Related
Greetings,
This is my first post here, so forgive me for posting in the general forum and not in the dev forums (I have to accumulate 10 posts to use the dev forums). I have a very important and worthwhile project that I'm hoping will interest a few devs here.
I am attempting to build a proof-of-concept for a very large educational institution that is considering implementation of ebook readers. Obviously, stock ebook readers are not up to what we need, and more robust tablets like the Galaxy Tab are cost prohibitive given the goal of distribution of these devices to tens of thousands of K-12 students. I don't want to be stuck with a single book distribution method, so I am looking for some standard Android flavor rather than a Nook-like interface.
So, here's my challenge to you. I would like to use the Nook Color (the $250 price point is perfect) to build a proof-of-concept low-end, semi-restricted Android tablet. I am looking for:
- Android 2.2
- Flash Support
- Ability to run:
- Dolphin Browser
- Regular Nook Android App
- Kindle App
- Google Book Reader App
- Adobe Reader App
- Some (undefined) Calculator App
- Stock Android Calendar App
- Stock Android Mail App
- Google Maps App
- Google Earth App
- Stock Android Gallery App or Equivalent
- Some (undefined) File Manager App
- Some (undefined) Note Taking App
I would also like the ability to load APK files (that we write) without the use of the Android Market. And . . . I need the final installation to *NOT* have root capability.
Anyone have a ROM to start this?
Also, while I'm somewhat familiar with rooting other Android devices, I'm not a developer and not a linux expert. I employ developers that have written a few Android apps, so they can handle the installation if necessary.
Any takers?
You can contact me off-list if you like at Dwayne at leeschools.net.
Thanks,
Dwayne
Wouldn't a $200 netbook be a far more usable tool to a student?
good thing you didn't post this in development.
once nook is updated to 2.2 this will basically all be possible with just root.
supposed to be released soon....
if you want a custom rom those will be around soon as well.
--edit--
i see you want this all without root. i don't believe that is possible. good luck though
There are specific reasons we are not considering netbooks for this project, beyond the scope of this discussion. For the purpose of this POC, we are only looking at touch-based slates.
I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?
I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.
MattJ951 said:
I can't think of a way to fully disable root without someone being able to add it back. With that said would you be able to just delete the marketplace to make it "locked down" after installing everything? Possible disable super-level access as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We could remove super user, but I'd also like to prevent users from killing services. I anticipate that we'll need some additional security apps that need to run full-time. One of our big challenges is that, by law, whenever we provide an Internet-capable device for students to take home, we are required to filter Internet. That's a huge task. On a PC, we an lock it down and force traffic through our filters from outside. From an Android device, we don't know how to handle that yet. We have a few approaches. I'm in discussion with M86 regarding an Android equivalent to their mobile client.
But . . . we have a lot more experience locking down a Windows or Mac PC than a phone OS. Most phone OSes are built from the perspective of a consumer, where the user is free to add/remove apps. We need a way to deal with that. Haven't gotten that far yet. The first order of business was to see if we can build our base functionality in a $250 device.
DwayneA said:
I've not seen any confirmation that they are going to update to 2.2. I've only seen rumors to that effect. Do you have evidence to the contrary, because that would be great.
Additionally, the reason I'd like to involve the devs is because it is highly unlikely that B&N will release it with anything close to a stock 2.2 install. It will likely still require quite a bit of work to function normally. Hopefully I'm wrong on that account, but based on B&N's business model, I anticipate that they will do their best to prevent it from being used as a full tablet. They want to sell books. I don't think they want to sell devices without books. Not enough margin in the devices.
Perhaps I'm wrong related to their business model. I have approached B&N and requested an NDA to work with the Nook product team to see if they are interested in working together with us on a customized version. My feeling is that if they make very little on the device (with the goal of making the majority of their profit from content), they'll decline this offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, all of those hings are capable. Have you done any reading in this forum. Just get a nookie froyo 2.2 card set one up the way you want. uninstall super user and market. make lotsa copies of card and stick it in nook. If you really want you can also trash the firmware on the internal memory so it will not even book the stock nook firmware.
enjoy!
Consideration should be taken that rooting technically voids the manufacturer's warranty. Other than that, using the NookColor as a tablet is still a gamble in terms of getting a rock-solid and reliable device. Supporting the devices may be problematic.
Fortunately, the devs here are doing great work and I fully expect (hope) that it will be a rock-solid reliable device very soon.
You will probably also want to avoid booting from the microsd because they are easy to remove.
Filtering could be done with a VPN.
to avoid removal of micro sd, just put a little sugra on the break where the nook opens for the micro sd, sort of lieka warrenty sticker
If you need help. Let me know.
