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About to buy one and I just wanna know
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
Pure vanilla Android.
There's a bunch of stuff preinstalled on it, but it's all Google stuff; I don't think there's any third-party apps.
It's not plain android, there's a bunch of Google bloatware.
JCopernicus said:
It's not plain android, there's a bunch of Google bloatware.
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I'm curious as to what you consider Google bloatware, because the Nexus S is about as plain as you can get. Most of the time bloatware is stuff added by OEMs, such as the preinstalled demo games on the MT4G. Mind elaborating?
I can't speak for JC, but in my mind, anything that comes preinstalled on a device which I neither want nor need is bloatware. This, of course, makes the entire concept subjective, but in general with things like Android, I think less is more, since you can download nearly all of these things from the Market anyway. The consumer-side justification of "bloatware" (revenue for the provider, of course, being the primary, producer-side justification) is to present the user with access to a service they might otherwise not know to look for. ("Oh, hey, my phone can play TV/can display YouTube/has internet radio/whatever!"). For most of us though, particularly anyone savvy enough to be on XDA in the first place, most of it ends up falling into one of three categories:
-Don't care about
-Use a different app for
-Would have downloaded if it wasn't included.
In any case, I've observed that what most people have the biggest issue with isn't that stuff may come preinstalled on their phone, it's that you can't get rid of it, and if you do, you may well open yourself to a world of trouble should you ever wish to install an OTA update.
I would consider it plain android, as the "bloatware" on it is really only google apps, which come with all android phones. It doesn't have bloatware from a third party though like some of the other android phones. Either way, bloatware can be removed off any rooted phone with titanium backup
zorak950 said:
I can't speak for JC, but in my mind, anything that comes preinstalled on a device which I neither want nor need is bloatware. This, of course, makes the entire concept subjective, but in general with things like Android, I think less is more, since you can download nearly all of these things from the Market anyway. The consumer-side justification of "bloatware" (revenue for the provider, of course, being the primary, producer-side justification) is to present the user with access to a service they might otherwise not know to look for. ("Oh, hey, my phone can play TV/can display YouTube/has internet radio/whatever!"). For most of us though, particularly anyone savvy enough to be on XDA in the first place, most of it ends up falling into one of three categories:
-Don't care about
-Use a different app for
-Would have downloaded if it wasn't included.
In any case, I've observed that what most people have the biggest issue with isn't that stuff may come preinstalled on their phone, it's that you can't get rid of it, and if you do, you may well open yourself to a world of trouble should you ever wish to install an OTA update.
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Fair enough points.
Unfortunately, we still run into that last issue even on the Nexus S. Folks were unable to update via the stock 2.3.1 OTA if they had modified system files, such replacing the stock Mms.apk or Gmail.apk with the black/custom ones from the Themes & Apps section or deleting any of their relevant .odexs. Even placing the missing files back on the system partition didn't seem to work, at least for me. It was a very curious update.
unremarked said:
Fair enough points.
Unfortunately, we still run into that last issue even on the Nexus S. Folks were unable to update via the stock 2.3.1 OTA if they had modified system files, such replacing the stock Mms.apk or Gmail.apk with the black/custom ones from the Themes & Apps section or deleting any of their relevant .odexs. Even placing the missing files back on the system partition didn't seem to work, at least for me. It was a very curious update.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I soft-bricked my Vibrant trying to grab T-Mobile's OTA after I took it upon myself to delete all the extraneous crapware that came with it. They can be very touchy indeed. It's a steep learning curve for newbies. x_x
Next question,how is t mobiles 4G .I live in knox tn. Anyone know?
Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk
So it doesn't have the useless Amazon mp3 app anymore like the nexus one?
evilsock said:
Next question,how is t mobiles 4G .I live in knox tn. Anyone know?
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No HSPA+ (it's not 4G!) on the Nexus S. Don't ask me why, it boggles my mind too.
NexusDro said:
So it doesn't have the useless Amazon mp3 app anymore like the nexus one?
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No Amazon MP3 app installed. Just made me look at my app drawer to confirm, lol.
NexusDro said:
So it doesn't have the useless Amazon mp3 app anymore like the nexus one?
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Nope, they put google earth in its place.
There is also that office app that is NOT a google product...so yea, there is a bit of bloat, but pretty much it is vanilla.
ZeroSX said:
No HSPA+ (it's not 4G!) on the Nexus S. Don't ask me why, it boggles my mind too.
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True, but it does still support up to 7.2Mbps down which you'll only get in a t-mobile 4g area.
