Hey there!
As many of you may have heard or even tried, there is a functional "Desktop Mode" built into Android 10 (as long as the phone vendor didn't deactivate this). This mode will, when manually activated in the developers options, act like an Desktop OS when connecting your phone to an external screen. (or without activating anything in case of e.g. Samsung DeX)
I'd like to use this Thread to gather some information about the implementations of "Desktop Mode" into the phones of different vendors, and hope you can support me with testing it out on your phones.
Things of interest are (IMHO, to be continued):
is the desktop mode working (and usable)
does the dpi setup change in the moment of connecting an external screen (or does everything look just awful big)?
(yes, I know there are apps/tools to change that)
which maximum resolution is possible?
how many screens are possible? (usually just one, ...but who knows)
do you just need an USB-C to HDMI/DP cable or a (special) docking station for connecting a screen? (if using a cable, Miracast/wireless is another option of course)
does the handset get a special 'role'/feature in desktop mode? (like Samsung devices becoming a trackpad)
are there any usage improvements implementated, e.g. like file drag'n'drop or dragging windows to the display sides to maximize them on half the screen (like in windows)
what's the connection speed of the USB-C port? (USB 2.0, USB 3.2 G1 (5 Gbps), USB 3.2 G2 (10 Gbps) or even faster!?)
is it possible to use USB mouse/keyboard or just Bluetooth, and how's the speed? (eg. does BT lag a lot?)
At the moment it seems like Samsung has the best implementation of this feature with their "DeX Mode", but i'd like to know about those things from other vendors also.
My dream is to be able to ditch my notebook/tablet/8in tab/subnotebook collection an use just one device in future. (everything else needed for 'bigger' or x86 tasks can be done on cloud instances already)
But for that purpose there needs to be more than just 'basic' OS UI without any useful features
Hope we can start a good collection here and answer also your questions regarding this topic(s).
Thank you, regards
Schwarzer Riese
Related
Hi!
I want to use my G1 to do some special measurements. For this purpose I've created a microcontroller board (Atmel ATmega8) that does that. Now I want to transfer the data the board collected to the Android phone.
Because of the high powerconsumption the G1 has while Bluetooth is on this isn't a real alternative for me - the measurements will last about 2 - 3 hours.
I'm not experienced concerning hardware access within Linux and Android but thought there might be a possibility to gain a kind of low level access to the USB port. I do neither need high bandwith nor real USB functionality - so might it be possible to create an own kind of bus using that interface? Do you have any other idea?
Thank you in advance!
If you use micro linux system, the ones that are like a usb port, a network jack and a vga connecter, you could script some adb commands and have it run every few seconds to upload the data, not an ideal solution. As far as I know the g1 doesn't support host mode. But if you have a micro linux computer in the middle, it could work.
Something like this
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2008/08/27/a-real-space-oddity-arrives-at-pc-pro/
I'm sure there are other ways to do it, maybe check there how to make a serial port thread a few pages back in the dev section.
Hi there
I'm embarking on an ambitious project and i was wondering if anyone could help me by giving suggestions.
I am making my own home automation system, and I already have the necessary hardware to get it up and running, but I want to take it a step farther.
I have this (Use google translate lol) http://cba.sakura.ne.jp/kit01/kit_399.htm kit, which is basically a set of 8 relay switches that can be used to turn on and off mains devices (such as lights, powerpoints, ect) that are controlled by a computer through a DB25 printer port. I also have an old Dell D600 laptop that has said printer port, and the software needed to drive the circuit board. This is all well and good, as everything is working so far, but before I bother to install this thing in my roof and hook it up to control my lights, power points, ect, I was wondering if there is a way to use my android phone (HTC Legend, unrooted ) or tablet (Motorola xoom wifi rooted with Tiamat, o/c to 1.7ghz) to control this board through a computer.
I already have a client that remote controls the computer (splashtop remote), and I can achieve this with some difficulty by remote controlling the computer and using the PC software through my phone/tablet, but I was wondering if there is an android home automation program and its PC client service that supports DB25 printer port pinout settings, so I could directly control the circuit board through the app, like the leading home automation apps already available (minus the extremely expensive proprietary hardware that you need with them). If not, has anyone else considered developing one? If anyone could give me any help on this it would be greatly appreciated.
I've become curious whether any mobile devices with USB ports could be used, with appropriate software, as auxiliary USB keypads or keyboards to another host device? Given the ubiquity of small LCD touchscreen tablet devices now, it seems like an obvious application to develop software that would display programmable keys on a touchscreen and then output appropriate key scancodes or sequences via a USB port to another connected system, in essence making the tablet appear as a USB HID to the host. The software aspect would be somewhat trivial; I've seen software for Windows Mobile touchscreen devices with IR transceivers that allows them to be used as universal remote controls. This would in effect be a USB variant of that type of software.
Is that technically feasible, or is there a limitation to the USB spec or hardware that might prevent it? Is there a host-client aspect to USB that exists outside of software alone?
It seems I need to post this in another area to reach the right audience for my question, but which one?
