Dear Developers, let's avoid making more Hubs. - Windows Phone 7 Software Development

Dear developers,
As we develop more and more apps, and as the Windows Phone marketplace hit 10,000 apps, I noticed an increasingly annoying trend: Abuse of panoramic hubs.
Yes, I understand that our latest greatest app may be our first important app, but as a user, the app is only one of my many tools in my toolbox, not the center of the universe.
And I understand that a lot of us want our app to be the hub above all other apps, however, let's face it - it's unlikely any third party hubs will be as important as Microsoft's hubs.
While the 6 major hubs in Windows Phone 7 presents some sort of extensibility, a lot of 3rd party hubs don't really do much except the function it is confined to.
A panoramic hub lets developers put different types of list controls in the same page, often for the purpose of showcasing the many depths of the app. However, some apps don't really have much depth, and the usage of panorama in this case feels like 40 pages for table of contents for a 20 page book.
If the app only displays one type of data, a pivot suits a lot better.
And panorama views usually come with a gigantic title, which takes up lots of precious screen space.
Sometimes I noticed that some developers will try to use a background in an app. However, if the app does not have a strong reason to have a background, e.g. dynamic content, I think it's a lot better to let users decide their background colors in their own theme settings. This can save us a lot of Photoshop time, and save users from a lot of text legibility problems.
Just something I'd like to share as both an app developer/designer and a user. Thanks for reading. Peace.

I agree with the fact that the panorama is overused where the pivot is in 99% of cases more appropriate.
I definitely don't agree with the background image thing. Two simple points: Brand Image and Individuality. From a developer standpoint you need something that sticks in users' brains - nothing does so more than product branding. And images are an integral part of that. Since a mobile device doesn't have room for giant logos, the best thing to do is move it to the background and let the text sit on top of it.
I agree that the developer should always offer a choice of background and ensure the text is fully legible in all - but Marketplace rules forbid text not to be legible anyway.
Second, for every application in the Marketplace there are 10 more identical in functionality. So why get the user to use your app over the other 10? Make it look better. And you can't make it look better when it's using the same colour scheme and layout.

pakkei said:
And panorama views usually come with a gigantic title, which takes up lots of precious screen space.
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Click to collapse
Modifying panorama's header template u can do whatever you want with the title (even delete!). Also, most important feature of panorama control is a nice looking slightly scrolling background image (that, I believe so, MS borrowed from Android's home screen).

Panorama != Hub
There is currently no way for a third-party developer to create a hub. Just because an app has a panorama view does not make it a hub.
I do agree though, the panorama view is overused.

I'd be interested if you could give an example of an app over using it as I really enjoy it when used well.
Purely from a developers perspective, I'm slightly worried that I may fall in the category of overuse.

emigrating said:
I do agree though, the panorama view is overused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree.
I think panorama apps are great. Instead of clicking and then having to go back you just swipe.
Best example for me was 1800pocketpc app which was a panorama/hub.
And then apps like facebook that are purely panorama are much easier to navigate cause you never need to reach for the back key

I love the panorama apps i have , its unique to our phones and what makes it great!

evolutionqy7 said:
I disagree.
I think panorama apps are great. Instead of clicking and then having to go back you just swipe.
Best example for me was 1800pocketpc app which was a panorama/hub.
And then apps like facebook that are purely panorama are much easier to navigate cause you never need to reach for the back key
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean that the Panorama is overused because the Pivot is a much neater way of displaying data imo. I think it separates it out nicely.(Pivot being the Outlook-style swiping to sections)
However, some apps do the panorama justice. Faebook, IMDb, etc. However 3rd party developers rarely use it right.
Sent from my OMNIA7 using Board Express

Don't get me wrong - I love the Panorama view, but some [a lot] apps do misuse it.
I have seen plenty of apps which rather than having a "settings" button to open a new view will create their settings page (and about page) as part of the panorama. That is, IMO, not how you should utilize Panorama.
The same goes for apps where you may search for something to add to your "library", placing the search page on your panorama is wrong. It doesn't belong there.
A panorama should, again IMO, be used to display information that belongs together.
Example. You have a DVD collection app; The app is more than welcome to use a panorama as the main page, perhaps it can display "all", "new" and "favorites" on different pages of the panorama. That's all fine. However, adding more pages to display settings, about, search, changelogs etc just gives an awful UX. Add settings/about/changelog as a pivot on it's own page, accessible by a settings button. Add search as a button, either opening a completely new page or an popping up an overlay on the panorama.

Interesting point, and am inclined to agree Panarama views shouldn't be padded with search and settings screens. After all, doesn't the phone sport a physical search button that would be more consistent and allow you to combine your app settings within the phones' main settings for added convenience?
Sent from my HD7 T9292 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

emigrating said:
A panorama should, again IMO, be used to display information that belongs together.
Example. You have a DVD collection app; The app is more than welcome to use a panorama as the main page, perhaps it can display "all", "new" and "favorites" on different pages of the panorama. That's all fine. However, adding more pages to display settings, about, search, changelogs etc just gives an awful UX. Add settings/about/changelog as a pivot on it's own page, accessible by a settings button. Add search as a button, either opening a completely new page or an popping up an overlay on the panorama.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above is actually incorrect. A pivot should be used when the data of all screens are based on the same underlying data source. Outlook is the perfecet example, as you have all, new, unread which is just filters or views based on the same source: your inbox. The above where you have DVDs should be a pivot as well, since all, new and favorite are based on the single source of your DVD collection.
This is actually where people are making common mistakes with the use of a Panorama control, when it should really be a pivot control. Most users really won't know the difference between the two controls, but developers should to keep the user experience consistent across applications.
The use of a Panorama for a main screen to offer different sections of you applications is a good idea. Be careful to not have too many though. Once you have more than 4-5 sections in a Panorama, the user has the ability to get lost. And remember unlike pivots, the header of each Panorama is seperate from the others (a pivot combines them giving a better hint of the other pages).
Some things to ponder would be in a multi-page settings setup should you use a pivot or a panorama? Since its really not based on data, it should be a Panorama, but a pivot might give a better user experience.

