Currently our current doctrine is to be app obsessed, and to admit it, i am too BUT the more apps = less space, higher battery consumption, more FC, more browsing time, slower app market startup times, higher cpu strain and my personal favourite opening the process manager and clicking "kill all"
I suggest something different, Not new, many of you may already know this but still take some time to try it. web apps.
I found that by removing apps and using their mobile web app via the browser to be far more effective and efficient, as the browser is powerful, stable and is an amazingly easy program on that gorgeous 4inch screen. and i suplement the ease of access by putting these web apps on my desktop via the bookmark shortcut
Some examples
Google reader, (via igoogle)
Google mail g-cal and g-maps via igoogle (almost pointless as you cant really remove the pre installed apps , maybe with root)
ebuddy via their website, (only problem is background multi tasking)
i removed the xda app (gasp) in favour for just a shortcut link
google weather
i removed wiki droid and just used the website
i have noticed an increase in performance and my battery too but ill hold that verdict for about another week, but it helps as you actively close a browser window wen ur finished with it without leaving it running in the B/G
post some ideas and alternates you have found.
Its a fine balance...
exekias said:
Currently our current doctrine is to be app obsessed, and to admit it, i am too BUT the more apps = less space, higher battery consumption, more FC, more browsing time, slower app market startup times, higher cpu strain and my personal favourite opening the process manager and clicking "kill all"
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Click to collapse
Well.. I would agree with you about the app obsessed part, when users tend to download all sorts of applications sometime multiple apps for the same purpose. I believe in the "Zen" philosophy (a la Zenwalk Linux), which basically means that you use a single *good* application for a single purpose, sometime select the more featured one which lets say lets you perform multiple features instead of just one... ASTRO file manager is a good example.
For the web part, I have mixed feelings... for example I tried several apps for reading my feeds on google reader, but ultimately realized that the best one was to use the web browser.
However, technically speaking an application (a well written one) should be more efficient than its web counterpart. Take for example Google Maps. Running things in a web browser is essentially adding another layer between you and your app isnt it? Plus, I really doubt that the web interface is expressive enough to allow for all kinds of application areas... background apps is one example.
So... I'm on the side of applications, although one has to take care to properly select them and avoid filling up your phone with crap. So far haven't had to use any task killers etc as I think Android manages that for you.
/j4mm3r
j4mm3r said:
However, technically speaking an application (a well written one) should be more efficient than its web counterpart.
/j4mm3r
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Good argument, brilliantly written, and i do agree with you But look above you mentioned "well written apps" wel thats the big disadvantage of android, mass incompatibility, the amount if half assed apps ive installed is phenominal, even more surprising is that badly written apps are so common, its not unique to find the abbrevieation "FC" in the comments section of many apps due to the amount of time force closing occurs.
what im stressing is that the browser is strong, its stable, its sexc, complete that sometimes people shouldnt waste time or money on apps but to use a simple bookmark, THAT said there are plenty of apps that are brilliant and stable or dont have a browser alternative (games for instance)
YES astro is amazing, BUT and i hate to crAPPLE quote but there was a hack for the iphone where you could use the browser as a file manager / fttp/ssh/ bluetooth client etc so that would be cool to see on android.
When I go to a page like msn.com It loads the mobil page. Is there a way to set it to load the regular page?
enter "about:debug" in the address bar,then go to setting>debug>ua string. Mine periodically resets and I have to do it again, but it works.
I have been using Dolphin browser....it works pretty good since I can set the user agent to desktop without worrying to set it again every time.
Ive been using Skyfire for at least 4 years and i think its the best mobile browser. Its extremely fast, loads full webpages, it is updated quite often and its free. I highly recommend it.
Keep in mind that this is for 3G Xooms only, but this is what I used: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1015857
I suggest everyone add to this thread so we can compile a list.
Then just bookmark the pages.
Dolphin Mini is the best browser hands down on the Xoom.You can set desktop browsing just like in Dolphin Hd..try it out
Just wrote about my time with the LTE One X today at AT&T. Posted it in another forum but wanted to share the link. Also included photos I snapped at the store.
I just spent 20 minutes with the One X at my local AT&T store. My second round. Some observations.
The screen just blows away the iPhone 4/4S. It's honestly absurd how sharp it is. Whites are significantly white and everything just looks incredible. (Pictures, video, text, backgrounds, etc.)
Wi-fi was enabled however the sales rep told me they were having an issue with the cellular connection (I didn't ask what exactly). The rep was nice enough to download Chrome Beta for me to mess with.
