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Hey guys, newbie here and I got some questions for y'all.
I am a longtime iPhone user, thinking about switching over to the Vibrant. I'm used to the jailbreaking/unlocking of the iphone...are similar things able to be done to the Vibrant?
bballcat03 said:
Hey guys, newbie here and I got some questions for y'all.
I am a longtime iPhone user, thinking about switching over to the Vibrant. I'm used to the jailbreaking/unlocking of the iphone...are similar things able to be done to the Vibrant? Can you install hacked apps? Where do you go for the apps? How do you install them?
Please, point me in the right direction of where I need to look. I'm so used to not paying for apps, I'd like to stick with that
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Click to collapse
Ok a few things.
Yes, you can root the vibrant and install custom roms.
On the iPhone you can install hacked apps, meaning you don't pay for them, techinically you can do the same on an Android phone by just having the apk file, however this is frowned upon because that is stealing. Why not just pay for the app? Apps are cheap on Android.
If you are a current iPhone user and if you purchase the Vibrant, YOU WILL BE UNHAPPY. I suggest you wait for the iPhone 5 which will be released in June, or wait for the dual core Android phones coming out. Do not get the original Vibrant.
Ps...the Vibrant 4G is going to be released soon. You can also get the Nexus S at best buy.
btw coming to xda and saying you don't pay for apps and you steal them was not a wise idea.
Go back to the iphone, this isn't the place for you.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
dcpetterson said:
Go back to the iphone, this isn't the place for you.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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oh yeah, why's that?
dcpetterson said:
Go back to the iphone, this isn't the place for you.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
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Stay classy!
OP:
Yes, you can "jailbreak", for Android it is called root, and in turn you can install custom ROMs, Kernels, and for the Vibrant "modems" (radio's on other phones). As for "free" apps, Android, unlike iOS, has TONS of free apps already. Developers tend to offer a free and paid version, main difference is the free version has ads in it. Developers actually make more money off the ad revenue (typically) than the paid versions. There are still apps that are only paid, or the full version are paid only, and to be very honest trying to get those for free is BS in my opinion, especially given the prices.
This site is FULL of all the info you need to root any Android phone and start loading custom ROMs. It is very addictive, and compared to the iPhone, it is like living in America versus living in China in terms of freedom to do what you want. In China (iPhone) you are limited in your ways, and can do as you please to an extent. Where as in America (Android) you are free to do as you please, but have a great infrastructure to help guide you and aid you in such venturers.
SamsungVibrant said:
btw coming to xda and saying you don't pay for apps and you steal them was not a wise idea.
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He said it well, and I'm not gonna flame you, although I really want to, this just isn't right for you.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
I am not on AT&T, I am on T-Mobile. I have had a 3G for the last 2 years, but with the new ios4.3 comes out, it will not have an update for the 3G, they are getting fazed out. So I'm moving away from the iphone for a while, may get a 4 down the road.
I understand cracked apps are illegal, a TMO CSR pointed me to this website, so if cracked apps aren't talked about here fine, I didn't know. I was just going where I was told by Tmobile to get information regarding it. Simple as that.
I have a free 2 year upgrade at TMobile right now, so I'm looking between the Vibrant and the MyTouch 4G. Right now I'm using a Blackberry Bold 9780.
bballcat03 said:
I am not on AT&T, I am on T-Mobile. I have had a 3G for the last 2 years, but with the new ios4.3 comes out, it will not have an update for the 3G, they are getting fazed out. So I'm moving away from the iphone for a while, may get a 4 down the road.
I understand cracked apps are illegal, a TMO CSR pointed me to this website, so if cracked apps aren't talked about here fine, I didn't know. Please point me towards the website where it is talked about.
I have a free 2 year upgrade at TMobile right now, so I'm looking between the Vibrant and the MyTouch 4G. Right now I'm using a Blackberry Bold 9780.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Warez is not just frowned upon, but is grounds for banishment on XDA, and actually every single decent Android site. Explaining how to get it, where to get it, or giving it out is a major no no, and asking (especially after being told) is a no no as well.
