text:
How to save messages as Draft
I own and Optimus One(Froyo). I want to type some couple of messages(for the same contact) and save it for sending later. How to do that?
EDIT: User wishes to save message templates that can be re-used at a later instance.

For saving drafts, GMail and Email both save drafts automatically when you leave the app or lock the phone. For SMS, it should keep any text you've entered in the text entry field until you send or delete it.

I suppose it is only the last message. I want to save more than 1 message.

Are you talking about SMS or email?

In Handcent SMS, you can save commonly used snippets as QuickText

why dont you save message as Memo ...You can view anytime you want...
and when you wish to send...simply go to that Memo and tab their for 2 seconds...
It will pop-up Send-Via...Choose Messaging Option...and then Send...

@Vizay Soni How do you do that?

in my galaxy fit/ace plus... i had an option to send memo as sms.. i am not sure other mobiles has these features..


text:
Talking GPS software for Android?

I need a GPS when I use ride my bike. :\
Holding my phone in my hand is not really a solution....
Can somebody help me to find a talking GPS Android app?

Thank you...

Do you want something that just tells you your location, something that gives you directions to get from A to B while you're riding, or something else?

"to get from A to B while you're riding"

well, just continue using your android phone, but use some accessories, like bluetooth headset and/or something that fixes that on your arm or on bike...

Provided that you have a phone running Android 1.6 or higher, and are in a supported country, then Google Maps Navigation will do this. You should have Navigation as a separate icon in your apps list (upwards pointing blue arrow icon) even though it comes with Maps. If you don't have that (and are on a supported version and in a supported country) then just go to the Market and search for the updated version of Google Maps.
I've used it for car and walking directions, and it works very well, don't need to take the phone out of my pocket while walking, as everything spoken through my headphones.

ohh bummer...my country isn't on the list... :\

Brut Google Maps has unlocked talking navigation for all countries. You can get it here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1007132

Note that Brut Maps is an unofficial, hacked version of Google Maps, use at your own risk.

I swear by Waze.  It is gives spoken directions.  As a plus (or actually main selling point), it is a social GPS.  That is, by keeping track of speed and location, it knows where there is heavy traffic and routes you around it.

source: Stack Exchange

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

sort: votes


text:
Full encryption with Android?
I have an LG GT540 Optimus with Android.
How can I encrypt all my filesystems to ensure that if it gets stolen, no one will get my passwords, contacts, etc.. :\ ?
Thank you!

See these previous questions, which look like they cover the same ground as your question http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/1940/secure-encrypt-sd-card-data-transparent-to-apps http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/4567/encrypt-the-phones-internal-storage

From my post to the link GAThrawn called out; Encrypt the phone's internal storage
Android 3 (Honeycomb) offers full system encryption natively. However, as it's only for tablets at this point I will post some other avenues.
There was some work done on this for the G1 using LUKS and Cryptsetup. I think I've seen this on a moto droid rom too, but you'll definitely need root. It is not trivial to do, and there isn't too much interest so popular roms like Cyanogenmod don't provide for this natively.
There are some apps in the market that support encrypted file stores (check out Lock Files. I have no idea how transparent that is on the system however.
To your italicized point on remote wipe. There are MANY solutions for this. If you're using Exchange you can push this with ActiveSync, if not apps like Lookout, and more provide remote wipe and other functions. There are even manual ways w/ dyndns and a listening SSH server.

Apologies if this was bad form, I would have noted in a comment rather then repasting the answer but I'm lacking the reputation.  New user to stackexchange.

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/


text:
Where are the water damage indicators on a G2?
I got a G2 from eBay and it looks pretty nice.  I'm just inspecting to make sure everything is good before I start using it.  The battery has a white water damage indicator, which is good, but the battery could have been replaced.  Are there other indicators?  Where?

In this thread on the T-Mobile forums there are a few people talking about water damage indicators.  The OP mentions this:

When I remove the back of the phone and the screen is face-down on a table, the triangle is just above the left side of the micro SD card door.  It's visible even with the battery left in place.

...which another person confirms is a water damage indicator.
If you don't see any pink triangles I think you're in good shape.
Edit: Does your phone look like this with the battery out?  Because it looks to me like that white circle near the bottom right is the only water sensor on the body of the phone itself.

I don't see anything white or pink anywhere near the micro SD slot (which is not visible with the battery left in place).  There is a white rectangle on the bottom of the battery near the contacts, a white circle on the phone underneath the battery, a white hemisphere with a pink part on it inside one of the battery cover holes, and a small black circle with white "VOID" on it, with a hole in it.

I just edited my post, take a look and let me know if this is relevant at all.

Yeah, it looks like that, and I see the white circle.  The white/pink thing I see is inside the hole to the left of the FCC symbol, not visible at the angle your picture is taken at.

I think it would be a little odd if they put a water sensor inside the chassis in such a way, so I don't think the pink you see is a triggered moisture sensor.  Then again, I don't own a G2 and have never seen one in person.

I added pictures to my question.

See the white circle right above the battery contacts? It's in the picture. That is the phone's water damage indicator. How do I know? Because mine is bright red. Trust me, there'd be no doubt...


text:
Do I have ROM in my phone?
How can I find how much ROM I have? This is my phone, Samsung Galaxy S LCD I9003. Samsung Galaxy S I9000 has a ROM of 2 GB. What are the uses of ROM? I heard it is used to flash custom kernels. Cant I flash custom kernels in mine as nothing about ROM is mentioned?

Usually, Read-Only Memory is called internal storage, specifically the system partition on that storage (since other areas are writable by default). The image of the phone's firmware and OS is the ROM.  (That's how we do it on this site, anyways).
So your internal storage is 2 GB, and your phone's firmware and OS is installed on that storage space.  You can flash new kernels or entire ROMs (kernel + other firmware + OS) as long as they fit on the internal storage.  Generally, this isn't a problem; you won't find a ROM image for your phone that doesn't actually fit on your phone.


text:
browsing broken
Sometimes when I am trying to use my phone after work, the browser gets stuck and nothing seems to fix it.  I have tried tweaking 4g and wifi settings, but even after toggling them the browser is still not working.  I know I can hard-reset my phone, but I don't like having to wait for the reboot.  Is there anything else I can do besides a reset?

Changing browser helps?
Try dolphin or opera or anything...

Any app that requires network connectivity seems to be broken... gmail, maps, firefox

Is it possible that you have different ip settings to connect to internet @home and @work?
I've solved this using a wonderful free app called static ip

How does static ip help me?  It looks like it is for switching between a home network with static addresses and the carrier 3g or 4g connection with dhcp

@goose1 Can you please describe how the browser is "stuck" and what exactly happens to the other apps?  Do they stop responding?  Is it just that they can't connect?

When the browser is stuck, I cannot receive email and google maps is also broken.

@goose1: if you're not receiving email and maps as well, this is highly unlikely to be a browser problem, you have problem with your internet connection, what internet connection are you using? 3G or Wifi or something else?

I don't use 4g.  Usually 3g, but it can happen with wifi.

I had a problem like this with my Sprint EVO Shift, except toggling 3G would usually get things to work.  While I was debugging I found a free app called reset connections that was at least faster than toggling data services off and on again.  I don't know if that will solve your problem, but it's something to try.

I had the same problem with my Galaxy S and home WiFi, but it got fixed by disabling and enabling WiFi to register it again to my router. Maybe you could try to go to flight mode and then back to normal mode to re-register with your network?

Have you tried force closing? Settings > Applications > Manage Applications > Browser > Force Close?

I can try that but I have doubts about its effectiveness.  When the browser is stuck, I cannot receive email and google maps is also broken.


text:
Can a Sprint-branded Samsung Intercept be flashed to Virgin Mobile?
I am getting a Sprint-branded Samsung Intercept that was rooted and flashed to MetroPCS and runs Froyo. Can I flash it to Virgin Mobile?

If you unlock the phone (as presumably you did to get it on Metro PCS), you should be able to flash the Virgin ROM and activate it on Virgin.  However, you should call Virgin and ask!  They can best answer this question, and you'll need them to activate the phone on their network anyways.

if the phone is already rooted to go from sprint to pcs metro which we dont have here-where do i get the virgin mobile rom-do i just change the baseband file only, do i try to make it stock sprint then try to swap that for stock virgin so i can get their update froyo or what

You should definitely flash the whole Virgin ROM, not just the baseband.  In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the baseband is the same.  It's more about the APN configuration and that sort of thing.  One of the mods had a related question, our comments on my answer to it might be of some use: http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/6690/will-rooting-my-samsung-galaxy-s-before-i-activate-it-cause-any-problems


text:
How to get out of broken home screen replacement?
I was writing my own home screen replacement, and while trying it out on my ZTE Blade I got into a bit of trouble.
I have hooked the HOME-button, and set my app as the default for it. Too late I realised there is no (easy) way out of such an app.
I have tried:
* holding down VOL DOWN to get into FTM-mode, but that just gives me screen that says "FTM" and nothing more
* Using adb, but it just says my device is offline. Debug mode is not enabled on the phone.
So, how can I:
1) get out of an app that has hooked HOME-button?
or
2) reset the phone with a button-combo or over USB (since I cant access the menus)
Installing new ROMs is something I rather not do.

So you can't even push a new version of the application on to your phone?  Typically re-installing an app (running it from Eclipse) will cause the "default" app setting to revert back to choosing an application (and checking if you want it to be default or not). If you can get ADB access, I would say try to uninstall it via ADB. Or push another home application onto your phone.

If you can add a shortcut to the home screen, then add the settings application and then uncheck the default.

Safe Mode may help - unsure about your device, but try keeping MENU pressed while powering up your phone. Else, try pressing the HOME key while booting or a combo of both.

