[Q] How debug the phone? - Samsung Galaxy W I8150

Hi. This is my first post here, so please excuse my naivety.
I have a stock phone running a few basic apps. Not many apps are ever running simultaneously, and I don't believe they are particularly CPU hungry.
My phone is usually very unresponsive. I often miss incoming phone calls whilst waiting for the touchpad to respond! Opening a new app can take around a minute! However, sometimes the phone works normally. I can see no pattern connecting the problem to a particular app or any updates. The problem comes and goes as it pleases.
Using an app called OS Monitor I can see that the CPU typically runs below 15%, with Android itself running between 5% and 12%.
The only clue I have is in the log of OS Monitor I can see literally HUNDREDS of errors per second, almost all of them look something like this:- [TSP] ID: 0, z:84, w: 1 (the numeric values vary).
Are these errors significant, and would they explain the phone's unresponsiveness? How do I find out what these errors mean?
How do I go about debugging the phone, and what do I look out for? I don't have root access to the phone.
My background is in programming, so I know how to debug Windows apps. And a long long time ago I used to do assembly language programming using embedded controllers and in circuit emulators - but I don't have any kit now, and it certainly wouldn't work with today's technology! I really don't have a clue where to start with Android phones!
Ideally I want an easy means to discovering the cause and solving the unresponsiveness. Suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Alan

If you're running a stock rom, it sounds very unstable. I don't know much about debugging OS's, but from the little I know about "general" android, I think you have 2 choices........
The first choice will have many members here shaking their heads and tutting...lol but I will suggest it anyway.......
You could try connecting your phone to your computer and using Samsung Kies software.....there is an "emergency restore" function that *may* recognise that there is a problem with your phone and do something about it....it's basically like doing a factory reset.
The other option is to do what most of us here have done.....root your phone and flash a custom rom....it sounds like a custom rom will be MORE STABLE than your stock rom (there's not many folks who can say that lol).
You do have one other option that I can think of......return the phone to your retailer and get them to send it away for assessment and repair......
There may be other options that I don't know about, maybe somebody else can tell you what they are....
Anyway, good luck...I'd personally recommend the custom rom route....a lot more satisfying.....
Keith
Sent from my GT-I8150 using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Related

Is it worth installing Android?

I'm currently using an EnergyROM w/ Sense 2.5 on my Touch Pro 2 and am happy with everything so far, however my only let down with Windows Mobile is the types of applications made available for it.
I'm wondering whether it's worth me installing Android on my phone for the sake of having better quality applications and games?
Or is it still too early in development for something like that? I remember awhile back people were saying the sound wasn't working.
As far as Android go and whether its worth installing really depends on what type of apps you need. The sound is still not working on the external speaker at the moment as well as some other functions. With your current Windows build you are using, it will still be there. Android is installed on the external storage card. You can switch back after running Android by doing a soft reset.
Actually you dont need to even soft reset (well not with the stylus anyway), just hold down the lower right button and it will ask you to power down? then it starts back up in WM
Some people are using it as their main operating system but I just 'Play' with it. As mentioned ring tones etc is not working yet.
Mayflix said:
As far as Android go and whether its worth installing really depends on what type of apps you need. The sound is still not working on the external speaker at the moment as well as some other functions. With your current Windows build you are using, it will still be there. Android is installed on the sim card. You can switch back after running Android by doing a soft reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he actually means the external storage card. It doesn't hurt to try it out to see if it's something you'll like. You can always go back to WinMo by soft resetting your device.
if android worked as well on my touch pro 2 as well as it does on my touch pro, i would be using it as my daily driver. sound doesnt work, power management doesnt really work, but the apps are good and with sense its very pretty, and i feel i can jump in and play games and stuff without having to worry about not having a phone since it can still make calls are send texts. if the camera, sound, gps where working, and the battery could last for more than 2 hours, i would have no reason to go back into windows really. hopefully the touch pro 3 will be android or something. if just for getting sense on 2.1 in landscape.
The Jack of Clubs said:
if the battery could last for more than 2 hours
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
20+ hours standby with push email is WAY longer than 2 hours....
Besides, REAL tech flashing geeks wouldn't need to ask this question. Its a matter of trying it yourself, and coming to an educated conclusion on whether or not its worth it for YOU.
As started before it really comes down to teh apps you need. I been trying out android on my TP and besides the inaccurate battery meter its actually pretty good. I haven't made the ful switch over yet since I haven't found replacements to all my apps on WinMo but definitely found some good additions on android. Just tried it out for a while loading off the SD card and see how you like it.
Once they get TomTom on Android and that little app that transfers all sounds to your bluetooth headset in wm is when Android will become my prefered choice of OS. I like the idea of beeing able to "Dual Boot" back and forth from WM and Android. I would be completely OK with it if everything worked just using Haret.
