I'm seeing lots of people (like myself) who are migrating from iPhone's to Samsung Galaxy S3 (SGS3) and Android platform. I first asked this question in THIS THREAD and got some great advice, so I thought I'd ask the question a little better in hopes we can make this a thread that will ease the transition for those of us moving from iOS to Android. Please keep all the fan boy comments out of the thread, let's keep the thread on topic :highfive:
I'm a phone junkie, like many of us here... And I've been using iOS almost exclusively since June 2007 and version 1.02 I think it was back then on the first iPhone... I've owned all of the iPhone series, and simply wanted something DIFFERENT (ironic isn't it). I'm a Windows guy, NOT a Mac guy - and don't consider myself a fan boy... One of the things I loved about iOS was just about all the apps being created were created for iOS first (or exclusively in some cases)... Which is another reason I like Windows over Mac... SOFTWARE. Simply put there is ton's of stuff for windows, and not so much for mac. OK MOVING ON.
Because I'm on T-mobile, all of my iPhone's have been unlocked and jailbroken.. so getting my SGS3 is one of the first times I'm actually experiencing HIGH SPEED MOBILE INTERNET... :good: That alone is pretty cool. As you may or may not know, when an iPhone is jailbroken it gives access to 3rd party apps and tweaks. Some of which I miss... And thanks to some great members here, I have found Android equivalents.
The goal of this thread would be for users like me who are moving from iPhone to Android/SGS3 and miss certain apps, features or tweaks - maybe those of you who are Android veterans can help guide us in the right direction.
iPhone: LOCK INFO
Show's all kinds of information on your lock screen like sms, email, calendar events, time, alarms, reminders, shortcuts, etc.
ANDROID: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
(Thanks to Rickinsav)
iPhone: Ringer X Pro
Allows you to set independant sounds for a single contacts sms, mms, email, call, etc... also lets you set IGNORE MUTE so even if iPhone is on mute, and something comes in from that contact - your phone makes noise.
Android: WhoIsIt
(Thanks Zelendel)
iPhone: Unlim Tones
Download any type of ringer or tone..
Android: ZEDGE app
1.MyWi- just a well designed tether app
2.intelliscreenx- great info in all the right places.
3.Sena Walletslim leather case- a perfect mix of case and wallet. Well built and functional
MyWi = FoxFi on Android, great hotspot app
I've heard foxfi let's you tether over wifi even if not rooted. I have not tried it yet. (that covers mywi)
Intelliscreen x: I stopped using this after I found lock info because Intelliscreen was a cpu hog and slowed down my phone. But I'd think executive assistant should be a comparable replacement?
Case I can't help with- sorry
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 Tapatalk 2
The non rooted Foxfi does work, I've used it on my SGS3 on VZW, as far as the wallet case...there are quite a few out there that are similar. Boxwave has one and there are plenty posted in the accessories thread
Also on the LockInfo you can use WidgetLocker and just add whatever widgets you want on the lock screen so it can be customized by widget instead of a whole stand alone app
**Edit also the custom ringtones...you can do that with the stock software that's on the SGS3 when you go to a contact**
Oh yeah. Widget locker is awesome. I used it on another android phone I played with. I wonder if face lock still works while using widget locker?
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 Tapatalk 2
collins521 said:
**Edit also the custom ringtones...you can do that with the stock software that's on the SGS3 when you go to a contact**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well only for calls. I have not found a stock way to change sms tone for a contact, and email tone for a contact, and etc.
I wanted to have a dedicated sms sound for my wife (as an example)
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 Tapatalk 2
Araltd said:
Well only for calls. I have not found a stock way to change sms tone for a contact, and email tone for a contact, and etc.
I wanted to have a dedicated sms sound for my wife (as an example)
T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh gotcha..wasn't thinking the text and email...
Here's one I miss and I'd love to find an alternative
iPhone: ACTION MENU
When you long hold on text, and the context or action menu pops up (cut,copy,paste) ACTION MENU add's things like SHORTEN URL, TWEET, LOOKUP, COPY ALL (like select all, then copy), etc... Very customizable and a serious time saver when you get used to it. I have not found anything like this for Android yet, the closest I came was Shortify which is an app that will shorten a url using goo.gl url shortener, but you have do it manually each time (ie: copy text, exit browser, launch app, click shorten from clip board, re-launch whatever, click paste)
iPhone: BiteSMS quick compose text message.
I know the android alternative or equivalent is ChompSMS, and I am currently using Go SMS because of the way it handles MMS's in the default picture viewing mode not in slideshow mode (stupid samsung messaging app) - anyway, on the iPhone you set QuickCompose to use Volume keys (as an example) and when you see the volume bar, you can click on the graphic and a BiteSMS quick compose SMS box appears so you can send a text without having to load the sms app itself. That was nice.
iPhone: Activator
Activator let you set ANY key or set of actions to do something... example: double tap power key to turn on LED for flashlight.. or quickly tap volume up then down (ie: slide finger down over volume buttons) to turn on LED for flashlight.. It was completely configurable to load apps, do all kinds of things... that was a good one.
