Develop Bugs

[Q] Will the Desire do what my Diamond 2 does?

I am currently using a Topaz windows mobile based phone, and thinking about switching to a Desire.
However, I use my phone extensively for business, and need to know if there are some things that Android will allow.
First off, I need to be able to access my home network with the wireless. Currently I use Resco explorer, browse to my server share, and copy the files I will need to the SD card. Is this possible on Android? Is it just as easy? I often have to do this first thing in the morning, when I don't have a lot of time. This is an absolute deal breaker for me, so I am really looking for some help before I commit to a new phone.
Non show stoppers but nice to have;
Cookie's Home Tab type display , which allows me to show my next 3 calendar appointments, and 3 tasks on the home screen. Will Sense allow this on the Desire? I like the Sense interface and widgets, so would prefer to keep Sense, but am prepared to apply additional software to allow me to do what I need to. (Paid or otherwise).
The ability to map hardware keys to specific functions (eg I currently have long press on the back key to switch off my wifi. Handy for in the car, when I forget to switch it off).
Ability to edit open office, and ms office documents.
That's it I guess. Any and all feedback very much appreciated.

1) yes you can browse files on your home network using the desire, you need 3rd party software tho also there are apps that will let you controll your pc and or device remotlely from your device and or pc
2) there are loads of calendar widgets on the marketplace im sure one will take your fancy
3) the wifi will switch itself off after x amout of time idle
4) the desire comes with quick office out of the box but there are tons of office apps so yeah

Just a small warning if you think to sync your mobile with the PC (callendar, notes, mails, contacts) via bluetooth - it's not possible in android.
Well, not entirely true, as there is "Missing Sync" in the market, but costs for about $40 - a bit too much.
So, try to love your usb cable

Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.

dysje said:
Or sync through the google things and sync your home stuff with the google things. For me it's annoying as I hate the google things, but it does sort of work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?

On it's way
Thanks guys, you've convinced me.
Ordered from O2 for the princely sum of £285 + VAT, which I thought was a mistake, but it seems not. Be rude not to at that price.
Bit of luck it will arrive tomorrow, as I'm not working, so can play all day

JohnSteveDoe said:
Why would you buy a google thing-centric phone if you hate google things?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81

remmyhi said:
Just to give one example - I would not want to share with google my company contacts.
Also I preffer to keep business calendar outside of google (with all the respect)
Regards
R
Sent from my ZX Spectrum using Froyo_zx81
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?

brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ..........

brummiesteven said:
You're not "sharing" with google though. You're just using their webspace to host information such as calendar and contacts.
Do you really think that Google have the time to look though all of their user's data, see your calendar information and contacts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would they bother with your phone when they've got street view cars to access open WiFi networks?
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Most people here swear by Astro file manager and their add ons.
Check out the Sense agenda widget for upcoming appointments and tasks.
Widgets are the way to go, Sense widgets for WiFi, mobile connectivity, airplane mode etc etc etc......
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Thanks JabbaFat32.
Will check both of those out.

Best e-mail app, best browser?

I'm planning to switch from an iPhone over to the world of Android. The two things I use my phone for the most are e-mail and internet, so I wanted to know how good the internet and e-mail apps are, or if you prefer a third party option from the Market.
For example, is the HTC Mail app better than the Gmail one?
And, in general, how do you find browsing? I've used Android phones in the shops but you still can't beat the knowledge of someone who's lived with them!
Thanks

The browser is similar to the iPhone browser but I prefer dolphin hd from the market with its gestures. As for email my personal preference is gmail but HTC mail app is useful for exchange mail. You'll find that despite a few spec differences the desire is as good as the iPhone.
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

Be specific of what exact features need to exist to make it best for you
Otherwise, let the 1001 'personal best' eulogies commence!
-----------------------------------
- Sent via my HTC Desire -

Alright, well I personally don't like the Gmail mobile stuff. I prefer sometime like the Mail app on my iPhone - an app which will get and list e-mails and format them nicely with no hassle. I don't care about push, I use IMAP with automatic checking at 15 minute intervals at the moment and would be more than happy to keep doing that.
As for the browser, anything which shows pages well and dosen't lag badly is fine.
For both of those, I'd of course appreciate a nice UI, but of course that's subjective anyway
BTW, I'm going to be getting the Desire HD, not the Desire, but I thought owners of the current Desire were the best people to ask my questions to since the software of the two phones is pretty much the same.

Migrating from Desire to Desire HD - advice & suggestions pls.

Hi all. I'm considering getting a Desire HD in the new year. But before I make the final decision I'd like to find out what would be involved in migrating my apps & data etc from my current Desire.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my HTC Desire

I suppose it all depends on if the HD has been rooted by then and if you could use Titanium Backup?
You could maybe use Appbrain to make a list of your apps installed on your Desire and then login to Appbrain on the HD and install the apps from there?
Your phone numbers and email addresses should be saved in your Gmail account, and will be imported when you set up the device.

