Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Instead, unfortunately, the Tab doesn't see the mobilehotspot wifi cloud when scanning for available networks. It's the same problem I found when testing with a much more primitive Chinese tablet with android 1.6.
My Nokia E51 phone, instead, sees the mobilehotspot network and uses it jolly good for browsing the 'net.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

That's a good question, and one that I can't answer with certainty. However I would guess that you would be able to use the SIM in your Tab with little concern (unless the usage agreement specifically forbids it, or is otherwise tied to the N900).

Of course making/placing calls is another matter. Depending on your phone frequency, the Tab may be less convenient to use in this regard.

Another option is to do a USB/BT tether for mobile access on the Tab. I hear that some are having trouble using the N900 as a WiFi hotspot.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I wonder why this is the case. Does it have to do with signal strength? Or is the Tab only tuned to seeing hotspot with a specific encryption settings? Is it something else?

It would be a shame if you couldn't tether it to the N900.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

For sure it isn't due to signal strength, because the two devices were close, and at the same distance of about 20cm the E51 had a perfect reception. And the mobilehotspot signal was not encrypted.

With a wifi scanner app on the Tab I'm able to see the mobilehotspot network, with a fairly strong signal, but when I press the widget on the app to connect, I am brought to the android wifi setup menu, where the mobilehotspot is lacking. When I manually enter the ssid, the Tab reports that the network isn't there.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is definitely a software bug, and is worth filing a bug report with Google.

For some reason, certain devices (incl. bluetooth headsets) don't work despite the same protocol. I suspect there may be slight variation in the protocols that Android isn't understanding.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Have a look at Using your N900 as a router

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Woah! Opera mobile for Android without hardware acceleration is already amazingly fast (~4m:00):
http://tctechcrunch.files.wordpress....mobile-oem.png
http://techcrunch.com/2010/10/15/opera-mobile-android/

The public beta may not have hardware acceleration, but already it's amazingly fast on the Galaxy S. I expect that it will also cook on the Galaxy Tab. The final version will likely be flawless.

Even though Opera Mobile doesn't have hardware acceleration, the fast scrolling experience is enough to make it my default browser -- unless it has some annoying feature that I'm not aware of, of course. ;)

Come to think about it, on the NIT, opera mobile uses a custom keyboard. This is fine as the NIT onscreen keyboard is anything but stellar. However, on Android, I think I would rather stick with the default keyboard that use the opera mobile keyboard, so here's hoping that this is not a problem.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Thanks for the response but I was meaning to use the bluetooth connection as I don't want to broadcast quite so widely & that approach eats the battery.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Hi Andy,
I've got the bluetooth mods for extra bluetooth protocols but it's more a case of getting the tablet to talk properly. If I still haven't sussed it by the next LUG meet then it's a subject for discussion until the beer makes such things less important!! lol

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is very interesting: It's a android running windows like a traditional desktop OS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5M42OLuTsI

Now, the implementation looks as though its ballz, but I admire the work, and like the fact that this type of thing is possible. I would much prefer connected layout panes as opposed to floating windows -- something similar to the blender UI. I end up arranging floating windows like this anyhow.

I guess it's a good thing the UI is resolution independent, eh? Otherwise an idea like this couldn't work.

Perhaps it could be made into an app? Multiview has a very nice ring to it, and on a 1024x600 screen, it may be useful in certain scenarios.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Had a mess about with this today and its dockable keyboard, N.O.V.A HD was alot of fun on it but the device looks fatter than its 11.9mm thickness would suggest.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Nice! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I agree that the design makes it look thicker that it probably is. I would like to measure it at its thickest point as my N810 is supposed to be 13mm and it looks positively thin to me and oddly looks thinner than the Tab.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

The app SPARE PARTS wins the most *weird* award. The app, and a bizarre technique, 'forces' apps that don't scale, to fill fit the screen as they should!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ZKlSQm2j7T...ptabscales.jpg
http://www.jkkmobile.com/2010/11/how...ll-screen.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zasSIA7sexM

I'm not sure how/why it works but it works, and takes care of those pesky 15% of applications/games that seem to be lacking full-screen capability. Perhaps it has something to do with an older UI API level.

