Database Info

Wireless Webcam for most HTC Devices

I posted this over at HoFo but figured a few may enjoy it here too...
I started playing with the CoolCamera software by Ateksoft and realized that it can act as a wireless webcam.
So....
I loaded it up on my T-Mobile Dash, configured it to connect to my home PC by forwarding port 2047 on my router to a spare PC. I installed the PC webcam software on that PC, but also installed Microsoft Windows Media Encoder v9.
I set the encoder to stream from a device, and selected Coolcamera from the device list (since I had installed the camera SW it added a driver for it) and then set it to "content is pulled" and opened another port on my firewall for the outgoing stream, and started the encoder.
So now anytime I want I can launch Cool Camera on my phone, and whatever the webcam sees, can also be watched by anybody with a PC by opening WM and pointing it to my home URL (which is through DynDNS so no IP required) "http://mycoolcamera.dyndns.org:1043" or if you don't use a DNS service "http://192.168.0.1:1043" or whatever your external router IP is.
Not sure what good it is, it's very slow over Edge, more like a slideshow than video, works a bit better over WiFi, but lacks audio, and isn't a very good picture either way.
It is however pretty cool to know I could prop up my phone anywhere and see what it's seeing from any PC, anywhere, anytime. It also shows you what you can do with these devices, some free software (the demo camera app will run for 25 secs. at a time) and a rainy Sunday afternoon.
-JMS

Yup, CoolCamera is GREAT. I've also published several articles on it; see for example http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/in...icle_on_ateksoft_coolcam&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1 and http://www.pocketpcmag.com/blogs/index.php?blog=3&p=970&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

yeah. I second that... coolcamera is great. really worth it's price, way better then the builtin software

_Nomad_ said:
yeah. I second that... coolcamera is great. really worth it's price, way better then the builtin software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, what am I missing? The screen is less cluttered, but I could not find:
1) a help file or manual?
2) a way to quickly/easily toggle the flash on and off
3) anything really standout - what's great about it for you?
-the menu system is fairly non-intuitive - touch screen to bring it up, then use cursor keys to move/select????
-menu system hiccups - like blank lines you have to skip over when given the choice of post-picture options (save, discard, etc)
-very limited key mappings (e.g. no way I saw to map things like flash enable/disable)
-still susceptible to the "I changed from camera to video camera by accidentally touching the cursor keys" problem
Honestly, unless I can find some documentation and functionality, it looks like a nice freeware app, but no way it's worth $18 at this point.
I didn't try CoolCapture - which you don't seem to be able to avoid loading - or CoolWebWhatever - which is of mild interest (and maybe included if you purchase before Friday?)
Richard

What a wonderful software! Just tried out WebCamera Plus. Works great with my messenger..! Thanks for this thread OP.
btw, I have HTC Prophet (O2 XDA Neo)

rsolomon said:
-very limited key mappings (e.g. no way I saw to map things like flash enable/disable)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it doesn't support flash in many models, as has also been pointed out in my review.

Menneisyys said:
Yup, it doesn't support flash in many models, as has also been pointed out in my review.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my point, sorry - it DOES support the TyTN/Hermes flash, but the enable/disable switch is buried several levels deep in a menu. Anyone using a point and shoot camera would expect to find a simple one-button switch to enable/disable the flash - I expect the same here, and didn't find it.
Richard

rsolomon said:
Ok, what am I missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, this wasn't intended sarcastically - I honestly figure if so many people love this and I don't, then I must be missing something....
Richard

