Database Info

[APP/OPEN SOURCE]Screen Standby ♯ Root [2.0]-Screen off while keeping device active

[APP/OPEN SOURCE]Screen Standby ♯ Root [2.0]-Screen off while keeping device active
SCREEN STANDBY ♯ ROOT 2.0
TURN OFF SCREEN AND AVOID OVERHEATING PROBLEM FROM PROLONGED STREAMING/GAMING OVER HDMI / MHL | DOWNLOADING DATA OVER WIFI
SAVE YOUR SCREEN AND BATTERY WHILE PHONE IS STILL RUNNING!
OPEN SOURCE!
AUTO SCREEN OFF / ON WITH HDMI CONNECTION / DISCONNECTION
Git Repo: https://github.com/nkahoang/screenstandby
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Remote Controller Feature - Public Review
Setting Wizard
Search Plugin
Selectable UI
Outgoing call automator
​
TURN YOUR SCREEN INTO TOUCHPAD, NO NEED FOR BUYING AN EXTERNAL MOUSE!​REMOTE CONTROLLER FEATURE!​SCREEN STANDBY IS NOW LIVE ON GOOGLE PLAY STORE!
The app is published under the name "Screen Standby ♯ Root"
VIDEO CLIPS SHOWCASING THE APPS:
SEE NEW FEATURES IN ACTION!
SEE APP IN ACTION! (thanks Doctor.Krouch so much for the awesome clips)
All About Android - Episode 86 with a short review of Screen Standby
XDA TV Review of Screen Standby!
CooLoserTech·Top 10 Best Apps of the week # 171
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
INTRODUCTION
Hi everyone,
This is originally for HTC One X, however, I have ported it to the Galaxy Nexus and now it could work on all devices! (Galaxy S3 / Moto Razr / etc). "Screen Standby" will completely turn off the backlight while keeping the phone running for MHL / HDMI streaming|gaming. That means you can now watch movie / play games on big screen and can still turn off the screen (touch screen still works!).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROOT REQUIRED (Non-root method also available but not as effective & battery saving as root)
FEATURES
- Switch off the screen temporarily without actually putting the phone into 'sleep mode'. The phone is still running! It saves your battery, avoids heating to prolong battery life
- Since 1.96, screen can be optionally turned into touchpad!
- It has a nice little widget that let you quickly turn the screen off from your homescreen
- Since version 1.5 beta 2, shaking your device will temporarily toggle between complete screen off and lowest brightness level (so that you can perform quick action without playing a blind guessing game)
- Non-root method now available with 1.98 Beta 7
- One two dimmer: Turn off screen automatically after an idling time (no user interaction)
- Simple interface
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WHY?
This little app will temporarily turn off screen backlight, however, unlike putting the phone to sleep, the phone is kept running. It is perfect for keeping the phone from heating from prolonged HDMI streaming over Medialink HD or MHL connection (the screen is off yet image/movie/games continue to be streamed) / or wifi data downloading, etc.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
It attempts to perform various actions (cutting screen voltage / brightness / light switch / writing a blank image to frame buffer, etc)
(Since 1.5, the voltage method is temporarily disabled)
For some devices, the screen may shutter a bit if Automatic Brightness is turned on. However, the app will automatically detect it and put the backlight into sleep again. So if you want to avoid the problem, set Automatic Brightness to false.. Since 1.7, enable auto brightness handling in app setting helps preventing this flickering
HOW TO TURN ON THE SCREEN AGAIN?
+ Click on the app notification on your status bar (since version 1.3) or
+ Simply put the phone into true sleep (short press power button) then turn it on (power button again)
+ Temporarily lid the light a bit by shaking the device (since 1.5b2, enable it in Menu -> Settings)
+ If you can't turn on using any of the above methods, press emergency button (in main app interface) to turn on / or use 2 by 1 widget
