NOTE - this is for 1.2 Nootered devices only
Here's a free little app I wrote that I hope many of you will find useful...
Once you permanently set your home launcher to something other than the Barnes and Noble launcher, it can be difficult to switch back and forth. Apps like Home Switcher can do the job, but there's no easy way to create a direct shortcut to the B&N Home UI.
The B&N launcher is neat for organizing your book collection, but it sucks for organizing apps.
Likewise, 3rd party launchers are great at organizing and launching apps, but are lacking when it comes to managing your book library.
So, I present to you...
NookHome - a dedicated app to launch the Barnes and Noble Home app from your launcher of choice.
Download here: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ey4ddwmxiwl8hy
Launch the app, and the B&N home screen will appear. Like magic.
Enjoy!
Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not, but I installed it, tried to launch and I get nothing. Just goes back to my regular home screen. I'm running phiremod v6.2.
I imagine this only works on the rooted stock OS.
calee2009 said:
Not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not, but I installed it, tried to launch and I get nothing. Just goes back to my regular home screen. I'm running phiremod v6.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only works for rooted stock. Not nookie froyo, honeycomb, CM7, phiremod(CM7) nada, just (rooted)stock 1.1 or 1.2
DiscoPh3v3r said:
Only works for rooted stock. Not nookie froyo, honeycomb, CM7, phiremod(CM7) nada, just (rooted)stock 1.1 or 1.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. This does not install the B&N launcher on your device. It simply invokes the stock app that is already there, without going through the hassle of running something like Home Switcher to do so.
Thanks for doing this!
You know, the "Last Book" icon is one of my pet peeves and the fact that it works in 1.1 but not 1.01 (or 1.2 I hear). On my 1.01, as long as the home app is at least loaded, the last book icon works, but as soon as something unloads it, the icon doesn't work anymore.
On my 1.1, I can unload everything and the damned icon still works! As a matter of fact, if I use it, it loads the home app in the background.
I haven't put this on my 1.2 NC yet (still haven't rooted it) it but, and more to the point...
First, how do you get back to the default launcher if you use this? And, more importantly, will it leave the home launcher running in the background or flat out unload it? If it leaves it running then I can have my last book icon working and be happy!
Don't know what instore access is like but wondering if the home app is key to that as well...
Great little app! After using it and switching back to Zeam, the last-read book icon is reset and works. Brilliant.
Sent from my NOOKcolor using XDA Premium App
Great app. Thanks for sharing. This was exactly what I was looking for.
doncaruana said:
Thanks for doing this!
You know, the "Last Book" icon is one of my pet peeves and the fact that it works in 1.1 but not 1.01 (or 1.2 I hear). On my 1.01, as long as the home app is at least loaded, the last book icon works, but as soon as something unloads it, the icon doesn't work anymore.
On my 1.1, I can unload everything and the damned icon still works! As a matter of fact, if I use it, it loads the home app in the background.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is something I plan to address soon. The B&N Home app has to be running in order for this to work right at the moment. If it is not started (or is killed by you or the system) it stops working.
doncaruana said:
Thanks for doing this!
First, how do you get back to the default launcher if you use this? And, more importantly, will it leave the home launcher running in the background or flat out unload it? If it leaves it running then I can have my last book icon working and be happy!
Don't know what instore access is like but wondering if the home app is key to that as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you hit the "n" key for the first time, Android will display the "which app do you want to use to complete this action" dialog. Most people have chosen Zeam, ADW, or some other launcher - when you check the box to make the selection permanent, it becomes impossible (without another app or hacking in the development menu) to return to the B&H Nome screen.
So, the idea here is you install this app, then you can have one-click access to B&N via the home screen, dock, whatever, of your "preferred" launcher. That is assigned to the "n" key.
"n" key (from any app, including B&N Launcher) --> Launcher
NookHome (from Launcher) --> B&N Launcher
and so on...
