Razrdock Mod [Stage: I. Planning][Updated :P] - Atrix 4G General

READ FIRST:
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS YET IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING, IT IS INCOMPLETE AND STILL REQUIRES ME TO BUY THE EQUIPMENT AND TEST EVERYTHING, I MAY NOT BE CORRECT IN SOME THINGS AND YOU MAY RUIN YOUR LAPDOCK, THANKS!
Alright I give credits to seven2099 for bringing this up, so now we have two projects to make the lapdock run on it's own.
So instead of using the CottonCandy FXI, I will be using the MK802 Allwinner A10 (When it gets back into stock).
giuanz has helped out a lot by getting a hold of one of these MK units before me... And gave very good details on the problems...
Log:
6/3/12 -- Posts: 1 2 3
So far: We discussed Voltage and amps that will power the MK, so far there are problems, but this is at a glance as we don't have a unit yet. But it seems that the lapdock won't proide enough juice to power the MK...
6/12/12-6/14/12 -- Posts: 1 2 3
Alright so guianz has recieved his MK units and 2 problems have come up...
1. The resolution is not compatible. The HDMI output on the MK doesn't give the lapdock resolution 1366x768. A solution may be done by extracting the file from the razr leak for the webtop that decides resolution and putting it in the MK unit. It may or may not work, lets hope it does!
2. The output:
It would refuse to boot with any USB port I tried it with (red light comes up but no boot) - it would only power up with the power supply. Didn't try with lapdock as I'm still missing the adapter cable but I bet it's a current limit problem, like it probably really takes more than 1a to boot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That explains everything... Everything will be looked in, thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you need:
-Lapdock, NO?!?!
-Xacto knife or similar
-Hot Glue
-Screwdrivers (Unsure of which ones, will update)
-Maybe more, will update
What you need to buy:
-HDMI Upgrade Kit (May need up to 3)
-MK802 Allwinner A10
-HDMI Male to Micro HDMI Female Adapter
-Maybe more, will update
TOC:
I. Planning
II. Connections
-- First we must test to make sure that everything cable-wise is working (HDMI can be seen from lapdock, keyboard mouse goes through USB) so that we can move on the the software
III. OS + Software
-- We have to make sure that the drivers are working for ICS and that everything is setup correctly.
IV. Placement + Hardmod
-- We must take apart the lapdock (The back panels only), and the A10 to get them to fit and work properly. We must also get the on/off working by screen opening and closing)
V. Guide (When completed)
II. Connections
geeky-gadgets.com said:
The MK802 is also equipped with 2 x USB ports, one full-sized and one micro, and runs Google’s latest Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) operating system. As well as being equipped with a HDMI port for connecting to your monitor of preference.
Connectivity on the MK802 is provided by WiFi 802.11b/g, with 4GB of Flash storage as standard, which can be increased to 32GB via the microSD card slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So according to geeky-gadgets & the chinese retailers we have 2 USB ports, one full and one micro. Great isn't it? Not really, because the lapdock provides power through the micro-usb and the A10 has it's own power port... So we need to cut up the USB and solder the cables to two different connectors. The data cables will be soldered to the micro-usb connector from the HDMI upgrade kit, the power cables will be soldered to the power connector that comes with the A10.
But now we get to HDMI. This will take more time... We are gonna use the [HDMI Male to Micro HDMI Female Adapter] it will convert the hdmi from the lapdock straight to normal HDMI, this is a bit hefty so we will have to use a Xacto knife or similar to cut it up... Once we get it's guts then we can make room for it when we hardmod the lapdock.
III. OS + Software
To come, once I buy everything and get them connected.
What I think for now: Since ICS doesn't have any of Moto's drivers in it yet we can connect it to the lapdock and use the key+mouse proves that they must be generic drivers. (Have to test this theory)
IV. Hardmod + Placement
To come, once I finish the other two...
V. Guide
To Come, once I finish everything.

This looks like a good little project good luck would love to see an actual finished model.
Good Luck

The Atrix forums really are dead...

No No, i'll read your post and this remember me the mod of lapdock (HDMI) for use with other device (PS3). I plan myself to build an adapter for HDMI & USB for use it with other device (it your case the MK802 Allwinner A10).
Keep us updated for your mod
PS: A silent reader of XDA since modding my HTC Diamond

Great project! I might suggest using an atom system ?

Do they have one small enough that runs win 7, and in turn win 8...

Everything in next post...

Bump so people can see it. And a mini notice:
I will be listing many things on my ebay account to sell over time, many of which are from work... Others from home... Most of what you can buy will be used to fund for this project...
On a note if I can raise enough money, I should be able to make multiple of them to sell for cheap on xda... I'll see how it goes... So if any of you are interested in this project or what I've listed on ebay don't hesitate to buy it...
Ebay: myworld.ebay.com/ih3876

anyway the mk802 cortex a8 is missing some cpu power i thing

What do you mean? It's a 1ghz processor...