See this previous question on how to uninstall a "rogue" home screen launcher http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/6458/how-would-you-uninstall-a-rogue-home-launcher-application the Safe Mode bootup sounds like what you need

@Bryan Denny: No, unfortunately I had done a factory reset and installed the app OTA. So, the phone is not in debug mode.

Safe mode or factory reset is what I am looking for, but I can't find any way to do it on a ZTE Blade.

Assuming you have ADB access to your test device, you can issue the following command:
adb shell pm uninstall PACKAGE
Where "PACKAGE" is the package name of your launcher app (you should know this since you're creating the app in the first place.)
[Edit]
As requested, re-posting my comment as the answer:
Every site for ZTE Blade has instructions for accessing the Fastboot mode via Volume Up + Power button combination. Eg: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=ZTE_Blade:_Full_Update_Guide Give that a shot and see if you can access the phone via fastboot.exe (should be in the [Android SDK]/tools/ directory.) At that point you can flash a different recovery image (Clockworkmod, Amon-Ra) that will allow access to /data/app to delete your program.

I was going to respond with this but he said "Using adb, but it just says my device is offline." So I'm guessing he doesn't have adb access anymore?

I thought he meant that ADB wasn't available in whatever mode he booted the phone into.  @Marksu Teoren, is ADB available when you boot normally?

Nope, no adb access regardless of how I boot it. It shows up when I plug it in but it is marked as "offline" and I can't issue commands to it.

Every site for ZTE Blade has instructions for accessing the Fastboot mode via Volume Up + Power button combination.  Eg: http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=ZTE_Blade:_Full_Update_Guide  Give that a shot and see if you can access the phone via fastboot.exe (should be in the /tools/ directory.)  At that point you can flash a different recovery image (Clockworkmod, Amon-Ra) that will allow access to /data/app to delete your program.

@Chahk: Thank you! You should post that as an answer, didn't even have to flash with another image. "fastboot erase userdata" did the trick!

@Marksu Teoren: No problem.  I updated my answer with this info.


text:
Opening sms thread goes into incorrect thread
When using my mobile (HTC Desire), I would say I use sms more often than actually using it as a phone.
Because of this, I have a fairly huge history of sms threads (I really like how HTC Desire displays the sms conversation). However, I've realised that every so often when I hit on say sms thread with "person A" I actually get sms thread with "person B". At first I thought it was just me accidentally hitting the one below. However, today this happened three times (tried to open personA, but got personB instead) and the thing is there is a gap of ~8 between person A and personB... so impossible for me to accidentally hit the wrong one...(plus the repeated occurrence is quite annoying!)
Was wondering if anyone has a similar experience or know why this is happening... also preferably how to fix it :)

This is a known bug, and it's not entirely clear if it's the SMS application or Android's SMS implementation itself. You can see the ticket here, which was closed on Jan 29, 2011. The fix has been slow getting out to phones other than the Nexus line because carriers haven't released updates that include it.
One option in the meantime would be to try an alternative SMS app, such as Handcent or ChompSMS. However, though many people say that it does help, others have reported that the bug still persists on 3rd party apps.
There is also a reportedly related bug that causes outgoing messages to be sent to the wrong recipient. The "opening the wrong thread" bug was closed as a duplicate of the "wrong recipient" bug, as the fix for the latter apparently applied to the former (according to Google).

Great answer, thanks for pulling together all this information.

Reading about the "wrong recipient" bug makes me more worried... wouldn't like messages being 'randomly' sent to an unintended recipient :O Guess i'll just have to wait for the update/fix. Thanks for the info :)


text:
Can't Access iPlayer via Internet Pass-through - is there a workaround?
My HTC Desire HD plays nicely with Windows 7 and while at work I use it for personal web access, quicker than H/G/E connection and free.
However when attempting to view/listen to content on the BBC's iPlayer I get a message which asks me to switch to a wi-fi connection to access their content.
Is there a way of getting over this? Seems like very odd design ...
Thanks.

How are you accessing iPlayer, going to the mobile website, using the BBC's app, or using an unofficial app? Also, after re-reading your question are you saying that the problem's occurring when you "reverse tether" your phone to the work PC, using the work PC's internet connection? If so how is it connected to the PC and which reverse tether method are you using?

I've connected the handset to the PC using the standard 'Internet Pass through' option available from the menu which gets displayed when you connect via USB. I get very quick internet connectivity this way so not sure why iPlayer isn't playing nicely.

Must be an HTC thing, there's no "internet pass through" reverse tethering type option on any Android I've used. Did you have to load the HTC software on your PC to get this running?

Yes, it looks like it might be an HTC-specific thing: http://bit.ly/mwsUCW
Don't know why the BBC have done it like this - the e71 this Desire HD replaced could get iPlayer over the air [WAP connection] with no problems. Tuts.

From the BBC's iPlayer Mobile FAQ:

Programmes can be played through a
  wi-fi connection. Customers with 3 UK
  and Vodafone (except for those using
  Android, Apple or Symbian 3 devices)
  can also access programmes via their
  3G network. The BBC is working to make
  BBC iPlayer available over more 3G
  networks.

This seems to hold up with my testing using both the website and the app, I'm on Vodafone UK and get this message on 3G on the website:

Please switch to a wi-fi connection to
  play this programme. 3G streaming of
  BBC iPlayer programmes is not
  currently available for this handset.

And in the app:

Please switch to a Wi-Fi connection to
  play this programme.

Presumably the BBC are just checking your connection type and can see it's not a Wifi connection, they're not aware of the reverse tethering you're using and so are just treating it as if its a 3G connection.
Does your company have a Wifi access point you could connect the phone too, that would eb the easiest way to get round this, and I'm presuming if they're happy for you to tether the phone to the PC, then they wouldn't have an issue with employee's devices hooking up to their wifi.

I'm not trying to access iPlayer over 3G ...

@5arx I know that, what I'm saying is that the BBC don't: "Presumably the BBC are just checking your connection type and can see it's not a Wifi connection, they're not aware of the reverse tethering you're using"

Its a massive oversight - and I don't see why users of the latest & greatest mobile OSes (Android, Apple, Symbian3) should lose out when everyone else can use iPlayer over 3g. Just odd.


text:
Dvorak on android?
How to change the default on screen keyboard on Optimus V to Dvorak?

I'm not sure is Dvorak is available on stock firmware for Optimus V, but there are many 3rd-party keyboard apps on the Market that have it (some require a separate download via a plugin.)
Once installed, activate it by going to Menu -> Settings -> Language & keyboard, and marking the checkbox next to the newly installed keyboard app.  Then bring up any text field (e.g. Google Search) and long-press it.  Tap on the "Input method" menu item, and you will be presented with the list of all currently installed and enabled keyboard apps.  Select the one which has Dvorak layout and you will immediately be able to use it.

Have you looked on the Market?  There seem to be a few Dvorak keyboards available.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.reyn.truedvorak&feature=search_result
https://market.android.com/details?id=net.xenionsh.android.dvorak&feature=search_result
You should probably shop around and try as many as you can find.
If you don't know how to switch to an alternate keyboard you've installed, look here: http://www.simplemobilereview.com/change-your-android-soft-keyboard-system/
If you're looking to change whatever keyboard you use now to the Dvorak layout, that may be harder.  It would depend on which keyboard you're using.


text:
HTC Desire - cannot turn Bluetooth on!
I was playing with Android Bluetooth API on HTC Desire. Bluetooth was working fine, then suddenly it stopped. Now I cannot turn it on, even manually from the Settings menu. Here is something from Logcat,
01-06 07:34:37.208: ERROR/bluedroid(96): bluetoothd stop timed out
01-06 07:34:47.215: ERROR/bluedroid(96): btld start timed out
01-06 07:34:47.215: ERROR/bluedroid(96): $#$#$#$#$# Stopping btld because of starting btld fail...

What should I do? Please help!! :(

Have you rebooted the phone?  The steps you took before this started happening might be useful information as well.

@Matthew Read: Yes, I have. I've also tried taking the battery off. No result. Last option would be resetting the phone, but I hope to avoid that. I was just trying to set the Bluetooth device name programmatically. I guess the characters were too long. Then this odd problem occurred.

Hmm, I'm assuming you can't set the name to something shorter without enabling Bluetooth first.  Probably it's just a config file somewhere and you can edit the name ... I'll take a look around my phone later.

@Matthew Read: You're right, all Bluetooth menus are disabled. Currently Device name says "No name set, using account name". Config file is a good idea. I hope Google will give a better result using this keyword.

Reset the phone works. Only difference is that I have to set the device into discoverable mode each time I turn the Bluetooth on. It was automatically set before.


text:
Preparation steps for sending a phone back under warranty
I'm sending my (unrooted) nexus s off repair under under warranty, and was just wondering if there any precautions I can take to limit the amount of personal info on the device, lest the engineers take a look through my contacts/emails etc.? (ideally without resetting phone to factory defaults)
Main ideas I've had so far are:

Associating the phone with a brand new google account and deleting the old ones
Moving all sd card content to computer
Clearing caches

Resetting the phone to factory settings (Menu -> Settings -> Privacy -> Factory data reset) and wiping the microSD card (after backing up its contents) should be all that's needed.
Factory reset dis-associates the phone from your Google account, removes any custom apps (installed on internal memory) with their data, and clears all the caches.
[Edit]
P.S. There is a good chance that the manufacturer (Samsung in your case) or whoever you are sending your phone to for repairs might send you a different handset.  Depending on their service terms, they may simply ship you a brand new Nexus S, or even a refurb.  So jumping through hoops to leave your installed apps intact might be a waste of time.

