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I love the idea of android devices as a portable gaming console. They now have all the power of last gen consoles at least, the batteries last forever, tons of ports (usb, HDMI, BT), great built in screens and they're super portable. I started out just messing around on my Incredible, later had a GTab (which was a really early device that worked ok but had a bad screen) and now have a Xoom running ICS and have a Galaxy Nexus on the way.
Native android gaming is coming along nicely now to the point where I have about 50 games on my tab. Many of them are free or were daily deals on the Amazon store. Many of them I bought full price. All in all I've probably spent $50 on games. Some of them aren't so great, others are suprisingly good and the situation gets better every day.
I also enjoy a bit of emulation. Before you get all upity the only games I have been playing are ones I actually have the cartridge for. Mostly I have just been playing through Chrono Trigger (which I own so **** you!) along with the Giant Bomb endurance run.
Recently Onlive was also released for android and it is pretty impressive how well games play with even average internet connections. If you haven't tried this out you should. It's free and you can trial all games or up to one hour which is a service with value alone.
All 3 of these gaming experiences can benefit from one thing.
A CONTROLLER!
I have previously used a Wiimote and classic controller with an IME app which works well enough but having the Wiimote hanging off the controller as nothing but a bluetooth dongle is annoying and kinda kills the whole point of having a wireless controller in the first place. Datel apparently made a classic controller with the transmitter and battery built in for a while but I wasn't able to find any for purchase anywhere.
Next a few months back app started to hit the market that let you use the Dualshock 3 with Android devices. This is a pretty good solution. The DS3 is a great controller and the setup is reasonably painless. You just have to connect the controller to a desktop and run an app there to bind the controller to your android device. After that you run an app on the device each time you want to use the controller. You'll also have to configure the controls within some games for the controller layout. Not too bad but if you use the controller for your ps3 as well you'll have to plug it into the PS3 to reset it then connect it to your PC to get t back on the droid device. Now I use the PS3 with BT for my desktop using MotionJoy's software and switching between it and the droid is even more of a hassle which I won't go into because I haven't even figured out a reasonably quick method. Since both devices are using the controller via a weird workaround this isn't really surprising.
So today I went looking again and found 2 new options. A while back Gamestop announced they would be carrying 'Gaming Tablets' and as part of it they were going to be selling a wireless gamepad. Well apparently they have started getting them and I found one in stock on my commute home. First impressions were that the device feels cheap. At the $40 I paid it's already a bit overpriced but that according to the website is a discount from the original price of $99 which would be highway robbery. Though the button layout is essentially the same as a PS3 controller the device doesn't feel anything like a DS3 or a 360 controller. It's much lighter. The plastic is cheap and I'm sure with use, will begin to creek. It just feels like cheap Chinese construction. I'm not sure but I think the device is all digital, in fact I think all they did was essentially wrap a gamepad around a bluetooth keyboard. The triggers are digital for sure but the 2 sticks might be analog though I don't think so. They do feel decent with a good resistance on the springs. The D-pad is less exciting and feel mushy. The other buttons are serviceable, nothing particularly good or bad about them. They are two shoulder buttons on each side with 2 of them shaped like triggers and then the four normal face buttons (labelled 1-4 instead of the square, triangle etc as in the product page image). There are also four other buttons on the face which are the power button, the pair button, escape and enter. The power button is obvious but it should be noted the device powers on and off in a second or 2. The pair button is likewise pretty normal. The escape and enter buttons seem to be like the back button and action respectively in android which is kind of nice. It lets you use the controller as a general purpose remote for your tab. This is particularly nice if you want to use it for media on a TV with HDMI. What this means is that you don't really have a start and select button on the face. The left stick seems to be mapped to standard keyboard arrow keys while the right stick and the D-pad are mapped to letters or numbers. The device has a rechargeable cell which is nice and this is charged from a standard USB port. I'm not sure yet about battery life but it seemed to get a full charge after about half hour.
Considering the lack of other dedicated options for tablets this device isn't all bad. It does what it should. It requires no apps or setup other than pairing up to your device which takes seconds. It also powers on and off in seconds and each reconnection is near instant. Also it should be noted that this should work with any BT enabled android device. I don't think there are any version restrictions.
I have tested it with a snes emulator which it works perfectly with. I also tried GTA3 for Android, in which I was able to run around, grab a car and drive by default. I could probably get it working well enough if I took some time to config the controls in game.
All in all this device is a bit of a tough sell at $40 especially if you have a PS3 controller already and don't mind the relatively minor hassles that entails. If you can find one for $20 or even $30 its would be much more reasonable.
I was thinking the device might be mod-able due to it being so light. I have seen some people get things like the MSI BT controller fit into a snes controller frame. Unlike those devices though this is essentially one large PCB with the button contacts right on it except for the shoulder buttons and analog sticks. This would limit options. Maybe someone will find some good options but that will only increase the cost of course.