Araltd said:
Here's one I miss and I'd love to find an alternative
iPhone: ACTION MENU
When you long hold on text, and the context or action menu pops up (cut,copy,paste) ACTION MENU add's things like SHORTEN URL, TWEET, LOOKUP, COPY ALL (like select all, then copy), etc... Very customizable and a serious time saver when you get used to it. I have not found anything like this for Android yet, the closest I came was Shortify which is an app that will shorten a url using goo.gl url shortener, but you have do it manually each time (ie: copy text, exit browser, launch app, click shorten from clip board, re-launch whatever, click paste)
iPhone: BiteSMS quick compose text message.
I know the android alternative or equivalent is ChompSMS, and I am currently using Go SMS because of the way it handles MMS's in the default picture viewing mode not in slideshow mode (stupid samsung messaging app) - anyway, on the iPhone you set QuickCompose to use Volume keys (as an example) and when you see the volume bar, you can click on the graphic and a BiteSMS quick compose SMS box appears so you can send a text without having to load the sms app itself. That was nice.
iPhone: Activator
Activator let you set ANY key or set of actions to do something... example: double tap power key to turn on LED for flashlight.. or quickly tap volume up then down (ie: slide finger down over volume buttons) to turn on LED for flashlight.. It was completely configurable to load apps, do all kinds of things... that was a good one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
activator equivalent is Tasker
Related
These apps make the streak performance and daily use better for me.. Maybe they help you out.
1. Menu Unlock
https://market.android.com/details?id=teamdouche.kmobs.unlock&feature=search_result
Need Root, an application that allows you to unlock the phone by clicking on the menu button, no need to slide if you do not want to.. Use this when in the car mount and difficult to slide.
2. Turn Silent -
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.sebster.android.turnsilent&feature=search_result
Flip the phone on its face to make a different profile.. Silent. Vibrate..etc. Haven't had any issues with this on 2.2.1.
free version can be found here.... not sure how it works though.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zosqlabs.android.flipsilent
3. Spare Parts -
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.androidapps.spare_parts&feature=search_result
Allows me to speed up animations and transitions, making using the phone much more responsive and faster to use.
4. Copy Paste it
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.edwardkim.android.copyscreentextfull&feature=search_result
Think of snagit for the android.. though what you snagged gets converted into text pretty well.
5. Log2Calendar
https://market.android.com/details?id=be.hcpl.android.backup&feature=search_result
Logs all calls and sms if you want to your google calendar... Very useful as a log to remember who called when and at what time.. Works very well for work purposes.
6. Power Control Plus & Quick Boot
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.siriusapplications.eclairwidgets&feature=search_result
allows you to place a "widget" in the notification bar to enable disable things like wifi, bluetooth etc... they key here is that it displays what is on and what is not and you can control these things from any applications.
7. Wifi file explorer
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dooblou.WiFiFileExplorerPRO&feature=search_result
Makes your android into a wifi web server where you can easily upload and download files from your pc via wifi. Currently using this and swiftp as well for these purposes.. but very crucial to have when you don't have a stinkin wire.
So there you have it.. Those are my crucial apps that make using my Streak even better.. These I would call utility apps.
If anyone has any other apps that are like this that make life easier, post them.. I am always looking for something new.
My list must start with tasker. Automate anything. Including the face down scenario you mentioned.
AndLock - Lock away those sensitive apps
Quick Settings - LED flashlight works
fbReader - great ebook reader imo (long press on word brings up Color Dict)
Color Dict: offline / online dictionary
Taskiller
Quicksettings
Handcent
StreakLED
XScope Browser
Launcherpro
Widgetlocker
Poweramp
Font Changer
Droidwall
Games:
Comic Reader Mobi
Fruit Ninja
Game Dev Story
Gameboid
Gensiod
Hex Defence
Monopoly Classic
Radiant HD
PSX4Droid
Speedx 3D
Zenonia (and Zenoia2)
They Need To Be Feed
PewPew
Pinball Delux
Pottery
MiniSquadron!
Defensoid
N64oid
Cordy
Cyberlords
Qbism HD
Can Knockdown2
StarPagga
Illusia
(I like gaming on my Streak )
undrwater said:
My list must start with tasker. Automate anything. Including the face down scenario you mentioned.
AndLock - Lock away those sensitive apps
Quick Settings - LED flashlight works
fbReader - great ebook reader imo (long press on word brings up Color Dict)
Color Dict: offline / online dictionary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share your tasker settings please.
You can export the settings
I was going for utility apps that open functionality. I got another 20 or so regular apps i cant live with out.
Sent from my Dell Streak
Auto Ring - it's one of those apps that you set up and forget. It's used to create a whitelist of people who can 'ring through' even if your phone is on silent.
I cant say there is anything that i couldnt do without. I'm finding most android apps are just lacking. I dont know if its the lack of integration with android system or the lack of innovation with the developers.
That said Loving log2calendar. Thanks Krad.
