title: SSH Tunnel with Android

text:
# Question
Title: SSH Tunnel with Android
Without rooting, how can I SSH tunnel to my homePC running sshd?
I need ssh tunnel to VNC home, but i don't trust VNC, so I want to use it with SSH to make it safe!
Thank you for any help!

# Answer
> 5 votes
If you want to connect to your home PC from your phone, there is ConnectBot

# Answer
> 0 votes
Take a look at QuickSSHd \- it claims "root" is optional, but I don't know whether it'll work with what you're trying to achieve.

There's also the quite popular ConnectBot which should allow you to tunnel in to your PC.

---
Tags: ssh, vnc
---


title: How can I get a vanilla Android device?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I get a vanilla Android device?
OK I'm about to buy an Android phone for development, but I will try to keep this question from becoming a shopping recommendation.

I want to have vanilla Android on my phone (i.e. not Sense or TouchWiz or something similar). Can I just buy a random phone and somehow revert it back to vanilla Android? Is there any risk of compatibility problems or hardware problems when doing that?

An easier option is to buy a phone that comes with vanilla Android, but the options are limited. As far as I know (i.e. not much), the only phones with pure Android are Nexus One, Nexus S, ADP and ADP2. Is that really it?

# Answer
Yes, you should buy a Nexus One or a Nexus S. If you buy another phone like e.g. HTC Wildfire, you can't easily get the "vanilla" Android.
> 7 votes

# Answer
You can get whatever phone you want, but since you're a developer you might not have any problems with flashing custom ROMs, and there are awesome custom ROMs for all the devices out there that will not come with any customization, just pure Vanilla.

If you want a good place to publish/promote your development work and also find the custom ROMs for the device that you need is XDA Developers
> 3 votes

# Answer
If you're on a budget, I believe many of the older Samsung phones (pre-Galaxy S) are vanilla since Samsung introduced TouchWiz with its Galaxy S line of phones. You can get some of these older phones (not really that old, like a year) for very cheap on eBay if you're just looking for a device to develop on and don't want to pay for phone service with a data plan.

You can look at the list of phones that have TouchWiz at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TouchWiz and cross-reference it with a list of Samsung Android phones (you could use this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison\_of\_Android\_devices#Smartphones).
> 1 votes

---
Tags: vanilla-android
---


title: How do I put back 3G data connection

text:
# Question
Title: How do I put back 3G data connection
Maybe a month ago I set my device to use only wifi for data connection. Now, with a bigger data package, I try to find where I can put back 3G for data connection.

I didn't do any fancy tricks nor # 4036# ... things.

Any ideas ?

# Answer
You can turn 3G data back on through 'Settings'.

1. Go to 'Settings'
2. Go to 'Wireless & Networks'
3. Somewhere near the bottom should be 'Mobile Network' - enable it

Now you're phone should have both 3G and WiFi enabled. If it can connect to a WiFi, it'll use WiFi; otherwise, it'll fall back to use 3G.

edit: as Seth pointed out below, these instructions may differ slightly between android phones (but should be relatively similar). Instructions above are for the HTC Desire.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I am using Samsung Nexus S. I think most of the android phones are very similar. Please follow the following steps;

1. Go to "Settings";
2. Go to "Wireless & Networks"
3. Scroll down to the bottom, go to "Mobile network settings".

Now you could enable "Data enabled" option, which is the first option could be selected.

Then, you could access the network through wifi or 3G.

Good luck.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-s, data-connection
---


title: Plugging phones into tablets

text:
# Question
Title: Plugging phones into tablets
I have an android tablet (1) and phone (2). Using the phone as a wireless hotspot drains the battery almost as fast as having the phone screen on. I'd like to be able to use it as a tethered hotspot and charge the phone from the larger battery in the tablet (3) but I have two problems - micro usb to micro usb cables don't seem to exist and i'm not sure that a micro to usb converter + a micro usb to usb cable is worth setting up - does it do anything useful?

1. motorola xoom - answer may be honeycomb specific
2. nexus one
3. Copying files would be nice but is a plus.

# Answer
You would need to enable USB host mode on your xoom. Google this for some more details on this - you will need a rooted xoom; there will also be links to USB OTG (on the go) cables that will let you use this (most of them seem to be micro-USB to USB female, into which you would then need to plug your normal USB cable).

I don't know if this USB OTG configuration would actually charge your phone - some USB OTG don't provide power at all.

Copying files would work on this really easily (I think that's what it's generally been done for), but network may be a little trickier - it would rely on the xoom having the usb network drivers for your N1, which it might not (in that case you'd need to compile the drivers/kernel modules for your xoom, where it starts to get messy :-/ )
> 2 votes

---
Tags: tablet, tethering
---


# Question
Title: Galaxy 5: GPS always stops working after phone has been in standby
My new Samsung Galaxy 5 (also named Galaxy i5500, and running (android 2.1) has some GPS issue.

The GPS works fine (i.e. it can find satellites when I use the app GPS Test.) directly after powering up my phone. However, as soon as the phone has been in standby, the GPS no longer can find any satellites. After restarting the device, the GPS is working again until the next standby.

The device has been upgraded to the latest firmware using Samsung Kies, and following Samsung's support advice I have already performed a factory reset.

Is there something that can be done to fix this (apart from waiting for Samsung Support's follow-up)?

**Edit**: I *think* this androidforums post describes the problem and solution (still have to test it) quite well.

# Answer
I haven't tried this myself but the following supposedly helps in getting a *faster* lock for Samsung's Galaxy range of Android devices.

Make sure GPS satellite and Wireless networks has been activated.

```
Press *#*#1472365#*#*. This will bring up GPS settings.
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Address -> Server Type: 1x MPC
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Position mode: option3
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Session Operation: Standalone
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Server Option: Local
gpsOne XTRA -> Xtra Enable: Enable

```

Then try with Google Maps.

If you want to go back to the default setting:

```
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Address -> Server Type: UMTS SLP
Settings -> Parameter Settings -> Position mode: option2
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Session Operation: MS-based
Settings -> Fix Request Settings -> Server Option: Default

```

See if that helps. Other users have also reported issues with the Galaxy range of not receiving SMS messages immediately after returning out of Airplane Mode. Seems a touch buggy...
> 1 votes

---
Tags: gps, samsung-galaxy-5, standby
---


# Question
Title: How do I clean up the "search people"/new message contact list?
I recently purchased a Droid Incredible, and linked it to my Google account. Now the list of contacts to choose from when creating a new message is huge (click the "contact" icon next to the To field of the message, which seems to be the same as the "search people" app).

It appears to be including every contact from every aspect of my Google account, mixed in with everything on my phone: every email I've ever contacted, plus everyone on my GTalk contact list, plus everyone in my phone contacts.

Is there any way to cut this list down? In its present state, the list itself is useless (forcing me to rely on typing the name in). Ideally I'd like to see only a specific group by default. Also acceptable would be limiting it to only phone contacts, or only contacts in my Gmail My Contacts list.

**Update:** It seems that this feature is available in the default Android contacts app (the sync groups setting supposedly allows you to only synchronize contacts from specific groups), but not the HTC Incredible's version of Sense (http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=0ff2b08f98943ccb&hl=en).

Is there a simple way to get back to the stock contacts app? Or a solid replacement that includes the sync groups feature?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This answer may help if you don't mind sending messages via the `Contact` app. I was able to go to my `Contacts` app, hit the `Settings` button, then go to `More -> Display options` and check `Only contacts with phone`. From `Contacts` you can still search, and you can still access your recent contacts.

# Answer
> 0 votes
It may depend on what phone you are using. For the HTC Evo (and most likely any other HTC phone with Sense) it seems you can't change the the list in "Search People" but you can change the list in your "People" app. If this is what you want to do open the "People" app and you'll see all your contacts. The open the menu and select "View" - here you can change some of the contacts that will be viewed in your "People" app.

I tried changing my contacts list this way and then checked if the "People Search" app would also remove the same contacts but it would seem it doesn't work that way. For example I added and removed Twitter contacts but either way they still appeared in the "Peaople Search" list.

Hope this helps

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you're creating a new message it might be easier to just go into the Contacts/People app, set up your desired filtering there (as others have already pointed out).

Then instead of going into the Messaging/Email/GMail app to send your message stay in the Contacts/People app, find the person you want to send the message to and just press on the relevant contact detail (eg phone number or email address) to send to them. This should give you a much more manageable list.

---
Tags: contacts, htc-droid-incredible
---


# Question
Title: How can I turn my android phone into a remote control (mouse/keyboard) through bluetooth for ubuntu/linux
There are a lot of apps that turn an android phone into a remote control for a desktop system, but only for windows based systems.

I use ubuntu and I only find Remote droid , works ok but only through a wifi network.

https://market.android.com/details?id=com.joshsera&feature=search\_result

I tried to used blueputdroid, and the app told me that didnot have support for my rom. My phone is a samsung galaxy S with android 2.1

https://market.android.com/search?q=blueputdroid&so=1&c=apps

Are there other apps that I do not know?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Update: Check **UnifiedRemote** -- site reference.
Requires Windows and .NET Framework 4.

---

Older reference,
Have you tried URemoteDesktop?

> Designed to remote control any Ubuntu desktop PC. (also can be used on windows, but was designed for Ubuntu).
> Change music (Previous, Next, Play/Pause, Mute)
> On Ubuntu any player on system. (Totem, SongBird \<\<\< no need on focus the app).
> On Windows (Windows Media Player Presenter functions (Next, previous) Compatible with Power Point and OpenOffice.
>
> Screen Control / Desktop Control
>
> Remote WIFI Keyboard

---
Tags: bluetooth, remote-control
---


# Question
Title: Scrolling behaviour for apps (in general)
I have a HTC Desire and I've realised there appears to be, for most apps (in general) 3 types of scrolling.

1. Drag/pull with finger and the contents scrolls (slowly) depending on how much you've moved your finger
2. 'Flick' your finger across the screen and the content scrolls (relatively fast) and slows down towards the end
3. "Do something" and the contents scrolls insanely fast - usually goes to the end of the content...

