Hey,
Currently running AOKP M3 and using the LCD Density option within the ROM to get a nicer feeling and noticed that after using this some applications that were previously compatible with the galaxy nexus now report otherwise in the market. I tried a few of the market enablers, but those did not assist in any way.
Any ideas for a work around as I assume it will not let me use those apps because of the reported change in LCD density? Is there a way to spoof as if I was a normal Galaxy Nexus and continue on my merry way using apps normally, or will I have to revert when I want to make a change to some of the market apps having these problems?
LCD Density Modder Pro works great for me, it's a paid app but worth it.
I have been messing around with the LCD density settings on a few ICS ROMs for a little while now and after a lot of trial and error, I thought i'd share my experiences. I did some digging and I didn't see a formal write-up on this for our phones so I thought I'd give this a shot. (if anyone feels this has common knowledge and unnecessary, please just let me know and i will delete. also, I never tried this back on GB)
General Info for Beginners:
As you may already know, the standard resolution for our screens is 800 x 480 pixels. This is far below that of HD or even qHD screens. What this means in terms of real world use is that icons and text appear very large. Given our devices have a large 4.5 inch screen, it is arguable that this is not taking full advantage of all the extra screen real estate. While you cannot change the native resolution of a screen, you can do a simple build.prop tweak that can "trick" your phone into thinking that the resolution is much higher via a few simple programs.
How-To Change the Density Setting:
There are multiple programs out there for this purpose but I have found the best results with "ROM Toolbox". Feel free to buy the full version to support the dev but if all you are looking to do is change the density setting, the lite version will do just fine.
1. download and install "ROM Toolbox" from the Google Play Store
2. go to the "Performance" tab
3. click "build.prop tweaks"
4. change the "LCD Density" slider to whatever DPI you like
5. reboot
As mentioned, there are multiple programs out there but from my experience, DO NOT USE "LCD DENSITY MODDER" from the play store. This seems to soft-brick our phones as well as other GSII variants based on other reviews I've read and there does not seem to be a resolution at this time. This caused issues for me on TW-based and AOSP ROMS. It's a shame too, it seems perfect for this task, especially considering it can install a hacked Play Store (more on that later)
To see a more detailed thread on LCD Density Modder, go here (thanks kobridge!): http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1570893
What Setting to Choose:
This is matter of personal opinion, but I personally like 190 dpi (stock setting is 240). Many people swear by using 160 dpi but personally the icons and text are too small for my poor eyesight. I suggest starting from about 200 or so and working your way down. Remember, the lower the number, the smaller your icons/text will appear but will also give you more screen real estate
You may also notice that text and icons appear less sharp when messing with these settings. Keep in mind that because you are not truly changing your screen resolution, the translation will not be perfect. Personally, given the natural sharpness of AMOLED screens, i think most people while not be bothered by this or even notice
Some users like elliwigy have reported FC issues when going below 190 DPI. If you want to go lower than this, I suggest you search for the thread that has a modded phone.apk that can help with this issue
Potential Issues and Workarounds:
You will inevitably run into some compatibility issues so here are few final thoughts
Which ROM to use?
TouchWiz-based Roms: All roms based on stock Samsung TW for the E4GT were written with only the native resolution in mind. This means that certain apps will not scale well with a higher resolution and two particular ones come to mind:
- The Phone Dialer: The dialer looks like small box that fills up only a portion of the screen. To resolve, use an aftermarket dialer app like "exDialer" from the play store (thanks tenazrael!)
- TW E-mail App: The TW e-mail app (not gmail) also doesn't scale well. Instead, delete and install the AOSP e-mail apk.
AOSP ROMs: CM9 and AOKP handle the conversion a bit better. You won't run into the dialer or e-mail issue like with TW ROMs but there are still some bugs.
- Certain pictures of contacts may show up as way too zoomed in, i.e. messaging notification pictures or the favorites tab (thanks locoboi187!)
- Other aspects of the OS may become hard to read when scaled down so much, i.e. lock screen add-on buttons (thanks phpracing!)
The Play Store Doesn't Show All Apps? - This is the biggest pain in the a$$ when you mess with the lcd density settings. There is a bug in the play store that prevents you from seeing certain apps when you change the settings away from default.
I have seen a few "hacked" versions of the vending.apk out there that makes the play store think you are always set to 240 but for some reason, this only works for a little while.
Here are the steps to get the market working again:
1. Change LCD Density back to stock (240)
2. Reboot to take effect
3. Clear the data for the Google Play Store AND Google Services Framework
4. Open the Play Store app and you should see everything again
5. Change LCD density back to whatever you like.
6. Reboot
I know this is a bit cumbersome but it's the best solution for now. I haven't quite nailed down what triggers the market to "break" but hopefully you won't have to do this fix too often. In opinion, this annoyance is worth it.
