Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
My short take on the Moto X thus far.
Battery life is amazing. While I've barely had it, I have yet to recharge during the day. My S3 for reference was done by around 5, if not earlier. Currently I'm sitting at 46%. 12H 10M since off the charger with a 2H 31M screen on time. I also always have GPS on, wifi is on most of the time (unless my internet gets stupid slow) I'm synced to two gmail accounts. One of which has every single thing check marked to be synced I think. Brightness auto. I basically dont use any battery saving techniques.
The phone is pretty fast. Its not a huge difference from the S3 as far as opening apps and such. But it I can tell it runs a lot smoother.
The camera sucks in low light. I havent tested it much, but its definitely not too good in low light. The camera OS is really nice though.
I love active notifications. After having the S3, I realized I couldnt get a phone without a notification light. Now I dont think I can get one without active notifications.
Ok Google Now, is an alright experience for me. I have yet been able to consistently nail it. Now I don't know if thats my fault or the phones fault. Since it has the security of recognizing how you say it so it responds to your voice. I dont think I'm saying it consistently or the phone is just bad at picking it up.
The screen is good. Theres nothing super crazy about the screen, but theres nothing bad to say from my point of view.
If theres anything you guys want me to talk about let me know.
I will say this, its like night and day being able to use a phone where you dont need to worry about the charger till you sleep. Its amazing. The drawbacks on this phone, mainly the camera, is worth it. So so so worth it. I mean the best phone is the one that you're able to use.
Battery life is amazing. While I've barely had it, I have yet to recharge during the day. My S3 for reference was done by around 5, if not earlier. Currently I'm sitting at 46%. 12H 10M since off the charger with a 2H 31M screen on time. I also always have GPS on, wifi is on most of the time (unless my internet gets stupid slow) I'm synced to two gmail accounts. One of which has every single thing check marked to be synced I think. Brightness auto. I basically dont use any battery saving techniques.
The phone is pretty fast. Its not a huge difference from the S3 as far as opening apps and such. But it I can tell it runs a lot smoother.
The camera sucks in low light. I havent tested it much, but its definitely not too good in low light. The camera OS is really nice though.
I love active notifications. After having the S3, I realized I couldnt get a phone without a notification light. Now I dont think I can get one without active notifications.
Ok Google Now, is an alright experience for me. I have yet been able to consistently nail it. Now I don't know if thats my fault or the phones fault. Since it has the security of recognizing how you say it so it responds to your voice. I dont think I'm saying it consistently or the phone is just bad at picking it up.
The screen is good. Theres nothing super crazy about the screen, but theres nothing bad to say from my point of view.
If theres anything you guys want me to talk about let me know.
I will say this, its like night and day being able to use a phone where you dont need to worry about the charger till you sleep. Its amazing. The drawbacks on this phone, mainly the camera, is worth it. So so so worth it. I mean the best phone is the one that you're able to use.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,082
Likes: 3,683
From: Vancouver BC
speaking of camera, this was with the Note 3, not bad for low lighting
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57553669@N03/11348688096/http://www.flickr.com/photos/57553669@N03/11348688096/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/57553669@N03/, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57553669@N03/11348688096/http://www.flickr.com/photos/57553669@N03/11348688096/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/57553669@N03/, on Flickr
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
I know you like the note size for screen, but I can't do bigger than 5. I think my gs3 was. Better screen size, but I don't even look twice at that phone now.
Sanest Florida Man
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 46,052
Likes: 11,811
From: Florida
Google Removes Vital Privacy Feature From Android, Claiming Its Release Was Accidental
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/1...er-adding-them
Yesterday, we published a blog post lauding an extremely important app privacy feature that was added in Android 4.3. That feature allows users to install apps while preventing the app from collecting sensitive data like the user's location or address book.
The App Ops interface removed in Android 4.4.2
After we published the post, several people contacted us to say that the feature had actually been removed in Android 4.4.2, which was released earlier this week. Today, we installed that update to our test device, and can confirm that the App Ops privacy feature that we were excited about yesterday is in fact now gone.
When asked for comment, Google told us that the feature had only ever been released by accident — that it was experimental, and that it could break some of the apps policed by it. We are suspicious of this explanation, and do not think that it in any way justifies removing the feature rather than improving it.1
The disappearance of App Ops is alarming news for Android users. The fact that they cannot turn off app permissions is a Stygian hole in the Android security model, and a billion people's data is being sucked through. Embarrassingly, it is also one that Apple managed to fix in iOS years ago.
