Android phones, apps and tablets

They can't make stuff like that mandatory in their os. And Samsung can offer whatever app they like.

That's "fine" then.

My argument wasn't against stuff that wasn't included/added. It was against the stuff that was added. I'm sure Samsung consider it adding value. I consider it annoying bloatware :)

Quite a bit. I removed a load of stuff from my new Xiaomi using some PC-based tool. It took a bit of faff, but ultimately wasn't that difficult. Just followed a YouTube how-to video.

When the calculator started showing fractions.

There was a short time when it started only showing fractions and you'd have to rotate the screen to the scientific calculator to get the decimals back. I didn't get round to it, but I almost downloaded a new calculator app as a result.

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HMD. Is there a reason for that? Their Skyline seems like something people would at least look at

That looks somewhat decent but I think on a UK cycling forum users are going to be regularly immersed in water, so IP67 is going to be required by most people. Also what's the point of a repairable phone that only gets 3 years of software updates?

Has anyone got any experience of the nothing phone (2a) vs pixel 8. For context I currently have a 4a which is dying and can get a 6 month old pristine pixel 8 for £270 and a new NP 2a for £280. There seems to be a lot about issues with the pixel 8 but i'm assuming the amount of them in the world swamps the amount of NP's.

I can see there are pros and cons, but across a wider price range HMD have phones and yet my earlier post is the first time they've been mentioned. Just wondering whether they're being ignored for a reason.

I'd never heard of them (HMD) until mentioned in this thread.

I don't think they are in the mainstream of what people think of when they think "I need a new phone".

Hiding isn't removing

Aware, but it doesn't annoy me now when I look at it. Fortunately, as well, you can install some apps on the SD card.

never heard of them (HMD) until mentioned in this thread

But people have heard of obscure Finnish wood pulp processor Nokia 🙂

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tyres / wellies / phones...

Is there an android app out there that mimics a keyboard when you connect to another Bluetooth device?

Ideally the phone will just show up as a HID without needing extra software on the other device.

I'd not heard of them either. The XR21 looks kinda okay as well.

I'd heard of them and was aware they were behind Nokia but had no idea they were still in the smartphone game. I assumed they had found their niche in the feature phone/half smart genre

"Your Android devices will soon join the Find My Device network"

You can use Find My Device today to locate devices when they’re connected to the Internet. With the new Find My Device network, you’ll be able to locate your devices even if they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Fast Pair accessories when they’re disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys or bike.
To help you find your items when they’re offline, Find My Device will use the network of over a billion devices in the Android community and store your devices’ recent locations.

How it works
Devices on the network use Bluetooth to scan for nearby items. If other devices detect your items, they’ll securely send the locations where the items were detected to Find My Device. Your Android devices will do the same to help others find their offline items when detected nearby.
Your devices' locations will be encrypted using the PIN, pattern or password for your Android devices. They can only be seen by you and those you share your devices with in Find My Device.
They will not be visible to Google or used for other purposes.
You'll get a notification on your Android devices when this feature is turned on in three days. Until then, you can opt out of the network through Find My Device on the web. Your choice will apply to all Android devices linked to titsandarse@gmail.com. After the feature has been turned on, you will be able to manage device participation at any time through the Find My Device settings on the device.

They will not be visible to Google or used for other purposes. ORLY?

I sent my Pixel 8 off to get the green screen sorted. Took a week for it to get from the shop to the repair place and about an hour for them to decide it's not repairable and to send me a replacement. A waste of time and a waste of presumably non recyclable electronics. This will be my 4th Pixel (total, my 2nd Pixel 8) but not sure I'm keen on a 5th once this one needs replacing.

I'm waiting for my third Pixel 8 to show up. The green line turned pink yesterday which made for a nice change. Apart from the two dodgy screens it's been a good phone.

Just realised I have the same issue on my Pixel 6 (this isn't in a case, the screen has just lifted from the rest of the body in the bottom corner).

Guess I'll need to look at the warranty process, it seems there is a two year warranty and the phone was delivered on 3 September 2022 so I could see this getting annoying.

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My new one is on its way back to me already. A week after posting off. I'm over 2 years and had no issues. I can't fault their process at all. Just start a suport chat.

Has anyone managed to successfully prolong the life of one of their Pixel devices by getting the battery changed? If so, do you have a provider to recommend to do it? (Pixel 6A)

Guaranteed the motherboard will crap itself two weeks after you replace the battery.

Such is (Pixel) life.

I was pondering using ismash to replace my pixel 6 battery. Turns out it was knackered due to the battery swelling though rather than just wear so waiting to hear back from Google on that.

They do seem to be Google's official repair company (they are the company that come up for warranty repairs on the google site) so probably the best chance of getting a proper repair with a genuine battery.

https://www.ismash.com/collections/google-pixel-6a-repairs

Daughter nokia c32 screen got smashed... is DIY repair worth considering?

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That kind of depends how you value money vs. time and how much the spare part is vs. a new phone.

I've not had much luck with phone repairs in general so nowadays tend to go for a new phone.

Understood, ta. New phone might be best option then.