[Q] A collection of Android/Note getting started Noob questions - Galaxy Note GT-N7000 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi
The Note is my first smartphone ever, lol, and I am really exited to exploit all of its functions. I am not sure whether it is android or specific GNote Q's, but I hope some of you can help me out, please.
1) When I am in an open program/app, how do I close it from there? I can go for the Home click or Back/reverse and then afterwards choose active programs and then I can close them. There must be an easier way?
2) These starting screens there are 7 of them to scroll from side to side, but can I add more and can I make them scroll up and down instead of sidewise?
3) I hope I can managed to make my calender to sync. with my work, Outlook, but I dont want them to se my private tasks/mettings/dates etc., How can I deal with that?
4) If I have more programs/app open, how can I shift between them?
5) I have at two private webmails and one working mail, and then I have Linkedin and Twitter profile, one private and one working, each. Further more I have a tons of RSS feeds...
Any good adwise on how to deal with all this in a smart way?
(They should have made room for two simcards, lol).
6) Private calls are forwarded to my work phone, but if I make calls to some of my private friends from my working phone, I still want them to see my private number and not work. Is that possible?
7) I cannot see the difference beetween fully off mode and standby, can I make a standby logo or something to insert?

Moved To Q&A​
This is a collection of question, and as such should be in the Q&A section​

Note-it said:
1) When I am in an open program/app, how do I close it from there? I can go for the Home click or Back/reverse and then afterwards choose active programs and then I can close them. There must be an easier way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go back from the program, it'll usually close it. Some programs choose not to close in that instance (such as the web browser and stock SMS app.) Those programs can be left running - they usually won't cause any problems. To be honest, you can leave everything running and android will take care of "cleaning up" whenever it needs the memory.
2) These starting screens there are 7 of them to scroll from side to side, but can I add more and can I make them scroll up and down instead of sidewise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can add or remove them, but using the stock launcher, you can't change the direction they scroll in. This may be a feature in some third party launcher (such as GO Launcher, ADW Launcher, etc.)
3) I hope I can managed to make my calender to sync. with my work, Outlook, but I dont want them to se my private tasks/mettings/dates etc., How can I deal with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use different calanders for work and private stuff. You'll have to be careful when creating new events on your phone that you select the proper calander for things to go into.
4) If I have more programs/app open, how can I shift between them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hold the "home" button, choose the app you want to switch to.
5) I have at two private webmails and one working mail, and then I have Linkedin and Twitter profile, one private and one working, each. Further more I have a tons of RSS feeds...
Any good adwise on how to deal with all this in a smart way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is a "smart" way and what isn't? I have all my private emails consolidate into a single email address (similar to how gmail/hotmail/etc can pick up from other boxes) and keep my work stuff seperate. I don't do social networks, so can't comment on that.
6) Private calls are forwarded to my work phone, but if I make calls to some of my private friends from my working phone, I still want them to see my private number and not work. Is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look into google voice.
7) I cannot see the difference beetween fully off mode and standby, can I make a standby logo or something to insert?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I'm not sure why you'd want to, though. If you tap the 'home' button and nothing happens, it's fully off. If the screen wakes up, then it's in standby. I'm not sure why a phone would be turned full off, though.
Hope this helps
Gary

Thank you, but...
Thank you ☺ Sorry for a slow reply. I was not able to figure out how to split up qoutes, but I hope you can follow:
1) (Closing an app issue) Well I guess closing applications is a pc OS thing. Still wont it drain the battery more to leave them running? Using the back is not always a solution, if there are several steps. To stop the music player u must either pause it or u need the ''active programs'' on one of your home screens.
2) (Number of home screens > 7) I mean can I add more than 7, so I could have for instance 10 instead, and how do I do that?
3) (Calender Work and private issue) In outlook (work) I can mark them as private, I kind of hoped that it was possible with the Note too. Anyway how do I add another calender?
4) ok ☺
5) (several mails/feeds etc., overview issue) - lol, Well I need to keep some structure, I must split it into a few mails accounts and merging them would kind of kill the whole idea. Anyway I can chose each mail account for the E-mail app or I can choose the Social Hub, so I think it covers it depending on what I need…
6) (specify number I call from) Some day I might do so, Thx. Though perhaps my work will pay for my private calls also and then I can stick to one number.
7) (standby/clock screen) The watch app with desktop thing, do the work ☺

Related

[[Cupcake]] General musings...few gripes...some questions...

