Hey all
I am the proud owner of the ultimate geek accessory, the gear. I also have a totally stock att note 3. Because of this, for now I want to leave the gear unrooted. So which apps do you recommend? I know some require data so they are not practical just yet. What apps do you use? What games? I tried candy crush (cute) and mouse. I would love to listen to ebook in the car.....
Thanks for any recommendations!
if the gear is unrooted, then aren't your only options what's available in the Samsung store inside the gear manager app?
I can still side load with abd
I've been searching everywhere trying to find a way to use a keyboard to respond to messages. I sideloaded one but without null it's pointless. There has to be a way though.. For example voice memos and pictures can be sent to the device, and you can reply to sms with preset responses so why wouldn't it be possible for the gear to communicate typed responses to the sms app over it's default connection. I think the most realistic solution would be a 3rd party sms app for the phone that has a companion app for the gear, then a sideloaded keyboard, I have a feeling the keyboard would be the main issue (development-wise), but I'm holding out hope. If only I were a developer. In the meantime it's plenty useful to me.. Between the universal notifications, music control, weather, schedule & caller-ID & dialer I'm content for now. If I had paid $300 for it I might be a little less satisfied, but overall it's great fun for gadget people.
Using "sources other than Samsung Apps"
I was wondering about this too. There's an option in Gear Manager you can check that allows you to install apps from "sources other than Samsung Apps". I have no idea how to actually install other apps, or if there are any other apps I can install on the device from a non-Samsung source. Any thoughts?
Okay, side loading using a db and totally stock: subway surfers, candy crush, mouse, 100 floors (a little hard); blast monkeys (looks a little weird), building tower
Still trying out others
I was looking around for a way to use the gear VR with Cardboard apps and all I could find was to just not insert the usb all the way or tuck it under the micro usb plug, I knew there had to be a better way. There is. With this easy trick you can use all the Cardboard apps and watch SBS 3D using a player like BS player easy.
Here's how to use the Gear VR outside of the native Oculus app, and it's soooo easy. Note: You'll need to be rooted for this to work.
1. download the App Quarantine app from the play store and install it.
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Bam, that's it. When you want to use a Cardboard app just click the widget, then lock icon, and then load the Cardboard app you want to use before inserting the phone into the headset. If you want to watch a SBS 3D movie in BS player just load it, pinch to zoom out a bit (fiddle with this to get it to your liking), click play and put on the headset and you're set. With a BT game controller you can even control the the playback.
When you're ready to go back to the Gear, just click the widget again and then the unlock icon. So simple...
If this helped give me a thanks below! Have fun, this headset rocks!!!!
Edit: Just to clarify, this will only work with Cardboard apps that don't require the magnetic clicker. However, I have found if you have a high power neodymium magnet laying around you can just swipe it by the end of the headset (kind of quickly) and it will trigger the clicker. Kinda lame for shooter games, but it's a workaround...
Nice. I'm going to try it, before Google or Samsung fives it
It also works to just put the phone in below the microusb plug - it fits fine..
diomark said:
It also works to just put the phone in below the microusb plug - it fits fine..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know, mentioned that in the first paragraph. Just don't think it's a good idea to put the unesacerry strain on the USB connector and have a less than secure fit (don't want the phone crashing to the floor). This only takes 2 seconds to do and allows for a secure docking of the phone.
The Note will need this connectivity if 3rd party devs are going to use the tracking data from the headset in their apps. Way lower latency than using the phone's sensors...
AspenMan said:
I was looking around for a way to use the gear VR with Cardboard apps and all I could find was to just not insert the usb all the way or tuck it under the micro usb plug, I knew there had to be a better way. There is. With this easy trick you can use all the Cardboard apps and watch SBS 3D using a player like BS player easy.
Here's how to use the Gear VR outside of the native Oculus app, and it's soooo easy.
1. download the App Quarantine app from the play store and install it.
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Bam, that's it. When you want to use a Cardboard app just click the widget, then lock icon, and then load the Cardboard app you want to use before inserting the phone into the headset. If you want to watch a SBS 3D movie in BS player just load it, pinch to zoom out a bit (fiddle with this to get it to your liking), click play and put on the headset and you're set. With a BT game controller you can even control the the playback.
When you're ready to go back to the Gear, just click the widget again and then the unlock icon. So simple...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice idea but you do need root for that app right? Can the Note 4 be already rooted without tripping the Knox counter?
You do need to be rooted. Haven't seen a way to root without tripping Knox, yet...
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Where is this? cant find it in list of apps to freeze.
charlie
AspenMan said:
You do need to be rooted. Haven't seen a way to root without tripping Knox, yet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might need to point that out in a revision, since that means this helps only about 5% of current N4 owners. Boo to no root!
