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Ingenious Car Mount

Hey everyone,
I'm not sure how many of you are aware of this product but I just found it on sale at Canadian Tire here in Canada and I'm very impressed. It's just so convenient.. I can't believe I haven't seen this before. I am amazed by it, honestly.
http://www.tetrax.com/us
Look at the XWAY and FIXWAY primarily. I purchased the XWAY at Canadian Tire for $30 (regular $50). A little expensive compared to what I am used to, but I am very happy with it so far.
The reasons I like this solution:
Works with any type of device
Sturdy and secure. Even holds me 5" GPS (though I prefer to use Google Navigation )
Allows for the keyboard to be open on most (if not all) qwerty phones
Allows for portrait and landscape rotation
Is not visible when device is on the mount
Is very small and unobtrusive when device is not on the mount
There are no clips or snaps to fiddle with, just slide off the device
You can use this with 4 devices out-of-the-box as it comes with 4 different sized magnetic pads for your devices
This does not introduce a magnetic field to yoru device (the magnet is broken into 4 and arranged intelligently)
The negative things I've discovered about this solution:
You need a magnetic pad on each device you want to use
The XWAY can be accidentally pulled off the vent if you yank the device straight off of mount instead of sliding it off
Depending on your car vents, the angle that the device is pointed might not be ideal
I will post pix tomorrow if anyone is interested! The site has quite a few to look at until then.

Here's some pix!
I don't have photos of it in the car quite yet. I'll try to get some tomorrow morning.
Today I found the FIXWAY at BestBuy and decided that I might like that better since it can be positioned in a better spot in my car. My cars vents are not ideal since the steering wheel covers part of the screen when mounted there. However, even so, the XWAY has been by far the best car mount I've ever seen or used. The FIXWAY should be even better (for my particular car).
I also discovered that the FIXWAY doesn't actually get fixed to the car itself as I thought, but instead it uses a square magnet which you fix to your car. It actually comes with 2 of these in case you want to use this in 2 cars. Like the metal button that you stick to the phone, the square metal that goes on the car has 3M adhesive on the back. It's super strong, works great.
Anyway here's some photos of both the XWAY and FIXWAY I took in my living room.

Very interesting. But, in my feeling, the lack is that we can't orientate the phone ...

I guess it depends how your car's dashboard is angled. Mine faces me just fine and the videos I've seen it seems like most work out fine
And for rotation, you can rotate it any which way before or after your phone is mounted.

I have had the xway for about 2 months now and I love it. If you are attaching it to the vents their is really no reason to have to angle the phone. I agree that if you have some weird vent configuration it may be an issue.

check this - Toyota Avensis
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9979403&postcount=74

hudy said:
check this - Toyota Avensis
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9979403&postcount=74
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Click to collapse
Wow I guess I didn't so the best job at reading through that thread! I even posted a link from there to here on page 11. Good pix though! Thanks

Here are some pix of the FIXWAY in the car without the phone on it (all I had to take the pix was the phone). One of these days I'll remember to bring out the camera..
Oh, and good news... It seems that you can actually angle/tilt the phone with the FIXWAY. It must be the shape of the magnet or something, and the fact that the 'X' is rubber, I am able to tilt it and it holds in place. Not a lot, but enough that I was able to cut down on some glare on the drive home

That's pretty cool, And I actually lik the blob on the back of the phone

Seconded Mac, but I would have to take my soft shell off...........................

Did your DZ battery door come stock with the wording "With Google" on it ?

Smartenup said:
Seconded Mac, but I would have to take my soft shell off...........................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should stick to any shell/case just fine I would think?

For some years I use some velcro (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velcro). The soft side on my phone, lighter. The hard side on the dash.
Costs almost nothing. Works very well, except in the summer when it is very hot (than the glue gets sticky)

AZ2ENVY said:
Did your DZ battery door come stock with the wording "With Google" on it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mine did
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA Premium App

FINALLY took some photos.
I am still very much in love with this thing. My whole family has'em now, which is awesome because whenever I drive any of their cars I'm set

Is it weird that it reminds me of a tie fighter?

