This one is coming at you straight from the personal experience department. Yesterday, my Evo began blasting friends and family with 25 to 30 text messages in repetitive fashion. Today, my wife's Evo started receiving multiples in the same fashion.
It was crazy times, and two calls to Sprint still had her device in a panic and me nervous about sending a text. That was until I said the word - Airave...
Once I mumble the word into the phone, the Sprint rep shoved me off to Airave support where 5 minutes later they were resetting my box. Apparently this is a known problem with the Airave support people and isn't general knowledge to the rest of the CSR's.
The warning signs to watch for are the scary "Radio Interface Resource Shortage" Error Code 64, Error Class 2 or the even easier to spot 'ghost messages' showing up multiple times a day. Once you see these, get outside where you have good coverage and call that magical *2 and get directly to Airave support. You'll thank us later.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Qik's New Premium Feature Takes Away From Long Time Users
Generally, first adopters get a bonus as a company grows and flourishes - or in most cases, gets bought out. Unfortunately, for EVO 4G users that have come to depend on Qik for Sprint on their devices, the new Premium service plan has cut the service level immensely from what was there previously.
From day 1, Sprint EVO 4G users could upload videos, chat away with friends and even share online streams with relatives with no additional cost. Today however, Qik announced for ALL users a new Freebie/Premium structure that decapitates the service that so many have been using for so long.
Beginning with the buyout of Qik by Skype (now a Microsoft company), the service level and quality of Qik has been dropping quickly. It began as an all-you-can-eat buffet of video sharing and streaming over Sprint's 4G network. Today, it has become a $5 bill to continue that usage. Sure, you still have the free option - capped at 25 uploads, but still offering the unlimited Qik to Qik service, and streaming (if it doesn't replace video #1 with the streamer)...
Basically, for EVO users, Qik was the fastest and easiest way to share videos with everyone on the internet. Today, we are now faced with paying that $5 fee per month or reassessing how to share videos or switching to YouTube, Facebook Video or another video sharing site to continue that practice over 25 flix. The chat service is easy enough to replace as Tango, Skype and for root users, GTalk are now all making use of the device's camera.
Overall, we just hope this prompts Sprint to allow bloatware removal on the 4G soon (maybe with one last update that fixes the Sense issue as well?) because for most avid video sharers, Qik just became dead weight and a hefty amount of storage space that isn't going to be used.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Maintenance Rollout For The Evo 4G Coming Soon
With hopeful eyes we read the amazing news of the HTC Evo's next maintenance upgrade coming in the next 10-14 days, just wishing to catch wind of a fix for the "Sense Loading Issue" that everyone loves so much. Unfortunately, the changelog made no mention of our little issue and that might be a good or bad thing... As for what was fixed, it was a pretty good list of issues -
HTC EVO Software Update - 4.53.651.1
Enhancements/Fixes:
- Integrated voice recognition accuracy with voice search and voice-to-text
- Image size issue with contact transfer over bluetooth
- Images cut off in Picasa
- Group contacts not in alphabetical order
- Out of memory, Unable to send SMS
Of these, obviously the voice recognition is the biggest issue, but the Picasa upload issue has been plaguing users for some time now as well. We can't recall ever sending a contact over bluetooth, but we're sure that's appreciated too. Recently, we've had a few days of network errors and Unable to send SMS problems, but that was probably either tower maintenance or just the network being busier than normal due to things like the east coast earthquake on Tuesday.
The rollout is expected sooner than later on this one as Sprint is probably going to make this the last update before ending the EVO's run in the next two months.
Important Notes:
- The new software version is: 4.53.651.1
- This update will be released in stages to devices over the next 1-2 weeks. When manually trying to initiate the update, you may receive a message that no update is available. Please be patient and check back later, or you may wait until the update is automatically sent to your device.
- Refer to the HTC EVO Software Update blog for install instructions.
