Google wanting new hardware changes for Android based phones...Upsetting news - HTC Amaze 4G

Hi everyone,
Sooo I'm looking for any news on the 'Net for the ICS update for my phone the HTC Amaze 4G.
Instead of finding about an update, I find news fast-forwarding my phone becoming an insta-brick courtesy of Google:
"Android Developers say bye to Menu button And say hello to the Action Bar
Mobile phones News
By John McCann
Friday at 16:17 UTC | Tell us what you think [ 4 comments ]
android-developers-say-bye-to-menu-button
Less buttons - more touchy touchy
Android Developers are being reminded by Google to shift their attention away from the Menu button and focus instead on the Action Bar.
The Menu button function is commonplace in pre-3.0 versions of Google's Android operating system. It allows users to view options for a particular application by pressing the Menu button on their device.
With the introduction of Honeycomb (version 3.0) and now Ice Cream Sandwich (version 4.0) the function has become redundant as these operating systems remove the need for physical buttons.
All change please
This year we expect to see a new wave of devices running Ice Cream Sandwich, so developers need to make sure they update their apps to use the Action Bar.
Developers need to follow the new Android user experience as many Android devices are expected in 2012 to feature button free designs.
Apps will continue to work on the new software, with Google building an action overflow button which acts as the menu button.
The action overflow button will display on all applications which have not been updated to Android 3.0+, even if they do not require it.
Are you all for button free devices, or will you be pining for your menu, home and back buttons?
From Android Developers"
THIS crap upsets me greatly: I just spent $$$ on an unlocked phone (Amaze 4G) and now Android is calling the hardware shots??????? What a load of junk.
It seems like Google wants to be a monopoly too....And we thought Iphones were bad...
How do you folks feel about this?
stefnuts

lol thats for apps not phone software you crazy lol

The op is spreading F.U.D.
Fricking
Useless
Data
Settle down cowboy.

This is Googles OS, they can do whatever they want with it. they can stop supporting it if they really wanted. Just like HP did with webos. I dont mind this really though at all, i liked the way WP7 was with all touch screen pretty much

just because google is recommending/wanting to do this the phone manufacturers still have to be on board. seen this posted elsewhere are people were mighty pissed about their buttons (maybe) going away. money talks and if manufacturer x has buttons and manufacturer y doesn't you can vote with your dollars.
seems to me that both can be included anyways

Look everyone,
I just wanted to post this here and get feedback, as I'm new to smartphones O.K.? This is not F.U.D.
I also do not appreciate the egotistical stance voiced by many I've seen on this forum so far...........When I signed up for the XDA forums, it was to get involved, listen (via reading), and share (when relevant) and not get bum rushed by "know it alls."
I don't understand: When you read the article, it does not specifically state "This will be only for applications" To me, clearly Google wants to monopolize phone hardware also, I don't know...
Google is trying to eliminate redundancy, which is good but...
Come on, I just bought my phone and it ain't cheap! Getting info like this....
P.S. Some people who posted are talking like they know exactly what this article is pointing at.....Can you please explain this article seeing as though I missed the articles point?
Thanks for understanding,
stefnuts

read buddy http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2399437,00.asp
Instead, Google recommends that app developers begin using the "action bar,"

stefnuts said:
Look everyone,
I just wanted to post this here and get feedback, as I'm new to smartphones O.K.? This is not F.U.D.
I also do not appreciate the egotistical stance voiced by many I've seen on this forum so far...........When I signed up for the XDA forums, it was to get involved, listen (via reading), and share (when relevant) and not get bum rushed by "know it alls."
I don't understand: When you read the article, it does not specifically state "This will be only for applications" To me, clearly Google wants to monopolize phone hardware also, I don't know...
Google is trying to eliminate redundancy, which is good but...
Come on, I just bought my phone and it ain't cheap! Getting info like this....
P.S. Some people who posted are talking like they know exactly what this article is pointing at.....Can you please explain this article seeing as though I missed the articles point?
Thanks for understanding,
stefnuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, this is not BAD. its a opinion. a lot of people dont like having to press the menu button to do EVERYTHING, and then there are those people who do i guess. i can see for important things. Google has already begun to throw away the capacitive buttons anyways on the google nexus

stefnuts said:
Look everyone,
I just wanted to post this here and get feedback, as I'm new to smartphones O.K.? This is not F.U.D.
I also do not appreciate the egotistical stance voiced by many I've seen on this forum so far...........When I signed up for the XDA forums, it was to get involved, listen (via reading), and share (when relevant) and not get bum rushed by "know it alls."
I don't understand: When you read the article, it does not specifically state "This will be only for applications" To me, clearly Google wants to monopolize phone hardware also, I don't know...
Google is trying to eliminate redundancy, which is good but...
Come on, I just bought my phone and it ain't cheap! Getting info like this....
P.S. Some people who posted are talking like they know exactly what this article is pointing at.....Can you please explain this article seeing as though I missed the articles point?
Thanks for understanding,
stefnuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the panic in your op is fud, otherwise I was just busting your chops.

stefnuts said:
I also do not appreciate the egotistical stance voiced by many I've seen on this forum so far...........When I signed up for the XDA forums, it was to get involved, listen (via reading), and share (when relevant) and not get bum rushed by "know it alls."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've discovered that you have to have a thick skin here in the Amaze forum. The Hero forum was much more pleasant. The price of advancement I guess.
As long as you follow forum rules such as: don't start new redundant threads, don't ask a question before using the search button, and don't correct xboarder's spelling and grammar (just kiddin ya X) you'll be fine.
And relax, the Amaze is a great phone and won't be obsolete for a while yet.

It sounds like phones with physical menu buttons can still be manufactured but with newer versions of Icecream the physical menu button will be useless. Instead all apps will have to be developed to use action bar menu. Then menu options are not disappearing they are going to be more touch screen orientated. No big deal. Phones with small screens need physical buttons, but phones with large screens can function with only touch and swype actions. Similar to the way tablets function.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Google is trying to address a serious inconsistency in the OS. I have a Motorola Xoom with ICS. The problem is that some applications are using a menu button in the bottom row which generally makes it bottom left, and others are putting the menu on the screen in the top right. Yes totally opposite screen placement. So the user experience is poor. Google is asking application developers to standardize. That way if you want to go to the menu for an application you will know where to find it.
Also the move away from the capacitive buttons is another step toward user experience consistency. Right now each phone even from the same manufacturer can have the home, back, menu, search, etc. in a different placement order. When it is moved to the display and then managed by the OS it opens the door for more consistency. Which again is good for the user experience.
If they can improve user experience consistency *and* change the UI prioritization model so the UI is less impacted by "background" activities then they'd really be stepping up in maturity.

marleyfan61 said:
I've discovered that you have to have a thick skin here in the Amaze forum. The Hero forum was much more pleasant. The price of advancement I guess.
As long as you follow forum rules such as: don't start new redundant threads, don't ask a question before using the search button, and don't correct xboarder's spelling and grammar (just kiddin ya X) you'll be fine.
And relax, the Amaze is a great phone and won't be obsolete for a while yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've noticed this too. The vibrant forums took a while to get to this point of what I can only call frustration/irritation, but I am thinking that was because that was more of an entry level into android, while most people here are early adopters.
I think that the users here could be reminded to be a little more understanding, it makes the experience for everyone a lot better if people are at least nice to NEW users(low post count). We were all new once, and I'd like to think this isn't the way users on XDA are evolving as a whole..
Edit: I think that the menu button is awesome- it offers some of us the ability to do more.. and it keeps the options simple for the rest of the people who don't want something more. We don't ALL need a menu button.. but XDA people do.