As of right now personally I'm not satisfied with android on the tp2 as I was on the Kaiser but if they got that far on a 3+ year old device why not on the Tp2? I'm just hoping no one gives up on it.
starmena said:
Once they get TomTom on Android and that little app that transfers all sounds to your bluetooth headset in wm is when Android will become my prefered choice of OS. I like the idea of beeing able to "Dual Boot" back and forth from WM and Android. I would be completely OK with it if everything worked just using Haret.
As of right now personally I'm not satisfied with android on the tp2 as I was on the Kaiser but if they got that far on a 3+ year old device why not on the Tp2? I'm just hoping no one gives up on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tomtom!?? Screw tomtom! Google maps navigator!!!!
I've used tomtom since my early days using palm phones. I love the ap but google maps make it look obsolete. Once they get the GPS working on our phones I'll probably start using the android WAY way more.
Here are the apps I MUST HAVE to switch 100%
1. calendar exchange - need to know when to get to meetings
2. google market - after download and before install with 2.38gb free on storage and hundreds of mb free on device get not enough storage error. need this to install google voice for free calls.
3. way to get repeating reminders and sms alerts. need to get to meetings or know when I have to call in for something.
4. wireless router app.
5. evernote - haven't checked it prob an app for it.
6. quick upcoming appts view and weather conditions with wind and number of unread messages for each account on home page.
I can reboot for music if needed.
Thanks guys for all your comments.
I decided to run the AOSP 2.1 as I heard Sense UI version causes a few issues.
Everything looks pretty normal, only that unfortunately most of the apps I want to run are not found in the market. (I've heard that developers filter apps based on phone model, locale or features)
The big issue for me is battery life.
I can charge the phone no problem but it always stays at 62% and the battery drains very quickly.
Games-wise: I tried to install a "3D" if you can call it that game called 'Replica Island' and couldn't even run it as it was too laggy, didn't even get past the intro stage. All the other simpler games I have had no problem with. I also installed Scummvm with a plugin/game but don't know where it was saved to on the SD. Most likely that will lag too as it did even in WinMo.
My issues so far:
Cannot get Gen Y Dualboot to work, it just says that Android cannot be found. (When installing Android I used the .rar version not .cab)
Can't get sound to work via earphones. It says "(in call mic and earpiece work)" Does that mean it only works if someone calls me?
Overall user experience in Android is much better than WinMo. In Windows mobile, I have to click many times to get to wanted app or menu entry, while I usually clicks once or twice to get there.
One big thing for me is Google Voice integration. My folks uses phone card from Rebtel to call relatives overseas. Their fingers aren't usually fast enough for Rebtel to accept all digits. Google voice eliminated all the hassle and steps of using phone card. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!
I really like it and wish they would fix the sound and 3d so that you can run games.... I use it for testing only for now.
No sound, still ?!? Not worth it as a phone device. A play device yes, thats about it. Winmo for me I get to all my apps and prog in just one or two clicks. Learn to use your quicklinks.
ilabstudios said:
I'm currently using an EnergyROM w/ Sense 2.5 on my Touch Pro 2 and am happy with everything so far, however my only let down with Windows Mobile is the types of applications made available for it.
I'm wondering whether it's worth me installing Android on my phone for the sake of having better quality applications and games?
Or is it still too early in development for something like that? I remember awhile back people were saying the sound wasn't working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's fun to play with for 10 minutes, but without working sound it's still pretty useless.
And I'm beginning to think the lack of sound problem will never be resolved
I'm beginning to think the lack of sound problem will never be resolved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't lose faith. It takes time because the developers have to go through extensive testing to make sure the features will work properly.
They are most likely focusing on improving the battery life first before they finish porting the other features, because what good is it having sound when the battery drains within 30-60 minutes.
I thought the battery is fine, it's just the readings/meter that is inaccurate
Wish it's not running in software emulation mode too though..it's a bit "laggy" to my taste
ilabstudios said:
Don't lose faith. It takes time because the developers have to go through extensive testing to make sure the features will work properly.
They are most likely focusing on improving the battery life first before they finish porting the other features, because what good is it having sound when the battery drains within 30-60 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
20+ hours of standby with push email running is NOT 30-60 minutes. The battery IS fine, its just the meter that needs work. Charging even works now.
michaelra said:
I thought the battery is fine, it's just the readings/meter that is inaccurate
Wish it's not running in software emulation mode too though..it's a bit "laggy" to my taste
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just FYI, it's not emulated, HaRET unloads Windows Mobile and then loads Linux (and eventually Android) like a bootloader. Like Loadlin, if you know what that was. The slowness results from a lack of hardware OpenGL coupled with the fact that the Rhodium is a WVGA device running on an underpowered MSM7xxx chipset. While that lag can be improved upon with proper GPU support and some performance optimizations (and even a little overclocking), this device will never be as fast running Android as the Nexus One, or the Hero, or most other native Android devices.
The touch pro 2 uses the same (or very similar) processor as the Hero, correct? I guess the big "problem" going forward for the TP2 is the higher resolution screen. Even if HW support for graphics rendering comes to fruition for Android on the TP2, the processor will likely be the "bottleneck" in regards to performance..

