UKBouldering.com

technical => computers, technology and the internet => Topic started by: Paul B on January 10, 2011, 01:06:31 am

Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 10, 2011, 01:06:31 am
I've just received my HTC Wildfire and I'm truly amazed by what it can do and the benefits of being able to access the internet/emails almost anyway. BUT like firefox it seems like there's endless room for customisation of how you want things to work.

Can anyone flag any must have (preferably free) Android apps/widgets much like the firefox thread (or the hold "100 add ons for power users")?

Best way to integrate Gmail, blogs, twitter, music etc would be great! Also, has anyone carried out either the Wildpuzzlerom update or Cynaogenmod (sp?)? The former seems to allow overclocking which (apart from voiding the warranty) doesn't seem such a bad thing?

Can the bouldering POI's be used in conjunction with googlemaps and hence the GPS?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 10, 2011, 06:47:02 am
In vague order (fucking login bug just logged me out when going to post this, grrr)

Social Media

Plume (ex Touitouer)
Posterous (for longer blogging posts to Posterous)
Last.fm (for scrobbling music listened to)

General Phone

Tasker (by Crafty Apps, one of the few apps I've bought, allows you to set profiles for your phone, actions based on time/events, very very handy, takes some time to learn how to use though).
3gWatchdog (monitor 3g data uasge)
Android Terminal Emulator (get to the command prompt on your phone)
Bluetooth File Transfer (by Medieval Software)
File Manager (by Adao Team)
PhoneUsage (monitor all phone usage)
WiFi Analyzer (by farproc, great, helps suggest alternative channels for best wifi)
Network Discovery / ConnectBot (two apps that together allow ssh'ing to computers on network your connected to)
Dropbox
Skype

Google Shit
Shazam (never ask what a tune is again, brilliant)
Google Shopper (scan bar-code/take a picture it goes and finds online prices)
Google Voice Search (pretty damn good if background noise isn't too great)
Google Maps (install from market place for beta version with navigation)
GDocs (unofficial Google Documents client, there is no official app/client for Android which is a bit of a short-coming)
Places Directory

Games
Othello Reversi (by spwebgames.com)
Frozen Bubble
Jewels

Misc
FBReader (read free books from Guttenberg and more)
BBC News (by Jim Blacker, nice quick & easy news interface)
MPDroid (control and playback music on computer/server that is being played with Music Payer Daemon (http://mpd.wikia.com/wiki/Music_Player_Daemon_Wiki), no need to for Squeezebox shit, this does it all instead  :thumbsup:)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 10, 2011, 10:41:50 am
I've just received my HTC Wildfire and I'm truly amazed by what it can do and the benefits of being able to access the internet/emails almost anyway.
Welcome to 2011  ;D
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 10, 2011, 10:46:26 am
Handcent for text messaging.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 10, 2011, 10:47:28 am
Forgot a couple of other important apps...

Climbing

Bowderstone topo (http://www.thesend.co.uk/apps/bowderstone.php)
Minus Ten topo (http://www.thesend.co.uk/apps/minus10.php)

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 10, 2011, 01:30:38 pm
Welcome to 2011  ;D

Shouldn't that be welcome to 2010, I'm sure by now I'm already well behind.

Do you just use the standard mail widget for your gmail and not the app?

Have you enabled that tracking thing in case its lost/stolen?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Zods Beard on January 10, 2011, 02:04:51 pm
Myplayer is pretty good, basically iplayer for the mobile, watch your download limit tho. Advanced Task Killer free is good for saving battery life. And Google Sky Maps is a pretty good toy too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 10, 2011, 02:15:44 pm
Myplayer is pretty good, basically iplayer for the mobile, watch your download limit tho.

iPlayer support should be native under 2.2 (http://www.talkandroid.com/4560-bbc-iplayer-streaming-comes-to-android-2-2-phones/) (if thats whats on your Wildfire)

Advanced Task Killer free is good for saving battery life.

Its a misconception that you need to kill tasks all the time (and one I had until I realised that actually under the hood Android is still Linux).

\begin{long boring geeky explanation}
The one time you need to do it is if a program has gone awry and is using all of the CPU, you do not have to worry about killing programs just to free up RAM in the hope of saving energy/extending battery life.

Android is running a Linux kernel and the way Linux handles memory is to allow a program to have its memory space whilst its running, when the program ends it still sits in memory using up the space it used, so it may appear that you have no memory left and you think you'll improve performance by killing some of those programs that are sitting in RAM using it up but not being used by you.  But Linux has been designed to do this on purpose, if you restart a program, e.g. a web-browser, its already in memory and starts up quicker.  But what about when a new program is started and there isn't enough free RAM I hear you ask, well thats not a problem, because at that point the kernel glances at whats in RAM, checks to see whats actually being used and kicks out that program which is sat there and not being used, freeing up enough RAM for the new program.

Thus you don't actually need to waste your time actively killing programs you've exited just to free up RAM, because it won't make any difference to performance as the kernel is very good at managing RAM.

My Linux systems (one with 6Gb and one with 8Gb RAM) regularly have close to 0% of RAM free, but I never experience any delay/lag in opening up new programs or with general usability.

And to get to the crux, stuff sat in memory doesn't use any power, stuff using the CPU will do.  If you've apps running that you don't want stop them from starting up in the first place, otherwise you'll be forever trying to kill them. (See under Settings somewhere, kind of depends on which app, some have settings within the app, I found ShopSavvy always started up on its own and sat there, never use it so deleted it).
\end{long boring geeky explanation}

You can read an article on this specifically about Android task managers here (http://lifehacker.com/5650894/).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Stubbs on January 10, 2011, 02:20:35 pm
Not sure how it works on the other handsets, but on the Desire you can just go settings>applications>manage applications and force close anything that's going wrong there, so you don't even need to install an ap to do it for you.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 12:56:48 am
On a tip-off from Dobbin I looked into:

Swype - which is in closed beta although they seem to be still giving trial beta packages out? Anyway this seems to be beyond my phones res (hopefully QVGA won't be totally ignored for the next year or so!).

Instead I found:

SlideIT - identical apart from being a bit less slick to look at. Allows you to input text without taking your finger off and as Dobalob points out "the world text message record is from an android phone using swype!"
Where's my droid? - in case you lose it or its stolen, send a txt to turn it off silent and ring or alternatively to turn GPS on and send you back the location and a google maps link

(http://[url=http://simonwoodside.com/weblog/images/2006/fast_show-fantastic.png]http://simonwoodside.com/weblog/images/2006/fast_show-fantastic.png[/url])
"ain't technology brilliant?"
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 13, 2011, 08:24:08 am
More importantly have you got Angry Birds working yet?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 12:53:07 pm
More importantly have you got Angry Birds working yet?

yes, lock and then unlock on the screen that freezes. Its a bit laggy still.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 13, 2011, 01:55:09 pm
Thats reminded me of another app feature I use all the time, the screen lock and set to require a pattern to unlock.

Tried any of the other suggested apps?  Get on with them/found any of them useful?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 13, 2011, 01:57:52 pm
Is this thread just for Android apps or would I get slated (in the usual - you've got an Ifern way) for putting on some Ifern ones?  :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 02:01:12 pm
yes:
Barcode
Shazam
obviously my suggestions are on there - note modifications to Android 2.2 has stopped apps being able to directly change system settings as some were doing "naughty things" as google put it. That means that where's my droid etc. won't be able to turn GPS on via a text in the new/current version. Shame.
Stuck with SlideIT demo as my keyboard for now, swype haven't got anything out for QVGA and they didn't seem to have anything new to suggest as of last night.

I'm currently trying to work out the bestway to use the thing as a satnav?

On the tomtom I have, it has the UKB POI's and also the speed camera database, preferably I'd like both. There seems to be:

EZCAM - paid for
CamerAlert - closed beta by pocketgpsworld... Jim to the rescue?

Also, has anyone got anything revolutionary for forum browsing?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 13, 2011, 02:08:03 pm
In that case :P to you all. I'm going to go off in a huff and have a pint with Sloper....
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 13, 2011, 04:46:59 pm
I'm currently trying to work out the bestway to use the thing as a satnav?

On the tomtom I have, it has the UKB POI's and also the speed camera database, preferably I'd like both. There seems to be:

I think you need to install Google Maps from Market place to Google Navigate as its still in Beta stage.

With regards to POI's you'd likely need to start with converting to Google Maps KML format, whether the Android app recognises these I've no idea.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 13, 2011, 05:08:09 pm
get sygic mobile maps 10 for android available form the usual places, seems to work ok. not sure if it supports custom poi's
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 05:42:31 pm
I think you need to install Google Maps from Market place to Google Navigate as its still in Beta stage.

Pre-installed on my ROM  :shrug:

Jim - does that support speed camera's and poi's? Do you use it?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 13, 2011, 05:50:21 pm
Why if people want something for free don't they use what is available for free instead of taking software for which the vendors are expecting remuneration and not paying?  EDIT : £20 for GPS navigation on your phone sounds like a bargain to me, especially as you can try before you buy!

If something isn't available for free that suggests a hole in the market so time to get coding!

Or you could hire someone to do it for you (http://www.odesk.com/).

And no, I don't d/l films or albums (just mixes from themixingbowl.org)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 09:35:39 pm
lets leave that can of worms sealed  :please:

Getting pretty p*ssed off with Swype. It required you to download an installer apk and then that would install the keyboard. I did the former and then get the error re: screen res so uninstalled. Now annoyingly the phone keeps re-downing the installer app, does anyone have a clue how/why or more importantly how I  :spank: it from doing so.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 13, 2011, 09:47:39 pm
not familiar with android tbh, have you tried restarting the phone/taking the battery out etc..?
I presume you have. try going into some sort of program/app managment thing and try to remove/delete this swype
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 13, 2011, 10:03:06 pm
Thats the thing, I used the app manager to get rid of it. I've rebooted and hassled the developers so we'll see.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 14, 2011, 01:33:02 am
No new installers as of yet  :thumbsup:

More to add:

Doubletwist (Free)- Desktop client that syncs with itunes library automatically on opening so you don't have to use it all of the time, this pairs with an itunes like app and widget for android with all of the usual ipod functionality (bar genius).
AirSync (Not Free) - goes hand in hand with the above and allows wireless sync'ing of your library albeit not rocketship quick. You don't get the large widget until you buy this.

I tried to install an Orb client for the ReadyNAS duo so I could stream all of my media wherever I was but unfortunately it doesn't like my model (Duo). Now I know that the NAS has DLNA and uPnP capability but I'm damned if I know what that actually translates to.

Streaming media anywhere should still be possible somehow? I really do like the idea of being able to watch for instance - west coast gimps, streaming in a completely inappropriate environment (i.e. somewhere public).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 14, 2011, 07:06:07 pm
Bloody hell. Swype is awesome!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 16, 2011, 03:37:50 pm
Bloody hell. Swype is awesome!

SlideIT isn't bad either. Turns out the installer re-downloading was due to the browser being on the DL page, at each re-sync it refreshed and started downloading.

I'm having a bit of a 'mare trying to get my contacts list working properly:

If you link the devil that is facebook you end up with a fair few unecessary contact numbers, on 'People' this can be turned off and contacts still linked with FB profiles which is perfect. Unfortunately as soon as you flick over to messages you don't get such an option and its back to a useless flood?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Drew on January 16, 2011, 10:49:30 pm
Does anybody know if there's a decent version of Sleep Cycle for Android? Looking for sonething which measures my sleeping pattern, and wakes me up at a suitable time.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 16, 2011, 11:31:36 pm
Sleep as an droid?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 18, 2011, 05:41:35 pm
If you are using the stock rom on the wildfire, then the first thing you want to do is put on another rom which is rooted or just root the stock rom manually..

Either way you will need a custom recovery image...

http://unrevoked.com/#wildfire (http://unrevoked.com/#wildfire)

Info:
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/unrevoked3 (http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/unrevoked3)


Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 18, 2011, 05:55:04 pm
If you are using the stock rom on the wildfire, then the first thing you want to do is put on another rom which is rooted or just root the stock rom manually..

Because?
I spend quite a lot of time mucking around with tech, is there any advantage in doing so? I quite like HTC sense so far and it doesn't seem to struggle with much unless I'm streaming to it and trying to do other tasks.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 18, 2011, 05:57:04 pm
I spend quite a lot of time mucking around breaking with tech.

 :whistle:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 18, 2011, 06:38:52 pm
look here and get a new rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=678 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=678)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 18, 2011, 09:55:25 pm
look here and get a new rom
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=678 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=678)

From what I've seen there are tonne's of pitfalls in doing this. Lots of the threads include features that won't work or reported instabilities (in browsers etc.). Which are you using Jim?
I can see it from the geeky aspect and fiddling for fiddlings sake but beyond that?

Plus, as the first thing I did was update to Official Froyo 2.2  I'm reading that unrevoked won't work.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tommytwotone on January 18, 2011, 10:21:58 pm
Without having seen this thread I got hold of SlideIT the other day - great little app, though it has taken me a little while to get used to it!

Good shout from Slackers on Plume, used it for a year now in it's previous incarnation / as Plume.

A few I've got on my HTC:

Xkcd viewer app
Cricinfo app (live scores etc)
TuneIn Radio (for TMS, though streaming so watch bandwidth again)

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 07:22:11 am
From what I've seen, the majority of Android users who rooted their phones were doing so to get a version of 2.2 (or similar) before it was available on their device / network.

Seems a bit / completely pointless if you already have Froyo 2.2 unless of course you like "faffing about for the sake of it" or are a super geek who's already trying to find a version of Gingerbread 2.3 (as pointed out by Dobbin) or perhaps Ice Cream 4.0 (http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/android-4-0-to-be-called-ice-cream-planned-for-2011-902157)

 ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 19, 2011, 07:52:23 am
Whens ChickenDhansak (4.3) due out?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 08:00:12 am
Probably around the same time you're spending £700 on an iphone 5.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 08:25:44 am
 :lol:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 19, 2011, 08:51:28 am
Probably around the same time you're spending £700 on an iphone 5.

At least I'm not wasting days updating it to chickendrumstick 7.0..  :P
Man, even jailbreaking this thing only took 1 min..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 08:56:52 am
From what I've seen there are tonne's of pitfalls in doing this. Lots of the threads include features that won't work or reported instabilities (in browsers etc.).

I'm using CyanogenMod (http://www.cyanogenmod.com/) on my phone.  All they do for their ROM's is to take the stock android code and improve it, either by removing restrictions  adding features and optimisations.

The team that make this are more professional about the code they include than any software development company I've ever worked in.  They have a code review system where each commit is discussed and vetted prior to inclusion coupled with nightly builds to continually gain feedback on the development progress.

Even the nightly builds are more stable then the stock firmware the phone shipped with and the battery life is at least 1.5x what it was - on a smart phone then that makes it worthwhile on its own for me even without the multitude of other features.

The full list of changes is here (https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_vendor_cyanogen/blob/gingerbread/CHANGELOG.mkdn):

Step by step instructions here (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=HTC_Wildfire:_Full_Update_Guide)


Plus, as the first thing I did was update to Official Froyo 2.2  I'm reading that unrevoked won't work.

Sounds like that's the case currently, though it looks like they will be fixing that soon: http://twitter.com/unrevoked/status/24492360310198272 (http://twitter.com/unrevoked/status/24492360310198272)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 08:58:46 am
Probably around the same time you're spending £700 on an iphone 5.

At least I'm not wasting days updating it to chickendrumstick 7.0..  :P
Man, even jailbreaking this thing only took 1 min..

Keep up (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,12028.msg294459.html#msg294459).  ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 09:19:15 am
The team that make this are more professional about the code they include than any software development company I've ever worked in.  They have a code review system where each commit is discussed and vetted prior to inclusion coupled with nightly builds to continually gain feedback on the development progress.

Much like many open-source software projects then (e.g. the linux kernel (http://www.kernel.org), Xfce (http://www.xfce.org), Gentoo (http://www.gentoo.org)).


Even the nightly builds are more stable then the stock firmware the phone shipped with and the battery life is at least 1.5x what it was - on a smart phone then that makes it worthwhile on its own for me even without the multitude of other features.

So the battery lasts 1.5 days and you now have to charge it in the middle of the day.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 09:37:21 am
If you are using the stock rom on the wildfire, then the first thing you want to do is put on another rom which is rooted or just root the stock rom manually..

Because?
I spend quite a lot of time mucking around with tech, is there any advantage in doing so? I quite like HTC sense so far and it doesn't seem to struggle with much unless I'm streaming to it and trying to do other tasks.

The main reason is to remove all the shite that you don't want or use on your phone - this will dramatically increase the battery life. My missus has the wildfire. She was on stock vodafone 2.1 rom, since changing her over to a custom rom (Modaco 2.2.1 custom, baked in kitchen), her battery life has almost doubled. (still using sense ui which she likes - I hate)

Most carriers o2/Vodafone etc will add their own 'bloatware' into the stock ROM which HTC release, custom apps like Vodafone live and My o2 etc. Do you really want stuff like this? Or Facebook/youtube etc. - do you use them all? You can only remove apps with root access on your handset.

The biggest advantage of using a custom recovery image is that you can flash custom roms, but you get to back up your handset with Nandroid. Nandroid takes a complete snapshot of your phone so you can save the backup files to your pc. If you lose your phone or break it and need to get it swapped out, you can get the new handset restored to exactly how it looks now, all settings, history, apps etc etc in a matter of minutes rather than spending hours tweaking it and configuring it all again. Also if you install a new rom and it looks shite you can just go straight back to your old rom with Nandroid...

Anyway, you may find you are happy with your handset and the battery life as it is now. Battery life is a big thing for me, it may not be for you.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 09:45:07 am
Back to great android apps...

Here is my current home screen:

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5369708390_7881ccd237.jpg)

The best apps I use are:

Astro - easily the best file manager out there
Extended controls - brilliant app to switch stuff on/off - network/gps/usb/airplane mode etc
Camera 360 - much better than the stock camera app, tons of options
SetCPU - overclock/underclock your processor (currently underclocking to increase battery life)
Dimmer - change your screen brightness to 10 rather than 30 the minimum that Android allows
Root explorer - easily make changes to the OS
Demo player/Rock player - play divx/avi/mkv files without needing to convert them
Xscope 6 - chrome like browser

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 10:05:15 am
The main reason is to remove all the shite that you don't want or use on your phone - this will dramatically increase the battery life. My missus has the wildfire. She was on stock vodafone 2.2 rom, since changing her over to a custom rom (Modaco 2.2.1 custom, baked in kitchen), her battery life has almost doubled. (still using sense ui which she likes - I hate)

Most carriers o2/Vodafone etc will add their own 'bloatware' into the stock ROM which HTC release, custom apps like Vodafone live and My o2 etc. Do you really want stuff like this? Or Facebook/youtube etc. - do you use them all? You can only remove apps with root access on your handset.

I could say the same about PCs when you buy them. They invariably come M$-Windows on, and will have various unnecessary and unused pieces of software.  So really everyone should ditch their default OS and install the penguin (after all, the kernel and OS that underpins your phone is running it (gain access with the Terminal Emulator (https://github.com/jackpal/Android-Terminal-Emulator/wiki) app).


Anyway, you may find you are happy with your handset and the battery life as it is now. Battery life is a big thing for me, it may not be for you.

Battery life may well be a big thing, but I think its just as easy to change your behaviour as it is to try eeking out a few more hours from a single charge.  I'd guess that most of us spend the majority of our working day sat in front of a computer, in which case the sensible thing to do if you are worried about battery life is to take your phone out of your pocket and plug it into a USB port to keep it charged (at no cost to yourself either  ;)).  Do the same overnight if you're worried.  Get a phone charger for your car so it charges when your driving around.  I'm yet to run out of battery once in over a year.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 19, 2011, 10:23:42 am
plenty of reasons mentioned why to use custom roms, good apps built it, bloatware shite removed, genuine feedback from users, regular updates. not sure about android but on win mobile htc phones you have to install hardspl which basically means you can't brick your phone (ie its always recoverable).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 10:31:31 am
I must have been lucky as there doesn't appear to be any bloatware shite from T-mobile on my Hero other than their splash screen at boot.  Nothing like Vodafone live of My O2.

Apps I can install myself from market place.

As I've said elsewhere (and PaulB echoed below) I spend enough time tinkering with two desktop/servers, a laptop, two routers (one router, one bridge), two NAS's, a PS3 and the most time consuming of all, resolving wife's computing woes.  Adding a phone on top of that isn't something I'm bothered about personally.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Stubbs on January 19, 2011, 10:33:04 am
I find it really interesting how hard some people want their smart phones to work for them.  I phone, text, email, go on the interweb and use maps, and that's about all I'm interested in, and my Desire does all of these things very well without me having messed around with it at all.  If I want to listen to music I still carry my ipod as that's what it was made for and I therefore don't waste the batteries on my phone, it also works very well as an extenal HD if I have a requirement to carry files around (rare).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 10:45:02 am
I must have been lucky as there doesn't appear to be any bloatware shite from T-mobile on my Hero other than their splash screen at boot.  Nothing like Vodafone live of My O2.

Me too. I don't even get an O2 splashscreen.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 11:00:23 am
Adding a phone on top of that isn't something I'm bothered about personally.

Exactly - it's horses for courses. If you are happy with how your phone functions, then leave as is. If not, change it...(but to change it, you need root access  :P)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 11:09:12 am
It does amuse me that there are quite a few people hankering over tweaking what is essentially GNU/Linux on their phone and raving about how great it is, yet still using M$-Windoze on their desktops/laptops.

All these tweaks for efficiency are available under GNU/Linux if you custom compile your own kernel so its not bloated with drivers/modules for hardware that you don't have (its really not that hard and you just can't do anything with the kernel that M$ provide), and if you go for a source based distribution like Gentoo (http://www.gentoo.org) or Arch Linux (http://www.archlinux.org) you custom compile each application with the functionality that you want, reducing bloat further.

But then people are probably too busy tweaking their phone to be bothered with their other computers :P

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 11:22:16 am
I'm not tweaking anything cos I know I'll Bennett it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 19, 2011, 11:30:16 am
I'm not tweaking anything cos I know I'll Bennett it.

 ;D

bennett

verb ( DAMAGE )
[I or T] to (cause something to) stop working by being damaged

e.g.
The dish fell to the floor and bennetted.
Charles is always bennetting things.
She fell and bennetted her arm (= broke the bone in her arm).
I dropped the vase and it bennetted into pieces.
I think I've bennetted your cassette player.
We heard the sound of bennetting glass.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 11:31:04 am
I'm not tweaking anything cos I know I'll Bennett it.

Even if you could make it look like a gay-phone?   ???

Android 2.2 ROM MIUI for Desire and Nexus One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or-9T44Bt7M#ws)


Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 19, 2011, 11:33:13 am
many of the custom roms are far superior to stock roms. it doesn't have to take loads of time and its not something you need to constantly mess with. generally the phone will run faster/smoother and have longer battery life
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 11:41:02 am
many of the custom roms are far superior to stock roms. it doesn't have to take loads of time and its not something you need to constantly mess with. generally the phone will run faster/smoother and have longer battery life

Any links to performance stats to qualify "custom roms" > "stock roms"?  Where are you and Tris getting your data from (case-studies not permissible)? 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 11:49:31 am
Where are you and Tris getting your data from (case-studies not permissible)?

Pretty sure if you put that into Google you would get some stats..

I use the feedback of literally thousands of people on the XDA/Modaco/android forums who have swapped from stock to custom roms and seen improvements... oh and my own experience too..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 11:52:51 am
Any links to performance stats to qualify "custom roms" > "stock roms"?  Where are you and Tris getting your data from (case-studies not permissible)?

Not exactly performance stats - though there are plenty of benchmarking apps out there if you can be arsed -  but the list of enhancements below suggests to me that that one is > stock android.  A quick play would probably convince you of that too.

https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_vendor_cyanogen/blob/gingerbread/CHANGELOG.mkdn

That and the general +ve reports from various forums.

For someone that seems to spend alot of time in the world of Linux tinkering/geekiness you do seem to have a -ve vibe about tinkering with phones  :kiss1:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 11:55:32 am
Even if you could make it look like a gay-phone?   ???

I'm sure this was linked somewhere else on the site but it seems like an appropriate article here...

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/science-%26-technology/iphone-v-android-debate-%27not-important%27-201101173436/ (http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/science-%26-technology/iphone-v-android-debate-%27not-important%27-201101173436/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 19, 2011, 12:06:37 pm
Its kind of amusing to see people posting and eulogising about all the great apps they've got on their phones, when a year or two ago some (of the same I suspect) people were very pisstaking about all the Ifern apps talk...  :whistle:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 19, 2011, 12:31:40 pm
i have gone from branded to stock to custom roms many times on several phones and custom wins by miles everytime. if you look at the forums there are always people with plenty of spare time benchmarking various roms.
i normally go for a tweaked stock look rom
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 12:35:42 pm
Pretty sure if you put that into Google you would get some stats..

In case you hadn't noticed when I state/claim something I take the time to provide links to qualify what I've said so that you and others can go and read it and form your own opinion.  Shame you aren't willing to do the same.

So a bit of googling and we have

Cyanogenmod claim "better performance" (http://) but have no data to back it up.

A whopping 1% improvement (http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/02/phone-performance-rooted-vs-stock/) in floating point calculations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LINPACK) and hang on a huge 11% improvement when benchmarked using Quadrant for benchmarking (http://www.aurorasoftworks.com/products/quadrant) (worth remembering that RAM usage under linux, i.e. Android OS does NOT affect performance/battery life (http://lifehacker.com/5650894/)).


I use the feedback of literally thousands of people on the XDA/Modaco/android forums who have swapped from stock to custom roms and seen improvements... oh and my own experience too..

You can "see" an effect if your expecting it, note the comment in above benchmarking about "feels" faster rather than actually being faster.  (Viz. placebo effect, herd mentality and other things discussed in the excellent Irrationality (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Irrationality-Stuart-Sutherland/dp/1905177070) that Lucy A and lagers put me onto a while back).

Until I see hard evidence I'm not convinced there is any advantage and as I wrote its just as simple to change your behaviour to keep your phone charged up than trying to eek out an extra hour or so from a single charge.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 19, 2011, 12:42:35 pm
Its kind of amusing to see people posting and eulogising about all the great apps they've got on their phones, when a year or two ago some (of the same I suspect) people were very pisstaking about all the Ifern apps talk...  :whistle:

iTroll
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 19, 2011, 01:14:59 pm
In case you hadn't noticed when I state/claim something I take the time to provide links to qualify what I've said so that you and others can go and read it and form your own opinion.  Shame you aren't willing to do the same.
I don't see why you have to be so negative, I have better things to do than try and prove something using hyperlinks to someone I don't know over the internet..

trying to eek out an extra hour or so from a single charge.
I went one from lasting one day on a single charge on a stock rom to a week on one charge using a heavily customised rom. Like I said, I couldn't give a shit (http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/don't+give+a+shit) whether you believe it or not.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 01:29:39 pm
Until I see hard evidence I'm not convinced there is any advantage and as I wrote its just as simple to change your behaviour to keep your phone charged up than trying to eek out an extra hour or so from a single charge.

But...  You can see all the other visual and feature changes even if you wish to remain stubborn about battery life/performance gains.  I refer you again to the Change Log I posted for features.

Since you seem to know your Linux then it should pretty easy to see how using:

1) An "Undervolted" kernel will result in fewer mA being used to power the CPU thus extending battery life. 
2) Different "Govenors" which determine how the CPU will scale and so also affect battery life - fewer unused cycles give a saving. 
3) You can also "underclock" the CPU, reducing performance but saving battery power. 

Common sense says that these will have an effect, and good enough proof for me is the fact that my battery now easily lasts for a whole weekend away instead of just half of it - that's quite noticeable but I, like most people, don't publish these stats on the internet as a scientific paper.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on January 19, 2011, 01:31:30 pm
 
Its kind of amusing to see people posting and eulogising about all the great apps they've got on their phones, when a year or two ago some (of the same I suspect) people were very pisstaking about all the Ifern apps talk...  :whistle:

iTroll
;D.   :ang:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on January 19, 2011, 02:01:39 pm
One huge benefit I hope to see from rooting my HTC Desire (to be done over the next few days) is to be able to install all apps to the SD card - I have reached a point where I am out of space on the phones internal memory and now have to delete an app if I want to install another app or if an app's storing more data = very frustrating!!

This is the main reason I am going to be rooting but I hope to see some performance/battery benefits (hoping slackers is wrong... just this once)!  :hug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 19, 2011, 02:33:43 pm
but you can do that without root. All of my apps have "move to SD card options next to them" on 2.2
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 03:03:33 pm
Some apps can't be moved - anything with widgets/services will break if you do.  Moved stuff will still use up space on the internal memory too, normally only some of an app can be moved.  If you do manually move all your stuff to an SD card using the 2.2 method then you can still fill up the phones memory.

To use the root method of apps-->sd card means that you can keep both the java cache and all of the app (regardless of widgets/services) on a separate ext2/3/4 partition on the sd card and basically never run out of space.  On smaller/older phones its surprising how quickly you can run out with a few games installed...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 04:00:19 pm
In case you hadn't noticed when I state/claim something I take the time to provide links to qualify what I've said so that you and others can go and read it and form your own opinion.  Shame you aren't willing to do the same.
I don't see why you have to be so negative, I have better things to do than try and prove something using hyperlinks to someone I don't know over the internet..

Fine but you're the one proclaiming its an improvement, so its down to you to convince me beyond anecdotes.  From what I've seen you're IT literate so it should take but a few 10s of seconds to find the reports that support what you are saying and indeed got you so interested in using a custom ROM in the first place.

The web is all about linking, to not take advantage of it is ignorant and lazy.


But...  You can see all the other visual and feature changes even if you wish to remain stubborn about battery life/performance gains.  I refer you again to the Change Log I posted for features.

I'd had a cock up and closed the tab I was writing my reply to, jumped back into the thread and replied to Tris whilst you were posting that before having a chance to read your post (and have just been in a meeting for the past three and a half hours).


Since you seem to know your Linux then it should pretty easy to see how using:

1) An "Undervolted" kernel will result in fewer mA being used to power the CPU thus extending battery life. 
2) Different "Govenors" which determine how the CPU will scale and so also affect battery life - fewer unused cycles give a saving. 
3) You can also "underclock" the CPU, reducing performance but saving battery power. 

