Related
Hi all,
Just updating this as a little source of info incase anyone else searching finds my experience helpful!:
- Rooting: Decided not to do this until it's clear if offical updates work with it or not.
- Contacts: Created a google account which now syncs perfectly with the phone. All contacts are stored on the web account, so clearing the phone during resets isn't a problem - just put the Gmail details back in and everything is cool again
- File Manager: Using ES File Explorer from the market place (Free), works perfectly and lists all the files on the SD card.
- Network Usage: Using NetCounter from the market place (Free), works perfectly just keeping tabs on how much data has been sent over the cell or Wi-fi; breaking it down for usage on a daily basis, weekly, monthly and total. Also seems to support alert notifications so you can have your phone warn you when you've reached a certain amount of data.
- Case / Screen Protectors: Found a few online and Amazon however yet to purchase any (there are some reviews saying the rubber cases are too tight on the phone and start rubbing the surface colour off them.
Original Post
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This is somewhat crossposted as I don't know if this is a more suitable board.
Anyhow! I've been stuck with a XDA Exec for a number of years however today, after it started sending emails with text messages, I've ordered a new HTC Hero on Orange in order to replace the rubbish WM OS which was giving me no end of problems.
To cut to the chase I'm wondering when I get my device is there anything in particular worth doing, newbie questions I know but we all have to start somewhere! For example:
- Is it worth rooting? What exactly does rooting the device then allow me to do? (I've come across the process for doing it multiple times but I'm still none the wiser as to what this enables the handset to do)
- In line with the above is there anything worth doing to the device during setup to improve it's overall usability / performance?
- Are there are any particular apps that are worth putting on to improve performance? Giving control over the CPU maybe?
...etc
Any general advice for a new handset would be appreciated as I know there are some brilliant minds here (just finding all the relevant information is sometimes tricky!)
All the best,
Temjin
Yes a few things
before you start up the device create a google account online first, ie create a google email address eg. [email protected]
Then make sure you setup the phone with this address when it starts up, otherwise you may have problems accessing the market like me haha.
Copilot is a must its an excellent program, just as good as tomtom if not better.
i installed solitare as well cos i missed it off my old diamond.
As for rooting i as yet have not done so because there seems to be no real reason so far, installing apps and modding the phone is simple by adding widgets etc.
The phone runs as smooth as day straight out the box for me, but my phone is unbranded.
Hope that helps
Not much point to rooting yet, unless you want to have hundreds of apps installed (app2sd).
I would recommend that you remove the "people" widget as it is really not hugely helpful and slows the phone down a lot, especially when swiping from screen to screen. If you experience lag, you can also try removing the large clock widget and peep. Without these, the phone is much faster. (it's kinda sucky having to remove them but to be honest I'd rather a more responsive phone, personally). Check out http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=544958
Try to avoid using task managers and task-killers as these will cause more trouble than they are worth - let android manage processes and memory by itself.
Finally, don't go wild installing apps. Certain apps such as monitoring widgets cause havoc with the battery life, so install apps one or two at a time so that you will notice if performance or battery life suddenly plummets.
kiz said:
Finally, don't go wild installing apps. Certain apps such as monitoring widgets cause havoc with the battery life, so install apps one or two at a time so that you will notice if performance or battery life suddenly plummets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you advice if NetCounter or BatteryWidget eats a lot of battery?
mystaka said:
Can you advice if NetCounter or BatteryWidget eats a lot of battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NetCounter is OK, I haven't noticed any drop in battery life using it.
Oh when hard reseting
When you hard reset your phone if you ever need to, remove your simcard then put it back in after the reset, otherwise you lose you sim contacts like i have!!!
Hi guys!
I got my Hero on Tuesday and so far I'm absolutley loving it (although coming from WM 5.1 doesn't take much to beat ).
I've got a few more questions:
- When synced with Google Contacts a home address on the Hero is listed under "Find Home". This cuts the address short, is there a way of making it making the address field more presentable?
