I guess this subject might need some explaining.
My parents are going on a trip in a month and they have there heart set on taking a smartphone with them.
What they need is being able to call, text and mail.
They also want to be able to use it as a backup (just in case) for finding their way. So just in case they get lost to find out where they are on their map or use the gps to guide them for a little while.
So basically, calling, sms, mail and gps.
They don't need to be able to change a lot of settings.
So, I was thinking about installing their (yet to buy) smartphone with a simple home screen and the settigs they would need.
To keep them from accidentally messing anything up, I was wondering if it is possible to password protect settings and stuff.
So, does anyone have an idea on:
-how to protect settings etc.
-a good homescreen
-other things like very simple gps app for example
...
I know it's a lot, but any help is much appreciated.
Bada? Much easier than android...
But why do you think, they'll mess up settings?
I was just thinking that if they happen to end up in a settings screen or something they don't know,they might press something wrong.
But on the other hand... I just have to tell them to press the home or back button in such an event.
About bada... I feel stupid now,but i didn't know about it.
The reason for android was that I have an android phone and would at least be able to offer some remote assistance if necessary...
I saw the samsung gt s5560 or something today ... That interface lookes rather simple,maybe I should take a look at that.
Thanks already,more ideas are always welcome ;-)
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
'app lock' can password protect apps and settings from being opened. It's free on the market and works well.
I wouldn't password protect settings, that way they can turn GPS on and off as needed without running it constantly.
Google maps/nav should work fine. Set up a simple toggle widget on their screen, I suggest Widgetsoid, but there are others. Tell them what the settings do, or in Widgetsoid turn labels on. Flashing a rom with notification toggles built in would help, since they could directly turn on/off GPS and data without being taken to settings screens.
I would also install a launcher that will allow you to lock the home screen so they can't accidentally delete the widgets/shortcuts you've set up for them. Never used it myself but I believe ADW launcher can lock the home screen but there must by others.
I can confirm that adw ex allows you to lock the homsecreen, so nothing can be changed. If you buy a phone with touchwiz, then you can lock settings and use quicktoggles in the notification bar. I can't live without them now. On a side note:widgets could possibly simplify the homsecreen.
App lock and ADW are good ideas (I actually use adw on my tablet).GPS widget on home screen can be very usefull too. Thanks for all the sugestions already!
I got a mail yesterday that they have seen some smartphones they seemed to like. I don't really know them myself except that there's only one android phone (if my web search is correct off course)
The phones they saw:
Nokia lumia 710
Nokia lumia 800
(those are WP7.5 I think)
Samsung galaxy+
(only android in the list as far as I could tell)
Samsung galaxy wave III S8600
(This one is BADA I think)
So I might just wait for what they decide to do, a first look at them on the web seemed to sugest that they're all fine for what they're looking for. They all seem to have the possibility to use gps with some (free) maps as a backup and off course sending mail.
Sent from my SK17i using XDA
Related
Hey,
I got the MOTOROLA FLIPOUT, but I think that this might be of importance to all Android users (with phones that have a physical keyboard):
When slide out the keyboard (or flip out, in my case), the screen unlocks. Very good. But it does not lock back again when you close it. That is of course wanted for some people, maybe the majority, maybe not, but I think that you should have at least the possibility to choose that when you slide the keyboard back into the phone, it locks. That would be extremely handy if all you want to do is a quick check of something (new mails, sms, etc.), and then put the phone back into your pocket, without the need to find and press the power button.
This is what you can essentially do with folding phones, like the Motorola RAZR, and thousands of others. You quickly flip open the phone, have a quick glance, then close it back again, all in 2 seconds if you're good.
So essentially, what I wanted to know is:
Is there a feature already built-in I'm missing, is there an app, free or paid, or is there a hack that would allow me to have the phone automatically locked when the keyboard in slid back in?
Thanks in advance!
Jake
I have been looking for this for ages!