Chrome Beta over wi-fi was faster than Safari on my iP4. I was able to handle the unit somewhat easily with one hand. I have smallish hands but was able to reach the address bar with my thumb in portrait without too much discomfort. I think the light weight of the device and curved backing help a great deal with respect to using it with one hand.
There were seven levels with respect to increasing and decreasing the volume. I believe the iPhone has 16 levels.
The unit I was handed appeared to have full power. Because ICS does not have a battery percentage indicator by default, I was unable to notice how much battery I lost in my 20 minutes on wi-fi. When I returned the device it did not appear as if the battery icon changed much, or at all.
I do have one serious gripe, and it has to do with Chrome. In order to access your bookmarks, you need to tap 'Menu' and then 'Bookmarks'. On Safari I simply tap the dedicated bookmarks icon. So it's an additional step, and while it may not seem like a big deal, it most certainly is. At least for me it is. That extra tap is a pain in the arse. I spend a lot of time browsing on Safari with my iPhone and I can't get used to that additional step. I can't believe Chrome doesn't have a dedicated bookmark icon like Safari.
The stock browser also has no bookmarks icon. You need to tap 'Menu' then 'Bookmarks' just like Chrome. Puzzling.
Also the Chrome browser does not have a '.com' button on the keyboard. The stock browser on the One X (and Safari of course) do.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know of any Android browser that does have a bookmark icon? Dolphin perhaps? Opera? Perhaps Chrome will adopt this feature down the road.
Anyways, that serious gripe aside, I didn't walk away making a decision. I was banking on using Chrome if I jump ship, but this bookmarks issue really bothers me. I think I'm still going to wait till after WWDC to make a decision.
Lol. That sounds like a small insignificant problem to base your decision upon, don't you think?
Chrome's cloud syncing of the bookmarks with your desktop Chrome browser is better than anything else out there.
Accessing my desktop open tabs through the mobile chrome beta tops anything any other browser has ever done. Period.
We have a think called 'widgets'... there's a bookmark one that allows you to go straight to your bookmarked pages (without the browser even open in the first place)...
so that's a step less than the iphone technically. lol
VJKotts said:
Lol. That sounds like a small insignificant problem to base your decision upon, don't you think?
Chrome's cloud syncing of the bookmarks with your desktop Chrome browser is better than anything else out there.
Accessing my desktop open tabs through the mobile chrome beta tops anything any other browser has ever done. Period.
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Not at all. It's an unnecessary extra step.
I'm not saying that alone would stop me from getting the One X. But I could not transition to Chrome or any Android browser that requires that extra step.
JSLEnterprises said:
We have a think called 'widgets'... there's a bookmark one that allows you to go straight to your bookmarked pages (without the browser even open in the first place)...
so that's a step less than the iphone technically. lol
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How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?
You can try Dolphin browser's latest version (it may still be in beta), which you swipe in from the left side and you can access the bookmark directly. No clicks!
blairh said:
How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?
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Yes, the bookmarks widget asks you on your first use what browser you want to use, if you have more than one installed.
blairh said:
How exactly would that work though? And could I use it with Chrome and not the stock browser?
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isn't the stock browser chrome? anyways, you have the option when you download a new browser, or you can default your favorite one and it will automatically open when you go to any webpage.
as far as how widgets work, you have many options. from a simple text or tile that takes you two that page, to fully updated previews that simply go full screen. folders, menus, scrollables, man, it's limitless...that's android.
Well it appears there is a solution to my gripe. (Widget or another browser.) Even with that said I still think Chrome should have a dedicated icon for your bookmarks like Safari does. Makes more sense then having to tap 'Menu'.
Well if you use chrome on your pc and have a home page set up to where you have pinned tabs "basically bookmarks", then you can log into the chrome browser and it will basically have a home page identical to the pc.
Edit: Dont quote me on that I cant quite remember if you have to do any extra steps because I uninstalled chrome because Im waiting on the HOX, simply tired of the captivate.
UMGixxer said:
Well if you use chrome on your pc and have a home page set up to where you have pinned tabs "basically bookmarks", then you can log into the chrome browser and it will basically have a home page identical to the pc.
Edit: Dont quote me on that I cant quite remember if you have to do any extra steps because I uninstalled chrome because Im waiting on the HOX, simply tired of the captivate.
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Click to collapse
Does your Chrome have a little box next to the address bar? Isn't that essentially the same as the tabs? When I click on it and I have multiple pages open, it brings me to a view of all open tabs so I can choose the one I want...seems like tabs to me.
I am a little confused. Was this a review on the One X or on Chrome Beta?
^^^^ LOLOLOL +10000000
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA
Plus chrome is beta who knows it might have bookmark tab later
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
amswak said:
I am a little confused. Was this a review on the One X or on Chrome Beta?
