Hello XDA Community.
Here is a thread that will help you make the most of your Android device.
Watch the video or go through the below list of tips and tricks.
You might find it useful.
Tap for AOD and Double-tap to wake.
If you have a premium Android smartphone, you ought to have both of these features. A lot of people are unaware and always use the side key. Save your side key from unwanted presses, simply tap once for AOD and double tap-to wake the screen. These options can be configured and personalized in the settings.
Double tap to lock.
Done with your work and want to keep the phone back in your pocket? Do that simply with double tapping on the screen to lock it. If it’s not working for you, your phone might not support this feature.
Double swipe down for quick-settings.
Sometimes, it can be lengthy to pull down the notification section twice, especially if you have a lot of notifications and want to change the brightness or want to toggle a quick-setting. A faster way to get there is to swipe-down using 2 fingers. It’s a handy magic trick that you can use to get things done faster.
Open camera without unlocking your phone.
A lot of times, we unlock our phone and give it to others for taking a photograph. This can be unsafe and somebody might go through sensitive information on your phone. Next time you’re at an event, just swipe on the lock screen to open the camera. This way, your personal information will stay secure and you’ll be at peace of mind.
Mark messages as read from the lockscreen.
Oftentimes a day, we get a lot of messages. It can be difficult to open all the messages to get them marked as read. A quick trick is that you can mark messages as read from the lockscreen itself. This works for SMS as well as popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Press and hold app icons for shortcuts.
If you are using lengthy approaches for tasks, this is bound to pave the way for a lot of shortcuts. You can tap and hold on icons for getting things done faster. Each app (depending on the developer) will show you a bunch of quick tasks that can be very useful. Tap and hold the dialer icon to add a contact, tap and hold chrome’s icon to quickly open an incognito window. Instagram shows quick options such as Camera, New Post, View activity or Chats.
Find your phone using Google Assistant.
This trick will work only if Google accounts are the same on your phone as well as smart speakers. Just say “Hey Google, where’s my phone?” and your phone will start ringing. This can be useful if you’re struggling to find your phone after a party. It might have hid in the sofa, under the bed or another dimension. Find it easily using your Google Assistant.
Check the phone's battery using Google Assistant.
About to fall asleep and don’t have the energy to check your phone, just ask Google. Simply say, “How much battery is there on my phone?” and the mighty Google will respond.
Get directions to places using Google Assistant.
Planning to go somewhere, simply ask your Google Nest device. Try saying, “Send me directions to the airport.”
Multi window
Wanna use multiple apps at once? Android has got you covered. Simply open the combination of apps in split screen view. This can be quite useful if you want to read something while completing a project. Drag and drop can also be done among windows. Also feel free to resize the apps as per your need.
Pop-up view
Doing some calculations and don’t want to switch back and forth between the apps? Use pop-up view instead. Bring up the calculator as a pop-up window on your screen to make quick calculations. The possibilities are endless.
Swype keyboard
Are you still typing the old school way? Time to change things. Swype is a great way to type faster. Turn it on from the keyboard settings if needed, and swype away. Say goodbye to typing one key at a time.
One-handed mode
Screens are getting bigger these days. Gone are the times when everything was usable with one-hand by default. To counter this, there are software enhancements. Turn on one-handed mode from settings to easily use the phone and reach all corners.
Mirror screen
Got an Android TV at home? Use the Google Home app which is downloadable from the play store to mirror your phone’s screen. This can be really useful if you have guests over and you want to showcase your gallery pics. Or just show them a presentation.
Cast content
While screen mirroring is cool, it’s not recommended for watching content. Use casting instead. Common streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ have this feature. Just ensure your TV and phone are on the same network, then use the Cast icon present in the app to play things on TV and control them using the phone. Pretty handy.
Control home devices
Once you have added your Smart devices to Google Home, simply use the Devices option to control them quickly. This can be useful to turn lights on or off, change the volume on TV or Play/Pause smart speakers.
