Recommended Android Apps

[Flip Martian]

Having just got an HTC Hero, I thought it was worth having a thread with recommended Android apps or even perhaps ones worth avoiding? Games, navigation or shopping aids - anything! Whether free or paid for.

Anyone want to kick off?

[vsehijpal]

Quickpedia for quick easy Wikipedia access. Also liking soccer live scores

[dysfunction]

You can find some on this thread page:

http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572659&page=5

[Flip Martian]

You can find some on this thread page:

http://www.thedvdforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572659&page=5

I know - just thought it would be very useful to have a dedicated thread to people's opinions and recommendations...

Cheers vsehijpal - must check out soccer live scores...

[Flip Martian]

Well, I'm not giving up getting this going...;)

I've not installed too many - and those I have are mainly games as I went overseas not long after getting my Hero so didn't want anything that was connecting to the 'net while away, but I'll list what I've been impressed with so far (all free):-

Coloroid - a diverting "eliminate the colours by matching up with the colours" game with loads of levels.
Sky Map - uses the GPS and overlays the stars and constellations over where you point your phone. Very cool.
aFlashlight - turns your screen into a colour configurable torch by displaying just 1 colour. Very simple and useful - used it a few times while I've been out on holiday.
Compass - uses the GPS and does exactly what it should - with an animated compass (just like the one on the iphone I guess).
XGalaga - 70s arcade game in your pocket.

Once I'm back I'll be looking more at apps rather than games. Anyone got a recommendation for browsing the marketplace - whether another Android App or on the web? Or any other sources of Android apps? The marketplace browser on the Hero is a bit slow and linear - takes ages to go through everything...

[jagox]

1337pwn.com - Xbox Live friends list app
Google Listen - Podcast app
SpiraDefence - really basic, yet really addictive tower defence game

If anyone finds any other good (free) Tower Defence games, let me know ;)

[Flip Martian]

Found a great (and free) ebook reader which works really well (I was dubious bearing in mind the Hero's screen size).

Aldiko - very customisable and has a fairly decent selection of titles to download - but you can import your own if you get them from elsewhere.

[ljp]

Anyone recommend a Notepad app?

[MC Rubber Chicken]

locale is the friggin mutts, you can get your phone to do things via your location, time, if a certian person calls you.. etc.... i have it set so when i pull up on my drive it turns my wi-fi on, when i get to the end of the road it turns it back off, silences the calls and notifications while on charge between midnight and 10am unless i unplug the mains, loads of things this is a must app

[rav2k]

0870 - automatically finds free alternatives and calls them

Bluetooth File Transfer - shocking that Android can't do this out of the box

Launchpad - launch programs from the notification bar, saves you pressing buttons

London Tube Status - you can set up widgets on the desktop which basically act like the electronic signs on station platforms telling you how long till the next train from whichever station you like

SMS Backup - back up your texts to gmail as threaded conversations

[ljp]

Anyone recommend an app that will display pictures as a random slide show, I would like to be able to chose the folders it displays from if possible.

[Jacko371]

Now a few months have gone by and I might be getting a HTC Hero, anyone got any more good apps they've tried?

[DJBenson]

Well, as previously said, there are loads of recommendations in the HTC Hero thread but for those who can't be arsed to dig through them (:p) here's what's installed on my phone:

AndFTP - Excellent FTP client, connects to my Fritz.box to transfer stuff
AnyPost - Send status updates to tonnes of social networking sites
beebPlayer - An excellent BBC iPlayer client
BeyondPod - A paid-for "Podcatcher". Was previously using Google Listen but BeyondPod spanks it
Camera ZOOM FX - Fantastic replacement for the built-in camera app
Dolphin Browser - Fantastic, intuitive replacement for the Android web browser
ES File Explorer - Great file management app, can connect to SMB shares too
EZCam - Speed camera alert app (I use it with my PocketGPSWorld.com database)
gTasks - Syncs with Google's "Tasks" app
KeePassDroid - Android version of the excellent KeePass information store
Last.fm - Android frontend to Last.fm
Locale - Trigger profiles based on certain criteria
Meridian - My number one choice for media playback
Mobile Maps 9 - Sat nav package from Sygic using the same map data as TomTom
NetCounter - Keep tabs on your 3G usage
Pure Calendar Widget - Takes the HTC calendar widget and makes it usable
Record It - Schedule Sky+ recordings from your handset
Scoreboard - Google's live sports update app (supports all main UK football leagues)
Shazam - Music recognition app (free on Android)
SMS Popup - Display SMS messages on the home screen as a popup
Snowstorm Info - Absolutely amazing weather app
SportyPal - Track your sporting achievements on your handset and view the results online (similar to Nokia Sports Tracker)
Tunes Remote - iTunes remote app
Wapopedia - Wikipedia app (pretty much made redundant by me using Dolphin Browser and Wikipedia's mobile portal)

[tradeyourgames]

these are great bits of info - anyone know if most of these would work on my now old school android g1??

[Midge]

Thanks DJ, got my hero today so been playing with it all night so your post will help :)

[ArthurDent]

these are great bits of info - anyone know if most of these would work on my now old school android g1??

Don't see why not.

[gunner]

Bonzai Blast - a great game.
Jewels - another good game (Bejeweled)
Mistique Chapter 1 - as above.
Barcode Scanner
Shop Savvy

All free.

[DJBenson]

Thanks DJ, got my hero today so been playing with it all night so your post will help :)

Yule love it ;-)

[White Line]

I've been trying out BeyondPod. Does anyone know how to retain expired podcasts? I don't always get around to listening right away and some, particularly BBC ones, are removed when a new one is released and even though I've downloaded them they disappear.

[kerzo]

If it's anything like Google Listen it will have a 'Cache history' option or similar in the main settings.

[still average joe]

I saw a you tube video in which the reviewer said that you can only use google mail on android phones. Is this the case? is there an app to allow you to send/receive from pop3 or imap accounts?

[Midge]

I saw a you tube video in which the reviewer said that you can only use google mail on android phones. Is this the case? is there an app to allow you to send/receive from pop3 or imap accounts?

I've not installed anything other than what's on the phone for email and I've got my POP3 blueyonder account set up on it no problem.

[DJBenson]

The HTC Mail client supports POP3 and IMAP so there's no problem at all getting mail from non-Gmail accounts.

[mrpants99]

as a bit of a running nut I can recommend cardio trainer...whether it's the free version of the fully featured paid for version - it's tops.

[JamesK]

I've been trying out BeyondPod. Does anyone know how to retain expired podcasts? I don't always get around to listening right away and some, particularly BBC ones, are removed when a new one is released and even though I've downloaded them they disappear.

i use BeyondPod. I can't actually see the option to delete the old ones!! Um... try long pressing on the feed and going to "edit feed" and see what your deletion settings are?

[White Line]

Thanks folks, I'll have more of a fiddle. ;)

[White Line]

Anyone thinking of getting BeyondPod might like to know its on offer just now for $3.99.

[whitesquizzer]

as a bit of a running nut I can recommend cardio trainer...whether it's the free version of the fully featured paid for version - it's tops.

I fully agree with this one.
I just have to find a satisfactory way of carrying my phone when on a run, so if anyone has any recommendations lets 'ave em! :)

[kerzo]

Stupid question perhaps but what does Cardio Trainer do?

And perhaps another stupid question, what makes BeyondPod worth paying for?

[JamesK]

Beyond pod just works really well. It's synced to my Google reader account. and it can be set to download podcasts or RSS feeds as frequently as you like. Each feed can go in to a different category, and each category can have different settings for the updates, so you can, eg, update RSS feeds every 2 hours, but pod casts over night. It will automatically queue your podcasts for you, in a pre-specified order (i.e., you tell it what you want to hear first, and when it downloads one, it will play it to you first, and so on).

It has a nice home screen widget so that you can easily access the playing of podcasts, and it will connect to your wi-fi and download the podcasts over that, rather than have to be connected to your PC like some mp3 players... I have mine set to only download podcasts when connected to wifi, and when charging, so it doesn't spend ages downloading them when I have low battery.

It'll automatically turn wifi on for you at your scheduled times to try and see if it's available, and if it is it will connect and download. Basically, it's all ace!

[T4V]

I've just got an Acer D250 Netbook (Thanks Cokezone ;)) with Android installed but I don't know how to download/install Apps to it, are there any Apps with Netbooks in mind or is it still purely a phone thing for now?

[nigel_williams]

I think a lot of apps are now updated to account for larger screens and will auto resize where possible. Once you have setup Wifi, try going to the Market and see what you can download?

[Wendelius]

I've started using Just Pictures! (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-justpictures-qBFD.aspx), which is a cool way to tie into my Smugmug and my Flickr account on my phone. Allows me to have my portfolio with me all the time. :thumbs:

Wendelius

[T4V]

I think a lot of apps are now updated to account for larger screens and will auto resize where possible. Once you have setup Wifi, try going to the Market and see what you can download?
Maybe I'm doing something wrong but I've yet to find a single download button on any of the websites so I can't get anything. :shrug: Why is it that when I Google Andriod Marketplace I don't seem to get an offical site?

