NFC very limited range? - Nexus 6P Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So, I'm playing around with some old NFC tags I have lying around with my new 6P. And I noticed that there is only a small area where the phone will detect NFC tags. Pretty much only right around the middle to left edge of the very top of the phone.
I thought it would be a little more than that, is that expected?

I believe the specs stated that the NFC antenna is between the fingerprint scanner and camera visor. Might even be in the camera visor, opposite of the camera. I don't use NFC so I don't know what sort of range should be expected.

Can NFC make it through metal? I wouldn't be surprised if only the visor is transparent enough for NFC

ChronoReverse said:
Can NFC make it through metal? I wouldn't be surprised if only the visor is transparent enough for NFC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it's in the visor: http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...bar-is-a-window-for-nfc-and-various-antennas/

Same behaviour as with my Nexus 4 & 5. Maybe there's reason why the n stands for near.

Related

Oppo Find 5 Easy Cover Video Review

At the request of a member on the Oppo Forums I am going to share my video review of the Oppo Easy Cover Case Review. I got one of these free with the first batch of Find 5 orders and it is a decent case and choice for your new Find 5. It is a cover case with kickstand functionality and decent build quality. Let me know what you think and if you will buy one.
http://youtu.be/ugdVf4UPvBI
nice review man !
To bad they are not being sold anymore...
Thanks for the awesome vid! I have one request, hoping that you can fulfill. Can you throw on Nova Launcher and make a video of it? I want to see what it looks like on this phone as i am on the fence for purchasing it. Thanks!!
Very nice video,again.
Is that the same as this one ?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...for-oppo-x909-find-5-holsteins/756741774.html
CoopZor said:
Is that the same as this one ?
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free...for-oppo-x909-find-5-holsteins/756741774.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the beginn7ng I liked it very much, but I got annoyed very fast because the leather is not very hany when u use the phone, it just doesnt fit very properly in your hand....also the plastic cover broke on two sides without dropping it, so I would not recommend that case....I got meifeng sandcase now and I am satisfied with that one...
"Thanks for the awesome vid! I have one request, hoping that you can fulfill. Can you throw on Nova Launcher and make a video of it? I want to see what it looks like on this phone as i am on the fence for purchasing it. Thanks!!"
I have made a full review of the Oppo Find 5 Please view for I demo Nova Launcher on it.
http://youtu.be/xHtZ-uToFr0
This cover is back in stock on oppostyle, I find it a bit to expensive. ( including delivery costs)
Does anyone know if the flip-open-to-wake function also works with non-stock ROMS? In other words: is it a hardware- or software feature?
IGNatiuS2008 said:
Does anyone know if the flip-open-to-wake function also works with non-stock ROMS? In other words: is it a hardware- or software feature?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. I'm wondering where the magnetic sensor is. (If it's using the proximity sensor, this "feature" is going to eat a bit of battery...)
The Nexus 7 mag sensor did not require any modifications (although maybe there's an overlay setting somewhere...) - if this is prox-sensor based, it'll be much less likely to be integrated in CM (since something like that would be a battery hog...)
Edit: grouper has a lidControlsSleep category. If I can confirm this is done by magnetic sensor I'll flip that on in CM10.1
Entropy512 said:
Good question. I'm wondering where the magnetic sensor is. (If it's using the proximity sensor, this "feature" is going to eat a bit of battery...)
The Nexus 7 mag sensor did not require any modifications (although maybe there's an overlay setting somewhere...) - if this is prox-sensor based, it'll be much less likely to be integrated in CM (since something like that would be a battery hog...)
Edit: grouper has a lidControlsSleep category. If I can confirm this is done by magnetic sensor I'll flip that on in CM10.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did a quick test with a small magnet. The sensor seems to be located between the front-facing camera and the front-speaker. It switched the screen on, and I'm on the latest CM 10.1 build which you're working on.
So no need for extra stuf, works OOTB Now to find an affordable case with a magnet in it.
IGNatiuS2008 said:
I just did a quick test with a small magnet. The sensor seems to be located between the front-facing camera and the front-speaker. It switched the screen on, and I'm on the latest CM 10.1 build which you're working on.
So no need for extra stuf, works OOTB Now to find an affordable case with a magnet in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I thought that feature was disabled by default. Also, the magnet I have didn't trigger it, however, it is a ****ty fridge magnet, so I need to find a better one and re-test.

[Q] Any way to boost NFC signal?

I'm using an Element Recon Carbon Fiber case and while I really like it, the carbon fiber seems to weaken nfc. I had a couple tags in my car and room that I can't seem to use anymore. Do things like these external antennas (http://www.amazon.com/ipartstore-Ant.../dp/B00DE76XNY) or similar ones work at all? Its not really a dealbreaker since I still like the case, but I was just looking around if there was a cheap fix available.
pinoysw1mmer said:
carbon fiber seems to weaken nfc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carbon fiber is a lossy conductor, so it will reduce your NFC range. Thick cases are also problematical. You should consider using a thin plastic or rubber case. Or no case if NFC is important to you. Also orientation is also important, so the position that you hold the phone can help achieve a successful read.
The maximum coupling and therefore range is when the two antennas are parallel. So if you have trouble with a transponder (reader), hold your phone in direct contact with the NFC pad. Level, with the center of the battery door oriented over the pad and hold it stationary for a few seconds if necessary.
I can't think of anything plausible that you could do in software. Phones already use an efficient spiral loop antenna. About the only other thing that you can do is use an external antenna as you alluded to. This could be a solution for you provided that you are willing to not use your battery door and therefore lose your water resistance. If you have a good mechanical aptitude you could possible route the leads through the battery door to an external antenna with a water tight seal. But that would be outside the capabilities of most end users.
The easiest way to increase range is from the POS end, which isn't in your control. Each new generation of transponders are more efficient and tend to increase range. And thieves have been known to hack transponders with much higher, illegal power levels that can capture your NFC information from several meters.
.

Google Cardboard DIY VR Headset - $3.66 (fits 4-5in device)

Discussion: http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/2gddbl/google_cardboard_366_free_shipping_from_tinydeal/
Buy: http://www.tinydeal.com/diy-google-...es-for-iphone-samsung-cellphone-p-135220.html
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxAj2lyX4oU
Working:
TBA​
Not Working:
TBA​
Update: According to this site, 'magnetic input' does not work with original Moto G:
http://gweb-cardboard.appspot.com/#compatibility​
Update #2: Should work with Moto G LTE since it has an actual Gyroscope.
Update #3: I've ordered one to experiment; since it's cheap and it cannot be absolutely verified it will not work with Moto G's hardware. For example, the issues might only be with the official Cardboard app (and alternative apps are fine), or a custom ROM might enable it to work correctly.
interesting... please report if it works on an original moto g (no lte)
I will be testing with an original Moto G (XT1032), but it could be a few weeks before the headset arrives. Order still not even dispatched according to the website.
UPDATE: I've just read existing stock sold out and there won't be more until 29th September. I might not get the item now until mid/late October / early November.
ordered it 2 weeks ago. today I got this:
Thank you for shopping DIY Google Cardboard VR 3D Glasses EPATH-334753 on TinyDeal.com.
We experienced an unusually large number of orders. Now the mass production has been finished and the items have arrived in the warehouse ahead of schedule. All orders are processed and shipped by order date and order number without a stop.
We really appreciate your business. Please be patient for a little bit more. Thank you so much for your support and understanding.
Yours Sincerely,
TinyDeal Support Team
qiuliqun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My order status has now changed:
Order Status: Shipped​
If using the magnet proves impossible with Moto G (1st Gen) - there is an alternative control option (other than just using your finger):
According to the Google cardboard official website, the magnet is used for clicking inside of demos. When you pull and release the ring, your phone's magnetometer detects changes in the magnetic field. Not all phones will be able to detect magnet pulls.
You can use Cardboard without the magnet by sticking copper tape along the side of the viewer and having it come into contact with the phone screen. When you tap twice on the copper tape with your finger, the phone will react as if it had detected a magnet pull.​[Source]
If you want to make things a bit smoother, you can add a copper strip to the side, tape one end to your phone's screen and close it up - a double-tap on the strip will register as a screen-tap.​[Source]
Although the [headset] works with any modern Android phone, it was designed for the Nexus 5. Many people reported problems with the magnetic sensor. That's because it's not in the same place on all phones. Having a slightly unusual phone, I ended up using a strip of cardboard with aluminum foil tape to do the same job.​[Source]
i received my google cardboard today from a chinese supplier on aliexpress. assembled it and used it a little.
im using Moto G 2013 no lte version
my mini review
1. the magnet does not work, so the google cardboard apps are pretty much useless. but you can poke the display with your finger through the nose hole to activate the app.
2. again, the cardboard apps are rendered useless with the lack of gyroscope for linear motion sensing. so head tracking are out of the scope. the only apps that work pretty well without the gyro are rollercoaster vr with some degree of head tracking using accelerometer.
3. playing "3D side by side(sbs) video" on youtube is pleasant for me. its like having a big tv. the 3d effect turn out to be like the one you experience in a cinema with black&clear 3d glass.
4. for someone who are not used to wear any glass, like me. having to watch anything through a lens is a bit headache inducing experience. be warned.
5. 720p nature of our display is not forgiving when paired with the cardboard's lens. i can start seeing individual pixels, and even subpixel(rgb) if i focus enough on one spot.
anyway, i am pretty sure if you got a better spec'ed phone. the experience will be light years away from what i experienced just now.
@urra901109, can I just clarify what ROM you did your tests on? From my experience the Motorola Stock ROM does not necessarily indicate what is possible with the hardware. I won't be satisfied until tests are done with pure CyanogenMod and/or CarbonROM.
lost101 said:
@urra901109, can I just clarify what ROM you did your tests on? From my experience the Motorola Stock ROM does not necessarily indicate what is possible with the hardware. I won't be satisfied until tests are done with pure CyanogenMod and/or CarbonROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lost101
i used the stock ROM.. but i think it will be pretty much the same across all ROM since most of what i talked is regarding hardware limitation(magnet sensor, and gyroscope) on the phone itself. i did enjoy it a for while with the 3d videos. but, later a headache caught me
ps: to overcome the gyroscope absence in this phone, i did connect it to xbox360 controller with the hope i can use right analog stick to pan left and right but no success on that, none of the VR apps i downloaded support the right analog stick. only the left analog is working.
Miracast is broken in stock ROM and works fine in CM / CarbonROM. Motorola have deliberately limited functionality in that case and who knows in what other instances.
I found it fairly poor with the Moto G. As reported, not only does the magnetic trigger not work, but the Moto G accelerometers don't work to control movement. The Google Cardboard demo app is fairly useless without that. Also the optics are fairly bad for the 4.5" screen of the Moto G. Probably a happier combo with the Nexus 5. Update: Yes, I tried it with a friend's Nexus 5, and it's much better. Do not buy the Cardboard kit unless you have a Nexus phone.
DJames1 said:
I found it fairly poor with the Moto G. As reported, not only does the magnetic trigger not work, but the Moto G accelerometers don't work to control movement. The Google Cardboard demo app is fairly useless without that. Also the optics are fairly bad for the 4.5" screen of the Moto G. Probably a happier combo with the Nexus 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am quite dissapointed too with the absence of gyroscope in the first gen MOTO G, since head tracking is the whole idea about this VR thing. It is likely to cost a few cent more to add the sensor but they skipped on it. it is understandable though that they dont include it as the sensor are rarely used. but yesterday i had an idea about external usb gyro sensor. any one know if such a thing exists? may be we can use it without buying a new phone.
P/s:
i used galaxy note 3 with the google cardboard yesterday. it is much more enjoyable.. the screen door effect is not very pronounced like there is with first gen moto G. but the cardboard need some modification to make it focus properly and a few more hole to make it fit the Note 3, otherwise the lid will continously pressed on the volume button and power button
I guess I don't understand why they can't use the accelerometers in place of a dedicated gyroscopic sensor. In theory a 3-axis accelerometer should be able to do the exact same job, since it is impossible to move in any direction, including rotation, without causing an acceleration in one or more of the 3 axes.
DJames1 said:
I guess I don't understand why they can't use the accelerometers in place of a dedicated gyroscopic sensor. In theory a 3-axis accelerometer should be able to do the exact same job, since it is impossible to move in any direction, including rotation, without causing an acceleration in one or more of the 3 axes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont get it either. on google streetview the simulated gyro does the job pretty flawlessly although a bit laggy but it is perfectly usable.
urra901109 said:
i dont get it either. on google streetview the simulated gyro does the job pretty flawlessly although a bit laggy but it is perfectly usable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is so cool! I had no idea that was possible now. And yes, you're right, it does illustrate exactly that there is no need for a gyroscopic sensor to use Cardboard apps. I wish Google would fix that.
I also wish Google would fix the magnetic declination issue in Google Maps. Where I am in Vancouver, the compass points 16 degrees off true north, so anything using compass north (like Streetview or navigation) is off by 16 degrees from the real world view unless corrected. It's not like Maps doesn't know the compass error from your current location, so it should be trivial to do the correction.
It might not be too much work for a DEV to have an option 'Use Accelerometer instead of Gyroscopic sensor' in their app / game. It's worth at least asking.
so on a moto g xt1033 this would not work ? even tho Google Night sky app works ?
Ken JimmY said:
so on a moto g xt1033 this would not work ? even tho Google Night sky app works ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.
Any update on the Moto G front?
Hi! Anyone still trying to make it work with the Moto G first gen?
I'm not a techie at all but I really really want to play with the Cardboard. And there is this cool kit for sale on Amazon now.
Its been a while since the last post so I'm hoping some clever person has come up with a way to make the accelerometer work.?
No cardboard navigation on Moto G(2013)
vocalico said:
interesting... please report if it works on an original moto g (no lte)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the original moto g(2013) and cardboard navigation doesn't work on this model. As the gyroscope is missing. Only accelerometer doesn't help. And the magnet clicker is also not working may be because of weak magnetometer. Other features are working as expected.

s6 and google cardboard (Galaxy S6)

Just a question for people with this with a handset already, have you had a chance to play with google cardboard using the s6? I'm curious how the higher PPI performs!
eloquencemotion said:
Just a question for people with this with a handset already, have you had a chance to play with google cardboard using the s6? I'm curious how the higher PPI performs!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got my (regular) S6 yesterday and found time to put in my Cardboard this morning. The experience is a little better than expected, but still not earth shattering.
I had a OnePlus One (5.5 inch FHD) before and that worked okay. You could definately see the space between the pixels. I woulnd't say it it was like looking through a screendoor, but you could certainly see the grid.
With the S6 it's certainly improved a lot, but you do still see a grid. It's far less noticable though and it's a lot easier to get that feeling of immersion. You will still see you're looking at a screen though, the higher PPI just makes you forget about it sooner.
What I noticed with the S6 and didn't really notice with the OnePlus One is that there is a tiny, tiny delay between moving your head and the screen actually moving. I don't know why that is. I think it's because the resolution is now less of an issue, you notice other things like this sooner, but I am unable to confirm that in any way. I'm just telling you what I saw.
All in all the experience of Cardboard is certainly better with the higher PPI display, but if you come from a regular FHD display I don't think the difference is really that big.
I don't know if the Edge offers any advantages. I'm inclined to think it'll impact the experience in a negative way.
Edit: if you want me to test something, please let me know.
I'm having issues with the location of the magnet button for the s6, the button being on the left or right side doesn't work for me, it has to be on the top or bottom of the cardboard if that makes sense.
cheethoe said:
I'm having issues with the location of the magnet button for the s6, the button being on the left or right side doesn't work for me, it has to be on the top or bottom of the cardboard if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I originally thought the magnet button would only work with with a Nexus device so I threw it out... so unfortunately I'm unable to comment on this, haha. I'm always tapping the screen through the underside of cardboard.
A friend of mine recently got a more expensive sort of Cardboard with better lenses and a headmount. I'm considering to get it. It was like 50 bucks or something, a lot cheaper than the Gear VR and with the S6 I think it'll be a really fun experiene. I'm still doubting as I hope Project Morpheus will soon get a releasedate. Would love to play Project Cars with that.
cheethoe said:
I'm having issues with the location of the magnet button for the s6, the button being on the left or right side doesn't work for me, it has to be on the top or bottom of the cardboard if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no issues with my magnetic button. Works like charm on the S6 and is located properly for me.
I have a dodocase and it is a huge improvement over my 2013 motox. The only downside I have found is the home button sits right on the cardboard edge when closed and so sometimes it hits it when the case flexes a bit. I have a Colorcross coming tomorrow which has larger fov lenses and headstraps so I am hoping for a better experience. I did notice the VR cinemas aren't drifting with the s6 like they did with my motox.
derWolf_ said:
I have no issues with my magnetic button. Works like charm on the S6 and is located properly for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is your magnetic button on your cardboard? I've even tried waving a bare magnet over the top and bottom of my phone with no luck. Do you have the s6 or the s6 edge?
cheethoe said:
Where is your magnetic button on your cardboard? I've even tried waving a bare magnet over the top and bottom of my phone with no luck. Do you have the s6 or the s6 edge?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My magnetic button is on the left of the VR, hence on the top of the phone. I have the regular S6.
derWolf_ said:
My magnetic button is on the left of the VR, hence on the top of the phone. I have the regular S6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the S6 edge, I wonder if there is a difference in the location of the magnetometer
Thanks so much for the replies guys! I just got caught up with a bunch of threads and lost track of my own! Hehe
In terms of any games on cardboard...is the faster processor making the gaming smoother? Also in videos such as Paul McCartney would you guys say its a noticeable difference from the note 4?. That's really what I'm up in the air about. Either getting an s6 or a note 4. Vr is the main thing I'm interested in with the added bonus of a phone hehe (till oculus or HTC vive release)
I have the s6 as well, but magnet doesnt work at all for me... otherwise really good experience!
[edit - the magnet does work - I didnt realise you had to flick it rather than hold]
spikeyl said:
I have the s6 as well, but magnet doesnt work at all for me... otherwise really good experience!
[edit - the magnet does work - I didnt realise you had to flick it rather than hold]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EXACTLY the same thing here. I was so nervous it didn't work. Then I just flicked it as I wanted to... Actually I don't know what I wanted to do with that.
Then it worked... It was just like: "Ohh, come on!"
Ot really is a great thing when using the cardboard app. The only thing I hate is when my phone slips when I don't secure it. Other than that it's really great.
Sent from my SM-G920F

