Database Users

Does the Xoom have a gyroscope sensor?

I couldn't find any info on that?

It does
http://wirelessfederation.com/news/tag/gyroscope/

Nice!! Thanks! It has a barometer too? I wonder what that could be used for?

Neo3D said:
Nice!! Thanks! It has a barometer too? I wonder what that could be used for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read somewhere that it would make weather predictions more accurate and perhaps some hobby meteorologist will get excited Apart from that I coudn't think what good it will do!

funnycreature said:
I read somewhere that it would make weather predictions more accurate and perhaps some hobby meteorologist will get excited Apart from that I coudn't think what good it will do!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's for accurately measuring your altitude without using GPS.
For example, a mall map app could know what floor you were on.

BHack said:
It's for accurately measuring your altitude without using GPS.
For example, a mall map app could know what floor you were on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure it's THAT sensitive?!??! I highly doubt that some 10 feet will have a different pressure especially since there's a more or less constant pressure via the HVAC. But I'm no expert!

Neo3D said:
Nice!! Thanks! It has a barometer too? I wonder what that could be used for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You know all those 3D buildings in Google maps, this sensor will reportedly tell you what FLOOR you're on. I dont think Google Maps has that sensor built in yet, but I'm sure they will soon.
It all helps more accurately tell your GPS position by altitude. If your on a small hill, the altitude will help the GPS better lock on your position. GPS is (x.y).. adding the barometer makes your position (x,y,z).
How accurate it will be, we'll soon see.

kenyu73 said:
You know all those 3D buildings in Google maps, this sensor will reportedly tell you what FLOOR you're on. I dont think Google Maps has that sensor built in yet, but I'm sure they will soon.
It all helps more accurately tell your GPS position by altitude. If your on a small hill, the altitude will help the GPS better lock on your position. GPS is (x.y).. adding the barometer makes your position (x,y,z).
How accurate it will be, we'll soon see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, GPS is XYZ. The problem though is that the Z is +/- a couple hundred feet which is not good enough to know what floor you are on.
Also, the barometer can give you altitude inside a building where a gps can't lock or will take too long to lock.

What about an app that autosets to airplane mode in case you forgot. That would be enough pressure.

[Q] Where's the proximity sensor?

Hello, just one simple question: where's proximity sensor in the A500/A501? I have the Acer flip case but if I close it the screen stays on... Should I enable it somewhere in the settings?

Are you referring to the ambient light sensor? If so, its on the top left bezel, between the volume rocker and the rotation lock. If you look at the black glass there in bright light, you will see a small dark spot, that is the sensor.
As for a setting, the screen will dim based on ambient light levels, not shut off. The setting for it is located by tapping the clock, then the settings button, then the word "auto" next to the brightness slider.
Was this post helpful? If so give thanks

The correct answer is a question... What proximity sensor?

this is driving me nut
the Acer case will always partially cover this one and the dispaly will fluctuate the brightness in random... ;(
pushing A500 firmly into the case solves for a while before happening again - think I need new case...

Based upon this site that contains the tech specs, http://gadgetian.com/10395/acer-iconia-tab-a501-specs-price, the A501 should contain a "proximity sensor to turn it on or off". Please note that if you google for "Acer iconia tab proximity sensor" you will get a number of results, so I doubt that it's just a mistake of one site.
So there's no way to turn the screen off while the tab is properly fitted in its sleeve?

Couldnt the light sensor be used as a proximity sensor? With software I mean.

I have checked my tablet from top to bottom and even made some sensor test to make sure that everything is working and I never saw a listing for a proximity sensor so I'm sure that we don't have one (or a barometer... that was also one of the things that was possible to test ).
@cd85233: Probably yes but I wonder what kind of impact it would have on the battery.

there is no proximity sensor on the A500 nor A501. refered to spec sheet and hardware implementation... unless they changed it since last release.
who told you so ?

