I love playing with my homescreen. It seems like anytime I view the "Post your home screen" type threads, I come away with some fun stuff I want to try.
What I hate is how long it takes to set some of the stuff up - especially if your doing anything that isn't minimalistic and you do involve alot of widgets (like most homescreens).
Are there any processes or apps that you guys/gals use to essentially "save" off different setups you like or do you pretty much rebuild from scratch when you switch?
I think the stock homescreen in gingerbread has different "profiles" that change widgets, wallpaper, etc. when switched. You could give that a shot. I'm not sure about other launcher apps though.
i use ADW Ex as my primary launcher, and you can save your profile there and load it back up whenever you want. pretty sure this is what you want.
Alcapone263 said:
i use ADW Ex as my primary launcher, and you can save your profile there and load it back up whenever you want. pretty sure this is what you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me elaborate.. ADW EX will let you save one single configuration, so you will have to copy/move the save files and/or rename them (so you know which save is which). Then when you want to revert back to that save you will have to copy it back to the correct folder and rename it back to the original save file.
WiredPirate said:
Let me elaborate.. ADW EX will let you save one single configuration, so you will have to copy/move the save files and/or rename them (so you know which save is which). Then when you want to revert back to that save you will have to copy it back to the correct folder and rename it back to the original save file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's still a lot easier than redoing your whole configuration every time isn't it? i mean, it may not be optimal, but it's a work around until someone can help you find an app that will do it all for you.
Alcapone263 said:
it's still a lot easier than redoing your whole configuration every time isn't it? i mean, it may not be optimal, but it's a work around until someone can help you find an app that will do it all for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it is better than doing it from scratch. I just took your adw suggestion and built on it so the OP would have an answer that better match what he was asking. Without adding my steps ADW is limited to one backup and that does not serve the purpose of changing configurations on the fly.
Related
HI guys
I seem to try a lot of roms but would like an easy optioin to go back to my preferred layout. I dont want to use a backup program as I am also learning rom cooking.
OK so what I want to do is take overcome, pack adwlauncher into it AND modify its settings (add icon theme, move front screen icons, add some widgets to the homescreen etc)
I Have been experimenting and not having much luck.
First thing i did was edit the build.prop and modify the density to my liking. Works fine.
I deleted launcher.apk from and added adwlauncher.apk to /system/app.
It boots but no launcher , I assumed it would come up with the default "select program for this action" in first book allowing me to set adwlauncher, but it does not.
So useless to me, no launcher.
How do i do this?
I also assume that there is a better place to put adw so as to allow for updating? Where are market programs stored?
ALSO
How do I change adw's settings to my liking and pre package them?
I assume I can just setup adw how I like, take the config files off my galaxy AND package them into the overcome zip somewhere. Where might they be and where might I need to put them to.
Oh one other thing, adwthemes. These come from market I'm assuming as an apk. If I just add the apk to appropriate place is that enough for adw to see them so that once my config is in place the correct icons will be used.
Thanks very much for any help guys and excuse me if these answers are easy to find, I didnt have much luck with my search terms.
Hopefully one day I will be talented enough to build my own overcome. lol
Oh, for those who dont know, overcome is a rom for our galaxy tabs, forget the references I'm after generic help
I'm not sure, but I believe that putting apps in the /system/app folder makes it more difficult to update them.
I would create a folder called 'data' in your ZIP, with the APK in it. Not sure though, never tested it Perhaps you'll have to modify the update-script too, to make it work, but hey, that's the fun of cooking
I thought so, because that is a protected system folder..
Anyway I half figured this one out. I need to push /data/com.ADWFOLDER with an update script. Re the settings. Unfortunately, I have been told this is impossible..
Can anyone elaborate?
You could possibly try renaming it launcher.apk..
It there s clear lock screen slider of there for the X2. I love that look and miss it from my X.
If not how would one go about making it clear? Don't mind learning how to do so my self.
Never owned an X.. I need a screenshot to either A) tell you if its possible and/or B) tellyou how to make one.
There are hundreds of options including clear sliders for widgetlocker.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA App
I am envisioning a "floating button" that will move across the screen with no background thats visible.
Well I don't have a X anymore to take a screenshot. So ill try to explain it the best way possible.
After pressing the lock button to wake your device at the bottom are the sliders to unlock and turn sounds off. When I say clear lockscreen sliders Im talking about those being there and functional but being completely invisible. It gives the phone a much nicer and cleaner look without loosing those function. Once you get used to it its very nice. I have a X2 now but had it on my X and old Droid. People made it as an zip that you could flash or incorperated it in there rom or theme.
Its quite nice. Hope that helps.
Those are 9png files. If you dont know anything about decompiling, recompiling, etc.. then you don't care so this will make your process easy. Normally, you wouldnt break a 9png files guides but since you wont be able to tell in this case, it wont really matter. Use 7zip or something and go into your ROMS system/framework folder.. find framework-res.apk. double click on it and go into the res/drawable-hdpi folder. Drag out all the jog-tab-xxx.9.png file to your desktop or into a folder. Don't worry, draggin them out will not remove them from the framework. Now, find the ones you want and use Gimp or paint.net to make the images fully transparent. (color to alpha). Use 7zip to stick them back into the same folder you took them out of. DO NOT.. unzip your ROM. install the ROM again without wiping data. good to go.
