I'm excited about the possibility of ditching a phone all together and using my watch as my cellular device. Obviously there are some limitations (won't be able to snapchat, so sad), but I'm okay with that! I think this watch might come close for my needs. I need to make calls, text, check email, use maps, and a password manager app (e.g. KeePass) would be nice.
What do you think?
For me the dealbreaker is the difficulty of text entry for replying to messages. Maybe the larger screen would help with that. TouchOne keyboard is supposedly coming to the Gear soon, but I don't know if it will work with stock apps or not.
What I would love is the ability to switch the Gear to a new phone easily. Then I could swap my SIM card into a smaller phone when I don't want to carry a Note around (I have a Galaxy S4 mini that is easy to carry discreetly).
I think the problem with smartwatches is that they try to do too much and don't do anything very well. For most folks, they have no compelling use. The S3 has the ability to breakthrough if well executed, on two accounts: Samsung Pay with MST and a standalone phone.
Mobile payments haven't gained widespread popularity because of poor implementation. Taking out our smartphone is arguably not more convenient than taking out our wallet. Being able to pay with the watch on our wrist is unquestionably a superior form factor, if it works on the vast majority of existing POS terminals. Samsung's proprietary MST holds the promise of being able to do that.
As I grow dependent on my smartphone to perform an increasing number of functions, the inherent compromises of a single form factor become more apparent. I can achieve greater efficiency by devying tasks amongst the best suited device. My ideal setup forgoes the smartphone in favor of a standalone smartwatch and tablet.
Tasks where accessibility is paramount; want ultimate convenance. Ideal size: small as functionality possible. Ideal proximity: on my body. Best form factor: watch
- Phone calls
- Notifications
- Time/date/weather: preferably instantaneously
- Play audio
- Nice to have: GPS, body monitors, calendar, timer, calculator
Tasks performed at will; want productivity/utility/capability. Ideal size is 7-9" screen. Ideal proximity is in the vicinity near me (ie. car, room). Best form factor: tablet
- Reading: email, web, etc
- Input
- Camera
- GPS
- Run apps
- Nice to have: telephony capabilities
I share the concerns about text entry, especially because I have big fingers. but I have really gotten used to the keyboard on my Gear S2 Classic 3g. And the upcoming TouchOne keyboard looks really impressive.
My main concern about a daily driver is again battery. i use navigation alALOT. And while the Gear Navigator standalone app works great on the Gear S2, but eats battery at the rate of about one percent a minute. I have read about the updated Here app, which will store offline maps to reduce data radio use, but using the gps, cellular radio and display is a battery killer. That would make getting through a whole day very tough, even with the larger 380 ma battery.
foobared said:
I'm excited about the possibility of ditching a phone all together and using my watch as my cellular device. Obviously there are some limitations (won't be able to snapchat, so sad), but I'm okay with that! I think this watch might come close for my needs. I need to make calls, text, check email, use maps, and a password manager app (e.g. KeePass) would be nice.
What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Related
I've had my iPAQ 614c for a little over two years now, and while it has served me incredibly well, and I have no complaints (mostly thanks to this forum making 6.1 and 6.5 upgrades possible) it is really starting to show it's age - physically and technologically.
As such, I'm looking to get a new phone. I've come to the realization that I don't need the absolute best, 100% beast phone, but if that's what my needs dictate, that's cool too.
Must Haves
Great Camera - I would like a camera that takes great pictures, and possibly video, but mostly just great pictures. And I would PREFER it to be able to do so in dark situations (aka, a good flash).
Music Playback - I want it to have a good music playback experience. This means plenty of storage, great sound reproduction, and preferably a 3.5mm jack (not necessary though, I'll use an adapter if i have to.
Good Email - I'd like something that works nicely with email. I have everything (all 6 of my mail accounts) routing into my Gmail address, so whatever will work well with Gmail will be what counts.
Good Battery - I'd prefer it last at least a whole day, instead of the ~1/2 day I'm getting with my current phone. The more the better.
GPS - Of some sort.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred but not necessary
Unlocked for AT&T - Still in a contract, would prefer not having to ETF (but will if necessary)
Physical Keyboard - I like physical keyboards, preferably just a numpad (non-qwerty) but if it's all touchscreen, I am perfectly fine with that.