Common sense says that these will have an effect, and good enough proof for me is the fact that my battery now easily lasts for a whole weekend away instead of just half of it - that's quite noticeable but I, like most people, don't publish these stats on the internet as a scientific paper.

Yes thats all good, and I understand that and thank you for posting the link to the ChangeLog.

It doesn't need to be a scientific paper, but thats more substantial than the vague claims of "it extends battery life and everyone else has said so too" (its only recent posts that yourself and Tris have provided any indication of what this has meant for you).

Things like simply not having apps running that tell you what the weather just outside your window is every few minutes also have a dramatic effect on battery life too.


@Fatboy : do you really use every single app regularly though?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on January 19, 2011, 04:32:21 pm
Angry birds is great, I should be revising but I'm playing it instead.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 19, 2011, 05:23:03 pm
bennett

verb ( DAMAGE )
[I or T] to (cause something to) stop working by being damaged

It's all working now including streaming media to the xbox. I've just about caught up to 2010 I think?

I have to admit the wildfire seems to have a pause for thought whenever its playing music and reiceves a call. I do like the HTC sense UI though.
Does flashing your ROM cost you all of your contacts etc.? I'm assuming yes.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: daprince on January 19, 2011, 05:49:49 pm
CGC translates grades into something I can understand ie old english 6a or 6b which everything seems to be any way.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 19, 2011, 05:54:28 pm
It will totally wipe your phone. But you won't loose all your contacts if they are your google synced ones, they'll just resync after you bootup.  You can backup all your apps and data for them with Titanium Backup after rooting and before flashing a new ROM.

Not seen it mentioned yet bit Guardian Lite is a good app if you read the paper.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 19, 2011, 06:08:48 pm
Good game that I've recently discovered is N-Back (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.cz-wie-nback-pmAC.aspx).

Early studies (http://www.iapsych.com/articles/jaeggi2008.pdf) purport to have shown it helps improve short-term memory and "fluid intelligence" when played regularly (not aware of any replication studies yet though, and others don't agree with the conclusions (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6W4M-4W99NNR-1/2/fafbc063eb66abf5080936053ef2a7f3)), but its still a simple and fun challenging game.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on January 20, 2011, 08:55:27 am
It does amuse me that there are quite a few people hankering over tweaking what is essentially GNU/Linux on their phone and raving about how great it is, yet still using M$-Windoze on their desktops/laptops.
what? I tweak both the windows installation on my desktop/laptop/htpc and also the windows mobile on my phone. stop talking shit.
TBH I'm very suprised at you negativity towards this slack-line, you know very well that a phone tweaked by a comunity of phone tweakers is going to run better than shitty stock firmware. I didn't bother posting links yesterday cos I was at work and posting from my phone, now I really can't be bothered.
It interesting to see that android you can't install stuff to memory card without hacking it or the fact it doesn't come with a file manager.
Anyone worried about wiping their phone and losing all their contacts should ask themselves one question:
WHY THE FUCK HAVEN'T YOU BACKED THEM UP ANYWAY YOU IDIOTS!!!!!
Once again I can't recomend highly enough (If your confident enough) to put a custom rom on your phone, it will probably take a while to find the one that suits you best but when you do, its a much better experience than using the stock rom
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on January 20, 2011, 09:05:57 am
@Fatboy : do you really use every single app regularly though?

I actually do, especially the ones taking up the most space so I will defo see a benefit from my point of view.
Am going to do it during work today so I will post up any issues/anomalies along the way!
Peach and love  :hug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 20, 2011, 09:29:15 am
It does amuse me that there are quite a few people hankering over tweaking what is essentially GNU/Linux on their phone and raving about how great it is, yet still using M$-Windoze on their desktops/laptops.
what? I tweak both the windows installation on my desktop/laptop/htpc and also the windows mobile on my phone. stop talking shit.

Its not an issue of tweaking, what amuses me is that many people staunchly stick with Windows on their desktop/laptop, but are wooed by the fancy Android OS and its continual and regular updates (as opposed to several year gaps), when they could potentially be having a very similar experience on their desktops.


TBH I'm very suprised at you negativity towards this slack-line, you know very well that a phone tweaked by a comunity of phone tweakers is going to run better than shitty stock firmware. I didn't bother posting links yesterday cos I was at work and posting from my phone, now I really can't be bothered.

I'm not being negative (skeptical perhaps).  What I'm asking for is a quantification of what the improvements...

a) are (e.g. the ChangeLog linked by ChrisC, or details of kernel tweaks also suggested by ChrisC)
b) how this impacts battery life and so forth.

To date here on UKB (and other forums I've read, none of which includes XDA or Cyanogenmod forums) all I've heard people say is "Use a custom ROM, its great it improves your phone, battery life is improved", but this is all qualitative information (opinion) as opposed to quantitative (numbers to compare objectively).

If I can read an article that takes two phones, flashes one with a custom ROM and leaves the one of each with stock firmware from O2/T-mobile/Orange (who all tweak in different ways, personally I'd be interested in T-mobile), then have them run the same tasks (e.g. streaming video, or GPS roaming) and actually measure how long the battery lasts then that would be more substantial evidence that battery life is improved beyond the qualitative "its a much better experience" which as I say is all I've heard.

Beyond actually going out and trying it, was there any quantitative information that convinced yourself, Tris, ChrisC and others that using a custom ROM provided improvements?  (clearly a rhetorical question as you've already stated you can't be bothered to post any links).  I ask yourself, Tris and others because you're the ones posting your qualitative opinions here saying its so good.  If I'd read somewhere quantification of this then I'd be linking to it so that others can read and form their own opinion of whether its worth trying, but thats just me.

Yes this is my sad, statistician, geeky side showing through, but thats me.  I want numbers not opinions to inform my decision because I'm capable of forming my own opinion based on numbers.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on January 20, 2011, 12:27:56 pm
This is all a bit  :wall:  You seem to be doing a Sloper and cherry picking the bits to reply to and ignoring that don't fit the point your trying to make.

To date here on UKB ... all I've heard people say is "Use a custom ROM, its great it improves your phone, battery life is improved", but this is all qualitative information (opinion) as opposed to quantitative (numbers to compare objectively).
Tris and myself have both stated, quantitatively using numbers of days, the improvements to battery life we've experienced but you seem to be ignoring them. 

You linked a page (http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/02/phone-performance-rooted-vs-stock/) earlier that had performance numbers in it, small improvements to performance but still improvements, and used that to argue that it wasn't worth it.  You didn't however mention the improvements gained by then overclocking the device under test, they were quite significant (about 75% improvement).  Not a direct software improvement, but still an improvement only possible with a custom ROM.  You also didn't mention the conclusions of the same article:
Quote
So I think with all that, it’s pretty evident that rooting and using custom ROMs can be a huge benefit to your device. Not too mention, Google’s already condoned it and almost all rooting methods can be undone if you ever feel like going back to stock. So why not give it a try?

Beyond actually going out and trying it, was there any quantitative information that convinced yourself, Tris, ChrisC and others that using a custom ROM provided improvements?
Why be so hung up on quantitative information anyway?  As I said earlier performance improvements are only one small part of it.  Features that aren't quantitatively measurable are another, and there are loads of them that have been added.  The list is huge  (https://github.com/CyanogenMod/android_vendor_cyanogen/blob/gingerbread/CHANGELOG.mkdn)but includes FM Radio, Wireless-N capability, 720p Video recording, Extra bluetooth protocols, bug/crash fixes, optional UI improvements.  On stock android my phone failed to pair properly with my car stereo/hands free, now it works. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on January 20, 2011, 12:37:07 pm
Rooted phone, installed customer ROM - total time approx 30 mins = almost infinite app space =  :thumbsup:
A couple of niggles I had to iron out but on took 2 mins and now I have to say loving CM 6.1.1!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 20, 2011, 02:45:39 pm
its like a fight at a star wars convention in here  :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 20, 2011, 02:56:32 pm
(http://www.smileyshut.com/smileys/new/Battle/double-lightsaber.gif)(http://www.smileyshut.com/smileys/new/Battle/jedi-lightsaber.gif)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 20, 2011, 03:14:32 pm
(http://southerngent.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/nerd-fight.jpg)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 20, 2011, 03:28:36 pm
I'm saying no more on the ROM front (I've already responded to ChrisC's last message in a PM).  Let the thread get back to useful Apps and not the perceived pros/cons of custom ROMs.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 26, 2011, 01:26:54 pm
Google outline plans for Android App market (http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-01/26/google-outlines-plans-for-android-market)

Expect more paid for apps/features.

Be wary of snooping on your social network usage (likely to result in more specific directed advertising).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 26, 2011, 03:18:41 pm
Expect more paid for apps/features.

If they want to make more money they'd best make it a bit harder to install apps obtained elsewhere. Its not as if it requires patching or keys or anything which seems a little naive from Google.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Stubbs on January 26, 2011, 03:43:10 pm
I seem to remember the fact that apps were unauthorised being somewhat of a selling factor at the time, a development platform and freedom as opposed to the tight reigns of Apple, doesn't look like that's going to last.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Grubes on January 26, 2011, 04:01:31 pm
Not sure if it has been mentioned but I just started using myfitnesspal app to help with calorie counting and working out a weight loss plan.
Its a free app you just have to sign up. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile)
I got it from the app store. I am finding it quite useful so far.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 26, 2011, 04:03:46 pm
I seem to remember the fact that apps were unauthorised being somewhat of a selling factor at the time, a development platform and freedom as opposed to the tight reigns of Apple, doesn't look like that's going to last.

the thing is with it being based on the Linux Kernel developers are required to release their source code so I'm not sure it'll ever be like that.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 26, 2011, 04:31:46 pm
Expect more paid for apps/features.

If they want to make more money they'd best make it a bit harder to install apps obtained elsewhere. Its not as if it requires patching or keys or anything which seems a little naive from Google.

Or people need to change their jaded attitudes to software (which were developed and engendered by their experiences with M$).

I think its a good thing that you can install anything you want, if I were to sit down and write a program it would be a fucking ball-ache to have to go through vetting by Google (who would/are invariably inundated with apps) just to then install it on my phone.  Thus it promotes development by having an open platform.  This would however be independent of the kernel which is the Linux part of it and what gets the hardware talking to each other, its the operating system on top of it (essentially the "Android" part*) where this control would come in. unless of course an application was doing something like CPU frequency scaling in which case it would have to be enabled in the kernel and the app would have to communicate with it.

Anyway, I've polluted this thread enough with  :off: posts.

* Its also worth remembering that the same is true of any GNU/Linux distribution, the "Linux" part only refers to the kernel, the "GNU" part is what actually gives you something that works (essentially a terminal and all the tools, the Xorg server and desktop environments are another level of software on top of that).  See Linux and GNU (http://www.gnu.org/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html) for a more detailed explanation of this common misuse of nomenclature.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Tris on January 27, 2011, 02:01:42 pm
Free download of Quickoffice HD (tablet version for Android). (http://vegantab.gojimi.com/download/Quickoffice.apk) <- direct link to .apk (better than documents to go)

Thread discussing whether it is actually legit. (http://android.modaco.com/content/advent-vega-vega-modaco-com/330597/quickofficehd-tablet-app/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2011, 07:49:11 am
I mentioned the brilliant Tasker (http://tasker.dinglisch.net/) in my first contribution to the thread, but yesterday with some idle time I decided to see what else I can do with it and discovered an absolute treasure trove of funky stuff.

Enabling WiFi when you get near home (based on cell signals) (http://tasker.wikidot.com/low-battery-usage-wifi-enableing-profile-using-wifi-near) is very clever (and it appears to work so far!), which lead me to this monster of a thread (http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-applications/66195-what-have-you-done-tasker.html) where there are tons of things to go at, on the first page set the phone up to turn on gps (& wifi) when booted up, get location and send that along with battery left in an SMS/email to you (handy should you ever have your phone stolen).  There are tons of tasks/profiles detailed in that thread.  :thumbsup:

Can't recommend this app enough, one of the few I've purchased (but at the cost of roughly a pint its pretty much fuck all and great value).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fultonius on February 14, 2011, 08:06:15 am
Sounds good  :thumbsup:

Tell me, where can you still find a pint for fuck-all? Most places I go to these days charge a fair bit more, not quite 2-fuck-alls yet...

That email on booting up idea is a winner! Does it automatically turn gps back off again afterwards?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2011, 08:16:07 am
Sounds good  :thumbsup:

Tell me, where can you still find a pint for fuck-all? Most places I go to these days charge a fair bit more, not quite 2-fuck-alls yet...

Think I paid abut £3.80 through marketplace.


That email on booting up idea is a winner! Does it automatically turn gps back off again afterwards?

As described, no it does't, but its a piece of piss to add an exit task and turn GPS off after the message has been sent.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 14, 2011, 12:47:24 pm
There is a wiki that takes you through it step by step. I searched GPS tasker locate to find it. It turns GPS off.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2011, 01:14:32 pm
There is a wiki that takes you through it step by step. I searched GPS tasker locate to find it. It turns GPS off.

Have you taken the tasker plunge yet or giving it a trial first?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 14, 2011, 01:18:21 pm
neither as of yet. If it works for "Where's my droid" (which now can't turn GPS on itself!) then I'll definately have it.

A freind was jumped on Monday night leaving the works and had his phone stolen. I think it'd be rather pleasing to be able to track it in a situation such as this.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2011, 01:31:41 pm
A freind was jumped on Monday night leaving the works and had his phone stolen. I think it'd be rather pleasing to be able to track it in a situation such as this.

Yes, that would be absolutely brilliant.

Definitely turns GPS on, I have a profile setup so that when I start Google Maps Tasker starts GPS (despite this being an option within GoogleMaps itself, it was part of the "getting to learn how to use this application" I went through).

Nice thing is that profiles can be exported/imported by users as XML (although for the above WiFi one I mention there's little point since it requires you to work out your location based on telephone cells for your home as well as your home network which you'd probably know and could edit anyway, but the former certainly can't be got easily).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 14, 2011, 01:34:47 pm
I can't see that functionality in 'Maps'?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2011, 01:54:50 pm
I can't see that functionality in 'Maps'?

My mistake its under "Settings -> Location -> Use GPS Satellites" that enables GPS positioning when required (so if you enable this then when you start up Google Maps it should turn GPS on and use that for positioning, should then disable GPS when you exit Google Maps).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 22, 2011, 02:30:11 am
I'm starting to get a little frustrated with force closes and battery life;

I was thinking of trying Cyanogenmod or something else. I thought Unrevoked was available but I can't get it to work and there seems to be a lot of conflicting info as to whether or not it IS indeed working for 2.2 Wildfire's (can anyone shed any light?).

Failing that is therre a way to go back to 2.1, maybe by a hard reset? Or will the OTA update have changed that to 2.2?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on February 22, 2011, 08:55:17 am
Another big up for Tasker. I've got mine identifying when I'm in work then calculating how much earlier or later from 9am I arrived. It then rounds it up to the nearest 15mins and automatically submits a time in lieu entry into my Outlook calendar  8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on February 25, 2011, 10:06:55 pm
Vaguely on topic....

I have some ideas for apps. Not all of which are shit/mental (this assessment may change next week)

Does anyone have any experience of getting apps made/developed/sold or selling the idea to a developer? any tips?

Google throws up a few ideas, but I have no direct experience of smart phones, so haven't got a clue about it all.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on February 25, 2011, 10:20:59 pm
Can't remember who, but someone on here did a great job with the bowderstone/minus 10 topo apps.. Worth a search?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 03, 2011, 03:31:32 pm
Can't remember who, but someone on here did a great job with the bowderstone/minus 10 topo apps.. Worth a search?

The Send (http://www.thesend.co.uk/index.php)


In my tired state whilst trying to regain some sort of semblance of normality with a couple of pints at lunch time I went ahead and purchased my second app Flext9 (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nuance.flext9.input) after a friend told me about it earlier in the week and I saw it again on Reg Hardware : Android App of the Week (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/03/01/app_of_week_android_flext9/).

First impressions are that its very nice, easy and simple to set up and use for text entry, not tried voice recognition yet, but for £3.07 it was probably a good idea I spent it on that than a third pint.  Will report back if it pisses me off.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on March 03, 2011, 03:51:48 pm
As it says, once you've used a Swype style keyboard, single tapping seems really slow.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 04, 2011, 05:31:25 pm
As it says, once you've used a Swype style keyboard, single tapping seems really slow.

although I find when I pick up Nat's phone that her tap-tap style keyboard seems a lot more responsive than my SlideIT version. I'm thinking this is due to my diminuitive processor power.

Its lack of £ symbol is frustrating me ever so slightly.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SteG on March 04, 2011, 11:08:22 pm

Can't remember who, but someone on here did a great job with the bowderstone/minus 10 topo apps.. Worth a search?

The Send (http://www.thesend.co.uk/index.php)


that'll be me  :wave: largers PM me if you wanted to talk through any ideas

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on March 05, 2011, 04:17:39 am
Does anyone have any experience of getting apps made/developed/sold or selling the idea to a developer? any tips?
Unless you're going to develop an app yourself this has got to be a total minefield - confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements/etc.

Might be better to invest time into learning to code apps yourself? Might not be of course, but I'd be intrigued to know about this too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 08, 2011, 02:24:38 pm
I have to say my opinion of Android is rapidly going downhill with all of its various glitches.

Currently I'm wondering why on earth two calendars that worked yesterday, simply won't work today. I haven't changed a thing.

I use a work calendar and one for home which is shared so I know WTF is going on. Currently if something is on the home calendar and doesn't have a work event on the same day, it isn't showing. Thats shitting useless.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 08, 2011, 02:33:47 pm
At least you haven't lost all your emails (http://spectrum.ieee.org/riskfactor/telecom/internet/google-gmail-lost-emails-restored-to-life)  :oops:

Android user forums likely the best bet for trouble shooting, never had a problem with my calendar yet, but then I don't really use calendars that much.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 08, 2011, 02:35:20 pm
fixed by deleting calendars then re-adding them but all I can see that caused this was turning the audible notifications off.  :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 08, 2011, 02:42:01 pm
Is this with stock or custom ROM?

I said it earlier (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,13578.msg306079.html#msg306079) but no code is ever completely bug free, if you encounter a problem its well worth reporting it (https://code.google.com/p/android/issues/list) otherwise no one will ever correct it (this is a key aspect of all software projects, whether they're open or not).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 08, 2011, 02:43:08 pm
Stock as they come, there's no working root access for Wildifre + Froyo, unrevoked was revoked.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on March 11, 2011, 10:54:00 am
Sky Maps is a pretty good toy too.

a bloke at work has just showed me this

makes me want to get a modern phone that does that sort of shit
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 11, 2011, 12:06:02 pm
Does anyone have any experience of getting apps made/developed/sold or selling the idea to a developer? any tips?
Unless you're going to develop an app yourself this has got to be a total minefield - confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements/etc.

Might be better to invest time into learning to code apps yourself? Might not be of course, but I'd be intrigued to know about this too.

 I came across this site when looking for an Android version of the N-Back game (http://www.odesk.com/jobs/Google-Android-Brain-Workshop_~~955d5b7d694ef6f0) where people offer software projects for others to code (at a price).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on March 31, 2011, 07:04:04 pm
MY LIFE IS NOW COMPLETE!!   ;)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2011/mar/31/royal-wedding-app-mirror (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2011/mar/31/royal-wedding-app-mirror)

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Media/Pix/pictures/2011/3/31/1301561143721/Royal-Wedding-app-001.jpg)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on April 01, 2011, 09:11:19 am
I think that the first app has been released by the Lagerstarfish Apps Corporation. With this app (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/04/01/app_of_the_week_wink_o_meter/) your life really is complete (or should that be incomplete)?

NSFW
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on April 01, 2011, 01:27:39 pm
I think that the first app has been released by the Lagerstarfish Apps Corporation. With this app (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/04/01/app_of_the_week_wink_o_meter/) your life really is complete (or should that be incomplete)?

NSFW

Oh now that is truly genius and is now vying for my most favourite genius thing of the day against this:

The Most Useless Machine (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ojhZaP5_JI#ws)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 06, 2011, 03:50:34 pm
 :lol: :lol: :lol: Wank-O-Meter is hilarious.

Google Android music app in the offing (http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-04/6/google-android-music-app-leaks) (i.e. cloud storage and playback).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on April 11, 2011, 01:06:03 am
Mightily impressed with the 'droid at the minute and though it is proving a bit of a steep learning curve compared to my old Nokia brick I think I am getting to know how to operate it after four or five days.

Swype is nice - single finger texting is a thing of the past!

Tasker is proving to be an equally powerful and frustrating tool - it is a bit clunky at times and could really do with being a bit more user friendly but after four days I have got it turning off Wi-Fi when not in range of the house, and I think it turns off all sound at two different times depending on whether I am working days or nights using a check on Google Calendar. Fave Profile at the minute is the really simple face down = silent one and there are a couple of others. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 11, 2011, 07:49:29 am
Get the right contract (https://www.billmonitor.com/) (useful if you log/monitor your phone usage with one of the many apps).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on April 17, 2011, 04:04:26 pm
Off to france soon and need a gps app where I can pre-load the maps so i don't get nailed for data abroad. Any one   got any knowledge?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on April 17, 2011, 04:51:57 pm
Off to france soon and need a gps app where I can pre-load the maps so i don't get nailed for data abroad. Any one   got any knowledge?

On the Ifern I use Motion X GPS or GPS motion X (whichever way around). Theres two versions of the app - the freebie lets you download a few maps - the £2 one lets you download unlimited. Regular road maps or contour shaded style maps. works fine. I also (last year) downloaded a £2 sat nav app for france. It was crap. It worked but not very well.. I'd have been better off spending some ££ on a better app. it seemed to think that the fast dual carriage way N roads were narrow N roads - making you go some funny directions....

I dont know if you want these for Android - or if they are there for Android - but they probably are...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on April 17, 2011, 06:13:12 pm
iphone or windows mobile 6.x - tomtom
android - sygic mobile maps (works on most platforms)
not sure if there is anything out for windows phone 7 yet
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on April 17, 2011, 07:38:44 pm
Thanks both. It's for Android (should have mentioned that). Will have a go at the 7-day trial sygic mobile maps (called Aura). That will cover my trip. Thing is the full version costs 50euros! I could buy a tomtom for that. It seems that Nokia are streets ahead with their OV map system.

Don't know why I'm bothering really, I'll just follow one of the thousands of cars going to font from the UK next week.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 18, 2011, 07:48:46 am
That will cover my trip. Thing is the full version costs 50euros!

Might seem expensive, but with TomTom you don't always get all of the maps/features with all devices (which is why they've a range).

Plus it would be one more gadget to have cluttering up things, I think getting as many uses out of one phone is a good thing, plus its transferable when you upgrade your device.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on April 19, 2011, 02:59:24 pm
That will cover my trip. Thing is the full version costs 50euros!

Might seem expensive, but with TomTom you don't always get all of the maps/features with all devices (which is why they've a range).

Plus it would be one more gadget to have cluttering up things, I think getting as many uses out of one phone is a good thing, plus its transferable when you upgrade your device.

I agree with that to a certain extent but the android GPS programs aren't as good yet. The developers seem too concerned with whistles and bells instead of bread and butter. Downloaded the trial version of Aura (sygic's thing) and initially it seems far too temperamental to rely on let alone part with cash. Will try Aura in anger while I'm away and report back.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 19, 2011, 03:20:19 pm
Yes you need a reliable program and GPS signal.  I think the lack of reliability is most likely ascribed to the poor reliability of the hardware/GPS signal rather than software.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on April 26, 2011, 01:26:24 pm
Yes you need a reliable program and GPS signal.  I think the lack of reliability is most likely ascribed to the poor reliability of the hardware/GPS signal rather than software.

No, it's software in this case.

Anyway, back from font and my aura trial. On the way down the program kept freezing so I abandoned it and used the gf's trusty Nokia that saw us right. On the way back, after we had cocked up Paris, I tried aura again and it worked perfectly. There's some great touches including the current speed limit, which lane to get into and a speed camera warning with a distance countdown and a beep if you're going too fast. This saved me 2 fines for sure.

It's going cheap at £20 until the 28th of April and I think I'm going to buy it tonight in the hope that the freezing problem is sorted out in the future.

Verdict on Clart's 'safe-o'meter' (ranging from 'well dodgy' to 'safe-as-fuck'): safe
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on April 26, 2011, 02:26:17 pm
i think the freezing is a problem with your phone.. had you rebooted it i think it would of worked fine
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on April 26, 2011, 03:04:41 pm
Where all you all getting Swype from?  I can't find it for Android (mine is an HTC Desire HD) in the App Market.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 26, 2011, 03:27:05 pm
Here:

http://swypeinc.com/ (http://swypeinc.com/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 26, 2011, 03:29:42 pm
Sorry meant to say it's still a beta version for Android which you can apply for here...

http://beta.swype.com/ (http://beta.swype.com/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on April 26, 2011, 04:01:36 pm
Ta, Jasper.  :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on April 26, 2011, 06:22:19 pm
How good is Swype? I am most impressed, it's like some form of black magic!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on April 27, 2011, 08:28:38 am
It's brilliant isn't it. Very clever and so easy to use.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on April 27, 2011, 09:35:00 am
It freaks me out a bit, how does it know what I am trying to type?  AND it knows all kinds of slang words that the normal dictionary doesn't.  I love it, it's like Black Magic. :))
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on May 01, 2011, 10:38:24 pm
Just discovered File Expert - well worth a look as it acts as a file manager, back up solution (and app killer should you want it) but it also has the ability to be set up as an HTTP or FTP file server on your WiFi network (like Bluetooth Manager but WiFi based instead). There is also the option to set it up as a SAMBA share with an additional app for those of you running NAS drives.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 03, 2011, 07:20:00 am
Another alternative to Swype is FlexT9
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 03, 2011, 08:58:54 am
Reading about the HTC Sensation it seems they have incorporated a Swype like text input system as part of the new Sense UI.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 03, 2011, 02:27:23 pm
Forgot to mention I came across FlexT9 as it was featured on RegHardware's Android App of the Week (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/05/03/app_of_the_week_android_go_sms_pro/) which is worth keeping an eye on.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 04, 2011, 11:59:43 am
Feedly 2.0 is out. (http://blog.feedly.com/mobile/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 04, 2011, 12:18:16 pm
Feedly 2.0 is out. (http://blog.feedly.com/mobile/)

 :clap2: :bounce: Bye bye Taptu, hello Feedly mobile....or not 'cause T-Mobile are slow cunts and haven't updated the ROM  :'(
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 04, 2011, 02:31:57 pm
You must be due a new phone by now slackers!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 04, 2011, 02:52:09 pm
Two year contract due up in January, fingers crossed I can get out a month or three early and buy my own phone this time round.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 10, 2011, 08:18:29 am
Official Google Docs for Android (at last) (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 11, 2011, 01:41:26 pm
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/05/11/doubletap-share-musi.html (http://www.boingboing.net/2011/05/11/doubletap-share-musi.html)

 8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on May 11, 2011, 03:17:42 pm
Official Google Docs for Android (at last) (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs)
Brilliant!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 11, 2011, 05:46:34 pm
I doubt this will be much use to anyone, but  :geek: who use Emacs, but I've just successfully got MobileOrg (https://github.com/matburt/mobileorg-android) working on my phone syncing over Dropbox with any of the computers I use.  :bounce:

Next thing to do is to get Tasker setup to take dictation notes, convert to text and sync back to Dropbox and my other computers as described here (https://github.com/matburt/mobileorg-android/wiki/Scripting)  8)

<geeky background>
Org-Mode (http://orgmode.org/) for Emacs is a way of keeping notes of ToDo tasks, work thats been done (I like to keep a record of hours spent on work projects) thats incredibly simple and intuitive to use (if you've a vague familiarity with Emacs, even then its pretty easy to pick up).
</geeky background>
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 11, 2011, 05:54:39 pm
I haven't got a clue what you are on about.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 11, 2011, 06:58:59 pm
I haven't got a clue what you are on about.

Do you keep a "ToDo" list for anything?

I  do (for work, climbing, shopping etc.), and I keep it on my computer, but I use multiple computers and my phone and would like to have the same ToDo list available everywhere and be able to add to it from any device and have those notes appear consistent across all computers/phone.

This does that.  8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 11, 2011, 08:02:17 pm
Has anyone used a notebook app?

I take a notebook into meetings, to jot down what I have to do etc.. and I use it to take notes of thoughts, ideas blah blah... but I've just lost my most recent one (grr...) with 2 months of quite useful ramblings inside it. So often having iphone, PC etc.. (maybe at some point some sort of tablet in the future) I thought that some sort of digital notebook thingy that updates between machines etc.. would be a good idea. Anyone used one? heard of one? any reccomendations? I could use a text file that I update via dropbox or something, but it would be good to have something I could cut and paste into and even insert doodles etc.. instead of just text...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on May 11, 2011, 08:40:42 pm

Do you keep a "ToDo" list for anything?

I  do (for work, climbing, shopping etc.), and I keep it on my computer, but I use multiple computers and my phone and would like to have the same ToDo list available everywhere and be able to add to it from any device and have those notes appear consistent across all computers/phone.

This does that.  8)

As much as I love Tasker it would be a far simpler approach to use the Catch (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/03/15/app_of_the_week_android_catch_notes/) app with the Firefox extension (in Beta) (https://catch.com/blog/2010/11/now-testing-firefox-add-on-for-catch-beta/) to do that. Highlight anything on your computer, right click and upload it. Add a Bookmark to catch.com (assuming that you can not remember the URL  ;) ) and you have access to your notes from any of your computers. There is also the option to email notes as well and while you only get 70Mb per month on the free account it should be enough to do the To-Do list sharing that you are looking for.