Product page:
http://www.gamestop.com/android/accessories/tablet-wireless-bluetooth-controller/97838
The second option I found today is much sexier but a little pricier. It is the Onlive Universal Wireless Controller which I have high hopes for. Everything I have read about it seems to indicate the level of material quality is much higher. Also it requires Honeycomb or ICS which means it isn't just a BT keyboard. Full Onlive support is obvious and again according to my reading it comes with a BT dongle for use with the PC but I'm hoping it will work with my standard dongle for simplicity. The device even comes with a rechargeable pack and a AA cartridge just like the 360 controllers which is a nice feature. When connected to a PC you can use up to 4 of them with one dongle which is nice. Perhaps the tablet will be able to support multiple controllers as well but I haven't read anything about that yet, There are also a number of media buttons on the controller which could prove convenient. I'm hoping this will let me replace both the Gamestop controller for my tab and my DS3 for my PC while being able to switch easily between them.
http://www.onlive.com/controller
Anyway, I ordered one tonight and I'll probably write something up about it next week.
Nice review. I was considering the Gamestop controller but now might wait.
Dicho por el E4GT de Latinmaxima con Tapatalk.
I'm looking forward to your onlive controller review. at $50.. that's definitely a hard sell, but given the service you pair that with.. negligable.
Subscribing.. thanks for this!
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using Tapatalk
Don't forget, zeemote is another option for a compact bluetooth controller.
lordgodgeneral said:
Don't forget, zeemote is another option for a compact bluetooth controller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have seen that device. It just seemed like with only directional and one (maybe 2) buttons the device doesn't really support much. I'll have to look into it more. Maybe if I can find one cheap I'll grab it and take a look.
PS My Onlive controller should arrive tomorrow so I'll get something written up on it likely by the end of the week.
btate0121 said:
I'm looking forward to your onlive controller review. at $50.. that's definitely a hard sell, but given the service you pair that with.. negligable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
$50 is a bit steep but for me anyway I'll probably be able to sell off my PS3 controller which I just use for my PC now and use the onlive controller. If I get $40 for the PS3 it turns out to be pretty much a wash. I know that's probably not the case for most but it may help some. Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
Looking forward to the review of the OnLive controller!!
I have a PS3 and 2 controllers but the kids use them (nearly) every day so I really can't use one of those and switch it around all the time.
Also I don't believe the PS3 controller can be paired with 2 different Android devices at the same time. Eh, I don't mean real-time concurrency, I mean I don't think I can have it set up on both my Bionic and Xoom and switch between them without having to set it all up again on the PC. If I'm wrong about that please correct me! If the OnLive controller can do that I'll be sold!
I want one of these
http://www.theverge.com/2012/1/10/2...n-iphone-android-gamepad-controller-announced
beowolfschaefer said:
$50 is a bit steep but for me anyway I'll probably be able to sell off my PS3 controller which I just use for my PC now and use the onlive controller. If I get $40 for the PS3 it turns out to be pretty much a wash. I know that's probably not the case for most but it may help some. Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that $50 for just any old regular controller is robbery. LOL. I refuse to buy brand new xbox controllers for that reason. But one controller that can be used on multiple platforms.. meh.. i can mentally justify that.. though I'd rather not ya know? LOL.
in the meantime i discovered an app called "BT Controller" that lets you use one android device to control the other. so I'm going from my GS2 to the Xoom
Ad supported - https://market.android.com/details?...GwsMSwyLDEsImRyb2lkYmVhbi5idGNvbnRyb2xsZXIiXQ..
Paid version ($1) - https://market.android.com/details?...DEwOSwiZHJvaWRiZWFuLmJ0Y29udHJvbGxlcmZ1bGwiXQ..
it's not PERFECT but it works.
Looks like the app uses airpush avoid like the plague.
(Doesn't even mention it supports the xperia play which would be the obvious choice).
beowolfschaefer said:
Anyway we'll see how good it is soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm trying to rush you or anything..... But did ya get it yet? Did ya?! Did ya?! Did ya?!
I completely forgot about the onlive controller. I got a promotional email a few days ago from onlive where if you pre purchased their new soccer game 39.99 full play pass, they were actually giving away the entire gaming system for free. I just checked offer expired today. That really sucks, I was so.busy last week I only glanced at the offer. Basically for 40$ you'd get the game which came out today and the wireless controller setup along with their consule box to hook up to any TV. Which costs 99.99 alone, I should of jumped at the offer instead of waiting. Let me know how it work, so I can kick myself for now I'll have to pay 50 just for the controller
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
Wiimote?
