Help questions about S5 and/or lollipop

[sunnydogday]

I tried looking over the posts already here, but I get easily confused and frustrated. Until recently, I had At&T and galaxy S4, I liked it, I had it figured out... then I got lollipop (it popped up and said upgrade, I didn't realize it would change it so much). Got that sort of figured out, but now we have switched carriers and I have a Galaxy S5 and Verizon, which came with lollipop. well it says it's version 5.0.
I keep coming across things I can't figure out, and trying not to get stressed (it's just a phone!) and take it one thing at a time.
With my old phone (first KitKat then Lollipop) I had it set up so it would read off the caller's name or person sending a text message. Even the S4 after the update did this. This one doesn't. I googled the question and found others asking it and supposedly you can set it to read the names of favorites in the address book and the way to set them to favorites by clicking the star on their contact page. I have done this and it doesn't work. Maybe the answer was for KitKat and not Lollipop.
I liked having the name read out, so I'd know, even if I'm busy doing something or in bed at night.
I would send and get the balance at the bank and it would say "you have a text from 34-whatever the code number was, and they weren't even in my address book.
People kept telling me the S5 was so much better, I think the camera is, and it has more effects for this, but there are a few little things I'm trying to figure out. I know, not a big deal, but a lot of the time I miss the the S4. Maybe the S5 is better, but seems like there must be a way to have it read out the names of those calling and texting. Usually, when I have a problem figuring out a phone or computer the answer is simple and right there LOL
I am also disappointed that the charger cord is different, I thought they all took the universal plugs now, and I have several of those. I know someone who had an S5 who said the charging port in it broke right away, it's tricky to get the more complicated plug, plugged in.
I know, that's not a question, it's an observation... and I am grateful to have a nice, smart phone that does so much.
Thanks..

 

[AZgl1500]

My S5 verbalizes the name of the callers who are in my Contact's list.
ATM, I don't remember where I set it up to do that, pretty sure though it relates to those in my Favorites list.
I also use exDialer which also has a lot of options to do things the default dialer can't do, I have it set so that it has access to all Notifications.
____________________________________
2 ea. Verizon Galaxy S5, Lollipop
MyPhoneExplorer lets you access a broken phone while locked
Nova Prime, Textra, Blue Mail, Qi wireless equipped
MacroDroid can help extend battery life
MacroDroid senses Screen off, turns Wifi & Data OFF
MacroDroid senses Screen UnLock, turns Data ON
PureVPN when using a public WiFi

 

[sunnydogday]

I have tried everything I can find or think of. The directions are usually to set the read the names of callers/messages from the favorites list, I put that on and set people in my contact list to favorite. My Galaxy s4 did it, and still did even after the lollipop update. It had a setting for it like "read the names of callers" (nothing to do with favorites) this one doesn't. It's hard to know what is the different version of Galaxy (S4 or S5) and what is lollipop. new ones and updates are supposed to make it better, but doesn't always. I guess they keep putting them out so people will keeping wanting newer versions of phone. It was just something I liked about the S4, though I didn't like lollipop, after I put it in (thinking updates were required when they showed up on my phone) I looked up and found ways of getting KitKat back, but it seemed complicated and said it didn't always work good. I'm not a computer/phone tech. I wonder if there's an app I can get that will read out the names of those who call or message me? I see an app Caller ID but looks like something I might have to buy or set up special.

 

[sunnydogday]

I keep googling it and mainly find people who want to turn OFF the voice notifications and don't know how... which seems like if I did what the answers say, I'd be able to turn it on? But, I don't have the same settings on this, I think because lollipop is different...
Like this:
"here are a couple of different options depending on exactly what you're looking for. Go into system settings, click on Language & Input, then click on "Read Notifications Aloud".
(the other one was a setting for blind people to speak commands aloud and hear everything that was sent in, which isn't it) I have also checked VOICE COMMAND, too, but I don't want to have to tell the phone I want to answer a call or not.