rsolomon said:
Ok, what am I missing? The screen is less cluttered, but I could not find:
1) a help file or manual?
2) a way to quickly/easily toggle the flash on and off
3) anything really standout - what's great about it for you?
-the menu system is fairly non-intuitive - touch screen to bring it up, then use cursor keys to move/select????
-menu system hiccups - like blank lines you have to skip over when given the choice of post-picture options (save, discard, etc)
-very limited key mappings (e.g. no way I saw to map things like flash enable/disable)
-still susceptible to the "I changed from camera to video camera by accidentally touching the cursor keys" problem
Honestly, unless I can find some documentation and functionality, it looks like a nice freeware app, but no way it's worth $18 at this point.
I didn't try CoolCapture - which you don't seem to be able to avoid loading - or CoolWebWhatever - which is of mild interest (and maybe included if you purchase before Friday?)
Richard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... My main reason would be the greater speed when using the camera. For me the htc camera app will need about 8 seconds from the time that I start the app to when I have an actual picture. Coolcamera cuts this down to about 2 seconds. And I love the fact that it automatically changes to night mode in low light conditions. The added quality settings is also something I find very useful and I overall find it to be a much more capable camera app then the htc one.
Hope that clarifies it a little

ugh.
how to connect my PC to CoolCamera?(my WM Device)

I can't get it to capture my phones screen as a webcam on my touch pro2, it says camera and camera+

Android devs, some ideas for you.

Hey all
I hadn't been on these boards for sometime, but you all know how it goes.... get a new phone, void the warranty right away by doing neat tricks you pick up in xda-dev forums.... or is that just me?
Well anyways, I've got 2 request for those devs that need ideas for some apps (I know there's at least 2 threads started by others that deal with this, but my requests don't fit either of the threads I've seen). First off a GPS data logger would be terrific, the camera on this phone is not bad at all, so it would be cool to be able to tag pictures with geographical data, better yet is to be able to tag any picture by using time/date of creation. This way you can take pictures with you're regular camera and still tag them (we all know the g1's battery isn't exactly going to be winning any marathons just yet).
The other idea centers around voice dialing. I'm loving this phone, but everytime I need to dial a # I miss my wizard; why you ask? well because anytime I would dial one of my contacts I would use voice command to dial the #. Now I've tried the voice dialer on the g1... not impressed, I mean it's like WAY OFF. How does "call home" translate to "call cheche"???, worst still is a cough get's translated into dialing "732 277 2222". Still I know that with some practice I'll figure it out. What's the problem you ask? well the whole point of having voice dialing is having the least amount of physical interaction with your phone to dial, at least that's what I think. As those of you that have tried it know, you either have to long press the call button, or worst still go in to the menu to start the voice dialer. On BT headsets the voice dial button doesn't do anything at all (tried 4 different ones), and the wired headset the button pauses music if tapped, while long presses start up the music player, and maybe it FF tracks while playing, not sure. Anyways without further ado, either a voice dialing app (unlikely I know), or an app that can change the assignment of hardware buttons. Can I actually make this change with AnyCut?.... if so I just feel I've type so much in vain
Anywho, recap:
1) GPS data logger.
2) Voice dialing app, or more realistically app to change hardware button assigments.

1. tried the "gps tracker" on the market?

cmavr8 said:
1. tried the "gps tracker" on the market?
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Click to collapse
GPSTracker dont allow Geo Tagging of Photos

I know, but I though he just needed to track his position so he would manually add the tags to the photos when home.
He mentioned "just a regular camera"... He would just use the timestamps on the pictures and the tracker data...

It has logging capabilities? I think I must have read the description wrong then. That's very possible since I had just gotten home after a grueling 14 hr shift. Well I'll give it a try then. Still some options wouldn't be bad.

Yes, it takes a sample of your coordinates and speed every xx seconds and uploads it to a site. xx is configurable.
You can visit the site and see all your positions and velocities on a map.

cmavr8 said:
Yes, it takes a sample of your coordinates and speed every xx seconds and uploads it to a site. xx is configurable.
You can visit the site and see all your positions and velocities on a map.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I tried it last night, this can definitely work. I wouldn't mind if there was some way to tag them on the phone itself..... yes I know humans are impossible to please.

Umm it tags your location data already... when in camera app hit menu settings and store location in pictures. Which records location in the picture data.
For anyone that wants to set it up to store location for other cameras... I would say take a pic with the g1 where you take a pic with another camera. For right now that is.

neoobs said:
Umm it tags your location data already... when in camera app hit menu settings and store location in pictures. Which records location in the picture data.
For anyone that wants to set it up to store location for other cameras... I would say take a pic with the g1 where you take a pic with another camera. For right now that is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get the f*ck outta here!!!! LOL! Truth be told I just took a sample pic with the camera to check out the quality. As you can tell I didn't bother to press the menu button. As far as other cameras goes, I think GPS Tracker is a better choice, well for me it is. It can export to the travel log, so it's much easier. This way I just need my G1 to be on me, and with the app running in the background. I think I better think about getting an extra battery before that though.

