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So I was thinking about the issue of palm wrap. I think the implementation of it would be fairly simple. This would probably require root access, but I digress.
You would basically disregard any input happening within 1/8" - 1/4" on the border of the screen. Well not any inputs, but any prolonged inputs. Like the inputs that happen when your fingers hang off the edge of the screen, or the palm of your hand grazing the screen when you try to press something with your thumb.
There are very few programs that use the full screen, especially near the edges. If there are it would just be a matter of putting the anti-registration on hold when the app is in the foreground.
You could even create a setting for "fat" fingers and "slim" fingers. The fatter the finger, the further out you would disregard inputs from there.
The caveat being that you have to have it running on the system level. Now that google has finally added multi touch support on their apps, I wouldn't be surprised if you have access to input information on the system level.
(I know jack about making programs on adroid, but the rum is helping my mind think)
What do you guys think?
I haven't had palm wrap problems since I bought my seidio innocase. Adds a little beef to the unit as a whole (just a little, nothing major) but keeps my palm off the edges of the screen.
i like this idea simply because I do not want to buy any sort of case for the phone
Good idea my friend.
Just out of curiosity, does everyone here hold there phone in one hand and use the other to input anything? Because I can't see any palmwrap problem unless I do this.
I almost exclusively use my nexus with one hand doing inputs with my thumb if I'm not in landscape mode and I've never had any problems with palm wrap (I might be misunderstanding the concept completely though, so feel free to correct me).
I guess it depends on the length of your fingers the base of my thumb is what mostly affects one handed use for me.
JHaste said:
i like this idea simply because I do not want to buy any sort of case for the phone
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[off-topic] That is 'not' a good road to follow...get one of the soft cases or atleast the skins that you dont even notice it (personally I bought THIS and its amazing, has amazing 'grip' and it fits perfectly, unnoticeable).
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I dont seem to have this problem either. But it could be helpful to others with bigger hands maybe?
I have this problem sometimes and it is annoying as heck. I don't even think you need to go to all that trouble to fix it. I think just enabling multitouch on the dexktop might fix it. Don't know how difficult that would be though.
One of the coolest features on ICS is the lack of capacitive buttons on the phone. the nexus has done it, the tablets have done it - why do companies like HTC and Samsung insist on using capacitive buttons on their ICS ready flagship phones? Isn't it time we get rid of these buttons once and for all?
Some people like or are used to buttons...
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using XDA Premium App
While people still buy phones with buttons... manufacturers don't have reasons to change
I guess, cause users still like them..
I for myself, would love to have a trackball and I would even pay some bugs more to have a new ICS device with a trackball.
For sure, it's cool without any buttons, but usability of a trackball is unbeatable.
Sent from my Premium Xx
I think it will happen in the next round of phone releases. You can see with the new lines coming out that they have diminished the number of buttons transitioning, if you will, to the no button design.
The only advantage to having the physical buttons it's the screen realestate is not taken up by the nav bar. For example, the 4.65 in Galaxy Nexus is much smaller than the 4.7 in of the One X. As the nav bar buttons take up the bottom at all times, though im sure they still auto hide when necessary.
You get the idea...
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
I'm one of those old fashioned people who actually likes hard buttons on my phone. As I see it, I want fast access to the actual phone. I realize I'm one of a dying breed who likes the answer and end buttons, among others, but the main function of my phone is to be a phone. I like to be able to feel for the buttons in a dark room or in my pocket. I like that if my digitizer dies, I can still make and receive calls until a replacement arrives. Yes, hard buttons are just one more thing to go wrong, but they provide me with more benefits than anything.
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities
cajunflavoredbob said:
I'm one of those old fashioned people who actually likes hard buttons on my phone. As I see it, I want fast access to the actual phone. I realize I'm one of a dying breed who likes the answer and end buttons, among others, but the main function of my phone is to be a phone. I like to be able to feel for the buttons in a dark room or in my pocket. I like that if my digitizer dies, I can still make and receive calls until a replacement arrives. Yes, hard buttons are just one more thing to go wrong, but they provide me with more benefits than anything.
-- Sent from my TouchPad using Communities
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I agree. Benefits of Capacitive and Hard keys out way the "cool factor" of the navigation bar.
~E.R.A.
Some people may like it. But I believe its essential. In case the screen freezes or touch stops responding theres always a hardware button to get through right?
I think sum people dont like to use touch phone..
I'm generally OK without mechanical buttons on the device. I do wish it had a dedicated camera button. Taking pictures by tapping the screen makes it much harder to get a good, quick picture.
I'd rather my row of four capacitative buttons than a few on screen icons. It bothers me when there is screen real estate not available to apps, as is the case when there are buttons there. I'm sure they can probably auto hide or whatever, but they are there at least some of the time and I'd rather just have them as buttons.