spokanedj said:
The above is actually incorrect. A pivot should be used when the data of all screens are based on the same underlying data source. Outlook is the perfecet example, as you have all, new, unread which is just filters or views based on the same source: your inbox. The above where you have DVDs should be a pivot as well, since all, new and favorite are based on the single source of your DVD collection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't say it's incorrect. A pivot may have been a better choice, but it was based on an existing app I have installed where the panorama view isn't completely wrong.
I also believe your argument falls when we step into movie details - this should clearly be displayed as a panorama even though it's based on the same data.
spokanedj said:
Some things to ponder would be in a multi-page settings setup should you use a pivot or a panorama? Since its really not based on data, it should be a Panorama, but a pivot might give a better user experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A settings page should, IMO, always be a pivot (if more than one screen is really necessary - often it is better to have a scrollable listview instead). That said, if you manage to keep your settings on a single page, using a panorama view would still work to display the about/support/etc screens.

emigrating said:
I wouldn't say it's incorrect. A pivot may have been a better choice, but it was based on an existing app I have installed where the panorama view isn't completely wrong.
I also believe your argument falls when we step into movie details - this should clearly be displayed as a panorama even though it's based on the same data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a video from MS that clarifies this. Pivots should be used when displaying different views or filters or data. For the Movie details if you look at the "bad pano" example, around 11:00 it explains why you woulnd't want to do that. Just because another app is using it, doesn't mean you should.
http://channel9.msdn.com/blogs/jaime+rodriguez/windows-phone-design-days-pivot-and-pano

spokanedj said:
Here is a video from MS that clarifies this. Pivots should be used when displaying different views or filters or data. For the Movie details if you look at the "bad pano" example, around 11:00 it explains why you woulnd't want to do that. Just because another app is using it, doesn't mean you should.
http://channel9.msdn.com/blogs/jaime+rodriguez/windows-phone-design-days-pivot-and-pano
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?
I pretty much agreed with you that it I presented a bad example. That said, it still works and was nowhere near as bad as many of the apps in the marketplace today.
As for movie details, let's just agree to disagree. Displaying movie details (as opposed to movie listings as discussed above) in a pivot is somewhat counter intuitive and gives a far worse UX than a panorama - I know, I've tried (and had it useability tested by the actual target audience).