This isn't iOS where everything costs money, this is Android where you can literally get 95% of apps for free from the market. There is no need to steal, not that there is on iOS (I have an iPad, love it, and have paid for my fair share of apps even though it is jailbroken).
Lastly, if that is your only desire in a phone, then just don't get one. If all you want to do is use your phone to steal, then you don't deserve to have a phone.
dude, relax! I said I didn't know it was against the rules here. I WAS DOING WHAT THE TMOBILE REP TOLD ME TO DO! I will edit my original post so you don't get butt hurt, it's a simple f'in mistake. Get your panties out of a bunch!
bballcat03 said:
dude, relax! I said I didn't know it was against the rules here. I WAS DOING WHAT THE TMOBILE REP TOLD ME TO DO! I will edit my original post so you don't get butt hurt, it's a simple f'in mistake. Get your panties out of a bunch!
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You were told multiple times it is a no no, and in turn decided to ask again. At that point it isn't a question of not a knowing, it is clearly a matter of not caring.
pjcforpres said:
You were told multiple times it is a no no, and in turn decided to ask again. At that point it isn't a question of not a knowing, it is clearly a matter of not caring.
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hey slick, the first reply to this came edited in afterwards...the original post said simply "OK" and then he came back and edited it with his information. Pay attention. If I didn't care, I wouldn't have removed it! I understand you're perfect and never make mistakes, my apologies!
bballcat03 said:
Hey guys, newbie here and I got some questions for y'all.
I am a longtime iPhone user, thinking about switching over to the Vibrant. I'm used to the jailbreaking/unlocking of the iphone...are similar things able to be done to the Vibrant? Can you install hacked apps? Where do you go for the apps? How do you install them?
Please, point me in the right direction of where I need to look. I'm so used to not paying for apps, I'd like to stick with that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA! I came to the Vibrant from the iPhone 3G and I love it, as one has said you can steal apps but no one here will help you with that, also apps seem to generally cheaper on android than they are on iOS.
Depending on what you are looking for you may be happier where your currently have. Android's market is growing quiet well but I feel that it currently doesn't match the iOS market when it comes to games, so if games are your thing I would stay away (but we do have great emulators!) Many things may have changed in iOS since I used it last back in 3.0 something another.
Now few things I love personally love about android! Google Voice is easily used, Ive been using it for about 2 years now and haven't given out my real number since, its the best! Google maps is amazing, always getting updates haven't used a standalone gps since. You can customize the desktop however you feel please (don't need winterboard and everything, its just a ton easier). Swype is pure amazing, I could never go back to normal texting after getting use to it, super fast! And finally googles voice integration, you can talk and have it type what is said, you can have it search for you or even open your google maps and have it set your navigation!
As I'm sure you've noticed by now the forum has a lot of idiots who have nothing to add to the community except their derogatory remarks, sadly they don't seem to ever go away do they?
kainu7 said:
Welcome to XDA! I came to the Vibrant from the iPhone 3G and I love it, as one has said you can steal apps but no one here will help you with that, also apps seem to generally cheaper on android than they are on iOS.
Depending on what you are looking for you may be happier where your currently have. Android's market is growing quiet well but I feel that it currently doesn't match the iOS market when it comes to games, so if games are your thing I would stay away (but we do have great emulators!) Many things may have changed in iOS since I used it last back in 3.0 something another.
Now few things I love personally love about android! Google Voice is easily used, Ive been using it for about 2 years now and haven't given out my real number since, its the best! Google maps is amazing, always getting updates haven't used a standalone gps since. You can customize the desktop however you feel please (don't need winterboard and everything, its just a ton easier). Swype is pure amazing, I could never go back to normal texting after getting use to it, super fast! And finally googles voice integration, you can talk and have it type what is said, you can have it search for you or even open your google maps and have it set your navigation!
As I'm sure you've noticed by now the forum has a lot of idiots who have nothing to add to the community except their derogatory remarks, sadly they don't seem to ever go away do they?
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what exactly is google voice? And how does that enable you to not give out your real number?
bballcat03 said:
what exactly is google voice? And how does that enable you to not give out your real number?