HamNCheese said:
This is something I plan to address soon. The B&N Home app has to be running in order for this to work right at the moment. If it is not started (or is killed by you or the system) it stops working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been driving me crazy. I've decompiled all the code, cruised through the reader app, the status bar, etc. I'd love to help, but you're probably already 10 steps ahead (at least) of where I am.
doncaruana said:
Been driving me crazy. I've decompiled all the code, cruised through the reader app, the status bar, etc. I'd love to help, but you're probably already 10 steps ahead (at least) of where I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I'll send you a PM on it. I haven't dug too deep into it yet, but I have discovered some other interesting things along the way.
Thanks very useful And the BN home takes up a measley 6-7 MB in ram. Also I just wanna say since there is really nor other place i just now realized that the stock nook reader added sliding transitions for the pages. They work very well, it is extremely fluid. Also when I tap to turn page it is much more responsive.
Bump,
Love this app!
Thank you very much
Thanks for this nifty little utility!
This may not be the right place to ask, but I'm trying to create a shortcut for this (or any app) on the desktop, and it's not working.
In Zeam, I long-press the screen, select "add item", then "shortcut", and it takes me to the BN Home screen, not to a picker listing all my apps.
I've installed LauncherPro (my favorite for my phone), and I get the same behavior: Long-press, shortcuts -> BN Home.
(Please direct me to a more appropriate forum if necessary...)
TIA!
FreeMan
Open the app drawer, long press on the icon, drag to where you want it on the home screen
Thanks for making this! Now I can set the home key to Zeam on my wife's nook, and just park the B&N launcher in the Zeam tray. Best of both worlds.
@FreeMan2012: What NewZJ said is the way I've always done app shortcuts, and it worked on wife's 1.2 Nook yesterday. I long pressed on the B&N app to get it on the homescreen, then long-pressed and dragged it down the the dock.
NewZJ said:
Open the app drawer, long press on the icon, drag to where you want it on the home screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
robjective said:
Thanks for making this! Now I can set the home key to Zeam on my wife's nook, and just park the B&N launcher in the Zeam tray. Best of both worlds.
@FreeMan2012: What NewZJ said is the way I've always done app shortcuts, and it worked on wife's 1.2 Nook yesterday. I long pressed on the B&N app to get it on the homescreen, then long-pressed and dragged it down the the dock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow! Thanks, guys. I had no idea about the long press in the app drawer. Worked as advertised!
Great idea... I think I will set Zeam as default too and just use this shortcut app for home.
Related
it's amazons free app of the day. pretty neat function, im using it to replace the long press for multitasking. runs smoothly
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I thought about posting this too when I downloaded it earlier today. But then I tried it out and found that its really not for me.
Agreed, I looks like a great idea, but doesnt function as good as it could. Not for me either.
I downloaded Wave Launcher and I'm attempting to make use of it. My current setup is ADW.Launcher EX, Folder Organizer, and Beautiful widgets. I really liked this setup, but I'm looking for a new look for my phone. Having five Folder Organizer widgets on the desktop is pretty sweet. I can get to the 20ish programs I use all on one home screen via the folder organize widgets.
I was hoping to use Wave Launcher to re-do my setup so make the home screen more "empty" and clean.
The app is very easy to setup, but its use seems a bit limited. I was hoping to be able to have multiple Wave Launchers so that if I swiped from the left side of the screen it would like X apps, if I swiped from the right side of the screen it would display a different set of Y apps, and if I swiped from the bottom it would bring up a different set of Z apps. Unfortunitally, the app only allows for one swipe location and one set of apps to launch.
I am going to keep it installed, and I am going to try to make it work for me. I can free up some screen real estate via Wave Launcher, though I'm not sure what to launch with it. Should I put in my most used apps? It does make them a bit harder to launch versus having links on the screen or a Folder Organizer widget on the scren. So should I put some apps I don't use often into the wave launcher so that they don't use screen real estate as either links or a folder organizer widget.
Long story short... this launcher seems to be a great idea. A swipe motion brings up a "waved bar" with links on it. However, those links are harder to "choose" since you have to slide your thumb / finger into the right place, so folders might work better. However folders take up screen real estate. So... its a good idea, and it might work out for me. I wish that there were more options like the ones lacking that I listed above.
