Ya'll ever feel like ICS is a step backwards?

[YourMobileGuru]

Let me just say, I completely agree with you Droid800. ICS is by no means a step backwards. A lot of design/navigation alterations made to the OS really help simplify everything. The long-press option was the worst. I always found myself long pressing everywhere and options would come up only every once in a while. Also, you have software menus and the hardware menu button that accomplished the same thing, or for some reason, was split among the other menu options.

The problem here is that many of you are used to the old ways of handling Android. You guys are not thinking through the eyes of someone who's never picked up Android -- or even a smartphone in general. Its about creating an experience that enjoyable and easy to use. In order for that to happen, Google had to make a lot of changes so that information and options were presented right to the user without them having to search through layers upon layers of information. You guys call this a step backwards because -- as I mentioned already -- are used to a certain operation. And many of you have this mentality that something simple makes it 'dumb down'. Android still has all the same features and characteristic we all know and love -- just now its presented a little differently so it could be understood more.

Long pressing on any open part of the home screen has brought up a menu in every Android device have used. How is making it harder to find things like widgets, notification settings, and that kind of thing make it easier. For some people looking in the app drawer for the widgets makes sense. Fair enough allow them to do it that way. but that does not mean that you should make it harder for those of us who use the long press menu.

Other features such as notification settings, creating folders or shortcuts, etc which were on that menu have been either removed (in the case of folders) or moved to an already lengthy (but now admittedly better organized) settings menu which -- now that the menu button has been removed -- isn't necessarily immediately accessible from the home screen unless you have the shortcut there. It's on there by default when you get the phone but a lot of people clear off their home screens when the first get a phone and only add what they want to them, and newbies often accidentally remove icons and widgets from the home screen without intending to.

Simple is not always better, and in this case Google took simple too far.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

Of course, it is economic to activate free. Nothing like freeware to advertise. The fragmented market is strong and always will be. did you see googles VP article? He says you have no right to the Internet. That remark makes me spit on google. I am a unix fan too.

Are you seriously looking for a political discussion?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[Johnly]

Are you seriously looking for a political discussion?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

C'mon, I didn't say politics first....lmao. I am up for discussing anything. Seriously.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

C'mon, I didn't say politics first....lmao. I am up for discussing anything. Seriously.

Well you are mentioning Google's VP comment about rights to the Internet followed by your comment and opinion. Was it a rhetorical statement?

Because here is the deal, that statement about a right to the Internet might not be so wrong.

 

[thebignewt]

Having used ICS for almost a week I think it's better than GB that I had. It's different, I had trouble figuring out navigation sometimes, but overall I think it makes more logical sense this way. I always thought that longpress the homescreen thing to add an icon was very limp and confusing. Makes way more sense to find the icon first and drag it where you want it. The browser rocks, and the list of open apps is great, saves time. I think it's a step forward, and I'm not one to just change OS versions because they're there either.

 

[ragnarokx]

Are you seriously looking for a political discussion?

Well you are mentioning Google's VP comment about rights to the Internet followed by your comment and opinion. Was it a rhetorical statement?

Because here is the deal, that statement about a right to the Internet might not be so wrong.

I like your first post better - let's stay on topic. Politics have their own separate forum.

 

[Johnly]

Well you are mentioning Google's VP comment about rights to the Internet followed by your comment and opinion. Was it a rhetorical statement?

Because here is the deal, that statement about a right to the Internet might not be so wrong.

Our ICS devices are platforms we load out lives too, our pictures, personal writings, wiki editions, we are the Internet because we have collectively created what it is. If google returned all accounts and information that we suitted them he may have a point. That would be a boring cooperate log with no soulf. We are the net, and it is sad some people give their rights up so willingly because someone else said they aren't rights. I am glad in other countries the Internet is a right and always will be. Any way, ICS is a step in the right direction. No politics, but android now can stick with this new UI that should make it easier for developers by having a stricter control in hardware. I almost think google needs to become one without Motorola and iron fist every process of the manufacturing and insist those others that use it fall in line to the degree developers aren't having to scramble to make compatible apps. Chow.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

Gotcha.

