Posted by jmash
Had a play around with Siri and I'm not impressed.Howz everybody doing?
Posted by gola
Tsepz
I'm afraid i'ma have to do the boring responsible thing and not celebrate hard this New Years. I think pretty much covered the partying throughout this year, I think it's a miracle I passed. I'ma work as a junior Q.S.
Milk it bro! Lol, throw in a deal as well where you get a car after the Honours. All the best with your studies
Me in the other hand, I wish i could do a Van Wilder and be student forever. Without the tests and assignments ofcourse.
Jmash
That's 'cos Siri is pretty much crippled in most countries outside the US. Besides, Siri is still in Beta phase.
[ This Message was edited by: gola on 2011-12-29 17:17 ]
Posted by Hobbs
"Siri,where is Brix?"......
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2011-12-31 09:29 ]
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Gola
Van Wilder is legendary! Thanks man, best of luck for the year ahead bro.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Enjoy the celebrations, dont do anything i wouldn't do...but if you do, name it after me
Posted by Hobbs
Tsepz
You too bud.
Posted by gola
On 2011-12-28 20:50:23, Hobbs wrote:
Congrats Gola and good luck in the big bad world.
Thanks
Posted by amawanqa
Congrats, gola!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, S.A.M.D!
Posted by Hobbs
HAPPY NEW YEAR everybody.
Posted by gola
Thanks Wanqs
Happy New Year everyone!
Posted by jmash
Holidays are over,work started today on my part.Another year to take on.Howzit gents👀
Posted by Bonovox
[quote]
On 2011-12-31 13:00:24, Tsepz_GP wrote:
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Enjoy the celebrations, dont do anything i wouldn't do
that doesn't leave us with much then
happy new year all
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Happy New Year everyone
hope you all have had a great start to 2012.
Jmash
Eish, so early? My new year only begins in Feb, so got a few weeks to recover from the "Ke Dezemba" madness
Posted by Hobbs
Tsepz
Nozomi on GSMArena got a Quadrant benchmark score of 2213.Thats awfully low dont you think? If I ever got that phone that rom would be the first thing to go.S2 out the box scores 3400+ everytime for me on stock and 4000+ on a custom.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs, indeed, thats very low, on stock 2.3.6 i got a Quadrant score of 3640 on my GS2, and yesterday i downloaded AnTuTu Benchmark, to see how my GS2 on 2.3 compares to a modded HTC Sensation on ICS4.0.1 and a Galaxy Nexus, just to give you an idea with ICS the phones are 2x faster than they were with Gingerbread. GS2 on 2.3 managed a score of 6053, whilest Galaxy Nexus managed 6151 and Sensation on ICS managed 6336, now imagine the GS2 on ICS? It would demolish both of them, it will be heading toward Asus Transformer Prime territory which is a Tegra3 based Quad-cored Android tablet.
Apparently the Mali400-MP GPU found in the GS2 is a quad-core GPU thats underclocked to around 275mhz,
this thing is a beast, i cant wait to see how it will compare to the upcoming quad-core based HTCs, LGs and SEs this year.
Posted by gola
All
Guys, last Thursday I finally took the plunge and got the arc s, I have a lot to say but I still haven't been able to login Esato on my desktop, not even with Firefox that I just downloaded, don't know what the problem is. Posting this from opera mobile, still trying to adjust to this keyboard but I wouldn't want to write my thoughts with it because I have a lot to say so far about my experience and it would take forever on this keyboard...
All in all I'm happy, just a few annoying things, not sure if it's because of android, that I was already skeptical of, or an SE problem...
Will keep you guys posted.
Edit:
This is very annoying, I can't login the desktop version of Esato with my laptop, but I can login to the mobile version of Esato with my laptop, so atleast i can start typing something a bit lengthy...
_________________
"Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!"
Proverbs 4: 7
[ This Message was edited by: gola on 2012-01-07 18:00 ]
Posted by gola
Well, first things first
Got the white Arc S on Thursday with the full knowledge that SE is going to announce the successor at CES, but I couldn't wait any longer, my Satio was giving me headaches. On first impressions, the phone looks super sexy and depending at how you look at it, it kinda looks like the deck of those fighter jet war ships, weird i know
but absolutely love the looks. The arc is not as curved as i thought it would be, but it's a dream to hold when I'm conversing on a phone call. Pity there is no secondary camera now that there will be hangouts on Google +, but oh well.
