Im not dogging android im not trying to be a negitive nancy though i know somone will still smack me for it anyway....
(first and for most I DO NOT LIKE APPLE ITS TOO MUCH OF A TRENDY CULT) but they know how to-do some stuff the right way....
why does the android market suck so much I have had the hero now the evo and have LOVED both phones more then you want to know... but i just relized what me and my ipod touch compadrays lack... every week hes like OMG NEW APPZZZ and im like barcode scanner FTW??? or robo defence ftw............
im just estaticly happy we have such a great group of devs*xda-devs* because that makes the whole experience for me at this point because the exciting apps arnt exciting any more.......
if you read nothing else read this(what i want this post to be about) Why arent new apps popping up all the time... it seems like android phone are selling faster then they can keep them on the shelves but we cant seem to get developers to provide me with happs for me to spend my money on?
I am not sure how long you have had your EVO for, but outside of the top Free Apps, there are a few apps of interest, but it really is dependent on you. I will give you a list of what I use and why.
ADB Wireless - Needs no explanation.
Air Control Light - One of the best time wasters and is really addictive.
Album Art Grabber - gets all of your missing album art (Paid for)
Android Mate - a simple way for removal of apps you don't want w/o using ADB
Astro File Manager - have been using this one since G1. Its a good choice between that or ES File manager. (Paid for)
Better Cut - for individual shortcuts and main screen Icons.
Call Block - Needs no explanation.
Carr Matey - Great when your in a huge parking lot to help remember where you left your car.
Chrome to Phone- easy way to send Links/numbers/addresses from your desktop to your phone.
Dialer One- Great dialer replacement. I actually prefer the dialer in CM6 but it is not Sense compatible.
Documents To Go - Great to view Word/Excel and other M$ Docs as well as PDFs (Paid for)
Lets Golf - Great Game (Paid for)
Pandora - A must have. Is more valuable than a FM Radio App.
PhoneMyPC - Great for controlling my PC while I am not home. I can pull up documents on my PC and email them to myself, or turn stuff on, monitor my appt with my web cam and so on.
Solitare - Best game in the world
Robo Defense - Great Time waster
Truphone - VoiP Wifi to Wifi for speaking to my kids in Germany. Free!
Trillian- best IM program ever.
You really have to be in "need" of a program before someone actually designs one to fill that need. So basically your statement is why is there not cool programs. Name some of the programs you want/need, and then someone will tell you what might work for you. Also remember that Apple has 1-2 years on Android, and due to the fact that they only have to program for 1 phone basically, it is a lot simpler not needing to be compatible with 15 different phones.
I have to somewhat agree with you. I came from an iPhone and bought the EVO without even touching an android running phone before. While I do love android - most apps really, really, suck. You just have to find the apps that aren't complete **** - look at it as an adventure.
Thanks for the list above, too.
Oh, and in all my experances of freelance computer work...Overall, Java just sucks.
There's definitely some better apps on iPhone.. I miss my Mafia wars app, haha.. I'd much rather have android though.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.
Its what your used to. Everyone talks up the iphone apps and they certainly have the most popular ones (biggest market) but I soo prefer android over apple.
My current phone game is alchemy (not available on iphone)
thanks guys
I dont really have any particual needs my "needs" are PEGGLE and apparently zombies vs plants is also an awesome game.... they need to make an idiot proof music loading platform that will also assist me in finding games..... i just get soo sad when i see apps in the iphone/pad/touch marketplace that kicks ass,
I REALLY apreciate the list of games.... i downloaded some stuff off that list and am about to get my game on when i stop writing it....... ok I thought of my one and only true need::::
Castle Crashers Android
Hrshycro said:
Oh, and in all my experances of freelance computer work...Overall, Java just sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This statement just pisses me off. Java is a powerful cross platform language. I will take it as "like just your opinion man" and move on.
jkinnison90 said:
There's definitely some better apps on iPhone.. I miss my Mafia wars app, haha.. I'd much rather have android though.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..but there is a Mafia Wars app in the market.
