Some assistance regarding apps - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey guys, can ya'll recommend me some apps that can allow me to call/text over Wifi?
long story short- im turning my GNEX into a 24/7 wifi entertainment device but i figured "hey why not use wifi for communications instead of a sim card?"
i want apps that avoid using my phone number (unless for a one time activation or whatever) because my number+sim is in another phone now unless that doesnt even matter really;
[i think google voice involves that ^]
I've used viber before, but just wanted to know more apps from more knowledgable users in the VoIP world i suppose
p.s
most if not all of these apps require my "contacts" to have the same application installed as well right?

bump, anyone?

I think pretty much every app of that genre requires the other user to have the same app.
If you want to avoid using your phone number as an identifier and still a great popularity, so that you'll be able to talk with many if not all your acquaintances, your best option is probably Facebook Messenger.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

Related

[Q] Security Features

HI Folks,
Most of you will be aware of the Samsung Dive account where one can track the location of the phone and remote wipe it etc.
I am aware of other apps on the market that replicate some of theses features but haven't found one that allows the finder of the phone means to contact the owner to return it.
What I would like is the lock screen to have a "phone owner" facility as well as the emergency call button.
I like to have the phone locked to prevent unauthorised use should it go missing but its doesn't help an honest person who might find the phone to return it.
Anyone seen an app that has this function?
Or make an app to do it, I would pay for an app that could do it.
Thanks
Del
Bump..Anyone?
haggisuk said:
...but its doesn't help an honest person who might find the phone to return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not try using a 'low-tech' solution & putting your contact details on a sticky label on the back - or a note between the phone and case. Remember your phone might be found by an old dear who doesn't even know how to turn it on!
Come to think of it, you could also use an invisible marker to write your house number & postcode under the battery (and on the battery) - this is one of the first things the police will look for if they recover your phone, or come across someone with it in their possession in 'suspicious circumstances'.
Well that made me smile, yes a perfectly good solution to the problem, and i will be doing that as it would still work even if the battery was dead
Would still like the over engineered solution too if its available or if anyone is making a security app for the phone to incorporate it as a feature.
The app called "Android Lost" lets you place a note saying whatever you want it to. You can also trace it with GPS, set an alarm etc.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
bruflot said:
The app called "Android Lost" lets you place a note saying whatever you want it to. You can also trace it with GPS, set an alarm etc.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great app, can't believe its free.
Tested it out and it works a treat.

Anyone use Lookout Security?

Hey, this it's my first time posting and I had a question for you guys.
Does anyone here use Lookout Mobile Security?
I've seen a lot of screenshots of homescreens and I never see the Lookout icon on the notification bar.
Is it not needed or do you guys use
something different?
Thanks for your help!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Why do you think its needed?
Sent from my HTC PH39100
That's a good question. I guess I just downloaded it assuming that I need it. Is the antivirus useless then?
Also, it backs up my pictures/contacts and has the "locate phone" feature. Are there any other apps that can do this?
Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Not sure I need one either, but I have BitDefender Mobile on my phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I used this thing for quite a while.....its great in theory. Here are the things that made me un-install it.
1) Could not locate my phone through GPS while indoors
2) website continuously said that message failed to be delivered to my phone while trying to make my device scream.....although I got every one of them and phone would not scream.
3) most importantly while doing batch updates from the market I would have to sit there and watch not only each app being downloaded and installed....but then had to wait for lookout to scan each one...which ultimately made the update process SLLLOOOOWWW.
I initially installed this just for the phone locator service but Wheres My Droid does that and it works great. IDK but maybe the paid version of Lookout is better but WAAAYYYY to expensive for a app that is technically NOT NEEDED.
I use WaveSecure... it does all the same stuff except virus protection. Everytime I've tested it, the lock has worked. I haven't tested the remote wipe feature. Also, I have it set so that once a day, it will backup all my pictures and sms and whatever else it offers backup for. That way, if I have to wipe it, I'll have all my stuff.
I used it for a while on my captivate. I stopped using it because when ever I had it installed the market would stall periodically. It would sit and say it was downloading something. Clearing the market didn't help, but uninstalling lookout would.
I use Google+ to auto upload my pictures, and SMS backup+ to back up SMS and call logs to my gmail account.
I never tried the locate, scream or wipe features so I don't miss them. I did notice WP7 included them built in, and worked well. Apple has integrated some now too. I think its only a matter of time before Google does the same.
Sent from my Galaxy S II (i777)

How to turn your old cellphone or phone with a bad ESN into a home phone.