 

[jroc]

Long pressing on any open part of the home screen has brought up a menu in every Android device have used. How is making it harder to find things like widgets, notification settings, and that kind of thing make it easier. For some people looking in the app drawer for the widgets makes sense. Fair enough allow them to do it that way. but that does not mean that you should make it harder for those of us who use the long press menu.

Other features such as notification settings, creating folders or shortcuts, etc which were on that menu have been either removed (in the case of folders) or moved to an already lengthy (but now admittedly better organized) settings menu which -- now that the menu button has been removed -- isn't necessarily immediately accessible from the home screen unless you have the shortcut there. It's on there by default when you get the phone but a lot of people clear off their home screens when the first get a phone and only add what they want to them, and newbies often accidentally remove icons and widgets from the home screen without intending to.

Simple is not always better, and in this case Google took simple too far.

The Settings button is always in the pull down notification shade. It took some getting used to, was used to getting to that from the Menu key. Its right beside the time. Since ICS lets you pull down the notification shade from the lock screen, its actually better this way than stock android OS's on phones before ICS. Before you had to use 3rd party apps to get to the pull down from the lock screen.

Like I mentioned before, I was used to the Call settings being in the Settings area. Now its in the Phone app. Different, but it makes sense. I agree about creating shortcuts being taken away. Now you have to use 3rd party apps. Here is an example of an issue to me: shouldn't the display settings be on the menu when you long press on the home screens now, instead of in the Settings menu?

 

[mattbourge]

Everyone that's hating on ICS needs to realize that phones are marketed towards the "average" person...not just computer programmers. I think ICS is a HUGE step for android in usability and multitasking ability. And best of all, from here on out we have an OS that is cross-platform. I believe that it is crucial for the success of android and the market will grow larger than the app store. :thumbup:

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[YourMobileGuru]

The Settings button is always in the pull down notification shade. It took some getting used to, was used to getting to that from the Menu key. Its right beside the time. Since ICS lets you pull down the notification shade from the lock screen, its actually better this way than stock android OS's on phones before ICS. Before you had to use 3rd party apps to get to the pull down from the lock screen.

Like I mentioned before, I was used to the Call settings being in the Settings area. Now its in the Phone app. Different, but it makes sense. I agree about creating shortcuts being taken away. Now you have to use 3rd party apps. Here is an example of an issue to me: shouldn't the display settings be on the menu when you long press on the home screens now, instead of in the Settings menu?

Actually having phone settings inside the phone app DOES make sense to me what I dont like is that all of the options to customize the home screen (shortcuts, folders, widgets) are no longer in the long press menu with the wallpaper.

People here are talking about stock Android when they talk about adding a widget but HTC has it right (at least when you look at their own widgets) when you long press and select Widgets you can see the widget you are about to add. I dont see why they could not do this for all widgets in ICS without the need to hide them inside the app drawer.

 

[YourMobileGuru]

Everyone that's hating on ICS needs to realize that phones are marketed towards the "average" person...not just computer programmers. I think ICS is a HUGE step for android in usability and multitasking ability. And best of all, from here on out we have an OS that is cross-platform. I believe that it is crucial for the success of android and the market will grow larger than the app store. :thumbup:

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

No one is "hating" ICS, we are just discussing some things about it which we don't like, something that is everyone's right. Hopefully Google will see threads like this and consider the feedback for future versions of Android.

And there is an old saying "don't cut off your nose despite your face" ... Google should not alienate their existing user base just to attract new users. There is no reason it can't be done both ways.

 

[TabGuy]

No one is "hating" ICS

Not exactly true. Leo Laporte hates it with a passion.

 

[NewAge]

This is the best phone on Verizon imo. Keeping it with no regrets and excited for it's future. I have no doubt this will be my phone for 2 more years regardless of what's released.

Edit: damnit. That shoulda been in the poll thread.

