Why the proximity sensor?

[Shofar]

Why do we have a proximity sensor???

Coming from Nokia phone, I not only don't understand it I don't like it.

Can it be removed - disabled?

How?

 

[Deleted User]

It depends how fast you can type with your ear.

 

[Phenomenological]

As the poster above said, it's to stop your face mashing buttons when you make a phone call.

 

[Shofar]

Thanks now I understand the reason behind it.

You were more clear than the previous poster.

I guess I should have understood this but didn't.

 

[HellsBells]

It is a steep learning curve for me and the help I have gotten on Android forums has not only been invaluable but has made it possible for me to use and even enjoy my Desire.

I agree Shofar, this forum has been briliant for newbies like myself (and I assume the not-so-newbies), mainly because I can usually find soemone asking the kind of questions I want asking and getting some very useful answers. I couldn't have managed to find my way around this phone without it. And as for a proximity sensor, I didn't even know my phone had one, but now I do, I'm glad it does .

 

[Shofar]

I'm just wondering what it is about the proximity sensor that pissed you off so much. The first time my Nexus turned off its screen during a call, I just thought "wow, neat, so this is why I didn't end the call accidentally with my ear."

I never thought that it would turn off or disrupt the call from my ear. I find that I have to use quite a bit of pressure to get a response when I am using the screen. I guess I am more visually oriented and just didn't like the screen turning off. As others have said it doesn't always come back on very quickly at all.

too I wanted to be able to get some info for the call from another app. Now I know this is possible.

Please give us newbies much grace, this is a complicated phone and OS.
That's why people go for Iphone.

I like the freedom of Android but it is not for free.

 

[ac/dc]

Guys, , my desire turns the screen off during calls, , but doesnt turn them back on ? ? ?

( no task killer installed ) ( done a factory reset )

Any clues

Craig

 

[Tunga]

Do you have it in a case?

 

[Pojken]

Shofar, you get used to it. When I first go my Desire, I kept trying to tap the screen before it turned on (felt it took too long). I guess before, I used to hang up when the phone was near my ear because I knew where the button was. Now, I wait for visual screen confirmation, which is almost immediate. I guess that is where the frustration lies - getting used to WHEN to hang up.

Eventually, I read about the proximity sensor and it makes so much sense.

Cheers for the freedom.

Tim

 

[nacatomi]

Sometimes cases or screen protectors affect the light getting through to the proximity sensor. FYI its in the black surround at the top of the screen about level with the left hand edge of the power button. Anything blocking it will affect it, that's why the official HTC screen protectors have a cutout there.