Remember, root users, if you are rooted, this may delete the root feature from your device. If you are not rooted, you should receive the notice to update soon if you don't want to manually do it yourself.
HTC EVO Software Update - 4.53.651.1
Enhancements/Fixes:
- Integrated voice recognition accuracy with voice search and voice-to-text
- Image size issue with contact transfer over bluetooth
- Images cut off in Picasa
- Group contacts not in alphabetical order
- Out of memory, Unable to send SMS
Of these, obviously the voice recognition is the biggest issue, but the Picasa upload issue has been plaguing users for some time now as well. We can't recall ever sending a contact over bluetooth, but we're sure that's appreciated too. Recently, we've had a few days of network errors and Unable to send SMS problems, but that was probably either tower maintenance or just the network being busier than normal due to things like the east coast earthquake on Tuesday.
The rollout is expected sooner than later on this one as Sprint is probably going to make this the last update before ending the EVO's run in the next two months.
Important Notes:
- The new software version is: 4.53.651.1
- This update will be released in stages to devices over the next 1-2 weeks. When manually trying to initiate the update, you may receive a message that no update is available. Please be patient and check back later, or you may wait until the update is automatically sent to your device.
- Refer to the HTC EVO Software Update blog for install instructions.
Remember, root users, if you are rooted, this may delete the root feature from your device. If you are not rooted, you should receive the notice to update soon if you don't want to manually do it yourself.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
5 Minute App Review: Txt Msg Away Message
Txt Msg Away Message is a simple widget program that turns on an auto reply txt message that is sent to anyone that messages you while it's active. At the movies? Turn it on... Driving? Turn it on... In a meeting? Turn it on...
This app is so simple its downright scary. Of course, there are a few issues with the program, but the only "major flaw" we saw with it was the inability to play nicely with apps like GoSMS and Handcent. Other than that, with stock messaging programs, this app is a wonderful deal.
Txt Msg Away Message - 4 out of 5 stars - $1.99 available in the Amazon Appstore or Android Market
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Running A Business From The EVO4G: Employee Management
Sure, everyone in corporate America has been there, an employee calls in and tells you that they are sick, but they will do that spreadsheet, graphics project or other side project that they never have time for at the office. Most employers take advantage of this by letting the employee get paid for the day and getting those necessary projects done while they are out of the office. Unfortunately, most of the time, the employee spends about 45 minutes doing that project and then heads out to the mall, or lunch or another fun excursion on the companies dime. This gets us thinking about services meant for families, but not just limited to them.
Employee tracking has been around for some time, usually used by dispatchers to route delivery trucks or cab companies to route drivers, but has been applied in many ways. Smartphones have now brought software to the average company that normally wouldn't be able to use such features due to the cost of hardware and software. Today we are going to look at employee off-time productivity and how to make it more efficient.
Taking Work Home:
Taking work home is one of the most argued subjects on the planet. The nice part is that if you are cloud based - like Google Docs - you can have people all over the world simultaneously editing each others documents online and collaborating. The EVO's web browser does a great job with Google's mobile site for this and the GDocs app has even more power. The other nice feature about working this way is that documents are always backed up online - so if your hard drive fails after you've been editing for hours, you work isn't lost.
The other advantage to outfitting the office with EVO's is the wireless hotspot feature which allows your laptop to access the internet and share it's 4G connection with anyone around. Office work party at the park? Sure, why not...
Locating Services:
Finding out where employees are on their off time is a bit sketchy, but finding out where they are when they should be at work isn't all bad is it? If an employee decides to telecommute to the office for a day or two, shouldn't the employer be able to see them at home? It makes sense in our minds, and frankly, it should make sense in the employee's mind as well. With free software like Lookout, you can locate a users phone with the click of a mouse from the Lookout website. With Latitude, you can live track your employees everywhere they go - this feature works great with Google Business Email through Gmail.
