[Q] New to WIndows Phone OS - Bloody Ads!! - Windows Phone 8 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I got my first windows phone yesterday - the lovely Nokia Lumia 1520. It's running windows 8 and I'm loving the phone and it makes a refreshing change to Android which I've used for the last god knows how many years (my first Android device was a HTC Hero).
Anyway, I've downloaded a few apps and the one that thing that jumps out, and is quite annoying, is the amount of advertisements in these apps. Without exception, every app I've installed has ads and some are very obtrusive.
Anyway, maybe I've picked a bad bunch, or maybe I haven't, but is there some app/hack I can do that will allow me to block these ads? On Android you could root your handset and install Adaway. Is there something similar for Windows phone 8?
Cheers.

Nothing for Lumias right now. Even on ATIV phones (Samsung), which are by far the most "deeply" hacked at this point, the only thing possible at this time would be manually editing the HOSTS file.
For what it's worth, most WP apps have an option to buy them and remove the ads. Support developers, don't just ask for free apps with no compensation to the people who make them!

GoodDayToDie said:
Nothing for Lumias right now. Even on ATIV phones (Samsung), which are by far the most "deeply" hacked at this point, the only thing possible at this time would be manually editing the HOSTS file.
For what it's worth, most WP apps have an option to buy them and remove the ads. Support developers, don't just ask for free apps with no compensation to the people who make them!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, happy to pay for an app if (1) it's worth paying for and (2) it defo removes the apps.
If it's a case that most free apps have ads embedded and paid don't then I can live with that.

TheMadMan10 said:
Ok, happy to pay for an app if (1) it's worth paying for and (2) it defo removes the apps.
If it's a case that most free apps have ads embedded and paid don't then I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)

mcosmin222 said:
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)/QUOTE]
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
I'm paid for a few apps this afternoon and they are all good and I'm happy to have paid for them. I'll support the developers of these apps no problem, providing they don't give me a bucket load of ads.
Maybe the ads look bigger on the 1520 due to the size of the resolution. I don't think the ads I've viewed are optimised for a 6 inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

TheMadMan10 said:
mcosmin222 said:
Most paid apps do not have ads.
and those which do, are easily identifies because they get low ratings.
You know, these apps don't write themselves, and the ads in apps are one of the few advertisement policies which actually gives something to the developers (unlike 99% of ad on the web)/QUOTE]
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
I'm paid for a few apps this afternoon and they are all good and I'm happy to have paid for them. I'll support the developers of these apps no problem, providing they don't give me a bucket load of ads.
Maybe the ads look bigger on the 1520 due to the size of the resolution. I don't think the ads I've viewed are optimised for a 6 inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if a paid app has ads, it is time to look for a replacement.
Just saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

TheMadMan10 said:
Understood, but the consumer has the ability to determine whether they are happy to have ads in the apps, especially when they have paid for the app. As I've already said, I'm happy to pay for apps, particularly if it's an app worth paying for. However, if it has obtrusive ads then I will not pay for it, irrespective of the reason why the ad is in there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not had a single paid app that has advertisements. Often the "trial" or free version of an app has ads, but that's something I can live with as it is a way I get to have the app and the developer gets his reimbursement. Every time I went from free/trial to paid, ads were removed.
And I must say that, compared to my android device the ads in the windows phone apps are mostly unintrusive. Most of the time they are only text based, very seldom is it a graphical banner. But by far not as annoying as the flashing ads i've seen in free android apps.

Afaik, there are only a few advertising SDKs out there for Windows Phone, and they aren't really used in an abusive way yet. I just find it weird I see the same ads in app as I see when I use the device browser. The ad I most frequently see is for Lumias (for the past few weeks its been the 2520....) Hmm....
Sent from my RM-860 using Tapatalk

Related

Amazon AppStore.

