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Android Thread - 2011 Edition | Stuffed on Gingerbread, Hungry for Honeycomb!

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Ptaaty said:
...I just checked out a library book, so no effect on DRM epubs, etc....
Click to expand...
Mind blown. I haven't really paid much attention to e-readers. I had no idea you could actually borrow books from the library with them. That's pretty awesome! :D
 
CrayzeeCarl said:
Mind blown. I haven't really paid much attention to e-readers. I had no idea you could actually borrow books from the library with them. That's pretty awesome! :D
Click to expand...

yeah it is! only problem is that our local library is getting hammered with requests it seems - lots of the good ones are checked out. There is also lending features between friends.

Not every book/pub supports this (library checkout), in fact most don't yet. Still there good stuff - Girl with Dragon Tattoo series, and I just checked out Lahane's Gone Baby Gone. I have a hold/notification on a couple, so when they are checked back in I'll get them.

If you have an iphone or android - or PC, you can also get software that allows checkout. Check with your local library's webpage.
 
NinjaFridge said:
Got the San Francisco for Christmas and its pretty awesome, especially when you think of how cheap it is. The performance is good but i imagine once i get a custom ROM without the Orange crap on it, it'll be even better. Anyone else have one? I think brain_stew was going to get one.
Click to expand...
I picked one up to play with, flashed the modaco ROM onto it and it was much faster. Add Swype onto it and it was ideal.

I played with the Galaxy Tab today. The hardware is actually really nice, I prefer the 7" form factor over my iPad, feels much nicer in the hand. The higher DPI on the tab is so noticeable compared to the iPad, I imagine reading Kindle books on it is pretty sweet. I have a Kindle 3 but sometimes I read on the iPad, variety is good.

Played with a Desire Z as well, the latest version of HTC Sense is really nice. The hardware is damn nice as well. I think I'll pick one of these up soon. Has anyone here got one? I'd like to hear some real impressions.
 
I'm sort of in the market for a tablet and I'm keeping my opinion wide open on this, but the one thing that seems to bother me with the Android tablets I've seen is that they are all 16:9 aspect ratio. Are we going to see any 10" tablets that are closer in size to the iPad? I kinda want Android for a tablet soley for the widget functionality but the screen size is sorta killing it for me.
 
Question, I have a Droid X and it came with swype built in. Do they update this version? I keep seeing beta updates, but nothing for my version (or I don't know where to get updates).
 
NinjaFridge said:
Got the San Francisco for Christmas and its pretty awesome, especially when you think of how cheap it is. The performance is good but i imagine once i get a custom ROM without the Orange crap on it, it'll be even better. Anyone else have one? I think brain_stew was going to get one.
Click to expand...
Modaco rom is a must. Mrs has the san fran, out the box its alright but once hardware acceleration is enabled...... Awww yeah!
 
Deadly Cyclone said:
Question, I have a Droid X and it came with swype built in. Do they update this version? I keep seeing beta updates, but nothing for my version (or I don't know where to get updates).
Click to expand...
I believe it gets updated with every firmware update
 
sionyboy said:
Modaco rom is a must. Mrs has the san fran, out the box its alright but once hardware acceleration is enabled...... Awww yeah!
Click to expand...

Which ROM? I'm looking at Modaco and there are a few.
 
An expert on filesystem development, T'so played a key role in developing Ext4, the current generation of the Linux kernel's standard filesystem. He was hired earlier this year by Google when the search giant was transitioning its server storage infrastructure from Ext2 to Ext4. He says that he didn't influence the decision to use Ext4 in Android, but provided some advice and guidance to the Android team after the decision was made.

Most Android devices currently use YAFFS, a lightweight filesystem that is optimized for flash storage and is commonly used in mobile and embedded devices. The problem with YAFFS, T'so explained in his blog entry, is that it is single-threaded and would likely "have been a bottleneck on dual-core systems." Concurrency will be important on next-generation Android devices that use multi-core ARM processors. We expect to see dual-core Android devices, including tablets, announced as early as CES.
Click to expand...

Link via Ars
 
Got to play with the Nexus S tonight, finally. It's amazing, love the hardware, it feels solid enough, but that screen is a joke. The size is perfect, but it's really warm tinted and the pixel density just isn't there. The screen on my Droid1 looks waaaay better. What a shame.
 