EDIT - It could work for you as well Tomtom as it works on the gayPhone but the storage options aren't cheap according to the article linked above.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on May 11, 2011, 11:45:28 pm
Just installed and tried Cam Scanner for android. 'Scans' documents using the camera, trims them and saves as pdf or pic file. Very useful indeed. Files are smaller than taking photos, you can tag the scanned images and search through them easily.

http://www.appbrain.com/app/camscanner-phone-pdf-creator/com.intsig.camscanner (http://www.appbrain.com/app/camscanner-phone-pdf-creator/com.intsig.camscanner)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 08:42:10 am
As much as I love Tasker it would be a far simpler approach to use the Catch (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/03/15/app_of_the_week_android_catch_notes/) app with the Firefox extension (in Beta) (https://catch.com/blog/2010/11/now-testing-firefox-add-on-for-catch-beta/) to do that. Highlight anything on your computer, right click and upload it. Add a Bookmark to catch.com (assuming that you can not remember the URL  ;) ) and you have access to your notes from any of your computers. There is also the option to email notes as well and while you only get 70Mb per month on the free account it should be enough to do the To-Do list sharing that you are looking for.

EDIT - It could work for you as well Tomtom as it works on the gayPhone but the storage options aren't cheap according to the article linked above.

Its not so much Tasker that has driven my use of MobileOrg, but my use and love of Emacs (http://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/) and discovering Org-Mode a month or so ago.  I use it all the time at work and home and basically whenever I'm sat in front of a computer, once the key-strokes have been committed to memory its so quick to switch between buffers, saving files as you go, and Org-Mode itself is simple and effective to use.

Whilst Catch also has dictation capabilities, the fact that Tasker can be employed to dictate notes to the MobileOrg app is just a bonus for me, integration with my "work" environment is more important than having a dedicated app to do something which I then have to learn/get used to (yes I have to learn MobileOrg too, but it integrates with what I already use).

Anyway, another useful app discovered whilst getting all this to work which is useful if you ever need to debug or send error reports is...

CatLog (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.nolanlawson.logcat) which reads the logcat and can be searched for strings and then saved to text (either on SD, within Dropbox folder or sent as an email) so you can provide feedback to developers and troubleshoot problems.  Unlikely to be of use/interest to many though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 12, 2011, 08:48:47 am
I haven't got a clue what you are on about.

Do you keep a "ToDo" list for anything?


Yes, I use one of those ultra slimline multiplatform virtually free disposable tablets with no power requirements for such things.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on May 12, 2011, 08:52:44 am
I haven't got a clue what you are on about.

Do you keep a "ToDo" list for anything?


Yes, I use one of those ultra slimline multiplatform virtually free disposable tablets with no power requirements for such things.

Me too, its so thin, it lives in my back pocket and i don't even notice it
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 09:18:02 am
Paper isn't geeky enough for me.  :whistle:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 12, 2011, 09:34:05 am
Yes, I use one of those ultra slimline multiplatform virtually free disposable tablets with no power requirements for such things.

The ones that are made from a natural, renewable, carbon neutral resource?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 09:39:35 am
Yes, I use one of those ultra slimline multiplatform virtually free disposable tablets with no power requirements for such things.

The ones that are made from a natural, renewable, carbon neutral resource?

...and easy to lose?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 12, 2011, 10:37:50 am
That's the one lagers.

Quote
...and easy to lose?

I avoid that by not being an idiot and not losing them.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 10:43:28 am
I'm an idiot and lose bits of paper, well actually its my own fault most of the time for putting them into the recycling bin without checking what they are, so that makes me an even bigger idiot, but I'm in rush to recycle my phone.

Anyway, whats the point of having a smart phone if you're not going to use it for something geeky?  More useful than having an app that makes stupid noises a la The Apprentice last night.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 12, 2011, 10:52:34 am
I haven't a clue about all that complicated stuff but I use Astrid (http://weloveastrid.com/) to keep track of what work I have to do, important reference numbers, how much money people owe me etc. As I always have my phone on me I don't feel the need to sync it with anything else and it's dead simple and nice to use.

That Google Docs app is very cool. Can now access my Font problem "maybe some time before you die if you're really really lucky" ticklist spreadsheet from my phone complete with hyperlinks to Bleau.info.

 8)


Anyway, whats the point of having a smart phone if you're not going to use it for something geeky?

Although I'm a total luddite in comparison to you I agree. Most people's who have smartphones either don't use them for much more than a non smart phone can do or fill them with stupid games and apps that make farting noises.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 11:02:41 am
I haven't a clue about all that complicated stuff but I use Astrid (http://weloveastrid.com/) to keep track of what work I have to do, important reference numbers, how much money people owe me etc. As I always have my phone on me I don't feel the need to sync it with anything else and it's dead simple and nice to use.

That Google Docs app is very cool. Can now access my Font problem "maybe some time before you die if you're really really lucky" ticklist spreadsheet from my phone complete with hyperlinks to Bleau.info.

 8)

 :-\ so why isn't your ticklist in Astrid then?   :fishing: :jab: :tease:

Anyway, whats the point of having a smart phone if you're not going to use it for something geeky?

Although I'm a total luddite in comparison to you I agree. Most people's who have smartphones either don't use them for much more than a non smart phone can do or fill them with stupid games and apps that make farting noises.

 :clap2: :hug: Mrs slackers doesn't make as much use of her phone as she could (although I wouldn't subject her to the MobileOrg stuff, she doesn't use Emacs), but she does use the net a fair bit for Farcebook and Twitter, and uses it for emails too.  Just a shame she's on Orange and as such can barely get a signal once 1ft inside a building (should probably set her up with roaming on T-mobile/Orange properly).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 12, 2011, 11:04:45 am
I use Astrid to keep track of what work I have to do, important reference numbers, how much money people owe me etc.

Is she that Swedish secretary with the long legs?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 12, 2011, 11:05:31 am
I've got a burping app that's hilarious!

Have I bollocks. Must admit that both the app ideas on the Apprentice were nothing short of tragic.

I admit I probably don't use mine to its fullest potential, but I do use it to a level where it meets my needs. Is there any point in trying to make it do any more than that?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 12, 2011, 11:10:34 am
Can now access my Font problem "maybe some time before you die if you're really really lucky" ticklist spreadsheet from my phone complete with hyperlinks to Bleau.info.

what's wrong with just using this for that list?

http://bleau.info/shop/degres6.html (http://bleau.info/shop/degres6.html)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 12, 2011, 11:11:15 am
I do use it to a level where it meets my needs. Is there any point in trying to make it do any more than that?

No, thats exactly the level you should be using it at (but if that doesn't include a fair amount of net usage then you're likely paying over the odds and wasting your money).  Everyones (well most peoples) needs change over time though, which is one of the reasons this thread is here, so that we can share the useful things we've discovered e.g. FlexT9/Swype is something that several people have found very useful.

My needs included syncing my notes across computers and my phone which is how I discovered and have started using MobileOrg.  Like I said it probably wouldn't be of much interest to anyone else unless they already used Emacs.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 12, 2011, 11:23:06 am
Can now access my Font problem "maybe some time before you die if you're really really lucky" ticklist spreadsheet from my phone complete with hyperlinks to Bleau.info.

what's wrong with just using this for that list?

http://bleau.info/shop/degres6.html (http://bleau.info/shop/degres6.html)

You're just jealous.  ;D
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ChrisC on May 12, 2011, 02:42:02 pm
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator (http://[url=http://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.authenticator) ]Google Authenticator [/url] gives a second layer of security to your account.  Could be handy for when your playstation steals all your personal info.

It is probably ott if you have different strong passwords for everything but for minimal hassle it could save a lot of faff..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Iesu on May 12, 2011, 04:15:17 pm
Has anyone used a notebook app?

I take a notebook into meetings, to jot down what I have to do etc.. and I use it to take notes of thoughts, ideas blah blah... but I've just lost my most recent one (grr...) with 2 months of quite useful ramblings inside it. So often having iphone, PC etc.. (maybe at some point some sort of tablet in the future) I thought that some sort of digital notebook thingy that updates between machines etc.. would be a good idea. Anyone used one? heard of one? any reccomendations? I could use a text file that I update via dropbox or something, but it would be good to have something I could cut and paste into and even insert doodles etc.. instead of just text...

tom, there;s an iOS app called Evernote (http://www.evernote.com/ (http://www.evernote.com/)) which seems pretty cool (I have downloaded it but don't actually own an iOS device that can make use of its full functionality.

Basically it's not a "note-taker", but rather you can take photos of handwritten notes or flyers, posters whatever and it uses OCR to recognise the characters to provide a searchable database of your notes/photos/whatever.

sounds cool and also has a companion web app.

if only i could afford an iToy!

edit: on second viewing i don't think it is iOS specific (is it?) - there's certainly a windows version at least.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: cofe on May 12, 2011, 04:23:20 pm
I've used evernote a bit and it's pretty good.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: chris j on May 12, 2011, 04:24:30 pm
I'm guessing I'm using my android for a lot less technical stuff than most of you (actually i have trouble thinking of things I would want it to do beyond games, email and weather forecasts, and act like a phone...) but I'm liking Rainwatch, which takes the Met Office rainfall map data and presents it well so you can scroll through the forecast easily. Only does the forecast for the next couple of days though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on May 12, 2011, 05:54:21 pm
I frickin love you all! I've been using 'Rememberthemilk' for a while and I liked it but was annoyed it wanted to charge for Android sync. Nice interface but not enough to pay for. Just set up Producteev and Astrid and it looks just the ticket. Even better Producteev did a import from RTM!!!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 12, 2011, 05:57:42 pm
I've used evernote a bit and it's pretty good.

Some good suggestions there - but none of them allow you to type notes, copy and paste in text/pics AND doodles from the screen... grr..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 12, 2011, 09:34:49 pm
I'm guessing I'm using my android for a lot less technical stuff than most of you (actually i have trouble thinking of things I would want it to do beyond games, email and weather forecasts, and act like a phone...) but I'm liking Rainwatch, which takes the Met Office rainfall map data and presents it well so you can scroll through the forecast easily. Only does the forecast for the next couple of days though.

good beta. The Met office rainradar is fantastic for seeing whats going on in the Peak.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 13, 2011, 09:23:21 am
Subsonic (https://market.android.com/details?id=net.sourceforge.subsonic.androidapp) stream your music from your home computer to your Android phone.

Server software costs €10 for a lifetime license.


I've already done this using free software, setup Music Player Daemon (http://www.musicpd.org) and then use MPDroid (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.namelessdev.mpdroid) (although yet to do it on my NAS).

An advantage being that once you set port-forwarding on your router you can listen from any computer, so I can sit at work and stream my music over t'internet to my desktop and not just my phone.

The disadvantage is you need to be a geek to bother.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 13, 2011, 01:08:41 pm
I believe you can do the same for free on Tversity (free edition as well as paid).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 21, 2011, 10:09:51 am
Especially for those UKB'ers who've migrated to the East End of London, introducing 'Angry Hipsters'  - a take on angry birds, but -- you get the jist from the picture. Apparetly its not bad, and streams the soundtrack from some last.fm style service etc..

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2011/5/19/1305793434307/angry-hipsters.jpg)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 25, 2011, 07:05:55 am
Not sure I'd use it often but SendSpace (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/05/24/app_of_the_week_android_send_space/) sounds handy.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on May 25, 2011, 05:51:43 pm
Has anyone come across an Android app they could recommend for recording/ planning training? I used to use a spread sheet on my ipaq, nice and simple. I've looked at a lot of calendar apps and none of them do it for me, either too busy or too shit.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 26, 2011, 04:08:48 pm
Don't use one myself, but saying what you've tried and are dissatisfied with might help prevent people suggesting things you've already tried.

HTC may well lift bootloader lockdowns (http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2011/05/25/htc-considers-lifting-android-bootloader-lockdowns/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on May 26, 2011, 04:25:06 pm
Has anyone come across an Android app they could recommend for recording/ planning training? I used to use a spread sheet on my ipaq, nice and simple. I've looked at a lot of calendar apps and none of them do it for me, either too busy or too shit.

Best Calendar app that I have found is Touch Calendar (http://olilan.co.uk/touchcalendar/) which accesses your Google Calendar (assuming you have one set up). The other option that springs to mind would be Google Docs (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.docs&hl=en). 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 26, 2011, 04:42:02 pm
HTC may well lift bootloader lockdowns (http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2011/05/25/htc-considers-lifting-android-bootloader-lockdowns/)

I hope that trickles down to the Wildfire as I increasingly feel like it could do with a few tweaks. When doing anything with it whilst it receives a call it stops, takes a moments pause (long enough for you to wonder whats up with it) and THEN starts ringing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 26, 2011, 04:47:27 pm
HTC may well lift bootloader lockdowns (http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2011/05/25/htc-considers-lifting-android-bootloader-lockdowns/)

I hope that trickles down to the Wildfire as I increasingly feel like it could do with a few tweaks. When doing anything with it whilst it receives a call it stops, takes a moments pause (long enough for you to wonder whats up with it) and THEN starts ringing.

Article indicates that its newer phones and started happening when the Incerdible S came out....

Quote
The vendor had previously allowed device owners to unlock the bootloader on the device but placed restrictions on its latest range of Android smartphones starting with the Incredible S in March, ensuring its customers could no longer load custom firmware onto their devices.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 26, 2011, 05:06:11 pm
the 2.2 updates to the wildfire included an updated bootloader and I don't believe anyone has managed to either downgrade to 2.1 or flash it with a custom ROM
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 26, 2011, 05:46:53 pm
That's right from what I've read.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on May 26, 2011, 11:29:07 pm
Don't use one myself, but saying what you've tried and are dissatisfied with might help prevent people suggesting things you've already tried.

HTC may well lift bootloader lockdowns (http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2011/05/25/htc-considers-lifting-android-bootloader-lockdowns/)
Yeh, fair point. I've tried Business Calendar, Jortle and Touch Calendar. Currently rocking Touch Calendar for calendar stuff but have set it to sink with work calendar so don't want to mix the two up.


Best Calendar app that I have found is Touch Calendar which accesses your Google Calendar (assuming you have one set up). The other option that springs to mind would be Google Docs.
Google docs is a good shout. I have a paper spreadsheet of each month on A4 (a la R.Simpson) that I find helpful to plan/ track training. An electronic version would be ace. Obviously excel on ipaq was bon for this.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 12:05:33 am
the 2.2 updates to the wildfire included an updated bootloader and I don't believe anyone has managed to either downgrade to 2.1 or flash it with a custom ROM

Not heard that, cheers.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on May 27, 2011, 12:15:21 am

Yeh, fair point. I've tried Business Calendar, Jortle and Touch Calendar. Currently rocking Touch Calendar for calendar stuff but have set it to sink with work calendar so don't want to mix the two up.

Google Docs sounds like it is the way forward.

The paid for version of Touch Calendar (approx. half a fuck-all) allows you to use different colours for each calendar to make them easier to differentiate between but I don't know if that is restricted to Google calendars only - could be worth checking out though as an alternative.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 10:27:31 am
the 2.2 updates to the wildfire included an updated bootloader and I don't believe anyone has managed to either downgrade to 2.1 or flash it with a custom ROM

Not heard that, cheers.

Just had a thought, which 2.2 update is it thats causing this?  Is it the official ones from the phone companies which will have trickled down from HTC or the cyanogenmod custom ROM type ones?  Presumably the later won't include such an updated bootloader (unless of course its based on the HTC version which includes them).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 27, 2011, 11:13:38 am

Yeh, fair point. I've tried Business Calendar, Jortle and Touch Calendar. Currently rocking Touch Calendar for calendar stuff but have set it to sink with work calendar so don't want to mix the two up.

Google Docs sounds like it is the way forward.

The paid for version of Touch Calendar (approx. half a fuck-all) allows you to use different colours for each calendar to make them easier to differentiate between but I don't know if that is restricted to Google calendars only - could be worth checking out though as an alternative.

Google docs is 'nearly' a killer app IMHO. On all platforms its just not quite polished enough for anything more than basic ish text use with the odd figure. I use it quite a bit for article/doc preparation between multiple authors and it's good but just that little bit too clunky/bland....
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 11:26:15 am
it's good but just that little bit too clunky/bland....

At its heart though its still a Word Processor, which will never be as polished as a mark-up language.

I do like the Google Docs app on Android though, fits things into a small screen very well.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 27, 2011, 11:29:57 am
the 2.2 updates to the wildfire included an updated bootloader and I don't believe anyone has managed to either downgrade to 2.1 or flash it with a custom ROM

Not heard that, cheers.

Just had a thought, which 2.2 update is it thats causing this?  Is it the official ones from the phone companies which will have trickled down from HTC

Yes.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 11:34:42 am
So if you're on 2.1, root your phone and upgrade to a >=2.2 ROM from Cyanogen/XDA/Evo/etc. you can avoid that problem.

That said, HTC have announced they will now be removing the bootloader lock (https://twitter.com/#!/htc/statuses/73921320198483968), all you have to do now is wait for them to release an update if your stuck with a locked bootloader.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 11:38:19 am
Find out what you use your phone for (http://lifehacker.com/5803500/friday-android-app-reminds-you-what-you-did-on-your-phone-on-any-given-day) (need to register for Alpha (http://friday-app.com/?referred_by=15047)).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 27, 2011, 11:58:21 am
So if you're on 2.1, root your phone and upgrade to a >=2.2 ROM from Cyanogen/XDA/Evo/etc. you can avoid that problem.

That said, HTC have announced they will now be removing the bootloader lock (https://twitter.com/#!/htc/statuses/73921320198483968), all you have to do now is wait for them to release an update if your stuck with a locked bootloader.

That's right. I didn't bother rooting my phone when I was on 2.1 and it was only when I was thinking of trying it (after getting 2.2) that I found out about the bootloader thing. Not too fussed as the phone works fine on 2.2 and I can get a new one in a few months anyway.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 27, 2011, 02:12:51 pm
http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/root_friendly (http://unrevoked.com/rootwiki/doku.php/public/root_friendly)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on May 27, 2011, 03:02:50 pm
Should I know what this bootloader thing is? 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 27, 2011, 03:07:43 pm
It's an app that selects the best boots to wear with any outfit, and then tells you where you where the best price for them is. Essential.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 03:12:22 pm
 :lol:

@magpie : not unless you want to start messing around with the firmware thats installed (i.e. updating your phone yourself with a custom firmware instead of the one that your phone provider has stuck on it).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Falling Down on May 27, 2011, 03:47:19 pm
I wouldn't laugh, I'm pretty sure there's an app that does just that.  Mrs FD had the idea for a Shoeladex app (she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex  ::) ) but someone had already done it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on May 27, 2011, 03:55:11 pm
On another note...I'm liking using YouTube remote (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.ytremote) to control www.youtube.com/leanback (http://www.youtube.com/leanback)
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 27, 2011, 04:06:03 pm
I wouldn't laugh, I'm pretty sure there's an app that does just that.  Mrs FD had the idea for a Shoeladex app (she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex  ::) ) but someone had already done it.

Is she like Emelda Marcos, wardrobe full of shoeboxes matrixised by style and colour?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Falling Down on May 27, 2011, 04:22:10 pm
 :-[
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on May 27, 2011, 04:27:30 pm
Maybe she was inspired by Clueless (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112697/), where that very app appears to have first appeared!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: mloskot on May 27, 2011, 04:43:21 pm
I've got very interested in apps by thesend.co.uk mentioned in this thread earlier.

I'm wondering if this is a king of open platform that could adapted to develop guides for other areas across UK. A wild idea came to my mind to have  ssbouldering.co.uk in digital form through thesend.co.uk
IANAL, but I guess it could be possible to make it with full respect to copyright and profits of guys @ ssbouldering.co.uk

Any comments?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on May 27, 2011, 04:46:02 pm
she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex
That's brilliant, please tell me she has three of them lined up, one shoes, one skirts, one tops and she spins them to select an outfit? Women are brill aren't they, mental but brilliant. I laugh every time I try and hang out Mrs Obi's clothes on the line, I can't even work out which way is up/inside/outside on some of them.   ::)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 27, 2011, 05:50:04 pm
I've got very interested in apps by thesend.co.uk mentioned in this thread earlier.

I'm wondering if this is a king of open platform that could adapted to develop guides for other areas across UK. A wild idea came to my mind to have  ssbouldering.co.uk in digital form through thesend.co.uk
IANAL, but I guess it could be possible to make it with full respect to copyright and profits of guys @ ssbouldering.co.uk

Any comments?

I'd suggest contacting TheSend directly as they are keen to have people use their platform (http://www.thesend.co.uk/platform.php).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on May 27, 2011, 06:12:53 pm
I wouldn't laugh, I'm pretty sure there's an app that does just that.  Mrs FD had the idea for a Shoeladex app (she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex  ::) ) but someone had already done it.
I think I love your wife.:wub:  I have a dedicated shoe cupboard but now I feel I need a shoeladex to go with it, what a brilliant idea!  The closest thing I have are my freaky nail claws to help me choose what colour of polish to put on. :lol:

I don't need to worry about the original app you were talking about though, that much is clear now. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 27, 2011, 06:27:31 pm
I wouldn't laugh, I'm pretty sure there's an app that does just that.  Mrs FD had the idea for a Shoeladex app (she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex  ::) ) but someone had already done it.
I think I love your wife.:wub:  I have a dedicated shoe cupboard but now I feel I need a shoeladex to go with it, what a brilliant idea!  The closest thing I have are my freaky nail claws to help me choose what colour of polish to put on. :lol:

I don't need to worry about the original app you were talking about though, that much is clear now.

How about an app that uses the camera, so you point it at your foot and the app superimposes the image of a shoe over your foot - so you can see what it looks like on! kerching $$ ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Falling Down on May 27, 2011, 06:57:12 pm
I wouldn't laugh, I'm pretty sure there's an app that does just that.  Mrs FD had the idea for a Shoeladex app (she has a rolodex with photo's of her shoes in that she calls her shoeladex  ::) ) but someone had already done it.
I think I love your wife.:wub:  I have a dedicated shoe cupboard but now I feel I need a shoeladex to go with it, what a brilliant idea!  The closest thing I have are my freaky nail claws to help me choose what colour of polish to put on. :lol:

I don't need to worry about the original app you were talking about though, that much is clear now.

She took pictures of her shoes, two copies, one for the Shoeladex and one to glue on the end of each box so when they're all stacked up she doesn't have to go rummaging to find the pair she wants.  She's clever like that..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 08, 2011, 03:55:36 pm
Application for hypochondriacs (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/06/07/app_of_the_week_android_nhs/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 09, 2011, 07:30:08 am
Amazon app stores from outside the US (http://abtevrythng.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-use-amazon-app-store-outside-us.html)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on June 09, 2011, 09:33:12 am
Anyone used Mobile Observatory Pro for Android? Looking for something a bit more detailed than Google Star Map for our holiday in Dumfriesshire, which is apparently a really good place for stargazing.

Looks good, but some reviews say it crashes after updates.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on June 09, 2011, 12:40:31 pm
Amazon app stores from outside the US (http://abtevrythng.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-use-amazon-app-store-outside-us.html)

I'm sure there's a use for this but the example isn't a great one seeing as Angry Birds Rio has been available for free on the Android Market for months (without having to resort to any such fucking about).

 :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 09, 2011, 12:52:10 pm
Don't know, not even looked at the Amazon app store myself.  Just sharing the knowledge.  :smartass:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on June 09, 2011, 12:55:38 pm
Me neither, I just know all about that game because my son is obsessed with it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 14, 2011, 10:06:01 am
Swype 3.0 Beta is now available. They've changed the select section to be at the top of the keyboard and most importantly it now has QVGA support for those of us who bought the cheapo device.

Its much better to use than the other alternatives (IMO), and there's no lag on it (unlike SlideIT).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 17, 2011, 10:00:55 am
Doplhin HD browser (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/06/14/app_of_the_week_android_dolphin_hd/) sounds good, might try it out if I can free up space on my phone (can't be arsed rooting to install to SD and a few months yet before I'm up for renewal).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 21, 2011, 09:42:44 am
NHS Guidelines (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rootcreative.sign) (corrected link to point to Android market place, also available for iPhone, for which you need to have iTunes installed which I don't so I can't link you to it but follow your nose from here (http://www.sign.ac.uk/)).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on June 22, 2011, 05:15:53 pm
Google Shit
Shazam (never ask what a tune is again, brilliant)

That's superb. I've been playing it all sorts of stuff trying to fool it and I can't!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on June 22, 2011, 05:19:17 pm
It seems to be struggling with the Psy-Trance and Techno.
Still good though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: 205Chris on June 22, 2011, 05:20:18 pm
Google Shit
Shazam (never ask what a tune is again, brilliant)

That's superb. I've been playing it all sorts of stuff trying to fool it and I can't!

It doesn't recognise the tune in Hard Grit when Bentley does Strapadictomy. I still don't know what that song is!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 22, 2011, 06:18:08 pm
From memory I think isn't track off an early DJ Food album on Nina tunes, will try and check layer if I remember, failing that all BenP
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 22, 2011, 09:00:06 pm
Sorry was thinking of Neil Bentley on New Statesman.  :oops: (which is Inosan by DJ Food on Recipe for Disaster).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on June 23, 2011, 01:03:56 pm
This:

http://www.androidlost.com/ (http://www.androidlost.com/)

looks to be better than Where's My Droid.
You can turn on GPS remotely, via internet or another phone, plus loads of other stuff.
It all works on my wildfire.

Si.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 23, 2011, 08:13:06 pm
How?

It was a change to Android itself that stopped apps having permission to change setting such as Gps ON/OFF, even google Navigation can't turn on the GPS remotely?

Tasker could do it but I never really understood how given the above.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on June 23, 2011, 08:19:46 pm
It looks to be an official Google App - just installed it and it ties in with your Gmail account.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on June 23, 2011, 08:31:51 pm
How?

It was a change to Android itself that stopped apps having permission to change setting such as Gps ON/OFF, even google Navigation can't turn on the GPS remotely?

Tasker could do it but I never really understood how given the above.

I don't know how but it does.
My Wildfire has Android 2.2.1. I've tested the GPS remote on/off from both another computer and my girlfriends phone.
I put the phone in the garden (so GPS would work properly) with wifi and GPS turned off and the ringer volume turned off. Then from my PC I remotely locked the phone so it required a pin number, turned on GPS, and emailed myself the position of my phone (3 times, all of which were very close). Then I turned GPS off again.
Lastly I made the phone give off a siren sound on max volume.

You can also view messages sent to or from the phone and calls made or recieved.
This does work as I've tested it.
Si.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 23, 2011, 09:42:14 pm
It looks to be an official Google App - just installed it and it ties in with your Gmail account.

aha it looks like they've realised the stupidity of their ways! I had where's my droid linked with a tasker profile which was all a bit epic.

Nice tipoff Simes!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on June 24, 2011, 10:44:41 am
That's class. Nice one simes.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on June 28, 2011, 11:29:35 am
I've just put that on my phone, and tested it, it seems really good.  Great find, ta!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on July 07, 2011, 08:01:51 am
New app automatically makes you look like an illiterate retard:

http://mashable.com/2011/07/06/trimit/ (http://mashable.com/2011/07/06/trimit/)

 :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on July 07, 2011, 08:59:44 am
Just discovered Quickpic (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.alensw.PicFolder&hl=en) after a recommendation from another forum I am on. Knocks spots off the Gallery app that comes with Android as the reviews state - highly recommended, would use again, A* and all that shizzle.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on July 07, 2011, 09:20:44 am
 :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on July 07, 2011, 10:00:11 am
Glad you like it Jasper - the Hide function is very useful.  ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on July 07, 2011, 10:10:38 am
I can imagine.  ;)

Haven't had time to look at all the functions yet but I've already tidied up some unnecessary folders etc. Very nice app.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on July 07, 2011, 06:03:55 pm
New app automatically makes you look like an illiterate retard:

http://mashable.com/2011/07/06/trimit/ (http://mashable.com/2011/07/06/trimit/)

 :shrug:

Is there an app that does the reverse, i.e. translate trash texts that I receive into something resembling a sentence?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 11, 2011, 12:33:26 pm
Another SatNav Option (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/07/05/app_of_the_week_android_alk_copilot_live_premium_hd/) sounds promising, particularly as it purports to be "live" and links in with things like Wikipedia's POI's.

Not tried it yet myself though.

Also, Google announced the ability to Download maps for areas that don't have data signals (http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/download-map-area-added-to-labs-in.html) recently.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on July 11, 2011, 12:37:36 pm
links in with things like Wikipedia's POI's
now that does sound good and very usefull
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 13, 2011, 11:28:54 am
eBooks come to Android (http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/android-market-gets-mobile-overhaul-brings-ebook-downloads-978605)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: magpie on July 13, 2011, 12:48:43 pm
I've been reading books on my HTC for ages now, it's ace.  I shall check that out, although I generally prefer to get my e-books from other sources.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on July 26, 2011, 12:04:15 pm
Anyone recommend a webradio app for Android? Or are they all much of a muchness? There are dozens of free ones. Not looking for one that does anythign specific, just a nice mix of music types, comedy etc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dontfollowme on July 26, 2011, 01:46:50 pm
Tune In Radio - I have to admit I have only installed it this morning but it looks good after doing a quick test listening to 5 Live.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on July 26, 2011, 01:52:29 pm
The Mrs has that on her BB and it works well.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Falling Down on August 05, 2011, 01:03:47 pm
Flip book for the iPad is great.  Syndicates content from news sites, Twitter, FB etc into a magazine style format. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on August 05, 2011, 01:38:45 pm
Still finding Swype slightly freaky in its efficiency; must read my mind or something.

For surfers the non-official Magicseaweed app works better than the official one. On android at least, not sure about iPhone.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 08, 2011, 11:37:25 am
Not quite the Profanisaurus but there is The Urban Dictionary (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.citc.ud)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 11:37:24 am
Ever crossed your legs in the cinema waiting for the "best" time to go for a piss?

Well now there's RunPee (https://market.android.com/details?id=air.RunPee) which tells you the best times in films to empty your bladder (via The Register (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/08/09/app_of_the_week_runpee/)).

Just make sure you check before the movie starts (http://www.asylum.co.uk/2011/06/07/angry-voicemail-of-woman-kicked-out-of-cinema-turned-into-advert/)....