The Nook Color already has a Froyo image that can be installed. DSP currently doesn't work. That is responsible for video decoding not only for local files, but for Flash video as well.
Other than that, Flash will still run, but not on all occasions, and the rest of your requirements have already been accomplished (ie. apks can be installed and already exist on the Market or from the Internet).
You can install the Froyo image (it consists of a boot image and a system image) to your Nook easily, and afterward install all of the "G" apps with a quick copying of a folder.
Check here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=864
- Do a little reading
- Possibly try installing Froyo on your memory card first.
- PM me if you need any guidance. I'm feeling pretty PRO at this after using adb all weekend to work with my Nook.
FYI: You can completely hose your internal installation and still be good (As long as you don't actually corrupt your memory physically). The Nook can always be booted off of a microSD card and restored to a fresh installation.
Edit: I just read some of your other posts. Just a thought: You could uninstall or disable the browser by default, thus not having to worry about Internet filtering. Later, users could still install apks from the sdcard (All that you have to do is tick a box in "Settings"). You can also do all of this without touching the stock rom. Of course you'd want to disable that from booting ever, so... after you were booted into your microSD card OS you could use adb to delete the content of the mmcblk0p1 (boot) partition. But I think that still might go against BN's warranty rules.
I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).
gallahad2000 said:
I understand the reasoning of wanting to lock it back down but if your students are capable of finding XDA (I'd imagine 1 or 2 of them is, at least) then that person would probably root the systems for anyone who was so inclined. I mean, B&N wasn't able to stop it, it's not likely that you would (without some sort of remote supervision app that could monitor and detect rooting).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that was going to be my 2cts. A student would just have to pop in an sd card. And it would be a little unfair not giving student that right? And even then, they could always push something over via adb.
Have you looked at other options like the Archos line of Android tablets?
Otherwise, the SD Card install of Froyo works well - just superglue the opening
Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.
blackderbyhat said:
Why would any school district buy tablets with no warranty? Doesn't seem that feasible to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's only looking for a proof of concept right now, and is trying to work with Barnes and Noble directly.
I forsee many broken nooks in our future.
And searching for them here brings up all kinds of posts that just... blow my mind.
Background:
I rooted my NC a couple days ago using Autonooter 3.0 for 1.1
My questions are:
1. Is there much of a difference between this and Honeycomb? I mean i'm aware of visual differences but does one run better or have any advantages?
2. What are all the different variations on the developer page? Not clockwork recovery but if you click over the entire first page is just a long list of different versions/different ways to root. Any of those better than the other? Or is it just 20 different ways of accomplishing the same thing.
3. Do any of those versions support web video? I know I now have a youtube app but I still can't watch videos on any other sites.
4. Why don't all apps show up in the marketplace? Is there a workaround for this? For example the first time I rooted from 1.0.1 I could access Angry Birds. Now the only one that shows up is the seasonal one...
5. If I go ahead and install the newest version of Froyo (6.6) will I have access to the Market from the start or am I going to have to go into command line and all that other stuff? I'm comfortable with the flashing and installing but as soon as you get into that I might as well be reading Russian...
I know I have more questions but I can't think of them currently. Any and all help is much appreciated.
jrob9583 said:
And searching for them here brings up all kinds of posts that just... blow my mind.
Background:
I rooted my NC a couple days ago using Autonooter 3.0 for 1.1
My questions are:
1. Is there much of a difference between this and Honeycomb? I mean i'm aware of visual differences but does one run better or have any advantages?
2. What are all the different variations on the developer page? Not clockwork recovery but if you click over the entire first page is just a long list of different versions/different ways to root. Any of those better than the other? Or is it just 20 different ways of accomplishing the same thing.
3. Do any of those versions support web video? I know I now have a youtube app but I still can't watch videos on any other sites.
4. Why don't all apps show up in the marketplace? Is there a workaround for this? For example the first time I rooted from 1.0.1 I could access Angry Birds. Now the only one that shows up is the seasonal one...
5. If I go ahead and install the newest version of Froyo (6.6) will I have access to the Market from the start or am I going to have to go into command line and all that other stuff? I'm comfortable with the flashing and installing but as soon as you get into that I might as well be reading Russian...
I know I have more questions but I can't think of them currently. Any and all help is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I won't be too helpful here but since you have no replies yet...
1. Honeycomb is more functional for tablet devices, it has the notification bar on the bottom with back and menu buttons by default, it has multipane apps and new widgets and other new functions.
2. I am not sure what you are talking about here.
3. Froyo and newer support web video via flash player 10. If you can get it installed, some people have difficulties.
4. It has to do with your device ID. Google for some reason can block apps that they don't think you need on your particular device. It's good for somethings because you don't want to see GPS centric apps on a device with no GPS but it blocks lots of useful apps too. There is a way to fix it by tricking the market into thinking you have a phone like DROID. Not sure why devs don't do it thought.