Stolen from the other thread. Thanks, tabsina.

tabsina said:
The Music app from Google I/O was leaked - though it apparently is a bit buggy - it is looking really sleek though (takes a lot of cues from the gallery app)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glFiw1ex7oY


For root users, the file is here, though I don't know how safe it is to install, so probably backup first:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=885535



Fake edit: Are we supposed to be using the 2011 thread for software stuff too? I'm a bit confused as to what goes here and what goes there
Click to expand...
This player looks nice but also looks like a pain to navigate. I hate the Gallery app because it's so cumbersome. I suppose it'll be easier with music, since that stuff can be sorted alphabetically, genre, artist, etc. But look those buttons on the top. They are way too small.

I suppose I'll need to try it out first. I'm on the fence for now.
 
Lots of good newcomer tips here that were useful on my Droid Incredible.

Also, another Galaxy Player is finally launching (but it is not the AMOLED equipped YP-MB2 or the 3.2" screened 50):

Engadget
10x1227samsung-1293442148.jpg

1GHz cpu
Froyo
4" LCD
3.2mp camera+other
1200mAh battery
Marketplace Access
 
More comments on the player:

Do you see at like 25 seconds in, the top navigates with Artist, Albums...? That is annoying. I don't want to have only two options show and then scroll to get to something like Genre or Playlists. Come on. That's pretty crappy.

Where's even the alphabetical quick scroll?

Looks nice but looks like a usability headache.
 
Ugh, installing now but I'm expecting to hate it. The gallery app is a huge mess in my opinion. Yes, I have slower hardware [Droid1] but man that thing is a hassle. Anyway, will report back in a minute or two.

Hmm, ok so I just installed it, and the app is titled "jumper test" and then when I open it it seems to be at some sort of debug menu..
 
Jtwo said:
Ugh, installing now but I'm expecting to hate it. The gallery app is a huge mess in my opinion. Yes, I have slower hardware [Droid1] but man that thing is a hassle. Anyway, will report back in a minute or two.

Hmm, ok so I just installed it, and the app is titled "jumper test" and then when I open it it seems to be at some sort of debug menu..
Click to expand...

I was reading the xda thread, and apparently it installs two icons (like maps with latitude/places icons and such), the JumperTest is some sort of debug thing, and there should be another icon called "Music", which I assume would have replaced your stock app


Bboy AJ said:
This player looks nice but also looks like a pain to navigate. I hate the Gallery app because it's so cumbersome. I suppose it'll be easier with music, since that stuff can be sorted alphabetically, genre, artist, etc. But look those buttons on the top. They are way too small.
Click to expand...

I have a feeling this interface is being made with tablets in mind.. as among the buttons are 'menu' and 'back', neither of which will be hardware buttons on the tablets (the demoed motorola one, at least)

i wonder if they'll be the same app on tablets/phones or if they'll be tailored for each one slightly differently

EDIT: That said, I do like how it only displays in "icon" mode while it is in landscape, then switches to "list" mode in portrait - or at least, that's what it seemed like it was doing - i'd like that feature on the gallery app
 
Yeah I figured that out like 30 seconds after posting.
Didn't really get to play around too much, as it was more or less totally broken. :[
Aw well.
 
tabsina said:
I have a feeling this interface is being made with tablets in mind.. as among the buttons are 'menu' and 'back', neither of which will be hardware buttons on the tablets (the demoed motorola one, at least)
Click to expand...
Good catch! That actually makes a lot of sense and would address my concerns. Here's hoping.
 
Great. The gallery is my most hated aspect android. Its slow and that "tilting" thing is superfluous. I was really hoping that the music player would be akin to ios, but instead we get frosted glass everywhere. It seems they are making design choices just to say they are different and not taking into account real world usability.
 
I'm have a Droid 2 and I'm running the latests Fission rom.

I'm trying to calibrate the compass, but every time it turns red. Whats the deal? How do I get this thing to turn green?

Also, what is the difference between the AOSP and Moto gallery app? I have the option to install either on this ROM, and I think I have the moto version installed (it looks the same from when I was on the stock rom).

Is the AOSP one better? If it install it though, it looks like it installs the AOSP camera software as well and I'm not sure if that will be better than the MOTO one because right now my camera takes pretty good pics and videos.
 
After coming from a Blackberry Curve 8330 (IIRC) with no data on Telus, I'm loving my Galaxy S.

Managed to squeeze 6GB, free my5, etc etc. from Telus since I've been with them for over 4 years. Paying $60/mo. CAD for all of it.

Couldn't be happier.