Thanks for the recommendation and all the pictures. Difficult to find a mount that doesn't interfere with the camera and/or volume buttons.

[Review] VR Shinecon using Nexus 6P (updated with pics)

So my Shinecon VR headset came in two days. I wanted to post the review here because I upgraded from a much smaller phone with much less pixel density, which is what drew me to VR technology in the first place. That being said, I'm sure I'm not the only one that wants to make the jump into VR with the acquisition of my new N6P. I had the opportunity to thoroughly try out the headset in short bursts of time. That means I haven't watched a movie on it. I decided to exclude any pics because the ones provided by Amazon will be much better anyhow.
http://www.amazon.com/Generation-Sh...=UTF8&qid=1447287272&sr=8-1&keywords=shinecon
http://www.amazon.com/SainSonic-Hel...=UTF8&qid=1447287272&sr=8-2&keywords=shinecon
Place of purchase: AliExpress (Amazon has it too but I purchased from AE because I knew my Nexus 6P was going to take a while to arrive anyways)
Price: $25 from AE (there's a range of prices)
Phone tested with headset: Nexus 6P (no case, just a vinyl skin)
Comfort:
In comparison to the original Google Cardboard, it's obviously more luxurious and comfortable. The Shinecon has faux leather all around the areas that contact your face, except for the nose. The nose area is where a bit of light leaks in, but can easily be remedied with a bit of foam. However, I decided to leave this open as a port for ventilation because the phone can get warm depending on what type of VR content you're consuming.
The head straps are also made of good quality Velcro, so it's easily adjustable. The placement of the straps also seem pretty ideal, as the headset doesn't seem to be torquing my head downwards too much while in use.
Features:
The Shinecon has a few knobs to tweak the lens' position. There is a single knob on top that adjusts the distance between the lens. There's also knobs on either side of the headset that adjusts the fore/aft of the entire phone to bring the display into focus.
The phone loads into the headset with a spring/clamp mechanism. However, I found it difficult to load/unload my N6P mostly because the phone itself is pretty large for the mount. I wouldn't recommend any phone larger than the N6P for the Shinecon, but there's a tiny bit of wiggle room if you insist. The clamping mechanism also seems rather fragile, as the plastic bends pretty easily. The tabs for the clamp are also rather thin. If it does break, the clamp/tray can be removed with a few screws, and you could load the phone into the headset with some foam. Once the phone is loaded into the tray, all you do is fold the front "door" back into position and a magnet keeps things closed. The magnet seems sufficiently strong to hold my N6P without any problems. There is also an extra backplate that can be removed (attached via magnet) to allow better ventilation of your device, as well as exposing the camera for augmented reality, etc.
The front door also has a gap on either side of the headset, allowing for easy access to any ports on the phone that are on the top or bottom of the phone's edges. I could easily charge my N6P and use headphones while using the Shinecon.
Viewing Content:
Since this headset does not include any of its own software, I can only talk about the experience provided by 3rd party apps. I used Cardboard Theater to view my own content, and tested other VR videos with VRSE and Youtube. Everything was very simple to use, and the lens were of great quality. Picture was very clear, and the FOV was fantastic. Using Cardboard Theater, I was able to adjust "how far I am to the screen." In other words, it felt like I was on the front row of the theater with very good immersion. Not much black space on the edges of the field, which was a problem on the original Google Cardboard headset. I don't know if the advertised 110* FOV is accurate, but I'm pretty satisfied with what I'm seeing.
Build Quality:
Overall build quality was better than expected. Everything fit together very nicely. Nothing was squeaky. There were no loose threads on the leather. The hinges did not creak. The lenses weren't scratched or warped. I basically had no complaints. Especially given the very cheap price, I would definitely buy it again. This headset was slightly more pricey than a few other Chinese brand headsets, but the quality and FOV/immersion seemed to justify the slightly higher price tag.
TLDR:
I liked it. I would buy it again.
If you liked the review, a simple press of the "thanks" button will do! If you have questions, you can ask here.

wrong post...anyway i'm gonna order for myself one of these hope this shinecon it's ok ..worried only about fov...i'm gonna use it with a note 4

How do you control things in apps like cardboard?

