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Hi,
I recently bought a HTC Touch HD, and I think that the "shutdown-screen-when-you-answer-a-call" function of phones like Diamonds, Touch Pro and HD is the dumbest way to prevent accidental presses on the touch screen.
Our devices have a light sensor, that could be used to switch off the screen if the phone is near the ear (like the phone using an "i" word ) and keep it on when you answer with loudspeaker for example.
The "problem" with this function is that when you're already in a "no-light" environment, the screen lock function doesn't work.
To resolve this issue, I think we could use the G-Sensor. Indeed, if the place has no light, then, the phone cannot detect the proximity of a ear. But when you put the phone next to the ear, you hold it a the vertical...
To make it short, the app should do :
Do nothing in normal use.
When a call arrives :
- it monitors the ambient light
If there's light :
- when you answer the call, if there's light then no more (you stick the phone next to the ear), it switches off the screen and continue to monitor.
- while in call, if there's light again (you want to see some info on the screen for example), it switches on the screen and continue to monitor.
- and so on until you end the call
If there's no light :
- when you answer the call, but let it at the horizontal (you let it on the desk for example), it does nothing
- if you take the phone on the vertical position (you stick the phone next to the ear), it switches the screen off.
- if the phone, during a call, goes from vertical to horizontal of horizontal to vertical, the screen is switches on/of
- and so on until you end the call
Obviously, you could replace the "switch on/off screen" with "lock/unlock screen".
What do you think about ?
UPDATE :
After playing a bit with the HD, it appears that HTC DOES use the light sensor for turning the screen off during a call.
Let's do a test :
In a place with plenty light :
- put your mobile with the face up
- call a number (always face up) : the screen will not be switched off until the light sensor detects a loss of luminosity or a timeout set in the registry.
So, my conclusion is that HTC already use the light sensor to switch the screen off during a call, but they do it in an absurd way :
- they poll the sensor just to shut down the screen, not to switch it on.
- once the screen has been switched off, they do not longer poll at all.
Do you think it could be a way to "hack" their system to do what we want to do ?
no one has an opinion on this idea ? if there's nobody that want / have the time to develop a soft, I understand, but at least please, give me just your opinion
I agree with your idea for such an application. I must admit that I am very used to just pushing the power button when I answer a call (from Polaris use) to ensure I am not going into other programmes as I rub the phone against my ear. On the other hand I am trying to get used to the Touch HD's modern automatic method but I can't help not feeling relaxed that it has worked and keep trying to look at the screen in the corner of my eye to see if it did go off or not.
If it does not come now I am sure there will be such an app very soon just as you describe especially as all the latest models now have it.
i'd use the half of it that doesn't require the G-sensor as i don't have a diamond or HD...
but i'm certainly sick and tired of my ear operating my touch screen while i'm speaking.
I've written a prototype to do exactly what you are talking about although the one crucial part I am missing is the lock code. Every example or suggestion for locking the screen is very hacky and never feels like a good approach. If anyone has a good solution for locking the screen (especially in managed code) I would be happy to complete what I have started and release it with source so it could be improved upon.
So far, the best locking utility I have seen is PocketShield although I'm not sure what approach was used for locking in that case. It almost feels like a form that captures all windows events but I'm not sure exactly.
fireweed said:
I've written a prototype to do exactly what you are talking about although the one crucial part I am missing is the lock code. Every example or suggestion for locking the screen is very hacky and never feels like a good approach. If anyone has a good solution for locking the screen (especially in managed code) I would be happy to complete what I have started and release it with source so it could be improved upon.
So far, the best locking utility I have seen is PocketShield although I'm not sure what approach was used for locking in that case. It almost feels like a form that captures all windows events but I'm not sure exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe the simpliest way to "protect" the screen is to switch it off. I suppose it must be some API to do that ?
Concerning the "locking", I think the simpliest way is to put on focus an empty window (transparent if it can be ).
I'm really happy to know that you're working on an app like that
lpaso said:
Hi,
I recently bought a HTC Touch HD, and I think that the "shutdown-screen-when-you-answer-a-call" function of phones like Diamonds, Touch Pro and HD is the dumbest way to prevent accidental presses on the touch screen.
Our devices have a light sensor, that could be used to switch off the screen if the phone is near the ear (like the phone using an "i" word ) and keep it on when you answer with loudspeaker for example.
The "problem" with this function is that when you're already in a "no-light" environment, the screen lock function doesn't work.
To resolve this issue, I think we could use the G-Sensor. Indeed, if the place has no light, then, the phone cannot detect the proximity of a ear. But when you put the phone next to the ear, you hold it a the vertical...
To make it short, the app should do :
Do nothing in normal use.
When a call arrives :
- it monitors the ambient light
If there's light :
- when you answer the call, if there's light then no more (you stick the phone next to the ear), it switches off the screen and continue to monitor.
- while in call, if there's light again (you want to see some info on the screen for example), it switches on the screen and continue to monitor.
- and so on until you end the call
If there's no light :
- when you answer the call, but let it at the horizontal (you let it on the desk for example), it does nothing
- if you take the phone on the vertical position (you stick the phone next to the ear), it switches the screen off.
- if the phone, during a call, goes from vertical to horizontal of horizontal to vertical, the screen is switches on/of
- and so on until you end the call
Indeed, you could replace the "switch on/off screen" with "lock/unlock screen".
What do you think about ?
I searched the forum for an existing app that could do this, but I didn't find anything.
If there's already an app that do this stuff, I'm truely sorry for this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm looking for this.. If you find a solution send me a PM, I will do the same
Thanks!
We need this app, how does the iphone acheive this?
I think the 'easiest' way to make this app would be to keep the phone doing what it does currently (put the phone on standby when answering a call) then have the light sensor take the phone out of standby when it receives light, (taking it away from your ear)?