Get rid of app drawer - Home screen apps
Recently switched from an iPhone or want a simpler home screen layout? There’s an option for that. Go to launcher settings and use the Home screen apps option. You will now have a simpler life and won’t have to open the app drawer again and again. Swipe up to perform a spotlight like search. Thanks Android for such good days
Extra-dim
It’s important to take care of our eyes during the night. Bright displays in bed while the lights are off can be stressful. Thanks to Android 12, there’s an Extra dim feature built in. Simply turn it on to make the screen easily readable even in the darkest situations.
Turn off notifications
Too many notifications from unwanted apps annoying you? Simply hold a notification to bring up notification settings, quickly turn off all annoying notifications from here.
Take calls from PC
Your phone app on Windows 10 and 11 offers a ton of features. One of them being the ability to take calls from your PC. This trick really saves from back and forth switching while working on a laptop. Make your life easier, pair your phone to Windows and take calls from the PC.
Messages from PC
Making a transaction on your laptop and don’t want the trouble to look at your phone? Your phone app helps you see all SMS on your PC itself. You can even reply or copy-paste to get content on your laptop.
Control your phone from PC
Here’s a quick trick to get your phone’s screen on your PC. Use the Your Phone app and click on the phone's icon. Grant permission from your phone. Phone display will turn up on the PC and you’ll be able to control it from there. Pretty handy if you want to take screenshots of the app you’re developing.
Notifications/Whatsapp/other apps on PC
Stay focused and forget the hassle of switching between devices. Thanks to Your Phone app, all your phone’s notifications are visible on the PC. You can manage them easily. Someone pinged you on WhatsApp? Don’t pick up your phone, reply to them right from your PC. You can use other apps too and even Pin them on your PC’s taskbar. Amazing trick indeed.
Photos on PC
Your phone app will keep your devices in sync. All your Gallery photos magically appear on your PC. You can even save them to the PC without having to worry about finding USB cables.
Create AR Emoji [SAM]
AR stands for Augmented Reality. You can create an avatar for yourself and do fun things with it.
Take measurements [SAM]
Download Measure tool in AR Zone to take quick measurements of your room. Next time you want to buy a carpet, just use this trick on your phone first before stepping out.
Edge screen [SAM]
This is a great way to access your apps and multi-task. The edge screen is highly customisable and you should definitely check out all the options to make it most productive for you.
Edge screen tools [SAM]
The magical thing about the Edge screen is that it doubles as a toolkit. Find options to view compass, tally counter, ruler and more. Next time you’re on an exploration, definitely bring up these tools.
Assistant Menu (Assistive touch)
Want a helping hand? Turn on Assistant Menu from settings. It is similar to assistive touch that you would find on an iOS device. Helps quickly take screenshots, open notifications and more. Customize and personalize it as you see fit.
Auto-complete in dialer
This is a very old trick of the book. Typically, a person wastes a lot of time in finding a contact and calling them. Quicker way it auto-complete. It works like a T9 dictionary which used to be present in Nokia phones. For eg. in order to dial John, you would have to press 5646. John’s name will automatically come-up. Use similar approach for others.
Powerful photo edits
Post taking photos, the photo editor offers a lot of options. You can make changes to a photo’s background, color and more. It’s quite powerful and definitely worth checking out to make photos stand out.
Scan documents [SAM]
The Samsung Notes app has an option to scan documents. Once you’re done scanning, save them to pdf format and share away.
Export text from image
There are times when we come across images and have to note something down manually. To counter this problem, export text from images easily. The Google Keep app comes to the rescue. Add an image to a note. Tap on that image, go to options and choose Grab image text. Easy life!
Connect mouse
Connect a mouse for precision of a cursor. Get the added advantage of right clicking while browsing for an organized and enhanced experience. Make any changes in settings if needed.
Connect keyboard
Want to complete typing that lengthy article on the go? Just pair a bluetooth keyboard for effortless typing. Finally, work can be done on the go.
Connect gamepad
If you have an Xbox or PlayStation controller lying around, pair it up using bluetooth. Gaming on the go. Sit back in the lawn and enjoy easy gaming. OR put your phone one a stand and play away. Hello GTA.
Identify plants/objects/fishes
The Google lens feature is pretty cool. Easily identify and get information about what’s in front of you. No need to save the image and do a reverse image search.
