[Q] System Bar Disappointment - Eee Pad Transformer Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I took hold of my transformer yesterday and love every aspect of it bar one.
The one issue that means I'm probably going to send it back is the Honeycombs inability to hide the system bar.
I really only purchased the tablet to use as a portfolio device (I'm a photographer). I wanted to take advantage of the high resolution screen to show off my images at 1280x800 but the system bar sits on top of everything totally ruining the look of images/video. Not being able to hide the system bar is a huge oversight by the Honeycomb developers and sadly probably means I'm going to have to switch to a bloody I-pad 2, which I would prefer not to do.
Does anybody know of any tricks to hide the system bar?

I dont have my transformer/honeycomb yet but when i look at images/videos on my xperia mini pro using the gallery app they are full screen.
You can try using LauncherPro because it has a 'hide notification bar' setting in the preferences. Not sure if it just works for the homescreen or all apps.

Gareth Iwan Jones said:
I took hold of my transformer yesterday and love every aspect of it bar one.
The one issue that means I'm probably going to send it back is the Honeycombs inability to hide the system bar.
I really only purchased the tablet to use as a portfolio device (I'm a photographer). I wanted to take advantage of the high resolution screen to show off my images at 1280x800 but the system bar sits on top of everything totally ruining the look of images/video. Not being able to hide the system bar is a huge oversight by the Honeycomb developers and sadly probably means I'm going to have to switch to a bloody I-pad 2, which I would prefer not to do.
Does anybody know of any tricks to hide the system bar?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are apps that let you force full screen mode.
Also I use it for showing my portfolio and the default gallery fades the icons. Besides I can tell you showing your portfolio on this generally is not a good idea, unless its just a quick show, don't ever use it for interviews.

seshmaru said:
There are apps that let you force full screen mode.
Also I use it for showing my portfolio and the default gallery fades the icons. Besides I can tell you showing your portfolio on this generally is not a good idea, unless its just a quick show, don't ever use it for interviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the name of the apps?
Thanks

seshmaru said:
There are apps that let you force full screen mode.
Also I use it for showing my portfolio and the default gallery fades the icons. Besides I can tell you showing your portfolio on this generally is not a good idea, unless its just a quick show, don't ever use it for interviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen the hiding of the icons but it still leaves a large black bar across the bottom of the screen. The images need to fill the screen.
Why is it not a good idea to use this as a portfolio apart from the system bar problem?
Also I've tried a few other launchers ADW and Launcher pro neither of them can hide the system bar.

Gareth Iwan Jones said:
I've seen the hiding of the icons but it still leaves a large black bar across the bottom of the screen. The images need to fill the screen.
Why is it not a good idea to use this as a portfolio apart from the system bar problem?
Also I've tried a few other launchers ADW and Launcher pro neither of them can hide the system bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's good for a quick show at lets say a get together, but for an interview or client the screen really isn't big enough to see the details for most people. Maybe you can because you're used to it, but other people tend to have trouble with it.

seshmaru said:
It's good for a quick show at lets say a get together, but for an interview or client the screen really isn't big enough to see the details for most people. Maybe you can because you're used to it, but other people tend to have trouble with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see what you mean.
Do you know the name of any of the apps that force full screen?
Thanks

Gareth Iwan Jones said:
I see what you mean.
Do you know the name of any of the apps that force full screen?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haven't looked at specific gallery apps that do it but I know a few other apps I use that can do it.
EDIT: The use of the tablet for portfolio needs is from experience by the way an instance where I did find it useful if I went to some launch party or similar to show it to people or when I'm touching base with clients to give them a rough idea of what it will look like (wireframes and such), I do photography and graphic design by the way.

Sadly I think I am going to have to accept defeat on this.
I'm sure someone will create a launcher that can hide the System bar in the future but I don't want to wait around for that to happen.
I'ts such a shame as otherwise it's a lovely tablet but with the system bar in the way the images will only ever be 1280 x 700 with a black line across the bottom.
I can not find any apps that force full screen they all leave the system bar in place.
Quick Pic was brilliant in fullscreen in Android 2.2 but Honeycomb has rendered it less effective.