There's plenty of apps that enable this via wifi or bluetooth, but I haven't seen any that would do it over USB. I don't see why it shouldn't be possible, but it seems no one has coded it yet.
The reason it came to mind is that there are companies selling some surprisingly expensive auxiliary programmable USB keypad devices. With the addition of the necessary software, tablets and similar devices with touchscreens might be poised to erase their cozy little overpriced vertical market. That is, if there's no limitations to USB hardware or drivers that would prevent it.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions Thanks
Moving to Q&A
I am interested in building a prototype of a device for testing vision which would be basically like the the devices you may have used when renewing your drivers licence. You basically look in to a "binocular like" eye piece and have to read different size letters and preform a few other tasks. Here is a pic of the type of device I am talking about.
http://www.southpointesurgical.com/images\optical1000.gif
These devices are purely optical and just use a light to illuminate a slide where I am interested in building a device that uses two small oled or amoled or similar type screens(one for each eye). Is it possible to connect and drive these types of screens from a standard desktop computer? Ultimately I would like to have the device powered buy a raspberry pi style micro-computer and communicate to the results of the tests to a laptop connected through a usb cable but I don't think the current generation of raspberry pis support multiple displays. I have tried to google the question but was unable to turn anything up.
I remember back in 2011 when I was working at Toshiba in Cyprus that they had a 10 inch Android laptop (no touchscreen), those type of devices seem to have been discontinued. On the same note, I wanted to convert my 2016 Sony Xperia Z5 compact smartphone into a desktop instead of throwing it away after it got dead zone on the touchscreen that keeps on getting worse and makes the device almost useless (The lighter piezo solution did not work for my device).
The 1st method is from videos that are available on Youtube that are not tested by me. The 2nd method is my own way that I tested on two devices. One is Running Android Lollipop 5 and one running Oreo 8. Each one has a different solution because the floating of any app option only works on Android Nougat 7 or above.
Method 1:
The below videos explain about benefit of using the dock. It requires purchasing a Dock and might only work with USB-C devices. There are many more videos available for this subject. The dock will also charge the device while in use. Tips from the 2nd method may improve some features for this method. I did not fully research this method as it can easily be researched by anyone because it is a readymade solution. You can research it further if it interests you to find out if your device will work well with this solution.
Videos on the dock solution
Method 2:
Not tested for gaming
The two devices that I tested this solution on are Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone 2014 model running Android Lollipop and Sony Xperia Z5 Compact smartphone 2016 running Android Oreo Custom ROM. Both devices have been rooted for maximum features. Both devices use micro USB connection so it might work differently with charging for USB-C devices. Results may differ with different devices and different versions of Android but I believe that it will work very similarly to mine.
Flagship devices should work well and should be able to support all the below requirements for this method.
Holder
To have the camera for video chatting or close to the face then you will need a phone / tablet holder like in one of the below links.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gritin-Phone-Stand-Adjustable-Holder/dp/B07C3MQYQV
or
https://www.amazon.com/Phone-Holder-Gooseneck-Stand-Recording/dp/B07JM5435F
External Screen
To display the Android device onto an external screen then you will either need a screen that supports screen mirroring or a Miracast device. Miracast include Chrome cast and any other screen mirroring dongles. I tested the method with Anycast version 1 and a Chromecast knock off one, it worked well on both of them. If you get the Error HDCP then it can be solved with an internet search and a rooted device. These devices come with two modes and only one of them will work with your Android device. Mircast uses HDMI and will send the image and the sound to the connected external screen wirelessly. (Compatible with any screen that supports HDMI connection, make sure that your device has screen casting support before purchasing).
If your device does not support screen mirroring, then you will need to purchase an original Chromecast device and connect it to the screen and install Google Home on your device and configure Google Home to detect the Chromecast device to use it. Chromecast will need to be configured in network mode and both devices need to be connected to the same LAN network. (It is possible that not all Android O/S systems can support this function).
Example on connecting VIA Google Home to Chromecast video:
Google Home might also be able to cast to other supported devices. Check the internet for more information on that if needed.
Keyboard and Mouse
For this you will need an OTG cable (OTG cable converts USB to micro USB or to USB-C connection) with a standard USB hub as well as the keyboard and mouse. Or you can also get the OTG hub that is a combo between the OTG cable and the USB hub. USB Wired or wireless keyboard and mouse should work normally.
On some devices the USB mouse and key board need to be connected before the device is turned on. USB mouse and keyboard can also work in TWRP recovery.
It should also be possible to just get the OTG cable with only the wireless keyboard and mouse that need only one USB receiver connection.
If there are issues for the device to detect the Mouse & keyboard then connect them before turning on the device.
On most devices the on screen keyboard will automatically stop appearing while the USB keyboard is attached. This can be controlled from the phone settings options.
If there are issues using the external keyboard then of the apps from the below links should resolve your issue as they are made for the external keyboard.
Null Input Method - Apps on Google Play
Get rid of the soft keyboard when using your bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Pro - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
External Keyboard Helper Demo - Apps on Google Play
Take full control over your external Bluetooth or USB keyboard.
play.google.com
USB Storage
I tested this with USB flash drive and external USB drive and worked well with both. It is possible that not all the USB flash drives will work with the Android device. Sandisk did not work well on my devices but other models worked normally.
