Hello all, here is a little mod that will change static navigation settings on Galaxy Nexus:
GNEX-GPS-enable-static-navigation.zip - 1.16 MB
First of all, credit to FatDroid the dev who originally developed this and published an app to enable static navigation on GB and ICS devices. His/her app can be found at https://play.google.com/store/apps/...mZhdGRyb2lkLmFuZHJvaWQuZ3BzY29udHJvbHMyYWQiXQ but has not been updated since February 2012. Attempts to contact the dev have failed. FatDroid did all the work. I'm just offering a fix for Jelly Bean ROMs.
In a nut shell, this mod will allow the GNEX's SIRFStarIV GPS receiver to receive coordinates quicker and will disable Samsung's GPS filtering. This makes for quick vehicle navigation as well as excellent outdoor precision and response. This will amount to better GPS location reporting at the expense of some battery life. It also seems to have an impact on the gyro sensor and may help augmented reality apps as well as apps dependent on gyro (like google sky map and photosphere).
You may find that the GPS location "bounces" while navigating in a car. This is the result of disabling the static navigation filter.
I've tested on a Verizon Galaxy Nexus running cyanogenmod 4.2.2, but it should work on any GNEX running jelly bean 4.1 or later. I hope it is of use to some of you.
What is static navigation? http://www.etenblog.com/2007/11/20/static-navigation-explained/
Static navigation is a position filter designed to be used with applications intended for motor vehicles. When the vehicle’s speed falls below a threshold, the position and heading are frozen, and speed is set to zero. This condition continues until the computed speed rises above 1.2 times the threshold or until the computed position is at least a set distance from the frozen place. The threshold speed and set distance may vary with software versions. gpsd.googlecode.com/files/SiRF-SiRF-v2_4.pdf
Static navigation, also called position pinning, is a mechanism that it is used by the receiver to freeze, or pin, the position when the velocity falls below a threshold indicating that the receiver is stationary. The heading is also frozen, and the velocity is reported as 0. The solution is then unpinned when the velocity increases above a threshold or when the computed position is a set distance from the pinned position, indicating that the receiver is in motion again. Note that these velocity and distance thresholds cannot be changed. www.telit.com/module/infopool/download.php?id=4043
Re: [MOD] Enable GPS static navigation on 4.2.x Galaxy Nexus
Will test it out!
Beamed from my Maguro.
The way the article is phrased is that static navigation is on by default. Maybe some devices have it on already but I guess not on this phone.
Re: [MOD] Enable GPS static navigation on 4.2.x Galaxy Nexus
tiny4579 said:
The way the article is phrased is that static navigation is on by default. Maybe some devices have it on already but I guess not on this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, most gps receivers have static navigation on by default (as it should be, imo). The gnex, and some other Samsung phones turn it off by default (or, more precisely turn on navigation filtering) to save battery. What you gain in battery savings you lose in positional updates. For most people this won't matter at all. A lot of my work is outdoors and requires navigating by foot to particular sites that may not be readily visible to the naked eye. This mod makes the gnex gps more useful to me. It would also help hikers, runners, bikers who use gps as well. A bonus is it seems to help gyro, but my observation there is subjective.
Re: [MOD] Enable GPS static navigation on 4.2.x Galaxy Nexus
How significant would you say the battery impact is?
Re: [MOD] Enable GPS static navigation on 4.2.x Galaxy Nexus
ntb81 said:
How significant would you say the battery impact is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure yet. I've been running it for about a week and a half and I haven't noticed any extra battery loss, but I also haven't been in the field much either. This week will be good test for me.
Would this effect battery when gps is turned off? Like when Google now updates from cell towers.
"If there is anything that I hope you remember when you read this article, it would be these two issues:
- Dead GPS Chip
- Low Accuracy Of Fix
"Who Needs It?
Almost no one needs it. Even if you are hiking in the forest, chances are the tall trees would pose more of a problem on your GPS than turning static navigation off.
I'd definitely read the article at first and then decide.
I believe we are mixing terms here...
The way I understand it is this:
1. "Static navigation" is a filter that when *enabled* will only report gps fixes when there is a movement at a significant speed. It's main use is for car navigation.
2. When "static navigation" is disabled we will get fixes all the time.
So even though author of this post is claiming in a first sentence of a first post that this mod is *enabling* static navigation I believe it is actually *disabling* it
Also, the article linked in a first post is most very likely wrong (if that is the case then madd0g should not be worried), because official SiRFStarIV manual says nothing about filtering bad signals etc. - it only says that bellow some speed threshold fixes will not be reported.
See for yourself: micro-modular.com/docs/AddlRsrc/GSD4e%20OSP%20Manual%20(CS-129291-DC-9).pdf
Of course I may be wrong, but that's how I understand the manual.
I am really confused, because fatDroid also claims that his software is enabling static navigation...
Either way, great job klobkelosh - I am installing it right away
Re: [MOD] Enable GPS static navigation on 4.2.x Galaxy Nexus
kamil.trebunia said:
I believe we are mixing terms here...
The way I understand it is this:
1. "Static navigation" is a filter that when *enabled* will only report gps fixes when there is a movement at a significant speed. It's main use is for car navigation.
2. When "static navigation" is disabled we will get fixes all the time.
So even though author of this post is claiming in a first sentence of a first post that this mod is *enabling* static navigation I believe it is actually *disabling* it
Also, the article linked in a first post is most very likely wrong (if that is the case then madd0g should not be worried), because official SiRFStarIV manual says nothing about filtering bad signals etc. - it only says that bellow some speed threshold fixes will not be reported.
See for yourself: micro-modular.com/docs/AddlRsrc/GSD4e%20OSP%20Manual%20(CS-129291-DC-9).pdf
Of course I may be wrong, but that's how I understand the manual.
I am really confused, because fatDroid also claims that his software is enabling static navigation...
Either way, great job klobkelosh - I am installing it right away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kamil, you may be correct. I assumed that FatDroid had correctly stated that Samsung disables static navigation by default. After reading the scant info out there I am no longer sure. I'm going to ask a friend way more knowledgeable than myself on such matters if he will weigh in.
I did a little more research.
Static Navigation
Static navigation, also called position pinning, is a mechanism that it is used by the receiver to freeze, or pin, the position when the velocity falls below a threshold indicating that the receiver is stationary. The heading is also frozen, and the velocity is reported as 0. The solution is then unpinned when the velocity increases above a threshold or when the computed position is a set distance from the pinned position, indicating that the receiver is in motion again. Note that these velocity and distance thresholds cannot be changed (www.telit.com/module/infopool/download.php?id=4043)
I understand that Samsung has enabled this setting by default. Thus, as Kamil pointed out above, the mod actually disables static navigation. I have updated the OP.
