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*****WARNING*****
THIS IS AN OPINION THREAD. YOU MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE BUT THIS IS ALL OPINION!!!
*****WARNING*****
I usually get about 3 questions per day about my phone (Captivate) and why I picked it over an iphone. I'm a travelling warranty rep and so I'm on my phone a lot, and come across dozens of people a day with my line of business. This is usually one of the more frequet questions, and I decided I would just post this on my facebook as well.
I want feedback on this little short story I wrote about why I picked my Droid device over an iphone, and I figured this would be the best place to put it. I want feedback! Yes I am a little biased, but not without valid reason.
If you can actually point out a valid legitimate claim that I am at fault on, then please do so. That may be a little hard to do as this is just an opinion thread, and boy am I full of them. Flame or follow, go right ahead.
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Here's a quick comparison of apple vs Android software.
When Apple releases a new OS, whether a minor update or an upgrade, you have to wipe out all of your data (or rather, it does it for you). Of course, you can just sync your phone with itunes and then do a restore. Sure, it's easy enough.
The next thing is though, that when you do sync with itunes, you have to resync every single file and piece of music, each picture, etc, all over again, even after you've done it once. Considering all of those syncs I've done on others phones have taken well over 20 minutes to sync, for just a couple hundred songs and maybe 50 pictures, it's a pain when you want to go back and add ONE thing and have to do it all over again. Fun, huh?
There are other ways to go about adding individual files and such to iphones, but that involves jailbreaking and setting up custom networking interfaces with your phone, which typical iphone users wont know how to do.
Droid really has all that to begin with. Want to add a file? Just connect the phone to your PC via USB cable (I had 2 included with mine) and tell the phone to mount the storage, I did this by dragging down the menu bar and hitting one button that said "Select to copy files to/from your computer." That makes it show up in the PC as a standard flash drive or removable storage device. Add files accordingly, without having to spend 30 minutes syncing just to get one file. Drag, drop, and you're done.
Next, is jailbreaking. apple programs all of their OS's to fix exploits that have to be programmed in order to jailbreak their phones. If you have the newest version of apple software on your phone, chances are you'll be waiting for quite some time in order to be able to jailbreak. Then, IF the jailbreak is any good (and you don't brick -- or kill) your phone, you can generally unlock it (use it on a different carrier, which is usually the sole reason to jailbreak it) assuming they ALSO have a working unlock for it. You may be able to jailbreak it, but you wont always be able to unlock it.
There's a similar thing you can do for Droid phones, it's called rooting the phone. There's a very large difference though, in what is actually done. Jailbreaking an iphone basically requires new code to be injected into the software in order to bypass restrictions that apple specifically put in place to keep "malicious" software off of their devices. In other words, according to apple, jailbreaking is malware (something apple is supposed to be immune to also according to them). Jailbreaking is frowned upon by apple because it gives you power over your device to do things they don't want you to. Of course, you have to basically bust it out of jail (hence the term jailbreaking) in order to do so to free it from its bonds of restriction apple forces upon its devices. Rooting a Droid phone is nothing more than enabling administrator mode on your device. Its basically if you log onto your computer, you need administrator privledges to be able to do certain things... this is root. Root is a Linux term, basically meaning root controlls everything. No restrictions. Logon as administrator, and that is the same as root pretty much. No needing to jailbreak, no bonds needed to be freed, nothing. Jailbreaking = your friend is in jail, and you have to bust him out. Rooting = You're a CEO and you just took over the whole company. Root is God mode, jailbreaking is rescue mode. Got the difference? Good.
So what about Driods? When you flash a new OS (install an updated/upgraded operating system), does it erase everything? Well, in the past day I've flashed 3 different OS's including having gone back to the stock ROM that AT&T included with all their phones, rooted, unrooted, updated and reverted several times today and I have yet to lose any information. I haven't synced, backed up, done anything to preserve my data, and I've gone from 2.1 to 2.2 to 2.2.1 to 2.2 to 2.1 back over again and haven't lost a thing besides the call history and my text messages. And if I REALLY wanted to, I could have backed those up as well.
So what's all this about OS versions and everything? Well, if you're an iphone user, your OS version probably wont be anything more than a number and a couple of features, unless you jailbreak. Minor bugfixes and such, fixing exploits so people can't jailbreak as easily, and maybe adding a couple shiney new features and that's really about it. The flavor is, well, apple pie. The next version of the apple OS will still be apple pie, maybe with a little more cinammon. The next version will be apple pie, maybe with more apple. The next version will be apple pie and it may even include a worm, removed (or maybe even left in there) with the next batch. It'll always be apple. With Droid, there's not so much apple. I had an OS earlier today that was strawberry. My next was chocolate. After that was grape, then orange, then a giant chewy moist brownie with vanilla ice creamed drenched in chocolate syrup and whipped cream. With apple, all you get is pie. With Droid, you get eclairs, ice cream and more, and you get it how you like it. How about some Gingerbread now? There may even be pickled herring for those that want it later.
