Example Of Why I Don't Love Android

[Old Stoneface]

Just today, on another forum, a member there asked "I want to get my wife a tablet for Christmas. What should I get her?" I remarked "Well, I use Android. Not because I love it, but because it's the least objectionable of the alternatives." Then, as luck would have it, and example of why I put it that way reared its ugly head.

I just tried to send my wife an email (shared from a calendar event notification). For some reason the handset got "stuck" trying to send it. I'm on WiFi (my own network) and run my own mailserver (thus I can tell exactly what's going on). The handset wasn't even attempting to actually connect to the mailserver. Reboot the handset. Still stuck. Deleted the email from K9 Mail's "Outgoing" folder. Still sitting there trying to send. Reboot the handset again. Finally the problem was cleared. (Screw it. I'll just remember to tell her, personally.)

Couldn't let it stay that way, w/o clearing it, because that would've killed my battery. This is at least the second time this particular flaw has bit me. Last time it was at work, trying to send something to myself, via my work email server. (Which I also administer.)

This kind of thing is typical of Android. My handset's application launcher occasionally crashes and reboots. Occasionally, Google Services or Google Play Services goes wonky and sucks down the battery. When Google Play Services goes wonky, sometimes it's because it's trashed a Contacts record (again), so the Contacts have to be wiped and re-synced from scratch, which then invalidates all the "desktop" shortcuts to direct (phone) dialing, so they have to all be redone.

These are examples of why some people call Android "The New Windows."

The only reason my tablet doesn't give me much trouble, any more, is because I replaced Samsung's crap firmware with CM. Don't dare try that on my handset, because it's too-easily brickable. Plus I'd lose WiFi calling.

 

[Haalcyon]

Have you tried wiping your handset's cache in recovery?

 

[Old Stoneface]

Have you tried wiping your handset's cache in recovery?

That got done when I upgraded the handset to 4.0.3. Do I need to do that regularly?

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Just today, on another forum, a member there asked "I want to get my wife a tablet for Christmas. What should I get her?" I remarked "Well, I use Android. Not because I love it, but because it's the least objectionable of the alternatives." Then, as luck would have it, and example of why I put it that way reared its ugly head.

I just tried to send my wife an email (shared from a calendar event notification). For some reason the handset got "stuck" trying to send it. I'm on WiFi (my own network) and run my own mailserver (thus I can tell exactly what's going on). The handset wasn't even attempting to actually connect to the mailserver. Reboot the handset. Still stuck. Deleted the email from K9 Mail's "Outgoing" folder. Still sitting there trying to send. Reboot the handset again. Finally the problem was cleared. (Screw it. I'll just remember to tell her, personally.)

Couldn't let it stay that way, w/o clearing it, because that would've killed my battery. This is at least the second time this particular flaw has bit me. Last time it was at work, trying to send something to myself, via my work email server. (Which I also administer.)

This kind of thing is typical of Android. My handset's application launcher occasionally crashes and reboots. Occasionally, Google Services or Google Play Services goes wonky and sucks down the battery. When Google Play Services goes wonky, sometimes it's because it's trashed a Contacts record (again), so the Contacts have to be wiped and re-synced from scratch, which then invalidates all the "desktop" shortcuts to direct (phone) dialing, so they have to all be redone.

These are examples of why some people call Android "The New Windows."

The only reason my tablet doesn't give me much trouble, any more, is because I replaced Samsung's crap firmware with CM. Don't dare try that on my handset, because it's too-easily brickable. Plus I'd lose WiFi calling.

It's possible your specific example is an app issue, and not an "android issue". Have you tried other email clients? Also, the "wonkiness" happens on all major platforms. None of them are immune to it.

 

[Old Stoneface]

It's possible your specific example is an app issue, and not an "android issue".

Could be. I bug-reported it to the K9 Mail bug-tracker.

Have you tried other email clients?

I haven't found another that's equal to K9 Mail in layout, configuration, UI, flexibility, etc. I'm willing to entertain suggestions.

But it isn't just the email problem, as I noted. It's the "collection" of bad behaviour. For example: Google knows about the Contacts problem. Why don't they fix it? They know about Services going nuts and consuming battery. Why don't they fix it?

Don't even get me started on how many extant Android-based devices will never see an update, because the manufacturers and wireless carriers see no profit in it.

Sorry, I'm just venting. I'm annoyed

Also, the "wonkiness" happens on all major platforms. None of them are immune to it.

