Database Develop

[HACK] Hardware HDMI/MicroSD Hack? Unused Pins/Connectors

HI! i've found some pics of the nexus 7 motherboard and some connectors seems to be unused... If you look at the "con1" (the one used for micro usb connection) it has 22 pins 0_o. Maybe we can find a hardware hack =D
More images here
We could do a "simple" (dangerous) test: HDMI has a hot plug detection pin, the only way to check is provide one pin with +5v dc and check if any other pin sends a ddc query.... but how can we find the hotplug pin (if there's any)?
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

From the teardown it was pretty clear there was space for the rear camera as well as HDMI.
The IO presenters were using units with HDMI, so it was probably the same motherboard, populated.
You would have to be a hard-core hacker to want toi add your own HDMI. No idea what is missing beside header and connector. Probably not as bad as adding MHL
I am happy living without HDMI.

Maybe I will never use the hdmi connector but hacking electronical things when i have to hack biological ones every day is a nice way to spend the time xD

Israafiyl said:
Maybe I will never use the hdmi connector but hacking electronical things when i have to hack biological ones every day is a nice way to spend the time xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6 billion dollar men?

Caliyork said:
6 billion dollar men?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope =P 6 billion dollar mice xD
Biotech

Google also plugged the nexus 7 into some kind of docking station to project the screen onto the wall for the visitors on Google io conference..seems they have a version with video output like HDMI
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app

There has been an image of a Nexus 7 with a HDMI out.

ben1066 said:
There has been an image of a Nexus 7 with a HDMI out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source please
Sent from my HTC Desire using xda app-developers app

Can't back it up right now but will frantically google to find it.. But I remember reading that it had the hardware for mhl but currently not enable in software?
but just tested my jellybeaned gnex and that works fine with mhl so not sure how much truth there is to that.

I can vouch for the photo of a Nexus 7 with an HDMI port, as well as a comment from a presenter that the special units they were using for presentations had HDMI.
No, I can not provide any links. That was thousands of pages ago...
I do not believe the Nexus 7 has the MHL chip, or any provision for it. Asus is not listed as a MHL provider.
Samsung (Nexus) is a MHL provider, so the hardware there would not be a surprise.

In that teardown review (where the OP got that image, I believe), they mistakenly said it supported HDMI out and included a picture of the HDMI cable from the nexus Q. They later retracted that comment.
That might be the source of the confusion.

There was at least one actual picture of a Nexus 7 with an HDMI port on the bottom.
I think a reviewer got their hands on a presenter's unit.

The image you're looking for is in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1736916
The internel dev versions (the ones used for presentations) had mini hdmi.
So, it does make sense that theres space on the board.

Thank you for that picture link! I searched everywhere for that...
At least that is one less reason to think I have lost my mind...

I'd love to be able to solder on an sdcard slot, if that's all that's needed. It's generally pretty easy to solder to headers if you're careful about it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

From the teardown, I don't recall seeing any space for an SD card.
Rear camera - yes, HDMI - yes, but not SD Card.
I could be mistaken...
Also, the external storage problem has been pretty much solved with a USB OTG cable and stickmount.

we could solder a slod for an additional sd card... there's enaught space to fit in a sd card without "external" access.

How in the world has this thread not been moved/locked yet? Obviously not development, and hardly an original topic.

MWBehr said:
How in the world has this thread not been moved/locked yet? Obviously not development, and hardly an original topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we're counting pins and waiting for more info =P
look here: http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/KjNsrjlvHZdFWEGF.huge
we have 14 free pins and an hdmi data connection requires only 12 wires + 5v + grnd.
i'm looking for someone who can do some simple tests on the unused pins.
when i will have the nexus 7 i'll do it by myself at uni but maybe someone who have the I/O version now could do something meantime.

Looks pretty interesting to me hope we cram a sd card In there somewhere.

Mini MicroSD Reader for Android Smartphones & Tablets

Pre-order now!!!
http://www.meenova.com/
See:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2222842

jangofei said:
See:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2222842
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I might be missing something here; genuine question.
Why would anybody pay US$12 for your card reader and then wait at least three months to receive the device, when they can buy something nearly identical today and get a free USB to MicroUSB adapter, all for US$5.60 including shipping?
http://www.kawau.com.cn/cn/ProductView.asp?ID=260
http://dx.com/s/c310.html?sort=Price
Is it as simple as that yours is just slightly smaller? (You don't provide dimensions, but a US quarter is approximately one inch in diameter, so it looks like your dimensions are probably about 0.8 x 0.8 inch, versus their 1.5 x 0.8 inch).
Or are you expecting your reader to offer higher throughput and/or lower power consumption than theirs, as well? What can you say about sustained read / write rates, and power consumption?
I'm genuinely curious why I would buy this. If it's just a matter of size, the difference in size is little enough that it seems unimportant, especially given it's double the cost and probably triple the time spent waiting. If it's a matter of significantly greater speed or lower power consumption though, I could see it being worthwhile.

