Lots of (n00b) Questions & Hello

[Arcalis]

Hello All,

This is my first post at Android Forums- it looks like a really helpful community so I'm hoping someone could take a few minutes to answer some questions that I have about my HTC Hero (T-Mobile G2). I only got the device yesterday and after many hours of playing, can't figure out the answers to these questions.

1. Is it possible to uninstall the default applications that come with the phone? eg. Peep, Stocks, Footprints. I will never use these applications so, ideally, would like them gone. I know how to uninstall applications I have personally installed from the marketplace but not default ones.

2. Is is possible to send a blanket text message to everyone in my address book? As the phone is new, I would like to send the same message to all my contacts, notifying them of the number change. Apart from typing each persons name manually, I can't find a way to do this (maybe it's not possible?)

3. I'm having problems with the 'Messages' widget on my homescreen. It doesn't actually take me to my messages! It takes me to the last screen I was using. For example, if I make a call, the next time I tap 'Messages' it takes me to the call ended screen. Is this a known software issue, because it's really annoying! Interestingly, it doesn't happen all the time.

4. My phone seems to be experiencing some of the slowdown that the initial reviews were talking about. I thought it would be helpful to post details of the current software versions on the phone so maybe someone could let me know. If it is out of date, is anyone able to explain how to easily update to the latest version?


Firmware Version: 1.5
Kernel Version: 2.6.27-0078c992
Build Number: 2.73.110.26 CL#69351
Software Version: 1.0.0.A6288

Sorry for launching into all these questions in my first post, but would really appreciate the help. Apart from these issues, the device is amazing. Certainly more customisable than an iPhone!

Many thanks.

Si

 

[myHTChero]

1 - you need to install the root (eclaire t.d) and delete it

 

[Arcalis]

1 - you need to install the root (eclaire t.d) and delete it

Thanks for the reply but I have no idea what that means! Could you elaborate?

 

[mez]

It means you have to hack your phone install a modified ROM.


2 from the market install handsent its a replacement sms app. Then yes you can. But you have to tick all of the people manually which is easy compared to typing all of the names.


Having too many widgets on screen can cause slowdown try putting a shortcut to messages rather then using the widget. See how you like it.

 

[Arcalis]

It means you have to hack your phone install a modified ROM.


2 from the market install handsent its a replacement sms app. Then yes you can. But you have to tick all of the people manually which is easy compared to typing all of the names.


Having too many widgets on screen can cause slowdown try putting a shortcut to messages rather then using the widget. See how you like it.

Thanks for the info. Just installed Handcent- some much better than the default app, thanks for pointing it out!

I'm also noticing slowdown when scrolling through contacts and installed applications. Maybe it's something that will get resolved with a software update?

Any ideas when we can expect to see a new version of the OS with Sense UI?

 

[pspbricker]

I'm no expert either, but recently updated mine to build nr 2.73.405.5, which made things better for me. Use HTC sync to connect to your PC (If your using windows 7, you'll have to search for more help on these boards), and under help, search for updates. Otherwise you can go straight to HTC.com for updates under support. Install a task killer which should free up memory and help slowdowns.

 

[Arcalis]

I'm no expert either, but recently updated mine to build nr 2.73.405.5, which made things better for me. Use HTC sync to connect to your PC (If your using windows 7, you'll have to search for more help on these boards), and under help, search for updates. Otherwise you can go straight to HTC.com for updates under support. Install a task killer which should free up memory and help slowdowns.

I've followed the guides to connect my phone to my PC (I'm using Windows 7) and that seems to be working fine. However, the HTC website doesn't show any phone updates on their website, just updates to HTC Sync.

I may get blasted for this, but I feel HTC missed a trick here- they should have provided an easy-to-use application that enables you to easily transfer music, documents and update your phone software, like iTunes + iPhone. Maybe one does exist but nothing in the (very sparse) literature that came with the phone mentions it.

The phone is great, but since I've had it I always feel like I really don't know what is going on with my own device! Maybe it's something that will improve with time??

 

[andy d]

Have you read the owners manual its in pdf format on your sd card.
That may have some answers to music transfers etc.

