Pure Android

Turn Your Pixel 9 into a Desktop Powerhouse: Exploring External Display Options (Including Smart Glasses and Google XR!)

2025-02-12T00:49:00.006-06:00

The Pixel 9 is a fantastic phone, and its powerful hardware begs to be used in more ways than one. Many users dream of turning their Pixel 9 into a desktop-like experience by connecting it to an external monitor. But how far can you actually go, and can you use your Pixel 9's screen as a touchpad for that external display? And what about the exciting world of smart glasses like XReal and Rokid, and the broader possibilities of Google XR? Let's dive in.

The Dream: Pixel 9 as a Desktop Replacement (and Beyond!)

Imagine connecting your Pixel 9 to a larger monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and suddenly having a productive workstation in your pocket. This is the allure of desktop mode on phones. But now, picture this: you're wearing sleek smart glasses like XReal or Rokid, and your Pixel 9 is powering a personal, immersive display right in front of your eyes. This is the next level of mobile computing! This vision ties into the larger landscape of Google XR (Extended Reality), which encompasses augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). While some phones, like Samsung devices with DeX, offer a seamless desktop experience on traditional monitors, the Pixel 9's capabilities in this area, especially with smart glasses and the potential of Google XR, are a bit different.

What the Pixel 9 Can Do:

Mirroring: You can easily mirror your Pixel 9's screen to an external display, including smart glasses, using a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a compatible wireless casting solution. This is perfect for sharing content, watching videos, or even gaming on a larger virtual screen.
Casting: Some apps support casting, allowing you to send their content to an external display, including your smart glasses, while still using your phone for other tasks. This is incredibly useful for multitasking and productivity.
Driving Smart Glasses: The Pixel 9, with its USB-C port, can directly power and drive compatible smart glasses like XReal and Rokid. This opens up exciting possibilities for augmented reality experiences and portable, private displays.

The Challenge: True Desktop Mode and Touchpad Functionality (and Smart Glass Interactions)

The biggest hurdle with traditional external monitors is using your Pixel 9's screen as a touchpad or mouse *specifically* for the external display. Unfortunately, Android doesn't natively support this. When you connect an external display to your Pixel 9, it's treated as an extension or mirror of your phone's screen, not as a separate input target. There's no built-in way to say, "Hey, treat my phone's screen as the mouse for that other screen."

With smart glasses, the challenge shifts slightly. While the Pixel 9 can drive the display, integrating touch input from the phone to control elements *within* the smart glass display is not a standard Android feature. This is where the future of Google XR and its potential integration with smart glasses becomes interesting.

Why Isn't It Easier?

Android's architecture and security model play a role here. To prevent apps from hijacking input events and controlling other displays without permission, Android restricts access to these low-level functions. This makes it difficult for a regular app to achieve the kind of touchpad functionality we're looking for, both with traditional monitors and within the smart glass interface.

Samsung DeX: A Look at What's Possible (But Not on Pixel)

Samsung DeX is a prime example of a phone-based desktop mode done well. However, DeX is deeply integrated into Samsung's Android builds. It's not just an app; it's a fundamental part of their operating system. This deep integration gives DeX access to system-level functions and APIs that are not available to regular apps on other phones, including Pixel 9 devices.

The Current Reality for Pixel 9 Users:

For now, a true touchpad experience for the external display on a Pixel 9 is not readily available through standard software solutions. While mirroring and casting offer some extended display functionality, the dream of using the phone's screen as a dedicated mouse remains elusive. The same applies to seamless touch control within the smart glass display itself.

Possible Future Developments?

Google might add more advanced display features to Android in the future. Keep an eye out for updates and new Android versions, as this area is constantly evolving. The increasing popularity of smart glasses and the development of Google XR might push Google to develop better integration with these devices, potentially including more robust input methods.

What About Third-Party Apps?

While there might be some third-party apps that offer limited multi-window or external display management, they are unlikely to provide the specific touchpad or smart glass control functionality you're looking for due to the Android system limitations mentioned earlier.

Use Case Scenarios with Smart Glasses and Google XR:

Mobile Productivity: Imagine wearing your Rokid glasses and having a large virtual screen for working on documents, spreadsheets, or coding, all powered by your Pixel 9.
Immersive Entertainment: Enjoy movies or games on a personal, cinematic display projected by your XReal glasses, with your Pixel 9 acting as the media player.
Augmented Reality Applications: Explore AR apps and experiences that overlay digital information onto the real world, using your smart glasses as the display and your Pixel 9 as the processing power. This is where Google XR's potential shines, enabling developers to create innovative AR experiences.
Hands-Free Navigation: Use your smart glasses for turn-by-turn navigation while keeping your phone in your pocket, with directions projected directly into your field of view.