I was just in Orlando and i was getting around 5-6Mbps on my N1 and in a Nexus S i was testing at best buy and it was pretty damn fast. puts my DSL connection at home to shame.
mcosmi said:
There is also that office app that is NOT a google product...so yea, there is a bit of bloat, but pretty much it is vanilla.
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Click to collapse
I don't think Google has an office app for Android. Every device has launched with some kind of partnered 3rd party, either ThinkFree, or Quickoffice. At least, I think those are the two they've used.
If they didn't, you wouldn't be able to read any kind of text document on your phone and that's just kind of a silly thing to not be able to do, imo.
EDIT: And on that note, Google should probably make a office app! lol
Who really cares whats installed or not, EVERYTHING can be uninstalled.
after using ThinkFREE for a while on the Galaxy S, i can say it's really good
way better than the Docs To Go and/or QuickOffice which i'm using on the XT720
but truth is... you don't need any of those with Google Office online, it's so much easier to keep things and work with documents using Google Office Online
I have an android phone n was wondering it I need this protecting to take space n battery of my phone. Does anyone thing It's truly necessary thanks
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Absolutely useless.
CorradoSud said:
Absolutely useless.
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Thank you I though so to since It's runs on Linux right
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Yes it runs linux but taking care on the battery and space is needed for good responsiveness from your mobile on multitasking.
I found the program alright, if not a little battery draining. But turning off the seemingly-hourly backups and just doing them manually every so often helped, and I managed to locate my phone in somebody's pocket at a party
jarocho151 said:
I have an android phone n was wondering it I need this protecting to take space n battery of my phone. Does anyone thing It's truly necessary thanks
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its better to be safe than sorry. there have been viruses that have spread on android phones (ex. droiddream)
the gps location and scream features are worth it.
Any antivirus isn't so worth using as an antivirus YET, but in a few months/years, they will be our saviours. See...right now there aren't many malware around that can harm you if you don't root your phone or download untrustworthy apps. But there will be soon, as for example a serious one called "Droiddream", discovered not so long ago.
(Can't post outside links yet, but just google "Droiddream" and you'll have a read at how bad viruses will get in not so long)
If you're careful with what you download on your phone, you should be fine. If you're constantly trying new apps and downloading various things you might want to at least have a slight peace of mind!
It's hard to be careful with what you download if the Android Market itself spreads malware. So yes, use an antivirus app just in case that trustworthy app from the market turns out not so trustworthy after all.
Link: http://www.prisonplanet.com/you-read-it-here-first-googles-ambient-background-spy-tech.html
This is kinda disconcerting...
To use that on android you'd have to give the apps permission to use mic etcetera in first place but even so its very bad. Surely they could usr such tech to spy on people which would make the tinfoil hat guys sound less paranoid as it seems a big step down the slope to no privacy.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
I think google has gone the wrong direction and has pushed things to far. I have not agreed to the new TOS on any google product and will most likely be switching to a phone that supports linux.
The thing that bothers me the most are the apps I purchased thru google market not functioning. Google changed the rules with now way to opt out, not the writers of the software or I. Doesn't seem right somehow. Kinda like buying a book and having it erased off your Kindle by Amazon after being purchased.
Google can go to hell. I've already deleted my G+, switched to Firefox, and started using Bing.
Sent from my SGH-I777
MikeyMike01 said:
Google can go to hell. I've already deleted my G+, switched to Firefox, and started using Bing.
Sent from my SGH-I777
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As I understand it if this tech was employed then changing those apps wouldn't matter as the mic would be checked for any ad funded application and presumably any website with googles ads on.
Its important to note this tech isn't used just patented. Lots of people patent such things but don't always use it. Apple for example patented a way to force their products to deactivate camera and microphone with an invisible signal so you could be prevented using your iphone etc from recording or filming things they don't want you to...but they haven't used it yet either.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Well, as they say there's no free lunch, you are the product.
http://phandroid.com/2013/05/16/att-blocking-google-hangouts/
How do you guys even bother with such a crappy cell phone provider? Blocking boot-loaders, and blocking google hangout now? What the hell?
I am with Telus in Canada and they allow eveything.
well, they dont really have a choice, we might have unlocked bootloader and our carriers dont block much but they do own our ass a full year longer than in the US
GTalkEnabler , it's in the market and it allows gtalk and hangout video chating over 3g/4g
retested it with the new Hangouts
also I thought that was Google's doing, didn't know carriers can control such features within someone else's app o.o
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Nope, it was AT&T's doing. Just like they did with the Iphone's facetime. If they can do it to Apple, they can definitely do it to Google...
