Related
Hello everyone!
I will soon (well, not really that soon, but in the future i guess) need to develop an Android app for a university class i will be attending. I'm really interesting in the mobile world and Android looks like a great platform/OS, pretty open and customizable.
Since i do not own any Android device i think i will buy one soon, not only because of the class but also because i want to learn and explore Google's mobile OS. I know i can develop and try the app using the emulator but since the app will be using wireless features i'd like to test it on a physical device.
Keep in mind that i know nearly nothing about Android development; here's the question: what are the hardware limits of installing and testing apps?
I'll explain it a bit better. Since i don't want to spend too much money on the Android phone i'll buy, i was thinking to buy a chinese phone running Gingerbread (2.3.6 or later to be more precise). So my question is: can i test my developed apps potentially on any type of Android phone, with any type of hardware specs, (let's say mid-range device) even if it is not from a famous brand?
P.S. : i'm perfectly aware that very cheap (and also good, why not) phones are available even from famous brands (like Samsung, LG maybe HTC too and so on), but my question is the above and i kindly ask you not to point out the thing i mentioned in this P.S.. Many Thanks to all!
There might be some issues using chinese phones, that might or might not happen on other devices. (Some apps just don't want to work on my Ainol Novo7 Elf for example)
My best bet for you would be to buy an "old" phone from Samsung or HTC.
If you would give us an aproximate price range, we may be able to help you better-ish
nejc121 said:
There might be some issues using chinese phones, that might or might not happen on other devices. (Some apps just don't want to work on my Ainol Novo7 Elf for example)
My best bet for you would be to buy an "old" phone from Samsung or HTC.
If you would give us an aproximate price range, we may be able to help you better-ish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply.
This is exactly what i want to understand. If we forget about the chinese phone for a moment; how is app compatibility determined? Are there requirements or something else?
In other words, why shouldn't an app (i'm not talking about heavy 3D games, of course) run on a random Android device (which have all working features and stuff, like for example a random Android-based Samsung phone has)?
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Moving to Q&A
Thanks. Anyone can help me or suggest something else?
Will Sony respond to the Ipad 3, or leave the tablet market altogether? Interesting times...
Guitardave said:
Will Sony respond to the Ipad 3, or leave the tablet market altogether? Interesting times...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read something to make you think Sony would leave the android tablet market?
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using Tapatalk
They will probably do a new tablet either late summer or before Xmas. I just hope they stick with Android and don't do anything stupid like use their own OS or even worse Windows 8.
non-concerned
I don't see this as a big concern.
The new IPad HD is simply an updating, and not a huge change. It is getting a better processor and HD screen. Stuff the IPad 2 should have had in the first place.
While I absolutely love my Sony "S" it has a few quirks I would like straightened out. It will be interesting to see what the next generation looks like and hopefully it will be more successful.
I was just wondering if the tablet s was Sony dipping their toes in the market, and if they consider it to be worthwhile continuing to develop a successor, or if they didn't sell that many and so will give tablets up as a bad job. I have no idea either way. As far as I can see, the problem Android tablets have is that there are so many different ones by different manufacturers, whereas the Ipad is made by only one company and seems to be the better integrated product overall. I don't know of any Android tablets with comparable specs that the new Ipad has?... And it seems that some developers have given up on Android altogether - Sky, for example have said that they aren't developing Sky Go for Android tablets, and the same with their Sky Sports Ipad App. If this is how major companies are thinking, then it's going to be tough to convince companies like Sony to carry on with trying to make a rival tablet.
