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Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

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Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#81

Post by qjz »

mkopinsky wrote: post #68
mrich wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

First, I can definitely recommend getting a smartphone. I'm normally a late adoptor, but I am glad I switched relatively early to a smartphone. I ran into people now and then who tell me they don't need their phone to do X, they just want to call people, but I'm sure once they have all the functionality in one device they would never give it back. Regarding risks, I ran into a problem with the custom MIUI ROM where I…

For me, so far it's been a lifestyle choice. Seeing the extent to which I am addicted to my computer and am totally glued to it when it's turned on, I am scared the same will happen with a smartphone. On the other hand, being able to look something up quickly on a smartphone might make it easier to keep the computer off and engage with life.

FWIW, I was once like you and resisted getting a smartphone for quite a while. Now I'm no longer chained to my desk. I can go on an epic bike ride, chart it with GPS, and never miss an important email. If anything, the smartphone has given me more freedom, improved my health, and increased my awareness of my surroundings (never get lost, locate nearby businesses/attractions, leave the house more often). The nice thing about a smartphone is that it spends most of the time in your pocket. You only pull it out when you need it.

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#82

Post by trout »

handcent SMS - I like the popup feature, only non-stock SMS I've tried. Touchdown - I like the customization, I only have to enter my pin when entering the application.

Google authenticator - if you're carrying an android and using gmail you should be using two factor.

Astro - solid file browser

Dolphin - only browser I've used outside of stock, very solid, tabs, sync.

Evernote - unified note taking across my 3 devices (phone, laptop, laptop)

LTE on/off - turning off 4g in spotty areas or when I'm low on battery

Meebo - I use it for a xmpp client

Pandora

Swype

Webex - I do a lot of these, and this app is great

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#83

Post by mrinterweb »

If there is one application that really makes me appreciate having an Android phone, it is Tasker. Tasker allows you to defined custom rules to automate your phone. An example of how Tasker improves my life would be that I have defined rules that will mute my phone's notifications automatically at 12:00am and reset the volume to normal levels 8:00am. This helps me sleep. Tasker's UI is clearly the product of a programmer, but the functionality it offers is hard to beat. I am pretty sure that Apple would never allow such an application that has the level of control over the phone as Tasker does.

Are there any other automation application recommendations?

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#84

Post by antimora »

riams wrote: post #40
avar wrote: post #35

I'm running a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I've rooted. Here's my most commonly used applications, all of which I recommend: * Smart Keyboard Pro: https://market.android.com/details?id=net.cdeguet.smartkeybo... -- Allows me to use a Dvorak keyboard on the phone, but even if you don't use Dvorak it's still a great purchase. It has a lot of options to make your typing more efficient that the stock keyboard doesn't have. * Th…

>> I tried to use Titanium Backup PRO but it didn't work for removing or freezing them. Worked for me. What happens if you launch them after attempting to freeze? >> Screenshot to take screenshots You don't need an app for this. Hold menu + power button.

On samsung it is hold back button + click home button.

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#85

Post by morsch »

CJefferson wrote: post #74
avar wrote: post #35

I'm running a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I've rooted. Here's my most commonly used applications, all of which I recommend: * Smart Keyboard Pro: https://market.android.com/details?id=net.cdeguet.smartkeybo... -- Allows me to use a Dvorak keyboard on the phone, but even if you don't use Dvorak it's still a great purchase. It has a lot of options to make your typing more efficient that the stock keyboard doesn't have. * Th…

Just one comment on this high-quality list, for podcasting. Google seems to have basically abandoned 'google listen'. After trying various programs, I've settled on BeyondPod. While it takes a while to configure and has some rough edges, it will automatically download new episodes and delete old ones. It lets you set to only download when the phone is on wi-fi, or charging, or both (my personal preference).

I wish Google had at least released the sources for Listen. I like it far better than the three or four podcast apps (including BeyondPod), but it needs maintenance.

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#87

Post by mrinterweb »

SkyMarshal wrote: post #48

An anti-answer: Use as few apps as possible, and when you do download ones, make sure to go into Settings -> Manage Applications and move them to the SD card if they didn't automatically install there. Don't know how the SGS2 is in this regard, but my Nexus S absolutely chugs if I'm not careful to keep main memory as free as possible.

I have found this to be the case at times. Not all apps are created equally and some are less responsible with their memory and how many CPU cycles they consume. With a true multiprocess OS like Android, this can be problematic as background applications can be unnecessarily greedy. One application that can help determine what applications are consuming CPU, memory, and battery is "System" by NextApp, Inc. With System's monitoring capability you can often determine which applications are misbehaving.

I once was trying to figure out why my battery was only lasting four hours. I used System's monitoring and figured out that the Facebook app was consuming >90% of CPU cycles. I learned later that the bug was confirmed and that Facebook fixed the problem, but in the meantime, I was able to uninstall Facebook and thus I restored my phone's battery life and responsiveness.

I'm sure there are plenty of other good system monitoring applications for Android. System is the only one I have used.

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#88

Post by bbk »

avar wrote: post #35

I'm running a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I've rooted. Here's my most commonly used applications, all of which I recommend: * Smart Keyboard Pro: https://market.android.com/details?id=net.cdeguet.smartkeybo... -- Allows me to use a Dvorak keyboard on the phone, but even if you don't use Dvorak it's still a great purchase. It has a lot of options to make your typing more efficient that the stock keyboard doesn't have. * Th…

//* Screenshot to take screenshots

Does the back button + Home combo (works for Galaxy S) not work for S2 ?

Re: Ask HN: What Android apps do you use?

#89

Post by [deleted] »

avar wrote: post #35

I'm running a Samsung Galaxy S2 that I've rooted. Here's my most commonly used applications, all of which I recommend: * Smart Keyboard Pro: https://market.android.com/details?id=net.cdeguet.smartkeybo... -- Allows me to use a Dvorak keyboard on the phone, but even if you don't use Dvorak it's still a great purchase. It has a lot of options to make your typing more efficient that the stock keyboard doesn't have. * Th…

[deleted]
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