Related
Here is a list of my favorite Android apps that you might be missing. I have tested all of them on my Nexus S to make sure they work properly.
Some of the apps are free, some are paid, and many have both versions. They should all be searchable by name in the Android Market.
Some of the apps require your phone to be rooted or will only work on certain phones, so be sure to read the description before you purchase anything.
Android Market
http://market.android.com/
adbWireless (Widget version)
"adbWireless enable ADB wireless connection to connect to the phone as if connected by USB."
Adobe Reader
"Adobe Reader is a must-have app for high quality PDF viewing on Android. Key features are: • Open PDF files as email attachments, on the web or on device • Text Reflow • Send PDF files via email • Multi-touch gestures for Navigation & Zoom"
ADWLauncher EX
"Highly Customizable Home replacement application"
aLogcat
"View color-coded, scrolling (tailed) Android device (logcat) logs directly from your phone. No USB, adb, or emailing necessary. Set log format / level / buffer, filter logs by regex, clear log file, save to SD, email."
AndChat
"AndChat is a multi-server internet relay chat (irc) app for Android. "
AndFTP
"AndFTP is a FTP, FTPS, SCP, SFTP client. It can manage several FTP configurations. It comes with both device and FTP file browser. It provides download, upload and share features with resume support."
Android IRC - Internet Chat
"Android's most advanced IRC client.
The Premier Android Internet Relay Chat Client. Worlds better than the rest."
Antennas
"This app monitors the GSM/CDMA cellular network connection; displays a map of approximate cellular antenna locations and their RF signal strength; and can log the data to a text or KML file."
App 2 SD Pro (move apps to SD)
"App 2 SD helps you to move apps to either external or internal storage thru' the system Settings. This app is crucial to anyone who has memory management issues."
App Protector Pro
"Lock any app on your phone: SMS,Gmail,Photos,Gallery,Setting,Market..Any app u choose"
Astrid Tasks
"Astrid is the much todo list / task manager designed to help you get stuff done. It features reminders, tags, sync, a widget and more."
Astro File Manager
"Features: File Manager, Backup, Image and text viewers, Networking, SMB, Bluetooth, SFTP, Zip Tar, downloader, thumbnails, search files, application manager, task manager, attachments"
Ataroid
"Ataroid is an Atari-2600 emulator for Android. It emulates every aspect of the original Atari-2600 console."
Audiogalaxy Music
"Audiogalaxy streams your music from your computer to your device for free.
Stream your music and playlists from your computer to your Android phone for free!"
Autostarts
"Keep control over your phone: See what applications do behind your back. Shows you what apps run on phone startup, and what other events trigger in the background. Root users can disable unwanted autostarts and speed up their phone boot."
Barcode Scanner
"Scan barcodes on products then look up prices and reviews. You can also scan Data Matrix and QR Codes containing URLs, contact info, etc.
Also share your contacts, apps, and bookmarks via QR Code. "
BeejiveIM
"Stay connected to all your instant messaging buddies anywhere you go! BeejiveIM (pronounced \bē-hīv\ IM) keeps you in touch with your friends on AIM®/MobileMe®, MSN®/Windows Live®, Yahoo!®, GoogleTalk®, Facebook, MySpace and Jabber"
Better Terminal Emulator Pro
"Harness the native Linux command-line potential of Android with this Terminal.
Unleash the command line potential of the Android console with this terminal. Best if rooted, but root not required. Run native Linux apps with Better Terminal Emulator Pro."
BusyBox
"BusyBox is a software application that provides many standard Unix tools, much like the larger (but more capable) GNU Core Utilities."
CacheMate for Root Users
"CacheMate for Root Users allows you to clear cache from your device in one click
★ ROOT ACCESS, BUSYBOX REQUIRED ★"
CamScanner -Phone to Scanner
"Turn phone to document scanner
CamScanner turns phone to a document scanner to scan and manage your documents, whiteboard discussions and receipts easily. Our smart image cropping and enhancement algorithm ensures the scanned images clear and recognizable."
Camera WiFi LiveStream
"Stream video and audio directly from your Android camera across a WiFi network!"
Car Locator
"Save your location when you park and Car Locator will help you find your car"
Chrome to Phone
"Google Chrome to Phone lets you easily share links, maps, and currently selected phone numbers and text between your computer running Chrome and your phone."
Class Buddy Pro
"Class Buddy
Schedule management helper for busy school life."
Clipper Plus
"Take control of your clipboard with Clipper, the #1 clipboard manager!
Clipper Plus is a simple but powerful clipboard manager & clipboard history tool for your phone or tablet."
ClockSync
"ClockSync synchronizes device system clock with atomic time from Internet via NTP (Network Time Protocol). Useful if provider doesn't support NITZ, sends incorrect time or if your device/ROM has heavy clock drift."
DefaultApp Reset
"This application can reset the default applications easily. After resetting, it shows the dialog to select applications such as home launchers, browsers."
DiskUsage
"DiskUsage provides a way to find files and directories on storage card which consume a lot of space. Displays diagram with directories/subdirectories proportional to their size."
Documents To Go 3.0 Main App
"View Microsoft Word, Excel & PowerPoint Files - All in 1 App!
FREE! View native Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files and attachments with Documents To Go Main App. Supported file formats include .doc,. docx,. xls,. xlsx,. ppt,. pptx."
Dolphin Browser HD
"Browsing made wonderful. Dolphin Browser™ HD offers you:
*Powerful Add-ons support*Bookmarks Folder support*Multi-touch pinch zoom*Multi Tabs browsing*Powerful Gestures*Smart RSS Detection*Colorful Theme packs support*14 Languages support
*Unexpected Closed Tab Recovery"
doubleTwist Player
"Sync and Play your iTunes playlists, podcasts and videos; imports ratings too!"
doubleTwist AirSync
"Life Without Wires! Sync your iTunes music & videos over WiFi with AirSync."
DroidWall - Android Firewall
"Front-end application for the iptables Linux firewall.
Allows you to restrict which apps can access the network.
This is the perfect solution if you don't have an unlimited data plan, or just wants to see your battery lasting longer."
Dropbox
"Sync your files between your computers and your mobile device. Now you can browse the files in your Dropbox folder from anywhere!"
Mozilla Firefox Web Browser
"Take Firefox anywhere. Go from desktop to mobile without interruption."
Finance
"Finance for Android brings you streaming real-time quotes in this stock quote and portfolio application. It synchronizes with your Google Finance portfolios, allows quick access to charts and lets you view the latest market and company news."
Folder Organizer
"Group items according to labels and create customizable folders and widgets
Group items according to labels and create fully customizable folders and widgets. You can organize apps, bookmarks, contacts and shortcuts"
FPse for android
"FPse for Android is the fastest and most compatible PSone (also known as PSX or Playstation 1) emulator for handheld devices."
Gameboid
"GameBoid is the very famous GameBoy Advance emulator optimized for Android."
GasBuddy
"Find the cheapest gas on the go – for free! In one click, locate gas stations near you and see their current gas prices. Never overpay for gas again. "
GBCoid (GBC emulator)
"GBCoid is the famous GameBoy (Color) emulator for Android."
Gensoid
"Gensoid is the famous SEGA Genesis/MegaDrive emulator for Android."
GO Launcher EX
"GO Launcher EX is the extra version of GO Launcher, one of the most popular launcher app in android market, provides beautiful themes, fast flip speed and useful functions. "
Google Authenticator
"Google Authenticator creates two-step verification codes on your phone.
Google Authenticator works with 2-step verification for your Google Account to provide an additional layer of security."
Google Books
"Build your ebooks library in the cloud with Google Books: jump right into a bestseller or select from nearly 3 million free ebooks."
Google Gesture Search
"Gesture Search lets you quickly find a contact, a bookmark, an application, or a music track on your device by drawing on the screen.
Google Goggles
"Search by taking a picture. Goggles uses image recognition technology to recognize objects and return relevant search results."
Google Reader
"Follow all your favorite sites, blogs, and more, all in one place. See what your friends are sharing, and easily share any interesting articles you read."
