I am working with a developer to create an app that is primarily based on PDFs. The app consists of navigation structure and tags that allow a user to find a specific pdf they are looking for. The question I have is, how do users expect an app to handle a PDF?
We can use an open source PDF viewer like APV PDF and keep the pdfs within the app, but most of the open source readers I tested were slow and lacked features like pinch to zoom. The other option is to use a pdf intent and allow the user to choose a pdf reader on their device. My only concern with this is the confusion of moving between the core app and the pdf app. Especially when some pdf apps have their own action bar that would take the user back to the PDF app home.
Without spending the money on a special PDF API, are there any best practices for handling a situation like this? Will most users realize they are leaving the app and can just hit back to return to the app?
Any feedback on this situation would be very helpful.
Related
I like this app simply for its ability to add book marks. For some reason, other readers lacked this. (at least pdf readers).
I'd like to be able to categorize the books and pdfs I have on my tab. I can add new categories easily enough, but when I try to add books and pdfs, the application puts them under the default category and I can't for the life of me figure out how to move them elsewhere. Anyone use this app and know how to do this?
Calibre, calibre, calibre. Best program bar none for organizing, converting, categorizing e-books, and its free. Don't think there is an android app yet, but you can use it with Android devices:
http://manual.calibre-ebook.com/faq.html#how-do-i-use-app-with-my-android-phone
Ok so I'm curious to know what everyone is using their TFP's for at uni/college or work? are you using certain apps for notes or apps for other work, such as photoshop touch ect, list your top 3 most used apps when at work or uni/college
OneNote - Note taking & syncing with OneNote on the PC at home
RepliGo Reader - viewing and editing large PDFs
DropBox - syncing files in general
Honourable mention - HY Reader - best CHM reader for my medical textbooks (I've tested all the CHM reader's on the market, HY reader is probably the simplest to use that displays all the CHM files with correct formatting)
For Work:
--> Better Terminal Emulator Pro (BTEP).
--> jTalk.
--> The built in email client.
BTEP gives me a good terminal and until recently was the only one able to support the keybindings I want (the open source Terminal Emulator can now do that). It has bash, (d)ash, busybox, and dropbear built in but generally I use it with a Debian chroot. That gives me all the local utility of my work station and our development server, while trading raw power (Dual Xeons > Tegra family) for a decent battery. I typically work using OpenSSH and tmux on my system, although any SSH client and screen on the development server would work just fine.
jTalk let's me connect to the local XMPP server and has grown into a reasonable client. Something that apps like eBuddy can't do. This saves me from running pidgin on my work station and missing IMs from co-workers, just 'cuz I use my transformer for most of my job ^_^.
The built in email client because my company uses Microsoft Exchange for the core e-mail system, and I prefer the account sync + push over polling the bloody things IMAP interface. I could also always use mutt or nail locally via that IMAP interface or the web interface in a browser, but I prefer the Android client.
Worth mentioning:
For notes: I use Flick Note and a Simplenote account but intend to replace Flick Note with a custom written client, because it's gotten to be less usable as the "Tablet" support has been introduced.
For files: I use OpenSSH's scp command and Dropbox (workstation set to only sync folders suited for work though).
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
I'm not using it for the uni/collogue but one of my favorite Apps and even would be in that usecasse JotterPad HD.
A great minimalistic text editor with useful features like undo/redo keyboard shortcuts and a timeline for the last 10 versions of a document as well as .txt and pdf export.
http://2ndclasscitizen.com/2ndcc/
I have used and like OfficeSuite Pro
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mobisystems.editor.office_registered
Splashtop HD
ES file explorer(with dropbox)
Polaris office/ezPDF
repligo reader
Quickoffice
Xspeed player (plays my lecture podcasts at 2x)
Sent from my Galaxy S2
I find Mindjet to be a really great app for taking notes for classes that involve many different things that are all interconnected, which is basically all of my education courses.
Jorte is usually my go-to scheduler, but I'm liking Business Calendar more and more, especially their re-sizable and scrollable widget.
Astrid 4.0 Beta (only found here: http://blog.astrid.com/astrid-4-0-beta-tablet-ux-anyone/) is the same Astrid tasks I love, but with a tablet optimized UI! If it only had a scrollable, re-sizable widget (even in the paid Power Pack) then it would be a home run.
Uni:
1. Supernote - greatest app. Just waiting for good stylus.
2. Polaris office - best office., and built in
3. Asus webstorage - 8gb for ever ever ever
ezPDF Reader for reading and annotating PDF (especially useful since my lecture notes come in PDF)
Kingsoft Office for reading and simple editing of Office files
Dropbox for sending project files across different devices
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Camera - Capturing powerpoint slides so I don't have to take notes.