I just wanted to say that the Amazon App Store is a really nice alternative to the Android Market. With honeycomb finally get to see new apps. Angry Birds Rio is really nice, and nows its free today for the ad free version.
sal_shawn said:
I just wanted to say that the Amazon App Store is a really nice alternative to the Android Market. With honeycomb finally get to see new apps. Angry Birds Rio is really nice, and nows its free today for the ad free version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
keitht said:
Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different features in the actual marketplace; different payment processor (Amazon, which I use extensively, has all my payment information but I do not use Google Checkout); different prices and yes, a different selection. Amazon and other app stores can offer additional features to developers like the DRM you are complaining about which will lead to fragmentation that may or may not be a good thing (time will tell). Who knows, maybe there will be a prime-esque subscription service at some point. Best Buy may sell the same games as Gamestop, but I'm glad I have the choice to never shop at the latter.
sangreal06 said:
Different features in the actual marketplace; different payment processor (Amazon, which I use extensively, has all my payment information but I do not use Google Checkout); different prices and yes, a different selection. Amazon and other app stores can offer additional features to developers like the DRM you are complaining about which will lead to fragmentation that may or may not be a good thing (time will tell). Who knows, maybe there will be a prime-esque subscription service at some point. Best Buy may sell the same games as Gamestop, but I'm glad I have the choice to never shop at the latter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am all about choice but having multiple places to search is not a positive feature in my opinion. Will we have 10 other app stores pop up next week? Not very appealing in my opinion.
keitht said:
Can someone explain to me the logic in having another place to get apps outside of the Google Market that benefits consumers? So I get Angry Birds Rio because it is exclusive however, if I remove the Amazon market app it stops working. Why? And all the other apps I checked are already available in the Google Market. So why do I need to use the Amazon Appstore other than exclusive content which in my opinion if fragmenting the available apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I just like the ability to see all the new released apps. In Google's market for the Xoom all you can see is the featured and top apps.
keitht said:
I am all about choice but having multiple places to search is not a positive feature in my opinion. Will we have 10 other app stores pop up next week? Not very appealing in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can see you concern but I do not see how that is any different from other shopping experiences. I prefer Amazon's search/sorting capabilities from my brief look earlier. I'm sure eventually there will be apps to search any and all available app stores.
sal_shawn said:
Well I just like the ability to see all the new released apps. In Google's market for the Xoom all you can see is the featured and top apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is an issue that Google can resolve. You get 10 other companies providing an app store, how is that helping? You then have to do the same search 10 times.
keitht said:
That is an issue that Google can resolve. You get 10 other companies providing an app store, how is that helping? You then have to do the same search 10 times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see your point. I agree I would prefer one place to get my apps. But right now when I just go browsing for apps amazon is alot easier.
This has to be one of the biggest blunders I have ever seen with Android yet. Most of the Amazon market is filled with apps that are already available in the Google Market. The only app I have seen so far that is not available is Angry Birds Rio. And if you do not install or have removed the Amazon appstore app, you cannot even run it. Does that sound like the same issue with DRM protected music?
And what allows Amazon to create their own app store? Is it easy for 20, 30, 100 others to start their own store with mostly the same apps with their own rules? This does not look good. Who wants to search 100 stores for apps to find what they are looking for and on top of that, have different rules. This has to be the most retarded thing I have ever seen since owning an Android device and is doomed for failure.
If you don't like it, don't use it. Let market forces determine things. If 10 app stores popped out tomorrow I guarantee most would not succeed. As it is there are several alternative app stores for android already, and they have not caused any problems. Competition is ALLWAYS a good thing, even for our beloved google. Same reason I am happy that apple is constantly pushing on android and vice-versa. Competition is the underlying rationale for using Android for me.
keitht said:
This has to be one of the biggest blunders I have ever seen with Android yet. Most of the Amazon market is filled with apps that are already available in the Google Market. The only app I have seen so far that is not available is Angry Birds Rio. And if you do not install or have removed the Amazon appstore app, you cannot even run it. Does that sound like the same issue with DRM protected music?
And what allows Amazon to create their own app store? Is it easy for 20, 30, 100 others to start their own store with mostly the same apps with their own rules? This does not look good. Who wants to search 100 stores for apps to find what they are looking for and on top of that, have different rules. This has to be the most retarded thing I have ever seen since owning an Android device and is doomed for failure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So on your PC, you would rather have one single source for all your software? You don't comparison shop, buy from different vendors, directly from developers? The app concept and having it all in one place is a convenience, thats it. Its like saying you should not open up a Target because your town already has a Wall-Mart or something...
diaa08 said:
So on your PC, you would rather have one single source for all your software? You don't comparison shop, buy from different vendors, directly from developers? The app concept and having it all in one place is a convenience, thats it. Its like saying you should not open up a Target because your town already has a Wall-Mart or something...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not my PC. You go to Amazon store and you see the same apps available in the Google Market. You think the average consumer wants to search multiple markets for an app? I know I don't. And the same app works from Google market and not from another app store because their appstore app is not installed? You think this is a good user experience? I don't. Do not compare to PC experience because the Android tablet experience is based on competition from Apple iPad not from a PC experience. This will be a disaster in a year from now where iPad users can search one location for all their app needs and Android tablet users will need to search 100+ for theirs. There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