Edit I also use menu unlock.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
Have to say go launcher is the best launcher I've used. Was using launcher pro N then someone said try go launcher ex... it's a lot better. Now I can't think why I didn't try it before. If there was just more themes for it then it would be even better
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
my best app
the app that makes the Streak easier for me to use and customize is the SYSTEMAPP REMOVER. with this app, i can un-install some of the bloatware either installed by DeLL or my Carrier. you have to be very careful when using this app. it does require ROOT.un-installing some of the bloatware will give you better performance. i un-insatlled all the Dell stage widget and some un-wanted rubbish like swype keyboard. like i said, do be careful when you use the app. am running the official 2.2 update from O2 and i am loving it.
nightworker-nn11 said:
Have to say go launcher is the best launcher I've used. Was using launcher pro N then someone said try go launcher ex... it's a lot better. Now I can't think why I didn't try it before. If there was just more themes for it then it would be even better
Sent from my Dell Streak using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am a fan of go launcher as well...but still use launcher pro because it has a few more options that I havent been able to let go of yet.
For me, the apps that take the streak to the next level are:
Desktop Visualizer - It allows you to make icons of different sizes and use them as shortcuts to apps, bookmarks, contacts, etc
Tasker - I use it to shut off data at night to save battery, bring up a list of music apps when I plug in headphones, and other simple automations
Simi Folder - to create popup lists of apps (I use it in conjunction with desktop visualizer to have good looking shortcuts
Widgetsoid - to create custom power controls that do more than the stock power control widget and can be themed to match my current phone theme
Apps I can't live without:
Pure Calendar / Smooth Calendar: I set one of my homescreens to my agenda, and it keeps me on track. It is like having an old-school PDA again. Love it. My week at a glance. And it syncs with Outlook calendar, so no matter if I am staring at my Work PC, my Home PC, or on the go, I never miss an appointment. I put everything in the calendar, too. Haircuts, bills to pay, doc appointments, work schedule, etc, etc, etc. Everything goes in, and everything gets done.
APNdroid + Data Counter = keep track of data usage. I am on a limited data plan, but I am close to many WiFi points. So, I keep the data off most of the time, and only turn it on when I need it. APNdroid does this nicely, with a little on/off toggle widget. Then Data Counter keeps track of my monthly useage and resets for each billing cycle.
Free Power Widget - just some generic toggles (Wifi, Vibrate, GPS, etc) that sit on the homescreen, unobtrusive.
Anything else is just nice to have, but these are essentials that make my life easy. And they get used multiple times throughout each day. Without them, my phone just isn't as good as it is with them.
Swipepad is great!
Sent from the almighty Dell Streak 1.9.0
borijess said:
Swipepad is great!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I couldn't agree more - I use it all the time! but I'd forgotten what it's called and went to the market to find it... DUH
Adw launcher ex
fancy widget pro
go sms
system panel
ive downloaded a lot of the apps everyone has recommended so id just like to say thanks
Ah, I forgot one.
Root Explorer - One of a very small list of paid apps that are actually worth the investment. On a rooted phone, it gives you a true file explorer that can do anything from anywhere. None of this "can't save" or "can't edit" stuff. It is the easiest to use; the most like a PC file explorer I've used.
borijess said:
Swipepad is great!
Sent from the almighty Dell Streak 1.9.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thumbs up on the swypePad and the Addon
This is my list in order of priority:
Zeam launcher
MultiLing Keyboard - Gingerbread keyboard but better. I had the Steven Lin one before but got rid of it. Even if you don't use multi-languages, check it out. This is customizable to increase the keyboard size, in Portrait gives you choice of QWERTY, T9 or SureType (12 key) and it has a cursor keyboard with arrows, Home, End, Cut, Copy & Paste buttons
Handcent
Widgetsoid
Dialer One - Enables Smart Dial
CalWidget - Let's me see my agenda on the home screen
Llama - Changes profiles based on location and time (and other things but I only use those two). This one is awesome.
arcMedia - To watch Divx movies
YouVersion Bible App - Good reader and has many free languages and translations of the Bible
Bluetooth File Transfer - Does exactly what the name implies
Application Protection - Let's me lock specific apps and requires a pin code to access the app. Only problem is that the pin code screen is portrait only but I can live with it because it's free and there is no limit on the number of apps to lock
Advanced Telephone - Gets rid of the slide to answer and replaces with big buttons to receive or reject calls. Also has function to automatically send an SMS to the caller if you reject the call. Only problems are that you still see the slide momentarily before it gets replaced with the buttons and there is a delay where your phone will ring but the screen will be black with no buttons. The delay happens if your phone display is off and is about 1 second long.
EZ Phone Tool - I use mostly for connection notification where the phone vibrates when a call connection is made (when it actually starts ringing because sometimes there is a delay) and also when the call disconnects whether the person hung up or the call got dropped. It also allows Shake to Answer and Flip to Silent. Has function for SMS auto reply for rejected calls but I found it didn't work properly as it sent an SMS even if the person hung up and before I answered. I use Advanced Telephone above for this function.
