So the guys over at facepunch can be quite a creative bunch when it comes to programming and one of them has successfully made an application for Steam chat that doesn't require an external server to connect to. It works pretty well and is also free, so I don't see any reason to not get it if you have an Android phone! Link to app: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.flyingpie.steamdroid
You mean rooted? You realise that takes about 20 seconds to do and has absolutely no downsides :L Wait it doesn't need to be rooted? nevermind :L
From what I understand, most phones require you to have a SIM card from a phone service, and that phone service requires you to have a data plan, phone service, and texting if you wish to use a smartphone (meaning you have to pay a boatload every month for the service). However, there are some phones that have an unlocked SIM card, which doesn't belong to any phone service provider and doesn't require you to have phone service. Therefore, if I want an android handheld device, from my understanding of things, I need to buy one that isn't a phone (which aren't too common) or one that has an unlocked SIM card.
In the UK you're not forced to have a data plan. But how anyone can live without having mobile internet, I have no idea.
I still have a black and white mobile phone and snake 2 on my mobile. What is with people and internet phones dear god.
I didn't think you needed a SIM card, at least for CDMA phones (Verizon and Sprint phones). If you have any android device, you should still be able to root it and connect to WiFi.
I suppose considering I need quite a bit of contact with people (emails with the datacentre and whatsnot) it's pretty handy for me. My previous phone ended up only being able to hold about two hours of charge. It lasted a good 4-5 years mind.
I was looking at this a while back and forgot about it, I'll test it when I get home. Doesn't appear to be working on my 3G, and College WIFI is barely usable.
The app seems to work every so often. I had a case before where every time I tried to talk someone it would just force logout.
They're probably using the old method of storing your password hash and the steam guard hash on their servers so they can authenticate each time. The app uses the reversed steamworks project so it actually connects straight to steam.
Official Steam app is in beta. Download and log in to sign up for it. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/steam-mobile/id495369748 https://market.android.com/details?id=com.valvesoftware.android.steam.community
Pretty sweet, hope I get a beta invite for it. I don't know why they don't just make it open to whomever wants it...