Develop Bugs

Powermat now at Best Buy

My local Best Buy has Powermats for the Evo out now. They have the battery door by itself for $35 and a set that comes with a single width mat and battery cover for $60. I didn't get one because I use a case but I thought I would share because I know some of you were excited to get one.

Yep confirmed 59.99.

Can't use - camera lens unprotected.

nabbed said:
Can't use - camera lens unprotected.
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camera lens is protected. i posted a few pics here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=8708060#post8708060

nabbed said:
Can't use - camera lens unprotected.
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you know the stock evo comes with the lens protected. The lens is down inside the phone and has a protective window (which everyone keeps calling a lens) that it looks through.
This case appears to have some added bulk to keep the WINDOW off surfaces.

I love mine. I'm not a fan of cases, although it wouldn't be too difficult to hack up a silicon or tpu case to make it fit. I just appreciate not having wires to use anymore.

I picked up a powermat last night for my evo.
It seems to work pretty well, the fit is good, and only adds about 1 mm to the thickness of the battery door. The sprint silicone case fits over it with no modifications needed.
The mat is only fully powered when it detects a device to charge. It has a single magnet for alignment, and is easy to center on the pad as needed. There is also audible feedback when the phone is detected and the power is turned on.
It will charge through the standard sprint silicone case, but the alignment is not as easy, and I didn't try to check if the charging rate was changed by the extra case.
The compass in the phone seems to still work with a slight wobble to "north", while turning the phone 360 deg. The magnetic field strength reading is boosted to over 60/48ths , but calibrating the magnometer seems to allow compass use.

This is the same price as on the powermat website and you don't have to pay tax if you buy directly or shipping if you choose ground UPS. Wouldn't buying from best buy mean you're paying tax?
I'd just put it on my amex and if anything happened, they'd cover it.
They don't seem to sell it via the BestBuy website, can't even find it there.
Plus, doesn't Best Buy charge a restocking fee. The powermat folks seem to give a full refund in 30 days. Good way to try it out and see if it's worthwhile without the restocking fee.
i have one question about using a powermat itself. IF you plug this into the powermat or lay it down on the strip, whatever, how do you sync with your PC? You still have to hardwire to your desktop don't you? Unless you're always using Google services?

sanjsrik said:
This is the same price as on the powermat website and you don't have to pay tax if you buy directly or shipping if you choose ground UPS. Wouldn't buying from best buy mean you're paying tax?
I'd just put it on my amex and if anything happened, they'd cover it.
They don't seem to sell it via the BestBuy website, can't even find it there.
Plus, doesn't Best Buy charge a restocking fee. The powermat folks seem to give a full refund in 30 days. Good way to try it out and see if it's worthwhile without the restocking fee.
i have one question about using a powermat itself. IF you plug this into the powermat or lay it down on the strip, whatever, how do you sync with your PC? You still have to hardwire to your desktop don't you? Unless you're always using Google services?
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there is no restocking fee for accessories. where did you hear that?

DomSim said:
there is no restocking fee for accessories. where did you hear that?
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Nope, you're right. No restocking fee implictly quoted in their main refund/return policy. Still have to pay tax though.
And, how do you sync the device with your desktop? If you're running bluetooth all the time, it will eat your battery, if you have to hardwire in, kind of makes the powermat irrelevant.

I saw this the other day too when wandering the mobile department. I didn't have a chance to read too carefully into it, but just want to confirm it is still safe to charge via the regular ac adapter/car charger too, right?

