yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Apps and Games] Cryte-k:
Hello. I'm testing your app and I love it. I have a question, how can I lower the maximum brightness? in sunlight it increases to 100% and I would like it to be only 70% since there is no need for it to be raised to the maximum. I would like it to save that option so when it is on a sunny day it does not increase to 100%
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
During the configuration wizard, the last page instructed you on the use of brightness curve editing. Did you not understand the instructions on how to operate the red handles?
[Android Apps and Games] vseptimiu:
Excellent app, the best to adjust the brightness but unfortunately is not possible to download it anymore from Play Store for Android 4.2 even if WORKS PERFECTLY and I don't really understand why.....
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Seems like Google dropped the packages that were compatible. Disappointing. I can only look if I could build the old versions again, but frankly, I don't think the developer tools are going to let me.

Where dd you even get a 4.2 device anyway? I only have access to two different 4.4 devices. 4.2? no, not really...
[Android Apps and Games] vseptimiu:
Tablet Samsung Note 8 transformed into truck navigator, Android 4.2 because 4.4 KITKAT has a lot of problems with external programs. I found a Velis apk on a site and installed it, works like a charm. It's not the latest version of course, it's from 2017 if I remember correctly but works great.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
The last version supporting android 4.x was 4.70.253, released on 12.11.2020 - or at least after that I upped the minimum supported SDK version. I'm trying to find if I have any builds from back then.
[Android Apps and Games] halfbytecode:
@velis74 I tried using v5.01 of the app of Pixel 7 Pro running Android 13 June update.

The brightness and light sensor values seem rather jumpy on this device, especially indoors (didn't try outdoors yet). Even in total darkness at night the light sensor values continuously vary between 0 to 10 lux, even with the phone lying on a flat surface. This consequently affects the brightness which jumps around as well.

The light sensor is detected by VAB as AMS v1 0,00mA which seems rather strange. The lux range is also detected as 0 to 99999, which seems rather large. Moreover, even the proximity sensor is detected by VAB as AMS v1 0,00mA.

Is it the case where the sensors are not being detected correctly on this device? As this was not the case with VAB on OnePlus 5T.

Hopefully, this can be addressed soon for Pixel 7 Pro.

Edit: VAB is also reporting the proximity value as 5 cm always on this device.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
I am looking at my Pixel 7 Pro right now: the brightness sensor is Sitronix v2 0,20 mA. Proximity sensor is Samsung v1000 1,20 mA.

I am not experiencing anything like you describe, the readings are stable and the brightness smooth. For proximity reading to change, you actually have to place the phone to your ear: I don't think it's an actual proximity sensor, but instead one of those that detect the gesture. It will move to 0 then.
[Android Apps and Games] halfbytecode:
Strange, it does not correctly detect the sensors for me and consequently seems to not work properly on this device for me. I have tried reinstalling VAB a number of times on the stock ROM (QPR3), and crDroid, but with same results.

The promixity sensor value does not change too. I tried placing the phone to my ear, and also tried to emulate that by placing my hand on top of the phone. This again seems to be related to VAB not detecting the sensors correctly for me.

Are you using v5.01 of the app? Could you please share the apk(s) you are using?

I have used VAB for a long time, and it has always worked fine on all other devices. Any ideas on how to make it work correctly on this device for me?
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
I've seen issues with custom ROMs before, but they were mostly related to people not correctly installing said custom ROMs. Usually the "clear everything" steps were missing.

That said, on my home phone I always use the app from Play store to make sure I have the same thing everyone else has. Dev versions are on the office phones.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
OK. I have found the apk in Play store itself. And yes, it's from 2017. I have it right here, so if you need it, I can send it to you. I don't think Google pulled it.

I suspect you were actually asking for android 4.x support in LATEST versions of the app?
[Android Apps and Games] vseptimiu:
The app is available on Google Play but not for Android 4.2. If I try to download it for my Asus Rog Phone 6 Android 13 I can do it without problem but when I try to do the same thing with Samsung Note 8 Android 4.2 it says NOT COMPATIBLE and consequence impossible to download. I don't know exactly how you found it for Android 4.2 . P.S. Thanks a lot for the link.
[Android Apps and Games] halfbytecode:
I have tried to use it on the stock June QPR3 build also, apart from crDroid, and now Hentai OS, all with clean flashes. I had the same issues across everything. I have been using custom ROMs for over a decade actually, and have never run into such issues with VAB earlier.