rulermon said:
I dont really have any particual needs my "needs" are PEGGLE and apparently zombies vs plants is also an awesome game.... they need to make an idiot proof music loading platform that will also assist me in finding games..... i just get soo sad when i see apps in the iphone/pad/touch marketplace that kicks ass,
I REALLY apreciate the list of games.... i downloaded some stuff off that list and am about to get my game on when i stop writing it....... ok I thought of my one and only true need::::
Castle Crashers Android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is pay 10 bucks easily for cc on android. I don't think I've ever put as many grind hours into a game like I did cc and never will again. Best beatemup ever
All spelling errors thanks to xt9 on my Evo!
fapstick said:
This statement just pisses me off. Java is a powerful cross platform language. I will take it as "like just your opinion man" and move on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Java is a powerful cross platform language, but I have to agree that I haven't seen a lot of really blow your mind apps built with it (in the UI department at least. I've seen some amazing programming feats done with it, but UI usually is lacking in Java and Android apps) I think it has a lot to do with Java not being a very nice language to use. I'm having a horrible time learning it compared to other languages I'm working on. Of course I'm a programming noob, but still, C++ is so much easier to learn than Java.
Anyways, it has a lot to do with experience. I don't think a lot of Android programmers are really experienced Java devs, so that could explain some of the lack of appeal in a lot of normal Android apps.
From my own experience, a lot of the big name devs are making some great apps now with great UI's like Nook, Gameloft Games, Tweetdeck, etc. So I think the platform is beginning to mature, but there will always be crappy apps. Personally, I don't mind UI's as long as they aren't a pain to navigate and perform the functions well. Android apps are by far much more useful than their iPhone counterparts because of all the extra access and interoperability they have. If you haven't noticed, there are a lot of apps that build on other apps to get jobs done. Plus the way Android handles background tasks (unlike the iPhone with only allows about 5 different basic services to run) is amazing. There are so many useful things Android apps can do that the iPhone can't even touch when jailbroken.
fapstick said:
This statement just pisses me off. Java is a powerful cross platform language. I will take it as "like just your opinion man" and move on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The platform benefit died long ago. Code for it now hardly more portable than C. It's simply rarely used that way as well as having so many branches for a particular platforms extensions. A language is only cross platform if you can actually run or build programs easilyfor multiple platforms. Dalvik really shoots that one down pretty damn fast.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
superlinkx said:
Java is a powerful cross platform language, but I have to agree that I haven't seen a lot of really blow your mind apps built with it (in the UI department at least. I've seen some amazing programming feats done with it, but UI usually is lacking in Java and Android apps) I think it has a lot to do with Java not being a very nice language to use. I'm having a horrible time learning it compared to other languages I'm working on. Of course I'm a programming noob, but still, C++ is so much easier to learn than Java.
Anyways, it has a lot to do with experience. I don't think a lot of Android programmers are really experienced Java devs, so that could explain some of the lack of appeal in a lot of normal Android apps.
From my own experience, a lot of the big name devs are making some great apps now with great UI's like Nook, Gameloft Games, Tweetdeck, etc. So I think the platform is beginning to mature, but there will always be crappy apps. Personally, I don't mind UI's as long as they aren't a pain to navigate and perform the functions well. Android apps are by far much more useful than their iPhone counterparts because of all the extra access and interoperability they have. If you haven't noticed, there are a lot of apps that build on other apps to get jobs done. Plus the way Android handles background tasks (unlike the iPhone with only allows about 5 different basic services to run) is amazing. There are so many useful things Android apps can do that the iPhone can't even touch when jailbroken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my point. Thank you for typing it out. Couldn't have typed it better myself. While Java is powerful, it's buggier than all get out. Everybody I know in the info systems world also hates it. I don't care for it it's really buggy and the UI is usually outdated, confusing and doesn't look good at all - usually.
When I've ran into client's problems, it requires a complete uninstall of it or the multiple installed updates, then reinstalling the newest update, or an older update because what they want to use doesn't work with the newest java update. :| It's especially annoying when they are trying to use two different java related programs and one only works with the newest update and the other one only works with an older update - just makes me day.
