JackClark

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/a...s-a-web-store/

Some nice features there Google, one at least that I'd like to see from Apple.

Dedrater

Looks like a game changer.

Dedrater

RIP Apple.

JackClark

Is it me that brings the idiot out in you?

Dedrater

Yes!

Saint AAI

I had a look at it earlier and couldn't see the point, am I missing something? What's the advantage to using that over going on the Android market on your device? Also I tried it and it didn't seem to work. Logged in using my G-mail account, clicked to install an app and it told me my app would be installed to my device shortly. Nothing happened? Internet was turned on, on the phone and it was connected to the computer through USB.

JackClark

They're trying to bring the PC and the Android device closer, you know, like Apple. The fact that it's not working is to be expected, only Apple make products and features available when they announce them. That's the benefit of being one step in front.

Dedrater

Well apart from bringing out a phone with a design flaw.

Wonder how much this new game changer is going to knock of Apple's share price, half I think.

My god, Android are so the best, they should rename themselves 'The Game Changers'

JackClark

If my shares go down by half this week I'll eat my iPhone. If they don't how about you try to be serious, Mart is the Village round here.

GazTheHat

Yeah, like releasing a phone that doesn't allow you to make phone calls. But wait! It has a forward-facing camera you can only use on WiFi and only those with the same phone.

JackClark

Please. Millions of people use the iPhone 4 every day to make calls. And have you heard of Skype? Maybe if you'd done some research you'd have a better phone.

Saint AAI

May have found a bug in the Android store. Purchased an app on my phone the other day (game dev story), but deleted and got a refund. I have an e-mail to say I've been refunded yet when I go to the store, it says the app has been purchased and lets me install? If I look at the app on the Android market on my phone, it says I need to purchase it.

Still got the problem where it says it will be installed and nothing happens though

Some more info on it:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/21861...thumbs_up.html


My problems with the browser market may be down to my work's internet being routed through our servers in France. I've tried connecting to the TOR network with a UK exit, but that still doesn't work. I'll have to give it a try at home. The other thing is that I'm running a custom ROM. Maybe the ROM developer has missed something out that is needed for this to work.

Ant

all them millions of people that can't make calls.

I can use FaceTime Over 3G so that point is void

JackClark

The percentage of Hacked Android phones will make any updates interesting.

Gaz is picking at straws, and old ones at that. I doubt he'll mention Android sending SMS messages to the wrong people! Or Win 7 phone using up your data allowance.

MDS_WRX

iTrader: (1)

Just tried this out, pretty impressive and makes it a lot easier to find/browse apps

Also nice to be able to be abletp browse through on my pc whilst I am supposed to be working!

JackClark

How it should be, to be honest I thought Android already had a web store!

JackClark

Seems Google don't like custom ROM's, that's pretty much everyone out then.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/04/d...your-custom-r/

Ant

Google controlling ! Never must be a lie

JackClark

Removing apps from phones is another one that's glossed over. Apple remove apps from the store only, if you have it you keep it. My copy of Netshare is a fine example.

pauld37

Not according to peoples feedback lower down the page, maybe you couldn't read that far down on your iphone ;_)

JackClark

Are you saying that all custom roms are OK?

This comment makes sense

"That seems probable. Why does it seem probable? Don't you people pay attention? Google has since the start had a list of requirements for each version of Android. There is a set of hardware and software requirements the device MUST fulfill if it is to be counted as a 'real' Android device, a proper member of the family.
You are free to ignore that of course since Android is free, but if you do Google will not let you use their apps - which are not open source, but copyrighted programs. If you do follow the specs you can use their apps - this includes the market.
This means that device manufacturers submit a fingerprint of their official and real ROMs, so google can validate if you are allowed to use the market.

Therefore if you are used some hacked version, it would makes sense that they won't play with you.

(or it could be a bug "

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

We've 4 ZTE Blades (Orange San Francisco's) all unlocked, rooted and running custom roms, never had any problems with the market and downloading apps - or with apps installed direct from the SD card. The level of freedom that android gives you is refreshing after years of symbian and apple operating systems.

JackClark

Unlocked, Rooted, Custom roms, how's that freedom? You bought yourself a hobby there.

Dedrater

It's worth it, it is an immeasurably amazing OS, Apple might achieve this sort of greatness some time in the future.

At the minute though, Apple have been left behind like a ginger kid at football practice.

MDS_WRX

iTrader: (1)

That's unfair on ginger kids. Don't they have enough to deal with?

Dedrater

Hi MDS, fire kills them, hth.

JackClark

Regret...

Saint AAI

It recognizes my phone fine, just doesn't work lol. Some custom ROMs are ports from other phones, that might be the problem. For an older device, Android 2.2 may not be available, so developers modify the 2.2 ROM from another phone to use on the other device.
There is still plenty of freedom to do what you want with an unrooted phone. To quote out of one of Jacks posts, "Google has since the start had a list of requirements for each version of Android. There is a set of hardware and software requirements the device MUST fulfill if it is to be counted as a 'real' Android device, a proper member of the family". This is why your locked out, mess with the main "core" of the system and it may end up being uncompatible with stuff or worse a brick. If I didn't have an Orange branded phone, the only reason I would have had for rooting is to flash an overclocking kernal. It doesn't need to be overclocked anyway, it runs fine, I just like messing with stuff.
Non rooted you can still install apps not on the Android market and change the interface of the phone in anyway you like, widgets, live wallpapers, view websites with Flash, wireless or USB tethering, VPN's, connect to a computer and use ADB etc... or you could, god forbid, actually just use it as a phone.

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

20 mins start to finish - I learnt a lot with modding my Pulse android. Key this time was to select a stable rom that did what I wanted and stick with it. My 3 teenagers are using the phones and no problems to report so far.
The Pulse modding was using custom roms while still beta roms, I was always fixing or changing things.

p.s. and no cost associated with any of the above

Skoobie Dhu

iTrader: (3)

As a p.s. - if anyone is intrigued by the android phones and modding, I'd suggest getting the Orange San Francisco (ZTE Blade). It can be got for around £100, unlocked free, and the modding community on the Modaco forum is very active - lots of 2.1 and 2.2 custom roms available free.

http://android.modaco.com/category/4...de-modaco-com/

And there's a number of Iphone owners who also have Blade's on the forum