The on-screen buttons have a lot of disadvantages as well, one of them is you can't quick reset your phone. If touchscreen stops responding, you can do nothing!
A minimal button is at least needed!
Samsung does it to copy iPhone. All they care about is stealing users from Apple. Since most Apple users aren't sophisticated, they get scared when they see a phone with no buttons.
tahsin.arnob said:
The on-screen buttons have a lot of disadvantages as well, one of them is you can't quick reset your phone. If touchscreen stops responding, you can do nothing!
A minimal button is at least needed!
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Well not necessarily true as power buttons more than likely won't go away, as well as volume buttons which can be used for a hard reset in the event the touch screen is unresponsive.
In Android devices, I want mechanical buttons. There ease the situations, like advanced user methods. However, on WP7 (f.e. Lumia 800/900) i dont want mechanical buttons, but capacitive yes. On-screen buttons? Danke, nein. Camera button wont standard at everywhere.
Sent from my Blade using XDA
Because some buttons are actually pretty necesary. Power button, for example. How else are you gonna use your phone?
Many times I do wish there were send and end buttons.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
masondoctorjt said:
Many times I do wish there were send and end buttons.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA
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Yup. One of many reasons I still use my HD2.
IMHO none of the reasons listed so far makes sense. The Samsung Galaxy series has garnered enough reputation that people will buy the damn thing with or without buttons. I think it's something with their designers or someone further up in the company that got scared about lack of physical buttons (even though power and volume buttons are still there.)
hi guys...
since i started using an android phone i've been surprised of how the interface is poorly designed for the comfort of the user, one of the major issues for me is the "back button", and the problem is a lot worst with phones with screens over 4". everytime you need to go back you have to move your finger to the lower part of the phone where this button is located and if you dont have big hands it is very uncomfortable, it is even painful after a while,
i think that those buttons should be removed from android, now with ics and jellybean there is that software buttons that keep the same problem and also are a waste of space on the screen.
every app should have its own "back button" in some place that is easy to reach with your finger like the apps for the iphone ( dont kill me for using the iphone like an example in this particular aspect).
what do you guys think???
rodmc123 said:
hi guys...
since i started using an android phone i've been surprised of how the interface is poorly designed for the comfort of the user, one of the major issues for me is the "back button", and the problem is a lot worst with phones with screens over 4". everytime you need to go back you have to move your finger to the lower part of the phone where this button is located and if you dont have big hands it is very uncomfortable, it is even painful after a while,
i think that those buttons should be removed from android, now with ics and jellybean there is that software buttons that keep the same problem and also are a waste of space on the screen.
every app should have its own "back button" in some place that is easy to reach with your finger like the apps for the iphone ( dont kill me for using the iphone like an example in this particular aspect).
what do you guys think???
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Click to collapse
Well, iPhone has the back button embedded in the app and many are saying they need to implement dedicated back key in their phones. So its all about personal choice bro.
And I don't think Android needs to remove the back key and if you've used an iPhone you would know the hassle using it without a back button. Many iOS apps have back key located at various areas in their UI. So a normal user, who don't have much experience in using smartphones would get confused easily. But if dedicated back key is there, it makes all easy.
EDIT: Regarding the ICS/JB soft-keys option, if the manufactures think its a waste of space, they can simply disable it by modifying a line in one of the xml files. And if they decide they need not have to give their phones any hardware/capacitive buttons, they'll enable it. So google have given this feature as optional, and why would anyone think of removing that handy feature.
coolsandie said:
Well, iPhone has the back button embedded in the app and many are saying they need to implement dedicated back key in their phones. So its all about personal choice bro.
And I don't think Android needs to remove the back key and if you've used an iPhone you would know the hassle using it without a back button. Many iOS apps have back key located at various areas in their UI. So a normal user, who don't have much experience in using smartphones could get confused easily. But if dedicated back key is there, it makes all easy.
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i think the back button is useful, but this is an ergonomic problem.. i think having a back button in the app it is a better solution, the waste of space on the screen also sucks, and i doubt that some pepole could be confused by a button with a back-arrow icon on it
rodmc123 said:
i think the back button is useful, but this is an ergonomic problem.. i think having a back button in the app it is a better solution, the waste of space on the screen also sucks, and i doubt that some pepole could be confused by a button with a back-arrow icon on it
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After all, everyone gets a User-Manual with their phones. And every people that have paid for their new shiny phone would die to boot up fast and they'll look around, and by looking around they can easily know, the arrow stands for the Back key. :silly:
rodmc123 said:
i think the back button is useful, but this is an ergonomic problem.. i think having a back button in the app it is a better solution, the waste of space on the screen also sucks, and i doubt that some pepole could be confused by a button with a back-arrow icon on it
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The main problem of the iphones back button is, is that sometimes it had different words, its in different places within the app, and its not simply a back button sometimes.