[Q] Incredible - White HTC screen and homescreen restarts

I'm hoping you Android experts can help me. I need LogCat interpretation. Since updating to 2.2 (not rooted), I've seen my phone go to a white HTC screen followed by a re-start of the home screen. It ends up being on the home screen page I was at, not the "center" one.
This has been happening several times a day, usually when unlocking the phone or exiting from an app. It seems like it's related to receiving some sort of alert while locked or using an app.
I have a LogCat excerpt which I snagged while taking some screen shots with ddms. I was snapping screens from Dolphin. After I was done, I used Dolphin's menu Exit button to stop Dolphin. I got the white HTC screen then the home screen restart. I've attached the relevant LogCat data. Can someone look at this and tell what happened and why the home screen restarted? I am looking for real concrete info. There is a ton of Old Wives' Tales going around about this and I'm not interested that sort of nonsense
PS: I tried to post some context in the form of CODE blocks from LogCat but I got refused because this forum prohibits me from posting "outside links". There is no hyperlinking info in the LogCat info, but...
I am also getting the same issues. Using virtuous 2.5 and BFS#1. If this doesn't get better, I am just going to try a different flash and see how it goes.
Sigh... I was hoping one of the Android jocks here would be able to tell from that LogCat. I see this mentioned in other threads on other forums. But all I have found amounts to old wives' tales.
Sorry I don't know how read those but if your not rooted I don't think it matters anyway because you cannot access those files. I would root the phone Unrevoked forever with s-off and then download rom manager if you have never flashed roms and stuff. from rom manager install your custom recovery and do a nandroid backup. So from this point basically you can do anything short of changing the radio without worries. because if you mess it up just boot into recovery and restore from the nandroid backup. you will be no worse off than you are now. you can download stock 2.2 or even try virtuous 2.6. its awesome and super stable. in fact it runs better than stock did. Anyway good luck all the info you need is on the forum. if you have a question i will try to help but im not a computer programmer but i have been playing with android for about a year.
Jonathan --
I finally went back and looked at this thread. I did root the phone with the Reflash from the #unrevokedtest IRC channel. In fact it went so smoothly, I "gave back" by spending several hours a night for 5 nights helping and encouraging others on IRC. Then I wrote up an article based on the things people had trouble with (see http://bit.ly/aBez98). One of the unrEVOked guys picked it up, made some suggestions, I edited it, and now it's linked in the /topic of the channel. Your suggestion pushed me over the edge.
I am using Auto Memory Manager, which allows you to tune the way the OS prunes tasks. With it set to "Mild" my Sense restarts are a thing of the past.
I'm pretty sure that somehow the HTC Sense "app" is actually getting pruned by the OS, causing it to need to start from scratch when exiting from whatever task needed that extra bit or memory to run. It's not a bug, it's a feature!!!!
Thanks..I'm gonna try this.
I don't like spending hours tweaking task killers and the like.. but if I'm ever showing my phone to someone, I don't want the phone to appear buggy.
On the same token, I'd like to know when this feature is updated to prevent the symptom.. so I can dump the memory manager.
I tested the solution of using Auto Memory Manager configured to Mild for a couple weeks... I don't feel there was any improvement. Anyone else?

Most functional Android rom

I just flashed my Kaiser with Fat Free Froyo RLS5. I really like the Android OS, but the lack of functionality is bothersome. I can't type into the Google search bar that is on the desktop, the camera doesn't work and, worst of all, the USB to PC data connection is inoperable. These things along with some other minor things like the fact that I can't change the volume of the alarm clock make me want to try a different flavor. I've only been using it for about an hour and already found all these problems so I can image that there are more.
All I am looking for it a version of Android that will allow me to use the camera, browse my SD card from my PC, and has a working WiFi. Speed is also a concern.
If I could get some suggestions I would be appreciative.
Thank you.
lemminman said:
I just flashed my Kaiser with Fat Free Froyo RLS5. I really like the Android OS, but the lack of functionality is bothersome. I can't type into the Google search bar that is on the desktop, the camera doesn't work and, worst of all, the USB to PC data connection is inoperable. These things along with some other minor things like the fact that I can't change the volume of the alarm clock make me want to try a different flavor. I've only been using it for about an hour and already found all these problems so I can image that there are more.
All I am looking for it a version of Android that will allow me to use the camera, browse my SD card from my PC, and has a working WiFi. Speed is also a concern.
If I could get some suggestions I would be appreciative.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera not working is related to your kernel/radio rom. Also you could use not so super froyo if you want the same with more features. If you want more speed I suggest a Cyanogen based rom as these are the fastest currently. I suggest changing your kernel to l1qu1ds latest .32 kernel via the thread that is stickied at the top.
USB to pc is not working through my computer right now but adb is at least. What I do for data transfer is just use System on NAND and Data on SD and use a card reader for the data.
