Android: Phone News and Discussion Thread
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
It appears that Google has changed something with the Motorola SmartActions app.
For Location Service, I used to be able to leave GPS ON and Verizon and Google location services OFF for privacy reasons and have the SmartActions work properly, but recently I have found that the Google location services (google collects location info on all devices) must be on for it to work properly. Rubbish.
For Location Service, I used to be able to leave GPS ON and Verizon and Google location services OFF for privacy reasons and have the SmartActions work properly, but recently I have found that the Google location services (google collects location info on all devices) must be on for it to work properly. Rubbish.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
Motorola updated their gallery. Looks good. More in line with the UI of Kitkat than even google's gallery.
I saw my first google glass out and about the other day! It didnt remind me of a cyborg or anything. If anything it wasn't really that noticeable.
I saw my first google glass out and about the other day! It didnt remind me of a cyborg or anything. If anything it wasn't really that noticeable.
^^ Same here on HTC One 
, I use to be able get through the day without ever getting down to 20% and now, even with minimal use these days I seem to be hitting 15% warning mark around mid/late afternoon 
, I use to be able get through the day without ever getting down to 20% and now, even with minimal use these days I seem to be hitting 15% warning mark around mid/late afternoon
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,435
Likes: 1,570
From: Miami, FL
I'm considering a 2nd battery but luckily I have chargers at home, work, car. Only place I'm screwed is if I'm at a bar/restaurant. Even my friend who owns the gym I go to has an Android that I can charge my phone with.
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
For figuring out what's killing my phone, I normally use "Better battery stats' but I recently found the REALLY nice "Wakelock detector" by USUMAPPS.
I recently installed OMNI (4.4) onto my N1, and wasn't real happy with overnight drain -
I used those apps and it pointed fingers directly at google+ and phone RILJ.
I froze G+ via titanium backup, and signifigantly reduced RILJ by shutting off location service unless I need it.
(yay, quick settings).
I'm currently losing ~ 1% per hour overnight. Half of that is Wechat, but I've decided to live with that (for now).
Some side battery related comments:
I kinda miss not having a removable battery. Now I almost HAVE to charge since I can't just "let it ride" and then swap batteries if I run out. However, with a smartwatch, using a Anker backup battery is far more practical, since I can charge my phone in my bag and not miss calls/whatever.
I just got one of these little things:
http://dx.com/p/usb-av-usb-power-cur...-silver-235090
( Cheap, but shipping took FOREVER ). And I'm a little shocked at how different USB cables charge differently.
It's like a 2x charge difference in some cases. Also some of my USB wall plugs are totally lying about their output.
You can use apps to check charge rate, but this is a nice quick way to test out different combos.
I recently installed OMNI (4.4) onto my N1, and wasn't real happy with overnight drain -
I used those apps and it pointed fingers directly at google+ and phone RILJ.
I froze G+ via titanium backup, and signifigantly reduced RILJ by shutting off location service unless I need it.
(yay, quick settings).
I'm currently losing ~ 1% per hour overnight. Half of that is Wechat, but I've decided to live with that (for now).
Some side battery related comments:
I kinda miss not having a removable battery. Now I almost HAVE to charge since I can't just "let it ride" and then swap batteries if I run out. However, with a smartwatch, using a Anker backup battery is far more practical, since I can charge my phone in my bag and not miss calls/whatever.
I just got one of these little things:
http://dx.com/p/usb-av-usb-power-cur...-silver-235090
( Cheap, but shipping took FOREVER ). And I'm a little shocked at how different USB cables charge differently.
It's like a 2x charge difference in some cases. Also some of my USB wall plugs are totally lying about their output.
You can use apps to check charge rate, but this is a nice quick way to test out different combos.
I Shoot with a Camera
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 23,082
Likes: 3,683
From: Vancouver BC
question regarding Google Drive... So, I decided to use it since I get 15GB, anyways it says I've used 2.75GB of the 15GB... and most of it is from photos... so, I deleted a bunch of albums, a lot of them were from back when it was Picasa... and the percentage didn't move a bit after I deletion... So, what can I do to simply open up more room?
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
question regarding Google Drive... So, I decided to use it since I get 15GB, anyways it says I've used 2.75GB of the 15GB... and most of it is from photos... so, I deleted a bunch of albums, a lot of them were from back when it was Picasa... and the percentage didn't move a bit after I deletion... So, what can I do to simply open up more room?
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 44,121
Likes: 4,431
From: Mooresville, NC
I got one of the codes. I thought it was only from 3-4pm EST time. No I just have to decide if I actually want to try one out over my S4. I love trying new tech so it is tempting.