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Screen tools 2 in the market. Does this and more. Works greta
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Any alternatives? Screen Tools 2 isn't working on my Xperia Play on 2.3.3 (rooted).
@asdfX02
(Same problem with Xperia Pro 2.3.4) ;-(
I have been digging a bit, and it seems like it would be a very simple app for a rooted phone, but not so for a non rooted one, as you get an exception when attempting to lock through the power manager.
Found it...
There is a tiny free app (33K) that can do it!!
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.hatcyl.android.ScreenTools2
So silly me for not being able to find it.... And mistakenly think that Root was needed. the "Device administrator" privileges for the app is enough.
Hi,
I did the root from InDirect, everything's fine, had the OTA update from B&N come down so spent another chunk of time watching the video on how to redo everything and block the sucker to get old device manager. So in theory I'm good to go. P.S. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'd bake you guys some cookies (well buy some, I'm not a domestic goddess) if I could. I'm a rooting noob and know how much I owe to you guys.
A few things have popped up and there seems to be a bunch of threads but none that help in a clear cut way that my kinda newbie brain understands (or maybe my sleep deprived brain is gaining on me). If you all don't mind pointing me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it.
Problem 1: Google frameworks process error causing a force close window on start up. Yep, I know there are a bunch of threads for this but what do I actually need to do? Replace something? I saw mention of some files (which are in their respective folder).
Problem 2: I kind of like the stock keyboard and would either like it back or something similar. Is there a keyboard you all recommend?
Problem 3: When I go into setting > keyboard the darn thing throws a force close error (com.android.settings). I know people have been getting the same thing and it fixed itself with the darn OTA update but I killed that and now I'm back to square one with the keyboard setting issue - namely I can't set anything.
Problem 4: I have a few google calendars in my google account and on the calendar app I only see one color tag when I view the calendar but when I go to the agenda view on the calendar app I see my other different color coded calendar listings. Why the heck can't I see it in a normal 31 day calendar view with all my calendar color tags?
Question: How can I tell if I have access to all the storage on the device which rooting gives me and which app is the best way to utilize it?
Question: Is there some kind of task killer for running apps on my rooted tablet or should I leave it alone?
Question: How do I "thank" someone for their post?
I promise I've been poking around and I'm not some super lazy a-hole who doesn't want to try and look for things. I was part computer science in college (a combo of computer science and art) so I'm not a complete programming moron though this is the first gadget I've bought and tinkered with.
Basically I'd like to know if I can fix these issues instead of rooting for the millionth time when I inadvertently really mess things up.
Thanks dudes!
Dawn
1. ignore for now
2. recommend swiftkey or swype
3. use the hidden settings app and choose accessibility
4. try third party contacts app like go contacts
5. go to calender app, hit menu button, more, calender and check to see all your calenders are there and if not, add them
a. root access allows you to transfer files to b&n partition
b. i dont use task killers
c. thanks button below if you are using a browser
i can has cookies?
I too was getting the force close message when trying to access my keyboard settings after rooting using Indirect's method. I absolutely hated the autocomplete on the new keyboard and wanted to turn it off, but I just couldn't get to the keyboard settings at first (even with the hidden settings app--it still force closed). A couple of days ago, I installed the Anycut app to help with another problem, and while using it to create a shortcut for an activity, I scrolled past "android keyboard settings" in the list of choices. Once I created a shortcut for android keyboard settings, I was able to go in and change things to suit me (adios annoying autocomplete!). I don't know if this will help with any of your problems, but you did mention you were having trouble accessing your keyboard settings...good luck!
most keyboards have a button to access their settings. you just gotta find it.
On the gingerbread keyboard in the root method to change settings:
- long press on the , and then slide up/over to the settings icon that pops up. This should bring up a menu to make keyboard changes.
- you will find that a number of the keys have long-press options.