Guys, there's an app called tasker. You can use that to tell the tablet to lock up when it receives less than 3 or so % light reading from the light sensor. It works great on the gtab. Still waiting for the case for my iconia to test it out.

sanaell said:
there is no proximity sensor on the A500 nor A501. refered to spec sheet and hardware implementation... unless they changed it since last release.
who told you so ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just google for "iconia tab proximity sensor", you'll get a bunch of results
Sent from my A501 using XDA App

still an ambient light sensor, not proximity sensor. As for if it could bbe used as one by software I'm not sure. For the case, look up roocases for the acer iconia on amazon. I have the folio multi-angle black n love it!

goodintentions said:
Guys, there's an app called tasker. You can use that to tell the tablet to lock up when it receives less than 3 or so % light reading from the light sensor. It works great on the gtab. Still waiting for the case for my iconia to test it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This works 100%. Just did it on my Iconia.
Set the trigger to be light between 0 and 5% and the action to be "Display"->System lock.
Let me know if you guys need help but this is easy and works AMAZINGLY. I don't know if more battery use occurs to poll the sensor though. Will report if I see it in the battery usage.
-cd85233

cm0901 said:
Just google for "iconia tab proximity sensor", you'll get a bunch of results
Sent from my A501 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google FLAT EARTH and you will get plenty of results -
Just because someone calls it that doesn't make them right.
Go ask a PC repairer how any times a customer has asked to have their hard drive partition fixed when what the customer means is something completely different. Meaning people often use what they think is technical jargon to imply knowledge they don't actually possess

cm0901 said:
Just google for "iconia tab proximity sensor", you'll get a bunch of results
Sent from my A501 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and if you enter the word 'unicorn' into google you'll also get a bunch of results. still doesn't mean they exist!

Ok, no need to attack Just asking, and just telling you from where my speculation came from Various sites lists it in the tech specs so I was trying to understand whether I have a faulty sensor or not. End of the story!

cm0901 said:
Ok, no need to attack Just asking, and just telling you from where my speculation came from Various sites lists it in the tech specs so I was trying to understand whether I have a faulty sensor or not. End of the story!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get it, now you know n its kinda like how one off the wall chinese tablet has a "gravity sensor". Is it an accelerometer? Gyroscope? Our does it merely sense the presence of gravity? Will the device go haywire if used in outer space? Who knows! Lol tech specs can be painfully vague and inaccurate. Especially on a company who can't even figure out to name the source code for their kernel something that doesn't make it look like a help file, THEN place it in the documentation portion of the site, good job Acer! Point being I get the confusion

tonyblack said:
and if you enter the word 'unicorn' into google you'll also get a bunch of results. still doesn't mean they exist!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL ...
Just enter that into XDA search... no need to go as far as Google ...hahaha !

Magnetic sensor FAIL

used *#0*# menu to test the magnetic sensor; selftest failed. Compass apps are WAY off. its also reading 270-280T in field strength across several apps. I can recalibrate it (mag field strength detected) via one app, but the compass itself is off by about 85 degrees. I have not exposed it to strong magnetic radiation, stuck it in a microwave, or anything like that.
warranty repair/replace?
Also gyro won't calibrate and lists failed as well

Slade8525 said:
used *#0*# menu to test the magnetic sensor; selftest failed. Compass apps are WAY off. its also reading 270-280T in field strength across several apps. I can recalibrate it (mag field strength detected) via one app, but the compass itself is off by about 85 degrees. I have not exposed it to strong magnetic radiation, stuck it in a microwave, or anything like that.
warranty repair/replace?
Also gyro won't calibrate and lists failed as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call samsung my vibration motor fell off inside and they are going to fix it for free
when i self test my gyro and magnetic sensor they both fail

Both of my sensor tests passed. Not sure what is going on with you guys devices but I would try to contact samsung about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

LeKtRiCzzz said:
Call samsung my vibration motor fell off inside and they are going to fix it for free
when i self test my gyro and magnetic sensor they both fail
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
damn that sucks! vibration works fine on mine
sharpehenry said:
Both of my sensor tests passed. Not sure what is going on with you guys devices but I would try to contact samsung about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks; i hope they either fix or replace with a new one; i dont want a refurb.

Mine also shows fail on both tests but my compass is dead on.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

my compass started working correctly again, but still says fail, and gyro says it needs calibration, which it now does calibrate, but still says fail
this is via the same menu system.

How can you tell if your compass is working
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Call one of your local AT&T stores your under a 1 year manufacture warranty. Im going in tomorrow and hopefully getting a new phone ima see if i can get the white version

LeKtRiCzzz said:
How can you tell if your compass is working
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
compass/magneto apps now correctly report 47-51t (magnetic field scale) and i tested it with another magnetometer, also tested the compass feature through several apps against a real compass, as well as gyro calibration against a sextant (yes i actually have one lol, had to learn how to use it though first) it is calibrated correctly to within 1/2 of a degree; good enough for now.
I have no idea how/why it fixed itself, but the sensor tests still report 'failed', so its going back regardless.
LeKtRiCzzz said:
Call one of your local AT&T stores your under a 1 year manufacture warranty. Im going in tomorrow and hopefully getting a new phone ima see if i can get the white version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would at&t be a better option to pursue, or samsung? i dont want a refurb, so leaning towards at&t. i haven't had to return a phone for warranty ever, and i dont want a refurb or repair. i take excellent care of my stuff; other than the sensor issue its perfect.

Slade8525 said:
compass/magneto apps now correctly report 47-51t (magnetic field scale) and i tested it with another magnetometer, also tested the compass feature through several apps against a real compass, as well as gyro calibration against a sextant (yes i actually have one lol, had to learn how to use it though first) it is calibrated correctly to within 1/2 of a degree; good enough for now.
I have no idea how/why it fixed itself, but the sensor tests still report 'failed', so its going back regardless.
would at&t be a better option to pursue, or samsung? i dont want a refurb, so leaning towards at&t. i haven't had to return a phone for warranty ever, and i dont want a refurb or repair. i take excellent care of my stuff; other than the sensor issue its perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Samsung a few days ago they said they would work on fixing my phone instead of swapping it out with a refurb, i told the lady i didn't want a refurb since i've had my phone in a case with a screen protector since day one. She was intent them working specifically on my phone but I'm still a little eh on that because back in the s2 days i got a refurb with a huge scratch on the screen when they said the exact samething. AT&T is willing to look at what is wrong with the and if they deem its not fixable they are going to swap it out with a new phone which is great. If you choose the Samsung option it take 2-3 days for them to receive it 5-7 days to fix it and 2-3 more days to send it back yet. They won't do Advanced Replacement either. Im just sad because my phone hasnt had any problems like the severe shutter lag or the over heating so hopefully when i get the new phone tomorrow there wont be something else wrong with it. $5 it has a dead pixel knowing my luck

I had the same issue when using a non-stock ROM/kernel. As soon as I went back to stock the problem went away.

webdave said:
I had the same issue when using a non-stock ROM/kernel. As soon as I went back to stock the problem went away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samsung galaxy s4 i337 not good

GPS survey

Evening folks, had my phone sent back to LG to sort out inaccurate GPS I had locking difficulties.
Now it locks pretty good but I'm still get pretty rubbish GPS readings compared to wife's s3 mini
Where in the house she can get lock on down to five metres next to the window where my g2 will not find a satellite
Yes I do have high accuracy on and all the other mods
Can you guys give me how good your accuracy is on GPS status or any other GPS program and if you can get GPS lock inside a building would be appreciated so I have some evidence to go back to LG as there have never heard of this GPS fault even though I've noticed quite a lot of folk complain.
Thank you
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Free mobile app

I just recently got a VS980 and one of the first thing I noticed was a less the perfect GPS. It will lock outdoors in under 10 seconds but indoors near a window 30 sec+ or not at all. It will generally maintain a lock if I bring it indoors however. Accuracy is usually 35-50 ft with 7-12 satellites. I verified the GPS antenna has a good connection under the back cover. The G2 GPS is usable but I guess I was spoiled by my old Moto Bionic which locks in seconds indoors or out and is accurate to ~10ft typically (using 6-7 satellites).

Totally agree the g2 is a very impressive phone and would love to have half decent GPS
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Free mobile app

I get a GPS lock within 15 seconds on a cold boot.

But what is your accuracy according to GPS Status would be nice for your feedback

GPS
GPS lock withing 20second

aran peumal said:
GPS lock withing 20second
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Accuracy?

aran peumal said:
GPS lock withing 20second
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be good to know the following:
G2 model number or carrier
Time to lock and specify conditions (indoors house, building, outdoors clear view, city ...)
Accuracy using GPS Test, GPS Status & Toolbox or similar
Number of satellites locked (including US GPS and GLONASS)
Any feedback on navigation (direction changing, rerouting often...)

