i switched from blackberry 8900 only because it didnt have 3g so the internet and maps were slow...
otherwise it was a great device it was very quick OS
when i want to call someone i just type in their name and it gives me option to call or email or txt.
i open my pictures and brows thru them i have a menu option to use the image as a wallpaper or other actions
theres a camera flash
theres a 3.5 headphone jack
theres a trackball!!!!
i have never had to use two hands to do any operation on that phone.
every lil action could be done with one hand and that is the best feature of blackberry.
i understand this phone is not blackberry.
i do like the phone
i love the big screen and ridiculous resolution!!!!(something blackberry lack for now)
i love the speakerphone and the face down/spkr phone feature
i definitely love the free apps and other tweaks that are available for this device.
the regedit the file browser the millions of settings
the micro sd card being on the side
now the bad parts
the user interface is painfully slow and unresponsive.
to make a call i have to press the talk button then press contacts(because scrolling with your finger is worthless it will catch on first damn contact and start calling it right away)
and then you have to cancel the call and start over
this time thru your phonebook...
and to txt i still havent figured out an easy way to start a txt message for a contact from your recent calls or phone book
theres no button for camera shutter its a big ugly ahole looking image on the screen.
it is definitely not made for finger operation
i have to use stylus for almost everything
browsing without stylus is stupid.
the zoom bar works whenever it feels like and so far only in 2 programs
itsa windows OS and wtf theres no landscape or soom bar feature in internet explorer but they are both available in opera?? makes no sensei
the display is already loose even though i only tilted it maybe 15 20 times
theres no option to set wallpaper from image preview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! like every other phone ( even motorazr had that feature)
please help me to figure this phone out
fuzzysig said:
...now the bad parts
the user interface is painfully slow and unresponsive.
to make a call i have to press the talk button then press contacts(because scrolling with your finger is worthless it will catch on first damn contact and start calling it right away)
and then you have to cancel the call and start over
this time thru your phonebook...
and to txt i still havent figured out an easy way to start a txt message for a contact from your recent calls or phone book
theres no button for camera shutter its a big ugly ahole looking image on the screen.
it is definitely not made for finger operation
i have to use stylus for almost everything
browsing without stylus is stupid.
the zoom bar works whenever it feels like and so far only in 2 programs
itsa windows OS and wtf theres no landscape or soom bar feature in internet explorer but they are both available in opera?? makes no sensei
the display is already loose even though i only tilted it maybe 15 20 times
theres no option to set wallpaper from image preview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! like every other phone ( even motorazr had that feature)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Regarding the interface being slow, this is subjective. It also depends on what ROM you have. The ROM I have loaded is quite fast in my opinion.
2. You can also make a call just like a blackberry. When you're in the home screen, just slide open the keyboard and type the name of the person you want to call. The dialer will automatically launch and filter your contacts according to what you typed.
3. Easy way to text someone in your contacts. Go to the SMS tab. Tap the icon for new message. In the "To" field, just start typing the name of the person. It will autocomplete.
4. If you want to text someone you recently spoke with, open the dialer by pressing the call hardware button. Now you can see who you recently spoke with. On the right of each contact, there's an icon that looks like a contact card. Tap it. Here you can choose to call or email. You can also text by tapping on the icon to the right that looks like a speech bubble. That's 3 actions to get to the compose screen.
5. Yes, there's no dedicated button for the camera shutter. But you can compensate by mapping other keys to do the job. I've mapped the volume up key to act as the camera shutter only in the camera app. If you don't want to map keys, you can also open your keyboard and use the enter key as the shutter button.
6. My experience regarding the stylus is the opposite of yours. I never have to use it. I think it's because you need to understand how to use a resistive touch screen. Tip: apply pressure.
7. Zoombar is indeed limited in its usefulness. But it works in more than 2 programs. Just off the top of my head, it works in Word, Excel, Opera, Album, and Adobe Reader.
8. I never use Internet Explorer and, honestly, neither should anyone. So, I don't really care about it's features.
9. My display is still nice and sturdy. But experiences vary from one to another.
10. If you're using Sense/Manila/TF3D, you can only set your wallpaper via the settings tab or with HDWall. If you're just using the standard Today screen, it can be set via the Today settings or the WinMo default Pictures and Videos app. But I'm someone who doesn't change their wallpaper every other hour. So, this doesn't bother me at all.
fuzzysig said:
now the bad parts -- I'll try to help you with these.
the user interface is painfully slow and unresponsive.
to make a call i have to press the talk button then press contacts(because scrolling with your finger is worthless it will catch on first damn contact and start calling it right away)
and then you have to cancel the call and start over
this time thru your phonebook...
and to txt i still havent figured out an easy way to start a txt message for a contact from your recent calls or phone book
theres no button for camera shutter its a big ugly ahole looking image on the screen.
it is definitely not made for finger operation
i have to use stylus for almost everything
browsing without stylus is stupid.
the zoom bar works whenever it feels like and so far only in 2 programs
itsa windows OS and wtf theres no landscape or soom bar feature in internet explorer but they are both available in opera?? makes no sensei
the display is already loose even though i only tilted it maybe 15 20 times
theres no option to set wallpaper from image preview!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! like every other phone ( even motorazr had that feature)
please help me to figure this phone out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the stock ROM or did you flash a custom ROM? Custom ROMs usually have a lot more speed, but some are unstable. Since you only have 4 days, I think you should only flash your ROM if you have at least 24 hours total of free time (to work out some kinks, and if you do return it, you need to reflash the stock ROM and stuff).