I see quite a few people have downloaded the mod. How's it working for you?
klobkelosh said:
I see quite a few people have downloaded the mod. How's it working for you?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it, and it didn't break anything, but couldn't test it in real life yet. I will be snowboarding soon and since I'm tracking my rides I will be able to tell.
I flashed it and the only time my phone ever searched for GPS was in Facebook , now its good , not sure about the terminology debate but it worked for me :thumbup:
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Xparent Cyan Tapatalk 2
My friend, who publishes AndroGeoid has this response:
"So looking at the GPS Control app and its description, it looks like the description is incorrect; it has "enable" and "disable" reversed. Static navigation enabled means filtering and a not up-to-date position; disabling it turns off the filtering, and just gives you the continuous raw position from the GPS receiver (presumably at 1 Hz). Disable is best for what you want to do, if you can live with some squirreliness in the position. Even better, get yourself a Bluetooth GPS receiver - save on battery, you can set the update frequency to as high as 10 Hz, and it supports WAAS. The SirfStar IV chipset supports WAAS, but it is apparently not enabled on the Galaxy phones. This may be due to the slightly increased battery drain, or because the GPS antenna on the phone is fairly small and can't pick up the faint WAAS signal."
Thanks Leszek!
A bit different than what FatDroid did
klobkelosh said:
Kamil, you may be correct. I assumed that FatDroid had correctly stated that Samsung disables static navigation by default. After reading the scant info out there I am no longer sure. I'm going to ask a friend way more knowledgeable than myself on such matters if he will weigh in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked through the execution path of MI_SetStaticNav and there appear to be two branches. Basically I enabled static nav by forcing the NL_SetStaticNav branch. Will post mod as soon as I can confirm and not look stupid.
So here it is. It has only been tested on toroplus. Let me know your results.
afrotronics said:
I looked through the execution path of MI_SetStaticNav and there appear to be two branches. Basically I enabled static nav by forcing the NL_SetStaticNav branch. Will post mod as soon as I can confirm and not look stupid.
So here it is. It has only been tested on toroplus. Let me know your results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
so you mean, i can test it on a i9100g?
do i have to update the sirfgps.conf file?
googling around does not give me a deep description about all the config things in gps.conf and sirfgps.conf.
When it is not for i9100g, what do i have to do to compile it on my own?
greeting,
Niine said:
Hi,
so you mean, i can test it on a i9100g?
do i have to update the sirfgps.conf file?
googling around does not give me a deep description about all the config things in gps.conf and sirfgps.conf.
When it is not for i9100g, what do i have to do to compile it on my own?
greeting,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try it, but make a backup first. I don't think you need to modify the conf files at all
Wow.... Google maps, every time I open it has always said I was miles away from my actual position then it would jump to where I actually was. Closing then opening maps it would jump to where I wasn't then back to where I am. After flashing this... Maps never said was somewhere else, it just showed me right where I am, sweet :thumbup:
Hmmm... I think having WiFi on had something to do with that
Niine said:
Hi,
so you mean, i can test it on a i9100g?
do i have to update the sirfgps.conf file?
googling around does not give me a deep description about all the config things in gps.conf and sirfgps.conf.
When it is not for i9100g, what do i have to do to compile it on my own?
greeting,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, for the delayed response I was on vacation for the weekend (Vegas Baby!). So the sirfgps.conf is unique to the driver hardware combo. I have a toroplus, which has it's own funky model number of SPH-L700. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but the generic model number for tuna hardware is i9250. I ahve my doubts these drivers will work with the i9100.
If the changes do work, you shouldn't need to update your sirfgps.conf file. Though something that helps is adding the line:
DYNAMIC_ACCURACY=1
Also you cannot compile the src since it is not publicly available. I've tried to contact CSR about getting the source but I need to purchase a dev board before getting the source. Even then I would not be allowed to release the source code. Since I have a pretty basic understanding ARM ASM you can send me you current driver and I can point you toward a solution.
Hi,
I was wondering if these zips do anything for maguro, as (at least on JB 4.2.2), the gps driver is not located at /system/lib/lib_gsd4t.so - I only have /system/lib/hw/gps.goldfish.so
So, if all these scripts only update /system/lib/lib_gsd4t.so, will it even be used?
Related
Wave Control uses the proximity sensor to detect hand gestures to control music playback (free version) and more (paid version).
Update (10/11/2012): Half of proceeds from app sales from October will be donated to Breast Cancer Research
More Info Here
Update (9/7/2012): New Tasker Support for changing profiles in Wave Control!
Update (31/08/2012): Jelly Bean users are getting force closes in the Play Store app when navigating to Wave Control -- The free version's apk is available to download on this post. Please if it's working for you in Play Store download from there.. I need the install count
I developed this on the Note and luckily it happens to have one of the best proximity sensors (at least for my uses). Works best on the Note and Galaxy Nexus. Not so great on HTC phones and SGSII due to their particular sensors (much slower).
There are 4 basic gestures:
-Hover
-1 Wave
-2 Waves
-3 Waves
By default they correspond to Play/Pause, Next, Previous, Enable/Disable Controls respectively.
In the Pro version, they can be remapped to any of those plus: Turn Screen On, Volume Up, Volume Down, Launch Google Voice Search, Alt Play/Pause (for MX Video Player), and do nothing.
Popular uses are:
When driving, don't have to take your eyes off the road to try to hit a button
When your hands are dirty so you don't smear crap all over your phone like when cooking or working on car
While on the computer, you don't have to bother waking the phone to change the song (works even when the screen is off)
I'd like to see what you guys think of it. If you have any suggestions for new features or any feedback, I'd love to hear it.
Google Play Store Links:
Free Version
Paid Pro Version
Here are a couple youtube video demos:
and more of the Pro features:
I've got an identical post in the Galaxy Note forum. I'm limiting the call for feedback to these two devices for now since they have the most responsive sensor.
Holy crap, this is awesome.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
Looks good, so far. I already paid for it, in support of where I think it might go. It would be interesting to see the ability to launch other apps besides Voice Search, chosen by the user, rather than hard coded. This would open up lots of possibilities.
I think this would not work in the night or in dark rooms?!