A few days ago I updated to JF's 1.5. I installed the radio update first, wiped, installed 1.5, wiped again (sounds gross I know), and now I'm ready to roll. Overall it's VERY snappy, VERY stable, and I'm highly pleased with it's feature set. However, there are a few lingering questions.
Feel free to add your own to this list-- this post is intended to be a campfire discussion about Cupcake (of sorts). As always, if I posted in the wrong place...mods do your thing.
What I do like:
-The improved integration across the apps (messaging, Gtalk, Dialer, etc). I like that when you're signed into Gtalk, you can see which of your contacts are signed in as well from the contact list, the messaging app....this is very handy. Also the menu's have been cleaned up VERY well, and it's just generally more pleasing to navigate. It feels way less clunky than RC33.
Good job Google.
-The Browser. I'm noticing a big speed increase over the last version of Chrome-lite.
Not much else to say, I just felt like that should be mentioned.
-Bluetooth pairing. I noticed that when I paired my BT headset, I didn't have to enter a key this time.
Very nice.
-Live folders kick ass. I see a lot of potential here.
-Overall speed of Cupcake, the transitions and so forth. The menus flow nicely from one screen to the next, and the new transitions add to the whizbang factor that Android will need to gain more mainstream appeal. Enabling 'Fancy transitions' in Spare Parts is good for wowing your friends too.
Show em...then ask them if their iPhone can do that
Now onto the gripes:
-What happened to the Undelivered messages functions in SMS? Meaning, if a message fails to send, while we do get a prompt saying so, we dont have a way to resend the message (past retyping it). I don't know if it will attempt to resend after a certain period of time on it's own, but I don't think so. I've let undelivered messages sit for hours...and they never resend.
-No auto rotate on the home screen. I don't know if this is something JF chose to leave out of his build, or if this is just the way Cupcake is...but that seems kinda weird from a usability standpoint. If I'm using an app in landscape mode, and hit the home button...why would I want it to rotate back to portrait?
...Just to open the app again, and have it rotate back to landscape?
-I'll wait before T-Mo releases the RC version of Cupcake before submitting this as a feature request but I noticed that all phone numbers, addresses & such in the browser are not clickable. Meaning if a run a search for a business...and the phone number shows in the results field, I can't always click on it to dial. This was the one thing I always loved about the Blackberry browser (though Chrome kicks it's ass in every other regard).
...Your thoughts?
just to say i have not had the issue with clicking on phonenumbers on webapages.
rigamrts said:
just to say i have not had the issue with clicking on phonenumbers on webapages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have and its even more frustrating with phone numbers in emails. maybe its set to pick up US number formats and not UK. i'm not sure.
thefunkygibbon said:
i have and its even more frustrating with phone numbers in emails. maybe its set to pick up US number formats and not UK. i'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me see if I can explain this properly...
I run a google search for say, "Pizza Hut Baltimore." In the list of results, I can click the phone number to dial for the top result only. If one of the results further down has a number in the description field, I cannot click it. Nor the address for that matter. Now if I click the link of the result, and go to the page...I can then click the number, address etc.
To me personally this is not a HUGE deal. In fact I considered it as normal since I noticed that same thing in RC33.
Overall, it's what i wanted. I will say that having the home screen autorotate might be a bit of a battery drain. It seemed to when i had it running on rooted rc33. Whenever i turned it off there was a noticeable improvement in battery life. I'm just saying.
The home screen didn't auto-rotate in the adp 1.5 build either. That's just how it is.
Messages not being sent:
Long click the message that didn't send, press edit, then send again.
No 'Home' button in the browser now. I've been clicking space + menu for awhile now but not having it makes one handed navigation slightly more difficult.
For SMS that are unsent, it will show an envelope with an exclamaition point to the right of it correct? Well what you can do it tap on that icon and it will put it back into the text field. that way you can just tap send again without retyping it.
the.snks said:
No 'Home' button in the browser now. I've been clicking space + menu for awhile now but not having it makes one handed navigation slightly more difficult.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a HUGE gripe of mine as well.
I wish there was an easy html or xml file that we could edit and change every one of those buttons. The GO button is a waste of space too since you basically can just type any url and hit enter and there you go. That GO could nicely be replaced with HOME.
Just to update this thread:
-Several apps I have installed show as no updates being available (in the Market). As a workaround, I have to select the app, then click 'View more applications' and then the update shows. Very annoying...
-WiFi perfomance is very flaky. I routinely have to toggle it on/off a few times before it picks up an IP. This happens at multiple locations, across different brand routers, so it has to be the phone.
I do not have anything special going on aside from running JF's v1.51. No apps2sd, themes...none of that, and I did wipe before and after installing the update.
....but I think the majority of these problems are cause by the recent radio update. If you search around...the issues are well documented.