Anyone know if the cover would work with a touchstone charger? I guess I'm just too lazy to do the touchstone mod myself and it seems like it might work. Sorry for the dumb question
Sent from my Sprint HTC EVO

With the power mat, does it come with a battery and if so whats the mah?

radar5 said:
I saw this the other day too when wandering the mobile department. I didn't have a chance to read too carefully into it, but just want to confirm it is still safe to charge via the regular ac adapter/car charger too, right?
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Yes it is still safe to plug in a normal ac or car charger.
chandlerw88 said:
With the power mat, does it come with a battery and if so whats the mah?
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No the only thing you are replacing is the battery cover which is used with the mat.
Essentially the battery cover has the magnet and induction charging built into it. That is why there is the little connector on the bottom. Essentially it used the induction cover as the charger to charge the batter through the normal usb connection. Hope this clears up all the confusion and mystery surrounding this. I picked one up myself and I do like it. I only use the leather pouch from HTC which was able to stretch to fit the extra peice on the bottom.

DomSim said:
camera lens is protected. i posted a few pics here,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=8708060#post8708060
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New review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMsOp0EI6YA .
The reviewer says the the new powermat battery door is flush with the camera lens [protector glass].
If this was true, this battery door is going to make the camera lens even more prone to scratching.

Don't see why you're all crying about the camera "lens"...if it's that big of a deal, put a bulky, useless cover over the damn thing. Otherwise, quit your complaining (or stop being so abusive).
Picked one up yesterday (actually two, but that's another story). LOVE LOVE LOVE that the back door is only slightly thicker..can't even notice it. The "dongle" sticking out is no biggie for me and actually, kind of a nice addition...easier to find "up" and easier to hold the phone in landscape.
It charges about the same speed as my car charger...don't know what the amperage is on it, but it IS slower than my wall outlet.
Anyway, rather than waiting for shipping (best buy didn't have any single mats) I ended up buying another EVO set (door and pad) so I can leave one at work. Looks like I'll be able to pull the setup off the door and stick it on my Overdrive, though

Does anyone know if it will still charge if using a case like seidio active?
I don't think the bottom part will be a problem and it should still work with the holster.
Anyone tried it?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

I haven't tried with a case but I can hold the phone off the pad a ways and it will still charge...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Mayonesa said:
Does anyone know if it will still charge if using a case like seidio active?
I don't think the bottom part will be a problem and it should still work with the holster.
Anyone tried it?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
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I picked up my Powermat this past Sunday and I LOVE IT!
I tried my nice cheap-ie holster from eBay ($3.50), naked, phone faces outward. With the powermat backing installed it DOES NOT fit. It is slightly thicker due to the magnet in the base.
My main motivation for the purchase was obviously to use it wirelessly, which is just amazing (loved it on the Pre, but I think I like powermat better... now if they could just make it available for the PS3 controllers lol), the ulterior motive was to get it so that the camera lens was not touching any flat surface I put it on..... and it doesn't! granted it's only like one millimeter, but still thats more than enough assurance for me!
awenthol said:
...
Picked one up yesterday (actually two, but that's another story). LOVE LOVE LOVE that the back door is only slightly thicker..can't even notice it. The "dongle" sticking out is no biggie for me and actually, kind of a nice addition...easier to find "up" and easier to hold the phone in landscape.
...
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Seconded... The little dongle is supported by my little finger just a tad which makes it just a tad easier to hold in landscape.
I thought that was going to be a major no-go for me, but I like it. And it's easy enough to unplug it to allow it to be plugged into the computer.
I don't know if its because of the rom I'm using (airborne 3.1), or because of how the powermat is alleged to charge, but I'm getting A TON better battery life since I installed both airborne 3.1 and the powermat.

Mayonesa said:
Does anyone know if it will still charge if using a case like seidio active?
I don't think the bottom part will be a problem and it should still work with the holster.
Anyone tried it?
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
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I have tried this and was not happy with the way the case was stretched at the bottom. If anyone wants to see pictures I can try to accommodate and snag some. Also tried out a Otterbox case (no go) and Seidio hip case (tight fit). Some may accept the power bridging powermat has decided to use but I plan to return it for now. I really wish powermat would have designed internal cabling instead. If they ever offer that revision I am down!

