Nexus 4 Owners Thread - apps, tips & tricks!

budhabob

lord lucan wrote: »

It took exactly 1 week to arrive.

Cheers. Just ordered there.

HTML5!

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but...

... if you have a Nexus 4 and download 'Box' from the play store you get 50GB of cloud storage.

Pretty cool.

celticsfan

Does anyone elses wifi connection at home seem to be really slow on this phone? not really impressed so far with it..:(

rhonin

celticsfan wrote: »

Does anyone elses wifi connection at home seem to be really slow on this phone? not really impressed so far with it..:(

It's fine on my phone. Are there any other devices connected to the wifi? Are they experiencing any speed issues? Have you rooted the phone and flashed any ROM?

keith16

HTML5! wrote: »

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but...

... if you have a Nexus 4 and download 'Box' from the play store you get 50GB of cloud storage.

Pretty cool.

hmm...says 5GB on the app?

celticsfan

rhonin wrote: »

It's fine on my phone. Are there any other devices connected to the wifi? Are they experiencing any speed issues? Have you rooted the phone and flashed any ROM?

Nope all stock,just have it over 3 weeks,but downloading large files from email is very slow..from looking at google it seems alot of people have this issue.. the only other device on the wifi is the house pc...

Gran Hermano

celticsfan wrote: »

Does anyone elses wifi connection at home seem to be really slow on this phone? not really impressed so far with it..:(

No problem here over WiFi
http://www.speedtest.net/android/389326843.png



I'm also streaming some video on the same WiFi network so not getting as high as normal

celticsfan

Gran Hermano wrote: »

No problem here over WiFi
http://www.speedtest.net/android/389326843.png



I'm also streaming some video on the same WiFi network so not getting as high as normal

Ok thanks guys, I dont know,maybe its a 4.2 issue... but more than likely its probably eircoms crap service and no doubt a new router is due as well..

moggser

Gran Hermano wrote: »

No problem here over WiFi
http://www.speedtest.net/android/389326843.png



I'm also streaming some video on the same WiFi network so not getting as high as normal

Mine does be a little slow also not sure what it is... Battery sux too

Gran Hermano

I'm on 4.2.2. Is there a valid reason why you are not on latest version?

celticsfan

Gran Hermano wrote: »

I'm on 4.2.2. Is there a valid reason why you are not on latest version?

No,im on 4.2.2, i just forgot to type an extra 2 in my previous post:D

celticsfan

Just got the wifi issue sorted,if anyone having the same problem,try changing the channel on your router..simples.

My Back Pages

Is anyone else finding the phone doing odd things when left charging overnight?

Mine has been charging to 100% and then dropping down throughout the night after that point (waking up to 60% battery sometimes). But the battery settings screen is showing "charging' for the whole time

Have tried different cables, and the issue isn't happening on my nexus 7 with the same cables

super_furry

There's a new Android Humble Bundle out http://www.humblebundle.com/. Six games for just over €5 or so. They have a decent app now too for updating and managing your Humble Bundle android games.

advertsfox

If anyone can't afford or obtain the charging orb, I suggest this charging dock. It's very attractive and has an attachment so you can put in your phone if it has a case too. Mate in work gave me his but it's only £15 off Amazon. I was thinking of getting another one to mount in my car or remove the USB part altogether as a dock



http://www.amazon.co.uk/FoneBoy-Case-Mate-Desktop-Charging-Compatible/dp/B00AJW15PI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362762638&sr=1-1

iggy

This item can't be shipped to Ireland is what I'm getting.

gunnerfitzy

advertsfox wrote: »

If anyone can't afford or obtain the charging orb, I suggest this charging dock. It's very attractive and has an attachment so you can put in your phone if it has a case too. Mate in work gave me his but it's only £15 off Amazon. I was thinking of getting another one to mount in my car or remove the USB part altogether as a dock



http://www.amazon.co.uk/FoneBoy-Case-Mate-Desktop-Charging-Compatible/dp/B00AJW15PI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362762638&sr=1-1

Hi guys,

I've ordered one of the above along with one of these for the car off Amazon. Same seller: Giraffe Distribution




I used my Parcel Motel shipping address. They were shipped last week!!