Otherwise this is really cool!
Meep70 said:
Looks good, so far. I already paid for it, in support of where I think it might go. It would be interesting to see the ability to launch other apps besides Voice Search, chosen by the user, rather than hard coded. This would open up lots of possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah been rolling this idea around for some time. I've been kind of lazy about implementing it. I think I'll start coding it up to include in the next update unless a bug pops up first.
Thanks for the support!
kickr said:
I think this would not work in the night or in dark rooms?!
Otherwise this is really cool!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I used just the light sensor then, yeah it would have that limitation. The proximity sensor (on the same chip) uses an IR LED to light up the near object and the light sensor to detect the IR reflection.
Hows the battery usage of the app? I am presuming that app is always running in the background polling for some action in the proximity sensor.
Pat123 said:
Hows the battery usage of the app? I am presuming that app is always running in the background polling for some action in the proximity sensor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, it's been a little under what the music player uses. The system broadcasts on state changes of the sensor so I don't have to poll. Which is quite nice.
This is phenomenal. I like the potential!
I'm a little concerned about the battery life implications of this app. OP mentions that the app works even when the screen is off. Does this mean that a constant wakelock is maintained at all times which prevents the device from going into deep sleep?
ArmanUV said:
I'm a little concerned about the battery life implications of this app. OP mentions that the app works even when the screen is off. Does this mean that a constant wakelock is maintained at all times which prevents the device from going into deep sleep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking the exact same thing too. Awesome, but potentially a battery drain.
Blazing on my Nexus Prime using xda premium
ArmanUV said:
I'm a little concerned about the battery life implications of this app. OP mentions that the app works even when the screen is off. Does this mean that a constant wakelock is maintained at all times which prevents the device from going into deep sleep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
15israellai said:
I was thinking the exact same thing too. Awesome, but potentially a battery drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it holds a Partial Wakelock.
If someone knows how to still receive state changes from the proximity sensor without a Partial Wakelock, please let me know!
I'm always looking for ways to make the app for energy efficient. Working with the screen off saves a lot of battery since the screen is usually the biggest consumer of power.
If you want to know for sure how much battery it uses, just try it out. If it uses more battery than you feel is acceptable for the functionality, stop using it. It's not something to leave running in the background indefinitely.
I would love a sensitivity toggle. For me, the response time seems slow.
MarksThinkTank said:
Yeah, it holds a Partial Wakelock.
If someone knows how to still receive state changes from the proximity sensor without a Partial Wakelock, please let me know!
I'm always looking for ways to make the app for energy efficient. Working with the screen off saves a lot of battery since the screen is usually the biggest consumer of power.
If you want to know for sure how much battery it uses, just try it out. If it uses more battery than you feel is acceptable for the functionality, stop using it. It's not something to leave running in the background indefinitely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it doesn't have to be that way. Why not give the user an option to disable the wake lock so that the app works only when the screen is on?
Also, can you explain the Pocket mode and the "Headphones unplug exit" options? I read the description about Pocket mode but I'm not sure I understand: Is a false positive 3 wave gesture so common that there needs to be workaround for it? Furthurmore, when does the app need to be in front? If the screen is on but the app is in background, chances are the user is actually using the phone.
ArmanUV said:
it doesn't have to be that way. Why not give the user an option to disable the wake lock so that the app works only when the screen is on?
Also, can you explain the Pocket mode and the "Headphones unplug exit" options? I read the description about Pocket mode but I'm not sure I understand: Is a false positive 3 wave gesture so common that there needs to be workaround for it? Furthurmore, when does the app need to be in front? If the screen is on but the app is in background, chances are the user is actually using the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah perhaps that could be a replacement for the pocketmode.. just disable the wakelock.
Pocket Mode was a user request. I guess the person had fairly baggy pants such that the controls were getting reenabled and music started playing while they were walking. So all it does is prevent that from happening. It's raised more support questions than it addressed so it does need to change.
The headphones unplug exit is an auto exit of the app when you unplug your headphones. It used to just be the way the app behaved but I had a request to be able to disable it.
Having to have the app in front is more of a carryover from before I had the notification icon change with enable/disable. It was just to make the user see the status change. I had kinda forgotten about it.
All good points! Thanks for the feedback.
I think I'll change Pocket Mode to something like Only Work With Screen On and then just toggle the wakelock. More straight forward.
Thanks again!
Pocket Mode
Galaxy Nexus CM9 nightly, Pro version - Pocket Mode is turned on in settings, but app continue to work with screen turned off.
200mpx said:
Galaxy Nexus CM9 nightly, Pro version - Pocket Mode is turned on in settings, but app continue to work with screen turned off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah the current implementation only prevents a re-enable. So, until you disable it, it'll still work. I'll be changing that soon to avoid confusion.
------
So this fun... it still works without the wake lock. Now I'm thinking back to why I put it there in the first place.
I think I had read that on some phones it's required to still receive sensor data, but not all. So I guess my Note doesn't require it. I get down into deep sleep without the wakelock (as long as music isn't playing) and am still able to start music back up. Sweet.
Now how to word the option to not confuse non devs....
MarksThinkTank said:
Yeah the current implementation only prevents a re-enable. So, until you disable it, it'll still work. I'll be changing that soon to avoid confusion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be great to have real Pocket Mode - if Hover lasts more that 1 sec (or other time, better make it adjustable in settings) turn on real Pocket Mode - disable controls
---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 PM ----------
MarksThinkTank said:
I think I had read that on some phones it's required to still receive sensor data, but not all. So I guess my Note doesn't require it. I get down into deep sleep without the wakelock (as long as music isn't playing) and am still able to start music back up. Sweet.
Now how to word the option to not confuse non devs....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great news, hope it is the same for Nexus. As for the wording - "allow deep sleep" maybe?
200mpx said:
It will be great to have real Pocket Mode - if Hover lasts more that 1 sec (or other time, better make it adjustable in settings) turn on real Pocket Mode - disable controls
---------- Post added at 01:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:44 PM ----------
Great news, hope it is the same for Nexus. As for the wording - "allow deep sleep" maybe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that might a good way to activate it.. hmm.
I ended up just settling on Wake Lock.. see how many questions I get about it.
I just posted V1.50:
-Wake Lock as an option, default is off
-Pocket Mode now disables everything when the screen is off
-Tweaked the timing for the SGSII
-Fixed a bug for the play/pause on MX Video (forgot to put this in the app's changelog)
-Pro gets Screen Off command
Thanks for great feedback guys! It's helping me quite a bit.
