Help New Incredible, new to smart phones

[Dead_Droid]

Hi, I'm new to smart phones in general, but I never expected it to be difficult just finding a pre-loaded tool for browsing my own stuff on Incredible. My cheap sliders and flip phones all had this ability without going through too much nonsense under their menu systems, but after transferring my files and videos from my PC to Incredible, I found it incredible that I could find no such file management system on Incredible. Is there really no pre-loaded application which allows you to view and manage your files without connecting Incredible to a computer first?

Where an application for something specific exists, such as a music player, I suppose I can manage my music file through the specialized app, but I can find no app for viewing videos at all (other than YouTube, and that's a web site). Again, I am stunned not to find this basic tool (I would call it basic for such a videocentric gadget as Incredible), however token the default viewers on gadgets tend to be.

I know what I can expect on the free phones, and am not very happy to get a bonus load of inconvenience with the extra power I paid for with this new smart phone, not when it's unnecessary (hell, my PC is no blunt axe, and has all the basics and shipped sans bloatware without me having to buy more). If I'm wrong, and these tools really do exist, can somebody please clue me in? If, after hours of studying all the options which seemed possible to me, I am correct that the above tools are missing, I'm open to reason if somebody has one. Otherwise, can you recommend available tools for downloading at no, or little cost? Any help is appreciated.

 

[FramCire]

have you gone to appbrain and searched for your needs?

or directly to the market?

Most of the apps on the market are free. You just need to find them. I am guessing others can give you a good video player, I downloaded one a while ago.

As for file management, I use Astro (again free in market).

You will find a bunch of things you wish your phone had, and all it takes is some footwork and a quick download on the market, and BAM, you got it.

I have a ton of apps I have downloaded and I have only paid for 2! (downloaded from the market!)

 

[Ebaumann]

I agree that it's stupid that it doesn't come with something to look through the files.. I mean. I have everything I need now but for someone that was new to smartphones too that just seemed like something they should have thought of.. also if I downloaded a file and didn't execute it right then, I couldn't go back to execute that file unless I downloaded something else to bring up the downloaded files screen... The fact that apps exist to do things doesn't mean that the phone manufacturers shouldn't at least try to have something pre loaded for these functions.

 

[FramCire]

I agree that it's stupid that it doesn't come with something to look through the files.. I mean. I have everything I need now but for someone that was new to smartphones too that just seemed like something they should have thought of.. also if I downloaded a file and didn't execute it right then, I couldn't go back to execute that file unless I downloaded something else to bring up the downloaded files screen... The fact that apps exist to do things doesn't mean that the phone manufacturers shouldn't at least try to have something pre loaded for these functions.

Normally, I would agree. HOWEVER, by not preloading (and when Verizon preloads, they generally wont allow you to uninstall) they allow you a choice of apps. You have market and that gives you a choice.

I use Astro File Manager for file management.

Also, there are a million things people think should be preloaded. The less, the better in my mind. I took my 3 week wait to get the phone to do research and set up a list on appbrain. When I got my phone, I synced and BAM I had everything I needed and MY CHOICE of programs for things like this. I will choose choice over Verizon loading my phones up with apps they get a kickback for putting on my phone.

 

[sabrewings]

Normally, I would agree. HOWEVER, by not preloading (and when Verizon preloads, they generally wont allow you to uninstall) they allow you a choice of apps. You have market and that gives you a choice.

I use Astro File Manager for file management.

Also, there are a million things people think should be preloaded. The less, the better in my mind. I took my 3 week wait to get the phone to do research and set up a list on appbrain. When I got my phone, I synced and BAM I had everything I needed and MY CHOICE of programs for things like this. I will choose choice over Verizon loading my phones up with apps they get a kickback for putting on my phone.

Quoted for truth. I use Androzip.

 

[Dead_Droid]

Normally, I would agree. HOWEVER, by not preloading (and when Verizon preloads, they generally wont allow you to uninstall) they allow you a choice of apps. You have market and that gives you a choice.

I use Astro File Manager for file management.

Also, there are a million things people think should be preloaded. The less, the better in my mind. I took my 3 week wait to get the phone to do research and set up a list on appbrain. When I got my phone, I synced and BAM I had everything I needed and MY CHOICE of programs for things like this. I will choose choice over Verizon loading my phones up with apps they get a kickback for putting on my phone.