You can also use this service to find the fastest responders for sales calls, repairs or trouble shooting issues. If you have a client that needs something yesterday, you can have your closest rep to the shop pick it up immediately and run in over to them faster than having their regular guy come back to the shop from 2 hours away and get it to them.
Meetings and Maps:
How many times have we been out and about and just hit the GPS button to find the closest Starbucks? This works great for client meetings as well. If you are on the way to the client's location and give them a quick call only to find out that they are at a meeting at a coffee shop on Pine, can you find them? Of course you can... Simply pop in coffee shops, Pine Street and see what comes up. Chances are the client won't mind if you offer to meet them at the same place they are at instead of missing out on seeing them for a few weeks.
The map feature on the EVO is very powerful. You can track friends, remember places and even navigate straight to them from the device. Saving your contacts will let you know exactly when and where to find them through the map program. There are even some 'location aware' apps that can send you reminders to visit clients or distributors when you are in their area.
Time Tracking:
Nothing kills the boss more than wasted time. Time management is one thing, but actually tracking the time you use for certain projects is even more important. TimeClock for Android gets our nod for this app for a few reasons. First, it is tablet compatible - which is great for those that are doing the whole Smartphone and Tablet thing. Second, export to spreadsheet is amazingly simple. Third, it has one touch access to punch in and out. And lastly, it's only $3.99 a license which for the amount of billable time you will start saving as a company will be paid off in about 6 minutes in most cases.
Not enough can be said for how much the EVO can do for your business and your employees. In the age where productivity is everything, there comes a point where the boss needs to have a little 'big brother' in them and we aren't talking about the CBS reality show here. Make sure you continue to check out our Evo Business guide as we will keep adding to this until Sprint EOL's the EVO.
Employee tracking has been around for some time, usually used by dispatchers to route delivery trucks or cab companies to route drivers, but has been applied in many ways. Smartphones have now brought software to the average company that normally wouldn't be able to use such features due to the cost of hardware and software. Today we are going to look at employee off-time productivity and how to make it more efficient.
Taking Work Home:
Taking work home is one of the most argued subjects on the planet. The nice part is that if you are cloud based - like Google Docs - you can have people all over the world simultaneously editing each others documents online and collaborating. The EVO's web browser does a great job with Google's mobile site for this and the GDocs app has even more power. The other nice feature about working this way is that documents are always backed up online - so if your hard drive fails after you've been editing for hours, you work isn't lost.
The other advantage to outfitting the office with EVO's is the wireless hotspot feature which allows your laptop to access the internet and share it's 4G connection with anyone around. Office work party at the park? Sure, why not...
Locating Services:
Finding out where employees are on their off time is a bit sketchy, but finding out where they are when they should be at work isn't all bad is it? If an employee decides to telecommute to the office for a day or two, shouldn't the employer be able to see them at home? It makes sense in our minds, and frankly, it should make sense in the employee's mind as well. With free software like Lookout, you can locate a users phone with the click of a mouse from the Lookout website. With Latitude, you can live track your employees everywhere they go - this feature works great with Google Business Email through Gmail.
You can also use this service to find the fastest responders for sales calls, repairs or trouble shooting issues. If you have a client that needs something yesterday, you can have your closest rep to the shop pick it up immediately and run in over to them faster than having their regular guy come back to the shop from 2 hours away and get it to them.
Meetings and Maps:
How many times have we been out and about and just hit the GPS button to find the closest Starbucks? This works great for client meetings as well. If you are on the way to the client's location and give them a quick call only to find out that they are at a meeting at a coffee shop on Pine, can you find them? Of course you can... Simply pop in coffee shops, Pine Street and see what comes up. Chances are the client won't mind if you offer to meet them at the same place they are at instead of missing out on seeing them for a few weeks.
The map feature on the EVO is very powerful. You can track friends, remember places and even navigate straight to them from the device. Saving your contacts will let you know exactly when and where to find them through the map program. There are even some 'location aware' apps that can send you reminders to visit clients or distributors when you are in their area.
