Sneaky switch-over - Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh

I'm a HUGE fan of SmartActions, and all the incarnations after. I do think we should have the option to have certain apps run in certain scenarios, android permitting. I haven't fully embraced any 3rd party ROM because they haven't ported over MotoActions. I've noticed that some MotoActions functions seem to be handing more and more of execution to the Google service. Also, SmartLock isn't keeping my xt1254 unlocked at home. Has the final nail been selected by Lenovo to put MotoActions to final rest? The Turbo is likely my last Motorola (Lenovo) phone.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Einsteindks said:
I'm a HUGE fan of SmartActions, and all the incarnations after. I do think we should have the option to have certain apps run in certain scenarios, android permitting. I haven't fully embraced any 3rd party ROM because they haven't ported over MotoActions. I've noticed that some MotoActions functions seem to be handing more and more of execution to the Google service. Also, SmartLock isn't keeping my xt1254 unlocked at home. Has the final nail been selected by Lenovo to put MotoActions to final rest? The Turbo is likely my last Motorola (Lenovo) phone.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What Moto Actions are you talking about that haven't been "ported" over? For instance, since early 2015 we've long had Quark Ambient Display which replicates all functionality of Moto Display perfectly. It uses our IR sensors just like Moto Display. I'm not talking about regular Android Ambient Display --- I'm talking about the Quark Ambient Display our former CM dev developed that is in use to this day. But it's never going to be called "Moto Display" (a proprietary, copyrighted name), which some people seem to want more than the actual function they can easily have.
No, there won't ever be something in custom ROMs or apps called "Moto Actions" because that's also proprietary name, but the same thing can be done and long has been done. There's nothing unique about anything Motorola has or does that has not been copied, replicated, emulated by other apps or custom ROMs. Unless you can give me an example I'm not aware of.
I've had smart unlock on my Quarks for years now with custom ROM. Works fine.

ChazzMatt said:
What Moto Actions are you talking about that haven't been "ported" over? For instance, since early 2015 we've long had Quark Ambient Display which replicates all functionality of Moto Display perfectly. It uses our IR sensors just like Moto Display. I'm not talking about regular Android Ambient Display --- I'm talking about the Quark Ambient Display our former CM dev developed that is in use to this day. But it's never going to be called "Moto Display" (a proprietary, copyrighted name), which some people seem to want more than the actual function.
No, there won't ever be something in custom ROMs or apps called "Moto Actions" because that's also proprietary name, but the same thing can be done and long has been done. There's nothing unique about anything Motorola has or does that has not been copied, replicated, emulated by other apps or custom ROMs. Unless you can give me an example I'm not aware of.
I've had smart unlock on my Quarks for years now with custom ROM. Works fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The kind that knows when you're home, driving, sleeping, etc. Used to be that you chose what/how/when all happens given a certain circumstance. I'm likely missing something. I tried to use Tasker to simulate it in custom ROM, but it was too complicated to do, and I fell back to OE.
Smart lock should work for me, but doesn't. My only guess is interference from another app.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

It works for me too. If you go to another phone then you'll still not have anything called Moto Actions, just the same things called something different by that phone's manufacturer. There must be something interfering with it. Do you have any task killers or greenify running? Apps the put the phone into doze mode early? Wake lock blocker (like Amplify)?
Sent from my DROID Turbo XT1254 using Tapatalk

marinegundoctor said:
It works for me too. If you go to another phone then you'll still not have anything called Moto Actions, just the same things called something different by that phone's manufacturer. There must be something interfering with it. Do you have any task killers or greenify running? Apps the put the phone into doze mode early? Wake lock blocker (like Amplify)?
Sent from my DROID Turbo XT1254 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've suspected, other phones have their own automated actions. The unlock mystery is not over, but it is being weeded out.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Einsteindks said:
That's what I've suspected, other phones have their own automated actions. The unlock mystery is not over, but it is being weeded out.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Good luck. I sometimes use an app called ForceDoze that's puts the phone into doze mode shortly after screen off. Sometimes it interferes with other apps (Even system ones) though. I usually have to add them to the list of "not optimized" in the battery settings.
One day I'll set up Tasker to just turn it on at night and certain times/locations.
Sent from my DROID Turbo XT1254 using Tapatalk

