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Great idea! Is there any particular reason why this isn't better solved with just a regular old app? Aside from a whole bunch of technical hurdles involved wi

by mercer 9y ago

Great idea! Is there any particular reason why this isn't better solved with just a regular old app? Aside from a whole bunch of technical hurdles involved with a custom ROM, it would probably be easier to. Instead of needing to get this custom ROM on the phone, it would just be a matter of wiping the thing, resetting to a clean OS, and installing the app either through the store, or (possible on Android) by providing a link. As for the prompts and active 'engagement': I think that's a really, really good idea. And it could be achieved by simply using the phone's built-in features (notifications, badges, alerts, etc.). I'm not sure if I can be too involved when it comes to building the thing, but I'd love to help out in any way I can.

DoreenMichele 9y ago
I'm potentially open to it being an app. At the moment, it's just a readme file. Previously, my best idea was to set up a throw away gmail address, activate the phone using that and then bookmark some websites. I am looking for something better than that approach. An app still probably needs to set up your Google account on the phone to download it. That might be a problem, especially if this catches on and hundreds (or thousands) of throwaway gmail addresses are needed. I would rather the recipient of the phone set it up with their own email address. My understanding is a custom ROM is more built in than that and shouldn't require setting up an app store account. Correct me if I'm wrong.
- mercer 9y ago
  I think for iOS you do need an email address to set up an account. But wouldn't an email address be kind of a necessity anyways? For Android, as far as I know, the app can just be a download from a webpage, so you'd bypass the need to use the app store, and the need for an email address. One way perhaps to solve the iOS issue (assuming you'd even want to do this for iOS devices) is to do whatever it is that some companies do where apps come pre-installed for new employees. Not sure how that works and what the options are, but that could be a way to avoid the apple app store.
  - DoreenMichele 9y ago
    My intent is to start with Android, in part because it is familiar, in part because Android phones can be cheap. I currently have a $30 Android smartphone with Tracfone service. Apple products tend to be on the spendy side.

by mercer 9y ago

DoreenMichele 9y ago

I'm potentially open to it being an app. At the moment, it's just a readme file. Previously, my best idea was to set up a throw away gmail address, activate the phone using that and then bookmark some websites. I am looking for something better than that approach. An app still probably needs to set up your Google account on the phone to download it. That might be a problem, especially if this catches on and hundreds (or thousands) of throwaway gmail addresses are needed. I would rather the recipient of the phone set it up with their own email address. My understanding is a custom ROM is more built in than that and shouldn't require setting up an app store account. Correct me if I'm wrong.

mercer 9y ago
I think for iOS you do need an email address to set up an account. But wouldn't an email address be kind of a necessity anyways? For Android, as far as I know, the app can just be a download from a webpage, so you'd bypass the need to use the app store, and the need for an email address. One way perhaps to solve the iOS issue (assuming you'd even want to do this for iOS devices) is to do whatever it is that some companies do where apps come pre-installed for new employees. Not sure how that works and what the options are, but that could be a way to avoid the apple app store.
- DoreenMichele 9y ago
  My intent is to start with Android, in part because it is familiar, in part because Android phones can be cheap. I currently have a $30 Android smartphone with Tracfone service. Apple products tend to be on the spendy side.