keitht said:
There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But there is a reason... different terms and features for developers.
sangreal06 said:
But there is a reason... different terms and features for developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what specifically are those?
keitht said:
This is not my PC. You go to Amazon store and you see the same apps available in the Google Market. You think the average consumer wants to search multiple markets for an app? I know I don't. And the same app works from Google market and not from another app store because their appstore app is not installed? You think this is a good user experience? I don't. Do not compare to PC experience because the Android tablet experience is based on competition from Apple iPad not from a PC experience. This will be a disaster in a year from now where iPad users can search one location for all their app needs and Android tablet users will need to search 100+ for theirs. There is no reason why these apps cannot be in one location.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha i don't want to get a back and forth going here, but really, just don't use the amazon app store and all will be ok. not to overblow the analogy, but two supermarkets usually carry 99% of the same things, doesn't mean you should get rid of one or preclude new ones from opening up.
i realize that apple people have their walled garden with their false sense of security and limited options, but take music purchases as an example: i can either say, buy all my music from iTunes like most Apple people do, or i can do what i do, which is source it from eMusic, Amazon MP3, directly from the artists, etc, all of which i am able to do from both my galaxy s or my xoom, and all of which i am able to do for less money than if i just bought everything from iTunes. oh and since the artists usually get a better deal if i avoid the iTunes store i know more of my money is going directly to them. same thing applies to app stores. its not really all that complicated, i mean, how lazy have we gotten if we can't be bothered to look for things on more than one app store?
as far as the drm deal where apps won't work without amazon appstore, i am not crazy about it, and if that is the case, i would definitely think twice before buying anything from them. maybe some content providers will insist on using amazon's system, but if the terms are that restrictive i'll just take my money elsewhere.
diaa08 said:
haha i don't want to get a back and forth going here, but really, just don't use the amazon app store and all will be ok. not to overblow the analogy, but two supermarkets usually carry 99% of the same things, doesn't mean you should get rid of one or preclude new ones from opening up.
i realize that apple people have their walled garden with their false sense of security and limited options, but take music purchases as an example: i can either say, buy all my music from iTunes like most Apple people do, or i can do what i do, which is source it from eMusic, Amazon MP3, directly from the artists, etc, all of which i am able to do from both my galaxy s or my xoom, and all of which i am able to do for less money than if i just bought everything from iTunes. oh and since the artists usually get a better deal if i avoid the iTunes store i know more of my money is going directly to them. same thing applies to app stores. its not really all that complicated, i mean, how lazy have we gotten if we can't be bothered to look for things on more than one app store?
as far as the drm deal where apps won't work without amazon appstore, i am not crazy about it, and if that is the case, i would definitely think twice before buying anything from them. maybe some content providers will insist on using amazon's system, but if the terms are that restrictive i'll just take my money elsewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Listen, I do not want back and forth either. I want to understand the reasoning behind having another place to get apps. If there is a restriction or process that does not work posting the same app to the Google market, what is it? Why is another market or appstore needed other than money to Amazon? I don't get it.
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics? Is this a takeover of the Google market?
keitht said:
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason i could think of would be different methods of payment. What forms of payments do they both use? Actually another reason could be the amazon one may also allow "banned" software, as the market is run by google.
keitht said:
Why would developers choose to use the Amazon store over the Google Market? Can someone answer that please with specifics? Is this a takeover of the Google market?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now? I do not know as I am not familiar with the policies of them both. However, as we have seen with the Apple App Store there have been many rules which have upset developers over time. Some of those are directly tied to how much money a developer can make off their app. For example, if Google were to mandate something similar to Apple's new subscription model I imagine many developers would like an alternative.
From a user perspective, having competing promotions like Amazon's free paid-app every day is nice
I agree that it can be a hassle to look for things in different stores but it is for the best. Its the universal rule of conservation if you will. The Amazon Appstore with bring competition to Google forcing google to step up its game if does not want to loose customers. For example Amazon will have a free paid app per day, maybe that will move google to do the same or top that. Amazon will test each app first to make sure it is not malicious and even though it will never be perfect maybe that will move google to do something similar. Amazon has worked out deals with developers in regards to the checkout process which may lead some developers that before only sold their apps from their own website to put them in the appstore (Gameloft). Also this has led some developers to drop their prices at the Amazon Appstore.
I understand not everyone thinks this is for the best or that its too much of a hassle but when you think of things from a perspective of growth and innovation it seems to be good.
In regards to the DRM content it is one of those things that are just tough to deal with sure we can try to avoid everything that has DRM but that is why Netflix and Hulu have not been supported thus far.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Amazon Appstore app