5. Rom makers aren't putting the market into their roms. Google has a problem with it and has sent Cease and Desist letters to people who do it. You can install the market afterwards.
i have Nokia n900 and now i am also in seek of something new now! i think i should go for galaxy note.
i would get it if it has....
open ssh
app like smscon(control mobile via sms) (ie deleting files call a yourself, snap thief photo)
backup menu(keep rootfs and and installed software inulding OS)
evil alarm(an alarm which does not go off unless doing a task complete)
H-E-N
xterminal
emulatores(ie ps2.sega genesis)
vnc viwer
and root access and how is multitasking on galaxy note?
can anyone confirm for me?
you can google al the apps (since i am not allowed to post links here)
I would buy Nokia n900 if it has Android✘
Boy124 said:
I would buy Nokia n900 if it has Android✘
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then buy n900 because it has android with dual boot!!!
Why would I want meego / maemo as a second os? I already have android and Ubuntu on GNote.
Believe me its the best 'phone' available in the market.
Boy124 said:
Why would I want meego / maemo as a second os? I already have android and Ubuntu on GNote.
Believe me its the best 'phone' available in the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i started the thread to get answers of my questions , not to debate anyone kindly tell me if galaxy note has those types of apps? I must need them i would be a good member of this comunity when i get my GN.
nicholes said:
i started the thread to get answers of my questions , not to debate anyone kindly tell me if galaxy note has those types of apps? I must need them i would be a good member of this comunity when i get my GN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your request is very modest. You're asking someone to spend hours trying to establish whether certain apps run on the Note (or Android) or not.
Go visit the Google Market and see for yourself. There's tens of thousands of apps there, covering everything under the sun.
GNote can be rooted, that I can tell you, our future good member.
nicholes said:
i have Nokia n900 and now i am also in seek of something new now! i think i should go for galaxy note.
i would get it if it has....
open ssh
app like smscon(control mobile via sms) (ie deleting files call a yourself, snap thief photo)
backup menu(keep rootfs and and installed software inulding OS)
evil alarm(an alarm which does not go off unless doing a task complete)
H-E-N
xterminal
emulatores(ie ps2.sega genesis)
vnc viwer
and root access and how is multitasking on galaxy note?
can anyone confirm for me?
you can google al the apps (since i am not allowed to post links here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i came from an n900 too, was a good swap.
you can use something like eset mobile security for your sms con stuff. more or less the same thing, can remote wipe, remote lock, remote GPS, etc. although samsungdive.com will give you similar control via a web browser.
no xterminal that i know of, so you cant run 'sudo gainroot' but there are other ways of gaining root. theres a one click root method.
theres another app called 'gotya!' where it snaps a photo of whoever is trying to unlock your device and then emails the photo to you.
backup stuff can be handed via clockworkmod on custom firmwares or via samsung kies software.
there are plenty of emulators on the android market/google play or whatever its called now.
multitasking on android isnt as efficient as on the n900. on the n900, you have that multitask button, which was pure awesome. on android, by default the nearest thing we have is if you press and hold the home key, you can see the last bunch of recent apps, it doesnt tell you if its running or not. there was a visual task switcher on the market that ran similar to the n900 multitask method, but it doesnt run on anything newer than froyo. the next best thing would be something like 'smart task switcher'.
dunno about the other stuff you've mentioned though.
Hi Nicholes,
openssh - yes, there are several free ssh client apps, but better terminal emulator pro (£2.49) gets best reviews. I haven't tried ssh on the note myself (yet!) - I used it on n900 at first but soon replaced with openvpn which met my needs better. I've setup openvpn on my note (requires root and a custom kernel with tun.ko) it runs very nicely.
smscon - partial: samsung offer their own free app for the note, see: http://v2.samsungdive.com/help/guideRemoteControlsClear.do and there are other smilar free apps - however I haven't seen one that offers linux shell command "passthrough" via SMS like the SMScon app does for n900. I used to use reverse ssh to be able to do full remote control of my n900 outwith any apps - it took a while to get that set up to maintain tunnels across wifi/3G changes, and once I had it working I never had cause to use it Anyway, a combination of one of the free remote location pps plus ssh should give you most of what you're used to.
backup menu - I never used it on n900, but if you root the note then you have titanium backup (for apps/data) and CWM (full /system image).
evil alarm - haven't looked, but guaranteed to be one in android market (or should I say "google play" as it's about to be rebranded).
