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I saw a review of the lovely Nokia N9, and I noticed that whenever it is put in sleep mode, it does not shut off the screen entirely - instead, it shows a clock that moves around the screen to prevent burn-in. I rather like this idea, and it apparently draws very little juice from the AMOLED screen (which is what my Captivate has).
I spent some time looking for an Android app that accomplishes something like this, but I didn't find anything like it. If there is such an app, could someone point me towards it? If not, is this even possible?
Alright, since this thread doesn't seem to be generating much interest, allow me to bump it with some ideas that might help spark your imagination.
- Replaces sleep mode completely, and might even replace lockscreens
- Displays notification alerts
- Can be toggled on/off by, say, holding down the volume rocker for a few seconds
- Uses the proximity sensor to disable itself when facing down or when placed in one's pocket
- Can be configured to only display under certain conditions (e.g. at night time when plugged in, so as to function as a bedside clock)
- Can cook bacon and eggs
Something like this probably doesn't exist, but would anyone else be interested in something like this if it doesn't use too much battery? If so, I might put up a bounty for whomever brings this to fruition. Would a developer be able to tell me if this is possible? I realize it would probably require root access, but that's fine with me.
As many of you may know, for newer version of TS (at least for 4th List, May version devices), it's NOT possible to flick your wrist to show watch face since the Accelerator is DISABLED whenever screen is OFF!!!
What an oversight! A smart watch needs you to push a button to see time? What if when you are driving or have both hand full and cannot spare even a finger!?
(My Pebble, on the contrast, works great here!)
I tried to force the screen always on with watch face, it's great, except it kills my battery in around 6 hrs (airplane mode!) Not acceptable!
Thus, Here comes "Tasface". With this, you could achieve:
1. Let TS shows you time WHENEVER you LOOK at the watch! (well, actually when the watch is face up) or when you flick your wrist (You can modify this!)
2. Reduce using your button (if you have an Shortcut supported launcher like Smart Launcher 2)
DISCLAIMER: I will not be responsible if Tasface broke/brick your TS in anyway! Since Tasface is only a set of Tasker profiles/Tasks you can read everything before decide go or not! Tasface DO mess around with system files!
Pre-requests:
===============
1. Your TS must be ROOTED!
2. You need to know Tasker basics! (It's not THAT difficult to use Tasker...)
3. Tasker (Obviously)
4. Watchface by Kurt Huwig (I didn't test other watchface app. May not work with stock lock watchface) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.huwig.watchfaces
5. Secure Settings (Required) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intangibleobject.securesettings.plugin
6. Smart Launcher 2 (Optional, any Launchers supports Shortcut will work. With this you can activate Watch face without using button!) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ginlemon.flowerfree
Set-up
========
1. Have Tasker (required), Watchface (required), Secure Setting (don't forget to install system helper) and Smart Launcher 2 (Optional) installed. DO NOT IMPORT "Tasface" yet!
2. Disable your stock lock watchface: Go to Setting/Personal & Account/Security/Screen lock/None (<-- This IS IMPORTANT)
3. Launch Watchface by Kurt Huwig, than double tap on any watchface to enter setup
a. check "Keep screen on"
b. Select desired watchface from "Lockscreen face"
c. Recommended to disable all other options
4. Check if the Watchface work or not by turn off than turn on your TS by press the upper physical button. You should see the Watchface you selected shows up when screen on. Swipe to return to your launcher and launch Tasker.
5. Unrar and import Tasface into Tasker
6. Close Tasker
7. Turn off --> Turn on your TS with the upper button
8. Profit!
Notes
=======
1. When watchface is displayed:
a. Touch screen is DISABLED to avoid accidental touch.
b. Screen will be OFF after 8 seconds (you can setup your prefer time)
c. Touch screen lock is achieved by putting a transparent Tasker Scene element on top of the Watchface. A small "X" on bottom right screen is used to reactivate the touch screen. You can also push the lower right button (back) to reactive your touch screen.