I would like to use my other video players since the player built in does not cover all codecs or AC3.
It appears you must already have made a connection to the Gear VR in order to have the Gear VR Service? I too, cannot see this service anywhere. I have a Exynos model Note 4 (N910U) and it is my understanding that the Exynos models are not yet compatible with the VR. I've been trying to find the service used to auto launch whatever it is the VR auto launches to try and disable that with DisableService but have yet to find this. Any ideas?
callif said:
2. Create a widget and select the App Quarantine widget. Select the "Gear VR Service" as the app to freeze/defrost.
Where is this? cant find it in list of apps to freeze.
charlie
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try rebooting your phone and looking for the Gear VR service again. If you have the Gear installed it should be there.
KrakaJap said:
It appears you must already have made a connection to the Gear VR in order to have the Gear VR Service? I too, cannot see this service anywhere. I have a Exynos model Note 4 (N910U) and it is my understanding that the Exynos models are not yet compatible with the VR. I've been trying to find the service used to auto launch whatever it is the VR auto launches to try and disable that with DisableService but have yet to find this. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My guess is that you'll have had to make a connection at least once and will definitely need to have installed the Gear apps first. I would install the gear, run through the setup, reboot, put the phone into the gear and then remove it, install the App Quarantine app and then try it. Should work.
AspenMan said:
My guess is that you'll have had to make a connection at least once and will definitely need to have installed the Gear apps first. I would install the gear, run through the setup, reboot, put the phone into the gear and then remove it, install the App Quarantine app and then try it. Should work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This won't work for me or anyone who cannot make that initial connection: we'll have to find another way or wait until the Gear VR supports the Exynos Note 4s. Right now, the N910U will not work with Gear VR until it receives a firmware update supporting it. I received confirmation directly from Samsung about this yet no details as to when the Exynos models will receive support. Way to go, Samsung, for making this perfectly clear to those looking to buy the Gear VR.
KrakaJap said:
This won't work for me or anyone who cannot make that initial connection: we'll have to find another way or wait until the Gear VR supports the Exynos Note 4s. Right now, the N910U will not work with Gear VR until it receives a firmware update supporting it. I received confirmation directly from Samsung about this yet no details as to when the Exynos models will receive support. Way to go, Samsung, for making this perfectly clear to those looking to buy the Gear VR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think if the gear app launches when you attach it (even if only to notify you it's not compatible) there has to be a service running. Should be able to freeze it and attach the Gear without the app launching...
If you have no need for the Gear apps just yet (until you can update your phone), just use Titanium backup and freeze any app you see related to the Gear VR and you should be able to attach it to the phone without anything happening. The touchpad should also be recognized as a mouse and volume and back buttons should also work.
AspenMan said:
I would think if the gear app launches when you attach it (even if only to notify you it's not compatible) there has to be a service running. Should be able to freeze it and attach the Gear without the app launching...
If you have no need for the Gear apps just yet (until you can update your phone), just use Titanium backup and freeze any app you see related to the Gear VR and you should be able to attach it to the phone without anything happening. The touchpad should also be recognized as a mouse and volume and back buttons should also work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not understanding though... the Exynos models are not compatible with Gear VR, period. When you plug them in you get a black screen and that's it. Nothing gets launched, installed, etc. The Gear VR service is not present until you make that first connection and get the software. I guess the software resides on the Gear VR itself and is pushed to the Note 4? I don't know exactly how it works. I just know it won't work
I also don't know if it's all Exynos models but I know for sure it's not compatible with N910U.
I have an Exynos version and I was able to successfully stop the gear vr service.
Download an app called Disable Service and you should see the Gear VR Service there. Just force it to stop.
Alternatively, you can go into Settings, Applications Manager and Force it to Stop from there.
Once Stoped, it should work.
One thing I noticed though, was that Im having difficulties finding good convergence with other apps. I dont know whether this is due to my large IPD (73) or due to the fact that these apps are not optimized for the Gear VR.
Theres cool app for cinema called Cmoar VR cinema, but I was unable to find proper focus with this app.
lucianolsp said:
I have an Exynos version and I was able to successfully stop the gear vr service.
Download an app called Disable Service and you should see the Gear VR Service there. Just force it to stop.
Alternatively, you can go into Settings, Applications Manager and Force it to Stop from there.
Once Stoped, it should work.
One thing I noticed though, was that Im having difficulties finding good convergence with other apps. I dont know whether this is due to my large IPD (73) or due to the fact that these apps are not optimized for the Gear VR.
Theres cool app for cinema called Cmoar VR cinema, but I was unable to find proper focus with this app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what's your baseband? ANK5? ANK7? I'm N910U (Hong Kong) ANJ5 and the Gear VR service does not exist. We have yet to receive the firmware update making this model compatible with Gear VR.
hum... didnt know that.
