Related
So I am a Newbie in regards to customizing Anroid - but not regarding Terminal usage, rooting, hacking iphone and WinMo - but i need some easy answers as it seems that answers to my questions are buried too deep; so here goes:
1. Does anyone have any detail or tutorials on alternate launchers? Specifically, what can I do other then change the number of screens? Can I change color schemes (away from Touchwiz)? If so, do these color changes flow into the Touchwiz apps like eMail and Calendar?
2. Email and Calendar seem so customized compared to other Android versions. Touchwiz has some neat features, but Moto has nicer email and calendar. Can the email and calendar apps be replaced? I don't mean adding a widget, I mean different version of the app? One example - I can't click to dial a phone number in the Captivate calendar (either in location, subject or body). Exchange email sync, does sync subfolders, but not option to move emails to other folders. Do I have to wait for new ROMs?
3. Rooting - if I root, what can i do? i know I can change the sideload setting, but what else? Any good links in regards to what root will let me do?
4. How do you delete panels? I see reference to this, i assume this is a benefit to rooting.
5. Custom ROM - when we get this option, how do you back up your old ROM? If you need to return the phone, or reflash to factory, there must be a way, right?
If anyone has links, I like to read as much detail as I can get.
Thanks for any help.
LauncherPro is definitely worth checking out. Lots of customization with home screens and launcher icons and even the app drawer.
alphadog00 said:
So I am a Newbie in regards to customizing Anroid - but not regarding Terminal usage, rooting, hacking iphone and WinMo - but i need some easy answers as it seems that answers to my questions are buried too deep; so here goes:
1. Does anyone have any detail or tutorials on alternate launchers? Specifically, what can I do other then change the number of screens? Can I change color schemes (away from Touchwiz)? If so, do these color changes flow into the Touchwiz apps like eMail and Calendar?
2. Email and Calendar seem so customized compared to other Android versions. Touchwiz has some neat features, but Moto has nicer email and calendar. Can the email and calendar apps be replaced? I don't mean adding a widget, I mean different version of the app? One example - I can't click to dial a phone number in the Captivate calendar (either in location, subject or body). Exchange email sync, does sync subfolders, but not option to move emails to other folders. Do I have to wait for new ROMs?
3. Rooting - if I root, what can i do? i know I can change the sideload setting, but what else? Any good links in regards to what root will let me do?
4. How do you delete panels? I see reference to this, i assume this is a benefit to rooting.
5. Custom ROM - when we get this option, how do you back up your old ROM? If you need to return the phone, or reflash to factory, there must be a way, right?
If anyone has links, I like to read as much detail as I can get.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Download as many free launchers you can find (HelixLauncher, LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, etc)
2. I think you have to wait for new ROMs.
3. Root gives you access to certain applications not available and certain permissions...I'm kinda new at this so I'm probably wrong.
4.Press the left most icon, then press EDIT.
5. I think there is a way to save your ROM states
@li1on - thanks for the replies - especially number 4! something really simple i missed. I guess i have NOT played with every menu yet.
guess this thread is done
Viewing Angles of Different Launchers
Hello my friend I just wanted to clear you up on the launcher area.
My personal favorite launcher is GO Launcher, Zeam and another one called Nemus.. I Really Really LOVE Nemus (search it through the Market) only bad thing is whenever I was.. lets say on Facebook or Google+ and I hit the home button the launcher would take a couple of seconds to re-establish the home image with your short-cuts and folders, for me it just semmed like it was slow and glitching a some points. Although nemus launcher is fairly a new launcher to hit the market the current released version (0.9.7 updated on july 6,2011 Size: 0.90MB) I see great things coming from this developer! This launcher gives you great organization funtions but until the developer fixes his bugs in his software, I am going to stick with GO Launcher, do to Ease and how fast it is and it supports themes and custom widgets. Btw quick tip* Zeam Launcher is the fastest launcher out there. Original source [via Lifehacker]
Below are different description viewing angles of launchers for android. Most of the info is repeated but greatly do i admire the opinions of others feedback.
http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2...n-launcherpro-adw-zeam-go-launcher-quickdesk/
http://android.appstorm.net/how-to/customization/six-best-android-home-screen-launchers/
http://lifehacker.com/5627286/battl...launchers-adw-vs-launcherpro-vs-helixlauncher
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
Hi guys, this is probably my first post on my next OS-to-be after using android since 2.2
I've been playing with WP8 for quite sometime now, i love it so much that it's gonna be my next OS to go - Nokia probably.
But today was kinda threating my WP8 dream having come across words of several limitation of WP8 over android.
