Develop Bugs

Must have apps?

This is my first android, and was wondering what apps are a must like memory cleaners and task killers to just great apps
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Hi this is my first android as well (got mine yesterday)
I must admit i havn't really installed that many apps yet.. but i can recommend the "google goggles" and "asphalt 5"
-TB-

I would also like to know.
Performance increasing apps?
Useful (swiss army knife) apps?
Amazing recreational must haves?
Thanks.

AutoKiller - memory managment
Barcode Sanner - for getting links to apps from the internet
If using mytracks:
Linda file manager - to import tracks
My track editor
A nice widget is smooth calendar if you have a lot of appointments.
Greetings from Austria
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

Shazam is awsome
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I love the SMS popup program

Australian phone - Found some of the best ones were ES Task Manager, Handcent for SMS/MMS and the ability to change tones via, Camera 360 for an app which enhances everything you can do with the camera, SMS backup to backup to Gmail account and Wheres my Droid which allows you to send a message to the phone when it is on silent which takes the silencer off and triggers the ringtone, enabling you to find it if you have misplaced it. Also another handy one is 3G watchdog which keeps an eye on your data usage.

I like:
AutoKiller (needs root)
Launcherpro
Homeswitcher
Appremover
Appsinstaller
MyBackup Pro
Fancywidget
Extended Controls
LeshaK's update.zip found here

I'm going to have to second launcherpro, really great app.
I can't find fancywidget in the market, is it under a new name maybe?
Also, while shazam is really nice and very accurate for commercial radio, is there another app that's aimed at more obscure/australian music music (I listen to Triple J if that helps)?
Finally can someone recommend a good news widget for australia.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I have also noticed this, although some songs arent registered in the shazam database

ZaneZane said:
I'm going to have to second launcherpro, really great app.
I can't find fancywidget in the market, is it under a new name maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC complaned and it got pulled off the market i think. You will have to find an alternate source.
Since its installed on my phone can i extract the apk? I would be happy to upload somewhere.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

"Got To Do" is my must have app. Was the reason to go for Android instead of the iPhone. "Note Everything Pro" is also great.

AppBrain!
See what I would recommend here:
http://www.appbrain.com/user/britmic/apps-on-the-gt-i9000

miker71 said:
AppBrain!
See what I would recommend here:
http://www.appbrain.com/user/britmic/apps-on-the-gt-i9000
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will second that and add tasker as well, beats locale hands down!!

dakine said:
HTC complaned and it got pulled off the market i think. You will have to find an alternate source. [for fancy widget]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's weird, I checked everywhere for the APK file, and couldn't find it. I managed to get a QR code from their site, and that led me to the android market place, where i could download the file

this other topic has it linked http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7221914&posted=1#post7221914

Does anyone know of a image/picture/photo viewer that displays jpg, gif, png, and bmp? I found a couple, but they are garbage.

Dimmer is useful if you like to keep display brightness down (more than you can adjust in system settings) and save battery.

fua said:
Dimmer is useful if you like to keep display brightness down (more than you can adjust in system settings) and save battery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey fua, which dimmer exactly are you recommending?
is it this one: http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.Dimmer

Trapster
if u dont want to get caught by a stupid camera!
YOU SHOULDNT BE SPEEDING!

turn off moto-blur

Is it possible to turn off MotoBlur on the DEFY? I am interested in buying this phone.
Also, anyone know if the bootloader is encrypted and unhackable?

Turn off motoblur in what sense? And why? The launcher? Or the apps?
It is rootable. Not sure of the bootloader etc. Probably want to read through dev forum to see if you find anything that suits your needs
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

I removed most of the moto widgets and haven't had any issues with blur since.

nitewalkergr can you give a list of the motoblur services you deleted and maybe how you did it or point me to a tutorial where to do it?
New to the android scene coming from a very old herald p4350 that still rocked the world but my screen broke for the fifth time now and I thought maybe its time for some gorilla glass

I concur on the list of services.
There are sites that list Windows services - what they do and what the consequence of switching it off is. It would be excellent if we could compile something like this for the Defy.

In my opinion the Blur launcher is laggy and crap. however some of the blur apps are actually good. The easiest way is to install another launcher - I installed my favourite - Launcherproplus and bang the lag was gone.

