Is this phone too large or just right? - Desire 816 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello I have 4.5" screen HTC Desire 601 with Virgin mobile and they just released the HTC 816. I can get it currently on eBay for $219. But I'm wondering if the screen is a little too big for an everyday device? What do you guys think?I do like to play games though so that's a big benefit.
HTC Desire 601 (Zara_CL)

Toyeboy said:
Hello I have 4.5" screen HTC Desire 601 with Virgin mobile and they just released the HTC 816. I can get it currently on eBay for $219. But I'm wondering if the screen is a little too big for an everyday device? What do you guys think?I do like to play games though so that's a big benefit.
HTC Desire 601 (Zara_CL)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I upgraded from an LG volt and I'm very impressed with the screen and size of this phone. I think it's a perfect sized screen and don't let the 720p steer you away, this screen is sharp and beautiful!

Its not too big . I had alcatel 6030x 4,7'' and 816 is good for daily use.

If only Virginmobile would have released this instead of the HTC desire 4.5" ugh I could get it for what I paid for this phone.

I like the size. It feels like its gonna work perfectly for me. The screen is beautiful (of course I still have the matte protector it came with since my tempered glass hasn't come in yet). Even the large bottom bezel doesn't bother me. The bezel really helps to balance out the look of the phone.
My few gripes... The FM radio app wasn't preinstalled. Luckily I did a little research and downloaded it from the play store. It's possible it would be installed after activation but I haven't activated yet.
Why include the dotview app if there is no case available yet AND the app doesn't even work. It just shows white dots no matter what background you choose. I wanted to make my own dotview case but without a working app why bother?

Personally, I have larger hands, and thing this phone is absolutely perfect. The button placement is a different story, but at least they're very tactile

How well do games like modern combat 5 run on here? It really lags on my HTC 601

Toyeboy said:
How well do games like modern combat 5 run on here? It really lags on my HTC 601
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
normal, no lags

Only other thing that's worrying me about this phone is the large screen in my pocket. I guess I'd have to get tempered glass..

It seems like this is the only place that has other VM 816 users. All the other sites have forums for the device but no users.
Now a few question for all of you... I haven't activated the phone yet so I haven't received VM's update that includes their bloat and Boot animation. How much bloat does it include? All I've seen is their zone app in pictures. I imagine VM radio is also there?
Does the dotview app work for anyone or do we all just get white dots no matter what background you choose? I totally planned on making my own dot view case but obviously no app means no case.
Was the FM radio app included on the VM OTA after activation? I know it isn't there on stock before activation as I had to download the app from the Play Store.

sirrx7 said:
It seems like this is the only place that has other VM 816 users. All the other sites have forums for the device but no users.
Now a few question for all of you... I haven't activated the phone yet so I haven't received VM's update that includes their bloat and Boot animation. How much bloat does it include? All I've seen is their zone app in pictures. I imagine VM radio is also there?
Does the dotview app work for anyone or do we all just get white dots no matter what background you choose? I totally planned on making my own dot view case but obviously no app means no case.
Was the FM radio app included on the VM OTA after activation? I know it isn't there on stock before activation as I had to download the app from the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, the other sites are dead with no users in the forums.
here is a list of the "bloat" that i have on my activated 816 w/ VM, i do not know if this came before or after the VM update was sent to my phone. I have put a (d) next to the ones i have disabled because you cant delete them...
Luman Toolbar (d)
Scribble (d)
Flashlight (can be uninstalled)
HTC Backup (cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Dot View(cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Guide(cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Mobile Guide(d)
Media Share (cant uninstall)
Mobile ID (cant unistall)
Music (i think this is VM's app, cant disable or uninstall)
My Account (VM app, cant disable or uninstall)
Polaris Office 5 (cant uninstall)
Qualcomm IZat (cant disable or uninstall)
Tasks (cant disable or uninstall)
Voicemail (might be VM's app, cant disable or uninstall)
Zoe (cant uninstall)
*note that any other bloat that i could uninstall is gone, i think there was only 1 or 2 that i was able to fully uninstall and i believe the FM Radio was one of them.