My S4 had the setting to read notifications out loud (nothing about favorites)and it stayed set even after lollipop but this one only has it to set for FAVORITES in contact list (and clicking the star on them to make the favorites) which I have done. I not unchecked the read it for favorites and unchecked the stars...
If I find exact directions and how to do something but my phone doesn't have it, like it says? Doesn't seem like these phones have much for in depth user manuals, either.
Maybe some day they will put out another update (have they used marshmallow yet?) and it will give this back.

 

[sunnydogday]

another thing i don't like and can't find how to change is every time someone comments on something on Facebook it comes up like a notice across the top of the screen. Well, it's there when I turn on the phone along with all kinds of other notifications, I have to swipe up off the top to get rid of. I've looked in FB settings on the phone, you'd think that's where it would be at, i have FB on my computer too, but it just shows a number (of new notifications and responses, etc) to click on at the top of the screen.
I know. new phone and version, etc... takes awhile to get used to it and adjust.

 

[sunnydogday]

I think I have the notices from FB off the screen. I looked up and put in an app Caller Name Talker, that reads the name when a text message comes in. It's supposed to when I get a call, too, but don't have that working right, I think it has to be timed with the ringtone. Im going to try and app for a bit and see if it's worth it, I don't like putting a lot of apps in and this one came with a warning that it "reads your text messages" (not that mine are that interesting) Just seems like a phone like the S5 which can even read your heart rate (I've seen in ads for it) would read out the name of the person calling or texting, like my previous one did,.
Don't mind me I'm just frustrated with trying to figure these things out and using a new phone, when I think a lot of the answers I'm finding are applying to the KitKat. Seems like just when I get something I understand and like the company changes it...

 

[AZgl1500]

In Applications Manager, find FB and just simply turn Notifications OFF.
that is what I did....

 

[sunnydogday]

In Applications Manager, find FB and just simply turn Notifications OFF.
that is what I did....

Thanks, I found it. Didn't think to look in the actual applications. Then I got to wondering about all the applications showing in the application manager, some I keep getting notices for updates for on the homescreen. I started unchecking "show notifications" but, a lot of them I don't know what they are, don't use and might never use. I managed to get "My Magazine" or whatever it is off at the start, but noticed it's still there and had updates checked. There are so many of them.. can i check "disable" on ones if I don't know what they are or don't think I'll ever use them?
ANT Radio servce? ANT+ Plugin service, Chrome Device Support Library, Cloud (I never got into this but I think it backs stuff up automatically?) Family Base Companion? Flipboard? Google Play books and games and movies and TV and music. Newstand... Hangouts (I think that sychs social media together, I use FB and that's about all) I just tried Message+ to see if it worked better than Messages (with the yellow and white envelope) and it started saying it was syching all my messages for all my devices (I only have one phone) VIA Verizon, to all my devices. I declined the permissions, and made sure I had the regular yellow and white Messages set as default again, but still got an email from Verizon saying all it would do and under some "this might cost you money". Since I don't need anything that goes to more than my phone (and costs me money) can i click to DISABLE this? If I disable something and then want it for some reason, will it still be there to ENABLE?
I guess I have to have Chrome browser in the phone, because it's an Android and that's google?
How do I know what I have to have, and shouldn't disable, outside of ones I recognize (like Facebook and apps I have put in)
I have a hard time finding answers by just googling because a lot of what I find, I look on my phone and it's not like they say, probably because of the lollipop update?

 

[sunnydogday]