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Click to collapse
Its quicker if I just point you to it, Google Voice
The link has short videos that would explain what it is better than I would.
Back when I got started using it, it was a closed to public but now anyone can sign up for it.
Interesting, never even heard of that before.
Are you using the 2.3 or 2.2 on yours?
bballcat03 said:
Interesting, never even heard of that before.
Are you using the 2.3 or 2.2 on yours?
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Right now the official 2.2 update that just came out.
Oh is 2.2 the newest?
Officially, yes. Google has released 2.3 out but nothing official for us yet.
so what exactly is "rooting" then and what does it accomplish?
bballcat03 said:
so what exactly is "rooting" then and what does it accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does what jail breaking did for the iphone. Allows you to do what you normally couldn't. Its also really easy to do, there are a few different things you can use but they all get the same thing done.
When you root you can install new rom's like a 2.3 rom if you wish. There developers who change them how they wish and then share them with the community, you can find them in Vibrant Android Development part of the forums. You can also download new kernels that will allow you to overclock your phone or even underclock if you wish.
In the android market there are some apps that also require you to root your phone to use them. One such app is Titanium Backup, it will back all the apps and stuff you have downloaded so if you install a new rom or lose your phone or something you can easily reinstall everything.
Basically rooting fully opens up your phone, allowing anything.
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.
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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?
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. . . . . .
bella92108 said:
Entitlement in this country is so strange
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vansmack said:
. . . . . .
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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
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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!
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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
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
Howdy, folks.
I'm in a position where I might need to deploy a couple dozen or more Android handsets to field sales reps with specific software preinstalled.
My problem is how to secure either the individual applications in question such as my POS and payment gateway software which have confidential business information such as account numbers, passwords, item, pricing, description, or other data from being changed.
Is there an Android app that would enable me to prevent users from viewing or manipulating various programs or config files or from installing unauthorized applications from the Android Market or sideloads? Or, perhaps there's an app that just locks down the entire phone, disabling any installation, deletion or manipulation of applications?
I think y'all know what I need. Let me know if I'm not clear.
Thanks in advance!
Wow. I'm surprised nobody has a solution for this. So there's nobody out there supporting Android in a corporate environment that has to protect custom apps or keep certain data or settings from prying eyes?
Really, really? Nobody out there has had to lock down Android phones for corporate deployment?
The best bet would be to talk to the provider/manufacturer directly. Our handheld mobil devices (intermec) were purpose built and more restricted than most.
Hard to find answers for locking down your phones here, as most people are probably here to get around manufacturers restrictions.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
baboonsRus said:
The best bet would be to talk to the provider/manufacturer directly. Our handheld mobil devices (intermec) were purpose built and more restricted than most.
Hard to find answers for locking down your phones here, as most people are probably here to get around manufacturers restrictions.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
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This isn't the sort of project that a manufacturer would be interested in, or I could afford to work on with them. It'd be only a couple dozen or so handsets, which is not volume enough for any OEM to bother with.
As to where I'm asking, ****... I figured this'd be the BEST place, 'cause y'all know how to get around everything so any recommendations would be pretty airtight.
I know theres pleanty of apps that will allow you to lock certain apps so they cant be opened unless you enter a password. I dont think this is does all of what youre asking but i think its the best thing youll find.
Locking down acess to certain settings within your POS app would have to be something that is an included feature of the app. Im pretty sure a third party app woulldnt be able to do it.
BillTheCat said:
This isn't the sort of project that a manufacturer would be interested in, or I could afford to work on with them. It'd be only a couple dozen or so handsets, which is not volume enough for any OEM to bother with.
As to where I'm asking, ****... I figured this'd be the BEST place, 'cause y'all know how to get around everything so any recommendations would be pretty airtight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just trying to help out. Next poster is right though, pos software should have its own security built in.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
I'm no dev, but maybe root, uninstall vending apk(market), install app locker, unroot, and maybe go with at&t...their phone won't allow installing non market apps(I think). A dev might even be able to make a rom that will restrict usb to charge only...that seems like a good start.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
Lots off "App Protectors" in the Market
Believe it or not, this is my first smartphone due to the fact I am on a family plan and got free service and didn't want to have my own phone bill. I was given the radar as a gift, but I'm not sure it's for me. I have read a little about the windows phone OS, and it does look promising and I like the phone and features.