In case you are wondering yes I'm am now connected and this is being posted via the Android version of Firefox.

edit - I did find a download button on an unoffical site but clicking it opened a page asking me to access the downloads via a WAP page, which wouldn't open.

[nigel_williams]

I've only seen pics of Android working on a netbook, but I presume it's the same process for downloading as on a handset. If you open the app drawer i.e. the tab on the side of the screen, you should see a Market icon (carrier bag with Android on the side). Open this.

So presuming it's the same process as Android handsets, that should take you to the Android Market and let you browse and install apps.

[nigel_williams]

I haven't tried this myself, but saw it on a newsfeed from Lifehacker earlier. It's called WaveSecure and is an app to help you protect your phone should it go missing i.e. remote locking, backups, location finding.

Link to Lifehacker article: http://lifehacker.com/5448157/wavesecure-is-an-all+in+one-lost-phone-solution-for-android?skyline=true&s=i

[Wendelius]

I installed Picsay Pro (http://www.picsaypro.com/) yesterday and love it. The app also has a free version (with many less features).

It's an in phone image editing tool and I was impressed by the number of transformations you can apply. From the silly (adding little cartoons or words on the pic or merging 2 pictures) to the photo editing classics (rotate and crop, adjust exposure, contrast, white balance, vignetting, ...) and the creative ones (cross processing, selective colouring, ...).

There really are a ton of effects you can apply.

http://www.gasperazzo.net/images/misc_photography/picsay-1263490870.jpg
(5 minutes playing with a silly shot from my dining room table, as shown by the shoddy selective colouring ;) )

Wendelius

[stu_69]

One thing I don’t like about the android marketplace is it’s full of crap. I have an ipod touch and it’s a lot easier to find something useful or decent on the app store. The marketplace is full of complete rubbish like family guy soundboards. So I have had to rely on threads like this to find decent apps for the hero.

[tpr007]

Good video player? (is there one that plays AVI files?)

[DJBenson]

I installed Picsay Pro (http://www.picsaypro.com/) yesterday and love it. The app also has a free version (with many less features).

It's an in phone image editing tool and I was impressed by the number of transformations you can apply. From the silly (adding little cartoons or words on the pic or merging 2 pictures) to the photo editing classics (rotate and crop, adjust exposure, contrast, white balance, vignetting, ...) and the creative ones (cross processing, selective colouring, ...).

There really are a ton of effects you can apply.

http://www.gasperazzo.net/images/misc_photography/picsay-1263490870.jpg
(5 minutes playing with a silly shot from my dining room table, as shown by the shoddy selective colouring ;) )

Wendelius

Adobe has recently released "Photoshop.com Mobile" to the Android Market for free, just downloading it now.

[Wendelius]

Adobe has recently released "Photoshop.com Mobile" to the Android Market for free, just downloading it now.

I saw that. But the reviews said: It's not Picsay Pro, which got me to try this one. :)

Let us know what you think. An Adobe product can't be all bad.

Wendelius

[DJBenson]

Adobe PSM turned out to be pretty crappy to be honest :D

Couple of apps I've found in the last day or so;

WaveSecure (http://www.wavesecure.com/) : Mobile security client for Android - currently free for Android users (Eur 15 for other platforms). Lets you remote lock/wipe your phone as well as track it's location and backup your content remotely.

Nextapp Websharing (http://android.nextapp.com/index.html) : A lightweight webserver for Android which lets you upload/download content via a web browser. Also allows you to browse your photos, videos and music as well as a fully-fledged file browser. Currently $2.99 in the Market.

[Wendelius]

Want local traffic information?

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/30932/rac-builds-mobile-traffic-app

I have yet to try it but it sounds interesting and useful.

Wendelius

[T4V]

I've only seen pics of Android working on a netbook, but I presume it's the same process for downloading as on a handset. If you open the app drawer i.e. the tab on the side of the screen, you should see a Market icon (carrier bag with Android on the side). Open this.

So presuming it's the same process as Android handsets, that should take you to the Android Market and let you browse and install apps.

Well I've failed to find a way to the Market, setting page doesn't have it. I grab a pic of the screen but then couldn't find it to upload it to show here.

[dysfunction]

Well I've failed to find a way to the Market, setting page doesn't have it. I grab a pic of the screen but then couldn't find it to upload it to show here.

What phone do you have?

The Android Market should be a widget/shortcut on your screen somewhere...
It looks a bit like this:

http://www.iconspedia.com/icon/google-android-market--740.html


Either that or navigate to it on your phone's web browser:
http://www.android.com/market/

[nigel_williams]

Just did a search for your model and it appears the Andoid they install is quite disappointingly basic and does not allow Market access. Maybe they will make newer versions available which offers more functionality now that 2.1 has been released?

Might be worth you playing with Chromium or Ubuntu NBR till a more mature version of Android is available. You can run both as a Live version via USB stick if you don't want to wipe.

[Deron]

Just found a new app called slidescreen...

Looks lovely.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUu8Qevx-Hg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUu8Qevx-Hg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

http://gizmodo.com/5453321/slidescreen-android-app-replaces-homescreen-with-beautiful-information?autoplay=true

[T4V]

What phone do you have?

The Android Market should be a widget/shortcut on your screen somewhere...
It looks a bit like this:

http://www.iconspedia.com/icon/google-android-market--740.html
[/url]
I don't have a phone its an Acer D250 Netbook with Android installed. I've not found that icon anywhere.


Either that or navigate to it on your phone's web browser:
http://www.android.com/market/
Now I have got into there that way via a Google search (at the time I wondered if it was an offical site) but I've not found a download button for any of the apps within it.

[T4V]

Just did a search for your model and it appears the Andoid they install is quite disappointingly basic and does not allow Market access. Maybe they will make newer versions available which offers more functionality now that 2.1 has been released?

Might be worth you playing with Chromium or Ubuntu NBR till a more mature version of Android is available. You can run both as a Live version via USB stick if you don't want to wipe.

Well that explains a lot, as I'm not using it that much at the moment (doesn't seem much of a point to it if I can't add to it) I think I'll wait and see if an upgrade becomes available. Is it lightly to be a free update, are the other versions?

[nigel_williams]

Can't say I've been following development of Android for netbooks apart from seeing the odd posts on news channels. I have the G1 phone (since Dec 08) and have only just tried loading a custom firmware rather than the stock Google Android 1.6.

There is a lot of development for handsets on xda-developers, so maybe there is a similar initiative for netbooks? Might be worth a Google search, see that you can find.

[DJBenson]

Just found a new app called slidescreen...

Looks lovely.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUu8Qevx-Hg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uUu8Qevx-Hg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

http://gizmodo.com/5453321/slidescreen-android-app-replaces-homescreen-with-beautiful-information?autoplay=true

Just tried this on my Hero - it's pretty naff to be honest, may be useful if the user has the stock Android UI, otherwise Sense wipes the floor with it.

but I've not found a download button for any of the apps within it.

You won't find download links on sites - everything in the Market is downloaded via the Market app.

[T4V]

You won't find download links on sites - everything in the Market is downloaded via the Market app.

Now I know the Market is an App I was able to do a quick search and found this (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/11/14/review_netbook_acer_aspire_one_d250_android/) review of the system on the netbook, which told me that no such app is on this machine but it makes for interesting reading if you want to know what android looks like on something other than a phone.

[campdave]

Livescores is a great app for keeping track of football scores - almost too detailed, with leagues from Guatemala, Algeria being updated along with the usual European selection (including lower leagues).

[tpr007]

Seesmic is now my twitter App of choice.

[DJBenson]

Livescores is a great app for keeping track of football scores - almost too detailed, with leagues from Guatemala, Algeria being updated along with the usual European selection (including lower leagues).

Google Scoreboard does the same kind of thing, it's got a widget which shows you the last and next games and once you've picked your teams it will give you realtime score alerts as they happen.

[GregB]

The forums have stopped working for me on the standard Hero browser which is annoying but Dolphin browser works nicely.

A couple of good games I play are Trap and Bebbled.

[DJBenson]

The forums have stopped working for me on the standard Hero browser which is annoying but Dolphin browser works nicely.

A couple of good games I play are Trap and Bebbled.

Just tried http://m.thedvdforums.com/forums/ on my Hero and it works fine (have you cleared the cache?) I would recommend you don't update to the latest Dolphin Browser as the author seems to have trashed it and gone to the pay model.

Steel is a great alternative which sits somewhere between the stock browser and Dolphin, unfortunately there are still a couple of features missing (i.e. multi-touch).

[rav2k]

Just tried http://m.thedvdforums.com/forums/ on my Hero and it works fine (have you cleared the cache?) I would recommend you don't update to the latest Dolphin Browser as the author seems to have trashed it and gone to the pay model.