To make a call, just bring up the phone dialer (Talk/Send hardware button). To find names, just tap in the name in the dialer (ie. if you want to call John, just press/dial "5646" ["J" is in 5, "O" is in 6, "H" is in 4, "N" is in 6]; the phone is smart enough to try to recognize the name you want); you don't need to scroll down the whole list for John.
To text someone from the Call history in the phone dialer screen, press the small icon to the right of the name (looks like a business card), and that brings you to a screen with options to contact them.
Camera shutter... can't blame you there, but if iPhone pulled that off, I guess HTC felt they could pass that virtual "shutter" button.
**The key to maneuvering in the screen (resistive screen; needs pressure to work), is by using your nails. Think of your nail as a stylus, and you should be better.**
IMO, Pocket Internet Explorer is horrible (interface and speed). Opera Mobile is better.
Don't know what you mean by "image preview." Sorry.
well when im browsing thru images in album i can set wallpaper from there. because the default wallpaper setup program doesnt preview the images it just gives you the thumbs and once you click it the wallpaper is set...
the touch screen is the problem tho.
i dont have nails so alot of times when i try to use my thumb it will catch onto something and i end up waiting untill it processes through or wrong person dialing.
and the damn keyboard button is the worst i have to press it at least 3 times to get rid of onscreen keyboard.
i have itouch and its so much easier to use with finger especially when browsing.
internet explorer doesnt bother me i like it because it reenders webpages differently. i got used to it when i was learning web design since it would show most accurate page layout and graphics by default.
i was on stock TMO rom that came out of the box with the phone.
iupdated to EnergyROM_28011_RHODIUM_25.Dec.2009_StandardM2.5_MaxManila
and it is even slower now
is there a specivic rom you guys suggest that i should try to see if it speeds up.
i want to see if the 6.5 tmobile update will bring any improvements or not.
Try MightyMike's ROM
I suggest you try one of MM's roms. I only suggest you try one of his stable releases. He has several works in progress, but his latest stable release is seeming to be very good and snappy. It also uses less system RAM.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=79579 - Thread discussion
http://www.mightyrom.com/ - Mighty Mike's website
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Also, depending on when you purchased your phone, and from whom, you may have more time than you think. Many carriers offer extended return times over the Christmas season. I do believe that VZW offers all phones purchased from at least Nov 27 to be returned 'till Jan 15. Those specs. could be off a little due to poor memory, but it is something like that. Might be worth looking into.
Good Luck, and I hope you end up extremely happy with whichever device you end up with!
MM = Poor ROM choice...in this situation!
Devoncoon said:
I suggest you try one of MM's roms. I only suggest you try one of his stable releases. He has several works in progress, but his latest stable release is seeming to be very good and snappy. It also uses less system RAM.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=79579 - Thread discussion
http://www.mightyrom.com/ - Mighty Mike's website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MM's ROMs are for CDMA only. Fuzzysig just said he had a stock T-Mobile ROM. Verizon, Telus, and Sprint are CDMA. T-Mobile and AT&T are GSM. If he flashed a CDMA ROM onto his GSM phone, that would be a disaster!
fuzzysig said:
and the damn keyboard button is the worst i have to press it at least 3 times to get rid of onscreen keyboard.
i have itouch and its so much easier to use with finger especially when browsing.
i was on stock TMO rom that came out of the box with the phone.
iupdated to EnergyROM_28011_RHODIUM_25.Dec.2009_StandardM2.5_MaxManila
and it is even slower now
is there a specivic rom you guys suggest that i should try to see if it speeds up.
i want to see if the 6.5 tmobile update will bring any improvements or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the new keyboard buttons are stupid. You just have to press all the way at the left edge of the button (took some practice for me).
I love EnergyROMs (my favorite ROM is still EnergyROM Dec.4 Leo build 28008). The reason it's even slower is because you have MaxManila, which I heard slows down the system a bit.
I recommend the ROM I'm currently running (check the sig). It's sort of lite, but has some apps that help you tweak the phone (like EnergyROMs, but less apps; the flaw of EnergyROMs, IMO, is that NRG puts in a lot of apps so it's ready to go, but that starts counting towards bloatware). Valkyrie ROMs are light on memory (running 5 apps and RAM usage is still below 75%), and they're pretty smooth. The one I have is using the new Leo package, which has HTC landscape support! But because it's a new Leo package, you sill can't use Manila tweaks like HDWalls and Maxmanila (developers need to rewrite scripts, I think). Here's a post with 4 screenshots of the ValkyrieROM LEO in landscape.