Thanks, I found it. Didn't think to look in the actual applications. Then I got to wondering about all the applications showing in the application manager, some I keep getting notices for updates for on the homescreen. I started unchecking "show notifications" but, a lot of them I don't know what they are, don't use and might never use. I managed to get "My Magazine" or whatever it is off at the start, but noticed it's still there and had updates checked. There are so many of them.. can i check "disable" on ones if I don't know what they are or don't think I'll ever use them?
ANT Radio servce? ANT+ Plugin service, Chrome Device Support Library, Cloud (I never got into this but I think it backs stuff up automatically?) Family Base Companion? Flipboard? Google Play books and games and movies and TV and music. Newstand... Hangouts (I think that sychs social media together, I use FB and that's about all) I just tried Message+ to see if it worked better than Messages (with the yellow and white envelope) and it started saying it was syching all my messages for all my devices (I only have one phone) VIA Verizon, to all my devices. I declined the permissions, and made sure I had the regular yellow and white Messages set as default again, but still got an email from Verizon saying all it would do and under some "this might cost you money". Since I don't need anything that goes to more than my phone (and costs me money) can i click to DISABLE this? If I disable something and then want it for some reason, will it still be there to ENABLE?
I guess I have to have Chrome browser in the phone, because it's an Android and that's google?
How do I know what I have to have, and shouldn't disable, outside of ones I recognize (like Facebook and apps I have put in)
I have a hard time finding answers by just googling because a lot of what I find, I look on my phone and it's not like they say, probably because of the lollipop update?

I clicked DISABLE on the Messages+ and got a box saying if I "disable a built-in app it may cause problems with the other apps, your data will also be deleted" So, all these have to run, even if I turn off auto notification of updates? Which seem to be never-ending? Isn't this hard on the battery?

 

[AZgl1500]

"sunnydogday, post: Thanks, I found it. Didn't think to look in the actual applications. Then I got to wondering about all the applications showing in the application manager, some I keep getting notices for updates for on the homescreen. I started unchecking "show notifications" but, a lot of them I don't know what they are, don't use and might never use.

turn them OFF.
.
.I managed to get "My Magazine" or whatever it is off at the start, but noticed it's still there and had updates checked. There are so many of them.. can i check "disable" on ones if I don't know what they are or don't think I'll ever use them?

turn them all OFF


ANT Radio servce? ANT+ Plugin service,
Unless you decide to use Google Wallet to buy your groceries, that is useless. turn it off. It might also be used to link your phone to a PC, but I never do that anyway.


Chrome Device Support Library, Cloud (I never got into this but I think it backs stuff up automatically?)
I just left it alone, but you can ALWAYS turn things back ON.... just be sure to keep a notebook of what you did, and when you did it. Try to not do everything all at once. I pick something I want to change, note what/when I did it... and if nothing bad happens, I choose something else to get rid of.



Family Base Companion? Flipboard? Google Play books and games and movies and TV and music. Newstand... Hangouts (I think that sychs social media together, YES IT DOES I use FB and that's about all) I just tried Message+ to see if it worked better than Messages (with the yellow and white envelope) and it started saying it was syching all my messages for all my devices (I only have one phone) VIA Verizon, to all my devices. I declined the permissions, and made sure I had the regular yellow and white Messages set as default again, but still got an email from Verizon saying all it would do and under some "this might cost you money". Since I don't need anything that goes to more than my phone (and costs me money) can i click to DISABLE this? If I disable something and then want it for some reason, will it still be there to ENABLE?
I turned all of that stuff OFF. Try a message app called TEXTRA, it is awesome, easy to understand for a newbie, and still after 2 years of using it, does everything I need in a SMS app. I paid the developer a couple of bucks to help him out. Well worth it too me.


I guess I have to have Chrome browser in the phone, because it's an Android and that's google?
.
No you don't, pick one you like better. My choice was CMBrowser, faster, cleaner, better tabbing, easier to bookmark stuff.




How do I know what I have to have, and shouldn't disable, outside of ones I recognize (like Facebook and apps I have put in)
I have a hard time finding answers by just googling because a lot of what I find, I look on my phone and it's not like they say, probably because of the lollipop update?

Unfortunately, there isn't a good guide to that. Just keep very good notes on what you do. If it is an app, you can turn it off w/o worry.... if it is a comm.service.android. xyz^&%$ program, leave it alone until you know what it does. You could brick the phone.

Not impossible, but harder to do that what you know anything about at this point in time.

A year from now, you will have more experience and whiz thru changes in your phone willy nilly.... for now, documentation is critical...

You can even turn off Google Play Store, but that will make getting new apps a trifle difficult.
You should probably keep Google Services, I do believe that is required for Play Store.

