text:
what is updated in honeycomb 3.2.1?
My wifi Xoom was just updated to 3.2.1.  Anyone know what this update contains?

Motorola's Xoom Support forums has a thread that is updated when updates go out, and contains links to the lists of changes in the updates which (for US Wifi Xooms) is here.
According to that two software updates have gone out in the last few weeks, HTK55D and HTK75D the first contains security updates, the second updates to included apps. Specifically they contain:
HTK55D

Platform security fixes :

DigiNotar certificate revocation
The
security fix removes a compromised root Certificate Authority (CA).
libpng security update Libpng has been updated to version 1.2.46 to
correct for multiple publicly-known security issues.

HTK75D

Android™ Market has been updated.
Android™ Books has been updated.

The android developers web site has the new features for users and developers listed under the "Android 3.2 platform". Digging into that page, under the revisions heading it lists "3.2, Revision 1" as the only revision. I would guess that this would be the 3.2.1 update then.

New user features

Optimizations for a wider range of tablets

Android 3.2 includes a
  variety of optimizations across the system to ensure a great user
  experience on a wider range of tablet devices.

Compatibility zoom for
  fixed-sized apps

Android 3.2 introduces a new compatibility zoom mode
  that gives users a new way to view fixed-sized apps on larger devices.
  The new mode provides a pixel-scaled alternative to the standard UI
  stretching for apps that are not designed to run on larger screen
  sizes, such as on tablets. The new mode is accessible to users from a
  menu icon in the system bar, for apps that need compatibility support.

Media sync from SD card

On devices that support an SD card, users can
  now load media files directly from the SD card to apps that use them.
  A system facility makes the files accessible to apps from the system
  media store.

These were 3.2 feature additions, not 3.2.1. I am guessing 3.2.1 must be a bug/security release though it would be nice to know.


text:
What Android distro can boot from USB stick in PC/Laptop?
I have an old HP Pavilion dv2000 laptop with a busted hard drive. I want to put a compatible Android distro onto a USB thumb, plug this in to the laptop and boot into it and use it for casual www browsing.
Firstly, is this possible and if so, is LiveAndroid my only option?

Just curious, why would you want to use a mobile OS for desktop browsing?

I am interested in applying the OS - no matter the intended purpose - to other uses and applications.

http://www.android-x86.org/
This is the only android distribution for Intel/AMD processors that I am aware of. It has little support, but is actively maintained. The latest version is a release candidate for Android 2.3. Obviously hardware support is hit and miss. For what it's worth it runs very well on my EEE PC.
You can install the ISO to a USB drive with Unetbootin, or use a drive imaging tool with the .img file.

Fantastic, thanks for your help Brendon. As it turns out, my computer is not supported but it was worth the effort.

It's not the only one - see the other answer.

You can install Remix OS or Phoenix OS - both are Chinese distributions based on Android-x86. Here you can find the differences between them.
There is also Console OS, but it seems not ready yet.

source: Stack Exchange

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

sort: votes


text:
Xperia Arc Social Phonebook Add Contact Problem
On my phone add new contact is failing by unexpected closure. The logs of that operation is;
10-13 08:06:57.801: INFO/CustomizationProvider(1340): No configuration file: /system/etc/customization/settings/com/sonyericsson/android/socialphonebook/custom_settings.xml
10-13 08:06:57.801: WARN/socialphonebook(12699): SettingsParser: No customization file exists.
10-13 08:06:57.801: ERROR/socialphonebook(12699): SettingsParser: key not found. key=[account-types]
10-13 08:06:57.831: DEBUG/szipinf(12699): Initializing inflate state
10-13 08:06:57.841: WARN/dalvikvm(12699): threadid=11: thread exiting with uncaught exception (group=0x2aac8560)
10-13 08:06:57.851: ERROR/AndroidRuntime(12699): FATAL EXCEPTION: AsyncTask #1
        java.lang.RuntimeException: An error occured while executing doInBackground()
        at android.os.AsyncTask$3.done(AsyncTask.java:200)
        at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerSetException(FutureTask.java:274)
        at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.setException(FutureTask.java:125)
        at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:308)
        at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:138)
        at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:1088)
        at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:581)
        at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:1019)
        Caused by: java.lang.IllegalStateException: Top level element must be ContactsSource
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.ExternalSource.inflate(ExternalSource.java:137)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.ExternalSource.inflate(ExternalSource.java:108)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.ContactsSource.superInflate(ContactsSource.java:119)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.ContactsSource.ensureInflated(ContactsSource.java:111)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.Sources.getInflatedSource(Sources.java:369)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.model.Sources.getAccounts(Sources.java:268)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.ui.EditContactActivity$AddContactTask.doInBackground(EditContactActivity.java:1438)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.ui.EditContactActivity$AddContactTask.doInBackground(EditContactActivity.java:1422)
        at com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook.util.WeakAsyncTask.doInBackground(WeakAsyncTask.java:49)
        at android.os.AsyncTask$2.call(AsyncTask.java:185)
        at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:306)
        ... 4 more
10-13 08:06:57.861: WARN/ActivityManager(242): Force finishing activity com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook/.ui.EditContactActivity
10-13 08:06:57.861: WARN/ActivityManager(242): Force finishing activity com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook/.SocialPhonebookActivity

Help please, I can't add contacts ( weird and funny !! )

Typical case where an app, in this case socialphonebook (package com.sonyericsson.android.socialphonebook), has messed up (or lost) its configuration and seems unable to recover from this.
Without root you can only try to delete the apps data (Settings -> Manage Applications). But be careful, since this is the phonebook app on the xeperia, you will lose all your contact data. Be sure to have a (cloud-based) backup.

the problem is Google+ application that I have installed "manually"

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/


text:
How can I determine storage directory from ADB?
Is there a way I can use ADB to determine the external storage directory (equivalent of the Android API call Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory())?

adb shell echo $EXTERNAL_STORAGE.  All credit goes to Flow for leading me to experiment and find this.
Naturally you can use cd $EXTERNAL_STORAGE or whatever else you might need during an adb shell session or from a terminal emulator.

Good Teamwork :) +1

Very good! Thanks! Note, though, that if you may need to escape $ depending on your shell. example: adb shell echo $EXTERNAL_STORAGE

Hmm, it turns out that my samsung vibrant gives me a different value for $EXTERNAL_STORAGE than it does Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory(). This isn't the first nasty bug I've found on this phone.

@stephelton That's disappointing.  Which one's incorrect?  $EXTERNAL_STORAGE is correct for me, /mnt/sdcard/external_sd/.

I don't think that this is possible. See Matthew's Post
But let's have a lock on how Environment.getExternalStorageDirectory() returns the external storage directory. A quick look in android/os/Environment.java shows that all this method does, is returning a static constant File member called EXTERNAL_STORAGE_DIRECTORY. This constant is initialized by
private static final File EXTERNAL_STORAGE_DIRECTORY
        = getDirectory("EXTERNAL_STORAGE", "/sdcard");

which calls getDirectory()
static File getDirectory(String variableName, String defaultPath) {
    String path = System.getenv(variableName);
    return path == null ? new File(defaultPath) : new File(path);
}

So the external storage directory is nothing else then an java System environment variable (or a predefined default). You could try to follow this trace further. Maybe the external storage directory is just a hard coded path in some configuration file on the filesystem. Or maybe there is a way to read out these environment variables via adb that I don't know.

I figured out the adb command using this info, +1.


text:
Where can i find the HTC EVO native camera apk?
A while back I put a Gingerbread [Deck] rom on my HTC EVO, and it came with another camera app (apparently the one that ships with the new Nexus S). While it does have some fun little features, I don't like it nearly as much as my original one, the main feature being spot focus on a touch to the screen. I have checked out third party camera apps, but none have quite done it for me. Does anyone know how I can get my stock camera app back?

The most accessible way to get a copy of the app itself would probably be to download a stock ROM in zip format and just extract the HTC Camera app (/system/app/HTCCamera.apk). A de-odexed version would probably be easiest, but in theory you could extract both the .apk and the .odex file and put them on your device if you wanted.
To be honest, though, I'd be pretty skeptical about the HTC Camera working on your ROM since Deck isn't Sense-based. You can give it a shot, but I'd wager it relies on some Sense framework files (never tried it myself).

yeah, same as above. it allows me to "upgrade" when i try to install the .apk, but then it gives me a checkmark and says "application not installed" :/

Did you take a Nandroid backup or a Titanium backup before flashing? If you have a Titanium backup, you can try restoring the Camera app from there (app only, data can be incompatible). If you didn't backup with Titanium, you could do a new Nandroid backup, restore to the previous one, create the Titanium backup and then restore the new Nandroid backup. After this restore the app from the Titanium backup.
Since this is a system app I can't guarantee the compatibility of the app, but you can try and if it fails/is buggy, you can revert with Nandroid.

almost worked. i got the app on but like you said, there are some dependencies i think. it installed the app, but it simply crashes each time you try to open it :/


text:
How can I install custom fonts on Android?
I am trying to display a Powerpoint slide deck on an android tablet, but the slides contain fonts that don't exist in android.
Is there a way to install custom fonts on the tablet?  If so, how?

In general, no. Some apps will let you add extra fonts to your SD card and search for then there, but that's app-specific.
If your device is rooted, you could replace the built in fonts with those of your choosing, but that's a system-wide change.

That leads to a more specific question that I'll ask separately.  Thanks for your help!

Regarding "If your device is rooted, you could replace the built in fonts with those of your choosing, but that's a system-wide change", I've asked Does AOSP support font aliases? If so, how/where are these defined?.

Yes, you can install new fonts, but it requires root on most devices.
To install a font, you just simply need to copy the font file (.ttf format only) into /system/fonts.  There are also numerous apps available on the Play store to do this automatically for you. Some apps also include functionality to find new fonts.
With an app such as iFont, it is also possible to install fonts without root on the Samsung Galaxy S3, S4, Note, and Note 2.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
Disable Display Standby when in Developer Mode missing in Android 2.3
I'm a little bit confused about the missing Option to deactivate the Display Standby in Developer Mode.
In 2.2 there was a switch in Application --> Development. But in 2.3.3 this switch is vanished and it is really annoying if the Phone gets black every 10 minutes.
So my Question, how can I override the Display Timeout in Developer Mode, is the switch at another Place or is it outpatched?
Phone is a Samsung Galaxy I9000.
Thanks.