OOPS
sumflipnol
Nice catch!! I'm very glad you caught this before any harm was done. I completely missed that aspect. I would have felt Horrible if I was the cause of someone bricking their device from my advice!
With this new information, I suggest that you first switch to Verizon and then run Mighty Mike's ROMs!!
Regarding GSM/CDMA ROMs
The thought just ocurred to me. The Touch Pro 2 is a World phone, and therefore has both CDMA and GSM capability. I have no idea if this makes sense or not, but I was just wondering if the CDMA/GSM ROM issue is relevant in this case?? Is the hardware different between T-Mobile/AT&T and VZW/Sprint or is it the same?
Maybe I am totally off in left field, I don't know....
Devoncoon said:
The thought just ocurred to me. The Touch Pro 2 is a World phone, and therefore has both CDMA and GSM capability. I have no idea if this makes sense or not, but I was just wondering if the CDMA/GSM ROM issue is relevant in this case?? Is the hardware different between T-Mobile/AT&T and VZW/Sprint or is it the same?
Maybe I am totally off in left field, I don't know....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not an expert, but what I think is by "World" phone, they refer to the capability of being used anywhere due to the Quadband 2G support. If the device is from a GSM company, the device will only come with a GSM-compatible hardware radio. If the device is from a CDMA company, it has the capabilities of using both GSM and CDMA bands, but the hardware radio is still native to CDMA.
And again, this is what I think prohibits us from flashing GSM ROMs onto CDMA devices and vice versa. If I'm wrong, I would appreciate if someone with more knowledge could clear this up. Unless, of course, this is one of the "just don't do that" rules!
sumflipnol said:
I'm not an expert, but what I think is by "World" phone, they refer to the capability of being used anywhere due to the Quadband 2G support. If the device is from a GSM company, the device will only come with a GSM-compatible hardware radio. If the device is from a CDMA company, it has the capabilities of using both GSM and CDMA bands, but the hardware radio is still native to CDMA.
And again, this is what I think prohibits us from flashing GSM ROMs onto CDMA devices and vice versa. If I'm wrong, I would appreciate if someone with more knowledge could clear this up. Unless, of course, this is one of the "just don't do that" rules!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's essentially correct and close enough to the truth for govt work..
Thanks for the Clarification.
I kinda figured that it would be too good to be true. I am still somewhat confused how the CDMA radio accesses GSM signal, but I will leave it for another time in another thread...
Related
I just updated my "flagship software" for Phone Edition.
(sorry for the one month of delay time)
Many many improvements, new features and fixes.
Now you can replace the default balloon message of the upcoming phone, use the fullscreen message, see the caller's photos in any size... or turn the Pocket PC completely off into the Silent Profile.
More fixes for the standard PPC2002 and WM2003 Phone Edition versions.
You can customize the view of taskbar with all default icons are still visible correctly. The only solution for Phone Edition.
Plus: skinable interface, icons, images, messages in the full version, just it going to change the name to the Phone Profiles Seriously.
The Lite Version is free update for current users.
Test it. There is a few different O/S now. Be sure it works with your device correctly.
The Trial Version works 7 days without limits.
More screenshots, descriptions on the new Home Page:
http://www.jgui.net/phoneprofiles/index.html
Read there how to customize your images, icons, message.
I open the contest for the best and fun icons for Phone Profiles.
The winners (3) will get the full version. Until the end of February.
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hello,
do you consider making Polish language version of your software ?? question not only out of curiosity ..
regards, monika
My trial of version 3.1 has just finished, so I downloaded version 5 to see what has changed.
The settings interface is a big improvement, but there are two bugs that I've found which have annoyed me. Also, in version 3.1 I had nice small icons on the Today screen. In version 5 the icons are huge! Too big!
Bugs:
- When I click a profile icon, then choose a time, the click goes through the time button to the today item behind it. The profile is chosen OK, but I then have to close (for example) the Bluetooth setting dialog. Grrr!
- Last night I was browsing my offline IE favourites. As normal, every time I opened a stored page, the XDA2 tried to connect GPRS to check the page version. As normal I clicked the 'cancel' button to stop the GPRS connecting, but every time I did this, the machine turned itself off. I discovered this is because I had chosen a Phone Profile (default Silent) with the setting to turn the machine off after every call. This was a major pain in the ass. If this setting is going to cause the machine to switch off like this then I'm never going to use it - it's a wasted setting.
At the moment, Version 5 has disadvantages for me. It's not a step backwards, because the settings interface is improved a lot, but I'm not going to use the program any more. This is a pity - Version 3.1 was excellent!
Hope this helps.
Edit: More bugs? I just set the 'Loudest' profile to 'Vibrate: longer' on incoming calls. Wow. It was definitely longer. It wouldn't stop, even 30 seconds after the phone had passed the call to answerphone. I had to switch it off and back on to stop the vibration. Great.
Also on loudest profile, with SMS set to 'Sound: normal' and 'Vibrate: normal', I get no vibration or sound at all when an SMS comes in.
Also also , I can't configure MSN Messenger alerts independently, which I could in V 3.1.