Obviously we developed our solution*interdependently. We believe our design is better. Pretty much for any problem in this world, there are multiple solutions -- like buying smart phones, some people buy iPhones some buy Samsung Galaxy phones and yet others buy Google Nexus phones. We offer a solution to a real problem many people have. People have the freedom to choose whatever solution they like, we just offer them one more option.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Looking forward to it. The design looks sharp and clean. Love the shape. It seems very well thought out for practical usage!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

Thanks for the link! I funded the project. Can't wait to try it out. $12 is like buying lunch. No big deal. =)
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

jangofei said:
Obviously we developed our solution*interdependently. We believe our design is better. Pretty much for any problem in this world, there are multiple solutions -- like buying smart phones, some people buy iPhones some buy Samsung Galaxy phones and yet others buy Google Nexus phones. We offer a solution to a real problem many people have. People have the freedom to choose whatever solution they like, we just offer them one more option.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no info on size or speed then? :-/
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

Sweet!
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda premium

I backed this. Been wanting one of these for a long time.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

knoxploration said:
So no info on size or speed then? :-/
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is coin-size and supports USB 2.0 standard.

Will this cover the headphone jack on the Nexus 10? Say no and you'll be the first kickstarter I've ever pledged to. :fingers-crossed:

jangofei said:
It is coin-size and supports USB 2.0 standard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no info on size or speed then.
You've publicly stated that you have your final housing design set in stone. How hard is it to provide a size in millimeters?

knoxploration said:
So no info on size or speed then.
You've publicly stated that you have your final housing design set in stone. How hard is it to provide a size in millimeters?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dimension is 21mmx19mmx7mm with cap on. When plugged in, outside portion is 19mmx14mm. For comparison, a MicroSD card is 15mmx11mm.it is USB 2.0, read/write speed is determined by the card itself.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

jangofei said:
dimension is 21mmx19mmx7mm with cap on. When plugged in, outside portion is 19mmx14mm. For comparison, a MicroSD card is 15mmx11mm.it is USB 2.0, read/write speed is determined by the card itself.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a million, that's very helpful!
So to be clear you feel there is no bottleneck from your reader, it will supply the maximum possible speed of any microsd card on the market?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

Will it cover the headphone jack at all??

I asked about this on Kickstarter. They said right now, it doesn't block, but it is very close... If the plug for your headphone cord is thick (as all plugs have some variance in design) it might not work.
But he did tell me they're looking at possible work arounds or modifications to help with this...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

arrtoodeetoo said:
Will it cover the headphone jack at all??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Want to see an official post from the guys behind this project.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

backed!! cant wait to get it!

knoxploration said:
Thanks a million, that's very helpful!
So to be clear you feel there is no bottleneck from your reader, it will supply the maximum possible speed of any microsd card on the market?
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the testing, it is no bottleneck from the reader.

I got one of these from DX, works great with my 64gb micro sd card on my nexus 10. Took about 10 days to deliver from China to UK
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium HD app

Mr Shifty said:
backed!! cant wait to get it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you ask, as a baker, on their project, comments, if it's gonna obstruct the headphone jack? Thanks!

[Review]Mini MicroSD card reader for any android

Today I have received my KICKSTARTER backers rewards, mini microsd card reader.
It works perfect on our SGN2 without root or without any extra OTG cable.
Supports upto 64GB micro SDHC and SDXC cards.
Also supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT partition with out root.
Just go through official web site for more details.
Supported devices are listed in official site.
SGN1, SGN2, SGS2, SGS3, SGS4, SGN3 without root. Even support nexus4 with stickmount application.
Unboxing mini microsd card reader.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Mini microsd card reader working in our SGN2.
Close view.
Preorder are open now. Go and get this tool if you want extra storage for your note2

Is that other usb stick in there used as micro-usb to usb adapter or something like that?

Yes that is micro usb to usb adapter.
sent from my GT-N7100. Press thanks if I helped you...

I haven't ordered one... But it does look like a good idea.

If you are not happy with 64 GB external sd card space and want more then order this.
sent from my GT-N7100. Press thanks if I helped you...

That's actually pretty neat idea. I think I'll pre-order one for myself.
Thanks for sharing.