Time Tracking:
Nothing kills the boss more than wasted time. Time management is one thing, but actually tracking the time you use for certain projects is even more important. TimeClock for Android gets our nod for this app for a few reasons. First, it is tablet compatible - which is great for those that are doing the whole Smartphone and Tablet thing. Second, export to spreadsheet is amazingly simple. Third, it has one touch access to punch in and out. And lastly, it's only $3.99 a license which for the amount of billable time you will start saving as a company will be paid off in about 6 minutes in most cases.
Not enough can be said for how much the EVO can do for your business and your employees. In the age where productivity is everything, there comes a point where the boss needs to have a little 'big brother' in them and we aren't talking about the CBS reality show here. Make sure you continue to check out our Evo Business guide as we will keep adding to this until Sprint EOL's the EVO.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Unlimited Everything - Under $50 a month?
Really, really... This is no gimmick, no craziness, no kidding... Sprint actually has available for all Android Powered Smartphones their Data Only Plan in the Relay Store. The Relay Store is for those that have a hearing disability or have issues with normal voice services. According to the Sprint website, "The Sprint Relay Store sells iconic and award winning devices and relay services including the best wireless value in the industry for for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or have a Speech-disability."
Now this is where it gets interesting. On the Data Only Plan - Sprint Relay Store Page it clearly states that the service plan is available for $29.99 for feature phones or $39.99 for smartphones. Where this starts to get interesting is using Skype's unlimited US voice calling plan with a Skype to Go number ($2.99 a month + $15 a year for the Skype to Go number) and getting unlimited voice/text/data for around $45 a month. While this is completely abusing the wonderful plan that Sprint has put in place for the hard of hearing, for the budget crunchers that need to have a cheap plan, it certainly offers that.
When asked for a comment about anyone signing on to this plan, a Sprint sales representative said they are not allowed to discriminate against those that hear fine and they would have to allow it. This plan also includes the Sprint VRS system that will encode all calls placed through your Sprint # to text - so be aware that you cannot use this service with voice calls - unless routed through your Skype number.
Enjoy the new found fun and excitement of the Data Only Plan though, hopefully it will roll out soon to the rest of the market as Smartphone users are more concerned now with data calls than voice minutes.
Now this is where it gets interesting. On the Data Only Plan - Sprint Relay Store Page it clearly states that the service plan is available for $29.99 for feature phones or $39.99 for smartphones. Where this starts to get interesting is using Skype's unlimited US voice calling plan with a Skype to Go number ($2.99 a month + $15 a year for the Skype to Go number) and getting unlimited voice/text/data for around $45 a month. While this is completely abusing the wonderful plan that Sprint has put in place for the hard of hearing, for the budget crunchers that need to have a cheap plan, it certainly offers that.
When asked for a comment about anyone signing on to this plan, a Sprint sales representative said they are not allowed to discriminate against those that hear fine and they would have to allow it. This plan also includes the Sprint VRS system that will encode all calls placed through your Sprint # to text - so be aware that you cannot use this service with voice calls - unless routed through your Skype number.
Enjoy the new found fun and excitement of the Data Only Plan though, hopefully it will roll out soon to the rest of the market as Smartphone users are more concerned now with data calls than voice minutes.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
5 Minute App Review: TCM Music Tag Editor
Finding the right ID3 editor is tough and we've seen quite a few different ones. They all have pluses and minuses, but our review today had more of the positives than negatives today.
TCM Music Tag Editor is a free program available from the Android Market. It's a very simple program that makes it quick and easy to navigate through your mislabeled tracks and even easier to correct them.
You select the song, correct the errors or use autofix to correct the problems. You can also fix the album artwork by selecting the box next to the cover art, you can scroll through the downloaded choices for that artist and albums.
The program is simple, small and works efficiently. The tagging seemed accurate, changes were made quickly and the library was updated immediately.
TMC Music Tag Editor: 4 out of 5 stars - Free in the Android Market
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