Steel is a great alternative which sits somewhere between the stock browser and Dolphin, unfortunately there are still a couple of features missing (i.e. multi-touch).

OMG!!!! There's a mobile DVD forums. Why did I not know this?? :doh:

And I've been using the full site on my Hero for months.

[rav2k]

Seesmic is now my twitter App of choice.

Like Seesmic but switched back to Twidroid cos it doesn't remember where you are in the tweet stream and always reverts back to the top so you have to constantly scroll back down yourself.

[kerzo]

OMG!!!! There's a mobile DVD forums. Why did I not know this?? :doh:

And I've been using the full site on my Hero for months.


LOL that makes two of us then, I'm glad someone else didn't know because I felt like a complete numpty! :lol:

[JamesK]

Like Seesmic but switched back to Twidroid cos it doesn't remember where you are in the tweet stream and always reverts back to the top so you have to constantly scroll back down yourself.

I'm the same :)

[belgarion_v]

I'm the same :)

And me, though if they did TweetDeck for Android, I'd probably use that as I use that on the desktop.

Vince

[DJBenson]

On the back of a question in the main HTC Hero thread regarding changing the account details Android uses to log in to Google...

There's a free app called "AnyCut" which allows you to create shortcuts on the home screen to pretty much anything, be it an application or somebody's phone number. The difference is this can access apps that normally cannot be run directly (i.e. the Setup Wizard which is used to change the account used to log in to Google).

[Deron]

Blimey...

I haven't spent much time looking into Android games expecting them to be crap...

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mn-XaaQXIxw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_GB&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mn-XaaQXIxw&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_GB&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

That opened my eyes...

http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/28/50-android-games-demonstrated-in-one-video-who-says-android-c/

[Wendelius]

Android Developer Challenge 2 best apps: http://code.google.com/android/adc/gallery_winners.html

Some apps I want to try in there.

Wendelius

[stupendo]

Did a search but couldn't find it but has anyone tried A world of photo. They explain it as a spin the bottle with photo's.

Try it and it will become clear, also read here (http://androinica.com/2009/12/02/review-a-world-of-photo-adc2-entertainment-co-winner/).

[Deron]

Did a search but couldn't find it but has anyone tried A world of photo. They explain it as a spin the bottle with photo's.

Try it and it will become clear, also read here (http://androinica.com/2009/12/02/review-a-world-of-photo-adc2-entertainment-co-winner/).

Just downloaded it...

It's quite a good idea. The Android app store actually seems to have some good stuff in it...word of mouth is very important to let people know what's out there.

My phone has a ton of games from that youtube vid on it now.

What the Doodle is another similar concept to this and another award winner...

[JamesK]

I just downloaded an excellent App called "Movies" by Flixster which is a cinema/film/DVD releases app. Really slick. Quite iPhone like really in it's slickness :lol: Now that Android is getting slick iPhone like apps, along with the more customisable ones it's had for a while, it's market is really taking over. Just watched the 50 games video. Ones which LOOK good:

Farm Frenzy (there is a free version).
Flight Director (there is a free version).
Sky Force (there is a free version).
Shoot U (there is a free version).

Anyway, I didn't watch it all but these looked good, I'll be getting them soon:)

[rav2k]

I just downloaded an excellent App called "Movies" by Flixster which is a cinema/film/DVD releases app. Really slick. Quite iPhone like really in it's slickness :lol: Now that Android is getting slick iPhone like apps, along with the more customisable ones it's had for a while, it's market is really taking over. Just watched the 50 games video. Ones which LOOK good:

Farm Frenzy (there is a free version).
Flight Director (there is a free version).
Sky Force (there is a free version).
Shoot U (there is a free version).

Anyway, I didn't watch it all but these looked good, I'll be getting them soon:)

Great app. But it's not just iPhone like, it is an iPhone app.

There is some great stuff on the Market but the iPhone really does get the cream of the crop. There's lots of indie stuff on Android but most of the big firms pretty much exclusively make iPhone apps. Stuff like FT, Guardian, Ocado, Bloomberg, Dropbox, Amazon, Metro, Natwest.......

I do love my Hero and Android but it's really frustrating.

[stupendo]

There is some great stuff on the Market but the iPhone really does get the cream of the crop. There's lots of indie stuff on Android but most of the big firms pretty much exclusively make iPhone apps. Stuff like FT, Guardian, Ocado, Bloomberg, Dropbox, Amazon, Metro, Natwest.......

I do love my Hero and Android but it's really frustrating.

But the iphone has a few more years behind it, it also has a larger market share at the moment. Android is catching up fast and its only a matter of time before the big players start writing apps.

[nigel_williams]

I think this year we will see a lot more Android versions, there's been a massive take up of Android by the major phone manufacturers, so it would make sense for them to develop.

Flixster is pretty good, I like the reviews that are added. I had been using Movie Finder up until recently, but I think Flixster now has the edge.

[Deron]

I noticed that the android Flixster actually has more info in it when I switched from my iphone...It's definitely better.

I don't think the app store is very good at promoting it's top apps though...there are some great apps and games in there, but I seem to have them recommended rather than find them

[Space Duck]

Android Flixter is also more stable :)

[DJBenson]

I noticed that the android Flixster actually has more info in it when I switched from my iphone...It's definitely better.

I don't think the app store is very good at promoting it's top apps though...there are some great apps and games in there, but I seem to have them recommended rather than find them

Is the v2 Market any better than v1? (You have the Nexus One don't you, and that's Android 2?)

I had read that Google had improved the Market to make it easier to find the pick of the apps - as it is, I'm like you and find out about the really good apps by recommendation.

EDIT: I stumbled upon a great app called aCar last night - it's a free app that allows you to set reminders for your service intervals, insurance etc for your car and also tracks your mileage/fuel use and presents it all in a lovely graphical format, I am going to start using it today when I fill up.

[JamesK]

Does anyone know of an app that would allow you to browse and manage your sd card from your pc web browser over a wireless LAN connection?

[DJBenson]

Nextapp WebSharing is great for this. Free too :thumbs:

[Deron]

Is the v2 Market any better than v1? (You have the Nexus One don't you, and that's Android 2?)

I had read that Google had improved the Market to make it easier to find the pick of the apps - as it is, I'm like you and find out about the really good apps by recommendation.

Er...

I'll check the Magic's we have at work...didn't really know there was a difference between the market.

I keep checking my Nexus for the ota multi-touch update...:luv:

[rav2k]

Nextapp WebSharing is great for this. Free too :thumbs:

Fantastic App! Just what I've been looking for. Cheers DJ. :clap:

[JamesK]

Thanks,

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work over an ad-hoc wireless network using Wireless Tether for Root Users. (no router). Which is a shame.

On the plus side, an app called "motorola phone portal" does, and I can use that for browsing my SMS and photos on my PC and composing SMS on my laptop/PC. but nothing else :(

[Fatbloke]

Just been popped up on slashdot - Quake3 on Android (http://code.google.com/p/kwaak3/)

[backtothefuture]

isn't it possible to download android applications on line (i.e. on the PC) and then install them on the phone?

[dysfunction]

The majority of them you have to get from the market using your phone...

[nigel_williams]

Here's an app that's worth a look, it's called JuiceDefender and it's designed to save your battery. http://lifehacker.com/5482663/juicedefender-saves-batteries-by-automating-android-data

Basically it switches off your data connection, so rather than being connected all the time, you can set intervals. For example, every 15 minutes, connect for 2 minutes, which gives your e-mail and/or Twitter clients time to check in an retrieve.

Seems like a good idea, so I'm giving it a try for the next few days.

[Fatbloke]

I'd have thought a app to automatically turn wifi on/off at set times would be more of a battery saver. I think juicedefender would do that in the paid version.
Anyone see a free one about?

[DJBenson]

Timeriffic is free.

[nigel_williams]

I use Toggle Settings to switch my phone into Aircraft Mode at a set time at night. That effectively stops any notifications from email and twitter from waking me as it's usually on close to my bed.

I think this JuiceDefender is a good idea, it certainly seems to be making my battery last longer on a typical day. I normally run my G1 in GPRS as that's fine for receiving notification of email and tweets, and that makes a big saving on the battery.

[Fatbloke]

Timeriffic is free.

Mmm - seems much more like I want :)

[dysfunction]

Timeriffic is free.

I forgot I had installed that!!
Iv'e still been messing about in the mornings changing the phone to mute for work...and then back to normal after work

:doh:

[DJBenson]

If you can stump up $2.99 then Setting Profiles is a fantastic app - it does pretty much what all of these do but with additional rules. For example, my phone is set to go silent with a dim screen between 21:00-07:00 when I'm at home (determined by LAT/LON from the cell ID's) and to disable WiFi when I'm at work (again determined by location).

Takes a while to get all the profiles to work along side each other but once it's done it just works. There is a new version due soon with even more control. It's actually Android 1.5 that limits the functionality of these apps as some controls just don't have API's to allow control from a 3rd party application - Android 2.1 removes a lot of those restrictions.