We'll see what I come up with over the next few days.
DK
SwipePad is A LOT better!
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android
I too got this from amazon but while I was playing angry birds it kept popping up alot and pissed me off so... I uninstalled it for now!
I just keep forgetting it's there. until it comes up at the worst possible moments.
facetubespam said:
SwipePad is A LOT better!
https://market.android.com/details?id=mobi.conduction.swipepad.android
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 it was slow to start but they keep making it better with the add-ons and speed increases
Sent from my GreyBlurred Bell Atrix
+1 for swipe pad, nothing comparable so far.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Swipepad drove my cpu usage up to 100%, ive been using wave launcher and it has been working fine. I really like how it looks like the palm os wave which is what i came from. Pretty nifty.
this app was making Contacts appear when I clicked PowerAMP. Had to uninstall Wave Launcher then reboot phone so PowerAMP operates properly.
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G using Tapatalk
Wave Launcher
mario925 said:
this app was making Contacts appear when I clicked PowerAMP. Had to uninstall Wave Launcher then reboot phone so PowerAMP operates properly.
Sent from my Motorola Atrix 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can customize the size and location of Wave Launcher's gesture-area, try "Bottom Left - 20%" in the "Gesture-area presets" setting.
Upcoming version of Wave Launcher will allow 3rd party apps to disable / enable Wave Launcher. (Currently supported by the upcoming version of WidgetLocker) It will also include a quick disable/enable option via the notification bar.
DeathKoil said:
I downloaded Wave Launcher and I'm attempting to make use of it. My current setup is ADW.Launcher EX, Folder Organizer, and Beautiful widgets. I really liked this setup, but I'm looking for a new look for my phone. Having five Folder Organizer widgets on the desktop is pretty sweet. I can get to the 20ish programs I use all on one home screen via the folder organize widgets.
I was hoping to use Wave Launcher to re-do my setup so make the home screen more "empty" and clean.
The app is very easy to setup, but its use seems a bit limited. I was hoping to be able to have multiple Wave Launchers so that if I swiped from the left side of the screen it would like X apps, if I swiped from the right side of the screen it would display a different set of Y apps, and if I swiped from the bottom it would bring up a different set of Z apps. Unfortunitally, the app only allows for one swipe location and one set of apps to launch.
I am going to keep it installed, and I am going to try to make it work for me. I can free up some screen real estate via Wave Launcher, though I'm not sure what to launch with it. Should I put in my most used apps? It does make them a bit harder to launch versus having links on the screen or a Folder Organizer widget on the scren. So should I put some apps I don't use often into the wave launcher so that they don't use screen real estate as either links or a folder organizer widget.
Long story short... this launcher seems to be a great idea. A swipe motion brings up a "waved bar" with links on it. However, those links are harder to "choose" since you have to slide your thumb / finger into the right place, so folders might work better. However folders take up screen real estate. So... its a good idea, and it might work out for me. I wish that there were more options like the ones lacking that I listed above.
We'll see what I come up with over the next few days.
DK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use it for:
direct-dial contacts.
Any Android shortcut, not just apps.
Show recently-used apps
Show its built-in app-drawer (by swiping or by long-pressing the gesture-area
I'm response to LoirG I use the wave launcher to open folders from folder organizer which helps open space on NY homescreen. Wave launcher is one of my more valuable apps. It has a learning curve but the limits are almost endless
Sent from my rooted 1.8.3 Honeyglow themed Gingerblur Atrix
Have 3 Gtabs running Calkulin Clemsyn como v6. Two run great, but on one I randomly get blank notifications & when that happens VTL Launcher partially freezes (can switch screen, open some apps but eventally will totally freeae). From the point the blank notification appears I can't get into the VTL menu to restart VTL & while holding Power brings up the power off option, it would let me pick a selection. I have to hold power to turn off.