Just for giggles, I set up my pure stock, minimun app equipped LG tablet for smartlock. Using only the Google recognized locale for my house, damn thing is locked when I do the factory double-tap wake option. Sumpthin' ain't cool. Now, the phone seems to be working ok...for now...I think...possibly. I also set up Tasker (I think, I hope) to do the PIN input along with a few other 'SmartActions' that Motorola dropped from their automated system like simple radio and app operation.
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Related

Voice control questions

1) OK... What happens when you are on a bluetooth headset? Where does the audio route?
Since moto pretty much has an epic fail with regard to security in that you can't use touchless control AND a screen lock, I'm looking for solutions.
2) What would happen, for example, if you were to use a third party screen lock tool instead of native android? Would the same limitation apply?
3) Similarly, what about leaving the "phone" unlocked but locking key apps with something like this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sp.protector.free and you can set it to only require the passcode once per session. But lets say you "locked" messaging, what would happen if you tried to say "OK Google Now, send text to John Whats up", would that go through?
4) What about something like this to facilitate? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yinlong.voiceprintlock
km8j said:
1) OK... What happens when you are on a bluetooth headset? Where does the audio route?
Since moto pretty much has an epic fail with regard to security in that you can't use touchless control AND a screen lock, I'm looking for solutions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the blue tooth goes I'm not sure. But they did come out with a fix for the issue at hand.
Read up on this.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/16/moto-x-skip/
Sent from my MB886 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
matt99017d said:
As far as the blue tooth goes I'm not sure. But they did come out with a fix for the issue at hand.
Read up on this.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/16/moto-x-skip/
Sent from my MB886 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is far from a solution since it requires you to touch your phone to use touchless controls.
km8j said:
That is far from a solution since it requires you to touch your phone to use touchless controls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think your expectations are a bit high. Anytime you want to add security, you have to sacrifice convenience. Can't have both. It's like saying I want to have a safe that uses a fingerprint scanner, retina scan, and voice recognition to keep my money in it. The safe will be really secure, but you have to do all three steps every time you want to take money out.
Same analogy here. This is an Android security limitation, and not really anything Moto can do about it. As it is right now, you can't have notifications on the lockscreen with a security pin/pattern that shows portions of emails and texts without compromising privacy because anyone can see those previews, nor will voice activation be able to automatically unlock the lockscreen or any app that has a security lock. Just have to hope Google is working on giving more options that allow a various levels of security and privacy in Key Lime. You can use Tasker or Llama apps to set safe zones based on location data or networks to disable the lock screen when you want, but again you lose security to gain convenience in those safe zones.
These expectations are completely in line with the functionality of today. You can use a bluetooth headset to bypass screen locks and have been able to for some time. There is not a large security risk with someone being able to send a text via voice from your phone or navigate somewhere, but that is on the user to decide just like you can now place widgets on your lock screen which expose data.
km8j said:
These expectations are completely in line with the functionality of today. You can use a bluetooth headset to bypass screen locks and have been able to for some time. There is not a large security risk with someone being able to send a text via voice from your phone or navigate somewhere, but that is on the user to decide just like you can now place widgets on your lock screen which expose data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that it should be a user option to decide, but you can't blame Moto for taking the safe route by respecting default android policies especially with a brand new app. Otherwise they would get flak for not respecting security, as the bluetooth workaround could be considered a security flaw just as much as a convenience. There's also a reason why all android phones have the security lock disabled by default, simply because not everyone, including myself, are paranoid about security and that is why they focused on making voice activation work perfectly when the security lock is disabled. Bright side is for those who are, it's only software and Moto can easily update it in the coming months. In the mean time, use Tasker or Llama.

[Q] How do you guys like your Moto X?

I have been debating buying a Moto X for some time. I keep missing the Dev edition before it sells out (twice now) and I have really been having a hard time with this. I'd like to know what your overall impressions are as well as your input on some various features.
For background, I'm currently using the G2, which I like very much, but the Touchless control, active notificaitons, Moto Connect, Trusted BT devices, and Moto assist features are a big draw for me.
So my questions:
How do you feel about the build quality (overall as well as any defects with your device)?
Do you like the screen? Anyone coming from a 1080p device feel that they are kind of missing out?
Touchless control - Do you use it and if so, do you find it useful?
Active notifications - Do you like this feature more than a dedicated LED? Do you find that you miss notifications or that the screen doesn't come on when you'd like?
Moto Connect - Anyone using this regularly? Does it work well?
Trusted BT Devices - Is anyone using this to bypass pin lock on a corporate account? If so, what device are you using (Pebble smartwatch, jawbone, etc) and how is it working for you?
Moto Assist - How is that feature working for you? Do you find it indespensible, or just nice to have?
Camera (post update) - Anyone with the camera update care to elaborate on how you feel about the X as a camera now?
I know that's a lot of questions. You don't have to answer them all. Just weigh in where you have input. I have read all the reviews and I'm trying to gather some real world commentary on these features and the device as a whole before I pull the trigger.
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.
Build quality is excellent in my opinion. Coming from a HTC ONE I don't miss 1080p one bit especially with the gained battery life from a lower resolution screen. Motorola connect is my favorite feature so far. I've never had an issue with it. Active display is a game changer. Overall it's the best device I've used to date. You won't regret getting one.
Sent from my all black Moto X
capathy21 said:
Build quality is excellent in my opinion. Coming from a HTC ONE I don't miss 1080p one bit especially with the gained battery life from a lower resolution screen. Motorola connect is my favorite feature so far. I've never had an issue with it. Active display is a game changer. Overall it's the best device I've used to date. You won't regret getting one.
Sent from my all black Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Motorola connect a lot too and it is one of my favorite features. but for some reason it doesn't like my contacts and contact pictures. for most of my conversations it only shows the phone number. I don't know why. some of the contacts display picture and name. others just display the number.
1. perfect
2. cant tell the difference, like the video rendering better than what ive seen to date on any android
3. very useful, im doing all my texts and calling without using my hands
4. love this one, cant go back now to not having it
5. downloaded the chrome extension, great
6. not using this
7. use it for driving, plays pandora when i start driving without touching anything
8. happy now, happier in "very soon" as motorola stated today
9. dont wait, get it, its a GREAT phone
gammite said:
I use Motorola connect a lot too and it is one of my favorite features. but for some reason it doesn't like my contacts and contact pictures. for most of my conversations it only shows the phone number. I don't know why. some of the contacts display picture and name. others just display the number.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine used to show only numbers on most contacts and names on a few. The last few days it seems to have been corrected lately as I'm seeing all of my contact names. I did swap out my first x(white) for the black one and when I set up moto connect on the new one the contact names now show. Maybe if you delete and re add the chrome extension it would work? Just guessing though.
Sent from my all black Moto X
capathy21 said:
Mine used to show only numbers on most contacts and names on a few. The last few days it seems to have been corrected lately as I'm seeing all of my contact names. I did swap out my first x(white) for the black one and when I set up moto connect on the new one the contact names now show. Maybe if you delete and re add the chrome extension it would work? Just guessing though.
Sent from my all black Moto X
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does Motorola Connect use much battery?
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austriak said:
Does Motorola Connect use much battery?
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Click to collapse
I don't believe it uses a lot of battery. It didn't on mine. I started using moto connect but it seems still in its beta stages. If you like moto connect I might suggest trying the mightytext app. They have been doing the text from computer stuff for a lot longer. I was using it previously and switched back to this until moto connect becomes more reliable. The contacts sometimes appear for some people. i had it both ways. Reinstalling at one point made them all appear. But I don't like the pop-out windows much.
Differences/similarities between connect and mightytext:
1. both use a chrome extension and have pop ups in the bottom right corner of your screen
2. MT pops up an individual conversation between you and the other person while I believe the connect just pulled a pop up of all of your text (this was one of my biggest issues)
3. MC lagged more with me when sending texts and then marking that it had sent texts in comparison to MT
4. MT has a webpage that has all of your text on it while MC does a pop out from the chrome extension button that when you click anything else not in the box it goes away. But you can click the pop out button there so MC will make a different window, but it seems to reload messages when it does this
5. Sometimes when viewing the texts from the chrome extension pop out and the actual pop out window in MC they didn't match
6. sometimes in MC it will show the text someone sent but not have loaded the ones I sent yet but it did eventually load. This happened especially when I sent the text manually from my phone as opposed to from my computer while using MC.
as for your other questions. I really think this phone might be a good buy because of its hardware. I feel like the development of touchless controls and other apps that may use the same hardware in the future could get huge. Other phones won't be able to do this because they don't have the low power processor. Also active notifications can become highly improved. Further there is an led light on the phone but I nor anywhere I have read has figured out how to utilize it if we decided we wanted the led light as well as active notifications. Also, the camera technology allowing better action shots isn't that great right now but it can be improved greatly over time. And finally, many of the areas that things can be improved on are more apps then big updates that will need to be released by google, so they will hopefully get to your phone faster, e.g., touchelss controls, active notifications, etc..
How do you feel about the build quality (overall as well as any defects with your device)?
Overall build quality is nice and the phone has a nice weight and feel to it.
Do you like the screen? Anyone coming from a 1080p device feel that they are kind of missing out?
Screen is fine, and more than adequate.
Touchless control - Do you use it and if so, do you find it useful?
I have only tested it but appears it could be useful
Active notifications - Do you like this feature more than a dedicated LED? Do you find that you miss notifications or that the screen doesn't come on when you'd like?
So far I like it but it is a little sensitive. Some additional controls would be nice.
Moto Connect - Anyone using this regularly? Does it work well?
On my list to test...
Trusted BT Devices - Is anyone using this to bypass pin lock on a corporate account? If so, what device are you using (Pebble smartwatch, jawbone, etc) and how is it working for you?
Trusted BT works well and is a nice feature.
Moto Assist - How is that feature working for you? Do you find it indespensible, or just nice to have?
Camera (post update) - Anyone with the camera update care to elaborate on how you feel about the X as a camera now?
Do not have the update yet.

CM11 & acDisplay / Dynamic Notifications Apps

Hey everyone,
I unlocked my boot loader, rooted, and flashed CM11 on my Moto X a couple days ago. I am only missing the Active Display feature from stock and wanted to replace it with something from the play store. I am running into a problem with both acDisplay and Dynamic Notifications apps. They both work when I get notifications, however do not work at all when set to "active mode". They should be using proximity and motion sensors to imitate how the Moto X normally operates. Does anyone know a way to get them to work similar to how they are "advertised" to work?
I'm sorry, I don't know the answer to your issue..
But I wanted to say, any app that mimics Active Display will take a great toll on your battery life. Active display is designed to use an extremely small amount of battery on the Moto X.... Any other app will not be so battery friendly.
This is why the majority of users stick to stock, with Xposed and Gravity Box for customization.... Or use stock based roms, that have the unique moto features in them.
i.Design said:
Hey everyone,
I unlocked my boot loader, rooted, and flashed CM11 on my Moto X a couple days ago. I am only missing the Active Display feature from stock and wanted to replace it with something from the play store. I am running into a problem with both acDisplay and Dynamic Notifications apps. They both work when I get notifications, however do not work at all when set to "active mode". They should be using proximity and motion sensors to imitate how the Moto X normally operates. Does anyone know a way to get them to work similar to how they are "advertised" to work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In not seeing where either of those apps claim to use the sensors in a similar way as stock active display. Where do you see that they are advertised to do so?
Edit: scratch that. I do see that acdisplay claims to use the sensors.... Not sure why it isn't working for you.
@KJ is correct that they will use much more battery than stock AD, which takes advantage of the low voltage components of the X.

