Welcome to the Android OT for device news, discussion, advice and troubleshooting!
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FAQ
- What is Android?
Android is an open source operating system created by Google's Android division. Originally made for smartphones, the Android OS expanded into tablets, Smart TVs and Automobiles.
- What are the advantages of Android over iOS?
In addition to being open source, Android is a lot more customizable due to its plethora of personalization apps for wallpapers, lock screens and even ringtones.
- Can I root my Android phone/tablet?
It depends. If you are interested in installing custom roms on your phone, go for it. Be careful though, there is a chance that your device will be bricked if you fail to do the root method properly.
- Are Android tablets good for drawing (ex Photoshop, ArtRage, etc)?
Sadly, drawing on Android tablets is very inferior due to the lack of dedicated bluetooth styluses and poor support for tablets. Your best bet is to get the NVIDIA SHIELD tablet as it has a proper native stylus, but you're better off with an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Microsoft Surface.
- Are there any other appstores besides the Google Play Store app?
Yes! Other appstores exist such as F-Droid and the Amazon Appstore. You can also use APK sites such as APKMirror, TapTap, and QooApp to install games/apps from other countries. Be careful when installing from other sources as the APKs they distribute can infect your phone with malware.
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THE MANY TYPES OF ANDROID
Android: The default operating system for smartphones and tablets.
Android TV: TV-focused version of Android for Smart TVs. Included in NVIDIA SHIELD TV, Mi Box S, and recent Sony Bravia TVs.
Wear OS: Originally Android Wear. Android for smartwatches, supports the Google Play store, though some apps may have limited functionality. Certain watches can also recieve iOS notifications via dedicated app.
Android Auto: Version of Android that is an interactive menu for cars. Lacks gaming capabilities, but app support makes up for it.
Android One: A special modified version of Stock Android with regular security updates for 3 years. Usually sold more in India and Asian countries.
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CUSTOM ROMS
LineageOS - A free Android ROM that the successor to CyannogenOS/CyannogenMOD. Also available in a version for microG.
Paranoid Android - A very old yet very well known custom ROM
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RECOMMENDED APPS
Nova Launcher (personalization) - The most customizable and popular launcher for Android. Contains Pro option as a one time payment via separate app.
Textra (messenger) - An alternative to your phone's stock texting app. Customizable with emjoi styles and colors.
VLC (video player) - Port of open source video player on PC, macOS and Linux.
Zedge - store for free/paid ringtones, notification sounds and wallpapers.
Cx File Manager - nice lightweight app that lets you manage your phone's files, also no ads looks at ES File Explorer
Files - Nice alternative to ES File Explorer, lets you delete, move, copy files on phone
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-------------------------------
FAQ
- What is Android?
Android is an open source operating system created by Google's Android division. Originally made for smartphones, the Android OS expanded into tablets, Smart TVs and Automobiles.
- What are the advantages of Android over iOS?
In addition to being open source, Android is a lot more customizable due to its plethora of personalization apps for wallpapers, lock screens and even ringtones.
- Can I root my Android phone/tablet?
It depends. If you are interested in installing custom roms on your phone, go for it. Be careful though, there is a chance that your device will be bricked if you fail to do the root method properly.
- Are Android tablets good for drawing (ex Photoshop, ArtRage, etc)?
Sadly, drawing on Android tablets is very inferior due to the lack of dedicated bluetooth styluses and poor support for tablets. Your best bet is to get the NVIDIA SHIELD tablet as it has a proper native stylus, but you're better off with an iPad with Apple Pencil or a Microsoft Surface.
- Are there any other appstores besides the Google Play Store app?
Yes! Other appstores exist such as F-Droid and the Amazon Appstore. You can also use APK sites such as APKMirror, TapTap, and QooApp to install games/apps from other countries. Be careful when installing from other sources as the APKs they distribute can infect your phone with malware.
-------------------------------
THE MANY TYPES OF ANDROID
Android: The default operating system for smartphones and tablets.
Android TV: TV-focused version of Android for Smart TVs. Included in NVIDIA SHIELD TV, Mi Box S, and recent Sony Bravia TVs.
Wear OS: Originally Android Wear. Android for smartwatches, supports the Google Play store, though some apps may have limited functionality. Certain watches can also recieve iOS notifications via dedicated app.
Android Auto: Version of Android that is an interactive menu for cars. Lacks gaming capabilities, but app support makes up for it.
Android One: A special modified version of Stock Android with regular security updates for 3 years. Usually sold more in India and Asian countries.
-------------------------------
CUSTOM ROMS
LineageOS - A free Android ROM that the successor to CyannogenOS/CyannogenMOD. Also available in a version for microG.
Paranoid Android - A very old yet very well known custom ROM
-------------------------------
RECOMMENDED APPS
Nova Launcher (personalization) - The most customizable and popular launcher for Android. Contains Pro option as a one time payment via separate app.
Textra (messenger) - An alternative to your phone's stock texting app. Customizable with emjoi styles and colors.
VLC (video player) - Port of open source video player on PC, macOS and Linux.
Zedge - store for free/paid ringtones, notification sounds and wallpapers.
Cx File Manager - nice lightweight app that lets you manage your phone's files, also no ads looks at ES File Explorer
Files - Nice alternative to ES File Explorer, lets you delete, move, copy files on phone
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