Gear VR Development Tips & Tricks - Samsung Gear VR

If you've been to the official forums, you may know it's mostly questions about when updates are coming or how to fix a specific crash. There is a lot of useful information floating around, but very little open development on / for it. These are some of the tips and tricks that have either been posted and updated, forced out of Oculus, or generated through personal testing.
Adding your own oculussig file to an apk:
Obtain your device ID by connecting the Note 4 and using "adb devices"
Enter the number into the form at https://developer.oculus.com/tools/debug/
Download https://mega.co.nz/#!ssB0ALwR!dLKy0OUv7H7aGZQ1YiqXKfDgUc3fnOIghCiEFAFtt4g
Extract the zip and copy the game and signature file into the extracted folder
Run the command to repack for your computer platform (available in USAGE.txt)
Running any app as vr_dual (without Oculus Home):
Install any Gear VR app with your device signature (app can downloaded, compiled, or backed up from an official install)
Go to your device Settings -> Application manager -> Gear VR Service (usually in the "Downloaded" section but could also be in the "All" section).
Tap on "Manage storage"
Tap the "VR Service Version" number six times.
Wait for scan process to complete and you should now see the Developer Mode toggle on this screen.
You should now be able to launch your app without the headset and also dock the headset at any time without having Home launch.
Don't forget to disable developer mode to restore regular functionality after you're done playing the game and enable it again before returning.

Unity game development shortcuts:
So you need a bunch of characters and environments, but the Unity asset store is expensive and you haven't had enough experience in 3DSMax to make your own. There is another way to get tons of content both fast and cheap:
MMD4Mecanim : http://stereoarts.jp/
mmd-for-unity: https://github.com/mmd-for-unity-proj/mmd-for-unity
UnityXNA: https://github.com/mvi/UnityXNA
MMD4Mecanim and mmd-for-unity are extremely similar. The difference between them is that MMD4Mecanim adds the necessary plugins to Unity (and the platforms you build against) to allow you to use models and motions that it converts, while mmd-for-unity performs a fairly complete conversion that allows you to use the items as Unity components with minimal scripts to control some of the aspects that don't fully convert. It is personal preference which is used. When building a scene that is mostly MMD, it is probably better to use MMD4Mecanim. When attempting to mix MMD into a scene built primarily with Unity, mmd-for-unity is probably a better choice.
There is a quick overview of how mmd-for-unity works available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSC2hKaG5AA
Many developers using the Gear VR favor MMD4Mecanim because of the other plugins that have been built on top of it, such as lip sync. In terms of game performance, mmd-for-unity may have a slight advantage due to decreased overhead. It is unnoticeable, though.

4 more days
I need a noob proof setup guide lol

friedrich420 said:
4 more days
I need a noob proof setup guide lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry, I am bringing over all of the stuff I put together from the Oculus forums and personal testing.
I am going to put together a small folder on Mega with tools and some samples.

Thank you so much for starting this thread. Great idea and hopefully I'll learn a lot. One question when i try and enable developer mode after the scan I get the message "you are not a developer" and it closes

sawdoctor said:
Thank you so much for starting this thread. Great idea and hopefully I'll learn a lot. One question when i try and enable developer mode after the scan I get the message "you are not a developer" and it closes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My professor had the same issue. He had to reboot and wait a minute, then go in and try it again. It could also be how fast the clicks are. I know he wasn't rooted and didn't do anything other than reboot. When I did it, I tapped fast.

twistedumbrella said:
My professor had the same issue. He had to reboot and wait a minute, then go in and try it again. It could also be how fast the clicks are. I know he wasn't rooted and didn't do anything other than reboot. When I did it, I tapped fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried it twice but will keep trying. You obviously know which kernel i'm using but I'll keep at it

sawdoctor said:
I've tried it twice but will keep trying. You obviously know which kernel i'm using but I'll keep at it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could also try clearing data for the service, then open Home, then try. When they were setting up, they clicked around but didn't really say what they did. I was in a video conference with like 7 people trying to tell one lol.
What I know for sure was it didn't require root or any additional apps.
I just found a Miku archive with some 1,000 models... Looks like it's time to make a Unity orgy. Speaking of, I should post the Miku to Unity stuff. It's a cheap way to get models and they work with the new animations.

Moved to post 2

Same issue for me, keeps telling me I'm not a developer. Tried multiple data clears and restarts.

Jstylen said:
Same issue for me, keeps telling me I'm not a developer. Tried multiple data clears and restarts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. I just noticed mine was cleared out after doing the last update and I activated and enabled it just now.
Edit: I think I figured out what's happening. It works for me because I have my own game with my signature installed. It didn't take any special app for the other tests because their copy of my game had their signature and I bet they installed it between attempts.
I think you have to have any VR app that contains your own signature installed to "qualify" as a developer. I updated the instructions to include that step.