Yeah the blur apps for contacts n stuff cannot be removed but the launcher itself can.
+1 for launcher pro as well.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

I'm using launcher pro and it's quite good. But tbh blur isn't laggy at all, maybe it's because i don't use its widges? but anyways i'm using launcher pro and i'm loving it...

I removed the Blur widgets because I have no need for them but if I go into Settings > Applications > Running services I still see things named 'FeedReceiverService' and 'NewsRetrievalService'.
Does anyone know some way of killing the services, because they're just a waste of space to me.

If you removed the news widget, friend feed and social feed apk's those services shouldn't be there. They're not on mine.

'Scuse my ignorance but how do I remove the apks?
When I said I removed the widgets, I just meant from the homescreen.

You would need to root and then delete the apks at your own risk. Always back up first as im not sure how/if they interact with other blur services etc.
Step666 said:
'Scuse my ignorance but how do I remove the apks?
When I said I removed the widgets, I just meant from the homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my DEFY using XDA app

If u don't want to have blur running then don't sign into your accounts under blur accounts.... simple. I personally like that quick contacts and clock and date widget.
Sent from my MB525 using Tapatalk

Frankly at first I wanted to get rid of Motoblur as well but in the end it isn't that bad and probably better tested for battery life compared to the usual apps like twitter and such.
However when you change the SIM it asks you for Motoblur user/pass. Fine. I understand the point, security. Now anyone knows how to make it cache the credentials? Or just a general patch for Android to "trick it" into not knowing you changed the SIM? Having to enter user (=long email) + pass for motoblur, then gmail password as well (standard android treat) is quite too much (this is even before we go into SIM pin, normal screen unlock, etc).

Just installed launcher-pro and really happy with it.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

Aren't there Defys released in some countries without Motoblur? If that's the case, we could hope for a Motoblur-free ROM that should be easily flashable, right?

Just install adw launcher from market, tadaa, nicer look and no more lag. My Defy was running Motobloat for exactly as long as it took me to open the market, dow load adw and reboot

I am not talking about the looks. I skipped the registration at the first boot and installed LauncherPro immediately.
Still, lot's of motoblur-stuff running in the background (social networks app for example) and most stock-apps are changed. It's mostly minor changes and sometimes even for the better, but a vanilla android version would feel "cleaner".

Try app Free Advanced Task Manager
Step666 said:
I removed the Blur widgets because I have no need for them but if I go into Settings > Applications > Running services I still see things named 'FeedReceiverService' and 'NewsRetrievalService'.
Does anyone know some way of killing the services, because they're just a waste of space to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I'm just about to get a Defy and I'm using "Free Advanced Task Manager" on my Moto XT701 (an HK Milestone - I think?) and it works exceptionally well.
FREE on Market.

3mvv said:
Aren't there Defys released in some countries without Motoblur? If that's the case, we could hope for a Motoblur-free ROM that should be easily flashable, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, there will be defy without blur avaliable in Taiwan and Hong Kong before Chrismas. If there's a tutorial to teach me how to get a copy of the rom, I would like to share it.

[Q]Coming over from blackberry, what are the first things I should do?

Hey
I am an android noob. I am comng over from a bb 9800 torch. So my question is what should i do first with the phone. I am planning on rooting eventually, probably by next week. Are there any must install apps to install first?
A few things i am not a fan of so far are the lock screen and the keyboard.
Thanks everyone for your help.

Look up SwiftKey X or ICS Keyboard on the market. Both are excellent keyboards if you are not feelin' Swype.

I wasn't a Swype person when I first started, but just give it some time! Its worth it
The lock screen you can change by using an app called "widget locker." But if your going to root you should look into flashing a custom ROM, most of then have options to change the lock screen. Much simpler then having to do it through a constantly running app.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

The biggest thing I found is that it doesn't support advanced sound profiles out of the box. Also you have to configure notification options from within each app instead of being able to manipulate them all at the same time. If this is at all possible without installing an app then I haven't found it yet. I used to use a 9630 tour. There's a lot more that you'll find different, I'm sure.
Sent from my SGH-T989

mintharis said:
The biggest thing I found is that it doesn't support advanced sound profiles out of the box. Also you have to configure notification options from within each app instead of being able to manipulate them all at the same time. If this is at all possible without installing an app then I haven't found it yet. I used to use a 9630 tour. There's a lot more that you'll find different, I'm sure.
Sent from my SGH-T989
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but that is easily fixed with 3rd party Sound Ringtones/Alert apps from Market, they are all free
gives you much much better control than stock

