[Q] Help! Strange touch screen ring that I can't describe! - General Questions and Answers

I have this weird small ring that makes my touch screen act very strange. What happens is when I try and do something on the screen, this weird ring will move around the screen instead. It does track my directions properly (when I move my finger to the right, it also moves to the right) but the actual location of the ring isn't under my finger. I need to know how to deactivate it. It is very hard to explain, so I attached a picture of it instead. This isn't the small dot that you can activate in Developer Options that follows your touch. I know that much.
I'm sorry if this was posted in the wrong forum, but bashing me and calling me a noob, or what have you, won't help me or you!

Doesn't seem to be an issue with the screen hardware. Please provide more details like which device and what model, which ROM and what all you did, when it started, etc.

check developer options

The device is an ancient Xperia X10 with PAC-man ROM JB installed.
This problem started when I installed CrossBreeder.
I flashed it through CWM, no problems. Booted and everything, but when I wanted to unlock the device, then this ring appeared.
I checked the build.prop to see if anything looks astray, but nothing looked out the ordinary (I can still navigate with great difficulty )
I already said that Show Touches isn't checked in Developer Options (and it doesn't have this type of effect anyway)
The ring works very similar to using a trackpad on a laptop (basically exactly like using a trackpad, just replace the mouse pointer with the ring!) My input area for actual screen selections is restricted to the ring. Where the ring is, is where I can make a selection.
I luckily had a newish nandroid backup, so I restored it. I just want to know what I can do so that this doesn't happen again, when I flash CrossBreeder for a second time (that is if I want to flash it )

I suggest you ask about this issue in the CrossBreeder thread here on XDA. See if some other members have had similar experiences.

No idea why I didn't think about that. Thanks a dozen
Remember, we all were a noob once. Maybe twice, but definitely once
Edit: I posted it here because I thought I would gain a larger audience (therefore problem would be solved faster)

Related

Problems in my pocket!

Apologies if this question has been asked and answered before, but if so, could someone please redirect me. This is my first time on this forum. I've had my HTC Touch Pro (Raphael) for a couple of months now, and cannot get round the problem that whenever I receive a call, I somehow manage to cut it off before I can get the phone out of my pocket. I have tried several different cases (the current one opens like a book, so doesn't press any of the buttons), but something happens in the process of removing the phone from my pocket, however gently and swiftly I try to do it, which means that all I get is a "missed call" message, even after only one ring. If the phone is on a flat surface, it will ring for a long time, so it's not that setting. This is SO frustrating, especially when you try to see who called you, and it just comes up with "unknown caller".... it's also costing me a lot of money having to phone people back when I do know who they are. Please help somebody. I really like my little phone, but it may well end up being thrown out of a window at this rate! Thank you!
Check out this utility here on XDA. Works great. Unlock the phone by rolling it over. It uses the gravity sensor.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=422871
Many thanks for that. We've installed this thread, although I'm not really clear about what it does. It seems I can now lock and unlock the phone by turning it clockwise and counterclockwise respectively along its axis (in addition to the long press, which is what I usually use to lock the phone).
I tried answering one call whilst it was locked, but couldn't free it up to press the "answer" key until I had turned it several times. Fortunately, the caller was quite patient! Is this just a technique I have to get used to, and will it mean that I get a chance to answer calls before the connection is severed? Sorry to sound so thick, but this is all very new to me.
Sarahah said:
Many thanks for that. We've installed this thread, although I'm not really clear about what it does. It seems I can now lock and unlock the phone by turning it clockwise and counterclockwise respectively along its axis (in addition to the long press, which is what I usually use to lock the phone).
I tried answering one call whilst it was locked, but couldn't free it up to press the "answer" key until I had turned it several times. Fortunately, the caller was quite patient! Is this just a technique I have to get used to, and will it mean that I get a chance to answer calls before the connection is severed? Sorry to sound so thick, but this is all very new to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the settings menu and edit your SensorLock preferences to lock the screen only on an incoming call thus leaving the buttons unlocked.
Maybe the "face down mute" is happening to your calls? Try disabling it.
Um..... how?
answer keys disabler
You the thread below, it disables the onscreen answer buttons while ringing. Helps me getting the phone outta my pocket when ringing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=425650
Ooooh. Thank you. Sounds like just what I need ... watch this space!
if u want to thrown your htc trough windows, how about if u thrown it to my window bro.
HHumbert said:
Check out this utility here on XDA. Works great. Unlock the phone by rolling it over. It uses the gravity sensor.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=422871
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gravity sensor... I ever seen this technology on nokia phone. but until now I'm still amazed by this technology. how this sensor works..
sorry 4 my english cause I'm from asia
Ah Dedy - if I win the lottery I shall come and throw a brand new Touch Pro through your window, I promise! I'm afraid that I'm having far too much fun with this one (despite the problems in my pocket) to part with it just yet though. Hope you have a great Christmas, and maybe Santa will bring you one, you never know!

Navigation light indicator

Folks, forgive me if this subject has already been addressed. I did run a search and found nothing relevant using "navigation" as my search criteria so here goes...
I used to own a t mobile mda compact and as I recall the nav button (circle) used to flash on a circular motion to give an indication of some sort of alert be it a missed call or a text message for example. Has this feature been overlooked on the Vario IV, touchpro or is there something I need to do in order to enable this useful feature?
If I am honest my patience is beginning to wear thin with this device and its growing list of flaws/missing features which have been left to talented guys on these forums to sort out. Surely T mobile has had plenty enough time iron out these things before this phones release.. (we waited long enough for the thing after all)
My TP does this with the stock rom, no tweak or setting were needed.
Same here.
kingtendo said:
Folks, forgive me if this subject has already been addressed. I did run a search and found nothing relevant using "navigation" as my search criteria so here goes...
I used to own a t mobile mda compact and as I recall the nav button (circle) used to flash on a circular motion to give an indication of some sort of alert be it a missed call or a text message for example. Has this feature been overlooked on the Vario IV, touchpro or is there something I need to do in order to enable this useful feature?
If I am honest my patience is beginning to wear thin with this device and its growing list of flaws/missing features which have been left to talented guys on these forums to sort out. Surely T mobile has had plenty enough time iron out these things before this phones release.. (we waited long enough for the thing after all)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently you can turn the LED on or off doe missed calls and messages and things like that according to the posts below mine.
There is no way to turn the feature when charging. So if your navigation light does not work when the phone is charging. Then i would say try a hard reset (make sure you backup) and if that does not work then you might have to send your device for warranty or exchange it whatever your options are.
On my Vario IV the settings for flashing the light (around the touch circle thingummy - I really need to read up on what it's called) were disabled by default.
So, under settings/personal/sounds & notifications, check that in the notifications tab that "flash light" is checked for e-mail, text, whatever. Actually, just checked mine after a hard reset and had to re-enable
ptyindian said:
There is no way to turn the feature on or off on the Touch Pros OR Fuze. So if your navigation light does not work when the phone is charging or if you have a text or missed call. Then i would say try a hard reset (make sure you backup) and if that does not work then you might have to send your device for warranty or exchange it whatever your options are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually there is a way to turn on/off the feature for different events (except charging).
Try Start > Settings > Personal > Sounds & Notifications > Notifications
When you choose something like New Text Message, you see an option to "Flash light". Check the box and choose how long you want the nav light to flash.
EDIT: Never mind...forgot to post it and it's a little late.
Thanks guys for your suggestions.. I'll try some of this stuff out and get back to you as to whether any of it worked for me.
Disabled Option
I saw this thread and thought that I'd like this too. I have a stock Sprint TP Rom. I checked out my notification settings and the Flash Light option is there for everything but Incoming Call. However, it's greyed out and won't let me check it. Is there a reason this would be disabled?
Kevin
Hello!
chewie8han said:
I saw this thread and thought that I'd like this too. I have a stock Sprint TP Rom. I checked out my notification settings and the Flash Light option is there for everything but Incoming Call. However, it's greyed out and won't let me check it. Is there a reason this would be disabled?
Kevin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It probably becouse on incoming call the whole divice is waked up and the send key is blinking.
There is also settings>sounds and notifications>notifications "phone:missed calls". There you can set an action: popup, blinking and vibration.
hope this helps (names of the options translated from polish TP stock ROM so mey not be acurate )
BHole
Thanks folks..!!
Seems like I totally missed those options for the flashlight alerts. They all work for me now. I have combined them with various ringtones to differentiate the alerts i'm getting. It appears the flashlight indicates alerts even when the device is being charged. Thanks again guys, at least "SOMETHING" now works as expected.

Where to Start

Hello everyone,
My AT&T sales guy sent me to this forum. I have been looking around and searching and realized that I am in over my head to be honest. I just got a Fuze and like it for the most part. There are a few things that I do not care for that maybe you guys can tell me if I need a new ROM and if so, which one. The things I would like to change are:
1. I would like quicker/easier access to my Tasks. I use Outlook tasks A LOT and it is not easy to get to them (not as easy as contacts and messaging anyway)
2. The notifications are not obvious. I was running an 8525 with WM6 and the notification would pop up at the bottom of the screen. I have to click the tiny notification bell symbol on the Fuse, which is annoying.
3. Scrolling is an issue. I am very used to my scroll wheel on the 8525. Is it possible re-map the volume control buttons to scrolling arrows?
Also, dragging my finger on the screen is a pain. I almost always call someone inadvertently when I try to scroll.
4. Battery life is MUCH better than my 8525 (probably due to the 8525s age + the better technology), but battery life could always be better.
5. The ring and speaker phone volume is pretty low, even with my volume control maxed out.
6. I don't like that the screen turns off when someone answers. It is great for everything except voicemail.
So, all in all, I am happy with it and hopefully the short list above is comprised of things that are easy to fix. What do you think, can I fix these issues with registry changes, or do I need to change the ROM? If I need to change the ROM, which one (I have found dozens)??
Thanks!
Can't answer most of those.
#6. Get Touch In Call Screen Tweak
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=488991
This is a good page to start looking for answers:
http://wiki.xda-developers.com/
Yes - a custom rom will (probably) make it easier to access the parts you want quickly, however some 3rd party apps may give you the same control without the hassle of flashing (however, if you do decide to flash - its not difficult, just make sure you read the guides carefully before you start!
As for the audio volume - (sorry if this sounds dumb) make sure that the screen protector has a cut-out over the speaker. Crazy i know - but from reading some old threads on here - not all of them did, so you end up blocking the speaker & not being able to hear properly.
Battery life - depends on usage of course, also a different radio may make a difference for you. Unfortuantly there isnt a magic one here, different radios seem to give different performance & battery life in different areas (and of course usage patterns)
Re-mapping buttons? google for AE Button - can remap buttons in anyway you like.
Notifications - i believe you can get the balloon preview at the bottom of the screen using advanced config (search for it on here) [dont have my phone with me right now so i cant check what the setting is]
Hope it helps a little and welcome to the forums
Thanks for the info guys. I like the looks of the in-call tweak, but think I'll wait until I get the rest of the stuff and do it all at once.
Beeble,
I admit that I am a little worried about flashing it for a new ROM, especially since there are so many out there. If I do it, I want to make my choice, do it and be done with it. I do not want to be flashing it every 2 or three days until I find a ROM that I like.
As with the phone tweak, I think I'll try the the AE Button one when I do the in-call tweak.
Couldn't find a setting on the notification bubbles. Maybe I am not looking in the right place.
How do I get a new radio? I assume this is a software thing. Does this require flashing? Is it an ordeal to do this?
Thanks!
Unfortuantly you will almost certainly flash more than 1 rom once you start!
You'll (probably) spend hours and hours reading about them and trying to decide which is right for you. Then 3 days later you'll start grabbing random ones and just trying them out!
Before you flash anything you'll need to hard spl your phone. This is very important, but really pretty simple (if you dont hard spl, you can only flash official roms from your phone supplier - once you have hard spl you can flash any rom from any carrier, aswell as custom roms)
This is the guide to flashing and its very simple to follow - just take your time & dont skip steps.
If you do get the flashing bug - check out this UC thread it'll tell you how to automate about 95% of the setup of the phone after a flash (or hard reset).
Flashing a radio is the same process as flashing a rom, although it wont perform a hard reset (so you dont have to set everything up again) - But as always backup first just in case!
Radio thread here - remember, once you have hard spl'd your phone you can flash any Raphael radio. If you want to use a radio from another device, you'll need to Security unlock it first
Backup - you can use backup software like sprite, but if you are changing rom dont restore the old backup - you'll get all kinds of problems! Instead use PIM backup (free) which you can use to restore numbers/meetings/calls etc regardless of rom
If you get problems - or want some help - just let us know whats stumping you, make sure you've had a good read first - and please dont ask what rom you should get without listing exactly what you want the rom to do for you! most roms come down to preference.
Finally - good luck! and remember you have a GSM phone - so stay away from CDMA threads & downloads, otherwise you could brick your phone (follow the links in the guides and you cant go wrong)

Text message font size out of control!!

The font size in my text message screen has grown out of control in the last week. I was typing a message about 4 days ago and the font in the thread started increasing as I tried to type.
This led me to believe it was some combo of keys I pressed that made it happen.
However I swear today it is even bigger. Easily a 14 and that is huge on this little screen.
I have the 08.14.09 Bloat Free Official HTC Fuze ROM Update and it has been fine since Nov. This only just happened recently and it happened while I was watching. No other changes have been made.
My searches keep pointing to utilities/downloads that let you control it, but I just want it back to normal. Do not want to add more software. This just happened...so there has to be a way to undo it.
Anyone know where the text font settings are controlled. (I also have registry editor and advanced donfig installed if those might have settings in em...have to go look.)
Oh damn, talk about breaking the rules. I guess I need to search ON this forum and not assume that Google knows all.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=536578&highlight=sms+text+size
Ok, text issues are controlled by the zoom feature same as images are. DOH!
(Flaming can now begin, I deserve it.)
Side note, I have been having issues with buttons sticking or not working on first press. Phone just about 1.5yr old. So not surprised that the main pad on front may have done stuff without me touching it. (Del button not work all time, space bar now up to 3 spaces occasionally, etc.)
sablesurfer said:
Oh damn, talk about breaking the rules. I guess I need to search ON this forum and not assume that Google knows all.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=536578&highlight=sms+text+size
Ok, text issues are controlled by the zoom feature same as images are. DOH!
(Flaming can now begin, I deserve it.)
Side note, I have been having issues with buttons sticking or not working on first press. Phone just about 1.5yr old. So not surprised that the main pad on front may have done stuff without me touching it. (Del button not work all time, space bar now up to 3 spaces occasionally, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you that he should use the search, but what would you search for if you didn't know the problem?
Anyway, when your typing a message, try moving your finger around the center of your device, You will see then how it works.

Anyone else experiencing dropped tap inputs?

On my pixel 2 tap inputs occasionally don't register, I've had it happen in the android system menu, the android back/home buttons, chrome, etc. Is anyone else experiencing this?
My phone's basically on stock default settings, nothing unusual running. Not sure if it's only tap inputs getting dropped or the whole system locking up temporarily. Turning on "Show taps" in Developer options I can see there's no visual effect when a missed tap occurs.
Yes, this is me too exactly. Same thing with the dev option too. Not sure if I should wait for 8.1 or if it's hardware and RMA it. Frustrating because I like this phone.
I noticed this on my phone, clicking around in the settings and on the back and home buttons. I then did a factory reset (because of a separate issue where the location icon was always displaying in the notification area, even when not in use). After that the issue seems to have gone away. So it would seem to be software issue. I suggest trying a factory reset (though beware that this wipes everything on your device).
P.S. nonexistent, I'm impressed that you joined the XDA forums in Dec 2010 and never posted a comment until now. Of course, you might need to change your screen name to "existent," now that you're out in the open.
I have definitely noticed this as well, happy to know it wasn't just me
cb474 said:
I noticed this on my phone, clicking around in the settings and on the back and home buttons. I then did a factory reset (because of a separate issue where the location icon was always displaying in the notification area, even when not in use). After that the issue seems to have gone away. So it would seem to be software issue. I suggest trying a factory reset (though beware that this wipes everything on your device).
P.S. nonexistent, I'm impressed that you joined the XDA forums in Dec 2010 and never posted a comment until now. Of course, you might need to change your screen name to "existent," now that you're out in the open.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a reset but the issue still showed up. In fact it happened twice on the first time setup stuff afterwards. I called Google and we went through the motions and reset it from recovery mode but it was still there when I was testing it the next couple hours. Anyway, we're doing the RMA thing. I'll let you guys know how it works out when I get my new phone.
Got my replacement and the problem still exists. It even happens just a couple screens into the initial setup after a factory reset from recovery mode.
I find that it occurs when I'm in a small room with the heat turned up. The sensitivity of the touch screen seems to depend a lot on moisture. If I keep my fingers moist (or wear a touch sensitive glove) it works a heck of a lot better.
ritzack said:
Got my replacement and the problem still exists. It even happens just a couple screens into the initial setup after a factory reset from recovery mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good and bad news I guess, hopefully just needs a software update. I have a replacement coming Monday, but I kind of expect no improvement and that this is just a common thing that a lot of people aren't noticing
I noticed that for a while in Google Play Books, in which I tap the screen frequently to turn pages. I tried a factory reset, which didn't help. I tried running in safe mode and testing on Maps and still had a problem, although less frequently (a higher percentage of taps worked). Then it started to work better. We'll see if that lasts.
I tried flicking as opposed to tapping and flicking always works.
I'd suggest posting on the Pixel product forum or calling support, so that Google becomes more aware of the issue. There are some threads on the subject on reddit and the product forum.
Out of interest are you noticing it any particular parts of the screen?
I've noticed it a few times but it's been on areas of the screen near the edges.
I assumed it was some sort of palm rejection thing going on it the background with it thinking I'm accidently mashing the display.
With me it was the right edge toward the middle, as that's where you tap to turn the page in Play Books.
I get it on the back button frequently, but it happened just now in the middle of the screen when I typed the text input box to start writing this
I think this is the whole OS hanging/freezing briefly actually, not a touchscreen input issue
- Pressing the hardware unlock button can get ignored (both locking/unlocking)
- Scrolling from a quick flick + release can suddenly stop (no additional inputs)
So most likely this is a software issue, hopefully fixed in an upcoming update? It's kinda annoying
Did you change the DPI or font size? I go back to default and it seems that everything is good now.
---
update: no it happens again…
nonexistent said:
On my pixel 2 tap inputs occasionally don't register, I've had it happen in the android system menu, the android back/home buttons, chrome, etc. Is anyone else experiencing this?
My phone's basically on stock default settings, nothing unusual running. Not sure if it's only tap inputs getting dropped or the whole system locking up temporarily. Turning on "Show taps" in Developer options I can see there's no visual effect when a missed tap occurs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can you be more specific? I just got Pixel 2 - black, 128GB (Canadian). I can touch and the UI responds well. But i want to test it out thoroughly..
Haven't changed the DPI or font size
LimitsX said:
can you be more specific? I just got Pixel 2 - black, 128GB (Canadian). I can touch and the UI responds well. But i want to test it out thoroughly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can trigger the system hang/"missed input" most reliably by visiting m.reddit in chrome (any thread w/ comments) and spamming tap on the [-] next to the username of any comment to collapse/expand the section. Turning on Show Taps from Developer Tools in the system menu I can see taps being ignored sometimes
Haven't changed the DPI or font size
LimitsX said:
can you be more specific? I just got Pixel 2 - black, 128GB (Canadian). I can touch and the UI responds well. But i want to test it out thoroughly..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can trigger the system hang/"missed input" most reliably by visiting any m.reddit thread in chrome and spamming tap on the [-] next to the username of any comment to collapse/expand the section. Turning on Show Taps from Developer Tools in the system menu I can see taps being ignored sometimes
nonexistent said:
Haven't changed the DPI or font size
I can trigger the system hang/"missed input" most reliably by visiting m.reddit in chrome (any thread w/ comments) and spamming tap on the [-] next to the username of any comment to collapse/expand the section. Turning on Show Taps from Developer Tools in the system menu I can see taps being ignored sometimes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I replicated what you told me, 3x. I didn't miss any taps, and no system hang/missed input..
hmm
Got my replacement and it has been much better so far. Still a few dropped inputs but I think those may be false positives because I am hyperfocused on it. Pretty sure I have always had to double click occasionally on all phones at various times.
nonexistent said:
Turning on Show Taps from Developer Tools in the system menu I can see taps being ignored sometimes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sometimes I see a tap register visually on the screen, but the intended action doesn't happen.
redandblack1287 said:
Got my replacement and it has been much better so far. Still a few dropped inputs but I think those may be false positives because I am hyperfocused on it. Pretty sure I have always had to double click occasionally on all phones at various times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's funny. I had the issue. Did a factory reset. Felt like it was better. But now that I'm thinking about it more I notice it a lot. So I can't tell if it's really different. Before I figured I'd made a mistake. Now I think it's the phone. Damn you phone!
Anyway, I notice that the issue tends to happen more or less randomly, at any position on the screen. Also, sometimes the same tap fails to register twice in a row, but once it's starts working all subsequent taps that come in a row work (say I'm clicking through a lot of menu items in some settings). So maybe that lends some credence to the idea that there is a system for registering the taps that is not waking up and once it does it works fine.
Perhaps related, I have my ambient display set to wake on double tap. Before the Nov update it hardly worked. Now it seems to be working reliably.

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