Related
Something I just noiced, figured i'd share with the class.
So you don't miss awesome **** like I did.
So I have a competitive racing rc car (team assocoated sc10) I built a ramp to jump the car over my civic. One last time before I sold the motor out of it for something with a little less power. (65 mph in a 7 pound car is a little excessive for off road short course racing.) So I setup my phone on highest res possible to record it doing a few jumps and speed runs and one last one over my car...long ways. Started recording set the phone up so it could view everything while I walked away. Did everything, and actually hit the jump over my car and landed flawlessly. (+10 pts for style). Could never ever do it like that again. When I was done I hit the pause button instead of stop then pressed the back button...sure enough I lost all that video, and didn't realize it until after the guy came and got my motor and batteries that I was selling him :-(
Moral of the story: use stop instead of pause/back. That seems like a bug to me. A very sad and disappointing bug.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Thanks for the tip.
And wow. That really sucks.
I figured that out too, really a dumb feature IMO
Figured that out from day one but that sucks nonetheless. Accept my condolences mate.
I just bought the last Gear VR in Portland. While I expected it to be cool, nothing could prepare me for the actual experience. It is the single most immersive experience I've ever had, as it should be, it is truly mind blowing. If anyone has any questions about it, don't hesitate to ask.
Useful info/links-
Tried and tested bluetooth game controller, flawless operation with Gear VR- http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FB5RBJM
A great collection on indie games- https://vrjam.devpost.com/submissions
Unboxing video and first impressions, care of @AndyCr15- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64510072
Video review, care of @AndyCr15- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=6460134
How to view your own movies, 3D and 180 degree VR- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64750751
To use non-Gear VR games and apps (ie. Google Cardboard)
Download Package Disabler Pro (Samsung) from the Play Store- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ospolice.packagedisablerpro
Open the three-dot menu and choose "Show System" and then find "Gear VR Service" and disable it. This will prevent the phone from detevting the headset and automatically opening the Oculus app. You can now use the non-Gear VR apps and games. Be sure to re-enable it before trying to use Gear VR apps.
I would only be interested in movies and TV shows. How does that work? I recommend you visit reddit gearvr subreddit. They have a ton of information.
Brava27 said:
I would only be interested in movies and TV shows. How does that work? I recommend you visit reddit gearvr subreddit. They have a ton of information.
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Movies are NUTS. It puts you into one of 5 or 6 theater settings where you legit feel like you are watching a movie at a cinema or home theater. You look around and there are seats and wall decor, it's CRAZY. There is also an option to do away with all the flash and just watch a movie which is what I prefer, and it is still amazing. That is the primary reason I bought it, for movies on the plane when I travel. Couldn't be happier so far.
The game Gunjack is seriously the most intense thing I think I've ever experienced. After about 5 minutes I am seriously THERE, and I can't begin to describe what this is like. It's breathtaking. Literally. I was legit out of breath when I took a break. And believe me, I NEEDED that break. Anybody with a modicum of imagination would get sucked into this thing and just be floored by it all. This is EASILY the best $100 I have ever spent in my entire life.
Yes specially insurgent high quality experience was awesome which available in MILK VR
Rather than make a new thread, I'll join yours, I hope you do't mind. I got mine a week back -
It really is an amazing experience. I guess what impresses me so much is how responsive it it. There's zero lag. None at all. I think this is key to the immersion, you really do feel like you're there. I watched a rapper on stage, from just at the front of the stage, for the first few seconds, I honestly expected people in the crowd around me to be looking at me, wondering what I was doing up there!
Gunjack is great, but for me a little simple. I'm looking forward to what games can be like within this thing.
Ocean Rift seems to be a favourite for showing the device off to relatives and friends over the Christmas period. I don't think anyone has failed to be blown away buy it.
The only problem I have is the lenses misting up for the first 5 minutes or so as they raise in temperature. Apparently some anti mist cleaner will help with this.
For me, I always have a top end phone, but have often wondered if I need various aspects -
High PPI count. Well yes, now I do. Even with the Note 5's high count, you can see pixels. I want higher!
Octa core CPU. Do I really need octacore in a phone?! Well yes, now I do, it keeps it lag free.
Fast charging. I used to charge overnight and not really need fast charging or wireless where I can drop the phone down and keep it topped up. Now I do. Watching an hour TV show can burn 25-30%. Being able to boost back up in a few minutes or keep it topped up through the day with wireless is really useful.
What phone model and firmware are you on? Just got my Gear VR and my phone is not compatible (N920G).
In what way isn't it compatible? I have a N920C myself.
When you connect the phone to the headset you should be prompted to install the Gear App. Mine doesn't. The "driver" for the Gear VR is bundled with the firmware. Mine is a 5.1..1 build from August N920GUBU1AOH6. Will you check your build number. It will not make a difference to me because you have a different model.
