# Question
Title: Does ClockworkMod Recovery's "Wipe Data" command also wipe the SD card?
I've been playing with rooting and custom ROMs for a while now. I'm fairly comfortable and knowledgable about it all. However there is one thing I haven't really found the answer for nor have I gotten a chance to test for myself to answer it.

When you use the "Wipe Data" command in ClockworkMod Recovery, does it also format the SD card?

# Answer
No, it does not format the SD card. It only wipes all internal memory on the phone. It is recommended you do this every time you switch to a new CustomRom, or if the current CustomRom is giving you problems (typically after upgrading the CustomRom).
> 15 votes

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Tags: sd-card, clockworkmod-recovery
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# Question
Title: Why does Pandora advance songs randomly?
I use Pandora **a lot**. Unfortunately, I've noticed that when using headphones at work it randomly skips songs very often. It might jump to the next track after just 30-90 seconds, etc.

It's very, very annoying. What is going on?

I'm usually on solid 3G when this happens but not exclusively.

# Answer
> 1 votes
~~This solution seems to help--not too sure yet. My phone might think I'm intentionally skipping songs by way of headphone buttons I don't even have. The solution seems pretty simple and effective: install the Headset Blocker widget (free in the Market).~~

~~Note: you might need to restart pandora *after enabling the block* for it to kick in (not sure).<br>~~

~~I'll know in the next few hours if this helps or not...~~

OK, three skips in the last 10 minutes...this isn't helping at all! I'll leave it here as an failed option for future browsers.

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, htc-droid-incredible, music
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# Question
Title: Is it somehow possible to sync data on two mobiles phones
I am using a Samsung Galaxy S (running Android 2.1) mobile phone and am thinking (only thinking mind you) of bying a Samsung Galaxy tablet (this one running Android 2.2).

I am wondering: is it somehow **possible to sync the data used by programs on these two devices** so that software (like the marvelous Book catalogue) can be installed twice with the possiblity to copy the databases used by these program to both mobiles/tablets ?

Preferably by copying them over using WiFi or so.

# Answer
> 1 votes
i've one found so far paid solution, but there is a 30 day trial to check it out.
http://www.rerware.com/Android/; android app myBackup; you can backup data and apps, both online and on sd

# Answer
> 0 votes
Don't know which book reader you're planning to use, but the Kindle app automatically syncs your progress through books, along with any notes and annotations you've made between devices and platforms (via its proprietary Whispersync service), and also lets you download the same books onto every device (as long as you sign in wit the same account).

# Answer
> 0 votes
If you setup both devices to use the same account(s) (for example the same Google account for the Google apps), then they should both synchronize with that account and thus indirectly with each other.

Theoretically there could be third party apps and accounts that tie their account to a specific device, but I can't say if these actually exist.

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Tags: samsung-galaxy-s, sync, 2.1-eclair
---


title: Flashing a New Kernel

text:
# Question
Title: Flashing a New Kernel
If I'm going to flash a new Kernel with ROM Manager Pro, do I need to reinstall my MOD, delete my data, or delete my cache?

I am running CM 6.1 and want to flash one of ChevyNo1's kernels but will I have to reload CM and all my data?

# Answer
> 2 votes
No, you do not have to reload or delete anything.

However do make sure you take a NANDROID backup before you install one of those kernels. You can potentially get into a reboot-loop that can only be broken by flashing another (lower mhz) kernel or restoring to a previous NANDROID backup.

I went from stock kernel to now running the ultra low voltage 800mhz ChevyNo1 kernel. I couldn't get it go any faster with ultra low voltage without a reboot-loop.

Basically you will start with the lowest processor speed kernel at a certain voltage and work your way up. So try ULV 800mhz, if it runs stable at 800mhz, try the 1ghz, then the 1.1ghz, etc. If you're wanting to conserve battery, then try the ULV kernel. If you're wanting processor speed, the LV kernel should be just fine. Your mileage will vary because no two Droid processors are made exactly a like (because these kernels are going outside of the processor's design specifications).

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Tags: cyanogenmod, custom-roms, kernel
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# Question
Title: How can I use my device as a wifi keyboard and trackpad for my computer?
I have three different MBP's that run XBMC off and on, connecting to our home theater systems. Is there an app that I could install on my droid and the mac's that would allow the droid to act as a keyboard and trackpad when the MBP is connected to the TV?

I know about XBMC remote and it's great, however I'd also like to be able to use the machine for web browsing or basically anything I could do with it in my lap (albeit slower with a small keyboard).

# Answer
> 4 votes
Gmote will let you control your computer over wifi via your Android phone. It basically treats it like a keyboard/mouse.

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Tags: remote-control
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# Question
Title: How can I enable the Wifi Hotspot capability on my Moto Droid 1 without using Adhoc?
I want to enable the wifi access point / hotspot functionality on my Droid so it acts as a "Standard" router like the built in functionality of the newer VZW phones (like the Droid Incredible). I have tried Wireless Tether for Root Users and Barnacle but they only create Adhoc connections for tethering which is different than becoming a hotspot.

My phone:

* Motorola Droid 1
* Rooted Android 2.2 w/ any ROM you tell me will get WAP going
* Verizon Wireless

**Edit:** Just a preemptive request... Please don't suggest PDAnet. Someone always does.

# Answer
> 2 votes
This atrticle and others around the same time suggest that the hardware in the Droid is only capable of supporting ad-hoc mode.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I believe that unless you are running a different ROM (like CM6, etc.) then it's not available. Pretty sure stock ROM (rooted or not) didn't make this available (even though the non-stock ROMs had it working. Love how VZW said it wouldn't work when it obviously does.

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Tags: motorola-droid, wifi-hotspot
---


# Question
Title: Is there a fitness app which can record my workouts across multiple activities?
I've been using MyTracks for tracking my running, and another app (which I forget the name) to record my cycling routes.

I also do gym, swimming and karate, is there an app which lets me keep track of my fitness workouts across multiple activities? I.e, I don't want to have an app for each one, its annoying.

I'd like to record things like time spent training, lengths/laps (for swimming), possibly bike/rowing/treadmill times/speeds/distances for the gym etc.

This will allow me to track myself over a period of time and see how much I've increased the duration/effort in my training.

Any suggestions?

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try out Cardio Trainer.

It is able to record many types of workouts including walking, running, weight lifting, swimming (do you rely on your water-proof case?), yoga. You can also prepare your own custom routine (never tried that, but in your case, it might come handy).

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Tags: fitness
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title: How do I use stock UI on HTC Desire HD?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I use stock UI on HTC Desire HD?
How do I disable HTC Sense on my HTC Desire HD without having to root my phone?

I looked at a guide for the regular Desire and attempted to follow that but it didn't work (was missing the ability to force close HTC Sense).

# Answer
You can't :o(

You can install another home screen app from the market if you don't want to use the Sense home screen.

If you want to avoid Sense altogether, you will need to root your phone and flash a non-Sense ROM.
> 6 votes

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Tags: htc-desire-hd, vanilla-ui
---


title: How to help with Android translations?

text:
# Question
Title: How to help with Android translations?
I'm a Android user. I've used both G1 and my current phone Nexus One. The one problem I see in Android is that it lacks a good translation for my native language (Spanish), so the question is: where do I have to go to help with Android platform translations?

Thanks!

# Answer
> 3 votes
I would start by trying the Android Contributors Google Group.

Here is a thread on reviewing Googles own Catalan translation work, for example.

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Tags: localization
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title: Podcast Player and Bluetooth?

text:
# Question
Title: Podcast Player and Bluetooth?
I've been using Google Listen for podcast catching and playing. Seems to work just fine. I'd like to be able to play my podcasts over my Bluetooth headset. Alas, it seems that is only an option for A2DP bluetooth headsets(?) so I'm on a quest.

Can anyone offer suggestions? Seems like I have two options (but maybe there are others).

1. Find a podcast catcher/player that will play over a non-A2DP headset
2. Find a way to "fake" the Android into using a bluetooth headset even when not A2DP

Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

\[edit\]
I should mention that I'm running stock 2.1 and have no real desire to root/mod the phone.

# Answer
Try Super BT Mono. It doesn't explicity say that it works for non-AD2P headsets but I believe that's the whole point of the app. There'd be no need for this app with a headset that has AD2P.

**Edit:** Whoops, that's for Froyo only and you are on Eclair.

Basically you need to find an app that will stream audio over the HSP profile instead of AD2P but I couldn't find one for you. You have 3 options as I see them:

1. Get Android 2.2 on your phone and Try Super BT Mono Froyo Pro
2. Root your phone, load CyanogenMod and try Super BT Mono Pro
3. Buy a headset that supports AD2P *(they can be as cheap as $30)*

Sorry I couldn't help more.
> 1 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, podcast, a2dp
---


# Question
Title: What are the differences between: LauncherPro "Keep in memory" and "Lock home in memory."
* LauncherPro has an option for "Keep in memory".
* CyanogenMod settings has an option for "Lock home in memory".

How do these work? Do they conflict with each other? What problems might they cause? The CM version seems to work better, but causes other apps to shut down.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I keep them both enabled, but I have tried them each individually and the CM option works much better. The fact that it "causes other apps to shut down" is the whole point. Android keeps the memory filled at all times and ends tasks on demand when more memory is needed. It is supposed to be pretty smart and know, based on your usage, which apps to give priority to but if you are multi-tasking and the phone needs more memory it may kill LauncherPro causing it to to reload from scratch when you hit the home button. The option to keep it in memory gives it a higher priority so when Android tries to free up some memory it kills something else.

# Answer
> 2 votes
The CM option is going to have more sway with the OS than the LauncherPro option (since it is the CM option is from the OS itself vs an app telling the OS to not kill itself).

I've also had even better success with screen redraws using this method. I think it's what the CM toggle is supposed to do, but this actually does it.

> 1) MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP
>
> In your terminal application on your phone (if you have to ask what this is, Google it, download it from the market)

```
su (enter)
echo ro.HOME_APP_ADJ=1 >> /data/local.prop (enter)
reboot (enter)

```

> If you want to undo what this command does, simply remove that toggle from: /data/local.prop, or if you did not have this file (like I did not) prior to the mod...remove it entirely

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Tags: cyanogenmod, home-screen, launcherpro
---


# Question
Title: If I root my Android phone, will I lose all of my data?
As the question title implies, if I root my Droid Incredible (or any Android phone), will I lose all of my data? I'm not interested in installing a custom ROM right now so will rooting cause me to lose my data? Also, which tool should I use to root the phone?