Thanks, FramCire, for the suggestions, much appreciated!

However, if HTC/Verizon was so concerned with leaving me the choice, then perhaps it would leave for my choice which music player, which picture viewer, which web browser I may be interested in, and then whether or not I may be interested in YouTube, or participation in Facebook, Twitter, etc. The bloatware list is truly stupendous! Anyway, there are applications and lots of alternatives available for cheap phones too, so why do they come standard equipped with all the functionality which they are capable of? Games are a personal choice, and so are most standard core OS components, but the OS isn't complete without all of it's components included in some form! Therefore your argument doesn't hold, and the buyer should not be complacent about this. I stand by my position that none should violate the unwritten rule that starter applications for certain basic functions are to be expected, and should never be excluded, and that to do so is to cheat me out of what I paid for - whether I choose to replace them or not.

Program shopping and installation takes time even when the apps are free, and if I must spend my time dealing with this before I can even get a general idea just what my Incredible is capable of, then some HTC CEO needs a "BAM" in the face!

 

[Phydeaux]

Where an application for something specific exists, such as a music player, I suppose I can manage my music file through the specialized app, but I can find no app for viewing videos at all (other than YouTube, and that's a web site).

Click: Photos> All Videos. All the videos, whether on your phone or on the SD card should appear there.

 

[sabrewings]

but the OS isn't complete without all of it's components included in some form!

Who says a phone OS is required to have a file manager? I don't remember seeing that "rule" anywhere...

It's definitely not a starter application, since newbs can definitely screw up some of their apps by messing with the wrong files.

 

[Dead_Droid]

Who says a phone OS is required to have a file manager? I don't remember seeing that "rule" anywhere...

It's definitely not a starter application, since newbs can definitely screw up some of their apps by messing with the wrong files.

The same baloney would then have to apply with each PC when sold, but this is clearly not the case! Why is the notion so strong that I'm not discussing this with other consumers at all, but HTC/Verizon employees?

 

[sabrewings]

The same baloney would then have to apply with each PC when sold, but this is clearly not the case! Why is the notion so strong that I'm not discussing this with other consumers at all, but HTC/Verizon employees?

PCs have always been based off file management. These phones may be powerful computer-like devices, but they're not computers. They are phones. Show me a standard for the past decade that phones have had file management systems...

I'll be honest. Your post sounds like whining for a reason that the rest of us are pretty much laughing at. That's why you're not getting response you expect, I guess.

 

[Dead_Droid]

PCs have always been based off file management. These phones may be powerful computer-like devices, but they're not computers. They are phones. Show me a standard for the past decade that phones have had file management systems...

I'll be honest. Your post sounds like whining for a reason that the rest of us are pretty much laughing at. That's why you're not getting response you expect, I guess.

Ooooh, my favorite word, "whining"! Such a beautiful word - it's beauty lies in it's power to instantly shut up anyone issuing the smallest complaint, no matter how appropriate their righteous indignation. It thereby allows the powerful producer to cheat any standard, and then redefine it according to his own greed-fulfilling convenience!

Do you really need proof that video players and file management systems exist on most standard phones which allow the transfer of media files? As stated, mine all do (I have used at least five of different makes since they first existed), so go check one out for yourself. Regular phones which can play video have always shipped with the tools installed to play video. Same goes with file management, even though it's primitive compared to Windows/Mac/Gnome-like tools.

By the way, I looked up the Astro file manager, and the posted comments on at least one download site state that this app is currently pitching ads as the price for not having to shell out money. While I can certainly understand the software engineer's interest in being paid, if there's anything more aggravating than having to deal with ads popping up in your face while your browsing the web, it would have to be dealing with the same while your occupied with the precarious task of file management. That sort of distraction actually sounds kinda dangerous, at best! This is probably the best reason for holding the OS designer, specifically you HTC/Google people (if not Verizon too) responsible for failure to include this in the paid system package. When it's me you cheat, you will feel the heat!

