Let me say first this- is NOT a tinfoil hat-style thread. I know data gets collected and that is not really the concern I have here. I am more interested in what seems to be an attempt at monopolizing users' devices. What I am trying to start a discussion on is the recent changes in just about every Google-produced apk update and the changes these updates implement into the Android environment. Take GBoard for example....this recent update took an excellent keyboard and added several features to it that are frankly, redundant and unnecessary. Rendering is better in Chrome or Firefox and with "Now on Tap", Google search widget, Google Now, and the browsers themselves this redundancy is borderline meaningless and seems more like bloatware intended to promote people to use google over any other search engine. Android System Webview is almost as meaningless. There is no reason to have an un-configurable web interface coded into every app when it makes more sense to just use a browser with more feature-rich abilities. I could see it maybe useful on slow devices, but anyone with a Qualcomm dual-core or better should not need it.
Then on the other end of the spectrum they have Google Now Launcher, which has not been updated in over a year and is extremely boring in its customizability. NowLauncher has been ignored even though it's the core of the interface. It's as if they are just bored and instead push updates in order to make people feel like things are new, when in fact many of these updates are really downgrades in functionality by causing the operating system to feel schizophrenic.
Now I am certain some will agree and probably more will disagree, but I am finding myself simply disabling or uninstalling more and more of google's totally revamped "upgraded" apps. The level of device synergy they are trying to accomplish appears to be doing the opposite and creating solutions for problems that really didn't exist. These things may pose security issues, but again that is the least of my concern.
It kinda makes me feel like Google's change in direction since the drop of the Nexus line has caused further alienation of those who loved Android for being simple yet customizable. Does anyone out there agree that Google needs to calm down a bit with these changes and maybe consider that add-ons are not improvements? I know one thing for sure- it's beginning to drive me towards AOSP and third party alternatives. I appreciate any and all input. Thanks.
The Now Launcher hasn't been updated because they moved to the Pixel launcher, I guess.
I honestly kinda like the Pixel launcher a lot better than Now launcher, though I don't use either of them. I did try them, but I prefer Nova still.
As for the keyboard, I think what they did was to make stuff more convenient, or at least try it.
The keyboard browser wasn't made to replace an actual browser. It's just for really small searches.
I also find it kinda neat.
I myself don't use Google Now, nor Google Assistant. I don't even have the Google app installed.
So being able to do a quick search right from the keyboard could prove useful in this scenario.
And I'm pretty sure I saw a switch to turn off the search option, so you can still have the old-school keyboard while still having the new features (multilingual predictions).
But I'm not using their keyboard either. It doesn't really have what I need.
Most Google apps don't suit my needs, so I opt not to use them. And that's everybody can do. They aren't forced to use them. Sure, they may come pre-installed on devices, but I'm almost certain that you can disable them if you don't need of use them.
I read somewhere (not sure where) that third party camera apps can not use the full potential of the dual-camera. Only the stock app can do that - not quite sure but I rememeber something that it can't access the 20MP black&white sensor or something.
Is this correct?
I would say that most third-party software was coded with one sensor in mind. I don't own a Mate 9, but I do know a bit about combining two images in one (binning) and photography. They are highly specialized actions, that require specially made software.
Dual lens appears to be the trend. Might go to the play store, send an email to the camera FV-5 folks. They've always been fast to respond
to my questions. I'm not really "interested" in dual lens cameras on phones. I use it for quick snapshots of things I work on (electronics).
for everything else, I defer to my dSLR.
I know this question may sound kind of counter to why one would get a Google Pixel in the first place, but fact is the hardware on the Pixel 2 matches everything I've wanted (front stereo speakers, superb camera with OIS, OLED, 5.0 inches or less). Outside of that, I really do not have any interest in using any of Google's apps other than the OS. In the past, I've made it a point to disable the assistant, opt out of practically anything Google, and use just the OEM supplied apps, which served well for the most part as they're very basic and doesn't have any means of tracking you. Now, however, practically everything is saddled with apps from Google. Has anyone used or have recommendations for other apps to replace Google-based ones, like phone, album, mail, music, etc.? I could just go ham and flash AOSP from the ROMs section, but let's assume at worst I just want to go to a modded stock ROM. Plus I'm interested in hearing if I'm the only one that's come across this predicament.
