Haven’t seen seen the AA-hack earlier, but found it after your mention. Unfortunately the thread that lists the procedure is not as easy to find. “Alternative to the Samsung Arrival Sensor” comes up on top of the search results, but I didn’t see the link to “Presence Sensor battery upgrade”. Here is a link to the topic:
In any case, the whole thing is sure easy to figure out without any instructions and I didn’t claim to be the first to do it. Just wanted to help others, who are looking for better alternatives to the Samsung’s arrival sensor.
I don’t see why someone can’t make some pocket money on this project building several dozens of these, offering ready product somewhere like an etsy and making $10 profit after the parts and shipping. Buying a soldering iron and solder will cost someone as much as the difference in price, if they don’t already own the tools. I’m sure with lack of will and experience there will be plenty of people who would rather pay $10 more for the ready product rather than doing the work, no matter how simple it is.
It won’t be a business, but a side hobby making a temporary niche product until a big manufacturer starts producing a better sensor. Good project for a teenager.