Request??
Now that we have root and bb linked to the system. Is somebody working on an application with a gui to first list services and applications running. Then to stop/kill services and applications. Possibly with safe guardiing the specific kernal process' that will cause headaches? Could be usefull while running programs such as myspace, steel, pacman and the many other applications that never fully close once run and slow the G1 to intolera
Intolerable speed. My two cents

Well memory up professional might help out; although, the process is automated, so it's not like you can choose what to close. Still, for what I've heard Android supposedly does a good job of making memory available. Try it out though, it might help you.

masr1979 said:
Well memory up professional might help out; although, the process is automated, so it's not like you can choose what to close. Still, for what I've heard Android supposedly does a good job of making memory available. Try it out though, it might help you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$15 i think not. Way too much money for a memory manager!

GTA III works flaswlessy on Tablet

All you have to do is purchase on phone and sideload it, it will let you download data directly from tablet, at 1mb per second, it took about 7 mins for the whole process, 400mb download and data install. Go buy now, best 5 bucks ever spent.
Ps. I bought using my evo 3d, which also runs the game perfectly.
Edit: before you start asking, how to sideload it:
Dropbox, gmail, titanium backup, blue-tooth, etc. It also verifys market, so make sure you buy it.

excellent news, I did download the app, but got error parsing package message. Also says incompatible with my p6200, lets hope for the best for us 3g guys.

chrisrotolo said:
excellent news, I did download the app, but got error parsing package message. Also says incompatible with my p6200, lets hope for the best for us 3g guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try downloading with phone, then sideload it. It should work since it works for dell streak, even though it is android 2.3, it is a 7 inch tablet. It worked on my SGT7+ wifi, it should work on Tmobile. Just make sure you purchase it.

Downloaded but seeing quite a bit of lagg. Replacing user data files with GSII files now hoping that they will fix it

Which version do you have? Wifi or 3g? Also did you just sideload apk, and download data from tab, or copy both. Mine has no lag whatsoever with the data download directly to tab. I also have no lag with the data downloaded from my evo 3d. They both work perfectly. I also recommend using the analog steering and driving controls.

I sideloaded the .apk and let it download, had lag, so I replaced the data files with ones for the GSII from a site I found. No lagg now, just had to reset the controls as it aligned them for the S2's resolution. I don't have another Android device so I had to go the less legal route to get the APK, but I have bought the game on the iPad so I don't feel bad about it. Thumbs down to Rockstar for not having the compatibility in order

Cptnodegard said:
I sideloaded the .apk and let it download, had lag, so I replaced the data files with ones for the GSII from a site I found. No lagg now, just had to reset the controls as it aligned them for the S2's resolution. I don't have another Android device so I had to go the less legal route to get the APK, but I have bought the game on the iPad so I don't feel bad about it. Thumbs down to Rockstar for not having the compatibility in order
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Come one bro, dont include those details, as it can get you booted.
Also what type of lag were you referring to?

FPS issues in the entire game, basically. Driving around was very laggy and basically unplayable
The game is great and works better on 7 inches than the 10 inch iPad imho... just hope rockstar gets a grip and fixes compatibility settings. As a new Android user I can't even begin to express how utterly idiotic this issue with erroneous compatibility blocks is

Cptnodegard said:
FPS issues in the entire game, basically. Driving around was very laggy and basically unplayable
The game is great and works better on 7 inches than the 10 inch iPad imho... just hope rockstar gets a grip and fixes compatibility settings. As a new Android user I can't even begin to express how utterly idiotic this issue with erroneous compatibility blocks is
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Click to collapse
Oh ok, mine still seems very responsive, Ill try other data file from other phones i have. Ill post results later. Yup, thats the problem with android fragmentation, but either way any android phone beats an iphone.