My question is what is what do I do to 'activate' #3?

Reason is, every now and then I somehow activate #3 (often when I don't want it) which makes it very annoying. But sometimes I do want to scroll insanely fast right to the bottom/top of the list/page but end up just flicking multiple times (very annoying again). Would be nice to be able to control/choose which scroll type I need.

# Answer
I have also seen the 3 scrolling types you mention below, but it always seemed to me that the 3rd one was more a bug than a feature.

The HTC Desire (which I have too) is not known to have a great digitizer, the part of the screen that handles the finger positions and movements. Furthermore, it's not "multitouch", meaning it cannot handle properly more than 1 finger on the screen, although there are tries to support it but I've never seen it work constantly good. See this page for more proof.

It's true that it would be a nice feature, maybe on other phones with a better touchscreen and a further version of Android with more gestures supported. Why not for example scrolling down with 2 fingers would trigger a super-fast scroll or a "go to bottom" action?
> 2 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire, user-interface
---


# Question
Title: Can I get the email app to only download email headers -- and get bodies on demand? This is for an MS Exchange based email service
Can I get the email app to only download email headers -- and get bodies on demand? This is for an MS Exchange based email service. I have a Nexus One. The email app works fine, but the volume of email I get for work is huge and although I need to see all the subject lines, I rarely need to read the full email when I'm not at work. How can I get the email app to just download headers? Alternatively, is there another email app in the Market I could use for this?

I have Android version 2.2.1

# Answer
> 2 votes
If I look at my settings for an Exchange server I have a 'Incoming size' under 'General settings' where I can specify 'Headers only'.

I am running Froyo 2.2.1 on Samsung Galaxy S.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You can use Touchdown ($20):

http://www.nitrodesk.com/dk\_touchdownFeatures.aspx

For the **Email Download Size** you can set **No Body**.

---
Tags: email
---


# Question
Title: Where and how can I upgrade my Galaxy 5 legally to Froyo?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?

I have a Galaxy 550 and want to upgrade it to android 2.2 where and how can i do this legal?

thanks already.

# Answer
> 1 votes
If the update is available in your region, take it to your nearest Samsung authorised service centre and get it flashed. Make sure to back up all your data and perform a factory reset before handing it across.

I'm uncertain about what you intend to mean by "legal"?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It depends also on your wireless provider. Even if Samsung releases an update, that provider may need to adjust it to fit their technical (and commercial) needs.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-5, updates
---


# Question
Title: How can I search for a contact by its phone number?
Is it possible to search for a contact by phone number in Froyo ? How ?

# Answer
HTC's Sense UI gives you this functionality out of the box. In the Phone app if you start typing the phone number, it will filter your contacts that include either that number, or the contact's name via T9 representation.

If you are not running Sense IU, I suggest trying 3rd-party apps that imitate the HTC Dialer functionality. Try Dialer One or aContacts, for example.
> 6 votes

# Answer
Choose 'Contacts', than 'Keypad' and start entering the phone number.

On my Galaxy S running Froyo 2.2.1 this displays a dropdown box with a number of how many numbers start with the characters entered.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, contacts, search
---


title: What does the TO DO button in GoSMS do?

text:
# Question
Title: What does the TO DO button in GoSMS do?
In GoSMS, an incoming SMS is usually shown within a popup containing buttons like DELETE / TO DO / OPEN.

What functionality does TO DO provide?

# Answer
I believe it closes the popup alert but leaves the message marked unread, whereas the close button (the `X`) will mark it as read and close the popup.

Edit: This seems to be supported by this comment from their website.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: Questions about Samsung Galaxy S security applications
Hello
I would like to know whether is it recommended to have some antiVirus+firewall application for this current phone? (I usually open email attachments for example)

1.Do these applications runs all the time in the background also when I'm not connected to WAP or WiFi?

2.In case you recommend to have such apps , which applications do you prefer?

3.Is it true that the more application I use I can mess up the whole android system like the registery in ordinary computers) and it can lead to the whole device to malfunction or to be more slow (like ordinary computer)?

4.According to question 3: What can I do to secure my system? Do I have some option to restore the whole android system if it will get massed up and bugy in the future.

Thanks

# Answer
> 1.Do these applications runs all the time in the background also when I'm not connected to WAP or WiFi?

That depends on the specific security application.

> 2.In case you recommend to have such apps , which applications do you prefer?

I prefer being cautious in what I install, rather than having Big Brother Watching Over Me. As a Linux-based system, Android have a very strong security base and the Android framework on top of of it is very paranoid about security. Android is -- for all practical purpose -- impermeable to worm-type virus. However, like any Unix system, Android does not protect you from you taking a gun and shooting your own foot. If you tell Android to trust an application, Android will trust the application; if you give trust to the wrong application, don't blame the system for it.

> 3.Is it true that the more application I use I can mess up the whole android system like the registery in ordinary computers) and it can lead to the whole device to malfunction or to be more slow (like ordinary computer)?

If you're installing many applications that starts background services, then yes, it can slow down the system. Applications that are not running does not affect the speed of the system.

> 4.According to question 3: What can I do to secure my system? Do I have some option to restore the whole android system if it will get massed up and bugy in the future.

There is a bunch.

* There is a factory reset on `Settings > Privacy > Factory data reset`.
* If you buy the phone from your carrier, they usually can reflash your phone with original ROM.
* On rooted phones, you can make a Nandroid backup.
* On custom ROMs, you can make a ClockworkMod Recovery backup.
* On many phones you can download and flash 3rd party or leaked original ROMs by yourself.
> 2 votes

# Answer
In case of smartphones I would be more worried about the physical security than malware. It's essential to have an application that allows you to locate the phone or at least remotely wipe all the data in case of robbery (or when you simply forget it). I use WaveSecure for that, but I'm sure there are other alternatives (feel free to add them in comments).
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, security, antivirus, firewall
---


# Question
Title: Does Froyo include full Hebrew support for all devices?
I was under the impression that Froyo includes full built-in Hebrew support for all models.

I'm looking into buying a Samsung Galaxy S, and I called up a store about it. At the store they said that if I wanted it with Hebrew support, I would have to add about $75, since Froyo includes Hebrew only for some HTC devices.

Is this true or are they trying to fleece me?

# Answer
> 3 votes
They are trying to fleece you. Do **not** agree to that, nor to the other tricks they employ trying to fork more money from you (the basic color is not in stock etc.)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Can't answer for Galaxy S, but it works on my LG Optimus T. One approach might be to go to the store and try the built-in browser on a web page with Hebrew. As long as that works, I suspect you'll be OK.

Perhaps they will say that for $75 you also get a Hebrew onscreen keyboard... but if so, you could probably skip that and try "Any Soft Keyboard" with the "Hebrew Language Pack", both free in the Market. Again I have not tried anything on a Galaxy S but it works on my Froyo-bearing LG.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Just had a look on my UK Froyo Galaxy S, if I go into the Locale and Text menu, I can't see any options for Hebrew in there, and looking at keyboard settings I can't see any Hebrew options for input language on the Swype or Samsung keyboards either.

Looking at first party Google apps on the Market I see IMEs for Pinyin (Chinese) and Korean, nothing for Hebrew.

However I'm using a device with a European build on it, which would explain why I see mainly European languages in the list, I don't know if other builds will have Hebrew in by default.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, languages, hebrew
---


# Question
Title: Rooted the phone and installed cyanogenmod. How to get back Sense UI?
I have a HTC Desire comes with Sense UI when bought. I rooted it and installed Cyanogenmod. Is there anyway I can get back my Sense UI. I don't mind removing Cyanogenmod.

# Answer
> 15 votes
You're going to need to install a Sense-based ROM. CyanogenMod is basically a customized build of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code, which is released in source form by Google. They use only open source components, and Sense is a proprietary, closed source UI made by HTC.

Installing a ROM with Sense is very easy, though. The procedure will be just like flashing CM - boot into recovery and flash a .zip file with the ROM that you want (alternatively, install via ROM Manager, whatever you prefer).

There are custom Sense ROMs as well as "stock" rooted ROMs floating around. The XDA boards have a handful of each. You can find a rooted stock ROM here, though, if you're looking to go back to the original system as provided by HTC (but retaining root).

**Edit:** I answered this under the assumption that you have no backups to work with, but if you used ClockworkMod to create a backup of your system before installing CM7 (which is highly advised for any future readers out there!), you can restore that backup and...well, be back where you were on a stock rooted system. After all, that's the point of the backup!

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, htc-desire, htc-sense
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to write android application using Google Web Toolkit?
We are writing simple web application using GWT(Google Web Toolkit). Now we should have this application cloned on Android and iPhone.
I don't know about the iPhone but may it is possible to have same GWT application running on Android?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Yes

Most Android browsers support Javascript quite well, and since GWT "translates" the Java to Javascript it should be fine. Obviously it might require some tweaking to accommodate the screen formats.

EDIT: Note, it will be a web application, with all limitations that come with that

# Answer
> 1 votes
You could also produce a web application with GWT and deploy it natively to multiple devices using phone gap.

---
Tags: applications
---


# Question
Title: Withheld, unknown or new number filtering - by asking caller to state their name
How can I make my phone do the following if the number is unknown:

* Answer the phone
* Play a message that says "As you are calling from an unknown number, please State your name"
* Record their reply
* Put them on hold
* Allow me to hear their message and either accept the call, send to voicemail or hang up

# Answer
> 4 votes
Google Voice has options for this. If you have a Voice account and someone calls you using that number you can use the Call Screening option to force them to record a message you can hear before you pick up.

**Edit:** Google Voice is currently only available in the US, so if you live anywhere else this solution obviously won't work for you.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Browsing thru the market led me to this app called Mr. Number.