Don't Talk - Angry Voicemail (Censored) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVz-fO7kxcQ#ws)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 12:18:47 pm
Auto-BAHN (http://hackerdemia.com) (application to allow your phone to form part of an ad-hoc wireless network when telecommunications are down).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dobbin on August 09, 2011, 12:44:13 pm
But why? Say GSM is down and you all go adhoc to each other over 802.11 - what for? you can now connect to each other but theres still no backhaul to the internet, so whats the point? I suppose in this age of civil disobedience one could use it to IM ones rioting colleagues or something, but most of the IM infrastructures require you to post to a server rather than direct device to device...

Niche at best.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 12:52:44 pm
At some point you might reach someone who does have a signal?

Isn't this how internet is provided in rural Africa, ad-hoc networks piggy-backing to an eventual access point?

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Johnny Brown on August 09, 2011, 12:55:28 pm
Does that mean you can turn a phone into a walkie-talkie/ pager even with no reception? I can think of loads of climbing or work situations when that would have been amazingly useful.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 01:13:07 pm
I guess if you had another application that supported direct messaging over such a network then yes.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on August 09, 2011, 01:36:32 pm
Does that mean you can turn a phone into a walkie-talkie/ pager even with no reception? I can think of loads of climbing or work situations when that would have been amazingly useful.

there are Android apps available I think? (actually scratch that, they all seem dependant on 3g access [that I can find]). I'm surprised it hasn't been done given the ability to use an android phone as a hotspot is built into the os!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dobbin on August 09, 2011, 01:51:06 pm
the problem you then have is that wireless range is about 10m, so unless your nodes are all within pretty close proximity to each other aint gonna work either!

Dont mean to wee on anyones strawbs, and yes, there could be an application for localized walkie talkie comms (isnt this what push to talk was?), but in practice the technology would restrict its effectiveness.

The problem, fact fans, is that wireless uses the 2.8GHz frequency range which means the wavelength is very short and therefore it has poor range. GSM, by comparison, is 1800Mhz which means the wavelength is an order of magnitude longer and therefore it works across longer distances.

(update: push to talk was this but on GSM network)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on August 09, 2011, 02:17:24 pm
I'm confused as my rf-602's (radio triggers) are 2.4Ghz and have a reliable working range of 100m?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dave on August 09, 2011, 02:22:18 pm
All you gotta do then paul is devise a code for communicating via instantaneous flashes.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on August 09, 2011, 02:28:23 pm
All you gotta do then paul is devise a code for communicating via instantaneous flashes.

how about we call it CLS?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dobbin on August 09, 2011, 02:32:49 pm
Ok, I didnt check that out it was all from memory, and i am sort of right as thats more or less the range indoors - and who in their right mind uses wireless outside!?! Theoretical maximum range of 802.11b (2.4GHz) is 140m outdoors. I wouldnt reasonably expect it to actually work at this distance.

However, as you are no doubt gagging to point out - 802.11b has been superceded by g and indeed n which boasts a theoretical outdoor range of 240m, but as I would remind you - the further you are away from the AP the less bandwidth you have. A station on top of the AP will get most (but not usually all) the theoretical capacity of the channel, and the further you move away the slower it will get.

Remember also, its a contended access medium, so the more stations you get, so performance degrades further.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 02:55:52 pm
who in their right mind uses wireless outside!?!

I've been known to sit in my garden with the laptop or phone connected to the wireless, no problems there (untill it starts raining that is).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on August 09, 2011, 03:02:22 pm

I've been known to shit in my garden

Yes I'm bored.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dave on August 09, 2011, 03:07:52 pm
All you gotta do then paul is devise a code for communicating via instantaneous flashes.

how about we call it CLS?

Could do, would be a bit weird though as I thought they were shit on XFactor.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 09, 2011, 03:08:30 pm
 ;D

Just found this on 16 project initiatives building ad-hoc wireless mesh networks (http://emergentbydesign.com/2011/02/11/16-projects-initiatives-building-ad-hoc-wireless-mesh-networks/) whilst looking for info on such projects in Africa.

Wikipedia : Wireless mesh networks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_mesh_network) and ranges for different 802.11 specs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11#Protocols).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 10, 2011, 11:45:08 am
Posted originally here (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,11866.msg326534.html#msg326534) but have dragged it to the App thread instead.

Quote from: Butters
Push Football Scores Lite (http://www.appbrain.com/app/football-push-scores-lite/com.msi.footballpushscores) - looks like a decent app and has been recently updated to cover Championship teams at least. Also uses the push function which it would seem uses up less data\power.

Gave this a go on the HTC and it seems to work really well - sits in the background and doesn't seem to have any noticeable affect on battery life and the like. Notified me last night of JET's opening goal for Ipswich and the subsequent goals by Northampton. Also alerted to half time and full time scores.

The free version only allows you to follow one team and has a "nag screen" when you open up the settings but other than that a very good app as far as I can see. The paid version has a few extra options and I might upgrade to that some time soon. The only real criticism of it is that I would like to have a custom alert tone but I think I have managed to frig that for now so all good.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 16, 2011, 12:47:01 pm
Another gem from RegHardware Android App of the Week (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/08/16/android_app_of_the_week_desksms/)..

DeskSMS (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.koushikdutta.desktopsms) : intergrates SMS text messaging with Gmail/IM on desktop (and presumably your phone as they'll appear in there too).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 23, 2011, 11:15:59 am
Cerberus (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus)

(Getting seriously fed up with being stuck on 2.1 and too lazy to bother rooting the phone now as I'll be buying a new one myself in a few months).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on August 23, 2011, 11:51:38 am
Cerberus

Is that an app that enhances your brainwaves, and enables you to detect the whereabouts of all the mutants on the planet?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 23, 2011, 12:00:18 pm
No its a three headed dog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerberus).  :P
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on August 23, 2011, 12:03:39 pm
I know, I've seen Harry Potter :).

It was an attempt at a joke referencing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebro)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 23, 2011, 12:10:11 pm
I know, I've seen Harry Potter :).

It was an attempt at a joke referencing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebro (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebro)

Ah, ok, not seen Harry Potter, but I did read about Greek mythology when I was younger (Knosos made a lasting impression).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 23, 2011, 04:35:01 pm
New version of Swype available:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DngXwUoyqCA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DngXwUoyqCA)

 8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 23, 2011, 05:01:24 pm
Yeah just got an email about that Jasper - will update later... looks awesome!!  :punk:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on August 23, 2011, 06:41:07 pm
Cerberus (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus)

(Getting seriously fed up with being stuck on 2.1 and too lazy to bother rooting the phone now as I'll be buying a new one myself in a few months).

Tsk Tsk :) not the latest build? Say three hail marys to the Linux penguin and flagellate yourself with birch sticks :)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 23, 2011, 07:11:46 pm
New version of Swype available:

Looks OK but it has removed all the words that I had added to the dictionary and as if that was not enough seems to have searched through my list of contacts and added those into my new dictionary instead.  :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on August 23, 2011, 11:17:43 pm
the previous beta didn't seem to store any of my words anyway. I've spealt f*ck a tonne of times yet I can't swype to spell it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 24, 2011, 08:47:43 am
Tsk Tsk :) not the latest build? Say three hail marys to the Linux penguin and flagellate yourself with birch sticks :)

The foibles of buying from a third-party (proprietary) seller like T-Mobile who are thick as shit when it comes to updates and seem to lag 10months behind (compunded by HTC not updating the ROM for the Hero beyond 2.1  :furious:).  Still will purchase my own phone and do as I please in a few months, be interesting to see what comes out to compete/supersede the Sensation/GII.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 24, 2011, 09:05:19 am
the previous beta didn't seem to store any of my words anyway. I've spealt f*ck a tonne of times yet I can't swype to spell it.

The process for saving words to the dictionary wasn't the most intuitive in the world. It seems to be the same in the new version, type "word", select "word", select Add "word" to dictionary and it should be there. I will now await a reply saying that was what you were doing in the first place...  ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 24, 2011, 09:13:32 am
Still will purchase my own phone and do as I please in a few months, be interesting to see what comes out to compete/supersede the Sensation/GII.

Mate of mine has just got a Galaxy S2. It's fucking awesome. He's amazed by it and he used to be an iphonegaylord. Gotta be between that and the Sensation at the moment.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 24, 2011, 09:24:48 am
the previous beta didn't seem to store any of my words anyway. I've spealt f*ck a tonne of times yet I can't swype to spell it.

Watchoo talkin bout Willis? If you type a new word it doesn't know then it asks you "Add Word?". Do that once and it knows it from then on.


Looks OK but it has removed all the words that I had added to the dictionary and as if that was not enough seems to have searched through my list of contacts and added those into my new dictionary instead.  :-\

I've not updated yet but that sounds a bit annoying if you have to teach it again. The previous version already recognised names from my contacts though (which I find quite useful).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 24, 2011, 09:29:27 am
Still will purchase my own phone and do as I please in a few months, be interesting to see what comes out to compete/supersede the Sensation/GII.

Mate of mine has just got a Galaxy S2. It's fucking awesome. He's amazed by it and he used to be an iphonegaylord. Gotta be between that and the Sensation at the moment.

Thats the toss up decision I'm likely to make in a few months unless anything else comes along (but may still go with those if the price drops).  Could easily be swayed against the Samsung GII by the fact that they sponsored Kenton Cool to take one to the top of Everest.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 09:37:56 am
Still will purchase my own phone and do as I please in a few months, be interesting to see what comes out to compete/supersede the Sensation/GII.

Mate of mine has just got a Galaxy S2. It's fucking awesome. He's amazed by it and he used to be an iphonegaylord. Gotta be between that and the Sensation at the moment.

Thats the toss up decision I'm likely to make in a few months unless anything else comes along (but may still go with those if the price drops).  Could easily be swayed against the Samsung GII by the fact that they sponsored Kenton Cool to take one to the top of Everest.

I have the Galaxy S2 and can honestly say it is the most awesome phone I have ever owned!
I had the HTC Desire before and while good, the GS2 is so much faster and the screen is MMM :hug:
I am running CyanogenMod on it and it scores higher on Quadrant with this compared to the stock ROM, but then I am a bit of a CyanogenMod fanboy...  :-[

There is so much app space on it that I have almost double the apps I had on my Desire, am only using up a quarter of the available 2GB app space and I haven't moved a thing to the SD card!
Plus it has 16GB of internal 'SD' space and I transferred my 32GB micro SD card from my Desire which I have music and movies on for entertainment.  :popcorn:

Edit: As a footnote the reason I went for the SG2 over the Sensation (and I don't mind admitting that I did quite a bit of research before making my decision) was the difference in the screens between the 2 - the SG2 looks miles ahead in this department and most reviews of the Sensation suggested that they cheaped out on the screen.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 24, 2011, 09:40:00 am
Should add that the install last night didn't go exactly to plan, deleted the current version of Swype and then ran the installer which told me that there was new version of the installer available. Selected the option to upgrade that and it threw a parse error so I just deleted the installer and downloaded the new version which then allowed me to get the upgraded version of Swype. It may well be that it thought that is was a "new" install from scratch and didn't import the old dictionary.

To be honest it is no great hassle to add words back to the dictionary again, it was the importing of random (and it was very random) parts of my contacts list to the dictionary that annoyed me more.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 24, 2011, 10:13:39 am

I have the Galaxy S2 and can honestly say it is the most awesome phone I have ever owned!

What's the battery life like?  :off:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 10:26:21 am

I have the Galaxy S2 and can honestly say it is the most awesome phone I have ever owned!

What's the battery life like?  :off:

Its getting better as the battery breaks in.
When I first got it and admittedly was using it non-stop I got about 8 hours out of it, but now that I have had it a few weeks but still with heavy use I get around 14 hours before I get warning about being <20% charge.
If I play some of the CPU/GPU intensive games for half an hour then that can take 10% off the charge straight away but that's the price you gotta pay!

Its not really an issue as far as I am concerned though as I work in front of a computer so can have it plugged in for most of the day, then any time I am wanting a longer battery life down at the crag etc then I won't be using it heavily anyway and the battery will last a lot longer as a result.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 24, 2011, 10:40:26 am
I had the HTC Desire before and while good, the GS2 is so much faster and the screen is MMM :hug:

Course its going to be faster than the Desire, its peer from HTC is...

Edit: As a footnote the reason I went for the SG2 over the Sensation (and I don't mind admitting that I did quite a bit of research before making my decision) was the difference in the screens between the 2 - the SG2 looks miles ahead in this department and most reviews of the Sensation suggested that they cheaped out on the screen.

Both of which are dual-core, whilst the Desire is only single-core.  Plus the dual cores run at 1.2Ghz in both, Desire only 1Ghz.

Differences in the screens (capacative v's amoled) are intriguing fortunately a mate of mine has plumped for the GII so I'll be able to check it out before deciding.

Be interesting to see if Google/Motorola knock anything out at the high-end spec (esp as HTC were making the "Google Phone"/Nexus')
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 11:34:48 am
I had the HTC Desire before and while good, the GS2 is so much faster and the screen is MMM :hug:

Course its going to be faster than the Desire, its peer from HTC is...

Edit: As a footnote the reason I went for the SG2 over the Sensation (and I don't mind admitting that I did quite a bit of research before making my decision) was the difference in the screens between the 2 - the SG2 looks miles ahead in this department and most reviews of the Sensation suggested that they cheaped out on the screen.

Both of which are dual-core, whilst the Desire is only single-core.  Plus the dual cores run at 1.2Ghz in both, Desire only 1Ghz.

Differences in the screens (capacative v's amoled) are intriguing fortunately a mate of mine has plumped for the GII so I'll be able to check it out before deciding.

Be interesting to see if Google/Motorola knock anything out at the high-end spec (esp as HTC were making the "Google Phone"/Nexus')

Point taken about the Desire being an older generation of phone - the difference in the screen is amazing though.
Be interested to hear your thoughts once you've seen your mates GS2.

Yeah, I can't imagine Googorola will take long to turn some beastly device out although I reckon they primarily went with Motorola for more of the business piece. Doesn't mean they can't turn out some tasty consumer devices too though!  :)

Edit: Just being pernickerty here but Samsung made the last Google phone, Slackers, the Nexus S based on the original Galaxy S.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 24, 2011, 11:40:22 am

Edit: Just being pernickerty here but Samsung made the last Google phone, Slackers, the Nexus S based on the original Galaxy S.

 :oops: I clocked that just after, although had the original Nexus in mind when writing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 11:56:25 am
Anyway, apologies for the  :off: -ness of that...  :-[
Back to apps and there is a really addictive but simple car game that has lost me a few hours over the last few nights - Drag Racing (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.creativemobile.DragRacing&hl=en).

A bit of skill/timing when racing, choosing your upgrades wisely and, obviously, your painjob!  :whistle:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 12:01:18 pm
Oo, and Gun Bros (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.glu.android.gunbros_free) which is an awesome shooter that you can play with mates by connecting via Facebook!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 24, 2011, 12:02:20 pm
Well the Copy and Paste gesture on swype is a rather useful new feature.  :great:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 12:17:49 pm
Well the Copy and Paste gesture on swype is a rather useful new feature.  :great:

That looks cool alright - will try it out later myself!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on August 24, 2011, 04:01:07 pm
Errr, slight and impending bump in the road for anyone looking to acquire a GS2 in the Netherlands (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14652482) any time soon...  :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on August 24, 2011, 04:21:12 pm
Shouldn't this be in the "Apple are a bunch of cunts" thread?

There isn't one you say? Why!?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on August 24, 2011, 05:56:23 pm
Quick note on Desire, I upgraded to Gingerbread the other day and have noticed improved battery life and better image quality. Although I could be imagining the latter as I only have my memory of how it was to go on.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fultonius on August 24, 2011, 07:01:04 pm
Just upgraded to the sensation, was a close call over the galaxy s2 but felt the s2 was a bit too thin and light for my liking. Just trying to get used to Swype...might take some perseverance!  I'll update with my thoughts later!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on August 24, 2011, 07:31:36 pm
you probably already have it, but the fashonable bloke at work has an Adidas app on his i-fern that identifies which of their trainers most closely resemble one that you have photographed

it's like a sneakers pr0n app
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: rich d on August 24, 2011, 08:39:19 pm
Does anyone use an app for blogging? (I'm on blackberry so I use the phrase app loosely)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Falling Down on August 24, 2011, 10:14:43 pm
Wordpress app works very well
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on August 25, 2011, 09:46:25 am
Official Google Blogspot App (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.android.apps.blogger&feature=related_apps) - no idea if it is any good yet but have downloaded it and will give it a whirl.

EDIT - Forget that - just read the reviews and it is not well rated, excessive data use and generally rubbish seems to be the main issues.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 05, 2011, 10:16:12 am
For those with rooted Android phones you can remove all adds from browser and (most) apps (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bigtincan.android.adfree).

If you've an Android device and a Canon DSLR you can use your phone to control your camera (https://market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.dslrcontroller) (likely useful when doing studio shots and such like).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on September 08, 2011, 11:41:24 am
Don't pay to ring 0800 numbers.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skycomuk.android.o800Wizard


Also one for 0845 numbers. It's 99p.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.skycomuk.android.o8Wizard


I haven't tried it yet but it gets lots of 5/5 reviews.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 08, 2011, 12:26:58 pm
 :2thumbsup: Good find, cheers, be interested to know if the 0845 one works.

Detexify (https://market.android.com/details?id=coolcherrytrees.software.detexify) for geeky LaTeX (http://htt[://www.tug.org/latexlive) users who can't remember the code for the huge plethora of symbols.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on September 08, 2011, 12:41:49 pm
The 0800 one works a treat.  :great:

EDIT - On the strength of the reviews I bought the 0845 one and it also seems to work perfectly.

Nice one simes!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on September 08, 2011, 05:39:44 pm
I've bought the 0845 one too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 09, 2011, 08:04:32 am
noto08 (https://market.android.com/details?id=noto08.com) a free alternative (although there is a paid for version) that uses the Android dialer.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 13, 2011, 11:05:59 am
Reghardware App of the week : Skifta (media streamer for > 2.2) (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/09/13/android_app_of_the_week_skifta/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 16, 2011, 09:20:17 am
Voice actions for Android (http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2011/09/introducing-voice-actions-for-android.html)  8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: moodyboy on September 18, 2011, 10:16:09 am
Could some one please wad both slack line and simes for me , it's for app  beta. I don't have enough posts yet


Slightly :offtopic: my other half has just picked the s2-it's Mind bogglingly good.swype, voice recognition, i could go on & on the list of good stuff is endless.Plus a screen to cut your eyeballs with it's clarity.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: moodyboy on September 19, 2011, 10:04:09 am
Thank you Mr Sharpe

Much appreciated
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 20, 2011, 11:19:40 am
Easy customisation and status of applications/power consumption/etc. of Android with Elixir2 (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bartat.android.elixir) (review (http://www.reghardware.com/2011/09/20/app_of_the_week_android_elixir_2/)).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 21, 2011, 09:28:16 am
I started using the Read It Later (http://readitlaterlist.com/) Firefox plugin to bookmark and organise things I don't have time to read and was hoping there would be a way of syncing with my phone as its often travelling where I want something to read.

There is now just such an app (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ideashower.readitlater.free) :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 23, 2011, 09:16:40 am
Anyone with an HTC Sensation who wants to change the firmware can do so via here (http://www.htcdev.com/bootloader) (as HTC originally locked the bootloader).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on September 28, 2011, 08:51:49 am
For those with rooted Android phones you can remove all adds from browser and (most) apps (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bigtincan.android.adfree).
Rooted my phone just for this - thanks for the heads up :)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 28, 2011, 09:41:59 pm
Does it work though?

Not rooted phone as due for a new one in a month or so so can't be bothered spending the time on it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on September 28, 2011, 11:15:57 pm

It certainly works on a couple of games I've installed that were previously showing ads.

I'm not so sure about web-ads - what's a site that's infested with ads from major ad providers?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 19, 2011, 02:10:56 pm
Worms  :clap2: (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ea.worms_row&hl=en)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 19, 2011, 03:21:43 pm
I've found that this is better than Handcent (which is still a good app) for SMS:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on October 19, 2011, 04:10:07 pm
I've found that this is better than Handcent (which is still a good app) for SMS:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jb.gosms

Been using that for a while and it is a good app which I thought I had recommended it but maybe not. I find it is best if you run it in "Normal Mode" as it doesn't load up a billion different emoticons that you will never use and just seems less cluttered that way. Also got some nice features where you can set up individual settings so you can have a different Notifications (alert\LED Colour etc) for different contacts.

Overall I have been pretty impressed with what the Go developers have been doing and all of their apps are worth a look IMO - their Go Contacts app is a bloody good replacement for the standard dialler - check it out.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 19, 2011, 05:26:53 pm
CubeStormer II (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d0LfkIut2M#ws)

Not sure how much the lego robotic cube manipulator is but I bet nik at work could knock one up for anyone interested.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on October 19, 2011, 10:15:38 pm
That is one of the most impressive things I have seen for a long time.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 21, 2011, 11:36:45 am
Complain to your local council on the go with My Council Services (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mycoucil.app).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 21, 2011, 04:27:18 pm
Google Movies coming to Android Market (http://www.androidcentral.com/movies-starting-appear-uk-android-market)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 22, 2011, 09:23:53 am
Never be stuck for words again with Viz's Profanisaurus (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.dennis.viz).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: robertostallioni on October 22, 2011, 09:34:52 am
 :lol:
(https://www.gstatic.com/android/market/com.dennis.viz/ss-480-0-0)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on October 28, 2011, 03:29:34 pm
is anyone using something other than the standard web browser on Android? I just failed to install Firefox as my Wildfire isn't supported...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 28, 2011, 03:32:45 pm
No cos I have no bother with the standard one............... but this is supposed to be good.

https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 28, 2011, 03:33:33 pm
Had a play with Opera Mini (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.opera.mini.android&hl=en) now that I'm using Opera on the desktop more, nice syncing (something that Google have caught up with recently with newer versions syncing Chrome).  Opera will also do some stuff on their servers to make pages load faster.

No real preference though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: iain on October 28, 2011, 04:10:10 pm
I don't use the default one cause it doesn't easily do different tabs/windows. I have also used Opera Mobile/Mini and like them but switched to Dolphin Browser (http://www.dolphin-browser.com/) when I compared with a friends and it was faster. I like it a lot. Only annoyance is that the default search can't be changed to be UK centric.

Opera will also do some stuff on their servers to make pages load faster.

That can make a big difference and my wife's wildfire seems to like it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on October 28, 2011, 08:35:22 pm

I'm also using Dolphin Browser HD (https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser).

It's a very capable browser but the thing that made me choose it over other similarly capable browsers is the Lastpass Plugin (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lastpass.lpdolphin&hl=en)

I just put google.co.uk in my speed-dial to get UK results. It should probably be location aware but this doesn't seem to be working.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on October 28, 2011, 08:38:37 pm
Was going to suggest that you add google.co.uk as a speed dial but you beat me to it. Interesting to hear about the Lastpass plugin - will have to check that out. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on October 28, 2011, 08:39:44 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. My main reason for wanting to change was to sync everything between multiple version of firefox. Obviously this doesn't work if you've got a Wildfire.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on October 28, 2011, 08:56:20 pm

There's an app that syncs between FF and Dolphin but not used it.

I guess if I wanted to sync bookmarks I'd use Xmarks - what else do you need to sync to the mobile version of FF?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on October 28, 2011, 09:07:30 pm
it does passwords too (history, tabs etc. too if you want). Mainly I just wasted today streamlining my timewasting  :worms:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on October 28, 2011, 09:17:50 pm

Can't beat Lastpass for passwords imo - works in most browsers and most OSs.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 10, 2011, 01:52:34 pm
Well after failing to get the new gmail update to work correctly I finally flashed a Custom ROM last night (Cyanogen 7.1.1). I was pretty disapointed to find the stable release was unstable and that the status bar etc. just wasn't there and the first thing I encountered was a mass of Force Close messages!

Reading a bit further a thread suggested the nightly build was actually stable so I tried that and it seems to be working swimmingly. However, what Cyanogen gives with one hand it seems to take away with the other. For instance, I think its pretty handy in the messaging app (HTC Sense UI) that there's a link to your phonebook, in this I seem to have to type the name and then take the first number even if there's three and god knows how you send to multiple people?

Simple things like the stopwatch and timer are no more and although I can get them from the market, they're not as neatly intergrated and I'm yet to find one as good.

Thankfully I made a backup before flashing so theoretically it should be easy enough to go back (I've also made a backup of this setup and a seperate backup [using Titanium] of apps and system data. If I've got that right I can now switch between two setups or use a new custom ROM and titanium to get up to speed pretty quickly?

For anyone else using Cyanogen, have you really found it better?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on November 10, 2011, 02:07:57 pm
Not being very good with techy stuff and not having time to sit down and work through it properly I never got round to rooting my Legend. Now I have the new Samsung it's so much better anyway that I still don't feel the need to fuck about with it and with Ice Cream Sandwich coming (possibly) next month I probably wont for a while.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on November 10, 2011, 02:20:48 pm
Oops wrong thread......  :sorry:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on November 11, 2011, 10:51:34 am

For anyone else using Cyanogen, have you really found it better?

I've done the same and on balance would say that gingerbread was better. I do like the drop down slider in cyanogen where you can change the setting (wi-fi, bluetooth on/off)
Setting aps to cache to the SD card has really helped with the limited internal storage of the desire (my main reason for rooting). Also the gallery that comes with it is loads better than stock.
I think I need to spend more time setting it up to get the most from it.
I'm tempted to try the the MIUI rom at some point but need to set aside some geeking time.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on November 11, 2011, 01:22:02 pm
I use CyanogenMod and have done on my 2 Android phones thus far - on the whole I have found it much better than HTC's and Samsung's stock ROMs but you need to know what you're getting in to, some of which I will explain below...

Well after failing to get the new gmail update to work correctly I finally flashed a Custom ROM last night (Cyanogen 7.1.1). I was pretty disapointed to find the stable release was unstable and that the status bar etc. just wasn't there and the first thing I encountered was a mass of Force Close messages!

This can happen sometimes and may just mean that you need to wipe and re-flash the ROM and Google apps packages

Reading a bit further a thread suggested the nightly build was actually stable so I tried that and it seems to be working swimmingly. However, what Cyanogen gives with one hand it seems to take away with the other. For instance, I think its pretty handy in the messaging app (HTC Sense UI) that there's a link to your phonebook, in this I seem to have to type the name and then take the first number even if there's three and god knows how you send to multiple people?

Nightly builds are as the name suggests the latest versions built every night and include the latest fixes for issues but sometimes these fixes cause other issues which then need to be fixed - essentially a 'stable' ROM is the end product of sometimes hundreds of nightlies that have then resolved all issues and provide the desired functionality of that ROM - does that make sense?

Simple things like the stopwatch and timer are no more and although I can get them from the market, they're not as neatly intergrated and I'm yet to find one as good.

These apps are baked in to the proprietary ROMs that each handset manufacturer usually makes for each device and for example in the case of HTC includes their 'Sense UI' which push a flashy and glossy front end on to the 'base' or 'stock' Android OS - this is the reason that some custom ROMs such as CyanogenMod are faster because they don't have all of this 'gloss' to process and render, and this goes back to my opening statement of knowing what you are getting in to.
If you want a flashy ROM which proprietary/built in functions then the manufacturers ROMs may be the way to go.
If you want a fast ROM that can allow you to do more with the device, add programs you want and that does not have some bloatware in there then a custom ROM may be your best bet.

Again, let me know if this makes sense or if you want me to dip in to anything further - I will try and help where I can but don't pretend to know Android inside about, but am a keen custom ROM community member.

Thankfully I made a backup before flashing so theoretically it should be easy enough to go back (I've also made a backup of this setup and a seperate backup [using Titanium] of apps and system data. If I've got that right I can now switch between two setups or use a new custom ROM and titanium to get up to speed pretty quickly?

ALWAYS take a backup before you tinker with or change your ROM, and then backup the contents of your SD card to your PC or something as this is where this data is stored in case you corrupt your SD card.
Unfortunately I might be there bearer of bad news - Titanium Backup on backups up your apps and app data, and your system settings so I am guessing this is all you have.
In order to do a full backup you generally need a custom recovery image (its been so long since I had a stock recovery image that I can't remember if it has this functionality, so happy to be proven wrong here). You 'recovery' is kind of like your BIOS on a PC but allows you to backup your full phone (OS, app, settings etc) and play around with other options, do full wipes (important before flashing ROMs) and other functionality.

As you have likely realised in reading this I am quite in to the topic so let me know if you have any questions and I'll help if I can (and will try to help find the answer if I don't).

Peace out.  :-[
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 11, 2011, 01:36:50 pm
Nightly builds are as the name suggests the latest versions built every night and include the latest fixes for issues but sometimes these fixes cause other issues which then need to be fixed - essentially a 'stable' ROM is the end product of sometimes hundreds of nightlies that have then resolved all issues and provide the desired functionality of that ROM - does that make sense?

I completely understand this but I still think (and the thread I found suggests I'm not alone) that releasing something as a stable build with a glaringly obvious error that wasn't previously present is pretty poor. Ok, so the nightly may progress past 'new' issues that are found in stable builds and thus be better but this was down to basics; battery, signal etc.

I can deal without the glossy UI, thats fine. However things such as not being able to access your phonebook from the messaging app seems to be another very basic flaw especially when typing will only take the 1st number for a person which isn't always correct, how do you get around this?

Now that I've got root access does that not allow me to use superuser functions such as overclocking anyway? Granted, I'll never get away from the added bloat...

Oh and the backups I have are:
backup image of stock ROm and all my crap
backup image of Cyangogen nightly + all of my crap.
Titanium, system data, apps, settings.

That combination (I think), allows me to jump between Stock and Cyanogen and then if there's an update or other ROM to flash I can just use the Titanium stuff to get up and running quickly. It certainly allowed me to go back to how it was.

On the note of speed, it did seem slightly faster. However, neither mine + crap, or cyanogen + google apps felt anywhere near as swift as the other Wildfire that Nat uses which is basically straight out of the box.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fatboy on November 11, 2011, 01:56:01 pm
Nightly builds are as the name suggests the latest versions built every night and include the latest fixes for issues but sometimes these fixes cause other issues which then need to be fixed - essentially a 'stable' ROM is the end product of sometimes hundreds of nightlies that have then resolved all issues and provide the desired functionality of that ROM - does that make sense?