[Q] Lots of Captivate Questions

So after looking around through the forums I have learned a lot, and I have appreciated every piece of information I have been given, but there have been some things I have either not found answers to, or have not found complete answers (ie: someone only asked part of what I'm asking).
*Phone info listed in Signature*
When giving an answer, please number it according to the question and/or Quote the question, Please do not quote the entire post.
1. IMEI Device ID: Can I change it? and How?
- After Flashing and Rooting, my email exchange account no longer recognizes my phone and asks me to validate the Device ID. I did get Exchange to work when I had 2.1 and I'm not doing anything different from before. (Note: Android Device ID and IMEI Device ID are 2 different things)
Answer: Your IMEI Device ID is located on the back of your phone. You can find it by removing the battery and then it is the number above the first barcode. Your IMEI ID is something you neither can change nor want to. If a problem occurs trying to get Exchange to work again after messing with your phone, try connecting to the network at the location of your exchange account. Make sure your phone is registered, if it's not, register and wait a day before attempting to connect to exchange again. If that still doesnt work, contact their IT dept and have them manually add your phone. Also, see Post#4 or Exchange Thread
2. Android Device ID:
a)Is the number/letter sequence located on my battery, my Android's ID?
b)In the app "Android ID Changer", when I change it to said ID on battery and click "Save" nothing happens, the ID that the App gives me is still listed at the top.
Answer: If you flash and root with what I've given in my signature, your Android Device ID should be the same or there shouldn't really be anything you need to worry about that requires it. Your IMEI ID is the important one. Also Reference the Device ID Thread, and please make sure you write yours down before flashing and rooting!!!!
3. Sounds Sounds Sounds!!!!!: OK, so I know everyone wants to have their own custom tones right? Well, after looking around for a little while, I haven't really found full solutions as to what I want:
There are 6 Different Kinds of Tones, and a 7th Tone Type I would like added:
- Voice Call Tones: As main ringtone and per contact(As Title)
- Notification Tones: (Text Messages, Email, etc)
- Music: Your media, the only files that should show up in "Music Player"
- Alarm Tone: In the Default Clock App, under Alarm Creation
- Smart Alarm Tone: In the Clock App also under Alarm Creation
- Screen Touch "Pop" Tone (When you click an app)
- Reminder Tone: Reminds you that you have a text or missed call(Not included on phone currently)
a) OK, with that list, when I go in to choose for each one, you get a menu (for example Voice Call gives you: Silent, AT&T Tone, Bird loop, ..., Samsung tune, ...). I would like for my custom sound files to show in the Default list of each according Tone type as listed above. How do I do it?
b) How do I differentiate the Text message tone from the email tone? How do I make make text message tones & settings individual/separate from Notification Tones and Settings?
c) Reminder Tone: When I had a motorola back in the day, if my phone rang at me and I was too busy or not around it at the time to look at it, about every 5 minutes, it would beep at me telling me that something happened while I wasnt paying attention. Is there a way that I can add this feature to my Captivate?
4. ASTRO vs. My Files(on 2.2-Froyo): It seems like "My Files" has everything that ASTRO has, yet I've seen a lot of people saying to get ASTRO. Is there any reason to have it?
Answer: If you have enabled the Side-Loading of apps, there is no real difference between these two other than their appearance since you can bring up the .apk installer that's included in both programs. Other options to using these to programs are: Root Explorer
5. Default Samsung App: Daily Briefing: There has got to be something better than this out there, any suggestions?
- Also, I already have a big clock that has weather(Fancy Widget), so I dont really rely on Daily Briefing for it
Answer: If you are looking for something in terms of a
Widget NewsReader: try Feedr for news, Auto Express for Car News, and ScoreCenter for Sports News
Non-Widget news readers include: Google Reader, gReader, & NewsRob.
6. Tethering/I'm Tethered, What Now?:
a) I know that my laptop can access WIFI via MobileAP, but how can I connect with my Laptop via USB Tethering. I have Windows XP Pro SP3
b) Is it possible for me to use my Laptop to send Txt Msgs?
c) Assuming I have hundreds of Contacts, Is to possible to keep ALL Contacts on laptop while keeping only most used contacts on phone?
Answer:
a) USB Tethering can be accomplished through apps like EasyTether or PDANet, but most ROM's for the captivate do have it standard. It would be under Menu > Settings > Applications > USB Settings > PC Internet.
b)
c)
7. Removing the Default "Latitude" App (2.2-Froyo): I already have Maps, Navigation, and Places. Why would I need "Latitude"? What is the purpose of it?
I use Titanium Backup Pro to "Freeze" most of the default apps (freeze meaning hide them w/o deleting them) but I cannot seem to find "Latitude" in the list of Apps, is there a way to freeze it with Titanium?
8. Allshare Default App 2.2: What does it add to the phone? Do I need it or should I "Freeze" it?
I'm looking for a way to play my media from my computer to my phone, however Windows Media Player doesnt recognize my phone as something to share to, how can I change this? (I use Windows XP Pro SP3)
9. FM Radio: Is there a way I can listen to my favorite channel without using up any data? And if I listen to the channel for about an hour, how much data will I have used? (So far, I've only seen Last.FM and TuneIn Radio)
Answer: Best thing to do if you want to listen to the Radio on your phone is to do it via Wifi. Unfortunately for us, our phone originally had plans to have a FM Chip installed allowing us free FM Radio, but that's just not how AT&T rolls. Another App besides Last.FM or TuneIn Radio to try is iheartradio. Furthermore, if you are wanting to watch your Data Usage, I suggest trying 3G Watchdog, I don't know how accurate it is from month-to-month, but it is an App(and Widget) that does watch your data usage.
10. Is there a way to rename the apps in my App Drawer? Some of them have strange/long names which will break a work so that it is on both lines or the whole title doesnt fit. This bothers my OCD so I was wondering if there was an easy way to do it.
11. Random Reboots When I don't have an Alarm enabled, sometimes my phone seems to go and sleep/hibernate/reset. Meaning I pickup my phone and for some reason it has gone and turned off on me. What's the deal? Does anyone else have this problem and is there a way to fix it?
12. Save Texts: What is the best way to save your text conversations to your computer besides using KIES?
13. Save Contacts What is the best way to Export Contacts to your computer for editing and later Importing back onto the phone besides using KIES?
- I want to have a back up of all my numbers so that I can remove some from my address book, but still have them on my computer in case I need them later.
14. GPS 2.2: Many have commented about fixing the 2.1 GPS, does the 2.2 GPS also need a fix?