On to the bad stuff, now maybe it's just that I don't know how to perform these tasks or the current version of android does not support them or SE just went and screwed things up, but I feel like the entire OS is incomplete and can't multitask. Let's say I have opera mobile open and I press the home button and it takes me to the android home screen, then if go back to opera mobile, the tabs that i had open reload. This annoys the hell out of me, I had typed a very lengthy review to post on Esato then i got a phone call and the phone went out of Opera Mobile, argh!! Same thing with the music player, it looks super great, but it's the most basic music player I have ever seen. I am all for simplicity, but the music doesn't continue playing after I get a phone call, what the hell. Plus basic functions like repeat and the normal simple stuff are not there all
Maybe it's SE, I don't know.
There's no file manager either, I prefer to make folders and know where stuff is. So any way I downloaded one, but I have to endure ads at the bottom.
One more thing is that I'm having compatibility problems with my Mac and the Android OS on the Arc. The memory card or phone memory doesn't appear on the Mac as mass storage or anything at all. And for some reason SE does not make Media GO for Mac so I had to download a bridge app which does the work, but it's okay for now.
The phone in general just feels like it belongs to Google and not an SE phone, I wish SE hadn't stopped making their own SE OS.
This feels like a rant lol, but I'm happy with the Arc lol, but I'd rather just look at the design hardware then use the software it runs on. Funny thing is that I was always skeptical of Android so I knew this might happen or perhaps I just preempted this feeling.
Oh and this whole App centric phone thing is super cool, problem is that most of these apps need an internet connection for the ads, which is also annoying, but I guess it's a small price to pay for a free app and the developers need their compensation. But, it freaken eats the battery.
I guess it's time to get my hands dirty and try out custom Roms.
Hobbs & Tsepz
Are you guys experiencing the same niggles with your GS2s?
Amawanqa
How are you finding the relationship between your Mac and your phones?
I hope all is good.
_________________
"Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!"
Proverbs 4: 7
[ This Message was edited by: gola on 2012-01-07 20:00 ]
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Gola
Congrats bro, Arc S is an absolute beaut of a thing!
You kinda sound like me when i got the X10 WRT the Multitasking, here's the thing:
Its kinda both Google and SE's fault, reason being the Android OS uses a combo of Symbian and iOS multitasking, when there is plenty of RAM Android will allow apps to stay in RAM and run their activities, thats how Symbian worked BUT once a large app like Opera Mobile is running it begins to cache recently opened apps and closes older ones, now when you get a call while running Opera Mobile it has two large apps to handle, one of them will take higher priority in this case the call so it caches Opera (saves the state it was in when you got the call), so Opera isnt completely closed, when you're done with the call and go into Opera it goes back to the state it was in -Google's fault. The Arc has 512mb RAM which isnt always enough, especialy for apps like Opera Mobile to run with other apps -SE's fault. Thats how Android, iOS and WP7 Multitask, Android is actualy the closest to Symbian out of the 3 as iOS and WP immedietly cache apps the very moment you hit the Home button. I experienced the same on the X10, especialy on 2.2 and 2.3 as since 2.2 Android was made more strict on memory management. Havent experienced much of that on Galaxy S2 thanks to the 1GB RAM but it can happen now and then.
File Manager, i found an app called File Manager that doesnt have adds its by Rhythm Software, but to totaly get rid of ads in all apps you will have to Root your Arc and install AdFree, it removes ads from all apps.
Dont jump on to Custom ROMs yet unless you realy want to, rather just Root and install Adfree.
Android takes some getting used to especialy after Symbian, you'll eventualy get used to it and enjoy it.
For Web browsing id suggest you stick to the built-in web browser or Dolphin Browser HD, both are excellent and IMO faster than Opera. To get the best page setup on both go to their settings set Text Size to Large, Default Zoom to Far, and turn on Auto-fit pages.
Posted by Hobbs
Gola
Congratulations on getting the Arc S.Wow,it sure is a beauty.
About multitasking,cant say I ever had those issues (maybe on the X10 yes) but like Tsepz said maybe its got to do with the 512mb of RAM on the Arc S and the S2 having 1GB's of RAM.
Just install PowerAmp full version (best music player out there imo) and rid yourself of that default player for good.
You can root your phone and install AdFree if you want but Ive never needed to.I just get the latest full versions of the app I want.You most probably have your 'places' but I'll pm you links anyway.
Enjoy the new phone.
Posted by Hobbs
Just out of curiosity.Install Quadrant Standard Edition and let us know what benchmarks that baby gets.
Posted by Hobbs
Lonelycatgames Xplore file manager for Android.I was a fan when using Symbian so its a pleasant suprise to find it for my S2.
Posted by gola
Tsepz
Thanks for the explanation bud. Pretty sad really, but what was I expecting from SE really, sometimes loyalty doesn't pay.