**Edit #1:** Based on a suggestion, I rooted my Incredible using Unrevoked, and I didn't lose any information.

# Answer
> 15 votes
Short answer: **no**

Long answer:

Rooting -- if successful -- doesn't change any of your data, it just gives you root access.

Now, if you reflash your phone's ROM -- something you can only do with root access -- then, yeah, you might lose stuff. A lot of people automatically associate rooting with switching ROMs, since rooting is required. But you can root, and then do nothing, if you want.

I'm so lazy, I rooted and installed a screenshot app; but it was **so** worth it. \[Okay, not lazy -- I just don't have the need nor desire for much else, at the moment. But if I want to, *I can*.\]

Caveat: anything done really, really wrong can screw things up. See: Are there any risks to rooting a device?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I'd recommend using Unrevoked to root your device. I don't have a Droid Incredible, but I used this method on my Desire with no probs.

You shouldn't need to wipe your data if you aren't flashing custom ROMs. Even if you do wish to later, you won't necessarily need to wipe your data, and even if you do there are lots of options for backing up and restoring your data (especially once your device is rooted!).

Good luck.

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Tags: htc-droid-incredible, rooting
---


# Question
Title: Upgrading Unrevoked Desire from Eclair to Froyo
I'm currently running my HTC Desire on 2.1 (O2 branded from the UK, if it makes a difference) which has been rooted via Unrevoked. I've just now been prompted to upgrade it to what I assume is 2.2 via an OTA update. I'd quite like to do this but I'm assuming this will cause me to lose my root. Unrevoked seems to now say it supports 2.2 as well as 2.1 so would it just be a matter of doing the OTA update and re-rooting with Unrevoked?

Also, I've never performed an upgrade before, do I lose all my apps/data/configs? How long does it normally take?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 2 votes
If this is a standard OTA update then you shouldn't lose anything at all, and the update should take less than half an hour, just make sure that your battery is fully charged before you start. All your apps, data and configuration should stay. The only exception to this is where things have changed between Eclair and Froyo, so some of your apps may not be compatible with Froyo (though it's been out long enough now that's very unlikely).

Yes, you will lose your root status, but should be able to root again afterwards, provided your chosen root method works on Froyo, or you can find a different rooter that will work if not.

# Answer
> 0 votes
I would highly recommend leaving the OTA update. Instead, download and install a custom pre-rooted 2.2 ROM.

This one from MoDaCo would be a good choice. Alternatively, check out some of the options on the XDA Forums or consider Cyanogenmod if you aren't so attached to HTC's Sense overlay and would like something closer to 'stock' Android.

You shouldn't lose anything with the MoDaCo ROM, though I found I needed to wipe if switching between Sense and non-Sense ROMs. Check out Titanium Backup if you would like to make restoring your apps easy and always do a Nandroid backup before flashing a new ROM.

If you haven't already, download the ROM Manager app from the market to make flashing ROMs and managing back ups a breeze!

# Answer
> 0 votes
@michael.jefferys use Titanium backup to backup all of your apps and their data when switching to a new rom.

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, htc-desire, 2.1-eclair, ota-update, root-access
---


# Question
Title: Settings - Accessibility warning: "Downloaded accessibility application is required to activate" -- What should I do?
If I choose the '**Settings - Accessibility**' option on my Samsung Galaxy S, the following text is displayed: '*Downloaded accessibility application is required to activate*'.

I searched the Droid Market for 'accessibility' but am not sure that this is the correct way to install this (system?) application.

Anyone any idea what and where from I should install ? Thx.

# Answer
> 1 votes
**\*Its probably talking about either Talkback, Soundback, or Kickback. (Talkback being when you divert to home it with articulate "home"; Soundback producing a ping; Kickback producing a vibration) But i would make sure to double think which one you prefer or really need being that you will not be able to uninstall once downloaded. Once downloaded it should give you an option.*****

# Answer
> 1 votes
You probably need TalkBack.

# Answer
> 0 votes
When I go into Accessibility on my Froyo Galaxy S I get this:

> **No accessibility applications found**
>
> You do not have any accessibility applications. You can download a screen reader from Android Market.
>
> Click OK to install screen reader

Clicking OK takes me to the Market search page for the Talkback app. Specifically the Market has been searched for `pname:com.google.android.marvin.talkback`

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Tags: 2.1-eclair, samsung-galaxy-s, settings
---


# Question
Title: Blocking specific applications from accessing the network while not active or on screen
Is there any applications out there that can let me selective limit network access when i put a program into the background?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Hmm, difficult problem
Your only bet is rooting; and app like droidwall which is front end for iptables. And then you would have to add rule that states block any app that is running in background. That I'm not sure how to achieve.

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Tags: networking
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# Question
Title: Why does my phone keep getting stuck when performing a backup?
I have rooted my phone and currently have an older version of Cyanogen mod on my Sprint HTC Hero. When I try to perform a backup using Rom Manager, the phone tries to reboot, but it never finishes booting. Any ideas what is causing that and how I can back up my phone in order to upgrade to the latest version of Cyanogen?

# Answer
Go to Rom Manager and flash an older version of clockwork recovery. Then flash the latest version of it. Does that help?

Otherwise: do you get any sort of error messages?
> 2 votes

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Tags: cyanogenmod, custom-roms, backup
---


# Question
Title: How can I remove the default Google Account on my phone?
I no longer want to link my default Google Account on my phone. I have a Nexus One runnin 2.2.1.

How can I unlink my Google account?

# Answer
Set up a new gmail account (you have to have one associated with the phone). Next, on your phone go to settings \> applications \> manage applications \> gmail and choose "clear all data" do this for gtalk and google voice too if you have them set up. This should prompt you to start the account setup on the phone where you'll enter your new gmail acct info.
> 6 votes

# Answer
A method similar to the one that Matt mentions worked in pre-2.0 versions of android, all you had to do was hit the *Clear Data* button for the **Google Apps** application in Settings-\>Applications-\>Manage Applications

Since 2.0 and the improvements to account management that came with it, this trick no longer works. To the best of my knowledge (G2, myTouch Slide and G1 with Cyanogenmod 6) a master reset is now required.

If you need to backup info, try searching *appbrain.com* for **share my apps**, **sms backup+** or **sms backup and restore**, and/or **MyBackup Pro**
> 6 votes

# Answer
If the "clear all data" trick (as described by Matt) does not work (it didn't with my HTC Magic/Android 1.6) you can change the password to the google account (from a computer) and reboot the phone. Sometimes it will ask you for your account info right away after booting and sometimes you have to access some google app like the calendar or mail to trigger the account questionaire.
> 2 votes

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Tags: sync, google-account
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# Question
Title: If I root the device can I upgrade to Froyo without waiting for the operator's release?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S and am currently waiting indefinitely for the operator to pull its finger out and release its bloated edition of Froyo.

If I root the device using the instructions here, will that enable me to ugrade to Froyo over Kies or will I have to upgrade through some other method?

# Answer
Looking at your profile it looks like you're based in the UK? If so you should have no problem running the Samsung's European JPO release of the Galaxy S Froyo software that went out to unbranded UK Galaxy S's a few weeks ago. As this is an Official Samsung release there's no need to root to apply it, you just need to trick Samsung's software into installing it for you.

To start with I'll make the assumption that you have no problems running the Kies software, that it recognizes your phone when you plug it in, and that you get a "You are already running the latest release" message when you click the Firmware Upgrade link. (this is a big set of assumptions given the quality of Kies, if any of these aren't true, then you need to get Kies working properly before going further).

This post on Vodafone UK's Galaxy S forums lays out the steps Samsung Galaxy S - Froyo Update (Android 2.2) (reply 113). I'll summarise them below as Vodafone are about to upgrade their forums to new software, so I have no idea if the post will survive, or the link will still work in a week or two's time, credit to "ado28" for these instructions.

> First of all you need to go into regedit and do some minor alterations to the registry.
>
> Do not update Kies! If you do then I think this tweak won’t work! The Kies version I used was 1.5.0.10024\_74 but I fooled it into thinking it was the latest version
>
> Step by step guide
>
> 1. Back up everything you wish to keep, including Apps, phone numbers, Text messages etc because we're going to wipe your phone clean before we start!
> 2. Go to Settings – Privacy – FACTORY DATA RESET and click. Follow the prompts and then let it wipe your phone.
> 3. Now you have a bare naked phone again and can proceed onto the next step.
> 4. Open up Kies and leave running
> 5. Connect phone
> 6. Open Regedit by clicking on Start – Run – then type in `regedit` and press enter
> 7. Scroll down to Kies and look for “`Localver`see pic
> 8. Change your Localver code to `1.5.3.10103.100`
> 9. Now go to your Device DB folder and change your settings to these:
>
> "`SoftwareRevision`"="`I9000XXJF3/I9000OXAJF3/I9000XXJF3/I9000XXJF3`"
> "`ProductCode`"="`GT-I9000HKDXEU`"
> "`HIDSWVER`"="`I9000XXJF3/I9000OXAJF3/I9000XXJF3/I9000XXJF3`"
> "`DEVCONINFO`"="" Delete the writing in this box and leave blank.
>
> 1. Now go back into Kies and click "Update firmware"
>
> This will now allow everyone who has JPA on their handset with the product code XEE to be replaced with JPO and the product code XEU which is for the UK. Once you have successfully updated then allow the phone to boot up. Once booted up you will now need to go back into your settings and change your product code to XEU. To do this open your keypad and type in `*#272*YOUR
>  IMEI#` and now you will be back to having a lovely wee choice of product codes to enter. Choose `XEU` and install. The phone will reboot and you will now officially be on JPO with the correct product code XEU!
>
> Please note that by doing any update on your phone could cause it to brick itself. The guide I have written worked perfect for me however I can’t be held responsible if your phone bricks itself. To be safe always try the 3 button recovery method first before you update and also doing a factory reset first usually ensures a smooth installation of new firmware.

Extra note on Kies: as stated above, this doesn't work with the latest version of Kies. If you need an older version of Kies then this version should allow you to do this (according to XDA): Kies version 1.5.3.10093\_82.

If you do end up uninstalling and reinstalling Kies and find that it doesn't detect your phone any more, then first thing to try is clicking the menu icon in the top-left corner of Kies and selecting the "install drivers" option.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Kies didn't play nicely but I did find this tutorial from Goots at Samsung Galaxy S forums.

I'm now running Froyo.
> 2 votes

# Answer
To answer your original question: yes, almost all popular Android phones have community mods (CyanogenMod, Samdroid, etc) and many of them are writing drivers for Froyo for many popular phones.

