Database Develop

[GUIDE] Take Back Your Headset Controls!

REQUIREMENTS
ROOT ACCESS
SINGLE-BUTTON HEADSET
ANDROID 4.1+
PREFACE
TESTED ON THE NEXUS 4 RUNNING 4.2
If you often listen to music using a single-button headset (the kind that many Samsung devices tend to ship with), then you should know that Google lets you control the headset button. By default, you can:
Play/Pause (Single Press)
Skip track (Double Press)
Launch Voice Search (Single-click Long Press)
Pretty cool, right? So what's the deal, then?
The issue is you CANNOT customize how you want the system to respond to your button input.
What if you want to long press to increase volume?
What if you want to triple click to go to the previous track?
What if you want to double click and hold to decrease volume?
What if you want to launch an app besides Google Voice Search (I personally have bound utter! in place of Google's search!)?
Nope, too bad.
Well, there is a workaround for this.
How does it work?
In /system/usr/keylayout, two files called Generic.kl and hs_detect.kl reside where you can modify the keymapping of the HEADSETHOOK input to an alternate key that is normally found on a 3-button headset, specifically MEDIA_NEXT. Then, you can modify how the system responds to MEDIA_NEXT by using a headset control app.
TO FIX:
**NOTE: ITEMS SURROUNDED BY A BLUE BOX MEAN IT IS THE ORIGINAL VALUE WHILE ITEMS SURROUNDED BY A RED BOX MEANS IT IS THE NEW VALUE**
1) Install the Keytest App found here: https://github.com/chrisboyle/keytest/downloads
2) Once inside the app, press the headset button. On your screen, it should read as follows:
Code:
keyCode=KEYCODE_HEATSETHOOK
scanCode=226
as shown in the following picture: http://i.imgur.com/dogxm.png
3) Using a root-enabled file explorer app (I personally use Solid Explorer), go to /system/usr/keylayout and make a backup of Generic.kl and hs_detect.kl (copying them to your internal storage, for example /sdcard/headset).
4) You will modify these two files on two different lines. The folder should look like this: http://i.imgur.com/ShpCv.png
Generic.kl:
ORIGINAL: http://i.imgur.com/dzmPy.png AND http://i.imgur.com/bdRRz.png
NEW: http://i.imgur.com/ZddZT.png AND http://i.imgur.com/PPAZk.png
hs_detect.kl:
ORIGINAL: http://i.imgur.com/dVaXK.png
NEW: http://i.imgur.com/Deh9r.png NOTE: I MANUALLY ADDED THE KEY 163 LINE IN
Simple right? You are just flipping the two values essentially.
5) Save the changes. Reboot.
6) Open the Keytest app again. Press the headset button. On your screen, it should read as follows:
Code:
keyCode=KEYCODE_MEDIA_NEXT
scanCode=226
as shown in the following picture: http://i.imgur.com/2BSHM.png
7) Now all you need to do is use an app to configure the MEDIA_NEXT key to your liking.
MEDIA_NEXT is a key typically found on 3-button headsets, symbolized by the "Right" key. An app like Headset Button Controller or Headset Droid should do the trick. Both are paid apps, but there are trial versions available. If there are any free alternatives that can do the trick, let me know and I'll add it in! (I am NOT in any way affiliated with the app developers!)
LIMITATIONS
1)A ROM update will wipe/reset the files.
1a) How can you avoid this? Pretty simple, actually! Just keep a backup of Generic.kl and hs_detect.kl after you make the changes to them, and inject them into the zip file before you flash the ROM. You can also use the following script to do this which needs to be run as root, given that you have the two files backed up in /sdcard/headset
Code:
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp -f /sdcard/headset/* /system/usr/keylayout
chmod 644 /system/usr/keylayout/*
mount -o ro,remount /system
2) An actual or simulated "MEDIA_NEXT" input will now not be recognized as a MEDIA_NEXT. This will affect, for example, 3-button headsets or tasker tasks that simulate a MEDIA_NEXT input. Also: ROMs with the long-press to skip tracks will no longer skip track on holding volume-up, as this is no longer recognized as a MEDIA_NEXT input.
2a) How can you avoid this? You can instead use a different key to be replaced rather than MEDIA_NEXT, if you so desire. The work-up will be the exact same, only the values you swap will be different.
CREDITS
Kenkiller: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=32999600&postcount=38
Headset Button Controller Dev
Headset Droid Dev
Redditor muzeofmobo for the script

