First Android, New Galaxy S3, Lots of Questions!

**snipersendit** · 11-01-2012, 12:19 PM

Hello all,

I'm new to Android, I've been an iPhone user since the iPhone came out so needless to say I'm re-learning how to use a smartphone. I love the Galaxy and for the most part I've got it figured out. I do however, have a few specific questions.

1. Wireless Charging: I am aware Samsung has a wireless charger that requires you add a special case and use their station. What I'm wondering is, is there another alternative, maybe a special battery that works with aftermarket charge stations?

2. Computer Sync: I use a MacBook and it was easy to sync my iPhone, any recommendations on programs to use to sync my Android to my iTunes and iPhoto? Also, I would like to transfer files from my external hard drive onto my Galaxy.

3. Apps/Accessories: I downloaded a task killer already but are there any other must have apps I should look into that increase performance, look and productivity?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

**SteveB2** · 11-01-2012, 12:26 PM

1. You could, but I doubt it will be as clean a look as the official battery.

2. I think alot of people us double twist.

3. Delete that sucker right now! There is no need for a task killer. Search the forums or look on AC for why. BIG no-no these days.

Enjoy your phone!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

**Livia.** · 11-01-2012, 12:33 PM

To transfer files from your external hard drive, you can buy a usb otg adapter and connect it directly to your phone.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Android Central Forums

**trucky** · 11-01-2012, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by snipersendit

1. Wireless Charging: I am aware Samsung has a wireless charger that requires you add a special case and use their station. What I'm wondering is, is there another alternative, maybe a special battery that works with aftermarket charge stations?

There's a few people around who are making an aftermarket wireless charging solution. You can save money by doing it yourself with simple parts and steps. Here's one complete kit that's out there now:

**beanctr10** · 11-01-2012, 01:00 PM

I saw over on WebOS today that there is a cover you can buy for your SG3 if you already have a touchstone charger. Going to pick one up and see if it really works

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Android Central Forums

**winmod21** · 11-01-2012, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by snipersendit

Hello all,

I'm new to Android, I've been an iPhone user since the iPhone came out so needless to say I'm re-learning how to use a smartphone. I love the Galaxy and for the most part I've got it figured out. I do however, have a few specific questions.

1. Wireless Charging: I am aware Samsung has a wireless charger that requires you add a special case and use their station. What I'm wondering is, is there another alternative, maybe a special battery that works with aftermarket charge stations?

2. Computer Sync: I use a MacBook and it was easy to sync my iPhone, any recommendations on programs to use to sync my Android to my iTunes and iPhoto? Also, I would like to transfer files from my external hard drive onto my Galaxy.

3. Apps/Accessories: I downloaded a task killer already but are there any other must have apps I should look into that increase performance, look and productivity?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

1) I'm new to android too, so can't help ya w/ the wireless charging.

2) I've been using iSyncr, and so far, it's been working pretty good. They also have great customer service, and have replied to all my emails within a day. As well, when I plug the GS3 into my computer, my GS3 is recognized as a: SGH-I747 (AT&T) drive, with both internal SD (phone) and external SD (card) sub-drives under, where I can simply drag & drop files back & forth from computer to phone, and from phone to computer; (not sure if your MacBook is similar).

3) An AT&T corp. store manager told me, last week, that those 'task killer(s)' can actually corrupt some of the phones protocols & system files.

**snipersendit** · 11-01-2012, 01:16 PM

I got rid of the task killer. Bummer I spent 5 bucks on it.

**Ricky Babalu** · 11-01-2012, 01:24 PM

Most of your questions have been answered already by some helpful members here. I will only add that after you have had some time to play around with your new S3 and take in Touchwiz and what it has to offer, take a look at a "Launcher" like Nova which I use or any other launcher which brings added "Refinement" features to your S3. Oh, and Welcome aboard!!

**trucky** · 11-01-2012, 01:35 PM

Originally Posted by snipersendit

I got rid of the task killer. Bummer I spent 5 bucks on it.

One good thing about forums like this and many others... Some else has already tried that app you think you can't live without. Do some poking around and ask a few questions before you pull the trigger. I guarantee you get some pretty good information to help guide your droid future...

**snipersendit** · 11-01-2012, 10:03 PM

Thank you guys for the advice

**funkylogik** · 11-01-2012, 10:37 PM

another one for no auto-task killer

global s3, UK. Ask me anything and ill reply even if its just an intelligent (or stupid) guess

**KreepyKen** · 11-02-2012, 09:47 PM

For synching to the computer, you could try AirDroid or WiFi File Explorer to transfer files over your wifi connection. I use a Mac, too, and it's infuriating that the computer and phone don't play nice together.

I ended up just spending the $50 upgrade fee for Parallels so I can run Windows on the Mac and connect the phone that way. It was worth the $50 for the lower stress levels.

**zapfrog** · 11-02-2012, 11:31 PM

Phone hasn't arrived yet so forgive my noob questions. What is a task killer? And the ATT rep says that Samsung has a built in app for syncing stuff from iTunes called Kies. Anyone tried it and can offer opinions on Kies?

**zapfrog** · 11-02-2012, 11:41 PM

Also I used and LOVED Motion X GPS Drive on the iPhone but sadly they have not made a similar app for Android. Anyone have any ideas for an app like this? That is one app and it's features I will miss greatly!!