AndyCr15 said:
Rather than make a new thread, I'll join yours, I hope you do't mind. I got mine a week back -
It really is an amazing experience. I guess what impresses me so much is how responsive it it. There's zero lag. None at all. I think this is key to the immersion, you really do feel like you're there. I watched a rapper on stage, from just at the front of the stage, for the first few seconds, I honestly expected people in the crowd around me to be looking at me, wondering what I was doing up there!
Gunjack is great, but for me a little simple. I'm looking forward to what games can be like within this thing.
Ocean Rift seems to be a favourite for showing the device off to relatives and friends over the Christmas period. I don't think anyone has failed to be blown away buy it.
The only problem I have is the lenses misting up for the first 5 minutes or so as they raise in temperature. Apparently some anti mist cleaner will help with this.
For me, I always have a top end phone, but have often wondered if I need various aspects -
High PPI count. Well yes, now I do. Even with the Note 5's high count, you can see pixels. I want higher!
Octa core CPU. Do I really need octacore in a phone?! Well yes, now I do, it keeps it lag free.
Fast charging. I used to charge overnight and not really need fast charging or wireless where I can drop the phone down and keep it topped up. Now I do. Watching an hour TV show can burn 25-30%. Being able to boost back up in a few minutes or keep it topped up through the day with wireless is really useful.
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I said the same thing to my buddy about the absolutely ZERO lag. The head tracking on this thing is phenomemal. I have been using it for the last 5 hours straight and I still can't believe what my freaking cell phone is capable of.
Agreed about the pixel density. I have a OnePlus 2 with a 1080p screen, I can't image how bad the screen door effect would be with that thing. I'm still going to buy a high end headset to use with it though so I can check out google cardboard stuff. With the Gear VR there's a really frustrating trade off- use an S6 and have a smaller screen but higher ppi, or the Note 5 with the larger screen but lower ppi. Thankfully the immersion is so effective that after a few minutes the screen door effect no longer bothers me.
Yeah Gunjack is simple, but I am an old school gamer and haven't played any current generation games, so simple works fairly well for me. I am obsessed with any media that has to do with space and space colonization, so orbiting a giant planet with a massive space station behind me while shooting down baddies is right up my alley. Ever here of Star Citizen? It looks amazing and has me wanting to buy a gaming rig and oculus headset so I can come close to living my dream lol.
Get yourself some Jaws Quick Spit. It's meant for scuba divers and supposedly does wonders for preventing fogging. I have some on order, haven't tried it yet. In the meantime, just use a little saliva. I'm an old diver so believe me when I tell you that spit is the #1 way to prevent fog. Yes, I did use my saliva in the Gear VR and it did not fog at all for the 5 hours I was using it. It did fog up near instantly before I spit in it so the spit definitely works.
pakalrtb said:
What phone model and firmware are you on? Just got my Gear VR and my phone is not compatible (N920G).
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N920A on latest. All variants are compatible so you must have something going on. Are you rooted/ROM'd? That might have something to do with it.
There's plenty discussion on reddit about incompatible firmwares.
https://m.reddit.com/r/GearVR/comments/3vlluu/gear_vr_not_working_with_note5_no_setup_wizard/
Just read about using Package Disabler to be able to use Google Cardboard games and apps with the Gear VR, and it worked beautifully. Too bad Cardboard is nowhere near as sophisticated as Gear VR. Every game or app I tried was incredibly jerky and laggy and I started to get dizzy after about two minutes. That's a testament to how amazing Gear VR is- 5 hours and no fatigue, dizziness, or headache. I had all three with Cardboard in less than five minutes. Man am I glad I bought the Note.
_MetalHead_ said:
Just read about using Package Disabler to be able to use Google Cardboard games and apps with the Gear VR, and it worked beautifully. Too bad Cardboard is nowhere near as sophisticated as Gear VR. Every game or app I tried was incredibly jerky and laggy and I started to get dizzy after about two minutes. That's a testament to how amazing Gear VR is- 5 hours and no fatigue, dizziness, or headache. I had all three with Cardboard in less than five minutes. Man am I glad I bought the Note.
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That's correct. i never felt any lag nor headache while using gear vr even after using it for countless hours...
Success! I was finally able to flash a stock ROM that is supporting the Gear VR N920GUBU1AOJ4. Man this thing is awesome. These are my initial thoughts :
- agree with other users that with these headsets even 1080p seems basic. Bring on the 16K!
- reorientation only works on the horizontal axis. I would have liked to be able to adjust the vertical axis as well so to watch a movie laying down on a bed/sofa
- hardware wise I'd like the possibility to adjust the optics distance in order to have a perfect match with your eyes.
All in all this headset surpassed my expectations and I see it a very bright future for them.
pakalrtb said:
Success! I was finally able to flash a stock ROM that is supporting the Gear VR N920GUBU1AOJ4. Man this thing is awesome. These are my initial thoughts :
- agree with other users that with these headsets even 1080p seems basic. Bring on the 16K!
- reorientation only works on the horizontal axis. I would have liked to be able to adjust the vertical axis as well so to watch a movie laying down on a bed/sofa
- hardware wise I'd like the possibility to adjust the optics distance in order to have a perfect match with your eyes.
All in all this headset surpassed my expectations and I see it a very bright future for them.
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Nice, glad it was something simple. Yeah I have terrible eye sight, and one eye is far worse than the other. I'm also a stubborn bastard who refuses to wear glasses. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't individual lens adjustment but we gotta be realistic, this thing was $100 (I actually think the build quality leaves much to be desired). But that said, with the adjustment it does have I have no problems dialing in a nice, sharp image and weird enough, my bad eye can see the screen a LOT better than I expected, astigmatism notwithstanding.
I just picked one up today. Doesn't work with MOAR & skyhigh 3.0 (Sprint). Just flashed the factory OK3 firmware via odin & waiting on my phone to boot so I can get this thing working
Waiting on all these stupid ass samsung apps to finish downloading, gotta debloat this thing.....again
The Gear VR was very interesting to use, but I could not get over how pixelated it was.
ksantangelo23 said:
The Gear VR was very interesting to use, but I could not get over how pixelated it was.
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Eh, that stopped bothering me in under 3 minutes. Keep it in perspective- it's $99.
_MetalHead_ said:
Nice, glad it was something simple..
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Simple?!! It took me 40 hours, endless web searches, infinite slow downloads, a couple soft bricks and 4 different firmware before iI was able to pull it off.
Glad I did it though.
Couole more thing : the implementation of vocal commands and a headphone plug would make the Gear VR a killer.
As in the title, anybody have loads of glue residue on the screen after taking off the screen plastic?
Got mine today and have just spent an hour getting it all off, though there's still residue left. I've never experienced this before on a new phone.
meangreenie said:
As in the title, anybody have loads of glue residue on the screen after taking off the screen plastic?
Got mine today and have just spent an hour getting it all off, though there's still residue left. I've never experienced this before on a new phone.
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That sucks. Sounds like it spent some time in a hot environment that made the adhesive gooey. I hope that doesn't happen with mine (when I get one).
benjmiester said:
That sucks. Sounds like it spent some time in a hot environment that made the adhesive gooey. I hope that doesn't happen with mine (when I get one).
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Yeah, a bit disappointing, it took that new phone feeling away a bit. On the plus side though, now I've played around with the phone, I'm really enjoying it. It's very fast and I've not come across any bugs so far.
meangreenie said:
Yeah, a bit disappointing, it took that new phone feeling away a bit. On the plus side though, now I've played around with the phone, I'm really enjoying it. It's very fast and I've not come across any bugs so far.
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Yeah, that's no fun. Good news on the rest though. How is the cell signal? That was my big concern with the Axon 7. Actually my current motoXP gets pretty mediocre reception and GPS signal losses too. I heard battery life was just epic. One reviewer got 11 hours of SOT!! I'll be happy if I can even manage half of that with one given the heavy navigation I use daily.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA-Developers mobile app
benjmiester said:
Yeah, that's no fun. Good news on the rest though. How is the cell signal? That was my big concern with the Axon 7. Actually my current motoXP gets pretty mediocre reception and GPS signal losses too. I heard battery life was just epic. One reviewer got 11 hours of SOT!! I'll be happy if I can even manage half of that with one given the heavy navigation I use daily.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA-Developers mobile app
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So far no trouble with signal, on EE in the UK, but not gone anywhere atm. I want to test wifi notifications when it's deep sleep, because the max 2 has trouble with that.
No problem with mine. Every thing perfect until now.
I guess mine was one off since no one else reporting it, I've certainly not seen it before. It's almost as the plastic screen protector was re glued on.
meangreenie said:
I guess mine was one off since no one else reporting it, I've certainly not seen it before. It's almost as the plastic screen protector was re glued on.
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Nice to hear that you enjoy your new device!
As the specs and the price are really astonishing, I am also thinking about ordering it. For me only one question is left open: does the Le Pro 3 really have a NFC chip (like stated in the specs)?
Could you maybe just shortly try to install any NFC reader app (like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nxp.taginfolite) and test if it works? (I am a developer working with NFC, so missing NFC would be a deal-breaker for me.)
Many thanks in advance!
androcheck said:
Nice to hear that you enjoy your new device!
As the specs and the price are really astonishing, I am also thinking about ordering it. For me only one question is left open: does the Le Pro 3 really have a NFC chip (like stated in the specs)?
Could you maybe just shortly try to install any NFC reader app (like https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nxp.taginfolite) and test if it works? (I am a developer working with NFC, so missing NFC would be a deal-breaker for me.)
Many thanks in advance!
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Good morning. I have installed that app in my phone. It sais to turn my NFC. I did It and now It opens but i have no idea how to use It or work. If only was to open the app, yes It opens.
Yes NFC seems to work, I shared a web page with another phone.
sytayeth said:
Good morning. I have installed that app in my phone. It sais to turn my NFC. I did It and now It opens but i have no idea how to use It or work. If only was to open the app, yes It opens.
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meangreenie said:
Yes NFC seems to work, I shared a web page with another phone.
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Thanks to both of you!
@sytayeth: using the Taginfo app you just installed you can try to read any NFC capable smartcards (for example: tap'n'pay banking cards, or wireless access cards, etc.). Just take any NFC card and hold it to the back of your phone while the app is opened. Also if you have 2 NFC capable Android phones you can send the content displayed on one device to the other, just by holding them close to each other (back to back).
"NFC" stands for near field communication and is a wireless standard for small distances, usually only a few centimeters.
Btw, is there anywhere any ROM for this phone available for download? I would like to unpack it and check which NFC drivers it uses (to find out which NFC chipset they use).
[update]
I already found 2 download links to two different ROMs here on XDA (and looked into them):
Chinese/English Stock ROM
A shop ROM apparently packed by grossoshop.net (according to the link-URL and the included bootscreen)
[/update]
I've read a lot of mixed info about it, including severe overheating, massive battery drain, limited functionality, etc. But those reviews were all old and for the Pixel/XL.
Has anyone here tried it out with the Axon 7 that can give their opinion on it? I've been considering it, now that Nougat is finally available, but at $113 CAD (yay taxes) that's a steep price for what appears to be a piece of cloth with bluetooth mini remote. As far as I know all the sensors and processing hardware are in the phone itself, unlike Samsung's VR headsets.
Cyrus D. said:
I've read a lot of mixed info about it, including severe overheating, massive battery drain, limited functionality, etc. But those reviews were all old and for the Pixel/XL.
Has anyone here tried it out with the Axon 7 that can give their opinion on it? I've been considering it, now that Nougat is finally available, but at $113 CAD (yay taxes) that's a steep price for what appears to be a piece of cloth with bluetooth mini remote. As far as I know all the sensors and processing hardware are in the phone itself, unlike Samsung's VR headsets.
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I have a daydream view and have been playing with it for a few weeks now. At first, it was underwhelming. A lot of the apps available are really gimicky. But, after taking the time to find apps that would suit me, I have really enjoyed it. I got the headset for 49 dollars when they went on sale recently, and I still feel like that price is a stretch. You are right, it really is just a couple of pieces of glass, cloth, and a bluetooth remote. There is a workaround, where you can use another phone as the remote and just use google cardboard for the viewing device. I did that at first, but it was difficult to use the phone as a controller, since you don't have the tactile feel of the buttons. As far as the phone goes, it gets pretty warm, Once, I made it to 53 degrees celsius. But, it didn't shut the phone down and that was a one-time thing. It hasn't been super warm since. I don't know if that helps.
BJHiltbrand said:
I have a daydream view and have been playing with it for a few weeks now. At first, it was underwhelming. A lot of the apps available are really gimicky. But, after taking the time to find apps that would suit me, I have really enjoyed it. I got the headset for 49 dollars when they went on sale recently, and I still feel like that price is a stretch. You are right, it really is just a couple of pieces of glass, cloth, and a bluetooth remote. There is a workaround, where you can use another phone as the remote and just use google cardboard for the viewing device. I did that at first, but it was difficult to use the phone as a controller, since you don't have the tactile feel of the buttons. As far as the phone goes, it gets pretty warm, Once, I made it to 53 degrees celsius. But, it didn't shut the phone down and that was a one-time thing. It hasn't been super warm since. I don't know if that helps.
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It does help, thanks. But I'm wondering, how long were you typical sessions, and what were you running?
Cyrus D. said:
It does help, thanks. But I'm wondering, how long were you typical sessions, and what were you running?
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I usually use it for 45 minutes to an hour. I really have just been playing around with all sorts of apps. Most of those sessions were in the Netflix VR app and in a game called Archer E. Bowman. I have also used it for non-daydream apps like litchi for flying my phantom drone. Interestingly enough, the time that the phone got really hot, I had it plugged in and was using a non-daydream app (roller coaster VR).
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using XDA Free mobile app
BJHiltbrand said:
I usually use it for 45 minutes to an hour. I really have just been playing around with all sorts of apps. Most of those sessions were in the Netflix VR app and in a game called Archer E. Bowman. I have also used it for non-daydream apps like litchi for flying my phantom drone. Interestingly enough, the time that the phone got really hot, I had it plugged in and was using a non-daydream app (roller coaster VR).