It is worth mentioning that my Pixel 7 Pro is the Japanese variant GFE4J. Does VAB use the model no. to detect the device? Having said so, this variant is actually pretty much the same as the American version, with the mmWave support and everything, as you may know.

Do you want me to the pull the logs and stuff to address this issue? I actually rely on VAB to use my devices.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Indeed, this version might be different than my EU one. Not sure if logs would help any. Did you try to adjust relevant settings? e.g. "erratic sensor fix", and everything in the "Sensitivity" group?

Also, please capture logs at log level 9 and send me those, maybe I can see anything interesting in there. Try to move the phone to ear and back for me to see if prox sensor reacts at all.
[Android Apps and Games] halfbytecode:
I have DMed you the logs. Please check. I tried placing the phone repeatedly to my ear too, but proximity sensor reading does not change at all.

I tried enabling erratic sensor fix too, but it does not help. Tried changing the sensitivity level in the setup wizard too, but the light sensor reading is still fluctuating as described earlier.

I tried checking the lux values through lux meter apps and all of them report fluctuating lux values all the time, similar to VAB.

I have a feeling that the film type screen protector may be interfering with the lux measurements. I will try removing it and then apply another.

Hopefully, the logs enable you to make VAB correctly detect the light and proximity sensors.
[Android Apps and Games] Woozeye:
Hi, I've been using your app for a week now. Auto brightness feature is really good when it works but I realised it doesn't work on some of the system apps like Settings. I went through all the steps of the settings wizard and gave the app all the permissions. Is it expected behavior or am I missing something?

My device is Xiaomi Mi A3 (Android 11 - No root) and installed the app from play store.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
You are not missing anything: recent android versions simply don't allow an app drawing an overlay over settings and some other system screens, even if that overlay is at 0,0 and 1x1 pixels wide.

You can use "Optional update system brightness" setting to minimise impact of this behaviour.
[Android Apps and Games] fatSquirrel42:
I have two different profiles set in the app. Whenever I switch between the profiles, the app forgets the setting "Disable system handler". Anyone else have this problem?

And the names of the profiles, unfortunately, can not be recognized by the dark background.

Awesome app otherwise.

View attachment 5977245
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
I'm in dire need to rework the profiles. Right now all they remember is the curve, nothing else. I have about 5 different tasks open on how to make them more powerful and remember more data.

I'm also in dire need of reworking the themes. This app was originally written on 2.2, I believe. As a result, the colours and theming suxxorz, to say it mildly.

Google tells me I need to update in the following few days, so expect something soon since I don't want the app pulled from the store. It's currently targeting android 11 or some such and that is apparently too low.
[Android Apps and Games] darkytoothpaste:
While you are at it, would you be able to kindly look into the extra boost feature? In the past, i could disable the extra boost by setting the brightness to 999999 (since the brightness sensor will never reach that level). However, it seems that it no longer works in the latest version. Greatly appreciate your work!
[Android Apps and Games] D€INOS:
On Oxygen OS 13, with OnePlus 8T I have an issue where VAB stops when toggling Light/Dark theme in the OS.

And when opening VAB after this, all the auto brightness toggles are toggled off, including the sensor reading.

This didn't occur when using Evolution X, a custom rom, but OOS 13 in general is better with less bugs so I hope to find a solution for this as I use light and dark mode daily.

UPDATE : reverting to 4.84 seems to fix the issue, even after restoring the data with Swift Backup.

I cant find 5.0.1 so I cant test that.

So this might be an issue with the latest version.
[Android Apps and Games] Schmye Bubbula:
Did the inability to turn-off the silent notification of displaying over other apps ever get solved?... I'm a brand new user of VAB and wish to clean-up my notifications.
[Android Apps and Games] extep:
Dear Velis Auto Brightness Team,

I trust this email finds you well. I've been using your application on my Oppo Find N3 running ColorOS 13.2 and find it very useful. However, there are a few aspects I'm hoping you could help clarify.