I used a Wiimote with Gensoid today using the Wiimote Controller app from the marketplace, didn't realise it was so easy - worked straight off with only minor hassle of having to switch between Wiimote and Keyboard input manually. Great for those old 3 and 2 button controller games!
mowgli.je said:
I used a Wiimote with Gensoid today using the Wiimote Controller app from the marketplace, didn't realise it was so easy - worked straight off with only minor hassle of having to switch between Wiimote and Keyboard input manually. Great for those old 3 and 2 button controller games!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded it and tried it out based on your post, works great with nesoid! I had a few setup and mapping issues but once I got those sorted everything is working fantastic.
Dual Shock all the way
I am also impressed with the gaming capability of the Xoom and I have been enjoying playing Modern Combat 3. Using a decent controller makes all the difference and my controller of choice is the Dual Shock controller from my PS3.
It is true that it cannot be paired with two devices at once, which is a bit annoying, but it works really well. I cannot I imagine why anyone would pay $50 for a controller that is not as good. Just buy a Dual Shock controller and the SixAxis application and you're all set.
I want to be able to plug my GS3's USB port into a wire, or maybe do this wirelessly, and then see Android screen on a large monitor and use a mouse and keyboard to intract with the display on the large screen.
I am baffled at the idea that this is not possible... so I must be missing something?
I have a little netbook that I use in this way, and the GS3 is a much more powerful device (it can play videos that the netbook cannot manage).
Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. HDMI MHL adapter.
But why? They make a pc for that.
Gs3 is not very powerful and you won't have good resolution. Productivity will be minimal.
If you want a mobile PC grab a windows 8 tablet like the surface pro.
Do you want a desktop or a mobile device?
You could buy a transformer type tablet or build a desktop for pretty cheap.
If you want this to be mobile, that's a lot of crap to carry around... How would you even power the screen? Seems like those people who bring desktops to coffee shops.
If you want a desktop, you can come build or buy one that's much more powerful for not all that much more than the cost of hooking your phone up - and then you don't have to worry about battery life draining and overheating.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
synpax said:
I want to be able to plug my GS3's USB port into a wire, or maybe do this wirelessly, and then see Android screen on a large monitor and use a mouse and keyboard to intract with the display on the large screen.
I am baffled at the idea that this is not possible... so I must be missing something?
I have a little netbook that I use in this way, and the GS3 is a much more powerful device (it can play videos that the netbook cannot manage).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys don't quiet get it. I have a powerful desktop replacement and a netbook.
But I like the idea of having all this in my pocket and just plugging into a workstation at home.
And a Microsoft Surface? EEWWwwwww.
It is possible, I'm using WD Live, no keyboard use tho, but I can stream YouTube or play files from my phone onto tv using wd and some other UpnP apps.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Surface PRO. Not a toy like an iPad or surface rt. The Pro is a productive machine.
I dont understand.. So you want to carry a keyboard, mouse, HDMI adapter, and power cable in your pocket along with your phone?
bkaltec said:
Surface PRO. Not a toy like an iPad or surface rt. The Pro is a productive machine.
I dont understand.. So you want to carry a keyboard, mouse, HDMI adapter, and power cable in your pocket along with your phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao, idk why I thought this comment was hilarious
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for --> https://play.google.com/store/apps/...DEsIm9yZy52aWRlb21hcC5kcm9pZG1vdGVjbGllbnQiXQ..
synpax said:
I want to be able to plug my GS3's USB port into a wire, or maybe do this wirelessly, and then see Android screen on a large monitor and use a mouse and keyboard to intract with the display on the large screen.
I am baffled at the idea that this is not possible... so I must be missing something?
I have a little netbook that I use in this way, and the GS3 is a much more powerful device (it can play videos that the netbook cannot manage).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to be able to just plug it into yet another set of hardware at home... just go buy the stuff and plug it in.
Bluetooth is still a better deal than wired keyboard/mouse - but you still have the battery drain issue, which is why this is not a practical idea - especially since we're talking about an S3. It should be able to accept hardware input through the micro usb, but it's not really designed for that - and you'd have to get adapters and hub and why have all that crap taking up space if you already have a home system ? I wonder what would happen if you had three pieces of hardware trying to use the same micro-usb input, too (obviously, hubs work, but they have to share - and the monitor is going to want a lot of the available transfer capacity for itself) - makes more sense to just use it for HDMI to the monitor and use bluetooth for the peripherals.
If you had a phone that could run off AC only, it might fare better - since there'd be no battery constantly charging and draining and heating everything up, but the S3 won't do that.
Cool idea in theory ? Yeah. It would be great. But in practice, not so much. It would be better if the S3 could run from AC only - heck, it'd be almost a good idea. But since it can't and it lacks great cooling (since it's a compact, air-cooled phone), you're just going to be exposing the phone to high operating temperatures for extended periods of time which isn't exactly great for it.