~ G
Thanks for the tips. Much simpler than my accidental Anycut fix! Wish I had known earlier--I spent hours fiddling with everything but the simplest fix on Xmas day!
Seems like the correct place for this:
Anyone know of a ROM or program that will allow me to set it up so that she has limited access to programs/system?
Perhaps a launcher I can lock down such that it only shows her games and gallery video player, camera, etc.?
I figure I will use Button Remapper to deactivate the search/home/menu/back buttons (otherwise she will accidentally hit them when watching a video or playing a game).
Not sure what to do about the soft buttons---she needs to be able to access menus and go back somehow.
Oh, she is 3. She uses it all the time and loves the games I put on there, but the issues above need to be resolved before it is practical for her to use. It has been gathering a lot of dust since I got my new phone, and she really wants to have her own computer...
Any other ideas are welcome too of course.
Thanks
iamjakecali said:
Seems like the correct place for this:
Anyone know of a ROM or program that will allow me to set it up so that she has limited access to programs/system?
Perhaps a launcher I can lock down such that it only shows her games and gallery video player, camera, etc.?
I figure I will use Button Remapper to deactivate the search/home/menu/back buttons (otherwise she will accidentally hit them when watching a video or playing a game).
Not sure what to do about the soft buttons---she needs to be able to access menus and go back somehow.
Oh, she is 3. She uses it all the time and loves the games I put on there, but the issues above need to be resolved before it is practical for her to use. It has been gathering a lot of dust since I got my new phone, and she really wants to have her own computer...
Any other ideas are welcome too of course.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To recommend a rom that would satisfy both her needs and yours I would look towards a 2.2 froyo based rom, any of them would do but for perfomance for games and working camera I would go with Beasty.
To be able to lock certain system settings and apps you can look into a face lock app from the market. There are numerous free versions to try out, but one you find the one thqts works right for your needs suggest purchase version for more options.
In a similar situation...handing down the tablet to my nephews and niece. They really want to be able to video chat. Are there any HC/ICS based ROMs that have the camera working? I've been away too long and haven't kept up with dev. Hoping someone can help me narrow down the search.
TIA!
Guys, Can I pls get your help for the below issues I have with my Sony Tablet S
I cant seem to "close"recently used apps', even after completely shutting down & disconnecting power. Its like I want to "delete browsing history" on a PC
I cant seem to log-out of Gmail at all as I can't see an option to do so.
The remote control learner does not learn at all, inspite of following all instructions. I have a Pioneer Amp to control music, but I've had no luck. After some research I've found out that the tablet can only learn from some models post 2011. Is this true?
I also have an Onkyo reciever for which I've downloaded the andriod app. This works well, but the app inevitably starts with the wrong orientation - inspite of my best efforts to hold the tab in the correct direction in which the app opened the last time. (It seems to rotate regardless)
I have no other issues such as force close or auto dimming as per my understanding of the most frequent issues on this forum
Thanks for your help guys. I really need it. Cheers
You could use "Advanced Task Killer free ( Or pro )
If you close an app does not mean it really shuts down but it wil stay there in memory,
The Task Killer will terminate all running apps.
Gmail is always running unless you uncheck the auto synchronize with Gmail,
you can find that in Settings / Accounts if that's what you meant.
I have several IR devices and i choose them from the device list no problems at all some actions didn't work well so I had to learn it from my remote control that worked fine to.
Orientation is a known issue but if you have your tablet rooted you could use a rotation app which requires root access something like full rotation i quess can't remember.
Don't mind my English
The novice said:
Guys, Can I pls get your help for the below issues I have with my Sony Tablet S
The remote control learner does not learn at all, inspite of following all instructions. I have a Pioneer Amp to control music, but I've had no luck. After some research I've found out that the tablet can only learn from some models post 2011. Is this true?