Google Shopper
"New from Google: Find products with your camera phone and get prices fast.
Shopper recognizes products by cover art, barcode scanning, voice and text search."
Google Sky Maps
"Google Sky Map turns your Android-powered mobile phone into a window on the night sky."
Google Translate
"Use Google Translate to instantly translate text between more than 50 languages.
* Dictionary results * Text-to-speech * Voice input * Romanization (e.g. Pinyin, Romaji, etc) * History/star favorite translations"
Google Voice
"Place calls and send text messages showing your Google number. Listen to voicemail and read transcripts. Currently only available in the US. "
GO SMS
"GO SMS is an amazing SMS app. Cool UI, Fast and convenient SMS/MMS experience."
GPS Status & Toolbox
"Display your GPS and sensor data: position and signal strength of satellites, accuracy, speed, acceleration, bearing."
GPS Test Plus
"GPS test app. Shows GPS signal, satellite, location and GPS time data. Useful for navigation or geocaching.
All the features of GPS Test, plus:-
Speedometer, Altimeter and Compass dials.
Seven segment display mode.
HUD display mode for windscreens.
Share location."
gUnit
"A unit conversion tool with support for more than 2000 units in 30+ categories including Length, Temperature, Speed, Volume, Weight, Area, Currency conversions. It also has support for user preferences."
GTunes
"A simple interface to search and download mp3 music to SD card from public domain via public search engines, all are free!"
HeLauncher
"HeLauncher is a home replacement for the mobile operating system known as Android. "
Hi-Q MP3 Recorder (Full)
"Record audio in high quality directly into MP3 files!"
History Eraser
"Best tool to Erase History on Android devices!
This is a phone cleaner History Eraser!This app can erase history data on your Android device."
HomeSmack
"HomeSmack allows you to easily switch between your Home/Launcher apps or your long-press-search apps and set a new default."
InkPad NotePad (No Ads)
"InkPad Notepad is a simple, elegant, easy to use notes app."
LauncherPro
"- Super-smooth scrolling
- Animated screen previews (like Exposé or HTC Sense)
- Up to 7 home screens
- App drawer (2D and 3D!) with a fly-in effect and smooth scrolling
- Scrollable shortcut dock"
Launcher 7
"A Windows Phone 7 style launcher for Android.
Unlike other current WP7 launchers (Windows Phone Android, Metro UI), this one allows you to properly modify your start screen."
LCD Density Changer
"Need ROOT (+ BusyBox)
Change the density of the screen. Get more info on your screen, like with a high resolution setting on your PC."
Ledgerist
"A simple and intuitive checkbook register for all your financial accounts."
Linpack for Android
"For more information go to http://www.greenecomputing.com/apps/linpack/
Speed test your Android device and ROM with this standard CPU benchmark."
Listen
"Listen from Google Labs for podcast search, subscribe, download and streaming.
Listen from Google Labs."
Maverick Pro
"Off-road GPS navigator with offline maps support, compass and track recording.
Use offline maps and GPS even without an internet connection. This app is great for hiking, boating, geocaching and other outdoor activities."
MochaVNC
"Mocha VNC provides access to VNC Servers. Using your phone, you can connect to a Windows or Mac OS X workstation and see the files, programs, and resources exactly as you would if you were sitting at your desk, just on a smaller screen."
MultiTouch Visualizer 2
"Visualizer for multi-touch (pinch-zoom), shows 2-4+ multitouch points on capable devices"
mSecure - Password Manager
"mSecure, the leading iPhone Password Manager, is now available for Android OS. mSecure stores your important and sensitive information safely and securely."
MyBackup Pro
"Backup (with schedule option) to our online secure servers, or SD card, your Applications, Photos, Contacts, Call log, Browser Bookmarks, SMS (text messages), MMS, Calendar, System Settings, Home Screens (including shortcut positions), Alarms, Dictionary, Music Playlists, and more"
MyTracks
"My Tracks records your GPS tracks and shows live statistics such as time, speed, distance, and elevation – while hiking, cycling, running or participating in other outdoor activities."
Nesoid
"Nesoid is the famous NES/FC emulator for Android."
Net Ping
"ICMP ping utility for your android phone with no ads.
Ping from your Android phone with this ping utility app. Works well with IPv4."
Network Info II
"All the network information you'll need. WiFi/Bluetooth/Cell/IPv6."
NetworkMapper
"A very fast scanner for network admins that can scan your network in the office and export as CSV via GMail to give you a map of what devices are on your LAN
Includes a portscanner for security audit scans and a MAC vendor database to identify NIC manufacturers"
NewsRob
"NewsRob is an RSS/Atom newsreader that auto syncs with Google Reader. "
NFC Task Launcher
"Use NFC Tags to automate tasks
NFC Task Launcher uses the NFC Hardware and RFID/NFC Tags to allow you to create tags several types of tags, including a custom "Task" tag that will automatically execute tasks when read."
Note Everything
"A notepad for taking different notes and types with many features.
A note (notepad) application where you can create text-, voice- and paint-notes. Your notes can be organized in folders. You can create shortcuts on home, send notes, use live folders & much more!"
NXP TagWriter
"Store contacts, URLs and text messages on your NFC tags!
The NXP TagWriter application allows you to store contacts, URLs, SMS as well as text messages and generic URIs to any NFC-enabled tags as well as to items like poster, business cards, watches and so on containing NFC-enabled electronics."
Pandora Radio
"Pandora Radio is your own FREE personalized radio now available to stream music on your phone."
Partitions Info Pro
"Partitions Info Pro. File systems and partitions, total, used, and free memory space. You have option to check if you have Root permissions or access. Check if Busybox is installed. Root and Busybox checker!!! Process list, with data about PID, user, package name and process memory usage."
Photoshop Express
"Edit and share photos virtually anywhere. Touch to crop, rotate, adjust color, and add artistic effects."
PhoneUsage
"Monitor your phone call, text and network data usage.
Set limits on daily, weekly and monthly usage."
PhotoVault
"PhotoVault hides pictures behind a password protected wall, hiding them from people and other apps on your phone. It has lots of other great features as well. Check out our website for details. "
PowerAMP Music Player
"Powerful Music Player for Android
PowerAMP is a powerful music player for Android."
PrinterShare™ Mobile Print
"Print documents, gmail, photos, contacts, sms/mms and more directly from phone!"
Quadrant Standard
"Quadrant is a CPU, I/O and 3D graphics benchmark. The Standard Edition requires an Internet connection to compute benchmark results and is supported by ads."
Quick Boot (Reboot)
"Reboot your phone quickly. Boot into Recovery and Bootloader with one tap."
Quick Settings
"This app lets you quickly switch most important Android settings with just few taps and control battery consumption.
Launch the app by long-pressing a search button or through a shortcut in status bar."
QuickPic
"Smaller! Faster! Clearer! The best picture viewer/browser you are looking for!
Smaller! Faster! Clearer! More powerful!"
QuickSSHD
"QuickSSHd, based on dropbear sshd, allows you to easily configure and run a Secure Shell/SSH Server. Connect to your phone from your PC and execute commands or transfer files. Similar to "Terminal" or "adb shell" but over the network.
File transfer to sdcard by scp or SFTP (Secure FTP, WinSCP, Cyberduck)."
Read It Later Pro
"Read It Later lets you save webpages to read later, even without an internet connection."
redbox
"Find and reserve redbox movies nearby with this official app, built by redbox!
The official redbox app lets you browse and reserve movies, plus find the nearest redbox kiosk from wherever you are."
Rescan Media ROOT
"Scan Media Files on demand.
Disable or Kill media scanner at boot or all the time.
Save Boot Time by upto 20-30 secs."
Ringdroid
"The original open-source ringtone editor for Android, first published in 2008 and downloaded by millions of users worldwide.
Create your own ringtone, alarm, or notification sound from an existing audio file, or record a new one directly on the device."
ROM Manager (Premium)
"Manage your ROMs via a handy UI. organize and perform backups and restores from within Android! Install your favorite ROMs over the air!"
Root Checker
"Small and simple app to ONLY verify root access and busybox install!