Obviously if its dark then we would have to use the power butten as we currently do now or have the Gsensor do it with a twisting motion (vertical to horizontal).
If anyone has an idea how to program this i'm willing to help in any way, the current systems seems so crude on such tech devices!
DB
lpaso said:
Hi,
I searched the forum for an existing app that could do this, but I didn't find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There a program, that can help you. Not full, but it can switch off screen, using g-sensor. However its using not vertical aligment of the phone. There are using changing orientation of the phone to decide when phone near the ear.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=2622590&postcount=45
I have always wondered why our WM phones don't do what the iphone does...
For the SE Xperia X1, the light sensor is right near the earpiece (along with the little front facing camera), so it would go to virtually 100% darkness when near the ear. I would presume unless you are using the phone also in 100% darkness (which should be pretty rare I would guess) then it would work like the iphone.
I have also been quite annoyed by the fact that after a phonecall, sometimes I found i'm in a note taking program or weather program or something else. It just seems dumb, considering our phone HAVE these lightsensors?!
I think it's a fantastic idea to solve a VERY FRUSTRATING PROBLEM
lpaso said:
no one has an opinion on this idea ? if there's nobody that want / have the time to develop a soft, I understand, but at least please, give me just your opinion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would rank myself this way:
Not a newbie who's just gotten a touchscreen phone and is now discovering the quirks when holding screen to ear,
and not a developer,
but a power-user. I have installed all sorts of XDA-developed features/enhancements for my phone.
But now I have 4 years experience -- starting with the T-Mobile MDA, and its successor, the T-Mobile WING. And despite all of the advancements expected in that time, STILL, I inadvertently end a call, or put it on hold accidentally, ALL THE TIME. Between that and trying to retrieve the phone from my pocket just to answer the damn ringing phone, I would say I have, on the average, a 20% success rate -- and 80% of the time the call is disrupted. And at least once a day my ohone, in my pocket, even when using s2u2, manages to REDIAL my latest conversation, so mcuh so that all my friends say "why don;t you get rid of that phone. It does all these whiz bang things but still can't reliably manage a basic phone call.
My most recent experiment was to call someone, then when they answered, press the s2U2 key to lock the phone screen. Only I came to find out from A_C that this is no good: S2u2 does not have recognition that you're ending the call, thus, since it's in lock-mode, the "END CALL" or Hang-Up hard key does not work.
So by all means, I would even pay for an app that once and for all handles the baseline problems of simply making a phone call. Thanks for making this request.
fireweed, have you contacted A_C, author of s2u2 ?
There may just be perfect synergy between the two of you. His "best of breed" screen-lock app is widely used -- and other developers, like supbro, for example, author of iDialer, have collaborated on small code-bits from A_C to solve some integration problems.
If for any reason you are unfamiliar with A_C, go to his website: www.ac-s2.com -- where his apps are explained, and all link back to XDA.
He's even managed to make the screen lock work, yet, have it selectively overridden when you insert headphone jack -- such that his s2p (slide to play) app opens and allows you to switch music tracks etc while otherwise the screen and buttons are all fully locked...
fireweed said:
I've written a prototype to do exactly what you are talking about although the one crucial part I am missing is the lock code. Every example or suggestion for locking the screen is very hacky and never feels like a good approach. If anyone has a good solution for locking the screen (especially in managed code) I would be happy to complete what I have started and release it with source so it could be improved upon.
So far, the best locking utility I have seen is PocketShield although I'm not sure what approach was used for locking in that case. It almost feels like a form that captures all windows events but I'm not sure exactly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
After playing a bit with the HD, it appears that HTC DOES use the light sensor for turning the screen off during a call.
Let's do a test :
In a place with plenty light :
- put your mobile with the face up
- call a number (always face up) : the screen will not be switched off until the light sensor detects a loss of luminosity or the timeout set in the registry expires.
So, my conclusion is that HTC already use the light sensor to switch the screen off during a call, but they do it in an absurd way :
- they poll the sensor just to shut down the screen, not to switch it on.
- once the screen has been switched off, they do not longer poll at all.
Do you think it could be a way to "hack" their system to do what we want to do ?
I think HTC does not only switch off the display but goes to standby (phone works independent if you didn't know yet). Your idea is a lot different in terms of programming.
I don't know if it goes to standby : when the screen is switched off during a call, a press on any button switch it on again. In the registry, the key controlling the timeout before the screen is shut off is named "LightSensorToScreenOff" so I think it is just switching off the screen...
lpaso said:
I don't know if it goes to standby : when the screen is switched off during a call, a press on any button switch it on again. In the registry, the key controlling the timeout before the screen is shut off is named "LightSensorToScreenOff" so I think it is just switching off the screen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if thats the case, its HALF of what the iphone does... it turns off the screen based on the light sensor going dark suddenly (next to ear) but then fails to turn the screen back on after you move the phone away from your ear...
Anyone know how to enable this?
Interested in having this feature too. Isn't it possible to have the G-Sensor determine when the phone is vertical and shut the screen and then when it is lying flat to turn the screen back on again. Believe that the Iphone does it this way, not with the light sensor.
Hmm... I never had my ear 'navigating' my phone during in-call before....
I never allowed the screen to touch my face anyway, and the speaker is facing the ear canal, when I receive or make calls...
But i do understand that s2u2 can do what you guys might need, it locks the screen during in call.
Hennyb said:
Interested in having this feature too. Isn't it possible to have the G-Sensor determine when the phone is vertical and shut the screen and then when it is lying flat to turn the screen back on again. Believe that the Iphone does it this way, not with the light sensor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the Iphone has something called proximity sensor, which senses the distance from the ear to the phone, hence when the phone rest on the outer ear, the phone screen shut off.
Or am I wrong?
Section9 said:
I think the Iphone has something called proximity sensor, which senses the distance from the ear to the phone, hence when the phone rest on the outer ear, the phone screen shut off.
