Ninja SMS - the Holo Chat Heads Alternative - Nexus 4 Themes and Apps

Just thought I'd share this with everyone. For those of you who love chat heads but hate Facebook, this is the perfect alternative. Plus it fits the Nexus 4 aesthetic well. Check it out!

and paid also

With features that mimic what the current Facebook messenger have with less stability and a UI that isn't nearly as uncluttered.
I'll pass on this, as it seems like the developer trying to shill their product, which is against XDA policy with paid apps.

TooSlo said:
With features that mimic what the current Facebook messenger have with less stability and a UI that isn't nearly as uncluttered.
I'll pass on this, as it seems like the developer trying to shill their product, which is against XDA policy with paid apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It actually works very well and is in no way a Dev trying to shill their product on XDA. XDA direct just post every single so under the sun on the Portal.
This app works one hell of a lot better than most, is easy to set up, easy to use, and works perfectly. I went and bought the app in the Play Store because I was so impressed.
Maybe you should check apps out before making comments like that.

Looks cool, but im happy with 'floating notifications' for sms heads.

Related

LazyWorm vs SuperTube vs HTC YouTube: Which do you prefer?

Since we have plenty of YouTube app alternatives in the marketplace now, I was just curious to see which one people preferred the most. Personally I really love LazyTube because I'm sort of a power user on YouTube myself.
As a Focus user, Supertube is my go to.
i dont use youtube on my phone...
ill stick with msn video and ustream
HTC YouTube Supports Account Login, comes from a company I'm certain will support it, supports HQ streaming, and is free.
So yea... I prefer that until Microsoft gets their better YouTube client out the door.
I use the HTC app both on my Focus and Arrive.
supertube supports account login now...I like my supertube
but where would I find the HTC youtube app for my focus
forgive my ignorance
Yeah I know SuperTube and HTC have login support, but the way subscriptions work on LazyWorm are better than those imo. In the HTC app all of my subscription videos show up out of order and there's no way to sort them by most recent.
TOA Duck said:
supertube supports account login now...I like my supertube
but where would I find the HTC youtube app for my focus
forgive my ignorance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can only get the HTC YouTube app if you have developer unlocked your phone either officially as a developer or with the ChevronWP7 hack. It will only work if you have a firmware before NoDo. If you want to know how to jailbreak, you can go here for the beginners' guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=938106
I'm not such a YouTube power user that I care that much about subscriptions or how they're sorted, and if that meant that much for me I'd just use my Vibrant. I carry it and my HD7 everywhere with me, anyways...
And even if I'd cut it off, I could still use it sort of like an iPod touch over WiFi
I don't see a point in paying for something like that, and I've already been burned by Board Express (Terrible Performance, etc.) and Birdsong (still haven't added a Live Tile, etc.). Don't think I'll ever buy another mobile app again, Lol.
I have an Omnia 7 so no HTC app for me. I like both SuperTube and Lazyworm but the latter is the better one overall (downloads are pointless as far as I'm concerned so no need for that). Lazyworm supports likes and HQ over 3G and links to the Zune hub, that's pretty cool.
One thing I will say though: the Lazyworm icon is damn ugly, specially when pinned to your main screen. It's like it was made by/for a kid and is in total contrast to the SuperTube icon which looks very nice.
Anyway, like someone else said I wish Microsoft could release a proper app already.
I couldn't care less about being able to log into my account on a Youtube app, but I what I have seem to work for different situations:
I have SuperTube for the HD videos (the quality on small screen is amazing), and for downloading some videos to watch on the commute.
I have RealTube for good streaming on 3G, and for other sites with video.
I use the LazyWord Youtube app just because the new version looks so pretty, and the UI is very well thought out.
I sideloaded the HTC 2.0 Youtube just to see what it's all about, and it is pretty good, but not my standard go to Youtube app.
And of course, the Youtube "enabler" from Microsoft.
Peew971 said:
One thing I will say though: the Lazyworm icon is damn ugly, specially when pinned to your main screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This I totally agree. The Lazyworm icon is really terrible .