It is true, Canadian providers strangle us for 3 years instead of 2
soraxd said:
also I thought that was Google's doing, didn't know carriers can control such features within someone else's app o.o
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it is, but by ATTs request. Just like they requested wallet not to be accessible for ATT users, just like they asked samsung to block the dropbox promo, they ask and others do
Sh$$ att is getting worse and worse. I think I am going to sell my phones.
polish_pat said:
it is, but by ATTs request. Just like they requested wallet not to be accessible for ATT users, just like they asked samsung to block the dropbox promo, they ask and others do
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Click to collapse
I still don't know why Google complies with these "requests", they should just tell the carriers to pack sand and release the apps (or features) anyways.
I literally just did a hangout on the way home yesterday over mobile data. Is this an updated version of Google+? Maybe I won't update.
Nevermind- just followed the links and saw that this is the *new* hangout app which is going to replace Talk apparently. What I'm not clear about is whether this replaces the Talk apk or the Google+ current apk?
Did some more reading. So this is in fact a Talk replacement. From the Play Store:
First, title is Hangouts (replaced Talk)
and then
NOTE: If you aren't yet able to install Hangouts on your phone or tablet, or the Play Store "Open" button takes you to the old Talk app, hang tight, we are rolling out Hangouts to everyone over the course of several days. Rest assured Hangouts will be available soon for all Android 2.3+ devices, tablets included!
So they will push this out to all. Not really a big deal since you couldn't video with talk right now anyway. But from an integration perspective it sucks. I'm wondering why AT&T would block this and still allow the google+ app to do hangouts over their network. They must assume that many more would use this over the Google+ app.
It also notes that there will be no "invisible" mode. Kinda stupid to take that away. I use it all the time. I hope they don't force the updates.
Direct link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.talk
raitchison said:
I still don't know why Google complies with these "requests", they should just tell the carriers to pack sand and release the apps (or features) anyways.
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ATT is the client here...i dont agree with their policies but it is in their full right to make those demands. Imagine if you have kids, and you dont want your kids to go on X and Y sites, well you can ask the provider to block those websites. The kids might not agree with their parents but the fact is, it is their rights. And before the trolls come in and start saying that this and that doesnt hold up in my story, please, shhhhush, it's an analogy of principale and not a fact.
Does anyone know how to force the Hangouts update? I still have Talk and I can't figure out how to update to Hangouts. I can't from play via browser or the play app.
I found a APK online and when I try to install, it says "did not update" or something. I checked "install from other sources", but it didn't help.
anyone have any idea how to force the update without root.
polish_pat said:
ATT is the client here...i dont agree with their policies but it is in their full right to make those demands. Imagine if you have kids, and you dont want your kids to go on X and Y sites, well you can ask the provider to block those websites. The kids might not agree with their parents but the fact is, it is their rights. And before the trolls come in and start saying that this and that doesnt hold up in my story, please, shhhhush, it's an analogy of principale and not a fact.
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Click to collapse
I could see that argument maybe if you are talking about subsidized phones which (again arguably) are leased from the carrier, but the same restrictions apply if you have bought your phone outright.
In this instance (or in the case of Wallet) Google is a 3rd party software developer, to try for a similar analogy it's if my kids teacher told the grocery store not to sell me certain foods because they don't want my kid eating them.
mr_blanket said:
Does anyone know how to force the Hangouts update? I still have Talk and I can't figure out how to update to Hangouts. I can't from play via browser or the play app.
I found a APK online and when I try to install, it says "did not update" or something. I checked "install from other sources", but it didn't help.
anyone have any idea how to force the update without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted just downnload Titanium Backup and Uninstall the Talk App, then download Hangouts from Play Store, that's what I did last night, if you are not rooted then I still don't know how to do it.
erasat said:
If you are rooted just downnload Titanium Backup and Uninstall the Talk App, then download Hangouts from Play Store, that's what I did last night, if you are not rooted then I still don't know how to do it.
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Click to collapse
I tried exactly that, even rebooted after uninstalling Talk but before installing hangouts but I was still not able to start a video chat over cellular.
raitchison said:
I could see that argument maybe if you are talking about subsidized phones which (again arguably) are leased from the carrier, but the same restrictions apply if you have bought your phone outright.
In this instance (or in the case of Wallet) Google is a 3rd party software developer, to try for a similar analogy it's if my kids teacher told the grocery store not to sell me certain foods because they don't want my kid eating them.