Still to come:
For Pro: Launch any installed app
Adjustable timing for the gesture window
Ingenious.
Sent from the future.
This is awesome.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Hi
I bought the Note II 2 days ago, and I ended trying Google Street View in compass mode... Nice software...
As probably you know, in this mode the orientation of the handset controls what you see on the screen, offering a better 3d experience than simply sliding your finger on the screen to change the viewpoint (try it: maps --> select a place with street view available --> enter street view mode --> press "menu" left virtual touch --> select compass mode, and play with it!).
This is all nice and well, except that I experience on my phone a serious random jitter (mostly azymuthal) in the street view: a few degrees more or less, not much but enough to make you dizzy after a while. This happens also in Google Skymap.
I tried to recalibrate the gyroscope, also had a look in the hidden "test" menu (dialed *#0*#), and installed marketplace compass apps which offer calibration tools... to no avail. I also changed position in my flat to check for stray magnetic fields effects, but nothing new.
I know there are other devices forum threads where this type of problems is explored (not much as far as i know), the point here is I would like people with Note 2 at hand to check if they experience the same type of problems: I'd like to know if this could be related to a hardware problem, or if it is another screw up by Google/Samsung ...! :silly:
What do you think ?
Same thing here, I've had my T-Mobile GNote2 for just under two weeks and when I tried the compass this am I found the same jitter you describe, using GPS Test app and the diagnostic mode you found. Started a thread in T-Mobile GNote2 here, looks like it wasn't a priority for Samsung.
I'm getting gitter in Street View too. Damn annoying.
Sent from my Galaxy Note 2 using Tapatalk 2
Bad jitter here too .... and this was one of the features that seemed best to try out on the larger screen... Hopefully there will be a software fix. If some people would post that they have no jitter in street view compass mode, then I'd go see if it was just my/some units with the defect and exchange while in my 14 days.
I can confirm the jittering on my Note 2. It's pretty annoying. Calibration hasn't worked for me.
---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 PM ----------
In other compass apps, I can't experience any jittering. So I think it must be directly related to Street View and how they read/process the values from the compass. Maybe the interpolation is wrong?
Well, I can tell you that I exchanged TWICE my Note II since I posted the problem on the forum (one was exchanged for another reason)... and the jitter was and is here on the three handsets.
The last one I got works marginally better, but the effect is still quite annoying.
mc-garry said:
I can confirm the jittering on my Note 2. It's pretty annoying. Calibration hasn't worked for me.
---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 PM ----------
In other compass apps, I can't experience any jittering. So I think it must be directly related to Street View and how they read/process the values from the compass. Maybe the interpolation is wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a few compass apps. They mostly had the jitter as well... and the *# test menu showed the same jitter back and forth on the compass :=/
Are you all running on stock rom and kernel? So maybe we can isolate the source for the jittering.
Jittery here too... On stock rom/kernal
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Hm, stock rom/kernel...why doesn't Samsung test this stuff before releasing. Now we need to find out, if it's a software failure or a hardware problem. I have tested this compass app and there is no jittering. Can anyone confirm this?
Search for "com.apksoftware.compass" in the play store. Cannot post external links, as I'm quite new.
I have slight jitter in compass mode on street view too.
Stock ROM, no root.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I've tried several other stock/non-stock roms and kernels. All have the same problem. Has anyone contacted Samsung about this?
mc-garry said:
Hm, stock rom/kernel...why doesn't Samsung test this stuff before releasing. Now we need to find out, if it's a software failure or a hardware problem. I have tested this compass app and there is no jittering. Can anyone confirm this?
Search for "com.apksoftware.compass" in the play store. Cannot post external links, as I'm quite new.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I'm saying! I actually called Samsung's main technical services department and the person I spoke to didn't have a clue what I was on about, so I had to describe it to her carefully. And by the way, yes I've tried it on all the available compass apps on the play store and they all have the same issue. To compare, I used my dad's S3, totally fine. This is one of the reasons I bought the phone in the first place, to use the street view in compass mode after seeing it on the S3 but its a total letdown, which leads me to believe that its very likely a hardware issue, and that's what I'm dreading.
Ilker123 said:
That's exactly what I'm saying! I actually called Samsung's main technical services department and the person I spoke to didn't have a clue what I was on about, so I had to describe it to her carefully. And by the way, yes I've tried it on all the available compass apps on the play store and they all have the same issue. To compare, I used my dad's S3, totally fine. This is one of the reasons I bought the phone in the first place, to use the street view in compass mode after seeing it on the S3 but its a total letdown, which leads me to believe that its very likely a hardware issue, and that's what I'm dreading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it also could be a software problem. I don't think that Samsung includes defect hardware sensors in all of their Note 2 devices (therefor they have extensive hardware tests). I hardly believe they hadn't had the time to write a proper kernel driver with interpolation for the magnetometer. And probably all other kernels base on the kernel sources, Samsung has published. So this could be an inherited problem. Would be interesting if the Note 2 and the S3 share the same magnetometer sensor. Can somebody elaborate on this? If so, then we need to compare the kernel sources for both sensors and try do debug the problem step by step.
mc-garry said:
why doesn't Samsung test this stuff before releasing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they were probably too busy making the rest of the phone as awesome as it is :laugh: ps - im getting the jitter as well
mc-garry said:
Maybe it also could be a software problem. I don't think that Samsung includes defect hardware sensors in all of their Note 2 devices (therefor they have extensive hardware tests). I hardly believe they hadn't had the time to write a proper kernel driver with interpolation for the magnetometer. And probably all other kernels base on the kernel sources, Samsung has published. So this could be an inherited problem. Would be interesting if the Note 2 and the S3 share the same magnetometer sensor. Can somebody elaborate on this? If so, then we need to compare the kernel sources for both sensors and try do debug the problem step by step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're telling me this problem may be fixed with either a 4.2 or 5.0 update? One can only wish right now.
Jitter here too. Very annoying. Quite shocked this got past QC.
Tried multiple roms and kennels, always the same.
Well I'm now on stock 4.1.2, and sad to say its the same problem. Absolutely nothing has changed. I think we're stuck with this issue guys, such a shame
it is a big samsung problem. it is on the S3 as well...