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SCREENSHOTS (Updated for version v1.97)
Installation
Install as normal apk No big deal
Remember, install and use as your own risk, even though I can't think of any damage this little app can cause to your phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changelogs:
ßeta 2 Changelog:
Add toggable UI: Metro and Android Dark Holo (in Settings -> Extra)
New feature: Outgoing call automator !
First ßeta Changelog:
- New! Setting Wizard to help user quickly and easily set up Screen Standby. Simply select your known-supported device (the list is expanding!
Please help me) and your use-case (Streaming movie / Playing ingress / Playing Youtube etc) and the wizard will automatically select the optimised preset for you!
- New! Screen Standby Search Plugin to help automate Screen Standby from Search key (long press search hardware-key or softkey) or Google Now gesture (swipe up from Home softkey on Jellybean device). The plugin can now open Screen Standby interface, activate / deactivate / toggle screen off or launch Remote Controller
- Added better Root & BusyBox checker and helper
- Added new Tasker intent to control screen standby:
com.nkahoang.screenstandby.action.TOGGLE : to toggle screen on and off automatically
com.nkahoang.screenstandby.action.REMOTE_CONTROL: to launch Remote Control from tasker
- Added new option to broadcast an intent to Tasker when HDMI is detected (go to my app's settings -> HDMI Detection -> Enable broadcast on HDMI Connection/Disconnection. Specify intent action (case-sensitive) for each case. Go to tasker, add New System Event -> Intent Received, type exactly the action intent you provided in Screen Standby). The best part is, HDMI Intent can also be broadcast without activating Screen Standby (yeah, so you can use SS as a HDMI sensor for tasker)
- Added ability to use Remote Controller with Wifi-Direct (if a warning message is shown, just click 'Continue Anyway')
Optimizations:
- Continued optimisation for Nexus 4
- Added wake-lock to One Two Dimmer
- Slightly tuned sensors
From user report:
Normally, with the same amount of time watching movie, battery drain drops from 30% down to just 2%!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please report bugs / feedbacks / suggestions.
To help me solving your issue faster, since version 1.31, you may want to open the app, hit "Menu" key -> Print debug info. It will then generates a log file containing the required information. Please send that file over pm to me. Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Special thanks to:
- ppmeis (helps with S2, now S3 / Transformer and lots of other stuffs)
- winsettr (helps with Galaxy Nexus compatibility and constant reports)
- mnsk (helps with his Sony and Iconia)
- cocatriz (helps with S2)
- TheDarkLux (helps with Galaxy S3)
- evilmtv (helps with problems on GB devices)
Coffee buyers:
Styles Vancleave
- agronick from AppRadio / ARLiberator forum
- jjwatmyself (and also thanks for his mention of my app on his thread)
- jdbaldi
- jhanson
- MichaelMotes
Youtube clip:
- Doctor.Krouch
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tutorial: Setup app to work with tasker / Llama
Follow the instruction of this post:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33073452&postcount=92 (Tasker)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33073452&postcount=565 (Llama, thank Buzzthebuzzsaw)
DOWNLOAD
Stable version of app can be downloaded in attachments section on through Google Play Store. In addition, this thread will receive beta / experimental build in the future.
Archived build (1.1 to 1.96) can be downloaded from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I like this great idea
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Good idea finally something like this
Sent from my SGH-T989 with Darthstalker