No...it doesn't. Believing that is just pure bias as there is no, and probably never will be, an OS that beats the other on everything. That's why I have one of each.

Youre still very new to this community, give it some time, to the infite modifications and freedom android gives you.

Customizing something all the way to Mars is nice, but still doesn't make up for lack of apps. I've been using the iPad in ways that physically aren't possible on Android because of the lack of certain apps and types of apps

give me an example and Ill try to tell which apps are available. I have over 400 apps installed. I go thru the apple catalog and I only see nonsense apps, or social apps, how many of those do you need. But its true there are more apps, but almost all are already in android. Maybe not the market but getjar, amazon market, appbrain and more.

Ok, here's a challenge for you, and if you do manage to find an app, you will be my hero:
One of my most used apps on the iPad is a certain type of note taking app. I say a certain type rather than a specific app as there are quite literally dozens of these available on iOS now. This type of app will let me import documents - minimum requirement is PDF, but more types is better - and write on top of them. So far Android has alternative. Then you get to the most important feature, magnification mode. The way this works in all of said dozen apps is that you have a window at the bottom of the screen that shows a small portion of the screen magnified. This allows you to write big letters and have it be shrunk down. These boxes are resizable and can be set for various zoom levels. They also have auto-advance, meaning that when you get to the end of the box it automatically moves it so you just write from the beginning again. This way you can write sentence upon sentence just as you would on paper, and just as accurately, even with a normal capacitive stylus. Other features that are often in these apps include the ability to insert images, machine text, web clips, audio recordings etc. You will also need to have the ability to export PDF. There are apps on android that can annotate PDF, but not at that level. All semester I've been using the iPad and nothing but the iPad both in lectures and outside, scanning paper documents using Scanner Pro and an external camera, annotating them (this is why just text editing is useless - I need to be able to have 100% control over size, placement, angle etc of the text on a page, underline and make arrows and drawings all over the place, not just write some text down) and storing them for reading. Just had an exam with 900 pages worth of curriculum and notes, all read on the iPad, and created on the iPad to begin with in the case of notes.
That kind of app in particular is crucial, and it has to be able to do exactly what I mention here, no "almost" with missing the magnification mode etc. They even provided all the lecturers with iPads this fall, and they've been using the same types of apps connected to projectors via VGA (try finding a VGA adapter for the galaxy tab, btw ).
This is just the ultimate example though, as it's not only the type of app I've used the most, but it's an app that is 100% productivity. No widgets, games or anything like that - it's a productivity issue, and an issue for Android's usability in settings outside of people who like to watch videos and play with ADWlauncher (which also includes me in my spare time, hence why I have an Android tablet).
Other examples off the top of my head: Splashtop's secondary product, xDisplay. It doesnt exist on Android (yet), and it's an example of an app where I don't care if there are "similar products" - it's the system I'm invested in and missing apps from major services like that is an issue. I could also bring up apps that have some sort of equivalent, but far from anything that works as good. Goodreader on the iPad -> ezPDF on Android, much less powerful app. Scanner Pro -> CamScanner, same thing, and they even broke 7.0 plus compatibility in the last update. There's no direct access app for the educational system my school uses, Classfronter, which isn't really an issue due to browser access but still an issue as it's slower. No good alternative to Reeder either, not that I've found anyways.
Education in itself is an interesting field. There are so many apps that make the iPad a powerful tool for both teachers and students on iOS. How about the ability to annotate documents wirelessly using Syncpad, an app that streams the image on screen to any HTML5 browser that's connected to the internet (not just local wifi)? Used that one a lot. Replaynote, letting you do notes and commentary and have it automatically turned into a video that you can send off to help people. Dictionary apps; when you study ENglish like I do, "a dictionary" isn't enough. You need as many as possible. That's iOS, not android.
Enough productivity. Fun apps. BBE's app has brought a music enhancement technology, that so far has only been licensed to Cowon for portable use, to iOS. There's no comparison to EQs in apps like Poweramp. Flipboard, awesome RSS reader that I use instead of Reeder when I want to relax, not read feeds for work. Tried Pulse, not the same, or even close. Neither is Currents. Zinio is luckily on both OSes though there are several magazines that are only available through Newsstand. Connecting the iPad to a synthesizer via USB and playing around with it on an amateur level is always fun.
Enough examples.
I love my 7.0 Plus. I love how personal the homescreen is after tweaking it, Google Talk on it is awesome, it's the device I reach for to check email in the morning, I love using a Wiimote for games, i use it as a mouse and keyboard for my PC in bed, remote control utorrent, browse the web, as a flashlight at night (LOVE that), video support makes me weep tears of joy, read books that aren't scanned A4 documents (and hence possible to reformat for 7 inches) etc. It's a great device, which is why I have it. However it isn't perfect. There's plenty of room for both OSes in my life, for the exact reason that neither is perfect.