Moto Voice Response/Usefullness

I am close to pulling the trigger on the MotoX2. However, I have one lingering issue that I need help with. Because of a disability, Always On Voice Input (OK Google) is very important to me. However, I am concerned with reviewers who have characterized Moto Voice as a "hack" (sometimes unresponsive, inaccurate, and a delay when needing a "handoff" to Google Voice). One reviewer who tested OK Google with the MotoX2 and N6 described the MotoX2 as being 1.5 times slower than the "pure" Google Voice implementation on the N6.
Having now verified that disabling Moto Voice on the MotoX2 causes instant on (from screen off) to no longer function (even under Lollipop) has left me with a dilemma.
I NEED Always On OK Google, but really don't want the size of the N6. So, I'm looking for input from MotoX2 users who regularly use Always On OK Google.
In general, I want to know, have the reviewers exaggerated the problems with Moto Voice? In day to day use, is Moto Voice accurate/responsive/quick "enough" when "handoff is needed? In addition, do users feel that the other features provided (specifically by Moto Voice; not the other Moto added features) is a fair tradeoff for the inherent delay when Google Voice is needed (i.e. would you trade them for the "pure"/faster Google Voice?
Any and all inputs/impressions are greatly appreciated!
Sounds like what you've read and researched is fairly accurate. Moto Voice responds well when you're clear and direct. Don't mumble and you won't have a problem. The delay is due to the handoff to Google Search. However, you can use either Moto Voice or Google Now. Both work well. The Moto X is a fantastic device. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
As far as I know the delay comes from the hack that Moto had to implement to overcome the android limitations in the area of "always listen". Im not sure about it but my assumption is with lollipop it should be faster due to the fact that it's already built in into OS
Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk
I use Moto voice on daily basis. My day starts with "how's the weather today"
It is about 80% accurate, with my Indian accent. Considering that you have a better accent than i do you will be just fine.
That being said, you need to be in a fairly silent environment.
Does the delay bother me? Yes. Will it stop me from using moto voice? Heck no!
I integrated moto voice with commandr and tasker ad use about 20 tasks on regular basis so i am kind of addicted to moto voice. Apart from that i use moto voice for placing a call and texting, as a matter of fact it recognizes my friends' names(also indian) really well.
I would recommend you to go ahead and buy IF you believe you can use it a FAIRLY QUITE environment.
Thanks all for your inputs so far! Any further impressions will also be helpful!
@roaringcrown, I will be using it mostly from screen off, so I am tied to Moto Voice, as there is no support (even in Lollipop) for Always On with stock Google Voice.
@blinkin, it's my understanding that Moro Voice will still be required with Lollipop (for Always On), and hence, still the delay
@Prash8429, glad to hear it has decent accuracy even with your accent!
Thanks again to all. Looking forward to other impressions!
Moto X Voice Commands and Gesture on 3rd Party Home Launchers?
I have a quick question for user here on XDA. Can someone tell me if the 2014 Moto X Voice and Gesture command will continue to work from sleep/idle mode if I install a 3rd party home launcher? Or is this function specific to the stock launcher provided by Motorola on this phone? Thanks
twcamc said:
I have a quick question for user here on XDA. Can someone tell me if the 2014 Moto X Voice and Gesture command will continue to work from sleep/idle mode if I install a 3rd party home launcher? Or is this function specific to the stock launcher provided by Motorola on this phone? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had no issues with other launchers whatsoever.
Thanks for the update. I like the launcher I am using now and didnt want to have to stick with stock launcher just to use all the moto features...
imaginaryenemy said:
I have had no issues with other launchers whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Nova Launcher Prime with no issues....

Custom Rom with "always listening" voice activation?

Hi!
I've extensively googled, reddited and searched on XDA, but haven't found an answer.
Are there ROMs supporting the "voice anywhere"-feature (the sound processor of the Moto X) to be activated even with an activated lockscreen/handsfree?
I've setup my room with Philips Hue Lights and various interactions with other devices via tasker and all is controlled via the "Moto Voice/Auto Voice" feature.
I'm unrooted yet but would like to switch to a custom rom now, but haven't found anything conclusive whether the devs were able to implement the always-listening function.
Alas I think I can say for sure it doesn't exist ..there's one for the 1st gen so maybe there is hope
The ones for 2013 are only modified stock not aosp. Far as I know the moto specific features like touch less controls and active display or whatever they call them now are not open source this you will not find them on anything but stock
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