Debloating App - Sprint Samsung Galaxy S6

This app has been around all year, but I just discovered it and thought that it might be of help to anyone that hates bloat:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
The app is very powerful, so be cautious, but it is also feature-rich. Among the strongest features is that you can select multiple apps and choose to either block or delete them; restore multiple apps if you need to; create a profile of apps that you always want to get rid of (or import someone else's list); use filters. Lots more! As I said, very powerful!
Thanks to XDA Member @gatesjunior (a fellow Michigander and Maize and Blue fan) for allowing me to post here.
Wishing a Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

Related

Is there a project management app on Android?

I'm unfortunately going to have to post this in a few places because I don't know where it's going to get the most exposure, but I'll start here because I have a Desire.
I need an app to manage the various projects that I have going on. In some ways, you can think of it as a todo application which has subtasks, projects/groups, action lists, sorting via time till due/time taken/project/importance etc.
If you have the time, check out this site where there guy goes through a number of options and criteria for a good GTD (getting things done) application.
I've tested:
OpenLoops
Astrid
Goals Todo
For starters, Astrid cannot sort by tag/project and non have sub-tasks.
I'm really hoping there is a project management app out there and someone can help me.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.ssi.gtasksbeta
mouth said:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.ssi.gtasksbeta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use it also...
Is this purely an offline GTasks? (I couldn't really see much in the way of features.) If it is, GTasks is quite a basic todo manager, let alone project manager.
Projects feature for Astrid is currently in development. Don't expect it all that soon though.
-------------------------------------
Sent from my HTC Desire
Someone suggested Got To Do + Toodledo. Seems to have much going for it. Testing it out now.
ActionComplete?
Cleargrey said:
I'm unfortunately going to have to post this in a few places because I don't know where it's going to get the most exposure, but I'll start here because I have a Desire.
I need an app to manage the various projects that I have going on. In some ways, you can think of it as a todo application which has subtasks, projects/groups, action lists, sorting via time till due/time taken/project/importance etc.
If you have the time, check out this site where there guy goes through a number of options and criteria for a good GTD (getting things done) application.
I've tested:
OpenLoops
Astrid
Goals Todo
For starters, Astrid cannot sort by tag/project and non have sub-tasks.
I'm really hoping there is a project management app out there and someone can help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tested 'action complete'
Their website: http://actioncomplete.com/android
Review of it: http://www.androidtapp.com/actioncomplete/
It's free and was built around GTD system afaik. It allows for sorting and projects with 'actions' and 'waits' within them. Good luck
You might want to try Thymer.
It's online and I believe it's not free but they have a beta running for Android.
I'm also looking for something similar. My only real requirement is sub-tasks though.
Got To Do seems nice, but to get sub tasks you have to pay for a pro license for ToodleDo, after you pay for the app itself. I'm sure its not expensive, but still...
Action Complete doesn't seem to have sub tasks.
I've also checked out Astrid and OpenLoops.
I thought the whole idea of GTD was to break a task down into smaller sub-tasks so you can "get things done".
I think I was actually using ToodleDo on my iPhone, but I don't recall having to pay to get sub tasks. Perhaps that is new.
Any methodologies in mind? Any back end software like MS Project Server or open source PM apps / servers in mind? I.e. how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
cosmicharade said:
Any methodologies in mind? Any back end software like MS Project Server or open source PM apps / servers in mind? I.e. how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How far? Currently I don't need to intergrate with any MS software (or similar) though if it was offered and useful I wouldn't say no.
What I would like to have as a high priority are:
1. Ability to manage different projects (obviously).
2. Ability to plan projects - form project trees, some may have tasks, some may have notes, some may have links etc.
3. An online/desktop backup/sync. Simply because I hate the thought of all my information being in one place.
4. A UI that is easy to assess what is going on and what is coming up.
There are obviously other things required but it's difficult to list everything which is why I attached that site that pretty much lists most of them.
@Powder79, I just looked at Thymer. It looks a bit too basic but thanks for the suggestion.
Currently I'm trying out Toodledoo + Got To Do. It seems to have most but it really does suck for giving your tasks/actions a quick look to see the state (active/waiting/reference/etc). It just has date due and overdue.
If you imagine a bastard love child of Astrid (Android), Goals ToDo (Android), Toodledoo (online), Projekt (Symbian) and Mindmanager (desktop) then you will have my perfect project manager application.
Oh, and a desktop widget for easy viewing.
I don't ask for much obviously.
Project manager
Me too is looking for a good project manager.
Yet haven't found one that handles Values/Visions.
Values/vision is like a direction, it can't be completed. There should be mesure of how well one is living the value/vision.
And projects/goals to hold the direction.
And tasks to complete project. Yet, have only seen project at best.
Need, with overview:
Value1>Projects>Tasks
Value2>Projects>Tasks
Value3>Projects>Tasks
and so..
Sorry to bump up an old thread but anyone interested in a simple project management / to do list tool might like to take a look at my app: Organisa Lite. Its on Android Market currently. It offers some features I think some people might find useful - such as updating the android calendar with chosen dates and organising notes in a hierarchical manner. The user interface is unique too: you can minimise and maximise projects and sub-notes as required and manage everything from the one screen.
I'd like to make Organisa Lite completely free and add a Pro version with much more advanced features but I need some initial confirmation and support that it is what people want in the way of paid downloads.
Mobile Project Manager (MPM)
Have youbtried MPM (Mobile Project Manager)? It has unlimited subtasks, predecessor tasks, and allows importing and exporting to/from project management desktop software. Search MPM in the market.
try MPM
Try MPM if you haven't already
Project Management App on Android
I have been a user of Project Management App, "Project Planning Pro" on iOS for long. This award winning app has helped me significantly in my Project management needs.
However, the app is now available on Android platform & I have given it a try. It works like a breeze. Its a totally worthy app to have.
Best of Luck:good::good:
Cleargrey said:
I'm unfortunately going to have to post this in a few places because I don't know where it's going to get the most exposure, but I'll start here because I have a Desire.
I need an app to manage the various projects that I have going on. In some ways, you can think of it as a todo application which has subtasks, projects/groups, action lists, sorting via time till due/time taken/project/importance etc.
If you have the time, check out this site where there guy goes through a number of options and criteria for a good GTD (getting things done) application.
I've tested:
OpenLoops
Astrid
Goals Todo
For starters, Astrid cannot sort by tag/project and non have sub-tasks.
I'm really hoping there is a project management app out there and someone can help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you gave a try to "Project Planning Pro"
It meets all your requirements. Give it a try..

