- Jan 30, 2007
- 23,381
- 6,002
Yo, Allen and Alchemist, props, for the setup and help, I think I'ma root today or tomorrow, just being a lil !@%#% about brickin my phone
VV(^^)VV_____OFFICIAL ANDROID OS/DEVICE THREAD_____VV(^^)VV
- Thread in 'General' Thread starter Started by pacmagic2002,
- Start date
- Apr 30, 2010
- 69,737
- 106,445
I just got rom buddy, joint is just like choosing a rom from the roms folder.
- Apr 30, 2010
- 69,737
- 106,445
I just got rom buddy, joint is just like choosing a rom from the roms folder.
- Jul 25, 2007
- 4,901
- 16
tried to upload a theme on my phone this morning.....BRICKED!
finally played around with it awhile and just decided to try and run another rom, now I'm back up and running
sucks I didn't back up everything before playing around with it
finally played around with it awhile and just decided to try and run another rom, now I'm back up and running
sucks I didn't back up everything before playing around with it
- Jul 25, 2007
- 4,901
- 16
tried to upload a theme on my phone this morning.....BRICKED!
finally played around with it awhile and just decided to try and run another rom, now I'm back up and running
sucks I didn't back up everything before playing around with it
finally played around with it awhile and just decided to try and run another rom, now I'm back up and running
sucks I didn't back up everything before playing around with it
- Dec 11, 2008
- 1,764
- 10
not rooting my g2 when i get it.
no one was bricking their g1's like this back in the day.
- Dec 11, 2008
- 1,764
- 10
not rooting my g2 when i get it.
no one was bricking their g1's like this back in the day.
- Jan 30, 2007
- 23,381
- 6,002
My final setup before I root, hopefully...
- Jan 30, 2007
- 23,381
- 6,002
My final setup before I root, hopefully...
- Jul 8, 2006
- 1,718
- 28
^what agenda is that? and can you scroll down?
- Jul 8, 2006
- 1,718
- 28
^what agenda is that? and can you scroll down?
- Jan 30, 2007
- 23,381
- 6,002
CalWidget, naw it's not scrollable
- Jan 30, 2007
- 23,381
- 6,002
CalWidget, naw it's not scrollable
- Dec 1, 2002
- 4,260
- 20
[h2]09/10/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to use WiMAX LED on HTC EVO for SMS/MMS notifications[/h3]
Since the notification LED on the left side of the HTC EVO 4G's earpiece isn't customizable, you can't tell if a flashing green light means a missed call, SMS/MMS, email, alarm, reminder, or voicemail without turning on the phone and looking at the screen.
Wouldn't visual notifications be more useful if the WiMAX LED on the right side of the earpiece displayed some of them too? Then you could get a better idea of what was going on more quickly and decide whether it was worth stopping whatever you were doing to deal with it. Text messages, for example, are almost always important, so why not assign SMS/MMS notifications to the WiMAX LED?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:07 AM|Comments (37)
[h3]Sign brings gesture-based calling and texting to HTC EVO[/h3]
If using voice actions to make calls and send texts on the HTC EVO is a little too hands-off for you, then treat your fingers to as much touchscreen time as possible by checking out Sign ($1.99), a speed dial app that lets you create and assign single- and multi-stroke gestures to your contacts so you can call or text them directly from your homescreen. Rather than launch the phone or messaging app and start tapping the screen for your desired contact, you just tap the Sign widget (shown above) and draw the gesture.
Assigning, editing, and deleting gestures is very easy, which makes setup fast and fun. You can also choose the default dial mode so you don't have to bother with the call/buttons that appear when you use the widget, view contacts based on whether they have assigned gestures, and even set up a confirmation screen that briefly displays the contact's name and number to make sure you're not misdialing.
I've been using this app for a few days now and am still amazed by its accuracy. I assigned a happy face—four separate gestures—to one of my contacts (obviously not for time-saving reasons) and Sign "reads" it correctly every time, even when the drawings are varied.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h2]09/09/2010[/h2]
[h3]OtterBox releases HTC EVO Commuter Series case[/h3]
If you've signed up to be notified of OtterBox's HTC EVO cases, then check your inbox now. An email with the subject "OtterBox: It's Here, The HTC EVO Commuter Series Case" and the image you see above is waiting for you there.
The Commuter Series case is now ready and willing to protect your EVO from "scratches, dings, dust and bumps while allowing for full usability of [its] functions." For $34.95, you'll get an attractive triple-layer case that comes with a "self-adhering protective film" and features silicone port plugs, added shock/bump protection, and separate cutouts for the camera, flash, and speaker.
Use the coupon code tb810z (thanks, Brian!) to get free ground shipping and 10% off your order.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 PM|Comments (13)
[h3]Seidio Innotraveler Car Kit for HTC EVO now shipping for $50[/h3]
It's been a long time coming, but Seidio's Innotravel Car Kit for the HTC EVO 4G has finally shed its "under development" status and is now in stock and shipping for a nickel shy of $50.
The kit includes a swiveling cradle, suction cup windshield mount with ball joint, car charger, and removable accessory plate for use with the company's Innocase II Surface case, extended battery, and extended battery case. The cradle is not compatible with the Innocase Active or rugged case, and of course Seidio makes no promises of compatibility with other case brands.
The Seidio Car Kit is about $10 cheaper than the official HTC car dock and has two mini USB ports (labeled PWR and DC/OUT) to charge the EVO and another device with the use of an optional adapter.
Anyone interested?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (14)
[h3]R2-D2 live wallpapers ripped and ready for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If not for the advice of some friends who said this site could attract people expecting some clever Star Wars references, G&E would've been called EVO Empire. I don't have any regrets, as I'm not a fan of those movies, but I can't help thinking about it now that the live wallpapers have been ripped from the special R2-D2 edition of the Droid 2.
All four of the wallpapers—Asteroids, Lightspeed, R2-D2, and Space Slug—are now available for download and installation on the HTC EVO. They're in regular .apk format, so you don't have to do anything special to get them running on your phone. I installed them directly from Gmail with no problem and as you can see in the photo above, they all show up in the standard list of live wallpapers. The accompanying descriptions tell you what each one is about, so there's no need to repeat the information here.
They all seem to run just fine on the EVO, but I don't think they're as good as many might expect/hope them to be. You might even say they're a little lame. The Android/Star Wars community (I assume such a group exists) could definitely come up with something better. Oh well. If nothing else, at least your collection of Droid 2 live wallpapers is complete.
[Droid Life] Thanks, SpicyChix!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:11 AM|Comments (10)
[h3]Gameloft offering free trials of HD games for HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's an EVO-optimized web shop or a free HD game, it seems Gameloft is always trying to do something to make up for the fact that only one of its HD games is available in Android Market. The rest, as you know, must be purchased directly from its non-refunding website and can only be re-downloaded onto the same device with the same phone number within 90 days of the original purchase.
Gameloft is obviously still out of touch with its Android customers, but its latest "effort" to be less ridiculous is the free trial now available for every HD game on its EVO site (visit gameloft.com from your EVO to get to it).
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:08 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/08/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to share and save voicemail on your HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's for sentimental, vindictive, or informational reasons, sometimes you'll receive a voicemail on your HTC EVO that you'll want to share and/or save. Lucky for you (and perhaps not-so-lucky for the sender of the message, depending on the content), the EVO's standard voicemail app lets you do both.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h3]Two apps that backup your HTC EVO without root[/h3]
Although the only way to get a complete backup of your HTC EVO is by rooting it, you can backup more than you might have thought was possible without root using RerWare's MyBackup Pro ($4.99) or Sprite Mobile's Sprite Backup 2.2 ($4.95).
Both apps can store backups on an SD card or in the cloud (MBP uses its own secure server, SB uses Dropbox and Box.net) and restore the data to your EVO and subsequent Android phones. In addition to the standard backup fare, the apps will also backup SMS/MMS messages, call logs, bookmarks, alarms, system settings, ringtones, playlists, user dictionaries, home screens, and more.