This is what I was suspecting but hoped I was wrong. I don't have the money for the gear VR right now and hoped to try some things out with an stm32fdiscovery board instead. I suppose now I'll have to compile something with my signature in it.

I didn't realize there actually was a small section for the Gear VR, so we moved over there.

There are some video conversion tips on the official forums. I haven't tried them, but I'll try to gather up what I can and add it here.
We need more positive, productive threads in this section....

I am moving all of the content from a few other threads here, since the Gear VR section has a bit of a troll problem.
One possible way to improve the range of focus / clarity when using the Gear VR:
I found this trick while trying to figure out why no adjustment to the Durovis Dive (moveable lenses) seemed as clear as I expected. The solution was to move where the headset sat on my face, despite it not feeling like that was the "intended placement"
Whether or not you use the nose piece is up to you. I honestly never took the time to compare the two foam blobs, so whichever is the default is the one I use. Most of the trick involves using the tension of the top headband, so adjust the one that wraps around your head to wherever it is tight, but still comfortable.
The next part is where it varies by user. You will want to put the headset on and adjust the focus wheel to get as clear as possible for you. After you are comfortable with the view and about to come back here and say WTF, hold the headset by both sides and move it slightly higher on your face. If the view gets clearer, adjust the top band to keep it locked in place. If there is no change, try moving it lower on your face, and again adjust as needed.
While this may not fit into a scientific explanation of pixel depth, it is a rather simple concept. By moving the headset up or down, you actually slightly alter the angle in relation to your eyes. Most games and apps are intended for a view "level to the eye" and when the headset is too low, your nose can cause it to angle slightly downward. When it is too high, the upward tilt can cause your eyes to strain a bit more.
Hopefully that can help some to solve their issue with clarity before running off to cut up or pack in any additional parts.

I have been meaning to bring over a lot of other stuff from the Oculus forums, but I got wrapped up in having them delete my account.
It appears that some people feel the need to respond to every single thread with public service announcements. Whether or not that is the reason this section has all of 5 active threads and if that led to the Oculus Gear VR section being flooded with the same nonsense cannot be proven without a massive survey. All I can say for sure is that the development sections are safe and hopefully this being a development thread means it is, as well.
Anyway, as for that stuff I was going to bring over:
Controller Mapping by Drash (https://forums.oculus.com/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=20070)
In my Unity apps I use an input layer that requires me to map from an HID to a set of button mappings, and then the rest of my app just deals with with the device-agnostic things like Left Bumper, Start Button, etc. I know a lot of developers out there do something similar, and a few of the third-party input solutions do this as well. There's only one gotcha -- developers are responsible for ensuring setting up button mappings (or profiles) for a reasonable variety of controllers.
As far as I can tell, the most-used controller on Gear VR is the Samsung EI-GP20 Gamepad that optionally comes bundled with the Gear VR. That's good news for the developers that so far aimed to support that at a minimum, but as far as I can tell is a variety of other semi-popular gamepads in use as well:
Moga Pro Power
Moga Hero
PS3 Controller
Gamestop Gamepad
Moga Pro
Steelseries Free
ipega (I think there's a few different versions, not sure which ones people actually use)
So far, I've ordered and tested 6 different controllers now for both the desktop and for Android, and this helps because most of their mappings vary, but this is clearly not a future-proof way to go. Am I going to have to keep buying every controller to find out their HID and mappings? So until I take a different approach, at the very least I would like to throw out there some of the button mappings I've picked up from testing physical controllers, and perhaps others could do the same?
----
1.
"Gamestop Gamepad" aka "Red Samurai Wireless Controller for Android Tablets". I heard this cheap gamepad mentioned several times lately. Dirt cheap. And yet it feels great in the hand and all buttons feel very usable. Solid choice. It has two modes, one that seems to send keyboard commands, and one that actually acts as a normal bluetooth gamepad (Mode G).
Here are the button mappings for Mode G.
HID: "GS gamepad"
Button 1 - Button 0
Button 2 - Button 1
Button 3 - Button 2
Button 4 - Button 3
Left Bumper - Button 4
Right Bumper - Button 5
Left Trigger - Button 6
Right Trigger - Button 7
Left Stick Button - Button 8
Right Stick Button - Button 9
Start - Button 10 (says "Enter" on the controller)
Select/Back - Button 11 (says "Escape" on the controller)
Left Stick X - Analog 0
Left Stick Y - Analog 1
Right Stick X - Analog 2
Right Stick Y - Analog 3
Dpad Left/Right - Analog 4
Dpad Up/Down - Analog 5
----
2.
Moga Pro Power - This one holds a charge that you can use to recharge your Android device. Very nice controller, quality is top-notch, but pretty expensive. Also has two modes, one that is specific to Moga games, and one where it acts as a normal gamepad (Mode B).
Here are the button mappings for Mode B:
HID: "Moga Pro 2 HID"
The button mappings are exactly the same as the Gamestop Gamepad, except that the visual labels for the Start/Select buttons actually say Start and Select, and it doesn't seem like the Select button works in HID mode. Not 100% sure about this.
----
NOTE: The Samsung Gamepad does not have triggers, nor does it have stick buttons (pushing in the thumbsticks), so you may want to keep that in mind when designing a control scheme with wide gamepad support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gear VR Input Diagrams (download includes the Samsung controller and headset button images):
https://forums.oculus.com/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=17926