Gareth Iwan Jones said:
Sadly I think I am going to have to accept defeat on this.
I'm sure someone will create a launcher that can hide the System bar in the future but I don't want to wait around for that to happen.
I'ts such a shame as otherwise it's a lovely tablet but with the system bar in the way the images will only ever be 1280 x 700 with a black line across the bottom.
I can not find any apps that force full screen they all leave the system bar in place.
Quick Pic was brilliant in fullscreen in Android 2.2 but Honeycomb has rendered it less effective.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The system bar actually takes up 50px from the bottom, not 100.

seshmaru said:
The system bar actually takes up 50px from the bottom, not 100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
50px too many

The 3.1 SDK was just announced and provides developers with control of the visibility system items such as the bar. I suspect in a few weeks this will no longer be an issue.

jerrykur said:
The 3.1 SDK was just announced and provides developers with control of the visibility system items such as the bar. I suspect in a few weeks this will no longer be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that does sound promising. It's just deciding whether to hold out...

Gareth Iwan Jones said:
Yes that does sound promising. It's just deciding whether to hold out...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the end it's more do you want android or iOS.
I do however own an iPad 2 and I gotta say the transformers screen is equal in quality, and has an edge over the iPad even with the black bar due to resolution and size.

I'm having issues with the system bar too. I'm trying to create a PDF brochure/demo but the 50px bar ***** up the full zoom mode as the PDF pages are 1280x800.
I'm using ezPDF - does anyone know an alternative which can force full screen mode and hide the system bar?

never ceases to amaze me what people whine about

Just because it doesn't matter to you doesn't make it unimportant.

seshmaru said:
In the end it's more do you want android or iOS.
I do however own an iPad 2 and I gotta say the transformers screen is equal in quality, and has an edge over the iPad even with the black bar due to resolution and size.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that extra resolution is awesome...
I go back to my iPad 2 and I really notice it.

bleclair said:
Just because it doesn't matter to you doesn't make it unimportant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true, however, returning a device that is 3 weeks old, with brand new firmware, because 50pixels worth of the screen is displayed when you are demo-ing photos is a tad ridiculous. Demoing hi-res photography on 1280x800 10'' screen is already ridiculous, but i digress. How much extra detail is the client really going to experience from 50 pixels worth... come on now, its just plain ol' *****ing. And the smooth reference of 'well the ipad2 doesn't do that' rubbed me the wrong way. Ipad2 is a great device, maybe the OP should return his TF and get the ipad2

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab recently and was seriously bummed out to see the retarded behavior of the photo gallery.
The built-in gallery works right on my Samsung Android phone. And it hits all the right notes on my Galaxy Tab 7" as well. Just as it did on my ipad.
Honeycomb gallery is extremely dumb. It just makes me mad every time I have to use it.
I guess I'll have to just write my own. Watch for it on Android Market in a few weeks. I might as well start taking feature requests and name suggestions for the app.

Related

Full screen video player without status bar?

