Android 12 Desktop Mode - Making it usable? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Android 12 has upgraded desktop mode but requires effort to make it usable.
I have Asus ROG Phone 6 and the biggest reason I bought this phone, was because it had headphone jack + 2 USB-C outputs, one for outputting to a display/AR Glasses, and one for charging.
There very limited documentation and guides or anything regarding making stock Android 12 Desktop Mode actually usable and good, the most recommended app is Taskbar 6.0 for Android 12 to make the desktop mode a little more functional, but even this app has its issues, I also noticed there no way for you to control the desktop from your phone, Sammy, Huawei and Motorola all have built in touchpad that can be turned on or off as needed.
For this, I found an app called Touchpad for LG Dual Screen by mPointer which has to be sideloaded, this app does as it says, it lets you use a touchpad mouse on your second monitor, it works, it can even be customised to a large degree such as turning the entire touchpad black effectively turning off 99% of your entire phone screen saving power if you have OLED.
The only problem with this app, it needs to be allowed to access system settings, EACH time you load it, so if you start desktop mode, you gotta disable system allowance for mPointer app and reenable it for it to work each time you load desktop mode.
The apps I use to manage Desktop mode is:
Taskbar 6.x (Enhance the desktop mode considerably)
Touchpad for LG Dual Screen (Must be sideloaded, must be manually enabled in system settings EACH time you start it)
Tasker (To automate multiple stuff, such as lowering phone screen brightness during desktop mode and automatically launch mPointer app when desktop mode launches, not yet figured out how to make it enable system settings manually each time)
This is all just stuff I cobbled together as I see very few if any at all talking about Android Desktop Mode, most likely because very few people actually use stock android with this feature, and I have not yet come across any apps that can for example do touchpad functionality better, or if there is a better more feature rich alternative desktop mode enhancer/launcher app than Taskbar 6.x

SMGJohn said:
Android 12 has upgraded desktop mode but requires effort to make it usable.
I have Asus ROG Phone 6 and the biggest reason I bought this phone, was because it had headphone jack + 2 USB-C outputs, one for outputting to a display/AR Glasses, and one for charging.
There very limited documentation and guides or anything regarding making stock Android 12 Desktop Mode actually usable and good, the most recommended app is Taskbar 6.0 for Android 12 to make the desktop mode a little more functional, but even this app has its issues, I also noticed there no way for you to control the desktop from your phone, Sammy, Huawei and Motorola all have built in touchpad that can be turned on or off as needed.
For this, I found an app called Touchpad for LG Dual Screen by mPointer which has to be sideloaded, this app does as it says, it lets you use a touchpad mouse on your second monitor, it works, it can even be customised to a large degree such as turning the entire touchpad black effectively turning off 99% of your entire phone screen saving power if you have OLED.
The only problem with this app, it needs to be allowed to access system settings, EACH time you load it, so if you start desktop mode, you gotta disable system allowance for mPointer app and reenable it for it to work each time you load desktop mode.
The apps I use to manage Desktop mode is:
Taskbar 6.x (Enhance the desktop mode considerably)
Touchpad for LG Dual Screen (Must be sideloaded, must be manually enabled in system settings EACH time you start it)
Tasker (To automate multiple stuff, such as lowering phone screen brightness during desktop mode and automatically launch mPointer app when desktop mode launches, not yet figured out how to make it enable system settings manually each time)
This is all just stuff I cobbled together as I see very few if any at all talking about Android Desktop Mode, most likely because very few people actually use stock android with this feature, and I have not yet come across any apps that can for example do touchpad functionality better, or if there is a better more feature rich alternative desktop mode enhancer/launcher app than Taskbar 6.x
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, but I didn't understand, does desktop mode only work by connecting another screen or also on the smartphone screen? Because I want to use the desktop mode on my tablet (Lenovo Xiaoxin Pad Pro 2022 Tablet).