I had the same problem. I tried several compass applications from the market and celebrated the compass several times. The only thing that really helped to get the digital compass get stable is to turn off all wireless functions, including the phone, as well as the phone sound and power saving functions. I turned off anything that might produce a megnatic field in the phone, and then calebrated the compass again. Now the compass works fine after turning on everything.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
is there a menu or method for testing various aspects of the device, such as the screen, dead pixels, read/write issues, processor, gps etc.?
ksoze11 said:
is there a menu or method for testing various aspects of the device, such as the screen, dead pixels, read/write issues, processor, gps etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.....by using it lol.
If somethings wrong with it, it should show.
yes smarta** I know that
we'll have a few hours for testing after receiving the tablet and leaving the country, if there's a tool or some secret menu (like there was in note II) that will come handful
ksoze11 said:
if there's a tool or some secret menu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the developer options in the settings? Go to Settings : General : Device info and click some times on the build number. But there will be no software to really test hardware.
There's no need for the rudeness, his answer was legitimate. Most of the issues with the device can only be found through normal usage.
If the device has no noticeable flaws in the build quality, then the next step you could do is to download a 'backlight test' app. Search the play store, there are many.
Expect to see a row of small lights along the bottom of the screen, this seems to be normal for this device.
However many of these apps also allow you to switch between different colours, so you can check for obvious stuck pixels as well.
However all of this is looking for trouble. You'll find backlight bleed under the extreme test conditions, but the only important part is if you notice any bleed during normal usage. In my case, the answer was no.
So if normal usage doesnt show light bleed, and you cant see any stuck pixels, then theres not much else other than using it to see if spmething falls off.
All of this is standard for every phone, tablet, and anything with an LCD screen, there's no unique special tests for the note. Though I would add that you might as well test the pen works, though I've never heard of one failing yet.
Elim said:
You mean the developer options in the settings? Go to Settings : General : Device info and click some times on the build number. But there will be no software to really test hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in fact I was referring to *#0*#
Hi,
I have forked one of the app's released on GitHub by Fairphone/Kwamecorp, the Peace of Mind app. It's bascially an Airplane Mode with a timer.
We become more conscious of our phones as our lives become increasingly connected. Would you like to disconnect, if only for a moment? Your phone will go silent and disconnect from the world: no e-mail, no status updates, no SMS and no phone calls. Choose how long you wish to disconnect (up to 12 hours).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure if they're planning on publishing it as a standalone app (currently a system-app), so I've forked into Peace of Mind+ to make it available for other devices and for eager Fairphone owners!
Released under the Apache License version 2.0. Source code and APK are available here https://github.com/mudar/Fairphone
For Android 4.2+ devices, the app requiers Root privileges to enable the Airplane Mode. On non-rooted phones (or if SU is declined) the app enables Silent Mode instead. This is due to security changes introduced by Google in Android SDK version 17.
Attached are two screen captures and the APK.
When done, I hope to refactor the Fairphone OS launcher.
Read article on XDA's portal
Put Airplane Mode on a Schedule with Peace of Mind+ by @willverduzco
Download:
Check GitHub for the lastest version and version release history
Changelog:
versionCode=18 versionName=2.1.0
Updated to Material Design
Added support for Android's "Do not disturb" mode
Optimizations, clean animation, etc..
Airplane mode support for rooted devices
versionCode=12 versionName=1.2
Restore sound to previous setting (bug fix)
RootTools updated to version 3.4
versionCode=10 versionName=1.1
Enhanced tablet layout
Fixed bug for some Android 4.3 devices
versionCode=8 versionName=1.0
Out of beta!
Improved Widget layout
DashClock extension added
Restores previous ringerMode at the end of an Airplane-mode PeaceOfMind
Added About dialog (in Settings)
Added Brazilian-Portuguese and Russian translations, and completed other translations
Click below to view complete changelog...
versionCode=6 versionName=0.9.4 beta
Fixed deep-sleep bug
Improved timer accuracy
Fixed videoplayback issue on some devices
versionCode=5 versionName=0.9.3 beta
Nightly, fixing the deep-sleep bug.
versionCode=4 versionName=0.9.2 beta
AirplaneMode enables SilentMode too, to avoid notifications
Fixed SilentMode issue (would trigger AirplaneMode on some android versions)
Fixed video animation playback issue
Fixed minor timer issue (was running an extra minute)
versionCode=3 versionName=0.9.1 beta
Settings to determine maximum duration (3, 6 or 12 hours) and disconnection mode (Airplane/Silent mode)
Fixed layout issues and optimization!
mudar1488 said:
Hi,
I have forked one of the app's released on GitHub by Fairphone/Kwamecorp, the Peace of Mind app. It's bascially an Airplane Mode with a timer.
I'm not sure if they're planning on publishing it as a standalone app (currently a system-app), so I've forked into Peace of Mind+ to make it available for other devices and for eager Fairphone owners!
Released under the Apache License version 2.0. Source code and APK are available here https://github.com/mudar/Fairphone
Attached are two screen captures and the APK.
The app is still in beta version. When done, I hope to refactor the Fairphone OS launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, sir, nice. That's the reason I really like open source. Just more variants, that's nice. Thank you for your fork.
I have some thoughts about the widget and the app:
The widget is just too big/tall. Maybe it's possible that you can reduce the used space on the screen?
One major bug is, that the app only switches the airplane mode on/off. I usually use WLAN at home and work with activated airplane mode. If I'm going to take a nap for 30 mins, I activate peace of mind but WLAN is still active and Mails, Hangouts (messages, voice/video calls), G+ and other messengers would. The app also does not silence incoming messages. So currently not that much peace. Would be nice, if you can make a workaround or something.
If users install this app, the need root. Please mention it somewhere, maybe in the thread title.
Nice to see you working on that!
Maybe you'd like to submit it to f-droid? That'd be great!
www.f-droid.org
Unrelashade said:
Nice to see you working on that!
Maybe you'd like to submit it to f-droid? That'd be great!
www.f-droid.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Unrelashade I'll definitly submit the app to F-Droid when out of beta!
Thanks @benkxda for the valuable feedback!
benkxda said:
The widget is just too big/tall. Maybe it's possible that you can reduce the used space on the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you, upcoming enhancement
benkxda said:
One major bug is, that the app only switches the airplane mode on/off. I usually use WLAN at home and work with activated airplane mode. If I'm going to take a nap for 30 mins, I activate peace of mind but WLAN is still active and Mails, Hangouts (messages, voice/video calls), G+ and other messengers would. The app also does not silence incoming messages. So currently not that much peace. Would be nice, if you can make a workaround or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitly a bug, didn't even think about that case! This will be handled soon...
benkxda said:
If users install this app, the need root. Please mention it somewhere, maybe in the thread title.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've edited the OP. However, root is not strictly required. For Android 4.2+ devices, the app toggles the sound (silent) mode on non-rooted phones. If SU is available, permissions are requested (to toggle airplane mode). If declined, the app falls back to toggling silent mode...
