I'm making this thread both to share what I feel are good apps and to discover other apps for myself. I have not installed Dexters 2.2 or rooted yet (though I intend to) so I'm not going to list anything that requires it, but feel free to do so yourself.
So:
Lockscreen: GOTO Lockscreen. I saw this a while back but never actually checked it out. It was featured on DroidLife today so I decided to check it out now and it's great. Great, elegant look to it, great functionality as well. I've been using WidgetLocker for ages and it doesn't compare. There were some issues at first but after rebooting everything seems to work perfectly for the most part(I saw someone mention this as well in the comments so I did it). It's also on sale right now. Might be a bit of a drain on battery.
HomeLauncher: LauncherPro (Plus). I love the look and functionality of this and most of all, the widgets (which are greatly enhanced by Signal's themes -that can be found in Android Themes section). Truth be told, ADW (/ADW EX) probably has more options and functionality at this time (and you can use Colorize Widgets app to replace LP widgets for free). For now ADW might be better, though I'm just waiting for LauncherPro rewrite to happen (going so slowly). GoLauncher as well is fantastic. As is Zeam. There are many great options right now (and so many more on the horizon).
Whatever the case, something that is crucial when using one of these (at least for me) is to select the option to "Keep in memory." I think all of the above have that option (not sure about Zeam). My biggest issue with launchers is that my screen always redraws itself so much (this is a problem with XT720 stock launcher as well), so I have to wait forever for my icons and widgets to load itself, which is really annoying. I've tried things to reduce it, but the only thing that ever got rid of it was to select that option. Now using LP with that option and no lags at all.
I also recommend getting home switcher for easy switching between launchers.
EDIT: SPB Shell 3D
Keyboard:
Stock XT720 keyboard isn't bad (for me). I tend to alternate between that and Swype. I prefer stock keyboard for use in landscape mode. Once I'm rooted I plan to install that app that lets you choose a keyboard for portrait mode (i.e that would be Swype for me) and another in landscape (stock).
EDIT: Stock Gingerbread keyboard
Music Player:
Stock is decent, but nothing special really. I do like the album cover flow in landscape mode though. I alternate between that and Connected music player, which is the ripped music player from the atrix and droid bionic I believe (I'm not sure where to get it since that thread has since been locked). Winamp is also pretty good. PowerAmp has a lot of features, but you get annoying popups after two weeks unless you buy the full version ($5). I'd love to know what others use.
Some apps specifically use stock music player so that's another reason I use stock. i.e. when using GoTo lockscreen, the lockscreen changes when you're playing music to give you music player controls, but only seems to do when using stock music player.
EDIT: Google Music/ PowerAmp
Browser:
Stock is not that great. Has that nice bookmark cover flow in landscape mode, but in terms of functionality there are better ones. I use Dolphin Browser HD now (blue theme). Best UI for browser out there currently imo. A lot of people seem to love Miren and Dolphin Browser mini, for reasons I can't understand (everyone says they are super fast but I never notice any difference on my already fast browser).
EDIT: Opera Mobile
Games:
Really loving Stupid Zombies right now, it's a lot of fun (though has slow loading times). Ninjump is great for quick little fun. Angry birds also remains fun, though repetitive. Would love to see what else runs great on XT720.
Customization/Widgets/:
Beautiful Widgets is great and has a huge range of themed clocks and toggles. The recently introduced "Super Clock" was a great improvement. So much customization with this. Colorize Widget is great if you're using something other than LauncherPro, Signals has themes for it also. Widgetsoid and MySettings, are great for quick access to settings.
Task Switching:
SwipePad is just phenomenal and has a great UI, I recommend you check it out if you don't have it already. Together with long press on home button, I have amazing task switching going on.
File Explorer:
File Explorer is a must for me on my XT720. It's how you can install APKs and browse your sdcard and everything and change things easily. ES File Explorer is great for that and has a nice UI.
There's more that I wanted to add I'm sure, but here's this for now. Feel free to share what apps you use on your XT720.
I really like Zeam mainly for the small footprint & speed, I've used LPP & the widgets are very cool. My preferred keyboard is SwiftKey, once you use it for a while the predictive text feature is really nice. I'm still using the stock browser, that along with ChromeMarks gives me access to all my desktop bookmarks. For music I've got MusicMod (Froyo) for the widgets & the MIUI music app. I'd also recommend SIMI Clock (Time, weather & battery level in 1 1x4 widget & a built in launcher) & SIMI folder widget. I also find SwiFTP very usefull, just fire up the FTP on the phone & copy files between the phone & my pc without a USB cable.
Lockscreen: default--dexter froyo
HomeLauncher: GoLauncherEX---no lags n a lot of options.....nice interface
Keyboard: swype---easy n handy
Music Player:winamp---no equalizer but fast n flexible
i ll recommend mixzing also.
Games:angry birds, world`s hardest game, fruit ninja, ninjump, soccerball, drop,pinball deluxe, brick breaker---all f em addictive
File Explorer:andrpzip, astro
Tools-- android assistant, set cpu---both help a lot in makin ure phone fast n unlaggy
Great post. I loved some of the suggestions.
Customization/Widgets/:
I use Sense Analog Clock. It gives me SD Storage, Internal Storage, Internal Memory, Battery Level and Temperature in one place. Edit: it gives me weather, time, lunar phase (even tough I don't use that info) and quick access to my alarms as well.
