Related
I bought my wife a blackberry bold this past weekend and all I can say is WOW. That thing has WAAAY more features (and settings) than my G1. And don't worry, I unlocked the phone so my wife can use it with our T-mobile accounts. In setting up this device, I've come to realize that a LOT of these features should be implemented into other devices, namely, the G1.
Here's a short list
1. Power-based settings (i.e. brightness changes when plugged in and on battery). A very BASIC feature.
2. Hiding folders in the music player. Blackberry gives the options to NOT include certain folders when searching for music. When I listen to music, I don't want to hear 50 ringtones.
3. User Customizable Profiles. Silent, Vibrate, Work, Home...Why not?
4. Alarm based auto-power on. If i set an alarm, and my phone is powered, but not on, it should be able to power on and wake me up. This is a GREAT feature for people that rely on alarms.(like myself)
5. Bluetooth profiles. I'm not new to mobile devices, so I know this is something they're currently working on. But come on...all we have is the headset profile. What come of lame-o **** is that? a2dp and wireless file access would be great, as well as phonebook access and callid and sms info for car kits...
There's more that I'm forgetting, but that's the gist of it. I realize that we're all technically beta testers at this point, but they should have released a more polished product to the masses. It would have helped their word-of-mouth sales greatly. Look at all the vista negativity. I've been using it without any problems since it was RTM, but people hate it because 'they heard' it has tons of problems. The average joe isn't going to want the g1 because 'they heard' it can't do this, or it can't do that. I personally love the device, and it has great potential, but t-mo and google may have shot themselves in the foot on that front.
InGeNeTiCs said:
Here's a short list
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not trying to be an Android apologist here, but let's run through your list.
1. Nothing exists, but it would take no more than an hours work to code something in Java to handle this.
2. Create a folder named ringtones in the root of the sd card. Nothing in there will be parsed by the default Music Player app.
3. Locale is probably the most popular app to handle this. Get it on the Market.
4. If your phone is in standby (short press red button), Alarm Clock can wake Android up. A more advanced alarm app is Klaxon. Again, get on Market.
5. A2DP support is pending.
No hardware is released perfect. Some imperfections are worse than others, and it's really also a subjective matter. If that above list seems problematic, consider that a competing product has no copy and pasting or support for background apps (making IM apps useless). In that kind of light maybe the fact that your G1 doesn't brighten the screen when you plug it in doesn't seem so bad anymore.
Honestly though if the choice between Blackberry and G1 is a list of periphery features rather than BIS vs Gmail, then you're completely missing the point imo.
Might I also point out that Blackberry OS (and Symbian and WinMo and iPhone) are all very mature OSes. Blackberry being the most mature, and it clearly shows in it's stability and simplistic ease-of-use. The iPhone just has a ton of money backing it, so it's no surprise that it has some superior features, even though its only 18 months old.
Windows is windows... 'nuff said.
Symbian has the backing of Nokia, so obviously it's well developed too.
All of these OSes were CRAP when they first came out. Google has plenty of money backing this project (I hope...) so I plan on giving them another 6 months to work out some of these basic problems before I go back to my good ol' Canadian-made Blackberry.
By the way a new app called simply "Power Manager" has appeared on the Market. Here's the description:
This application is similar to the power mgt apps available on laptops. It allows you to quickly view and change the settings of your phone depending on power states (e.g. turn off the GPS when the battery level drops below 30%, lower the brightness of the screen when on battery power, etc). It also maintains battery stats.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just downloaded the battery program and it does address some of my concerns. It just sucks that all of these features have to be added as apps. Not having root access on an opensource device seems really stupid. It's like going to a ferrari dealership giving away free cars. Free cars! BUT....we took the engines out of them. Enjoy! What the hell are you supposed to do with that?
We've got an awesome platform to work with, almost all the source to create anything we want, but no access. It's beyond lame.
And far as the blackberry thing goes, I'm in NO WAY a BB fanboy. I've never owned one, and I they're a pain in my ass because my clients buy them thinking 'they just work' with MS exchange, when they need the enterprise client which my company doesn't want to shell out the cash for. So they get pissed at me when I tell them it doesn't 'fully' integrate. My frustrations aside, I merely used BB as an example of a device that had features that should be available on the G1.
And I think the whole alarm thing got misread. I realize that the phone will 'wake up' when the alarm activates. But if my phone is completely powered off, it will not turn itself on to activate the alarm. While this is not a totally necessary feature, and will probably be rarely used, it's very important for someone who RELIES on their alarms for scheduling purposes. I usually shut my phone off at night (I have customers in several distant timezones), but I can't do that if I want to use the alarm. I could obviously buy an alarm clock, but I don't see why the g1 can't do what another phone can.
