Trackr & trusted devices - General Questions and Answers

Hi all, so I wanted to get a bluetooth keyfob to work with my Android 5 phone that would function as a trusted device and keep my phone unlocked while I had it on me.
This obvious choice seemed to be the trackr key chain dongle thingies, small, neat and relatively cheap. Except they don't work. When your not getting constant new device found notifications the thing losses connection and it & the phone no longer recognise each other.
After pockong around a bit it seems that they don't "pair" in the conventional way, maybe thats something to do with it being bluetooth V4?
Anyways I'm looking for something that will work in it's place.
Nothing fancy, no bells or whistles, it's just a gadget to sit there acting as a a trusted device.
Any ideas or recommendations?
All input gladly received.
Cheers all.

Related

[Q] Android device cluster, networking or screen sharing

In short: Is it possible to cluster, network or push device output from one device to another, share storage devices and network/gps interfaces?
The long version: I have been wanting to build an in-car device that would store media and act as a gps and what not, but haven't found a way that I want to implement it yet. I was thinking if I found a x86 port of android, got most of the voice stuff working, I could have a headless device that I could store music on and use as navigation. I know the phones are capable of that, but if I want to keep say 500 gb of music on me, how does one do that?
My thoughts were if it were possible to either cluster or network an installed android powered unit to an android powered phone, I could always have network access from the unit in the car and share the gps from the phone, or have the phone access the storage from the device (not through dlna, but the music app seeing it as physical storage) and allow me to push the output from the in car device to the phone and let me interact with the system how ever I need to I could accomplish a form of in-car entertainment.
I figured that there could be apps written that would let the in-car device act as a headless unit, with its only interface being audio, it could store navigation directions/maps and what not, so if I didn't have the phone that day, I could still navigate to where I needed to. The phone and the device could constantly be in communication with each other if the car was parked by a wifi hotspot or something, so if I chose to navigate somewhere when I was at home, the car would already have the directions. I could also have it pull any media changes through wifi, and always have an updated media library.
I know the phones are fully capable of doing this, but for most of it, you have to have a window holster for the car to use the gps, and wires running for audio and charging and what not, but if there were a way that the in-car device could be hardwired to the audio system and left alone, the phone could stay in my pocked, be linked via bluetooth and I could have a small button-pad or something that would allow me to initiate google voice search, control the media player and interact with navigation. The whole thing with linking the phone and device together would be so the mobile network could be shared between android devices and the incar device could pull the information it needed. The thought of the display sharing was in case I needed to interact with the incar device.
I know what I am going on about is specific to me, but my thoughts behind it were if it were possible to do at least the network sharing (with out tethering or mobile hot spot blah blah blah) that android phone and tablet owners could do the same thing. They could share their mobile network through their tablet and have a tablet that would be always connected, would share mailboxes with the phone and basically act the way the Blackberry playbook is proposed or how the Palm Foleo was supposed to work. If the devices had a network ability of some level, the tablet could pull text messages, email messages, contacts or any other sync-able item.. That way, this wouldn't just be done for my benefit, but it would take tablet and phone owners to another league. Two devices that share the same information from one source and don't have to sync with the same servers twice. It would take a lot of redundancy out.
I hope you guys can see usefulness in my idea, and can shed some light for me.
Sorry from bringing this back from the dead, but since I never got any responses I'll add a bit more..
Does android have anything that would work like blackberry bridge between two android devices?
Droid Vnc server and androidvnc works fine for screen sharing. What I really like is the hpc aspects to CPU cycle sharing over wifi/nfc. Really interesting possibilities.
What I am looking for is to have the ability to use two separate android devices, but have them communicate via wifi/bluetooth or what ever and act as the same device in the sense that when the device with the data plan gets a text message or phone call, the notification goes through the other device that would be physically docked to audio equipment or what ever...
I have a Droid X, Droid Incredible, Droid Pro and a first gen Droid laying around.. Currently the Droid Pro is my in use phone.. The rest are just laying here. I want to be able to dock one of the others in my car, turn the GPS on, link it to my droid pro and have the other phone use the droid pro's active data connection for guidance/searches etc, and it would be docked to car audio, so it would need to access the pro's sd card, and have access to the pro's phone audio, or the ability to route calls from the pro to the other device via bluetooth or whatever, not by call forwarding.. This way it would be a sort of infotainment/telematics system..
Think of the possibilities this would open up for android tablets etc. If You could reply to text messages from your tablet because the tablet is linked/bridged to the phone in your pocket... That would make these tablet/laptop combos more appealing because it would the perfect convergence between tablet and phone.
Oh, and I guess, the other thing is that I have multiple cars, so one device would go in each car, and then when I got in the car, the one in that car would link with my phone, and everything would be the same, car to car, or device to device...
I guess another way to bump this:
Would it be possible for an app to do ADB to ADB via bluetooth or something, because then an app could be written like pdanet that would allow the network to be shared at least?
I dont remember the name of the app I think the name of it is Dashboard? and it will store/push all texts/emails etc. to every device u have dashboard installed on...Best buy has an app kinda like that too...Like the Idea of the screen sharing is that kinda like remote desktop/control?
I just search how to neywork cluster android came across your post ..... if you use the Google apps like Google play music/maps as well Google hangouts since with Google voice you can easily do what you want with out the need for both devices being together you can upload 50000 songs 9n play music for free and any device with ur hangouts and voice will receive ur calls and email notifications .....just need to make sure have Internet

