HTC

[The_Delaney]

Hey, this is my first post, been reading all over the internet and watching videos on the HTC Magic and it just seems like phone perfection. Screw iPhone and Blackberry, Im not into being a sheep and having what everyone else does.

So anyways, Im pretty set on getting this phone, it looks fantastic. Now for the question. Ive read in a few places that new software updates are available for the phone.. And I was wondering if anyone could explain in simple terms as Im not totally up too speed on whats what etc.. What the point of updating would be. As it seems if you update you loose everything on your phone and it reverts back to factory standard. But Im asking as when I recieve my phone, would I benefit from updating strait away.. Or is the software thats already running on the phone perfectly ok.. Just wondered what improvements there are etc..

Also, any major common faults, I know ive read some people moan about things and really, they seem to moan because there too thick to understand how to use it, so more frustration than anything actually wrong with the handset.

Anyways, any useage tips, great apps to look out for, all welcome here.. As Id like to hit the ground running when my handset arrives

[fritter]

Past updates haven't wiped the phone. I've heard that other phones have been wiped when applying the new Android 2.0 update. Probably because the update will make apps incompatible so it resets the phone and forces you to re-download your apps.

The advantage of android is that even a factory reset is not that bad - all your contacts are stored on Google servers if you use your Google account with the phone so after a factory reset or buying a new phone your contacts are already saved!

I use SMS BAckup to backup all my SMS messages to GMail anyway - which is a very handy tool. If Android 2.0 resets my phone I'll still be able to read my old SMS messages

[Sukhi]

Hi The_Delaney

I can see you have posted the same post twice , you can find my reply here

Thanks

Sukhi
eFourm Team

[The_Delaney]

I realised I posted in the main forum and there was a sub-forum just for the Magic. Sorry if I caused an issue, feel free to delete the other one

Ordered my phone just, will be in my hand thursday afternoon.

So.. What updates should I get, any good apps people are using I should look out for..?

I know there is a world of things that can be done with this phone, and Im excited to play..

Im such a geeky loser haha

[stevejeffers]

Lol welcome to the world of Android!

With regards to updates you don't have any choice by standard as all updates are pushed over the air (OTA) by the carrier unless you've bought the non-vodafone branded one,in which case updates will be available on the HTC website. Now there is a whole host of other OS updates you can try by rooting the phone and just installing different versions. I would recommend sticking to the stock non-rooted Android to start with and then root once you've got to grips with the OS.

As for apps there are many many very good apps out there. I would recommend netcounter for checking you're internet usage and some sort of Task Manager to keep the phone running nice and quickly - I personally use ES Task Manager but theres many others out there that work just as well.

[The_Delaney]

Just because ive looked into so much about the phone, updates updates updates kept appearing every where, but as I didnt have the handset already its a little hard to imagine what everyone is on about fully. So I just wanted to check when I get it, there isnt anything Im best doing etc..

It is a Voafone model, so hopefully it will all be in perfect order

Im sure at first I wont find any issues, too much to take in at first till im fluent and totally used to using the phone, set up to my own preferences etc. How hard is it too link up with hotmail..? Or is it worth starting a G-Mail account as I hear that can back up all your contacts etc...

And ill be sure to check out those apps, they sound useful

Any good apps for overcoming the phones bluetooth downfall..? Or is that now sorted, ive heard people talk about ways round it and this and that, but then they all get too technical and it blows my mind lol. Im not stupid and know more than the average, but Im not a core geek on phones lol. So I end up getting lost in jargon.

[mickfarrar]

Hiya

Follow this guide to get your hotmail via the email app, but the phone works so much better around Gmail.

A useful app for Bluetooth is "Bluetooth File Transfer" (free from the market) if you want to transfer files.

[The_Delaney]

Hiya

Follow this guide to get your hotmail via the email app, but the phone works so much better around Gmail.

A useful app for Bluetooth is "Bluetooth File Transfer" (free from the market) if you want to transfer files.

THANKS DUDE, ILL BE SURE TO CHECK THOSE OUT WHEN MY PHONE ARRIVES, THURSDAY AFTERNOON CANT COME SOON ENOUGH HAHA

[NeoBlade]

Indeed, I'd strongly recommend using GMail with the phone as it was designed with it in mind, plus it is one of the few free email services that offer "push" email. This basically means that the instant you receive new emails you will also get it on your mobile phone with no delays. Not only that you can use the powerful Google Calendar on your computer which also syncs to your mobile phone.

maddog already mentioned the great Bluetooth File Transfer and there's quite a few other apps that might interest you too...

Handcent - IMO best SMS app on Android
ShopSavvy - Scan the barcode on nearly any product to find the best price online and locally
Aloqa / Yelp - Very good local directory apps to tell you the best local pubs, bars, hotels etc
ColorNote - Great app to quickly take notes
Astrid - Best taskmanager with a nice widget too
Twicca - My current Twitter app on Android
Layar - 3D Augmented Reality. Just look through your screen and see local and internet data appear near you
Movies - Find out what's on at your local cinema

There's loads of other apps available to try and play with as well but that should get you started. Oh all of the above are free to download and use too

[The_Delaney]

Indeed, I'd strongly recommend using GMail with the phone as it was designed with it in mind, plus it is one of the few free email services that offer "push" email. This basically means that the instant you receive new emails you will also get it on your mobile phone with no delays. Not only that you can use the powerful Google Calendar on your computer which also syncs to your mobile phone.

maddog already mentioned the great Bluetooth File Transfer and there's quite a few other apps that might interest you too...