I have added the issues on GitHub https://github.com/mudar/Fairphone/issues Upcoming features will also be listed there..
Upcoming version
Next week's version will have a Settings screen to control max-duration (3, 6 or 12 hours) and to toggle Airplane/Silent mode.
Your suggestions are most welcome! Either here on xda or on github https://github.com/mudar/Fairphone/issues
Version 0.9.1
Here's the updated version:
- Settings to determine maximum duration (3, 6 or 12 hours) and disconnection mode (Airplane/Silent mode)
- Fixed layout issues and optimization!
Attached are the APK and a screen capture of the new Settings
The app is also available on the playstore, and the APK is available on GitHub too.
mudar1488 said:
Here's the updated version:
- Settings to determine maximum duration (3, 6 or 12 hours) and disconnection mode (Airplane/Silent mode)
- Fixed layout issues and optimization!
Attached are the APK and a screen capture of the new Settings
The app is also available on the playstore, and the APK is available on GitHub too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice. Installed it and switched to Google Play to get all the updates automatically.
The 3/6/12 hours steps are really nice implemented. This will save my peace during the (business) day :angel:.
I talked about the functionalities of this app and I was told, there is a further need. Switch off all connections with the airplane mode but then let the user decide whether he wants to get notification (alarm, appointments) or not. Silent mode would probably not deactivate the LED notification light. However I did not check.
At the New Year's Eve party I'll get a chance to try out a Fairphone and then I can compare the original and the improved version and also show it to others.
If you want the app translated, place a request in our app translation thread. And if you want, you can post an advertisement for your app in the Fairphone Blog, like for those who have to wait longer, so they can test at least this app/widget. Almost like a teaser. The guys from Fairphone shouldn't have anything against it, because this is the way they provide their software - open for forks
Oh yes, I put some links related to this app in the OP and we also have a app tester thread.
EDIT: GPS is still active after airplane mode. I understand, this app just enables/disables the airplane mode, but can we get some extra tweaks in the settings area, in this case to save battery? Would be nice. If you know what's on the todo list of the next version, give us an update.
Thank you and enjoy the holidays.
EDIT: This widget/app was mentioned in the article Fairphone im Kurztest (at the very bottom; German, c't magazin, 3rd Jan 2014).
Version 0.9.2
New version released, with many fixes
Changelog:
AirplaneMode enables SilentMode too, to avoid notifications
Fixed SilentMode issue (would trigger AirplaneMode on some android versions)
Fixed video animation playback issue
Fixed minor timer issue (was running an extra minute)
Attached is the new APK, also available on the playstore.
NOTE: I have reported an issue to Kwamecorp, related to the AlarmManager timer that ends the Airplane mode. If you enable PeaceOfMind for 15 minutes, then leave your phone idle (disconnected, screen off), there's no guarantee that the timer would actually be triggered, since it does not wakeup an asleep device. This means that you might not receive any calls after the 15 minutes have passed, until you wake up the device by turning the screen on.
I'm currently working on fixing what I consider a critical issue before actually testing it on Kwamecorp's original version. Sorry about this, update is coming before the end of the week!
Version 0.9.3
New version released, fixing the deep-sleep bug.
There are still some minor UI glitches I'm currently working on. Will edit this post soon, but wanted to publish this before the end of the week, as promised
Version 0.9.4
Changelog
Fixed deep-sleep bug
Improved timer accuracy
Fixed videoplayback issue on some devices
APK is attached here, update is also available on the playstore.
Next version will include widget enhancements and integration of DashClock.
For issues reporting or features suggestion, you can checkout the GitHub issues page!
Hi @benkxda,
multi-replies to your suggestions/feedback below
benkxda said:
One major bug is, that the app only switches the airplane mode on/off. I usually use WLAN at home and work with activated airplane mode. If I'm going to take a nap for 30 mins, I activate peace of mind but WLAN is still active and Mails, Hangouts (messages, voice/video calls), G+ and other messengers would. The app also does not silence incoming messages.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should be fixed now. The change I made is that Airplane is mode is enabled each time PeaceOfMind is started, so this disables WiFi. Previously, the app would check airplane status, skipping if already was already on.
benkxda said:
I talked about the functionalities of this app and I was told, there is a further need. Switch off all connections with the airplane mode but then let the user decide whether he wants to get notification (alarm, appointments) or not. Silent mode would probably not deactivate the LED notification light. However I did not check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When enabling PeaceOfMind, Airplane and Silent modes are (now) both set (or silent-mode-only based on settings). So this silences notifications. Handling Alarms is a whole different story since they could be set by different apps. This would require displaying a list of installed apps to handle sound for each. I prefer to stick to the original mission: disconnect from the outside world
benkxda said:
GPS is still active after airplane mode. I understand, this app just enables/disables the airplane mode, but can we get some extra tweaks in the settings area, in this case to save battery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it seems that enabling GPS with Airplane mode on varies by manufacturer. It's a very good idea and I understand the advantages, however I don't think such a feature fits with this app's scope. sorry
Thanks again for all your valuable feedback!
mudar
mudar1488 said:
Hi @benkxda,
multi-replies to your suggestions/feedback below
This should be fixed now. The change I made is that Airplane is mode is enabled each time PeaceOfMind is started, so this disables WiFi. Previously, the app would check airplane status, skipping if already was already on.
When enabling PeaceOfMind, Airplane and Silent modes are (now) both set (or silent-mode-only based on settings). So this silences notifications. Handling Alarms is a whole different story since they could be set by different apps. This would require displaying a list of installed apps to handle sound for each. I prefer to stick to the original mission: disconnect from the outside world
Well, it seems that enabling GPS with Airplane mode on varies by manufacturer. It's a very good idea and I understand the advantages, however I don't think such a feature fits with this app's scope. sorry
Thanks again for all your valuable feedback!
mudar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @mudar1488 for the recent updates. Before I go on, I want you to update also the first post of the thread, if you upload a new version including the new file, to get a version history. Also a Changelog in the first post would be nice. You also can place a new post, but please also update the first post. This makes it way easier to check if this thread was either updated or not. If the Fairphone index is up or let's say necessary, I don't wanna miss an update.