To see a more detailed thread on this topic, go here (thanks kobridge!): http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1529227
Everything Looks Too "Stretched Out"? - Having an aftermarket launcher will help with this tremendously. I personally use Apex Launcher and there are some settings you can change to make the proportions look better
1. Homescreen Settings: Change the Vertical and Horizontal margins to medium or large
2. Dock Settings: Same as above.
You may also want to mess with different grid configurations now that you have extra room but i prefer to leave mine at the default 4 x 4
And that's it. I hope this will help you out so that you won't have to go through all the trial and error I did. I promise you, after you do this, it will be impossible for you to go back to the stock resolution (everything looks HUGE)
... and for those who care, here are some screen shots and the stock e-mail app
I've found 190-200 to be the sweet spot for me no matter which rom I use. It's nice, but isn't as nice as native 720p.
Tis a pity pentile was chosen for the GN over samoled+ makes it so one must choose between awesome colors or sweet, tight rez.
heroisnotdead said:
Tis a pity pentile was chosen for the GN over samoled+ makes it so one must choose between awesome colors or sweet, tight rez.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen
For those people who are interested - I am currently using LCD Resolution app from the Market store to keep my phone at 200. Anything less bothers me in some way or another.
In regards to the Dialer/Contacts being off center, I use an app called exDialer + exDialer ICS theme which scales perfectly. I then use an app called Holo Launcher which I believe beats Zeam, Go, and Launcher Pro hands down! This also scales perfectly. Finally, I am running the latest Blazer ROM on GB EL29.
The Market bug is very annoying, but I'm continually doing research on how to get past it.
tenazrael said:
For those people who are interested - I am currently using LCD Resolution app from the Market store to keep my phone at 200. Anything less bothers me in some way or another.
In regards to the Dialer/Contacts being off center, I use an app called exDialer + exDialer ICS theme which scales perfectly. I then use an app called Holo Launcher which I believe beats Zeam, Go, and Launcher Pro hands down! This also scales perfectly. Finally, I am running the latest Blazer ROM on GB EL29.
The Market bug is very annoying, but I'm continually doing research on how to get past it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the dialer tip! I will update OP with this info. This is very useful knowledge. I started using AOSP roms to avoid annoying dialer bug so this may lead me to rethink what ROM i use and go back to TW based
At any lower dpi the messaging notification picture icon looks zoomed on CM9. I tried 160, 180, 195, 200
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
im running cm9 a4 and this worked for me no problems. everything works the contacts and the dialer. not off center to me. i havent really messed around with the store yet but seemed good to me. the only thing i saw that was a little out of place and i dont think it is the tweak is the favorites icons. i use the favorites alot seeing as i only really call the same 6-7 people. does the contact/dialer app fix this?
phpracing said:
im running cm9 a4 and this worked for me no problems. everything works the contacts and the dialer. not off center to me. i havent really messed around with the store yet but seemed good to me. the only thing i saw that was a little out of place and i dont think it is the tweak is the favorites icons. i use the favorites alot seeing as i only really call the same 6-7 people. does the contact/dialer app fix this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i guarantee you that you'll see my problem listed above. Reproduceable.
Thanks for re-editing.
LCD Modder issue -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1570893
Market download -
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1529227
elterible said:
... and for those who care, here are some screen shots and the stock e-mail app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a galaxy nexus or did you just change the dpi.
Also with the changes. The lock screen add on buttons (top, right, and left options) are very tiny. I didn't even notice them until I took a good look at it. Again don't think this is a problem, just a product of the modification.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
My experience on any rom is phone fc's on any setting below 190 without modded phone.apk.. havent had any issues with market or anything when set to 190 in rom toolbox on any rom.. also if interested in native lcd changing support paranoid android is awesome! Not only does it have tablet mode it also has hybrid mode where you can change global density and even density per app while in hybrid mode
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
thanks for the feedback everyone. again, i will update OP with the info
kobridge - thanks for the links to your posts. i didn't see these but will link in the OP for those who want more info.
Zero Night said:
Is that a galaxy nexus or did you just change the dpi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just changed the DPI (don't own the GN, only E4GT). At the time of the screen shots, i was running CM9a5 with apex launcher set at 190 DPI
I didn't feel like reading the previous post but here's how to fix play store dpi issue. Steps 1 & 2 can be done in either order. Doesn't matter. Just be sure to change dpi before market updates
1) set your dpi
2) uninstall all data and updates to market.
3) reboot phone let play store update.
4) where did my dpi compatability issue go?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Shoulon said:
I didn't feel like reading the previous post but here's how to fix play store dpi issue. Steps 1 & 2 can be done in either order. Doesn't matter. Just be sure to change dpi before market updates
1) set your dpi
2) uninstall all data and updates to market.