Hope they can change it.
It's the only downside I find. I hope we can have a more sober icon, just the YouTube logo would be perfect (why this worm ? Why this brown color ? ).
Otherwise the UI of LazyWorm is very nice and it's my favorite YouTube app at the moment.
I really don't use the download function so SuperTube is ok but not so useful to me.
arturobandini said:
This I totally agree. The Lazyworm icon is really terrible .
Hope they can change it.
It's the only downside I find. I hope we can have a more sober icon, just the YouTube logo would be perfect (why this worm ? Why this brown color ? ).
Otherwise the UI of LazyWorm is very nice and it's my favorite YouTube app at the moment.
I really don't use the download function so SuperTube is ok but not so useful to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After people requested a new icon, they came up with that for the next release:
http://twitpic.com/4h688o
I know what you're thinking: What The F...?!
Currently just using the HTC Youtube app, or just via IE if I wanna find videos from users i subscribe to, might check out SuperTube.
Aww where is the love xda... sitting in last place !
Seriously though, great poll and it's very interesting seeing where we are falling short. We are in for the long haul and plan to continually improve on what we have so getting constructive feedback like this is EXACTLY what we are after.
I'm curious as to why people prefer the HTC app over our solution considering our free version supports more features and many have said sports a superior interface / experience?
We have been receiving several comments, suggestions and feedback from our users via ratings, emails, facebook and twitter. We will be releasing 2.1 very soon which should hopefully address some of these issues and include some awesome new features (so please stay tuned).
Thanks to those who are voting for us and for those who didn't we will strive to win you over next time!
Finally, I'll leave you guys to comment on our YouTube 2.1 (free) & LazyTube 2.1 (99c) tile icon concepts attached
Thank you for contributing to the thread. I'll go straight to the only 2 things I don't like about your app:
- I would like an option in settings to pick the light or dark theme independently of my actual phone theme.
- Your icon is too childish, sorry I can't find another way to put it. Smartphones are for adults and the cute worm doesn't cut it I'm afraid. I'd like something that looks good and cool like when SuperTube redesigned their icon. Even just the word Youtube with nothing else would be better.
Great work otherwise, I love the app and appreciate the fact that it remains free with no ads.
LazyWormApps said:
Finally, I'll leave you guys to comment on our YouTube 2.1 (free) & LazyTube 2.1 (99c) tile icon concepts attached
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
Thank you for the feedback.
No offence, but sorry I really dont' like the current icon and the ones you suggest above.
I totally understand that you would like to keep the worm since it is a symbol of LazyWorm, and therefore a part of your identity.... But unfortunately it is not very beautiful and not very sober, so it ruins the beauty of the icon.
I do adore Lazyworm and it's the only negative point I find. I am not very happy when I have to stick the live tile on my start screen
I hope you will not feel offended by my comment, it is not my purpose.
You can only get the HTC YouTube app if you have developer unlocked your phone either officially as a developer or with the ChevronWP7 hack. It will only work if you have a firmware before NoDo. If you want to know how to jailbreak, you can go here for the beginners' guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=938106
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for your reply, but my question was how can I find the HTC Youtube app, not how to unlock my phone, LOL. I would have asked that question first if thats what I wanted. No offense. Ive searched the forums but may have missed it. can someone else help me out
I use LazyWorm and HTC YouTube. Even tough I prefer LazyWorm, which has a great UI, quality, speed and smoothness, I sometimes just want to know what's new on YouTube that comes from Germany. HTC YouTube supports regions, LazyWorm sadly doesn't.
Peew971 said:
Even just the word Youtube with nothing else would be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I agree. The same icon without the worm would be really better, or a simple YouTube logo (maybe replacing 'You' by 'Lazy')...
Also, if LazyWorm could supports regions, like HTC YouTube does, it would be cool indeed.
I like it.. Keep up the good work. Dont listen to these fools. Thats your logo. Stand by it.

MetroTube is out!