Ok, i'm trough every Menu on the Phone and i definitltly don't find the Option :(

It seems, that this is a special Problem with the Galaxy S, because on my other Nexus S with Version 2.3.4 there is the Option available.

Try this app: StayAwake, worked for my stock I9000 (now running a custom rom, still works most of the time but a bit buggy).

Thanks, this solve the Problem. Why has Google outpatched this feature??

@Chris: It was probably Samsung that removed it. The only phones I've heard of that lack the "Stay Awake" option are Samsung phones, but every non-Samsung phone I've seen has it. I've read theories (example) that it was to prevent burn-in on the SAMOLED screen, but I don't know if that's true or not.

@eldarerathis: Burn-in Issues in SAmoled? I never heard about this, but it makes sense then. Thanks for this Info.

Yep, I have a minor burn-in of the notification bar but it can only be seen in test mode with the blue screen (or similar). Not visible normally, even though I've kept the screen on about 60hrs/week

@onik That StayAwake app is so buggy that it ruined my screen backlight/locking completely, even after I uninstalled it! I think it should be renamed StayAway... :/

Actually it does not solve the problem, because it does not make a difference for AC connection and USB one. So it will keep screen on also on regular charging.

If StayAwake is too buggy, try Tasker. I created a task which activates when usb is plugged in to keep the screen awake.
Seriously, with a rooted phone the following create a nirvana environment:
Titanium Backup
DroidWall
LBE Privacy
Tasker

You get pretty much total control over everything except the stupid 100% battery beep (you need a special ROM for that).

Although it doesn't answer the actual question, but may be helpful for few of the users who are looking for the answer.
For android 4.2 and above, I created an app for this purpose (Keep Awake for Debugging). It will keep your phone unlocked and screen awake only when you have USB/wireless debugging enabled.

The Android version in question is 2.3 but your app doesn't appear to support it. Any reason for not mentioning that important point?

Apologies, updated now.


text:
google-plus application for android 1.6?
Is there a google-plus application for Android 1.6? My device won't be updated to 2.0+, so unless someone writes a 1.6 compatible app, I'm stuck without it.

The official Google+ app requires Android 2.1 or newer, and as the market share for 1.6 and older is now vanishingly small, and getting smaller by the day (at time of writing the combined market share of 1.5 + 1.6 is 3.6%) it's unlikely to be modified to work on older OSs. Similarly unless there's a dev who's also stuck on 1.6 himself and desperate to use Google+, a market share like that is barely worth most Devs efforts to create a 3rd party app if there's features in newer platform versions that would make things easier for them.
Your best bet is to use the web interface at http://google.com/+ as the Google+ for mobile page specifically states that that is compatible with Android 1.5 and up.

You have 2 main options:
1) Use web based Google+ through your browser
2) OR, root your phone and put a custom ROM that has android v2.1 or higher.
If you are willing to do the latter, then google around or search here on
http://forum.xda-developers.com
find your device in the master list, and try to find root and rom instructions there. Chances are, if you have a G1, My Touch, Cliq or any of the old devices, you will find instructions on how to get a 2.1+ ROM
Happy rooting! :)

Mhhh...
This is gonna be impossible / tricky...
I'd say:
a) Check if you have any custom ROM developed for your phone (cyanogen & co) so you can upgrade not officially your android version
b) Wait for seesmic and similar application to support google+ and use one of those
c) Use the web version (but I suppose you do not like it)
If you give further information about your android I'll try to be much more specific :)

I've suggested to use the web application too :/

The Internet is so unfair! :P


text:
Can't write an SMS for some of my contacts
I'm using an LGP500 Android Phone (Android 2.2). In the default SMS application, when I select a discussion, I see the previous SMS (both sent and received), and there's a text area at the bottom of the screen to write a new message.
For most of my contacts, this behavior is working correctly, but for a few of them (which I use quite often), the text area is not shown. Those contact have a mobile phone number, and I can send SMS using the long way (create a new sms, search the contact ...).
Does anybody have an idea of the cause or the solution ?
Edit I tried a few things to fix this : clearing the data, deleting any previous sms history, changing the phone number from the local (06xxxxxxxx) to international (+336xxxxxxxx) format (french phone numbers), changing the mobile phone number as default phone for the contact, in vain.

Is their number formatted differently from your other contacts?

Does the problem exist if you use a SMS app replacement such as Handcent?

Nope... Some contacts use the classic french format (06########), some others use the international format (+336########). I already tried to switch the number format, but in any case some contacts have the text area, others don't.

It's working correctly with Handcent, but I want to use the default SMS app if possible.

@XGouchet: Really?  You prefer the default SMS over Handcent?  You're the first person I know that's said that.  Everyone I know that's tried Handcent loves it.

@MBraedley Well i just need a simple SMS with no fancy features, so yeah I really prefer the default SMS app.

Is there anything different about these contacts? Stored on the SIM, perhaps? Or their phone number is not marked as "Mobile"?

@Al Everett nope, nothing different, the phone number is marked as mobile, and all my contacts are saved on my Google account.

I have related issue so would be interested to see answers: sometimes I am able to write the text of the SMS reply but when I hit send it gives me "Invalid number" error. If I save it to Drafts and then try to send it from there, it works... Not the same problem but may be similar in a way of fixing. Let's hope for good answers.

This is a problem i face with few contacts on my P500 too! Try merging contacts with their FB account or twitter account or just create a Buffer account and join them. It works after that. Not a great solution but been working that way now!

Are you absolutely sure you are using the stock messaging app of android 2.2? (maybe you could be using a modified version by your manufacturer which may be buggy). Anyways try the following (which is for froyo's default messaging app)

Go to Text Message Settings > "Manage SIM card messages" (check if any messages are there and try to move it back from it).
Go to your conversation, Long press the "menu options" softkey on your android to get the keyboards and start typing to see if the field pops back.

I don't know if the manufacturer changed something but it looks a lot like the stock app. I tried what you suggested, there was no sms ln the sim card at all, and a long press on the menu button does not make pop up the soft keyboard on my phone.

Perhaps some contact information got corrupted.  Try re-syncing the contacts on the phone.
Menu -> Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> All, scroll down to "Contacts" app and tap on it, select "Clear data".  Do the same for the "Contacts Storage" app.  This should clear all contacts data.  Now go to Menu -> Settings -> Accounts & sync, go into every account you have and toggle the "Sync Contacts" option off and back on.  This should force an immediate re-sync.

I don't know why this is happening but you may be able to fix it by clearing the data from your messaging app.  From the home screen you go to settings >  Applications > Manage Applications then choose the Messaging app (or whatever your sms app is called).  If the option to clear the cache is there try that first but most likely you'll have to choose to "Clear Data".  I believe this will delete all the messages you have saved so keep this in mind.

This is not working, in fact event after clearing data, I still see my messages. I guess they are stored in another application or service but I don't know which one.

How about deleting and re-adding the contact?

It may because the Messaging app "Only Mobile Numbers" setting enabled, try to disable it.
On Messaging App:
Menu > Settings > Extra Settings > Only Mobile Numbers

I do not have this extra settings in the sms app settings.

My experience with this has been with non-mobile type numbers. If you happen to have multiple numbers for a contact, and for some reason it happens to select the Home or Work number rather than the Mobile, it will disallow you to send text messages to these numbers. Have you checked to make sure the number you're sending it to is classified as mobile?

Yyes the phone number I send to is classified as mobile (I also made it the default number for thosr contacts).

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/


text:
Can I turn my Android device into a webcam?
If so, how? Could it be implemented via a USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection?

Specifically for USB: How do I turn my Android into a USB Webcam?

IP Webcam (Turns your phone into a network camera with multiple viewing options.)
(alternate direct link)
EDIT: fixed link

It worked as a regular webcam when used in conjunction with this software http://ip-webcam.appspot.com/

Droidcam is supposed to do it over wifi. Qik is a good option if you don't need a computer in the loop.

Currently Droidcam works only for desktop applications. It won't work for Flash.

http://qik.com/ Record and instantly share videos from your mobile phone, Share live video two-ways from one mobile phone to another

Qik is dead https://blogs.skype.com/2016/02/22/skype-qik-is-moving/

Justin.tv just came out with an Android app to do video streaming.
It uses any data connection you have, but the faster/more reliable the connection the better quality you will get.

While it cannot be used in every way a webcam does, it will cover some of its functions.

justin.tv is now known as twitch.tv

I've had very good performance from Qik. It can also buffer your video, so if your 3G/4G connection is bad, it will upload later when you have a better signal. WiFi is of course also supported, very simple, very quick ;-)

I think Qik is more similar to the share with Youtube Gallery function, than Droidcam


text:
Is there a WhosHere-style (location-based) social networking chat app for Android?
I like the WhosHere app for Apple iPhone iOS. Is there a similar social networking/chat app that uses location / gps to find people to chat or network with for Android?
Here's some more info on the application: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whoshere/id284973016

Here's what I could find so far:

FlirtMaps, the first geo-aware mobile dating apps to find dates!
You are either very smart or very lucky! You’ve just found FlirtMaps, the first geo-aware mobile dating app that lets you find your next date right in the neighborhood... or around the world!
Skout for flirting, dating, friendship and love! Chat and browse photos for FREE! Use SKOUT to flirt, play, party, find a date or new friends. At SKOUT we take your safety and privacy very seriously. No one can figure out your exact whereabouts.
I'm Here Plus allows you to use SMS text messaging to check the status and GPS location of any person on your contact list, as long as they have "Im Here Plus" installed as well. You may also choose to send others your current location via SMS, whether with just your GPS address or with an edited personalized location.
If you root your android phone and enable wifi tethering, you could use your ipod touch tethered through the droid and still use whosHere

I haven't tested any of these out. If you can comment with which of these you prefer, that would be great! thanks!