As for the rest of you laughing at the issue I raised, not everyone here is. Not those who have never used a standard phone, or were led to expect their smart phone to be as complete in the PC or Mac department as a PC or Mac. The fact of the matter is that smart phones really are small mobile computers with phone included, and maybe GPS, and there are certain components by which those who were in this world during the introduction of the very first graphical user interface system will always define a GUI, and will continue to demand. Those of you are complacent about the missing elements which you paid for anyway simply don't know what you should expect and demand, and those who promote such complacency are likely in the paid capacity of brainwashing the next generation.

If you are laughing about having to spend hours hunting for the tools which most people aren't that picky about anyway, then you are probably laughing at so many fools for pretending it isn't a problem that they get to make you even richer by doing the work which you are responsible for, when they should be holding you responsible for it. Such people would be using aggressive language to intimidate those who know better, but are young enough to succumb to peer pressure. There is simply no word which would justly characterize a man who manipulates the market in such a way.

 

[sabrewings]

Do you really need proof that video players and file management systems exist on most standard phones which allow the transfer of media files?

Umm, both exist on the Incredible as is out of the box. It's called Drag-and-Drop

As stated, mine all do, so go check them out for yourself. Regular phones which can play video have always shipped with the tools installed to play video.

So does the Incredible. The "picture" app plays videos. Maybe you should consult your manual before saying your phone doesn't come with something.

y the way, I looked up the Astro file manager, and the posted comments on at least one download site state that this app is currently pitching ads as the price for not having to shell out money. While I can certainly understand the software engineer's interest in being paid, if there's anything more aggravating than having to deal with ads popping up in your face while your browsing the web, it would have to be dealing with the same while your occupied with the precarious task of file management. That sort of distraction actually sounds kinda dangerous, at best! This is probably the best reason for holding the OS designer, specifically you HTC/Google people (if not Verizon too) responsible for failure to include this in the paid system package. When it's me you cheat, you will feel the heat!

You really have no idea what you're talking about. A lot of apps have ads and you hardly ever know they're there. It's not like pop-ups on the internet. They're usually a very small banner at the bottom which doesn't make noise, flash, or anything distraction. Easily ignored. If you don't like that aspect, you're not going to like a lot of apps out there.

If it really does bother you, like I mentioned earlier I use Androzip. Zip capability, file management, etc just like Astro but no ads.

Look, I know you said this is your first smart phone, but you have a lot of preconceptions about how they work for not having used any before...

 

[euph_22]

PCs have always been based off file management. These phones may be powerful computer-like devices, but they're not computers. They are phones. Show me a standard for the past decade that phones have had file management systems...

Yes, smartphones ARE computers. A computer is a programmable device that can process, retrieve and store data. More importantly, the modern smartphone contains all the components common to all modern computers (cpu, GPU, storage, ram, etc). It even runs a a variant of an operating system used on "real" computers (android is a variant of linux).

 

[sabrewings]

Yes, smartphones ARE computers. A computer is a programmable device that can process, retrieve and store data. More importantly, the modern smartphone contains all the components common to all modern computers (cpu, GPU, storage, ram, etc). It even runs a a variant of an operating system used on "real" computers (android is a variant of linux).

So do the carputers I used to build. I'm well aware of the hardware running on these phones as well as the code within them (probably a lot better than most). But that doesn't mean someone should moan and groan about some little option that's freely available but isn't included out of the box. Yes I know these phones are more powerful than laptops a decade ago, that still doesn't change that it's a phone and the OP is going on complaining about things when simple solutions have been presented to him.

Be glad Verizon didn't include a file manager for you because it probably would've sucked like most other things they include. Just more useless info added to the ROM file size.

 

[euph_22]

Be glad Verizon didn't include a file manager for you because it probably would've sucked like most other things they include. Just more useless info added to the ROM file size.

true enough...I didn't even notice it didn't have a file manager/explorer. I just installed astro as soon as I got the thing, knowing that it'd be better than any included manager.

IMHO they should include one, it's pretty important (it's not a little option to be able to access your files). But it's not a big deal that it's missing, since there are 1.3 gazillion (10^gazth power?) on the market.

 

[Dead_Droid]

So do the carputers I used to build. I'm well aware of the hardware running on these phones as well as the code within them (probably a lot better than most). But that doesn't mean someone should moan and groan about some little option that's freely available but isn't included out of the box. Yes I know these phones are more powerful than laptops a decade ago, that still doesn't change that it's a phone and the OP is going on complaining about things when simple solutions have been presented to him.