Large, high resolution touchscreen - I really don't see a phone not coming with touchscreen under my previous requirements, but I can see it being QVGA like my current phone. Would REALLY like a VGA or better, and would like something greater than 3 inches, but if its not, that's fine.
I am open to any and all suggestions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5254582
Rhodium!!!
The htc TP2 would be good for you...
(long post warning...I'm placing the summary first for those who don't care to read the whole thing)
***
In summary, I want a mobile platform that I can tweak until I get it exactly as I like it; that will sync with Windows desktop and server platforms (this is a strong preference, not a "must"; upon which I own things and don't have to worry about them being stolen or broken; that doesn't tell everyone and their mother where I go and what I'm doing; and on which I can listen to Sirius radio; and to which I can transfer data back and forth via USB without any permission based cloud interface. It must also be compatible with Slingplayer software and I have a strong, strong, preference for a slideout QWERTY keyboard, but I'd sacrifice that if I have to for the above functionalities. I'm currently on ATT, but it doesn't have to be that way
***
I am thinking about purchasing a new phone. But the market is a bit more complicated than when I purchased my current phone (HTC Diamond), so I hope that you guys can give me some advice.
I have been a Windows Mobile user since 5.0. What I loved about WM is that I could come here and read about the various hacks, mods, and custom roms and generally find something to address any problems I had, or find a way to modify the phone to meet my preferences.
I love the mobile version of Office and I use it constantly for work purposes. I especially like being able to sync outlook contacts on both phone and device, and that I can make presentations from the phone, and can open and manipulate Word and Excel.
I was also using SiriusXM 6 by tcbush over on Geekstoolbox to listen to satellite radio. Unfortunately, Sirius has taken down their legacy servers that streamed content to third party providers. So it does not appear that I can listen to satellite radio any longer via my mobile device.
It is this turn of events (Sirius radio) that is my main motivator for seeking a new phone. I could listen to Sirius via the web, but that requires a Flash player and I can't find a version of flash for WM 6.1. I have both Opera Mini and IE. So, if any of you know a way for a WM 6.1 device to listen to Sirius, you will have solved my immediate problem and saved me some money. I would really appreciate that.
But on the larger scale, I know that one day I will have to replace my beloved Diamond. Her slideout QWERTY is starting to jiggle, there are a few scratches on her beautiful face even though she hasn't gone a moment without a case and screen protector. Every now and again her D-Pad loses its way, and I have to reboot. Alas, I fear the end is near. *sigh*
So, in looking over the current landscape, I see three options: iphone, Android, and WM7.
Apple products to me are out for personal preference reasons.
That leaves Android and WM7.
Problem 1:
I enjoyed my prior experience of owning a WM phone supported by a network of generous, friendly developers who found ways that we could modify our phones to our hearts' content. I also like the fact that I own my phone and all its content. Once I install or tweak something, then that's it unless I decide to change it.
But the current market seems to be based on a top-down control model. From what I've read, owning a phone with the current tech is like owning a home on leasehold property or in a HOA: You pay full price for ownership but you do not enjoy the rights of control normally associated with that ownership. It seems that the devices are locked, difficult to unlock, find ways to re-lock, and that a Nanny-server may at times uninstall or disable software that it doesn't like.
I just don't get it. Has the culture embraced a model where a user pays a provider only to be told by that provider what he can and cannot do with the property he has purchased?
Of course, my perception of these issues could be incorrect. I recently went back to school and have unplugged from most external things. I haven't been following the "insider info" on xda for nearly two years. If I'm wrong, please tell me.
Problem 2:
User tracking. Sounds Orwellian.
I get it that the cell provider can locate you. I understand the technology reasonably well for regular Joe, and I understand that the network needs to know where you are. But until recently, the cell provider could not release those records without a warrant or some emergency confirmed by law enforcement like a lost person, etc. I actually worked with Sprint in conjunction with the police to attempt to track a stolen phone. However, it now appears that the manufacturers themselves and many app developers are bypassing the law by tracking users without their consent. Am I right on this?