KevIRL

iggy wrote: »

This item can't be shipped to Ireland is what I'm getting.

Parcel Motel will take care of this

iggy

KevIRL wrote: »

Parcel Motel will take care of this

Cheers
I just ordered one. Will be handy to charge beside my bed.

MiCr0

anyone else getting huge cpu usage from the facebook app?
or problems with delayed notifications?

my n4 is fine, but my brothers has both of these issues

Riesen_Meal

MiCr0 wrote: »

anyone else getting huge cpu usage from the facebook app?
or problems with delayed notifications?

my n4 is fine, but my brothers has both of these issues

Facebook app has always been a bit off on Android IMO, it seems to be because the site updates the code so often they don't consult the app developers to let them know...

And it constantly send/receives data...

I just use browser and view from there:

m.Facebook.com

lemon_remon

The facebook app is awful and facebook in general is awful. They're more concerned with clever hacks than actually building anything stable. Just look at what they had to do to get the app working on old versions of android.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-engineering/under-the-hood-dalvik-patch-for-facebook-for-android/10151345597798920

budhabob

Did anyone pick up the official Bumper? It seems to be consistently out of stock on google play. Has anyone found one elsewhere?

Zonda999

budhabob wrote: »

Did anyone pick up the official Bumper? It seems to be consistently out of stock on google play. Has anyone found one elsewhere?

I went for the poetic bumper. Has anyone else here plumped for that?

The official one was really expensive and forever out of stock

JKGT

budhabob wrote: »

Did anyone pick up the official Bumper? It seems to be consistently out of stock on google play. Has anyone found one elsewhere?

Didn't manage to pick up the official bumper but got one of these poetic borderline bumpers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AG0D52O/ref=mw_dp_img?is=l

Happy enough after 1 weeks use I'm using a front and back screen protectors as well..

Zero-Cool

Can anyone tell me if you can change the background for SMS messages?

wayne040576

I have my N4 about 2 weeks now. I really need to get a case.

I'm considering the Rearth Fusion
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Google-Selling-Premium-Package/dp/B00B7QGT6U/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I've heard the 'clear' back is a little cloudy on them though.

or this carbon fibre case:
http://www.bodyguardz.com/armor-carbon-fiber-google-nexus-4.html?dir=asc&order=sort_priority

Any opinions on either?


Thanks.

EGriff

I would just get a back cover or skin like the dbrand ones (waiting for mine in the post). I've had my N4 for nearly 3 months and its fine without a case except for the back glass. Mine has tiny scratches but the phone is spotless otherwise and the phone is too nice to put in an ugly case IMO.

Although my HTC Desire was nearly spotless too after 3 years caseless use so YMMV.

moggser

sheehy83 wrote: »

Can anyone tell me if you can change the background for SMS messages?

if you download handsent sms from the play store you can customize it

wayne040576

EGriff wrote: »

I would just get a back cover or skin like the dbrand ones (waiting for mine in the post). I've had my N4 for nearly 3 months and its fine without a case except for the back glass. Mine has tiny scratches but the phone is spotless otherwise and the phone is too nice to put in an ugly case IMO.

Although my HTC Desire was nearly spotless too after 3 years caseless use so YMMV.

I like the Dbrand titanium skin. Do they stop the phone sliding? Mine fell off a flat table onto the carpet (luckily) last night.
Another reason I want to get a case is to raise it slightly off the surface so I can hear the external speaker better.

EGriff

wayne040576 wrote: »

I like the Dbrand titanium skin. Do they stop the phone sliding? Mine fell off a flat table onto the carpet (luckily) last night.
Another reason I want to get a case is to raise it slightly off the surface so I can hear the external speaker better.

I'm waiting for mine to come in the post but they are made of vinyl so apparently they make the back much less slippy. That's the main reason I bought one, the phone slides on the slightest slope and a few times I've barely caught it in time.