I am not really planning on installing a new rom yet, so i am going to have to look for a lockscreen app. I'll give widget locker a try and see how it goes.
A few things that i am noticing is that you cant customize alerts and and ringtones easily or at all. I spent 30 mins tryin to find it but couldnt. I guess i'll have to go 3rd party.
Apparently there is no battery indicator for battery level. I was try to find out how much vharge i have left but couldn't. I am assuming i am going to need a 3rd party app for that as well? Any recommendations?
I have read about juice defender. Is it worth the price for the ultimate edition? Juice defender is the app that automatically toggle my wifi, gps, 4g settings for me right?
And lastly i know people sais you can monitor your data usage but i cant find it on the phone. Some help navigating to it would be helpful.
Thanks to everyone for their opinions. Xda is probably one of the better forums for information and help i have been to.

New_here said:
I am not really planning on installing a new rom yet, so i am going to have to look for a lockscreen app. I'll give widget locker a try and see how it goes.
A few things that i am noticing is that you cant customize alerts and and ringtones easily or at all. I spent 30 mins tryin to find it but couldnt. I guess i'll have to go 3rd party.
Apparently there is no battery indicator for battery level. I was try to find out how much vharge i have left but couldn't. I am assuming i am going to need a 3rd party app for that as well? Any recommendations?
I have read about juice defender. Is it worth the price for the ultimate edition? Juice defender is the app that automatically toggle my wifi, gps, 4g settings for me right?
And lastly i know people sais you can monitor your data usage but i cant find it on the phone. Some help navigating to it would be helpful.
Thanks to everyone for their opinions. Xda is probably one of the better forums for information and help i have been to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can easily change custom ringtones when you click on each contact name and scroll down to ringtone and select a file.
Definitely get go launcher and go locker. It's the best homescreen and locker app Imo.
To monitor data usage, use an app like Watchdog dats monitor. Your provider should also have the usage on their website...
I bought juice defender ultimate and i dont regret spending a single cent. I want to squeeze as much juice out of my battery as possible. You could probably try out basic and judge it yourself.
Do you just mean battery charge %? Go to settings, about phone, status. Alternatively you can flash a battery mod so that you have the percentage on the battery icon on the status bar.
You will definitely enjoy android. I came froma blackberry too.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App

Zedge from the market works good for ringtones and such.
I would install go locker and go SMS for a much nicer lock screen and SMS client.
Sent from my SGH-T989D using XDA App

MUST have Apps for Dinc2

I wanted to make a thread for some MUST haves for our phone.. Rooted or not (I am rooted of course). So feel free to list your favorites and must haves here!!
My list would be:
-ROM Toolbox
-Daemon Controller (download apk on a browser, i have 3.3beta i think)
-AppBrain Market & FastWeb Installer (essential for app backups!)
-MyBackup Pro (i didn't like titanium, this is easier for me)
-Zedge (gotta pimp my phone!)
-QuickPic (alternative to gallery, some nice features and layout)
-SmsAwake (if you dont have SMS awake settings on your ROM)
-Beautiful Widgets (if you're not running a sense ROM)
I don't play games on my phone really...

Tapatalk, plume, Reddit sync pro, currents, Google music, Google + , and apex pro
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

Adfree android, es file explorer.
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda app-developers app

AdFree, Incredicontrol, aDownloader, XDA, SD Booster, Pandora
Sent from my Incredible 2 using xda app-developers app

Jizzylax said:
Adfree android, es file explorer.
Sent from my ADR6350 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between ES file explorer and root explorer?

GB: Google music, pandora,ubermusic, reddit news, opera, 4ext recovery, titanium backup, orientation control, notifierpro plus, smart statusbar, cleartune, es file explorer, Go launcher
ICS: Apollo, Chrome for android, ICS Browser +, apex

I had to get rid of Pandora and BW the permissions are crazy stupid

-4ext Recovery
-Google Authenticator
-DroidWall
-ES File Explorer
-FolderSync
-PDroid
-ROM Toolbox
-Tasker
-INOVA TTS
-SwiftKey3
..for the most part, this is my 'must haves'. there are plenty others, but have a single purpose or limited use. such as:
-Better Battery Stats
-Camera Zoom FX
-Evernote
-Gentle Alarm
-G+
-mSecure
-My Cars
-OfficeSuite
-PlayerPro
-Shiprack
-Widget Locker