[dysfunction]

I was looking at getting "Locale" but it seems to have received a lot of negative comments so i didnt bother.

May check that other one out if timeriffic doesn't suit me...

[stu_69]

Lifehacker's Top Ten Android apps (http://lifehacker.com/5481607/top-10-android-apps)

Bit of a rubbish selection.

[DJBenson]

I was looking at getting "Locale" but it seems to have received a lot of negative comments so i didnt bother.

May check that other one out if timeriffic doesn't suit me...

Locale is expensive for what it is - this is why I decided to buy Setting Profiles as it's 1/3 of the price of Locale and going off the private beta I'm testing it's about to leapfrog Locale in terms of functionality ;)

[backtothefuture]

I can't find certain applications on the android market ... eg locale, last.fm, beebplayer, full versions of games (paid) such as tower blox etc...

is that because my Rom is 1.5 and those are only 2.0 apps?

anyone have same problems?

[sideshowbob]

Are you on Orange / HTC perchance?

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/03/03/orange_htc_hero_marketplace/

[backtothefuture]

no, bought phone off plan, unlocked, live in the uae, using stock rom (1.5)

[sideshowbob]

Ah - don't know then. Sorry.

EDIT - Locale is 1.5 compatible

[gertrude]

no, bought phone off plan, unlocked, live in the uae, using stock rom (1.5)

That would be the problem would it not?

What apps you see can be country dependent.
G

[backtothefuture]

That would be the problem would it not?

What apps you see can be country dependent.
G

just found this on the android marketplace help:


Priced applications are currently only available to users in the following countries:
•Australia
•Austria
•France
•Germany
•Italy
•Japan
•Netherlands
•New Zealand
•Spain
•Switzerland
•United Kingdom
•United States


Blast!...had I known that may have gone for an iphone instead since paid apps are available everywhere!

[gertrude]

well, beebplayer is a uk thing only as the iPlayer will not work outside of the UK anyway, unless you have a good UK proxy.
Is there a way you can run WIFI through a proxy so that the Market thinks you are in one of the above countries?

Worth a go!

G

[DJBenson]

Wouldn't bother - it doesn't work like that ;)

The version of the Market you are entitled to use is built in to the ROM - it can be changed but IIRC you need to root your handset which will probably be overkill...

http://code.google.com/p/market-enabler/

[backtothefuture]

well I seem to have an eastern/central eurpoean ROM since the English language options have hungary/poland/czech etc but no traditional UK or US English...

[dysfunction]

Just installed "Aloqa".

Its a great app that tells you of interesting stuff in your current loaction such as Restaurants, Bars, Music, Comedy, Film, Art, Bank Machines, Knowledge of Places of Interest using Wikipedia etc...

It is very good indeed!

[nigel_williams]

Opera Mini 5 beta is now available on Android, just installing it: http://androidcommunity.com/opera-mini-5-beta-now-available-for-android-20100311/

Just scan the barcode and it will take you to the Market.

[DJBenson]

Just installed Opera 5 from the Market - looks very good indeed.

[dysfunction]

Pity it doesnt have multi touch..
It is very quick though...

[sideshowbob]

I prefer the standard browser with multi-touch

[DJBenson]

Dolphin Browser, free on the Market, does multi touch and other stuff the default browser doesn't, its my browser of choice (have uninstalled the stock browser).

[Midge]

Just installed Opera 5 from the Market - looks very good indeed.

Been having a play this afternoon and its goes like a rocket compared with the stock browser and dolphin.

[tpr007]

Dolphin Browser, free on the Market, does multi touch and other stuff the default browser doesn't, its my browser of choice (have uninstalled the stock browser).

The basic one does multi touch. It does when I use it!

Might give Opera a go.

[ArthurDent]

Just installed Opera 5 from the Market - looks very good indeed.

Goes like stink! Can't believe how quickly it renders pages over 3G. Have yet to try it on 2G.

[tpr007]

You're right. It's very nippy! Think I'll keep it :D

[tpr007]

The Android Apps I've kept long term are:
Recordoid
Ringdroid
Tower Raiders
Seesmic
Wordpress
Last.fm
Google Earth
Throttle Copter
Movies (flixter)
Shazam
Astro File Manager
beebPlayer
eBuddy IM
Sky Map
Jewels
Digital Rain Live Wallpaper
Condensation Live Wallpaper!

[DJBenson]

The basic one does multi touch. It does when I use it!

Might give Opera a go.

Slight misunderstanding there, I know the default browser does multitouch, I meant so does Dolphin plus some things the default browser doesn't.

[scoobyood]

Why does opera mini 5 want to directly call phone numbers "services that cost you money" when I go to install it? Surely that's unnecessary and a security risk? Any way I could install it without allowing that?

[rav2k]

I think that refers to the ability to dial phone number links on web pages. Quite useful.

[DJBenson]

There is no way to stop an app from using privileges you grant upon installing, the only option is not installing it.

[nigel_williams]

In case anyone missed this, there was an update to Maps 4.1 this week and a new Buzz widget: http://googlemobile.blogspot.com/2010/03/introducing-google-buzz-widget-for.html

I still can't get Buzz to post when I attach a picture taken on my phone camera. It just times out when posting it, and the same happens via the new widget. Anyone else using Buzz and getting the same problem?

[tpr007]

Works for me. Tried it with the update this morning.

[nigel_williams]

Maybe it's my Cyanogen ROM that's causing the problem?

Update: Just followed a tip on another forum that suggested going to Manage Applications and clearing the data for Google Apps. You have to sign in again and wait for it to sync all your contacts etc but it now seems to let me post a Buzz with a pic.

[Fatbloke]

This keyboard utility looks quite interesting: Clicky (http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-20000791-250.html)

Beta still, but free to download atm.

Activation Instructions (http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-20000791-250.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20)

It's a bit distracting, but it seems to do the job quite well, especially as it also hi-lights likely keys to press.

[nigel_williams]

Just installed the new Engadget app for Android, works very nicely so you can get all your gadget news: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/the-engadget-app-for-android-is-finally-really-here/

[rav2k]

Just installed the new Engadget app for Android, works very nicely so you can get all your gadget news: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/25/the-engadget-app-for-android-is-finally-really-here/

Was just about to post this. Been waiting for it for what seems like an age!! :clap:

[scoobyood]

Don't know if this has been mentioned but found "aCar" today. It's pretty dam useful (and free). You tell it your mileage, how much you filled up and what it cost every time you get petrol or diesel (fully UK compatible with litres and miles.. and MPG). Then it builds an excel spreadsheet of all the data which you can use to plot graphs on the phone or export it to the computer at a set interval.
You can tell it the station and the location you got your fill up at, so you can compare brands, and even the octane of the fuel. Plus it can track multiple vehicles and you can set reminders for the service intervals of brakes, washer liquids, tyres, batteries etc etc.

Given the fuel price hike of late I'm going to be analysing the bejesus out of my fuel costs.. this thing means I don't have to do any work to do it. Neat. :D

[anastasia]

Am interested in that aCar app, but can't find it! Is it on the Android market?

[JamesK]

This is it:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.zonewalker.acar

A link direct to the market to use on your phone:
http://market.android.com/search?q=pname:com.zonewalker.acar

Whilst I'm here, I'm really enjoying using appbrain market sync:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.apps

It's an Android app manager for your PC, done through the browser (so no bloatware to install!). Just install appbrain on your PC, and register at www.appbrain.com to use it. Info here:
http://www.appbrain.com/info/faq

[kerzo]

I don't think it has been mentioned yet but a great app for taking notes is 3banana, you can also sync them online with your Google account which is smashing :)

[SPB]

Well, as previously said, there are loads of recommendations in the HTC Hero thread but for those who can't be arsed to dig through them (:p) here's what's installed on my phone:

Record It - Schedule Sky+ recordings from your handset


Can anyone see this on market? The free version "whats on" is still there but I can't see "record it".

edit. Could be I'm only on cupcake? If anyone has a later android I'd be grateful if you can see if you can see it in market.

There is one of them there bar code short cuts in this link if it helps

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.uk-co-arcdev-android-recordit-jzxF.aspx

[anastasia]

This is it:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.zonewalker.acar

A link direct to the market to use on your phone:
http://market.android.com/search?q=pname:com.zonewalker.acar

Whilst I'm here, I'm really enjoying using appbrain market sync:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.apps

It's an Android app manager for your PC, done through the browser (so no bloatware to install!). Just install appbrain on your PC, and register at www.appbrain.com to use it. Info here:
http://www.appbrain.com/info/faq

Cool, thanks for that. :)

[nigel_williams]

Here's another one, though hopefully you won't need to use it: iTriage

http://androidcommunity.com/6435-20100328/

Linked to the page on AndroidCommunity as it includes the QR barcode for easy linking to the market.