Firstly, I noticed that when I enable the "Only use system brightness for brightness adjustment" option, the brightness on my device doesn't seem to adjust effectively. It's only when I also enable the "Optionally update system brightness settings" feature that the brightness control works as expected.

From your application's description, it seems that the "Optionally update system brightness settings" feature is a purely aesthetic function and may consume some additional battery power. I'm curious about how much additional battery usage I should anticipate if I were to keep this feature enabled?

Moreover, I would appreciate if you could elaborate on why the "Only use system brightness for brightness adjustment" setting is unable to function on its own, without the "Optionally update system brightness settings" also being enabled.

Secondly, I have a query about the PWM dimming strategy. My device increases the PWM frequency at lower brightness levels, which is beneficial for my eye comfort. I'm interested to know if using Velis's overlay method to adjust brightness (i.e., with "Only use system brightness for brightness adjustment" disabled) would in any way interfere with my device's PWM dimming strategy?

Your assistance in understanding these points would be greatly valued. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Hi Extep,

It is possible that there'd be a bug requiring both checkboxes in order to allow proper operation through system brightness setting. The apps description is outdated in regard to this parameter: some phones won't allow any other method, so it's obviously not "optional" updating of system brightness. Some phones won't allow the overlay, hence the "only use system brightness..."

While it's always great to hear that people use the app, the usage numbers have dropped and have not shown any recovery trend when I made a couple of releases last year. I'm struggling with the question of whether I should even invest any further effort in the app.

As for the PWM dimming strategy: as long as you disable the system auto brightness, you are left with only VAB's strategy, which does not change in low-light scenarios. It is always the same and just trying to match the curve you specified to the best of its ability. The overlay is there to have some means of adjusting screen brightness: Android does not provide a global API for that, the only way to adjust brightness is through "app" windows and that's what this overlay is. Any, to answer your question: yes, it most definitely interferes with your device's strategy. However, usually the phones' ROMs smooth out any changes in the brightness setting and "animate" the transition. That most likely does not change when adjusting brightness with VAB.
[Android Apps and Games] THRUSTer:
Just press and hold on that notification and click the gear.
[Android Apps and Games] THRUSTer:
BTW app is crashing on boot of phone.
[Android Apps and Games] Schmye Bubbula:
I want the Velis Auto Brightness controls in the pull-down, but not the icon in the notifications bar (it's an annoying distraction and I don't need it because I already know it's always there), and there seems not to be a way to remove one without the other.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Indeed this is the case: I used to make the icon transparent so that at least it wasn't visible, but then there was this awkward gap in the status bar...
[Android Apps and Games] anuraag.neo:
I got same problem on LineageOS 20. The app works fine. It will be nice if we get maintenance updates.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Guys, this is it. I no longer have the energy to keep fighting Google on APIs and restrictions and administration et all.

The app is currently stable at a little less than 6K users, so I'm thinking to open-source the app, if there's any interest for maintaining it out there. But it does need some love. I myself have stopped using it because it makes my phone explode trying to connect to Android auto (it just constantly beeps, but never connects, but this is totally beside the point)

So, what say you, most active users of this app?
[Android Apps and Games] skdubg:
please post the app on Github/Codeberg/Gitlab, I hope there is someone who can continue to maintain it.

I've been using it for ages because it simply controls the brightness better than the devices do out of the box
[Android Apps and Games] D€INOS:
Same!

It is an essential app for manu users, but understand why Velis is letting this go.
[Android Apps and Games] swieder711:
Congratulations on developing a great app. I use it daily.

Best of luck to you moving forward.
[Android Apps and Games] timebandi:
Sad news :(

I've been using is almost since Oneplus 8T launched. Works excellent! Great work with it!
[Android Apps and Games] Kianda:
On my Galaxy Tab S7+ the colors are completely fu**ed up under 15%/20% brightness because of the "green tint" issue (Tab S8+ devices should have the same issue).

