App Appearing blank if not full screen on lap-dock (Android + Samsung DeX)

[KGingeri]

I use Samsung's DeX and AppSheet apps on many devices.  One is a Dopesplay lapdock wired or wireless to my phone.  However, my apps only work if made full screen in DeX Mode on the lapdock.  If I resize the app to a window, the app goes blank.  I see the refresh image for a split second, then blank. 

Interestingly, apps do appear fine on my phone, even if split screened.  Apps also work as expected on my Samsung S6 tablet, in DeX mode.  I can run them, resize, or do whatever and they appear fine.

I know this is a bit of an abnormal setup, but wondering if anyone else has run into this and fixed it or if anyone may have a suggestion or things to try?

[WillowMobileSys]

What browser is being used?  Is the device and browser all up to date version-wise?  Have you tried clearing cache - if thats an option?

Try scrolling to see if maybe the content is out of view?

Also, note that AppSheet can detect mobile devices versus desktop and will use the display version based on that detection.  I am wondering if the app thinks its on a desktop.  I would trying switching the Desktop Mode between legacy and the newly released Desktop Mode.  If you are not familiar with this, you'll find a setting in the General section for "Desktop Mode". 

I hope this helps!

[KGingeri]

Thanks @WillowMobileSys ... Yes all are up to date as much as possible.  Chrome is the browser, unless DeX is somehow using the Samsung Browser - hmmmmm!  I'll investigate that more.  Scrolling or clicking has no action at all in the app. If I resize the window, I get the background image momentarily, but then blank (see below).  The task running (see the icon below in the screenshot) just says it's AppSheet and not a browser so not certain how I would tell if it not using Chrome.  Not sure if I can upload a video - maybe I'll try that.

EDIT: Actually, it does seem the app is active in the window as I get mouse cursor changes as I floa over it.  So the app is there, just not rendering - unless I go full screen.

[WillowMobileSys]

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@KGingeri wrote:

EDIT: Actually, it does seem the app is active in the window as I get mouse cursor changes as I floa over it.  So the app is there, just not rendering - unless I go full screen.

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Did you try switching the Desktop Mode?  Or clearing the Chrome cache?

[KGingeri]

No I will look into your link re desktp mode.  I do use that for most things including the AppSheet editor.  Cache cleared yes.  But I can try again s well.  It'll e a bit untill I can get back to this, but I'll report back soon.  Thanks Again!

[KGingeri]

Ok @WillowMobileSys ... So I did have Desktop Mode off (under AppSheet -> General settings), but having on or off made no difference. 

Re cache, the app isn't running in a browser, it's using AppSheet to run.  Unless I don't understand how it's implemented. If it is browser based underneath, how would I clear cache for the app? 

BTW, if I "Preview with device sizes" in browser via the menu shown below, it works fine in all sizes - in DeX.  Mind you it is shown within the browser page, not chrome-less...

[WillowMobileSys]

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@KGingeri wrote:

Re cache, the app isn't running in a browser, it's using AppSheet to run.

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I suggested "browser" only because it seems to be a different machine setup and that "Maybe" AppSheet thinks it is a desktop.

When "using AppSheet to run", this typically means AppSheet is using a "host" container app to run the web app inside of.  For Apple devices, an actual iOS app is run as the host.  On Android devices, an Android specific app hosts the web app.

Looking at your image of the "blank app" it seems to me that is itself a "container".  Though I am not that familiar with Android apps and what that container looks like.  Regardless, I am wondering if there is a DeX container hosting an Android container hosting the web app.  If so then I have to wonder if there is some incompatibility with the particular use case you are highlighting?

I am out of ideas at this point!

[KGingeri]

Right @WillowMobileSys - I think you are likely right. DeX is a different "animal". 🙃 
I'll see if I can find out more about it is a container within a container or just how DeX works. 

I might try setting the default browser back to the Samsung browser and see if that makes any difference. However, it may use that browser regardless of what is default. For instance, I cannot use Google's Gboard in DeX. Only the Samsung keyboard. 🤔

Really appreciate the attempted assistance @WillowMobileSys 👍🙂

[KGingeri]

I did a general cache clear for all things Google (appSheet wasn't an option) and still no difference.  Blank app when not full screen.

[KGingeri · Accepted solution]

SOLVED!  @WillowMobileSys you were on the right track, accept I needed to clear data for the app (AppSheet Android app) not browsers. 

    Settings -> Apps -> AppSheet -> Storage -> Clear data  &  Clear cache

     

So the Android app must be a web app container that holds info like the browser.  Anyway, I clear both the cache and the data, which deleted shotcuts I had set up, for both apps I use.  I needed to go in again on the web view (Chrome), call up the apps and re-setup the shortcuts, but now they work fine, even when resized!!