**** THIS APPLICATION WILL NOT ROOT THE PHONE ****"
Root Explorer
"Root Explorer is the ultimate file manager for root users. Access the whole of android's file system (including the elusive data folder!)."
Scanner Radio Pro
"Listen to police and fire departments from around the world on your phone.
Listen to live audio from over 2,500 police and fire scanners, weather radios, and amateur radio repeaters from around the world (with more being added daily)."
Screenshot It
"Take a screenshot of your phone's screen
May require a rooted phone (depends on phone)
Take a screenshot of your phone's screen, save as a jpg or png file, and share anywhere!"
SetCPU for Root Users
"SetCPU is a tool for changing the CPU settings (capable of overclock and underclock) on a rooted Motorola Droid, Nexus One, G1, G2, Samsung Galaxy S, myTouch 4G, or one of many other devices to improve performance or save battery."
Shark for Root
"Traffic sniffer, works on 3G and WiFi (works on FroYo tethered mode too).
To open dump use WireShark or similar software, for preview dump on phone use Shark Reader."
Shazam Encore
"Lovin' that tune?
Create music moments. Discover, buy and share music.
Enjoy the ultimate music journey with our premium App – Shazam Encore - and identify music anywhere."
SIM Checker Pro
"Protect your phone in case of theft, get alerts if someone changes your SIM card"
Skype
"• Free* Skype-to-Skype calls over 3G or WiFi • Call landlines or mobile phones at great Skype rates • Instant message one or many friends at the same time"
Sketchbook Mobile
"Autodesk SketchBook® Mobile is a professional-grade paint and drawing application offering a full set of sketching tools and a streamlined and intuitive user interface."
Slacker Radio
"Slacker Radio is free, totally customizable radio with over 100 genre stations.
Listen to free personalized radio on your mobile phone. With millions of songs from 1000s of artists, Slacker Radio is the best way to discover new artists and hear your favorites."
SNesoid
"SNesoid is the very famous Super Nintendo emulator for Android."
SoundCloud
"Record, listen and share your sounds on the go with SoundCloud Android."
SoundHound ∞
"What's that song? Identify it FAST with SoundHound.
SoundHound is instant music search and discovery"
Spare Parts
"Spare Parts allows you to enable some settings
that are not found in the default setting menu."
Speedtest
"Use the Speedtest application to evaluate the speed of your 3G, EDGE and Wi-Fi Networks. The test takes a while on EDGE networks."
SpeedView Pro
"Advanced speedometer application. Features address, compass, HUD mode, speed graph, odometer, maximum and average speed, time traveled, speed warning, 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times, GPX track export and more. Suitable for running, driving, biking or hiking."
Sundroid Pro Sunrise Sunset
"Everything you need to know about the movements of the sun and moon!
Calculates sunrise, sunset, twilights, golden hours, length of day, the path of the sun, and moonrise & moonset times for any date, anywhere in the world."
Superuser Elite
"Superuser grants and manages root permissions on your rooted phone. This package gives you access to additional features not available to basic users."
Swarm
"Swarm is a lightweight bittorrent client that supports multiple simultaneous downloads and integrates with file managers and web browser. Download torrents over Edge/3G/4G or wifi.
Swarm runs as a background service or standard app."
SwiFTP
"SwiFTP is an open-source FTP server that allows you to connect to your phone over wifi or cellular/3g to upload and download files. Any FTP client can be used."
SwipePad Beta
"SwipePad is a launcher panel responding to a swipe on the edge of your phone screen, no matter what application you are in.
1. Touch down the bottom edge of the screen;
2. Move your finger towards the center of the screen so the pad will emerge;
3. Release your finger on a specific slot to action.
Hold your finger on a specific slot for 2 seconds before releasing (until it turns orange), then you could change the assignment."
Sysctl Config *Root*
"sysctl is used to modify kernel parameters at runtime.
This tool will allow you to set values to increase performance and help save battery life. You can enable sysctl, set min free kbytes, dirty ratio, dirty background ratio, vfs cache pressure and oom allocating task."
SystemPanel
"SystemPanel integrates a task manager, app manager (installer/uninstaller with multi-version APK archival), and system monitor.
Solve your battery life problem by enabling the background monitoring service to record long-term CPU usage by individual apps."
Tasker
"Total Automation, from settings to SMS. ADC2 finalist!
* Triggers: App, Time, Day, Location, Hard/Soft State, Event, Shortcut, Widget, Timer
* Actions: 175+ built-in, any Locale-compatible setting plugin
* Tasks: loops, variables, conditions"
Terminal Emulator
"This application lets you access your Android's built-in Linux command line shell. It emulates a Digital Equipment Corporation VT-100 terminal. You can use this application to run utility programs on your device."
TeslaLED
"Turn your phone into a flashlight!
This is a LED (Camera Flash) based flashlight (or Torch). TeslaLED is the brightest app for the Droid."
Titanium Backup ★ root
"The ONLY tool that can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links! Even protected apps! 0-click Batch/scheduled backups! PRO version has 0-click batch restores, Dropbox sync, Dalvik cleaner & MORE!"
Torrent-fu
"A uTorrent and Transmission remote. Manage your torrents and
search for torrents by keyword, bar code scan, or from your browser and download to your remote computer."
Trillian
"Trillian for Android helps you organize and stay in touch with your IM and social friends while on-the-go. Receive C2DM push notifications, send pictures and messages, and optionally synchronize with Trillian for Mac, Windows, and Web. You can even use Trillian to Trillian messaging to save on SMS costs!"
TV Listing
"TV Listings - fast and easy! This TV guide app covers over-the-air, cable and satellite TV in the USA (over 13 000 channels in total and hundreds of providers). It will show an overview of what's on right now including all the shows, movies and sports events."
VideoVault
"VideoVault hides private videos behind a password protected wall, hiding them from people and applications on your phone."
vLauncher - best app organizer
"vLauncher organize your app icons into multiple pages on home screen,iPhone style. Support folders, works with android 2.0+"
Voltage Control
"This application allows you to control advanced features of overclocking kernels, you can change the voltage applied and select frequencies you want to use."
VPlayer
"VPlayer is the best video player for Android.
video formats: divx/xvid, wmv, m4v, flv, rmvb, avi, mkv, mov, mp4, 3gp, ts, tp...
streaming: http, rtsp, mms and m3u(apple http stream, m3u8)"
Wapedia: 4 Wikipedia & more!
"Wapedia is the fastest way to access Wikipedia and many more wikis
Taptu Wapedia is the fastest way to access Wikipedia and many other wikis."
wardrive
"Wardriving app, stores scans in sqlite db on the sdcard and displays found networks around in the map."
Wave Launcher
"Wave Launcher is a unique, gesture-enabled, quick action-bar for Android. It resembles a well-known and loved feature on WebOS phones like the Palm-Pre and works system-wide.
Regardless of any application currently running, you can swipe you finger from the virtual gesture-area at the bottom of the screen towards the middle to show the wave - A fully configurable quick-launch action-bar."
WeatherBug Elite
"Get the latest current conditions, forecasts, radar animation, alerts and more!
Check current conditions and forecasts, view animated Doppler radar images and get the latest local weather information and severe weather alerts for your city and thousands of locations around the world."
WebSharing File/Media Sync
"Transfer and view files, music, photos, and videos from your phone over Wi-Fi.
Transfer files over Wi-Fi between your phone and computer."
Where's My Droid
"Now when you lose it you can text your phone with the custom set attention word and it will turn silent mode off, the ringer vol up, and start ringing. You can also text a different attention word and get the GPS location of your phone. Features * Find phone by making it ring/vibrate * Find phone using GPS location"
Wifi Analyzer
"Turns your android phone into a Wi-Fi analyzer!!
Shows the Wi-Fi channels around you. Helps you to find a less crowded channel for your wireless router."
WiFi File Explorer
"Featured on Life Hacker! Best and cheapest!
Browse, sync, download, upload, delete, copy, stream and manage files that are on your phone, using a web browser via a WiFi connection."