Music Player:
Because of the media scan bug, I've tested loads of music players. Most of the players based on folder navigation did not impress me. So I chose the simplest one for now: Gtunes. Once the media scan is back to business, I intend to come back to stock or winamp.
BTW, where do I get Connected music player?
Games:
Andoku is a must have for Sudoku lovers.
I'm starting to play Pocket Legends, but I don't see it getting very amusing in the near future...
Memory Trainer is nice if you wanna test yourself.
Misc:
Pulse - for news
Evernote - for note taking and journal
Gtasks - to synchronize my gmail tasks
AppMonster - to save my apps
Looking for:
A good personal finance app with online support. Unfortunately, Mint doesn't work down here.
just a reminder guys, before some one gets in trouble
no reference to WAREZ related apps here on XDA
it's the XDA Forum rules
aCCleaner
clear the cache nicely. worth a try.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.a0soft.gphone.aCCleaner.free
hello, from argentina ,for radio app ?
very good. thx u
What about a boot animation changer? I tried BAC lite and it disabled my touch screen and I had to do a recovery to get it back. I am using the CBW update and universal androot on my 720. Thanks for any suggestions
Browser
Opera mobile
Why I download from many sites and no fail on downloading.
Launcher
Go launcher 2.31 beta great 3d and many launcher.
Filemanager
Efile work good for me.
Radio
Tunein radio best radio around.
Sent from my XT720 using XDA Premium App
By far the best app for me is Absolute system, it's paid but has so many goodies and is super well supported!
Just about the first app I install after Titanium Backup is Quick Settings and set it to have a status bar shortcut with hidden icon.
I have 186 apps installed on my phone, but those are my favorite:
Top 50:
aCalendar - cool looking
Adobe Reader
Alarm Clock Xtreame - ascending alarm
ALYac Adnroid Antivirus - best looking antivirus with awesome preformance also
AppBrain App Market - find it useful
Angry Birds - fun game
Battery Doctor - overcharging battery before calibration
BattStatt -Widget
BobClockD3 - Widget
Broken Screen - To [email protected]#$ your friends
CacheMate - easy to use cache cleaner
Call Faker - for annoying people
Catch Notes - Never used it, but I still find it useful
Compass
Desktop VisualizeR
Digitally Imported Radio - DI.fm app
ES File Explorer
Fancy Widget
Flash Player
Font Changer
Glow Hockey 2 - Game
Labyrinth - Game
LauncherPro Plus
Lyrics App
MissedIt! - widget
MoboPlayer - video player
Notepad
Optimize ToolBox - awesome app
QR Droid - barcode scanner
Quadrant Standart Edition
Robotek - Game
Root Explorer
SetCPU
ShakyTower - Game
Shazam - music finder
ShootMe - I like ShootIt! Trail more, but don't know why it seem to capture only black screen now
SiMi Clock Pro - widget
SoundHound - music finder
Skype
Stop Skype
SwithPro Widget
System Info Widget
SystemApp Remover
TeamViewer - Manage your PC from phone
The Worlds Most Pointless App
Titanium Backup
TuneIn Radio
Unit Converter
XDA-Developers app
Zedge
P.S.: Almost forgot - Battery Calibration... awesome app after flashing new ROM. (Thanks Mioze for letting me know it.)
P.S.P.S: Lockscreen Widget pro too...
OriginalLucy said:
What about a boot animation changer? I tried BAC lite and it disabled my touch screen and I had to do a recovery to get it back. I am using the CBW update and universal androot on my 720. Thanks for any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolute system has many excellent tool, boot animation downloader included.
It's a paid app, but totally worth it Sherry, euh i mean Lucy .
I really like the functionality of "BusyMe (Lite)" which automatically set your ringer to vibrate (or: to quiet) during meetings on your Google Calendar and then return to normal afterwards.
No more hassle due to phone calls during meetings ;-))
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.fernandodunn.android.busyme.lite
Taken quite a while for this thread to get any attention.
Some more apps:
Pulse
Speed X 3D
Afroid (XT720 light)
Apparatus
Cover Art Downloader
Androidify
Google+
SPB Time (I love this alarm clock though it's $6 as opposed to $2 when I bought it)
PowerAmp (really looking forward to the massive V2 update)
OriginalLucy said:
What about a boot animation changer? I tried BAC lite and it disabled my touch screen and I had to do a recovery to get it back. I am using the CBW update and universal androot on my 720. Thanks for any suggestions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had this problem too. Really annoying. The home screen would come up and the touch screen did nothing. I was finally able to get a different bootup screen, but I had to work through a couple before I found one that wouldn't have that problem. I'm currently using the one where the apple logo is displayed and then pulled off the screen by our favorite android sporting a red and white stripped suit.
I noticed a couple things while messing around with it:
1- the boot animation sounds never worked for me
2- If I tried copying over larger boot anims, I would run out of space, but the CLI never told me that, so only part would be copied. (I think this has to do with the memhack/cache tweak)
3- When the touch screen went out I would just use ADB to recopy the original bootanim, then restart and then touchscreen would work again. (Save you a recovery).
In the end, I had to put a smaller file size on there but it's better than that eyeball bootanim, that was freaking me out lol.
