Going forward... Alternatives to Moto Assist? - Moto X Q&A

OK - we aren't getting Marshmallow for the 2013 Moto X. Even if Moto wasn't being gutted by Lenovo, expecting that upgrade would have been on the edge. So, with a XT1053, it's easy to move onto Cyanogenmod, but what would people recommend to replace some of the added value software Moto provided like Assist? Given that Moto is retiring Assist, everyone who likes it will need a replacement even if your Moto X version is being updated to Marshmallow. I understand that Google took 50% of Assist and baked it into Lollipop, but I've yet to find another solution which can automatically detect whether I'm driving with any degree of accuracy and for me Assist does a great job. The software "Agent" comes close to duplicating most of Assist on paper, but it's automatic driving detection has been hit or miss (mostly miss). Any suggestions of other software to replace Assist?

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[Q] Rooted Moto X Question

Hello!
So I recently got a Moto X through the Try Then Buy program just to test out one thing. However I didn't do research ahead of time and of course Moto Maker Verizon Moto X's with 4.4.2 are unable to be rooted. So I had one question as a potential buyer of a Dev Edition or the Moto X+1 (whenever that may release), since the Moto features like Active Display are technically apps through the app store, can people with a ROM such as CM or Paranoid still install those features to utilize the X8 computing system? And I mean specifically the Motorola version of these features not stuff like peek and AcDisplay, Thanks!
dwibbles33 said:
Hello!
So I recently got a Moto X through the Try Then Buy program just to test out one thing. However I didn't do research ahead of time and of course Moto Maker Verizon Moto X's with 4.4.2 are unable to be rooted. So I had one question as a potential buyer of a Dev Edition or the Moto X+1 (whenever that may release), since the Moto features like Active Display are technically apps through the app store, can people with a ROM such as CM or Paranoid still install those features to utilize the X8 computing system? And I mean specifically the Motorola version of these features not stuff like peek and AcDisplay, Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. You need to run stock moto for those features.
You can use knock offs from play store on custom ROMs.....but they usually take a toll on battery life.
KJ said:
Nope. You need to run stock moto for those features.
You can use knock offs from play store on custom ROMs.....but they usually take a toll on battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Darn, I know with some Samsung specific apps I was still able to download like the Magna Carter Holy Grail app. However I'm not surprised either. So I have another question that I cannot get the answer to. Is it possible through kernel modification to utilize the X8 system. So for instance (hypothetically speaking) could Francisco Franco's kernel provide Moto X users on any given AOSP ROM, the ability to use the chip in a 3rd party app. SO franco kernel + peek (if they hypothetically built in he optimizations for the Moto X provided by francos kernel).
Try not to pick apart the specifics of this as I am merely trying to ask the question in a way that will give me a technical answer as I already have a decent understanding of how a lot of this works. However if I am not even on the right path tell me now. But I'm more interested in whether or not accessing the X8 chip and designing 3rd party apps to take full advantage of the battery saving is even possible no matter how technical it is or how complex it is.
OR
Even with the unlocked bootloader that section of the chip isn't accessible. In the case that it is, is there just not enough demand for it or what?
If you don't know but want to know PM me and we can try to do some joint research into the subject and see what we can come up with. Thanks in advance.
I doubt anyone will ever access the low voltage core to run apps/services from. The reason I say this is that the N5 has a similar system.....and on the N5 low voltage core they decided to put a pedometer on it. Lol. Wow! What were they thinking. The X get touch less always listening control and active display....and the N5 gets a pedometer. Lol
Anyway, with the huge N5 development community and many many developers.... No one has found a way to access it. They tried for active display. Nope. They tried for double tap to wake, nope. They did get double tap to wake built into kernels, but is kills the battery.
So with all the guys in the N5 community being unsuccessful accessing the low voltage core....I doubt it will happen on any device. The code is probably just too buried into the architecture of the devices to ever manipulate. (Basically speaking....I'm not a dev, so thats my way of saying it. )
I used to think all the gyroscope and listening functions are done by these chips regardless of the app or other variables
DaRkRhiNe said:
I used to think all the gyroscope and listening functions are done by these chips regardless of the app or other variables
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure, just saying I doubt anyone will get anything to run off the low voltage core on purpose.
Otherwise my N5 would have double tap to wake for sure. Well, like I said....its available.... But very battery hungry. Definitely not worth it.