I notice that the version of VTL is 1.61. but there is a newer version out, 1.6.5. Clemsyn says on his post (in development) that trying to change the default launcher could cause sleep of death. Not sure if that means the process of changing it while the system is running or if he means swithcing to a different launcher!!!
To the question....Can I use ADB to overwrite the vtllauncer.apk in /system/app/ with the newer version, then reboot & it work correctly?
Try it and tell the rest of us if it works. Since the "old" vtl is a system app launcher in v6, there's too much of a chance something will go wrong.
What you can do is this. Install another launcher, something like adw or whatever. Then use system app remover to take out the old vtl. Then install the new vtl. Then voila you have the new vtl.
Blank Notificatons
goodintentions said:
Try it and tell the rest of us if it works. Since the "old" vtl is a system app launcher in v6, there's too much of a chance something will go wrong.
What you can do is this. Install another launcher, something like adw or whatever. Then use system app remover to take out the old vtl. Then install the new vtl. Then voila you have the new vtl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More on the blank notifications. Seems to be two different ones. One points to the time in the Notifcation Bar & the other appear below the home icon on the notifcation bar.
I've also duplicated this on a second gTab.
Seems to do it most when moving icons near the notification bar/trash can
Oh, I know what you're talking about now. Go into vtl settings, choose none for swiping up and swiping down, and then also choose to never hide task bar. After this, the blank notification will never appear again.
Replaced VTL. So far so good!
goodintentions said:
Try it and tell the rest of us if it works. Since the "old" vtl is a system app launcher in v6, there's too much of a chance something will go wrong.
What you can do is this. Install another launcher, something like adw or whatever. Then use system app remover to take out the old vtl. Then install the new vtl. Then voila you have the new vtl.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded & installed ADW Launcher from freewarelovers.com. Downloaded System App Remover from Marketplace & installed. Switched to ADW Launcher. Ran System App Remover & backuped up original VTL then removed it. Used Rootexplorer to copy new version of VTL to /system/app & changed permissions. Installed the new version. Rebooted & selected new VTL as default, then removed ADW & reboooted. All the things I've tried so far appear to be working normally. I'll do more testing & report back.
goodintentions said:
Oh, I know what you're talking about now. Go into vtl settings, choose none for swiping up and swiping down, and then also choose to never hide task bar. After this, the blank notification will never appear again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a "none" option in Swipe Up/Down Actions. I have Show Previews, Open/close App Drawer, Show/hide statusbar, Open/close notifications, Move to default desktop/Open notification, or Open App!
I'll try the Open/close App Drawer - Up & Open/close Previews - Down & see how that works.
Thanks for the help.
aabbondanza said:
There isn't a "none" option in Swipe Up/Down Actions. I have Show Previews, Open/close App Drawer, Show/hide statusbar, Open/close notifications, Move to default desktop/Open notification, or Open App!
I'll try the Open/close App Drawer - Up & Open/close Previews - Down & see how that works.
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, had a head up and locked moment...when back scrolled up and found the none option...sorry.
aabbondanza said:
OK, had a head up and locked moment...when back scrolled up and found the none option...sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was gonna take pictures and shoot a video proving that there is such an option
For those that are interested. I have sucessfully replaced VTL Laucncer (v1.6.1) in Calkulin Clemsyn combo v6 with VTL Laucher v1.6.5 from gojimi's vegan site http://vegantab.gojimi.com/vt-labs/vtl-launcher/ (see post # 5 if interested) on 2 of my 3 gTabs (granddaugher wouldn't give hers up long enough for me to do hers). I have used both extensively over the last couple of days with no issues. Feel free to test if you feel the need to upgrade. The only thing I did that I didn't mention in post #5 is that I did a backup in CWM before I did any of this...just in case.
Is an upgrade really necessary
I tried to up grade without success.
Is an upgrade really necessary? What is better with VTL 1.6.5?
It sounds like a lot of work?
captirwin said:
I tried to up grade without success.
Is an upgrade really necessary? What is better with VTL 1.6.5?
It sounds like a lot of work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can,t do a direct upgrade because VTL is included as a system app...that's why you have to do the entire procedure.
Probably no big reason to upgrade...I did it because I thought it was causing the blank notifications that was locking mine up. If you change the settings in your VTL (above), you should be OK. If you want to see the changes between 1.6.1 & 1.6.5 you can go to gojimi's site.
Really didn't take long to do...maybe 15-20 minutes and I've only been using Android/gTab for about 3 weeks.
May be worth keeping in mind for when gojimi releases a version with more features, improvement or bug fixes.
THANKS...
aabbondanza said:
You can,t do a direct upgrade because VTL is included as a system app...that's why you have to do the entire procedure.
Probably no big reason to upgrade...I did it because I thought it was causing the blank notifications that was locking mine up. If you change the settings in your VTL (above), you should be OK. If you want to see the changes between 1.6.1 & 1.6.5 you can go to gojimi's site.
Really didn't take long to do...maybe 15-20 minutes and I've only been using Android/gTab for about 3 weeks.
May be worth keeping in mind for when gojimi releases a version with more features, improvement or bug fixes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the explaination.
aabbondanza said:
You can,t do a direct upgrade because VTL is included as a system app...that's why you have to do the entire procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Minor correction.
The reason why you can't just upgrade is because in order to upgrade an app the app has to be closed, uninstalled, and newer version install. You can't do that with a launcher if it's the only launcher available. That's why you have to install another launcher, uninstall vtl, then install the newer version. Otherwise, the system would crash and burn if you ain't got no launcher running.
The whole process should take about 1.5 minute.
(1) Install adw launcher.
(2) Press home button and choose adw launcher.
(3) Using root explorer uninstall vtl.
(4) Install new vtl.
(5) Press home button and choose vtl as your defalt.
How hard can that be?
Sounds Pretty Simple
goodintentions said:
Minor correction.
The reason why you can't just upgrade is because in order to upgrade an app the app has to be closed, uninstalled, and newer version install. You can't do that with a launcher if it's the only launcher available. That's why you have to install another launcher, uninstall vtl, then install the newer version. Otherwise, the system would crash and burn if you ain't got no launcher running.
The whole process should take about 1.5 minute.
(1) Install adw launcher.
(2) Press home button and choose adw launcher.
(3) Using root explorer uninstall vtl.
(4) Install new vtl.
(5) Press home button and choose vtl as your defalt.
How hard can that be?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll give it a shot.
Hey Captirwin, are you one of the people who a month ago emailed me asking me if I'd mod the gtab for you for a modest fee? Or was that someone else?
It was me
goodintentions said:
Hey Captirwin, are you one of the people who a month ago emailed me asking me if I'd mod the gtab for you for a modest fee? Or was that someone else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was one of those people.
That said, following the easy to follow instructions on your website, I was able to install a custom ROM, and do the GPS install.
I did make a modest donation.
Its people like you that make this hobby enjoyable.
THANKS.
I like the nook launcher but as everyone knows it doesnt include sideloaded apps. Any way to change this?
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
nook color app manager allows sideload apps to be added to nook tablet homescreen its in googles market or androidzoom if you dont have access to the market.
Thank you so much! I have been trying to use different launchers and none of them work 100% correctly on the nook firmware and i am actually liking the nook interface
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Oh! I had no idea nook color apps worked on the tablet. Do any others work?
dragon_76 said:
I like the nook launcher but as everyone knows it doesnt include sideloaded apps. Any way to change this?
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I am using (Go Launcher EX), but then you won't see the nice B&N default launcher unless you press the "Home button" (inverted U).
Of course if you also install Home Catcher (then when you press the "Home" button twice, it forwards you to the Go Launcher interface or any other at your choice)....
ThyGizmo said:
Hi,
I am using (Go Launcher EX), but then you won't see the nice B&N default launcher unless you press the "Home button" (inverted U).
