yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] MikaelPe:
New video explaining Android car-mode with xProDock...

I just posted this video on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc5FJ425R5U&feature=youtu.be It explains how the Android car-mode works. As many of the knowledgeable "XDA crowd" knows, it's a great feature and one of the major differences between Android and other platforms! There's also a good explanation at the end of the video how to remove the "default" part in an app if you have selected it for car-mode.

In the video an HTC phone is used with the iBOLT xProDock but it works 100% the same for a Samsung Galaxy Note II or an S 3, at least for all of us here in the US. For International users with a Samsung Jellybean upgraded phone it will take a little while until car-mode app developers (although we are trying to spread the word) have latched on to the concept that going forward Samsung is not supporting car-mode so for a few weeks our friends overseas have to be content using the Samsung "dock-mode" app, as shown in this video, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k97vG2Fjvkg

The support of active "car-mode" is one major difference between products referred to as "car-docks" versus "car-holders, car-mounts" and it is one reason why there's usually price difference too. Alternative to a car-dock, in some cases car-mode apps can also be launched using an NFC tag. For Samsung users there's three distinct benefits with car-mode:

1. All icons, even on the home screen, turns side ways when it connects to car-dock (see video).

2. Applications designed for "car-mode" (like CarHome Ultra or Ulysse Speedometer) can become the default "home screen".

3. Sounds from apps (GPS, music etc) can be routed via the microUSB cable to the car-stereo (if you have the right cable).

Hope the video and the above explanation helps to explain Android car-mode!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
I'm afraid that video confirms to me that you haven't managed to create a dock with one handed operation - you have to use 2 hands tu plug the usb cable in!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] KEYofR:
Proclip is one handed but kind of ugly and about $100 by the time you get all needed parts.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] csmits:
There seem to be a lot of one-arm persons in this thread. Don't see what's the big deal of using 2 hands to plug in a cable.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] techrider6262:
That's funny because the note it self isn't a one handed phone
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] serpa4:
iBolt email says the USB arm shipped. Nice. Hope it's here before I leave on my trip. I'd like to give it a try.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] MikaelPe:
Of course you will get the dock, the suction mount and the microUSB arm that triggers the Smartdock mode. The mircoUSB arm was sent in a separate envelope and you should have it in a few days. Sorry about this not being very clear.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] farfromovin:
x2^ Can't wait to use it.

Sent from my GIANT internet thingy.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] nekrosoft13:
wait a minute, you are including a cable with xdock? I ordered one and I just received the dock, where is my cable? I understand that some other cable supposed to arrive later in march, but from that sentence "For customers ordering the xProDock today we are shipping and including a 9ft microUSB to USB charging cable " it says that there should be cable.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
Considering you already have your dock, im guessing you ordered earlier than today?

In which case, that sentence diesnt apply to you. Usb cables are a dime a dozen.

From the sound of things, new orders get regular cables. If your package didnt have one, you'll probably get the usb/aux cable.

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
Really? It's so heavy, or you are so feebly armed that you need 2 hands to lift it? I manage fine with 1 hand, and I want to be able to use 1 hand to plug the phone in so it can be done while driving (if I forget, which I sometimes to) and because it's more convenient. There are a lot of people at the beginning of this thread and elsewhere who requested it too.

---------- Post added at 11:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:35 AM ----------

Also, it's complete rubbish that you can't design a case with a fixed usb plug and catering for all cases - I'm doing that just now for my case, and a very simple bit of engineering (which I'm not doing) could make it compatible for any phone/case combination where the USB is in the centre at the bottom and facing the right direction.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] MikaelPe:
For these kind of questions, please send an email to info@ibolt.co and we will get back to you within 1-2 days. Let's use the Forum to discuss product features so it doesn't become a customer service thread. Thanks!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] gubbilo144:
i received my samsung galaxy note 2 ibolt xdock today and its great.I replaced my old universal holder,the ibolt is very sturdy.I have one complaint with my order though.i got some 9ft usb charge cable instead of the an a 3.5 aux cable/usb charge,which is nice for now.I understand that they are supposed to be out in march.I just dont like or think its fair that i will have to purchase the cable separately when clearly you watch the you tube video and the 3.5 aux/usb charge cable is included with the unit.I think for almost 50.00 dollars you shouldnt have to shell out more for a cable thats supposed to be included in the first place.i think they have the same cable for samsung galaxy s 3 ibolt dock,why not just use that cable its the same thing.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Tomo1971:
The problem I see when dock or mount manufactures try and make it to fit all cases with one handed operation is that any slight difference or movement in the USB plug as you push the device onto the usb could damage the phone. With a naked phone and guides that the phone slides into, the chance of been miss aligned is slim. Make the USB plug adjustable then there are too many variables that could mean the phone is damaged and the mount maker been liable.