F-Droid is what you are looking for. It's an alternative app repository, with only free and open source apps.
So it looks like Vivo seem to take some what good care about the updates so far and android 9 is promised to be delivered to us for Q4.
So what is your wishlist or recommendation that vivo should work on for future firmware updates ?
I have the chinese version myself and I realize that those with a global version have a vastly different experience then those global users with the Chinese rom.
So Please tell us what you are using also...some of the stuff is fixed in the global version.
Funtouch is getting a lot of criticism for being a iOS look a like, personally I find it not to be a negative thing, transparent UI feels more timeless to me, it looks more modern, while the android vanilla looks to me kind of dated and where not much have happen in the last 5 years. I also like that the design is kind of streamlined, I used textra sms app before but now I think the stock sms app looks better in conjunction with the rest of the UI experience. So I dont mind they dont use material design. I really like the control panel swipe from left button its more ergonomic and smart then swiping from top. I dont like the stock launcher, just as with the other chinese launchers like miui, emui etc I dont like the folders I dont want the folder to pop up in the middle of the screen its just less ergonomic and less easy to reach, that is why I use Rootless Pixel Launcher.
Unfortunately I found 3 months now Vivo not listening at all user base customer of their product.
I’ve requested many time contacting through Facebook messenger support to add LDAC support but refuse to implement it saying that’s its hardware related but I know that Google implemented native LDAC support to core Android OS so what’s Vivo says it’s just cheap excuse only.
I told them also that since don’t provide led notifications should provide much more complete always on display feature with unlimited third party app notifications just like many other OEM does like Samsung,LG,HTC,OnePlus and even recently Xiaomi with mi8 and even Sony with XZ3
They always answer that Chinese users don’t use third party app that’s why refuse to provide support to AOD.
But that’s not matter of Chinese or global rom but to provide to all customers as much more complete,functional and customized feature not half baked as do today.
They also told me that I can use flashlight notifications but that works only with incoming calls and SMS!!!!!!
I also suggested if could change the position of control center gesture and make it like iOS 11/12 style swipe down upper right corner.
Current version they are having is iOS 10 style that even Apple has remove it over 2 years.
It’s kind off odd and ridiculous having a feature that neither Apple or all other Android OEM device offer today.
Not to mention the stupid restrictions needed Vivo account with Chinese number to install third party app.
They must understand that Android OS is preferred by user because of its plenty off choices and flexibility offer with freedom off customization to meet our personal needs and preferences.
Also getting pop up messages from time to time that I must replace the home screen launcher is just hilarious or the other stupid red bar color pop up when activate developer option.
All those restrictions has nothing to do with the nature of Android OS.
From the other hand it’s very stable,smooth and reliable the OS provide but they must change 3-4 parameters of their skin and listen more the customer feedback as all we requested is reasonably and logical and not any kind science function.
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Notifications from external applications are what is missing from the AOD. If not for the smartwatch, I do not know how I could do it without notifications.
I sorry for my English, I use Google Translator.
I'd love the same notification light that's on the oppo find X where the screen illuminates around the edge as we have no notification hardware , I'd also please please please like a black theme like what's on the 1+6 ,, I don't mind funtouch OS coming from the vivo V9 so I'm not looking for anything drastic , just improve performance and maybe overclock and squeeze more Ram for day to day operations even though 8gb is ample (greedy) , oh and maybe try and tinker with the fingerprint scanner as it a little hit and miss, apart from that I'm more than pleased with my purchase. :good:
paatha13 said:
Unfortunately I found 3 months now Vivo not listening at all user base customer of their product.
I’ve requested many time contacting through Facebook messenger support to add LDAC support but refuse to implement it saying that’s its hardware related but I know that Google implemented native LDAC support to core Android OS so what’s Vivo says it’s just cheap excuse only.
I told them also that since don’t provide led notifications should provide much more complete always on display feature with unlimited third party app notifications just like many other OEM does like Samsung,LG,HTC,OnePlus and even recently Xiaomi with mi8 and even Sony with XZ3
They always answer that Chinese users don’t use third party app that’s why refuse to provide support to AOD.
But that’s not matter of Chinese or global rom but to provide to all customers as much more complete,functional and customized feature not half baked as do today.
