nDroid v1.2.x (Beta) support thread

[Nistrod]

My server changed IP address, so I got an error on nDroid. Fair enough. But when I pressed OK, nDroid dropped out, and I was unable to change the network settings to fix the problem. I had to delete data, and then restart. Perhaps it could just drop into the network settings screen in this case?

Also, could we get some sort of indication of how up-to-date the EPG data is? Its hard to tell if its been updated or not. Maybe a date at the top?

[bgowland]

My server changed IP address, so I got an error on nDroid. Fair enough.

Out of interest can you remember the wording of the message (i.e., was it an nDroid error box or a standard Android...Force Close type message?)

I've been working on handling connection problems more gracefully and my original goal was to always allow for off-line usage (after the 'first run' setup) for guide browsing and submitting 'queued' recording requests to be processed when a connection is available.

There's a way to go on that (queuing requests, I mean) but I'll be able to release a version later which doesn't require a network connection at startup which would help in that scenario.

Also, could we get some sort of indication of how up-to-date the EPG data is? Its hard to tell if its been updated or not. Maybe a date at the top?

Yes, I'll put a simple status screen in but initially it will require checking manually from the menu button. When I get as far as using the Notification Manager you'll get success/failure notifications on things like that...a way to go before I get there though.

Thanks for the feedback, oh and I meant to comment on your previous post...It made it to a Home Screen...praise indeed.

[Nistrod]

Out of interest can you remember the wording of the message

It looked like an application generated error - SERVER_NOT_AVAILABLE, with an OK button. At that point, pressing OK meant the app just went away.

[bgowland]

It looked like an application generated error - SERVER_NOT_AVAILABLE, with an OK button. At that point, pressing OK meant the app just went away.

Thanks - yes that's one of mine. Slightly more graceful than simply locking up (as early versions did) but admittedly not much help in your case. My current version starts without the need for a network connection - I've a few other things to finish before I upload though.

[BrettB]

Brian,

Something else to think about: maybe have nDroid look in some location on the phone for a file with default configuration values. Admitedly this feature would not be particularly needed once the application is "finished" and in production. But, for now, when we keep getting new versions, uninstalling the old version, and then installing the new version, it would be nice to not have to enter all of the configuration items over and over again. For a new install, I would suggest still displaying the configuration settings screen, but just populate the fields with default values from a file on the phone that is not part of the application.

- Brett

[bgowland]

Admitedly this feature would not be particularly needed once the application is "finished" and in production.

Hi Brett,

Finished? I'm glad you have confidence in my abilities. Seems like every time I complete one stage I find three more to add to the todo list.

But, for now, when we keep getting new versions, uninstalling the old version, and then installing the new version, it would be nice to not have to enter all of the configuration items over and over again.

Since the version which added the Splash screen, it should be fine just to install over the top of a previous version and it'll remember everything.

For a new install, I would suggest still displaying the configuration settings screen, but just populate the fields with default values from a file on the phone that is not part of the application.

I could do this as a manual 'backup settings' option but not automatically - I'd rather not leave anything behind that the user hasn't agreed. The ethos of Android apps seems very much that they should clean up, switch off the light and close the door behind them on an un-install (if you see what I mean).

Worth thinking about though - I'll see what the options are for this. I do have a 'MyDocuments' folder on my SD card but I don't know if it's specific to my android version/phone or if it's a standard folder...

Cheers,
Brian

[BrettB]

Finished? I'm glad you have confidence in my abilities. Seems like every time I complete one stage I find three more to add to the todo list.

Well, I did put the "finished" in quotes. I'm sure that users like us will continually have ideas for improvements!

Since the version which added the Splash screen, it should be fine just to install over the top of a previous version and it'll remember everything.

I didn't know that we could now just installed on top of the old version. If that is the case, then this ability probably isn't that useful. I was just getting tired of having to put in the ip address, username, and password everytime. Plus, as new options are added, it would just get worse.

I'd rather not leave anything behind that the user hasn't agreed. The ethos of Android apps seems very much that they should clean up, switch off the light and close the door behind them on an un-install (if you see what I mean).

Actually, I wasn't thinking that YOU (or rather nDroid) would create the file. I was thinking that I (as the user/tester) would manually create the file on my PC and then move it over the phone to whatever special location nDroid would check for it.

But, like I said, if we don't need to keep uninstalling, then it's probably not a big deal.

[bgowland]

I didn't know that we could now just installed on top of the old version.

I'd always advised a fresh install especially as start-up relied on a number of different things but since I added the splash screen activity, it's got a lot more stable (although I wasn't sure of that at the time). If I make any major changes then a fresh install might be needed but I'm hoping general updates shouldn't need it now.

I was thinking that I (as the user/tester) would manually create the file on my PC and then move it over the phone to whatever special location nDroid would check for it.

But, like I said, if we don't need to keep uninstalling, then it's probably not a big deal.

I'll still bear it in mind though as it could be useful.

Cheers,
Brian

[bgowland]

Two things...

First, I've created an nDroid wiki page at...

http://www.nextpvr.com/nwiki/pmwiki.php?...ity.NDroid

...I need to do a fair amount of work on it as most of the content has simply been cut/pasted from the original posts in this thread. I'm hoping it's pretty accurate though.

Secondly, I've uploaded v1.2.10 of the nDroid client and a new version of the nDroidService.

NOTE Please download and install both as there have been changes that affect each other's behaviour.

Please see post #1 of this thread for the changes - nothing ground-breaking as I've done a lot of behind the scenes work on stability and also some preparation for some enhancements.

Also, please note the Menu option for 'Manual Record' is currently disabled so don't be surprised if nothing happens when you select it.

[mvallevand]

It could be the size of my 200+ channels, but each time I start nDroid now or try to change channels it takes a long time (minutes), the screen saver comes on twice, and I even get the Force Close Wait/prompt.

The new missing icon is nice and the channel numbers will become helpful when it is practical to change channels.

Martin