15. Editing the System: Where Can I find in-depth threads that tell me how to change things in the system(thread links accepted)? I would like some that cover it in general, but I'd also like ones that also include adding and removing custom ringtones to the default as well as SetCPU and other functions.
16. The Lock Screen: Is there any way in which I can change the Default Lock Screen so that it includes a message on it like "This phone belongs to _______"?
Is there any other themes for the Text Message "Puzzle" Lock Screen?
17. Contacts:
a) Sorting Method - First I would like to sort my contacts by Group, then by Alphabetical Order. Is there any way that I can do this? Basically I want my girlfriend listed first, then all my Family Contacts, then all my friends. Is there a way I can do this other than adding symbols or prefixes in front of everyone's name?
b) Once while on the facebook app, it gave me the option to set a picture to one of my contacts(without saving the image to the phone), however I havent figured out how to do it since, does anyone know how?
c)How do I sync contacts with Gmail? Ive tried clicking Sync Contacts in Contacts under Gmail, and it shows the refresh icon for about a second but when I go to my gmail contacts, nothing is there. What's the deal?
18. Way too Awesome: So we've all seen what phones can do in the movies, hacking into computers and whatnot. Is there anything that our phones can do like in the movies? I personally would love to have a phone that Tony Stark or Sam Flynn would die for. ......Is there at least a way I can use my phone to unlock my car? I'd enjoy turning my phone into a trapper-keeper lol.
19. Custom Sound Settings: Media Volume can only go down as low as 5% before going to 0%, is there any way I can make my phone lower that 5% like when it's late at night but I still want to hear an app's crappy music, just really really quietly?
20. Phone Accessories:
What is the Best phone case for Captivate that utilizes a belt clip (w/screen protector)?
In terms of a 2nd battery, are there any batteries out there that have more battery life than the stock one that comes with the phone?
If I had a 2nd battery, would it be safe to leave it in my car throughout the year in case I need it, or would temperature be a problem?
21. Data Plans: Any chance of AT&T Coming out with a plan that's between 100Mb, and 2Gb?
I'm on Wifi most of the time, so I don't use most of my 2Gb, but I can easily use 100Mb, is there any chance of there being a 1Gb plan?
As I get answers to my questions, if the answer isnt too long I will edit the OP with the answers or link a post below the question for people who might stumble upon this thread with the same question.
EDIT: (Last Edited 1/17)
Added Answers to questions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Added Parts B and C to #6
Added Questions: 15,16,17,18,19,21
1.) IMEI ID is on the back of the phone and don't think you can change that.
4.) Astro also lets you install third party apps that are loaded onto your SD card. My files just lets you browse.
5.) If you dont' need daily breifing, don't use it. I don't use it either.
6.) PDAnet will let you tether via USB and there are a few others.
10.) when you add a app to your home screens, you have the option to change the name. Doesn't help with your app drawer OCD but keeps your home screens under control.
11.) There are multiple threads about random shutdowns. Read them all if you want. So far, increasing the sleep speed minimum to 2000 (in setCPU) has worked for me. Granted it's only been a few days but no shutdowns since doing that.
14.) Reading all the GPS threads will show you that it's not locked into a particular OS. Nobody really knows what the problem is. Some have great GPS, some don't. Some get it working better with fixes, some don't.
axis01 said:
1.) IMEI ID is on the back of the phone and don't think you can change that.
4.) Astro also lets you install third party apps that are loaded onto your SD card. My files just lets you browse.
10.) when you add a app to your home screens, you have the option to change the name. Doesn't help with your app drawer OCD but keeps your home screens under control.
11.) There are multiple threads about random shutdowns. Read them all if you want. So far, increasing the sleep speed minimum to 2000 (in setCPU) has worked for me. Granted it's only been a few days but no shutdowns since doing that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4. My Files has a package installer if you have enabled sideloading of apps and seems to work the same as ASTRO as far as I can tell.
10. I havent seen an option to change the name on the homescreen either, I usually just drag them from my app drawer though.
11. Could you define what the sleep speed minimum is?
EDIT: ANd big thanks on where the IMEI was. I was kind of avoiding taking the battery out, but the number on the back matched the number in the phone info so I was happy. And for some reason my phone now works with exchange. I think my phone was waiting till I knew what it knew lol.
Oh man. I'll see if I can answer them all. LET'S DO THIS!
1. Before you left 2.1 stock, shoulda backed up nv_data. If your Device ID and produce code get messed up, check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881162 and http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=880223 Use these threads to try and restore it; but if that doesn't work you might be SOL without a nv_data backup.
As for exhange, check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=821297
I work for AT&T, so me and IMEI's are best buds. You can't change your IMEI as it's a number issued directly for AT&T. AT&T uses these IMEI's to determine what type of phone is on your account. Should you change the IMEI, it would appear to AT&T as "Unknown GSM", and you would cease to get data.
2. Read #1
3. It depends on the apps you use to accomplish said tasks. I would imagine very few of us use the stock e-mail client, i would imagine most of us use K-9 or something along those lines, in which case you can specify a sound file in said apps settings.
As for having them show up in the default menu, throw them into /system/media/audio/ringtones and they should show up in default.
I'm not sure about the reminder, although I can't see an app for this not existing. As stated above, some e-mail clients such as k-9 or SMS like handcent may have this feature. If the stock ones don't, what can ya do?
4. Don't get either, get Root Explorer.
5. If you already have a clock, I suppose all Daily Briefing offers is news and a calendar. There's plenty of awesome news readers for the Captivate. If you like the widget variant, i would go with Feedr. If you prefer non-widget news readers, Google Reader, gReader, NewsRob; all good choices.
6. It depends on the ROM. USB Tethering can be accomplished through apps like EasyTether or PDANet, but most ROM's for the captivate do have it standard. It would be under Menu > Settings > Applications > USB Settings > PC Internet.
7. Latitude is bundled in with Google Maps. Not sure how to remove it, or if you can..maybe.
8. You don't need it. It's just a global way to share pictures and videos to multiple sources. I never use it.
9. Connect to WiFi!
10. Aside from decompiling the APK, i don't think so. Maybe NinjaMorph can do it, but I don't think so. You can hide apps from the drawer though, or hide the text, with alternative launchers.
