2 general Android issues - Maps app and AMOLED screens

I

ihateshopping

New member
Hi,

I've been using Nexus One for 2 weeks now and I've got a few questions which apply to all android phones.

Why do almost all Android phones use AMOLED screens as opposed to TFT LCD or some other technology? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I find using it in direct sunlight is just about impossible, and I'm wondering if anything is going to be done about this in the future.

Now the main one: The Google Maps application. I believe there are some GLARING omissions - but hopefully I'm just using it incorrectly!
Firstly, there is no neat way of adding an address FROM the map to an existing contact. I can goto contacts and add an address from there. I can add an address as a separate contact, but not something absolutely basic like tap on the location, choose an existing contact, done! Are they going to add this?Starred Items - is it really not possible to name a location that you've just starred?My Maps - if I select anything I get "This Community Map could not be displayed because it contains errors." Is it not a usable feature yet?Can I add to 'My Maps' or 'Favourite Places' from the mobile or can that only be done on a PC browser?Thanks.
 
AMOLED is a newer technology which is typically brighter and crisper than a TFT LCD. TFT will read better in bright-light conditions due to how the screen physically works. TFT LCD uses a backlight which shows through the screen, whereas AMOLED is light emitting and doesn't need an additional lighting component. I'd take AMOLED over TFT any day, just for the improved contrast.

I'll leave the maps questions to others
 
I can't answer the other questions either, but AMOLED screens use far less power than LCD screens, as the pixels themselves illuminate instead of using a backlight. Therefore displaying a black screen uses no power on an AMOLED screen, but displaying a black screen on an LCD uses just as much power as a white screen.

What Scythe said is also true.

However, AMOLED screens have more layers to them than an LCD screen, so are much more reflective in bright sunlight. That's why they're harder to see.

Enter Super-AMOLED screens, which are currently exclusive to Samsung's flagship phones (the Wave + Galaxy S and its variants). Super-AMOLED screens address the problem of multiple layers by removing most of them and incorporating the touch sensitive layer into the screen itself instead of laying it on top. The result is the screen that uses 30% less power, has 180 degree viewing angles, much better contrast ratio, less reflective than LCD or AMOLED screens, and the most sensitive and accurate touch screens.
 
AMOLED cost less battery.

And for the 1st issue, I tried in my G2, and that's right, there's no convinient way for me to add some address. maybe the mobile version cut this function.
 
If you've found an address on the map that you want to add as a contact, make it a starred item and then you have the option to add it to your contacts. You can then remove the star if you don't want to leave it as starred.

I just looked, and if you use the menu in maps for Layers, and then select "More Layers" you will have access to "My Maps" that you have saved.
 
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