With Dexter's Froyo installed and Gingerbread theme upgrade
So:
Lockscreen:
See Music Player
HomeLauncher:
LauncherPro (Plus), Launcher7(I simply enjoy it for being slick, and its status bar, but with a black status bar from gingerbread I've no need for it anymore.)
Slidescreen, this is a beautiful launcher that can also be ran as an app overlaying your current launcher.
If you simply want information, details stats, this is the one for you
Slide screen is slick and its advertisement for the free version, is an add to get the paid version.
sidenote--Home Switcher for Froyo
Keyboard:
Better Keyboard 8
Music Player:
Cloud Skipper
Serves as both a very accessible player and has its own lock screen with full access to the player itself upon hitting the unlock key.
Browser:
Opera Mini
xScope
Games:
Fruit Slice (not my slice of pie but some may like it, ran well)
Glow Hockey (Great game, if it supports vs over wifi, then wow)
Hex Defense (Plays like defense Grid)
Ninja Dash
Ninjump
Pew Pew (was interesting, but a little awkward for me)
Return Zero (interesting racer, and not too taxing on the system either)
Speedx 3D
YooNinja
Customization:
Metamorph is what i use for themes at the moment. May change to something else later on.
File Explorer:
OI File manager
I love saving space, and OI looks simple and efficient and runs extremely smooth.
Media Player:
Mobo Player
Management:
1-Click Clear
Appkik
As for games and excess apps, the ones that can't be ran from SD i backup with Appkik for later use to free up memory and space on the phone.
@ OriginalLucy
I used the following two videos for switching the boot animation
Search youtube for:
ANDROID Boot Animation (How-To Change It)
CyanogenMod Boot Animation
Got it running to replace that really bad boot animation from Dexter's Froyo
Great rom but the Boot animation was driving me bonkers.
Hope this helps out.
An easy way to change your boot animations is set up a folder on your SD card named Boot Animations and put the zip in there. Then go into /system/media and copy the original and put it on your SD card in case something ever happens and you can replace it with the original. Take your new boot animation and just replace the one that is in /system/media and reboot.
Obviously make a back up before you do this b/c not all work well.
Also watch your size. While they do look cool, some take up a ton of space.
wondering why no one mentioned some of these:
- "LBE privacy guard" --> control & take away the rights of your apps, e.g. don't allow facebook to access your contacts or send SMS , in my opinion one of the best apps so far. only for rooted devices!
- "history eraser"
- for users in Germany: "Öffi" -> great app for public transport, in germany we call it "öffentliche Nahverkehrsmittel"
- SMS Backup & Restore
- Titanium Backup
- WhatsApp -> like SMS , but works via internet connection and sends messages via internet -> no costs for sms
Related
Hello,
Again, here's a list of apps I could not be without, or run, on a day to day basis.
Mostly originally gleaned fro Modaco, but again these are ones I personally use not just a ripped list.
Pauls (Modaco) Custom Rom with small taskbar (makes the Vega truly Useful and priceworthy)
VISIONary+ (to fully root the Vega ( I though it already was rooted, but to get some proggies working V+ helped me out) For me a "fire and forget" program.
Button Savior - Couldn't imagine using the Vega without this. Creates on screen buttons such as home/back/settings etc etc. really useful on a Vega. Not as customisable as Id like, but still amazing.
AndroZip - for those pesky rar files
Cache Cleaner - frees up some room
Beautiful Widgets - some pretty widegets to liven your experience
Launcher Pro Plus - A nice cheap UI (apparently ADW is groovy, but I cant comment on that)
Lookout Anti Virus - hmmm a difficult one this, I use it to no ill effect, but is it really needed at this time? Anyhoo, Works Ok for me.
Titanium Backup - Backup your apps and settings.
Dropbox - Share files over a "cloud"
Dolphin Browser HD - not perfect but a good browser to use instead of stock.
Thats if for now, feel free to tell me im wrong or if you prefer alternatives.
rgds
LoK
I love 'newsrob' for reading my Google Reader feed, also loving 'fish bowl photoviewer beta' for a nice way of viewing images. It has a great deal of promise and is beautiful!
Pulse for RSS, a lovely app.
Thumb Keyboard for the less stingy users, it really is a brilliant keyboard and only costs ~£0.83
HandMemoWriter for handwritten notes
Hello all
Pulse is indeed a great fullscreen app, but I often find the widget doesnt update/work and also is an odd size (3 rather than 4 "blocks" and wont resize well in launcher pro plus.
But, as a full screen app is quite nifty, if a little sensitive, but thats a vega issue rather than Pulses fault.
Ive not heard of 'fish bowl photoviewer beta' but when less drunk, will look it up!
Also, what does Thumb Keyboard do differently? Im a thumb typer on me vega with stock keyboard, as that seems best way to compose. Tell me more.
rgds
LoK
Swiftkey - great keyboard and not too expensive, works well on the vega
Miren Browser - Free browser,fantastic UI
Comic reader mobi - works great, but not free.
Folder organizer - i think is a must to organize apps into folders, again not free.
IMDB - Great for quick movie reference.
Power Amp - Better than the stock music player, but not free.
Skype - works great, just no video calling
WiFi Buddy - To enable the extra wifi channels as well as other tweaks.
Wiimote controller - use wii controller for games.