WiFi Manager
"Find, connect, manage WiFi networks. Improve connection quality with a graphical channel radar.
Includes two home screen widgets: one displays detailed connection info, the other lets you switch among your favorite networks with a single tap."
Winamp
"Winamp for Android (beta) offers a complete music management solution (2.1 OS & above) featuring wireless desktop sync (Winamp 5.6 required), iTunes library import, & access to thousands of internet radio stations with SHOUTcast."
xScope Browser Pro - Web File
"xScope Browser is a fastest way to browse the web and manage files"
YouTube Remote
"Turn your Android device into a YouTube remote control! Use the full-featured interface on YouTube Remote to find and queue up videos to watch on the big screen. It’s like having a wireless video cable to your big screen!"
Zeam Launcher
"Zeam is a minimalistic launcher alternative for Android 2.x devices."
Lots of good recommendations here...
I've never used MochaVNC, but I would absolutely suggest TeamViewer for ease of use. Literally, anyone could use it.
I don't see SetCPU or CPU Tuner on there, but those are also great.
WhitePages also has a nice caller id feature for numbers not in your phone book. It will deliver in real-time if your phone does data/voice at the same time (sorry verizon).
thanks for the list, but root explorer needs root on my rooted x10 mini. how do i make it not requiring root? thanks.
chickenscanfly said:
thanks for the list, but root explorer needs root on my rooted x10 mini. how do i make it not requiring root? thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It requires root to get root access for files, but not to actually use the program. I have a Nexus S that is not rooted right now, and I use it as a regular file manager.
trillian isent working on CM7? its keeps on signing in but doesnt ectually sign in....
I use titanium backup to backup all my apps. Never used mybackpro before.
elicit said:
I use titanium backup to backup all my apps. Never used mybackpro before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased both apps. I use MyBackupPro in situations where I haven't rooted the phone. I like Titanium better if the phone is rooted. They are both very good apps though.
RickROM said:
It requires root to get root access for files, but not to actually use the program. I have a Nexus S that is not rooted right now, and I use it as a regular file manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah cool. will try next time before rooting. thanks.
thanks a lot, its an extremely helpful list
very helpful for a newbie like me, thx.
Thanks for taking the time to list these. I have many, and added a few I can't wait to play with. Android is like an erector set for me...
This a good list got a few new apps I nvr heard of... I would add playerpro I think its better then winamp probably one of the best music apps
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
THANK YOU!!! Antennas is going to help me SOOO much with the network problems that I'm having at work with T-Mobile!
Updated list . . .
Nice list, thanks for taking the time to put it together. Quite a few new ones for me in here.
I've used Astro, but I prefer ES File Explorer for browsing over the network. I could never get Astro to work over the network. ES can scan for Windows/SMB shares and add them. It's been a while, but at the time Astro couldn't scan, you had to add manually by IP, etc., and I could never get it to work. ES made it easy, so I switched. But for normal file management I use Root Explorer. It's simple, fast, and just works.
For network snooping check out Network Discovery.
For a notes app check out ColorNote.
Live dmesg in market. Pretty cool boot animation. Its uber geek
Love the Overclocked "nonsense" CM7
You definitely need to add Springpad! Amazing note taking and task tracking app.
Many of the other forums have this as a Sticky so that members can post apps they find essential to their phone experience. Why don't we?
We need one thread here, as (i think) most of us came from iphone/android phones...and dont know muuch about WP apps....I would really appreciate if everyone can share their must have apps for our phone
viny2cool said:
Many of the other forums have this as a Sticky so that members can post apps they find essential to their phone experience. Why don't we?
We need one thread here, as (i think) most of us came from iphone/android phones...and dont know muuch about WP apps....I would really appreciate if everyone can share their must have apps for our phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, here goes:
Here's the ones I use all the time (I bolded the ones I would never leave off my phone):
1Password (password app that synks with WP7, iPad, Laptop via Dropbox)
AccuWeather (for in-app detailed forcasts and notifications)
Board Express for Tapatalk (board browser)
BoxFiles for DropBox (Dropbox support)
iLOL'd (decent humor sites)
Kids TV (OMG the kids love this!)
Pulse (news feed reader)
Weather Master (Live tile support)
Windows Phone News (amalgomates multiple mobile / WP7 RSS feeds)
These are there and worth mentioning, but not used nearly as much (YMMV):
4th and Mayor
Baconit (redit reader)
Facebook
Flashlight-X
Fly Delta
HealthVault
Historypin
ImageBoard Browser
IMDb
Nokia Drive
Nokia Maps
Reinstaller
Send Contact Info
SkyDrive
Skype
Sophie Cam
TestMyNet
ToDo Free
Translator
Twitter
Win 8 News (MS Win8 blog reader)
XBox Games
Angry Birds
Breeze
Flowers
Hexic Rush
Minesweeper
Need For Speed Undercover
Soduku
Xbox LIVE Extras
Non XBox
Plex Lite
Purity
Scrambled
Shuriken Ninja
Taptitude
Untangle
[edit - formatting was waaaaay off, too lazy to fix it any more than I just did]
eknutson said:
Sure, here goes:
[/LIST][edit - formatting was waaaaay off, too lazy to fix it any more than I just did]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Thanks, Perfect...I didnt even know about half of those apps and I have been searching from a week...I hope others will get benefited from it and will shares theirs too..
I use 7 Pass for passwords because I can use the Desktop KeePass to make up and change the file and transfer to the phone. I get the dropbox integration but I have a REAL problem putting my secret, sensitive info out on storage that could be anywhere in the world including countries with less strict privacy and copyright policies. People have already been blackmailed with their secret info that was stored on cloud storage.
Apps I use:
7 - Pass
Weather channel app with live tile support. What I like most about the live tile integration they use is that it flips to a radar image and the current conditions and its free.
Built in Music Player
Camera App from Nokia: Creative Studio. The Build in panoramic feature is REALLY NICE and seemless.
eBay app
GasBuddy
Netflix
ShopSavy
Tango (The one from marketplace NOT labeled Nokia as it uses LTE not just WiFi)
Board Express
Newegg app (New I just started using it)
I use Windows Phone News about 5 times a day. Doing so I have followed tips to new apps and games that I got for free in their opening trial runs. Many are a couple bucks to buy now, but I got them for free.
Send to WP7 (I use this everyday, allows you to send the webpage/file to you phone from your desktop, Chrome to Phone was its old name or name on android.)
SkyDrive (Connects you to your Skydrive account and the 26GB of storage it gives you)
ScoreMobile (All sports scores live and past)
YouTube Pro (Download/Upload/Store on/from phone HD videos from Youtube)
Lyrics (Great lyrics app)
8Tracks & Mixtapes (Community created music mixes, streaming, select)
TuneIn Radio(If a radio station streams, they probably have it.
WpFandora (Pandora Client, Beautiful design)
Translator (Bing, new update makes for a fun app Voice/Vision/Text input/output methods)
Thumba Photo Editor Best photo editing app I have used for windows phone)
Concerts (Find where your favorite band is playing next)
FastXDA (Read only app for XDA forums, but it is fast, real fast)
Image Map Plus (Shows where your pics were taken on a map.)
ARMED! (Fun game, probably best non Xbox live game, and really it should be.)
SpellShipTactics (Interactive game of chess'ish, don't just move pieces, but controll and upgrade them in space battles.)
Wordament (Boggle type word game, you vs the internet, you could be playing ~1,000 other people in a game that starts every 2.5 minutes, last 2 minutes)
I have gone from an HD7 to the HTC Radar, and now the Lumia 900. Here is what has earned their keep in my Windows Phones:
Communication & Security
Freetalk - is a Google voice client. I couldn't indulge in my multi-phone, multi-carrier, multi-phone number lifestyle without Gogle Voice.
Rowi - a very full-featured Twitter client.
Skype - it's official! Version 1.0 was released on Friday. The Lumia 900 is great for Skype with the front camera.
Skydrive- this should be on every Windows Phone by default. 16 gb memory limit got you down? No problem! Set all your photos to automatically upload to Skydrive. Move downloaded files on to Skydrive.