Please respond to this post if it worked for you! I don't have my Nexus 4 yet, but I am absolutely positive it works on it as well! It worked for my GNexus on 4.1 and 4.2, and it has worked across many other devices as well.

Bump for visibility!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for this :good: It'll help me hunting for why I can't get the headset working properly in utter! !

Works PERFECT! THANKS!!!! (for nexus s)

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.jays.headsetcontrol
I used to use this app. It offered the same functionality without having to tweak any files. I have not tested on n4 though.

1234568 said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=se.jays.headsetcontrol
I used to use this app. It offered the same functionality without having to tweak any files. I have not tested on n4 though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tweak is meant for long press problem only opening google now. Even Jays says this
"Compatibility
- Click-and-hold actions will not work in Android 4.1+ as Google Now intercepts them."
so even if you use jays your long press should not work unless your rom has helped you change it!

Used this app back in the day before i got my MW600..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tvk.headvol

PMaksymiuk said:
Used this app back in the day before i got my MW600..
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tvk.headvol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Headset Droid is another option for users who don't want to use Headset Button Controller!

I just received my Nexus 4 earlier today, and I saw that there were some changes done in the /system/usr/keylayout folder. I managed to fix the problem, and will update the OP with new pictures ASAP for those looking to fix the headset problem.

OP updated with new instructions specific to the Nexus 4!

First off thanks to the OP. I can confirm that this works perfectly. Really don't understand why Google limited the click-and-hold functionality in the first place.
Despite this method working as expected, it is just tricking the Android system. Would it be possible for developers to actually remove the limitation itself from Jellybean. This would mean that you wouldn't need to inject files after each rom update etc.

IAmAN00bie said:
I just received my Nexus 4 earlier today, and I saw that there were some changes done in the /system/usr/keylayout folder. I managed to fix the problem, and will update the OP with new pictures ASAP for those looking to fix the headset problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem after the JB 4.2.1 upgrade. hs_detect.kl isn't there. The same modifications can be made to set_jack.kl (+ add the line as posted in the original).
This works just fine now!
However, I still can't launch utter (using headset button controller), since the shortcut found in utter main screen creates a shortcut to start listening on the homescreen. Every time I triple press, a shortcut is made to my homescreen.
How did you bind utter to listen?

NEW: http://i.imgur.com/ZddZT.png AND http://i.imgur.com/ZddZT.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP these are 2 the same images, please edit as some people will get confused
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 PM ----------
Ohh and also... how do you answer a call after changes? Ive tried headset Droid and Headset Button Controller and none of the settings allows me to answer call

MattSkeet said:
OP these are 2 the same images, please edit as some people will get confused
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:19 PM ----------
Ohh and also... how do you answer a call after changes? Ive tried headset Droid and Headset Button Controller and none of the settings allows me to answer call
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, didn't catch that! I'll update it when I get done with my finals today ;_;. Did you configure the Right button aka the media next button in headset droid? Remember the configuration changed when you did the mod!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

IAmAN00bie said:
Oops, didn't catch that! I'll update it when I get done with my finals today ;_;. Did you configure the Right button aka the media next button in headset droid? Remember the configuration changed when you did the mod!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I did. Set the right button in the right way and also disabled all other buttons . I can change volume skip tracks play pause but unable to answer calls even tho it is set up
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

MattSkeet said:
Yeah I did. Set the right button in the right way and also disabled all other buttons . I can change volume skip tracks play pause but unable to answer calls even tho it is set up
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never actually used the answer calls feature, as I don't have an inline mic. I'll try to see what's up though.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Quick update, fixed the OP links. Sorry if I caused anyone confusion. I hope somebody finds this guide useful!

