KDEConnect issues, and how GSConnect works better in that regard

General
1

First off, let me start by saying KDEConnect is a great app and must have for people who want connectivity between their phones and PCs.

On that note, I find that there’s discrepancies and issues when using KDEConnect, and I feel some key features are still missing and no information as to why they haven’t been introduced yet.

The problems:

  1. My desktop does not auto-connect to a locked android phone, unless I unlock it manually. However, it’s the opposite when using GSConnect (Gnome fork of the app)
  2. I don’t see old phone notifications on the drop down panel on my phone sometimes, when sometimes I do, and syncing of notifications is so iffy and 50/50 despite being connected to same wifi and firewall restrictions are off.
  3. Poor integration with xfce, lxqt and gnome in terms of mounting phone folder and seeing files. On lxqt i had to install dolphin just to see my internal storage.

Features I think are needed, but aren’t there yet:

  1. Ability to make calls and receive them, just like phone link and intel unison.
  2. Integrated phone screen mirroring
  3. Ability to see call logs and call history.

I hope the devs address this soon, I’m a casual user so I can only ask for features. I get that I gotta file bug reports, which I did, but idk how to add these features and fix bugs myself because I dont have any technical knowledge.

Thank you

2

From what I remember, some of these features require invasive permissions on android. If those features are added, the app will no longer be allowed on play store. KDE devs want the app in the play store for easy discoverability. So, they have refrained from adding those features.

How does valent work?

3

Oh I see. But then why is phone link allowed on play store when it has the same invasive features? Also why does kdeconnect ask for call log and call permissions when setting up kdeconnect on android, when i cant see any call logs or make calls?

I tried valent once but it didnt work, it had alot of functions missing I dont remember.

4

Microsoft has the money to file an antitrust lawsuit against google. They can say that google gives invasive permissions to gms, but not to their apps. Money speaks, rules bend.

If you want KDE to have money, please donate.

From what I remember, it is needed to show incoming call notifications. Some newer android versions also require it along with the SMS permission. You can check the source code.

5

Thanks for replying.

Isnt the bluetooth feature beta and added a bit recently? Wouldn’t it serve as the precursor to allow calling from PC and call log features in the future? I’m just hoping that’s the case and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the kdeconnect project to add some game changing features. I want to learn some coding and try to step up to the development game and contribute if possible.

I atleast hope the kdeconnect is more streamlined like GSConnect including the additional features like notify battery charge to certain percentage, maintaining connectivity even when PC/phone is locked or in sleep mode, better syncing etc. Just my humble request.

Yes I’m new to linux world, and I know the decorum of feature requests and contribution protocol of open source apps, but I’m really that desperate for calling features as honestly we only have kde connect to help us for this.