Hello Alaq,
I wish you come up with something and show us what useful stuff can be achieved with a lapdock. And that being said, i honestly didn'T like the thread title cause it reminds me us false motorola timing table. I hope this project doesn't become obsolete like motorola's update table.
Stage 1 : Wait 4 months
Stage 2 : Wait 2 months for rolling
Stage 3 : Weh bumped you, you wont get ICS. Hahah
Stage 4 : Buy a new motorola phone with ICS.

Semseddin said:
Hello Alaq,
I wish you come up with something and show us what useful stuff can be achieved with a lapdock. And that being said, i honestly didn'T like the thread title cause it reminds me us false motorola timing table. I hope this project doesn't become obsolete like motorola's update table.
Stage 1 : Wait 4 months
Stage 2 : Wait 2 months for rolling
Stage 3 : Weh bumped you, you wont get ICS. Hahah
Stage 4 : Buy a new motorola phone with ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some of you just aren't getting the point here, are you???
This is about trying something new, seeing if it can be done, and what the results will be. Some people like to try innovative ideas "just because". I don't believe Alaq asked for your approval to move forward with his project, so I would suggest if you don't like the thread, (or it's title), that you move on yourself!
<edit> Seems funny you would have this attitude since you have a Motorola modding forum! Jealous???

@CaelanT,
Don't bark towards me, move along
@Alaq,
I didn't mean to approve your ideas, just expressed myself. If you felt offended, i am sorry.

Semseddin said:
@CaelanT,
Don't bark towards me, move along
@Alaq,
I didn't mean to approve your ideas, just expressed myself. If you felt offended, i am sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shukran...

FYI. I don't know if this link helps. I'm posting it, just in case.
http://www.techrepublic.com/photos/...10&tag=thumbnail-view-selector;get-photo-roto
To my knowledge that Bionic lapdock is identical to the Atrix one but with the HDMI and MicroUSB connectors reversed.
BTW I ordered three MK802's in the 1GB RAM version and the status has just changed to "shipped".
Now that I read the rumor about an early ICS demo, I am torn between waiting for ICS and trying this mod.
Cheers, G

I like webtop (or ubuntop)... Is the plan to run a similar ubuntu syste, or a hybrid, or just tabletUI?

You can run Android ICS or Ubuntu on the MK802 I read somewhere... So I'll look at all the possibilities...

MK802 disassembly pics
FYI.
http://3dobjectifying.blogspot.ie/2012/05/mk802-received.html
still waiting for my MK802's , and have already three more friends who want one
also:
1. MK802 audio is only through HDMI - to use a headset when I want, I think I'd add a 3.5mm stereo switching jack somewhere on the back of the lapdock
2. MK802 has no bluetooth - but the pics in the link I posted show a USB bluetooth dongle attached to it - I think that's a good idea if you want bluetooth
3. MK802 is only 802.11 b/g networking no n - I suppose you'd have to live with that.
Cheers and keep us posted! I'll do the same - giuanz

giuanz said:
FYI.
http://3dobjectifying.blogspot.ie/2012/05/mk802-received.html
still waiting for my MK802's , and have already three more friends who want one
also:
1. MK802 audio is only through HDMI - to use a headset when I want, I think I'd add a 3.5mm stereo switching jack somewhere on the back of the lapdock
2. MK802 has no bluetooth - but the pics in the link I posted show a USB bluetooth dongle attached to it - I think that's a good idea if you want bluetooth
3. MK802 is only 802.11 b/g networking no n - I suppose you'd have to live with that.
Cheers and keep us posted! I'll do the same - giuanz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I missed it by a day last week... They were sold out within 2 days lol... Anyways I'll start taking apart my lapdock to check the connections and make some space...

Alaq said:
I missed it by a day last week... They were sold out within 2 days lol... Anyways I'll start taking apart my lapdock to check the connections and make some space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there are more sellers on Aliexpress who claim they have it, although the only seller which already has feedback is sold out.
Also there are some on sale on eBay.
btw if you want to have a laugh, look at this: http://www.mk802.net
(LOL, the Chinese are discovering what intellectual property means)
btw2 I just made an experiment. I forced discharge of my Atrix battery to 0% - basically till the point it would only boot in charger mode not full OS.
With the lapdock open, it would charge. With the lapdock closed, it would not charge.
So my idea of how the lid open/close switch works is like this:
1. lid open -> lapdock gives USB power to phone
2. lid closed -> lapdock checks HDMI port for signal. If HDMI signal present, lapdock gives USB power. Otherwise USB stays off.
That also would explain why, when you connect the lapdock, the first thing the phone does is send that M logo ove the HDMI port - just like a way to say to the lapdock: "hey wait for me I'm there, give me USB (so I can recognise the keyboard and trackpad) and I'll boot webtop".
Now I think if this logic turns to be true, you would not even need an extra power switch! Just open the lid to power on - it will stay powered on as long as there is HDMI signal - and when you want to shutdown, youĺl do it through the menu.
The only annoying thing is that there won't be any notification when the battery is about to run out of juice.