A must watch for Tab owners.

EDIT: Ok so spare parts offers OS options that are not a part of the regular settings menu. JKK toggles a 'compatibility mode' using spare parts, that enables older apps to display better on more recent OSs.

From the android site:
You can read about it at the official android site:
http://developer.android.com/guide/p...ility-examples

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here are some interesting effects with 'spare parts'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npHNq9sZldc

One of the effects is an animated screen orientation rotation, which is neat. Another useful option is font size!

Take a look. It may be a *must have* app for the Tab.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

As suspected with Honeycomb coming soon there will be the arrival of many more android tablets from the big manufacturers.

LG have now announced they will have an 8.9 inch one for first quarter of next year.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/l...b-dual-core-t/

A bit too big for me unless it is a second tablet. Still need something smaller (7 inches) so can easily carry it around. But don't think I would go for two android tablets. Would prefer one android and one meego (although meego tablet is likely to be out in 2016).

Where is your android tablet HTC?

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Wow! This is a great find and certainly something to look out for. The size is a might large, but having viewed my netbook screen of the same resolution, it's not too bad; in fact, before the iPad was announced, I used to hold the netbook like a book, and touch the screen imagining that it was a tablet, and secretly hoping for a similar device.

I'm going to hold off a wee bit before purchasing the Tab as the competition is literally right around the corner, and there's no harm in comparing devices! I'm very interested in Tegra 2 general purpose and gaming performance.

I'm also interested to hear what UI updates are coming in the next version of the OS. Android is already capable of multi-pane displays, but perhaps there will be more functionality to make this easy for developers. Additionally, it would be neat to have multiple-window viewing on their devices to take advantage of the larger displays. I hope we hear something soon.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Hold the phone! It seems that the Tab may receive an official Honeycomb (Android 3) afterall!
http://www.samsunghub.com/wp-content...ds-on-main.jpg
http://www.samsunghub.com/2010/11/03...ycomb-updates/

At a press conference, Samsung India confirmed that the Tab would be receiving v2.3 and v3.0 in future updates. I suspect this is due to mounting pressure from other manufacturers. Either way, it's nice to know that the Tab will not be 'outdated' shortly after it ships!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

The next gen Tab could feature a 7" SAMOLED as Samsung has announced this component!
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget....10-11-03-2.jpg
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/s...kes-first-gen/

- The res is an amazing 1200x600 (very wide aspect ratio though: 2:1)
- Full production starts mid-2011
- Features all of the wonderful SAMOLED goodness

As full-tilt production will start mid-2011, do not expect this in devices for at least a year. Still its nice to know what the Tab 2 may have.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Oh, for multi-pane UI layout, you can also use the TabletLayout primitive in the Android UI (available since Android v1.0):
http://developer.android.com/referen...bleLayout.html

This element should accommodate single row tables (exactly one TableRow child) that subdivide a applications main UI. In this way, other UI primitives (ie. Listview) will be the children of the table row's elements. Moreover, using the setColumnShrinkable() and/or setColumnStretchable() calls, you can define which columns shrink or grow to meet the display dimensions. Nesting tables provides further organizational possibilities.

There you go. Multi-pane display. Easy peasy.

Prolific developers can attach all sorts of effects to these layout primitives to provide truly unique UIs. Further, as the UI elements allow for style definition, and is extensible, the UI is flexible enough to handle pretty much any challenge you throw at it.

I may just try my hand at an Android app. The problem is deciding what to write! I may use Scripting Layer for Android (SL4A) as I understand that it exposes the UI. This would result in quickly prototyped and developed apps -- and I don't want to spend a lot of time to start.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It looks as if World Of Warcraft may be coming to Android! Expect this to work exceptionally well on the lightning fast Tab:
http://images.androidcentral.com/sit...l-magazine.png
http://www.androidcentral.com/droid-...ss-dec-edition

In this DroidX ad, there seems to be a leak suggesting that the game is on its way. Thanks to the powerful PVR SGX540, if it runs well on the Droid X, it will run very well on the Tab.