 

[PetuniaCarlyle]

And there is an old saying "don't cut off your nose despite your face"

Not quite. The old saying is "don't cut off your nose TO SPITE your face." What that means is that you shouldn't do something out of spite that only hurts yourself.

I have no idea what your version would mean.

 

[PetuniaCarlyle]

so send Google some feedback and see how things pan out...

How do you send Google feedback?

 

[yosteve]

Do you realize most every argument on here is subjective, including the name calling. It's an opinion to prefer how things were or to want some things one way or another. Sorry if that's offensive. We understand it's important, people don't realize how passionate each persons' concern is to themselves.

But it's hiding a concern of greater importance. The browser refresh issue is both qualitative and can cost you money. Even if it were just an opinion, no one, not one person would agree that having to refresh your browser after doing something else on your phone and coming back to it, is better than the previous version. (ask if you've never experienced it on your phone yet)

 

[Droid800]

No one is "hating" ICS, we are just discussing some things about it which we don't like, something that is everyone's right. Hopefully Google will see threads like this and consider the feedback for future versions of Android.

And there is an old saying "don't cut off your nose despite your face" ... Google should not alienate their existing user base just to attract new users. There is no reason it can't be done both ways.

Yes. There is. And its a giant fruit-shaped missile waiting for any weakness in Android.

To put it bluntly: to continue on in the same direction that they had been going would have ensured stagnation, and in turn, losing the war with Apple. Users will adapt to the changes, as they always have. If they don't, they're not customers worth keeping.

I cannot honestly believe some people are so openly advocating for Android to move backwards or tread water instead of making the leaps that are necessary for the platform.

 

[pauldroidr2d2]

Not exactly true. Leo Laporte hates it with a passion.

But, most of his staff love it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

 

[milominderbinde]

I've read he whole thread a couple times now and I'm not seeing anything other than people talking about the long press....

Here you go. Some of the features that are missing make no sense. What does Google gain? Did you keep the full "Pure Google Experience" or did you flash a new ROM or replace Google's apps to add features?

1. No microSD
A microSD slot is 5/100 of an ounce. Why leave out a $1 part?

2. No Facebook Sync
Google is still fighting with Facebook so replace the Facebook app with Friendcaster Pro.

3. No Menu Button
Yes, you can find the Menu button for every app. The old Menu button was so easy.

4. No Search Button
Instead of a search button, the Search bar now covers 1/5th of five screens. That's one full screen lost to the Search bar.

5. No Long-press Search for Voice Search
See above.

6. File shortcuts are gone
Adding a file shortcut requires third part apps or to replace Google's launcher.

7. You can't set up a shortcut to a specific place in the settings
I don't think you can add a shortcut to Bluetooth or other settings.

8. Visual Voicemail isn't Visual
When you play their message, you see their photo in HTC Sense or Samsung Touchwiz. Not in the Nexus.

9. Speed Dial
The Galaxy Nexus Lacks Speed Dial. Replace the pure Google dialer.

10. Smart Dial
The Galaxy Nexus lacks smart dial. Again, replace the pure Google dialer.

11. Low speaker/headphone volumes
Workaround: replace pure Google with Volume+ (Sound Boost)

13. No FM Radio
The Galaxy Nexus lacks an FM Radio. Workarounds: TuneIn, Pandora, etc.

14. Browser:
If you pinch to zoom, the text does not word-wrap unless you know the manual reflow trick.

15. 5MP Camera
MP is not everything but no one can explain the step back. Samsung has been using the $3 8MP part for nearly 2 years.

16. Can't Add Homescreens
ICS does not allow Homescreens to be added. Again, replace the pure Google launcher.

17. Timer
It's dumb but why not include a timer? Replace the Google clock apk with a current clock app.

18. No Messaging Return Key
Again you can use dozens of current apps, but why leave out such a simple thing?

The Galaxy Nexus is a great phone. I recommend it. I just don't understand why Google has left out so many basic features.

Is it still the full "Pure Google Experience" if you flashed a new ROM or replaced Google's apps?