We Want to Hear From You!

What are your experiences with using your Pixel 9 with external displays, especially smart glasses? Are you looking for this touchpad functionality or better smart glass integration, perhaps leveraging the capabilities of Google XR? Let us know in the comments below! We'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas. Maybe together we can find a workaround or inspire future development!

Think You Know the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Think Again.

2025-01-08T20:27:00.004-06:00

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a great phone that has a lot of features that people might not know about. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the hidden features and design secrets of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Hidden Features

AI Render

Unconventional Battery Configuration: Unlike most foldables with two separate batteries, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold utilizes a single, uniquely shaped battery that seamlessly adapts to the phone's folded and unfolded states. This innovative design contributes to its remarkably slim profile
Proprietary Hinge Technology: Google has developed a proprietary hinge mechanism for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold that is not only incredibly durable but also allows for "Flex Mode." This means the phone can be partially folded, transforming it into a mini-laptop for hands-free video calls or viewing content.
Advanced Cooling System: To manage the heat generated by the powerful Tensor G4 processor, Google has implemented a vapor chamber cooling system. This ensures optimal performance even during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.

Software & AI Prowess

Gemini Integration: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is deeply integrated with Google's Gemini AI, offering unique features like real-time translation during video calls and advanced photo editing capabilities.
Exclusive Foldable Apps: Google has partnered with developers to create exclusive apps optimized for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's large foldable screen. These apps take full advantage of the unique form factor, offering innovative multitasking and productivity features.
Enhanced Security: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold incorporates a dedicated security chip that provides hardware-level protection for sensitive data. This chip also enables advanced features like on-device encryption and secure biometric authentication.

Beyond the Spec Sheet

Sustainability Focus: Google has made significant efforts to incorporate recycled materials in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's construction. The packaging is also designed to be eco-friendly, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Accessibility Features: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes a wide range of accessibility features, such as customizable display settings, voice control, and support for assistive devices. These features make the phone usable by people with diverse needs and abilities.
Limited Edition Variants: Google has hinted at the possibility of releasing limited edition variants of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with unique colors, materials, and collaborations with artists or designers. These exclusive versions could become highly sought-after collector's items.

Ready to unfold the future? Grab your Pixel 9 Pro Fold on Amazon today and get up to $220 with eligible trade-in! Plus, enjoy easy financing from just $149.92 per month with 0% interest. Don't miss out.

Buy Now

What is Android Auto Coolwalk

2023-03-24T22:08:00.002-05:00

Android Auto Coolwalk is a new version of the Android Auto interface that was released in January 2023. It's a big update that makes the interface more user-friendly and more customizable.

Some of the cool things about Coolwalk include:

A redesigned home screen that shows your most recently used apps and services.
A new "cards" interface that lets you swipe between different apps and services.
A new "shortcuts" bar that gives you quick access to common tasks.
A new "assistant" button that lets you access Google Assistant without having to say "Hey Google."
A new "app drawer" that lets you see all of the apps that are compatible with Android Auto.

If you're an Android Auto user, I highly recommend checking out Coolwalk. It's a great update that makes the interface more user-friendly and more customizable.

Lab2 Under Ground Android APK Review

2023-03-10T23:57:00.001-06:00

Lab2 Under Ground is an awesome platform game that's got everything you need for a thrilling adventure! With cool weapons, power-ups, and challenging quests, it's no wonder this game has a huge following among gamers. In this game, you'll play as a hero exploring underground tunnels, searching for hidden treasures and weapons to take down your enemies. The underground design is out of this world, with twists and turns waiting around every corner.

Lab2 Under Ground Screenshot of Game Play

People love Lab2 Under Ground for its exciting gameplay and unique storyline. It's been called one of the best Android games ever because of how fun it is to play. The game first hit the scene in 2019, and since then, the developers have been hard at work improving it, fixing bugs, and ensuring it runs smoothly on all Android devices. The game's fan base is constantly growing, with more and more players joining the adventure every day!

Lab2 Under Ground Android APK Review

To sum it up, Lab2 Under Ground is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting platformer game. With top-notch graphics, immersive storylines, and challenging gameplay, this game stands out from the rest. Check it out today and see for yourself why it has everyone talking!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Pixel 6 Battery Draining Fast

2022-03-05T01:26:00.005-06:00

Here is a quick way to make your Google Pixel 6 battery last longer. By default, the phone is going to look for a 5G or UC Network. If you go into your phone's network settings and change your preferred network to LTE the battery will last longer.