Well, I for one like my buttons.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App

I like the physical buttons, because less screen space is spent mapping the same buttons. I have the Amaze and also a ICS tablet (Xoom) and on ICS, a good amount of pixels is spent replicating the menu, home, app switcher and back buttons. It seems like a waste of real estate to be drawing buttons on a device like the Amaze that already has them, but if hardware manufacturers stop including the physical buttons, more room on the device is available for the screen, so I guess the point becomes moot.

Hi again everyone,
Disclaimer: Any attacks upon my person will be immediately posted to the moderators of this forum who said this was a friendly environment. You're warned!
Now, back to the thread topic
Quote:
"Developers need to follow the new Android user experience as many Android devices are expected in 2012 to feature button free designs.
Apps will continue to work on the new software, with Google building an action overflow button which acts as the menu button."
The first part of this quote, in effect, places one of our feet in the "insta-brick phone" category. I did a lot of research about smartphones before I bought one and this news caused me some concern.
The point of this post was that I just bought a new phone which cost me $$$ and I'm upset that Google would in effect tell phone hardware developers to "get on board" when it's Android and the phone developers who are working together to further Google and not the other way around.
I don't know about everyone else here on this forum but I'm not rich.
This is just bad taste on the part of Google IMHO and to defend myself yet again "No, I'm not panicking..I'm upset."
Thanks again,
stefnuts

stefnuts said:
Hi again everyone,
Disclaimer: Any attacks upon my person will be immediately posted to the moderators of this forum who said this was a friendly environment. You're warned!
Now, back to the thread topic
Quote:
"Developers need to follow the new Android user experience as many Android devices are expected in 2012 to feature button free designs.
Apps will continue to work on the new software, with Google building an action overflow button which acts as the menu button."
The first part of this quote, in effect, places one of our feet in the "insta-brick phone" category. I did a lot of research about smartphones before I bought one and this news caused me some concern.
The point of this post was that I just bought a new phone which cost me $$$ and I'm upset that Google would in effect tell phone hardware developers to "get on board" when it's Android and the phone developers who are working together to further Google and not the other way around.
I don't know about everyone else here on this forum but I'm not rich.
This is just bad taste on the part of Google IMHO and to defend myself yet again "No, I'm not panicking..I'm upset."
Thanks again,
stefnuts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Button requirements have not changed since the release of android. Google is trying to move the platform forward. This sort of thing happens. Return your phone if you need iPhone type stagnation. And in all reality there is no reason that Google cannot map the menu button to the overflow function on newer releases, so there is no dead button.
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using xda premium

zPacKRat said:
Button requirements have not changed since the release of android. Google is trying to move the platform forward. This sort of thing happens. Return your phone if you need iPhone type stagnation. And in all reality there is no reason that Google cannot map the menu button to the overflow function on newer releases, so there is no dead button.
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another article I read mentioned Google wanting to nix the "search" button also.
This costs money buddy and I'm not rich.
Regarding your comment:
I'm not denying that fact.
All I'm saying is that for now, only 1 phone has 3 buttons: Google's proprietary phone. Why should every company bow the knee to Google and build a phone around a now Open source phone OS?
The menu button CAN be used for other things.
Finally, If I wanted an Iphone with one power button, proprietary ownership of hardware and apps with all functions onscreen, I would have bought an Iphone.
These consortium companies such as HTC, who support Google, need to put their corporate feet down and tell Google to back off.

I'm not feeling the panic you are. Either app developers will map the existing menu button to act as the action bar, or there will be an action bar touchscreen button on the screen. If google and phone and app developers were to "insta-brick" all existing phones that have a menu button it would drive everyone's next purchase in another direction. You don't have to rush out and buy a new phone tomorrow. The sky is NOT falling.

stefnuts said:
Another article I read mentioned Google wanting to nix the "search" button also.
This costs money buddy and I'm not rich.
Regarding your comment:
I'm not denying that fact.
All I'm saying is that for now, only 1 phone has 3 buttons: Google's proprietary phone. Why should every company bow the knee to Google and build a phone around a now Open source phone OS?
The menu button CAN be used for other things.
Finally, If I wanted an Iphone with one power button, proprietary ownership of hardware and apps with all functions onscreen, I would have bought an Iphone.
These consortium companies such as HTC, who support Google, need to put their corporate feet down and tell Google to back off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buddy, it sounds like you have buyers remorse. And the Amaze should have a decent lifespan with ICS coming out soon so take a chill pill and enjoy the ride.

Related

Why is it so difficult to see Tablet-Optimized Apps?