Can anyone post any screenshots of that "button saviour" app working on a vega?
Lennyuk said:
Can anyone post any screenshots of that "button saviour" app working on a vega?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't post any screenies at the minute but what it does is super-impose a 'menu' button on the edge of the screen and this is visible in all applications - you choose which edge and where abouts to appear. When you press on this, you get your Savoiur menu that gives close, back, menu, etc buttons.
This is an invaluable app as if you have an app that hangs, you can simply use button saviour, go home & kill the running apps. I also use it to bring up menu options in apps / games that don't have a programmed button as they are expecting the user to have / use a physical keyboard button.
Maxi_pack said:
Can't post any screenies at the minute but what it does is super-impose a 'menu' button on the edge of the screen and this is visible in all applications - you choose which edge and where abouts to appear. When you press on this, you get your Savoiur menu that gives close, back, menu, etc buttons.
This is an invaluable app as if you have an app that hangs, you can simply use button saviour, go home & kill the running apps. I also use it to bring up menu options in apps / games that don't have a programmed button as they are expecting the user to have / use a physical keyboard button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks might check it out when I get home then
For me it's:
-ADW Launcher EX, as it's very customisable, with smooth 3d transitions (paid)
-Quick settings
-Dolphin browser mini - is fast at loading webpages, even with flash, and has many settings and options available
-Root explorer (Needs root) (paid)
-Spare parts
-Fish bowl photo viewer beta
-Adfree - blocks all ads in browsing and applications. (Needs root)
And many more!
I find adw launcher works really well, tried go but it doesn't seem suited to tablets.
smart keyboard pro works much better than the stock keyboard.
button Savior is great, really useful.
love the fish bowl photo viewer.
I use Miren browser, it's not perfect on the tablet yet but I've set the user agent to chrome and it works well.
swarm torrent
the 3rd one i tried, got 500kbps on the same torrent file...works well and will keep it (unless anybody else can suggest another...hate just installing stuff without some kind of review)
astro
its a must i think. put shortcuts to downloads, torrent downloads and my data all on a desktop panel...works really well
snesoid, nesoid
works great, still to try with the wiimote
launcher pro
i use this on my hd2 so quite familiar with it. sluggish when first starting, but after 15 seconds or so its fine.
ive not tried mini gore on the vega yet, but im addicted to it on my hd2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvGR0JQtfXg
if its works let me know so I can send it to my friend
bakedecake said:
I use Miren browser, it's not perfect on the tablet yet but I've set the user agent to chrome and it works well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this edited version of Miren Browser and set useragent to iPad for better viewing on tablet
After reading it on here I have to say I was sceptical about the use of "button saviour" but I tried it on the recommendations anyway.
Its a great app, very well thought through and designed, I may have to purchase the pro to remove the bits I don't need to use but its a clever idea.
Everyone should check it out
Been using Button Savior for awhile now yes and paid the 80 odd pence to remove the buttons I don't need. The author of the application is looking to add a button to bring up the software keyboard for sites like Google Docs.
Cheers
remlap said:
Been using Button Savior for awhile now yes and paid the 80 odd pence to remove the buttons I don't need. The author of the application is looking to add a button to bring up the software keyboard for sites like Google Docs.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
works really well, but when i turn landscape it get in the way of launcher pros dock.
fracmo2000 said:
works really well, but when i turn landscape it get in the way of launcher pros dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such problems here, mine is set to be on the centre left of the screen.
remlap said:
No such problems here, mine is set to be on the centre left of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too, that's definitely the best place for it, unless you prefer to put it somewhere else.
Just installed the Button Savior as well, and I love it. Especially the Recent Apps menu, that's one I've really missed on the Advent Vega.
Other apps I use:
- iSyncr to synchronise iTunes playlists with my tablet
- Swiftkey keyboard, prefer it above the regular keyboard.
- QuickOffice (paid), to create Word/Excel/etc documents and sync them with my google docs account
Hi All,
Please share all details here to make our Xperia ARC more awesome
To start I can suggest some:
- Arcmedia to play almost all video formats with subtitles
https://market.android.com/details?id=sns.arcMedia.playerInterface.arm6&feature=search_result
- ezPDFReader best reader I came across with page flip option
https://market.android.com/details?id=udk.android.reader&feature=search_result
WidgetLocker Customise your LockScreen
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.teslacoilsw.widgetlocker
Where is my droid power See what has the highest battery consumption
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.tools.power
Power strip Really handy to change a config when in a app
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.intuitit.android.p.powerstrip
SwitchPro Customisable power controls
https://market.android.com/details?id=alei.switchpro
The obvious ones have got to be the alternative launchers.
If you can live without the TimeScape widget, they give you so much more customisability...
LauncherPro, ADW Launcher, Zeam and Go Launcher seem to be the most popular.
Power Amp for audio playback is a must.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.maxmpz.audioplayer
talking about launchers, check the new Regina 3D-launcher (its free & different)
http://www.appbrain.com/app/regina-3d-launcher/com.nemustech.regina
Wave Launcher Stylish & Really handy to access an app when in another app
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mobilemerit.wavelauncher&feature=search_result
xperiax10.awesome said:
talking about launchers, check the new Regina 3D-launcher (its free & different)
http://www.appbrain.com/app/regina-3d-launcher/com.nemustech.regina
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like a copy of the SPB 3D shell.