For example, when I use the keyboard on iOS, I have to tap on an area in the screen to close the keyboard, whereas on android its just a simple tap of the back button. Its just extremely consistent and I found myself tapping the empty area next to the home button on an ipod touch more than a few times expecting there to be a back button.
Although I have never used something as big as the One X, I imagine it would be hard (as you said) to reach the button without risking dropping the phone. But then I guess you buy a phone that fits your hand size, not something too big that you know will be a hassle
Sent from my MB508 using xda premium
If you use your left hand to hold the phone, why can't u use your little finger of your left hand to press the back button (it's convenient to me)
If u use the right hand, u can use the thumb of the right hand to press back.
Just my advice, no offence
rodmc123 said:
i think the back button is useful, but this is an ergonomic problem.. i think having a back button in the app it is a better solution, the waste of space on the screen also sucks, and i doubt that some pepole could be confused by a button with a back-arrow icon on it
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You sound a bit like the commercial for the iphone5 with all that trollin arround here :laugh:
The 4" the sane size for a phone!!! -like speech etc.
If you don't like it you don't buy it. What is all that wining???
chaki- said:
You sound a bit like the commercial for the iphone5 with all that trollin arround here :laugh:
The 4" the sane size for a phone!!! -like speech etc.
If you don't like it you don't buy it. What is all that wining???
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Click to collapse
this is not an iphone vs android discussion.. i do not say the back button is not useful the thing is that the location of the button is very uncomfortable in devices with a big screen if you dont have huge hands.
i like 4,3" and 4,7" screens thats why i have a 4,3 screen.. but with the back button down there, atleast for my hand size, it is very annoying to use.
really nobody else noticed this issue?? i mean your finger is most of the time at the middle of the screen and from there you move it like a compass to the upper and lowwer part of the screen, now take a phone with a 4,3 (or bigger) display and try to do that, you have to use your other hand or you have to somehow move the phone so the bottom (where the back button is located) is reachable for your finger and in that process you can drop the phone or end up with tendinitis after a long time of use.
Mitch_Faiz_555 said:
If you use your left hand to hold the phone, why can't u use your little finger of your left hand to press the back button (it's convenient to me)
If u use the right hand, u can use the thumb of the right hand to press back.
Just my advice, no offence
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sorry but what you say does not make any sense, your "little finger" might be ridiculously large and flexible to do that.
chaki- said:
You sound a bit like the commercial for the iphone5 with all that trollin arround here :laugh:
The 4" the sane size for a phone!!! -like speech etc.
If you don't like it you don't buy it. What is all that wining???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you know what is constructive criticism?? i like android, i like my phone i just wish they can improve the back button thing.. is that too much for you?
Personal preference. I like the dedicated back and menu buttons.
Never had a problem with them, makes switching or going through apps much faster than having to locate the back button on each app (which is not always obvious where they put it)
I'm asian. My fingers are relatively smaller than you guys but for me the buttons are very convenient to use. Mine is the S2.
Navigation bar is not a waste of the screen. Why? Because it's not just back key. There are recent apps and home too. For a futuristic full touch phone without any buttons, what do you expect for the alternatives of those 2 other keys? Gestures? That will be hard to be used.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
problem solved in ICS/JB
rodmc123 said:
sorry but what you say does not make any sense, your "little finger" might be ridiculously large and flexible to do that.
do you know what is constructive criticism?? i like android, i like my phone i just wish they can improve the back button thing.. is that too much for you?
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It's really is a personal choice.
I personally love the back button, have no problems using it with one hand, nor do with GF with her small hands and Optimus 4X HD, which is a larger phone than my Galaxy S2. Both of us cite the back button as a large factor contributing to the usability of Android.
If you don't like the back button, you can always switch to the iPhone. This is such a rare complain that I must say that you, OP, are in the sheer minority.
To add on, the fact that Windows Phone implements a back button as well shows that this is a feature that is beneficial rather than detrimental as you believe.
Logi_Ca1 said:
It's really is a personal choice.
I personally love the back button, have no problems using it with one hand, nor do with GF with her small hands and Optimus 4X HD, which is a larger phone than my Galaxy S2. Both of us cite the back button as a large factor contributing to the usability of Android.
If you don't like the back button, you can always switch to the iPhone. This is such a rare complain that I must say that you, OP, are in the sheer minority.
To add on, the fact that Windows Phone implements a back button as well shows that this is a feature that is beneficial rather than detrimental as you believe.
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i repeat, im not saying the back button is not useful!! all im saying is that the button is not well placed it is just an ergonomic problem.
for example, it would be a lot more easy to reach if they move to button to the side of the phone (contrary to the volume buttons), i know it sounds like weird place to put it, but if you take your phone you will notice that is a place where you always could easy reach the button without using your other hand or move the phone.