sutty86 said:
Evening folks, had my phone sent back to LG to sort out inaccurate GPS I had locking difficulties.
Now it locks pretty good but I'm still get pretty rubbish GPS readings compared to wife's s3 mini
Where in the house she can get lock on down to five metres next to the window where my g2 will not find a satellite
Yes I do have high accuracy on and all the other mods
Can you guys give me how good your accuracy is on GPS status or any other GPS program and if you can get GPS lock inside a building would be appreciated so I have some evidence to go back to LG as there have never heard of this GPS fault even though I've noticed quite a lot of folk complain.
Thank you
Sent from my LG-D802 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A simple fix......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=54525017
Sent from My LG G2 LS-980 or LG G Pad 7.0 V400

rogconnect said:
A simple fix......
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=54525017
Sent from My LG G2 LS-980 or LG G Pad 7.0 V400
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the fix i will try it out

sounds like that fix would work but if you mess it up, its the whole gps of the phone in tatters were with the back case you can always change it.
So i have my gps working now down to 3m accuracy and can get fix indoors, it was a pretty simple fix, i cut a small section of a plastic card( similar to bank card,clubcard - USE AN OLD CARD) and this is the important part!!!!!
you have to make sure its small enough so the black connector strip on the top right hand side covers the whole plastic so you talking MM, not cms....
has the case will not close and the connection wont be perfect...
after a few trials and errors i can now say my gps is fixed!!!!!
if anyone needs any help please ask, and i will help.

sutty86 said:
sounds like that fix would work but if you mess it up, its the whole gps of the phone in tatters were with the back case you can always change it.
So i have my gps working now down to 3m accuracy and can get fix indoors, it was a pretty simple fix, i cut a small section of a plastic card( similar to bank card,clubcard - USE AN OLD CARD) and this is the important part!!!!!
you have to make sure its small enough so the black connector strip on the top right hand side covers the whole plastic so you talking MM, not cms....
has the case will not close and the connection wont be perfect...
after a few trials and errors i can now say my gps is fixed!!!!!
if anyone needs any help please ask, and i will help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had done something similar on the Verizon model which has only a single connection. I used cellphone tape doubled over and put it between the copper tab on the cellphone back cover and the hard plastic stop used to hold the tab in place. I can see the slightest bulge when I snap everything back in place so I know it makes a good contact. After all that I don't think I had a bad connection in the first place, it's just this GPS doesn't perform as well as others I am used to. It locks Ok outdoors and navigation seems to be working but no long trips yet.

wilkster said:
I had done something similar on the Verizon model which has only a single connection. I used cellphone tape doubled over and put it between the copper tab on the cellphone back cover and the hard plastic stop used to hold the tab in place. I can see the slightest bulge when I snap everything back in place so I know it makes a good contact. After all that I don't think I had a bad connection in the first place, it's just this GPS doesn't perform as well as others I am used to. It locks Ok outdoors and navigation seems to be working but no long trips yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wilks you need to get rid of the buldge, try the credit card method, because mine is perfect now constantly getting between 3/4m on GPS status not sure how that converts to your u.s feet measurment

Inside a building G2 can't find my location but SGS3 can.

Ls980 with stock or cloudy g3 gps can't lock inside building. Outdoor just lock 3-5 satellite with 30-50ft accuracy and frequently lost satellite connection. All trick with the antenna in the backcover not work for me.

Apparently a really reliable/unexpected fix to GPS woes found on Reddit...

GPS issues on the Note 4 are well known and not limited to carrier. You will find all sorts of crazy fixes out there, but I will tell you what finally worked for me.
I noticed that every time I went to take a screenshot the GPS would suddenly snap back to working. After some messing around I realized that holding it by the sides with a little pressure gets it working. Basically hold it the way that Steve Jobs told you you shouldn't hold an iPhone and squeeze a bit. That always gets my GPS to work within a few seconds. It sounds crazy but for me I've confirmed it absolutely works.
Basically Samsung sucks at GPS in general, and especially with the Note 4. I think the receiver is using a poorly manufactured antenna that is the wrong size or something, and by attenuating the signal a little bit you can get it to clear up. It's like adjusting you rabbit ears and having them only work when you stand in a certain position... if you are old enough to remember doing such things.
Give it a try and report back.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://np.reddit.com/r/galaxynote4...le_maps_is_so_bad_all_of_a_sudden_its/ct4p5ih
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Have never had a problem with GPS on my Note 4.

ReggieTee said:
Have never had a problem with GPS on my Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of folks have though.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Interesting. I'm really glad I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have any issues.
Is the hardware part of it loose or something?

