Some useful hints to get started for all who have received their Gemini

[Varti]

I’d like to consolidate in this thread all the useful hints and tips for Android that I’ll find mentioned in various places. If you have any useful information that you’d like to be mentioned here, please reply here and I’ll update the list. Thanks to Mike Halsey, Ifanafi, jutleys, tnak, smapmap, Milan and FredL for the info collected here. I have pinned this thread for better visibility.

Last updated: 06/06/2018

Hardware hints
• Supported hardware and functionalities on the USB ports:
- Left USB: Gemini USB-C hub, power, PC connectivity (including flashing), OTG connectivity
- Right USB: Gemini HDMI cable adapter, 1 slave OTG device (e.g. an USB key or a mouse)
• A warning to anyone messing with the keyboard (in case of tilted keys): make sure to lift the keys from the upper (screen-facing) side. Otherwise, the tiny overhang that prevents the keys from falling out can be teared off
• The cover removal tool is rather well hidden in the packaging, it's buried in the dark blue paper wrapper
• The back plate does not close the same way it opens. It opens from the back, and closes at the front. See the diagram in the printed quick start guide


Android hints
• Remember to update the keyboard application from support.planetcom.co.uk to fix some keyboard issues
• As standard on any Android device, the apps can be found, added and uninstalled via the Play Store starting from the Settings > Apps menu
• To remove all the Google apps and download new apps from Google Store without using an account: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=285246
• Don’t set the pop-up Planet toolbar to always on. What happens is that the toolbar's menu grabs the focus and can't then be dismissed. To disable the "always on" setting in case you have enabled it: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=286039
• If you have two-factor authentication set up on your Google Account to send you an SMS message, leave your SIM in your current phone until you have performed the initial Gemini setup
• If the two-factor authentication requires a QR code to be scanned, this can't be done with the onboard camera. A workaround for this: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=35034&
• In case the physical keyboard stops working, you can access the on-screen soft keyboard via the Emoji key sequence Fn-? (function key then question mark key)
• The Agenda app isn't finished yet, it'll be available in the Play Store soon
• The alert LEDs app isn't finished yet either, so you can't currently map LEDs to contacts and apps, again it's coming soon
• Note that not all Android apps support some hardware keyboard functions like Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V
• With the PDA open, if you get a phone call, you can just close the case to answer the call by holding it to your ear. This does not cancel the call
• With the PDA closed, you can answer a call by pressing the silver Google Assist button
• Not all apps pinned to the Gemini App Bar are pre-installed, they are quick-links to the app in the Play Store
• If you find the DPI/fonts to be too big (by default set to 480 DPI under Android, Framework, Settings > Display > Display size), you can change the DPI in two ways:
   - Go to Settings > About phone and enable the Developer options by tapping the Build Number 7 times. In the Developer options, set the Smallest Width to a bigger value (default is 423 dpi)
   - using ADB from a remote computer, enter adb shell wm density [dpi]. E.g. for 280 DPI: adb shell wm density 280
• To force the landscape rotation on all the apps: press the Planet key, then touch the Planet icon, the force rotation option is there. Pressing the Planet key will cancel
• Conversely, if you want to have automatic rotation when using the Gemini in portrait mode, both the Force Landscape and Force Portrait options must be set off in the App Bar setting
• If the screen brightness is set to 'automatic' then Fn-B and Fn-N don't do anything (screen brightness)
• There's a microphone mute combo (Fn-T) but no combo to silence the sound
• 1080p video streaming on Youtube works fine when you enable the Clearmotion setting under Display settings.
• In the Keyboard app, preferences like vibration feedback, sounds, etc. won't work or stick (take affect) until after rebooting the device immediately after applying keyboard preferences.
• If the layout is still wrong after setting it under the Keyboard app, use the Android config method instead.
• If you'd like to disable the Fn + space shortcut which brings up the Google Assistant, so that you won't accidentally trigger it while typing, uninstall the Gemini Voice Assist: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=34868&hl=
• Some tips on how to make the battery to last as long as possible: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=34885
• For FM radio, there's a pre-installed app for it ("FM Radio v2.0"). It is not available on Google Play (yet): https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=35022


Linux hints
• Under Linux, the blue Caps Lock LED over the Tab/Caps Lock key is always turned on regardless of the Caps Lock status. To disable it: echo "7 0 0 0 " > /proc/aw9120_operation . Source: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=285197
• To increase under Gnome the size of the text in the menubar and menus (especially helpful when you're poking at it with your finger):
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface scaling-factor 2[/] . Source: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=286450