Missed Call - Gives reminders if a call is missed. Can also set for other missed events like unread SMS
I am looking for an app that will automatically put my phone on Vibrate when my calendar shows that I'm in a meeting. I tried Ringer Genie but that didn't work very well. I'm thinking about Vibrate During Meetings. Has anyone tried it? It's only 99c but figured if it didn't work, no reason to throw away a buck.
I've just started using tasker......fan..blooming....tastic. I now have a very automated phone. I can't recommend it enough.
Sent from my Dell Streak using Tapatalk
add Audio Manager to the list... replaces timerrifiic for profile changing.
frankquattrone said:
This is my list in order of priority:
Zeam launcher
MultiLing Keyboard - Gingerbread keyboard but better. I had the Steven Lin one before but got rid of it. Even if you don't use multi-languages, check it out. This is customizable to increase the keyboard size, in Portrait gives you choice of QWERTY, T9 or SureType (12 key) and it has a cursor keyboard with arrows, Home, End, Cut, Copy & Paste buttons
Handcent
Widgetsoid
Dialer One - Enables Smart DialCalWidget - Let's me see my agenda on the home screen
Llama - Changes profiles based on location and time (and other things but I only use those two). This one is awesome.
arcMedia - To watch Divx movies
YouVersion Bible App - Good reader and has many free languages and translations of the Bible
Bluetooth File Transfer - Does exactly what the name implies
Application Protection - Let's me lock specific apps and requires a pin code to access the app. Only problem is that the pin code screen is portrait only but I can live with it because it's free and there is no limit on the number of apps to lock
Advanced Telephone - Gets rid of the slide to answer and replaces with big buttons to receive or reject calls. Also has function to automatically send an SMS to the caller if you reject the call. Only problems are that you still see the slide momentarily before it gets replaced with the buttons and there is a slight delay where your phone will ring but the screen will be black with no buttons. The delay is maybe 0.5 second long and I've never missed a call because of it.
EZ Phone Tool - I use mostly for connection notification where the phone vibrates when a call connection is made (when it actually starts ringing because sometimes there is a delay) and also when the call disconnects whether the person hung up or the call got dropped. It also allows Shake to Answer and Flip to Silent. Has function for SMS auto reply for rejected calls but I found it didn't work properly as it sent an SMS even if the person hung up and before I answered. I use Advanced Telephone above for this function.
Missed Call - Gives reminders if a call is missed. Can also set for other missed events like unread SMS
I am looking for an app that will automatically put my phone on Vibrate when my calendar shows that I'm in a meeting. I tried Ringer Genie but that didn't work very well. I'm thinking about Vibrate During Meetings. Has anyone tried it? It's only 99c but figured if it didn't work, no reason to throw away a buck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow good collection of some free apps.
Regarding ur question at the end - try tasker. ( Pricey but really worth it )
Either by ROM, App, or Rooting/Otherwise, is there a way to make the lock button have multiple functions on my Galaxy Nexus?
My goal is to be able to use Voice Actions from a locked phone (like in the car, for example).
I noticed some posts on editing hardware buttons, but that was neither for the Galaxy Nexus nor for a lock button.
Ideally, 2 quick clicks would pull up Voice Actions from a locked phone.
I guess if I could permanently have Voice Actions in the notifications section, I could drag down from a locked phone and accomplish the same thing. I use slide to unlock, so dragging down on notifications bar is still available.
Any suggestions? I have not rooted yet but would do so just for this functionality (I'm now a corporate tool so I try to hack as little as possible these days)...
I am really interested in getting this functionality, so please excuse my bump.
Here are the two solutions (possibly) I've found.
1. Bar Control would allow this functionality if we could choose the Voice Actions App.
2. Widget Locker (though I've seen review of it not working well on Galaxy Nex, any opinions there). Also, still need an actual app to choose.
Again, I'm reaching out to Android users to see if they've found any way of using the lock button to achieve this functionality, but I'd take anything right about now.
Voice Actions Automate Startup like Siri
Okay, apparently I will be using this thread to document how I get this working.
Looks like Tasker will be my best bet.
1. I need to figure out how to call up the true Voice Actions prompt (Voice input is provided via Tasker, but it's not doing what we need it to).
2. I need to come up with some valid gesture to summon this feature (Like a Shake = Unlock and then summons Voice Actions)
I will post results. Please, if anyone knows exactly how to get Voice Actions to open in ICS using Tasker, you'd be a godsend at this point. This is VERY important functionality, especially for users that are not to be using their phone and driving these days...
This is (a quick and dirty) way to get Voice Search (Voice Actions) from Lock Screen on the Galaxy Nexus.
I purchased WidgetLocker from Market. I then added the Google Search Widget to my lockscreen.
In the future, I'd like to see Tasker have access to the lock button - that way I could Long Press the Lock button (or double press, whatever) and have access to Voice Search.
If you want different Voice Search functionality, such as widgets, or using Bar Control to add it permanently to the notifications area, you'll need to have Root Access to your phone.