I have the mount in portrait position. I use one hand to insert the phone. Once its in, the mount holds the phone solid enough for me to insert the USB with one hand. Not ideal, but its a compromise so I can use any case... and dependant on what i'm doing I can change cases daily/weekly. Im guessing plugging into the Ottebox will be more difficult but thats only due to the protective flap on the Otterbox.

All in all, its a good product and the best compromise there is.

---------- Post added at 05:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:37 PM ----------

I have been using the dock and supplied USB cable and dual charger now for a few days, although been on shorter journeys. Im noticing that the phone is discharging when im using TomTom Navigation.

Im plugged into the 2a port and have CarHome Ultra set to turn on when it detects my BT kit. Its also set to turn wifi off and on. I then will open up TT navigation and the screen is set to stay on but at low brightness.

I lose about 1% of battery every 10 to 15 minutes.

I cant say that this happened when using my old charger/cable combo with TomTom

Any thoughts?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] soulesschild:
Well they did make a poll and the majority voted for all cases so....

I'm not sure you realize just how expensive it is to design and manufacture something. Maybe if the poll was split 50/50 they could have taken the risk, but with a majority of the forum said they preferred a universal solution, they went with it. Also, having multiple ones would confuse people as you'd inevitably get people buying the wrong one and complaining.

Also given how people switch cases quite often these days it seems, it only made sense to make a universal one, else everyone would be crying every time they switched their case that their "fixed arm" that they spent good money on is no longer compatible.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
I disagree with the above 2 posts. I think it's perfectly possible to create a dock that caters for all cases, and can still have a fixed charging point. Making my own to do exactly this (although non-adjustable, so only suitable for my case/phone combo) has convinced me of this - even though I was sceptical before I started, like you are now. Added to which, there are plenty of modifications that can be done to reduce / eliminate the risk of damage to the plug and port, but I don't have the parts to implement them (or skill to manufacture my own by hand)

Re: Cost - I absolutely do realise how expensive it is to manufacture something, but the point is that after all the compromises, decisions and cost-saving measures, we have ended up with something that can be replicated by nearly everything else on the market. At the moment, I have the official Samsung dock, which does everything this one can do (since the cable will be available separately anyway) and isn't anywhere near as ugly. There is a real opening in the market for a dock like the one I described, and there's a great opportunity there. I just don't have the knowledge or the funding to exploit it, otherwise I would!

For the moment, I'm continuing with my modification to the Samsung dock to fit a fixed MicroUSB plug, and from my testing and experience with it so far, it works perfectly.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] soulesschild:
Are you talking about this one,

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones-accessories/ECS-K200BEGSTA

?

because if so, there's several issues with that one,

1) Putting it on the dash gets in the way and is also illegal in California (where I live at least, not sure if other states have stupid laws like these...)

2) Is it compatible with the Otterbox Defender (arguably the thickest case)?

3) At 50 dollars it doesn't come with the nice charging/aux cable

4) Blocks the camera from what I can tell (I use my N2 as a dash cam)

Note that I do understand your frustration but look at it this way. XDA is a forum where only the most dedicated and fanatical, if not OCD people come. A majority of N2 owners will never come here and most of them aren't looking for very special specifications for cases, docks, etc. They just want something that works with whatever they got currently. They don't want to buy another case, swap cases, or whatever and I as a consumer can understand this as well. At 39.99, it mounts universally to anything due to the 17mm standard, comes with a nice micro usb/aux cable, and works with any case. Sold! And I'm sure most of the majority of N2 owners will feel the same way (not the ones on XDA).

More power to you on modding your own dock, do make a new thread and post pictures so that others may gain inspiration as well! ;):good: And just maybe if enough people like it, it may convince some companies to really get serious about a design like yours!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Tomo1971:
If you make a mount with a fixed USB plug, how would it accommodate cases of different thicknesses. It would have to move in and out as the thickness of the rear of the case changes. An otterbox case is thicker at the back than a generic TPU one. Hence the position of the USB will be further distance away from the rear of the mount.

All credit to you for making a mount for your particualr combination of phone and case but you arent making one that can accomodate most cases and yet slide into a docking USB.

And, as I originally said, a manufacturer, even if they could find a way of getting the USB to move forward and back (I dont suppose it can be that hard really, similar to the way the bottom grips of the iBolt adjust) the issue is if a user damaged their phone by been too heavy handed and not having it adjusted spot on.