Guitardave said:
I was just wondering if the tablet s was Sony dipping their toes in the market, and if they consider it to be worthwhile continuing to develop a successor, or if they didn't sell that many and so will give tablets up as a bad job. I have no idea either way. As far as I can see, the problem Android tablets have is that there are so many different ones by different manufacturers, whereas the Ipad is made by only one company and seems to be the better integrated product overall. I don't know of any Android tablets with comparable specs that the new Ipad has?... And it seems that some developers have given up on Android altogether - Sky, for example have said that they aren't developing Sky Go for Android tablets, and the same with their Sky Sports Ipad App. If this is how major companies are thinking, then it's going to be tough to convince companies like Sony to carry on with trying to make a rival tablet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's the problem with all android products. Way too much choice, occasionally makes me wish I had an iPhone so I knew my phone wouldn't turn old in a month lol. But back to the main point I can't say whether Sony will or will not make a new tablet this year, however what with them releasing (IMO) some really nice phones it seems like they are trying to reassert themselves in the market, so its very possible they will. Better question is what will they upgrade/change ignoring processor and screen resolution
Sent from my Sony Tablet S using XDA Premium HD app
I think they're going to have to look closely at the form of the thing - I really like the way that the Tablet S looks and feels with it's wedge shape, but it was like they designed it and then struggled to think of how to design a case for it. Whereas the Ipad has the clip on cases where you open it and the thing turns itself on. The whole thing is integrated better somehow. It's little details like this that Sony has to get right if it's going to compete. And it may have to swallow it's pride and lower the price too. I'm sure the mindset of a lot of people will be "Why pay £399 for this Sony when I can have a proper Ipad for the same money?".
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2401278,00.asp
This article should provide some answers.
Looking forward to seeing what Sony has up their sleeves in the future.
Sounds positive.
But they do need to get companies like Sky on board, or what's the point? A tablet really is only as good as the apps that are available for it.
I just hope this is not some kind of VHS/Betamax (or blu-ray/hd-dvd to be more modern...) face-off where there will only be one winner. Because if that's the way it goes, then it will be Apple.
Im sure by the fact that they say they hit their sales expectations they understand just where they are in terms tablets. Really though just gonna have to give it time android is still evolving. And I kinda disagree that a tablet is only as good as the apps you can get. But I mostly use mine to read news, watch YouTube and listen to music so I can't say I know what every user does.
Sent from my SGH-I997 using XDA
I have a chance to choose as a gift between mediapad lumia 710 and wildfire s.
I don't want to go for the nokia, it's with wp7.5, and i already have an original wildfire for just about 1,5 years and has connection issues. Should I go for media pad? Is it worth?
I don't know this brand at all, is it trustworthy?
dark_fighter said:
I have a chance to choose as a gift between mediapad lumia 710 and wildfire s.
I don't want to go for the nokia, it's with wp7.5, and i already have an original wildfire for just about 1,5 years and has connection issues. Should I go for media pad? Is it worth?
I don't know this brand at all, is it trustworthy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to use it yourself then just go for it. If you want to sell it, depending on the country, probably Lumia or HTC are the better choices.
As for the credibility of Huawei, just Google it
Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2
You are comparing a 7" tablet with a 3.2" or 3.7" phone. You can find a spec comparison of the Mediapad and the Wildfire S here: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4264&idPhone2=3777 You can also use the page for comparing the Lumina.
Besides their difference in size, there are also other significant differences, e.g. the Mediapad is more than three times the weight of the Wildfire S).
However: I just unpacked my Mediapad and it is an very nice device. Its built is solid and I like its feel (I had a SGT for a short time before. Didn't like it).
If you look for a tablet that size, go for the Mediapad. It offers a good value for the price (around 300€ in .de). If you look for a phone, probably the Wildfire or Lumina is the better choice.
Using the Medaipad as phone might also look a bit funny if you do not use a headset (maybe like this: http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/tablet-as-phone.jpeg?w=210&h=300)
As for the company, Huawei is a Chinese manufacturer, which is active in Europe mainly by providing infrastructure components for communication/GSM networks. They started to bring customer end-products to the European market some time ago and are set to drastically increase their market share.
From a consumer standpoint, I think they can be trusted the same way as aKorean or Taiwanese phone manufacturer. But maybe check for customer service in your area.
