Apps to help conserve bandwidth on a limited data plan - Galaxy Tab Themes and Apps

I activated the AT&T $15 for 250MB plan on my Tab. I've got the AT&T widget that displays exactly how much data I've used so far, and it goes fast.
Are there any good apps for managing data usage people recommend?
In particular, I like to sync things like Google Reader/GMail/Google Voice. However, it'd be great if there were a way to set non-essentials like Google Reader to sync only on wifi, while having GMail and Google Voice continue to sync whether on cellular data or wifi.

Due to the Android OS architecture you cannot set up I/O resource access on a per-application basis unless the app has the feature built in. That means, you can not control from an app how other apps access resources.
This happens because all apps run in their own containers that can access the system through the permission system. This helps isolate apps and prevent other apps from interfering with their environment. Access is one-way: from the app to the system. The system or other apps cannot enter another app environment.
Thus, as long as Google Reader does not provide the feature to sync only over WIFI, then you cannot block it in any other way except disabling your data.
C.

after switching to opera mini, my bandwidth consumption declined by about 30%
you may want to give it a try
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.opera.mini.android&feature=search_result

turruso said:
after switching to opera mini, my bandwidth consumption declined by about 30%
you may want to give it a try
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.opera.mini.android&feature=search_result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect suggestion turruso!
@manekineko: if you also browse the Net a lot using your device, you might give Opera a chance. Using the Opera Turbo feature will help you save a lot on your plan because they compress pages before transferring them to your phone.

Perhaps you are looking for something like traffic counter (from the market) it monitors cell, wifi, call and SMS and let you set limits to those.
Also calculate billing and monitors the installed apps data in and out
P

PBL1 said:
Perhaps you are looking for something like traffic counter (from the market) it monitors cell, wifi, call and SMS and let you set limits to those.
Also calculate billing and monitors the installed apps data in and out
P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the official AT&T traffic monitor for now, and I've been happy enough with it, so I'm mainly looking for ways to keep my data usage low when out and about.

I know what you want! (maybe) Its called DroidWall. Its a firewall controlling which apps and services uses what type of connection (3g or wifi). Ive been using it, and drastically reduced consumption of data plan by more than half.

zagitariuz said:
I know what you want! (maybe) Its called DroidWall. Its a firewall controlling which apps and services uses what type of connection (3g or wifi). Ive been using it, and drastically reduced consumption of data plan by more than half.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great suggestion! Only thing that keeps it from being completely perfect is it'd be nice if there were a way I could only prevent background data from an app on 3G, but allow it still for when I'm directly opening the app myself, like when I'm browsing Google Reader.

cheatman said:
Perfect suggestion turruso!
@manekineko: if you also browse the Net a lot using your device, you might give Opera a chance. Using the Opera Turbo feature will help you save a lot on your plan because they compress pages before transferring them to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll second Opera with Opera Turbo. If I'm on wifi I use Dolphin HD and when I'm not I use Opera. It's cut down on my data use more than I expected.