They are very thin though so I don't think they'll help with your speaker issue.

budhabob

I have purchased the dbrand backing (titanium) and I am currently awaiting delivery. But having smashed the back (hence the cover) I am a little wary of doing more damage. Might try out the poetic bumper and see how I get on.

wayne040576

budhabob wrote: »

I have purchased the dbrand backing (titanium) and I am currently awaiting delivery. But having smashed the back (hence the cover) I am a little wary of doing more damage. Might try out the poetic bumper and see how I get on.

Just a warning, I've seen some bad reviews about the poetic bumper related to the rubber peeling off.

Some reviews are here but I have seen comments about it on Youtube also.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-Borderline-Bumper-Google-Warranty/dp/B00AG0D52O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363094799&sr=1-1

EGriff

My dbrand skin arrived and I just stuck it on now. Very easy to apply. Looks good, wish I'd got it before the glass back got covered in scratches.

rhonin

EGriff wrote: »

My dbrand skin arrived and I just stuck it on now. Very easy to apply. Looks good, wish I'd got it before the glass back got covered in scratches.

Mine just arrived. As you said, they are very easy to apply and looks great as well.

budhabob

rhonin wrote: »

Mine just arrived. As you said, they are very easy to apply and looks great as well.

When did you both order? When was it dispatched?

I ordered last Sunday and it was dispatched last Thursday.

rhonin

budhabob wrote: »

When did you both order? When was it dispatched?

I ordered last Sunday and it was dispatched last Thursday.

I ordered last Monday. It was dispatched on Thursday and arrived today.

budhabob

rhonin wrote: »

I ordered last Monday. It was dispatched on Thursday and arrived today.

Nothing today, maybe tomorrow so.

BeanFlicker

rhonin wrote: »

I ordered last Monday. It was dispatched on Thursday and arrived today.

Same here, my arrived today in a nice black envelope, ordered last Monday. Haven't put it on yet as i'm waiting for my bumper arrive.

Reviews aren't great on the poetic bumper so I ended up going for this, bit more expensive, link-ebay, will report back on quality when I get it

MayoForSam

wayne040576 wrote: »

Just a warning, I've seen some bad reviews about the poetic bumper related to the rubber peeling off.

Some reviews are here but I have seen comments about it on Youtube also.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-Borderline-Bumper-Google-Warranty/dp/B00AG0D52O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363094799&sr=1-1

Apparently the design flaw with the Poetic bumper has been fixed and they offer free replacements under warranty. I'm going to buy one from Amazon to try it out.

I've also ordered a Dbrand skin for the back and I just received an XtremeGuard screen protector today. My phone will hopefully be as protected as Fort Knox once I'm done.

Zonda999

I ordered a green poetic bumper. It dispatched Monday so will get it Thursday hopefully. Wouldn't mind just getting some plastic "screen" protectors for the back as well but had a quick look and they don;t seem to be going?

wayne040576

MayoForSam wrote: »

Apparently the design flaw with the Poetic bumper has been fixed and they offer free replacements under warranty. I'm going to buy one from Amazon to try it out.

I've also ordered a Dbrand skin for the back and I just received an XtremeGuard screen protector today. My phone will hopefully be as protected as Fort Knox once I'm done.

Unfortunately it seems even the fixed models have the same problem. Just takes a little longer to happen:

I got my new case today. I will wait for few weeks to see what happens. If the problem returns I will update this review.

* UPDATE AFTER 3 WEEKS:
My replacement case does not show any signs of falling apart yet. The first one started splitting just after a week so three weeks is quite encouraging. Seems like Poetic used a stronger glue on their new batch.

* UPDATE AFTER 1 MONTH
Still going strong. No issues so far. I'd be interested to hear if anyone who ordered their case after 10 January had a faulty one.

* UPDATE AFTER MONTH AND 1 DAY - not so good news.
Had to take off the case to take out my SIM. As I was putting it back the rubber part covering the power button separated from the plastic. My first lasted 10 days the second just over a month. I really like this case and Poetic but right now I am disappointed. I'll keep it on 3 stars since they have the best customer service I have come across.

* They offered me yet another replacement free of charge. How much longer can this go on?