Is there a video player that will play full screen without showing the status bar on the buttom? Both rock player and vital player do not hide the status bar.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
i use mobo player, and have the same issue.
I'm wondering the same thing. The stock video player hides the navigation buttons and puts tiny dark dots in place of them and hides the clock, but the bar is still there. I assume there is probably a way to do the same in a 3rd party app if it is programmed correctly for honeycomb. Still, it would be nice if there was a way to hide it all together, and then show it if you touch the screen in video player mode.
Most of the movies I watch can't be played by the stock player.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium App
has anyone tried Pandora KM Player?
If you play the video through MyNet the staus bar will disappear and display 4 small faint dots, hardly noticeable. Also on the bottom left of the player there is a light glow which I thought was light bleed but on closer inspection seems to be part of the player background.
It's impossible (and will likely remain so) to fully hide the system bar in Honeycomb since you'd be stranded in the current app without it*. Developers can use setSystemUiVisibility() to "dim" it, but totally removing it is impossible.
*Less vital (and a bit of a derail), you'd also open up a security risk by being able to hide the bar. A malicious app could go full-screen, spoof the system bar, and trick the user into going "back" into a fake browser or such, at which point they'd steal their passwords. This is the same reason Flash shows an "Esc to exit full screen" on the desktop.
ConstantineXVI said:
It's impossible (and will likely remain so) to fully hide the system bar in Honeycomb since you'd be stranded in the current app without it*. Developers can use setSystemUiVisibility() to "dim" it, but totally removing it is impossible.
*Less vital (and a bit of a derail), you'd also open up a security risk by being able to hide the bar. A malicious app could go full-screen, spoof the system bar, and trick the user into going "back" into a fake browser or such, at which point they'd steal their passwords. This is the same reason Flash shows an "Esc to exit full screen" on the desktop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Iirc the 3.1 software will allow more flexibility over the status bar behavior, here's hoping. It is problematic that the navigation buttons are in the system bar though, lets hope they can get something workable as that bar effectively makes the 800 pixels not so 800.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
lacrossev said:
Iirc the 3.1 software will allow more flexibility over the status bar behavior, here's hoping. It is problematic that the navigation buttons are in the system bar though, lets hope they can get something workable as that bar effectively makes the 800 pixels not so 800.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real question is: Why do people have 16:10 videos? Because unless you are bothered by 3 small dots on the black part of the video, why does it matter?
seshmaru said:
The real question is: Why do people have 16:10 videos? Because unless you are bothered by 3 small dots on the black part of the video, why does it matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about 4:3 videos?
lacrossev said:
Iirc the 3.1 software will allow more flexibility over the status bar behavior, here's hoping. It is problematic that the navigation buttons are in the system bar though, lets hope they can get something workable as that bar effectively makes the 800 pixels not so 800.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
During the UI talk at IO an attendee asked if there was any way to get rid of the status bar. The reply was a hard no.
lacrossev said:
Iirc the 3.1 software will allow more flexibility over the status bar behavior, here's hoping. It is problematic that the navigation buttons are in the system bar though, lets hope they can get something workable as that bar effectively makes the 800 pixels not so 800.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd stop holding your breath, there aren't any changes in the 3.1 API related to the system bar.
ConstantineXVI said:
I'd stop holding your breath, there aren't any changes in the 3.1 API related to the system bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That really sucks. I hope it gets sorted soon its really annoying especially when trying to use the transformer to show off pics, it just looks shoddy with the system bar at the bottom.
Gareth Iwan Jones said:
That really sucks. I hope it gets sorted soon its really annoying especially when trying to use the transformer to show off pics, it just looks shoddy with the system bar at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Maybe an auto hide taskbar like in windows?
I dont know why it really bugs some of you. It doesnt really bother me, when it dims the buttons it isn't even noticeable.
husker91 said:
I dont know why it really bugs some of you. It doesnt really bother me, when it dims the buttons it isn't even noticeable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As others have mentioned, the problem is that it takes up valuable screen real estate (~7.5%)
The reason to want it gone/hidden is simple.
Display =16:9
if Movie=16:9 then
simple math.
Yeah, but the display is 16:10, not 16:9.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
seshmaru said:
The real question is: Why do people have 16:10 videos? Because unless you are bothered by 3 small dots on the black part of the video, why does it matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what about everyting else? PDFs, comics, photos (most are 4:3 or 3:2). They should have left one physical button for showing/hiding the bar. The way it is now - it sucks. I don't mind in only in portrait mode because there is enough space on the bottom then anyway.
ConstantineXVI said:
I'd stop holding your breath, there aren't any changes in the 3.1 API related to the system bar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They specifically mentioned "Lights Out" mode which allows you to hide the icons which turns the ones on the bottom left into glowing dots (as seen in gallery view). I understand that this still does not allow you to truly use 800 vertical pixels, but it is an improvement and it is a change related to the system bar.
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sTx-5CGDvM8#at=27
Time (18:00) talks about the Lights Out mode