Or am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you're right. It uses an iR sensor to know if there's something near the phone.
Finally got my app up and running on the Market and being a die hard xda user, I thought it would only be appropriate to post it here for fellow users to enjoy. =)
IntelliCover is a utility which uses your device’s proximity sensor to control its display and allow fast and efficient access to your phone or tablet.
It turns the screen turns off automatically when you put your device in your pockets, close its flip cover, store the device in a bag, or even just leave the device facing down on a table. As soon as the device is back in your hand the proximity sensor is triggered again, the screen turns back on and your phone is instantly ready for use.
IntelliCover is more feature-filled than any other similar application on the market. And the best part? It's FREE!
Click here to visit the market page and download the app for free
P.S. If you find a bug, I'd appreciate if you could report it to me before giving a bad rating because it usually only takes me less than a day to fix.
*** Features ***
Calibration:-
Proximity Sensor Delay – Add a delay to the time takes to trigger the sensor and turn the screen off.
Application Settings:-
Automatic Unlock – Automatically dismiss the Unlock Screen, provided there is no password. *Experimental*
Disable in Landscape Mode – Disable the proximity sensor when an application is in landscape mode.
Go to Home Screen – Show the home screen when the screen turns on.
Screen Off Only – The screen will turn off but not on when the proximity sensor is triggered.
Screen On Only – The screen will turn on but not off when the proximity sensor is triggered.
Start on Boot – Automatically start the IntelliCover service when the device turns on.
Notifications:-
Proximity Warning – Vibrate every time the proximity sensor is triggered.
Status Bar Notification – Show an ongoing notification in the status bar.
Screen On and Off Actions:-
Airplane Mode – Enable or disable airplane mode.
Auto Rotate (will be removed) – Activate or deactivate.
Auto Sync – Activate or deactivate auto-sync.
Bluetooth – Enable or disable Bluetooth.
Haptic Feedback (will be removed) – Activate or deactivate haptic feedback.
Ringer Mode – Switch ringer mode to Normal (Sound with Vibration), Vibrate or Silent.
Wi-fi – Enable or disable wi-fi.
*** Frequently Asked Questions ***
Q) Is it really free? Where are the ads?
Ans) IntelliCover is completely free and has no ads whatsoever!
Q) Do I require a rooted device to use IntelliCover?
Ans) Nope. IntelliCover works on all supported phones and tablets, rooted or unrooted.
Q) Doesn’t using the proximity sensor consume a lot of battery?
Ans) Actually, the proximity sensor consumes minimal power, almost little enough to be insignificant.
Q) What are the ‘Screen On’ and ‘Screen Off’ actions?
Ans) IntelliCover allows you to set events to be triggered when the screen turn on or off. For example, by setting wi-fi to turn on when your screen turns on and setting it to turn off when the screen turns off, you could save a huge amount of battery power.
Q) Can I request a feature?
Ans) Of course! Head over to the Contact section to drop me an e-mail.
Q) Why does IntelliCover keep running in the background?
Ans) It has to run in the background to know when the proximity sensor is triggered.
Q) Can I donate to the developer?
Ans) Not yet but hopefully I’ll have something set up soon.
*** Permissions Required ***
INTERNET - Required for error logging (to send crash reports)
WAKE_LOCK - Required to unlock screen
WRITE_SETTINGS - Required to toggle ringer mode
VIBRATE - Required to vibrate phone
RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED - Required to detect phone boot
WRITE_SYNC_SETTINGS - Required to toggle autosync
READ_SYNC_SETTINGS - Required to toggle autosync
BLUETOOTH - Required to toggle bluetooth
BLUETOOTH_ADMIN - Required to toggle bluetooth
ACCESS_WIFI_STATE - Required to toggle WiFi
UPDATE_DEVICE_STATS - Required to toggle WiFi
CHANGE_WIFI_STATE - Required to toggle WiFi
*** Contact ***
Feel free to contact me at [email protected] with any issues, bug reports, feature requests, suggestions or queries. Please read the FAQ above before sending an e-mail to avoid redundancy.
Click here to visit the market page and download the app for free
Hello! I love the app! I just installed it, and it works great so far keep up your good work!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
Seems good, some questions though.
1. Is it supposed to be able to turn the screen on? Take phone out of pocket, proximity sensor detects values that indicate there's nothing near (Sorry, dunno how / what values are calculated / used) and viola, screen on?
2. Dunno if I've set it up incorrectly. But, currently, if I turn on my screen, via the power button (Sony Xperia S), the stock lockscreen will show, and either one of two things will happen. Either I unlock it successfully, and the split second I'm completing the unlock, the phone will screen off, and engage the lockscreen - after unlocking this, can I get into my phone. OR it'll do what I've previously mentioned, without input.
timmy-kidd said:
Hello! I love the app! I just installed it, and it works great so far keep up your good work!
Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Glad you liked it! =)
Profool said:
Seems good, some questions though.
1. Is it supposed to be able to turn the screen on? Take phone out of pocket, proximity sensor detects values that indicate there's nothing near (Sorry, dunno how / what values are calculated / used) and viola, screen on?
2. Dunno if I've set it up incorrectly. But, currently, if I turn on my screen, via the power button (Sony Xperia S), the stock lockscreen will show, and either one of two things will happen. Either I unlock it successfully, and the split second I'm completing the unlock, the phone will screen off, and engage the lockscreen - after unlocking this, can I get into my phone. OR it'll do what I've previously mentioned, without input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, it turns the screen on as well. The values are pretty much just FAR and NEAR for most proximity sensors, so once it detects that there's no object close to it, it should turn the screen on. If it's not turning on at all, that might be the root of the problem i.e. it might be causing the unlock issue as well...Hmmm...I checked out your phone specs and since you said "stock lockscreen", I think it's safe to assume you're on the stock ROM but are you still on Gingerbread? If so, that partially explains the issue. Some Gingerbread ROMs have compatibility issues with the app that are very similar to what you've described, I have no idea why but I'm still looking into it. I had to fix ALOT of Gingerbread issues to get it working this far lol. If you're not on GB though, I guess I need to hunt for an Xperia and begin testing/debuggin. :fingers-crossed:
HUGE update released! V2.0 Hope you all like it. =)
Thanks a lot for sharing your app, it looks grate but unfortunately it is not working with my Galaxy note 10.1
Sent from my GT-N8000 using XDA Premium HD app
I like it! Works fine in my SII stock rom. It will be perfect if i could enable a sound notification when turns off the screen. Not really necessary but cool 4 me (car unlock beep-beep)
Thanks mate!