- Is there any native way for seeing how much data has been downloaded (gotta be careful of my tarrif limit!) or is there a simple app for this purpose?
- Is there anyway of browsing file directories?
- Is there any sort of protective cases or screen covers for the Hero?
In case it helps any other people who are looking for starter information:
- Rooting: Decided not to do this until it's clear if offical updates work with it or not.
- Contacts: Created a google account which now syncs perfectly with the phone. All contacts are stored on the web account, so clearing the phone during resets isn't a problem - just put the Gmail details back in and everything is cool again
Thanks!
~ T
Temjin said:
- Is there any native way for seeing how much data has been downloaded (gotta be careful of my tarrif limit!) or is there a simple app for this purpose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NetCounter is lightweight, to the point and very effective
Temjin said:
- Is there anyway of browsing file directories?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need an app, there is no native explorer. I have found ES File Explorer to be the best free explorer. It supports SMB network shares with ease too. No need to go through the hassle of connecting by USB and mounting the SD card to xfer files... you can just pull files directly over your network.
Hi Kiz,
Those two apps work fantastic! Thanks!
It's only a matter of time before I can no longer resist the urge to purchase an Android tablet, even in their current underwhelming state. The G Tablet is currently at the top of my list for available Android tablets.
One thing that's been bugging me, though, is whether or not there's a solution for multiple users. I see the tablet as just laying around the house so that either my wife or I can just pick it up to check email, facebook, etc. This isn't a problem for our phones, as we each have our own Droids. Having two tablets laying around seems a tad excessive at the moment.
Does anyone know if there are any ROMs/apps/hacks that would let you easily switch from one user's homescreen and accounts to another?
This isn't exactly G Tablet specific, but I didn't know of a better place to post this.
Thanks,
-Stephen
There is a setting for multiple accounts, complete with logins. I haven't tried it yet myself - itsss my PRECIOUSSSS!
Sent from my GTablet-TnT-Lite using Tapatalk
liquidcaffeine, thanks for the info. So, the pre-loaded GUI supports multiple logins? That's good news. However, I've heard not so good things about the GUI, but it looked pretty good running Cyanogen on Youtube. I don't suppose the multiple logins would carry over to that.
I have another question for you and precious. If you load another launcher (lets say LauncherPro) over the default home, can it still make use of the multiple logins? Also, does this fix the slowness of the default home or does it need a new ROM for that?
Thanks a lot!
Seismic Steve said:
liquidcaffeine, thanks for the info. So, the pre-loaded GUI supports multiple logins? That's good news. However, I've heard not so good things about the GUI, but it looked pretty good running Cyanogen on Youtube. I don't suppose the multiple logins would carry over to that.
I have another question for you and precious. If you load another launcher (lets say LauncherPro) over the default home, can it still make use of the multiple logins? Also, does this fix the slowness of the default home or does it need a new ROM for that?
Thanks a lot!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm running roebeets TnT Lite mod with ADW.Launcher and I still see the option for what is called "family profiles" with it.
EDIT*** The Settings -> Family FCs whenever I try to add a new member.
liquidcaffeine said:
I'm running roebeets TnT Lite mod with ADW.Launcher and I still see the option for what is called "family profiles" with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news! Do you have any idea yet if the family profiles will switch out accounts for apps that weren't preloaded on the stock tablet (i.e. Gmail, Maps, etc.)?
Be careful, you coming very close to costing me $400 ;-)
Has anyone found out how to actually switch accounts? I'm managed to add accounts by removing the contacts.apk from the update.zip file and reflashing the firmware.
I'm running TNT Lite 4.4.0 using the free version of launcher pro since I could not find ADW launcher.
I'm in the same boat as cerdmier. I could fix TNT 4.40 to allow me to add accounts, but couldn't figure out how to switch. Didn't try the stock ROM long enough to see if it worked there.