Features:

* NEW: Status for calls and texts
* Block calls and texts from one person or the world
* Automatic reverse lookup for every number that is not in your contacts
* Manual reverse lookup for mystery calls on your home or work phone
* Add new contacts to your address book with one click
* Catch telemarketers, debt collectors, and other spammers before they waste your time
* Report spam calls and texts to warn other users
* Control what name other Mr. Number users see when you call them

---
Tags: caller-id, call-screening
---


title: GPS issue on Galaxy S when abroad

text:
# Question
Title: GPS issue on Galaxy S when abroad
I live in the Netherlands and own a Samsung Galaxy S running Froyo. Last week I was in the U.S and to my surprise, I was unable to get a GPS fix there. At home I usually get a GPS fix within a minute or so, but last week, I tried multiple times to get one for 10 minutes or longer without any success. Has somebody else encountered the same problem? Is there a solution/fix, so I can prevent this from happening in the future?

# Answer
> 5 votes
I've found the GPS Status app to be good for seeing what’s happening with the GPS sensor. It can also manually download AGPS data to improve the time to get a GPS fix.

According to the Wikipedia article on Assisted GPS, you need up to 12.5 minutes of continuous, clear signal to get a GPS fix without AGPS. It’s pure speculation on my part, but maybe your phone doesn’t download AGPS data automatically if you’re roaming and don’t have wifi.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If you have a rooted phone you can try the FasterFix app, it worked for me. You can set the continent where you are and the GPS get a lock in last than a minute.

# Answer
> 2 votes
IIRC there is a hidden menu that allows you to enable/disable automatic downloading of the GPS almanac via the data connection. Entering *#*#3214789650#*#* will bring you into the GPS test mode (with Android 2.2). Check the SUPL settings. See this great blog post for more information: http://www.androidng.com/fix-galaxy-s-gps Also xda-developers has a nice topic about a simple hardware fix for better and fester GPS fixes, you can find it here.

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, gps
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to erase my personal data without losing my apps?
I have an ADP1 running 2.2.1, and used it with my Google Account. I have to give it to a friend, and want to erase all my personal data viz. email, chat logs, photos in the gallery synced with picasa, and any other stuff that might be synced. But the problem is, I do not want to lose the apps. Is there a way to erase my data, without losing the apps?

# Answer
Backup your apps using Astro File Manager or MyBackupPro or Titanium Backup.

THEN perform a Factory reset to wipe everything.

Finally, from the backups, restore the Apps, but NOT the data. (Most backup apps allow you to do this.)

Be warned that some apps store data on the storage card, so a fresh install might still pick up the old data off your SD card. Be sure to erase your SD Card too.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Every program under 'Settings' - 'Applications' , 'Manage applications' has, when clicked a 'Clear data' button.

This should do what you want.

As far as I know, you will have to be rooted to have a program does this for you.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: applications, 2.2-froyo, sync, delete
---


# Question
Title: Why have i received a message that wasnt sent from the said sender?
I received a message in error yesterday, i am using the Samsung Galaxy. It wasnt sent by my friend, who i was chatting with over sms at that time, but i still received it and it shows time of sending at that time itself. I believe had received the same message from my friend around 2 months back, it may be the same message. Has this happened with anyone else?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Maybe the error is not in your phone, or your friend's one. Maybe the error is from your provider, or the provider of your friend.

In some situations the network will not deliver a SMS due to overload, or many other causes, if this occurs some carriers delay the deliver some time, maybe this is the case, the network detected some problem and delayed the delivery of the SMS, and now you received a message send some time ago (like sometimes happens on December 31th with overloaded networks, you end up receiving a "Happy new year!!" on January 4th)

---
Tags: sms
---


# Question
Title: Search Contacts with all Voice Search Commands?
Is there any way to integrate voice search's navigate to/directions to/map of commands with your contact list? If I want to go to Bob Jones's house, I don't want to go to Bob Jones Co.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Have you tried `navigate to bob jones home`?

You can use the label on the address when using the voice command. The above command is different than `navigate to bob jones work`.

*Update:* One thing to remember: Your contacts need to be accessible to the Google Servers. In other words, you need to be syncing to your Google account. The actual voice-to-text work is done on Google's servers, not on your phone. (Try using voice search while in Airline mode.) See this Google Support thread.

And, of course, your Contacts need to be in your "Searchable items". (I get there by hitting the search button, then the blue 'g' to the left, then the settings icon.)

# Answer
> 1 votes
Do you speak with a US accent? I'm in Aus and find the voice commands work far better if I try a US accent than my regular Australian drawl.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Voice Search for contacts only works with contact from the primary account setup on the Android phone. Also the primary account contact sync must be enable. I confirmed it by testing with my Galaxy S 4G. Since primary account on an Android phone must be a gmail account, this also means the voice search for contacts only works if the contact is stored in the gmail account. Since my main email account is with live.com, which I had setup on my Android phone using MS Exchange Sync, I came up with this is work around to allow Voice Search. I go to my Gmail account and add contacts that I like to be able to do voice search with. I made sure the contact only have names entered with no other information. This way, I can enable contact sync with the gmail account to perform voice search without allowing the gmail contact pollute the combined contact list on my Android phone. If you really don't want Gmail account to show up in your phone at all, you can always separate & then delete the gmail account from your other account. As long as the contact sync is enabled, the voice search will still work. The is kind of a pain, but too bad for me since I only care to add contacts to Gmail for relatively few people that I actually call/text often. It also helps that Gmail web interface was done in a way that is really easy to add contacts with just names.

---
Tags: contacts, voice-command
---


# Question
Title: Connect Android device as wifi adapter to a PC to create an ad-hoc network
Sometimes when being at a friends house there is no wifi but wired internet access.

In these cases it would be extremely useful if I could plug my phone in and create a wifi network just like when providing a wifi hotspot except that this time not the carriers data plan is used but the already available network access on the "host-PC".

Does anyone know if and how this is possible?

# Answer
> 3 votes
This appears to be a little over "USB Reverse-Tether" requirements :-)
You actually want to share your wired internet backwards over the WiFi of your android phone.
The reverse-tether, imo, ends at the point of being able to use your wired Internet over USB **from** your android phone. Now, pushing that over the phone's WiFi to other WiFi devices sounds like one step more.

I am not sure I have hard this done yet -- but, I'll certainly be happy to see this work.

The HTC feature of Internet pass-through for USB would do the reverse-tether.
Now, the next step is to make the phone 'bridge' that to its WiFi and allow others to connect through it.

Another support in some devices is when you can make your phone a 'hot-spot' to share its 3G/GPRS access over the WiFi. So, in theory, there has to be a way to reverse-tether the phone and then share that access over WiFi... but, I don't know how yet.

Hope, this answer helps others to focus on detail of this requirement.

As an alternative, you could use a USB WiFi dongle on the PC.
However, I understand your interest in getting a solution that will work with an android phone rather than carry a USB device for the purpose.

---
Tags: wi-fi, usb, tethering, reverse-tether, ad-hoc-networks
---


# Question
Title: What do the values in "Running Services" mean?
When I go to following path

**Settings : Applications : Running Services**

I see:

**Other: 78MB in 4**

**Avail: 109MB + 58MB in 8**

What does above mean?

Specially, \[78MB in 4\], \[109MB + 58MB\] and \[8\]

# Answer
As far as I know, it breaks down into this:

* **Other:** This is RAM that is unavailable right now because it's in use by services that are actually running (it might be ones that can't be killed, in fact). Using your example, there's 78 MB of RAM in use by 4 processes, hence "78 in 4".
* **Avail:** The first number here is the amount of RAM that is completely free and not allocated to any process (the 109 MB in your example). The second number is allocated but the process is in a state where it can be deallocated. Thus, "58 MB in 8" means there are 8 processes that are currently holding 58 MB of memory, but they are paused/frozen in the background and that 58 MB can be reclaimed by the OS if an active process needs it.

Edit: As Jake pointed out in the comment below, you can find a description in this entry on the Android Developers Blog (scroll all the way to the bottom).
> 5 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, settings
---


# Question
Title: I enabled Google Cloud-Print but what can I do with it now on my phone?
According to the page http://www.google.com/support/cloudprint/, I should now be able to print gmail mails :

**Answer taken from this page:**

*How do I print to my Google Cloud Printer?*

*\+ The steps you take to print will vary from application to application.*

*\- On Chrome notebooks, ...*

**\- On Gmail and Google Docs for mobile, click the menu in the top right corner and select Print.**

Notice the `click the menu in the top right corner and select Print`.

I don't see such a button or looking at the wrong place.

**UPDATE - ADDITION**

Because I don't think this should qualify as a new question: I want to add this to my original: **what native Android applications support Google Cloud-Print ?**

# Answer
You will not find this setting in Android's Gmail app, but on the Gmail mobile site (accessed via Browser) it's here:
> 6 votes

---
Tags: cloud, printing
---


# Question
Title: What can I expect from the "Pure Google" Nexus S 4G?
Sprint recently announced that they are going to sell the Nexus S, and that it will be "Pure Google", implying that there will not be any additional carrier fluff on the device. I am considering buying the phone, but I'm hoping others who already have the Nexus S or Nexus One can tell me a little bit about what to expect.

* **Are the updates timely?** With my HTC Hero, I found that I had to wait a long time for updates for the OS, and eventually it stopped receiving updates, leading me to install Cyanogenmod for Froyo/Gingerbread. Will I be getting updates for new versions of Android almost as soon as Google releases it?
* **Can I tether?** I'm assuming that if this is "Pure Google", it will not have restrictions on it such as grayed out tethering buttons. Is that a valid assumption? Or do I need to root the phone? If I root, do I still get OTA updates? This segues to the next question..
* **What can I not do without root access?** I understand that if I want to install a different boot loader or Cyanogenmod or something, I need root access. But if we're looking at day to day activities, is there functionality that I will be missing without root access?

And any other factual comments about things I may not have considered that's materially different from running a carrier-fluffed phone would be greatly appreciated!

# Answer
I have a Nexus S for T-Mobile, and I've enjoyed it so far.

1. There's only been one update for the Nexus S so far, to 2.3.3. I didn't get it the first day, so I installed it myself.
2. Unless Sprint turns it off, you should be able to tether. I can both over Wifi and USB.
3. I have never needed to root, and I'm a rather advanced Android user. You can unlock the bootloader without doing anything fancy on the Nexus S.