Frank
thanks for the update
working good.
I'm working on adding a widget and changing the design, but if anyone has any better suggestions, I'd love to hear them because design is not as important as functionality.
Love it. great app, and working fine on both my LG Optimus 3D and Samsung Galaxy Note II.
could we have a choice on the notification icon, would be nice to have a small black dot or something. i just like a empty notification bar but understand the need for it to actually be in the notification bar
thanks
other than that this is my fav ap on my phone
won't this drain battery
mikeschevelle said:
could we have a choice on the notification icon, would be nice to have a small black dot or something. i just like a empty notification bar but understand the need for it to actually be in the notification bar
thanks
other than that this is my fav ap on my phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it's unfortunate that foregrounding requires the notification icon. You could try using the app without foregrounding, it works for some people. Adding more notification icons should be easy, won't take much time. =) Which ones do you think I should add? A small black dot would disappear on most black status bars (but it'll look like there's an empty space in the status bar so it'll look a little weird)...
skyrocketeer said:
won't this drain battery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The proximity sensor uses very little battery and the app itself is pretty light (4-5MB RAM). So far I've only gotten one deep sleep complaint out of 3500+ downloads but no battery issues.
im fine with the black dot, it will keep my bar looking empty
mikeschevelle said:
im fine with the black dot, it will keep my bar looking empty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally! Found a way to completely remove the icon and the notification from the status bar when the app is foregrounded. It'll be in the next update (today or tomorrow). It can still be enabled manually from the Notifications section but yea, enjoy the emptiness of your status bar. xP
Pretty Huge Update. Hope you like it!
Version 3.0
-Added Screen On Fix for some phones (Enable in settings)
-Status Bar Notification/Icon will no longer automatically show up when app is foregrounded.
-Added Pocket Mode
-Added Table Mode
-Added Widget
-Fixed Screen On/Off Actions bug
One thing I notice (which is NO WHERE CLOSE to a big deal)
The launcher I use (Nova) I hide the status bar and use a gesture to bring it down. When ever Intellicover turns the screen on, the status quickly shows itself and then goes back hidden, not more than a half second of this, but I cannot select anything on the screen until after that status bar thing happens
I like the concept of the app, and it works fine with my sensors. I have one complaint though, I don't like how when the phone screen turns on, it opens to the Intellicover App. Sure I can set it to go to the home screen, but I don't always want that. Once Intellicover is running, I don't want to ever see it again unless I manually launch it from the app drawer. If I have Chrome open and I have to suddenly put my phone down or in my pocket, I'd like to pull my phone back out and have Chrome still be on the screen, just like happens now using the sleep button.
Turns my dumb flip cover on my note 2 into a smart cover. Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
garfnodie said:
I like the concept of the app, and it works fine with my sensors. I have one complaint though, I don't like how when the phone screen turns on, it opens to the Intellicover App. Sure I can set it to go to the home screen, but I don't always want that. Once Intellicover is running, I don't want to ever see it again unless I manually launch it from the app drawer. If I have Chrome open and I have to suddenly put my phone down or in my pocket, I'd like to pull my phone back out and have Chrome still be on the screen, just like happens now using the sleep button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that shouldn't be happening. Once set you never have to see it again. I'm not quite sure what could be triggering this but if you could provide a little information about the OS/phone model/etc. I could try to get a hold on the device and try to replicate the error...
Hi,
I would like to use Tasker to control screen on/off times based on following conditions:
1) Keep screen on when reading/using mobile:
a)IF SCREEN IS ON: If handset is in vertical position (reading position), either in portrait or landscape depending on orientation set in android then screen should stay on. This would presume mobile is being used.
b) When handset is laid down on table then screen should turn off after 7 secs automatically or when screen is manually turned off.
note: It would be nice to have a window period of 10 secs after screen off wherein if the handset is picked up within that period, (after the initial 7 secs and before another 10 secs) then screen automatically turns on.
2) NOTIFICATIONS
If notifications are received, have a window period of 15-30 secs where if position of android is changed from desk horizontal to vertical then screen automatically comes on without the need to press power button.This presumes we picked up mobile to view the notification event.
Again first rule applies and screen stays on when reading and turns off auto or manually as per first rule
I have tried but not able to configure rules.
One conflict in mind:-
What if mobile is kept in trouser pocket and notifications are received? Here the gyro won't change as it will go from vertical to vertical position....how to deal with that? Also rule 2 should not auto trigger upon receiving notifications, sensing orientation is vertical when in trouser pocket.
Any help?
Thanks in advance
About the conflict, I think I saw that you can implement a profile that check if your face is in front of the tablet or not (like on S3).
As a personal comment, I would go all way to this aproach: check if you are in front of the camera and decide when to turn screen on.
okty2k said:
About the conflict, I think I saw that you can implement a profile that check if your face is in front of the tablet or not (like on S3).
As a personal comment, I would go all way to this aproach: check if you are in front of the camera and decide when to turn screen on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
The problem with using the front camera is that it will cause battery drain. The camera would constantly have to keep checking for movement and this would definitely drain battery. I am more inclined to use the gyro for this.
I agree with you, but you can at least double the gyro with camera check. even if it will consume some battery, it will avoid other problems.