Below is a list of most important features that i feel are important for me that i find in Android:
1. File Manager / Explorer
2. Sideloading app
3. Root access to do Titanium Backup, Freeze Bloatwares, insert app (or adb push) to root directly
4. Car mode / Car home
5. 3rd party music player with Direct Leveling Control (somethng like PowerAMP)
6. Simple customisation of ringtone, fonts, other UI / notificaton stuffs
7. NFC Task Launchers (programming tasks to a NFC tag like turning off WiFI, on GPS, enter Car Mode, launch navigation software)
+8. Possibility of USB OTG
I know WP8 is a different OS and works differently, but are there any way that my list is still available, if not any similar feature? Or is WP8 giving me even better deals?
I really love WP8 i hope the switch will be a good choice for me to pick. I need some advices for now.
Thanks in advance
L2Deliver said:
Hi guys, this is probably my first post on my next OS-to-be after using android since 2.2
I've been playing with WP8 for quite sometime now, i love it so much that it's gonna be my next OS to go - Nokia probably.
But today was kinda threating my WP8 dream having come across words of several limitation of WP8 over android.
Below is a list of most important features that i feel are important for me that i find in Android:
1. File Manager / Explorer
2. Sideloading app
3. Root access to do Titanium Backup, Freeze Bloatwares, insert app (or adb push) to root directly
4. Car mode / Car home
5. 3rd party music player with Direct Leveling Control (somethng like PowerAMP)
6. Simple customisation of ringtone, fonts, other UI / notificaton stuffs
7. NFC Task Launchers (programming tasks to a NFC tag like turning off WiFI, on GPS, enter Car Mode, launch navigation software)
+8. Possibility of USB OTG
I know WP8 is a different OS and works differently, but are there any way that my list is still available, if not any similar feature? Or is WP8 giving me even better deals?
I really love WP8 i hope the switch will be a good choice for me to pick. I need some advices for now.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
File manager/exploere is possible but only if you connect your phone to your PC but no access to system files, Side Loading is only possible if you have a deve account You can sideload apps you download from the store off of your SD card but that's about it for now. Forget about root access, MS has blocked root access methods and one hasn't been found yet.
As far as customisations, on the start screen you can only change the tile size and the tile colors to pre-installed ones and from a black background to a white one (Lame). There is no home or start screen wallpaper you can only use a pic on the lock screen. As far as ringtones you can.
Not sure on the NFC stuff.
Sinister answered some, here are some more for you.
1. File Manager / Explorer To four predesignated folders only.
2. Sideloading app Developer can
3. Root access to do Titanium Backup, Freeze Bloatwares, insert app (or adb push) to root directly No.
4. Car mode / Car home Sort of? See your NFC ? below.
5. 3rd party music player with Direct Leveling Control (somethng like PowerAMP) Let me know if you find one.
6. Simple customisation of ringtone, fonts, other UI / notificaton stuffs Ringtones yes.
7. NFC Task Launchers (programming tasks to a NFC tag like turning off WiFI, on GPS, enter Car Mode, launch navigation software) Yes, here is a link I found on it http://www.wpcentral.com/program-nfc-tags-your-windows-phone-nfc-launchit
+8. Possibility of USB OTG No.
9. No HiD devices via Bluetooth, controllers, gamepads, keyboards.
Since I'm also familiar with android and looking into WP8 for my wife, I'm curious how does google sync work? Does it work as good as on android? Gmail notifications w/o delay? Calendar sync? Thanks!
issak42 said:
Since I'm also familiar with android and looking into WP8 for my wife, I'm curious how does google sync work? Does it work as good as on android? Gmail notifications w/o delay? Calendar sync? Thanks!
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Click to collapse
I use a regular gmail account with exchange and setup the push notifications to actually only check once an hour as battery life seemed to be impacted a bit but as for calendar, email and contacts...all of those sync nearly instantly and work well.
I know that people also use Google Sync and the email setup wizard for Gmail without a problem as well. I have always just used the 'Exchange' setup option with Gmails server etc. TMI?
Not TMI at all, I was curious because of all those articles about Google cutting support for WP, and no one really wrote what's then situation now, they just listed a bunch of protocols that aren't supported anymore.
So everything works seamlessly? I don't want to open a hotmail account and deal with forwarding emails and all that.
Thanks for answering.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Google anounced that they would cut support for new connections using Exchange ActiveSync at the end of January. Devices set up to sync with GMail before then will continue to work like before. In Mid-January that date got pushed back to July. So until July you can setup ActiveSync and keep using it after that.