The problem is that I don't have a lot to spend on apps. I know there are lots of good free apps for android, but I hear this is a growing platform.
Is this a good phone for my first smartphone? I pick up tech very quickly, I just dumped most of my cash into a new pc build for xmas, so I will be pretty broke. I also hear you can't "jailbreak" (or equivalent) windows phone yet.
I'm sure if I got an android I would try the android equivalent (a ROM I suppose). Is that what I need to do to get apps and games on a non-existent budget? It will cost me 50$ for restocking fee, so if windows phone is worth sticking with, I would love to hear any opinions why and how I can get the apps I need (don't need specifics, just know that it can be done easily).
Thanks in advance, I am reading up on windows phone and android, I just would like advice about my particular situation.
pattamus said:
Believe it or not, this is my first smartphone due to the fact I am on a family plan and got free service and didn't want to have my own phone bill. I was given the radar as a gift, but I'm not sure it's for me. I have read a little about the windows phone OS, and it does look promising and I like the phone and features.
The problem is that I don't have a lot to spend on apps. I know there are lots of good free apps for android, but I hear this is a growing platform.
Is this a good phone for my first smartphone? I pick up tech very quickly, I just dumped most of my cash into a new pc build for xmas, so I will be pretty broke. I also hear you can't "jailbreak" (or equivalent) windows phone yet.
I'm sure if I got an android I would try the android equivalent (a ROM I suppose). Is that what I need to do to get apps and games on a non-existent budget? It will cost me 50$ for restocking fee, so if windows phone is worth sticking with, I would love to hear any opinions why and how I can get the apps I need (don't need specifics, just know that it can be done easily).
Thanks in advance, I am reading up on windows phone and android, I just would like advice about my particular situation.
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It sounds like you're asking fir help in obtaining paid apps for free, which XDA has strict rules prohibiting any discussion, or help in this area. Having said that, most paid apps on Android market have free versions with ads. I'm not a huge fan of Windows phones, but it wouldn't hurt to play around with it for a few days to see if you like it. Because you have no experience with smartphones, the only way you will be able to compare it would be to check out an Android device at a store, or go on youtube and watch a few in depth reviews on other Android devices.
Sent from my Sexynos SGH-i777 using XDA Premium.
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me where I could get free paid apps, it's more about the freedom to unlock the phone, etc. Free apps would be good too, I just didn't know if windows phone was more pay oriented than android. Didn't mean to break any rules, sorry if it came off like that.I see a bunch of stuff about jailbreaking and roms, so I guess it is a fine line.
I guess what I want to ask is how difficult it is to "unlock" these phones compared to android. I see a post that says this phone doesn't have that option yet, but that is something I would definitely look into, as I love freedom with anything I own. It's more to get rid of DRM and things of that nature than it is to "pirate" anything.
I will give this one a shot, but if it's more pay oriented and "locked down" feeling, android might be better for me.
pattamus said:
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me where I could get free paid apps, it's more about the freedom to unlock the phone, etc. Free apps would be good too, I just didn't know if windows phone was more pay oriented than android. Didn't mean to break any rules, sorry if it came off like that.I see a bunch of stuff about jailbreaking and roms, so I guess it is a fine line.
I guess what I want to ask is how difficult it is to "unlock" these phones compared to android. I see a post that says this phone doesn't have that option yet, but that is something I would definitely look into, as I love freedom with anything I own. It's more to get rid of DRM and things of that nature than it is to "pirate" anything.
