The new Moto X' highly-touted Active Display functionality is now available for all devices running the latest Android 4.3 thanks to a new app.
Motorola's latest flagship handset, the Moto X, recently launched with bells and whistles, boasting high-end specs, unique functionality and unprecedented customization options.
The Active Display functionality is one of the best new features the Moto X has to offer, as it periodically displays important notifications on the lock screen without requiring any user input. This comes particularly in handy for busy users who don't unlock their phones every five minutes to check for notifications they might have missed.
Thanks to developer niko001 from XDA-Developers, those who can't afford or don't want to get the new Moto X can still enjoy the Active Display functionality on other devices. A new app called ActiveNotifications simulates the Moto X feature, but there's a catch: the app only works for devices running the latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, which means not so many users will be able to try it out.
"It uses the new 'Notification Listener' service introduced in 4.3 and therefore has minimal impact on your battery," explains the app's developer in an XDA-Developers forum thread. "If you own an AMOLED-phone, the 'battery saving' feature should work automatically, since black pixels are simply turned on. The app comes with similar features as the Moto X Active Display (such as not turning on when the device is inside your pocket, purse, or lying face down). Unfortunately, relying on the 4.3 Notification Listener also means that you need a device running Android 4.3 (which are pretty scarce at the moment)."
The developer did mention, however, that he will consider creating a version of the app for older Android builds, provided there is enough interest. Judging by the hype surrounding the Moto X Active Display functionality, interest will most likely not be a problem, which should mean that a version of ActiveNotifications may soon roll out for devices that are not running the latest Android 4.3.
Meanwhile, if you're among the relatively few Android users running on Android 4.3 or custom firmware, you can check out the ActiveNotifications app here.
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