Use Root Explorer to go to /system/app/VoiceSearch.apk
Rename to VoiceSearch.apk.backup
Go to Market and Download Google's Voice Search
Add Shortcuts, icons to your homescreen, whatever you want to do
Rename VoiceSearch.apk.backup back to VoiceSearch.apk
Reboot
This is the only way I've found to get VoiceSearch as an app choice again in menus like Tasker's, WidgetLocker, BarControl, etc. For some reason, it's no longer accessible by default in ICS.
This is by far not the cheapest or most integrated way of getting things done, but for $3.00 it was worth it for me.
Hope this helps all the GN owners out there
Integrating Tasker into this
Once WidgetLocker was purchased, I am able to use WidgetLocker to Unlock my phone through Tasker.
Used the above mentioned way of getting VoiceSearch available as an app via Tasker.
Used WidgetLocker's plugin for Tasker to unlock my phone when I shake it along with starting up Voice Search.
So now, in my car, I just one click my GN Lock button to wake phone, shake, speak...that's as good as it's gonna get for awhile.
Hope this helps
Simple solution - Eva for Android
I've had the trial version of EVA for a month. When it expires, I'm purchasing the full version. This is hands down the most advanced and exciting app for Android since Tasker. It is for Voice Control what Tasker was/is for utility control.
You can set Eva to continue running when your phone is locked and use a voice command to "wake her up" and give a command. Also even if my phone is locked, if I get a text message Eva will let me know I have an incoming message and ask me if I want to hear it (all while the screen is still off and phone still locked). If I reply yes, Eva will read the message to me, then ask if I want to reply. If I say no, that's the end and my screen is still off, phone still locked. If I say yes, Eva will unlock my phone automatically and open up the Eva app to take my dictation for the reply.
All of the above is based on my settings, but Eva can be programmed to handle incoming text several different ways. Eva really is the "tasker" of voice commands. I'd highly recommend at least checking out the free trial for a month. Like Tasker, there is a learning curve. Took me about the full month to learn all the command words, but once you do, it's amazing.
Also to make it even better, the developer does have tasker integration on his to do list. It may take a while, but if it can be integrated with tasker, then you could trigger any task you have created in tasker by voice which would be super sweet!
Anyway, check it out - hopefully it'll allow you to do everything you want.
anthdroid, thank you so much for sharing. i'm lucky to have found this thread. your workaround let me get my voice search action back. cheers!
hollywoodfrodo, thanks for the info on Eva. that sounds promising for sure! i just "discovered" tasker recently so i'm loving that. can't wait till my tec tiles come in!
Overall, I think the move from Blackberry to Android/Note was the right one but the transition has been painful in a few areas. I'll list them in this one post instead of inundating the forums with single posts with only one question.
Phone Application -
Admittedly, this is the most frustrating part about going with the Note (outside of the loss of a physical keyboard). The phone application is ridiculously inefficient compared to Blackberry.
Is there a way to prevent the phone from locking (PIN required) when I navigate away from the phone application while on a call? There is nothing more frustrating than having to enter my PIN to simply hang up a phone call. Also, while on a phone call only (meaning I don't navigate away from phone), the screen times out and turns off... forcing me to press the side key to get back into phone. Is there a program that can map the capacitive search key while on a phone call so I can hang up a call?
Regarding "Contacts", is there a way to default to keyboard entry upon opening Contacts? Does Android think the average person has only 6 contacts??... Because that's how many contacts show up when you enter Contacts. This forces me to press "search contacts" every single time I enter Contacts... and the magnifying glass is all the way at the tip top of the screen. Using one hand, it's impossible to comfortably extend my thumb all the way to the top of the screen after pressing my Contacts application icon on the very bottom of the screen. Then I am forced to pull all the way back down to the keyboard just to enter the first letter of the person I'm searching for! I call out of my Contacts list 50-100 times a day so this gets very, very cumbersome and time consuming.
Is there a way to change the text size in my contacts list? I'd like to see more than 6 contacts per page... the phone screen is HUGE!
Now this complaint I'm sure a lot of ex Blackberry people can relate with... Blackberry (via an available OPTION) would consolidate call logs into each individual contact. Android, for some strange reason, does not consolidate history to each individual contact. So when I pull up recent history, the top 100 entries can be from only 10 or 15 people Wouldn't it make more sense to have ONE entry PER CONTACT? I wouldn't have to go into Contacts as often if Android actually consolidated phone call logs into one log per contact because I could go into the phone log and call out people from there... instead of seeing a sea of missed, outgoing, incoming calls... from the same person. I really hope there is a way to consolidate these logs.
S Memo -
There is an option to pull up the S Memo pad in phone but for some strange reason, it always defaults to "drawing" mode instead of entering text. I'm often in a flustered state when on a phone call and/or listening to voicemail and trying to jot down notes... so having to punch that tiny little "T" at the very upper left hand corner of the screen is a pain.
Is there a way to decrease the font size? I never did understand why some native programs have no adjustments for font size... not everyone is 80 years old w/bad vision. I mean... what's the point of having such a high res screen if the font size is a quarter inch tall? Blackberry allowed text size to be adjusted in ALL native applications.
I'm assuming there is no way to increase the amount of text I can enter onto one S Memo page? It seems extremely limited (about ~100 words max).