Timescape isn't really that useful. I just gave a couple refreshes then removed it. Way better launchers.
arcanixX said:
Timescape isn't really that useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used it just for facebook and quite liked it.
Sure, it didn't really do much in terms of functionality but I love the UI.
If I could use it along with an alternative launcher, I would.
But in the end the limitations of the SE launcher were too much and I gave it up.
Why cant we have some application to capture mobile screenshot??
We have an option in Home++ launcher!!
Is there any way to bring this into DEVs notice..
Guys Timescape isnt a launcher anymore. Its just an app. It has no integration whatsoever. I think the default launcher is poweful enough though.
se_dude said:
Guys Timescape isnt a launcher anymore. Its just an app. It has no integration whatsoever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two are tied together.
If you install an alternative launcher, the TimeScape widget isn't available.
xperiax10.awesome said:
- Arcmedia to play almost all video formats with subtitles
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Late to this thread but on Arcmedia...unless i'm doing something wrong, it sucks bigtime. Haven't found a video that plays properly with it yet. Not even the ones that came with the Arc.
Maybe it's the paid version that works properly? (unfortunately I can't buy apps from the market as my country is not yet supported)
KP_ said:
Late to this thread but on Arcmedia...unless i'm doing something wrong, it sucks bigtime. Haven't found a video that plays properly with it yet. Not even the ones that came with the Arc.
Maybe it's the paid version that works properly? (unfortunately I can't buy apps from the market as my country is not yet supported)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
moboplayer does a good job for me
Makenboshi said:
moboplayer does a good job for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1! MoboPlayer the best so far.
arcanixX said:
+1! MoboPlayer the best so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not sure why u all are not happy with Arcmedia, for me its the best, which version u guys are using? (mine is v1.100)
With Moboplayer I am not able to play the .avi files downloaded for season Prison Break, the same files are working fine with Arcmedia (and Vital Player also)
xperiax10.awesome said:
I am not sure why u all are not happy with Arcmedia, for me its the best, which version u guys are using? (mine is v1.100)
With Moboplayer I am not able to play the .avi files downloaded for season Prison Break, the same files are working fine with Arcmedia (and Vital Player also)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lags and bad encoding for karaoke subtitle
rock player - still the best for avi, divx and so on...
Some good launchers and stuff
Extended controls! A app that is like the power control widget.
A super .....F*ck it...here is the original description :
The best widget to easy extend and customize the "android" settings.
Extended controls is THE MUST HAVE APP for every Android user. It provides a totally customizable widgets, many advanced settings for any widget (more than 30 toggles each).
Extended Controls provides user-friendly graphic interface and a easy configuration manager.
With its features user can customize his widgets and he can beautify his fantastic Android smartphone.
* NEWS: Released a new Icons theme, search for: EC.Theme *
To translate in your language go to
Features:
Custom backgrounds (you can choose from your gallery or download a set of backgrounds from the web);
Change Widgets transparency;
A lot of different icons;
Edit exists widgets;
Customizable colors;
Customizable labels;
Enable/Disable dividers;
Label colors;
Different widgets size (over 10 toggle for any single widget);
Different indicator type (standard or circular)
Advanced features:
Widgets in notification bar;
Possibility to remove widgets size from android menu;
Disable static indicator;
Show wallpaper in widget configuration;
Widget preview of your widget on configuration activity
Profiles mode:
Only app that saves your widgets and allow you to load it whenever you want!!!!
As we know Android provides a widget that allows you to enable or disable these settings: WiFi,Bluetooth,GPS,Sync,Brightness.
Don’t you think that the widget is insufficient since we use other settings more than these above? With Extended Controls, Android Power Widget can be improved allowing users to add main settings:
- 2G-3G (Shortcut + label network)
- 4G Toggle (WiMAX for EVO)
- APN (Renaming APN or Direct Mode)
- Wifi (with indicator label)
- Bluetooth
- Brightness (High customization, with custom seekbar, label percentage, native mode)
- Direct GPS (No shortcut)
- Auto Sync
- Auto Rotate
- Airplane Mode (Fly mode)
- SD Scanner
- Silent Mode
- Vibration Mode
- Timeout (customizable with label)
- Stay Awake toggle
- Torch (Nexus One, Samsung Galaxy S, HTC Desire, HTC Legend, Sony Ericsson X10mini, Sony Ericsson X10, Motorola DroidX, Motorola Droid, Milestone, Verizon etc...)
- Mount USB
- AlwaysOn feature
- AutoLock
- Reboot (only for root users!! bootloader, normal or fastboot, confirm dialog)
- Battery (image, percentage or image percentage; color label)
- Locale
- Hotspot Wifi
- USB Tether
- LockPattern
- AudioManager (Switch directly from mute, vibration and normal mode)
- Lock Screen (turn your screen off)
- Direct Shortcut app (All activities or applications)
- Haptic feedback
- Volume manager
- Shutdown
Launchers:
Launcher Pro:
A speedy fast launcher! Great scrolling and somewhat customizable. BTW: I even use this as my default launcher for my ancient mytouch 3g.
ADW launcher:
ADW.Launcher, beyond tweaking your android desktop
Opensource home replacement app
-Customizable application drawer (old one or iphone/galaxy one)
-Customizable drag&drop action buttons
-Unveil the Dockbar flicking-up the app-drawer button and drop UNLIMITED shortcuts/folders!
-Themes
Tips:
-Read the changelogs and the application blog.
-To change your screen configuration, press Menu/Edit while at the desktop
-To create your own app drawer launcher button just press Menu/Add/Launcher Actions/Open app drawer
-Be polite, this is a free app
Games
Here are some of my favorite games:
reckless racing: a really fun racing game with amazing physics
alchemy: a fun game where you mix together different elemets to make over 200 things:
Angry birds: u know, self explanitory
PewPewewPew? A shooter with perfect gameplay, sweet retro graphics, and very high fps
PewPew is a multidirectional shoot them up akin to Geometry Wars. Expect retro graphics, megatons of enemies, and a frame rate rarely achieved by other games (check video).
On the other hand, don't expect a story: this game is for serious gamers.
Can knock down 2: Great on the tablet, a very nice game where you throw balls at cans. ( Thats what she said). Very addicting!
Those are some of the games i like! (I might add somemore)
I recently installed CM7 on my touchpad, and I had a few questions for those using android. I have an android phone so I'm pretty familiar, but many applications are not optimized for tablets, landscape or just the resolution. What are some tips or suggestions you all have.
1. Laucher : using go right now, but I'm not liking it too much. Most launchers don't play well with the horizontal orientation, or the bottom taskbar.
2. Phone calling: I would love to be able to make calls though google voice or something. I like gmail calling on my computer, but I'm not sure that will work. I have skype but would like something free. I use ooma at home but their app is expensive and has bad reviews.
3. Weather: I already have enough trouble finding a weather app for my phone, but most don't seem to work in landscape.
4. Market : there seems to be a lot of incompatible apps, even amazon mobile. I tried the market fix but no luck.
5. Keyboard : I'm using SwiftKey x tablet right now and love it, but woud like to hear other people's suggestions.
Thanks,
-Keith
Thumb keyboard is outstanding. Was free app of day from Amazon a while back
Sent by Logo the turtle
Launcher - I have tried them all and I always come back to the stock ADW that comes with CM7 because it is the most configurable and generally works well in landscape mode. I also use the ICS theme to get the buttons and status bar more to my liking.
Phone Calling - CM7 is still in Alpha so some stuff still does not work.
Weather - Don't know what you are looking for in a Weather app or widget but I use the 3D Digital Weather Clock for local weather (tap on the Sun/Moon to get the 5 day forecast). There are a ton of things out there.
Market - I guess I haven't had a problem with anything that I have needed or wanted. You could try programs like LCD Resolution or LCD Density and change it to 200 to see if more stuff shows up in the market for you.
Keyboard - Thumb is great.
market 3.3.11 works just fine for me
Hello
I'm looking for a music player app that actually looks good on a tablet.
I've tried MixZing, PowerAmp and such, but haven't found any that are tablet optimized and have good features.
I'd prefer one with a widget that could take up an entire home screen on the Prime (8x5 I believe?) and one that has a lockscreen player.
I hope someone can help me out
- Moon
I'm curious about this too. The one thing google needs to do a better job with is these native Android apps, it should be fairly easy to make something that competes with "iPod" app in iOS, it's not like it's something special
I think the best one is "musicXmatch"
I really like the look of it and you can see the lyrics of nearly every song!
Stocki96 said:
I think the best one is "musicXmatch"
I really like the look of it and you can see the lyrics of nearly every song!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried MusixXMatch, and there are literally about 8 options, 5 of them are related to headsets.
The biggest widget is 3x1 and is just pause and next track buttons, and there is no lockscreen player at all.
Thanks for your idea, but I'll keep looking.
IMO the best player with plenty of options & settings (inc equalizer), decent widget (even if not full screen - if there are any full screen widgets?), plays many file types and has the lock screen controls you want is Poweramp.
I don't know if there is a difference between the free and paid versions but I have the paid and it's been worth every penny.
TremF said:
IMO the best player with plenty of options & settings (inc equalizer), decent widget (even if not full screen - if there are any full screen widgets?), plays many file types and has the lock screen controls you want is Poweramp.
I don't know if there is a difference between the free and paid versions but I have the paid and it's been worth every penny.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried PowerAmp trial version off the play store, and the lockscreen player forced it into portrait mode (horrible), and the good looks and properly sized/fitted buttons that I know from having it on my phone is completely DESTROYED on my Prime tablet.
If the full version works otherwise, or I've missed something, could you please post a screenshot or two of your PowerAmp on your tablet?
I don't have an app to take screenshots of the lock screen but the player takes up a decent space on the left of the screen with album art and controls with your unlock slider etc to the right of the screen.
I use my Prime docked mostly and the lock screen displays landscape as normal for me.
I have attached other screenshots of the app...
TremF said:
I don't have an app to take screenshots of the lock screen but the player takes up a decent space on the left of the screen with album art and controls with your unlock slider etc to the right of the screen.
I use my Prime docked mostly and the lock screen displays landscape as normal for me.
I have attached other screenshots of the app...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I saw in the PowerAmp options, there are 2 different lockscreen players.