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Remember this was just an off the wall comparison, I didn't go as far in depth and be as technical as I'd like to have, but I did have to be a little redundant as most all of my iphone using friends need things explained to them several times before they understand. If I missed any points, feel free to share. Sorry if I hurt your feelings over anything (this was an opinion thread, remember?)
I would enjoy an orange flavored one myself.
I'm enjoying my froyo (frozen yogurt for those of you that don't know...and if you don't........) for now but when i get the chance I'll probably enjoy a bit of gingerbread .
The best of 3 worlds
I´m enjoying my Windows Mobile Leo with the chance to use Froyo/Gingerbread and soon WP7 as well
dbzfanatic said:
I'm enjoying my froyo (frozen yogurt for those of you that don't know...and if you don't........) for now but when i get the chance I'll probably enjoy a bit of gingerbread .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my little bit about ice cream at the later part though I probably should have said yogurt.
Sent from my I-897 with GT-I9000 kernel and froyo stuff with gingerbread kb and other nifty little tweaks using XDA App
orb3000 said:
I´m enjoying my Windows Mobile Leo with the chance to use Froyo/Gingerbread and soon WP7 as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am glad to see some windows users are doing that as well, I had a windows mobile phone and I completely juggled the idea of going to linux on my phone for quite some time until I just ended up deciding against it (back when I hadn't even flashed my first ROM) because I needed it strictly for work. Now I have some room to play around. My biggest concern was the lack of functionality on my device, which is always the kicker. WSince I still have the phone laying around and it's still completely functional, I may have to try it now
I recently bit the bullet and goldcarded 3.14 onto my Leo, partly as I was fed up waiting for O2 to release it, and partly to dabble with Android again (I'd done it on my Blackstone and found it meh).
I run SPB MS on the Leo which I find the best interface.
Now I can easily flip between the two, still prefer WM but then SPB MS5 isn't out for consumers yet (dammit pull your finger out!).
Prefer huff n puff to angry birds, but AB has more levels.
So if I fancy playing any games or using any apps that are only available on android I can now use them, but as for it replacing WM as my main OS, it's still too "clunky" for my liking.
Either way, at least both started the year with working alarm clocks, unlike iphones
So, I have had my G2X for more than 2 weeks. And to be honest, I've never been happier with an Android phone. And I'm sure lots of you hate me for this, but I have no reboots and minimal screen bleed.
I do have problems with the phone.
Call list is ridiculously crippled. My ages old Nokia 6263 flip phone has a call log that splits up MISSSED, RECEIVED, OUTGOING, and ALL, it also calculates times and dates for EACH call, plus logs total times called
The G2X's call log is a list with phone numbers, horribly inaccurate times [such as "1 hour ago" when it was actually more than 1 hour 45 minutes ago\ and NO SPLITTING UP, the only way to tell what is missed or outgoing is by the icons next to the call, but no way to filter through [for someone in business, this is a must when I'm calling many different numbers through the day]
Then there's the little things I miss from my Defy
Battery Manager, considering how quickly the G2X can run through batteries, why no battery manager? The Defy had custom battery profiles and three very well thought out preset profiles, all usable at one point. Performance mode made everything go full blast, data, screen brightness, etc. Battery Saver made screen brightness 0, turned off autosync, and got you on 2g. Smart Mode was like performance mode, but went into saver mode if you weren't using the phone.
The buttons next to the app drawer: It make no sense to me for the buttons next to the app drawer button to be call and browser. On my old Defy, the buttons were CALL and CONTACTS, and they were nice big buttons that stood out. Having browser next to app drawer button makes no sense when you can access browser from either app drawer itself or a small widget on my screen.
The alarm application, RIDICULOUS! It can't use my music as an alarm, only the default alarms. Why in the world? I have to make an mp3 into a ringtone from ringdroid for it to work. Is this an issue with file locations and the memory cards? or is the alarm clock guilty of this one fatal flaw?
Well, what do you guys think? Some of you have brought up valid issues, such as the way the phone handles the internal storage and external storage and how much it complicates pathnames and default settings. then there's also the way wi fi calling can drop in the middle of a call for no reason.
Last but not least, I hate how this is the first phone where it's hard to get excited about any new phones. It's so above and beyond everything else on the market that what can really get my heart racing? The phone still isn't even on Gingerbread, the Tegra zone is barely getting started, and the modding community is just heating up. Honestly, what's out there? I think for once, anyone who upgraded or added a line for this phone definitely gets their 2 years worth out of it.
