Best app/way to turn an Amazon tablet to a 24hr Google Assistant digital frame? - General Questions and Answers

I have an old Amazon HD8, it's been modified using Fire Toolbox made by Datastream33.
So all the Amazon software and Alexa have been disabled and Google Assistant has been activated, as what I want it to be.
Since I don't use it much these days, I think it'll be nice to have a digital frame shows big clock and weather or calendar that opens 24hr/day, while having the ability to response talking via Google Assistant.
There is plenty way to do this, but how can I do this properly?
So far, I can think of that if I install an digital frame app, then when I say "Ok, Google", it'll response to me, but it'll open Google Assistant app and leave the app opened after the conversation is end, then I have to manually switch app back to the digital frame, just like using a tablet, and means I can't really interactive with it without walk to it or just by talk to it, then it's not that much difference then I just use my phone.
I think there must be some better solution out there since the hardware has the capability, hope I can get some experience/ideas here.
Thanks!

Related

google shopper or shopsavvy?

Shopsavvy is a phenomenal app and they've acquired a barcode tech company to increase the apps depth. Then I tried barcode scanner and it blew my mind that its even considered on the same level as shopsavvy. Now tools shopper is here, I prefer Google's apps but haven't tried this one much. Can anyone that's come from shopsavvy to google shopper say whether google stacks up? Thanks
And yes I used the search function but I'm on my nexus so when I press search, the box and keyboard comes up and oas soon as I press a letter the box and keyboard disappear. I'm not sure why I bothered to describe that because it happened with my mytouch 3g and I believe my g1 as well so I'm assuming it happens to everyone with these phones....
It feels like a mashup of Barcode Scanner and Google Goggles.
Try it out.
And this one's a step ahead of Goggles.
Keeps analyzing whatever's in the viewport, for a lock on logos,
barcodes, CD/DVD or book covers. No need to snap a photo.
Not to mention that Shopper's much, much, much faster than Shopsavvy. Downside is that it seems to only take DVDs, games and books, and the results it pulls are severely limited.
OK thanks. I did try shopper out a few times but couldn't get it to find anything so I thought I'd ask around. Seems like if I want just one barcode scanner shopsavvy is still definitely the best...I personally really would prefer using Google's apps so hopefully google places, Google scoreboard, and now google shopper step up their games.
Not liking that Shopper doesn't show me local retailers like Shopsavvy, Although Shopsavvy is rather inaccurate many times for prices at my store.. where do they get pricing info from? Seems like theyuse online pricing, which for walmart is different than instore price