I think Microsoft should stop fighting Google over their YouTube app and just fund these guys as they're making an amazing job.
The trial is fully functional but really they deserve to be paid for what they get you.
Enjoy
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-gb/apps/8d93224f-2808-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
Edit: If you already own LazyTube you'll get updated to MetroTube free of charge. Process is the same as any other app update.
Peew971 said:
I think Microsoft should stop fighting Google over their YouTube app and just fund these guys as they're making an amazing job.
The trial is fully functional but really they deserve to be paid for what they get you.
Enjoy
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-gb/apps/8d93224f-2808-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I do love lazyworm, MS should never stop fighting as there is still no way to select which app is the default YT launcher and I'm sick of copy pasta. Plus its just crappy business practices on Googles part.
Just updated. Its great , but it seems like they're trying too hard to copy the Android App.
---------- Post added at 10:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:18 AM ----------
dtboos said:
While I do love lazyworm, MS should never stop fighting as there is still no way to select which app is the default YT launcher and I'm sick of copy pasta. Plus its just crappy business practices on Googles part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it makes no sense that I must download the fake YouTube app just to launch videos posted on websites.
Nice, it didn't update itself and now I have to pay for it again...
Edit: nevermind, it works now like it should
vetvito said:
Just updated. Its great , but it seems like they're trying too hard to copy the Android App.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're getting this backwards, maybe it's android getting too much inspiration from Metro. Just look at their new marketplace
dtboos said:
While I do love lazyworm, MS should never stop fighting as there is still no way to select which app is the default YT launcher and I'm sick of copy pasta. Plus its just crappy business practices on Googles part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you're right. That said, if they do get the green light form Google I would like them to fund Lazyworms and integrate it as an official app rather than starting from scratch. At least Lazyworms gives the app full support, the same cannot be said from whoever did the official twitter and facebook apps for instance.
morpheuszg said:
Nice, it didn't update itself and now I have to pay for it again...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You never have to pay twice for an app you've purchased. Mine updated just fine.
Peew971 said:
You never have to pay twice for an app you've purchased. Mine updated just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you bought LazyTube and it updated to Metrotube? That was something I'm curious about.
PG2G said:
So you bought LazyTube and it updated to Metrotube? That was something I'm curious about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir. They had said already that all the LazyTube owners would get a free update.
Peew971 said:
Yes sir. They had said already that all the LazyTube owners would get a free update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay, nice. It's a great app, will buy it just because its nice that they are adding something so essential to the platform.
Peew971 said:
I think you're getting this backwards, maybe it's android getting too much inspiration from Metro. Just look at their new marketplace
Actually you're right. That said, if they do get the green light form Google I would like them to fund Lazyworms and integrate it as an official app rather than starting from scratch. At least Lazyworms gives the app full support, the same cannot be said from whoever did the official twitter and facebook apps for instance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you serious? This is almost a replica of the Android YouTube app. Which is great, Metrotube offers more widgets/tiles.
I like how the subscription tile shows pictures instead of a number. I just don't like the heart, but I'll live with it. Also like how I can read comments and watch the video, reminds me of Android. Good update. They even responded to my questions.
vetvito said:
are you serious? This is almost a replica of the Android YouTube app. Which is great, Metrotube offers more widgets/tiles.
I like how the subscription tile shows pictures instead of a number. I just don't like the heart, but I'll live with it. Also like how I can read comments and watch the video, reminds me of Android. Good update. They even responded to my questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I've just picked up my girlfriend's Nexus S and MetroTube is nothing like the Android YouTube app except maybe for having comments just below the video. Very odd that we don't see it the same way
Metrotube is nice about the best 3rd party app I have. This thing runs so smooth, you would think it was built into the OS
Peew971 said:
I think Microsoft should stop fighting Google over their YouTube app and just fund these guys as they're making an amazing job.
The trial is fully functional but really they deserve to be paid for what they get you.
Enjoy
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-gb/apps/8d93224f-2808-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