Don't get me wrong, this is one amazing phone. I love it to death..but there's some things that are just wrong and I hope the firmware updates addresses.
download an alarm, phone log app, and juicedefender from the market. launcher buttons can be changed also. problem solved.
regP said:
download an alarm, phone log app, and juicedefender from the market. launcher buttons can be changed also. problem solved.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock launcher buttons can be changed? I wasn't aware of that, if you know how please let me know!
I realize lots of these issues can be fixed by apps, but I have to admit, it impresses me when a phone straight out the box is usable. The G2X is quite possibly almost that kind of phone, it's a beautiful stock like user interface and some of LG's takes on things are impressive
If you get handcent, you can use it's sound picker to use any file for an alarm.
From your other complaints, it sounds like you've not used a vanilla android before. Most of those things are either features or things to get used to. The functions you want can be found on the market.
againareku said:
Stock launcher buttons can be changed? I wasn't aware of that, if you know how please let me know!
I realize lots of these issues can be fixed by apps, but I have to admit, it impresses me when a phone straight out the box is usable. The G2X is quite possibly almost that kind of phone, it's a beautiful stock like user interface and some of LG's takes on things are impressive
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just download adw or launcher pro. They are way better than the stock launcher and can be customized just they way you want them. All of your problems can be easily solved by looking for apps on the market. Also eventhough we don't have official gingerbread, we already have a pretty stable cm7 build (at least it has been for me).
The only thing I would say I'm missing is Netflix support. But even that can be fixed by mods
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
And battstatt if you dont mod and have a battery meter.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
mr.orange303 said:
And battstatt if you dont mod and have a battery meter.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say that there is no reason at all that there is no default built in solution for battery management and or task management. LG or T-Mobile should have a solution for everyone, why give off such a critical feature to a slew of 3rd party apps.
All Thinkpads have a battery manager that manages how the laptop is charged, varies the charging and when it kicks in (ie start charging ONLY if under 85%) And has a battery reset that charges, drains, and charges, and resets the meter, all while plugged in.
No excuse for the phone builders to not manage that hardware...which the battery is a huge chunk of.
tombaker1 said:
I have to say that there is no reason at all that there is no default built in solution for battery management and or task management. LG or T-Mobile should have a solution for everyone, why give off such a critical feature to a slew of 3rd party apps.
All Thinkpads have a battery manager that manages how the laptop is charged, varies the charging and when it kicks in (ie start charging ONLY if under 85%) And has a battery reset that charges, drains, and charges, and resets the meter, all while plugged in.
No excuse for the phone builders to not manage that hardware...which the battery is a huge chunk of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's wasted effort on their part. For every ONE person who would use that resource, 20 more would go to the app market and download an app that does exactly what they want. That's the beauty of Android, iOS, and other app based OSes.
Just get an iPhone, stop crying!!
G2X
fcisco13 said:
Just get an iPhone, stop crying!!
G2X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would stop crying..
but my POS motorolas have these features and they're $379 and $249 phones
There's no excuse a high end premium handset shouldn't have these features. It has bloatware, but not a battery manager or alarm or proper call log? Not to mention subpar music and gallery apps.
Now, why, Motorola, with such horrible R&D and short coding staff can do it, but LG witha $600 MSRP can't?
The camera app on the G2X is proof LG can do things right and absolutely better than anyone. The rest of the basic functions should be at the same level.
againareku said:
I would stop crying..
but my POS motorolas have these features and they're $379 and $249 phones
There's no excuse a high end premium handset shouldn't have these features. It has bloatware, but not a battery manager or alarm or proper call log? Not to mention subpar music and gallery apps.
Now, why, Motorola, with such horrible R&D and short coding staff can do it, but LG witha $600 MSRP can't?
The camera app on the G2X is proof LG can do things right and absolutely better than anyone. The rest of the basic functions should be at the same level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess the beauty of android is that you can add/remove/freeze/ anything you want, yes its a pain sometimes, but hey at least its not iPhone...
N1
againareku said:
So, I have had my G2X for more than 2 weeks. And to be honest, I've never been happier with an Android phone. And I'm sure lots of you hate me for this, but I have no reboots and minimal screen bleed.
I do have problems with the phone.