3) reboot phone let play store update.
4) where did my dpi compatability issue go?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried both OP's solution and your solution, but neither is working, guess I'm one of the unlucky ones. It'll be a pain, but whenever I need to download something from the Play Store, I'll have to sit with 240 dpi for a bit, haha.
lucentflame said:
I've tried both OP's solution and your solution, but neither is working, guess I'm one of the unlucky ones. It'll be a pain, but whenever I need to download something from the Play Store, I'll have to sit with 240 dpi for a bit, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM you using?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
lucentflame said:
I've tried both OP's solution and your solution, but neither is working, guess I'm one of the unlucky ones. It'll be a pain, but whenever I need to download something from the Play Store, I'll have to sit with 240 dpi for a bit, haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. I forgot to mention u gotta wipe Google frameworks also. But its how I fix my issue. It works on cm9 and blazer 4.1
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Shoulon said:
That's odd. I forgot to mention u gotta wipe Google frameworks also. But its how I fix my issue. It works on cm9 and blazer 4.1
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the "trick" doesn't work for me either until i wipe google services framework.
On a side note, wipe the google services framework FIRST, then the play store. If you do the GSF last, you sometimes get a weird "server error" when you open up the play store
Has anyone managed to permanently change the DPI on Note 2? I have tried two applications from Play and both ended up with the phone hanging on the boot logo. Had to flash the ROM again in order to have the phone working again. My Note is rooted and running Revolution HD.
EDIT: Solved. Edited the build.prop file which had the DPI setting in two separate lines due to a custom ROM - I should guess that the DPI changer applications only edit one line.
The LCD Density lines? What did you change them to? And how're you finding the changes? Any probs at all?
Yes there was the LCD density on two separate lines on the build.prop file. So both of them must be edited.
I changed them to 241, because anything under 240 makes the ADW Launcher show a line on the top of the home screen which is very annoying. I haven't been using the phone much yet so can't really say anything about problems - the only noticeable thing so far is the dialer that looks stupid since it doesn't scale correctly.
Ahh I see. Thanks, let me experiment
I am to believe that Rom toolbox (market) does the Job as well without crashing the rom, doesn't it ? What about s-Note & stuff? It's Not usable anymore, right?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Hopefully we'll see Paranoid Android for Note 2 sometime!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
brooon said:
What about s-Note & stuff? It's Not usable anymore, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S Note is working fine, the draw area is just smaller than usual.
LadFromWales85 said:
Hopefully we'll see Paranoid Android for Note 2 sometime!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed, will be great!
jusutus said:
Yes there was the LCD density on two separate lines on the build.prop file. So both of them must be edited.
I changed them to 241, because anything under 240 makes the ADW Launcher show a line on the top of the home screen which is very annoying. I haven't been using the phone much yet so can't really say anything about problems - the only noticeable thing so far is the dialer that looks stupid since it doesn't scale correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't you get any Samsung keyboard crash? That's my main concern right now, if you don't I want to know why!!!
As for the small buttons is various apps (Samsung apps only, how surprising ) this can be fixed be recompiling the apps with select changes.
Yes the Samsung kb is not working. I'm using a different kb so no problem there.
The main problem now is that the Play Store was working fine until now. I changed the DPI once again and now Play is only showing just a few apps. I changed the DPI back to the one I was using earlier but still the same problem. I cleared the Play data and cache but that did not help.
Pffft, still waiting for the ParanoidAndroid...
This is a Mod that I have used on the Galaxy S4 but I have an HTC One and can verify it works on both.
THE BIG DIFFERENCE IS YOU HAVE TO DOWNLOAD THE CIRRECT MULTI DPI PLAY STORE FOR YOUR FIRMWARE. (IF YOUR ON 4.1.2 OR 4.2.2 MAKE SURE YOU PICK THE CORRECT DOWNLOAD)
I just wanted to start a topic on tegra 3 and other games that work on the HTC One. Last night I did a little testing with a few Tegra games on the HTC One that are not in the play store on the device that worked.
(Update) To find almost all games in Play Store follow thes 8 steps Carefully.
(I AM NOT RESPONSABLE IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE OR MESS YOUR PHONE UP. TAKE YOUR TIME)
1. Download this file. (Its used for another fix but helps us also
Multi Dpi Play Store for 4.1.2:
http://www.4shared.com/zip/3Gnxyxla/Multi_DPI_Play_Store_v416_for_.htm
Multi DPI Play Store for 4.2.2
http://www.4shared.com/zip/66jo-mIz/Multi_DPI_Play_Store_416_for_J.html
2. Move zip file to internal SD Card
3. Reboot into revovery and flash Multi DPI Play store.zip with CWM or whatever flashing tool you use besides the stock then reboot.