It is likely that Microsoft will issue an update for WP8 before then enabling CalDAV and CardDAV-support although there are no guarantees. We also don't know wether they will add IMAP-idle to allow for GMail-Push-Mail or if you will be limited to mail checking in set intervals (this is currently already possible as an alternative to Exchange ActiveSync).
We'll have to wait how that plays out but for now nothing has changed yet.
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
What are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away? (different keyboards, apps, etc)
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Hey I would use smart switch to get your things from iPhone to your new phone but that is after you have it activated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
XiphoneUzer said:
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
My N3 arrived Wednesday evening, and it's STILL not activated, (and its killing me).
The reason being, I wanna know if there is anything I should do BEFORE I call ATT and activate it.
(I do NOT want to close any windows, so is there is anything you folks recommend I do before I activate it)?
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by call ATT and activate it? All you have to do is put your SIM card in and it is ready to go with a few account setups. After that it is up to you except for rooting and modding. Cant be done right now without voiding your warranty.
First thing you do is scratch off the att emblem since they locked the bootloader
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
XiphoneUzer said:
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the keyboard, i prefer the google keyboard over the samsung one. It provides functionality similar to the iphone and is easy to switch between the iphone and android if you use them both in daily life.
As for apps, here is a small list of apps i like to have on all of my devices.
GOOGLE CHROME. Its much better than the built in browser and is able to synchronize with my desktop browsers favorites, etc.
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Facebook & Twitter: If you need an explanation, you shouldn't be useing these apps.
Battery Doctor by KS Mobile: Simple app, but is helpful to save battery life and know exactly how much you have left.
Google Music: I have most of my library stored on google so it makes my life easy to have this.
Google Books: The book equivalent of my music library. Syncronizes what i have read across devices and browsers.
Kindle for Android: For the ebooks you buy on amazon.
Google Keep: Great for taking quick notes and having them on all your devices.
Dropbox: Great cloud file storage. Comes with free storage and you can pay to get more.
Google Drive: Google version of dropbox.
MX Player: This video player will play any video format you throw at it.
Google Maps: A must have for all smartphone users.
Zedge: While its quality has gone down a fair bit from what it once was, its still a great place to find ringtones and notification sounds for your android device.
GPS Status: Great for calibrating your devices sensors and ensuring that it works properly.
Now for the ROOT ONLY apps.
Titanium backup
SuperSU
Triangle Away
Hopefully this is a useful list to get you started. I have all these plus many more installed on my devices, and I find I use them all fairly regularly.
djdelusional said:
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
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Click to collapse
I prefer Hangouts to Skype because Hangouts features free video multi-chat.
But I use Google Voice for SMS because it provides free unlimited texting. Hangouts insists on using the phone's native number rather than your Google Voice number, so you have to pay extra for a text plan or for individual messages.
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
XiphoneUzer said:
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your new to android I'd stay away from root for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like for every-day typical phone use cases, there aren't that many gaps that stand out as needing to be filled by a third party app. You'll probably need a new music player, the defaults are crapola - but I can't be much help here; I keep my music as folders full of MP3 files (like God intended!) and play with Music Folder Player, and shun the dirty S&M ("sync and manage") apps.
There's a big list of stuff that I did when I first got the phone to get it to where I'm happy with it, but all of this was root required stuff. There are apps that come pre-loaded on android devices and can't be removed or disabled without root. Also, customizing stuff that can't be customized without root. I couldn't abide by some of the not-changable-without-root defaults. Getting rid of the "screen turns on so you can unlock it when you hit the home key" behavior is probably the most glaring example for me; my ass* was unlocking it constantly - but coming from iPhone, you probably view that as the Right Thing for home button to do.
I think most people use a custom keyboard. Swiftkey and Swype are the most popular. The phone comes with Swype, but it's an ancient version with limited support for changing the dictionary, you want the newest one.
I use Hangouts for gchat, but not for SMS. I actually prefer default app for SMS..
Settings:
Pull down status bar, long press on wifi, WiFi -> menu -> advanced settings, uncheck auto connect to AT&T hotspots (unless they don't suck where you are. Around here, they often don't have internet behind them, and just break your connectivity for the 30 seconds or so it takes for the phone to connect to them, determine that the wifi is no good, and fall back to 4G. At least this phone does that; Original note would just sit there like a fool trying to use non-functional wifi... I've also yet to find a hotspot that performs better than the 4G does. But I live in a city, so the situation may be different elsewhere).
Pull down status bar, long press on GPS. Uncheck "Use wireless networks" - on newer versions of android, this drains battery while idle; the damned thing wakes the phone periodically to check the networks around it - if the phone is nearly idle, this can halve battery life (!!!)