I'm designing a dock for the N7v2 for use in a car. It will have Qi wireless charging and Bluetooth audio receiver, with a standard 3.5mm audio output. It should be compatible with most cases.
I am also currently designing a mounting method that should be close to universal between different cars, and should not fall off like most other docks in the market.
I designed one for the N7v1 using the Pogo pins, and I can never go back to not having a dock for my tablet in my car. It's amazing the difference it made for me.
I want to know a couple things.Please reply with the following template:
1. Would you want a dock like this?
2. How much do you expect to pay for it?
Thank you everyone, in advance!
lorddralnu said:
I'm designing a dock for the N7v2 for use in a car. It will have Qi wireless charging and Bluetooth audio receiver. It should be compatible with most cases.
I am also currently designing a mounting method that should be close to universal between different cars, and should not fall off like most other docks in the market.
I designed one for the N7v1 using the Pogo pins, and I can never go back to not having a dock for my tablet in my car. It's amazing the difference it made for me.
I want to know a couple things.Please reply with the following template:
1. Would you want a dock like this?
2. How much do you expect to pay for it?
Thank you everyone, in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any links showing your work with N7v1? Heck, I may be interested in that version since the v1 tablet can be had for cheap these days and is more than capable for the limited functions needed in a car. At any rate:
1. yes, would be interested
2. no idea what a fair price would be, but $50-$100 seems like a fair ballpark
I would think very carefully why you need a wireless charger in a car.
Heat kills batteries; tablets in cars get hot. Why add heat to your woes?
The tablet is likely to be busy playing music and navigating, often in full sunlight. Why add to the heating problems by using a wireless charger when a 5v cord charger attached to the car supply will do the trick?
The wireless car mount/charger iterations for the Nexus 4 were a failure, I recall.
rant said:
Sounds like a great idea. Do you have any links showing your work with N7v1? Heck, I may be interested in that version since the v1 tablet can be had for cheap these days and is more than capable for the limited functions needed in a car. At any rate:
1. yes, would be interested
2. no idea what a fair price would be, but $50-$100 seems like a fair ballpark
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've attached 4 pictures of the dock I made for the first Nexus 7. You'll notice that it inst exactly a dock you can put in just any car. I realized I made a little too rugged... and big!
croques said:
I would think very carefully why you need a wireless charger in a car.
Heat kills batteries; tablets in cars get hot. Why add heat to your woes?
The tablet is likely to be busy playing music and navigating, often in full sunlight. Why add to the heating problems by using a wireless charger when a 5v cord charger attached to the car supply will do the trick?
The wireless car mount/charger iterations for the Nexus 4 were a failure, I recall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's why I don't leave the tablet in the car, I keep it with me. While I'm in the car, if it's hot out I will have the A/C on anyways, so heat has not been an issue.
Most of my broken devices are dead because the USB port broke because of wear and tear. One of the points of this dock is to reduce that. Plugging in a device everytime I get in the car is partly to blame for such failures. I would have used Pogo Pins, like with the first Nexus 7, but they don't exist on the second.
Shared app developing ideas
Hey everyone,
my name is joseph and i am new to this website. I am also new to the whole rooting phones as well as i am learning the basics of computer science-- os, rom, ram, eprom, android, custom roms.....etc.
I honestly have no idea what i am looking to read and study up on so if you have any ideas than please let me know so i can educate myself. I end goal is to be a program developer.
Also i have an amazing ideas of a great new app. I have the layouts for the app but don't have the knowledge to build the app myself. If you are interested in learning more about my idea and possibly collaberate pleae let me know and we can possibly exchange numbers.
Another thing, i am an inventor and creator.
-----trickyspartan
lorddralnu said:
Most of my broken devices are dead because the USB port broke because of wear and tear. One of the points of this dock is to reduce that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at active Brodit car mounts - say for a Nexus 4. There the device is supported and aligned as it glides onto or off the USB. There is no possibility of twisting or yawing.
I think your proposal maybe over-kill - simplest solutions are always best IMHO. A guy in the Nexus 4 forum came to no good end and had a lot of unhappy 'subscribers'. Just saying.
croques said:
Look at active Brodit car mounts - say for a Nexus 4. There the device is supported and aligned as it glides onto or off the USB. There is no possibility of twisting or yawing.
I think your proposal maybe over-kill - simplest solutions are always best IMHO. A guy in the Nexus 4 forum came to no good end and had a lot of unhappy 'subscribers'. Just saying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would normally agree. I was hoping to make one that doesnt require a case to be removed to use. I designed my previous dock the way you describe (except it used the Pogo pins on the side), but I always had to remove the case and eventually the first case was showing signs of damage from being removed so often.
