Module Discussion, and the future - Essential Phone Guides, News, & Discussion

For those who went to any of the press events, what did Essential mention regarding the external Modules? Were they planning on developing more to sell in the future, or did it seem like LG's attempt with the G5, novelty for novelty's sake?
I am drawn to this phone because of its design and modules. I hope they develop more attachments. The Moto Z has a ton of attachments all of which seem to work really well with the phone. I'd be inclined to buy some from Essential if this phone turns out to be something worth keeping.
Anyone else feel the same way?

Essential is planning for these modules to work across different devices and different generations. That's what's setting them apart from everybody else. What you buy for the PH-1 can be used on newer devices even if it's not a phone. They already talked about a hi-fi audio car dock and a 3D scanner.

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The latest accessories/gadgets

It's been years since i've purchased a new device, or even researched much. For a second I read through the device comparison thread stickied at top before realizing my question is much more detailed than device A vs device B and could potentially lead to a greater discussion. Please forgive me if this thread truly belongs there.
With the announcement of the Nexus 6, I have my eyes on it pretty heavily. it looks like it has just about everything I need. but then again, I don't need much. I guess i'm what they call a "purist" if I don't need it, don't give it to me. However, I also have the mindset to buy more than I will ever need "just in case". I am perfectly fine with a single core, 256mb phone that makes calls and sends/receives messages. (not quite, I am exaggerating a bit here, I do more than that on my phones) I want a to have the extra storage, even though I generally only use 2-3gb, I know there will be that one road trip a year from now where I want to take along a 40gb HD movie, etc. there may be a game that uses the quad core processor, etc. I'm not 100% set on this phone, but given my past, it will probably fit me best given my current knowledge.
With this purchase, I also plan on getting extra add-ons/accessories. of course, it seems a case/screen protector is a must. Tech has advanced beyond my dreams since my last purchase and I don't want to be wasting money on inferior products. Those QI chargers look great, but which to get? A car dock for every car, and extra QI chargers/desk docks for each room, one by the sofa, one in the kitchen while i'm cooking, one by my bedside, one in the shop, and one at my desk. Really, I want to integrate this with everything.
I'm also considering the android watch, and i've also seen the smartbands advertised. Something I can wear at the gym while i'm working out while my phone sits nicely in a locker/bag. Something that will track my hear rate, etc across multiple machines, etc. something that will politely notify me of calls/messages while i'm out at dinner with out interrupting conversation by picking up my phone. I also like the idea of the "smart alarm" that wakes you up in the morning. Often times my phone is in places I can't hear it, where a watch will be audible anywhere.
There's alot of research to be done, and the brains of the many can help me narrow down my searches. I want to hear everyone's opinions on the latest gadgets and accessories. Whether they directly fit what I am looking for or not, new tech is exciting, and I haven't embraced it for many years. What do I need to know, what do I need to be looking into?

Good smartphone for elderly parent with deteriorating vision?