For USB flash drive. Connecting USB devices one by one might not work well enough. It sometimes will not work unless I connect all the devices to the USB hub and then connect it to the Android device while the device is on.
Connecting the USB external drive might need extra power. So plug the 2nd connection that comes with the external drive into either a USB device charger or a power bank. I recommend using this in all situations to avoid causing damage to the Android device. Connect the drive after the device has already loaded the O/S (The reason is explained under charging section below).
The apps in the below link are the best free app for browsing External USB devices. The app in the 1st link did not detect USB on Lollipop but it worked well on the newer Android O/S and the one in the 2nd link did not open on Oreo. So test both until satisfied. If you get the message that the drive is empty and needs formatting just ignore it and try the below apps.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobisystems.fileman&hl=en
http://www.estrongs.com/
Charging: It is not possible to charge and use the USB devices at the same time even if all are still connected (might not apply to USB-C Android devices, I don’t have one to test that on.) Connect the External USB drive that is using external power after the device is already on because it might start charging the device when the power is connected and if that happens then it will ignore the connected USB devices. It is an either or situation. Some devices have a 2nd way to charge the device, like a 2nd USB port or Qi charging (wireless charging). I was able to keep the Z1 compact charged with the 2nd option that it has.
Alternative all wireless connections
Android devices can handle 2-5 Bluetooth Devices simultaneously.
So it it possible to connect Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Bluetooth or Wireless storage device. This will allow to keep the phone charged while it is using all the external devices.
Printing
To be able to print from your phone then you will need to use the below option
The below video will show how to print from specific printers:
Print photos from Google photos App:
Google Photos - Apps on Google Play
The home for your memories. Relive, share, and organize your photos.
play.google.com
Create and print Documents from WPS App:
WPS Office-PDF,Word,Excel,PPT - Apps on Google Play
PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Form & Notes, powerful as Microsoft Office.
play.google.com
Apps for desktop mode
There are many available in the play store but I found the below to be the best amongst them.
SecondScreen - better screen mirroring for Android
SecondScreen App from the below link needs either a rooted device or an ADB command. The ADB command will appear after installing the app and loading the profile. Multiple profiles can be created with this app. This app has several features. Some of the features include changing the resolution and density of the screen as well as reducing screen backlight. The lower the density the higher resolution will be which is to fit more things on the screen. The device might do a soft reboot when loading and unloading the profile.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.secondscreen.free&hl=en
Taskbar
The below app is only useful on Android Nougat 7 and above because it has a feature that is called freeform that allows to float any app when it is launched from this app for multitasking. It is made by the same developers that created Secondscreen and has a feature in the Secondscreen app to auto launch when the profile is loaded.
Set this app as default launcher. It does not have an option to minimize the apps to taskbar. To restore apps to freeform after being maximized then go to recent apps and click on the 1st icon on the left.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farmerbb.taskbar&hl=en
For Lollipop 5 & Marshmallow 6 devices. Use the app in the below link It works on newer Android devices as well. It will creates a landscape desktop with a taskbar and launcher. It comes with its own set of apps and more apps can be added from the 2nd link which contain the additional apps. Only the apps that are provided with this program can float and to open multiple apps on the desktop at the same time.
This app will lock the screen in Landscape mode. To get out of this mode you will have to turn off the features that are turned on during the setup process. You might also need to force stop the app. That can be done from settings or by installing a specific app for that like the one in the below link.
KillApps : Close all apps running
KillApps - Close all apps - Apps on Google Play
Close all apps running in background
play.google.com
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andromium.os
Sentio Apps (Lollipop, Marshmallow)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.apps
The below link is from the same developer and made for newer Android devices to float any app for Nougat 7 or above but it did not work for me so you can try it if you want to.
Sentio Desktop
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sentio.desktop
Hanna Baggili (John)
Hey. I've been working on the same goals for years now. I see you used Sentio desktop app for the desktop experience. However, Sentio seems to have gone under. Their app store entry is gone, and their website doesn't function.
What would be your best alternatives for a desktop environment setup, SW & HW? If I want a large display, I prefer to Miracast to a compatible device.
It's 2022. What would be your setup now. FWIW, I use and *older* LG V20 running Android 8, which is almost perfect for me (albeit not 'waterproof'). I have desire to upgrade to newer phones, with much more invasive versions of Android, tracking everyone and everything. Plus, screen casting (Miracast) isn't crippled as it now is in newer versions of Android.
Your choices?
I did not use all the apps for my setup that are in the guide. The provided solution is a general solution that I tested and works well.
Any app that is no longer in the Google play store can still be found online, in other non-official app store.
I did not test the solution for the later versions of Android.
From my own experience I found that the best Android version for the Android Desktop PC is Android 7.
What version of Android did you try your solutions on?
You can always check if there is a docking station for the phone that you want to use as a desktop. Take a look at YouTube videos in regards to that and consider it for your setup.
I did the conversion because I am an IT guy and lost the use of my phone. So I then converted it to a desktop and for the fun of it. I tested it on the older model that I have.