Both claim to backup more data than any other Android app and there's only a nickel between their prices, so you may need to take advantage of the Market's 24-hour refund policy to decide which one you want to use.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:04 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/06/2010[/h2]
[h3]Unrevoked 3.2 offers one-click root for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If you're tempted by all the benefits of rooting your HTC EVO 4G but are overwhelmed by the multi-step process to get it done on Android 2.2 (Froyo), then the just-released unrevoked 3.2 is what you've been waiting for.
The one-click root method keeps all of your data, permanently unlocks NAND, turns off security, maintains your PRI version, installs a custom recovery image (ClockworkMod or other), and loads up su/superuser tools. Yes, all of this in just one click.
The build was pulled a few hours after it was released due to "some strange problems" (see official message below) and is actually still unavailable as I write this, but it's expected to be back up soon. Depending on when you're reading this, it may even be available now.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 9:57 PM|Comments (73)
[h3]How to backup HTC EVO bookmarks to SD card[/h3]
Although rooting your HTC EVO is the best way to get everything backed up, you don't always need such a complete backup, especially if you never plan to root. Your contacts, calendar, email, purchased Market apps, etc. are already being backed up to the cloud if you're using your Google account, and there are ways to backup other apps, so maybe the only other thing you want/need is a way to backup your browser bookmarks.
Having to "redo" bookmarks can be a major pain, particularly if you tend to bookmark sites and pages often to check out later, so being able to restore them from a backup is a great time saver. There's a fantastic add-on called Bookmarks to SD that you can get in the Market, but it's only useful if you're using Dolphin Browser HD.
Here's what to do if you're using the stock browser.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:13 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]USB tethering apps for HTC EVO don't need root[/h3]
If you've ever tapped on the "USB Tethering" option after connecting the HTC EVO 4G to your Windows PC and you don't already pay for the $29.99/month mobile hotspot feature, then you're familiar with the error message shown at right.
Although the USB tethering option is included in the "Connect to PC" settings menu in Android 2.2 (previously listed as Internet Sharing on 2.1), the only way you can actually tether the EVO via USB to your computer is if you pay the extra $30/month. Yes, you must pay for wireless internet sharing with multiple devices to get wired internet sharing with one device.
You can get free wireless hotspot functionality on your rooted EVO with apps like Wireless Tether and Barnacle WiFi Tether, which is great but not helpful for users with non-rooted EVOs.
Thank goodness for PDANet and EasyTether. They won't turn your EVO into a mobile hotspot, but they will let you use the phone as a modem for your computer (no root required). Note that the free versions of both apps do not allow access to secure websites; you'll need to pay a one-time fee of $24 for PDANet (currently on sale for $19) or $10 for EasyTether for that. Neither app is new (PDANet has been around for years on different platforms), but they're both timeless and definitely apps every EVO user, especially those new to Android, should know about.
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (26)
[h2]09/01/2010[/h2]
[h3]Grid Clock Widget tells time in new way on HTC EVO[/h3]
Since there are only so many ways to display the current time, it isn't often that we get to see innovation in clock widgets for the HTC EVO. So when G&E reader j4s0n introduced me to the newly released Grid Clock Widget (created especially for him by his girlfriend), the first app from trowaSoft, it immediately stood out as something fresh and unique. And how often do you get to say that about a clock?
The 2 x 2 clock widget is based on a popular LED watch from Tokyoflash Japan that tells the time in a grid (it can also display the date). The first column keeps track of hours, while the rest of the grid is for minutes (one square per minute, arranged in five-minute rows). The time displayed on the right, for example, is 12:03.
In addition to 15 predefined themes, there's also the option to create your own themes (everything is customizable: background, text, hour, minute, and "LED off" colors) by mixing-and-matching to your heart's content. There are preselected "quick pick" colors available, but you can also input hexadecimal codes or use RGB and HSV values.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:40 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]How to use HTC EVO volume buttons for camera zoom[/h3]
There are many third-party camera apps that take the HTC EVO's 8-megapixel rear camera to the next level through the use of filters and features like image stabilization. While these apps can improve the quality of images captured by the EVO, most of them don't enhance the usability of the camera.
Enter Camera ZOOM FX by androidslide. Recommended to me by G&E reader John, it includes all the bells and whistles you'll find in other apps (e.g., effects, add-on packs, voice activation, burst mode, shutter skins) plus the ability to map various functions to screen gestures and the EVO's hardware volume buttons.
Continue reading »
[h2]08/30/2010[/h2]
[h3]Microsoft Bing app released for Verizon, already running on HTC EVO[/h3]
Microsoft took the wraps off its new Bing for Mobile Android app today. Like its desktop counterpart, it uses the company's image of the day (with clickable hotspots) as the background, allows you to view a week's worth of previous images, and of course lets you search the WWW by images, location, movies, news, and Bing Maps. It can also be used to get directions and supports voice search.
Sounds like a decent alternative to Google Search, right? The only problem is that Bing was launched exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.
That's the official story, anyway. Unofficially, you know it's already available for the HTC EVO 4G and other Android handsets.
[xda-developers] Thanks, Mr. ViZZiATO!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 10:54 AM|Comments (15)
[h3]Neoprene arm band exclusively designed for HTC EVO[/h3]
Since many of you consider the HTC EVO 4G to be your workout companion, G&E reader Charles wrote in to let us know about an arm band he discovered that's been specifically designed for the device.
The arm band is made of "high grade neoprene" and features an adjustable Velcro closure, a small pocket for a house/car key, and a clear plastic face to protect the EVO while allowing unobstructed access to its screen and buttons.
It's priced at $18.95 each (about $24 with tax and shipping) and is available from a small company based in Minneapolis that will only ship to the continental US. That means Hawaii, where I live, is excluded (the US Postal Service does deliver here for standard rates, you know), so someone else is going to have to buy one and tell us how it is.
[evoarmband.com]
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 2:23 AM|Comments (16)
[h3]C-ThruFone uses HTC EVO camera as live wallpaper[/h3]
It won't win any battery-efficiency awards, but if you've ever wanted to be able to "see through" your HTC EVO's home screen, then the free C-ThruFone live wallpaper is about as close to x-ray vision as you'll get without being a superhero.
It actually just uses the phone's rear camera to display what's behind the device, but it's still pretty cool. You can even double-tap an empty area on the screen to take a photo of whatever is being shown, which can speed up casual picture-taking since you don't have to wait for the camera app to launch.
It doesn't take pictures in the EVO's full resolution or automatically rotate a captured image, though, so I wouldn't recommend using it instead of an actual camera app (default or third-party) for every single photo opportunity that arises. But for taking quick shots and maybe just showing off a great live wallpaper when battery conservation isn't your top priority, C-ThruFone is worth checking out.
Thanks, MeltdCC!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]Smart Shortcuts keep HTC EVO home screens organized[/h3]
You can already create various folders on your HTC EVO home screens using the standard "long press -> Folder" method, but if you want something with more options, then you should take a look at Smart Shortcuts.
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than basic folders that let you use different icons, but there's more to the app than that because it also supports second-level organization based on tags. For example, you can have a general Applications shortcut that contains shortcuts inside it for categories like games, multimedia, tools, etc. You can also set things up like regular folders housing apps, bookmarks, or contacts.
Paired with Multicon and/or Launch-X Pro, Smart Shortcuts is a simple way to keep your home screens organized and easy to manage.
Thanks, Dave!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:21 AM|Comments (3)
[h2]08/24/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to view HTC EVO 4G signal strength (RSSI)[/h3]
Although the network, 3G, and 4G icons that reside in the HTC EVO's status bar provide a general indication of signal strength, they can often be the cause of frustration when you're not seeing the kind of performance you might expect from a "full bar" signal. There are many factors affecting speed/performance/etc. when you supposedly have a full signal, but one way to manage your expectations is to know the actual signal strength in terms of an RSSI measurement.