2. To show watchface (after automatic screen off as Step 1)
a. Just face the watchface up. The watchface should appear for another 8 seconds
b. There maybe a 1~2 second delay. This is due to Tasker not detecting the Watchface up event. I cannot do anything about this....
c. You could change the watchface up to anything else, like "Sensor shake/Backware-Forward"
3. If you have "Smart Launcher 2" or any other launcher supports Shortcut, you can set a icon to task "Lock". With this TS will activate watchface WITHOUT touch physical button. (I heard horrible stories about broken button so want to avoid use them as much as possible!) It's normal the screen will off for 2 second than back on with watchface for 8 seconds!
4. You must wait for automatic screen off or use the "Lock" shortcut to turn off the screen! Tasface will NOT work if you turn off TS by pressing the upper right physical button. This DISABLE the accelerator as mentioned above. To reactive Tasface, just turn on TS by pressing the upper right physical button to show the watchface than wait for automatic screen off.
I wrote this primarily for myself so a there are a lot of bugs. You are free to modify it and make it better. Just let me know if you have any questions and need help or improvement here!
Thanks button is just a click away if I helped you!
Update the attached file to resolve some bugs and improve responseness
Technical stuff -- What is done here?
=================================
It's a bit technical here .... No need to read if you don't care how it works!
Since TS turns off the accelerator whenever screen off, so it's not possible to activate the screen once it's off by external conditions. (You can still set a timer to wake the screen, but it's meaningless)
Thus we need to disable the power hungry backlight while keep the screen on!
I found out that it's possible to control the backlight by doing
Code:
echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/lcd-backlight/brightness
Thus, I set up a Task profile which fires whenever Watchface is activated and TS is face up, to activate the backlight then turn off the backlight again after 8 seconds, but KEEP the TS screen wake! (Only backlight is turned off to save battery!)
Code:
echo 1 > /sys/class/leds/lcd-backlight/brightness
You can change "1" to anything from 1~255. I just found 1 bright enough for me
Since screen/system is always wake, to avoid accidental touch, a transparent Tasker Scene on top of the screen is add to disable the touch screen. A small "X" is on the bottom right to disable this transparent scene if anything goes wrong. (And it does, Tasker is laggy sometimes and too slow to remove this scene automatically!)
I also lower down the CPU cycle to the lowest possible to further saving battery. CPU returns to normal frequency when leaving watch face (into launcher, etc...)
That's all! Folks!
Reserved
Shake
I was able to use application Shake from ADL Dev (com.adl.appshaker) to switch screen on with shake/twist of wrist. You just have to enable "activate when screen off" option - and it is little battery hungry.
Of course I have version 20140513.
I also strongly suspect, that you can force sensors to work when face is off, by switching into "Sports mode" (Run Settings->SMART MODE->Sports Mode)
Piw said:
I was able to use application Shake from ADL Dev (com.adl.appshaker) to switch screen on with shake/twist of wrist. You just have to enable "activate when screen off" option - and it is little battery hungry.
Of course I have version 20140513.
I also strongly suspect, that you can force sensors to work when face is off, by switching into "Sports mode" (Run Settings->SMART MODE->Sports Mode)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice.... I just think since I already have Tasker on my TS, I want to find a way to not to use additional SW which always runs in background to monitor things... Since its battery hungry, maybe Shake also use the same trick as me......
As for Smart mode settings, I tried bdefore but none of them work for flick wrist to wake up... Maybe I missed something?
Sent from my HTC_One_max using XDA Premium HD app
might give this a shot since shake was waking up watch at wrong times and was destroying battery life, and i already have tasker on the watch and running so hopefully that will avoid the battery loss that shake had.
lssong99 said:
As for Smart mode settings, I tried bdefore but none of them work for flick wrist to wake up... Maybe I missed something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just guessing, because it suppose to leave GPS and accelerometer working with screen off, to enable sport trackers and pedometers.
