Motorola Droid
Learning Thread
I wanted to start this thread as sort of a way to learn more about the Motorola Droid. Instead of ranting about how it compares to the iPhone I want people who have experience with the device to tell more what it does and HOW to use it. Droid is new, even to me. I want to know more about it and so does everyone else. Also if the last comment was about the wallpaper and you want to mention something about ringtones, put that on your subject line. For example:
Wallpaper
To change wallpaper you can "long touch" the main screen and bring up a menu to change wallpaper.
Does it support animated wallpaper, photos from pics you took, downloaded from computer, etc?
Ringtones
To change you ringtones go to your settings. From there you...
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Wallpaper
To change wallpaper you can "long touch" the main screen and bring up a menu to change wallpaper.
Does it support animated wallpaper, photos from pics you took, downloaded from computer, etc?
Ringtones
To change you ringtones go to your settings. From there you...
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I for one really like this phone; a great job by Verizon, Motorola, and Google.
But in the effort to learn more:
1) What is the difference between a Widget and an Apps. Which are the widgets?
2) I was able to click somewhere and I now have a bar on my home screen with various icons; display brightness control, bluethooth control, and 3 others. I can't figure out what the icons represent; is there a place that shows and labels these? Does anyone know this bar and what they are?
3) What Folders do I need to create (I want to copy files to the Droid) to store my music, pictures, ringtones, etc.?
4) I am a bit disappointed in the battery life. I've turned off the bluetooth (except when needed), lowered the screen brightnes...
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But in the effort to learn more:
1) What is the difference between a Widget and an Apps. Which are the widgets?
2) I was able to click somewhere and I now have a bar on my home screen with various icons; display brightness control, bluethooth control, and 3 others. I can't figure out what the icons represent; is there a place that shows and labels these? Does anyone know this bar and what they are?
3) What Folders do I need to create (I want to copy files to the Droid) to store my music, pictures, ringtones, etc.?
4) I am a bit disappointed in the battery life. I've turned off the bluetooth (except when needed), lowered the screen brightnes...
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1. Widgets are interactive icons for your desktop, apps are the full features programs that power both the widgets and give you something more when you open them. For example, weatherbug has a widget and an app. put the widget on your desktop and you'll see the current local weather, temp, etc. If you click on the widget, you'll open the app that will tell you such things as where the weather is coming today, an extended forecast, a radar, etc.
2. In order, they are Wifi, bluetooth, location (gps), sync (if you want to turn off email sync for whatever reason), and brightness. the only one I am not positive of is the gps icon, but I believe it to be correct.
3. Music, make one called "Music", movies "Movies" etc. Ringtones, "R...
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2. In order, they are Wifi, bluetooth, location (gps), sync (if you want to turn off email sync for whatever reason), and brightness. the only one I am not positive of is the gps icon, but I believe it to be correct.
3. Music, make one called "Music", movies "Movies" etc. Ringtones, "R...
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islanderbaw said:
3) What Folders do I need to create (I want to copy files to the Droid) to store my music, pictures, ringtones, etc.?
The memory card should already be formatted with folders for each of these. When you plug it into a computer and mount the memory card, your computer will be able to read it like a USB drive, it will already have folders on it.
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primus said:
The memory card should already be formatted with folders for each of these. When you plug it into a computer and mount the memory card, your computer will be able to read it like a USB drive, it will already have folders on it.
Nope . . . only had one folder Dcom or something close which was for the pictures the camera took.
I created other folders and dragged items in.
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Wallpaper: yes, it supports photos you took and downloaded, still checking on animated.
Ringtones: Get an app called ringdroid, it will allow you to create homemade ringtones directly on the device.
Ringtones: Get an app called ringdroid, it will allow you to create homemade ringtones directly on the device.
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Droid learning questions:
1) As far as I can tell Notifications sounds alerts with the alert sound of your choice for text messages and e-mails. Can you just turn it off for e-mails and only play or ring for messages?
2) Anybody know an App that will automatically close an app after use without going in and manually killing it?
3) What can you do when the locator says your in the wrong place? Any way to set this or calibrate or something?
1) As far as I can tell Notifications sounds alerts with the alert sound of your choice for text messages and e-mails. Can you just turn it off for e-mails and only play or ring for messages?
2) Anybody know an App that will automatically close an app after use without going in and manually killing it?
3) What can you do when the locator says your in the wrong place? Any way to set this or calibrate or something?