Repligo reader for first, lets you write on top of pdf files (shapes, text,highlight, selections,w/e), I use it in class alot, but also lean to quick office since I just use camera to copy what i dont feel like typing.

Currents instead of pulse, much better. Also with repligo everything should be capable to be done, what ios app are you refering to which can do all that.

splashtop is on android also.

I think I answered what you needed, to long to read over again, while trying to study for nueuro final.

How did you get the GTA apk to your Tab? I tried AppInstaller, but I get an "access denied" error when I try to export it?
*edit* Nevermind. I was able to get the apk using Root Explorer. Can't wait to fire it up!

theundeadelvis said:
How did you get the GTA apk to your Tab? I tried AppInstaller, but I get an "access denied" error when I try to export it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you need root, and you can use root explorer to copy, to sd card. Make sure you click on r/w to be able to write and copy.

[Q]Video Recording in Background??

This question has been asked but the ONLY reason i am asking it is because one of them is for car accident documentation and the other had no answer and was asked for an unknown reason. (i am a new user so i am unable to link to these two threads.):crying:
Well I know their are "Secret Video Recording' apps out their although the main reason for these seam to be use surreptitiously and my reason is something for something I don't want to hide and actually be able to check on it every once and a while.
Here is what i am talking about Being that i have the dock and the t300 has a rear facing camera i wish to utilize them both at the same time. Here is the scenario: I am in class attending a lecture and although i am a fast typist I cant capture things like slides or pictures in general for my notes. I wish to be able to Video Record the lecture while taking notes at the same time. Alas i have been unable to find software to do this. I have been told before that i should use a "secret" recorder and set up the shot first with my normal camera app. Although this does not let me 1.) go to the video intermittently and make sure what i want is still in frame, people move and sometimes the tablet does while i am taking notes all it takes is someone bumping me from the side or for someone in front of me to move and the rest of the video might as well be an audio recording . and 2.) stop recording easily when its not needed (breaks pauses during lectures and the random jokes or anecdotes some teachers like to tell) not having this ability i have to edit the video or deal with the extra content.
In all I am pretty sure you get my idea I wish i could create a mod to the camera app that lets me put the recording in the background and takes notes I am no DEV but to me it sounds easy although if it was i bet it would be available already.
THE most Possible BEST thing to add to this would also be able to have the option to monitor the recording in a small Samsung like super window but with a live feed not just playback so without having to change the entire screen i can quickly check its progress in a small window.
Sorry for the long post I am just wondering if this could be even possible I would pay for an app like this as currently the only way i can get video is by using two devices although the higher position of the tablet camera is ideal.
Thank you for reading this and I hope this sparks someones interest and possibly with the amount of people highly intelligent when it comes to these matters I know if it is possible someone or someones here can create it. Again that is if it is possible, personally i don't see why not but if i was that smart i wouldn't need to ask. I would just create the app.

Microsoft surface experience?

Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.