LastPass - Password manager, (like 7 Pass). THe program is free to use on your Windows and Mac desktop, but you have to subscribe ($25/year) to use the mobile clients (WP7, iPhone, Android). I like it because it will fill out all passwords for me, generate secure new passwords, and store other secure information (credit cards, software licences).
Photo & Entertainment
Creative Studio - another great Nokia freebie that handles basic picture editing tasks (crop, exposure, color, contrast) as well as some artistic filters you can apply.
Picasa Metro - a client for Google Picasa Photos web service. I can upload pics from the phone to my Picasa folders, and use my Picasa pictures for things like backgrounds on the phone.
Fandango - see what's playing in movie theaters near you and buy tickets.
Netflix - a must have if you are a subscriber.
Vevo - primary site for music videos.
BBC Radio Player - listen to live BBC broadcasts. I am a big fan of programs in BBC 1, BBC 2, BBC London, and BBC Scotland. This plugs me in to those progams and all the goings on in the UK.
Reading
Weave - a deluxe RSS newsreader. Even if you don't have feeds that you follow, Weave lets you just point to subjects in which you are interested and it pulls in the top feeds for that topic. For example if you check the topic "Windows Phone" you will get Engadget, WMPoweruser, WPCentral, and others. You can uncheck any specific feeds in which you are not interested. This eliminates the need for individual reader apps (CNN, USA Today, Engadget, etc.) and gives me a single place to read everything. At the other end of the scale, you can import your entire Google Reader subscription list.
XDA-Developers - duh!
XMarks - all my bookmarks from my desktop are here on the phone.
Amazon Kindle - all my books available here.
CNN, ESPN, USA Today, Engadget, WPCentral - these are all well designed news apps with live tile support.
Shopping
eBay - A must-have for e-bay buyers and sellers.
Amazon Mobile - great for impulse buying new gadgets you read about in Weave!
Misc
Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive - Hey fellow Windows Phone owners, we have great turn-by-turn directions for FREE from Nokia, so neener, neener, neener!
Evernote - I couldn't work without this multi-platform note taking / web clipping application. Whenever I find something on the web that I might need later I paste it into Evernote and add subject tags. That way I can pull it up any time in the future. There are versions for WP7, iPhone, Android, Nokia Symbian, Windows desktop and Mac. All information is kept in sync between all your devices.
Timer - it's just a timer, like you have on your stove or microwave. But I use it all the time for cooking and knowing when to take the clothes out of the wash.
hx4700 Killer said:
I use 7 Pass for passwords because I can use the Desktop KeePass to make up and change the file and transfer to the phone. I get the dropbox integration but I have a REAL problem putting my secret, sensitive info out on storage that could be anywhere in the world including countries with less strict privacy and copyright policies. People have already been blackmailed with their secret info that was stored on cloud storage.
Apps I use:
7 - Pass
Weather channel app with live tile support. What I like most about the live tile integration they use is that it flips to a radar image and the current conditions and its free.
Built in Music Player
Camera App from Nokia: Creative Studio. The Build in panoramic feature is REALLY NICE and seemless.
eBay app
GasBuddy
Netflix
ShopSavy
Tango (The one from marketplace NOT labeled Nokia as it uses LTE not just WiFi)
Board Express
Newegg app (New I just started using it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you used the scan app in Bing search? How does that compare for you? I tried both and use the Bing one now.
Great people......its helping me sure...i think I got at least 10 apps since morning. I will add all the unique apps in the op, if someone really wants me too.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1602022
Here's mine and my Tile arrangement. I'll also add UC browser.
alodar1 said:
have you used the scan app in Bing search? How does that compare for you? I tried both and use the Bing one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have used both scan apps. The thing I worry about with Bing is someone being shown to me because they paid bing to be at the top of the list (like google does).
I have used both and found that bing might be more complete on barcodes.
hx4700 Killer said:
I have used both scan apps. The thing I worry about with Bing is someone being shown to me because they paid bing to be at the top of the list (like google does).
I have used both and found that bing might be more complete on barcodes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how to take that. Super Bowl ads that we see and sometimes love, go to the companies that pay for them. Nothing gets on the airwaves anymore with $$$.
Run Keeper - Been using this for over a year and still feel this is the best Run Tracker on the market. Track run, calories burn, miles ran, weight loss and seamless integration to the website for charts, graphs and facebook sharing
Interval Timer - Create workout, interval / crossfit training, etc.
or
XTREME Tabata - Simple timer to track your tabata workout. Slick interface
WpFandora - 3rd Party Pandora app. Great 3rd party app.
or
Slacker Radio
Wiztiles - although limited due to restrictions, you can create custom tiles and have certian links. You can put a backside pic and text of the type of link
Wikitude - augmented browser
White Noise - Great sound machine for sleep or relaxation. Not as good as Android version, but still nice. Needs some polishing though.
PhotoFunia - Fun app to alter pics, put a face on a hockey player, become an astronaut, billboard, etc. Always a cool app for altering pics.
Pageonce - track all your bills, credit card payments and due dates in one site. Great tool for the money spender and procrastinators
Latitude Auto Update - Background service app that updates your latitude location for people who have accounts and like for friends and family to keep in touch with their location
gMaps - a decent alternative to get google maps. I really just use it for the Latitude function to track my friends and family since everyone still is on Android.
Flixster - Movie app like Fandango
ConnectivityShortcut - simple shortcuts to your Wifi, Bluetooth, Cell Data, and Airplane Mode. Creates tiles for them.
AnTuTu Benchmark - Benchmark testing
Creative Studio by Nokia - simple app for pics. Some filters, crops etc. I just use it for the panoramic feature. Works pretty good.
Flashlight 7 - flashlight
Vimeo - Vimeo video app. How there's not one for YouTube is beyond me I'd like a dedicated app, not an app that links to the mobile site
Everything else has been pretty much mention
alodar1 said:
Not sure how to take that. Super Bowl ads that we see and sometimes love, go to the companies that pay for them. Nothing gets on the airwaves anymore with $$$.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once upon a time search engines showed you results based on relevance to your query. Now anyone with enough money can be put up higher on the list than what is relevant.
Thanks to all those who figured out how to make a buck off of my searches =/
A couple that haven't been mentioned yet:
Adobe Reader
Though not essential, if you receive PDF files on your email and want to open them, you will need it.
Baconit
Mentioned before, but deserves way more recognition. Incredible and smooth experience to browse reddit. Highly recommend it.
Diagnostics
Not an app from the Marketplace, but very handy to have. Dial ##634# on your phone keypad and it will automatically download it. This app allows you to run a plethora of diagnostic tools on your phone, including screen color tests, vibration tests, camera flash test (eliminates the use of apps like Flashlight-X), battery status tests, and so on.
Flixster
A good alternative to the IMDB app. Has issues with using GPS though.
Whatsapp
Everyone knows this one. Cross-platform IM app. Uses data. Push notifications work fine, but alerts are not app specific, so if you have vibrate and/or ring enabled, you will receive an alert EVERY time someone messages you (can be a problem when having group chats). Push can be turned off within the app, but it sort of defeats the purpose if you won't know who messaged you until you open the app.
Wikipanda
Best Wikipedia app I've tried. Clean and stable.
InstantReddit
FailBlog
Flashlight XT (no ads)
UC (web browser)
WolframAlpha
Youtube Pro
Thats it? no more apps?
Any free app for google talk(voice and video) ?? I did not find any...
Anybody know if there are any HDR camera apps on the marketplace? I haven't been able to find one
Edit: Sorry for getting off topic
sakante89 said:
Any free app for google talk(voice and video) ?? I did not find any...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use IM for google talk and Free Talk for Google Voice
Must haves
Evernote
Engadget
Netflix
Slacker radio (i prefer it to pandora anyways)
Pulse
SkyDrive (this really should just be preinstalled)
So, the note pro 12.2 is supposed to have a remote PC access app, and I am curious how it works.
I have a high end gaming laptop, and while I do not anticipate accessing my laptop and playing Battlefield 4 or Arkham Origins on it, I would like to do some RTS like Coassacks or Rise of Nations remotely.