Related

A WM/Android User's Take

1st off this is not intended to be a flaming / bashing thread. If you want to do that please go elsewhere; I'm sure the vibrant forums will welcome you. If a MOD feels this belongs somewhere else, please move it.
I have been a long time WM user and recently switched to android for the past year. I am offering my take on WP7 on the pros on cons.
Interface - Finally something completely new and wonderful. Microsoft really did hit a homerun on trying to make information at a glance approach. Mail and search apps look beautiful. I thing missing, being able to quickly jump to apps in the app menu.
Lack of Landscape Support- For as great as the UI is I am shocked at the lack of landscape support. The start menu, app menu, nor Zune have lanscape support. You can not even refresh a webpage or type in a website if you are in landscape mode. Calling this anything other than an epic "FAIL" by microsoft is sugar coating it. Especially when the HD7 and Surround beg to be in landscape mode with their kick stands.
Browser - As expected from an IE browser it is pretty good. I already mentioned the lack of landscape support which is really frustrating but there is something else that gets under my skin more. Web pages do not resize to fit the screen when you zoom in. This was/is almost a deal breaking for me honestly. I love the organization of having all the buttons at the bottom and the interface is stunning but you lose way to many options in landscape mode. You can't even access favorites without first going back to portrait. MS, this NEEDS to be addressed soon. The browser is the main feature of smartphones now.
Zune - Wonderful if you have a Zune Pass. Honestly it was one of the main reasons why I bought this phone. I expected it to be awesome and it didn't disappoint. That being said they need to add a Play Now option to the market songs. When I'm browsing the market sometimes I want to queue songs and the Add to Playlist option makes sense but how could you leave out Play now? Seriously?
Another thing I don't like is I can not fast forward to a certain spot in a movie. Video files can be hours long, why should I have to hold the fast forward button to get to the point I'd like. Let me hit the progress bar and then use the rewind / fast forward buttons for getting to the exact point.
USB Storage Device- glaring admission, but I can kind of see why. It helps stop piracy, but I loved being able to hook my fuze / tilt 2 / nexus 1 / vibrant to my car stereo and play the music I had downloaded on my phone. I know I could get an audio cable and do the same, but while driving it is so much easier to use the radio head unit to control music rather than your phone. I knew this when getting in bed with WP7, but that doesnt mean I still can't miss it.
Bluetooth- for music works just like it should. however it will not play the audio from video files threw bluetooth. It keeps coming out of my phone's main speakers and there is no way to get into the bluetooth profiles to see if something is wrong. VERY ANNOYING MS. get to fixing it.
People- Wonderful. Could anyone ask anymore? I gave it my facebook and gmail accounts and I didn't have to worry about any contacts not showing up. Love the Facebook updates also.
Dailer- No smart dialer? This used to even be in my old wizard by default. How it get left out is completely beyond me.
Announced fixes- Flash, Copy & Paste, Turn by Turn navigation can't come soon enough but I am glad microsoft acknowledged they needed them.
Local Outlook Support- I knew this before hand, but I am in the crowd that says MS needs to add this ability.
Overall- I bought my HD7 without a contract and I am pretty sure i will NOT be returning it. I love my HD7 and WP7, however this OS isn't entirely complete. That being said was iOS and Android complete when they came out? To even suggest that is laughable. I can not wait for microsoft to release all the fixes for this OS because when it does it will be a powerhouse.
I will not buy that this phone is for dumbsmart phone users. I probably done more with my phones than 95% of android users who will do nothing by bash WP7 and i honestly see this for ALL users. It helps bring the powerhouse experience in an easier way without being tied down as much as iOS.
Why not just post in one of the other 50 threads? Now people will be copy-pasting replies from those into this one.
I did notice the lack of landscape mode in IE. I think that was the only thing that made me go WTF when I used the HD7.
However, the keyboard is so good that I don't think it even mattered that much.
I guess with a 3.7-8" screen it can be a bit annoying, but on anything 4" or bigger it didn't strike me as a big deal beyond the initial shock of it not being there.
Also, lots of people dont' seem to know the difference between an Operating System and an Application.
N8ter said:
Why not just post in one of the other 50 threads? Now people will be copy-pasting replies from those into this one.
I did notice the lack of landscape mode in IE. I think that was the only thing that made me go WTF when I used the HD7.
However, the keyboard is so good that I don't think it even mattered that much.
I guess with a 3.7-8" screen it can be a bit annoying, but on anything 4" or bigger it didn't strike me as a big deal beyond the initial shock of it not being there.
Also, lots of people dont' seem to know the difference between an Operating System and an Application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those threads became nothing but flaming / bashing threads. I thought it would be a good idea to try to get away from that.
Also a core application can be considered part of the OS. If you can not uninstall it, it is part of the OS.
I thought it was annoying not being able to get to the address bar with all that screen space.
I don't know about you guys but my Surround goes into landscape mode IE just fine...
The only thing I don't like is lack of landscape in marketplace and Zune...
also if you want a nice photo editor, Thumba photo editor for $.099 is awesome!
EDIT: Oh i see. I can't believe I have to switch to portrait to type a URL!! WTF microsoft!
jz9833 said:
Browser - As expected from an IE browser it is pretty good. I already mentioned the lack of landscape support which is really frustrating but there is something else that gets under my skin more. Web pages do not resize to fit the screen when you zoom in. This was/is almost a deal breaking for me honestly. I love the organization of having all the buttons at the bottom and the interface is stunning but you lose way to many options in landscape mode. You can't even access favorites without first going back to portrait. MS, this NEEDS to be addressed soon. The browser is the main feature of smartphones now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Overall I agree with just about everything you said. Regarding the browser, I've noticed that certain areas of webpages are zoomed in more than others. For instance, on xda, the text of people's posts is HUGE compared to the buttons such as User CP, etc. at the top of the page. What I've found is a double tap in my area of interest on a page will zoom the page so that ONLY my area of interest is approriately sized. Then, when I want to switch to another part of the page, I double tap there and the page will resize, and so on. The text does not dynamically reflow a la Android, but I think it's a pretty usable system.
-R
jz9833 said:
Dailer- No smart dialer? This used to even be in my old wizard by default. How it get left out is completely beyond me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is voice dialing in WP7 not sure what you mean by smart dialer???
rruffman said:
There is voice dialing in WP7 not sure what you mean by smart dialer???
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Click to collapse
By going to the dailer and being able to spell "MOM" for example on the keys and it would automatically come up with the number for that contact.