Perhaps. But I don't want my rant to turn into yet another "Android vs. whatever" flame-fest, so let's name no other names, shall we?

This is just like I said: Why I don't love the Android experience. It's not like I feel there's anything necessarily "better" out there, right now.

 

[Kevin OQuinn]

Could be. I bug-reported it to the K9 Mail bug-tracker.


I haven't found another that's equal to K9 Mail in layout, configuration, UI, flexibility, etc. I'm willing to entertain suggestions.

But it isn't just the email problem, as I noted. It's the "collection" of bad behaviour. For example: Google knows about the Contacts problem. Why don't they fix it? They know about Services going nuts and consuming battery. Why don't they fix it?

Don't even get me started on how many extant Android-based devices will never see an update, because the manufacturers and wireless carriers see no profit in it.

Sorry, I'm just venting. I'm annoyed


Perhaps. But I don't want my rant to turn into yet another "Android vs. whatever" flame-fest, so let's name no other names, shall we?

This is just like I said: Why I don't love the Android experience. It's not like I feel there's anything necessarily "better" out there, right now.

I used this app a LONG time ago, so I can't speak to its functionality now, but when I used it I like it better than K-9.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e.../apps/details?id=com.maildroid&token=0NDVlkqi

Like any other business, they have to put resources into fixing issues, and the Services bug, for example, is probably so random that paying an engineer or two to sit around and try to duplicate it to troubleshoot it isn't worth the investment on their part. It's not ideal, for sure, but it's most likely what's going on.

The device update path is a sore spot for a lot of people unfortunately. Yes, it's money driven. I'm not sure I see that changing anytime soon.

 

[Haalcyon]

That got done when I upgraded the handset to 4.0.3. Do I need to do that regularly?

I would recommend it.

g2

 

[Old Stoneface]

I used this app a LONG time ago, so I can't speak to its functionality now, but when I used it I like it better than K-9.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e.../apps/details?id=com.maildroid&token=pL9rIgrg

Thanks for the suggestion, but it's ad-driven (*ick*) and the "pro" version is... $18?!?!

My Lord: DtG didn't cost me $18.

Like any other business, they have to put resources into fixing issues, and the Services bug, for example, is probably so random that paying an engineer or two to sit around and try to duplicate it to troubleshoot it isn't worth the investment on their part.

Shows a lack of software quality concern and competence. Same thing that has made MS-Win what it's been. Thus: "Android: The new Windows."

I don't do anything "sensitive" on any MS-Win boxen--either at work or at home. A couple years ago I informed my wife "Do not use your MS-Win PC to do banking, manage our 401K, or anything else sensitive. Despite the fact that I, personally, am looking after it: I cannot warrant that it'll be exploit-free at any time. Use my Linux box. It's much safer." (Soon she'll be running Linux, herself.)

Unfortunately: I feel the same way about Android I see people talking about using Google Wallet and the like and I think "Are you nuts?"

The device update path is a sore spot for a lot of people unfortunately. Yes, it's money driven. I'm not sure I see that changing anytime soon.

Then it's going to continue to be a sore spot. And it's going to continue to be a negative for Android.

Thanks for your feedback, Kevin. It's appreciated.

On clearing the cache regularly...

I would recommend it.

g2

*sigh*

Thanks, g2.

 

[Old Stoneface]

And, now, following the reboot, those id10t Google Play Services are going to town, sucking down battery again.

Sometimes I dislike Android every bit as much as I do MS-Win, and I utterly detest MS-Win...

 

[msndrstood]

Maybe Android is not for you.

Sent via The Big, Bad, Beautiful Note 3

 

[Old Stoneface]

Maybe Android is not for you.

I read that, then went out and cleared the snow off the driveway. Thought about your comment. You could be right.

That doesn't change the fact that Google's code is damn poor, however. You're kind of saying "Maybe damn poor code is not for you."

 

[msndrstood]

It's not for everyone. I can live with glitches, but not every one can or wants to. At least you have a choice.

Sent via The Big, Bad, Beautiful Note 3

 

[mrsmumbles]

What handset do you have? I agree it's frustrating when stuff goes wrong. But you compare Android/Google software to Windows and in my experience Android is far less buggy. It's faster and problem free so far on my Nexus 5. It's problem free on my F7. It's fine on my Hydro although the hardware causes the OS to seem buggy with freezes and phantom starts of apps.