Handcent - IMO best SMS app on Android
ShopSavvy - Scan the barcode on nearly any product to find the best price online and locally
Aloqa / Yelp - Very good local directory apps to tell you the best local pubs, bars, hotels etc
ColorNote - Great app to quickly take notes
Astrid - Best taskmanager with a nice widget too
Twicca - My current Twitter app on Android
Layar - 3D Augmented Reality. Just look through your screen and see local and internet data appear near you
Movies - Find out what's on at your local cinema

There's loads of other apps available to try and play with as well but that should get you started. Oh all of the above are free to download and use too

THANKS DUDE.. I CANT WAIT TO GET IT NOW.. WHY DOES THURSDAY HAVE TO BE SO FAR AWAY haha

[The_Delaney]

Any stupid apps anyone has for a laugh, joke with the friends etc..? Think I saw one with a light sabre on youtube yesterday... Anyone know what thats called..? Also, any good game ones..?

[NeoBlade]

The Schwartz Unsheathed is the light saber app you're probably talking about. I have it installed as well Games on Android are not amazing as of yet due to the hardware but there are some fun little games...

Robo Defense
Pac-Man
PapiJump

There's loads more free ones and of course paid ones, as well as soundboards like Noble Fart or others based on your fave movie/character. I personally don't play games on the mobile so maybe someone else can chime in too.

[The_Delaney]

The Schwartz Unsheathed is the light saber app you're probably talking about. I have it installed as well Games on Android are not amazing as of yet due to the hardware but there are some fun little games...

Robo Defense
Pac-Man
PapiJump

There's loads more free ones and of course paid ones, as well as soundboards like Noble Fart or others based on your fave movie/character. I personally don't play games on the mobile so maybe someone else can chime in too.

Me neither really, I just asked, as there is always that one time you have 10 minutes waiting somewhere to kill haha

[fritter]

"Air Control" and "Abduction World Attack" are well worth paying for. The former of the two is a blatent iPhone rip off but the makers of the iPhone game should have ported it to Android if they wanted to cash in!

[stevejeffers]

I would also recommend Air Control, although the free version is just as good - just ad supported.

[Holly]

Hi The_Delaney,

Its nice to see you so excited about your new phone, only one day to go!

A big thank you to everyone who has inputted help and suggestions!

I'm personally not an Android user however I did find this site online that you may be interested in, a massive library of Android apps available. You get to see screen shots and a description so this will help you, especially when it comes to the apps you have to pay for.

I trust that helps, let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks

Holly
eForum Team

[NeoBlade]

Throttle Copter is another that you might recognise as a Flash game. So simple in concept but you'll always be aiming to get a better score.

[storeyrich]

There's a Super Mario emulator on the market. Put the phone in your pocket, jump up and down, and just like when Mario hits a ? block and gets a coin, you go "Bu-ding!!" Jump faster, and "Bu-ding!!" repeatedly!

Pointless ... but geeky and fun, especially if you're a Nintendo fan

I second all the app suggestions so far; Robo Defense is probably top number one recommended game IMHO. You can kill HOURS on it

I recommend Co Pilot Live if you want sat nav in your car (and seeing as we don't have Google Maps Navigation in the UK yet). There's a National Rail Enquiries app that's also really useful if you use the train a lot. Oh, and PicSay Pro is great if you want to take a photo and add speech bubbles, hats, beards, captions, special effects etc. It's genius!!

Have fun tomorrow! I <3 the Magic; I'm sure you will too.

Pilchardfish

[The_Delaney]

There's a Super Mario emulator on the market. Put the phone in your pocket, jump up and down, and just like when Mario hits a ? block and gets a coin, you go "Bu-ding!!" Jump faster, and "Bu-ding!!" repeatedly!

Pointless ... but geeky and fun, especially if you're a Nintendo fan

I second all the app suggestions so far; Robo Defense is probably top number one recommended game IMHO. You can kill HOURS on it

I recommend Co Pilot Live if you want sat nav in your car (and seeing as we don't have Google Maps Navigation in the UK yet). There's a National Rail Enquiries app that's also really useful if you use the train a lot. Oh, and PicSay Pro is great if you want to take a photo and add speech bubbles, hats, beards, captions, special effects etc. It's genius!!

Have fun tomorrow! I <3 the Magic; I'm sure you will too.

Pilchardfish

Name of said Mario app, as thats a defo going on my phone haha... Just to trip people out before they realise what Im up too haha. And thansk guys for all the other suggestions, I can see tomorrow is going to be fun :-D

[NeoBlade]

There is a patched Maps app that has Navigation in the UK and installed alongside the standard Google Maps application if you're interested... Wors for Rooted and non-rooted devices - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=630887

Get brut4-alt for non rooted phones.

Issues: (via canadiancow)

* No street name at the top
* No arrow indicating next turn direction
* Voice guidance is delayed, if at all present
* Directions to contact do not work in "alt" (brut4-alt and brut6) versions