Hey Guys
I have a Galaxy Note 2 and followed the switching steps mentioned to switch.from the middle to right button.
However thiere is a problem that sometimes happens... the "long press" seems to over-ride the single press so that when I'm trying to click once to pause my music, a new song comes on.
The 2nd thing is that for some reason "click and hold" has no effect whats so ever (as I could have just used it instead of long click)
Curious if you guys have had these experiences.

Boogerwooger said:
Hey Guys
I have a Galaxy Note 2 and followed the switching steps mentioned to switch.from the middle to right button.
However thiere is a problem that sometimes happens... the "long press" seems to over-ride the single press so that when I'm trying to click once to pause my music, a new song comes on.
The 2nd thing is that for some reason "click and hold" has no effect whats so ever (as I could have just used it instead of long click)
Curious if you guys have had these experiences.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What app are you using to control your clicks?

[Q] Removing media volume limit with headphones

I noticed, that media volume can be set only up to 8 steps, when headphones are connected (not to full 15 steps).
I guess it's result of questionable EU safety requirements.
Unfortunately, my headphones are not very sensitive and the volume is very low. Is there any way to remove this limitation?
Thanks in advance for any idea and help.
Sent from my Xperia T using xda premium

mrmel said:
I noticed, that media volume can be set only up to 8 steps, when headphones are connected (not to full 15 steps).
I guess it's result of questionable EU safety requirements.
Unfortunately, my headphones are not very sensitive and the volume is very low. Is there any way to remove this limitation?
Thanks in advance for any idea and help.
Sent from my Xperia T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=40176777&postcount=330
Install the apk as said, and if you get the warning just dismiss it and increase sound level to 100%

Thanks a lot. I did exactly as said, but the problem remains.
There is no warning, the media volume slider simply won't go beyond 8th step.
Sent from my Xperia T using xda premium

mrmel said:
Thanks a lot. I did exactly as said, but the problem remains.
There is no warning, the media volume slider simply won't go beyond 8th step.
Sent from my Xperia T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you change the permissions and reboot?
It works for me.
Which rom are you on?

gregbradley said:
did you change the permissions and reboot?
It works for me.
Which rom are you on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, permissions changed, rebooted, problem remains...
I am on Assaye-V2.0.1

mrmel said:
I noticed, that media volume can be set only up to 8 steps, when headphones are connected (not to full 15 steps).
I guess it's result of questionable EU safety requirements.
Unfortunately, my headphones are not very sensitive and the volume is very low. Is there any way to remove this limitation?
Thanks in advance for any idea and help.
Sent from my Xperia T using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe flash non-EU firmware
Sent From Xperia Tablet S

Try this
TiMiN8R said:
Edit /system/build.prop with a text editor.
Find the line
Code:
persist.audio.hp=true
Change to
Code:
persist.audio.hp=false
Save and reboot.
Thanks to peetr_ for the tip.
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent whilst sat on the toilet.

gregbradley said:
Edit /system/build.prop with a text editor.
Find the line: persist.audio.hp=true
Change to: persist.audio.hp=false
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
YESSS! This one worked. Thank you for help!

Novice here, grateful for the thread.
The changing of the code. Sorry again-novice, where do i do that?

ComeBackKid said:
Novice here, grateful for the thread.
The changing of the code. Sorry again-novice, where do i do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search and download "buildprop editor" or similar app from playstore... There you can easily edit the above given code.. Or if you are confident enough, you can do it manually by going to your phone's root directory using a file explorer (on your phone, no PC required)
Then go to system... It should be like
/system/build.prop
Then open it in text editor and look for the above lines and make changes...
Be careful though, because it might lead to soft bricks if you mess up the build.prop... So I suggest making a copy of the original build.prop and save in sd card

[Q] Unlink Google Now voice volume

Hey guys--
I'm stumped on if this is possible, but I feel like my old Razr HD worked like this. If anyone has a way in the form of an app, Xposed module, etc, it'd be very appreciated.
Desired Behavior: Google Now should always speak to me, regardless of ringtone volume. She should be on her own separate volume control, or at least linked to media volume control.
Current Behavior: Google Now is linked to ringtone/notification/system volume. Since I almost always keep my phone on vibrate only, Google Now won't talk to me. Considering the point of touchless control, this is absolutely infuriating. I feel like I shouldn't have to be "that guy" that has his phone on full volume just to hear the Now voice.
There must be a better way! Who can help me out? Thanks!