Call list is ridiculously crippled. My ages old Nokia 6263 flip phone has a call log that splits up MISSSED, RECEIVED, OUTGOING, and ALL, it also calculates times and dates for EACH call, plus logs total times called
The G2X's call log is a list with phone numbers, horribly inaccurate times [such as "1 hour ago" when it was actually more than 1 hour 45 minutes ago\ and NO SPLITTING UP, the only way to tell what is missed or outgoing is by the icons next to the call, but no way to filter through [for someone in business, this is a must when I'm calling many different numbers through the day]
Then there's the little things I miss from my Defy
Battery Manager, considering how quickly the G2X can run through batteries, why no battery manager? The Defy had custom battery profiles and three very well thought out preset profiles, all usable at one point. Performance mode made everything go full blast, data, screen brightness, etc. Battery Saver made screen brightness 0, turned off autosync, and got you on 2g. Smart Mode was like performance mode, but went into saver mode if you weren't using the phone.
The buttons next to the app drawer: It make no sense to me for the buttons next to the app drawer button to be call and browser. On my old Defy, the buttons were CALL and CONTACTS, and they were nice big buttons that stood out. Having browser next to app drawer button makes no sense when you can access browser from either app drawer itself or a small widget on my screen.
The alarm application, RIDICULOUS! It can't use my music as an alarm, only the default alarms. Why in the world? I have to make an mp3 into a ringtone from ringdroid for it to work. Is this an issue with file locations and the memory cards? or is the alarm clock guilty of this one fatal flaw?
Well, what do you guys think? Some of you have brought up valid issues, such as the way the phone handles the internal storage and external storage and how much it complicates pathnames and default settings. then there's also the way wi fi calling can drop in the middle of a call for no reason.
Last but not least, I hate how this is the first phone where it's hard to get excited about any new phones. It's so above and beyond everything else on the market that what can really get my heart racing? The phone still isn't even on Gingerbread, the Tegra zone is barely getting started, and the modding community is just heating up. Honestly, what's out there? I think for once, anyone who upgraded or added a line for this phone definitely gets their 2 years worth out of it.
Don't get me wrong, this is one amazing phone. I love it to death..but there's some things that are just wrong and I hope the firmware updates addresses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to say, but this is a really stupid rant. Everything can be changed with a custom rom, or something from the market. Learn something before ranting about nothing. Also you're basically complaining about stock android...this is so stupid.
I use "AContact" for my contact list, call log and dialer. It is miles ahead of the stock Android contact list/call log. Best of yet, it's free to. A lot of things aren't included with Android because they know there are tons of 3rd party apps that people will download according to what kind of features there looking for. For a alarm, use "Alarm Clock Plus". It looks exactly like the stock alarm only it has a lot more features such as adding a song or a playlist of songs to wake you up.
Serious_Beans said:
Sorry to say, but this is a really stupid rant. Everything can be changed with a custom rom, or something from the market. Learn something before ranting about nothing. Also you're basically complaining about stock android...this is so stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, where does that leave the average user? See, Android's nice, and I'm sure everyone would love for Android to become the number one OS, but if users who don't root and flash are stuck then why should they consider Android over iOS or WP7?
I have no problem rooting or flashing, I do it to a throw away phone like my old CLIQ XT running cm7
but I'd prefer to keep my 1 year warranty and extended warranty service valid for a $600 device.
You really should get an android phone from motorola or htc with their blur/sense services. You obviously don't want to do the research or work yourself to find apps. The htc sensation comes out soon. Return your g2x so we don't have to hear another pointless rant please, thank you. And how on earth did you figure out xda if you can't figure out this phone...
Can I haz iPhone?
I want the one with wifi's and 3g's
Can I Also get the one wiff. Da bigger GEEBEE'S¿
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
againareku said:
So, where does that leave the average user? See, Android's nice, and I'm sure everyone would love for Android to become the number one OS, but if users who don't root and flash are stuck then why should they consider Android over iOS or WP7?
I have no problem rooting or flashing, I do it to a throw away phone like my old CLIQ XT running cm7
but I'd prefer to keep my 1 year warranty and extended warranty service valid for a $600 device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry, actually no I'm not, but Android was not made for the average user. You want that experience then go get an iPhone. That's not bashing the iPhone but it has its niche. It's the Everyman device. You don't want or have the time to customize? Android isn't for you. This was a senseless rant and a part of me just has to wonder if you're a troll, especially if you're on a site as technically as XDA and are complaining about customization.
The wonders of Android are that if you don't like something, you can change it. That's why I've owned Android since its inception and I'll own it until it fades out of existence.
Last bit, rooting has nothing to do with changing the features you're wanting. There are easily found applications that remedy every problem you mentioned.
I don't usually rip into other users but this post just irked me.
againareku said:
So, where does that leave the average user? See, Android's nice, and I'm sure everyone would love for Android to become the number one OS, but if users who don't root and flash are stuck then why should they consider Android over iOS or WP7?