Rooted / Gapps - stock 1.2.4349
I have been running alternate ROMs but just updated to stock 4349 to try that for a bit. I rooted it, installed Gapps and the market fix. The family accounts does not FC under this setup.
I have Launcher Pro set as the default for the home button but have an icon for the Tap N Tap home on the screen. This lets me switch between the two. The family accounts doesn't appear to be anything like the multiple logons in Windows. The multiple accounts appear in the Tap N Tap interface only. I now see three to-do lists (Family, name1, name2) and two email accounts that I set up (name1, name2). TapNTap seems adequate for reading GMail and it supports Labels but I don't see any support for archiving or changing labels on messages.
I primarily read gmail via the browser since that supports the new tablet interface, and sometimes use the gmail app. I don't see myself using the Tap N Tap email interface very often as I change labels and archive many messages.
Hey everyone, thought I'd post up a couple problems I've had since I got the tablet. Totally new to the whole android thing so bear with me if I am clueless.
I've read through every posting and haven't seen anyone describing the symptoms I'm experiencing. I'll describe symptoms, then steps that I've taken in hopes of answering all questions ahead of time.
First off, I saw the various wallpapers that were posted and followed the directions to use Wallpaper Wizardrii in order to make them work correctly. Initially the pictures take well and work however, after some time the image cuts off on the right 1/3ish of the screen. I also set the image to "exact" to see what would happen and after a bit of time the complete image moved all the way to the left of the screen - obviously in this case nothing got cutoff but it still moved.
*I've not been able to replicate this by doing anything in particular.
*I uninstalled and reinstalled Wallpaper Wizardrii thinking maybe something got f'd with the install. This had no effect.
*I've messed with locking the tablet in both horizontal and vertical orientation and this has had no effect either.
*If the wallpaper is at the point where it is "cut," (for lack of a better word) then switching to any other wallpapers (including the ones that came with the tablet) are also cut.
*If I open wallpaper wizardrii again and reset the image, the cut goes away and everything is back to normal.
*I've currently reset everything to an image that came with the tablet and uninstalled wizardrii. I'm not sure if that will resolve the issue but as yet it hasn't gotten screwed up. My friend who showed me his tablet and ultimately was responsible for my buying one has not had any of these problems using the same settings. Wizardrii settings were 100% compression and full screen image.
The other MAJOR problem that I just discovered relates to using Adobe Acrobat as a PDF reader. My primary reason for getting this tablet is for work. I plan on creating electronic records of all the journal articles I recieve. I've run out of physical real estate to keep these articles at home and I don't know where else to put them. The same for books. I was able to transfer some files to the tablet just today using windows explorer (couldn't get Kies to work) and several PDF's work fine and look great, but this particular one locked up the system and somehow restarted it. Can someone try it on their tablet and see if you have problems? Actually the file is too large to upload to the forum for me to post although it's less than 900k. Would anyone be willing to let me email it to them? It is called the Discordant Eardrum and is written by Fay and Puria through Stanford's depart of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and Mechanical Engineering.
My tablet has been rooted - don't even know what that means in reality. My friend did it for me to get rid of advertisements. That is the only thing that has been done.
I appreciate any help in resolving these issues.
-D
Hi
I had exactly the same problem with the wallpapers. To fix this I've removed the Wizardrii and found the wallpaper i wanted in a higher resolution.
For PDF viewing try using ezPDF Reader - the best software ever -) i'm using it to view big PDF files like 1000-1500 pages. Size wise i was able to view 100-120MB files with no problems.
Use Aldiko premium book reader to view DRM PDF files. works really good.
cheers.
Im experiencing the same wallpaper problem with my tablet, and not sure how to fix it. I'm running stock 3.1 and sometimes the homescreen gets so laggy I have to restart it, and some of that lagging is because of honeycomb horrible wallpaper options.
I really don't have uber high demands for my phones, I just expect them to work and fill my what I believe to be simple needs. I'm hoping that I can list some of my issues and possibly get some positive feedback to help weed through issues, not only for me but for other users. I know this phone has a lot of passionate followers, I can definitely say, I'm not one of them.