Streaming video (using Kodi / XBMC)
Nevermind, this should probably be a thread...

Hi! Thanks for posting this! I followed the instructions here, successfully installed a signed apk (one that wasn't on the phone previously), then turned on dev mode as described through the tapping and switch. Nothing seemed to have changed. I then toggled dev mode on and off (via the switch) and restarted the phone several times each. However, I still get the Oculus Home launching every time I insert the phone into the Gear VR as if nothing changed. I'm on the T-mobile US ROM and device, and I don't have the 5.0 upgrade yet. No root.
Does anyone have any ideas? I want to run cardboard apps in my Gear ! Thanks!

TriOptimum said:
Hi! Thanks for posting this! I followed the instructions here, successfully installed a signed apk (one that wasn't on the phone previously), then turned on dev mode as described through the tapping and switch. Nothing seemed to have changed. I then toggled dev mode on and off (via the switch) and restarted the phone several times each. However, I still get the Oculus Home launching every time I insert the phone into the Gear VR as if nothing changed. I'm on the T-mobile US ROM and device, and I don't have the 5.0 upgrade yet. No root.
Does anyone have any ideas? I want to run cardboard apps in my Gear ! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If nothing is running, it will launch home.
There is also a possibility it only works for Gear VR apps. In that case, you could just disable the whole Gear VR service temporarily.
Either way, you don't really need to quote the OP to ask. It's implied.

twistedumbrella said:
If nothing is running, it will launch home.
There is also a possibility it only works for Gear VR apps. In that case, you could just disable the whole Gear VR service temporarily.
Either way, you don't really need to quote the OP to ask. It's implied.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Sorry to violate posting etiquette, I didn't realize I had quoted that entire post - I will trim it down if I can find edit (I am new to posting here, so forgive me).
I have FPSE or any other cardboard app running, and gear home still pops up over it when docked to the usb port of the gear vr. I can't freeze Gear VR service without root, which I'm looking in to as the next best option I suppose. Force stopping it doesn't seem to work either. Reports on Reddit threads indicate this works with Cardboard apps, allowing them to run without home launching, but not for me.

Related

Thank You!

"No similar threads found. You can create a new thread and let the users answer your questions."
Sad!
Just a shoutout to devs. Thanks so much for your work! I got my Nook yesterday and the amount of work you guys have put in made it incredibly easy to set up the way I wanted to. Keep it up and thank you for this gift.
cruud said:
"No similar threads found. You can create a new thread and let the users answer your questions."
Sad!
Just a shoutout to devs. Thanks so much for your work! I got my Nook yesterday and the amount of work you guys have put in made it incredibly easy to set up the way I wanted to. Keep it up and thank you for this gift.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I'm not sure if there's been an Android device that relied this much on the brilliance of devs to unlock its potential.
Agreed. The device is a great value for what it can do rooted. Thanks again for all the hard work.
The rooted Nook Color cured my tablet fever this Christmas. Thanks to everyone that made that possible. Sorry if this is hijacking the thread, but wanted to include a few comments and tips below for folks considering the NC + root.
I love this device. I'm not a gamer, so it's OK that it isn't Tegra 2. I wanted a nice reading, browsing, music and video pod (so to speak). I have been waiting a long time for an Android tablet (Apple makes a great product, but I like the open Android platform). Thought long and hard about Notion Ink Adam and Viewsonic G Tablet, but I couldn't justify the price premium, considering availability and vendor support issues. The Nook Color is a compromise, to be sure, but at the price point it can't be beat.
Things I like:
- Screen is awesome
- Multi-touch
- Android
- Accelerometer
- Form factor (I thought I wanted a 10 inch, but 7 is more portable)
- Price
Missing:
- Quite a few sensors - mic, camera, GPS, bluetooth, 3G
- Flash
Fingers crossed hoping someone will be able to enable:
- bluetooth (chip is there, antenna is open question)
- USB host mode (to allow NC to use peripherals, like a camera or a flash drive)
The device is pretty great out of the box, but I rooted it to be able to load other apps. A couple of things I worked through that I hope will help the next guy:
1) WinImage threw an "access denied" error when attempting to write the Auto-Nooter image to the SD card, but the ubuntu project app (wiki.kubuntu.org/Win32DiskImager) succeeded. After rooting, I had the Nook itself reformat the SD card.
2) SoftKeys is great, but I had to find the right settings. I didn't like the floating SoftKeys button or the popup toolbar, but the notification tray toolbar is perfect. I enabled all the buttons, which show up if you tap the tray icon. This works great, keeps the screen clean and leaves my hardware home button as a simple home button.
For the record, and in case it helps anyone piece together the mystery, I did have one spontaneous reboot. Nothing was reset, so it was no big deal. It happened a short time after I had entered the B&N store, accessed their wifi and accessed the Store app. At the time it actually happened, I had left B&N and the Store app and was fiddling with trying to connect to another wifi service.