I completely understand this but I still think (and the thread I found suggests I'm not alone) that releasing something as a stable build with a glaringly obvious error that wasn't previously present is pretty poor. Ok, so the nightly may progress past 'new' issues that are found in stable builds and thus be better but this was down to basics; battery, signal etc.

Nightlies should not be considered stable because of what they are - a revision of code to test new functionality and find other/new bugs. I can't speak for the forum you are referring to but thats how I see it. There are Release Candidates (RC's) which are more stable and then the full stable versions themselves outside of nightlies.
I can't speak for the install on a device either as any number of things can and do go wrong every now and again with flashes of ROMs - a re-flash might fix your issues and it has done with mine a few times.

I can deal without the glossy UI, thats fine. However things such as not being able to access your phonebook from the messaging app seems to be another very basic flaw especially when typing will only take the 1st number for a person which isn't always correct, how do you get around this?

Not sure how your phone is set up but when I go in to the messaging app on my phone and type in someone's name with multiple numbers then it gives me them as options.

Now that I've got root access does that not allow me to use superuser functions such as overclocking anyway? Granted, I'll never get away from the added bloat...

Yep, suppose you can.
Haven't tried it myself so I'd be interested to hear how you get on.

Oh and the backups I have are:
backup image of stock ROm and all my crap
backup image of Cyangogen nightly + all of my crap.
Titanium, system data, apps, settings.

That combination (I think), allows me to jump between Stock and Cyanogen and then if there's an update or other ROM to flash I can just use the Titanium stuff to get up and running quickly. It certainly allowed me to go back to how it was.

Cool, so you're covered there.

On the note of speed, it did seem slightly faster. However, neither mine + crap, or cyanogen + google apps felt anywhere near as swift as the other Wildfire that Nat uses which is basically straight out of the box.

Interesting...
As with anything computery I guess it could be any number of reasons from apps installed, numbers of apps, settings etc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 14, 2011, 08:53:10 am
Replicant (http://replicant.us) for Android uber-geeks only (its a 100% open source version of Android).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 14, 2011, 02:58:55 pm
Any suggestions for cataloguing tools for books/CD/DVD/games/etc.?

I'm going to clear some shelf space but before boxing books up want to record what I have in a database.  Tedious to type all that shit out so am after an app that scans the barcode or takes the ISBN as input, nips off to some online db (be that Amazon or whatever) and returns all the details for me.  I can then tag them as I desire and eventually find things if I decide I need or want to sell them again.

I tried Shelves (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.miadzin.shelves) and My Collection (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.app.my_collection) this morning, but neither could retrieve details for my copy of Hueco Tanks : Climbing & Bouldering Guide (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hueco-Tanks-Climbing-Bouldering-Falcon/dp/0934641870) and whilst I've not masses of obscure climbing guides, I've a fair few older books.

Anyone who has used anything like this with recommendations for/against your insight would be appreciated.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lukeh on November 15, 2011, 02:11:56 pm
Quote
Any suggestions for cataloguing tools for books/CD/DVD/games/etc.?

The HandyMarket Barcode Scanner by Qpen.NET may be a partial fix. It searches Amazon for the barcode, so as long as the book you have is on there it should work, so solves the problem of things not being found (pretty big database!). Its an extra click to save it to your amazon's wishlist. Which is the problem, as the wishlist is not very exportable. You can cut and paste from the compact print list on amazons site, but this leaves the items name author etc all on one line (possibly fixable with some excel trickery...).

Good luck!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2011, 02:25:50 pm
Cheers for the suggestion, looking for something thats native rather than saving to Amazon wishlist (would likely end up buying something I've already got!).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 06, 2011, 10:09:35 am
Make cocktails & track the contents of your drink cabinet (https://market.android.com/details?id=hu.distinction.cflow) (usually empty at mine).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ben on December 06, 2011, 11:46:15 am
any recommendations for an Android app to play mp3/wma files on my HTC Desire?

Have been using Mort player but it's not great.  Would rather not have ad's, happy to pay a couple of quid for a decent player..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on December 06, 2011, 11:48:00 am
Doubletwist, its great, especially with Airsync.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 06, 2011, 11:49:00 am
Nothing from me, I just use the built in player with mp3/ogg (don't have any wma so never an issue here).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on December 06, 2011, 11:54:44 am
http://lifehacker.com/5805924/the-best-music-player-application-for-android (http://lifehacker.com/5805924/the-best-music-player-application-for-android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 06, 2011, 06:22:03 pm
10 days for top premium apps at 10pence (https://twitter.com/#!/Android/status/144117155804352512) (to celebrate the 10 billionth app download).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on December 07, 2011, 09:34:57 am

Overall I have been pretty impressed with what the Go developers have been doing and all of their apps are worth a look IMO - their Go Contacts app is a bloody good replacement for the standard dialler - check it out.

This is also good.......

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex&hl=en
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 07, 2011, 07:58:37 pm
10 days for top premium apps at 10pence (https://twitter.com/#!/Android/status/144117155804352512) (to celebrate the 10 billionth app download).

These are changing daily (presumably for 10 days).

Todays selection (https://market.android.com/details?id=apps_timed_promotion&feature=banner#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDIwMSwibnVsbC10b3BfZmVhdHVyZWRfbXVsdGlfX18xX3Byb21vXzEzMjMyNzY1ODU0NjIiXQ..) (Read it Later Pro is probably the only worthwhile one for me).

For those on Twitter follow @Android (https://twitter.com/#!/Android) for updates.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on December 07, 2011, 08:05:19 pm
does anyone know how to get a better/bigger calender widget thingy for the galaxy s2? the one thats there is too small and only displays 1 item
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on December 07, 2011, 08:06:57 pm
the developer jasper linked to might have something:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.gowidget.calendarwidget&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmdhdS5nby5sYXVuY2hlcmV4Lmdvd2lkZ2V0LmNhbGVuZGFyd2lkZ2V0Il0.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on December 07, 2011, 09:03:56 pm
looks good, will point the wife at it.
Cheers Paul
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on December 07, 2011, 09:05:38 pm
does anyone know how to get a better/bigger calender widget thingy for the galaxy s2? the one thats there is too small and only displays 1 item

Touch Calendar has various size widgets (4x1, 4x2, 4x3 & 4x4) in the paid version - syncs with Google Calendar. Been using it for a while now and very impressed with it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: stevej on December 08, 2011, 12:09:29 am
Jorte is free and has every combination from 1x1, 1x2, 1x3 etc. up to 5x5 widget panels. Fairly customisable (anything from day, week, month, adgenda, to-do lists etc) and syncs with google too.

Bit ugly though; writing is ridiculously tiny by default
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on December 08, 2011, 08:46:34 am
As Paul says the GO Calendar widget is very nice.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Mike Tyson on December 09, 2011, 12:32:17 am
Hello Android people, cave man Golt looking for some help. I want to somehow get all my texts off my Wildfire and on to my PC in some sort of readable document. Is this possible?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 09, 2011, 07:31:32 am
Hello Android people, cave man Golt looking for some help. I want to somehow get all my texts off my Wildfire and on to my PC in some sort of readable document. Is this possible?

Never done it myself, but one of these should do the trick (https://market.android.com/search?q=sms+backup&so=1&c=apps).

Most seem to backup SMS's to gmail, but some seem to save to SD card, one looks like it saves as XML files which are readable, but you'll probably want to strip/format them in some manner afterwards.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on December 09, 2011, 11:55:59 am
SMS Backup+ could be what you are looking for - backs all your texts up to Google Mail - there is probably a way to just get it to back up to the SD card as well. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on December 09, 2011, 12:41:28 pm
Weird, I replied to this earlier but it got lost...

I use Go SMS Pro from that list, it is a much better SMS manager than the standard Android one. Has a backup and restore (B&R under services) that will backup to XML. Just did a test and the XML imports nicely into Excel.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on December 11, 2011, 07:34:33 pm
Endomondo pro on the app store for 10p for the next few hours.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Stubbs on December 11, 2011, 08:10:17 pm
Nice one Obi, they've just started reducing the features on the free version for the last few updates.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on December 12, 2011, 09:36:43 am

I'm also using Dolphin Browser HD (https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.mgeek.TunnyBrowser).



I've started using this. It's really good.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 13, 2011, 07:35:29 am
SoundHound is currently on offer till later today.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 13, 2011, 05:22:36 pm
SlideIT and Shazaam Encore now on offer.

And for those on the go lots there is also FlightTrack (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mobiata.flighttrack&feature=apps_timed_promotion#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLG51bGwsImNvbS5tb2JpYXRhLmZsaWdodHRyYWNrIl0.) (also at 10p).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on December 15, 2011, 07:00:52 pm
Last day of the 10p sale today.

Camera Zoom is a great standard camera replacement (https://market.android.com/details?id=slide.cameraZoom&feature=apps_timed_promotion)

Apparatus is a fine physics game (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bithack.apparatus)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 31, 2011, 01:58:25 pm
Don't know if anyone else has had this problem but I always found it slightly annoying that Gmail under Android only notified me of messages in my Inbox, of which I get very few as I've set up lots of nested labels and filters to siphon things off.

I discovered how to customise Gmail Notifications (http://kimura.no-ip.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=android:gmail_notifications) yesterday :2thumbsup:

Hope some of you find it useful (NB web-page will be slow loading!).
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on December 31, 2011, 06:52:34 pm
Found the iGeology app for iPhone/pad is great when hunting new venues. Gives a 1:50,000 geological map of the entire country, laid over OS. Interfaces with GPS and pop up text giving detail surface geology and overlying sediments.
Good for those dog/kid walks that might just turn up the forgotten quarry or boulder field.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 10, 2012, 08:35:46 am
Not sure what to eat? Theres an app for that....What the Fuck Should I Make for Dinner (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.tom.wtfsimfd&hl=en) (also a web-site (http://whatthefuckshouldimakefordinner.com/) which inspired the related Where the Fuck Should I go for Drinks (http://wherethefuckshouldigofordrinks.com/) not found an app version of that yet).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sjw on January 10, 2012, 09:21:54 am
The vimeo app for android has just been released. Having waited ages for it, it's only gingerbread or above, which is terrible news for me and my Defy. Sob.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.vimeo.android.videoapp&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS52aW1lby5hbmRyb2lkLnZpZGVvYXBwIl0.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 10, 2012, 10:14:38 am
At last!


Report errors here (http://vimeo.com/forums/topic:47014)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 11, 2012, 01:35:24 pm
Beastmaker app!

https://market.android.com/details?id=ch.arons.android.bm&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNoLmFyb25zLmFuZHJvaWQuYm0iXQ..

 :strongbench:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 11, 2012, 01:39:47 pm
Had that installed for a while and just started using it,nice, clean and simple.

I await Paul B's app though  :clap2:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 11, 2012, 01:58:40 pm
You'll be waiting until MIT get appinventor running and I get a thesis in, and why bother, its been the lack of interval rest on other timers that I craved (the only thing extra was showing lock positions for encores but its far from necessary).

I used Appinventor which obviously requires a fair amount of background scripts as a simple interval timer came in at around 4.5mb!

I think the inventor in whatever shape or form MIT release it in, would be a very good tool to teach people the logics of coding a problem without actually writing any code. Its novel how they've basically made it error proof; you can fail at getting it to do what you want but you can't get the coding 'wrong' at all.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 11, 2012, 02:16:15 pm
Meant to ask you more about it but forgot last week!

Had you tried writing code from scratch?  If so how was it? Apps are written in essentially Java aren't they?

Toying with the idea of writing an App interface to the above Where the Fuck Should I go for Drinks and integrating automatic location detection.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 11, 2012, 03:10:45 pm
Meant to ask you more about it but forgot last week!

Had you tried writing code from scratch?  If so how was it? Apps are written in essentially Java aren't they?

I've got no knowledge of Java and a first look left me scratching my head a bit, other more important things to do currently  :wall:.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 11, 2012, 03:28:53 pm
Might try wasting some time tinkering to see if I can pick things up, never written anything in Java before myself, but its just another language to learn (principles are transferable between programming languages IMO).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 30, 2012, 11:27:21 am
AdAway (https://market.android.com/details?id=org.adaway&hl=en) an open source (http://code.google.com/p/ad-away/) alternative to AdFree (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bigtincan.android.adfree) that has more (n = 3 instead of n = 1) lists of hosts to block and allows you to add your own (if so inclined) (http://androidunderground.blogspot.com/2011/09/ad-blocker-shootout-adaway-vs-adfree.html).

Removed the annoying adds from Angrybirds so far \o/

(You need to have rooted your phone though)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: simes on January 30, 2012, 04:55:59 pm
You can remove the ads on angry birds by turning the connection off before you play.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 30, 2012, 05:05:20 pm
You can remove the ads on angry birds by turning the connection off before you play.

That would work for any application that displays adds as they're requesting banners from servers that exist solely to serve up banners.  Remove the network connection to request the banners and they won't be served up.

The software below works by re-directing these requests to the "local" (i.e. on the phone) loop-back device which has an IP address of 127.0.0.1 and obviously won't return any banners.

Good idea though if you haven't/can't be arsed rooting your phone (although I'd likely forget to turn 3G/WiFi back on afterwards and then wonder why I'm not getting any updates!).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 30, 2012, 05:15:48 pm
Doubletwist, its great, especially with Airsync.

I'm getting quite fed up with this, they're designing with later versions of Android in mind and every release is making my little Wildfire struggle more and more (whilst also breaking Airsync).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 31, 2012, 12:51:49 pm
Maybe Airdroid (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.sand.airdroid) would be a suitable alternative.



And whilst ITV/4/5/etc. drag there heels in releasing 'apps' for Android you can use FilmOn (https://market.android.com/details?id=filmon.webapp) to watch shit on your phone.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 06, 2012, 09:58:37 pm
I've currently got HTC calendar (with the widget) sync'ing with a shared Google calendar and then a work one too. Unfortunately it seems there's a glitch in either Android or Google Calendar on Froyo and it loses the odd item. This is my main gripe with Android, missing one item renders a calendar fairly useless, you certainly can't rely on it (and no its not just me, it seems widespread).

Does anyone use an alternative, preferably with a large grid style widget too?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on February 07, 2012, 07:36:23 am
Yes:

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gau.go.launcherex.gowidget.calendarwidget&hl=en
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 07, 2012, 10:10:58 am
For those worried about security Avast! (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity) has just got a glowing review on RegHardware (http://www.reghardware.com/2012/02/07/app_of_the_week_android_avast/).

Going to try it out instead of the Antivirus Free (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zrgiu.antivirus) app I've been using to scan applications.

On a related note for those who are concerned about security Google announced the other day (http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2012/02/android-and-security.html) that they have been testing automated scanning & testing of market submissions for viruses (which should reduce the need for local antivirus applications to some extent).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 07, 2012, 10:16:27 am

Also see Lookout Security & Antivirus (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout&hl=en)

I've been running in since I heard an interview with the authors on some tech podcast or other - seemed very knowledgeable and had good rep.
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on February 07, 2012, 10:22:56 am
Anybody found an anti virus for iStuff?
Or is it still considered unnecessary?

Now this pad is replacing my laptop for most applications, I'm starting to wonder about this...

Edit.. I've tried searching the app store...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 07, 2012, 10:28:30 am

Apple apps are heavily vetted before reaching the App Store so the chances of malware getting onto your device are minimal. As slackers has posted above Google are now (at last!) following suit with the Android Market.

I'm not sure if the usual risks apply across mobile platforms as apply to desktop platforms, e.g. don't open unknown attachments, etc
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 07, 2012, 10:36:01 am
Wouldn't know where to start for iOS I'm afraid.

Should point out that due to the architecture of having root administrator account and then user accounts (albeit hidden) you're phones aren't going to get infected and turned into Zombie bot-nets in the way M$-Win computers can be, this 'sandboxing' helps prevent malicious apps doing anything that bad (so opening unknown attachments isn't a problem).  My concern is that I'm a bit lazy when reading permissions that apps will use so conceivably you could install something that tries to send texts to a premium number without you realising it for example,

Personally I'd avoid ever installing cracked apps from 3rd party sites.
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on February 07, 2012, 10:53:45 am
Ta!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 07, 2012, 12:17:54 pm
For those worried about security Avast! (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity) has just got a glowing review on RegHardware (http://www.reghardware.com/2012/02/07/app_of_the_week_android_avast/).
This is a really good app though the update servers seem to be struggling to keep up with demand at the minute.

If you're rooted then it contains a nice firewall that prevents network access on an app by app basis, much easier than using adfree etc to block ads.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 07, 2012, 08:55:54 pm
Hi.....n00b here.

I've got a new phone recently. HTC ChaCha on 02.

I got the phone mostly to get on a cheaper contract, and partly so I can check the weather when I'm on a multi-day trip climbing to make the best crag decisions. Checking email to see if anyone has replied about climbing, and using Googlemaps to find crags also useful.

I am a grumpy luddite and utterly disinterested in mobile phone culture and social networking culture. I don't have the faintest fucking idea about apps and all that bollox.

I've downloaded one app to be able to remap that juvenile cuntshit Facebook button which was the main thing putting me off the phone.

What I want to know is:

1. How can I get rid of all the other apps that came with the phone?? Obviously I didn't want a phone full of bollox but it appears I had no choice. I just want a simple way to clear out that shite as there doesn't seem to be an obvious delete function.

2. There are a few sites I'd use on the move.....errrrr......GoogleMaps, AA Routefinder, Cuntbook, ummm that's probably it. Is there any advantage to trying to get an app for those things rather than just bookmarking the site??

3. Is there anything I should get that would be genuinely useful? I can think of a compass app, maybe. Errr. Hmmm??

Thanks,
Fiend x
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 07, 2012, 10:17:44 pm
It probably depends on how much messing about you want to do.

I don't know anything about your phone but I suspect you want to look at:

- installing some sort of custom ROM (3rd party/manufacturer's debranded)

and/or

- rooting the phone

Installing a custom rom is basically just changing the firmware. Third party organisations like CyanogenMod (http://www.cyanogenmod.com/) make their own ROMs but you can often find "official" ROMs from the manufacturer that are debranded, i.e. have all the mobile carrier specific stuff stripped out.  I did the latter with my SGS2 then just manually deleted all the manufacturer bloat afterwards by rooting it but then I quite like Touchwiz.

Rooting is basically just giving yourself full admin rights to the phone so you can go in and modify/delete/etc system files that normally you would be protected from doing. This is handy for deleting apps you'll never use.

N.B. Doing either of the above will probably void your warranty but Android is really well set up for such activities and you'd be unlucky if you couldn't just replace the original carrier branded ROM back onto your phone if you ever have the need to call on your warranty.

One place to start looking might be here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1045 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1045)

Unfortunately the fact that the Chacha forum seems to be under "Legacy & Low Activity Devices" doesn't fill me with much hope that you're going to have a huge amount of options.


Is there any advantage to trying to get an app for those things rather than just bookmarking the site??
Yes. A dedicated app usually does a much better job of presenting and interfacing with a given site than trying to use it in a mobile browser.

The only app I would recommend apart from the obvious ones is to have a look at Tapatalk (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.quoord.tapatalkpro.activity) which makes reading this site (and many other forums) on the move about 500% more pleasant than using a browser.

I suspect slack--line will be along tomorrow to do a much better job of explaining all this...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 07, 2012, 11:00:14 pm
Hmmm I sort of understand that.

I've just spent 30 minutes trying to find a way to disable the screenlock without having to download an app.

I get the impression that some phones are set up to be a complete bag of shite that stops the users doing anything remotely useful to customise it and therefore require all sorts of apps or other dicking around to get it into a sensible state that it should have been supplied as in the first place  :spank:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on February 07, 2012, 11:36:39 pm
You can get rid of a few of the apps using the uninstaller function.

Google Navigation is worth downloading and better to use than going off the web browser.

There is a compass app which is quite good. The flashligh app is quite handy too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2012, 12:23:06 am
I suspect slack--line will be along tomorrow to do a much better job of explaining all this...

Nah, thats pretty much what I'd have said, now't much to add.

I get the impression that some phones are set up to be a complete bag of shite that stops the users doing anything remotely useful to customise it and therefore require all sorts of apps or other dicking around to get it into a sensible state that it should have been supplied as in the first place  :spank:

The crap/customisation is down to two parties, firstly the manufacturers who tweak Android (HTC's tweak is called Sense) and then your carrier (O2/T-mobile/3/Orange) modify these further.  If you can't be arsed doing much then at least make the effort to understand the settings as these should allow you to modify things like the screenlock.



Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 08, 2012, 09:53:07 am
I am trying to understand the settings! I am also - gasp - Googling for tips and tweaks and generally what I've found is either wrong, doesn't actually apply to the HTC phone, or involves all the daunting h4x0ring that B-dawg was talking about.

Chris thanks for those tips, flashlight is a good point. The uninstaller doesn't seem to let me uninstall apps that came with the phone.

There definitely seems to be a severe case of trying to restrict what users can do!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on February 08, 2012, 10:18:27 am
I think they try to idiotproof it to stop you from deleting essential stuff. There's loads of widgets, apps that came on my phone I'd like to get shot of (share prices etc!) but you just have to live with it. Just get a bigger micro SD car if space is an issue.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lukeh on February 08, 2012, 10:24:38 am
Not an app, but something that looks good and is available for the chacha is http://www.htcsense.com (http://www.htcsense.com) (but not on my "old" desire). Allows remote access to your phone, so if its on silent and lost down the sofa etc you can make it ring... I'm guessing it won't work if you root your phone though...

Google Navigation and the flash light are two of the most useful as has been said. Google Sky Map is the only superfluous app that seems to get non techy people excited: point it at a starry nights sky and it'll tell you the constellations.

I've just spent 30 minutes trying to find a way to disable the screenlock without having to download an app.

That's long enough to have (skim) read the manual! :smartass:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 08, 2012, 10:47:07 am
If you think Android restrict your customisation then it's a good thing you didn't buy an iPhone!

As already said, if you can find a minimal custom ROM to install then it will probably become the phone you want. Otherwise, you'll really need to root the phone to get rid of a lot of the unwanted apps. As long as there's a documented way to root it then don't be scared of doing this, Android is set up to allow users to root/install custom roms/etc with minimal risk of bricking the phone.

If you look at this topic (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1291232), there have been a couple of Cyanogen ROMs released for the ChaCha recently but both have some restrictions. You could either wait or go for installing one and see what happens. If you do this though I'd make sure you've got a copy of the stock ROM somewhere in case you don't like it and want to revert.

There's also a rooting guide here (http://androidadvices.com/root-install-custom-recovery-htc-chacha-tutorial/)

Use at your own discretion. Like I said before because it's not a mainstream phone then you'll have to do more digging and work harder than if you have the latest flavour of the month handset for which there will be hundreds of tools and tutorials.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on February 08, 2012, 11:20:54 am
I am a grumpy luddite and utterly disinterested in mobile phone culture and social networking culture.......

I've downloaded one app to be able to remap that juvenile cuntshit Facebook button which was the main thing putting me off the phone.


You did your research before getting HTC's "Facebook phone" then Fiendy?

Quote
Billed as a Facebook phone, HTC’s messenger-style ChaCha sambas onto the scene with a blue Facebook button that’s ready to waltz you directly to the land of social networking.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/htc-chacha_Mobile-Phone_review (http://www.trustedreviews.com/htc-chacha_Mobile-Phone_review)

 ;)



Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2012, 11:31:37 am
I am trying to understand the settings! I am also - gasp - Googling for tips and tweaks and generally what I've found is either wrong, doesn't actually apply to the HTC phone, or involves all the daunting h4x0ring that B-dawg was talking about.

Great, but you seemed incredulous that it took you half an hour to find a setting.  Why shouldn't it take a while to get to know how to use something that is completely new to you (especially if your a luddite)?


Chris thanks for those tips, flashlight is a good point. The uninstaller doesn't seem to let me uninstall apps that came with the phone.

There definitely seems to be a severe case of trying to restrict what users can do!

That is part of the ballache of getting a phone on contract, you can't remove half the shit on there without rooting your phone because the contract holder likes to keep a reign on things as it makes it easier for them to control the firmware and applications that are on the phones they doll out so that when people phone up and say XYZOffice doesn't work they actually have a chance of knowing what is installed and how to fix it. 

It would be ludicrous to expect them to provide support for all applications that exist in the market (QuickOffice, GoogleDocs, PolarisOffice, AndrOffive, OfficeSuite, and on, and on....), so instead they put a core set on that they can then advise on/fix.

Bubba's right, if you really want to get rid of things then you'll have to at a bare minimum root your phone, and this will vary on the phone you've got.  HTC tried locking the bootloader (what actually loads Android) so you couldn't root them, but they got a lock of flack for it and changed that, not sure what tool you'll need I'm afraid as I've never rooted an HTC device (Paul B has though).  Samsung have a tool called Odin which is a leaked developers app for loading ROMs onto their phones (but there are alternatives for non-M$ computers, I used one called Heimdall (http://kimura.no-ip.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=android:rooting)).  I was apprehensive about rooting my phone as I bought my own (didn't want the ballache of being tied to a contract or having to remove crappy applications, I actually did have to uninstall apps on previous phone due to lack of space, but read on) and didn't want to brick my device having forked out of my own pocket, but it really wasn't that hard to do, there are simple, step by step guides out there for most phones, just read a few of them.

Once you've rooted your phone you can then uninstall all of the apps you don't want to have on there, for example having rooted my phone (Samsung Galaxy SII) I can remove apps that are listed as safe to remove (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_US&hl=en_US&key=0AnO2-4y6yE1gdDJRekl4QmkyNmIzUmRvX2h3UDVkQXc&output=html).  But then I looked at how much space there is on the phone for installing apps and realised that there was circa 2Gb, and I was highly unlikely to install enough apps to fill this up and necessitate freeing up space.  So ask yourself, do you actually need to remove them?  If theres enough space for you to install the minimal set of apps you want then what do you actually gain by removing them other than a sense of having won one over on the people who provided your phone.  Otherwise I'd say just leave them there, you don't have to use them.

It could be that you're worrying over nothing.

Getting a bigger micro SD card will only be useful if you can install applications to SD, which generally requires you to have rooted your phone I'm afraid.  It will however allow you to hold more pictures/videos/music etc. on the phone that you're carrying around.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on February 08, 2012, 11:52:48 am

Getting a bigger micro SD card will only be useful if you can install applications to SD, which generally requires you to have rooted your phone I'm afraid.  It will however allow you to hold more pictures/videos/music etc. on the phone that you're carrying around.

Not necessarily so slackers. I could install apps to SD on my (unrooted) HTC Legend and move them from phone to card and back. Only thing was that some of the pre installed apps couldn't be moved / removed from the phone.

Haven't even bothered checking on S2 as I'll never fill it up anyway.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on February 08, 2012, 12:02:28 pm
Was about to say the same thing - moved several space heavy apps - Mobile Observatory, etc to the SD card, and my phone definitely isn't routed.

I personally would have avoided a phone called a Cha Cha purely on the name! :)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2012, 12:17:26 pm
Fair-dos, upon thinking about it a little harder, I think it depends on the application itself, and for some its conditional on the phone being rooted.

I personally would have avoided a phone called a Cha Cha purely on the name! :)

Yeah, its missing a "Cha"!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 08, 2012, 05:40:09 pm
I've never rooted an HTC device (Paul B has though). 

and its even easier for fiendypops as HTC support bootloader unlocking for his phone:

http://htcdev.com/bootloader/ (http://htcdev.com/bootloader/)

following this you should get root access that should enable you to shift a lot more of the apps in the direction of the bin (or at least the SD card). However, I wonder why you'd bother (it doesn't sound like you're going to fill it with other stuff)? If you've got the intention of using the phone as you state then really I don't think its worth the hassle. It'd be like installing tiny7 because you don't ever use minesweeper.

The other option of course is to use it, and then install a custom rom but I'm getting the impression that's not really worth it in this instance either (and it comes with a lot of trade-offs anyway (or it did for my phone)). I spend plenty of time tinkering and I reverted back to the Sense UI pretty darn swiftly.

The unlock screen is part of Android in general, sense uses its own version but they're all controlled in the same menu system regardless of ROM and if you couldn't find that, I wouldn't advise you go installing cyanogen etc.

As for something useful put Androidlost on it...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 08, 2012, 06:22:45 pm
I really rate Widget Locker (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.widgetlocker&hl=en) for customising the unlock screen and doing useful things with it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 08, 2012, 08:56:21 pm
You did your research before getting HTC's "Facebook phone" then Fiendy?
I know I know!!!! The Facebook button actually made me slightly nauseous at the prospect of it's existence and seriously put me off the phone.

It just boiled down to the keyboard. It's the only one I found with the keys decently seperated enough for my sausage fingers.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2012, 09:12:07 pm
I don't get why some people have problems with touch screens and large fingers, 99% of the time I use my thumb which is invariably fatter than people's fingers.  :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 08, 2012, 10:29:12 pm
I have a problem with touch screens and strange fingers that seem to alternate being super greasy and too polished on the very tip for the screen to recognise.

I have a problem with tiny Blackberry-style keyboards and sausage fingers. Hence the <barf>ChaCha</puke>
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 08, 2012, 11:01:53 pm
Also.... Thanks everyone for your comments. It's nice to get replies from people who understand the situation from a user's perspective.

Quote
Great, but you seemed incredulous that it took you half an hour to find a setting.  Why shouldn't it take a while to get to know how to use something that is completely new to you (especially if your a luddite)?

I'm a phone luddite but not an idiot! I looked in sensible places in the settings, googled for tips and tricks, tried them and they were all wrong. Generally I'd hope there to be a simple thing like Settings > Phone > Keyboard/Touchscreen > Screenlock. Or it to be mentioned in the manual, which it isn't (only security screenlock pattern bollox).

The name is AWFUL. The nearest contender was the Nokia E5 :D how's that for inspiration, despite the cramped keyboard.

The apps are more an issue of offending me than taking up space, although they do take up space in the app menu (Blackberries can hide apps in the menu, this HTC doesn't seem to). I guess I can try to live with them  >:(

Uggg. Smartphones are a new learning curve for me.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on February 09, 2012, 12:41:04 am
some reading here for you Fiendy:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1045 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1045)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: IanP on February 09, 2012, 07:15:35 am

I'm a phone luddite but not an idiot! I looked in sensible places in the settings, googled for tips and tricks, tried them and they were all wrong. Generally I'd hope there to be a simple thing like Settings > Phone > Keyboard/Touchscreen > Screenlock.