I use your Peace of Mind+ on my business device, a Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE (720 x 1280 pixels, 4.8 inches). Today I was checking the last version and I saw a couple of things, probably issues, maybe not.
1. Version number
I think I should have the version 0.6, but after a look in the app info, I was confused: "ca.mudar.fairphone.peaceofmind version 0.9.4 beta". Is that right or did I just update to much?
2. Sound on/off
Usually my phone is silenced completely. After I set a time in Peace of Mind+ and time ran out, the airplane mode switched off and sound switched on. So no silence anymore. Please save the settings of the sound before Peace of Mind+ becomes active and after the time ran out, restore the settings. Same thing with the airplane mode, which usually is active on my device, as well as WiFi is active.
3. Graphical issues
I have some graphical issues on my device. When I start Peace of Mind+ you see the following:
You can see a strange graphical fragment on the right of "ATPEACE". I started the app three times, and I always saw a different fragment.
Then I started a time and reset it to zero right afterwards, result:
Ok, so the fragment is gone and the text "ATPEACE" jumped one text line up and stays there, because on the left side, there are two text lines during the time is running out. Check the image below, in this case the two text lines are "1h35 TO1h35". To avoid these fragments, I currently have to set a time, then the fragment is gone.
Hope the images help to compensate some of the wrong or not correct words/text phrases I used. If not, don't hesitate to ask.
EDIT:
Just recognized your title of the post with the latest app version: "Version 0.9.4". I am a bit lost. Why is version 0.9.4 called v0.6 in the file name?
Great feedback @benkxda, as usual
I've added updates to the OP, but for detailed history I on Github. For future versions, I'll probably just publish the updates in the OP instead of adding a new reply each time.
benkxda said:
I think I should have the version 0.6, but after a look in the app info, I was confused: "ca.mudar.fairphone.peaceofmind version 0.9.4 beta". Is that right or did I just update to much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mystery resolved in the OP! APK filename has the versionCode (1 to 6) but I refer to it by its versionName (0.9 beta to 0.9.6 beta)
benkxda said:
Usually my phone is silenced completely. After I set a time in Peace of Mind+ and time ran out, the airplane mode switched off and sound switched on. So no silence anymore. Please save the settings of the sound before Peace of Mind+ becomes active ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will do that in the next version!
benkxda said:
I have some graphical issues on my device. When I start Peace of Mind+ you see the following: You can see a strange graphical fragment on the right of "ATPEACE". I started the app three times, and I always saw a different fragment ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, this is a strange one! I did test on a Galaxy S3 and didn't see such pixels.
When you enable PeaceOfMind, do you see an animation in the background (like a water flood)?
Do you still these pixels in landscape mode?
How long has it been since last time you did a reboot?! (just looking for hints)
Do you think these pixels could be translucid? meaning do you think you see a scramble of your homescreen ? or do they look more like pixels of a corrupted video?
I'll do my best to find the issue.
I've added the last two to the GitHub issues page
Edit: I've attached 2 APKs to test the Graphical issues. @benkxda reported having graphical issues on his Galaxy S3 (unspecified ROM). Users who have the same issue (screen captures attached) can try installing these 2 versions and see if the issue is still there. Warning: ugly colors are used
mudar1488 said:
Great feedback @benkxda, as usual
I've added updates to the OP, but for detailed history I on Github. For future versions, I'll probably just publish the updates in the OP instead of adding a new reply each time.
Mystery resolved in the OP! APK filename has the versionCode (1 to 6) but I refer to it by its versionName (0.9 beta to 0.9.6 beta)
will do that in the next version!
well, this is a strange one! I did test on a Galaxy S3 and didn't see such pixels.
When you enable PeaceOfMind, do you see an animation in the background (like a water flood)?
Do you still these pixels in landscape mode?
How long has it been since last time you did a reboot?! (just looking for hints)
Do you think these pixels could be translucid? meaning do you think you see a scramble of your homescreen ? or do they look more like pixels of a corrupted video?
I'll do my best to find the issue.
I've added the last two to the GitHub issues page
Edit: I've attached 2 APKs to test the Graphical issues. @benkxda reported having graphical issues on his Galaxy S3 (unspecified ROM). Users who have the same issue (screen captures attached) can try installing these 2 versions and see if the issue is still there. Warning: ugly colors are used
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a shame, I forgot my S3 LTE at work. It has Android 4.3.1 running, CM10.2 nightly (set to 280 ppi).
Well, I just thought, I give other devices a try. I used file version 0.6, as this was the version on the S3 LTE, where I found those graphical issues.
First up, the Nexus 5 (full HD set to 440 ppi, Omni nightly). I did not see any problems. Then I tried it on the Galaxy Nexus (720x1280, just like the S3 LTE, set to 320 ppi and running CM11 nightly) and also no problems. It might be a problem with the older Android 4.3.1 or maybe this special nightly? I am back at work on Monday.
Thanks a lot for this. I was looking for such an app when I saw a Fairphone unboxing video.
Tyrion666 said:
Thanks a lot for this. I was looking for such an app when I saw a Fairphone unboxing video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. +1 and thank you @mudar1488
Ok, now to your questions:
When you enable PeaceOfMind, do you see an animation in the background (like a water flood)?
Do you still these pixels in landscape mode?
How long has it been since last time you did a reboot?! (just looking for hints)
Do you think these pixels could be translucid? meaning do you think you see a scramble of your homescreen ? or do they look more like pixels of a corrupted video?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I see the animation (smoothly on N5/S3 LTE and on Galaxy Nexus a bit sluggish).
Yes, I see these pixels in landscape mode. Doesn't matter if I start in portrait mode and switch to landscape mode or if I directly start in landscape mode.
I have this all the time, doesn't matter if I try after reboot or at the end of the day... always the same.
This is a bit special. Well, I think I don't see my background wallpaper (my wallpaper is just simple black). But I tried it on two home screens. One screen with a lot of icons, the other one with none (even no navigation icons). The result was interesting, as I saw a mostly brown or green fragment on the screen with much icons and usually a black fragment on the screen without icons. It is not always the brown/green or the black one, but that where the most results.
Hope that helps.
benkxda said:
Yes, I see the animation (smoothly on N5/S3 LTE and on Galaxy Nexus a bit sluggish).