I can't get the Amazon Appstore app to install. It gives me the message "Do you want to install this application? It will get access to:" then a list of areas and boxes for cancel or install. When I click install nothing happens. The cancel box works. (I did check the unknown sources in settings)
If it is being blocked by Google, that would suck.
I'm pretty shure its being blocked by Google.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app
Threevo said:
I'm pretty shure its being blocked by Google.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's being blocked I might return my Nexus 7. It would suck that they would only let you buy apps from them.
chisaki said:
I can't get the Amazon Appstore app to install. It gives me the message "Do you want to install this application? It will get access to:" then a list of areas and boxes for cancel or install. When I click install nothing happens. The cancel box works. (I did check the unknown sources in settings)
If it is being blocked by Google, that would suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true it's working for me. Go to Amazon& request a new link to be sent to your email.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Thats strange, i was able to do it on my N7. Maybe a reboot of some sort?
Works fine here. Go into Setting>Security and check Allow unknown sources. Go to Amazon web site and follow instructions to download and install. Did that to download an older version of a zombie killing game that works on N7.
Works fine for me. I use it every day to get the free "cr"app of the day.
Try rebooting it then re-installing.
If you're installing it from a previous backup from another device, it most likely won't work (not assuming you are, but just in case...) Like the others said, go to Amazon and get it directly and you should have no problem.
What worked for me was clicking the link for tablets. It says something like "no email or phone number, click here" and that downloaded the APK directly into my system download folder. From there it installed just fine. I had to do this to get it on my Google TV also. It seems to bypass some sort of test since the Google TV isn't officially compatible with it.
I just worked with an Amazon tech, got it to install using by going to this like in the browser on the N7.
http://www.amazon.com/app-email
Works fine now.
Mine installed fine. I used the APK from my phone. Got a bunch of the nicer FAOTD apps working perfectly too.
Compusmurf said:
Works fine for me. I use it every day to get the free "cr"app of the day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk man, I've gotten a few awesome ones for free, like quick office, sketchbook mobile, and some games like monopoly for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I find it incredible that everyone is giving Amazon a free pass for contributing to the Android Malware myth.
The fact you have to enable side loading on an Android phone to allow Amazon, means any other malware could also slip in. Using Amazon app store is a REALLY bad idea (plus the fact it's a barren wasteland compared to Google Play, and most of the apps are really out of date versions).
Surely the lure of free versions of old apps is not that strong that you want to open your phone up to allsorts of Android malware nasties?
CrazyPeter said:
I find it incredible that everyone is giving Amazon a free pass for contributing to the Android Malware myth.
The fact you have to enable side loading on an Android phone to allow Amazon, means any other malware could also slip in. Using Amazon app store is a REALLY bad idea (plus the fact it's a barren wasteland compared to Google Play, and most of the apps are really out of date versions).
Surely the lure of free versions of old apps is not that strong that you want to open your phone up to allsorts of Android malware nasties?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bugger the Apps they get games too. Of course only if you're from a certain country.
Majority of the free apps are a joke.
I usually check it every day and realize they're all trash (except maybe 2 apps so far) and then I uninstall it. For some reason I get struck with the idiotic idea that I may be missing out on some good free apps, so I stupidly install it again in hopes of some decent apps...... it never happens
Andrew025 said:
Majority of the free apps are a joke.
I usually check it every day and realize they're all trash (except maybe 2 apps so far) and then I uninstall it. For some reason I get struck with the idiotic idea that I may be missing out on some good free apps, so I stupidly install it again in hopes of some decent apps...... it never happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what most people think. Once you discover what Amazon are offering for free is basically stuff that deserves to be free anyway, make sure you re-tick the Android security setting and revert back to the proper Android store that Google host.
mtfsandlin said:
Idk man, I've gotten a few awesome ones for free, like quick office, sketchbook mobile, and some games like monopoly for free.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it first came out, it was great. Now, the free app is usually a very crappy game. In the past, I got:
Fancy Widgets Pro, Weatherbug Elite, Thumb Keyboard, App 2 SD Pro, Moon Phase Pro, Quickoffice Pro, SoundHound Infinity, Shazam, SwiftKey 3, and several other good ones.
CrazyPeter said:
That's what most people think. Once you discover what Amazon are offering for free is basically stuff that deserves to be free anyway, make sure you re-tick the Android security setting and revert back to the proper Android store that Google host.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I've never once gotten malware and I always sideload apps. I always leave that setting unticked as do most folks I'm sure.
2. having Amazon app store or any other app store doesn't change your default android Google play store.
You want malware, go download Blackmarket apps or pirate stuff, you'll get it then. I do suggest tho, that everyone should install a malware scanner. Avast, lookout, etc.
CrazyPeter said:
I find it incredible that everyone is giving Amazon a free pass for contributing to the Android Malware myth.
The fact you have to enable side loading on an Android phone to allow Amazon, means any other malware could also slip in. Using Amazon app store is a REALLY bad idea (plus the fact it's a barren wasteland compared to Google Play, and most of the apps are really out of date versions).
Surely the lure of free versions of old apps is not that strong that you want to open your phone up to allsorts of Android malware nasties?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? Side loading doesn't put you at any greater risk of malware. You always choose to install an app, whether you side loaded it or not.
Nothing wrong or risky with downloading the Amazon app store, being able to choose a different app store is one of the best things about android. CHOICE.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Answer me this