For the minimalist's out there.. car dock

I've always been a minimalist when it comes to accessories.. covers/cases/car docks. Anyway Here's a simple solution I've been using since day one with my Evo. Simple magnet holder.. Below is the link.. $5.00 . Take off your battery cover... the Metal plate the size of a quarter with adhesive sticker sticks to your battery... then put your battery cover on. Then put the magnet anywhere on your dash.. it's black and a half inch thick .. about an inch or so in diamater.. it also has an adhesive sticker. It pretty inconspicuous.. I have mine right above my radio on the dash. It's perfect.. the magnetic strength is strong enough it has NEVER fallen off.. also it's great cuz you can just turn your phone in portrait or landscape without issue. Also the softouch oem battery cover doesn't scratch from putting it off and on.. like I thought it might. So easy to just set it against the dash when getting in the car and pulling it off getting out.
http://www.amazon.com/Cellet-Retail-Packaged-Universal-Magnetic/dp/B000KNLG3M
Yeah it kinda sucks there is no power to it.. But I just have my cigarette charger there so I can just attach it when needed.

Looks really cool, I might try it out.

hey op, mind sharing a couple picture of how your phone looks with the attachment? thanks!

I too would love to see how it looks attached to your phone. If you could provide a closeup shot of the adhesive attached to the back of your phone as well as a pic of the phone sitting on your dashboard that would be great.
Thanks!

I used one like this on my old TP2 and I loved it. You only have a little piece of metal on the back of your phone and the magnet attached to your car is really strong. Thanks for the link, I might pick up another one.

I'll attach a pic tomorrow.. don't have a camera other than the one on the phone.. I'll use a friends camera tomorrow for a few shots.

and that magnet doesn't mess up navigation by throwing off the internal compass or whatever?

tri0xinn said:
I Below is the link.. $5.00
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Looks like they must have changed the price. It says $7.13 + $2.35 shipping.
Here's someone on ebay selling these. $3.29 + $1.95 shipping, and a discount on shipping if you order more than one. I just ordered 4 of them and it came to $17.96 total with shipping.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250725347170

deathsled said:
and that magnet doesn't mess up navigation by throwing off the internal compass or whatever?
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Yeah that would be my worry... magnet that close to electronics.

I shouldn't cause any issues for the phone itself, but the compass is likely affected. The Palm Pre has little metal tabs in the case in a similar fashion and it doesn't suffer any bad side effects of being on the touchstone (magnetic connection + inductive charging) but the Pre doesn't have a compass.

Just ordered 2 of them to try out, total as under $10.00. One of the advantages is that I think I'll be able to attach my EVO to my multitude of touchstones, even if it can't charge. (yet, may do that mod if I keep the EVO)
Thanks for the tip!

Flygrip?

I was watching a YouTube video the other day and it was a review on the Flygrip and it looked pretty cool. I was wondering if anyone has used a Flygrip before and if it was worth the $30
Sent from my magic piece of metal using even more magic

I'm waiting for mine to arrive at the doorstep. Will update upon receipt.

Plenty of reviews and free shipping code here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1423613

This could be useful for me. I'm starting to get a little RSI in my right thumb. This looks like it would support it.

I have had the flygrip for ~6 months. I really like it.
lt broke the other day. I emailed the Flygrip folks and they said it was due to a design flaw. They sent me a new one with the new revised design. Free of charge.
It is really useful. Helps to have a secure hold on your device. And also doubles as a landscape kickstand. Because the galaxy note is so big, the device will not stand in portrait with the kickstand. It just topples over.
It folds flat. Fairily flat. Only 7-8mm.