Be Careful When Installing Google Maps 7.0

When I saw that Google had a new version of maps available last night I was really excited. However, that excitement died down really fast when I saw how much they'd stripped from it. Just read the 1- and 2-star rating comments that this app is now getting on Google Play if you don't take my word for it.
Here's just some of the big disappointments:
- No more Google Latitude, though in fairness this isn't really a problem with Maps per se, because Google is SHUTTING DOWN Latitude on August 9th. They want us to use Google+ and its Locations feature as a replacement, but Locations is mere toy compared to what Latitude was able to do. It's a sad joke. To make matters worse, the location sharing feature of Google+ only works if the app is a SYSTEM APP. If your phone didn't come with it and you initially installed Google+ from the Play Store, Locations WILL NOT WORK. You must have a rooted phone on which you can assign Google+ to a system app using a tool such as Titanium Backup.
- No more Labs functions. One of the features I used to adore on my S4 was the "Larger Text" lab. This worked great on phones with 1080p screens, as the native text was just too small. The new maps app has small text, especially on a 1080p screen.
- No access to "My Maps". I read somewhere that this will be restored IN THE FUTURE, but until then you won't have access to your custom routes and maps if you upgrade to 7.0.
- No more zoom buttons on the map, though it is apparently possible to double-tap, and the swipe up or down to change the zoom. However, this still isn't as convenient under some circumstances.
- No more scale on the map. Okay, not everyone used this, but I liked knowing how far 1 km (or 1 mile) was on the map at the current zoom level.
- The Pegman in Streetview is gone and overall this feature seems less usable than it was before.
- Offline maps are still available, but they've been hidden. It's rather like an Easter Egg now, in that you must type (or say) "OK Maps" to get it to cache what you are zoomed in on at the time. However, it doesn't store as large an area as before and there is NO WAY to list or administer your cached local maps.
- Many people have reported that Navigation is now quite buggy, though I haven't had a chance to try it myself.
- You can no longer create navigation shortcuts and no Navigation icon appears on your phone. To use Navigation you must start Maps first and go through that.
- No more Terrain layer.
------------------------------------------------
So, if you are curious about trying Maps 7.0, then I strongly recommend that you backup your copy of the older maps first (if you have Titanium Backup or another apps for backing up your apps). Failing that, Google has made the old version available for downloading, if you can find it.
If you have Titanium Backup, use it to remove Maps from Play Store list so that it won't keep popping up as an update. You might accidentally install it.
Double tap, hold and swipe over the screen to zoom with one finger. Worked in maps 6.x and still works with maps 7.
To get access to your places, you just have to simply press the icon on the right side of the search bar, and there they are.
neluba said:
Double tap, hold and swipe over the screen to zoom with one finger. Worked in maps 6.x and still works with maps 7.
To get access to your places, you just have to simply press the icon on the right side of the search bar, and there they are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was not aware of the double-tap shortcut for zoom, but I tried it and it certainly does work. I edited the original post to reflect this.
However, I think you might have misunderstood what I meant concerning the second issue. I'm not so much interest in "My Places", but the sub-category of that called "My Maps". These are custom routes and maps you can create with the desktop version of Maps and they were loadable on Maps for Android prior to version 7.0. I double-checked to make sure they weren't there on 7.0, and they definitely aren't. I edited the original post to say just "My Maps" to clarify this point.
You can still launch navigation by voice, but it opens maps then navigation. What I'm not liking about this is that I often launch navigation by voice and like being able to change my route and check off avoid tolls and/or highways. This now has to be done from maps before launching navigation. A bit inconvenient.
Steve Punter said:
- You can no longer create navigation shortcuts and no Navigation icon appears on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have a separate Navigation icon? Takes me right to the 'choose destination' screen in Navigation...?
Sent from my LG-LS970 using xda premium
Another thing to note which is now missing (I believe) is the separate "Car Mode" Maps display.
This was a quasi 3d display, similar to the old all-in-one GPS units, that followed the car movement from behind. This used to pop up automatically when my 'car mode' was activated. This mode would not screen time-out. Now it just pops up with the standard maps display, which will time-out and not follow along/scroll with your car position.
The offline maps feature has been added back in a small update. Still not done right, but it's at least accessible and not an easter egg.
I think latitude's features are supposed to be rolled into G+ before latitude itself is shut down.
Hadn't heard about the rest, but several sound like serious leaps backwards.
Well that's 3 google apps I'm leaving old versions now, all within the last few months I had to stop applying updates, I gave it a try and I agree, it sucks
Maps, GMail, and Talk.
I'm so disappointed in Google lately, nothing good has come out of their updates. I bought in to their infrastructure and now they're just ****ing around with me as they please. I wish they had a competitor worth a damn (Bing's worse imo).
Fire their new UI guys and let engineers develop apps again, sick of this design first philosophy that doesn't work.
what's remained ???
i will update and see what happens
waylo said:
Another thing to note which is now missing (I believe) is the separate "Car Mode" Maps display.
This was a quasi 3d display, similar to the old all-in-one GPS units, that followed the car movement from behind. This used to pop up automatically when my 'car mode' was activated. This mode would not screen time-out. Now it just pops up with the standard maps display, which will time-out and not follow along/scroll with your car position.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is mainly what I use Google Maps for in my car, had to downgrade to 6.x to get this back
I used Latitude a lot... now I have to use a separate (broken) app to see my latitude contacts? Shouldn't that be in the MAPS program?
Double tab to zoom,, it works to my phone in this last maps..:good::good:
Everyone talking about the update but how come I still can't get it!!! I'm on ICS 4.0.4 ...usa
Sent from my C5170 using xda premium
I also have the difficulty to see the tiny street name on the map. Why won't Google make the font size user adjustable.
I probably have to keep using the old version of Google maps unless a larger text is allowed.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Steve Punter said:
I was not aware of the double-tap shortcut for zoom, but I tried it and it certainly does work. I edited the original post to reflect this.
However, I think you might have misunderstood what I meant concerning the second issue. I'm not so much interest in "My Places", but the sub-category of that called "My Maps". These are custom routes and maps you can create with the desktop version of Maps and they were loadable on Maps for Android prior to version 7.0. I double-checked to make sure they weren't there on 7.0, and they definitely aren't. I edited the original post to say just "My Maps" to clarify this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just installed version 7 and no ``My Places``, how do we downgrade to the old version?
Downgrade?
raczyk said:
Just installed version 7 and no ``My Places``, how do we downgrade to the old version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I concur but don't know how to do that. I want the old version back. Anyone?
Thanks

