Tecla Access/Device Compatibility

From IDRC Mobile Wiki

In order to enable control via external switches, a full Tecla system requires both the Tecla Shield an the Tecla Access app installed on the host device. Currently, a Tecla Access app is available for Android-powered devices. However, not all Android devices are created equal, and some manufacturers break the accessibility features that the Tecla Access app requires to work properly. The following is a list of devices that the Tecla open-source community has tested for compatibility with Tecla. With new Android devices coming into the market almost every day, this list is by no means comprehensive, but it will help guide potential Tecla users when choosing a suitable device. If you have tested a device that is not shown here or would like to add notes on the ones in the list, please send your comments using our contact form or log in to edit this page.

Contents 1 Best & Worst 1.1 Best out-of-the-box experience 1.2 Most installed on 1.3 Worst out-of-the-box experience 2 By Manufacturer 2.1 Google 2.1.1 Nexus S 2.2 Motorola 2.2.1 Droid / Milestone 2.3 Samsung 2.3.1 Galaxy S2 X 2.3.2 Galaxy 3 (AKA Galaxy Apollo, Samsung GT-I5800) 2.4 Sony 2.4.1 Xperia X10

Best & Worst

Best out-of-the-box experience

• Droid / Milestone by Motorola
• Nexus S by Google
• Galaxy S2 X by Samsung

Most installed on

Below is a list of devices with the most currently active installations of Tecla. The list is taken directly from the Google Play store and may suggest these devices have been found by users to be particularly compatible with Tecla. However, not all of the devices in the list have been tested for compatibility with Tecla. Details on the devices that have been fully tested can be found in the sections below.

• Samsung Galaxy S2
• Samsung Galaxy Tab
• Samsung Galaxy S
• HTC Nexus One
• Asus EeePad Transformer TF101
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Samsung Nexus S
• LG Optimus One
• HTC Desire HD
• Acer Picasso
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Worst out-of-the-box experience

On these devices, installing ADW.Launcher or other keyboard-accessible launcher may solve many, but not necessarily all, incompatibilities.

• Sony Xperia devices
• HTC devices with Sense UI

By Manufacturer

Google

Nexus S

Compatibility: Compatible
Issues (summary): Some pop-ups and the options key are not accessible.
Issues (details): Some pop-ups and the options key are designed to ignore input from the on-screen keyboard. Therefore, they cannot be controlled with Tecla.
Solution / Workaround: When an inaccessible pop-up appears, press & hold any switch for a few seconds. This will dismiss the offending window.

Motorola

Droid / Milestone

Compatibility: Compatible
Issues (summary): Some pop-ups and the options key are not accessible.
Issues (details): Some pop-ups and the options key are designed to ignore input from the on-screen keyboard. Therefore, they cannot be controlled with Tecla.
Solution / Workaround: When an inaccessible pop-up appears, press & hold any switch for a few seconds. This will dismiss the offending window.

Samsung

Galaxy S2 X

Compatibility: Compatible
Issues (summary):

1. Built-in battery saver is unusable
2. Some pop-ups and the options key are not accessible.
3. Built-in voice commands app overrides voice actions
4. Built-in messaging app is inaccessible
5. Built-in dialer is inaccessible

Issues (details):

1. Built-in battery saver shows an inaccessible pop-up window every time the battery level falls below the low-battery threshold. This pop-up is enforced and cannot be disabled.
2. Some pop-ups and the options key are designed to ignore input from the on-screen keyboard. Therefore, they cannot be controlled with Tecla.
3. Samsung does not allow the built-in voice commands app to be disabled or substituted. Learn more about this...
4. Built-in dialer is highlighted but keyboard navigation is broken (cannot move between numbers with the DPAD)

Solutions / Workarounds:

1. Disable the built-in battery saver and install a less intrusive battery-saving app from the Android Market. Juice Defender works well but you will need assistance configuring it as it is not accessible to Tecla users (lacks focus highlighting).
2. When an inaccessible pop-up appears, press & hold any switch for a few seconds. This will dismiss the offending window.
3. Download an accessible messaging app from the Android Market. WhatsApp is an excellent alternative.
4. Samsung has promised they will fix the voice commands bug. Keep an eye out for a system update
5. Install an accessible dialer app such as the Impact Dialer Widget

Galaxy 3 (AKA Galaxy Apollo, Samsung GT-I5800)

Compatibility: Compatible (when using non-stock launcher)
Issues (summary): Default launcher incompatible
Issues (details): Apps can't be selected on the home screen or Apps list. ADW Launcher works fine, though if you bring up the keyboard and then shrink it again on the home screen, you'll be left with a black area where the keyboard was (the home screen doesn't come down). This is temporary - selecting any app that's off the screen brings the home screen back down, as does going to an app and returning to home.
Solution / Workaround: Install ADW Launcher or other keyboard-compatible launcher.

Sony

Xperia X10

Compatibility: Not Compatible
Issues (summary): UI, Sony apps not accessible
Issues (details): Sony Launcher is not accesible, after installing ADW.Launcher most items are highlighted but not the dock. Phone app is not accessible preventing users from making and receiving calls independently.
Solution / Workaround: No solution available for Phone app issues