Or somewhere simple like Setting > Security > Change Screenlock  ;)

My daughter has a Cha Cha and if you can get you head round the name plus the slightly small landscape screen I think its actually pretty good.  With Android I think you really need to accept that apps are there to let you customise the phone as you want - on the lock front I us No Lock which lets you turn locking off / on with a single touch (assuming you are putting apps on your home pages) - great for use in car / home etc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 09, 2012, 08:54:28 am
Or somewhere simple like Setting > Security > Change Screenlock  ;)

That's the "only security screenlock pattern bollox" I mentioned and have tried a dozen times, it's only for a proper security pattern, not for disabling screenlock at all (on my phone it's called Set Up Screenlock so maybe something is different).

Good point about simply needing apps to do stuff with Android. I was just expecting that you'd need apps like Angry Birds and Google Constellation Shite, rather than apps to give you the basic functionality the phone would have in the first place. So naive. I guess I'm used to the user-friendliness of Windows computers too much.

Jim - cheers, I'd already saved several links to that from googling, will start to refer to it more.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: IanP on February 09, 2012, 09:22:05 am
Or somewhere simple like Setting > Security > Change Screenlock  ;)

That's the "only security screenlock pattern bollox" I mentioned and have tried a dozen times, it's only for a proper security pattern, not for disabling screenlock at all (on my phone it's called Set Up Screenlock so maybe something is different).

?? Change screen lock should have options of none, pattern, pin or password - maybe you're on a later android version .
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on February 09, 2012, 10:27:43 am
May have been mentioned before but Plan B (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&hl=en) is pretty clever for Android. Does similar to 'find my iFone' feature. Best bit is you don't need it pre-installed.

Mrs Obi just got a Desire S and she can register with HTC Sense webpage and do some basic things like make here phone ring at full volume to find where Mini Obi MkI or MkII has hidden it. Or wipe it remotely if it's properly lost.

Annoyingly this only works with newer HTC phones and not my original Desire. Unfortunately I've got to put up with Mrs Obi having a better phone than me until July when I can upgrade. Grrr.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 09, 2012, 11:41:01 am
Good point about simply needing apps to do stuff with Android. I was just expecting that you'd need apps like Angry Birds and Google Constellation Shite, rather than apps to give you the basic functionality the phone would have in the first place. So naive. I guess I'm used to the user-friendliness of Windows computers too much.

I actually prefer choosing my own apps to do 'basic' stuff, and I suspect you do too.

The alternative is that the provider chooses what they think you want and attempts to make it all ever so easy to do what they think you might want to do with that software.

But as you've demonstrated by wanting to remove pre-installed applications, what you want, and what the manufacturers/carriers think you want/need differ.  :devangel:

The solution is to find a mid-point, provide some pre-installed apps, but allow users the freedom to install, customise and use what they want, which is what you have.

Some other useful apps to consider installing...

Dropbox (if you use it, very easy way of getting stuff onto your phone from anywhere)
WifFi Analyzer
FileExpert
Rainwatch (I reckon you'll get a fair bit of usage out of this in sunny Scotland!)
Beastmaker Timer
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 09, 2012, 12:22:46 pm
Cheers.

Ian, on my version of Android, choosing None just removes a pattern/pin lock if you chose one of those. It doesn't remove screenlock entirely. Apparently there's an app for that? ;)
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on February 09, 2012, 12:24:18 pm
Not used dropbox. Any advantage to it over iCloud?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 09, 2012, 12:33:01 pm
Don't know, never used iCloud.  :P

Dropbox gives you some free online storage, you can pay for more.  Works well in my experience (use on two desktops, a laptop and phone).
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on February 09, 2012, 12:44:16 pm
I get ( but don't use yet) 5mb free. How does that compare?
Excuse me!
I mean Gb...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 09, 2012, 01:06:23 pm
2Gb free, although you get a fraction more if referred as does the referrer (250Mb each) and the more people you referrer the more free space you can get upto 8Gb.

You can pay for upto 100Gb of storage.

Other free options include using Amazon Simple Storage Service (http://aws.amazon.com/s3/) (no idea if there are apps for this)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 09, 2012, 01:40:59 pm
Back on topic, the Guardian's...

Top 50 Android Tablet applications (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/appsblog/2012/feb/06/50-best-android-tablet-apps)

Top 50 iPad Tablet applications (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2011/sep/25/50-best-ipad-apps-apple)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: IanP on February 09, 2012, 02:08:04 pm
Cheers.

Ian, on my version of Android, choosing None just removes a pattern/pin lock if you chose one of those. It doesn't remove screenlock entirely. Apparently there's an app for that? ;)

You're right - I've had the no lock app for so long I'd forgotten that when you switch off the lock via the settings you still need to sweep the screen to access.

I'm not sure whether this proves that android is great because you can customise it to work exactly how you want or it's rubbish because you have to customise it to work how you want  :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 09, 2012, 02:23:25 pm
android is great because you can customise it to work exactly how you want

Everyone will have a different view on what they want, so customising is a good thing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 09, 2012, 04:03:49 pm
is removing the lock screen entirely such a good idea? I forsee a large data bill due to pocket surfing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on February 09, 2012, 04:25:34 pm
If you can't do if via settings then there's several apps that can disable the lock screen.

As Paul says, it's not a great idea to permanently remove it as you're likely to set it off in your pocket, etc but it's useful if the phone is charging or is sat on your desk, etc when the lock screen can become a pain.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fiend on February 09, 2012, 08:50:53 pm
HTC ChaCha turns the screen off automatically after a changable amount of time, and you need to turn it back on with the tiny power button, which is nigh-on impossible to do accidentally. Hence the screenlock is superfluous in the first place!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on February 09, 2012, 10:50:06 pm
is removing the lock screen entirely such a good idea? I forsee a large data bill due to pocket surfing.
you not on unlimited data? pah I expected better
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 10, 2012, 12:06:52 pm
is removing the lock screen entirely such a good idea? I forsee a large data bill due to pocket surfing.
you not on unlimited data? pah I expected better

I am, I don't think Fiend will be.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dobbin on February 10, 2012, 12:40:46 pm
is it wise to turn off the lock screen from a security perspective? could have cookies for online banking, access to your gmail with all sorts of useful stuff in - all things you don't want to get into the wrong hands.
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: Oldmanmatt on February 11, 2012, 08:12:58 am
Back to apps, for a moment, anyone else using "Flipboard"? Excellent, and I seem to be able to access magazines etc that are usually subscription only; free...
Allows searching and customising of your "news paper" very easily. And you can instantly delete the inbuilt "life style" and "fashion" sections.... Bliss!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: petejh on February 18, 2012, 06:24:32 pm
A taster version of the North Wales Limestone app for iPhone has just been released today and is available for free dowload from the app store - search for North Wales Limestone. Thank Steve Golley / The Send for the ace framework. http://www.thesend.co.uk/ (http://www.thesend.co.uk/)

The full version of the app will hopefully be available from the App Store around the same time as the guidebook hits the shelves this year, and will contain the same definitive coverage as the printed guide. An Android version is planned for the full app but not the taster. If you have any fedback about the app please get in touch via the link on The Send website or email/pm me.

Yeah  :dance1:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 21, 2012, 12:34:46 pm
Making this thread obsolete (http://www.reghardware.com/2012/02/21/app_of_the_week_android_appaware/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sjw on February 21, 2012, 04:42:48 pm
It's been mentioned in the BM training app thread, but the Impetus Plus  (https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.ohra.impetusplus&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiZmkub2hyYS5pbXBldHVzcGx1cyJd)timer is proper class. Very handy for programming any possible sequences of rest/work loops for training.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 24, 2012, 08:31:28 am
50Gb of free online storage for free simply by installing and logging into Box (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.box.android&hl=en) before 23rd March 2012  :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 26, 2012, 09:31:08 am
Evi (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.trueknowledge.android.evi) :clap2:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 02, 2012, 08:26:29 am
I just had need to trim a video, VidTrim (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.goseet.VidTrim) did the job nicely.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 12, 2012, 01:20:13 pm
50Gb of free online storage for free simply by installing and logging into Box (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.box.android&hl=en) before 23rd March 2012  :2thumbsup:

I've just written up HowTo mount Box storage under Gentoo Linux using WebDAV (a network file system) (http://kimura.no-ip.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=gentoo:davfs_box.com_storage).

I expect you can do the same under M$ variants.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 13, 2012, 10:11:22 am
TuneIn Pro (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=radiotime.player) only £0.20 at the moment, main advantage of the pro version is you can record streams (might be able to schedule recordings using Tasker too, so you don't miss non-archived shows, but not looked into it).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 27, 2012, 01:34:24 pm
For those with rooted phone Font Installer Root (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.font.installer) is simple, easy & free.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on April 27, 2012, 03:11:46 pm
For those with rooted phone Font Installer Root (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.font.installer) is simple, easy & free.

is that the thing that converts V Grades and British Tech Grades to a more useful format?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 27, 2012, 03:15:53 pm
For those with rooted phone Font Installer Root (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.font.installer) is simple, easy & free.

is that the thing that converts V Grades and British Tech Grades to a more useful format?

 :clap2: Genius!  Unfortunately not though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on April 27, 2012, 04:35:24 pm
For those with rooted phone Font Installer Root (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummy.font.installer) is simple, easy & free.

is that the thing that converts V Grades and British Tech Grades to a more useful format?

This is the usual device for converting V grades to Font...

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZrOYXReXGw/T1WRqmEX3bI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/MqYF0uIfcPI/s1600/elephant.jpg)

Sorry, my Bad - its actually a rockfax guide in prep...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 29, 2012, 11:53:08 am
Discovered Mobile Odin Pro (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.mobileodin.pro) this morning for flashing rooted devices with ROMs (or your choice of partition within a ROM).  Has a nice 'EverRoot' option which will retain root when flashing new kernels.  :2thumbsup:

Pretty cheap (£3.86), and the guy who publishes this also produces the CF-Root stream of rooted kernels.

Going to play around this afternoon with a few different ROMs using this device to do the flashing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 30, 2012, 12:09:28 pm
Discovered Mobile Odin Pro (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.mobileodin.pro) this morning for flashing rooted devices with ROMs (or your choice of partition within a ROM).  Has a nice 'EverRoot' option which will retain root when flashing new kernels.  :2thumbsup:

Pretty cheap (£3.86), and the guy who publishes this also produces the CF-Root stream of rooted kernels.

Going to play around this afternoon with a few different ROMs using this device to do the flashing.

Played yesterday, gets the thumbs up from me  :2thumbsup:

Piece of piss to use, save a ROM or individual files from a ROM tar-ball to your phones internal or external SD card, fire up Mobile Odin, choose the file (or the whole tar ball) and it then updates.  Checks that the right file is going to the right place so you can't flash the wrong partition, preserves root on your phone (at least on the update I did). Absolute bargain for the price, the only downside is that you have to have a rooted phone (oh and I'm sure others may find the fact that its limited to Samsung devices a bit annoying).


Also discovered Voxer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rebelvox.voxer) yesterday, turn your phone into a walkie-talkie.  People you want to contact have to have it installed and be registered too, but works fine, albeit with a little lag as its transferred over the net (WiFi or 3G connection).  Available for other smart phone systems too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on April 30, 2012, 06:23:16 pm

Not seeing the point of Mobile Odin Pro really - once you've rooted the device once with normal Odin, then all the ROMs I've subsequently installed come with CWM which lets you do all that stuff from the boot recovery menu for free.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 30, 2012, 08:45:51 pm
The advantage from my perspective is that I can't use Odin (no Linux version, hell Samsung don't even release a Linux version of their desktop Keis which is pretty crap).  Instead I'm using the opensource alternative Heimdall (http://www.glassechidna.com.au/products/heimdall/).  When I attempted to flash Android 4.0.3 last week it failed to verify the upload of two partitions with the most recent release (1.3.2).  Had to roll back to Heimdall-1.3.1 in order to re-flash successfully.

I'm also not that bothered about using the custom ROMs, there's tons of space so removing apps isn't a facet of custom ROMs that I'm that bothered with, so I was using a stock firmware which didn't have a rooted kernel (with ClockWorkMod included).

I could have easily worked round this if I had faith in Heimdall, since you can choose which partitions you flash, so I'd have taken everything from the stock ROM tar-ball, except the kernel, instead using a CF-Root, but I'm not that confident that future updates to Heimdall will be reliable.  Mobile Odin also lets you pick and choose partitions to update with specific files, so you don't have to flash with a whole ROM (although doing anything other than the kernel could lead to a world of problems I'd imagine).

Horses for courses though, only works with Samsung phones so its not for everyone.  I also thought the person who put the hard work into making the rooted ROM I've been using deserved a pint for his hard work and updates (which he seems to stay on top of whenever new kernels are released) :beer2:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on April 30, 2012, 09:34:38 pm
I'm also not that bothered about using the custom ROMs, there's tons of space so removing apps isn't a facet of custom ROMs that I'm that bothered with, so I was using a stock firmware which didn't have a rooted kernel (with ClockWorkMod included).
Removing apps isn't the primary reason I'm using a custom ROM, but it is nice to be rid of all the carrier/Samsung apps, Touchwiz, etc that I'll never use.  The phone is noticeably more responsive with the custom ROM than with the stock ROM, even though the ROM I'm using is based on a Samsung release.  The ROM author is currently releasing updates that are based on the AOKP release which has been based upon the ICS source code released by Google.

I also like the dark themed Google apps my ROM has, and things like the built in automatic call recording, T9 dialler, etc.

I'm still running the Siyah Kernel (http://www.gokhanmoral.com/) which is under constant development. This kernel actually allows you to dual boot 2 ROMS but I haven't tried this yet.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 01, 2012, 06:49:45 am
Theres some subtle things about touchwiz I quote like, e.g. under contacts slide right to call someone, left to message (certainly not something HTC's did).

I tinker enough with computers and routers and haven't got the inclination (yet!) to do similar with the phone, might check out the kernel you suggest though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 01, 2012, 02:18:29 pm
The advantage from my perspective is...... blah blah lots of really complicated stuff about phone tinkering that Jasper doesn't understand.


I tinker enough with computers and routers and haven't got the inclination (yet!) to do similar with the phone

 :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 01, 2012, 02:28:10 pm
 :lol: Its the fucking it up with Heimdall that I want to avoid.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on May 01, 2012, 02:47:39 pm
I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but not sure I want to dig through 20 pages. Anyone recommend a good app for making cheap / free overseas phone calls mostly to SA and Oz? Not bothered about any face-to-face stuff.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 01, 2012, 02:58:14 pm
If they're not on a computer/smartphone themselves then the cheapest option is likely to bung a few quid into a Skype account and use that on your phone (ideally over a WiFi connection otherwise its going to eat into your data allowance).  If they do have Skype then its free of course.

If the recipient has a smart phone too you could try out Voxer (http://voxer.com/) which I came across the other day.  Basically works like walkie-talkies (you have to say 'over' at the end of each sentence for the message to be sent :clown: ).  This would be free too,
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 03, 2012, 05:37:28 pm
Checked out the MetOffice Application (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.metoffice.android) today and thought it was pretty nice, selection of rainfall, satelite, UV overlays, got location pretty quick & accurately without GPS too (likely down to a decent phone signal giving location away).

Also going to try out Onavo (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.android.onavoid) for monitoring net usage by application, see if there's anything being greedy.

Both from Guardian : Top 50 Android Apps (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/18/top-50-android-phone-apps), although don't bother with the paid for version of train times, National Rail do one (both paid and free (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.nationalrail.google)), adverts in the free version aren't intrusive, but nor are they displayed when you use AdAway (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.adaway) (requires root though).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 07, 2012, 08:00:24 am
For those with Farcebook accounts who would like to use an alternative to Tasker there is On{x} (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.onx.app) from M$.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 14, 2012, 11:23:31 am
Tor for Android (https://www.torproject.org/docs/android.html.en) in light of the UK Gov blindly pushing forward with snooping (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18434112).

Caveat : Tor can be sloooow!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 02, 2012, 08:37:45 am
TVCatchup (Beta) (http://tvcatchup.com/android.html) currently free, all terrestrial channels streamed to your phone, lags a few seconds behind broadcast, but not bad at all (tested on Samsung Galaxy SII
Android 4.0).

If you don't already have it, and wish to continue using it grab Adobe Flash before 15th August 2012 (http://news.efytimes.com/e1/86356/Adobe-Banishes-Flash-Player-Support-For-Jelly-Bean) when it will be removed from the Play store (perhaps useful as many sites might be slow in switching to html5).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 07, 2012, 10:02:12 am
ClimbCoach (http://www.climbmagazine.com/news/2012/07/new-training-app) (Android version on its way).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on July 07, 2012, 10:16:45 am
Why is it the majority of android apps don't have a close button/function?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dave on July 07, 2012, 10:33:44 am
Cos you never need to close things in android?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on July 07, 2012, 02:40:28 pm
This might be of use to the cyclists on here:

http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/ (http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on July 07, 2012, 07:26:57 pm
Google Maps also now allows you download maps in (IIRC) a 12mile radius of a given location.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lukeh on July 08, 2012, 05:28:41 pm
This might be of use to the cyclists on here:

http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/ (http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/)

Looks good, lots of functions to play with and really smooth so far.

I was using Sustrans's The National Cycle Network previously, which is a real pain to download maps on and is a bit glitchy, but seems to have more routes than cycle streets version.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 11, 2012, 08:55:43 am
Looking into lost/stolen phone tracking/locating applications.

Seems Avast Security (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity) includes such features (it does harvest a fair bit of anonymous information though).

Also came across Plan B (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb) which doesn't require installation before losing your phone from the blurb.

Android Theft (http://www.antidroidtheft.com/) looks simple.

Any one got/tried or even had to use any that can give any endorsements?

This might be of use to the cyclists on here:

http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/ (http://www.cyclestreets.net/blog/2012/07/05/android-app-offline-maps/)

Looks good, lots of functions to play with and really smooth so far.

I was using Sustrans's The National Cycle Network previously, which is a real pain to download maps on and is a bit glitchy, but seems to have more routes than cycle streets version.

Posted in Google Shit, but Google Maps now supports cycle routes (http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/google-maps-bicycling-route-finding-arrives-in-uk/013336)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on July 11, 2012, 03:32:42 pm
Androidlost was the first to work since the tweaks to Android which broke Where's my droid etc. It seems fine to me.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 11, 2012, 03:54:29 pm
Cheers, will check that out.

I do like the suggestion I read of setting up Tasker to Rick-roll upon receipt of an SMS with a key word in thus shaming the whoever found/stole the phone into returning it.  That would however require me to purchase a copy of said song though which I can't bring myself to do.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on July 11, 2012, 03:58:06 pm
Cheers, will check that out.

I do like the suggestion I read of setting up Tasker to Rick-roll upon receipt of an SMS with a key word in thus shaming the whoever found/stole the phone into returning it.  That would however require me to purchase a copy of said song though which I can't bring myself to do.

I set up a tasker profile but when they changed Android the permissions were no longer present to allow it to work fully. Not something you want to discover once your phone has been nicked.

Androidlost has loads of controls, get your SMS, brick your phone, crank up the volume and play a siren, post polite notices "please give my phone back",track it, use the camera etc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 11, 2012, 04:03:34 pm
Had a poke around under Avast which I've already got installed for antivirus at lunch time and its got a lot of similar things.  The one feature it seems to lack is being able to control things from a WebUI you have to set it up to use messages from pre-defined phone numbers as far as I can tell (shame as whilst possible I would not like to be reliant on using my wife or someone else's phone).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on July 11, 2012, 09:10:52 pm
I've been using Avast but the anti-theft stuff looked a bit of a pain to setup and use, especially if you re-flash your phone quite a lot as I do.

Android lost looks pretty good and easy to use so have installed that.  The clever thing about Avast is that if you're rooted then you can prevent the phone from being reflashed.

If I ever have a ROM I'm going to keep for a while then I'll revisit it, but until then Androidlost is really nice, the webui is so easy to use.


Totally unrelated, but I've just been using this Twitter client today and it's really sweet: Twicca (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.r246.twicca&hl=en) - super customisable and has stuff like word filters, etc. Very good. Seems to have lots of plugins too, e.g. a plugin to clip a tweet straight into Evernote.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lukeh on July 12, 2012, 08:56:52 am
If you've got one of the newish Samsungs there is also http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do (http://www.samsungdive.com/DiveMain.do) as a basic option. Thankfully not had to use it though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 12, 2012, 09:27:08 am
Hadn't realised Samsung have a service, cheers lukeh.

Also been put onto Prey (http://preyproject.org) which is available for laptop OS's too as well as Android (http://preyproject.com/blog/2010/01/prey-arrives-on-mobiles-android-version-available).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on July 12, 2012, 09:51:23 am
Androidlost was the first to work since the tweaks to Android which broke Where's my droid etc. It seems fine to me.

I've relied on Androidlost recently and it worked well. First it picked it up on googlemaps and showed where it was (at least I kew it was in or around the house) and I then got the alarm to go off and found it had slipped down the back of the bed in the van.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 18, 2012, 12:24:10 pm
ClimbCoach (http://www.climbmagazine.com/news/2012/07/new-training-app) (Android version on its way).

Train like Core (http://www.appsthecoretraining.eu/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on July 18, 2012, 02:29:39 pm
I'm sure it's been mentioned before, but not sure I want to dig through 20 pages. Anyone recommend a good app for making cheap / free overseas phone calls mostly to SA and Oz? Not bothered about any face-to-face stuff.

Tried Skype - bit of a pain on phone. Viber is the one to go for. Can phone anyone else with the app anywhere in the world for free. Quality not great over 3G, but fine over WiFi.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 18, 2012, 02:39:14 pm
What was awkward about Skype and in what way does Viber differ?

I've used Skype on laptops for a few years now so found using it on the phone pretty straight-forward.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on July 18, 2012, 02:47:22 pm
Easy to install, doesn't eat disc space, automatically detects who of your contacts list also have Viber and lets you either phone or text automatically via Viber to them.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 18, 2012, 02:53:47 pm
Cheers for the synopsis.

Installation would be the same for either (certainly under Android) wouldn't it?  I.e. install from Play store (either WebUI or the phone itself).

Guess I never had issues with others having Skype installed as I'd come from a pre-existing contacts list so as soon as I logged into Skype on the phone it synced those.

Disc space worries are a thing of the past for me, but can see it might be an issue for some.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 19, 2012, 09:09:28 am
Don't think the excellent VLC (Beta) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.videolan.vlc.betav7neon) has been mentioned yet.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ben on August 11, 2012, 10:40:24 am
Any recommendations for an Android photo editing app ?  To be honest all I want to do is quickly share photos I've taken via googlemail (as an attachment), but the original photos are 2-3Mb and would like to resize them so that they're just sent as a couple of hundred kb for someone to download on 3G quickly.

I know there are innumerable apps to edit/resize pics, but they all seem to require you to open the app, navigate to find the pic, then open it for editing, resize it, save as a new name, then I would have to go into gmail and navigate again to find the pic to attach to an email.  My Galaxy S2 has a nice option direct from a camera image to share via FB/gmail/txt/etc.  so ideally just want an app that gives the 'resize and share via gmail' option..

any ideas?   I have instagram which lets you share directly and do a quick edit enroute and I think resizes it appropriately, however it doesn't give gmail as a sharing option

not too bothered about all the other editing stuff like effects, text, frames, etc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 14, 2012, 02:57:23 pm
I know there are innumerable apps to edit/resize pics, but they all seem to require you to open the app, navigate to find the pic, then open it for editing, resize it, save as a new name, then I would have to go into gmail and navigate again to find the pic to attach to an email.

Thats kind of how applications work, although something like QuickPic allows you to share edited pictures from within it (including the option to send using gmail).

  My Galaxy S2 has a nice option direct from a camera image to share via FB/gmail/txt/etc.  so ideally just want an app that gives the 'resize and share via gmail' option..

That sounds like you want an alternative camera application rather than the editing application you state in the opening line, otherwise you will be stuck doing the above.

Camera ZOOM FX might have this sort of functionality, despite having bought it in a sale (currently on sale now too) Ive not used it as I have no problem with the default camera and resolution.

I dont get why someone on 3G has a problem getting a couple of Mb image files (data allowance permitting), shouldnt take that long, and if they use Gmail, there is usually a "preview" option to pictures which lets them see a thumbnail of the picture anyway. :shrug:

Anyway, trawl through the Photography section (can not suss out square brackets on this keyboard so heres the plain URL http://play.google.com/store/apps/category/PHOTOGRAPHY (http://play.google.com/store/apps/category/PHOTOGRAPHY) )
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ben on August 20, 2012, 02:20:42 pm
slackline - thanks and yes you're right, I guess I was after an alternative camera app, not an editing app, sorry..

maybe like you say I should just tell people to man up and receive their Mb's via 3G, it's just for people like my wife who never know what their data limit/usage is at any point
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 22, 2012, 01:46:30 pm
Best application name ever, for making cheap international calls.....Foocall (http://www.foocall.com/android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 22, 2012, 01:50:40 pm
it's just for people like my wife who never know what their data limit/usage is at any point

Guess what?

There's an app for that, e.g. 3G Watchdog (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.rgruet.android.g3watchdog)

(or others suggested as also installed from that page)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on August 22, 2012, 02:10:39 pm
There's quite a useful depth of field calculator produced by aimenrg.com. Useful if you don't really have a feel for this (like me!)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 22, 2012, 02:22:58 pm
There's quite a useful depth of field calculator produced by aimenrg.com. Useful if you don't really have a feel for this (like me!)

Check your camera, it may be able to help depending on model (you shoot with Canon don't you?)

My D90 has a button bottom right of the lens mount which you press and you get depth of field preview.  Some discussion on its use on this model.

http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/17933/how-do-you-use-the-depth-of-field-preview-button-on-a-nikon-d90 (http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/17933/how-do-you-use-the-depth-of-field-preview-button-on-a-nikon-d90)
http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon_d90/discuss/72157613161764721/ (http://www.flickr.com/groups/nikon_d90/discuss/72157613161764721/)

Worth checking to see if there is such a feature on your body? :shrug:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 13, 2012, 10:48:41 am
BMC Regional Access Database (Beta) (http://www.thebmc.co.uk/android-beta-rad)  8)

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Grubes on September 13, 2012, 11:38:19 am
do you really need to post this in more than one location?  :P :read:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 13, 2012, 12:10:18 pm
do you really need to post this in more than one location?  :P :read:

Well given the BMC sponsor the site I figured it would help to promote it in that sub-forum too.

But then not everyone who uses Android applications would look there for useful apps, hence posting it here too.

Currently the location for Horseshoe details Bamford (which is probably a good thing!).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 26, 2012, 06:15:10 pm
From Twitter (https://twitter.com/Googleplay/status/251005182345875456)

Quote
#25billion app downloads on Google Play! For the next 5 days we’ll be offering apps for 0.25c only. New apps every day: http://goo.gl/XUBRh (http://goo.gl/XUBRh)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: rodma on September 27, 2012, 08:26:35 pm
From Twitter (https://twitter.com/Googleplay/status/251005182345875456)

Quote
#25billion app downloads on Google Play! For the next 5 days we’ll be offering apps for 0.25c only. New apps every day: http://goo.gl/XUBRh (http://goo.gl/XUBRh)

Good shout

Downloaded something unrepeatable last night and paper camera tonight. Already have the sketchbook app. The selection changes every day it would seem so don't hang about if there is something you want
Title: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on September 27, 2012, 08:39:35 pm
fire sale? ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on September 29, 2012, 09:02:45 am
If you don't already have it then make sure you don't miss Tunein Radio Pro for 25p (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=radiotime.player&feature=apps_promotion_celebrate_25_billion). One of the best apps about.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 02, 2012, 11:23:55 am
If you don't already have it then make sure you don't miss Tunein Radio Pro for 25p (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=radiotime.player&feature=apps_promotion_celebrate_25_billion). One of the best apps about.

If you didn't snap up that bargain you can get TuneIn Pro for free today through the Amazon App Store (they give away a free app every day).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2012, 12:07:31 pm
A refreshing take on music apps from XenoAmp (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.qus.xenoamp&hl=en)  8)

Another look at Feedly (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.devhd.feedly) today shows its massively improved with a cleaner UI and fast syncing, but MinimalReader (a whopping £0.64 for Pro) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jv.minimalreader) has nice widgets for your Reader.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2012, 04:03:43 pm
For those shooting with Canon DSLR Controller (http://studium.tobiasdeml.com/2012/11/11/monitoring-a-canon-dslr-on-set-with-an-android-tablet-hd-on-camera-with-peaking-for-215-dslr-controller-in-a-real-life-film-product-environment/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 19, 2012, 03:27:58 pm
Mobo player + Firefox have revolutionised the way I use my cheapo tablet:

Mobo Player - seems capable of hardware decoding almost anything, thus watching videos is a lot better than on a netbook for instance.

Firefix - my stock browser was seemingly slow. This isn't.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 19, 2012, 03:39:45 pm
rsync for Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.kowalczuk.rsync4android&hl=en)  :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 19, 2012, 08:42:11 am
Got a HTC desire and although having rooted and moved stuff to SD card still had low internal memory. Downloaded S2E (free app) last wk, moved delvic cache and other stuff to SD and now have loads o'space. Was thinking of upgrading phone soon but probably won't now. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Durbs on December 19, 2012, 09:22:49 am
@ Paul B - Try Dolphin browser too, you get tabbed browsing, quick speeds and gesture navigation...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 19, 2012, 06:50:04 pm
I've been using the https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mx.browser&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmaxthon+mobile+app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mx.browser&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmaxthon+mobile+app)maxthon browser for a while now and really impressed with it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 19, 2012, 06:52:03 pm
...yeh, can't do that fancy shit with the embedded link.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 19, 2012, 08:31:04 pm
...yeh, can't do that fancy shit with the embedded link.

See here (http://ukbouldering.com/wiki/index.php/HowTo_Embed_Links_to_UKBouldering).