Damn, my disappointment level is rising!
1. I think it is safe to see the today screen and changes of phone profiles whe it happen - just to be sure "where you are". why do you want to change the phone profle when you are with another settings dialog? if I undestood you correctly
2. you have right, I did not think in this way. I will fix it. In the meantime: just do not use "turn the power off after the call" option, easy?
thanks for you comments
Thanks for responding quickly.
More explanation:
1.
On the Today screen I have PhoneProfiles with the (large) icons visible. When I tap an icon to change profile I get the timeset buttons (15, 30, 60, 90 etc.). The timeset buttons are bigger than the area that PhoneProfiles needs, so on my screen the timeset buttons overlap the item below, which is my Bluetooth headset profile item. When I click the '---' button to select the PhoneProfile, the click activates the chosen PhoneProfile, but also hits the Bluetooth headset item.
2.
I have disabled the 'Turn power off after the call' option.
I uploaded the setup file,
problems with vibrate and fullscreen skinning fixed
btw: when you use "longer vibrate" or "pulse"
and you will not answer the call and the caller cancel the ringing
and now you want to break the vibrations
PRESS the red phone hardware buttons on tap the balloon or fullscreen message
Hi JGUI,
Nice work.
I miss one thing. Is possibel to give diferent ring tones to callers? as you can do with the pictures?
Regards
JoseF
Hi JGUI,
Nice work.
I miss one thing. Is possibel to give diferent ring tones to callers? as you can do with the pictures?
Regards
JoseF
different sounds
are you sure you want it?
I noticed that when I set different sounds sometimes when I hear my phone ring I do not focus and undestand that it is ringing because my mind expects default ring I use.
in the previous version there was an options to random select sounds from one folder and this given me the same confusion as the one above, sounds changes and I do not recognize that my phone ring when I listen music or tv....
any way, of course I thought so and I can add this feature
you can keep photos and sound in one folder with names as your caller phone numbers and the program will use if found photo or sound with appreciated name to number
thanks
caller photo trial?
Hi!
@JGUI: the description and screenshots look very promising. I would like to use this program to replace the CallerId program that comes with the MDA/XDA II. CallerId is somewhat notorious, and seems to cause many problems.
However, I would like to test this feature before I shell out $39... would you consider making a trial version of the Seriously version? You could limit the caller photos to, let's say, three entries. That would be enough to test the feature, and still give enough incentive to actually buy the program!
Also, do you consider foreign language versions? I'd be happy to help you making a German version, if you want!
Best Regards
Daniel
I made
I made the trial,
of course as I made it always for all my software.
this is one setup file for all versions of Phone Profiles currently,
you install and you start to use the trial,
then you can write in settings dialog the password
to unlock to the lite version or to the full "seriously" version
depend what passwword you got.
Re: I made
JGUI said:
I made the trial,
of course as I made it always for all my software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I see. I misunderstood you - I thought the trial has only the features of the "lite" version.
Will download the trial now and see how it goes!
Cheers
Daniel
Hi JGUI, I downloaded the trail and it look good.
One thing i miss is that whem receiving a sms I can let the red light only flash for 5 minutes up to one hour. I would like to see it flash without limit. So only when I read the sms the red light can go off.
Got it...excellent
But do I need to delete caller id monitor from start ???? I think it s not usefull now right ? with JG prog, functions are the same and I am not sure to use the two at the same time wont make some bugs Your opinion ?
Oh, and we all want configurable MSN Messenger alerts, right? :wink:
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
I tried the 3.xx versions but I had some bugs ...
The version 5 looks good but it is not possible to have different ring tones for contact
And 39$ it is a little bit more expansive when you see that Crazy kart only cost 15$
For that price do we have unlimited upgrade free ?
Could some users post their feedback about this version ....
Fix web site... www.jgui.com ?
JGUI:
I downloaded the Seriously version and like many of the features. However, I am trying to figure out how to set all of the features you describe. Your web site has broken links all over the place... and, moreover, it's difficult to find this software without knowing the exact link.
REQUESTED FEATURE:
It would be VERY nice to be able to "schedule" profiles to turn on and off. For example, I'd like to have silent scheduled from 10PM-6AM, then have the default turn on from there...
Thx, JS
link?
broken link?
I think it works fine:
www.jgui.net/phoneprofiles/
scheduling profiles? hmmm? I think it would be "too much".
you will forget your settings between just 4 profiles, scheduled and normal changed, very soon! and you will be wonder that your phone works in unexpected way...
I tested scheduling, my friends too....
We think that the simple tap the icon and change the profile temporary or continuously, it is the better solution...
But I'm still listening comments, awaiting... let's see what others will say...
thank you for your comments[/url]
Re: link?
JGUI said:
broken link?
I think it works fine:
www.jgui.net/phoneprofiles/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he meant are the links "patents", "dhtml", "pocketpc" and "contacts" in the top blue bar on your site, which point to non-existing pages.