I'm writing a paper on the use of apps for my college course. Basically, I'm wanting to know what the main reason is for the development of apps from a developer's point of view. Is it money, making something useful, or pure entertainment in developing? Also, if you're not a developer how many apps do you have and how many do you actually use/find useful? If I could get some people to chime in and share their experiences and opinions it'd be greatly appreciated!
Non developer.
I mostly use (in order):
Tapatalk (car and IT forums)
Cortana (Windows Phone digital assistant)
Browsers (data compression, normal, tor)
Games (allsorted)
Jesse, first of all thanks for the reply! It seems as if all your apps have an actually use for you. Have you ever paid for any of your apps and if so was it worth the money?
Not a developer, but I mostly use browsers and I also use ppsspp for my gaming needs. I find it fun to experiment with an Android device, because that way you get to explore your device's full potential. And since android is highly customisable, the possibilities are endless.
Thanks for the reply! It's interesting that you guys both brought up that you use multiple browsers. Is there a reason for this? In Jesse's case I can see how you would need a separate browser for tor to access .onion sites but personally I just use the stock browser and in the very rare occasion will I open up Google chrome. Could you tell me a bit more about ppsspp? I have my note 4 rooted and running custom ROM so the customization is great I completely agree. Android is awesome!
Note4Nerd said:
Jesse, first of all thanks for the reply! It seems as if all your apps have an actually use for you. Have you ever paid for any of your apps and if so was it worth the money?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do have other apps too, I just don't use them as regularly. Some of these are different launchers, lock screen customizers, and apps like tasker, as well as some one click root apps I'm trying. (if you can help me root my MT6572 please help here
Spoiler
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/help/how-to-root-mt6572-zte-telstra-tempo-t3063048
)
All the apps I originally listed I never paid for except for GTA SA(not pirated, but I have some originally free games that are cracked)
On this post, I have paid for tasker, nova launcher prime and my locker pro. That was mostly because I had a free $20 google play voucher with my phone.
Note4Nerd said:
Thanks for the reply! It's interesting that you guys both brought up that you use multiple browsers. Is there a reason for this? In Jesse's case I can see how you would need a separate browser for tor to access .onion sites but personally I just use the stock browser and in the very rare occasion will I open up Google chrome. Could you tell me a bit more about ppsspp? I have my note 4 rooted and running custom ROM so the customization is great I completely agree. Android is awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for browsers, I use google chrome on my xperia sp (I might get rid of it when I root it though), whereas on my xperia t I mostly use the stock sony browser. Now, as for the ppsspp, it's actually a psp emulator. In other words, it allows you to run psp games (in .iso format) in your android phone. I think it's one of the best apps on the play store, since I don't like most native android games like temple run, minions and such. Since you have a note 4, which is a very powerful device, I highly recommend you to check it out.
This one IS coming from a developer.
Oftentimes, when I make an app, I saw a hole and I wanted to fill it. The most recent app spawned itself from the Droid Turbo not being rooted until now(finally).
People heard there was a root method so they were waiting on a hair trigger's notice to find out if it had been released. So I took it upon myself to let people know when it happened, where to get more info, and when it was released, how to get it for themselves. It spawned over 400 unique downloads on 15 different devices with an aggregate rating of 4.82.
I also like to improve on apps that I've already seen. If I feel something is drastically missing, I like to look at what they have and ask what I can do better with that.. then add what's missing.
Another example is an app I created that is made for creative commons photo sharing. So for example, when someone needs a picture for their design project, then they can simply open the app, search the word, and download. I came up with it for my senior project and we branded the whole thing, but it never went anywhere because it was unrefined.
In contrast to that reason, I often make apps because I'm testing something and it snowballs. I have a bunch of different "app pieces" in a handful of languages sitting around on my computer.
To summarize, I make apps because:
1. There's a hole and I'm going to fill it.
2. I want to improve what I see.
3. I'm simply passionate about it.
Hope that helps!