germ.sws said:
yes, the other sites are dead with no users in the forums.
here is a list of the "bloat" that i have on my activated 816 w/ VM, i do not know if this came before or after the VM update was sent to my phone. I have put a (d) next to the ones i have disabled because you cant delete them...
Luman Toolbar (d)
Scribble (d)
Flashlight (can be uninstalled)
HTC Backup (cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Dot View(cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Guide(cant disable or uninstall)
HTC Mobile Guide(d)
Media Share (cant uninstall)
Mobile ID (cant unistall)
Music (i think this is VM's app, cant disable or uninstall)
My Account (VM app, cant disable or uninstall)
Polaris Office 5 (cant uninstall)
Qualcomm IZat (cant disable or uninstall)
Tasks (cant disable or uninstall)
Voicemail (might be VM's app, cant disable or uninstall)
Zoe (cant uninstall)
*note that any other bloat that i could uninstall is gone, i think there was only 1 or 2 that i was able to fully uninstall and i believe the FM Radio was one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK so the only ones that VM added were Lumen Toolbar and My Account. Not bad actually. Its a shame they added that adware Lumen Toolbar but at least they didn't totally weigh the phone down any more.
I'll probably be rooting this weekend. No real reason to but I always root my phones even if all I'll do is install ad away, root explorer, and get files to the SD. Hopefully we'll get some decent roms soon.

sirrx7 said:
OK so the only ones that VM added were Lumen Toolbar and My Account. Not bad actually. Its a shame they added that adware Lumen Toolbar but at least they didn't totally weigh the phone down any more.
I'll probably be rooting this weekend. No real reason to but I always root my phones even if all I'll do is install ad away, root explorer, and get files to the SD. Hopefully we'll get some decent roms soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There might have been a couple more since I had already deleted a couple before I made this post. I might even do a restore on the phone since I am having some battery drain problems. And I suspect an app is causing it .

Is there a root method for the Virgin Mobile version of this phone? Also is it Virgin Mobile considered a single-sim version?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/desire-816/general/guide-vm-htc-desire-816-root-how-to-t2862470
Its actually very easy. Follow the instructions and you'll be done in no time. You can even take a short cut if you want by downloading Kontrary's nandroid backup. I believe it's rooted, has the write protect mod installed, AND has XPosed installed.
Also note...
After you unlock, your phone gets wiped. I have no idea why but HTC decided NOT to make their flashlight and calculator app system apps so they get deleted during the wipe. I have links to the 2 apps in the above thread if you want to replace them afterwards. They're from the M8 since I haven't been able to find them for the 816 as our RUU hasn't been released by HTC yet.