Related

[Q] Android without Google, completely

Hey,
jsut thought about this thought the whole day. I´ve got a Moto XT720 (Stock ROM) and it works pretty good. Now the thing is, I have the Google Account and so on. But I do not want that Google is tracking me, has access to my phone, and that my phone can connect to google servers (Mail, Calendar, Market, SYSTEM).
Is it possible that I can delete some apk´s so that I have a real standalone mobile phone?
Sorry for my bad english,
greetings
you gotta be kidding
Google's stuff is the spirit of their OS... Android needs google's account for the market moreover.
sounds a little impossible. just make an account for the market and don't use it for anything else. Only thing i can think of.
Exactly, but he wants remove google's apps too...
He wants a total googleapplicationless Android phone. What a problem !
Thanks guys,
I do not need the market also (for what?, I have the apps I want to use)
Greets
push..no one knows it?
If you do any web browsing on any device even on a pc or iphone google and bing etc will track data about you. You can't use any device online without someone tracking you unless you use a proxy and even then the proxy could still track you.
You can delete or freeze googles apps but browsing will be tracked on any online device so only sure way is switch off wifi and mobile data.
But that defeats the point of a smartphone then.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Maybe you should forget mobiles cause anytime you're tracked as soon as you power it on
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk
a guess, flash a custom rom and dont flash the google apps pack?
ICS, at least stock ICS, has the ability to disable system apps.
Settings -> Apps (under 'Device) -> 'All' tab, click an app, click "Disable". It won't be uninstalled, but it will never run, meaning it cannot connect to the internet or do anything else.
e.coli said:
ICS, at least stock ICS, has the ability to disable system apps.
Settings -> Apps (under 'Device) -> 'All' tab, click an app, click "Disable". It won't be uninstalled, but it will never run, meaning it cannot connect to the internet or do anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is if he ever uses internet he will still be tracked. If he uses gps his location can also be tracked.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
mistermentality said:
The problem is if he ever uses internet he will still be tracked. If he uses gps his location can also be tracked.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's a very strange request, but he could disable all internet-capable apps, and just use his phone for voice and offline apps?
He could still use GPS though, but not A-GPS. GPS just receives the signal from the satellites, this is why you can still log your position while off the cell network. It's one-way communication, so there's no way to be tracked just by listening to the GPS signal. He could download maps to the phone and use it for navigation that way.
Don't get an Android phone is my advice if you want no connection to Google.
-Sent from my Droid 2-
I agree, why would you use an google operating system, if you don't want to have any connection with google?
Android without the Android market is pretty dull, and even if you would use the amazon appstore (which is officially only working in the US/and maybe CAN) you would be stuck with only a fractal of not up to date apps, since in the amazon app store are alot of old versions flying around.
And please dont believe in the old google creep, who is sitting in front of the "internet" waiting is whole life only to set cookies in your browser. He does not exists!
I don't understand why you would want Android on your mobile device and not want google on it? Thats how smartphones work, if you don't want google on your phone I suggest you get a non smart phone.
Why so much hostility? Isn't the point of Android, and these forums, that it is so customizable? Maybe he doesn't like the new privacy policy.
Anyways, he could disable all Gapps and install Firefox or whatever, which would disconnect most of your connection to Google, but it's hard to avoid it if you want to use the internet at all.
e.coli said:
Why so much hostility? Isn't the point of Android, and these forums, that it is so customizable? Maybe he doesn't like the new privacy policy.
Anyways, he could disable all Gapps and install Firefox or whatever, which would disconnect most of your connection to Google, but it's hard to avoid it if you want to use the internet at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think anyone's been hostile, just surprised maybe as seems op wants no tracking yet to be able to use internet which can't be done except at best through a proxy.
To the op, you can root and uninstall or freeze google apps and browse via a public proxy server if you want to avoid tracking but your carrier and possibly google (the main operating systems all record your gps data inc ios android and wp7, think only wp7 was found collecting that though which is why I say possibly not probably) can still see where you have physically been via cell, gps and wifi logs.
If its just google you wish to avoid another option could be use a firewall or dns blacklist app to stop your device being able to connect to known google internet addresses.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
miro101 said:
And please dont believe in the old google creep, who is sitting in front of the "internet" waiting is whole life only to set cookies in your browser. He does not exists!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, he does:
http://www.stateofsearch.com/top-15-of-eric-schmidts-remarkable-quotes/
If you don't know by now that all of the "free" apps aren't really free, you're kidding yourself. How do you think Google makes money? It's primary purpose is collecting information. Private informtaion (even the carriers...search on the term "carrier IQ"). That is the age we live in. The best that can be done is to either throw your phone away or learn how to secure your phone and info in as much as is possible. There are apps that can identify what apps are sending what data and block them from doing so (on rooted phones). Even then, data still gets out. It's a trade-off. For now, it's used for marketting purposes. However, that much data is bound to fall into the hands of some government who will use it to control the masses. It's just too tempting, and it's the nature of humanity. So, I'll limit whatever data exodus I can and accept the trade-off for the rest (until the government {read Anti-Christ} wrests control). The old saying applies: "It's not paranoia if they really are out to get you".
I honestly don't get the point in using a smartphone with fears of being 'monitored' or tracked. If you don't want to be tracked, don't use the internet, don't use a cell phone, and live under a rock for the rest of your life. That's the best advice I can offer.