I'm with you on this one, I keep my phone on silent all the time so I'd like that as well.
I've sent an email to Google, hopefully they will update that
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

I guess empoweredh and I are the only ones that care about this? Lol
Come on guys, send Google feedback about this
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

Apparently.
Tell you what....I'll start a bounty. $25 for an Xposed module or some other easy way to accomplish this. Basically anything that doesn't involve a custom rom or developer edition. If it can be done on a retail maxx in stock ROM I'll pay out. We'll see if anyone else wants to join/help.

Accidental duplicate post. Edited.

I think if enough of us complain Google will change it. Or they might change it on their own.
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

Jamolah said:
I guess empoweredh and I are the only ones that care about this? Lol
Come on guys, send Google feedback about this
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
empoweredh22 said:
Apparently.
Tell you what....I'll start a bounty. $25 for an Xposed module or some other easy way to accomplish this. Basically anything that doesn't involve a custom rom or developer edition. If it can be done on a retail maxx in stock ROM I'll pay out. We'll see if anyone else wants to join/help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wanted to see if this had reached a resolution. Also wanted throw my hat into the ring as wanting this.
Sent from my Moto Maker X

I'm pretty interested in seeing this done too. I haven't received my phone yet, I generally keep my phone on silent or vibrate while at work, and I know I will want to talk to Google - and hear Google's responses when my phone is in that mode.

I sent google an email as well. Hopefully something comes of it.

Agreed! Would love to see this too!
I've looked, but couldn't find, any kind of feature request page for google? Anyone know if there is one?

I am with you guys! Saw this thread and I had not notcied this before since I have it on full volume as of now.

Maybe use something like tasker to set the ringtone to a certain level when google opens?

I experienced a mute Google Now last night and was stumped. Now I see this thread and it all makes sense.
There is an Xposed module that unlinks the notification and ringtone volumes (link). I'm not rooted yet but someone could test which volume Google Now reacts to, so a least part of the problem gets fixed. And maybe ask the developer make an update that addresses that. Tasker is also a good idea, but more cumbersome. Could be a plan B.

I'll throw in 15$ to the bounty

Well I got it to work with Tasker.
---------------------------------
Event: Variable Set %WIN
Task:
Ringer Volume: Level 6, If %WIN=Google
Ringer Volume: Level 6, If %WIN=Voice Search
---------------------------------
I put two ringer volume task because for some reason, when I open voice search it'll be identified as "Google" and vise versa.
Note: I used the Event as the First Context because for some reason I couldn't get the Application Context to work with Google and Voice Search.
I hope that helps some of you. Let me know if you have any questions.

OriginalFire said:
Well I got it to work with Tasker.
---------------------------------
Event: Variable Set %WIN
Task:
Ringer Volume: Level 6, If %WIN=Google
Ringer Volume: Level 6, If %WIN=Voice Search
---------------------------------
I put two ringer volume task because for some reason, when I open voice search it'll be identified as "Google" and vise versa.
Note: I used the Event as the First Context because for some reason I couldn't get the Application Context to work with Google and Voice Search.
I hope that helps some of you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this also revert the settings back when you exit? I have limited knowledge of tasker but to me it doesn't seem like it would. Also if this one of the profiles that requires you to be rooted?
Sent from my Moto Maker X

No this should not need to be done through tasker. it should be part of the OS
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app

