Non-game Android Apps Recommendations Catch-All

So my wife left her iPhone somewhere yesterday, and rather than freaking out, calmly went to "find my iphone," which let her know that the phone was at her parents' house. Pretty cool piece of tech. I was jealous.

Turns out, Android has about 300 different versions of that type of system. Anyone have preferences one over the other? I grabbed Lookout Mobile because it was downloaded a lot, had a good review score, and was free, but I'm curious if there's something better or if it's a six of one / half dozen of another scenario.

Check out SeekDroid. You can pull up recent calls and wipe the phone from the website as well. Both are options set on the phone.

It was free, I guess it's at $0.99 now.

Seek Droid does look pretty nice, that's what I've got set up now. I also have the free version of Lookout running, but it doesn't seem to match the functionality for what you're describing.

In fact, even though I got Seek Droid free, I think I'm buying it for both my wife's and step-daughter's phones.

Question about the Amazon App Store: Anybody sharing an account across multiple phones with this? Both my new wife and step daughter just got Android phones, and I've accumulated some Amazon apps that they might use, including a couple of paid apps.

I've been trying to log into their accounts when there's something free I think they may be interested in and picking it up for them, but it would be easier if I just shared. I'll try to dig up the Amazon TOS for how OK this is, but is there anything technical that would keep me from doing it?

I don't see any technical reasons it wouldn't work. They'd just show up as your devices. I'm guessing that it's against the ToS though.

LiquidMantis wrote:

I don't see any technical reasons it wouldn't work. They'd just show up as your devices. I'm guessing that it's against the ToS though.

Looking at the page that shows your devices, my EVO currently shows up 3 times. I assume it's from different ROMs or different installs of the Amazon App Store app. So technically it would work.

Something like SeekDroid that requires an account at the devs site might have issues, but I doubt it. You'd just register different accounts.

Still digging for the TOS.

Found it. It specifically says you can download to other devices linked to your account. The only thing is it mentions for "personal" use. Not sure if "personal" is defined as non-business, or meaning specifically an individual.

Yeah, it definitely works from a technical stance. Just like the Google Market, I use the same account for my phone and tablet and have most of my apps on both.

LiquidMantis wrote:

Yeah, it definitely works from a technical stance. Just like the Google Market, I use the same account for my phone and tablet and have most of my apps on both.

I have my phone, my wife's phone, my tablet, and my old phone that is serving as a "land line" all on my Amazon account with no problem. I do wonder if there is some level of control developers have like with Kindle books how the publisher can tell you how many devices you can put a book on at a time.

FYI, Groove IP with Google Voice is great for turning an old android into a wi-fi only phone to keep at home as a home phone. It helps with your wife who likes to spend hours talking to her family and friends but you don't want to pay for a larger plan

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

Tether? Tethering is cool.

Minarchist wrote:

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

The one from Virgin Mobile? Can you share the link on how?

Edwin wrote:
Minarchist wrote:

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

The one from Virgin Mobile? Can you share the link on how?

If your phone is rooted, just install Wireless Tether for Root.

Edwin wrote:
Minarchist wrote:

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

The one from Virgin Mobile? Can you share the link on how?

I think the same way as usual: Gingerbreak. Just make sure USB debugging is on and you have a mounted microSD, 'twas the height of simplicity. Did it while I was on the can. Gingerbreak installs SuperUser by itself, so you don't have to worry about doing that. But here's a more step-by-step guide, if you want it.

Has anyone messed around with ROMs much? I'm on Froyo (2.2), but Android 3.1 adds native FLAC support, which is super tempting. Anyone have recommendations as to where and how to pick up something like that? Or warnings away from it?

Minarchist wrote:

Has anyone messed around with ROMs much? I'm on Froyo (2.2), but Android 3.1 adds native FLAC support, which is super tempting. Anyone have recommendations as to where and how to pick up something like that? Or warnings away from it?

My only advice is that, once you find a ROM that people have vouched runs well on your phone, read all the documentation twice and watch any related videos twice before trying it. Especially if you are like me, skim directions, then start doing stuff. Installing a new ROM is a delicate process.

It's not a hard process, but it can easily degenerate into fear if you mess up or skip a step.

Also useful to know is that in general, it's actually pretty difficult to brick your phone beyond fixing. You might mess it up pretty bad, but assuming you read the documentation and made a backup, you can restore it to stock and start again.

Seth wrote:
Minarchist wrote:

Has anyone messed around with ROMs much? I'm on Froyo (2.2), but Android 3.1 adds native FLAC support, which is super tempting. Anyone have recommendations as to where and how to pick up something like that? Or warnings away from it?

My only advice is that, once you find a ROM that people have vouched runs well on your phone, read all the documentation twice and watch any related videos twice before trying it. Especially if you are like me, skim directions, then start doing stuff. Installing a new ROM is a delicate process.

It's not a hard process, but it can easily degenerate into fear if you mess up or skip a step.

Also useful to know is that in general, it's actually pretty difficult to brick your phone beyond fixing. You might mess it up pretty bad, but assuming you read the documentation and made a backup, you can restore it to stock and start again.

Yup, I've had to restore a couple of times without incident, but it is a little terrifying. In my case, I got caught in an infinite boot loop while updating my Cyanogen install.

Minarchist wrote:
Edwin wrote:
Minarchist wrote:

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

The one from Virgin Mobile? Can you share the link on how?