My baseband is NK5.
IF I disable the service, I can connect to the usb no problem.
lucianolsp said:
hum... didnt know that.
My baseband is NK5.
IF I disable the service, I can connect to the usb no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm tempted to try Taiwan ANK7. I've never done that before though... that should work right? Both models are N910U.
I still can't get the widget to show the vr services, when I go direct to the app I see the VR services just fine ... Damn you, tricky VR
I've been looking through man smart watches, mostly those which run on android since those allow installation of apk files. Now what I'm wondering is, can apk files be installed on this device? I've hears of something called TizenMod which can somehow let you install apk files. I know for sure the Galaxy Gear 1 has the ability to install apps but does the neo? I'm mostly interested in Twitter, Skype, an Internet Browser, and perhaps a keyboard. If the watch can do all of these I'll be sold but I need confirmation first. I also want to know if watchfaces are possible on this device.
I have been trying all the advice I can find for two weeks. It's an obsession now, it's not healthy. Any help would be life changing. I have a lot of experience flashing roms and tinkering, I've been doing this for several years... like since CM7 with multiple phones. usually I can follow some instructions and make things work but this has been an epic fail.
I have a galaxy s3 and an s4 I've tried gear manager on both.... connects fine with a touchwiz ROM on the phone(s)., but I despise touchwiz and I'd rather get rid of the watch if I have to. I almost always use AOSP roms... currently CM13. gear will not work. I've tried editing build.prop changing samsung to htc. I've downloaded .apk's for gear plugin and samsung accessory service and install before and after gear manager. I've tried multiple older versions.
the latest stumbling block is an error message that says, "check if your phone is compatible and if the samsung gear app needs to be updated"
has anyone seen this message, I can't find any similar problems on this site or anywhere else?
am I missing something. did they update the gear app and now previous solutions are not working?
Thanks for your help. XDA usually saves me! I have never had to ask for help before.
I had the same issue with my Galaxy s5 kltedv with AICP Nougat custom rom. I got the Gear S3 and downloaded the gear manager app but it wouldn't open due to it "detecting and unauthorised OS." In the meantime I've had to return to the stock touchwiz (MM) rom to get it to work. Seems ridiculous that the app won't open with a custom rom yet it can be used on non Samsung phones. I'm still hunting around for an answer/solution so can't help you out just yet.
Found a work around answer for you at https://forum.xda-developers.com/gear-s2/help/samsung-devices-running-cm13-12-1-pair-t3290076
2Mecky: Try editing your build.prop and replace your make with "google" or "htc". I've been able to get as far as getting the manager to open on my S5, but I can't get it to detect my Gear 2. I just got the watch today, though so I haven't had a lot of time to mess around. I am kind of surprised that I was able to get this far, though.
Hello!
I saw there was a thread for Note 4 / Motion Controller already, but it seems to have stalled because only people who know NOVA Launcher, perhaps can help, but won't know it; So I put Nova in the title. The problem: Oculus DELIBERATELY DEPRECATED the Motion Controller from working on note 4 (which it was working on fine, and destroyed my ability to finish Apps in production). So, we Note 4 deveoopeds of Gear VR apps, need to reinstall the older setup. All the APKs havd been located, but The closest anyone has come to making it work is a guy who says this:
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"Hi everyone! So glad I can contribute to XDA!
you want to use Nova launcher activities (google it) and something like Aptoide to download the following:
Oculus VR apks (Home, App framework, etc.) as many as possible
More important still : download apps of Samsung's "Gear VR" service, setup wizard, system, input service, etc.
No need to root.
Once downloaded, create activities in Nova launcher widget on touchwiz or direct on Nova or custom launcher. Create them esp for Input Service to pair that VR controller that's the best $30/30€ you'd ever spend...
Better news still, all this is DPI free so if like me you are using a low setting for extra space on your Note 4 screen esp with the docking station HDMI that gave us D'ex before Dex, it does not screw with your stock VR apps."
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While it's cool he suceeded, and nice of him to mention it, it is a little vague, it has however I believe ONE PERTINENT CLUE = This 'NOVA Launcher' mention. Perhaps a dev familiar with NOVA can discern what he means? How could NOVA sta din for Wifi and install apks instead? Gear VR auto installs all the apks over WIFI, and manual install, doesn't work.
I need to find how to (use NOVA?) to get OCULUS installed manually with downloaded APK's. ( https://www.apkmirror.com/?post_type=app_release&searchtype=apk&page=2&s=Oculus )
This guy who wrote the above did so almost a month ago, and people have since asked him for some details, but after 30 days with no further word, I don't think he'll be sharing anymore about his mysterious process.
Please help if you can, I will endeavor to pay it forward in my 5 technical specialities.