I'm trying to decide on a better phone for my father. He is technically savy but starting to have some vision issues.
He is currently using an LG G3 which I've long ago rooted and stripped out most every useless app and program to simplify the app drawer and minimize issues he may have trying to find something. It is on TMobile and the new device will need to be compatible with TMO also. The G3 works fine but would like a bigger screen and the earpiece speaker is crackling again. Have replaced it twice and don't feel like doing it again.
For the most part he only uses email, phone, maps, calculator and web browser. Doesn't need the latest device or the fanciest features. Just a reliable, affordable and sturdy device since he tends to break them also.
Basically....
Would like to find something with a large, bright screen. 6" or more.
Something that is sturdy, reliable and big battery.
Easy to root so I can strip out useless apps.
Loud earpiece.
Cheap or easy to fix when he breaks it.
Anyone have a parent in a similar position and what did you find worked best for them?
cahiatt said:
I'm trying to decide on a better phone for my father. He is technically savy but starting to have some vision issues.
He is currently using an LG G3 which I've long ago rooted and stripped out most every useless app and program to simplify the app drawer and minimize issues he may have trying to find something. It is on TMobile and the new device will need to be compatible with TMO also. The G3 works fine but would like a bigger screen and the earpiece speaker is crackling again. Have replaced it twice and don't feel like doing it again.
For the most part he only uses email, phone, maps, calculator and web browser. Doesn't need the latest device or the fanciest features. Just a reliable, affordable and sturdy device since he tends to break them also.
Basically....
Would like to find something with a large, bright screen. 6" or more.
Something that is sturdy, reliable and big battery.
Easy to root so I can strip out useless apps.
Loud earpiece.
Cheap or easy to fix when he breaks it.
Anyone have a parent in a similar position and what did you find worked best for them?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would try doing some Google searches for:
"Smartphones for seniors"
Or
"Smartphones for the visually impaired"
Find the most recent links to lists and reviews of devices then find one that meets all of your requirements, have them participate in reading the lists and choosing the device.
DO NOT CONTACT ME VIA PM TO RECEIVE HELP, YOU WILL BE IGNORED. KEEP IT IN THE THREADS WHERE EVERYONE CAN SHARE
Also could ask in
What's your next smartphone / What should I buy by poseidon5213
and
**DEVICE SUGGESTION THREAD** -- Not sure what device to buy? Ask here! by KidCarter93
Sent from my PH-1 using XDA Labs
I'm sorry that the responses weren't really helpful at all to the OP.
I'm also looking for a phone replacement for my 95 year old mother.
Any better info or recommendations ???
tt c6 said:
I'm sorry that the responses weren't really helpful at all to the OP.
I'm also looking for a phone replacement for my 95 year old mother.
Any better info or recommendations ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it comes to recommending devices, it comes down to what purposes the user will use it for and what other things may evolve into doing with their device. It is virtually impossible for a 3rd party to project/expect what the user needs or what they would be comfortable with.
It's kinda like choosing a spouse, it isn't the kind of thing that someone else's opinion can help you with. What works for us might not work for you/them, its all about the individual.
Factors like: screen size, operating system, the interface and how easy it is to see, understand and use, amount if RAM and storage that is best for their needs, if they take photos and videos frequently then they'll need plenty of storage and expendable storage that is easy for them to use and remove/replace.
Factors like these are why suggestions can't really be made, especially suggestions from users here because users here are more familiar with devices that wouldn't be considered usable by non tech savvy seniors, virtually all of us here have no experience with devices that aren't the more mainstream devices used by millions. This website is completely centered around the modification and use if android software, our interests and knowledge are not in what is the latest greatest device or what features this device has compared to that device and what this or that device is best for. You need to go to some tech review websites for ideas and suggestions, that is what they focus on, coming to a website where the focus is software coding to ask for suggestions doesn't really serve your purposes very well when there are much better sources of infirnation that what anyone here could provide you with.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
I disagree.
Most 95 year olds want the same thing, if not all of them.
The simplest phone to operate that will allow them to make phone calls.
I got my grandmother the only basic phone that is currently offered by T-mobile corporate: the Alcatel Go Flip.
She does NOT like it.
The "ring" around the "Go" button that is the only way to move up and down the selections is not physically large, or easy to see, let alone use.
In order to get to the contacts, you must press "Go" once, wait for the contacts to become "highlighted", then press "Go" again.
There should be ONE TOUCH entry into the contacts, and the up and down buttons should be clearly marked and easy to operate.
VERY disappointed in T-mobile for only offering one basic phone, and in Alcatel for making what should be a simple phone to operate, more difficult then it should be.
Can ANYONE offer a solution for a 95 year old that I can activate on T-mobile?
Thanks.
Positives for the Alcatel Go Flip:
- It utilizes all the current T-mobile bands
- It runs basically a scaled down Android OS.
You can log on to your gmail account from the Go Flip, and all of your Google contacts will be automatically imported into the Go Flip.
tt c6 said:
I disagree.
Most 95 year olds want the same thing, if not all of them.
The simplest phone to operate that will allow them to make phone calls.
I got my grandmother the only basic phone that is currently offered by T-mobile corporate: the Alcatel Go Flip.
She does NOT like it.
The "ring" around the "Go" button that is the only way to move up and down the selections is not physically large, or easy to see, let alone use.
In order to get to the contacts, you must press "Go" once, wait for the contacts to become "highlighted", then press "Go" again.
There should be ONE TOUCH entry into the contacts, and the up and down buttons should be clearly marked and easy to operate.
VERY disappointed in T-mobile for only offering one basic phone, and in Alcatel for making what should be a simple phone to operate, more difficult then it should be.
Can ANYONE offer a solution for a 95 year old that I can activate on T-mobile?
Thanks.
Positives for the Alcatel Go Flip:
- It utilizes all the current T-mobile bands
- It runs basically a scaled down Android OS.
You can log on to your gmail account from the Go Flip, and all of your Google contacts will be automatically imported into the Go Flip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I mean, I doubt you'll find anyone here familiar with devices that aren't specifically touchscreen only, and with that comes all of the factors I listed, how the OS is designed, screen size, visibility of the items on the screen, too many variables to give reasonable suggestions.
All I can say is find reviews for devices and see which of them have reviews from users mentioning how good the device is for seniors.
There is a thread here specifically for device suggestions and it is where all questions about suggestions are intended to be posted.
It will ultimately come down to them having the device in their hands before they buy it, that is the only way to see if it fits their needs/wants. Find reviews, make a list of 5-10 devices that you think are viable then go physically check demo models of each of them out to see what they think.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk

Use replacement S10+ camera independently of smartphone

Hey not sure on any of the reasons why you wouldn't be able to do this, but I had an idea.
Replacement s10 rear camera parts are roughly $30 or so...
I would like to purchase a few of them in addition to the ones I have.
Then hook them up to a virtual / emulated phone run off my pc... So they would still be able to process the images / video as if they where connected to an actual phone...
(Not sure if this is necessary but I assume so.)
Ideally I would like them to be wireless so I'm thinking some sort of raspberry pi...
(Not sure at all though... Just sounds like a logical to me)
The purpose is simple...
Have a few replacement s10 camera small and compact to be able to use on drones place them around and use them as camera's.
As far the the technical aspect I have no idea...
Not sure what software or hardware to use...
Or if they can be used with 3rd party hardware / software.
(please let me know)
If you have another solution that's awesome, but I would prefer the route of connecting replacement s10 or any model camera as I already have a few from damaged phones etc....
Would love to here what you phone guru's have to say.
Peace
Mike.
Yes its beautiful looks
MIKE.MAN said:
Hey not sure on any of the reasons why you wouldn't be able to do this, but I had an idea.
Replacement s10 rear camera parts are roughly $30 or so...
I would like to purchase a few of them in addition to the ones I have.
Then hook them up to a virtual / emulated phone run off my pc... So they would still be able to process the images / video as if they where connected to an actual phone...
(Not sure if this is necessary but I assume so.)
Ideally I would like them to be wireless so I'm thinking some sort of raspberry pi...
(Not sure at all though... Just sounds like a logical to me)
The purpose is simple...
Have a few replacement s10 camera small and compact to be able to use on drones place them around and use them as camera's.
As far the the technical aspect I have no idea...
Not sure what software or hardware to use...
Or if they can be used with 3rd party hardware / software.
(please let me know)
If you have another solution that's awesome, but I would prefer the route of connecting replacement s10 or any model camera as I already have a few from damaged phones etc....
Would love to here what you phone guru's have to say.
Peace
Mike.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too complicated, it is easier to just buy cameras that are already designed to work in this manner for this purpose.
Engineering your own will probably require redesigning hardware and building custom software to handle the task of using multiple cameras. All in all, way more trouble than it is worth.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven said:
Too complicated, it is easier to just buy cameras that are already designed to work in this manner for this purpose.
Engineering your own will probably require redesigning hardware and building custom software to handle the task of using multiple cameras. All in all, way more trouble than it is worth.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man as I've been reading and watching more about CSI to USB connectors and understanding slight more the scale of complexity this would involve... I'm starting to realize that this task is far too complex for me to crack...
Wish it was easier though, I feel like thoes cameras have so much potential.

can Xfinity Flex streaming device be unlocked?