11. The captivate stock firmwares seemed to have a problem with randomly rebooting. I work at AT&T and I sell these phones daily so I can safely say it's just the stock, even the 2.2 stock seems to do it. You can use SetCPU profiles to work some magic, but it's easier to just install a Custom ROM, as I personally no longer have this problem UNLESS i am on stock. Use http://romkitchen.org from your phone, easiest way. Make sure to donate if you use it frequently, it's an awesome service!
12. Can't answer this one. I imagine there's an app to back up texts to files on the phone directly though, if not it wouldn't be very hard to make!
13. From your contacts on the phone, menu > (possibly More) > Import/Export. It will save EVERYTHING about your contacts(Ringtone info, pictures, birthdays, etc) to a .vcf file. These can be altered, edited and saved on the computer.
14. 2.2 stock needs a fix I'm pretty sure. Check out this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881941 , all you gotta do is flash one file, so do it anyway just to be safe!
Phew. Hope this helps!
geokhentix said:
Oh man. I'll see if I can answer them all. LET'S DO THIS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Big thanks
As for my Android ID, I didnt know about it until afterwards. The posts that inform people about flashing and Rooting should mention this, because I didn't see it anywhere until after I was worrying about my phone not being able to connect to my email, but for some reason this morning when I tried it miraculously worked.
As for #3, where is my system folder? is it: I:\media\audio\ringtones ?
with my "system" being "I:"
I recently discovered setting custom sounds for my email accounts, but I am curious about all the default tones.
Are all the ones listed in different setting all just the same file with the exception that they only play for "X" amount of type depending on menu your are in?
And can the captivate not play MIDI files?....you know, old school polyphonic files........
And how the heck do I change the text tone for while my phone is plugged into the USB? omg it is the most annoying sound in the world, why does it not use the tone I have my texts set for? (I forgot this one on my list)
Thanks for your answer to #11. My phone hadnt done it at all until I dropped it down about 10 feet at a concert screen down 6 days after I got it. The next day the phone did the reset thing and I just about cried cuz I was just like I know it's because I dropped it. On the bright side when I picked it up after it fell, it didnt have a scratch on it or nothin'.
How do you alter a .vcf file?
WandererTJ said:
Big thanks
As for my Android ID, I didnt know about it until afterwards. The posts that inform people about flashing and Rooting should mention this, because I didn't see it anywhere until after I was worrying about my phone not being able to connect to my email, but for some reason this morning when I tried it miraculously worked.
As for #3, where is my system folder? is it: I:\media\audio\ringtones ?
with my "system" being "I:"
I recently discovered setting custom sounds for my email accounts, but I am curious about all the default tones.
Are all the ones listed in different setting all just the same file with the exception that they only play for "X" amount of type depending on menu your are in?
And can the captivate not play MIDI files?....you know, old school polyphonic files........
And how the heck do I change the text tone for while my phone is plugged into the USB? omg it is the most annoying sound in the world, why does it not use the tone I have my texts set for? (I forgot this one on my list)
Thanks for your answer to #11. My phone hadnt done it at all until I dropped it down about 10 feet at a concert screen down 6 days after I got it. The next day the phone did the reset thing and I just about cried cuz I was just like I know it's because I dropped it. On the bright side when I picked it up after it fell, it didnt have a scratch on it or nothin'.
How do you alter a .vcf file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, all Custom ROM threads should have a little blurb about it for people installing their ROM from a new stock device. But it seems to be fixable even if you didn't with a little work, so it's not too bad.
You can use Root Explorer to copy them to /system/media/audio/ringtones, but I think they may have to be in .ogg for them to work out of this directory. I'm not entirely positive, but all you would have to do to test it is push a non-.ogg ringtone over and try it. To copy your ringtones over nice and easy like;
Download the Android SDK and extract the android-sdk-windows folder to your desktop for easy copy pasta!
And enable USB Debugging (Menu > Settings > Applications > Development > USB Debugging)
Open a command prompt!
cd %USERPROFILE%/desktop/android-sdk-windows/tools
adb push [ringtone] /system/media/audio/ringtones
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's in a perfect world where it won't complain about permissions. if it does;
cd %USERPROFILE%/desktop/android-sdk-windows/tools
adb push [ringtone] /sdcard/
adb shell
su - at this point, accept superuser request on the phone; make sure the screen isn't locked when you hit enter, prompt should change from a $ to a #
mv /sdcard/[ringtone] /system/media/audio/ringtones/
exit
exit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if the Captivate can play .MIDI files for notification sounds. Only one way to find out though, right?
And i have no idea why your text tone is different when plugged into USB...mine sounds the same.
Late edit: forgot to answer one of em, you can edit .vcf files in MS Outlook!
# 9 - unfortunately our phone doesn't have FM radio. Another one to try is iheartradio. They have a number of radio stations. Although you're still using data unless you're using wifi like mentioned above.
Are there any better phonebook editors other than Outlook express?
I am looking for something so that I can have multiple phonebooks such as one with all my contacts I've ever had, and another for just the contacts I want on my phone
if you have a custom ringtone set for something and you have the phone plugged into usb, the phone can't access the the SD card where the custom tone is stored, thus you get that annoying (and loud) built in tone.
Re: myfiles: it does indeed let you install apps, but I'd recommend estrongs file explorer. It allows you to not only browse you're phone, but your pc files too (assuming it's on the same network, of course.) And let you open, copy and edit between the 2 devices.
Re: allshare: out of the box this great app let me browse and watch all of the video files off of my PC. I didn't have to configure anything special, except that my PC was already configured to share media with my xbox 360.
But I didn't do anything on my pc after buying the phone. Just connected to wifi and everything showed up. I haven't tried sharing the other way though (watching media from my phone on my PC)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I896 using XDA App
#12. I've used Wifi Android Manager Wifi, I think it backs up text messages. It seems to back up everything else, that's for sure.
Hey, I've been working on adding answers to the OP, it's going, but I'm not done
Anyways, UPDATE 1/17/11 - I've Added Questions 15-21, please try and answer these when you get the time.
Added Answers to questions: 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
Added Parts B and C to #6
Added Questions: 15,16,17,18,19,21