The ability to have real time PC like access to such games is leaning me toward the possibility of buying a Surface Pro 2.
For most everything else I like the Notes. I just miss having the games like I can have on windows.
Has anyone tried out the remote PC access app?
phoenixbennu said:
So, the note pro 12.2 is supposed to have a remote PC access app, and I am curious how it works.
I have a high end gaming laptop, and while I do not anticipate accessing my laptop and playing Battlefield 4 or Arkham Origins on it, I would like to do some RTS like Coassacks or Rise of Nations remotely.
The ability to have real time PC like access to such games is leaning me toward the possibility of buying a Surface Pro 2.
For most everything else I like the Notes. I just miss having the games like I can have on windows.
Has anyone tried out the remote PC access app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I tried it and it works remarkably well. The response is good and you'll be able to do some basic tasks on the PC without any hassle. Didn't try graphic intensive apps like games though.
Does RemotePC work over different networks (can I access my home computer from a coffee shop)? And any comment on how RemotePC compares to other Remote Desktop apps (specifically Jump Desktop)?
Also is there any pressure sensitivity support in RemotePC?
Thank you
Full screen games will not work. You could try splashtop instead
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk
It's OK minor lag to be expected tried photoshop for a laugh works but hard only thing that's a pain is the scroll bar appearing on screen even if zoomed out does not help on windows 8
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy NotePRO 12.2
gnoteuser2013 said:
Does RemotePC work over different networks (can I access my home computer from a coffee shop)? And any comment on how RemotePC compares to other Remote Desktop apps (specifically Jump Desktop)?
Also is there any pressure sensitivity support in RemotePC?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes you can, if you leave your PC open. TeamViewer is very good also, but dunno witch one is better...
Does nobody know about Splashtop? It actually even has gaming support. I used to play Dragon Age on my TF700T through it. (but I do recall something about a monthly fee.)
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 2
I cannot say much for splashtop since I have not used it, however teamviewer is excellent for getting to your desktop from anywhere, I have used it for months and it's always there and always works. If you have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse you basically have a 12 inch laptop with great battery life.
I would however look into other options for gaming, since by default teamviewer will always route outside of your local network unless configured not to, and this causes some delay determined by the quality of the connection between you and the desktop.
If you use Google Chrome for your browser on your PC then, you can use Chrome Remote Desktop from any Android Device or Chrome Browser. It probably would not work for games but it works great for anything I have used it for plus it is free.
@up
You're right, Google Remote Desktop seems to be working great, the performance is outstanding when compared to other products, including Samsung's Remote PC.
However, there is a seriuos con. Google Product does not support neither S-Pen nor touchscreen input on the remote device, only touch <-> mouse emulation. In result, using it on such a tablet as ours isn't very comfortable, even if there are no performance issues.
ATM Samsung's Remote PC works too sluggish for me, even on a stable connections. Plus, more than one PC cannot be connected for free. Hope Google will add functionality of real touch input emulation soon.
I use the RD that came installed with the tablet and as said previously it works pretty well. Of course is best for office applications maybe not for games.
Teamviewer worked surprisingly well, played latest Civilization on my note pro with a BT-mouse and pretty bad wifi on a hotell a couple of months ago.
I too use Google Remote Desktop. I have it on my Desktop and Laptop and it works perfectly for my needs.
I used Microsoft RD client, it has good support of mouse and keyboard, using the s-pen as a mouse is great. Not for games though
meirg said:
I used Microsoft RD client, it has good support of mouse and keyboard, using the s-pen as a mouse is great. Not for games though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the perfect setup for one of my PCs running Windows 8. It's almost seamless and works great with the touch controls.
I used Microsoft RD at my old job site. It was fantastic to remoting in for quick tech jobs/scripts that needed to be pushed out to specific clients or to pull something over to the sharepoint that was stored on a network drive. As a side note, for sharepoint access SharePlus is phenominal and was worth the investment. As for gaming, take a look at Kainy or Moonlight (nvidia card series 600 only.) both of those will stream very well through your network and even over WAN.
I use also Microsoft RDP because the multisession feature is great. But with my SM-P900 I can it only use with a 5.1.1 ROM.
https://social.technet.microsoft.co...ence-between-android-502-and-511?forum=winRDc
Official Thread : AndyDroid
What is AndyDroid : is very simple VM which can work on Any Windows laptop or tablet you can install the lag-free Android OS on your loved devices..
AndyDroid will be updated to either 5.0 or 4.4.4 in Few weeks.. We are working onnnnnnnnn..
Any doubt you can reach us any time : http://www.andyroid.net/
You can download the complete manual here : http://andysupport.s3.amazonaws.com/AndyFAQ1.21.pdf
Have a look small Video, how Andydroid working : https://www.dropbox.com/s/5it7erhfs14sov2/AndyTestVid1.mp4?dl=0
Andy breaks down the barrier between desktop and mobile computing, while keeping a user up to date with the latest Android OS feature upgrades. It also provides users with unlimited storage capacity, PC and Mac compatibility, and the freedom to play the most popular mobile games on a desktop. With phone as a joystick, you will never have to sacrifice the multi-touch or gyro elements of gaming, and thanks to seamless connection between desktop and mobile, you can receive a SnapChat phone picture on the street and see it on your desktop at home or just download whatsapp for pc.
Features
Full Android UI
Windows 7,8
Mac OSX
Google Play Store
App Sync to Mobile
Phone as Contoller
Android access to local File System
Multi-Touch support
Cloud Save in Android
X86 native apps
ARM support
Sensors Integration
OpenGL Hardware support
Camera Integration
Microphone Integration
Hardware Console
Run Apps from Desktop
Desktop Push Notifications
Developers Support
Use your phone as a remote control when playing games
Run all your communication apps from your desktop (snapchat, what’s app, Viber, whatsapp etc)
Seamless transition of apps from PC to mobile device without the hassle of wireline or wireless connection
No longer be bogged down by the limited storage on your mobile device or PC hard drive wireless connection
Feel free to click Thanks button to support my work..
Doesn't properly run on HP laptop with Windows 7 Pro (4 GB RAM, 32bit CPU). Mostly locks with "process system hangs" or similar.
It's decent software, but i am having problem with bitdefender. it manages to block the vm somehow....
current version of andyos 47.x
I can't not get ADB to work at ...
I installed and updated the latest SDK
ADB is up and running and list my IP but shows device as “Offline”
so I can not send any adb push commands when its not online.
List of devices attached
192.168.79.128:5555 offline
adb: error: failed to get feature set: no devices/emulators found
is there anyway around this ???
meistfx said:
current version of andyos 47.x
I can't not get ADB to work at ...
I installed and updated the latest SDK
ADB is up and running and list my IP but shows device as “Offline”
so I can not send any adb push commands when its not online.
List of devices attached
192.168.79.128:5555 offline
adb: error: failed to get feature set: no devices/emulators found
is there anyway around this ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you download the most up to date version of their website!?
The threads on custom ROMS are generating lots of posts.
Some questions are asked multiple times, some are never answered (because lost in the flow)... making it hard to take a clear decision about with custom ROM to flash, if any at all.
Thus, I'd like to use this thread to discuss about the "pros and cons" of each method, or rather the "possibilities and limitations" of them.
For the moment, this would include the three following ROM:
- The stock ROM (the one you get which your fresh Shield TV)
- The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
- The Full Android Marshmallow ROM, provided by @zulu99, see the thread here
The goal is not to encourage you to go in one or the other directions, but to provide objective arguments. This is why I wrote "possibilities and limitations" are preferred to "pros and cons"
Please comment in this thread, and I'll update the following posts regularly.
1) The stock ROM
Link to Nvidia Open Source Resources and Drivers here
No operation required, this is the standard ROM already installed on the Shield TV -> Just Plug and Play!
Shield TV game controller and remote fully working wireless (Wifi-Direct), including Voice search, and headset plug.
Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed.