I have no problem rooting or flashing, I do it to a throw away phone like my old CLIQ XT running cm7
but I'd prefer to keep my 1 year warranty and extended warranty service valid for a $600 device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Average user here ... I haven't rooted my phone, but certainly don't feel "stuck." I considered Android over IOS or WP7 because it offered me far more choices. For one, the contact list that bothers you so much is sufficient for me. What you consider obvious misses are clean, streamlined choices to me. I chose Android because I knew if there was something I didn't like (such as a contact list, alarm clock, etc.) there were hundreds of other options just a quick download away. I find it fun to try out different apps to find the one that absolutely fits my needs, and I always do.
The best thing you can do to help change your attitude is to personalize your phone, with just a little research, and maybe start with a new Launcher. I use LauncherPro and love how I can put any icon anywhere I want on its dock bar, in any order, and then also be able to use a swipe up gesture to get even more. So, on my phone icon, I use a swipe gesture to view my contacts so I have two useful features in one spot. Saves space and time.
I think once you adjust to having the ability to make choices for what you want where on your phone, you will truly see the beauty of Android.
againareku said:
So, where does that leave the average user? See, Android's nice, and I'm sure everyone would love for Android to become the number one OS, but if users who don't root and flash are stuck then why should they consider Android over iOS or WP7?
I have no problem rooting or flashing, I do it to a throw away phone like my old CLIQ XT running cm7
but I'd prefer to keep my 1 year warranty and extended warranty service valid for a $600 device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You Mr. Average User do not have to root or flash to change anything you want changed. You chose a vanilla Android device...the flavor comes from adding your own toppings. If you want something pre-customized to someone else's tastes you should get an HTC device (Sense) , or gasp...a Motorola (Blur). Or maybe even a WP7 or retch...an IPhone. Point is you have choices. You wouldn't make yourself a big bowl of vanilla ice cream at the desert bar and the complain that you have to add your own toppings...that would just be...stupid. Just sayin'.
I agree the dialer is basic. It doesn't dial by name... just like the stock alarm doesn't play MP3s. But they are stock and can all be switched out.
I like the stock alarm. Simple and reliable. For dialer I liked Dialer One. But I conditioned myself to use stock dialer. Why? Well because we have awesome Voice Search.
Hold the search button for a second and say "Dial Dominoes 45325" and bam! Ordering pizza with no Google search or lookups. Same with contacts. "Call Dad mobile". Done. "Dialer One" is a good replacement though.
Launcher Pro is a good launcher replacement with lots of slick effects and options. Also ADW EX.
This is stock android where they keep things simple. Almost like they want you to explore your options. Welcome to personal user experience. You aren't locked down to any one app.
LG G2x - CM7 2.3.4
So I have a Skytex Primer Pocket, little 4.3" thing running Android 2.2. No market, no official Google apps, and, above all, no mention of it anywhere except for brief reviews. So I'm looking into rooting it, or just getting the Market onto it (and maybe the Gmail app). It comes with GetJar, which, as I've just learned, is a ****ty alternative app store full of spam and ads. I'm also learning that if you wanna have a half way decent experience you NEED the Market, which this doesn't have. I've had very little experience with Android (never owned an Android device before this), so please bear with me if I say or said something stupid. What would yall smart people suggest?
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
oops! sorry
I just got a pocket primer for my three year old to play with (navigates my EVO 4G better than my wife). In it's stock form he can play videos and basic angry birds but even he will get frustrated if I can't get the same apps on that thing as the rest of his family has,......and he beats me.
haha wow i'd given up on this thread. I've actually pretty much given up on my device entirely and use it almost exclusively as an mp3 player. The browser doesn't open anymore (it displays a message stating that it crashed whenever I open it), the wifi doesn't turn on and it's just a ****ing piece of ****.
thefinn93 said:
haha wow i'd given up on this thread. I've actually pretty much given up on my device entirely and use it almost exclusively as an mp3 player. The browser doesn't open anymore (it displays a message stating that it crashed whenever I open it), the wifi doesn't turn on and it's just a ****ing piece of ****.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problems you are having can most likely be resolved by hitting the reset button, as I have had to do once or twice. Also, if you wanted it to have all the things you mentioned, why did you buy this device? The ad states pretty clearly that the apps market that this device uses is Getjar. And, once again, you get what you pay for. BTW, there are many apps on the Amazon Apps Market that work just fine.
You can also download 1 Mobile Market as a good alternative, much better than Getjar...
warneso said:
The problems you are having can most likely be resolved by hitting the reset button, as I have had to do once or twice. Also, if you wanted it to have all the things you mentioned, why did you buy this device? The ad states pretty clearly that the apps market that this device uses is Getjar. And, once again, you get what you pay for. BTW, there are many apps on the Amazon Apps Market that work just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I had mine given to me and wasn't really sure what to expect, but wasn't terribly impressed. It makes an OK media player. And yes, I ended up resetting it and getting the browser back.