Maxthon Browser (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mx.browser)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 26, 2012, 01:18:09 pm
50% off Swiftkey (ie. £1.49) (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 31, 2012, 01:56:48 pm
...yeh, can't do that fancy shit with the embedded link.

See here (http://ukbouldering.com/wiki/index.php/HowTo_Embed_Links_to_UKBouldering).

Maxthon Browser (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mx.browser)

Nice one, thanks!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 08, 2013, 11:14:14 am
This is rather cool...

PressureNet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.cumulonimbus.barometernetwork) uses phones/tablets barometers to take the pressure, then visualise it overlaid on Google Maps (just look at overlays if your device doesn't have the necessary hardware).

(Read some article yesterday evening about how it has the potential to revolutionise local forecasting but can't find it now).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 30, 2013, 04:54:03 pm
Carbon - App Sync and Backup (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.backup) from the author of ClockWorkMod (this doesn't require your phone to be rooted though).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 31, 2013, 10:07:23 am
Climbing guide to Bornholm in Denmark (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cc.andreasen.bornClimb)

Climbing guide to Kullaberg near Mölle in Sweden (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cc.andreasen.kullenGuide)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: crimp on February 08, 2013, 07:00:27 am
Hi

i have a Samsung android mobular phone thing.

It's all googlified, and obstinately refuses to play vimeo videos.

Anything i can do about this?

Also, is there any way i can reroute its screen to my tv (and preferably my video recorder) through micro usb port etc? Bearing in mind my has a/v and scart sockets but nowt more modern.

Cheers
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2013, 07:13:12 am
Tried the Vimeo app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vimeo.android.videoapp)? 

Whether you can play to TV very much depends on the model.  The Galaxy SII can do this but you need an MHL adapter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_High-Definition_Link).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: crimp on February 08, 2013, 07:22:17 am
Hi slackline.

Vimeo app is not compatible with my device. I've tried mx player.

Its a pretty bottom line Samsung galaxy europa. Has bluetooth, wifi, and micro usb.

While we're here. Can i save/download youtube videos to my sd card to watch offline?

Thanks
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 08, 2013, 07:50:05 am
You're likely out of luck without rooting and installing a different version of Android.

There may be an application for downloading videos, not come across one myself though (but then I haven't looked).  Alternatively try searching for a website that will do this for you, there are plenty of those around.
Title: Re: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: rodma on February 08, 2013, 07:57:47 am
Hi slackline.

Vimeo app is not compatible with my device. I've tried mx player.

Its a pretty bottom line Samsung galaxy europa. Has bluetooth, wifi, and micro usb.

While we're here. Can i save/download youtube videos to my sd card to watch offline?

Thanks

When youtube videos are embedded my phone gives me the option to play them using android system or internet. If i choose internet it downloads it rather than playing it. I think this is a glitch though but very handy for the quality/ non quality threads on this site.

There are def android apps for downloading from youtube, otherwise do it the old fashioned way (although that requires using a computer)

Title: Re: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: crimp on February 09, 2013, 10:32:03 am

There are def android apps for downloading from youtube, otherwise do it the old fashioned way (although that requires using a computer)

for reference.

I have found an app called TUBEBOOK. It's working a treat saving you tube videos to my mobular phone. Can enjoy Ron and don offline now.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 20, 2013, 07:52:21 am
Tethering for non-rooted phones (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koushikdutta.tether)

SyncMe Wireless (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bv.wifisync)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on February 20, 2013, 10:17:41 am
There are several mesh network projects being developed on Android. They have serious potential for post-disaster operations and third world countries. On a more local level they could be dead handy for finding your mates in those Font areas with zero phone signal!  8)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.servalproject
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on February 20, 2013, 11:07:31 am
How clever is that!?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 20, 2013, 01:26:39 pm
Its was one of the thoughts behind enabling net access in the One Laptop Per Child project which sought to get cheap laptops to kids everywhere as it was the only way of achieving net access in countries without existing infrastructure.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 23, 2013, 08:41:24 pm
is anyone using an SSH client that can save hosts and/or scripts? I'd like to setup a shutdown script for when the Raspberry Pi freezes during tinkering. All I need is:

SSH pi@192.168.0.50
Sudo halt

I guess the password needs to go in there somewhere too...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on February 25, 2013, 09:37:40 am
Not sure if it can, or what you already use, but I've used PuTTY (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/) for my pi successfully.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 25, 2013, 10:01:17 am
PuTTY is for Windows, not Android.

The SSH client I use on my phone is Irssi Connectbot (http://code.google.com/p/irssi-connectbot/) and I've set it up to use keychains and copied over the target computers public keys, so this will get around having to enter the password.  As far as I can tell though there is no option for passing commands to the ssh you are invoking.  If it were a command line (from a Linux computer) then you can pipe commands over ssh using...

Code: [Select]
ssh pi@192.168.0.50 "sudo halt"

So you could try installing a terminal emulator on your phone, sorting out the keys for DSA/RSA and then using the above, but if the Pi is hung it may not even be possible to SSH in and you'd be best off pulling the power plug and restarting.

EDIT : You will of course have to have keychain installed on the Pi and running, so after ssh'ing in

Code: [Select]
sudo 'apt-get install keychain'

For more info on keychain and passwordless login see here (http://www.gentoo.org/doc/en/keychain-guide.xml) (but substitute every 'emerge' for 'apt-get install')
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on February 25, 2013, 10:04:06 am
PuTTY is for Windows, not Android.

Note to self: Look at topic title before answering question...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 25, 2013, 12:35:31 pm
Cheers Slackers. I've generated an RSA key on the pi itself but I'm struggling with how to use that via Connectbot?

I tried using a local connection to make a .ssh directory but I was told it was a read only file system (and I do have root access).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 25, 2013, 12:46:06 pm
Ooops, might have misled you I'm afraid, its the other way round you generate a key on your phone and place that on the target (in this case the Pi).  When I do this its normally a two-way interaction* so I can ssh between computers, which is why I got wrong (I did this on the phone on a rainy day without climbing in Sella in November last year).

This should help (http://dwight.schrute.org/irssi-connectbot-ssh-login-without-passwords)

 :sorry:


* For what its worth I tend to keep public keys within a folder on my Dropbox account so I can install them on new computers easily.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 25, 2013, 01:04:49 pm
still can't manage to dump the key onto the pi itself via connectbot or using ftp to try and access the .ssh directory?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 25, 2013, 01:14:28 pm
Connectbot won't transfer the key, try an sFTP client of some description (I use AndFTP (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=lysesoft.andftp&hl=en)).

You might have to create ~/.ssh for the 'pi' user if its not already in place.

Once you've copied the key over it needs to be placed in ~/.ssh/authorized_hosts (see above linked Keychain guide), so

Code: [Select]
pi@pi $ cat ~/tmp/my_phones_key >> ~/.ssh/authorized_hosts

...will append it to the file (you want to append on the off chance the file already exists and has some keys in it for some reason, as you then don't over-write as you would if you piped it with a single '>').

NB - I've not actually done this with the Pi yet myself.  Just have Connectbot setup to ssh into my main server.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 01, 2013, 01:56:52 pm
Dr Seuss Apps on sale in Play store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Oceanhouse+Media,+Inc.#)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 11, 2013, 03:49:03 pm
GMusicFS (http://www.xda-developers.com/android/access-your-google-music-library-from-third-party-players-with-gmusicfs/)

Means you can access your Google Music from the player you are used to using, on that note I've recently switched to and been impressed with GoneMad Music Player (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp&hl=en), highly configurable (trial lasts a few weeks but its only fuck all to buy).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 11, 2013, 09:25:48 pm
GMusicFS (http://www.xda-developers.com/android/access-your-google-music-library-from-third-party-players-with-gmusicfs/)

Means you can access your Google Music from the player you are used to using, on that note I've recently switched to and been impressed with GoneMad Music Player (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp&hl=en), highly configurable (trial lasts a few weeks but its only fuck all to buy).

Not masses of use for it but someone on another forum I frequent has written the following for using GMusicFS on a more traditional computer* (downside is files aren't tagged, and there's not masses of point to it if you've already got the music on your computer anyway!**)...

Quote
Anyone wanting to add it to their distro can do so by:

install

Code: [Select]
apt-get install python-pip
pip install [url]https://github.com/terencehonles/fusepy/tarball/master[/url]
pip install [url]https://github.com/simon-weber/Unofficial-Google-Music-API/tarball/develop[/url]
pip install [url]https://github.com/EnigmaCurry/GMusicFS/tarball/master[/url]

create a config file ~/.gmusicfs

Code: [Select]
[credentials]
username = your_username@gmail.com
password = your_password

chmod it so no one else can read it

Code: [Select]
chmod 600 ~/.gmusicfs
create mountpoint

Code: [Select]
mkdir -p $HOME/google_music
gmusicfs $HOME/google_music



switches

Code: [Select]
sage: gmusicfs [-h] [-f] [-v] [-vv] [-t] mountpoint

GMusicFS

positional arguments:
  mountpoint          The location to mount to

optional arguments:
  -h, --help          show this help message and exit
  -f, --foreground    Don't daemonize, run in the foreground.
  -v, --verbose       Be a little verbose
  -vv, --veryverbose  Be very verbose
  -t, --truefilesize  Report true filesizes (slower directory reads)

 :off: and rather  :geek: but could potentially be of use for Raspberry Pi owners (although again see ** as streaming from your local server would be more straight-forward, especially as its unlikely to be integrated into XBMC (yet at least)).

* But running GNU/Linux, in this case a Debian based.

** They run a streaming server and were looking at a way of storing the music in Google's cloud.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on March 11, 2013, 10:31:26 pm
I got the original post, link to the app and understand the idea of it totally but that last one may well be the least comprehensible thing you've ever posted on this site slackers.

What the actual fuck? :o
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 11, 2013, 10:36:38 pm
 :sorry:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on March 12, 2013, 05:14:39 am
What you've got to understand about slackline is that where most of us have a brain, he instead runs a linux kernel...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 12, 2013, 07:18:49 am
 :lol: :-[
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 22, 2013, 10:02:12 am
The Minuum Keyboard Project (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niV2KCkKmRw#ws)

Project Site (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-minuum-keyboard-project?website_name=minuum)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on March 25, 2013, 08:32:36 pm
So you geeks on two wheels, whats the best turn by turn app for following a route whilst biking? Ideally with the ability to cache for areas with no signal. I want to download a route then have audible instructions via headphones or speaker. Dont think Strava or Endomondo does this. Can i import a route to Google nav?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 27, 2013, 02:47:57 pm
Sorry I can't help with that one!

Has anyone re-purposed an old Android as a Satnav? I was thinking of throwing NavFree USA onto my Wildfire given my pseudo contract expires today (GiffGaff).

I'm not sure what the best way is of getting the phone to as empty as possible to stick this onto it mind you.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Johnny Brown on March 27, 2013, 05:06:06 pm
When we were in Canada last year I used my phone a bit as a satnav, caching maps whenever we had free wifi. With google nav I think the cached maps are stored on the SD card. Worked fine for shorter journeys, but limited on big US drives, and you can't zoom in.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 27, 2013, 07:52:37 pm
that's why I was looking towards NavFree as basically you get the whole map. The only thing that isn't saved is house number and POI information (which I can live without). As you download by state, I should be able to get everything applicable quite easily. I'll likely give it a go either way and as I said the biggest hurdle is getting my phone back to stock so it actually has the required space!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on March 27, 2013, 10:57:26 pm
I'll likely give it a go either way and as I said the biggest hurdle is getting my phone back to stock so it actually has the required space!

I would have thought it was as simple as doing a Factory Reset (located somewhere under settings) but then I remembered it was you asking Paul...  ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 28, 2013, 12:33:23 am
actually, you're about right. The main problem is the manufacturer bundled a load of cr*p I don't need/want.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: crimp on April 11, 2013, 09:14:00 pm
http://laptopiniran.tumblr.com/ (http://laptopiniran.tumblr.com/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 12, 2013, 03:04:31 pm
ClimbingAway (http://climbingaway.fr/index.php?lang=en)

Mentions that an Android version is in the pipeline.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 15, 2013, 09:36:21 am
I remember looking at The Photographers Ephemeris (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crookneckconsulting.tpeandroid&hl=en) a while ago when JB and PaulB mentioned it and was put off by the price being >£5.  Today it was £3.10 (for Android, for iFern it appears to be $8.99  :tease: ).

http://laptopiniran.tumblr.com/ (http://laptopiniran.tumblr.com/)

I use AndroidLost (http://www.androidlost.com/) for this sort of thing (but to date I've never had my phone stolen or lost it).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 16, 2013, 11:04:33 pm
DropSync (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync)

SSHDroid (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=berserker.android.apps.sshdroid)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on May 17, 2013, 12:43:20 am
I remember looking at The Photographers Ephemeris (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crookneckconsulting.tpeandroid&hl=en) a while ago when JB and PaulB mentioned it and was put off by the price being >£5.  Today it was £3.10 (for Android, for iFern it appears to be $8.99  :tease: ).

an essential app for house hunting - you can stand in the garden and work out which bits will get the sun at different times of the year

google sky might also be suitable?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Johnny Brown on May 17, 2013, 10:12:24 am
If you don't NEED it on your phone its also free, and much more usable, as a desktop app. I have it on phone and ipad but rarely use it off a proper pc.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 15, 2013, 09:22:12 pm
that's why I was looking towards NavFree as basically you get the whole map.

Righteo, I've been using NavFree for almost 3 months now. Quite frankly it has been awesome. One route it plotted looked a little too long and on closer inspection was simply due to the fact that I hadn't added a state which we'd cut through briefly, the result was an 8 hour detour (which we of course ignored).

It is best if you have a data connection or wifi connection which you can use the in-built google search to find your destination but the town, street, zip (eugh) etc. works well enough. Favourites, POIs all work as well as my aged TomTom One XL which was stolen some time ago.

It's way better (IMO) than navigating using google maps.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 09, 2013, 12:03:57 pm
Free iOS apps (http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/8/4502810/ios-apps-and-games-go-free-five-years-after-app-store-launched)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 17, 2013, 08:30:58 am
TuneIn Pro is todays free application on the Amazon Market.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 27, 2013, 09:08:48 am
Plex for Android on sale (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.plexapp.android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on August 28, 2013, 07:05:22 am
Impressed with Titanium Backup (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup) from the people who write ClockWorkMod.  Pro version sync to online too, well worth it for < than a pint costs.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Johnny Brown on September 01, 2013, 09:33:07 pm
Slowly getting addicted to using this in my day to day decision making:  Oblique Strategies app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.multiply.strategies.oblique&hl=en)

Invented By Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt in the seventies to help break blocks in the creative process. An I Chjing for the post-rock generation.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on September 20, 2013, 02:59:29 pm
Google bought Quickoffice about a year ago.

As of today they are giving it away on Android and iOS (https://plus.google.com/+GoogleDrive/posts/Gz5GpSeCW4x) install and sign in < 26th September and get an extra 10Gb allowance on Drive (but only for two years).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: neilslim on September 26, 2013, 11:32:52 pm
Ea Sports Fifa 14 is free for the next few days from Google play...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on September 27, 2013, 12:29:57 pm
Ea Sports Fifa 14 is free for the next few days from Google play...

Bargain. Those with not much storage should be aware that the file is 1.27GB though.....
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on September 27, 2013, 05:00:56 pm
Is there a viable home finance app (for Android, preferably for a large tablet)?

My folks use MS Money on their Desktop (which is starting to feel very slow and outdated) and as MS Money is no longer produced by MS I thought now might be a good time to switch. Something which might also have a windows application (and sync) might be a bonus. I'd guess they're likely to want something a tad more polished than a Google Spreadsheet (slackers).

An app which is made by a reliable developer which is likely to exist in a years time would also be a bonus (this makes me think that it may cost a f*ck-all or two but that's OK).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fultonius on October 01, 2013, 04:29:12 pm
After banging my head against my HTC for literally seconds, I got fed up not being able to work out how to cache maps on the recently updated version of Googlemaps and googled it.

So, if you're wondering how to cache maps, it's all detailed here (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57593006-48/how-to-cache-offline-maps-in-google-maps-7.0/).

You can also stare places as favourites (which i do often so I can find places without internet) by searching for the place then swiping upwards.

 :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on October 01, 2013, 11:41:52 pm
Seems rather a backward step. It should have a link at the bottom of the search page but mine doesn't.
https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en-GB&ref_topic=3273087
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on October 01, 2013, 11:49:40 pm
Scrub that, yes it does. Put cursor in search bar then scroll down list that pops up.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on October 01, 2013, 11:54:43 pm
Also lost the ability to manage offline maps. Can only delete entire cache from the app settings
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fultonius on October 02, 2013, 04:36:09 am
Definite backward step,  and a little weird that it's so unobvious how to make it available. Also, I can't work out how to add a "via" destination on the navigation.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on October 22, 2013, 07:32:22 am
BBM (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bbm)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Ti_pin_man on October 24, 2013, 09:01:10 am
wasnt sure which thread to add this to so apologies if there is a better one somewhere

havent used the fingerboard for a few weeks and did a set last night using the iphone beastmaker app... found the clock ran fast, figure it was an issue with iOS7, I amended times in my head adding a little to compensate, anybody else seen this?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 10, 2013, 02:56:17 pm
Forum fiend - basically it's a free version of Tapatalk which actually works. I used to use the latter but they revoked its free status with an update which frustrated me so much I refused to pay!

Other alternatives I've used were useless.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 13, 2013, 08:08:40 am
CyanogenMod Installer in Play (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.cyanogenmod.oneclick)

Its probably worth reading the wiki (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/CyanogenMod_Installer) carefully.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on November 13, 2013, 10:46:44 am

DropSync (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync)


Great recommend there Slackers - got the paid for version and it is a very powerful tool indeed. Paid for version includes amongst other things integration with Tasker but have yet to see a need for it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Duma on November 14, 2013, 09:03:51 pm
Forum fiend - basically it's a free version of Tapatalk which actually works. I used to use the latter but they revoked its free status with an update which frustrated me so much I refused to pay!

Other alternatives I've used were useless.

Cheers, this is handy. Like the dismissive message when you go to reply - it's like dense wrote it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on November 15, 2013, 09:17:42 am

DropSync (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ttxapps.dropsync)


Great recommend there Slackers - got the paid for version and it is a very powerful tool indeed. Paid for version includes amongst other things integration with Tasker but have yet to see a need for it.

I might be missing something but doesn't Dropbox do the basic funtion of this app anyway? When I take a photo on my phone it automatically uploads it to Dropbox and when I switch on the dektop it tells me how many new files have uploaded and the photos / videos are all there. I realise there are other uses of the app but this seems to be the major selling point.  :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2013, 09:30:15 am
Phone version doesn't work the same as the desktop.

Add something to your Dropbox folder on your computer then open up the application on your phone.

The file isn't on your phone until you choose to "download" it (might be called export too lazy to check), yes you can see all the files that are there but they haven't been synced to your phone.  I expect this is by design as some phones don't have multiple Gb's of free space for syncing to phones and many unwitting people might try this on 3G rather than wireless thus incurring large data charges*).

Similarly whilst photos work as you describe (because the application is configured to do that) there isn't a "Dropbox" folder on your phone which you can just chuck files into and they'll then sync to the Dropbox cloud and on to your other computers.

Dropsync does this and basically acts the same as Dropbox on a computer.

(At least thats my understanding of it).



* I stupidly started an sftp of a 2Gb file from my phone to my desktop the other week at home without realising Wifi was turned off.  Cost me £19 to upload half the file and have had to buy a one month "unlimited data" add-on for the princely sum of £3.  :oops:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on November 15, 2013, 09:32:27 am
I use FolderSync (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.tacit.android.foldersync.full&hl=en_GB) which is half the price and can sync to many other services as well as Dropbox.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on November 15, 2013, 09:49:35 am
I see. Suppose apart from photos/videos I don't generally need to shift stuff from phone to desktop and when I want a file from the desktop that's not on my phone it only takes a minute to download it from Zovo. I don't deal with lots of big files though. Just trying to work out if these (FolderSync looks cool) would be any use to me!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Bubba on November 15, 2013, 10:00:18 am
I mainly used Foldersync to automatically upload any photos on the phone as soon as I got wifi access.  Now I'm on unlimited data it's not really so important but if you're not then it's a handy little app.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2013, 10:05:37 am
Similarly if there are large files I just use sftp (Secure File Transfer Protocol) when I'm on WiFi at home (bar the dumb mistake I mentioned below)  ES File Explorer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estrongs.android.pop&hl=en_GB) has this built in.  I also have my computers folders set up as NFS (Network File Systems) which can be mounted by ES File Explorer, handy as I can browse films on the desktop from the phone and send them to be played on the Raspberry Pi (although the Pi has them listed as it too mounts them as NFSs).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 18, 2013, 01:38:06 pm
Discovered the rather brilliant Portal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal_(video_game)) and Portal 2 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal_2) for the PS3 at the weekend when a friend bought the later round to play, really good thought provoking problem solving game.

Portalize (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heaval.portalize&hl=en_GB) is a "port" to Android.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on November 18, 2013, 02:19:13 pm
Anyone used Mobile Observatory for Android? Looking for something a bit more detailed than Google Star Map for our holiday in Dumfriesshire, which is apparently a really good place for stargazing.

I've been using this for circa 2 years now. It's expensive, but brilliant, and better with each update.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 18, 2013, 02:43:32 pm
Cheers, this is handy. Like the dismissive message when you go to reply - it's like dense wrote it.

Try editing your profile, it gets better!

It seems PMs don't work too well on it (or they don't on my Nexus 7) but the developer is aware / contactable so it'll likely get fixed.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on November 18, 2013, 04:46:39 pm
I use FolderSync (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.tacit.android.foldersync.full&hl=en_GB) which is half the price and can sync to many other services as well as Dropbox.

That was what I meant to link to but somehow got it horribly wrong...  :wall: Dropsync has been on my phone for years but will soon be getting removed due to being made obselete by FolderSync.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 25, 2013, 03:03:09 pm
WebSharing (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.websharing.r1&hl=en) is another option which avoids having to sync to the cloud (laborious if moving large files) and you don't have sFTP or network file sharing (NFS) setup on your desktop/laptop/NAS.  Also useful for moving things between mobile devices (phone/tablet) which don't have sFTP/NFS.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 07, 2013, 03:52:34 pm
This is a brilliant game for Android based on the PS3 game(s) (Portal and Portal 2)...

Portalize (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heaval.portalize&hl=en)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 10, 2013, 06:23:50 am
Text Secure will be integrated into CyanogenMod - https://whispersystems.org/blog/cyanogen-integration/

I just need to convince everyone I know to install CyanogenMod (or start using TextSecure) now.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 10, 2013, 06:03:05 pm
This is a great story of how a homeless man was offered $100 or to be taught how to code (and a free used laptop) (http://www.businessinsider.com/homeless-coders-trees-for-cars-app-2013-12).

Today he's published his application "Trees for Cars" which helps people car pool...

Quote
Trees for Cars is a mobile carpooling app that connects drivers and riders. Every car on the road contributes to pollution by emitting CO2. By using Trees for Cars to find rides in your area, you’ll be helping the environment because more carpooling means fewer cars on the road.

Download the app, sign in, and tell us whether you want to offer rides or take a ride. We’ll connect you with the riders or drivers closest to your complete route.

Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.treesforcars.treesforcars)
iOS (http://www.businessinsider.com/%20https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/trees-for-cars/id767249238?mt=8)

Trees for Cars App - Available December 10th on iOS & Android (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ2INl29sfc#ws)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 12, 2013, 07:06:51 pm
Since my android 4.3 upgrade last week I have been utilising the ability to limit the accessibility of apps by using Permission Manager (http://"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ovmobile.appopslauncher"). Great for stopping facef*ck looking at your call list/ contacts etc. It also shows the last time an app uses the access it requested.

On a related note Permission Friendly app (http://"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.androidsoft.app.permission&hl=en") lists the various access each app has and rates them on how intrusive they are and if they are relevant to the function of the app. It is also one of the few apps I have installed that has absolutely no permissions. Great.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: csurfleet on December 13, 2013, 10:43:46 am
Great find Clart! Installed
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 13, 2013, 11:01:51 am
Yes, good find.

This one purports to work on 4.4...

App Ops Starter (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schurich.android.tools.appopsstarter&hl=en)

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 15, 2013, 07:52:00 am
In their wisdom this feature has been removed from 4.4.2 so don't upgrade if you want to use it (it was only introduced to 4.3 anyway)...

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/12/google-removes-vital-privacy-features-android-shortly-after-adding-them
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Clart on December 15, 2013, 01:22:36 pm
In their wisdom this feature has been removed from 4.4.2 so don't upgrade if you want to use it (it was only introduced to 4.3 anyway)...

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/12/google-removes-vital-privacy-features-android-shortly-after-adding-them (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/12/google-removes-vital-privacy-features-android-shortly-after-adding-them)

Yeh, saw that the other day, very disappointing. I'm not one for being overly paranoid but you have to wonder what some apps are doing with completely needless permissions.

A work around could be to use Advanced Permission Manager (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmail.heagoo.pmaster&hl=en). It appears to allow you to remove certain permissions of an app then automatically re-compiles it. I haven't tested this yet as it's easier to use Permission Manager if you have android 4.3. No doubt I'll look at it again when 4.4 rolls out on my device in Jan.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on December 15, 2013, 01:24:22 pm
Yeh, saw that the other day, very disappointing. I'm not one for being overly paranoid but you have to wonder what some apps are doing with completely needless permissions.

What like this?

http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2013/12/android-flashlight-app-developer-settles-ftc-charges-it-deceived (http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2013/12/android-flashlight-app-developer-settles-ftc-charges-it-deceived)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 16, 2013, 07:54:07 am
A work around could be to use Advanced Permission Manager (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gmail.heagoo.pmaster&hl=en). It appears to allow you to remove certain permissions of an app then automatically re-compiles it. I haven't tested this yet as it's easier to use Permission Manager if you have android 4.3. No doubt I'll look at it again when 4.4 rolls out on my device in Jan.

Just came in to suggest that.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 23, 2013, 08:23:42 am
Sound Seeder (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kattwinkel.android.soundseeder.player&hl=en)  8)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 03, 2014, 07:39:25 am
WebSharing (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.websharing.r1&hl=en) is another option which avoids having to sync to the cloud (laborious if moving large files) and you don't have sFTP or network file sharing (NFS) setup on your desktop/laptop/NAS.  Also useful for moving things between mobile devices (phone/tablet) which don't have sFTP/NFS.

An app that has this and slightly more features, which includes generating a QR code on one device to scan with another to share files (and folders in Pro version) is SuperBeam (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.majedev.superbeam&hl=en) (sounds similar to an app that comes with newer Motorola phones that PaulB mentioned last night that facilitates moving phones in a similar manner, I came across this by chance last week).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 28, 2014, 09:02:30 am
StackExchange (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stackexchange.marvin&referrer=utm_source%3Dblog)  8) :geek:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 14, 2014, 04:55:33 pm
The "Best" alternative Android Apps (http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/13/best-google-alternative-android-apps/) (to replace Gmail/Google Maps/etc.)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2014, 09:35:57 am
Boulder Trainer App (http://www.boulder-trainer.com/) (iFanbois only)

Wondering when the Android Beastmaker training app (https://twitter.com/Beastmakers/status/400654766167969792) will see the light of day.  :-\
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 24, 2014, 04:00:28 pm
Telegram (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.telegram.messenger) (yet another messaging app, but with unlimited cloud storage and secret chats which are encrypted and never logged, plus its not owned by Facebook....yet)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 04, 2014, 05:46:37 pm
MyHealthApps (http://myhealthapps.net/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on March 07, 2014, 04:08:26 pm
Speed reading (http://www.spritzinc.com/) made easy

Couldn't remember the name of it so Googled what I thought it was... Squirtz.  :oops: :o

For your info it's SPRITZ, and definitely not SQUIRTZ! (which for the curious is definitely NSFW)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 12, 2014, 09:31:14 am
Would you know what to do if someone needed CPR (http://www.yas.nhs.uk/Public%20Health%20Campaigns/Lifesaver.html)?


(CPR == CardioPulmonary Resuscitation)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on March 12, 2014, 10:56:25 am
Would you know what to do if someone needed CPR (http://www.yas.nhs.uk/Public%20Health%20Campaigns/Lifesaver.html)?


(CPR == CardioPulmonary Resuscitation)
Not an app but did anyone see the 'auto-pulse' bit of kit on one of those med progs last night? Seriously impressive bit of tech. Wonder if you'll see an easy to use version in supermarkets etc like defibs in the future?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 17, 2014, 08:03:18 am
JuiceSSH Pro free until Tuesday (https://sonelli.com/500k)

Will replace Irssi ConnectBot and the Android Terminal Emulator for me  :2thumbsup:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on March 27, 2014, 10:34:05 am
Want to create your own solar system? Guess what...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ccpa.n_body
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 27, 2014, 11:00:38 am
JuiceSSH Pro free until Tuesday (https://sonelli.com/500k)

Will replace Irssi ConnectBot and the Android Terminal Emulator for me  :2thumbsup:

It hasn't though as JuiceSSH  is closed source unlike Irssi.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on March 27, 2014, 11:18:37 am
Would you know what to do if someone needed CPR (http://www.yas.nhs.uk/Public%20Health%20Campaigns/Lifesaver.html)?


(CPR == CardioPulmonary Resuscitation)

every time we do CPR refreshers at work we try to think of suitable songs/tunes with the right bpm for the compressions

latest advice was ~110 bpm

my choice is Rick Astley "never gonna give you up"

the chorus from "staying alive" was popular last year

(I know that there are DJ resources listing tracks by bpm, but that would take the fun out of the game)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ben on March 27, 2014, 11:36:19 am
Would you know what to do if someone needed CPR (http://www.yas.nhs.uk/Public%20Health%20Campaigns/Lifesaver.html)?
(CPR == CardioPulmonary Resuscitation)
that is very good and worthwhile.  It did make me think though, there's potential for a step-by-step App to use in a real emergency, i.e. open airway, check for breathing and so on..   guess one probably exists?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 27, 2014, 11:58:16 am
It did make me think though, there's potential for a step-by-step App to use in a real emergency, i.e. open airway, check for breathing and so on..   guess one probably exists?