Of course if you also install Home Catcher (then when you press the "Home" button twice, it forwards you to the Go Launcher interface or any other at your choice)....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have goLauncher installed. It is the only launcher I have tried that is fully functional without any bugs. (ADW LauncherPro ADW.ex and many others all have some kind of issue either functional or cosmetic)
I very much like the Barnes and Noble home concept.
If anyone could now help me with getting sideloaded apps to launch from the app shelf I would appreciate it. Currently they only launch from the home screen.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
I understand the resistance to rooting, but it does greatly increase the usability of the tablet. I'm using ADW launcher (now EX, $.10 in the market) and it works great. Go launcher also worked fine too. Add nookhome and you have the best of both worlds. So far, my NT has been rock solid stable, worlds better than my Viewsonic gTablet (bad purchase!!!). The biggest bug I've found so far is that in some apps, the pop up menu is white on white. Running a finger over the menu reveals the entry, so it's mostly aesthetic. Cut and paste is still absent and another pain in the butt is that quite a few apps are missing (google+?)from the market and require a bit of work to install. Once rooted and able to run all the Amazon stuff, this thing absolutely blows the Fire out of the water. Even rooted, the Fire is noticeably slower and buggier than the NT. My neighbor bought one, we compared and he returned the Fire for a NT.
I've downloaded a few themes for go launcher ex, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to install them.
Could some kind soul walk me through the process, real quick like?
Rest assured I would greatly appreciate it.
While we're on this topic...
While we're on this topic of the GoLauncher - how do you get the GoLauncher to launch, from the nook home, by pressing the hardware 'N' button twice?
I've seen that on a few videos, and wasn't sure how to do that.
edit.... nevermind found it.
I think most of the “new goLauncher theme” stuff is really just bonus options for wallpaper, etc. I found most of these things to be options in settings.
Rynek, you have to have the Homecatcher app, I was pointed to it by others XDA'rs. It is found on droid market. Works well.
jimmysuggs said:
I've downloaded a few themes for go launcher ex, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to install them.
Could some kind soul walk me through the process, real quick like?
Rest assured I would greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull up the menu at the Go Launcher home screen and select the "Themes" option. It will pull up a window that has thumbnails of all your installed themes and a button to get more from the market. Just select what you want and go.
rynek said:
While we're on this topic of the GoLauncher - how do you get the GoLauncher to launch, from the nook home, by pressing the hardware 'N' button twice?
I've seen that on a few videos, and wasn't sure how to do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install HomeCatcher ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1356206 ).
Worked like a charm.
Thank you, conundrum768.
Looking for that app that let me switch from adw launcher to the stock home .thank for any help. The icon for the app was the nook "n"
You mean HomeCatcher?
I use Home Manager as well- (from Market). Lets me switch back and forth between installed launchers and set any as default.
The more common Home Switcher didn't work for me- it just crashes when attempting to set a new default.
+1 for Home Manager . Works great.
I have a shortcut on the home screen of each launcher for it and it allows me to choose any launcher I desire, and still have my favorite as a default for Button Savior.
My N is still linked to the default B&N home screen, so I can show people just how limited it is.(And I use it for my books and Mags too
Yeah, I just use HomeCatcher. It does what it needs to, plus it was included in Indirect's root, haha.
tugthomas said:
Looking for that app that let me switch from adw launcher to the stock home .thank for any help. The icon for the app was the nook "n"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This probably what you are looking for - NookHome.apk.
Thanks rete that was the apk i was looking for and everyone else for your quick replies
I use HomeCatcher. I got it from the market but there is a post somewhere along here that has the sideloading link.
Guess I am the only one that goes into the app manager and opens whatever launcher I have set as default and clear the default setting. Oh well, the only time I use anything different is when I am changing my wallpaper and need to use the nook default.
Know-Fear said:
Guess I am the only one that goes into the app manager and opens whatever launcher I have set as default and clear the default setting. Oh well, the only time I use anything different is when I am changing my wallpaper and need to use the nook default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That works of course, but other tools do the same thing with fewer clicks.
Switching to default just to change a live wallpaper (only reason I ever use it), I simply put a shortcut to 'Home' on my desktop.