Edit: If you already own LazyTube you'll get updated to MetroTube free of charge. Process is the same as any other app update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would love to pay to buy this apps but my country is still currently not supported by MS in marketplace and Zune, would not like a fake address live id approach, and would like LazyWorm to have another payment channel like moBudget (pay with paypal and download the trial version and it will work like the paid version...)
Forget it. All players seem to have a portrait video player with the ability to swipe left and right while the video still plays. They seem to have came up with the same idea on different sides of the earth.
Lazytube portrait mode didn't allow reading of comments while watching a video, the video played but you couldn't read and watch at the same time. This update made it possible to read and comment just Like another famous player. Yeah, its nothing like that other player though, I'll be blind.
dtboos said:
While I do love lazyworm, MS should never stop fighting as there is still no way to select which app is the default YT launcher and I'm sick of copy pasta. Plus its just crappy business practices on Googles part.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i would really like to hear it from MS and google about what disagreement they are having. MS is bringing youtube to Xbox. So Google is not completly blocking them out. If google is blocking just for WP, isn't it abuse of market leadership? Google is already under fire for such behavior, I don't believe that's the case.
If anyone has links to any good, accurate information, please let me know.
Having said this, Metrotube is amazingly well done app. It deserves the name Metrotube as it beautifully adheres to metroUI.
Just downloaded this. Much better looking than the HTC Youtube (not that I complained about it).
Does anyone know if the free trial actually expires? Does it have all the features of the paid version? Perhaps the benefits to purchasing is gaining access to updates?
^ who knows. No one ever gave a definitive answer. I'll take metroTube anyway.
It probably is Google though, as there is absolutely no Google apps on this OS. However you have to look at the direct competition to Google which is Bing. So, its complex.
---------- Post added at 09:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 AM ----------
morpheus1982 said:
Just downloaded this. Much better looking than the HTC Youtube (not that I complained about it).
Does anyone know if the free trial actually expires? Does it have all the features of the paid version? Perhaps the benefits to purchasing is gaining access to updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no differences, and it doesn't expire. You will get updates. He said the .99 version is to help them out.
morpheus1982 said:
Just downloaded this. Much better looking than the HTC Youtube (not that I complained about it).
Does anyone know if the free trial actually expires? Does it have all the features of the paid version? Perhaps the benefits to purchasing is gaining access to updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I'm informed there are no limits or registrations. Trial and paid version are currently absolutely identical. You should be able to receive updates as well. The only "limitation" about the current offer is: it won't last forever. Means if you want the full app for free, better get it now.
But honestly, I'd pay those $0.99 anyway (if I hadn't already done it months ago). In my opinion LazywormApps deserve a lot more than that.
I looked up the youtube API restrictions... I think this might be the reason
What can I do if I'm running into quota limits?
The following information may help you to avoid exceeding quota limits:
•The quota system ties API usage to a specific developer key, which means your application is less likely to be flagged for quota violations if it specifies a developer key in its API requests.
•Different types of API operations count differently toward quota calculations. Generally, you can make more frequent HTTP GET requests to retrieve data than POST, PUT or DELETE requests to modify data.
•Your application should avoid making API requests that do not originate from user interaction. For example, continuous requests that are a part of a background synchronization or bulk import process are likely to trigger quota violations.
If the API does return a quota violation error, your code will need to detect the error and handle it appropriately. we recommend that you stop all API calls from your application for 10 minutes to "reset" your quota. When you resume making API calls, scale back on the frequency of your requests.
If you are still running into the quota limits within these guidelines, and you feel that the quota is throttling legitimate traffic from your site, please contact us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I think Google is not willing to remove the limit for MS. If MS makes a dafault Youtube client, it is very likely to hit the limit as all WP users will be using it rather than other apps like Metrotube.
Other than that, I didn't really find any other restriction in the API.
The description in Marketplace says that the paid version supports HD video streaming. I'm guessing the trial is HQ only.
That said, my Focus seems to stutter even on HQ :/ Anyone else have that issue? Maybe I've dropped it one too many times, heh.