My motto has always been.. if you cant remove it, make it invisible!
Is it possible to use root explorer and do this using phone? Or must it be done via PC?
i think you are going to want to do that one on the pc.
Code:
How do I install a shortcut on the homescreen? When I long press and tap "shortcut" nothing happens. There are websites I visit frequently that don't have an app.
in your browser favorites if you long hold it will give you the option to paste shortcut on homescreen. i think it is long hold that does this
It worked for some, but said the others already existed (even though they didn't). Anyhoo, considering my ineptness, this is a success. Thanks much!
Yeah I figured more people would have said something about not being able to put application shortcuts on the desktop.. or make folders for that matter. I mean the menu comes up to add folder or shortcut but it just sits there after that.
Also how do you switch from one application to another? With my phone you can hold the home screen button down and a box will appear with all the running/recently used apps appears. With this I have to keep going back to the launcher and restart the app every time I just want to switch to it. Is there an app I have to add for simple task switching?
I have solved the switching issue with 2 free applications, 'PreHome' and 'Notification Toggle'. PreHome gives you a popup with open and recent applications. Use Notification Toggle to put PreHome in your notification tray and you have quick switching.
Thanks.. nifty workaround.. now just click on the notification icon.. then to the task switcher.. Now just need to figure out why the shortcuts / folders don't add to the desktop.
I am not able to add folders to my homescreen on my rooted nook tablet either. Does anyone know of a fix for this?
I will have to try out the task switcher as well. I was looking for that functionality.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
drake495 said:
I am not able to add folders to my homescreen on my rooted nook tablet either. Does anyone know of a fix for this?
I will have to try out the task switcher as well. I was looking for that functionality.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Go Launcher EX, I create the folders in my app drawer by dragging apps on top of each other, and then dragging the folders to my home screen.
I believe other launchers have the same feature. Outside of that, I don't believe there is a way to create folder right on the home screen since B&N did not include it in their build.
I am using ADW launcher. I will mess around with it some more today and see what I can come up with.
edit: No luck creating folders on the home screen with ADW launcher, no matter what I try.
I've had the same issues trying to create shortcuts and folders on rooted NT. I'm using ADW launcher as well. My workaround was to create "catalogs" for the folders I wanted on the home screen and organize my apps this way.
To do this:
Open the app drawer, click the menu button, then pick "choose catalog" to create a new catalog. This creates a new screen that you can then choose "setup catalog" and check off what you want. Then go to the home screen, long press, and pick "launcher actions". There should be options to "show catalog ____". You can then change the icon to the folder by long pressing and choosing "edit" and picking the icon and loading a new pic, etc.
This will get you a folder with whatever games or apps you want.
I created a "Games" folder this way.
Regarding the shorcuts issue, try the program "AnyCut" to try to create shorcuts. It's not the perfect solution as I was unable to figure out how to create a "directions & navigations" shorcut from it, but it has a ton of options. Worth a look.
drake495 said:
I am using ADW launcher. I will mess around with it some more today and see what I can come up with.
edit: No luck creating folders on the home screen with ADW launcher, no matter what I try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made folders by bringing the apps i wanted to the homescreen, then dragging the apps together. The first two apps that are combined will create a folder, then drag more apps to it to add them. Long press the folder to rename it. This is all with ADW Ex.
Looks like com.android.settings is supposed to contain .ActivityPicker which handles the android.intent.action.PICK_ACTIVITY intent.
I wonder if I could just take the settings apk from my phone and throw it on my Nook. I have no idea which apk it actually is though.
EDIT: Derp, it's /system/app/Settings.apk.
adb shell
pm list packages -f
will give a list
EDIT2: Looks like all the code is there for the ActivityPicker, it's just not registered in the manifest. I'm almost positive I can just recompile it with the info added and shortcuts will work. I just have to figure out how to compile without compression or confirm the Nook can handle compressed apks.
For folder shortcuts im using an app called Folder Organizer. Once you get your apps sorted into whatever sort of folders/lables you like you can add them as a widget to the desktop. They function just like a folder and i just discovered that Titanium Backup will automatically usr them as a sorting lable fpr app filters if you need that.
Sent from my BNTV250 using xda premium
HMG10 said:
I made folders by bringing the apps i wanted to the homescreen, then dragging the apps together. The first two apps that are combined will create a folder, then drag more apps to it to add them. Long press the folder to rename it. This is all with ADW Ex.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I try this, I get a message saying it's incompatible with my theme (BigDX ADW Serenity) and it goes back to the default theme. But even then, I can't create folders. Keeps giving me the same message.
I'm also using ADW EX.
