I have one as well, and after seeing how powerful and flexible Android is to both users and developers, I'm in love.
Probably the best app I've found is called Locale, and it just proves how much you really can do with the phone/OS. I've set up a set of series of situations, some triggered by my location, others by time or incoming contacts, and each situation allows me to specify a set of configuration changes that take place when triggered. For an example of what's possible:
- When it detects that I'm near work, it sets my ringtone to something less obnoxious, and turns off notification sounds.
- When I step foot on campus for classes, it silences my phone and turns on the WiFi for internet access.
- When it's night time (between 11pm and 8am), it silences the phone so I'm not disturbed while sleeping.
- If my wife calls, it ignores all of the above settings and rings at a moderate volume, because it's probably important.
- If my mother calls, and I'm not at home, it sends her straight to my voicemail.
I have a feeling it'll be a cold day in hell before Apple lets iPhone apps have that much control over the phone, but my G1 could do it all from day one, including background tasks and cut/paste...
I checked out the Locale site, this quote is an awesome introduction to a product:
"In March 2005, Judge Robert Restaino jailed 46 people when a mobile phone rang in his New York courtroom and no one would admit responsibility. So we invented Locale. Problem solved."
"By indiscriminately committing into custody 46 defendants, [Restaino] deprived them of their liberty without due process, exhibited insensitivity, indifference and a callousness so reproachable that his continued presence on the Bench cannot be tolerated."
Probably the best app I've found is called Locale, and it just proves how much you really can do with the phone/OS. I've set up a set of series of situations, some triggered by my location, others by time or incoming contacts, and each situation allows me to specify a set of configuration changes that take place when triggered. For an example of what's possible:
- When it detects that I'm near work, it sets my ringtone to something less obnoxious, and turns off notification sounds.
- When I step foot on campus for classes, it silences my phone and turns on the WiFi for internet access.
- When it's night time (between 11pm and 8am), it silences the phone so I'm not disturbed while sleeping.
- If my wife calls, it ignores all of the above settings and rings at a moderate volume, because it's probably important.
- If my mother calls, and I'm not at home, it sends her straight to my voicemail.
I have a feeling it'll be a cold day in hell before Apple lets iPhone apps have that much control over the phone, but my G1 could do it all from day one, including background tasks and cut/paste...