What frustrates you about an app?

So I'm working on a post for my site. It's going to be a list about things a developer does with an application that frustrates us as users. The goal is to highlight common complains from the community about practices devs use in their apps and to hopefully encourage them with feedback to improve.
This is the list I've got so far. Please feel free to chime in if you agree or disagree and ADD any things that bug you as a USER.
--Lack of a live tile: One of the biggest differences on our platforms and others is the inclusion of live tiles. If it makes sense for the application, a live tile is a must. I'm hard pressed to find a large category of apps where a live tile wouldn't make sense at some basic level.
--No fast app switching: No explanation needed, devs get with it.
--Not playing nice with Metro: You make an app for iOS or Android and now you want to port it Windows Phone as fast as possible...so fast you don't think about the design. Great apps on Windows Phone are those that capitalize on the principles of the design language.
--Have both a paid and free version of an app: Do a search for an app in the Market or App Store and you'll get two versions for a lot of popular apps: the free and paid version. There is NO reason why you would need to do that with Windows Phone. Devs have the ability to implement a 'trial' state of an application where they can do everything and more a 'free' version of an app could. Stop cluttering the Marketplace.
--Redirecting to a website: I once downloaded a sports app that had potential. I opened the app and played around. There was a pivot page that had a section for news. Clicked it...and bam. IE is opening up. Nope, no thank you. I want to use your app now your website.
These are some of the big themes that I've encountered more than I should when playing around with apps. This is not a major problem, but it's there and it really shouldn't be.
Also I'm not trying to put developers down, I know it's hard work and I myself am trying to learn as well. But we should strive for something better.
Alright, sound off with some feedback guys. Any other 'sins against users' I've missed that you encounter? I'd like to see what you think before I write the post on my site.
ALSOOOO.... How about you list some apps that contain these 'sins against users'. That way we can politely invite the developer to hear our thoughts and implement changes that benefit everyone. Happy users = $, $= happy dev.
All these are minor.. My biggest complaint is when push notification is either delayed or doesnt come at all. I've missed some important whatsapp messages cause it was delayed 10 mins.
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
samsabri said:
[...]
--Have both a paid and free version of an app: Do a search for an app in the Market or App Store and you'll get two versions for a lot of popular apps: the free and paid version. There is NO reason why you would need to do that with Windows Phone. Devs have the ability to implement a 'trial' state of an application where they can do everything and more a 'free' version of an app could. Stop cluttering the Marketplace.
[...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Marvin_S said:
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Some devs don't mention what the trial offers(time-limited or function-limited) and hence I stay away from such paid apps. Sometimes the trial is fully functional with ads. Agreed that the devs were lazy to not include it in the description, but some users are lazy too. That would be the reason for two versions of the app.
it not being available at all.
or how about it's free on android or ios, but $3 on wp7... wtf?
Marvin_S said:
As I agree with what you are posting, I think you missed the point on this one.
It's true that this is cluttering the marketplace, but people like to hand out a "FREE" version from a marketing persepective. There is a seperate column with "free" apps, hence it will be easier to stand out with both a free and paid app...
Also if you have a fully functional free trial (with only an add) it is still being noted as paid app, so you miss everybody who has no credit card, they will automatically overlook a paid app, even if it has a free unlimited trial (well there are always exceptions of course, but those account mostly for "high profile" apps/games).
This is the main reason, that without uploading 2 apps, there is an unfair disadvantage for the dev.
But I agree it is annoying but from a developer perspective it makes a lot of sense why people do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I understand the marketing angle. I guess I live in some fantasy land in my head where the world is clean and organized. Hopefully with the Windows 8 Marketplace offering devs simliliar options in how they can implement trials we'll see less "free" apps because users may come expect every paid app to come with a trial.
svtfmook said:
it not being available at all.
or how about it's free on android or ios, but $3 on wp7... wtf?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is something I missed, I how they determine the price difference between platforms?
Off the top of your head, do any apps come to mind where there is a big price difference in platforms? Exclude Xbox Live enabled games for a moment, the reason being I can see the inclusion of achievements, leaderboards, etc to be the cause of the price bump.
I'm in need of a map/location/gps app, that supports offline map caching . while I found couple of them on marketplace, ones that had nice design an functionality, all of them where online only and ones that had offline map caching had terrible design an absolutely no functionality. thats sad
design and functionality should be put first IMO
Inconsistent Resuming and Lack of Tombstoning
Once an app leaves the foreground you have two methods of returning to it: use the app switcher or hitting the tile on your Start screen. Going from the app switcher resumes as expected, but going from the Start screen restarts the app, even if it's already sitting in the background. Now this is probably something Microsoft has to fix, but I feel that if more apps tombstoned, then it could make things more consistent.
samsabri said:
That is something I missed, I how they determine the price difference between platforms?
Off the top of your head, do any apps come to mind where there is a big price difference in platforms? Exclude Xbox Live enabled games for a moment, the reason being I can see the inclusion of achievements, leaderboards, etc to be the cause of the price bump.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes if they would note next to the price tag of each app wheter it contains a Trial version, it is less needed for devs to release a seperate "Lite" version. However the problem is now you have to click the app first than wait until the buttons show up in order to find out wheter an app has a free trial.
This should be there on the big scroll list so a user will see at first glance wheter he/she can try the app for free. At the moment I can't blame dev's for introducing their own workarounds.