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Go into the individual apps (messages, email) and bring up the menu Then go to settings and change you alert there.
Advanced Task Killer may do this, or the paid version of taskiller should at least kill tasks on an interval.
Depends on what app you're talking about, I sometimes have to refresh the Weatherbug widget to get it to show the right place. However, my home can be considered in one of 4 or 5 towns so it seems like it picks one to display and sticks there.
Advanced Task Killer may do this, or the paid version of taskiller should at least kill tasks on an interval.
Depends on what app you're talking about, I sometimes have to refresh the Weatherbug widget to get it to show the right place. However, my home can be considered in one of 4 or 5 towns so it seems like it picks one to display and sticks there.
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3. you want to go into your location settings in the settings menu and set it to use Cellphone towers to calculate location. it is a bit more of a drain on the batteries, but it finds you a lot faster.
Also, 3rd party apps (Weatherbug and the like) have to be refreshed when you move from locations. Remember the widgets are just pulling information, the actual program is what sets your location.
Also, 3rd party apps (Weatherbug and the like) have to be refreshed when you move from locations. Remember the widgets are just pulling information, the actual program is what sets your location.
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I have a couple of questions on apps.
1. Can you get City ID and a Song ID app? I know Verizon has their version on most of their devices but is there one for the DROID?
2. Is there a way to backup contacts? I know Google has a way to store contacts but does that mean phone number contacts or just email or both? I want a way to backup my phone contacts (like Verizon's Backup Assistant) in case something happens and need them backed up. Also makes it easier if I were to change devices in the future.
1. Can you get City ID and a Song ID app? I know Verizon has their version on most of their devices but is there one for the DROID?
2. Is there a way to backup contacts? I know Google has a way to store contacts but does that mean phone number contacts or just email or both? I want a way to backup my phone contacts (like Verizon's Backup Assistant) in case something happens and need them backed up. Also makes it easier if I were to change devices in the future.
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Nevermind about these questions. I went to the Verizon store again and found them on the display phone with the help of a sales rep.
There is a version of Song ID and I think there was something like City ID. They weren't the ones like Verizon released they're from another developer.
Backing up contacts is done via Google. It uses your Google account to help backup your contacts, calender etc. And if you go to another Android device it'll all be there.
Another cool app on the DROID is 'Shop Savvy'. If you haven't tried this one you'll love it. It uses the camera to scan barcodes, does a search on the price, and even compares the price to other stores that may have it. Say, you go to Sears and find a cool jacket. Scan the bar...
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There is a version of Song ID and I think there was something like City ID. They weren't the ones like Verizon released they're from another developer.
Backing up contacts is done via Google. It uses your Google account to help backup your contacts, calender etc. And if you go to another Android device it'll all be there.
Another cool app on the DROID is 'Shop Savvy'. If you haven't tried this one you'll love it. It uses the camera to scan barcodes, does a search on the price, and even compares the price to other stores that may have it. Say, you go to Sears and find a cool jacket. Scan the bar...
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Ty!! for the info on the Shop Savvy app. i've been looking for an app to do that 🙂
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1. Song ID: Shazaam. Still looking on City ID.
2. From contacts menu, hit the option key and select import/export contacts and save them to your SD card. the next time you plug your phone in, copy the file to your computer.
And android phone will re-pull your contacts from your google account, and so will any phone with google sync installed if I remember correctly
2. From contacts menu, hit the option key and select import/export contacts and save them to your SD card. the next time you plug your phone in, copy the file to your computer.
And android phone will re-pull your contacts from your google account, and so will any phone with google sync installed if I remember correctly
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It's obvious that Google has a big hand in the DROID but I gotta question about "push email"...
Blackberry users really talk about push email. Does the DROID have the same thing as Blackberry when it comes to Gmail. I'm pretty sure the Blackberry devices can do push email on a large email platform but Gmail is all I care about. Is Gmail on the DROID push email?
Sadly as much a geek as I am to cell phones I've never owned a smartphone or Blackberry so I may come off as a little "duh" right now. And on a side note I'm by no means an email addict so I'm mainly asking this out of curiosity. If I truly cared about email I'd go to a Blackberry.
Blackberry users really talk about push email. Does the DROID have the same thing as Blackberry when it comes to Gmail. I'm pretty sure the Blackberry devices can do push email on a large email platform but Gmail is all I care about. Is Gmail on the DROID push email?