No plans to root any of my phones at present
StuMcBill said:
I suppose it all depends on if the HD has been rooted by then and if you could use Titanium Backup?
You could maybe use Appbrain to make a list of your apps installed on your Desire and then login to Appbrain on the HD and install the apps from there?
Your phone numbers and email addresses should be saved in your Gmail account, and will be imported when you set up the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks StuMcBill perhaps I should have added I don't intend to root any phone that I have or intend to purchase in the near future.
I was under the impression that my app purchases/installs were stored somewhere linked to my Google account. With this in mind if I had another phone with the same Google account, when I logged in to the Marketplace my phone would display my apps albeit not installed yet.
I can see why that might not work though.
Do I really need to root one or both phones and then buy/install and use a 3rd party app to migrate to a new phone...?

Your app purchases are recorded so once you log in on the HD it will download them but it doesn't know your download history. As said contacts will be dragged on if u use Google contacts (best way of doing it if you ask me). Things like SMS/MMS can't be backed up/migrated without rooting AFAIK

SpartanGrey said:
Hi all. I'm considering getting a Desire HD in the new year. But before I make the final decision I'd like to find out what would be involved in migrating my apps & data etc from my current Desire.
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my HTC Desire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say wait for Q1 2011... and Tegra 2 porcessors from Nvidia.
The HTc desire HD is still in the same playground than the n1 ..htc desire and others...

Desire vs Desire HD
To add to the conversation: Desire HD is a Desire, but with a bigger screen. That's obvious, but the equation is purely between:
*bigger screen
*less quality screen
From what I've seen, it's not worth switching in terms of price and screen quality vs bigger screen.
Indeed, I'll await new candy with serious power (as if the Desire doesn't have power enough). And yes, bigger screens with superb quality

It's not *only* the screen difference.
HD has much larger internal memory
HD has (much probably) better CPU/GPU
etc.
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3468&idPhone2=3077

Dolby Mobile and SRS sound enhancement on the Desire HD

EddyOS said:
Your app purchases are recorded so once you log in on the HD it will download them but it doesn't know your download history. As said contacts will be dragged on if u use Google contacts (best way of doing it if you ask me). Things like SMS/MMS can't be backed up/migrated without rooting AFAIK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx EddyOS. I think that caps it. With regards to download history are you referring to browser or app marketplace?
I store my contacts in a couple of places but not primarily on Google - so that's less of an issue. BTW I back up my texts using an app called SMS Backup. Sends everything to a folder on gmail.
Sent from my HTC Desire

I delete SMSs as soon as they're read, and archive emails as soon as they're read...don't like clutter

Android Without Google

There have been posts about this here and there, but most of them are just asking for advice on how to do it. I plan to follow through and document the solutions I find.
Why, you ask? I don't like Google having so much data on me. I used to not care but in today's environment with SOPA and new NSA data centers and whatnot, well... maybe I'm paranoid but I don't necessarily want anyone to so easily have such a complete profile of all my searches, contacts, location history, etc. Anyway, if you think it's dumb, ok, got it, move along please.
So if I don't like Google then why use Android? Well, a couple of reasons. First of all, Google is not Android. Android is maintained by the Android Open Source Project, which in turn is made up of members of the Open Handset Alliance. Yes, Google is the lead member of the Open Handset Alliance, and yes most of the developers working on the Android Open Source Project are Google employees. But I've been following Android for long enough now to know that Google and Android are for all practical purposes separate entities.
The second reason is because Android is simply the best mobile operating system on the planet right now, and it is free open-source software. I use Ubuntu on my laptop, and I'm not interested in switching to Windows or Mac, so that pretty much rules out iPhone or Windows Phone right there.
But isn't Android really Google's OS? Yes and No. As I mentioned, Google does pretty much run the AOSP, along with device manufacturers. But AOSP is very "provider agnostic." Much of what you see on your phone is not from AOSP. The Galaxy Nexus is a GOOGLE device, not an AOSP device. Gmail, Maps, Market, Location Tracking, etc are all GOOGLE ADDITIONS and are NOT a part of AOSP! When you build AOSP from source (or Cyanogenmod), you end up with an agnostic, neutral device that has practically no mention of anything Google whatsoever.
But what about what you DONT have in AOSP? No Market??? No Gmail??? How can you possibly use Android without these things? Well that is exactly what I intend to find out.
Please feel free to contribute to the discussion with ideas and questions. Hopefully this thread can eventually be helpful for someone else who comes along and wants to do something similar.
More posts to follow as I progress....
EDIT: I should add, I also will try to avoid other "free" services like Yahoo! and Hotmail-- basically anyone who wants to run bots through your mail to sell you ads or sell your data to others who want to sell you ads, etc. I will be trying to use open-source or for-pay services where possible (if it's "free" then YOU'RE the product!).

