Recent content by neu smurph

You can run maps in the background (with screen off) and still get voice directions (I think this is a setting in maps IIRC). Downloading maps sections before travelling will help as a chunk of the battery drain is heavy use of mobile data.

My bad - your right it doesn't show up on a playstore web search anymore. It's still there when I look at installed apps in the Playstore app on my phone.

Err - Google Camera is the stock Camera on the 5X and is slow to process HDR. It's also very much on the PlayStore for Nexus and Non Nexus devices.

Interesting - Gmail on Nexus 5x had been fine until about 2 days ago but is now not reliably getting Push notifications. I guess a server side issue with Google Cloud Messaging (which is supposed to bypass Doze). Excluding Gmail from battery optimisation allows it to hold a network connection...

You'd have been better factory resetting after the OTA if you wanted to ensure a clean slate post update. However a system cache clear post update is usually enough.

I use it as an add-on to a automation app - MacroDroid - to control when I've got a secure lock screen or not based on connection to home wifi and car bluetooth. I'm planning getting some NFC tags to I can use my (non-smart) watch to unlock the phone when it's on my desk at work without having...

What the OP is getting at is that you can't set Imprint up without having a Pin/Password or Pattern Set and if you set it up and then change lockscreen method from Android Settings to Swipe or None, Marshmallow will delete the fingerprints and disable Imprint. There is a workaround using the...

Running Services is accessible via Developer Settings in Marshmallow.

Best feature of Play Music - I have 9 playlists pinned to the phone - add or remove uploaded tracks or albums from any Play Music interface to those playlists and the phone will automatically sync those tracks / albums when next connected to wifi for local playback. I use...

Or add direct call shortcuts to the homescreen via the widgets/shortcuts menu.

On a 5x - because your question is pretty much phone agnostic and ignoring preinstalled..... Personalisation - Smart Launcher 3, Wallpaper Changer, Snap Automation - MacroDroid, AutoInput, FolderSync Driving Assist - Automate, Snap, Car Widget Password Manager - Keepass2 4 Android Utility -...

Or install one of many non root app solutions that's give you a wave to wake capability via the prox sensor.

I use an automation app to record screen on/off drain rates. Screen off drain is consistently averages 1-2% except on days when I do a lot of music streaming with the screen off where it will creep up to 2-3% per hour. Screen on drain varies depending on usage and screen brightness but will...

It sounds like the Media Storage system app is hanging on a file somewhere. Worth fixing even if you've got an alternative as Media Storage if still stuck on a scan will be eating your battery. Clear Cache and Data on Media Storage and reboot. Make sure you reset your ringtones afterwards. If...

Solid Explorer for a really really.....solid.... file explorer with great cloud/network integration. MacroDroid for an easier to learn and almost but not quite as powerful automation app - alternative to Tasker. Smart Launcher Pro 3 - simply a great launcher particularly for the minimalist who...