New to WMP 8. Some basic questions.

Finally after four long years with ios i have thought of trying windows phone 8 and have taken a Lumia 820. Now some basic things i am not able to find and am really having problem.
1) How do i do a rotation lock? Every time i pickup the phone, the screen will rotate. I cannot read while laying down in bed as the screen constantly will rotate.
2) How do i take screenshot?
3) How to find out how much data is used?
4) Is it only me, i feel the app store is very kiddish and unprofessional
5) I am sure more question will follow as i explore.
Thanks in advance.
I don't know if has an rotation Look,
For an screen shoot press Windows Button an on/off. To find out the Data was used going to the settings/info.
Sent from my Lumia 930 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
xtrose said:
I don't know if has an rotation Look,
For an screen shoot press Windows Button an on/off. To find out the Data was used going to the settings/info.
Sent from my Lumia 930 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought it was the Windows button + the camera button?
I ve got a UC Browser it has a "Lock" option. When you set it on the screen doesn't rotate. I also use phone in example in bed and this option is very useful
Sent from my Lumia 820 using Board Express
Sent from my RM-826_im_india_201 using Board Express
the_rahul_009 said:
1) How do i do a rotation lock? Every time i pickup the phone, the screen will rotate. I cannot read while laying down in bed as the screen constantly will rotate.
2) How do i take screenshot?
3) How to find out how much data is used?
4) Is it only me, i feel the app store is very kiddish and unprofessional
5) I am sure more question will follow as i explore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Not implemented at OS-level. Applications can do rotation lock on their own via application-specific settings.
2) Press start (button with windows logo) + power buttons at same time. Screnshot will be available from "Photos" app.
3) "Settings" -> "Phone storage"
4) Yes it is. Short development time, lack of QA etc. They will improve over time, probably.
eyeofhell said:
3) "Settings" -> "Phone storage"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was looking for internet data usage.. I have not found any app yet :|
the_rahul_009 said:
I was looking for internet data usage.. I have not found any app yet :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, Windows 8 do not provide any functionality or public API for this. You can use your carrier's commands (like "*100#" etc) to get details on traffic usage, costs etc.
Data Sense
the_rahul_009 said:
I was looking for internet data usage.. I have not found any app yet :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Windows Phone on the Nokia has an app called the Data Sense to keep track of your data Usage check it out!!
eyeofhell said:
1) Not implemented at OS-level. Applications can do rotation lock on their own via application-specific settings.
2) Press start (button with windows logo) + power buttons at same time. Screnshot will be available from "Photos" app.
3) "Settings" -> "Phone storage"
4) Yes it is. Short development time, lack of QA etc. They will improve over time, probably.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure you are trolling or not with #4. There is more QA than Android.
In my Lumia 920, take a screenshot is Windows button and power button!
Not Windows button and camera button!
I can´t find the Nokia app names data sense!
Is this app not available in Germany, T-Mobil???
xtrose said:
In my Lumia 920, take a screenshot is Windows button and power button!
Not Windows button and camera button!
I can´t find the Nokia app names data sense!
Is this app not available in Germany, T-Mobil???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even i can't find.. looks like its verizon only app.
xtrose said:
In my Lumia 920, take a screenshot is Windows button and power button!
Not Windows button and camera button!
I can´t find the Nokia app names data sense!
Is this app not available in Germany, T-Mobil???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use counters from nokia.
Same Boat.....additional questions
I'm a long time Android user and looking to move over to WP8 after my experiences w/ my Surface Pro. Thinking using W8 on my comp and laptop, it would only make sense to use the same interface on my phone. That being said, I've searched the WP8 store and find the bulk of what I'd need in apps, but I know I'll miss the customizing aspects of Android.
I have a few questions that maybe some experienced WP users can answer for me to ease my concerns......
1. How different is WP8 from W8? I know they look the same, but do you control them the same? Do you swipe down for menus, from the left for last app, etc? I'm hoping they do work the same, I'm beginning to really like W8.
2. My phone is my central hub for daily life, the alarm clock is no exception. I've gotten used to my phone going silent every weeknight at 10 except for the phone and alarm (emails, texts, etc make no noise and the LED doesn't blink). Can this be done on WP8? Somehow the thought of my phone beeping all night as emails come in is a turnoff.
3. Speaking of notifications, do most of the WP8 phones have LED's? The one I'm looking at now (Nokia Lumia 920) never mentions the lack of one or it's presence.
4. Another notifications question. Can you have dedicated ringtones for contacts or companies? Seperate tones for different emails (exchange, gmail, yahoo, etc.)?
5. How integrated are things like Box or Dropbox and sharing? I see SkyDrive mentioned each time, which makes sense because it's the MS equivelant, but others in my company will be sticking with their iPhones or Android devices, so Dropbox is a must and Box is really needed. Can I upload from within each program as convienlently as Android? As example, I take a picture of a reciept for expenses with MDScan, when I'm done labeling it, I can upload it from within MDScan to any of these: Bluetooth, Box, Drive, Dropbox, email, Gmail, etc.
Is there anything else a business phone user will miss coming from Android to WP8?
Thanks in advance, looking forward to doing some more reading and hopefully taking the plunge!
MonkeyTime said:
I'm a long time Android user and looking to move over to WP8 after my experiences w/ my Surface Pro. Thinking using W8 on my comp and laptop, it would only make sense to use the same interface on my phone. That being said, I've searched the WP8 store and find the bulk of what I'd need in apps, but I know I'll miss the customizing aspects of Android.
I have a few questions that maybe some experienced WP users can answer for me to ease my concerns......
1. How different is WP8 from W8? I know they look the same, but do you control them the same? Do you swipe down for menus, from the left for last app, etc? I'm hoping they do work the same, I'm beginning to really like W8.
2. My phone is my central hub for daily life, the alarm clock is no exception. I've gotten used to my phone going silent every weeknight at 10 except for the phone and alarm (emails, texts, etc make no noise and the LED doesn't blink). Can this be done on WP8? Somehow the thought of my phone beeping all night as emails come in is a turnoff.
3. Speaking of notifications, do most of the WP8 phones have LED's? The one I'm looking at now (Nokia Lumia 920) never mentions the lack of one or it's presence.
4. Another notifications question. Can you have dedicated ringtones for contacts or companies? Seperate tones for different emails (exchange, gmail, yahoo, etc.)?
5. How integrated are things like Box or Dropbox and sharing? I see SkyDrive mentioned each time, which makes sense because it's the MS equivelant, but others in my company will be sticking with their iPhones or Android devices, so Dropbox is a must and Box is really needed. Can I upload from within each program as convienlently as Android? As example, I take a picture of a reciept for expenses with MDScan, when I'm done labeling it, I can upload it from within MDScan to any of these: Bluetooth, Box, Drive, Dropbox, email, Gmail, etc.
Is there anything else a business phone user will miss coming from Android to WP8?
Thanks in advance, looking forward to doing some more reading and hopefully taking the plunge!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cant answer #1, don't know W8 yet, but wanting to!
Regarding #2, there is no setting or app that I know that schedules a sound setting time (do not disturb) I have to go in and tell my phone to silence whenever I go to bed. The alarm will still work even if silenced, just notifications won't make any noise.
#3, yes, they have LED's, but not to notify you of anything more than your phone is charging. At least thats so on the 8X.
#4, yes and no. You can have individual ringtones for people in your contact list, but not individual text or emails.
And don't know about #5, I use skydrive exclusively.
jerrya said:
Cant answer #1, don't know W8 yet, but wanting to!
Regarding #2, there is no setting or app that I know that schedules a sound setting time (do not disturb) I have to go in and tell my phone to silence whenever I go to bed. The alarm will still work even if silenced, just notifications won't make any noise.
#3, yes, they have LED's, but not to notify you of anything more than your phone is charging. At least thats so on the 8X.
#4, yes and no. You can have individual ringtones for people in your contact list, but not individual text or emails.
And don't know about #5, I use skydrive exclusively.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, those are all good starts. I know I'll be fine without a lot of the little customized tweeks I've gotten used to, but have this ingrained fear of the unkwown. I am looking forward to a phone that works, consistantly!