No offense but bad analogy... It is hard to find the correct analogy... I guess it would be buying a hand gun, that you couldn't turn the safety off LOL Remember root is taken away for protection of users who don't know what it is. And as of right now we only know root is taken away on RC30... maybe when 1.0 comes out it will be available. Maybe they are working on a GUI to allow you to enable root. We have a long ways to go so I wouldn't say root is gone forever.
Side note: for your users with BB devices. I run Scalix on linux. Funambol bridges the gap for my users. I think that they even have an exchqange connector. Funambol is also availbe in the market place on the g1.
I have no problem with the actual integration process, the company just doesn't want to pay for it. We have people using windows mobile devices with no problems. I give the device recommendations, but they always come back with blackberries thinking it's the same thing. It's just frustrating. I'm venting. Sorry.
Hey I know I'm more of a leech than a seed but I want to start an open discussion / brainstorm about the limited bluetooth capabilities within Android. Specifically on the HTC Dream (G1).
I don't have a strong grasp on Linux but I've been playing with different flavors since i was 13 (11 years). I don't have the knowledge or the support to even attempt this.
HOWEVER I do have a job and I do have the money (donation) to support anyone with the ability and the time.
That being said I would like to talk to anybody who would be Seriously interested in developing additional profiles for the bluetooth stack.
Anyone who has wanted to FTP over bluetooth or for me send my phonebook to my Lexus GS350 I would appreciate donations towards a common goal.
The $ would go to the developer or team. Of course after that it would have to be open source and free to the community.
I have not created a paypal or account for pooling donations but whoever is seriously interested contact me. I've got $300 (donation) to get you started (motivated)
Au Revoir,
-Koocat
how do i make it bold lol
koocat said:
Hey I know I'm more of a leech than a seed but I want to start an open discussion / brainstorm about the limited bluetooth capabilities within Android. Specifically on the HTC Dream (G1).
I don't have a strong grasp on Linux but I've been playing with different flavors since i was 13 (11 years). I don't have the knowledge or the support to even attempt this.
HOWEVER I do have a job and I do have the money (donation) to support anyone with the ability and the time.
That being said I would like to talk to anybody who would be Seriously interested in developing additional profiles for the bluetooth stack.
Anyone who has wanted to FTP over bluetooth or for me send my phonebook to my Lexus GS350 I would appreciate donations towards a common goal.
The $ would go to the developer or team. Of course after that it would have to be open source and free to the community.
I have not created a paypal or account for pooling donations but whoever is seriously interested contact me. I've got $300 (donation) to get you started (motivated)
Au Revoir,
-Koocat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
its not about the money. I'm using dudes cupcake rom whatever latest rom .92 and as far as i know there is no way to send my phone book to my Lexus when it prompts me to create a phonebook and because of this I can't use voice dial and nazi lexus basicly won't allow you to input anything while the car is in motion. the specs released on 1.5 only included stereo bluetooth theres still no push allowed or PBA
jaaronmoody said:
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would my car even work if bt is trans over wifi spectrum?
koocat said:
would my car even work if bt is trans over wifi spectrum?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, and sorry for the confusion. My point was that this android incarnation is lacking in bluetooth capabilities, and there has just been a new bluetooth technology released, not only having the wifi capability, but also all current profiles. I am sure that android will support this in the future with hardware in a new device, but for now, they are probably content with what they have, since it is an evolving technology.
jaaronmoody said:
i'm all about development and hard work, but with the release of blutooth 3.0, wouldn't it be better just to save the $ and put it towards the next android device that is compatible with bt3.0( which utilizes wifi for bt transfer...not to mention the improved battery life). what are your thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, Bluetooth 3.0 standard was just released. We're not going to be seeing any Bluetooth 3.0 devices for another few years, one at the minimum. Not to mention that the OP's Lexus would still require a transfer via Bluetooth 2.0 technology.
I would be content if an open phone with an open platform supported bluetooth features I could actually use.
I manually added one contact into the lexus and manually set the voice rec. and then attempted to call using 'dial by name' and it will only work if the dream is unlocked and awake.