There are several apps out there that let you view WiFi signal strength (e.g., WiFi Analyzer), but did you know that you can view RSSI measurements of the EVO's network/cell, 3G, and 4G radios right out of the box? All the information (plus some other details) can be found in a hidden setting called Field Trial.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (5)
[h3]Daily macro image site made possible by HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
A few months ago, I showed you how an inexpensive magnetic lens could enable the HTC EVO 4G to take some pretty impressive macros (original post and sample photos here). A lot of people ended up buying the lens because of how much exposure the story got from Engadget and friends, but I don't think anyone but G&E reader Carson created a website devoted to the EVO's newfound macro abilities.
Appropriately named macro a day, Carson's site is updated every day with a new macro image shot with his EVO and lens adapter. All of the images are unedited and available to view in full resolution. There are some great images on the site already (it's about a month old), but some of my favorites are beetle, stem with rain, barb wire, and fungus. Check it out!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (
[h3]Droid 2 live wallpapers available for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
Continuing the trend of installing live wallpapers from other phones onto the HTC EVO, we can now add the laser/dot-shooting robot eye wallpaper from the Motorola Droid 2 to the list that already includes the Galaxy S and Droid X.
In addition to the original red port, xda-developers forum member LegionTHEFecalExcretion (quite the name, eh?) has also put up a nice selection of modded live wallpapers including the Cyanogen Mod Theme version shown here. There are also green and gold versions, some with different backgrounds, and two "Evil Andy" wallpapers (one below).
Although there are eight of them to choose from, you can only install one at a time. Installing a second one will override the previous one.
No root required.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 1:43 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]How to use WiMAX LED on HTC EVO for SMS/MMS notifications[/h3]
Since the notification LED on the left side of the HTC EVO 4G's earpiece isn't customizable, you can't tell if a flashing green light means a missed call, SMS/MMS, email, alarm, reminder, or voicemail without turning on the phone and looking at the screen.
Wouldn't visual notifications be more useful if the WiMAX LED on the right side of the earpiece displayed some of them too? Then you could get a better idea of what was going on more quickly and decide whether it was worth stopping whatever you were doing to deal with it. Text messages, for example, are almost always important, so why not assign SMS/MMS notifications to the WiMAX LED?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:07 AM|Comments (37)
[h3]Sign brings gesture-based calling and texting to HTC EVO[/h3]
If using voice actions to make calls and send texts on the HTC EVO is a little too hands-off for you, then treat your fingers to as much touchscreen time as possible by checking out Sign ($1.99), a speed dial app that lets you create and assign single- and multi-stroke gestures to your contacts so you can call or text them directly from your homescreen. Rather than launch the phone or messaging app and start tapping the screen for your desired contact, you just tap the Sign widget (shown above) and draw the gesture.
Assigning, editing, and deleting gestures is very easy, which makes setup fast and fun. You can also choose the default dial mode so you don't have to bother with the call/buttons that appear when you use the widget, view contacts based on whether they have assigned gestures, and even set up a confirmation screen that briefly displays the contact's name and number to make sure you're not misdialing.
I've been using this app for a few days now and am still amazed by its accuracy. I assigned a happy face—four separate gestures—to one of my contacts (obviously not for time-saving reasons) and Sign "reads" it correctly every time, even when the drawings are varied.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h2]09/09/2010[/h2]
[h3]OtterBox releases HTC EVO Commuter Series case[/h3]
If you've signed up to be notified of OtterBox's HTC EVO cases, then check your inbox now. An email with the subject "OtterBox: It's Here, The HTC EVO Commuter Series Case" and the image you see above is waiting for you there.
The Commuter Series case is now ready and willing to protect your EVO from "scratches, dings, dust and bumps while allowing for full usability of [its] functions." For $34.95, you'll get an attractive triple-layer case that comes with a "self-adhering protective film" and features silicone port plugs, added shock/bump protection, and separate cutouts for the camera, flash, and speaker.
Use the coupon code tb810z (thanks, Brian!) to get free ground shipping and 10% off your order.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 PM|Comments (13)
[h3]Seidio Innotraveler Car Kit for HTC EVO now shipping for $50[/h3]
The kit includes a swiveling cradle, suction cup windshield mount with ball joint, car charger, and removable accessory plate for use with the company's Innocase II Surface case, extended battery, and extended battery case. The cradle is not compatible with the Innocase Active or rugged case, and of course Seidio makes no promises of compatibility with other case brands.
The Seidio Car Kit is about $10 cheaper than the official HTC car dock and has two mini USB ports (labeled PWR and DC/OUT) to charge the EVO and another device with the use of an optional adapter.
Anyone interested?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (14)
[h3]R2-D2 live wallpapers ripped and ready for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If not for the advice of some friends who said this site could attract people expecting some clever Star Wars references, G&E would've been called EVO Empire. I don't have any regrets, as I'm not a fan of those movies, but I can't help thinking about it now that the live wallpapers have been ripped from the special R2-D2 edition of the Droid 2.
All four of the wallpapers—Asteroids, Lightspeed, R2-D2, and Space Slug—are now available for download and installation on the HTC EVO. They're in regular .apk format, so you don't have to do anything special to get them running on your phone. I installed them directly from Gmail with no problem and as you can see in the photo above, they all show up in the standard list of live wallpapers. The accompanying descriptions tell you what each one is about, so there's no need to repeat the information here.
They all seem to run just fine on the EVO, but I don't think they're as good as many might expect/hope them to be. You might even say they're a little lame. The Android/Star Wars community (I assume such a group exists) could definitely come up with something better. Oh well. If nothing else, at least your collection of Droid 2 live wallpapers is complete.
[Droid Life] Thanks, SpicyChix!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:11 AM|Comments (10)
[h3]Gameloft offering free trials of HD games for HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's an EVO-optimized web shop or a free HD game, it seems Gameloft is always trying to do something to make up for the fact that only one of its HD games is available in Android Market. The rest, as you know, must be purchased directly from its non-refunding website and can only be re-downloaded onto the same device with the same phone number within 90 days of the original purchase.
Gameloft is obviously still out of touch with its Android customers, but its latest "effort" to be less ridiculous is the free trial now available for every HD game on its EVO site (visit gameloft.com from your EVO to get to it).
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:08 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/08/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to share and save voicemail on your HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's for sentimental, vindictive, or informational reasons, sometimes you'll receive a voicemail on your HTC EVO that you'll want to share and/or save. Lucky for you (and perhaps not-so-lucky for the sender of the message, depending on the content), the EVO's standard voicemail app lets you do both.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h3]Two apps that backup your HTC EVO without root[/h3]
Both apps can store backups on an SD card or in the cloud (MBP uses its own secure server, SB uses Dropbox and Box.net) and restore the data to your EVO and subsequent Android phones. In addition to the standard backup fare, the apps will also backup SMS/MMS messages, call logs, bookmarks, alarms, system settings, ringtones, playlists, user dictionaries, home screens, and more.
Both claim to backup more data than any other Android app and there's only a nickel between their prices, so you may need to take advantage of the Market's 24-hour refund policy to decide which one you want to use.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:04 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/06/2010[/h2]
[h3]Unrevoked 3.2 offers one-click root for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
The one-click root method keeps all of your data, permanently unlocks NAND, turns off security, maintains your PRI version, installs a custom recovery image (ClockworkMod or other), and loads up su/superuser tools. Yes, all of this in just one click.
The build was pulled a few hours after it was released due to "some strange problems" (see official message below) and is actually still unavailable as I write this, but it's expected to be back up soon. Depending on when you're reading this, it may even be available now.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 9:57 PM|Comments (73)
[h3]How to backup HTC EVO bookmarks to SD card[/h3]
Although rooting your HTC EVO is the best way to get everything backed up, you don't always need such a complete backup, especially if you never plan to root. Your contacts, calendar, email, purchased Market apps, etc. are already being backed up to the cloud if you're using your Google account, and there are ways to backup other apps, so maybe the only other thing you want/need is a way to backup your browser bookmarks.