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
OK, I need some help.
I am one year into a two year contract with Verizon and my handset is a Motorola XT-907 Razr-M.
The handset is just SO slow and laggy it is nearly unusable.
I use this for work, so I need to be able to email/text/take calls, but it is frustrating me to the point of needing a different option.
I am open to the idea of rooting or replacing, but don't know which would be best. If I replace, I am on the hook for full retail price of a handset right? If I wanted the moto-x, do I have to buy it directly from Verizon? My current handset was purchased through costco.
If I root it, I need to learn up a bit first to make sure I know what I am doing. Would need it to be rock solid stable. I am not one who can be without the phone for a day or two if I screw something up... Any SUPER easy to follow walkthroughs for rooting and putting 4.3/4.4 on a razrM?
I am one year into a two year contract with Verizon and my handset is a Motorola XT-907 Razr-M.
The handset is just SO slow and laggy it is nearly unusable.
I use this for work, so I need to be able to email/text/take calls, but it is frustrating me to the point of needing a different option.
I am open to the idea of rooting or replacing, but don't know which would be best. If I replace, I am on the hook for full retail price of a handset right? If I wanted the moto-x, do I have to buy it directly from Verizon? My current handset was purchased through costco.
If I root it, I need to learn up a bit first to make sure I know what I am doing. Would need it to be rock solid stable. I am not one who can be without the phone for a day or two if I screw something up... Any SUPER easy to follow walkthroughs for rooting and putting 4.3/4.4 on a razrM?
I am open to the idea of rooting or replacing, but don't know which would be best. If I replace, I am on the hook for full retail price of a handset right? If I wanted the moto-x, do I have to buy it directly from Verizon? My current handset was purchased through costco.
If I root it, I need to learn up a bit first to make sure I know what I am doing. Would need it to be rock solid stable. I am not one who can be without the phone for a day or two if I screw something up... Any SUPER easy to follow walkthroughs for rooting and putting 4.3/4.4 on a razrM?
the moto x can be bought for Verizon at the moto x builder website.
i would not recommend rooting.
rooting/custom roms are usually not dependable.
you'll have new features but at the expense of trade offs
I'm Down Right Fierce!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 40
From: Irvine, CA
Stogie,
To Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2623380
However... Rooting alone won't improve your phone's performance - it does however let you use certain apps that could improve your performance (like using Titanium Back Up to freeze unused apps/process).
In order to install a 4.3/4.4 ROM you'll need to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery... but from what I'm reading, if you're on the latest bootloader version 9.18.94 then you won't be able to unlock.
I guess Verizon flashed some new motherboard firmware for the Razr M, so the only way to unlock if you've taken an OTA update is to physically replace the phones motherboard with one that has the original firmware on it.
And no, you don't have to buy the Moto X directly from Verizon - you can buy it elsewhere and then call verizon or go into a brick and mortar and have them activate it.
If you have pre 9.18.94 firmware, you might as well try out a different rom to see if you get better performance.
If you already have 9.18.94 firmware, try a full factory reset or buy the Moto X.
To Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2623380
However... Rooting alone won't improve your phone's performance - it does however let you use certain apps that could improve your performance (like using Titanium Back Up to freeze unused apps/process).
In order to install a 4.3/4.4 ROM you'll need to unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery... but from what I'm reading, if you're on the latest bootloader version 9.18.94 then you won't be able to unlock.
I guess Verizon flashed some new motherboard firmware for the Razr M, so the only way to unlock if you've taken an OTA update is to physically replace the phones motherboard with one that has the original firmware on it.
And no, you don't have to buy the Moto X directly from Verizon - you can buy it elsewhere and then call verizon or go into a brick and mortar and have them activate it.
If you have pre 9.18.94 firmware, you might as well try out a different rom to see if you get better performance.
If you already have 9.18.94 firmware, try a full factory reset or buy the Moto X.
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 44,121
Likes: 4,431
From: Mooresville, NC
If you are going to buy a Moto X Stogie and don't want to get a new contract I got two codes the other day from the Moto deal. I can send you one. They expire Monday at Midnight. Still trying to figure out if I am going to get one myself.
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
Thx CCC.
I just ran a bunch of cleaner/killing apps and it may be that something was running that was slowing it. Still not as fast as I want, but it may hold up. Now have the clean/kill apps set to run hourly.