[APP] AudiobookMark [R] 2011-01-13 [V]1.0

Name: AudiobookMark
I was frustrated by the lack of built-in support for mp3-based audiobooks so I wrote this app. It lets you load as many audiobooks as you have memory for. It remembers where you are in each file of each book (and of course, which file you are listening to for each book).
It has standard transport keys plus the ability to enter HH:MM:SS to skip directly to.
Download Link: social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=b1cab14b-e91d-e011-9264-00237de2db9e
Is this a free app?
Its a 0.99 app, with a free trial that basically let's you use it without limitation, but pops up a message box occasionally...
Can you add support for a sleep timer? So you need to shake the phone every 15 mins or it will pause the audio book.
That sounds like a useful addition. Let me think through how best to implement it, and I'll try to add it in with "run under locked screen" update I'm working on...
elmstrom said:
Can you add support for a sleep timer? So you need to shake the phone every 15 mins or it will pause the audio book.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also really like this.
Hey dbroome, this sounds like it has the potential to be an awesome app. I'm so used to the Mortplayer audiobook app on Android and really enjoy using it (great alternative to music btw).
So by mention of "remembers where you are" you mean bookmarks are automatically placed for us? I ask because a cool feature of the mortplayer app was the bookmark feature where you can tag certain spots on demand and go back to wherever you tagged. I hope you go far with this app, it really does sound promising.
The UI looks good too!
I had not heard of Mortplayer, I'll have to check it out, though I don't have an Android device to be able to get a good look at it.
You are correct in that the app places the bookmark for you. It basically remembers where you were in each file.
How do you use the "tag different places in a file" type feature in your audiobook listening? I generally am just listening to novels, and don't have any real need to jump to various spots in the same file.
The reason I ask is that I'd like to implement features users would use, but don't want to overly complicate it with feature bloat.
As an update, I have implemented and am testing three new features. Once I make sure it is working as expected, I'll submit the update to the marketplace:
1) Configurable port on the loader (8001 might not be convenient for everyone. Should have thought of this before)
2) Run under locked screen. Now you can lock the screen to save battery power
3) Configureable sleep timer (with optional shake to reset).
I hope to submit it in the next day or so...
Thanks / Volume / File Corruption
First I love the app. I have been writing down my numbers until this app came along. Thank you dbroome.
Second, I noticed the volume is weaker than the default music player; has any one else notice this?
Third, I received a file corruption error message saying it couldn't determine the file lengths and displays all .MP3s as being 00:00:00 in running time. The files didn't play, but after a reboot they started too but still display the zero length; anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks!
Also needs skip forward/skip back button that just goes 30 sec back/fprward. The current skip to a location is not usable when driving.
Bonus points for a ui redesign with bigger buttons.
Additional bonus points for a fast play (i.e. play back at 150% speed with no pitch shift).
For me to purchase, I need:
Play under lock screen
Uploader program to work (changing ports might help)
In order to determine the length of the mp3, the player has to actually open the file and then close it. The Zune software interferes with the player opening the file after upload, and as such you have to unplug the phone from the computer after uploading before closing the "I'm done" pop up box. I'm guessing that the 0-length issue might have been due to that. Try deleting that book and re-loading it to the phone, making sure to unplug the phone before continuing (or, alternatively, using the SDK's WPConnect.exe which doesn't interfere with the media being opened).
It might be useful to add a "determine durations" type button on the load screen that would let you try to determine them again at a later time instead of re-loading them. What do you think?
30 second skip could definitely be useful. I'll see if I can find a good way to incorporate it in the next update.
I really want fast play as well. Unfortunately the MediaElement player I have to use to be able to set positions doesn't support it. I'll definitely be watching the updates as they come out for supporting that.
I'm dreadful at UI stuff, but I have a friend who I can probably rope into giving it some love.
Play under lock and the configureable port are in the next update, which I will finish testing and submit tonight...
Cool. Bought it as an encourgement.
For UI ideas look at audiobook player 2. It is much easier to use while driving.
Suggestions
Your [skip to a time] section shouldn't be on the main page, but off a toolbar option.
Your play/pause button should swap between play/pause depending on state rather than changing the background colour.
Use images rather than text in the buttons [|<] [<<] etc
v1.1 has been approved and should show up in the marketplace shortly. This adds a sleep timer (with optional shake to reset), play under lock, and configureable port on the loader and phone.
Next update will hopefully be a ui re-do, possibly adding the "skip xx seconds" idea.
Downloaded the update for the app, re-uploaded the audio book, followed instructions on the pop up (after upload completed) and the software recognized the full lengths. Very nice! Thanks dbroome!! The mp3s seem to have uploaded a little quicker too or is it this just me?
FYI, using a colon within the name of a book crashes the app (at least it does for me).
Good find. I'll correct that.
Waiting on a friend with some design skills. If he doesn't come back to me soon, I'll go looking for free images to include on the buttons and do a general usability re-skin of the ui...
Is this the correct website: http://davidbroome.com/AudiobookMark
I am just getting Bad Request (Invalid Hostname) when I try to goto it. Also the volume seems low on my Samsung Focus. Good work though, I am going to buy it.
Thanks!
The website had a temporary issue and should be resolved.
I'm looking into the lower volume and should have at least an answer soon if not a fix...
it's a very nice little app and I'm using it now for a few weeks.
But I've found when you have to many audiobooks or when the aaudio-files are very big (about 6 MB's) the program can't determine the length of the audio-files any longer...
Maybe we can get an update for that?
The only time I have been able to load an audio file the program could not determine the length of was when I forgot to unplug the phone from the Zune software when prompted. I have tested files up to 50 mb. Of course, it could be file dependent. Did the file play even after the length failed to update?
Fortunately I am almost done with the next update that includes code to re-check for the length of files if it fails the first time. I need to finish the "Load from DropBox" functionality that I am implementing and then I can submit it. Hopefully this week!
Yes - I can start the player and I can play the file even when it says the length is 00:00:00.
This morning I've transferred some 300 MB audiobook-files to my HD7. After that I disconnected the device and it started "determining length of..." and it immediately started playing the first file (10.7 MBs) but even after 20 minutes it just couldn't find the length of the first audio-file so I stopped the program.

Bad Digitizer - Turning Phone into PDA

Note: I'm still working on this, and this guide may miss a few things/be incomplete. I'll subscribe to this thread but if I don't reply you can PM me.
I had a Droid 3 but the ribbon cable developed a nice hearty tear. I haven't taken the money to buy a new one to put it together, and since my wife's Droid 3 has a busted glass screen but everything else works, she'll probably assemble it herself. So that left me phoneless. To save a buck, I got a cheap wireless plan locally ($19.99 unlimited talk/text), but I am on a dumb phone. I really only wanted a MP3 player and the ability to surf the web casually without getting on the computer.
The biggest problem is that Android is too dependent on touch interface, which I didn't have due to the infamous bad digitizer ghost issues. So that left me a little irritated, since it was sitting in my drawer and collecting dust. So after much research, tweaking, and playing, here is what I got so far:
1) Download your ROM of your choice. I wanted Jellybean since we had it and I think ICS/JB look prettier than GB anyway. So I chose CM10.
2) The biggest problem will be the lack of touch input. This causes three problems: setting up the phone, using the back/home/menu/search buttons, and unlocking the screen. I got past this by first using a data cable and connecting via ADB. I can't find the app since I'm at work but it's on Google Groups and a bit of searching should help you find it. If you scroll down a bit someone updated it for JB. You just need Java and ADB.
3) The next problem was the keys. In /system/usr/keylayout/sholes-keypad.kl edit this file (adb pull /system/usr/keylayout/sholes-keypad.kl is your friend then adb push). Remap key 100 (right alt) to home wake_dropped, key 54 (right shift) to back wake_dropped, and 139 to menu wake_dropped (menu key don't work on JB on keyboard until this).
4) Install v6 Supercharger (easy to find and plenty of guides so I'm not going to hash that out). In there is a section of Bulletproof apps. Download from the Play Store the app Argus Touch Blocker and add it to the Bulletproof list. Then Enable the service and block the screen on any shaking.
5) The only browser that seems to work (have to use remote control over ADB to accept EULA) is Opera Classic.
If anyone else has suggestions/tips I'm open as well.