Related

Missing Apps in Market

Anyone else had problems with missing apps in the Market with the Desire?
Specifically:
http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=72687bc93eba9a1b&hl=en
Good example seems to be the National Rail app, but I'm finding plenty of others too...some I've paid for :-(
Daern
Yes, I have. JuiceDefender is missing for me, however I got it from andappstore.com. No sign of that National Rail one there though.
And the BlueAnt Q1 app is not available....
I think everybody has problems finding all the programs. Try to search for Raging Thunder 2 for example. You will properbly only find the lite version and not the full version. I bought the full version with my Milestone, but now it cannot be found anymore.
Every Android phone has a 'fingerprint' in the build.prop file. This fingerprint has to be approved by google. Somehow google has not yet approved the fingerprint of the Desire, so protected apps cannot be fount yet.....
I have no clue why this takes so long.
Maybe someone from google is here and reads this and can explain to us why it's taking so long for the fingerprint to be approved?
Interesting. According to the similar thread about the Legend, however, it seems that HTC are pushing out an update to fix this...
Perhaps it's the fingerprint from the Hero
I've read about this issue which was recently explained by a developer of XDA (nprussell).
Apparently everyone is in the same boat so to speak. He states that many "protected" apps are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market:
When a new ROM or handset is released, the manufacturer (i.e. HTC), sends the build to Google for verification, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in one of the build files. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & System write access, this fingerprint can be changed, but although it's been claimed that the Desire has recently been Rooted, we still don't have confirmation from any developer of it being able to gain System write access.
Only until Google approve the build, then fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view these protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds is because of permissions of certain apps. For example, the barcode scanner app requires permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
HTC need to chase Google up on this and Google need to activate the Fingerprint.
Excellent info, thanks for that. So it's chasing HTC to get them to chase Google for an update.
I think I'll just go back to stopping the tide from coming in...much better chance of success, I reckon
Is there no where we can download the apk (for free apps of course) and just transfer it to the phone and install it ourselves?
strange think is I could find some apps. I found and installed Barcode Scanner no prob..
???
s4vva said:
Is there no where we can download the apk (for free apps of course) and just transfer it to the phone and install it ourselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just google which ever apk you want (for free apps obviously) and install it to your phone, with the sync software that was on your original memory card.
i emailed HTC today to find out what they and google are doing to sort this out. if everyone emails them they might eventually chase google...
Mastoid said:
I've read about this issue which was recently explained by a developer of XDA (nprussell).
Apparently everyone is in the same boat so to speak. He states that many "protected" apps are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market:
When a new ROM or handset is released, the manufacturer (i.e. HTC), sends the build to Google for verification, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in one of the build files. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & System write access, this fingerprint can be changed, but although it's been claimed that the Desire has recently been Rooted, we still don't have confirmation from any developer of it being able to gain System write access.
Only until Google approve the build, then fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view these protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds is because of permissions of certain apps. For example, the barcode scanner app requires permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
HTC need to chase Google up on this and Google need to activate the Fingerprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm this explanation, I actually emailed HTC support asking about the missing apps and this was pretty much exactly what they told me. They are waiting for Google to approve the ROM for copy protected apps, and apparently it takes about a week... so hopefully we can expect full access some time next week. Fingers crossed!
foner78 said:
Just to confirm this explanation, I actually emailed HTC support asking about the missing apps and this was pretty much exactly what they told me. They are waiting for Google to approve the ROM for copy protected apps, and apparently it takes about a week... so hopefully we can expect full access some time next week. Fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one Bud, thanks for that update
All back for me Now on Vodafone
Yep. One of those apps for me was Google Earth since this is what I was facing so I installed it from the link here too and all works well: http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=46acda8204439646&hl=en
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
th3 said:
Yep. One of those apps for me was Google Earth since this is what I was facing so I installed it from the link here too and all works well: http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=46acda8204439646&hl=en
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's about all we can do right now to install apps (or use barcode scanner app) which are not available via the Marketplace.
Tip: For anyone who has not done this yet and would like to know, make sure you first install HTC Sync (found pre-installed via your SD card).

The Protected Apps Issue

First of all, we know why this is the case. For anyone that doesnt, see the below:
Protected apps that are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market.
When a new ROM/Phone is released, the manufacturer, in this case HTC, sends the build to Google, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in the build.prop file. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & system write access, this fingerprint can easily be changed... but we don't have that luxury right now.
Once Google approve the build, the fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds (such as twidroid, layar, barcode scanner etc) is that these apps require permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
So again... to answer your question... we'll see the protected apps as soon as either:
a) HTC chase up Google
b) Google get around to activating the fingerprint
Now.. on to the point. I bought my un-branded HTC Desire from Mobilephonesdirect and there are NO protected apps on the market.
A friend of mine ordered his un-branded device from Vodafone.... No protected apps on the market.
Last night, another mate of mine rocked up with a new HTC Desire... branded, from Orange UK. HE HAD FULL MARKET ACCESS.
Piss poor that the unbranded devices are having issues really.
At least this means that as soon as I can get system write and root access, I can give us all full market access immediately
there are also no protected apps on t-mobile with a t-mobile branded phone as of yet...
I think it's simply all unbranded handsets.
Mine is unbranded on Vodafone and I have no protected apps.
I'm a bit confused by what is meant by "protected" however, as some paid apps like CoPilot work fine, whereas free apps like Google Earth are missing.
I read on another forum that part of the issue was that the Desire was reporting to the Market that it has no camera (or missing some other hardware), and thus the Market was only serving apps which didn't require the device to have a camera.... However, this doesn't seem to be the case as I managed to get Google Goggles which works fine...
so this would explain why i cant see google maps in my market place? even though it came pre installed on my phone? is it something that will be address sooon?
Hmm... I can see google maps OK
Today in france, we have access to the full market...
They are back!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=665742
Rejoice!