I've yet to try it but I do believe it is an antenna issue. Maybe made worse by cases?
If I place the phone in the dash cubby of my car, it will lose gps signal.
But even when I have it on the seat next to me, it sometimes can't locate me directly and jumps.
I thought GPS status calibration would fix but I guess you have to do that every time you reboot?
It is my only complaint regarding the phone honestly.

MajorTom_ said:
Interesting. I'm really glad I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have any issues.
Is the hardware part of it loose or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will Rickards said:
I've yet to try it but I do believe it is an antenna issue. Maybe made worse by cases?
If I place the phone in the dash cubby of my car, it will lose gps signal.
But even when I have it on the seat next to me, it sometimes can't locate me directly and jumps.
I thought GPS status calibration would fix but I guess you have to do that every time you reboot?
It is my only complaint regarding the phone honestly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to think for the most part I was one of the lucky ones but just yesterday morning I was using the navigation. It found me and plotted my route but when I started moving nothing happened. I squeezed the top of the device and it kicked in. The only thing I have been doing different is not using my case when the issue happened. Of course as tight as my case it it could be simulating the same situation as me pinching it. Or it could have been the initial cause for needing to pinch it.
Probably loose hardware indeed.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Yes, it's almost certainly a hardware issue... check out this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61755100&postcount=272 and the thread that it links to.

squeeze the sides and tighten the screws... it really works
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Yup. The GPS test app would show 20 satellites in view, and none in use. No lock ever. I pushed on the back of the phone and it locked right on. It world's every time my gps flakes out.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

Happy to report my GPS on Note 4 gets instant lock every time. Use a Samsung flip cover that is also a back replacement.

I have HORRIBLE gps signal... and the thing that sucks is I need it for work alot.. sometimes I'm using it and the signal starts blinking because it lost signal..and I won't get it back I leave an area or I just won't get it at all!! I hope the 5 has a much better antenna build..

Like others I'm having terrible luck with my GPS but it's only been over the last 3 weeks or so. No updates, no damage to the phone it just loses the lock on the satellites. I've tried every trick in the book with no luck. I need to call T-Mobile but haven't been in the mood to hear "we haven't seen this problem before" and wasting time on the phone with them.

rsacipher said:
Like others I'm having terrible luck with my GPS but it's only been over the last 3 weeks or so. No updates, no damage to the phone it just loses the lock on the satellites. I've tried every trick in the book with no luck. I need to call T-Mobile but haven't been in the mood to hear "we haven't seen this problem before" and wasting time on the phone with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install "GPS Test" to see. I have Samsung Alpha and it get lock inside the buidling while the N4 sees nothing. I am mad. I hope N5 will be better on the GPS.

It's not a fix but what I do since I use gps for my work I put the phone SIDEWAYS in my cluster area and it almost instantly picks up gps.. it's what I have to do to get service if not it will be almost unusable. .hope that helps

I was reading about putting pressure on the back on another post and once I do that my phone starts working great... what can cause it to do such a thing?

chong67 said:
Install "GPS Test" to see. I have Samsung Alpha and it get lock inside the buidling while the N4 sees nothing. I am mad. I hope N5 will be better on the GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using it and I will get the coordinates then I will loose signal without moving. It's very inconsistent. The frustrating thing is it seems to be only over the last few weeks it's been happening.

I also had trouble with my GPS. I constantly get the "GPS signal lost" message, however this past weekend I tested and it seems that I get the problem when I put the phone in a certain position -on my lap for example or facing down. I have a Galaxy S5 and I don't have any issues at all.
Once I put the phone in the car mount, I don't have any problems. I guess is an antenna issue as others mentioned.

Mr. Clown said:
I also had trouble with my GPS. I constantly get the "GPS signal lost" message, however this past weekend I tested and it seems that I get the problem when I put the phone in a certain position -on my lap for example or facing down. I have a Galaxy S5 and I don't have any issues at all.
Once I put the phone in the car mount, I don't have any problems. I guess is an antenna issue as others mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See my problems didn't start until I stopped using my caseology case.

Completely fixes my problem (as long as I'm holding it). WTF Samsung? Do I even warrantee it or switch brands is the question. Tweet #squeezegate at Samsung, let's see if we can get some attention to this manufacturer defect.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

Where exactly are you guys squeezing to get it to work?