I commend your ambition, but this is nothing new. There are already non-Google Android handsets an tablets on the market. The Kindle Fire, for example, is non-Google.
You can do the same with a GNex. Just don't add a Google account or use a ROM without the gapps. Install the Amazon App Store, change your default search, and away you go.

please...stay safe

Personally the only Google apps I use are Gmail and the Play store, with an occasional use of maps and goggles.
Having a market is really just for convenience, you could install with APKs like on Windows you have to install from EXEs or MSIs. And if you're that against google you could just use the Amazon marketplace for stuff, though I've heard they take longer to receive updates.

In all honesty I don't know what to suggest except flashing 100% and not signing into Google services in any way or form. What you are asking is not possible unless you use apks from non market source and using Hotmail or something.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus expect possible typos.

If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...

I use:
1mobile.net
4shared.com (You also get 15gb cloud space free)
appbrain.com (get app from 4shared)

I absolutely love Google and all of their services. You're crazy! Good luck with it though.

Somebody needs to come out with a tinfoil hat edition ROM.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

sashavegas said:
If somebody figure out how to use Calendar, without creating google account for at least one time, or tell me the alternative calendar (not just widget) that will not sync with google, it would be nice. For example Smasung TW Launcher has it's own calendar, that you can choose, without google, but pure ICS does not have.
I have tryed many alternative, such as Jorte, Pocket Informant, etc, but they are far away from stock ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).

Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone

ChongoDroid said:
Stay off the grid bro
Sent from my francoPhone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! Lol.

Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio

matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There should be some third party app that will do these things, well you use linux, you should know that there's a lot of alternatives... Try if the software you use in ubuntu are available for android
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio

Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio

AndroidNeophyte said:
Once you're connected to the internet, you're pretty much open to everyone... You can go offline if you don't want any of these... It's not only google... There's ways you can go anonymous like using proxy.... Using search engine that don't track search data... Google has an option for you to opt-in or opt out... Just like the previous responses, you can use amazon but don't think amazon doesn't track you also... How would they know what to recommend you... Google don't force users to stick only to them... And that's why I like google for this reason only...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The point isn't really to be 100% anonymous. That would require a dumbphone with prepaid sim or VPN/Proxy setups etc, and that's not what I'm look at. The point is to make an experiment and see how "non-Google" AOSP really is and how useful it is as a mobile OS on its own, without Google proprietary add-ons. Many people say you "have to have a Gmail account to use Android," or "you have to sync your contacts through Gmail" etc and I want to show people how they can do it without Google if they so choose.

AndroidNeophyte said:
Try this one, if you use thunderbird. Seems decent...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.callicia.birdiesync
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g with Beats Audio
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I saw that one and I plan to try it out. I do use Thunderbird, thanks!

AOSP + open source Exchange alternative for syncing Calendar/Email/Contacts hosted on your own server (ie Zimbra)
Sideload all apps
Voila!

matt2053 said:
THIS is the point of the thread. Replacing Android Market with Amazon App Stores is completely simple and obvious. Getting contacts and calendar syncing, things like that are not so obvious. Mainly because I am not only going to avoid Google, but other services like Yahoo! or Hotmail, etc (anything that's "free" so they can monetize your data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA monetizes your data. Every website does; that's how they pay for hosting and bandwidth.
Use a different calendar app and sync your contacts to Outlook, or just back them up somewhere.

Alright, but you should really start off removing the antenna from your smartphone. Then compile AOSP, don't flash GApps, sideload all APK files.
There, now you're off the grid. Enjoy boredom and next to no convenient functionality.

[Q] //www.htcsense.com/ ---- Whats this all about???

Guys, just created an account at htcsense.com. Have anyone of you done this? What exactly are it usage? Any contact/settings backup are there in it?

It used to be an online backup type site, plus you could do some sort of remote lock / unlock / locate. but - I think HTC are killing it off sometime soon.

joll200x said:
It used to be an online backup type site, plus you could do some sort of remote lock / unlock / locate. but - I think HTC are killing it off sometime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YES, it was there during Desire HD time... but what is the use now? i dont see anything at all in the website

Now I think it's just waiting to die Seems kinda pointless when you can use google to backup your contacts to. The remote lock and location feature was quite cool - but you can use Prey Project for that now.

I created a Sense account when I got my Dhd.
The option to locate your phone, make it ring, backup contacts etc. seemed nice, but it never really worked though.
A few weeks ago I recieved a mail from Htc warning me to backup the data stored in my account because the Sense system is getting a major update.
Nothing special on that account, for me at least.
But if you're using it, save your data.
We'll just have to wait and see what Htc makes of it.

The service is indeed suspended until further notice : hardwarezone dot com dot sg/tech-news-htcsensecom-cloud-sync-services-shutting-down
If you created an account in the last days/weeks you'll have to wait for the website to resurrect (if it ever does...) to use the services. Until then I think much of the syncing services it offered are available through Google or Dropbox with you HTC One X.

The original sites was very buggy and unreliable. I suspect it will return but it will be rebuilt from scratch with content to purchase.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2