HEN - yes, note has full usb on the go/host mode out of the box, so much easier and more reliable, plug & play
xterminal - yes. plenty of terminal emulators to choose from, I use "terminal emulator". It's not as nice as n900, lacking the h/w keyboard and it doesn't support tab key to autocomplete, but pretty usable.
emulators - gain, no idea but pretty sure there are loads
vnc viewer - yes, I use pocketcloud free - excellent VNC client. The free version only allows one saved connection but that is sufficient for me. THe screen size of the note makes this a far better remote access solution than the n900 (even though I loved presenceVNC, you cant beat some physical real estate for remote access work). There is also 2x client for RDP client access to windows boxes. This is free, has no limitations, and works excellently. Again, better than RDP client on n900 partly due to better/more intuitive mouse/keyboard support but also jsut screen size.
root access - yes, pretty easy to do although some newer firmwares are not directly rootable (need a downgrade->root-> upgrade). Drawbacks to being rooted I've come across: some apps (eg. skygo for UK access to sky TV) don't work with rooted phones unless you jump through hoops;
and how is multitasking on galaxy note? errr ... a bit of a dissapointment after n900! task switching is a bit cumbersome by comparison (though fine once you are used to it) but android tends to arbitrarily remove tasks from memory if you aren't using them which sucks. Also, if you are watching video it's not easy to concurrently do other stuff on android - as soon as you switch away from video, it auto-pauses. that said, the extra RAM makes up to an extent
I'd suggest you re-post this question over at TMO - there is a samsung galaxy note thread there which has been running for a while and there are several active n900/note users on it who know much more than me about android and I think you'll probably get more/better replies there. They are currently discussing an Android video player that allows you to run the video windowed or even minimised
EDIT - oh, just noticed that you've already posted there too ... you're way ahead of me!
_pigro_ said:
Hi Nicholes,
openssh - yes, there are several free ssh client apps, but better terminal emulator pro (£2.49) gets best reviews. I haven't tried ssh on the note myself (yet!) - I used it on n900 at first but soon replaced with openvpn which met my needs better. I've setup openvpn on my note (requires root and a custom kernel with tun.ko) it runs very nicely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not find (or manage to compile) openssh for Android. dropbear has much less features (both client and server), so if you use any specific feature that openssh has and dropbear does not have, you might have a problem. I wrote a simple bash script to parse openssh's .ssh/config file and run dropbear with the correct parameters, which gives me a client that behaves similarly to openssh client.
xterminal - yes. plenty of terminal emulators to choose from, I use "terminal emulator". It's not as nice as n900, lacking the h/w keyboard and it doesn't support tab key to autocomplete, but pretty usable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tab completion is not a function of the terminal emulator, but of the shell. The ash shell which is included in busybox in packages such as "terminal emulator" and "sshdroid" does support tab completion. It is not the default login shell, so you need to change the configuration, or run it manually.
nicholes said:
open ssh
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not specifying whether you want an SSH client or server. But yes, there are plenty of both on the App Market.
app like smscon(control mobile via sms) (ie deleting files call a yourself, snap thief photo)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea.
backup menu(keep rootfs and and installed software inulding OS)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not by default, but you can install Clockworkmod (CWM) to take/restore backups.
evil alarm(an alarm which does not go off unless doing a task complete)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea.
H-E-N
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, USB OTG is supported. Drive Mount is an application that comes in handy.
xterminal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no X.Org and as such no xterminal either. If you're looking for just a terminal emulator then there is one called Better Terminal Emulator Pro that is very good.
emulatores(ie ps2.sega genesis)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No PS2 emulator. Yongzh ( https://slideme.org/user/3168/applications/3168 *) has Genesis, NES, SNES etc.
vnc viwer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On app market, yes.
and root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root it then yes.
and how is multitasking on galaxy note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good enough. Less powerful than on N900 as it is limited by Dalvik itself, but anyways.
can anyone confirm for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did. Then again, you could have just googled all of these answers yourself.
---------- Post added at 03:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------
nicholes said:
then buy n900 because it has android with dual boot!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NITdroid is not useable, it lacks way too many features on N900.
THANKS! for all the great and detailed information. this forum looks my future forum when i got my new GN
Good luck to you. I got you wrong, my bad. I thought you were gonna post how nokia/meego/maego was (?!) better than android. And welcome to the forum.