I was given a free Xfinity Flex streaming device when I signed up for their internet service. The device includes only the apps that they chose to make available and the functions they offer, which I find a problem.
One good example is that the device has an HDMI input port as well as an HDMI output port, but they have that port disabled with no way to enable it.
I would also like to add the Hoopla Digital app to the device, as my local library offers a subscription to it.
Has anyone managed to unlock this device?
Dave
It would be swell if there was anything even remotely indicating that this box could be hacked in any way, but I'm afraid there hasn't been. Not now and not for the last few years or so that I've been keeping an eye out for developments/chatter. if I was capable of hardware hacks on that level I would be the first to take a crack and share the tek if successful... Alas, I am not so until someone who is capable also finds sufficient motivation to do so, this thing'll be nothing more than a glorified paperweight (or pair of paperweights, if you want to put its remote to use, too... Though I haven't actually been searching to see if there are any hacks for the remote itself, independent of the apparently impenetrable box it's paired with)
I'm sick of this thing taking up space among my parts drawer. Plus it looks pretty slick, is entirely wrapped in silicone (remote too) or something similar and would generally make a nice addition to any of my TV's if I could just forgo, like... everything currently on the box. Or at least all of the restrictive elements/hardware and software blocks, etc. I need to get over my hesitancy to throw any old tech away for want if its parts and just toss this one...
If I had the first clue re: where I'd even start...

Options for a custom ROM or 3rd party OS to degoogle rugged smartphone?

Hi everyone,
Like most people I've been aware of the news articles about Goggle and Apple tracking peoples activity on their smartphones for a long time (not to mention the other app companies), that combined with a lack of a real need for the capabilities of a smartphone means I've stuck with old fashioned "dumb" phones and until recently I've been content with them.
That changed during the long lockdowns, I became aware for the first time of some of the alternative privacy focused OS's that were out there. I also found some of the Chinese rugged phones and even after the the initial "ooh shiny" reaction faded I still liked the idea of them and as my current phone seems to be dieing I thought I'd look if any of these privacy OS's were compatible with any of the rugged smartphones. That turned into a real rabbit hole that I'm still trying to find my way out of.
Could any of the kind souls here take pity on a bewildered, bamboozled and quite frankly utterly and completely lost idiot and maybe suggest either a device compatible with any of these OS's or something that could be tinkered to work?
I don't feel I know enough on this subject to narrow down what I want in the OS other than I would like to run one or two google apps on it. I know this might defeat the point of degoogleing the phone but they are just apps for public transport in my area.
As for the hardware, as I haven't used a smartphone before I can't really say much about what I'm looking for. The only things I really want would be a a minimum of a 6 inch, decent enough CPU, ram ect that using it dosen't make me feel like I'm pulling out my hair and a camera that can take at least an OKish picture and a large battery.
I apologize if this post reads like I'm a choosy beggar, I really want to find a combination that works but I just seem to be getting myself more and more confused.
Many thanks for taking the time to read this post
The phone's Android version should be Android 8+ thus it's Project Treble enabled, means you are able to flash GSI ROMs.
That was one option I was looking into but some sources seemed to say it couldn't be done on Mediatek powered devices as the company doesn't release their drivers. If thats wrong it would certanly be an easy option.
You may look inside here:
Complete List of Lineage OS Supported Devices | KrispiTech 2023
Here you will find a list of every single Android smartphone and tablet that currently has official support for the popular custom ROM Lineage OS.
krispitech.com
Thanks for the suggestion and link jwoegerbauer, I'll have a look and see if theirs anything that fits.

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