jz9833 said:
Also a core application can be considered part of the OS. If you can not uninstall it, it is part of the OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, what? No, it's not. It's a stock application distributed with the OS. It is not part of the OS.
By the Logic people can say "Android is buggy because the GMail client is buggy." or "Windows Mobile is buggy because the Opera Browser HTC bundled with the HD2 is buggy." or "Linux is full of bugs because the KDE in that distro is buggy as hell."
Every OS comes with a set of stock applications, but they are just that, and are usually updatable independent of installing a new kernel or driver stack on the device.
In any case, I've already said I agree that the lack of landscape mode is an issue.
I just wanted to make that distinction, because lots of people on this forum are incapable of doing it themselves.
N8ter said:
Lol, what? No, it's not. It's a stock application distributed with the OS. It is not part of the OS.
By the Logic people can say "Android is buggy because the GMail client is buggy." or "Windows Mobile is buggy because the Opera Browser HTC bundled with the HD2 is buggy." or "Linux is full of bugs because the KDE in that distro is buggy as hell."
Every OS comes with a set of stock applications, but they are just that, and are usually updatable independent of installing a new kernel or driver stack on the device.
In any case, I've already said I agree that the lack of landscape mode is an issue.
I just wanted to make that distinction, because lots of people on this forum are incapable of doing it themselves.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still completely disagree with you. Froyo for Android made plenty of browser updates so would you say that wasn't a OS update?
I like most people consider stock apps part of the OS
jz9833 said:
I still completely disagree with you. Froyo for Android made plenty of browser updates so would you say that wasn't a OS update?
I like most people consider stock apps part of the OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree. Basically system is made of apps.
If email app built into it is buggy, we can say OS is buggy.
jz9833 said:
I still completely disagree with you. Froyo for Android made plenty of browser updates so would you say that wasn't a OS update?
I like most people consider stock apps part of the OS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesnt meam ur right and most people are ignorant in os design and the diff between an os and an app distributed with said os.
Obviously...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
Doesnt meam ur right and most people are ignorant in os design and the diff between an os and an app distributed with said os.
Obviously...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
then you are going to have to disagree with almost all people. This isn't a techy vs jock debate. These are apps which are built into the os and therefore part of the os.
But anyway this thread is meant for objective evaluation of WP7. If you want to continue this debate we should continue it somewhere else.
jz9833 said:
By going to the dailer and being able to spell "MOM" for example on the keys and it would automatically come up with the number for that contact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use search in the people hub for something very similar. Admittedly not an exact substitute but it works well enough for me.
jz9833 said:
I have been a long time WM user and recently switched to android for the past year. I am offering my take on WP7 on the pros on cons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good post
jz9833 said:
USB Storage Device- glaring admission, but I can kind of see why. It helps stop piracy, but I loved being able to hook my fuze / tilt 2 / nexus 1 / vibrant to my car stereo and play the music I had downloaded on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does this increase piracy? If the files you buy on Zune are locked down they can still do this even if there is a common store of files accessible as usb mass storage. Either by drm or by using isolated storage for those files.
jz9833 said:
Local Outlook Support- I knew this before hand, but I am in the crowd that says MS needs to add this ability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do it this way, then you are working with two sets of data (email, calendar, tasks, contacts, etc.) neither of which is guaranteed to be up to date. I don't see why people think this is preferable to a server-based system.
jz9833 said:
I will not buy that this phone is for dumb smart phone users.
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Click to collapse
Hopefully this will be true; I will keep my fingers crossed. Currently, as I see it, they are targeting people who don't understand what files are, and would be confused by files, and who believe that music consists of songs arranged by artists into albums. I.e. the dumb mass market.
CSMR said:
How does this increase piracy? If the files you buy on Zune are locked down they can still do this even if there is a common store of files accessible as usb mass storage. Either by drm or by using isolated storage for those files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The cintent u purchase in zune have no drm..... The piracy statement is legit.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
though given you just purchased for your zune account, you can then access it on zune desktop, and burn discs from there. so no necessarily correct.
however, what i think of a common storage area is a good idea. just have it so that the pictures, videos, music, documents are in a folder view for when you plug the phone into your PC. it would really only require a bit of mapping within the OS to make it look like a storage unit. Even if it was just more restricted down to just the documents section, that's still something. better than nothing imo as i don't have access to skydrive at work. but aye, i can live with it, it's not going to make me want to return the phone.
The Gate Keeper said:
though given you just purchased for your zune account, you can then access it on zune desktop, and burn discs from there. so no necessarily correct.
however, what i think of a common storage area is a good idea. just have it so that the pictures, videos, music, documents are in a folder view for when you plug the phone into your PC. it would really only require a bit of mapping within the OS to make it look like a storage unit. Even if it was just more restricted down to just the documents section, that's still something. better than nothing imo as i don't have access to skydrive at work. but aye, i can live with it, it's not going to make me want to return the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its 2001, people pirate with digital media. Cd piracy may still be hip in the third world, but I haven't operated a cd player in years (or used my computer to play one), much less bought or burned one.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
Its 2001, people pirate with digital media. Cd piracy may still be hip in the third world, but I haven't operated a cd player in years (or used my computer to play one), much less bought or burned one.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how about an MP3 cd? to play in your car? to lend to a friend? or your USB stick? as soon as it's available on zune desktop you have a copy of it... there is plenty ways around it. i'm not saying you should do it, i'm saying the possibilities are there.
N8ter said:
The cintent u purchase in zune have no drm..... The piracy statement is legit.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the files are not DRMed, and Microsoft wants to protect them, either it can DRM the files, or it can keep them in isolated storage. The existence of common storage doesn't exclude isolated storage.