So coming from the world of iPad.. yeah yeah, groan, another one of these, haha... I find that there's a big gap that Samsung\Android\Google has in the following areas when it comes to apps for tablet:
- Lack of an easy way to sort by "tablet optimized" ... the market has a Tablet featured section, but it doesn't seem to be able to search and sort by tablet only apps. This is very difficult to navigate.
- The term HD used to mean tablet optimized, but it seems this is becoming less and less common as some phones are now "HD" so the developers are more and more reluctant to call them HD to mean Tablet Edition.
Does anyone have any advice for me as to a good way to sort through and find apps specifically designed for the Tablet devices? I have the 10.1 so obviously the tablet apps are kinda a must, otherwise my eyes hurt looking at the low-res conversions of phone apps, haha.
Or is there a tracker that tracks Android TABLET Versions of apps available and as they come out?
There is a thread in the xoom or transformer forum that is keeping track of tablet compatible apps.
xManMythLegend said:
There is a thread in the xoom or transformer forum that is keeping track of tablet compatible apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No link? (usually it's customary to provide the link when referencing another forum)... kinda gives credibility to the comment, hehe.
bella92108 said:
No link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
. . . . . .
bella92108 said:
Entitlement in this country is so strange
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
vansmack said:
. . . . . .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way to try and boost your post count. Congrats on posting the most worthless post of the day. You clearly need to look up the word entitlement and educate yourself as to what's entitlement and what's not.
Oh by the way, I just found a website selling the Galaxy Tab 10.1 32 GB models for $529... wanna know the link? Oh, it's on google, or yahoo or somewhere.
The point is when someone asks a question, and you take the time to respond, it's generally the norm that if you're are going to point them in the direction in the name of being helpful, that you indicate a location of a thread.. Saying they thought they saw something, maybe in the xoom, maybe in the transformer thread, that narrows it down to only about 2500 threads. Common sense. If you don't know an answer it's OK to say I DONT KNOW, or say nothing at all.
A smart man keeps his mouth shut when he doesn't know an answer.
EDIT - I just did a review of your last 10 posts. Every one you argue for the sake of arguing, providing zero benefit to any of the 150 conversations you've participated in over the past 4 years.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032381
Took about one minute to find
dagaetch said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032381
Took about one minute to find
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, yes, I've read this post before and was afraid that's what that user was referring to.
Unfortunately the question I asked was not which apps are COMPATIBLE with Android 3.1\Galaxy Tab, but that are in fact optimized for Galaxy Tab.
Sorry I thought I was clear. I understand most apps will run and be compatible with 3.1. but their resolution is poor ... so I was more looking for info as to if there is a thread where someone is keeping track of native tablet apps as they're released.
Thanks!
EDIT: I re-read my OP, and I was clear that I wasn't looking for a "compatible app" list as most apps are in fact compatible, but in fact looking for tablet-optimized\specific apps.
if you read that thread, you would see that there is a green asterisk next to all apps that are optimized for tablet viewing. Honestly, someone has to do the work of compiling these lists...if you're unhappy with what's available, create one!
dagaetch said:
if you read that thread, you would see that there is a green asterisk next to all apps that are optimized for tablet viewing. Honestly, someone has to do the work of compiling these lists...if you're unhappy with what's available, create one!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, was going to create one of the apps as I find them, but no need to reinvent the wheel until I've asked if anyone has already, hehe.
I'll open a thread in the general or apps section under galaxy tab 10.1
I had that same question and I wrote to someone at the Android Market and this is the response I got:
"Thank you for your feedback. The ‘Android Apps for Tablets’ section contains featured apps for the tablet. As you’ve mentioned, it isn’t a comprehensive listing of all apps that are designed for your Honeycomb tablet.
If an app is listed in the Android Market accessed from the tablet, the developer of the app has indicated that it is compatible with your device.
I appreciate your feedback regarding the labeling of this section and will forward it to the rest of the Android team."
I had asked about apps optimized for tablets/honeycomb...but regardless of what I asked, the above is the response I got.
tlegower said:
I had that same question and I wrote to someone at the Android Market and this is the response I got:
"Thank you for your feedback. The ‘Android Apps for Tablets’ section contains featured apps for the tablet. As you’ve mentioned, it isn’t a comprehensive listing of all apps that are designed for your Honeycomb tablet.
If an app is listed in the Android Market accessed from the tablet, the developer of the app has indicated that it is compatible with your device.
I appreciate your feedback regarding the labeling of this section and will forward it to the rest of the Android team."
I had asked about apps optimized for tablets/honeycomb...but regardless of what I asked, the above is the response I got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They don't seem to see value in their own new OS. The biggest anti-android tablet marketing tool Apple is using is "look, they don't even have apps for tablet" and when Android hides them or doesn't give option to show they do have tablet-optimized apps, it makes Apple look right.
1. First I highly suggest you install AppBrain as you'll get a lot more detail from there about apps. Visit appbrain.com and you will see what I mean. It gives you the links to the Android marketplace so you won't have to install unknown apks.
2. Sorry about the people on the forum. Sometimes people can be testy about newbies and their questions. Feel free to PM me with any questions. It takes a while to get the hang of things but the core Android supporters are pretty good at finding things for themselves. We've had plenty of practice.
3. Don't be afraid to start threads about things like this. Most of us don't pay attention to little things like this. To you, this a big thing and I can see it might turn alot of people away from Android tablets if they don't fix it. Perhaps a petition or thousands of e-mails will get their attention.
4. All of the apps I have installed (152) look great. Which ones are you having problems with? E-mail the developers and let us know as well so we can test them out. If they suck, we could all give the developers some feedback on it.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
goalweiser said:
1. First I highly suggest you install AppBrain as you'll get a lot more detail from there about apps. Visit appbrain.com and you will see what I mean. It gives you the links to the Android marketplace so you won't have to install unknown apks.
2. Sorry about the people on the forum. Sometimes people can be testy about newbies and their questions. Feel free to PM me with any questions. It takes a while to get the hang of things but the core Android supporters are pretty good at finding things for themselves. We've had plenty of practice.
3. Don't be afraid to start threads about things like this. Most of us don't pay attention to little things like this. To you, this a big thing and I can see it might turn alot of people away from Android tablets if they don't fix it. Perhaps a petition or thousands of e-mails will get their attention.
4. All of the apps I have installed (152) look great. Which ones are you having problems with? E-mail the developers and let us know as well so we can test them out. If they suck, we could all give the developers some feedback on it.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I completely forgot about Appbrain Thanks And thanks for offering to help. I appreciate it.
There are very few apps that don't work... in fact, I haven't run into any that don't work, I was more asking because for example when comparing an app like Stock Alert - Tablet Edition to an app like Fidelity which doesn't have a tablet app (well they have iPad but not Android 3.1 tab yet), I more meant I just like the ones that are specifically made to take advantage of the tablet's great screen size.
Thanks again, you're class all the way, your response picked me up and made my day. I appreciate it.
tlegower said:
I had that same question and I wrote to someone at the Android Market and this is the response I got:
"Thank you for your feedback. The ‘Android Apps for Tablets’ section contains featured apps for the tablet. As you’ve mentioned, it isn’t a comprehensive listing of all apps that are designed for your Honeycomb tablet.
If an app is listed in the Android Market accessed from the tablet, the developer of the app has indicated that it is compatible with your device.
I appreciate your feedback regarding the labeling of this section and will forward it to the rest of the Android team."
I had asked about apps optimized for tablets/honeycomb...but regardless of what I asked, the above is the response I got.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's say it this way. If the Android Market doesn't have a up to date tablet/honeycomb section, it is very difficult for developers to develop tablet optimized apps. Because, why investing in this new platform when you get buried between the 400.000 apps currently on the market?
It's the first section that's on the market's main page... how is it hard to find or view apps marked as tablet friendly?
X10D3 said:
It's the first section that's on the market's main page... how is it hard to find or view apps marked as tablet friendly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it is even harder to comprehend the word "featured"
Agreed. When visiting the app store on an iPad, there are two very distinct sections, iPhone apps and iPad apps. Everyone knows that the phone apps will run on the tablet, but that's not a reason to lump them all together.
I think the use case is something like this:
1. I need a nice twitter client.
2. Check tablet section for twitter client.
3. If none found, settle for phone version.
Obviously the tablet version (like Tweetcomb) will use fragments to utilize the screen real estate. A phone client would not. The problem with not seperating the app market properly is that you may end up settling for a Honeycomb "compatible" app when there was a much more useful "designed for Honeycomb" app you didn't notice.
I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like people here are hesitant to accept some of these flaws as they try to justify their $500-$600 purchase. I for one love my Tab, if merely for the widget capability and Flash support. We need to realize that the way to bring Android tablets more mainstream is to take our heads out of the sand, accept that these are real issues, and make it known to the powers at be. Ignoring the problems and pretending that all is well with the Honeycomb ecosystem just won't work.
Edit: If Apple isn't too proud to copy Android's multitasking ability, notification system, etc to make a superior product; Android shouldn't hesitate to do the same where it makes sense. It's just good business, and even better for consumers.
Blaine12 said:
Agreed. When visiting the app store on an iPad, there are two very distinct sections, iPhone apps and iPad apps. Everyone knows that the phone apps will run on the tablet, but that's not a reason to lump them all together.
I think the use case is something like this:
1. I need a nice twitter client.
2. Check tablet section for twitter client.
3. If none found, settle for phone version.
Obviously the tablet version (like Tweetcomb) will use fragments to utilize the screen real estate. A phone client would not. The problem with not seperating the app market properly is that you may end up settling for a Honeycomb "compatible" app when there was a much more useful "designed for Honeycomb" app you didn't notice.
I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like people here are hesitant to accept some of these flaws as they try to justify their $500-$600 purchase. I for one love my Tab, if merely for the widget capability and Flash support. We need to realize that the way to bring Android tablets more mainstream is to take our heads out of the sand, accept that these are real issues, and make it known to the powers at be. Ignoring the problems and pretending that all is well with the Honeycomb ecosystem just won't work.
Edit: If Apple isn't too proud to copy Android's multitasking ability, notification system, etc to make a superior product; Android shouldn't hesitate to do the same where it makes sense. It's just good business, and even better for consumers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with you Blaine. There's no reason why they can't use the exact same structure and call it something else. Apple is taking features like BBM and now Google is working on their own. The market is getting better but it should be further along now.
I wonder how we as consumers can get this message across. I try using other App Markets but I would really like the Google Marketplace to get with the program. They should at least require them to put HD in the title or market them with a special color.
X10D3 said:
It's the first section that's on the market's main page... how is it hard to find or view apps marked as tablet friendly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not here in Europe. There is nothing that even remotely refer to such a category or section.
http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/?hl=en_US
We should all e-mail the Android Market support team and tell them of this. I'm going to link to this thread in my correspondence.