What do you want to see in Android 4.5/5.0?

I want to have a dialer where I can search for businesses directly through the dialer. So you know how in 4.4 I can type "John" and call the guy in my contact list name John, I want to be able to type "McDonalds" or "Best Buy" in that same search field, and based on my location it will pop up with "McDonalds, 123 Fake Street" along with a thumbnail picture of it(or its map location) and its hours for that particular day. And if I click on the thumbnail I can see more info, open its location in GMaps, etc
fredryk said:
I want to have a dialer where I can search for businesses directly through the dialer. So you know how in 4.4 I can type "John" and call the guy in my contact list name John, I want to be able to type "McDonalds" or "Best Buy" in that same search field, and based on my location it will pop up with "McDonalds, 123 Fake Street" along with a thumbnail picture of it(or its map location) and its hours for that particular day. And if I click on the thumbnail I can see more info, open its location in GMaps, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't you just say "show me the nearest mcdonalds" in google now?
Works on my nexus 5 anyway to do the stuff you said.
Think your request is a bit too much for a display of that area. When searching for a number you generally just want the quick info, clicking on it to get more info is fine but all that wouldn't fit in a small space especially if you gotta scroll over 10x just to get 1 phone number.
The current stuff though does allow you to type McDonalds and have it pull in local info from the closest one. It will show street address/town as well but that's all.
Ok I want the following
Blocking Mode baked into the update just like the one on the Samsung Galaxy Line.
Slide to call or text just like on the Samsung Galaxy Line.
One Button touch to clear all active apps not having to swipe them away one at a time.
I want a polish and fully tested OS.
Always listening "OK Google," like the Moto X has. (Optional setting if necessary for those who don't want to take the battery hit.)
Face Detection setting that prevents going to standby when you're looking at the screen (like Samsung has, not motion-based like "Gravity Screen" app does, although that's better than nothing.)
Customizable Quick Panel.
Theme control (not everyone likes bright-as-hell white backgrounds on everything!)
Combined music/video player, more like iTunes.
Location-based screen locking. (Don't ask for PIN/Password if I'm at home or work, but otherwise do.)
Not necessarily in that order, and I'm sure I could think of others if I tried hard enough. Also, that one-touch "clear all" active apps suggestion is good.
Hmmmmm, having a slide to text option in the contacts would be nice but also more sharing features. I am a very social networked person and I love to share anything and everything having more sharing options is certainly a plus.
vseslija said:
One Button touch to clear all active apps not having to swipe them away one at a time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you mean in the notification bar, this is already a feature.
kgry said:
If you mean in the notification bar, this is already a feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he means in the recent apps switcher.
Backup functions (obviously without root or custom recovery)
Finer control over killing and keeping apps in background.
Wake the screen when I get an SMS and and visual voice mail built in the phone app like on the iPhone.
Always listening, and Wi-Di native file transfer.
fredryk said:
I want to have a dialer where I can search for businesses directly through the dialer. So you know how in 4.4 I can type "John" and call the guy in my contact list name John, I want to be able to type "McDonalds" or "Best Buy" in that same search field, and based on my location it will pop up with "McDonalds, 123 Fake Street" along with a thumbnail picture of it(or its map location) and its hours for that particular day. And if I click on the thumbnail I can see more info, open its location in GMaps, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can already do most of that in the 4.4 dialer ... aside from linking with maps.
fredryk said:
I want to have a dialer where I can search for businesses directly through the dialer. So you know how in 4.4 I can type "John" and call the guy in my contact list name John, I want to be able to type "McDonalds" or "Best Buy" in that same search field, and based on my location it will pop up with "McDonalds, 123 Fake Street" along with a thumbnail picture of it(or its map location) and its hours for that particular day. And if I click on the thumbnail I can see more info, open its location in GMaps, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The dialer already does exactly that. I do it all the time and it works well.
I want them to get that fricken search bar off of the home page and to never ever again presume that it's ok to use up an entire row of every screen with the exact same widget. Whoever thought it up should be fired. Whoever approved it should be fired. Whoever attended a meeting where it was suggested as a possible feature that did not get up and *****slap the person who mentioned it should be fired.
The screen indicators should be clickable so as to allow you to one touch to any screen as seen on touchwiz.
I'm loving KitKat. I just want Hangouts to have expandable notifications and the option to reply through the notification itself, but this is a Hangouts request more than an android one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------
krabman said:
The dialer already does exactly that. I do it all the time and it works well.
I want them to get that fricken search bar off of the home page and to never ever again presume that it's ok to use up an entire row of every screen with the exact same widget. Whoever thought it up should be fired. Whoever approved it should be fired. Whoever attended a meeting where it was suggested as a possible feature that did not get up and *****slap the person who mentioned it should be fired.
The screen indicators should be clickable so as to allow you to one touch to any screen as seen on touchwiz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try out a custom launcher like Nova. To be honest I like the Search Widget at the top on all pages.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
bmg1001 said:
I'm loving KitKat. I just want Hangouts to have expandable notifications and the option to reply through the notification itself, but this is a Hangouts request more than an android one.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 04:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------
Try out a custom launcher like Nova. To be honest I like the Search Widget at the top on all pages.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I've been on android from day one, I had a launcher installed mucho quick. Doesn't change the fact that the stock launcher while having some promise is heavily flawed to no good end. I understand that some may like the search bar there. Some may like it on every page. Who knows, maybe someone wants to make 5 pages and fill them all with the same search bar. Great. More power to them. Let them create search bars till the cows come home. Some of us don't want a search bar there. All of us could be happy before which is the beauty of android. I could put my search bar where I want it, everyone else could put it where they want it. Now no one gets a choice, we have entered the era of the idroid. What did we gain by giving up choice? Nothing. Not one thing.
A bad precedent in my mind. Good thing I'm not running Google, heads would have rolled long before this ever saw the light of day.
googles needs to get it's **** together in regards to streamlining and unifying some of their services. while not really android specific, there are many related things that effect android users daily.
hangouts is supposed to be your unified messaging locale, however no google voice integration
google keep seems like a good product, however the apparent lack of integration with google now and android voice commands doesn't make much sense. if i say "okay google..." then set a reminder, why doesn't this show up in keep? if i set a reminder in keep, it should show up in google now and vice versa. i don't wanna hunt around all over the damn phone trying to figure out where all my assorted reminders are located.
there are two photo apps currently -- gallery and photos
i feel like android is really coming into it's own quite well as a mobile os, and it's very clean cut at this point. however google really needs to clean up their services because some things still feel half baked.
A flash light quick toggle
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
shotta35 said:
Think your request is a bit too much for a display of that area. When searching for a number you generally just want the quick info, clicking on it to get more info is fine but all that wouldn't fit in a small space especially if you gotta scroll over 10x just to get 1 phone number.
The current stuff though does allow you to type McDonalds and have it pull in local info from the closest one. It will show street address/town as well but that's all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I missed this at first myself. If you type in the previously mentioned McDonald's you will get a list of them showing their address so you can parse out the appropriate contact. If you then click on the contact at the left on the placeholder for the contact picture it will bring up the direct dial, maps shortcut, and website.