If it works? - I haven't tested yet...
Piw said:
I was just guessing, because it suppose to leave GPS and accelerometer working with screen off, to enable sport trackers and pedometers.
If it works? - I haven't tested yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! It seems you are right! The watch DOES allow sensor to work on Sport mode after screen off, but the response from Tasker become very sluggish when screen-off!
I made a simple profile to detect shake action (if shake than beep), and when screen on, the watch beep in less than one second after shake began, but when screen-off (sport mode), It took Takers 5~6 seconds of continuous shaking to detect the shake event. Not very practical for a watch solution...
With my Backlight solution, although sometimes still hiccup happens, but my feeling is about 90% of time the watchface wakeup correctly...
tasker problems
lssong99 said:
Wow! It seems you are right! The watch DOES allow sensor to work on Sport mode after screen off, but the response from Tasker become very sluggish when screen-off!
I made a simple profile to detect shake action (if shake than beep), and when screen on, the watch beep in less than one second after shake began, but when screen-off (sport mode), It took Takers 5~6 seconds of continuous shaking to detect the shake event. Not very practical for a watch solution...
With my Backlight solution, although sometimes still hiccup happens, but my feeling is about 90% of time the watchface wakeup correctly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can not import to tasker tasker do not see it
pashka79 said:
i can not import to tasker tasker do not see it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean the Tasker cannot see the prj file?
For how to import project, you could check http://tasker.dinglisch.net/userguide/en/faqs/faq-how.html#q
and you need to put the unrared file (.xml) in /sdcard/tasker/projects for Tasker to see it...
How much does this cost in battery? If I don't use my watch I can get about 4 days out of it.... I know Shake stops the TS going into deep sleep, won't this do the same and annihilate battery??
death_entry said:
How much does this cost in battery? If I don't use my watch I can get about 4 days out of it.... I know Shake stops the TS going into deep sleep, won't this do the same and annihilate battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know for tasker but I'm using shake app from market and I even I thought it'll drain my battery very fast - it didn't...
It's almost like I don't have it...
My battery can't hold on more then 24hours but I really use my watch and it's constantly connected to wifi and BT.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
funky0308 said:
Don't know for tasker but I'm using shake app from market and I even I thought it'll drain my battery very fast - it didn't...
It's almost like I don't have it...
My battery can't hold on more then 24hours but I really use my watch and it's constantly connected to wifi and BT.
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah that's prolly why you don't notice it running down... what do you use your watch for? Tbh i haven't used it for more than a watch lol/...
death_entry said:
Ah that's prolly why you don't notice it running down... what do you use your watch for? Tbh i haven't used it for more than a watch lol/...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as I have Z1, which is quite big, I'm using TS mainly to receive notifications (using swapplink).
I'm receiving many emails (I'm using Z1 as my business phone) so it's great that I can see on my TS subject of email and decide what will I do.
I have sim card in TS and I use it all the time, when I'm alone in a car (and that's 6 hours per day )
I found TS quite practical for companion
BTW...from today, I'm using this app to help me save my battery power on TS and Z1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=53078670
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
lssong99 said:
Do you mean the Tasker cannot see the prj file?
For how to import project, you could check http://tasker.dinglisch.net/userguide/en/faqs/faq-how.html#q
and you need to put the unrared file (.xml) in /sdcard/tasker/projects for Tasker to see it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this and Tasker can't see the xml on my TS
Here's a workaround for those having issues seeing the xml file in Tasker
Using a file manager, navigate to the location of the xml file
"Open with.." and choose Tasker
You will then see a toast notificaiton saying "...can be opened in Tasker" (or something like that)
Open Tasker -> Preferences -> UI -> Untick "Beginner Mode"
Back to main Tasker screen
In the HOME icon (bottom left) -> Long press, and choose "Import", then look for the XML file, wherever you put it
Boom
Note: Make sure you have the correct app from the Play Store, and not from the Ostore (same app, different names)
death_entry said:
How much does this cost in battery? If I don't use my watch I can get about 4 days out of it.... I know Shake stops the TS going into deep sleep, won't this do the same and annihilate battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am afraid that this will have an impact your battery. Basically to make TS responsive (light up as soon as you raise your hand), the screen/CPU is kept wake. Only LED backlight is disabled.