Antivirus for the phone

So I know as long as I use trusted sources and don't really side load any apps I should be pretty safe. I am also aware that many people don't believe that Antivirus does anything other than use resources. With that said I do wish to be secure and with my classes I am taking in college (cyber security) have become a bit paranoid. So I would like people's opinion on four available products
Lookout
Already pre-installed with T-Mobile
Seems to do an ok job
Bitdefender
AV-TESTS ranked #1
Works with my Moto360 watch
Kaspersky
I use this on my personal PC and has updates frequently
Has a ton of features
ESET (Nod32)
Most Android features
Supposedly very light on system resources
Given this list has anyone had experience with any on the list and would recommend one over the other?
I've used Bitdefender.
I liked it.
I have a good friend who works as a programmer for lookout it's a good program. But in reality if you are flashing ROMS regularly you wipe out most viruses and Spyware on your own.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
ShrekOpher said:
I have a good friend who works as a programmer for lookout it's a good program. But in reality if you are flashing ROMS regularly you wipe out most viruses and Spyware on your own.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Problem is I just have finally gotten my ROM the perfect way I like it. Until Lollipop comes out I don't think I will be flashing anymore.
DarqAnshin said:
Given this list has anyone had experience with any on the list and would recommend one over the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Kaspersky on all of my PCs, laptop, two tablets, and two phones. It does have great features and I don't notice a performance hit. You should look for the "Kaspersky Internet Security - Multi-Device" version. The five license pack allows you to install it on any mix of five computers and/or mobile devices and gives you a year of updates. Also, something unique about Kaspersky, as long as you have a valid license, product updates are free (including major updates like v2014 to v2015).
If you keep an eye on the technology deal sites, you'll often see the five license pack on sale for free after rebate. I can tell you from my experience, the rebates take forever but they do come. I've redeemed several.
SJMarty said:
I use Kaspersky on all of my PCs, laptop, two tablets, and two phones. It does have great features and I don't notice a performance hit. You should look for the "Kaspersky Internet Security - Multi-Device" version. The five license pack allows you to install it on any mix of five computers and/or mobile devices and gives you a year of updates. Also, something unique about Kaspersky, as long as you have a valid license, product updates are free (including major updates like v2014 to v2015).
If you keep an eye on the technology deal sites, you'll often see the five license pack on sale for free after rebate. I can tell you from my experience, the rebates take forever but they do come. I've redeemed several.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Marty, Thanks. I currently use Kaspersky, and it will be expiring soon. However I do find that on my Galaxy Note 10.1 it slows down the system to a crawl. I am currently going to wipe the table to Hyperdrive, but still, the app seems to be a bit "bloated" for me compared to the Lookout that I am using. I was looking for something that is a bit lightweight but yet effective.
Still thank you for everything.
Update
For anyone curious or doing a search on what the results are. I was able to find this on the XDA forums today.
Thanks go to @Utini for making this http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6/general/guide-little-guide-to-security-privacy-t3042460
Please remember to thank him for his work on that thread.