I've read a number of articles on the Apple and Android tracking problems - generic apps tracking you and reporting your movements to Apple, Google, etc. Apps turning on the mic or camera at intervals and tracking your surroundings or conversations. Route these concerns through the awfulness of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Patriot Act, and the fact that both the post-digital presidential administrations (Bush II and Obama) seem intent on eroding what remains of our privacy, and it makes me uncomfortable. To make it worse, Google and Zuckerburg are both in bed with the Obama administration, and stories of their privacy infractions are epidemic.
Yet none of the progs I use on my WM 6.1 device use tracking (that I know of). So, in a very short time, it appears that the culture of mobile communications has gone from an ownership model with Constitutional protections to a free-for-all where you essentially pay big brother to track you.
I have heard many of my younger friends who have grown up in the big-government era use the default: "If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about." But that's exactly backward. The law presumes your privacy and allows infractions only after due process. The current culture seems to presume lack of privacy, and treat privacy-seekers as an anomaly. And the tech seems to reflect the culture rather than the law.
Am I crazy? Even if I am crazy, is there a way to block this tracking? And, if so, does Android or WM7 better lend itself to blocking this tracking?
Problem 3:
USB data transfer.
WM7 doesn't support smart cards. But, the devices seem to have adequate on-board storage for my needs. However, from what I've read, I'll need to use Zune (on WM7, don't know about Android) to move data back and forth. Is that correct?
I currently use Windows Mobile Device Center to transfer files back and forth via USB or Bluetooth, and I really want to keep that functionality.
Thank you if you have read this far. And, given those criteria, what are my best options?
Droid X2. Get it.
Droid X2
Droid X2. Get it.
+1
Thanks for the responses. I've done a bit of research on the phone you recommended, and some research in general. I really need to spool back up
It looks like there are apps out there like WhisperMonitor that will help with my privacy concerns. Actually, it looks like there are Android Apps to address most of my concerns.
I'll keep researching that to determine how much functionality I'll have to sacrifice. And I appreciate the responses. Love the dual core structure of this phone. From what I've read, the benchmarks don't differ too much from single core phones, but it looks like the dual core really helps with load distribution and multi-tasking.
It will be hard to leave Windows...been with it since it was Pocket PC 2000. But atm, it appears that Android may work best for me.
I agree Droid X2, although VZW is expensive, its the best network
Off the basis of wanting a slide out QWERTY and Windows Phone 7, I would go with the HTC Arrive for Sprint. You still have Windows Phone, you can get Sling Player from the Marketplace, and it has a slide out QWERTY that when it slides out, angles the screen for better typing the way I look at it.
samsung galaxy s2
or atrix
If you QWERTY I'd wait till my4g slide if it launches with s-off. I don't imagine you'd be keeping the os in tact.
The g2 is also a beautiful phone. Amazing specs for the good hardware.
T-Mobile is also cheapest, I find, of the four carriers.
The epic 4g seemed nice. Hummingbird (Samsung 1ghz processor) is very nice and has a great gpu.
If you're looking to use google talk video chat, avoid nvidia tegra 2 chips.
Google's suite of software is pretty sweet. Google docs works nice, and there's an app for that.
As long as you download from android market you're good from malware. (If you do get it from market, google does pull the app from the store AND your phone, that's the only time I heard them doing this, and that was once instance.)
Besides... Supporting your developers is a great thing.
Did I miss anything?
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
IMO almost any of the android phones would work for what you have in mind. As you pointed out in your follow up post there are apps out there for your privacy concerns. I've had a Moto Droid and now the HTC Thunderbolt. Both have been synced with my works exchange servers with no issues, google apps work great with Office docs, and the available roms and other customizations are almost endless.
Also, don't get hung up on a QWERTY keyboard. I swore I would never have a phone without one, but now that I do I actually don't really miss it.
Edit:
USB data transfer - very simple to do with android. Install a driver for the phone and then connect to your pc with a USB cable. Your pc will recognize the sdcard as removeable storage. Just select it in My Computer and drag and drop anything you want to move like you would for moving any file around in Windows.
I'm looking really hard at the 1520 on sale Friday.
Love Android...really love Google Apps actually but am in love with the 1520.
