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Yea, I could go through each and every post of every thread, bt instead of taking several days to do that, figure I will take the shortcut and get with you guys first.
I will be getting my Thunderbolt by Tuesday, and want to jump right into customizing (a little bit, no unlocking!), and downloading and installing the apps I need!
So my question to everyone, (coming from an Imagio), what apps do you recommend? What widgets? And what about different clocks and other things?
I notice there are some with text clocks and calendars, I would really like that. Is that something easy to install?
And what about modding so that I can throw alot of stuff on the SD card instead of stacking up my phones memory? Any suggestions there?
Same question regarding performance, there are several apps that run in the background, and I hear that they are not able to be shut off (except for what the XDA wiz kids have come up with) in order to save battery life. Is that correct? If so, can I shut them down or remove them?
What about skype, does it come with it installed or not?
Thats all I got for now, I am sure there will be more! So any advice and suggestions would be great.
You guys really helped make my Imagio last this long, looking forward to working with you guys on a brand new phone.
Brightness Level widget, LTE OnOff
Veridor said:
Brightness Level widget, LTE OnOff
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I agree with both of these as they will help you with your batt life a bit.
As for the text clock/calendar, that is also a must have for me (Minimalistic Text) all of these are easy to install just look for them in the market.
Beyond that, i don't do much more to my phone beside using Launcher Pro and the widgets that come with it.
Clock/Weather Widgets: Beautiful Widget or Fancy Widget
Calendar: Agenda Widget
Home screen replacement: ADW or LauncherPro (I prefer ADW)
SMS Replacement App: Handcent SMS
Clock replacement: Alarm Clock Plus*
Ringtone finder: Zedge
Wallpaper finder: Flikie
Email replacement app: K-9 Mail
Browser replacement: Miren Browser
File Browser Replacement: OI File Manager
Weather app: Weather Bug or The Weather Channel
Hope these help!
JerryA said:
And what about modding so that I can throw alot of stuff on the SD card instead of stacking up my phones memory? Any suggestions there?
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Install everything in your internal memory. It's MUCH faster than the SD Card. For media (MP3s, videos, etc.) you don't have much of an option unless you unlock it - those go on your SD Card. And even if you unlocked it, I'd still recommend you put them there.
JerryA said:
Same question regarding performance, there are several apps that run in the background, and I hear that they are not able to be shut off (except for what the XDA wiz kids have come up with) in order to save battery life. Is that correct? If so, can I shut them down or remove them?
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Click to collapse
Uninstall as much of the pre-installed software as you can that you won't use. That said, you'll be stuck with most of the bloat. However, it's not really a problem - it's pretty smooth and performs pretty well, stock.
Lastly, BEWARE of anybody who tells you to install a tool like Advanced Task Killer. This tool will NOT speed up your phone - it will just slow you down a bit (probably not enough for you to notice) but it will drain your battery even faster than normal. The battery life on this phone is bad enough - you don't need to make it worse!
For best results and maximum customizations, I suggest you root your phone, if not to load a custom-super-themed-decked-out ROM then at least to load a standard debloat-deodex ROM.
nerozehl said:
For best results and maximum customizations, I suggest you root your phone, if not to load a custom-super-themed-decked-out ROM then at least to load a standard debloat-deodex ROM.
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I must disagree, honestly. Stock Sense, while it is a bit bloated, it is by no means laggy. If somebody isn't comfortable with rooting, and doesn't have a pressing need to root, then I don't think they should root their phone. It adds risk, headaches, and concerns to make something, that is already fast, faster. If somebody should root their phone, it should be for more of a reason than, "well, it seems like a good thing to do".
[edit] Although, you are right. If you want "best results and maximum customizations", then yeah, rooting is required. But it didn't sound like that the OP wants. It sounds like the OP wants to know how to customize it well without rooting. That's my interpretation, and why I disagreed with you suggesting the the OP root and flash roms.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Jaxidian said:
I must disagree, honestly. Stock Sense, while it is a bit bloated, it is by no means laggy. If somebody isn't comfortable with rooting, and doesn't have a pressing need to root, then I don't think they should root their phone. It adds risk, headaches, and concerns to make something, that is already fast, faster. If somebody should root their phone, it should be for more of a reason than, "well, it seems like a good thing to do".
[edit] Although, you are right. If you want "best results and maximum customizations", then yeah, rooting is required. But it didn't sound like that the OP wants. It sounds like the OP wants to know how to customize it well without rooting. That's my interpretation, and why I disagreed with you suggesting the the OP root and flash roms.
Just my $0.02 worth.
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yea, its not that I don't want to, because I really would love to, but the wife was pissed that I unlocked my Imagio, and blames that on the problems I have had, so a deal was made, I take my kids upgrade, transfer to mine, and get the new Thunderbolt provided I DONT unlock, root, jailbreak, or do anything that allows me to customize it beyond what the original design allows.