Boy124 said:
Good luck to you. I got you wrong, my bad. I thought you were gonna post how nokia/meego/maego was (?!) better than android. And welcome to the forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, as a Note owner i would have preferred maemo on my Note. Too bad they dropped it for sucky wp7
Sent from my superior GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
I did the swap and was obsessed with my n900. But the note is far far superior. Its not quite as 'nerdy' as the n900 in my opinion. But does everything I've asked of it. wait until you see the notes screen. Its blinding in comparison to the n900. You wont look back. Trust me. Providing you have some basic technical knowledge (which I assume you do coming from the Nokia) you will have no trouble rooting and playing with kernels. Etc. It seems to me that the devs for the note and for android in general provide more complete packages than I experienced on the n900. Kernels are optimized and roms have all the tweaks you would want applied. Where the n900 was more of a manual affair messing with the terminal (which I did love doing). I barely use the terminal now as most apps are very well written and have all the tweaks and features you need for customizing without the nitty gritty of line by line and scripts in the n900. Just my opinion though!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
_pigro_ said:
and how is multitasking on galaxy note? errr ... a bit of a dissapointment after n900! task switching is a bit cumbersome by comparison (though fine once you are used to it) but android tends to arbitrarily remove tasks from memory if you aren't using them which sucks. Also, if you are watching video it's not easy to concurrently do other stuff on android - as soon as you switch away from video, it auto-pauses. that said, the extra RAM makes up to an extent
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also completely agree with the above.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA
While on this issue, is there a replacement for Mappero (maemo-mapper)? The features I miss in Google Maps compared to Mappero are:
On map tracking (including display of track length).
Display of route length/route distance remaining.
Precaching of maps by coordinates or along routes.
Saving of routes (for using without internet access.
You've got many answers on the app side of questions so i'll just say this. I too came from the n900 and i am very disappointed with the multitasking. I also completely agree with _pigro_.
There isnt much else im not happy with though. The size is phoenominal!
Do it you will be happy. Rooting and custom rom fun galore!
How's that for multitasking on the note?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1532980
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
mfractal said:
How's that for multitasking on the note?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1532980
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure it is capable of running lots at the same time but the actual handling of multitasking on android is far inferior.
Dont get me wrong, i am impressed with android, but i expected better multitasking. I have also experienced closing of apps that i left running but most of the time its seems ok and i can get used to it as the note is impressive in every other way.
The n900 also gave live thumbnails of apps when switching which still impressed me for the two years after my contract ended that i kept the n900 for. Such a good phone for its time.
nicholes said:
i have Nokia n900 and now i am also in seek of something new now! i think i should go for galaxy note.
i would get it if it has....
open ssh
app like smscon(control mobile via sms) (ie deleting files call a yourself, snap thief photo)
backup menu(keep rootfs and and installed software inulding OS)
evil alarm(an alarm which does not go off unless doing a task complete)
H-E-N
xterminal
emulatores(ie ps2.sega genesis)
vnc viwer
and root access and how is multitasking on galaxy note?
can anyone confirm for me?
you can google al the apps (since i am not allowed to post links here)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a N900 before i bought a SGS2 and now have both SGS2 and Note!
The answer to your questions:
Q: Open ssh?
A: Don't need this!
Q: app like smscon?
A: Use Avast Anti-Theft!
Q: backup menu?
A: CWM!
Q: evil alarm!
A: Lot's of apps that do that!
Q: H-e-n?
A: On The Go (OTG) USB is supported by all versions of Gingerbread and ICS! No extra app for that is needed!
Q: xterminal?
A: MANY, MANY,MANY terminals for free in Market lol
Q: emulatores?
A: PS1, N64, etc etc etc.. all available in Market!
Q: vnc viewer?
A: Yep this too.. and you can emulate Linux and Backtrack 5
Root access is available to all devices that i know and multitasking works like a charm
Go get it!!! It's worth it and believe me, i loved my N900 and i love my Note even more!
Everything you dream you could do on N900 you can do on Note and more!
MatanZ said:
While on this issue, is there a replacement for Mappero (maemo-mapper)? The features I miss in Google Maps compared to Mappero are:
On map tracking (including display of track length).
Display of route length/route distance remaining.
Precaching of maps by coordinates or along routes.
Saving of routes (for using without internet access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use sygic! Works like a charm on Note!
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
What are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away? (different keyboards, apps, etc)
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
Hey I would use smart switch to get your things from iPhone to your new phone but that is after you have it activated
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using xda app-developers app
XiphoneUzer said:
Hi everyone, just got my N3 last night and I am pretty excited about it.
I am a long time Mac Rumors member and my past phones have been ...... JB 3g, JB 3gs, JB 4, JB 4s
I am very upset with the tiny screens on my iphones and I refuse to wait another year for the 6 to come out.
So now I am a 1st time Android user and what to really check out the Android scene.
My N3 arrived Wednesday evening, and it's STILL not activated, (and its killing me).
The reason being, I wanna know if there is anything I should do BEFORE I call ATT and activate it.
(I do NOT want to close any windows, so is there is anything you folks recommend I do before I activate it)?
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
edit: does Google Play offer any rebates/coupons/freebies for newly purchased devices?