One question I have however, does battery usually go pretty quick? I use Advanced App Killer alot to make sure I'm not multitasking and keep my screen brightness at the lowest. Should I root it for better performance? I'm running stock 2.1.
 
NinjaFridge said:
Which ROM? I'm looking at Modaco and there are a few.
Click to expand...
Modaco r4. The topic is stickied, get the one without the modaco optional.

edit:

http://android.modaco.com/content/z...daco-custom-rom-mcr-downloads-online-kitchen/ Scroll down to downloads, you want the one with 'No Modaco Additions'. The Modaco additions includes WaveSecure, which annoyingly loads on start-up, and is a bit of a pain to remove.

Angry Birds went from about 3fps to 15-20fps after installing the Modaco Rom, not to mention improvements across the phone. Just whack LauncherPro on there and your set.
 
Seems to be a lot of bitching over the Music app. Remember people this looks to be a very early build. The design is nice, unlike the Gallery this is being done by the core Android group. So far this app runs smooth for me. The quick scrolling is on the money. I'm impressed thus far.

I do hope they add a shuffle button on the now playing screen. Landscape mode loads album tiles quickly. Music streaming is going to rock.
 
The problem is that the design is bland and boring and the interface looks unfriendly. Music streaming is nice, but that isn't the main problem people had with the original music player in the first place.
 
I guess it's too far beyond Google to imagine ever taking any UI cues from the iPod/iPhone music player design. I mean, it's the most commonly-used portable music player UI on Earth, so let's just completely ignore everything it does right and create our own from scratch, amirite guys?? :lol

I hope that if Motorola does abandon the existing Droids in the near future with Gingerbread and later Honeycomb updates that they do freely open up the bootloader to the community and let them release Android updates for my Droid X. It would be a nice gesture and alleviate some of the frustration of using an encrypted keyed bootloader on the official firmware releases.
 
soultron said:
One question I have however, does battery usually go pretty quick? I use Advanced App Killer alot to make sure I'm not multitasking and keep my screen brightness at the lowest. Should I root it for better performance? I'm running stock 2.1.
Click to expand...

You don't need a app killer at all it actually drains the battery life: http://androidspin.com/2010/05/25/why-you-dont-need-a-task-killer-app-with-android/

general tips to preserve the battery:

Things like Bluetooth, WiFi, Sync, GPS, and excessive brightness can really kill your battery.

A quick way to manage these settings is to hold down to add a widget on your home screen and choose [Power Widget].
This stock widget allows you to quickly see the service's your using, and the farthest one to your right allows you to switch between four brightness settings.

* Don't use a live wallpapers
* Turn off 3G connectivity (Eclair-based ROMS need apps like APNDroid to do so)
* Turn off Background-enabled data transfers in the Sync page.

You could also use a black wallpaper:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=660853

I would recommend to update to a stock firmware with 2.2 froyo:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=656
 
j-wood said:
I'm have a Droid 2 and I'm running the latests Fission rom.

I'm trying to calibrate the compass, but every time it turns red. Whats the deal? How do I get this thing to turn green?

Also, what is the difference between the AOSP and Moto gallery app? I have the option to install either on this ROM, and I think I have the moto version installed (it looks the same from when I was on the stock rom).

Is the AOSP one better? If it install it though, it looks like it installs the AOSP camera software as well and I'm not sure if that will be better than the MOTO one because right now my camera takes pretty good pics and videos.
Click to expand...

I always prefer the AOSP one because it syncs with my Picasa and allows me to do direct album upload and creation to it.
 
I need a new phone and I was thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S. Do you think I should wait a bit longer or go for it? The thing is I really need to get another phone ASAP, I've been using a Palm Pre for a year now and its battery life is a huge problem.
 
Shinobix said:
I need a new phone and I was thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S. Do you think I should wait a bit longer or go for it? The thing is I really need to get another phone ASAP, I've been using a Palm Pre for a year now and its battery life is a huge problem.
Click to expand...
Wait until after CES, a couple of weeks, to get a better idea of the upcoming market. Then decide. The GS is old but the nicest phone line out there right now.
 
sionyboy said:
Modaco r4. The topic is stickied, get the one without the modaco optional.

edit:

http://android.modaco.com/content/z...daco-custom-rom-mcr-downloads-online-kitchen/ Scroll down to downloads, you want the one with 'No Modaco Additions'. The Modaco additions includes WaveSecure, which annoyingly loads on start-up, and is a bit of a pain to remove.

Angry Birds went from about 3fps to 15-20fps after installing the Modaco Rom, not to mention improvements across the phone. Just whack LauncherPro on there and your set.
Click to expand...