PC connection/Flashing hints
• Only the left USB port can be used to connect it to a computer (including for flashing)
• When you plug the Gemini to a PC, check the pop-up on the Gemini, it should ask you if you want to charge it only or to transfer data too
• [Windows 8/10] Once connected, if the driver fails to install on the PC, follow these instructions: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=34809
• [Windows] ADB installation tutorial: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=284992
• [Linux] In case of troubles in running Flashtool under Linux:
  - Follow the flashing guides on Planet's Support page and on XDA
  - If the above fails, try to compile Flashtool from the source code: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?s=&...st&p=285989
  - Reference threads: http://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=34921 https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=35028


Useful shortcuts
• Press Esc on the keyboard to switch on, and Esc +Spacebar to switch off or reboot (there’s no physical Power button)
• Press Fn-C and Fn-V to adjust the volume (no physical Volume knob/keys)
• Press Fn + R to take a screenshot
• Press Fn + .? to open the emoji panel
• Press Fn + ,/ to open the symbol panel
• Press and hold a key to display international characters
• Press Fn + A to display the task switcher
• Press Planet + Tab to switch between open apps
• Press Fn + D to display the desktop
• You can press Fn + Planet to start a phone call

Additional tips:
- https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=35038
- on Gemini Planet - https://geminiplanet.com/category/tips/

Varti

[Ifanafi]

Responding to this post (below) on the Indiegogo / Gemini Comments page:

[Android, framework, Settings > Display > Display size]
- 480 dpi is too high dpi and too big font for me & this narrow height screen.
Please allow to choose me from 280 dpi, not from 480 dpi.

@Palwinder Jutley - 1 day ago (said)

You can easly change the dpi with no root privaliges pretty simple using adb commands below.

adb shell wm density 280

Ian

P.S. Haven't yet tried that adjustment but trust @Palwinder Jutley is knowledgeable about it.

[Varti]

Responding to this post (below) on the Indiegogo / Gemini Comments page:

[Android, framework, Settings > Display > Display size]
- 480 dpi is too high dpi and too big font for me & this narrow height screen.
Please allow to choose me from 280 dpi, not from 480 dpi.

@Palwinder Jutley - 1 day ago (said)

You can easly change the dpi with no root privaliges pretty simple using adb commands below.

adb shell wm density 280

Ian

P.S. Haven't yet tried that adjustment but trust @Palwinder Jutley is knowledgeable about it.

Thanks Ifanafi (and Palwinder Jutley - jutleys), that’s quite an useful tip, I believe I’ll use it too once I’ll have my device. I have now updated the post.

Varti

[Ifanafi]

RE: Regarding Gemini screen-image rotation to landscape concern / issue.

As noted in the General Discussion area:

If you press the Planet key, then touch the Planet icon, there's an option to force rotate. Pressing the Planet key will cancel.

[tnak]

To make displayed items smaller, this method doesn't need adb (PC):
1. enable Developer options (tap Build Number 7 times)
2. in the Developer options, set Smallest Width to bigger value (Default: 423 dp)

[Ifanafi]

RE: Google apps

Remember, it is standard in the Android OS to find, see, disable and uninstall apps via the Play Store starting from the Settings>Apps menu.

Cheers.

[Varti]

Thanks Ifanafi and tnak, post updated.

Varti

[Ifanafi]

Important reminders:

RE: Gemini's USB interfaces -

The left hand side USB supports Gemini USB-C hub, power, PC connectivity and OTG connectivity.
The right hand side USB supports 1 slave (OTG) device (for example 1 memory card, 1 mouse) or the Gemini HDMI cable adapter.

Dr Janko Mrsic-Flogel
Campaigner

RE: HDMI - ONLY the right hand USB-C connector (when looking at LCD screen) is designed to work with the Planet HDMI cable.

Robin
Planet

RE: 3rd party HDMI adapters or USB-C hubs -

ONLY the Planet HDMI adapter works and ONLY on the right hand USB-C connector (when looking at the screen).

Robin
Planet

RE: Cell phone carriers LTE frequency bands supported by Gemini -

LTE bands are supported 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/20/41.
Gemini also supports WCDMA - 900/2100MHz, GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz and CDMA 850/1900 MHz BC0 BC1+ EVDO.
Yes, CDMA is also supported as well as GSM.
We have used the Gemini on T-Mobile when in the USA.

Dr Janko Mrsic-Flogel
Campaigner

[Varti]

Thanks, new Supported hardware and functionalities on the USB ports chapter added.

Varti

[Ifanafi]

From backer @Wise

"When plugging the device into the PC, check the notification pull down. There’s an option for “changing only” or “file transfer”.

[Varti]

From backer @Wise

"When plugging the device into the PC, check the notification pull down. There’s an option for “changing only” or “file transfer”.

Thanks, hint added.

Varti

[Ifanafi]

Various tips and reminders.

Reminder from backer Jon Crawford: Just to confirm – MT6797T is the X25, MT6797X is the X27.

