Help New Owner Questions

[senote]

Hi, I recently got the Nexus S and I was hoping people could help me with a few questions.

1) Using the default messaging app it doesn't show a picture for me, I also notice that in the phones settings menu it Settings > About Phone > Status it doesn't show 'My Phone Number' I assume these are possibly related, is there a way to add this info?

2) When I bring the phone out of standby onto the lock screen I see the time, below it the date and below that an alarm symbol with the word error, anybody know why that is? I only have 2 alarms set and they work fine.

3) Does anyone know if they plan on adding functionality that will allow me to organize the apps drawer into folders, similar to how iOS does it.

4) Can anyone recommend a screen-capture app that doesn't require the phone to be rooted?

I think that's it for now, thanks in advance for any helpful replies.

 

[quantumrand]

Hi, I recently got the Nexus S and I was hoping people could help me with a few questions.

1) Using the default messaging app it doesn't show a picture for me, I also notice that in the phones settings menu it Settings > About Phone > Status it doesn't show 'My Phone Number' I assume these are possibly related, is there a way to add this info?

2) When I bring the phone out of standby onto the lock screen I see the time, below it the date and below that an alarm symbol with the word error, anybody know why that is? I only have 2 alarms set and they work fine.

3) Does anyone know if they plan on adding functionality that will allow me to organize the apps drawer into folders, similar to how iOS does it.

4) Can anyone recommend a screen-capture app that doesn't require the phone to be rooted?

I think that's it for now, thanks in advance for any helpful replies.

1) Try making an entry in your Contacts for yourself. That should sort that out for yo.

2) Can't say I've ever experience that, so can't help you there.

3) You can already do this by creating folders and shortcuts on your Homescreen. You can also use homescreen replacement apps like Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher that have settings to change how the app drawer works, if you prefer not to use shortcuts.

4) Supposedly, with Android 2.3.3, it is possible for apps to take screenshots without the need for root. I've heard that PicMe works, although the feature was added unintentionally and may have been changed since then. Short from that, you can use the Dalvik Debugger included in the Android SDK. You just have to have Debug Mode enabled and plug your phone into your computer (with the proper drivers - also included in the SDK). Then using the ddms.bat file, found in the tools folder of the SDK, you can launch screen capture mode via Ctrl-S.

 

[senote]

1) Try making an entry in your Contacts for yourself. That should sort that out for yo.

2) Can't say I've ever experience that, so can't help you there.

3) You can already do this by creating folders and shortcuts on your Homescreen. You can also use homescreen replacement apps like Launcher Pro and ADW Launcher that have settings to change how the app drawer works, if you prefer not to use shortcuts.

4) Supposedly, with Android 2.3.3, it is possible for apps to take screenshots without the need for root. I've heard that PicMe works, although the feature was added unintentionally and may have been changed since then. Short from that, you can use the Dalvik Debugger included in the Android SDK. You just have to have Debug Mode enabled and plug your phone into your computer (with the proper drivers - also included in the SDK). Then using the ddms.bat file, found in the tools folder of the SDK, you can launch screen capture mode via Ctrl-S.

1) That didn't work sadly

3) I have launcher pro but can't see any functionality that will organize the app drawer with a folder type structure.

4) Picme didn't work and the other sounds complicated, I was hoping for something simple.

Thanks for the response though, on a seperate note are there any other app stores I can get android apps from that would be different to the android marketplace?

 

[DKYang]

1) I remember there was a small discussion about the number not appearing at the xda forums. Don't know about the picture thing since I haven't had the problem.

3) You can already create folders on the home screen. The only launcher that I know of that allows you to create folders in the launcher itself is Go Launcher EX. You could also long press it and send it to your home screen. I'm currently using this launcher to better organize my apps inside the launcher, which I think is what you're looking for.

4) Try ShootMe.

 

[quantumrand]

Remember that for non-root screen capture apps, you need to be on 2.3.3. It's not enabled on earlier versions of Android. And just because Google enabled it on 2.3.3 doesn't mean there are apps that support that yet. I only heard that ShootMe (or PicMe - same author) accidentally worked once Google enabled the feature.

 

[senote]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Are there any good rss feeds/blogs etc that I can follow with Android news? Also any other good app marketplaces? I see a Samsung galaxy s poster that mentions a game called 'Nova' but I cant find it on the Android marketplace, is there some reason apps don't show?

 

[phillevy]

I don't think you can create folders in the app drawer itself - only the homescreen. Try app organizer in the market for more functionality. As Ios doesn't have an app drawer this will be at least equivalent if not better.

 

[mjschmidt]

RE: Screen Captures

It is not true that you need Android 2.3.3 to get screen shots without rooting.

Install MyPhoneExplorer on your phone, and the desktop client on your computer. You will now be able to use the desktop client to get screen shots from your phone regardless of the version of Android you use, or if you are rooted or not.

I currently have an HTC Magic with Android 2.1 (NOT rooted) and this is what I use.

To get the app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.fjsoft.myphoneexplorer.client&feature=search_result

To get the PC Client: FJ Software Development

The process isn't as simple as a "one-click" type of thing, but it isn't as difficult as installing the SDK etc.

1. Install app
2. Install PC client
3. attach phone to PC with USB cable
4. go to Settings > Applications > Development and turn on USB Debugging
5. Start app on phone.
6. Start client on the computer.
7. Once the client has connected to the phone, from the EXTRAS drop down menu choose "Load Screenshot".