**KreepyKen** · 11-02-2012, 11:47 PM

Originally Posted by zapfrog

Phone hasn't arrived yet so forgive my noob questions. What is a task killer? And the ATT rep says that Samsung has a built in app for syncing stuff from iTunes called Kies. Anyone tried it and can offer opinions on Kies?

A Task Killer is an app that allows you to selectively quit/kill open apps and processes. Android 2.1 and older had a tough time "letting go" of running apps, so a lot of task killers came out to help you kill processes and free up memory. But Android has gotten much better with ending processes on its own. Task Killers are no longer necessary and can do more to bork your phone than help it. Avoid task killers.

The Kies application is horrendous. But it seems like Kies Air works. Just launch the app, tap the Start button and type the IP address it gives into your computer web browser. Looks like it works just like WiFi File Explorer and Airdroid. I haven't synced anything from iTunes, though...I just copied over the music files I wanted.

**zapfrog** · 11-03-2012, 04:20 PM

I guess when it comes time to transfer music and stuff from iTunes to the gs3 ill be back to ask how.

**geekymcfly** · 11-03-2012, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by zapfrog

I guess when it comes time to transfer music and stuff from iTunes to the gs3 ill be back to ask how.

It's easy. Just find the folder with your music files and Drag them straight over.

"all animals are created equal but some animals are more equal than others" animal bylaws- animal farm

**zapfrog** · 11-04-2012, 07:32 AM

With iTunes it's not that easy. iTunes tends to squirrel away music files to some hidden folder and then even if you do find them Apple has wrapped them in some stupid DRM. It's weird though some of the songs I have been able to pull in the past and they play fine others get caught in the web of DRM.

**geekymcfly** · 11-04-2012, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by zapfrog

With iTunes it's not that easy. iTunes tends to squirrel away music files to some hidden folder and then even if you do find them Apple has wrapped them in some stupid DRM. It's weird though some of the songs I have been able to pull in the past and they play fine others get caught in the web of DRM.

That music folder isn't hidden and it's not hard to find. I understand you're frustration with it but it's quite easy.

"all animals are created equal but some animals are more equal than others" animal bylaws- animal farm

**EndlessDissent** · 11-04-2012, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by zapfrog

With iTunes it's not that easy. iTunes tends to squirrel away music files to some hidden folder and then even if you do find them Apple has wrapped them in some stupid DRM. It's weird though some of the songs I have been able to pull in the past and they play fine others get caught in the web of DRM.

This -->

Originally Posted by iCrank

That music folder isn't hidden and it's not hard to find. I understand you're frustration with it but it's quite easy.

"all animals are created equal but some animals are more equal than others" animal bylaws- animal farm

It's been a while since I used iTunes (at least 4 years), and I only ever used it as a music manager, not as an interface for the iTunes store or syncing any iProducts, but if I remember correctly, you can set exactly where you want to store all your music or anything else. And I'm pretty sure it's on the main page of the iTunes settings. Unless Apple changed that stuff (which wouldn't actually surprise me), the folder is definitely not hidden at all.

As for DRM, didn't Apple give up on DRM in the iTunes store years ago? Aren't they using non-DRM mp3s now?

**zapfrog** · 11-04-2012, 10:08 PM

As far as drm goes they did give it up...to a degree, you'll never know what your going to get. I've tried to play some mp3s and some will play and some won't and will only play in iTunes. I did find the folder so we'll see tomorrow when my phone arrives. :-)

**funkylogik** · 11-04-2012, 10:11 PM

man its stuff like this that makes me glad i rejected the ipod for a generic mp3 player and the iphone for a Symbian s60 lol

global s3, UK. Ask me anything and ill reply even if its just an intelligent (or stupid) guess

**zapfrog** · 11-05-2012, 12:11 AM

So far the Samsung program Kies has found ALL my media and is now ready to sync with my GS3 once it arrives tomorrow...keeping fingers crossed.

Whats the best FREE keyboard for Android? One thing I did like about iOS is the autocorrect keyboard.

**EndlessDissent** · 11-05-2012, 08:36 AM

TouchPal keyboard is free in the Play Store. It has good reviews. Check it out.

Alternatively, you could sign up for the SwiftKey VIP program, and you get to test the beta versions of their new keyboards for free. Same with Swype, which is a pretty cool keyboard.

I don't think I've seen any really good keyboards in the Play Store for free, but most have at least a free trial period so you can decide if it's worth the money. I personally think SwiftKey is worth the money, especially if you get it on sale. The auto correct in SwiftKey can't be beaten, especially compared to the gaffs I've seen from the iPhone keyboard.

You can sign up for the beta keyboards at swiftkey.net and .

Other popular keyboards (still not free, unfortunately) are SlideIT and Thumb Keyboard.

**duddy23b** · 11-05-2012, 12:13 PM

I totally agree SwiftKey is as good as it gets it's like it a preemptive strike it memorizes your spelling of new words and spell the ones in its' program making texting faster and less likely to make mistakes spelling also double twist is another program that can be used two ways syncing your Itunes music via syncing or wireless wi-fi your tunes over to your SG3 much like Kies wireless but you have to pay for doubletwist wireless.