How my pixel xl got smooth again - Google Pixel XL Guides, News, & Discussion

I read the headlines like everyone else that disabling the digital wellbeing is having postive effect on performances of pixel 3s and some other devices. So I instantly turned those off to check of it helps in our case.
I used the phone for a while but couldn't see if there was any difference. Then I dig into the developer's options and turned off all the tracing options.
My device is so so so smooth I am actually surprised. I am using all gesture options in the q beta 3.
Just give it a try. You won't regret.

Thanks for that
are you saying "Developer options" ->"System Tracing", and turn off all options. ?

I just did it and also turned off usage access for most of the apps on my pixel XL on pie may update also have animations set to zero in developers options numerous other etc features turned off also makes phone very smooth

Related

Enabling System UI Tuner

Well, I got the Marshmallow update Monday evening. I have been tinkering around a bit to find the new features and what they all do. Well, I have seen several tutorials on enabling the System UI Tuner for additional settings options but I can't seem to get it to work. All the screen shots I've seen don't look like my notifications panel at all when I pull it down. It basically looks like it always did except its a white background. If I pull once I see the gear. But it doesn't matter how long I hold it when I release it all it does is open my settings menu. If I swipe down twice like one video suggests, then I have no gear at all in the top of the notifications screen. I only have the word edit. I don't see System UI Tuner in my menu settings so I'm sure its not already enabled. I just can't figure out how to get it enabled or why my notifications panel is different from every screen shot I see online. Anybody been able to get this enabled on the S6Edge +
It was a feature that wasn't ready for primetime. Samsung probably removed it. Nexus devices can enable it.
it's only for aosp rom