Cardboard utilizes a magnet, where your phone responds to a change in the magnetic field.
For my shinecon, you can either implement that yourself, or touch the screen when you need to. Most other apps outside of cardboard don't need the magnet. You just "stare" at controls to activate them
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Is the shinecon good enough or the GEAR BOX must be better?

IronManqwerty said:
Is the shinecon good enough or the GEAR BOX must be better?
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Click to collapse
What's a gear box? I googled and found some transmissions[emoji1]
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Well VR BOX is a similar variant and now it has a v2.0 too! Available with Bluetooth remote for $23 approx...why don't you YouTube it? Just check it out and tell me which one to go for?

Ohhhh you meant vr box. I was considering that one too, because it simply looks nicer than my shinecon. However, other reviews mentioned the FOV wasn't good. I opted for the shinecon purely based on FOV, and immersion is great. I wouldn't spend less to get less immersion. The Bluetooth remote is cool, but one can be had for $5
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

One issue is the need to "calibrate" the unit and Shinecon doesn't provide a QR code but on another site someone chimed in that they were whiteboxing the units and provided one --> http://vrkix.com/pages/faqs
One other issue I had: 1) adjusting the phone to lens distance doesn't have a "stop" and I had to push to get phone to move back. A related issue is the slide on bottom has nothing to match movement to top so unit can get crooked and jammed.
Note: There are some foam pads that are provided so you can elevate the unit so that the side buttons are not activated. Using the
Other wise, great device once you get it dialed in (old eyes)

The cardboard QR code for VR shinecon

Altimas said:
How do you control things in apps like cardboard?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use a bluetooth controller, it works! Very convenient! There are many dirt cheap controllers in Amazon, go find yours.

Seabeseen said:
I use a bluetooth controller, it works! Very convenient! There are many dirt cheap controllers in Amazon, go find yours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, they're typically around $5. You could even try plugging in your ear buds and try the inline button. Heard it works for some.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Seabeseen said:
The cardboard QR code for VR shinecon
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i have vr scinecon too, but i see distort reality with this QR profile.
Anyone have found correct qr code for this glsses?

So I'm still not too familiar with VR, but I do like what I have with shinecon. What's the QR code for?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

kayo90 said:
i have vr scinecon too, but i see distort reality with this QR profile.
Anyone have found correct qr code for this glsses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I generate it according to my PD. My PD is 70mm.
In the cardboard viewer profile generator, the Inter-lens distance, I use my PD. As the PD can be adjusted, I don't know what should fill, so I guess it's OK because you can adjust it to fit your eyes.
As to the screen to lens distance, the VR Shinecon can be adjusted too, so I use the maximum one 65mm. It works for some people with short-sight problem. I let my friend try this QR code when adjust to the minimum 55mm, she is -3.00 dioptres, and she said she can see clear in 55mm, no prescription glasses needed. For me, no difference for 55mm or 65mm.
The difficult part for me is the Distortion coefficients. Maybe I'm wrong there? I hope someone could help me out about the math?
https://support.google.com/cardboard/manufacturers/checklist/6322188

rice923 said:
So I'm still not too familiar with VR, but I do like what I have with shinecon. What's the QR code for?
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The QR code works for the cardboard app only.
Here is the link: https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/viewerprofilegenerator/

Seabeseen said:
The QR code works for the cardboard app only.
Here is the link: https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/viewerprofilegenerator/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll read into it. Hopefully it's something that will help with my VR consumption
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