I'm not invalidating your woes but just saying for a lot of people Android does work flawlessly most or all of the time.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2

 

[mrsmumbles]

I read that, then went out and cleared the snow off the driveway. Thought about your comment. You could be right.

That doesn't change the fact that Google's code is damn poor, however. You're kind of saying "Maybe damn poor code is not for you."

Maybe it's k9. I've never used it because I like gmail. But here's a good review of a different email client.

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/better-than-gmail-for-android-boomerang-for-android-reviewed/

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Haalcyon]

I work in IT and its been my experience that all platforms have some glitches. I'll just say that Android doesn?t have any that are memorable enough to me to be notable.

gp8.3

 

[Old Stoneface]

What handset do you have?

HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile. I fear it's stuck on 4.0.3 , and that's part of the problem, you see. Many Android manufacturers and wireless carriers update "their" devices just so far, if at all, then you're left out in the cold.

I agree it's frustrating when stuff goes wrong. But you compare Android/Google software to Windows and in my experience Android is far less buggy.

Well, that's your view and experience. I've three Android devices, and, while all the problems haven't all been Android's fault: They have all been Android devices and they've all been problematical. Frustratingly, as in "close to throwing it out the nearest portal frustratingly," so. In fact: My first Tab 2 got returned due to Samsung-induced bugginess.

My Tab 2, btw, has been nearly flawless ever since I installed CM. Not that there aren't bugs (e.g.: The Bluetooth audio doesn't work), but it's been stable. It doesn't do weird, unexpected things. If I could insall CM on the handset, I would. But it's too easy to brick that particular device, trying to do so, and I'd lose WiFi calling.

I'm not invalidating your woes but just saying for a lot of people Android does work flawlessly most or all of the time.

I've seen MS-Win users make the same claim... until you start querying them closely. Then you find out they've come to be used to, comfortable with, even, truly execrable behaviour.

Maybe it's k9. I've never used it because I like gmail. But here's a good review of a different email client.

Better Than Gmail for Android: Boomerang For Android Reviewed

That particular bug: Perhaps so. Thanks for the pointer. I'll give it a look.

And thanks for trying to talk me down off the ledge. Same to the others, here. I appreciate the understanding and lack of flamage

 

[Haalcyon]

Windows has bugs?

gp8.3

 

[mrsmumbles]

HTC Sensation 4G on T-Mobile. I fear it's stuck on 4.0.3 , and that's part of the problem, you see. Many Android manufacturers and wireless carriers update "their" devices just so far, if at all, then you're left out in the cold.


Well, that's your view and experience. I've three Android devices, and, while all the problems haven't all been Android's fault: They have all been Android devices and they've all been problematical. Frustratingly, as in "close to throwing it out the nearest portal frustratingly," so. In fact: My first Tab 2 got returned due to Samsung-induced bugginess.

My Tab 2, btw, has been nearly flawless ever since I installed CM. Not that there aren't bugs (e.g.: The Bluetooth audio doesn't work), but it's been stable. It doesn't do weird, unexpected things. If I could insall CM on the handset, I would. But it's too easy to brick that particular device, trying to do so, and I'd lose WiFi calling.


I've seen MS-Win users make the same claim... until you start querying them closely. Then you find out they've come to be used to, comfortable with, even, truly execrable behaviour.


That particular bug: Perhaps so. Thanks for the pointer. I'll give it a look.

And thanks for trying to talk me down off the ledge. Same to the others, here. I appreciate the understanding and lack of flamage

I understand your frustration, I really remember the problems I had with Windows. And I like Windows (xp), but my computer would crash like crazy on ME and 2000. On XP it was more a matter of slowing to a crawl.

My Nexus is so far perfect. The only problem I've had so far was before the updates Search stalled a few times. But I would say that next time you upgrade, I truly recommend a Nexus. It has no carrier or manufacturer added stuff that could slow it down or cause conflicts. Android for me is just far more stable than Windows. (I dunno about WP, but the pc Windows). I do less on my phone than I did on my pc, granted, but still for equivalent functions, Android has been fantastic.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2

 

[xchange]

I'm not sure what the answer will be for you Stone, so I'll just make the same suggestion I usually make in these situations: there are less buggy OS's than Android. But they also do less. Up to you to decide based on your needs

 

[mrsmumbles]

Xchange makes an excellent point, everyone has said WP runs super smoothly, also BlackBerry (not looking to cause trouble here!) is supposed to be a very stable platform for business use. The latter could definitely use the patronage too. And then there's iOS...

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk 2