BT 3.0 will be great. but I'd have to get a new phone and depending on the backward capabilities a new car too.
but that brings the question "how long do i have to wait for bt 3.0"
"how long do i have to wait for cupcake"
I was hoping with 1.5 they would expand on the BT stack and they did but not for anything I can use. whats funny is 2 years ago when I had Verizon and a Voyager I thought I was cool to have stereo bluetooth headphones to rock out too. and they want to market stereo bt as being a great new feature but its not new
koocat said:
I would be content if an open phone with an open platform supported bluetooth features I could actually use.
I manually added one contact into the lexus and manually set the voice rec. and then attempted to call using 'dial by name' and it will only work if the dream is unlocked and awake.
BT 3.0 will be great. but I'd have to get a new phone and depending on the backward capabilities a new car too.
but that brings the question "how long do i have to wait for bt 3.0"
"how long do i have to wait for cupcake"
I was hoping with 1.5 they would expand on the BT stack and they did but not for anything I can use. whats funny is 2 years ago when I had Verizon and a Voyager I thought I was cool to have stereo bluetooth headphones to rock out too. and they want to market stereo bt as being a great new feature but its not new
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an appropriate place to post issues with supported bt profiles already supported, but there is no guarantee that it will be addressed. i'm not speaking for anybody here, but me... butif it were my build, i probably wouldn't modify it for one make of car. There are other vehicles where this is working...am i right? i think so.
so far i think only broadcom has achieved and are planning to produce the new standard, but how long will it be till we see it??? my guess is 6mo- 1yr. Yes, stereo bluetooth is not a new thing, but i'm sure you can grasp the technology curve. "they" are only gonna release what they have to, in the time that will make sense to them, not the consumers. This
is a business, and will be treated as such. For how many years have we been scratching at the heels of EVERY advancement, just to PURCHASE it as soon as it comes around. edit...but to go along with you i was looking forward to file transfer myself, and it didn't happen.
what can i do on my car to verify the bluetooth version installed?, or bluetooth capabilities if you know what i mean
its a mazda 3 2010 sport
Thank you.
Your exactly right and thats what makes Android such a beautiful thing. Because we are longer governed by whatever corporate timeline 'they' decide. the timeline is to maximize profit. cupcake is marketed as a feature update to show dedication to their product and to their customer base but its not a dedication because they were forced to evolve it to make it compatiable with additonal hardware and minimize the media attention towards custom devleopment and end user modification. Google doesnt want to piss off Apple or HTC or T-mobile or Vodaphone ect because thats business.
Google doesnt care if you transfer over bt they dont care if you mod your phone. but when Apple says no mulitouch and vodaphone says No Bluetooth profiles they don't have much of a choice if they want Android to succeed.
and Thats why they made it open.
same with rooting your phone google had to fix it beacuse if they make it look easy they run into problems. T-mob or voda don't want you to teather your phone and use it as a modem and root allows this. so you must disable and discourage root and tell people its a security risk.
fcuk T-mobile and their G1 bs marketing. My phone is a Dream.
---btw the new radio gives me 3G in my house now wootwoot so i can actually talk on the phone with t-mobiles shi*ty service--- I only left Verizon because phones suck Donkey...Anyways..
its not just one car. go http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth to see all supported profiles
there are profiles that all cars support. most likely PBA "phone book access"
I know when the Prius 1st came out I was like 16 or 17 lol and none of VZW phones could send phone book data to the Prius only because VZW policy with phone makers demanded they crimple BT profiles even on smart phones. so you couldn't FTP a mp3 and set it as ur ringtone you had to buy the ringtone for 2.99 or what i did back them I used Bitpim but you get the idea.
-Koocat
alfmetal said:
what can i do on my car to verify the bluetooth version installed?, or bluetooth capabilities if you know what i mean
its a mazda 3 2010 sport
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would google some keywords and try and find a user forum for Mazda cars.
I know theres clublexus.com where I have learned a lot about my car.
for some Lexus (i know for sure the GS and LS models) you turn the car on, then hold down the INFO button while turning the Lights from OFF to ON four times. and the car enters a Service Diagnostic mode and you can view different settings and run diagnostics, clear error codes and rescan. I know theres a spot to view the bluetooth version and software version. You can adjust the Mic volume, send and recieve volume and adjust voice quality.
You really don't need to adjust your car (thats not what this post is about).
Depending on your car you can get updates from the dealer and you can find software mods online for some cars.
example; lexus had a override in the system menu to allow user input while the car was in motion. IN 07' that option was removed on all models so for my 07 Lexus i found a post from someone that had taken the Nav disc for the same model in 06 and he modded and issued a ISO for users burn to get that override feature back.
