Interstate Productions.com » Android

HTC Eris, buy 1 get 1 FREE?

C. Adams — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:32 +0000

Its the new promotion just released by Verizon. If you plan to buy a phone, this is definitely the time. The prices will not get much better. This also means that if you bought an Eris within the past 30 days, you can call them up and get a credit to your account. I did.

I saw the commercial on TV and realized I bought my HTC Eris 25 days ago. I called them up on Sunday and talked to their account representative. I told them I saw the ad and wanted a credit. She checked my account and credited me $117.00.

I purchased my phones with a 2 year renewal, which gives you and extra $50 off. My total purchase for the 2 phones was $167. With my recent credit, I paid a grand total of $25 per phone. That’s phenomenal.

Buy this phone. If you already did, call Verizon immediately and get your credit.

Skinning your Android to be an IPhone

C. Adams — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:07:30 +0000

Amazingly enough, this looks almost identical to an Iphone. Why you would want to do this, I don’t know. I enjoy the uniqueness of the Android OS.

I have to admit it is a feat to be able to get this to work. I know aHome & Handcent SMS was used to duplicate the features.

(Note: Please let me know if you are having problems viewing this video, there seem to be some compatibility issues. IE users, please use the link below.)

Using your Android phone as a modem, without “tethering” charges.

C. Adams — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:45:22 +0000

Tethering – is the use of a mobile device such as a mobile phone to supply internet access for another device which is otherwise unconnected, using the connected device as a modem.

If you have a Verizon Wireless phone, this option isn’t exactly “available” to us at the moment. And per Verizon, will cost you an extra $30 per month. Furthermore, Google has banned all tethering apps from the Market. Personally, I think this is insane. Especially since it is based on an Open Source OS. Did I mention that Verizon plans to put a 5 GB cap on that $30 per month charge?

Well, there is a way around this. Its not illegal, but definitely frowned upon by Verizon. Although the program costs $29, its worth it for the few that need it. There is no hacking needed and you don’t need to root or unlock your phone. Simply go to this website, download and install their Android version of the Application. They do have a free trial so you can be sure it works just fine before dropping the measly $29.

Installation is quite simple. As long as you know how to install programs on your computer and Android OS, you will be just fine. Install the program on your phone, then your computer, follow the instructions and you should be good to go.

Another great idea is to copy the windows exe file to the USB portion of your phone. This way, you can take it with you in case something comes up.

Using your Verizon Wireless & Android Phone for Unlimited Calling.

C. Adams — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:50:01 +0000

Yeah, you heard it right. You can use your Android Phone for unlimited calling. There are 2 different ways to do this. The First one I will cover is the easy way.

Step 1: Get a Verizon phone with the Android OS, currently only 2 available: the DROID and the HTC Eris (HTC Touch Clone.)

Step 2: Sign up for a plan that includes Verizon’s ‘Friends & Family’ (5 numbers that you can call an unlimited amount without using your minutes)

Step 3: Sign up for a Google Voice account. You will need to wait 2 weeks for an invitation. Anyone who doesn’t have one of these, I suggest you sign up immediately.

Step 4: IMPORTANT!!! Add your Google Voice number to your Friends & Family Plan on your Verizon webpage.
Step 5: Configure your Google Voice account online.

5-1: Click on the Phones tab and add your cell number. Verify your number by having Google Voice call it and entering your pin.
5-2: Click the check-mark making your Google Voice account forward to your cell phone.

5-3: Click the Calls tab, turn off Call Presentation, make sure Do Not Disturb is unchecked.

5-4: Setup your voicemail via the Voicemail & SMS tab, otherwise all calls will use your cell phone’s voicemail.

Step 6: Google Voice should come pre-installed on your Android phone. If not, use the Android Market on your phone to download and install it.

Step 7: Load up the Google Voice app and set your Google Voice number in the options, make sure all your config options are set correctly.

*From this application you can set your calling preferences from 4 different GV options: ON, OFF, ASK before each call, and only use it for international calls. Set this to ASK for the time being.

Step 8: Make a test call to your friend or other phone. Call should be completed, however the Caller ID is your new Google Voice number.

If you have any troubles with this, I will pay attention to the comments here and hopefully be able to help you out. This will also work with T-Mobile phones using Android OS, seeing as they have a similar calling plan.

The more complicated way will be explained in a later post, but can be used on any phone running Android OS.