Related

[Q] 180-degree Screen Rotation

Coming from WM6, I find it odd that there's no manual screen rotation options in Android. Odder still, that there's no 180-degree rotation mode.
I have a universal Car Mount from my old phone that I like, mostly because it attaches to the air vents. I find this positioning is better than a conventional windshield mount on my car, and avoids the typical issues with suction cups continuously falling off (or melting into place).
The problem is that the dock blocks the USB charging ports on the corner of the Atrix. I can get around this issue by putting the phone in upside down, however to do so I need to 'flip' the display.
The Motorola Auto-Rotate feature does not support the 180-degree position out of the box. I've found several posts asking about this feature, but no answers except a vague reference to Cyanogen Mod, implying that this will take more than a standard app/widget can do.
So, is it possible to do this on the Atrix now that we have root and deodexing options available? This is my first Android phone, so I'm not yet familiar with its innards.
Alternatively, is it possible to flip the display on a given application, specifically Nav or one of the offline GPS programs?
Ideally, what I'd like to see is:
A Widget or shortcut to manually set and/or toggle screen rotation like what was standard on WM6. Outside of the car dock, this is also useful when using the phone on a desk or bed at odd angles.
Script/Shortcut/Icon that sets a specific rotation and then launches the car dock (or GPS app).
Use Launcher Pro.
Gives you full 360 screen rotation.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
No, unless I'm missing something, it does not.
LauncherPro does allow the home screen to be rotated (which is not what I care about right now), but it does not support rotating it 180-degrees (upside down).
Ahh you're right.
The dock will flip to 180, but the screen stops at 90.
Any ideas?
I don't mind playing with Androids internals (time permitting) if this is possible , but as I said my experience with Android so far is minimal (particularly compared to the xda experts).
According to http://developer.motorola.com/docst...at_runtime__Allow_the_user_to_set_preferences, the only options for application preferences are landscape or portrait. Not sure if this is applicable though.
I've found an old related thread for the G1 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=449688&page=2 added screen rotation to that device. It does note though that not all rotations are implemented, and is probably also talking in the context of 2.1.
Another related thread at http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...e-rotations-by-90-but-enable-rotations-by-180 seems to imply that the 180-degree rotation won't work until we get the Android 2.3 update.
The android docs includes a ROTATION_180 definition for the Surface object with a setOrientation method on http://developer.android.com/reference/android/view/Surface.html
It appears that CyanogenMod 7 adds this capability: http://nightly.posterous.com/rotate-180
Clearly we're not going to see CM on the Atrix for a while, but is there anyway we can backport this feature into the Atrix, or will this have to wait for the fabled 2.3 update?