Community mods are often able to release drivers and updates much faster than operators can since they are unbriddled by the red tapes and the internal politics of official releases.

Most community mods are rooted, although some may release unrooted version as well.
> 0 votes

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-s, updates
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# Question
Title: HTC mains-to-USB charger: use to charge other non-HTC but USB-chargeable devices?
My HTC Desire Z came with a charger that consists of a mains electric plug with a USB socket for attaching the phone to to charge via USB.

Other devices such as the iPod touch can be charged via USB.

Assuming that there is a standard for USB powered charging, i.e. a amp/watts/voltage rating, then could these devices be charged from the same adapter, safely and effectively.

This would save money buying additional mains adapters, when, for example, the iPod touch does not come with a USB mains charger, though it does come with a USB sync cable for iTunes and also for USB powered charging from a PC.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I treat chargers with the same specs as interchangeable... many USB chargers are rated as 5v 500mA (or .5A); in most cases, you should be able to interchange them (it may take excellent eyesight to actually read the specs; on my Motoroloa chargers, they are very faintly engraved). Some Apple chargers produce more current than the standard 500mA, so I would not use them to charge products other than the intended. Since most computer USB ports are rated for 500mA, chargers with the same rating *should* charge any USB-chargeable device without problems.

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Tags: usb, charging
---


# Question
Title: What's a good app for managing media files?
I prefer to manually organize my media (music, podcasts, video) on my SD card using a file manager (as opposed to letting the media player organize it all by tags, because it mixes music with podcasts and doesn't organize untagged files).

I've been using the "File Manager" app which works fine, but the problem is when I select and play a file with it, it will play in the player of my choice but when I 'minimize' the player the audio stops. It seems that when I manually select a file to play it's not opening the file and letting it run in the background while I multitask.

Any tips or app recommendations appreciated !

# Answer
> 2 votes
Just saw this: Music Folder Player

# Answer
> 0 votes
How do you"minimize" ? Pressing the BACK key is almost akin to quitting. However, pressing the HOME key usually allows you to multi-task and allows the currently running app to carry on in the background.

Try pressing the HOME key to see if the audio continues so you can then switch to whichever app you like.

You can try the Meridian Player - it allows navigation via specified folders and the freeware version should work fine for you. Multi-tasking / background playback is definitely part of the feature-set.

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Tags: media-player, files
---


# Question
Title: Sync setup question: will Android, Outlook 2010, Gmail, calendar and contacts sync?
my previous phone was a windows mobile 6.5 from HTC. so I had it linked to my computer (windows 7 x64 pro) and it used windows mobility center to sync with outlook 2010. everything was fine. I also added Gmail by IMAP in outlook.

but now I have this awesome brand new HTC Desire with Android 2.2 (Froyo) so it asked for my Google account. Now I ended up with contacts in outlook, phone and Gmail. calendar in outlook and Google Calendar and I have HTC sync and `Google Cal` sync and I don't know what the best setup is. anybody an idea?

I'd like to have the same in my outlook contacts as in my Gmail, Google Cal, phone etc. so I'd like to sync everything with everything and could use some help. because I have contacts in outlook that are not in Gmail and people on my phone which are not in Gmail etc. and since I am an android n00b it's kinda hard to get myself an ultimate sync setup with outlook 2010 and my phone and Gmail stuff

**Edit:** as pointed out in the answers, I should *NOT* sync my phone with outlook, but should sync outlook to Gmail. Google has a calendar sync tool, which is great, **but does not sync the contacts**. No I've found `KiGoo` but I don't trust them yet. Does anybody recommend a good preferably free and/or open source application for syncing outlook 2010 with Gmail?

# Answer
> 6 votes
Android syncs to Gmail, Contacts, and Calendar nearly effortlessly. It seems like in your case it's Outlook that is the problem child. Do you need to sync contacts with Outlook too? If not, a one-time export/import from Outlook to Gmail should meet your needs.

I would say have Outlook sync with Google and have the phone sync with Google. Syncing the phone to Outlook too will probably duplicate data and/or leave gaps in your data.

# Answer
> 0 votes
i was looking for a way to sync my x10 with outlook and found this link, it's called my phone explorer http://www.hackitz.ca/droid/android\_contact\_sync\_outlook

works good, and it's free

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Tags: sync, 2.2-froyo, outlook
---


# Question
Title: Why won't FWDN see my cheap Chinese tablet?
I have a tablet here that appears to be a NuPad / HAIPAD M701.

I have downloaded a .RAR with FWDN. When I run FWDN the "Area Map" always shows "Unknown".

I have tried this on both a Windows 7 x64 and a Windows XP x32 machine.

I have run the VTC driver installer on XP (it doesn't work on x64).

What does it mean when Area Map says Unknown, and how do I fix it?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I found the answer I was needing in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eQ7Z6\_v\_Fc

I was holding down the wrong side of the rocker switch when booting, ending up in "recovery" mode.

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Tags: tablet
---


title: How do I diagnose hanging and restarts?

text:
# Question
Title: How do I diagnose hanging and restarts?
I have a Droid which was running fine with Cyanogen Mod 6.0. I travelled for a week out of service range, and since I returned it's been both hanging (no response to user input) and spontaneously restarting.

I'm suspicious that an app update is causing this, but I don't know how to diagnose it. Is there a way to diagnose this?

# Answer
> 3 votes
I ended up spotting the offending program via Battery usage. There was one app that was showing a lot of battery use even though I wasn't doing anything with it (NewsRob). I killed that and everything's been fine since.

# Answer
> 2 votes
I would check `Settings` --\> `Applications` --\> `Running Services` first.

See anything there that looks rogue? Consuming a lot of memory or the process seems hung up?

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, motorola-droid, reboot
---


# Question
Title: Should I re-install certain programs after upgrading from Android 2.1 to Android 2.2?
I upgrade my Samsung Galaxy S phone from Android 2.1 to Android 2.2 over the weekend.

Today, for the first time since buying the phone ( two months now ) **I had to reboot the phone** when starting one of the applications I installed.

This started me wondering **if I should re-install certain programs after an upgrade** ?

Did you had to re-install certain programs after an upgrade ? If so, what programs ?

# Answer
You shouldn't have to re-install anything. I don't recall any app having an issue from an OS upgrade, except those that needed changes to work with 2.2. Since you're getting 2.2 so long after its initial launch I'd expect all of those issues to already have been worked out.
> 3 votes

# Answer
I installed all the updates that the Market offered me after upgrading to ensure that I had the latest (and presumably most Froyo compatible) versions of my apps, then made sure I had the mostup to date version of my side-loaded apps. Nothing else, and I've had no problems since the upgrade.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, 2.1-eclair, samsung-galaxy-s, updates, uninstallation
---


# Question
Title: What's the differences between the different processors available in the current lineup of devices?
From what I understand there's the **Snapdragon**, **Hummingbird**, **OMAP**, **ARM** and now(or soon) **Tegra2**? Did I miss any? *(I apologize if I'm mixing terms here, confusing a technology name with a model name)*

What are the comparative strengths/weaknesses of these processors? Which one is the best or which one does *what* best? Also, if one is only available in phones or only available in tablets, please specify.

# Answer
> 1 votes
From my answer on the When will dual core android phones start to become available? question, there's a good comparison of the HummingBird vs SnapDragon processor systems here. Hummingbird is a system made by Qualcomm and used in phones like the Nexus One and HTC Desire, the Snapdragon is made by Samsung and used in devices like the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab. OMAP is another system chip brand, this one by Texas Instruments and used in phones like the Motorola Droid and the Palm Pre.

All of three of those are "System on a Chip" systems, where the CPU, some memory, and some other processors like the Graphics Procesing Unit, digital signal processors or wireless signal processing unit are all built into the same chip. Building all of this into a single chip instead of having all the individual capabilities spread out across separate chips gives a lot of savings in power usage, size and space used inside a phone.

The CPU inside all of them uses the ARM processor architecture, which is a standard set of instructions and abilities that the CPU follows. As do the iPhone's processors, the iPhone 4's processor is also made by Samsung and is very similar to the SnapDragon processors used in Galaxy S's. Other processor architectures that you may have heard of are the Intel x86 processor architecture, or the AMD64, one of which is probably powering the machine you're reading this at.

---
Tags: hardware
---


# Question
Title: How can I sync Facebook contacts on a Droid X?
I used to have an original Droid and now I have a Droid X. My original Droid had an option on Facebook to sync with contacts, but with my Droid X and the new Facebook app I do not see that option. I just want the contact pictures to sync. Is there anyway to do this on the Droid X?

# Answer
> 1 votes
This should be available. Check to see if you have Facebook selected by choosing **Accounts** from the menu in your **Address Book**.

---
Tags: contacts, sync, facebook, motorola-droid-x
---


# Question
Title: wifi not recognized unless restarted in archos 32
Many times when I'm near a wifi network, my archos 32 won't recognize it. It shows no networks in the wireless settings and doesn't show alerts for available networks even when this alert is on in the settings. It would only recognize the network if I disable wifi and then reenable it.

Did that happen to anyone else? Any workaround?

# Answer
As a power-saving strategy, radio chipsets can sleep -- meaning they stop actively listening for a wi-fi network to connect to -- when they are out of range of any network, and will wake up to search for a network once every few minutes.

It may simply be that the radio on your Android is doing this, and that you haven't waited long enough for it to wake up once you come back in range of a wi-fi network.

A quick search tells me there's a *Powersave disabled* setting in the wi-fi settings on the Archos that might help.
> 2 votes

# Answer
My 32 suffers from various wifi and bluetooth issues, dropping both connections. starting and stopping. Connecting to wifi but not routing packets. Connecting to bluetooth headset but no audio. I have to fuss with it all the time.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: wi-fi, archos-gen8
---


# Question
Title: Why can't I get past CAPTCHA after changing Google Account password?
I changed my Google Account password, and now there's a notification about trouble logging into my Gmail account on my Samsung Galaxy S. That's fine, I'd expect that.

What I don't expect is a pop-up box containing a CAPTCHA, that I cannot get past. I'm sure I got at least one of them right (despite the auto-caps for start of words tripping me up a few times). It just keeps popping up with another CAPTCHA.

What's going on?

# Answer
> 2 votes
THis seemed to solve itself. After trying again just now, it worked. Must have been a server-side thing. Sorry I can't help anyone else that has this issue.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Try unlock the captcha: https://www.google.com/accounts/DisplayUnlockCaptcha Then, go back to your android phone e retype o password.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I had the same issue with the endless Captcha. There is a solution though.