Am I the only one that seems to have notes that don't save? I recall entering text into several notes and backing out supposedly automatically saves what was inputed... but often times the text is not there when I return to the note. Are others having this issue?
Finally, is there an alternative memo program that anyone could recommend that is as simple and easy to search as Blackberry's memopad?
Alarm Clock -
I realize that there are a ton of alarm apps out there but I've heard horror stories about apps that crash and/or don't work properly. I need a reliable alarm clock so would prefer to stick with the native application. It actually works perfectly... except that the alarm lasts for only 60 seconds. I've slept right through the alarm several times already. Is there any way to make it loop for a longer period? Say 5 or 10 minutes?
I have a ton of other questions but if anyone can help with these for now it would be much appreciated!
U have a button dedicated to search at the bottom. I use dw contacts. Not the cheapest solution but very customizable
There's an app to increase/decrease font size, I haven't used it but I saw someone mentioning it here the other day, the alarm is fine, I have never had any issues with any android alarm, and you can add as many alarms as you want, I get up at 3am to go to work and I can't ever be late so I have set like 4 alarms to go off in set times in order so if I don't hear one the others will follow.
As the issue with being able to reach the full length of the screen one handed , it is what it is, a big a$$ screen that for the most part demands two handed control.
Sent from my awesome Galaxy Note!
Do you have to use a PIN?
Go to settings, display, screen timeout. You can change how quickly or slowly your screen times out on you.
On your contacts app, just hit the magnifying glass at the bottom right and it'll pull up your keyboard and search function. Or there's teh alphabet running down the right hand side, just click on the letter the name starts with. Or for more customization and ease, install exdialer. It looks good, easy to use, font is small, etc. Exdialer also consolidates your call logs.
There are a ton of memo apps in the market. Personally I love Gnotes. It syncs with google, saves everything, is easy to use, and you can inbed pics, etc.
I don't know about the spen. So far I've only used it to make cute pics to send to my wife and to draw up soccer drills and practice plans.
esincho said:
U have a button dedicated to search at the bottom. I use dw contacts. Not the cheapest solution but very customizable
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll give it a try. Does the phone still maintain its ability to keep a log and back up the calls to my computer?
roloracer said:
There's an app to increase/decrease font size, I haven't used it but I saw someone mentioning it here the other day, the alarm is fine, I have never had any issues with any android alarm, and you can add as many alarms as you want, I get up at 3am to go to work and I can't ever be late so I have set like 4 alarms to go off in set times in order so if I don't hear one the others will follow.
As the issue with being able to reach the full length of the screen one handed , it is what it is, a big a$$ screen that for the most part demands two handed control.
Sent from my awesome Galaxy Note!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the program Big Font but unfortunately while the font size decreases, it does nothing to decrease the size of the useless silhouette image next to the contact name. So I still only get 6 contacts per massive page. I'm hoping there is another solution.
kiltedthrower said:
Do you have to use a PIN?
Go to settings, display, screen timeout. You can change how quickly or slowly your screen times out on you.
On your contacts app, just hit the magnifying glass at the bottom right and it'll pull up your keyboard and search function. Or there's teh alphabet running down the right hand side, just click on the letter the name starts with. Or for more customization and ease, install exdialer. It looks good, easy to use, font is small, etc. Exdialer also consolidates your call logs.
There are a ton of memo apps in the market. Personally I love Gnotes. It syncs with google, saves everything, is easy to use, and you can inbed pics, etc.
I don't know about the spen. So far I've only used it to make cute pics to send to my wife and to draw up soccer drills and practice plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunately I do need to use a PIN or some other form of security. I just don't think it makes any sense to require a PIN if I already entered one and then make a phone call. It's just silly that Android would require a PIN if you're clearly using the phone (on a call). Apparently Google thinks that using the phone does not include being on a phone call. Absurd.
As for your advice about using the magnifying glass, it doesn't work. Because if you pull up the contact via the magnifying glass, you cannot dial from it (swipe right for dial, left for text like you would if you clicked the text box at the top of the phone). You have to click on it and then click once again on what you would like to do. Not sure why it's like that but there are a lot of Android "features" that leave me scratching my head.
I'll give Gnote a try. Thanks!
pj737 said:
I tried the program Big Font but unfortunately while the font size decreases, it does nothing to decrease the size of the useless silhouette image next to the contact name. So I still only get 6 contacts per massive page. I'm hoping there is another solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please don't mix up Google and Samsung. You see Samsung customizes the Android OS, and the stock contacts app is different than the stock Google one. Everything you see is what Samsung did not Google.
If you don't like it I suggest you switch phones or you try third-party apps like exdialer(excontacts comes with it), and it is a very popular choice people use as an alternative. Also, I if you have rooted your phone you can change the DPI, so everything will be smaller and more things can fit on the screen, but like I said you will need ROOT. Download a DPI changer app and go for 240dpi.
Sent from my GT-i9220 using Tapatalk
Or if you're brave enough you can always change the lcd density in the build.prop but beware if you make a mistake editing It will brake the rom and unless you have it backed up like in cwm you'll be forced to flash it to bring it back to life.