Jamolah said:
No this should not need to be done through tasker. it should be part of the OS
Sent from my XT1058 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think we all would greatly prefer it be a part of the OS. That's doesn't mean we can't use a work around that was generously provided until it's fixed.
Sent from my Moto Maker X

garciaw said:
I experienced a mute Google Now last night and was stumped. Now I see this thread and it all makes sense.
There is an Xposed module that unlinks the notification and ringtone volumes (link). I'm not rooted yet but someone could test which volume Google Now reacts to, so a least part of the problem gets fixed. And maybe ask the developer make an update that addresses that. Tasker is also a good idea, but more cumbersome. Could be a plan B.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
expanded/seperated volumes using gravitybox and it seems to be linked to the notification volume

jhealy said:
Does this also revert the settings back when you exit? I have limited knowledge of tasker but to me it doesn't seem like it would. Also if this one of the profiles that requires you to be rooted?
Sent from my Moto Maker X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My original tasker will not revert to the original ringer volume.
Also, I'm pretty sure this particular task does not need root access.
New code with Ringer Volume being set back to original:
---------------------------------
Event: Variable Set %WIN
Task Gnow:
If %WIN ~ (matches) Google
Variable Set: Name: %PREVOLR to %VOLR
Ringer Volume: Level 6
Wait: 10 minutes, Until %WIN !~ Google
Ringer Volume: %PREVOLR
Task Gvoice:
If %WIN ~ (matches) Voice Search
Variable Set: Name: %PREVOLR to %VOLR
Ringer Volume: Level 6
Wait: 10 minutes, Until %WIN !~ Voice Search
Ringer Volume: %PREVOLR
---------------------------------
**Note
Event contexts do not have exit tasks, so just add the Gnow task and then Gvoice task to the Event.
Normally the Ringer Volume Action will only display a slid-able bar to change the Ringer Volume.
Go into Tasker > Preferences
Make sure beginner mode is off
Go back into the Ringer Volume Action settings, and press and hold the "Shuffle" icon and then release after a bit.
This will change the slidable bar to a blank field.
Edit: fixedd!
Hope that works out better for you guys

App for answering phone calls?

Since google removed the ability with aw2.0 is anyone working on an app to bring back this function?
Currently with AW2.0 if you have a watch without a speaker, you can not use it to answer your phones calls. You do get a notification that you have a call, but your only option is to reject it, there is no option for answering :/

You can use MacroDroid.

majekqwert said:
You can use MacroDroid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you elaborate?
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

daddymikey1975 said:
Can you elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlosoft.macrodroid&hl=pl
Add Macro using guide.
Incoming call -> notification on watch -> action answer or discard

majekqwert said:
Install: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arlosoft.macrodroid&hl=pl
Add Macro using guide.
Incoming call -> notification on watch -> action answer or discard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On mine it's not working. Can you please be more detailed

NarfiWillem said:
Since google removed the ability with aw2.0 is anyone working on an app to bring back this function?
Currently with AW2.0 if you have a watch without a speaker, you can not use it to answer your phones calls. You do get a notification that you have a call, but your only option is to reject it, there is no option for answering :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a new update to version 2.0.0.156099718 (build NXH19X) and voila, we got the answer button back.
Sent from my EVA-L09 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

woop woop!
i got the update too
now i can use my watch like its supposed to be used again.

I´ve been using wear speaking to do that.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wearableloudspeaker.com.wearableloudspeaker&hl=pt-br

anyone have good instructions on how to setup macro to answer or decline from the watch?

Great information...

Notification sound always off

Hello I have problem. A lot of time the notification sound if off and I don't know why !
thanks by advance for you help

No answer for me? I am the only one to have this problem?

absinthe77 said:
No answer for me? I am the only one to have this problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know what the cause is but, sometimes when I restore volume by using the volume up key it does not restore notification sound with the ringtone...
I have to manually do it within system settings in sound.

stonedpsycho said:
I do not know what the cause is but, sometimes when I restore volume by using the volume up key it does not restore notification sound with the ringtone...
I have to manually do it within system settings in sound.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your answer. I have To do the same operation but I don't know why like you