Having to "redo" bookmarks can be a major pain, particularly if you tend to bookmark sites and pages often to check out later, so being able to restore them from a backup is a great time saver. There's a fantastic add-on called Bookmarks to SD that you can get in the Market, but it's only useful if you're using Dolphin Browser HD.
Here's what to do if you're using the stock browser.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:13 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]USB tethering apps for HTC EVO don't need root[/h3]
Although the USB tethering option is included in the "Connect to PC" settings menu in Android 2.2 (previously listed as Internet Sharing on 2.1), the only way you can actually tether the EVO via USB to your computer is if you pay the extra $30/month. Yes, you must pay for wireless internet sharing with multiple devices to get wired internet sharing with one device.
You can get free wireless hotspot functionality on your rooted EVO with apps like Wireless Tether and Barnacle WiFi Tether, which is great but not helpful for users with non-rooted EVOs.
Thank goodness for PDANet and EasyTether. They won't turn your EVO into a mobile hotspot, but they will let you use the phone as a modem for your computer (no root required). Note that the free versions of both apps do not allow access to secure websites; you'll need to pay a one-time fee of $24 for PDANet (currently on sale for $19) or $10 for EasyTether for that. Neither app is new (PDANet has been around for years on different platforms), but they're both timeless and definitely apps every EVO user, especially those new to Android, should know about.
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (26)
[h2]09/01/2010[/h2]
[h3]Grid Clock Widget tells time in new way on HTC EVO[/h3]
The 2 x 2 clock widget is based on a popular LED watch from Tokyoflash Japan that tells the time in a grid (it can also display the date). The first column keeps track of hours, while the rest of the grid is for minutes (one square per minute, arranged in five-minute rows). The time displayed on the right, for example, is 12:03.
In addition to 15 predefined themes, there's also the option to create your own themes (everything is customizable: background, text, hour, minute, and "LED off" colors) by mixing-and-matching to your heart's content. There are preselected "quick pick" colors available, but you can also input hexadecimal codes or use RGB and HSV values.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:40 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]How to use HTC EVO volume buttons for camera zoom[/h3]
There are many third-party camera apps that take the HTC EVO's 8-megapixel rear camera to the next level through the use of filters and features like image stabilization. While these apps can improve the quality of images captured by the EVO, most of them don't enhance the usability of the camera.
Enter Camera ZOOM FX by androidslide. Recommended to me by G&E reader John, it includes all the bells and whistles you'll find in other apps (e.g., effects, add-on packs, voice activation, burst mode, shutter skins) plus the ability to map various functions to screen gestures and the EVO's hardware volume buttons.
Continue reading »
[h2]08/30/2010[/h2]
[h3]Microsoft Bing app released for Verizon, already running on HTC EVO[/h3]
Microsoft took the wraps off its new Bing for Mobile Android app today. Like its desktop counterpart, it uses the company's image of the day (with clickable hotspots) as the background, allows you to view a week's worth of previous images, and of course lets you search the WWW by images, location, movies, news, and Bing Maps. It can also be used to get directions and supports voice search.
Sounds like a decent alternative to Google Search, right? The only problem is that Bing was launched exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.
That's the official story, anyway. Unofficially, you know it's already available for the HTC EVO 4G and other Android handsets.
[xda-developers] Thanks, Mr. ViZZiATO!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 10:54 AM|Comments (15)
[h3]Neoprene arm band exclusively designed for HTC EVO[/h3]
The arm band is made of "high grade neoprene" and features an adjustable Velcro closure, a small pocket for a house/car key, and a clear plastic face to protect the EVO while allowing unobstructed access to its screen and buttons.
It's priced at $18.95 each (about $24 with tax and shipping) and is available from a small company based in Minneapolis that will only ship to the continental US. That means Hawaii, where I live, is excluded (the US Postal Service does deliver here for standard rates, you know), so someone else is going to have to buy one and tell us how it is.
[evoarmband.com]
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 2:23 AM|Comments (16)
[h3]C-ThruFone uses HTC EVO camera as live wallpaper[/h3]
It actually just uses the phone's rear camera to display what's behind the device, but it's still pretty cool. You can even double-tap an empty area on the screen to take a photo of whatever is being shown, which can speed up casual picture-taking since you don't have to wait for the camera app to launch.
It doesn't take pictures in the EVO's full resolution or automatically rotate a captured image, though, so I wouldn't recommend using it instead of an actual camera app (default or third-party) for every single photo opportunity that arises. But for taking quick shots and maybe just showing off a great live wallpaper when battery conservation isn't your top priority, C-ThruFone is worth checking out.
Thanks, MeltdCC!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]Smart Shortcuts keep HTC EVO home screens organized[/h3]
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than basic folders that let you use different icons, but there's more to the app than that because it also supports second-level organization based on tags. For example, you can have a general Applications shortcut that contains shortcuts inside it for categories like games, multimedia, tools, etc. You can also set things up like regular folders housing apps, bookmarks, or contacts.
Paired with Multicon and/or Launch-X Pro, Smart Shortcuts is a simple way to keep your home screens organized and easy to manage.
Thanks, Dave!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:21 AM|Comments (3)
[h2]08/24/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to view HTC EVO 4G signal strength (RSSI)[/h3]
There are several apps out there that let you view WiFi signal strength (e.g., WiFi Analyzer), but did you know that you can view RSSI measurements of the EVO's network/cell, 3G, and 4G radios right out of the box? All the information (plus some other details) can be found in a hidden setting called Field Trial.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (5)
[h3]Daily macro image site made possible by HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
A few months ago, I showed you how an inexpensive magnetic lens could enable the HTC EVO 4G to take some pretty impressive macros (original post and sample photos here). A lot of people ended up buying the lens because of how much exposure the story got from Engadget and friends, but I don't think anyone but G&E reader Carson created a website devoted to the EVO's newfound macro abilities.
Appropriately named macro a day, Carson's site is updated every day with a new macro image shot with his EVO and lens adapter. All of the images are unedited and available to view in full resolution. There are some great images on the site already (it's about a month old), but some of my favorites are beetle, stem with rain, barb wire, and fungus. Check it out!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (
[h3]Droid 2 live wallpapers available for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
In addition to the original red port, xda-developers forum member LegionTHEFecalExcretion (quite the name, eh?) has also put up a nice selection of modded live wallpapers including the Cyanogen Mod Theme version shown here. There are also green and gold versions, some with different backgrounds, and two "Evil Andy" wallpapers (one below).
Although there are eight of them to choose from, you can only install one at a time. Installing a second one will override the previous one.
No root required.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 1:43 AM|Comments (6)
- Dec 1, 2002
- 4,260
- 20
[h2]09/10/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to use WiMAX LED on HTC EVO for SMS/MMS notifications[/h3]
Since the notification LED on the left side of the HTC EVO 4G's earpiece isn't customizable, you can't tell if a flashing green light means a missed call, SMS/MMS, email, alarm, reminder, or voicemail without turning on the phone and looking at the screen.
Wouldn't visual notifications be more useful if the WiMAX LED on the right side of the earpiece displayed some of them too? Then you could get a better idea of what was going on more quickly and decide whether it was worth stopping whatever you were doing to deal with it. Text messages, for example, are almost always important, so why not assign SMS/MMS notifications to the WiMAX LED?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:07 AM|Comments (37)
[h3]Sign brings gesture-based calling and texting to HTC EVO[/h3]
If using voice actions to make calls and send texts on the HTC EVO is a little too hands-off for you, then treat your fingers to as much touchscreen time as possible by checking out Sign ($1.99), a speed dial app that lets you create and assign single- and multi-stroke gestures to your contacts so you can call or text them directly from your homescreen. Rather than launch the phone or messaging app and start tapping the screen for your desired contact, you just tap the Sign widget (shown above) and draw the gesture.