[anastasia]

This is it:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.zonewalker.acar

A link direct to the market to use on your phone:
http://market.android.com/search?q=pname:com.zonewalker.acar

Whilst I'm here, I'm really enjoying using appbrain market sync:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.apps

It's an Android app manager for your PC, done through the browser (so no bloatware to install!). Just install appbrain on your PC, and register at www.appbrain.com to use it. Info here:
http://www.appbrain.com/info/faq

Actually, I just tried to access it and it's saying that it doesn't exist. :(

[adam.mt]

Actually, I just tried to access it and it's saying that it doesn't exist. :(

Apparently some apps aren't showing up in the Marketplace yet for the Desire since it's not officially released (well, except for T-mobile). Believe it's any copy-protected apps. Should be sorted soon, just need to be patient.

[nigel_williams]

android community have added their own app to the market. It gives you their newsfeed and an integrated tapatalk interface to their forums.

[robbie99]

I don't think it has been mentioned yet but a great app for taking notes is 3banana, you can also sync them online with your Google account which is smashing :)

Is there anyway to view the notes from gmail\google docs or do you have to go to the snaptic website?

[SPB]

Can anyone see "record it" on market? The free version "whats on" is still there but I can't see "record it".

edit. Could be I'm only on cupcake? If anyone has a later android I'd be grateful if you can see if you can see it in market.

There is one of them there bar code short cuts in this link if it helps

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.uk-co-arcdev-android-recordit-jzxF.aspx


bueller, bueller, anyone, anyone, anyone.

[dysfunction]

You have to search for "RecordIt" in the market and you will find it...I'm on Androind 2.1 using a Nexus

[SPB]

You have to search for "RecordIt" in the market and you will find it...I'm on Androind 2.1 using a Nexus

thanks.

Its not finding it so I guess it needs > 1.5. Hurray up update!

[nigel_williams]

Some more apps to try:

Cubed music player
http://lifehacker.com/5507281/cubed-is-a-much-better-music-app-for-android

MapDroyd offline map viewing software
http://androidandme.com/2010/04/applications/mapdroyd-true-offline-maps-for-your-android

[JamesK]

Ignore me!

[Xenole]

What sort of internet packages are people getting with this phone? From what I can see with T-Mobile, there are unlimited packages (ranging from 500-1000MB a month) but would this be enough for saying browsing the forums, getting updates on bargains and basically just wasting time surfing?

[Leigh]

More than enough

[nigel_williams]

That sounds like my typical day ;) no idea how much I use over a month, but I've been doing exactly that over the last 17 months on my G1 and not had any problems with fair usage.

[eye__writ]

What sort of internet packages are people getting with this phone? From what I can see with T-Mobile, there are unlimited packages (ranging from 500-1000MB a month) but would this be enough for saying browsing the forums, getting updates on bargains and basically just wasting time surfing?

If all you're doing is surfing around, even if you spend many hours a day doing it, you won't have any problems with the T-Mobile fair use restrictions.

[DJBenson]

Can anyone see this on market? The free version "whats on" is still there but I can't see "record it".

edit. Could be I'm only on cupcake? If anyone has a later android I'd be grateful if you can see if you can see it in market.

There is one of them there bar code short cuts in this link if it helps

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.uk-co-arcdev-android-recordit-jzxF.aspx

It should be compatible with 1.5, my Hero runs 1.5 by default and RecordIt works fine for me. Can you see any paid apps in the market? Is your handset a UK one and are your phone settings all set to UK?

Does the barcode on AndroLib not work?

I'd send you the file bug its a paid app unfortunately.

On the bandwidth front, I never hit my 500meg Orange cap and I use all of the online features daily.

[Deron]

Anyone know of any good streaming live radio apps?

Desperate to get five and five live for tomorrow, so I can listen to Man U Chelsea on the train.

[rav2k]

Beebplayer does radio.

[robbie99]

What sort of internet packages are people getting with this phone? From what I can see with T-Mobile, there are unlimited packages (ranging from 500-1000MB a month) but would this be enough for saying browsing the forums, getting updates on bargains and basically just wasting time surfing?

I have an app called "data counter widget" that tracks your usage and I generally use about 300MB a month (and about 300MB wifif as well) - I use mine for twitter\facebook\email and general sufing etc so you should be fine.

[grounded_dreams]

Beebplayer does radio.

Live radio hasn't worked on BeebPlayer for a while, quote from the developer David Johnston (http://davejohnston.posterous.com/tag/beebplayer):
"The radio is unavailable at the moment, but I'm not sure why. Something changed at the BBC's end which means Android can no longer play the streams it uses."

[DJBenson]

The trouble with the BBC streams is that they are all RealAudio and I've yet to see an Android app that can play them.

DroidLive is my radio app of choice but it "only" supports MP3 and AAC/AAC+.

[rav2k]

Anyone know why Google Voice Search isn't on the Market any more?

[moveandfire]

Thought you guys may be interested; XDA Developers now have and official app based on Tapatalk:
http://www.xda-developers.com/announcements/official-xda-developers-android-app-released-today/

You can find it in the market by searching for XDA.

[Deron]

Anyone know why Google Voice Search isn't on the Market any more?

Hmm...

Thought that was something they wanted for everyone.

[nigel_williams]

Is that from your Desire?

I just checked on my G1 running 1.6 Cyanogen Mod and Google Search By Voice is listing for me.

[Citysmith]

What's the nearest thing to TomTom for the Hero???

[moveandfire]

Just found out that Ocado have started a public beta for their Android application:
http://www.ocado.com/webshop/androidBeta.do

The other half is happy as she's been after it for a while.

Only supermarket application out for Android up to now so worth a try.

[Deron]

What's the nearest thing to TomTom for the Hero???

there's a hacked version of the maps that has navigation in it...

free...

Probably been updated since I used it, but still works on my phone...

http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-google-navigation-turn-by-turn.html

[SPB]

It should be compatible with 1.5, my Hero runs 1.5 by default and RecordIt works fine for me. Can you see any paid apps in the market? Is your handset a UK one and are your phone settings all set to UK?

Solved it! Record It found, installed and working!

Pay apps marked as "protected" were not showing up. All the others were. Apparently it is to do with the T-Mobile Pulse not being registered properly as an Android device.

Reflashed the phone with a custom ROM to get round it, now market thinks it a htC Hero (I think ).

[nigel_williams]

Just been playing Air Control which is an air traffic control game, quite addictive.

No option to randomly go on strike though, maybe that's in the Spanish version only? ;)

[Citysmith]

there's a hacked version of the maps that has navigation in it...

free...

Probably been updated since I used it, but still works on my phone...

http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-to-google-navigation-turn-by-turn.html

Cheers fella but it didn't work!!! Just says it can't installed

[wonderfibre]

Cheers fella but it didn't work!!! Just says it can't installed

have you enabled 'installing from third party sources' (or whatever it's called)?

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Not sure if this should go in her or not.

Is there anyway to get / sync contacts messages etc from a Nokia N95 8gb over to a HTC Legend phone? I've seen the HTC sync programme but as I do not have the phone yet I've not had a play.

I'm doing this swap and have just synced with the Nokia Ovi suite onto my laptop (thankfully) as the screen is dead and I can not see what I've been doing.

Thanks

[nigel_williams]

Can you get the Ovi contacts into Outlook or Window Mail? If so, Gmail can import contacts from this format.

Failing that, I expect you can export the contacts to a CSV file and import that using the same method in Gmail.

[ljp]

Cheers fella but it didn't work!!! Just says it can't installed

I get the same thing on a standard Orange ROM.

[DJBenson]

I get the same thing on a standard Orange ROM.

Is your phone rooted or unrooted as there are versions for both on the previous link...

[ljp]

Is your phone rooted or unrooted as there are versions for both on the previous link...

Unrooted. Just says I cant install the app.

[tomos]

just read this thread, and can't believe how many apps sound good!

got a long list of things off here and other sites. no wonder people play with their phones for the 1st week or 2.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Can you get the Ovi contacts into Outlook or Window Mail? If so, Gmail can import contacts from this format.

Failing that, I expect you can export the contacts to a CSV file and import that using the same method in Gmail.

I'll give windows mail a go. No option on ovi to export.

[Xenole]

What's the official site address anyway? Googled and it came up with some things that weren't the slightest bit user friendly and looked like some kids in the 80s had knocked up the site on a ZX Spectrum.

[JamesK]

Do you mean this?
http://www.ovi.com/services/

[robbie99]

Not sure if this should go in her or not.

Is there anyway to get / sync contacts messages etc from a Nokia N95 8gb over to a HTC Legend phone? I've seen the HTC sync programme but as I do not have the phone yet I've not had a play.

I'm doing this swap and have just synced with the Nokia Ovi suite onto my laptop (thankfully) as the screen is dead and I can not see what I've been doing.

Thanks

In OVI Suite go into Tool > Options, select contacts on the left hand side and there should be an option to synch with outlook (If outlook is installed). From outlook you can synch with gmail, which should put them onto your phone when you synch with gmail... Thats what I did anyway!