Mine just came in today I suggest if you get one use some duct tape (or another type of tape) to stick it in back. That way you can get a better feel for where you want it and don't waste one sticky.
Cause that's what I just did.
But other than that it's comfortable, quick to open, and once you stick your fingers in it a few times (heehee) it becomes very nice!
I don't use a case (even though they offer a free one for my phone) So it's nice to have a better hold on my phone.
I'm going to buy another one in a few months for my friends.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

dude18 said:
I have had the flygrip for ~6 months. I really like it.
lt broke the other day. I emailed the Flygrip folks and they said it was due to a design flaw. They sent me a new one with the new revised design. Free of charge.
It is really useful. Helps to have a secure hold on your device. And also doubles as a landscape kickstand. Because the galaxy note is so big, the device will not stand in portrait with the kickstand. It just topples over.
It folds flat. Fairily flat. Only 7-8mm.
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Hello, I noticed that you may want a kickstand that will help stand your Galaxy Note better. I have developed one that might be just the ticket for you - although not designed as a grip, with the blade open, it can be used to give yourself a better grip - see this link http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1208873
---------- Post added at 01:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:21 PM ----------
Knuckles1966 said:
Mine just came in today I suggest if you get one use some duct tape (or another type of tape) to stick it in back. That way you can get a better feel for where you want it and don't waste one sticky.
Cause that's what I just did.
But other than that it's comfortable, quick to open, and once you stick your fingers in it a few times (heehee) it becomes very nice!
I don't use a case (even though they offer a free one for my phone) So it's nice to have a better hold on my phone.
I'm going to buy another one in a few months for my friends.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
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Take a short strip of packing tape and fold over one end so that you have something to grip if you want to take it off - it will have less adhesive goo on your device to clean off - that's what I did when I was first testing correct placement on my kickstand4u tm

Think i want to get this for my kindle touch because it sucks when it falls on my face while i'm reading it in bed...

Green Ranger said:
Think i want to get this for my kindle touch because it sucks when it falls on my face while i'm reading it in bed...
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It's hard to hold in bed, I use my kickstand4u tm like a flygrip, but I find my arm gets tired holding my GS3 like that, which is pretty lightweight let alone trying to hold my Samsung Tab 7.0 Plus over my head for that long, I know I would still drop it on my face and with the weight of my arm attached, I'd probably knock myself out LOL!
You just got to either have a strong arm to hold in that position for a long time or set it on a bedside nightstand and do the reading that way.
So using a kickstand that was designed for all mobile devices as a true kickstand rather than a flygrip that can be used as a kickstand for small devices like a phone, this might help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2087034

mouseglider said:
It's hard to hold in bed, I use my kickstand4u tm like a flygrip, but I find my arm gets tired holding my GS3 like that, which is pretty lightweight let alone trying to hold my Samsung Tab 7.0 Plus over my head for that long, I know I would still drop it on my face and with the weight of my arm attached, I'd probably knock myself out LOL!
You just got to either have a strong arm to hold in that position for a long time or set it on a bedside nightstand and do the reading that way.
So using a kickstand that was designed for all mobile devices as a true kickstand rather than a flygrip that can be used as a kickstand for small devices like a phone, this might help: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2087034
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Thanks for the tip. I'll look into it.

Green Ranger said:
Thanks for the tip. I'll look into it.
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Green Ranger - Thank you!

I prefer the flygrip because i use it for the one handed solution mostly, and for the issues with portrait orientation, flygrip made a Gravity model designed for devices that are big. its on my note2 WITH the Otterbox Defender case. so far its wonderful, but i do like the idea of the kickstand4u.

Mobi-Lens

Check out this lens adapter. I ordered one. The best part is, it should work with your next phone too. I posted in the Galaxy S3 forum, but I think it is probably more of a general accessory. I don't normally post, but I thought this was very interesting!
http://kck.st/QfDkHL

Can you post some pictures on and on the phone???
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Very cool idea. Most lens implementations so far have depended on a case or a lack thereof, or were built with only one device in mind. I'd only be worried about the pressure of a clothespin on the screen, but then I handle my phone like a piece of fine china.

no way...