Moto Assist/Voice Slower?

As a big fan of the original Moto X, which I unfortunately damaged beyond repair, a big factor for me in choosing to replace it with the 2014 version was the Moto software - specifically what used to be called Moto Assist. The ability to both detect driving and automatically read and reply to text messages was functionality impressive enough to impress friends with all kinds of different phones, iPhones included.
The version included on the Moto X 2014, however, has been much less impressive. It's subject to much higher latency - there's a definite lag before I can begin speaking to it, which means I often have to start over (and frequently time it wrong, after which it gives up, which I can't ever recall happening with the original version) - and at times it will read a few text messages and then silently fail and stop notifying me of their arrival.
So for those of you that have owned both the old Moto X and the 2014 update, I'm curious as to whether you've experienced the same issues - whether you think the new version is not quite up to par - or if it's that unique to me.
Yes there is more lag, the update today made it a bit faster though.
eksasol said:
Yes there is more lag, the update today made it a bit faster though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I'll give it a look. Hope it addresses the silent fail as well.
Now it is saying "Opening Google" every time Moto Voice isn't smart enough to take care of whatever you need. Which gets irritating.

Android 5.0.1 (Pure edition)

For all of those who have the pure edition, shouldn't we already have 5.0.1 update? My understanding was that that the updates on the pure edition should be just like the nexus devices. Is this not the case?
No, updates on pure edition are not just like nexus devices . You've been misled. However, the moto x does get updates quicker than most other devices. Again, however, It all depends on the update.
For instance, I heard/read somewhere that the fixes in 5.0.1 are not needed for the moto x because Motorola had already squashed them themselves in the 5.0 update. So Motorola has no incentive to work on releasing a 5.0.1 update. Take that with a grain of salt. I have no sources, (can't remember where I heard it) but someone may chime in with more info supporting that or rebuking it.
But, no, nexus devices will always see updates first.
There was a second build of 5.0 pushed to the PE, but it doesn't fix the problems with Attentive Display or the ringer volume changes on Moto Voice (among other things).
Well, 5.0.1 hasn't even rolled out for the nexus 5 yet, they're still fixing things. Motorola has already released 5.0.1 for the Moto G, so we can expect it soon enough for our moto x as well, once they finish squashing all the bugs. They need to work on Moto Assist, Moto display etc to play well with lollipop so might take some time compared to the moto g which doesn't have any of these additional features

Flashing a Blur ROM? (From Droid Turbo, Moto Maxx or Moto X 2014)

Would it be doable to flash a stock Motorola ROM ("blur") from a Droid Turbo or Moto Maxx, given that the hardware is pretty much the same?
Maybe it's easier than it looks, or it sounds really easier than it really is. But has anyone tried it, and is there a risk of bricking the device?
Don't get me wrong, I love stock Lollipop, but am missing Moto Display a lot, and Moto Voice to a lesser extent...
no.
if you do try it, most likely youll make your n6 as useful as a doorstop from that point on.
I understand that... My wording was inaccurate I guess.
I meant I was wondering if it would be possible to port a Motorola ROM to the shamu, I guess that's more accurate.
johnny grep said:
I understand that... My wording was inaccurate I guess.
I meant I was wondering if it would be possible to port a Motorola ROM to the shamu, I guess that's more accurate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try, it wont be easy. if kitkat, then orobably not. where would you get n6 drivers for kitkat support?
There are lollipop roms for the Moto X, Droid Turbo shouldn't be too far behind.
Motorola blur is closed source, so no it wouldn't be feasible to do with the amount of resources put into it because to be honest there isn't much of a interest and it's difficult to reverse engineer closed source software especially when Motorola can just set out a cease and desist.
Moto rom is already quite close to stock aosp and their apps are propetiary to Motorola mobility. If you want Moto blur (or whatever it's called now) stick to using Moto devices, these Moto blur, touchwiz, HTC sense are what the companies make in order to make people keep buying their phones.
Just like how nexus is pretty much aosp with some Google Apps (dialer, etc). Each phone series has its own unique identity.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

[Q] [Question] Any tips for purchasing the Moto X Developers Edition?

