Develop Bugs

Couple of Accessory Help requests

I was wondering if you guys knew off the top of your head of "good" (hopefully you tested?) accessories for the galaxy s4 active.
Extra Waterproof case + shock resistance - I know the thing is supposed to be waterproof, but I have seen horror stories. I got this because I do a lot of camping/swimming/running, and I have had some... fun stories of nearly losing my previous smart phone to water damage (usually keep it in a couple sandwich baggies with tape, but when I haven't... doh!).
Bike/Dash mount - I want to have a bike mount and use it as a bike tracking application, I would like to have it as a dash cam as well as use it for GPS in my car. I am actually thinking of making a dashcam video recorder as well, that emails the video in case it detects a minor crash (assuming non minor would destroy the phone).
Dash mount - see above.

Just for future reference if you're looking for replacement parts you should check this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2377586
Sorry, but I don't have an answer to either of your questions.

I am a little worried, there doesn't seem to be much of a community for this phone, and I am worried I should have just gone with the Galaxy S4 and gotten a waterproof case for it ;(

Buzz_Litebeer said:
I am a little worried, there doesn't seem to be much of a community for this phone, and I am worried I should have just gone with the Galaxy S4 and gotten a waterproof case for it ;(
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Click to collapse
Not me - I feel like this phone was built just for me since I *prefer* an LCD screen and hard buttons. And I couldn't care less how many megapixels they put behind the crappy camera phone lens.

IMissPalmOS said:
Not me - I feel like this phone was built just for me since I *prefer* an LCD screen and hard buttons. And I couldn't care less how many megapixels they put behind the crappy camera phone lens.
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Agreed. As far as the OP, I believe it comes down to personal preference on a rugged case. There are many inexpensive choices. I don't know of any waterproof cases.

Buzz_Litebeer said:
I am a little worried, there doesn't seem to be much of a community for this phone, and I am worried I should have just gone with the Galaxy S4 and gotten a waterproof case for it ;(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same worry here.

Spigen Slim Armor View for Nexus 5

Check out my video review on the Spigen Slim Armor View:
https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=Kqc0gUDvueU
One thing I forgot to mention in the video is the auto sleep/wake function. This allows the screen to sleep just like with regular usage. When you wake the phone using the standby button the app will still be running.
I do not have enough posts to place an external link in a thread, so you will have to put a dot after the www in the link.
It would be great if someone could post the proper link.

Here you go, embedded it for you.
Very well done review! Nice detail and the video is super clear.

mmmmBACON said:
Here you go, embedded it for you.
Very well done review! Nice detail and the video is super clear.
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Thanks, I actually just re-uploaded it with a little bit on the Application used.
You can see it here:
https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=Kqc0gUDvueU
Again sorry, it would be great if you could embed the new video.
Thanks

Updated my post with your new video.

mmmmBACON said:
Updated my post with your new video.
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Thanks

Fantastic review. Does NFC sill work?

i can confirm nfc still works

is the app downloaded from the playstore or does spigen give you a link?

freezeburn said:
is the app downloaded from the playstore or does spigen give you a link?
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the app is on the playstore its called slim view cover and spigen is releasing there own app on 05/01