I truly enjoy having a clean phone. There are a few apps installed by Google that I can't remove (with root you can), but they don't bug me much. It doesn't have the load of crapware that most carriers apply, and it definitely does not have the various awful custom UIs manufacturers feel they need to add.

It runs fast for everything I do, including some light gaming; I generally wait till I'm at my PC to game, but it plays Angry Birds and Robot Unicorn Attack just fine.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, vanilla-android, 4g, sprint
---


# Question
Title: Error while running debian on Arm6 based phone
I have cynogenmod7 on my optimus one phone. I followed this guide to run debian on it. When I give this command:

```
busybox mount -o loop,noatime $kit/debian.img $mnt

```

I get a `no loop device, file doesn’t exist error`. I tried setting up more loop devises like loop1, loop2 so on, even tried loop99 but still I got the same error. Is there any work-around this issue?

# Answer
Make sure you follow the tutorial exactly unless you know what you're doing (well, unless you know what you're doing, you shouldn't be attempting to install foreign system, like Debian, over Android; the tutorial said it clearly: `If you are following this tutorial only because you want to /flex on your friends and you don't know anything about linux, then you really _should_ stop reading this tutorial.`).

Make sure that the shell variables `$kit` and `$mnt` are defined and have the appropriate values (if you follow the tutorial correctly, then `$kit` should have the value `/system/sd` and `$mnt` should have the value `/data/local/mnt`).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: linux
---


title: How GPS works in android phone

text:
# Question
Title: How GPS works in android phone
I want to know how GPS works on android phone. Does it send any identification data to service providers/phone manufacturers/Map providers?

I recently read a new about IPhone tracking users - http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/21/apple-tracking-location-database/.

I am using Samsung android phone. How can be sure that nobody is tracking me even if I keep my GPS on for my running app tracking?

Thanks.

# Answer
If you enabled "My Location" in `Settings > Location & Security > Use wireless networks` then your Cell/Wifi and/or GPS data will be sent to Google to triangulate your location if there is an application in the phone that requested for location. Your GPS data may also be sent to Google if you're using Google Latitude, Google Navigation, location-aware search, or use other location-based services.

Third party applications may also track your location, read their privacy policy before installing those applications if you're concerned.

EDIT: According to Android Central

> Android does the same sort of thing, boys and girls. And it's supposed to. But it does it right. Instead of saving days and weeks and months of location data, it saves the 50 most recent cellular GPS locations, and 200 most recent Wifi fixes. And it's stored in a little file on your phone.
>
> ...
>
> You can shut off Android's location services and stop further caching of location data. It's in Settings\>Location & Security.
> 10 votes

---
Tags: gps, gps-tracking
---


# Question
Title: Motorola Defy Gallery app is crashing upon start
I have for a couple weeks a Motorola Defy with Android 2.1 (Eclair), since today the **Gallery app crashes upon start**, the screen is shown for a less than a second and then it dies. The only odd thing I did was adding a ".nomedia" file to directories where I store music so that the disc covers would not show up on the Gallery app. How can I fix that? Can I reset just that app?

Thanks

# Answer
Have you tried `Settings > Applications > Manage applications > Gallery > Clear data`?
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, gallery, motorola-defy, crashes
---


# Question
Title: How to add Android StackExchange RSS feed to HTC news reader app
I've been trying to add https://android.stackexchange.com/feeds to my RSS feeds in the News application on my HTC Desire Z. However it doesn't "find" any results. I just want to add this URL as it is instead of searching for it. Isn't this possible?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I would recommend another way of fetching RSS feeds to your cell phone:

1. Synchronize News Reader to your Google Account (to read news from Google Reader - it should be available there)
2. From your 'big' computer add this URL (http://android.stackexchange.com/feeds) to your subscription in Google Reader.
3. You should see news from Android.SE in your News Reader after its next sync with Google Reader.

# Answer
> 0 votes
You may have already done all this but I will detail the steps I just took to add this to my HTC Evo. It worked so maybe there is something different I'm doing. First off I have never used the News app before.

1. Opened the News app
2. Deleted all default feeds
3. Clicked "Add Feed"
4. Clicked "Add from URL"
5. Entered in the URL you have above
6. Clicked "Done"
7. Feed Appeared with 30 unread.

Then to see if maybe you had typed the URL incorrectly on your device, I entered almost the exact same URL with one letter off and I got a warning that the feed was incorrect. So since you didn't mention this I'm guessing thats not your issue.

If none of this helped - can you add any other feeds or its just the android.stackexchange feed that isn't working?

---
Tags: htc-desire, rss
---


# Question
Title: How do I open a Photo attached to a text Message?
I have just bought a Samsung Galaxy S and have been sent a Text message with a photo but cannot find out how to open the photo to view when I touch the message thread it just comes up with message details help please still trying to get used to the phone and cannot find in manual!!!!

# Answer
Try this:

1. On the messaging app, (without opening any thread), tap on the menu key and go to Settings.
    1. Scroll down to Multimedia message (MMS) Settings section and turn off "Auto-retrieve"
    2. Next time you view the message, the message will display a download button.
    3. Make sure your mobile data is on, and tap on the button. The image will be retrieved and displayed inline on Galaxy S.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: sms, mms
---


# Question
Title: Can Android differentiate between headphones and headset?
Regardless if I plug in a headset or headphones (without a microphone), I get a headset icon in my notification bar.

I would expect Android to use the builtin microphone in case normal headphones are connected, so I do not have to unplug my phones when someone calls.

Alternatively, is there an app or widget to manually toggle between headphone and headset mode?

I have an HTC Desire with CyanogenMod 7, so I am not sure if it is a problem with CM7 or Android in general.

# Answer
You can see the details of this at the Android developer documentation, but an app can definitely tell if a wired device plugged into the audio jack has a microphone or not. I will tell you that this information is not always accurate or consistent across devices though, as I have experienced with my own app Hearing Saver. Sometimes different phones send different codes for this particular bit of information, so if you are experiencing difficulties with certain apps not recognizing your headset, I'd get into contact with the developer of that app.
> 4 votes

# Answer
This is a Droid running CM 6.1.2.

There doesn't seem to be any appreciable difference between the headset and headphones other than the wired vs. wireless indicator.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: headphones, headphone-jack
---


# Question
Title: How can I share from my image gallery on Facebook?
Do I have to install the Facebook application on CyanogenMod 7 RC3 to share on Facebook from my image gallery?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Yeah, you need to install the Facebook application, since it adds the option on the drop menu. Then follow this instructions after you installed it correctly:

1. Tap and hold an image
2. The screen will change to be possible to select multiple images
3. Select the images you want to post on Facebook
4. Hit Share on the bar
5. Then Facebook

---
Tags: facebook, gallery, share-menu
---


# Question
Title: How to change the default saved user and password for sites in browser?
A friend borrowed my phone and logged in to a website with it (and logged out). However, after that, his account became my browser's default account for that site. Every time I try to log in to the website, the user and password fields become automatically filled with his user and password. This is very annoying because I have to delete these and type my user id and password repeatedly. Is there any way to change/clear the default id and password?

The browser is Galaxy S stock browser, and the OS version is 2.2.

**\[edit\]** Another question: Why did his account become the default? I mean, I logged in repeatedly before and after his logging in, but his one-time login gets picked as the default,

# Answer
Lie Ryan’s answer is probably the ultimate solution but it might be worth trying the less severe clear options first. That is, try the browser clear options in the following order: history, cache, all cookie data, form data and finally passwords. One of those lesser options might just resolve the issue, without having to lose all of your saved passwords.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I don't think it's possible to clear only a single saved password in the stock Browser, but you can do `Menu > More > Settings > Clear passwords` to clear all saved password.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: browser, accounts
---


# Question
Title: Why does my notification bar get stuck on Galaxy S?
The notification bar on my Samsung Galaxy S with Froyo has a nasty habit of getting stuck. When this happens and I try to pull it down, the (I don't know what to call it) "dragging bar" appears, but I'm unable to pull it down.

I can access the notifications bar by going to the home screen, tapping the left button and tapping "notifications", but I can't access it any other way.

Is there a way to keep this from happening?

Is there any way to unstick it, other than restarting the phone?

This is the screen before I try to pull down the bar:

This is the screen after, with the notification bar stuck:

(I actually took the screenshots in opposite order, which is why the clock is out of order in the two pictures).

# Answer
Update your phone to Gingerbread and this problem will go away. I upgraded my Galaxy S to 2.3.3 and haven't ever since seen this problem, which still happened with 2.2.1 Froyo.
> 4 votes

# Answer
I HAVE FOUND A WORKAROUND!!!

First some details. This happens on the Galaxy S when you try to open the notification bar during high load. A reboot will reset it. But if you don't want to reboot:

Do this QUICKLY: Tap the notification bar, just before releasing it tap on the bottom half of the screen, release the finger from notification bar, release the finger from the bottom half of the screen.

This will trigger the notification bar to FULLY OPEN ITSELF!
> 4 votes

# Answer
I don't know if this is your problem or not, but I occasionally get this on my Droid X. For me, it seems that it's stuck if I try to slide down from the notification bar and nothing happens. However, if I start sliding down from the "pull-down bar", then it will move with my finger (i.e. starting on top of the "pull-down bar" rather than on the notification bar).

Another possibility is that your touchscreen could have some "dead areas" that cause this. Can you reproduce this in landscape mode as well or is it only in portrait mode? Perhaps an app to test all touchscreen areas might help identify whether or not this could be the culprit.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I have a Galaxy S Captivate, and do see this occasionally. It only happens for me if I try to pull the notifications down while the phone is very busy doing something else, like installing/updating an app.

It goes away for me by simply just pushing it back to the top then pulling down again.
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have this very problem, occasionally it'll make it half way down before sticking, and it's driving me nuts.