Glass control

So being very new to Glass (only got it on Wednesday 25/06) it is my understanding that the firmware after 16 disabled the 'normal' control via the touched? So versions after this are only capable of back and scroll?
Is there anyway of configuring a program like Remodriod or Tablet Remote so you can use the controls from your phone on Glass? Might sound silly as you could just say use your phone for what your doing but I was more thinking of using it to control the likes of YouTube so I log in and obtain my play lists, also it would stop the need to plug in for control via ADB, for which as a newbie to ADB I'm struggling with commands.
I was playing around with Remodriod and it asked me to set the input in Language and input, for which it didn't pop up like it did on my phone, I assume it is because there is no native option for this on Glass and therefore couldn't obtain the screen for it? Would I need to install the language and input options? Of so where can I get it from?
Has anyone else tried this idea?
Regards
Giles
GiGoVX said:
So being very new to Glass (only got it on Wednesday 25/06) it is my understanding that the firmware after 16 disabled the 'normal' control via the touched? So versions after this are only capable of back and scroll?
Is there anyway of configuring a program like Remodriod or Tablet Remote so you can use the controls from your phone on Glass? Might sound silly as you could just say use your phone for what your doing but I was more thinking of using it to control the likes of YouTube so I log in and obtain my play lists, also it would stop the need to plug in for control via ADB, for which as a newbie to ADB I'm struggling with commands.
I was playing around with Remodriod and it asked me to set the input in Language and input, for which it didn't pop up like it did on my phone, I assume it is because there is no native option for this on Glass and therefore couldn't obtain the screen for it? Would I need to install the language and input options? Of so where can I get it from?
Has anyone else tried this idea?
Regards
Giles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you've done your research, it gets old telling people the same things over and over again.
As you mentioned, there was a time where you could easily control most apps with the touchpad, but that functionality has since been removed. Besides, there was no way to enter text without some sort of remote; many people managed to use bluetooth keyboards to achieve this, and the combination worked quite well.
In XE16, Google apparently decided that they wanted to make a clear distinction between Glass and Android controls. Apps that don't implement the Glass-specific gesture listeners can't be controlled at all. Even native Android popup windows don't allow you to choose which button you want to select (even if the Languages and Input popup did show up on Glass, you couldn't select the button).
So here we are today, either using the stripped-down, masked version of Android that Google gives us, or fumbling with ADB commands attempting to get that one video on YouTube to play. But there is hope yet. Google gives us rooted boot images, presumably hoping that we will show them something that they haven't done themselves. This tiny 5.5MB file opens up a ton of possibilities, but someone needs to be the middle man that brings these possibilities to the masses.
Thanks to the beauty of open source, we have a clear model of what needs to be done for Glass to work like so many people wish it would.
Port a working recovery image to flash zips to the Glass system folder (Done)
Modify Superuser to function properly given Glass's limited control set
Modify XposedInstaller in the same manner
I have a proof-of-concept Xposed module for Glass that lets me control the Netflix app with the touchpad. It's dirty, and it takes a lot of work to get working, but the concept is solid. Xposed is an incredibly powerful utility. The end goal is to create a Glass-oriented keyboard (think oldschool arcade video game high score screens - "Enter Your Initials").
While my goal is solid and my intentions are pure, I worry that there is a reason Google didn't do this to begin with.
TLDR; I'm working on it.
Many thanks for the response, so the short answer is no. That's a big shame and I hope I haven't just wasted 1k on a peice of eyewear that needs charging halfway thru the day!
I assume there is no way of going back to version 16?
I think it's strange how little development there is with Glass on XDA (I could be wrong but if you look at the likes of the smart watches there seems to be considerably more development) and how inactive this part of the forum seems? considering the idea and in my eyes (no pun intended) cool Glass is hence why I ordered mine as soon as I could here in the uk, so far I haven't met anyone with one, and I'm still getting some strange looks lol
The things that are possible with Glass are amazing. Really wish they had added a rear facing camera, eyes in the back of my head, no, but I can see behind me lol
I am eager to see your work and I will experiment on trying to build your xposed modules (never tried building an apk before) no harm in learning on what is probably the most expensive peice of tech I own lol
GiGoVX said:
Many thanks for the response, so the short answer is no. That's a big shame and I hope I haven't just wasted 1k on a peice of eyewear that needs charging halfway thru the day!
I assume there is no way of going back to version 16?
I think it's strange how little development there is with Glass on XDA (I could be wrong but if you look at the likes of the smart watches there seems to be considerably more development) and how inactive this part of the forum seems? considering the idea and in my eyes (no pun intended) cool Glass is hence why I ordered mine as soon as I could here in the uk, so far I haven't met anyone with one, and I'm still getting some strange looks lol
The things that are possible with Glass are amazing. Really wish they had added a rear facing camera, eyes in the back of my head, no, but I can see behind me lol
I am eager to see your work and I will experiment on trying to build your xposed modules (never tried building an apk before) no harm in learning on what is probably the most expensive peice of tech I own lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't say I'm surprised by the lack of activity. Rooting Glass voids the warranty, and with the high price in addition to so many reported issues, not many people are willing to take that risk at the moment.
If you want to get touch controls back, then you'll need to flash down to XE12. See https://developers.google.com/glass/tools-downloads/system. Please be sure to read any warnings and notices. XE12 still doesn't have many options for keyboard input, but you'll have better luck than using XE16+.
Also, the strange looks won't be going away any time soon
jtxdriggers said:
I can't say I'm surprised by the lack of activity. Rooting Glass voids the warranty, and with the high price in addition to so many reported issues, not many people are willing to take that risk at the moment.
If you want to get touch controls back, then you'll need to flash down to XE12. See https://developers.google.com/glass/tools-downloads/system. Please be sure to read any warnings and notices. XE12 still doesn't have many options for keyboard input, but you'll have better luck than using XE16+.
Also, the strange looks won't be going away any time soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The really frustrating thing with my Glass is that I'm still waiting for Google to get back to me about the 'split framed' version they should of sent me instead of the current standard version I have!
I requested a call from Google shortly after I received them asking the above question but they couldn't find my order, sure enough they have taken my money but can't find my order number, nor my Gmail address or the serial number for my Glass device! A little concerning that Google of all people couldn't find my info! I'm still waiting for an email back 3 days later! Longest Google search in history lol

