Anyone else using Aviate?

I'm torn on it. I love the idea of it and how it looks, but I'm not sure I've actually taken advantage of its system yet, and not sure it's worth the GPS/battery hit. I customized it and everything, but I end up going to the homescreen most of the time anyways. I love the app drawer though.

It has made a lot of people jealous, but I think the idea of dynamic screens (fit to your location) is better than the implementation of it, given I gravitate around the same 4-5 apps no matter what.

simmeh

Canada2511 Posts

December 01 2013 06:55 GMT

#384

whatever happened to that new nexus 10 eh

dabom88

United States3483 Posts

December 01 2013 10:34 GMT

#385

Well, I just got a Galaxy S4. Best Buy Black Friday deal, free with 2-year contract.
http://slickdeals.net/f/6486912-free-w-contract-samsung-galaxy-s4-live-at-best-buy-online

Anyone have any advice on roms and launchers I should be running with it?

Firebolt145

Lalalaland34503 Posts

December 01 2013 10:43 GMT

#386

If you're not experienced with Android and don't have a specific purpose for flashing custom ROMs, stick to stock for now. As for launchers, there's a large pool to choose from. I personally use Apex, but Nova is another very popular straightforward launcher, both of which are similar to the Google stock experience.

Hollow

Canada2180 Posts

December 01 2013 12:58 GMT

#387

Got a Nexus 7 FHD (2013) for $145 with free shipping on shop.ca after combining a bunch of promos together. There's a thread on redflagdeals (hot deals) for those wondering. I think it's still possible to do. Really cool device, totally worth it.

dabom88

United States3483 Posts

December 02 2013 06:42 GMT

#388

On December 01 2013 19:43 Firebolt145 wrote:
If you're not experienced with Android and don't have a specific purpose for flashing custom ROMs, stick to stock for now. As for launchers, there's a large pool to choose from. I personally use Apex, but Nova is another very popular straightforward launcher, both of which are similar to the Google stock experience.

Well, I do have experience with Android. In the sense that my last smartphone (which was my very first one) for the last 2 years was the Galaxy Nexus. I personally liked the stock Android that was on it. Just hated the battery life. And I don't like the fact that I only have 9 Gigabytes out of 16 to use for my S4 because of all the unnecessary bloatware. Also, the bloody wallpaper doesn't scroll. And I rarely use the S4-specific features of Touchwiz. I have most of the "smart" things like voice commands and "keep screen on when looking at it" turned off to save power.

However, I don't have any experience rooting or flashing roms or installing launchers and such, so I was hoping someone in this topic could help.

Firebolt145

Lalalaland34503 Posts

December 02 2013 06:52 GMT

#389

The problem with the wallpaper is easily solved by installing a custom launcher from the play store. Check out apex or nova, both very powerful launchers which are similar to stock.

To remove the bloatware (all that S stuff) and free up space you'll have to root your phone and use something like titanium backup to remove them. I don't have an s4 and don't have any links to provide but you should easily be able to find information on rooting from Google and xda-developers. Search for an author called chainfire.

None of your issues aside from the battery drain (that you may or may not experience with the s4) require you to flash a custom rom. This can also help you if you absolutely cannot stand touchwiz (which a custom launcher will also help with). If you want to find out more about custom roms and flashing feel free to ask and I'll make a more detailed post on it all.

Jibba

United States22883 Posts

December 02 2013 07:34 GMT

#390

I'm about to jump on this Moto X $350 unlocked deal.

I'm on a VZW unlimited plan, so regular upgrading isn't very compelling and the choices aren't there. That and the Moto X just feels amazing to hold. Anyone else get one?

Klogon

MURICA15980 Posts

December 02 2013 08:59 GMT

#391

For Verizon, it sounds like probably the best bang for buck you can get considering Nexus 5 isn't available, right? I say do it.

andyrau

13015 Posts

December 02 2013 17:15 GMT

#392

On December 02 2013 15:42 dabom88 wrote:

Show nested quote +

Think twice before rooting your s4, or any recent Samsung product - most methods of rooting void the warranty.
Their newer devices (s4, galaxy note 3, etc) have a root warranty counter due to KNOX, and it's basically unchangeable to a novice user. I believe there are ways to unroot and restore it, but either way it's a massive hassle.

If you're set on rooting/flashing a new ROM onto it and you enjoy the stock Google experience, isn't there a ROM for the S4 Google Play Edition?
It's almost guaranteed to work since it's the same phone and basically an official release.

Noev

United States1105 Posts

December 04 2013 03:14 GMT

#393

On December 02 2013 16:34 Jibba wrote:
I'm about to jump on this Moto X $350 unlocked deal.

I'm on a VZW unlimited plan, so regular upgrading isn't very compelling and the choices aren't there. That and the Moto X just feels amazing to hold. Anyone else get one?

Yeah i got one on VZW with unlimited data, bought it back in august. I had the Galaxy Nexus before it and i really can't say enough about how amazing this phone is. Its the same size screen as the GNex but is smaller in hand and feels way better plus the screen while still AMOLED and 720p isn't PenTile like the GNex was so it looks great. I was in the soak test for 4.4 and if motorola can keep up this pace for updates and fixes ill be a happy camper.

Stock android is what i like the best over some of the OEM changes but the little things that motorola has added really enhance the experience. The active display stuff and the always listening have totally changed how i think about interaction with a phone. Plus the Moto Assist in the car works surprisingly well, it picks up when i'm in the car fast and know within about two to three steps that i am out of the car.

$350 for it off contract is a deal plus the ability to customize it thats a steal.

Edit: battery life is also very good easily lasts a full day of use (for me like 16 hours) on LTE with an average of 2.5+ hours of screen on time. obviously will vary person to person but i have yet to run out of juice before making it back to a charger.

skyR

Canada13817 Posts

December 06 2013 06:14 GMT

#394

Anandtech's Nexus 5 review finally: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7517/google-nexus-5-review

{CC}StealthBlue

United States41117 Posts

December 10 2013 18:14 GMT

#395

Just in time for the holidays, 10 new apps have been added to the Chromecast family. Beginning today you can enjoy action sports, news, music videos, and more with the addition of VEVO, Red Bull.TV, Songza, PostTV, Viki, Revision 3 and BeyondPod.

And for those many holiday gatherings, you can also cast your personal media straight to your TV using Plex, Avia, or RealPlayer Cloud apps. There’s no need to huddle around small screens when you can share your own photos and videos using your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Source

skyR

Canada13817 Posts

December 10 2013 18:38 GMT

#396

Is anyone using KitKat on their Galaxy S2? If so, which ROM? I flashed to the latest CyanogenMod yesterday but it seems a bit laggy.

andyrau

13015 Posts

December 10 2013 18:56 GMT

#397

OTA 4.4.1 & 4.4.2 hit a couple days ago and a couple hours ago, respectively.

Changelog:

4.4.1
Enhancements/Fixes
- Improvements for the Nexus 5 to fix issues with auto focus, white balance, HDR+ and other camera issues
- ART-related bug fixes (includes WhatsApp Messenger)
- The new Photo application is now the default Gallery application when swiping out of the Camera application
- Miscellaneous bug fixes
source

4.4.2
Enhancements/Fixes
- Fix for clearing the VM Indicator
- Fix for delivery of the VM Indicator
- Various additional software fixes
- Security enhancements
source

For those of you with a N5, 4.4.1 gives a massive improvement for the default camera software.
The Verge
Detailed Review

4.4.2 should also be rolling out to the n4, n5, n7, and n10 these following days.