Planet Computers : Gemini - Psion Returns

[Grench]

My Gemini is now on a Google Fi data only SIM. AT&T got too annoying so I switched carriers and now have an LG V35 phone.

So, Gemini gets used even more as a remote and in-meeting email machine - it is fantastic for that.

I have encountered an annoyance thought. The Google Assistant button on the side of it is prone to accidental engagement, resulting in a loud BLEEEPurpblerup noise if brushed, followed by mic activation, regardless of what the volume of the device.

Short of prying the button out of the device with a screwdriver, is there any way to disable or reassign it to something less annoying?

 

[levi]

Not without installing Linux, I suspect. Remember, google isn't evil, google is your friend just wanting to talk to you.

 

[Grench]

Not without installing Linux, I suspect. Remember, google isn't evil, google is your friend just wanting to talk to you.

Removing the physical button cap with a finely sharpened flat bladed chisel then packing the remaining cavity with nearly cured epoxy is under consideration.

I moved from AT&T to Google Fi for the cheaper 4 line service. I picked the LG V35 phones within their offering partially because they -don't- have a dedicated Google Assistant button.

But - I still plan to use my Gemini for what it is great for. I am rather wishing that Planet hadn't hobbled reassignment of that button. I'm sure we could think up dozens of non Google Assistant uses for that big silver button on the right side of the device that seems to get bump activated by a slight breeze resulting in a maddeningly loud activation sound and microphone box pop up.

 

[Autian]

I think I solved that by disabling the Google App in Android settings -> App Manager (while there, hit the menu button on the top right corner -> show system apps). You don't need root for that. Google services and the Play Store will usually continue to work unless you deactivate them as well.
That BLEEEPurpblerup Sound drove me nuts as well

 

[Grench]

I think I solved that by disabling the Google App in Android settings -> App Manager (while there, hit the menu button on the top right corner -> show system apps). You don't need root for that. Google services and the Play Store will usually continue to work unless you deactivate them as well.
That BLEEEPurpblerup Sound drove me nuts as well

Doing that caused "Gemini Voice Assistant" to crash.

I uninstalled the Gemini voice app, re-enabled the Google App and now it's good.

Thanks!

 

[Autian]

The first few crash message boxes after deactivating are normal if it still causes issues when pressing that special button try rebooting. Better to have disabled things that are never going to be used. But of course you can leave your setup like now if it's fine for you.