A moment ago, it looked as though Google cared about this massive privacy problem. Now we have our doubts. The only way to dispel them, frankly, is for Google to urgently reenable the App Ops interface, as well as adding some polish and completing the fundamental pieces that it is missing:
In the mean time, we're not sure what to say to Android users. If app privacy is especially important to you — if, for instance, you want to be able to install an app like Shazam or Skype or Brightest Flashlight without giving it permission to know your location — we would have to advise you not to accept the update to 4.4.2. But this is also a catastrophic situation, because the update to Android 4.4.2 contains fixes to security and denial-of-service bugs. So, for the time being, users will need to chose between either privacy or security on the Android devices, but not both.
Google, the right thing to do here is obvious.
1. Many instances of apps "breaking" when they are denied the ability to collect data like a location or an address book or an IMEI number can easily be fixed by, for instance, giving them back a fake location, an empty address book, or an IMEI number of all zeroes. Alternatively, Google could document for developers that these API calls may fail for privacy reasons. A good hybrid would be to use fake data for old versions of the Android API and cleanly defined Java exceptions in the next API level. As with many other changes that occur across Android devices and Android versions, some app developers might have to do minor updates to keep up.
The App Ops interface removed in Android 4.4.2
After we published the post, several people contacted us to say that the feature had actually been removed in Android 4.4.2, which was released earlier this week. Today, we installed that update to our test device, and can confirm that the App Ops privacy feature that we were excited about yesterday is in fact now gone.
When asked for comment, Google told us that the feature had only ever been released by accident — that it was experimental, and that it could break some of the apps policed by it. We are suspicious of this explanation, and do not think that it in any way justifies removing the feature rather than improving it.1
The disappearance of App Ops is alarming news for Android users. The fact that they cannot turn off app permissions is a Stygian hole in the Android security model, and a billion people's data is being sucked through. Embarrassingly, it is also one that Apple managed to fix in iOS years ago.
A moment ago, it looked as though Google cared about this massive privacy problem. Now we have our doubts. The only way to dispel them, frankly, is for Google to urgently reenable the App Ops interface, as well as adding some polish and completing the fundamental pieces that it is missing:
- Android users should be able to disable all collection of trackable identifiers by an app with a single switch, including data like phone numbers, IMEIs, information about the user's accounts.
- There should be a way to disable an app's network access entirely. It is clear that a large fraction of apps (including flashlights, wallpapers, UI skins, many games) simply don't need network access and, as we saw last week, are prone to abuse it.
- The App Ops interface needs to be smoothed out an properly integrated into the main OS user interface, including the Settings->Apps menus and the Play Store. There are numerous ways to make App Ops work for developers. Pick one, and deploy it.
In the mean time, we're not sure what to say to Android users. If app privacy is especially important to you — if, for instance, you want to be able to install an app like Shazam or Skype or Brightest Flashlight without giving it permission to know your location — we would have to advise you not to accept the update to 4.4.2. But this is also a catastrophic situation, because the update to Android 4.4.2 contains fixes to security and denial-of-service bugs. So, for the time being, users will need to chose between either privacy or security on the Android devices, but not both.
Google, the right thing to do here is obvious.
1. Many instances of apps "breaking" when they are denied the ability to collect data like a location or an address book or an IMEI number can easily be fixed by, for instance, giving them back a fake location, an empty address book, or an IMEI number of all zeroes. Alternatively, Google could document for developers that these API calls may fail for privacy reasons. A good hybrid would be to use fake data for old versions of the Android API and cleanly defined Java exceptions in the next API level. As with many other changes that occur across Android devices and Android versions, some app developers might have to do minor updates to keep up.
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
The eff argument is valid, but being this indignant over something that none of us was really supposed to see, or use in the first place being taken away is just silly.
Justin, why you no double fist?
Justin, why you no double fist?
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
Oh, thought you were going to try both out and then decide. Didn't think you were just going to switch and not look back. Or are you in fact doing the latter, and render this entire post useless?