Nexus 6 camera is magnetic?!

So I just grabbed my phone and saw a staple attached to my camera lens! Somehow the camera appeared to be magnetic right on the lens!
Now I'm worried a little bit because this could potentially scratch the lens since it's attracting ferromagnetic metals.
Is it common or just happens to be only my unit?
Mine is the same, I think is the stabilization system that uses electromagnets. Or the auto-focus...
I use a magnetic car mount and if place it too high it will start distorting the camera. I now understand why
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
kekinash said:
Mine is the same, I think is the stabilization system that uses electromagnets. Or the auto-focus...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Didn't think the magnet would be so strong in that little camera unit.
Nexus 5 had the same issues.
Most phones have a magnet around the camera, they also make this little magnetic len's to add filters and zoom, not sure if they are even being made anymore, i just remember them on the OG Evo.
kekinash said:
Mine is the same, I think is the stabilization system that uses electromagnets. Or the auto-focus...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct on both. Permanent magnets, and voice coils are used for near instant precision placement of the sensor, and lens.
Riktar said:
I use a magnetic car mount and if place it too high it will start distorting the camera. I now understand why
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first nexus 6 was damaged somehow and u believe it was caused by my magnetic car mount. Is thinking it was related to the magnets used for the wireless charging but I'm not sure. The screen started getting distortion and after a few days was no longer displaying anything but slight background colors.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
gkyoungg said:
My first nexus 6 was damaged somehow and u believe it was caused by my magnetic car mount. Is thinking it was related to the magnets used for the wireless charging but I'm not sure. The screen started getting distortion and after a few days was no longer displaying anything but slight background colors.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no magnets for wireless charging. It's a copper coil. Your issue has nothing to do with magnets. Sounds like having it sit in the heat on a car mount ruined your screen.
Never left nexus 6 in the car. Also my og moto x has been sitting in this car for ~4 months either in the dash mount or center console since I use it as gps for work. Still rocks like the day I got it almost 3 years ago...
I bought the nexus 6 used from swappa, no idea why it fried but I had a suspicion. Looks like I need to go deeper.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Likely what happened in the previous owners hands then. Heat murders these things. They can handle their own heat, but external heat is terrible for them.
Happens on the bottom of the phone too. I find it less likely to be the camera and alot more likely to be the big speaker magnet directly on the other side of it.
The camera len has magnet.Because it has OIS
graydiggy said:
There are no magnets for wireless charging. It's a copper coil. Your issue has nothing to do with magnets. Sounds like having it sit in the heat on a car mount ruined your screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When current is passed though a coil of wire it creates a magnetic field. It's how electro magnets, electronic motors, and how wireless charging works.
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/DC/DC_14.html
How wireless charging works: http://www.livescience.com/50536-what-is-wireless-charging.html
Luxferro said:
When current is passed though a coil of wire it creates a magnetic field. It's how electro magnets, electronic motors, and how wireless charging works.
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/DC/DC_14.html
How wireless charging works: http://www.livescience.com/50536-what-is-wireless-charging.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, but the magnetic field power is negligible. And it's not actually a magnet. Just a tiny field of magnetic energy. I am very familiar with induction and inductive charging.

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