I don't mind rooting at all, but cannot lose 4g capabilities. I know I've seen some locked OSs, any suggestions would be appreciated. I also bought this phone based on my ideals behind Tegra and the SIM slot as I'll be doing some world travel within the next few months. Now to some issues I've had...
Default Music player - efing sucks. If there isn't a good 30secs of lag loading media from the external SD card, the damn thing crashes after 3-4 songs. I fully understand that rooting will get through this issue with a different (hopefully android default) media player. But I'm struggling to find why this is an issue outside of poor development. Have about 8GB worth of music on either a 16gb or 32gb SD card. Wipe Dvcache and NO PROBLEMS with same memory card.
Camera - Can't shut off shutter sound? What the hell were Motorola software techs thinking? Yes the camera is very good, but what the fizzle? I ironically heavily considered this phone over the GS2 because of the dedicated camera button. Only to be frustrated thanks to the inability to take ninja photos.
Multi-Touch - I had issues with multi point touching. Multidev gave some direction here, which if I root my phone later today, I'll definitely go in this direction.
BT Media Stream - Specifically with the Sync in Ford vehicles. I've used it in both a 2011 Focus (sync 3.0) and my 2011 Mustang (sync 2.0) and repeated the same issue detailed in this thread. Completely drives me up the wall, as I have not had this issue with any of the roms I ran previously on my Evo4g. Everything else works well with Sync, including making and receiving calls and text/email notification.
I'm sure there's been a few more issues that I've had slip my mind. But, I guess I'm really just hoping that I can use the benefits of this phone without continuing to 'deal with' the shortcomings of owning a handset that isn't going to sell 500k units and get the kind of manufacturer and homebrew software support of a phone that has sold 500k units.
Thanks
i use google music app, not the moto one and i love it.. ive had NO issues with it what so ever.. and it is THE default android player
camera is annoying but you are required to be rooted to remove it.. dunno if anyone has or not tho. any third party app should still work with the button etc etc
as for bluetooth.. no idea again may be solved by removing the current music app and putting googlemusic on there (use titanium backup to remove the moto music player )
Thanks for the response Shabby.
So either way, I'd be better off rooting and removing the music player and camera apps?
I guess the only other thing I'm looking for in a rom is just general speed. The phone flys when it comes to opening programs and program performance, but the general speed of menu access and transitioning from one base mode to the next leaves a lot to be desired. Just getting in and out of text messages takes just too damn long.
First of all, the Photon is a great phone, when it works properly.
I have had wayyy more issues than you with it, and trust me, sometime I just completely hate the F&@^(*$ Mother [email protected]%[email protected] This phone can be a dumb @$$ son of a B!^@%. When it works it is awesome.
I have been through about 5 replacement Photon's and need to replace it again after the holidays, (Motorola has finally fixed the problem with it officially, YAY!) Now, you shouldn't be complaining compared to what I have been through.
But, I understand where you are comming from.
I have not had a stable music player, other than Rhapsody, that didn't crash or force close on me, including, Music, Google Music, Honeycomb Music, & Player Pro.
I personally hate the Rhapsody interface and I am forced to deal with it.
Camera Shutter Issue,
Root Required - Download Root Explorer via Market or find other means of getting it. PM me if you want to know how you can get it in other ways.
Go to
System/media/audio/ui in Root Explorer.
First copy and save to it to sd first incase you want it back cause delete is permanent.
Set system to rw then delete
Delete camera sound ogg.
Then you are all set. Or don't root and use the following application: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/443424#443424
(Sorry, the Motorola forums are currently down, they hope to get back up by the end of this week.) But, check later on this or next week. (NOW YOU CAN TAKE NINJA PHOTOS) But remember, there is not current way to disable the auto focus double beep, if someone finds a way, please comment below, and I may edit this post.
Bluetooth car issue, you should experiment with different Music Player applications.