Sent from my awesome Galaxy Note!
roloracer said:
Or if you're brave enough you can always change the lcd density in the build.prop but beware if you make a mistake editing It will brake the rom and unless you have it backed up like in cwm you'll be forced to flash it to bring it back to life.
Sent from my awesome Galaxy Note!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use LCD resolution from the market. Much simpler for a novice
Though I am not a developer, I think it would be nice to start a thread for ideas to be thrown out on what people would like to see in development for the EVO LTE so developers can get an idea of MODs and features this community is interested in. Not that every single feature/MOD should be in one single ROM, but just an idea of what MODs have interest. I think I make sense.
This list reflects my suggestions as well as member's posts through this thread as of 5/31/12.
While the phone is locked, pushing the dedicated camera button for XX amount of seconds wakes the phone and opens the camera app, but doesn't necessarily unlock the phone
Quicksettings/Quick settings tab in notification area
Ability to place the 1x1 widgets (such as Sync All) into the Rosie
A MOD for a curved, classic EVO 4G Rosie
Increase the transparency of HTC widgets
A MOD to create a white pull down notification area as opposed to the black space
Multitasking "issue" to be resolved
A MOD to force the screen to stay locked after a call ends
Tthe ability to adjust the notification volume separate from the main ringtone volume
Get rid of the app association feature
Volume wake
CRT Animations
Long press volume keys to skip a track forward and back in Music apps
Ubuntu development
Other interests?
I'd like to get a mod to force the screen to stay locked after a call ends. If you're talking hands free with phone in pocket, it will unlock when your call ends. Should be a straightforward fix to force lock after call if screen is off.
someone to dig through the android code change from GB to ICS and see wtf Google changed that borked the ability to adjust the notification volume separate from the main ringtone volume...I'd LOVE to have that back....from what ive been told it isn't in stock ICS nor is it even able to be controlled via 3rd party apps on devices running 4.0.X like they could in GB and previous versions...
^^^^^^ agreed.
And how to get rid of the black menu bar and incorporate longpress for menu somehow.
Lastly, (well, for now, lol)
Brightness slider in notification bar (may have to wait for AOSP for that), but actually, it was something else, oh, yeah, how to get rid of the damn app association feature that HTC had to develop to get around apple patent BS. I've read that simply removing htclinkify.all does not accomplish this. I hate what apple forced on Android.
Oh, and CRT animations.
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
Would be nice to be able to adjust the auto-brightness levels like Cyanogen.
Volume wake
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
scottspa74 said:
^^^^^^ agreed.
And how to get rid of the black menu bar and incorporate longpress for menu somehow.
Lastly, (well, for now, lol)
Brightness slider in notification bar (may have to wait for AOSP for that), but actually, it was something else, oh, yeah, how to get rid of the damn app association feature that HTC had to develop to get around apple patent BS. I've read that simply removing htclinkify.all does not accomplish this. I hate what apple forced on Android.
Oh, and CRT animations.
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I for one have 0 problem with that feature and actually like it better now than it was before. the way it is now at least offers us more customization over the previous...no?....
Long press volume keys to skip a track forward and back.... CRT animations.... and The HTC Shortcuts and Clock widget!
sgt. slaughter said:
someone to dig through the android code change from GB to ICS and see wtf Google changed that borked the ability to adjust the notification volume separate from the main ringtone volume...I'd LOVE to have that back....from what ive been told it isn't in stock ICS nor is it even able to be controlled via 3rd party apps on devices running 4.0.X like they could in GB and previous versions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app that takes care of it already, actually:
ICS Enhanced Ringer
Like most people, I'd like to see the recent apps button become the menu button and get rid of the damn triple dot bar. The recent apps should be a long press of the home button like it was on the OG EVO.
Now, if I'm dreaming big dreams, this is what I really, really want:
I want Ubuntu for Android on my EVO. The demos I've seen so far have Ubuntu activated when the phone docks, but who needs that when you have HTC Media Link. I envision hooking a media link up to a monitor, and pairing it with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (maybe a DLNA hard drive). Obviously you'd have to manually launch the Ubuntu desktop, but in that case, you could even have a popup option that offered you Ubuntu desktop, or the Ubuntu TV interface.
sgt. slaughter said:
I for one have 0 problem with that feature and actually like it better now than it was before. the way it is now at least offers us more customization over the previous...no?....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck watching YouTube videos in the YouTube app when they're posted as a link. Chrome often launches the YouTube app when trying to play a video, but isn't always consistent. It's an improvement over the stock browser... But I'd rather it launch the app than try and render it on the page. If we get prompted, we can pick every action as they occur, or even leave some options open so you can use a couple different apps for one choice (ergo, click a phone number and add it to contacts/call the number/send that number a text message. I like that much more. I imagine most do too.