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?)
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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

[APP] Spawt - A Location Bookmarking App for the Galaxy S2

Hi all, I'm a Singaporean developer and I'm here to tell you that I'm sick of idiots posting/bragging their daily life on Facebook, I mean, if you want to do that, why not do it so that I can ACTUALLY use that information next time? Thankfully, I'm a developer and I can actually do something about it.
WHAT IF, those stupid FOOD pictures taken at the restaurant actually POP UP the next time I am hungry and near that area? WHAT IF those slutty clubbing pictures could actually help me pick a club when I want to go? So here's my solution.
Spawt is a location-based experience bookmarking service so now you could actually point those idiots to the app and actually end up building a beautiful scrapbook of experiences that you and your friends can mutually share and discover.
Features
- Bookmark a great experience by creating a Checkpoint.
- Contextually discover interesting experiences from fellow Spawtters based on your current location.
* Spawt believes that your friends' experiences matter more, so your Facebook friends' Checkpoints will be treated as first class citizens.
- Builds a catalog of Checkpoints that will serve as a scrapbook of experiences for when you need an inspiration on what to do next.
- No need to create a whole new social network, leverages your existing Facebook network.
* Note, we send NOTHING back to Facebook, your privacy is MY topmost concern. (I should know, I'm a Facebook cynic.)
Download the app and tell me what you make of it, and most importantly how I can go on making it better for you and your friends. Search for "Spawt Beta" or get it here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/...result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5jdHJsZWZmIl0.
PS: Oh did I mention Galaxy S2 kicks ass?
PSS: Oh also, if the app does crash, and it will, please click Report so I can fix it so you can swear a little bit less when the next update comes.
This is a seriously fantastic idea. One think that may be a good idea to add would be to be able to use pictures from your gallery, rather than your camera, when making a new checkpoint. I'm really loving the GUI, thank you !
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
thanks for trying out the app! definitely a feature in the backlog.

[Q] Need something to make this app easily and quickly.

I need some help with an app I'm developing. It's a farm/ranch management app that sets notifications in your calendar to remind you to do essential tasks as well as events that should occur on that day (i.e. insert nesting box, kits due today, etc.). I plan on starting with one or two animals and adding updates later to include any animal that might be on a standard farm. I've attached some screens of what I want my design to look like that i made in photoshop below. If anyone has any recommendations as to which coding software I should use or how to implement features I would greatly appreciate it.
mikanike said:
I need some help with an app I'm developing. It's a farm/ranch management app that sets notifications in your calendar to remind you to do essential tasks as well as events that should occur on that day (i.e. insert nesting box, kits due today, etc.). I plan on starting with one or two animals and adding updates later to include any animal that might be on a standard farm. I've attached some screens of what I want my design to look like that i made in photoshop below. If anyone has any recommendations as to which coding software I should use or how to implement features I would greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to better supply an answer, it would be beneficial for me to know your background. Do you have any software development experience? Coding Languages? Etc.
mikanike said:
I need some help with an app I'm developing. It's a farm/ranch management app that sets notifications in your calendar to remind you to do essential tasks as well as events that should occur on that day (i.e. insert nesting box, kits due today, etc.). I plan on starting with one or two animals and adding updates later to include any animal that might be on a standard farm. I've attached some screens of what I want my design to look like that i made in photoshop below. If anyone has any recommendations as to which coding software I should use or how to implement features I would greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for Kinetise.com, which might be just what you need. You can make fully functional apps (including adding items to the user's calendar, which you said you needed) without writing a single line of code, and they are purely native. You can try the editor without even registering (and download an test app on your phone as well, it will just expire in 24 hours if you don't upgrade it), so give it a try.

[Q] App usage guide design approach

Hello
I am standing before a tough decision and I hope someone can help me.
A recent update for my app (link) brought more complex functionality, and I'm afraid it can scare away users. Therefore I am thinking of adding some kind of guide/help section/floating balloon tips, so all would be clear and easy to understand.
My question being, what is the best approach here?
This is just a normal user speaking, but I'm really not being a fan of being greeted with a bunch of popups / overlays, even if they are meant to help. I much more prefer being able to do the thing I downloaded the app for in a quick manner right after the first startup, even if that means that I'm not using all of its features. Then, afterwards its nice to receive subtle hints every now about how to do things differently or what other goodies there are to discover.
Sorry if this isn't the most helpful answer. Do you have any specific case that you could show?
I got you
This guy is the master of user onboarding. How to do it in a non annoying way. I've used his guide to build 2 successful onboarding experiences and both time saw my retention double!
https://www.useronboard.com/

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