Related
Jelly Bean introduced headset controls which allowed Play/Pause and Next for single and double presses respectively on headsets. I can confirm both these work just fine.
However, the long-press option to launch Voice Search only works while screen is unlocked. When screen is locked, long-press has no effect (it does not even register as a single press)
I tried the following:
1. Disabling Pattern lock (which I mostly use)
2. Turning on screen (but still locked) and then long pressing.
3. Keeping Google Search on in the background and then locking screen.
No luck.
Cannot seem to get any useful info regarding this on the Internet.
There is no point in the voice search shortcut on headsets if the phone has to be dug out from my pocket and unlocked. There has to be a way to bypass that.
Can somebody help??
EDIT: I am also unsure if this is an Android-specific problem or a ROM specific problem, so it would be kind of you if you could test it yourself. You can see my ROM details in the signature. I use Samsung headset in combination with my Nexus 4.
UPDATE: I tried turning off the "Power button immediately locks phone" option and set "Automatically lock phone after sleep" time to 30 minutes. Still the long press doesn't work. It works only after screen is turned on again. Whaaaaa...?!
ANOTHER UPDATE: This issue is present on Google Code but it has been closed without further comments. Please star this issue so that it is noticed by the development team.
Been really frustrated about this as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm running Jellybeer 4.0 on SGH i717m
Astounding. I even have to use a third party app to dial by voice reliably. What good is Google's extensive voice technology if you can't use it?
I'm equally as confused. One advantage of owning an iPhone is that you've got an excellent bike companion that could read and reply to texts, make calls, check the time, etc all while keeping my eyes on the road and hands on my handlebars. I always figured my Nexus S didn't do that because I was running a different ROM - but 4.2 on a brand new Nexus.....come on.
rhoadster91 said:
Jelly Bean introduced headset controls which allowed Play/Pause and Next for single and double presses respectively on headsets. I can confirm both these work just fine.
However, the long-press option to launch Voice Search only works while screen is unlocked. When screen is locked, long-press has no effect (it does not even register as a single press)
I tried the following:
1. Disabling Pattern lock (which I mostly use)
2. Turning on screen (but still locked) and then long pressing.
3. Keeping Google Search on in the background and then locking screen.
No luck.
Cannot seem to get any useful info regarding this on the Internet.
There is no point in the voice search shortcut on headsets if the phone has to be dug out from my pocket and unlocked. There has to be a way to bypass that.
Can somebody help??
EDIT: I am also unsure if this is an Android-specific problem or a ROM specific problem, so it would be kind of you if you could test it yourself. You can see my ROM details in the signature. I use Samsung headset in combination with my Nexus 4.
UPDATE: I tried turning off the "Power button immediately locks phone" option and set "Automatically lock phone after sleep" time to 30 minutes. Still the long press doesn't work. It works only after screen is turned on again. Whaaaaa...?!
ANOTHER UPDATE: This issue is present on Google Code but it has been closed without further comments. Please star this issue so that it is noticed by the development team.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the closest thing that i know of is using touch control to swipe to unlock (like pressing the power button) the using NAV RING to swipe the nav ring to google search, or what ever app you like. not sure if this is what you want but it may get you closer.
HB66 said:
the closest thing that i know of is using touch control to swipe to unlock (like pressing the power button) the using NAV RING to swipe the nav ring to google search, or what ever app you like. not sure if this is what you want but it may get you closer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what appears to be the correct place to file this complaint.
https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/websearch/ZbaIyhTIje4/GAKOqRrNjnAJ
Someone else started the report, I added as well, maybe someone at google will see and fix this oversight.
I have to admit I have wanted to be able to do this for a long time on my motorcycle, being able to press one button and use voice controls would be a god send, although when riding I use an E-Dash app that keeps the screen awake so voice is available.
Still.......would be nice to be able to leave the phone alone, say in a bag or on my hip and use my Bluetooth headset to do all the work
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
WilliamWynter said:
Been really frustrated about this as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm running Jellybeer 4.0 on SGH i717m
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Solutions Etcetera said:
Astounding. I even have to use a third party app to dial by voice reliably. What good is Google's extensive voice technology if you can't use it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bryantee said:
I'm equally as confused. One advantage of owning an iPhone is that you've got an excellent bike companion that could read and reply to texts, make calls, check the time, etc all while keeping my eyes on the road and hands on my handlebars. I always figured my Nexus S didn't do that because I was running a different ROM - but 4.2 on a brand new Nexus.....come on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HB66 said:
the closest thing that i know of is using touch control to swipe to unlock (like pressing the power button) the using NAV RING to swipe the nav ring to google search, or what ever app you like. not sure if this is what you want but it may get you closer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thedarkharlequin said:
Here is what appears to be the correct place to file this complaint.
https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/websearch/ZbaIyhTIje4/GAKOqRrNjnAJ
Someone else started the report, I added as well, maybe someone at google will see and fix this oversight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lord_alias said:
I have to admit I have wanted to be able to do this for a long time on my motorcycle, being able to press one button and use voice controls would be a god send, although when riding I use an E-Dash app that keeps the screen awake so voice is available.
Still.......would be nice to be able to leave the phone alone, say in a bag or on my hip and use my Bluetooth headset to do all the work
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please check this link
My solution:
1. Download Bluetooth Launch from Play Store
2. Launch, scroll to Google Search and expand it
3. Enable option “com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.VoiceSearchActivity”
4. close
5. launch Google Now go to Settings -> Voice and enable Bluetooth Headset option
6. connect not working Bluetooth or wired headset and long press button. Dialog should appear and select Bluetooth Launcher always!
7. test if this is the complete solution for you. If it doesnt work properly when screen is locked try following:
- Install Xposed Framework
- go to Downloads and Install "AppSettings"
- open AppSettings and go to Google Search
- Turn On Settings and check "Show when locked"
- save
- restart Phone
If you are having issues with your selected language in Google Now. Also use AppSettings and change Location for Google Search to desired one. Now you should be able to use Google Now in your preferred language.
stunner2002 said:
My solution:
1. Download Bluetooth Launch from Play Store
2. Launch, scroll to Google Search and expand it
3. Enable option “com.google.android.googlequicksearchbox.VoiceSearchActivity”
4. close
5. launch Google Now go to Settings -> Voice and enable Bluetooth Headset option
6. connect not working Bluetooth or wired headset and long press button. Dialog should appear and select Bluetooth Launcher always!
7. test if this is the complete solution for you. If it doesnt work properly when screen is locked try following:
- Install Xposed Framework
- go to Downloads and Install "AppSettings"
- open AppSettings and go to Google Search
- Turn On Settings and check "Show when locked"
- save
- restart Phone
If you are having issues with your selected language in Google Now. Also use AppSettings and change Location for Google Search Now you should be able to use Google Now in your preferred language.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Exposed Framework requires your phone to be rooted, which I'm done doing... to much of a pain when it comes time to update
Would it be possible? Including the voice wake functionality "Okay, Google Now" instead of "Hi Galaxy"?
How many would be interested in something like this?
Should not be too hard to do, what do you think?
Probably will need root to achieve it
----
SOLVED: using a very simple tasker profile/action (see here)
UPDATE: Install this tiny free app from the Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hu.viczian.deathtosvoice (created using Tasker App Factory)
Works on galaxy advancement
vgergo said:
Would it be possible? Including the voice wake functionality "Okay, Google Now" instead of "Hi Galaxy"?
How many would be interested in something like this?
Should not be too hard to do, what do you think?
Probably will need root to achieve it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works on galaxy advancement? thank you
Leonardosilvaa said:
Works on galaxy advancement? thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some reason, I can now double tap home button and I get the option for S-voice or Google voice. I think I cleared the defaults in app settings.
Presjar said:
For some reason, I can now double tap home button and I get the option for S-voice or Google voice. I think I cleared the defaults in app settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any idea how to replicate this?
Presjar said:
For some reason, I can now double tap home button and I get the option for S-voice or Google voice. I think I cleared the defaults in app settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I got this too. It happened after I installed SoundHound.
Now I have the options of
Google
S Voice
SoundHound
Interesting but without the option to activate gvoice with screen off its not a huge benefit. I tested open mic+ but it lacks admin rights to bypass the lockscreen etc.
vinokirk said:
Yeah I got this too. It happened after I installed SoundHound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free version? I've tried that but I don't see a menu after double clicking home.
mgutt said:
Interesting but without the option to activate gvoice with screen off its not a huge benefit. I tested open mic+ but it lacks admin rights to bypass the lockscreen etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean root permissions?
Sorry, I was wrong. I thought S-Voice is able to bypass a pin lockscreen but it isn't. It is only admin (not root) to allow the screen off command.
The problem of open mic+ is, that it is buggy. It seems to freeze after a short time. Sometimes Google Now freezes as well so I think it is because of Open Mic+ but I didn't tested it enough to verify it. S-Voice seems to be more stable, but is not present if you are in other apps like Maps.
But both systems are too weak in rights. e.g. I'm not able to stop apps (ok root would be needed), not able to say my lockscreen pin, stop a phone call, etc.
Tasker
I just had an idea: it should be possible to create a very simple tasker action, which would be triggered by opening s-voice. It would exit s-voice and switch immediatelly to Google Voice Search. This should work even without rooting.
If this would work, all the convenient ways to start S-Voice would become actually useful to start Google Voice search, including voice-wake, home-double-click, headset-long-press.
I will try this as soon as I get my N3
How do you want to exit S-Voice without root
There's the point! Okay, without root we can just switch away (would mic input focus stay? that would be a problem), with root it should be possible to kick s-voice too.
If one app opens the mic the other will display an error.
Tasker solution works well on unrooted phone
mgutt said:
If one app opens the mic the other will display an error.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am happy to report, that the solution I came up with before I had access to the Note 3 works without a hitch.
1. Enable wake-up hotword detection in S-Voice (keep double click Home if you like that too)
2. Create "S Voice" app-triggered tasker profile
3. The activated task should load "Voice Search"
4. Optional step: after starting voice search, my task also kills S-Voice to save memory
(and killing s-voice every time makes you me good)
There is no concurrency problem with the mic (as we were anticipating)
Say "Hi galaxy" while having the screen turned off
(I actually like to "say Die galaxy")
phone wakes up,
home screen unlocks,
s-voice flashes on screen for half a sec (beeps too)
then google voice search appears immediately
it too beeps and listens for the search term or command
Next project: it would be nice to be able to change the "hi galaxy" wake up command
The changeable wake up command is part of the Galaxy S4 S-Voice so I think it will be part in the Note 3 in one of the next updates (hopefully).
Of course I tested your idea, too. But it seems that it works better with Llama than with Tasker as Google Voice starts immediately. As I'm not rooted its not as perfect as yours (I need to tap backwards fast to bypass restarting Google Voice), but the goal is reached
Look:
http://www.maxrev.de/google-sprachsuche-statt-s-voice-mp4-v377253.htm
Update:
Ok I found a better solution. Know I'm using three rules instead of one and this is how it works:
Final Demo Video
The first rule starts Google Voice, but checks if the variable "googleSearch" is not 1 (this is important as it fails, too if the variable does not exist after rebooting the device). The second rules sets the var to "1" if Google Voice is open. The last rule resets the var to "0" with a delay of 3 seconds after Google Voice has been closed. So I'm having 3 seconds to close S Voice before Google Voice would start again.