Lastly, remember that android on the Kaiser is by no means perfect and is still more or less of a thing to be like "Look what my old phone can do!" thing. If you want everything perfect then Windows mobile has that already. Otherwise if you want a cooler newer OS on your phone then its going to take a little time for us. We have come a long ways but not all the way there yet.
lemminman said:
I just flashed my Kaiser with Fat Free Froyo RLS5. I really like the Android OS, but the lack of functionality is bothersome. I can't type into the Google search bar that is on the desktop, the camera doesn't work and, worst of all, the USB to PC data connection is inoperable. These things along with some other minor things like the fact that I can't change the volume of the alarm clock make me want to try a different flavor. I've only been using it for about an hour and already found all these problems so I can image that there are more.
All I am looking for it a version of Android that will allow me to use the camera, browse my SD card from my PC, and has a working WiFi. Speed is also a concern.
If I could get some suggestions I would be appreciative.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the search bar will work if you download google search from the market, it was removed since it can be installed from the market, fat free is fully functional you just have to work to get it going out of the gate, now in contrast not so super froyo is ready to go from the get go
lemminman said:
the camera doesn't work and, worst of all, the USB to PC data connection is inoperable. These things along with some other minor things like the fact that I can't change the volume of the alarm clock make me want to try a different flavor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using Fat Free Froyo RLS5 and all that stuff works for me.
USB to PC works perfectly in linux It works for me on windows 7 too, but you just have to wait a long time (maybe 2-5 mins) for the computer to recognise it.
To change the alarm volume just roll the jog wheel while in that menu (or press whatever buttons you have assigned to volume up/down)
Thanks for the help, guys.
I suggest changing your kernel to l1qu1ds latest .32 kernel via the thread that is stickied at the top
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the kernel I have. My radio is version 1.65 something.
What I do for data transfer is just use System on NAND and Data on SD and use a card reader for the data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a card reader; that is why this is important to me. Are there any Android versions that this works, or an app that I can install even?
Lastly, remember that android on the Kaiser is by no means perfect [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only reason I don't want WMP is because it is ridiculously slow to respond. I had heard that Android was much faster so I am giving it a try.
the search bar will work if you download google search from the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That part really isn't a big deal; I probably would never even use it. It was just one of the many small glitches I was noticing during normal use. Things like there being no way to bring the phone back from sleeping except the power button (not even opening it!). At one point, when it is just sitting on my desk, the screen turned white and the phone was completely unresponsive. I had to hard reset it. They keyboard works except when dialing a number where it seems completely random.
If there is a workaround to these things, I'm fine with doing some personalizing, but if not, I would like to know if there are flavors that don't have these kinds of issues.
I think I will try Cyanogen like you suggested and see if I like it any better.
Thanks again for the help.
lemminman said:
Thanks for the help, guys.
That is the kernel I have. My radio is version 1.65 something.
I don't have a card reader; that is why this is important to me. Are there any Android versions that this works, or an app that I can install even?
The only reason I don't want WMP is because it is ridiculously slow to respond. I had heard that Android was much faster so I am giving it a try.
That part really isn't a big deal; I probably would never even use it. It was just one of the many small glitches I was noticing during normal use. Things like there being no way to bring the phone back from sleeping except the power button (not even opening it!). At one point, when it is just sitting on my desk, the screen turned white and the phone was completely unresponsive. I had to hard reset it. They keyboard works except when dialing a number where it seems completely random.
If there is a workaround to these things, I'm fine with doing some personalizing, but if not, I would like to know if there are flavors that don't have these kinds of issues.
I think I will try Cyanogen like you suggested and see if I like it any better.
Thanks again for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the white screen is a known issue apparently overclocking improves this
White screen is present when the system didn't draw the screen before it power up.
When you overclock the system is faster so it spend less time to draw the interface.
Sometimes you have with screen when the system sleep but it can't resume because the main app crashes.
To change the alarm volume just roll the jog wheel while in that menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This changes "Ring volume" regardless of what I have opened.
Thanks for all the input, everyone.
I have tried four different Android builds now and I haven't gotten a USB data connection with any of them. I noticed that one of them had a Network option, as though I might be able to browse files of computers on the network which would solve my problem. Unfortunately, that particular build just says "Error" when I try to turn WiFi on.
Is there an android app I can install that will allow me to transfer files between my phone and a PC? That is really the number one priority right now. To test these Android builds I have been reverting back to WMP every time I want to try a different one because I need to put the androidinstall.tar onto my card. I tried loading a bunch of different ones on the card to avoid this, but I get "Permission denied" when I try to rename a file in the andboot folder.
Thanks again.
The forum search tool will answer all those questions I know I have answered it atleast 500000 times
Sent from my HERO200 using XDA App
I have a kaiser with froyo kernel 2.6.32 date 9.9.2010 I have overclocked with atools to 500 mhz and also overclocked the GPU, battery is standard setting. My radio is Neon 1.65.24.36 Together with thoughtlesskyle`s (thank you!!) fat free release 5, i have a very stable situation here. I have to admit i am not a heavy user. Merely phonecalls and sms (or whatsup) and sygic navigation software . I only have to reboot once a week. I am not sure why, maybe because i use cachemate once a while.
