Android how Epic are thee? Let me count the ways

[TriniXaeno]

As the title says, this will be a running account of the epic things we can now accomplish with our Android smartphones.



As of today, running Android 4.2, the device is extremely capable. Converging an astonishing number of functions into a small consumer handset.

We are definitely closing in on the "One Ring" of mobile phones.

(This list will continuously be updated as more apps become available and android itself matures)

Let me start the ball rolling.

#1) Wireless Router



That's right, at the press of a button, your Android smartphone can become a wireless router and act as a hot spot. Providing internet access for other devices (laptops, tablets, other smartphones, etc...)

This feature is especially potent when married with 4G internet on your Android device.

Who wants to take a crack at number 2?

[Berzerk]

is that for all droid smartphones? or limited to model?  Genuine question not trolling.

[woodyear99]

#2) Use your Android phone as a full blown desktop pc....

is that for all droid smartphones? or limited to model?  Genuine question not trolling.

Most Android phones can do that stock however carrier locked phones may have that feature removed. My Bmobile Galaxy Note 2 has it available so I guess Bmobile not very strict about tethering.

[Arcmanov]

#3  You can use your Android phone as an honest-to-god video streaming device.






Not the most elegant examples, but yeah...videos, Netflix, you name it.

I've done this numerous times to watch movies on the TV when my little one took over the PC for her Dora marathons.



...which reminds me.  I need to get the MHL cable for the S3.
Sadly, the S2 cable is not compatible.


@ Berserk... yes.  ALL Android phones as of version 2.2 (Froyo) had the hotspot feature
included natively as part of the OS.

[TriniXaeno]

#4) Books and E-Readers

99% of reading is now done on my Android. The Kindle app works perfectly and syncs with your library seamlessly.

Thanks to the generous displays found on most modern smartphones, you have sufficient screen real estate to read without straining the eyes. Especially in landscape mode.

Marry that with the convenience of always having your books in your pocket, readily available and you've got a winning combination for bookworms.

Nowadays I find myself reading at the barber, in bank lines, at the doctor's office, etc....

Making the traditional hard copy book and e-readers (such as the kindle and nook) largely irrelevant.

PS...I have two kindles but after discovering the Kindle App for Android, I haven't read a book on either of them since.

[woodyear99]

Yeah I started using the Kindle app recently and bought a few ebooks. I like how your books sync between desktop app as well as phone and tablet apps. Basically my books are on all my devices. Recently discovered the huge FREE selection of books on Kindle as well. There are quite a few good ones with authors putting their books for free in order to market their other books.

Look at the bestsellers list for a list of popular free books if you want to try out the kindle app

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Kindle-Store-eBooks/zgbs/digital-text/154606011/ref=pd_ts_zgc_kstore_154606011_morl?pf_rd_p=1308356082&pf_rd_s=right-3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1286228011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0E6W8SAD19WV9RBTMRN8

[Arcmanov]

#5) You can turn your Android phone into a portable console.

Using one of these...





and one of these...




...and combined with one of the many available emulators and a collection of ROMs,
you can get your gaming fix on any TV or monitor with a HDMI port.

Bonus:  if you already have a PS3 controller, you can use the SixAxis Controller app to pair and use
            the controller in any emulator.


Of course, your Android device must support MHL/HDMI output to achieve this.

[TriniXaeno]

Epic, I have a PS3 controller. Must try this sometime.

[kgfalby]

So it's Christmas eve and I've got my rig in the office to spend the half day playing BF3; but what's this? Only the wireless giving open internet. No problem! Tethered my S3 to the rig and shooting men left and right!!

Android is epic indeed!

[Arcmanov]

Sweet.  USB or wi-fi tether?




SwiftKeyed from my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 with Tapatalk 2

[TriniXaeno]

I've played Dota 2 with mine tethered as well. Was actually playable.

[kgfalby]

#6) Who say Android for GPS 

One of my coworkers turned me on to the Waze app and this thing is great.

I got exact (I can't stress that enough - EXACT) turn by turn directions from Gaston Street Chaguanas to Golden Grove Road via the Old Southern Main Road and Chin Cnin road. It even recalculated the route in real time when I made a turn other than the one suggested.

I'll be in Tobago next week on unfamiliar roads to me and I hope that it works just as well!

[TriniXaeno]

I have been waiting for this for ages.

Used it in the states with Google's Navigation app and was most impressed. You could literally throw away your TomTom and replace with an Android.

(I'm told serious users like Taxi's and Shuttles still use the TomTom's because Satellite is apparently more reliable the cell reception, lol)

+1 to you sir.

Is now self I'm getting a car mount for the Note II

[Arcmanov]

Waze has turn by turn now?  Sweet. 

If you looking at a car mount Wyatt, this one is the best...



http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-SM410-Universal-Windshield-Smartphones/dp/B003ELOOZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358565154&sr=8-1&keywords=Arkon+car+mount


Got it from a local seller (on 'that' forum).  I can give you more details in WhatsApp if you like.

[TriniXaeno]

dazwhawetalkinbout

was looking at one like that self

Arcman approved = good enough for me.

Just downloaded Waze.

One problem.....it wants to read my contacts (in the permissions)

I seriously balk at apps that request this permission.

It irks me to no end.....the risk of all my contacts getting harvested for email addresses,etc....and being sold to the russian mafia for ill doings.

Going to make an exception this time....but I'm not happy....not happy at all.

[TriniXaeno]

Tested it out on a small trip around town. Not perfect....but better than nothing.

A couple times it told me to turn right when there wasn't any right turn in sight.

Will keep using it for a while. Looking forward to some longer trips now.

The traffic management aspect could be a huge hit if we get enough users in Trinidad updating the app.

[madmunkie]

#7) Use your Android as a WiFi or Bluetooth Universal remote.




"Easily the most feature-filled Android-PC remote. Turns your Android device into a WiFi or Bluetooth universal remote control for your Windows PC. Control your favorite programs, mouse, and keyboard."

[woodyear99]

Waze has turn by turn now?  Sweet. 

If you looking at a car mount Wyatt, this one is the best...



http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-SM410-Universal-Windshield-Smartphones/dp/B003ELOOZO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358565154&sr=8-1&keywords=Arkon+car+mount


Got it from a local seller (on 'that' forum).  I can give you more details in WhatsApp if you like.

This works on the Note 2 with a case on it?

[rassmatic]

#7) Use your Android as a WiFi or Bluetooth Universal remote.




"Easily the most feature-filled Android-PC remote. Turns your Android device into a WiFi or Bluetooth universal remote control for your Windows PC. Control your favorite programs, mouse, and keyboard."

I was waiting for someone to post this. tried it on a number of programs on my desktop and it works great.

PS. I think the dude in the vid is a robot. :S

[Arcmanov]

@ Woody:  works perfectly...even with the case on.  At least with the windscreen mount.
It's a bit too heavy for the vent mount though.

Hmmm...I need to try that Universal WiFi/Bluetooth remote.



EDIT...  but this app/service VERY F@#king badd yes.
If all I want to do on my HTPC is watch Netflix or load up videos, there's no need to reach for the keyboard.

Waaayyyyy.  Good find yes.  +1 madmunkie.