I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro

brandonjuraimi said:
Hello guys. For those who have used the Microsoft surface, can you share your experience? I am just curious about its speed, performance, and how user friendly it is
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me

mchimney said:
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.

cmscritic said:
I love mine. I find the interface refreshing and unique, the people app lets me do way more with social media than I have been able to do in the past. Typing on the touch cover is still a bit of a challenge but they are saying it takes a few days to get it done properly. Speed wise, there are no issues. Mine is snappy and responsive. Battery life is amazing. I can use it all day 6am until 7pm and still only be down to around 30-40% battery remaining. There is a lack of apps but nothing that I can't wait out. I expected the ecosystem will take a bit to get going and I'm willing to wait. I sold my ipad with retina and honestly don't miss it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow your experience with the Microsoft surface sure is awesome. It sounds awesome and I can't wait to check it out. Not sure if it is available in my country though...
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

mchimney said:
I really love mine the more I use it. I'm typing this on the touchcover and although I make a lot of mistakes I seem to be getting better at it. That said, I do have some issues but nothing that major (yet!). Battery life seems to be much less than the ipad, people report 8-10 hours, I only get like 4-7. The apps are a disappointment, but I plan to use this device productively soo all I really need is dropbox. The device seems to slow down when editing 2 page documents in word. I tried to make a brochure on here and dragging pictures around was a nightmare. I did type a paper onhere and while it took longer then on a regular keyboard it wasn't that bad.
IE 10 for metro is complete trash. Can't even load XDA so I find myself always forced to use the desktop version. If you buy one, I suggest the model higher than 32gb as we really only get lke 14 gb because of the os taking up so much room.
The touchcover gets very dirty it seems. I'm not suire if I can clean it without ruining it. I sneeze on it before and it has a nasty stain =/.
The device itself is very prone to scratches, I tend to try to plug the thing into charge while its dark and that damn connector is such a pita that I always scratch the bezel.
I love the keyboard gestures (which I know can be used on any computer). The UI is very fast, there's a crap ton of gestures to learn. Yet, there are some gripes. Closing an app takes a crazy amount of time. You have to drag all theway from the top of the screen to the bottom, unnecessary.
Overall, I love it and I plan on keeping it. I still have my ipad and my nexus 7 but this really helps me get stuff done. The fact I can plug in almost any usb device and hve it work is amazing. You can even charge cellphones and stuff with the USB. I would recommend getting the surface IF you realize you can't run anything that's not in the store. No browser addons, no exe fils, nothing. Sometime that makes me wish I got the pro, but this device is really enough. Get past the quirkiness of metro + desktop and it's a beast.
Sorry for the typos. This was typed on the touch cover while lying down in bed.
*EDIT* The messenger app sucks realy badly too. You add someone as a friend (which can't be done in the app you have to go to a website) then you can't ever send them a message cause it says "Name unavailable" but they can send you messages. Its a one way form of communication.
*Edit2* Another clunky part. There are no jpg thumbail previews in the desktop. And when you want to open an image it has to open a program in metro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Microsoft surface is still new so it probably still have quite a number of flaws. Hope Microsoft work on it and come out with Microsoft surface 2?
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

tcsekhar said:
I love the surface responsiveness and the new UI. But still there is still miles to go to get this perfect.
1. After being ON for more than 3 days, clicking on Email opened up weather, can't reach the email by clicking on any of the tiles. Same with IE. I had to reboot.
2. The auto rotate stopped working suddenly. I had to reboot to get it working again.
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
4. There is no Cisco VPN client. If your work requires non standard Cisco VPN connectivity, stay away.
5. Enterprise Distribution of apps isn't clear yet. We shouldn't have to have enterprise apps published to Microsoft Store every time.
6. Silverlight doesn't run on RT? Kidding me?
7. Playing HD video isn't going to be easy. Not even one app which could play MKV files.
8. The copy paste of text inside surface isn't as easy as in iPad. Sometimes it takes too much time to get the needed text selected on IE.
9. Needs tweaking to run Flash on all websites (its a hack. Why?)
10, Pointing the cursor to an exact place in a text area isn't as easy as in iPad with the magnifying glass.
By the way, WHERE IS THE REPORT A PROBLEM button in RT ?
Though I have so many complaints, I still love my Surface. I don't use my iPad anymore. Many times, I had tried to touch my monitor while using my laptop. MS is spoiling me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds really troublesome and watching movies and videos is a pain.
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