Only for the models with OLED screen. The newer models have switched to TFT, so the colours are all wrong if you use an OLED ROM.
 
Shinobix said:
I need a new phone and I was thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S. Do you think I should wait a bit longer or go for it? The thing is I really need to get another phone ASAP, I've been using a Palm Pre for a year now and its battery life is a huge problem.
Click to expand...

I am in a similar boat and am waiting too. The rumors are a new Galaxy S2 line and a similar Motorola Terminator line, both across various carriers. So if nothing else it will be a refresh.

I would love a 3.7-4 inch dual core phone with front camera and 4G at or around $100. It looks like the Motorolas may fit that bill with the Olympus which is essentially a slightly bigger Motorola Defy, an excellent phone I played with over the holidays as my friend has one.
 
Unknown Soldier said:
I guess it's too far beyond Google to imagine ever taking any UI cues from the iPod/iPhone music player design. I mean, it's the most commonly-used portable music player UI on Earth, so let's just completely ignore everything it does right and create our own from scratch, amirite guys?? :lol

I hope that if Motorola does abandon the existing Droids in the near future with Gingerbread and later Honeycomb updates that they do freely open up the bootloader to the community and let them release Android updates for my Droid X. It would be a nice gesture and alleviate some of the frustration of using an encrypted keyed bootloader on the official firmware releases.
Click to expand...
Or the Zune UI.
As much as I hate to give Microsoft credit, it is a beautifully designed UI.

What I don't get is how Google is incapable of designing a unified UI? Gingerbread squared a lot of things off, but this new music player has rounded buttons.
Although I guess it's just not in el Goog's DNA to make elegant UI.
 
Shinobix said:
I need a new phone and I was thinking of getting a Samsung Galaxy S. Do you think I should wait a bit longer or go for it? The thing is I really need to get another phone ASAP, I've been using a Palm Pre for a year now and its battery life is a huge problem.
Click to expand...

Bboy AJ said:
Wait until after CES, a couple of weeks, to get a better idea of the upcoming market. Then decide. The GS is old but the nicest phone line out there right now.
Click to expand...

Listen to this man. Come CES (Jan 5th.) all the new next-gen Android phones will be announced and hopefully will have Gingerbread on them. Right now, if you get anything other than an older Nexus One, G2 or Nexus S, you run the risk of not getting Gingerbread anytime soon. Just wait another week and then judge the phones shown off then.
 
android_checkin2.png

...even if you hit the Settings menu, choose About phone, and click the "Check for system updates" option. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't—but it doesn't hurt.

To get your phone into the queue right away, dial *#*#checkin#*#*, substituting the dial pad numbers for the letters.
Click to expand...

Link via Lifehacker
 
Any sugesstion for video streaming program [to watch my PC files on my tablet]? Transcoding is not a must, cos my Flytouch2 tablet can play EVERY codec natively.
 
total noob question!

i just got my first Android phone and i'm baffled by a lot of things. i'm getting the hang of apps and widgets and stuff, but umm... where does this phone (Galaxy S) store its videos, music and pictures?

i connected it to my PC and i'm browsing the folders, and i just don't have a clue. there is no folders for pictures, music or videos. do i just make them..? does it matter at all where stuff is stored?

edit: also thanks to remz for answering my previous questions!
 
astroturfing said:
total noob question!

i just got my first Android phone and i'm baffled by a lot of things. i'm getting the hang of apps and widgets and stuff, but umm... where does this phone (Galaxy S) store its videos, music and pictures?

i connected it to my PC and i'm browsing the folders, and i just don't have a clue. there is no folders for pictures, music or videos. do i just make them..? does it matter at all where stuff is stored?

edit: also thanks to remz for answering my previous questions!
Click to expand...

You could just create folders. Android music and video players will find them on their own.
 
Say hello to the Cowon D3.
71tfed.jpg

- Android Based

- Full HD
- Wireless LAN(Wi-Fi)
- 3.7 inch AMOLED 800X480 display
- HDMI TV-Out
- NTFS file system for files over 4GB
- BBE+ / Jeteffect 3.0
- Built in speaker
- MicroSD
- Bluetooth
- Gravity Sensor
- Touch-vibration feedback
-DMB (Korea)
- FM Radio
- E-Book
- Photo viewer
- Wordup, dictionaries
- 8/16/32GB.

- Price range : 289,000KRW ~ 399,000 KRW
 
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