Android OS high data usage

I've got a very annoying data problem here: Sony Xperia S, Android 2.3.7 (Build .75), 500MB dataplan and the OS takes 300 of that! I already took some precautions like turning of the backup, I've logged out of Facebook and removed my Hotmail app. And I installed JuiceDefender Plus which handles my connections, but no results whatsoever: Android OS still uses 5-10MB/day...
Any help would be very, very welcome.
An application like Juice Defender won't help you lower data plan usage because its first aim is to prevent battery depletion while meeting certain conditions (like screen turned off, for example.)
This means that when you turn on the screen and Juice Defender restores mobile data, Android does broadcast a message (android.net.conn.CONNECTIVITY_CHANGE) to all registered listeners, that let them know when they can use the network again.
As a example, think of an email client that will access its configured POP/IMAP servers when it can. No matter how long the screen was off (and thus mobile data disabled by Juice Defender,) it will always download the same amount of data when your device is put back on line (luckily for you I would say in the case of an email client because if it were not the case, that would mean you're losing mails...)
When it comes to data accounting, Android simplifies things a bit too much, and you end with not very insightful labels like "Android OS." This may indicate that the Google apps framework (a standard package shared among different applications) is the one using your data plan.
I wrote an app that accounts data used by process rather than package, and let you know the associated packages with each process and also showing real-time network usage graphics along with many other real-time data to workaround those kind of limitations (as I don't want to make publicity -- even if it's free -- PM me if you're interested and I'll point you to it.)
cheers
kraayj said:
I've got a very annoying data problem here: Sony Xperia S, Android 2.3.7 (Build .75), 500MB dataplan and the OS takes 300 of that! I already took some precautions like turning of the backup, I've logged out of Facebook and removed my Hotmail app. And I installed JuiceDefender Plus which handles my connections, but no results whatsoever: Android OS still uses 5-10MB/day...
Any help would be very, very welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I faced the same problem, issue was somewhat with auto backup of data, sync of app data & people details in google account,
BUT the main culprit in my case was uTorrent application.
Even though there was no torrent added to it, i didn't even opened it,
it was using 1GB data daily on WiFi and in data usage it was coming under Android OS usage. I uninstalled it, everything went back to normal.
So try to look for such apps which eat up your data in background, it may not be an error of android OS as such.
Hope this helps, Press THANKS if it did help you
Enjoy

Mobile site vs app in data use?