How to turn your old android cell phone into a free home phone.
REQUIREMENTS.
1. wifi at your house or where ever you want to use the phone.
2. gmail account.
3. Google voice app from the market.
4. Google talk app from the market.
5. groove ip app from the market cost 4.99 one time fee. for app. you can also us sipdroid but it is harder to setup.
6. a not activated android cell phone with wifi. ( your old phone or one off of eBay or even one with a bad esn. )
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS.
1. install all of the requirements on your phone.
2. go to WWW.Google.com/voice on our pc then sign in and click on settings then on yhe phone tab to link a phone number to you account. Set forward calls to google chat this will link your google number to your phone. you can also link your cell number or any number you might want to forward you Google voice calls to if desired. any settings you might want to change can be done here.
3. open groove ip and sign in with gmail account.
4. open Google voice and sign in with your gmail account. Google voice will create a phone number for you. Now hit menu then settings and making calls set this to (do not use google voice to make any calls.) In settings you can also see you google voice phone number.
5. open groove IP to make all you phone calls.
Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8gPBDtjcnE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Enjoy your new phone without paying a cellphone company.
Good guide. You can also use CSipSimpe, which is free.
Thanks will have to give that a try.
sent from my CM7-dx2 using XDA premium
Nice idea, ty.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
Skelente said:
Good guide. You can also use CSipSimpe, which is free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What SIP provider are you using for CSipSimple? I have had good success with SiPDroid and trying to cinfigure CSipSimple has been a real PITA. Thanks!
Ciao!
I'm just using IpComms.net with the initial free trial, but I'm honestly going to drop it before it's up. I just ran through it a few days ago to mess around with after I got my GV number, but everyone has my cell # and I'm not really looking to switch that out, but maybe post-graduation it'll be good to have a "professional" number.
BTW Groovetalk is doing a sale today because of the super bowl. $2.10 until 11 pm EST
Groove IP is really easy to use just sign in the Google account and your done. Don't have to set it up.
sent from my CM7-dx2 using XDA premium
Tomsgt said:
How to turn your old android cell phone into a free home phone.
REQUIREMENTS.
1. wifi at your house or where ever you want to use the phone.
2. gmail account.
3. Google voice app from the market.
4. Google talk app from the market.
5. groove ip app from the market cost 4.99 one time fee. for app. you can also us sipdroid but it is harder to setup.
6. a not activated android cell phone with wifi. ( your old phone or one off of eBay or even one with a bad esn. )
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS.
1. install all of the requirements on your phone.
2. open Google voice and sign in with your gmail account. Google voice will create a phone number for you. Now hit menu then settings and making calls set this to (do not use google voice to make any calls.) In settings you can also see you google voice phone number.
3. open groove ip and sign in with gmail account.
4. go to WWW.Google.com/voice on our pc then sign in and click on settings then on yhe phone tab to link a phone number to you account. Set forward calls to google chat this will link your google number to your phone. you can also link your cell number or any number you might want to forward you Google voice calls to if desired. any settings you might want to change can be done here.
5. open groove IP to make all you phone calls.
Enjoy your new phone without paying a cellphone company.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used this for a while and its great. But a LOT of bugs had to be worked out with the x2 in the past for this app(grooveIP) to work properly. The guys at SNRBlabs are awesome and gave great support. Brought it to their attention when the app wouldnt work on Froyo and they gave me several test builds to try and fix the problem, but nothing worked I keep getting updates(even though the app was off the market for the x2) until it would finally work right.
This will not work on the x2 prior to a 2.3.4 update. You will have BAD call quality at best if you don't have at least that update.
This can also be used to make phone calls on any phone for free and not use your minutes.
sent from my CM7-dx2 using XDA premium
Update to op
Sent from my hacked DROID
i've used this set up for a while to make my old phone a kids' game device and a backup phone in the house.
the lag on conversations is brutal. it's free, sure, but you're getting the call quality of a trans-pacific phone call circa 1997.
lots of "no, no, you go ahead."
brothermatt said:
i've used this set up for a while to make my old phone a kids' game device and a backup phone in the house.
the lag on conversations is brutal. it's free, sure, but you're getting the call quality of a trans-pacific phone call circa 1997.
lots of "no, no, you go ahead."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is you phone on 2.3 or above it works much better on those android systems.
Sent from my hacked DROID
2.3.7
it's an OG droid, overclocked running pete's GPA 19. still laggy, but again--free.
True free is sweet. You can also us sipdroid instead of grooveip mite work better but is a lot harder to setup.
Sent from my hacked DROID
Bump for noobs
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
Oh good idea for old phone
Sent from my MB870 using xda premium
Works great ty
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bad bone said:
Works great ty
Sent from my MB870 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep yep
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
That is awesome. Thanks for the guide.
When using google voice to text is there anyway to send pictures with your text? Or is this not possible at the moment with google voice?
Thanks again.
Sorry no pictures messages at this point.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

VCast uploading media without permission?

My wives phone nightly is attempting (and succeeding) to backup her entire music library, pictures and videos to their server. We've disabled the sync and we're not subscribed to Vcast. It wouldn't be a huge problem except that her line isn't unlimited data and she's barely under her data allowance each month. I'm unlimited and I still don't use near the data her phone claims she does. I'm on XDA so you know I'm VERY data intensive. Comes with the territory right? Has anyone else ran into this problems? If so do you have any solutions?
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Is the phone rooted?
If so, just delete the VCast files from /system/app
Alternately (and probably safer if possible) you can try to see if you can "disable" any VZW services that you're not using by going to Settings > Apps > All Apps. Find the Vcast service app (and also probably HTC Media Upload Service), select them, and hopefully the "Disable" button is available for those apps.
Disable button is a benefit of having a 4.0 and above ROM. Unfortunately I've not rooted these phones so it's not even an option. Good suggestion though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Geoi1006 said:
Disable button is a benefit of having a 4.0 and above ROM. Unfortunately I've not rooted these phones so it's not even an option. Good suggestion though.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, boo. You're right.
OK, so go into the accounts section in settings and make sure the HTC account is disabled and none of the services are set to sync. I can't remember the GB interface off the top of my head so I can't be more specific right now, sorry..
But without root, you'll likely have to figure out how to shut the service down via its interface in the settings menu.
The basic info/solution tech support offered was to watch when it attempts to start and disable data. She could find no logical reason for it to act like it is .
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Geoi1006 said:
The basic info/solution tech support offered was to watch when it attempts to start and disable data. She could find no logical reason for it to act like it is .
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That hardly seems like a solution. So basically they say you have to babysit your phone and disable data when it tries to do something you haven't told it to do?
If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and wipe it. Hopefully she used the Google services for contacts and stuff instead of VZWs so most everything should automatically come back. I'd rather spend a day restoring my phone than have to bother with monitoring it all the time because its acting up for unknown reasons..
Might as well take this as your opportunity to unlock the bootloader and root it too, since the unlock process forces you to wipe the phone anyways..
Plus once you unlock it, you can use Amon Ra to do nandroid backups and then your phone is forever protected from stupid things like this, as long as you backup every now and then.
Go to settings > accounts & settings . Look for any Verizon or vcast account, you click it, unchecked box for "backup music"
Just unlock it and put ICS on!
Problem solved.
Did she go on to her My Verizon page on the Verizon website? I noticed this new Vcast cloud feature when I was changing features on my phone's service last night. (I removed wifi Hotspot since the Hotspot app on the Rezound doesn't work properly and they ain't gonna fix it anytime soon.) Under the features section their are several cloud options. The default 500 megabytes options is Free and was already active on my features even though I don't remember activating it. However, there was an option to remove this feature. Might be worth a try.
Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2.