Not to dig up too old a topic, but anyone have thoughts on the new app if it actually came out? I've been holding off buying this until the Spigen app released.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Their app really really sucks. I don't know why I thought it'd be good. Mostly all of their products suck I'm kinda happy with the case but still have issues with it. Under the window its still plastic not rubber so the plastic is resting right on the screen and the front cover is really thin and it bugs me just because I can press down on it and it will touch the screen. I don't have a screen protector on it so this is a concern. Its alright but I'll definitely be looking for a new case. Hard to hold while texting and the hinge is kinda crappy. They say 360° but I don't see how they got 360 when that means a complete rotation. It flips on its back and that's only 180°. But at least it doesn't cover the camera.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Again to dig up the old topic...
but...
... no reason to start a new thread as anyone looking to buy this case should be able to find all opinions in one place.
I bought this case have extremely mixed feelings.
1, it's a great case. It fits well. The buttons require a little extra effort to push, but no big deal. Supposedly the flip cover is removable, but I haven't seen how to do it without breaking the hinge. I'm sure it can be done, but I'm afraid to push things. Definitely it makes the phone bigger and heavier, but I don't see that as a bad thing as honestly the phone is a featherweight without a case. One minor issue with the physical build, is that the bottom edge of the view window brushes the screen of the phone while closed. Being plastic, I'm sure it wouldn't affect the glass screen. However, it does appear to be starting to leave a worn spot on the screen protector of my phone after only a few weeks. Something to definitely think of if you use plastic screen protectors.
2, the software is incredibly incredibly terrible. Whether you use 3rd party or the official Spigen app, they both bite the big one. I can't review each separately because I swapped between them constantly as new problems appeared, and forgot which one had which problems. But problems included: battery usage. phone calls not answering. phone calls answering themselves. can't connect bluetooth outgoing calls without opening flip cover. randomly lists previous calls as still ongoing. Additionally, though this isn't technically software, you have to be exceedingly careful not to even get near the proximity sensor while using the phone or it will trigger the app. Even with a 2 second proximity delay, I found it was very hard especially in landscape mode (such as taking pictures) to not accidentally trigger the sensor. Also, having the light sensor covered renders auto brightness non functional.
In the end, I still use the case. But without proper software support, I'm not sure it is worth $45. I ended up just putting widgets on my homescreens on the top 1/2 of the screen so I can see them with the flip cover closed. Answering the phone requires the ol' open the flip cover deal. That's better than the terrible software.
As far as protection... considering my Nexus 4 shattered from a drop onto dirt, despite having a Ringke Hybrid Fusion installed, I was looking for better protection. It appears this offers much better protection. It has already survived a 3 foot drop, initiated by a cranky cat, from a piano to a hardwood floor. Only time will tell, of course.
If you don't mind NOT having the software support... I feel this might just be the safest your Nexus 5 can be without placing it in a firesafe filled with expanding foam.

My buddy ordered this case a while ago, loved it, then hated it. Some of you were concerned about the view window touching the screen and potentially scratching it, well it did, for him at least. He now has a dull line across the middle of his screen. Almost the whole width. This only took 2 weeks of use. Just a little FYI for those interested in this case. You'll definitely want to use a screen protector with it.

Yeah my screen got deep scratches as well I can see them on the otherwise of my now installed screen protector. Its a nice case. Terrible window. And terrible app. The Galaxy S4 view armor had glass in the case itself. I bought this because I thought it did too.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

lotherius said:
Again to dig up the old topic...
but...
... no reason to start a new thread as anyone looking to buy this case should be able to find all opinions in one place.
I bought this case have extremely mixed feelings.
1, it's a great case. It fits well. The buttons require a little extra effort to push, but no big deal. Supposedly the flip cover is removable, but I haven't seen how to do it without breaking the hinge. I'm sure it can be done, but I'm afraid to push things. Definitely it makes the phone bigger and heavier, but I don't see that as a bad thing as honestly the phone is a featherweight without a case. One minor issue with the physical build, is that the bottom edge of the view window brushes the screen of the phone while closed. Being plastic, I'm sure it wouldn't affect the glass screen. However, it does appear to be starting to leave a worn spot on the screen protector of my phone after only a few weeks. Something to definitely think of if you use plastic screen protectors.
2, the software is incredibly incredibly terrible. Whether you use 3rd party or the official Spigen app, they both bite the big one. I can't review each separately because I swapped between them constantly as new problems appeared, and forgot which one had which problems. But problems included: battery usage. phone calls not answering. phone calls answering themselves. can't connect bluetooth outgoing calls without opening flip cover. randomly lists previous calls as still ongoing. Additionally, though this isn't technically software, you have to be exceedingly careful not to even get near the proximity sensor while using the phone or it will trigger the app. Even with a 2 second proximity delay, I found it was very hard especially in landscape mode (such as taking pictures) to not accidentally trigger the sensor. Also, having the light sensor covered renders auto brightness non functional.
In the end, I still use the case. But without proper software support, I'm not sure it is worth $45. I ended up just putting widgets on my homescreens on the top 1/2 of the screen so I can see them with the flip cover closed. Answering the phone requires the ol' open the flip cover deal. That's better than the terrible software.
As far as protection... considering my Nexus 4 shattered from a drop onto dirt, despite having a Ringke Hybrid Fusion installed, I was looking for better protection. It appears this offers much better protection. It has already survived a 3 foot drop, initiated by a cranky cat, from a piano to a hardwood floor. Only time will tell, of course.
If you don't mind NOT having the software support... I feel this might just be the safest your Nexus 5 can be without placing it in a firesafe filled with expanding foam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bombed spigen's email with complaints and they do not even bother to reply - it's such a shame that a company would make a great case, with promises of a functioning app and not follow through. My brother (note 3) and my gf (S4) BOTH bought this case on my recommendation and they love it bc it just works. I know it's different bc we dont have the magnets to trigger the innerworkings but sheesh just give us something relatively useful and it would be okay.