cmscritic said:
In response to some of your issues. I love metro ui based IE and find it loads XDA without issue. A good tip is to enable adblocking filters using the tips in this forum (find the topic called tips). It loads XDA fine now for me.
Closing an app by dragging top to bottom takes a lot of time? It's a half second gesture man. Be realistic. Alot of your complaints are issues that are not issues at all. It's a different UI, give it a break.
---------- Post added at 05:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 PM ----------
MKV does not equal HD, so try playing an MP4 or something in HD before making comments like this. So what if it doesn't play MKV format, there are plenty it does play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?

only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good

mr_dan said:
only 4-7 hours? maybe faulty device? everybody has like 8-10.. 4-7 aint too good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.

tcsekhar said:
Mine with continuous use from morning 7AM till 9PM still have 30% juice. I just use for browse & search - no play or video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Mine is about the same.
---------- Post added at 08:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------
tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean, I'd love to have it too (especially for the space savings) but I think we need to give MS some time to get the apps rolling. It's a new ecosystem and I've no doubt it'll get rolling soon. Would LOVE to see VLC on it.. that would rock.

I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling

mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd take it in and have it looked at. I can usually go the whole day without issue.

mchimney said:
I understand the os is new but I love the potential. I love this device regardless of my complaints. I do miss Google though.
In regards to my battery, I think something must be wrong, I'm using quite a lot of battery even just idling
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium

brandonjuraimi said:
Probably your wifi, email or any idling applications could have cause the huge drainage of battery
Sent from my GT-N7005 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know Bluettoth also kills battery on phones and on the surface it is on by default. We need one of those battery monitoring apps, especially since the Start screen doesn't report battery details - I did find the "Windows Mobility Center" in the backend/desktop, and created a link on the start screen - it provides batter percentage among other shortcuts - pretty cool.
what I do love about the Surface is all the little things that can be tweaked on the descktop - By far more customizable than any other tablet out there.

tcsekhar said:
I agree MKV does not equal HD. But the best compression today seems to be MKV files, and I have a ton of those. I don't want to convert all of them again into MP4 or any other format at this point. When all other OS supports playing it, why not MS - especially when they are late in the game, and know what the expectations are?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.

encho said:
MKV is just a container, like avi or ogg. So actual compression is x264 or as some call it mp4. There is also MP4 container which contains also x264 compressed videos, so moving files from mkv to MP4 is possible without reencoding, but just repacking.
But I agree, it is not for everyone and I'm sure mkv support will come soon through some third party app like vlc or mplayer.
This device is very new to the market and the os as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.

guitar1969 said:
MKV is definitely the container of choice for HD in this day and age so any current system needs to be able to handle it if they want to sell units My whole HTPC movie library is in MKV. Having to convert to mp4 is not very practical as it requires time and steps (I use Handbrake for my Ipod touch). The latest Androids can play alomost anything thrown at them. I am sure someone will release a video player that will handle it if the surface is truly to be considered a media device. The question is will MS let it get certified in the store (Still unclear on the process and what's allowed - I would love to see a Opera or Firefox borwser too and I thought MS got sued years back for limiting options of browsers on the desktop OS). The question is how open MS will be to allow competing apps, especially if they want to sell hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Back in my Linux days I had a script which unpacks MKV like it would zip file and repacks into MP4. The whole process takes 1 minute. But as you said MKV support needs to come to RT and MS is aware of the fact that sale of their Surface tablets depends on third party apps.
So I don't think they'll have an issue with VLC or Opera or anything else. More apps equals more profit.

tcsekhar said:
3. The email Client is awful. Need a better email app. It can't even match 10% of other email client's functionality. (No multi select, too much delay when navigating emails in the list, no option to Archive vs Delete, Moving to folders isn't as easy,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree its not very good, I hope they release an RT version of Outlook.
But you CAN multiselect, kind of swipe an email to the right a bit and a tick pops up in the corner, and then do the same for other.
At the moment, Hotmail/Outlook.com is better than the RT mail app...