Related
I'm sure many people have noticed this, but figured I'd start a little discussion on this.
For those that have not seen or heard about it: Amazon started offering a "cloud" service. Basically functions as a typical online storage service with a few neat features. Using the amazon mp3 player (free download), you can stream music files stored on the "cloud" account to your phone. Obviously this doesn't completely replace the functionality of having music stored on the device, as you wont have access if you don't have a network connection of some sort, but I know I can store more of my music on the cloud server and keep a limited amount of music on the phone for those instances that I wont have a network connection.
It looks like their basic/free service will provide 5 GB of storage, though you can get that upgraded to 20 GB for free with the purchase of an MP3 album. Obviously, not everyone will want to do that, but I had been looking at buying an MP3 album from amazon anyways (finding the actual CD was looking to be impossible or WAY too expensive) so it kind of worked out well for me. I wouldn't say there's a whole lot of innovative features, just a bit of innovation in combining features for convenience I guess. So, with my limited testing so far, I wouldn't call anything groundbreaking, but definitely nifty.
So far, it streams perfectly fine over both wifi and 3G which is to be expected. The player is fairly basic/minimalistic, but gets the job done. The widget also follows the minimalistic design. I feel that both are a bit too simplistic and prefer using winamp, but it's really just a preference thing. I can't really fault anything specific about the amazon player at this point other than being simple in design. The player also functions as an amazon music store so you can purchase music to be added to your cloud storage and you download the files directly to your phone. So far, I'd say the convenience is the best part of the service.
One thing I'm wondering about: Why didn't they combine the app store and music store into one app? I know it's not that difficult to switch between the 2, but it seems like it would be "cleaner" to just put both into one great package. I'm guessing they were concerned about it becoming cluttered, especially with search results, but it still seems like they could have worked the 2 together.
I tried this an it seemed to work good to me. The only thing that sucks is that my upload speed is terrible at home so uploaded 5gbs would take me forever, yet alone more GB.
Be sure to check here for some essentially free space.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/29/tip-get-20gb-of-amazon-cloud-drive-storage-for-only-0-69/
I just got my tab two months ago, and I have been trying to find any app that best suits this gadget. So far, I almost got what I want, so I decide to write them down, and maybe this can help some other newcomers like me.
player:
1.BSplayer. It has a very nice ui and an functional LAN mode(you can stream from any smb server within a LAN). It's currently introduced a hw acceleration method, which I think is as good as the one that Diceplayer has.
2.Google Music. Very cool UI with a nice widget. A must-have app for anyone who likes google's music streaming service.
Google Reader
HD Reader Since I rely on google reader to subscribe rss feeds, google reader app is definitely a essential reading tool on my tab. But I really don't like the google's version(it's just a phone app). After several days of app-hunting, I found this one, it supports 3 different theme, and many essential settings such as on/off line mode, font family, cache, image downloading, etc. it's ui design is just visually appealing. Plus it has a transparent widget which is also configurable.
Podcast download/streaming
Beyond Pod. This one is definitely the best choice if you listen/watch podcast on daily basis. the ui is optimized for tablet, and transition is quite smooth. It provided all the basic features of a podcast receiver app.
Ebook Reader
Mantano I tried a lot of ebook reader's but eventually settled with Mantano reader. It has a very nice ui which is optimized for tablet. It supports epub as well as pdf. The reading experience is excellent.
Ezpdfreader. Probably the best pdf reader I could find.
Facebook/twitter
Wizz widget for tablet. this applet is just enough for basic usage of facebook/twitter. so I don't need other apps for these. Anyway,you can try Friendme/Friendcaster, and tweetcomb. These individual apps are all optimized for the tablets.
My Recommended Apps For Tablet - From Galaxy 10.1 WiFi
Player
1) PlayerPro. It is about the only player app that gave me the opportunity to edit the album art for each one of my songs. Another cool thing of it is the ability to install and use personalized Skins. Pretty Nice looking interface, to me this is my Music Player Winner. My library looks so organized with this app.