Yes, I see these pixels in landscape mode. Doesn't matter if I start in portrait mode and switch to landscape mode or if I directly start in landscape mode.
I have this all the time, doesn't matter if I try after reboot or at the end of the day... always the same.
This is a bit special. Well, I think I don't see my background wallpaper (my wallpaper is just simple black). But I tried it on two home screens. One screen with a lot of icons, the other one with none (even no navigation icons). The result was interesting, as I saw a mostly brown or green fragment on the screen with much icons and usually a black fragment on the screen without icons. It is not always the brown/green or the black one, but that where the most results.
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks @benkxda! Did you try-out the v07a and v07b versions (attached here)? the latter doesn't play video and they both use ugly colors to try to understand what zone/element holds the strange pixels!
However, I do suspect an issue with the custom ROM or the custom DPI value used
New Version 1.0
APK and Changelog are provided in the OP. Peace of Mind+ is also available on the Playstore.
Out of beta now so future updates will mainly be bug-fixes. Your feedback/suggestions/comments are most welcome!
Thanks,
mudar
mudar1488 said:
APK and Changelog are provided in the OP. Peace of Mind+ is also available on the Playstore.
Out of beta now so future updates will mainly be bug-fixes. Your feedback/suggestions/comments are most welcome!
Thanks,
mudar
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nnnniiice work! So will you get/ put it into the f-droid repository as well? Looking forward to it! :good:
(also, please tell me if the people from f-droid put it into their repository or if a developers has to do that. It could be just them, because all the code is available and they build it from source by themselves to make sure applications don't differ from the code they link to/ offer)
Hi,
is there any way to change brightness to lower level? My previous phone, Xperia Mini, could decrease brightness to absolute black (I didn't need it, but still...). But my Xperia M is still pretty shining in dark even in the lowest level. It burns my eyes. All I could find were some stupid filters. Is there any better solution (root or not, I don't care).
Thanks.
dave_lister said:
Hi,
is there any way to change brightness to lower level? My previous phone, Xperia Mini, could decrease brightness to absolute black (I didn't need it, but still...). But my Xperia M is still pretty shining in dark even in the lowest level. It burns my eyes. All I could find were some stupid filters. Is there any better solution (root or not, I don't care).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click
Gravitybox has some brightness abilities to reassign lux-brightness pairs. Don't know if it can go under normal brightness though...
FindYanot: That's exactly what I don't want. I want something on HW level (lower led (or what they use) intensity), not just transparent black layer.
KoenGo: Do you think, it can work? I don't have root yet (I want do it, if I find solution), so I can't try.
Nobody faced this problem? Everyone is happy with light intensity?
Yes it's too much but if you lower that level screen will probably start flickering which is much more annoying than just too bright screen. This is common, hw related issue that can be found on other devices with low quality lcd.
I'm trying but it's kinda hard to tell if there's any difference since you have to reboot after applying new minimum. I would say there isn't much difference. I'll retry in the dark some time.
Doesn't crash or flicker or anything though, so that's the good news
Personally, I would not root just for this and just use the filters. What is your problem with them? That it uses more battery than a hardware method would, or just that it's impractical? In the second case, lux might be worth looking into. I've never tried it myself since it isn't free, I just use the filter u hate
Tried it in the dark and I believe there is a difference, although very small (barely noticeable) and imho definitely not worth rooting and installing framework.
OK. That's bad, but thanks for your time
Well I rooted my phone and I tried gravitybox and I don't think there is a difference. But still thanks.
My setup now is that I can (de)activate the filter app by swiping over the navigationbar. It's still a filter so it doesn't prolong battery life or anything, but it is a convenient way to enable or disable it.
If you would ever come across something better, please let us know
dave_lister said:
is there any way to change brightness to lower level?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but you need root.
Execute in Terminal or run attached file as script via Root Explorer / GScript:
Code:
#!/system/bin/sh
su
echo 5 > /sys/class/leds/wled/brightness
Minimal stock value 27, we change it to 5 or any other you want.
Maximum value: 255
Bug: backlight will be flickering.
Thank you. It really works! (I rewrite it manually without any script or terminal)
Just one thing. The brightness file is used for current state and when I change intensity in options (or select auto), it's rewritten. So, is there any way to change minimum level permanently (minimum on bar or 0 lux = 5 or something instead of stock 27)? Or is it possible to make some shortcut to rewrite the file with one click? Or use some tasker for it?
But it doesn't matter much. Even this way, without any shortcuts, is awesome. I'll test it in night, but even now (during a day), I can see a difference.
dave_lister said:
So, is there any way to change minimum level permanently
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but only by editing file in kernel, it requires recompiling.
Then pulled slider to the left will set really minimal value.
Here commit from ElixER kernel for 4.1.2, originally this trick comes from there.
dave_lister said:
Or is it possible to make some shortcut to rewrite the file with one click? Or use some tasker for it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, GScript app, as far I know can create shortcuts.
Or in Tasker create task with only one action "Run shell" (tick Root) and then create shortcut in launcher.
iks8 said:
screen will probably start flickering which is much more annoying than just too bright screen. This is common, hw related issue that can be found on other devices with low quality lcd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always was interesting what exactly causing this flickering at hardware side. Led's controller?
Please can you provide any information and example devices with same issue?
Bonoboo said:
Always was interesting what exactly causing this flickering at hardware side. Led's controller?
Please can you provide any information and example devices with same issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For example galaxy tab 2 (I have one), on the lowest brightnes level it flicker a lot (especially annoying when it's displays white surface), my sister's asus memo pad 7 hd has this issue too but less noticible. Yes, it's somehow related to device's power managment, in galaxy tab 2 forum people saies that it's flicers more when wifi signal is low so as I understand: low signal -> device need more power for wifi -> device gives less power for leds -> screen is more flickering but I could be wrong since I'm almost total electroinc noob I will test that later
p.s.
This issue is really common, even s4 has this problem according to this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yZaQRr76f8 So Sony has done good move with setting so high the lowest brightnes level (at least this hides unusable levels). Really my eyes hurt when I'm using my gtab2 at night although xperia does the same thing but in different way xD
Tested your method and at least in my device, the LED flickering was barely noticeable and only appeared when I set very low values (like 1). Setting as 3 and onwards gives zero flickering here (or I'm just blind, not noticing it)...
You're right. Values about 3, 4, 5 are quite ok.
I made the GSscript shortcut and I¨m finally happy.
I think the flickering is caused by pwr regulation with low frequency. But I'm not electrician either.