For connection between pc and kaiser i use SD Share Dual Mount. It works perfectly. I had flashed the latest kernel(s) of l1q1d because of the alleged stable reboots. I am sad that i did not have stable reboots, it got stuck and i had to reinstall my apk`s again. And most important for me, the SD Share did not work with the latest kernel(s), thats why i reverted back to the 9.9.2010 one.
As for the white screen, it only happens to me if my kaiser goes asleep and i awake it immediately. If i take some seconds between asleep and awakening, it`s okay.
I have to thank many people here to be able to use my kaiser like i bought it yesterday or so. Maybe someone can try my settings and profit from it, like i do.
Shayer said:
I have a kaiser with froyo kernel 2.6.32 date 9.9.2010 I have overclocked with atools to 500 mhz and also overclocked the GPU, battery is standard setting. My radio is Neon 1.65.24.36 Together with thoughtlesskyle`s (thank you!!) fat free release 5, i have a very stable situation here. I have to admit i am not a heavy user. Merely phonecalls and sms (or whatsup) and sygic navigation software . I only have to reboot once a week. I am not sure why, maybe because i use cachemate once a while.
For connection between pc and kaiser i use SD Share Dual Mount. It works perfectly. I had flashed the latest kernel(s) of l1q1d because of the alleged stable reboots. I am sad that i did not have stable reboots, it got stuck and i had to reinstall my apk`s again. And most important for me, the SD Share did not work with the latest kernel(s), thats why i reverted back to the 9.9.2010 one.
As for the white screen, it only happens to me if my kaiser goes asleep and i awake it immediately. If i take some seconds between asleep and awakening, it`s okay.
I have to thank many people here to be able to use my kaiser like i bought it yesterday or so. Maybe someone can try my settings and profit from it, like i do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well at least the white screen is being worked on, see the thread I made.

[Q] Accidental Reset... wtf

I had a strange reset of my phone last night, through what I think was no real action on my part, but I wanted to defer to the experts and see if anyone can help me make sense of this...
Also, as you'll see at the end of my post—if you make it through my rambling—I could find some of the info I seek elsewhere on this, and other forums, but the combination of data would be a difficult scavenger hunt and I thought this thread may help other lite (or lazy) power users with similar issues or info searches in the future...
So I was changing my battery out last night and when I was pulling the dead one out I had accidentally turned the phone on, but was talking to someone at the time and, being distracted, continued pulling the battery.
I got the new one in and turned the phone on to be greeted by what I think is called, and excuse my ignorance on terms as I have had no real interest in rooting to date, the debug screen—white background, cute little android rascals on the bottom, several restart options, etc. I believe I selected 'fast boot', as I think I have done when some random serious of events have greeted me with the 'debug' screen in the past.
All seemed fine and the device started up but it lagged on a black screen with an icon I interpreted as an 'update' icon and a progress bar. When I got to the OS, my settings, screens, apps, etc were reverted to stock conditions. My SD card retained all its contents and I used AppBrain so I was able to get things back to some semblance of normalcy rather quickly, but I am left with so many questions...
I've come up with 3 possible explanations...I made an error on the 'debug' screen, my device had a huge and random hiccup, or there was some strange update last night that, despite my best efforts, I cannot find mention of here or on any other forums.
Some additional info...
-on App Brain site, after linking the reset device back up to my E-mail/account, I have a totally new list named, not by the former 'ADR6300', but by 'HTC Droid Incredible'. This leads me to believe either AppBrain has changed its naming convention for this device since I originally set the app/account up, or there was some strange mystery update.
-I have always updated when prompted so I believe I was running the newest OS and am still on 2.2 now.
I'm not really looking for a solution to the reset, more looking for answers/theories and some preventative measures for reducing possible distress should something similar occur in the future.
-back-up methods...I use Launcher Pro Plus - paid, and just realized I can back-up home screens and settings through the launcher but is there anything else I should be doing?
-break down on that 'debug' screen, best option to choose for various issues, etc.
-has anyone heard of a similar story, update last night, or know the reason for AppBrain's new naming convention for my device?
Any other info, tips, or relevant advice would be much appreciated. As a Web/graphic designer and modern woman I am inquisitive and technical by nature but tend to subscribe to the 'if it aint broke, don't fix it' school of thought unless there is some new feature I hear about or want when it comes to my device. So I am not dense but I definitely don't know everything and I am looking to you, the 'experts' for answers
You held vol - and the pwr button when you turned on the phone. That is what made you go to the bootloader (debug). From there i'm guessing you had the phone do a factory reset, that is why everything went back to how it was when you first bought the phone.
2.2 is the "newest" build available without rooting your device.
Rooting and making a backup through Recovery is the best way (imo) to create a backup.
