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belstfranz

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2013/01/02 - 21:17

Even with a rooted Gamepad, I was not able to deactivate the built-in mic,

which is very annoying. Every volume control app I tried, had no effect on the mic.

You can test for yourself with one of the apps who

measure the input audio/noise level of the built-in mic of the Gamepad,

how MUCH it will pick up...

Does anyone know a method of deactivating the built-in mic? Perhaps it is coupled with

the integrated camera?

Please DO NOT ask why someone wants to do this...

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2013/01/02 - 21:21

That's interesting Wink

Being rooted, it should be doable to mess with the microphone input or audio mixer to disable the microphone.

I'll try to have a look.

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belstfranz

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belstfranz

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2013/01/02 - 21:24

admin said
That's interesting

Being rooted, it should be doable to mess with the microphone input or audio mixer to disable the microphone.

I'll try to have a look.

Thank you very much! Happy New Year to you by the way. Laugh

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2013/01/02 - 21:26

Thank you, same to you and all the forum members and GamePad community Wink

belstfranz

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2013/01/04 - 13:14

So, does anyone has a hint or solution for/to this yet? Cry

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2013/01/06 - 12:39

I'd like to better understand the problem.

Can you explain in more details what you have found, how to check the problem (with apps names and Google Play Store url links) and how the microphone behaviour differs on the GamePad from other Android devices ?

Cheers.

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belstfranz

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2013/01/06 - 16:18

Thanks for the offered help, but I took matters in my own hands in the meantime. Cool

As a permanent solution, I just crippelled the Droid by opening up the damn thing and removed

the built-in mic (which is located next to the HDMI port) plus the camera (which is detachable).

It was time to show the machine who STILL is KING. The system still runs without any problems.

NOW, it is really a fun gaming device with a Retro feel! Kiss Surprised Laugh

P.S.: For purists, the WLAN thingy can be removed as well, but remember the f***** Droid does not want

you to download ANYTHING from its Market without "wireless connections" (oxymoron... no kids, that is not a cfw)... Yell

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2013/01/06 - 16:32

You did it the hard way Wink feel free to post internal/external pictures of your fixed GamePad...

Also, I'd like to understand, and maybe fix this problem in the software way, so any answers to my question in post #6 would be nice...

Cheers.

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2013/01/07 - 01:03

admin said
You did it the hard way feel free to post internal/external pictures of your fixed GamePad...

Also, I'd like to understand, and maybe fix this problem in the software way, so any answers to my question in post #6 would be nice...

Cheers.

No problem. Laugh

To check the mic sensitivity, have a look at this:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.sound&feature=search_result

Some of the volume control applications that I tested for muting (none of them worked for the mic input):

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cb.volumePlus&feature=search_result

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.xvx.volume&feature=search_result

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.directservices.SmartVolumeControlPlus&feature=search_result

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ta.volumecontrol&feature=search_result

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.olib.scenemode&feature=search_result

It appears suspicious that in Android (not exactly Archos' fault) there is not even a software setting to disable the built-in stuff plus on a software level it seems that extra software is prohibited to make ANY changes to it, too.

On a sidenote, you can always (temporarily) put duct tape over the camera, but nothing of that sort

helped in regards to the highly sensitive microphone.

As to your question of the difference to other Android devices, I cannot tell you because it is the only device of that kind that I own. Someone else would have to comment on that (wink wink Wink ).

P.S.: I have read that people buy this device for their children... when you take a look at the available Android software (for built-in cameras and microphones) which is widely available, EVERYONE should be

aware HOW MUCH this thing can POTENTIALLY know about your kids AND their surroundings. When you are inside a room, it might pick up more than other people who are physically present in that same room!!!

@Trolls

DON'T give me that "we have nothing to hide" crap. The REAL QUESTION is who/what is it that "wants to know everything 24/7" from you?... think about it.

That is an Android matter in general. This is the wet dream which became reality for everyone with mean intentions... (what the Android "philosophy" regarding this is, seems to be obvious).