Cheers,
CS
Thank you very much for your replies. The fact is that I don't want a WP phone, as I am used to the android structure and interface, and also the openings that the android allows as an open-source os. I have never used a smartphone with an OS different than Android, and if wp are just like normal windows then it is for sure a no-go. And about Wildfire S... I don't know... I am using the original one right now, and from day first I wanted more performance, and this is one thing that wf's don't do. Also I have connectivity issues (signal and wifi) whatever rom or radio I used. And it is only 18 months old phone.
Amd yes I am going to use it as a phone too, to make calls and send sms's. One of my biggest concern is about moving with it around... Is it comfortable? (note, that I hadn't owned any other tablet in the past). Do you use/need a bag like a netbook/notebook?
dark_fighter said:
Amd yes I am going to use it as a phone too, to make calls and send sms's. One of my biggest concern is about moving with it around... Is it comfortable? (note, that I hadn't owned any other tablet in the past). Do you use/need a bag like a netbook/notebook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. I'm in the U.S. and the Springboard (which is essentially the Mediapad) is not used as a phone (by T-Mobile)... mind you once rooted it could be used as such (sort of. you need only to read the questions of folks trying to get their rooted Springboard to work as a phone). I don't know that I would want to use a tablet like a phone. For starters while it is not as large as a 10 inch tablet, it still would be awkward holding it up to your face to talk. I just recently saw a Samsung Galaxy Note. It's a 5 inch tablet that works as a phone but even that looked weird size-wise holding it to your face. You would probably not look as weird if you paired the tablet with a bluetooth headset and use it as a phone that way.
This tablet is 7 inches and you could put it in a case that would make people think you are carrying around an ebook reader. Since it's 7 inches you wouldn't necessarily need to cart it around in a netbook case unless you wanted to. It fits nicely in other things although I would probably put it in a protective sleeve if I were going to put it in a messenger bag or purse.
Windows Phone isn't like your regular windows. It's a true phone ui unlike the old Windows Mobile which felt like a small desktop ui. Just go to YouTube and see it yourself.
Of course nothing beats the openness of Android, but in media pad case, you basically only got root instead of a full custom rom since Huawei haven't release the source code. Root only is good enough for me, since I mainly use root access for backup. Other people might be disappointed because they're expecting custom rom.
As for using it as a phone, I don't think the size is friendly enough for this tablet to be used as your main phone. Maybe as a secondary phone, definitely not as your primary phone. It doesn't have a phone speaker, thus you use it like you use speakerphone. of course earphone (and blue tooth? never tried it) is an option.
Portability wise, for me it's a bit too big to be carried comfortably inside a pocket (it does fit nicely into the back pocket, but I really don't want to sit while it is in my back pocket). I usually use a small bag to carry it around.
Of course I am not going to stick a 7" tablet in my face to speak and of course I will use a hands-free set (I am used to it, since my wildfire voice speaker is crap and I don't hear sh*t if I am outside).
With mediapad, fact is that it offers the performance of a high end phone in a much much lower price, and since I can choose it as a gift, I consider it very seriously...
But the big question is, will it last for let's say 2-3 years? I mean I don't want to get full of problems with it after 1,5 year making it nearly unusable like my wf is now.
An other question... Is it possible in HC to use it as phone? I know that it hasn't any dialer in it, but is it possible to speak using a dialer like ExDialer or TouchPal?
I heard you can downlad phone.apk and install..
just like that?
dark_fighter said:
just like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Or you can install ICS rom which has built in dialer.
Hi!
As the topic says i am seriously thinking about buying a 32 GB STS but i have a couple of questions first.
1: Is it good/better in comparison to other tablets out there today in the same pricerange?
2: How is ICS on it?
3: Does it need root or is it good even without it? (Asking mainly because i read if ICS is on it already it isn´t possible to root it)
4: How is the support from the community and Sony?
I am not a newbie when it comes to android, coming from a Samsung galaxy s and currently using SGS2... but i have no experience in tablets, except for the crappy aPad i have.