But what is more annoying to me is that if devs follow metro design and don't use the margins correctly. Hence the app looks odd in comparison to the native apps, i.e. a lot of chat apps mimick the messaging app but don't pay attention to the margins, the bubble sizes and the bubble alignments, which will make them look very unprofessional. This is sad because they did take the effort to stylize the app like Metro, but they ruined the experience because of not "understanding" the fundamentals of the design language. Which is not just typography but also clever and precise use of margins, shapes and spacings. And since there is not much chrome, every tiny offset or error stands out to a trained eye instantly.
Marvin_S said:
Yes if they would note next to the price tag of each app wheter it contains a Trial version, it is less needed for devs to release a seperate "Lite" version. However the problem is now you have to click the app first than wait until the buttons show up in order to find out wheter an app has a free trial.
This should be there on the big scroll list so a user will see at first glance wheter he/she can try the app for free. At the moment I can't blame dev's for introducing their own workarounds.
But what is more annoying to me is that if devs follow metro design and don't use the margins correctly. Hence the app looks odd in comparison to the native apps, i.e. a lot of chat apps mimick the messaging app but don't pay attention to the margins, the bubble sizes and the bubble alignments, which will make them look very unprofessional. This is sad because they did take the effort to stylize the app like Metro, but they ruined the experience because of not "understanding" the fundamentals of the design language. Which is not just typography but also clever and precise use of margins, shapes and spacings. And since there is not much chrome, every tiny offset or error stands out to a trained eye instantly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think going forward an ideal scenario would be a user expects to have a trial mode for any app that a dev is asking money for. It's a win-win for both consumers and developers. Check out this post from Paul Laberge explaining some of the benefits of a trial mode.
Seems like your second paragraph is echoing the statement to follow metro design language/principles and aim for higher quality control in regards to the design.
It's interesting, I feel like 5 years ago software was all about being functional with no regard to design. Now we not only demand, but expect applications to function well and look beautiful. Exciting times
karan1203 said:
All these are minor.. My biggest complaint is when push notification is either delayed or doesnt come at all. I've missed some important whatsapp messages cause it was delayed 10 mins.
Sent from my T8788 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are those faults of the developer or the platform itself? I ask because I don't know a lot of the technical workings behind the push notification system. My limited knowledge tells me it might be a mix of both parties to blame.
Can anyone clarify?
apps?
For sure about Notifications part.
Push Notification can be useful "ONLY" when you have the phone right in front of your face. Because right after that, they are gone forever.
Second, Push Notification usually have a delay , about a half to 2 mins, from the actual event.
Like my friend can post a thing on my Facebook Wall, and the phone took about 2 mins to update it to the ME title. Same with all other Applications.
I used to try hacking the ROM and Registry of the Phone to reduce the delay of the Title Update. But failed so hard because Microsoft really locked it up hard.
I think most of the annoyances are captured already in the initial post but I'll also add
-That some apps are still being released without mango capability.
-Some apps are just the mobile site (for example the tagged app wtf?)
prohibido_por_la_ley said:
I think most of the annoyances are captured already in the initial post but I'll also add
-That some apps are still being released without mango capability.
-Some apps are just the mobile site (for example the tagged app wtf?)
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Click to collapse
I was hoping I'd cover the most obvious complaints, but wanted to reach out and see if anything was missing. Also venting is good for us
And regarding Tagged...? Wow... I just looked at it on the web Marketplace and I won't let something that hideous touch my phone. It's just lazy and doesn't add any value to users or devs. Users get nothing out of it and as a dev what have you accomplished?
Apps like that should not pass certification. It seems draconian, but it's ok for us to demand and expect quality work.
wixostrix said:
...but going from the Start screen restarts the app, even if it's already sitting in the background.
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This is (or was pre-Mango) a requirement to have your app certified. The rules say/said that a user returning to a task via the Back button is trying to complete an interupted task; a user launching the app from Start is starting a new task and shouldn't be presented with abandoned work from earlier.
I have a calculator app that maintains full state across invocations. I was worried that MS would reject the app because it preserved state even upon restarting. They did accept it, though.
Worst thing for me is wasted screen space.
A good example is the official WP7 Facebook app. Go to the "wall" screen, and you have "FACEBOOK" then "Most Recent" then "What's on your mind?" all permanently stuck at the top. Space is also wasted at both sides, meaning that only 50-60% of the screen is actually available to display your friends wall posts.
I thought the idea of Metro is to "put information first", so this is ridiculous. I have a phone with a 3.7" screen, yet the facebook app is more readable on my friends 3" non-widescreen Blackberry.
Aphasaic2002 said:
Worst thing for me is wasted screen space.
A good example is the official WP7 Facebook app. Go to the "wall" screen, and you have "FACEBOOK" then "Most Recent" then "What's on your mind?" all permanently stuck at the top. Space is also wasted at both sides, meaning that only 50-60% of the screen is actually available to display your friends wall posts.
I thought the idea of Metro is to "put information first", so this is ridiculous. I have a phone with a 3.7" screen, yet the facebook app is more readable on my friends 3" non-widescreen Blackberry.
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I hear you on that Facebook app. Thankfully the integration with Windows Phone makes it so that I haven't opened it in months. I check FB once a day on the browser at home before bed, but that's about it.
But I'll chalk this complaint under the 'design abuse' category.
Anyone have any other apps that violate some of our sins in the original post in this thread?
I'd like to see improvements with the sound handeling. Most games have a 'music volume' and a 'FX volume' it seems the volume % is boolean, 0% is silent, 10%-100% is full volume. I'd like to listen to my music while gaming without the Pew Pew causing my ears to bleed