Basically, it looks like you want to clear everything except your apps.  Is that right?  If so, I'd just use something like App Manager to back them all up, and then do a factory reset.  If you back them up to the SD card they should be safe, but you can always copy the backup to your computer.


text:
Process com,google.process.gapps stopped unexpectedly
Started getting this error in the last few days. It is stopping various things like Gmail, Market and Listen from syncing.
I've read that it can be caused by bad data in records and that you should clear the data on the phone and then edit it on the server, but that's tricky if you don't know which item it is or even which app it is in.
Any suggestions? I've switched it off/on several times. The error occurs when I do just about anything in Listen and can't get my Gmail up at all. Only thing I noticed is that one podcast was showing some error in Listen. Dropped it from the queue, but still getting the problem.
HTC Tattoo on V1.6. Not rooted. No new apps added recently.

Which phone do you have?  Which Android version?  Is it rooted?  Stock firmware or custom ROM?  Did this start happening suddenly, or after installing some app?  Which troubleshooting steps have you already tried (e.g. factory reset)?

Added details above. Thinking I'll try a factory reset. Never done that before, but will back up any files I think I need.

I've done a factory reset now. Seems okay so far, but have to manually reinstall apps as I couldn't do a backup

Galaxy S (i9000), unrooted, same problem. Lots of apps...

Didn't find a reason for the error, but ended up doing a factory reset and since then everything has been fine. I had to reinstall my apps, but my Google data came back.

Since then I've used Cyanogen to get to 2.3


text:
Is there any way to erase personal information from my phone that has already been stolen?
My phone has been stolen. I do not want the thief to have access to any of my personal information such as calls, texts, and information saved in the phones contents. Is there any possible way I can get this information erased from my phone?

Sorry to hear about your phone being stolen. If you can get PlanB set up on it and locate your phone, be careful with the action you take against the thief.

As long as your phone still has battery power left and is still switched on and connected to the phone networks, you can use one of the phone wiping apps that specifically advertise that they can be remotely installed and used after the phone is stolen.
From a quick search of the Android Market, there are PlanB that is designed for this purpose:

Plan B is the 'find my phone' app that
  you download AFTER you lose your
  phone.
Plan B is your last resort to find
  your missing phone.
This is the first and only 'find my
  phone' app that you download AFTER
  you've already lost your phone. Having
  Lookout on your phone is the best way
  to protect your phone and find it
  fast, but use Plan B if you have
  already lost your phone and didn't
  have Lookout installed.

And Phonelocator Pro is one that advertises this:

Can be installed after the phone was lost. Install this application to your
  phone from the web Android Market
  remotely. Send the "PLlocator" word to
  your phone, in a text message. It will
  respond back with the phone position.
  The word is case sensitive, so be sure
  you send this exact word "PLlocator"

Wow, very cool use of the Market's push feature.

Yes, if you installed an app to do this (obviously not in your case) or if your phone came with such functionality.  If you don't know if you have it or don't know how to use it, you should call your carrier and ask.  They will know best what to do about a stolen phone.

Go to google dashboard
and click wipe when you find the device in it
https://www.google.com/settings/dashboard

If your devices didn't stole but you want to protect your device.
You may need to install the Google Device Manger
And go to DeviceManager


text:
What is the round circle next to the "do not dispose in household waste" icon on my Moto Droid?
There is a round indicator of some sort under the battery cover approx 3/16" of an inch in diameter.  It is located to the left of the "Do not dispose with household waste" icon (looks like a trash can with an X over it.  The indicator appears white with red "X"s; I believe it has been this way since the phone was new, but I can't be sure.
What does this indicate?

Edit:  Added picture

I'm not sure asking about a sticker counts as an Android question, but others may disagree.

Could be a warning to recycle the battery instead of throwing it away.

I'd agree with @Matthew regarding this - it's a battery question, not an Android one.

To be clear, this is not part of the battery, it's on the phone body, but you have to remove the battery door to see it.  It looks like more than a simple sticker... there is a hole in the body of the phone specifically to reveal a view of it.   I'll post a photo shortly.

Perhaps it's a water damage sticker -- it might go more red if water gets on it, or something.

+1 Looks like a water damage indicator, it's that same shade of light-ish red as the cross-hatching on the water damage indicator on my company phone.

Yes, it's a water/moisture damage indicator.

Searching on "droid water damage indicator" shows lots of sources that agree.    Apparently it turns solid red if it gets wet.   Accepting answer.    Thanks.


text:
Android How to set new default user for Android Marketplace
I have a Sprint Samsung Captivate phone, and I am somewhat sharing it with co-worker.  Problem is that every time I want to download an app free or otherwise, her username comes up and prompts for password.  I would like to add own email and download under that without removing her account.  Much easier said than done.  I cannot seem to get her logged out and a new prompt for username and password where I could enter my user name.  This is a much tougher problem than I ever imagined.

I am open to all options here including deleting marketplace accounts and re-adding if needed.

possible duplicate of How to change the account for Android Market?

Unfortunately you can't do this.  You would need to entirely remove your account (the primary phone account) from the phone and add hers as the primary account, which would perform a factory reset on the phone.  Hopefully future versions of the Android OS will support multiple users, especially the tablet versions, but currently it does not.


text:
htc desire z cannot receive exchange emails completely
My HTC Desire Z has the latest Android 2.2.1 system, and my company's exchanges is the latest Exchange 2010. After I set up the Exchange Sync, I am able to receive email. People in my company loves to send long emails, and Android is so smart that it did not download the email at once, but allowing me to download the remaining part of the email as I scroll down. And there comes the problem...no matter how hard I scroll down, it just cannot get the missing part.

Can you be a little clearer about the issue you're trying to resolve? (There's a reason no one has responded to your question for a month-and-a-half.) Is it that your e-mail client is not downloading complete messages?

The attender from HTC asked me to remove my exchange account and add it again, and the problem is solved.

I'm glad you got your issue resolved. Please remember to "accept" this as the solution so it can act as a signpost to future visitors who have the same issue.


text:
What is a Data SMS?
Android phones seem to support 2 kinds of SMS: Text SMS and Data SMS. I think I know what a text SMS is, but what is a Data SMS and how / for what is it used (btw as far as I can tell Data SMS are not MMS)?
I recognize that this might not be Android specific, but I encountered the term first on my Android handset, so here I go. If this is more general and better moved to a different forum feel free to suggest so...

I don't seem to find this on my android device. Can you tell the version of your android/model of the phone? Or include the screenshot if you can?

Data SMS messages are sent through the data network, over your 2G / 3G data connection, just like all other data such as internet traffic.  Normally SMS messages have their own method of transport, the details of which you can check out on Wikipedia.

Thanks. Your answer gets me half way there, but I still don't understand what it is used for. If you can add an example of a real-world service/application that sends data SMS or a common use-case I'll tick your answer.

@user4188 Data SMSes cost much less...

Its more reliable, too..

A perfect example for data SMS use is when your recipient must pay to receive your text message even though you may have unlimited texting.  By using a data SMS service, all extra charges are avoided and the amount of data used by SMS messages is insignificant compared to even lite web page viewing.

I think Data SMS messages are sent not only through the data network (over your 2G / 3G data connection), but also through GSM as Text SMS. The PDU of a text message has a User Data Headers (UDH) that defines a specific port on a handset. Refer to this link: http://developers.esendex.com/Concepts-and-Patterns/Sending-SMS-to-a-Specific-Port

User named www.jensolsson.se is correct. OP is also correct it's not really a Android subject perse, it's more of a cellular technology subject. Since we are not sticking to Android is will share my experience with data sms in the Linux side of things. I use data sms for a custom IoT type of communication to do very low level control of the devices such as rebooting or restarting a misbehaving application. I use the mmcli tool to send and receive the data sms messages. The data value that I send is a bitmasked binary value (from memory a 64bit value) that represents the operational status of the device and its applications. A good place to start is looking at the mmcli man page. I learned of this capability while learning how to use mmcli to send and receive text messages using mmcli. My text messages were becoming giant JSON strings. Since I controlled both ends, I developed a custom protocol that only needs a single 64bit symbol with many values encoded in to it.
https://www.freedesktop.org/software/ModemManager/man/latest/mmcli.1.html

Data SMS is just like regular SMS. Contrary to what other answers to this question which implies the data smses dont use the 3g/4g data connection at all. You can actually disable both mobile data and wifi on your phone and you can still send and receive data sms.
Data SMS is a feature for app to app communication. Historically it was also used for example to change certain aspects of the phone. For example adding operator logo, ring tones etc.

Thanks for your answer! As it contradicts other answers and I have no way of telling who is right, could you back up your answer with references that support it?

You could check wikipedia https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Data_Header

all_licenses: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text:
How to create a Broadband connection (pppoeconf) on my Android phone?
I have Broadband connection at home, and from my PC running Linux, I use the pppoeconf command to connect to internet, that in turn asks me for the username and password both provided by my ISP (BSNL).
Is there a way to create a broadband connection on my android phone?
PS: I'm currently using Android 2.2 (Froyo), and I don't wanna setup a proxy connection on my machine.

Are you able to connect a Wifi router to your broadband connection? That would be the normal way to share a broadband connection to a phone.

WIFI PPPOE by cnDDU is an app that allows you to make a PPPoE connection from your phone over a wireless connection:

...main purpose is for user
  to make PPPOE connection via WIFI, e.g. dialing through ADSL Modem
  with user name and password provided by some internet ISPs. This app
  makes the Android devices be able to connect to Internet directly via
  PPPOE dialing through WIFI, and no need for another WIFI Router any
  more.

Note that a rooted phone with Busybox installed is required to use this app.
There are also a number of other similar apps available in the Play Store now, some free, some not. They all currently seem to require a rooted phone.
(answer rescued from deletions)

You could use http://www.junefabrics.com/android/download.php. You need to install the app on your phone and on your laptop. Works with windows.


text:
Connecting to internet using Wi-fi portable hotspot or bluetooth? which one is more battery saving?
I have EDGE internet connection in my Samsung Europa I5500L (Froyo 2.2). I can connect to the Internet from my laptop using both bluetooth or making a wifi hotspot from the device using that EDGE connection.
{internet}-----[phone]-----{wifi/bluetooth}-----[laptop]
My question is which one will be more battery saving for both my laptop and mobile?
Thanks for your answer.

It depends on your phone and your laptop.  You should just try it and see.

Generally Bluetooth uses less power. On my HTC Desire, I use Bluetooth because it lasts longer and consumes much less power compared to Wi-Fi hotspot when connection is idle.


text:
How to revive crashing market app?
My Android 2.1 tablet crashed while the marked app was installing some apps. If I open the marked app now, it always shows that two apps are installing right now, and crashes immediately. Any ideas on how to fix that problem? I already removed the apps the market thinks it is installing, but that did not help. :-/

See also http://android.stackexchange.com/q/1518/2387 .

The way I generally deal with truculent apps is by following each of these steps until it starts working again.

Force stop
Clear cache
Clear app data
Restart the device
Uninstall/reinstall (this may be tricky with the Market app)

Yep, going to Settings -> Applications -> Manage applications and doing steps 1 and 3 for the Market should be enough.

Unfortunately it didn't - I cleared the cache and data for both Market and Market-Update, and it still thinks it is installing the apps. It did help a little, though - marked does not crash anymore, so I can at least install other apps again. 8-)

Try doing a long-press on those "installing" records and see if it gives you an option to cancel.

The problem disappeared when I was installing an Upgrade to Android 2.2 . I believe I tried the long press with no result, but I am not sure anymore.


text:
How do I perform a  Print Screen on a Galaxy Ace?
I looked at my gallery one time and I saw that I accidentally print screened an image. I was wondering if you guys know how I did that? My phone is a Galaxy Ace, and I have no app for that. It just happened.

On the Samsung Galaxy range of phones, running Samsung's TouchWiz enhancements to Android, you can take a screenshot of the screen by holding down the Back button and tapping Home.
This doesn't work in some apps that take an action immediately when you press Back, but as most apps don't carry out the action until release the Back button, this will work for them.
See also this previous question: taking a screenshot of an android phone?


text:
Is there any way to install Open Office in Android?

Possible Duplicate:
What is a good application on Android to open Microsoft Excel files?

Is there any way to install Open Office in Android Emulator, So that I can Open XLS sheet in Android Emulator for my apps.Any help will really be appreciated. Thanks a lot

Don't understand the downvotes, esp. since the question came from StackOverflow. However ... @abk you'll probably get better answers here if you clarify the problem you're trying to solve (reading and/or editing an excel file). Installing Open Office is probably not the only possible solution to your problem.

yes it is android market you can install it in your device . QuickOffice is also there in Android market for reading XLS documents.

This answer is incredibly misleading. OpenOffice.org is not available for Android. There is an app called OpenOffice Document reader, but this is, again, not OpenOffice.org itself. It's just a 3rd party app designed to read .odt and .ods files. It even states in the description that it doesn't support Microsoft Office formats!


text:
Synchronise intervall for Facebook for HTC Sense
I'm pretty new to the world of Android. Though I managed to solve almost all of upcoming problems on my own, I'm having troubles with this one.
I'd like to increase the number of synchronisations of HTC Sense with Facebook so its updates are in line with those of Twitter.
In Settings --> Accounts and Synchronisation --> Facebook for HTC Sense --> Update Frequency (the terms might be different; I've got a German UI and translated just on the fly) I can switch between

every 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 hours
once a day

On the other hand for Twitter for HTC Sense, I've got

every 5, 15, 30 minutes
manual

in addition.
As I'm using the Friend Stream Widget, I'd like to have the Twitter and Facebook synchronisations of the same frequency.
How can I achieve this? Preferably without installing any additional apps or widgets.
Thanks for your answers.

I don't think you can. Those intervals are set by the developers.

Al's right, you can't change the sync frequency for Facebook beyond what they provide.
Edit: The below only applies to the regular Facebook app.
But also, all that Facebook syncs is your contacts (and possibly events to the calendar).  It doesn't sync news feed items or notifications, those are only loaded when you actually open the app.  So unless your Facebook friends list changes more often than every hour, syncing more often would be useless.

In the settings for Facebook for HTC Sense I can select Synchronise Live-Feed and Synchronise Contacts. In the separate settings for the Facebook App I can only select the contacts and haven't got an option for the frequency.

@T.K. Oh wow, OK, I had no idea that app was completely separate from the regular Facebook app.  It should be theoretically possible to hack the app to check more regularly, but there still isn't an easy method.


text:
Can the Aldiko reader show pdf files in it's catalog screen which are not present in the ebook folder?
I have the following situation :

I purchased an Android pdf book which was downloaded on my PC
I used Dropbox to transfer it onto my Android device (Archos 101)
When clicking the downloaded book in the Dropbox Android application , the Aldiko read was launched, ready for my to read my book.
However, this book was not present in the Aldiko book case view when I later on started Aldiko again

Hence my question: is it possible to let Aldiko list books which are not present in the eBook folder ?
I can't move the pdf into eBook, because Dropbox will download it happily again, when it doesn't find it.
I don't want to have duplicates ( the book is rather large , but even when it wasn't , I don't like the idea of having exact files in multiple locations ).

Possible workaround: Turn the ebook folder into a symlink to the dropbox folder.  Or if subfolders word, create a dropbox symlink inside ebook.

Matthew Read: You saw this coming, no ? How do you create a symlink ?

@Edelcom ln -s /sdcard/dropbox /sdcard/ebook creates ebook and makes it point to dropbox, assuming those are the correct paths.  Depending on your phone, you might need busybox to do that (and thus run busybox ln instead of just ln).  More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ln_(Unix)#Symbolic_link_creation_and_deletion

on Android I'm just a new user, nothing more, but how do you enter such commands ? Is there a command prompt equivalent ? And do you need to be rooted to do this ? Thanks for you help.

Never mind: searched for terminal emulator in Android market and installed a program called (ahem) 'terminal emulator'. I have to brush up on my Linux/unix commands ...

initial test did not work ... will try again to make sure I had the correct folders.


text:
SMS on HTC Desire is not working
My HTC desire has problems with the texting (sms). Sometimes it doesn't show the thread of my text messages or if it does and I try to click the person to see what they've texted, its a white screen and doesn't do anything. Then sometimes it does go to its original screen and when I click SEND to send a text, it says please wait for a very long time until I click the home button and it goes back to a white screen and its only the texting that is messed up.
Does anyone know how to fix these issues?

Both the default Android messaging app and the HTC Sense app are buggy, as far as I've heard.  Until they get their act together, I recommend trying another SMS app and seeing if it's any better.  Handcent SMS would be a good choice.


text:
How to set vibration ON when getting e-mail (Gmail)?
Using Android 2.1-update1
It seems there's no "vibration" settings in the menu regarding this!

Thanks for any answer!

Go to Menu > More > Settings, make sure that "Email Notifications" is checked then "Select Ringtone > Silent" and "Vibrate > For All Gmail notifications".

Tip: In the settings screen, you must click on your account's name


text:
Email client not showing signed emails (mail is still on server)
I'm having trouble reading signed emails (in the mail app, not gmail).
The email client only shows: "mail is still on server" message, not the email content.

Could you previously read encrypted E-mails via the E-mail app?

@JonnyP Nope. They are just signed, not encrypted. And desktop email clients have absolutely no trouble reading them.

As far as I know, this is simply a bug in the HTC email application. You can try using a different client (K9 supports signed messages, I believe), but beyond that you'll have to take it up with HTC and hope that they decide to fix it at some point.
Here's a related XDA thread where someone includes what he says is a response from HTC regarding the issue. There's also a thread on the Android Central forums where someone reports the same bug (and no solution). Those threads are a little on the old side, but I don't believe HTC has fixed this yet.

I'm still in WTF mode. And probably won't get from it for some time :) Why the heck would the deliberately block signed emails? Thx for the info anyway.


text:
Email app with HTC mail feel?
Is there email app that has the HTC mail feel? HTC mail blocks cryptographically signed messages, which I finally figured out today. Is there some replacement besides K9?
It is for phones that are always on and receive floods of emails for multiple accounts.
I only care about IMAP(s) connections, not MS exchange.

There are email replacement apps, but unfortunately the few that act similar to HTC Mail will cost money.
Touchdown by Nitrodesk: Touchdown is my preferred email replacement as I use the exchange functionality, and imap protocol. It can tie into most major email services, and also offers some premium features for business users.
Enhanced Email: A more powerful revamp of the stock Email app that is starting to become popular.  It offers some premium features and the developer is very responsive if you have run into issues.
Moxier Mail (free trial): Offers support for all major protocols, its user interface is probably the closest to the HTC Mailapp.
Maildroid (free): Never used MailDroid, but it is yet another email replacement.  The upside is there is a free Ad supported version.
Hope those help!

Can you explain how they are similar?

Fleshed out some details on the other apps, hope that helps!


text:
How can I disable the "Send Message?" warning with emails having blank subjects/bodies?
I frequently email attached files from my phone to myself. I am not worried about cataloging or anything, so most emails have blank subjects and blank bodies. However, whenever I send the email, the "Send Message?" warning message asking, for the hundredth time, "Send this message without text in the subject?"
Although yes, this might be a life-saver for others here or there, it is more of an annoyance for me and my usage; so how do I disable the error? (Yes, I am aware of other apps to make files accessible by cloud, but email is seems fastest and most universal for on-demand stuff.)
[2.2.2][FRG83G]

It appears it's not possible, even on gmail.com, according to this answer.  Gmail does understand the "EOM" tag at the end of the subject and will not prompt you about having an empty message body if that exists anywhere in the subject (even if it's the only thing in the subject).

Nice substitute with the EOM idea

Use a different email app that doesn't do it or allows you to shut it off.

Yes. I'm fine with Gmail though, any chance you know how to disable the error?

If there was a way, I would have suggested it :) Presumably you could hack the app, but that would be slightly on the difficult side.


text:
“There are no android phones associated with this account.”
I recently bought an eLocity A7 Internet Tablet. I'm unable to download any apps from the Android Market, even though I have a Google account. I keep getting the reason, “There are no android phones associated with this account.”
One fix I've heard of is to get a gmail account and hook up your Android phone number to it, then it will be associated with the account. But the eLocity tablet is not a phone.
Another fix has to do with installing the Android Market apk file, which brings a user to the Android Market. Signing in will associate the device with the account. But I haven't found a reputable link from which to download the app.
Any other ideas?

@Steve You don't need to edit the question to mark it as answered.  If you associate your StackOverflow and Android Enthusiasts accounts, you will regain control of this question, and can select an answer as the accepted solution (by hitting the checkmark below the answer's vote count) if you wish.

In short, you have a non-Google-approved device.  That's why there are no Google apps on it.  And you can't download from the Market unless you have the Market installed on your device.
There are ways to get the Market on your device anyways, though.  (See this question).  However, none of those ways will have a "reputable link" for you to download.  You're going outside Google and possibly the law, depending on your jurisdiction.

Looks like this is a very common problem, and I guess the google guys are on it, but so far, no solution.
I bought an Archos tablet and for two days I've been trying to download and install a good browser. I tried every single solution I found in every single forum on line (believe me when I say that it is a very common problem!!!). No luck.
What worked for me was quite simple: I found a website where you can download the same apps and they actually can be downloaded. You don't even need to create an account!! Try it: http://www.freewarelovers.com/android. Maybe you will find what you want. I did.
Good luck!

The "Google guys" have nothing to fix. See Matthew Read's answer regarding how the Market works with regards to non-approved devices.

Regardless of an Android device being a phone or tablet, I believe, that to make use of the core Google apps you will need to tie directly to a Google account.  I am user of a Moto Xoom (wifi only) and this is absolutely true.  So I would suggest adding a Google account with the device (Settigns - Accounts & Sync).

Kevin, I am unable to actually add any accounts to my device. Clicking on Add Account takes me to a page to add an Exchange account. No other account. No icons to add a Google account.

I am having the same issue.http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/10159/android-sdk-2-1-unable-to-install-app-from-android-market


text:
MyTouch 3G Slide screen went Blank?
I have contacted Tmobile and they are going to be resending me a replacement.  But I am wondering what all is stored on my phone that I am losing access to?  And is there potential for when I send it back to Tmobile that they will be able to access my private calendar, files, emails, etc?  I can't do a reset of any kind because it won't respond to anything.  But I hate that I had text messages on there saved with information for future reference and my reminders from my calendar my alarm, etc are all still working because I'm getting the vibrations and music to alert me of these, I just can't view them.
This seems like a common problem with the 3G Slide, as they didn't even hardly question me about a replacement, just told me to try reset it, when it wouldn't reset they said they'd send me a new one.
Basically just wondering if there is any possible way to access my info on  my old phone.
Thanks

If you install the Android SDK on your computer, you can connect the phone via USB and use the adb tool to perform a factory reset on your phone.  That will erase all your data.  You can also use adb to retrieve files and data before doing the wipe.
To retrieve files, type the following at the command prompt / terminal on your computer (make sure it's running in the directory where you have the SDK):
./adb pull phone-file backup-file
For example,
./adb pull /sdcard/DCIM/myphoto.jpg C:\backups\myphoto.jpg
And to wipe the phone:
./adb wipe data
You might need to try some variants of that, and on some phones you will unfortunately need to be rooted.
More info on adb: http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/tools/adb.html
Edit: There's a better way to do a factory reset!  It's harder without a screen, but not impossible.

Power the device off. If the device is unresponsive and does not turn off, remove the battery and then re-insert it.
Press and hold the Home key and the red End key for 30 seconds, the release.
Wait a few seconds, then press the Home key and the Power key again.
Wait 30 seconds, then press Volume Down twice.  Click the Power button once.
Give the phone a few minutes to do the factory reset.

With-screen instructions are here.

Note also, some guides say VolDown + Power for step 3 and to skip step 4.  Perhaps try both, since you don't know what will succeed if you have no screen :(

Your personal information like Contacts, Tasks and all this kind of stuff are synced automatically with your Google account by default and when you login at your new phone all this information will get pushed into your new device.
I don't know, but maybe T-Mobile will transfer your files from the defective unit to the working one, but I'm not sure about this possibility. I suggest you to ask them if they can transfer your files from the old to the new one, but remember that your private stuff like Contacts will get synced OTA.


text:
How do I take a screenshot on a Honeycomb tablet?
Is there a built-in mechanism to take a screenshot on my Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?  Or is there an app I can download to do so (without rooting the device)?

Unfortunately, it does not appear that straight Honeycomb (Xoom, Samsung 10.1, etc) devices have the ability to take a screenshot without some help.
If you have the SDK downloaded you are able to plugin your device and take screenshots using your computer.  However, that sounds really inconvenient. Instructions can be found here under "Debugging Tips" http://developer.android.com/guide/developing/debugging/index.html
There was also an independent app released on XDA for Honeycomb devices called Screenshot ER.  One caveat, it does require root.  http://www.xda-developers.com/android/take-screenshots-of-your-honeycomb-device-with-screenshot-er/
Market link at https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.screen&feature=search_result

Partially stolen from this answer (and here's third party confirmation):
Hold the Back button and tap the Home button (or, if that doesn't work, tap both at the same time).  This is part of Samsung's TouchWiz interface, it doesn't work on other devices.
On most other devices, the only way to take a screenshot without rooting is to use the Android SDK.  You would connect your phone to your PC via USB, run ddms, select your phone, and hit Ctrl+S.

The soft buttons in the bar at the bottom?  I don't think that works, unless I'm not looking in the right place for the screenshot.  Would it be in the Gallary app?

@Daryl I believe so. I don't have TouchWiz on my Galaxy S at the moment so I can't check.

Perhaps that only works on Samsung phones (and maybe the 7" Galaxy Tab).

@Daryl Ah, I just read that it doesn't have TouchWiz.  That explains it.


text:
How do I change the time zone (which is disabled) in Honeycomb on a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1?
When I first turned on my Galaxy Tab 10.1, I told it to automatically set the time.  Unfortunately now the time zone is set to GMT+00:00 in the Date & time settings, and is disabled (so I can't change it).  How do I enable the time zone setting so I can change it?

I am having the same issue, too. Manual settings are disabled!

I downloaded a free app called TimeZone Changer to fix this problem. Still don't understand why Samsung disables this.

Samsung didn't intentionally disable it.  I'm told these tablets have pre-release software (that will be updated) and this is a bug.

Worked for me as well. Much better than having to factory reset my device.

@Daryl I added the link.

I emailed customer support and they told me to factory reset the device. Glad I saw this!

I could not get it to change timezone or time either. Could not make it stop using network time either.  i did a factory reset (from settings | privacy), correctly set my timzeone this time BEFORE saying use network time, and that worked fine.

The guy at the Samsung support desk at Google I/O said the same thing.

The problem is that the "Automatic Time Zone" setting on the Samsung Galaxy Tab defaults to on, and the preference to disable it is missing from the built-in settings application.
There is an app on the Android market specifically designed to correct this issue called Galaxy Time Zone Fix.  It mimics the "Date & Time" section of the built-in settings application but adds the missing preferences.

Uncheck "Automatic - Use network-provided values".  It should be the first entry in Settings -> Date and time.

That entry isn't there (in the Data & time settings).  Perhaps this is a bug in Samsung's Honeycomb port.

@Daryl That's unfortunate.  I'll leave this answer here in case it gets fixed or people with other devices drop by.

I had the same problem and network-provided values are locked/disabled and I'm not able to change them.
However using ClockSync works for me.

we struggled with this, then solved it, then months later had it again, and struggled again - did everything, but always it reverted to the default time zone after a moment or two, or three ... then did :
power off ... power on, went into Settings as soon as we could, Auto Time was ticked, Auto Time Zone not ticked, selected our time zone from the list, tapped Home & went back to our favourite app - and it has been fine since, with no reversion ...

You can go into the calendar app and under settings there is a checkbox titled "use home time zone".  Check that box and then you will be able to adjust the time zone.

This only allows you to change the time zone for the calendar; the system time zone is still fixed at the old setting.


text:
What is the default clock known as?
What is the default clock (that appears at the top right corner, next to battery indicator) called?

In what context?  Are you trying to hide it?  Is it set incorrectly and you're trying to set it to the right time?  Do you just want to know what it's called?

I just want to know its name, am not trying to hide/set. This is because, by knowing the name I can search in forums wherein I can customize this clock.

The clock don't have a specific name, although if I do need to mention them specifically, since the top bar is usually called the notification bar or status bar, I'd probably call them notification bar clock or status bar clock.

Thanks Lie, this name should help me in getting the stuff I have been looking for customizing the clock.


text:
How to retrieve a system file of Android?
I ve deleted the file "fw_bcm4329.bin" from the root of the SD card,
right now I cannot connect by my pc with the tethering of android.
Anyone knows how to retrieve this file?
I have a
Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830
with Android 2.2.1 Froyo
thank You
max

I'm not sure I understand what you mean here. Are you saying you deleted this file from your SD card, and that it was a copy of a file from your system? Are you asking how to recover deleted files? It looks like a firmware file for your wifi chip, so if you only deleted the copy on your SD card then it's presumably still around somewhere else.

possible duplicate of Data Recovery - How to Restore Deleted / Formatted Files on HD Micro SD Card

I'm going to assume OP didn't mean the root of the SD card, and instead meant the root of the filesystem. :)

This XDA post provides a Multiupload link, where you can download that file.

I have used the ASTRO File Manager. You should be able to use this free Android Market app to locate and manage all the root files. If you deleted this firmware binary file in the SD card, it probably is gone. I have not heard of any undelete app for Android.


text:
Shutting down or ringing an alarm when the phone leaves a certain range
I need to make the phone available for all people in a building, for example.  If someone were to try to walk outside of the building with the phone, the phone would shut down or a loud alarm would sound. Any thoughts?

Do you mean by accident (forgot that you had the phone in your pocket) or on purpose (theft)? Most answers so far only work for the first case. For the second case you need something that will survive the user doing a factory reset on the phone before walking out. Not aware of anything that can do that.

Yes, on purpose.  We are trying to use the android platform for patients to fill out forms in an office, but need to find a way to keep them from leaving the premise.

In this case I don't think you can do much against a factory-reset and walk-out. Your best bet may be to have the phone have a constant network connection to one of your servers telling the server where it is and the server sounding an alarm if it loses contact or doesn't approve the location. However this does not tell you where the phone is or who has it and it also may cause frequent false alarms if the network drops out for other reasons.

As Lie says, you can achieve most of this with Tasker (Market link or Dev's Site) .  Tasker can detect your phone's location using GPS or based on the cell towers or wifi access points it can see.
I don't think you can set the phone to shut itself down based on this, but you could definitely make it play a loud sound, or even send an SMS message or a voice call to a particular number.

Matt H's answer in conjunction with Prey might be useful for you.
Have Tasker send an E-mail when the phone leaves the building.  You read the E-mail and mark the phone as "stolen" in Prey.  Prey gives you a lot of options about how you want your phone to react to being marked as stolen.  You can lock it down and force the GPS to stay active as long as the battery isn't dead, letting you know where the device is.
Yay for daisychaining answers, btw.

You can probably do this with Tasker or Locale.


text:
RDP client that can use an SSH tunnel created by ConnectBot?
I want to reach my home PC with RDP but I want to do it in an SSH tunnel because of security reasons. Are there any RDP clients for Android that can be set to use the SSH tunnel created by ConnectBot?

Thank you!

SSH internet through Connect bot
Answer to this question describes how to do it.

I just released a free app on Google Play called aRDP Free, which supports seamless RDP over SSH. Here is the link to it:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iiordanov.freeaRDP
I also have an app which supports seamless VNC over SSH in Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.iiordanov.freebVNC

Thanks for your work! Is it open-source? If so, you might want to consider to include it in http://f-droid.org

yes, i could connect through aRDP via ssh to my xrdp server.

i will try this from my chromebook too


text:
How can I turn off Facebook IM permanently?
Since I got a new google phone (G2) the facebook app has been running constantly. I turn it off and it still is running for some reason. Not a problem except that it always looks like I'm screwing around on Facebook and people send me IMs like "go to bed" or "hello? you aren't replying" etc. I don't like that people can just IM me any time they want and that my phone says I'm available on Facebook when I'm asleep or at work or whatever the case may be. (it looks like I'm unproductive)
There doesn't seem to be a way to turn off Facebook IM from my mobile device. Does anyone have any suggestions

Do you have Facebook for HTC Sense or the official Facebook for Android app?

the official app that came with my G2. It has a big widget on my home page as well.

If you have a widget on your home page, then that will always be running. You'll need to remove the widget to have a chance of getting the rest to stop.

I have the same problem and I've tried everything, even uninstalling the app on my android and still my stupid picture appears as "available on mobile" with a stupid cell phone icon next to my name..I'm gna delete my facebook..It got on my nerves already

The newest version of the Facebook app does not include chat.  You can uninstall or disable the Facebook Messenger application to keep IM from running.

In the older official Facebook for Android app, you can shut off chat via the following:

Start up Facebook
Make sure you're in the main menu (press Back if it shows the news feed)
Click "Chat"
Press the Menu button and hit "Go Offline"

This works except that when I go back into chat it turns it back on. I wish facebook could just have an option where you don't see chat or when you click it, it should still be offline until I click "Go online" or something.

@DJTripleThreat Why do you need to go into chat when you don't want to chat? :P

@Matthew.. ha! Well, sometimes I don't want to chat, sometimes I do, when I do, I want to know that I have bee OFFLINE this whole time and be able to turn on chat and then see people popup green like any normal IM client would.

If you have the FB messenger app installed on your Droid, go to the apps and open Messenger (FB blue app next to Messaging).  Press the menu button (the 4 small squares on front of Droid) and you should see the option to Log Out on the right.  Be careful, once you log out there it says Continue.  If you continue, it just logs you back in.  So, just leave it at that and go back to the App and Continue when you do want to be logged into FB chat.

Unfortunately, I have noticed that you actually can't do this as well as it's supposed to work.
The only solution I have found is to uninstall the app. I know that many providers and manufacturers include Facebook as a "system app". I don't know why they have, but it means it's stuck there until you root or whatever.
You can logout of the Facebook app and either use m.facebook.com in a web browser or download an alternative like FriendCaster for Android. (I do not work for them, look for another if you don't like them).
Joe :)


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Can I run Android 2.2 on an Android 2.1 ZTE Racer?

Possible Duplicate:
When will my phone get the Android 2.2 update (FroYo)?

I'm going to buy a ZTE Racer which comes with Android 2.1.  What can I do to upgrade it to 2.2?  ZTE didn't release an official upgrade.  Would CyanogenMod be an option?

The CyanogenMOD wiki lists supported phones; the Racer isn't included.  Looks like there are some custom ROMs on MoDaCo, though.


text:
If an app is written for Android 2.3 will it run on 2.1?
If an app is written for Android 2.3 will it run on 2.1?

@Matthew: This question would be fine, I agree. I'm not sure if the OP's question was the same as this one, though. By "compile an app for 2.3" he could mean "If I set the minSDK to 2.3 will it run on 2.1?" or "If I set the targetSDK to 2.3 will it run on 2.1?" Those have different answers, and would be both dev related IMHO. Your edited version is definitely more generic and could be an end-user question, which I totally agree makes it valid here. I'm just personally not sure exactly what the OP meant and if this version is equivalent.

@eldarerathis That's a fair point.  Setting the minSDK to 2.3 is equivalent to telling it not to run on anything lower though, right?  Hopefully the OP would not being doing that and then hoping it worked on 2.1 :P

@Matthew: Correct, you can't run on a version lower than your minSDK but you can run on a version lower than your targetSDK. Like I said, I just found the original question to be a kind of vague since "compile for 2.3" could really have a couple of meanings.

It depends.  If an application uses features present in Android 2.3, then it will not work on 2.2 or lower.  If it only uses features present in older versions, then it will work on those older versions.
For example, an app written for 2.1 (i.e., an app that only uses features from 2.1 or lower) will work on 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, and 3.1 (and any future versions, unless Google changes how things work).

The only caveat to this being sometimes the app will technically "work" because it runs without error, but if an app is not optimized for use across different devices (like when an app designed for a phone is run on a tablet) scaling issues and other subtle differences make the app less usable or sometimes completely unusable.  This is more of a problem with the developer not coding their app properly, though, not an underlying compatibility issue between versions of Android.

Almost correct: Some features are optional and an application that uses them may still work on a OS version which does not have the feature. For example "install to SD card". You can target 2.2 with your application and use that feature but still declare it to be working on e.g 2.1 and up. The application will work on 2.1 in this case, but without the install to SD feature.

Internally Android uses so called API levels to distinguish between the various Android versions. An app records two (actually three, but this doesn't matter here) API levels within it's manifest:

minSdkVersion
targetSdkVersion

These levels can differ when, for example, the App uses a feature of a higher API level only optionally. E.g. the access to the front facing camera came with 2.3.3. If the App runs on a older version (API level) it can only access the rear camera. But the app will be installable and runnable.
So yes, if a app is written for a higher Android version it could run on a lower, but only if the app developer took care of that.


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phone not visible to finder (on mac) suddenly
When I connect my phone to my mac via usb, I no longer see it in finder.  Nor does it automatically launch iphoto as it used to.
On the other hand, I can see it from sdk tools like ddms, and can access the files that way (with usb debugging turned on, of course).  I can also see other android devices just fine.
Is there some setting that got turned off somewhere?
MyTouch 4g, Froyo.

Could be recognized differently in USB debug mode, I suppose. You could try disabling that your settings then plugging it back in (not an answer: I have no idea if this is the reason).

Nope, doesn't help.

Try disabling Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging in conjunction with setting Settings -> Applications -> USB settings to Mass storage.  If that doesn't work, and enabling USB debugging doesn't work, then I would assume it's an OSX issue.  You could try reinstalling the official drivers, if there are any.

I can't find the "mass storage" setting.  I can get to Setting -> Connect to PC -> Default connection type -> Disk drive, though.  Doesn't help.

That's probably the same thing, so yea I'm guessing it's a PC-side issue.

Well rebooting the phone a second time seemed to fix it.  Rebooting the computer alone didn't.


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Flash Rom and Recover Later
I Want to put Android 2.3 on My Phone, its an ZTE Racer with Android 2.1 and the Manufacturer hasnt released the new version i have found a Rom, But im afraid to do it and lose my phone, can anybody tell me how to get my actual version of android back it up so if something goes wrong i can recover later? and how to put the new ROM on the Phone?

You need to install a custom recovery, which can back up your original ROM so you can restore it later.  The Clockworkmod recovery is generally considered the best, there's a build of it with instructions for the ZTE Racer at MoDaCo.

And About flash the new rom in?

@Lordareon You should find a page with instructions for the particular ROM. If it doesn't have instructions with it, I wouldn't use it unless you can get some from people who have already tried it. Often, though, you name it "update.zip", put it on the root of your SD card, and use Clockwork Recovery to flash it (it has a nice menu option).

Clockworkmod does not seem to work with Samsung devices out of the box. I know there is a way around it but this requires flashing a different kernel which defeats the intended purpose of making a backup before mocking around with the device. Any solution for Samsung devices?