[info][tips&tricks] lg g2

Hey All Getting new G2 on 7/7/14 and I'm excited
Found a website for some tips and tricks and i really like it for people who are new to the device
http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/515749/20131022/lg-g2-top-30-tips-tricks-fully.htm#.U7oK3ZEgOao
Shout outs to the Website Poster Ryan Inoyori
LG G2 is an innovative smartphone which understand gestures rather than reliance over hard buttons. It is packed with Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU, 2GB RAM and 3,000 mAh battery pack to suit your needs. If you want to make it more powerful and get the hidden secrets, know the top 20 tips and tricks for performance optimisation and extended battery life.
Features and System Hidden Tricks
1. Smart Screen
It is quite similar to the Smart Stay feature of Samsung Galaxy S4 which detects your eyes if you're looking at the screen and dims or lights up accordingly.
2. KnockOn
KnockOn allows you to wake up the display without pushing the power key. Simply knock twice to light up the screen. Use the same gesture to turn off the screen display.
3. Instant Desktop
Pinch out to hide all applications and reveal the home screen instantly. This feature will not let alternative launchers to access unless otherwise said.
4. Quick Camera
For three seconds, hold the volume down when the screen is off, to quickly access the camera app and snap a picture. This acts as a camera button whenever you are facing the rear-camera.
5. Quick Note
For a quick launch of Note app, hold the volume up for three seconds when the screen off to quickly make notes.
6. SMS Themes
Messaging app on G2 feature themes and changing is as easy as going to Menu > Settings > Conversation theme. You can customise the theme yourself and set different wallpapers per contact.
7. Screenshots
Normally, you need to use the volume and power keys to get a screenshot but in G2, you can swipe the button of the screen then slide right to access quick memo. Use it to take a screenshot and share it if you want.
8. Wireless Storage System
Transfer files wirelessly through wireless network connection using IP and password. Once connected to a wireless network, enable it using the notification drop down and follow the instructions provided to you. Using the optional static IP address is also possible.
9. Images with Full Frame
Use the W10M option or wide 10-megapixel for viewing images on your G2. Using the 13MP has an aspect of 4:3 ratio which creates black bars on images.
10. Clipboard Manager
All copied images or texts are stored in a built-in clipboard and you can access it by press and holding on an empty text box. A clip tray will take directly to the clipboard.
11. Gallery Functions
Inside the gallery app, pinch the image to show the option mode where you delete the file by sliding up or share it by sliding down.
12. Guest Mode
You can now personalise a guest mode on LG G2 and it can control apps and capabilities available depending on which mode is enabled. Go to Settings > Lock Screen settings > Set a separate pattern for Guest Mode > Set apps accessible in Guest Mode.
13. Plug and Pop
Set the animation appearing on the home screen whenever you plug in an ear jack or OTG cable. Go Settings > General > Accessory > USB Storage or Earphone > Edit app panel > Set preferred apps.
14. Audio Zoom
Zoom in on a specific audio source during video recording by zooming on your subject. Audio Zoom uses three stereo microphones to amplify the sound from that specified source.
15. Text Link Transfer
You can transfer information from a text into another application. Simply press and hold on the text and a pop-up menu will prompt to which app you want to be transferred such as map, browser and calendar.
16. Dual Camera Functionality
Like the Galaxy S4, LG G2 can use both of its camera at the same time to capture images and even record videos. In addition, the feature uses picture-inpicture technology to put your face in any photo or video you are recording.
17. Tracking Zoom
Use this feature to zoom in on moving subject you select and track actions in a separate pane overlapping the background video.
18. Zoom to Track
If you want to view the subject on a closer range within a video, select the moving object on the playback and choose Zoom to Track to zoom in to track the subject throughout the clip.
19. Capture Plus
Use the Capture Plus to get a screenshot of the entire Web page with precise border controls.
20. Clip Tray
The Clip Tray or commonly known as Clipboard in PC which stores memory of pictures, text and links for future reference use. In addition of sharing it to other apps, it also allows you to store multiple items, create visual collection of information and add items selectively.
Battery and Memory Optimisation
1. Home Screen Panels
Use as many as needed home screen to avoid slowing down the LG G2. It is recommended to utilise the default home launcher for best performance.
2. Widgets
All widgets in the home screen and lock screen consume battery and memory which you should monitor regularly. Use widgets which you truly need and enable auto-syncing if necessary.
3. Live Wallpaper
No matter how fast and fluid the G2, make sure to use Live Wallpaper which are stable and eats less power. Live Wallpapers combined with several widgets can slow down the device eventually.
4. Brightness Level
Manage the brightness level to juice more out of the battery and minimise it before you go to bed for battery saving purposes.
5. Screen Time-Out
If you prefer the device to turn off its screen automatically, set the screen time-out to a minimum such as 30 seconds or 1 minute max to save power.
6. Removing Applications
Uninstall apps which you do not use anymore to clean the clutter to the RAM and battery. Some apps may contradict functions to one another, so be careful on downloading from the Play Store or any other sources.
7. Wireless Connection
Disable wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and mobile data when not in use to prevent them from draining power.
8. Software Updates
Don't forget to check in regularly to the LG G2 Web site, on your software updates found in the settings and the default PC suite of the device for new firmware releases. New updates include stability improvements and battery enhancements.
9. Regular Reboot
Reboot your smartphone regularly after every full charge so that the memory and apps will get refreshed after an entire day of usage.
10. Backup and Factory Reset
Always create a backup of all personal files and information stored on your device to ensure protection if something happens. Performing factory reset may be needed if an error or technical issue occurs. Backup first before performing any reset.
Good point, but i think you should format it a bit, maybe with bold fonts and underline etc. for better reading, maybe something like this:
jcbjoe said:
Features and System Hidden Tricks
1. Smart Screen
It is quite similar to the Smart Stay feature of Samsung Galaxy S4 which detects your eyes if you're looking at the screen and dims or lights up accordingly.
2. KnockOn
KnockOn allows you to wake up the display without pushing the power key. Simply knock twice to light up the screen. Use the same gesture to turn off the screen display.
3. Instant Desktop
Pinch out to hide all applications and reveal the home screen instantly. This feature will not let alternative launchers to access unless otherwise said.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kewkie said:
Good point, but i think you should format it a bit, maybe with bold fonts and underline etc. for better reading, maybe something like this:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks ... Will do next time
Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk
Thank you! ? Great tips & tricks
Sent from d802 via tapatalk
The battery optimization options are kinda useless.
I've yet to see a live wallpaper that will slow down a Snapdragon 800 with 2 gigs of RAM. Plus, not all live wallpapers drain the battery (maybe it was so in the olden days of Gingerbread, but today stuff like Muzei are pretty light on the battery). Disabling wireless connections also makes no sense to me, especially in today's world where everyone and everything is connected. Also, the GPS module does not use battery when it's on, only when an app needs location access.
The biggest battery munchers are:
- high accuracy location access, coupled with Google location history
- CPU intensive apps (games, mostly)
- too short sync intervals (like every 10 minutes)
- rogue apps running in the background that won't let the phone go into deep sleep (I'm watching you, Facebook, I know what you're doing).
Great information,.very use full for G2 noobs
I am always confused with screenshot process.
Could anyone here do a little more detailed guide.
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda premium
vishal11in said:
I am always confused with screenshot process.
Could anyone here do a little more detailed guide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you try pressing power and volume down in the same time?
60nine said:
did you try pressing power and volume down in the same time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was taking about the other method via quick memo.... Anyways i have sorted it out. thanks for your help.
robogo1982 said:
The battery optimization options are kinda useless.
I've yet to see a live wallpaper that will slow down a Snapdragon 800 with 2 gigs of RAM. Plus, not all live wallpapers drain the battery (maybe it was so in the olden days of Gingerbread, but today stuff like Muzei are pretty light on the battery). Disabling wireless connections also makes no sense to me, especially in today's world where everyone and everything is connected. Also, the GPS module does not use battery when it's on, only when an app needs location access.
The biggest battery munchers are:
- high accuracy location access, coupled with Google location history
- CPU intensive apps (games, mostly)
- too short sync intervals (like every 10 minutes)
- rogue apps running in the background that won't let the phone go into deep sleep (I'm watching you, Facebook, I know what you're doing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great article I learned alot! ty
9. Images with Full Frame
Use the W10M option or wide 10-megapixel for viewing images on your G2. Using the 13MP has an aspect of 4:3 ratio which creates black bars on images.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is kind of a misunderstanding.
The sensor in the G2 is indeed 4:3, so full size (13MP) images indeed have black bars on the sides when viewed on the phone - but nothing is added to the images. The black bars are simply blank screen space.
Also, using the W10M mode effectively crops a bit from the top and bottom of the image. If someone is only viewing the photos on the phone, than indeed W10M might be better, but if you plan on downloading them to your PC, it's better to shoot in full resolution and then crop as needed.
Thank you!
Thanks for the tips and tricks.

Questions about file transfer, night clock, pay apps, startup sound.

Hello! I have just transferred from Apple to Android, and I couldn't be happier!
There are a few things I would like to know to enhance my experience:
1. How do you move, not copy, my pictures/videos from my Galaxy S6 Edge to my computer (Mac)? I tried Android File Transfer and AirDroid and both copy the files, not move the files. In addition, if there is an app that can modify the file names upon import, that will be super! For example, I used to use Nikon Transfer which allows me to set rules for the filenames upon import (e.g. MMDDYYYY_###).
2. I find the night clock function to be useful during the day when I need to glance at a time without pressing any button. I set it to be on from 8 am to 8 pm, but I find that a lot of the times the clock is not there even though it's set to be on. In addition, when it is on, the brightness is so dim that I can't see. Swiping on the edge left and right a few times make it brighter, but I want to make it as bright as possible all the time and also be on.
3. What is the most convenient, universally accepted pay app in the U.S.? (live in the northeast). Android Pay or Samsung Pay?
4. How do you turn off the startup sound and annoying Verizon logo?
Being a noob to android and also with the warranty I don't want to root the device yet.
Please share your expertise!
if i am not wrong the night clock feature turns on while your phone is on idle for a specific amount of time maybe you receive notifications etc which prevents it from turning on. secondly i have never used the feature outdoors but as the name suggests it's a night clock and is supposed to be always on at your side table etc during night time i assume it was designed to be dim to conserve battery.
in order to change your boot animations and startup sounds you need to be rooted. rooting is the android equivalent of jailbreaking in iphones which gives you complete access to your phone after which you can flash mods, custom roms which have there own unique features, custom kernels tailored for different needs (performance, battery savers etc) and many more there are some nice mods for the edge which i think you'll like.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...4-cocktail-autoon-mod-galaxy-s6-edge-t3116699
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...4-28-musicplayer-feed-galaxy-s6-edge-t3095371
the second link does not require root..welcome to the dark side bro

Is there an app to keep the screen on when tilted? (Like Screebl on Android)