Someone pointed out it's most likely to do with RAM usage, clearing of which does seem to help for a period of time but isn't a permanent fix. I've tried changing launchers (from Zeam back to Touchwiz to LauncherPro) and applying a lagfix, both of which seemed to work, again for a time, but it has since come back. I've uninstalled my newest applications and haven't nailed down an exact culprit but there must be something hiding in there as this is a relatively recent occurence.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-s, notification-bar
---


# Question
Title: How can I use Google Play without storing any Google account information on my phone?
I am using HTC Wildfire handset, but I think following question applies to all Android-based handsets.

My Google Account has been added under

```
Settings
-> Accounts & Sync
--> Google (under Manage Accounts)

```

When I click on "Google", I get following options

```
Sync Contacts
Sync GMail
Sync Calendar

```

**In Accounts & Sync option, I have turned off (unchecked following options)**

```
Background Data
Auto sync

```

NOTE: I have turned off Background Data, and Auto Sync before adding my Google Account.

I want to get apps and games from Market, but **I don't want to sync any of my Google Account data with my phone i.e., there should not be any traces of my Google Account in my phone**.

How can I do it?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Beyond what you've already done, you can't. The Market requires you to have your Google Account added to your phone, and this naturally stores data such as your email address even if you don't sync email.

---
Tags: google-play-store, google-account, accounts
---


# Question
Title: How to restore the active applications widget in home screen?
In the home screen of my Galaxy Tab I accidentally deleted the widget which showed me the active applications running in the background. Can anyone tell me how I can restore this?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Sounds to me like you deleted a widget. Long-press on a home screen, choose Widgets from the popup menu, and see if there's one matching your description.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Try pressing and holding the HOME button (hardware button in the bottom row) - that should pop up a screen listing recently opened apps. I believe the Galaxy Tab's interface has been modified to include a TASK MANAGER button. Is that what you're looking for?

# Answer
> 2 votes
I think you are talking about the **program monitor widget**: long press anywhere on your home screen, choose `Widgets` and select the `Program Monitor` from the list.

---
Tags: app-widgets
---


# Question
Title: What is meant by the Nexus S being a "developer Phone"?
I have heard lots of times that the Nexus S is a "developer phone". What exactly does it mean?

# Answer
It primarily means that the boot loader is unlocked so it is much easier to upload ROM's for testing. Additionally the default installation will be the original AOSP version of the code and include root access to the phone's software.

It does not mean that the hardware is a "test" model. It's a fully developed phone. What it doesn't have is more important than what it does have. What it doesn't have is the additional locks and proprietary junk that a carrier modified phone normally has.
> 9 votes

# Answer
It does mean that you'll have a stock AOSP android on it, and you will not have to do any tricks to get root access on your phone.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, stock-android
---


title: Android for Nokia Nokia 5230

text:
# Question
Title: Android for Nokia Nokia 5230
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Can I install Android on my non-Android device?

Is it possible to Port Android to Nokia 5230?

I would love to run Android OS on my Nokia.

# Answer
It might be possible. But you (I mean the royal "you", as in "a community of competent and dedicated developers") would need to write Android-specific drivers for every piece of hardware in that phone: CPU, RAM, screen, 2G/3G radios, flash storage controller(s), WLAN, bluetooth, etc.

Also, seeing how this particular handset's specs are very dated, even compared to the very first Android phone HTC Dream, a.k.a. T-Mobile G1 (434MHz ARM11 CPU Vs. 528MHz ARM6, 128MB RAM Vs. 192MB, 70MB internal memory Vs. 256MB) it might not be able to run any "modern" android version. Android 1.5, a.k.a. "Cupcake" might run on it (assuming it can fit into the measly ROM,) but it would most likely be very slow and unstable. You are probably better off sticking with SymbianOS 9 on your Nokia 5230 until you can upgrade to an official Android handset.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: rom-flashing
---


title: Dial-by-name in Froyo?

text:
# Question
Title: Dial-by-name in Froyo?
I recently installed 2.2.2 (official update from my provider) on my Virgin Mobile Samsung Intercept. Among other changes, this ROM uses the stock UI instead of the Touch Wiz interface from Samsung. One thing I'm having a hard time putting up with is the lack of a call-by-name feature. In 2.1, I used to be able to call "Bob" by dialing 26 (B O) and then selecting Bob from the list. Is there a way to make 2.2 do this? If it was a Touch Wiz thing, is there an app I can install to bring this functionality back?

Thanks!

# Answer
You can use an alternate Dialing app like Dialer One or GoContacts. What you're looking for is a T9 dialer.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, 2.2-froyo, phone-app
---


# Question
Title: HTTP Connection refused while connecting to a server
I am using my Android device to talk to my *WAMP server* .

I am sending bits via`http` connection to a script on `/www/` directory.

But in *logcat*, I am getting the following error :

```
~error in http connection org.apache.http.conn.HttpHostConnectException :Connection to xx.xx.xx.xx:8080  was refused ! ~

```

`xx.xx.xx.xx` is my IP address !

Help needed asap .

Thanks

# Answer
Please check the following:

1. You can access to your server and port with your browser
2. Your emulator has 3G or WiFi enabled
3. Your emulator's browser can access to the server and port
> 1 votes

# Answer
Either your server is refusing connection or one of the routers between your phone and the server (e.g. your carrier's router) is refusing connection.

Try connecting to the server from another device (preferrably from a Wifi connection), if your connection is refused from that other device as well, then it is almost definitely a server configuration issue and this question should be asked on SuperUser or ServerFault.

Your question is way too vague to be answerable, you will need to answer these questions (hint: you can edit your question, then put a comment to notify your answerers):

1. There is no such thing as a device "talking" to another device. What do you mean by "talking" to the server? Is your server serving static HTML pages, CGI scripts, or is it some kind of media streaming server?
2. Is the IP address the server's local IP address (e.g. looks like 127.0.0.xxx or 192.168.xxx.xxx, or is it the server's public IP address?
3. Can you access this server from other devices? What have you tried?
4. How are you connecting to the serve from the Android? Is it over Wifi or over 3G?
> 1 votes

---
Tags: logging
---


# Question
Title: How do I switch the shutter sound on the Samsung Galaxy?
I have gone into my camera settings and selected the shutter sound I want but still, no sound when I use the camera.

Is this a fault, or am I missing something?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Go into Settings and there's an option for "Shutter Sound". You can choose between three different sounds and off.

*I'm assuming you mean the Galaxy S and not the Galaxy Tab.*

click images for larger variants

*via DroidBar.net*

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same problem - but discovered that I had system volume turned right down in Settings/Sound/Volume :)

---
Tags: samsung, camera
---


# Question
Title: Can the Dolphin browser be configured so that the toolbar doesnt scroll along with web pages?
Can the Dolphin browser be configured so that the toolbar doesnt scroll along with web pages?

As you scroll down a web page the browser toolbar scrolls off the screen. Is there a means of fixing its position?

# Answer
> 1 votes
I guess the reason why you don't want the toolbar to scroll with the webpage is because you don't want to scroll up when you want to type a new address. I don't use Dolphin so I can't tell by first-hand experience, but according to this, you can double tap anywhere on the page to show the toolbar so you don't need to scroll up to type addresses.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Use the hard menu key on your device to get the tool bar back.

---
Tags: browser, dolphin-browser
---


# Question
Title: Install default Android 2.2 / 2.3 on Optimus One
I have this LG Optimus One P500h and I was thinking about formatting and installing the default/original **Android 2.2** (2.3 would be great) since LG modified the homescreen, keyboard and other stuffs.

Is this possible? Is this safe? Is this insane?

Thanks for your help

# Answer
There's a "beta" version of CyanogenMod 7 for the Optimus One over at the XDA forums which you could try out. There also appear to be a couple of builds that are derived from CM but mix in different tweaks and patches to the kernel and whatnot (one such build here, also Gingerbread).

CyanogenMod \- if you're not already familiar with it - is essentially a vanilla Android experience but with some nice additional settings and improvements. They build from the Android source code and then add some patches of their own. I think one of the few plainly noticeable differences is that they use ADW Launcher as a home app instead of the stock Gingerbread one, but I think the GB launcher is floating around on the Market somewhere. ADW is nice anyway, though.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: 2.3-gingerbread, rom-flashing, rom, lg-optimus-one
---


# Question
Title: Easiest way to reduce power consumption to phone only
Sometimes I'm in a situation where I can't charge and want to have phone service as long as possible. I won't care if nothing else is enabled.

What's the easiest way eliminate as much other power consumption as possible? Minimal apps, no sync, no data, GPS, Bluetooth.

I'm configured to easily turn off all the radios (BT, Wifi, GPS), but I'd like to strip down as much else that burns power as possible without spending a lot of time reconfiguring.

...AND I'd like to be able to return to normal use just as easily (rebooting would be fine for this, too).

In my case, needs to work on CDMA network, too.

# Answer
See my related answer about battery conservation.

In your case, you want your phone to become a "dumb" phone. Use APNDroid to cut off your data. There's even a widget to make it a one button press. Other than that, keep your screen dim and you should be good to go.
> 4 votes

# Answer
Gingerbread (2.3) has the setting:

> Settings-\>Wireless & network settings-\>Mobile Networks-\>Data Enabled

for turning off mobile data without needing an app. Dunno if this is specific to Gingerbread - it's my first android and I've had it for less than a week,...
> 2 votes

---
Tags: hardware, battery-life
---


title: Is internal storage formatting harmful?

text:
# Question
Title: Is internal storage formatting harmful?
I have been messing around with my Archos 7 Home Tablet V1, and have currently installed this ROM.
Now when I go to Settings -\> SD card & device storage, Total space under SD card is "Unavailable", and Available space under internal flash storage is 0.00B.

I also cannot browse through the internal or SD card with explorer.
I have tried formatting the SD card on the device, by pressing Format SD card in this menu, but that did not change anything.
Now when I connect it through USB to my computer, Windows 7 tells me that I have to format the INTERNAL memory before I can acess this.

My question is: Can I "safely" (I mean, will it not brick it? I understand if no-one can be sure about that ;) ) do this while the tablet is running, then reset it, and flash it again? Or will I be able to say bye bye to it when I do this?

Also, what is the default filesystem on the internal memory? fat32, fat, or what is it?