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
well hope my judgement is good enough for you hahaDamn wish there was a way to tag Motorola... I should get commission off of this
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
Just realized under Google account sync, I have both Google Photos and Google+ Photos. And in the Photos app (Google+ Photos), you can make it so you can see your Drive photos and videos.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,082
Likes: 3,683
From: Vancouver BC
odd question here: ....so, my sister who's not a very techy person, doesn't care for smartphones, doesn't really text, or have the need to check email... browse the internet on the go. But she want's some kind of MP3 player so she could listen to music at the gym. A long time ago, I bought her an iPod, I think it was 2nd gen... the ones that were huge, weighed like a brick. That thing died and long story short between her and I, we pretty much lost all our music (when my PC took a dump, I was never able to recover them). Anyways, so I have an iPod Touch (4th gen I think) that I have no problems giving her, she doesn't care about having the latest, greatest gear. But, last night when we were talking (on the phone, she's in California, I'm in Vancouver), I kinda convinced her to go Android because of all the "free" stuff you can get. I remember a couple years ago, Samsung made MP3 players that were Android based, but I don't see them anymore... a tablet is too big (or I'd just give her my N7)... Does she have any options?
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
ohh i thought you were referring to that pandora app where you can dl any song you come across.
I'm talking about downloading btw, not any of the service ones.
I'm talking about apps like these.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ownloader.tool
I'm talking about downloading btw, not any of the service ones.
I'm talking about apps like these.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ownloader.tool
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
It's tiny, light, has fantastic sound, and the battery lasts forever.
imho, If someone doesn't want a smartphone, then getting a smartphone is just annoying. There are some days where I really miss when I could charge my phone once every 10 days or so, and drop it at will.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,082
Likes: 3,683
From: Vancouver BC
Yeah, tell her to get a sansa clip.
It's tiny, light, has fantastic sound, and the battery lasts forever.
imho, If someone doesn't want a smartphone, then getting a smartphone is just annoying. There are some days where I really miss when I could charge my phone once every 10 days or so, and drop it at will.
It's tiny, light, has fantastic sound, and the battery lasts forever.
imho, If someone doesn't want a smartphone, then getting a smartphone is just annoying. There are some days where I really miss when I could charge my phone once every 10 days or so, and drop it at will.
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
Just realized under Google account sync, I have both Google Photos and Google+ Photos. And in the Photos app (Google+ Photos), you can make it so you can see your Drive photos and videos.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
Their 'integration road map' looks like a plate of spaghetti sometimes....
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Just realized under Google account sync, I have both Google Photos and Google+ Photos. And in the Photos app (Google+ Photos), you can make it so you can see your Drive photos and videos.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
Dammit Google, get your brains together and consolidate everything into one app, or just not give like 11ty billion options and confuse everyone.
My short take on the Moto X thus far.
Battery life is amazing. While I've barely had it, I have yet to recharge during the day. My S3 for reference was done by around 5, if not earlier. Currently I'm sitting at 46%. 12H 10M since off the charger with a 2H 31M screen on time. I also always have GPS on, wifi is on most of the time (unless my internet gets stupid slow) I'm synced to two gmail accounts. One of which has every single thing check marked to be synced I think. Brightness auto. I basically dont use any battery saving techniques.
The phone is pretty fast. Its not a huge difference from the S3 as far as opening apps and such. But it I can tell it runs a lot smoother.
The camera sucks in low light. I havent tested it much, but its definitely not too good in low light. The camera OS is really nice though.
I love active notifications. After having the S3, I realized I couldnt get a phone without a notification light. Now I dont think I can get one without active notifications.
Ok Google Now, is an alright experience for me. I have yet been able to consistently nail it. Now I don't know if thats my fault or the phones fault. Since it has the security of recognizing how you say it so it responds to your voice. I dont think I'm saying it consistently or the phone is just bad at picking it up.
The screen is good. Theres nothing super crazy about the screen, but theres nothing bad to say from my point of view.
If theres anything you guys want me to talk about let me know.
I will say this, its like night and day being able to use a phone where you dont need to worry about the charger till you sleep. Its amazing. The drawbacks on this phone, mainly the camera, is worth it. So so so worth it. I mean the best phone is the one that you're able to use.
Battery life is amazing. While I've barely had it, I have yet to recharge during the day. My S3 for reference was done by around 5, if not earlier. Currently I'm sitting at 46%. 12H 10M since off the charger with a 2H 31M screen on time. I also always have GPS on, wifi is on most of the time (unless my internet gets stupid slow) I'm synced to two gmail accounts. One of which has every single thing check marked to be synced I think. Brightness auto. I basically dont use any battery saving techniques.
The phone is pretty fast. Its not a huge difference from the S3 as far as opening apps and such. But it I can tell it runs a lot smoother.