Ordered 1. Could prove very useful.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk 4

So no support or function if I'm rooted?
Sent from my Big Ass Beans infused Note2

Samsung has in-build drivers for usb otg in stock roms. Means you don't need to add any driver or use any application to connect or detect usb drives.
If you are rooted and on stock rom, then it works perfect with out any problem and supports fat or exfat partition.
For different roms, you have to confirm with rom's developers for otg support. And in that case you can use usb otg application from playstore.
sent from my GT-N7100. Press thanks if I helped you...

Got mine in yesterday and figured I'd give a brief review.
The model I recieved isn't exactly like the picture, but a bit better. It's white It's a small square less than an inch I'd say.
Build quality is decent, but I think the slot for the microsd should be recessed just a sliver more so that there's no chance of the card coming out should the square get slide against the inside of a pocket or something.
Picked up a 64gb MicroSD card today (Yes SanDisk since I've never had a problem with them). Threw it the reader, slammed that baby into the phone (Please don't slam your phone unless you're firm in your *convictions*), and it was detected right away.
Used the adapter to connect the reader to my computer, loaded up almost 3000 files from music to movies and documents and made the transfer.
Connected the reader to the phone and everything reads just fine and fast.
One of the reasons I picked this up is to transfer documents on the fly in the field.
For less than 20 bucks it's pretty amazing.
I would upload pics, but the forum doesn't want to comply today.
-----
And pulled my keys out one time and lost the cap already. A quality control issue there. The cap shouldn't come off so easily.

apallohadas said:
Got mine in yesterday and figured I'd give a brief review.
And pulled my keys out one time and lost the cap already. A quality control issue there. The cap shouldn't come off so easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No quality issue for me. Mine is very hard.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk

MBariya said:
No quality issue for me. Mine is very hard.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did a Google search for "meenova lost cap" and came across several other folks that found the same thing.
On the flip side I found the cap outside my house.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

apallohadas said:
I did a Google search for "meenova lost cap" and came across several other folks that found the same thing.
On the flip side I found the cap outside my house.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's funny, cuz when I do the same search for "meenova lost cap" on google, the only result I get is your XDA post...

Do I need to explain how search engines work?
1) my post will show up the more that string of terms is put together. Duh.
2) read more than one hit return.
Brilliant!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:07 AM ----------
And since I can tell that you're "that guy", I've been in contact with their customer service and they're pretty good. Sent me 2 other caps no charge.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk

You should have bought the orange one like me. Way better then black.

Does anyone know anyone which is cheaper?

slipmagt said:
You should have bought the orange one like me. Way better then black.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the orange one too, way better than black. This is a much better design than the aliexpress one I had gotten earlier. The other was decent, but not as rugged for carrying around. Thinking about ordering more for xmas presents. Anyone got a link?
I use mine primarily for transferring pictures from my camera. I use a microsd with an sd adapter in it and now can look at pix on the Note2 screen rather than the little LCD on the camera.

Anyone who has the orange one mind posting some IRL pictures?
Is the light around the base blue on all of them?
Thanks!

Brad.S. said:
Anyone who has the orange one mind posting some IRL pictures?
Is the light around the base blue on all of them?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, the light is blue. I don't have a good way to post pics at the moment, but it's just a basic orange, not neon or anything.

Looks good, but there are alternative from pqi and pny, both does not require extenal adapter to connect to PC, both have a full size USB and micro USB built in.

Galaxy Gifts, What WAIT?! Amplitube was released for Android?!?

I have been waiting for years now for Amplitube for Android, Ik the developers always blamed Androids lack of low latency audio
in the android sdk... Now all of a sudden its out and available for the Note 4 as a Galaxy Gift exclusive with no other mentions of it?
Something smells fishy here.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
http://apps.samsung.com/mars/appque...ppId=com.ikmultimediaus.android.amplitubelese

deathshead said:
I have been waiting for years now for Amplitube for Android, Ik the developers always blamed Androids lack of low latency audio
in the android sdk... Now all of a sudden its out and available for the Note 4 as a Galaxy Gift exclusive with no other mentions of it?
Something smells fishy here.
http://apps.samsung.com/mars/appque...ppId=com.ikmultimediaus.android.amplitubelese
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much use without the iRig HD-A which is an Android optimised version of the iRig hardware, and not out until some time in November

jonstatt said:
Note much use without the iRig HD-A which is an Android optimised version of the iRig hardware, and not out until some time in November
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHHH! IC.. Info seems pretty hard to locate on this setup.
Thanks for the heads up sir.