Plume Premium??

Is it worth it?? Why or why not? Trying to decide whether or not to get it.
Sent from my Kangdemned vivow
tylerlawhon said:
Is it worth it?? Why or why not? Trying to decide whether or not to get it.
Sent from my Kangdemned vivow
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i dont remember how the free version was compared to premium? ads i guess? idk
but plume is all i use for twitter and the last few updates have made me love it again
there was awhile back in the late winter/spring i was down on it, but its my favorite again
tylerlawhon said:
Is it worth it?? Why or why not? Trying to decide whether or not to get it.
Sent from my Kangdemned vivow
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I would hold off for a little bit. I was reading on another site that twitter is trying to ban all 3rd party twitter clients.
Also, I hear there was a new free app called tweetlanes that is supposed to blow any twitter app out of the water.
Just my thoughts on buying a premium 3rd party twitter app...
tylerlawhon said:
Is it worth it?? Why or why not? Trying to decide whether or not to get it.
Sent from my Kangdemned vivow
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I've used Plume Premium for a very long time and I love it! Highly recommend it.
I like apps with no ads so for that to me it's worth it. Now if you have a tablet, it's hands down the best twitter app.
Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2
kubes069 said:
I would hold off for a little bit. I was reading on another site that twitter is trying to ban all 3rd party twitter clients.
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This is 100% wrong
Plume is my go-to client. I find it to be the least offensive design wise and have the right features that suit my needs. I also think the developers do a really good job with their other apps (Beautiful Widgets) so I don't mind supporting them all around. I've tried offical, Seesmic, Tweetcaster, Tweetlanes, Boid, Twicca, Peep, TweetDeck, TweakDeck and Slices but always always come back to Plume.
Tweetlanes is certainly one to watch and see how it grows. There is a lot to like about it and the developer has a lot of right things in mind so it might be worth to follow him. Carbon is the twitter app every person is waiting for but it's a closed Beta. From what I've read it's the smoothest one out there but there is no ETA on release.
One thing to remember is no twitter client has push updates except for the official twitter client. Any client that offers notifications is done so by polling. If you want some form of push via a 3rd-party client you can use IFTTT + Pushover.
frankspin said:
This is 100% wrong
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100% wrong? Really? Obviously, you haven't read anything about it then, because it's not as wrong as you think it is.
Why don't you read this:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08/16/twitters-new-api-v1-1-seeks-to-end-3rd-party-twitter-clients-for-good-by-making-them-useless/
Or if you think that one is not good enough, try this one:
http://thenextweb.com/twitter/2012/08/17/twitter-4/
kubes069 said:
100% wrong? Really? Obviously, you haven't read anything about it then, because it's not as wrong as you think it is.
Why don't you read this:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08/16/twitters-new-api-v1-1-seeks-to-end-3rd-party-twitter-clients-for-good-by-making-them-useless/
Or if you think that one is not good enough, try this one:
http://thenextweb.com/twitter/2012/08/17/twitter-4/
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Click to collapse
Changing API requirements and banning use of API are two completely different things, that is what my 100% wrong referred to. If you had said "Twitter just changed their API requirements which may mean some Twitter apps to become obsolete" than yes that is correct but that isn't what you said. Twitter will work with 3rd party developers who are at or above the 100K limit already and allow that to grow to 200% of the API limit. The rules are tight and strict but it does not mean they're being banned.
frankspin said:
Changing API requirements and banning use of API are two completely different things, that is what my 100% wrong referred to. If you had said "Twitter just changed their API requirements which may mean some Twitter apps to become obsolete" than yes that is correct but that isn't what you said. Twitter will work with 3rd party developers who are at or above the 100K limit already and allow that to grow to 200% of the API limit. The rules are tight and strict but it does not mean they're being banned.
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Would you agree that this is Twitters way of slowly weeding out all 3rd party apps though? Or am I completely misunderstanding what is going on with this thing here?
kubes069 said:
Would you agree that this is Twitters way of slowly weeding out all 3rd party apps though? Or am I completely misunderstanding what is going on with this thing here?
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They're not trying to weed people out, if they were they wouldn't have put in there that they are willing to work with developers. If anything I'd say this is there way of trying to tighten everything up experience wise. I guess with the end game making sure the people who are putting out Twitter apps are doing so with Twitter's best intentions in mind. The irony there is Twitter is different on every platform (android, ios, web) and they bought Tweetdeck which functions completely differently from Twitter.
Plume is definitely the best go-to app. Premium gets the nifty widget.
But I want better list management, notification control per account, and individual account views.
Time to checkout Tweetlanes I guess.
Plume Premium just remove the ads, no extra feature.
Plume ads doesn't hurt much, they're related to the content you follow and appear as regular tweets.
I'm also looking for a Twitter client to replace Tweetdeck.
Plume is the best so far, but needs better support on columns caching, to not reload columns all the time.
It's true the Twitter API limit is killing a lot of 3rd party clients...
I've tried all these:
Official Twitter App - needs more features
Tweetdeck - still the best if you can live with the limitations, Twitter bought and killed development on it
Tweakdeck - modded Tweetdeck, very good, but also can't get big new features due dev sunset
Plume - the best modern client
Tweet lanes - started great, but then never got updated again
Boid - great app, now open source, devs gave up because of Twitter API limits
Falcon Pro - I don't understand the hype on this, so many other clients much better
Tweedle - keep an eye on this, may get good
Echofon - keep an eye on this, may get good
Janetter - supports lists as columns, needs some more features
Seesmic - I never liked it, also doesn't support lists as columns
Twicca - clean UI, I like other clients better
TweetCaster - lots of users, lots of features, but doen't support lists as columns
HootSuite - good features, but columns reload slow and too many times
Damn you really dug through these posts to get to this one and awaken this dead thread
nitsua98 said:
Damn you really dug through these posts to get to this one and awaken this dead thread
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, found some good info here...
Had the same problem....I've been using Scope for a while now.
Sent from my HTC Droid Incredible 2 using xda premium