Note 4 and Gear VR controller

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the new Gear VR controller and a Note 4 ? I understand I may have to root my SM-N910C in order to temporarily modify the model version [to a Note 5] in order to pair/calibrate controller ?
If I have to choose this route [unless anyone knows a work around] I am having trouble finding recommended method on FW build MMB29K.N910CXXS2DQF2
Any help appreciated !
Solution !
I did find some info on this so here's how you fix this problem WITHOUT root.
Go find
com.samsung.android.app.vr.input.service_1.0.44-44_minAP121(nodpi)_apkmirror.com.apk
or just look for Samsung gear vr input apk
Side load apk, you are then able to pair and calibrate ! This loop problem is ether intentional or a genuine bug.
Tested for a number of hours and works fine !
I would have imagined that the Gear VR Controlller would have worked perfectly fine with the Note 4. As long as you have bluetooth enabled.
Hello friends,
I tried the apk : com.samsung.android.app.vr.input.service_1.0.44-44_minAPI21(nodpi)_apkmirror.com
however my samsung note 4 (not rooted) is able to the gear vr controller, it can't appair to it.
I tried several time after rebooting my phone, I'm in the same situation
Any idea ?
I think they have dropped the Gear VR Controller Support on the Note 4 completely. Now the "Controller" menu is completely missing from the Oculus VR settings "More" menu. I tried installing older versions of the input service "1.0.44" but that didn't bring the menu back.
Someone any idea how to fix this?
Theoretically the controller is compatible with the Note 4 so it is probably a commercial step why they removed it.
PS: I didn't try rooting my phone to change the ID to see if the "Controller" menu reappears.
I am rooted on a Sprint Note 4 (SM-N910P). A few months ago, I got it to work by doing the process https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/comments/67z5sd/will_the_controller_work_with_note_4/ It worked, but then one day the option for the controller was gone again and the controller would not work. Oculus app updates may have done it.
I just went in and changed back build.prop so that ro.product.model=SM-G935P so that it thinks it's a Sprint Galaxy S7 Edge. I rebooted, and now the Controller option in the menu is back. That is all I did. I'm not sure if I'll have any negative effects just leaving it as SM-G935P, but I'm going to try.
I tested VR and controller functionality after leaving it as SM-G935P, everything seems to work just fine.
preslin said:
I am rooted on a Sprint Note 4 (SM-N910P). A few months ago, I got it to work by doing the process https://www.reddit.com/r/GearVR/comments/67z5sd/will_the_controller_work_with_note_4/ It worked, but then one day the option for the controller was gone again and the controller would not work. Oculus app updates may have done it.
I just went in and changed by build.prop so that ro.product.model=SM-G935P so that it thinks it's a Sprint Galaxy S7 Edge. I rebooted, and now the Controller option in the menu is back. That is all I did. I'm not sure if I'll have any negative effects just leaving it as SM-G935P, but I'm going to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
preslin said:
I tested VR and controller functionality after leaving it as SM-G935P, everything seems to work just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does charging work with this mod?
Thanks
nasinec said:
Does charging work with this mod?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't charge my phone while it's in VR, but I have no reason to think it won't work.
preslin said:
I don't charge my phone while it's in VR, but I have no reason to think it won't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Note 4 did not charge in previous editions of Gear Vr.
Hi everyone! So glad I can contribute to XDA!
1st: size is key, sm325 note8 Gear VR is the only one I was able to use with space to fit the size of Note 4 & Note Edge (remember that one?).
Second, you want to use Nova launcher activities (google it) and something like Aptoide to download the following:
Oculus VR apks (Home, App framework, etc.) as many as possible
More important still : download apps of Samsung's "Gear VR" service, setup wizard, system, input service, etc.
No need to root.
Once downloaded, create activities in Nova launcher widget on touchwiz or direct on Nova or custom launcher. Create them esp for Input Service to pair that VR controller that's the best $30/30€ you'd ever spend...
Better news still, all this is DPI free so if like me you are using a low setting for extra space on your Note 4 screen esp with the docking station HDMI that gave us D'ex before Dex, it does not screw with your stock VR apps.
Hi roniboian
Could explain more precisely your trick?
it look excellent but don't understand how to get GEAR VR controller connected to note. 4
roniboian said:
Hi everyone! So glad I can contribute to XDA!
1st: size is key, sm325 note8 Gear VR is the only one I was able to use with space to fit the size of Note 4 & Note Edge (remember that one?).
Second, you want to use Nova launcher activities (google it) and something like Aptoide to download the following:
Oculus VR apks (Home, App framework, etc.) as many as possible
More important still : download apps of Samsung's "Gear VR" service, setup wizard, system, input service, etc.
No need to root.
Once downloaded, create activities in Nova launcher widget on touchwiz or direct on Nova or custom launcher. Create them esp for Input Service to pair that VR controller that's the best $30/30€ you'd ever spend...
Better news still, all this is DPI free so if like me you are using a low setting for extra space on your Note 4 screen esp with the docking station HDMI that gave us D'ex before Dex, it does not screw with your stock VR apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, i joined just to ask you how to do what you describe above! You said you would be happy to contribute, that would be really great,.. What you have written is very vague, at XDA the best people tend to share complete info, Could you give actual steps by steps?
I can find any of the APKs at 'APKMirror' site, they have the gear vr service, oculus home, everything, for Many many back dates.
(but; any advice on which dates or which actual files? Ideally the most recent update where the motion controller still worked..)
Please explain this 'create activities in NOVA launcher widget' method. (I am hoping it means, the apk's will install without the 'automatic wifi method' which invariably gives the newest files...)
What do you mean by DPI free? Please explain the process.
Thanks for the hope!
Yes, please explain in more detail. I am somewhat familiar with these sort of things and moderately comfortable messing around with stuff. I currently don't have a PC or easy access to one so I'm sure rooting my Note 4 is out of the question. That's why I've restarted my seach for a workaround to get the gear vr controller working with my Note 4 and corresponding headset. When I bought the controller a few months ago, I couldn't find anything reliable without root. This was the first place I came to so my hope is that this thread was abandoned b/c some of your brilliant minds have come up simple and successful patch. I have my fingers crossed, I'm getting kinda tired of using my steel series controller. Thanks everyone
Hi I can help. I started this thread, but XDA Password recovery can takes hours, even days or infinity now, since the link they send for password recovery, opens a random page, that has nothing to do with password recovery... I have never once gotten any help here with anything, ever, so I don't care enough to bother logging in anymore... BUT:
I have the Motion Controller working on my Note 4 in a limited fashion. You need to go to APKMirror (just Google 'download Gear VR Apk'... As you should have to begin with.) Download all the early APKs, one in each category, uninstall your gear software, and such, reinstall each apk (about 8 I believe) until it works. I remember centering around the earliest 'APRIL' Updates. You can run a LOT of apps with the controller, but not any new or newer apps. Im at: NextWorldVR (@) gmail.com if you need more help. The guy above will never answer you, this place is a bit of an elitist joke, I just figure out everything on my own now rather than bolster their tiny weaning toddler egos...

Categories

Resources