I will give this one a shot, but if it's more pay oriented and "locked down" feeling, android might be better for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Chevron Unlock method for Mango. But I would suggest holding off on unlocking it, but for the fact you might return it. As for the paid/free app ratio on windows phone, tge best thing to do is browse that market and see what's out there. Windows phone is definitely cool looking, and has ut's good features, just not good enough to convince me to ditch Android. Albeit I don't know you, I think it's safe to assume you'd prefer Android over Windows phone. Android (imho), is the best thing to happen to cell phones. It has the largest MOD following of any platform, and a ton of fun to use. XDA actually started off as a windows phone forum, but qiickly grew to support Android as well. Android is the future of cell phones. Do I sound like a fanboy or what?
Sent from my Sexynos SGH-i777 using XDA Premium.
Yeah, I had my eye on android for awhile, I only held out because of the convenience of getting free service and the cost held me back, but it looks I can finally move forward. I do like this phone, and would like to keep it, but if I will get a better long term experience with android, it might be a wise choice to pay the fee and go with that.
But I am still open to any suggestions anyone may have about windows phone, or why I may prefer this platform.
I had an hd2 with android then WP on personally prefer the UI of Wp, but at the mo there is more out there for Android personally I think most apps are gimmicky and the office and SkyDrive integration is worth going with WP alone....
If you want a lot of apps go android, if you want a nice phone/text/camera UI experience stick with the radar
Buy what you can afford. There are a lot of free apps and many have free trials that are simply ad supported. What you'll have to pay for is xbox live games but you wouldnt go to an xbox forum and post about getting free games would you?
Another thing, if you just got the radar chances are you qualify for the free $25 app card. I got mines in the mail
https://windowsphone.promo.eprize.com/redemptionprogram/:b=ie9/
Other than that the Radar is a fabulous phone and I love it!
Thanks man, I did qualify for that! That should help.
Another question about this phone is the navigation. There is an app that wants 10$ a month, and that's a little high.. There's a "local scout" that gives directions in a non turn-by-turn fashion, and that would be fine for me. Is there a way to input an address to this app? It only has a few limited locations. Or do I have to pay 10$ a month or no navigation? Anyone know a reasonably priced alternative to this?
Bing has turn by turn...
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Email/apps
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
weedenrw said:
Does anyone know where I can find a standalone email .wgt (I don't want to connect to my phone... it's apple... don't kill me)?
Also, an android launcher .wgt like nova launcher would be really cool! (I don't care about battery life if I'm running this)
The main reason my wife bought me this watch was so I could be sneaky and check my emails while I'm in meetings... that way I'd have more time to spend with her at home rather than answering emails until 8pm... I'm pretty much screwed either way, but my inner geek wants to make this work, and I don't like Samsung limiting what my property can do.
This watch can be a completely stand alone device, but Samsung has crippled it's capabilities in an attempt to force us to buy one of their smartphones. I'm not a big fan of these marketing tactics, and have made it my mission to make this watch do what I want it to do, and know it can do. I will not buy a Samsung phone just so I can play with my watch.
I'm a complete noob at this, but thanks to this forum, I've been able to learn quickly. I've been able to root the watch and sideload all of the apps i can find (and think are useful).
I still don't have access to download registered apps, since I didn't cave in and buy a samsung phone. I'm sure there are a lot of good apps that help increase the functionality of the watch.
I'm hoping there are some geniuses out there who could help me out with the email and android launcher questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
crazyshakespeare13 said:
I'm in the same boat as you are. Not spending the extra cash on an additional phone has left much to be desired with the watch. Being a standalone device I thought I would have at least been able to get emails, so a new app is much needed.
Btw I did several searches but could find how to Sideload apps onto the gear s...do you happen to have a link? What apps were you able to find, and can you post them? Thanks, like you I'm very new but willing to help in any way I can.
Now if we can figure out the pit file/ full android I'd be set!
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
weedenrw said:
That's called "getting tricked by the biz"! It's like buying a $50 t-shirt! At least you can wear the t-shirt
Sorry man, not trying to be negative, I know it would be easier to do it this way. The fact that they're making me buy one of their phones to make my watch work makes me want to buy a Samsung even less!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not saying I don't disagree with you. It's a real BS game these guys play! These two devices are the first and only Sam tech I have, and never found their forced ecosystem tactics tasteful. In the end, i REALLY did try to find a possible alternative...From LG to Umeox to ZGPAX. I struggled with an Omate TS for almost a year...to get what the S does out of box (w/compatible Sam, or course) and more.