I just ran a bunch of cleaner/killing apps and it may be that something was running that was slowing it. Still not as fast as I want, but it may hold up. Now have the clean/kill apps set to run hourly.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 18,070
Likes: 1,435
From: NYC
(Reuters) - China's Lenovo Group is nearing a deal to buy Google Inc's Motorola handset division for close to $3 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday, buying its way into a heavily competitive U.S. handset market dominated by Apple Inc.
Lenovo is in the final stages of talks to buy the Google division that makes the Moto X and Moto G smartphones, as well as certain patents, the sources said.
A sale of Motorola would mark the end of Google's short-lived foray into making mobile devices and a pullback from its largest-ever acquisition. Google bought the U.S. cellphone giant in 2012 for $12.5 billion but has struggled to revamp the money-losing business.
It also would mark Lenovo's second major deal on U.S. soil in a week, as it angles to get a foothold in major global computing markets. The Chinese electronics company last week announced a deal to buy IBM's low-end server business for $2.3 billion in what was China's biggest technology deal thus far.
An announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.
The Chinese firm will use a combination of cash and stock as well as deferred payments to finance the deal with Google, the people said, asking not to be named because the matter is not public.
Lenovo is being advised by Credit Suisse Group while Lazard Ltd advised Google on the transaction, the people said.
Representatives for Google, Lenovo, Credit Suisse and Lazard did not respond to requests for comment or declined to comment.
Lenovo is in the final stages of talks to buy the Google division that makes the Moto X and Moto G smartphones, as well as certain patents, the sources said.
A sale of Motorola would mark the end of Google's short-lived foray into making mobile devices and a pullback from its largest-ever acquisition. Google bought the U.S. cellphone giant in 2012 for $12.5 billion but has struggled to revamp the money-losing business.
It also would mark Lenovo's second major deal on U.S. soil in a week, as it angles to get a foothold in major global computing markets. The Chinese electronics company last week announced a deal to buy IBM's low-end server business for $2.3 billion in what was China's biggest technology deal thus far.
An announcement could come as soon as Wednesday.
The Chinese firm will use a combination of cash and stock as well as deferred payments to finance the deal with Google, the people said, asking not to be named because the matter is not public.
Lenovo is being advised by Credit Suisse Group while Lazard Ltd advised Google on the transaction, the people said.
Representatives for Google, Lenovo, Credit Suisse and Lazard did not respond to requests for comment or declined to comment.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 18,070
Likes: 1,435
From: NYC
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 52,768
Likes: 2,000
From: Phoenix, AZ
like back to the way it was out of the box? might be a good idea, then reinstall apps...
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
Also, The sale of Motorola to Lenovo is official.
Though after taking into account tax breaks and loopholes, Google might have actually profited $1.5 billion from selling Moto, and they still get to keep the majority of Moto's patents and make more money from licensing them to Lenovo.
Fascinating deal. Just sucks they have to remove "a Google company" from the brand now. I'm more interested to see what Lenovo is going to do with the Moto designs vs. their own Lenovo phones. Lenovo might also be able to reduce the costs of making smartphones due to their vast resources and factories that reach around the world... hopefully this means cheaper out-of-contract costs for future Moto/Lenovo phones. Not to mention, their reach into the China smartphone market.
The amount of racial hate by Americans following this deal on the internet right now is alarming, yet not surprising.
Last edited by TSXy Luster; Jan 29, 2014 at 04:49 PM.
I'm Down Right Fierce!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,953
Likes: 40
From: Irvine, CA
^ Can't say I'm surprised. Google's purchase of Motorola was surprising at first to me... that is until I realized Google's real incentive - those patents that Motorola held.
Now they've sold off Motorola and are only giving up the Moto X and the Moto G, while retaining virtually all of Moto's patents.
Not really worried about Motorola being owned by Lenovo. Motorola has always made great phones with solid internal components. Only bad thing about their phones used to be Motoblur, which has been toned down to pretty much stock android.
Now they've sold off Motorola and are only giving up the Moto X and the Moto G, while retaining virtually all of Moto's patents.
Not really worried about Motorola being owned by Lenovo. Motorola has always made great phones with solid internal components. Only bad thing about their phones used to be Motoblur, which has been toned down to pretty much stock android.
Goodbye.
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,308
Likes: 584
From: BroCal
I think a lot of people are clouded in their assessment over this, either by blind fanboism, racism, or both. Google is not a stupid company. They know what they are doing. Here is a simple breakdown:
Google buys Moto for 12.5 billion.
Sells set top boxes for 2.35 billion.
Keeps 5.5 billion in patents.
Keep 2.9 billion cash holdings that Moto had at time of purchase.
Save 2.4 billion in tax benefits at about 700 mill a year.
... and sells Motorola Mobility for 2.91 billion.