[Q] amplifier pop

I'm giving this thing a trial run as a desktop replacement. As such, I keep the dock jacked into power, LAN, USB hub, HDMI monitor and a set of desktop speakers pretty much all day. There are several things that really kill Android as a true multi-tasking device suitable for this type of work, but nothing is as annoying as the audible POP you hear when the internal amplifier turns itself on and off. I'm assuming this is a power-saving mechanism which makes sense, but it drives me crazy! I typically do not notice this sound with headphones... only powered external speakers. Anyone experience this and have a work around? I'm thinking my only option is to switch to USB audio.
GaryParr said:
I'm giving this thing a trial run as a desktop replacement. As such, I keep the dock jacked into power, LAN, USB hub, HDMI monitor and a set of desktop speakers pretty much all day. There are several things that really kill Android as a true multi-tasking device suitable for this type of work, but nothing is as annoying as the audible POP you hear when the internal amplifier turns itself on and off. I'm assuming this is a power-saving mechanism which makes sense, but it drives me crazy! I typically do not notice this sound with headphones... only powered external speakers. Anyone experience this and have a work around? I'm thinking my only option is to switch to USB audio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The popping sound would be annoying, but I'm interested to hear about how the rest of the experiment is going. Is there anything really important that you can't do, or can't do well enough with your current set-up? I ask because with JB and the CleanRom and some browser tweaks, this thing is way faster than either my work or home desktops (not top of the line, mind you). I'd love to make it do more for me...I think it's capable of a lot. Oh, are you printing from it, too?
okantomi said:
The popping sound would be annoying, but I'm interested to hear about how the rest of the experiment is going. Is there anything really important that you can't do, or can't do well enough with your current set-up? I ask because with JB and the CleanRom and some browser tweaks, this thing is way faster than either my work or home desktops (not top of the line, mind you). I'd love to make it do more for me...I think it's capable of a lot. Oh, are you printing from it, too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using this thing for everything from e-mail (mix of gapps and exchange), RPD into client computers and basic word processing and spreadsheeting. I started this experience after the JB update w/ a factory reset. I haven't re-installed the printing solution yet, but before I wiped ICS it appeared PrintHand was promising. My biggest complaint so far is the lack of a window manager or even basic dual head support in order to utilize my wide-screen HDMI monitor for true multi-tasking. Floating apps are nice, but there is a limited selection and they are really not a true solution anyway. Other than that, just getting used to a different work flow is the biggest challenge. Check back sometime end of this week or beginning of next. I'll post my complete findings in the General forum.
GaryParr said:
I'm using this thing for everything from e-mail (mix of gapps and exchange), RPD into client computers and basic word processing and spreadsheeting. I started this experience after the JB update w/ a factory reset. I haven't re-installed the printing solution yet, but before I wiped ICS it appeared PrintHand was promising. My biggest complaint so far is the lack of a window manager or even basic dual head support in order to utilize my wide-screen HDMI monitor for true multi-tasking. Floating apps are nice, but there is a limited selection and they are really not a true solution anyway. Other than that, just getting used to a different work flow is the biggest challenge. Check back sometime end of this week or beginning of next. I'll post my complete findings in the General forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent!
Thanks. (Ran out of thanks for the day) I'll hit you up in the General thread.)

[Q] Trusted Bluetooth device

Hello everyone, just moved from a Nexus 5 and enjoying many of the unique features, one thing that interests me most is the ability to unlock the phone with a trusted Bluetooth device. I already have a fitbit, so was hoping I could use this, however it turns out you can't, I think it is due to the way Bluetooth 4 is designed to minimise battery drain and it therefore not always connected. I was wondering what other people use , other than say speakers and headphones. I know Motorola have a device planned, but hasn't been released yet.
Thunder_Bolt said:
Hello everyone, just moved from a Nexus 5 and enjoying many of the unique features, one thing that interests me most is the ability to unlock the phone with a trusted Bluetooth device. I already have a fitbit, so was hoping I could use this, however it turns out you can't, I think it is due to the way Bluetooth 4 is designed to minimise battery drain and it therefore not always connected. I was wondering what other people use , other than say speakers and headphones. I know Motorola have a device planned, but hasn't been released yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HX550 earpeace is the only thing I have used. The Moto 360 is the coolest option - but an expensive one. I understand the new micro power-bank is like your fitbit and doesn't do the trick.
I actually have the Power Pack Micro that I use as a trusted device. Works perfectly!
Thanks for the replies, I never knew about the power pack micro, think that is what I will go for, hopefully Motorola will release it in the UK soon.
I connected mine to my desktop PC. Tried it for a bit and it was a cool idea, except that when connected to it the sound would go through the headsets plugged in to the PC. If I tried disabling the audio connection through properties on the PC the phone would disconnect. I couldn't find a way to keep it connected without audio so I ended up removing it.
Would be nice if there was a WiFi option, then I could pair it with that. For now I guess I'll just live without.
cbsevenfifty said:
I connected mine to my desktop PC. Tried it for a bit and it was a cool idea, except that when connected to it the sound would go through the headsets plugged in to the PC. If I tried disabling the audio connection through properties on the PC the phone would disconnect. I couldn't find a way to keep it connected without audio so I ended up removing it.
Would be nice if there was a WiFi option, then I could pair it with that. For now I guess I'll just live without.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look at Skiplock in the play store. I have been using that in the meantime, it works much the same as the trusted devices, but also does wifi. I have it set up with my home wifi network so when my phone is in the house I don't need to put the unlock code into the phone, does Bluetooth as well, just need to get myself one of those power pack micro now...
Advanced Keyguard Manager also let's you bypass the lockscreen based on WiFi connection.
cbsevenfifty said:
I connected mine to my desktop PC. Tried it for a bit and it was a cool idea, except that when connected to it the sound would go through the headsets plugged in to the PC. If I tried disabling the audio connection through properties on the PC the phone would disconnect. I couldn't find a way to keep it connected without audio so I ended up removing it.
Would be nice if there was a WiFi option, then I could pair it with that. For now I guess I'll just live without.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wifi trusted areas is supposed to come as part of Android L I believe.
You cant use it with your fitbit because it doesnt pair, it only uses bluetooth to sync to the app occasionally. It doesnt have anything to do with BT 4.0 afaik.
The only trusted device I use is my car.
Celeras said:
You cant use it with your fitbit because it doesnt pair, it only uses bluetooth to sync to the app occasionally. It doesnt have anything to do with BT 4.0 afaik.
The only trusted device I use is my car.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info Celeras, that makes perfect sense.
pseudopsyche said:
I actually have the Power Pack Micro that I use as a trusted device. Works perfectly!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to quickly/easily lock the phone when using this? I'd like to do the same, but wonder about the security if someone steals both my phone and my keys -- the phone's power button won't lock the device if the trusted bluetooth is nearby.
Is it possible, for example, to use the button on the Power Pack Micro to disconnect or lock the device? Or is there some quick way to re-enable the PIN using the phone itself? It would presumably be easy with a Moto 360 or a BT headset -- just turn the BT device off, and the connection will be broken. But it's not clear that the Power Pack Micro can be turned off or disconnected without going through the Moto Connect app.
Thanks!
/dev/random said:
Is there a way to quickly/easily lock the phone when using this? I'd like to do the same, but wonder about the security if someone steals both my phone and my keys -- the phone's power button won't lock the device if the trusted bluetooth is nearby.
Is it possible, for example, to use the button on the Power Pack Micro to disconnect or lock the device? Or is there some quick way to re-enable the PIN using the phone itself? It would presumably be easy with a Moto 360 or a BT headset -- just turn the BT device off, and the connection will be broken. But it's not clear that the Power Pack Micro can be turned off or disconnected without going through the Moto Connect app.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can quickly lock the screen from the notification shade...there is a persistent notification at the top of the shade saying you're unlocked, and and if you tap it, it locks and stays locked until the next time you unlock it from the PIN/Pattern/PW lockscreen. You could also quickly unlocked it by turning off whatever device you are using as a trusted BT device. The Power Pack Micro has a power button you can turn it off with.
I've got so many things I use as Trusted Devices:
Moto 360
Moto Hint
Power Pack Micro
BT stereo headphones (Bluebuds X)
BT speakers at my work desk
BT HR monitor while at the gym
My cars Sync system
Cobra Tag - this one is really cool device, like the Power Pack it tethers your phone and lets you page it the phone if you've misplaced it, but goes one step further - if you get too far from your phone, both the phone and the Cobra Tag sound an alarm. Great for making sure you don't walk away from a restaurant or home or wherever with your keys in your pocket but the phone left behind (or vice versa). the Power Pack doesn't do that tethering alarm.
To your original concern, if someone walks off with both your BT device and your phone, you're screwed, unless you have time to get on Android Device Manager and remotely lock the phone.
Wow, you have a lot of devices, unfortunately the Motorola powerpack micro is not available in the UK yet, hopefully it will arrive soon.

Wetek Play Remote control issue - multiple devices

Hey guys,
I have just bought a few Wetek Play Android TV boxes.
Apart from a few other issues that I will not get into here, I have one very major problem. I have two of these devices in my home and the air mouse that comes with it (the remote control) controls both boxes at the same time. so they are not independant.
this means if I have a box in the lounge and a box in the bedroom, both of their remote controls control both boxes at the same time making it completely useless.
I have asked Wetek support for help on this but only to get a reply that they are aware of the issue but cant do anything about it yet. so suggested using my phone or a mouse and keyboard..
Well this kind of defeats the purpose of what I got these boxes for.
I just wanted to get a little info on how these things work, you guys are super switched on when it comes to all things tech so I am hoping to find something out.
How do these remotes work? is it a hardware or software thing that connects them to each other?
I did install CM12 hoping that it would somehow fix the problem but it still exists.
is there anyway of making it so these remotes are independant of each other and linked to just one box?
Thanks in advance
Ryan
rpjones7 said:
Hey guys,
I have just bought a few Wetek Play Android TV boxes.
Apart from a few other issues that I will not get into here, I have one very major problem. I have two of these devices in my home and the air mouse that comes with it (the remote control) controls both boxes at the same time. so they are not independant.
this means if I have a box in the lounge and a box in the bedroom, both of their remote controls control both boxes at the same time making it completely useless.
I have asked Wetek support for help on this but only to get a reply that they are aware of the issue but cant do anything about it yet. so suggested using my phone or a mouse and keyboard..
Well this kind of defeats the purpose of what I got these boxes for.
I just wanted to get a little info on how these things work, you guys are super switched on when it comes to all things tech so I am hoping to find something out.
How do these remotes work? is it a hardware or software thing that connects them to each other?
I did install CM12 hoping that it would somehow fix the problem but it still exists.
is there anyway of making it so these remotes are independant of each other and linked to just one box?
Thanks in advance
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is a solution but first you need to unsync the remotes, if you acomplish that them you are good to go, and resync one for each box, i do not know is how do you unsync them, to resync is box on standby and back + ok button till green light flash. if you get them unsync them remove power cord from 1 box and sync one at a time, after first is synced remove power cord from that one and sync the other, always have one without power that way the remote will not sync to both

Help making a app that uses Steelseries Stratus Duo controller 2.4ghz usb reciever?

Hey there! i was at my local store looking for a controller and came across the Steelseries Stratus Duo, i got it and brought it home hoping that it would work nicely with my phone, the exact opposite was true, i was using Bluetooth
and it had horrible lag and often times disconnected i tried to fix the lag and connection drops, nothing worked.
And sense this has no way to update firmware (at-least at the moment) on the Bluetooth side, i am not able to use it in that mode.
I have tested this on multiple devices, some carrying the bt 5.0 chip some with bt 4.2 and some with bt 4.1
the controller says it is using a Bt 4.1 chip (that's what it says on the box)
all exhibit the same issue's as noted above. most if not all are supposed to be compatible, but all of them are glitchy. with this controller.
So i was understandably disappointed, not wanting to return the controller,i tried out something, if you have ever used steam link app for android and plugged in a USB controller? if so the application will ask you if you want to use it with your device? you can choose yes or no, i tried it and was really surprised that it worked as well as it did, absolutely no issues with lag nor random connection drops.
just REALLY SOLID PERFORMANCE.
So, that gave me an idea, what if i made a stand alone application that allows us to use the included USB receiver with android?
and add extra functionality on top of it. such as emulating other controllers for better app compatibility.
I was looking for a driver or something that can pull access from that receiver. something i can integrate into my project.
As far as i know the controller is just seen as a Xbox 360 controller so i was wondering if there is a Pre-made driver for integration with apps, that would save me a lot of time and would simplify the process quite a bit.
The app will be free and will be given to people on my discord and on host sites.
Here's a link to the discord server i created.
nevermind its not letting me post links (thats fine)
I created the discord server because other people are having this issue as well.
and that's where all the progress will be recorded. also if you have this controller and are experiencing issues you can join too!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Categories

Resources