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using XDA Free mobile app
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Well it's not surprising at all that your phone was overheating considering you had it plugged in while using an app, nearly any phone would become really hot if you do that. These fast charging methods all (aside from Oppo/OnePlus's Dash Charging) do the voltage conversion in the phone, it's mind boggling how stupid that is, and yet that's how they work. Another thing that's infuriating to even think about is the internal design if you know what it is. I've seen an A7 taken apart and... it uses the BATTERY as a heatsink, yes the battery, the thing that degrades and loses maximum charge due to heat. The heat pipe is set up in a way to basically pass the SoC's heat directly to the battery.
So overall I guess what you're saying is good news, 45-60 mins typical usage and only overheating while having it plugged in is far better than all the reports I've seen about the Pixel/XL while using VR. Thanks once again.
I watched a two hour movie in two sessions, one with the phone plugged into a battery pack. It got warm, but nothing out of the ordinary. I would suggest the Full-size VR app for web browsing and viewing movies on the SD card.
The headset is definitely worth the money but the phone's power button is placed in the worst position possible - something that's true just for holding in the right hand as well!
got ours yesterday. Pretty interesting. very much in its infancy tho but you can see the potential. I agree about power button placement is a slight issue.
phone does get very warm. phone gave a warning once. I removed the case and that seemed to help. NOt really a big deal
I got the headset a couple of days ago because of the Nougat update, I've used it for playing games like need for speed VR and watching videos with YouTube VR and Skybox, also hooked it up to my PC to stream VR Games with trinus VR and such.
As someone who only had the original cardboard and then a cheap plastic headset, I'm in love with daydream, it doesn't compare at all to any full size VR like the Oculus or PlayStation VR but the quality is pretty good for a $50 device, I think it's worth it at this price.
On the performance side I was also worried because I've read the reviews and issues with the pixels but I have to say I'm amazed with the axon, it does get hot after a while but never had performance decrease, just a notification about the battery being hot, 53c (127f) was the highest I've had and that was after more than an hour of continuous VR usage. I was surprised that the phone cools down very quickly after exiting VR, ZTE has some great thermal management in this CPU, battery lasts long enough for my sessions of VR I've been getting like %25 drain for almost an hour in VR, so enough to watch a movie if at half battery most likely, but with QC 3.0 this is a none issue for me. People forget your phone is blasting away at full brightness, rendering 3D scenes with 3D positional audio while tracking every sensor and keeping an active low latency Bluetooth connection, NFC, a Cellphone connection and an Internet connection . I think it's pretty amazing.
Well there's only a single company selling the thing on Amazon which I never heard of but I said screw it and ordered it because there was only 1 white one left and it's my last day of Amazon Prime. Hopefully it doesn't stain too easily... and Xposed arrives soon because I'm not upgrading to Nougat until it does.
adampdx said:
I watched a two hour movie in two sessions, one with the phone plugged into a battery pack. It got warm, but nothing out of the ordinary. I would suggest the Full-size VR app for web browsing and viewing movies on the SD card.
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Sorry I'm not sure what you're referring to when you say Full-size VR app, as I said I'm waiting on Xposed before upgrading to Nougat so I can't install Daydream apps yet.
BritSwedeGuy said:
The headset is definitely worth the money but the phone's power button is placed in the worst position possible - something that's true just for holding in the right hand as well!
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chamilun said:
got ours yesterday. Pretty interesting. very much in its infancy tho but you can see the potential. I agree about power button placement is a slight issue.
phone does get very warm. phone gave a warning once. I removed the case and that seemed to help. NOt really a big deal
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Can't it just be placed in upside down so the strap doesn't press the power button?
rpsgrayfox said:
I got the headset a couple of days ago because of the Nougat update, I've used it for playing games like need for speed VR and watching videos with YouTube VR and Skybox, also hooked it up to my PC to stream VR Games with trinus VR and such.
As someone who only had the original cardboard and then a cheap plastic headset, I'm in love with daydream, it doesn't compare at all to any full size VR like the Oculus or PlayStation VR but the quality is pretty good for a $50 device, I think it's worth it at this price.
On the performance side I was also worried because I've read the reviews and issues with the pixels but I have to say I'm amazed with the axon, it does get hot after a while but never had performance decrease, just a notification about the battery being hot, 53c (127f) was the highest I've had and that was after more than an hour of continuous VR usage. I was surprised that the phone cools down very quickly after exiting VR, ZTE has some great thermal management in this CPU, battery lasts long enough for my sessions of VR I've been getting like %25 drain for almost an hour in VR, so enough to watch a movie if at half battery most likely, but with QC 3.0 this is a none issue for me. People forget your phone is blasting away at full brightness, rendering 3D scenes with 3D positional audio while tracking every sensor and keeping an active low latency Bluetooth connection, NFC, a Cellphone connection and an Internet connection . I think it's pretty amazing.