Cast presentations and docs
Google slides work amazingly in the ecosystem. If you have a Chromecast device on the same network, you’ll be able to present your content wirelessly to the audience. Goodbye HDMI cables.
Record calls [SAM]
The built in call recorder can be turned on from dialer settings. Open the dialer, tap 3 dots, choose Settings. Find the Record calls option and turn on auto record calls.
Record screen
Want to record app instructions for a friend, or complete a project? Record your screen. In the quick settings section, find the screen recorder option. You can choose recording options as needed. Start recording. Once you’re done, the recording will be saved to the Gallery.
Wireless powershare [SAM]
This feature might or might not be available in your device. Easily charge another gadget that supports wireless charging, ranging from iPhones to Smart Watches. Perfect when traveling.
Wired powershare
If you have a type C to C cable, you can charge another device. Plug the ends to different phones to share power. Perfect for saving your friend who’s running out of battery.
Developer options
There are some advanced options which are hidden by default. A lot of you might already know this, but for a lot of new Android users, tap on the build number a couple of times to unlock developer options. Know that these options are advanced and you really shouldn’t be messing with them unless you know what you’re doing.
Use screensaver
Screensaver is a great way to enhance your experience during charging. Choose from built-in screensavers or find a good one on the Play Store. A big shout out to the developer of this screensaver that I found. I will leave a link for it in the video description. It’s free and highly customizable. [link here]
Display contact info on lock screen
This is a useful way to show important info on the lock screen. You can choose to display your name or contact info, or go for your nick name.
Find my device
Find and ring your device using the Android device manager. Perform a google search “Android device manager”. Open the page and see your devices there. Find options to ring or even erase content from your device.
Flash notifications
Getting difficult to find your phone in the dark? Or just want to flaunt off your device? Turn on flash notifications in settings. Whenever you’ll get a call, the flashlight will go crazy.
Pin windows
Annoying kids want to play games on your device? Don’t worry, there’s a way to safely do that without them having access to phone’s settings or personal data. The app can be pinned, making it impossible for anyone to access anything else. Take a sigh of relief when you hand over your phone to anyone, just pin the app first.
Identify tracks
We all love music. Sometimes, you hear great music around you and it can be difficult to identify the song. Thanks to the magic of Shazam, easily identify the tracks being played near you. It’s a great app for music lovers.
Sensors and hardware check - *#0*# [SAM]
This is a secret code which helps you check all the sensors and hardware. Very handy and useful if you’re planning to buy a used phone or want to troubleshoot an issue with your existing phone.
Thanks.
Related
Just thought i'd share this with the community. You can do LOTS of really cool stuff with this app. If you get if from the website rather the market you get a 7 day trial. Look in the wiki for examples and tutorials of what you can do with it.
I'm face down in this app all day, almost every day.
I've gotten it to do some nice things, such as get the area code of the current caller and display it in the notification area or as a toast notification (the grey popup box, like when you get superuser notifications). I'm currently devising a way for it to do this for country codes, but some of these country codes have some oddly specific rules, and I'd rather it not have 290 profiles for 1 function
It replaces my alarm clock in the morning, and it turns the alarm off if I unlock widgetlocker.
When I flip my phone face down, it goes to vibrate mode.
I found a blog/forum post where someone had made a popup list of launcher icons when you plug in headphones, and I like that.
I use it to pin lock apps, but that's far from perfect. It did replace an app I had for that purpose.
I have it send WOL packets to my computers at work; depending on the time of day and the day of the week, it chooses specific computers.
When I'm at my home screen, I shake the phone up/down and it goes through my menus and applies the rendering effects found in CM7, kind of like the Chainfire shortcut.
If I get a missed call, meaning I didn't answer it or hang it up, it responds to the missed call with a text message. Too bad there's not a way for me to find out if that number is cellular or not, and I can get a phonecall from anywhere in the US throughout the day because of work
I had, for a little while, been trying to replicate JuiceDefender's methods by using a series of variables and controls, with profiles to enable and disable almost all interfaces for comms on the phone. The way tasker works when the screen is off, however, caused issues so I went back to reinstalling Juicedefender. I really only wanted to have a cleaner notification bar
I also got some profiles to make it work like the Screebl app, but it has since quit working with the newest tasker updates.