Although in my implement I put the CPU is slowest frequency and sleep Governor, but battery is around one day usage without radio on....
We need kernel tweak of this to achieve good battery life... Tasker is only... Tasker...
jeremy.chan said:
Here's a workaround for those having issues seeing the xml file in Tasker
Using a file manager, navigate to the location of the xml file
"Open with.." and choose Tasker
You will then see a toast notificaiton saying "...can be opened in Tasker" (or something like that)
Open Tasker -> Preferences -> UI -> Untick "Beginner Mode"
Back to main Tasker screen
In the HOME icon (bottom left) -> Long press, and choose "Import", then look for the XML file, wherever you put it
Boom
Note: Make sure you have the correct app from the Play Store, and not from the Ostore (same app, different names)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I see it now.
put the unzip file at that location and still Tasker cannot see it?
Hi do read the solution I provided
Tapa-ed from the Sony Z Ultra
It's really unacceptable how all those lovely watch designs in the store have the same ugly digital always-on face. Only the first 3 built in watch faces have a corresponding analog always-on watch face. I find this to be a huge limitation of the device and has kept me only using those 3 watch faces.
ozaghloul said:
It's really unacceptable how all those lovely watch designs in the store have the same ugly digital always-on face. Only the first 3 built in watch faces have a corresponding analog always-on watch face. I find this to be a huge limitation of the device and has kept me only using those 3 watch faces.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm wondering if this is a limitation to the developer from Samsung in order to make us use those three only or if it's possible to somehow code them in order to have a "quick glance" version of those third party watch faces Anyone?
Oh yes a HUGE limitation and UNACCEPTABLE!!! <sarcasm intended>
Are you serious? Do you have even the slightest understanding of the amazing technology being used in this device, or it's incredible capabilities? And you are stressing over something so incredibly trivial.
Staggering!
esseff said:
Oh yes a HUGE limitation and UNACCEPTABLE!!! <sarcasm intended>
Are you serious? Do you have even the slightest understanding of the amazing technology being used in this device, or it's incredible capabilities? And you are stressing over something so incredibly trivial.
Staggering!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be trivial to you. The always-on watch face is huge to me. Being a d*ck about it doesn't change anything.
And its unacceptable, because its already implemented and therefore its not a hardware limitation. Samsung are just being retarded in dealing with their watch face developers.
ozaghloul said:
Might be trivial to you. The always-on watch face is huge to me. Being a d*ck about it doesn't change anything.
And its unacceptable, because its already implemented and therefore its not a hardware limitation. Samsung are just being retarded in dealing with their watch face developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@ozaghloul has a point... Samsung has been "lacking" with the watch face devs, I dont believe they have released the watch face sdk and I dont know if they ever will. The always on feature tends to be useful, I know my watch hasnt always responded to the on "motion" at times.
cipherswitch said:
@ozaghloul has a point... Samsung has been "lacking" with the watch face devs, I dont believe they have released the watch face sdk and I dont know if they ever will. The always on feature tends to be useful, I know my watch hasnt always responded to the on "motion" at times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact I find that switching off the motion and using the always-on screen actually saves a bit of battery. Also the always-on screen just looks so good especially at night. Not to mention how much quicker it is to glance at the watch and not have to wait for the motion to wake it up (sometimes unsuccessfully).
All that talk is about the nice analog always on screens of the first 3 faces (also number 6 has a nice analog). Its not about that Fugly nasty tiny little digital clock you get with all the other faces.