Jorte - Excellent calendar widget so I can keep on top of my assignments.
Currents - Helping me keep my sanity through long boring lectures by giving me interesting things to read.
No note taking apps or office software. Taking notes on a tablet will never compare to the feeling of pen on paper. Typing notes is just a big no.
I mainly just use my dock for god tier battery life and usb/sd... although I do type the occasional project on it.
AndSMB - Android Samba client
ezPDF - probably the best PDF reader
OneNote - still in infancy, but allows me access to all my notebooks; I find it useful when talking to my colleagues, when I want to show them some results - it is easier to do it on a tablet than on my rather heavy laptop
Repligo Reader
Dropbox
Repligo reader does a better job rendering pdfs that have been converted from Word files than does ezpdf. However, Repligo Reader still has some weaknesses. For example, every stickynote created in Repligo Reader has the author property "Repligo Reader." It does not allow the actual author to set the author property!
Dropbox is great for accessing the same version of my files across my desktop machine, my laptop, my prime, and my phone.
Evernote, Dropbox, and something to use Windows Remote Desktop (splashtop, VNC, etc.)
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Quick office HD is supposed to be the best office app for android, but they haven't made it compatible with the Prime yet. Other than that you could just use Polaris to make drafts.
The google cloud print is also useful for printing to network printers, but the computers on the network need to have Chrome.
There is also Blackboard mobile learn if your uni uses blackboard.
I'm mainly just using my prime for doing drafts of assignments and recording lectures when I have an early lecture and cannot fight the urge to sleep. But stuff like formulate pro and the periodic tale app would be useful too. All my lecture slides are released in PDFs so the Adobe reader is useful.
Does anyone know of a way of printing to non-wireless network printers, not using a browser?
langov3 said:
Quick office HD is supposed to be the best office app for android, but they haven't made it compatible with the Prime yet. Other than that you could just use Polaris to make drafts.
The google cloud print is also useful for printing to network printers, but the computers on the network need to have Chrome.
There is also Blackboard mobile learn if your uni uses blackboard.
I'm mainly just using my prime for doing drafts of assignments and recording lectures when I have an early lecture and cannot fight the urge to sleep. But stuff like formulate pro and the periodic tale app would be useful too. All my lecture slides are released in PDFs so the Adobe reader is useful.
Does anyone know of a way of printing to non-wireless network printers, not using a browser?
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Quick Office HD work on the Prime if you buy it from Amazon Appstore
So I have tested pretty much I'd say 97% of the office suite apps available for Android. I'm surprised by the fact that almost none support editing with the pen. Unless I am doing something wrong?
The only one I could get to edit via the pen was Polaris Office. However, after making changes and opening it up in Word 2010 the handwriting was there but fragmented so wasn't legible.
My goal is to be able to open up a document residing in Dropbox on the tablet, make changes so others can open up on PC and view. Have not been successful as of yet.
Anyone have luck with doing it another way? I haven't tried OnLive Desktop yet but not sure it allows the proper access.
**Edit....guess I should mention what I was originally trying to do was put my signature on a Word document so someone else could print it out of Dropbox instead of me having to print it and sign manually.
None of the office apps on the market has built in pen or signature function. You could make a note, save it as an image and paste it in. There are some PDF apps that have signature capability .
DigitalMD said:
None of the office apps on the market has built in pen or signature function. You could make a note, save it as an image and paste it in. There are some PDF apps that have signature capability .
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That is too bad. I know that ezPDF has added pen integration in. Guess I could convert the .doc to .pdf and then annotate if need be. Like I posted earlier Polaris Office did let me write on it and would work as long as I continued to view it on the tablet. Word is finding errors in the doc once opened but not sure why that is.
Signing an electronic document
The flyer comes with pdf viewer which allows you to electronically sign a document. Convert your word document to pdf and sign it with your pen through pdf viewer.
dbrich said:
The flyer comes with pdf viewer which allows you to electronically sign a document. Convert your word document to pdf and sign it with your pen through pdf viewer.
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Click to collapse
I can do that via ezPDF as well but was hoping for the ability to markup a Word document & save back into DB so a PC user could then open in Word and view the markups/signature and keep it editable. Since most users don't have anything besides Adobe Reader on their PC the pdf would have to be converted back again and would probably lose the formatting.
Oh well....dare to dream.
This might work for you. Works with Evernote / HTC note. I have not tried it.