The camera sucks in low light. I havent tested it much, but its definitely not too good in low light. The camera OS is really nice though.
I love active notifications. After having the S3, I realized I couldnt get a phone without a notification light. Now I dont think I can get one without active notifications.
Ok Google Now, is an alright experience for me. I have yet been able to consistently nail it. Now I don't know if thats my fault or the phones fault. Since it has the security of recognizing how you say it so it responds to your voice. I dont think I'm saying it consistently or the phone is just bad at picking it up.
The screen is good. Theres nothing super crazy about the screen, but theres nothing bad to say from my point of view.
If theres anything you guys want me to talk about let me know.
I will say this, its like night and day being able to use a phone where you dont need to worry about the charger till you sleep. Its amazing. The drawbacks on this phone, mainly the camera, is worth it. So so so worth it. I mean the best phone is the one that you're able to use.
here's my short review.
I received the phone on saturday.
the first big change from the nexus 5 is the size.
the little moto x is so cute and tiny!!!
The next thing I noticed is that the screen/display is sub-par to the Nexus 5.
the Nexus 5 just has an extra line(i think) of resolution and it does amazing things for readability and ease of looking in general.
active notifications, its nice, but you could probably mod the nexus phone with roms to emulate active notification.
its really for lazy ass people.
I really wanted to like "okay google now"
but its nothing spectacular.
the nexus 5, I can just say okay google and it will recognize..
okay google now just seems so cumbersome to say.
today was my birthday, so I had lots of notifications and was using the phone heavily.
woke up at 5am with 100% and by 6pm it was at 14% after VERY heavy use.
the nexus 5 would have died by 1pm.
I'll continue to use the moto x for the rest of the week and most likely switching back to the nexus.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
I'm betting my experience is different cause I'm coming from a GS3.IMO you undervalued active notifications. There is an app that can do some of the functionality, but it won't be as great because it won't constantly monitor movement. And active notifications is for the lazy, but it also helps save battery a lot. With messages and emails all day and some group chats that I dont feel like responding too its easy to swipe it away. Your LED notification will keep going off until you turn on the phone pull the notification and swipe it away. And that got really annoying cause I hated having that bright thing going off constantly.
Ohh another positive for active notifications, I rarely use my power button. And when the phone is sitting on the desk and i get a notification, Its just a lot easier to see.
^i love the no touching of the power button!!!!
all i have to do is pick up the phone and it shows the time or any notifications, usually text.
kinda annoying in the car tho, the phone turns itself on (not really on but shows the time) with every jolt
all i have to do is pick up the phone and it shows the time or any notifications, usually text.
kinda annoying in the car tho, the phone turns itself on (not really on but shows the time) with every jolt
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Have you turned on Motorola Assist?? Turn it on. When you're driving it won't do that.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,435
Likes: 1,570
From: Miami, FL
For any Note 2 owners waiting for 4.3 including myself, it looks like Sprint and US Cellular got it a few weeks ago. It rolled out to T-Mobile early last week. That leaves ATT and Verizon. Save to SD card awaits. 
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
I am dumbfounded at the lack of basic functionality of the Google play store.
My RazrM is acting a little slow, so I went on to the play store to see a list of all the apps I have installed on THAT device, and the play store only list ALL the apps I have installed on ANY device. No way to sort them by device. Also, when I search for apps in the store, there is STILL no way to sort by downloads, rating, etc...
My RazrM is acting a little slow, so I went on to the play store to see a list of all the apps I have installed on THAT device, and the play store only list ALL the apps I have installed on ANY device. No way to sort them by device. Also, when I search for apps in the store, there is STILL no way to sort by downloads, rating, etc...
Go Giants
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 70,003
Likes: 1,260
From: PA
I am dumbfounded at the lack of basic functionality of the Google play store.
My RazrM is acting a little slow, so I went on to the play store to see a list of all the apps I have installed on THAT device, and the play store only list ALL the apps I have installed on ANY device. No way to sort them by device. Also, when I search for apps in the store, there is STILL no way to sort by downloads, rating, etc...
My RazrM is acting a little slow, so I went on to the play store to see a list of all the apps I have installed on THAT device, and the play store only list ALL the apps I have installed on ANY device. No way to sort them by device. Also, when I search for apps in the store, there is STILL no way to sort by downloads, rating, etc...
is its still better then it used to be.