This is great news for Android gamers and future Tab owners.

EDIT: False alarm!!! It's an existing app called 'remote auction house'
http://www.appbrain.com/app/wow-remo...m.blizzard.wow

Sorry to get everyones hopes up!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Looking to win a Tab? Samsung is giving away 100 Tabs! All you have to do is sacrifice your dignity on Youtube discussing 'freedom' and begging for a Galaxy Tab....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLJCZ5wjWmU

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It looks like Bell is releasing the Tab in Canada for $649.99. This is $50 more than I would ideally pay, but it's not terrible. Rogers will likely match this price, though I'm hoping that they do better!
http://www.androidcentral.com/sites/...56.11%20AM.png
http://www.androidcentral.com/bell-s...-november-16th

The good news is, that it's due out very soon.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is REALLY cool: The Galaxy S has been christened WiFi Direct certified by the powers that be.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget....wifidirect.jpg
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/s...ect-certified/

For those that don't know, WiFi direct is a way to connect devices directly via WiFi for very easy communication. This will make it possible to share files, print documents, stream media, play games, etc without needing a router or complex configuration settings. Your WiFi Direct device alerts other devices in the area that it can be connected to.
More info here: http://www.wi-fi.org/Wi-Fi_Direct.php

I expect that the Tab will get the same treatment.

This is one of those no-brainer features that until now has been overly complex or required deep technical insight to use. Thankfully, this standard should make it very easy to connect two devices together sans wires.

The uses of this tech are mind boggling and go way beyond simple file sharing.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It looks like the Gingerbread API level is getting bumped to 9!
http://androidandme.com/wp-content/u...pi-level-9.jpg
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/news...erbread-treat/
http://www.androidcentral.com/latest...ad-gingerbread

I'm interested to see the new UI primitives available to developers! I'm hoping that a new, more refined and balanced, default style is available for apps written for this API level!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

So this works effectively like how blue tooth does? You just find another equipped device and you can connect and transfer? Surely can't be that simple. Great if it is.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Yep, just like bluetooth. But ubiquitous (which modern device doesn't have WiFi?), likely less finicky, and much higher bandwidth.

I'm not sure if there's a battery life savings, though. Additionally, I wonder if WiFi power consumption is reduced in direct mode.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a video of Opera Mobile being run on the Galaxy S. Even without hardware acceleration, the browser is impressively smooth! The Tab should run this software at a similar clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbJPAPoOZho

Looking good!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's an interesting writup on WiFi Direct and compares it with Bluetooth 4.0 (both use 802.11):
http://www.pcworld.com/article/20877...supremacy.html

One point of interest is the WMM power save that WiFi Direct can use. It is supposed to result in 15% to 40% imrovement in battery life.

Bluetooth 4.0, offers a super-low power mode, though it remains to be seen how these technologies fare in real world testing.

I like the idea of WiFi direct -- use software and existing hardware rather than new chipsets to forge connections between devices. In fairness, Bluetooth 4 uses 802.11 as well, but it remains to be seen if it's implemented entirely in software.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Direct

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Let's not forget the biggest expense that weighs down on those goddam cellular radios and other components: PATENT FEES. The components and labor may not cost anywhere near as much as the PLETHORA of patents you have to license just to have the right to make your radio work a certain way with a certain frequency to work with certain hardware--and then there's patents on how you even fabricated the thing itself. Ugh. It typically takes a $20 piece of hardware and inflates it up to $200-300. I don't get the sense that Samsung is playing the Apple game. Apple has VERY few patents to contend with (with just one exclusive carrier at the moment) and has comparatively less reason to be so expensive.

Funny you're talking about this now--but I've used that app for quite a while now. It comes already pre-packaged in with the Bugless Beast ROM for Motorola Droid. :)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Nice! Not owning an Android device, I'm just learning about this wonderful app. But I'm loving the Tab functionality.