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Click to collapse
What do you mean by call ATT and activate it? All you have to do is put your SIM card in and it is ready to go with a few account setups. After that it is up to you except for rooting and modding. Cant be done right now without voiding your warranty.
First thing you do is scratch off the att emblem since they locked the bootloader
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
XiphoneUzer said:
Once activated, what are the first things I should do with the phone, what should I install right away?
Is there a thread around here with tutes instructing how to transfer my contacts etc?
I surely will appreciate all replies, so thanks in advance. I really wanna get the very MOST out of this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the keyboard, i prefer the google keyboard over the samsung one. It provides functionality similar to the iphone and is easy to switch between the iphone and android if you use them both in daily life.
As for apps, here is a small list of apps i like to have on all of my devices.
GOOGLE CHROME. Its much better than the built in browser and is able to synchronize with my desktop browsers favorites, etc.
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
Facebook & Twitter: If you need an explanation, you shouldn't be useing these apps.
Battery Doctor by KS Mobile: Simple app, but is helpful to save battery life and know exactly how much you have left.
Google Music: I have most of my library stored on google so it makes my life easy to have this.
Google Books: The book equivalent of my music library. Syncronizes what i have read across devices and browsers.
Kindle for Android: For the ebooks you buy on amazon.
Google Keep: Great for taking quick notes and having them on all your devices.
Dropbox: Great cloud file storage. Comes with free storage and you can pay to get more.
Google Drive: Google version of dropbox.
MX Player: This video player will play any video format you throw at it.
Google Maps: A must have for all smartphone users.
Zedge: While its quality has gone down a fair bit from what it once was, its still a great place to find ringtones and notification sounds for your android device.
GPS Status: Great for calibrating your devices sensors and ensuring that it works properly.
Now for the ROOT ONLY apps.
Titanium backup
SuperSU
Triangle Away
Hopefully this is a useful list to get you started. I have all these plus many more installed on my devices, and I find I use them all fairly regularly.
djdelusional said:
Skype: Perfect for if you are travelling over seas at all with your device.
Google Hangouts: A good replacement for the built in SMS app.
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Click to collapse
I prefer Hangouts to Skype because Hangouts features free video multi-chat.
But I use Google Voice for SMS because it provides free unlimited texting. Hangouts insists on using the phone's native number rather than your Google Voice number, so you have to pay extra for a text plan or for individual messages.
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
XiphoneUzer said:
Doesn't anyone else have any advice for a first time Android user?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your new to android I'd stay away from root for a while.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4
XiphoneUzer said:
Hello?
Looking for some help here. This keyboard is way different than iphone, is it something you get used to, or should I install something else?
Please tell me what are some of the things I should change/install right away, (there's got to be some "must haves" no?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel like for every-day typical phone use cases, there aren't that many gaps that stand out as needing to be filled by a third party app. You'll probably need a new music player, the defaults are crapola - but I can't be much help here; I keep my music as folders full of MP3 files (like God intended!) and play with Music Folder Player, and shun the dirty S&M ("sync and manage") apps.
There's a big list of stuff that I did when I first got the phone to get it to where I'm happy with it, but all of this was root required stuff. There are apps that come pre-loaded on android devices and can't be removed or disabled without root. Also, customizing stuff that can't be customized without root. I couldn't abide by some of the not-changable-without-root defaults. Getting rid of the "screen turns on so you can unlock it when you hit the home key" behavior is probably the most glaring example for me; my ass* was unlocking it constantly - but coming from iPhone, you probably view that as the Right Thing for home button to do.
I think most people use a custom keyboard. Swiftkey and Swype are the most popular. The phone comes with Swype, but it's an ancient version with limited support for changing the dictionary, you want the newest one.
I use Hangouts for gchat, but not for SMS. I actually prefer default app for SMS..
Settings:
Pull down status bar, long press on wifi, WiFi -> menu -> advanced settings, uncheck auto connect to AT&T hotspots (unless they don't suck where you are. Around here, they often don't have internet behind them, and just break your connectivity for the 30 seconds or so it takes for the phone to connect to them, determine that the wifi is no good, and fall back to 4G. At least this phone does that; Original note would just sit there like a fool trying to use non-functional wifi... I've also yet to find a hotspot that performs better than the 4G does. But I live in a city, so the situation may be different elsewhere).
Pull down status bar, long press on GPS. Uncheck "Use wireless networks" - on newer versions of android, this drains battery while idle; the damned thing wakes the phone periodically to check the networks around it - if the phone is nearly idle, this can halve battery life (!!!)