I'm not programmer, but why are the apps for android programmed with java? Android is based of linux, right? Are there not other prog langs that work with linux?
Come to think of it: There's not very many products that google has made that are very aesthetically pleasing to look at or use, but they work.
Hrshycro said:
Exactly my point. Thank you for typing it out. Couldn't have typed it better myself. While Java is powerful, it's buggier than all get out. Everybody I know in the info systems world also hates it. I don't care for it it's really buggy and the UI is usually outdated, confusing and doesn't look good at all - usually.
When I've ran into client's problems, it requires a complete uninstall of it or the multiple installed updates, then reinstalling the newest update, or an older update because what they want to use doesn't work with the newest java update. :| It's especially annoying when they are trying to use two different java related programs and one only works with the newest update and the other one only works with an older update - just makes me day.
I'm not programmer, but why are the apps for android programmed with java? Android is based of linux, right? Are there not other prog langs that work with linux?
Come to think of it: There's not very many products that google has made that are very aesthetically pleasing to look at or use, but they work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can code with C or C++ if you use the NDK (Native Dev Kit). Im not sure if you can do the whole app that way or just parts but it just seems more difficult. But I learned java in a highschool class, and despite its failures, its easiest for me to use.
I definitely recommend looking for new apps using App Brain. As long as you're not strictly looking for games, I've found a lot of jewels in there I never would have found in the regular Market app.
The thing that gets me most is not the lack of apps, but the inconsistency among apps.
1. Most apps carry their own theme and UI and does not blend well with the rest of Android.
2. Software updates tend to roll out slower than the iphone counterparts.
3. Resolution of the icons in some apps are blurry looking. Again this is because of differences between the resolution available for Android phones.
xeroxsmm said:
I definitely recommend looking for new apps using App Brain. As long as you're not strictly looking for games, I've found a lot of jewels in there I never would have found in the regular Market app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree. There are a lot of bad apps out there but there are some really good ones I found with App Brain.
Sent from my HTC Evo 4G using XDA App
I hadn't clicked on this thread yet because I totally expected some rant about something silly but I have to admit I do completely agree with the OP in that the market is not a good way to find apps. It's the place to GET apps but the "top" lists, paid and free, haven't changed much since I got my Hero last December..
I have never had an iProduct of any sort, and likely never will so I don't have any experience for comparison but I think the android apps are alright, no complaints other than FINDING them..
1. Google's Market needs upgrades, nothing major. Just add more and better ways to find applications. Sad a search giant has had difficulty getting this done.
2. Get AppBrain's application.
3. Android uses a Java flavored language, but not Java or even Java ME. This is why Oracle is foolishly suing Google.
RE #3 - I'm beginning to wonder myself whether they should have used Python or Ruby over Java.
bludragon742 said:
RE #3 - I'm beginning to wonder myself whether they should have used Python or Ruby over Java.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They aren't using java, thats what he was saying with point 3. Android uses a different language which is similar to java, but not java.
Also java > *. Java is used in phones, cars, sterio systems, tvs, gaming systems, etc..
Try to find a electronic unit where java hasn't been used in
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.
Hi guys
I Was Wondering if you could help me get organized.
like Many of you probably, I have both AnoteHD and Snote. And like Many of You again, I think a hybrid between the two would Work best. So I thought I Would share my Sentiments and ideas, and then we could look at the options and discuss apps.
I really like the UI of AnoteHD, but think it is very limited. Its Such a let down You cant even edit the position of the pictures you added once you drop them into a note. But otherwise I really like the folder options and stock note backgrounds.
Snote has a very comprehensive note taking/ making ability. However, its a little disappointing that you cannot group notes together or "bind them" after thier creation. this coupled with the boring and limited folder Method.