Assigning, editing, and deleting gestures is very easy, which makes setup fast and fun. You can also choose the default dial mode so you don't have to bother with the call/buttons that appear when you use the widget, view contacts based on whether they have assigned gestures, and even set up a confirmation screen that briefly displays the contact's name and number to make sure you're not misdialing.
I've been using this app for a few days now and am still amazed by its accuracy. I assigned a happy face—four separate gestures—to one of my contacts (obviously not for time-saving reasons) and Sign "reads" it correctly every time, even when the drawings are varied.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h2]09/09/2010[/h2]
[h3]OtterBox releases HTC EVO Commuter Series case[/h3]
If you've signed up to be notified of OtterBox's HTC EVO cases, then check your inbox now. An email with the subject "OtterBox: It's Here, The HTC EVO Commuter Series Case" and the image you see above is waiting for you there.
The Commuter Series case is now ready and willing to protect your EVO from "scratches, dings, dust and bumps while allowing for full usability of [its] functions." For $34.95, you'll get an attractive triple-layer case that comes with a "self-adhering protective film" and features silicone port plugs, added shock/bump protection, and separate cutouts for the camera, flash, and speaker.
Use the coupon code tb810z (thanks, Brian!) to get free ground shipping and 10% off your order.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 PM|Comments (13)
[h3]Seidio Innotraveler Car Kit for HTC EVO now shipping for $50[/h3]
It's been a long time coming, but Seidio's Innotravel Car Kit for the HTC EVO 4G has finally shed its "under development" status and is now in stock and shipping for a nickel shy of $50.
The kit includes a swiveling cradle, suction cup windshield mount with ball joint, car charger, and removable accessory plate for use with the company's Innocase II Surface case, extended battery, and extended battery case. The cradle is not compatible with the Innocase Active or rugged case, and of course Seidio makes no promises of compatibility with other case brands.
The Seidio Car Kit is about $10 cheaper than the official HTC car dock and has two mini USB ports (labeled PWR and DC/OUT) to charge the EVO and another device with the use of an optional adapter.
Anyone interested?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (14)
[h3]R2-D2 live wallpapers ripped and ready for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If not for the advice of some friends who said this site could attract people expecting some clever Star Wars references, G&E would've been called EVO Empire. I don't have any regrets, as I'm not a fan of those movies, but I can't help thinking about it now that the live wallpapers have been ripped from the special R2-D2 edition of the Droid 2.
All four of the wallpapers—Asteroids, Lightspeed, R2-D2, and Space Slug—are now available for download and installation on the HTC EVO. They're in regular .apk format, so you don't have to do anything special to get them running on your phone. I installed them directly from Gmail with no problem and as you can see in the photo above, they all show up in the standard list of live wallpapers. The accompanying descriptions tell you what each one is about, so there's no need to repeat the information here.
They all seem to run just fine on the EVO, but I don't think they're as good as many might expect/hope them to be. You might even say they're a little lame. The Android/Star Wars community (I assume such a group exists) could definitely come up with something better. Oh well. If nothing else, at least your collection of Droid 2 live wallpapers is complete.
[Droid Life] Thanks, SpicyChix!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:11 AM|Comments (10)
[h3]Gameloft offering free trials of HD games for HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's an EVO-optimized web shop or a free HD game, it seems Gameloft is always trying to do something to make up for the fact that only one of its HD games is available in Android Market. The rest, as you know, must be purchased directly from its non-refunding website and can only be re-downloaded onto the same device with the same phone number within 90 days of the original purchase.
Gameloft is obviously still out of touch with its Android customers, but its latest "effort" to be less ridiculous is the free trial now available for every HD game on its EVO site (visit gameloft.com from your EVO to get to it).
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:08 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/08/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to share and save voicemail on your HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's for sentimental, vindictive, or informational reasons, sometimes you'll receive a voicemail on your HTC EVO that you'll want to share and/or save. Lucky for you (and perhaps not-so-lucky for the sender of the message, depending on the content), the EVO's standard voicemail app lets you do both.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h3]Two apps that backup your HTC EVO without root[/h3]
Although the only way to get a complete backup of your HTC EVO is by rooting it, you can backup more than you might have thought was possible without root using RerWare's MyBackup Pro ($4.99) or Sprite Mobile's Sprite Backup 2.2 ($4.95).
Both apps can store backups on an SD card or in the cloud (MBP uses its own secure server, SB uses Dropbox and Box.net) and restore the data to your EVO and subsequent Android phones. In addition to the standard backup fare, the apps will also backup SMS/MMS messages, call logs, bookmarks, alarms, system settings, ringtones, playlists, user dictionaries, home screens, and more.
Both claim to backup more data than any other Android app and there's only a nickel between their prices, so you may need to take advantage of the Market's 24-hour refund policy to decide which one you want to use.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:04 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/06/2010[/h2]
[h3]Unrevoked 3.2 offers one-click root for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If you're tempted by all the benefits of rooting your HTC EVO 4G but are overwhelmed by the multi-step process to get it done on Android 2.2 (Froyo), then the just-released unrevoked 3.2 is what you've been waiting for.
The one-click root method keeps all of your data, permanently unlocks NAND, turns off security, maintains your PRI version, installs a custom recovery image (ClockworkMod or other), and loads up su/superuser tools. Yes, all of this in just one click.
The build was pulled a few hours after it was released due to "some strange problems" (see official message below) and is actually still unavailable as I write this, but it's expected to be back up soon. Depending on when you're reading this, it may even be available now.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 9:57 PM|Comments (73)
[h3]How to backup HTC EVO bookmarks to SD card[/h3]
Although rooting your HTC EVO is the best way to get everything backed up, you don't always need such a complete backup, especially if you never plan to root. Your contacts, calendar, email, purchased Market apps, etc. are already being backed up to the cloud if you're using your Google account, and there are ways to backup other apps, so maybe the only other thing you want/need is a way to backup your browser bookmarks.
Having to "redo" bookmarks can be a major pain, particularly if you tend to bookmark sites and pages often to check out later, so being able to restore them from a backup is a great time saver. There's a fantastic add-on called Bookmarks to SD that you can get in the Market, but it's only useful if you're using Dolphin Browser HD.
Here's what to do if you're using the stock browser.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:13 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]USB tethering apps for HTC EVO don't need root[/h3]
If you've ever tapped on the "USB Tethering" option after connecting the HTC EVO 4G to your Windows PC and you don't already pay for the $29.99/month mobile hotspot feature, then you're familiar with the error message shown at right.
Although the USB tethering option is included in the "Connect to PC" settings menu in Android 2.2 (previously listed as Internet Sharing on 2.1), the only way you can actually tether the EVO via USB to your computer is if you pay the extra $30/month. Yes, you must pay for wireless internet sharing with multiple devices to get wired internet sharing with one device.
You can get free wireless hotspot functionality on your rooted EVO with apps like Wireless Tether and Barnacle WiFi Tether, which is great but not helpful for users with non-rooted EVOs.
Thank goodness for PDANet and EasyTether. They won't turn your EVO into a mobile hotspot, but they will let you use the phone as a modem for your computer (no root required). Note that the free versions of both apps do not allow access to secure websites; you'll need to pay a one-time fee of $24 for PDANet (currently on sale for $19) or $10 for EasyTether for that. Neither app is new (PDANet has been around for years on different platforms), but they're both timeless and definitely apps every EVO user, especially those new to Android, should know about.
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (26)
[h2]09/01/2010[/h2]
[h3]Grid Clock Widget tells time in new way on HTC EVO[/h3]
Since there are only so many ways to display the current time, it isn't often that we get to see innovation in clock widgets for the HTC EVO. So when G&E reader j4s0n introduced me to the newly released Grid Clock Widget (created especially for him by his girlfriend), the first app from trowaSoft, it immediately stood out as something fresh and unique. And how often do you get to say that about a clock?