[nigel_williams]

Here's another interesting one, Antennas finds the masts serving your handset and displays them on a map. Might help you find out which mast is serving your home:

http://androidandme.com/2010/04/reviews/antennas-find-the-carrier-best-for-your-area

[Xenole]

Do you mean this?
http://www.ovi.com/services/

No, the marketplace that people keep talking about (for the Desire especially).

[wonderfibre]

It's accessed through your android handset, not through a website

[DJBenson]

Unrooted. Just says I cant install the app.
Have you tried the version for unrooted handsets and also allowed installation of non-Market apps (Settings > Applications > Unknown sources)

It's accessed through your android handset, not through a website

...or you can browse via an aggregator such as http://www.cyrket.com/ or http://www.androlib.com/

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

In OVI Suite go into Tool > Options, select contacts on the left hand side and there should be an option to synch with outlook (If outlook is installed). From outlook you can synch with gmail, which should put them onto your phone when you synch with gmail... Thats what I did anyway!

Cheers Robbie,

But I do not have outlook installed. Have got Windows Mail and Windows Contact listed in the programmes.

May just input manually to get used to the phone.

[nigel_williams]

If you have a lot of contacts, that may take you some time. You could create a Google Mail account now (which you'll need for the phone anyway) and import them here. The phone will sync automatically.

Can you export the contacts from OVI as a CSV file? I have played with Ovi briefly some time ago when a friend bought a new Nokia, but I don't remember much about it.

[rav2k]

Cheers Robbie,

But I do not have outlook installed. Have got Windows Mail and Windows Contact listed in the programmes.

May just input manually to get used to the phone.

Import them into Windows Mail. You can then export tto a CSV file. It's really quick and easy.

[GAmbrose]

Just thought, getting my HTC Desire through work this week but the weird contract we're on doesn't give us unlimited data or anything so it costs stupid money...like £1 per 1.8 mb or something

Do these app's constantly update themselves? In which case I presume they use lots of bandwidth doing so. My phone might be a bit useless as it'll be restricted to using open wireless networks.

[lovegroova]

Just thought, getting my HTC Desire through work this week but the weird contract we're on doesn't give us unlimited data or anything so it costs stupid money...like £1 per 1.8 mb or something

Do these app's constantly update themselves? In which case I presume they use lots of bandwidth doing so. My phone might be a bit useless as it'll be restricted to using open wireless networks.

Updates do appear, but you just get a notification, so can choose whether to update or not.

[GAmbrose]

But I mean if you have an app tracking the weather or whatever, surely that is updating from the mobile network and using data?

[wonderfibre]

GAmbrose: correct. Some applications will be grabbing data in the background. You can turn off data use but I don't think you can turn it off on a per application basis

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Import them into Windows Mail. You can then export tto a CSV file. It's really quick and easy.

Got to find where they are on the lappy drive first.

Thanks for all the help folks.

Edit: looks as though I need to have the phone connected which is where I'm stumped as the screen is dead so I can not see what I'm doing.

[gordo]

@GAmbrose,if you go into Settings,Accounts and Sync you will find a list of everything that you can adjust e.g. facebook,weather etc

[GAmbrose]

Further to what I was saying:

I am now looking at getting my boss a Blackberry device, and I have the HTC Desire. For both of these devices I will require Unlimited Data/Wifi as currently we have no provision for it in the current business contract.

We're with O2 but via a company called Outsourcery. The man I am dealing with there has suggested the '1 x O2 Web Bolt-On' for my HTC Desire.

I've been doing some digging though and found this page: http://www.o2.co.uk/explore/tariffs/boltons/paygoboltons/o2web

Which indicates that you can only use 200MB of data before being charged. Now I know for a fact that a HTC Desire with Android apps could use 200MB in a matter of days! When I put this to the Customer Support person I am dealing with, he said it's definately Unlimited but I don't believe he really knows his stuff. I don't want to put the bolt on through and then find that the phone bill comes in with £2000 charges on my phone - O2 charge £1.80 per MB or something silly! I also said that I would need access to the Cloud and BT Openzone wi-fi as found in places like Starbucks and he was adament that all wireless areas are free to use, but i'm sure this isn't the case...your phone has to be activated by O2 to use certain hotspots, correct? I'm sure this Web Bolt on doesn't cover that.

Secondly with the Blackberry he suggested 'O2 BIS unlimited' - So I have the same question about this really. Is it really Unlimited data? Or does that ridiculous 200MB 'fair usage' apply to this as well?


I know it's going a bit off topic but could really use some help with this.

[stupendo]

Gambrose that looks like a consumer o2 page you are looking at, try this one http://www.o2.co.uk/sme/businesstariffs

[Fatbloke]

Mrs F. is using that same O2 bolt on with her Nexus 1 and there's been nothing extra appearing on her simplicity bill. OK, she's not the biggest net user, but the phone is still syncing all the time, using google location and other similar features, so it's not exactly silent.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Stupid question from a newbie time :D

For all the app's that cost something how are they paid for? Do they get added to your phone bill????

[eye__writ]

Stupid question from a newbie time :D

For all the app's that cost something how are they paid for? Do they get added to your phone bill????

I tried to buy RecordIt yesterday and it asks for card details. Incidentally, I provided the details but it didn't work so will try again later.

[robbie99]

Stupid question from a newbie time :D

For all the app's that cost something how are they paid for? Do they get added to your phone bill????

They get charged through google checkout, so usually credit card.

[GAmbrose]

Gambrose that looks like a consumer o2 page you are looking at, try this one http://www.o2.co.uk/sme/businesstariffs

Mrs F. is using that same O2 bolt on with her Nexus 1 and there's been nothing extra appearing on her simplicity bill. OK, she's not the biggest net user, but the phone is still syncing all the time, using google location and other similar features, so it's not exactly silent.

Thanks for your help guys.

I've fired off an email to them:

Hi XXXXXXXX

The O2 Business tariffs website says:

"Choosing a Smartphone?
To make the most of your smartphone, you will need one of our unlimited data packages. iPhone & Palm Pre include unlimited data and Wifi for £8.51, Blackberry BIS includes unlimited data for £8.51 and everything else will cost just £6.38"

If you can confirm in writing to this email that the '1x O2 Web Bolt-on' you are offering is the same 'Unlimited data and Wifi' as mentioned on this website: http://www.o2.co.uk/sme/businessservices/voicetariffs/ and isn't subject to a 200mb fair usage policy then I would be much happier.

Once that is done, add the O2 BIS Unlimited to the contract renewal and bump up the Hardware credit to £xxxx and i'll happily sign the contract today.

[dysfunction]

I have installed this app on my Nexus One:

HelixLauncher 2 v0.6 Application for Android | Productivity (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-helixproject-launcher2-nDEC.aspx)


Now I have:
7 home screens
A quick launch task bar at the bottom of the screen ie 4 apps that will be on screen all the time.

Its superb!

There is also a version 1 for other phones or perhaps its more stable. not really sure why there are 2 versions:
HelixLauncher v1.1b Application for Android | Productivity (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-helixproject-launcher-nCpq.aspx)

[eye__writ]

Can anyone help me with my struggles buying Record It? I fill in my details and press "save" but just get a message saying "there were errors in the information you provided" :(

I've tried with two different cards but keep getting the same thing. :shrug:

[fredfox_uk]

Can anyone help me with my struggles buying Record It? I fill in my details and press "save" but just get a message saying "there were errors in the information you provided" :(

I've tried with two different cards but keep getting the same thing. :shrug:

I had the same issue so I just set up a googlecheckout account with the gmail account I used to set-up the phone with.

[eye__writ]

I had the same issue so I just set up a googlecheckout account with the gmail account I used to set-up the phone with.

That, dear boy, worked an absolute bloomin' treat! Cheers!! :thumbs:

[Xenole]

Can anyone recommend an app that shows flight times?
Looking for something that can give up to date info on flight arrivals and departures from the UK at the very minimum.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Can anyone recommend an app that shows flight times?
Looking for something that can give up to date info on flight arrivals and departures from the UK at the very minimum.

Some one here in the office uses iFlight UK (http://www.androlib.com/android.application.brightai-flighttracker-jAAp.aspx)

[fredfox_uk]

Just discovered Callfilter. I used to use Magicall on WinMob. It doesn't have as many features as Magicall but it's free and does block withheld number and ranges so I can block anyone from the office calling me and our company mobiles :) but you can't add exceptions :(

Anyone use anything similar ?

[singhstar]

can anyone recommend a london tube app?

[dysfunction]

can anyone recommend a london tube app?

This one is pretty good:

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.ptc-tflstatus-jm.aspx

[tomos]

Just discovered Callfilter. I used to use Magicall on WinMob. It doesn't have as many features as Magicall but it's free and does block withheld number and ranges so I can block anyone from the office calling me and our company mobiles :) but you can't add exceptions :(

Anyone use anything similar ?

gblocker maybe?

i'm looking for something that plays a message to the witheld number saying something like 'this number doesn't accept anonymous callers' then hangs up.

not just a straight disconnect

[singhstar]

This one is pretty good:

http://www.androlib.com/android.application.ptc-tflstatus-jm.aspx

thanks, i love the widget feature - very useful! :thumbs:

[fredfox_uk]

Mmm...... searching for gblocker on the web it shows up but not in the market place :( Any idea if it's a protected app ? There seems to be a few issues with them for the Desire on T-mobile, aCar doesn't show up but RecordIt does now.