Good luck in your efforts with your mount either way.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] techrider6262:
It has nothing to do with being feebly so it takes two hand all care.If you don't have any thing nice to say don't say anything at all.:D
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
Yep

1) Not an issue for me, but why is this one illegal and the iBolt one not? What about it makes it illegal? Mine is right up on the right hand side of the steering wheel, tucked in next to the A pillar (Right Hand drive car), well out the way of anything and obstructing almost nothing.

2) I'm sure it would be - how thick is the case? It supports a wide range of phone sizes, but wouldn't be able to say without knowing the case specifically. The arms on the side adjust in and out to grip things.

3) I didn't pay that much for mine I don't think - and cost isn't much of an issue for me really, I just want the best solution.

4) The camera is well clear of the back of the dock. Maybe not for the S3 which it is also sold for, but the back of the cradle comes to about 2/3 the way up the back of the phone (maybe 3/4), there's at least an inch between the camera lens and the top of the dock. The arm might be an issue, but it has a ball mount as well (looks about 17mm though I'm not sure if it actually is) so could use any mounting solution with it.

I see your point about people not on xda, though the same applies really - there are plenty of people who'd want a solution with charging that don't read these forums either. I don't think you can say that the requests on here are biased due to the demographic, I don't think being on xda makes you the type of person who wants a fixed changing plug in a car dock.

I did make my own thread for the mod I'm doing - it's sunk down to page 3 now, but I'll be updating it once I've done the next stage.

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2135872
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] KEYofR:
I have feet and a mouth too, and I don't want to have to use them just to dock a phone either. Hey you must love your car that requires both arms to work the shift lever I bet? What you have two, what could you possibly need the other one for? You're right. You've opened my eyes that the entire concept of making things better, efficiency, ergonomics, all a huge waste of time. Hell why do we even need the phone to be wireless? Lot of no-legged people can't walk to the wired phone? Hell why do we even need a wired phone? Lot of no-handed people can't write letters?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] votum:
Odd arguments going on here.

Fixed plug is the only reason I'd buy another car mount. Universal mounts are all the same, and there is no differentiation. I still have to plug my phone in.

Here's an idea. I'm sure everyone has seen the android speaker docks that have the plug on a slider that goes back and forth and in an out.

Why cant the iBolt just have a fixed center plug on the bottom that can telescope in and out (from the case) like this:

|

| < ---- Case back

|__

|

|

|_
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] Sistum Id:
I use the CarHome app found in the Play Store.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] serpa4:
Completely true. I have the iBolt, and it seems to be a nice generic mount. It will be tossed aside when a proper dock with fixed USB comes out.

I don't see why one cannot be designed like the Smart Dock. It's usb pad is retractable to allow phones with and without cases fit. It accepts cases, slim, which most people use if you read all fourms not just XDA. Yes, it can be done.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
Its raining strawmen

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2

---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 AM ----------

Isnt that a contradiction?

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] farfromovin:
Anyone get their fixed USB arm yet? I'm hoping mine will show up today :)

Sent from my GIANT internet thingy.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
In what way?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] D3_:
In the way you said it's possible to make a fixed/sliding dock connector to fit all cases, and that's "exactly" what you're doing, except your one will not fit all cases but in fact will only fit the case you're using.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
Yes, the accommodating all cases is the easy bit - it's the fixed micro usb that I'm doing that apparently seems to be so hard to do. I just said that my experience making my own has convinced me that it's easily possible.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
So the thing thats seems hard to do has convinced you that its easily possible?

Not trying to be a ****, just trying to understand

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
No, the thing that is the harder of those 2 things is easy to do. Other manufacturers manage things like this, I don't know why it's so difficult.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
Can you cite an example?

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ChrisEmerson:
My old Kidigi dock for the HTC Sensation. It's not difficult to put a usb plug in case, and it wouldn't be difficult to make the back and base adjustable to take different cases either (or even provide inserts, which I've seen other companies do before)
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
This one?

http://www.kidigi.com/product_lv2.php?pid=1343

Doubt this can handle all cases. Or any case beyond slim cases. Ibolt already did the insert design on some of their docks but can only accomodate certain case.

I thought you said there are already manufactures that have sold this design issue?

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] serpa4:
USB arm received today. Now to find the missing cover. Seems I lost it somewhere.

Arm seems a tad long, but fits fine in that it does sag, but have a feeling it will be bouncing everywhere when the phone is not in the holder. A shorter arm would vibrate less. I know a design feature was to make it look nice in the car, stylish, but when the phone is not docked, it definitely looks funny with the dangly. I.e. it's not as ridgid as I had hoped/thought. I'll give it a test drive.

On a side note, I was trying to find an app to rotate my phone home screens and app drawer. All the dock modes launch some app or alternate home screen. I just simply want my screen to rotate. Simple enough, but try to find an app in the store that does that.

I ended up finding a non-dock app. It had a good side effect, it will rotate my home screen and app drawer when landscape full time! No dock needed. So sweet. Rotate the phone, the screen rotates!

Nice.

In summary, it's not a bad dock, it's the best I think out there. However, just not what I wanted. Mad that I bought it, no. I have two cars, it will go in the one I don't drive IF/When Samsung has a proper fixed USB dock.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] ntron1:
Could you tell us which rotation app you are using?
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] osiedacz:
I've been using Ultimate Rotation Control.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.fameit.rotate&hl=en
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] rph10319:
IF you want you can use Go Launcher EX instead of Samsung Touchwiz. Go Launcher EX can rotate your home screen and app drawer in relation with phone position and has much options than Samsung TouchWiz. You can find in Google Play Store.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] reed420:
I second that. I started using that app when I got my Nexus7 when they first came out. At the time the homescreen didn't rotate (it was locked in portrait mode) I found this to be a great app. Then the OS update came out which remedied the situation so I no longer needed the app so I uninstalled it. When I got my Note2 I soon realized that there was no driving mode or landscape rotation for the homescreen and quickly installed this app. It is very stable and works remarkably well on my note2. Y'all should definitely check it out. It is free for 1 week then the dev asks for you to buy an activation key in order to continue using the app, although there is a way to continue using it for free by tweaking a few things, I had no problem showing my support and thanks by simply purchasing the activation code for $3.oo usd.

Sent from my iPhone smokin' Samsung Galaxy Note II SGH-I317
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] KEYofR:
Similarly I just use nova launcher. It has rotation built in automatically. I don't know why anyone likes touchwiz.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] LunarSoul:
To people who got the arm. Did you get an actual arm or just a USB nub like thing...
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] raiu:
Yeah. I just got my "arm" its just a nub with some im assuming harder wire in it.. its definitely not metal like we were lead to believe.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] serpa4:
Ya, I paid for the app called automagic Premium, for rotation the screen, seems the app Ultimate rotation control is probably better and easier. However, automagic is a sweet app.

I think I use it for other things like my BT issues with google voice.

---------- Post added at 05:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:15 PM ----------

I fully agree! It is not a metal arm, just a stiff "er" USB cable. It is not metal. It probably has wire mesh inside the rubber cable to make it stiffer, but still flimsy IMHO. I.e. after sitting in the sun, my so called metal arm has drooped. Fail in advertising.
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] raiu:
So, I just used the "arm" and the only time it enables docking mode is when there is no charging cable attached. Once a car charger or just the cable is plugged into the arm it no longer enables docking mode. I am using stock att rom
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] borgdog:
Mine still enables dock mode when plugged into charger. Verizon stock rooted.

I'm wondering if there is a way to make it launch whatever program I want. It gives me the choice of Desk clock (the default Samsung dock app), Digital Nightstand (what I use for my bedside alarm clock) and TuneIn Radio Pro. I'm assuming there is something in the digital nightstand and tunein apps that says they are home dock apps. Personally I need this to launch my car dock app Car Home Ultra instead. I wonder if it would be something programmatic to Car Home to make this happen, since apparently Samsung isn't supporting a car mode even though Car Home Ultra can put it into one.

---------- Post added at 05:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 PM ----------

Great! I look forward to an update of CarHome Ultra which if been a paid user of for a couple years now. And that answers my question in my previous post :)

Oh and I really like the dock by the way, the universal type design will hopefully allow me to use for many years to come. And I have gotten used to putting my Note II in and taking it out with one hand by sort of palming it and using a couple fingers to hold down on top of the dock while pushing the spring loaded arm out with the edge of the phone. Works for me!
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] raiu:
Im thinking about returning mine. Its been once false thing after another. The arm wont charge the phone and make the dock function. Its either one or the other. It totally doesn't work like it was sold that it would.

The above statement only happens when using the rocketfish car charger from bestbuy. When using just a micro usb cable it works as it should!

I apologize for not digging further into the issue. :good:
[Galaxy Note II Accessories] finalhit:
Using nova launcher and I'm not getting dock mode either

swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2