The 2 x 2 clock widget is based on a popular LED watch from Tokyoflash Japan that tells the time in a grid (it can also display the date). The first column keeps track of hours, while the rest of the grid is for minutes (one square per minute, arranged in five-minute rows). The time displayed on the right, for example, is 12:03.
In addition to 15 predefined themes, there's also the option to create your own themes (everything is customizable: background, text, hour, minute, and "LED off" colors) by mixing-and-matching to your heart's content. There are preselected "quick pick" colors available, but you can also input hexadecimal codes or use RGB and HSV values.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:40 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]How to use HTC EVO volume buttons for camera zoom[/h3]
There are many third-party camera apps that take the HTC EVO's 8-megapixel rear camera to the next level through the use of filters and features like image stabilization. While these apps can improve the quality of images captured by the EVO, most of them don't enhance the usability of the camera.
Enter Camera ZOOM FX by androidslide. Recommended to me by G&E reader John, it includes all the bells and whistles you'll find in other apps (e.g., effects, add-on packs, voice activation, burst mode, shutter skins) plus the ability to map various functions to screen gestures and the EVO's hardware volume buttons.
Continue reading »
[h2]08/30/2010[/h2]
[h3]Microsoft Bing app released for Verizon, already running on HTC EVO[/h3]
Microsoft took the wraps off its new Bing for Mobile Android app today. Like its desktop counterpart, it uses the company's image of the day (with clickable hotspots) as the background, allows you to view a week's worth of previous images, and of course lets you search the WWW by images, location, movies, news, and Bing Maps. It can also be used to get directions and supports voice search.
Sounds like a decent alternative to Google Search, right? The only problem is that Bing was launched exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.
That's the official story, anyway. Unofficially, you know it's already available for the HTC EVO 4G and other Android handsets.
[xda-developers] Thanks, Mr. ViZZiATO!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 10:54 AM|Comments (15)
[h3]Neoprene arm band exclusively designed for HTC EVO[/h3]
Since many of you consider the HTC EVO 4G to be your workout companion, G&E reader Charles wrote in to let us know about an arm band he discovered that's been specifically designed for the device.
The arm band is made of "high grade neoprene" and features an adjustable Velcro closure, a small pocket for a house/car key, and a clear plastic face to protect the EVO while allowing unobstructed access to its screen and buttons.
It's priced at $18.95 each (about $24 with tax and shipping) and is available from a small company based in Minneapolis that will only ship to the continental US. That means Hawaii, where I live, is excluded (the US Postal Service does deliver here for standard rates, you know), so someone else is going to have to buy one and tell us how it is.
[evoarmband.com]
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 2:23 AM|Comments (16)
[h3]C-ThruFone uses HTC EVO camera as live wallpaper[/h3]
It won't win any battery-efficiency awards, but if you've ever wanted to be able to "see through" your HTC EVO's home screen, then the free C-ThruFone live wallpaper is about as close to x-ray vision as you'll get without being a superhero.
It actually just uses the phone's rear camera to display what's behind the device, but it's still pretty cool. You can even double-tap an empty area on the screen to take a photo of whatever is being shown, which can speed up casual picture-taking since you don't have to wait for the camera app to launch.
It doesn't take pictures in the EVO's full resolution or automatically rotate a captured image, though, so I wouldn't recommend using it instead of an actual camera app (default or third-party) for every single photo opportunity that arises. But for taking quick shots and maybe just showing off a great live wallpaper when battery conservation isn't your top priority, C-ThruFone is worth checking out.
Thanks, MeltdCC!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]Smart Shortcuts keep HTC EVO home screens organized[/h3]
You can already create various folders on your HTC EVO home screens using the standard "long press -> Folder" method, but if you want something with more options, then you should take a look at Smart Shortcuts.
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than basic folders that let you use different icons, but there's more to the app than that because it also supports second-level organization based on tags. For example, you can have a general Applications shortcut that contains shortcuts inside it for categories like games, multimedia, tools, etc. You can also set things up like regular folders housing apps, bookmarks, or contacts.
Paired with Multicon and/or Launch-X Pro, Smart Shortcuts is a simple way to keep your home screens organized and easy to manage.
Thanks, Dave!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:21 AM|Comments (3)
[h2]08/24/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to view HTC EVO 4G signal strength (RSSI)[/h3]
Although the network, 3G, and 4G icons that reside in the HTC EVO's status bar provide a general indication of signal strength, they can often be the cause of frustration when you're not seeing the kind of performance you might expect from a "full bar" signal. There are many factors affecting speed/performance/etc. when you supposedly have a full signal, but one way to manage your expectations is to know the actual signal strength in terms of an RSSI measurement.
There are several apps out there that let you view WiFi signal strength (e.g., WiFi Analyzer), but did you know that you can view RSSI measurements of the EVO's network/cell, 3G, and 4G radios right out of the box? All the information (plus some other details) can be found in a hidden setting called Field Trial.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (5)
[h3]Daily macro image site made possible by HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
A few months ago, I showed you how an inexpensive magnetic lens could enable the HTC EVO 4G to take some pretty impressive macros (original post and sample photos here). A lot of people ended up buying the lens because of how much exposure the story got from Engadget and friends, but I don't think anyone but G&E reader Carson created a website devoted to the EVO's newfound macro abilities.
Appropriately named macro a day, Carson's site is updated every day with a new macro image shot with his EVO and lens adapter. All of the images are unedited and available to view in full resolution. There are some great images on the site already (it's about a month old), but some of my favorites are beetle, stem with rain, barb wire, and fungus. Check it out!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (
[h3]Droid 2 live wallpapers available for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
Continuing the trend of installing live wallpapers from other phones onto the HTC EVO, we can now add the laser/dot-shooting robot eye wallpaper from the Motorola Droid 2 to the list that already includes the Galaxy S and Droid X.
In addition to the original red port, xda-developers forum member LegionTHEFecalExcretion (quite the name, eh?) has also put up a nice selection of modded live wallpapers including the Cyanogen Mod Theme version shown here. There are also green and gold versions, some with different backgrounds, and two "Evil Andy" wallpapers (one below).
Although there are eight of them to choose from, you can only install one at a time. Installing a second one will override the previous one.
No root required.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 1:43 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]How to use WiMAX LED on HTC EVO for SMS/MMS notifications[/h3]
Since the notification LED on the left side of the HTC EVO 4G's earpiece isn't customizable, you can't tell if a flashing green light means a missed call, SMS/MMS, email, alarm, reminder, or voicemail without turning on the phone and looking at the screen.
Wouldn't visual notifications be more useful if the WiMAX LED on the right side of the earpiece displayed some of them too? Then you could get a better idea of what was going on more quickly and decide whether it was worth stopping whatever you were doing to deal with it. Text messages, for example, are almost always important, so why not assign SMS/MMS notifications to the WiMAX LED?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:07 AM|Comments (37)
[h3]Sign brings gesture-based calling and texting to HTC EVO[/h3]
If using voice actions to make calls and send texts on the HTC EVO is a little too hands-off for you, then treat your fingers to as much touchscreen time as possible by checking out Sign ($1.99), a speed dial app that lets you create and assign single- and multi-stroke gestures to your contacts so you can call or text them directly from your homescreen. Rather than launch the phone or messaging app and start tapping the screen for your desired contact, you just tap the Sign widget (shown above) and draw the gesture.
Assigning, editing, and deleting gestures is very easy, which makes setup fast and fun. You can also choose the default dial mode so you don't have to bother with the call/buttons that appear when you use the widget, view contacts based on whether they have assigned gestures, and even set up a confirmation screen that briefly displays the contact's name and number to make sure you're not misdialing.