[tomos]

Mmm...... searching for gblocker on the web it shows up but not in the market place :( Any idea if it's a protected app ? There seems to be a few issues with them for the Desire on T-mobile, aCar doesn't show up but RecordIt does now.

i've only seen it on the devs website iirc

[dysfunction]

Mmm...... searching for gblocker on the web it shows up but not in the market place :( Any idea if it's a protected app ? There seems to be a few issues with them for the Desire on T-mobile, aCar doesn't show up but RecordIt does now.

I have aCar and can see gblocker (EUR1.99) in the market.
I have a Nexus One though...

If you see it on the web why not use barcode scanner to download it?

[rav2k]

Still can't bloody find Google Voice Search on the market. Very annoying.

[fredfox_uk]

If you see it on the web why not use barcode scanner to download it?

I've tried that with both aCar and gblocker and the market is unable to find them :( I've got aCar but had to download outside the market.

[Wiseman82]

Still can't bloody find Google Voice Search on the market. Very annoying.

Posted in HTC Desire Forum:

Turn by Turn Directions

http://nimbu.amorvi.com/2010/04/add-turn-by-turn-navigation-to-htc-desire/


And voice to text

http://nimbu.amorvi.com/2010/04/add-voice-search-to-htc-phones/

Worked for me. :)

[nigel_williams]

Just saw this on AndroidandMe, SyncMyPix pulls Facebook contact photos to Android.

http://androidandme.com/2010/04/reviews/syncmypix-pulls-facebook-contact-photos-to-android

haven't tried it myself, but might be of use to someone.

[Fatbloke]

Doesn't Android do that automatically? Both the Nexus1 and the Desire appear to sync FB pictures to contacts.

[DJBenson]

The SenseUI does this, so the Desire (and the Hero) will do contact sync without any third parts apps.

[dysfunction]

The Nexus one syncs my contacts to facebook including the profile pictures and status updates (although you can only see the first like 10 characters of the status update) without any third party apps...

edit: Oh it might be the facebook app that does that... :)

Although I have an account on my phone which is a facebook account that syncs with facebook...not sure if that is there due to the facebook app or not...

[Highlander]

Not sure if it's already been mentioned earlier, but is there a proper satnav app for android, like TomTom? I've been a winmo user for a long, long time, but am thinking of getting the Desire.

[DJBenson]

There's a few different SatNav apps for the Android platform;

Navigon MobileNavigator
Sygic Mobile/Drive
CoPilot Live

Of the three, I have used Navigon and Sygic (which is from the same barn as TomTom) and of the two I am currently torn between Navigon and Sygic. If you like the TomTom look, Sygic is probably going to suit you best.

www.sygic.com

[Highlander]

Thanks DJ :)
Will look into those.

[nigel_williams]

Seesmic have updated their Twitter client to include native retweets, geotagging and a desktop widget. I've been flicking between Twidroid, Seesmic and Twicca, they all have pros/cons but I think Seesmic is now the best one.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Any golfers amongst you lot??? Was wondering there any one had found a GPS / Satnav Course Yardage app.

Playing with some one soon who has forked out a small fortune for a specfic Handheld Golf Sat nav gadget and wanted to show him what he could get for free with the right phone :)

[eye__writ]

Not free, but SkyDroid Golf (http://www.skydroid.net/) is only $0.99. :thumbs:

[ac]

Anyone recommend a good profiles app?

I quite like Setting Profiles having used the free version. In particular the widget which allows you to manually select a profile for 'x mins' or until a certain time, a nice touch amongst all of the automatic switching features. I have experienced a few odd goings on (eg. profiles appearing twice in the list) with the free version so am in two minds whether to go for the paid one or not.

Is there anything else out there I should be taking a look at? Main requirement is the ability to do both automatic and manual timed profiles, and I'm more concerned with the ringtone/vibrate/notification side of things than things like switching wi-fi and bluetooth on/off.

[Monkey3000]

Google navigate now avaliable on android in the UK!!

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39029453,49305507,00.htm?s_cid=96

[DJBenson]

Anyone recommend a good profiles app?

I quite like Setting Profiles having used the free version. In particular the widget which allows you to manually select a profile for 'x mins' or until a certain time, a nice touch amongst all of the automatic switching features. I have experienced a few odd goings on (eg. profiles appearing twice in the list) with the free version so am in two minds whether to go for the paid one or not.

Is there anything else out there I should be taking a look at? Main requirement is the ability to do both automatic and manual timed profiles, and I'm more concerned with the ringtone/vibrate/notification side of things than things like switching wi-fi and bluetooth on/off.

I think the latest release was the cause of the double profile issue, I am a paid user and had that problem too.

There are a couple of similar apps, Locale is one (but is expensive at $9.99 and nowhere near as finite in it's configuration options as Setting Profiles).

I am on the beta team for Setting Profiles and there are some nifty enhancements in the pipeline, and unlike Locale which charges for it's plugins, these are internal enhancements so are free for paid users.

There's another app currently in beta called "Tasker" which is currently only available from the developers site.

[DJBenson]

Google navigate now avaliable on android in the UK!!

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39029453,49305507,00.htm?s_cid=96

This must have been released a couple of days ago as I got a notification to download and just did so without checking the new features, I've just run it for the first time (had previously used the hacked version) and the "Navigate" option is there upon getting your route planned :thumbs:

[ac]

I think the latest release was the cause of the double profile issue, I am a paid user and had that problem too.

There are a couple of similar apps, Locale is one (but is expensive at $9.99 and nowhere near as finite in it's configuration options as Setting Profiles).

I am on the beta team for Setting Profiles and there are some nifty enhancements in the pipeline, and unlike Locale which charges for it's plugins, these are internal enhancements so are free for paid users.

There's another app currently in beta called "Tasker" which is currently only available from the developers site.

Thanks DJ, that's a bit more reassuring. I do like the general way Setting Profiles works so was thinking of going paid anyway, just wanted to be sure I hadn't missed a good alternative. Locale sounds like it's gone a bit wobbly recently so was a bit put off by that considering the price.

One other feature I'd like is the ability to set a 'ring once' profile that will play the ringtone (or a beep) just once for an incoming call but continue to vibrate whilst the phone is still ringing. It's something my old Nokia would do which was handy for work. Is that possible with standard profiles, Setting Profiles or any other app, as far as you know?

Google navigate now avaliable on android in the UK!!

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39...0.htm?s_cid=96

Just checked and I also seem to have the latest update with "Navigate" present, hadn't even noticed this before. Thanks for the heads up. :thumbs:

[BaggyDave]

Google navigate now avaliable on android in the UK!!

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/0,39029453,49305507,00.htm?s_cid=96

Works on my G1

[grounded_dreams]

Does anyone know of a good application to learn French [which is free]?

[DJBenson]

Thanks DJ, that's a bit more reassuring. I do like the general way Setting Profiles works so was thinking of going paid anyway, just wanted to be sure I hadn't missed a good alternative. Locale sounds like it's gone a bit wobbly recently so was a bit put off by that considering the price.

One other feature I'd like is the ability to set a 'ring once' profile that will play the ringtone (or a beep) just once for an incoming call but continue to vibrate whilst the phone is still ringing. It's something my old Nokia would do which was handy for work. Is that possible with standard profiles, Setting Profiles or any other app, as far as you know?



Just checked and I also seem to have the latest update with "Navigate" present, hadn't even noticed this before. Thanks for the heads up. :thumbs:

I don't think you'll find a better app than Setting Profiles in terms of flexibility, and if there's something missing then the dev is pretty responsive about adding new features.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

Not free, but SkyDroid Golf (http://www.skydroid.net/) is only $0.99. :thumbs:

Thanks. Will have a look at this.

Now that people are flying again AG London Airports (http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.agargroove.aglondonairports) is handy for arrivals / departures from London Airports

[Xenole]

Anything recommended that does real-time (or near enough) football scores? Someone had something on his iPhone last night, but the marketplace seems rather US based.

Also, any games similar to Bejeweled Blitz? Without Flash, can't really play a few of my favourites.

[koe_182]

Anything recommended that does real-time (or near enough) football scores? Someone had something on his iPhone last night, but the marketplace seems rather US based.

Also, any games similar to Bejeweled Blitz? Without Flash, can't really play a few of my favourites.

i use one called Soccer Livescores, cracking little app, can even set goal alerts on games so it pops up when there has been goals in games, covers majority of leagues world wide

[koe_182]

booo i want the navigate on google maps, only have android 1.5 on my hero so appears i wont get it

[ljp]

booo i want the navigate on google maps, only have android 1.5 on my hero so appears i wont get it

Visit the Hero thread and re-flash the phone to another ROM. Job done. :thumbs:

[campdave]

i use one called Soccer Livescores, cracking little app, can even set goal alerts on games so it pops up when there has been goals in games, covers majority of leagues world wide

Seconded: fantasic app.