If you don't want to here the "ping" sound of S Voice after closing Google Voice it would be possible to mute the device for 3 seconds as well, but I don't think this is really important
mgutt said:
The changeable wake up command is part of the Galaxy S4 S-Voice so I think it will be part in the Note 3 in one of the next updates (hopefully).
Of course I tested your idea, too. But it seems that it works better with Llama than with Tasker as Google Voice starts immediately. As I'm not rooted its not as perfect as yours (I need to tap backwards fast to bypass restarting Google Voice), but the goal is reached
Look:
http://www.maxrev.de/google-sprachsuche-statt-s-voice-mp4-v377253.htm
Update:
Ok I found a better solution. Know I'm using three rules instead of one and this is how it works:
Final Demo Video
The first rule starts Google Voice, but checks if the variable "googleSearch" is not 1 (this is important as it fails, too if the variable does not exist after rebooting the device). The second rules sets the var to "1" if Google Voice is open. The last rule resets the var to "0" with a delay of 3 seconds after Google Voice has been closed. So I'm having 3 seconds to close S Voice before Google Voice would start again.
If you don't want to here the "ping" sound of S Voice after closing Google Voice it would be possible to mute the device for 3 seconds as well, but I don't think this is really important
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats excellent Mgutt
the note does the transition across to google now/voice commands very quickly.. you have put the note back on the table as an option for my next phone.. im just holding out to see if the LG G2 will use the S800 for always on listening when it gets kitkat..
Im a bit spooked by AMOLED now that my galaxy S2 is marred by burn in
etherspin said:
thats excellent Mgutt
the note does the transition across to google now/voice commands very quickly.. you have put the note back on the table as an option for my next phone.. im just holding out to see if the LG G2 will use the S800 for always on listening when it gets kitkat..
Im a bit spooked by AMOLED now that my galaxy S2 is marred by burn in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having one problem left. But I think its because of Llamas limited amount of triggers. The problem is: Google Voice is not able to receive the next command while its open. Instead S Voice waits for the next "Hello Galaxy". To bypass this problem I tried to switch off the display automatically. This works, but only with a fixed delay as I'm not able to trigger "last touch/last talk + 10 seconds" with Llama.
Would this work with Tasker (and without Root)?
The next option would be to activate "Open Mic+" as long Google Voice is open. But I did not tested if this would work.
mgutt said:
Would this work with Tasker (and without Root)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well we can set the display timeout to 15sec, then restore the default (it's 30 sec for me because of smart stay) when google voice search disappears.
Because of the 30 sec display timeout it hasn't been much of a problem for me, but I was also wondering how to get it to prompt for a next question.
Curious: why doesn't the "ok, google" hotword work in google now? I've just tested the google experience launcher and hot word detection doesn't work in there either.
vgergo said:
Well we can set the display timeout to 15sec, then restore the default (it's 30 sec for me because of smart stay) when google voice search disappears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using this setup (after 20 seconds display is turned off) and this is not good if you press the microphone button. Then the display switches off, too. So we need an additional "on touch" condition to avoid that.
mgutt said:
I'm using this setup (after 20 seconds display is turned off) and this is not good if you press the microphone button. Then the display switches off, too. So we need an additional "on touch" condition to avoid that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, then set the display timeout to 15sec, wait 15sec then set it back to whatever it used to be. Then if the screen was touched (and the display timeout extended) then it will stay on...
I hope to be able to test these with tasker in the afternoon
I got tired of my Nexus 7 draining its battery just sitting there in standby. Even if I turned the tablet all the way off, somehow the battery still drained itself (more slowly, but still…). I came up with the tips below so that I wouldn’t have to turn off the Nexus 7 completely between uses. I believe that a tablet should be in standby and ready to go at all times.
I now get more than a week of battery life in standby. For the first time, I feel like my Nexus 7 is a useful alternative to my iPad Air.
The biggest battery drain culprit during idle time is behind-the-scenes software — continuously running, polling the Internet, or updating. On a Google device such as the Nexus series, most of that power-hungry activity comes from Google itself. So here’s what we're gonna do. Before we get to the Google stuff, let’s tweak some overall settings and Play Store settings to reduce battery drain in those areas:
First, let’s make sure you’re on the latest OS version for the 2013 version of the Nexus 7. (I’m guessing these settings will work in the 2012 version also, but I don’t know for sure.) In Settings, swipe down to About Tablet, choose that, then swipe down to “Android version”. When I wrote this in mid-February 2015, the latest OS version was 5.0.2. Check for updates on the same screen, and update to the latest version if necessary. If rooted, install the latest custom ROM of your choice.
Once updated:
Hit your Play Store icon. Click the three-bar menu at the top left. Select “Settings” near the bottom.
Under “Auto-update apps,” choose “Do not auto-update apps.” (Why? Because that “feature” uses battery juice to download and install stuff whenever it feels like it, instead of whenever you say.)
On the same page, under Notifications, make sure “Notify me about updates to apps or games that I downloaded” is checked. That way you will know if something needs updating.
On the same page, uncheck “Add icon to Home screen for new apps.” Because it’s annoying, not because it uses battery.
Go to your tablet’s Settings.
Choose “Wi-Fi”.
Tap the three-dot symbol at top right.
Tap “Advanced.”
Make sure “Scanning always available” is unchecked.
On the same settings screen, under “Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep,” choose “Never”. (Don’t worry: If Wi-Fi is enabled, it will wake up instantly every time you turn on the tablet.)
While in Settings, let’s turn off some radios:
If you don’t travel with your tablet, disable Location (GPS).
If you don’t use Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-to-pair features, disable that. You can always re-enable it when ready.
Disable Bluetooth when not using it.
Obviously, keep your device’s screen brightness as low as is comfortable. (The display is the biggest power hog on your device.) You can change the display brightness settings under Settings, Display.
While in Display Settings, disable Ambient Display. (Well, first Google it, because you might actually like the feature. But I think it’s more of a smartphone feature than a tablet feature.)
When disabling or uninstalling Google apps, DO NOT uninstall anything essential to the smooth running of your tablet. That includes:
Google Search
Google Chrome (unless you replace it with another browser)
Google Settings
Hangouts (you can disable Hangouts once you’ve replaced it with an aftermarket texting app)
Google Now (although we will disable many of its features and opt-out later)
Google Play
Gmail
Now let’s clean up a few apps. We will stay away from system apps, such as Email — because people can get into trouble uninstalling essential system apps.
It’s impossible to know every time an app is working in the background or polling the Internet. So, in my opinion, you should uninstall any app that you didn’t specifically put on the tablet yourself (system apps not included). For example, I uninstalled:
Google Earth
Google +
Hangouts (after I replaced it with Textra)
Google Docs
Google Drive
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Google Fit
Any downloaded apps I’m no longer using, such as wallpaper apps.
For smartphone owners, Google Now can be a godsend — always reminding you of what’s next, keeping you out of traffic jams, and keeping you on schedule. But tablet owners might not need the features. Additionally, with Google Now, the Nexus 7 mic is always on and listening for that “OK Google” search command — which obviously uses battery power and is more of a smartphone than tablet feature.
I found that I didn’t need Google Now at home, where my Nexus 7 is 100% of the time. If you’re like me, you can opt-out of Google Now — or at least stop the mic from listening.
We’ll start with the least draconian measure: stopping the mic from listening for the “OK Google” command from any screen:
From your main home screen, swipe up to get to the Google Now screen.
Tap the three-bar symbol at top left.
Choose Settings.
Choose Voice.
Choose “OK Google” Detection.
Uncheck “From any screen.” Leave “from the Google app” checked, then Google can listen for the command only when you have a search window open.
If you don’t want Google Now at all (I don’t like it because it’s always updating something or doing something in the background), here’s how you disable it completely, while leaving full Google Search functionality intact:
Start by disabling “OK Google” voice detection for screens other than Google Search as shown above (or you can disable it in Google Settings below).
Then, in your Applications, open the Google Settings app.
Tap “Search & Now”.
Tap “Now cards.”
Uncheck “Show cards.”
You will see a message that asks if you really want to turn off Google Now. Go ahead and do that.
From now on, you can still easily search by swiping your finger up from the bottom of any Home screen. And you can still do voice searches by tapping the microphone on any Google Search screen.
I hope these battery-saving features do as much for you as they did for me!
Thanks for the tips, always good to know. :highfive:
I'd like to add that "Google Location Reporting," is a battery hog and seems to make little difference if turned off. With it turned off, my devices still know roughly where I am. :cyclops:
In Settings, under Sound and Notification, go to “other sounds.” Uncheck “Vibrate on touch.”
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... So where did you copy and paste this guide from?
khaytsus said:
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... So where did you copy and paste this guide from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I typed it myself while looking at my own device. It took hours. But yeah, that one I got wrong because I was looking at my rooted Nexus 7 at the time, not my stock one. But no need to get snarky because you found the one error in a four-page Word document--just try to help next time, okay?
Masteryates said:
Thanks for the tips, always good to know. :highfive:
I'd like to add that "Google Location Reporting," is a battery hog and seems to make little difference if turned off. With it turned off, my devices still know roughly where I am. :cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a great tip! Thanks for adding it. Hopefully, others will chime in with even more!
TheContinental said:
I typed it myself while looking at my own device. It took hours. But yeah, that one I got wrong because I was looking at my rooted Nexus 7 at the time, not my stock one. But no need to get snarky because you found the one error in a four-page Word document--just try to help next time, okay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, perhaps your custom ROM is incorrectly reporting then, because there's no vibration on the Nexus 7.
khaytsus said:
Okay, perhaps your custom ROM is incorrectly reporting then, because there's no vibration on the Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good catch! I just edited that part out of the guide. I found out where the mistake came from. I'm currently also writing one of these for the Nexus 5. So...my bad...you were right! It was a copy/paste error...from my own guide!
Thank you for clearing that up.
Nexus 7 Draining Big Time
TheContinental said:
I got tired of my Nexus 7 draining its battery just sitting there in standby. Even if I turned the tablet all the way off, somehow the battery still drained itself (more slowly, but still…). I came up with the tips below so that I wouldn’t have to turn off the Nexus 7 completely between uses. I believe that a tablet should be in standby and ready to go at all times.
I now get more than a week of battery life in standby. For the first time, I feel like my Nexus 7 is a useful alternative to my iPad Air.
The biggest battery drain culprit during idle time is behind-the-scenes software — continuously running, polling the Internet, or updating. On a Google device such as the Nexus series, most of that power-hungry activity comes from Google itself. So here’s what we're gonna do. Before we get to the Google stuff, let’s tweak some overall settings and Play Store settings to reduce battery drain in those areas:
First, let’s make sure you’re on the latest OS version for the 2013 version of the Nexus 7. (I’m guessing these settings will work in the 2012 version also, but I don’t know for sure.) In Settings, swipe down to About Tablet, choose that, then swipe down to “Android version”. When I wrote this in mid-February 2015, the latest OS version was 5.0.2. Check for updates on the same screen, and update to the latest version if necessary. If rooted, install the latest custom ROM of your choice.
Once updated:
Hit your Play Store icon. Click the three-bar menu at the top left. Select “Settings” near the bottom.
Under “Auto-update apps,” choose “Do not auto-update apps.” (Why? Because that “feature” uses battery juice to download and install stuff whenever it feels like it, instead of whenever you say.)
On the same page, under Notifications, make sure “Notify me about updates to apps or games that I downloaded” is checked. That way you will know if something needs updating.
On the same page, uncheck “Add icon to Home screen for new apps.” Because it’s annoying, not because it uses battery.
Go to your tablet’s Settings.
Choose “Wi-Fi”.
Tap the three-dot symbol at top right.
Tap “Advanced.”
Make sure “Scanning always available” is unchecked.
On the same settings screen, under “Keep Wi-Fi on during sleep,” choose “Never”. (Don’t worry: If Wi-Fi is enabled, it will wake up instantly every time you turn on the tablet.)
While in Settings, let’s turn off some radios:
If you don’t travel with your tablet, disable Location (GPS).
If you don’t use Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap-to-pair features, disable that. You can always re-enable it when ready.
Disable Bluetooth when not using it.
Obviously, keep your device’s screen brightness as low as is comfortable. (The display is the biggest power hog on your device.) You can change the display brightness settings under Settings, Display.
While in Display Settings, disable Ambient Display. (Well, first Google it, because you might actually like the feature. But I think it’s more of a smartphone feature than a tablet feature.)
When disabling or uninstalling Google apps, DO NOT uninstall anything essential to the smooth running of your tablet. That includes:
Google Search
Google Chrome (unless you replace it with another browser)
Google Settings
Hangouts (you can disable Hangouts once you’ve replaced it with an aftermarket texting app)
Google Now (although we will disable many of its features and opt-out later)
Google Play
Gmail
Now let’s clean up a few apps. We will stay away from system apps, such as Email — because people can get into trouble uninstalling essential system apps.
It’s impossible to know every time an app is working in the background or polling the Internet. So, in my opinion, you should uninstall any app that you didn’t specifically put on the tablet yourself (system apps not included). For example, I uninstalled:
Google Earth
Google +
Hangouts (after I replaced it with Textra)
Google Docs
Google Drive
Google Sheets
Google Slides
Google Fit
Any downloaded apps I’m no longer using, such as wallpaper apps.
For smartphone owners, Google Now can be a godsend — always reminding you of what’s next, keeping you out of traffic jams, and keeping you on schedule. But tablet owners might not need the features. Additionally, with Google Now, the Nexus 7 mic is always on and listening for that “OK Google” search command — which obviously uses battery power and is more of a smartphone than tablet feature.
I found that I didn’t need Google Now at home, where my Nexus 7 is 100% of the time. If you’re like me, you can opt-out of Google Now — or at least stop the mic from listening.
We’ll start with the least draconian measure: stopping the mic from listening for the “OK Google” command:
From your main home screen, swipe left until you get to the Google Now screen.
Tap the three-bar symbol at top left.
Choose Settings.
Choose Voice.
Choose “OK Google” Detection.
Uncheck both “from the Google app” and “From any screen.”
If you don’t want Google Now at all (I don’t like it because it’s always updating something or doing something in the background), here’s how you disable it completely, while leaving full Google Search functionality intact:
Start by disabling “OK Google” voice detection as shown above.
Then, in your Applications, open the Google Settings app.
Tap “Search & Now”.
Tap “Now cards.”
Uncheck “Show cards.”
You will see a message that asks if you really want to turn off Google Now. Go ahead and do that.
From now on, you can still easily search by swiping your finger up from the bottom of any Home screen. And you can still do voice searches by tapping the microphone on any Google Search screen.
I hope these battery-saving features do as much for you as they did for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is fantastic -- thank you!
I just upgraded my Nexus 7 (2013 LTE) to Lollipop and its battery usage tanked. I finally got a good view of how bad it was this morning. I plugged it in last night but left it running (all radios except WiFi off (including mobile data off), display off) and it charged all night. When I checked on it this morning it had actually *lost* battery charge overnight. The battery display page shows that it had been charging all night but still steadily, albeit slowly, losing charge (went from about 51% to about 47% by morning).
I turned the device off and plugged it back in; within a couple of hours it was back up to about 70%.
From various forums it appears that people have wildly varying experience with this on their Nexus devices, including the Nexus 7, with some reporting good battery charge retention, so my first guess is that one or more of my roughly 160 apps is sucking on the battery heavily.
I'm doing a factory reset now and will then try the recharge scenario again (wherein I leave the device on while recharging) and will see what happens with the "clean" version. I'm also going to turn off WiFi, which I know will introduce a significant change, but I want to make sure there is no background WiFi activity going on either (e.g., downloading all my Google apps again).
I'll post the results of my "test".
Barry
^160 apps that's the problem. Use BBS to see what's keeping it up. You can leave WiFi on, I have all location, WiFi, now, ok google everywhere etc on and consistently get 8 hours screen time over 2 days or 7 hours over 3 days.
I've seen the difference (in negative way) of the battery in lollipop too.
I have a rooted n7 lte.
In addition to these tips, I installed "disableservice" from play store and disabled all the wear related service in android google play service and Google music.
Now on the list of battery consuming apps the Google play service is no more the first one.
I've read somewhere that the wear parts of play service consumes a lot of battery and I don't have android wear.
Only my two cents.
Bye
xranix said:
I've seen the difference (in negative way) of the battery in lollipop too.
I have a rooted n7 lte.
In addition to these tips, I installed "disableservice" from play store and disabled all the wear related service in android google play service and Google music.
Now on the list of battery consuming apps the Google play service is no more the first one.
I've read somewhere that the wear parts of play service consumes a lot of battery and I don't have android wear.
Only my two cents.
Bye
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tips! Thanks for adding to the discussion!
yosmokinman said:
^160 apps that's the problem. Use BBS to see what's keeping it up. You can leave WiFi on, I have all location, WiFi, now, ok google everywhere etc on and consistently get 8 hours screen time over 2 days or 7 hours over 3 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nonsense, he has some other issue. Unless he has 160's "facebook" apps.
Questions: fyi I have stock 2013 5.0.2
When I try to disable NFC, it greys out and then turns itself back on.
I can't find the Google Now screen when swiping left.
TheContinental said:
For smartphone owners, Google Now can be a godsend — always reminding you of what’s next, keeping you out of traffic jams, and keeping you on schedule. But tablet owners might not need the features. Additionally, with Google Now, the Nexus 7 mic is always on and listening for that “OK Google” search command — which obviously uses battery power and is more of a smartphone than tablet feature.
I found that I didn’t need Google Now at home, where my Nexus 7 is 100% of the time. If you’re like me, you can opt-out of Google Now — or at least stop the mic from listening.
We’ll start with the least draconian measure: stopping the mic from listening for the “OK Google” command:
From your main home screen, swipe left until you get to the Google Now screen.
Tap the three-bar symbol at top left.
Choose Settings.
Choose Voice.
Choose “OK Google” Detection.
Uncheck both “from the Google app” and “From any screen.”
If you don’t want Google Now at all (I don’t like it because it’s always updating something or doing something in the background), here’s how you disable it completely, while leaving full Google Search functionality intact:
Start by disabling “OK Google” voice detection as shown above.
Then, in your Applications, open the Google Settings app.
Tap “Search & Now”.
Tap “Now cards.”
Uncheck “Show cards.”
You will see a message that asks if you really want to turn off Google Now. Go ahead and do that.
From now on, you can still easily search by swiping your finger up from the bottom of any Home screen. And you can still do voice searches by tapping the microphone on any Google Search screen.
I hope these battery-saving features do as much for you as they did for me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
peaceridge said:
Questions: fyi I have stock 2013 5.0.2
When I try to disable NFC, it greys out and then turns itself back on.
I can't find the Google Now screen when swiping left.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you swipe left on your home screen and don't get Google Now, then Google Now is not activated on your device. If Google Now is activated, when swiping left on your home screen, you'll see a full-screen view of Google Now and its helpful cards.
Sorry, I don't know what to make of your NFC turning itself back on. Of course, NFC won't work at all if Bluetooth is off, so you can defeat it that way.
TheContinental said:
If you swipe left on your home screen and don't get Google Now, then Google Now is not activated on your device. If Google Now is activated, when swiping left on your home screen, you'll see a full-screen view of Google Now and its helpful cards.
Sorry, I don't know what to make of your NFC turning itself back on. Of course, NFC won't work at all if Bluetooth is off, so you can defeat it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, really appreciate your help on the battery issue! I've got Bluetooth off, so that should be fine, then. I'm contemplating going back to 4.4, but haven't had time to research that yet. Again, thanks for your help.
If I remember well, swiping left on homscreen, on nexus tablets do not activate google now, but swiping up from the bottom of the screen, if it's activated it will turn on.
sale 83 said:
If I remember well, swiping left on homscreen, on nexus tablets do not activate google now, but swiping up from the bottom of the screen, if it's activated it will turn on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right! My bad, I think I was thinking of my Nexus 5, where you swipe left. The procedures to disable Google Now are the same with both devices, though.
TheContinental said:
If you swipe left on your home screen and don't get Google Now, then Google Now is not activated on your device. If Google Now is activated, when swiping left on your home screen, you'll see a full-screen view of Google Now and its helpful cards.
Sorry, I don't know what to make of your NFC turning itself back on. Of course, NFC won't work at all if Bluetooth is off, so you can defeat it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC and Bluetooth are completely unrelated.
As for the problem; I don't know but I'd have to guess that NFC is required somewhere, like perhaps Smart Lock is enabled or something else that's needing NFC? Wallet? Something like that. I can turn off NFC on my N7 Flo.
That said.. NFC uses almost zero power, so IMO it's not even worth worrying about having disabled.
khaytsus said:
NFC and Bluetooth are completely unrelated.
As for the problem; I don't know but I'd have to guess that NFC is required somewhere, like perhaps Smart Lock is enabled or something else that's needing NFC? Wallet? Something like that. I can turn off NFC on my N7 Flo.
That said.. NFC uses almost zero power, so IMO it's not even worth worrying about having disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NFC and Bluetooth are indeed related, but not in the way I originally thought. NFC uses an RFID-like protocol to make a connection, then Bluetooth to transfer any info (files, etc.). So, a user would need Bluetooth powered on for NFC to work, but not the other way around.
khaytsus said:
NFC and Bluetooth are completely unrelated.
As for the problem; I don't know but I'd have to guess that NFC is required somewhere, like perhaps Smart Lock is enabled or something else that's needing NFC? Wallet? Something like that. I can turn off NFC on my N7 Flo.
That said.. NFC uses almost zero power, so IMO it's not even worth worrying about having disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. They are completely unrelated. They work completely independent of each other.
im coming from the nexus 6 (ive already installed google launcher---- ok google would turn on the phone--awesome while driving because i can start a song on spotify. ive dug through the settings any im not seeing it--i read the s6 didnt have it at first?? this really sucks if i cant get it to turn on! help!
What what I can tell with my S6, the only time it listens for "Ok Google" is when the screen is on or when the power is connected.
My Galaxy Alpha too.