Getting another GS3

I managed to score a deal with Orange UK after I'd called to cancel my old contract with them (I'm with Three) and they offered me a FREE Galaxy S3 with 600 minutes, unlimited texts and 1.5GB of data for £23.56 (no idea where the 6p comes into it).
This is perfect for my GF, so I took them up on the offer and I'm giving her the phone and contract.
Now, she's been using my old HTC Desire through GiffGaff, of which we barely get a 2G signal around our house and where we live. Anyway, she's made three purchases on her Google account. Swiftkey, Battery Widget reborn and HD Widgets.
She used the Samsung keyboard on my phone a little to test it out (I use Swiftkey myself) and she quite liked that. The battery widget isn't any use for her on the GS3 since you can show the battery percentage next to the icon, but she'd like to keep HD Widgets.
We're giving the HTC Desire to my stepson as his first proper phone as well (he's 13) and the battery widget would be better on his phone and perhaps he could use the Swiftkey instead of my GF.
How do we go about keeping the purchases or moving them to another account? Is this possible?
Or, would it be possible to simply sign my GF into her Google account on her new phone as well as on the HTC Desire (so her account is present on both phones) and therefore both phones can use the apps?
The only tricky thing about that is the Google wallet and my stepson. I don't think he'd make purchases without asking but you just can't be sure!
Help!
You can have the same Google account on two different phones. Yes you can keep your purchases as long as you're logged into the same Google account. Moving app purchases between different accounts isn't possible as far as I know. As for keeping your son from making unnecessary app purchases, there's a setting in Google play that allows you to set a pin for downloading/purchasing apps
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Perfect. Yep just found that setting. "Require pin for user purchases".
That'll do nicely!
EDIT:
It might sound cheap, but can both phones use the same apps? Is there an install limit or something or is it a per account basis?
Kryten2k35 said:
Perfect. Yep just found that setting. "Require pin for user purchases".
That'll do nicely!
EDIT:
It might sound cheap, but can both phones use the same apps? Is there an install limit or something or is it a per account basis?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope never heard of an install limit. As long as your account is synced, you can use the same apps. BUT some paid apps are phone specific(purchased for the first phone and you might have to purchase a new license for the second phone). Best thing you can do is give it a test run- log both phones into your gfs Google account and see if you can restore paid apps in both phones. No harm in trying
Edit: I have to point out that your gfs contact data/gmail would be synced into the sons phone if you share the account. Even if you remove them from the sync settings, a 13yr old can always go into the settings and turn it back on
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Awesome, and with this being my GF's gmail. Can I disable the Gmail app form the phone? Perhaps just deleting it?
Kryten2k35 said:
Awesome, and with this being my GF's gmail. Can I disable the Gmail app form the phone? Perhaps just deleting it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can use an app like titanium backup to freeze/uninstall it but the app is free on the market and can always be redownloaded. Even if you freeze the app, on the market there's an option to enable it(Just checked that myself)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
demondor said:
Sure you can use an app like titanium backup to freeze/uninstall it but the app is free on the market and can always be redownloaded. Even if you freeze the app, on the market there's an option to enable it(Just checked that myself)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's fine. I doubt he'll try to use it.
I'm also checking online. According to Google, you can change your email address and transfer all your stuff over. I also never considered it but there'll be all my GF's contacts on there...
I think it may be a better idea to set up up his own gmail after all this! The widgets and stuff only cost a little anyway.
Yeah just setup his account and link it to your credit card so he can purchase apps with your permission.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for your help, mate!
Kryten2k35 said:
Thanks for your help, mate!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Glad to help
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Just note that as your using account on both phones the contacts will double sync been caught out by that one myself
bunglebp said:
Just note that as your using account on both phones the contacts will double sync been caught out by that one myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I guess that earlier. I think I'll just make him his own Google Account and put the pin lock on purchases and perhaps buy him the battery widget reborn thing (though Thomas H the dev was happy to move a donated purchase before, he might do it again?)
Kryten2k35 said:
Yeah, I guess that earlier. I think I'll just make him his own Google Account and put the pin lock on purchases and perhaps buy him the battery widget reborn thing (though Thomas H the dev was happy to move a donated purchase before, he might do it again?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a good plan
Or just stop syncing the gmail and contacts .....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
the best option would be to sign in, install all the apps you want, and then remove the account from the device. it'll mean no future updates but for a battery widget/swiftkey, i don't really think you'd need them anyway. if a major update does come in, you could just sign in again, install update, and then remove account a second time.

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