They also told me that I can use flashlight notifications but that works only with incoming calls and SMS!!!!!!
I also suggested if could change the position of control center gesture and make it like iOS 11/12 style swipe down upper right corner.
Current version they are having is iOS 10 style that even Apple has remove it over 2 years.
It’s kind off odd and ridiculous having a feature that neither Apple or all other Android OEM device offer today.
Not to mention the stupid restrictions needed Vivo account with Chinese number to install third party app.
They must understand that Android OS is preferred by user because of its plenty off choices and flexibility offer with freedom off customization to meet our personal needs and preferences.
Also getting pop up messages from time to time that I must replace the home screen launcher is just hilarious or the other stupid red bar color pop up when activate developer option.
All those restrictions has nothing to do with the nature of Android OS.
From the other hand it’s very stable,smooth and reliable the OS provide but they must change 3-4 parameters of their skin and listen more the customer feedback as all we requested is reasonably and logical and not any kind science function.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also like more swipe options for navgation, swipe from sides like xiaomi is preferable more ergonomic.
Regarding LDAC , I thought I did read the latest chinese rom got LDAC support if I dont remember wrong ?
We can all agree on the stupid restrictions needing a vivo account to do things, but yeah as long as you live in china I guess its not a problem, problem is global versions dont come with 256 gb so many buy the chinese version just to get the biggest memory model. me included,
ruk21201 said:
I'd love the same notification light that's on the oppo find X where the screen illuminates around the edge as we have no notification hardware , I'd also please please please like a black theme like what's on the 1+6 ,, I don't mind funtouch OS coming from the vivo V9 so I'm not looking for anything drastic , just improve performance and maybe overclock and squeeze more Ram for day to day operations even though 8gb is ample (greedy) , oh and maybe try and tinker with the fingerprint scanner as it a little hit and miss, apart from that I'm more than pleased with my purchase. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have performance problem I think it might depend on what permissions you gave to the apps, I did try to give all apps with push notifcations "startup" permission I saw a drastic change in battery life, its this permission I think make it lay constantly in background and talk and syncing with all google apps in background constantly, with it on I got a more "normal" battery life from what I usually get from a phone sold in the west. Be also careful with what apps you give "allow high power consumption in background", in my findings, as long as you have the "autostart" permissions you dont need to have it added in the "allow high power consumption" list if its is chat apps, the only expection here is multimedia apps for video and audio this are the apps that most be added in this list otherwise to break..
When I added "Start up" permission to too many apps I did experience the phone to feel more "heavy" and not as fast...
blackinfinity said:
I would also like more swipe options for navgation, swipe from sides like xiaomi is preferable more ergonomic.
Regarding LDAC , I thought I did read the latest chinese rom got LDAC support if I dont remember wrong ?
We can all agree on the stupid restrictions needing a vivo account to do things, but yeah as long as you live in china I guess its not a problem, problem is global versions dont come with 256 gb so many buy the chinese version just to get the biggest memory model. me included,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to Vivo support the software update that supposedly brings support LDAC is fake.
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After latest update Vivo add LDAC support to device.
1.20.5 Chinese version
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nex/how-to/nex-global-rom-features-compared-to-t3821224/page7
So one major feature lack of Vivo software has been resolved.
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I wish in future updates an ability to turn on and off wisdowm engine, I am consider to disable it in asb...
I still have problems when using chromecast with apps that the apps shuts down while it chromecast, the video stream is intact to the tv but I have to re open the app all the time.
I think it is wisdom engine to blame, which I am
blackinfinity said:
I wish in future updates an ability to turn on and off wisdowm engine, I am consider to disable it in asb...
I still have problems when using chromecast with apps that the apps shuts down while it chromecast, the video stream is intact to the tv but I have to re open the app all the time.
I think it is wisdom engine to blame, which I am
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don’t recommend disable wisdoms engine as you will have notifications issues from various app plus widget from app doesn’t work properly on notifications center.
It keeps disappearing after few minutes put phone to standby.
When re open the screen after a while and it’s gone.
I’ve had to made hard reset to restore wisdom engine and setup the phone from beginning.
To me wisdom engine does not cause any kind issue with my working scenario.