PatimusXPrime said:
What's the difference between ES file explorer and root explorer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing just the UI. They both do the same thing ..though you may have to pay for root explorer
Linch89 said:
I had to get rid of Pandora and BW the permissions are crazy stupid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most custom roms have the ability to deny apps permissions. If you don't have the option on your current rom then try out:
Permission Denied- https://play.google.com/store/apps/...SwxLDMsImNvbS5zdGVyaWNzb24ucGVybWlzc2lvbnMiXQ..
I use this on ICS just to keep pandora and other apps at bay

-ROM Manager
-Titanium Backup
-UCam Ultra camera
-Terminal
-Quick Office Pro
-XDA
:good:

AdFree
Opera Mini/Chrome
GoSMS Pro
ES File Explorer
DSPManager
JuiceDefender
Tapatalk

LBE Privacy Guard - If there's any app you NEED to have, it's this one (or one similar)
Airdroid - If you work at a desk all day, this is a must have.
Yahoo Sportacular - a million times better than ESPN scorecenter
imo - best IM client
Regards

revile said:
LBE Privacy Guard - If there's any app you NEED to have, it's this one (or one similar)
Airdroid - If you work at a desk all day, this is a must have.
Yahoo Sportacular - a million times better than ESPN scorecenter
imo - best IM client
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know, AirDroid looks sorta interesting, but for the life of me I can't get it to download. Regardless of what I do I get that annoying "unable to process purchase" error.....

gospodinwizard said:
You know, AirDroid looks sorta interesting, but for the life of me I can't get it to download. Regardless of what I do I get that annoying "unable to process purchase" error.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried clearing data/uninstalling updates for the play store under 'manage applications'?
Not sure if this will fix it. I've read in other places that flashing a different version of the market and letting it update again will fix the problem.

revile said:
LBE Privacy Guard - If there's any app you NEED to have, it's this one (or one similar)
Airdroid - If you work at a desk all day, this is a must have.
Yahoo Sportacular - a million times better than ESPN scorecenter
imo - best IM client
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude niiice! Lol i'm going to try those out. You are a classy man

Widgets
How about some of your favorite widgets? I have room on my homescreens and nothing comes to mind on what to fill it with!

UCCW-My new favorite Widget!
Root Explorer-I really prefer the interface to ES. Enough, I was willing to pay for it.
Camera360 Ultimate- Best camera app IMO.
Docs To Go-Best pdf/doc viewer I have found.
Dropbox-If you haven't gotten a Dropbox account yet, you need to click HERE.
Google Voice-Been using this since Beta for VM. Love it.
Google Music-As soon as I could, I jumped on this bandwagon.
Jump Desktop- awesome and easy remote desktop access.
Zumocast-Because Jump doesn't allow the same kind of file transfer (had to get a hacked version to work with DInc2).
MD5 Checker-Self explanitory if you're rooted
PdaNet-Wired and Wireless Tether in one app.
The Chive-Keep Calm and Chive On!
GotYa! Face Trap-If I lost my phone or it was stolen, I would be very glad to have this app on there.
XDA Premium of course.
revile said:
LBE Privacy Guard - If there's any app you NEED to have, it's this one (or one similar)
Airdroid - If you work at a desk all day, this is a must have.
Yahoo Sportacular - a million times better than ESPN scorecenter
imo - best IM client
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just installed Airdroid and LBE, thanks!
BTW, you have my new favorite avatar!

If you are flashing between different ROMs a lot, then App2Zip is a great one! It just came out so it may/may not have some bugs, but it is available on the Play Store!

wideopen93 said:
If you are flashing between different ROMs a lot, then App2Zip is a great one! It just came out so it may/may not have some bugs, but it is available on the Play Store!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks promising if it works! Lol now just to find a way to backup homescreen on ICS... MyBackup Pro doesn't do it, i think its an ICS problem..
What browsers do you guys use? I've been using Maxthon for a while but used to use Dolphin

goo.im - to keep on top of new ROM/gapps/kernel etc.
picFolio - ideal to transfer photos to your picasa online.
Notification Toggle - allows quick access to frequently used apps (shortcuts) from the notification dropdown.
taptu - if you're into news - very configurable.
Appy Geek - news for geeks.