Pull down status bar, swipe to the left along the options at the top (woah, did you know you could do that?), tap multiwindow to enable multiwindow (this was a headline feature for the note 3, but comes disabled by default). If I long-press back button, that makes the multiwindow tab hide or unhide (once it's enabled), but I don't remember if I had to do something to get this behavior.
General must-have things:
AppOps Starter (to kill permissions from apps that request permissions you don't want to give them)
Battery Monitor Widget (gives you a realtime readout of battery usage)
ES File Explorer
If you want to pretty-ize clock + weather widgets:
DigiClock
Eye in Sky
If you work in IT or have need of these (if you aren't sure what these mean, you don't need them ):
ConnectBot (telnet/ssh client)
AndFTP (ftp/sftp client, supports scp if you pay)
RDP Client (remote desktop and VNC client)
FEAT VPN (OpenVPN client)
Hacker's Keyboard (you'll tear your hair out trying to use swype/swiftkey for terminal sessions or RDP)
If you want to root the phone:
Root it, then immediately install titanium backup and "freeze" AT&T software update, so it won't update your phone (breaking root) while you're not looking
Titanium Backup - freeze all the useless bloatware that AT&T and Samsung included (there's a list of what apps you can freeze here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmzC8GFarItSdGpOZzBfWlR4MC03aDMyZ1BDUFNqU0E - not my work)
Root Explorer
Pen Window Manager for adding apps to the pen window feature
Xposed Framework
Wanam - general huge amount of customization, including selecting apps for multiwindow.
Keyboard Manager (almost a necessity if you use ConnectBot/RDP frequently - keyboards designed for messaging and such are garbage for doing administration of non-phone systems, while hacker's keyboard is garbage for messaging and everyday phone stuff)
Terminal Emulator (gives you a command prompt on phone. Doesn't require root, but there are very few use cases for terminal on android that don't also need root)
*Well, I keep it in my front pocket, so technically it wasn't my /ass/ unlocking the phone....
treat me like an idiot if these are obvious..
I want to put Samsung stock nougat on my rooted SM-T810, and I have some general questions. if all this info is gathered somewhere else, please point me there. maybe I used bad search terms?
1) for US, I use the XNZ country code, correct?
if there's an update thread already, consider this an apology for wasting your time. please stop reading now and point me to it. otherwise:
2) Use Odin 3.12, correct?
3) Can I just use twrp to update?
4) will I lose root?
5) if yes to above, could you please point me to a rooting guide (SM T810)
6) other than the ROM itself, what do I need?
yeah - so i'm an idiot. I see the 'no questions' posting now. guess I jumped the gun
Is your current s2 Tab working smoothly? If so, why risking an update?
why not? I like to play around and keep current. Besides, IMHO, Android s**** as an OS, still unable to do things Windows was doing in the early 90s. I keep hoping someday it will grow up... I know Android and Windows have different purposes, but until I can network at the OS rather than app level (built in), and until it is fully 'self-contained' and doesn't require a PC for changing OS versions (w/o 3rd party apps), etc., I'm going to consider it 'not ready for prime time'. Just my opinion.
"Keep it current" what does this mean?
You do realize that the lastest software versions often come with the most current bugs and issues at hand.
If you need to network, install Kali Linux, I'd suggest.
'keep it current' = keep all apps and the os to the most recent version possible
bugs: yeah, but it also comes with the latest features
Linux: on the tablet? there's a version? but that's sort of beside the point - Android lacks a functionality that's been in every other OS on the planet since at least the early 90s. it may be by intent, but it still ain't there, and it would sure make my life easier if I could map a drive from my nas and have it's contents available to all apps: music player, movie player, ebook reader. for work, I've used it to process data in the field using Octave. Getting the data on and off is always a pain - better if I could map a share and go from there.
not trying to argue - you asked, i'm elaborating. too much, maybe.
Keep all apps and the os to the most recent version possible. But what for?
Why trying desperately to fix a working car?
Updates eat storage and in most cases performance. Worse, introduce new bugs and so on.
I do not get this: update mania. Sure, it certainly assures that the Superclass can easily spy on every single user but besides that.. it makes no sense IMO.
Certainly, Android is Linux based after all. So yes, you could root your Tab and install Linux.
