The Future of SynchStep Working with the iPhone 2.0 Firmware
Well, SynchStep is all ported over to the new firmware, but Apple's power management doesn't allow SynchStep to run while the screen is off.
BUT I have some great news. I'm now able to handle this... sort of. First off, I can programmatically prevent your device from auto-locking itself, so you don't have to worry about setting that in your device settings.
Second, I can auto-dim the screen after a few seconds. I can't completely turn it off (yet) but this should eliminate most battery issues.
Third, my new step detection algorithm is much better and supports running now! I'm ruthlessly testing it at the moment, but I'll get it out as soon as possible.
For more updates, check out synchstep.tumblr.com.
That means you have to leave your phone's screen on to use SynchStep. If you lock the screen, the music will continue to play, but it won't be able to detect your pace with the screen off.
Obviously, this really impacts battery life, makes it easy for you to accidentaly trigger buttons while the phone is in your pocket, and is just really, really ghetto. I can understand why they tied the accelerometer to the screen locking function, but they didn't provide a way
for developer's to decide if the accelerometer should be turned off when the screen is locked. They simply turn it off and you get no say about it.
I'm really depressed because SynchStep on 1.1.4 was a fun app that I loved writing. I was planning a modified version for the App Store that I probably won't make now.
I'll put up this crap version on Cydia, but I may or may not continue to develop it now. I don't know. If someone figures out how to keep the accelerometer alive while the
screen is locked, please let me know.
I've already tried insomnia, overriding applicationSuspend, and using IOHIDEvent instead of UIAccelerometer, but no luck. The app will continue to run with the screen off, the but accelerometer won't run anymore, which means there is something else going on. i'm on the lookout for skilled coders that think they can patch this issue, but i'm not keeping my hopes up too high.
I may have to write an auto-dimming function (if possible) that will darken the screen automatically after a few seconds of inactivity without locking, but i'm not sure.
Thank you to everyone who has supported SynchStep, sorry I couldn't figure things out.
- greg