Play store limited to Leanback-compatible apps (Shield TV runs Android TV)
- Thus, the number of compatible apps is limited (also due to the absence of touchscreen, obviously)
- Some apps cannot be installed at all, or cannot be run properly
Standard applications (not available as Leanback-compatible apps, e.g. web-browser...) can/need be sideloaded
- By defalt, sideloaded apps don't appear in the standard Home menu
- Sideloaded apps can be started using Sideload Launcher or Apk2tv
Standard applications can also be installed directly from Play store using Market Helper. NOTE: this requires root access.
Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
Unability to use a remote desktop
Apps related
No web brower installed, but Chrome (or others) can be sideloaded.
Skype for Leanback isn't working: calling buttons cannot be selected, no video call button.
Kodi can be installed. It allows you to stream content directly to your TV
To be checked:
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. (Works on the StockRestyle)
2) The StockRestyle 3.0 ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Full Play store available (access to more games. Yet, touchscreen-only games cannot be played with a game controller)
Aptoide TV filters apps that are compatible with Android TV. For example, for Skype, the standard Aptoide app provides the last version of Skype (6.26 for the moment, which is not working on this ROM), while Aptoide TV provides the version 6.15.
Shield TV game controller globally working
- Some issues reported with the new version of the game controller: Home and Back buttons not working well.
- Voice search button first starts Google search, a second press (not a double press) starts Voice search
The Nova interface is designed for touch and/or mouse and/or keyboard actions
- Most of the interface can be used using a remote or a game controller
- But, the configuration often requires a mouse (or at least, is faster to use with a mouse)
- A wireless all-in-one keyboard is a good device to use with, e.g. Logitech K400 Plus (others are good too, but this one is battery-friendly)
Web browser usable in full desktop mode, e.g. Chrome (without ads if you download adaway, root required)
Multitasking may look limited. Yet, you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (e.g. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
Amazon fire TV 4K remote and game controlled can be paired using the Shield Accessories tool. They won't appear in the list of connected devices, but they are working well, including microphone.
It may feel like a bit of a strange mix, not really remote-friendly, but not really full Android capable either. However, this is the only know solution to keep the proprietary tools from NVidia working while having a standard Android interface.
Apps related
Skype 6.14 and 6.15.x are fully working, i.e. audio and video calls, using UVC webcams (tried with Logitech C920 and C930)
Some easy fixes
Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation in the App-Drawer: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Foreign external keyboard can be remapped using one of the many apps available
- External Keyboard Helper Pro is working well in my case: Android interface in English (US), external keyboards in German (QWERTZ, Logitech K400 Plus and Logitech K830). You can try the demo version for free. PS: I'm not linked in anyway to the developers of this app.
3) The Full Android Marshmallow ROM
Link to the thread here
Requires to flash the ROM. The process is rather simple, but as always to avoid risks you should know what you are doing. Reading carefully the main post of the thread related to this ROM, and at least the last comments and those from zulu99 is recommended.
Smooth, fast, responsive ROM
Full Play store available, more standard applications should be compatible
Leanback only applications can also be launched using an tweak tool: QuickShortcutMaker (see video here)
Shield TV game controllers not working wireless (using Wifi-Direct) but working as normal a standard gamepad when connected via USB
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio. [Confirmed here]
Long-term update is questionable because it depends only on the person who is providing this ROM (even though this person is very active)
To be checked or confirmed by several users
Some slower performance (frame rates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1) [Mentioned here]
- This could indeed be a counterpart of all what is running in the background of full Android (see here). In others words, full Android is more general in the sense it offers more possibilities, but at the same time it cannot be expert in all those aspects. Thus Android purist would prefer to go for this ROM while Nvidia gamers may prefer to stay on the Stock or StockRestyle ROMs. In the end, YOU make the final choice.
Shield TV remote control working (using Bluetooth), including audio.
- Working: here
- Not working well: here
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
IamSonoma said:
You could possibly add another or include as an option to #1.
Stock Rooted with Market Helper (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2146216) device spoofer or the other hack.
Options are good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
If I had more time, less family, less places to fish I would run 3 boxes and compare them all. I would always need to have one that is stock and family friendly for the wife and the kids.
When i bought mine a month ago I was hoping there was more community support but it may take more time to catch on. Luckily Zulu gives us two options to toy with. They work pretty good. Statistically speaking and I could be wrong, About 90% of the people making a purchase like this just want to plug and play and have no desire to tweak or tinker. I know this because out of the 6 in my family I am the only one that even thinks "can I root it?" when I am researching it. The rest of my family just want to plug and play. They want simple.
As for me I want it to over-clock, play games without CDs (Wii<family loved this but I have a tone of unwrapped games> and xBox with external HDDs), aging my self here play a game using two 5 1/4" floppy drives with all files working on 2 disks instead of 6 disks(AD&D SSI games), running android on my tilt 2 slide out keyboard sell phone, I could go on.
I really hope development picks up. I only wish I could help more. I do encourage Zulu and others to continue.
IamSonoma said:
It is quiet in here. I was interested in seeing some responses. Maybe an anonymous poll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was also hoping for more feedback.
Indeed, the last few weeks I was struggling to find the best ROM that would suit my need. After reading the 200+ pages of post in the thread of the ROM proposed by @zulu99, I had hard time to extract the right information.
Thus, the idea of this post: I want to present objective points of comparison, I have no apps to sell.
The point is also to avoid the post like "Which ROM should I pick?". If the advantages and limitations are clearly listed, everyone should be able to make his/her own decision, all ROMs are good, it only depends on what you want to do with it.
PS: In my case, I wanted to 1) keep the Nvidia Shield TV game controllers (and my Fire TV 4K remote and game controllers), and 2) to have Skype working. Thus, my final choice for the StockRestyle ROM.
Mythamp's Review of the Roms
Stock Rom
Pros:
1. Ideal for basic 4K TV owners who want to stream all current channels of 4K content
2. Can play Nvidia specialized games - Doom 3/Metal Gear Solid/Android based or Geforce Now streamed
3. Remote and Controller work great
4. Kodi allows you to stream content directly to your TV
Cons:
1. Small selection of Android TV Apps
2. Browsers and Non-Android TV apps need to be side-loaded
3. Cannot install most Non-Android TV apps
4. Keyboard and Trackpad devices do not produce too much efficiency due to rom limitations
5. Unable to remote desktop into the device incase you wish to send remote instructions to download content so that you can come home and enjoy.
Overall:
The Stock Rom is unable to take advantage of Android. It is a cumbersome process for people who like quick responses. I would say it is as limited as any other 4k TV's with Android built-in apart from a few Nvidia games. Trust me, this does not justify the $150 investment.
Stock-Restyle Rom
Pros:
1. All of the pros of Stock Rom including full controller and remote support plus
2. Install unlimited Android Apps taking full advantage of the Google Play Store
For Example:
• Use "Airdroid" app (root required) to remote mirror your device from work and have all the content ready when you get home.
• Play thousands of Android games on your 4k TV
• Use Chrome in full desktop mode (root required) without ads (download adaway) - almost as good as a desktop Chrome. Great for quick browsing.
3. Less cumbersome to move around by using a Keyboard with Trackpad (I personally use the "Logitech K400 Plus")
Cons:
1. Multitasking may look limited - yet you can use Alt-Tab on the keyboard to switch between apps
2. Many Android apps (mostly games) require touch, which can be done using android mobile device with Droidmote installed. Some games can be played using the Keyboard/Trackpad combo but its a hit & miss.
3. No Android Navigation (softkeys) or Status Bar (Eg. You do not get to see notifications/download progress/etc)
4. It is technically not a Full/Clean Android as it has Nvidia's framework still builtin
5. Some easy fixes FYI
• Settings App: First step after install - Go to Widgets> Nova Activity and selecting Settings app so that is shows up on desktop
• Remote/Controller Friendly Navigation: Nova-launcher setting for App-Drawer needs to changed from Vertical to Horizontal
Overall:
The Stock-Restyle Rom is in my opinion the best rom for the Nvidia Shield TV. It opens the device to all the Android & Google Play Store goodie-ness, while allowing you to use the fantastic shield controller and remote to play/stream all nvidia and some android games. I have also personally found that android games run smoother on this rom than on the Full Android Rom (Maybe its because the rom is based on the nvidia framework, I could be wrong.)
