Is there any way to use the Atrix lapdock with the Moto Z2 Play?
I have used my lapdock for several years with my Motorola Droid 4, and even made a Frankencable to use the lapdock with my Raspberry Pi. It is my understanding that the Play uses a different charging port, but while researching the phone today on Amazon I found an adapter that will allow the new phone to use the old charging cables. If I use that adapter, I think it might be possible to make my lapdock talk to the phone, but does the phone have the hard/software needed to talk to the lapdock? Or has my precious lapdock finally been rendered obsolete?
Krella
USB c generally does more. It supports external drives and even charging other devices.
Z2 Play doesn't support video out over USB C.
I looked into this a bit because I also was interested in using my Lapdock. I investigated the possibility of making a mod that would do this, but you'd have to convert between the DSI output from the Moto Mod interface to an HDMI output. Perhaps you could build an interface to use this device from STM: B-LCDAD-HDMI1, or perhaps build a board around something like the ADV7533, but it looks like you have to have a license for HDMI development to buy those. I also tried my Chromebook USB-C dock with my Z2 Play and can confirm that it doesn't seem to work.
In any case, there's not an easy solution, sorry! I would definitely be interested in working on a project like this, but it doesn't look very feasible right now.
This should be very doable. You will first need a Moto Mod Development kit and use the Compute firmware on it. You then need a MyDP to Micro HDMI cable and a microUSB to USB-C OTG cable. You should be able to connect it and have it behave as you want it to behave. To create your own Moto Mod that did that would require assistance from Motorola but you can do a prototype basically as I have told you.
Thanks yall! I have absolutely no idea how to even find a moto mod development kit, yet alone how to use one, so I guess that dream will have to be shelved for a while. Please continue to post if anything changes!
Krella
You can buy the Moto Mod Development Kit here. There are frequently out of stock so buy get it quickly if you want it.
KrellaKrentoshi said:
Is there any way to use the Atrix lapdock with the Moto Z2 Play?
I have used my lapdock for several years with my Motorola Droid 4, and even made a Frankencable to use the lapdock with my Raspberry Pi. It is my understanding that the Play uses a different charging port, but while researching the phone today on Amazon I found an adapter that will allow the new phone to use the old charging cables. If I use that adapter, I think it might be possible to make my lapdock talk to the phone, but does the phone have the hard/software needed to talk to the lapdock? Or has my precious lapdock finally been rendered obsolete?
Krella
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man did you tried it with this adapter?
No, not yet. If you try it, please let me know how it does!
KrellaKrentoshi said:
No, not yet. If you try it, please let me know how it does!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would you mind to link me the excatly model of adapter that you have found?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LAD2FIA/ref=oh_aui_i_d_old_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I think I may need to build a specialized cable. There is a different adapter, one from best buy someone showed me once that may work without any modification. I will post the link to that cable later
Can you post specs on the lapdock to Pi cable?
KrellaKrentoshi said:
Is there any way to use the Atrix lapdock with the Moto Z2 Play?
I have used my lapdock for several years with my Motorola Droid 4, and even made a Frankencable to use the lapdock with my Raspberry Pi. It is my understanding that the Play uses a different charging port, but while researching the phone today on Amazon I found an adapter that will allow the new phone to use the old charging cables. If I use that adapter, I think it might be possible to make my lapdock talk to the phone, but does the phone have the hard/software needed to talk to the lapdock? Or has my precious lapdock finally been rendered obsolete?
Krella
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a MotoZ and Z2 and still can't figure out why moto can't just create a laptop mod where the KDB/mouse is "usb" and the video treated the same as they do with the projector mod. I have 2 lapdocks collecting dust so if I can use them with the Rpi 3 that would be GREAT!
---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 PM ----------
What I think would really solve this is a mod that goes on the back on the Z and has 5V 3A+ input, an HDMI port, and 1+ usb3 port(S). The USB3 port can accept a std USB hub and then any HDMI cables/adapters can be used. The 5V input would charge the phone, power the mod, and potentially even the USB port(s). Then you can not only use the lapdock but also can use the device as a"media dock" to connect the phone to TV, kdb, mouse, wireless remote via usb, etc. Even just taking any battery mod and just adding wireless charging and any size HDMI out port would work as the phones USB port can be hooked to a commodity USB hub.
In my mind today's phones are fully capable desktop class systems and all that is missing is:
1. Linux/chrome app to act like wine and allow me to run APKs on my desktop/browser
2. APK I install of wine and the equivalent for Linux so wine compatible apps and Linux x apps run on phone.
An alternative to item one above that works too is a chrome/desktop app that may or may not have the ADK embedded in it but creates a local "X server" type of setup so I can "run" apps remotely on my PC the same as when I ssh from a Linus desktop to a Linux server and run X apps over that. Either a cable, wifi, or BT can be used to make the connection.
Shame things like the lapdocks, Entourage Edge, etc came out ahead of their time and too soon for the market. They were revolutionary (and still are) and if created today I think wold be a HUGE hit!
rhce_v6 said:
Can you post specs on the lapdock to Pi cable?
I have a MotoZ and Z2 and still can't figure out why moto can't just create a laptop mod where the KDB/mouse is "usb" and the video treated the same as they do with the projector mod. I have 2 lapdocks collecting dust so if I can use them with the Rpi 3 that would be GREAT!
---------- Post added at 09:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:34 PM ----------
What I think would really solve this is a mod that goes on the back on the Z and has 5V 3A+ input, an HDMI port, and 1+ usb3 port(S). The USB3 port can accept a std USB hub and then any HDMI cables/adapters can be used. The 5V input would charge the phone, power the mod, and potentially even the USB port(s). Then you can not only use the lapdock but also can use the device as a"media dock" to connect the phone to TV, kdb, mouse, wireless remote via usb, etc. Even just taking any battery mod and just adding wireless charging and any size HDMI out port would work as the phones USB port can be hooked to a commodity USB hub.
In my mind today's phones are fully capable desktop class systems and all that is missing is:
1. Linux/chrome app to act like wine and allow me to run APKs on my desktop/browser
2. APK I install of wine and the equivalent for Linux so wine compatible apps and Linux x apps run on phone.
An alternative to item one above that works too is a chrome/desktop app that may or may not have the ADK embedded in it but creates a local "X server" type of setup so I can "run" apps remotely on my PC the same as when I ssh from a Linus desktop to a Linux server and run X apps over that. Either a cable, wifi, or BT can be used to make the connection.
Shame things like the lapdocks, Entourage Edge, etc came out ahead of their time and too soon for the market. They were revolutionary (and still are) and if created today I think wold be a HUGE hi
I agree, they sure would be a huge hit! I keep breaking my screen. I sure wish I could just dock the phone to my lapdock and use that till I can get my screen replaced
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Related
I have an old Lapdoc that I used to use with my Droid Bionic. I loved the latest version of Webtop and thought this was one of the best things about having a Motorola smartphone. The news that Motorola is discontinuing Webtop got me wondering if there were a way of using the Lapdock with my SG3, perhaps in mirror-mode. Anyone tried to make this work or have any ideas on how to do so? For those unfamiliar with the various Lapdocks that are out there, they have a male micro-HDMI connector and a male micro-usb connector that attach to Motorola smartphones. The micro-usb provides power to the phone. Even for those who don't already have a Lapdock, now that they are being discontinued, they can be found dirt-cheap out there.
If I'm not mistaken it has nothing to do with hardware but is all software. So your answer is no.
I believe there may be some options. Between a USB OTG cable, and a number of adapters.
I've ordered one myself for another project and will let you know what I come up with - hopefully the hardware arrives within the next week or so.
yourtvlies said:
I believe there may be some options. Between a USB OTG cable, and a number of adapters.
I've ordered one myself for another project and will let you know what I come up with - hopefully the hardware arrives within the next week or so.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking forward to hearing what you come up with. Good luck and keep us posted.
harpdoc said:
I have an old Lapdoc that I used to use with my Droid Bionic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a 50$ lapdock for the Atrix 4G. I'm currently using it with the newest Atrix HD LTE that didn't get the WEBTOP software.
BUT as the lapdock is nothing more than an HDMI monitor with a USB hub/keyboard/touchpad, The Atrix HD use it as if it is connected to an HDTV with a USB keyboard.
It work very well. Any phone with HDMI out and USB can use the Motorola Lapdock. Even my MK802 PC-on-a-stick is ok with the lapdock.
As an OTG laptop, the lapdock doesn't need to tether or anything else. And most modern cellphone with dualcore cpu are as fast if not faster than an Atom based Netbook.
...plus is it stylish and very thin and recharge your cell on the go.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1887128
have fun !
Hm...
So the MHL cable I have doesn't support USB OTG, in fact, I'm not sure that any do. I'll have to dig through this thread and see if anyone's figured it out yet.
The lapdock's connections are standard: microUSB and microHDMI, and it's working well for what I purchased it for... though it would be a lot of fun to hack something together to take advantage of the SGS3 with it.
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'd like to know if it would ever be possible to use USB Cable as HDMI for a device without it?
Does that make any sense?
Also, if you guys have any apps or mods that can record a video of my phone screen at a decent framerate (to record gameplay)
Please let me know.
jacob66 said:
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'd like to know if it would ever be possible to use USB Cable as HDMI for a device without it?
Does that make any sense?
Also, if you guys have any apps or mods that can record a video of my phone screen at a decent framerate (to record gameplay)
Please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is certainpy possible with a pc. You could use a raspberry pi as a "converter" so you can output to your tv
jacob66 said:
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'd like to know if it would ever be possible to use USB Cable as HDMI for a device without it?
Does that make any sense?
Also, if you guys have any apps or mods that can record a video of my phone screen at a decent framerate (to record gameplay)
Please let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your device has MHL (Like the HTC EVO 3D), you have HDMI out through the USB port.
You just need an MHL adapter. Other than that, if your phone does not support HDMI out, it won't have it.
USB to HDMI?
You mean hdmi to USB correct? I used this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KI8IMW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
to connect a monitor to my PC via USB 3.0 (has worked like a charm for weeks now.
They are designing a new one, or perhaps it's already out. Search ianker.com if you are looking for something similar.
#UP:
I use the same Very good conventer
jacob66 said:
Sorry if this is a silly question, but I'd like to know if it would ever be possible to use USB Cable as HDMI for a device without it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the generic sense, no. As noted above, some mobile devices have USB-style connectors that support MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), which allow low-cost cables to support HDMI output and/or USB.
For PCs (Windows, Macs and Linux), there are video adapters that can be thought of as video cards that connect via USB (rather than PCI Express, for example). This kind of adapter could work on tablets, phones, etc. if there were a driver written for them, but this is a nontrivial task and the market is unproven, especially as MHL adoption grows.
Jonathan from Plugable
monoprice.com seach usb to hdmi
The only issue is if the device does not have mhl, then as of right now theres no way of gerting it to work in that sense. Even if you use say CM roms they cant take advantage of mhl even id your phone supports it. The devs have stated time and time again its proprietary and will basically never come. Regardless, im much more interested in miracast, simply put wireless hdmi connection to your tv. I have my nexus 7 using it via my ras pi. However its not polished yet and is a similar state to what Ive gotten using samsungs version with a dongle. Check it out if your interested google Android Transporter. Its on the raspberry pi website. They also got it working on the galaxy nexus and some other nexus device's.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
Question thread moved to Question and Answer section
I want to take advantage of the S5 MHL capability. Perhaps eventually using the phone as my everyday computer.
So I would need to have usb keyboard and mouse while connected to a monitor.
I have ordered the device pictured below, it reportedly supports the S5 in some kind of half-assed way, meaning that you may have to fiddle with inserting cables in a certain order to get it to work.
This is what I read anyway.
I want to know if any of you have used the Galaxy S5 in such a way. Will my device work? Know of a better solution?
I had some dreams of making my own Diy S5 dock, but I would have to know what kind of electronic/hardware configuration works (if any), as the S5 is different in that it does not support dock mode (Why samsung... why?).
Well I can report that it works. HDMI out works with sound, and it charges while doing so, but the USB port and the card reader does not work apparently.
Obviously the form of the device is a poor match for the Galaxy S5. I had to remove the plastic housing to make it fit, because of the watertight hatch in front of the USB port. Later I will use a USB extender cable.
Hopefully there is a possibility to make OTG (or host mode, or whatever it's called) work.
It appears this device supports the S5
http://andromiumos.freeforums.net/thread/4/officially-supported-android-phones?page=1&scrollTo=4
http://www.andromiumos.com/
There is two question marks here.
1) Does S5 support simultaneously operation with OTG active and HDMI output active.
2) Does this gadget also support such a functionality?
I don't know. I've read people claiming that you can use both hdmi & otg at the same time including post's on xda. But i've also read people saying you can't. I certainly havn't seen any video demonstrations.
By the way i currently have my S5 displayed on my monitor using mhl->hdmi adapter and have my pc mouse and keyboard working on the S5 wirelessly with Samsung SideSync. I opened the xda app with the pc mouse and have typed this reply with the pc keyboard. I've done some navigation on the phone, opened and used a range of apps. All is well till i opened firefox and the mouse disappeared from the monitor. It's still displayed and functional on the S5 screen though. Closed firefox and the mouse is displayed on the monitor again.
Sent from my SM-G900I using XDA-Developers mobile app
mbdroidsony said:
All is well till i opened Firefox and the mouse disappeared from the monitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Therefore your new question this is : Does Firefox (Android) this supports four input devices connected at the same time?
Android Keyboard = 1
External keyboard = 2
Android touch pad = 3
external mouse = 4
And all that active by also active HDMI
I would be surprised if Android OS has such potentials.
I was using Andromium OS app which gives you option to turn off android keyboard and dim S5 screen. Both those functions worked. Andromium OS has 3 menus from start menu. Andromium Apps(browser, file manager), Supported Apps (gmail, youtube), Unsupported apps (all other apps installed on device). PC mouse and keyboard worked fine with Andromium Apps & Supported App. PC mouse and keyboard also worked fine with most unsupported apps i tested except firefox browser and adblock browser. If i get my hands on a bluetooth mouse/keyboard i'll test again to see if it works with firefox browser and adblock browser from monitor.
Personally I am going to use my HP iPAQ FA287 Bluetooth keyboard at S5 ( or at least I will try).
Also ordered one OTG cable (CY U2-166) that hopefully this will offer power to the phone and External HDD, due micro USB (female input for charger cable) and this will become also my mouse input too.
Therefore I am interested for your inquiry / investigation, possibly as much you do, because I do also favor Firefox.
I favour android firefox browser and adblock browser because they are consistent in providing desktop view. I'll provide an update here when i get my hands on a bluetooth mouse & keyboard.
Kiriakos-GR said:
Personally I am going to use my HP iPAQ FA287 Bluetooth keyboard at S5 ( or at least I will try).
Also ordered one OTG cable (CY U2-166) that hopefully this will offer power to the phone and External HDD, due micro USB (female input for charger cable) and this will become also my mouse input too.
Therefore I am interested for your inquiry / investigation, possibly as much you do, because I do also favor Firefox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did this cable charge your S5 while using OTG/USB Host?
Sent from my SM-G900I using XDA-Developers mobile app
mbdroidsony said:
Hi, did this cable charge your S5 while using OTG/USB Host?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My cable did not arrive yet from China.
But even so, in the past days I did some research about finding more details by discovering the factory that makes those cables.
According to real Specifications: (after me correcting errors due bad translation)
High quality Original USB 2.0 Micro-B HOST OTG CABLE
Interface:
Micro USB male: = Output To be connected with OTG complying device ( Your phone or tablet).
Micro USB female: = DC input To charge = Supply of Power due micro USB female connector ( This is only to supply DC voltage to USB A plug this powering hard drives etc etc).
USB female: To connect with USB A device.
Therefore or in conclusion, this cable is not in position to supply power for the phone and the external hard drive.
Later on, that I did the electrical math, I can now explain and the why ? (this cable cannot do both).
By assuming that mobile phone or tablet this requiring 450mA at charging (due PC USB plug), and removable hard-drives (some of them requiring another stable supply of 500mA) the sum this is almost 1A of power.
Manufacturing of OTG cables this requiring from the manufacturer, him to make a product according to OTG cable international standards (compatibility - safety - functionality).
Only if Samsung makes a OTG cable specifically for S5, this will be able for active Host and charging.
All cables available at the moment, them have generic compatibility and non of them will work as we expect or wish.
Kiriakos-GR said:
My cable did not arrive yet from China.
But even so, in the past days I did some research about finding more details by discovering the factory that makes those cables.
According to real Specifications: (after me correcting errors due bad translation)
High quality Original USB 2.0 Micro-B HOST OTG CABLE
Interface:
Micro USB male: = Output To be connected with OTG complying device ( Your phone or tablet).
Micro USB female: = DC input To charge = Supply of Power due micro USB female connector ( This is only to supply DC voltage to USB A plug this powering hard drives etc etc).
USB female: To connect with USB A device.
Therefore or in conclusion, this cable is not in position to supply power for the phone and the external hard drive.
Later on, that I did the electrical math, I can now explain and the why ? (this cable cannot do both).
By assuming that mobile phone or tablet this requiring 450mA at charging (due PC USB plug), and removable hard-drives (some of them requiring another stable supply of 500mA) the sum this is almost 1A of power.
Manufacturing of OTG cables this requiring from the manufacturer, him to make a product according to OTG cable international standards (compatibility - safety - functionality).
Only if Samsung makes a OTG cable specifically for S5, this will be able for active Host and charging.
All cables available at the moment, them have generic compatibility and non of them will work as we expect or wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung hasn't made it easy for us S5 users. Might have to resort to wireless charging at this rate.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Qi Wireless Charging Kit EP-WG900IBEGWW
Just going to throw this out there...
Why not use a bluetooth mouse/keyboard (or even one of those combined ones) with the phone mirroring it's screen to a ChromeCast plugged into your monitor? There's minimal (and I mean you're looking at 10ms) lag - or that's my experience, but I have a really really really fast router etc - and if you're planning on using it essentially as a PC, this setup will work wonders. Plus you can plug the phone in. I've considered using my old S3 in this way.
yetep said:
Just going to throw this out there...
Why not use a bluetooth mouse/keyboard (or even one of those combined ones) with the phone mirroring it's screen to a ChromeCast plugged into your monitor? There's minimal (and I mean you're looking at 10ms) lag - or that's my experience, but I have a really really really fast router etc - and if you're planning on using it essentially as a PC, this setup will work wonders. Plus you can plug the phone in. I've considered using my old S3 in this way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Charging the S5 through 2A cable would be faster than wireless charging. MHL to HDMI adapter charges the phone as well as mirror your phones screen. I've never used bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Would the S5 support pairing and using both mouse and keyboard at the same time?
By the way there are products for the S3,S4 that support mhl, otg & charging at the same time like the UNITEK Y-2165.
http://www.amazon.com/UNITEK-Multim...5&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00OFKY4XA#Ask
mbdroidsony said:
By the way there are products for the S3,S4 that support mhl, otg & charging at the same time like the UNITEK Y-2165.
http://www.amazon.com/UNITEK-Multim...5&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00OFKY4XA#Ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of compatibility, S5 this is a brother model to Note III.
I do such an assumption due the identical charging system specifications.
From the other hand with all those variants of G900, there is no chance to offer an 100% reliable prediction if you do not test any such OTG product with your own phone.
The link above this is about a Currently unavailable product.
Even so it is interesting that this worked for someone with Note III.
mbdroidsony said:
Charging the S5 through 2A cable would be faster than wireless charging. MHL to HDMI adapter charges the phone as well as mirror your phones screen. I've never used bluetooth mouse and keyboard. Would the S5 support pairing and using both mouse and keyboard at the same time?
By the way there are products for the S3,S4 that support mhl, otg & charging at the same time like the UNITEK Y-2165.
http://www.amazon.com/UNITEK-Multim...5&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00OFKY4XA#Ask
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S5 (or certainly my model, G900T) DOES support everything I mentioned however my bluetooth mouse/keyboard is a 2 in 1 setup with the mouse being a trackpad below the keyboard, similar to a laptop. It mirrors directly to my monitor and I've forced Landscape orientation throughout the OS so it works wonderfully. I've not tried yet with the S3, but I'd assume it'd work the same way. Just need to force the screen to stay always on, pop the screen brightness right down and hide it away in a cupboard and boom, full android computer.
On the original question, a cable must exist but unfortuantely I don't know where.
yetep said:
Just need to force the screen to stay always on, pop the screen brightness right down and hide it away in a cupboard and boom, full android computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definable this is a bad idea the screen to stay always on.
Does phone screen brightness this have any effect at HDMI output (brightness) ?
Nope, but turning it off does. I don't mind it burning out as it's an old device I don't use.
yetep said:
Nope, but turning it off does. I don't mind it burning out as it's an old device I don't use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bet 20 Euros that every one reading this topic he/her, will wonder of why you/he, does not simply turn the brightness down.
Either way, Android it is crippled operating system with out offering much of productivity as it does one regular Windows PC.
Neither a smartphone this is capable for long term gaming, the poor thing does not even have active cooling, and CPU will start slowdown so to protect it self from overheat.
My 0,2 cents, you are in a wrong path.
Kiriakos-GR said:
Speaking of compatibility, S5 this is a brother model to Note III.
I do such an assumption due the identical charging system specifications.
From the other hand with all those variants of G900, there is no chance to offer an 100% reliable prediction if you do not test any such OTG product with your own phone.
The link above this is about a Currently unavailable product.
Even so it is interesting that this worked for someone with Note III.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link i gave has a few reviews that can give you an idea of what phones are compatible and which ones arn't. Youtube has video demos of the UNITEK Y-2165, unfortunately none for the S5. It appears the desktop dock feature is on the Note III where as samsung removed the dock feature from the S5.
---------- Post added at 12:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:24 AM ----------
yetep said:
The S5 (or certainly my model, G900T) DOES support everything I mentioned however my bluetooth mouse/keyboard is a 2 in 1 setup with the mouse being a trackpad below the keyboard, similar to a laptop. It mirrors directly to my monitor and I've forced Landscape orientation throughout the OS so it works wonderfully. I've not tried yet with the S3, but I'd assume it'd work the same way. Just need to force the screen to stay always on, pop the screen brightness right down and hide it away in a cupboard and boom, full android computer.
On the original question, a cable must exist but unfortuantely I don't know where.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok, so only 1 device paired.
There's a great app for having screen brightness right down called Screen Standby.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nkahoang.screenstandby&hl=en
The adronium os app forces landscape.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromium.os&hl=en
I tell you what, i really like the concept of carring you desktop in your pocket. Can you imagine that, doing your desktop stuff, unplug the phone and head out with everything you did at home on the desktop in your pocket. I know microsoft have a desktop adapter for their Lumia 950 XL phones which changes the layout to desktop mode on the monitor/tv to give you that PC-like experience.
Microsoft Display Dock
https://www.microsoft.com/en/mobile/accessory/hd-500/
It's a real shame samsung removed dock support from the S5.
Hey all...so....long time android user.....my very first phone was the Motorola Atrix 4G - one of the first to offer fingerprint logins to the phone AND also had a mini-hdmi out port which hooked into a special "dock" motorola manufactured to create a desktop experience....although, I think at the time it wasn't just a dock, it was like a whole mini-laptop thing with a keyboard and stuff....
ANYWAY, the point I'm making is, I think someone found a way to activate the desktop mode and all you had to do was use the hdmi-out port (the phone came with a compatible hdmi cable) and connect it to a monitor or tv and you could use a BT connected mouse and keyboard and voila! You now have the "desktop" experience without having to buy their phone-into-a-laptop-adapter.
So....is it possible to activate this experience over a usb-to-hdmi adapter? The phones already came supplied with an OTG adapter....
Anyway....would love to know if anyone knows of anything like this or has the knowledge and skill to make this happen?
Following
I believe you can get a usb c to HDMI without the need for the otg connector...don't quote me though because I lost the thread I read it in...
Might want to try this.
Dex Station for Samsung Galaxy S8 S8 Plus Note8,Type C to HDMI + USB 3.0 Female,Type-C Charger Adapter for Nintendo Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V4SZKB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gtS4zbJXD5FDW
ShrekOpher said:
Might want to try this.
Dex Station for Samsung Galaxy S8 S8 Plus Note8,Type C to HDMI + USB 3.0 Female,Type-C Charger Adapter for Nintendo Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075V4SZKB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gtS4zbJXD5FDW
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting.....in full disclosure, I got a Dex dock.....trying to decide if i'm going to keep it....
Seemed to find some traction for this here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/wip-samsung-s8-dex-dex-station-t3605933
So, I recently bought a Sentio Superbook to play around with. It is essentially a dumbed-down laptop that connects to your phone via USB-C. Sentio has its own proprietary desktop experience software that runs on Android and then connects to your phone to present the Sentio Desktop on the Superbook via USB-C and DisplayLink. However, I wanted to use Dex as I find the Dex experience much better than the Sentio Desktop (or any other desktop experience software I have tried on Android). Plus i want to run Linux on Dex.
The problem is that I could not find a way to trigger Dex to run on my Note 9 unless it detects an HDMI connection, since that is the only way Dex will launch that i know of. Since the Superbook doesn't have an HDMI-in, only USB-C, Dex wouldn't fire off when connecting to the Superbook.
One night, after a few beers, I wondered if i could trick the Note 9 into thinking that there was an HDMI connection when there really wasn't one available. I already had a USB-C Hub with an HDMI port that i bought on Amazon. So, back to Amazon I went, where I ordered an HDMI Dummy Plug / Headless Display Emulator. These are used typically on headless (no monitor) remote servers, tricking the GPUs into thinking there is an external monitor connected via HDMI. So, i plugged the HDMI Emulator into the HDMI out port on the USB-C hub, then the USB-C hub into the phone, and Dex immediately launched. From there i connected the USB-C hub into the Superbook (via a USB-C to USB-C cable), and Dex was running on the Superbook.
If you look at the picture, you can see the Display Emulator sticking out of the USB-C hub, right at the corner of my phone. Sorry for the crappy picture, I took the photo with an old Nextbit Robin since the Note 9 was being used.
Close picture
keredini said:
So, I recently bought a Sentio Superbook to play around with. It is essentially a dumbed-down laptop that connects to your phone via USB-C. Sentio has its own proprietary desktop experience software that runs on Android and then connects to your phone to present the Sentio Desktop on the Superbook via USB-C and DisplayLink. However, I wanted to use Dex as I find the Dex experience much better than the Sentio Desktop (or any other desktop experience software I have tried on Android). Plus i want to run Linux on Dex.
The problem is that I could not find a way to trigger Dex to run on my Note 9 unless it detects an HDMI connection, since that is the only way Dex will launch that i know of. Since the Superbook doesn't have an HDMI-in, only USB-C, Dex wouldn't fire off when connecting to the Superbook.
One night, after a few beers, I wondered if i could trick the Note 9 into thinking that there was an HDMI connection when there really wasn't one available. I already had a USB-C Hub with an HDMI port that i bought on Amazon. So, back to Amazon I went, where I ordered an HDMI Dummy Plug / Headless Display Emulator. These are used typically on headless (no monitor) remote servers, tricking the GPUs into thinking there is an external monitor connected via HDMI. So, i plugged the HDMI Emulator into the HDMI out port on the USB-C hub, then the USB-C hub into the phone, and Dex immediately launched. From there i connected the USB-C hub into the Superbook (via a USB-C to USB-C cable), and Dex was running on the Superbook.
If you look at the picture, you can see the Display Emulator sticking out of the USB-C hub, right at the corner of my phone. Sorry for the crappy picture, I took the photo with an old Nextbit Robin since the Note 9 was being used.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks great, but i still dont understand hpw u connect the SB to the HDMI adapter, can i ask you for more pictures?
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
OK i found out about the HDMI dummy plug. I have another question then, do you need to give power to your type C hub?
Cinnarello said:
That looks great, but i still dont understand hpw u connect the SB to the HDMI adapter, can i ask you for more pictures?
---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:21 PM ----------
OK i found out about the HDMI dummy plug. I have another question then, do you need to give power to your type C hub?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
I made it
keredini said:
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i managed to do it, while im waiting for the dummy to arrive, i used an HDMI cable connected to a turned off monitor.
My type C hub needs power to function, it does also when i use DEX on monitor, so I had the hub powered on, the type-c connected to Note9, the usb-c to usb-c cable from SB to the hub and it worked. The only trick i had to use is to install and run the Display link presenter app, without that, it doesnt start.
How does it all work? Does it feel responsive? Touchpad works well?
Would love to get more details on the overall usability.
Very responsive
TheSeanTeam said:
How does it all work? Does it feel responsive? Touchpad works well?
Would love to get more details on the overall usability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say its pretty much as using Dex on a monitor, I use a bluetooth mouse because the trackpad of the superbook is still not very responsive.
For the rest of the usage i can say no lag at all.
Im going to use Dex Max to watch netflix full screen and then i will be set.
Update on the setup
I just finished building this case for the dongle i created, as you can see in the picture, its still an early build but its a start.
Since im not a developer nor a engineer i had to use cables and adapters, and since my type-c hub needs power im giving it power form the usb of the superbook, while the type c get the video into the SB. I will later on create space for the USBs, or at least one of them.
Im open to ideas and/or help and suggestions.
Latest update on SBDX setup
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
I've got a 1080p superbook coming this week along with a hub and HDMI dummy plug. I'll report back after I had a play. The whole set up cost about £115. Not including my 512gb Note9 that is!
Cinnarello said:
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Cinnarello, which hub are you using. I had one that triggered DeX fine but without a PD port I couldn't charge it. I got another that had PD and a USB C but this time (despite being advertised as DeX compatible) it gave me a message "Ensure HDMI is connected properly" and I get no out put. I tried it with different cables and my wife's S9+ but it made no difference.
---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
keredini said:
See the image for how i have everything setup ... The main USB-C wire from the hub goes to the phone (top right corner of image), and then obviously I put the dummy HDMI plug into the HDMI port. Finally, where the image shows 'DC IN' is actually just another USB-C connection, so I run a USB-C to USB-C wire from here to the USB-C port on the Superbook.
The hub does not require additional power, it didn't need it when i used the hub to connect to a standard HDMI monitor, and it doesn't require it in this configuration either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which hub have you got keredini?
finbaar said:
Hi Cinnarello, which hub are you using. I had one that triggered DeX fine but without a PD port I couldn't charge it. I got another that had PD and a USB C but this time (despite being advertised as DeX compatible) it gave me a message "Ensure HDMI is connected properly" and I get no out put. I tried it with different cables and my wife's S9+ but it made no difference.
---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
Which hub have you got keredini?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Cinnarello said:
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, just ordered one. I wonder why that item isn't available in the UK? Luckily I am still a citizen of the EU, at least for the the next couple of weeks, so I could order from amazon.it. Grazie.
Got the dock and connected it all up and everything works. I'm replying on the Superbook! It came just in time as I had to pass my laptop to my son last night as his bust.
I got the same setup, however the touchpad doesn't work at all.
Also keyboard is being a pain. The "l" key keeps firing off randomly.
Il will lintllentilonallyl nlolt lcolrrlect this selntlenclel to slholwll what I lmlean.
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Yeah, that. Will need to test if it's my SB that's screwed up or not by running the Sentio App, OR using a USB keyboard.
Item question
Hello Cinnarello,
Can you tell where you bought the item that attaches your smartphone to the Superbook ?
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Cinnarello said:
Ok, i have made some changes and some updates on the external setup to have it as much portable as possible.
Pictures here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ad4xda said:
Hello Cinnarello,
Can you tell where you bought the item that attaches your smartphone to the Superbook ?
Thanks.
Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the item he links to in post #11. I got the same one and it works great.
Hi
Thx for answer.
I'm not talking about the Hub but about the plastic item located between screen edge and smartphone, plastic item that holds both of them.
Thx. Cheers.
Cinnarello said:
Hi,
I got this one:
https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B07FRZCLGB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grazie! I bought a really small hub that I was happy to find, but only upon arrival did I find out that the usb-c on the hub was only for power. I ordered one like yours now :cyclops:
Just a fair bit of warning about this company:
https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/...er-shipping-75-of-phone-to-laptop-pre-orders/
Connectsolve said:
Hi,
Easier to make one using a Pi-Top V2 and a few components off of Amazon or buy one of these when they are available.
Pi-Top: https://blog.pi-top.com/2018/10/29/turn-your-android-phone-into-a-laptop-with-a-pi-top/
DeX laptop dock: https://twitter.com/allaboutsmartp1/status/1121052594988883968?s=19
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The DeX laptop dock you mention actually is a Sentio Superbook. Somehow his works without using a USB-C dock?