Which uses more??
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app
I am guessing the mobile site will use more data, as it has more objects to load for every page. Where the apps are mostly only text and the odd image.:good:
mobile applications reduce the amount of traffic to the server, as well as reduce the load and allow for more flexible development. where programmers do only logic, the second write the client under rest api
ZeroFreeCoder said:
mobile applications reduce the amount of traffic to the server, as well as reduce the load and allow for more flexible development. where programmers do only logic, the second write the client under rest api
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They may reduce traffic to the server during the time that you use it, but, they also run constantly in the background, tying up RAM, CPU and using data in the background constantly, which results in your device being slower and can even cause a lot of lag, especially if you have multiple social media apps installed on your device.
I use the website(s) and add a shortcut to the page on my homescreen. In this way, there is no activity going in the background, no CPU or RAM being used when the website(s)/shortcut(s) are not being viewed and no data being eaten up in the background when I'm not viewing the website(s).
I notice a significant improvement in my device's performance and a reduction in data usage when I use the website(s) versus using mobile apps for those same websites.
For example, I use the Facebook website via a shortcut on my homescreen, my device performs better and uses less data when I use the website instead of the mobile Facebook app.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
happypatel said:
According to my point of view, the mobile app is better than the mobile website. Because not only the number of mobile users overtaken desktop users but mobile app usage has also surpassed desktop usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you.
Droidriven said:
They may reduce traffic to the server during the time that you use it, but, they also run constantly in the background, tying up RAM, CPU and using data in the background constantly, which results in your device being slower and can even cause a lot of lag, especially if you have multiple social media apps installed on your device.
I use the website(s) and add a shortcut to the page on my homescreen. In this way, there is no activity going in the background, no CPU or RAM being used when the website(s)/shortcut(s) are not being viewed and no data being eaten up in the background when I'm not viewing the website(s).
I notice a significant improvement in my device's performance and a reduction in data usage when I use the website(s) versus using mobile apps for those same websites.
For example, I use the Facebook website via a shortcut on my homescreen, my device performs better and uses less data when I use the website instead of the mobile Facebook app.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You speak from the side of user convenience, and I speak from the side of the developer’s convenience and generally correctness of actions. Yes, now many applications slow down the phone, but this is because they use the wrong technology or do not use it at all. Why should the current application hang in the background if there are events, if there are push notifications, and so on.
ZeroFreeCoder said:
You speak from the side of user convenience, and I speak from the side of the developer’s convenience and generally correctness of actions. Yes, now many applications slow down the phone, but this is because they use the wrong technology or do not use it at all. Why should the current application hang in the background if there are events, if there are push notifications, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones are created for the end user to use, are they not? Websites are created for the end user to use, are they not?
Users outnumber developers, convenience for the user is a wiser investment than developer comfort/correctness. The more convenient and desirable it is to the user, the more users use it, which equals more pay-off for the developer.
The OP asked, which uses more data. In my observation, I use less "total" data by using the website(s) versus the apps.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
My experience tells me apps will use more in the short term, but mobile sites more in the long term. However it also depends on what apps? Some apps are built to greedily check and update like crazy. Mobile sites won't do that.
Fresher8 said:
My experience tells me apps will use more in the short term, but mobile sites more in the long term. However it also depends on what apps? Some apps are built to greedily check and update like crazy. Mobile sites won't do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that was point, apps that serve to connect to a website use data all the time checking/updating eating data the whole time. Having multiple apps such as these makes it even worse and they are known for causing devices to develop serious lagging, some to the point of near unusability. Whereas, shortcuts to websites don't use excessive amounts of data and do not cause excessive lagging issues.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Data saver/background data restriction not fully working (Honor x6)

Hello fellas,
as the title says, i'm enabling the data saver feature for ALL the apps (both installed and system apps) with no exception .. yet, every now and then the screen lock data usage notification mentions that an amount of mobile data has been used by some apps (facebook, whatsapp, system apps ..)
is this a common bug on the honor 6x/emui5 or is there something else i'm missing here ??
My model number : BLN-L21
Build number : BLN-L21C432B365
Emui version : 5.0.1
Hi, i keep data saver always on for habit and i didn't noticed a traffic of mobile data while it is activated. But i know also that those damned social apps are a true pain for phones. I don't have neither one so i can't confirm that, but maybe someone else who has Facebook or others could provide a feedback about. Have you took in consideration the idea of using socials via web browser? When i still had my Facebook account 2 years ago, i used to do everything by my browser because in this way, i was able to avoid useless and heavyweight, crappy client apps
RedSkull23 said:
Hi, i keep data saver always on for habit and i didn't noticed a traffic of mobile data while it is activated. But i know also that those damned social apps are a true pain for phones. I don't have neither one so i can't confirm that, but maybe someone else who has Facebook or others could provide a feedback about. Have you took in consideration the idea of using socials via web browser? When i still had my Facebook account 2 years ago, i used to do everything by my browser because in this way, i was able to avoid useless and heavyweight, crappy client apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and thank you for your feedback,
Well the thing is, not only social media apps that consume background data but many other apps including games and system apps, maybe not with same amount but they still do, and what mostly concerned about is how come such a bug can even occur in our phone ..
if you are using honor 6x with thae latest emui i suggest you turn on the "locked screen data usage reminder" from (settings -» mobile data -» then the settings icon up right) and see if you are gonna get leaked data ..
Then we can know for sure from where the problem is coming from
I'm looking forward to reading your feedback ..
I tested by disabling or restricting the same and still saw the traffic as bytes on status bar.
But when data turned off, didn't see any bytes consumed. Evem when opened Facebook, it shows 34-35KB data transfer rate but not updated or refreshed means data is not consume and it was only trying to send the data (upload speed) but none received (download data).