There's 1 where it makes it own lockscreen, with quite beautiful buttons and art, and cover art pictures, and its own little button to press for unlocking the device (This one was forced into portrait mode for me when I tried it)
And then there's the other one, smaller one, where it adds an overlay to the left of the center in the normal lockscreen, with a little box where the cover art / simple buttons are in. (works fine in landscape mode)
Which one are you using?
And a little side question, what Launcher are you using on the 4th screenshot you posted? Nova? Trebuchet? Or?
Moonbloom said:
From what I saw in the PowerAmp options, there are 2 different lockscreen players.
There's 1 where it makes it own lockscreen, with quite beautiful buttons and art, and cover art pictures, and its own little button to press for unlocking the device (This one was forced into portrait mode for me when I tried it)
And then there's the other one, smaller one, where it adds an overlay to the left of the center in the normal lockscreen, with a little box where the cover art / simple buttons are in. (works fine in landscape mode)
Which one are you using?
And a little side question, what Launcher are you using on the 4th screenshot you posted? Nova? Trebuchet? Or?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use the ICS lock screen option which displays landscape. I tried Poweramps built in lock screen and it did as you said and switched to portrait. I like the ICS lockscreen option though - just places the album art and basic controls on the left of the screen with the time and date.
The launcher I am using is ADWLauncher Ex.
PowerAmp will give you the best sound in Android, by far.
If your issue is only the lockscreen, you could try Widgetlocker. I have it on my Android phones and it is AMAZING. It has an ICS locker (look 100% the same, but let you customize Widgets on it and extra options for the unlocker.)
It drains no battery at all, but I have not tried it on my Prime. I will try it out and report back
I prefer PlayerPro. It has all the options you could wish for, has several skins you can choose to make it look the way you want and it is able to use the stock android lockscreen widget. Widgets for homescreens come in various sizes, the biggest is about one quarter of a page imho.
It also downloads Pictures for you artists automatically that makes the player look really nice. I guess its on par with PowerAmp but underrated
clouds5 said:
I prefer PlayerPro. It has all the options you could wish for, has several skins you can choose to make it look the way you want and it is able to use the stock android lockscreen widget. Widgets for homescreens come in various sizes, the biggest is about one quarter of a page imho.
It also downloads Pictures for you artists automatically that makes the player look really nice. I guess its on par with PowerAmp but underrated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What makes PowerAmp stand out is the AMAZING audio quality it has. If you turn on EQ, apply the correct settings the sound is mind blowing. It does consume CPU tho, quite a bit if you put it to sound how it was made to, but totally worth it.
Player pro is better than power amp imo. Has a fantastic equalizer and just works.
I'd say go for PlayerPro, its really well worth the money
I've only seen on truly "tablet UI/UX optimized" music player... Hive Player... Google Play Music is the next best when it come to "tablet UI/UX optimized"...
I personally use Google music and nothing else. On my phone and my prime. Love it. Works great. Looks great. ALL my music is there and sounds bomb too. I've tried poweramp and others but ever since Google music came out...I've been stoked.
This is not a paid endorsement nor do I work for Google blah blah blah
Modded by MBOK
Soooo, reporting back!
Widgetlocker works wonderful on the Prime, so your issue with the Lockscreen could be solved just using it it will let you add ANY Widget to the lockscreen and set up whatever you want in the unlock Ring.
Tried PlayerPro, the UI is REALLY good I must say, and how it set ups band pictures for the bandlist is amazing! (Actual band pics, not Albums)
Downloaded the DSP Pack and did the EQ set up, and tested it side to side with PowerAmp, and I gotta say PowerAmp sounds better imo.
OMW to test out Hive Player
I've now tested the various music players people mentioned in this thread and these are my results:
MusicXMatch:
Looked very bad on my Prime, and i don't have any usage for the "Lyric" part of it, which is basicly it's biggest selling point.
Hardly any widgets, and no lockscreen player, and almost no options to customize it.
PlayerPro:
A decent competitor to PowerAmp, but again, no lockscreen player and the look of it, along with the button placements didn't appeal to me.
Also has alot of skins on the Play Store.
Hive Player:
I tried the "evaluation" version (author's own words), and it is indeed optimzed for tablets. I like the widgets.
But it lacks many features, and it doesn't automatically download album art. And the "evaluation" version stops playing after 1min in every song, which is kind of lame, even for a trial version.
PowerAmp:
At first i didn't enjoy it that much, but after testing other music players, it seemed to be the best looking one with the most features.
Decent widget packs, alot of skins off the Play Store.
Lockscreen player is either ICS's default one, or a lockscreen player that only works in Portrait mode. (I'm gonna try WidgetLocker to replace it)
I've bought PowerAmp Full Unlocker, and now i'm gonna test WidgetLocker as a lockscreen player replacement (based on what Zephyrot posted)
Moonbloom said:
[...]
I've bought PowerAmp Full Unlocker, and now i'm gonna test WidgetLocker as a lockscreen player replacement (based on what Zephyrot posted)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to set it up right, it has A LOT, and I mean A LOT of options
There is another free app that can download extra Lockscreen themes for it, in case you want to try out new ones.
Zephyrot said:
Be sure to set it up right, it has A LOT, and I mean A LOT of options
There is another free app that can download extra Lockscreen themes for it, in case you want to try out new ones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried WidgetLocker, and excuse me if this is a stupid question.. But isn't there any way to use other kind of lockscreen players other than simply one of the widgets from PowerAmp?