Go to https://www.google.com/accounts/DisplayUnlockCaptcha on a PC or a web-browser and unlock the Captcha for your account. You will then be able to login again with username and password on your device.

Hope this helps

---
Tags: google-account, password
---


# Question
Title: Does SAMSUNG I5500 GALAXY 5 can be upgraded into Android 2.2
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?

I'm planning to buy an android phone and I've heard that SAMSUNG I5500 GALAXY 5 is the cheapest one. My question is, does SAMSUNG I5500 GALAXY 5 can be upgraded into Android 2.2?

# Answer
It looks like Samsung have already released an official Android 2.2 update for the i5500 in the UK. So there is an official version, and it should be going to other countries and service providers, but unfortunately you may have to wait for it.

Source http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9431054&postcount=224 and http://www.samsungfirmwareworld.com/froyo-t1602.html

Also be aware that there is a specific post here for tracking when various phones are getting Froyo here: When will my phone get Android 2.2 (FroYo)? I've updated it with info on the i5500 and thta's a good place to keep an eye on for further info.
> 1 votes

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


# Question
Title: How can I manually add memory to the Android emulator?
I'm planning to buy an Android phone, but I want to try the applications in the Android Market using Android Emulator. I have downloaded many applications and reached the maximum apps I can download because of low memory. My questions is how can I manually add memory to the emulator?

# Answer
> 4 votes
When you create a new AVD (Android Virtual Device).

Under Hardware, click New:

From the drop down list of Property, select Device ram size. Click OK.

You can now put a value beside of Device ram size of how big you want it to be.

Note: You have to create a new AVD. You can't edit them as far as I know.

---
Tags: google-play-store, android-emulator, ram
---


title: Restore a ROM Back-up

text:
# Question
Title: Restore a ROM Back-up
I am going to try out CyanogenMod tonight on my phone. Before I do that, however, I am curious about one thing. I performed a NANDROID backup, per instructions that I received on this site (thank you to Bryan), as well as a Titanium Backup of all my applications and data. What I am confused about is - say I really screw something up during the CyanogenMod process? How would I recover from that? From my own research, it appears it works something like this:

1. Made NANDROID backup. (Should be on the SD card.)
2. If something goes completely screwy, boot into Recovery mode (hold X on boot, Volume Up + Camera key).
3. Flash using the NANDROID backup off the SD card to return to a safe state.
4. Get Titanium and restore all apps.

Is it really that simple, or am I missing some aspect? (I should just do it, but I'm a bit worried about royally screwing up my phone.)

# Answer
It's really that simple. :)

And you wouldn't even have to do step 4 (because your NANDROID backup is like taking an image of your phone, that includes all installed apps and data too).

If you wanted to do a quick test, you could try installing one app, then restoring to your NANDROID backup. When it's done, it should no longer have that one app you installed. And it'll also show that your backup is good.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: cyanogenmod, backup, rom, restore
---


# Question
Title: Does assisted GPS fix Samsung Galaxy S's GPS problems?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> Does Froyo fix Samsung Galaxy S I9000's GPS problem?

the GPS on Samsung Galaxy S is said to be somewhat broken. Is this true even when using assisted GPS?

# Answer
> 1 votes
Disclaimer: I don't have any problems with GPS on my Galaxy, but I do get a lock a few seconds quicker if I have the aGPS functions switched on. It also means that I get a "rough" lock while I'm waiting (this rough lock is the one with the big blue circle, which is about half a mile wide when I'm in my home town, or about 30m wide in London.

(On Froyo at least) the settings to turn this on and off are in **Settings**, **Location and Security**, then you can use both "**Use wireless networks** *Location determined by Wi-Fi and/or mobile networks*" and "**Use sensor aiding** *Enhance positioning and save power using sensors*" to switch the aGPS on or off

# Answer
> 1 votes
Guides to fix the GPS issues with Captivate and Vibrant have just been posted.

http://androidcommunity.com/samsung-posts-gps-fix-guide-for-captivate-and-vibrant-20101130/

# Answer
> 0 votes
Do you have a Galaxy S with a broken GPS? what do you mean by broken? My Galaxy S (2.1) GPS took forever to find my location without "Use wireless networks" as described by GAThrawn, but once I enable it I almost have no problems finding my location quickly

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-s, gps
---


# Question
Title: Is There an Official Google Reader App With Widget?
Does anyone know if there is an official app from Google for Google Reader?

I would like an official app with a widget that displays the number of unread feed items.

Good News! Google just added widgets to the official Google Reader App.

# Answer
I just downloaded the **Official Google Reader app** from the market. No widget yet.
> 8 votes

# Answer
There is a dearth of official apps for google's own services on google's own mobile OS.

No official Google Reader App, no official widget.

That may be because they work on optimizing the mobile versions of those web-services, to obviate the need for an additional app. You've already got the browser -- why install an app for a web-service?

This 2008 article on how gReader renders in mobile webkit might explain some of the concept.
> 8 votes

# Answer
According to my market, market differs according to your country, there is no "official google reader" app. May I suggest downloading *NewsRob*, it's in the market and there are two versions; paid and free, and even the free version features a widget to launch the application, which is simple and light, and it even has a very good feature, you can make the app **download** all of the new **articles** or so, with its **images**, for browsing **offline**.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I assume you have tried the web-based version. Interestingly enough, if you add a shortcut to it it has a special icon. I've tried some of the other ones and seem to always go back to the web-based version.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: app-widgets, rss, google-reader
---


title: How can I add a photo to a contact?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I add a photo to a contact?
It seems like this should be possible - how can I add a profile photo to a contact that I manually created? At the moment they're all boring silhouettes.

In my Contacts, the only ones with photos are ones from Google or Facebook, and I can't find any option to add a photo for a contact.

I keep my contacts on the SIM, but when I copied one to the phone to see if that made a difference, it didn't, at least as far as I could tell.

# Answer
> 9 votes
Open the stock People app (i.e. navigate to your contact list) \> select the contact \> select Edit contact \> select the camera icon in the top left corner. Your options are Gallery (find an image already on your phone) or Camera (take a picture of the contact). Hope it helps!

# Answer
> 6 votes
An alternative to gary's method is to use "Set as".

You can open the Gallery app, select a photo and then pick Menu \> More \> Set as \> Contact Icon. You can then choose the contact to apply it to.

The "Set as" option is sometimes available from other applications (I have a Media Gallery app on my xt720 that has it).

# Answer
> 3 votes
The method really relies on what handset are you using. And keeping your contacts on the SIM card is one main reason for not being able to add photos to your contacts. Anyways, navigating to any contact of your contacts and editing it then clicking on the silhouet will do the trick.

---
Tags: contacts, photos
---


# Question
Title: Does the Xperia X10 play Ogg Vorbis audio files?
Or do I have to convert my OGG files?

# Answer
Android supports ogg.

You create a folder on your sdcard called Music and Android will recognize it.

Here's a list of supported media formats.
> 3 votes

---
Tags: music-player, media-player, audio, files, sony-ericsson-xperia-x10
---


# Question
Title: Is There A Browser Which Makes It Easy/Possible To Search From The Address Bar?
For those familiar with the Google Chrome browser, I'm looking for the feature which basically treats the address bar as a search bar when not navigating to a site. I would find this handy since it's annoying to have to navigate to Google.com first (which is the only option on the stock browser) or using the search widget. Is there a browser for that?

# Answer
Dolphin Browser HD allows you to search google from the address bar, and it shows suggestions as you type. It doesn't explicitly say that it has this feature but I use it all the time. If you type something in the address bar that's not a web address and hit go it will automatically search, just like Chrome does.
> 1 votes

# Answer
What android version are you on? I've got eclair (on a motorola phone) and I can just type in the address bar to search. I thought it might be motoblur, but I tried an eclair emulator image and had the same functionality.

What happens when you hit the search button while the Browser is running?
> 3 votes

# Answer
Opera Mini places a Google search bar near the URL bar. This is not exactly what I was looking for but it's a potential alternative.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: browser, search
---


# Question
Title: How do I add comments to an app in the Market?
Apps in the market have a lot of comments and reviews. How do I add my own rating and comment to these?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Navigate to Market, select Menu \> Downloads and you will see the list of apps on your phone. Notice the My Rating section where you can star and comment on the app.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Once you've actually installed an application, open it up in the Market and the "My Review" section will appear -- you can give it a 1-5 star rating, and then submit comments.

If you haven't installed (or have uninstalled the app)s, you can only view comments (or mark as spam).

See Also: Market comment posting policy.

# Answer
> 2 votes
Just to be clear: You cannot add a comment to an app until you have rated it (out of 5 stars). You cannot rate an app until you have installed it.

Once you have installed and rated and app, then you can comment. (Even if you no longer have the app installed.)

---
Tags: google-play-store, app-ratings
---


# Question
Title: How to synchronize birthdates from contacts with google calendar on HTC Hero?
I'm aware of the fact that the standard contacts/calendar app does not support birthdates synchronization (Android issue 1211). But may be there is some third-party software which can make those synchronized for me?

# Answer
Is this still a problem? I see birthdays from contacts in Calendar.

I add birthdays to my contacts in Gmail, and I subscribed to the "Contacts' birthdays and events" in Google Calendar:

1. Under "Other calendars" Add \> Browse
2. Select "Interesting Calendars"
3. Select "Contacts' birthdays and events"

This gives me a calendar in Google Calendar with my contact's birthdays.

When I got my android (a motorola xt720 running eclair), the birthday calendar showed in the Calendar app.

You'll probably have to open the Calendar app \> Menu \> My Calendars. And then Menu \> Add calendars. You should see Contacts' birthdays and events.
> 5 votes

# Answer
gCalBirthdays is what you're looking for. It comes as a Google Calendar Sidebar Gadget and reads your contacts birthdays in one of your Google calendars which you can then sync to your android phone.
> 2 votes

---
Tags: contacts, sync, calendar, htc-hero
---


# Question
Title: Is there a way to color code events in de default Calender application
I am using the (I think default) **Calender** application on my Samsung Galaxy S phone.

It shows blue blocks for my events in the 7 day view.

Is there a way to **change this blue color** ? So that, e.g. I can mark private events in green and appointments with customers in red ?

Or is there a way to **show some text in the blocks** ?

Or it not possible with the default calender .. do you know of another one which does allow this ?

Thanks.

# Answer
> 9 votes
Yes you can, you will need to create a different "calendar" (probably "tag" would be a better name, but that's Google's terms for it).

