Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Only workaround I know but annoying.
Yeah one ups everyone and I like the size but why is Samsung the only one who believes in removable batteries and SD cards?
Yeah one ups everyone and I like the size but why is Samsung the only one who believes in removable batteries and SD cards?
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,670
From: Vancouver BC
Here's an app that kinda of mimicks the feature of the Moto x for opening the camera app from anywhere as long as your phone is unlocked.
Obviously not quite as good as the moto x cause the phone needs to be unlocked but still pretty nifty!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...wisty_launcher
the paid version lets you do two other motions for any app you choose. Free version just gives camera option
Obviously not quite as good as the moto x cause the phone needs to be unlocked but still pretty nifty!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...wisty_launcher
the paid version lets you do two other motions for any app you choose. Free version just gives camera option
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
What phone are you using?
Also whats that side-swipe thing you're referring too?
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
I have an extra battery for my GS3. Have never used it since I got it...
And the G2 comes with a 3000mAh battery which is pretty beastly. We shall see how it copes with the screen size.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,670
From: Vancouver BC
when I hit the power button, there's the lock swipe, that goes from left to right, but if I swipe from the right edge of the phone to the left, it takes me straight to the camera. It's actually faster for me because my left hand would already be holding the camera and right hand would be ready to hit the shutter button. This comes in handy when I see a nice car going by. If I had to do the double chop movement, chances are, I'm going to be doing it with the right hand, and then I'd have to hit the shutter button with the left hand, which is slower for me... (and yes, around Vancouver, you see a lot of nice cars zipping by, so it DOES matter to be fast
)
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
ahh I know what you're talking about. Accessing the camera from the lockscreen. Yea this only works when its unlocked though. So its a faster way to get to the camera if you're browsing the web or in some other app.
The G2 seems to have quite a bit of features. So I'm going to guess it will take a long time to get KLP if ever assuming it comes out this fall. Something to consider, if you're care about having the latest android software
The G2 seems to have quite a bit of features. So I'm going to guess it will take a long time to get KLP if ever assuming it comes out this fall. Something to consider, if you're care about having the latest android software
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
The knock-knock feature on the G2 alone makes me want to get that phone, though I bet just like the Moto X features, someone will make a 3rd party app and put it on the play store.
Just like someone already did for the Active Notifications:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...enotifications
Works on all phones running 4.3 and up, not just AMOLED ones. Works on my N4.
Might try it out to see how I like it, but seems that you'll have to get the premium version to get all the features, and I'm kinda too used to LightFlow already.
And on the issue of no SD card slot, I've yet to max out my 12gb of phone free space lol.
p.s. ADM is freaking awesome! Will keep Lookout around too for now just in case...
Just like someone already did for the Active Notifications:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...enotifications
Works on all phones running 4.3 and up, not just AMOLED ones. Works on my N4.
Might try it out to see how I like it, but seems that you'll have to get the premium version to get all the features, and I'm kinda too used to LightFlow already.
And on the issue of no SD card slot, I've yet to max out my 12gb of phone free space lol.
p.s. ADM is freaking awesome! Will keep Lookout around too for now just in case...
Last edited by TSXy Luster; Aug 7, 2013 at 02:49 PM.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
Just off the top of my head:
1) Hurricane Sandy. 'nuff said.
2) Camping trips.
3) Heavy days/apps - glympse, or GPS logging.
4) Nights where I don't bother to charge overnight (fairly common) and it turns out I don't have access to a charger the next day. (usually someone else hogging my car charger!)
5) Playing games waiting during airport transfers
I've been wondering lately if I would tolerate using one of those 'usb charger' batteries, but they are so much more of a hassle than a quick 30 second battery swap.
My biggest sd-card use is for backing up the phone. not used as much since I don't hack around as much (and needing a quick wipe/restore). I like the luxury of not losing anything should I kill my phone.
I'm not a samsung fanboy, but yea - they seem to be the only one not leaving off stuff that I want. No external flash on the experia Z? Are you kidding? I barely touch the camera but I use the "flashlight" a LOT.
- Frank
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,670
From: Vancouver BC
isn't it all relative to how much you use the phone and what you're doing with it? I play Ingress religiously and trust me, extra battery or in my case a power bank is a must. EVERY hardcore Ingress player I know has a power bank.
but that's just me.
but that's just me.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
The knock-knock feature on the G2 alone makes me want to get that phone, though I bet just like the Moto X features, someone will make a 3rd party app and put it on the play store.
Just like someone already did for the Active Notifications:
Active Notification App - Moto X Style Notifications on your Phone - YouTube
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...enotifications
Works on all phones running 4.3 and up, not just AMOLED ones. Works on my N4.
Might try it out to see how I like it, but seems that you'll have to get the premium version to get all the features, and I'm kinda too used to LightFlow already.