Very well worth the money however. I'd have easily paid 15 dollars for this application
Ok as some of the members of this forum may know I got off to a shaky start with my Android wear watch (a Sony SW3).
I've now had it about four weeks and have over come the major problems I initially had, so I thought I would start a tread highlighting the things I love and the things I hate so others can assess if a smart watch is for them.
Firstly, what I love:
- Reading messages from Text, Email, Whatsapp and Messenger
It's so simply to just quickly look at my wrist see if I'm interested, if not I delete, if I am, may read further on the watch or if the message is to long, find my phone and continue there.
- Voice control
A really unexpected plus for me. I thought 'OK Google' was a bit of a gimmick at first, but how wrong could I have been. It's fantastic (OK, I feel a bit of a nerd saying OK Google to get it started, but that's a tiny problem). Driving and going to be late, OK google, Send text message to XXXX, then speak your message eg ' Sorry running late will be with you in 30 minutes. The translation is actually pretty accurate and it's done, you don't have to take your eyes off the road!
- It's an accurate watch, not sure where it gets it's time from but I guess it comes from the phone which in turn gets the time from the network which means no more setting, not running fast or slow. Not sure how it works when you change time zone though but I'll find that out soon enough.
- It's waterproof. Don;t forget to turn the touch screen off, but I've now been swimming with it, I regularly shower with it. Not a hint of a problem.
- Control you music system. I use Sonos around my home and I can turn the volume up and down, change track. Ok it's limited but it still an unexpected benefit.
- Control Bluetooth music with Spotify. Really a feature best used in the car. There's an app that will fire up Spotify on your phone which in turn will use the blue tooth audio to connect to your car. No more digging around to find you phone, unlock it, fire up spotify, find your play list etc etc etc.
- Incoming calls. Nice feature as I can decide if I want to take the call without having to find my phone to see who's calling.
What I hate (ok hate is a bit strong, but)
- The UI I think is not properly thought through You have al these options, tilt to wake, tilt to scroll through cards. Clumsy at best and a battery drain at worst (tilt to wake particularly) Even the touch screen to wake is not that cleaver as it can be operated but a lot of things touching the screen not just me, eg a sleeve, particularly one that is damp
- Voice control Ok I know I've said above that voice control is fantastic but it has one major down side, it needs internet connectivity. If it doesn't have it, it just doesn't work! Wish it would use the processing power of my phone to process voice.
- Wifi, ok I accept this is probably a bug, but wifi doesn't currently work properly, for some reason it will drain all the all the battery for no apparent reason and it does it very fast. I've now turned it off and only turn it on on the occasions because it's great to have full functionality
- Screen, the screen is fine, but that's damming it with faint praise. I would really like to see a higher quality screen and a little bit bigger would be nice.
- Incoming calls. When rejecting a call, it would be good to be offered a 'rejection message' that is sent via text giving a reason for the rejection.
When rejecting calls you can slide up instead of left por right swipe ano it will show up predefined messages that it will automaticly send to The caller.
::enviado do meu oneplus one via tapatalk::
My complaints (1 month usage) is the app tray feels bloated. Not every app needs to be displayed. Not every app has options set through the watch. Also the layout feels cramped to me. I would prefer some options (icons only, 1x2, list mode, 1x1 mode, text/no text, recent shortcuts at top on/off, etc.)
2. Embedded speaker for taking quick calls without digging for your phone last minute. 1 problem a watch introduces is that your phone starts to be left behind. I now leave my phone on the counter while I buzz around my home. Phone rings, its a mad dash down stairs to find my phone.
3. Some sort of keyboard. I'll take the old school T9 input. Just let me type a few things.
player911 said:
My complaints (1 month usage) is the app tray feels bloated. Not every app needs to be displayed. Not every app has options set through the watch. Also the layout feels cramped to me. I would prefer some options (icons only, 1x2, list mode, 1x1 mode, text/no text, recent shortcuts at top on/off, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download wear mini launcher from the playstore. It's a brilliant replacement that let's you customise the watch to how you want it.