App suggestion, thought

So one thing ive found thus far with this tablet is the lock button is less than effective. I figured a good solution for this would be a "shake to unlock, or screen on" app
I had one of these apps ages ago for a g1 running 1.5 but it seems android 2.0+ dosent offer that functionality to conserve battey life.
Im a c# .net dev, but ive played a bit in the sdk... any hidden apis for his functionality? Perhaps a more experinced dev may know? Ive been hunting to no avail.
I figure the companion core should suffice for tracking accelerometer data while the device is sleeping and if shook it could turn the screen on.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Just a heads up, you posted this in development. You will most likely be flamed. I suggest you get a mod to close the thread or move it to general asap.
Sent from my Galaxy S2
I like the idea, then I think about the amount of times it would be turned on while sitting in my backpack as I drive around Vancouver/Portland on roads eaten up by spiked tires.
I would say there would need to be some major safeguards in place.
It would eat some battery for this. But not much.
Sorry though, I have spent too much time PAL scripting lately, Android is pushed out of the brain at this point.
And you may want to post this in general discussion, development is only for items you HAVE made, not thinking of making.
I am sure a mod will be happy to move it for you.
It would have to a lockscreen replacement like widget locker, but can be done
Your majorproblem is android doesn't let background apps access much, I thinl accelerometer included
Also, reported. Post in the correct forum please
ty
Thanks for the input, yeah if a mod wants to move this to general or apps or q/a thats fine by me... i figured it could go here as it is something i am considering developing assuming it is even possible.
And also i felt that it'd be more likely to find a knowledgable developer (in regard to this companion core concept and services accessing the accel. )
Thanks regardless!! Excited to see what becomes of these tablets in the next couple months, glad to be on board.
Euhm i'm moving this back to development.
He's asking for Api info here, how is that not development
pcguru000 said:
So one thing ive found thus far with this tablet is the lock button is less than effective. I figured a good solution for this would be a "shake to unlock, or screen on" app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's wrong with the lock button...my button seems fine just wondering why this is wanted/needed, I would personally rather have a simple button over complicated software hoops
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
sure its a simple enough button but I am sure many prime owners would agree (especially if you have used the original transformer tablet, or even just tested it out in a store) the "new" lock button design- location, and function is not nearly as good as what was on the original transformer.
A lock button should be easy to press and a distinct feel of pressed or not... this button is mushy and also, due to its location awkward, as most of the time when holding a tablet you handle it from the sides, this means you cant just pick it up and have your index finger land on the lock button.
And i don't think it would be any major software "hoop" to have a VERY simple service monitoring the accelerometer, one that ran along side the email checking and notification checking services- powered by the companion core...
Yes API information for how to properly access and utilize the companion core is really what this thread is about ... suppose i stumbled upon that with a more specific aim but this is a topic that our community will need to make applications run well (and efficiently) tegra 3.