I've been using this app for a few days now and am still amazed by its accuracy. I assigned a happy face—four separate gestures—to one of my contacts (obviously not for time-saving reasons) and Sign "reads" it correctly every time, even when the drawings are varied.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h2]09/09/2010[/h2]
[h3]OtterBox releases HTC EVO Commuter Series case[/h3]
If you've signed up to be notified of OtterBox's HTC EVO cases, then check your inbox now. An email with the subject "OtterBox: It's Here, The HTC EVO Commuter Series Case" and the image you see above is waiting for you there.
The Commuter Series case is now ready and willing to protect your EVO from "scratches, dings, dust and bumps while allowing for full usability of [its] functions." For $34.95, you'll get an attractive triple-layer case that comes with a "self-adhering protective film" and features silicone port plugs, added shock/bump protection, and separate cutouts for the camera, flash, and speaker.
Use the coupon code tb810z (thanks, Brian!) to get free ground shipping and 10% off your order.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 PM|Comments (13)
[h3]Seidio Innotraveler Car Kit for HTC EVO now shipping for $50[/h3]
The kit includes a swiveling cradle, suction cup windshield mount with ball joint, car charger, and removable accessory plate for use with the company's Innocase II Surface case, extended battery, and extended battery case. The cradle is not compatible with the Innocase Active or rugged case, and of course Seidio makes no promises of compatibility with other case brands.
The Seidio Car Kit is about $10 cheaper than the official HTC car dock and has two mini USB ports (labeled PWR and DC/OUT) to charge the EVO and another device with the use of an optional adapter.
Anyone interested?
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (14)
[h3]R2-D2 live wallpapers ripped and ready for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
If not for the advice of some friends who said this site could attract people expecting some clever Star Wars references, G&E would've been called EVO Empire. I don't have any regrets, as I'm not a fan of those movies, but I can't help thinking about it now that the live wallpapers have been ripped from the special R2-D2 edition of the Droid 2.
All four of the wallpapers—Asteroids, Lightspeed, R2-D2, and Space Slug—are now available for download and installation on the HTC EVO. They're in regular .apk format, so you don't have to do anything special to get them running on your phone. I installed them directly from Gmail with no problem and as you can see in the photo above, they all show up in the standard list of live wallpapers. The accompanying descriptions tell you what each one is about, so there's no need to repeat the information here.
They all seem to run just fine on the EVO, but I don't think they're as good as many might expect/hope them to be. You might even say they're a little lame. The Android/Star Wars community (I assume such a group exists) could definitely come up with something better. Oh well. If nothing else, at least your collection of Droid 2 live wallpapers is complete.
[Droid Life] Thanks, SpicyChix!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:11 AM|Comments (10)
[h3]Gameloft offering free trials of HD games for HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's an EVO-optimized web shop or a free HD game, it seems Gameloft is always trying to do something to make up for the fact that only one of its HD games is available in Android Market. The rest, as you know, must be purchased directly from its non-refunding website and can only be re-downloaded onto the same device with the same phone number within 90 days of the original purchase.
Gameloft is obviously still out of touch with its Android customers, but its latest "effort" to be less ridiculous is the free trial now available for every HD game on its EVO site (visit gameloft.com from your EVO to get to it).
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:08 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/08/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to share and save voicemail on your HTC EVO[/h3]
Whether it's for sentimental, vindictive, or informational reasons, sometimes you'll receive a voicemail on your HTC EVO that you'll want to share and/or save. Lucky for you (and perhaps not-so-lucky for the sender of the message, depending on the content), the EVO's standard voicemail app lets you do both.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:05 AM|Comments (2)
[h3]Two apps that backup your HTC EVO without root[/h3]
Both apps can store backups on an SD card or in the cloud (MBP uses its own secure server, SB uses Dropbox and Box.net) and restore the data to your EVO and subsequent Android phones. In addition to the standard backup fare, the apps will also backup SMS/MMS messages, call logs, bookmarks, alarms, system settings, ringtones, playlists, user dictionaries, home screens, and more.
Both claim to backup more data than any other Android app and there's only a nickel between their prices, so you may need to take advantage of the Market's 24-hour refund policy to decide which one you want to use.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:04 AM|Comments (7)
[h2]09/06/2010[/h2]
[h3]Unrevoked 3.2 offers one-click root for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
The one-click root method keeps all of your data, permanently unlocks NAND, turns off security, maintains your PRI version, installs a custom recovery image (ClockworkMod or other), and loads up su/superuser tools. Yes, all of this in just one click.
The build was pulled a few hours after it was released due to "some strange problems" (see official message below) and is actually still unavailable as I write this, but it's expected to be back up soon. Depending on when you're reading this, it may even be available now.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 9:57 PM|Comments (73)
[h3]How to backup HTC EVO bookmarks to SD card[/h3]
Although rooting your HTC EVO is the best way to get everything backed up, you don't always need such a complete backup, especially if you never plan to root. Your contacts, calendar, email, purchased Market apps, etc. are already being backed up to the cloud if you're using your Google account, and there are ways to backup other apps, so maybe the only other thing you want/need is a way to backup your browser bookmarks.
Having to "redo" bookmarks can be a major pain, particularly if you tend to bookmark sites and pages often to check out later, so being able to restore them from a backup is a great time saver. There's a fantastic add-on called Bookmarks to SD that you can get in the Market, but it's only useful if you're using Dolphin Browser HD.
Here's what to do if you're using the stock browser.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:13 AM|Comments (6)
[h3]USB tethering apps for HTC EVO don't need root[/h3]
Although the USB tethering option is included in the "Connect to PC" settings menu in Android 2.2 (previously listed as Internet Sharing on 2.1), the only way you can actually tether the EVO via USB to your computer is if you pay the extra $30/month. Yes, you must pay for wireless internet sharing with multiple devices to get wired internet sharing with one device.
You can get free wireless hotspot functionality on your rooted EVO with apps like Wireless Tether and Barnacle WiFi Tether, which is great but not helpful for users with non-rooted EVOs.
Thank goodness for PDANet and EasyTether. They won't turn your EVO into a mobile hotspot, but they will let you use the phone as a modem for your computer (no root required). Note that the free versions of both apps do not allow access to secure websites; you'll need to pay a one-time fee of $24 for PDANet (currently on sale for $19) or $10 for EasyTether for that. Neither app is new (PDANet has been around for years on different platforms), but they're both timeless and definitely apps every EVO user, especially those new to Android, should know about.
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (26)
[h2]09/01/2010[/h2]
[h3]Grid Clock Widget tells time in new way on HTC EVO[/h3]
The 2 x 2 clock widget is based on a popular LED watch from Tokyoflash Japan that tells the time in a grid (it can also display the date). The first column keeps track of hours, while the rest of the grid is for minutes (one square per minute, arranged in five-minute rows). The time displayed on the right, for example, is 12:03.
In addition to 15 predefined themes, there's also the option to create your own themes (everything is customizable: background, text, hour, minute, and "LED off" colors) by mixing-and-matching to your heart's content. There are preselected "quick pick" colors available, but you can also input hexadecimal codes or use RGB and HSV values.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:40 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]How to use HTC EVO volume buttons for camera zoom[/h3]
There are many third-party camera apps that take the HTC EVO's 8-megapixel rear camera to the next level through the use of filters and features like image stabilization. While these apps can improve the quality of images captured by the EVO, most of them don't enhance the usability of the camera.
Enter Camera ZOOM FX by androidslide. Recommended to me by G&E reader John, it includes all the bells and whistles you'll find in other apps (e.g., effects, add-on packs, voice activation, burst mode, shutter skins) plus the ability to map various functions to screen gestures and the EVO's hardware volume buttons.
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[h2]08/30/2010[/h2]
[h3]Microsoft Bing app released for Verizon, already running on HTC EVO[/h3]
Microsoft took the wraps off its new Bing for Mobile Android app today. Like its desktop counterpart, it uses the company's image of the day (with clickable hotspots) as the background, allows you to view a week's worth of previous images, and of course lets you search the WWW by images, location, movies, news, and Bing Maps. It can also be used to get directions and supports voice search.
Sounds like a decent alternative to Google Search, right? The only problem is that Bing was launched exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.