So, if there are any other reasons to why i should get one please tell me
I already know about the IR and playstation certified which are the two main reasons i am looking at this tablet.
Awaiting response
/Kolipko
1: Is it good/better in comparison to other tablets out there today in the same pricerange?
The screen seems better and the general feel of it to me was more polished than others I tried. You have the built in ir & media control which gives it an advantage over the competition and flash over the ipad.
2: How is ICS on it?
Pass, patiently awaiting it in the UK, my only bugbear is direct access to the SD card which root or ICS fixes.
3: Does it need root or is it good even without it? (Asking mainly because i read if ICS is on it already it isn´t possible to root it)
See above, I'm happy as it is apart from direct SD card access, but ICS is smoother and adds this as far as I know.
4: How is the support from the community and Sony?
Sony are no better or worse than any manufacturer that I know of but the support and information on this forum is second to none.
Since having mine I have realised a few things, I use it a lot more for stuff I didn't think I would at first (ie. Playing ps1 games etc.) And havnt used it as much for stuff that I thought I would like music and web browsing.
I have rooted mine on honeycomb but I am going to install the pre-rooted ics as soon as my sd card turns up.
The only drawback to having the sony tablet S for me is the lack of sales... it means simply that there are less devs working on things like unlocking the bootloader and although it wouldn't be the end of the world if we never get to make custom roms it would still be nice.
If the only thing you are after is to flash roms and customise it like crazy id say get a galaxy tab. Otherwise the sony is the daddy!
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0
Thank you both for your replies
I am not looking to flash/customise it like crazy, it´s good to know that root isn´t that important for it as it seems but if i manage to get it with HC preinstalled i might root it (if it has the right kernel) and be happy with that.
The lack of sales and support is a little disturbing though, but since it is android most things are applicable from other devices... right?
Honestly i must say i am a little sick of samsung because of the UI, like i said in my main post i had a SGS1 and use a SGS2 now but i am thinking about leaving that aswell for some other phone... but that is another story.
The screen is probably the most important thing on a device IMO and i did go to a local store and compare the Sony with a few other devices like the iPad and Samsung, the Sony felt more responsive...
And the more i look at it and search the web i am getting more and more convinced to get a Sony tablet and we can always hope that something happens in the dev part for this tablet but if not i hope i wont regret buying it... but coming from a chinese piece of crap like the AverMedia 6850 aPad i think i will be very happy
/Kolipko
What really struck me about the tablet what how natural it felt to hold & use compared with the standard 'flat' tablets.
For me, I've surprised myself with hoe much I use it - I now use to to control pretty much every bit of electronic kit in my living room. I use the IR to control TV/BluRay/AMP/XBOX (yes, even the xbox, though not for gaming, of course). I can then turn on my HTPC from it, and stream music to my AMP using the Sony as the playlist editor, or pick a film to watch from XBMC, read about it on the tablet, hit play, and it's on screen.
It was intended to be (and still is, really) a luxury 'do I really need it' but now value it (and use it) more than my phone to be honest
aldredd said:
What really struck me about the tablet what how natural it felt to hold & use compared with the standard 'flat' tablets.
For me, I've surprised myself with hoe much I use it - I now use to to control pretty much every bit of electronic kit in my living room. I use the IR to control TV/BluRay/AMP/XBOX (yes, even the xbox, though not for gaming, of course). I can then turn on my HTPC from it, and stream music to my AMP using the Sony as the playlist editor, or pick a film to watch from XBMC, read about it on the tablet, hit play, and it's on screen.
It was intended to be (and still is, really) a luxury 'do I really need it' but now value it (and use it) more than my phone to be honest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This too.
I wouldn't worry about the UI. Like you say on your galaxy s2... you should try MIUI.US rom, it will be like having a new phone. I'm using it on my desire z. however like I say, to me the UI is the least important part of choosing a device mainly because android itself is so customisable with icons/launchers/themes/widgets etc..