AceKingNYC said:
I have bombed spigen's email with complaints and they do not even bother to reply - it's such a shame that a company would make a great case, with promises of a functioning app and not follow through. My brother (note 3) and my gf (S4) BOTH bought this case on my recommendation and they love it bc it just works. I know it's different bc we dont have the magnets to trigger the innerworkings but sheesh just give us something relatively useful and it would be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be willing to give a little pass on the proximity sensor issues if those were the ONLY issues.

Sooo, spigen supplys the case but no app?
Or does anyone have more info then that, i ordered the case before i read up on it in here... and now i have it laying on my desk and i am not sure if i sould unpack it or not.
Without the app the window is pointless... and i could have ordered the slim armor instead and saved a few bucks ...
but i really liked the idea of having my screen protected by a secon layer of defense .. first one is obviously a screen foil ...
can anyone confirm that the app is really missing or am i just to stupid to use the search function?

Onecton said:
Sooo, spigen supplys the case but no app?
Or does anyone have more info then that, i ordered the case before i read up on it in here... and now i have it laying on my desk and i am not sure if i sould unpack it or not.
Without the app the window is pointless... and i could have ordered the slim armor instead and saved a few bucks ...
but i really liked the idea of having my screen protected by a secon layer of defense .. first one is obviously a screen foil ...
can anyone confirm that the app is really missing or am i just to stupid to use the search function?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The app is in the PlayStore. I just watched a video on it as I'm looking for a case for mine. They'll have a QR code on the instructions.

They do provide an app - but the app is terrible.

lotherius said:
They do provide an app - but the app is terrible.
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Click to collapse
Have they not updated it since release of this case?

[Q] Camera Strap?

Ok, so I see that the phone has a camera strap eyelet at the bottom left (at least I hope that is what I am looking at). I rummaged through old camera straps I have and even the thinnest was too thick to fit into the eyelet.. even after trying to thread a pull through using sewing thread to pull it through....
Being as there are SOME situations I foresee wanting to take a picture using the phone but still wanting a way to secure it (pictures while on boats, in crowded areas holding above head, Disney trip etc.) Has anyone spotted a GOOD camera strap/lanyard that they recommend and have used? Obviously looking through ebay and amazon pop up quite a few but none that I could be certain fit through the eyelet nor that are good quality.

werds said:
Ok, so I see that the phone has a camera strap eyelet at the bottom left (at least I hope that is what I am looking at). I rummaged through old camera straps I have and even the thinnest was too thick to fit into the eyelet.. even after trying to thread a pull through using sewing thread to pull it through....
Being as there are SOME situations I foresee wanting to take a picture using the phone but still wanting a way to secure it (pictures while on boats, in crowded areas holding above head, Disney trip etc.) Has anyone spotted a GOOD camera strap/lanyard that they recommend and have used? Obviously looking through ebay and amazon pop up quite a few but none that I could be certain fit through the eyelet nor that are good quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure where you are located, but I found a lanyard for a USB thumb drive at Staples (or possibly Office Depot) in the US for something like $2. Small enough to thread through the slot, and for $2 won't break the bank.

FranzDages said:
I'm not sure where you are located, but I found a lanyard for a USB thumb drive at Staples (or possibly Office Depot) in the US for something like $2. Small enough to thread through the slot, and for $2 won't break the bank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm that sounds like a cool idea! And fortunately for me we still do have a Staples in town lol

I'm not convinced that a strap is the best use for that hole... surely any strap you manage to get in there will be so thin as to offer little in the way of strength to be trusted for something as heavy as a phone. I always assumed it was for the Japanese trend of dangling a million toys and charms off the phone as opposed to dangling your phone off your wrist

Best camera wrist strap lanyard for Sony Xperia Z3 Compact is LIM'S
See LIMS limsdesign "dot" com and go to the Etc. section. It's good for the Z3C.
Enuf said!

werds said:
Ok, so I see that the phone has a camera strap eyelet at the bottom left (at least I hope that is what I am looking at). I rummaged through old camera straps I have and even the thinnest was too thick to fit into the eyelet.. even after trying to thread a pull through using sewing thread to pull it through....
Being as there are SOME situations I foresee wanting to take a picture using the phone but still wanting a way to secure it (pictures while on boats, in crowded areas holding above head, Disney trip etc.) Has anyone spotted a GOOD camera strap/lanyard that they recommend and have used? Obviously looking through ebay and amazon pop up quite a few but none that I could be certain fit through the eyelet nor that are good quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to get my Sony point and shoot camera (TX200) strap through the eyelet, also using a cotton tread to pull it through, and the cord was just thick enough to to fit the gaps and provide a sturdy hold. Don't want the phone to slip out of hand when taking photos whilst snorkelling, I'm sure that sucker is going to be really slippery when under water, what with the glass front and back. It going to be a real test of how waterproof this phone is!

LondonMpee said:
I managed to get my Sony point and shoot camera (TX200) strap through the eyelet, also using a cotton tread to pull it through, and the cord was just thick enough to to fit the gaps and provide a sturdy hold. Don't want the phone to slip out of hand when taking photos whilst snorkelling, I'm sure that sucker is going to be really slippery when under water, what with the glass front and back. It going to be a real test of how waterproof this phone is!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have it attached to my z3 compact, but I think it would be possible. I have a pentax floating camera strap attached to my panasonic TS5 (which is an awesome stand alone underwater camera). No idea where you would find one, any camera shop maybe? I'm in Canada and bought it at London Drugs. Ignore the caribiner, that was just for attaching the strap to my equipment.
EDIT: Tested it, took a bit of work but I was able to get the thread through the lanyard loop on the z3 compact. Floating strap might be good choice in water, even if it looks a little silly.

[Q] Cover App

So I'm, guessing this feature utilizes a reed switch. Is it polarized? The reason i ask is, I got a cheap knock off of the Asus case. The cover app did not work. So I took a magnet and moved it around on the front of the phone. Still did not work. Dropped the magnet and when I picked it up and tried again, it worked. I then turned the magnet around so the other side was facing the phone, again it didn't work. With that knowledge, I tried putting the front of the case up to the phone. It worked, the circle app came on. I opened up up the case and moved the part that SHOULD be against the front of the phone around and nothing.
Obviously on my phone it is polarized. Should it be? If the authentic Asus case is of good quality I don't mind spending 40 bucks on one but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the phone first.

Bluze said:
Obviously on my phone it is polarized. Should it be? If the authentic Asus case is of good quality I don't mind spending 40 bucks on one but I want to make sure there is nothing wrong with the phone first.
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Click to collapse
Buy the official one. I got it for free, but I would happily pay for it. It's worth it.
A lot of third party cases tend to fail with these features. They seem to just throw it together as fast as possible and don't test it properly to make sure it actually works.

Yeah, as long as I can determine that nothing is wrong with the phone I will. But should a reed switch only work with one side of a magnet?
Also, what is the quality of the authentic? Is it genuine leather? Does it seem like something that will hold up well?

Bluze said:
what is the quality of the authentic? Is it genuine leather? Does it seem like something that will hold up well?
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Click to collapse
The plastic that covers the circle feels kind of cheap, but everything else feels solid. No idea if it's real leather, doesn't really seem like it, but I could be wrong.

Thanks Harfainx. I just ordered one. I hope the polarization on the reed switch is normal and not a defect.

Bluze said:
Thanks Harfainx. I just ordered one. I hope the polarization on the reed switch is normal and not a defect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You definitely don`t have a reed switch in the phone, it will be a hall effect switch which will switch whenever a magnet comes close enough to trip it. N or S pole irrelevant in operation, its pure proximity. :good:

Thanks for that information. I've never heard of a hall effect switch, just assumed it was a reed switch since it's activated by a magnet.
So maybe something is defective with mine then. Like I said, holding the front of the case up to the screen activates it, but the back side, that should be against the screen doesn't. Guess I'll just have to wait till the authentic case arrives and see what happens. Off now to read up on hall effect switches.

Sorry for not following up on this sooner. My dog died last week and it's been pretty tough for me.
Got the original and it works perfectly. The knock off worked if I held the front of it up to the screen. So it seems the switch is polarized and it was put in backwards in the cheap one.
Quality isn't bad. And the tempered glass screen protector fits perfect with it. I've had a few people who saw it and commented on how cool the circle thing is. Well worth the 40 bucks.

Stiff case?

Is there any RAZR 5G case that is stiff such that it will hold the phone open at any angle like the Samsung Z Flip3 stays open?

Bingo. I am looking for this exact thing, or a way to tighten the hinge substantially more.
I'm not the only one looking for this!

Nope.. Many manufactures didn't go near this version, because of the fragility.. I'm definitely not knocking the RAZR.. That phone is awesome, in more ways than I'll state on this post, but... It's structural integrity? Yeah.....
If the major players who design and produce cases for just about every phone out there wouldn't touch this job, then there's a reason. Probably because most of the case manufactures have an anti-something guarantee of some type attached to their products.. Something they'd not be able to guarantee with this model unless the case was made out of bubble-wrap, and even then it's still a liability with the price-tag attached.
Never broken a phone in my life, until I owned a RAZR...
However... Something just came to mind.. You have an idea.. Know anyone with a 3d printer?
If you have the original shell on your phone, you could do a scan, and design then form what you like..
I'd think?.... a resistance hinge connecting two covers would work.. Perhaps something with teeth? Ziptie mechanism? Non-conductive liquid adhesive sprayed in the gears?
... Yeano.. Don't spray liquid adhesive.. Even though it'd probably work, because of how tight everything is in there, you'd almost definitely screw something else up...
When thinking about this idea, keep this in mind.
I believe the reason they didn't put more resistance with the internal hinge, is specifically to protect that internal screen as much as possible... Coming from someone who's fixed a few, there is NOTHING under that screen, except for parts, and two lithium batteries.. That phone is pretty open, once you've seen the inside.
Great design when it comes to concept.. Hands down...
Practicality when in comes to human hands doing human things with human attention spans attached?
Wrap it in bubble wrap and mantle that device.
Good luck, and I can't wait to see what you come up with...

Nick0Sean said:
Nope.. Many manufactures didn't go near this version, because of the fragility.. I'm definitely not knocking the RAZR.. That phone is awesome, in more ways than I'll state on this post, but... It's structural integrity? Yeah.....
If the major players who design and produce cases for just about every phone out there wouldn't touch this job, then there's a reason. Probably because most of the case manufactures have an anti-something guarantee of some type attached to their products.. Something they'd not be able to guarantee with this model unless the case was made out of bubble-wrap, and even then it's still a liability with the price-tag attached.
Never broken a phone in my life, until I owned a RAZR...
However... Something just came to mind.. You have an idea.. Know anyone with a 3d printer?
If you have the original shell on your phone, you could do a scan, and design then form what you like..
I'd think?.... a resistance hinge connecting two covers would work.. Perhaps something with teeth? Ziptie mechanism? Non-conductive liquid adhesive sprayed in the gears?
... Yeano.. Don't spray liquid adhesive.. Even though it'd probably work, because of how tight everything is in there, you'd almost definitely screw something else up...
When thinking about this idea, keep this in mind.
I believe the reason they didn't put more resistance with the internal hinge, is specifically to protect that internal screen as much as possible... Coming from someone who's fixed a few, there is NOTHING under that screen, except for parts, and two lithium batteries.. That phone is pretty open, once you've seen the inside.
Great design when it comes to concept.. Hands down...
Practicality when in comes to human hands doing human things with human attention spans attached?
Wrap it in bubble wrap and mantle that device.
Good luck, and I can't wait to see what you come up with...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't keep the phone for even a week. Not my cup of tea.

dimex said:
I didn't keep the phone for even a week. Not my cup of tea.
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Click to collapse
I've definitely noticed it's been a love/hate relationship with it, from many people. I get it.
To be honest with you? What I initially liked about it? I could put it in my pocket, and sit again without having to keep it out.. lol
Features are still awesome, though how fragile it is, along with the difficulty of repairing it.. Being ambidextrous really helps when it comes to repairing this one btw... and the replacement parts prices?
Yeah... If I didn't try my luck at the repair job, I wouldn't of ever owned one. Too much cost, with too much risk..
Next one though... Pixel definitely, and that's because of the apps... That recorder is awesome.. Don't even have to announce verbal punctuation most of the time...
Might actually get around to writing a novel now.. lol