As far as calendar I like The way AnoteHD is setup or at least I think it is easier to work with, especially with to-do's which is the Majority of my interaction with this app. I feel as Though S planner May have potential but Just the fact it is giving me what seems like proprietary back talk about not syncing with my google calendar is annoying. Though I found a tread discussing that issue it seemed unclear to me if they resolved this issue. I tried as well and had no progress with it. Being able to draw on your calendar Seems like a relevant function and gives you more freedom than AnoteHD. Also, I believe S planner does not Show you past due tasks or upcoming tasks as Well as AnoteHD.
Some of the Useless functions between these two apps :
A-note HD: The ability to edit the creation date? (Is this for the procrastinater?)
Snote: All the different templates Seem a little Silly.
Is there away to Change the default search engine for the Knowledge Search from wolfalpha gram?
As far as other apps, I remember I Used to utilize Go launcher on my former HTC phone. However it Was Junked With Ads unless you paid for it. And to use their task app you need to Mask your Stock UI With theirs, which Im under the impression will eat More Memory and battery. If things have Changed With this app or you have another app to Recommend, please let me Know.
Tips and tricks are also Welcome.(please ease the random capitalizations) I'm interested to hear What works for You.
TheAndroid_isLearning said:
Hi guys
I Was Wondering if you could help me get organized.
like Many of you probably, I have both AnoteHD and Snote. And like Many of You again, I think a hybrid between the two would Work best. So I thought I Would share my Sentiments and ideas, and then we could look at the options and discuss apps.
I really like the UI of AnoteHD, but think it is very limited. Its Such a let down You cant even edit the position of the pictures you added once you drop them into a note. But otherwise I really like the folder options and stock note backgrounds.
Snote has a very comprehensive note taking/ making ability. However, its a little disappointing that you cannot group notes together or "bind them" after thier creation. this coupled with the boring and limited folder Method.
As far as calendar I like The way AnoteHD is setup or at least I think it is easier to work with, especially with to-do's which is the Majority of my interaction with this app. I feel as Though S planner May have potential but Just the fact it is giving me what seems like proprietary back talk about not syncing with my google calendar is annoying. Though I found a tread discussing that issue it seemed unclear to me if they resolved this issue. I tried as well and had no progress with it. Being able to draw on your calendar Seems like a relevant function and gives you more freedom than AnoteHD. Also, I believe S planner does not Show you past due tasks or upcoming tasks as Well as AnoteHD.
Some of the Useless functions between these two apps :
A-note HD: The ability to edit the creation date? (Is this for the procrastinater?)
Snote: All the different templates Seem a little Silly.
Is there away to Change the default search engine for the Knowledge Search from wolfalpha gram?
As far as other apps, I remember I Used to utilize Go launcher on my former HTC phone. However it Was Junked With Ads unless you paid for it. And to use their task app you need to Mask your Stock UI With theirs, which Im under the impression will eat More Memory and battery. If things have Changed With this app or you have another app to Recommend, please let me Know.
Tips and tricks are also Welcome.(please ease the random capitalizations) I'm interested to hear What works for You.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why narrow it down to two apps? Have you tried LectureNotes for note taking or looked into the functions of Write? Also, which SNote version are you using? I much prefer the one ported from the Note 3 because it has the extra functionality however not everyone agrees.
Just a few thoughts.
CCallahan said:
Why narrow it down to two apps? Have you tried LectureNotes for note taking or looked into the functions of Write? Also, which SNote version are you using? I much prefer the one ported from the Note 3 because it has the extra functionality however not everyone agrees.
Just a few thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im interested so I'll check it out. I was rather more hoping this would turn into a discussion but I see it does not seem to strike a chord with anyone else. Either way thanks for the feed back. Ill give them a try.
TheAndroid_isLearning said:
Im interested so I'll check it out. I was rather more hoping this would turn into a discussion but I see it does not seem to strike a chord with anyone else. Either way thanks for the feed back. Ill give them a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might have better luck posting it in the "Themes and Apps" section. Just a thought.
CCallahan said:
You might have better luck posting it in the "Themes and Apps" section. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh, I dont not even think of it. Since there was some personal gain for me as a result I put it in here. Maybe I'll repost or would a mod move it over if I asked?
Thanks,
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/