Tip from backer andy.mitchell:
For those wanting to force landscape mode for individual apps, “Macrodroid” by ArloSoft will enable you to automate this and also has many other useful functions.

Tips from backer Lyall Pearce:

(1) Forcing apps into landscape or portrait mode: Checkout "Ultimate Rotation Control (by FaMe IT) to force certain apps into landscape/portrait on tablets and phones. It has per app settings. Start with the free version and if you like it you can go pro."

(2) Keys acting wonky - The "problem is due to the keyboard mapping not matching the physical keyboard. Go to support.planetcom.co.uk and update the keyboard application to fix this."

(3)  "Update from Australia: Got calendars and contacts sync'd to NextCloud using DavDroid Replaced messaging app cos it didn't understand +61xxxx numbers with spaces."

Tip from backer Milan Votava. RE: Fixing screen rotation issue: 'After switching OFF both Force Landscape and Force Portrait in App Bar settings, rotation works as expected.'

Tips from backer bogomips:

(1) Spacebar will open the lock screen.

(2) USB access from computer (Win 10) works fine, left port – no special drivers required. You do have to set USB connection mode in Gemini from notification area.

(3) 1080p video streaming on Youtube works fine when you enable clearmotion setting under display settings.

(4) The back plate does not close the same way it opens. It opens from the back, and closes at the front. See diagram in printed quick start guide.

(5) Reminder: You can answer incoming calls by pressing the silver button on the outside.

(6) RE: Keyboard mapping (USA): Even with the (Play Store app) app updated, preferences like vibration feedback, sounds, etc. won't work or stick (take affect) until after rebooting the device immediately after applying keyboard preferences.
However, setting a US layout from the Gemini app still gives you UK mapping. Using the Android config method is the only way which I can get US mapping on US keyboard.
During the initial setup, the keyboard mapping is UK, even though the model is US. So if you need to type a password which contains a char which is incorrectly mapped, you’ll have a lot of fun! You can only fix that one you complete setup.
Once in Android, you can use Planet’s keyboard config app, or the basic Android one. With much mucking about, it seems what works best is to use the Android one. Choose Config Keyboard from the Notification tray, then select Gemini, then choose layout as Gemini USA. Don’t use the Gemini provided keyboard config app. (There is an update available in the Play Store for the Planet Keyboard config tool – maybe that fixes this…).

(7) RE: Orientation sensor is working, but you have to unlock it first: https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?showto...mp;#entry284877
CPU-Z still lists an absent orientation sensor, but it does work.

Ifanafi

[Ifanafi]

RE: "Force Landscape" or "Force Portrait"

From backer @Lyall Pearce

"On my Gemini I have found that you get the screen to rotate as expected by -

1) starting the Planet app bar
2) select Planet button on left
3) select the app bar button
4) just right of where it says Selectable apps is a hidden control
5) turn off (either) Force Landscape (or) Force Portrait

I hope this works for you."

[bogomips]

Install ADB Drivers (Windows):

1) Enable developer options in Android:
In Settings, go to About, then tap on Build number option a number of times until you get the toast-message confirming developer option.

2) Ensure debug options are enabled on the device:
In Settings, go to Developer Options, and make sure the toggle is set to On.

3) Connect device:
Use the USB cable, and connect to the USB-C port on the left side of the Gemini (unplug and replug I guess if you already had it connected)

4) Download the driver:
Download latest_usb_driver_windows.zip from here: https://dl-ssl.google.com//android/reposito...ver_windows.zip (link from this page: https://developer.android.com/studio/run/win-usb.html)
(The google driver seems to work, so no need to mess around with the MTK driver...)
Extract ZIP

5) Install the driver:
In Windows, open Device Manager, and you should observe some ADB device under "Other devices", with a yellow triangle on it...
There is more than one way of installing the drivers, you have to follow these steps to make it work... don't use some shortcut method you may know - Window will reject the drivers

Right click on the ADB device with the yellow triangle
Select Update Driver Software…
Select "Browse for driver software on your computer"
Select "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"
Select "Show all devices"
Select "Have Disk"
Navigate to where you extracted the ZIP, select the android_winusb.inf file
In the dialog select "Android ADB Interface"
Ignore the "Update Driver Warning" message

Observe new device in Device Manager located at Android Device\Android ADB Interface.


You probably will get a confirmation dialog on your Gemini asking you to trust the computer - make sure you confirm that on the Gemini


Now that we have the drivers are loaded, you need ADB installed:
1) Go to here: https://developer.android.com/studio/index.html
2) Scroll down to "Get just the command line tools" and download the SDK tools.


Check if ADB is working:
1) From command line, navigate to \sdk\platform-tools\
2) Run: adb devices
You should see your device listed (make sure you tap the confirm button in the dialog on the Gemini)

[Varti]

Moved the thread to General Discussion, since it now covers Linux too.

Varti