I'm not sure I would want to pinch that thing onto my phone either. Let us know how it works if you get it
Sent from my GT-I9100

so i just checked out mobi-lens..
FINALLY a photo attachment i can USE with my Android that doesnt use those damn magnets.
this looks legit, love the idea of clothespin, very adaptable so im in $60 for a combo pack!!
I noticed on their final product images, the clips have foam on the tip and the coils on the spring doesnt seem like it has much pressure. Its like a chip-bag clips spring.
The photos on their KS page look solid, even with a case on still looks decent.
I cant say it enough how i love the idea of being able to use it on anything. I own a Galaxy S3 and a Galaxy tablet and now I can use this clip on lens for photos and not lug my DSLR for daily hikes and bike rides.
:good::good::good:

Got my lenses today
Got my lenses today. I got the combo pack. They are awesome and really work as advertised. Can't wait to really get out and shoot some pics. So far they work on my cases great. Love that I don't have to take my phone out of the case to use them. The part that actually touches your phone is soft silicone like material. Not worried at all that is will damage my phone. Now I can use these on all my devices!!! So awesome.
Here is their website now. Since Kickstarter promo is finished.
http://mobi-lens.com/

$30? I ordered a similar product from eBay for around $8... haven't got it yet, so it might be garbage.
I wonder how they will compare.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2

[Q] Cover App

So I'm, guessing this feature utilizes a reed switch. Is it polarized? The reason i ask is, I got a cheap knock off of the Asus case. The cover app did not work. So I took a magnet and moved it around on the front of the phone. Still did not work. Dropped the magnet and when I picked it up and tried again, it worked. I then turned the magnet around so the other side was facing the phone, again it didn't work. With that knowledge, I tried putting the front of the case up to the phone. It worked, the circle app came on. I opened up up the case and moved the part that SHOULD be against the front of the phone around and nothing.
Obviously on my phone it is polarized. Should it be? If the authentic Asus case is of good quality I don't mind spending 40 bucks on one but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the phone first.

Bluze said:
Obviously on my phone it is polarized. Should it be? If the authentic Asus case is of good quality I don't mind spending 40 bucks on one but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the phone first.
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Buy the official one. I got it for free, but I would happily pay for it. It's worth it.
A lot of third party cases tend to fail with these features. They seem to just throw it together as fast as possible and don't test it properly to make sure it actually works.

Yeah, as long as I can determine that nothing is wrong with the phone I will. But should a reed switch only work with one side of a magnet?
Also, what is the quality of the authentic? Is it genuine leather? Does it seem like something that will hold up well?

Bluze said:
what is the quality of the authentic? Is it genuine leather? Does it seem like something that will hold up well?
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The plastic that covers the circle feels kind of cheap, but everything else feels solid. No idea if it's real leather, doesn't really seem like it, but I could be wrong.

Thanks Harfainx. I just ordered one. I hope the polarization on the reed switch is normal and not a defect.

Bluze said:
Thanks Harfainx. I just ordered one. I hope the polarization on the reed switch is normal and not a defect.
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You definitely don`t have a reed switch in the phone, it will be a hall effect switch which will switch whenever a magnet comes close enough to trip it. N or S pole irrelevant in operation, its pure proximity. :good:

Thanks for that information. I've never heard of a hall effect switch, just assumed it was a reed switch since it's activated by a magnet.
So maybe something is defective with mine then. Like I said, holding the front of the case up to the screen activates it, but the back side, that should be against the screen doesn't. Guess I'll just have to wait till the authentic case arrives and see what happens. Off now to read up on hall effect switches.

Sorry for not following up on this sooner. My dog died last week and it's been pretty tough for me.
Got the original and it works perfectly. The knock off worked if I held the front of it up to the screen. So it seems the switch is polarized and it was put in backwards in the cheap one.
Quality isn't bad. And the tempered glass screen protector fits perfect with it. I've had a few people who saw it and commented on how cool the circle thing is. Well worth the 40 bucks.