Google Android catch-all

MannishBoy wrote:

BTW, there's a cool app called "Air Droid" that lets you browse and transfer files over your wifi, in case you can't figure out your USB issue. There might be others, but that's the one I've had around for awhile, just in case.

That app also has "find my phone" stuff built in. Seems pretty worthwhile.

Stele wrote:
MannishBoy wrote:

BTW, there's a cool app called "Air Droid" that lets you browse and transfer files over your wifi, in case you can't figure out your USB issue. There might be others, but that's the one I've had around for awhile, just in case.

That app also has "find my phone" stuff built in. Seems pretty worthwhile.

Yep. I think I have four things on my phone now that do that, though. Google's new one, Air Droid, Seek Droid, Lookout.

Since it's a Galaxy S 4, just use the built in Kies feature to browse and backup files over wifi if you'd like. It's already built in to the platform.

Thanks for the input. The files seem intact and uncorrupt, but Gallery can't find them still. I have physically removed the sd card and re-inserted it, with the same results. Only now one more folder isn't being seen (Bluetooth) inside of gallery.

Any suggestions shy of reformatting the card and starting over?

I'll look into Air Droid. Also, is there a way to automatically backup photos to (for example) Google Drive?

Try downloading a different gallery app.

Jakobedlam wrote:

I'll look into Air Droid. Also, is there a way to automatically backup photos to (for example) Google Drive?

You can set them to automatically upload to a private directory in G+. That's what I do.

Jakobedlam wrote:

Thanks for the input. The files seem intact and uncorrupt, but Gallery can't find them still. I have physically removed the sd card and re-inserted it, with the same results. Only now one more folder isn't being seen (Bluetooth) inside of gallery.

Any suggestions shy of reformatting the card and starting over?

I'll look into Air Droid. Also, is there a way to automatically backup photos to (for example) Google Drive?

I use an app called Cloudii to do automated file backup to different cloud services.

Has anyone with a Note 2 had trouble with the s-pen? Mine is not as sensitive as it was when I first bought it. I have to press much harder on the screen now, and I don't like it.

My wife has had Verizon's for a month now, so far so good. How long have you had yours? Any app recommendations that take advantage of the stylus?

I've been running CM 10.2 (ie Android 4.3) nightlies on my GNex since they started. Chrome is still horrible at multitasking, but the feel when I'm on an app is much better. Much less lag when switching tabs and scrolling, stuff like that. There's a new option that lets Android use your wifi to assist in location finding even when wifi is off. I'm assuming and hoping that translates to better battery life, no idea though. It's nice to just turn off wifi and not be bugged about it by location-aware apps.

Haven't been able to get music metadata to display in my '13 Fusion (base Sync package, not MFT) with Play Music and Bluetooth. Tried removing and readding the phone to no avail. Anyone have any idea what else to try?

General Crespin wrote:

My wife has had Verizon's for a month now, so far so good. How long have you had yours? Any app recommendations that take advantage of the stylus?

I got my Note 2 the week it came out, so close to year I guess. I use Papyrus as my note taker. It's much better than S-Note. I also use MyRealFont, it lets you make your own hand written font. Sketchbook is great for the artist in you. There are a couple games I play with the s-pen. Dots being the only one installed right now. I would also tell her to go though the s-pen tutorials. There is a lot to learn there.

Is there a stereo base for the Nexus 7? If not, a universal tablet stereo?

There aren't many options, really. ASUS do a dock that supports audio out to a pre-existing system, other that that, you are looking at Bluetooth, really. Phillips Fidelio do an Android-focused dock, but it uses the connection for charging only, and receives audio over Bluetooth. The Jawbone Big Jambox is supposed the be pretty good.

We have a mixture of iOS (both 30 pin and Lightning) and Android in our house, so Bluetooth was the only way to go, really, though my home cinema system allows for USB input for both OSs.

Considering my planned usage of any potential tablet purchase, I have cast a glance towards the more affordable options.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TabExpress-Processor-accelerator-Capacitive-Tablet/dp/B00E7VEGTY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.co.uk/NOW-16GB-STORAGE-DUAL-CORE-Capacitive/dp/B00CX1XKHY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I'm looking for the ability to respond to e-mails, browse web forums, and read comics. I want to start throwing my money at Comixology as soon as possible!

Can anyone see any reason (or have an hands on experience as to) why I should reconsider buying one of those two tablets?

Why not just pick up a last year's Nexus 7?