Seems to be related to this:
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/10/02/samsung-real-time-audiomidi-solution-for-android/
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
Seems to be related to this:
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/10/02/samsung-real-time-audiomidi-solution-for-android/
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well whaddaya know!, It looks like Samsung finally got tired of waiting for Google, WOW, this is actually HUGE news,
I'm very surprised that this hasn't hit all the major android news sites.

foxmeister said:
Seems to be related to this:
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2014/10/02/samsung-real-time-audiomidi-solution-for-android/
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow, that's pretty awesome...

Online now!
Both the app and the interface seems to be online now:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitubeandroid/
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighda/

Yes, we submitted AmpliTube so it would be in the Galaxy Gifts program but our announcement is today and both the AmpliTube and iRig HD-A pages are live as pointed out above. I can't link to a video yet with my first post but we do have one on our channel.

ikmultimedia said:
Yes, we submitted AmpliTube so it would be in the Galaxy Gifts program but our announcement is today and both the AmpliTube and iRig HD-A pages are live as pointed out above. I can't link to a video yet with my first post but we do have one on our channel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean this video from your website?
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighda/index.php?pp=irig-hd-a-video

springer.music said:
You mean this video from your website?
<snip>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I hit the "Thanks" button for you doing that. We added a shorter version there just now too, but the longer one would be more interesting to people here, I'm sure. Right now we're only on the two Samsung devices that have Samsung Professional Audio support but hopefully there is more on the horizon, as we've seen tons of interest in AmpliTube on Android for years now.

And where can i purchase just the usb otg cable to use with my Irig HD ?
Or are you going to tell me that after buying the apps and bundle 3 times (iphone, ipad and android ) i will also have to buy the hardware too ?

rahan95 said:
And where can i purchase just the usb otg cable to use with my Irig HD ?
Or are you going to tell me that after buying the apps and bundle 3 times (iphone, ipad and android ) i will also have to buy the hardware too ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd assume that any of these should work with the black irig HD as well:
https://www.google.com/search?site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&q=otg+adapter
At least they say so on the website for their iOS version of irig HD:
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighd/index.php?pp=irig-hd-specs

"Compatible with any Android devices with USB (OTG) connector running Android 5 (coming soon). "
It seems like it wont be just for the Note 4 and Note Edge. I dont understand wall this publicity to Samasung when they clearly say in their website that every Android device with USB OTG and Android Lollipop will get it x)

sir ikmultimedia i dont know anything about amplitube but a friend is asking if the note 4 will be able to use the full screen of the controls (thats how he described it to me) like the one in his ipad. Thanks sir.

Looks like Amplitube is now available from the play store as well:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ikmultimediaus.android.amplitubefullse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ikmultimediaus.android.amplitubese
Still, it says
AmpliTube is compatible with Android devices that support Samsung Professional Audio technology, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 3 require Android 5 Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, I've just sold my Note 3 and I should receive my Nexus 6 in the next few days... IK Multimedia, any chance to see a port to devices other than Samsung's? Please, pretty please

Zomg amazing, i waited my whole life for this.. Thanks god ❤

What is the purpose of this thing?

ArtRage is also in the Galaxy Gifts while they haven't informed they have Android version ready on their own forums or anywhere, I was very surprised to see it.

rahan95 said:
And where can i purchase just the usb otg cable to use with my Irig HD ?
Or are you going to tell me that after buying the apps and bundle 3 times (iphone, ipad and android ) i will also have to buy the hardware too ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a standard OTG cable and use the USB connection you already have with your iRig HD.
We also have more news on this front released today: We are definitely going to expand to other devices as more start to support Samsung Professional Audio but we also will be showing (and you can try it if you are there) near-zero latency Android audio for devices using Android 4.0 and above (so not even requiring Lollipop!). We announced this today on our site. I would post a link but I need more posts first

Bestbuy has Moga Power A Bluetooth Controller for $23.99.

I believe this is an in-store price because it is more online. This is supposed to be an excellent controller for use with the GVR. It's normally $59.99. Not all stores carry this so check online before venturing out. Here's the SKU: 1883244.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}

is there a link or ad showing its that much in store?

sfld said:
is there a link or ad showing its that much in store?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought it for that much in the store about an hour ago. Here's the web link for the online price. If you are hesitant please call ahead for pricing:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/power-a...ices/1883244.p?id=1219066387956&skuId=1883244

From what I've read, B-mode is best for non Moga games.

mitchellvii said:
From what I've read, B-mode is best for non Moga games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the inventory checker work for you? Im trying on the website but its not even populating how it usually does with all the locations

sfld said:
Did the inventory checker work for you? Im trying on the website but its not even populating how it usually does with all the locations
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah it did. They have changed that lately. You may have to re-enter the zip code again manually.