OP updated with pics. Figured people appreciate actual pics instead of renderings from the company.

hi thanks for the report
some question
i'm planning to go for shinecon or boafeng (on AE), i have some questions wich may seem evident but i'm really not used to that kind of toys
1. Is the mouse controller able to control all apps on the phone like on a pc
2. In case we want to see normal vids on youtube or other apps, would it still be possible ?
thanks

hellsbell said:
hi thanks for the report
some question
i'm planning to go for shinecon or boafeng (on AE), i have some questions wich may seem evident but i'm really not used to that kind of toys
1. Is the mouse controller able to control all apps on the phone like on a pc
2. In case we want to see normal vids on youtube or other apps, would it still be possible ?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I don't know what mouse controller it is that you speak of.
2. YouTube has a built in feature to allow all videos to be viewed in VR now. That includes regular videos, and there are also actual VR videos that support 360*experiences.

VR headset?

Has anyone used one with the phone, Im interested in getting one curious as to opinions of different ones in regards to the Z Force.

LeeMullinsII said:
Has anyone used one with the phone, Im interested in getting one curious as to opinions of different ones in regards to the Z Force.
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I just picked up a bobovr. Seems cool, but I don't really know since I can't seem to find the magnet for Google cardboard. I've flipped the phone, removed mods... Doesn't make a difference. I'm fairly bummed.

killboredom said:
I just picked up a bobovr. Seems cool, but I don't really know since I can't seem to find the magnet for Google cardboard. I've flipped the phone, removed mods... Doesn't make a difference. I'm fairly bummed.
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Click to collapse
I used it on the Google daydream, it's pretty amazing. Just make sure it's centered

I have the Daydream headset..It's cool, bit the phone gets HOT
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

+1 on both of the two previous posts! Google Daydream works well, but the phone certain does get hot!!
A few other points:
Make sure to take off mods to reduce weight. I usually keep the Battery mod on my phone 24/7, but take it off for VR. Granted, the loss of more battery stinks with doing VR, but the weight savings makes it much more comfortable to wear.
If you've purchased any movies/shows in the google play store, you can open them in Youtube under the "purchases" link on the left on a computer. Once you've opened them, they show up as recently viewed items in Youtube. This means you can use YouTubeVR to view them. What's nice about this is with YoutubeVR, you can re-position the screen to pretty much any angle, so you can lay down on the floor or bed and watch a movie/show.

"Look" of the device (aesthetics)

Is the Google Pixel 2 XL as good-looking as you are (despite your receding hairline, adult-onset acne, and massive weight gain)? Rate this thread to express whether you think the Google Pixel 2 XL is attractive. A higher rating indicates that you would even go as far to say that the Google Pixel 2 XL is a beautiful phone.
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!

I like it. Idk why LG went with the curved glass, but it feels good. The useable screen actually stops where the curve begins. So the curve is just a black bezel. Maybe they're amping up for some sort of Sammy edge in the future? I hope not.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:19 AM ----------
I'd say 7.5 of 10 on the all black
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I visited Verizon store today and my first impression was pretty good! They only had the black version but it looked nice, better than the original pixel XL. However, there were two things I've noticed. First, the top and bottom bezels aren't symmetrical. Top bezel is definitely larger and it was pretty apparent when using the device. That's personal preference but I didn't like it. Second, are the scratches on the screen. I haven't heard many people mention it but the screen is actually slightly curved like on the Samsung devices but the glass also slopes down on the top and bottom. It's only been on display for a day first but it was already noticably scratched on the bottom bezel, on the "arch".