My hope is that the base platform of the dock I want to build will be compatible with multiple models of smartphones and tablets that are Qi capable. That'll require a lot more planning, but may be worth it.
lorddralnu said:
.
My hope is that the base platform of the dock I want to build will be compatible with multiple models of smartphones and tablets that are Qi capable. That'll require a lot more planning, but may be worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you're set on the route you've described; ... I see you've picked up on the Peltier pump in another thread. Credit me somewhere if you make it!
But I might consider an approach made by Philips in an Android Bluetooth Speaker and dock. The adjustment for USB and its placement on an edge, plus 180 degree rotation needed for some models, was catered for physically. A much cheaper approach which copes with tablets and phones!
croques said:
Well if you're set on the route you've described; ... I see you've picked up on the Peltier pump in another thread. Credit me somewhere if you make it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I will use a Peltier pump. And yes, I'll make sure you get credit for that idea I'll mount the transmitting coil onto the cold side (probably with a layer of copper in between, we'll try several things) and have the hot side of the pump mounted to the aluminum/sheet metal of the back plate (probably with thermal paste as well). I'll have the pump on a simple thermostat. Good thing I have an EE helping me with this project
Hopefully the final product won't need a Peltier pump, but I will definitely have it in the prototype.
croques said:
But I might consider an approach made by Philips in an Android Bluetooth Speaker and dock. The adjustment for USB and its placement on an edge, plus 180 degree rotation needed for some models, was catered for physically. A much cheaper approach which copes with tablets and phones!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't had very good experiences with using that type of dock The results of daily use tend to be USB ports that are stretched and loose. At least that's how it has been in my experience.
lorddralnu said:
I'll mount the transmitting coil onto the cold side (probably with a layer of copper in between, we'll try several things) and have the hot side of the pump mounted to the aluminum/sheet metal of the back plate (probably with thermal paste as well). I'll have the pump on a simple thermostat. Good thing I have an EE helping me with this project
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't forget to talk to your EE about eddy current loses in any conductors (copper, aluminium) you have nearby to your induction coil.
Interesting read, but with the cooler this is going to be a very expensive dock. Without it, look to Canada for your market.
I rigged up one for my Nexus 4 last Winter. Based on some testing, I used the most efficient charger I could find for that phone (the LG wcp-700). It worked very well... until late spring when the mercury broke 70. To make a long story short, I pulled it last month as the phone was getting too hot. This in a suv with a 4 liter v6 with plenty of air conditioning, front and rear.
Without the cooler, the tablet needs to be located directly in front of a vent, or even in moderate climates the unit will get hot enough to significantly reduce charging current.
One more thing to consider... the Nexus 7 is polarized vertically. This means that it is invisible in landscape orientation for anyone wearing polarized driving glasses, which I am willing to bet is a large percentage of your prospective market (tech savvy, auto enthusiasts). Most displays designed for vehicles are polarized at 45°, making this not such an issue.
While the tinkerer, software developer, and electronic geek in me wanted a fully integrated tablet in my truck, I soon came to the conclusion that it was simply not practical. What is really needed is a properly done appRadio, where a head unit can mirror the display of a mobile device (ideally wirelessly - miracast, etc.) with a control link set up to pass touches on the head unit back to the mobile device. We're about 30% there now, but a lack of standards, and major players wanting proprietary solutions is a problem.
I wish you much success with your endeavor, but just wanted to share my experience and feelings that this will not be all that marketable a product.
The problems you had with the nexus 4 does not necessarily effect the nexus 7. The nexus 4 was pretty terrible at wireless charging. I had a car setup with a qi charger with the lumia 920 and it worked great even in hot weather. I am not saying the nexus 7 will work, but it might.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
txaggies07 said:
The nexus 4 was pretty terrible at wireless charging.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What makes you say that? I ask as I have seen relatively similar performance with both the N7 and N4. The tricky thing about the N4 is that the coil is not centered in the vertical dimension, so for folks making the assumption that it is, there will be quite a bit of offset.
Solutions Etcetera said:
What makes you say that? I ask as I have seen relatively similar performance with both the N7 and N4. The tricky thing about the N4 is that the coil is not centered in the vertical dimension, so for folks making the assumption that it is, there will be quite a bit of offset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say that because of all the issues people had with car docks. It also had issues with the dt-900 qi chargers when it shouldn't have. It heated up excessively with most chargers.
I wonder if there will be an Official dock that lets you:
1. Charge
2. Expand TV HDMI out
3. USB port for Hard drive access
I really want the Nexus & FHD to be a Home entertainment player...may be a remote/ Or Kinect like gesture control app built in with the dock
Hope this comes true...it will be the best Combo for a home unit!