"Damn, wheres my phone" 
*pats-self down*

"Ah there it is, fucking lock, why aren't you recognising my pattern?"

"Damn, why didn't I place a short-cut to that CPR app on my desktop, oh well into the Applications....."

"Ooops, sorry, didn't mean to take a picture, but once I've found this app I'll send it to you so you can Tweet it"

"Hang on mate, just looking for that app.  Now what was it called again?"

*slide* *slide* *slide*

"Ah there it is, now let me see...."


Sarcasm aside, you generally need to respond/act pretty quickly in these situations and not be fucking around looking for and then reading an application.  If you don't know then you use your phone to call an ambulance and start trying to find someone who does know what to do.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: ben on March 27, 2014, 12:07:53 pm
Ok scrap that idea then..  :sorry: Slackline..

I was just thinking of something similar to the flip cards we have for use on the lifeboat, you should know what to do back to front but in a very stressful situation it can be good to have a guide to make sure you haven't missed anything and most people have a phone with them most of the time..

perhaps a more general app would be helpful then for general diagnosis and 'what to do' of serious conditions, heart attack, stroke, etc.. 
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 27, 2014, 12:17:43 pm
Sorry for the sarcasm.

Teaching emergency first aid in schools and regularly updating training in the workplace/free classes would, in the longer term, be more beneficial to society.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 31, 2014, 11:58:30 am
CourseRA (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.coursera.android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 31, 2014, 03:26:18 pm
Going to give Twilight (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.urbandroid.lux) a whirl.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 05, 2014, 08:11:45 am
Having got a couple of Chromecasts the other week to make upstairs TVs more functional (and they're great for that, they really do "Just workTM" even my wife set it up and uses it no problem from phone/tablet) I'm going to give AutoCast (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joaomgcd.autocast) a go which integrates casting into Tasker.

AutoCast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDCiiX48mq8#ws)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 06, 2014, 01:09:32 pm
Found something on SoundCloud you fancy listening to on the go?  Download it with SoundLoader (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gruebeltech.soundloader)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 01, 2014, 09:50:31 am
PushBullet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pushbullet.android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on May 17, 2014, 08:02:27 am
Google have bought Word Lens and made it free on both iOS and Android. Possibly for a limited time according to reports.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dave on May 17, 2014, 11:10:13 am

Google have bought Word Lens and made it free on both iOS and Android. Possibly for a limited time according to reports.

This is well jackson.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 17, 2014, 11:49:24 am

Google have bought Word Lens and made it free on both iOS and Android. Possibly for a limited time according to reports.

This is well jackson.

But free version only gives you reversed text! You have to pay to UL a dictionary...

In other App news I downloaded Uber last night (as it now works in Manchester) - looks slick!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dave on May 17, 2014, 11:50:56 am
No the other languages are free at the minute too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on May 17, 2014, 12:32:39 pm


In other App news I downloaded Uber last night (as it now works in Manchester) - looks slick!

Interesting stuff about Uber here:

http://www.businessinsider.com/uber-the-next-100-billion-company-2014-5 (http://www.businessinsider.com/uber-the-next-100-billion-company-2014-5)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on May 17, 2014, 01:03:37 pm
Uber looks really good... though not too many cabs in Manc have it now judging by there only being a few cabs circling on their map. I like the way you pay for your journey via the app and can work out how much it will be etc... Not surprised the black cabs are up in arms about it...

Interestingly in Hull (not seen it elsewhere but probably is) no cab companies have boxes or radios - all the drivers use an andriod app instead to tell them where the next pick up is etc... Its great from the customer end as when you order a cab they text you a confirmation and a link - where you can click and see on google maps where you cab is etc.. and track its journey to you..
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 23, 2014, 08:03:33 am
Can't find the remote for one of my TVs (Sharp) IR Remote Control (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jw.ir.remote.control) works fine on Samsung S4 GT-i9505g as a replacement.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on May 23, 2014, 08:30:52 am
You should have watchon pre installed on your s4 which is a channel guide and remote in one
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on May 23, 2014, 08:45:44 am
I wouldn't know and can't check as the first thing I did was unlock the boot loader, root the phone and wipe the stock ROM in favour of the AOSP S4 Google Edition (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544474) ROM to get rid of TouchWiz and all the other bloat wear in preference of an essentially Nexus like ROM (this is what the 'g' in the GT-i9505g model refers to as Samsung/Google sold them with Google's Android version on rather than Samsungs TouchWiz overlay, but they charged way over the odds for these, I just bought the phone myself outright and chucked this ROM on it for now't extra).

Installed the Xposed Module (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,24134.0.html) to get all of the customisation I want.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 11, 2014, 05:03:18 pm
SwiftKey (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.touchtype.swiftkey) is now free (with in app theme purchases) (http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/11/swiftkey-goes-freemium-on-android-confirms-ios-8-keyboard-in-development) after investors ploughed some money into the company.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 11, 2014, 07:50:56 pm
I've started plugging my phone into a shared/public music system (via a jack plug), the problem is the phone continues to get alerts etc. and turns down the music / plays the alerts.

Until:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pierceholdings.dontpause

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on June 12, 2014, 07:59:46 am
I've started plugging my phone into a shared/public music system (via a jack plug), the problem is the phone continues to get alerts etc. and turns down the music / plays the alerts.

Until:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pierceholdings.dontpause

Thought you were running Tasker Paul, assuming that you are can you not create a profile to stop all of that?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 12, 2014, 08:07:20 am
Thought you were running Tasker Paul, assuming that you are can you not create a profile to stop all of that?

 :agree: That was my first thought too (but couldn't remember if Paul was still using Tasker).

I find Tasker dead handy, don't do anything complicated but simple things like turning audio notifications off when connected to the work WiFi so as to not disturb others in the office is dead handy, as is Vibration only when certain calendar events occur (i.e. meetings).  Its what computers are for, being programmed to do repetitive tasks.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on June 12, 2014, 01:01:44 pm
No, I think it updated to a paid version and it had certain limitations under 2.2 so I deleted it, moved on and then forgot all about it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 19, 2014, 03:35:46 pm
Mountain Project (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mountainproject.android) (now free due to linking up with Black Diamond).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on June 20, 2014, 05:48:24 am
posted before?

grade converter (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logicnet.climbingGrades)

and another (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.glamdring.ClimbingGradesTable)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jaspersharpe on June 20, 2014, 08:01:15 am
Probably only useful to me (but really useful to me), check company details, filing history etc really quickly with this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.companieshouse.android
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tomtom on June 20, 2014, 11:59:31 am
Probably only useful to me (but really useful to me), check company details, filing history etc really quickly with this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.companieshouse.android

When I searched for Sharpe Financial Services it seemed to take me to a secret level, It seemed to enter a first person shooter game where I (in the character of LagerStarfish) had to battle a 12 legged green puss filled blobby thing with an uncanny resemblance to Eric Pickles.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on June 20, 2014, 01:58:34 pm
It's not meant to be Erik Pickles - it was loosely based on Dave Simmonite and his bid for world domination, but the graphics folk got the scaling all wrong (cm instead of pixels?)

If you make enough in-app purchases you get the chance to buy a DFB upgrade (and I get to go to the Maldives on holiday)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 24, 2014, 12:35:18 pm
I might have mentioned this before but newer devices* have built in air-pressure sensors (i.e. barometers), the PressureNet (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.cumulonimbus.barometernetwork&hl=en) application collects and submits this data with a view to building more accurate local weather forecasts.

You can (purportedly) have fine-grained control over who the data (which includes location) is shared with. 


* See list on Play page for supported devices, there may be more though.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Jim on June 24, 2014, 10:50:49 pm
won't people with terminal flatulence like me skew the data?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 25, 2014, 07:05:18 am
:lol:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 30, 2014, 10:26:06 am
BMC Summit now available electronically (https://www.thebmc.co.uk/summit-magazine-free-to-download-for-all-members)

I wonder if it includes all the junk advertising pamphlets for life insurance etc. that comes with the printed version each month? :clown:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on July 16, 2014, 10:16:58 am
Going to give this a whirl... Commandr (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.RSen.Commandr)

Commandr for Google Now (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6MJrzgiU7U#ws)



And now you don't need to go into your web-browser to find out Where The Fuck Should I Go For A Drink (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.coolography.wtfsigfd) although it didn't automatically obtain my location, a quick Tasker profile sorted that out though.  Announced in glorious style on Twatter (https://twitter.com/WTFSIGFD/status/489140904855629824).  The iOS version has been updated too (https://twitter.com/WTFSIGFD/status/489140346325303296)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dontfollowme on October 30, 2014, 01:19:55 pm
Does anyone have a link for the apk of Show Box?

Found it: http://www.showboxdownload.com/2014/08/show-box-for-android.html (http://www.showboxdownload.com/2014/08/show-box-for-android.html)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 25, 2014, 07:56:31 pm
My phone will no longer work with the bluetooth in my car (an issue with E46 BMWs and Android it seems) which is a tad frustrating. However, I've found that the voice recognition dialling on Android is actually pretty good.

Is there a way (without handling the phone, Moto G) to get to the voice search section, and turn on speaker phone? does it require an App?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on November 25, 2014, 09:00:44 pm
I know on the Samsung S3 that I am still persisting with there is the option to turn on "Voice Control" and you just talk to the phone to get it to do things though whether that covers what you need I don't know.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on November 25, 2014, 10:07:44 pm
Looks like on the Moto X it's a simple checkbox on the voice controls setting (should work for you too Butters) but on the Moto G, not so simple.

Moto-voice isn't compatible despite Motorola's documentation saying it is.

Tasker can do it (but I'm still reluctant to actually spend money on apps  ;) ), but I've got Condi (for free which is tasker-basic effectively). Especially ones that are offered free and then revoke that status with a crafty update.

I've just tried auto-speaker or something similar and it seems to work. Whether it does in the car or not is another question. Likely it'll put my mother on speakerphone in the middle of the office tomorrow. Bad robot.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: butters on November 25, 2014, 10:40:54 pm
It's the voice control switch on mine but it does the same thing by the sounds of it. I briefly tried it but it seems that Google forgot to test the system against my broad Suffolk accent dulcet tones so it was a bit hit and miss at best on a good day.

Not tried Tasker for voice control but I know it is possible - whether that would have any more success given the above is debatable but I might have to have a play with it to see if I can get it to snooze the alarm or something equally random.

As for paying for it - it was so long ago that I bought it that it has more than paid for itself now as far as I am concerned and it is probably the most well known of all the automation apps so it gets a lot of add-ons written for it including the excellent Auto Notification (paid for so you will never download it or look at it ;) ).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: tommytwotone on February 05, 2015, 02:01:42 pm
Quick question for the Android-ers out there.


I'm after a good music player app which does NOT categorise stuff by album and instead just uses the folders I've loaded up.


I'm getting sick of dropping a folder of, say, 10 random tracks onto the phone only to find that I can't listen to them together without making a playlist, plus the "album" list being cluttered up with "albums" I've only got on track from.


Hope that makes sense!
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on February 05, 2015, 02:06:07 pm
Winamp?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: lagerstarfish on February 05, 2015, 02:07:32 pm
I put "music folder player" or something like that onto the oldest child's phone - she hasn't complained yet, but she may well have put something else on instead
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sxrxg on February 05, 2015, 02:24:01 pm
VLC can play music from a folder (whilst also being one of the best video players for android). You just swipe the menu in from the left and select directories then pick your folder and the music will be played in the order it appears in the folder.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sxrxg on February 05, 2015, 02:49:06 pm
I have just realised that music can also be played using es file explorer. You just long press the folder you want hit the more menu button and then click play. The advantage with doing it this way is the tracks can easily be reordered if they aren't in the correct order in the folder. You can then once the tracks have been reordered save as a playlist for future listening.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 05, 2015, 03:16:06 pm
Both of these support folder playing...

GoneMadMediaPlayer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gonemad.gmmp) the most customisable music player out there as you can tweak everything.   Long standing default preference of mine.

LongPlayer (https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/115506141123290654886) a new app that is still in Beta that I've been trying out, pretty functional though (you have to join the Google+ Group to access beta development versions of programs, no idea why).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2015, 07:39:39 am
Beastmaker Training App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beastmaker.beastmaker)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on February 18, 2015, 09:15:44 am
 :beer2:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2015, 01:02:36 pm
Beastmaker Training App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beastmaker.beastmaker)

Currently out by 1 second on timings as it doesn't include zero when counting down seconds.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: rodma on February 18, 2015, 01:44:15 pm
Beastmaker Training App (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beastmaker.beastmaker)

Currently out by 1 second on timings as it doesn't include zero when counting down seconds.

so it only counts from 9 to 1?  :slap:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2015, 02:27:29 pm
You could always check it out ;)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on February 18, 2015, 02:56:32 pm
And waste 1.2 fuckalls on a training programme that doesn't tell you to hang on for long enough?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: fried on February 18, 2015, 04:30:04 pm
1.2 fuckalls? it's 4 fucking fuckalls on the continent, lucky fucking bastards.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: kelvin on February 18, 2015, 04:38:32 pm
What the fuck is a fuckall? Coz I'm seeing £3 in my google play link... 4euros would be a bargain.

Are we talkin' Isle of Mann money?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2015, 04:42:41 pm
What the fuck is a fuckall? Coz I'm seeing £3 in my google play link... 4euros would be a bargain.

Are we talkin' Isle of Mann money?

A fuckall is roughly £2.50 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fuckall+site:http://ukbouldering.com/board/+-inurl:wap+-inurl:wap2+-inurl:imode&gws_rd=cr&ei=1sDkVIaSIcq7aeaLgYAI) (its an in-joke on the site thats been doing the rounds for a few years now).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: kelvin on February 18, 2015, 05:00:59 pm


A fuckall is roughly £2.50 (https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fuckall+site:http://ukbouldering.com/board/+-inurl:wap+-inurl:wap2+-inurl:imode&gws_rd=cr&ei=1sDkVIaSIcq7aeaLgYAI) (its an in-joke on the site thats been doing the rounds for a few years now).

Grand Slackers - sanity resumed.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: fried on February 18, 2015, 05:14:01 pm
Jesus, I always thought it was 1 fuckall to the pound.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: kelvin on February 18, 2015, 05:27:00 pm
Jesus, I always thought it was 1 fuckall to the pound.

Who needs training advice, climbing beta or crossing swords with internet warriors when you can learn the exchange rate of a fuckall - education fried, it's all about monetary education.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on February 18, 2015, 05:30:39 pm
education fried, it's all about monetary education.

That'll be four fuck-alls please, your bill is in the post. :clown:
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Johnny Brown on February 20, 2015, 09:32:51 am
I seem to remember the original exchange rate mechanism being tied to Jim's internet bill.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 02, 2015, 07:51:47 am
MyClimb (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myclimb)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 04, 2015, 09:59:41 am
PrivacyHawk (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.marblesecurity.labs.android)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on June 09, 2015, 11:22:45 am
Disconnect (https://disconnect.me/mobile/disconnect-malvertising) blocks malicious advertising reducing the risk of identity theft.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on November 16, 2015, 10:08:43 am
Vertical-Life Climbing (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=info.verticallife)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 08, 2015, 12:55:06 pm
Nova Launcher Prime is £0.10 today (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.launcher.prime&hl=en)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 15, 2015, 01:50:31 pm
Quote
Prepare for a Super deal! #OsmAndPlus at #GooglePlay for less than 1 dollar. tinyurl.com/d8s6l4u (May take a couple of hours). (https://twitter.com/osmandapp/status/676754048230518784)


OSMAnd+ for £0.10 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand.plus)

You can use it to create POIs (I've imported all of the UKB POIs into mine (http://) and you can contribute to a more open and neutral community map (see this article as to why thats a good thing (http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jan/14/why-the-world-needs-openstreetmap)).

I bought it ages ago and its great, helped me get down the north ridge of Jebel Burrdah in Jordan after getting lost going up the East face and only getting onto the North ridge at 15:30....which was when we'd arranged to be picked up at the bottom (instead we went to the summit before trying to descend).  Foolishly left my headtorch in my trousers and only just managed to make out the rock bridge that was key to the descent before the sun set, then unsure which way to go as it was pretty much dark I figured I'd check the OSMAnd+ as I'd downloaded the Jordan map and lo and behold someone had logged a GPX trail up/down the North Ridge to the Bridge of Burrdah which we'd just crossed  ;D

The guide book was right though, the views from the summit were "unsurpassable" and well worth it...

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5663/23072928749_6564b941c0_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/B9SMSn)
Burrdah Summit Sunset Panorama (https://flic.kr/p/B9SMSn) by slack---line (https://www.flickr.com/photos/slackline/), on Flickr


Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on January 13, 2016, 04:19:17 pm
Easy Flix - Make Netflix Easy (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=easyflix.playingames) which shows all the 'hidden (http://netflixcodes.me/)' categories on NetFlix that aren't normally displayed (and are part of how they choose recommendations for you).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 16, 2016, 02:51:21 pm
"Hey 'Buddy (http://www.buddyseries.com/)', fancy trusting your life to a complete stranger?"


Maybe its just me, but I'm quite particular about who's holding the end of my rope.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 16, 2016, 05:20:42 pm
Does anyone use any open mapping apps (for Android)?

I'm using more and more Public Rights of Way (PRoW) and could do with something that allows me to see where I can and where I shouldn't be walking. Obviously I can buy a map (and the Lancs. council website has a good tool, but it isn't portable).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sxrxg on March 16, 2016, 05:53:24 pm
Maverick (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.codesector.maverick.lite) gives you access to OS maps for the whole of the UK in your pocket (you can pre cache maps on wifi when you know you aren't going to have any reception - or you can download on a computer if required http://support.codesector.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/1/1/Downloading-offline-maps).

You will need to do a little bit of manipulating to get 1:25000 OS maps however the instructions to do so are easy to follow and I have not had any problems using the app since following these guidelines - http://support.codesector.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/20/1/OS-Explorer-Maps.

Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 16, 2016, 07:14:30 pm
At the risk of sounding like a broken record OSMAnd+ (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand.plus&hl=en_GB) the Android application for OpenStreetMaps which has a specific designation for Public Rights of Way (https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/UK_access_provisions#Public_Rights_of_Way).  Obviously your mileage may vary depending on who has been actively mapping things in your area but if you've existing routes that don't appear on it you could always map it and contribute it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on March 16, 2016, 09:00:22 pm
Thanks both!

With Maverick are you caching maps simply by viewing them (3G here can be non-existent)? The  Hike and Bike maps seem to show the PRoWs too.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sxrxg on March 16, 2016, 11:12:38 pm
Maverick caches maps viewed on WiFi as .png tiles for use offline.

Only thing to be careful of is that you need to make sure that you view each place you are interested in at the correct zoom as the maps are sorted as images not vector graphics and can't be zoomed without a cache of the image.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on March 16, 2016, 11:51:59 pm
Only thing to be careful of is that you need to make sure that you view each place you are interested in at the correct zoom as the maps are sorted as images not vector graphics and can't be zoomed without a cache of the image.

That's as in Google Maps.

One of the things I like about OSMAnd is that you can choose a country/region to download and that's it, no messing around panning across the maps whilst on WiFi it just downloads what you want.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: sxrxg on March 17, 2016, 11:12:53 am
I also use Here maps (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.here.app.maps&hl=en_GB) for offline navigation (used to be Nokia maps and exclusive to Windows phone until Microsoft bought them out and sold the company) - maps can freely be downloaded of specific countries or whole continents, make sure that you have enough storage space though! This is very much a challenger to google navigation and I tend to use it for driving as I find the interface to be more intuitive. It is also handy to use in cities as the offline navigation still contains 3D buildings when zoomed in.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 05, 2016, 11:46:14 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYZtHIPktQg

There was a brief incarnation of Android (something around 4.4.* if I remember correctly) that included as part of the system itself exposing the permissions each application requested and allowing the user to turn these off.

Some custom ROMs (e.g. Google Play Edition for Samasung GT-i9505) include this, but if you've rooted your phone you can install the Xposed Framework (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3034811) and the AppOppsXposed module (http://repo.xposed.info/module/at.jclehner.appopsxposed) (install through the Xposed framework though) to regain this functionality and limit what every installed application can access.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 08, 2016, 09:18:43 am
XDA Labs (http://www.xda-developers.com/xda-labs/?utm_source=labsbadgeportal&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=XDA%20Labs%20Badge%20Portal)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on April 12, 2016, 09:05:27 am
A solution looking for a problem Truecaller (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-36015547).  If I don't recognise the number, chances are I don't need to answer it.

The pernicious side is that if others install the application and you are in their contact list your number/details are uploaded to Truecallers database without your knowledge or permission.  :spank:

You can (in theory) unlist your number (http://www.truecaller.com/unlist).  I've tried but the page seems to freeze on submitting and there is no confirmation the number has been delisted (awaiting response from support).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: slackline on December 13, 2016, 04:09:45 pm
How a smartphone network detects earthquakes in real time (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1740-9713.2016.00974.x/full?hootPostID=411d5fb7929573bd3370bf9c3f31950a)

Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.finazzi.distquake) (no iOS)

earthquakenetwork.it (http://earthquakenetwork.it/)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on January 20, 2017, 03:53:14 pm
Eva Lopez was recommending an interval timer recently:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deslomator.complextimer&hl=en

I trialled it last night and I thought it was really good.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: standard on January 20, 2017, 04:12:14 pm
looks good.
looks the same as https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fi.ohra.impetus&hl=en which i use
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: standard on January 20, 2017, 05:11:04 pm
Actually paul, i don't like it.
it does not show you an accurate time left in a hang.
A 7 second timer in that one will count down from 6 to 0, and pause on 0 for a second.
impetus will do it properly, ie countdown form 7-0 and not pause on 0.

I've submitted feedback to ask it to be changed.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Catcheemonkey on October 28, 2017, 10:42:02 am
I’ve just upgraded to IOS11 and now can’t use the 32bit Hangtimer app.

There are loads of terrible looking hangboard apps on the AppStore - does anyone have a recommendation for an IOS timer that’s not terrible?

Ideally I’m looking for a fairly basic timer with adjustable hangs, rests, reps and sets & audio prompts for these - rather than a fully guided ‘workout’ by hold type.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: nik at work on May 22, 2018, 09:31:47 pm
Just to bring this thread back from the dead, I've just published a timer app on Google Play. After having played around writing an app for a bit, and getting a bit of feedback from some UKB based experiment ponies last night I decided fuck it and stuck the timer app on the play store.
Here it is:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.keeg.freetimer

If you're interested in a simple timer app for work=rest sets and repeaters, that will keep a record of your training sets (and allow you to export them) then it's probably/possibly worth a look. Mind you the weather is quite nice right now so you could just go climbing....

If anyone does use it, feel free to comment/criticise/mock/suggest additional features that would be useful :)
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: kelvin on May 23, 2018, 10:05:55 am
 :thumbsup:

I'll give it a whirl Nik, after two years the back is finally up to some fingerboard work and your app looks like it'll do everything I need.

Pretty intuitive on first play.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Duma on May 23, 2018, 10:46:23 am
Looks good Nik, wadded.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: nik at work on May 23, 2018, 10:20:49 pm
Thanks guys   ;D

If you do use it and you spot any bugs or flaws let me know, I'm not an app developer (I hit metal things with other metal things most of the time...) and this is my first forray into such waters so I imagine there is high potential for many issues...

Also wishlist suggestions will be taken on board and included as time and skill permit...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on April 21, 2019, 11:21:39 am
Does anyone know of a good Android music player?

I have a 256gb SD card with music on in my phone. I currently use VLC but it has a tendency to lose/forget the media library/storage folder location. It's otherwise great. The app that came with the phone is terrible, you can select by artist, or album, but if you choose artist, you can't choose one specific album, it just lists all the tunes by that artist in alphabetical order, so is mostly useless.

Any recommendations for good apps welcome! I wish I could get Winamp on my phone...
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on April 21, 2019, 12:47:00 pm
Rocketplayer
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: andy_e on April 21, 2019, 12:52:10 pm
Ta. Can you pay for ad-free?
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on April 14, 2021, 01:29:20 pm
Yesterday in our end of financial year "how did it go" meeting, one of my Dirs. asked if anyone had heard of Slack as his daughter was using it to collaborate on a coding course she's taking online:
https://slack.com/intl/en-gb/

My answer was, no. Do any UKBers use it?

I'm a little sceptical as to it's usefulness for the business I work in namely because we have MS Teams and only tend to use it for specific meetings (Dirs. specifically log in for meetings then out afterwards; this is frustrating). However, they're desperately trying to recruit staff and the model under which we work which is essentially each person on their own, nose [tendering/quoting] to tail [output and invoicing] for engineering projects isn't very scalable and they were hoping to use it to cut down on email traffic and share knowledge across the range of employees.

I said I'd look into it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Anti on April 14, 2021, 01:41:13 pm
I don't use it but when I thought that it looks remarkably like the interface of Discord it turns out it is. Basically just a more "business" version of it. Might be worth trying Discord as it's free depending on your size.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Carl on April 14, 2021, 01:48:50 pm
My answer was, no. Do any UKBers use it?

I use it at work, we've not been using it for ages and uptake has been a bit mixed, but I personally like it. Particularly for how we tend to work with a lot of varied projects and teams, it's far less cumbersome than group emails. Depending on how set people are in their ways it can be difficult to get them to use it though!
Also having the facility to do a direct call/video to someone without having to set up a specific meeting slot is good, although there are presumably many other options that achieve this.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Plattsy on April 14, 2021, 01:49:50 pm
Current client uses Slack. It works a lot like MS Teams. Messaging, direct and conference calls, sharing documents, group chats (coming out of my ears), sharing code. Used a lot in IT where collaboration is the #trend

Anti is right it looks and feels a lot like Discord.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: csl on April 14, 2021, 01:54:04 pm
I've used it for all work communication for the last 5 years or so. I think generally you would choose to use either slack or teams. But it sounds like your company doesn't really use the direct messaging functionality of Teams and instead just uses it for video meetings?

In the companies I have worked in - we don't use email at all internally and all communication happens in channels in slack. It's great for collaboration - but the nature of the medium (much like this forum) is that useful information disappears in a flurry of messages and you'd be better off using collaborative tools like confluence or other wiki software for any long lived knowledge sharing.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: dunnyg on April 14, 2021, 01:58:50 pm
One sort of nice thing about teams is that it has wikis built in to the teams. It isnt the nices thing to use though. Slack was used at my previous place, but wasnt much use to me and just seemed to duplicate existing functionality (messaging etc.).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on April 15, 2021, 11:20:18 am
Thanks for the input all! I hadn't heard of Discord either.

I've used it for all work communication for the last 5 years or so. I think generally you would choose to use either slack or teams. But it sounds like your company doesn't really use the direct messaging functionality of Teams and instead just uses it for video meetings?

Correct. I moved from a much larger consultancy who adopted Lync, Skype for Business then Teams really early on and it gave them a huge competitive edge due to the ability to communicate with technical expertise all over the globe.

I find it pretty frustrating that I can't drop someone a quick IM. People actively log out of Teams in our business and suggest others call them on their mobile (with a gleeful twinkle in their eye) so I can see full adoption being somewhat difficult!

What I can see it being used for is sharing stuff within the industry like when things have gone wrong (or right, but mostly wrong) and new ways of simplifying our output (yesterday for instance I was able to use an existing Excel sheet we use regularly with =index() and a data table to do several hundred of the same calculations and the output is really visual, basically a heat map of pass/fail checks across a site). I can't see it ever going in the direction of full Wiki like content as we've got codes, standards and supplier literature coming out of our ears! Likewise, we've got a significant amount of past projects and it's easy enough to find one that's similar and start from that.

Dir. 1 thinks the Teams interface is dull. He seems to be wowed by Slack.

I don't use it but when I thought that it looks remarkably like the interface of Discord it turns out it is. Basically just a more "business" version of it. Might be worth trying Discord as it's free depending on your size.

We're small: 3 Dirs. 1 Associate Dir., 1 Principal, 2 Engineers, 1 (very) PT assistant, and are looking for 2 more (Engineers).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 23, 2024, 12:24:43 pm
Is anyone using an Android based app to keep on top of receipts and expenses?

Usually for work these things are fairly limited (i.e. a few fuel receipts etc.) but that changes next week and I've been warned to be on top of it.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: remus on February 23, 2024, 12:31:21 pm
I've got a business account with starling and their app is good for this. In the free version you can upload receipts etc for each transaction. Annoyingly you need to upgrade (£70/yr ISH) to export the data for the accountant, but it was otherwise painless.

Obviously reliant on having an account with them in the first place.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 23, 2024, 12:44:50 pm
Thanks Remus, I don't as I went with Metro for the travel type thing and suspect a week is insufficient time to change that (plus hassle etc.).
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: thunderbeest on February 23, 2024, 04:15:36 pm
I just scan every receipt with one drive and in the end of the month zip the file and send it to the accountant.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: SA Chris on February 23, 2024, 04:58:50 pm
Is anyone using an Android based app to keep on top of receipts and expenses?

Usually for work these things are fairly limited (i.e. a few fuel receipts etc.) but that changes next week and I've been warned to be on top of it.

We have SAP Concur at work that I use occasionally and it seems easy enough, but you might need a SAP System for it to interface with though, and don't know if it's free.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Fultonius on February 23, 2024, 05:03:39 pm
Depends what you want and what systems it needs to interface with.

E. G. I use toggl for time tracking and booking to projects, then made a simple spreadsheet so I could export weekly reports to the correct format.

If its just for storing the receipts, any number of native apps let you do that. If you want it to also tot stuff up, track me age etc there are also apps that can do that. I looked into it in my old job, but have limited requirement for it now.
Title: Re: There's an app for that?
Post by: Paul B on February 23, 2024, 06:37:07 pm
If its just for storing the receipts, any number of native apps let you do that. If you want it to also tot stuff up, track me age etc there are also apps that can do that. I looked into it in my old job, but have limited requirement for it now.

More this. The time code is pretty simple as it's a client secondment so 100% to them (they may want me to book internally though but I'll deal with that as and when).

Everything for the assignment is essentially on them (as it's short term rather than long term).

I just scan every receipt with one drive and in the end of the month zip the file and send it to the accountant.

If only... What's the timecode for doing timesheets/expenses again?
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal