described in my original post. In my experience they've always been prompt and courteous. On my part, I've always been sure to explain clearly what my problems are and realistic in what I expect them to do about it.

How's the dock work when there's a case on the phone? I'm using the Trident case and it adds a bit of bulk to the phone.

maddog00 said:
How's the dock work when there's a case on the phone? I'm using the Trident case and it adds a bit of bulk to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have the Trident case and unfortunately, you have to remove the bottom half of the case (very easy) for it to fit. Little inconvenient to do but not in the slightest bit difficult because of the decent design of the trident case.

Offical? Nah...
AzNTypeR said:
Official?
http://shop.sonymobile.com/gb/buy/compact-car-charger-an401-black/1242-0313/
Something Like that I suppose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For goodness sake they sell 'em in poundland! and i works as well!

I got a free Gear VR today and I'm not impressed

Honestly I think Google Cardboard is more convenient and versatile. I disabled my VR service and use it as a Cardboard headset. It does feel comfy at least. Every time you take your headset out it resets everything. That's not ok. Not being able to set your orientation for laying down or slightly adjusting for comfort is not ok. Sure some apps allow that but it should be a system feature. But I didn't expect any less from Samsung since they so this with all their products.

You need to hold on the back button to pop up your profile and you can reorient the screen anytime you want in any vr app you want. I do it all the time when I feel like laying down during a movie

Love my VR headset. Was given a code to get about $50 worth of stuff from the store. Chose the entertainment pack over the game pack. Glad I did. Face Your Fear made me scream with the ghost story one. Very immersive and scary. Can't wait to make my two older daughters try it. Lol!
Also, everything hasn't reset for me when I take the headset off. It starts right back where I left off, but maybe it depends on the app as well. If an app cannot handle going to sleep and recover properly, then that's the app, not the VR headset. Android Apps have to be programmed to handle when they are put "to sleep" properly. If not, then most apps will just restart and that's on the application developer, not the VR headset. I only know this as I've learned Android App programming and that is one of the life cycles of an application that is the responsibility of the app developer.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

iBolski said:
Love my VR headset. Was given a code to get about $50 worth of stuff from the store. Chose the entertainment pack over the game pack. Glad I did. Face Your Fear made me scream with the ghost story one. Very immersive and scary. Can't wait to make my two older daughters try it. Lol!
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Must be nice. I'm still waiting to get my $50 worth of bonus content. Been waiting since September. Oculus support is still looking into it.
Sent from my wickedly kewl LG V20 using my fingers. Duh!!!

aaroncal said:
You need to hold on the back button to pop up your profile and you can reorient the screen anytime you want in any vr app you want. I do it all the time when I feel like laying down during a movie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Laying down during what kind of movie? 😂
Sent from my SM-N920P using XDA-Developers mobile app

truckerdewd said:
Must be nice. I'm still waiting to get my $50 worth of bonus content. Been waiting since September. Oculus support is still looking into it.
Sent from my wickedly kewl LG V20 using my fingers. Duh!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange. I got a card with the set from the VZW store. It was a scratch-off card. I then went into the Oculus store, redeemed the code and could pick between a game or an entertainment pack. I chose the entertainment pack which included ID4 and Life of Pi movies. It also included Affected - The Manor. Damn thing scared the crap out of me multiple times that I screamed. Ticked off my wife because she thought I hurt myself. :laugh:
But I got them immediately. No wait, so maybe my deal is different?

TodWulff said:
Laying down during what kind of movie? 😂
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm a scary movie...Yeah a scary one lol