I am thinking about getting the Moto X 2013 Developer Edition unlocked. My concerns are :
- Is the hardware any different from the regular Moto X? I'd like to know if there are many custom ROMs for this model or do they mostly target the standard Moto X only? I have had similar issues with other non-standard phone models (G2, Nexus4, Note 2)
- Can I use this for LTE/4G in Canada? (Rogers)
- Is the Camera really that bad? Any better in Lollipop
- Speaking of which, is Lollipop released for this yet?
- Is the camera any better with Lollipop or CM12 Roms?
Any other general tips before getting this phone? Recommend it or not?
1. No. A quick search on Google would answer that. All Moto Xs are, essentially, developer editions. The one thing that makes a developer edition different from all the rest is the color scheme and the ability to unlock the bootloader through Motorola while maintaining the warranty. Unlocking the bootloader on any other variant voids the warranty.
2. Google. Or compare the 2 developer editions that are available to the Rogers Moto X.
3. Subjective. It's all a matter of your expectations and needs. It's no iPhone camera but it doesn't suck.
4. Try Google or browse around this forum.
5. About the same. What you should be considering is whether or not you're willing to deal with losing the Motorola features like Moto Display, Assist, etc.
6. Use Google and do more research of your own. You can know just as much as we do because we have access to the same information you do. Asking for a recommendation from a group of people who own the phone you're looking to buy? What do you think the answer is going to be? Do you think you'll be able to find a better phone for $200 brand new without a contract?
nhizzat said:
1. No. A quick search on Google would answer that. All Moto Xs are, essentially, developer editions. The one thing that makes a developer edition different from all the rest is the color scheme and the ability to unlock the bootloader through Motorola while maintaining the warranty. Unlocking the bootloader on any other variant voids the warranty.
2. Google. Or compare the 2 developer editions that are available to the Rogers Moto X.
3. Subjective. It's all a matter of your expectations and needs. It's no iPhone camera but it doesn't suck.
4. Try Google or browse around this forum.
5. About the same. What you should be considering is whether or not you're willing to deal with losing the Motorola features like Moto Display, Assist, etc.
6. Use Google and do more research of your own. You can know just as much as we do because we have access to the same information you do. Asking for a recommendation from a group of people who own the phone you're looking to buy? What do you think the answer is going to be? Do you think you'll be able to find a better phone for $200 brand new without a contract?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. Do you enjoy answering questions just to show your arrogance?
I did do Google searches but no specific answers came up. A lot of the results are from XDA as well with slightly different questions.
Fix your attitude. This is a Q&A forum. Or just don't post at all. No one needs your crap.
Thanks for the answers but not worth the attitude.
I got a brand new one on Ebay a month ago for $200. It was the XT1053.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
marsisabar said:
Wow. Do you enjoy answering questions just to show your arrogance?
I did do Google searches but no specific answers came up. A lot of the results are from XDA as well with slightly different questions.
Fix your attitude. This is a Q&A forum. Or just don't post at all. No one needs your crap.
Thanks for the answers but not worth the attitude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much are you gonna complain at the guy giving you free help? I apologize that his free help wasn't exactly as you expected...
The camera is bad by modern standards but will totally take pictures of what you point it at. Unless the picture has very good composition, landscape scenes are a bit of a let down... Ive noticed that macro pictures look pretty good. Not the best camera if you are trying to be a photographer.... But will totally work to show your buddies a picture of what you drew on that passed out guy at the party...
There is a super long thread called show of pictures you snapped with the moto x....
Otherwise, as he said developer edition is policy only (other then color and automatic 32gig). The only difference is that when you unlock moto will still honor your warrenty (and on vzw, ect they allow you to unlock)
Ton here.... Just read through the forums for a while. Thats what I did.
Read first then ask. All your question can be answered by Google. I guess you haven't watched the XDA's "Don't be a Noob" video.
1. GSM Arena, Phone Arena or any other site that features phone specs.
2. What bands does your carrier support? When you know that, compare it to the bands supported by Moto X DE.