I totally agree with you. I also use Android wear for
Reading messages from Text, Email, Whatsapp and Messenger
Voice control
Agree with some points according to my experience with my old android wear.
Hope my new one will work better.
My most of my complaints are solved with the Asus ZenWatch2. It is a solid upgrade to the LG G Watch. Once Marshmallow drops, we'll get a new app tray and speaker support (Zenwatch2 and Huawei) for calls.
I tried the alt launchers and it doesnt replace the stock launcher but runs over top of it. So it just adds to the chaos. However after the nostalgia wore off, I dont really use apps thus dont need to go into the app drawer.
Keyboard: try FlickKey
player911 said:
3. Some sort of keyboard. I'll take the old school T9 input. Just let me type a few things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try FlickKey Keyboard for Wear. It adds a keyboard to any app that wants to call it. Right now, that is limited to Wear Messenger, Coffee for Wear, and K-9 for Wear - you need one of those messaging apps to be able to use it. BTE, FlickKey is not a T9 style keyboard - it works better than that.
I have tried various keyboards. What I was referring to was an option, by default, in Android wear to have a keyboard input. I don't use any of those apps, thus having a keyboard right now would be irrelevant.
What apps would you like to use a keyboard with?
player911 said:
I have tried various keyboards. What I was referring to was an option, by default, in Android wear to have a keyboard input. I don't use any of those apps, thus having a keyboard right now would be irrelevant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I certainly agree that users should be able to decide for themselves if they want to use a keyboard or not, and which one they want on their smartwatch. What apps would you like to use a keyboard with? FlickKey can be added to any app with just about 15 lines of code. So message the dev who makes the app you want FlickKey in and let them know they can easily add it for free.
I find Android Wear to be very useful - when it works. Performance on my original 360 hasn't been very consistent either but I'm sure the S400 watches fare much better. Seriously though - every Android OEM needs to switch to AMOLED as soon as possible since it's much more suitable for smartwatch use.
I have installed AW on a Samsung Gear 2 (ported to the watch by @biktor_gj) and it runs really great !
Much much better than the default Tizen where it comes with normally.
Since I am using AW, I'm really hooked on it.
I love to be able to navigate with my watch and/or get notifications (from Google Maps) about any traffic jams or hold ups on my route.
I love to be able to use my voice to respond to whatsapp messages or even use my voice to make a new message without even holding my phone.
Really looking forward to the upcoming version (Marshmellow?), which suppose to have speaker support, because the Gear 2 has a build-in speaker.
So that means I can make calls too again from my watch (which is now only possible in Tizen, but not AW).
Hangouts and Messenger and Email (I know there are email clients that support wear and flickkey). I doubt Hangouts or Messanger will get it support.
Would like to see more Widgets for common apps. It is so cool to have a photo gallery, but It takes numerous clicks to open it, Also I use Voice MEMO all of the time, again would be nice to have a widget that can be added to the quick launch. How about requirement for a Widget for ALL Apps (except clockfaces)
Would be nice to disable and remove certain apps, Nike+, and other bloatware.
The SOS is a nice feature, HOWEVER the watch needs screen needs to be on to activate it, that's okay but then it's three clicks to activate (one to turn on, two to activate) and timing may be an issue. I would suggest perhaps a screen rotate first (to turn on screen) then a double tap. (to avoid accidental SOS, yes this has happened to me).
Keep up the great work XDA, been here for many products, mostly Samsung Phones, Note 10.4, etc.
Rick43065
I just purchased a 2018 Honda Accord EX that has Hondalink. The OS seems to be based on Android 6.1.1
So far Im very disappointed with the limitations of the Hondalink OS. The Driver Distraction Limitations are ridiculous. In CA it's illegal for you to hold your phone. It must be hands free. But as long as it's mounted, you are still able to use many functions as long as it's single finger touch. Regardless, I think a user/driver should be allowed choices and be held responsible if abusing those choices, like texting while driving, or watching a video while driving. But the limitations of HondaLink, coupled with AndroidAutos ridiculously small list of supported apps, it makes me wonder... WHY??? Why have this system at all? There's no app/option to watch video or browse images (even if parked) and no web browser. No Youtube. No Voxer support. Nothing. When I ask google for showtimes of a movie playing, using voice command, it gives showtimes for theaters that aren't even close to where I am when asking. Ive even tried to specify the theater when asking. Doing this only confuses it. This is a pathetic substitute for the fandango app.