Also one called google scores, which seems very indepth, but too complicated for me.

[ac]

i use one called Soccer Livescores, cracking little app, can even set goal alerts on games so it pops up when there has been goals in games, covers majority of leagues world wide

Google Scoreboard is also good, same sort of features as mentioned above and covers other sports too.

[GregB]

Also, any games similar to Bejeweled Blitz? Without Flash, can't really play a few of my favourites.

Jewels

[eye__writ]

i use one called Soccer Livescores, cracking little app, can even set goal alerts on games so it pops up when there has been goals in games, covers majority of leagues world wide

I was using FotMob 4.1 but this weekend I'm going to try Soccer Score Centre Lite. Looks like an unofficial version of the Sky Sports Centre app for iPhone so should be decent. :thumbs:

Incidentally, is anyone bothering with an anti-virus application?

[DJBenson]

Google Scoreboard is fantastic for a free app, it monitors the game live and provides audio/visual alerts for start, goals during and end of matches.

EDIT: I see ac has mentioned this above, been using Scoreboard all season and it hasn't failed me, shame the same can't be said about my team :( Well at least the Championship is still covered by Google :lol:

[Mr Silly]

quick question for you guys, would you rather have an Iphone?

I ask because I'm considering what next

[rav2k]

No chance. Every so often I get some plonker who asks if I got a Desire cos I couldn't afford an iPhone.

[Mr Silly]

No chance. Every so often I get some plonker who asks if I got a Desire cos I couldn't afford an iPhone.why are they better? I haven't seen much of the androids and was thinking of an Iphone, but Itunes put me off.

[ac]

I put a lot of consideration into whether I wanted a smartphone at all before going for the Legend. I weighed up all of the options and settled on Android as the right choice for me and was just waiting on the right handset to come along.

As a precis of how I see the Android vs iPhone debate....

The iPhone does everything it can do well. It has the biggest market share (and has been around for longer) so there is a vast number of apps, accessories, etc. available. I think it's fair to say, for the time being at least, that companies will cater for the iPhone market before looking at other platforms. The fact that there is only one manufacturer and Apple have tight controls over the appstore means that the whole iPhone experience generally works smoothly.... but that's the downside too it will only develop at the pace Apple set for it. There is a premium to be paid for iPhone ownership too which I don't think is justified.

Android is still developing at quite a pace. The app market is very immature, there are many useful apps out there but they're not particularly easy to identify. It will take a little time before big companies pick up on the fact that Android is on the rise and start developing for it first, or in parallel to the Apple offering. The choice of handsets is greater, which is great as a consumer but this makes for minor differences and despite a common platform there are times when it can hinder the user (eg. there are various flavours of Android across currently available handsets v1.6-v2.1). The big draw with Android is flexibility, it can do everything an iPhone can but is way more customisable than the iPhone will ever be.

Both platforms have their merits and are simple to use out of the box. If that's all you want then the iPhone is a good choice. If you really like to tinker and get things set up 'just right' for you then I'd look at Android.

Personally, I'm happy with my choice. :thumbs:

[Mr Silly]

how about mp3 compatibility?

and thank, ac

[ljp]

how about mp3 compatibility?

and thank, ac

Just put the MP3 on the SD card and the built in music player picks it up. You dont need to sync it with Itunes to copy songs across as the phone can be mounted onto any PC or Mac and files just dragged across. You can also use an app called Imusic which is basically Limewire for the phone meaning songs become downloadable via HSDPA / wifi very quickly - although thats against the law :thumbs:

[DJBenson]

Android is picking up pace in terms of market share, this is reflected both in the sheer number of Android devices coming on to the market from all of the big mobile phone players and the emergence of apps from big companies, as an example The RAC has had it's app on the market for a couple of months and Ocado are currently beta testing their online shopping app. I personally think this year will be huge for Android, I'm glad I took the plunge - it's a bit "weird" at first because it's an entirely new environment but once you get used to it, it is superb.

I can't remember where I read it but I think Google is eager to get all the Android devices to a level playing field (i.e. up to the 2.x code) which should make for a better experience for both end users and developers.

As much as Google sometimes get slated for having their fingers in too many pies, I strongly believe Android is one of their finest offerings and integrates so beautifully with their cloud-based services it's just a pleasure to use.

[odin]

Highly recommend XiiaLive (formerly DroidLive) there's a paid version but the free 'lite' one is very good. It's an audio streaming app, great for streaming SHOUTcast radio stations.

http://www.xiialive.com/

[DJBenson]

Yeah I've been using DroidLive for a couple of months, it is a pretty decent app, just wish it would support wma (or the stations that use wma would switch to something a little less proprietary like aac/aac+).

[Mr Silly]

so, is there anything that the Iphone does that an Android doesn't? Anything you miss?

Thanks again for all the info. I took a look at a HTC Desire today and am very likely to get one ahead of an Iphone, but want to make sure I'm not missing out. So would appreciate further views

[rav2k]

so, is there anything that the Iphone does that an Android doesn't? Anything you miss?



Never had an iPhone so I can't comment fully. I guess the one thing you could potentially miss is the sheer number of apps. It does seem to get all the focus however things are slowly improving for Android. I actually prefer a good mobile site than having to download individual apps so personally it's not too much of an issue.

The iPhone is also better as a music player although the format is support is limited and is unlikely to improve.

The main benefit of Android is that if you want to do something to your device you can whereas with the iPhone it's up to Apple. I can't believe the iPhone is only now going to get wallpapers in OS4. But you still can't adjust things like the SMS tone.

Another big plus for me is the use of widgets. With the iPhone all you have is a program launcher and to do anything you have to go into an app. With Android you can have all the important information you want at a glance without the need for that. It's really flexible.

If you like the Apple way then go for it but otherwise Android will likely suit you. Also can't believe the massive premium you pay for an iPhone. I can't think of any way in which it's justified. The Desire is an absolute bargain in comparison.

[Mr Silly]

thanks. So to all, the best 3 apps on android?

[rav2k]

Gonna be different for everyone.

Mine are quite boring apps that just do a job very well.

Google Maps
Just great for finding things and places anywhere. Also nice to use Latitude and see where your friends are. Now with free Navigation it's just awesome.

SMS Backup
Backs up all my texts to my Gmail where they are searchable and labelled as SMS. Keeps them in coversation view too.

London Tube Status
Have widgets set up on my desktop showing me the live departures board at my tube station. Use it every day to check if I have to run for the train or can stroll.

I don't think it's just about apps though. It's the whole system together. If you use the Gmail and Calendar it just syncs so beautifully without any sort of hassle. You just login once and everything is set up on your phone and working.

With Facebook integration contact pics automatically sync too. And it links with Twitter and Flickr too. When you select a contact you can see everything about them in one place. All their contact details, your email and SMS with them, their status, their pictures.

The notifications system is so simple and elegent. You just pull down the top bar and there are all sorts of things going on which you can ignore or check.

Could go on but I think you get the point.

[eye__writ]

I can't remember where I read it but I think Google is eager to get all the Android devices to a level playing field (i.e. up to the 2.x code) which should make for a better experience for both end users and developers.

Yep, that's their intention. They're also gonna rely more on the marketplace for uniformity in future Android releases.


We’ve been given reason to believe that the company will start by decoupling many of Android’s standard applications and components from the platform’s core and making them downloadable and updatable through the Market, much the same as they’ve already done with Maps. In all likelihood, this process will take place over two major Android versions, starting with Froyo and continuing through Gingerbread. Notice that we said apps and components, meaning that some core elements of Android — input methods, for instance — should get this treatment. This way, just because Google rolls out an awesome new browser doesn’t mean you need to wait for HTC, Samsung, or whomever made your phone to roll it into a firmware update, and for your carrier to approve it — almost all of the juicy user-facing stuff will happen through the Market.
:thumbs:

[ny152]

I've got a Hero on T-Mobile and for the life of me can't find the update to Google Maps for navigation. Has anyone else had this problem.

On a side-note, started using 3banana for note taking and it's excellent. Much prefer Android to my previous iPhone. Even for simple things like quickly dragging some mp3 files from my laptop to it without any fuss.

[belgarion_v]

I've got a Hero on T-Mobile and for the life of me can't find the update to Google Maps for navigation. Has anyone else had this problem.

To update Google Maps to the one with navigation you need a more up to date version of android on your phone.

HTC are dragging their heels with the update to 2.1, but you could install one of the 3rd party hacked versions, none of them is perfect but one should suffice to what you need.

I've currently got one Called Vanilla, which has none of HTCs Sense UI in it, its good though. See this thread (http://forums.thedigitalfix.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=572659&page=56) as the question has been discussed here.

Vince