Thanks in advance!

-René

# Answer
Alright, on the forum thread of that specific cusom rom (linked in question), someone said that he re-formatted through Windows with FAT32 as type. So I tried this as well.

While the device was on, I plugged in the USB cable, and put it into lock. Then, as usual, the drives showed up in Windows (SD and Internal that is), and it forced me to format the internal drive in order to acess it. Pressed ok, then formatted with FAT32. After format, I did not even pull the device off the lock, I just quickly pressed the reset button on the back. Then flashed it, and turned it on.

It works perfectly! Now I have Android 2.1 instead of that less-worthy 1.5 build!

Thank you to everyone who proceded help :)
> 2 votes

# Answer
I suggest you to format the internal memory since it won't clean the ROM memory, just the place where your personal files, applications and other stuff like this are stored. Then flash the ROM again. This might solve your problem.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, rom, formatting
---


# Question
Title: Why am I getting a "Low on Space" warning and having other weird problems?
Yesterday I got a warning that the "phone storage space is low." Because of that I can't receive SMS messages. I tried to uninstall applications - the system shows me that the application is being uninstalled but after restart I see the application again (i.e. I tried to remove Adobe AIR - 16 MB). Also when I try to delete threads of messages, it doesn't delete theme. The weirdest thing is that after I "free" space and I check the internal storage in the system phone storage setting, I see that the available space in the internal phone storage is lower than before...

Moreover I can't install any application that can help me: cache cleaner or something else.

Does someone know how to overcome this problem?

# Answer
first thing you should check is if you can move large applications to SD. Go to

> Settings, Applications, Manage applications, All

There you can select applications and check if they can be moved to your SD card. After you've moved some applications to your SD card you will be able to install other applications and get back the functionality you've been missing.

A similar question to have a look at is question 5519
> 1 votes

# Answer
I've had similar issues with my Droid Incredible. What I've found is that unmounting and then remounting the SD card (Settings-\>SD & phone storage-\>Unmount SD card) usually resolves the issue.
> 0 votes

# Answer
Since you can't install those cache cleaner apps, sometimes clearing the Browser's cache would help. However, you will keep getting this problem.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, internal-storage
---


# Question
Title: Is there any way to force market to update and install apps one at a time?
I'm having problems with my Samsung galaxy Captivate where whenever I attempt to update all the apps in market, every single app begins downloading and installing all at the same time and the result is always the same, it crashes (20+ simultaneous downloads and installs would definably overrun any system!).

Is there any way to set it such that android is only allowed to download and install a single app at a time? I want to be able to run the batch updates but I want them to be queued up as opposed to all running at once and overwhelming my system.

# Answer
If you use AppBrain it does downloads sequentially. Unfortunately you'll still need to click "Okay" for each to start the download but it'll save you a few taps.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: google-play-store, updates
---


# Question
Title: How can I know the directories used by an application
I've been testing some dictionaries the last few days and right now I've my SDCard with plenty of directories with many MB of data that belongs to those dictionaries.
How can I find out for a particular application (may be other than a dictionary) the list of directories it's using?

# Answer
You can't, unless the particular app provides a way. The Android OS doesn't manage or keep track of where apps decide to write on the SD card.
> 7 votes

---
Tags: applications, storage, files
---


# Question
Title: How do I create a Favorite Contacts shortcut on Droid X?
On the motorola Droid X there is a favorite contacts shortcut. I'd like to add this on another screen but I can't figure out how to create a new one. Any ideas?

# Answer
while all of the above is true, you can simply click menu -\> add -\> shortcut -\> dialer -\> favorites to recreate the shortcut if you accidenatlly delete it. that is if you are talking about the little red icon with the star that takes you to the favorites tab in the dialer.
> 1 votes

# Answer
* "long touch" on the screen (the wallpaper) so the *Add to Home screen* option opens.
* touch *Motorola widgets*
* touch *Contact quick tasks*
* choose the contact you want to add
* choose the contact method(s)
* done!
> 1 votes

# Answer
Some widgets might only be able to be placed once. If you only want one instance of it, but on another screen, just long click (click on the widget and keep your click/pressure on it or keep your finger pressed to the screen) till you have control of it. On my Android device I feel a vibrate and the widget shakes on the screen. Then just move it where ever you want. To go to another screen hold the widget to the edge of that screen and you should be on the the next screen.

Another tip that might be easier than moving apps and widgets on homescreens, just long click on them till you have control and remove them by dragging to the bottom of the screen. Then go to the screen you want and add it. Long click on an empty space of the homescreen and choose "widgets" then find your widget and add it.

Update: So at the very top of my widget list is something that says, "Get more HTC widgets". You could see if you have that. Not sure if Motorola has their own option there or not.

Also try looking at your widget list and then see if you have "Contacts" or "People". On my phone I have "People" and that allows me to add one of those favorite listings for my contacts.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: contacts, motorola-droid-x, contact-shortcut
---


# Question
Title: Can Opera Mini or Mobile be configured to set the page title as the subject when sharing as email?
Can Opera Mini or Mobile be configured to set the page title as the subject when sharing as email?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Short answer - no. There are advanced options accessible by typing the URL `opera:advanced` , but most of those deal with the rendering engine.

---
Tags: browser, opera-mini, opera-browser
---


# Question
Title: What changed between versions of the Amazon Appstore?
The original version of the Amazon Appstore was v1.07002, and it appears to still be working fine, so the upgrade to the new version (v1.07003) is apparently not mandatory (unsuprising, given the tiny version increment). What is the difference between these two versions? Is there a release log anywhere?

**Edit:** I believe it's at v1.11 now, feel free to generalize this question.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As of v1.11 (possibly before?), the app itself now contains the changelist. Just press the Menu button, hit More, hit Settings, and scroll down.

# Answer
> 6 votes
After you posted this I got curious too but I couldn't find a change log. I emailed Amazon support and asked what changed and where I could find a release log and here's what they said:

> Unfortunately we do not have a change log detailing the changes made between versions of the Amazon Appstore app.
>
> I will forward your feedback on to the Appstore team who will take them into consideration. Customer feedback like yours is what allows us to continue to improve and provide a quality product and experience.
>
> If you have any other feedback please let us know via email or at 1-866-749-7771
>
> Thanks for contacting Amazon.

This is actually the most direct answer I've gotten. I've emailed them a couple other questions and got boilerplate responses that looked like they were for different questions.

---
Tags: updates, amazon-appstore
---


# Question
Title: How can I make the stock browser stop asking which browser I want to use?
I have a number of browsers installed on my phone. I haven't set any as the default because some pages simply render better on some browsers than on others.

When I use the stock browser, *every single time* I click a link it asks me what browser I want to use. I'd like it to get the hint that if I chose the stock browser for this current session, then it should open the links in the stock browser and stop asking me.

Is there any way for me to stop the stock browser from asking me this without making it the default?

# Answer
No. Android works with intents. Opening a link is asking for an intent to open an url. If you have more than 1 browser and you haven't set a default, Android will ask you which one to choose.

I can imagine certain browsers not following this rule of starting an intent and just stay in their own program but that's all as the program decide to handle it.
> 8 votes

# Answer
The default Android behavior has no option for this. Like you mentioned you'll always get the question on each start of a browser intent (that is asking android to open an url in a browser). The only way to stop this is to select one and set it as a default.

On the other hand, once you're in a browser session the programmer of the browser could implement the request of a given url to be handled by itself, rather than starting a new browser intent. That would overcome your issue.

If you then start a browser intent to view a url you'll get the android option to select a browser. And the next urls will just be opened in the same browser. In other words it really depends on the implementation of that browser.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: default-applications, stock-browser
---


# Question
Title: Can I set the default browser differently for different websites?
I have the following browsers on my phone:

* stock
* Dolphin Mini
* Opera Mobile
* Firefox

I don't want to set a catch-all default because some pages render better on some browsers than on others.

When I click on a link on a non-browser app (e.g. google search or google reader) it asks me which browser to choose (as expected). Can I set a default browser for some pages and a different default for others?

# Answer
There seems to be an app called "Browser Auto Selector" which looks like it will allow you to associate a domain with a browser. Here is the link to the page on AppBrain for the app, http://www.appbrain.com/app/browser-auto-selector-free/info.usamimi.kfc9.superakiraman.browserchooser\_free
> 4 votes

---
Tags: browser, default-applications
---


title: Delete APN on LG-P500

text:
# Question
Title: Delete APN on LG-P500
The LG-P500 does not allow to delete/disable MMS APN. The problem is that if I define my own APN, the original one, which cannot be deleted, is still used by messaging application...

Anybody knows how I can put there my own APN instead of the operator defined one?

BR STeN

# Answer
Did you try adding the messaging settings to the APN you created? You can add both webs as mms settings and then select that APN.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: settings, mms, lg-optimus-one, apn
---


# Question
Title: Recorded video visible on device, but not other media players once uploaded
When I record videos with the rear-facing camera on my Archos 43 Internet Tablet, I am able to watch those recordings on my device, but when I attempt to upload them to online video sharing sites like youtube or blip.tv, they aren't properly recognized or converted. Likewise, when I transfer them to my computer, I can't play the video file correctly. If I transfer the file back to my device, it plays just fine.

I know that the device produces \*.mp4 video files.

How can I convert these (corrupted?) videos so that I can see them on my computer and upload them to video sharing sites?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
MP4 is a container that can contain different video codecs, it sounds like your device is creating its videos using an unusual codec that not many other devices have loaded by default. As Seth and Hcpl have said VLC Player can play almost any format and should be able to play your videos.

If you want to know what codec is being used, then try opening the video in a codec identifying app like GSpot, this should tell you exactly which audio and video formats and codecs are in your videos.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Try installing another player with support for many codecs, like VLC. If that one plays the video's well your Android device is OK and probably using a non supported codec.

---
Tags: video, archos-gen8, video-recording
---


title: How do I root Cruz Tablet?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I root Cruz Tablet?
I am relatively new to the Android scene, and have recently bought my first official android-powered device. The cruz tablet was just $199 at Best Buy so I figured I culd give it a try. Unfortunately, it's very limited. I can live with the hardware shortcomings (no camera, no Bluetooth), but I want access to the full Android Market.

I believe a rooting is in order. Can someone please point me in the direction of rooting instructions for this device? Is rooting the same for each Android device? I haven't found much info on the net about this particular tablet. Anything I can learn from here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Thomas

# Answer
> 2 votes
I have a rooted Velocity Micro Cruz T301 (now running on Android 2.2 Froyo). You can find instructions for any Cruz tablet on Slatedroid forums.

So far this forum is the best source of info on this tablets.

---
Tags: google-play-store, rooting
---


# Question
Title: Installing the official Froyo for Nook Color on a rooted device
Last week I installed Honeycomb on my Nook Color, and today I found out that B&N released an official Froyo build for it, which I would like to try. I downloaded the update from here, and put the zip on my MicroSD already installed with ClockworkMod Recovery v3.0.1.0.

I started the Nook, formatted Data, System & Boot (in this order), and tried to install nookcolor\_1\_2\_update.zip from the SD. The installer said "Can't open /sdcard/nookcolor\_1\_2\_update.zip (bad)". I coped the file again to make sure it's not related to the unmount of the SD from my PC, and I also opened the file in WinRAR on my PC to verify that it's valid (it is).

What am I missing? I'm very new to Android and try to learn what I can from the web, so sorry if this is a super-newbie question...

# Answer
> 1 votes
I believe that the official 1.2 update will only install on top of an official firmware (1.0, 1.0.1, 1.1.0,) and only with the stock recovery, not ClockworkMod.

You will need to revert your Nook Color to one of these "stock" firmware versions before trying to upgrade to 1.2. Alternatively, there are a few Clockwork Recovery-friendly versions of the 1.2 upgrade that will not require going back to stock first.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, updates, clockworkmod-recovery, root-access, nook-color
---


# Question
Title: samsung market not working on static ip and static proxy wifi
I own a android 2.2 based samsung galaxy tab. When i tried connecting through the proxy server on wifi at my office only the browser is able to connect to internet through static ip address, but rest none of the applications were able to connect to internet and this wifi via static ip and proxy settings.

Can some one help ?

# Answer
Your router in the office is blocking ports - while accepting port 80 for http requests.

Contact your administrator.

I know , at my office , our admin had to change some settings ( but I don't know what ports were necessary ).
> 3 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-tab, proxy
---


title: What does Android 2.2.1 bring?

text:
# Question
Title: What does Android 2.2.1 bring?
Compared to 2.2, what does 2.2.1 bring that's new please?

Thank you.

# Answer
> 7 votes
I'm not aware of an official changelog anywhere, but you can look at the commit log on the git repository here. Anything between the `2.2_r1.3` tag and the `2.2.1_r1` tag was a change added in 2.2.1.

The summary: it's basically just bugfixes, hence why it's a smaller increment (as opposed to `2.2->2.3`, for example).

Note: If you're getting a 2.2.1 update from a carrier then they may have added other changes to their own software, so the above applies to the Android OS itself and not any additional components.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Only for **Samsung Galaxy S** ( *but nevertheless very, very important* ): **speed, speed, speed**.

My Galaxy is much, much quicker in handling all things - the lag that was present in previous versions up and including 2.2 is completely gone.

Update: maybe not only for Samsung Galaxy S ( come to think of it ) , but I have only the Samsung Galaxy S at my disposal.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo
---


# Question
Title: Google Apps won't flash on HTC Desire (Cyanogenmod)
One of my co-workers has a HTC Desire CDMA phone and is having a problem with flashing CM7 with Google Apps. It flashes CM7 just fine, and it even says that it installs the Google Apps zip (the GB version) just fine, but in reality, it isn't flashing any of the Google applications. I can try manually flashing the gapps zip file and it will still say it installs successfully, but there are still no Google Apps on the phone.

What else can I try to get Google Apps installed on his phone?

# Answer
Some people are reporting success by simply wiping data and cache first, then flashing the ROM, wiping cache again, then flashing the Gapps package. Thread on the CM forums here (from CM 6.1.1, don't know if it's a related or similar problem, though).

The flash might not work on a 2.x release of CWM. You can get 3.0.0.5 here, but I don't know how stable it is right now. The filesystem changed to `ext4` in Gingerbread and I know the 2.x releases aren't really supported on other devices. They also changed from one update scripting language to another, which I think is related. It creates generally weird behavior from what I've read...

Edit: Also looks like you can get CWM 3.0.2.8 from the CyanogenMod Forums now.

Some relevant discussion can be found on XDA here (from the Desire HD section).

**Edit:** Since Bryan noted that this solved it for him in the comments: It's also possible to simply push the apps manually onto the system partition. The safest way is probably to boot into recovery, then just mount `/system` as rw and `adb push` the .apk files to `/system/app`. You probably *could* do it from a regular boot (not in recovery) but it might cause some weird behavior (and I have not personally tried this).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, htc-desire, google-apps
---


# Question
Title: How to unlock Nexus S 2.3.3 bootloader without having to wipe all device data?
The usual way is to execute:

```
fastboot oem unlock

```

But this will erase all my private data.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device.

You can however get root access without unlocking the boot loader.

If you then still want to unlock the bootloader, as you already have root access you can follow Sparx's advice and use a back up app before doing so.

# Answer
> 0 votes
What if you backed up all your data using Titanium Backup / MyBackup Pro or some such app, then unlocked the bootloader and finally restored the data?

That would then leave you with (after some effort) an unlocked phone and your data.

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, fastboot, bootloader, bootloader-lock
---


# Question
Title: how to identify and change apps which are set as startup items
I am coming from Windows back-ground (never used Linux), and HTC Wildfire is my first Android phone.

I can see that many app like **Facebook for HTC Sense, Flickr, Footprints, Friend Stream, Gmail, Peep, Stocks** and many more as start-up apps.

How can I find which apps are start-up apps, and how to remove a particular app from starting up at boot (or say soft reset)

# Answer
See also: How can I stop applications and services from running?

First, I strongly caution against messing with this. If an app is hogging system resources or otherwise being a problem, uninstall it. Android is designed to manage running services and apps automatically, and manual interference is tricky and can cause various problems.

There are apps that claim to allow you to edit start-up processes (example), but I don't trust them. Many of them either do nothing or simply force close the app every time it starts. Many services auto-restart so your phone will never sleep, the services will just be run and closed over and over. Many of these apps don't require root, so I'd be surprised if they could do anything at all.

With root, you can use an app like Autostarts to manage which apps are triggered by events. This isn't quite the same as preventing apps from running at startup, but it can help prevent them from restarting after they've been killed.

I recommend Titanium Backup for uninstalling system apps. Make sure you don't remove actual Android OS apps/services, just third-party apps that have been protected (e.g. bundled software like you'd get on Windows). Some of these apps are more important than they appear (I hear Motorola phones have a lot of "useless" apps that the system relies on for no good reason), so use the backup feature of Titanium first. (Note that if you break something badly, you may not be able to get into the phone to restore and fix it!)

**Be very careful how you use all of these tools. If you remove or disable a system process, you can make your phone unusable.**
> 15 votes

# Answer
An Android App should have a good reason to start at system boot. To discover the Apps that are able to start at system boot, install Aspotcat and list all apps that are able to receive the "boot completed" intent. If you believe that an App of this list should not start at system boot AND if this App does not provide an option to disable this behavior, **uninstall that app.**

Also, I would not uninstall any system services/apps. As others said before, Android does a good job in managing the limited resources of a smartphone. Don't take your Windows paradigm along to Android.

BTW, the intent system that enables "start at boot" Apps has nothing to do with the Linux on which android runs.
> 5 votes

---
Tags: applications, auto-start
---


title: Strange data plan speed on Nexus S

text:
# Question
Title: Strange data plan speed on Nexus S
I have a Nexus S and a GPRS plan activated, from what customer services of my mobile carrier have told me is that GPRS will give you max of 10-15 kB/s download speed.

In my Nexus S if i don't select "Use Only 2G" in "mobile network" setting i get speeds up to 80kB/S and the symbol in the status bar shows 3G symbol. As soon as i select the "Use only 2G Network" my download speed drops to 10 kB/s.

I have used spedtest application to check speed. I have verified with my Mobile carrier and i do not have any 3G plan activated.

How is this Possible, i don't want to get any kind of shock when i receive my Mobile bill :)

Edit : My mistake, corrected capitalizations.

# Answer
> 3 votes
OK, so it's quite obvious that your phone is receiving 3G service (likely EDGE/UMTS), not just the 2G GPRS service. GPRS is simply not capable of the speeds you're getting. Since you've called the carrier and had them check, it's their problem. I would say just go with it and enjoy the free service. Don't let them charge you for it if they figure it out later, since you did try to make them aware. If you're worried about it just call again and make the situation really clear.

---
Tags: samsung-nexus-s, data-plan, gprs
---


title: Recovering a Missed Call

text:
# Question
Title: Recovering a Missed Call
I just received a call today, but my phone locked up during the call, and when I went to the missed call list, the number didn't show up. Is there any way to somehow recover the number that was calling?

# Answer
> 2 votes
Your network provider may provide a "Last Number Redial/Called" or "Call Alert" service.

This is usually a number that you call that will tell you the phone number of the last incoming call to your phone, or can often be implemented as a service that you can turn on and off (again, usually by calling a number or issuing a USSD code) which will inform you in some way (usually by text message) of missed calls.

For example, in the UK, O2 used to have a number, 1471, that you could call to hear an automated voice message telling you the number of the last person that called your phone. Unfortunately, they have withdrawn that service however, they have replaced it with a free "Call Alert" text message service.

Note that there is no universal mechanism to retrieve the number of the last person that called you, if you no longer have (or never had) that information saved within your phones own call log.

Each of these services is specific to your mobile network provider who may or may not even offer such a thing. If the last number that called you is truly missing from your phones own call log, you may try to get in contact with your network provider to see if they offer a service as described here. Also note, though, that even if they do offer such a service, it'll usually only retain the very last number that called, so if someone else calls you in the meantime, the number that you're seeking will probably be lost.

---
Tags: calls, call-history, missed-calls
---


title: How do I check which browser I'm using?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I check which browser I'm using?
Some context: I'm using Desire, and it bugs me that it adds "http://www." when I type a word into the address bar. I just want to search...

The application I'm using is called "Internet". Is it something tailored to HTC? Is it based on Chromium?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Go to Settings - Applications - Manage Applications - All - Select the icon you use and this will give you all the information about the program

# Answer
> 1 votes
The default, built-in Android browser doesn't do a lot of advertising of itself at all (as it doesn't really need to). Most 3rd party browsers put their name and/or logo in as many places in the UI and menus as possible. If you can't see any browser names or logos in the interface then you're probably using the default built-in browser.

To see if a specific web browser on your phone is being used as the default for any actions, then go into **Settings** -\> **Applications** -\> **Manage Applications** -\> **All**, and find it in the list (the built-in browser will be called either "Browser" or "Internet" in the list, depending on your version of Android). When you the browser's icon in that list the Application Info screen should appear, and if that browser is currently set to be the default, then you should see a section labelled "**Launch by default**" where it will say "*You have selected to launch this application by default for some actions*". If the browser isn't set as default that section will say "*No defaults set*".

If you want to change the default browser, just click the `Clear defaults` button on the one that is currently acting as the default, and next time you click a web link you should get a box pop-up asking you which browser to use, and giving you the option to set that as the default.

It's hard to tell from your question, but it's worded in a way that could also just be asking for more specifics of what the default, built-in browser is, in which case this previous question should help you out: Android browser

---
Tags: browser
---


# Question
Title: Which music-ID app uses less data? Soundhound or Shazam?
I've found **Shazam** and **Soundhound** to be pretty much identical in terms of accuracy when identifying music, however I tried monitoring each app's usage with 3G Watchdog but couldn't get a clear winner between the two, so the question remains:

**Which app uses less data?**

*I looked at the answers for this question: \[ How can I choose between Shazam and SoundHound? \], which compares the two, but no information .was provided on data usage.*

# Answer
Only one way to find out. Recognize 10 songs with each and compare results. No way the data traffic results are the same. You'll need some population (more than 1 tests and take average) in order to get some results.

Ideally you would test with the same data but that is just impossible. Unless you have 2 devices checking the same sound at the exact same time... Still I guess you would be able to make a good comparison with different fragments of the same song on a single device, alternating soundhound and shazam.

What you really want is an app that stores the recorded sound to analyze later on when you're on a free (or at least much cheaper) wifi network. Only reason for this question is you have to watch your data traffic, no?
> 1 votes

---
Tags: applications, data-connection
---


# Question
Title: Why is my Galaxy S stuck on downloading 'do not turn off target'?
I was updating the firmware on kies for my galaxy s and it got half way through and then said error and is no frozen on the downloading 'do not turn off' screen, I have taken out the battery and put it back in, and tried the hard reset, which leads me to a phone symbol, a computer symbol and an error symbol in the middle, help plzzzzzz

# Answer
I had the same problem (except I didn't use Kies, I had the problem after the first OTA Update)

Here are the steps I did to get my device back in a usable state:

**Keep in mind, this will revert your phone to a rather old (android 2.1) version of TouchWiz. You may want to see if there are newer ODIN files available.**

# **You will probably need different files anyhow, as the ones I have below are for the Galaxy S Vibrant.**

***Also, I take no responsibility if this does not work for you, or your phone explodes in the process. These are the steps I took, and they worked for me. Good Luck.***

1. Download ODIN3 1.0
2. Download 512 PIT
3. Download JFD tar

* Note that all 3 of those are from the same thread. It also wouldn't hurt for your to read that post too.
4. Open Odin, plug in your phone, then put it into download mode.

* To expand on this because a lot of people were asking "how to put in download mode". The easiest way I found to actually do it, if you can can connect via ADB is to do the following:

`# reboot download`

If you can't get that to work, try how i mention below (phone off, battery out, hold vol+ & vol-), or try searching these forums for "vibrant download mode" you will find other things that "work" for people
5. load the PIT file in appropriate area.
6. load the .tar file in the PDA area.
7. ***DO NOT*** check 're-partition'.
8. Click start, let it finish.

* At this point ODIN failed on me. and I got the "mobile-!-pc" image.
9. Now, pull your battery and unplug USB
10. I also took out the SIM and sdcard at this point.
11. bring the phone to download mode again

1. plug the USB back in (the phone should be off)
    2. Hold down vol+ & vol-
    3. Put battery back in
    4. press power
12. re-run ODIN as mentioned above

*Don't give up if this doesn't work. If you get the device to boot, even if it is to the "Error Screen", there is a possibility of recovering.*
> 3 votes

# Answer
You should experiment with rebooting via the various key combinations / battery pulls / USB plugged-in-ness below first. Sometimes the phone can be jolted out of the bad mode it's in by doing that. If the firmware was partially written though, you'll have to do Odin as Ryan suggests.

---

I basically agree with Ryan's answer, but I'd use at least Odin 1.5. Here's Odin 1.7, it includes the 512 PIT file.

For the GT-i9000 (international Galaxy S), get firmware from this XDA thread. You probably want the newest for your region (excluding Gingerbread, since it hasn't been officially released).

I also recommend **checking** re-partition in Odin. This will wipe 100% of your data, however.

I think the easiest way to get into Download Mode is through key combinations. For the i9000, just hold Power + VolDown + Home until the phone reboots, then let go of Power only; after a second you'll get to a yellow triangle with an Android in it. For the Vibrant, remove the battery, plug into USB, hold VolDown + VolUp, and insert the battery.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, system-freeze
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to use the 'Samsung Mobile Print' application with non-Samsung printers?
In my Samsung Galaxy S, there is an Samsung application called '**Samsung Mobile Print**'.

**Does this application require a Samsung printer ?** Or can it be used with other network or wi-fi printers too ?

# Answer
Judging from other apps, I'd suspect the answer to be Samsung printers only. That being said, HP has ePrint, but Google's Cloud Print offers printing for older models of printers as well regardless of make.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It doesn't work with my HP Wireless printer :-(

At the moment Google cloud print requires a PC connected to the printer - hardware manufacturers are supposedly going to release printers with the software built in - but seeing as the software is nowhere near complete...it could be years and you'll need a new printer!

The HP printer has its own method for mobile printing though. HP have a system where you send a special address your documents as email attachments and the printer will print them.

The same printer works fine with iPhone directly. my wife just taps print and it prints her documents...

I think Android needs to get printing using existing standards ASAP.
> 1 votes

# Answer
It does require a Samsung printer. From the Android Market description:

> Compatible with Samsung wireless and networked printers only

Thanks for mentioning the app. It did not come pre-installed on my phone and I do have a Samsung wireless printer.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, printing
---


# Question
Title: Is there a "Linux friendly" handset manufacturer for Android phones?
My current situation is this: I use Mac OS X at home and Ubuntu Linux at work. My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S. Whenever I want to update my firmware *the intended way (i.e. using Kies, I am aware of Odin)*, I have to boot into an old Windows XP installation that I have lying around.

I was wondering if there is a handset manufacturer that embraces Linux. The Samsung phone seems to be just the wrongest choice I could have made with the windows-centric Kies software.

**Edit**: I should probably point out, that I live in Germany and I want to use a prepaid phone service without contract. Also, I am looking for a great "out-of-the-box" experience without too much hackery (i.e. without voiding the warranty).

**Edit2**: I was hoping to learn about brands which support Linux (like NVidia does with their proprietary drivers) or maybe learn about tools and techniques:

* Heimdall is a nice tool, but I don't feel that it has Samsungs approval, and I feel that using it might void the warranty.
* Over-The-Air Updates is something, that seems to be useful, but it won't work for me, as I don't have a contract with a cell phone provider. (*Edit 3:* This line is just non-sense, I receive OTA updates over wi-fi.)

Therefore I am still looking for some enlightenment about which direction I should go with my next phone.

**Edit 3:** After my recent purchase of the Samsung Galaxy S3 (I know... fool me once...), I would like to reopen the issue. My setup (except for the phone) is still the same (Mac OS X at home and Ubuntu Linux at home and at work).

In order to access the file system I either connect to an Ubuntu machine via USB. This is not ideal, because the drive size of the external sd card is not reported correctly, which makes me a little less confident in this solution.

On the Mac, I can only get iPhoto recognize the device in PTP mode. Android file transfer does not recognize the device after the latest OTA firmware update.

As an alternative to the USB connection, I found DigiSSHD as a workaround to transfer files wirelessly.

After spending hours of looking for a better solution and adjusting my workflow to workarounds, I would like to ask again: **Is there a there a handset manufacturer that embraces Linux and provides native tools to interact with the device?**

I don't mind if the tool is proprietary or free as long as it works.

# Answer
> 6 votes
If you don't want to be tied to Windows-based Kies, Simply don't pick Samsung phones. Almost every other Android manufacturer's phones can be upgraded Over The Air without the need of an attached computer; for some reason Samsung's can't or won't do it.

Android was designed so it does not need to be attached to a computer as much as possible; Android was designed to sync data (address book, etc), installs software (market, etc), and do system updates over the air. Some manufacturer/carriers do not yet embrace this unfortunately, and is forcing your phone to be attached to a computer.

# Answer
> 5 votes
I don't know of a Kies alternative, but there is Heimdall, an Open Source, Cross Platform, Odin alternative.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I think that the linux support not only depends on the manufacturer.

In the case of the *Palms*, PalmOne only released desktop applications for Windows and Mac, but despite of that fact the linux community developed solutions like J-Pilot for example.

# Answer
> 1 votes
OTA updates are a better solution. Not sure why Samsung sticks to some update utility while many other manufacturers use OTA update. HTC does OTA on my Hero and now on my Desire Z also. My Acer beTouch 130e required a utility. Not sure for other brands.

---
Tags: linux
---