JGUI said:
scheduling profiles? hmmm? I think it would be "too much".
you will forget your settings between just 4 profiles, scheduled and normal changed, very soon! and you will be wonder that your phone works in unexpected way...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I would find that a useful feature. You could, for example, program it to go to the "quietest" profile each day from 10pm to 7am, when you're asleep.
Cheers
Daniel
but...
I have a problem with IA (included in Qtek)...it run at the same time and I have two scrren (one over the other one) when somebody call... how to stop Id caller ? I tried to put out from start folder but it still start after a soft reset....
Any idea ?????
I am comfortable with my iPhone and have nothing against AT&T. I am thinking of moving to the EVO for its large screen and less expensive family plans.
However, I am afraid I may miss features I am used to having on my iPhone.
Can anyone answer these two questions I haven't found answers to yet?
1. Do you from you list of contacts pick a list called favorites to more easily dial from than going through all contacts?
2. While typing (or replying to) email, can you select a block of text and then cut and paste it?
If anyone who knows both phones knows of other things I may miss from the iPhone let me know please. I went to the Sprint store yesterday but the sales person really wasn't helpful - he tried but did not know a lot.
HTC Sense has a favorite's widget you can use and there is a list of favorites when you bring up your contact list as well. I don't personally use it but some might find it handy.
Selecting text is definitely different than the iphone...it's not somthing I've found myself doing often so I can't answer that personally but I know the option is there to enter a "Select Text" mode when you long press on some text.
I came from the iPhone and left it when the 3Gs came out and the thing you'll probably need adjusting to is the game selection...android market is improving on that but it's not been around as much so it's lagging a little behind in that aspect.
Lastly, the one thing I missed absolutely most when I made the switch was the keyboard...I've yet to find a keyboard that does prediction as good at the iPhone's keyboard for the tap-to-type method.
However, if you're willing to try a different method, Swype has some distinct advantages for typing on a screen (look once for the first letter in a word and look away while dragging your thumb around the screen in the rough shape of where you think the keys would be and it works great for me).
Ultimately, I would conclude that the phones are just different...it's like going from Mac (in it's current incarnation) to Linux. There's some things they do share in common but a lot of what they do, they just do it differently and both pretty well.
Hi guys,
I was wondering why someone would want to root their desire?
If I don t need apps2sd of 720 recording, isn t it than better (more stable?) to stick with the current official 2.1 ROM that came with the phone and wait for the official Froyo release for the Desire?
I guess it boils down to how you use your device
personally i like being rooted so i can access more of the system, tell it what i want it to do and such, not to mention themes and apps etc etc
its like compairing Linux to Windows
Kinda what I wanted to ask, I've got a T-Mobile Desire and I had been thinking of trading it for something like a Dell Streak but I think that having a rooted Desire would let me play around with it a bit more, is it as customisable and open as Windows Mobile is? I enjoyed messing around with this on my old HD2.
Is it worth rooting my Desire to get the unofficial Froyo update? What else does rooting give me?
5 Reasons to root
lifehacker's website said:
A real performance boost
Android, as an alternative, open-source smartphone OS, is pure geek bait, but the hardware it's been officially released onto so far, in the U.S. at least, has been hard to love. Pushing a button and having to wait even just a second or two for something, anything to happen is a buzz kill; having to wait a second for a virtual keyboard press to show up is just plain aggravating. Using the CyanogenMOD ROM on my G1, it's definitely a better experience—not perfect and instant, but my phone seems to be actively trying to do what I want now. New browser windows snap open, the multi-part home screen doesn't lag when swiping between screens, the top "window shade" and bottom app menu don't hesitate to show me what they've got—I've been using this phone for just a few months, but I could go on and on. Cyanogen's developer himself notes that his ROM actively works the processor, RAM, and memory partitions harder, so you may get (even) less battery longevity from your phone. Having spent a late night and excited morning with this ROM, I will gladly pack a recharging cord and accept the trade-off. Photo by NathanFromDeVryEET.
Easy tethering over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
After installing your custom ROM, grab this android-wifi-tether app by heading to that URL directly in your Android browser (or using the Barcode Scanner app to pick up its QR code) and clicking the .apk link. The app will ask for root access to enable and disable itself.
Once it does, that's about all there is to it. Power up your laptop, connect it by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to G1Tether (or your similarly-named ad-hoc phone connection), and you've got a data connection where none might have existed before. It will be slower than you anticipate, useful mainly for text-based email and browsing, and not something you'd want to use heavily, lest you tip off your cellular provider to your creativity. That said, it's not restricted to web traffic only, like previously mentioned PdaNet, and it's easy to use.
A better keyboard
The standard Android keyboard has its issues, and leading Android phone maker HTC knows it. They made their own keyboard for the HTC Hero, and the CyanogenMOD makes it available in any Android phone. Enable it by heading to Settings, Locale & Text, then turning "Touch Input" on and adjusting its spell/suggest/feedback settings.
"Better" is this editor's own opinion, though Matt Buchanan from Gizmodo agrees: The keys are "puffed up" and easier to hit, the "long press" is faster than reaching for an Alt key, once you're used to it, and the auto suggestions and replacements are, if not subtle, generally helpful. What's definitely better is the responsiveness and snappiness, which is crucial when you're blazing through text and don't want to guess what three letters you last selected.