Creating a Calendar (do this from the Desktop, I didn't found a way to do it from Android's Calendar app; do anyone know?):

1. Go to http://www.google.com/calendar.
2. Look for the "My calendars" box on the left, click on "Add"
3. Fill in the information, and click Create Calendar.
4. You can change the color later from "My calendars" box, by clicking on the triangular button.

Adding Events to Calendar (can be done from Android):

1. On the "Create New Event" view, choose the calendar you've just made from "Calendar" combobox.

# Answer
> 1 votes
After following Lie's steps to create a new calendar in Google Calendar, you'll have to add it to the Calendar app:

1. Open the Calendar app
2. Menu \> My Calendars
3. Menu \> Add calendars
4. Select the calendar you just added

---

Lie mentioned this in a comment, but I don't have enough rep to respond.

**Add calendar** is for adding calendars to the app that aren't in the **My calendars** list already. It won't let you add new calendars to Google Calendar.

(The above is true on my xt720 running eclair-2.1.)

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, samsung-galaxy-s, calendar
---


# Question
Title: Can you somewhere on you phone view a list of all applications and who made them?
In another question I was asked which Calendar application I was running on my Android 2.2 Samsung Galaxy S phone.

I found the *Applications - Manage applications* setting, but that shows only the version if you click on an appication, and this doesn't show which company created it.

Is there a standard application which gives me this info: e.g. **name of application**, **version nr** and **manufacturer** ?

Or if no standard application is available, any recommendations ?

It seems to me that a lot of questions in this forum should benefit of people specifying in their question which version of which program they are asking questions about, no ?

# Answer
For applications installed from Market, you can go to `Market > Downloads` for application name and developer info; however built-in applications (e.g. Phone, Calendar, other applications installed by default) often are not shown in Market list (neither will they show in Manage Application either).
> 2 votes

---
Tags: applications, 2.2-froyo
---


title: How can I organize items in a folder?

text:
# Question
Title: How can I organize items in a folder?
I created a folder for games on my homescreen. I added many apps to it, but now that I need to scroll I'd like to reorder them. Long pressing on an icon closes the folder (so I can drop the icon on my home screen).

Is it possible? Or do I have to remove and re-add them in order.

I have a stock Motorola XT720 running eclair.

# Answer
Using nothing but your Android options won't do the job straight forward, you need to install an App to do your folders, there are two applications (amongst others of course); one called App Mate, or AppManager-Organize your apps, both are available at the market, and both will require sometime at first to cache your apps and stuff. I'm caching my handset right now, and will get back to here with what is what.

\[Update\]
App Mate is no use for you, on the other hand **AppManager** is way much better, it can even sort your folder applications according to frequency of use but unfortunately the folders it creates on your home-screen is cropped in a strange way, I guess that will be easy for the developer to fix.
> 3 votes

# Answer
By default, items in folders are organized by the order they are added. If the absolute order is not important to you, but rather just having more used apps at the top, you can pull the less used apps out and then re-add them to the folder, which will place them at the bottom.
> 1 votes

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, home-screen-folders
---


# Question
Title: What's the most complete way to erase all the data from my phone so it cannot be recovered?
I just got my replacement Droid and will be sending my current Droid back to Motorola. I'm sure they are going to refurbish it and resell it. I've backed up everything and I'm going to be keeping my microSD card, but how to ensure that all the data is completely wiped off the internal memory so there is no chance that it can be recovered by someone else?

# Answer
> 4 votes
**Perform a factory reset then write to the memory and reset again. This is the best way I have found to prevent data remnance.**

I was aware that with a magnetic based drive there is almost always data remnanace. I believe the standard to effectively erase info on a magnetic drive is erasing and re-writing over the drive 7-20 times (don't quote me on those number). I was under the impression that once you erased data from flash storage it was gone for good but recalled the story of a woman finding porn on her refurbished Evo. So, I asked about data remnance at Superuser on flash memory and found that data sometimes can remain after it is deleted. The recommendation there was: formatting, writing to the memory and formatting again.

To format, as the answers above suggested, I performed a factory reset. This can be done one of two ways on the Droid:

1. Go to the "Settings" menu, choose "Privacy" then choose "Factory Data Reset"
2. Do a hard reset

Ultimately I just did the Factory Reset because I was too lazy to load the system memory up and I suspect that 99.99% the Factory Reset is sufficient, but it's good to know what the risks are.

# Answer
> 4 votes
Keeping the microSD is probably the main thing, so since that's the plan already it's just the phone to go.

I couldn't swear to this, but I used it when selling my g1: uninstall everything - except astro file browser or similar Use astro to wipe out any app related folders remove astro Use the "factory data reset" (on 2.2 its under Privacy) Power up and check it's greeting you as a new user Power off Remove sim card Power up and check it does even less Power off & send

# Answer
> 1 votes
Keep in mind that creating a copy of your data and destroying the original data is a not a backup, just a transport action.

Create a copy of you data on another device/usb stick from your phone and use the **move** command. This will create another 'copy' and essentially makes sure you didn't forgot anything to move. Moving the data also 'deletes' is from the original device. (better save then sorry)

Now make a list of all things you don't want them to get and make sure they are deleted/removed. After this execute a factory data reset (from settings or boot menu) and check you phone if its really clean.

# Answer
> 1 votes
As I understand it, factory reset only "deletes" user specific files and databases. They still could be recovered if not overwritten at least once.

Also internal android flash memory is partitioned into several areas with independent file system. Some of these partitions are not directly writable.

I would do the following: 1. Make a factory reset. 2. Install as many apps as possible to overwrite almost all of the data blocks in the "data" partition. 3. Make another factory reset.

If there were a stock ROM to overwrite the currently installed ROM, I would reinstall that ROM, too.

---
Tags: factory-reset, privacy
---


# Question
Title: Do the apps that require a full internet access override android network settings?
You all know that some apps require "full internet access', and other permissions. Some use it for ads, some use it for other reasons, etc. So, can these apps access the internet when my wifi network and mobile network are disabled? I'm afraid of extra charges from my operator for extra MB. I mean those apps still show ads even if any network connection is disabled - how is it possible? In other words - how can I be sure if an app doesn't use any traffic while wifi and mobile networks are turned off?

# Answer
Well, if you had your 3G off, then they can't access that, I suggest if you didn't override it, use APNdroid from the market to do so and it also features a good widget. Anyways, applications can't override your WiFi settings, if it's off, then they can't turn it on, but if you left your 3G on without any overriding application, like APNdroid, then they might use that, and this will ruin your data-plan.

I suggest you use 3G watchdog and APNdroid, both are available in the Market, to ride and monitor your data-plan, and for WiFi you got the power widget or any other mean to turn it on and off.

Keep in mind, keep your WiFi and 3G off all the time until YOU decide you want to be connected. And if you enabled 3G, turn automatic sync before turning your 3G on, sync lives over MBs if you got more than two accounts to be synced as I do.
> 5 votes

# Answer
Apps use ad cache to show you ads when both Wi-Fi and mobile network are disabled.

You can use something like DroidWall to prevent an app accessing the Internet. But this requires a rooted phone.
> 4 votes

---
Tags: internet, permissions, data-monitoring
---


# Question
Title: What is the default Android Root Password?
What is the default password for the Android root account? Can I change the root password after rooting my android device by simply typing `passwd`?

How does the rooting process work? If I use a "one click root" app, what is it doing to my phone?

# Answer
root in Linux (or any Unix-like system) is just the user with User ID 0. The su program (which actually stands for "Switch User", not "Super User") is just a program to start another program with a different user ID than the starting program (by default to uid 0, which is to user root). Android does not use the traditional /etc/passwd, however it still uses Linux User ID and Group ID for managing permissions.

If you want to intercept su requests so you can ask for password or enforce other rules, you will need to replace /sbin/su with your own version of su. Alternative approach is the one described here: http://www.koushikdutta.com/2008/11/fixing-su-security-hole-on-modified.html though that will require applications to cooperate by firing an Intent when they want to switch user.

Android security framework is more or less like this: each installed application runs on its own User ID (selected at installation time), and application permissions is implemented as user groups.

> Can i change the root password after rooting my android device by simply typing "passwd"?

Android does not use /etc/passwd so it also does not have `passwd` program.

> how is the rooting process working ? i mean what is the "one click root" apps doing to my phone?

I'm not quire sure with the exact process myself, you probably want to ask to rooting developers. However, my guess is it just reverts the security check that originally prevent developer from setuid 0.

> And im a developer, so how can i find hidden APIs (like iOS) for rooted app development ?

Since Android is open source, there is no truly hidden API in Android. However, there are some unpublicized or undocumented APIs, you can browse for this in Android's source code. However, these APIs are not about root developments, they're usually in-development APIs that are not ready yet or is too localized for specific purpose that is not useful for public developer (or perhaps Google just haven't realized their usefulness yet). You are not restricted from using these APIs, but since these are not an officially supported APIs, they may disappear or break backward compatibilities in the future. If you need to use these APIs make sure your app breaks gracefully.
> 42 votes

# Answer
Not a dev, but here's my best stab at an explanation as I understand it (assuming I've understood your question). Hopefully I'm not too far off the mark...

All the 'rooted' ROMs I have used manage root access user the SuperUser application - i.e. when you start an app that wants to run with SuperUser privileges, the SuperUser application will prompt the user to grant the 'root' application these permissions. The SuperUser application then maintains a white-list of apps that have been granted these permissions.

This is the same for Console emulators, etc, so you grant access to the console application - you don't need to enter a password within the emulator.

I don't think you need to worry about the root password for this.

With regards to hidden APIs - I don't think they *are* "hidden" as such, as the Android OS is open sourced in the first place.
> 9 votes

---
Tags: root-access, password
---


# Question
Title: Why do some (many?) Youtube videos not play?
Very often when I click on an embedded Youtube video or even access a Youtube video though the Youtube app, I get an error that curtly says "This video cannot be played". What gives?

# Answer
There is a flag that people can set on their YouTube videos to allow or disallow those videos to be played on a mobile device. What you are seeing when you try to access those videos is that the person has set the flag to 'Disallow'.
> 11 votes

---
Tags: video, youtube
---


# Question
Title: If I buy an unlocked sim-free HTC Desire HD can I still get Android updates OTA?
I currently have a HTC Desire with T-Mobile. If I buy an unlocked HTC Desire HD (Sim-free) and pop in my current T-Mobile SIM will I get OTA updates for the Desire HD or the standard Desire that I have with T-Mobile?

If I won't be able to get OTA updates, will I have a manual update option from HTC direct when they release updates?

