HTC

[RogerStenning]

Since upgrading to ICS on my Sensation, I've noticed that the notification volume and ringer volume, previously unlinked, are now irrevocably linked to each other. This is exceedingly irritating - Is there an update on the way to de-link these two volumes, or maybe a free package to do the job without a firmware update?

[James]

Hi RogerStenning,

I have just answered a similar query here regarding volume and have found an app that allows you to change certain volumes to what you need.

Give it a go and let me know how you get on.

James

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[RogerStenning]

Thanks. Downloaded, will let you know how I get on with it.

Roger.

[sbrk]

the 'unlink notification volume from ringer volume' setting is greyed out for me in audiomanager. Vodafone folks, has the notification vol issue been fed back to HTC? I can understand them wanting to simplify their bloated ui but surely not at the expense of useful functionality!

sbrk

[sbrk]

audio manager won't unlink notification vol from ringer for me. Vodafone, can you feed the volume annoyance back to HTC please? now I'm all for them simplifying their bloated ui but not at the expense of needed functionality!

[RogerStenning]

Agreed; Volume manager is a free application, and does not provide unlinking of the ringer and notification volume levels - this is a feature that is apparently only available from the paid-for version. Given that these applications seem to be able to provide separate ringer and notification volume level controls, I would say it's safe to assume that HTC have not removed the controls in the operating system, merely hidden them from the view of the consumer. With this in mind, I would also second sbrk's request that you ask HTC to resolve this frankly stupid linkage of ringer and notification volumes. This 'feature' is spoiling what is otherwise a very good smartphone, and needs to be resolved asap.

[Simon]

Hi sbrk and RogerStenning

Thanks for coming back to us. I've forwarded the details onto to our device teams to see if this can be raised with the manufacturer directly.

I can understand why you would feel that this is frustrating, especially as the functionality has always been there previously.

Thanks

Simon

[EddyOS]

Guys, this is not something for HTC to deal with - Google themselves have changed ICS to have them permanently linked together

Complain to Google

[RogerStenning]

Editied re reply above.

OK, so if HTC aren't responsible for this, how come no-one noticed this damnably stupid 'feature' before? And who at Google do we complain to, and are we likely to get any meaningful result?

[EddyOS]

No idea on who to complain to, but I first noticed it on my Galaxy Nexus...not a big issue for me as I have all my volumes the same unless at night when phone is on silent but I know a lot of other users are a tad annoyed

[RogerStenning]

heh. "A tad annoyed". Nicely put. I think it may well be more along the lines of the teddy having already been stomped on the ground and being about ready to launch their phones into low earth orbit from frustration. I'm not too far off that point myself, lol ;-)

Another thought just popped into my noggin - is there anything to stop me installing a custom *silent* ringtone for notifications, and if so, how do I go about it?

[EddyOS]

Make an MP3 file of silence and then copy it to your SD card and point the phone to it when selecting the alert tone

I think in ICS it's better to put said tone in the 'Notifications' folder that'll be on the SD card

[RogerStenning · Accepted solution]

Eddy -

Many thanks. Until Google come to grips with reality on this, I think this'll be the only viable working solution!

Cheers,

Roger

[EddyOS]

something that may help to an extent is an app I use called AudioGuru - it allows you to set up different volumes but the main ones are linked...might have what you're looking for, though:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jupiterapps.audioguru&hl=en

[RogerStenning]

Eddy -

Thanks for the suggestion; unfortunately, as you said, under ICS the ringer and notification volumes are still linked, so like the other free app suggested above, the problem remains.

The good news is that the silent ringtone for notifications has done the job; I found one on this site - http://www.jetcityorange.com/silent-ringtone/ - and downloaded the ten-second silent MP3 file, placing it in the notifications folder as you suggested; it's worked a treat, so many thanks for the advice on how to do this 

Cheers,

Roger

[j2g]

I've put ICS Enhanced Ringer Control app on my Sensation - it seems to work fine and costs only £1.99 - though I object to having to pay anything just to sort out a Google b....s up

[EddyOS]

Looks good, that - if a little basic in it's looks. Would be nice for it to be made in the 'Halo' theme Google are wanting people to use

[j2g]

I'm not too worried so long as it works!  The guy who's written it seems to keen on getting feedback and suggestions for improvements

[dj-lover]

For notification I just switch off the sound-Phone still rings for calls but silient for notifications when I'm at work. Go into the text main screen, press menu, settings, notifications and untick play notification sound. I too find it annoying I cant just turn it down but I'm not going to pay for the app....