It should be fixed already long time ago! I'm not going to buy any watchface until they won't have different "Clock Always On" option.
Just wanna say that i agree that there should be more faces for always on..i use always on and no motion
eclipse05x said:
It should be fixed already long time ago! I'm not going to buy any watchface until they won't have different "Clock Always On" option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally agree with this. I honestly thought owing a Gear S with my Note 4 would be a much better experience. In reality it's not all it's cracked up to be. Even more so since Watchstyler has stopped working...Lame.
I don't understand how the developers are just accepting this. This directly affects their revenues too, because I am certain many more people will buy watch faces if they become fully functional.
ozaghloul said:
I don't understand how the developers are just accepting this. This directly affects their revenues too, because I am certain many more people will buy watch faces if they become fully functional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree with you! I've been patient but now it's just pathetic... Device these days is nothing without proper software and proper updates to its software... I would totally buy some new watchfaces but it's missing it's point without new "Always ON watch face".
There are some really great 3rd party watchfaces but they are missing this crucial factor!
And still, the other thing is that. There should be an option to deactivate "touch to wake" when "Clock Always" is ON. Now, when taking the shower it's going CraaaaAzy! And the same while running with a long sleeve (moisture inside of the sleeve)
1. Hopefully the new sdk wich come days agoo fix this?!
2. Why dont any devps respond?
Hi,
There is only one watch face which has an option to Turn on "Always On". Its name is "Desk Clock". Its free
It is not a "real" Samsung mode Always ON. If we select Always ON on Gear setting we have the classic digital clock and not this. It is just a clock wich avoid the dim mode and force the Gear to not sleep.
Hello everyone, I did the following, there is only one thing you must get used to and you can have your favourite watch face available with the wake-up gesture on, here is what I did in the gear s "settings--> display--> wake-up screen--> select "Last screen". The only down side to this is you must remember to hit the home button to your home screen before going into sleep. When the screen is off and you glance the watch face will appear and not the digital clock from the other non samsung default watch faces.
Remember by doing so more battery will be used unless you select a similar watch face as the digital one. It will show for the same 10 seconds as the digital face.
A bonus to this is that you do not have to tap the screen to wake from the digital clock, you go directly to the home screen, that is one less tap per glance.
Do not forget to hit the home button, you will get used to that or swipe down till you get the home screen.
Enjoy!!!
Whilst I do sympathise with the OP (and if it is a big deal for him then that's for good reason) I do think this watch looks amazing with some of the clocks that are available in the store and to not show them off when you flick your wrist is a bit of a waste really. Also there are a couple of clock faces on the Samsung Store that you can enable always on, they seem to work OK.
I keep the brightness and volume down a bit and limit the notifications to essentials and the battery easily lasts 1-2 days. But I love to see a proper clock face when I look at the watch so for me this isn't a huge issue.
Great
frevilla97 said:
Hello everyone, I did the following, there is only one thing you must get used to and you can have your favourite watch face available with the wake-up gesture on, here is what I did in the gear s "settings--> display--> wake-up screen--> select "Last screen". The only down side to this is you must remember to hit the home button to your home screen before going into sleep. When the screen is off and you glance the watch face will appear and not the digital clock from the other non samsung default watch faces.
Remember by doing so more battery will be used unless you select a similar watch face as the digital one. It will show for the same 10 seconds as the digital face.
A bonus to this is that you do not have to tap the screen to wake from the digital clock, you go directly to the home screen, that is one less tap per glance.
Do not forget to hit the home button, you will get used to that or swipe down till you get the home screen.
Enjoy!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
U r brilliant really, great idea and it never came to my mind
Man, coming up on a year... still stuck with the same crappy digital "Always On" watch faces. Anyway around this with root? I just want one of the stock analog "always on" black and white faces with a different watch face from galaxy store.
The crazy acting during shower can be fixed if you turn on not disturb mode
Idont get why there is still No fix for the always on watch Faces!!!