Thanks for your help guys. I really need it. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have learned my tablet remotes from Dreambox 800HD (digitalbox for cable) and from my Harman Kardon AVR255 EU (reciever) and both are pre 2011. I also got it to work with a tv and digitalbox when I was visiting my father in the US. Can't remember the models though, but no problems with the remote. The tv in US was an old "fat-tv" not the new flat-tv
Honeycomb has no built-in method of killing apps at user request and for a good reason: Android does a better job itself. If Android needs to kill an app, it will do so, so you don't need to do it yourself. As for clearing history and the like, thats a bit trickier, but the stock Browser does include Incognito tabs for private browsing.
Gmail, on the other hand cannot be logged out of unless you go into Settings -> Accounts & Sync and either turn off Gmail sync (which still leaves you signed in, but not updating) or simply delete the Google Account. Gmail's not really made to be signed in or out of regularly.
As for your problems with the IR, thats definitely not the case and whatever your problems are, they're relatively isolated. Can you give us more detail on what you've tried and what happens when you do so?
With your Onkyo app, that almost invariably means that the developer has not included landscape support. If there is no landscape option for an app, it will force rotate to portrait, or vice versa if the app doesn't have portrait support. If you're sure they have, make sure that the Auto-Rotate Screen in your Settings toggles is set to On and if it still doesnt work, email the developer and let them know. Could be an isolated issue.
The question was not how to kill apps the question was how to delete recently opened apps and I have this question too. It seems there is no way.
Where are you finding these recently closed apps? As far as I knew Honeycomb didn't have any equivalent of the pre-3.0 "hold home button" dialog. The multitasking button in the bottom left shows running, paused and killed apps together, so there is no way to differentiate between recently used and closed apps, and recently used but still running apps.
maybe this helps
Schrammi said:
The question was not how to kill apps the question was how to delete recently opened apps and I have this question too. It seems there is no way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont know about honeycomb cause i never tried this on it but on ics u can drag the apps out of the recently opened apps drawer and it disappears... try it... maybe it helps... or u can wait for the ics update to help u get rid of this issue....
Yes on ICS. But ICS came out last night us only for the moment. And with he there is no way.
bassir.masood said:
dont know about honeycomb cause i never tried this on it but on ics u can drag the apps out of the recently opened apps drawer and it disappears... try it... maybe it helps... or u can wait for the ics update to help u get rid of this issue....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As Schrammi said, that is a new ICS feature and on Honeycomb, the only way to clear apps from the multitasking panel is to reboot (which will also end the app, obviously)
I have a Samsung Galaxy S Showcase/Fascinate, ie the i500 model Galaxy S from Ntelos.
I no longer live within signal and have since shut down service. I primarily use it for games, music, and books now, and as such, there are a lot of systems I no longer use on this phone.
I have bricked it, so I had to reflash and re-root stock rom. I have removed a few things with Droid Manager, such as the always-on and can-not-force-close voice services, which I never use anyway.
Here's a list of things I want to do with this phone, but don't know what needs changed to do it:
Replace system lock screen with the Go Locker app. By replace, I mean that every time I reboot my phone the system lock screen (drag glass blah blah) shows, then my z.halo Go Locker lock screen shows. Quite annoying.
My phone is ALWAYS searching for SVC. Big drain on battery life. I fixed it with airplane mode...but...eh. This phone will never be used as a telephone again, so I don't need it to be searching for towers. I need to use WiFi, though. Don't want to mess that one up.
I need to know exactly what system APKs can be removed from this stock rom, because they are taking up space. I don't know what half of them do, so I don't touch them for the most part. That path leads to bricking, which leads to me bashing my head against a brick wall.
Same as with the stock lock screen interfering with my lock screen app, I want to replace (permanently) the stock launcher with Go Launcher EX. I have the feeling that Go Launcher is operating on top of twlauncher, which just uses up more processor power. Just deleting the APK from the system...is a bad idea. Did that once. It lead to bricking somehow. Not really sure how though.
That's all I really want to do.
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you.