Here is one way to do it

Go to your Phone Settings

Tap on Network & Internet

Tap Internet

Tap The Settings Icon Next To T-Mobile (or your phone carriers name)

Tap Preferred network type

On the pop up Select LTE

It will close and now you can close the screen. Your Pixel 6 will now last longer because it won't be looking for a 5G Network all day. LTE is fast enough for an average user.

If you think you need faster speed for a few moments, follow the same steps to enable 5G but your battery will die sooner.

Google Killing Magazine Subscriptions In Google News App

2020-01-03T09:42:00.001-06:00

Lately, it has been very difficult to find my magazine subscription in the Google News App. I figured it was going to kill the service and sure enough, Google killed it.

I use my Google Rewards money to buy a few magazines so this is really annoying. Luckily, I will still have access to my old magazines.

Thanks Google.

This account already exists on your device - Fix / Solution - Android Pie 9.0

2018-12-20T15:16:00.001-06:00

When I was setting up my replacement Google Pixel 3 XL I kept getting this error when setting up Google Home app and Google Pay app. I am sure other Google apps were affected but this is where I started to troubleshoot and research.

Here is the error image:

GOOGLE ACCOUNT ERROR

I had a chat with Google Pixel support and they wanted me to remove my Google account and re-add it. I did not want to do this since I had just went through the trouble of copying / restoring my data on this phone. I suspect that was the problem to begin with. It was a brand new Pixel 3 XL to replace one that had a dead pixel.

COPYING DATA

I saw a few reports of users disabling Google Play Services but Google has since removed the ability to disable the service. I suspect disabling the service caused it to "refresh" or "reset". So for me, the fix was to clear out the Storage of Google Play Services. Once I did that, and rebooted, everything started to work perfectly. That is the fix for This account already exists on your device on Android Pie 9.0 Pixel 3 XL.

Edit: For Android 11, it's changed a bit. Go to your phone settings, then click on Apps & Notifications, then click on See all apps. Look for Google Play Services. Click it, then click on Storage & Cache. Click Clear Storage and Clear Cache.

CLEAR ALL DATA TO FIX

Nexus 6P External Mic fix for Android 8

2018-08-07T15:13:00.000-05:00

UPDATE:
Found another fix using an app called Lesser AudioSwitch. That video is below as well. With Lesser Audio Switch you have to go into Settings and turn on Force Headset Mic. Now you have to decide if you want to turn no Auto mode or not on the main screen of the app. With automode it will detect whether a headset is connected or not. Automode will also put a notification on your status bar. If you don't turn on Automode you have to manually open the app and hit the Speaker or Headphones button. That can get annoying so I put it on automode.

This also has a little trick to it. I noticed that when I start recording, it is not working right. You'll see some noise being recorded. I found that unplugging and plugging back in makes it work. See video.

Original Post-
VIDEO BELOW:
If you are on this page then you have had issues using external mics with your Nexus 6P. I have been trying to use a 3.5mm Lavalier Microphone all week and it hasn't worked. Some people used to use an app called SoundAbout to fix but with the latest version of Android it doesn't work.

Here is a little trick I discovered today by pure accident. I was using wired headphones and Google Assistant kept opening. That reminded me of the older Android days so I suspected that it was detecting the microphone. I opened up Android Headset Tester, and it said mic detected!

The trick is to open up the Headset Tester app, and then plug in the mic. Upon plugging in the mic, start rotating the jack. It will then say Mic detected.

Sadly, it is not as easy as that. See those numbers? They mean something and I don't know what yet. They are important because at times, the mic isn't really working! But when you get it to work, it works good. Here is a video so you can see it in action.

There has to be a better way. Sometimes killing the app after mic is detected worked, sometimes waiting for the numbers worked, sometimes tapping the mic worked. Let me know how it works for you all!

No Notches For You says Google to phone manufacturers

2018-07-31T17:30:00.000-05:00

As the battle of more screen rages on, more and more phone manufacturers are trying to use all the screen real estate that they can get from a phone. We all know any phone worth its merit will have a camera, speakers, and mics on the front. That's all great unless you want an all screen front phone! So manufacturers have decided to notch around these things that are in the way.

Google is mandating a few requirements which include:

First, devices must ensure that their cutouts do not negatively affect apps.
Second, devices may only have up to one cutout on each short edge of the device.

I for one am in favor of such mandates. I would rather not see a notch on my phone's screen. We wouldn't stand for that on a Television, why should we have it on device we look at more and even more closely then a Television.