Multi-touch browsing
It's not as responsive as the iPhone's iconic pinch and expand capabilities, and the browser isn't as good at adjusting the page to meet your rapid zoom demands. That said, most folks would rather press their fingers once to get a bigger view on text than tap once, click + and - buttons to get the right zoom, then re-adjust their screen position. Until Google decides to go ahead and look away from Apple's patents, we can just hope that unofficial multitouch improves from version to version.
Bonus apps and widgets from other builds
G1 users don't get the same built-in apps as myTouch owners, and myTouch fans can't grab all the neat stuff from the HTC Hero, not yet available in the U.S., or the Android Donut build not yet distributed by carriers. That's a strange condition for a phone built on openness. Cyanogen and other custom ROMs cherry-pick those neat exclusives and deliver them to anyone who wants them. The best of the pack, from a phone use standpoint, is the Power Control widget, which turns Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, data syncing, and screen brightness into simple toggles. Those bemoaning the lack of Microsoft Exchange support on G1s should check out Work Email, and anyone needing to do a little doc browsing can get it done with Quickoffice and PDF Viewer. There are other software goodies to geek out over—a full terminal emulator!—but those are the highlights.
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What are some small aspects of WP7 that you appreciate that others may not have noticed?
For me, after about two or three weeks of having the phone, I realized something about the text message tile. This is most likely old, but, if you have no messages, the smiley will be like this , if you have a message - ;-), if a message failed to send - :-( (or something like that, I don't quite remember it), if you have 4 or more messages - :-O
It was just something that made me smile and think, "really? who would have thought of including that?"
Anyone else have moments like this?
loopyeyes said:
What are some small aspects of WP7 that you appreciate that others may not have noticed?
For me, after about two or three weeks of having the phone, I realized something about the text message tile. This is most likely old, but, if you have no messages, the smiley will be like this , if you have a message - ;-), if a message failed to send - :-( (or something like that, I don't quite remember it), if you have 4 or more messages - :-O
It was just something that made me smile and think, "really? who would have thought of including that?"
Anyone else have moments like this?
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Really, that happens? That's a really nice touch!
For some reason I always loved how the arrow button rotates around when switching between the Live Tile view and the Apps list view. I don't really know why I like it, but I just do!
OGCF said:
Really, that happens? That's a really nice touch!
For some reason I always loved how the arrow button rotates around when switching between the Live Tile view and the Apps list view. I don't really know why I like it, but I just do!
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Yes that really happens, it is touches like this that make the device a delight to use, I really like the on screen keyboard, it feels just right in use
It turns out, every time you type on the soft-keyboard in WP7, it’s a subtly different sound. Whereas the iPhone has only one audio sample that it repeats every time you tap on the virtual key, WP7 plays one of eight variations in a loop.
Although it’s ever so slightly different, Microsoft claims they’ve done this so its more organic like footsteps down a hallway – the same but different, and less “obnoxious” if you were to press the backspace repeatedly. Matthew also claims feedback from “power typers” suggests the sounds deliver a better tactile experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6e5kPDe5zI
For more info.
seconded on the sw keyboard. And the keyboard is also good. It keeps up with fast typing and multitouch as well as text correction is smooth as butter. This has been the most pleasant sw keyboard I have ever used.
I think I can say another good touch is the start menu button. It is so good for quick one handed operation especially on the dell venue pro. I have to put a bit of force so its not pushed by mistake
Again nice touch
Xylias said:
It turns out, every time you type on the soft-keyboard in WP7, it’s a subtly different sound. Whereas the iPhone has only one audio sample that it repeats every time you tap on the virtual key, WP7 plays one of eight variations in a loop.
Although it’s ever so slightly different, Microsoft claims they’ve done this so its more organic like footsteps down a hallway – the same but different, and less “obnoxious” if you were to press the backspace repeatedly. Matthew also claims feedback from “power typers” suggests the sounds deliver a better tactile experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6e5kPDe5zI
For more info.
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Click to collapse
I didn't realise that about the keyboard sounds, it definitely does contribute to the pleasant nature of the typing experience
I really like the sense the phone gives (through its use of the panoramic screens) that you're the one controlling the phone, not the software. For instance, the speed at which you move through the content is dictated by the speed at which your finger moves, not some predetermined speed associated with an invisible switch you flip when your finger swipes across the screen.
I've been with Sprint for almost 9 years now, and before my Evo 4G in 2010 all I had were the old Nextel i95's...so needless to say I'm at a complete loss with WP7. I tinkered and tailored with Android ROM's for years now and have loved a lot about the OS...but I just couldn't pass up this deal for the Lumia 900 on AT&T. I'm beyond satisfied after having set everything up and loving how tightly knit and integrated a lot of the features are. But I still have some questions:
1) Can i screen capture with the stock rom? I don't want to have to unlock this phone (That was one of the reasons I left Android, you needed to unlock to do ANYTHING)
2) Are there any apps beyond the 3 that use a double tile? Is this a setting somewhere that I'm missing on? Kinda like resizing widgets?