For me...i needed a reliable device...function beat out emotion and personal feelings in this case.
weedenrw said:
Hopefully someone will come up with a standalone_email.wgt soon.
Right now I'm looking into the feasibility of flashing an Android ROM onto my Gear S.... if that's even possible. Given the limited apps available for Tizen, and all of the built in mess that samsung has provided with this phone, I'm thinking that is the way to go. But, I'm a noob, so haven't had a chance to work with ODIN too much on the ROM flashing side of things.
this is by far the best guide on sideloading apps for Gear S (for your average noob like me):
denvycom.com/blog/how-to-install-wgt-files-gear2
A few wrinkles they don't go over:
Make sure your Java is up to date. If it isn't, Tizen won't install. However, more problematic for me, was getting the developer.samsung.com website to work correctly with my default browser. I uninstalled it and re installed it (and all versions between 6 and 8) quite a few times. If you have the same problems and the website isn't loading java correctly, it's going to be virtually impossible to get your author cert or device profile licenses. I hope you don't run into this problem.
Once you get all of that working, you can scour the Gear S and Gear 2 forums for .wgt files (these .wgt are the "application" files that Tizen uses). There are a lot here on this forum. just download them, copy them to the SDB folder, open up your CMD prompt, find sdb foler, type sdb install xxx.wgt, the press enter.
I'm still not happy with what I've been able to find, pretty much the only .wgt files I've found that are nice are opera mini and a few calculators. Opera mini can't even load flash, so kiss listening to Pandora over your Bluetooth headphones while running.
which brings up another good app request... if anybody is listening... a pandora.wgt would be really really cool!!
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice...hopefully I can get to installing some later today. After purchasing the gear and soon learning all its limitations I went to Walmart and purchased a prepaid Samsung phone for the first time pairing before returning the phone. While I managed to get a few apps I quickly found out that most are useless without a paired device.
I do have opera install but found after rooting the gear the app opens to a black screen and that's all.
Long story short, until a new rom is created I'm pretty much stuck with a phone and messaging device (which is nice and all...but not for the price we paid)
Thanks again for all the info!
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the info
mghtymse007 said:
I just bought a cheapo compatible sammy.
Buy a used galaxy running 4.3 (s3 mini on ebay, used ~$50-70) and use it as a relay. Just copy all the apps and mail accounts from your daily driver onto the S3, connect to Wi-Fi, set the notifications, disconnect from Bluetooth, and use the remote as the tether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
gidi said:
Hi there!
I am in the same boat as you. iPhone 6 is my primary phone but i also have a twin SIM card that i want to use with the Gear S (standalone). However i still need a (cheap as it can get) Samsung phone for setting up the watch, installing apps and the remote connection.
Can you please confirm that the S3 mini is indeed compatible with the Gear S; What version of Android does it have? Can you post the exact FW name? I was not sure it supported BT 4.0 hardwarewise.
Thank you so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, this is a great one. Did this for a friend a few weeks ago...an iPhone 6 playing nice with a Samsung! (Think I heard something about Hell and freezing on this subject But all kidding aside, she does get a lot of comments about the phone/watch combo.
To be honest, I think there's a lot more phones that are compatible with the S that Sammy is letting on. At our Main OFFICIAL AT&T store...their little tablets show maybe 7 or so Samsung models that are "officially" compatible. However, I've heard, and read of some folks trying cheap, simple pre-paid models...and all is working.
After doing some quick research, it seems that it's more important to have Android 4.3 or higher to ensure full functionality. It's the additional Gear Mgr software that will handle the S's functions... And their 4.3+/TouchWiz combo seems to be the key.
Hope this helps... Good luck!
Oh, and BTW, I don't have an iPhone... I do have an android based phone, the HTC One M8. I just have never cared for TouchWiz, nor Samsung's designs.
(Please no OEM wars, just stating my personal opinion)
e-mail
Hi! I do not have a Samsung smartphone. I want to send and receive mail at the clock. Need advice.