First week with Windows

Hello
And happy new year to everyone!
This is my first week on Lumia 735 after being 6 years with Android.
I like very much it's desktop, but there are some simple things that I thought until now I would figure out but I cannot find a solution....
1. How can I download a PDF from an email and then attach it to another email?
2. Is there a way to have a shortcut on notification bar for data connection?
3. Is there a way to remove Bing and get Google as default engine?
4. Is there a way to tide up settings? I feel that are randomly scattered...
5. Is there a way to open a new tab in internet explorer, but open in background? Cause we are always transferred to the new tab.
Thanks!
I'm on the same phone since about 4-5 days, so I have not yet answers for you, but another question to add:
- why on some apps the keyboard doesn't turn in landscape mode when I flip the phone? I found it working on some apps only, but in Bing search (just an example) it remains in portrait
EDIT: a bit of googling partially answers to 3: I'm a newbie so I don't know if I can link external sites here, but it seems you can change the default search engine in Internet Explorer in the browser settings (so when you type words in the address bar, it uses Google instead of Bing). Regarding the phone search button, maybe the trick is not so easy...
1. did you see download in email message? click on that link to download file to your phone.
2. with latest WP OS 8.10.14219.341 you can add mobile data shortcut in action center
or use Quick Launch app from store
3. settings - applications - internet explorer, select advanced settings and change to google
4. no... latest updated is always at end of list...
5. not exactly... try UC Browser 8.1, maybe you like it better than IE
Download a app named File attacher,it can help you to attach any files into outlook client.
Sent from my AT&T Nokia Lumia 920 using Tapatalk for Windows Phone
1) Download the file to your phone. You can then open it from the email (which will let you choose what PDF viewer to open it with, if you have more than one installed; some of them directly support sharing) or you can then switch to a file manager app (Files, Pocket File Manager, Aerize Explorer, etc.), go to the Downloads directory, and share the file from there. When "sharing" the file, one option will be to use email; this will attach the file to the email. This approach also works for other file types, by the way.
2) As dxdy says, you need to be on a new OS version (you may need to be using the "Preview for Developers" app) to get the ability to add mobile data specifically to the Action Center (swipe-from-top notification area thing) but there are lots of other ways (tons of free apps, for example) to pin a link to it on your Start screen. You can also have both WiFi and Airplane Mode toggles on the Action Center, even in less-than-newest versions.
3) Not unless you're in Russia, I think? You may be able to change the IE default search engine using the method dxdy posted above, but if you want to change the search button behavior, that's trickier. I think in Russia (or possibly just tell your phone you are), if you have the Google app installed, it may run that... haven't tried, though.
4) Settings are, unfortunately, not directly orderable. The default order for Microsoft-provided settings is basically "what MS has found people use most often", thus things like visual and audio customization are at the top, WiFi is on the first page, and stuff like Backup requires scrolling down a bunch. There's also OEM customizations, which are technically just Store apps that are pre-installed and use the Settings hub instead of the normal app list; those are always listed underneath all the Microsoft settings, and (as dxdy says), the one that was most recently installed/updated is at the top of that section ('top of the bottom of the list' if you will).
5) Doesn't seem to be any such way in IE, but there's lots of other browsers. Most of them just wrap the IE rendering engine, so pages will look the same as on IE but the UI can be totally different. This includes changes to tab management. They won't sync with your other devices, at least not by default, though. There's also a beta of Opera for WP8; it still has some bugs but mostly works and has a very different UI from IE. Annoyingly, though, Microsoft doesn't allow any of those apps to be set as the default browser (you can't change the URI association for http:/https: for example).
@axxel84: It depends on whether the app supports landscape mode. That requires work from the developer, since they have to change the layout of everything, so a lot of apps don't support it. If the app doesn't support it, then it will be locked in one orientation no matter how you turn it, keyboard included. Some apps (mostly games) are also locked in landscape mode only, and don't support portrait.
Hi guys, thanks for the help but I am still finding difficult to compose with windows after coming from fully updated Android phones.
- pdf attachments, not possible. You can see that you download files but no where to be seen in order to attach them in another email! What????
- the option to change Bing to Google was in the past, but they don't have it on new phones. And this is the company that wants to increase market share? With these kind of acts I don't think they will last many years...
- I found a way to have a shortcut on desktop that takes me to settings and there to click on for data. But why don't they include this in notification option? How difficult is this?????
- the other frustrating thing I am feeling, is that most other times when resuming an app when I go out and then in, it starts the"resuming" screen and takes 5 seconds to load... For example viber, I can't chat instantly with someone, I have to leave the program on continuously to do this
- no led notification. I should have known earlier by reading reviews, but there is no led notification!!
- no major apps as official pinterest, dropbox, instagram, sms backup to gmail. My biggest disappointment is Dropbox... I am thinking of selling the phone now and going back to Android. Having two small twins, I take continuously videos and photos, and I don't want to think about backup. I found another application but doesn't sync videos automatically. And also the backup app of windows doesn't do automatically the job... If I was windows I would hire people to help these companies develop the "big" apps...
- notification center doesn't always work. for example when a new app is downloaded, nothing comes app on notification. Or in viber you might get 10 messages on notification, if you click one and then in viber you read all, they remain on notification
Nobody seems to have emailed me a PDF recently, but I can download them from the web and they show up in my Downloads folder (on my SD card, since that's where I told Storage Sense to put new downloads). From there, I can see it in Aerize Explorer, select it, Share it, and choose an email account; a new message is created with the file attached.
Some new phones have the option for Google search, but it's not in all regions.
As you have ALREADY been told, the option to toggle data service from the Action Center is available in the latest version. It's also largely un-needed; Data Sense and related settings should give you enough control over your data usage to make it fairly unimportant. Mind you, I agree that it should have been there from the start, but asking rhetorical questions isn't actually helpful.
The "Resuming..." screen can come up for two reasons (or a combo thereof):
1) Badly-coded app that does a bunch of stuff immediately on resume, before it lets you use the app.
2) Your phone ran low on RAM and removed the app from background execution ("tombstoned" it, sort of like hibernating a laptop), so it needs to be restored from the Flash storage and then resumed.
Lots of phones don't have notification LEDs. That's not a WP8 thing, that's a "if this feature is important to you then you ought to buy a phone with that feature" thing. My HTC has a notification LED, my Samsung did not. Both are/were WP8 devices.
Automatic backup of photos and videos is included in the OS, has been included since WP7 actually, but it goes to OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive) instead of Dropbox. Microsoft software uses Microsoft services; this isn't really surprising.
SMS is automatically backed up as well, just not to Google. Why would Microsoft include a feature to back up your messages to a competitor's service?
Lack of official apps is somewhat annoying/disappointing, but you could have easily enough checked that before buying, and the apps will come in time. In the meanwhile, there's usually third-party versions of those apps.
App downloads are fast, and you know when you started them. Why would you need a notification for that? As for the thing with Viber, it's not the OS' fault that the app doesn't report when a message is read. Notifications are really easy to clear though, just swipe them to the right and all notifications for that app will clear (or hit the "clear all" button to get rid of all of them at once).

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