I couldn't wake up my phone with "OK Google"
It's not the same thing as Google but you can use S Voice. Some like it, some don't. Just sayin'
That feature is not available on samsung. you need to use S voice, which doesn't really compare... it's unfortunate with all samsung phones =(
my note 4 will will start and listen, but it always says I have to unlock the device first. for security reasons I understand. I wonder if there is a voice recolonization app.. hummm..
could be a million dollar app.. someone want to help me make it?
lostsoul1 said:
my note 4 will will start and listen, but it always says I have to unlock the device first. for security reasons I understand. I wonder if there is a voice recolonization app.. hummm..
could be a million dollar app.. someone want to help me make it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few have tried. Open mic is one. You need access to the low power part of the soc to make it worth while which non of us have. Other wise battery life gets destroyed. Samsung just needs to give us the option to use s voice or Google.
andrewpe said:
What what I can tell with my S6, the only time it listens for "Ok Google" is when the screen is on or when the power is connected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang...it won't turn on even if the phone is plugged in
Yeah, that's my only grip with this phone. Previously using a xiaomi Mi Note Pro amd it worked also on my mercedes w205. Pressing the voice button on the steering wheel no longer launch ok google.
well there is the option to take off screen lock.. haha
Not available on this phone. An alternative is to create a Google Voice shortcut on the lock screen like stock Android.
You can use tasker to reroute s voice to Google search. But its slow and unreliable.
Settings --> System (tab) --> Language and Input --> Google voice typing --> "OK Google" detection
This will allow you to simply say "OK Google" from any screen - including the lock screen.
Kahne_Fan said:
Settings --> System (tab) --> Language and Input --> Google voice typing --> "OK Google" detection
This will allow you to simply say "OK Google" from any screen - including the lock screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesn't work for me. I am using nova launcher.
razorseal said:
That feature is not available on samsung. you need to use S voice, which doesn't really compare... it's unfortunate with all samsung phones =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
of course it's available, i've always used it via the Google app or Nova launcher... Works fine on my S7 Edge with both (Google or Nova launcher). It turns the screen ON and I can even unlock the phone just by saying "Ok Google" (option has to be enabled in the Google app)
If you turn keep screen on and go to Google settings and tick OK Google from any screen including the lock screen it works
duvalbmarley said:
If you turn keep screen on and go to Google settings and tick OK Google from any screen including the lock screen it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok I think I got it. I need to go to "OK google" detection
Will try if I can launch it from my car now.
Edit: also work from my car command button.
Press and hold home button.
Tap the "G"
Tap settings menu in top left corner
Tap settings
Tap voice
Set up voice recognition
Done.
It does work from all screens.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA Free mobile app
Just thought you might all like to know my Galaxy S7 Edge wakes up ONLY by saying "Hey Galaxy" or even just saying "Galaxy". It won't wake up by saying "OK Google"
Noticed it works only when screen is on or... If it's off and on a wireless charger or plugged in....
Hi guys,
I never had the Google Launch/Google now thing before on my Moto X Pure. But suddenly now it is there on the left most of my home screen. And it opens up every single time I swipe to the most left screen.
This is a huge battery drain. I want to disable it.
I tried to search online. They say I have to disable the Google Cards or something. But I look at the Google Now setting and that setting is nowhere in sight on my Moto X Pure.
Please help!
CCHIPSS said:
Hi guys,
I never had the Google Launch/Google now thing before on my Moto X Pure. But suddenly now it is there on the left most of my home screen. And it opens up every single time I swipe to the most left screen.
This is a huge battery drain. I want to disable it.
I tried to search online. They say I have to disable the Google Cards or something. But I look at the Google Now setting and that setting is nowhere in sight on my Moto X Pure.
Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm...i dont have that.
Use titanium to freeze uninstall the app.
Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
CCHIPSS said:
Hi guys,
I never had the Google Launch/Google now thing before on my Moto X Pure. But suddenly now it is there on the left most of my home screen. And it opens up every single time I swipe to the most left screen.
This is a huge battery drain. I want to disable it.
I tried to search online. They say I have to disable the Google Cards or something. But I look at the Google Now setting and that setting is nowhere in sight on my Moto X Pure.
Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you are on the left screen click the the lines for settings, then "Your Feed" and turn it off.
aybarrap1 said:
When you are on the left screen click the the lines for settings, then "Your Feed" and turn it off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi. I disabled Your Feed. I even disabled them under "Customized". However the left most screen is still there. If possible I want that Google screen gone from the home screen altogether. It is so annoying.
CCHIPSS said:
Hi. I disabled Your Feed. I even disabled them under "Customized". However the left most screen is still there. If possible I want that Google screen gone from the home screen altogether. It is so annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long press on home screen, settings, and disable "show google app" or something similar.
zys52712 said:
Long press on home screen, settings, and disable "show google app" or something similar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Holding an empty spot in the home screen shows wallpaper settings, widget settings, and Settings (Home Screen). I don't see that option "show google app" under the Home Screen Setting.
CCHIPSS said:
Holding an empty spot in the home screen shows wallpaper settings, widget settings, and Settings (Home Screen). I don't see that option "show google app" under the Home Screen Setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, thought that settings in Google now launcher and pixel launcher would be similar, but what I said is an option in pixel launcher, why not give it a try?
CCHIPSS said:
Holding an empty spot in the home screen shows wallpaper settings, widget settings, and Settings (Home Screen). I don't see that option "show google app" under the Home Screen Setting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swipe left to the feed > swipe left again > settings > Your feed > tap on feed to disable
I had the same 'issue' in that I like to have just one homescreen, not multiple homescreens to swipe between but google had forced this second google 'card/now/feeds' (whatever) homescreen upon me and my Nexus 6P (I realise the OP has a different phone but hopefully this solution will work for all phones).
