Newbie iphone to android question..

[Ferrisore]

I've been a long time blinkered iSheep and finally making the plunge to join the freedom of android - specifically the note 4, which I think out of the android phones best suits my mostly multi media useage.. Now I'm no technophobe but I'm a little worried about the transition - will I find android as fun and easy to use as ios? Done a fair bit reading and it seems I should - to be honest I'm quite excited to experience the freedom and lack of control that Apple forces on you for sub standard products and the abysmal ethical standards...

Is there anything I might typically struggle with transition wise? Are the security risks ive heard of (from other Apple fanboys admittedly) about android true? Or is it just common sense rules?

So so pleased ive found a forum that looks genuinely helpful !

 

[El Presidente]

Welcome, I'm glad you're liking what you're seeing so far.

Most of the security risks can be avoided with common sense. Avoid pirated apps, use legit app stores (Play, Amazon, GetJar etc) and pay attention to app permissions when installing. We've a pretty meaty guide on permissions here: http://androidforums.com/threads/an...ned-security-tips-and-avoiding-malware.36936/

There's an ok guide on making the jump here, it details the basics like pics and contact transfer etc: http://www.android.com/switch/

A lot of other stuff is easy to work out.

Are there any apps you use regularly on iOS, I can have a look and see if there's an Android equivalent.

 

[Ferrisore]

Thanks! Just the 'usual' apps at the minute I suppose - fb , Twitter , Instagram, netflix etc plus a few photo editing things I've been using which I'm sure I can gt something equivalent on Google play or the like. Just going to try find organisation/calendar apps that I can use too..

I saw in one guide I should scrap the samsung 'launcher' and install the Google one, what does a launcher do?

 

[El Presidente]

If you want to customise the look and feel of your device, a launcher is the way to do it. It allows you a bit more freedom with app/widget placement and you can change your icon set and homescreen transitions too. The Google Launcher is ok, but a little basic for my liking.

Popular launchers include Nova, Apex, Action Launcher and Next. You also get "Smart" Launchers which can configure themselves automatically dependant on time and location. They learn what apps you use and where so they'll be on your homescreen when you're in certain places or at times etc. Aviate is one, as is Smart Launcher.

Jorte is a popular calendar app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.johospace.jorte

 

[The_Ty]

Great advice and links there by El Presidente.

Much as I like debates about phones I don't think it should be about iPhone vs Android etc, at the end of the day it's about what's best specifically for you. Some credit due, you've done your homework and answered that question. If you don't mind the size (TBH it's fine), the Note 4 is a great phone. I've owned for a few weeks now and there's so much to love. The battery life in particular is great, I'm getting a solid day and a half with regular use, without even going into the power saving modes. And this is without going into the multi-window, screen size, IR remote etc. For multimedia you've got a ton of options. I found a great bonus is the default video player can stream files over a network (very useful when your GF hijacks the PC...)

Then of course there's the whole Android side, which is why you're here

The Touchwiz issue is very subjective. Personally I like it and don't have anywhere near the issues others do, but at the same time it does gets a lot of hate. Give it a go, see what you think, then try others and judge for yourself. Launchers are incredibly easy and hassle-free to switch between, so you're in no way stuck with one. The best part is you have choice.

A specific app I'd suggest is iSyncr. It'll take your iTunes playlists and music, and copy them over exactly to the phone, and keep them updated, and do all this over Wi-Fi

As for photo editing apps, while I can't guarantee it's the best, I've had a lot of fun with Photoshop touch. Not the best UI but the tools are great, especially 'scribble selection'

 

[dan330]

just keep in mind.. you have been trained (brain washed) to do things the iPhone way.
so there will be a few things that you should keep in mind and wait it out.. "how you do things" feels comfortable the new android way.

like ... there is more than just 1 button!!! there is a back button!!!

settings.. and more settings.. located everywhere!. ignore them.. till you need to change things.

give it time.. to feel right!

 

[Ferrisore]

Awesome, thanks so much for the replies guys.. some great info for me to take onboard there... probably getting ahead of myself when I'm thinking of customizing it so much when I haven't even settled into standard yet, lol..

I've actually got some time off work my my upgrade is due, so plenty time to play with my phone and have fun! - Love the sound of playing video from my pc over a network, is that easy to set up? Can I stream it to the phone then to my chromecast?

 

[The_Ty]

Hmm never messed with Chromecast, though AFAIK you can stream stuff from the PC through to a TV with Chromecast.

As for streaming from a computer to the Note 4, when you use the default video app there are two tabs at the top, one for videos on the phone and the other(shown in the screenshot) shows a list of connected devices. You click on one of those and it'll list all the videos you can stream. You don't have to set anything up on the phone, this showed up the first time I used it (I think it's based on whatever videos are in Windows Media Player)

 

[EarlyMon]

Awesome, thanks so much for the replies guys.. some great info for me to take onboard there... probably getting ahead of myself when I'm thinking of customizing it so much when I haven't even settled into standard yet, lol..

I've actually got some time off work my my upgrade is due, so plenty time to play with my phone and have fun! - Love the sound of playing video from my pc over a network, is that easy to set up? Can I stream it to the phone then to my chromecast?

Try Plex or Bubble to stream home media to the Chromecast.

Chromecast runs a browser with a media player and networking software. Content goes directly to the Chromecast. The phone just acts as the remote control, unless you're casting a video stored on your phone.

 

[Ferrisore]

The_ty - thanks mate, I'll give that a go - Seems easy enough, just what devices are connected to the wifi network?

EarlyMon - thanks, I'll download those apps and have a try! Certainly beats the YouTube/Netflix only that I had on my iPhone lol