A tiny help, NOT a NOOB question

I'm using Galaxy S7(non-edge). I'm dealing with a screen color uniformity issue (as you can see here).
I showed the device to guys at Samsung to create a technical report in order to get a replacement. But they can't even see a problem with my display. Since they didn't even bother the images I showed they asked me whether I can see a problem by playing some videos and all. But I said it's difficult to notice the problem when displaying various colors at once. Otherwise they asked me whether I can show the problem within the system(not with any images and videos). So I opened the Internet(Samsung stock browser) in 'Secret Mode' went to tabs section and displayed that screen(grey background) by closing the foreground tab. I want to confirm that there is no gradient on that screen. Can any of you guys post a screenshot of that screen?
Thanks
Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Sent from my Pebble Time
Brava27 said:
Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Sent from my Pebble Time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please send a screenshot of Internet(Samsung's stock browser) in tab view with all tabs closed in secret mode.
JovHok said:
Please send a screenshot of Internet(Samsung's stock browser) in tab view with all tabs closed in secret mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny! I fell for it. It won't let you take a screenshot when in secret mode.
Try using HW buttons or Pixolor app please
Dude these idiots at samsung have no idea.
I had the same issue MULTIPLE TIMES!
amoled screens are not all equal and I almost always notice some minor flaw in every display.
My current one has pretty even color but there are 3 dark horizontal lines going across the screen in different areas. Kind of like shadows under the glass thats bery subtle but definitely visible when browsing stuff and scrolling up and down.
Just call and ask for a warranty replacement over the phone
Johno_Jan said:
Dude these idiots at samsung have no idea.
I had the same issue MULTIPLE TIMES!
amoled screens are not all equal and I almost always notice some minor flaw in every display.
My current one has pretty even color but there are 3 dark horizontal lines going across the screen in different areas. Kind of like shadows under the glass thats bery subtle but definitely visible when browsing stuff and scrolling up and down.
Just call and ask for a warranty replacement over the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send the above mentioned screenshot?
JovHok said:
Can you send the above mentioned screenshot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung OS doesn't allow to make screenshot in incognito mode in its browser. But I can confirm, that its background has no gradient on it.
ogyct said:
Samsung OS doesn't allow to make screenshot in incognito mode in its browser. But I can confirm, that its background has no gradient on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply. May I know how you are able to confirm it?

Aspect Ratio Fix?

Is there any way to fix the aspect ratio when in certain video apps, like Netflix, Plex, or when watching a video through the browser, would seem to be a bit handy. Haven't found anything on this yet.
aroy97 said:
Is there any way to fix the aspect ratio when in certain video apps, like Netflix, Plex, or when watching a video through the browser, would seem to be a bit handy. Haven't found anything on this yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Netflix has a button in the black boarder on the bottom right that takes it to full screen if that's what you mean
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Tonesav said:
Netflix has a button in the black boarder on the bottom right that takes it to full screen if that's what you mean
Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah my app just updated, the button appears now. I guess we'll just have to wait for other apps like Plex and the in browser video viewing.
aroy97 said:
Yeah my app just updated, the button appears now. I guess we'll just have to wait for other apps like Plex and the in browser video viewing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to use the game launcher. If you open game launcher and click add app then add the plex to the list, then hold on it, it should say list as a game app.... Then you should be able to do full screen when u launch the game
Edit: I tried with showbox it didn't work, maybe with plex u can make it work
underdog_656 said:
Try to use the game launcher. If you open game launcher and click add app then add the plex to the list, then hold on it, it should say list as a game app.... Then you should be able to do full screen when u launch the game
Edit: I tried with showbox it didn't work, maybe with plex u can make it work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can force any app that exists to be fullscreen by tapping a cyan-colored circle that appears when you press the app switcher button, the circle appears below the X button in the app card. But I think OP means having a feature that crops out videos to fill the entire screen, that feature needs official support to work.
galaxyYtester said:
You can force any app that exists to be fullscreen by tapping a cyan-colored circle that appears when you press the app switcher button, the circle appears below the X button in the app card. But I think OP means having a feature that crops out videos to fill the entire screen, that feature needs official support to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I didn't know you can do that in the recent menu thank you... what was I talking here is about cropping I thought that it would also crop the video to fit the screen by doing that
I think there is some confusion between "filling the display", and changing the aspect ratio. I'm interested in this device. I went to Best Buy and held one in my hand. It's impressive, but it's shaped funny. Tall and slim. Great if you're a model, unusual if you're a smart phone. If you "fill the display", (which is really your only choice), you're going to crop the image. This is due to the unusual dimension of the display. I don't know of any other devices, TVs, tablets, or phones, with similar relative dimensions. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I am saying it's a bit unusual. I haven't taken the leap yet because I need an unlocked, dual sim device, but while I wait, I wonder if the Note 8 will have a more conventionally shaped display........
XATAGuy said:
I think there is some confusion between "filling the display", and changing the aspect ratio. I'm interested in this device. I went to Best Buy and held one in my hand. It's impressive, but it's shaped funny. Tall and slim. Great if you're a model, unusual if you're a smart phone. If you "fill the display", (which is really your only choice), you're going to crop the image. This is due to the unusual dimension of the display. I don't know of any other devices, TVs, tablets, or phones, with similar relative dimensions. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I am saying it's a bit unusual. I haven't taken the leap yet because I need an unlocked, dual sim device, but while I wait, I wonder if the Note 8 will have a more conventionally shaped display........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you think about that so what if there are black bars just imagine for a day ur watching on a phone like s7 edge or pixel etc. It's not a big deal that people are stating....
Settings>display>full screen apps