Free Netflix with Google Play Rewards on Android

2016-04-25T22:59:00.000-05:00

A recent update to the Netflix app states that you will soon be able to pay for your Netflix subscription with Google Play Billing. So does that mean you can use your Google Play Rewards money to get Netflix for free? Let's hope so.

Control Your Android Phone with Google Now and Voice Access

2016-04-11T17:32:00.000-05:00

Google has released an app into Beta that allows you to control almost every aspect of your phone with just your voice. The app is called Voice Access. Once started, either by Voice or by tapping the icon in the notification tray, your screen will display numbers next to icons or buttons that you want to Press with your Voice. See screenshot:

Surprised as I was by this great feature, I was even more surprised that even the button on Widgets are also accessible by Voice. Navigation by voice is not limited to Number. You can also say things like Go Back, Go Home,Next, Swipe Left, Swipe Right, Scroll Down, or say Show All Commands to learn how to turn your volume up or down, turn on or off WIFI or Bluetooth.

To use you must sign up for the beta here: https://g.co/voiceaccess and you will be linked to download the app.

OK Google, Call My Wife

2016-04-11T16:55:00.000-05:00

Eventually, Google will automatically know who your wife is, your mom, dad, and maybe even your neighbor! Until then (or do they already), you can tell Google Now who these people are by assigning them a Google Now Voice Shortcut. You can view all your Nicknames under account Settings in your Android app.

To setup a Nickname, all you have to do is make a call using your voice. For Example, "Ok Google, Call my Wife"

Google will then ask who your wife is. Search for her and set it! Now all you have to do is tell Google To Call Your Wife.

Deposit Cash to PayPal with Android App

2016-04-08T17:59:00.003-05:00

The recent update to PayPal's Android app

states that you can now deposit Cash into your PayPal account at CVS or Rite Aid. Once you have the latest update, you press on Add Money, select In Store Cash, select your store and you'll be presented with a Barcode to show the cashier. Once they scan, you hand over the money. After 15 minutes and after a 3.95 fee, it will show up in your account.

Nifty idea if you're in a pinch. Are there any other services that offer such a thing?

Toyota's New Nexus 7 Car Mount

2014-08-24T21:42:00.003-05:00

Installing CyanogenMod 10.2 (Andoird 4.3 Jelly Bean) on a Nook Color

2014-01-01T15:36:00.000-06:00

Previously we had posted a step by step guide to install CyanogenMod on the Nook Tablet. This time we will be going through the very simple task of installing CM10.2, which is Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. You will need 4 files, an SD card, and a Nook Color. In these steps, you will be flashing a recovery image to an SD card, flashing CM10.2, Flashing Google Apps, and a permanent Recovery image to the Nook. Let us begin.

The 4 files you need to download:

The only Zip file you download from above that needs to be extracted is the first one.

First, extract the content from file #1. You will now have a file named sdimage.img. This is needs to be flashed to your SD card. In Windows you can use Win32DiskImager (or your favorite app) and in Linux you can do this command:

sudo dd if=sdimage.img of=/dev/sdX

You must replace the X in sdX with the appropriate letter for your SD slot. There are many ways to get the correct letter but we use the program Gparted.

Once you have flashed your SD card, copy the remaining three files onto the SD card. You will see several other files on the SD, and it might be labeled as BOOT. Don't touch any of those files, simply copy the remaining three files on the SD card.

With your Nook Color powered off, insert the SD card into the Nook. Once inserted, power on the Nook. It will now boot into ClockwordMod Recovery. Use the Volume keys to move to Install Zip From sdcard. Press the N key. You will now see the three files from above. Flash CM10.2, then, Google Apps, and lastly, the permanent recovery. In that order.

Once you have done all three go back to the main menu in recovery and do wipe data / factory reset.

That's it!

Reboot, remove SD card and you are good to go!

NOTES and Credits:

Enabling the back menu in recovery can be tricky. Pressing the Volume keys at the same time, or repeatedly will enable the back option. You'll see a message that says it has been enabled but you might not see it. Simply, enter into an option and you will then see the back menu to get out of it. Keep going back to main menu.

Try another SD card if you experience failures of any kind during the flashing process. I had to get a different card reader for some reason to be able to flash #1.

Once done, you can format the SD card on your computer and use for something else.

CM10.2 doesn't require the SD for every day use in my experience.

Credit to CyanogenMod!

Credit to ClockworkMod!

Credit to eyeballer for Original Guide this is based on!