I've never bought a Sim-Free phone before so not sure how this works.

# Answer
AFAIK, Android updates are released by the Google then the phone's manufacturer (e.g. HTC) writes updates for the drivers, and providers (e.g. T-Mobile) only help with the distributions. So you will at least be able to do manual updates as long as your phone manufacturers released the update.

However, this means getting update depends on your phone manufacturers support (I heard HTC is quite good on this). If, for example, your manufacturer decided not to support updating of your phone (e.g. Samsung has no plans for updating Spica to Froyo), then you probably won't be able to update using official ROM (although there is almost always a community update to non-official ROMs).
> 1 votes

# Answer
I have a non-branded HTC Desire and I get OTA updates just fine. You will actually get the updates sooner because these updates are provided by HTC directly, which operators have to brand for their devices first before making them available.

I can't imagine this being any different for the Desire HD.

You'll also have more options for installing updates by hand, as described here for example (again, this is for Desire, not Desire HD)
> 1 votes

# Answer
I received OTA update to 2.2 in the summer. I have a SIM-free HTC Desire for Russian market. I bought in April.

I see no obstacles why a SIM-free phone would not get an OTA update. Generally it should be released faster, because it comes from HTC. In case of branded phones, update comes from carriers. That may need additional time as carriers include their software into the update.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: updates, htc-desire, ota-update
---


# Question
Title: I have to talk in an American accent despite setting voice recognition to English UK
Is there a way around this, or perhaps a 3rd party voice recognition app that gets around it?

I also ran a few tests in a Scouse accent and it didn't like any of them - are people with strong regional dialects ever going to be able to use this technology?

Is there a way of training it to better recognaise the nuances of your voice?

In the past this sort of technology works best with:-

* no training but a low number of words
* high amount of training allowing a larger recognaised vocabulary

It's fair to assume the technology has moved on a lot but there's still scope for it to be trained to an extent. We'd all prefer it to work out of the box of course.

# Answer
> 4 votes
I'm English, but a southerner with a fairly RP accent, and using voice recognition for Google searching is pretty accurate for me. Unfortunately this sounds like it's an accent thing.

I know Google offer their 411 directory voice service in the US, apparently one of the main benefits of this for them is that they can capture a huge amount of speech and use it to train their voice recognition with the words that people really use, in the accents they really use.

Until they start offering something like that over here I don't think their British regional accents are going to get better very quickly.

**UPDATE 15 Dec 2010**: Things are changing. Google are starting to trial a new version of Google Voice that does Personalised voice recognition and learns based on the way **you** pronounce words. Unfortunately as it's a trial this for US Android 2.2 users only at the moment, but hopefully it should be going out to the rest of the world if this trial is successful. If you're an English speaking Android 2.2 user in the US, you can get the update here.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, voice-command, voice-recognition
---


# Question
Title: Is there any benefit to rooting the new T-Mobile G2, and what are the legal issues?
> **Possible Duplicate:**
> I've rooted my phone. Now what? What do I gain from rooting?
> Are there any risks to rooting a device?

Given that the new T-Mobile G2 based on Android 2.2 (and so called 4G network) attempts to address much of the reasons people rooted previous phones, is there any benefit to still find a way to root this phone?

Other than potentially voiding warranty, what are the legal implications (e.g., DCMA ban on technical workarounds)?

# Answer
> 4 votes
Rooting your phone, in and of itself, is not illegal (although, there have been some issues surrounding jailbreaking of iPhones...but that's a whole other discussion). Android as a platform is open source and installing a custom mod, or messing around with the internals of the operating system isn't a problem.

Now, as you pointed out in your comment to Bryan's post, there is some software that is licensed. As such, you are governed by the license that you agreed to for those applications (typically through purchase of the phone).

The real legal ramifications that come up would revolve around what it is that you do with your phone once it is rooted. Some would argue (and I don't necessarily agree) that using tethering with a rooted phone is illegal because you haven't paid for it (of course you have paid for the data...but...again, I digress). The phone service providers would most likely tell you its all illegal because they want to lock you in. By locking you in, they guarantee a revenue stream.

So, all-in-all, I don't particularly see a problem. However, I am not a lawyer, so I would ask one if you are truly concerned about the issue.

# Answer
> 3 votes
See my posts here on How to root your phone and You've rooted your phone. Now what?

In short: **you will void your warranty.** IANAL, but legally, it's your phone and you can do what you want with it, but the manufacturer can try to patch the holes that are used to root in order to prevent future rooting.

Other benefits: custom roms, overclocking, tethering, other root-only apps. And who is to say that you won't get Android 2.3 before a custom rom like Cyanogen does? With Cyanogen, you are guaranteed to get the next version of Android, whether tomorrow or two years down the road (look at G1s, for example), barring hardware capabilities.

---
Tags: 2.2-froyo, rooting, htc-desire-z
---


# Question
Title: How can I make my photos automatically geo-tagged?
Is there a way I can make photos taken by Camera be automatically and reliably geo-tagged, so that the location is recognised when I upload them to Flickr?

I have 'GPS' enabled in the camera, but it seems that if the GPS is not enabled or not 'ready', it isn't recorded (when I check the photo's details in Gallery, the location is 'Unknown').

~~Alternatively, is there a way I can geo-tag a photo after I've taken it?~~ *(edit: made this a separate question)*

If it's relevant, my phone is a Samsung Galaxy S.

# Answer
> 10 votes
As long as you have GPS switched on on your phone (on a Galaxy S the easiest way to do this is from the buttons that appear when you pull the notification bar down from the top of the screen) and have GPS switched on in the camera, you should see the "satellite receiver" GPS icon appear and start flashing when you open the camera app. As long as you see this then your phone is trying to geo-tag your pictures.

Be aware that even in the best of conditions your phone can take 30 seconds or more to get a decent GPS position locked, so wait a bit after you open the camera app before you take the picture.

You can also speed up the GPS lock by making sure that you have the assisted GPS features switched on, see this previous question for details on how to switch those features on.

# Answer
> 4 votes
You can install the application Tasker and use it to always enable GPS when the camera is launched. Enabling GPS for apps that need it is one of the more common uses of Tasker, but it does so much more than that.

Here's an article with information: http://lifehacker.com/5599116/how-to-turn-your-android-phone-into-a-fully+automated-superphone

# Answer
> 1 votes
Once I tested my location based android app while developing, I noticed it can take forever to get a location, when GPS is on. When just 'Location through network' enabled, the location comes within seconds. Use this anwer, when the answer of GAThrawn doesnt satisfy you.

---
Tags: camera, geolocation, photos
---


# Question
Title: screen lock and not displaying lock pattern in android 2.2 (Eclair)
I have HTC Wildfire and one feature I don't like is that it displays the lock composition when I enter incorrect one people knows see the correct one even when displaying password is turned off.

Is it possible to turn it off and/or change to different method of locking screen?

**Edit**: As people didn't notice ***I HAVE "USE VISIBLE PATTERNS" TURNED OFF***. ***It is just when I made mistake it is shown***.

**Edit 2** In Froyo I have option to enter just PIN or even password.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Simply, no you can't.

You can install an app that will give you another way to lock phone, like lockbot.

Of course, rooting will solve the problem...

# Answer
> 4 votes
Are you entering an actual password, or an unlock-pattern?

Lock-patterns have the option to display/not-display the path entered, so it's a lot more difficult to "shoulder-surf"

> **Use visible pattern** This is selected by default. Clear this if you do not want the screen unlock pattern to display as you enter it.

# Answer
> 1 votes
I think providing feedback as to bad pattern is the fixed behavior and can't be turned off. I think you are right, it ought not to show you a pattern on error, if you asked to not show a pattern while you were entering it. Sounds like a good UI change to me, I suggest trying to dig up someplace to post such a criticism.

OTOH, do you really worry about so much shoulder surfing that someone will deduce your pattern from various errors they've seen you make? Given that it seems unlikely, you might not get much priority on such fix even your request would be consistent behavior.

# Answer
> 0 votes
Settings \> Security, under "Screen unlock pattern" uncheck "Use visible pattern"

---
Tags: lock-screens, 2.1-eclair, htc-sense, htc-wildfire
---


# Question
Title: Is it possible to configure optical trackpad (trackball) to switch on the phone just like iPhone?
I find the power button hard to press with one hand. Pressing an optical trackpad (trackball) would be much more convenient. Are there any hacks for this?

# Answer
I think turning on from shutdown is not possible without messing with the hardware. I have a nexus one which is basically the HTC desire and using cyanogen mod i've been able to use the trackball to wake from sleep etc. You will need to root etc and probably will void your warranty whatsoever.

Try the following link for more info:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=690477

also google cyanogen mod (i can only post one link at a time)
> 2 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire, buttons
---


title: Application manager for Android

text:
# Question
Title: Application manager for Android
Is there an application manager that would easily

* **kill/close** an application from memory
* install applications
* unstall applications

---

Platform: HTC Desire and Android 2.1.

# Answer
If you are running Android 2.1 or 2.2 you do not want to use app killers. It actually hinders performance and could cause more problems because Android has built in app killing functionality into the OS.

No app currently exists that can do all three of those. You can get an app that can do the first one, there are lots of those but I wouldn't recommend any of them. Or you can get an app that can do those last two...

* Native Marketplace
* Uninstaller
* AppBrain App Market
* My Market
* App Center - by AndroidPit
> 3 votes

# Answer
I agree that it could potentially cause problems (I've only had one problem app \[SportsTap used to give me a pop-up when I'd force-kill it\], and that has subsequently been fixed), but they definitely have their place. Sometimes I want to kill everything possible in one fell swoop because of a problem with the app. For example, the built-in newsfeed widget sometimes messes up my touch screen, and killing it corrects my touch issues.

Nonetheless, I'm using TaskPanel these days. As Webs said, it doesn't do install/uninstalls, but since he covered those, I figured I'd recommend my task killer of choice.
> 1 votes

# Answer
ASTRO file manager does all those things, although I have to agree with Webs and say that you shouldn't use task killers as they are no longer needed. For more information, go to *Application Fundamentals* and scroll down to component life cycles.

Just trust the system, the way Android is designed means you don't need to do memory management, the OS does it for you. Even the developer of Advanced Task Killer said in an interview that his application is no longer needed.
> 0 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire, google-play-store, applications
---


# Question
Title: How does the automatic brightness settings work?
Maybe a dumb question, but I couldn't find any official documentation to confirm.

Does it use the light sensor? Do most devices support it?

# Answer
Yes, it uses the light sensor, and yes most of the smartphones support it.

As for how does it work;

Smartphones, generally, have a light sensor located in the bezel right next to the screen that measures the ambient light together with control software that appropriately raises or lowers the screen brightness based on the measured light level. If you are watching in the dark the screen should be appropriately dim. When the ambient light level is higher the screen needs to be made appropriately brighter for two reasons: because of glare from ambient light reflected off the screen, which washes out the image, and because the eye's light sensitivity decreases substantially as the ambient light level increases.
> 16 votes

# Answer
Yes, as you have guessed on devices that support automatic screen brightness, there is a light sensor, it's typically a small hole on the side of the screen.

Not all phones have a light sensor; for example Samsung Spica lacks one, though you can use the Power Control Widget to quickly change the brightness.
> 8 votes

---
Tags: sensors, screen-brightness
---


# Question
Title: Geo-Tags get lost when uploading to picasa website
The picasa website also offfers a map, where you can see the pictures of your album. Unfortunatly the upload doesnt support geo tags. They are no more with the pictures on picasa website ;(

You have the same issue? Maybe fixed it...?

# Answer
> 1 votes
It works for me. I just tried using the "Share" command to upload a geotagged photo from my Android phone to Picasa, and I can see the map on the Picasa website.

I am using an HTC Dream with Android 1.6

---
Tags: geolocation, picasa, photos
---


title: Old ringtones from android 1.0?

text:
# Question
Title: Old ringtones from android 1.0?
I had a Android Dev G1 phone (which has long since bitten the dust). it was running android 1.0 (later updated to 1.5). I have just gotten a HTC Desire running 2.2. There was a nice ringtone on the 1.0 that i'd like to get again. Is there anyway to download the ld ringtones that were on 1.0?

# Answer
My Android 1.6 phone has the following files in the /system/media/audio/ringtones directory. Are any of these the one you want?

```
Noises2.ogg
BirdLoop.ogg
Noises1.ogg
Big_Easy.ogg
No_Limits.ogg
BentleyDubs.ogg
NewPlayer.ogg
BeatPlucker.ogg
World.ogg
MildlyAlarming.ogg
VeryAlarmed.ogg
MidEvilJaunt.ogg
TwirlAway.ogg
LoveFlute.ogg
Thunderfoot.ogg
LoopyLounge.ogg
Third_Eye.ogg
InsertCoin.ogg
Terminated.ogg
Growl.ogg
Steppin_Out.ogg
Glacial_Groove.ogg
SpringyJalopy.ogg
Gimme_Mo_Town.ogg
SitarVsSitar.ogg
GameOverGuitar.ogg
Shes_All_That.ogg
Funk_Yall.ogg
Seville.ogg
FriendlyGhost.ogg
Savannah.ogg
EtherShake.ogg
RomancingTheTone.ogg
Eastern_Sky.ogg
Road_Trip.ogg
DreamTheme.ogg
Ring_Synth_04.ogg
CurveBall.ogg
Ring_Synth_02.ogg
CrazyDream.ogg
Ring_Digital_02.ogg
Club_Cubano.ogg
Ring_Classic_02.ogg
Champagne_Edition.ogg
Revelation.ogg
CaribbeanIce.ogg
Paradise_Island.ogg
Calypso_Steel.ogg
OrganDub.ogg
Cairo.ogg
Noises3.ogg
Bollywood.ogg

```
> 1 votes

---
Tags: htc-desire, 1.5-cupcake, ringtone
---


# Question
Title: When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?
Android 2.2 (FroYo, short for "Frozen Yogurt") was released over the Summer 2010, however not all of the devices that will get this update have received it yet. Each manufacturer and carrier needs to add their custom modifications before it can be officially released.

See also:

# Answer
This community wiki will list all of the known and rumored dates of upgrades for devices that shipped with a prior version of Android. If you have an update make sure to follow the format that's been established, and the following guidelines:

1. Keep phones in alphabetical order listing the manufacturer and model
2. Specify if the date is confirmed or rumored and link to the source
3. If there is an unofficial release, link to the site where it can be downloaded

If you don't have a high enough reputation score to edit the wiki (currently 100), leave your suggestion in a comment or answer and someone will update the list.

## Phones

**Acer Liquid E**

**HTC Aria**

* Official:

**HTC Desire**

**HTC G1**

**HTC Legend**

**HTC Magic**

**HTC myTouch 3G**

**HTC myTouch Fender LE & myTouch 3G 3.5mm jack aka myTouch 3G 1.2**

**HTC myTouch 3G Slide**

**HTC Wildfire**

* Official:
    + United Kingdom: Dec. 20, 2010 (confirmed)
    + Germany (T-Mobile): Dec. 21, 2010
    + rest of Europe: Week of Dec. 23, 2010 (confirmed)

**LG Ally**

* Official:

**LG Apex**

**Motorola CHARM**

* Official: **never** (will remain at Android 2.1) (confirmed)

**Motorola CLIQ XT**

* Official: **never** (will remain at Android 1.5) (confirmed)

**Motorola Defy**

* Europe, Asia, Middle East: 2Q 2011 (source)

**Motorola FLIPOUT**

* Official: **never** (will remain at Android 2.1) (confirmed)

**Motorola i1 (PTT)**

* Official: **never** (will remain at Android 1.5) (confirmed)

**Motorola Milestone**

* Europe: Mar. 15, 2011 (confirmed)
* Asia, Middle East: 4Q 2010 - initial rollout (source)
* Asia-Pacific, Canada, Latin America: 1Q 2011 (source)

**Motorola Milestone XT720**

* Official:

**Samsung Acclaim**

* Official: Jan. 19, 2011, via download (confirmed)

**Samsung Captivate**

* Official (via Kies):

**Samsung Continuum**

* Official: Jan. 18, 2011 (rumored)

**Samsung Epic 4G**

**Samsung Fascinate**

**Samsung Galaxy 3 (I5800 / I5801)**

**Samsung Galaxy 5 (I5500)**

**Samsung Galaxy A (Korea)**

**Samsung Galaxy S (International)**

* Official:
    + T-Mobile: 2nd week of Dec. 2010 (tentative) (source)
    + Europe: (O2) Nov. 15, 2010 (confirmed), (Vodafone) Nov. 15, 2010 (confirmed)
    + Korea: Nov. 15, 2010 (confirmed)
    + Middle East: Nov. 15, 2010
    + UK: (via Samsung Kies) Nov. 4, 2010 (confirmed)

**Samsung Intercept**

**Samsung Mesmerize**

**Samsung Moment**

**Samsung Vibrant**

**Sony Ericsson Xperia X10**

## Tablets

**Archos 28/32/43/70/101**

**Dell Streak**

**ViewSonic ViewPad 10**

* Unofficial: Nov. 12, 2010 (source)

## Other devices

**Barnes & Noble Nook Color**

* Official: Apr. 20, 2011 (confirmed)
* Unofficial: Dec. 6, 2010 (video)

---

This is not specific to Froyo, but this forum posts lists the rough dates for all Android versions for all Motorola models https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/manager/softwareupgrades
> 30 votes

---
Tags: updates, 2.2-froyo, android-versions
---


# Question
Title: When will my phone get the Android 2.3 update (Gingerbread)?
Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) SDK was released on December 6, 2010. (High-level user highlights)

Of course, not all devices will get this update right away and others won't get it at all. Each manufacturer and carrier often choose to add their custom modifications which tend to delay the official release.

**When will each device get Android 2.3, either officially or unofficially, if ever?**

See also:

# Answer
> 61 votes
This community wiki will list all of the known and rumored dates for devices. If you have an update make sure to follow the format that's been established, and the following guidelines:

1. Keep phones in alphabetical order listing the manufacturer and model
2. Specify if the date is confirmed or rumored and link to the source
3. If there is an unofficial release, link to the site where it can be downloaded
4. If a new update comes out (e.g. 2.3.5 over 2.3.4), link to the new and don't keep the old information

Note that devices that do not meet Google's Compatibility Definition will not receive a Google-sanctioned update. In the case of the major manufacturers and many others, that means they won't release an update at all since Google's certification is important to their business.

# **Phones**

## Commtiva **z71**

## Geeksphone **One**

## Geeksphone **Zero**

## Google **Nexus One**

* Official: 23rd February 2011. (According to a tweet)
* Unofficial:

## HTC **Aria**

## HTC **Desire**

## HTC **Desire HD**

## HTC **Desire Z** / **G2**

## HTC **Droid Incredible**

## HTC **Droid Incredible 2**

## HTC **Droid Incredible S**

## HTC **EVO 4G**

## HTC **EVO Shift 4G**

## HTC **Hero**

## HTC **Inspire 4G**

## HTC **Legend**

## HTC **myTouch 3G Slide**

## HTC **myTouch 4G**

## HTC **Tattoo** / **Click**

## HTC **Thunderbolt**

## HTC **Wildfire** / **Buzz**

* Official: Never. (Official mail from HTC support; cause: doesn't meet the minimum requirements, e.g., 1 GHz processor)
* Unofficial 2.3.7: 11th October 2011. (CyanogenMod 7.1)

## Huawei **U8220**

## LG **Optimus 2X / G2X**:

## LG **Optimus 3D**

## LG **Optimus One P500**

* Europe Official: 6th July 2011. (Confirmed)

## LG **Revolution**

## Motorola **Atrix 4G MB860**

## Motorola **Backflip** / **Motus MB300**

## Motorola **Cliq MB200**

## Motorola **Cliq XT MB501**

## Motorola **Defy MB525**

## Motorola **Droid A855**

## Motorola **Droid 2 A955**

## Motorola **Droid X MB810**

## Motorola **Milestone X**

## Samsung **Droid Charge**

## Samsung **Galaxy Ace** / **Gio** / **Fit** / **Mini**

## Samsung **Galaxy S**

### 1. Canada Bell **Vibrant GT-i9000M**

### 2. Canada Telus **Fascinate 3G+ SGH-T959D**

### 3. International **GT-i9000**

### 4. US AT&T **Captivate SGH-i897**

### 5. US Sprint **Epic 4G**

### 6. US T-Mobile **Vibrant SGH-T959**

### 7. US Verizon **Fascinate** / US Cellular **Mezmerize** / C Spire Wireless **Showcase SCH-i500**

## Samsung **Infuse 4G**

## Sony Ericsson **Xperia Arc**

* Official (2.3.4): 18 October 2011 (Confirmed)

## Sony Ericsson **Xperia X8**

## Sony Ericsson **Xperia X10**

## ZTE **Blade** / Orange **San Francisco** / Dell **XCD35**

## ZTE **V9**

# **Tablets**

## Barnes & Noble **Nook Color**

## Samsung **Galaxy Tab**

---

This is not specific to Gingerbread, but this forum posts lists the rough dates for all Android versions for all Motorola models: https://supportforums.motorola.com/community/manager/softwareupgrades

---
Tags: updates, 2.3-gingerbread, android-versions
---


# Question
Title: How can I enable Google's voice recognition?
I want to enable Android's Voice Input on my Archos 70 Internet Tablet. Voice Input/Output isn't even visible in the settings menu. Is there an apk file to add this or some other way? I'm happy to take 3rd party Voice Recognition suggestions like vlingo if they don't need access to the Google Voice Recognition Engine, but I'm most interested in getting the standard Android voice input working.