After playing with the HD out on my Ion I decided to by one of the docks. To my suprise I found it on ATT for $10 :cyclops: So I thought I would share with the others. One thing to note is don't sign in to your account as it will show as not available. If you just order it it goes through and free shipping :good:
http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/accessories/docks/sku6120262.html
only for US
I just got done ordering it myself from at&t.
I had no issues with being logged in to my at&t account
I was coming to post the info also, but was ninja'd by @zachspeed.
Moderating from my Xperia ION on 4.1.2 & RooTED by DooMLoRD.
Hai ninjerd you lol. For me as soon as I signed in it would not let me order for some reason. Also seems that this device is still being sold in some states and countries. I also noticed that Sony has more LT28a devices. Not sure why they are not at and just a.
Got mine a while back for $25, came with the HDMI cable. Best $25 bucks i've spent on an accesory for my phone.
Yea I knew Spectra was happy with his and thanks for your input as well. There is not allot of actual reviews of it online so I borrowed my friends hdmi adapter to play around with it. The tv launcher is quite neat and you can still use the other launchers too. It is almost like a second computer. Cant wait for my dock to show up.
Does the AT&T version come with an hdmi cable? One of the reviews I've read said it didn't. Is it a full size hdmi on the back of the unit or mini?
I will let you know when it shows up. It looks like it has a mini on the back of it from pics. I hope it does come with a cable or some kind of adapter made for it. Still have one if it does not though so guess I am okay.
Just got mine in the mail from at&t.
It is new in box.
Box contains ONLY the dock and paper work.
NO CORDS OR ANYTHING ELSE
Not real happy that just putting the phone in the dock does NOT trigger the landscape home screen.
When docked the lock screen and home launcher screen are still vertical, they have no rotation.
Most apps will rotate automatically.
Let me say that I only had a charger plugged in, no hdmi cable to test.
Must need the hdmi connection to trigger full rotation like shown in Sony web page.
I do like the cursor when a usb mouse is used.
As I got it to mainly hold my ION up so I can see the clock at night, when I use it as an alarm. Also like how when in clock mode a long press of screen turns the clock blue then a short press dims it.
Moderating from my Xperia ION on 4.1.2 & RooTED by DooMLoRD.
Yea I got mine today and same deal with no cords. I also find it quite difficult to get my phone in the dock like the plugs are a bit off or something. The rotation will trigger with the hdmi plugged in and you can set Smart Connect to trigger TV launcher when you dock it. I will say it does work quite well and had no issue with my mouse and keyboard. Some apps are a bit strange like youtube the seek bar will not come back on the tv once it has hidden itself so you have to look at the device. All in all I am very happy with it.
The one complaint I have is the lack of cords. I went looking for a micro hdmi cable today but I was not willing to pay 30 to 50 dollars for a cable. That is just crazy for four to six foot cable. The bad part about it is every big brand store will offer you a ton of options online for crazy cheap but not in store. The only place I did not check was Staples so guess I will go there tomorrow. I tell you it is almost like the brick stores have become the dumping ground for stuff that does not sell.
Oh forgot to add that I did notice that if you turn the screen off before you take it out the sound is not forced through the ear piece. : )
I went ahead and got one of these even though I don't see a use for it because, hey, ten bucks
It's picky about power sources. I had been using the charging brick from a wireless mouse, which charges the Ion fast enough, but run through the dock the phone didn't even register as plugged in and couldn't power a USB thumb drive. Likewise when plugged into my PC through the dock--no response on either end. My tablet charger worked, but I use that for my tablet, so I ended up digging out the original brick for the Ion.
As expected, the dock is too tight a fit for a case, which is probably enough by itself to disqualify this thing from daily use for me. It's no easier to dock the phone vs. plugging it straight into a cord, either--I would say it's about equally awkward dealing w/ the cover flap and tight ports either way. If you don't use a case and/or really want a bedside clock, it might be worthwhile, or if you want to use your phone as a word processor, gaming console, or main computer. For me, it might come in handy down the line but is probably going in a drawer for now.
Taosaur said:
I went ahead and got one of these even though I don't see a use for it because, hey, ten bucks
If you don't use a case and/or really want a bedside clock, it might be worthwhile
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I use mine as an alarm clock/charger.
It sits next to the bed and I was knocking it of my table when the alarm goes off. So the dock is more stable and holds the phone in an easy to read angle.
I still HATE that the lock & home screens won't Auto rotate when docked. I have found an app that forces landscape mode but not automatically. Why Sony didn't enable it with a setting is crazy
I also use a case daily. Its a jelly type case so goes off & on quickly.