SayHi seems to replicate WhosHere. The plus side of it is that it has a map function so you're able to see how many users are currently online. The downside of the app is that it uses your exact GPS location which might not go down with some users (ie. using the app at home/office).
Also, there are point rewards that you get for completing your profile and using the app frequently. You can use these points to contacting users that have a hot status or use to send gifts - you have the option to buy points but if you use it enough then put that credit card away :)


text:
Superuser not prompting
I recently installed ICS(Android 4) on my Samsung Galaxy S, and it seems that in the process my superuser app broke. Everything went fine, my phone is working better than ever, but when an app requires superuser permissions, it gets denied and I never get a prompt. Checked the settings, cleared superuser's cache and data, restarted it, tried to put it on automatically allow, nothing works.
How do I fix this?
P.S.
superuser has no problem prompting for itself(when updated it prompts "superuser asked for permissions"), but doesn't work for other apps.

Which ICS build did you install? Can you provide a link to the ROM (an XDA thread or such)?

I installed ICS 4.0.3 RC1. I can provide a link to the download, if you'd like, because I didn't follow a single guide to install it. It's this link if I'm not wrong: http://www.multiupload.com/UI9XV2OZJ7

The build you flashed appears to have an associated XDA thread. The first post of that thread (by the ROM's creator) contains this a little ways down:

- Flash this if your are having root issues -
http://goo-inside.me/superuser/Superuser-3.0.7-efghi-signed.zip

I'd start there, and see if it resolves the problem. You should just need to download the zip file and flash it from recovery (I can't test this myself, unfortunately. I don't own an SGS).
Edit: This looks like it may be a common problem with that particular build. There are some posts toward the end of the thread where people are saying they can't get root to work either. Another post has a flashable zip file attached that is apparently intended to fix the issue as well.

Doing this right now, will update if it works.


text:
Is HTC IQAgent a version of Carrier IQ?
Some HTC phones have a service called HTC IQAgent.  Is this the same as the Carrier IQ software?

Yes, HTC IQAgent is Carrier IQ software.

More info here: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/16315/how-do-i-tell-if-my-phone-has-carrier-iq-software-on-it/16317#16317


text:
Optimum video codec for low end Android phones?
While I know Android phones play mp4 the best, I wanted to know what other specification in this container is the best for playback, (the bitrate, resolution, fps etc). Or perhaps some other codec/format that Android can (or is designed to) play smoothly and with an acceptable file size/quality ratio?
I searched the Android developer page and tried the H.264 setting on my converter etc, but the file fails to play natively on my handset and when I tried to open it using RockPlayer. It plays slowly and the video-audio gets out of sync progressively. I tried many external players. However, 3GP videos from my Nokia phones play smoothly (even natively). So I want to know what is ideal for my low end phone (video should be normal quality and size)?
My phone is a Huawei IDEOS U8150 running Froyo with a 320x240 resolution and a 528 Mhz ARMv6 processor.
Also if anyone has tips, what types of encoding is recommended, if I'd be using the software decoder mode in apps like RockPlayer, so I can achieve more file size compression yet achieve smooth playback?

I don't think this has a real answer.  All formats have size and complexity tradeoffs; what you really need to have smooth playback on a low-end device is a low quality video :P especially with software decoding.

I agree, but I don't need even close to 360p (the youtube video quality) on my 320x240 resolution, so I'd try lower quality. What I want is some optimum format for my device.. I can't just go on trial and error with video encoding on my laptop which is already slow and there are countless options on the converter I use. I would require a rough estimate on which I can tweak my settings on.. from someone who probably tried a video convert for low end android phones.

It seems that most of the H.264 encoded video files do not work in Huawei IDEOS u8150 using the Hardware renderer mode.
3GPs , H.263s and less complex video profiles work at full speed in HW mode.
Most FLV video files play on Software Rendering mode (ARMv6 MXVideoPlayer) at appreciable speed (sometimes lagging at certain points, but overclock to more than 600 Mhz, and it runs fairly good at all points)

Standard MP4s or MPEG-4 Part-2 compressed video files seem to be the best file format to play on low end android phones which is easy on the CPU (plays perfect in HW mode) and has good balance between clarity and file size.

Here is my HandBrake Preset for Huawei IDEOS u8150 optimum video format : http://depositfiles.com/files/gbqtxevo4?redirect (320x240 resolution)

I got H.264 (x264 encoder) to play with these settings on my Huawei U8150

Main profile
320x240 (original video was 4:3 which helps, 16:9 or 2.35:1 should become even easier to decode)
and tuned with the 'fastdecode' setting

I used ffmpeg as the frontend, as Handbrake makes selecting the "fastdecode" option impossible
ffmpeg -i "inputfile.avi" \
    -sws_flags lanczos+accurate_rnd \
    -vf "scale=320:-1" \
    -c:v libx264 \
        -crf 23.0 \
        -preset veryslow \
        -profile:v main \
        -tune fastdecode \
    outputfile.mp4

the resultant file was only 10% bigger than the one using high profile and no fast decode
I would also recommend using MX player as it actively resyncs the video and audio for those occasional slow downs it may have, but fastdecode seems to fix all the slow downs I could find.

I have a phone with the same specs... I found that If I encode using wmv2 and wmav2 it actually plays smoother, go figure. libx264 is a lot more complex of a codec and takes about 30 sec. to start playing a movie, but quality will be better. For a player I use MXplayer with the arm6 codec pack. Within MXplayer settings I set it to use software video decoding and hardware audio encoding as default. Here is a sample of my encoding process:
ffmpeg -i input_movie.mp4 -vcodec wmv2 -b 200k -acodec wmav2 -ab 64k -ar 32000 -ac 2 -s 320x180 output_movie.wmv

I let my little daughter use this on long car rides to keep her occupied. Obviously you'd want to tweak the bitrates and resolution to what you want. But this is good enough for her.

The Huawei IDEOS u8150 uses the Qualcomm MSM7201A system on a chip.  That chip uses a QDSP4000 core for media processing.  The QDSP4000 core natively supports MP4 encoding and decoding.
In order to take advantage of that feature and avoid software decoding, you will want to store your video in MP4 format.  You can reduce the resolution of the video to match the display of your phone (320x240).
A great tool for transcoding your video media is Handbrake.  You can use Handbrake to transcode to MP4 format at 320x240 resolution.  Once you find a combination of settings that work well for you, consider publishing it as a preset for other u8510 users to try.

afaik, MP4 is just a container format and the H.264 video standard that most MP4s come these days do not work well or does not even play at all on the hardware decoder mode!


text:
HTC Sensation sent screenshot to Google+ Instant Upload?
I got a notification on Google+ this morning showing a screenshot of my HTC Sensation's home screen.
I checked my phone, and in the 'Camera Shots' album, there is the same picture.
I never actioned a screenshot to be taken, and didn't know my phone even took screenshots!
Why and how has this happened?

A lot of the recent HTC phones can take screenshots if you press Lock and Home at the same time, that may be what you're doing by accident.
As previously stated, the Google+ app by default backs up your pictures to a (private) online album for easier sharing. This can be turned off entirely, or configured to only sync on wifi (to save your data allowance) and give you a chance to delete unwanted pictures before they're uploaded.

cheers @GAThrawn! I asked someone before if my phone can take screenshots and I got told its not possible, brilliant!

You obviously took a screenshot by accident. Since you also have Google+ installed, all pictures that are saved on a special place (in this case the 'Camera Shots' album) are automatically uploaded to your Google+ album, but not published.
You can turn off auto upload of pictures in the settings from the Google+ App.

or he could kill the ScreenCaptureService

I didn't even know the phone took screen shots. How did I accidentally take it?


text:
How do I replace the default messaging icon in the dock with handcent?
I've a Samsung Galaxy S with 2.2 firmware. I'm using handcent instead of the default messaging application. In the default messaging app settings I have disabled notifications and disabled auto-retrieve. But when I get an SMS now, even after I had read it in handcent, I still get the new message notification overlay on the messaging icon on the homescreen until I click into it. Can i disable this, or better yet replace that icon with handcent?

Assuming you are using the default Samsung TouchWiz launcher:

Open the App Drawer (Applications)
Press Menu, select View Type -> Customizable Grid
Press Menu, choose Edit
Drag off the Messaging icon, and drag on Handcent.

I've replaced it with Gmail, myself.

exactly what I needed, I didn't know those dock icons were customizable in this way.

What home screen application are you using? In Launcher Pro, I can long-press on the dock icon, and change the icon and/or shortcut. I can also disable the overlay from Menu > Preferences > Dock Settings > Missed call count/Unread SMS count/Unread Gmail count


text:
What is SNS App?
I'm using a Samsung Galaxy I551 with Android 2.2 FroYo.
Sorry for my ignorance, but I have not idea what is that app (which came installed and without rooting can't be removed). And it is using 15MB of my internal storage! I only have 160MB so that is a lot.
What is this app for? What will happen if I clear its data? Are those 15MB included in the storage DiskUsage categorize as "System Data"?

Social Networking Service.  I believe it's used for social networking widgets.  Clearing the data will just clear the posts and account info in the widgets.  I'm not sure if the Facebook or other apps rely on it.

So, nothing bad should happen if I delete its data? It acts like a cache?

@Diego Yep it should be fine.

Nothing seem to went wrong.. Not even with Facebook widget! Thank you!!

I was able to force close the app from the Settings -> Application menu (but I had to do it 4+ times for it to stay gone, and I also tried a task killer on it before that but it came right back.)
Force close has kept it off for twenty minutes now! :) I hope it stays gone. I don't want to have to root yet.

I think it is Simple Notification Service
Thus for platforms that use push notifications (Skype, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, etc) you will see this application updated from time to time.
Admittedly as a Network Security Professional, this made me pause when I saw it updated as my S4 is rooted, but turns out it is a normal item.