Hope I've helped! Be sure to click the "Thanks" button if I did, it lets other users know that I am helpful.
MultiTouch - follow the directions that you posted
deedscreen said:
First of all, the Photon is a great phone, when it works properly.
I have had wayyy more issues than you with it, and trust me, sometime I just completely hate the F&@^(*$ Mother [email protected]%[email protected] This phone can be a dumb @$$ son of a B!^@%. When it works it is awesome.
I have been through about 5 replacement Photon's and need to replace it again after the holidays, (Motorola has finally fixed the problem with it officially, YAY!) Now, you shouldn't be complaining compared to what I have been through.
But, I understand where you are comming from.
I have not had a stable music player, other than Rhapsody, that didn't crash or force close on me, including, Music, Google Music, Honeycomb Music, & Player Pro.
I personally hate the Rhapsody interface and I am forced to deal with it.
Camera Shutter Issue,
Root Required - Download Root Explorer via Market or find other means of getting it. PM me if you want to know how you can get it in other ways.
Go to
System/media/audio/ui in Root Explorer.
First copy and save to it to sd first incase you want it back cause delete is permanent.
Set system to rw then delete
Delete camera sound ogg.
Then you are all set. Or don't root and use the following application: https://supportforums.motorola.com/message/443424#443424
(Sorry, the Motorola forums are currently down, they hope to get back up by the end of this week.) But, check later on this or next week. (NOW YOU CAN TAKE NINJA PHOTOS) But remember, there is not current way to disable the auto focus double beep, if someone finds a way, please comment below, and I may edit this post.
Bluetooth car issue, you should experiment with different Music Player applications.
Hope I've helped! Be sure to click the "Thanks" button if I did, it lets other users know that I am helpful.
MultiTouch - follow the directions that you posted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's another way to disable the camera sound on the phone here: Enable sound settings in stock camera app - root required
Also, what's the problem with the phone that they're finally fixing?
I wasn't aware of the Multi touch problem, and I have ran into my touch screen locking problem yesterday while playing Mario Kart 64 yesterday.
I backed up my touch screen folder, and replaced it with the 8 multi touch files.
That is a deal breaker, but I'm glad to have the solution.
Edit: I tried Mario Kart again, but the touch screen continues to lock up after holding down "A" for a bit (to accelerate). Did Motorola lock how long you can press down on the screen?
Yes, I tried the multi touch app and they register all 8 touches.
Sent from my Photon 4G using Tapatalk
Never used it before until today, and I must say it has quite a useful interface.
I used to use programs to send texts and stuff from my computer when the phone was charging and this does that. Also drag and drop files from computer wirelessly. I know this isn't new news, but, I never used it until today and haven't really found anything I don't like yet.
Listen to any music on your phone, view your recorded videos, pretty much access the entire phone from within this interface.
Anyone who hasn't checked this out should try it. Pretty cool.
Kies is actually pretty good better than most OEM's stuff. And the web version kiesair is great.
Yeah I like it. Though it seems to have problems reading my contacts/sms messages.
I tried it and hate it!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Check out Airdroid. In the Market.
Haven't tried it before now, its connecting as I write this so I'll see how it goes. Didn't work from Opera so I'm trying it from IE...
I played around with it for 20 minutes. Seems to work ok, a bit slow to load and play videos within the interface so next time I use it I'll try to save the file locally first to see how long that takes.
I need to check out Airdroid.
Music when connecting to Kies Air
I dont know if its just my phone or anybody has experienced this:
Everytime I open Kies Air on my Galaxy Note, a weird samsung tune is playing on the background and can only be stopped if you are already connected with another device or if you press stop.
I hate the music, anybody got an Idea how to make it stop, well other than muting the phone.
Thanks
I liked Airdroid better, although I've found 2 minor problems. One, it doesn't show your videos, only pictures. Have to use its file-view feature to find them. Second, if multiple texts come in at once (a message divided over multiple text msgs), it will only show the first one unless you refresh the page.