Working through a big list of tests I want to do on the Omnia Pro (and getting sidetracked by new features along the way!) I have just completed the *#0*# test as advised by ‘stn’ who commented on one of the articles last week.
Stn, yes, it works!
*#0*# is a code that brings up a matrix of tests on the Omnia Pro as it does on other Samsung device apparently. Within that test matrix are two interesting features. One of which has got me excited and looking forward to seeing someone develop a nice augmented reality app. Yes, the Omnia Pro has a compass.
I’ve tested it out and it really is a compass and not some software-based guesswork using the GPS and accelerometers. This is excellent news.
One other thing I found out is why there are three small round windows at the top of the device. One is for the low-res video calling cam. The second is obviously a light sensor. The third one was puzzling me but now I’ve found out that it’s a proximity sensor. It can sense a finger before it reaches the screen. I believe it’s only being used for the etiquette mode where the sound is turned off (apart from clock alarms) when the device is placed face down. Not as thrilling as a compass (especially when you scratch the screen using such an etiquette mode!) but still nice to see.
I’ve also confirmed that the accelerometer is a 3-axis sensor.
Fingers crossed that WM6.5 allows programmers to you these features with ease.
#1 by omikr0n on September 16th, 2009
I believe that proximity sensor should be used to detect when the device is near your face (when on a call) and disable touchscreen to prevent accidental screen presses.
And Etiquette mode could be triggered by accelerometer instead – that would make more sense.
#2 by chippy on September 16th, 2009
Yeah. It makes sense to use the proximity sensor to turn off the touch screen.
I’ll would test etiquette mode but i’m ot putting this thing down on it’s face. I’ve already got a big scratch on the screen just from using the touchscreen. It looks like the plastics on the touch layer are very soft because i’ve never seen a scratch like this on all the tablets, umpcs and MIDs i’ve used. Very annoying.
#3 by Tyler on September 17th, 2009
can you tell me if it has a onboard stylus?
#4 by stn on September 17th, 2009
If you ask about stylus, YES omnia PRO has internal stylus slot, download the manual to see it.
#5 by chippy on September 17th, 2009
Also – pics here. http://www.umpcportal.com/gallery/v/SamsungOmniaPro/omniapro-chippy/?g2_page=3
It’s a 3-stage expanding stylus. I really havent used it at all. The Samsung OSK is great in portrait mode. Way way better than the Windows OSK.
#6 by stn on September 17th, 2009
Chippy, got that confirmed a bit earlier, nevertheless thanks! Got some more codes for you if you wanna to try ‘em out [;
*#0*# – lcd test
*#06# – shows imei
*#1111# – shows FTA sw version
*#2222# – showsFTA hw version
*#1234# – shows firmware version
*#0842#* – vibration test
*#0289# – melody test
*#0673# – mp3 test
*#0228# – adv. battery info
*#0782# – shows set time
*#0011# GSM/UMTS info
*#9999*0# – network monitor mode
*#232337# Bluetooth ID
*#7465625# – shows locks status
!!! *2767*3855# – !!! MASTER RESET USE WITH CAUTION, RESETS ALL DATA ON THE PHONE !!!
regards,
stn
#7 by peSHIr on September 22nd, 2009
Guess you haven’t noticed at least one other use of the proximity sensor: when you are in an active telephone call, the screen (and probably the touchscreen as well) turns off when you have the phone almost to you ear. Perfect use for it, I think.