I even tested the always Screen on app , it works but battery last about 6-7 Hours. thow its Cool to have any face You like always Oh
Skickat från min SM-N910F via Tapatalk
I wasn't in market for smartwatch, but Fit2 automatically came with a recent upgrade to Sammy Note 7 (both are sweet!). Is there any way to force the detailed watch face to stay? I know it could potentially be a battery hog, but I haven't found one yet where I like both the full screen and the scaled back screen. Thanks!
~Vol
...Settings, Display, and ENABLE - Watch Always On...
I have that one set. There are just 2 screens. When I shake my arm, a detailed watch face pops up with steps, calories, heart rate, etc. Then after a few seconds it switches to a scaled back screen that just shows digital time. I want the detail screen to stay.
ok...this seems like you need a Watchface which just displays the DETAILS of the 24H Log. As you said the display will default back to the WatchFace you have selected. Since the 24H Log isnt a watchface, you need one which just specifically displays the DETAILS info.
I suggest you check out the Galaxy Store, and see if there is something which fits your needs. I have over 300 to select from....i noticed some targeted specifically for fitness group, and prefer to see all their vitals on the watchface. Good luck, sorry couldn't be any more useful.
Exactly, the "watch always on" settings usually display a lighter face.
Samples
Couple of pictures attached. This is an aftermarket downloaded watch face called "Color Circles" or something like that. "Full" is the version I'd really like to see all day, but "Scaled" is what shows after about 5-10 seconds of inactivity. I can only think of one workaround. Does anyone know of a similar aftermarket selection that has a detailed face for the scaled back mode, or does the firmware in the watch only have a minimal amount of fields for designers to pick? Maybe it's a global limitation.
~Vol
I bought a Honor8 a few days ago and while its a great phone, one of the best that was in my hand really, but truly annoys me that the brightess falls randomly.
As i read the threads about this problem it made me sad that as it seems Huawei doesn't really solves the problem, maybe they doesn't care about it, or just cant solve it, who knows...
I tried to search apps for brightness rate fix, or something like that, but didn't find a solution yet.
Maybe someone could write an app for this? Somekind of a background app that you set up a brightness rate and when it falls it automaticly takes it back to the level that fixed?
It would be better than nothing really.
If I understand correctly, you need an app that could adjust brightness based on the available light. And your complain is that stock EMUI doesn't manages it efficiently.
Well no problem, you can use Tasker to achieve this. Even though Tasker is paid, it is well worth the money. If you go with Tasker, reply here and I will send you a profile that could manage your brightness levels more efficiently.
hackslash said:
If I understand correctly, you need an app that could adjust brightness based on the available light. And your complain is that stock EMUI doesn't manages it efficiently.
Well no problem, you can use Tasker to achieve this. Even though Tasker is paid, it is well worth the money. If you go with Tasker, reply here and I will send you a profile that could manage your brightness levels more efficiently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you send me a profile please?
Matthias
hackslash said:
If I understand correctly, you need an app that could adjust brightness based on the available light. And your complain is that stock EMUI doesn't manages it efficiently.
Well no problem, you can use Tasker to achieve this. Even though Tasker is paid, it is well worth the money. If you go with Tasker, reply here and I will send you a profile that could manage your brightness levels more efficiently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my english is not the best.
Not really, it's nothing to do with the available light or tasking. I do NOT use auto brightness, NEVER, so it should be on a fix rate until i manually adjust to another rate.
But when you start Chrome -for example- the system takes the screen's brightness down by ~20%. Sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it do every 3 minutes when you use chrome. You can take it back in the system MANUALLY, but it'll take it down again randomly, nobody knows why.
So the app i would need that for example: i fix the screen brightness rate to 100% in the app.
Then when the system takes it off the brightness to ~80% -> the app detects it, and automatically takes it back to the rate i fixed in the app before. And should do it in the background without a question or anything.