Sent from my HTC Desire Z using Tapatalk 2.0
As the title above states, I'm looking for anyone's recommendations on a 5 inch tablet. I'd prefer it to be running Android 4.0 or later of course, but that isn't necessary. I'm not looking for brand names, not even real support for it either. The only concerns I have is that it comes in around 5 inches (I suppose something even 4.3 would be fine). Also, I'd like to have root access.
I'm trying to get my mother to replace her iPaq which is on it's way out. She refuses to get a Smartphone, because she refuses to get a data plan. For this reason I'm also looking to get something in the cheap range. A front facing camera wouldn't hurt, but isn't needed. I'm just trying to get her to use Skype more often.
So the basics
4.3 to 6" Tablet
Android 4.0 or later preferred
Micro SD slot for documents/pictures/videos
I know what you're going to say, why not the nexus 7 right? Well, it's more than I'd like to spend on something I don't know if I can get her to ever use. Also, she wants something small like her current iPaq that will fit in her pocketbook and not take up a lot of space.
Comments and suggestions are welcome, flames are almost expected. But any help will be appreciated.
Thanks all,
-Finire
Finire said:
As the title above states, I'm looking for anyone's recommendations on a 5 inch tablet. I'd prefer it to be running Android 4.0 or later of course, but that isn't necessary. I'm not looking for brand names, not even real support for it either. The only concerns I have is that it comes in around 5 inches (I suppose something even 4.3 would be fine). Also, I'd like to have root access.
I'm trying to get my mother to replace her iPaq which is on it's way out. She refuses to get a Smartphone, because she refuses to get a data plan. For this reason I'm also looking to get something in the cheap range. A front facing camera wouldn't hurt, but isn't needed. I'm just trying to get her to use Skype more often.
So the basics
4.3 to 6" Tablet
Android 4.0 or later preferred
Micro SD slot for documents/pictures/videos
I know what you're going to say, why not the nexus 7 right? Well, it's more than I'd like to spend on something I don't know if I can get her to ever use. Also, she wants something small like her current iPaq that will fit in her pocketbook and not take up a lot of space.
Comments and suggestions are welcome, flames are almost expected. But any help will be appreciated.
Thanks all,
-Finire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nowadays 5" screens are just considered as Phone or even Phablet (Phone+Tablet). So I don't know whether Tablets of that size is available recently. Sony did a release some time back about a fold-able tablet with 2 screens, but that was a failure in the market and was pretty expensive too. So as you've said Nexus 7 would be a choice as its pretty cheap too the 16GB version, though no MicroSD cards are supported. Galaxy Tab and other Tablets does comes with much higher amount than Nexus 7. Also, I would be totally wrong if 5-6" tablets are available nowadays.
coolsandie said:
Nowadays 5" screens are just considered as Phone or even Phablet (Phone+Tablet). So I don't know whether Tablets of that size is available recently. Sony did a release some time back about a fold-able tablet with 2 screens, but that was a failure in the market and was pretty expensive too. So as you've said Nexus 7 would be a choice as its pretty cheap too the 16GB version, though no MicroSD cards are supported. Galaxy Tab and other Tablets does comes with much higher amount than Nexus 7. Also, I would be totally wrong if 5-6" tablets are available nowadays.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being that I have been completely unable to sleep tonight... err... last night... due to pain from my car accident.... I did spend several hours searching Google for a possible solution. It turns up that I came around with this...
http://www.chinavasion.com/china/wh...0_Tablet_Upgrade_-_Mini_4.3_Inch_Pocket_Rock/
I'm not completely sure how I feel about it, but for the price, well... I'm not sure I could turn it down. Maybe this can be my mums transition to the smart phone world, without the smart phone itself. The hardware is iffy, but it'll be perfect for her grocery lists and maybe some crossword puzzles.
I'm going to leave this thread open for a while though, in case anyone comes up with some better suggestions before I can order this for my mum. All of my cash at the moment is tied up, and I'll have to wait for the car insurance payout on my now totaled baby... RIP 2009 Ford Focus, I thank you for saving my life.