As for 1 Mobile Market, good to know, will try it. Thanks. For everyone who has it: is it "pre rooted"? like, when you connect with ADB do you get a root shell, or do i have a weird one?
hmmm I wonder if SlideMe market would work as well, I think all skytex devices come with root already its one of there monkiers, I just wish the dev community would pick a couple up and throw ROM's at em cheap devices that work well as gifts but have crappy stock roms
right now my daughter is using one as mp3 player and using amazon market on it but she calls me everyday and I have to tell her reset, Im just going to start answering the phone, "reset it"
I have tried myself with the Gapps and i managed to install them by installing the market vending. Youtube doesnt work, and by that I mean that the video doesnt play. Which I cant understand because mobile youtube can play just fine. Plus from what I can remember it disables its own lockscreen and the home button ceases to work and a factory reset is the only answer. Defiantly a unique situation and ridiculous as well. How does all that happen from just installing the market? A clusterf**k of BS is all I can say about it. These low grade tablets are mostly hopeless to get properly suited with G apps so Im at a loss for anything else to do.
Just poking through the news portal before work (I work at an electronics retailer that sells wireless) I came across a LOT of hate for the OEMs and their update schedule, even those who are very good at it (Sony, Samsung) and yet again realized the blinders of long-term XDA residency. A lot of people here complain about their updates, and with good reason sometimes (I'm looking at you, LG Thrill) but having worked with a LOT of people who are nowhere near the level of Android proficiency of the average reader of XDA, keep in mind a few things:
1. You as a high-level user make up a very low percentage of sales of mobile devices. 90% of those who buy (non-Nexus at least) smartphones, just want to make calls, text, and play games. For all intents and purposes, your opinion doesn't matter to the OEMs, because you make up a significant minority.
2. The average consumer can't deal with imperfect software. Most of us are content, or even more comfortable with, "beta status" software. We don't mind the occasional crash, having to flash a new nightly when the last one eats our bluetooth driver, etc. Unfortunately, for the average wireless user, this just gets in the way of phone calls, texts, or games.
3. Perfect software takes time. A LOT of time. Think about your favorite ROM. I'm going to take mine, AOKP. AOKP for JB-MR1 was made available in nightly form less than a month after the release of 4.2. A version considered "stable" took 6 months to release, and was available fully bug free for Nexus devices only (in my experience) and I still wouldn't have put my mother on it (actually I tried and she hated it, so we flashed her phone back to stock. She eventually traded out for an iPhone, and has loved it) Speaking of, even the iPhone takes time, and they're developing iOS 7 for 7 devices. My Nexus running AOKP nightlies has less issues than my iPhone 5 running iOS 7 Seed 4. Now take that and apply it to a company with 10-15 updatable devices, and you see where the problem lies.
I guess my point here is, the OEMs aren't developing for you. You don't care anyway, you probably didn't even run the stock software on your phone, you unboxed it, booted into fastboot, and unlocked your bootloader/flashed recovery/ROM/rooted/whatever before you even had a chance to. Just something I had to mention. I'm more than open to comments/criticism/general "stfu and go back to your iPhone fanboy"
Absolutely true; Most users don't even bother to update to begin with. They don't care that there is a new version out if the previous one does what they want it to do.
Hell, the average used doesn't even know what the android versions are called or which one their phone is running.
Indeed. Every time friends of mine get new smartphones (most of the time totally ignoring my advice and following the crowd) and I ask which android version their running they always say android 4 (or Android 2 back in the day) which obviously doesn't tell me squad. They really don't care, all they want is to fit in, so their either buying a S4 or i5.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
True
I was discussing the same subject with a friend couple of weeks back. One thing he suggested that was, if updates are more, then average people would consider that your software is not up to mark and that is the reason why OEM is updating it often. And before pusing out an update, the OEMs have to test the update thouroughly. Apple can do it becuase they don't have 30-40 models in the market at any given point of time.
Having said that, the way Apple updates and takes more than 90% of userbase to latest version is an achievement in itself. That's because most iPhone users don't understand what is an update. They just press update button when the notification comes.
daemol said:
I was discussing the same subject with a friend couple of weeks back. One thing he suggested that was, if updates are more, then average people would consider that your software is not up to mark and that is the reason why OEM is updating it often. And before pusing out an update, the OEMs have to test the update thouroughly. Apple can do it becuase they don't have 30-40 models in the market at any given point of time.