Sadly as much a geek as I am to cell phones I've never owned a smartphone or Blackberry so I may come off as a little "duh" right now. And on a side note I'm by no means an email addict so I'm mainly asking this out of curiosity. If I truly cared about email I'd go to a Blackberry.
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I also found out info on this subject. Google Gmail is push email on the DROID. As soon as a new email comes to your Gmail account your DROID will let you know. There is also an email app for non-Gmail accounts.
The way I see it. If all you care about is email. Then maybe a Blackberry is for you. But if you use Google for alot of things, like apps and widgets, and like entertainment at the same time, go for the DROID.
The DROID is also "location aware". There is several GPS apps and services. For example: Google Navigation, Maps, Search. 'Where' which helps you find gas stations (and gas prices), Starbucks, hotels, weather, traffic etc. 'Loopt' is available for the DROID. Loopt is a social networking type of GPS. Instead o...
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The way I see it. If all you care about is email. Then maybe a Blackberry is for you. But if you use Google for alot of things, like apps and widgets, and like entertainment at the same time, go for the DROID.
The DROID is also "location aware". There is several GPS apps and services. For example: Google Navigation, Maps, Search. 'Where' which helps you find gas stations (and gas prices), Starbucks, hotels, weather, traffic etc. 'Loopt' is available for the DROID. Loopt is a social networking type of GPS. Instead o...
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Blackberries= Business email machines, and are amazing if you know a lot of people with them (never underestimate the power of the darkside... uhh, I mean BBM)
Android=Web Focused Machines of Wonder and Might
Android=Web Focused Machines of Wonder and Might
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I have a few questions:
1. When I get a text message, how can I get the actual message to show on the screen? The phone alerts me with a chime but then I have to go and unlock the phone and then tap messaging then tap the person who sent the text! A lot of steps just to read a text!
2. I've had my Droid for less than a week now and I have been getting some strange text messages that looks like a code of some sort. Its a combination of letters and numbers that's clickable. When I click on it a SELECT ACTION menu comes up with 4 telephone numbers that look like foreign numbers. Foreign as in perhaps numbers from another country. Another Droid owner I work with says it might be some sort of SPAM....anybody else been getting these messag...
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1. When I get a text message, how can I get the actual message to show on the screen? The phone alerts me with a chime but then I have to go and unlock the phone and then tap messaging then tap the person who sent the text! A lot of steps just to read a text!
2. I've had my Droid for less than a week now and I have been getting some strange text messages that looks like a code of some sort. Its a combination of letters and numbers that's clickable. When I click on it a SELECT ACTION menu comes up with 4 telephone numbers that look like foreign numbers. Foreign as in perhaps numbers from another country. Another Droid owner I work with says it might be some sort of SPAM....anybody else been getting these messag...
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1. There are apps that will let you see/respond to texts from your home screen. I just use the Notification panel to see who texted me though.
2. can't say that I have, sorry
3. Yes,if you go into your email settings you can change the tone. you can do the same for all programs that use notifications.
4. For the most part they are all songs. App store (or making your own) is your best bet if you want something more traditional.
5. I always just start typing the persons name (once you select compose new message). Just keep typing names (up to 10) and it will send a text to all of them. To send texts from your contact list, click the picture/icon next to their name and you'll get a popup menu that will allow you to select...
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2. can't say that I have, sorry
3. Yes,if you go into your email settings you can change the tone. you can do the same for all programs that use notifications.
4. For the most part they are all songs. App store (or making your own) is your best bet if you want something more traditional.
5. I always just start typing the persons name (once you select compose new message). Just keep typing names (up to 10) and it will send a text to all of them. To send texts from your contact list, click the picture/icon next to their name and you'll get a popup menu that will allow you to select...
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lexusis300 said:
2. I've had my Droid for less than a week now and I have been getting some strange text messages that looks like a code of some sort. Its a combination of letters and numbers that's clickable. When I click on it a SELECT ACTION menu comes up with 4 telephone numbers that look like foreign numbers. Foreign as in perhaps numbers from another country. Another Droid owner I work with says it might be some sort of SPAM....anybody else been getting these messages?
Yes my wife and I got those on our Droids too. I don't know what they are but every time you get them reply with "Stop". They eventually quit. I haven't received one lately but I also had Verizon to block premium messages so not p...
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When using the onscreen keyboard, I notice there is no back key to fix a typo other than the delete key. The only way I have figured out how to go back is to tap the screen in the general area I want to go back to and hope the cursor ends up there. Is there a more precise way to do this?
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