3) Are there different themes, beyond the color switching pallete, that can be used with WP7? And while we're at it, is there a different lockscreen or anything else that can be done from it besides unlocking it? (Such as unlocking to text, email, custom app?)
4) What's up with the notifications disappearing after a while before I get a chance to check em? Is there a way to check them besides going to their respective clients to see what I missed?
5) Can you guys point me towards some alternative apps or settings to replace some of the stock feaures?
6) Besides having to login to AT&T all the time, is there a different way to monitor my data usage? A simple app perhaps?
7) Oh and how could I forget....do I have to go all the way to the settings every time to see what the percentage on my battery is? I found a couple threads saying that you have to unlock the phone for this feature but I refuse to believe that something this simple needs a workaround like that.
Thanks in advance guys, loving this OS and looking forward to some of the changes.
1) Unfortunately not. Most screen captures you see on the net are done using the development software.
2) Tiles sizes are determined by the developers. I wish there was a way of making them single or double too.
3) The colours are the only customisation you can do right now without unlocking the device other than changing the lock screen. The lockscreen I like, as it unlocks to the "desktop" when there is no notifications but if you unlock it as a notification happens then it will take you the application required to see the notification.
Also for some awesome lock screens go to the deviantart website.
4) This is my one and only gripe with WP7. Having said that after unlocking the notication is either facebook or twitter (the only ones not shown on the home screen) and both of those show on my "ME" tile. So really if I want to see anything I missed I go to the "ME" tile and slide across to notifications.
5) What stock features do you need help with?
6) Im not on AT&T and my phone provider has an app to do this so I would be contacting AT&T about this.
7) They do not show a % because its not very accurate I think. This is something I at first hated but I don't care that much any more. This is not like my Samsung Galaxy II which wouldn't last a day. I usually get over a days use out of my Lumia so I don't have to look all the time and be worried. When the love heart goes on the battery I know its getting low but still I have HOURS left.
In terms of number 5 I just meant is there an alternate keyboard, browser, gallery, search feature/marketplace etc. Not that I have a problem with any of these (although I do miss haptic feedback on my keyboard) I just wanted to know if there were alternatives.
EDIT: I do have a problem with ONE of those things I mentioned. The marketplace...it seems too cluttered and feels like the phone is always zoomed in with the way everything looks...but that looks like it was done on purpose.
You.can get two off your list with a Developer unlocked device. Think of it this way. Nokia is giving you a $100 credit because of the data issue. Use it to purchase a legitimate Dev key from Microsoft. Can sideload apps, and also develop with it.
1) can do it with homebrew Screen Capturer app.
2) Only Microsoft or OEMs can develop double wide tiles.
3) Need to have an interop unlocked device to add colors, etc. More involved than dev unlocked and not yet available for the L900.
6) The AT&T myAT&T app will give you the info you need. Nokia is also releasing a data tracking app. Coming soon.
7) Homebrew Battery Meter app. Updates a Live Tile every 10 minutes. Pretty accurate. Good history charts.
Sent from my Lumia 900 using Board Express
There are a few other browsers and such but they are all just front ends for the existing apps supplied with the device. There is also a few marketplace apps which you might find better. I use AppTastic every now and then purely as it shows what's on sale. There might be an app which I don't think is worth $5 or $6 after the trial but would happily purchase to support the developers for a few bucks.
iiDeadSeriousii said:
In terms of number 5 I just meant is there an alternate keyboard, browser, gallery, search feature/marketplace etc. Not that I have a problem with any of these (although I do miss haptic feedback on my keyboard) I just wanted to know if there were alternatives.
EDIT: I do have a problem with ONE of those things I mentioned. The marketplace...it seems too cluttered and feels like the phone is always zoomed in with the way everything looks...but that looks like it was done on purpose.
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Click to collapse
Well, there are alot of the things that are different. Can't/Won't say if its better because thats a personal choice. I've grown to love the look and feel now. So has my daughter...but my son hates it. I gave them both 2 weeks to like it or I would buy them their next phone. My daughter converted...my son did not, and did not want new phone. But, with that said, there are some things I miss from Android....not much, but some. I do wish Live Tiles were a touch more customizable. I wish I could have some more color schemes instead of the just the current ones. I'd love to have a Black/White and/or Grey/white combination of colors also.
Otherwise....its a matter of just trying and getting used to it. I think it took my daughter 3 days to get used to the tiles and groupings of the hubs and what they are designed for. Her original list of must haves went away....
Thanks for all the help guys, yea I figured that most of my complaints/issues could only be solved with an unlock phone but I figured I'd ask. I've got another question, do apps auto update or do I need to manually check em every time?
Your marketplace tile will have a number on it showing the number of updates available. So no you never need to go check but you do need to initiate the update manually when you see that there is some waiting for update.
Again thanks guys for getting me started with the phone. Just a few more questions:
1) Is there a way to set a tile to immediately turn on/off either Bluetooth or Wifi? Or am I stuck with the default settings tile?