Pull down status bar, swipe to the left along the options at the top (woah, did you know you could do that?), tap multiwindow to enable multiwindow (this was a headline feature for the note 3, but comes disabled by default). If I long-press back button, that makes the multiwindow tab hide or unhide (once it's enabled), but I don't remember if I had to do something to get this behavior.
General must-have things:
AppOps Starter (to kill permissions from apps that request permissions you don't want to give them)
Battery Monitor Widget (gives you a realtime readout of battery usage)
ES File Explorer
If you want to pretty-ize clock + weather widgets:
DigiClock
Eye in Sky
If you work in IT or have need of these (if you aren't sure what these mean, you don't need them ):
ConnectBot (telnet/ssh client)
AndFTP (ftp/sftp client, supports scp if you pay)
RDP Client (remote desktop and VNC client)
FEAT VPN (OpenVPN client)
Hacker's Keyboard (you'll tear your hair out trying to use swype/swiftkey for terminal sessions or RDP)
If you want to root the phone:
Root it, then immediately install titanium backup and "freeze" AT&T software update, so it won't update your phone (breaking root) while you're not looking
Titanium Backup - freeze all the useless bloatware that AT&T and Samsung included (there's a list of what apps you can freeze here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmzC8GFarItSdGpOZzBfWlR4MC03aDMyZ1BDUFNqU0E - not my work)
Root Explorer
Pen Window Manager for adding apps to the pen window feature
Xposed Framework
Wanam - general huge amount of customization, including selecting apps for multiwindow.
Keyboard Manager (almost a necessity if you use ConnectBot/RDP frequently - keyboards designed for messaging and such are garbage for doing administration of non-phone systems, while hacker's keyboard is garbage for messaging and everyday phone stuff)
Terminal Emulator (gives you a command prompt on phone. Doesn't require root, but there are very few use cases for terminal on android that don't also need root)
*Well, I keep it in my front pocket, so technically it wasn't my /ass/ unlocking the phone....
So i wanted to discuss installing NULL but not everything in Aroma to get a Stock look and feel but benefits of some NULL advantages.
if this type thread already exist i didnt see it.
my reason for this is although i can read and follow directions the NULL setup to replicate what i like about stock takes a lot of work with widgets etc.. to get clock face and all the stock look and feel i like.
here is a post by mmick over here that i am quoting to show the setup i am liking and asking others to give some input:
mmick said:
I confess that I searched about Xposed Framework and Gravity Box and... I also did not understand fully what they are or what they do! (perhaps I am getting too old )
AFAIK, generally they allow you to change some items/properties from the ROM and installed APKs...without physically changing the ROMs/APKs. (please someone correct me, and please get something more in detail).
Though I did not make use of it on my Gear, as I just want a "middle tunning", so I installed Null_ ROM just with GAPPs and keyboard, everything else stayed (like Samsung´s Launcher, key settings and default "wipe movement" settings).
What did I install to make full use of what I make BUT without making Gear slow:
- K9 Email app (veeeery small and light. It also enables "share to Email" option on default Camera app)
- Opera mini (for what you could search on Gear, it works extremely well and fast. It also compresses internet data, which is excelent as Gear´s BT connection is rather slow, and it also saves some 3G Data)
- Amazon app (imperative to compare prices)
- Idealo app (I live in Germany, fantastic to compare prices. It is also a light app)
- Button Savior for ROOT devices (Sometimes, like in Amazon app, you do not see the "settings" button. With Button savior, you can turn whenever you want "onscreen buttons", like "back" "settings" "home", etc. If you buy the PRO version, is even better!)
- Google Translate (it works extremely well).
- Bluetooth Settings shortcut (this is a free app, it allows you to directly go to BT Settings, and enable BT Internet Teethering. I tried the app "Bluetooth Auto Connect" but it does have too many options and too big for Gear IMHO. This BT shortcut does the trick and it uses only a couple of Kb)
- gReader (with Dark theme: it saves battery on AMOLED devices!)
PS: if you set on each E-mail, RSS, Amazon, etc "Auto-Sync Off", "Notifications Off", "Push off",etc it will save you a lot of battery and will make your Gear faster.
That´s it. In the moment my Gear has Playstore, etc etc and works as fast as before, battery life is so good as the original but with much more functions. Gear WAS dumb, now with Null_´s ROMs it is SMART
With Null_16 I get: 1 full Day playing around too much (vacations day); 2 full Days (normal working day where I use it each hour to do some stuff, talk around 15 min /day through the Gear, Emails, etc); 3 full Days (when I´m busy and I just see the time, and a couple of pictures / Google Translate / check couple e-mails); 4 full Days (when I just check the clock and to see some Notifications). PS: At night (for 8h) I turn the Gear off.
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