Strange Omnia 7 with landscape support

Hi Folks,
I had an Omnia 7 in my labs some time ago to write an article - back then, I cannot remember the machine working in landscape mode.
I now got another one from a friend who is higher up at a carrier, and it can do landscape mode in Messaging, Calendar and various other apps (but not the tile list).
Am I just forgetting things, or is this machine weird?
Do you mean you can read the text messages in landscape or you can see the list of texts in landscape?
Well I'm pretty sure all retail WP7 devices have landscape support in the areas you mentioned.
certain things have landscape support such as the ones you mentioned, and certain things don't, such as the start screen/app list, and panorama controls.
it's not that they can't support it, it's just sometimes it doesn't make sense to. for example, look at the xbox hub, imagine trying to use the panorama control in landscape mode. it quite quite difficult. I'm developing an application at the moment and am trying the both mode support for pilot controls (the one where you see each page's headers next to each other, rather than a whole page jump), and though it works, the landscape support looses a lot of visible content because the headers take up quite a bit of space. but in saying that, there may be requirements for having it.
why did i give that example? well it's up to the dev's discretion whether it's needed or not. but yea, things like messaging, email, calendar, web browser, they all have it at least. which are probably the most important ones.
To my mind, it's not very natural to hold a phone in landscape orientation, so I would only do so where the content needed it - videos, big HTML emails, web browsing, photos, games etc. WP7 covers all that so I'm happy. I think people can sometimes obsess over things like this and need to chill a bit.
OGCF said:
Do you mean you can read the text messages in landscape or you can see the list of texts in landscape?
Well I'm pretty sure all retail WP7 devices have landscape support in the areas you mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Folks,
sorry to take so long for responding. Yes, we can see the list of texts AND the texts themselves in landscape mode.
In addition, we have full landscape support in:
x) Settings (!!!)
x) Alarms
x) Calendar
...
The ROM version is stated as
OS rev 7.0.7004.0
Firmware revision: 2424.10.9.9
I can do all that with my HD7 aswell, I think every device can do so.

Copy and Paste "Limitations"

http://blog.walshie.me/2011/01/25/forthcoming-windows-phone-update-the-bits-that-are-real/
This just in.
I don't see a major problem but here's the news for you!
Sad. If I'm reading that right, C&P won't function in the phone app...for...like...copying a phone number from one area (maybe from a browser) to the new contact input fields.
Thank you, MS, for such a ...erm...experience...with WP7
Well, you are reading it wrong. The stuff is about third party applications. It doesn't say anything about native apps, so we don't know how it will function and where.
As regards third party apps, there's nothing wrong with using a control designed for text, for, er, displaying text. That's the way it should be. Not everything should be selectable, and it isn't selectable in all OSes including "big" Windows.
MartyLK said:
Sad. If I'm reading that right, C&P won't function in the phone app...for...like...copying a phone number from one area (maybe from a browser) to the new contact input fields.
Thank you, MS, for such a ...erm...experience...with WP7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, depending on how the text is set up, you should be able to just tap a phone number in any built-in app and it will bring up the create contact section.
I read from the article that in 3rd party apps you'll be able to c&p only text from text boxes. So you can't copy twitter tweet right from the timeline.
So apparently you'll be able to c&p whatever you want from text boxes,
Plus probably other displayed content from native apps.
So I think not a huge problem here.
FishFaceMcGee said:
Well, depending on how the text is set up, you should be able to just tap a phone number in any built-in app and it will bring up the create contact section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was just, for the sake of minimizing comment, using that as an example, not as limited to. I'm more concerned with being about take information from emails or text messages or other content in a browser and being able to put it elsewhere when I need to.
I hope nobody is going to try to tell me I never have need for it...sheesh.
MartyLK said:
Was just, for the sake of minimizing comment, using that as an example, not as limited to. I'm more concerned with being about take information from emails or text messages or other content in a browser and being able to put it elsewhere when I need to.
I hope nobody is going to try to tell me I never have need for it...sheesh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm fairly sure copy & paste has been shown in places like the web browser, email, and office during the demos. Don't worry so much, this article clearly states 3rd party apps.
PG2G said:
I'm fairly sure copy & paste has been shown in places like the web browser, email, and office during the demos. Don't worry so much, this article clearly states 3rd party apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. Appreciate the update.
MartyLK said:
I'm more concerned with being about take information from emails or text messages or other content in a browser and being able to put it elsewhere when I need to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anywhere you can select text, like you can in the browser, should work. Text messages (unless they change it) you would have to go through the motions of choosing Forward from the longpress menu then select the text from the text box; a bit long-winded but doable.
If Microsoft can add the function I would imagine DEVs could also make use of it in their apps. I could be wrong.
Yeah, they're talking about how devs can modify their text fields to utilize the C&P feature when they update their apps.
Hope they actually do this...
Thanks for the post. Been waiting for this.
This, while exactly what I expected after hearing what Mr. Kindel had to say, is a downer. Now, I don't use cut'n'paste that often on phones, but when I do it's almost exclusively from non-edit controls.
I would also have expected a way to copy'n'paste images considering they see Office as such a big thing, and TBH I quite often paste product images into OneNote on the computer - which syncs perfectly to the phone. Of course you're unable to edit the photo note on the phone, but just being able to cut'n'paste them would be great still.
TBQH this looks more like a half-assed implementation done quickly to get an update out the door.
If copy-n-paste is available at API level, there is nothing to stop app developers to implement whatever they like to support the feature directly.
The limitation of text box is only a limitation when the devs are too lazy to re-complile their code.
Of course, if such feature is not available at API level, that will be a true limitation. Personally, without multi-tasking support for 3rd party apps, copy-n-paste usage will still be quite limited.
Without the tradditional stylus and resistive touch screen, try to accurately select the text you want to copy on a capacitive screen using your fingers is nothing but frustration. I tried a few times on my Android phone and never worked for me. A pen and paper is much easier to do than copy-n-paste.
foxbat121 said:
...Without the tradditional stylus and resistive touch screen, try to accurately select the text you want to copy on a capacitive screen using your fingers is nothing but frustration. I tried a few times on my Android phone and never worked for me. A pen and paper is much easier to do than copy-n-paste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried a WP7 device? I know we can't currently select, but the "cursor" that is implemented at the moment (useful for adding/deleting stuff in texts) is pretty good.
Casey_boy said:
Have you tried a WP7 device? I know we can't currently select, but the "cursor" that is implemented at the moment (useful for adding/deleting stuff in texts) is pretty good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must say the virtual cursor on WP7 is pretty nicely implemented.
Android sucks compared to this and is a pain sometimes.
I guess you guys haven't tried 2.3 or any new samsung devices. Copy and paste, and the cursor is very finger friendly.
I have used cursor on Android 2.2. It is much better than 2.1 but still copy-n-paste largely dependent on app's implementation.
Capacity touch screens are inheritally inaccurate. Cursors make it less painful to use but can't eliminate that inaccuracy. You just got a tool to let you fine tune your selection. It still takes multiple tries to accomplish the job. And god forbid, if you want to select a paragrah out (multiple lines) of an email, that cursor won't be much help to you.
foxbat121 said:
If copy-n-paste is available at API level, there is nothing to stop app developers to implement whatever they like to support the feature directly.
The limitation of text box is only a limitation when the devs are too lazy to re-complile their code.
Of course, if such feature is not available at API level, that will be a true limitation. Personally, without multi-tasking support for 3rd party apps, copy-n-paste usage will still be quite limited.
Without the tradditional stylus and resistive touch screen, try to accurately select the text you want to copy on a capacitive screen using your fingers is nothing but frustration. I tried a few times on my Android phone and never worked for me. A pen and paper is much easier to do than copy-n-paste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You already could select and hold and image to save it, then go to One Note and insert it.
I remember holding the.control button on WM devices and selecting/copying multiple items. Those were the days.