Honeycomb "upgrade" is a downgrade

I have not updated my Evo View Tablet to Honeycomb for the unacceptable flaws in its' design. I can't believe more people are not in uproar about this.
I used a View Tablet with the Honeycomb update, and it has some major design flaws, here they are:
-The top 25% of the screen can not be used to place widgets and/or apps
-The white soft-key buttons are disabled (how does it make sense to render a piece of hardware on the device useless? )
-The menu icon on the bottom appears while in certain situations and migrates to the top in other situations
-The notification pull down (or pull up rather) menu is scattered and sloppy.
-The main settings window has a glaring white background , where as on all other android software , it has always been a black background.
the GO-launcher is necessary in order to actually utilize the entire screen, and to ofcoarse customize the grid sizes , icon sizes, resize widgets, but the bottom on-screen buttons end up creating a sort of glitch at the bottom of the screen.
Threads like these have been made before, the most common "gb vs hc". Similar opinions have been expressed there. No need to create a new thread to explain and whine about what has been explained and whined about. Don't like it? Downgrade. Nobody is stopping you.
AidenM said:
Threads like these have been made before, the most common "gb vs hc". Similar opinions have been expressed there. No need to create a new thread to explain and whine about what has been explained and whined about. Don't like it? Downgrade. Nobody is stopping you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can't downgrade , unless you "root" the thing.
Im sorry, i was not aware there was "gb vs hc" threads, i haven't found any on this forum.
You know..there are a few things I want from my tablet not currently offered..
Once the pen functionality gets imported into an ICS rom, no one is even going to care about HC or Gb anyway..
And if they release the code for that we will be able to perfect the fujitsu cheapo version.. too...
Hm.. I really need to set up my comp to contribute to a project. x.x
see , you guys are adept at installing custom roms and "rooting" but for those of that just want to stick with factory default software, we're at mercy to these ridiculous flaws . Luckily , Gingerbread works perfectly , especially in conjunction with GOLauncherEx
Scoh said:
-The white soft-key buttons are disabled (how does it make sense to render a piece of hardware on the device useless? )
-The menu icon on the bottom appears while in certain situations and migrates to the top in other situations
-The main settings window has a glaring white background , where as on all other android software , it has always been a black background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While there are some valid points to your criticisms, it's important to recognize that the blame for some of these items doesn't rest with Honeycomb. Where the menu icon appears is dictated within the app itself. It's true that the placement is inconsistent but I think that stems from some apps being optimized for phones (when it's on the bottom) and some being optimized for tablets (when it's on the top right).
While it may be sub-optimal to turn of the soft keys, it's still better than if they had been actual physical buttons, and it was HTC's decision in the first place to release a tablet that doesn't run the tablet OS. I feel that they actually did a decent job dealing with the issue, as I don't notice the soft keys now that they're off. Would I turn them back on, given the option? Maybe - I don't know yet. Would the menu button work consistently in all apps? I don't know that either.
I think some of the issues you have deal with HTC Sense, especially within the Settings. I too hate how the settings look, but the stock Honeycomb Settings (and dialog boxes, etc) are much less offensive.
Snow_fox said:
You know..there are a few things I want from my tablet not currently offered..
Once the pen functionality gets imported into an ICS rom, no one is even going to care about HC or Gb anyway..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am hoping ICS becomes reality on the Flyer/View, but in all fairness it's not going to drastically change the user experience compared to HC. The HC-specific complaints here apply to ICS too.
mmmatches said:
I too am hoping ICS becomes reality on the Flyer/View, but in all fairness it's not going to drastically change the user experience compared to HC. The HC-specific complaints here apply to ICS too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that can active the hardware buttons and remove the onscreen buttons thus offering you more screen space...
Scoh said:
see , you guys are adept at installing custom roms and "rooting" but for those of that just want to stick with factory default software, we're at mercy to these ridiculous flaws . Luckily , Gingerbread works perfectly , especially in conjunction with GOLauncherEx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have the ability to read you have the ability to learn, therefore you have the ability to root.
If you don't want to root/jailbreak your at the mercy of ridiculous flaws no matter what.
Every device has flaws that most people would love to change from the iphone to android to all the windows mobile phones.
If you don't believe me, examine the "jailbreak culture".
Not trying to be mean, but if a device doesn't do what you want and your not willing to do something about it.. then it is hard to take your complaints entirely seriously..
A lot of people here put forth a lot of time and energy fixing the things your complaining about. When your unwilling to read and use their solutions and you complain anyway.. your complaints are likely to be met with some degree of hostility.
The culture of XDA isn't "epinions" or "newegg reviews" it is one of learning, teaching and hands on experience.
I respect the fact that people want different things in their devices, and even request things here.. But, when your not requesting, your not asking if something is possible to work on it yourself.. Your essentially saying "WAH i don't want to put forth the effort to fix something that is possible to be fixed, but I want you guys to listen to me complain anyway!"..
I have learned the hard way that within the more nerdy subculture of modding there is a tendency of "Read, learn, or go find someone who cares".
I like my flyer
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
[email protected] said:
Except that can active the hardware buttons and remove the onscreen buttons thus offering you more screen space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TIL - interesting. The thing I keep running into, mentally, with ICS is that it still has two distinct interfaces, one for phones and the other for tablets. While the UI is now more consistent, phone ICS retains the top status bar like GB while tablet ICS is not too different from HC.
Won't any ICS build that ends up on the Flyer/View be tablet-based? If so, it seems that the status bar would always be on the bottom, buttons or not. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
mmmatches said:
TIL - interesting. The thing I keep running into, mentally, with ICS is that it still has two distinct interfaces, one for phones and the other for tablets. While the UI is now more consistent, phone ICS retains the top status bar like GB while tablet ICS is not too different from HC.
Won't any ICS build that ends up on the Flyer/View be tablet-based? If so, it seems that the status bar would always be on the bottom, buttons or not. It will be interesting to see how this develops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the major points of ICS is to provide flexibility to all needed hardware.
Even if tablet based, they will probably account for the buttons.
ICS is essentially HC with a few new features thrown in and the ability to run on smaller screens. They even share most of the same source code. Since ICS is built on top of HC, don't expect drastic changes. Most of what people whine about can already be easily gotten on rooted ROMs and it will continue to be that way with ICS. Rooting gives you the opportunity to have it your way to a greater extent. But you can't have it your way all the way, that only happens at Burger King.
Considering HTC designed tablet HW for the outdated GB OS, its not that bad. Yeah the hard buttons are now a relic of the late 90s, but the Flyer still screams and look pretty darn good with HC.
And since we are on a rant thread. Why the @%## can't we have a thread about important stuff like this from the CES show?
http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/584-ces-2012-booth-babe-model.html#xtor=RSS-182
The View with Honeycomb is a true small tablet. With GB it's really a big phone. Some people want a tablet, some want a phone. Your call on what you want. I love HC and would love even more to see ICS. With cypher-rom and dolphin browser, my tablet pulls up web pages just as fast as my girlfriend's transformer prime, which is shocking to me at least. Can't wait till we get an OC kernel for honeycomb on the view.
abhaxus said:
The View with Honeycomb is a true small tablet. With GB it's really a big phone. Some people want a tablet, some want a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great way to describe it. With ICS' flexibility it will be interesting to see if someone makes a ROM with the phone status bar and HW buttons - would be very GB-like!
Scoh said:
I can't believe more people are not in uproar about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you read around this forum just a little, you would know the these issues have been discussed ad nauseum.
I disagree that HC is a downgrade. Yes there are downsides (and you pointed most of them out, but left off a couple of others such as the reduction in the number of home screens) but there are two major upsides that seal the deal for me:
1) The ability to use the pen in all apps is huge. I've got drawing programs that were simply begging for pen input in GB that suddenly fulfil their full potential in HC. Also, if you ever RDP to a windows worstation, having the pen available for choosing tiny menu items is a vast improvement over having to use your big fat finger.
2) Honeycomb fixes the bug in Gingerbread in which when placed in landscape mode and paired to a bluetooth keyboard the arrow keys do not map correctly. In Honecomb they do, and given the amount of writing I do on my Flyer this, too, is massive.
mmmatches said:
This is a great way to describe it. With ICS' flexibility it will be interesting to see if someone makes a ROM with the phone status bar and HW buttons - would be very GB-like!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the number 2 reason I want ICS... Number one is full HW acceleration makes a single core tab feel very dual core (gf has a nexus s with cm9, the difference was astonishing). Actually... Number 2 is the task switching is very webos
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
The only two negatives I have since updating are the battery seems to drain faster and I miss the hardware buttons. Other than that I think HoneyComb is better. The internet no longer crashes, use to crash at least twice a day with Gingerbread. Also like being able to better organize the icons on the home screen.
mcord11758 said:
I like my flyer
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said.
10chcar
Snow_fox said:
If you have the ability to read you have the ability to learn, therefore you have the ability to root.
If you don't want to root/jailbreak your at the mercy of ridiculous flaws no matter what.
Every device has flaws that most people would love to change from the iphone to android to all the windows mobile phones.
If you don't believe me, examine the "jailbreak culture".
Not trying to be mean, but if a device doesn't do what you want and your not willing to do something about it.. then it is hard to take your complaints entirely seriously..
A lot of people here put forth a lot of time and energy fixing the things your complaining about. When your unwilling to read and use their solutions and you complain anyway.. your complaints are likely to be met with some degree of hostility.
The culture of XDA isn't "epinions" or "newegg reviews" it is one of learning, teaching and hands on experience.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. Well said. I don't mean it in a harsh way either. I was completely phone/computer impaired before I decided I didn't want to wait for voice to text (2.1) on my moto droid. It took about ten minutes to root and flash that phone. Now I'm hooked, and I learned a TON of stuff in the process. If your upset enough to post about it, shouldn't you be motivated enough to spend a few minutes just fixing it yourself
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium

[Q] why can't root access be something an OEM or even google allows from the off?

from a end users POV i mean?
why can't i get a new phone, install supersu from the play store, go to dev options or security, and enable root and point to supersu to handle it?
no security holes needed to get root and far less hassle for us end users to get to do what we want with our phones
is it just an attitude thing by google and the OEMs or a more technical thing?
well...what I can see is that the general public don't need or care for these functions. And they are quite good security locks. The ones who don't know what these functions are will not attempt to unlock the bootloader etc etc.
If for example these functions are visible in the settings menu and someone who just got their device scrolling the menus and finds this interesting button.
hmm..It says "root"? Beneath is another button says "unlock bootloader".
WOOW! Lets press the buttons and see what happens!!! :laugh::laugh:
And somehow the user bricked the device because the person didn't have any knowledge of what was going on.
There is probably more to it like warranty questions.
but it wouldn't be visible - like on this phone you had to know where to go to enable dev options so an average user wouldn't see it at all.
plus not all devices have locked bootloaders either. this is my 1st since the HTC desire.
I'll just quote "Kay" from Man In Black;
"A person is smart. People are dumb"
People in general are so soo stupid and they would tap something and three seconds later SystemUI would've been gone. Not likely of course, but you know that guy who's everywhere and manages to do some pretty stupid stuff with everything he touches. With that said, i think every single individual at XDA would love to have a pre-rooted device, or simply have (like you say) a toggle in the developer settings or something, but we all know how stupid people are, so i understand why it's not an option.
I would rather have a simple procedure like the Nexus' have where you have to know what you're about to do, and you can do it. If you do that, you probably know what root means, and you won't try to delete the system folder.
LordManhattan said:
I'll just quote "Kay" from Man In Black;
"A person is smart. People are dumb"
People in general are so soo stupid and they would tap something and three seconds later SystemUI would've been gone. Not likely of course, but you know that guy who's everywhere and manages to do some pretty stupid stuff with everything he touches. With that said, i think every single individual at XDA would love to have a pre-rooted device, or simply have (like you say) a toggle in the developer settings or something, but we all know how stupid people are, so i understand why it's not an option.
I would rather have a simple procedure like the Nexus' have where you have to know what you're about to do, and you can do it. If you do that, you probably know what root means, and you won't try to delete the system folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to agree with the OP though. Because even Linux itself comes with su. Windows comes with Administrator mode. So it shouldn't be a problem to provide root into the system even though majority of people doesn't know what are they doing. If something goes wrong, just recommend them to flash again (in Windows term, format and fresh install) even then google already provides contact backup so it shouldn't take a long time. Unlocking the bootloader on the other hand..
Sent from my C6802 using xda app-developers app
Sure, but does your mom or sister use Linux, or even a terminal/CMD? No they do not. Linux is a "niche" OS, and the people that uses it knows what it is and what it does. Geeks. Being a Windows admin is not nearly as dangerous as having root in Android or Linux. You can destroy the whole system by deleting one file. And flashing and formatting is something few people do. There's a reason why I hate it when friends and family start messing around with their devices, because I know that I'll have to either take a look at the damn thing or reformat it next week.
People are morons when it comes to technology. WE are a special group of people that spend A LOT of time with these things, so it's natural that we want it all. Regular people on the other hand want to check Facebook and use Spotify. Throw the whole kitchen sink into the OS and people will get confused and get an iPhone, or simply stop using it for what it is or could be. Remember that we are the minority here. Android is a mainstream OS that is meant for regular people and should be simple to use, but advanced under the hood (so people like us can play with it).
If you take a closer look at KitKat, you'll notice that Google have made some tiny changes, like the arrow on the lock screen that tells you that if you drag the arrow up, you'll open Google Now. Also notice the camera icon on the lock screen. Tap it and it'll move a little - like a hint for people that you can slide it to open the camera. Google understands that people need guidance and not hidden shortcuts and more gestures. We may know about all the features and easter eggs, but that's because we're actively looking for them. People in general are not.
My point is, people don't care. WE, the geeks are the minority and not the main group of people OEM's are thinking about when they make devices. We, the geeks already have devices that are targeted at us and it's called "Nexus".
/rant
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
LordManhattan said:
Sure, but does your mom or sister use Linux, or even a terminal/CMD? No they do not. Linux is a "niche" OS, and the people that uses it knows what it is and what it does. Geeks. Being a Windows admin is not nearly as dangerous as having root in Android or Linux. You can destroy the whole system by deleting one file. And flashing and formatting is something few people do. There's a reason why I hate it when friends and family start messing around with their devices, because I know that I'll have to either take a look at the damn thing or reformat it next week.
People are morons when it comes to technology. WE are a special group of people that spend A LOT of time with these things, so it's natural that we want it all. Regular people on the other hand want to check Facebook and use Spotify. Throw the whole kitchen sink into the OS and people will get confused and get an iPhone, or simply stop using it for what it is or could be. Remember that we are the minority here. Android is a mainstream OS that is meant for regular people and should be simple to use, but advanced under the hood (so people like us can play with it).
If you take a closer look at KitKat, you'll notice that Google have made some tiny changes, like the arrow on the lock screen that tells you that if you drag the arrow up, you'll open Google Now. Also notice the camera icon on the lock screen. Tap it and it'll move a little - like a hint for people that you can slide it to open the camera. Google understands that people need guidance and not hidden shortcuts and more gestures. We may know about all the features and easter eggs, but that's because we're actively looking for them. People in general are not.
My point is, people don't care. WE, the geeks are the minority and not the main group of people OEM's are thinking about when they make devices. We, the geeks already have devices that are targeted at us and it's called "Nexus".
/rant
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if people really don't care, why Microsoft and Linux devs give such Administrator access to their 'Home edition' software? We bought the device and the ROM so why such restriction compared to a casual desktop solution? Following Google's logic to make it easy user friendly as it is, just put it in hidden place like developer option and boom problem solved. No casual user would ever know about tapping the Android build number continuously. Plus with a revised policy for warranty will be nice, for example, it will be void if you ever unlocked the bootloader of the device, because imho, that is the lifeline nowadays to guarantee that your device is still recoverable with some flashing. Casual super user activity shouldn't be closed completely i'd say (i.e Titanium backup anyone?).
Hmmm, someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but isn't rooting on Android or Linux more risky if the user has no idea what they're doing?
Windows allows users to do some stuff but the worst thing you could do is mess it up so bad you have to do a clean install. There might not be a link from changing something in windows to completely screw up BIOS.
Now for rooting on Android, the average Joe hears about it, cool, let's press some buttons. Then some people mentions about kernels and radios, cool, let's flash some. Bam, phone gone. As some other have said, people will never cease to amaze you with their stupidity. So in Google and OEM's mind, it's best to make it as inaccessible as possible to avoid having some dumbass sue them for including something "potentially risky" in their devices.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Yo_2T said:
Hmmm, someone corrects me if I'm wrong, but isn't rooting on Android or Linux more risky if the user has no idea what they're doing?
Windows allows users to do some stuff but the worst thing you could do is mess it up so bad you have to do a clean install. There might not be a link from changing something in windows to completely screw up BIOS.
Now for rooting on Android, the average Joe hears about it, cool, let's press some buttons. Then some people mentions about kernels and radios, cool, let's flash some. Bam, phone gone. As some other have said, people will never cease to amaze you with their stupidity. So in Google and OEM's mind, it's best to make it as inaccessible as possible to avoid having some dumbass sue them for including something "potentially risky" in their devices.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is more risky but as i said in my post, warranty void IF the bootloader (ie the BIOS in desktop terms) is unlocked because even if you mess up the phone, there's always PC Companion fresh install if you still have locked bootloader, just like Windows fresh install, so therefore, Root/Admin priv should not be cut off completely from the system.
LordManhattan said:
Sure, but does your mom or sister use Linux, or even a terminal/CMD? No they do not. Linux is a "niche" OS, and the people that uses it knows what it is and what it does. Geeks. Being a Windows admin is not nearly as dangerous as having root in Android or Linux. You can destroy the whole system by deleting one file. And flashing and formatting is something few people do. There's a reason why I hate it when friends and family start messing around with their devices, because I know that I'll have to either take a look at the damn thing or reformat it next week.
People are morons when it comes to technology. WE are a special group of people that spend A LOT of time with these things, so it's natural that we want it all. Regular people on the other hand want to check Facebook and use Spotify. Throw the whole kitchen sink into the OS and people will get confused and get an iPhone, or simply stop using it for what it is or could be. Remember that we are the minority here. Android is a mainstream OS that is meant for regular people and should be simple to use, but advanced under the hood (so people like us can play with it).
If you take a closer look at KitKat, you'll notice that Google have made some tiny changes, like the arrow on the lock screen that tells you that if you drag the arrow up, you'll open Google Now. Also notice the camera icon on the lock screen. Tap it and it'll move a little - like a hint for people that you can slide it to open the camera. Google understands that people need guidance and not hidden shortcuts and more gestures. We may know about all the features and easter eggs, but that's because we're actively looking for them. People in general are not.
My point is, people don't care. WE, the geeks are the minority and not the main group of people OEM's are thinking about when they make devices. We, the geeks already have devices that are targeted at us and it's called "Nexus".
/rant
Sent from my C6833 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
maybe but the nexus is an extremely limited device and not something i'd ever consider without google making major changes.
i don't see how something like this would mess up the average user either. i mean if you have a hidden dev options menu you have to unhide, then you have to download supersu and then enable root in dev options.
if someone does all that then they know what they're getting into and must have read some guide to get there. no different to now really.
I think kit all depends on the people who set the first stone for these mobile operating systems. They obviously didn't think of them in the same sense as computer OS, so they just do things in certain ways. And I think from the way the market has evolved, Google hasn't found a reason to incorporate such features into Android because there's no real demand for it. You know how sometimes it doesn't take companies to do certain things, but they just don't do it. (like the freaking battery percentage on Android).
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Why on earth did Google remove Tablet UI?

It makes no sense on a 10-inch tablet.
Frankly, the navbar should be on the side, because that's how you hold it in both portrait and landscape. But at least with the old TabletUI, it was in the corner, which is sort-of to-the-side. Phablet UI on a huge 10-inch tablet just makes no sense to me.
It works just fine for me. Heck, i even used the tablet UI when i had AOKP on it, didn't see the hype, went back to phablet. Same with pie controls.
Everyone likes everything. Any change made is always going to please one and displease another.
---------- Post added at 02:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------
It works just fine for me. Heck, i even used the tablet UI when i had AOKP on it, didn't see the hype, went back to phablet. Same with pie controls.
Everyone likes everything. Any change made is always going to please one and displease another.
fredryk said:
Phablet UI on a huge 10-inch tablet just makes no sense to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They did this to unify the Android experience. I think this was an important step. With KitKat, every app can hide the navbar if need be. I think this is a good compromise, at least in the long run.
(The N10 has this feature too, right?)
philosopher09 said:
They did this to unify the Android experience. I think this was an important step. With KitKat, every app can hide the navbar if need be. I think this is a good compromise, at least in the long run.
(The N10 has this feature too, right?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate not havind tablet UI. I find Phablet mode annoying. It is one of the biggest reasons I root and mod, then I can custom my UI the way I like. If google were run with half a brain they would understand the importance of being able to customize the user experience but they have proven their inability to manage responsibility just with their lack of announcements allowing potential customers to plan ahead, so I expect ignorance on a colossal scale when dealing with any sort of reliability or customer service issues when it comes to this giant waste of potential we call Google.
philosopher09 said:
They did this to unify the Android experience. I think this was an important step. With KitKat, every app can hide the navbar if need be. I think this is a good compromise, at least in the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It they want to better unify the Android experience I wish they would do it by adding features to the phone (auto rotate quick setting, option to select the channel when using the volume buttons) instead of taking useful things away from the tablet!
In my opinion, the only thing potentially out of place is the nav bar buttons positions. Being in the centre makes it a bit hard to reach if you are holding your tablet with both hands. Which is why I have the ability to reposition the buttons in my custom ROM... other than that, I love the unified UI... I always hated the old tablet UI...
When i had Xoom on 4.1.2 I couldn't wait to get the phablet mode that was introduced in 4.2. When I got it in my hands I really liked it, specially the two notification bars (one for notifications and one for settings). Then I got Nexus 10 and never willed to have the tablet UI back, as I really enjoyed this one. However the only thing that I really disliked in KitKat update was the settings app! I think it's important to unify android now, as we're talking about many devices worldwide, but leave tablet stuff for tablets and phone stuff for phones!
If you don't like the UI you can flash a custom ROM and bring it back I believe.
sad news for many...
A lot of people on a Google+ Paranoid Android thread upset about this.
conan1600 said:
I hate not havind tablet UI. I find Phablet mode annoying. It is one of the biggest reasons I root and mod, then I can custom my UI the way I like. If google were run with half a brain they would understand the importance of being able to customize the user experience but they have proven their inability to manage responsibility just with their lack of announcements allowing potential customers to plan ahead, so I expect ignorance on a colossal scale when dealing with any sort of reliability or customer service issues when it comes to this giant waste of potential we call Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't agree with much of this. If it was as you say then you would not be able to ever modify anything. The reason you were able to root and do your modifications is because Google does listen and releases source code for android. They could keep it closed. Then people could kiss their Roms goodbye. People that modify, root, and change their phones are still in the minority. Sure if you come here it will seem like everyone does, but in truth we are a small minority. My son is the only person besides myself that I personally know that roots. So what Google is trying to do is create a uniform look and experience. They are trying to get developers to follow the model. Android is still basically new, but has come a long way. If they get enough requests they may bring the feature back. But if not, I am sure it will continue to evolve.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
a heads-up would be respectful...
It's hard to disagree with conan1600's suggestion that some type of changelog prior to upgrades would be extremely helpful.
Bigralphn said:
I can't agree with much of this. If it was as you say then you would not be able to ever modify anything. The reason you were able to root and do your modifications is because Google does listen and releases source code for android. They could keep it closed. Then people could kiss their Roms goodbye. People that modify, root, and change their phones are still in the minority. Sure if you come here it will seem like everyone does, but in truth we are a small minority. My son is the only person besides myself that I personally know that roots. So what Google is trying to do is create a uniform look and experience. They are trying to get developers to follow the model. Android is still basically new, but has come a long way. If they get enough requests they may bring the feature back. But if not, I am sure it will continue to evolve.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply by taking options away invalidated your beliefs. That I can modify my tablet is not an issue regardles of google. All locked bootloader tablets are eventually broken. But Google makes you do it this way. Add features and make defaults but NEVER take features people like. Also it wouldn't be hard for google to easily say, hey guys we are going to refresh this or that device, or we are not would show common courtesy. Google or most other big brands know nothing of customer appreciation.
Apple and Microsoft frequently remove features when they upgrade. In fact I have seldom seen any Of that doesn't remove something in an upgrade. Sometimes they are added back, but more often than not it never is. There are always people that are upset when this happens but they hope that most are happy with what they have improved or added. Windows does this over and over. There are things I miss also in this version. One is tablet mode. But for me it is not a deal breaker. And yes, unlocking a device allows you to modify the device, but if the Operating System can't be modified like Google allows by providing AOSP then all your tweaks can't happen. Android is to phones like Linux is to PC. Apple and Microsoft do not allow the flexibility. I understand your frustration, we all hate losing things we use. Like I said, I am not real happy about losing tablet mode. I just do not think Google is terrible like you say. I see steady performance improvement and a desire to added useful features. Are they perfect? Hardly, but they are trying.
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---------- Post added at 05:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:24 AM ----------
Bigralphn said:
Apple and Microsoft frequently remove features when they upgrade. In fact I have seldom seen any Of that doesn't remove something in an upgrade. Sometimes they are added back, but more often than not it never is. There are always people that are upset when this happens but they hope that most are happy with what they have improved or added. Windows does this over and over. There are things I miss also in this version. One is tablet mode. But for me it is not a deal breaker. And yes, unlocking a device allows you to modify the device, but if the Operating System can't be modified like Google allows by providing AOSP then all your tweaks can't happen. Android is to phones like Linux is to PC. Apple and Microsoft do not allow the flexibility. I understand your frustration, we all hate losing things we use. Like I said, I am not real happy about losing tablet mode. I just do not think Google is terrible like you say. I see steady performance improvement and a desire to added useful features. Are they perfect? Hardly, but they are trying.
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I also wanted to add that Google didn't decide what devices get updated. In fact Kitkat was specifically designed so more device could handle updates. It is the carrier/device manufacturer that decides that. Google sends them the updated system then it is up to them to modify source and prepare it for the device. Luckily we have some great ROM makers who are capable of doing this themselves.
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openness...
The Open Source Project was a brilliant business decision which has been hugely successful in accomplishing what Google has referred to as ''our most important goal... widespread adoption of the software....'' They go on to say, ''Openness is vital to the long-term success of a platform, since openness is required to attract investment from developers.... to make sure there would always be an open platform available for carriers, OEMs, and developers to use to make their innovative ideas a reality.''
Has Android succeeded at attracting the creativity of developers? For sure. And I'm glad they have... Android is awesome that way! But let's not forget that Android's openess was born of a business decision, to attract not only developers but end-users as well.
Google: ''We also wanted to make sure there was no central point of failure, so no single industry player could restrict or control the innovations of any other.''
I'd like that to include allowing Paranoid Android to continue using Tablet UI to give us a more tablet-friendly environment... and, for that matter, CM to be free to introduce MultiWindows without facing a dictator's wrath. CM's MultiWindows would be kick-ass on the Nexus 10!
conan1600 said:
...Add features and make defaults but NEVER take features people like. Also it wouldn't be hard for google to easily say, hey guys we are going to refresh this or that device, or we are not would show common courtesy. Google or most other big brands know nothing of customer appreciation.
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Click to collapse
It's encouraging to see Google emphasize tablet apps more in the Play Store, but discouraging to see them de-emphasize tablets in Android itself... especially when it's a surprise. Google could be a lot more 'open' about what they've done... at the time they release Android updates.
I assume, conan1600, when you talk about Google refreshing devices, you're talking about it's own Nexus brand. I guess that's kind of obvious since this is a Nexus thread. Also, I read you as wanting to hold Google to its own standards of openness, not to the low bar set by Microsoft and Apple.
If I understand you right, it's not enough to say there are worse tyrants... we love Android precisely because it promises freedom from tyranny.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
'The people of Spain in the 1930s would have taken no solace in hearing that Franco wasn't as bad as Mussolini or Hitler.'
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
fredryk said:
It makes no sense on a 10-inch tablet.
Frankly, the navbar should be on the side, because that's how you hold it in both portrait and landscape. But at least with the old TabletUI, it was in the corner, which is sort-of to-the-side. Phablet UI on a huge 10-inch tablet just makes no sense to me.
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conan1600 said:
I hate not havind tablet UI. I find Phablet mode annoying. It is one of the biggest reasons I root and mod, then I can custom my UI the way I like. If google were run with half a brain they would understand the importance of being able to customize the user experience but they have proven their inability to manage responsibility just with their lack of announcements allowing potential customers to plan ahead, so I expect ignorance on a colossal scale when dealing with any sort of reliability or customer service issues when it comes to this giant waste of potential we call Google.
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I could not agree more.
Found this while searching for tabletui options for the nexus 7.
I guess this is it with android. By moving everything to closed source and removing features like tabletui, Google is showing itself to be just as bad, if not worse than others.
With baytrail win8 tablets landing, I would say this might be a costly mistake for Google.
I love my android phone, but if Google declared war on tablets, then I will leave ... And it looks like I won't be the only one.
midnite_blue said:
I assume, conan1600, when you talk about Google refreshing devices, you're talking about it's own Nexus brand. I guess that's kind of obvious since this is a Nexus thread. Also, I read you as wanting to hold Google to its own standards of openness, not to the low bar set by Microsoft and Apple.
If I understand you right, it's not enough to say there are worse tyrants... we love Android precisely because it promises freedom from tyranny.
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
'The people of Spain in the 1930s would have taken no solace in hearing that Franco wasn't as bad as Mussolini or Hitler.'
***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This goes far beyond simple decisions such as tablet UI. It is the demeanor of Google in taking Tablet UI that does show their direction of thinking though. Android was freedom, it was different than cookie cutter icrap.
Yes I am talking about nexus. It makes no sence whatsoever to refrain from at least making loyal customers aware if they should continue to wait on our chosen favorite devices. However I do not consider this high standards at all but simple common sense. By being so introverted they have driven me and several loyal nexus fans into the arms of others on both the 7 and 10 inch lines. Its not specs or trade secrets we are looking for but simply is there going to be another one or should I look elsewhere. But so many companies have become so large and powerful they dont even care about pissing a few thousand off with rudeness. And then there are the fan boys who defend bad business practices. Secrecy is one thing. Stupidity is another.
I came to android because I felt trapped by Apple and Itunes. As you can see by my sig I like android, and those are just the devices I personally used. This household has 5 times that many devices. Lately though I see Google forcing Google plus on me, i see google messing up youtube comments, I see Google making decisions about a few killobyte lines of code that could easily be defaulted rather than done away with, I see Google being closed mouthed about simple things such as if there will even be a new nexus tablet in a timely manner, and I see Google forgetting why we, the customer, made them great. the first page of a google search is almost entirely adds now. Over all I have been a Google backer, however I find myself pulling away from the monstrosity that I once saw as a bright and more transparent company than Apple or Amazon.
So yes Microsoft is becoming more appealing to me again. At least they had the decency to say, hey we took a butt kicken on surface rt but you can count on us making a surface 2. People knew they would get a refresh and could easily decide if they wanted to wait on it or buy from another company.
I most likely will stay with Android this year but Nexus has lost me simply because of the unreliability of the parent company and its inability to show courtesy. Fortunately other manufacturers of Android tablets are as yet not so crazy.
Another great invention by Matias Duarte?
Like the non rotating portrait UI on the Nexus 7...
I think the guy should really GTFO.
Cholo981 said:
Another great invention by Matias Duarte?
Like the non rotating portrait UI on the Nexus 7...
I think the guy should really GTFO.
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Yes I miss the days of how fast, beautiful, and functional GIngerbread was. Come on man.
Greg Tolan said:
Yes I miss the days of how fast, beautiful, and functional GIngerbread was. Come on man.
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Dude, we are basically coming back to gingerbread, without the tablet UI...
Everything come after ICS in terms of interface, was worst. IMHO.
They wanted the experience to be the same across all of their devices. I personally prefer the tablet UI on a ten inch screen, but whatcha gonna do? Still beats a physical home button!
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Cholo981 said:
Dude, we are basically coming back to gingerbread, without the tablet UI...
Everything come after ICS in terms of interface, was worst. IMHO.
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Click to collapse
There have been a lot of what people argue are missteps (these generally being wildly up in the air; even the tablet vs. unified layout debate rages on months later), but a wealth of subtler improvements that take us far and beyond Gingerbread. The comparison is juvenile at best, both at an aesthetic level (Holo has been refined significantly since Ice Cream Sandwich, and the new "Cards" style UI is starting to come into favor) and at a performance level (Project Butter and Project Svelte, among other things).

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