Sold my iPhone X and got an Pixel 2 XL

Hi
As the title says, I sold my iPhone X and got the new Pixel 2 XL, and I love it. It is truly amazing. But how ever.. There is some features that I miss. - Sinces android is like an open world compared to Apple I do hope some of you might know how to solve my "problems"
Here they are:
1. Are you able to get rid on the Navigations bar at the bottom AND get the iPhone swipe gestue? Left for back, Right for forward and Up for homescreen, and while on homescreen up will go into the menu (where all my apps are listed)? And also while the keybord still working perfectly in every app when the Navigation bar is hidden? Is that possible? With my iPhone X I could switch between apps while draggin left of right on the bottom at my screen, and also if i swipe up and hold a bit, all my open apps where listed. Is that possible to get on Pixel 2?
2. I've heard alot about burn in. At the moment I am using an Live wallpaper default by Google. (The earth spinning around). Its black - does that have any effect on burn in, or is it only white colour I have to be careful of?
3. On my iPhone I could see my notifications on my apps. (A lille red number), my Pixel 2 doesnt show this, am I able to see that? For Facebook, messenger ect.
This is my first android, so bar with me and my stupidly questions lol
Thanks for your time
Johnnyborisdk said:
Hi
As the title says, I sold my iPhone X and got the new Pixel 2 XL, and I love it. It is truly amazing. But how ever.. There is some features that I miss. - Sinces android is like an open world compared to Apple I do hope some of you might know how to solve my "problems"
Here they are:
1. Are you able to get rid on the Navigations bar at the bottom AND get the iPhone swipe gestue? Left for back, Right for forward and Up for homescreen, and while on homescreen up will go into the menu (where all my apps are listed)? And also while the keybord still working perfectly in every app when the Navigation bar is hidden? Is that possible? With my iPhone X I could switch between apps while draggin left of right on the bottom at my screen, and also if i swipe up and hold a bit, all my open apps where listed. Is that possible to get on Pixel 2?
2. I've heard alot about burn in. At the moment I am using an Live wallpaper default by Google. (The earth spinning around). Its black - does that have any effect on burn in, or is it only white colour I have to be careful of?
3. On my iPhone I could see my notifications on my apps. (A lille red number), my Pixel 2 doesnt show this, am I able to see that? For Facebook, messenger ect.
This is my first android, so bar with me and my stupidly questions lol
Thanks for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI you posted this in the Pixel 2 forum not the Pixel 2 XL forum. You may want to post over there.
jascolli said:
FYI you posted this in the Pixel 2 forum not the Pixel 2 XL forum. You may want to post over there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same software so it shouldn't matter where it's posted.
edit: except the burn-in issue.
Johnnyborisdk said:
Hi
As the title says, I sold my iPhone X and got the new Pixel 2 XL, and I love it. It is truly amazing. But how ever.. There is some features that I miss. - Sinces android is like an open world compared to Apple I do hope some of you might know how to solve my "problems"
Here they are:
1. Are you able to get rid on the Navigations bar at the bottom AND get the iPhone swipe gestue? Left for back, Right for forward and Up for homescreen, and while on homescreen up will go into the menu (where all my apps are listed)? And also while the keybord still working perfectly in every app when the Navigation bar is hidden? Is that possible? With my iPhone X I could switch between apps while draggin left of right on the bottom at my screen, and also if i swipe up and hold a bit, all my open apps where listed. Is that possible to get on Pixel 2?
2. I've heard alot about burn in. At the moment I am using an Live wallpaper default by Google. (The earth spinning around). Its black - does that have any effect on burn in, or is it only white colour I have to be careful of?