RightSignature
http://ub.rightsignature.com/en8/
I do not think it is free
http://knoji.com/rightsignature-review-and-promo-coupon-code/
Here is an interesting article that basically points out that a document signed as you are attempting cannot be validated .
http://www.investintech.com/resources/articles/electronicsignatures/
Actually, the latest version of Adobe Reader allows you to create and add signatures to .pdf documents quite easily.
I thought I would share a productivity idea. Any ideas to expand on it or alternate more productive ideas are welcome.
Last night my wife started rattling off %^$^ for me to do today (Saturday) and it hit me: Write it down with the S-Pen. That set me on a journey to make this idea productive.
This is the result: In settings, I setup the Page Buddy and S-Pen to allow an "S Memo" popup to open on page Buddy whenever I extract the S Pen. This way I can instantly take notes as fast as possible. I realized the notes are saved in a proprietary file format (forget what it is - but its worthless if you want to access the note file anywhere other than the GN2). I then discovered Evernote which allows syncing of notes across platforms such as the GN2, desktop, tablet, etc.
SO, the workflow is to pull out the S Pen, write the notes, then select "share via" under the menu key, select PDF, then select Evernote. Done. Your note is now a PDF file saved under Evernote and synced across devices. Please note - you cannot use the "sync [to Evernote]" option in S Memo because all that will do it sync the actual note to Evernote in its native file format and Evernote cannot open it. You must do the "share via" method.
This seems to be the fastest way I found to take handwritten notes on the GN2 and make the notes available cross-platform.
It would be nice if we could use the S Pen direct into Evernote. Maybe one day.
Anyway thought I would share that wisdom. As I said open to modifications to this idea.
Adam
Thanks for sharing. Can you edit the PDF in Evernote?
I don't use Evernote, and have only given it a quick look. I use Astrid because of the reminders, and the ability to set multiple and periodic reminders for tasks. I just did some searching on the Evernote site and saw that earlier this year they said they are working on adding reminders, and were hoping for a release this year, but didn't have anything more specific. If they can add similar reminder functionality to Evernote, this could be really useful for me.
Thanks for sharing. I use Evernote all the time, and that sounds like one of the best ways to get handwritten S-Note stuff in there right now.
When I had the HTC EVO View with the Scribe pen (pretty much the same thing as the S-Pen, except larger), the native HTC memo app was actually a special version of Evernote. You could log in with your Evernote account and everything synced automatically. It would be nice if Samsung could do something similar to integrate Evernote into S Note.
---------- Post added at 11:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------
You can also share it has an image file to Evernote as well. PDFs don't open in the Evernote app (although opening them in another app really isn't much of a problem), but images do. Just depends on what someone is looking to do.
Hello dear community,
I am looking for this for quite a while.
Is there an app that will allow me to create my own cloud based dictionary? I want to improve my language skills through creating my own dictionary.
The dictionary database has to be editable online (web based), since I would like to be able copy/paste detailed definitions from different web dicts.
And of course a sync-able android app that will allow me to check some words on the go or learn while in the train
"Now" dictionary is getting pretty closer to what I wish for, but it's only available for smartphones and no browsers.
"Anki cards" is cool too, but they focus on the flip-cards learning feature which I don't frankly need. I will be completely happy with a super simple searchable custom dict.
There are some apps that allow to create custom dict file and then upload it to the SD or whatever and use it. But I want to be able to add words constantly (web or on the go)
I'm thinking - there definitely is such an app, its just me who fail to search of it properly so please help )
cheers,
Kalin
Hi there!
I would like to encourage you to check out the Spreadsheet Memo app: http://spreadsheetmemo.com
Spreadsheet Memo is a flashcard-based learning web application (combined with the power of Google Sheets to store your content) that allows you to quickly memorize things.
Flashcards can bear vocabulary, major historical dates, chemical element names, math/physics equations or even types of dinosaurs
Simply put, any subject matter that can be learned via a question-and-answer format.
You can use it for your study, as a preparation tool, knowledge check for one of your exams or to practice new vocabulary.
Sky is the limit!
See more:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReSmwT4O9E (everything you need to know about the Spreadsheet Memo app in one video)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo (news, helpful tips and updates notifications)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpreadsheetMemo
Example Document (updated with every new release; provides the examples of how to use the new Spreadsheet Memo features)
Chrome Web Store: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/spreadsheet-memo/kkanmehahohgnfcncalgknpbnaiaomeb (you can add the Spreadsheet Memo to your Chrome Apps for quick access - this app is free, no ads and no hidden costs)
The main features and the main goals of the Spreadsheet Memo are:
It helps you to memorize things: and it works! Every lesson is composed with two rounds. The goal of the first (initial round) is to check your brain memory's performance (you reveal the answer and subjectively define its difficulty by choosing one of the following: "I knew it" or "I didn't know"). The second round (final round) is to make sure that you have remembered the new or troubling things. The progress of the current round is presented by the progress bars located near the Question/Answer cards.