That's the official story, anyway. Unofficially, you know it's already available for the HTC EVO 4G and other Android handsets.
[xda-developers] Thanks, Mr. ViZZiATO!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 10:54 AM|Comments (15)
[h3]Neoprene arm band exclusively designed for HTC EVO[/h3]
The arm band is made of "high grade neoprene" and features an adjustable Velcro closure, a small pocket for a house/car key, and a clear plastic face to protect the EVO while allowing unobstructed access to its screen and buttons.
It's priced at $18.95 each (about $24 with tax and shipping) and is available from a small company based in Minneapolis that will only ship to the continental US. That means Hawaii, where I live, is excluded (the US Postal Service does deliver here for standard rates, you know), so someone else is going to have to buy one and tell us how it is.
[evoarmband.com]
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 2:23 AM|Comments (16)
[h3]C-ThruFone uses HTC EVO camera as live wallpaper[/h3]
It actually just uses the phone's rear camera to display what's behind the device, but it's still pretty cool. You can even double-tap an empty area on the screen to take a photo of whatever is being shown, which can speed up casual picture-taking since you don't have to wait for the camera app to launch.
It doesn't take pictures in the EVO's full resolution or automatically rotate a captured image, though, so I wouldn't recommend using it instead of an actual camera app (default or third-party) for every single photo opportunity that arises. But for taking quick shots and maybe just showing off a great live wallpaper when battery conservation isn't your top priority, C-ThruFone is worth checking out.
Thanks, MeltdCC!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:12 AM|Comments (7)
[h3]Smart Shortcuts keep HTC EVO home screens organized[/h3]
On the surface, it looks like nothing more than basic folders that let you use different icons, but there's more to the app than that because it also supports second-level organization based on tags. For example, you can have a general Applications shortcut that contains shortcuts inside it for categories like games, multimedia, tools, etc. You can also set things up like regular folders housing apps, bookmarks, or contacts.
Paired with Multicon and/or Launch-X Pro, Smart Shortcuts is a simple way to keep your home screens organized and easy to manage.
Thanks, Dave!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:21 AM|Comments (3)
[h2]08/24/2010[/h2]
[h3]How to view HTC EVO 4G signal strength (RSSI)[/h3]
There are several apps out there that let you view WiFi signal strength (e.g., WiFi Analyzer), but did you know that you can view RSSI measurements of the EVO's network/cell, 3G, and 4G radios right out of the box? All the information (plus some other details) can be found in a hidden setting called Field Trial.
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Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (5)
[h3]Daily macro image site made possible by HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
A few months ago, I showed you how an inexpensive magnetic lens could enable the HTC EVO 4G to take some pretty impressive macros (original post and sample photos here). A lot of people ended up buying the lens because of how much exposure the story got from Engadget and friends, but I don't think anyone but G&E reader Carson created a website devoted to the EVO's newfound macro abilities.
Appropriately named macro a day, Carson's site is updated every day with a new macro image shot with his EVO and lens adapter. All of the images are unedited and available to view in full resolution. There are some great images on the site already (it's about a month old), but some of my favorites are beetle, stem with rain, barb wire, and fungus. Check it out!
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 12:14 AM|Comments (
[h3]Droid 2 live wallpapers available for HTC EVO 4G[/h3]
In addition to the original red port, xda-developers forum member LegionTHEFecalExcretion (quite the name, eh?) has also put up a nice selection of modded live wallpapers including the Cyanogen Mod Theme version shown here. There are also green and gold versions, some with different backgrounds, and two "Evil Andy" wallpapers (one below).
Although there are eight of them to choose from, you can only install one at a time. Installing a second one will override the previous one.
No root required.
Continue reading »
Posted by Jenn K. Lee at 1:43 AM|Comments (6)
- Dec 1, 2002
- 4,260
- 20
[h2]AppBrain launches new version with social baked in[/h2]
After launching a new version of its website recently, AppBrain has brought many of the new sorting features to its Android app. In addition, AppBrain now has a social element so you can follow other users to quickly browse what apps they have installed. You can log in to Facebook to see if your friends use AppBrain (they should!) or browse by popular users. Also, you can share a link to your profile quickly via email, Twitter, SMS, and just about every other mode of communication on your phone. The free update is on the Market now. Click past the break for the usual Market link (with QR code!), more screenshots, and even a list of the Android Central writers so you can follow us in AppBrain. [AppBrain blog]
| Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2010by Kyle Gibb |
After launching a new version of its website recently, AppBrain has brought many of the new sorting features to its Android app. In addition, AppBrain now has a social element so you can follow other users to quickly browse what apps they have installed. You can log in to Facebook to see if your friends use AppBrain (they should!) or browse by popular users. Also, you can share a link to your profile quickly via email, Twitter, SMS, and just about every other mode of communication on your phone. The free update is on the Market now. Click past the break for the usual Market link (with QR code!), more screenshots, and even a list of the Android Central writers so you can follow us in AppBrain. [AppBrain blog]
- Dec 1, 2002
- 4,260
- 20
[h2]AppBrain launches new version with social baked in[/h2]
After launching a new version of its website recently, AppBrain has brought many of the new sorting features to its Android app. In addition, AppBrain now has a social element so you can follow other users to quickly browse what apps they have installed. You can log in to Facebook to see if your friends use AppBrain (they should!) or browse by popular users. Also, you can share a link to your profile quickly via email, Twitter, SMS, and just about every other mode of communication on your phone. The free update is on the Market now. Click past the break for the usual Market link (with QR code!), more screenshots, and even a list of the Android Central writers so you can follow us in AppBrain. [AppBrain blog]
| Posted on Friday, Sep 10, 2010by Kyle Gibb |
After launching a new version of its website recently, AppBrain has brought many of the new sorting features to its Android app. In addition, AppBrain now has a social element so you can follow other users to quickly browse what apps they have installed. You can log in to Facebook to see if your friends use AppBrain (they should!) or browse by popular users. Also, you can share a link to your profile quickly via email, Twitter, SMS, and just about every other mode of communication on your phone. The free update is on the Market now. Click past the break for the usual Market link (with QR code!), more screenshots, and even a list of the Android Central writers so you can follow us in AppBrain. [AppBrain blog]
- Mar 6, 2007
- 633
- 10
While waiting to upgrade to the Evo, what ROMS should I use for the Hero after I root? Suggestions?
- Mar 6, 2007
- 633
- 10
While waiting to upgrade to the Evo, what ROMS should I use for the Hero after I root? Suggestions?
- Mar 6, 2007
- 633
- 10
double
- Mar 6, 2007
- 633
- 10
double
- May 24, 2008
- 2,708
- 239
Hey guys i THINK i just rooted my samsung fascinate....
but i think i installed busybox, super user.
i only see super user on my menu and wen i go on to it, its just blank.
did i even rooted it right?
but i think i installed busybox, super user.
i only see super user on my menu and wen i go on to it, its just blank.
did i even rooted it right?
- May 24, 2008
- 2,708
- 239
Hey guys i THINK i just rooted my samsung fascinate....
but i think i installed busybox, super user.
i only see super user on my menu and wen i go on to it, its just blank.
did i even rooted it right?
but i think i installed busybox, super user.
i only see super user on my menu and wen i go on to it, its just blank.
did i even rooted it right?
- Jul 22, 2001
- 8,392
- 268
Ok so I'm using Baked Snacks Rom after root. And all I can say is I'm so glad I finally decided to go for it. No FPS limit makes a huge difference. Phone is smoooooth right now. Havnt pushed anything yet I'm still working on that. Gotta figure out the while adb thing.
- Jul 22, 2001
- 8,392
- 268
Ok so I'm using Baked Snacks Rom after root. And all I can say is I'm so glad I finally decided to go for it. No FPS limit makes a huge difference. Phone is smoooooth right now. Havnt pushed anything yet I'm still working on that. Gotta figure out the while adb thing.