What frustrates you about an app?

So I'm working on a post for my site. It's going to be a list about things a developer does with an application that frustrates us as users. The goal is to highlight common complains from the community about practices devs use in their apps and to hopefully encourage them with feedback to improve.
This is the list I've got so far. Please feel free to chime in if you agree or disagree and ADD any things that bug you as a USER.
--Lack of a live tile: One of the biggest differences on our platforms and others is the inclusion of live tiles. If it makes sense for the application, a live tile is a must. I'm hard pressed to find a large category of apps where a live tile wouldn't make sense at some basic level.
--No fast app switching: No explanation needed, devs get with it.
--Not playing nice with Metro: You make an app for iOS or Android and now you want to port it Windows Phone as fast as possible...so fast you don't think about the design. Great apps on Windows Phone are those that capitalize on the principles of the design language.
--Have both a paid and free version of an app: Do a search for an app in the Market or App Store and you'll get two versions for a lot of popular apps: the free and paid version. There is NO reason why you would need to do that with Windows Phone. Devs have the ability to implement a 'trial' state of an application where they can do everything and more a 'free' version of an app could. Stop cluttering the Marketplace.
--Redirecting to a website: I once downloaded a sports app that had potential. I opened the app and played around. There was a pivot page that had a section for news. Clicked it...and bam. IE is opening up. Nope, no thank you. I want to use your app now your website.
These are some of the big themes that I've encountered more than I should when playing around with apps. This is not a major problem, but it's there and it really shouldn't be.
Also I'm not trying to put developers down, I know it's hard work and I myself am trying to learn as well. But we should strive for something better.
Alright, sound off with some feedback guys. Any other 'sins against users' I've missed that you encounter? I'd like to see what you think before I write the post on my site.
ALSOOOO.... How about you list some apps that contain these 'sins against users'. That way we can politely invite the developer to hear our thoughts and implement changes that benefit everyone. Happy users = $, $= happy dev.
All these are minor.. My biggest complaint is when push notification is either delayed or doesnt come at all. I've missed some important whatsapp messages cause it was delayed 10 mins.
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
samsabri said:
[...]
--Have both a paid and free version of an app: Do a search for an app in the Market or App Store and you'll get two versions for a lot of popular apps: the free and paid version. There is NO reason why you would need to do that with Windows Phone. Devs have the ability to implement a 'trial' state of an application where they can do everything and more a 'free' version of an app could. Stop cluttering the Marketplace.
[...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Marvin_S said:
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Some devs don't mention what the trial offers(time-limited or function-limited) and hence I stay away from such paid apps. Sometimes the trial is fully functional with ads. Agreed that the devs were lazy to not include it in the description, but some users are lazy too. That would be the reason for two versions of the app.
it not being available at all.
or how about it's free on android or ios, but $3 on wp7... wtf?
Marvin_S said:
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I understand the marketing angle. I guess I live in some fantasy land in my head where the world is clean and organized. Hopefully with the Windows 8 Marketplace offering devs simliliar options in how they can implement trials we'll see less "free" apps because users may come expect every paid app to come with a trial.
svtfmook said:
it not being available at all.
or how about it's free on android or ios, but $3 on wp7... wtf?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is something I missed, I how they determine the price difference between platforms?
Off the top of your head, do any apps come to mind where there is a big price difference in platforms? Exclude Xbox Live enabled games for a moment, the reason being I can see the inclusion of achievements, leaderboards, etc to be the cause of the price bump.
I'm in need of a map/location/gps app, that supports offline map caching . while I found couple of them on marketplace, ones that had nice design an functionality, all of them where online only and ones that had offline map caching had terrible design an absolutely no functionality. thats sad
design and functionality should be put first IMO
Inconsistent Resuming and Lack of Tombstoning
Once an app leaves the foreground you have two methods of returning to it: use the app switcher or hitting the tile on your Start screen. Going from the app switcher resumes as expected, but going from the Start screen restarts the app, even if it's already sitting in the background. Now this is probably something Microsoft has to fix, but I feel that if more apps tombstoned, then it could make things more consistent.
samsabri said:
That is something I missed, I how they determine the price difference between platforms?
Off the top of your head, do any apps come to mind where there is a big price difference in platforms? Exclude Xbox Live enabled games for a moment, the reason being I can see the inclusion of achievements, leaderboards, etc to be the cause of the price bump.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if they would note next to the price tag of each app wheter it contains a Trial version, it is less needed for devs to release a seperate "Lite" version. However the problem is now you have to click the app first than wait until the buttons show up in order to find out wheter an app has a free trial.
This should be there on the big scroll list so a user will see at first glance wheter he/she can try the app for free. At the moment I can't blame dev's for introducing their own workarounds.
But what is more annoying to me is that if devs follow metro design and don't use the margins correctly. Hence the app looks odd in comparison to the native apps, i.e. a lot of chat apps mimick the messaging app but don't pay attention to the margins, the bubble sizes and the bubble alignments, which will make them look very unprofessional. This is sad because they did take the effort to stylize the app like Metro, but they ruined the experience because of not "understanding" the fundamentals of the design language. Which is not just typography but also clever and precise use of margins, shapes and spacings. And since there is not much chrome, every tiny offset or error stands out to a trained eye instantly.
Marvin_S said:
Yes if they would note next to the price tag of each app wheter it contains a Trial version, it is less needed for devs to release a seperate "Lite" version. However the problem is now you have to click the app first than wait until the buttons show up in order to find out wheter an app has a free trial.
This should be there on the big scroll list so a user will see at first glance wheter he/she can try the app for free. At the moment I can't blame dev's for introducing their own workarounds.
But what is more annoying to me is that if devs follow metro design and don't use the margins correctly. Hence the app looks odd in comparison to the native apps, i.e. a lot of chat apps mimick the messaging app but don't pay attention to the margins, the bubble sizes and the bubble alignments, which will make them look very unprofessional. This is sad because they did take the effort to stylize the app like Metro, but they ruined the experience because of not "understanding" the fundamentals of the design language. Which is not just typography but also clever and precise use of margins, shapes and spacings. And since there is not much chrome, every tiny offset or error stands out to a trained eye instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think going forward an ideal scenario would be a user expects to have a trial mode for any app that a dev is asking money for. It's a win-win for both consumers and developers. Check out this post from Paul Laberge explaining some of the benefits of a trial mode.
Seems like your second paragraph is echoing the statement to follow metro design language/principles and aim for higher quality control in regards to the design.
It's interesting, I feel like 5 years ago software was all about being functional with no regard to design. Now we not only demand, but expect applications to function well and look beautiful. Exciting times
karan1203 said:
All these are minor.. My biggest complaint is when push notification is either delayed or doesnt come at all. I've missed some important whatsapp messages cause it was delayed 10 mins.
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are those faults of the developer or the platform itself? I ask because I don't know a lot of the technical workings behind the push notification system. My limited knowledge tells me it might be a mix of both parties to blame.
Can anyone clarify?
apps?
For sure about Notifications part.
Push Notification can be useful "ONLY" when you have the phone right in front of your face. Because right after that, they are gone forever.
Second, Push Notification usually have a delay , about a half to 2 mins, from the actual event.
Like my friend can post a thing on my Facebook Wall, and the phone took about 2 mins to update it to the ME title. Same with all other Applications.
I used to try hacking the ROM and Registry of the Phone to reduce the delay of the Title Update. But failed so hard because Microsoft really locked it up hard.
I think most of the annoyances are captured already in the initial post but I'll also add
-That some apps are still being released without mango capability.
-Some apps are just the mobile site (for example the tagged app wtf?)
prohibido_por_la_ley said:
I think most of the annoyances are captured already in the initial post but I'll also add
-That some apps are still being released without mango capability.
-Some apps are just the mobile site (for example the tagged app wtf?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was hoping I'd cover the most obvious complaints, but wanted to reach out and see if anything was missing. Also venting is good for us
And regarding Tagged...? Wow... I just looked at it on the web Marketplace and I won't let something that hideous touch my phone. It's just lazy and doesn't add any value to users or devs. Users get nothing out of it and as a dev what have you accomplished?
Apps like that should not pass certification. It seems draconian, but it's ok for us to demand and expect quality work.
wixostrix said:
...but going from the Start screen restarts the app, even if it's already sitting in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is (or was pre-Mango) a requirement to have your app certified. The rules say/said that a user returning to a task via the Back button is trying to complete an interupted task; a user launching the app from Start is starting a new task and shouldn't be presented with abandoned work from earlier.
I have a calculator app that maintains full state across invocations. I was worried that MS would reject the app because it preserved state even upon restarting. They did accept it, though.
Worst thing for me is wasted screen space.
A good example is the official WP7 Facebook app. Go to the "wall" screen, and you have "FACEBOOK" then "Most Recent" then "What's on your mind?" all permanently stuck at the top. Space is also wasted at both sides, meaning that only 50-60% of the screen is actually available to display your friends wall posts.
I thought the idea of Metro is to "put information first", so this is ridiculous. I have a phone with a 3.7" screen, yet the facebook app is more readable on my friends 3" non-widescreen Blackberry.
Aphasaic2002 said:
Worst thing for me is wasted screen space.
A good example is the official WP7 Facebook app. Go to the "wall" screen, and you have "FACEBOOK" then "Most Recent" then "What's on your mind?" all permanently stuck at the top. Space is also wasted at both sides, meaning that only 50-60% of the screen is actually available to display your friends wall posts.
I thought the idea of Metro is to "put information first", so this is ridiculous. I have a phone with a 3.7" screen, yet the facebook app is more readable on my friends 3" non-widescreen Blackberry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you on that Facebook app. Thankfully the integration with Windows Phone makes it so that I haven't opened it in months. I check FB once a day on the browser at home before bed, but that's about it.
But I'll chalk this complaint under the 'design abuse' category.
Anyone have any other apps that violate some of our sins in the original post in this thread?
I'd like to see improvements with the sound handeling. Most games have a 'music volume' and a 'FX volume' it seems the volume % is boolean, 0% is silent, 10%-100% is full volume. I'd like to listen to my music while gaming without the Pew Pew causing my ears to bleed

[Q] iPhone users. What do you miss?