I like the back button too. As I don't need to rely on app developer to setup a back button
rodmc123 said:
i repeat, im not saying the back button is not useful!! all im saying is that the button is not well placed it is just an ergonomic problem.
for example, it would be a lot more easy to reach if they move to button to the side of the phone (contrary to the volume buttons), i know it sounds like weird place to put it, but if you take your phone you will notice that is a place where you always could easy reach the button without using your other hand or move the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could use this app (requires root though) :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.smart.swkey
It provides on screen functionality for navigation keys, which could be placed anywhere on the screen of your choice.
rodmc123, may I aks what device you are using? I believe it's also a manner of the ergonomics of the device itself. Many flagship devices have large screens and while design is nice, ergonomics may lose. I use the HTC One S momentarily (planning to rid it when new Nexus phones appeal), which is 2.56 by 5.15 inch, with a (screen) diagonal of 4.3 inch. That's too large for me to handle with one hand. Even though I'm not having much trouble using both hands most of the time, I do find it inconvinient I have to.
And indeed, there's the software button vs hardware button discussion. I believe it is simply mostly due to the ergonomics of the device itself, and depending on the OEM, software overlays creating additional bugs. Again, I'm a HTC user, got quite a bit of these stupid design flaws myself.
I can see the OP's point here, I started of with an HTC Hero which had quite a unique design with it's angled "chin" It was just the right size for one-handed operation. I upgraded to an HTC Sensation, being left handed, I run into trouble reaching the home button with my thumb. In fact using all the Hardware buttons at the bottom of the device does require shifting upwards in my palm.
It's got me wondering, would the hardware buttons be better off at the top? This being Android of course we don't need to wonder, we can try it out! Cyanogenmod for example allows full 360 rotation, although I might have to hack the Launcher a little bit to move the static app bar, I'm sure there was a setting for that pre-cm9, No matter it's just a case of editing the source or the layout xml. I'll just have to get used the upside down symbols.
Senzune said:
rodmc123, may I aks what device you are using? I believe it's also a manner of the ergonomics of the device itself. Many flagship devices have large screens and while design is nice, ergonomics may lose. I use the HTC One S momentarily (planning to rid it when new Nexus phones appeal), which is 2.56 by 5.15 inch, with a (screen) diagonal of 4.3 inch. That's too large for me to handle with one hand. Even though I'm not having much trouble using both hands most of the time, I do find it inconvinient I have to.
And indeed, there's the software button vs hardware button discussion. I believe it is simply mostly due to the ergonomics of the device itself, and depending on the OEM, software overlays creating additional bugs. Again, I'm a HTC user, got quite a bit of these stupid design flaws myself.
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i have a motorola atrix 2.. anyway i dont think its the ergonomics of this particular device, i think any phone with a big screen would have the same issue with the back button placed at the bottom.
like i said, at the opposite side of the volume buttons would be the best place if you think of the position of your hand and your fingers when you are holding the phone.
There aren't any general posts on using the device, so here are a few points that resonate with me after a couple weeks of using the device.
I'm using the 8x on Bell in Canada, the blue version. Prior to buying the 8x I was using a Galaxy s3. I've used other WP in the past, so the OS is not totally new to me (Focus, Lumia 800). You could go to any of the major tech sites for a comprehensive review, that's not my intention with this post.
Industrial Design/Durability - A day doesn't go by where I don't just stare at the device for a few seconds...it's absolutely lovely. The polycarbonate is fantastic for daily use and regular wear and tear. I regularly have the device in my jacket pocket with keys and not a mark on it. None of the little micro scratches that are present on any other phone, particularly with glossy surfaces. I do worry about getting a big scratch, I anticipate it will be more devastating to this material. I do worry that this thing will crumble if I drop it on a hard surface. It would probably fare just fine, but there is a sense that it is fragile and delicate. I also have a major beef about the design of the buttons...gets a section all its own.
Build Quality - At first I thought the build quality was great. But now after 2 weeks of use it has developed some occasional flex and creakiness. This is particularly evident when squeezing the device on the sides, something I do more often in my struggle to press the power/lock button. I still thing the build is very good, but it feels less solid in the hand when I feel it creak.
Usability of Buttons - I hesitate to say it, but the buttons (except the camera button) are totally useless. I somehow thought I could get used to the power button, but not the case. First, the power button placement is less than ideal. This phone is too tall to have it on the top, I can't reach it without repositioning my hand. A user should be able to easily go from one-handed use to locking the phone. Second, there is no play or feedback in the buttons. They are so squishy and unresponsive its like I'm using a crap KIRF device. The power/lock button is the absolute worst, between the position of the button (in relation to the curvature of the plastic) and the lack of play, the power/lock button is nearly impossible to press. I seriously take 2-3 presses before I get it, when in a hurry even more times. The volume buttons are not nearly as annoying, but still useless. When I'm on a call with my headset and the phone is in the pocket, you can't just put your hand in the pocket and adjust the volume...gotta take it out to make sure you are actually pressing a button. Everytime, I feel the need to look at my phone when adjusting the volume, there is no other feedback that you've pressed the buttons. The camera button is great! The first press (of the 2-stage button) is exactly how every single button should feel like. It seems crazy, but this is the single reason that I cannot use the 8x as a long term phone. It's going for sale.
Screen - This screen is absolutely gorgeous...when viewed head on. Viewing angles are pretty bad.
Windows Phone 8 - I absolutely love the design of WP8. There are some gaps and oddities throughout, but I have faith that it will improve. Oddities include: lack of persistent clock and signal indicators (disappears even in People hub and Explorer), lack of independent volume controls (Alarm is cranked all the time). Once I get a proper Dropbox app, I'll be fairly happy. I'm willing to live with a developing OS and ecosystem because of the joy the interface brings me!
Bottom Line - I'm selling it and buying an unlocked Lumia 920. I cannot use a phone with a useless lock button. I've gone back to Bell and tried other devices and all the 8x are the same. Honestly, how can HTC screw up buttons. Samsung tends to have soft buttons too, but at least the placement is on the side for easy access. The Nokia, Apple and LG have figured out the complex world of buttons.
Anyways. This is a wonderful device with a small fatal flaw.
I sadly have to agree on the lock button placement - its placement is less than ideal. I'm not really fussed about the keys being almost flush with the body, but I can imagine people not liking this. It took me a while to get used to the feel myself, but after some practice I only have some trouble with pressing the lock button sometimes.
Its interesting you say that there is no feedback when pressing the buttons? I can definitly feel a "click" when I press my buttons (like the camera button does) so maybe you got unlucky... And I've no flex nor creakyness. I have had the phone for three weeks now I believe, no case used so far!
The only thing I regret is the lack of a SD slot. I'm not sure about the viewing angles, I don't see any problem, nor have I heard friends complain about it. Then again, this is a personal opinion I guess.
But bottom line is that I should have waited for a Nokia myself. Not going to sell this baby, I love it too much for that, but I will gladly get myself a Nokia after this phone is through (which I hope won't happen anytime soon!).
its funny, at first my impression was this.. but now it feels more natural, you actually don't have to hit it to hard, and after having a samsung for a year its refreshing to have a different layout. its almost like a pressure spot, like a place to squeeze the phone and it turns on (if that makes sense) the only thing that bugs me is all three buttons react differently. the lock is more flush than volume, and the camera being a double action is better.
I don't get what you are saying about viewing angle though. I find it more than sufficient (maybe under high glare light cause of the contour) but I love this phone.
my biggest complaint is the notification light that isn't. who puts an led in a phone but does not let it work for notifications.. this is like having a car without windows.. not needed but when it rains you wish you had em'
The power button issue was solved for me by using a case, it has an indent so I immediately know where the power button is. Side buttons have a raised material that also makes it very easy to find the buttons and press without issue.
Sent from my PM23300 using Board Express
uhhdoug, you make a good point about "squeeze" points rather than typical button pushing. I find I do this, basically wrap my finger around the top right and squeeze...usually powering it on.
This device is absolutely lovely otherwise, I could never put it in a case. But usability sucks.
After 1 week... My volume up button is stuck. Not physically, the button still clicks. However, the phone keeps detecting a volume up command. Sending for repair today. Lets see how efficient HTC is.
Same here - power button is a pain in the ass!!! I manage to activate it 1 out of 10 times when using only one hand
I realised that it's easier to use the camera button to bring the screen on and that's what I'm doing since last week.
I've been using mine (a blue one on Telenor, Hungary) for only 3 days so far, but here's my exeperience anyway: the power button doesn't bother me that much, it reminds me of my iPhone 3G I had a few years ago - I do have big hands though. Coming from an Omnia 7 I really like that I don't mistake the volume rocker for the power button (this was a major pain in the butt where I accidentally turned on the screen in my pocket when trying to change the volume).
Compared to the amoled in the Samsung the blacks and the viewing angles kinda suck, but the resolution makes up for them imo.
I see no discolouring/dirt on the corners, but I did get a few random reboots already (still more reliable than my Galaxy Tab with Cyanogen Mod 10 though).
For those interested in the audio quality the 8X sounds awesome with a pair of mid-range cans (Sennheiser HD518), I'd say on par if not better than a last-gen iPod classic. Turning the Beats Eq on the volume goes up to insane levels (20/30 on a subway is perfectly audible with open-back headphones and 30/30 actually hurts my ears after a minute or so). So, while this is by no means in audiophile territory, it is, in my opinion, more than enough for listening on the go.
Also, the device is absolutely gorgeus to look at and feels great in the hand. Oh, and WP8 is beyond awesome
After 1 week i can say is that the phone is great if you ask me.
Power button .....yes bad place.
16G storage .......meh it will manage.
The majority of the good from this phone makes up for those 2 issues.
So no deal breaker here.
Battery ?
Charge ,charge and charge .
After 1 week on the charger and it will preform great.
And i listing more then 4 hours of music, check the web, Facebook and twitter and so on.
At the end of my work day 50% left.
Nothing wrong with that because my one x drained faster ( Stock).
Greetz.
i agree about the power button its struggle, HTC did it even worse on their verizon DNA, not only that the DNA is even taller they placed the power button in the top middle
we have an awesome kernel fix for the One X which is sweep2wake (you sweep the three touch button) an amazing solution we proposed to HTC lets hope they adopt in their upcoming phones
also comparing to my One X, i love the screen but im gutted the view angles are not match, the One X has an amazing screen where the "floating" can be viewed from the most extreme angles without loosing one percent on the blacks, i'm disappointed but its definitely a downgrade form the One X
I worry that eventually all blue 8x will discolor in the corners and that's what's deterring me from this phone
Diztronic TPU case was a godsend for finding the power button.
Volume and camera buttons are covered but line up ok and cant really tell. Tight fit, thin ,very little added bulk and only makes the phone loose about 1/2 a sexy point. Makes you feel a little better about manhandling this purdy phone too.
I loved mine in some ways but had to return it after a week or so.
It did not pay well with Bluetooth at all..I had problems with my 2011 Corolla and a 2012 Buick Verano. Voice quality was horrible on the Corolla, and music played in slow motion on the Verano.
I also had consistent issues with Netflix and sound problems.
So many apps were missing from the app store...resco radio and most streaming radio apps, and Oregon Trail.
Worst of all is what they did to bing maps. It would was a good and comprehensive feature before that I often used...but it had been neutered and rendered basically useless. I had to pay for Verizon navigation.
I didn't even try syncing my extensive zune collection. So I regretfully went to Android again after having several windows phones . Which is sad because I absolutely love windows phone.
The screen was great, it felt super premium in hand, so many features are beautiful and useful, and best of all no lag! I miss it alot. I loved the previous integration with my zune collection. Did I say the screen was gorgeous lol.
And the Nokia 920 was far too bulky and heavy .
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using xda app-developers app
Well, I officially sold my 8x.
Pains me a little, the overall industrial design was fantastic. WP8 is so refreshing to use and look at.
But, the power button was terrible. Used a couple of devices, all the same. The screen was nice compared to old windows phones, but not compared to other high end phones. I'm on the Nexus 4 now and the screen is superior.
The OS is severely handicapped. I want it to be awesome, but it just is not there yet. I could not be as productive with it. It feels like a step up from a blackberry, but you can't quite do what you need, especially from a productivity standpoint. The OS is fluid, but terribly inefficient. Constant swirling of animations, I just want to get to the app. Multi-tasking is worse than any other smartphone OS and will be worse than BB10 when it ships. Notifications are non-existent. Sure, notifications are coming, but they aren't here now. This doesn't even mention the "app-gap". All these flaws feel larger than life when I wake up to the WP8 alarm in the morning...blaring at full volume because you cannot adjust it.
It is too bad, the 8x is gorgeous. I look forward to trying WP again in the future...
zed011 said:
I worry that eventually all blue 8x will discolor in the corners and that's what's deterring me from this phone
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The same thing happened to mine. I was forced to get a case for it. Pretty horrible engineering design on HTC's part.
AllTheWay said:
The same thing happened to mine. I was forced to get a case for it. Pretty horrible engineering design on HTC's part.
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Its quite bad that you guys are having so many problems with the 8x. I had initial problems with figuring out the buttons but now its more of a muscle memory kind of thing, after you get used to the fact that the finger has to glide by the front of the phone rather than the back of the phone.
5 days having 8x - great device - but complete change in your files philosphy ...
5 days having 8x - great device - but complete change in your files philosophy ...
Migrated from 4 years HD2 using was somehow shocking but acceptable.
"Hand feelig" is very good
Power button may be better but is usable.
I am missing very simple app. to lock the screen (make it black) without touching power button - anybody knows ?
I am very disappointed by the fact that using phone keyboard there is no automatic search through contacts using 3-letters associated with numbers - this was one of the greatest HD2 features- anybody knows how to to it ? Of course I may try to install many diallers but having too many apps on the phone is cumbersome ... :crying: ... I would be gratefull for any suggestions.
Disctionary is great - first time in any phone/pda I used
I have just received my phone from HTC (got it from HTC Elevate) yesterday, so this is my preliminary thoughts.
I think the hardware is great, my unit doesn't have light leaks whatsoever but agree with OP that buttons are too flushed (except for the camera) and my power button is a little loose, so it rattles when I shake the phone. Viewing angle is, I agree, bad. But not a deal breaker for me, as it shifts only in extreme angles. But otherwise, the hardware is great.
as for the OS, I love the look, but I really hate not to be able to have apps that I have in my Desire S. I share photos with my relatives through instagram, and although there is a client app for it, it can't upload. Then comes the music EQ. So used to PowerAMP makes me longing for a great music app like that for my 8X. Don't get me wrong, the audio is good, if not great, but I just find it a little too "boring" and "lifeless" and would like to be able to adjust EQ myself. And then comes the Dropbox problem. As for the OS itself, I really hate not being able to glance at the battery percentage or any other status. I need status bar, I need notification center.
Nevertheless, I think I can live with the OS'es shortcomings, I just hope that with time, it will mature and grow and better itself.
As for the hardware, my only problem is the buttons, but still they are usable and is not really a big deal for me.
How is the camera. I am long time android guy and have an 8x coming to try out. I wanted to try one but the camera is really important to my. My soff rezound with a nice Rom take fantastic pics in most all conditions so that's my baseline.
But I'm going to def give this phone some testing.
I've hit a week with mine, and heres what I can add.
Industrial Design/Durability - "A day doesn't go by where I don't just stare at the device for a few seconds..." - yea, Ive named mine 'sexy beast' because it really is just a beautiful phone. I keep it in my pocket as well, and so far so good. Its also easy to clean off, which surprised me, I didn't expect the back material to wipe down so easily. So for a design and durabilty I give it an A
Build Quality - I haven't had any creaking, or any really noticable flaws, however, there is just one design flaw in mine, but you have to look. Bottom left corner is aprx 1mm higher than upper right corner, but its only noticable if you really look. Otherwise, its running at an A as well for Build Quality.
Usability of Buttons - "I hesitate to say it, but the buttons (except the camera button) are totally useless." I wouldn't say I have large hands, at least I don't think I do. I have noticed that when I hold the phone in my left hand (my usuall position), the volume buttons fall perfectly between my first finger which rests just below the buttons and my next two fingers, which are able to grasp the sides of the phone without touching the rockers. The camera button then falls between the pinky which also rests just below the button and my two middle fingers. And its an easy slide for me to swing my finger to the power button. When the phone is in a pocket and I am listening to music, I find the volume buttons raised just enough where I can find them inside the pocket, and turn up or down. I haven't had any issues with the buttons, and actually find them better in terms of functionality than the buttons on my old TB. Again, an A
Screen - "This screen is absolutely gorgeous...when viewed head on. Viewing angles are pretty bad." Well, I agree that its truly stunning. Cant believe how crystal clear everything is. And as for angles, the only issue I have is that the screen is so damn good, it reflects too much when viewed at angles! I don't have issues per se seeing the screen, but I have to deal with the reflected element! So give it a B
Windows Phone 8 - I agree that Windows hit this really good! As for a home run, maybe an 'in the park' home run. The persistant clock? I don't seem to have that issue, since my clock is always there, and always correct. I also agree in regards to independent volume. And I would love to put my own sound bites for messaging and other notifications, not be stuck with stock. Playlists too, a real beeaach to set one up! Score a B for the OS, but still love it! Knowing it can get better is a plus.
Bottom Line - Im keeping this bad boy for a long time! If the wife can even say she likes it (first phone of mine she ever said that about) then its a keeper! Overall, I think its a great phone. Battery life is fantastic, its snappy and responsive, its integration with social networks and the ability to customize those is fantastic. Integration with xbox could be more, but I don't think my 'more' is possible! Phone gets a A-, just because I know its gonna get better!
Hi all. Just got my Nexus 5 in the mail. It mostly looks great, but the volume and power buttons are loose and rattly, as many have complained about here. I had this problem with an old HTC phone, and it eventually drove me nuts. Not sure I can hang with it in this case either. Question is, is it worth going through the whole replacement process to try to get a better unit, or are they pretty much all like this?
I got mine today, buttons are secure and make no noise whatsoever. Give it a shot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Out of all the problems this would be the least worrying for me. There's a good chance certain cases even would fix this and I would hate to receive a replacement with worse problems.
My power button wiggles but no audible sounds are heard with heavy tapping.
Mine is just fine.
My buttons are solid, no rattle or noises :good:
loose buttons?
all is fine here.
Didn't know there was a loose button issue
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Fine here also.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
My buttons were solid as a rock initially. They loosened up a little bit after about a week. Yesterday you could hear/feel the rattle whenever you were typing or pressing anywhere near the volume rocker or power button. They would also rattle and shake when you jiggled the phone.
I thought about exchanging it, but other than the rattling the phone was perfect. I didn't want to switch and end up with a worse problem, dead pixels, speaker issues, or whatever else people have been mentioning.
I ended up doing the fix that I saw on youtube, may have originated from someone here. Popped the case off and put tiny pieces of paper between the power button/switch and volume rockers/switches to eliminate the gap between the switch and the the floating buttons (they're not physically attached). The only difference was I used sticky notes with the tacky side facing out towards the buttons so the paper will never have a chance to shift out of place.
Buttons are rock solid again, even more firm than before.
*Last resort of course. Tinkering with the inside voids your warranty.
My first N5 had loose power button and loose volume rocker that rattled quite a bit so i replaced it. The buttons on my new one are perfect, no rattling at all
I wonder if anyone has tried picking up a PS4 and shook that to see if anything rattles?
Its not a £600 CNC machined statement to the world, its a 300 quid phone and how anyone can make a mountain of this particular mole hill is way beyond me. The mass of the buttons is so small the noise generated is hardly the equivalent of shoving your head in the speakers at a Prodigy gig.
FWIW my power button rattles if i shake the phone however i very rarely shake the phone in such a fashion that i would hear it and thankfully i am one of the few that owns a Nexus 5 and doesn't seem to live in an anechoic chamber
MrBelter said:
I wonder if anyone has tried picking up a PS4 and shook that to see if anything rattles?
Its not a £600 CNC machined statement to the world, its a 300 quid phone and how anyone can make a mountain of this particular mole hill is way beyond me. The mass of the buttons is so small the noise generated is hardly the equivalent of shoving your head in the speakers at a Prodigy gig.
FWIW my power button rattles if i shake the phone however i very rarely shake the phone in such a fashion that i would hear it and thankfully i am one of the few that owns a Nexus 5 and doesn't seem to live in an anechoic chamber
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While I understand your analogy, your comparison is kind of ridiculous as the PS4 is not a device that's primarily meant to be used and abused, or handled in situations like a mobile device is. A smartphone is meant to be taken everywhere, tossed in bags/pockets, have fingers beating on it for hours a day... A PS4 on the other hand is primarily meant to be stationary with minimal movement. It's built to a different standard.
I can throw in an extraneous irrelevant comparison like yours. I've got a $90 Canon SD1100 IS from 5 years ago with a camera button that's meant to be pressed over and over again, it is also a floating button, and it doesn't rattle. It clicks as it's supposed to and remains solid otherwise. It was also dirt cheap but still built solidly. I've taken thousands of pictures with that thing and the button is still exactly the same as the day I bought it.
My Nexus 5 buttons were initially solid, but to have them degrade and become wobbly and flimsy after only a few weeks was a little disheartening. Sending text messages, or tapping the screen anywhere near the volume/power caused them to rattle. Yeah it was $400, and several hundred cheaper than other flagships, but it's still a button, designed to be pressed over and over again. To have it become loose and jiggly so quickly (or for some people, ship like that) is unacceptable to me. It was an easy fix for me, but for others I can totally understand them wanting to exchange it for a better built unit. The button rattle was even brought up in the Anandtech Nexus 5 review.
If you don't care about the rattle, or accept it because the cost of the unit is less than other phones, that's fine. But don't tell other people to disregard it because it's cheap. Like my cheap $90 5 year old camera, something can be cheap and still be built to a good standard. The Nexus 5 is a fantastic device, but a flaw is a flaw, and I understand people not ignoring it.
Had my n5 since launch on sprint on November 8th and all my buttons do not rattle.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
2 nexus 5s (1 had a defective microphone) and neither had loose buttons.
I guess I was lucky, no rattle at all. Doesn't matter anyway since I use a case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
My first nexus 5 (which I returned for a different issue) had loose volume and power buttons that wiggled. The second one, only the power button wiggles. Seems like they may still be figuring out exactly how to fit the button's in right.
bblzd said:
Out of all the problems this would be the least worrying for me. There's a good chance certain cases even would fix this and I would hate to receive a replacement with worse problems.
My power button wiggles but no audible sounds are heard with heavy tapping.
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mine is the same. i use a spigen slim armor case and one other case and both fix any button "looseness"
My volume rocker rattles pretty badly. I hear it when I have haptic feedback on and am texting. It's almost gotten to the point where I think I just might get a replacement but the only problem is I would not have a phone while I am waiting for a replacement
There apparently has already been a new revision of Nexus 5 hardware out that fixes the rattle problems (and speaker).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557699
You can see the housing around the buttons is much thinner/tighter now to prevent the lateral jiggling. The speaker grill holes are also larger.
My volume and power buttons are fine, although there's a slight rattle when I shake it due to the internal components (i.e. if I hold both rockers firm to the casing and give it a slight shake, I hear it).
However, out of curiosity I did the same thing with my N4 and it rattled too, which I noticed for the first time just then. Honestly, I don't even notice it. Like many have said, it's the very least of the problems and I wouldn't risk receiving a replacement with something worse like dead pixels.