Yea, fine, sounds fair. So what I am looking for is just those things that I can download and install that are 'authorized', so to speak, from Verizon and HTC.
Maybe when she upgrades she will want to see what can be done (she is due in a few months) and thats when I will have to 'show' her!
Thanks again guys for all your help, one more day!
Heres the jist of the ones I use on a regular basis:
Utilities
Amazon App Store
Titanium Backup (requires root)
Root explorer (requires root)
Shoot Me (requires root)
QR Droid
Recalls.gov (I got kids lol)
Fancy Widget Pro
iCorps (Marine Corps App)
Social
Facebook
Foursquare
Skype
eBuddy
WordPress
Ventriloid
XDA
SMS
Handcent usually
Trying out chompSMS atm
Entertainment & Themeage
Zedge
Pandora
HBO Go
Soundhound
Finances
USAA
PageOnce Pro
Ing Direct
Progressive Insurance
Shopping
Key Ring
ShopSavvy
Amazon.com
Kayak
Craigsphone
News
NYTimes
Engadget
Health & Fitness
CardioTrainer
Libra (Weight Log)
Games
Robo Defense
Farm Frenzy
Flight Control
Collapse
Angry Birds
Angry Birds Seasons
Angry Birds Rio
Doodle Jump
Fruit Ninja
Words Free
Happy New Year (sick of hearing that yet?)
so I would love to find a way or an app that can stop my app(s) from going to sleep when I hit the home button to move on to another app.
As long as the app is on my screen, it is constantly connected 3g of wifi and is in a constant state of updating. BUT, when it is in the "background" (while I use another app or make a call) it just goes to sleep and stops all functionality. In many cases, when I come back to it I have to wait for it to load again because the app has been killed.
I dont know why anyone would want to leave an app open just to have it go into a frozen state! If you wanted the app to just be useless, why not just close it to free up ram?
Aaaaaargggg
Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000 1.4Ghz 1gb RAM
Hey thanks!
that's just the way Android is factory-configured to handle apps : the most resources go to the tier-1 apps, those that are visible.
Just bulletproof the app you want to keep alive. I can't look up the link right now (doing two things at once), but it's pretty easy to find : look into the general Android forums for the "V6 supercharger" thread, it's pretty nifty and allows you to reconfigure the way Android handles free memory. And its "sister thread" explains how to give the highest priority to the apps you need ("bulletproof" them, in other words)
Snakeforhire said:
that's just the way Android is factory-configured to handle apps : the most resources go to the tier-1 apps, those that are visible.
Just bulletproof the app you want to keep alive. I can't look up the link right now (doing two things at once), but it's pretty easy to find : look into the general Android forums for the "V6 supercharger" thread, it's pretty nifty and allows you to reconfigure the way Android handles free memory. And its "sister thread" explains how to give the highest priority to the apps you need ("bulletproof" them, in other words)
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Thanks I'll look for it now. I have stock unrooted 2.3.6, does that change anything, because i wont be rooting or roming ;-)
Ahh the phone would have to be altered to use that. I wont say anymore so as not to be hated on lol. Many thanks
Oops, yep, sorry, my bad.. Of course the phone would have to be rooted to do this, you need a working Busybox installed..
I'm not aware of any app which can do this on an unrooted ROM (or even on a rooted one), sorry 'bout that..
Update: there's "Mr nice guy" available from the market, for rooted users only of course.
works pretty well, I got myself the paid version, comes in handy when testing a new Rom and you don't want to setup all the bulletproofing scripts back on..
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
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
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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!
Once upon a time, I had a working version of chrome on this tablet, but for some reason, the apk got deleted out of my precious downloads folder where I keep my apks and I ain't got it no mo'.
Does anyone have a link to this or able to pull it from their device with AirDroid or Titanium backup?
And while we are on the topic of running these types of apps, was there ever a run-able Google Now for older devices? I have never seen one. Thanks guys.
did u really manage to run chrome on this?
i never managed to do it. i know nowadays chrome is for android 4. and above only, but in case you make it work - i would like to know how.
sorry i can't help you. i can only wish that someday soon, we'll have a normal android version.
Attached is the "working" chrome. I don't know how it compares to the current version. I'm sure it has bugs and all,but it seems to run, for me. The accomanying widget is disappointing.
I will use it some and see how it does. overall though, i am pleased with the stock browser. shoot me if you like
thanks, i'll give it a shot.
so far every browser i tried was nice at the beginning and after a few days/weeks of use got sluggish. its this damn 3.1 version..
It force closes every time I go into some menu and back out of it is all.
I would just like the stock honeycomb browser with tabs at the top, without this ATT skinning, anyone know how to make that happen?
TIA
coburn_c said:
I would just like the stock honeycomb browser with tabs at the top, without this ATT skinning, anyone know how to make that happen?
TIA
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You may remove the ATT Skinning, however you have to firstly ROOT the Jetstream, then you will be able to set your own Homepage.
As an alternative to Chrome, you may wish to install FireFox