Database Users

Considering getting this phone..

So I have a Motorola Atrix 4G right now. My problem with it is the locked bootloader. With this, it might as well not be dual core because it barely taps into that potential. It also doesn't seem to utilize the 4G network on At&t?? Anyhoo, for whatever reason, I'm interested in this phone. I just have a few questions...
How much can I buy it off contract? And where can I buy it at? I don't even see it on the ATT website yet, but it seems it's in fact been released? Maybe I'm crazy but I thought it was on ATT.
Is the screen really as bad as people say? It seems like it has a good size, but for that size the res. might be small...my Atrix has qHD and it actually is quite nice.
What's with the buttons on the bottom? Only menu and back? What does that center button do?
Any awesome custom kernels/ROMs yet? If not, is there reason to believe there will be in due time? Seems like a pretty dev friendly phone...
Thanks for the help guys! I could probably sell my Atrix for around $300 which would go towards this phone off contract, if I decide it's worth it.

cant answer all questions, but there is no better screen out there, your Atrix is not real qHD because of Pentile, the center button is Home, yes there is some custom ROMs and kernels if you check the development section
Sent from my Galaxy S2 using Tapatalk

the gs2 is not currently released in the US yet (so it is not technically on At&t), but since it is compatible with at&t bands some are importing it from the UK and then using it on att

Ahhh I see. That makes sense now. I wonder when it will be coming out then..
So if the center button is home, there's no search button? Seems kind of unnecessary to lay it out like that, but definitely not the worst thing ever lol.
Anyway, can you tell me more about the Pentile thing making the Atrix not really qHD?

I would have preferred the standard 4 softbutton arrangement. While I never used the search button to search I did use it to long press into quick settings. I also dont like that its touch, touch, touch, oops, press, touch touch press. Kinda screws with the flow. To say nothing of the fact that the real estate goes wasted and real estate on a smart phone is precious. This is a minor quibble and you get used to it but I wish these people would stop trying to reinvent the wheel and go with what works.

krabman said:
I would have preferred the standard 4 softbutton arrangement. While I never used the search button to search I did use it to long press into quick settings. I also dont like that its touch, touch, touch, oops, press, touch touch press. Kinda screws with the flow. To say nothing of the fact that the real estate goes wasted and real estate on a smart phone is precious. This is a minor quibble and you get used to it but I wish these people would stop trying to reinvent the wheel and go with what works.
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Click to collapse
The home button is not bad. In fact it's nice that it's hardware so it can wake the device.
I've not once had an issue not remembering the press it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

One positive thing that comes with a hardware home-button is that it's much harder to press it accidentally, which can be an annoyance if it's capacitive.
Having the other buttons being capacitive isn't really an issue since the most annoying action when you're doing something is being thrown back to the homescreen.
Search is on long-press of the menu-button btw and a double press of the home-buttton brings up voice search.
What it means that it has a Pentile Matrix layout is that it has fewer subpixels than a traditional layout.
Traditionally on lcd-screens one pixel contains a red green and blue sub-pixel and is laid out like this horisontally:
RGBRGB... etc
Pentile matrix displays are either like this:
RGBGRGBG... etc
or more recently (in the Atrix):
RGBWRGBW
What a pentile subpixel layout does is cutting the sub-pixel count by 1/3 while aiming to keep the same perceived resolution. In the display on the Atrix that is introducing a white-subpixel the aim is to offer brighter displays while using less power.

Thanks for all the replies guys! And yeah I hadn't even thought about the lack of a button to use as a shortcut now. On my Atrix I have long-press search opening the Quickdesk app. But I suppose I could have double tap home do that instead? And I had no idea about the Atrix screen being like that. So basically if I like this screen, there's no reason I shouldn't like a GSII screen just as much?
Hmmm I'm kind of liking the sound of this phone... It seems like it'll probably be around $600 to $700 off contract, which is pretty steep. Especially considering I might only be able to sell this Atrix for about $200 MAYBE 300..

How do you like on-screen buttons?

Hi everyone.
I just started using on-screen buttons and I like them, in most aspects....
I love the portrait view with the buttons, it is a lot nicer then the Nexus soft keys we have in my opinion. Especially because I made the screen buttons blue .
However some things about these buttons really annoy me. I can't stand that in landscape my screen feels cramped and I don't get that 'full' feeling. Actually I think the only thing bugging me is landscape views...
What do you guys think about on-screen buttons? Do you like/hate them, favorite part, all of that stuff. I know they're pushing me to getting a real Galaxy Nexus haha .
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA

I haven't used them yet, but in principle I am totally against them.
Not sure why I should waste my screen real estate with an area that has a completely static function.
At the moment, all phones are forced to have a bezel of some size, so why not stick buttons in that area and keep as much screen space active as possible!
In the future, when we have bezel-less devices, then I guess we will be forced to have on screen buttons

I absolutely love 'em. Having a navbar is now a prerequisite before flashing a rom.
Only gripe is I can't change mine. I like the reflective style and have tried several methods but mine won't change. Not a big deal.
Sent from my KANG'd NS4G using Tapatalk

Don't care for em.......not even sure I'll grab a GNex because of it.....the HTC One X got it right....
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

Galaxy Note Wiyh SoftKeys

Hi
Which one is better in CM9 in your opinion?
With SoftKeys?
Without SoftKeys?

I don't get why youd even want softkeys, why would you want to waste a portion of your screen with keys that you have already have anyway

i didn't buy a device with a 5.3" screen because i like wasting screen real estate...

i did buy a device with a 5.3" screen because i like wasting screen real estate!
Tablet mode with touch keys is how i use it now.
I even disabled the original menu/back button, cause i touch them while typing.

Soft keys for the multitasking button. With such a large screen we can easily afford to waste screen real estate.

Also softkeys are not good for our SUPER AMOLED screens, they will be permanently burned to your screen after a few months!
No kidding!
Read about the AMOLED burn-in problem on Google.
Cheers!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Rayan said:
Also softkeys are not good for our SUPER AMOLED screens, they will be permanently burned to your screen after a few months!
No kidding!
Read about the AMOLED burn-in problem on Google.
Cheers!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So will your status bar.

I personally love the onscreen buttons. I disable the other ones and disable the backlight as well. I do this for the fact that my kids and I would constantly back out of things when grabbing the phone landscape. I like the fact that with the onscreen you have somewhere to grab the phone without backing out. And although not a big deal, its less stress not having to press the big button, and this I would think would help the longevity of the hardware button itself . But in the end, it's purely preference, oh and I don't worry about the burn in as I have mine set very low so its just noticeable and It moves when I open apps and when I go landscape.

Spartoi said:
So will your status bar.
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Click to collapse
I think that was so freaking obvious so I didn't mentioned it.
Point is, why have yet another static object on screen?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

skillz9669 said:
And although not a big deal, its less stress not having to press the big button
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That is the main reason why I enable software keys on every ICS ROM I try! When you try on-screen keys you will feel how LONG it takes to launch the recent apps panel using the long-pres on Home button! Add to that I got very used to multitask using the recent apps softkey then physical button will only hinder my speed and will wear out in a matter of couple months

I've flashed the soft keys and disabled the back lights of the hardware keys, but how do I completely disable the hardware keys so I won't press them by accident?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Rayan said:
I think that was so freaking obvious so I didn't mentioned it.
Point is, why have yet another static object on screen?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I think its so freaking obvious that you're gonna have a burn in (allegedly) regardless.
Point is, why even bother trying avoid a screen burn in if its inevitable.

Rayan said:
I think that was so freaking obvious so I didn't mentioned it.
Point is, why have yet another static object on screen?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
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Point is if u enable softkey , ur status bar blend in with the keys to to bottom of the screen. Where is the another static object comes from? It is still one black bar just different position.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

Rayan said:
Also softkeys are not good for our SUPER AMOLED screens, they will be permanently burned to your screen after a few months!
No kidding!
Read about the AMOLED burn-in problem on Google.
Cheers!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to quote this again so people are aware. Amoleds are notorious for ghosting due to pixel wear out burnout whatever you want to call it. Using the ICS on screen virtual buttons will surely destroy your screen.
That's why I also autohide my notification bar on the home screens.
---------- Post added at 12:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 AM ----------
Spartoi said:
I think its so freaking obvious that you're gonna have a burn in (allegedly) regardless.
Point is, why even bother trying avoid a screen burn in if its inevitable.
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Click to collapse
Burn out is avoidable provided you don't leave static images on the screen for long periods of time. With the notification bar it is always there unless you use a launcher that hides it on the home screens and apps that have the option to hide the notification bar as well.
I use opera mobile so I can browse in full screen and not worry about static notification bars. Also use launcher pro so I can hide the notification bar.

Azeazezar said:
i did buy a device with a 5.3" screen because i like wasting screen real estate!
Tablet mode with touch keys is how i use it now.
I even disabled the original menu/back button, cause i touch them while typing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you disabled them??? Is there an easy way?

I like to use the softkeys simply becuase it allows me to completely disable the capacitive buttons and use my s pen to go back, home and bring up the multitasking window pane :good:

Rayan said:
Also softkeys are not good for our SUPER AMOLED screens, they will be permanently burned to your screen after a few months!
No kidding!
Read about the AMOLED burn-in problem on Google.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's one of those old wives tales.
The burn-in isn't so much related to the technology as it is related to build quality.
Most of those issues are stemming from Gnex owners, and the ones with problems usually have other build quality problems too... they just were unlucky to have a bad batch that skipped QC.
I've got a friend who had the Gnex from day one, and to this day... no burn-ins!
I would normally prefer physical buttons (ftw) but I'm going to have to agree that the Note needs "soft buttons" aka on-screen Navigations.
Why?
Because it gets annoying shifting finger to stylus and back again during the daily use.
Bonus reasons:
- without it, the device looks much better (like the Gnex or N9)
- these can be customized for colour, glow, function and gestures

HTC M8 (One+) Info

I know we all waited a LONG time for the One but this news and specs look awesome! I just somehow have a feeling VZW is gonna make us play the waiting game again... Looks like the wife will be getting my One as a hand-me-down sometime next year. :good:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=49090894&postcount=66587

Those specs look pretty good but I'm not sure how I feel about no capacitive buttons and losing screen real estate. I actually quite like having some sort of buttons to press. Anyway, if they really deliver on a better camera, better battery life, and expandable storage this thing will be killer... and better quality control this time too

Crawshayi said:
Those specs look pretty good but I'm not sure how I feel about no capacitive buttons and losing screen real estate. I actually quite like having some sort of buttons to press. Anyway, if they really deliver on a better camera, better battery life, and expandable storage this thing will be killer... and better quality control this time too
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I agree I hate on screen buttons I much prefer capacitive. It just doesn't look right when using some apps since it will make a black bar along the screen just for a menu option and back sometimes
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Malvarose said:
I agree I hate on screen buttons I much prefer capacitive. It just doesn't look right when using some apps since it will make a black bar along the screen just for a menu option and back sometimes
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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The fix is to do what many ROMS allow. By holding the power button I can select full screen mode which makes the black bar disappear.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I saw some features as leaked in an article about it. And I am really impressed.

Wrong thread lol
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

hoa1 said:
:good:
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Can't wait for this. I prefer a bigger screen. 4.7 seems kinda small by todays standards.

YouthSoccer said:
Can't wait for this. I prefer a bigger screen. 4.7 seems kinda small by todays standards.
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Click to collapse
yeah, you are right. sciance has introduced much technivalaity in mobile phones ... in my circle, everbody use the bogger screen phones

This is interesting.. M8 case. Possibly 2 rear cameras?
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/1609107966/new_style_for_HTC_M8_case.html

UgXvibe said:
This is interesting.. M8 case. Possibly 2 rear cameras?
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/1609107966/new_style_for_HTC_M8_case.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more likely a cutout for the fingerprint scanner like on the Max

Capacitive buttons on Gold S7 Edge

Does anyone else that owns the gold S7 hate that the capacitive buttons have a yellowish tinge to them? Kind of wondering what the other versions buttons look like, are they pure white like I am used to on my past galaxy phones? Anyone know of a way to boost brightness of the buttons without root?
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

nice post
thank you dear for this nice post

Naveedshk said:
thank you dear for this nice post
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Thank you for using your 14th ever post to make such a useless contribution to discussion. I see you will be in line with a lot of the newer members here... contributing absolutely nothing!
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I own a gold s7 edge, never noticed how it was off white until just now... I mean it's not that bad but now I can't unsee it and it bothers me. I used to have a black one and they were honestly kinda off white. Samsung now tints it so it almost looks like the buttons aren't even there until the backlight for the buttons actually turn on. Did they tint it on your s6 edge too or no?

AznKeo said:
I own a gold s7 edge, never noticed how it was off white until just now... I mean it's not that bad but now I can't unsee it and it bothers me. I used to have a black one and they were honestly kinda off white. Samsung now tints it so it almost looks like the buttons aren't even there until the backlight for the buttons actually turn on. Did they tint it on your s6 edge too or no?
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Click to collapse
Lol sorry to ruin it for you it definitely cannot be unseen, but no my black s6 edge had pretty white capacitive buttons... however I can see your point regarding tinting them to blend with the color of the body. Not a deal breaker for me but wondering if it's normal and if there's a way to adjust the brightness/whiteness since we will not be seeing root most likely
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Why not just turn the capacitive buttons off.... no more tint
Sent from my SM-G935V using XDA-Developers mobile app

I honestly like the buttons, just wish they were a brighter white when they light up. I saw there's an app for controlling how long they stay on or shut them off completely without root, but I just want them to look less yellowish. I've become very particular in my older age lol and rooting has spoiled me!
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Crsdr37 said:
Why not just turn the capacitive buttons off.... no more tint
Sent from my SM-G935V using XDA-Developers mobile app
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you can do that? When I had the iphone I missed the back button but now the downside is that when my baby watches a show on youtube she always hits it and turns off the video which is annoying.

topaz330 said:
you can do that? When I had the iphone I missed the back button but now the downside is that when my baby watches a show on youtube she always hits it and turns off the video which is annoying.
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Yeah the app is called galaxy button lights in the play store, it doesn't require root and allows you to turn them off/on and change the duration they stay on for. Unfortunately it doesn't completely disable them, they just don't light up if you turn them off. So the baby could still push them accidentally. I just use chrome cast for my kids when they want to watch a video, seems to help most of the time.
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