4. Download ES File Explorer.
5. Hit menu and then "Root Explorer"
6. Hit "Mount R/W" (I just mount all 4 and press ok)
7. Now go back to main screen and tap the top bar and pick "Device" (so yoyur not searching the Sd the actual "Device" partition for system files.)
8. Look at the folders displayed below and tap the one that says "System"
9. Tap/Open the "build.prop" file with a text editor of your choice.
10. Change the line that says:
(ORIGINAL)
ro.product.device=..............
(The ... stands for whatever your device is. Its different for every one so I just put .... as an example)
(NEW/CHANGE TO **Only use one of these and dont copy whats in brackets**)
ro.product.device=softwin (Fakes JXD S7300b)(Recommended)
ro.product.device=olympus (Fakes Motorola Atrix)
ro.product.device=d2att (Fakes Samsung Galaxy S3 on att)
ro.product.device=grouper (Fakes Nexus 7 Tablet)
ro.product.device=tf300t (Fakes Asus Transformer Pad)
ro.product.device=GT-P7500 (Fakes Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1)
ro.product.device=maguro (Fakes Samsung Galaxy Nexus)
ro.product.device=tf201 (Fakes Asus Transformer Prime)
(Make sure you change what comes after the equals sign to "softwin/olympus/d2att/etc" no spaces)
11. Save, restart your phone.
12. Go to Aplication Manager in your settings. Clear data for Google Play Store.
FINALLY check the Play Store for a ton of new apps. Give it a few minutes to add the new apps well your searching. Takes a few minutes to see the changes and new apps!!!!!!!!!
ENJOY AND REPORT BACK IF THIS HELPS
So far ive found out that:
The Dark Knight Rises = Workes perfect so far. Great graphics.
(New) Dead Trigger = Working good no issues ive notice. Still trying it out but seems really good and fast loading.
(New) Gangstar Rio = Running perfect.
(New) Samurai II Vengeance = Working good, no issues as of yet.
(New) N.O.V.A 3 = Runs amazing havent had any issues.
(New) Wild Blood = Works fine. No issues at all.
(New)The Amazing Spider-Man = Working good. To bad drawing distance wasnt increased for the game seeing as the HTC One has so much ram
(New) Rayman Jungle Run = Works great no issues. Looks nice on the HTC One.
Real Boxing = NOT WORKING. The fighters did not show in the menu when choosing fighters for the match. Black screen once in the fight but you can get into the game and navagate menus to a fight. Might be the apk/sd data I was using not to sure more testing soon.
9mm = NOT WORKING. Non compatible message. Still trying different versions.
NBA Jam = NOT WORKING.
Wanted to add to the list Tegra games that can be bought in the app store (just for reference):
Riptide GP = Works great. Max out graphics settings in options for water splashed on screen, better waves and all around better graphics.
I know theres more in the Play Store just cant remember right this second.
Anyone who has tested Tegra games not purchasable and purchasable in the Play Store feel free to add to the list or do your own testing with different app Could be useful later on, obv the HTC One can handle these games.
NEW MOGA CONTROLLER INFO SOON TO FOLLOW!
MOGA PRO THREAD
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289858
DONATIONS ACCEPTED. THIS DOES TAKE TIME OUT OF MY DAY. A FEW DOLLARS TO BUY MY LITTLE KID A TOY OR TAKE OUT IS GREATLY APRECIATED
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
I don't understand. I'm seeing these all in the play store without doing this.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Yes some of them are all ready there. Those are just apps for compatability saying if they work. There are so many it adds I'm not going to name them all off one by one. I've taken before and after pictures and any can confirm this works. Maybe your the lucky one that sees the apps without it but there's thousands of people who do not. Many Tegra and Gameloft games.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium
Hello Pals,
Not a real problem, just a question.
This is my new configuration:
- Firmware R800i_4.0.2.A.0.62_phoenixvendor
- LuPuS STOCK ICS&GB
- Hybrid Rom v.1.0 by Kris Dee
I have to say that my device really goes great so, meanwhile, this may become an advice to whoever is looking for the best configuration for Xperia Play.
Here is my question:
Since the rom comes VERY light, just the essential (e.g. not even MAPS, you have to download it if you want, and I like it), I had to download the Xperia PLAY games launcher, sometimes it doesn't start when you slide the phone but it doesn't matter.
Any idea where I can find Bruce Lee (I loved it so much) and the playstation suite with Crash Bandicoot?
Sorry if this is a stupid question but it was a long time I didn't come here.
See Ya
When you were on stock firmware you should of backed them up. Search google
Sent from my LT30p using XDA Premium 4 mobile app