Related

Engadget review - it's up

http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/19/htc-evo-4g-review/
Wrap-up
Let us be crystal clear: we love this phone. Nay, we adore it. But the fact remains that it's still very much an Android device -- which means that if you don't like Android now, odds are good that even Android executed on the most amazing hardware to date won't do much to change your opinion of it. You've also got to be concerned about upgradeability; Froyo is almost certainly around the corner now, and HTC hasn't done anything to suggest it's able to push Sense-powered updates in a timely fashion.
That said, this is truly one of the best smartphones ever made, and even spotty 4G -- a reality of a young technology that's going to take years to properly build out -- probably won't do much to hamper your enjoyment of this thing. It's reasonable to assume that phones like the EVO will ultimately come to every carrier over the next few months... but hey, if you jumped ship for Sprint to pick up this monster, we wouldn't be able blame you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Highlights:
-battery life seems robust
-screen seems as nice as the AMOLED on the nexus one
-HD video recording ok, not spectacular
This is going to be one solid phone. And yeah, I know engadget is not the end-all be-all of reviews, but a lot of people sure are going to be reading it as their audience is huge.
So the two weeks of waiting is now going to seem like 5 months, DAMN I want this phone. Can't wait for the first custom ROM . . .
**** i was just about to post this haha, reading now so excited!
was just about to my self, damn you!
The upgradeability issue is really the only major point that is preventing me from pre-ordering. I mean, how long is it going to be until Sense phones get 2.2? Months? It took several months for phones to get 2.1 I don't want to wait months for the supposed speed advantages that 2.2 brings.
I didn't wait months on my hero. Why did you?
Also that video is very disappointing. I don't understand why HTC cameras suck compared to what Apple uses but they need to fix it.
the video review was horrible.
GHOST99K said:
the video review was horrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree, I think it was one of the better reviews i've seen.
Likes & Dislikes
Likes:
1. Huge screen, thinner than my current TP2
2. Kickstand - seriously, a phone has to come with some serious balls if it has a kickstand
3. 2.1 + sense = customizable, as opposed to boring iPhone OS
4. HQ Youtube
5. Engadget's review indicates a good battery life, certainly better than i expected - several hours as a 4g hotspot?! After a couple of hours of heavy use?!?!
6. If you watched Engadget's video review, it is snappy as hell, very responsive; only lag was when turning on 4g radio.
7. Review indicates good shutter response with photos - TP2 is annoyingly slow to take a photo.
Dislikes:
1. Will have to wait 4 months for 4g (and that's according to Sprint) in my area
2. Camera lens flush with bezel, which means scratches, which sucks.
3. Mandatory accessories, like a GPS-style car dash mount and HDMI cable, will rape my wallet.
4. Video calling could not be tested in time for the review, which is a major feature for me. Hopefully Skype releases something for Android for video calls. 3g bandwidth is sufficient for Skype video calls, as i do it all the time from my embedded VZ card on my laptop. Maybe 'Skype HD for Android'? Has a nice ring to it, eh?
What does everyone else think about the review? Either way, I am sold on this device.
khov07 said:
Likes:
1. Huge screen, thinner than my current TP2
2. Kickstand - seriously, a phone has to come with some serious balls if it has a kickstand
3. 2.1 + sense = customizable, as opposed to boring iPhone OS
4. HQ Youtube
5. Engadget's review indicates a good battery life, certainly better than i expected - several hours as a 4g hotspot?! After a couple of hours of heavy use?!?!
6. If you watched Engadget's video review, it is snappy as hell, very responsive; only lag was when turning on 4g radio.
7. Review indicates good shutter response with photos - TP2 is annoyingly slow to take a photo.
Dislikes:
1. Will have to wait 4 months for 4g (and that's according to Sprint) in my area
2. Camera lens flush with bezel, which means scratches, which sucks.
3. Mandatory accessories, like a GPS-style car dash mount and HDMI cable, will rape my wallet.
4. Video calling could not be tested in time for the review, which is a major feature for me. Hopefully Skype releases something for Android for video calls. 3g bandwidth is sufficient for Skype video calls, as i do it all the time from my embedded VZ card on my laptop. Maybe 'Skype HD for Android'? Has a nice ring to it, eh?
What does everyone else think about the review? Either way, I am sold on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not need a expensive car mount, just get a cheap one, **** works the exact same way. Also, an hdmi cord is far from mandatory.
Only mandatory things I need is a car charger, wall charger, and usb cable
khov07 said:
Likes:
3. Mandatory accessories, like a GPS-style car dash mount and HDMI cable, will rape my wallet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/Hdmi-Feet-Sup...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274350210&sr=8-1
$2.50 for a six foot HDMI cable. That isn't exactly breaking the bank.
Mecha2142 said:
http://www.amazon.com/Hdmi-Feet-Sup...1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1274350210&sr=8-1
$2.50 for a six foot HDMI cable. That isn't exactly breaking the bank.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We need a Type D micro HDMI cable, not a regular type A or mini Type C. That cable won't work.
Aridon said:
I didn't wait months on my hero. Why did you?
Also that video is very disappointing. I don't understand why HTC cameras suck compared to what Apple uses but they need to fix it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the point. Rooting my own phone is fine, but if my mom has this phone, I don't want to deal with roms and rooting with her phone and fixing any issues that come up. You should not have to wait months for an official version update for Android.
OK, forgot to mention the car charger.
But HDMI cable is definitely mandatory - who else can plug-in their CELL PHONE into an HDTV for 720p playback? Geez, what's the point of having this device if you can't show it off!
I recall at a Sprint/HTC/Microsoft launch event of the TP2, the rep's plugged in their TP2's directly into a laptop to show off the capability of running a PowerPoint presentation from the device - like anyone plugs in their smartphones to PC's to say, 'check it out, i'm running a PP presentation from this thing'. Good thing the slides were nothing but text.
If the Evo's HDMI port's are 'standard', then I should be able to find an appropriate cable anywhere. HDMI cables that cost $30-$50 at Best Buy i can get for less than ten bucks elsewhere, same brand, same length.
Does anyone know what type of HDMI cable would be required?
If it's some sort of proprietary cable, at launch you can probably only get it from the carrier, which does rape customers with accessories.
Hopefully it's a 'standard' cable.
aldo37 said:
That's not the point. Rooting my own phone is fine, but if my mom has this phone, I don't want to deal with roms and rooting with her phone and fixing any issues that come up. You should not have to wait months for an official version update for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just search for "mini HDMI cable" on Amazon and you'll get plenty of hits for cables under $10. Some way under $10. I would post links, but my newbie status prevents me from doing so.
***EDIT***
My bad. The mini HDMI cable is NOT what you want for the EVO 4G. It should be an HDMI cablewith a micro (Type D) connector. Sorry for the mis-information.
I found this one for $15
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Molex/68786-0003/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuDGvNOpmBhkbvASizaogqN
mini hdmi cable at amazon for under 5 bucks shipped to you. Same cable is 69.99 at bestbuy. also you could just carry a HDMI to mini HDMI converter cable with you
Just remember it needs to be a TYPE-D mini hdmi cable.
Any other items?
OK, what about the rest of the review? Any other comments?
I noticed no mention of the digital compass, FM radio, or call quality/functionality.

Lapdock HARDMOD - CottonCandy ICS FXI - NATIVE

Hello
Just wanted to let you all know that although my Atrix is no longer in use, I have the lapdock lying around.
It is a good piece of hardware and I have been toying with finding a way to embed the actual atrix itself inside the lapdock. However, the real problem there is that there is no use for doing that since the Atrix's native dock functions suck!!! I also considered and toyed with the Raspberry, but its not meant for that.
However I have come across this puppy: FXI Tech Cotton Candy
and my plan is to embed it inside my Lapdock and create something actually useful with that hardware.
The FXI Cotton Candy officially supports GB, ICS and now Ubuntu 12.
For anyone who doesn't know what it is:
"FXI Tech Cotton Candy packs more power in a tiny space. It has a dual-core ARM Cortex A9 as its processor and the quad-core ARM Mali-400MP for graphics. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. On both ends are USB 2.0 and HDMI out connectors and there’s one micro USB 2.0 connector on the side. It has 1GB RAM and a microSD slot for up to 64GB of expandable storage."
Given its size, it easily fits disassembled into the dock connector that rotates on the actual lapdock.
Does this sort of thing interest anyone?
I'll keep you guys posted as my adventures with that continue.
Sounds interesting and would love to see this kind of thing work.
Good look man hope it works for ya
Sent from my MB860 using XDA
Did you pre-order one?
If not, the likelyhood of you getting one this year is almost zero. They have stopped pre-orders as they have filled up on those, and currently have nobody to do mass production for them. Since this is their situation and they have to find someone to build these units, you most likely won't see any this year, as it takes time to complete all the necessary steps to put a product into production. Your best bet may be one of these to test out your idea:
http://www.mobilenapps.com/articles/2246/20120518/74-mk802-versus-200-fxi-cotton-candy.htm
If you can't get hold of one maybe look into the MK802 PC, you might find that easier to add onto the lapdock too looks like it already has a hdmi and a usb so i think you may just have to buy some extra wires and hook it all up. And it's only $74
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/mk802-beats-cotton-candy-to-market/
Should work perfectly fine... people have shown that you can connect a PS3 to the lapdock. Only question is: will a regular ICS or Ubuntu 12 have the lapdock drivers..
thantos said:
Should work perfectly fine... people have shown that you can connect a PS3 to the lapdock. Only question is: will a regular ICS or Ubuntu 12 have the lapdock drivers..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that their generic... The fact that CM7 doesn't have any of Motos lapdock drivers yet you can use the keyboard and mouse proves it...
inaudibly said:
If you can't get hold of one maybe look into the MK802 PC, you might find that easier to add onto the lapdock too looks like it already has a hdmi and a usb so i think you may just have to buy some extra wires and hook it all up. And it's only $74
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/18/mk802-beats-cotton-candy-to-market/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you bother to read what I posted in the post before yours? I posted a link for the MK802 already!
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
I will be watching this thread. I have an extra lapdock and would love to put a ics stick in it. Very nice idea.
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
I will take an attempt at this, I also got some friends that are linux devs. The only thing I need lol is cash... So if anyone has a Hard-Bricked Atrix pls PM me! I could use 3-4 of them donated to fund for this. (I know people who will buy them) If I can get 3 then I can buy everything I need...
You and Alaq have made me **** bricks. I normally figure stuff like this out early on. It's not until now that I've realized that connecting usb and hdmi ports will make the lapdock a sologig. A real upgradeable laptop, how about that?! It would be nothing to find screens of a similar size to replace them in any lapdock model if you wanted to do so. Still ****ting bricks.
srkelley said:
You and Alaq have made me **** bricks. I normally figure stuff like this out early on. It's not until now that I've realized that connecting usb and hdmi ports will make the lapdock a sologig. A real upgradeable laptop, how about that?! It would be nothing to find screens of a similar size to replace them in any lapdock model if you wanted to do so. Still ****ting bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I knew about it's potential ever since I saw that ps3 video (Either last year or the beginning of this year...), but it wasn't till this month that people started releasing PCs on a stick... But yea it would be amazing for school to have a razr thin laptop that runs smoothly and has 8 hour battery life (probably more because it's no longer charging the phone), and that's why I decided to start on the project (In my sig), I'll release everything when I'm through with it.. I'll have to record everything that I do to the lapdock for you guys...
This one looks really interesting.....in technical side.
But it is not efficient if you compare the price with typical windows netbook
199$ + lapdock price is more expensive than netbook.
AndroidON said:
This one looks really interesting.....in technical side.
But it is not efficient if you compare the price with typical windows netbook
199$ + lapdock price is more expensive than netbook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click the link in my sig, I'm trying this using the A10... And hopefully when I'm done with it I should be able to minimize costs...
Plus where would be the fun if you just buy it... Were gonna mod this to our desires xD
Once you get it sorted, could you make a video showing the performance? I love the idea and have been considering making a sort of 'dummy phone' like box to house a raspberry pi but this little a10 stick computer looks like it could be a better option. For me, it would have to run linux as android on a laptop is just wrong as far as I am concerned It looks good, but would not be worth it unless it is faster than webtop imho.
Thanks for being the Guinea Pig!
It can be interested they are publish source code at https://github.com/FXITech

Windows 8 phones

First Windows 8 phone revealed, from i-mate:
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/brier...-8-pc-phone-revealed-plus-tablet-and-desktop/
4.7" screen Windows 8 Pro, and runs atom processor.
Look forward to seeing reviews and seeing how well the phone/messaging capability is on this.
We will see more of these, especially when Intel releases a 22nm atom later this year. And some ARM ones with Windows RT.
(Follow up to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1226360)
CSMR said:
First Windows 8 phone revealed, from i-mate:
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/brier...-8-pc-phone-revealed-plus-tablet-and-desktop/
4.7" screen Windows 8 Pro, and runs atom processor.
Look forward to seeing reviews and seeing how well the phone/messaging capability is on this.
We will see more of these, especially when Intel releases a 22nm atom later this year. And some ARM ones with Windows RT.
(Follow up to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1226360)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can get that setup for $1600, I'd be impressed. Nice business solution if you ask me...
it won't sell, because its a proprietary dock, for one phone only.
needs to be a STANDARD wireless charging base (mac mini sized) with vga/sound/mic/hdmi/etc out the back, so regular peripherals can be used. large enough to charge 2-3 phones at once, is a good idea too.
dlna to dock, hdmi/vga to screen, etc
now, as far as convincing people to buy windows 8, I have no idea how.
ohgood said:
it won't sell, because its a proprietary dock, for one phone only.
needs to be a STANDARD wireless charging base (mac mini sized) with vga/sound/mic/hdmi/etc out the back, so regular peripherals can be used. large enough to charge 2-3 phones at once, is a good idea too.
dlna to dock, hdmi/vga to screen, etc
now, as far as convincing people to buy windows 8, I have no idea how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You want a Dock with a wireless charging base, VGA/HDMI, Audio in out all coming out of the dock. designed around all phones and indeed work with multiple phones at the same time.
So we can explain audio with Bluetooth, and DNLA with wifi but how my friend, do you explain your VGA/HDMI out? how do you charge it if your don't have a inductive phone? or do you want all phones to have inductive charging wireless VGA and HDMI output as well?
the concept of a docking station for a specific phone is a tried and tested model and is routinely used on laptops and tablets, these devices are far from "universal" one can argue that there has never been a universal docking station, simply because there are far too many designs and technologies to take in to account. The beloved Apple are the worst for this, buy any ipod dock and youll find as many adaptors and connectors stuffed in to the box to "make" it compatible as there are iphone covers in cheap arse phone stores.
I think the idea of having a phone that's so powerful that can be plugged in to a tablet case, laptop case, home entertainment system is a great concept, itll never happen but if a unified connectivity model could be made up then even better, the problem with such things is space, yes you can transmit HDMI wirelessly, but its heavy on juice consumption, far heavier than what induction charging can deliver.
I see what your saying and that would be ideal but practicalities will prohibit a universal dock, a set of docks available for your specific phone however is a great idea and one id sign up to.
As the article says, it is not going to be a 'stand alone' phone, but part of a 'hub' system. So it doesn't need to have a 'standard' docking or wireless charging system...
I think it's an interesting idea. Let's see if i-Mate pull this off!!!
dazza9075 said:
You want a Dock with a wireless charging base, VGA/HDMI, Audio in out all coming out of the dock. designed around all phones and indeed work with multiple phones at the same time.
So we can explain audio with Bluetooth, and DNLA with wifi but how my friend, do you explain your VGA/HDMI out? how do you charge it if your don't have a inductive phone? or do you want all phones to have inductive charging wireless VGA and HDMI output as well?
the concept of a docking station for a specific phone is a tried and tested model and is routinely used on laptops and tablets, these devices are far from "universal" one can argue that there has never been a universal docking station, simply because there are far too many designs and technologies to take in to account. The beloved Apple are the worst for this, buy any ipod dock and youll find as many adaptors and connectors stuffed in to the box to "make" it compatible as there are iphone covers in cheap arse phone stores.
I think the idea of having a phone that's so powerful that can be plugged in to a tablet case, laptop case, home entertainment system is a great concept, itll never happen but if a unified connectivity model could be made up then even better, the problem with such things is space, yes you can transmit HDMI wirelessly, but its heavy on juice consumption, far heavier than what induction charging can deliver.
I see what your saying and that would be ideal but practicalities will prohibit a universal dock, a set of docks available for your specific phone however is a great idea and one id sign up to.
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you know the answers to the questiions already... if the phone isn't inductive charge capable, well, it misses out. (I screwed up suggesting vga out, yes)
is the dock to be tossed out when the next phone is released, or microsoft abandons the current os, forcing hardware upgrades ?
---------- Post added at 05:07 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:58 AM ----------
geddeeee said:
As the article says, it is not going to be a 'stand alone' phone, but part of a 'hub' system. So it doesn't need to have a 'standard' docking or wireless charging system...
I think it's an interesting idea. Let's see if i-Mate pull this off!!!
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ya, that was part of my point. the docking system is physically bound to only one phone model. a change of phones means the dock is obsolete. that's why I suggested a inductive version instead.
Re: Docks. You can do a lot with mini-displayport and micro-usb, which should fit on a superpowered phone. Or thunderbolt would work as a universal connector - thunderbolt out to a dock.
But what is more interesting to me is having a full windows OS on a phone. Windows Phone 8 still has a lot of core features missing, while Windows 8 does not have these gaps. Just add phone and messaging capability to Windows 8 and you will have an excellent OS for power users.
Hopefully there will be more of these phones when Intel finally moves Atom to 22nm later this year.
CSMR said:
Re: Docks. You can do a lot with mini-displayport and micro-usb, which should fit on a superpowered phone. Or thunderbolt would work as a universal connector - thunderbolt out to a dock.
But what is more interesting to me is having a full windows OS on a phone. Windows Phone 8 still has a lot of core features missing, while Windows 8 does not have these gaps. Just add phone and messaging capability to Windows 8 and you will have an excellent OS for power users.
Hopefully there will be more of these phones when Intel finally moves Atom to 22nm later this year.
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yesssss, that's what wp7/8 were supposed to do: bridge the gaps, the pc/phone in one.
but, now you have wp, surface/rt, w8 and their versions also. fragmentation, not integration.
oh, and xbox... office... very odd way of doing things.
huawei ascend w1
i recently bought the huawei ascend w1 and does anyone know how to disable the shutter sound ?
tkelly0727 said:
i recently bought the huawei ascend w1 and does anyone know how to disable the shutter sound ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings>Ringtones + Sounds> uncheck "Camera shutter" box
Shutter sound
Dadstar said:
Settings>Ringtones + Sounds> uncheck "Camera shutter" box
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Click to collapse
Hi. I don't have a checkbox to turn the shutter sound off. I know my old Windows 7 phone had the option, but nothing on this one.
I'd love to turn it off because the default sound is horrible.
Dadstar said:
Settings>Ringtones + Sounds> uncheck "Camera shutter" box
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Click to collapse
Just purchased an O2 version, same here there is no Camera shutter box to uncheck.

no chance of a section for the dell venue 8 pro tablet?

And... any plans for a windows 8 app for xda?
I would like one as well. These tabs are capable of so much that this is now my sole computer for school work. Audio is super loud, no beats hack needed and it can run ccleaner. How could you guys NOT be on board?
I will request this as well. I just got my Venue 8 Pro and all I can say is WOW! it beats any of my Android tablets hands down. It has become my go to tablet for everything. I'm even starting to like Windows 8.1 I just wish I could install apps to the SD card. Hopefully someone will fix that...
texasredrider said:
I will request this as well. I just got my Venue 8 Pro and all I can say is WOW! it beats any of my Android tablets hands down. It has become my go to tablet for everything. I'm even starting to like Windows 8.1 I just wish I could install apps to the SD card. Hopefully someone will fix that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have one, great tablet, I would like to see this too..........
I just got one yesterday and I mostly love it but with a few issues:
1. Using the USB port as a charge and device connector through USB OTG. Basically this means you can't use a device AND charge at the same time. No way to make a dock either. The should have at least put pogo pins on the outside of the case or put a Qi charger panel on the battery... Oh.. side complaint: 2A charger needed. So while it uses a USB cable, few PCs will have the chops to charge this thing. Then again, same for my Samsung Note 10.1 and the Apple iPad series.
2. No mini-HDMI, MHL or SlimPort support. You can hang a USB video card on it, but then you can't charge it and those things suck power. So we're talking powered USB hub... Miracast really doesn't cut it. Nothing supports it and external Miracast dongles are not cheap.
3. No GPS. I know this isn't standard on Windows devices, but it's very common on Android devices. Mind you - you should be able to use your phone to provide GPS data (ot to mention internet connections) over Bluetooth, so that's not as bad as it might seem.
4. Screen resolution. Ok - I'm actually of mixed minds on this - I'd like 1920x1200 - but even at 1280x800 the text seems small when you're in desktop mode...
5. Stereo speakers would be nice - but yeah, the one they include is LOUD.
6. 4GB RAM option would have been nice too.
None of these are killers - although 1 comes close. Still, the ability to run Visual Studio and do development on a tablet I can keep in my jacket pocket is really amazing... and even more amazing at $350.
It's not without compromises sure but it is one hell of an amazing tablet I No longer have a pc or laptop, I bought the official Keyboard and a cheap bluetooth mouse and I can work on it as well as play on it
-----------------------------------------------------
My other phone's a Ferrari.
Charge + USB option.
TheWerewolf said:
I just got one yesterday and I mostly love it but with a few issues:
1. Using the USB port as a charge and device connector through USB OTG. Basically this means you can't use a device AND charge at the same time. No way to make a dock either. The should have at least put pogo pins on the outside of the case or put a Qi charger panel on the battery... Oh.. side complaint: 2A charger needed. So while it uses a USB cable, few PCs will have the chops to charge this thing. Then again, same for my Samsung Note 10.1 and the Apple iPad series.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this: http://www.toddklindt.com/ChargeDV8
Scott
urphonesux said:
I would like one as well. These tabs are capable of so much that this is now my sole computer for school work. Audio is super loud, no beats hack needed and it can run ccleaner. How could you guys NOT be on board?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hay just got a Dell Venue 8 Pro 64gig yesterday how do I make a bootable backup of the recovery image to a USB stick so I can have more space on my Tablet thanks
matthewtech770 said:
Hay just got a Dell Venue 8 Pro 64gig yesterday how do I make a bootable backup of the recovery image to a USB stick so I can have more space on my Tablet thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go here to find everything you need to know
Just got my Dell Venue Pro 8
I just got my Dell Venue Pro 8 and I was so surprised. Wow. I have also an iPad Air and Nexus 7 2013, but this tablet is going to be my favorite for a long time I think. Able to install Spotify, CCleaner, and was surprise by the quality of the windows 8 apps. For ex: FB, Twitter, Foursquare, but also Nook (as epub reader), FitBit, Netflix, OneNote, etc. Excellent surprise.
i am using it as a pc in my studio during the week.
great for surfing, youtube, office work, etc
i am totally happy with it :cyclops:
I love mine as well. If you're thinking of getting one don't hesitate.

Dell Venue 8 Pro - links on USB & Power

I stumbled across these forum posts looking into how to get power and data at the same time on the Dell Venue 8 Pro.
Many good ideas on cable combos and hacking USB hubs to get the power and data working:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/dell/59328-venue-8-usb-power-same-time.html
For the more adventurous, someone cracked theirs open and added a 64GB USB key:
http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/dell/60553-adding-128gb-flash-venue-8-pro.html
The USB hub mod looks very doable, petergunn posted some videos in that thread which show it step by step and you can pick up the hub (or one very like it) on eBay for less than £2. I ordered one a few days ago to try it myself.
The internal USB mod is a different matter, the soldering points involved look very small. I bought the 64GB model, so coupled with a 64GB SDXC I'm not going to be running low on space any time soon unless I really load the thing up with movies or games.
I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the device though. Bay trails are the first Atom chips Intel will be using the Pentium brand for (for laptop/desktop models) and you can see why. Performance-wise it feels like a huge jump from cedar/clover trail. I've installed a bunch of games on it (inc. Blood Bowl and SC2:Heart of the Swarm) and it plays them well, even on around medium settings. Windows 8.1 is a different matter though, I've already hit several annoyances.
I ended up getting a more expensive but similar hub. The cheap ones seem to be sold out everywhere unless they are shipping from China and I didn't feel like waiting for weeks.
I picked my Dell up as an open box at Micro Center for $139. I don't even know why it was so cheap. It looked like it was never out of the box. I couldn't be happier with the tablet especially for the price. Not as elegant a device as my RT but so much more useful.
cx1 said:
I ended up getting a more expensive but similar hub. The cheap ones seem to be sold out everywhere unless they are shipping from China and I didn't feel like waiting for weeks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your soldering skills are as bad as mine, that was probably a good idea. Mine arrived today, and the 'mini' ones on eBay from Hong Kong are very small inside, with much smaller pads than the ones successfully modified by the guys over on tablet PC review. I attempted the mod today but something must have gone wrong as all I got was "unrecognised device" when plugging it in. In the end I gave up on that and just went for the simpler option (see attachment) and made an adapter from some spare bits and pieces.
It's worth noting that there are a few caveats though, these are mentioned on the thread but quite a few pages in. Firstly, it will only trickle charge while connected to another device, not fast charge (you can verify this by checking in the Dell diagnostics, accessible by holding volume up and the power button when switching on). In practice, this means the battery level should remain around the same if the tablet is on. I think this explains why there is no official docking station for the 8 Pro from Dell as it wouldn't be practical to charge it like this for everyday use. Secondly, you're going to need more power than the Dell 10 watt charger can provide if you want to charge the tablet and run power hungry devices like external hard drives - if I connect my external Western Digital drive to my adapter, it works but the tablet stops charging entirely. A solution is to use a powered hub (or if you're doing the hub mod, attach a second charger to the hub's power connector).
I'm really jealous of the prices the 8 Pro seems to be going for in the US, it's a steal as those. In the UK, I got my 64GB model for £279 which is around $458 USD. That's still cheaper than the official Dell UK price, believe it or not!
-edit-
Forget what I wrote about trickle charging, it turns out this was due to insufficient wire thickness. Something to watch out for when modifying your hub though. My tablet is now properly charging when connected to my external hard drive, no powered hub needed
Well, we could actually make a usb 3.0 hub out of the LTE socket.... Took pics of the shields off, I was thinking the notched corner was an sdcard slot. NOPE!
Not USB related, but another mod of sorts (firmware) has been mentioned over on tablet PC review. V3D says it's possible to downgrade to BIOS A03 (with the advanced eMMC/SD speed settings) but keep A04's embedded controller update that fixed the low charge problem:
I just downloaded [A03] right from Dell & used the command /writeromfile to extract the BIOS rom then used AFUWIN from AMI's site to flash the Main bios image & NVRAM. [...]
I don't recommend using DDR50 on the MicroSD card slot, From my benchmark testing I found it had no effect on the speed & others have reported the MicroSD card to becomes unstable, randomly dismounting at times.
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Click to collapse
I'll be giving it a go myself tomorrow.
-edit-
Confirmed as working, use the AptioV version of afuwin.
something does not go according to instructions complete hanging PC

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