I have stuck to my Lumia 640 as much as I could but it is finally failing and I am forced to switch to Android, which I have done my best to avoid.
I have searched online extensively for the best way to install and run Windows Mobile 8.1/10 on an android phone, but even though there is some info available, none is exactly what I would like. I dk if that is because it's not possible, or I missed it. If there's knowledge about this anywhere, it's here.
Ideally I would like to actually run Windows Mobile, not just make it appear as if it does -- if that is possible. If not, what is the next closest option. In either case referral to instructions how to do that will be appreciated. The less Android I would have to deal with -- 0 would be ideal -- the better.
If there are specific android budget/mid-range phones that are better for this, or that have been successfully converted, please advise.
Any help/info will be greatly appreciated.
there is none if you really want a windows phone go to ebay there are tones on there
cooldude20000 said:
there is none if you really want a windows phone go to ebay there are tones on there
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I suspected that, but it's always a good idea to check in forums like this -- lots of knowledge and somebody may have an idea that brings me close if not fully to the ideal. The bad way overwhelms the good in both Apple and Google and for my needs Windows phone was hugely superior.
Looks like I don't have much choice and am forced into Android (I never touched Apple and trying hard to avoid anything Google) and hope to make it look as much as WP as possible.
I was angling for Android One, but I've done lots of research into phones and tons of them notwithstanding, my impression is that under $300 have drawbacks (not least no OS updates) and over $300 I can't justify. I had two Windows phones, both excellent under $200. To have a superior product and fail with it takes some talent.
If there's anybody here that, like me, enjoyed WP and can recommend a phone and software to maximize Windows look-alike FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I would greatly appreciate it.
Related
I have some ideas for a heavily customized Android tablet for an industrial use. Most of the customizations involve taking things OUT and locking stuff down, durability a plus as well.
I sent a couple emails to Chinese companies but didn't get any response, and am also a bit worried about them stealing my ideas and running with 'em.
Any pointers/advice?
When your idea is greater then great then can you register your idea with patents.
But you need to know that patents are realy expensive and some company's copy all things what they see.
You can better search for a buddy who has knowledge for manufacture in China or an other cheap country.
know that big companies like Foxxcon make only big orders.
Yep, that's pretty much where I'm at right now. Not sure of how to proceed patent-wise and not really wanting to work with Chinese companies either way.
Cheap isn't paramount for this application, if anybody knows of any more local resources for android hardware I could talk to...
Only have time for a real quick reply right now to a very deep topic...
I would say your best bet is to look into various 'open source' models. Look at the the DIYdrone community. You can get Android running on a little ARM processor. Or for a turnkey dev solution:
liquidware.com/shop/show/BB-AND-DEV/Android+Hardware+Development+Kit
Throw it in a Pelican case and you've got yourself a proof-of-concept. Which is what you're gonna need to raise any venture capitol if you pick that route...
As far as patents... this can also get you some credibility with venture capitalists... you can file a patent yourself for pretty cheap but don't expect it to hold against any big boys though...
Good luck, there's a lot to learn, making a bunch of Engineering/Programming/Business friends and having your girl pick the outfit before the big pitch!
Cheers
Android on a chip
Hi koob,
Thanks for the useful reply. Do you have any additional tips on getting Android running on the simplest circuit possible?
Using phones for development is possible but not ideal as we're using some of the newer features of the OS (e.g. ADK), and unlocked phones supporting it are somewhat expensive.
I'm interested in two stages, prototyping (I couldn't find much in the DIYDrones community on this), and manufacturing (maybe companies like Shenzhen Xinkenmingteng Industry Technology on Alibaba could take a functional spec or a PCB design?).
Many thanks for your help.
Bump! I would also be interested in hearing more about this, as we want to develop a custom mobile monitoring device, using Android so as to save us the effort of writing firmware for the wireless communications, display, touchscreen, etc. Like TheCritic, we're interested in locking it down - replacing the OS's main functionality with some skin or app we write ourselves.
The Liquidware Android Hardware Development Kit is interesting, but has many things we don't need and misses a few things we do. We're just not sure where to begin choosing the hardware and working with the kernel, device drivers, etc. Any pointers would be very appreciated.
Any progress here?
I have a pretty similar situation. Having a cool idea that would need only a few features from android. Did you develop your platform? Or found someone who did it for you?
Nothing other than what's seen here, though there were more useful replies than I'd remembered to this thread!
Hello fellow Android users! I need your help, I'll explain. I work at Best Buy with the Mobile department. We sell phones from all the carriers and in an effort to help out our customers better understand their phones I was thinking about making an Android phone handout for them to take home with them after their purchase.
Since Best Buy sells all the carriers, there are going to be differences between carriers and also manufacturers with the alterations they implement in the Android operating system.
So what I was hoping to get from the community were ideas about the basics of Android that spanned across carrier and manufacturer.
So for example, I've thought of explaining the notification bar. I can put some screen shots and quick details about its uses. Also I wanted to maybe give some help internet links, I thought of market.android.com for the market online.
What else can you guys give me to put on this handout. I'll probably try to keep it to about a page worth of material - probably front and back.
I just need the basics, please help me to brainstorm!
I have a guide specific to the vibrant/touchwiz, but some basic Android overlap. I'll try to type out out, but take a gander to my signature.
Long-press options & the menu key are huge.
Awesome Idea I'll give some ideas a whirl,
Also, I think a essential write up on the pros of I-phone vs Android And the cons. Because, for people to understand why Android is awesome we need to objectify the similarities and advantages of the Android based system. I-phone is perfect for people who just want an "out of the box experience" for example
Not exactly what you were talking about, but today I posted my top 20 apps for an android beginner, which could prove helpful.
http://callip.wordpress.com/
Believe it or not, this is my first smartphone due to the fact I am on a family plan and got free service and didn't want to have my own phone bill. I was given the radar as a gift, but I'm not sure it's for me. I have read a little about the windows phone OS, and it does look promising and I like the phone and features.
The problem is that I don't have a lot to spend on apps. I know there are lots of good free apps for android, but I hear this is a growing platform.
Is this a good phone for my first smartphone? I pick up tech very quickly, I just dumped most of my cash into a new pc build for xmas, so I will be pretty broke. I also hear you can't "jailbreak" (or equivalent) windows phone yet.
I'm sure if I got an android I would try the android equivalent (a ROM I suppose). Is that what I need to do to get apps and games on a non-existent budget? It will cost me 50$ for restocking fee, so if windows phone is worth sticking with, I would love to hear any opinions why and how I can get the apps I need (don't need specifics, just know that it can be done easily).
Thanks in advance, I am reading up on windows phone and android, I just would like advice about my particular situation.
pattamus said:
Believe it or not, this is my first smartphone due to the fact I am on a family plan and got free service and didn't want to have my own phone bill. I was given the radar as a gift, but I'm not sure it's for me. I have read a little about the windows phone OS, and it does look promising and I like the phone and features.
The problem is that I don't have a lot to spend on apps. I know there are lots of good free apps for android, but I hear this is a growing platform.
Is this a good phone for my first smartphone? I pick up tech very quickly, I just dumped most of my cash into a new pc build for xmas, so I will be pretty broke. I also hear you can't "jailbreak" (or equivalent) windows phone yet.
I'm sure if I got an android I would try the android equivalent (a ROM I suppose). Is that what I need to do to get apps and games on a non-existent budget? It will cost me 50$ for restocking fee, so if windows phone is worth sticking with, I would love to hear any opinions why and how I can get the apps I need (don't need specifics, just know that it can be done easily).
Thanks in advance, I am reading up on windows phone and android, I just would like advice about my particular situation.
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It sounds like you're asking fir help in obtaining paid apps for free, which XDA has strict rules prohibiting any discussion, or help in this area. Having said that, most paid apps on Android market have free versions with ads. I'm not a huge fan of Windows phones, but it wouldn't hurt to play around with it for a few days to see if you like it. Because you have no experience with smartphones, the only way you will be able to compare it would be to check out an Android device at a store, or go on youtube and watch a few in depth reviews on other Android devices.
Sent from my Sexynos SGH-i777 using XDA Premium.
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me where I could get free paid apps, it's more about the freedom to unlock the phone, etc. Free apps would be good too, I just didn't know if windows phone was more pay oriented than android. Didn't mean to break any rules, sorry if it came off like that.I see a bunch of stuff about jailbreaking and roms, so I guess it is a fine line.
I guess what I want to ask is how difficult it is to "unlock" these phones compared to android. I see a post that says this phone doesn't have that option yet, but that is something I would definitely look into, as I love freedom with anything I own. It's more to get rid of DRM and things of that nature than it is to "pirate" anything.
I will give this one a shot, but if it's more pay oriented and "locked down" feeling, android might be better for me.
pattamus said:
Thanks for the reply. I wasn't looking for anyone to tell me where I could get free paid apps, it's more about the freedom to unlock the phone, etc. Free apps would be good too, I just didn't know if windows phone was more pay oriented than android. Didn't mean to break any rules, sorry if it came off like that.I see a bunch of stuff about jailbreaking and roms, so I guess it is a fine line.
I guess what I want to ask is how difficult it is to "unlock" these phones compared to android. I see a post that says this phone doesn't have that option yet, but that is something I would definitely look into, as I love freedom with anything I own. It's more to get rid of DRM and things of that nature than it is to "pirate" anything.
I will give this one a shot, but if it's more pay oriented and "locked down" feeling, android might be better for me.
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There is a Chevron Unlock method for Mango. But I would suggest holding off on unlocking it, but for the fact you might return it. As for the paid/free app ratio on windows phone, tge best thing to do is browse that market and see what's out there. Windows phone is definitely cool looking, and has ut's good features, just not good enough to convince me to ditch Android. Albeit I don't know you, I think it's safe to assume you'd prefer Android over Windows phone. Android (imho), is the best thing to happen to cell phones. It has the largest MOD following of any platform, and a ton of fun to use. XDA actually started off as a windows phone forum, but qiickly grew to support Android as well. Android is the future of cell phones. Do I sound like a fanboy or what?
Sent from my Sexynos SGH-i777 using XDA Premium.
Yeah, I had my eye on android for awhile, I only held out because of the convenience of getting free service and the cost held me back, but it looks I can finally move forward. I do like this phone, and would like to keep it, but if I will get a better long term experience with android, it might be a wise choice to pay the fee and go with that.
But I am still open to any suggestions anyone may have about windows phone, or why I may prefer this platform.
I had an hd2 with android then WP on personally prefer the UI of Wp, but at the mo there is more out there for Android personally I think most apps are gimmicky and the office and SkyDrive integration is worth going with WP alone....
If you want a lot of apps go android, if you want a nice phone/text/camera UI experience stick with the radar
Buy what you can afford. There are a lot of free apps and many have free trials that are simply ad supported. What you'll have to pay for is xbox live games but you wouldnt go to an xbox forum and post about getting free games would you?
Another thing, if you just got the radar chances are you qualify for the free $25 app card. I got mines in the mail
https://windowsphone.promo.eprize.com/redemptionprogram/:b=ie9/
Other than that the Radar is a fabulous phone and I love it!
Thanks man, I did qualify for that! That should help.
Another question about this phone is the navigation. There is an app that wants 10$ a month, and that's a little high.. There's a "local scout" that gives directions in a non turn-by-turn fashion, and that would be fine for me. Is there a way to input an address to this app? It only has a few limited locations. Or do I have to pay 10$ a month or no navigation? Anyone know a reasonably priced alternative to this?
Bing has turn by turn...
I just don't get this nonsense. I get why companies are screwing this all up but what I don't get is why we all continue to allow this. The Android update process is broken and there have been a flood of articles on the net talking about the subject. Not one that I have read has come even close to the right solution. Really testing what little faith I have left in the human race. Why so dramatic? Because we have been using the model for our Windows PC for years and yet in somebody's great wisdom chose what we have here and now. Cmon!
Could you imagine getting your Windows PC updates from Time Warner Cable? What a disaster that would be right? What do you think would happen with our PC updates? Exactly what we are dealing with right now on Android. I just don't see what the problem is. Google develops and distributes the OS and updates directly to the end user. The phone manufacturer supplies the appropriate drivers on their website and the carrier keeps their greasy mitts off my phone. Win win for everyone.
I posted this because I think its the best solution. Its better than what we have now that's for sure. What I'm hoping to get out of this post is that you either agree with me or you have a better solution we can all get behind and push for. I know the Windows way isn't perfect and some things will have to be done differently but we don't need to be concerned with all the details. In other words for Example.....Dear Verizon, Samsung, Google. This is how we want out updates. Just get it done and deal with it.
Full Disclosure: Yeah I'm posting this because I'm pretty heated this hasn't been seriously addressed yet. I'm heated more people aren't pushing for more of a Windows update process. I'm heated because I bought a Galaxy Nexus this time around to avoid this and still getting screwed. I'm heated because All my phones have greater potential and we are proving it here at XDA everyday.
One more thought. We really shouldn't be buying our hardware from the carriers either. All any of them have proven so far is that they can run a pretty stable dumb pipe. Every other venture has failed. Like Vcast. I just dont trust them with what may soon replace my wallet among many other things. It could very well be our most personal possessions in these times and they control every aspect we allow them to. It needs to stop. What do you think? Do you want the windows way? Or do you have a better idea?
Long term there are definitely some issues that need to be fixed with Android.
Bloatware is one of the things that annoys me, and judging from the reviews left on Google Play, it annoys everybody. I'm fine with them preinstalling crap on my phone even though I don't like it, PC OEMs have been doing this for years. But it should be completely uninstallable without root.
For OS updates I see no reason why minor versions (ex: 2.3.6 to 2.3.7) can't be distributed from Google to all phones. These updates shouldn't affect drivers and would be similar to Windows Updates. But more people are concerned with major version updates which can't be done this way as they involve driver and/or kernel updates.
Google has a very hands off policy when it comes to Android it seems. OEMs are given a lot of freedom and Google doesn't do much to help them bring updates quickly. This hands off approach may have been a good business model in the early days of Android when Google just wanted to get it out there by any means possible, but I think they need to be more involved now. They should allow OEMs in on development earlier by giving them access to early builds of the next version similar to how Microsoft does. The reason PC OEMs get the newest version on their systems so quickly is because OEMs and hardware manufacturers get to use betas even before the public can. This model may not work on Android, but I really think Google needs to reassess their stance on Android, its not 2009 anymore.
This sort of issues with android is holding back...a lot of companies like presonus (pro audio) dont even bother with developing controlling software for their hardware on android...
Its a shame because we have some very capable hardware but ať least with apple **** they do the work once and it works...
If they were to make applications and have to deal with different hardware and screen resolutions they wouldnt have time to do their job..
A shame that oné day i might have to buy an iPad because of them
the long and short of it is no, at the moment they cant. Windows works because it is a modular kernel which allows for drivers to be installed and therefore easy customisations to be made. Linux is a monolithic kernel which means it needs all drivers for all configurations of hardware in it and then it uses the ones it needs. Android uses the linux kernel so it is difficult to support all the different kinds of hardware on phones in one kernel without it getting huge and hard to manage.
That is before you get to the need to have basebands/amss working with the kernel to provide mobile phone connection and hardware management. You also need bootloaders, recovery consoles etc to work on every phone. Only once those components are in place can you start to talk about keeping the android system up to date on top of those.
Google can't do it all unless they start over and make tools that are compatible with all kinds of hardware.
The easiest way is probably to make a google certification requirement that all manufacturers must support phones through 2-3 major update cycles. That does mean the end of cheap phones and lots of different and smaller niche products though.
Personally I think that the new hardware requirements for ICS are going to mean the end of ldpi and maybe even mdpi android phones as well as anything without a gpu, less than 512mb of ram and a 1ghz or so cpu. Maybe once the hardware becomes a bit more uniform, it will start to get easier to keep up to date too.
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(running KitKat) I received this for my birthday, and was advised by Linux tech friends to come straight here, greets everyone.
My goal with this tablet is to watch tutorials and grab faster bandwidth for uploads and downloads when in range - nothing too exotic.
I'm hoping to persuade the goods out of anyone familiar with this. If it's TOO bad there's time to return it, but my real concern is just battery life and if a ROM can help it to OTG while charging at the same time, or alternate means to power it if I go camping or am away from power.
All I've done in the meantime is disabled apps I know I don't want, and rooted it for a while (Kingo Root) just for AppFreeze but ditched both.
Any and all info and comments, even bad ones, are really appreciated! I have decades on Windows Mac and bits and pieces of Linux. No Android but I can find my way around.
Was this worth buying?
JoeyTablet said:
(running KitKat) I received this for my birthday, and was advised by Linux tech friends to come straight here, greets everyone.
My goal with this tablet is to watch tutorials and grab faster bandwidth for uploads and downloads when in range - nothing too exotic.
I'm hoping to persuade the goods out of anyone familiar with this. If it's TOO bad there's time to return it, but my real concern is just battery life and if a ROM can help it to OTG while charging at the same time, or alternate means to power it if I go camping or am away from power.
All I've done in the meantime is disabled apps I know I don't want, and rooted it for a while (Kingo Root) just for AppFreeze but ditched both.
Any and all info and comments, even bad ones, are really appreciated! I have decades on Windows Mac and bits and pieces of Linux. No Android but I can find my way around.
Was this worth buying?
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I definitely think it was worth buying. It's fast and has a nice screen for not being HD. I was in a bad accident a month ago and my mom bought it for me to waste time in the hospital and skilled care facility. I haven't found any roms for it yet, I just opened a thread about that.
Sorry I don't have any more info for you, I'll be keeping an eye on this thread for sure.
First of all I hope you recovered well - I hadn't logged in here for ages. Super nice of your mom to get you one in your time of suffering and recovery.
Lately I've hoped this could upgrade to at least Android 5 because of an app that would allow me to use the tablet as a remote control for the audio workstation Presonus Studio One.
I emailed the G5 people (they seem gone now) who told me they didn't have a ROM to upgrade the tablet.
Any upgrade is better than where I stand with Android 4.4. Nothing that matters runs on it and the tablet sees wasted with no use.