I went back to the store to take few pictures to illustrate what I'm talking about + curved screen

jedras95 said:
I went back to the store to take few pictures to illustrate what I'm talking about + curved screen
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Click to collapse
Someone had to of dropped that while putting on display. Those look like scratches from some sort of impact and is why I always use a case! ha

Dang it folks, test the speaker volume and post!

georgiapi said:
Dang it folks, test the speaker volume and post!
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Click to collapse
I played a video on youtube on max volume for few seconds but did not want to be obnoxious in the store hah. Anyways, speakers sounded very loud and clear, much much better than my Note8 (no surprise).
---------- Post added at 06:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:26 PM ----------
Another thing I forgot to mention is that display is much less vibrant than Note 8. Colors are washed out, especially reds. I will try to take few more pictures later today

I liked what I saw today, although I think I'd have preferred a single front facing speaker with a shorter device, but I know people are obsessed with front facing stereo speakers for some reason
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I just want a device with reserve volume not one that I max out for a particular purpose and its not loud enough.
I did the 5X tweak to make both speakers play back and a volume boost flash that worked very well.
I want my Waze to at least get my attention while cruising to a good part of a song .

I like the app drawer is transparent instead of the bright white that the OG Pixel has. Wish the rest of the system followed suit (settings, contacts, msgs and such). Or at least had options.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Sorry. I was speaking of software, you guys are discussing hardware.

The screen colors looks like this for a more realistic presentation of color, this can be remedied with color mode like Ex kernel color option to add more saturation.

This phone is definitely not a looker. But gonna cover it up anyway and hopefully the bezels wont bother me.

I'm not sure really why it matters to a point. It's just going to be in a case anyway.

LTHorn said:
I'm not sure really why it matters to a point. It's just going to be in a case anyway.
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Click to collapse
Well that's true for the back....But the front of the phone still has an aesthetic. There is no doubt there is some unique bezel stuff going on with this phone.

Joppykid said:
Someone had to of dropped that while putting on display. Those look like scratches from some sort of impact and is why I always use a case! ha
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Click to collapse
Or it could have been an exchange put on display

Droidforce said:
Or it could have been an exchange put on display
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Click to collapse
An exchange on a phone that hadnt been released yet when I said this?

dang it people (would use harsher language but dont want to deal with a ban or fragile persons) STOP going to verizon and judging their crappy demo locked display version as what the phone is going to be like. as for scratches, well DUH, if you ever worked retail, you would already know humans treat stuff thats not theirs like total $#!t! id bet if i drop my phone on my floor it wont get the same dings and scratches these "CUSS"tomers put devices through. dont you dare ask me to drop my phone, im the good "egg daddy" with my devices. id drop my wife before my phone (thats why she doesn't do trust falls while im holding electronics.)

About That Display & Critics
This may be a good opportunity for Google to make a bold move by recalling as necessary all the units for the Pixel 2 XL and rebuild those displays quickly with full screen all around with no black nudges whatsoever surrounding the speakers or anything else like front camera and sensors on these screens as possible, therefore blending in the full display entirely, and achieving likely the thinnest bezels, to kick Apple iPhone X's behind big time!:laugh:

Elle & Moi said:
This may be a good opportunity for Google to make a bold move by recalling as necessary all the units for the Pixel 2 XL and rebuild those displays quickly with full screen all around with no black nudges whatsoever surrounding the speakers or anything else like front camera and sensors on these screens as possible, therefore blending in the full display entirely, and achieving likely the thinnest bezels, to kick Apple iPhone X's behind big time!:laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, that's a reasonably ridiculous request...

No! That understandingly what is called a wild bold move, indeed. Google won't go bankrupt after that. To the contrary upon the outcome, their shares will culminate more than ever before. Thus with that 'WBM' potential success, they may just become dramatically the number one seed to beat in the smartphone market, after all.

Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle - watch faces don't fill up entire display

Just picked up one of these watches having moved from a Moto 360 V2. So far it seems nice but when load custom watch faces using Watchmaker, I notice the watch face does not fill up the entire display. There is a band of black about 2mm thick around the face. I tried a standard Fossil watch face and it appears to be the same. Is this a display feature or have I missed some setting in the watch somewhere? It's hard to believe the watch would only display a watch face on 90% of the display.