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Thanks for the detailed info. 53C should be perfectly fine, funny that's exactly what the first person reported as well. It's really high for a mobile device, but it shouldn't be dangerous... at least I hope the battery isn't that sensitive, because as I said they use the battery as a heatsink.
Sorry, autocorrect. Fulldive app. I even changed that twice.
Well I received mine today and there's still no sign of Nougat Xposed so I just used it without Daydream and I have to say:
Cons:
- The lenses are tiny and not adjustable, I was really hoping for better lenses since that's basically the entire cost of this thing.
- It's not exactly the most comfortable thing in the world, the strap sucks, it really needed to a top strap.
- It's designed for some sort of giant Neanderthal nose, it has so much room it could fit 2 of my noses in it.
- Putting the phone in upside doesn't always work since it can hit the volume button that way instead of power button, that and not all apps flip upside down.
- The "Snow White"/light gray looks nothing like the pictures, it's straight up grey.
Neutral:
- No app works perfectly well for it that I've seen yet, I might be forced to wait for Nougat/Daydream apps (I tried installing the apk, won't install on 6.0.1).
- The remote does nothing on 6.0.1 aside from connect.
Pros:
- The lenses are clear enough especially compared to the garbage plastic lenses others use, and it works for my eyes despite not being adjustable.
- Despite the sucky strap the fact that it's lighter than plastic models makes up a lot in the comfort department. That tiny difference in weight makes the device usable with that subpar strap.
Tl;DR - For a $100 device I expected a lot better quality, but this might be the best that can be had for the Axon 7, I guess I'm stuck waiting on Nougat Xposed until I find out just how good this thing is.
adampdx said:
Sorry, autocorrect. Fulldive app. I even changed that twice.
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Fulldive is awkward and doesn't work for me. When you hold one position to select something, it doesn't work for whatever reason when I have the phone inserted in the DD View, it just does the loop/circle then nothing happens. If I have the phone out of headset then it works. Either way it doesn't seem like an easy to use app.
Cyrus D. said:
Tl;DR - For a $100 device I expected a lot better quality, but this might be the best that can be had for the Axon 7, I guess I'm stuck waiting on Nougat Xposed until I find out just how good this thing is.
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I'm sorry that you've had a poor experience. I paid $50 for mine and find it comfortable, easy to wear for long periods of time, and the Daydream app performs very well. Fulldive is awkward, but once I learned how to properly use it, it made a world of difference.
Hi, I'm really happy there is a discussion to the Daydream headset. I'm also sceptical on the quality (sure is better than cardboard...), but another thing is that besides the controller, I don't understand what's the hype about it? Seems pretty average, no top strap..
I'm also looking to get some VR for the Axon, however the ones that I've seen are really not optimal - all of them press either volume or in most cases the power button. I guess that the ZTE VR won't really be produced now with the Daydream support (or available to get in another way), so are there any feasible alternatives?
Hi. Does anybody have these problems with Daydream? Initial tiles doesn't load properly and install button on VR Play Store doesn't appear...
Please everyone interested in daydream on LOS vote for this bug https://jira.lineageos.org/projects/BUGBASH/issues/BUGBASH-284?filter=allopenissues
I have one, it's alright. No deal breakers, but it's not great either.
In terms of software, The apps are just not there yet. There are a ton of video portals, unfinished game demos, and apps that we already knew from Cardboard, and honestly not much else. I hear Samsung Gear VR has a much richer set of apps, so Daydream really needs to catch up. Add to that the Lineage OS issues (mentioned above), which exclude Daydream from working properly with LOS-based ROMs., and the software situation is not great. I think we need to give it some time.
In terms of hardware, it works but is quirky. Lack of a top strap is not great, leads to most people over-tightening the rear strap. The optics are okay, not great, with a 90 degree field of view - Better than most Cardboard clones, but well below dedicated headsets, or even Samsung Gear VR. Light can leak in from the back, but you can stuff a tissue or something between the side and the face pad to compensate. It's light and fairly comfortable, though, and gets the job done.
The remote works well, and the idea of putting a trackpad in your hand that can sense both taps and clicks, plus a pointer, gives you a lot to work with. It drifts, though, which means you'll be using that recenter function a lot.
Overall, while it may sound like I really don't like it, VR is really cool, and Daydream, for $50 (on sale), is a great way to jump into it. Just bear in mind that it feels like a promising beta more than a finished product.
To answer some of the questions and concerns in this thread:
The power button on the Axon 7 isn't really an issue. No, you usually can't put the phone in upside-down - Some apps will tell you to flip it when you try, others will have glitches like InMind 2 having upside down subtitles. Instead, just pull the latching band to the left a bit as you secure the phone, and it will clear the power button no problem. I believe the latest stock firmware disregards power button long-press when in Daydream mode, too, so there's that too.