Or maybe you can also use the proximity sensor?
Another way I can think is to try and detect the shakes (combination of proximity and gyro). Considering the power of Tasker, I think it can be done.
If you manage to succeed, please let me know. I am also interested in something like this, I just never have the time to build such complex scenarios.
okty2k said:
I agree with you, but you can at least double the gyro with camera check. even if it will consume some battery, it will avoid other problems.
Or maybe you can also use the proximity sensor?
Another way I can think is to try and detect the shakes (combination of proximity and gyro). Considering the power of Tasker, I think it can be done.
If you manage to succeed, please let me know. I am also interested in something like this, I just never have the time to build such complex scenarios.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not get it to work thats why asking for help.
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I was tired of pressing the power button whenever I need my phone for a second. Thus I created the Gravity Screen Off app which can turn automatically the screen ON when I grab my phone and turn it OFF when I put it into my pocket or onto a table. Basically, no need to touch any button and you are ready to go.
HOW IT WORKS:
The app turns the screen off by monitoring the orientation of the device through the gravity sensor. When your phone is pointing downward by its top, below a certain angle, it's likely to be out of use. In this situation the proximity sensor is activated to determine if it is covered. If yes, the screen turns off because probably you placed the phone into your pocket or onto a table.
The screen turns on when you lift up your phone. The phone wakes up if the proximity sensor is uncovered or if it was not covered the app is looking for movements to detect the action.
The Keep Screen On feature based on screen orientation and motion detection as well. If the device is pointing upward and small movements are detected it's probably held in hand and the screen timeout is extended.
MAIN FEATURES:
- Pocket Sensor: Recognizes if your phone is in your pocket. By turning your phone below the angle you set, it'll prepare to turn the screen off.
- Table Sensor: Detects your phone is lying on a table and turns the screen off.
- Turn Screen On by Motion: If the screen is off and it's facing up the device can be woken up by any movements (ex. lift up by hand) according to the sensitivity set.
- Keep Screen On by Motion: It's a Screebl like feature but it's relying on the small movements you are doing by your hand while holding the phone. If small motions are detected while the screen is facing up the feature keeps the screen on because it can be suspected that the phone is held and probably you are reading something. If the phone is steady the timeout will work as normal in any position you leave your device unlike in another apps.
- Turn Screen On by Proximity: Turns the screen On when you take your phone out from your pocket and Off when you put it back. By swiping your finger over the proximity sensor the phone can be woken up as well.
- Turn Screen Off by Proximity: If the device is pointing downward it takes the proximity sensor into account. By turning this off the program will rely only on the gravity sensor.
- Tasker, Llama, Locale supported by plug-in.
- 3 widgets/shortcuts: (available in Unlocked version)
(i) pause/resume
(ii) turn screen off: It's like pressing the power button
(iii) turn screen off persistently: turn screen off and keep it off until power button is pressed. It's good when you have to keep the phone in your hand or while driving and do not want the screen turned on by the app. After pressing the power button it will work as before.
- Power Toggles plug-ins
BATTERY USAGE:
You can set the app to minimize the energy consumed by the screen and by this you can extend your battery life. Or you can extend your own life by using another features of the app In the first case the battery usage should be not significant. I experienced about 7 per cent extra consumption on the test device. However it can be higher if you are activating often the Turn Screen On by Motion feature by leaving your device face up on table and you set a relatively long timeout for the feature. Read FAQ [4] for more details.
IMPORTANT
On some devices if it's lying face down the alarm clock is switched off by the app after it had gone off! Please check if it's the case for you. If, yes, use a third party app, for example: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vp.alarmClockPlusDock
DOWNLOAD
Gravity Screen
NOTE
Probably not all feature will work for everyone. It was tested so far mainly on Samsung devices with stock rom. If you think it does not work for you, please read the FAQs below or report your issue in this thread.
REPORT YOUR ISSUE
If you have an issue, do NOT post it until you read the FAQ below and try to solve it alone by trying different settings for some hours. If still no solution, please write all your settings in your question otherwise your question will be ignored. If you feel you have a battery drain, do not post it in this thread. We are not speaking about it anymore
VERSIONS: FREE vs. UNLOCKED by IN-APP PURCHASE
In the Unlocked version, there is no 15 minutes limit for turning the screen on by motion and the Table sensor can be set more precisely, plus it has an Exclude App list, a more advanced Delayed lock option and Widgets.
CREDIT
Thanks to @remidesroques and everyone who helped and keep helping the development by testing the beta versions, sending feed backs or any another way supporting this app.
Translations:
Spanish: Johandri Silva and Eduardo Iñiguez
Russian: Gljadkov Oleg
French: @gregland
Italian: @DesmoDavid
Czech: Jaroslav Vrána
Portuguese (Brazilian): Irwing Junqueira Braga
Change log:
- - v2.4.1 - -
Added: Android M support
Fix: Power button support issue when screen turned off during lock screen
Fix: small issues
- - v1.80.1 - -
Added:
- 3 widgets: (available in Unlocked version)
(i) pause/resume
(ii) turn screen off: It's like pressing the power button
(iii) turn screen off persistently: turn screen off and keep it off until power button is pressed. It's good when you have to keep the phone in your hand or while driving and do not want the screen turned on by the app. After pressing the power button it will work as before.
- Power Toggles plug-ins
- Translation: Traditional Chinese, Turkish
- - - v1.78.2 - -
Fix:
- works on LG P880
Added:
- Languages: Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Hungarian. Thank you for the translations.
- Car dock detection
APKs:
Gravity Screen - FAQ
Hi,
thanks for your feedback.
[1] Q: The screen not always turns off when I put my phone into my pocket, why?
A: The proximity sensor not always accurate. It can fail recognizing some materials specially if they are very close to it. If it happen occasionally, probably it's still worth to use the sensor. But even you can eliminate the accidental turning on by selecting the False Turn On Protection in Pocket option.