Moderating from my Xperia ION on 4.1.2 & RooTED by DooMLoRD, using XDA Premium mobile app v4
It's growing on me. I left the phone in there while I was working (or, you know, stuff) at my desk today, and it was nice to have my notifications right in front of me. I think I also found a less fussy method of getting it on the dock--going straight in with the screen facing down at an angle and kind of flipping it up onto the plugs. It's hard to explain, but at least just now it slid right on there, which is easier than fiddling with a cord.
In the spirit of overkill, I even pulled an ancient KVM switch out of my "electronic junk" box, to share my mouse and keyboard between the dock and my PC. It doesn't seem to be working for my Razer mouse, but the keyboard is a go, and I might be able to troubleshoot the mouse.
Yea the auto rotate issues have annoyed me from day one with this thing. Have not had to deal with it though with using other launchers like Honami and such. The lockscreen still bugs me though.
Has anyone noticed anything? I keep reading how this tablet has been designed for use with the keyboard, but nothing concrete has ever been said, that I know of. Sure, it's sleek and it's magnetic and it charges from the tablet. But actual KB functionality, how is it different than, say, a Logitech K810 or any other bluetooth keyboard, especially those designed for Android, with a proper home (and sometimes recents) button?
One peeve I have always had with Android is the way it handles the US International layout. It's not the same standard MS and Apple (iOS) use. To input something like an "á" you need to press Alt. I wonder if they'll ever fix that. In the meantime I use the splendid app External Keyboard Helper, but if you're not rooted it's not 100% seamless, you need to manually select EKH in the input dialog when connecting the BT keyboard.
andy o said:
Has anyone noticed anything? I keep reading how this tablet has been designed for use with the keyboard, but nothing concrete has ever been said, that I know of. Sure, it's sleek and it's magnetic and it charges from the tablet. But actual KB functionality, how is it different than, say, a Logitech K810 or any other bluetooth keyboard, especially those designed for Android, with a proper home (and sometimes recents) button?
One peeve I have always had with Android is the way it handles the US International layout. It's not the same standard MS and Apple (iOS) use. To input something like an "á" you need to press Alt. I wonder if they'll ever fix that. In the meantime I use the splendid app External Keyboard Helper, but if you're not rooted it's not 100% seamless, you need to manually select EKH in the input dialog when connecting the BT keyboard.
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Click to collapse
I, too, am curious about this. It is pretty cool how the keyboard kind of completes the design. However, I can't really justify spending $150 on it when I have a $20 Anker BT keyboard that works perfectly fine with my Nexus 10, and should work the same with the Pixel C.
a lot of manufacturers make accessories in an attempt to increase profits from sales, google is no different. google places a big checkmark on design issues throughout all the products it deals with. the design is what sets this keyboard apart, not the function. google even offers two designs of the keyboard. it was interesting to me that each design cost the same to the buyer when it appears from the specs that the folio would probably cost more to make.
Google should have never advertised the keyboard accessory like it was necessary when it definitely isn't. It made people think that this device would be more productive than any other android tablet when it's not. Even a iPad Air 2 with a keyboard is more productive due to tablet optimized apps than any android tablet except maybe for Samsung tablets who at least try to make interface customizations for tablet optimization.
It's worth every penny
As someone that bought the keyboard, heck I bought the Pixel BECAUSE of its keyboard - I also bought the excellent Dell 7840 and it's keyboard, and have 5 BT keyboards in various storage nooks around the house, used on my Note 10.1 or iPad original - so I know a thing or two about what I want. Oh, and I recently sold my semi-loved Chromebook Flip to help fund this beast of a tablet...
Anyway - this is the first typing experience I've had on a tablet that makes it feel like a laptop. So what, you ask? So I was looking for a great typing experience for productivity reasons. And the keyboard (not folio) delivers this in spades. Yes the design integrates perfectly with the tablet. Yes the magnetic system and charging mechanism are awesome and very Apple-like (the old Apple that designed products to JUST WORK and perform so well it was almost magic). Yes the pitch is great - no your enter key is not identical to a laptop but you can get used to it (and I am not a great typist).
The real thing that makes a difference tho? Funny enough its that dang hinge. The ability to customize the angle of your screen is HUGE. Don't underestimate the difference 5 degrees makes when you are on your lap, then on an aircraft seat table, then at a restaurant - every bit is welcome and makes the experience BETTER.
So would I recommend the keyboard? If you are ponying up for this tablet (and lets be honest there are number of good alternatives at less cost), and you intend to do any amount of typing, do not think twice - buy the keyboard at the same time - you won't regret it.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
davedigerati said:
It's worth every penny
As someone that bought the keyboard, heck I bought the Pixel BECAUSE of its keyboard - I also bought the excellent Dell 7840 and it's keyboard, and have 5 BT keyboards in various storage nooks around the house, used on my Note 10.1 or iPad original - so I know a thing or two about what I want. Oh, and I recently sold my semi-loved Chromebook Flip to help fund this beast of a tablet...