Awesome app. I don't know if this makes sense, but on my Galaxy Nexus the previous version was much quicker to turn the screen off...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

OCT 14 2012. App updated.
UI rework + Add notification to quickly turn off screen without put phone into sleep (see screenshot)
winsettr said:
Awesome app. I don't know if this makes sense, but on my Galaxy Nexus the previous version was much quicker to turn the screen off...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should be slower the first time you use it only (since now it will manually find screen device for every phone, not hardcoded like before)

Working on TF300T almost perfect. The only "issue" is that when I turn off display, keyboard dock doesn't work (touchpad and usb works but not keyboard).
It doesn't work on my sgs2...I'll try at home with mhl connected and I'll report again. Nice work man. A must have app!
Confirmed it doesn't work on SGS2. It turns brightness at lowest level without standby screen.
Device Info:
Samsung Galaxy S II GT-9100 International
OS Version: 4.0.4 ICS (tested on GB 2.3.6 too)

Awesome app, one thing is that is a bit of a guessing game when trying to select apps and actions inside apps. Could be a tiny bit higher, so we can see at least barely what we are tapping on?

ppmeis said:
Working on TF300T almost perfect. The only "issue" is that when I turn off display, keyboard dock doesn't work (touchpad and usb works but not keyboard).
It doesn't work on my sgs2...I'll try at home with mhl connected and I'll report again. Nice work man. A must have app!
Confirmed it doesn't work on SGS2. It turns brightness at lowest level without standby screen.
Device Info:
Samsung Galaxy S II GT-9100 International
OS Version: 4.0.4 ICS (tested on GB 2.3.6 too)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please download the latest version (1.31) which have print debug info ("Menu" -> "Print debug info") and sends the file it generates over to me. I don't have either of your devices so this may be the only way I can fix that bug.
jgaf said:
Awesome app, one thing is that is a bit of a guessing game when trying to select apps and actions inside apps. Could be a tiny bit higher, so we can see at least barely what we are tapping on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh, i'm not sure what you mean. Can you explain it a bit clearer? If it is possible then I shall implement that.

I think he's asking if you can make it have a little bit of light so he can barely see the screen. When you are using the phone with a TV, you have to guess where to touch the screen.
Perhaps an adjustable brightness setting or just a barely on setting would be helpful for some.

That really defeats the purpose of this app... If you need that functionality, look into Screen Filter or something similar that will lower the brightness but keep the screen on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

How about this:
Pressing the button will now toggle(circle) between three modes:
- Brightness On (app not functioning)
- Lowest brightness possible (but not completely off) and
- Zero brightness (completely turn off screen)

I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS.!!!!! THANK U.! LOL
Sent from my PG86100 using xda app-developers app

nightwinn said:
I think he's asking if you can make it have a little bit of light so he can barely see the screen. When you are using the phone with a TV, you have to guess where to touch the screen.
Perhaps an adjustable brightness setting or just a barely on setting would be helpful for some.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this what I meant. Specially when playing games it is very hard, for stuff that can't be mapped into a gamepad
winsettr said:
That really defeats the purpose of this app... If you need that functionality, look into Screen Filter or something similar that will lower the brightness but keep the screen on.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing with screenfilter is that it lowers the brightness on the TV too.
I just had another idea, don't know how complicated it would be to implement though. Would it be possible to add "an always on top or floating button" that would toggle the screen on and off. For example there's an app for exploiting games called Game Guardian, this app has a very small, semi transparent and movable icon that lets you access it from anywhere. This way when we need to open mxplayer and select a movie from our library we can easily turn the lights back on and then turn them off after selecting the video.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF300T using Tapatalk 2

nkahoang said:
Please download the latest version (1.31) which have print debug info ("Menu" -> "Print debug info") and sends the file it generates over to me. I don't have either of your devices so this may be the only way I can fix that bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the log. I hope it'll help to find the issue.

Hi, i have a I9300 SGS3 and i doenst work.
Here's the debug log.

TheDarkLux said:
Hi, i have a I9300 SGS3 and i doenst work.
Here's the debug log.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your log has nothing inside! Is it because you didn't grant root access to my app? Try uninstall / reinstall and answer "Allow" when superuser/supersu asks you.
ppmeis said:
Here's the log. I hope it'll help to find the issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent you a pm for beta version.

nkahoang said:
Your log has nothing inside! Is it because you didn't grant root access to my app? Try uninstall / reinstall and answer "Allow" when superuser/supersu asks you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has, i tried uninstall/reinstall now, with same result. Log is empty
It is in my SuperSU app an has root access.
Here the log of SuperSU, because the app is writing anything in the log.
first log:
find /sys/devices -name 'brightness'
exit
sh: <stdin>(1): find: not found
second log:
find /sys/devices
sh: <stdin>(1): find: not found

BIG UPDATE: VERSION 1.4 BETA
+ Now have another way to turn off screen: SET SCREEN VOLTAGE TO ZERO VOLT. With this we have some bonus advantages:
- Much faster turn off time
- No more shuttering with auto brightness!
- Should work with AMOLED Devices (Galaxy S2 / S3 owners, please report!)
However, you should upgrade only if previous version does not work for your devices since this method is still a bit unstable.

Thanks a lot mate, now it works
Confirm working on SGS3.
Bug Report (1):
I have the app VirtualSat.eu to watch tv. When i'm in the app menu, display is off/black (tv still on) when i then select to watch something, the display powers on again.
Bug (2):
after the first operation, i pushed the home button (display powers off again), then scrolled down the notification bar to disable screenOff, it disappears from the notification bar. But display is still off. So i pushed the power button to get to the lock screen (this method is working).
Edit(1)
Tested a bit more, (for bug 2): If i reopen the app an repush on the screen off button (to get the app back in the notification bar), and then tried to reactivate the display, the display powers on for about 2-3 seconds and then again powers off.
For Bug(1): Tried another TV app (Zattoo) there the display stays off if i select a station to watch. So i think it's the app who uses a command that gets the display back on.
But in anyway thanks for your work. Will test with some other apps.

TheDarkLux said:
Yeah thanks a lot mate, now it works Big up
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you test your S3 with MHL as well? I want to make sure that my method guarantees MHL and HDMI works

[APP][FREE][2.2+] IntelliCover - Proximity Sensor Based Screen Control (And MORE)

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...

Smart Dock users thread (tips and tricks)

Wethe Smart Dock on the S4 turns your phone into a desktop computer, it's pretty awesome, and Android has come a long way in supporting a desktop environment, but there are still many areas it needs help. this thread is all about getting the most out of your desktop machine; the Galaxy S4.
thread isn't too organized, but I'll try to update this post if other Smart Dock users are interested in a collaborative effort to get the most out their Smart Dock, with the smoothest experience possible. please share any tips or tricks you're using for your Smart Dock setup
some helpful tips I've found:
*attaching a USB keyboard turns the phone display off, and switches monitor to landscape.
*using External Keyboard Helper Pro lets you remap a few keys on the keyboard, as well as suppress on-screen keyboard. its SUPPOSED to activate automatically when docked, however doesn't work correctly.
*all Samsung apps intelligently work with a keyboard
flipping pages on the homescreen is difficult, and also any swiping/ scrolling features.. still finding a functional solution for this.
*changing dpi could probably make for a smoother expense
*also need to find a way to connect to dock with bulky case.. possible micro usb extender?
*suggested apps that work perfectly with external hardware:
Power Amp (auto plays in background even if not loaded when pressing play/pause/forward/back)
MX Video Player (all video controls)
Solid Explorer (reads flash drives/external hard drives )
FireFox (only browser I've found so far that suppresses the on-screen keyboard on its own)
*a great list by NZTechFreak that is regularly updated with compatible hardware can be found here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252618
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Cool thread!
A few things I've learned in my time with the Smart Dock:
* Ultimate Rotation control is a good app for forcing landscape.
* Screen Standby #Root is a great app for Root users allowing the screen to be turned off while still mirroring the display, lots of cool options like ability to automatically turn on with certain apps or MHL connection etc.
* For Root users again: Paragon NTFS/HFS+ is a good app for allowing you to use NTFS drives with the Smart Dock.
* An externally powered USB hub is a good thing to have - the power output for the Dock is relatively limited and if you try to connect multiple things often times they will fail to be supplied sufficient power. A powered hub eliminates that problem, and also gives you MWOAR PORTS! Who doesn't love more ports?
* If you have troubles with sound on connecting to the TV make sure the HDMI cable is fully inserted, the port has a tight fit and it is relatively easy to not insert an HDMI cable fully. If still having problems try using a stereo sound output only (that option is greyed out in settings while you are docked, so change it while not docked if you need to).

I wish the S4 could somehow go into tablet UI when docked on the smart dock, and then open tablet versions of each supported app.
It's great that it outputs 1080p but when viewing content on a large 42" or larger HDTV, it's quite annoying to only see 4 or 5 lines of text because it's mirroring the phone's display.

delucz said:
I wish the S4 could somehow go into tablet UI when docked on the smart dock, and then open tablet versions of each supported app.
It's great that it outputs 1080p but when viewing content on a large 42" or larger HDTV, it's quite annoying to only see 4 or 5 lines of text because it's mirroring the phone's display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I agree, I think changing the Screen Density, or the DPI could be a very useful thing in this case.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Android TV Box CS918, T-R42 display is way too dark

Running on official 4.4.2 firmware.
I found that the screen display is way too dark, very unacceptable. This is very obvious for video playback from every software, e.g. youtube, mxplayer, xbmc, etc.
As I share same hdmi port on my tv with other 5 devices, it is not convenient to adjust tv display back and forth between other 5 devices and this dark-display tv box.
My box is rooted. Is there any way to adjust its gamma, black level, etc. Tried several brightness adjustment apps from store and did not help.

MiniX Forums had a thread covering this, without much of a complete solution. Since they changed their domain to minixforum, the thread either has a different URL or is lost, but google cache exists of the original - http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...reen-too-dark.3631/+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk
Short version is try changing HDMI range on your TV from limited to full. It may help other people to reply if you mention which Android apps you've tried to use (which presumably were adjusting backlight levels on a phone/tablet, rather than the video signal data being sent by your box. As an example, although advertised as only compatible for a couple of Nexus devices, have you tried https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.teamkang.fauxdisplay&hl=en ? How about https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netmanslab.sa&hl=en ?

Thanks a lot for your comprehensive reply.
My LG TV don't have an option for Full-range RGB; however, it has several Picture modes for me to choose. I usually use one of the Picture mode (say, Standard Picture mode) which I already tweaked/calibrated for best display quality.
Some other picture mode on my TV allows me to choose Gamma (high, medium, low), brightness adjustment, and Dark Level (high, low). I tried adjusting those options in combination under another Picture mode and, though not perfect, it gave me a better result.
So when I view other sources (Dune, Appletv, digital tv, satellite tv), I choose the Standard Picture mode; when switching my hdmi selector to this Android box, I have to choose the other Picture mode on my TV. This is good enough for now.
The Screen Adjuster app won't help. I've not tried The Advanced Color&Gamma Control paid app.
Anyway, Android tV box should have gamma/brightness/contrast/sharpness control under its Setting.
Update: tried Advanced Color&Gamma Control app, it allows me to adjust rgb only, no gamma adjustment.

[APP] Use phone's camera to color calibrate your monitors/tablets

If you need to calibrate your monitors/tablets but can't justify spending hundreds on a colorimeter, then check out this app
Camera Colorimeter
A camera is a color capturing device so can be used to take color measurements of your monitor. Data is sent wirelessly over Bluetooth to a companion app running on your laptop/PC/tablet (whose display is to be calibrated)
Display Calibration
Works great with the camera on the S7/S6, and other devices too (e.g. Nexus 6).
Enjoy!

Hmm.. unable to use for my desktop pc LCD's... (Windows 10)
No bluetooth, but wifi connection

Sorry Wifi is not currently supported.
You could try hooking your monitor to a laptop and run the calibration there, then copy the generated ICC profile to the desktop PC. AFAIK calibration profiles are specific to each display and not dependent on the graphics card or PC.

i just discovered this wonderful app but it seems to work for windows 10 only and im not on win10 for obvious reasons. any chance to get this app working on win7 or 8?
also can it calibrate a triple screen setup?

In order to have a separate color calibration profile for each display in a dual/triple monitor setup your graphics card must support multiple gamma LUTs,. You would then need to calibrate each monitor and install the ICC profile generated by the app separately for each monitor.
At the moment the app only runs on Windows 10, but if there's demand I would consider porting it to Windows 8.

Just use it to calibrate my surface pro, one dell monitor and one generic monitor (China brand monitor). All are IPS type. It Work good on surface pro (i have a calibrated profile), but bringing everything too warm on Dell and Generic monitor. Is there any precaution / setting to take note?

Hmmn.. I have a Samsung TV that Best Buy was trying to get me to have them calibrate the colors for $300 when I purchased it. Does anyone know if I can tune the colors of my TV this way?

Outbreak444 said:
Hmmn.. I have a Samsung TV that Best Buy was trying to get me to have them calibrate the colors for $300 when I purchased it. Does anyone know if I can tune the colors of my TV this way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, these apps only work if you're planning to use your TV as a PC monitor. They aren't meant for calibrating for general TV viewing.

vyis said:
Just use it to calibrate my surface pro, one dell monitor and one generic monitor (China brand monitor). All are IPS type. It Work good on surface pro (i have a calibrated profile), but bringing everything too warm on Dell and Generic monitor. Is there any precaution / setting to take note?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi vyis, the general precautions are that prior to running the calibration, make sure that the monitors are set to the "Normal", "Standard", "6500K", "sRGB" color settings. This is typically achieved by resetting the color settings on the monitor to their default values.
Secondly make sure that there is no other color management software running. Some graphics cards install their own color management software which need to be disabled/uninstalled.
And thirdly make sure that there is no active calibration (ICC) profile. The apps can detect this upon startup but it could get confused if you have a multi-monitor setup. To be sure, please disable Windows's color management by inputing "Color management" to Cortana and select "Change advanced color management settings for displays, ....". A "color management" dialog will appear. On the "Devices" tab, uncheck the "Use my settings for this device" checkbox. On a multi-monitor setup please do this prior to running the calibration process for each monitor.
Hope this helps.

moyanous said:
Hi vyis, the general precautions are that prior to running the calibration, make sure that the monitors are set to the "Normal", "Standard", "6500K", "sRGB" color settings. This is typically achieved by resetting the color settings on the monitor to their default values.
Secondly make sure that there is no other color management software running. Some graphics cards install their own color management software which need to be disabled/uninstalled.
And thirdly make sure that there is no active calibration (ICC) profile. The apps can detect this upon startup but it could get confused if you have a multi-monitor setup. To be sure, please disable Windows's color management by inputing "Color management" to Cortana and select "Change advanced color management settings for displays, ....". A "color management" dialog will appear. On the "Devices" tab, uncheck the "Use my settings for this device" checkbox. On a multi-monitor setup please do this prior to running the calibration process for each monitor.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done these all and redo calibration, still the same issue. I start to wonder this due to matted display. I have tried it on another laptop with glossy display and it work fine.

vyis said:
I have done these all and redo calibration, still the same issue. I start to wonder this due to matted display. I have tried it on another laptop with glossy display and it work fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tested the app on matt displays and they worked fine. When you said the calibrated results were warm, were they very far off or only slightly off? Have you tried hooking the monitors to your surface pro or laptop where the app worked (on their builtin screen). I'm just trying to eliminate other variables.

Link for Windows app not working.

Windows application does not exist

This application worked well for me. It's a shame that it's getting such terrible reviews on android.
I had no issues getting connected and running the calibration. Just follow the instructions and you'll be fine.
Thanks for the suggestion OP!

The Windows app is only from the store? No Win32 version?
I'm running 10 but Enterprise LTSB 2016 which has no store or apps

Doesn't work with macOS...no wifi mode.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/display-calibration/9nblggh4wd9s#
This is the link I found for the app in Windows Store.
Is there a free version?

Calibration of Android devices
moyanous said:
I have tested the app on matt displays and they worked fine. When you said the calibrated results were warm, were they very far off or only slightly off? Have you tried hooking the monitors to your surface pro or laptop where the app worked (on their builtin screen). I'm just trying to eliminate other variables.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you make a version allowing one Android phone to calibrate the screen of another?

bobcov said:
Could you make a version allowing one Android phone to calibrate the screen of another?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your interest but unfortunately Android does not currently allow one to install a custom color calibration profile.
Hopefully this will change in a future Android release.

no paired devices present
I have the software installed on windows 10. and i have the app on my android phone (LGV30). however, the program does not see that i am connected with the bluetooth dongle. my bluetooth device is an older IOGear unit. but it recognizes and pairs right up. windows sees the phone, but not the display calibration application. any ideas?