*****UPDATED 11/30/12*****
tl;dr -- It was the best freaking decision I've ever made in my cellular life.
Things we miss:
- iMessage (Use something like Kik as an alternative)
- iLife and iWork for iOS (Various replacements. I started using ePrint by HP for my wireless printing needs. Works almost as well)
- Game Selection (I work on my phone, so playing games doesn't affect me much, but a lot of the core games are still there)
Things you gain from the switch:
- Bigger screen for easier reading.
- Battery life is omg good.
- The cameras are just as good in my opinion. Low light shots are grainy.
- S Pen is really useful for taking notes in a pinch. Pull it out, jot the note, put it back, note autosaves.
- Other S Pen functionality is really nice. Things like previews in the calendar, cutting out parts of the screen to save in notes, etc.
- Performance is bar none better 10-fold perceptively. I never have a moment of hesitation on my phone.
- Tops out at 128GB (Eat that 16GB iPhone 5)
- Size doesn't really hurt your pocket that badly. Bigger screen catches the bosses attention. I have had more than one comment at work about how I take my job seriously being ready for anything like that.
************************************************
I have an iPhone 5 presently and have been debating for several days now whether of not I want to get the Note 2. I have watched Phonedogs comparison and read article after article and it feels like the phones pretty well break even. So I thought I'd ask some former iPhone users about their experience with their switch.
I have Apple TVs and Airport Expresses all over the place. I stream things almost exclusively while I'm at home. I also mirror my phone to the TV at night laying in bed (doing that now typing this). That being said, I know android has apps that support airplay but not necessarily a screen mirroring solution short of VNC that would require a PC hooked up to my TV and a whole lot more of an inconvenience to get fired up.
I don't know what android has that is directly on par with iWork for iOS. I love typing up documents, syncing them to my phone with iCloud, and being able to edit and print them from my phone wireless on practically any and all wireless printers regardless of brand. iWork for iOS works completely and with a full feature set that I don't ever remember finding in Documents To Go. Has this improved at all?
Not knowing much about the Android ecosystem, what kind of apps are equivalent to iMovie? I use that quite a bit and am curious what android solutions match that in ease of use and functionality. I can't stress enough that when I ask these comparison questions, I'm not trying to prove one better. I'm actually wanting to make the switch. I'm just looking to be more informed about what I'm loosing and what I'm gaining before doing so.
What have you iPhone users missed about your iPhone since you made the switch?
I miss iTunes and some of the apps from the appstore. However, it all makes up it when I remind myself that "can't do no work on a 4" screen"
I switched. No regrets
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2
In my opinion, the only thing missing on Android is the robust game/app selection and consistency in layout/design. I have an iPad 3 anyway, so I have the best of both worlds regardless. The iPhone in both 3.5" and 4" alike simply isn't useful for my needs anymore.
PS: I have a WDTV Live that will allow the equivalent of "Airplay" without any hassle through the Note 2. In terms of exclusive apps (e.g. Garageband, Numbers, Pages, iMovie, etc.) there is no equal. If you are heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, it may be somewhat difficult to switch.
I know the Note 2 comes with Polaris Office included in the stock ROM. Probably won't touch the iWork suite in terms of interface and usability, but give it a try on a demo model and see if it may work for you.
Nothing
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
I miss this little simple function on ios. Say you are at the bottom of a very long Page or document you could double tap the top of status bar and it would move to the top instantly instead of having to scroll up. Nothing big but nice little feature
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
ahjdmarchi said:
I miss this little simple function on ios. Say you are at the bottom of a very long Page or document you could double tap the top of status bar and it would move to the top instantly instead of having to scroll up. Nothing big but nice little feature
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought i was the only one who misses that little feature. Aside from that, I currently own both phones and theyre both fantastic but sadly I prefer my Gnote2 over my iph5. The big screen is a huge plus and the S-Pen is really neat. But I do like the apps more on the iphone.
Johncrist1988 said:
I have an iPhone 5 presently and have been debating for several days now whether of not I want to get the Note 2. I have watched Phonedogs comparison and read article after article and it feels like the phones pretty well break even. So I thought I'd ask some former iPhone users about their experience with their switch.
I have Apple TVs and Airport Expresses all over the place. I stream things almost exclusively while I'm at home. I also mirror my phone to the TV at night laying in bed (doing that now typing this). That being said, I know android has apps that support airplay but not necessarily a screen mirroring solution short of VNC that would require a PC hooked up to my TV and a whole lot more of an inconvenience to get fired up.
I don't know what android has that is directly on par with iWork for iOS. I love typing up documents, syncing them to my phone with iCloud, and being able to edit and print them from my phone wireless on practically any and all wireless printers regardless of brand. iWork for iOS works completely and with a full feature set that I don't ever remember finding in Documents To Go. Has this improved at all?
Not knowing much about the Android ecosystem, what kind of apps are equivalent to iMovie? I use that quite a bit and am curious what android solutions match that in ease of use and functionality. I can't stress enough that when I ask these comparison questions, I'm not trying to prove one better. I'm actually wanting to make the switch. I'm just looking to be more informed about what I'm loosing and what I'm gaining before doing so.
What have you iPhone users missed about your iPhone since you made the switch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iwork substitutes..
http://http://alternativeto.net/software/apple-iwork/?platform=android
Imovie substitute
http://https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.forscene.KestrelTest&hl=en
Mirroring...I don't think you can get as close yet outside of VNC...but for utilizing your Apple TV
http://http://doubletwist.com/help/question/how-do-i-stream-to-apple-tv-2nd-generation-from-my-android-device/
All in all...it's going to depend on how deep your into Apple's pockets..Phone for phone...there really is no comparison on the differences...all one has to do is to hold each and use each.
What do I miss the most about my Iphone...simple...all the money I lost making the switch back to my Note II...from all of my expensive apps and extra Icloud storage I can no longer use...but...IMHO...it's worth it...
Mac
I'm not so deep I can't get out. I can return the Airport and iPhone still and swap for the Gnote2. I need to google around more about DLNA devices because streaming is nice, and if there's a.... 'cleaner' product of method of doing it, it may be worth it.
This is available on the Note 2e
ahjdmarchi said:
I miss this little simple function on ios. Say you are at the bottom of a very long Page or document you could double tap the top of status bar and it would move to the top instantly instead of having to scroll up. Nothing big but nice little feature
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This can be done in 2 ways on the GN2. One wny is to switch on the feature in the settings under "Motion"/"Double Tap". Otherwise, assuming the long text is in a browser you can use Boat Browser (which is very customizable) and has this feature.
Regarding AirPlay and the other things mentioned in this thread, can you not simply keep you iphone as a Wifi only media player/streamer?
I use my old Galaxy SI as such with Spotify. Without a Sim card and a 3g data connection the battery can last almost three days also
borijess said:
Nothing
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
The question is per user. I prefer the non-locked down system of Android. Watch a lot of movies and the iPhone has to be jailbroken to do anything other then basic usage. XBMC on my Note2 + MHL adaptor and no rooting. I love the customization.
Another reason I switched was because of iTunes. What a mess. I have a lot of mixes for music and iTunes splits it up. I prefer just being able to dump on my sd card.
Only thing I miss is the gaming apps. But not that much that I would switch back.
Sent from my SGH-I317M using xda premium
ahjdmarchi said:
I miss this little simple function on ios. Say you are at the bottom of a very long Page or document you could double tap the top of status bar and it would move to the top instantly instead of having to scroll up. Nothing big but nice little feature
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do know the GN2 has this feature right?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
yellowman82 said:
You do know the GN2 has this feature right?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work for the browser? That's where I need it the most.
I've owned and used as my main device every iphone up to the iphone 5. I'm loving the Note 2, but there are a few things I miss:
- Overall simplicity. There was a lot of handholding in iOS that I didn't even necessarily realize was happening, which I miss. Biggest/most annoying example so far: sending videos via MMS or email. Unless you have the "limit size to MMS" or whatever checked when you record the video (which would mean a crappy source quality in the video, should you want to use it for anything other than an MMS), you can't MMS it to someone (and unless it's more than a few seconds long, it'll likely be too big to email as well). There are some apps out there for transcoding the video to a lower bitrate, resizing, etc, but this is a royal pain to have to do any time you want to send a quick video. iOS did it all automatically when you went to send the video.
- Better versions of apps. Some apps are just better/smoother on ios. Examples include facebook, Steam, The Weather Channel.
- Photo Stream. My wife is on an iPhone, and we have an old ipad that we use as a photo frame. I miss being able to easily have photos I take appear on both her phone and the iPad.
- iCloud. I miss stuff syncing with my mac desktop apps for things like notes, reminders, etc. I'm sure I could find something to get me by for the notes, and the others I mentioned would sync to a Google calendar, but still. I miss all that happening automatically.
Overall though, I'm very happy to have made the switch. There is no way I could go back to that tiny iPhone screen now.
Mirroring via VGA dongle.
ahjdmarchi said:
I miss this little simple function on ios. Say you are at the bottom of a very long Page or document you could double tap the top of status bar and it would move to the top instantly instead of having to scroll up. Nothing big but nice little feature
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go back to iphone..obviously u dont know how to work ir own phone ....maybe u need it simplified from apple sgn2 is better in all aspects
skochw said:
I've owned and used as my main device every iphone up to the iphone 5. I'm loving the Note 2, but there are a few things I miss:
- Overall simplicity. There was a lot of handholding in iOS that I didn't even necessarily realize was happening, which I miss. Biggest/most annoying example so far: sending videos via MMS or email. Unless you have the "limit size to MMS" or whatever checked when you record the video (which would mean a crappy source quality in the video, should you want to use it for anything other than an MMS), you can't MMS it to someone (and unless it's more than a few seconds long, it'll likely be too big to email as well). There are some apps out there for transcoding the video to a lower bitrate, resizing, etc, but this is a royal pain to have to do any time you want to send a quick video. iOS did it all automatically when you went to send the video.
- Better versions of apps. Some apps are just better/smoother on ios. Examples include facebook, Steam, The Weather Channel.
- Photo Stream. My wife is on an iPhone, and we have an old ipad that we use as a photo frame. I miss being able to easily have photos I take appear on both her phone and the iPad.
- iCloud. I miss stuff syncing with my mac desktop apps for things like notes, reminders, etc. I'm sure I could find something to get me by for the notes, and the others I mentioned would sync to a Google calendar, but still. I miss all that happening automatically.
Overall though, I'm very happy to have made the switch. There is no way I could go back to that tiny iPhone screen now.
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Those are good points to know, thank you. Looking back I do remember video sending being a pain. I eventually ended up doing private Youtube uploads all the time and linking people to the videos. An extra step.
Not that I'm saying that's a deal breaker at all, but it's those little things. Does Android have a response to Photostream out of the box? If I recall, doesn't it automagically upload to Google+ or something of the sort?
twanskys204 said:
Go back to iphone..obviously u dont know how to work ir own phone ....maybe u need it simplified from apple sgn2 is better in all aspects
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Come on, if there's a way to do it and you know how, just tell the guy rather than being snarky for no good reason. This thread is obviously targeted towards people making the switch from iOS to Android, and there is a definite learning curve involved there.
Johncrist1988 said:
Those are good points to know, thank you. Looking back I do remember video sending being a pain. I eventually ended up doing private Youtube uploads all the time and linking people to the videos. An extra step.
Not that I'm saying that's a deal breaker at all, but it's those little things. Does Android have a response to Photostream out of the box? If I recall, doesn't it automagically upload to Google+ or something of the sort?
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It does upload to Google+, yes. I wound up turning that off, though, since I rarely use Google+. I did turn on automatic photo/video uploading for Dropbox, though, and I am absolutely loving that. I know there's photo/video upload in Dropbox for iOS, but this all happens via a service running in the background, so you don't have to have the actual Dropbox app open for it to happen.
Something else to note about the auto-upload for Dropbox (and Google+, for that matter): you can use that to share videos/images easily. Only issue is the person receiving it has to download/stream the full-res video or image, and you have to wait for it to upload before you can share itg. Still much easier than transcoding just to send a video, though.
I'm using both....Loving both

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