By the way, we've missed you in here! :)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a good post from a Mozilla veteran on the benefits of multiple app stores. I'm not sure if this is a formal proof ;), but I'm with the poster! Here's a quick excerpt:

http://blog.finette.co.uk/post/14732...ple-app-stores

I'm all for the idea of multiple app stores. Free competition equals more innovation.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I'm sure there are many more who'd wish I'd just disappear and stop blurting out these inconvenient details and questions I keep volunteering. :) Thanks for the sentiment, it's very much appreciated. heh

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Ruh Roh!

Looks like Firefox for Android is looking to capitalize on GPU accelerated browsing for ultra-smooth browsing as well as a face lift!
http://www.androidcentral.com/sites/...0_ffb4-1_0.png
http://www.androidcentral.com/sites/...50_ffbf4-2.png
http://www.androidcentral.com/firefox-4-steps-beta-2
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/appl...r-and-sleeker/

In addition to acceleration, Firefox for android is looking to capitalize on a little HTML5 compliance.

The stock android browser will be left to respond or have a large migration towards these other solutions.

I'm very glad that this major app is being given proper treatment. While the Android browser is very good, next to other popular devices, it can look painfully slow (especially with flash).

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I avoided installing Flash, myself. I have no need nor want for it on a handset device (the battery drain alone is good enough reason, let alone the potential for exploits, tracking cookies and the ever-annoying Flash ads begging for attention).

Having no flash makes the browser pretty decent, actually.. but for PLENTY of reasons, I far prefer using Dolphin on my Droid. I'll be quite happy to give Fennec/Firefox a try, though.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Agreed. Flash is a performance hog. Considering that adobe has had years to opimize its platform, its ridiclous that it runs so poorly. I will be quite pleased to be rid of it myself -- for example I use HTML5 for youtube with Google's beta program.

I wonder which is quicker: v8 and the HTML5 canvas or flash 10...

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It has been proven that Flash has less battery drain than HTML5 (+whatever else it needs to display animations or dynamic content).

Exploits are relative to the browser / OS it is running on.

I really don't understand the annoying ads comment...
I get ZERO annoying ads in Flash. I use a Flash blocker on all my internet enabled devices.
I actually get very few (not Flash) in some big websites that have a big ad before redirecting you to an article or something.

There are very annoying pop-up ads in JavaScript or whatever.
Does that mean you disable JavaScript completely on your browsers? Or do you just use pop-up ad blockers?

I get it, you don't like Flash, fair enough, I can live with that.
But stop making BS excuses for not liking or not wanting Flash.

Edit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgwi0lWgX8w

Imagine playing this on your desktop / tab / phone with no need for the developer to change the code.

Now try to do this on a browser with something else than Flash.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

who the f*** will use a tablet that size with a camera?! fckn ei!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here is a demo of the spare parts app showing the ability to run all apps in full screen on the Tab. Can't remember if this has been posted already.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zasSIA7sexM

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I'm not going to go into a whole flash debate, but yes: DOM manipulation and javascript animations/etc suck up just as much as flash do. They're both unnecessary but add graphical flare.

But to say that flash is more efficient at animation than these others, is not to say that it's efficient in the first place.

Here are a couple of reasons I would only use flash on demand
1) Flash continues to run after the browser is backgrounded -- sometimes sucking ~90% CPU
2) Not all flash apps are optimized like in adobes 'proof' test.
3) I find flash ads to be annoying and don't mind switching them off
4) Scrolling using the Android browser is slowed greatly with flash elements onscreen.
5) It's a memory HOG. Just check your chromium/chrome task manager and watch your memory disappear.

I like that I have the option to run flash content as the web is full of it (some good content too). But I wouldn't leave it on by default. It drains battery and slows the user experience.

Adobe should step up its game as they've had *years* to better optimize their platform, work with OSS vendors to create better integration, and open its codebase. But it still remains a resource HOG to this day.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Thanks etuoyo! Yeah, I 'broke' this story before Engadget lol. But an additional link never hurts!