I searched and searched for a solution but could not find one. Eventually through messing about I managed to get rid of it myself though this does reduced the 'power' of the google search app (which I don't care about as I open apps I want when I want e.g. I open browser to search the web, open maps to search for a place, contacts for contacts etc.) So try my solution below and I hope it works for you too:
From your homescreen swipe right/left (finger from left to right) to get to the dedicated google 'card/now/feeds' homescreen. Press the three-lines menu button then Settings then Accounts & Privacy, then Google Account then select the 'sign out' radio button. Wait a few seconds while it signs out... now press your home button and you should only have just one homescreen now (or at least however many you had before the google dedicated one). You may have to repeat this a second time if it didn't sign you out (google does not want you to keep your information private haha!!) Now to complete the process press your bottom right 'square' button (to the right of home 'circle' button) and swipe the google app off to the right to close the app from memory, otherwise if you leave it in memory and then select it by accident it will sign you back in and create the extra homescreen again!
You can still use the google search bar that is at the top of your homescreen (I have a Nexus 6p so that's where it is for me) - it works just fine
Go to settings, google, search, your feed and disable it.
Here is the solution
Hi
I have the solution. From the apps swipe Google app to the app info on top and then go to storage in info settings then clear all the data. Thats it. You just need to customize your home screen shortcuts again.
You could just use a custom launcher, like Nova Launcher... You get lots of customization abilities too. Nova Launcher is the pretty much the first app I install on any phone I have.
Google app > Settings > Your feed > turn off feed.
No need to clear anything.
2nding Nova Launcher, but I only use it on devices that aren't stock or near stock.
mrmanuri said:
Hi
I have the solution. From the apps swipe Google app to the app info on top and then go to storage in info settings then clear all the data. Thats it. You just need to customize your home screen shortcuts again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're the man!
BEST solution and the only one that works like a charm!
Thanks
loonyjetman - thanks, that did the trick!
[/COLOR]
loonyjetman said:
. Press the three-lines menu button then Settings then Accounts & Privacy, then Google Account then select the 'sign out' radio button. Wait a few seconds while it signs out... now press your home button and you should only have just one homescreen now (or at least however many you had before the google dedicated one).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much. this worked for me on my Moto G4.
Thank you looneyjetman! Worked like a charm! I had tried turning it off through "feed" and "voice", nothing worked. Privacy settings is the way to go.
loonyjetman said:
I had the same 'issue' in that I like to have just one homescreen, not multiple homescreens to swipe between but google had forced this second google 'card/now/feeds' (whatever) homescreen upon me and my Nexus 6P (I realise the OP has a different phone but hopefully this solution will work for all phones).
I searched and searched for a solution but could not find one. Eventually through messing about I managed to get rid of it myself though this does reduced the 'power' of the google search app (which I don't care about as I open apps I want when I want e.g. I open browser to search the web, open maps to search for a place, contacts for contacts etc.) So try my solution below and I hope it works for you too:
From your homescreen swipe right/left (finger from left to right) to get to the dedicated google 'card/now/feeds' homescreen. Press the three-lines menu button then Settings then Accounts & Privacy, then Google Account then select the 'sign out' radio button. Wait a few seconds while it signs out... now press your home button and you should only have just one homescreen now (or at least however many you had before the google dedicated one). You may have to repeat this a second time if it didn't sign you out (google does not want you to keep your information private haha!!) Now to complete the process press your bottom right 'square' button (to the right of home 'circle' button) and swipe the google app off to the right to close the app from memory, otherwise if you leave it in memory and then select it by accident it will sign you back in and create the extra homescreen again!
You can still use the google search bar that is at the top of your homescreen (I have a Nexus 6p so that's where it is for me) - it works just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have and LG G6 running Google Now Launcher (coming from a Nexus 5X) and after an update this extra home screen was added to my system which I could not disable.
What I have done is uninstalled Google Now Launcher which only uninstalled the updates. Then I set auto updates to "off" via the Play Store which has kept my screen clear of this unwanted home screen. (though this had to side effect of removing my home screen customisation)
However your solution sounds much easier - has it ever resigned you in bringing back the unwanted home screen?
loonyjetman said:
I had the same 'issue' in that I like to have just one homescreen, not multiple homescreens to swipe between but google had forced this second google 'card/now/feeds' (whatever) homescreen upon me and my Nexus 6P (I realise the OP has a different phone but hopefully this solution will work for all phones).
I searched and searched for a solution but could not find one. Eventually through messing about I managed to get rid of it myself though this does reduced the 'power' of the google search app (which I don't care about as I open apps I want when I want e.g. I open browser to search the web, open maps to search for a place, contacts for contacts etc.) So try my solution below and I hope it works for you too:
From your homescreen swipe right/left (finger from left to right) to get to the dedicated google 'card/now/feeds' homescreen. Press the three-lines menu button then Settings then Accounts & Privacy, then Google Account then select the 'sign out' radio button. Wait a few seconds while it signs out... now press your home button and you should only have just one homescreen now (or at least however many you had before the google dedicated one). You may have to repeat this a second time if it didn't sign you out (google does not want you to keep your information private haha!!) Now to complete the process press your bottom right 'square' button (to the right of home 'circle' button) and swipe the google app off to the right to close the app from memory, otherwise if you leave it in memory and then select it by accident it will sign you back in and create the extra homescreen again!
You can still use the google search bar that is at the top of your homescreen (I have a Nexus 6p so that's where it is for me) - it works just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got that google screen yesterday on my german nexus 5x.
nothing i gooogled had worked except your solution, thanks a lot :good:
This came back for me last night (I had been running my solution for about 3 weeks)
Have followed the information provided by loonyjetman and resolved.
How I just wish I could leave feedback for Google