Having said that, the way Apple updates and takes more than 90% of userbase to latest version is an achievement in itself. That's because most iPhone users don't understand what is an update. They just press update button when the notification comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And because when Apple pushes an update, without fail it contains major improvements for the end user, no matter their level of skill. No one cares about 4.2/4.3 because the only real update between the two of them is the lockscreen, which takes a LOT of getting used to. I could take or leave 4.2 and 4.3, if I were on 4.1 I'd be content day-to-day. As is, I'm still on AOKP 4.2 and have no intention of ROM hopping to get the update sooner.
daemol said:
I was discussing the same subject with a friend couple of weeks back. One thing he suggested that was, if updates are more, then average people would consider that your software is not up to mark and that is the reason why OEM is updating it often. And before pusing out an update, the OEMs have to test the update thouroughly. Apple can do it becuase they don't have 30-40 models in the market at any given point of time.
Having said that, the way Apple updates and takes more than 90% of userbase to latest version is an achievement in itself. That's because most iPhone users don't understand what is an update. They just press update button when the notification comes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't help that Apple forces the update on you. My iPad stopped working and I had to reset it, but in order to reset it I was forced to upgrade to iOS 6. There was literally no way for me to stay on iOS 5 even though I wanted to. Damn you Apple.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
gc84245 said:
It doesn't help that Apple forces the update on you. My iPad stopped working and I had to reset it, but in order to reset it I was forced to upgrade to iOS 6. There was literally no way for me to stay on iOS 5 even though I wanted to. Damn you Apple.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you saved your shsh blobs on earlier devices. Too bad that's been closed
nerdfacenyan said:
unless you saved your shsh blobs on earlier devices. Too bad that's been closed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop apple trolling before i report you.
nerdfacenyan said:
And because when Apple pushes an update, without fail it contains major improvements for the end user, no matter their level of skill. No one cares about 4.2/4.3 because the only real update between the two of them is the lockscreen, which takes a LOT of getting used to. I could take or leave 4.2 and 4.3, if I were on 4.1 I'd be content day-to-day. As is, I'm still on AOKP 4.2 and have no intention of ROM hopping to get the update sooner.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
GamerEvolving said:
Stop apple trolling before i report you.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I can tell you're new here, so I'll spare you the lecture for the most part, but telling things like it is != apple trolling. Get a job in wireless sales and you'll start to see the benefit of both sides, especially when no matter whether the manufacturer, their commission is food in your pantry.
I always had suspected that Samsung would infringe on my new phone, finally received evidence directly from Samsung so its undeniable now!
it's a setting you control. by design as specified by latest Android
revized said:
I always had suspected that Samsung would infringe on my new phone, finally received evidence directly from Samsung so its undeniable now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should probably spend some time learning about Android 11 and up and the permissions. If you look, you will see this is an option YOU can control.
Don't blame Samsung for your lack of knowledge.
Start here:
Android 12 will automatically hibernate unused apps to free up space
Android 12 is introducing an app hibernation feature that removes temporary files of unused apps in order to free up space.
www.xda-developers.com
Since Pie and especially 11 onward Android is full of unpleasant surprises.
I would have it left on 10... I'm deliberately still running Pie on my 10+
i like getting home from work or using weekends spending the evening ticking boxes windows 10 style has always been a favorite of mine, phew windows xp was so boring, nothing to always fix, and thanks android 11 now I get to have all kinds of fun reading through litigation style setting the power that be keep implementing on MY device, kinda like buying a car and regularly functions change, causing annoying problems, (oh wait maybe updates never cause problems? )
so should we start updating automobiles for all that fun downtime and relaxing manual reading goodness?
nah window xp and note 10 is the way for me see
revized said:
I always had suspected that Samsung would infringe on my new phone, finally received evidence directly from Samsung so its undeniable now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup.... I wont go on a rant (which means I will...) but this, along with other compromises like this have convinced me there needs to be a minor Revolution in handsets. I mean a device created remind you of the device next to it. Unfortunately I smashed my phone a few months ago and at an inopportune time was forced to choose a new one. I left the whole table open (barring how ridiculous). I chose a pixel 4XL. There were many factors ( mostly personal preferences), but in the end I saw the writing on the wall. Nothing impressed me. A brand new phone would be painful proper rooting. This left only the devices worked over by better individuals (xda members).
And when it came down to it if the bootloader couldn't be unlocked, it was a deal-breaker.
I think the last genuine phone for the average nerd was the Nexus 6.
.... Okay I vented .