Few questions....

Hi i got many questions...and issues
-Internal memory : jeez i installer 2 dozen applications and i got 13m left and the alert about low memory (which cant be deleted)
seriously??? 13mb left???? how can it be possible ! when i check the application list, i have like 40-60mb (made a quick calcul) installed ! i cant even isntall google earth ! and what the hell is "contact list" app? its almost 30mo!!
-Wifi tethering : any way without root? for tether with ipad
-Push mail through the HTC app...possible?
-How can i change the defaut app to open for X action...
-Can i use another SMS software with the HTC message widget? exemple when i click new message it open the defaut one...
-How can i use picasa ? i keep having an error (authentification...) in gallery app.
-voicesearch and speech to text. Installed HTC IME KB, Voice app and nothing work. I cant have the keyboard in the list of KB. And voice search doesnt work...(error connex)
thanks a lot
You want WinMo
oh no i dont
For all those questions, yes you do as it does them...the Desire doesn't as yet.
- It has Push for Googlemail, I think there is another app you can use for other account types
- Can't change default apps
- Can't use other SMS software (I don't think, could be wrong)
- Can't tether without rooting (as you've said)
HD2 does all these, some stock some with custom ROMs
EddyOS said:
For all those questions, yes you do as it does them...the Desire doesn't as yet.
- It has Push for Googlemail, I think there is another app you can use for other account types
- Can't change default apps
- Can't use other SMS software (I don't think, could be wrong)
- Can't tether without rooting (as you've said)
HD2 does all these, some stock some with custom ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- what about the support for Exchange push in the mail program?
-if you install another program, you may be able to. you can remove the defaults for applications in the settings. that's why you can switch between homescreens once you have installed launcher2.apk....
- there's plenty of other SMS software in the market, ChompSMS, Handcent etc.
- yes, you need to root.
But overall, yeah, it sounds like for the kinda stuff you want to do, winmo would be better all round.
rhedgehog said:
But overall, yeah, it sounds like for the kinda stuff you want to do, winmo would be better all round.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some are minor
but the memory issue is absoluterly TERRIBLE and not normal
what the **** seriously? cant even instal google earth
totorip said:
some are minor
but the memory issue is absoluterly TERRIBLE and not normal
what the **** seriously? cant even instal google earth
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly you don't need google Earth it's 22mb and the maps does the same thing!
Also big drain on battery (Earth and Maps) so not something you would want to use all the time anyhow.
Search around for apps as you may find one that does same but for less space.
Also, are you using all the apps? Are a lot of them just games?
Be smart with the limited space.
It's not ideal I know, but until anything changes not a lot you can do.
-Internal memory
Yes, this is a pain. I wish Google would let us put stuff on SD card already without having to root the phone and HTC needs to put less preinstalled crap too replacing it with OTA on demand instead. Teeter? WTH!
-Wifi tethering
Yes, PDANet and some other application allow BT/WiFi/USD tethering with Windows/OSX and Linux. Probably not with iPad because it has no USB, BT is crap (if same as on iPhone) ... not real OS X.
-Push mail through the HTC app...possible?
No. Google's own email app will do push for Gmail accounts only. HTC email will check at specified intervals.
-How can i change the defaut app to open for X action...
You can't, as far as I know.
-Can i use another SMS software with the HTC message widget? exemple when i click new message it open the defaut one...
Yes. There are two very popular ones, but HTC's own is all I need.
-How can i use picasa ? i keep having an error (authentification...) in gallery app.
Yes. Not sure about your error. You can get Gallery app from N1 and use that instead of HTC's Photos.
-voicesearch and speech to text. Installed HTC IME KB, Voice app and nothing work. I cant have the keyboard in the list of KB. And voice search doesnt work...(error connex)
Hmm, by default HTC IME doesn't do voice. I installed Voice Search with Android default keyboard and have that feature now. Although I rarely use it. Swype FTW! Check the forums there was a link to the apk to get it all working.
thanks a lot...for the answer even though some are really mindblowing in the worst way
thx !
yup yup
You've summed up some of the biggest problems with Android and the Desire.
The inability to install apps to an SD card is a big problem - one that can be solved by waiting for root, or by waiting for the next release of Android (I think Google have said they are working on this feature for the next version). Basically, just by waiting.
I use IMAP IDLE with the K-9 email app for push IMAP email from my fastmail.fm account. Works instantly and perfectly. Love it.
Hope this helps a little.
what the hell is "contact list" (in application / manage application)
its 28mo!!!
i deleted it
lost all my contact
synced again with google , i have them back..and no ****ty 30mb file
what was it??
totorip said:
what the hell is "contact list" (in application / manage application)
its 28mo!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Applications/Manage Applications FCs on me all the time (it is probably some app installed from apk that causes this problem). Don't see said app show up in APK or ASTRO.
i dont get what u mean

