Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Android Applications I Use

Putting the applications I write aside, here's a list of the Android applications I have installed in no particular order. Applications in bold are used often. I'll try to get back to this list and update with descriptions or links.

  • Amazon
  • Angry Birds
  • Autozone
  • Barcode Scanner
  • Chrome to Phone
  • Congress
  • eBay
  • Epicurious
  • Facebook
  • Google Finance
  • Google Gesture Search
  • Google Gmail
  • Google Goggles
  • Google Buzz
  • Google Search
  • Google Sky Map
  • GPS Status
  • Hotspot Widget
  • IMDb
  • Google Maps
  • Mileage
  • Mint.com
  • Google My Tracks
  • Flixster
  • OBD II Reader
  • OpenSpark
  • Overstock
  • Pandora
  • Photoshop
  • ESPN Scorecenter
  • Shazam
  • Google Shopper
  • ShopSavvy
  • StopWatch & Timer
  • Swype
  • Target
  • The Weather Channel
  • Torque
  • Transdroid
  • Twitter
  • Urbanspoon
  • Google Voice
  • Google Voice Search
  • Wordpress
  • WRAL.com
  • XBMC Remote
  • z4Root

Thursday, November 18, 2010

New Phone - LG Optimus S


My previous phone, the HTC Hero was once considered high-end for an Android phone. Back then, there wasn't much for choices, the Hero followed the HTC G1, and roughly matched the functionality of the MyTouch.

Today there are a wide variety of phones from junk to super high-end. I envy the owner's of the HTC EVO 4G, but it's difficult for me to justify the $200 up-front + $240 in additional fees over the 2 year contract. RadioShack and Sprint recently offered a promotion for the new low-end LG Optimus S for $0, no rebate required. That's $440 cheaper over 2 years than the EVO.

I took the plunge, and I'm delightfully surprised at just how nice the Optimus S. In many ways it's a big upgrade from my HTC Hero, but with a few caveats. Here's the quick rundown.

Improvements:
  • Stock Android 2.2.1 - Froyo tastes great.
  • Faster CPU. The 600mhz CPU is a big improvement, even beyond raw numbers.
  • GPU. Added acceleration for graphics. I can play Angry Birds now.
  • Slightly thinner, smaller.
  • More responsive touch screen.
  • Dedicated 2-stage camera button.
  • Dedicated voice dialer button.
  • No blinding notification light while charging
  • Proximity Sensor turns phone screen on and off automatically when calling.
  • Very fast and accurate GPS
  • Swype keyboard included free
  • Can be rooted.
  • Only Sprint app is SprintID. No junk.
  • Wireless hotspot capability
Drawbacks:
  • No notification light for SMS, Email, Missed Calls, etc.
  • No trackball. Made text editing a bit easier.
  • No light sensor. Screen brightness is fixed to your setting.
  • No dedicated dial and hang up button. Not really necessary on this phone.
  • Low-resolution 480x320 screen.
  • New Phone and Brand - No community for custom ROMs yet.
  • SprintID is confusing and an annoying addition.
  • The Google first time use wizards have been removed. I found these helpful as an experienced Android user and they were certainly helpful to new Android users.
  • I can't tell if the Google Backup facility is there. If I reset, will my apps automatically reinstall?
Bugs:
  • Included SD Card randomly mounts/remounts. I replaced mine with an 8GB and this problem has never occurred.
  • Can't set voicemail provider in settings. I tried to set it as Google Voice, but there's no option. So far this has had no functional drawbacks, but I like to do it "right".
Coming from a Hero, I can handle those drawbacks and gladly accept the improvements.