I don't need it for HDMI or anything else. I might not even use the dock every day.
I think my old blackberry and moto docks utilized a magnet to trigger dock mode. I can't figure out a way to just show a dim, full screen clock on my S3. Sometimes I might just want to use my kickstand in lieu of a dock but I cannot find an app to trigger dock mode or if it's built in to the phone and I am just overlooking it.
If you are looking for something to show while charging I use this app called dock. I it gives you the option for a clock, and weather, social network feeds and some more. I its made by in in ingloriousapps. Search for it using the devs name not the app name.
There IS a dock mode that comes with the phone but it is kinda hidden. Open the clock app. At the top it shows alarm, workday clock, stopwatch, timer. Slide those icons to the left and it will reveal Desk clock. You can change the wallpaper, shortcuts and info on the screen. Enjoy
Many thanks for posting this. I just got an s3 dock to use with my s3 and couldn't figure out how to make the audio out work. The instructions (from Samsung) briefly mentioned dock mode, but did not mention that it needed to be enabled, or how to enable it.
Had issue with the non-orignal dock and couldn't find a solution until I found this app. So glad I found it.
Dock Clock Plus (Night/Desk) App resolves this. I was here looking for the same thing and finally found the app that resolves this. This has an option to enable dock (app) whilst charging and is pretty customizable as well.