[Q] Facebook touch?

Heyhey,
Has anyone notice the "touch.facebook.com" page has recently changed? It seems to be redirecting to "m.facebook.com".
According to this source (http://www.redmondpie.com/facebook-launches-new-unified-mobile-website/) Facebook have done it to make it easier for themselves, and it should automatically adjust based on your device.
Now, AFAIK, the Desire Z can do roughly everything. So does anyone know why I'm getting a fairly basic "m.facebook.com"? It misses out features such as being able to check in to places - something which the touch site did well.
I am aware there are apps - but I am generally not in good reception areas, Opera still operates quickly, whereas the apps just sit there.
So, is there a way to force my phone into tricking Facebook into providing me the decent version?
Regards,
Chris
Browser settings and change the settings from android to unbuntu or IE and it will spoof the browser as one of those and get it back
ilostchild said:
Browser settings and change the settings from android to unbuntu or IE and it will spoof the browser as one of those and get it back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is there a way to do this for opera? kinda miss the touch site too
On Opera, I have found that I have to go to "opera:config" and there is an option in there to change the useragent.
I've managed to get a site which looked similar to the touch.facebook.com. I suppose I just need to find the correct useragent to use to enable places again now.
Hey thanks for the heads up!
Sent from my HTC Vision
After a bit of trial and error, I still can't get back to the functionality I once had. I'll just have to use one of the many crippled FB apps out there instead.
Trunk_z said:
After a bit of trial and error, I still can't get back to the functionality I once had. I'll just have to use one of the many crippled FB apps out there instead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "Places" functionality, and probably everything else you were looking for, is in the "More" dropdown. I use the new m.facebook.com to check in and do basically everything. It's a decent clone of the iPhone app.
Thanks for the reply.
I wish I had a "more" dropdown menu at the moment!
I did manage to get into the Places with one of the useragents I tried, but it didn't have the check-in option anywhere.
I really don't mind using the Facebook app, it is just a little slower, and misses out features such as event walls.
It's because Facebook plans on deprecating the touch site.
http://www.senab.co.uk/faq/
Click on "Why have you removed the Touch Website options?" faq at the bottom.

[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

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