 

[AZgl1500]

I clicked DISABLE on the Messages+ and got a box saying if I "disable a built-in app it may cause problems with the other apps, your data will also be deleted" So, all these have to run, even if I turn off auto notification of updates? Which seem to be never-ending? Isn't this hard on the battery?

that is just a Scare Mongering Message, turn them OFF.

Go into Play Store, click on the lines in the top left corner, open up Settings. Uncheck AutoUpdates....
if it ain't broke, it don't need to be updated, ever.

this is like you buying a computer and after it is about 3 or 4 years old, someone decides that you need to update the Video Card.... there are $$$ charging websites that profess to keep everything "up to date".... they charge a fee to break your computer, then will charge a buck or two more to help you fix it.

The manufacturer installed a very good video driver in the computer, that new one just very well might break your PC.... I have had it happen on a couple of occasions, caused a lot of trouble because I had to track down the original video driver to fix the PC. I never, ever, allow anything to update the drivers on a computer.
IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T KEEP FIXING IT UNTIL IT IS....

 

[sunnydogday]

thanks for all the help. Im slowing going over it and will look up the Textra app... though I have one in now that reads the name of the person texting, I think it also asks for a LOT of permissions (like "reading your texts", but I suppose this covers the "reading the name of the sender") One thing I've had to get used to is permissions, like the ones asking for all sorts of personal stuff, just to let you use a flashlight LOL (my new phone comes with a flashlight. I use the phone flashlight a lot more than I'd thought at the start). Probably just when I get it the way I want it, as much as possible there will be a new update. though this time I will know I don't have to put it in, just because it pops up and offers it, and probably keep will until I do it...
I know I am making more of a big deal of this than is needed. I've had people tell me they rooted their phone, which solves a lot (or lets them put other stuff in?) I don't understand it, but think it might void the guarantee (if there is one) and probably Verizon wouldn't like it. All this with the locked and unlocked phones and only certain phones can be used with certain companies.,..
I like having a phone (which I mainly use for texting, going on facebook, etc and taking pictures) but seems like life used to be so much more simple

 

[AZgl1500]

If properly done, it won't void the warrantee... but the risk is one I am not ready to absorb right now.

Permissions is a thing that bothers most of us. Why would a flashlight require any permissions period?
My S5 came with one installed, so didn't worry about that. And, that phone flashlight has taken over the job of my big Safety Yellow Flashlight... I don't carry that 3 D cell thing anymore. Used my S5 light just yesterday helping a friend to work on his motorcycle.... could not see "down in there" so I popped out my phone and wallah! let there be light!

Lots of good SMS apps, I tried a lot of them. Textra is made by Go SMS Pro folks.... but it is a bit tidier and does everything that one needs IMO.... but I am opinionated

* Textra SMS - Android Apps on Google Play

You are NOT making a big deal out of it, it is new to you, and you need to know what is going on. That is the value of forums in any topic... folks with like interests help each other.

Using the phones with different carriers might, or might not, be a problem. It depends on what frequency bands the phone supports and what the carrier offers. Sometimes, the twain shall not meet. That can be resolved by installing the proper firmware... but that is not an area that I play with, so leave that for others to Edumakate you

Verizon if you are not aware, primarily offers CDMA and LTE, they have a better version of LTE and an also ran that is going to be extinguished very soon, GSM... July of 2017 is the last time GSM will work world wide. (so some people say). There is EVDO, another also ran of little importance to you and me on Verizon... our phones will switch between 1x, 3g, and 4g and if all we are doing is talking, we will be using 1x... simply because it takes less bandwidth to do so. 4g will let you and me surf while we are talking, something CDMA cannot do period.

LTE does frequency hopping letting more than one user share the same channel space, it is more efficient than 1x, but 1x works everywhere, and 4g don't... here in the grassy place I live, there isn't any 4g available period. Sometimes I get 3g, but usually nothing shows up but the bars... which means 1x. So, I leave DATA turned off and use WiFi.

have fun reading:
http://www.surecall.com/ShowFaq/34/40.aspx

http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-difference-between-gsm-and-cdma.htm

http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-cdma-and-vs-lte-technology/