3. On my iPhone I could see my notifications on my apps. (A lille red number), my Pixel 2 doesnt show this, am I able to see that? For Facebook, messenger ect.
This is my first android, so bar with me and my stupidly questions lol
Thanks for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
..
Johnnyborisdk said:
Hi
As the title says, I sold my iPhone X and got the new Pixel 2 XL, and I love it. It is truly amazing. But how ever.. There is some features that I miss. - Sinces android is like an open world compared to Apple I do hope some of you might know how to solve my "problems"
Here they are:
1. Are you able to get rid on the Navigations bar at the bottom AND get the iPhone swipe gestue? Left for back, Right for forward and Up for homescreen, and while on homescreen up will go into the menu (where all my apps are listed)? And also while the keybord still working perfectly in every app when the Navigation bar is hidden? Is that possible? With my iPhone X I could switch between apps while draggin left of right on the bottom at my screen, and also if i swipe up and hold a bit, all my open apps where listed. Is that possible to get on Pixel 2?
2. I've heard alot about burn in. At the moment I am using an Live wallpaper default by Google. (The earth spinning around). Its black - does that have any effect on burn in, or is it only white colour I have to be careful of?
3. On my iPhone I could see my notifications on my apps. (A lille red number), my Pixel 2 doesnt show this, am I able to see that? For Facebook, messenger ect.
This is my first android, so bar with me and my stupidly questions lol
Thanks for your time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, it's kind of hard to understand exactly what you are talking about since I don't use my iPhone that often. But I'll play around to see if I can answer #1. But burn in I wouldn't worry about unless you get it. Then return the phone for a free replacement if it happens. I think that issue has been resolved for the most part. That you might want to visit the XL forum for and I'll link that for you below.
#3. I believe they are called "badges" on the iPhone. It is a very nice feature which we don't have on a stock system. I think there are some third party apps in the play store for that but you can search under notify apps or something like that. Maybe even Google can help out on that. I did see some references to it and there is something called Nofityer Unread Count app but I've not tried it.
Here ya go, but do a search on screen burn in before you ask. People get a little touchy around here sometimes if it's been answered dozens of times.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl
edit: one more link if you *really* have some time on your hands. Close to 2000 posts on this thread.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-2-xl/help/pixel-2-xl-screen-quality-t3686364/page36
1. If you root your phone, there are ways to remove the navbars... and if you use a custom launcher (such as Nova Launcher), you can set gestures on the home screen. As for systemwide gestures... you would need a gesture app such as https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phoenixstudios.aiogestures&hl=en
Perhaps ask around here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/70jkag/android_launcher_with_iphone_x_like_gestures/
2. Personally never had an issue although I am using Pixel 2.
3. If you use Nova Launcher.. there is the option to show "Notification Badges" with 3 options -- Dynamic Badges (generated badge icons from your notification content), Dots (which shows a dot on the icon in the corner), and Numeric Badges (which shows the unread count of notifications for the app on the icon -- requires TeslaUnread addition)
Quoting a post I found on another forum:
If you display static content on it for an extended period of time like on a store unit or on-screen buttons, then it will burn-in. Not quite as quickly as some have stated, and certainly not as quickly now compared to older OLED panels, but it's still an issue. For instance, the Galaxy S6 edge store units I've seen have suffered from pretty bad burn-in after a year of service, as they're powered on for almost the entire day at maximum brightness without the screen going to sleep. That's an extremely high-wear situation and a phone won't go through that sort of usage pattern (screen on 24/7 at max brightness) in the hands of consumers, maybe even for its lifetime.
Which brings me to this. Consumer units will suffer much less drastically compared to store units. They'll last for years with normal usage, though exceptions such as some Nexus devices with OLED panels exist. In most cases, however, you should be fine. I still have a 4 year old Galaxy S3 with the original display and it hasn't burned-in yet. Very impressive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally I've had a Samsung Galaxy S (the original one), S4, S5, S6, S7 Edge in the past, and none of these devices suffered from screen "burn in". My Pixel 2 is supposed to arrive tomorrow and I'm not gonna worry about the screen burn in issue. I think people are being way too paranoid about this.
We might want to wait for the OP to respond. Could be some trolling going on here.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
bobby janow said:
Same software so it shouldn't matter where it's posted.
edit: except the burn-in issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The xl communities has found immersion mode hacks so he is best to ask there to see those ways of removing the navbar. It's not really discussed in this forum.
bobby janow said:
#3. I believe they are called "badges" on the iPhone. It is a very nice feature which we don't have on a stock system. I think there are some third party apps in the play store for that but you can search under notify apps or something like that. Maybe even Google can help out on that. I did see some references to it and there is something called Nofityer Unread Count app but I've not tried it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best you can do with stock firmware is dots rather than numbers. Try Settings | Apps & Notifications | Notifications | Allow notification dots
Thanks
WibblyW said:
Best you can do with stock firmware is dots rather than numbers. Try Settings | Apps & Notifications | Notifications | Allow notification dots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean the best you can do with stock apps, not firmware. Third party launchers such as Nova can give you numbers without any need to root.
The notification badges on iOS are just a bandaid solution to their compete lack of notifications in the status bar. On Android, no matter which app you have open, you can always see if you have a notification waiting for you without swiping down from the status bar or going to the home screen to scan for badges.
My best advice to the OP is to avoid making your Pixel look and act like an iPhone. You're only holding yourself back from all the awesomeness that Android has to offer.
bobby janow said:
Same software so it shouldn't matter where it's posted.
edit: except the burn-in issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except the Pixel 2 suffers burn in on the navigation bar as well... try a grey background or white or dark blue, you'll see it. I have 2 Pixel 2's and a 2XL in the family and they all suffer burn in of differing degrees
biffwitch said:
Except the Pixel 2 suffers burn in on the navigation bar as well... try a grey background or white or dark blue, you'll see it. I have 2 Pixel 2's and a 2XL in the family and they all suffer burn in of differing degrees
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Click to collapse
Not seeing that on the Pixel 2 with a white background. Is it severe enough to be annoying or distracting to you?
edit: Hey whatever happened to the OP? lol. He trolled us pretty good. But it was fun anyway, so thanks.
Same here, no trace of burn-in on mine so far (tested with several different colours of background).