This app is the only one that can "fix" that because I can set the minimum brightness % i want!

If you don't have time to update this app then: THANK YOU for all the work!

But don't let this die please, go open-source!
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Open source is possible, but only in this thread, not on play store. Unless someone updates the app to latest Google requirements.

I'll tackle that as soon as I get some time (won't be any time soon with my current schedules)
[Android Apps and Games] mudkipz0:
Please open source it and post it on GitHub or GitLab. It can be setup on F Droid. You don't need to put it on the Play Store. It's always a shame when a project is discontinued and all that work disappears into the void. Thank you for all your hard work regardless of your decision.
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
I'm working on it. The problem is that it contains play store integration and there is the play store key in the sources all over the place. While I don't think it's relevant any more, it is still there regardless and I don't dare publish sources with it. So I need to investigate the best approach to get that out of the repository without actually destroying git history.

It will be done, it will not go quietly into the night, but not just now. I've had some fluctuation in the company and while I'm replacing the missing workers (two of them), I'm a bit low on available time. Even more than I was before, which caused the discontinuation.
[Android Apps and Games] mudkipz0:
That's great to hear. I'm sure there is a lot of work involved in removing Google's tentacles from an established project. Thanks again and good luck!
[Android Apps and Games] MrMastodon:
@velis I'm working nights this week, and work is slow, so I gave translation to norwegian a shot :D

It should be in your mail.
[Android Apps and Games] lou2s:
Maybe this is not for my S3 anymore...
[Android Apps and Games] lou2s:
The above was done complete clear data and reinstall of the latest version from play store.
[Android Apps and Games] MarcinXDA:
settings shows that program consumed 15% of my battery (screen was on 51%) :) I was using stock settings + amoled dim.

What settings do you propose for better battery life? I don't need fluency in lightening, lowering brightness is my target.

samsung N7000/PA 2.18
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
Received, thanks.

WTF?!?

There's only one possible explanation for this, I think: to maintain 2.1 compatibility I have reverted an ArrayDeque to an ArrayList. Though I can hardly see how that could affect battery SO much.

Every other change since then was to reduce battery, not increase it :confused::confused::confused:

Will go back to ArrayDeque today to see if that's the culprit. Not many 2.1 and 2.2 installs anyway.

Edit: I also got my hands on an SGS3 (stock). So this afternoon I will be able to see for myself what troubles it so much.
[Android Apps and Games] xanthrax:
velis ! wait a second !

check my pics !

i noticed that after every reboot your app takes first places on battery drain status but then ...
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
All I see is that system battery app says that VAB is a battery sucker while GSam says it's not. Both GSam readings are similar.

How does this relate to phone reboots?

Are you trying to say it later settles down?
[Android Apps and Games] xanthrax:
well , yes ... i had a look on battery drain from settings and then from gsam prior to see the posts above about VAB juicing and i noticed a usage of 1 - 2 % (i didn`t take a screen shot as it should) after let`say ... 24 hrs and then i performed a reboot due to some personal flashes and the VAP was on near the top .

i do belive that by time VAP either settles or is related to the fact that VAP consumes more after reboot if the screen is on right after that .

my theory sounds strange but i still can`t blame VAP for high battery drain
[Android Apps and Games] kantjer:
I'm seeing the same, right after boot the VAP is high inthe app sucker list, but it seems to settle down.

Screen shot is about an hour after boot, some screen on time and a phone call.
[Android Apps and Games] jackattack:
The newest version is working great for me. Galaxy Nexus user.
[Android Apps and Games] Gamebasics:
Does this also work on old htc desire models?
[Android Apps and Games] kantjer:
Give it try, if it doesn't work just uninstall it. It won't break anything.
[Android Apps and Games] uzirox:
This is my battery drain after over a day.

I'm not sure, but I think it's a "false positive"... I have enough juice.

(galaxy s2, cyanogen 9 rc2)
[Android Apps and Games] kantjer:
I'm also starting to distrust the ROM's battery readings. I think is a GSam is a better tool.

GSam is now reporting 3.6% and the ROM's battery monitor is reporting 15% :confused:
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
I must be doing something to ruffle ROM battery logger's feathers. Something it doesn't like. I'm guessing garbage collection, but there's no way I can be sure. Maybe I should recycle the history items, but I need to get me a good circular buffer implementation first.

In the mean time I have found some more optimized ways of accessing some of the data, reduced garbage amount (fewer disposed of objects) *and* I found the most recent culprit.

Culprit of the day award goes to shared preferences which now takes a huge toll in CPU time just to save the latest sensor sample every 5 seconds. I should stress that for a "normal" reading, this is less than 5% calls to sensor handling routine, yet it takes more CPU :(

The result is some further optimization + I'm testing / profiling an SGS3 today to see what it has to say about all this. I'm slowly getting optimistic about the battery now.
[Android Apps and Games] UnderXP:
Hello, I have translated the xml file to Spanish - Latinamerican. Send it to developer email.
[Android Apps and Games] Christiancs1969:
Can't seem to turn graph off I apply off but it stays on?

s2 RR 309 dori
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
You mean the "track light in graph" switch?
[Android Apps and Games] Christiancs1969:
Yes

s2 RR 309 dori
[Android Apps and Games] velis74:
1.10.40 (9.10.2012)

Further optimizations to reduce battery consumption

No longer updating android brightness (was just a cosmetic which turned out to use lots of CPU)

Reduced last sensor value save interval to one minute to save even more battery

Supported languages: slovak, spanish, norwegian (classic and bokmål)

Looking at profiler results, the first routine that makes it to the list s at 8th place with some 15% overall CPU time. That's more than 60% reduction from previous values. The app should hardly register anywhere now.

Though I can't really say. My phone still doesn't even register. I can't understand why SGS3 with its much more powerful proc should take more CPU (battery) than the nexus...

Results of SGS3 test: again, the stock sensor suxxx - not much better than SGS2 stock. Why does Samsung make such drivers? I sure hope custom ROMs and kernels fix that crap. On stock ROM over some 5 hours I got 5% out of 30% (apps usage).

Sorry, no new functionality today, just battery fixes.
[Android Apps and Games] superbobup:
Just found this app and it's great. Stock auto brightness was too choppy and drained a bunch of battery. This seems to curb that a lot. Looking forward to when the update gets pushed to Play. Great work man :D
[Android Apps and Games] MrMastodon:
I got some weird (high) battery readings in both Gsam and system, but when I turned on proximity sensor it all disappeared :)

SGS2

Primary ROM: RR 3.0.9

with Velis auto brightness

Kernel: Dorimanx 5.85
[Android Apps and Games] :
I never see the app in any battery monitor I've used so wonder if its a Samsung/rom issue as far as I've seen its mainly them that say about battery. I'm guessing the proximity sensor is causing less fluxtuation in light level reading so stays steady at one level for longer meaning less drain. Anyone up for further testing that theory?
[Android Apps and Games] Christiancs1969:
Proximity off by default ?

s2 RR 309 dori
[Android Apps and Games] natezire71:
This app is amazing. So much better than Lux Dash. Seriously, kudos, dood. I look forward to seeing how this helps. I was getting annoyed with how Android detects light changes--even with changing the back-lighting tweaks built into my ROM--useless. This responds immediately to light changes. I am blown away by this. Can't wait to see what you got in store for the future!
[Android Apps and Games] MrMastodon:
If it's anything, it's a Samsung problem, RR 3.0.9 is just about as far from stock ROM as possible, and I'm not the pnly SGS2-owner that has reported missing juice...

(although I have mostly seen it reported, not actually experienced shorter battery-cycles)

Over to something completely different:

I can't seem to DL last update from market. I get the notification for update, VAB is at the top of the app-list in Play, reported as an app with update, but when I go to the app-page, the latest update is not there... Tried to clear market data, and un-/reinstall of aff, but I only get to install 1.10.37.... Weird?
[Android Apps and Games] :
Yes proximity sensor is off by default for me so wondering those with battery drain issues if they turn proximity sensor on if it helps with the battery drain.