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...it was an expected review by an iOS user.
---------- Post added at 08:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
DJsCrIBbLe said:
Plus chrome is beta who knows it might have bookmark tab later
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...whole point of it having the 'beta' moniker still attatched to it.
The beauty of android is option. I agree with the lack of bookmark taking an extra step, so I use Quick ICS browser, it is based off of ICS default browser, downloaded from market. A simple swipe from either edge of phone brings up an awesome array of quick options. Take a look at the play store.. By far the best option out in my opinion.. You will fall in love with it I am sure. Also note this can be used in the default ICS browser, enabled under options.. Hope this helps.
Thanks for all the replies. This being Android, there are several options. Also Chrome is still in Beta. Maybe they'll bring a bookmarks button down the road. (Or not.)
[email protected] said:
The beauty of android is option. I agree with the lack of bookmark taking an extra step, so I use Quick ICS browser, it is based off of ICS default browser, downloaded from market. A simple swipe from either edge of phone brings up an awesome array of quick options. Take a look at the play store.. By far the best option out in my opinion.. You will fall in love with it I am sure. Also note this can be used in the default ICS browser, enabled under options.. Hope this helps.
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The sheer genious of Apple is their understanding that the majority of the population don't WANT options. I don't have data back this, but I would bet anything that the vast majority of Android owners are also Windows PC or Linux OS users. This is because we are the types who WANT options. I want the freedom to change my CPU or graphics card on a whim, and I want the option to change the code in my phone. Most people don't. This is why there will always be Apple products vs something else.
I didn't completely get this until I bought my parents iPhones. It was the only smartphone my parents could figure out and they fell in love with it immediately. When I asked why, my mom replied "because I dont feel like I can screw it up by changing something." They liked something that they felt was set in stone and didnt have too many options.
This fundamental difference in personality type is also why 90% of iPhone vs Android (or Mac vs PC) arguments are ridiculous - it is often a matter of taste, not a matter of fact.
amswak said:
The sheer genious of Apple is their understanding that the majority of the population don't WANT options.
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You're totally right, there are a lot of people out there that like being put into an environment where no matter what they do it will never be "wrong". They don't want to be scared to use their phone.
I love the choices android gives though. The funny part is that I'm a mac user, I just use my macbook as a hub, so I never tinker around with it (I like the box, lol) but when it comes to phones I love playing around with them.
And I'm sure chrome still has some tweaks left to do, like others have said, it's still in beta.
I'd like the pages to load fast and being able to keep several tabs open at the same time. Preferably 10", but 8" could be OK also.
My Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1
My tablet is very fast when browsing and I usally have 8 to 10 tabs open at the same time, sometimes many more.
I have tried every major/commercial browser on the market and almost every browser created by small developer.
The fastest browser I found with the best privacy is Naked Browser Pro, I also love the constant full screen, I see nothing but the websites all the time, no stupid browser bells and whistles to block the view and I surf safely with javascript turned off by default and enable it for trusted websites with a single simple button push. NB Pro also has the smallest memory footprint I found which is why I can open so many tabs at the same time.
Go with the 10 inch screen it really makes a difference, no matter which brand you choose, it feels and acts more like a laptop/desktop computer than a convienent toy.
The only thing about the Samsungs is the large amount of bloatware that comes pre-installed but it is easy to disable most of it using the built-in control/settings panel, I have not had to root it yet for performance reasons and i'm a power user.
On a side note, the NB Pro browser I told you about is very plain and simple looking, I almost did not try it, use the free version for a couple days first, once you figure it out you will see that it's power and speed are mainly due to it's simplicity and the clever programming you do not see, what do you want a pimped out browser that you pay for in speed/memory/privacy or a lightning fast browser that displays the entire webpage without the clutter?
p.s. This is not a paid endorsement I do not even know the developer of Naked Browser, I just hate poser developers that spy on you and lie about it. Whatever you do, do not use the Dolphin browser, it spies on you while sending every single link you visit to a series of servers in the background and you cannot disable that, it's 'free' for a reason, they sell you out to marketers and god knows who else. Firefox is a memory hog, Opera is too slow for me and Chrome is OK but privacy is a question.
Suggest me whats the best no ads android apps or mobile browser
I made this one myself, make sure you check it out, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2742143
Dolphin browser...the best to go.
Nothing beats chrome beta
Opera. Just as fast as chrome but it doesn't have to reload every previous page when going back. Can also compass for you when needing to save data. Also the speed dial is really convenient. Also has different ui depending on if you like one handed vs tablet etc.
I've tried them all and opera is hands down the best. Has the right amount of features and yet still simple.