What you were seeing around the display is the black bezel, like any phone display. There is not actually "display" in that area.

Yes, the black border around the screen is the worst thing with this Fossil. But threre are not any good competitors with full screen right now, like the Huawei watch 1, or the Moto 360 had for example.
Skickat från min CMR-W09 via Tapatalk

Yep major let down there. It is to accommodate the light sensor and the NFC aerial apparently.
1 Get rid of the light sensor, never issue it in any event.
2 The Ticwatch Pro seems able to have NFC without losing screen real estate.

palexr said:
Yep major let down there. It is to accommodate the light sensor and the NFC aerial apparently.
1 Get rid of the light sensor, never issue it in any event.
2 The Ticwatch Pro seems able to have NFC without losing screen real estate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Moto 360 V2 had an area at the bottom of the screen that was the sensor I guess. But the rest of the screen was totally filled with the display. After a while I never noticed this little bump at the bottom but on the Fossil I notice the black bezel all the time since it makes the screen face smaller than even the Moto 360 V2 I was using (Watchmaker Pro watch faces).

Gen 5 Display size
lchiu7 said:
My Moto 360 V2 had an area at the bottom of the screen that was the sensor I guess. But the rest of the screen was totally filled with the display. After a while I never noticed this little bump at the bottom but on the Fossil I notice the black bezel all the time since it makes the screen face smaller than even the Moto 360 V2 I was using (Watchmaker Pro watch faces).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I love the size of my 360v2. I have the Carlyle and have a hard time see the display ( have font on large too)
I'll be looking for a new wearOS watch with a larger display, hopefully one will launch soon. Still have the fully functioning Moto 360v2, best watch ever, I've beat the crap out of that thing ever since i've had it and have had absolutely no issues, other than it being slow.

I think it's funny the original moto 360 got so much grief for the "flat tire". Years later, I would still gladly trade my thick dark border area on my Fossil Carlyle for a larger display.

palexr said:
Yep major let down there. It is to accommodate the light sensor and the NFC aerial apparently.
1 Get rid of the light sensor, never issue it in any event.
2 The Ticwatch Pro seems able to have NFC without losing screen real estate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
electricpete1 said:
I think it's funny the original moto 360 got so much grief for the "flat tire". Years later, I would still gladly trade my thick dark border area on my Fossil Carlyle for a larger display.
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Agree completely. I use a custom watch face that is modelled on a real watch. It looks a bit small on the Fossil compared with the Moto 360V2 I replaced it with. I never minded the flat tire - got used to it.

electricpete1 said:
I think it's funny the original moto 360 got so much grief for the "flat tire". Years later, I would still gladly trade my thick dark border area on my Fossil Carlyle for a larger display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That grief is leaking into the year 2020, because I still use my 360 as a weekender.

At least I'm not alone - moving from a Moto360 v2 due to a sick battery and so far not liking the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle
The screen ends up being tiny and I am having trouble seeing the time on any decent watch faces. I didn't buy it to be a digital watch, but they are about the only ones were a glance is enough to see the time...
Marine Commander on Google play is about the best analog / digital I have found, but still not that impressed.
2015 we had wireless charging, a large bright screen, 2 days battery and something that looked premium on your wrist - years later, and it seems we have gone backwards!
Even the new Moto360 Gen 3 is small and suffers the black ring issue.
I have ordered a new battery for the 360 v2 to see if I can fix it, if I can, the Fossil might just go back !
Rik

lchiu7 said:
Just picked up one of these watches having moved from a Moto 360 V2. So far it seems nice but when load custom watch faces using Watchmaker, I notice the watch face does not fill up the entire display. There is a band of black about 2mm thick around the face. I tried a standard Fossil watch face and it appears to be the same. Is this a display feature or have I missed some setting in the watch somewhere? It's hard to believe the watch would only display a watch face on 90% of the display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is the worst thing that has a black border around the display screen but is a display black bezel