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Click to collapse
yes, but an outright phone is still "renting" service from ATT regardless. Its like when you buy or rent a modem from an internet company, or a car, or anything else for that matter, if the provider said no, then you wont get your candy. in any case, we have already determined that ATT are aholes, they block so much good stuff for their clients, i'm speaking about tethering, facetime and other, i dont know why US carriers are like that but here in canada, we dont have all those restrictions, and we are just north of you, we technically can share line and service...
Brava27 said:
http://phandroid.com/2013/05/16/att-blocking-google-hangouts/
How do you guys even bother with such a crappy cell phone provider? Blocking boot-loaders, and blocking google hangout now? What the hell?
I am with Telus in Canada and they allow eveything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't we just follow the instructions from said site and that would enable us access?
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mr_blanket said:
Does anyone know how to force the Hangouts update? I still have Talk and I can't figure out how to update to Hangouts. I can't from play via browser or the play app.
I found a APK online and when I try to install, it says "did not update" or something. I checked "install from other sources", but it didn't help.
anyone have any idea how to force the update without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can force the update by installing through the Play Store on a browser instead of the Play Store app.
Sushibagel said:
You can force the update by installing through the Play Store on a browser instead of the Play Store app.
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Click to collapse
Can you explain how to do this? on the browser, it says its already installed
mr_blanket said:
Can you explain how to do this? on the browser, it says its already installed
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Click to collapse
From your Web browser one you select install it will list all your devices even if it says you have it installed it should still work... Just make sure you do it from the desktop version the mobile one won't work I believe.
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Sushibagel said:
From your Web browser one you select install it will list all your devices even if it says you have it installed it should still work... Just make sure you do it from the desktop version the mobile one won't work I believe.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium HD app
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Click to collapse
I appreciate the help. It looks like I can update the Nexus, but not the S4...
Recently Google put a notice in my phone that they were discontinuing Google Latitude and if I wanted to continue using similar location service I would need to go to Google+
I don't like being funneled into places I have no interest in going.
What other service (besides Google Reader) will they suddenly pull the rug out from their users?
I don't like Microsoft because of their monopolistic intent nor Apple for similar reasons.
That leaves Linux or Firefox and when there will be a decent phone sporting either os I will jump on it
They killed Latitude? *victory dance*
It ate battery, it kept track of you...
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ShadowLea said:
They killed Latitude? *victory dance*
It ate battery, it kept track of you...
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Surely you didn't think this out.
Latitude wasn't killed.
It was mearly moved to Google+.
This is one of the dumbest posts I've ever seen.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
They decided to stop supporting it. That isn't exactly a "evil corporation" move, you can still download whatever GPS app you want.
ShadowLea said:
They killed Latitude? *victory dance*
It ate battery, it kept track of you...
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Click to collapse
You do realize it could be turned off right? And from my recollection it was opt-in....
Nimbis said:
They decided to stop supporting it. That isn't exactly a "evil corporation" move, you can still download whatever GPS app you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah,
they decided to stop supporting it but only to get you to use Google+ and also to get you to persuade all the friends you have on your latitude list to also join Google+.
Yes, there are other share location applications but it is a hassle to start all over again after "do no evil" Google pulls the rug from under you.
What other services will Google discontinue in order to get you to move where they want you to?
I get what you mean. I don't really want to be forced to use services either. I know I don't have any interest, at least for now, to use Google+
koyanishi said:
Surely you didn't think this out.
Latitude wasn't killed.
It was mearly moved to Google+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, I was over dramatising in response to the original post's "the world is ending by the hands of the evil overlord" attitude.
BPinard said:
You do realize it could be turned off right? And from my recollection it was opt-in....
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Click to collapse
Yes, and every other update turned it back on inside google maps, leading to yet another few thousand complaints about "crap phone dies in 7 hours" on tech-support helpdesks...
As for opt in, locationservices doesnt work without latitude anymore on Maps. Hasnt for a while now.
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koyanishi said:
Recently Google put a notice in my phone that they were discontinuing Google Latitude and if I wanted to continue using similar location service I would need to go to Google+
I don't like being funneled into places I have no interest in going.
What other service (besides Google Reader) will they suddenly pull the rug out from their users?
I don't like Microsoft because of their monopolistic intent nor Apple for similar reasons.
That leaves Linux or Firefox and when there will be a decent phone sporting either os I will jump on it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude grow up seriously. I can't believe what I'm reading. But I guess it's your opinion..... Bye.
Sent from my Stealth Black HTC One using Tapatalk 2
The fact that you own and test a cellular tracking device.......why are you surprised?
bbrad said:
This is one of the dumbest posts I've ever seen.
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Click to collapse
+1000
Sent from my CLEAN Note ll