New Version of Hangouts for Android Brings Better Online/Offline/Away Indicators

2013-09-25T14:17:00.002-05:00

Motorola Skip for Moto X

2013-09-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

Android Gmail Quickoffice Integration

2013-09-19T20:53:00.001-05:00

Along with today's announcement of Google's free Quickoffice app, Google has started to use Quickoffice to open Microsoft Documents even when Quickoffice is not installed which can be seen in this screenshot.

New Swiftkey Beta for Android

2013-07-23T16:53:00.003-05:00

Our favorite third party keyboard, Swiftkey, announced a new beta today called Swiftkey Cloud. Why the Web 3.0 name? Like many things Android, Swiftkey is now synchronizing your personal predictions to the cloud. This should be a very well received feature to everyone who owns more than one Pure Android device since your predictions will be on all your devices now.

Another new feature is "Trending Topics" predictions. Swiftkey will now know who and what the internet is talking about and offer up predictions to you. So, your phone will now know to insert "Baby" after the word "Royal". "Zimmerman" after "George". So on and so forth.

Get it at beta.swiftkey.net.

The New Droids Are Almost Pure Android

2013-07-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

Off-white Pure we would say. The New Droids come in two different sizes (5" and 4.3") and three different colors (Black, Black, or Red). They are very slick Android Devices. We approve.

Read more

The Motorola X Ad for a Pure Android Phone?

2013-07-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

Amazon expands GameCircle sync service to all Android devices

2013-07-01T15:26:00.002-05:00

Amazon expands GameCircle sync service to all Android devices (via Pando Daily)

On July 1, 2013Amazon has expanded its GameCircle sync service to all Android devices, the company has announced. GameCircle allows gamers to keep their data in sync across devices for when they want to jump between, say, a smartphone and a tablet. […

The Android Powered Samsung Galaxy NX Camera is Official

2013-06-24T16:34:00.002-05:00

Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE (via NHC Smartphone News Radio)

True to JK Shin’s promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google’s mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company’s glorified point-and-shoot…

CyanogenMod's Founder's new Privacy Guard for your piece of mind

2013-06-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

How CyanogenMod’s Founder is Giving Android Users their Privacy Back (via Surut Personal)

New "Incognito Mode" enables more granular privacy settings than in stock Android. What if you could privately use an application and manage its permissions to keep ill intending apps from accessing your data? That’s exactly what Steve Kondik at CyanogenMod—the aftermarket, community-based firmware…

Android Fragmentation? I think not.

2013-06-22T23:34:00.002-05:00

Android’s Fragmentation Issue Isn’t Hurting It (via slashdot)

Apple’s developer Website offers a new, handy graph of iOS fragmentation—which is to say, the mobile operating system isn’t fragmented much at all. A full 93 percent of iOS users are on iOS 6, the latest version; another 6 percent rely on iOS 5; and a mere 1 percent use an earlier iOS: Compare…

Pure Android

Turn Your Pixel 9 into a Desktop Powerhouse: Exploring External Display Options (Including Smart Glasses and Google XR!)

The Dream: Pixel 9 as a Desktop Replacement (and Beyond!)

What the Pixel 9 *Can* Do:

The Challenge: True Desktop Mode and Touchpad Functionality (and Smart Glass Interactions)

Why Isn't It Easier?

Samsung DeX: A Look at What's Possible (But Not on Pixel)

The Current Reality for Pixel 9 Users:

Possible Future Developments?

What About Third-Party Apps?

Use Case Scenarios with Smart Glasses and Google XR:

We Want to Hear From You!

Think You Know the Pixel 9 Pro Fold? Think Again.

What is Android Auto Coolwalk

Lab2 Under Ground Android APK Review

Pixel 6 Battery Draining Fast

Google Killing Magazine Subscriptions In Google News App

This account already exists on your device - Fix / Solution - Android Pie 9.0

Nexus 6P External Mic fix for Android 8

No Notches For You says Google to phone manufacturers

Free Netflix with Google Play Rewards on Android

Control Your Android Phone with Google Now and Voice Access

OK Google, Call My Wife

Deposit Cash to PayPal with Android App

Toyota's New Nexus 7 Car Mount

Installing CyanogenMod 10.2 (Andoird 4.3 Jelly Bean) on a Nook Color

New Version of Hangouts for Android Brings Better Online/Offline/Away Indicators

Motorola Skip for Moto X

Android Gmail Quickoffice Integration

New Swiftkey Beta for Android

The New Droids Are Almost Pure Android

The Motorola X Ad for a Pure Android Phone?

Amazon expands GameCircle sync service to all Android devices

The Android Powered Samsung Galaxy NX Camera is Official

CyanogenMod's Founder's new Privacy Guard for your piece of mind

Android Fragmentation? I think not.

What the Pixel 9 Can Do: