If you’re looking at alternative sites to purchase or download Android Applications either because you’re on a network that blocks access to the Android Market or want to look at alternative options the following are some sites that have a decent range.
Feb 14
If you have a Google Apps for my domain (GAFYD) and a google account that you created which uses the same email address as that account you will run into the problems on any Android platform of being unable to purchase apps, link your Picasa account to your Android and so forth.
My Nexus One is configured with me@mydomain.com as my login to my GAFYD account and also my Google account that has AdSense, Checkout, Docs, Picasa Web Albums, iGoogle, Google Chrome Bookmark Sync, Sites, Talk and Webhistory which has the same email address configured. Attempts to purchase an app sees you put in your google checkout acount which is me@mydomain.com and a different password to my GAFYD account of the same name. Andoid accepts this and asks you if you want to sync Contacts, Calendar and Gmail, if you don’t select them it won’t sync your data anymore with your GAFYD account as the Android has seen the primary email address and assumed it is the existing account.
So I created a second email address (me2@mydomain.com) that forwards to my main email (me@mydomain.com) and added this as a second address to my Google account. Tried again the same problem existed.
The next step was to change my email address assigned to my Google account by selecting “Change email” under manage account to me2@mydomain.com after removing it as the secondary email address. After confirming the change I was able to purchase the app in one easy step!
After testing Picasa on the Nexus One was working I added a second email address to the Google account using my original me@mydomain.com and after verifying that can be used to sign back in to Picasa on your computer. Picasa does display the me2@mydomain.com at the top however this means you can still sign back in to your Google account with your me@mydomain.com email.
Original Setup:
- Google Apps for my domain (GAFYD): me@mydomain.com
- Google Account: me@mydomain.com
New Setup
- Google Apps for my domain (GAFYD): me@mydomain.com
- Google Account: me2@mydomain.com (primary)
- Google Account: me@mydomain.com (secondary)
On the Android Device under Settings and Accounts & Sync Settings there are two accounts
me2@mydomain.com
- Sync Picasa Web Albums
me@mydomain.com
- Sync Contracts
- Sync Calendar
- Sync Gmail
So far so good, everything seems to work with no problems!
Further information on the problem which appears like it won’t be addressed any time soon can be found on the following posts
Market should allow Google Apps users to purchase
Feb 06
Wavesecure is a service that allows you to backup your data, track your phone, track who’s using the phone, lock the phone and wipe all the data remotely. And to top it off the service works well and is currently free for a lifetime membership for Android users who sign up before March 31.
WaveSecure is an award-winning mobile security service that lets users protect their phones, data and privacy in the event of theft. With WaveSecure, you’ll never have to worry about losing phones again.
- Track down your phone’s location and who is using it
- Lock down your phone remotely, make it worthless to the thief
- Backup all your data, automatically and securely
- Wipe out your data remotely, protect your privacy
Available now from the marketplace.
Feb 03
Google has announced a Nexus One Software Update to be rolled out to all handsets over the next week, if you can’t wait follow the instructions below.
New Software Update for Nexus One phones
Starting today, Nexus One users will begin to receive an over-the-air software update on their phones. This update provides some great new features, and fixes a few problems that some users might have experienced, including:
Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web
Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:
- Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com – access your favorite places from your phone or computer
- Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history – makes it easy to search for places you’ve searched for before
- Night mode in Google Maps Navigation – automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone’s Browser, Gallery and Maps applications
3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones
In order to access the update, you will receive a message on your phone’s notification bar. Just download the update, wait for it to install, and you should be all set. This update will be rolled out gradually to phones – and most users might not receive the notification until the end of the week. We hope you enjoy these new features and look forward to your feedback.
Performing the Upgrade
- Make sure the battery is charged.
- Download the update from here.
- Mount the SD card on your PC.
- Rename the file to update.zip and copy to the root directory of the SD card as shown.
- Turn the phone off.
- Boot into the boot loader by turning the phone on by holding down the volume down button and pressing the power button for a few seconds before releasing both.
- Use the volume up and down buttons to select recovery and press the power button.
- The phone enters recovery mode.
- Hold the volume up button and press the power button and release both to enable the system recovery menu.
- Use the trackball to select “apply sdcard:update.zip” and press the trackball down to select.
- The update will start applying the status can be seen on the screen.
- When the update is compelte it will ask you to “reboot via menu” and using the trackball press down to select “reboot system now”.
- The radio will now be written before the reboots occur.
- The system will reboot twice, don’t touch anything just wait for it to completed.
- The normal startup screen will soon appear and the phone will soon be back to normal but with multitouch enabled and other enhancements.
Feb 02
As expected it comes in a somewhat large box, 25.4cm x 20.32cm x 15.24cm (10″x8″x6″) and plenty of room inside for quite a few Nexus Ones.
Plenty of paper packing to stop the Nexus from moving around
Another layer of paper around the Nexus.
The freed Nexus One in comparison to it’s box.
Nexus One details.
Nexus One is wrapped in plastic.
Comes with a neat little case.
Accessories, charger, headphones, usb (micro) cable and cards on how to use it.
Nexus One battery Specifications – 3.7VDC, 1400mAh and 5.18Whr.
Micro SD and SIM card can be access by removing the battery.
Camera and flash located at the top of the phone on the rear.
Jan 22
To avoid the problems with Optus and Virgin mobile deliberately blocking access to Google paid apps a move to Vodafone was called for however Vodafone don’t have any cheap plans that include a decent amount of data, the only choice for cheap plans is a 200mb add on pack otherwise you need to start looking at the $69 plan which includes 1GB of data. Crazy John’s which is fully owned by Vodafone and uses the Vodafone network however have a $15 a month 1GB addon and this can be used on all plans (plans start as low as $19).
Vodafone Internet and MMS settings however don’t work, use the follow settings to get started. Remember to press the menu key and save after each APN is completed.
When you’re finished the APN screen should have three enteries.
Crazy NET (button should be selected with a green circle)
purtona.net
Crazy WAP (button should not be selected)
purtona.wap
Crazy MMS (no button)
purtona.wap
Name: Crazy NET
APN: purtona.net
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: default
Name: Crazy WAP
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: <not set> (don’t touch this field)
Name: Crazy MMS
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Server: purtona.wap
MMSC: http://purtona.mms.mmssend
MMS proxy: 010.202.002.020
MMS port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
APN type: mms
Name: Crazy NET
APN: purtona.net
Proxy: <Not Set>
Port: <Not Set>
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: <Not Set>
MMSC: <Not Set>
MMS Proxy: <Not Set>
MMS Port: <Not Set>
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: default, supl
Name: Crazy WAP
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: <Not Set>
MMSC: <Not Set>
MMS proxy: <Not Set>
MMS port: <Not Set>
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: <not set>
Name: Crazy MMS
APN: purtona.wap
Proxy: 010.202.002.020
Port: 8080
Username: <Not Set>
Password: <Not Set>
Server: purtona.wap
MMSC: http://purtona.mms/mmssend
MMS proxy: 010.202.002.020
MMS port: 8080
MCC: 505
MNC: 03
Authentication Type: <Not Set>
APN type: mms
Jan 19
Google released it’s first phone the Nexus One phone on January 5 for sale via it’s webstore however with the restriction that only four countries could purchase it (USA, Hong Kong, Singapore and the UK). Google won’t confirm when Australia will be able to purchase but it’s likely to be later this year and revolves around a deal with Vodafone.
There are a number of ways to purchase the phone if you’re in one of the many countries that are not able to purchase and whilst I will specifically deal with importing this into Australia the same process applies. Of course you can purchase from ebay and other similar places however expect to pay a significant premium over the USD$529 price from Google.
Step 1 – Find a US based proxy so you can place your order, Google restrict ordering via both IP address and delivery address. Free proxies are often used by fraudsters so may see your order cancelled, your Google account suspended and create delays. I used a proxy called xroxy, the premium proxy offers a three day trial and if you cancel in this time you are not charged anything. Total outlay $0.
Step 2 – Find a company that will forward the package to you. I used a company called MyUS based in Florida which meant I had to pay sales tax (see details below) and their reshipping cost was higher than a few other companies but they did come recommended. A few problems arose, one was it took time to authenticate my card so my phone was delayed by a day, customer service was both good and bad in my experience and of course the cost issue. Total cost to sign up is USD$10. Another option (and there are some very satisfied customers now) is ComGateWay who charge no signup fee and their shipping price is a little cheaper plus no sales tax in their state. See my Package Forwarding Companies page for more details.
Step 3 – Using the US based proxy above navigate to the webstore and purchase the phone using the package forwarding companies address and their phone. Two lines of engraving are available for free but this can delay the shipment and affect resale value depending on what you put there. Shipped cost in the USA is USD$529.
Step 4 – Wait for the confirmation from your Package Reshipping company and dispatch the parcel.
Step 5 – Enjoy the phone!
Cost
The total cost of the order came to USD$642.90 / AUD $692.66 and this comprises.
- Package Forwarding membership fee USD$10.00
- Shipping Cost via DHL USD$69.52
- Google Nexus One USD$529.00
- Sales Tax (Florida where the Package Forwarding company is) USD$34.38
Timeline
All times listed expect for those in the shipping tables are Brisbane times.
Wednesday 13/01/2010
- 21:15 – Nexus One ordered
Shipping from Google to MyUS vis Fedex
| Brisbane Time | Local Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 13, 2010 7:47 AM | Shipment information sent to FedEx | ||
| Jan 14, 2010 7:01 AM | Jan 13, 2010 4:01 PM | Picked up | INDIANAPOLIS, IN |
| Jan 13, 2010 8:53 PM | Left FedEx origin facility | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | |
| Jan 13, 2010 10:58 PM | Departed FedEx location | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | |
| Jan 13, 2010 11:02 PM | Arrived at FedEx location | MEMPHIS, TN | |
| Jan 14, 2010 2:48 AM | Departed FedEx location | MEMPHIS, TN | |
| Jan 14, 2010 5:24 AM | At dest sort facility | TAMPA, FL | |
| Jan 14, 2010 8:16 AM | At local FedEx facility | BRADENTON, FL | |
| Jan 14, 2010 8:22 AM | On FedEx vehicle for delivery | BRADENTON, FL | |
| Jan 15, 2010 12:05 PM | Jan 14, 2010 9:05 AM | Delivered | BRADENTON, FL |
Friday 14/01/2010
00:05 – Nexus One Delivered to MyUS
03:55 – MyUS acknowledge delivery and send confirmation email
Saturday 16/01/2010
08:41 – MyUS sends shipment notifications
11:14 – DHL pickup
Shipping from MyUS via DHL
| Brisbane Time | Local Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16/1/2010 11:14 am | 15/1/2010 6:14 pm | Shipment picked up | Tampa - East, FL |
| 15/1/2010 7:42 pm | Departing origin. | Tampa - East, FL |
|
| 15/1/2010 8:26 pm | Processed at DHL Location. | Tampa - East, FL |
|
| 15/1/2010 8:26 pm | Depart Facility | Tampa - East, FL |
|
| 16/1/2010 3:17 am | Transit through DHL facility | Cincinnati Hub, OH |
|
| 16/1/2010 4:50 am | Processed at DHL Location. | Cincinnati Hub, OH |
|
| 16/1/2010 6:03 am | Depart Facility | Cincinnati Hub, OH |
|
| 16/1/2010 6:45 am | Transit through DHL facility | Los Angeles Gateway, CA |
|
| 16/1/2010 1:05 pm | Processed at DHL Location. | Los Angeles Gateway, CA |
|
| 16/1/2010 1:05 pm | Depart Facility | Los Angeles Gateway, CA |
|
| 18/1/2010 11:35 am | 18/1/2010 11:35 am | Transit through DHL facility | Brisbane, Australia |
| 18/1/2010 11:35 am | 18/1/2010 11:35 am | Clearance processing complete | Brisbane, Australia |
| 18/1/2010 09:32 am | 18/1/2010 09:32 am | Awaiting collection by recipient as requested | Brisbane, Australia |
| 18/1/2010 11:02 am | 18/1/2010 11:02 am | Delivered - Signed for by : MATT | Brisbane - Australia |
Monday 18/01/2010
11:35 (GMT +10) – DHL clears customers for delivery Tuesday (pickup not available that afternoon…)
Tuesday 19/01/2010
Damn it, DHL just updated the status to “awaiting customer pickup” despite this never being arranged. Off to the airport for pickup I guess.
11:02 Collection time!
Next: Unveiling the Google Nexus One
Further information can be found in the Whirlpool “Getting Nexus One (Google Phone) in Aus” thread.