Google Assistant vs current Google Now options?

So what exactly can the new assistant do that makes it that much better? Is it something the current google now + tasker can't do?
Its still a gimmick.
For now, there's not too much difference. Assistant does have a little bit of edge over Now. It tries to offer simpler, shorter answers. It also learns and adapts, like an actual A.I. Now is just a simple Google search with voice. Assistant is more geared towards A.I. and having as close to an actual conversation as possible. I like Assistant. Been using it regularly on the Allo app. But, it's up to personal preference. For some, Assistant is great and they'll love it. For others, Now is just fine and they'll get along with no problems not having Assistant.
I personally love Assistant, but if for some reason I chose not to upgrade to the Pixel (still deciding) i'll be perfectly fine sticking with Now or opening up Allo to use Assistant (though it is slightly more limited in the Allo app than it is as an official OS feature).

Gear S2 - Google Integration?

Hello, all!
I was given a Gear S2 for Christmas today! Very polished, and nice UI. Also the battery life has been quite acceptable, with constant use and tinkering all day.
It was actually a completely unexpected gift... I'd been thinking of getting a smartwatch of some kind, and was looking to probably get one next year. As such, I hadn't researched them any.
My ideas of what I could do with a smartwatch, was basically using it as, of course, a watch, in addition to the functions of Google Now (reminders, music control, navigation, etc., as an extension of my phone).
Unfortunately, this nice little piece of technology seems to be 100% devoid of anything Google-related (and that is the eco-system I like, am familiar with, and have been using).
Is there any workaround to get Google Now working on it? I've got the "Wearable Widgets" app, and that allows me to call on Google Now when the phone's screen is on, or if it's plugged in. Also, I've been unable to find out an easy way to use navigation on the watch.
Any ideas if these things are possible? If I can get it working the way I imagine, that would be ideal over trying to get an exchange.
Not to familiar with the whole tizen eco system, but reading your post is making me think that you should go for another watch.
You said, that your '"home" are google services. There may be workarounds possible, but you will always have to deal with these.
I would really consider to exchange it if possible
S-voice is a weak point of the Gear S2, and there's no way I know of to replace it with google now voice recognition. There are nav apps, both the Samsung-supported Here we go and some 3rd party ones that optionally use google maps data like Gear Navigator. If you make sure to check Google and Google plus apps in the list of notifications, you can get cards and related info from google sent to your watch. And the music controls on the watch allow you to control most music apps on the phone (google music, spotify, podcast apps, etc.); you have to set the app on the watch to play music on the phone, instead of tracks stored on the watch. So there's a lot you can do, but it's true that if you want seamless integration with the google universe, android wear will deliver much more.
http://forums.androidcentral.com/samsung-gear-s2/599771-list-apps-work-gear-s2-please-add-here.html
ElectroPulse said:
Hello, all!
I was given a Gear S2 for Christmas today! Very polished, and nice UI. Also the battery life has been quite acceptable, with constant use and tinkering all day.
It was actually a completely unexpected gift... I'd been thinking of getting a smartwatch of some kind, and was looking to probably get one next year. As such, I hadn't researched them any.
My ideas of what I could do with a smartwatch, was basically using it as, of course, a watch, in addition to the functions of Google Now (reminders, music control, navigation, etc., as an extension of my phone).
Unfortunately, this nice little piece of technology seems to be 100% devoid of anything Google-related (and that is the eco-system I like, am familiar with, and have been using).
Is there any workaround to get Google Now working on it? I've got the "Wearable Widgets" app, and that allows me to call on Google Now when the phone's screen is on, or if it's plugged in. Also, I've been unable to find out an easy way to use navigation on the watch.
Any ideas if these things are possible? If I can get it working the way I imagine, that would be ideal over trying to get an exchange.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What phone are you pairing it with.

What's it like to live with day to day?

I currently have an S20 Ultra that I am very close to returning while I still can (Exynos and camera) I have wanted the P40 pro (or Mate 30 pro) ever since they were announced but just wrote them off due to the lack of Google.
The thing is though I'd be totally ok with a lot about life without Google, I use a 3rd party email app, I could easily switch my contacts and calendar back to iCloud and rarely watch netflix on my phone. So then it just comes down to the no google pay and the potential faff to work around not having Google Photos.
My question is for those that have it how are finding it day to day? Are the limitations a frustration too far or does it work for you?
arsenal74 said:
I currently have an S20 Ultra that I am very close to returning while I still can (Exynos and camera) I have wanted the P40 pro (or Mate 30 pro) ever since they were announced but just wrote them off due to the lack of Google.
The thing is though I'd be totally ok with a lot about life without Google, I use a 3rd party email app, I could easily switch my contacts and calendar back to iCloud and rarely watch netflix on my phone. So then it just comes down to the no google pay and the potential faff to work around not having Google Photos.
My question is for those that have it how are finding it day to day? Are the limitations a frustration too far or does it work for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can live with some compromises, then it's an amazing phone. The Camera is phenomenal, the battery life is great, and apps and games run super smooth.
Getting GMS up and working is a straight forward process, but be prepared to do it a few times to get it right (it took me about 6 attempts to get it fully working with no notifications and app errors etc) and follow the steps precisely. Obviously, it's still not going to be as smooth a Googley and app experience as your Samsung, missing G-Pay, G-Music and a few others may or may not be crucial to you. Plus many apps won’t give notifications - but I don't mind this so much it's quite nice not having random notifications all day and only getting them when i open the app and actually want to see - I predominantly use Whatsapp and notifications work fine here.
I did try a few days without Google services, but the App Gallery really is terrible. It might have 45000 apps, but 44950 are awful. Downloading apps from elsewhere works, but many apps crash with a 'No google services' type error. So, for me the compromise of having some stuff work with GMS is the better option and the rest of the phone makes it worthwhile.
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
arsenal74 said:
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I only installed GMS out of the "urge" to tinker with my phone. I love that stuff. But honestly, I wouldn't mind not having Google services on my phone, there are enough alternatives on the Huawei App Gallery. For me, at least. Everyone is different. Check out some of the posts on here or reddit where people list some good Google apps alternatives. Like
Gmail = Bluemail or Aquamail.
Google Maps = Here WeGo or Maps.me
etc.
And you're right about the loophole possibly getting closed. That's why I wouldn't recommend this phone to people who are heavily dependent on Gapps. But if you can live without them, then just buy it! It's a great phone and I'm very satisfied with it, so far.
arsenal74 said:
Thanks, how would you feel if sideloading GPS was not possible? Strikes me that that would have to be my assumption going in as whatever loophole allows it could get closed at any time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that it would still be a great phone, I'm sure i could cope with downloading APKs using ApkPure etc, but it would be less attractive. Really hoping the workarounds still work when the Pro+ version arrives!
On a side note, i said on the above post that it took many attempts to get GMS fully working with no errors. Yesterday evening I had a meltdown and accidentally removed my Google account and it was not possible to re-add it, so i backed up my stuff and reset the phone. I followed the steps from Swag Sell's 7th May video on YouTube (using the same files as always) and it worked first time with no errors and took about 20 minutes, I think as people refine the processes and steps it gets more accurate.
On the google side it is only really google photos that would bug me as I use that, I could live without google pay. Email would not be a problem, other than that it would just be not getting notifications for other apps. I actually think there are some plus points of being google free!
I am really tempted as the camera on the S20 Ultra is just a let-down (the hardware is there but I have no confidence Samsung will get the software right) I really liked the P30 pro and am actually considering getting another but the P40 pro just looks like a really good device.
I like my P40 Pro a lot but I'm waiting for improvements in the camera department.
The phone is fast, stable, looks great, feels great and has good battery life.
I don't really trust my privacy in the hands of big US tech companies, so it's nice to break free from Google. The only Google apps I sideloaded are YouTube Vanced and Google Maps. I tried other GPS applications but unfortunately none really lived up to GMaps, even Waze. So I'm using GMaps without GMS which means no saved/starred places etc, but that's ok with me. As an alternative, I'm saving my search history locally on the device and I created home screen shortcuts (GMap widget) for addresses that I want to "save".
H-Emmanuel said:
I like my P40 Pro a lot but I'm waiting for improvements in the camera department.
".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Camera would be the main driver for me getting this phone.
I assume banking apps are a no no too?
I think I am going to give the P40 Pro a try, Amazon have a pretty good deal including the watch, do have one final question..
For those who have managed to install GPS how safe do you feel? i.e. if you were able to get your banking apps working or PayPal would you be happy using them? Only ask as the method obviously involves installing stuff from unknown sources.
I am on the fence of accepting I will not get my banking apps or google photos and going the app clone, app gallery route and finding a workaround for photos.
arsenal74 said:
Really? Camera would be the main driver for me getting this phone.
I assume banking apps are a no no too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current camera app doesn't unleash the camera's full potential.
Some banking apps work, others don't, there's no hard rule.
Bit disappointed so far ... I have not installed any GMS mods .. just cloned some apps and installed from apkpure, amazon app store, etc.
1. call earspeaker volume is low
2. call speaker volume is low
3. no AOD weather & music controls
4. notifications missing for most side-loaded apps (whatsapp ok, skype + others are a fail)
5. notifications disappear after unlocking (usual huawei thing)
6. amazon photos app crashes
7. gestural nav quick app switcher is supported with an option but doesnt seem to work.
That's about it for now.
(4) is critical .. the others I can probably overlook for a while.
Ok I pulled the trigger and it arrived today. So far I have just used phone clone, app gallery and Amazon/APKPure, early days but so far it feels quite seamless.
Not had a chance to form an opinion on how good the phone is overall other than it feels really nice in the hand but my experience/observations in terms of what is working and not so far are as follows:
- All of my non-google apps transfered over just fine other than Uber and eBay
- Installed eBay from apkpure but it does not work.
- Lastpass works fine with none of the errors or pop-ups I have seen mentioned elsewhere
- My First Direct Banking app also works fine and appears so far as normal as does PayPal
- Newton Mail, gives a GPS error but does work ok, no notifications though. May have to go back to Nine or try another app
- Nova Launcher works ok and Nova Prime app also transfered over. Nova Google companion does not seem to work though
Early days and some of the above could change and go wrong but so far I am not feeling the temptation to install GPS.
Google Photos yuo can use in browser. Full functionality with Google account. Also almost all other things are usable in browser or you can download app via Apk Pure... for example. The camera with the latest update ... . 121 is super. And I had for a few days Note 10 and also S20 but battery life was terrible. And the camera here is simply the best, and so so smooth and fast user experience.
Update Amazon photos crashes constantly, not a fan of the browser route as it feels quite clunky so am going to try piktures.
Surely the lack of notifications is an issue for you?
WhatsApp notifications work just fine as does obviously SMS.
Still looking for email, outlook seems hit and miss but notifications are coming through on it. I have used nine before but obviously no way of carrying through my purchase.
I think the key is identifying apps that do not reply on GPS to work.
I am going to persevere a bit before trying to install GPS, only because it looks a faff and is also not a one-of job. I’ll see how I feel after a few days. WhatsApp, email and sms are the must haves, the others can follow hopefully.
The camera is very very good, tested it briefly against my ultra and indoors it is just no contest. I’m sure outside in good light it is a personal preference thing but in mid to low light so far it seems streets ahead.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
arsenal74 said:
I’ll see how I feel after a few days. WhatsApp, email and sms are the must haves, the others can follow hopefully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes .. it's close to being acceptable for me with whatsapp working ... really just skype is the problem for my must haves .. the others are not so critical ... i can use calendars etc from HAG.
such a hassle to go back to google services just for skype.
Can you continue to use your game progress saved with Google Play? I refuse to use Facebook to save my progress, so Play is the only way I can keep my progress.

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