Xiaomi making money from software yet officially letting us unlock the bootloader?

So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device and not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.
Hxonper said:
So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI i am using k20 pro china rom , yet to see any ads , lol cause i dont use most of their apps . the most forced ads i see is using this xda forum on pc , lol
Hxonper said:
So i have never used a Xiaomi device but im looking forward to getting the Mi 9T pro version ,what i got from searching was that one of the main reasons that Xiaomi devices are cheaper is that Xiaomi makes or intends to make most of its profit from showing ads and stuff on the software they have installed on their phones.
If this is the case, then im really curious to know why they would officially give users the tools to unlock their bootloaders ( i know the whole waiting game stuff but still they are officially supporting it ) and possibly root their phones and from what i've gathered it doesn't even void the warranty!!
wouldn't it make much more sense if they instead tried to lock their bootloaders so that users were forced to use their software?
to be clear im not saying that they should change their policy in this way, im very happy that i can root the device not void the warranty . im just saying that it doesn't make a lot of sense that they'd officially give you the tools and permissions to stop them from profiting from the users.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, well ok they shouldn't change their policy. Its a fine business model. Few people actually want to root the phone and do all that - they put up with the ads and all that, ads are relatively common online.
But not only that - those people who really want to remove such ads are the people like you and me even who /want/! to buy more of these phones and support the company further. Its not like you maybe will never buy another xiaomi. Once you get the phone you will see.
Its good to have it both ways though? It covers all bases. BUT! Ads are not the entire thing you are on about because like me and others over time we have considered ads wrong - ads don't make the phone completely, its a subsidy. Well just 'one of' several subsidies.
They give you the tools I think because if you really want to remove ads in order to use the phone then you must like the phone enough. Also I think that the 'big' ad days are further and further behind them as they become more profitable and can say to themselves they can make larger launch dates etc and be increasingly well known and purchased - they will probably find even better ways to implement these things.
So for people like you and me and others the ad-loss is not a big deal - its more a way for them to bring you the phone rather than to smack us round the ears with ads for the sake of it.
What a great phone.
Aimara said:
FYI i am using k20 pro china rom , yet to see any ads , lol cause i dont use most of their apps . the most forced ads i see is using this xda forum on pc , lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
interesting !! i thought only the global rom was nearly ad-free.
Haha there are ways around your pc browsing experience as well
SlimBeaner said:
Hi, well ok they shouldn't change their policy. Its a fine business model. Few people actually want to root the phone and do all that - they put up with the ads and all that, ads are relatively common online.
But not only that - those people who really want to remove such ads are the people like you and me even who /want/! to buy more of these phones and support the company further. Its not like you maybe will never buy another xiaomi. Once you get the phone you will see.
Its good to have it both ways though? It covers all bases. BUT! Ads are not the entire thing you are on about because like me and others over time we have considered ads wrong - ads don't make the phone completely, its a subsidy. Well just 'one of' several subsidies.
They give you the tools I think because if you really want to remove ads in order to use the phone then you must like the phone enough. Also I think that the 'big' ad days are further and further behind them as they become more profitable and can say to themselves they can make larger launch dates etc and be increasingly well known and purchased - they will probably find even better ways to implement these things.
So for people like you and me and others the ad-loss is not a big deal - its more a way for them to bring you the phone rather than to smack us round the ears with ads for the sake of it.
What a great phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well yeah it has been a positive point for me when i was considering whether i should get this device or not and yeah i agree the percentage of users who'd root their devices is very low.
however i just get suspicious when big tech companies try to be on the good side and well in this case sell flagship phones with low prices and also support those who only want the hardware!
Hxonper said:
interesting !! i thought only the global rom was nearly ad-free.
Haha there are ways around your pc browsing experience as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm these ads on PC seem to be Google based, wtf they keep showing the Adidas shoes I wanted to get but I am holding back, resist .... Haha