How to remove ugly drop shadows?

Recently got the Pixel 3a and love it. The only thing that bothers me, on dark wallpapers, the notification bar has a greyish backdrop under it. Is there anyway to remove this from both the home screen and the app switcher screen? Nova launcher seems to clear it from the home screen, but the app switcher still has it.
I can't attach photos to show, but just set a pure black wallpaper then look at the top of the screen.
Could you try using a different launcher? I think Nova Laumcher has a option to show/hide shadow on desktop.
tennyleaz said:
Could you try using a different launcher? I think Nova Laumcher has a option to show/hide shadow on desktop.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I have Nova already and it removes it from the home screen, but it's still on the app switcher screen, unfortunately.
pixelpony said:
Recently got the Pixel 3a and love it. The only thing that bothers me, on dark wallpapers, the notification bar has a greyish backdrop under it. Is there anyway to remove this from both the home screen and the app switcher screen? Nova launcher seems to clear it from the home screen, but the app switcher still has it.
I can't attach photos to show, but just set a pure black wallpaper then look at the top of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I don't have a solution for this, but I still wanted to add, that I had my 3a sent in for repair partly for this exact behavior.
I can't link a photo atm, but on a solid black wallpaper I could see ~4 brighter bars at the top of the screen, and something similar at the bottom (like LCD/LED displays suffer from clouding, but technically impossible on an OLED). I recommend you to turn on the screen rotation of the Pixel Launcher, because it follows orientation, therefore proving it's not a hardware issue per se.
Like you said, it doesn't appear on screenshots either, so it is beyond recognition of screen capture. Another software layer maybe.
Could you also carefully check dark greys and blacks of any video? Those colors seemed to be muddy for me, especially noticeable when using a black filter dimmer in CF Lumen.
Also, I might add that my Pixel didn't have this issue for the first months, it suddenly appeared and was even gone for one day before sticking.
So yeah, I guess I had this exact issue as well, let me know if you find out anything and I'll make sure to let you know how my repair went.
pixelpony said:
Yeah, I have Nova already and it removes it from the home screen, but it's still on the app switcher screen, unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try flashing this module via magisk manager and see if it is any better... modified pixel launcher.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261685832
pixelpony said:
I can't attach photos to show, but just set a pure black wallpaper then look at the top of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the attached images show the issue you are talking about? Adding to my post above, that I contacted the Google support chat, and after some troubleshooting they told me to send it in for repair.
Still waiting for it to get back, it has been more than 2 weeks now (including holidays).
sysuicrash0511 said:
Do the attached images show the issue you are talking about? Adding to my post above, that I contacted the Google support chat, and after some troubleshooting they told me to send it in for repair.
Still waiting for it to get back, it has been more than 2 weeks now (including holidays).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you can see the grey gradient at the top. It's like a backdrop on the status bar. Yours looks a bit worse than mine though, as mine doesn't stand out as bad as yours. What that is called, is gradient banding. And I checked some dark videos for you and don't see it in videos. Also, my grey backdrop at the top doesn't have banding, it's a smooth gradient. You can google gradient banding to see examples of what it looks like.
Tulsadiver said:
Try flashing this module via magisk manager and see if it is any better... modified pixel launcher.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=4349826312261685832
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have a rotted device....yet. I might consider doing it soon. Is this just a custom file with the backdrops removed?
pixelpony said:
Yeah, you can see the grey gradient at the top. It's like a backdrop on the status bar. Yours looks a bit worse than mine though, as mine doesn't stand out as bad as yours. What that is called, is gradient banding. And I checked some dark videos for you and don't see it in videos. Also, my grey backdrop at the top doesn't have banding, it's a smooth gradient.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, I always described it as if a gradient got its color depth reduced, good to know there is an actual term for that.
And thanks for checking the greys. My whole display was affected by this issue, rendering darker tones what felt like yellowish/greenish, looking muddy.
And to reiterate, it became like this from one second to another, so if anything broke, you might be affected before noticing, because for you it looked like this from the start, from what I understood. I hadn't had a chance to compare it to another 3a, maybe that's something for you to check, just to be sure.
Still, I'll let you know when I get mine back, if the repair helped and if they found the culprit, or if I'm going crazy entirely.
pixelpony said:
I don't have a rotted device....yet. I might consider doing it soon. Is this just a custom file with the backdrops removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, just an edited Pixel Launcher.
Quick update as promised:
I have my 3a back and they told me they replaced the device instead of repairing it.
The banding is now gone (of course), but the drop shadow is still there, although barely noticeable. Hopefully the other suggestion worked out for you.
So thanks for telling me about banding and sorry for a possible confusion. Really glad to be back on team 3a though.

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