Played with it for about 30min today.
But you former androider's who switched and actually live with Windows now, how was the adjustment, honestly?! What do you really miss?!
Thanks
rockky said:
I'm looking really hard at the 1520 on sale Friday.
Love Android...really love Google Apps actually but am in love with the 1520.
Played with it for about 30min today.
But you former androider's who switched and actually live with Windows now, how was the adjustment, honestly?! What do you really miss?!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I was going to miss the customization of Android but I haven't yet. My 920 and 1020 are silky smooth and reliable. Apps? Every app that I used on Android I have on WP8. Even the 3rd party apps are excellent for those mainstream apps not yet on WP *cough* Instagram *cough*
I've had multiple iPhones and Androids and I will not be going back to either for the foreseeable future. Good luck with the 1520, it's a sweet phone!
Thanks for the response.
I'm gonna miss Google Now for sure! No windows equivalent I don't believe.
I just switched. Before I had a HTC HD2 (first several custom Windows Mobile 6.5 ROMs, then Android) and then a Note 1 with several custom ROMs and Kernels (stuck with Slim ROMs btw. for the last months).
So far (after almost two weeks) the things I miss most are:
- decent toggles to quickly switch on and off things like WiFi and Bluetooth and to see their current states (be it as live tiles or centralized inside an app)
- decent battery analysis tools (percentages are only refreshed every 30 minutes; OS limitation) to check for battery eating applications
- the swype keyboard (best voice recognition (esp. punctuation and capitalization); but plain typing and word prediction on WP8 are superb!!!)
- seperate volume levels for media and notifications (about to come in the black update, due in a month or two)
- custon notification sounds (SMS, Mail, etc.; you can set custom ringtones and alarms though)
- ascending alarms (best way to wake up in the morning; so far I mady my own ascending alarm sound in Audacity)
- a way to get a preview of the newest messages across all message options (WhatsApp, SMS, Mail,...) on the lockscreen (so far you can display only one from a single program that you have to set beforehand)
- an easy way to close an application (now you have to exit it via sometimes quite a lot of presses on the back key; but the black update will bring this option)
- seemless integration of playback from web-videoplayers (although even Google took its sweet time to get even close to that...)
As for the app situation... The selection IS smaller, esp. when you are a pro user. Also the general quality of implementation is somewhat lacking in many cases (I guess its the lack of competition, als well as OS limitations (see custom sounds and settings access)). But for day to day use I have no serious complaints. Normal users will be more than fine and even I can live with the omissions and compromises.
I will stay with my Lumia 1020 and keep it as my only phone (my Note is currently going up on ebay). The build quality is superb, the main Nokia apps are as well and the Windos Phone 8 UI actually feels more modern than Android. Clean, responsive, effective.
ThoroSOE said:
I just switched. Before I had a HTC HD2 (first several custom Windows Mobile 6.5 ROMs, then Android) and then a Note 1 with several custom ROMs and Kernels (stuck with Slim ROMs btw. for the last months).
So far (after almost two weeks) the things I miss most are:
- decent toggles to quickly switch on and off things like WiFi and Bluetooth and to see their current states (be it as live tiles or centralized inside an app)
- decent battery analysis tools (percentages are only refreshed every 30 minutes; OS limitation) to check for battery eating applications
- the swype keyboard (best voice recognition (esp. punctuation and capitalization); but plain typing and word prediction on WP8 are superb!!!)
- seperate volume levels for media and notifications (about to come in the black update, due in a month or two)
- custon notification sounds (SMS, Mail, etc.; you can set custom ringtones and alarms though)
- ascending alarms (best way to wake up in the morning; so far I mady my own ascending alarm sound in Audacity)
- a way to get a preview of the newest messages across all message options (WhatsApp, SMS, Mail,...) on the lockscreen (so far you can display only one from a single program that you have to set beforehand)
- an easy way to close an application (now you have to exit it via sometimes quite a lot of presses on the back key; but the black update will bring this option)
- seemless integration of playback from web-videoplayers (although even Google took its sweet time to get even close to that...)
As for the app situation... The selection IS smaller, esp. when you are a pro user. Also the general quality of implementation is somewhat lacking in many cases (I guess its the lack of competition, als well as OS limitations (see custom sounds and settings access)). But for day to day use I have no serious complaints. Normal users will be more than fine and even I can live with the omissions and compromises.
I will stay with my Lumia 1020 and keep it as my only phone (my Note is currently going up on ebay). The build quality is superb, the main Nokia apps are as well and the Windos Phone 8 UI actually feels more modern than Android. Clean, responsive, effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information as I am looking to switch, I have a note 2 and iPhone 5. The 1020 would be my work phone. I now take a lot of pictures with many in low light. As people know Samsung and iPhones are not good performers in low light. One thing I would miss is the ability to insert word documents and excel files into replied emails and also adding in multiple ones. However I have had many of the iPhones, which have this same limitation,
I admit, it a a strange ommission, to cripple the email apps in such a fundamental way. But as far as I know, that is because there is no file manager in WP so there would be no mechanism, to choose the files you want to add. Sadly this is one of the many sore points, that lead to the pro crowd bashing WP. Missing even basic features, that f.e. my old Nokia N82 had no problems with, is simply astonishing. I really hope, this will get better soon, scince I really like the WP disign philosophy so far (or at least most of it).
I personally do not miss anything. Its just a period of understanding of how wp8 works, and its completely different from android.
I really miss the Hangouts app.
Really really miss it.
IM+ is kind of a replacement, but it doesn't support group chats and the video function...
Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.
botno4 said:
Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can meet your needs. You can use Google Voice # and hangouts to make/receive calls. It is a beast at gaming and the nvidia game stream is great, however its huge. In my opinion WAY to big to be used as an everyday phone, and would only allow speak phone calls or through a blue tooth. The call quality is good though.
If you want a tablet I recommend it. However if you want a phone I suggest using a phone.
I would get the tablet then get a Moto G or a Moto E for free and use it as your phone.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.
gerrykv said:
OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GV is google voice? Yes I live in Malta, and thank you I didn't know that.
Is there any other way possible to have voice call / texting possibilities on this tablet?
Firmware flagship smartphones - this is often something more than just Android. Top devices are literally stuffed with functions that are not found in the base versions of the operating system. But it's not necessary to go broke for a pass to the VIP-segment. The already existing smartphone can be equipped with an advanced camera, like Google Pixel, or make it display information on the screen off, as in Samsung's flagships. About how to add useful functions of flagship devices to your smartphone - read in the article.
The difference between a top-end device and an inexpensive one lies not only in the advanced hardware "stuffing". Most of the interaction with the user is borne by the software part, which provides owners of expensive smartphones with the maximum convenience of use and advanced features. Owners of the same budget models are often deprived of many useful functions. However, the issue of software on the Android platform is easy to solve. And "pumping" your device - just a matter of time and several applications.
Practical Magic
Management of gestures - as a series "Game of Thrones". Up to the last you say that you will not watch, and then you are drawn in - and you can not tear yourself away from the screen. Samsung flagships have used a lot of relevant options for a long time, and in the new iPhone X svaypas are the only option for managing the smartphone. To assess the convenience of such a method, it is enough to acquire a specialized application, for example, iGest or All in one Gestures. You can go even further and organize gesture support on the disabled display with Knockr (for OLED screens). However, you will have to accept the increased power consumption of the device. Manage the smartphone without touching the display will help the program Air Swiper. Among its capabilities are the following functions of gesture management:
automatic activation of the screen when receiving SMS and opening a message;
turn the screen on and off;
turn on the silent mode by holding your hand over the proximity sensor;
turn on / off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Face ID for everyone
The new is a well-forgotten old. The analogue of the revolutionary technology Face ID from Apple was actually implemented in Android 5.0 and in later versions, too, has not gone away. The function of Smart Lock in its time did not stick, but the new trend from Cupertino spurred her popularity. To take advantage of the flagship option on any modern smartphone, you do not even need third-party software - just include the full-featured face recognition function in the Smart Lock menu. You can additionally protect any applications from running by unauthorized people with the Visidon AppLock program.
Advanced camera from Google
The hardware characteristics of the camera are only half of what is needed for a good photo. The second software is responsible, and the flagship models with it are traditionally full order. The camera application for smartphones from Google uses machine learning techniques and in HDR + mode allows you to transfer the smallest details in the shots even in shadows and in overexposed areas of the image. Most notably, this application - Google Camera - is available for a large number of devices. And even with the settings you have to tinker, the result is worth it:
Photo Sphere function for creating circular panoramas;
blur effect, as on a mirror camera;
panoramic mode with high resolution;
maximum resolution of the viewfinder;
convenient settings and a large shutter button;
modes HDR and HDR +.
Object recognition
Became public and the service Google Lens, formerly the privilege of the line of Pixel. The program gives users the opportunity to learn information about the surrounding objects through a smartphone camera. The list of useful functions includes the identification of attractions, the time of work of these institutions, translation of the text directly from the image and much more. Special manipulations for the installation of new items will not be required, it is enough just to update the "Google Photos" package to the current version.
Partly cloudy
Cloud storage is a convenient way to expand the device's memory and create backups. Many eminent brands even switched to their own storage services, keeping users in the internal ecosystem. However, it is not necessary to become attached to gadgets of one manufacturer. Add more space for your files and configure their synchronization with any of the available services. For example, Dropbox, "Cloud Mail.Ru" or "Yandex.Disk." All of them offer both free access with limited volume, and expansion of the storage using different tariff plans.
The miracles of cloning
To transfer from the top machines it is possible not only functionality. Even to modify the interface of your smartphone under the "clean" Android in the spirit of Google Pixel - no problem. The recipe for "pixelization" is simple. First, install the Nova Launcher shell, then go to the interface settings and perform some simple manipulations:
choose the shape of the bottom panel "Rectangle" and make it transparent;
adjust the position of the search bar (top or bottom);
Change the grid of the desktop and the bottom panel (the number of columns, rows and icons on the desktop);
For complete authenticity, we turn on the weather display next to Google's search bar;
change the icons and the type of folders using Pixel Icon Pack 2 Free Theme UI;
edit the application menu - display, grid of icons and background color;
we finish the composition by installing the branded Google applications "Phone", "Contacts" and "Messages";
PROFIT!
Always On Displays
Until recently, this technology was available only on some smartphones with AMOLED-screens, now anyone can try it on their device. To view the time and missed notifications, you no longer need to unlock the smartphone - the utility will display important information directly on the screen. And do not worry that the battery will be discharged faster - it will involve a limited number of pixels without turning on the backlight. Of course, only in the case of AMOLED-displays. However, there is a beta version of a similar application for TFT-models: judging from the reviews, the usability is worth several "extra" percent of battery per day.
Smart Case
Samsung S View - a proprietary "chip" of the Korean manufacturer. Covers of the corresponding series are equipped with a transparent window, through which you can see the screen. A sort of Always On Display in miniature, but with advanced features: right from this window the user can answer calls, see the name of the playable melody, get quick access to the camera. A magnetic sensor automatically locks the display when the cover is slammed and vice versa. If the same cover was found on the gadget of another brand, then to get the same functionality it is enough to install the application S View. The program is compatible with any Android-smartphone and uses a proximity sensor instead of a magnet.
LED-indication
The possibility of notification of events with the help of LED-indicator and button illumination, like the Nexus series, became available on all Android-devices. Both Light Flow and Led Reminder will help you to implement both scenarios. Missed calls, SMS, low level of charge - only a small part of the notifications, customizable with the specified software. In addition to saving time (you do not need to unlock the screen to find out about the missed event), the battery consumption also decreases, because waiting for an incoming message does not have to constantly turn on the backlight. There is also the option of disabling the indication at night.
Of course, this is not all the proprietary features that can be found in the firmware of those or other smartphone manufacturers. Perhaps, it is not worth copying them completely - there are shortcomings in top solutions, too. Android is a flexible platform, and in today's article we have considered only the best features of flagship devices, leaving behind the scenes dubious or completely useless. And you had to "finish the file" your gadget to squeeze out of it more functionality?
copy / paste from here http://doctorflopsy.com/2018/05/17/free-upgrade-how-to-add-branded-flagship-features/
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