Just to enhance Matthew's answer:
An "SNS" contact can also come from SKYPE if the app is installed.
I used to "Skype out" to my Dr. so skype knew his number. When I look up his name on my Samsung stratosphere phone, it is not found. However, I go elsewhere, get his number, and put it in, it pops up his name!  Frustrating!
Today I solved it: he can't be looked up as a "contact" but is in my FAVORITES (!! Favorites but not contacts ?? !!)  and when I "edit" (from putting his number and having the name come up) then it says "can't edit SNS data", which is how I got to THIS message thread. So yes, probably twitter, facebook, etc, but for sure "Skype" too!

Simple Network Service~
Wouldn't recommend uninstalling. Sometimes apps we think are garbage turn out have some dependencies from other apps. Boo boos involving deleting system apps can be hard to fix unless you make a backup in your custom recovery. BUT If you are curious or paranoid about what an unrecognized app says or does and to whom, behind your back... I recommend looking into an amazing app called Donkey Guard. Say for example FB wants to use your GPS to secretly locate you. Donkey Guard halts the app, Alerts you to what it wants to do. Then asks if you want to deny, allow function to app or submit your own fake info. Mine set up to give FB fake GPS coordinates that put me located at the Playboy Mansion. Or keep anything from being able to tell if your net is from data or wifi. It even stops apps from knowing anything about your data service including ISP provider and stop from using cell towers from location triangulation. Also works for location cheating/spoofing on games like Ingress or Pokemon, without having to hack and get banned.


text:
How can I turn songs from Google Play Music into ringtones?
Is there a way to easily use music from Google Play Music as ringtones on my phone?

Download the song.. Stock ringtone picker should display it..

This is probably covered by How to set MP3 ringtone in Android (Nexus S), which also refers to Google Music specifically.

You can only set songs that are actually on your sdcard... music from the cloud on google music are saved in a database, so you can't access them without using root and special apps (or command line sqllite if you're that savvy)

It's surprising that not more people are interested in this question.

Download the song and use something like Audacity to edit it. Save to your ringtones directory on your phone. Nothing else out of the ordinary needs to be done.

You shouldn't even need to edit it with Audacity unless you want to cut it to a specific portion of the song or loop it. There are a bunch of ways to set an unmodified MP3 as a ringtone (as covered in a previous question).

I've got a way to do this that is really simple and doesn't require needing to download to your computer every time. I recommend using the music manager from google play to upload your existing collection of music, first. Otherwise, any track you want to make into a ringtone will need to be purchased first.
From your phone using the chrome browser,  navigate to music.Google.Com. Don't follow the prompt to download the app, instead hit your menu button in the browser and look for the option to "Request desktop site." The music store should load the way you see it when at your computer. Tap next to the name of the track you want, in order to get the three dot menu to come up. If you own it download it, otherwise buy it. Now when you go to find it it'll be in your download folder. This is really just for convenience so you don't have to use your computer at all.

download the song on another device
use makeownringtone.com to cut the ringtone and download it
move the ringtone to dropbox
open dropbox on your phone and export the ringtone Ringtones or Notifications folder

Why would you want this done externally (server), when it can be accomplished internally (native, within the device). Plus it involves more work.

Could you explain how?

Most androids sold on the market today come with a ringtone editor/maker already pre-installed on stock ROMs. So even if you had no internet access, you still can "design" your own ringtone.

I think the problem with that is that Google Play Music is not directly accessible on the phone.

You don't have to use Play Music, there are other apps that come bundled in the ROM. What do you mean  - not directly accessible? You use a file explorer to locate the songs, then import them in the editing app that the device has and make your ringtone. All localized.

I really like the app Rings Extended. From their Play Store description:

Replaces the standard ringtone picker with a new one that makes it easy to select from installed music tracks & other sounds. Just go to Settings or an application's settings for a ringtone and you will be prompted to use Rings Extended.

Please include a link to the app you referenced.


text:
Is there an XMPP (Jabber) client for Android that supports video calling?
I have searched quite a bit but still javen't manged to find a general Jabber client that supports video calling. There are a few that support sending video files though.

Conversations supports Videocalls via XMPP in the year 2023.

No there is no federated XMPP Client for Android that supports video calling. Federated because there many proprietary XMPP Clients that do so, but they work only within their own network.
The reason because there is no such XMPP client is pretty simple: Jingle (the XEP which is used for XMPP video calling), is pretty new and most XMPP libraries don't support it yet. This is especially true for the most relevant XMPP library Smack (relevant because it's a Java library). Smack has some Jingle components, but the development on them stopped years ago and they don't seem up to date.
Update: Jingle development in Smack gained some traction in the last months.

We all wait for the Android Version of Jitsi which is probably out by next year. It's announced for some time though.

A bit late to answer this question but of late, a few FOSS XMPP apps have emerged for Android that have video chat feature:

Jitsi - Already covered in another answer, but app is still in aplha.
Cisco Jabber for Android - Never tried this, but appears to support XMPP, though its not FOSS. Also not sure whether it supports federation or is just a walled garden like a zillion other messengers.
imo instant messenger (Android & iOS).
Conversations, an open source XMPP (formerly known as Jabber) client for Android 4.0+ smart phones.

Sources:
https://www.jabber.de/clients/android-ios/
https://jitsi.org/Main/Download#latestnightly
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cisco.im&hl=en

Conversations does not support video.

Jitsi exists as Jitsi Meet and your xmpp account won't work with it. Cisco Jabber also doesn't work with your xmpp account. Imo asks for your phone number so I haven't tried if it a xmpp account works on it and conversations doesn't support video/audio chat. So none will work. By xmpp account I mean a xmpp account that you can register on a public (most are free) server

Videomeet app is Excellent implementation of Jitsi for Android and IoS with full support of audio and video conference calls.

official android jitsi repository  is on hold.
and the github repository does not allow to publish issues
i found this github fork where android jitsi testers can publish issues
https://github.com/xavierle/jitsi-android


text:
Is there a way to make a link to a specific page of a PDF file *on the desktop*?
Like, how a lot of application shortcuts let you link a particular shortcut within the application on the shortcut - like how the Dropbox Android application allows you to set shortcuts to particular Dropbox folders on the desktop.
I use ezPDF and I can set individual bookmarks within the application, but I'd also like those to be available on the desktop if at all possible.

Technical answer: Yes.
Practical answer: It's hard.
You'll need:
"Manual intent shortcuts" app to add really custom shortcuts on the desktop ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.cwfk.ig88.intents ).
Plus: Knowledge how to generate a specific intent that does exactly what you want to do (install above app and see what information it wants, you have to know exactly what to do).
PS: I had a look at ezPDF and it seems to allow to launch a specific .pdf file by an intent at a given page, so your problem is solvable, but requires deep knowledge of ezPDF and Android's intent subsystem (intent extra data: path, page).
EDIT: Sample for ezPDF, alas jumping to the page doesn't work, but the correct file is opened
Shortcut Name: test
Action: android.intent.action.VIEW
Category:
URI: file:///sdcard/test.pdf
Component Package: udk.android.reader
Component Class (FQDN): udk.android.reader.PDFReaderActivity
Extra Key: page
Extra Value: 14
[ ] Broadcast
Regarding how to get those values:
Use a file browser to open the 'test.pdf' file you want to open by the shortcut later.
adb logcat -d | grep -i ‘test.pdf’
You should see some line like this:
I/ActivityManager( 123): Starting activity: Intent { act=android.intent.action.VIEW dat=file:///sdcard/test.pdf typ=text/plain cmp=udk.android.reader/.PDFReaderActivity }
Manual launch via adb:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -n udk.android.reader/.PDFReaderActivity -d file:///mnt/sdcard/Books/Effective.Java_2.Ed_2008.pdf -ef page 2

Oh wow - thanks so much for the answer! Do you know how hard it would be, and how deep my knowledge has to be to use intent?

To know the extra data: Ask the developer of the app best.


text:
Suggest an app for reading PDF and CHM
I have seen apps that read CHM or PDF but not both. I need an app that reads PDF as well as CHM quickly and smoothly. I tried OliveOffice but there are issues with landscape mode. Is there any other ?

EzPDF is a realy nice PDF Reeder.

For PDFs I recommend Mantano Reader.

Moon+ Reader reads chm's and almost anything

I confirm that Moon Reader can open both PDF and CHM. It can also open epub and other formats.

Meanwhile even Mobi. Almost nothing left except for DRM -- which is not the author's fault (trouble with Adobe not reacting on his queries). I use that app almost for 2 years now, amazing development for a one-man-show!

You could convert your PDF's to CHM:
http://www.freepdfconvert.com/convert_help_file_to_pdf.asp
As you said OliveOffice
or have you tried: iReader
Here is an e-book reader list if you want a 4th option:
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70921


text:
After wipe Apps are still shown as installed on Android's Web Market. How can I install them?
I accidentally formatted my phone. Now, when I login to my google account it doesn't install my new apps. When I login through internet, it shows in "My Library" that those apps are installed, but they are not. What should I do?

Simplest thing is to open each app (even if it says "Installed") and install each one.

Is it the simplest way?

It's what I did when I did a factory reset. It gave me an opportunity to decide which apps I really wanted back.


text:
Is there a way to lower GPU load from Ice Cream Sandwich?
I have seen some mentions (including here on Android SE) that Ice Cream Sandwich may not necessarily run optimally (e.g. will be slow/lag) on devices with slower/older GPUs.
I assume that's due to GUI elements in the 4.0 being more graphics intensive, same way Windows XP had more graphics intensive GUI as well as Vista/Windows 7 had Aero.
However, on Windows, you always had an option to explicitly downgrade the OS's graphics effects, to improve performance (especially on older hardware) - e.g. you could turn off various GUI element transitions - see screenshot below. As far as I know, you can also turn off Aero on Windows Vista/7 (though I don't use them so not certain).
QUESTION: Is it possible to similarly tune Ice Cream Sandwich to downgrade GUI graphics frills to improve performance on older GPUs?
I'm only interested in regular OS/app performance, NOT game graphics performance.