3. Subjective.
4. No, the answer is all over Moto X reddit.
5. Do you want the features that Motorola offers over CM12?
6. This is a site for custom ROMs and kernels. I own one. What do you think?
Just to reiterate, only hardware difference is the 32gb while other moto Xs may be 16,32, or 64. Other difference is the white back/black front and "developer Edition" printed on the back. Camera isn't bad in my opinion but certainly not iphone level. Like everyone said, policy advantage that you can unlock the bootloader etc. Don't think there are that many roms but I'm betting you won't need them. Stock is fast and smooth, and you don't want to lose the Moto features. Any customization you need is possible through Xposed and gravity box. This phone cured me and many other flashaholics. Best phone I've ever had so far.
ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
marsisabar said:
I am thinking about getting the Moto X 2013 Developer Edition unlocked. My concerns are :
- Is the hardware any different from the regular Moto X? I'd like to know if there are many custom ROMs for this model or do they mostly target the standard Moto X only? I have had similar issues with other non-standard phone models (G2, Nexus4, Note 2)
- Can I use this for LTE/4G in Canada? (Rogers)
- Is the Camera really that bad? Any better in Lollipop
- Speaking of which, is Lollipop released for this yet?
- Is the camera any better with Lollipop or CM12 Roms?
Any other general tips before getting this phone? Recommend it or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, don't mind the big dorks around here, they can't help them selves Anyone with any sense realizes that you are unsure and trying to be clear as possible, while asking for help with humilty. If I could give you good answers I would.
I would (make sure your variant works with this because i'm not sure about your's) try Kryton, Eclipse (they are essentially stock based but debloated and tweaked in certain areas - I think - VERY good place to start especially if you want to keep the things that make a Moto X special (moto apps yada.) There's a search with in each thread that searchs only that thread for key words etc if you didn't already see it. Prolly start with main search with in Moto Development Forum and then search inside each individual thread that is interesting or might be specifically about your device/variant.
I am prolly telling you things you already know but, yeah just want to give you something besides a childish attitude you received previously.:good:
The Lollipop ROMS are not ready for prime time yet (just my opinion) Camera is fine, for a phone. Has very quick shutter speed(99%) so catching that moment instead of a blur is likely... I wouldn't plan on anything but candid/off the cuff shot's plenty good for what it is. Last thing you wanna do is compare... If it were me I'd decide what I need out of a phone, then what I want and find the phone that most closely matches it. Enjoy!:good:
Stock room is great BTW, Once you get up and running start with Xposed (free.. ****in awesome) and try out gravtybox, amplify, greenify... it all depends what you want/need.
MOTO X is a great phone
- Big Dork Myself.
kyzn said:
Read first then ask. All your question can be answered by Google. I guess you haven't watched the XDA's "Don't be a Noob" video.
1. GSM Arena, Phone Arena or any other site that features phone specs.
2. What bands does your carrier support? When you know that, compare it to the bands supported by Moto X DE.
3. Subjective.
4. No, the answer is all over Moto X reddit.
5. Do you want the features that Motorola offers over CM12?
6. This is a site for custom ROMs and kernels. I own one. What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3. Saying 'subjective' doesn't help. I actually am looking for your subjective opinions. That's why I'm asking here.
bothgoodandbad said:
Hey, don't mind the big dorks around here, they can't help them selves Anyone with any sense realizes that you are unsure and trying to be clear as possible, while asking for help with humilty. If I could give you good answers I would.
I would (make sure your variant works with this because i'm not sure about your's) try Kryton, Eclipse (they are essentially stock based but debloated and tweaked in certain areas - I think - VERY good place to start especially if you want to keep the things that make a Moto X special (moto apps yada.) There's a search with in each thread that searchs only that thread for key words etc if you didn't already see it. Prolly start with main search with in Moto Development Forum and then search inside each individual thread that is interesting or might be specifically about your device/variant.
I am prolly telling you things you already know but, yeah just want to give you something besides a childish attitude you received previously.:good:
The Lollipop ROMS are not ready for prime time yet (just my opinion) Camera is fine, for a phone. Has very quick shutter speed(99%) so catching that moment instead of a blur is likely... I wouldn't plan on anything but candid/off the cuff shot's plenty good for what it is. Last thing you wanna do is compare... If it were me I'd decide what I need out of a phone, then what I want and find the phone that most closely matches it. Enjoy!:good:
Stock room is great BTW, Once you get up and running start with Xposed (free.. ****in awesome) and try out gravtybox, amplify, greenify... it all depends what you want/need.
MOTO X is a great phone
- Big Dork Myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Finally a normal person responds. Thank you That's just the answer I was looking for. Stay cool [emoji106]
marsisabar said:
I am thinking about getting the Moto X 2013 Developer Edition unlocked. My concerns are :
Is the hardware any different from the regular Moto X? I'd like to know if there are many custom ROMs for this model or do they mostly target the standard Moto X only? I have had similar issues with other non-standard phone models (G2, Nexus4, Note 2)
Can I use this for LTE/4G in Canada? (Rogers)
Is the Camera really that bad? Any better in Lollipop
Speaking of which, is Lollipop released for this yet?
Is the camera any better with Lollipop or CM12 Roms?
Any other general tips before getting this phone? Recommend it or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 Developer Editions of the 2013 X.. A GSM and a "for Verizon". All the GSM editions only come with Black Face, Woven White back that says Dev Edition, silver accents (buttons and ring around camera), come as 32gig only, and their warranty is not voided when unlocking their bootloader. Other than that they are the same as others. Just like the "Unlocked ships with XXX Sim" from Moto Maker, and/or a "T-Mobile" variant, the GSM Dev Edition is the XT1053. All these XT1053 units use the SAME ROM/SBF files. Just like the Moto Maker or in-Store version of the Verizon X, the Dev Edition for Verizon is an XT1060. These XT1060 units all use the SAME ROM/SBF files.
Oh, and because of this, the Dev Editions receive their OTA updates on the same schedule as their retail and moto maker counter parts.
Rogers sells/uses the XT1058, it supports different LTE bands than the XT1053 and XT1060, so you need to see exactly what Rogers is using today vs what the XT1053 or XT1060 support, and is it important to you, or how will that impact you. (there is a Wikipedia page on the X which does list the bands the models support, I just don't know where to tell you to find exactly which bands Rogers uses today, and might roll out in the future). NOTE: The Rogers XT1058 can have its bootloader unlocked for free from Moto's web site, but it does void the phone's warranty
in my experience (dating back to my Moto V710), Cameras in moto's phones have always lagged behind the competition. The X is no exception. Is it worthless? No. But if its not perfect conditions, you'll likely be disappointed. For outdoor, sunny day and perfectly lit situations, it takes great pictures. For Indoors, or cloudy day, or back lit, its not as good. There is a thread of pix taken with the X in the general section, but I've not had as good of luck with mine as pix you'll see in that thread (I don't retouch or edit after taking) as many have posted in that thread. As for lollipop camera, no idea until it gets here. And I don't use CM.
Lollipop is out for the 2014 X (aka 2nd gen), but not the 2013 X (aka 1st gen) yet. No word on when it will be out. But moto has said it will be coming.
Already answered in #3 and #4
Arrogance? I once had all the same questions. Guess what I did? I searched and read then made an informed decision. The only difference being that I bought the phone when there was a lot less information available. You have the luxury of having a year and a half of information at your disposal from all over the internet.
If you can't find answers with that much information at your fingertips, how does that make me arrogant? I don't pretend to know more than you, I just believe in being logical and taking responsibility. If the phone is highly recommended and leads you to buy it, then what would you say or do if you find the phone doesn't suit your needs or doesn't meet your expectations? Would you ask strangers about anything and accept what they say as true without confirming the information yourself? Or would you buy something because a stranger recommended that you do?
I asked for advice and you gave "google it, google it, its subjective, what do you want from me"
You definitely have an attitude problem. It doesn't belong on XDA where the community is typically about discussing and sharing advice and opinion.
I'm glad you got your answers from google. This is still a Q&A forum. Fix your attitude, its also in the rules.

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