Obviously I considered using the "Install App" (App Installer? sry, not in car) button. So, went on my galaxy S8+, used APK extractor, copied extracted apks to a USB jump drive, and plugged the jump drive into the car. The car recognizes the Jump Drive, and sees the apks, along with their appropriate file sizes. The apks I tested are Accuweather, ES File Explorer, Voxer, and Youtube. When I tap on one of the files, it brings up the "Install App?" dialogue box, but the button "Install" is greyed out.
Does anyone know how to get into the Developer Diagnosis page?
At the very very least, I'd like to disable the Driver Distraction Setting
Is there an android app that can be used as a substitute to Android-Auto that is a straight screen mirroring of the phone to the HondaLink Infotainment console?
i have a 2018 accord sport...i don't even get the subwoofer or the extra speakers....but using AA with my phone or just unplugging it when needed works just fine. What are you needing it to really do?
Before I go into it, please understand that I recognize that feature limitations and the "Driver Attention" lock is all meant for the safety of the driver and for others around the driver. I recognize that ultimately the road and the safety of those on the road are the priority. But i will also note that in CA, as long as the phone is mounted and not in your hand, you can pretty much do any task that only requires one finger (short of texting)
That being said, if AA allows an app, like Doubletwist, im frustrated that I cant do a simple one finger task of scrolling down a list of albums/artist/songs/playlist unless I'm at a complete stop. I've found that when I'm rolling at 2-3mph and am STILL locked out, im having to unplug my phone and look down at it to simply change playlist. When I'm going down a freeway and I'm in stop and go traffic for 15-20miles and never actually coming to a completely stop, this can be beyond frustrating. Ultimately I think that driver safety should be the drivers responsibility, and not predetermined by a company. If a driver abuses technology, then the driver needs to be accountable. It's my mission to figure out how to disable that stupid driver attention lock.
What do I want it to do? I want more than an overglorified play/pause button. Seriously. Yes it shows the name of the song and allows me to go to the next track, previous track, pause/play, but beyond that, absolutely no control. Voxer is a VERY simple one touch app. You tap to start voxing, you tap to stop. That's it, super straight forward. NOT supported. I want to be able to browse firefox, fandango, and YouTube when I'm parked.
But ultimately, I want the Android experience with full fledged apps. Android Auto pretty much just commandeers the Hond aLink infotainment screen. So just allow straight screen mirroring. That's what I "want".
Make playlists In Google play music....use your voice to change it.
Google play is nothing more than pandora and spotify. You have to select from their options. Yes, I might being "picky", but I prefer Doubletwist. It lets me sync my iTunes music and playlist. The point is, AA supports Doubletwist, but is too limited, and the "Driver Attention" lock is frustrating as heck. Besides that, AA is just too limited, too restrictive. Google/android should just do away with AA and just do straight screen mirroring. Or at least allow a 3rd party to make an app that resembles AA without so much of the limutations. It's sad that the most awesom.e feature in the best car ive had in almost 20 years is turning out to be the most pointless feature. 90% of what you can do through A you can do through Bluetooth. But I Really don't want to get a mount and make the dash look tacky. I mean, the phone mounted right next to the high infotainment screen. Jeez. More to the point, I just plain don't see why I should have to.
varxtis said:
Google play is nothing more than pandora and spotify. You have to select from their options. Yes, I might being "picky", but I prefer Doubletwist. It lets me sync my iTunes music and playlist. The point is, AA supports Doubletwist, but is too limited, and the "Driver Attention" lock is frustrating as heck. Besides that, AA is just too limited, too restrictive. Google/android should just do away with AA and just do straight screen mirroring. Or at least allow a 3rd party to make an app that resembles AA without so much of the limutations. It's sad that the most awesom.e feature in the best car ive had in almost 20 years is turning out to be the most pointless feature. 90% of what you can do through A you can do through Bluetooth. But I Really don't want to get a mount and make the dash look tacky. I mean, the phone mounted right next to the high infotainment screen. Jeez. More to the point, I just plain don't see why I should have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what the doubletwist is, but I prefer using sony xperia musix (look here on xda). For youtube there is carstream app that someone made which can be used for watching youtube while driving besides parked (http://www.thekirankumar.com/blog/2017/12/29/play-youtube-video-android-auto-app/). Also, i believe there is newer android auto version which allows wireless AA but I haven't tested that yet which may help with some issues that you have.