For what it's worth, I think g00s3y is spot-on
When you get to the hboot screen (the white screen with the Android dudes at the bottom), there should be 5 options:
FASTBOOT
RECOVERY
CLEAR STORAGE
SIMLOCK
FACTORY RESET
Seems most likely that you mistakenly hit the last one rather than the first.

Azpen Hybrx A1160 Remix OS 2.0 laptop discussions

Just wanted to start a thread to discuss this device. For those not familiar with it, it's a very inexpensive 11.6" laptop that runs RemixOS 2.0 from the factory. It does NOT have a touchscreen and the display is a low resolution (1366x768) TN panel display. The CPU is an Allwinner A64 Cortex A53 quad-core 64-bit processor.
The device I purchased (via their Kickstarter campaign) has 2gb RAM and 32gb storage - and it costs me $89.
Some interesting things I've found so far...
1. To disable the damn "click" sound every time you select something (via the touchpad or a mouse), download the QuickShortcutMaker application from the play store. Then expand the Settings items under the Activities section and find the "Other Sounds" activity. Once you click on the Other Sounds activity, click on "Try" on the right-hand side - this will open the "Other Sounds" dialog where you disable "Touch Sounds"! You can also disable some other sounds here. No idea why Remix doesn't allow access to these sound options. Explore the other Settings activities - there are some other cool things you can do. I also used this app to create "Shortcuts" to specific forums in Tapatalk (something that you do via widgets in standard Android). This QuickShortcutMaker app is pretty damn useful on this device!
2. I've found that I was able to connect my Apple USB->Ethernet adapter to this device and it works! However, it doesn't seem to work with ALL apps. For example, Tapatalk doesn't work with it for some reason - but so far, every other app has worked. You can also access ethernet settings via the QuickShortcutMaker app mentioned above.
3. Enable "Experimental Features" by clicking on the "Kernel Version" section of Settings->About. Once you do this, enable the "Use mouse wheel to simulate swipe gesture". This allows you to zoom in and out of things like web pages, images, etc. To do this, hold down CTRL+ALT while moving the mouse wheel. Apparently, the touchpad on this device does NOT provide pinch-to-zoom functionality, so without this setting, there is no way to zoom in and out in most apps! Kind of a big issue! Unless there is another way that I just don't know about. I know you can CTRL- and CTRL+ to zoom in and out in web pages, but that really just increases the size of the text - not really a true zoom in/out.
4. Gmail app. If you open the Gmail app as a window, you don't get the "split-screen" that you get if you open the app in full screen. But if you open in as a full-screen window and then "restore" it to a smaller window, the split-sceen function still works. I usually just leave Gmail minimized in order to keep the split-screen function active for Gmail.
5. Sometimes, the screen comes back on if you put the device into standby with the power button and then close the lid. I haven't been able to find the exact circumstances where the screen comes back on when closed, but it seems that when it does come on when it's closed, it stays on! Need to figure out why this occurs..
6. Bottom of device gets REALLY hot after any extended use. May be a long-term issue...
7. By default, wifi is set to turn off when in standby (unlike tablets) - unless the device is plugged in - then wifi will stay on. This can all be changed under Settings->Wifi->Advanced. I actually set mine to always turn wifi off when in standby since it seems that the device doesn't actually work while in standby anyway (again, unlike tablets). May help avoid wifi failure over the long-term.
8. I have run into websites (such as microcenter.com) where when you open a drop-down list, there is no way to "scroll" the list if it goes off the screen. To see what I mean, go to microcenter.com and try to set the store location - it opens a drop-down list that goes off the screen and there is no way to scroll down in the list! The "work-around" is to use the down arrow key, but it doesn't work very well (web page wants to update every time you press the down arrow)....
That's about it off the top of my head... It's a shame that this device cannot upgrade to RemixOS 3.0, like was stated in the kickstarted campaign (and later "retracted").
Anyone know how to root this thing?
It's an interesting device for the cost, but what I *really* want is a similar, large'ish device with a higher-quality, higher-resolution touchscreen that is removable from the keyboard - with at least 2gb of RAM (10" and 1gb of RAM isn't enough for RemixOS!) and runs RemixOS 3.0 - so far, I can't seem to find such a device...
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
I got the same model 2GB w/32GB storage. Do you or anyone know how to get it to charge and or power on. Mine only worked for 2 days, now nothing. I contacted Azpen over a week ago about it and still haven't heard from them. Please help.
Cerealius said:
I got the same model 2GB w/32GB storage. Do you or anyone know how to get it to charge and or power on. Mine only worked for 2 days, now nothing. I contacted Azpen over a week ago about it and still haven't heard from them. Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just plugged mine in and it charged fine (blue LED next to charging port turns on when charging and turns off when fully charged).
To turn mine on, I just held down the power button on the keyboard for a while... You can also fully power it off that way as well (if it gets hung or something, which I have managed to do a few times now).
I've *really* put this thing through it's paces over the last few days. Overall, it's a decent device for the price. Personally, I'd rather spend a little more for one with a better, higher-res, removable touchscreen though.