Overheating is somewhat of an issue. If you use Daydream for gaming for an hour straight, yeah the phone gets hot - 63C or so is the highest I've seen, and I use the included case which may trap in more heat too. It hasn't been a problem affecting performance, and while the battery does drain fast, it's not really draining faster than you would with a more traditional game.
I'm actually surprised at how little battery is used considering the heat it puts out.
I like it. I think it works smooth. Mostly good for watching movies or shows. Not a lot of games available.
Note: It exacerbates the Do Not Disturb issue. It, just like the schedule, can turn it on but can't turn it off. Disable the access to prevent the issue.
BJHiltbrand said:
I usually use it for 45 minutes to an hour. I really have just been playing around with all sorts of apps. Most of those sessions were in the Netflix VR app and in a game called Archer E. Bowman. I have also used it for non-daydream apps like litchi for flying my phantom drone. Interestingly enough, the time that the phone got really hot, I had it plugged in and was using a non-daydream app (roller coaster VR).
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using XDA Free mobile app
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Hi, were you able to fly your DJI drone in VR with the google daydream? I have looked everywhere on the web for answers but couldn't find anything!
I picked this device up as a impulse buy to replace my Note 8 and even though there was quite a lot of negative talk about this phone mostly for the software I have to say I don't regret my purchase in terms of why I bought it. I was considering the Z Fold 2, but couldn't justify wasting THAT much money for something I'd most likely break just using it (screen). Anyway, the Duo has been a great multitasking device so far. The only area I'm highly disappointed by is not so much the crappy potato camera, but the fact 1. it takes soooo long to deploy the camera ready to take one. 2. the gigantic f$%&ing delay when taking a picture vs when the camera shutter sound signifies it took a picture. I'm hoping that future updates resolve this phones issues although it sounds like there hasn't been much attention given other than this past January... At any rate, I've bought a few things to improve the usability of this phone. Magnetic usb-c cable for charging and data transfer (miss Qi charging...) and added screen protectors. Finally made some vinyl overlays for the outsides and used CF for grip although negated when the screens are folded open.
Looking forward to receiving mine next week to finally try dual screen. Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Note 10 I've been using for the last year or so, particularly for battery life. Also heard it doesn't support ARCore which will be disappointing as was key to one of the main uses I wanted this phone for.
Pretty cool
A lot better build than any of the Folds...
wez_p said:
Looking forward to receiving mine next week to finally try dual screen. Will be interesting to see how it compares to the Note 10 I've been using for the last year or so, particularly for battery life. Also heard it doesn't support ARCore which will be disappointing as was key to one of the main uses I wanted this phone for.
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Honestly, I think you'll be disappointed straight away. You'll have to forget most of what you expect a android phone, much less a phone to be and learn how to navigate Microsoft's version of Android and a duel screen (not all Microsoft's fault and the nature of duel screens). With that said if you get comfortable enough with how they want you to do things you may start to love it more than any single screen phone and not want to go back. While I feel pretty adjusted and comfortable with using it for what it is as I was intending. With that said I've run into a few situations where the Duo will just NOT replace a phone at least a flag ship like what I was used to with my Note 8. I don't know if this good or good enough, but I can take the Duo off the charger, go to work, have the bluetooth connected to my headset, playing video, screen at around 15% brightness, be browsing the net or social media at the same time the video is playing and after my 8 hr shift be at around 10-5% battery left. Or I can do a charge for about an hr and a half? and be at around 80 - 90%? Not sure what ARCore is. Let me know if you need any info or help, although in some ways still learning myself.
blackhawk said:
Pretty cool
A lot better build than any of the Folds...
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Thanks, I feel like I'd have wrecked the screen if I had a Fold. I'm not hard on devices, but I still expect it to hold up since I have to use touch so much to interact.
I've changed the outer protectors since this original post. Since I have the ability to make my own vinyl stuff I've been experimenting with a logo. The CF was too big and was peeling at the edges so I needed to adjust the size of the vinyl and cut a new one out. My laptop for comparison to cover the stock logo.
vipfreak said:
Thanks, I feel like I'd have wrecked the screen if I had a Fold. I'm not hard on devices, but I still expect it to hold up since I have to use touch so much to interact.
I've changed the outer protectors since this original post. Since I have the ability to make my own vinyl stuff I've been experimenting with a logo. The CF was too big and was peeling at the edges so I needed to adjust the size of the vinyl and cut a new one out. My laptop for comparison to cover the stock logo.
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Lol, the Folds are designed to self destruct like a Mission Impossible tape... brute force not needed
This isn't intended as a phone per se but I really like the way it's hinged and its conservative but innovative solid design.
A sharp micro laptop... Gene Roddenberry would have loved it.
I'm very interested to hear what your experiences are like with it. It a cool hybrid
blackhawk said:
This isn't intended as a phone per se but I really like the way it's hinged and its conservative but innovative solid design.
A sharp micro laptop... Gene Roddenberry would have loved it.
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Definitely agree. It's really nice hardware. Speaking of which I will watch re-runs of Star Trek TNG if it's on some times.
blackhawk said:
I'm very interested to hear what your experiences are like with it. It a cool hybrid
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My primary use case is in "Nintendo DS" view where I have a screen for video playback on top and then I'm browsing the net, social media, or games on the bottom screen. This is where I think it shines the most. My second use case is like regular phone with one screen mostly for ease of typing like replying to a text message. A cool use case that I haven't done all that much is book view where I have youtube open playing a video and doing whatever on the other screen. This view is primarily nice if I have music playing off of youtube because usually if you try to multi task and youtube will stop the music and close the app entirely. With the Duo I don't have to worry about youtube taking up the screen since I have a secondary one. Something a single screen can't do. Why don't I pay youtube? I'm cheap and part Chinese. lol...
Hi,
Well, given the massive price drop from Microsoft, I decided to go for one that I bought from the MS Store directly.
Openend the package and powered up the device. Well, first thing is you will probably have to wait for 30 minutes for the successive updates to apply... Not really nice on a device that still is 800€ after 50% rebate, but OK.
Once powered up and ready to go, the first impression is amazing. The build quality is about the best you can get. The displays despite what reviewers write, are splendid. And the "Duo" panels are just amazing. App are installed super fast (not sure what memory they used, but here is it indeed pretty fast) ; GPS is super accurate ; communnication areoud and clear and so that is all good
But unfortunately, that only last for some time... And then the problems arise :
- no Led or outter display : you don't have a watch. You'll have to grab the device and open it just to know what time it is. You got a notification ? Same thing just to see what arrived. Even worse : you get a phone call ? You have to grab your phone, open it, see who's calling... and half the times, you'll miss the call because you weren't fast enough !
- the hinges ? Superb piece of craftmanship. Honestly. They feel super solid. They have the exact balance between being stiff enough to allow the displays not to move by themselves but still not to be too difficult to operate and unfold. But once your device is open and if you display, say a webpage, in "full screen" (so on both displays) then you'll just have a gap and so some parts of the page won't be legible... I thought MS would have worked on a seamless displaying of the pages when in "full screen", but no. They went the easy route ;
- the way the dual display are working is totally confusing. When I launch an app, it sometimes will display on the left panel, sometimes the right one. Why ? No idea. But that is OKAY. A little more problematic : let's say that I am using my web browser in full screen (on both displays). I get a notification that I got an e-mail. I go to recents and check the mail, then go to recents again to go back to browser... it works, but will go back to single display, not "full screen", so I have to drag the slider again to have full screen. Maybe I would be able to live with that. But on my device, one of the displays randomly decides to power off. I have to close the Surface Duo and reopen it to get the second display back. That really doesn't fill me with confidence in durability :-(
- and then there is the battery. It's melting like snow in hot summer day. I am used to 5kAh batteries that last almost a week-end given my usage. I know MS wants to mimick some of Apple's features, but why taking the worst and choose the same battery power ? Here, playing a simple game like "Cody Cross" and I will be out of juice within 2h30...
I will not talk about other small glitches, like the MS launcher, which in the Surface Edition is simply a joke ; the fact that some apps will not work in the Surface ; the incredibly poor camera (I don't care, I don't use it but did they even gave a look at the smartphone reviews where the stupid reviewers can take away 1 full star out of 5 for a smartphone just because it's camera is not stellar ?) ; the lack of accessories (proof that it simply hasn't sold)... and some other details.
But the ones I described earlier will probably get me to send the Surface Duo back to MS.
Will wait until September 22 to do that.
Let's see what they'll release on Surface Duo 2...
Because I really would like to love it and justify spending 800€ on a smartphone !
Regards
I bought mine Amazon $419 just to play and get to know - it is a fun device - I couldn't justify the Fold 3 which I had been using contemplating. If I trade this in for a Duo 2 and get US $250+ it's all good.
It fast charges really quickly. It can get to 40C and yes it drains battery terribly.
Even SwiftKey seems buggy - whole thing is more prototype than a finished product - they should be paying us!
But I think I'll wait for Android 12 at this point. 11 is a great already a year old. Also the I like to wait 4-6 months anyway for the any issues.
Hi,
If the Surface Duo was sold in France for 400€, I'd keep it too
But best brand new price I've found here is 800€ (for 256GB model) unfortunately.
This is why keeping it is a question for me :-(