@user4188 It works with the Galaxy S just fine, what device do you have?  (Consider posting a separate question).


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Are there any apps for advanced Japanese learners?

Possible Duplicate:
How can I study or prepare myself for an exam with the help of my Android device?

I passed JLPT2 a while ago and got an Android yesterday. Been looking for a Japanese learning app that does not focus on simple phrases + hiragana/katakana. I'm also not that keen on having an app that just uses one of the freely available kanji lists and just makes you drill those. Would like some more vocabulary-oriented app.

Are you familiar with the program Anki? It has many shared decks to study from, many of which relate to Japanese. The app Ankidroid is the android version and highly recommended.
Some advice on Japanese decks can be found if you browse the 'kanji koohi' site.
For intermediate studies -  if you concentrate on reading -  Japanese Vertical text viewer is good - and it will give you proper Japanese font support - as the Android system fonts sometimes seems to use Chinese characters that don't look right for Japanese.
Any new vocabulary you pick up, you can review later with Ankidroid, if you want to.
Also, I really like rikai - it's in its early stages but seems to work well. Use it to browse Japanese web pages, with access to a handy pop-up dictionary definiton for any Japanese word.


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Using Android 2.3.4 (stock) as a WiFi Hotsport
I am using Nexus S on Android 2.3.4 GingerBread. I'm setting it up as WiFi hotspot. I can connect other devices to this phone (they get an IP/subnet/gateway), but they can't access the internet. However, accessing the internet (3G) from my Android phone works fine though.
Any suggestion on how to proceed/analyze this issue?

With which cell carrier do you have a contract?

Cellcom (in Israel), I don't see how this is relevant, since I didn't get the phone from them, so they didn't have a chance to mess with it :-)

Carriers can block tethering if they so desire, so it's highly relevant.  Just ask anyone without a rooted device on Verizon in the USA.

ok, since I am a noob i'll take you word for it. Is there a way I can detect if they did block tethering (some setting I can look at)?

Unfortunately none that I know of.  I'd get in contact with your carrier if I were you, but don't let them know who you are.  Call from a payphone, give them a fake name, tell them you're not yet a customer but you're interested in their service, (however many steps safe you want to be) and ask them what their official policy on tethering is.  If you call from your phone they can ID you, and if you start asking about tethering and they happen to restrict it you may be putting yourself in their cross-hairs needlessly.  I couldn't find their website, so really you just need to do some research.

Possibly related: Tethering an Android 2.2.1 (Froyo) using Wifi (similar problem: IP and ping OK, but no Internet).


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Is there any way to stop Android from changing "I want $5.00" into "I want$ 5.00"?
I don't even know why it does this, tbh, since pretty much everyone writes $xx.xx and not anything else, such as xx.xxUS$ or anything like that.
Note: Turning off Auto-Punctuate does not fix this problem, so this is my hail mary attempt to get rid of this "feature."  :P
(Edit: My phone is a Motorola Droid 2 Global.  The problem exists no matter if the physical or on-screen keyboard is used.)

Never seen either of my phones do anything like that, on ithe default keyboard, or Swype. What phone and keyboard are you using?

@GAThrawn I've got a Motorola Droid 2 Global.  Added that to the original post to increase visibility.

@Michael Do you get the problem using the physical keyboard, or the soft-keyboard on the touch-screen or both? I've only ever used Androids with soft-keyboards, but on those at least there are a lot of keyboard replacements available in the Market, many have their own auto-correct rules.

Are you using the English language in Android or some other language?

@GAThrawn The problem exists both on the physical and on-screen keyboard.

@Bryan Yes, the English language is selected in the Language  & Keyboard options section.

I also experience this on a Droid2 Global, so @Michael is not delusional. It happens for me with double quotes following a space, which is absolutely infuriating.

Yep... quite a few punctuation characters perform like this, it seems.  It's good for periods, commas, etc., but not some others: &, *, -, + ... and I find $ and " to be especially annoying.

The problem is with Stock keyboard app/service. It can't be fixed by normal means. Simply, use third-party soft keyboard apps viz. SwiftKey, Go Keyboard EX, A.I. Type Keyboard, Hacker's Keyboard etc.


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Change screen rotation sensitivity
I often find myself in the wrong screen mode (landscape vs portrait) and I find the switching delay quite annoying. I would like my phone to be much more responsive when I rotate it (iphone-like)...
Do you know about any apps/tweakings to achieve this?

What phone do you have?

Acer Liquid Metal (custom rom Metalounay 1.3 - Using ADW Launcher)

Update: I'm on Gingerounay 2.5.1 - Using Go Launcher: same "problem"

I have searched for the same thing, and unfortunately, have not come up with much of anything. What I have settled for is turning off auto-rotate, and only using it for apps where I really need rotation. I do recall there being an app which allows setting auto-rotate on and off on a per-app basis. I believe it is called Smart Auto-Rotate.

Part of what jlehenbauer wrote is correct in that ADW only gives you an option to have auto rotation or to keep your home screen in portrait or landscape mode. Depending on how many home screens and what widgets and types of widgets, folders etc you have on your homescreen it will determine the amount of memory your home screen requires and how long it takes to refresh it when it rotates between landscape and portrait and thus how quick it does it. The iPhone doesn't have widgets (the main cause) and thus it is quicker at doing this. Due to some widgets HTC Sense actually locks the home screen in portrait mode and doesn't allow you to change it.
Currently I am using Go Laucher where i have experienced what you say - the home screen refreshing on orientation, however as stated you can speed this up by removing widgets, especially any scrollable ones. Try setting up one of your home screens as blank, and then see how much faster it will switch between the two states. The only time I have sensitivity options and more than just portrait, landscape or auto for the home screen is on a cyanogen rom. However you would be looking at rooting. I haven't checked out every launcher app available, so its possible you might find a better alternative.
In regards to app killers - no longer necessary unless you have a rogue app (in which case would seriously suggest removing it full stop), all they do is drain your battery.

Really the only things you could do is lock the rotation of the screen from the "Settings/Display" menu, so you wouldn't have to deal with rotation, or start freeing up space on your device.
This process will be taken care of by the available memory, so if you have a lot of things running, it will be sluggish.
The iPhone was speedy at this previously because it didn't have the ability to run things in the background, and since gaining this ability has found a similar stumble. A good appkiller will help, and i find deleting old, unused apps every now and then helps system speed.

That's not an answer to my question...

you had asked for ways to make your phone more responsive. Freeing memory is the best way to do that all around, and will help the rotation function some. But short of flashing a rom that focuses on system speed, there's not too much that can be done.

"Change screen rotation sensitivity" and "I would like my phone to be much more responsive when I rotate it" are quite clear, I hope :)
It is just related to when I turn my phone and screen turns too from landscape to portrait or viceversa.

If you're still recommending appkillers then maybe you should go back to your iphone...

I wish I could downvote this a bunch of times (too bad I don't have the reputation to downvote it at all yet). First of all, this does not answer the question. OP asked how to tweak the delay in between rotating the phone and the screen STARTING to rotate. Secondly, do NOT recommend appkillers.
Also, neither the iPhone nor mid to high range androids are known to have a problem with the rotation itself lagging...


text:
Apps crash too slow
Every time an app crashed on my Galaxy S my phone vibrates, 15-25 seconds later it vibrates a little longer, shows an error message and asks if I want to close the app or wait.
I don't know why this takes so long. I developed an app myself and noticed that the same app crashed instantly in the android simulator, while it would take a really long time to crash on my phone. (I don't think it is because the pc is faster, because the app itself runs slower on the pc just the crashes are faster)
That's really annoying somtimes because some of the apps I use crash regularly and I always have to wait this long. So I wondered if there is some way to change this or if this is the same on all Galaxy S/Android phones.

Do you have the GT-i9000?  Do you have any task killers, or anything related that might affect this?

yes i have the gt-i9000 and no i don't have any task killers.

I could solve the problem by updating to the newest firmware with Kies.
Now my build number is FROYO.XXJQ3 and everythings works as it should.

My Galaxy S still slows down over time, but I figured out that it helps to wipe the dalvik cache from recovery menu.
The next boot takes ca. 10 mins, but the phone works nice and fast again afterwards.


text:
How does the Amazon Appstore verify its apps?
A few times after I've downloaded an app from the Amazon Appstore, I get an error pop-up similar to the following when opening the app:

Amazon Appstore
There was a problem verifying this application.  Please download it again.

It hasn't occured on the first launch of an app, but rather the second (or possibly later).  Uninstalling it and then downloading it again always solves the problem; it never occurs again for the same app (except Gentle Alarm. I couldn't shut it off because Amazon wouldn't let the app run, just the service. Gah).
My question is, why does this happen?  If the app works fine, it shouldn't be corrupted, so I don't see why it couldn't be verified (especially since it was verified fine on the first launch).  Is there some extra data downloaded?  Is it managed by the app or the appstore?  (I.e., would clearing data for one, the other, or both solve the issue without needing to re-download?)

According to their dev blog, the appstore does download a small token for DRM'd apps which it uses to validate them at launch:

How can you verify that the user has an entitlement to the app without internet access?
During the installation process for an
  app, the Amazon Appstore client
  downloads a small token that grants
  the user the right to access the
  application. A valid token permits the
  user that purchased the app to access
  their app offline. The Amazon Appstore
  client will periodically communicate
  with Amazon servers to refresh the
  token.

My guess as to why you see the error is that the token is either out of date or just got corrupted somehow (bug in the appstore maybe). Re-downloading probably refreshes the token since it's originally retrieved at install time, but it sounds like you may also be able to clear the appstore data and sign in to get a valid token, or possibly just launch the appstore and let it connect/refresh itself (haven't tried these myself as I haven't had this error yet).

I just learned this lesson the hard way.  Amazon requires at least a once daily connection to the internet or you won't be able to access your apps purchased from them.  I was overseas with spotty internet service and after one day all apps gave me the same error message.  Amazon made no apologies when I complained, but they refunded my purchases so I could buy them again through the Android Market, which doesn't have such idiotic requirements.

Hmm, this is probably the issue I was having.  I was trying to use Gentle Alarm and I couldn't shut it off because Amazon wouldn't let the app start up!  I had to pull the battery and uninstall the app later.


text:
Google Goggles Battery use
I have not even opened the google goggles app in several weeks. Why does my phone report that it is using such a large amount of my battery? This is especially disconcerting considering that this app has the ability to analyze images which it could be taking without my knowledge or consent. Anyone else ever experienced this?

That's very strange.  I have the latest version of Goggles (1.4) installed and it doesn't even have a running service.  Doesn't show up in my battery log.  What version do you have?

I had this once, restarted then haven't seen it since. Weird bug.

I have had similar issues with Google Goggles, the Android API Demo app, and one or two other apps.  I strongly believe this is just a bug in the battery statistics, as it has never impacted my battery life in a meaningful way.  Usually the way I make this go away is by rebooting the phone, although that is not ideal.

I agree, it is bug. Sometimes I see "Bluetooth" in battery usage which I never enable. (HTC Desire official 2.3.3)

I also had a similar problem,to me it looked like battery stats issue, i discharged my phone completely and then recharged it. That solved problem with my phone.


text:
Disable HTML Emails in composer
how do I disable the default sending of emails in html format?
I would like to compose emails in the text format but I can't find a way to do that. Ideally, this should be the default behaviour with an option to enable html when needed.
Using Android 2.1, Motorola Defy, Standard Email app (might be some Motoblur changes made, I don't know).
Many thanks.

I ended up using K-9 Mail. I am relatively certain, that making text encoding the default behaviour for the stock Android Email app is not possible.
For this reason and others I am using now K-9 Mail. It has down sides but it solves this problem.


text:
what do you call the black bar at the bottom of the Honeycomb interface?
I'm googling for a problem with the black bar on the bottom of my ASUS Transformers screen. the one with the navagation icons, notifications, and battery info. I'm not sure what the official name for that UI element is.
ps: i solved my origional problem. this bar thickens to addjust the aspect ratio when using HDMI output though I still dont know it's name.

To answer your question on what the 'black bar' is at the bottom of the screen - it appears to be called the System Bar.  I thought it was the Notification Bar but apparently that is part of the System Bar.
Here are several links that I found in my search:
Android 3.0 Highlights from Android Developer site
TalkAndroid.com
Esato.com
PhoneArena.com
StackOverflow Question where someone called it a 'System Bar'


text:
Where do i get an HTC-Hero ROM
I have an HTC Hero Android Version:2.3.3, i want to figure out if i can downgraded it to a previous version that the Hero can actually handle.

I don't know if my android is rooted, and not sure how to find out
I don't know if my phone is upgradable/downgradeable or not  and
and I  have no idea Where I can get a nice clean ROM for my phone

How did you get Android 2.3 on there if you don't know if its rooted?  Chances are pretty good (if not 100%) that if you have Android 2.3 on there then its rooted.

Some one installed it for me.  Not sure how they went about it.  So now that it is rooted can i install VillainROM 3.4 instead?

You might want to take a look at Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?

It's probably rooted.  If not, then it was in order to install 2.3, and it can be rooted again.  If you have the SuperUser app, that should be a clear indication that it's rooted.
You should definitely be able to downgrade.
The best source for ROMs is generally the Android Development subforum for a particular device on XDA.  In this case, this subforum.

Thank you i have installed VillainROM 3.4 .. Thanks for all the help


text:
Tmobile my touch 3g (HTC Magic) doesn't give option to mount USB storage anymore
I have a Tmobile MyTouch 3g. When I connect it via usb to my 64 bit Windows 7 machine, I do not get any option to mount for USB storage as I typically have in the past. I also do not get any option when connected to my Windows XP work machine.
I have tried getting the mytouch to dismount/mount the sd card under settings and then replugging in the phone with no effect. Not sure if there's anything else under settings I could try.
When I look in Windows 7's device manager under USB there's an "Unknown Device" listed. I "uninstalled" this device by right clicking and saying "uninstall". Then I reattached the mytouch 3g and all I got was "unknown device" again.
There appears to be a couple of forum posts on this issue, including here and here but none of them have been helpful. Only the last one seems to accurately 100% describe this problem, but nobody has responded to the post.
How can I fix this? I'm hoping it doesn't involve resetting the phone to factory defaults.

Do you have HTC Sync installed? I believe it comes packaged with drivers, so installing it might help even if you don't intend to use it. Also, for what it's worth, I had this problem with a Samsung Captivate I use at work and rebooting the phone mysteriously fixed it.

You haven't switched on USB Debugging mode or anything like that recently have you?

Try installing the official drivers from the Android SDK.

that seems to require either downloading the SDK through eclipse or going through Device Manager to tell the device to update its drivers. I don't think getting the SDK to fix this is reasonable, and what I see in my device manager doesn't line up with what they tell you to do. Unless I'm missing a Windows installer or something.

@Doug You don't need to download the entire SDK, and you don't need to use Eclipse. The installer is only 31 MB, most of the SDK is downloaded afterwards optionally. You can choose to have it download only the driver from what I know.

I too have the same problem with the USB mass storage menu. After unplugging it from usage, I noticed after using the wall charger it doent give that option anymore when I want to copy files from my computer to the phone. The only solution I have came up with is turning your phone off then turning it back on. After that you will have the USB mass storage option back again when plugged into your computer. SO anytime you use the wall charger to charge your phone over night or during the day, you must turn your phone off then on the enable USB mass storage again. (after turning phone back on, do not reconnect the wall charger then to the computer or you will not enable the USB mass storage menu)


text:
Map Image Overlay App
I want to take a picture of a trail map, then overlay it on google maps or somehow use it as a navigation image linked to GPS? I want to do this all on the phone, while i'm hiking/walking about and encounter a trail map. How can i do this?

Generally speaking app recommendations are considered off-topic here as outlined in the FAQ.  If you can edit your question to make it more of a "how do I do this" question rather than a "is there an app that can" question you'll probably be safe.

Sounds like you Custom Maps is exactly what you're after.

Locus supports that by a built-in function On Board Map Calibrator.
You can overlay and calibrate any picture over any map source supported by Locus.


text:
How do I auto arrange icons in the app menu?
My device is a Samsung Galaxy Ace / Cooper. It's running on Froyo. I want to auto arrange icons in the app menu. Is there a way to do this? Like auto arrange alphabetically? Is there a built-in function for doing this? Or an app on the market for the same purpose?

Some versions of the Touchwiz launcher already have the ability to sort alphabetically.  Open the app drawer, press Menu,  View type, and choose Alphabetical grid or Alphabetical list.

Since you're on a Samsung, I believe you have TouchWiz (I believe the Ace does, anyway). You can try the TouchWiz AppSorter app from the Market. It requires your phone to be rooted in order for it to work.
If you don't have root, one option is to wipe the data for the launcher application, which will force it to re-sort the apps. You do this by going into Settings->Applications->Manage Applications and finding the launcher (should be called "TwLauncher", I think). Then you select that and hit clear data. Be warned, though, that this will wipe your home screen settings, meaning that any widgets or home screen icons you have set up will need to be reconfigured. You can easily set them back up, but it can be a bit annoying. You'd also have to do this every time you install a new app.
Another alternative would be to install a different launcher. Most third-party launcher applications seem sort alphabetically by default from what I've seen. ADW.Launcher and Launcher Pro are fairly popular choices.
Here is a related XDA thread with some discussion (aimed at the Galaxy S I9000, but essentially the same). Some of your options do depend on what version of TouchWiz you have.


text:
How can I change language for word suggestion while writing an sms text message
I will be extremely disappointed if there is no way to change language WHILE writing an SMS without having to go to the phone's settings and changing the language there. Surely somebody in the android team must have been using more than one language?
Didn't know this was specific to phone model. I have a Google Nexus S.

What phone and messaging app are you using?

FYI, T9 refers to a specific predictive text input technology. In particular, T9 specifically requires the use of 9-digit number keypad (wonder why it's called T9, not T10 or T8?), and the use of 9 number keys to map to 26 letters and punctuations (for English language).

Oh heh, I was actually a bit uncertain what exactly T9 was when I wrote it.

In Android 2.2's stock keyboard, a long press on space bar then swiping left or right should allow you to switch between languages you selected on Settings > Language & Keyboard settings > Android keyboard > Input Languages > Select Multiple Languages.
Note that it depends on your manufacturer, carrier, and ROM whether your phone will have the dictionary for the languages you want to use.

Excellent! Hadn't figured out you could select multiple languages.

If you "long-press" in the text field, one of the options that pops up, along with Select All, Copy All, etc is Input method select that, and it should let you change your keyboard settings.
Most Android keyboards also have a way to quickly change the language on the keyboard itself. On Swype, you long press on the Q to change language, on the Samsung T9 keypad there's a "gear" button in the bottom-right that lets you change settings.
Do you know which (T9) keyboard you're using?

Downlaod the Android 2.3.4 user's guide.
Read "Change the keyboard language" on page 35.
On the Android operating system, the keyboard language selection is specific for models that use a customised Android version as for example is the case with HTC phones. The Nexus S uses the standard version issued by Google, for which the quoted link applies. I can't find a user's guide for the latest Android version 2.3.6 but the procedure for setting more than one keyboard language and the procedure for language selection when writing texts is the same as with Android 2.3.4.
Does this answer help?


text:
How can I search for or find text within a web page on the android browser?
How can I search for or find text within a web page on the android browser?

(Menu button) More -> Find on page.

That feature is broken. On guessing that's why they posted. It just highlights the text; but doesn't actually take you to where it is. Also the next previous buttons are also broken. Basically useless.