2) Can I save a setting where I don't have to download my pictures every time I open an email? I used to just pit "Always show pictures" on the Android GMail client.
3) I've looked and looked and still cant find a tile to just show battery. Can someone link me to an official one that I don't have to side load?
4) Is the app Bandwidth the only app for network speed test? Its kinda glitchy for me.
5) Is there a way to get that HTC Hub on this Lumia or is that another thing where I gotta unlock the phone? I really like the look of it.
6) Someone mentioned that you can change the lockscreen, or at the very least the wallpaper, how do you do that?
Thanks.
iiDeadSeriousii said:
Again thanks guys for getting me started with the phone. Just a few more questions:
1) Is there a way to set a tile to immediately turn on/off either Bluetooth or Wifi? Or am I stuck with the default settings tile?
2) Can I save a setting where I don't have to download my pictures every time I open an email? I used to just pit "Always show pictures" on the Android GMail client.
3) I've looked and looked and still cant find a tile to just show battery. Can someone link me to an official one that I don't have to side load?
4) Is the app Bandwidth the only app for network speed test? Its kinda glitchy for me.
5) Is there a way to get that HTC Hub on this Lumia or is that another thing where I gotta unlock the phone? I really like the look of it.
6) Someone mentioned that you can change the lockscreen, or at the very least the wallpaper, how do you do that?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
Dont know if someone mentioned this, but you're in the droid mentality right now. Like Apple, alot of the framework is locked down. Even with sideloads, alot of the framework is not available. HTC Hub is one of those. MS did not want that kind of screen and they don't allow it. WP is based on Live Tiles and they are sticking with it...for now.
You can change the lock screen pic by going to settings and Lock+Wallpaper. You can change the timeing settings and the picture. If you have a picture you want to use, go to your pictures hub and simply long press on the pic, use as wallpaper is an option.
But mostly, do not expect alot of hack/modding on these phones. For the most part, most of Windows phones, were Android phones at 1 time...ie the Samsung focus line. HD7 was the HD2 line which has been successfully ported to Android and WP7. If you want android type functionality in terms of look and feel...probably not gonna get it here. Of course, I could be wrong....but...who knows.
iiDeadSeriousii said:
Again thanks guys for getting me started with the phone. Just a few more questions:
1) Is there a way to set a tile to immediately turn on/off either Bluetooth or Wifi? Or am I stuck with the default settings tile?
2) Can I save a setting where I don't have to download my pictures every time I open an email? I used to just pit "Always show pictures" on the Android GMail client.
3) I've looked and looked and still cant find a tile to just show battery. Can someone link me to an official one that I don't have to side load?
4) Is the app Bandwidth the only app for network speed test? Its kinda glitchy for me.
5) Is there a way to get that HTC Hub on this Lumia or is that another thing where I gotta unlock the phone? I really like the look of it.
6) Someone mentioned that you can change the lockscreen, or at the very least the wallpaper, how do you do that?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I don't have answers for all of these, but here's a few (and fwiw I agree
with alodar1). But before I begin, not sure if you're aware of the Marketplace online (http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/marketplace) - might make searching easier as you're starting out.
1) "Settings Tile" is 1 such app (I don't use these, so I can't recommend which one to install, but I've seen this one recommended... *shrug*) http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/102014a6-156e-4604-8f1a-2a86e4edf191
2 & 3 don't know, sorry
4) TestMyNet works decent: http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/a25ec139-fc33-4571-9425-cf031a3312bb
5) No, sorry (I had it and never really used it...)
6) Answered above =)
You may also want to check out 'AppFlow' (http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/578ef361-c265-46b7-b6f4-63cbd7fbefe0) or some similar application recommendation app.
alodar1 said:
Dont know if someone mentioned this, but you're in the droid mentality right now. Like Apple, alot of the framework is locked down. Even with sideloads, alot of the framework is not available. HTC Hub is one of those. MS did not want that kind of screen and they don't allow it. WP is based on Live Tiles and they are sticking with it...for now.
You can change the lock screen pic by going to settings and Lock+Wallpaper. You can change the timeing settings and the picture. If you have a picture you want to use, go to your pictures hub and simply long press on the pic, use as wallpaper is an option.
But mostly, do not expect alot of hack/modding on these phones. For the most part, most of Windows phones, were Android phones at 1 time...ie the Samsung focus line. HD7 was the HD2 line which has been successfully ported to Android and WP7. If you want android type functionality in terms of look and feel...probably not gonna get it here. Of course, I could be wrong....but...who knows.
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Click to collapse
Yea I realize I still kinda am in that mentality. It's just there's so many little things I took for granted that I never realized were there until this happened. I love this platform so far though, I have no major complaints, just small issues with it. But thanks for the tip, yea I know about the HD2 cause the first thing my brother did when he got that a couple years ago was have me put Gingerbread on it lol. I'll stick with what I've got for now tho, this is a ridiculously smooth experience and if I've gotta make some sacrifices, oh well. I still get everything done that I want throughout the day...I just wished some apps were better supported.