GUIDE | System Apps safe to remove.

1.Google Play Books
2.Maps
3.Google Play Newsstand
4.Google Play Music
5.Google Play Games
6.Google Play Movies & TV
7.Bitcasa
8.Backup -Titanium will do that for you instead [MUST]
9.Riptide
10.Polaris Office - Replace it with Office Suite or any other app [NOT A MUST]
11.Music - Replace it with Winamp, Poweramp or any other music player [MUST]
12.File Manager - Replace it with Total Commander, Root Explorer, etc. [MUST]
13.Movie Studio
14.Sound Recorder - Better don't uninstall it, might be useful sometimes
15.Clock - Replace it with another clock widget [MUST]
16.Gallery - Replace it with QuickPic or another application [MUST]
17.Weather - Replace it with another widget [NOT A MUST]
18.Me Widget
19.Huawei Home - NOT RECOMMENDED but you can replace it with another Home Launcher [MUST]
20.FM Radio
21.Power Manager - NOT RECOMMENDED
22.App Installer - You'll have Total Commander or Root Explorer to do that for you [install apps] [MUST]
23.Street View
24.Calculator
25.Permission Manager - NOT RECOMMENDED
26.Downloads
27.Notes
28.Help Center - NOT RECOMMENDED
MUST = It means that you MUST replace the removed system app with another app if you want that function to work properly.For example if you delete Gallery you will not be able to view photos unless you install another app to perform that function for you, so that's a MUST.
NOT A MUST = It means that a system app can be removed without installing another one to replace it, for example you can remove Polaris Office without installing Office Suite, let's say, but you can install another app if you want to open files that need that kind of app to perform that function, the same you can do with Calculator, there is no need for that app, only if you want it there,so that's NOT A MUST

great thanks

primo14z said:
great thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Anytime.

With Clean Master, you can uninstall system apps, and it tells you if the app's important or not. Just an idea

Shadowprince94 said:
With Clean Master, you can uninstall system apps, and it tells you if the app's important or not. Just an idea
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Important from whose point of view?

ZuperStyler said:
....
18.Me Widget
19.Huawei Home - NOT RECOMMENDED but you can replace it with another Home Launcher [MUST]
20.FM Radio
21.Power Manager - NOT RECOMMENDED
....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I must ask, why is HuaweiHome not recommended to be removed if you have installed another launcher? Does it have any ramifications in other apps?
thanks

SorynZ said:
I must ask, why is HuaweiHome not recommended to be removed if you have installed another launcher? Does it have any ramifications in other apps?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huawei Home is optimised for our P6 and is really stable. Other launcher MIGHT give you issues. I always keep a backup launcher on my phone

SorynZ said:
I must ask, why is HuaweiHome not recommended to be removed if you have installed another launcher? Does it have any ramifications in other apps?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's always a good idea to keep at least two Home Launchers, just in case, the stock one and some other one you like best. That doesn't mean that you cannot uninstall the stock one completely, you can do it if you want, I just said that don;t uninstall the stock one unless you have another one. If it bothers you, uninstall it. No harm done. But be sure to have another Launcher.

ZuperStyler said:
It's always a good idea to keep at least two Home Launchers, just in case, the stock one and some other one you like best. That doesn't mean that you cannot uninstall the stock one completely, you can do it if you want, I just said that don;t uninstall the stock one unless you have another one. If it bothers you, uninstall it. No harm done. But be sure to have another Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, I've tried changing my launcher.. after 4 months on EMUI, another style seems a little odd. so I'm sticking to the default launcher and waiting for KK good thing i didn't uninstall it

SorynZ said:
yeah, I've tried changing my launcher.. after 4 months on EMUI, another style seems a little odd. so I'm sticking to the default launcher and waiting for KK good thing i didn't uninstall it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting? KK is here already
Sent from my P6-U06 using xda app-developers app

lootjelo said:
Waiting? KK is here already
Sent from my P6-U06 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting either for a fully functional KK with gapps and everything working or for the stock KK

Wait for the official release. It will be better.

Why can't Power manager be removed? If stock android has it's own methods, and you can use a app like greenify, for a coarser battery management (the system should still run the soc cores in the right management, per Governor setting). Is power manager somehow too integrated in the system, hardware? Or has no one tried?