I had the same issue in Android 12 with my new handset except only Google didn't tell me like Samsung told you. They just did it.
jhavron said:
yup.... I wont go on a rant (which means I will...) but this, along with other compromises like this have convinced me there needs to be a minor Revolution in handsets. I mean a device created remind you of the device next to it. Unfortunately I smashed my phone a few months ago and at an inopportune time was forced to choose a new one. I left the whole table open (barring how ridiculous). I chose a pixel 4XL. There were many factors ( mostly personal preferences), but in the end I saw the writing on the wall. Nothing impressed me. A brand new phone would be painful proper rooting. This left only the devices worked over by better individuals (xda members).
And when it came down to it if the bootloader couldn't be unlocked, it was a deal-breaker.
I think the last genuine phone for the average nerd was the Nexus 6.
.... Okay I vented .
I had the same issue in Android 12 are my new handset only Google tell me like Samsung told you. They just did it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android and Samsung are a mess now. I got my 2nd new N10+ less a year ago. Both are stock running on 9 and 10. Even though I disable firmware updates/upgrades I still fight with Samsung apps like Wearables for the Buds+.
It's updates and performance zenithed about a year ago, everything since just degrades it, including the audio. I roll it back but it wants to force update. Fighting with it now, again*.
Samsung hasn't released anything near as good since the N10+, they've lost their minds. Fk em.
Android reached their zenith at 9, scoped storage sucks and isn't needed. This N10+ running on 9 has no issues other than what Samsung continues to screw with
I use whatever works and comes in handy even if it's 3 years old. That goes for hardware and firmware... I don't give a rat's arse about having the newest if it isn't a well balanced, clean running improvement.
* edit, fixed. Uninstalled all Buds and Wearables updates, reinstalled older saved versions, after firewall blocking specific update UIDs. Old UI and the sound volume/Q restored.
Agreed, both companies have lost their minds, I will probably be sane someday with a flip phone and leave all the powers that be behind soon.
Compusmurf said:
You should probably spend some time learning about Android 11 and up and the permissions. If you look, you will see this is an option YOU can control.
Don't blame Samsung for your lack of knowledge.
Start here:
Android 12 will automatically hibernate unused apps to free up space
Android 12 is introducing an app hibernation feature that removes temporary files of unused apps in order to free up space.
www.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely understand what your saying, I just think phone owners can spend free time if they chose to just use the phone and be cool, not need to get a huge secrets and tips book like for windows 7 and now 1 of those books for each new phones because of all the absurd changes that went along with scraping the world best os xp and note 3 in my option. Companies lost it to long ago, can't do a make over on a UI without all kinda of restrictions oh I meant goodness. So long gone are the super chill days, it's time to become a mini tech support technician when you get home from work
This is nothing malicious, it's simply an Android feature to protect you.
V0latyle said:
This is nothing malicious, it's simply an Android feature to protect you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, recent history is showing that for some things being unprotected is safer
blackhawk said:
Android and Samsung are a mess now. I got my 2nd new N10+ less a year ago. Both are stock running on 9 and 10. Even though I disable firmware updates/upgrades I still fight with Samsung apps like Wearables for the Buds+.
It's updates and performance zenithed about a year ago, everything since just degrades it, including the audio. I roll it back but it wants to force update. Fighting with it now, again*.
Samsung hasn't released anything near as good since the N10+, they've lost their minds. Fk em.
Android reached their zenith at 9, scoped storage sucks and isn't needed. This N10+ running on 9 has no issues other than what Samsung continues to screw with
I use whatever works and comes in handy even if it's 3 years old. That goes for hardware and firmware... I don't give a rat's arse about having the newest if it isn't a well balanced, clean running improvement.
* edit, fixed. Uninstalled all Buds and Wearables updates, reinstalled older saved versions, after firewall blocking specific update UIDs. Old UI and the sound volume/Q restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the few features of Samsung that I like is that of you keep your Samsung account and Google account sperated (not sure if this is actually necessary) and your phone is compromised you may have a 2nd chance at redemption... Samsung seems to give more hardware for the $ tho.....
But that makes you that much more of their product in my opinion....
I do miss my note pen sometimes tho
jhavron said:
One of the few features of Samsung that I like is that of you keep your Samsung account and Google account sperated (not sure if this is actually necessary) and your phone is compromised you may have a 2nd chance at redemption... Samsung seems to give more hardware for the $ tho.....
But that makes you that much more of their product in my opinion....
I do miss my note pen sometimes tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never set a lock on the phone and make sure I have the Google account password impossibly long, complex and etched in stone.
Find my Device is always disabled.
No social media apps on the phone, wifi always disabled.
Lol, being a Google product sucks. Zero trust in the ruling elites; they've weaponized our devices along with most everything else.
The spen is very useful when you need it. In the N10+ it just nests, protected, until it's needed. Some things can't be done easily or at all without it. Smart select rocks.