* UPDATE 27/02/13
I received my second replacement today and I've put it on straightaway. I am not sure whether my new case is from the very last batch which Poetic say is the "Final Fixed Version". I really like the new coloured cases. I guess I will get one if I am confident that it will last. So I now have 3 cases for the price of one, though two faulty ones. I glued those cases where they were splitting and they are still fit for purpose.
In the meantime I thought I'd give the Shenit Bumper Case for Google Nexus 4 TPU Cover LG E960 Protector - White/Silver a try. This looks like a very decent replica of the "official" Nexus bumper. I have only seen the official case on pictures so I cannot compare the quality, but it looks identical. However, I still like the Borderline better when it works. It's much better fit. The Shenit actually feels bit bulkier, adds more width to the phone than the Borderline by Poetic. My Shenit was also a bit loose on the volume rocker side and the volume rocker itself appeared bit retracted inside the case and did not have such a nice clicky feel as the power button on the other side of the case. Also the Borderline perfectly covers the phone's chrome edges. The Shenit replica covers the chrome on the sides but the chrome on the top and the bottom phone is visible and to me that does not look very nice. I'll try to upload some photos for comparison later.

groom

wayne040576 wrote: »

Just a warning, I've seen some bad reviews about the poetic bumper related to the rubber peeling off.

Some reviews are here but I have seen comments about it on Youtube also.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Poetic-Borderline-Bumper-Google-Warranty/dp/B00AG0D52O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1363094799&sr=1-1

I'm using the Poetic cover about a month now. No sign of any peeling. More recent review updates from people that returned problem ones and got sent replacements indicate that later batches have solved the peeling issues. I would recommend it. Far cheaper than the OEM one.

groom

Anyone bought an MHL cable to mirror your Nexus to a TV? Any good?

I've seen this

and this

MayoForSam

groom wrote: »

Anyone bought an MHL cable to mirror your Nexus to a TV? Any good?

I've seen this

and this

I would wait and see if a wireless dongle using in-built Miracast in Android 4.2 will do the trick: http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/hands-on-netgear-push2tv-for-miracast-and-widi-2013019/

Wireless streaming to your TV from your Nexus 4 = win.

witnessmenow

groom wrote: »

I'm using the Poetic cover about a month now. No sign of any peeling. More recent review updates from people that returned problem ones and got sent replacements indicate that later batches have solved the peeling issues. I would recommend it. Far cheaper than the OEM one.

I also have the poetic bumper for about a month, no sign of peeling either.

T-b0n3

Got my Nexus and its lovely looking, very happy. Managed to root it too. Yet to get any benefits from that. Can't even find adfree/adblock!

But my play store is still in GBP. I know others on here had that problem and fixed it by changing the credit card details back to IE. I have removed the parcel motel address. Removed my CC and put it back in. I have waited all day, still nothing. Every thing in my google account says Ireland. Except the language, which is English. What am I missing? :S

And also, a bigger deal, my micro sim that works perfect in my Lumia 800 isn't recognised by my N4. Guess I'll just have to go get a new sim from Meteor, and hope that sorts it.

iggy

T-b0n3 wrote: »

Got my Nexus and its lovely looking, very happy. Managed to root it too. Yet to get any benefits from that. Can't even find adfree/adblock!

But my play store is still in GBP. I know others on here had that problem and fixed it by changing the credit card details back to IE. I have removed the parcel motel address. Removed my CC and put it back in. I have waited all day, still nothing. Every thing in my google account says Ireland. Except the language, which is English. What am I missing? :S

And also, a bigger deal, my micro sim that works perfect in my Lumia 800 isn't recognised by my N4. Guess I'll just have to go get a new sim from Meteor, and hope that sorts it.

Mine is rooted and I'm using adaway from the play store.

T-b0n3

iggy wrote: »

Mine is rooted and I'm using adaway from the play store.

Only thing that comes up when I search the play store for 'adaway' is Tennessee Radar.

iggy

T-b0n3 wrote: »

Only thing that comes up when I search the play store for 'adaway' is Tennessee Radar.

Looks like Google have removed all the adblockers from the playstore.