Real "flagship" phones costs around $200-$300 to make. Xiaomi is only making nominal profit from selling their hardware and yes, it also relies on ads through its MIUI OS to gain some more. But overall it is really not that surprising that other phone companies put huge margin of profit on their devices to make more money and many people think that's really how much it costs. lol
To put it into perspective, a $1,000 pixel phone actually costs around $250 to make. Same with iphones and Samsung phones. Samsung flagships might cost a bit higher because of its flagship parts.
I used to see ads on my old Mi4i. Those were on phone UI such as tasks view. I was pretty bummed about that. Few years later I'm on a Xiaomi phone again, but this time I'm using Netguard firewall with ad block host filters and haven't seen an ad yet.
BlackCommando said:
I used to see ads on my old Mi4i. Those were on phone UI such as tasks view. I was pretty bummed about that. Few years later I'm on a Xiaomi phone again, but this time I'm using Netguard firewall with ad block host filters and haven't seen an ad yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use adguard DNS. No need to install anything. It also blocks ads on apps.
No link because moderators might think that I am advertising it, well, I am sort of, but it is my humble suggestion to you. :angel:
ntmalol said:
Just use adguard DNS. No need to install anything. It also blocks ads on apps.
No link because moderators might think that I am advertising it, well, I am sort of, but it is my humble suggestion to you. :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I did use Adguard DNS and it blocked almost all ads. But I moved to Netguard to use multiple host files.
Another reason was that unfortunately MIUI firewall doesn't let us block wifi for system apps.
Been using Xiomi phones for 10 months now (both MIUI 10) and I'm yet to see an ad. I actually had no idea ads were included in MIUI.
ntmalol said:
Real "flagship" phones costs around $200-$300 to make. Xiaomi is only making nominal profit from selling their hardware and yes, it also relies on ads through its MIUI OS to gain some more. But overall it is really not that surprising that other phone companies put huge margin of profit on their devices to make more money and many people think that's really how much it costs. lol
To put it into perspective, a $1,000 pixel phone actually costs around $250 to make. Same with iphones and Samsung phones. Samsung flagships might cost a bit higher because of its flagship parts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, once Apple started selling phones for 1k $ and higher it also gave competitors like Samsung more room to increase their prices. "flagship" has kinda turned into a marketing term for the huge sum of money you need to pay rather than the top tier hardware and software support you're getting.
Thordelan said:
Been using Xiomi phones for 10 months now (both MIUI 10) and I'm yet to see an ad. I actually had no idea ads were included in MIUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great but also not great !!! great that they don't bombard you with ads and don't ruin your experience and also not great cause showing ads is their way of making money and when that's not happening then what are they up to? idk maybe that's just me being paranoid
BlackCommando said:
Thanks, I did use Adguard DNS and it blocked almost all ads. But I moved to Netguard to use multiple host files.
Another reason was that unfortunately MIUI firewall doesn't let us block wifi for system apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is for you and everyone who is reading this, you can disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
--Go to the setting menu
--Go to Additional settings
--Tap on Authorization & revocation option
--Disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
after turning msa off, the phone will stop collecting data from your device and sending you ads.
Unfortunately, to get an ad-free user experience you must disable ads recommendation in Mi Browser, Mi Security, Mi Music, and other Mi apps manually.
Posted with help from https://c.mi.com/thread-1864821-1-0.html
ntmalol said:
This is for you and everyone who is reading this, you can disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
--Go to the setting menu
--Go to Additional settings
--Tap on Authorization & revocation option
--Disable MSA (MIUI System Ads).
after turning msa off, the phone will stop collecting data from your device and sending you ads.
Unfortunately, to get an ad-free user experience you must disable ads recommendation in Mi Browser, Mi Security, Mi Music, and other Mi apps manually.
Posted with help from https://c.mi.com/thread-1864821-1-0.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for your response . i hope it does really stop the data collection. in case it doesn't, does rooting, changing the recovery to a custom one and also installing a custom Rom like LOS stop Xiaomi from collecting data?
and also i read that in order to unlock the bootloader i need to install the vendor and firmware for my device , could this act as a backdoor for xiaomi?
If you use miui select to not send data ( should be during setup , other places as well ) .
Xiaomi eu removes all adds in apps ( but that could be considered custom rom ) .
I had adds in apps in mi global , im using miuimix custom rom so i have yet to see an add in apps ( besides browser ).
I don't think id buy a phone that don't allow bootloader unlock. As long as i have a choice I can't complain.

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