Earlier quoted context omitted.
Americans allow this because in general it's much cheaper to buy a phone subsidized over contract. Only one carrier here (T-Mobile) provides a monthly discount for unsubsidized phones. Most people don't just have $500+ to drop when they want or need a new phone, so it's much easier for people to go on contract and spread out that cost, even if it costs more in the long run (which it usually doesn't since most network…
> Americans allow this because in general it's much cheaper to buy a phone subsidized over contract Subsidized phones are very popular in Europe, but the phone doesn't really enter the equation when choosing a network. I actually think Europeans are cheaper than Americans ... over here people choose networks based on reliability and monthly bill, which is influenced by included minutes or bandwidth / area or demograp…
Android 2.3 Platform
61–68 of 68 posts
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#62Earlier quoted context omitted.
It's might be backwards, but it's an unfortunate truth. I live in Europe too .. but go to any phone shop, and you'll see that carriers pick specific phones to support. People traditionally buy phones with contracts - and a lot people shy away from buying a phone upfront (although this trend seems to be waning). Also, a large part of the massive amount of money that's spent on marketing comes from the networks. Withou…
Subsidies can and should be independent from carrier exclusivity. It was in germany since the late nineties. Until the iPhone I could get any GSM-phone on any carrier with a subsidy (for extending my contract).
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#63Earlier quoted context omitted.
Or root your Android phone. I'm finding more and more people outside of tech-circles are doing this as it allows you to run WifTether, extra apps, etc. Those "Mobile Phone Repair Shops" that used to unlock Nokias are doing a roaring trade rooting and changing firmware on 'regular' user's phones.
What's WifTether? I'm looking for reasons to root it, but for now TempRoot is working fine. I am also not sure if it will have any adverse effects, like preventing updating or anything.
Being rooted allows the app to provide the same functionality without needing to check the carrier setting.
It's the killer app of being rooted. Unless you are on AT&T in SF or NY in which case your network is probably hosed anyway
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#64Love how you can't read the android site in a android phone Unless you send a android user agent, then it changes most of the css to enable it. Really a dumb move
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#65http://developer.android.com/sdk/images/2.3/selection.png This looks familiar... http://www.christian-kalmar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/i...
http://techcrunch.com/2010/01/27/think-ibooks-looks-familiar...
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#66Earlier quoted context omitted.
Barometer = Altitude.
Or it just senses when it's going to rain.
All this technology and I bet its primary use will be to check into conference rooms on foursquare.
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#67Earlier quoted context omitted.
What's WifTether? I'm looking for reasons to root it, but for now TempRoot is working fine. I am also not sure if it will have any adverse effects, like preventing updating or anything.
Sorry I meant WiFi Tether (officially called "Android Wifi Tether"), it is an open source project that does the same job as the "official" wifi tether app that the carrier usually lock or require you to pay extra for them to set allowWifiTether = TRUE; Being rooted allows the app to provide the same functionality without needing to check the carrier setting. It's the killer app of being rooted. Unless you are on AT&T…
Re: Android 2.3 Platform
#68Love how you can't read the android site in a android phone Unless you send a android user agent, then it changes most of the css to enable it. Really a dumb move
I don't have any problems reading this site on my HT Desire. I don't like the mobile versions of some sites, so the "Mobile View" setting in my browser is usually off ... but I can read the android site with it off or on.