Drive access. That's already possible. You can connect an external SSD drive or HD drive via USB. Or NAS,
http://www.techrepublic.com/google-...o-help-you-connect-to-network-storage/?espv=1
I feel you. No arguing here either, just trying to understand your viewpoint.
just want a fully functional 'computer' where I can access files without having to use one app to copy the files over from the nas and another to use them. step one is the OS's responsibility, IMO. want access to network drives and otg drives to be identical to access I get on the internal memory.
and if you really want to get me going, start up on selinux, the "god i'm so afraid to go outside" solution. yeah - let's punish everyone because that guy over there is being bad. and lack of automatic root access? these are children's toys? unfortunately, my favorite ebook reader is only on android. as is the best music player I've found.
fun discussion, but I gotta get some work done
Msamp said:
just want a fully functional 'computer' where I can access files without having to use one app to copy the files over from the nas and another to use them. step one is the OS's responsibility, IMO. want access to network drives and otg drives to be identical to access I get on the internal memory.
and if you really want to get me going, start up on selinux, the "god i'm so afraid to go outside" solution. yeah - let's punish everyone because that guy over there is being bad. and lack of automatic root access? these are children's toys? unfortunately, my favorite ebook reader is only on android. as is the best music player I've found.
fun discussion, but I gotta get some work done
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you are not really understanding the role smartphones and tablets play in the computing world. They are more communications terminals designed to be usable without mice and keyboards rather than stand alone computers. Your recurring references to what computers could do in 1990 is a little off. All you had (at most) was windows 3.0. That did not include networking out of the box, but relied on device-specific drivers and utilities (i.e. Novell) to access a thin-net ethernet coax cable or IBM token ring network. If you want to get online, be prepared to use a serial terminal and a But I digress...
Android is not Windows. It is a cut down and specialized version Linux. Linux/Android is not a single monolithic OS like Windows. It does not do SMB out of the box, but needs a Samba client to do SMB to your windows-ish NAS. It does not try to be all things to all people, but rather gives you the basics and lets you, Joe User, add on the things to make it do what you want. In short they don't bloat it down with stuff only 10% of users will want to use.
To access your NAS, there are Samba (SMB) and ftp clients that let you do it. In fact I have a couple Android streamer boxes on my TVs around the house. They connect directly to my NAS video libraries and pull movies and other videos directly from there using a variety of protocols. Do I need to do that on my phone? No, but hey, I can install KODI on that phone and do just that. I can also put KODI on my windows box and do the same thing. But if I want to disconnect, I can copy these movies to my Tablet/Phone and play them any time I want off line. This is all things I would challenge you to do using Windows 3.0 in 1990 (don't even think of doing full touch screen support with Windows 3.x).
But well, if you really want your phone or tablet to work like Windows, you should run Windows on it
not '1990' - 'early nineties'. big difference. Win 3.1 (or WFW?) had an add-on, but still OS level tcp/ip stack
paragraph 2: I don't count real networking as an option. I should be able to access my ebooks on my nas usung ebookdroid, not have to move trhem to the tab using ESfilemanager THEN read them. I have a HUGE library of pdfs, movies, music, more than will fit on my 128 gig sd card (or a 256 g card for that matter), and i'd like access to the WHOLE THING from any appropriate app I choose. all the smb apps suck green worms, by the way.
I don't want to have to install a freakin client - it should be part of the os. imho, of course
btw: this discussion has become pointless. I have my preferences, you have yours. that's the way it should be. and as far as their 'role' goes: give them a bigger one - they're capable.
'bye
I totally understand your gripe. And I do wholeheartedly agree there should be a *root* toggle in the **Developer Option**.
But here is the thing, how are greedy conglomerates, and the gov puppets, supposed to spy on each and every single citizen if they just uninstall all spyware?
Moreover, most consumers are just too *untechy* and they would probably lose all their bank account, credit card and online shopping data to third parties and eventually blame the OEM. I smell lawsuits of the retard.
Auto updates are there for a reason. Control.
For instance, Samsung's new high-tech TVs record audio 24/7. Same for all these assistant devices.. Amazon Echo, Google Home etc. Seriously, 1984 isn't that far away anymore.
Msamp said:
treat me like an idiot if these are obvious..
I want to put Samsung stock nougat on my rooted SM-T810, and I have some general questions. if all this info is gathered somewhere else, please point me there. maybe I used bad search terms?
1) for US, I use the XNZ country code, correct?
if there's an update thread already, consider this an apology for wasting your time. please stop reading now and point me to it. otherwise:
2) Use Odin 3.12, correct?
3) Can I just use twrp to update?
4) will I lose root?
5) if yes to above, could you please point me to a rooting guide (SM T810)
6) other than the ROM itself, what do I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Odin AND the rom... i think you will lose root but you can always go back in twrp to install supersu.
I did something similar, i used Samsung Smart Switch to do an emergency reset on mine and it installed the latest firmware (nougat).
That will unroot and remove twrp.
I wouldn't (and didn't) reflash TWRP and root because you lose OTA updates, and right now there's some bugs in Nougat that , for me, were fixed in an OTA update. But once you flash with Smart Switch, you could always re-install TWRP and root again if you want.
Don't mind Niii4, he ranted about the same things in my thread and to others too...