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I'm all about the battery life. Even the battery is good got around 9h sot I'd like it to be more like 10-11h of sot. Everything else is solid.
paatha13 said:
I don’t recommend disable wisdoms engine as you will have notifications issues from various app plus widget from app doesn’t work properly on notifications center.
It keeps disappearing after few minutes put phone to standby.
When re open the screen after a while and it’s gone.
I’ve had to made hard reset to restore wisdom engine and setup the phone from beginning.
To me wisdom engine does not cause any kind issue with my working scenario.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the information I did read some other person who did disable wisdom engine without any problems but now I will not consider to disable it...
the main items on my wishlist:
- Fix WhatsApp Voice Messages mic volume, i know the mic is very loud and clear from the stock sound recorder but WhatsApp seem to be applying aggressive noise cancellation which is muting the volume, usually the OEM can take care of such a problem instead of WhatsApp
- Camera needs a lot of work, color balance is way off, tinted in low light and detail is killed to hell, they need to rethink their camera app processing, apply proper AUTO HDR multi-frame stacking and detail extraction like Google and HTC does, right now the camera hardware is killed by a trashy processing, thankfully GCam port of the pixel 3 is here to rescue but it still good to be addressed by Vivo
- Camera app missing 1080p60 and 4k60
- Re-theme their iOS like UI, yes copying the functionality of iOS is not a bad thing especially when its so well done and rock solid like it's done here, but copying the exact same look of those apps is not okay and they should at least offer an alternative global theme
Keep I’m mind everyone that every missing feature you want or any kind improvements ask you should all talked directly via social media channel Facebook messenger etc.
Vivo representatives don’t read XDA at all neither support team.
So it’s good idea mention over here,but all of you should talk directly with them.
Only by giving feedback directly they gone listen and maybe workaround issues having with our phones.
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paatha13 said:
Keep I’m mind everyone that every missing feature you want or any kind improvements ask you should all talked directly via social media channel Facebook messenger etc.
Vivo representatives don’t read XDA at all neither support team.
So it’s good idea mention over here,but all of you should talk directly with them.
Only by giving feedback directly they gone listen and maybe workaround issues having with our phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am using the included feedback app as if i am a vivo tester :laugh:
hamdir said:
i am using the included feedback app as if i am a vivo tester :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer more personalized communication with them so talking with them only via messenger support
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hamdir said:
the main items on my wishlist:
- Fix WhatsApp Voice Messages mic volume, i know the mic is very loud and clear from the stock sound recorder but WhatsApp seem to be applying aggressive noise cancellation which is muting the volume, usually the OEM can take care of such a problem instead of WhatsApp
- Camera needs a lot of work, color balance is way off, tinted in low light and detail is killed to hell, they need to rethink their camera app processing, apply proper AUTO HDR multi-frame stacking and detail extraction like Google and HTC does, right now the camera hardware is killed by a trashy processing, thankfully GCam port of the pixel 3 is here to rescue but it still good to be addressed by Vivo
- Camera app missing 1080p60 and 4k60
- Re-theme their iOS like UI, yes copying the functionality of iOS is not a bad thing especially when its so well done and rock solid like it's done here, but copying the exact same look of those apps is not okay and they should at least offer an alternative global theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I look at my global version of my vivo NEX S I don't see or feel an IOS device maybe change your launcher, this is android you have a choice.
Hi, I bought one of those cheap USB endoscope cameras. In its manual they want me to download raw .apk from some shady source which I don't intend to do, but they also recommend some app from the Play store. I reckoned that any "external camera app" will do, but apparently not only none of them seem to work with my phone+camera combo, but also they're all extremely low quality. Most of those apps are actually the same app made by some guy that can't even write proper English and ensures me that he wishes me "good health" in the intro. The sad part is that the app crashes as soon as I connect the camera.
My question is: is there any decent app for such external cameras? I'd even prefer it to be payware - I don't want intrusive ads and paying is no problem, I just want something that works... I can't wrap my head around why I can't find any such app - I'd expect there would be tons of them, not the same ****ty one that doesn't work, repackaged 100 times... What am I missing?
My phone is OnePlus 7 Pro with Android 10 (Oxygen OS 10.0.10.GM21BA). Thanks!