I think the same way as usual: Gingerbreak. Just make sure USB debugging is on and you have a mounted microSD, 'twas the height of simplicity. Did it while I was on the can. Gingerbreak installs SuperUser by itself, so you don't have to worry about doing that. But here's a more step-by-step guide, if you want it.

Has anyone messed around with ROMs much? I'm on Froyo (2.2), but Android 3.1 adds native FLAC support, which is super tempting. Anyone have recommendations as to where and how to pick up something like that? Or warnings away from it?

How's the Triumph?

I'm fighting the temptation to purchase one.

Got Pocket Cast for the Android (also available for the iPhone). And am loving it so far.
Beyond Pod was alright and Winamp kinda ok. But Pocket Cast just shows the album art
and the number of available podcasts.
Also has an index of the more popular podcasts (why GWJ isn't included is beyond me!).
It's a few bucks on the Android Market.
IMAGE(https://ssl.gstatic.com/android/market/au.com.shiftyjelly.pocketcasts/ss-480-0-15)

Sparhawk wrote:

Got Pocket Cast for the Android (also available for the iPhone). And am loving it so far.
Beyond Pod was alright and Winamp kinda ok. But Pocket Cast just shows the album art
and the number of available podcasts.
Also has an index of the more popular podcasts (why GWJ isn't included is beyond me!).
It's a few bucks on the Android Market.

I like it pretty well, too. I got it on the free Amazon app of the day. However, the developer got mad at the terms from Amazon and are pulling it and not offering updates through the Amazon App Store going forward, so I guess I'll buy it on the Market.

anyone running an antivirus or malware protection? I've been seeing lot's of that's in the news and want to protect my phone.

Bill_Lewis wrote:

anyone running an antivirus or malware protection? I've been seeing lot's of that's in the news and want to protect my phone.

I run the free version of Lookout, as much for the other features as the anti-malware.

MannishBoy wrote:
Bill_Lewis wrote:

anyone running an antivirus or malware protection? I've been seeing lot's of that's in the news and want to protect my phone.

I run the free version of Lookout, as much for the other features as the anti-malware.

Just downloaded this. I watched the video and I'm already feel safe. Thanks for the help.

My only problem with Lookout was the noticeable battery drain it had on my phone.

Then again -- you could replace "Lookout" there with literally any program. So I suppose I shouldn't whine. because really -- what's the point of having a phone if you don't use it?

Yeah, I'm starting to notice the drain in battery life. But I don't think it's that bad.

Lester_King wrote:

How's the Triumph?

I'm fighting the temptation to purchase one.

So far I think it will be great, but they have a couple issues they need to work out (which is unsurprising, what with the new hardware and all). The reception isn't great and Motorola is working on a patch, but there's also issues with 3G data disconnects that seem to be more systemic within VM right now, as my wife's LG Optimus V is also having those problems. So, maybe wait for 1.1?

Has anyone used the ESPN radio app?

Just replaced the old and tired iPhone 3g with a Galaxy S2. Think have covered most of what I was using for apps on the iphone, with one exception. Anyone use a good internet radio player that has a built in sleep timer? I used Wunder Radio on the iphone, but am not sure I want to pay for it again if there is a better alternative.

Infyrnos wrote:

Just replaced the old and tired iPhone 3g with a Galaxy S2. Think have covered most of what I was using for apps on the iphone, with one exception. Anyone use a good internet radio player that has a built in sleep timer? I used Wunder Radio on the iphone, but am not sure I want to pay for it again if there is a better alternative.

Tune In Radio Pro does. Not sure about the free version.

Not a recommendation. I got it on a free Amazon deal, but have rarely used it, so have no real opinion.

MannishBoy wrote:
Infyrnos wrote:

Just replaced the old and tired iPhone 3g with a Galaxy S2. Think have covered most of what I was using for apps on the iphone, with one exception. Anyone use a good internet radio player that has a built in sleep timer? I used Wunder Radio on the iphone, but am not sure I want to pay for it again if there is a better alternative.

Tune In Radio Pro does. Not sure about the free version.

Not a recommendation. I got it on a free Amazon deal, but have rarely used it, so have no real opinion.

Thanks! Nothing beats falling asleep to bbc world service~

Lester_King wrote:
Minarchist wrote:
Edwin wrote:
Minarchist wrote:

So, I just rooted my new Motorola Triumph.

....now what?

The one from Virgin Mobile? Can you share the link on how?

I think the same way as usual: Gingerbreak. Just make sure USB debugging is on and you have a mounted microSD, 'twas the height of simplicity. Did it while I was on the can. Gingerbreak installs SuperUser by itself, so you don't have to worry about doing that. But here's a more step-by-step guide, if you want it.

Has anyone messed around with ROMs much? I'm on Froyo (2.2), but Android 3.1 adds native FLAC support, which is super tempting. Anyone have recommendations as to where and how to pick up something like that? Or warnings away from it?

How's the Triumph?

I'm fighting the temptation to purchase one.

There's a couple of guys currently trying to get everything on the Triumph running with CyanogenMod, once they get 3G working it'll be tempting.

Quick feature check, I can't figure this out but does anybody have a way to use "Call Phones" from Gmail chat on the Android? I use this thing all the time, much better than Skype quality. It'd be nice if I could actually use it on Android. Or an equivalently good VOIP service. Most free VOIP services I've tried suck out loud. Even the paid ones kinda suck.