 

[Josh]

I've followed the guides to connect my phone to my PC (I'm using Windows 7) and that seems to be working fine. However, the HTC website doesn't show any phone updates on their website, just updates to HTC Sync.

I may get blasted for this, but I feel HTC missed a trick here- they should have provided an easy-to-use application that enables you to easily transfer music, documents and update your phone software, like iTunes + iPhone. Maybe one does exist but nothing in the (very sparse) literature that came with the phone mentions it.

The phone is great, but since I've had it I always feel like I really don't know what is going on with my own device! Maybe it's something that will improve with time??

For managing media, try installing doubletwist. It works on pc and mac.

 

[lekky]

Firstly install the update to the phone BEFORE you do anything else, this updates wipes everything from your phone, so doing anything before it is a complete waste of time.

The upgrade isn't available on hte HTC site for your phone, its on the TMobile site:

Link: T-Mobile - Help & Support [BOTTOM of the page]

October 2009: ROM Upgrade for G2 Touch

A software update is now available to download for the T-Mobile G2 Touch. This update is available for the G2 Touch only and is not compatible with any other Android handset.

Just follow these simple steps to complete the update:

Download the latest HTC synchronisation software. (Please note - This synchronisation software is not MAC compatible.)
Download the software ROM update for your G2.
View the instructions on how to install the new software.
Please follow these instructions carefully.

Downloading and updating your software may take some time due to the volume of interest there is in this latest update, so please be patient.

If you encounter any problems during this process, please refer to the HTC Support website where further assitance can be found.

Once you've done that, read the thread in my sig

1. Is it possible to uninstall the default applications that come with the phone? eg. Peep, Stocks, Footprints. I will never use these applications so, ideally, would like them gone. I know how to uninstall applications I have personally installed from the marketplace but not default ones.

Nope, don't worry about them in all honesty. You can do what I do tho, download an app called startup auditor, and disable those default apps from startingup with the phone, then they will be out of your life forever.

2. Is is possible to send a blanket text message to everyone in my address book? As the phone is new, I would like to send the same message to all my contacts, notifying them of the number change. Apart from typing each persons name manually, I can't find a way to do this (maybe it's not possible?)

Yes, you can do this with the default sms app easily (although I do recommend handsent)

Default: Messages > compose > in the phone number box press menu > people > then you can tick them all.

3. I'm having problems with the 'Messages' widget on my homescreen. It doesn't actually take me to my messages! It takes me to the last screen I was using. For example, if I make a call, the next time I tap 'Messages' it takes me to the call ended screen. Is this a known software issue, because it's really annoying! Interestingly, it doesn't happen all the time.

See if it stll happens after applying the updated ROM.

4. My phone seems to be experiencing some of the slowdown that the initial reviews were talking about. I thought it would be helpful to post details of the current software versions on the phone so maybe someone could let me know. If it is out of date, is anyone able to explain how to easily update to the latest version?

See above

 

[Arcalis]

Firstly install the update to the phone BEFORE you do anything else, this updates wipes everything from your phone, so doing anything before it is a complete waste of time.

The upgrade isn't available on hte HTC site for your phone, its on the TMobile site:

Link: T-Mobile - Help & Support [BOTTOM of the page]



Once you've done that, read the thread in my sig




Nope, don't worry about them in all honesty. You can do what I do tho, download an app called startup auditor, and disable those default apps from startingup with the phone, then they will be out of your life forever.



Yes, you can do this with the default sms app easily (although I do recommend handsent)

Default: Messages > compose > in the phone number box press menu > people > then you can tick them all.



See if it stll happens after applying the updated ROM.



See above

Thanks for taking the time to reply- you've provided a lot of helpful information! One thing I would like to clarify before I do this. You said that it will wipe everything from my phone....is there any way of backing up all my data before doing this, so that I can easily reimport all my contacts etc? I have read the instructions on the T-Mobile website- it says to back up your data but doesn't tell you how!

Sorry for all the dumb questions.

 

[mez]

if your contacts are "google contacts" then you dont need to worry about backing up your phone numbers, gmail will sync them auto.

other then that... search for htc hero backup in the search theres lots about backing up other things.

shout if you need a hand i might be around for a bit longer.