OT:Smart Phones

[dbdynsty25]

Here's the kinds of things I'm looking for. Is there a map app better than the native Google maps for turn by turn, that sort of thing. This thing is quite different from what I'm used to...

You don't want to use anything else. Waze is the only real alternative, but it's pretty bad. My wife insists on it and nearly every time we use it, it screws up. I'm a Google Maps believer. Just get used to it.

[wco81]

Some of the cheap no-name Android phones have been known to have spyware. Maybe there's something to wipe the shovel ware.

[pk500]

There's Google Maps ... and then there's everything other map app. Apple Maps -- not applicable to your phone -- have improved quite a bit, but that app still isn't in GMaps' class.

I don't trust Waze. I prefer an algorithm far more than crowd-sourcing when it comes to traffic. What some people consider to be heavy traffic is light for another.

[Teal]

Some of the cheap no-name Android phones have been known to have spyware. Maybe there's something to wipe the shovel ware.

Got this one from ATT store. ZTE something-or-another. It doesn't seem to have any crap on it, but I downloaded "360 Security", because I've heard enough about some of the nefarious stuff. Is there anything better than that for security?

[Teal]

There's Google Maps ... and then there's everything other map app. Apple Maps -- not applicable to your phone -- have improved quite a bit, but that app still isn't in GMaps' class.

I don't trust Waze. I prefer an algorithm far more than crowd-sourcing when it comes to traffic. What some people consider to be heavy traffic is light for another.

Yeah, where I live, Waze might not be worth anything anyway...lol. I'm in the sticks. Gmaps is going to be just fine, after playing with it for awhile.

[Gangrel]

Some of the cheap no-name Android phones have been known to have spyware. Maybe there's something to wipe the shovel ware.

Got this one from ATT store. ZTE something-or-another. It doesn't seem to have any crap on it, but I downloaded "360 Security", because I've heard enough about some of the nefarious stuff. Is there anything better than that for security?

To be honest, unless you are sideloading apps that are not on the Google Play store, I don't think you need any kind of security on an Android phone. But maybe i'm just being stupid and leaving myself open to a problem? I dunno.

For me beyond the usual stuff (Maps, YouTube, Inbox) I use Google Calendar almost every day, Tapatalk if you browse lots of forums (DSP isn't on it, booooooo) and I use Bacon Reader for my Reddit fix.

If your a list guy, Google Keep is pretty neat in that you can make notes, lists, etc. and have them pop up automatically when you're in a certain location, or at a certain time. Google Now can do the same thing to a more limited note.

OH, and if you take lots of photos on your phone, get Google Photos. Instantly backs anything up in the cloud, which also is neat because I can see photos on any screen I want, especially now with some Chromecasts in the house.

[Teal]

Some of the cheap no-name Android phones have been known to have spyware. Maybe there's something to wipe the shovel ware.

Got this one from ATT store. ZTE something-or-another. It doesn't seem to have any crap on it, but I downloaded "360 Security", because I've heard enough about some of the nefarious stuff. Is there anything better than that for security?

To be honest, unless you are sideloading apps that are not on the Google Play store, I don't think you need any kind of security on an Android phone. But maybe i'm just being stupid and leaving myself open to a problem? I dunno.

For me beyond the usual stuff (Maps, YouTube, Inbox) I use Google Calendar almost every day, Tapatalk if you browse lots of forums (DSP isn't on it, booooooo) and I use Bacon Reader for my Reddit fix.

If your a list guy, Google Keep is pretty neat in that you can make notes, lists, etc. and have them pop up automatically when you're in a certain location, or at a certain time. Google Now can do the same thing to a more limited note.

OH, and if you take lots of photos on your phone, get Google Photos. Instantly backs anything up in the cloud, which also is neat because I can see photos on any screen I want, especially now with some Chromecasts in the house.

Thanks, bro. This is some of the kind of info I'm looking for.

[pk500]

Essential non-social media apps I suggest. I'm on iPhone, but all of these include Android versions:

-- Google Maps. The reference standard. The Rand McNally for the 21st century.

-- Evernote. An excellent online storage cabinet. You can write notes, clip Web files, save Web pages, etc. Everything syncs automatically between your phone and laptop.

-- Yahoo Sports. My favorite sports and scores app.

-- Overcast. My favorite podcast app. I listen to about 15 podcasts every week, so a good podcast player is essential.

I also hear good things about Sky Map, which lets you point your phone to the sky and identify the stars and constellations you're seeing. That would be great on those wide-open Alabama night skies. I use a fantastic app called Sky Guide for that purpose, but it's iOS only. Sky Guide in the Android store is not the same as the app in the iOS store.

I have a ton of other apps on my phone, but most pertain to my work or interests. Or some are iOS only, such as the fantastic AnyList grocery list app.

Good luck!

[dbdynsty25]

I'm such a hype beast.

Bought a OnePlus 3T the minute it went on sale.

[wco81]

This is the story I read about the no-name Chinese brand Android phones with spyware:

http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/11 ... of-phones/

[dbdynsty25]

This is the story I read about the no-name Chinese brand Android phones with spyware:

http://arstechnica.com/security/2016/11 ... of-phones/

Well I immediately dismiss the entire article since Blu isn't a Chinese manufacturer and they are ALL over that article. They are from Florida...which may be a third world country, but not Chinese.