6.0.1 customization advice

Have: Nexus 6P stock 6.0.1. Need: some customization. Items in green have a solution.
I've enabled Developer Mode and System UI Tweaker. I'd like to do this without root, or anything that would affect individual Google Play-installable apps. (The reason is, I need this device for final user release testing, so it should be what users have just from factory reset + install apps and normal OS upgrades):
Different wallpaper on Lock Screen than behind icons and widgets. (Tried: http://forums.androidcentral.com/an...-lock-screen-wallpaper-help-how-can-i-do.html - No triple dot menu visible in Wallpaper)
Full brightness on Lock screen instead of 90%, independent of brightness settings. ("OK" option: same brightness as manual brightness in Settings) (http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3/help/home-lockscreen-brightness-t1704705 - no Lock Screen Options in Settings)
Disable peeking globally. ("OK" option: put them in the statusbar like 4.4.4) (I don't want to disable peeking for every new app I install: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Here...ifications-in-Android-6.0-Marshmallow_id75408) Temporary solution: I will manually disable peeking for every new app that shows them.
Global saturation setting for icons. (They're all saying "click ME!", that's an icon designer's job. With an excellent high-contrast screen like this, it's a crowd shouting.) ("OK" option: some other way of getting icons to look more Zen.) Icon packs for launchers are that "OK option", browsing tons on Google Play left Hexacon and Dual Shadow. So Hexacon.
Remove the Google Now bar from my Home Screen (without disabling any services). (As in, I taught the device my voice, so I don't need it there for me to tap. Tried: https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-remove-the-google-search-bar-from-your-android-homescreen - it's not long-tappable nor draggable, nor does it appear under Google Apps in Widgets.) Best solution so far: Nova Launcher.
I'd like to be able to do this:
Some quick way (preferably swipe) to access a more compact Quick Settings widget, like on my Xperia Z. I've reduced it to 9, can't remove "Invert Colors" and Location toggles.
Global Night Mode for everything in the System UI - to make it look similar to the Quick Settings. (This is a "like to" only because it's been promised in N. I really need it like, now. ) Best solution so far: Nova Launcher.
Basically I have the greatest phone, so I want it to look good at all times, and with the aim Clean, Fresh, Zen.
I posted here bc the forum was most specific. Feel free to refer or advise me how to best get answers as I joined tonight.
Any & all advice on single questions is appreciated Not possible is a valid answer, and I'm also prepared to wait for N if that's the answer.
I used to think of "ok google" as a novelty but its become more polished and if it remains reliable Ill continue to use it more& more. As it applies to keeping things clean it sort of does eliminate need for extra widgets.
If you have ok google everywhere u can just say " ok google...launch settings". Same goes for music apps, podcasts, youtube videos etc.
Started using a new app other day you might like called sesame edge. I set it on the right edge, virtually invisible and it brings up quick access to apps.
KLit75 said:
I used to think of "ok google" as a novelty but its become more polished and if it remains reliable Ill continue to use it more& more. As it applies to keeping things clean it sort of does eliminate need for extra widgets.
If you have ok google everywhere u can just say " ok google...launch settings". Same goes for music apps, podcasts, youtube videos etc.
Started using a new app other day you might like called sesame edge. I set it on the right edge, virtually invisible and it brings up quick access to apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, trying it out. Also tried Sesame in the hope that it would let me set a different lock screen wallpaper, but it only had "their automatic lock screen wallpaper or off" as setting. I sent feedback to them, so let's see.
HenrikErlandsson said:
Thanks, trying it out. Also tried Sesame in the hope that it would let me set a different lock screen wallpaper, but it only had "their automatic lock screen wallpaper or off" as setting. I sent feedback to them, so let's see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont use a lockscreen but on Pure Nexus which Im using now there is an option to set lockscreen wallpaper.
I use action launcher 3 which doesnt allow me to remove google bar (i dont think) but nova will let u do that. I like the bar cuz on action launcher i can put several shortcuts for whatever i want.
ASAP launcher is very minimal. Again you cant REMOVE the bar but swipe down and it turns into a simple clock widget.
KLit75 said:
I dont use a lockscreen but on Pure Nexus which Im using now there is an option to set lockscreen wallpaper.
I use action launcher 3 which doesnt allow me to remove google bar (i dont think) but nova will let u do that. I like the bar cuz on action launcher i can put several shortcuts for whatever i want.
ASAP launcher is very minimal. Again you cant REMOVE the bar but swipe down and it turns into a simple clock widget.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx, tried Nova and it gives me Night Mode. Thanks for that Still, no way to have a different wallpaper on the lock screen than on the home screen, and I can find no Prime option for it either. Pure Nexus requires CM.
Can I mix and match this type of apps? Will they interfere with each other? Sesame seems to work with Nova at least.
What about Hi Locker? http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/get-back-lock-screen-customization-android-lollipop-0160204/
Can custom lock screens lock me out of my phone, make me butt dial, hog battery? I just want to change the gdmn background!
As I wrote, if some feature comes in N I'd rather wait than mess up my new phone.
HenrikErlandsson said:
Thx, tried Nova and it gives me Night Mode. Thanks for that Still, no way to have a different wallpaper on the lock screen than on the home screen, and I can find no Prime option for it either. Pure Nexus requires CM.
Can I mix and match this type of apps? Will they interfere with each other? Sesame seems to work with Nova at least.
What about Hi Locker? http://android.wonderhowto.com/how-to/get-back-lock-screen-customization-android-lollipop-0160204/
Can custom lock screens lock me out of my phone, make me butt dial, hog battery? I just want to change the gdmn background!
As I wrote, if some feature comes in N I'd rather wait than mess up my new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems Im constantly tweaking things and having problems recalling exactly what I used. I know making lockscreen different from desktop is something Ive done many times. Do u have xposed? Pretty sure gravitybox has that option.
As far as butt dials, I use sweep to wake & it was a problem. Always remember to put it in your pocket screen facing out. I also need to do that when using bt headphones or else i get distortion. Anyways if i find something relevant Ill let u know.
Thx for suggestions!
I want weather, clock, and a background that matches my high-end case on the lock screen AND NOTHING ELSE, and then wherever there are icons I want a neutral background or just a color so I can see them properly. I think that's being a normal user with sensible demands.
Right now a huge dark gray or white slate COVERS the background anyway. I don't mind it, it lets me see the icons of all manner of variety and quality against something neutral, still... just allowing a background to set behind your icons seems to be an easy addition... since Froyo... Anyway, end rant about Simple Things. Android at least lets you customize them.
I'm battling notifications now. Light Manager is recommended for the 6P - testing it out now for notifications that are actually important, will report.

System UI Tuner and PiP

I have the Nexus 6P obviously. well i had it on Nougat and it was good. I found out about the hidden System UI Tuner options and was excited. I enabled them but was only seeing the Do Not Disturb and the Status bar options for tweaking. im not sure if that is normal but i have seen 6Ps with more options. i learned about the Beta Android 0 and gave it a shot. overall it is awesome and maybe a bit snappier. i saw videos of people doing Picture in Picture and having youtube running a small video window on the home screen. thats sick. ok I go to the system UI tuner and those options are still not there. does anyone else have this issue or know how to fix this. i have not reset this phone once since i got it and it runs great. i just like new features and this one would be killer

Android P in depth review (ongoing)

Android P in depth review (updating...)​
Hi XDA, this is my opinion on the freshest dev preview of android P
Appearance
The appearance looks smoother and polished. The notifications have rounded corners and the Heads Up notifications appear like they are actually coming from the status bar instead of a rectangle taking up the screen. This is looking more and more similar to IOS, but android's customizability takes the lead. The new settings app looks a lot like the touchwiz settings because of the color coded icons. The clock has shifted to the left because P is made to support "notch" devices (i'll explain why Google is working hard for this feature later). The settings menu is organized more like touchwiz with the colored icons and that is a plus in my book. Overall, I believe this OS has achieved a greater standard when it comes to appearance.
New Features
Since this is only DP1, we are not seeing many new features, but I have seen the screenshot editor, different volume controls, the new settings app, etc. The screenshot editor is a much needed tool for me because I use social media and need to crop my screenshots, now this function can help me do just that. The volume defaults to media rather than ringer. The ring has 3 options, silent, vibrate, or ring. I believe this to be a better standard because I am always adjusting the media volume, but never the ring volume. This switch has kept the average consumer in mind. The new settings app has many battery tweaks! First off, there is a new power saving mode that doesn't tint your nav bar and status bar an ugly red color. This time, the battery saver works by limiting background power usage on applications and has a greater improvement on SOT. On DP2 at Google I/O, there will probably be more features to look for.
SOT/Battery life
The SOT has increased from 6 hrs on DU to 10 hrs on P. This is because P limits the background camera and microphone usage for apps such as Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, etc. The new battery saver feature can be turned on at any time and increases the SOT even more! I use the kirisakura harmony kernel for P and it is as good as the stock kernel, with better audio quality.
Tweaks, root, what else?
TWRP 3.2.1-2 works, but the password decryption is still faulty. It still registers what lock setting you're using. Magisk v16.1 has been released on the beta thread and magisk manager is bundled in (it is working and registering this time). Some magisk modules are not working because of P, but that should all be fixed in a few days. The only CK i've seen is Kirisakura harmony.
Overall...
Android P is a great OS for people that like new features and is relatively stable for a new OS. There are some api compatibility notifications, but that is because app devs haven't upgraded to the new api. I will be using this as my DD until official P comes out.
Thanks.
Bugs? Battery life? What apps don't work?
TokedUp said:
Bugs? Battery life? What apps don't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if anyone will agree with me but my battery life is the same or better as stock for me. I had a couple force closes in the first 5 minutes after my first boot but only 2 since then. Snapchat comes up with a toast message occasionally that says something like "API compatibility error" or something, but the app still works. It has a couple hang ups here and there. I honestly feel like it's DP2 or 3 material. Been running for 24 hours, just my experience though.
Jackaroop said:
I don't know if anyone will agree with me but my battery life is the same or better as stock for me. I had a couple force closes in the first 5 minutes after my first boot but only 2 since then. Snapchat comes up with a toast message occasionally that says something like "API compatibility error" or something, but the app still works. It has a couple hang ups here and there. I honestly feel like it's DP2 or 3 material. Been running for 24 hours, just my experience though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also have been running for 24 hours and battery is on par with stock Oreo. Haven't had any issues with apps, I don't use many though. Bluetooth works but it still said I was connected to my head unit after I turned my car off and was in my house, toggle off and on fixed it. Bluetooth icon doesn't show unless it's connected but it seems to be by design. Seems very stable for a dp1 but I think I might flash back to Oreo if root isn't available soon.
Sent from my marlin using XDA Labs
tekanina said:
Also have been running for 24 hours and battery is on par with stock Oreo. Haven't had any issues with apps, I don't use many though. Bluetooth works but it still said I was connected to my head unit after I turned my car off and was in my house, toggle off and on fixed it. Bluetooth icon doesn't show unless it's connected but it seems to be by design. Seems very stable for a dp1 but I think I might flash back to Oreo if root isn't available soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like root is available just an issue with the magisk manager right now.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/help/aod-pixel-xl-p-dp1-t3760506/post75821115
Jackaroop said:
Looks like root is available just an issue with the magisk manager right now.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/pixel-xl/help/aod-pixel-xl-p-dp1-t3760506/post75821115
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am currently figuring out a method to get your root apps on P, will be posted soon (along with a few other things
I actually like p alot even though I'm starting to see a hint of iOS
Pros
For me battery is better than Oreo
I like certain aspects of design
Seems more stable
Cons
I hate iOS
Limited root for now
I hate ios
joeeboogz said:
I actually like p alot even though I'm starting to see a hint of iOS
Pros
For me battery is better than Oreo
I like certain aspects of design
Seems more stable
Cons
I hate iOS
Limited root for now
I hate ios
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you can hate it but iOS is far ahead of android when it comes to the UI.
I personally like the new UI on P.
Bugs so far (fresh image install, 100% unmodified non-rooted) in my few hours of testing. Keep in mind that I paid attention to every little detail:
1. Phone didn't want to wake one time to the point where I thought the phone was off. It took maybe 10-15 seconds of fiddling with the power button to wake it.
- This alone makes me think that an alarm clock could be missed.
2. Randomly goes from silent to ring.
- May be dangerous for some people depending on situation (business meetings, school setting, sleeping).
3. Launcher settings can be seen through the app drawer background.
- Tacky cosmetic mistake.
4. Adaptive brightness appears broken.
I'm sure there are more that I haven't encountered as it was only for a couple of hours. I wouldn't run it as a daily driver if you rely on your phone for things like business, alarm clock, maps, etc.
It's pretty functional for an alpha release but I wouldn't call this stable enough for everyday use unless you're comfortable with the possibility of the phone switching to ring randomly, missing an alarm clock for an important event, or phone not waking to capture a life moment (picture/video).
richii0207 said:
Bugs so far (fresh install, 100% unmodified non-rooted) in my few hours of testing:
1. Phone didn't want to wake one time to the point where I thought the phone was off. It took maybe 10-15 seconds of fiddling with the power button to wake it.
- This alone makes me think that an alarm clock could be missed.
2. Randomly goes from silent to ring.
- May be dangerous for some people depending on situation (business meetings, school setting, sleeping).
3. Launcher settings can be seen through the app drawer background.
- Tacky cosmetic mistake.
4. Adaptive brightness appears broken.
I'm sure there are more that I haven't encountered as it was only for a couple of hours. I wouldn't run it as a daily driver if you rely on your phone for things like business, alarm clock, maps, etc.
It's pretty functional for an alpha release but I wouldn't call this stable enough for everyday use unless you're comfortable with the possibility of the phone switching to ring randomly, missing an alarm clock for an important event, or phone not waking to capture a life moment (picture/video).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u flash factory (with wipe) or full ota file??
onesolo said:
did u flash factory (with wipe) or full ota file??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash image with full wipe.
richii0207 said:
Bugs so far (fresh image install, 100% unmodified non-rooted) in my few hours of testing:
1. Phone didn't want to wake one time to the point where I thought the phone was off. It took maybe 10-15 seconds of fiddling with the power button to wake it.
- This alone makes me think that an alarm clock could be missed.
2. Randomly goes from silent to ring.
- May be dangerous for some people depending on situation (business meetings, school setting, sleeping).
3. Launcher settings can be seen through the app drawer background.
- Tacky cosmetic mistake.
4. Adaptive brightness appears broken.
I'm sure there are more that I haven't encountered as it was only for a couple of hours. I wouldn't run it as a daily driver if you rely on your phone for things like business, alarm clock, maps, etc.
It's pretty functional for an alpha release but I wouldn't call this stable enough for everyday use unless you're comfortable with the possibility of the phone switching to ring randomly, missing an alarm clock for an important event, or phone not waking to capture a life moment (picture/video).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's weird I didn't have any of these issues except for the launcher settings icons displaying over the app drawer.
I did however encounter some minor problems:
On the settings icon shortcuts, when I click on "Data usage" I get an error saying "app not installed"
I cannot get the new screenshots editor, when I click on edit right after taking a screenshot it takes mo to the Google photos editor
I have noticed errors related to API compatibility showing on certain apps
Some apps don't seem to work correctly, GSam Battery Monitor for example is showing wrong stats (SOT jumped from 3 to 4h in a couple of minutes)
Other than that everything seems to work in a good and smooth way.
Words with Friends kept FCing
Pros:
1. Beautiful UI
2. Battery life is great (no orange bar for battery saving mode)
3. Notification management! P recognizes the types of notifications you want/ or don't want and gives you a quick option to disable them.
4. No FCs so far (might just be me)
Cons:
1. Launcher settings can be seen through app drawer (dev preview ****)
2. Settings icons are hideous
3. Media volume setting comes up by default when pressing the volume button. (might just be me)
I love so much about P. I can't wait for until it's out of dev preview.
guruguap239 said:
Pros:
1. Beautiful UI
2. Battery life is great (no orange bar for battery saving mode)
3. Notification management! P recognizes the types of notifications you want/ or don't want and gives you a quick option to disable them.
4. No FCs so far (might just be me)
Cons:
1. Launcher settings can be seen through app drawer (dev preview ****)
2. Settings icons are hideous
3. Media volume setting comes up by default when pressing the volume button. (might just be me)
I love so much about P. I can't wait for until it's out of dev preview.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I read that now volume keys always default to media volume rather than ring volume. Check one of the feature list posts in xda news to verify.
Review updated, includes more stuff
I've been running Android P for about 3 days now my Pixel XL. I haven't had many issues at all, but my battery seems to drain/die much fast than it did on 8.1.
I may try to re flash P again to see if a fresh install helps in anyway. Especially since everyone seems to be getting much better battery life with P.
I'll update if I see any difference.
So you are getting 10 hours of SoT with this P preview? Seems unreal man!
nory82688 said:
I've been running Android P for about 3 days now my Pixel XL. I haven't had many issues at all, but my battery seems to drain/die much fast than it did on 8.1.
I may try to re flash P again to see if a fresh install helps in anyway. Especially since everyone seems to be getting much better battery life with P.
I'll update if I see any difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm also getting worse battery life on P, although I did just update from 8.1 with the factory image without wiping. I might just give it a try after wiping but I'd really rather not. I'm using a normal Pixel, non-XL.

Third party launchers and pixel 4/4xl gestures

I read several days ago about how the pixel 4/4xl already allows third party launchers to use the native gestures.
I also read that you need to have gestures enabled in order to utilize the new google assistant.
My question is has anyone that has received their new pixel used nova launcher (my all-time fave), enabled native gestures and was able to utilize the new google assistant?
My new 4xl is on a truck for delivery today and I'm pretty excited.
I'm coming from the 3xl so I know it's not a huge upgrade, but I think there's enough to make me happy with the decision.
TIA
I received my Pixel 4 on Tuesday and can confirm that Nova Launcher works wonderfully with Gesture Navigation / Control... as well as Nova's Google Now Companion & Sesame Shortcuts. I came from the Pixel 3 and absolutely LOVE the 4. It does still have dual stereo speakers, with one firing at the bottom / side but it's not noticeable when watching or listening to media.
Battery life is meh for now, so I turned off a few things to help. Motion Sense is wonky for me but Face Unlock is super nice. I just single tap my screen and vuala! Unlocked if I'm looking at it. Also noted is to find and set the active screen setting where it doesn't dim all the damn time if you're looking at it.
bkrickles said:
I read several days ago about how the pixel 4/4xl already allows third party launchers to use the native gestures.
I also read that you need to have gestures enabled in order to utilize the new google assistant.
My question is has anyone that has received their new pixel used nova launcher (my all-time fave), enabled native gestures and was able to utilize the new google assistant?
My new 4xl is on a truck for delivery today and I'm pretty excited.
I'm coming from the 3xl so I know it's not a huge upgrade, but I think there's enough to make me happy with the decision.
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply but does the new google assistant, that's exclusive to the pixel 4/4xl, work together with nova launcher?
TIA
Bornabe said:
I received my Pixel 4 on Tuesday and can confirm that Nova Launcher works wonderfully with Gesture Navigation / Control... as well as Nova's Google Now Companion & Sesame Shortcuts. I came from the Pixel 3 and absolutely LOVE the 4. It does still have dual stereo speakers, with one firing at the bottom / side but it's not noticeable when watching or listening to media.
Battery life is meh for now, so I turned off a few things to help. Motion Sense is wonky for me but Face Unlock is super nice. I just single tap my screen and vuala! Unlocked if I'm looking at it. Also noted is to find and set the active screen setting where it doesn't dim all the damn time if you're looking at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure does, of you have Gesture Navigation / Controls active.
Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
That's great news.
Thanks so much for the quick reply.
No matter how hard I try, and I've tried many different launchers over the years, I can' stay away from Nova.
It just fits the way I use my phone perfectly.
Thanks again and enjoy your new toy. I should have mine by early this afternoon.
Bornabe said:
Sure does, of you have Gesture Navigation / Controls active.
Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I know I did a duplicate post in the 4 and 4xl forums and appreciate the quick responses.
This is great news and I had not seen this particular question asked anywhere.
Good luck to all!
Bornabe said:
I received my Pixel 4 on Tuesday and can confirm that Nova Launcher works wonderfully with Gesture Navigation / Control... as well as Nova's Google Now Companion & Sesame Shortcuts. I came from the Pixel 3 and absolutely LOVE the 4. It does still have dual stereo speakers, with one firing at the bottom / side but it's not noticeable when watching or listening to media.
Battery life is meh for now, so I turned off a few things to help. Motion Sense is wonky for me but Face Unlock is super nice. I just single tap my screen and vuala! Unlocked if I'm looking at it. Also noted is to find and set the active screen setting where it doesn't dim all the damn time if you're looking at it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How were you able to get this working? My nova launcher says gestures aren't supported and I can't find a setting for my Home app. Pixel 4XL
Yachter99 said:
How were you able to get this working? My nova launcher says gestures aren't supported and I can't find a setting for my Home app. Pixel 4XL
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the slow reply, been working a LOT lately. I didn't do anything special to get it working. I'm using Nova Launcher, which said gestures aren't supported as well, but then I enabled it in the system settings, Gestures, System Navigation, Gesture Navigation. I also had to manually set Nova as my Home Screen in system settings, Apps & Notifications, Advanced, Default Apps, Home App. Once that was set in there, boom, done, working... and lemme tell you, after about 10 minutes of fiddling with it and adjusting... it's great! Swipe from left side of any screen = "back" button... swipe up is Home, swipe up and hold a brief moment is running apps, swipe left or right will switch between open apps quickly, swipe up from either corner from home screen and it opens Assistant... good stuff. Not sure if there's more, but that's what I know.

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