I very much like the PowerAmp lockscreen (the one forced to Portrait), and my ideal lockscreen player would simply be that one.. In Landscape mode (of course some changes would have to be made, in order for it to fit properly).
EDIT: As you said you tested PlayerPro VS PowerAmp with optimal settings, could you please share those "optimal" settings for PowerAmp? I'm not currently using the equalizer at all, because I simply don't know how to set it up to sound better than standard settings.
Hi guys!
I've bought an Alwinner A13 Tablet as a Christmas present for my daughter who is 3yrs old. She has been using mine and my husbands HTC Sensations for watching BabyTV and playing various counting and alphabet games, but we twitch every time she drops them...hence the cheap tablet. It is running 4.0.4 has 512 MB RAM and 8GB internal storage. We bought a 16GB SD card to increase the storage.
I want to customise it for her in time for Christmas and was wondering if you guys mind my asking some questions on here in the hope 1 or more of you has done something similar or can point me in the right direction at least.
What I want to do:
Hide, disable and lock out the internet browser, app store and anything else that I may need to do stuff (like install apps for her) but don't want her to see or use.
Disable the system icons / buttons (battery, clock, app home etc)
Make desktop / homescreen icons bigger (approx twice their current size).
Prevent her moving and deleting icons
Create folders on the home screen with custom folder icons (different picture for each folder) that will hold apps and shortcuts to movies on the SD card.
Give App and shortcut icons custom icon images (I have graphics files for these that I can resize)
Play movies directly from shortcut
Minimalistic movie player that just plays the file and then EXITS back to the home screen when the movie is done.
If any of the above requires changing ROM from the installed 4.0.4 to something else or requires the tablet to be Rooted then I've learnt how to do that already.
Any help or advice on how to achieve the above list would be greatly appreciated.
p.s I already looked at the "big icon" app in google market, but it sticks a setup icon next to the icon which you cant lock out..which means my daughter could easily modify the icons.
Thanks
Lyndsey
most of your requirements can be found on go launcher or adw launcher as for movie shprtcuts i dont know if its possoble
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Kids Place + ES file manager
most of this could probably be handled by the Kids Place - Parental Control app on Google Play, you can make shortcuts to basically anything (including movie files) using ES File Explorer by tapping and holding on the video and selecting make shortcut and also has a pretty simple video player built in.
ngoralph said:
most of your requirements can be found on go launcher or adw launcher as for movie shprtcuts i dont know if its possoble
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help!
Do you know if there is a movie player around that I can configure so that it closes down and returns to the home screen after it's finished playing a movie? This functionality is pretty important as I don't think she'll be able to exit the movie player herself.
I looked at go launcher but I couldn't see it supporting setting folder and shortcut icons. This is pretty important as well, because her reading level is still quite low and therefore she will have to navigate by "familiar" icons (BabyTV Icon to take her to the BabyTV player etc).
cyhax said:
most of this could probably be handled by the Kids Place - Parental Control app on Google Play, you can make shortcuts to basically anything (including movie files) using ES File Explorer by tapping and holding on the video and selecting make shortcut and also has a pretty simple video player built in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I installed Kids place. That wouldn't let me add movie shortcuts or folders to the desktop, only apps. I want to have folders on the desktop with shortcuts inside each folder to movies. Each folder to have an icon depicting the cartoon character of the movies that the shortcuts inside point to.
Having folders with custom icons is something that computers have been capable of for 20 years and yet android can't do this. It's extremely frustrating that there are so many other types of customisations and wazzy effects (launchers seem to prioritise a hundred different ways of scrolling over desktop customisation!!) and yet something so basic is absent or poorly implemented.....
Sorry....had to get that rant off my chest!
I'll keep looking but thanks for the help http://forum.xda-developers.com/images/smilies/smile.gif
I'm trying out go launcher again. So far it's closest to what I need to do but still has some issues. Such as when you make the icons larger, folder labels disappear inside folders! I had each shortcut inside the folder listed as 1,2,3 etc because my daughter can count, just not read that well yet.
I have a question I hope someone can help with:
Why do all the custom launchers reduce the size of the desktop icons? whichever launcher I load up, when I go from stock ics launcher to the custom launcher, the icons are about 50% of the size. I'm just curious...
You daughter wouldn't be able to go to the homescreen by herself?
It's not that hard to teach her to press the home button when she wants to go to the homescreen.
Revobase said:
You daughter wouldn't be able to go to the homescreen by herself?
It's not that hard to teach her to press the home button when she wants to go to the homescreen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, we've already tested that theory out on my phone (HTC Sensation). So we know she can get back to the Homescreen. Thanks for bringing it up though, it's a valid point. We assumed that because she is only 3 she wouldn't be able to find her way around. But in truth she seems to be able to find her way to youtube and play movies there
So we've removed the youtube icons from her tablet now.
artychoke said:
Yes, we've already tested that theory out on my phone (HTC Sensation). So we know she can get back to the Homescreen. Thanks for bringing it up though, it's a valid point. We assumed that because she is only 3 she wouldn't be able to find her way around. But in truth she seems to be able to find her way to youtube and play movies there
So we've removed the youtube icons from her tablet now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kids are MUCH more tech savier then you problably are. In 5 years, she'll know as much as you.