# Just Got an Android Phone. What do I need? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 14, 2009, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543 "2009-11-14T11:51:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![ReuvenB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@ReuvenB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReuvenB)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2009, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/61 "2009-11-24T20:54:45Z")
Wow, that tricorder app is awesome! I loved pretending to scan my friends and making beeping noises. Thanksgiving is going to be a lot more interesting this year. ---
**Author:** ![ratatoskK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ratatoskk/32/2987_2.png) [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2009, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/62 "2009-11-28T17:40:30Z")
StreamFurious to listen to streaming audio. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/63 "2009-11-28T20:57:11Z")
FYI, those of us with Android 1.6 devices (like the T-Mobile G1) can download an update to the Google Maps app that gives us the GPS Navigation functionality of the Android 2.0, like with the Droid. If only I had some place to go… ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2009, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/64 "2009-11-29T05:56:06Z")
Stupid question, but I couldn’t find an answer on the Verizon droid page. What kind of MP3 storage capability does it have? Anything at all, or do you have to stream everything. It is time for a new phone and a new MP3 player, and going on walks with only one of these would be awesome. ---
**Author:** ![ReuvenB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc348/32.png) [@ReuvenB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReuvenB)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/65 "2009-11-29T16:26:43Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > FYI, those of us with Android 1.6 devices (like the T-Mobile G1) can download an update to the Google Maps app that gives us the GPS Navigation functionality of the Android 2.0, like with the Droid. > > If only I had some place to go… Yep, used it last week for directions to thanksgiving dinner. In other awesome news, it works just fine without a mobile network connection as long as you get the directions and start Navigation before you disconnect. [Quote=Voyager] Stupid question, but I couldn’t find an answer on the Verizon droid page. What kind of MP3 storage capability does it have? Anything at all, or do you have to stream everything. It is time for a new phone and a new MP3 player, and going on walks with only one of these would be awesome. [/quote] Mine came with a built-in mp3 player, but you can find tons of stuff in the Android market as well. The Droid comes with a 16gb microsd card with storage, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2009, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/66 "2009-11-30T03:03:51Z")
> [@ReuvenB](#): > > Mine came with a built-in mp3 player, but you can find tons of stuff in the Android market as well. The Droid comes with a 16gb microsd card with storage, IIRC. Thanks. My daughter and son-in-law just got them, and they said 16 Gig too. I am definitely getting one - it will be good to out-geek people at work with iPhones. ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2009, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/67 "2009-11-30T04:03:30Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > it will be good to out-geek people at work with iPhones. If that’s your goal. Tricorder! ---
**Author:** ![Eleanor\_of\_Aquitaine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a88e4f/32.png) [@Eleanor\_of\_Aquitaine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleanor_of_Aquitaine)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2009, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/68 "2009-12-01T18:39:41Z")
I got a Motorola Cliq over the weekend, and so far I like it. Google Skymap is amazing. I’ve got the Amazon apps, a notepad app, the barcode reader, Shazam, and the Tricorder. T-Mobile has a firmware update out today for the Cliq. It supposedly has a fix to improve battery consumption. I hope it works, because my only complaint so far is that the battery doesn’t last long, even with Wi-fi and GPS turned off. ---
**Author:** ![cdsilv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cdsilv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cdsilv)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/69 "2009-12-02T20:16:40Z")
Google Places Directory - works w/google maps and turn-by-turn nav! WeatherBug Steel - a better browser Uno DailyStrip - comics Visual Voicemail CameraZoom fx Qik - stream video FROM your phone to your account on [qik.com](http://qik.com) Lapsedroid - time lapse photography ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2010, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/70 "2010-03-11T21:40:50Z")
I hope it’s not too late to bump this thread… Does anyone know of an app, preferably free, that cuts off all internet communication until you actually want it? Gonna go get the Tricorder now! ---
**Author:** ![Kolga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e56c9b/32.png) [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2010, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/71 "2010-03-19T21:45:39Z")
Another bump, so I apologize if it’s too zombie. JUST picked up my Droid and already love it more than is reasonable (or probably legal) for a device. I’m downloaded the Advanced Task Killer, Pandora, Skymap, BBC News, Facebook, The Weather Channel… So, I’m interested in a book reader - Alkido? Any others I have to have? I’m going to check out some of the ones already mentioned to see if they are things I’d use. ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2010, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/72 "2010-03-21T15:09:51Z")
> [@Astroboy14](#): > > I hope it’s not too late to bump this thread… > > Does anyone know of an app, preferably free, that cuts off all internet communication until you actually want it? > > Gonna go get the Tricorder now! Shortly after I posted this I figured out what “Airplane Mode” is for… :smack: Regarding the App Killer, apparently it may not be needed after all. [Cite.](http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-general-discussions/1480-please-read-do-not-worry-about-apps-running-background.html) ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/73 "2010-03-21T15:48:18Z")
> [@Astroboy14](#): > > Shortly after I posted this I figured out what “Airplane Mode” is for… :smack: > > Regarding the App Killer, apparently it may not be needed after all. [Cite.](http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-general-discussions/1480-please-read-do-not-worry-about-apps-running-background.html) The app killers help when it comes to battery life though. Androids are notorious for having terrible battery lives and you can charge a lot less (well…less anyway) if you kill em. Also, anyone know of an app that lets you read Wav. files? I want to get my Magic Jack voicemail via my phone and I can’t cuz it’s a wav ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2010, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/74 "2010-03-21T19:34:33Z")
There’s one called “Remote Wave”, but it’s not free… $2.98. I think I’ve seen a couple of free ones, but can’t seem to find them now so maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2010, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/75 "2010-03-25T20:14:00Z")
The only thing keeping my Droid from complete perfection is that I can’t send attachments via Gmail mobile. I can’t get to regular Gmail from work, and I’m job-hunting and don’t want to send resumes from my corporate account.\* There are other times when it would be handy to be able to send an attachment on the go, too. Does anyone know whether Gmail mobile doesn’t support sending attachments _period_, or whether it’s just a function of me not having something like DocsToGo installed? \*Please, allow me: I’m lucky to even have a job, how dare I complain about it being difficult to apply for new ones during the day, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543/76 "2010-04-13T18:20:08Z")
Resurrecting this thread to add something I just found that’s useful to me: **On Air** lets you access the phone as a network drive over wifi. Meaning you don’t need to have the USB cable on you. Works fine from my mac (using AppleTalk) and should work with windows and linux too (over WebDAV). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-got-an-android-phone-what-do-i-need/517543.md?page=3)