Family Data Usage App- A Unique Data Monitoring App

Family Data Usage is a feature-rich android app that empowers users to monitor their data consumption effectively. It allows you to track data usage across multiple devices, including mobile phones and Wi-Fi connections. The app's primary purpose is to help individuals and families stay aware of their data consumption and make informed decisions to avoid exceeding their limits.
One of the standout features of Family Data Usage is its ability to add family members to the app. This unique functionality enables users to monitor the data usage and pack validity of their family members' devices. By keeping everyone connected, the app fosters transparency and helps families make informed decisions regarding their data plans. With Family Data Usage, you can effortlessly add your family members and gain insights into their data usage patterns.
The app provides real-time data monitoring, enabling users to keep a close eye on their data usage. With its intuitive interface, you can easily visualize how much data is being consumed by individual apps or specific time periods. Family Data Usage even offers the ability to set custom data reset times, allowing for personalized data analysis and management.
The app provides timely notifications and alerts, reminding users when they are approaching their data limits or when their family members' data packs are about to expire. These notifications are displayed through beautiful and interactive widgets, enhancing the overall user experience
Are you the developer of this app?
Google says this app is not compatible with my Chromebooks. I realise that the app is optimised for a mobile phone but will it still work on Chromebook if I sideload it?
Will it track the data used globally via wifi regardless of whether it's via an Android app, Chrome Browser, or Linux?
I'm asking the question because this app's ability to manage multiple devices is the most useful feature.
Also, is there a backup and restore feature for all the usage data that is collected over time?
Can you provide the APK for sideloading? I didn't find it on APK Mirror or similar (Edit: I do find it on APK Pure)
THANKS
jmh2002 said:
Are you the developer of this app?
Google says this app is not compatible with my Chromebooks. I realise that the app is optimised for a mobile phone but will it still work on Chromebook if I sideload it?
Will it track the data used globally via wifi regardless of whether it's via an Android app, Chrome Browser, or Linux?
I'm asking the question because this app's ability to manage multiple devices is the most useful feature.
Also, is there a backup and restore feature for all the usage data that is collected over time?
Can you provide the APK for sideloading? I didn't find it on APK Mirror or similar (Edit: I do find it on APK Pure)
THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am developer of this app. Currently this app works only in android (sorry for not mentioning ).
You can monitor multiple android devices mobile data and wifi data usage by installing this app and Sigin with your google account. You need to add members in your account from profile section via email address. If they accept request then you can see mobile data and wifi data used by them. I have attached image how it looks like if they accept your request (image with heading see your families plan).
I have attached link of Google playstore in my post (blue in color) but I will attach sideloading apk too.
Thankyou for showing interest.
Thank you for your reply. I understand that Chromebook was not part of your main plan for this app - but Chromebook runs Android, so most apps work even when google says they are not compatible)
When I have time I will sideload the app and make some tests.
In my case, some devices will have the same google account, because they are all owned by me. Hopefully that will work too?
jmh2002 said:
Thank you for your reply. I understand that Chromebook was not part of your main plan for this app - but Chromebook runs Android, so most apps work even when google says they are not compatible)
When I have time I will sideload the app and make some tests.
In my case, some devices will have the same google account, because they are all owned by me. Hopefully that will work too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you SignIn two different device with seperate email address, it will work fine and you can also monitor your device data usage.

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