[Teal]

Essential non-social media apps I suggest. I'm on iPhone, but all of these include Android versions:

-- Google Maps. The reference standard. The Rand McNally for the 21st century.

-- Evernote. An excellent online storage cabinet. You can write notes, clip Web files, save Web pages, etc. Everything syncs automatically between your phone and laptop.

-- Yahoo Sports. My favorite sports and scores app.

-- Overcast. My favorite podcast app. I listen to about 15 podcasts every week, so a good podcast player is essential.

I also hear good things about Sky Map, which lets you point your phone to the sky and identify the stars and constellations you're seeing. That would be great on those wide-open Alabama night skies. I use a fantastic app called Sky Guide for that purpose, but it's iOS only. Sky Guide in the Android store is not the same as the app in the iOS store.

I have a ton of other apps on my phone, but most pertain to my work or interests. Or some are iOS only, such as the fantastic AnyList grocery list app.

Good luck!

Another solid. Thanks. I've used Evernote before. Great app. Gonna give Overcast a try.

[fletcher21]

I'm such a hype beast.

Bought a OnePlus 3T the minute it went on sale.

I've got no plans to upgrade, but I'm anxious for the review from you. The only thing I wish I had was the battery.

[dbdynsty25]

Got the free Google Daydream VR headset today for pre-ordering the Pixel. Pretty impressive, but definitely not really my cup of tea overall. The Youtube 360 VR videos were by far the best part. Guess I'll have to download a game or two to check those out.

[RobVarak]

Got the free Google Daydream VR headset today for pre-ordering the Pixel. Pretty impressive, but definitely not really my cup of tea overall. The Youtube 360 VR videos were by far the best part. Guess I'll have to download a game or two to check those out.

Yep, I've played around with it a bit as well. Pretty much the same reaction.

[fletcher21]

I've got a 2 part question.

I'm looking to sell my op3. I've heard swappa is good. I see plenty of them selling for nearly full retail price. Anyone have experience with the Site? If not, any suggestions besides Fleabay?
2. I want an s7e for T-Mobile. Anyone know a good place to buy one? T-Mobile stores still want full retail, but it comes with a Samsung tablet that you pay $10 per month to activate.

Edit: Newegg has the s7e for $599. Newegg is legit, right?

[Rodster]

Newegg is legit, right?

They are as legit as Amazon.com

[wco81]

T-Mobile is giving flagship phones for tree with trade-ins of recent phones. As part of their Black Friday deal.

You also have to sign up for the T-Mobile One "unlimited" plan.

[fletcher21]

The s7e for $599 on Newegg is the international version with the exynos processor instead of the snapdragon 820. From what I've read, the exynos is more efficient, as it's Samsungs own processor. It says since it's an international version it has no warranty. Would Newegg refund me if I order one and it comes broken? Does it include a 1 year manufacturer warranty?

I'm REALLY between a rock and a hard place. Had I sold my OnePlus 3 a montj ago I would have gotten $450. I'm ready to move on and go back to Samsung. My only concern is the s8 will be incredible, and it'll be out in 4 months or so. If I upgrade now, I'll most likely want the s8 also. Unsure what to do lol

[fletcher21]

T-Mobile is giving flagship phones for tree with trade-ins of recent phones. As part of their Black Friday deal.

You also have to sign up for the T-Mobile One "unlimited" plan.

I saw that, but the OnePlus 3 is nowhere to be found sadly.

[dbdynsty25]

Swappa is legit...use it all the time for phones. Doesn't get as much traffic as eBay, but still pretty good, since you cut out around 7-8% in eBay fees.

And yes, Newegg is legit, and you'll get a return window for the phone if there are any issues.

And also yes, the Exynos processor S7 is better than the Qualcomm version.

And also yes, the 3T is legit. LOL.

No idea why you're so hard up to switch. Wait for the S8.

[fletcher21]

Swappa is legit...use it all the time for phones. Doesn't get as much traffic as eBay, but still pretty good, since you cut out around 7-8% in eBay fees.

And yes, Newegg is legit, and you'll get a return window for the phone if there are any issues.

And also yes, the Exynos processor S7 is better than the Qualcomm version.

And also yes, the 3T is legit. LOL.

No idea why you're so hard up to switch. Wait for the S8.

Lol. I just really love the Samsung camera. Op3 camera sucks bad.

I don't have my original op3 box, but have everything else. Is that an issue usually?

How long does the average swappa sale take?

I want to sell my op3 while it still has value. It'll be worth maybe $150 next spring.

[fletcher21]

The exynos s7e says it's a gsm. Will it be plug and play for me on T-Mobile? Can I keep my op3 sim and throw it in the s7e and that's it? Sorry for the noob questions.

[fletcher21]

Will the international s7e work exactly as a us one would? I read a review on Newegg and fhe guy said it only used 3g and no LTE.

[dbdynsty25]

Yes. It'll work perfectly. Drop your sim in and go. Very very few instances you have to change some APN settings, but rarely.

If you price the phone right on Swappa, it'll sell quick. The higher the price, the longer it takes to get someone to buy it. Price to sell, it'll go quick.