After all this is said and done, Google still made a profit and benefited from the short ownership of Motorola.
Google buys Moto for 12.5 billion.
Sells set top boxes for 2.35 billion.
Keeps 5.5 billion in patents.
Keep 2.9 billion cash holdings that Moto had at time of purchase.
Save 2.4 billion in tax benefits at about 700 mill a year.
... and sells Motorola Mobility for 2.91 billion.
After all this is said and done, Google still made a profit and benefited from the short ownership of Motorola.
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
Stoog, rooting and installing a custom rom on my Dad's phone kinda helped...
the custom roms are usually smaller in size and dont take up all of the ram and dont have bloatware which most out of the box OS's have....
I wouldnt expect a miracle but it will still feel like an upgrade...even the battery life felt better on my Dad's phone...
while selecting a ROM, do select a stable version...I was trying out the CM experimental version on my original note and WOW, I have never had to force reboot a phone sooo many times....
currently I am running Knoxraid on my Note 3 and WOW...its a wayyyy better OS experience...the battery seems 'stronger', all the bloatware which ATT and Samsung put on it is gone....Love it
the custom roms are usually smaller in size and dont take up all of the ram and dont have bloatware which most out of the box OS's have....
I wouldnt expect a miracle but it will still feel like an upgrade...even the battery life felt better on my Dad's phone...
while selecting a ROM, do select a stable version...I was trying out the CM experimental version on my original note and WOW, I have never had to force reboot a phone sooo many times....
currently I am running Knoxraid on my Note 3 and WOW...its a wayyyy better OS experience...the battery seems 'stronger', all the bloatware which ATT and Samsung put on it is gone....Love it
Moderator
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Regional Coordinator (Southeast)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 44,121
Likes: 4,431
From: Mooresville, NC
Maybe I should buy the X after all to have one of the two Google built Moto products.
I am however excited that this might finally mean some Lenovo phones in the US.
I am however excited that this might finally mean some Lenovo phones in the US.
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
^^^ I am eager waiting on a wearable device from Google...
I have the MotoActv and its an awesome little device....if Google got all the patents, the watch might not be too far off
I have the MotoActv and its an awesome little device....if Google got all the patents, the watch might not be too far off
Moderator Alumnus
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,295
Likes: 121
From: Ronkonkoma, NY
Get rid of the bloat of whatever random test apps you were playing with.
There are various apps you can use to just monitor CPU usage of apps.
Auto zapping programs are just stall tactics.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 28,435
Likes: 1,570
From: Miami, FL
I think a lot of people are clouded in their assessment over this, either by blind fanboism, racism, or both. Google is not a stupid company. They know what they are doing. Here is a simple breakdown:
Google buys Moto for 12.5 billion.
Sells set top boxes for 2.35 billion.
Keeps 5.5 billion in patents.
Keep 2.9 billion cash holdings that Moto had at time of purchase.
Save 2.4 billion in tax benefits at about 700 mill a year.
... and sells Motorola Mobility for 2.91 billion.
After all this is said and done, Google still made a profit and benefited from the short ownership of Motorola.
Google buys Moto for 12.5 billion.
Sells set top boxes for 2.35 billion.
Keeps 5.5 billion in patents.
Keep 2.9 billion cash holdings that Moto had at time of purchase.
Save 2.4 billion in tax benefits at about 700 mill a year.
... and sells Motorola Mobility for 2.91 billion.
After all this is said and done, Google still made a profit and benefited from the short ownership of Motorola.
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30,994
Likes: 4,733
From: Kansas City, MO
I am thinking of buying my sis another phone (no contracts, unlocked phone, as she is back in India)
I was gonna go with the Nexus 5....any other options that you guys might suggest?
She is not much into rooting and installing custom rom, however, she does like utilize a smartphone for what its worth....
I was gonna go with the Nexus 5....any other options that you guys might suggest?
She is not much into rooting and installing custom rom, however, she does like utilize a smartphone for what its worth....
werd
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 15,079
Likes: 16
I am thinking of buying my sis another phone (no contracts, unlocked phone, as she is back in India)
I was gonna go with the Nexus 5....any other options that you guys might suggest?
She is not much into rooting and installing custom rom, however, she does like utilize a smartphone for what its worth....
I was gonna go with the Nexus 5....any other options that you guys might suggest?
She is not much into rooting and installing custom rom, however, she does like utilize a smartphone for what its worth....
It's waterproof, has a bunch of good specs, and a good size. It feels great in my hand too, nice and solid.
I forgot how to embed here
just got my unlock code for my tablet.