Be glad Verizon didn't include a file manager for you because it probably would've sucked like most other things they include. Just more useless info added to the ROM file size.

Thank you for reiterating my point - that most of the crap which Verizon decided to include is nothing that I want, even if I would have it in any form (which is not the case for much of the included apps). Windows file management software is usually beyond suckass as well, but if it works at all, it's much better than nothing. So long as I can use it at all, I'll probably keep using it because I'll be much too busy trying to find the programs which I would not expect to be installed as part of the OS to be bothered with re-tooling the OS.

It is because of Verizon's (or was it HTC or Google's?) decision to waste my storage space with applications which only some would have an interest in that there is absolutely no defense of their failure to include even a simple file management too (which all smart phone users would find useful) which would fail to make an ass of it's presenter. If you manage your own PC, you use a file manager, and it works no different with a smart phone. You and I both know that anyone who is not computer savvy enough to manage his own files would not be using a smart phone.

I stand by my demand that no standard OS elements be excluded, no matter how quickly I can fix it for myself. I may spend a thousand percent the time which one of your "BAM" fixes would take, and of course I'll do what I must to get the system working, but I believe the consumer deserves respect, and this is a time where nothing has been more fiercely under assault than this. It's why consumers should never be quiet about any infraction against their code, however minor it may seem. If you can expect basic file management functionality under a "My Stuff" menu item in any free phone, then it should not be missing when I've paid hundreds of dollars for an upgrade. If you're happy enough to just go shop the Google market and forget about it, that's fine for you, but I will fight the promotion of such complacency, as it is a slippery, avalanche-prone slope, and it's the same scum who plundered Wall Street a few years ago who are now tossing the initial rocks, laughing, from the top of the mountain. Soon, you'll pay as much as you do now for a smart phone, but you won't get any OS at all without having to go shop Google-Mart first! It wouldn't really be that much unlike the shit which I've already seen.

 

[Dead_Droid]

Click: Photos> All Videos. All the videos, whether on your phone or on the SD card should appear there.

Thanks! It turns out you're right!

 

[Dead_Droid]

Thanks all for cluing me in on the toy computer culture!

I did at least manage to find a decent free file manager, and it turned out to be ES File Exp. If you've been putting up with Astro ads, or some browser which has been force-crashing on you, you may want to check this out. Just about all the comments seem to be from happy users, who report neither of these. I know I love the interface.

 

[dscribe]

I think it just turns a lot of people off to have to read all the griping and complaining about Verizon. We are not Verizon, if you want to complain to them that is your choice of course. In terms of getting help here, a little honey attracts a lot more flies than vinegar. If you had just done nothing more than nicely asked for hints on a good, ad-free, file manager you could download and use in short order, well, this thread would probably have more helpful posts. btw, yes ES file explorer works well, that's what I use as well.

 

[brian0488]

If it's really that big of a deal, root and delete all the bloatware.

It does sound like whining to me.... you don't like all the "junk" they put on the phone but you think it's missing features.

I guess there's only one thing to do - start your own company and build the phone you want from the ground up.

 

[lynnis]

look everyone, i know i'm a bit late in the conversation, but i think dead droid should be given a break. i know exactly where he's coming from because i'm in the same situation. i just got my smart phone too, deciding to have a change from my nokia and being influenced by all the hype. i must say, i expected this magical piece of equipment and if not that, at least to have all i used to enjoy in my nokia. what i got instead was a culture shock (of a sort). I was totally unprepared for the absence of all the things i used to take for granted. i was totally ignorant of what to expect with these smart phones till i got one. i have had to painstakingly crawl and trawl my way in and around all sorts of websites, forums (or is it fora?), until i learnt, gathered that u have to install stuff to get anything from your phone before i could even be able to find anything saved from my computer to my sd card in the first place. ok, lesson learnt. on to the next. i don't happen to have internet connection on my phone. only in my pc. so what i would like to know here is, is there a way to get these downloaded apps, like astro file manager, into my phone and have them work, straight from my pc to my phone via usb?