Called my Best Buy and they said it's been discontinued so it can only be bought in store. Bummer
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

Sean Z said:
Called my Best Buy and they said it's been discontinued so it can only be bought in store. Bummer
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably why it's a good deal. You don't have any in stores near you?

Checked and called within 50 miles near me and they've all said the same thing. I even showed them your post and they said they've discontinued it. :/
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA Free mobile app

probably not going to show inventory online but might luck out by going and walking through the store, what section do they keep them in? gaming? or cellular

Well they may be mistaken about the discontinue as they have them advertised for sale online and my best buy had 4.

sfld said:
probably not going to show inventory online but might luck out by going and walking through the store, what section do they keep them in? gaming? or cellular
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They usually have a small hook of them by the phone cases and an end display between console games and computer accessories, depending on store layout. Your best bet would be to go for the Power Pro (same generation, but "premium") on Amazon or somewhere that has it discounted. It is far more comfortable and still fits into the Gear VR bag by propping it in the area meant for the Sammy one.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/power-a...ices/1883244.p?id=1219066387956&skuId=1883244 <- That is what comes up for the SKU. They are $36.99 and it is the Moga Hero, so chances are they will not price match based on a rumor. Usually discontinued items are marked or regular price on the site, not on sale.
The Hero line is known for being problematic. They do some interesting things with the buttons, such as sending out buffer codes. It is not something you may see as an end user, so long as the apps you use it with have accounted for use with the Hero.
If the controller didn't work for you, that may work to your advantage. Before returning it, it is a good idea to contact Moga. Moga doesn't do recalls, they discontinue the controller and then do warranty replacements for a similar item. They have done the same thing with their console controllers and you can buy a $30 PS3 controller and with one phone call a week or so of waiting, come out with a $60 Xbox controller.
My thoughts on the Hero are not based on experience with the Gear VR specifically, they are based on experience with designing the controller interface for an emulator. Moga releases a general plug-in for Unity, so chances are using it with the Gear VR exclusively will never present the issues. The plugin for Android as a whole requires you design a separate interface just for the Hero, which unless you use their SDK, is when you begin to notice the eccentricities.

twistedumbrella said:
They usually have a small hook of them by the phone cases and an end display between console games and computer accessories, depending on store layout.
You're better off waiting for a sale on the Power Pro or praying it's broken out of the box. Moga tends to cut all ties to discontinued hardware, but their warranty repair is to replace it with a current model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What?!
Mine works fine and for $24 is a steal. I really can't be worried about "continued support". I mean, it's a controller - how much support does it need? You turn it on, you press the buttons, boom boom. Don't think I'll be calling support for a walk-through. *SMH*
My BestBuy had 3 flavors, the Pro, an iPhone model and this one. They sold them in the mobile section. The Pro version was very expensive and not on sale. The online inventory thing did show they had these in 3 stores in my region.
The problem with "waiting on a Pro version sale" is waiting on a Pro version sale. Are you willing to wait months (if ever) just to save a few bucks on a controller? Kind of ridiculous plan assuming you actually want a controller anytime soon.

mitchellvii said:
What?!
Mine works fine and for $24 is a steal. I really can't be worried about "continued support". I mean, it's a controller - how much support does it need? You turn it on, you press the buttons, boom boom. Don't think I'll be calling support for a walk-through. *SMH*
My BestBuy had 3 flavors, the Pro, an iPhone model and this one. They sold them in the mobile section. The Pro version was very expensive and not on sale. The online inventory thing did show they had these in 3 stores in my region.
The problem with "waiting on a Pro version sale" is waiting on a Pro version sale. Are you willing to wait months (if ever) just to save a few bucks on a controller? Kind of ridiculous plan assuming you actually want a controller anytime soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer not to run out and buy something because I saw one thread about it on xda. That is how you end up with $200 in hardware that you have to post all over xda bashing. It is better to be absolutely sure it is the device you want, not just the one that was on sale. Whether or not you want to be impatient is your discretion. I am only providing the info I found through a lot of research before I bought the Moga Power Pro that has stuck with me through three devices.
Other cheap but extremely well-rated controllers that do not require special software:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/22099651?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017417372
http://www.gamestop.com/android/acc...6-idroid-con-bluetooth-game-controller/106526
http://buy.thegameklip.com/
And here is the Hero Power with a regular price of $33 on Amazon. Obviously you aren't missing a great sale if you wait a week to see if the other one goes on sale first.
http://www.amazon.com/POWER-MOGA-Pro-Electronic-Games-Game/dp/B00FB5RBJM

Thanks for links. Those are all significantly more expensive than the model discussed in the OP and the last one isn't even a controller at all, it's a clip.