Ability to use the Google Sheet documents to store your data: with all the benefits of Google documents like sharing, editing, printing, etc.
Compatible with mobile devices: you can use it on your computer but also on all kinds of your mobile devices. You're not bound to one device. So, whenever you've got some spare time, start the new lesson. You just need a web browser!
Multiple documents: you can use as many different documents as you want. All according to your needs! You can even use the Named Ranges feature offered by Google Sheets. This is a very useful way for slicing your Spreadsheet Memo documents to a smaller parts and describe those parts with friendly names.
Responsive: no unnecessary pages loading - clean, quick and simple.
You can add links and images to your content: sometimes the words are just not enough. You can add an image or a link to the internet resources to enrich your content. It could be especially useful when you prefer some additional visualization for being able to remember things quicker and better.
You can enrich your content by using Wiki Markup - supported types are: Text formatting, Indent text, Lists, Sections, External links, Images and YouTube videos.
You can add mathematical equations or formulas using the TeX or AsciiMath notation.
Your documents stay with you: by using the standard Google Sheet documents you're able to review and edit their content even without the Spreadsheet Memo app.
Secure and safe: all of your documents belongs only to you, no personal info is shared or collected, all connections are made with secure https protocol.
No ads or hidden costs: it's all for free!
Your privacy is very important and you have the right to remain anonymous.
The Spreadsheet Memo was build on the foundations provided by Google (Google Apps Script: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/) and uses all the benefits of this platform, such as:
integration with Google services (e.g. Google Sheets)
single sign-on (you don't need to remember yet another login/password. Let the Google manage and provide access to other apps, like the one to the Spreadsheet Memo app)
built-in security, stability, scalability and efficiency
This app uses the Google Authorization. Thus, when first launched, the Spreadsheet Memo will need your authorization to run. You can read more about it here: https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization You don't need to know all about this - the most important info is that your email, login, password or any other personal info will NOT be passed to the Spreadsheet Memo. They will always remain your property.
Your approval of permissions will let the Spreadsheet Memo operate properly and with full capabilities.
And I'm fully aware that all the permissions might look pretty scary at first glance. And that is exactly why I've written all of this - trying my best to make you feel safe and making sure that you are well informed.
So, let me explain those permissions:
View and manage your spreadsheets in Google Drive, View and manage the files in your Google Drive - for being able to find the Spreadsheet Memo documents. This app operates only on Spreadsheet Memo documents, it has no access or even isn't aware of the existence of any other of your Goggle Drive files.
View and manage data associated with the application - for being able to store your preferences using the user properties (those preferences are private and are connected specifically with your Google account)
Allow this application to run when you are not present - for being able to run this app without additional login prompt, when you're already logged into your Goggle account - just to save your time (standard behavior of Google related products)
Know who you are on Google - standard permission to recognize you as a google user (no information is processed or collected)
View your email address, Send email as you: for being able to send you the welcoming mail (with short summary and information about your current Spreadsheet Memo assets). And the best part is that this email will be sent from your account to your account, never leaving your own context. So your email address, as well as your identity, will stay hidden and secure.
And If you don't like this app (something that, I hope, is unlikely going to happen ) you can always revoke its accesses (uninstall it). There are two ways to do this:
Just follow the instruction from https://developers.google.com/apps-script/guides/services/authorization#revoking_access_rights
or you can use the Uninstall option provided in the mail that you will receive from Google. It will be sent right after the first launch of the Spreadsheet Memo app. Look for the mail: "More information about Spreadsheet Memo with uninstall instructions." in your inbox. Any documents that you've created will stay in your Google Drive, nothing will be lost.
Wrapping things up: remember that all of your documents belongs only to you, you can uninstall this app any time you want, no personal info is shared or collected, your identity (such as email) is and will remain your own property. From the Spreadsheet Memo point of view, you're anonymous.
You can find some additional info about the Spreadsheet Memo at the https://www.facebook.com/SpreadsheetMemo page - including news, helpful tips and updates notifications.
I've been using flashcard-based apps for quite some time (Super Memo was great!) and I've found them very useful. But every one of them had some things that just doesn't work for me (e.g. troubles with data migration, lack of support for mobile devices, no statistics, etc.) - so I've decided to write my own.
One line of code to another and the idea transforms into something with its own domain name and Facebook/Twitter page.
So, feel free to check it out. And if you have any thoughts about it (like/dislike, opinions, reviews, ideas) please leave a comment. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
Jump to the http://spreadsheetmemo.com and start memorizing now!