I'm not sure if it's part of a truly vanilla ICS build (though I think it may be), but the early CM9 and vanilla ICS builds I've played with all have a "Developer Options" entry in the main system settings. This contains several options which relate to overall graphics effects such as:

Window animation scale: can be set to "off" to disable window animations
Transition animation scale: can also be set to "off"
Force GPU rendering: apparently tries to force GPU rendering of 2D textures/effects. May improve performance according to some (this generally caused my EVO to overheat, though)

It also has an option named "Background process limit". Setting a lower number should help improve performance overall, in theory.


text:
Kindle Fire: Google Services Framework
So I rooted my fire using Burrito Root.
The SuperUser app was available once that was complete. I got a version of Google Services Framework from http://code.google.com/p/androidmarketu/downloads/list
When I try to install the Google Services Framework, it tries to install it but then it says "Not Installed".
I have the Allow Other Applications set to ON.
I don't wish to change the stock ROM.
All I need is the Google Talk application to work on the Kindle Fire.

If you have adb configured on your computer you can use it to get a more detailed error message about why the install is failing (if you want). You'd do this by downloading the .apk file to your computer, plugging in your Kindle, and then running adb install /path/to/apk.

Not sure if it's possible to install the google services framework just with root. I installed it on my Kindle Fire via TWRP (a bootloader/recovery alternative), by downloading the update.zip (the link can be found on XDA) and selecting it in TWRP.

Kindle Fire Utility provides an easy and automated way to get root, Android Market with other Google Apps including Google Services Framework.
Alternatively, you can use quite nice imo messenger to connect to GTalk, Skype, etc even with no root.

I am going with IMO messenger for now. Thanks for the link.


text:
Can Google Docs for Android work Offline?
I am intending to get probably the Asus Eee Pad Transformer soon. I am looking at the apps I need. I am thinking of getting just the non 3G version and wonder if the lack of 3G/Internet connectivity will affect my use of applications like Google Docs. Perhaps I need to look at a non-cloud based app?

Google Docs on Android has no offline cache at the moment. Source
The Browser version has this functionality. I hope the Android App get's offline docs too, that would be awesome. :)

That page says right at the beginning "Keep in mind that offline access is only available in Chrome."

Time flies, and the second link already included how to turn offline access on/off on Android :)

Short answer: No.
Long answer:
I just put my phone into Airplane mode, and tapped the "Docs" icon that I happened to have on my home screen.  It showed me a list of my docs!  So far, so good.
I then tapped one of the docs, and saw a frowny face that said something like "Sorry, can't access this document because I don't have a connection to the Internet".


text:
Got mail from Google: Google Mobile Maps Location Reporting Reminder. How to I stop location reporting?
I just got the following mail:

Google Mobile Maps Location Reporting Reminder To protect your privacy
  we would like you to know that Google Mobile Maps is running on your
  mobile device and reporting your location. This is just a privacy
  reminder - if you did not enable this or want to stop reporting your
  location, disable location reporting in Google Mobile Maps location
  settings. Thanks, Google Mobile Maps Team

And I also got a broken link to how to stop that. So my question is, how do I stop that? Searching google wasn't really helpful.

Open Google Maps on Android and select Latitude to disable Latitude. :-)

Thanks, is there a why to check that its really not reporting?

@Martin No. Either you trust Google that disabled really means disabled or you don't. In that case you should go with an Google free Android version, which also exists. I would be more concerned by the fact that someone has enabled Latitude without your knowledge and approval. That is why Google sends these periodical reminders. BTW: Latitude itself allows fine granulated control about which location is reported to whom.

If you prefer to use a desktop client, go to Google Latitude and hit the gear icon to go into "History settings". There you can disable keeping of your location history. To delete past data, you'll need to go to History management, where there's an option to "Delete all history". (There's a link from the "History settings" page.)
Note: They say:

Your history will not be visible publicly or to your Latitude friends.

Disable location Caching on Android- These devices are provided with an opt-in feature for tracking one’s location. This option may or may not enabled and one can decide it when one’s phone is being set up for use. If one wants to disable the tracking then Go to Settings menu>>> location and security>>> uncheck use wireless networks. With this, Google would not be in a position to either collect the information about one’s location or it stores the same in the phone but the app of Maps helps it to grab the info but it cannot be rendered accurate. However if one wants to erase all the previously stored cached locations then rooting of the device must be done(that means one can run more apps like backup,tethering, a flash custom’s ROM etc.,) After installing the free ‘cache location app‘,one can get a view of a map filled with tracked locations, clear them finally by disabling the cache with one tap.


text:
Getting "Authentication is required" when trying to access the Play Store
Over the past week, whenever I try  to open the Play Store/Market app on my phone, the app thinks for a while and then displays this error message:

Authentication is required. You need to sign into your Google Account.

But I am indeed signed into my Google account, as seen in other Google applications running on the phone, and as seen if I open the menu in the Market app and click the "Accounts" button.
I suspect this might be related to the fact that over the past few months I've had two different Google accounts synced to this device, and I have recently removed one of them from the phone. No other Google application has had any problems with removing one account.
Does anyone know how I can solve this issue? I can still install applications by using the market website (now "Google Play"), but this is still a big inconvenience. I also think I stopped getting updates.

Are you signed in to talked?

@roxan I don't know what "talked" is. I'm signed-in in Google Talk, if that's what you mean, as well as other Google apps such as Gmail and Docs.

Yes, sorry I meant that :)

I'd try clearing the data for the Market, Talk, Google Framework, and anything else that seems potentially related.  If that doesn't work I'd say this is one of those ridiculous Market issues no one knows how to fix without a factory reset.

@MatthewRead what do you mean by "clearing the data", and how can I do that?

Go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> All and you'll see a "Clear data" button when you click on an app.  It removes all the data used by the application (settings, etc.) except what it stores on the SD card, if anything.

For me it was simply that I -unknowingly- was not connected to the wifi network. Reconnected and it worked! This particular error message is rather misleading....

I went to Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications -> All, chose the Market application in the list, and clicked on "Uninstall updates" button which appeared there. It gave me an old, but working, version of the market app. I hope it will update itself in the future and will continue to work properly.
Thanks to Matthew for inspiring me to look over there.

It doesn't work!

I had to roll back updates, restart phone then re-update and it let me access the app that had the issue.

This worked for me: System settings > Apps > "All" (tab at top) > Google Play Store
Then press buttons in order: "Force stop" and "Clear data"
Exit Settings. Start the Play Store. Press at the top left top open the menu options.. Verify you have the correct account selected.

These exact steps worked for me immediately. Thanks.

You have to remove all your accounts from your device and re-add them. Or, just re-sync your google accounts from the Accounts & sync menu.
Go the Settings > Accounts & sync > Click on your account then remove account.
I removed all of my accounts that I had at that time, hopefully you haven't forgotten your passwords for your account. After I had done this, I restarted the device.
When my device came back on, I clicked on my Google Play Store, from there I was asked to sign in my account.

You just need to remove your offending account. Click on it and then you have a menu option to remove it.

This happened to me when I changed my Google account password. A simple phone restart did the trick for me. (Android 4.2)

If you have a firewall application installed, it may be set too strictly. Try disabling it (or loosening up the rules). Once I did that, trying to open the Play Store popped up a notification about Access Requested, which (when clicked) prompted me to re-enter my password.

I guess this happens when you change your Google account password, please see below steps that was helpful for me.

Tap (touch) on Play store icon
Touch menu key (key on the left side of home key on bottom) of the phone
Select Settings
Select  "Content filtering" under user controls
Tick your selection or select all, and
Click- OK.
Then it might ask your new password,
Enter your Google password, then you can open Apps (Play Store).


text:
Are there USB to LAN adapter that are compatible with Android 4.0?
I'm looking for a USB-to-LAN adapter that is compatible with my Chinese Android 4.0 tablet.
I've 2 dongles - like this - but none of them works.
How can i choose a usb to lan adapter for my Android tablet?
I've to look at Linux Kernel version to search a suitable adapter?
Edit: The model of my tablet is Voyo Q101

Is there a make or model on your Android Tablet?  Do the directions that come with the tablet promote support for USB devices?  As far as I know, in order for your tablet to support USB devices, it would need USB Host support, and even then, it would need drivers for whatever device you're trying to use.  I've seen people get USB keyboards and mice working, but nothing as complicated as an ethernet controller.

According to this XDA-thread an Apple USB->Ethernet adapter works on a similar ICS device. So technically it should work. But it in your case it could be hardware limitation, so you should try it out before buying. Just go to an Apple store and ask kindly ;-)


text:
Is there a way see if any of the apps on my phone have updates available?
Is there a way see if any of the apps on my phone have updates available?
I occasionally get a notification that updates are available but is there a way of checking manually?
If I clear the notification area is there a way to see what apps had updates available?

Open the "Play Store", hit the context menu button and select "My Apps". This will show the list of installed Apps on the device and possible updates for the Apps.
See this question, ff you have Apps that weren't installed with the Play Store

FYI, it may take a minute or two to check the update list, especially if you're not on wifi.

Of course, this assumes that all of your apps are installed via the Play Store. If you sideload apps or use an alternative market this may not apply.

For sideloaded apps see this question: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/18891/how-to-keep-apps-that-are-banned-from-the-offical-market-up-to-date


text:
Too little memory in Android NAND ROMs. Cannot install apps!
(I was about to ask it here, but since I found the answer I'll share it too)
After installing Android on NAND on my HD2, I found that the available system memory is too little for everyday use. It's around 180MB and after a few applications I need to move everything (manually) to SD card.
I would like to have more space for system, especially if I have a large (say, 8GB) SD card.