I also have a HP Slatebook 10 x2 - and it's a great device, but stuck on Android 4. Otherwise, it has a MUCH nicer, removable touchscreen and even an extra battery in the keyboard (that charges the tablet when attached). Just wish it was a little bigger (13" or so) and was running Remix OS.
But, for $89, I can't complain, my A1160 actually runs pretty well for what it is...Luckily, I haven't had any issues with mine.
Sent from my HP SlateBook 10 x2 PC using Tapatalk
Hello...
@jtrosky, thanks for starting this thread, i've already gotten something out of it... getting rid of that damn clicking every keypress.
It was also nice to find that quickshortcutmaker, thats really a cool app that seems to allow more access than I could find...
Everyone else, hello!
I am an PC user since 84' and an Apple iPad user since, well the day the ipad 2 came out and now I'm on the iPad now. The only reason I say any of this is because the reason I got this Azpen A1160 was to help learn a bit about android and linux. I would also like to figure out how to get to the root...
Knock on wood but I got this three days ago and have literally beaten the software out of it loading, looking, deleting, and I thought I had screwed it up several times but it just keeps on ticking. The back does get a little warm, I haven't actually measured it yet but I'm going to, but I dont think it's too bad. I've run six full charges on battery and worked on it plugged in. (which it doesn't seem to like)
I'm happy with it right now and I think its going be a fun ride. I bet this is going to be a fun place to be in the next couple of months...
Buddy
Oh - one more thing I found out - and this may be well known already for those more familiar with RemixOS. If you click and hold on the little icons on the bottom-right of the taskbar, you can move them around. So, for example, you can make it so the brightness, volume, bluetooth and wifi icons are always visible, even when that section is "collapsed"...
Also - I *love* having the key to disable the touchpad (the key next to the arrow keys). Since I usually use a bluetooth mouse, it's so nice being able to disable the trackpad so quickly and easily!
Oh - and the Prtscr button on the keyboard brings up the very cool screen capture tool, which let's you select what area of the screen to capture. Very handy tool!
Still not sure what the "Pausc" button does - I'm assuming it's actually a misprint and it's supposed to say "Pause". Gotta love cheap electronics that are made in China!
So far, this device is definitely working well for me. Although, I'm not so sure the screen is big enough to truly take advantage of the RemixOS windowing capabilities... But, it's still better than not having any windowing capabilities.
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
One more quick tip - there are apps out there that will let you boost the volume of the device. Right now, I'm using Music Volume EQ to boost the volume, but there are probably better apps out there for this purpose... Will explore more later and post an update if I find a better app.
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
Hello guys, thank you for creating this thread.
Did anyone have any issue by setting up a password for the lock screen?
I did, and it worked for a couple of times, then it started not to recognize the password (password was correct, no caps lock...). Of course it didn't work after reboot as well.
The only option was to remotely reset the device using the google's tool from another pc. Very annoying. Since then never tried to set another security system for the screen lock.
I'm also getting an a problem after turning off the screen: when I try to turn it on again, most of the time I get a blank screen. I have to try several times to get back to remix os.
Did anyone faced this issue as well?
Regards
sephitoor said:
Hello guys, thank you for creating this thread.
Did anyone have any issue by setting up a password for the lock screen?
I did, and it worked for a couple of times, then it started not to recognize the password (password was correct, no caps lock...). Of course it didn't work after reboot as well.
The only option was to remotely reset the device using the google's tool from another pc. Very annoying. Since then never tried to set another security system for the screen lock.
I'm also getting an a problem after turning off the screen: when I try to turn it on again, most of the time I get a blank screen. I have to try several times to get back to remix os.
Did anyone faced this issue as well?
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have not tried setting up the lock screen (I just leave mine unlocked). And no, I have not had any issues with a blank screen when turning the device back up. What's strange is that the device does not automatically turn on when opening the screen - at least not on my device - I have to press the power button.
Your issues are probably because of the poor quality control with these device. Somehow, I lucked out and got a "good one", but many people seem to be having build-quality issues with them...
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
Great posts and many thanks to the OP.
I got a US 2 pin power plug instead of a UK plug. Does anyone know of a similar products power lead that will fit our A1160?
Need help...
Hi,
First, thanks for creating this thread and posting your tips. Obviously there are not a lot of people using this device yet so it is great to find useful info on it.
Since there is no known root solution yet, I tried installing NetGuard as an adbllocking solution that does not require root. I have used it before without any issues. Unfortunately, on the Azpen, every time that I enable it, it blocks all internet access (it is obviously not supposed to do that). I even tried alternative apps like AdClear and got the exact same result. There is something strange going on with the Azpen. I would really appreciate it if anyone had any pointers as to how I could resolve this.
Thanks...
Welp! I had much higher hopes for this device and I haven't even received mine yet! Will this be rootable?