Some Cool Apps

Just though I would share with you guys some cool apps that I have compiled in my android career. In my opinion, porting over an iPhone app to make it work on Android just doesn't look or feel right. So here are some droid-esque applications that I have found that really show off android. Feel free to add in some other awesome apps as you see fit.
Weather app- Eye in the Sky. This app is pretty awesome looking. It has an android look and feel to it and is very minimalistic. The paid version removes ads, and this in my mind makes the app what it is-- a simple one that shows you what you need to see. Not too much, not too little. Could use a radar of some sort, but it is great. (FREE- $1.19 to remove ads)
News App- Press (Google Reader). This is one of my favorites. It is an RSS reader that is stripped to bare bones. It does exactly what it needs to do, in showing what you are subscribed to RSS-wise, but in the process its an app that would make an android developer happy to see that it had so much thought and effort put in to it. It is really a great looking and functional app that removes bloat and allows for top performance ($1.99)
Sports App- ESPN ScoreCenter is a given. Wish there was a way to remove ads, because I would pay for it. Hate ads. They recently did a huge overhaul in iOS and Android and optimized performance. It really brought the app out of 2008. (FREE)
Twitter Client- Tweedle for Twitter. This is another Android styled app, that really embodies the stock ICS/JB look and incorporates it into a simple Twitter app that is easy to use. (FREE)
Photo Editor- Snapseed. Probably the coolest photo editing app I have ever seen. It is incredibly feature ridden (this is a good thing), and you can manipulate any photo to whatever you want. Essentially an Instagram 2.0 if I've ever seen one.
These are my favorite apps. Share yours, there are plenty of people searching for "must-have android apps" during this Christmas season! I will add them into this list! And while the ones above are not must have status, they are pretty darned cool.

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