-Koocat
Bah! @ Bluetooth 3.0. Totally overhyped standard. Could be completely done with adhoc wifi and would be easier and more than 2x as fast.
[email protected]:
Yeah, it is... It's just a wifi coop mode, which requires both parties to have a wifi-radio free to use...
It's not really an optimization of bluetooth :/
Everyone else in here:
Well, i'm not sure you're gonna catch many devs in here (There doesn't seem to be any
[email protected] said:
Bah! @ Bluetooth 3.0. Totally overhyped standard. Could be completely done with adhoc wifi and would be easier and more than 2x as fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Power management is much better in Bluetooth. Combining the two gives the best of both worlds. BT 3.0 will be able to connect, go into low power states and only turn on WiFi if a higher speed transfer is required.
BT 3.0 is more than just BT+WiFi anyway. The ability to have an Alternate Mac-Phy (AMP) like WiFi is one feature. There are other new features as well (like better quality of service). Also, an AMP could be a Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio, with speeds much higher than WiFi with lower power consumption. The potential for 3.0 is really interesting.
But as others have stated in the thread, it will be a while before there are any implementations. We are just starting to see 2.1 devices in the market.
paesano
I know this is only my 2nd post, but I too am looking for better BT Stack. Dont get me wrong I love that I got back my stereo BT on my Pioneer Avic-D3 but unlike my Nokia N95 and my Tilt which lets me transfer my contacts to my Headunit.
Also another thing I miss is sending contact info from one phone to another!
Waiting for the time I can ditch my ipod and be apple-free LOL
I think a total update of the bluetooth would be cool. I think the 3.0 is a bit away but besides just a specific car profile i think it should be and all around compatible bluetooth. with all the devices and allow file transfer as well something that non g1 phones can already do. I think that alone will make it feel much better until until the newer technology is intergrated. That would probably lean me more to donating
I have two old Motorola RAZR's and they transfer data over BT, it is really surprising that the Dream falls short in this area.
I just miss the very basic file transfer (obex) to move images, mp3, contacts, etc. from device to device. I know I can set up an ftp or webserver to allow phone to phone access, but quite frankly we shouldn't have to use a work around for such a standard phone option. ALso, I like to bluetooth pictures from my phone right to the Kodak picture printer in Walmart and other stores. There is no way to install an FTP server or client on that machine (without some hacking).
I would donate if we had some devs on here taking up the task.
Rick
JackD3ath said:
I have two old Motorola RAZR's and they transfer data over BT, it is really surprising that the Dream falls short in this area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I'm not surprised that the Dream falls short in Bluetooth support. My experience with Bluetooth in Linux has been very unsatisfying. I don't know if that stems from the Blue Z stack, or if no one cares enough to do things properly. The last couple of times I upgraded Ubuntu or Kubuntu, Bluetooth was totally broken, and I had to figure out my own workarounds to get some of the functionality I needed.
What I would currently like to see is DUN support, so that my Tom Tom can access the internet. Very few BT phones don't have DUN, especially on T-Mobile. Makes me wonder why T-Mobile wanted to get the Tethering apps out of the marketplace. You can tether with almost every Bluetooth phone they sell!
paesano
(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 was wondering if anyone had experiences to share as far as customizing tablets for elderly nursing home patients?
I will be taking delivery on a Galaxy Tab 2 that will be customized as an entertainment device for an elderly person. Dementia, short term memory impairment, and total lack of computer knowledge are in the foreground. I'm not sure if this will work but it's my mother so I'm going to give it a try.
Initially I plan to start with maybe two games (solitaire and a slot machine game) and nothing else. I expect to have to flash a custom ROM to be able to hide as many non-necessary UI elements as possible. One home screen, nav bar with back button only, no lock screen, volume wake, hide the dock, etc.
If she gets comfortable with that, the addition of other elements might be possible, such as a photo album. E-mail to a couple of addresses might be possible. Web browsing is probably not ever going to be in the picture. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.
I'm comfortable with Android flashing and customization (have a GNex), and live nearby so I can maintain the tablet in person. I initially was leaning toward an iPad, but realized that this thing is going to have to be more heavily customized than I think is possible within the Apple scheme of things.
Anyone had any experiences with a situation like this?
Thanks in advance.
Elderly device with GSM
Great idea! I would like to work on this too. For my purposes I would like it to function more of a picture frame with super easy to use GSM capability. Maybe just touch the picture of the person you want to talk to to get connected over the speaker phone.
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?