Lack of Garmin and Skype, downside of Android...

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I am tempted to switch from Windows Mobile to Android but I still see that there is no software for Garmin maps (offline maps) and also there is still no Skype Full for Android.
This last issue, that lack of a full skype client for Android smells fishy... Why is Skype not developing a Skype client for Android??? It is against Google's philosophy... Did Google sell his soul to the big Communications corporations and is banning a full Skype?
Also, is there a program like MyMobiler for Android? Mymobiler is a desktop program that allows you to control your phone from the PC watching your phone's screen in the PC monitor.
Another question: since Android is based on Linux, is it possible to run PC Linux programs directly on an Android phone just as you can on the new Maemo?

that lack of a full skype client for Android smells fishy... Why is Skype not developing a Skype client for Android??? It is against Google's philosophy... Did Google sell his soul to the big Communications corporations and is banning a full Skype?

1. There are apps for skype(not too many good ones) a descent one I use is "fring".

is there a program like MyMobiler for Android? Mymobiler is a desktop program that allows you to control your phone from the PC watching your phone's screen in the PC monitor.

2.There are lots of RDP and VNC apps to control/view your pc from your phone

Another question: since Android is based on Linux, is it possible to run PC Linux programs directly on an Android phone just as you can on the new Maemo?

From what I know no, but I could be wrong

Personally I like Droid Phones better then Win Mobile ones. I can't seem to put my Droid phone down. I am always tweaking or messing with new apps(and I only have a mytouch). Plus with the new Google navigation who needs Garmin? Also if your not wanting to get a droid phone because of it not fully supporting skype, and it not having garmin(which I don't really like) then your missing out!

You won't be able to run PC-program on android because it's a different platform (PC == x86, x86_64; android phones== arm ). You'll have to compile them for arm. General speaking it's possible to port apps. But you'll have to change some stuff.

I come from Windows Mobile, so I might shed some light...

There are a few Offline Maps apps... For example, Maverick... it has very good ratings. There are others too.

About MyMobiler... It's great... you can check this out, it's similar...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=557717

By the way, I like my Android better than my WM. I own a Cliq, and I must say that I love it. Waiting for the custom ROMs.

Originally Posted by hgrimberg

I am tempted to switch from Windows Mobile to Android but I still see that there is no software for Garmin maps (offline maps) and also there is still no Skype Full for Android.
This last issue, that lack of a full skype client for Android smells fishy... Why is Skype not developing a Skype client for Android??? It is against Google's philosophy... Did Google sell his soul to the big Communications corporations and is banning a full Skype?
Also, is there a program like MyMobiler for Android? Mymobiler is a desktop program that allows you to control your phone from the PC watching your phone's screen in the PC monitor.
Another question: since Android is based on Linux, is it possible to run PC Linux programs directly on an Android phone just as you can on the new Maemo?

Thank you for the responses.
I was intersted in being able to view my phone from my PC, actually.
The thing of not having offline maps is a big issue. Usually if you need a map, most likely you are in the middle of nowhere without 3G signal...
Maverick... Does that support Garmin maps?
Thank you!

There is also a program called Nimbuzz which recently got updated and allows making VOIP calls over Skype.

Originally Posted by hgrimberg

Thank you for the responses.
I was intersted in being able to view my phone from my PC, actually.
The thing of not having offline maps is a big issue. Usually if you need a map, most likely you are in the middle of nowhere without 3G signal...
Maverick... Does that support Garmin maps?
Thank you!

there are tons of offline mapping programs. Motonav, NDrive, Co-Pilot, and Papago x5 to name a few.

Maverick caches maps you've already viewed for later offline use. they also have a guide about using some software to save google maps/bing maps/open street maps, which you can check here. http://www.trekbuddy.net/forum/viewt...=464&start=545

The other apps mentioned above use their own "real" offline maps.
But from what you're asking I assume you already have a Garmin map purchased that you're looking to use on Android? Then I would recommend looking at what kind of maps these apps use and maybe finding a way to convert your map to be compatible with one of those apps.

As for Skype then yes there's a "lite" official version out there but it's far from great. Nimbuzz has been my favorite so far. Also, you can always look into using Google Voice as an alternative, it integrates nicely with the OS.

Is there any word that Garmin will develop an app for Android (like Garmin Mobile XT for WM)?
I use my phone as a navigation often and no other map providers cover my area (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia,...) as good as Garmin does. I'll change from my HTC HD to an Android device when they do it...

I use mapdroyd it don't have nav but has all the maps u want in any country. I've got the whole earth on mine.

Sent from my MetroMafia Eris