Database Info

[Q] Send Key from PC/Laptop or External Keyboard, Keyboard Simulation.

Hi,
Android <-- USB/Bluetooth <-- PC/Laptop (Keyboard)
Few months ago, I try to get this things to work but no luck. Now I am really need to solve this again to make my life easier.
The case is in work place I have PC/laptop and my Android phone of couse. I want to use my phone with actively require keyboard typing for some reasons. Since I am using HTC Desire and I have two keyboards on my desk, why not I am using any of the keyboards to pair with my Android!.
I dont have any bluetooth keyboard and I want to utilize my desktop keyboard
After searching and googling with no luck for second time, I post here by hoping somebody can share with me with the same situation and interesting Android feature.
I know someone has hack a USB keyboard to directly connect to Micro USB in HTC to act as USB On The Go but I am not interested to cut my keyboard wire for that purpose only and not sure it can be done for Desire.
Bluetooth:
Last time I found a solution by using KeyPro from MobileGear and Choose a Freedom or i.Tech Virtual Keyboard driver. Then I create a Windows .NET application on laptop to send a Key code to KeyPro via bluetooth. The problem is I dont know the key codes designed for the keyboard to be sent. The developer also dont want to reveal the codes. I only need any real bluetooth keyboard supported by the supported keyboard to capture the key codes and map into my .NET application to simulate the keyboard from my Laptop.
** If somebody have the supported keyboard please share
USB:
Today I just thinking if possible from USB debugging mode (phone attached to Laptop USB), use adb shell, script/windows app or whats over, can send key to Android, so any active/foreground app can receive it just like what Android keyboard do???
LaNN

[Q] bluetooth mouse and keyboard

I am interested in using the G Tablet as a thin client computing device. This would give me ultra-portability and all-day battery life. It would allow me to keep my personal life on the tablet and use remote desktop for business stuff. This way personal and business life coexists on the same device without security concerns. This isn't going to work though unless I basically make my tablet into a netbook.
I've done some research on bluetooth devices but don't have a working bluetooth mouse or keyboard yet, which is the reason for my post.
I have a Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 and so far have not been able to get it working. I tried VEGAn 5.1 and it connects but doesn't pair. I installed BlueInput for Android and couldn't get the mouse working with it either. See teksoftco.com for info on this app. It is supposed to add bluetooth HID support to Android 2.1 or newer.
I don't have a bluetooth keyboard yet - not worried about that until a mouse works.
I ordered a case with built-in USB keyboard and it is adequate. A clip blocks the mini USB port though, so I may do surgery on it to move it down a bit. The case is from witglobal.com.
Any suggestions on what ROM to work with to achieve my goal? Any other info from someone who may have this working?
I don't want to use a bluetooth device with a USB receiver - It'll just get lost or broken and be in the way. I have a dock and I think that is going to work out for my desk - just working on the mobile part.
BTW I really like the 2X Client for remote control. Only thing I am disappointed in so far is the audio doesn't seem to work.
Thanks All!

I have cyanogenmod 6.1 working with a HID mouse - no add-ons. Caveat now is getting the market working. I installed it per wiki instructions but no apps show up...off to more searching!

I use my Zpad (Malata T2) for exactly your purpose.
I guess the Zpad ROM supports this out of the box?? (I'm running the stock ROM).
My mouse is also the Microsoft 5000 Mouse (little white and black one). My keyboard is off ebay, here is the link (except I have the black one):
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/UItra-FLat-B...Peripherals&hash=item255f52af24#ht_3488wt_907
I use Xtralogic (by far the best RDP client)
At saying that it's not 100% perfect. Here is what doesn't work:
Delete Key
Ctrl C or V etc
Right Mouse Button (you can emulate by a long left press)
Mouse Wheel
Some special characters like; < > ^ ~ ` and probably others
Wifi & Bluetooth have issues working together, but 3G and Bluetooth is fine
I'd pay for a driver that fixes this if anyone knows of one.
Cheers, Mal

Problem between a Wireless keyboard and Tronsmart MK908II touch response

Hello,
The device is Tronsmart MK908II, wireless keyboard is this: http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6271301163.html
The problem is that there is a lag between the keyboard commands and the response of the device. For example as you wiggle your finger on the touchpad on the keyboard, cursor on the TV screen does not reflect correctly and on time, and the same with keystrokes. Especially if the distance between me and the TV stick is more than one meter is almost impossible to perceive commands.
At first I thought it was the keyboard, but after I connected it to the computer, I saw that it works absolutely perfectly, even from a distance of 5-6 meters, there is no delay when you press buttons. Unfortunately, not so with the tv stic... Pls tell me what to do ??? The device has the last Android 4.2.2 version, there is no newest at the moment. Does it need to install a program to respond better wireless keyboards? The keyboard come without software, just plug and play.
Help pls!

Keyboards are a drama! I use droidmote to control my sticks via tablet or phone. The stick needs to be rooted and you install a serverapp on it which you connect to via Wi-Fi from your client app on your other devices. Once working I ditch my keyboard.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

rhtizzy said:
Keyboards are a drama! I use droidmote to control my sticks via tablet or phone. The stick needs to be rooted and you install a serverapp on it which you connect to via Wi-Fi from your client app on your other devices. Once working I ditch my keyboard.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I fixed the problem! I use a different port on the device, which is micro USB. Use transitions and include in it the keypad transmitter. Apparently the standard USB does not have enough power to supply it correctly.

Nice catch! Thanks for the update
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Control phone with broken lcd

Hi
I have Galaxy Ace 4 (kitkat 4.4) with broken lcd. The screen is blank but touch should work. Earlier something was visible on screen and as I remember touch was working.
Moreover, the system had some failure due to permanent "application xxx stopped working" and factory reset should be made.
I would like to use this phone as wifi hotspot. Is there any way to access the phone after factory reset? I have found application like Visor to control android via usb on pc. But developer mode has to be enabled and I'm not sure if system should be rooted.
Thank you for any help

If you can still see the screen, but the touch screen does not work:
Buy a cheap USB adapter so you can connect a PC keyboard or mouse (probably a USB C to USB A adapter). You can buy these adapters from China on eBay for $ 1 (but you may have to wait a month until they arrive in the mail. In this case, buy from a seller in your own country). I suppose you have a keyboard or just use the keyboard and use the arrows to move and select things, so I think the Windows button will become the home button. Press Enter to select and Escape to return. Or you can simply point and click with the mouse. The problem is that not all phones support "OTG", so you may not be able to read the adapter. If so, then I think you have no other choice. . But most of the stores themselves definitely support 100% OTG, so it should work normally. The problem with Bluetooth is that you need to pair it first, which requires touching the screen. Therefore, if you cannot touch the screen, using a Bluetooth mouse or keyboard may not work
If you can't see the screen, but the touch screen works normally:
Unless you change the screen, don't think that there are many things you can do. Android phones that were previously compatible with MHL allow you to use a dongle to connect it directly to HDMI. But the cell phone no longer has that function. If you have a Samsung phone, I think you can buy a Samsung Dex docking station, which will allow you to connect it to the screen via HDMI. If you can install applications on your phone, you may be able to control your phone from your computer using a screen mirroring application (there are thousands of different software that can do this, but you need to install applications on your phone). Same as Google Chromecast screen mirroring. .You need to access the application on your phone to perform this operation. Therefore, there is nothing you can do except replace the screen. If you are lucky and your smartphone supports some type of HDMI dongle adapter or some type of desktop docking station with HDMI output, you can view the phone's screen and access it.

A guide on converting smart Android devices into an Android desktop computer - With large screen and extra storage

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.