[2] Q: The Table Sensor not really works for me when I place my phone onto a table face down, why?
A: This issue is quite common. The first problem is that the free version is limited to 15 degree. If you are turning your phone fast downward the proximity sensor is activated only when it's very close to the table. Many proximity sensors cannot judge distance accurate if the object is too close to it. This is the reason the screen remains on often. And even more the reliability of the sensor depends partly on the material as well. Thus if you are using the free version it's recommended to place your phone onto a table not too fast and try to keep it parallel to it. The paid version allows you to increase the angle and by this the problem is significantly reduced. Moreover, the problem can be reduced by selecting the False Turn On Protection in Pocket option.
[3] Q: Why does the Lying Face Up feature turn the screen off regardless I'm tapping the screen?
A: Due to Android security restrictions a running service cannot detect if the screen was tapped. If you want to continue using the device you have to swipe over the proximity sensor to keep it on or turn it back on.
[4] Q: I'm experiencing high battery usage, why?
A: The app should use about 6 percent extra energy per day if you are not using too much the Turn Screen On by Motion feature. If you frequently lay your phone face up on a table and the Turn Screen On by Motion Timeout is too long, the battery consumption can be much higher. Because the CPU has to be constantly analyzing the data of to acceleration sensor to catch the movement when you lift up the device. Thus if you want to reduce the battery usage it's recommended to keep your phone often lying face down when it's on a table. Because in this situation the proximity sensor is responsible for turning the screen back on which uses much less energy. Moreover, please, keep in mind that the android en-built battery consumption measurement can show much higher results, because it shows the battery usage relatively to another apps. If the phone was not in use or the measurement period was short, it looks like my app uses too much energy however there was not too much energy used all together.
[5] Q: The Keep Screen On by Motion feature does not work for me, why?
A: It can be the result of battery saving processes on your device. Ask for support from the app in this case.
[6] Q: Turn Screen On by Motion feature does not work for me, why?
A: It can be the timeout of the feature is expired, in this case you have to increase it within the app. Or it can be caused by battery saving methods by killing the service of the app. In this case you have to turn off battery saving methods of your device. Please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
[7] Q: The screen turns off in landscape mode, why?
A: This issue has many different solutions. You can make the Pocket Sensor Angle smaller or if you have the Any Direction feature ticket, you can pause the GS app temporally. There are ways to pause it: 1. tick the Landscape mode feature; 2. using the Locale plug-in by Tasker or Llama; 3. using the Menu - Exclude apps option.
[8] Q: It gives me a huuuge wakelok, why?
A: The wakelock is necessary for the "Turn Screen On by Motion" feature but if you turn the screen off through the proximity sensor (i.e. put it into your pocket or place face down onto a table) there won't be wakelock held. So if you want to reduce the wakelock try to keep your phone face down. Moreover, you can limit it by the Timeout scrollbar as well but this means you will loose the feature after the timeout you set.
[9] Q: I'm prompted to type my pass code immediately after screen turns on.
A: You have to enable the Fingerprint, Smart Lock Support option in the app.
[10] Q: It makes a buzzing sound when listening to music and stuff. Can you turn it off?
A: Due to a hardware problem the proximity sensor is causing the buzzing noise on Nexus 4 when it's active.
At the moment I can recommend some changes in the settings. If you turn on the Headset support and connect your headphone, you are able to turn off the "Turn Screen Off by Proximity" and "Turn Screen On by Proximity" features independently from the state when headphone is not connected. The app will remember this and always turn off the proximity sensor when headphone is connected.
[12] Q: Will you add an option to scheduled the app to stop it for night hours?
A: Not really. Please, use the Locale plug-in in Tasker or Llama;
[13] Q: Why my alarm clock does not work?
A: Unfortunately many alarm clocks cancel the alarm when the screen turns off. It can happen if you leave your phone face down at night and my app turns the screen back off when the alarm goes off. The app is trying to detect the alarm event and pause itself, but it's not possible with all alarm clock apps. Thus it's strongly recommended to test your alarm clock with this app.
You can solve this problem by using a well written alarm clock, for example: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amdroidalarmclock.amdroid, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vp.alarmClockPlusDock,
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ch.bitspin.timely, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amdroidalarmclock.amdroid, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alarmclock.xtreme.free.
[14] Q: The screen turns on during driving. How to avoid it?
A: The simplest method is to pause the app before driving. There are different widgets in the app for this. Or if you are driving often you can use the Power button support feature A more advanced method can be to pause the app when the phone is connected to the car by bluetooth and resumed when disconnected. You can do this by Llama via the Locale plug-in.
[15] Q: The notification not responding/disappearing when I try to pause/resume the app from the notification area, why?
A: Please try to un-tick the NOTIFICATION -> LOW PRIORITY option in the app. It should solve the problem.
[16] Q: What are the shortcuts/ widgets for:
A:
(i) pause/resume
(ii) off: It's like pressing the power button
(iii) persistent off: turn screen off and keep it off until power button is pressed again. It's good when the phone is moving but you do not want it to turn on.
(iv) lock: turns off the screen and locks it. Useful if delayed lock is in use but you want to lock the device manually.
[17] Q: Where is the Pro version? I cannot find it on Play Store.
A: The Pro version is discontinued unfortunately, due to security reasons.
To change to the Unlocked version, please, do the following:
- send me the purchase number of the Pro and I'll send you a promotional code which you can use to unlock the free version
[18] Q: In-App Purchase fails. Why?
A: It's a Play Store app issue probably which happening on some devices.
Please make sure you are connected and restart the device. Other method can be to uninstall the Play Store updates and try with an older version of the Play Store app. It often helps.
[19] Q: I bought the app by IAP but it's still locked. Why?
A: It's a Play Store app issue probably which happening on some devices when not connected to the internet.
Please make sure you are connected and restart the device. Moreover, do you have more than one Google account registered on your device? That can cause the issue too, that you bought the app under a different account. Other method can be to uninstall the Play Store updates and try with an older version of the Play Store app. It often helps.
[20] Q: After some time the phone does not wake up. Why?
A: I'd check any kind of battery saving methods your device may use currently. Probably that disables the sensor after some time.
Moreover, make sure that the Turn screen on by motion timeout is set properly. Please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
[20] Q: I cannot uninstall it. Why?
A: You have to press the uninstall button in the app, not in Play Store or in Android settings. If still no luck reboot your device and try again .
[21] Q: The POWER BUTTON SUPPORT option does not work for me. Why?
A: You have to change the screen timeout from AUTO to another value in Android settings and do a reboot.
[22] Q: The fingerprint sensor does not work, instead I have to type my pin every time. Why?
A: This is an Android thing, for developers the Smart lock features are not supported. That's why we have to use workarounds.
Using the FINGERPRINT UNLOCK, SMART LOCK SUPPORT option should solve the issue but you may have to wait about 5-10 seconds for the complete turning off with the Timeout method.
The Accessibility method is recommended to choose above Android 8.
Root your device to make this workaround perfect. In this case the turning off will be instantaneous.
[23] Q: Why does the screen only turns black but not turning completely off?
A: It's because you have selected the Timeout method of the SMART LOCK SUPPORT option and your device is not rooted. This is an Android thing, for developers the Smart lock features are not supported. That's why we have to use workarounds. Using the SMART LOCK SUPPORT option you have to wait about 5-10 seconds for the complete turning off.
Root your device to make this workaround perfect. In this case the turning off will be instantaneous.
[24] Q: The app is paused when I got a notification from an app which is on the Exclude Apps list. Why?
A: To avoid this issue, you have to grant the app an extra permission in Settings - Notifications - Notification Access
[25] Q: Why the screen timeout is changed by the app?
A: The Keep Screen On by Motion feature extends the timeout always an extra amount of time to keep the screen on when motion is detected. The timeout resets when the screen is turned off.
This method is used only for Xiaomi and Samsung devices above Android Pie.
[26] Q: The app stops working on MIUI (xiaomi redmi) after some minutes. Why?
A: To solve the issue please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
[27] Q: The Turn Screen On features does not work on Samsung S8 or S8+. Why?
A: Luckily there is a very easy and quick fix! You just have to go to the edge light settings on your phone and there you can select which apps are affected by the edge light. So if you turn it off Gravity Screen in this list the notification of the app will get handled by android again, not Samsung's system. So this means that it will turn on the screen again!
Here is a video made to show the bug and how to fix it: https://youtu.be/WSSKvMrx7X0 (Thanks for finding the solution: Kitt3120)
[28] Q: The app stops working on Nokia Oreo. Why?
A: Because of a bug in the power saving method of Nokia devices, background processes are closed even if they are protected.
To overcome this issue you have to do the followings:
In Settings/Apps => Show system apps - deactivate these two packages:
- com.evenwell.powersaving.g3
- com.evenwell.powersaving.g3.overlay.base.s600ww
Please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
[29] Q: The app stops working on Huawei EMUI 8. Why?
A: Because of a bug in the power saving method of Huawei devices, background processes are closed even if they are protected.
To make the app work on EMUI 8 you have to do the following:
Settings --> Battery --> Launch. Find GS there, click on it, open every option (which also includes "Run in background") and let it say "Manage manually".
Please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
[30] Q: The app stops working on Android 9. Why?
A: Because of a bug in the power saving method, background processes are closed even if they are chosen to be not optimized.
To solve this issue you have to grant Gravity Screen access to notifications in: Menu - Permission Control
Please visit: https://dontkillmyapp.com/
TROUBLESHOOT
- make sure the app is installed on internal memory card; external sd cards can cause many kind of problems
- if it looks like the app stopped working correctly do an uninstall, re-install and a reboot
Interesting! Downloading and testing...
Great app, testing it now. For the proximity function, shouldn't the drain be higher because when the phone is in the pocket the proximity sensor is always on?
mliou said:
Great app, testing it now. For the proximity function, shouldn't the drain be higher because when the phone is in the pocket the proximity sensor is always on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's right. When it's turned off by proximity, there is no significant drain.
Great app :good: this is exactly what i was looking for :victory:
what benefits offers me the pro version??
Acousticbeatz said:
Great app :good: this is exactly what i was looking for :victory:
what benefits offers me the pro version??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can live with the free version quite well. But by buying the paid version your life will be easier little bit:
- you can drop your phone face down onto your undone bed and your screen will turn off
- when you wake up and hardly find your phone the screen will turn on automatically at the moment you grab it and no need to find any button
Probably there are more advantages, but I could recall only these at the moment
Some feedback
1- Pocket sensor
*** gravity - can turn off but can't turn on.
*** proximity - can't even turn off
2- Table Sensor
*** gravity - can turn off but can't turn on
*** proximity - working (both face down/up and off/on)
3- Turn Screen On by Motion
*** not working for both gravity and proximity (unless swiping finger over the proximity sensor)
4- Keep Screen On by Motion
*** not working at all (even after change the sensitivity)
Request
Keep Screen On by Angle - Sometimes, i didn't hold my phone. Just put on the table in standing position. So, 0-10 degree will off the screen while higher than that will keep the screen on. No need to keep shaking
I'm on Motorola Defy CM7.2 btw. Keep your good work :good:
plexnor said:
You can live with the free version quite well. But by buying the paid version your life will be easier little bit:
- you can drop your phone face down onto your undone bed and your screen will turn off
- when you wake up and hardly find your phone the screen will turn on automatically at the moment you grab it and no need to find any button
Probably there are more advantages, but I could recall only these at the moment
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds good... and already purchased
plexnor said:
Yes, that's right. When it's turned off by proximity, there is no significant drain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean check the box for "Turn Screen OFF by Proximity" or uncheck the box?
its a really nice app, thank you.
one question:
if i put my galaxy nexus in the pocket, it turns off and then it turns on immediatly.
sometimes it won´t even turn off. if i rotate it in my hand and cover the brightness
sensor it will definitely turn off.
if the galaxy nexus rotates in my pocket (sometimes it is on the side) then it turns
on.
is this a bug or do i have to wrong settings.
thank you
antukubo said:
Some feedback
1- Pocket sensor
*** gravity - can turn off but can't turn on.
*** proximity - can't even turn off
2- Table Sensor
*** gravity - can turn off but can't turn on
*** proximity - working (both face down/up and off/on)
3- Turn Screen On by Motion
*** not working for both gravity and proximity (unless swiping finger over the proximity sensor)
4- Keep Screen On by Motion
*** not working at all (even after change the sensitivity)
Request
Keep Screen On by Angle - Sometimes, i didn't hold my phone. Just put on the table in standing position. So, 0-10 degree will off the screen while higher than that will keep the screen on. No need to keep shaking
I'm on Motorola Defy CM7.2 btw. Keep your good work :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For keeping screen on, try the booster option. That's the only option.
Request: Turn off some settings when it's charging as my phone is flat on a surface and it is quiet annoying when I turn phone on it has a very short display timeout (due to tablet sensor)
antukubo said:
4- Keep Screen On by Motion
*** not working at all (even after change the sensitivity)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mliou said:
For keeping screen on, try the booster option. That's the only option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. That trick works! I wonder why i didn't try that before
antukubo said:
3- Turn Screen On by Motion
*** not working for both gravity and proximity (unless swiping finger over the proximity sensor)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After playing a bit more, found that it is partially working on proximity. When facing down, it works. But while facing up, it is not working. Unless i face it down again, then the screen will turn on by motion.
Now, monitoring the battery usage. Hopefully it will not drink too many juice...
Can upload apk please? Stupid play store won't allow me to install, says incompatible.
Acousticbeatz said:
sounds good... and already purchased
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's great, thanks
mliou said:
Do you mean check the box for "Turn Screen OFF by Proximity" or uncheck the box?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I mean keep the "Turn Screen OFF by Proximity" check box checked and after switch off the phone by the proximity sensor. You can do this by placing your phone face down or put it into your pocket when you want to turn the screen off. In this situations the proximity sensor will be activated and the screen will be turned off by it.
an0nym0us_ said:
Can upload apk please? Stupid play store won't allow me to install, says incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, interesting why it doesn't allow you to install it ... I attached the file.
myhrdak said:
its a really nice app, thank you.
one question:
if i put my galaxy nexus in the pocket, it turns off and then it turns on immediatly.
sometimes it won´t even turn off. if i rotate it in my hand and cover the brightness
sensor it will definitely turn off.
if the galaxy nexus rotates in my pocket (sometimes it is on the side) then it turns
on.
is this a bug or do i have to wrong settings.
thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is an issue with the proximity sensor. Unfortunately it looks like the sensor on your phone cannot recognize well the material of your trouser. If it happens quite often; the solution is to uncheck the "Turn screen ON by proximity" feature. In this situation when you place your phone into your pocket the screen will turn off and the proximity sensor will be inactive after. You can wake up your device by motion only after this. Downside: it costs more energy.
If the phone is often on its side in your pocket try to increase the pocket sensor angle. If it's still turning on, the only way is too keep your phone not to turn on its side or switch off the "turn screen on by motion" feature and in that case the phone will only turn off automatically which is still not too bad.
This app is so good!! I will report my experience
I have just developed an app which presently does not use XDA Framework but would in the future. Perhaps, once done, I would be able to publish the app where the XDA developers do.
Because I am a new member and not allowed to publish links, I can explain where the app is. One can search the web for Steven Stanley Bayes com and find the web site with the same name, just with dashes. The app is on the front page where there is a link ProximitySensor app right on the index page. Some automatically inserted advertisements best be closed.
This app allows the user to select whether the proximity sensor controls the screen and whether the screen is always on.
When proximity sensor control is chosen, the screen of the phone powers down when there is an object close to the proximity sensor. Thus, the screen will automatically power down when one puts the phone in the pocket. This works regardless whether the user has chosen to keep the screen powered always or whether the screen is normally controlled by the OS.
When the screen has been chosen to be always on, the user can use the phone as a flash light which can easily be turned on by, say, placing the phone close to the chest. This way, the user can shine light for a while to see around, then, quickly stop the light and then, whenever needed, to quickly turn the light on again with just a movement of one hand. This way, the user would save battery energy as compared to constantly flashing light which may not be needed. The power button still works but the proximity sensor, when used as a switch, is easier to use than the power button.
Nice app here is the link to it everyone. www.Steven-Stanley-Bayes.com/ProximitySensor.apk :good:
Completely bewildering.
I think this app might, somewhere in its many convoluted settings, do what I am looking for. But after trying to read the tome of instructions, I am completely lost, as they were impossibly complex and convoluted to follow.
What I am looking for is a way to keep my smartphone screen OFF when calls are received while I am using a connected Bluetooth headset. I need the screen not to come on, and most especially to STAY OFF when the call is ended. Carrying my phone in my pocket, and having the screen come on when I get a call, exposes the touch interface of the screen to misinterpreted false inputs, especially in hot weather when perspiration is an added factor. What usually happens is some misinterpreted screen contact will disconnect my Bluetooth headset immediately after taking the call. I then have to dig my phone out and try to reconnect the headset while the other party is wondering why they can't hear me say anything. Very frustrating.
If your app can indeed do this, could you please reply with very specific instructions on which of its huge set of menu choices would be the correct one, and how to set it up? As it stands I won't try, because I have no clue which of them might be the one I want, with the multiple variety of similar-sounding functions.