Anyway - this is the first typing experience I've had on a tablet that makes it feel like a laptop. So what, you ask? So I was looking for a great typing experience for productivity reasons. And the keyboard (not folio) delivers this in spades. Yes the design integrates perfectly with the tablet. Yes the magnetic system and charging mechanism are awesome and very Apple-like (the old Apple that designed products to JUST WORK and perform so well it was almost magic). Yes the pitch is great - no your enter key is not identical to a laptop but you can get used to it (and I am not a great typist).
The real thing that makes a difference tho? Funny enough its that dang hinge. The ability to customize the angle of your screen is HUGE. Don't underestimate the difference 5 degrees makes when you are on your lap, then on an aircraft seat table, then at a restaurant - every bit is welcome and makes the experience BETTER.
So would I recommend the keyboard? If you are ponying up for this tablet (and lets be honest there are number of good alternatives at less cost), and you intend to do any amount of typing, do not think twice - buy the keyboard at the same time - you won't regret it.
Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk
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I don't doubt that the keyboard is high-quality, but that wasn't my concern. I already have very good BT keyboards and I don't mind not having the hinge. As far as I can tell, this keyboard doesn't have a home key? Does it have a "recents" key, or do you just Alt+Tab like on any other one? Right away I can see that since there's no right Alt I couldn't use US Int'l layout for Spanish characters very comfortably (imagine having to use only left Shift for caps). I would still have to use External Keyboard Helper I guess.
I think I'm in a similar situation as davedigerati. I used a Nexus 10 with a bluetooth keyboard for years previously. It was a very similar experience. At times, I'd get ddoouubbllee keys, but nothing major. Everyone can complain about the Android ecosystem, but I actually enjoy using Android w/ a keyboard (and a mouse!).
...but this keyboard 'feels' better. I'm not talking about the key action or even typing experience. The hinge and magnets makes it feel like a laptop. When I used my Nexus, I'd throw it in the laptop pouch of my backpack. My keyboard would go in the main section. With the Pixel C, it's much more like a laptop.
davedigerati said:
It's worth every penny...
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While I really like the keyboard, I'm not really sure I'm ready to say it's worth every penny. This thing was expensive! I generally have no use for backlit keyboards; the keys have all been in the same location for years....but since they've messed with some of the keys, it may have been useful. I'd take 1 month of battery life in exchange for backlit keys and some way to know the battery status.
The lack of some character keys is quite annoying. I mean, I guess I'll get used to pressing [...] + [shift] +[o] for a bracket (that took much longer to type than I'd like to admit), but it's not optimal. I'd also really appreciate a delete key or the ability to make [...] + [backspace] = delete.
Considering you can buy a nice, portable BT keyboard for around $30 and you could probably get a nice case for around $30; I'd say the Pixel C keyboard is at least worth $100. I mean, you're getting a solid keyboard that you don't have to worry about charging (ever), a ridiculously awesome magnetic hinge that functions as the best tablet stand I've ever seen, and protection for the tablet itself. It provides a nice, compact method to take both devices with you. Maybe the other $50 is covered by the aesthetics? So conflicted...
Android doesn't display the virtual "touch keyboard" when a hardware keyboard is detected and because of that, what's unique with the Pixel C keyboard is that the OS "knows" when to activate the hardware keyboard and not, depending on its position relatively to the tablet.
kgersen said:
Android doesn't display the virtual "touch keyboard" when a hardware keyboard is detected and because of that, what's unique with the Pixel C keyboard is that the OS "knows" when to activate the hardware keyboard and not, depending on its position relatively to the tablet.
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Click to collapse
You mean if it's attached or not? Any BT keyboard will do the same when it's connected or disconnected. Android will activate the soft keys when the BT keyboard is no longer connected. For instance, with the Microsoft Foldable keyboard, I fold it, and Android enables the soft keys. I open it, and they get disabled. There is also a toggle to enable soft keys with the BT keyboard connected if you want.
andy o said:
You mean if it's attached or not? Any BT keyboard will do the same when it's connected or disconnected. Android will activate the soft keys when the BT keyboard is no longer connected. For instance, with the Microsoft Foldable keyboard, I fold it, and Android enables the soft keys. I open it, and they get disabled. There is also a toggle to enable soft keys with the BT keyboard connected if you want.
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Click to collapse
if you take the tablet and move away from a BT keyboard while staying in BT range the OS doesn't switch to soft keys.
if you move the Pixel kb under it or away from it even a few centimeters the OS switches to soft keys. There is a positioning involved. That's just what I meant.
But I agree it's a minor feature.
Main advantage of this keyboard is the mechanicals - I find it so much nicer to use than my N9 from a holding or desktop position.