And on the issue of no SD card slot, I've yet to max out my 12gb of phone free space lol.
p.s. ADM is freaking awesome! Will keep Lookout around too for now just in case...
Just like someone already did for the Active Notifications:
Active Notification App - Moto X Style Notifications on your Phone - YouTube
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...enotifications
Works on all phones running 4.3 and up, not just AMOLED ones. Works on my N4.
Might try it out to see how I like it, but seems that you'll have to get the premium version to get all the features, and I'm kinda too used to LightFlow already.
And on the issue of no SD card slot, I've yet to max out my 12gb of phone free space lol.
p.s. ADM is freaking awesome! Will keep Lookout around too for now just in case...
And 4.3
At least I can get it for my N7!! 
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
the other thing about battery is fully charging two batteries lol, but chodthewacko you're right for those occassion. I mean after I'm done with work I'm usually running low on battery, but I can charge my phone at work with the computer so thats not that much of a problem.
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
I own one of those usb power charger battery packs and it is not a hassle and definitely less than 30 secs to plug in the micro usb vs taking off your back cover (not to mention case if you have one) and then replacing it all. Especially easy when you need the phone to stay on while you need the extra power instantly.
I only use it during emergencies or if I am going to an area without power outlets for long periods of time.
And they have those super slim ones where you can just hold it together with your phone and it fits right in without looking like you are holding a brick to your face.
I only use it during emergencies or if I am going to an area without power outlets for long periods of time.
And they have those super slim ones where you can just hold it together with your phone and it fits right in without looking like you are holding a brick to your face.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
How bad is it that I dont have a case on my GS3, given my rep lol
Also I have noticed now that when I was rooted, my battery was so much better!
That twisty launcher app I got yesterday I think that was destroying my battery. It was shit yesterday ahah.
Also I have noticed now that when I was rooted, my battery was so much better!
That twisty launcher app I got yesterday I think that was destroying my battery. It was shit yesterday ahah.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,539
Likes: 295
From: LA, CA
CyanogenMod + Chromecast any audio/video:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MTWHL30gyg4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kouche built the function into CyanogenMod but they're not releasing it until Google gives them the go to allow devs to release Chromecast apps. Hopefully that happens soon!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MTWHL30gyg4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kouche built the function into CyanogenMod but they're not releasing it until Google gives them the go to allow devs to release Chromecast apps. Hopefully that happens soon!
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,078
Likes: 3,670
From: Vancouver BC
anyone else here uses the Poweramp app? I really like it because of the equalizer but it'll stop working saying something about "too many corrupted files" or something like that.
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
If you buy a phone on Verizon, do not expect updates ever. If you do get one, you should be lucky enough.
If you wanted to know how ridiculously palm perfect sized the Moto X is, check this vid out compared to the iPhone 5.
Ridiculously amazing.
If you wanted to know how ridiculously palm perfect sized the Moto X is, check this vid out compared to the iPhone 5.
Ridiculously amazing.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
What's up with the WiFi to 4G change. When I leave my house it transitioned seamlessly with Apple. With Android I'm forced to turn off my WiFi manually as it doesn't "realize" you're not in WiFi anymore. This is for a Note 2.
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
WHAT!! the transition is the same...
I leave the wifi off always on my note since I have unlimited data....but on the wifey's S4 running 4.2.2 we leave wifi on all the time and when we are out of the wifi network range, it switches to 4G
I leave the wifi off always on my note since I have unlimited data....but on the wifey's S4 running 4.2.2 we leave wifi on all the time and when we are out of the wifi network range, it switches to 4G
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
On my RazrM, I have a rule set up for my house based on GPS that when I am home, data shuts off and wifi is on. When I leave the house, the data turns on. I guess I could have the wifi turn off as well but I don't.
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
I think he is just confused by the icon. The fact that the wifi icon is there does not mean it is connected necessarily. It just means it is turned on and for the most part, doing nothing. Carrier data will still be used when you are not connected to a wifi network.
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
on verizon, MMS and a few other things can't come in over wifi, only 3g/4g, so by default it would stay on. I don't want it to run my 2GB/mo for stuff while I am at home, so I set up a rule. Also set one up to silent the phone after 11PM except for certain people, etc...
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
^^^ Stogie....your WIFI being ON does not mean you are connected to the internet...
It will only connect when you are in range of a saved WIFI (unless you have the option to connect to any insecure wifi)....
So when you come home, it recognizes your home network and connects it....when you leave home, WIFI will be on but it wont connect since you are out of network range....so you will connect through 4g/3g
It will only connect when you are in range of a saved WIFI (unless you have the option to connect to any insecure wifi)....