***Device:** Archos 70 Internet Tablet running Android 2.1*

# Answer
> 3 votes
Android 2.2 is now available for your device, which includes voice search: http://archosfans.com/2010/11/30/froyo-firmware-2-0-54-for-gen8-released-2/

# Answer
> 1 votes
Do you mean the Google Voice Search?

If so, I think it is only available on selected countries.

Here on Brazil, it was unavailable until some weeks ago, when it was released on Android Market.

This page shows where it is available: http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=170820

---
Tags: 2.1-eclair, voice-command, archos-gen8, voice-recognition
---


# Question
Title: Are there any devices that are like an iPod Touch, but run Android?
A lot of people like iPod Touches because they're almost identical to iPhones, but without cell service (and the monthly fees that go along with it), while still being able to connect to a wireless network. Are there any alternative devices that run Android?

Bonus points if it has at least 24 GB of storage.

# Answer
> 5 votes
Nothing of quality yet (at least IMO). Archos has just announced a new product line of Android tablets and smaller devices. Also Samsung has announced the Galaxy tablet (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938\_105-20015395-1.html) that looks impressive.

I think you'll have a ton of options around the Christmas shopping season.. Keep an eye on Engadget, not a day goes by they're not showing another "leaked" Android tablet.

ETA: here's a link to the Archos 101 tablet.. Looks pretty impressive: http://www.archos.com/products/ta/archos\_101it/index.html?country=us&lang=en

# Answer
> 4 votes
The recently announced Samsung Galaxy Player SD is Samsung's go at an Android based PMP (Personal Media Player) in a similar vein to the iPod Touch.

It has Wifi connectivity and no phone voice or data capability built-in, but other than that, from the recently released offcial video, it appears to be running exactly the same software with the same Samsung apps and Samsung TouchWiz interface add-ons as the full Galaxy S, albeit in a smaller form factor with a lower spec camera.

# Answer
> 3 votes
Just buy an Android phone. The newer ones are supporting 32gb of storage. You don't have to activate the phone if you don't want to and you will get all the functionality. Or just upgrade to an Android phone and then have the best of both worlds. The way Android handles music works beautifully.

# Answer
> 3 votes
I own an Archos 43 (16GB internal with an microSD card slot), and I really like it. Keep in mind with the Generation 8 Archos tablets (Archos 28, Archos 32, Archos 43, Archos 70, and Archos 101), only the Archos 70 and Archos 101 have capacitive touchscreens, so they are the only multi-touch capable devices in the product line.

UPDATE:

Since posting my answer, some new products have been announced. Check out the Amazon Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy Player 50, although both of those are larger than an iPod Touch.

Also, Archos has announced some new ninth generation tablets, the Archos 80 G9 and the Archos 101 G9.

# Answer
> 2 votes
As Don says, Archos are releasing a range of "tablets" (most are really PMPs, like the iPod touch) during September and October.

The register have a good breakdown of the full range here: http://www.reghardware.com/2010/09/01/archos\_android\_tablets/

# Answer
> 1 votes
The Archos tablets have not generally received good reviews to this point. The Dell Streak has also received bad reviews. Further, Google has said the current version of Android is not optimized for tablets. I would personally wait for Android 3. By then, the first gen tablets will be passed and the lessons learned will drive a much better second generation of tablets with an Android OS designed for them.

---
Tags: pmp
---


# Question
Title: Quickly input frequent used phrase by choose-and-paste
Is there any application that can enhance the clipboard, so that I can quickly input some frequent used phrase by choose-and-paste?

Use case:

I need to input my email address to a field in an application. I recall my frequent used phrases list (by some kind of operation), choose my email address, then it is pasted into the field.

# Answer
Personally, I use Quickcopy \- It may be as close as you will get to your ideal. The only part it will not do is automatically paste into the field you want it to, but it does provide quick access.
> 2 votes

# Answer
You could try Smart Clipboard: http://www.appbrain.com/app/smart-clipboard/net.xdevelop.cp it claims to do just what you are asking.

Personally I use Uber Keyboard: http://www.appbrain.com/app/uber-keyboard-%28text-voice%29/com.pwnwithyourphone.talktomekbd It give you suggestions while you type which I usually ignore but it also let's you set custom mappings. So I set it up so the 1st two letters of my email are mapped to my full email address so when I type in mw it shows my full email as a suggestion so I can insert it without having to open another app. I've set a bunch of other custom mappins as well for commonly entered things.
> 2 votes

# Answer
I'm the creator of Clipper, a free clipboard manager app. In addition to the clipboard history feature, you can also store *snippets*, which is what you're looking for.
> 2 votes

# Answer
try clipNote
> 1 votes

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Tags: automation
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# Question
Title: What is the maximum Xperia X10 memory card size?
I just bought an X10 and I would like to have as large a memory card as possible. What is the largest one that works with X10? Does it work with 32 GB cards?

# Answer
> 0 votes
I took a chance and bought a 32 GB card, class 4. It works. I believe it is a Zap or something.

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This post suggests 32 GB cards work. I'd rather someone on this site said so though.

# Answer
> 1 votes
Acording to the specs here GSM Arena: Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 the X10 can take up to a 32GB microSD card.

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Tags: external-sd, ram, sony-ericsson-xperia-x10
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# Question
Title: Is it possible to clear the 'program installed' icons at the top notification bar?
When you perform an update of an installed program, the top notification bar displays a 'downloading' icon.

When it is downloaded, it displays a 'successfully updated' icon.

**Is there a way to clear these 'successfully updated' icons?**

I found no other way than to pull down the notification bar, and click the installed notification messages, but this always starts the updated program.

I was just wondering if you can clear these icons without having to start the program.

*A minor thing, I know, but once I get a question like that in my head...*

# Answer
> 8 votes
Towards the top of your notification bar there should be a `Clear` button. Click this to clear your notifications (this will clear all pending notifications, not just application installed/updated ones).

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Tags: 2.2-froyo, samsung-galaxy-s, notifications, updates
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# Question
Title: Why are some songs are not named correctly in media players?
Most songs in my collection display correctly. However some will display the name of the song as "01 Song name" instead of "Song name". Note that the file name is "01 Song name.mp3". They also appear out of order in the album so doesn't seem to be taking the track number into account.

When I check the id tags all the information is correct.

This occurs in all media players that I have tried.

Does anyone have any ideas why this occurs and how to correct it?

# Answer
Are you sure your tags are correct, it sounds like they're not?

Try looking at the files with something like MP3Tag or MediaMonkey they should show exactly which tags are in there and let you clear out any corrupted tags.
> 3 votes

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Tags: music, mp3
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# Question
Title: Does the gmail app stop syncing once the "Low on space" message appears?
Based on casual observation and anecdotal evidence it appears to me that once the "Low on space" message appears in the status bar the gmail app stops syncing and stops notifying me of new emails.

Can anyone confirm whether this is the case?

# Answer
> 5 votes
Yes, if you are in fact *really* low on space then gmail stops syncing. You might also stop receiving SMS's and other data until you have made some space.

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Tags: gmail, internal-storage
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# Question
Title: Can I use my ipod touch as a wireless camera over bluetooth or wifi and watch it on my droid x?
Just like the title says. I need something to work like a wireless spy camera.

# Answer
I think there is a Ustream live video broadcasting / viewing app for Android & iOS, though this would broadcast over the internets rather than directly over bluetooth or wifi.

The Qik app might also be an option.
> 1 votes

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Tags: motorola-droid-x
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title: Phone calls over headphone jack?

text:
# Question
Title: Phone calls over headphone jack?
I'm looking at buying a new car. Many of the cars I see now come "standard" with an audio-in jack. The option of a Bluetooth connection is usually much more expensive. My question is: If I plug my phone into the audio-in jack with a cable to the headphones port, can I use the phone "handsfree" effectively while operating the vehicle? That is, will the incoming sound come over the speakers, and not echo hopelessly into the input on the phone itself? Or do I basically have to spring for the Bluetooth, either at purchase time or aftermarket?

# Answer
I have tried to do this in my own car - here's my experience with it.

From a "hearing the person" perspective, the headphone jack into the car's speaker system works great. What's even better is that the person doesn't (generally) hear themselves talking either (no echo or feedback). This is using an original Moto Droid, so your mileage may vary.

The problem that I have with this kind of setup is having the person hear me. I still, generally, have to hold the phone up to my mouth for the person on the other side to understand what I am saying. I have found it helps a *little* bit to enable speaker phone, but then the person sometimes gets the echo feedback. It's really a no-win situation.

Most likely, you'll have to get an aftermarket blue tooth headset.
> 4 votes

# Answer
It's possible to use it this way but the quality of the results are going to depend on your phone, the car and how loud you have the speakers.

I have done something similar with my Moto Droid 1 and will share my experience:

The only difference between my configuration and the one you are inquiring about was that instead of plugging directly into an audio jack in my car I used an FM transmitter that I plugged into my headphone jack on my phone (which then wirelessly beamed the phones audio to 88.1 FM on my stereo). In the past I have done the same thing with a tape deck adapter. Needless to say the result was that all audio on my phone was coming out of my car speakers. I did this to listen to music and podcasts and accidentally discovered the hands free component when I got a call while it was hooked up this way.

Needless to say I was surprised to find that there was no feedback loop, no echo, and the person on the other end couldn't hear the speakers at all. It was also reported to me by the person on the other end of the line that my microphone was picking up my voice just fine, even though the Droid was sitting in my cup holder. None of this really seem logical to me but it worked. That being said I don't know how a different phone would respond with a different car. I suggest that you bring a male to male 3.5 in headphone cord when you test drive the vehicle and place a test call to someone you've already briefed on the situation, so they can help you evaluate the quality of the call.
> 3 votes

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Tags: bluetooth, audio, calls, car-dock, hands-free
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