I am currently using a Topaz windows mobile based phone, and thinking about switching to a Desire.
However, I use my phone extensively for business, and need to know if there are some things that Android will allow.
First off, I need to be able to access my home network with the wireless. Currently I use Resco explorer, browse to my server share, and copy the files I will need to the SD card. Is this possible on Android? Is it just as easy? I often have to do this first thing in the morning, when I don't have a lot of time. This is an absolute deal breaker for me, so I am really looking for some help before I commit to a new phone.
Non show stoppers but nice to have;
Cookie's Home Tab type display , which allows me to show my next 3 calendar appointments, and 3 tasks on the home screen. Will Sense allow this on the Desire? I like the Sense interface and widgets, so would prefer to keep Sense, but am prepared to apply additional software to allow me to do what I need to. (Paid or otherwise).
The ability to map hardware keys to specific functions (eg I currently have long press on the back key to switch off my wifi. Handy for in the car, when I forget to switch it off).
Ability to edit open office, and ms office documents.
That's it I guess. Any and all feedback very much appreciated.
1) yes you can browse files on your home network using the desire, you need 3rd party software tho also there are apps that will let you controll your pc and or device remotlely from your device and or pc
2) there are loads of calendar widgets on the marketplace im sure one will take your fancy
3) the wifi will switch itself off after x amout of time idle
4) the desire comes with quick office out of the box but there are tons of office apps so yeah
Just a small warning if you think to sync your mobile with the PC (callendar, notes, mails, contacts) via bluetooth - it's not possible in android.
Well, not entirely true, as there is "Missing Sync" in the market, but costs for about $40 - a bit too much.
So, try to love your usb cable
Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.
dysje said:
Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?
On it's way
Thanks guys, you've convinced me.
Ordered from O2 for the princely sum of £285 + VAT, which I thought was a mistake, but it seems not. Be rude not to at that price.
Bit of luck it will arrive tomorrow, as I'm not working, so can play all day
JohnSteveDoe said:
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81
remmyhi said:
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ..........
brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would they bother with your phone when they've got street view cars to access open WiFi networks?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Most people here swear by Astro file manager and their add ons.
Check out the Sense agenda widget for upcoming appointments and tasks.
Widgets are the way to go, Sense widgets for WiFi, mobile connectivity, airplane mode etc etc etc......
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Thanks JabbaFat32.
Will check both of those out.
Related
This will be my first Android phone and I would like to hear from people who already own an Android phone and top 5 apps they cannot live without.
Best 21 Android Apps
Best Google Android Apps
Best 101 Android Apps
Coming from a Hero it has to be seeds of life, live wallpaper!
don't the live wallpapers use a lot of battery?
jamiepyrite said:
don't the live wallpapers use a lot of battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I expect so, but its good for showing off for the first few weeks!
It really depends on what you do with your phone, but here are my TOP 5 (in no particular order):
* DoggCatcher
* Twidroid
* Fring / Nimbuzz
* Quick Settings
* Timeriffic
If HTC sync doesn't end up handling the calendar and tasks (many of us business users don't want to use google calendar sync and NEED tasks) then G-Sync It or another solution for OTA calendar and task sync with exchange
Quick Settings might be nice (I have it on my HTC-Kaiser-Android), but
From the Market: http://www.cyrket.com/p/android/com.bwx.bequick/
The developer said:
" ... If you updated to Sense UI, expect problems with the brightness! No fix possible, sorry. ..."
So, for me is NO GOOD ... I dont want bug in my new superphone!
Karolis said:
It really depends on what you do with your phone, but here are my TOP 5 (in no particular order):
* DoggCatcher
* Twidroid
* Fring / Nimbuzz
* Quick Settings
* Timeriffic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about games, any good ones out there?
Is Quick Settings the widget with the four buttons (Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS and brightness)?
Nope that is an android widget called power control
http://101bestandroidapps.com/app/websharing/613/
WebSharing enables you to wirelessly transfer files to and from your phone/device using only a web browser. You can play and manage music, view your photographs, and manage files on your device using your WI-FI network and over 3g or 2g.
http://android.nextapp.com/screens.html
skanj said:
http://101bestandroidapps.com/app/websharing/613/
WebSharing enables you to wirelessly transfer files to and from your phone/device using only a web browser. You can play and manage music, view your photographs, and manage files on your device using your WI-FI network and over 3g or 2g.
http://android.nextapp.com/screens.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brilliant mate, thanks.
no probs mate.
skanj said:
http://101bestandroidapps.com/app/websharing/613/
WebSharing enables you to wirelessly transfer files to and from your phone/device using only a web browser. You can play and manage music, view your photographs, and manage files on your device using your WI-FI network and over 3g or 2g.
http://android.nextapp.com/screens.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that looks awesome and thanks for the link to that site........
I'm surprised more people haven't listed their top 5 yet
Just found this great free app called wavesecure - not sure if it has been mentioned here before but until midnight the download is FREE!
https://www.wavesecure.com/
Lets you secure your phone by backing up the data and you can also track it locak it if you lose it.
http://www.droidapps.org/car-locator-find-your-car-with-the-droid/
Car Locator can save and remember where you parked your car and will point you in the right direction if you ever need help finding it. The app uses GPS and compass which must be enabled for tracking down the vehicle and has several view modes like radar, map, and split. To avoid unwanted parking tickets the Android app also comes with a Parking Time alarm
irkan said:
Best 21 Android Apps
]Best Google Android Apps
Best 101 Android Apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And those articles link on to others - does it ever end?! The second on the list is sub-divided nicely, and the third has user ratings which help.
I sometimes wish it was a lot simpler... Like for the current Windows Phone 7 applist, which is about 10 or so IIRC...
What about a sticky list of the 'Top Ten Essential Apps'? Like the one that properly kills the different battery-sapping services that chug away in the background if you let them.
Haven't got my Desire yet - should be here on Tuesday (apparently next week, but I'm still not holding my breath). Have just had my Vario IV (Raphael) returned from service a whole lot healthier, but I'm looking forward to shifting onto Android - last non-WM phone I had was 5 years ago and I've had to have phones that would sync to Exchange Server since then.
How about: Top 50 Apps For Android
Top ten essential apps from The Register : http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2010/04/09/ten_essential_android_apps/
Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I knwo what I had before?
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?
O and O said:
Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I knwo what I had before?
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have an Android phone yet ...and won't do until 7/8/9-April... but playing with my wife's Hero this is what I know...
You seem to have to create a level of Google account in orpder to purchase from Android Market and logging into your Google Account and going to Android Market will bring up a list of your previously downloaded apps.
I haven't found a stand alone app for this but purchasing your apps through AppBrain.com and using their AppBrain app seems to do what your asking. AppBrain doesn't seem to list all apps though - definitely missing UK specific apps such as Beebplayer.
I've had WinMo phones for the past 8 years and never heard of a facility to do this - if there is one I'd be chuffed to hear about it myself.
Dunno - someone else will have to answer this one I'm afraid
I believe that most backup apps will do a scheduled backup - Sprite Backup definitely does but to the SD Card only (no automailer), but WRT ignoring previously backed up messages I've not heard of this feature in any backup app.
I hope this helps to some extent.
Is there an application or something that will log all the apps I have downloaded via my account and list them for me, so when I do a backup I know what I had before?
aTrackDog / AppBrain
Is there an app to list the above AND download the latest versions without me having to manually do anything (Shashimi for Android).
AppBrain allows you to create lists on their site, so when you change phones or wipe it, you can tell it to reinstall the whole list. I did that when I moved from G1 to Desire -- worked like a charm.
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
You should ask that in TyTN forum
I sue S2U2, I like the Android lock screen BUT I like being able to view my texts/emails without unlocking the device, what options do I have?
Flyscreen
Lastly, is there an app to automatically backup your text on a weekly basis and email it to your gmail as an archive? I want it to also ignore the previous week's text.
SMS backup
P.S. sorry, I was lazy and did not include links -- google is your friend
O and O said:
Hey guys,
Justa few quick questions ...
I have loads of text on my Tytn is there an easy way to back these up in a rar file or something. I don't want to import them to the desire just store them.
Am I asking too much L.o.L.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can store all your text messages online with Microsoft My Phone or else store them on your PC.
See also this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4713257&postcount=2
FabianNL said:
You can store all your text messages online with Microsoft My Phone or else store them on your PC.
See also this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=4713257&postcount=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS ALL!
Will have a look at this FabianNL as if I can export to individual files then I will be happy. To be honest it isn't a big deal .
Been playing with my Desire for a while, I can see the appeal of Android it's quick, big buttons, keyboard isn't back considering I'm coming from Tytn (as well as a Touch HD but that was BAD).
My next step is ... what programs should I "replace"? I'm refering to applications like mail, text/messages, etc the build in ones.
I am though over the moon with the device the text input ROCKS! I do have a list of applications I need suggestions on though ... I'm used to the following on Windows Phone so I need an Android variation ...
G-Alarm - A Comprehensive alarm application
G-Profile - easily change my profiles from night, work, home, etc, this would be great as a widget
Task Facade - A general task manager that will show all my running applications and let me close/switch
Wake On Text/Email/etc - As it says ... and stay awake until message has been read!
Lock Without using Power button - easy ...
That's about it for now
I use Klaxon for my alarms.
SMS Popup will turn on the screen when you get text messages (not sure if there is similar for emails) and can give reminders untill it's read.
As far as profiles, then would HTC's Scenes not do the trick? Failing this Locale can automagically turn on and off services and silent/loud the ringer based on various criteria like time and location.
You can easily switch to recent apps by pressing and holding the home key
And there are loads of Task Managers on the market for killing running apps
What does sense have for managing profiles?
Hi,
I would like replace my TyTn II to HTC Desire but Im not shure if I will be happy with Desire(Android)...
Main things which wory me are:
1.)Synchronization with PC with USB cable. I DON'T want and will not sync with google account. All I need is same automatic sync line with activesync. I need sync Contacts, Calendar, Emails(Configure which folders), Task's, Notes. Sync will be done with MS Outlook 2007/2010.
2.)Is possible set more than one email account? I need 3x pop3/smtp email accounts.
3.)Is possible disable threaded SMS/MMS? I realy hate this function.
4.)Is there any app which allow connet to windows remote desktop(RDP and not any 3rd party VNC or other)?
5.)Is there some app/pack which can work with word, excel, power point files?
6.)Does included browser support certificates? I know that opera mobile on WinMo do not support it, so I can't manage cPanel server, make payments(bank)...
I think that this is enought for start
Thanks for any help and answers.
Best regards, _Dejan_
Is this at all possible? I still want to have my contacts, etc updated but I feel the interface is somewhat primitive!
Replace with what?
An alternative ...
K9 Mail maybe or better ...
You can't "replace" it you just start using something else.
Are there even Amy advantages to using the gmail app?
Any suggestions on alternatives? K9 Any good?
Ah gmail will be the best gmail tool you will find on the android lol. You don't mean Email tool? Do you use Gmail??
Yeah I maent the GMail application (it refers to itself as "Google Mail"). I'll just have to bear with it then till they upgrade it . I am though over the moon with the device the text input ROCKS! I do have a list of applications I need suggestions on though ... I'm used to the following on Windows Phoen so I need an Android variation ...
G-Alarm - A Comprehensive alarm application
G-Profile - easily change my profiles from night, work, home, etc, this would be great as a widget
Task Facade - A general task manager that will show all my running applications and let me close/switch
Wake On Text/Email/etc - As it says ... and stay awake until message has been read!
Lock Without using Power button - easy ...
That's about it for now
O and O said:
Is this at all possible? I still want to have my contacts, etc updated but I feel the interface is somewhat primitive!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean about the GMail app, if it's the same as in Android 1.6.. Ugly, flat and boring interface. Some customisation or nice animation wouldn't go amiss. I think the problem is that the Android team at Google don't really view the product UI as a whole, but instead as a load of separate modules that they can just chuck together. No time to make the GMail app look nicer for 2.1? No worries, just stick it out as it is. Media player still the worst/most basic there is? We'll worry about it another time, just stick it in, as is.
Depending on what you've come from, Android can seem amazing, or quite basic in it's vanilla form. I realise the intention is for manufacturers to add their own custom touches to the OS, like HTC have with Sense, and Motorola have with MOTOBlur. But really I think Google should be applying a bit more spit and polish to it's own core apps - the ones that come installed on all/most Android phones, and won't be messed with by handset manufacturers.
By this I mean GMail, Maps, Market, Browser, Gallery etc. Some of these are pretty good efforts (Browser), while others leave a lot to be desired compared to those found on other types of (non-Android) handsets.
I realise that they have to code for the lowest common denominator (low-end handsets) and not every handset can have a 1ghz Snapdragon in it, but I also feel that they are failing Android a little bit, by not ensuring the the latest hardware is taken advantage of in it's latest OS.
How hard would it be to tart up the GMail interface a little bit, while still keeping the same functionality? Not hard.
I know Android is about power and flexibility - don't like the Google way, then design or just install some other developers app instead. And that's great, but I really think there's something to be said for making sure your core experience is great, not just ok.
Disclaimer: I am basing this opinion on my experiences of Android 1.1, 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 (2.0 admittedly is limited, since I do not own my own phone with Eclair yet, just flashed custom ROMs).
Feel free to flame away - I may flame myself when my Desire turns up by 1pm today, and I realise I'm tallking a load of BS when I'm presented the all singing, all dancing, beautifully animated new 2.1 apps from Google! But I doubt it...
BTW, don't get me wrong - I love Android, and I would not consider buying any other type of phone!
Why use the gmail application? I'm using the native email application and it works fine with gmail, lets me move all my mail to archive etc, receives it when its received (through push i think) and there is no reason why i would wantto use the local gmail application. In fact. It hasnt even been loaded up. lol
So I don't actually "have" to use th GMail application? I can just add the GMail account on Exchange/ActiveSync on the mail application? Sounds like a good idea! What are the disadvantages?
Any advice on the other applications I wanted?
O and O said:
So I don't actually "have" to use th GMail application? I can just add the GMail account on Exchange/ActiveSync on the mail application? Sounds like a good idea! What are the disadvantages?
Any advice on the other applications I wanted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go in the Gmail application, settings, disable notifications.
You've pretty much turned off the Gmail Applcation then. Start using the other mail application or download one off the marketl.
I will give you some suggestions for your apps when I have time.
brummiesteven said:
Go in the Gmail application, settings, disable notifications.
You've pretty much turned off the Gmail Applcation then. Start using the other mail application or download one off the marketl.
I will give you some suggestions for your apps when I have time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANKS! I was kind of pissed when I notced you couldn't send bbc emails with GMail app ... madness ...
Is there a way to have a Gmail, Google Apps and Exchange all on the same device? Also does the mail app use IMAP idle I don't want to drain the battery by checking mail every minute ...
What uses more battery, gmail app or using HTC Mail to check for messages every half an hour?
Likely mail as GMail is push.
O and O said:
THANKS! I was kind of pissed when I notced you couldn't send bbc emails with GMail app ... madness ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BBC emails? Do you mean BCC? If so, you can.
Regards,
Dave
foxmeister said:
BBC emails? Do you mean BCC? If so, you can.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just noticed it under menu ...
My bad ...
Still, I have a list of applications that I need asap .
So far, I've not found anything that even comes close to Galarm in terms of quality. I'm using Gentle Alarm though, which is really good compared to most other alarm apps for android.