So when you come home, it recognizes your home network and connects it....when you leave home, WIFI will be on but it wont connect since you are out of network range....so you will connect through 4g/3g
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
honestly its just easier to keep it all enabled IMO, I dont think it will save you more than a couple mintues of battery life to have wifi on when you aren't connected. My wifi, data, gps are always on.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
I can tell you that Android does not like if you are partially downloading something and then lose wifi connection.
You stream typically gets broken totally, and android might spaz out.
Wifi is always scanning for new connections if you leave it on, so I don't leave wifi on 24x7.
I've always been in the 'leave everything off till I need it' camp - I'm in the 'really really hate running out of battery' camp.
I use 'wifi widget' to always tell me if I'm connected to wifi, and how fast the connection is. It's pretty nice.
- Frank
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
new google now functionality
http://www.androidpolice.com/2013/08...ents-and-more/
Google Now is quickly becoming an excellent aggregator for all the information that most users need on a regular basis – be it weather, that day's schedule, tracking shipments, and so much more. Aside from its already-useful functionality, though, Google has been working towards making most actions voice-searchable. For example, you can tell Now to set a reminder, play a particular artist in Music, and more. Today's Search update brings more voice actions to existing functions, making it even easier get quick access to important information:
Flights: Ask Google “Is my flight on time?” to get info on your upcoming flights and live status on your current flights.
Reservations: Ask for “my reservations” to see your dining plans or “my hotel” to get your hotel name and address. With one tap, you can get driving or public transit directions straight there, saving you lots of steps.
Purchases: Ask for “my purchases,” and you’ll get the status of your current orders, so you know whether your mom’s birthday present will arrive on time.
Plans: Ask Google “What are my plans for tomorrow?” to see a summary of upcoming flights, hotels, restaurant reservations and events—very useful when you’re traveling.
Photos: Say “Show me my photos from Thailand” to see the photos you uploaded to Google+. You can also ask for “my photos of sunsets” if you want to show off the shots you’ve taken over the year; Google will try to automatically recognize the type of photo you’re asking for.
Flights: Ask Google “Is my flight on time?” to get info on your upcoming flights and live status on your current flights.
Reservations: Ask for “my reservations” to see your dining plans or “my hotel” to get your hotel name and address. With one tap, you can get driving or public transit directions straight there, saving you lots of steps.
Purchases: Ask for “my purchases,” and you’ll get the status of your current orders, so you know whether your mom’s birthday present will arrive on time.
Plans: Ask Google “What are my plans for tomorrow?” to see a summary of upcoming flights, hotels, restaurant reservations and events—very useful when you’re traveling.
Photos: Say “Show me my photos from Thailand” to see the photos you uploaded to Google+. You can also ask for “my photos of sunsets” if you want to show off the shots you’ve taken over the year; Google will try to automatically recognize the type of photo you’re asking for.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
Let me clarify. I'm in driveway. The range is stupid weak for WiFi. The 4G is full blast always. I use my MOG streaming music app to select a song. It won't load because the d/l is so slow since I'm right outside my WiFi. I drive away, and it still won't load. My old iPhone would've already switched to 3G and i'd be streaming no problem. My Note 2 is telling me there's no data connection and to try again. See the issue? 
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,427
Likes: 1,567
From: Miami, FL
On the contrary there is. I just said the 4G is at full blast ready to go. Same carrier for both phones. But for whatever reason the Note 2 holds on to WiFi longer and would continue so when I'm a block away. Meanwhile my old iPhone would simply go with the stronger data connection of the 3G instantaneously.
I'm Down Right Fierce!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 40
From: Irvine, CA
^ Nah, he's saying the time that it takes for the phone to switch from a weak/lost wifi signal to data is taking longer than it did on the Iphone.
I believe this can be changed by editing one of the lines in build.prop (i.e. the time it takes for wifi to shut off after a weak wifi signal)... but don't quote me on that, since I've stopped messing around with custom roms and stuff.
And as for the G2, it looks awesome... But I just got the LG Optimus G Pro....
I believe this can be changed by editing one of the lines in build.prop (i.e. the time it takes for wifi to shut off after a weak wifi signal)... but don't quote me on that, since I've stopped messing around with custom roms and stuff.
And as for the G2, it looks awesome... But I just got the LG Optimus G Pro....
I'm a dude you reprobates
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 554
Likes: 60
^ Nah, he's saying the time that it takes for the phone to switch from a weak/lost wifi signal to data is taking longer than it did on the Iphone.
I believe this can be changed by editing one of the lines in build.prop (i.e. the time it takes for wifi to shut off after a weak wifi signal)... but don't quote me on that, since I've stopped messing around with custom roms and stuff.
:
I believe this can be changed by editing one of the lines in build.prop (i.e. the time it takes for wifi to shut off after a weak wifi signal)... but don't quote me on that, since I've stopped messing around with custom roms and stuff.
: