Related
Before asking questions, please read the FAQ.
Introduction:
I saw the idea posted somewhere previously that instead of getting the capacitive lights on, we really should be putting the phone's AMOLED screen to work ! specially that it doesn't consume any backlight energy when displaying a black screen. So I developed an app that does just that: upon receiving a notification, it will display a black screen with a dot or icon somewhere in the screen. I really should put these in bullet points..
Description:
the application does the following:
1. When your phone receives a notification, it switches the screen on and displays a notification. The notification bounces around every 3 seconds (changeable via an option). This will guarantee using different LEDs so that the same ones won't be burned out.
2. You can customize whether to have a dot or an icon for each type of supported notification. Users may also customize the colors of these icons/dots.
3. NoLED will work with SMS/MMS, Gtalk, Gmail, Missed calls, Voicemail, Calendar and K-9 (email client) without any additional permissions. Any other 3rd party software (e.g. Whatsapp, Email app, Yahoo Mail and Hotmail) will need to be checked under Monitored Apps and will require granting Accessibility rights to NoLED.
4. The app runs as a service, after installing, you have two ways to activate the app. (a) by restarting. (b) by loading the widget into your home screen and clicking on it.
5. To get rid of the notification screen, you may use the home or the back key. You can enable dismissal via more keys in the Miscellaneous submenu. Once your notifications are dismissed, all notifications disappear and will not come back up.
I have also logged the touch drivers and saw that although I'm displaying a black screen and setting flags to not respond to touch messages, android is still receiving touch messages when you touch any spot on the screen. This, I imagine, consumes resources! So I disabled the touch drivers when the black screen is active. Dismissing the notifications should reactive the touch drivers. If your screen is unresponsive to touch even after the notification screen is dismissed, a simple restart should take care of it. There is also an option to completely disable that feature. The touch drivers are only disabled on the Samsung Galaxy S variants, all other devices are still receptive to touch events.
Now the touchscreen drivers were a lot easier to mess around with. The sourcecode given by samsung helped me achieve the activation/deactivation of the screen. Things are not the same with the capacitive buttons. You'll notice that when the black screen is on, if you touch any of the soft buttons, they'll light up (although am suppressing them programatically). On some other devices like the Nexus S, these backlights cannot be switched off once the screen is turned on programatically. This is a bug from Google and more info is in the FAQ.
Video review:
Thank you totallydubbedHD for giving us this neat preview of the app:
Themes:
Want to change the default icons that ship with NoLED?
Check out Themes:
http://www.devasque.com/noled/themes.php
Official web site:
http://www.devasque.com/noled/
Translations:
NoLED is translated into several languages thanks to our army of volunteers ! More details can be found at: http://www.devasque.com/noled/translations.php
If you think you can help expand that list, please see this link
I appreciate all the help we can get on this.
Enjoy ! Comments and feedback will be appreciated
Update 8/11/2010: Application is now on the Android Market.
If you like this work and want to motivate and encourage further development, please consider a donation
Thanks
Change log
v6.0.19 6/5/2013
Added Vietnamese, updated Italian and Ukranian (Thanks nhh1994, 4lex and Olex)
Support Gmail 4.5 and new tabbed inbox
NoLED will insert a .nomedia in the custom themes folder so as not to show these themes in your Gallery app
Please go to http://www.devasque.com/noled/change.php for the complete change log.
NoLED Weather
v0.8 10/23/2012
Weather should now reflect current city more accurately; it will choose the first returned search result.
v0.7 10/10/2012
Weather was not automatically updating after a restart. Now it does.
v0.5 9/13/2012
Fixed an issue where geolocator was causing auto-update to stop working.
v0.4 9/6/2012
Updated language files
Changed weather provider to MSN. Google just quietly killed their APIs
Changed geolocator timeout to 90 seconds (used to be 20 seconds)
v0.3 1/26/2012
Added Geolocation using Wireless networks (no physical GPS will be used).
-it will give up wireless location discovery after 20 seconds (will release all wakelocks).
-if timedout, weather will query the latest weather location on record.
Removed the noled weather icon from the app launcher (i personally found it so ugly and useless). Instead, you access the weather app/plug-in via the NoLED settings under toggle notifications (requires NoLED > v5.0.1b).
FAQ
Please go to http://www.devasque.com/noled/FAQ.php.
Can this dot be made to look like a mail icon for SMS ... "!" for missed call etc?
Perfect, BIG thanks. One less issue with SGS
this is a very clever idea.
I tried it out, but it isnt working for me on my Samsung Captivate
andy2na said:
this is a very clever idea.
I tried it out, but it isnt working for me on my Samsung Captivate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, it really should work.
Did you lock the screen and unlock once after installation ? Try sending a sms to yourself from another phone while the screen is off. Then wait for about 10 seconds (enough time for the whole screen to light up, go off, and then show a notification). Let me know if this still doesn't work, the captivate might have different screen timeouts than our galaxy S.
No working
Its now working on my SGS.
The reason could be > I have lost my default notifications after sd card fix. I do have a media folder on my sdcard/sd with default samsung tones which i copied before the fix on to my ext sd.
Any solutions ?
rkadve said:
Its now working on my SGS.
The reason could be > I have lost my default notifications after sd card fix. I do have a media folder on my sdcard/sd with default samsung tones which i copied before the fix on to my ext sd.
Any solutions ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say try to sms from another phone, or give yourself a missed call to see if the application is running. These should work regardless of where you placed your notification tones.
If these do work, then make sure you place your notification tones in /sdcard/sd/media/audio/notifications , playing any of them should trigger the notification.
Unfortunatly not working for me too. Using JG1 and modaco´s r2. All default ringtones selected.
Would love to get this working.
Bajo76 said:
Unfortunatly not working for me too. Using JG1 and modaco´s r2. All default ringtones selected.
Would love to get this working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go to Settings > Applications > Running Services and see whether NoLED is listed there ?
suggestions that i don't think would consume too much power:
Have different images for different notifications, as suggested before: phone icon for call, mail icon for mail, sms icon for sms etc.
Also make possible to have all the different icons at once, so if i have missed a text message and a mail, there would be 2 icons on the screen at the same time.
Also have a number for how many of missed text's, mails i have missed on the corresponding icon.
Make the image jump to a different random spot every few second, so it won't just stay in one place and so be bad for the panel. (dunno if this would consume too much energy).
madmack said:
Can you go to Settings > Applications > Running Services and see whether NoLED is listed there ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes it is listed
yep, locked and unlocked it. it is also listed in the running services
buddy01 said:
suggestions that i don't think would consume too much power:
Have different images for different notifications, as suggested before: phone icon for call, mail icon for mail, sms icon for sms etc.
Make the image jump to a different random spot every few second, so it won't just stay in one place and so be bad for the panel. (dunno if this would consume too much energy).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think these are two great ideas. I'll try to implement them if I get sometime. I will try to set a different icon/color for each notification, and make them move around every few seconds. This might have a hit on cpu utilization, but its well worth a try.
Bajo76 said:
yes it is listed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With what are you testing the application btw ? Are you sending an email to yourself ? If you turn the screen off, send an email that has a default samsung ringtone, do you receive anything?
I tested it with my phone at home calling my mobile. And i´m getting emails all the way but unfortunatly no red dot on screen.
Is this app in the market? I can't see it in the op on the xda app.
Now it is working. Changed the ringtone (the old one selected was also a dtandard ringtone) and rebooted.
Now it works!
How come this method got so quickly made, but the other method still isn't functional? (talking about the other thread)
INeedYourHelp said:
How come this method got so quickly made, but the other method still isn't functional? (talking about the other thread)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, the android SDK allows for programs like this to exist, the SDK has no APIs to support lighting up the soft buttons. that's why.
also, the drivers for the backlight are disabled and enabled in ways that we don't fully understand yet.
Very impressed so far! Definitely something I'll donate to in the future if it gets a few more features.
What I'd like to see:
- Custom colours for different notifications/multiple notifications.
- The dot slightly higher up or have it configurable where the dot is/how big it is.
That's about all I can think of for now, great work .
I've had this Samsung S3 for six months now rooted with stock AT&T JB ROM. I'm starting to use the phone in the car more and am perplexed how difficult I'm finding it to do some pretty simple, commonly useful things. Here's what I'm trying to achieve:
- When phone connects to bluetooth in car, to on Car Mode and Driving Mode
I already use Llama and turning on Car Mode is easy. Driving Mode looks like I have to use a custom Android Intention (haven't tried it yet)
1. Replace lock screen (currently using Widget Locker) with Car Dashboard for easy app launch and forwarding of songs being played in Power Amp, Spotify or Pandora. Strange that Llama toggles Car Mode but the toggle on the OS is "Driving mode" Seems Driving Mode controls TTS activation and Car Mode toggles the Car Mode app. I think this is just the problem with Touchwiz not being "Android Standard" functionality?
2. Make it so I don't have to press a button to wake phone but don't eat battery with screen usage. The only Car app I've found that comes close to this is the iBOLT Dock'n Drive app where you set the screen brightness slider all the way down and it just shows a clock jumping around the screen. I don't even want the stupid clock - but I guess it's nice to know the phone is in car mode waiting for me to touch the screen. Unfortunately music controls are not on this dash app and the Car app with Pandora integration (forget the name) doesn't have the blank the screen mode without sleeping.
3. When a text comes in, I want either (a) and auto-response that I'm driving and to call me if its urgent, or BETTER, (b) allow me to speak "reply" and do a voice to text response or "auto response" to send my auto response. S-voice allows you to say 'reply' but only if the text comes in when the S-voice app is the currently opened app. If phone is sleeping and text comes in, all it does is read the text. Disabling widget locker and having no lockscreen slider made no difference.
Sidenote: I've also discovered on the S3, because I don't use S-Voice, (I have home double tap mapped to Google Voice Search), the TTS doesn't work. If I manually launch S Voice once, then TTS works but if I remove it from the background apps list then no TTS. That's sort of a side issue.
4. If car mode is enabled, on GoSMS I don't need a pop-up. Just TTS. But GoSMS still thinks I haven't seen the message. So even though I heard the message GoSMS keeps pinging me with a reminder (which I do want repeat reminders for unread texts when NOT in car/driving mode) Strangely there is no Car/Driving mode settings in GoSMS. Surprising. And the Auto Response has to therefore be manually toggled.
It appears I may have to add some 3rd party apps to achieve what I want and possibly dump GoSMS - I've also found that CloudSMS (to replicate SMS to my tablet) doesn't work with GoSMS running. Boo. Hiss. I GoSMS is such a superior SMS program in most all other respects. Hate to see it go.
Seems what I'm asking to do shouldn't be so complicated. With all Google's resources, I'm surprised this isn't all built-in to Android and easily used.
Getting close. Turned off option on GoSMS to disable other messaging notifications (fixed CloudSMS issue).
Found two promising apps:
SMS+Car - Does the job but the it doesn't use the native Google voice recognition and more importantly doesn't read calendar reminders. What it DOES do is mark the SMS messages it reads as read!
Enhanced SMS + Caller ID+ - This is the better app, it cleaner, more options, used native Google voice recognition. It's missing one thing though, DOESN'T MARK THE SMS AS READ! Dealbreaker.
Search continues...
Certain notification pop-ups appear that I can't figure out where to turn them off. One example is each time my phone pairs with my Gear S2 watch (e.g. I walk out of BT range and then come back), another is a 'finding location' popup because I set smart lock to keep the phone unlocked when I'm at home.
Anyone know which notification to turn off for these service-level items?
Bonus round: I read in either the manual or a review that double-tapping a popup notification on the lock screen should launch the app. I took that to mean that since I have smart lock active it should just go to the app, however I'm still forced to swype the screen; double-tap on the pop-up notification doesn't do it. Are my expectations wrong or do I need to tweak yet another setting?
Sorry for all the questions. I just came from being on pure stock Android for several years and Samsung has added all their own settings layer which makes it a little confusing as I'm switching phones.
GALAXY S4 TIPS AND TRICKS: GET THE MOST OUT OF LOLLIPOP
Ever since the Galaxy S4 got the Lollipop update, the old beast has been chugging along just fine. We're so fond of the S4 that we thought we'd share our ultimate list of Galaxy S4 tips and tricks, specifically for the Lollipop update. The Galaxy S4 is still a great phone, but read on to see just how much greater you can make it.
1. Disable S Voice for faster navigation
S Voice can be launched by double-pressing the S4's home key. This shortcut actually slows down the home key response, however, because TouchWiz pauses momentarily after the first press, waiting to see if you press it a second time, before taking you to the home screen. Go to S Voice, press the menu soft key, select Settings and uncheck the box next to Open via the Home Key to make home key navigation faster.
2. Turn off annoying Samsung sounds
While you're at it, why not turn off some of those annoying Samsung sounds? Even if you like them I can assure you that everyone on the train, at work and in the supermarket hates them. To do the world a favor, go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications > Other Sounds and un-check the boxes for as many sounds as you can live without.
3. Use shortcuts to call or message contacts
Why use messy menu buttons when a gesture will suffice? In your contacts list you can simply swipe a contact's name to the left or right to instantly call or message them. Now you can stay in touch more easily and save time while you're doing it.
4. Access the Galaxy S4's hidden settings
There's a great app called Note 2 Hidden Settings that also works with other Galaxy devices, including the S4. It won't work with some carrier-branded models, but it's worth installing it and giving it a shot because there's heaps of cool stuff in this app.
5. Secure your lock screen notifications
Lollipop comes with lock screen notifications meaning you don't have to completely unlock your phone just to read a text or email. But perhaps you don't feel comfortable having the contents of your notifications plastered all over your lock screen for anyone see. If so, go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications. You can select which apps will display content on the lock screen in Application notifications and the level of content in While locked.
6. Use your phone to control the TV
Download the WatchOn app and use it to set up your TV guide, favorite channels, control your TV, set-top box and plenty more. You can even put it on your lock screen or the notifications shade to make sure you're always the couch commando in charge.
7. Use your voice for hands-free control
Did you know your S4 has lots of voice control options? You can use your voice to turn off alarms, take photos, play music and answer or reject calls. Just go to Settings > My Device > Voice Control and flip the switches for the commands you want to use. You can also use S Voice to set reminders or check the weather.
8. Get a better launcher
If TouchWiz feels a little slow to you, why not replace with a faster launcher such as Google Now Launcher, Nova Launcher or Action launcher? Give them a try – they're free and you can always switch back if you want to.
9. Make your own Qi wireless charger
If you want the wireless charging experience that the Galaxy S6 offers, without needing to fork out a fortune to actually get an S6, why not buy a wireless charging pack? All you need to do then is take the back off your phone and align the tab as instructed in the packaging, before replacing the phone's back panel.
10. Activate Smart stay
Smart stay uses your phone's front-facing camera to detect whether you're looking at the screen or not, and makes sure that the screen remains on for as long as you look at it. This is great if you want to have a short screen timeout but also do a lot of reading on your phone.
To activate Smart stay, go to Settings > My device > Smart screen and press Smart stay.
11. Customize your lock screen
Don't settle for a boring old lock screen, add a camera and dialer shortcut, select a clock or private message and give it some pizzazz with a custom wallpaper. Go to Settings > My Device > Lock Screen and check the box for camera, then customize your lock screen widgets.
12. Customize your Quick Settings
Why settle for the standard Quick Settings when you can curate a custom batch of the most useful toggles and switches for the way you use your phone? You can even arrange them exactly how you like. Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the little grid in the top right corner and then the little pencil to edit and rearrange your Quick Settings.
13. Make the keyboard smarter
If you're using the stock Samsung keyboard, make sure you have both predictive text and swipe typing enabled.You'll be amazed at how much time they can save you. Go to the keyboard and long press the button to the left of the space bar. Tap the Settings cog and make sure Predictive Text is on and that Keyboard Swipe is set to Continuous Input. You could also replace the keyboard with SwiftKey or another keyboard app.
14. Use Do Not Disturb mode
Another great Lollipop feature is Priority Notifications, which is also known as Do Not Disturb mode. It lets you set times where you won't be interrupted by any but the most critical notifications or alarms. You can keep calls from your family and boss on the white list, set days and times of the week and choose between calls, messages and calendar reminders. Go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications > Interruptions and get busy.
15. Supercharge your camera
Install the Samsung Smart Camera app and connect your phone to your camera with NFC to trasfer photo faster, use your phone as a remote viewfinder (hello, selfie sticks) and more. Best of all, your camera will automatically connect to your phone when it's on.
16. Always get the best display
One of the best things about Samsung displays is that they adapt to different conditions, so you always get the best possible viewing experience, whether you're reading, looking at photos or watching a movie. Just got to Settings > My Device > Display > Screen Mode and choose Adapt Display or check out the other options.
17. Try the floating keyboard
Your keyboard isn't actually locked to the bottom of the screen. Depending on what you're doing, a smaller, floating keyboard might be more suitable. Go to the keyboard, long press the button to the left of the space bar and tap the tile with the two overlapping boxes. Your keyboard will shrink a little and be movable.
18. Save battery with smarter Wi-Fi
If you have your Wi-Fi set to disconnect whenever the screen is off, you might think you're saving battery. That's not the case. Most of us turn our screen on an average of 150 times a day, so keeping Wi-Fi connected is actually better than having it turn off and on and search for connections every time. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the soft menu key and then Advanced and set Keep Wi-Fi on During Sleep to Always.
19. Fix bugs in Safe Mode
If your Galaxy S4 is acting strangely, you might want to restart it in Safe mode until you solve the problem. To do so, simply turn your S4 off and then back on again. As soon as you see the Samsung screen, press and hold the volume down key and you will see that many apps have been disabled when it boots up. To get out of safe mode, just turn your phone off and back on again.
20. Make things simpler with Easy Mode
If you're a bit bamboozled by all the Samsung widgets and doodads in TouchWiz, give Easy Mode a shot. It'll clear things up, so you only see the most important stuff, as well as enlarge icons and make everything easier to manage and navigate. Go to Settings > My Device > Easy Mode to make the switch.
22. Always get the best photo
Let's face it, not all of us are Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers. So when a moment really maters, why not shoot a burst of pics and have your S4 choose the best one for you? Just open the camera app, tap Mode and Best Photo. Hold down the shutter to shoot a bunch of pis and let your phone choose the best one automatically.
23. Get better battery life
The Galaxy S4 doesn't have the stock Android Lollipop Battery Saver mode but it does have Samsung's Power Saver Mode. Go to Settings > My Device > Power Saving Mode and flip the switch to enable it. It works by disabling certain functions in order to conserve battery life. You can choose which functions these are in the settings.
25. Make security smarter
Why would you want to unlock your phone with a PIN or pattern when you're at home where (I hope) you can trust everyone? That's where Lollipop's cool Smart Lock feature comes in. You can save the trouble of unlocking your phone in certain places by adding a trusted face or voice, or a smartwatch or other trusted device.
26. Make Chrome easier and better
Chrome on Lollipop is a little annoying. By default your Chrome tabs will live individually in your recent apps list (accessed by long pressing the home button). If you prefer the old way – all your tabs contained in Chrome itself – go to Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner, select Settings and turn off Merge Tabs and Apps
Press the thanks button if I helped you!
Any problems? Ask me!
munimjaffer said:
GALAXY S4 TIPS AND TRICKS: GET THE MOST OUT OF LOLLIPOP
Ever since the Galaxy S4 got the Lollipop update, the old beast has been chugging along just fine. We're so fond of the S4 that we thought we'd share our ultimate list of Galaxy S4 tips and tricks, specifically for the Lollipop update. The Galaxy S4 is still a great phone, but read on to see just how much greater you can make it.
1. Disable S Voice for faster navigation
S Voice can be launched by double-pressing the S4's home key. This shortcut actually slows down the home key response, however, because TouchWiz pauses momentarily after the first press, waiting to see if you press it a second time, before taking you to the home screen. Go to S Voice, press the menu soft key, select Settings and uncheck the box next to Open via the Home Key to make home key navigation faster.
2. Turn off annoying Samsung sounds
While you're at it, why not turn off some of those annoying Samsung sounds? Even if you like them I can assure you that everyone on the train, at work and in the supermarket hates them. To do the world a favor, go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications > Other Sounds and un-check the boxes for as many sounds as you can live without.
3. Use shortcuts to call or message contacts
Why use messy menu buttons when a gesture will suffice? In your contacts list you can simply swipe a contact's name to the left or right to instantly call or message them. Now you can stay in touch more easily and save time while you're doing it.
4. Access the Galaxy S4's hidden settings
There's a great app called Note 2 Hidden Settings that also works with other Galaxy devices, including the S4. It won't work with some carrier-branded models, but it's worth installing it and giving it a shot because there's heaps of cool stuff in this app.
5. Secure your lock screen notifications
Lollipop comes with lock screen notifications meaning you don't have to completely unlock your phone just to read a text or email. But perhaps you don't feel comfortable having the contents of your notifications plastered all over your lock screen for anyone see. If so, go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications. You can select which apps will display content on the lock screen in Application notifications and the level of content in While locked.
6. Use your phone to control the TV
Download the WatchOn app and use it to set up your TV guide, favorite channels, control your TV, set-top box and plenty more. You can even put it on your lock screen or the notifications shade to make sure you're always the couch commando in charge.
7. Use your voice for hands-free control
Did you know your S4 has lots of voice control options? You can use your voice to turn off alarms, take photos, play music and answer or reject calls. Just go to Settings > My Device > Voice Control and flip the switches for the commands you want to use. You can also use S Voice to set reminders or check the weather.
8. Get a better launcher
If TouchWiz feels a little slow to you, why not replace with a faster launcher such as Google Now Launcher, Nova Launcher or Action launcher? Give them a try – they're free and you can always switch back if you want to.
9. Make your own Qi wireless charger
If you want the wireless charging experience that the Galaxy S6 offers, without needing to fork out a fortune to actually get an S6, why not buy a wireless charging pack? All you need to do then is take the back off your phone and align the tab as instructed in the packaging, before replacing the phone's back panel.
10. Activate Smart stay
Smart stay uses your phone's front-facing camera to detect whether you're looking at the screen or not, and makes sure that the screen remains on for as long as you look at it. This is great if you want to have a short screen timeout but also do a lot of reading on your phone.
To activate Smart stay, go to Settings > My device > Smart screen and press Smart stay.
11. Customize your lock screen
Don't settle for a boring old lock screen, add a camera and dialer shortcut, select a clock or private message and give it some pizzazz with a custom wallpaper. Go to Settings > My Device > Lock Screen and check the box for camera, then customize your lock screen widgets.
12. Customize your Quick Settings
Why settle for the standard Quick Settings when you can curate a custom batch of the most useful toggles and switches for the way you use your phone? You can even arrange them exactly how you like. Swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the little grid in the top right corner and then the little pencil to edit and rearrange your Quick Settings.
13. Make the keyboard smarter
If you're using the stock Samsung keyboard, make sure you have both predictive text and swipe typing enabled.You'll be amazed at how much time they can save you. Go to the keyboard and long press the button to the left of the space bar. Tap the Settings cog and make sure Predictive Text is on and that Keyboard Swipe is set to Continuous Input. You could also replace the keyboard with SwiftKey or another keyboard app.
14. Use Do Not Disturb mode
Another great Lollipop feature is Priority Notifications, which is also known as Do Not Disturb mode. It lets you set times where you won't be interrupted by any but the most critical notifications or alarms. You can keep calls from your family and boss on the white list, set days and times of the week and choose between calls, messages and calendar reminders. Go to Settings > My Device > Sounds and Notifications > Interruptions and get busy.
15. Supercharge your camera
Install the Samsung Smart Camera app and connect your phone to your camera with NFC to trasfer photo faster, use your phone as a remote viewfinder (hello, selfie sticks) and more. Best of all, your camera will automatically connect to your phone when it's on.
16. Always get the best display
One of the best things about Samsung displays is that they adapt to different conditions, so you always get the best possible viewing experience, whether you're reading, looking at photos or watching a movie. Just got to Settings > My Device > Display > Screen Mode and choose Adapt Display or check out the other options.
17. Try the floating keyboard
Your keyboard isn't actually locked to the bottom of the screen. Depending on what you're doing, a smaller, floating keyboard might be more suitable. Go to the keyboard, long press the button to the left of the space bar and tap the tile with the two overlapping boxes. Your keyboard will shrink a little and be movable.
18. Save battery with smarter Wi-Fi
If you have your Wi-Fi set to disconnect whenever the screen is off, you might think you're saving battery. That's not the case. Most of us turn our screen on an average of 150 times a day, so keeping Wi-Fi connected is actually better than having it turn off and on and search for connections every time. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the soft menu key and then Advanced and set Keep Wi-Fi on During Sleep to Always.
19. Fix bugs in Safe Mode
If your Galaxy S4 is acting strangely, you might want to restart it in Safe mode until you solve the problem. To do so, simply turn your S4 off and then back on again. As soon as you see the Samsung screen, press and hold the volume down key and you will see that many apps have been disabled when it boots up. To get out of safe mode, just turn your phone off and back on again.
20. Make things simpler with Easy Mode
If you're a bit bamboozled by all the Samsung widgets and doodads in TouchWiz, give Easy Mode a shot. It'll clear things up, so you only see the most important stuff, as well as enlarge icons and make everything easier to manage and navigate. Go to Settings > My Device > Easy Mode to make the switch.
22. Always get the best photo
Let's face it, not all of us are Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers. So when a moment really maters, why not shoot a burst of pics and have your S4 choose the best one for you? Just open the camera app, tap Mode and Best Photo. Hold down the shutter to shoot a bunch of pis and let your phone choose the best one automatically.
23. Get better battery life
The Galaxy S4 doesn't have the stock Android Lollipop Battery Saver mode but it does have Samsung's Power Saver Mode. Go to Settings > My Device > Power Saving Mode and flip the switch to enable it. It works by disabling certain functions in order to conserve battery life. You can choose which functions these are in the settings.
25. Make security smarter
Why would you want to unlock your phone with a PIN or pattern when you're at home where (I hope) you can trust everyone? That's where Lollipop's cool Smart Lock feature comes in. You can save the trouble of unlocking your phone in certain places by adding a trusted face or voice, or a smartwatch or other trusted device.
26. Make Chrome easier and better
Chrome on Lollipop is a little annoying. By default your Chrome tabs will live individually in your recent apps list (accessed by long pressing the home button). If you prefer the old way – all your tabs contained in Chrome itself – go to Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right-hand corner, select Settings and turn off Merge Tabs and Apps
Press the thanks button if I helped you!
Any problems? Ask me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am assuming that you DO have the permission of Kris Carlon, and you are NOT stealing his work and intellectual property rights by just copying and pasting the content of his article on Android Pit?
If not: do you know that piracy, like the copyrights violation, is not allowed on XDA?
Thread closed as a direct copy of someone else's work.
Hello everyone!
Is it just me who is really bothered that the display of new messages is constantly overlaid by the default digital clock? A new message comes in an instantly the default digital clock is shown instead of the message. The message is blurred in the background and can only be seen by tapping the display. For what reason do I have a smartwatch that shows me messages, wenn all I can see is alwyas the default clock?
There was the silent hope that this would be fixed after the firmware update, but it's still really annoying and sometimes only makes the clock usable to a very limited extent :-(
AOD and activation with wrist movement is active ... still I often have to tap the display or press the home button to get a proper display again. Annoying when I´m out with the dog and have always to use the hand that holds the leash to see the messages.
I have this happen when running Google Maps. I find it much more convenient (and safer) to glance at the directions on my wrist without having to use the phone. But half the time when I try to check the route, it's covered up by the time. I would really like to have Maps keep displaying until I reach my destination.