The answer is data2sd
What does it do?
It basically tells Android to use the ext2 partition (once available) on the SD card as internal storage, together with HD2's internal memory. This way you can get up to 4GBs.
How to install?
As specified in the forum, you can grab the recovery zip (check topic if link goes down) and install it in recovery. It's not that straightforward. If that's your first time, I suggest to:

Make a backup of the SD card on PC, laptop, tablet or cloud, because it's going to be wiped
Insert the card in HD2, boot in recovery (keep HOME down during HTC logo). Some ROMs allow you to reboot in recovery, some apps allow you to with one click: choose your favourite option
From Clockwork recovery, choose the option to partition SD card (Advanced -> Partition SD Card), and choose your partition size. With card >= 8GB, I recomment 4096MB
Once finished, power off, remove the card and copy the recovery zip you downloaded on the card. Also restore your previous backup
Insert the card, boot Recovery again and choose the option to install a ZIP from SD card, then choose that file and confirm
Reboot Android. You're done!!

How does it work?
When you partition the SD card, Android creates a swap partition (that works like in Linux, don't forget it's just plain Linux kernel) and an ext2 partition of the size you just chose in the end of the card. The first part of the card is partitioned with a FAT32 partition for easy interoperability, because Windows and other OSes only mount the first partition in a removable drive, if they can mount it.
Data2sd is basically an init script (running on system boot) that mounts this ext2 partition as the /data directory of the system.
Credit to user Anurag pandey@xda-developers

Thank you! Finally, I can install apps again :). However, you forgot the step to mount the system, data, sdcard and sd-ext partitions. Without this step, the zip install doesn't work.

The boot script automatically mounts /sd-ext

Not during installation, it doesn't. At least not on my phone. The original article specifies this has to be done before the zip is installed. Once I did this, I could enjoy more internal memory

Root your phone.
Install CWM
Create a second partition on the sd card.
 8 Gb card = second partition 3 Gb.
 Leaves you 5 Gb storage.
Install link2sd from Google store.
 Link all apps to the second partition. In that way you have all widgets available.
You will never have low memory problems again...


text:
ROM Manager: What is the difference between the MTD and the non MTD versions (e.g. "Samsung GalaxyS i9000 (MTD)")?
When I select "Flash ClockwordMod Recovery" from the ROM Manager menu a list of devices is presented ("Confirm Phone Model" dialog).  There I can choose e.g. between "Samsung GalaxyS i9000" and "Samsung GalaxyS i9000 (MTD)".
What is the difference between the MTD and the non MTD versions? When would I choose what?

MTD (Memory Technology Device) is a type of Partition Map (configuration of partitions of NAND).
Partition Map allows those who are using it control over how their partitions are sized and how much space is allocated here and how much space is taken away from there. A file system resides on the Partition Map and governs the data being read,wrote,moved etc by the OS (Android). Changing a file system of a partition is very easy, but changing overall Partition Mapping isn't. Plus, partition mapping decides which file system to support. So, its choice is very important.
MTD is Open Source. MTD supports YAFFS2 as a file system residing on it governing how data is transferred and the speed of which it is done. EXT2 through 4 aren't possible with MTD. Due to Open Source nature, it gives you full control over partitions. Choose MTD if you use CyanogenMod or MIUI type custom ROMs.
A Bit of Knowledge: Samsung's stock ROM uses BML partition map. BML is proprietary in nature. It's Close Source.


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Screen-casting/screen-capturing the camera view (appears black)
For demoing an Augmented Reality app, I would like to do a screencast of the Android device's screen (HTC Desire S).
The open source project androidscreencast works fine, except for the camera view. The overlays on top of the camera show through, but the actual camera view itself just shows up black. I have the same issue with the ddms tool that comes with the Android SDK - I can capture the screen, except for the camera view which appears black.
Here's the image I get using the ddms tool if I try to capture the screen when I have the normal camera app running: http://twitpic.com/83uztm
Please does anyone know why this is and how to get around it? Is it some kind of security feature, or a bug?
I came across something earlier that looked like a code workaround someone had come up with, but I don't have access to the app's underlying source code, so I need a non-programming method of getting this to work.

Have you tried this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ms.screencastfree

Thanks for the link. It's a work phone though, so I don't want to root it. Also, it's an HTC Desire S which it seems to say is incompatible too...

Sorry, without root, is probably not possible. With your device's OS version and the fact that you want to capture an overlay (video playback), even harder.
Prior to Android 3.0, screenshots were taken using the framebuffer, that is accessed by opening the /dev/graphics/fb0 device. This location requires root access, and even with root may not work for all devices. Some devices use a pair of framebuffers and toggle between them.
Additionally, and more related with your current problem, the framebuffer doesn't contain surfaces in an overlay (often the case with video playback). That's the reason as to why you don't get the video, only the application frame.

Support information by developers on stackoverflow by this answer and this answer.


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Can't find low battery threshold setting (Samsung Galaxy S3)
When the phone's battery reaches ~20%, I get the message to connect my charger on the lock screen. Is there a way to lower the threshold for the notification -- similar to the setting for a laptop?
For clarity, I want to change the settings so that the "Connect your charger" message appears when my battery is at 5%, instead of its current threshold, ~20%.
I should mention that I'm looking for a setting that's on the phone, without the need to modify back-end files. Also, I've actually gone through the whole settings section looking for the option and didn't find anything. Hopefully, I didn't overlook it.

See this answer in respect to the battery threshold hardcoded within the Android system in itself.

I don't own a S3 but it's likely that you cant modify this threshold without flashing a custom ROM.

@t0mm13b Thanks for the link to that question. Unless somebody knows for sure that there's no setting on the S3, I think I have my answer. It's funny, I automatically assumed there would be a setting.

@user1037894 there is no setting for the battery threshold in any ROM, regardless :)

@t0mm13b Thanks for the information. If you make your comment an answer, I'll select it as correct.

There is no setting available in any Android ROM that has the battery threshold setting.
From the previous answer given, it is built in.
Only course of option is to roll your own Android build, with the hard-coded value adjusted, but, and is a big but indeed, it is not the recommended route to take, as the code behind Android to handle the battery mechanism varies from chip-set to chip-set and to each and their own manufacturer.
By adjusting it, there could be invariable damage to the battery as a result, since the threshold is specified, by "tweaking" it could affect the battery in the long run and possibly end up shortening the battery life also.

I have a Galaxy S3 and changing the battery threshold had me stumped for a good while as I did manage to change it when I first got the phone.
Here's the answer to how to change the battery threshold on the Galaxy S3:

You do not need an app.
Simply wait until your GS3 gives you the low battery warning.
On your phone's homepage at the top, pull down the notification bar and tap once on the red low battery notification. This will take you to a power saving option page that has the battery threshold options.

Note: If you access the power saving options from the settings screen, you DO NOT get the battery threshold option??
I really hope this helps all those like me that just could not find out how to do this.

What version of Android are you using that has this?

I have a Samsung Note 2 and it does not seem to have this option.


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Why the Galaxy has 25GB instead of 32GB
I just purchased a Samsung Galaxy S3 32GB, when I check the storage I have only 25.5GB. Where is the other 6.5GB?

Try using Titanium Backup to check the space, it should give you accurate numbers.

Usually this space is taken up by various things that come with the device, like resources for the OS, built-in apps, and just disk information. Even formatting an 8 GB SD card will only get you 7.49 GB. That same logic would leave you with 30 GB, the rest is most likely the OS, and various system resources.

formatting a 8GB SD Card will lead to the same with GB and GiB: 8GB = 7,45GiB but dont forget with what kind of system you format. FAT will lead to a very small table, but e.g. ext will lead to a bigger journal. When you format the 8GB are still the 8GB! or the 7,45GiB are still 7,45GiB.

The 32GB are in 1000Byte = 1KB Logic, and the 25GB should be in Binary Logic, so 1024Byte = 1KB.
which gives at first a "loss" of about 2GB:
32GB = 29,8023GiB
the rest of the space is mostly the android system, reserved space for cache etc...
one small part will be the journal of the ext file sytstem which is used instead of yaffs. So arround 200-400MB i think will be covered by the ext journal.
you have the same problem with harddisks too. The firms write it in decimal logic but the operating system does it in binary. Some Operating Systems nowadays also write the correct GiB or MiB or KiB but not all...


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Change WCDMA to GSM automatically
I have Samsung Galaxy S II with Android 4.
If I configure my phone to GSM/WCDMA (automatic) mode, I have problems when I receive or make a call. Usually I lost the call or the other person cannot hear me.
In my city 3G network is not very good.
I solve this problem changing the mode to GSM only (manually) and then make the call.
Is there a way to configure my phone to change from WCDMA to GSM automatically when I make or receive a call?
I've installed 2G/3G OFF application, but it is still manual.

If you constantly get a poor 3G signal, you may want to switch the signal preference to favor 2G instead of 3G. Here's a way to do it on ICS:

In dialer, press *#*#4636#*#*
Go to 'Phone Information'
Swipe to this 'Set preferred network type'
Assuming it is 'WCDMA preferred', change it to 'GSM Auto (PRL)'

Screenshot (click to enlarge)
This setting will change its signal quality threshold, allowing it to switch from 3G to 2G 'earlier'. Use at your own risk though...
To address your question of automatically switching signal when you make a call, you might be able to hammer something out on Tasker if you are so inclined (I may give it a try later to satisfy my own curiosity xD).
One problem is forsee though, is that I believe it takes a bit of time to switch signals, so it might affect your call (or its quality).

Good answer! To you have any idea what PRL stands for?

Thanks! PRL stands for Preferred Roaming List.

I would say that the practical anwser is no. Although you could theoreticaly make an appliction/script that would swith to 2g before a cal, the script would have to wait a few seconds before making a call while the phone switches signals. This will make it no faster than manualy changing it before calling.
I suggest you put the 2g/3g widget near your dialer and press it before you enter the dialer, by the time you choose a contact the phone should be ready to call.
Another option has to do with rooting and voiding your warranty: flashing different modems(radio images) from xda. Some modems hold to signals much more aggresively (but use more battery).
The last and most obvious option (the one that I would choose in your place) is to just stay in 2g mode when in the city. Since the signal is so bad you drop calls I would guess that data speeds are slow and dropping too. You will also gain in battery life beacuse the phone won't be constantly searching and droping signals.
In any case I would consider changing the carrier if there is a better option where you live.

I think I've got the solution to your problem, rather our problem. I've been facing this issue for a couple of weeks now, during which I was not able to make any calls when my network mode is set as WCDMA or GSM/WCDMA auto.
I called up my network operator, and they were able to provide me a solution. In the call settings menu, inside Additional Settings, there is a setting for displaying the Caller ID in outgoing calls. I had changed this setting to 'Hide number', and that was the reason I wasn't able to make any calls in the WCDMA mode. After I changed it to 'Network default' or 'Show number', I was able to make calls even in the WCDMA mode. :)
Hope this helps you too.


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How can I pause and resume video recording if the stock app does not support this feature?
I have an Xperia Mini Pro with Android 2.3 (and upgradeable to Android 4). Its recording program does not have ability to pause and resume recording.
How can I pause and resume video recording if the stock app does not support this feature?

Just FYI: My colleague has this phone who had recently upgraded to 4.0.? and says still he can't pause/resume the video.

Answering the Question
I've been searching for a solution to this issue since I've seen your question, probably when you've set a bounty. Till now I've found tons of unhappy users complaining about the same issue, no pause/resume during a video record.
I've read just about every first fifty results presented for every search that I came up with on Google, been into Google Market, reference forums, etc... sigh!
The only answer that I've found relevant to be mentioned was provided by Ryan Conrad concerning this topic, for the same phone. (no need for transcription to this answer)
Since this is being requested a few years (at least since 2011 that users are complaining at Google Forums), and since the functionality to pause while recording needs system support due to the API and hardware being used that must provide such capabilities, software developers cannot go around this.
Some devices may be capable of dealing with  the pause/resume feature, but that's unclear. I believe that you'll just have to wait until manufacturers and developers can't stand the voice of the unhappy user anymore, and improve this issue.

The Android API currently does not provide the pause method
This is a bit technical, but was solicited on the comments.
The public class MediaRecorder, being used since API level 1, doesn't has the capability to pause, as one can observe from the MediaRecorder State Diagram:

When recording, the API allows us to either use the reset() or stop() Public Methods:

reset() -> Restarts the MediaRecorder to its idle state.
stop() -> Stops recording.

Thanks, can you exactly say me that what is source of the issue? Android API, SonyEricsson, or just this model? Please give me an official source that say expresses the issue officially. Currently with android-based phones are capable to pause/resume video recording?

@Reza I've edited the answer as per your request. A bit technical, but directs the blame to the Android API.

I really do not think you should be blaming the API within Android for the lack of that feature as the camera hardware is unique and dependent on hardware, not all handsets would share the same camera hardware chipset! If they did, then the pause/resume would be in place and be a de-facto standard.

@t0mm13b You've raised a valid point, title is rephrased to remove any blame from Android.

@Zuul ahh okie :) No worries there ;)


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I can't install or update Apps from Play Store: Error 905. How to fix?
Suddenly (after a Play Store update?) I can't install or update any Apps. I always get error code 905 when I try to do so. How can I fix this?

Uninstalling all Play Store (Market) App updates fixed it for me.
Go to Settings -> Applications -> Manage Applications -> All tab -> Google Play Store and uninstall the updates. This will leave you with an older version of the app, which is probably named "Market". Then you should be able to install or update apps. After a while, the Play Store update will be installed once again, but you still will be able to install or update Apps.

Just for clarification: the solution here is not to "free the occupied space", but to "reset the update". For more recent references, please see: Error 905 in Google Play / How to fix error 905 android – or even Youtube ;)


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How can I disable voice commands when double pressing the home button on the Galaxy S 2?
On Samsung Galaxy S2 (not rooted) everytime I accidently double press the home button, the voice command app comes up.
How can I disable this?

Now I have installed Cyanogenmod 9 and this does not happen anymore. I don't think, this problem can be solved via settings of Samsungs Android version

For a non-rooted phone, this is the best I have found:

Double-tap, select Menu, Settings
Voice Talk Seetings -> Speak Prompts: uncheck

Now if you double-tap, a short sound will be heard, but you won't hear the "What would you like to do?" anymore.

So double tab started the voice input, right? I need to ask, because I have Cyanogen Mod now. If this setting is inside the voice input app, I had to accept some terms of use from Samsung, but I didn't want to.

Yes, that's right. That setting is inside Voice Input so you need to open it in order to change that setting as far as I know.

So I have to accept terms of use for the software I don't want to use to disable it. Good job, Samsung ...

I have disabled it using App-Freeze on Titanium Backup. This works well, and is entirely reversible, but appears to require both the Pro key (paid) and root.
A possible alternative would be removing it using either the terminal or ADB. The apk in question is /system/app/VoiceToGo.apk (com.vlingo.client.samsung), and my phone hasn't had a problem with it having been disabled. I would recommend backing it up, though, on the off chance.

Unfortunatly my phone is not rooted :/

This totally disables the voice input. OP only wants to disable launching of it by double pressing the home button.

Excuse my ignorance, but how would one go about "removing" the apk? Does this also require root?

From an article on WordPress,

Install Go Launcher from Google Play.
Open the app drawer.
Press and hold on the blue voice command icon until it starts shaking.
Click on the "X" button and choose uninstall. Follow the instructions.
Optionally, you can uninstall Go Launcher.

This totally disables the voice input. OP only wants to disable launching of it by double pressing the home button.

You can follow the following steps to disable Voice Command on ICS:

From the home screen go to Settings then Applications.
Find and select Voice Command in the Downloaded or All tabs
If the Disable option appears - select and then ok. It will not prompt again.
If not, select Clear data and then ok. The next time you mistakenly double click do not confirm the Samsung Disclaimer but select the back button instead.

Double press the menu key in the S Voice application, go to Settings, and disable starting S Voice via double pressing the home button.

In the voice command settings there is no option to disable starting voice command via double pressing home button.

I just upgraded my S2 to ICS and continued facing the same problem.. The solution for the problem is Settings -> Language and Input -> Keyboard and input methods. Make sure Google voice typing is unchecked... Problem solved...

This totally disables the voice input. OP only wants to disable launching of it by double pressing the home button.

Totally disabling the voice input would be okay. I can't remember I ever used it.

this doesnt work

I don't know about the S2, but I've just discovered that for the Galaxy Note, there's a setting "Launch voice talk" (launch by double-tapping home) that only appears when Vlingo is set as the voice recognition engine. If you choose Google, the option goes away.

Inside the voice command:

open settings → voice talk settings → motion
then uncheck double tap option
or
uncheck motion activation altogether.

This "double tap" option has nothing to do with double pressing the home button

On Droid Razr, running ICS, it is under Accessibility, in the system settings menu:
Scroll to the bottom and you should see a double tap home launch field, click it and it will allow you to set it to "none".

On the Samsung SGS2 with the original OS there was no setting like this.


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Why is the NFC in the Galaxy Nexus battery?
Why is the NFC in the Galaxy Nexus embedded in the battery?
Wouldn't it make more sense to separate the two things? Is there any hardware advantage of being this way?
Disadvantages I can see several, like replacing the battery with another, without NFC...

The NFC feature does not sit in the battery, only the antenna does.
NFC consists of:

an integrated chip (soldered onto the logic board)
an NFC Antenna that needs free view  to the phone's back side
(antenna signals from the sticker on the back of the battery only need to pass the back cover)

If you look at the antenna you'll notice how big it is. It's basically just a coil with 4 windings, see ifixit's teardown. NFC allows for passive devices (Credit cards and such) which need to be fed energy from an active device through the antenna. Some engineer decided its best fit would be as a sticker on the battery.
There's only 2 positions where you can place it:

Back of the battery
Inner side of the battery cover (like with the Nexus S)

My guess is this: By placing it on the battery, the expensive and big 2-point connector (as with the Nexus S) could be merged together with the battery contacts to make it cheaper (and/or maybe more robust).

No way to use a NFCless battery and still  have NFC features? (without hardware hacking)

Is this your sole problem (you have a replacement without a battery I guess)? Sadly, you have to do some hardware hacking, I guess. At least peeling off the antenna sticker off the dead battery and subsequently resoldering it onto the new (cheap) one.

The NFC circuitry itself is in the phone, but the antenna is in the battery. This is due to the layout of the phone. Since the range of NFC is very small, the antenna is placed on the outer side of the battery to increase the range as much as possible.
Yes, the downside of this is that replacement batteries need to be NFC-enabled, but it's a small price to pay for a significant improvement in the functionality of NFC.

But does that imply that without an NFC battery it would also be possible to use it?

No, the antenna is necessary because of the limited range. Theoretically it's possible, but the range is less than millimeters.


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Is there a way to perform a memdump of an android device?
Is there a way to perform a memdump of an android device? I need the content of the entire memory (RAM). Maybe there is a shell command (meminfo will not do because it displays only memory information, not the content of RAM) or maybe somebody has a program which does this.

Why do you want to do this?

I want to see if there is a pattern in the free memory space

Since Android uses Linux as kernel /dev/kmem exists. It's a virtual character device file that is an image of the main memory of the computer.
You can simply dump it with
cat /dev/kmem > file

but only as root.

thanks, this is what I wanted, also there is a physical memory file (/dev/mem) I will look to see what is the difference, but now I know where to look at.

cat for any mem device never work. Because cat read device sequentially and zero page never mapped in memory. Zero page must be not mapped for get SIGSEG (Segmenataion fault) on resolve null pointer. Then cat failed read and output file will be empty.

You can use GameGuardian for this. Need root.
Memory editor tab - menu - memory dump - select range and folder - press ok - wait for toast "Dump end".
Here some video examples how to do this:

How to dump memory of any running processes in Android -
GameGuardian
How to dump odex file from memory on Android -
GameGuardian
How to dump deleted file from memory on Android -
GameGuardian


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Make calls directly from contacts
There are many contacts in which I have more than one phone number listed. I want to call the default number of the contact directly without going to the Infinity view and select the number to call. How to do this?

As there are several dialer apps around, a 3rd party app might offer this feature to you. Would you consider that a solution -- or would you prefer to work with the built-in apps? (of course, if possible that is preferable most times -- so my question should rather read: are you open to an approach involving 3rd party apps?)

Yes, Im ok if this can be done with a third party app... but the few apps that I tried on the market were not able to do this and I was under the impression that this should be a part of any phone's default contact app... otherwise whats the use of designating a number as default if You cannot make calls to it directly?

I fully agree with you on that -- but this won't help you at all, I guess. There are a few apps on the Playstore which look promising. I'll sum up my findings in a separate answer -- though I cannot promise they are fully solving your request, they might come close.

As 3rd party apps are acceptable, there are some available which look promising. Not sure, though, that they completely fulfill the request, they should still be worth a look:

GO Contacts EX -- from the well-known GO-Team, and with an excellent rating. Feature list mentions two things: "Smart dialing" (just type a part of the number, and it will be found) -- and "speed dial". The former is not what you look for, the latter is probably something like "favorites on 0 to 9".
DW Contacts & Phone & Dialer promises the dialer "has many options to make it exactly to your wishes"
exDialer offers "speed dial" and promises a lot of flexibility
Dialer One is also worth a try -- feature-rich, high rated and regularly updated
Angel Dialer seems to be highly configurable (and again is high rated)
Eir Fast Dialer -- as the name suggest, this one promises fast dialing, and seems a promising candate indeed

As said, I cannot promise any of those will do exactly what you wish. But having checked many of them, these seem to be the best candidates. Personally, I'm not initiating too many calls, so I'm still contend with the default dialer...

Thanks a lot...  Dialer One has this feature... If you have a default number for a contact, you can touch the name of the contact and it will directly dial the number!!! Exactly what I wanted!!

Ah, thank you for the confirmation! I thought I remembered that, but was not sure (I used DialerOne on my old phone when it still had stock 2.1 -- more than a year ago).

You can create a "Direct Dial" shortcut on your home screen to do this:

On Android 1.x through 2.x (and on some replacement Launcher apps on newer OS versions) long-press on empty home screen space, and select Shortcuts -> Direct dial.  On Android 3.x and above, open the app tray, and swipe to Widgets.  Then find the Direct dial widget and drag/drop it to the home screen.
Select the contact's phone number from the list.

Now by tapping on the created shortcut you will call the number directly, as opposed to having to select the number from drop-down.

Thanks for your answer, but by creating a direct dial shortcut on the home screen, I can create a shortcut to call only that particular contact. However, I wish call the default number of any contact directly instead of opening the contact details and choosing the number to dial

Open the contact and:

Option 1: long press the desired phone number. A pop up will appear. Select Set Default.
Option 2: press menu button and select Mark as default.

My phone uses Android 4.0.3.

I am quite surprised this has not been said here yet...
You can slide the list item of your contact to the right to directly call the default number. Also, you can slide it left to send a message to that number.
To set the default, long press on the number and "mark as default" or via the menu button, in the desired contact view.
I saw this on Android 2.2 and 2.3 on my Samsung Galaxy Fit. I'm not sure the same dialer app is used on other phones...

In my rooted LG Optimus One (P500) I did the following in my stock contact application:

Added an existing contact with more than one phone number to my favourite list.
Opened that contact and long pressed on the phone number which I would like to make it as default.  This is not required, if there a number is already assigned as default.
In my favourites list, I see the contact name and a button with phone icon. Touching the phone icon now calls the default number.

This is also verified with default contact app of Sony Ericsson SK17i running 4.0.3 (stock and unrooted)
The same can also be done without adding to favourites. Long press of the contact in the contact list opens up a menu. In that menu, touching "call contact" calls the default number.


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How do I edit my home address for Google Now/Maps/Latitude?
I just upgraded to the Galaxy Nexus. In the new Google Now, the traffic for my home destination is listed incorrectly. I also noticed that the Home address for myself under the People listing is incorrect. If I try to edit my local profile, there is no field for address. Long pressing on the address only allows me to copy it.
How can I update my Home address?

Update May 3rd, 2015:
My previous answer was for a much outdated platform (latitude doesn't even exist anymore as far as I can tell). Here are some steps for current Google Maps.

Open the Maps application.
Navigate to Settings.
There should be an option to Edit home or work address.

Previous answer below for historic purposes...
I finally figured out how to do this and thought I would explain (since it is not very obvious).

Open up Google Maps or Latitude
Click on yourself (the tag that shows your name, last update time, and city)
You should be able to click a Location history option
With the history open, click the settings button in the lower right corner
There are options to change your home and work addresses!

Hope this helps someone in the future.

On my Android 4.3.1:

Open Maps from your phone
Pull the menu
Select Settings
Edit home or work

This should float up to be accepted as it more modern

I edited my original answer to include new instructions.

Easier solution:

Click the button on the top left next that says "Maps"
Select "My Places"
There is the button for "home"
Tap and hold to get the option to edit it

I had the same problem but didn't see the described GUI on my Galaxy S3. So here's how I did it:

Opened up Google Maps
If on the routes/navigation screen, hit the back button until you return to the default map view with a search bar up top.
The search bar should have 2 icons on the right: one for routes/navigation, and one that looks like a user icon. Click the user icon.
The screen should now have your full name up top, your user image next to the number of reviews you've written, and directly below that, your home and work addresses. Tap and hold on the address you want to edit.
A new screen should appear with a search box up top, but there should be a home or work icon on the very left of the search box. Simply type or search for your correct address and then hit "Done."

Alternate Method

Again, open up Google Maps and hit the "back" button, if needed, to return to the default maps view.
Hit the "menu" button on your phone or just tap the little menu tab at the lower left corner. This should cause a menu to slide out from the left.
Tap the "Settings" option and then tap "Edit home or work".
Then simply tap on the one you want to edit.

If you'd like to do this on a desktop, you can go to maps.google.com, login with your Google account and click My Places on the left. This shows your current Home and Work address along with a little location history, and you can find Edit under the dropdown menu next to each entry.

July 19th, 2015 (on PC via Google Chrome)
1) Navigate to maps.google.com
2) In the search bar, type "home".  Your current saved address will appear below.
3) Click [edit] and fill in your new address.  Then click [Save] or press [Enter].
I was getting frustrated with seeing how far away everything was from my last house!

What about going to http://contacts.google.com, log in, and then edit the information about yourself ? In particular, you can edit your postal address and indicate it as your home address.

Nope, Google Now/Places/Latitude takes the home location from the option described in Andy's answer


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ezPDF reader: settings to correct jerky page scrolling?
On the ezPDF Reader, is there a way to make the scrolling from one page to another smoother and less jerky? Some settings, perhaps? The jerky/jumping scrolling on ezPDF reader when one page scrolls to the next page breaks the flow of reading a little. Thanks for any insights.

I just received an email from the developer, Don Choi. Citing it here in its entirety as an answer:

The continuous scroll feature is in our big  TO-DO list. It will
  eventually implemented later.We do not have a open forum. However,
  http://www.facebook.com/ezpdf is a good start.

So more nifty things are on their way for this application.

that's good news. Considering how often it gets updated, hopefully it won't be too long.

I don't know about scrolling smoothly, but if you tap the bottom of the screen as you're reading it automatically scrolls up or to the next page as appropriate.

Thanks for that comment, it is helpful. I guess it will have to do till the developer implements the continuous  scrolling.


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Can I auto-rotate the screen 180°?
Is there any way to make the Android 2.1 automatic screen rotation rotate all the way up to 180°, instead of just 90° either way? I would very much like to be able to use my phone upside down, because the audio jack is on top.
I've looked all over the web and the only advice I found was to install a custom rom (like Cyanogen,) but I haven't found any builds suitable for my Samsung Galaxy S.

There are log of apps available now for auto rotate on play store and I don't think anyone is using 2.1 anymore.

I do not believe Android 2.1 allows this. I've read that the latest release Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) will have this feature.
Sorry I couldn't find the post that mentioned it but here is the API link.

You should be able to get this functionality if you have a custom launcher, like LauncherPro.  Samsung's TouchWiz does not support the 180 degree rotation.  You also need Android 2.2+, however, which introduced the getRotation() API.


text:
What are the privacy implications of using Talk-to-Text?
Given that the Android implementation of Talk-To-Text sends your voice to Google's servers, parses your speech into text, then sends the text string back to the handset, what are the privacy implications of using Talk-to-Text?
Does this mean, for example, that anything that I say to my beloved Nexus One is stored on Google's servers?
Do Google TOS refer specifically to this issue?

Anything you say, can and will be used against you!

@Ivo LOL, nice sense of humor! Does that mean that you don't have an answer? ;-)

Well at least that I didn't bother to go read their ToS. If you're worried about privacy, then you shouldn't use such services for things you want to keep private ;)

I would say it is as bad as having a website, twitter, facebook, etc. or even searching on google, bing, whatever. as eric schmidt said, if you don't want it known, don't post it on the internet (in this case, through a google service) :)

@Ryan, is that why eric was fired from his position as ceo? :-D

he wasn't fired, he was promoted.

@Ryan, sure... Then again, I wouldn't mind being "promoted" with a $300MM bonus. :-)

I'd bet they do data mine it and and store the data about what people are talking about and searching but I'd be willing to bet it's not stored in a file with your name or IP on it.  It's far more likely your data would be compromised by you losing the phone or by someone using a wifi sniffer or a data breach at some retail institution like TJX.  If you really want to know what's in the TOS you are going to have to venture to be the first person ever to read the TOS.

@Matt I like your answer. I think keeping some recording could be a great way to advance speech recognition technology. Also, keeping voice signatures as a future worldwide biometric database is not so far fetched (some governments do that already). I didn't think about the data mining though. This seems very google-like.

From Google's Mobile Privacy Policy:

For products and services with voice recognition capabilities, we collect and store a copy of the voice input you make to the product or service and corrections you make to the returned recognition result. To improve processing of your voice input, we may also continuously record in temporary memory a few seconds of ambient background noise. This recording stays only temporarily on the device and is not sent to Google. If you choose to personalize voice recognition, we will associate your voice data with your Google Account.

Good find, @Iain.

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