Hi Guys,
Whenever I get a new Android phone, the first app I always load up is Screebl. (Its an app that uses the sensors to keep the screen on when the phone is tilted.)
I've had a look around the windows store but can seem to find anything that functions the same. :crying:
Do you know of an app that can do the same? (or am I being way too optimistic here?)
Thanks in Advance. :highfive:
It's not possible on platform however you can set screen timeout in settings->lock screen to "Never".
sensboston said:
It's not possible on platform however you can set screen timeout in settings->lock screen to "Never".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I suspected Boston. :highfive:
Android has its faults, but for me, Windows phone and iOS are not in the same league as only Android allows you to use your device how you want.
Yes, Android has more flexibility (especially rooted) but as for mentioned feature it's irrelevant, you can achieve your goal with the standard settings so it's not a point (or I don't understand completely what do you want).
Could you tell me: why do you want this (if it's not a "top secret")?
Screebl is like having a toggle between lock my screen after 5 seconds activity and never lock my screen. When the phone is flat the screen locks quickly. When titled, the screen never locks.
I find its really useful when I'm using my phone and are then disturbed. I simply rest the phone at an angle, knowing I won't have to mess around with security when I return. This sort of functionality is also very good if you know your hands may get messy.
Ahh, OK, I got your point. I had kinda different issue - I'm developer and need to have always unlocked phone during development and regularly locked during normal usage. I solved this issue by using specific registry setting (not available officially) - WP has two different timeouts for working on battery and on DC (but when phone is connected to USB for debugging purposes, it always on charge).

For experienced Rooters

Is this tablet really worth rooting? I have rooted every android tablet I have owned which is about 5. The reason I ask is that Android has matured a lot over the years and now gives you a lot of control over your phone. Yes there is the bloat but with the expandable memory as big as it is now that is not really a problem. But, if you do root this tablet is there a way to do it without tripping Knox?
Whether it's worth rooting or not is really up to you. There are definitely some down sides, such as tripping Knox (there's no way to get around that) and not being able to take OTA's. If you use twrp recovery the devices is even less secure than just rooting as there is no password protection with the twrp available. I still root, mainly because I've been doing it for years. The only things I use it for is adaway, and there are rootless solutions for that, and bloat (not because it really slows things done much but it annoys me.
I've been messing with Android devices since froyo and it's become somewhat of a hobby of mine. So I root mostly because I can.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I dont think I could own a device that I couldn't root. To me it's half of the device it should be without root.
I need access to the entire file system not what the manufacturer thinks I should have access to.
So much of the stuff I do to my device needs root. I don't use custom roms, so need it even more.
So many hidden options without root.
I also agree with ashyx, getting to the whole file system gives me the flexibility to do things I couldn't otherwise do.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
rooting does give access to options this tablet should have. I switched the capacitive button by editing generic.kl. Does anyone know how to turn off the lights of those buttons?
You can turn the lights off simply from the settings app, I think under display.
And yeah, rooting is a must no matter if Android / Touchwiz has matured a bit more. I also have turned off the app switcher button because I like to rest my thumb there when I hold the tablet in landscape (which is how I mostly use it). I remapped the back button to open my browser via a double tap (single tap and long press deactivated) and Youtube via a triple tap via Xposed Additions. Double tapping Home turns the screen off, double tapping Power opens the BT settings to connect my audio adapter. I turned off the status bar by forcing immersive mode. I have Youtube working in the background, with no ads playing and with up / down swipe to change volume. My SD card is accessible for all apps just like back on Kitkat. My screen isn't turning on when I connect an USB cable.
Tons of other little things that wouldn't be possible or harder to do w/o root and Xposed.
TheGoD said:
You can turn the lights off simply from the settings app, I think under display.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but I have used the US and UK FW and I don't have such option. I turn off the lights by setting power save mid mode and disabling all limiters. Im looking for a way to disable it once and for all without the use of apps, etc. Similar to how i edited the generic file to swap the buttons
so, you spend 600 bucks or more, to buy a full featured Samsung Tablet, and the first thing you want to do it root it and turn off all the features/tweaks? I dont get it..
No, I rarely, if ever root a tablet, no need for me, as its a backup device, not a mainline device, and, the same goes for my note 8; I wouldn't have spent a thousand bucks on a phone with tons of features if I wanted an AOSP type of experience; there are alot cheaper phones out there if you dont want all these things enabled..

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