Tapatalked from my shiny new HTC Evo LTE
sgt. slaughter said:
I for one have 0 problem with that feature and actually like it better now than it was before. the way it is now at least offers us more customization over the previous...no?....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean the app association? If so, how do you figure? I really like when I click on a link, when it asks me if I want YouTube or browser. Right now, I'm not allowed to change anything. Defaults are set, and I don't get a choice. A total Fn joke, in my opinion. I can only imagine many others agreeing (unless I'm missing something)
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
scottspa74 said:
Do you mean the app association? If so, how do you figure? I really like when I click on a link, when it asks me if I want YouTube or browser. Right now, I'm not allowed to change anything. Defaults are set, and I don't get a choice. A total Fn joke, in my opinion. I can only imagine many others agreeing (unless I'm missing something)
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you get a choice in the defaults...?
I'm not arguing against you, but I can't agree that you have no choice.
Sent from my EVO using XDA
No. In my defaults, I see no other choices. For links it says browser. No option for YouTube (even though I wouldn't want to pick it because of course some links shouldn't open with YouTube). IDK, am I missing something?
Edit: I know, buddy. You and I have been on the same page on lots of stuff
sent from my Evo LTE, usually.
w3r3wolv3s said:
Like most people, I'd like to see the recent apps button become the menu button and get rid of the damn triple dot bar. The recent apps should be a long press of the home button like it was on the OG EVO.
Now, if I'm dreaming big dreams, this is what I really, really want:
I want Ubuntu for Android on my EVO. The demos I've seen so far have Ubuntu activated when the phone docks, but who needs that when you have HTC Media Link. I envision hooking a media link up to a monitor, and pairing it with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse (maybe a DLNA hard drive). Obviously you'd have to manually launch the Ubuntu desktop, but in that case, you could even have a popup option that offered you Ubuntu desktop, or the Ubuntu TV interface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check the dev sections this is already done!
These are great and I believe very plausible.
Some of these features have already been done
RegnierD said:
Good luck watching YouTube videos in the YouTube app when they're posted as a link. Chrome often launches the YouTube app when trying to play a video, but isn't always consistent. It's an improvement over the stock browser... But I'd rather it launch the app than try and render it on the page. If we get prompted, we can pick every action as they occur, or even leave some options open so you can use a couple different apps for one choice (ergo, click a phone number and add it to contacts/call the number/send that number a text message. I like that much more. I imagine most do too.
Tapatalked from my shiny new HTC Evo LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I get the frustration with youtube....but seriously do you go to youtube and watch a ton of vids every day?
If they added youtube as one of the association types and let you pick youtube app or browser that would solve that...
still able to long press on phone number in your address book and send text message...you couldn't go directly to text message form a phone number from within gmail email message before from what I can tell on my 3D...though it takes no time to long press and copy it then go to messages and send that copied number a txt...
gianmarco00 said:
There is an app that takes care of it already, actually:
ICS Enhanced Ringer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
48hr preview?.....ehh ill pass on that esp at $3 for full version....I love supporting Dev's for their work but $3 is wayyy too high for that small added feature i'd be getting out of it...
My father has early onset Alzheimers and I need to create a rom that when the device is powered on all he sees is 3 buttons call, end call, and text which brings up the plain texting option. Call shows square photos of people and services..etc.. tap on one it calls that person. I Would also like to do things like change the power button so it cant fully shut down the phone with out a specific combination of buttons or a pattern. Where do I begin to learn how to do this? I would really like to learn to do this on my own.
Hi there. Sorry to hear about your father. I've had a couple members of my family suffer from this and it's difficult, to say the least. As far as what you are looking for, well, I'm not sure you need to go all in and make a custom rom for this. I think many of the things you are trying to do can be done with existing mods.
As far as the power button, you can look into using the Xposed Framework and the Xposed Additions module which allows you to customize the activity of the hardware buttons.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/framework-xposed-rom-modding-modifying-t1574401
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/mod-xposed-additions-t2294274
For the buttons on screen for Call / End Call - Well, the Call with a link to favorite contacts with pictures is easily done with most launchers or a favorite contact widget. The End Call option though, I'm not so sure about. Reason being is that any time you're going to make a call, it's going to open the dialer app and the end button will be there. I can't really think of a way around that. I looked into adding a shortcut to that activity with Nova Launcher, but it's not an option available (though there are a dozen other shortcuts).
But with a launcher like Nova, you will have the ability to add / delete anything off the main screen besides what you want. You can lock the home screen so he can't inadvertently make changes to it and enable a gesture he wouldn't be likely to use to allow you to access the app drawer (like 2 fingers swipe up, etc). You can also use one of the variety of locking apps that will prevent access to any unwanted apps by requiring a password or PIN.
Ooh. Custom ROMs. A lot of work for such simple need. Maybe use Tasker instead? You can accomplish this with a scene and some profiles/tasks setup on stock ROM. Only disadvantage I see compared to making your own rom is long boot time. You can bypass everything in regards to Android UI just by making the scene fullscreen and disabling keyguard with a on-boot profile. That way, when he turns the screen back on, it goes right to your scene setup with no "slide-to-unlock" crap. I am very experienced in Tasker, so if you need any help, I can help you. I'd be willing to develop this for you, it would be about a half hour on my part
All the best,
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for the suggestions, these are great places to start.