I downloaded that File Manager you suggested and it's awesome, thanks. Still have to root though....
Hobbs
On 2011-12-17 21:42:38, Hobbs wrote:
Tsepz
Overclocked G2 to 1600MHz
Quadrant 5588
...This is going to be very embarrassing for me, I am still not able to login so I can't attach any images but mine comes in at a very disappointing 1750... eish.
Thanks, I'll try out that PowerAmp as soon as possible *money*
_________________
"Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!"
Proverbs 4: 7
[ This Message was edited by: gola on 2012-01-08 14:59 ]
Posted by Tsepz_GP
dont be embarrassed, thats a great score for a single core phone, im sure its capable of hitting over 2000 after a few runs.
Take your own time with rooting bro, when you decide you want to root and load mods and custom ROMs, go here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=965
Posted by Hobbs
Theres a guy from China on Antutu ranking charts with a 9808 score running 2.3.6 at 1200 ghz.How the hell did he do that.I get a 7421 overclocked at 1600ghz.How to contact this Chinese guy for his secret.
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-01-09 07:19 ]
Posted by Hobbs
Going to try out the 2.3.7 CyanogenMod 7.1.0 rom just out of curiosity.Will let you know what I think.
Posted by Hobbs
gola
Tsepz is right.Add another core to that phone and double that benchmark and you get a 3500.Sounds about right.(if it works that way
)
Posted by Hobbs
Just installed 2.3.7 CyanogenMod 7-11162011-NIGHTLY-GalaxyS2 and everything is working well.Nice nippy clean simple rom.
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-01-09 12:46 ]
Posted by gola
Tsepz, Hobbs
Thanks guys
What do you guys think of the Sony Xperia S, now that's a beast, if only it looked like the Arc. A beastly phone nonetheless, I think Sony might actually have a chance at making a dent this year.
And is it just me or has LG gone quiet lately...
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs
9800???
without OC? That must have had sum incredible coding, OR whoever it is tweaked the GPU.
Gola
Anytime bro.
Xperia S is a beast, HD screen plus dual-core, a beauty to but yeah, not as beautiful as Arc, though the more i look at Xperia S the more i realise they wasted space with that transparent bar under the screen, they could've made the phone smaller made the display larger, as the display looks off center
Posted by Hobbs
gola
Xperia S looks good.Ive got tunnel vision now that Ive got the Galaxy S2.Its Samsung all the way baby.
Posted by Hobbs
For the petrolheads in here.Heres a Maserati V8 GranSport. (I think thats it name.) Sorry for the bad pics.There was no light in the garage.
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-01-12 20:49 ]
Posted by Hobbs
Just checked the weather forecast on my phone and Cape Town is going to heat up this weekend.
Saturday 28 Sunday 35 and Monday 36 degrees.
How the hell am I going to work on Monday.
Eish Bru!
Posted by Bonovox
@Hobbs send some of that heat up here we got -2 tonight and all weekend
Posted by Hobbs
bonovox
after work on monday im going to be wishing for -2
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs
Tut...what were you doing taking pics in my garage???
Yep, thats the name, something realy appealing about those pre-2008 Maseratis, they look so opulent yet sporty, and still cost an arm, a leg and a few vital organs.
Your clients have excellent taste.
Posted by Bonovox
On 2012-01-13 06:22:56, Hobbs wrote:
bonovox
after work on monday im going to be wishing for -2
Posted by Hobbs
What a fantastic 36 degree day.Spent it in the pool.Now just to get through tomorrow.Its gonna be around the same.Eish! Its gonna be a long working day tomorrow.
Posted by amawanqa
Wanna swap some of that heat for the cold here, H? Taken at about 9am yesterday:
@ gola:
I've got all the phone stuff on the li'l Toshiba netbook, which still runs on XP.
Have a good week ahead, all.
Posted by Hobbs
Amawanga
Nee dankie
Posted by Hobbs
My boss has just been to a meeting in Long Street Cape Town and the car said it was 43 degrees.
Thank goodness I stayed at work and chilled in the pool.We cant work with paint in this weather.It literally dries on the brush.
So I'm not complaining
Posted by amawanqa
Eish, huge
losses for Q4 :
http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_[....]s_dont_look_good-news-3688.php
Posted by Hobbs
Wangs Lets hope SE/Sony get their act together this year.
Tsepz Have you seen a Galaxy S2 from MTN.The battery cover is textured on the black model.I personally dont like it.The UI also feels a bit different.Is that possible? Does MTN/Vodacom slighty alter their UI to differentiate the phones?
Or maybe Ive just forgotten what the UI looks like because Im always changing fonts,resolution,launchers ect
I played on a MTN unit over the weekend and it just felt different.
So glad I got the white after playing on a black one.
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs
As far as i know there arent any differences, the Black GS2 has always had a textured back cover, i think its something to do with the sort of plastic they use cause our Black X10s had rubbery back covers but white was also glossy just like the white GS2.
Posted by Hobbs
okey dokey
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-01-26 06:23 ]
Posted by Hobbs
How's everyone doing?
Tsepz Back at Uni? Still enjoying your G2? Got myself an ICS Android 4.0.3 rom that can be used as a daily.Android is maturing nicely.I like where it is heading.I know FaceLock is'nt secure and all but it is really cool and works well.The new task manager is good on the eye.Contacts and Gmail look fresh.The rom could be a bit snappier though.Needs a bit of work but the developer seems to be depriving himself of sleep to get updates so I'm keen to see what's to come.
Honest truth is I'm a Checkrom fan and as soon as those guys get in the act releasing an ICS rom I will definitely switch.That kitchen app they pre install on their roms becomes a must have after you've used it for a while to change kernel,themes etc.
So in recovery backup I now have my original Vodacom (2.3.4).Checkrom HD Revo v 4 (2.3.6) Cyanogen
Mod 7.1 (2.3.7) and now this ICS Resurrection from (4.0.3)
Sadly enough this G2 seems to be getting the same treatment as my X10 lol
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs
All good here, and you? Yep, back at uni and with the heaviest timetable ive ever had, i cant wait for this week to be done, realy need to blow off some steam.
Im loving my GS2, and so are many of my friends at uni, many of them are fed up with their BBs, some got themselves iPhones or other Androids, absolute 180 turn from late last year. Two want a GS2 after trying mine, they are so amazed by its speed, apps, games, screen and oddly the Voice Command, i guess because its a bit like Siri.
Havent done any modding to my GS2 other than recently rooting it, im just loving it in stock, i especialy like the productivity apps e.g Memo, Task, Polaris Office and the note widget, they come in handy lately, each time i use this phone i ask myself how on earth Samsung managed to make this phone so fast and smooth without compromising functionality and vice versa, im over the moon with it
You just couldnt resist eh? I saw the screenshots, looks awesome!
Lol, atleast the GS2 has all the memory in the world for all that modding and back ups, thats one place the X10 was absolute crap at, with the GS2 memory is no issue.
When i get more time im going to try those CheckROMs, they sound sweet, how are they battery wise and speed wise when compared to stock?
[ This Message was edited by: Tsepz_GP on 2012-02-02 20:37 ]
Posted by Hobbs
Tsepz I say don't mod your G2.It sounds like its doing OK as it is.But if you do its the Checkrom Revo HD v4 and then install the Siyah kernel (one kernel to rule them all.) from the kitchen.That kernel is built for performance so battery life is compromised but I still get a day.If you want a more balanced battery life and performance then install the Dark Knight kernel.And also if you want a ICS look to your phone for the meantime theres a nice ICS theme in the kitchen.
Im back on Checkrom.The ICS Remix just doesnt have the superfast speed I've gotten use to.That developer is doing his best but I think with only the Samsung alpha builds to work with he is always going to fall a bit short.Hats off to him though for getting everything working well except the overall speed of the phone.
[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-02-03 06:46 ]
Posted by Hobbs
Played on a White iPhone 4S on Friday and all I can say is I love my G2 even more now
The iPhone 4S has nothing on my G2 except a fantastic screen with clear crisp text.Other than that,nada.[ This Message was edited by: Hobbs on 2012-02-06 07:18 ]
Posted by Rob123
If anyone sees any news on the WHITE Galaxy Note availability locally, please drop a note here (pun intended...).
Getting any info from the relevant manufacturer/Operator/stores has been as fruitless as you can imagine...!
Thanks
Posted by Tsepz_GP
Hobbs
Sounds like you've very happy with Checkrom ROMs, enjoy it.Nothing better than being back on that perfect setup that just works for you.
How tiny does the iPhone feel after using a GS2? The iP4 felt like a premium dumbphone to me next to my GS2.
Rob
Tell me about it, although Samsung SA on Twitter and FB are alot more respondent than HTC SouthAfrica who seem to be VERY quiet since beginning of December2011, had the same problem when i wanted to get the HTC Sensation XE, they all knew next to nothing about it or when it was coming.
Posted by amawanqa
Have you guys seen this Symbian (Belle) update?:
http://www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=203448