The 9 inch Tab Express is £74.99 while the 10 inch Fusion is £104.99 which are both more affordable than the 7 inch Nexus. Looking for a good balance between price and screen size.

RnRClown, don't go near that first one. A friend of mine bought one, and has exchanged it 3 times so far. (Screen stopped working, stopped charging, some kind of graphics failure).

I wholeheartedly endorse MannishBoy's suggestion. There are plenty of second hand ones about too.

The amount of problems you are going to have with tablets like those is going to be insurmountable. I would reccommend trying to find a second hand Nexus 7, or earlier 10 inch tablets. I wish I had know you were looking for a tablet before I sold my Xoom for 67.26 euros.

Yeah, off brand Android stuff is getting to be very common, and from all I've read, the experience is rarely something most people would want.

If you could talk yourself down to a 7" device, there are more budget options available from known brands. Asus's got the Memo, which is pretty close to last year's Nexus 7, but with SD expansion IIRC. Also, Lenovo and Acer have options.

From what I've seen, there still aren't that many tablet apps that really need 10" screens, unless it's just media playback. The 7" size is about perfect for my tastes, but I know everybody's different.

Thanks for the heads up, everyone. I'm sure glad I resisted the urge to buy. I should know better, but the price was a real temptation. I'll keep an eye out for a good deal on a Nexus 7. Failing that, those options from Asus, Acer, and Lenovo offer a viable alternative. All three are available at Amazon with a £99.99 price tag.

I saw a Galaxy Tab 2 7" going second hand at a local store, but it was £115.95 which I felt was a little much for a second hand model.

7" is fine. I guess I simply got a little greedy.

Heise's c't (big German hardware mag) just did a comparison of low price Tablets and it is just sad how bad all those low end tablets are. Google really outdid a lot of the competition with that price point and since they are selling it close to at-cost (iirc), it seems to be hard to get near that with anything in that quality.

Best bet in my eyes is to look out for a second hand N7. Anything else at that price point has some sort of bad touch.

If they don't advertise the screen resolution, stay away because it's probably painfully low.

If you're looking to pick up a cheap Nexus 7, Amazon's got some refurbs up for $240 and $247 for the 32gb.

Does anyone have any app recommendations for first time smart phone owners? My mom finally decided to get a smart phone, and I talked her into a GS3.

EverythingsTentative wrote:

Does anyone have any app recommendations for first time smart phone owners? My mom finally decided to get a smart phone, and I talked her into a GS3.

Texting - Handcent
Music Player - PowerAmp
Shopping List - OI Shopping List
Podcasts - Pocket Cast

Honestly the default apps should do for most stuff for a first smartphone buyer.

Yelp, a movie app (like IMDB or Flixter), and TuneIn for radio stations.

I wouldn't describe myself as a novice, and Poweramp is awesome, but it's got a sh*t ton of settings.

Depending on her social networking habits, LinkedIn and Facebook. I use Amazon and eBay a lot. Amazon Price Check if she likes the site and searching for bargains.

She'd probably appreciate having her bank's app, if they make one.

You'd probably be better off trying to think of things she already does that a smartphone could help with, rather than taking a shot in the dark with pre-installing stuff. If anything, clean some of the ad-ware gunk out. Starting out with a gigantic app drawer can be intimidating and make you ignore stuff.

Just ordered a Nexus 4 16gb with the new price drop.

Can't wait! Great upgrade to my crappy Galaxy Ace.

Cross posted form Kickstarter thread
THIS is cool

Configurable button for your headphone jack (Android)
I think I'll throw some money at them.

groan wrote:

Cross posted form Kickstarter thread
THIS is cool

Configurable button for your headphone jack (Android)
I think I'll throw some money at them.

That IS cool! Not sure I want it, but super cool!

That is cool. And it made the goal.

On one hand it is cool, on the other this bit is akin to the gross fumbling of infomercials:

Wake your screen -> Unlock it -> Exit your current running app -> Search for the app you want to use -> Launch it -> And finally, perform your desired Action

For example I can assign quick launch shortcuts to the major and minor cardinal directions of my lock screen unlocker. So one button to wake the screen, then a swipe to activate one of eight pre-configured shortcuts. Don't get me wrong, it's a nifty device. I just feel compelled to call shenanigans on the fact that they can't dice a potato without a slap chop.

I think what it was showing is what you can do to assign functions.
I would assume that the button would override the lock screen, but if not...then no, it's no good.
I'd want to quick double press and have it click a picture, from lock screen. Everything needs to be doable from the lock screen.

No money to them yet.