2) Google Music. As hilltruange states, this is a must-have app for anyone who likes google's Music Streaming service. I also like the fact that it kind of connects your music experience with the new market Music feauture.
3)AudioGalaxy. This is the winner when it comes to a low capacity of storage on your device!. AudioGalaxy allows you to stream ALL your music from home straight to your personal device in just a few SECONDS! This app is kind of like Google Music nevertheless it does not upload it to the cloud but instead it streams it using the internet connection. Must-have as well.
Ebook Reader
I personally go more for the cool looking interface - Flipping pages like a real book rather than what the app itself can do. Ive had my Galaxy 10.1 Tab for about 4 months now and Ill have to admit that i havent found anything really better than the Ebook.apk app that came with my Task650 - ROM. It does the job just great! In my opinion this app really makes the reading feel like if you were reading a real technological book. I personally use online EPUB converters so that i can enjoy my PDF's with the "Flipping pages" feature.
Just for the record, Ive tried Mantano and dont get me wrong. The app is awesome but just the fact that it only does scrolling effect on the pages really bugs me. :-(
Live TV/Movies/Sports/Streaming
So far my Number One app for live Tv streaming is Veetle.apk. I've personally used Veetle for about 2 years now and trust me it is great!. It is about the only app out there that allows you to stream hd movies at a very nice quality on your Tablet!. I also have NETFLIX which also does the job for me.
Android Launcher
ADWLauncher Ex. I understand that the Stock Android Launcher looks pretty descent but the ADWLauncher Ex just turns your Android Tablet experience to a whole new level! Take a look at my Google+ TNDG page:
h t t p s : / / p l u s . g o o g l e . c o m / u /0/b/103728314829341153863/#
In there i have some of my tablet screen pics using ADWLauncher Ex.
WiFi Calling! For Free
Groove IP. If you have a WiFi ONLY tablet then you should really get yourself a Google Voice account and download GrooVe IP from the market!. Groove IP tuns your WiFi Tablet into a Phone. Must-Have if you want to make phone calls for free.
OoVoO. Number ONE Video conference app WAY better and HD quality compared to Tango. If you have Google Talk and most of your friends are on it then you should be fine using the Talk Video feauture. Nevertheless, if you want to experience something different but with the same quality as Google hangouts then i strongly recommend to download OoVoO.apk.
Sound Equilizer
EQualizer. EQualizer from Google Music takes the quality of your tablet sound to a whole new level!.
Best Keyboards
SwiftKey Tablet X. SwiftKey Tablet X is in my opinion the best when it comes to a nice looking neon easy to use keyboard experience!.
HD Tablet - Video Games!
Riptide GP - HD
ShadowGun - HD
Pinball for Tegra - HD
Ocean Bubble - HD
Light Racer 3D - HD
GOF2 THD - HD
Block Breaker 3 - HD
Stardunk - HD
Heave Gunner 3D - HD
Hero of Sparta - HD
Asphalt 6 - HD
UNO - HD
BackBreaker Tegra2 - HD
AirAttack - HD
WaveBlazer - HD
CrazySnowBoard - HD
N.O.V.A. 2 - HD
Radio Services
Pandora
Jango
TuneIn
hilltruange said:
I just got my tab two months ago, and I have been trying to find any app that best suits this gadget. So far, I almost got what I want, so I decide to write them down, and maybe this can help some other newcomers like me.
player:
1.BSplayer. It has a very nice ui and an functional LAN mode(you can stream from any smb server within a LAN). It's currently introduced a hw acceleration method, which I think is as good as the one that Diceplayer has.
2.Google Music. Very cool UI with a nice widget. A must-have app for anyone who likes google's music streaming service.
Google Reader
HD Reader Since I rely on google reader to subscribe rss feeds, google reader app is definitely a essential reading tool on my tab. But I really don't like the google's version(it's just a phone app). After several days of app-hunting, I found this one, it supports 3 different theme, and many essential settings such as on/off line mode, font family, cache, image downloading, etc. it's ui design is just visually appealing. Plus it has a transparent widget which is also configurable.
Podcast download/streaming
Beyond Pod. This one is definitely the best choice if you listen/watch podcast on daily basis. the ui is optimized for tablet, and transition is quite smooth. It provided all the basic features of a podcast receiver app.
Ebook Reader
Mantano I tried a lot of ebook reader's but eventually settled with Mantano reader. It has a very nice ui which is optimized for tablet. It supports epub as well as pdf. The reading experience is excellent.
Ezpdfreader. Probably the best pdf reader I could find.
Facebook/twitter
Wizz widget for tablet. this applet is just enough for basic usage of facebook/twitter. so I don't need other apps for these. Anyway,you can try Friendme/Friendcaster, and tweetcomb. These individual apps are all optimized for the tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the suggestion of Reader HD, that's the kind of RSS program I've been looking for! Love the theme unification with Gmail!
hilltruange said:
I just got my tab two months ago, and I have been trying to find any app that best suits this gadget. So far, I almost got what I want, so I decide to write them down, and maybe this can help some other newcomers like me.
player:
1.BSplayer. It has a very nice ui and an functional LAN mode(you can stream from any smb server within a LAN). It's currently introduced a hw acceleration method, which I think is as good as the one that Diceplayer has.
2.Google Music. Very cool UI with a nice widget. A must-have app for anyone who likes google's music streaming service.
Google Reader
HD Reader Since I rely on google reader to subscribe rss feeds, google reader app is definitely a essential reading tool on my tab. But I really don't like the google's version(it's just a phone app). After several days of app-hunting, I found this one, it supports 3 different theme, and many essential settings such as on/off line mode, font family, cache, image downloading, etc. it's ui design is just visually appealing. Plus it has a transparent widget which is also configurable.
Podcast download/streaming
Beyond Pod. This one is definitely the best choice if you listen/watch podcast on daily basis. the ui is optimized for tablet, and transition is quite smooth. It provided all the basic features of a podcast receiver app.
Ebook Reader
Mantano I tried a lot of ebook reader's but eventually settled with Mantano reader. It has a very nice ui which is optimized for tablet. It supports epub as well as pdf. The reading experience is excellent.
Ezpdfreader. Probably the best pdf reader I could find.
Facebook/twitter
Wizz widget for tablet. this applet is just enough for basic usage of facebook/twitter. so I don't need other apps for these. Anyway,you can try Friendme/Friendcaster, and tweetcomb. These individual apps are all optimized for the tablets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had my tab since August, and I've spent a lot of time trying out different apps and bouncing around.
I still stick with Stitcher for Podcasts, having tried BeyondPod and a few others and just not being that impressed. I'm hoping Stitcher will get more tablet-optimized soon.
For an RSS reader, I hadn't seen HD Reader before -- it looks pretty slick. I've been turned off by all the apps like Pulse which turn my daily news-reading into a huge multimedia experience; I much prefer the simplicity of the standard Google Reader app to that. HD Reader looks like it might be a nice merging, though, and I'll give that a try.
MoonReader+ works well for epub reading, but I think I'll give Mantano a try.
DicePlayer was one of the first apps I bought for my tablet for videos, and I haven't regretted it.
Reddita is great for browsing and posting to Reddit. I have Reddit is Fun for my phone, but Reddita is just perfect on tablets.
I prefer Thumb Keyboard | Tablet over SwiftKey X for Tablet, but it's pretty close. I use Hacker's Keyboard occasionally when I'm doing terminal sessions. Speaking of, Better Terminal Emulator pro is the only option for SSH sessions!
Make sure you browse around Tablified.
news360 is my favorite news app for the tab so far, but I'll have to checkout HD reader.
thank u so much guys...these lists were needed a long ago but its never late.
i agree that these lists are awesome and this thread must be sticky so that newcomers can take advantage.
Music
TuneIn Radio - Ha! Who needs an FM antenna? I can get all my favorite radio stations from everywhere I've ever lived, oh and that cool one from Germany. I haven't even bothered putting MP3s on my tab because of this app.
Ebook
FBreader - No fancy graphics, just customizable and simple epub access. Quite possibly the most opened app on my Tab.
TV
Crunchyroll - Mmmm anime. I've been tempted more than once to invest in the premium access.
Keyboard
Thumb Keyboard - Very fast, and has an awesome Tron-styled theme.
HD Reader is amazing, I've been using it since the first day I got the tab. it is the best Google Reader that I've seen
SamerBerjawi said:
HD Reader is amazing, I've been using it since the first day I got the tab. it is the best Google Reader that I've seen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for me justreader better than hd reader.
mynewuser said:
for me justreader better than hd reader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will try that out now... thanks
Data counter apps
Hi Guys,
Need your 2 cent of advice for data counter or data monitor apps, currently all the apps related program to capture our data in and out is not working well for my tab 8.9 only wifi.
any suggestion
thanks in advance
My Recommended Apps
I am an engineer, a designer, a developer, editor and a computer enthusiast
i have these tools on my tab to work on
adobe creatpdf
touch retouch
smart tools
touchnote
photofunia
google reader
money lover
andromedia
adobe kuler
sketch n draw
think free office tablet
ps touch
pixlr o matic
qr droid
mobile biz pro
electrodroid
tape machine
sketch book
super note
---------- Post added at 02:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:45 AM ----------
abima80 said:
Hi Guys,
Need your 2 cent of advice for data counter or data monitor apps, currently all the apps related program to capture our data in and out is not working well for my tab 8.9 only wifi.
any suggestion
thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
use this
this is the best one
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.carl.trafficcounter
Is their a way to increase font size in mantano reader?
I just tried Stitcher and I love it so far, I think that is my media news (podcasts/video/news radio) and Goggle Currents has been nice so far for reading.
So my favorite apps are:
Podcasts: Stitcher
News Reader: Currents, Pulse
Launcher: ADW
Browser: Dolphin w/ LastPass & Xmarks
Voicemail: Google Voice
Media: Pandora, Plex, 8tracks
DLNA: Skifta
Remote Desktop: PocketCloud
Other:
Evernote
Read It Later
Dropbox
someone recommended reddita for reddit, while it is good, i prefer f5 for reddit on tab, and on the phone, bacon reader( also for redit)
I use Pulse and I really like it, some times Currents too but one big issue is offline reading i have 32gigs on my tab and i dont care how much it takes to download all news everyday from about 100 sources. but I want to read full articles with images offline when im on the road..
I would be greatful for any advice
Just had my wifes replacement tab arrive today, boy its gonna be fun getting into this thing!
I've seen a lot of great suggestions here, but was wondering if there are many launchers optimized for tablet?
I saw ADWlauncherEX suggested, i already own that on my phone so i will definitely try that first.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Mirmensky said:
Just had my wifes replacement tab arrive today, boy its gonna be fun getting into this thing!
I've seen a lot of great suggestions here, but was wondering if there are many launchers optimized for tablet?
I saw ADWlauncherEX suggested, i already own that on my phone so i will definitely try that first.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about launchers designed for tablets, but I use ADWex and have had no issue at all with it.
On a side note, Mint just optimized their finance app for tabs and it is great. If you're a stickler about managing your expenses, I find this app to be incredible.
Anybody know pdf readervthat is quick to open not so complex docs and pdf, mostly meeting notes. Ccurrently using ezypdf and polaris office, both is quite slow and for polaris after many pdf docs will force close.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
biggiebro said:
Anybody know pdf readervthat is quick to open not so complex docs and pdf, mostly meeting notes. Ccurrently using ezypdf and polaris office, both is quite slow and for polaris after many pdf docs will force close.
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Repligo reader
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk
Hello everybody!
So with all the hype of ICS source being released, there are a few things I think Google is overlooking BIG TIME!
Forgive me if you don't agree or don't care for that matter.
First. I am really digging the new Google Music app as well as the addition of the music store being added to the market. But my question to Google would be, why use your music store vs. ITunes on my CPU? There is no music management system for Google, which in my opinion is a huge short fall. I understand that Google is really hitting the cloud hard, but what if I don't want my new purchases or any music in the cloud? Manually dragging and dropping music files is a pain in the @ss. I guess my frustrations revolve mostly around their web based music player than the music app. Drop the web based music player and release an application. Make it easy for android users to flawlessly sync their phone with their CPU and CPU with the cloud. Make it easy to sync my music and playlists.
And dude what's up with your LAME music widget? Seriously? You make this beautiful UI, built from the ground up and you dont even have the decency to revamp your music widget... Com'on man!
Second. Again this is attention to detail, why did you not update the ui in the clock app? It doesn't match the ICS ui at all. It didn't even match with GB for that matter.
Don't get me wrong, I love android and Google but there are just a few things (IMHO) that need to really be tended to.
I guess that's all for now.
Good day.
I agree. Thats why I still use iTunes. Best music manager to me.
Temari x Shikamaru
Since we're on the google music kick... anyone notice you can't make individual songs available offline in the app? You can only do artists or albums (though, I really only tried from the artist view)...
And yes, they do need to redo the widget. I'm not so interested in a standalone music player for pc, though I do see the need for better pc-android syncing.
If you purchase the song, and you play it or make it available offline, you can listen to the local cached version.
No drag and drop, it's just there.
Craysh said:
If you purchase the song, and you play it or make it available offline, you can listen to the local cached version.
No drag and drop, it's just there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that, and it does work well. It's the music that is not synced to the cloud has to be manually drag/drooped to the phone. There needs to be a better music management system.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
knowledge561 said:
I agree. Thats why I still use iTunes. Best music manager to me.
Temari x Shikamaru
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly!
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Completely off-topic, but more people should know this:
CPU ≠ Computer.
The CPU is an extremely small part of a computer, it stands for Central Processing Unit, and is the brain of a computer, but again, is NOT the computer itself.
</rant>
Edit:
By the way, I completely agree with this entire post, btw. Closest I've come to an iTunes-like experience has been DoubleTwist, and has worked well for me. Give it a shot, if you like iTunes then this is the Android equivalent.
This is Google 101 my friend..Make a product that works and pretty it up at a later date..Its been like this for years..They worry about the aesthetics later on..They are just a bunch of engineers with no eye for ease of use or appealing UI.
I'm sure they will throw a coat of paint on it in the future.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Atoro said:
Completely off-topic, but more people should know this:
CPU ≠ Computer.
The CPU is an extremely small part of a computer, it stands for Central Processing Unit, and is the brain of a computer, but again, is NOT the computer itself.
</rant>
Edit:
By the way, I completely agree with this entire post, btw. Closest I've come to an iTunes-like experience has been DoubleTwist, and has worked well for me. Give it a shot, if you like iTunes then this is the Android equivalent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification
I have used numerous apps, including double twist. While double twist has its perks, there needs to be a native android music management system. The problem with using other music apps is that you can't utilize there cloud. And with that it's annoying having to use two separate apps to accomplish what should be done with one. It seems redundant having to download an alternative app.
Also when you purchase music from the market its automatically stored "in the cloud". But when you select to download it to your phone from the music app, where does it save it to? MIUI music can't find any of my purchased music, nor can I using a file explorer. TIA.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Lol I stopped reading at Itunes on your cpu hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Holy hell, you guys using itune or apple at all, that's a sin 'round here. You get burned at the stake for that. You should be embarrassed of your sinful admition.
Jk, but really using apple products, for shame feeding the beast. All your complaints will be fixed in due time.
Well Linux has a stand alone google music app. And everything is accessible from the browser in any OS. So I somewhat agree. I really don't know what the problem is but uploading music from a computer to google music is painfully slow. I 100% agree about the clock app and the music widget though. Everytime I set an alarm I cringe at the ugly UI lol
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Idc, iTunes is the best music app. Plus my first smartphone was an iphone
Temari x Shikamaru
bballer71418 said:
Well Linux has a stand alone google music app. And everything is accessible from the browser in any OS. So I somewhat agree. I really don't know what the problem is but uploading music from a computer to google music is painfully slow. I 100% agree about the clock app and the music widget though. Everytime I set an alarm I cringe at the ugly UI lol
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is like they forgot about the clock lol
All I'm trying to her across is it would be nice to have some sort of iTunes type media management system to sync music, movies, shows, ringtones etc... Until then I don't foresee Google taking over the music market. ITunes works and works well (sorry to say it) and people have been using it for years.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
knowledge561 said:
Idc, iTunes is the best music app. Plus my first smartphone was an iphone
Temari x Shikamaru
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sinner! Lol
Agreed.
Sent from my HTC EVO 3d using Taptalk
If you could just download the songs to your SD card and use any music player or release an api to allow apps like HTC music to use your Google music account. I hate having another music app because of this.
Via My HTC Evo 3D On The Now Network From Sprint.
Some it may be Google's agreements with the big record labels. I mean they make it virtually impossible to pull music you've downloaded from the store to a pc. But yes google needs to understand that although in the coming years the 'cloud' and tablets may be peoples only form of computing but until then and if they want to be successful now they need to make stand alone applications that is as robust as iTunes is for computers.
Sent from my PG86100 using xda premium
I don't like itunes its incredibly over rated. There is nothing standout about it, plus it provides advertising and revinue for apple. I would rather use a folder on my desktop for arranging my music than use itunes.
hungry81 said:
I don't like itunes its incredibly over rated. There is nothing standout about it, plus it provides advertising and revinue for apple. I would rather use a folder on my desktop for arranging my music than use itunes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I love fanboys. You can still like Google and use apple products.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
After almost a year of using the phone the only thing I need it for these days is calls and messaging.
Suggest some apps/things to do to make me use the phone a lot more o_0
Cheers
You can
You can browse using a lot of browsers - I like Chrome Beta
You can play Games - Well, I like many of them
You can listen to Music - *sigh* do I need to elaborate on this?
You can watch videos - Depends on your taste. I play HD videos without any problem.
You can check market stats with many applications or browser
You can Read books or listen to audio books
You can play around with themes and mods listed in this forum
You can use it to interact in the various forums like this using their own apps like the XDA app for this forum
You can search on sites like ebay, classified, craigslist, etc - All have their own apps
You can book tickets, plane, bus, train, with apps for the same
you can hire taxi using apps if such a service is available in your city
You can chat or IM or video chat with friends
You can take pictures, shoot videos and edit them and add effects using many many apps
You can create your own memes with custom photos and then share them
You can blog using apps - I use wordpress app and it is awesome
You can of course micro-blog using twitter apps
You can use it to control your computer with VNC or even SSL. There are many many apps for the same
If you are really interested then you can get into development side by learning more about android and coding and design apps, or hook it up with your computer and automate your home even.
In the end its all about your imagination. Let it run wild and enjoy the piece of technology that is in your hand
Overclock it stick it in your trouser pocket and get a thrill .
jje
I get my Red 920 on Tuesday. I want to use an app like Pandora what do you guys suggest? Does the windows phone have anything like Pandora? Also I used to use Mx player on my Android phone that would play any movie format really. Does Windows app store have anything like that as well for a video player? And last but not least a call blocking app like Mr. Number Blocker on Android, is their a blocking app for the W8 phones?
Thanks
Wow I can't believe some one switched over to windows from android.. How come?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Ha LOL......Call it boredom I guess. I wanted to try something different other than Android. I was able to pick up a 20 day old Red 920 for like $240 so I figured what the hell I'll try out W8 phone. I actually like the UI look better than Android. If I end up really hating it, I do get an upgrade on my account in the next few months any way....
Try Nokia Music - has a feature called mixradio. Or Deezer has something similar - but costs for subscription.
I haven't used it but it looks like Metro Radio should voer you for Pandora.
WP Store Link
-Don't know about video apps, I don't use them.
-There is currently nothing in the store, or OS to facilitate call blocking.
As phander mentioned, the mix radio facility of Nokia Music is good (and free) if you don't mind commercial music.