YoColdRain said:
Not sure what the doubletwist is, but I prefer using sony xperia musix (look here on xda). For youtube there is carstream app that someone made which can be used for watching youtube while driving besides parked (http://www.thekirankumar.com/blog/2017/12/29/play-youtube-video-android-auto-app/). Also, i believe there is newer android auto version which allows wireless AA but I haven't tested that yet which may help with some issues that you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'll look into those. Presently, I just stuck a phone mount on the dash and keep everything Bluetooth. Its only taking advantage of probably 5% of the Honda-link infotainment consoles potential, and yet it's still 20x better than battling with Android Autos ridiculous limitations. Sad :\
varxtis said:
Before I go into it, please understand that I recognize that feature limitations and the "Driver Attention" lock is all meant for the safety of the driver and for others around the driver. I recognize that ultimately the road and the safety of those on the road are the priority. But i will also note that in CA, as long as the phone is mounted and not in your hand, you can pretty much do any task that only requires one finger (short of texting)
That being said, if AA allows an app, like Doubletwist, im frustrated that I cant do a simple one finger task of scrolling down a list of albums/artist/songs/playlist unless I'm at a complete stop. I've found that when I'm rolling at 2-3mph and am STILL locked out, im having to unplug my phone and look down at it to simply change playlist. When I'm going down a freeway and I'm in stop and go traffic for 15-20miles and never actually coming to a completely stop, this can be beyond frustrating. Ultimately I think that driver safety should be the drivers responsibility, and not predetermined by a company. If a driver abuses technology, then the driver needs to be accountable. It's my mission to figure out how to disable that stupid driver attention lock.
What do I want it to do? I want more than an overglorified play/pause button. Seriously. Yes it shows the name of the song and allows me to go to the next track, previous track, pause/play, but beyond that, absolutely no control. Voxer is a VERY simple one touch app. You tap to start voxing, you tap to stop. That's it, super straight forward. NOT supported. I want to be able to browse firefox, fandango, and YouTube when I'm parked.
But ultimately, I want the Android experience with full fledged apps. Android Auto pretty much just commandeers the Hond aLink infotainment screen. So just allow straight screen mirroring. That's what I "want".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock the driver attention thing you need to hold the home, power, and source button for bout 10 seconds then click on the detail information & setting screen and from there hold home button again for 10 seconds and then click on the vehicle model information and turn off the DD VSP ERROR and that should do it. However everytime you turn off your car it resets and you have to do it all over again.
Can anyone explain the various options for "stopping" an app? As far as I can tell, you can:
1. Swipe it off the app switcher screen
2. Long press and hit "Pause app"
3. Long press, tap info, and turn off all notifications
4. Go to settings, apps, and "force stop"
What's the technical difference between all of these? It seems unbelievable that there isn't a simple way to fully stop all processes associated with an app until you manually restart it.
I'm mainly interested in squeezing the last bit of use out of old phones.
Well, I thought this would get more of a reaction. Would it be more enticing if I asked for a more technical discussion on how these functions work?
I know I can Google this stuff, but pretty much everything I come across is focused on the basics of turning off notifications. The most technical content in the articles I've found says things like, apps don't use system resources when they're just sitting in the background and appear in the app switcher. But honestly, that seems ridiculous. If an app CAN send a notification, regardless of whether Android displays it, then it will obviously use resources periodically.
So I'm looking for what actually happens when you turn off notifications, pause an app, swipe it off the switcher, or force close. After that I'll be looking for a tool that will make it easy to manage what I want running.