Check out a program called Locale. That's meant to be really good for profiles and even does it location based
EDIT: Don't use a task manager, it's not good for your phone! There's an article that was posted up on here about the way android works, you don't need to kill tasks and reboot, etc. like you did with WinMo.
jamiepyrite said:
EDIT: Don't use a task manager, it's not good for your phone! There's an article that was posted up on here about the way android works, you don't need to kill tasks and reboot, etc. like you did with WinMo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair does but how do I see the apps running in the background or what's an easy way to switch between apps?
I've heard of this "locale" before, seems to be very popular!
hold the Home button and it brings up a little task switcher, similar to Alt+Tab on a PC
Thank you! Goodbye, Advanced Task Killer!
Im thinking about moving from WinMo to Android. If you could help me with few questions...
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com... I want to sync with Outlook via usb (bluetooth, yeah maybe but usb would be better); contacts, calendar and tasks... Is there good sync software out there?
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
To me its also important to automatically sync folders while syncing with Outlook, any good programs for that? Ive been using MobSync with WinMo and I guess it could work with this too? I found also Microsoft SyncToy, never tried it though...
Can I get my tasks listed on Android today screen like on WinMo? I need to have be reminded of my tasks, otherwise I would spend ½ of my day reading at XDA and not doing any of the things Im supposed to do...
Any comments and help is appreciated... Thanks!
Loco5150 said:
Im thinking about moving from WinMo to Android. If you could help me with few questions...
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com... I want to sync with Outlook via usb (bluetooth, yeah maybe but usb would be better); contacts, calendar and tasks... Is there good sync software out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC Sync comes with the phone, I also had some contacts stored on my company mail but I've started migrating to gmail because the really really neat integration and extremely useful features.
Loco5150 said:
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use any software for editing just for opening the docs on my smartphone so I can't help you here but I'm fairly sure you can
Loco5150 said:
To me its also important to automatically sync folders while syncing with Outlook, any good programs for that? Ive been using MobSync with WinMo and I guess it could work with this too? I found also Microsoft SyncToy, never tried it though...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I'm more hands on with the storage so I don't sync folders maybe someone else can help you here...
Loco5150 said:
Can I get my tasks listed on Android today screen like on WinMo? I need to have be reminded of my tasks, otherwise I would spend ½ of my day reading at XDA and not doing any of the things Im supposed to do...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, there are vagarious free apps on the market that even offer feature widgets/notes for the screens
Hi there!
Did you already buy a Desire? I've used winmob before and you sound like you're totally schooled at Outlook with usb sync. HTC has exchange service support and you can sync through usb, It was long time ago since I ever used active sync but a friend of mine use it on Desire and he was not satisfied.
There is calendarpad that can show on start screen as activities or regular day view. Editing documents are thought to be done through Google docs as it is thought to be faster than a full scale office program on the phone. You can other wise get quick office premium for editing offline.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Loco5150 said:
The main reason for me to have a smartphone for a cell phone, is so I dont need always have a laptop with me. This brings me to opening and editing office apps; I found "Documents to Go" that seems to be OK, anyone using it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, documents to go has such functionality:
Loco5150 said:
I dont use any Google services, no gmail as I rather use myowndomain.com...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you thought about using Google Apps for Domains, so that you can use your own domain with Google services?
Regards,
Dave
There have been posts about this here and there, but most of them are just asking for advice on how to do it. I plan to follow through and document the solutions I find.
Why, you ask? I don't like Google having so much data on me. I used to not care but in today's environment with SOPA and new NSA data centers and whatnot, well... maybe I'm paranoid but I don't necessarily want anyone to so easily have such a complete profile of all my searches, contacts, location history, etc. Anyway, if you think it's dumb, ok, got it, move along please.
So if I don't like Google then why use Android? Well, a couple of reasons. First of all, Google is not Android. Android is maintained by the Android Open Source Project, which in turn is made up of members of the Open Handset Alliance. Yes, Google is the lead member of the Open Handset Alliance, and yes most of the developers working on the Android Open Source Project are Google employees. But I've been following Android for long enough now to know that Google and Android are for all practical purposes separate entities.
The second reason is because Android is simply the best mobile operating system on the planet right now, and it is free open-source software. I use Ubuntu on my laptop, and I'm not interested in switching to Windows or Mac, so that pretty much rules out iPhone or Windows Phone right there.
But isn't Android really Google's OS? Yes and No. As I mentioned, Google does pretty much run the AOSP, along with device manufacturers. But AOSP is very "provider agnostic." Much of what you see on your phone is not from AOSP. The Galaxy Nexus is a GOOGLE device, not an AOSP device. Gmail, Maps, Market, Location Tracking, etc are all GOOGLE ADDITIONS and are NOT a part of AOSP! When you build AOSP from source (or Cyanogenmod), you end up with an agnostic, neutral device that has practically no mention of anything Google whatsoever.
But what about what you DONT have in AOSP? No Market??? No Gmail??? How can you possibly use Android without these things? Well that is exactly what I intend to find out.
Please feel free to contribute to the discussion with ideas and questions. Hopefully this thread can eventually be helpful for someone else who comes along and wants to do something similar.
More posts to follow as I progress....
EDIT: I should add, I also will try to avoid other "free" services like Yahoo! and Hotmail-- basically anyone who wants to run bots through your mail to sell you ads or sell your data to others who want to sell you ads, etc. I will be trying to use open-source or for-pay services where possible (if it's "free" then YOU'RE the product!).
I commend your ambition, but this is nothing new. There are already non-Google Android handsets an tablets on the market. The Kindle Fire, for example, is non-Google.
You can do the same with a GNex. Just don't add a Google account or use a ROM without the gapps. Install the Amazon App Store, change your default search, and away you go.
please...stay safe
Personally the only Google apps I use are Gmail and the Play store, with an occasional use of maps and goggles.
Having a market is really just for convenience, you could install with APKs like on Windows you have to install from EXEs or MSIs. And if you're that against google you could just use the Amazon marketplace for stuff, though I've heard they take longer to receive updates.
In all honesty I don't know what to suggest except flashing 100% and not signing into Google services in any way or form. What you are asking is not possible unless you use apks from non market source and using Hotmail or something.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus expect possible typos.
If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...
I use:
1mobile.net
4shared.com (You also get 15gb cloud space free)
appbrain.com (get app from 4shared)
I absolutely love Google and all of their services. You're crazy! Good luck with it though.
Somebody needs to come out with a tinfoil hat edition ROM.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
sashavegas said:
If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone
ChongoDroid said:
Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone
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Exactly! Lol.
Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be some third party app that will do these things, well you use linux, you should know that there's a lot of alternatives... Try if the software you use in ubuntu are available for android
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
AndroidNeophyte said:
Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point isn't really to be 100% anonymous. That would require a dumbphone with prepaid sim or VPN/Proxy setups etc, and that's not what I'm look at. The point is to make an experiment and see how "non-Google" AOSP really is and how useful it is as a mobile OS on its own, without Google proprietary add-ons. Many people say you "have to have a Gmail account to use Android," or "you have to sync your contacts through Gmail" etc and I want to show people how they can do it without Google if they so choose.
AndroidNeophyte said:
Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I saw that one and I plan to try it out. I do use Thunderbird, thanks!
AOSP + open source Exchange alternative for syncing Calendar/Email/Contacts hosted on your own server (ie Zimbra)
Sideload all apps
Voila!
matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA monetizes your data. Every website does; that's how they pay for hosting and bandwidth.
Use a different calendar app and sync your contacts to Outlook, or just back them up somewhere.
Alright, but you should really start off removing the antenna from your smartphone. Then compile AOSP, don't flash GApps, sideload all APK files.
There, now you're off the grid. Enjoy boredom and next to no convenient functionality.