Bottomline - install this rom before trying the rest.
Full Android Marshmallow Rom
Pros:
1. Amazingly smooth, fast, responsive rom
2. You get the full Android experience
3. Includes all the pros of the above Roms
Cons:
1. No support for Nvidia controller wirelessly, you can use it by plugging in the cable and installing keyboard drivers
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Overall:
The Full Android Marshmallow Rom is a great solution for Android purists. You will miss-out on the seamless (wireless) experience of playing all the Nvidia/Android Games. If someone can get the wireless controllers to work here, I will be the first one to shift over from stock-restyle rom.
- This is just my opinion on the roms based on my usage, I am sure many users have their unique needs which might not match my feedback, so please take all this with an open mind -
mythamp said:
2. Noticed some slower performance (framerates) in games from stock-restyle (feedback based on Rom ver. 1.0, not sure about 1.1)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it work, also audio.
*1
zulu99 said:
Stock, StockRestyle and full Android, on the gaming part, more precisly on Accelerated 3D Graphics, have the exact same components. Are Identical.
I extract this part from stock firmware and are Nvidia proprietary blob. ( every developer can compare the files )
Every Nvidia exclusive games are working on all 3 firmwares in the same way.
But in full Android you can have also more normal games compatible in addition to all Nvidia exclusive games.
Also for Audio and hardware video decode the 3 firmwares have the same components.
There is only one, very important difference between the 3 firmwares. Only full Android have the full Android framework, permissions and components and in the real life you can translate this as more compatibility with millions apps in Google Play. For the present and for the future.
just to be precise.
P.S.
But attention, don't forget that if you run Windows XP on a modern PC, for sure is faster than Windows 10. Why ? Because Windows 10 have more things.
I think that Android TV is not comparable with full Android for the simple reason that Android TV is a stripped down version of full Android.
But if you don't need everything that Android can offer, you can use also Android TV.
Another fact, very simple, is:
If you want everything that Android can offer on TV, a controller or a remote with only directional keys are not sufficient. And if you prefer only directional keys, you will have barriers, limitations and slow interaction forever. Instead if you use a better input device you can have also a full OS on TV that for me is better, because i can do things of both worlds.
It all depends on what you use and what you know, the most important fact is that you can choose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
JulienPr said:
All the remarks have been considered in the comparison threads.
One question about the remote on full Android answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
IamSonoma said:
The remote works for me sometimes but I usually end up ditching it because it is a pain. Sometimes I can pause a show and walk away. Sometimes it does not. I am not sure if it is loosing sync or not.
Voice does not work. Volume control is iffy. It does pause videos with the volume slider on occasion. When I hit the home button it will sometimes go there. It has become useless to me. I am glad it was free.
My issues probably do not reflect the ROM(full android) but I remember it working when ever I picked it up on stock android. I am just not ready to go back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
JulienPr said:
Maybe again an issue with the version of the remote or game controller.
I noticed that on the StockRestyle, the old version of the game controller was working perfect while the new version had issues with the Home, Back and Search buttons (both using the same firmware update).
Might it be the same with the remote? Is there an old version (with Home button represented by a house).
See the difference for the game controllers:
Version 1, this model is still the one you get when bought separately.
Version 2, this model is the one included now with the shield.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have version 2.
IamSonoma said:
I have version 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if there was a "version 1" of the remote, I cannot find any trace of it.
But, since they change the design of the Home button to be a circle only on the V2 of the game controller, and that it's the same as the V2 of the remote, it wouldn't be surprising if there was a V1 of the remote with similar symbol as the V1 of the game controller.
@zulu99, which remote do you have?
Love this thread guys as I've been considering another ROM but didn't know the clear pros and cons of Full Android and now this ReStyle one which I'm very interested in. I have a few questions for anyone. Perhaps the answers could gain momentum for many others as you guys are absolutely right that AndroidTV's app selection isn't just lacking, it feels like AndroidTV apps exist and the consumers want them, but the interface for getting them or allowing users to simply inform specific developers the demand to support it is insanely behind. On the desktop play store you can't even sort or filter Android TV apps other than seeing these two specific links unless an active user is seeking blogs or postings regarding them.
Apps for Android TV
Games for Android TV
Gotta vent a bit the already known... feel free to skip down...
On the stock play store, you can search for apps but not having even top charts or proper categories other than the useless 'featured' in addition to strong limitations is hurting as a whole. Some of the biggest brands out there have no or heavily limited apps for ATV, including even many tv channels like TNT or ESPN. I think Nvidia or Google for the time being should at least allow the detection of a mouse and keyboard to least show apps that 'might work' rather than none and give the user the option to control that. Hopefully Android N will improve things with the Picture in Picture and maybe even DVR abilities. Love this box but even though Android is a strength, it's also a weakness in the shade of a very sensitive cycle. More users --> More developers thus more apps --> More users --> More developers --> etc... I feel like the users are there, but while developers are increasingly aware, it should grow faster, and Google should help that awareness.
Anyways my questions were:
1) Does HDMI-CEC still work? Currently in stock it works in turning on the tv and with the tv on its Source Input, off with tv, and controlled by tv remote but not with volume (shield remote controlling tv volume).
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus phone.
3) Any loss of 4K support, including Youtube, Plex, VLC, MXPlayer, or hopefully introduction of HDR support (doesn't work natively on Shield perhaps because of the HDMI 2.0a not yet being implemented). I'm interested in keeping Full dynamic range and ability to toggle 4K 60 and 4K 24fps along with Plex (with Refresh Rate Switching for native 24fps support in 60 mode). So I guess along with this can AndroidTV specific apps still be installed or will the phone/tablet versions be installed instead? Example: Plex.
4) Is Adoptable storage still supported? I'm guessing when flashing the StockRestyle ROM we'll have to wipe the adoptable sdcard and essentially factory reset.
5) Can AptoideTV work just fine on stock? I'm going to probably try it tomorrow
While I personally don't play any of the Nvidia games, I'm looking to have the Stock Stability + current emulator/rom support (rooting for Wiimote support) + specific apps that are not supported on AndroidTV without having to constantly manually update them through sideloading. Apps I'm interested in include Google Apps including Google Photos + Logitech Webcam supported (Skype + Hangouts + FB Messenger) and possibly Amazon Prime Video but ideally if it can support at least 1080p or 4K. I also use Kodi but am still learning to use it.
I'm very familiar with modding on my Nexus 6P (TWRP, root, Xposed, with monthly updates) so was wondering if there was anything different I should know other than the obvious loss of a screen when adding custom recovery and rooting along with Nandroid backups. Has any one successfully backed up their stock ROM and restored it later? Also anyone root stock, then backup everything on Titanium Backup (sideloaded) and restore apps + data on StockRestyle ROM?
My set up is 16GB Shield Stock 3.0 not rooted yet + Samsung 128GB Pro+ microsdxc + Stock Controller + Remote, it's connected to a Samsung 4K SUHD UN65JS8500. Also using bluetooth Logitech keyboard + mouse, xbox 360 receiver, x360 controllers. Still waiting for possible DVB-S2 integration and maybe live tv solutions like silicondust.
grievous2004 said:
Great thread, I'm just trying to decide which to install on my Shield when amazon delivers it.
I'm really thinking of using Full Android but have bought the nvidia remote control too (mainly for the audio jack). So..
Is the Shield remote working or not on Full Android (is it bluetooth or works like the controller?). Can anyone point it out, please? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-> the shield remote is ok on full android.
I use it to watch movies with headset plug in ...but only the microphone function don't work
copticwalad said:
2) Any loss of functionality with Casting? More specifically I usually cast from Youtube, Plex, Google Photos, and Mirror Casting from Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about this too. I like the idea of the shield basically replacing my chromecast, but with Full Android it looks like you can't cast TO it, but you can cast IT'S display like any other phone or tablet. Is it possible in full android to cast another device TO the shield with full android?
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