Thanks for creating this, used both your sound clicking tip and the pinch to zoom in. A bit annoying having your fingers in multiple place to zoom in, but what can you do? I'm a college student and have found that I can't access the net with this device due to it's mac address changing each time. I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this or if mine is the only one. Just thought I would share that.
HyugaSho said:
Thanks for creating this, used both your sound clicking tip and the pinch to zoom in. A bit annoying having your fingers in multiple place to zoom in, but what can you do? I'm a college student and have found that I can't access the net with this device due to it's mac address changing each time. I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed this or if mine is the only one. Just thought I would share that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is *really* interesting! Sure enough, if I disable and re-enable the wifi, the MAC address does change!! That makes absolutely no sense - I've never seen such a thing!
I'll look into that a little more - but without root, I doubt there is anything that can be done about it. So strange!
One possible option - set wifi to stay enabled all of the time - maybe that way the MAC will stay the same. You can set that in the wifi settings advanced options. I've found that you have to reboot after setting it to always stay active....
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
So far I have been impressed for the cost of this unit. I have a few concerns and wanted to see if anyone had input:
1. Since the length of the power chord is so short. Is it possible to use a USB to Barrel jack type of adapter to power this? That way you can attach to a portable power bank?
2. battery power, I find it to not last that long and I find it takes forever to charge. I thought that this would last 5-7 hours unplugged, nope. It was supposed to charge within in a hour, nope. Any ideas on this?
I use an external mouse and click on the trackpad disable button. I find it much easier to use the computer when typing.
I'm looking at Pinebook, a notebook having the same AllWinner processor (CortexA53).
It seems this notebook can run all OSs suppoted by Pine64, such as Android, some linux distro, Windows IOT and they are working on a Chroimum porting (try to have a look at the pin64 forum).
Do you think it would be possible to do the same with A1160 ?
Another solution could be PhoenixOs (as pointed out in some comment on Kickstarter).
There are already some devices with CortexA53 processor running PhoenixOS out of the box.
I honestly don't know what OS's can be ported over to this device yet. I have a feeling that it's never going to have a huge user base though, so I wouldn't expect much from the developers out there.
Now that Chromebooks can run Android apps, this device just isn't quite as interesting as it once was. Basically, you can now get an inexpensive, *high quality* Chromebook and still have most of the advantages of this device, plus the high quality and frequent updates part.
To be completely honest, I have very low expectations for this device in the long-term. With how hot it gets after any real usage, I expect the mainboard to fail in short order. We'll see. Although, so far, I've really been using it pretty heavily and it does seem to be holding up, but it's only been about a week....
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
Something else I recently noticed - and this may already be a well-known thing with RemixOS... If you close an app by clicking the back arrow on the top-left of the window, you continue to get notifications for that app. But if you close it by clicking the "X" in the top-right of the window, it seems to completely the kill the process and you no longer receive notifications (or if it's an app that stays around and puts a "permanent" notification in the notification tray, the "x" seems to completely stop the app as well and removes its notification item).
At least that's what seems to happen...
Also noticed that even if you setup wifi to stay active even with power off, the unit eventually goes into a "deep sleep" where you will no longer get new email notifications, etc. It even seems to turn wifi off after a while (even though it's set to stay on all of the time).
Lastly, if you have an external mouse connected, close the laptop lid and then move the mouse, it turns the screen back on - even while closed!
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
Hi All,
Saw this in the comments and thought I would chip in with my experience so far.
I got the 64GB version and so far it is the computer I have paid for.
The track pad as everyone said is very crappy, but I just use an external mouse instead so its not a big problem.
I seem to have a good unit and don't have any problems with the unit.
My only gripe is that the battery kinda sucks and after using it intensive for like 3-4 hrs, it will have almost no battery. I wish it came with my UK adapter instead of the US one, but its okay.
Furthermore, is there anyway to put widgets on it? or Use another launcher?
Has anyone tried to root it or tried to install another OS on top of it? I heard that PhoenixOs is possible?
MindlessManiacs said:
Hi All,
The track pad as everyone said is very crappy, but I just use an external mouse instead so its not a big problem.
Furthermore, is there anyway to put widgets on it? or Use another launcher?
Has anyone tried to root it or tried to install another OS on top of it? I heard that PhoenixOs is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it's worth, my trackpad actually works really well. I was surprised to read all of the complaints about it. I'm guessing that a lot of them are defective?
Regarding the widgets, no - there is no way to use Widgets in Remix OS 2.0 (not sure about 3.0), which is a huge limitation. Widgets are one of the things that make Android so powerful - and I miss them big time in Remix OS...
I too would like to know if there is a way to load PhoenixOS on this device. I thought I saw it mentioned somewhere that it would be possible (maybe one of the updates on Kickstarter?). I will see if I can email Azpen about this. RemixOS 2.0 is really good, but not quite "finished" in my opinion...
Sent from my A1160 using Tapatalk
Hi! Does somebody receive a blank white screen when laptop booting or waking up?
Every time when I push power button I get a blank white screen... How I can fix it?

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