Does go launcher or the other one work on none rooted NTs? I dont rewlly want to root right now because i have the warranty. And what is the "app" or program that has a home key on the side of the nook screen so that you can go between sideloaded apps and the actual nook? (Or is that just on rooted NTs? Thanks!
I've kind of gave up on shortcuts and folders. I spent a bunch of time (twice) setting a bunch of this stuff up to find it missing after a reboot No more.
pelzgb said:
It's not the perfect solution as I was unable to figure out how to create a "directions & navigations" shorcut from it, but it has a ton of options. Worth a look.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odd, I have no problem creating a shortcut using Activities/ and scrolling down to Directions & Navigation.
Also:
1. ES File Explorer can create file system shortcuts on the desktop. They open of course in ES File Exlorer.
2. BetterCut is more in depth and a much better interface than Anycut. Dev is defunct, but the .apk can be found with a search.
3. As others have said, creating folders is very simple with Go Launcher.
4. Button Savior (which I wouldn't want to use the NT without) long pressing the home button brings up a task switcher with the last 6 apps used.
---------- Post added at 12:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:00 PM ----------
elizabethsparks2002 said:
Does go launcher or the other one work on none rooted NTs? I dont rewlly want to root right now because i have the warranty. And what is the "app" or program that has a home key on the side of the nook screen so that you can go between sideloaded apps and the actual nook? (Or is that just on rooted NTs? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoLauncher definitely works without being rooted.
I'm guessing the app you mean is Button Savior? If so, the home button does work without root, but most of the features (like the task switcher) require root.
Otherwise you can use HomeCatcher to set up the N button for whichever launcher you want. It's been a long time since my NT wasn't rooted, but if I remember correctly this didn't require root.
What I like to do is use AnyCut to create a shortcut (Activities/Home) back to the stock NT interface. Then you can switch back and forth between homes interfaces. (Stock and goLauncher).
If you uninstall GoLauncher or other alternative launcher then home will default back to the stock interface.
I tried to make the Subject Title as descriptive as possible, but am unsure how to explain what I mean in ~10 words.
Here is a post where I show my layout: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=20336122#post20336122
I use Launcher Pro Plus, Desktop Visualizer, MultiPicture Live Wallpaper, and Folder Organizer to create my 7 screens w/ different wallpapers, links, and widgets on each page.
What I would like to do is be able to click a button/link, or go into an app and select a "pre-packaged" 3, 5, or 7 page layout that already has all the wallpapers, links, widgets, etc in place, and it all just loads up instantly.
I have searched, but cant figure out a search string that finds me results. Anyone know of a way to do this? If I haven't been clear enough, let me know and I'll try to clarify what I want.
Thanks!
so you want the option to click on an icon, and move to a different homescreen right?
do you want to be able to share this or somthing as if so
if you are using adw
go into settingfs of adw and click backup
go into my files or whatever on sdcard then go down to two files called adw.... cant remeber what theyr called but start with adw
if somone puts your files in same place on there tab and then restore from backup they should get your layouts
adamski123 said:
so you want the option to click on an icon, and move to a different homescreen right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Take my current "setup" - 7 pages using Launcher Pro, 7 walls w/ multipicture live, plus links, icons, and widgets... I want to create completely different "setups" different page counts, different wallapers, different links, different widgets, etc, and be able to load up a completely different layout, AND be able to switch back to the previous.
As I currently understand it, I can create a layout, as explained (and exemplified in the link I provided above) - but if I want to CHANGE it to something different - different page count, different wallpapers, different icons, widgets, links, etc... then I LOSE my current setup/layout as displayed in the link above. I don't want to LOSE it, but rather SAVE it so I can LOAD it back up.
But no, I'm not talking about how to do "hubs".
do you want to be able to share this or somthing as if so
...
...
if somone puts your files in same place on there tab and then restore from backup they should get your layouts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't mind sharing them, but it's not a priority as what I create will definitely be very unique to me, my needs, and more importantly, the apps I've purchased and use.
I'm a photographer and use my tab for business situations, but it's 80+% used for personal use. So I want to have my 7page layout for daily personal use, then quickly switch to maybe a 2 page layout that only accesses my portfolio and web for when I hand the tab over to a client to browse. I want to have a fun layout for myself but be able to switch over to a more professional/limited layout very quickly.
Hope that all makes sense. Thanks.
BroBot175 said:
do you want to be able to share this or somthing as if so
if you are using adw
go into settingfs of adw and click backup
go into my files or whatever on sdcard then go down to two files called adw.... cant remeber what theyr called but start with adw
if somone puts your files in same place on there tab and then restore from backup they should get your layouts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DevonSloan said:
I don't mind sharing them, but it's not a priority as what I create will definitely be very unique to me, my needs, and more importantly, the apps I've purchased and use.
I'm a photographer and use my tab for business situations, but it's 80+% used for personal use. So I want to have my 7page layout for daily personal use, then quickly switch to maybe a 2 page layout that only accesses my portfolio and web for when I hand the tab over to a client to browse. I want to have a fun layout for myself but be able to switch over to a more professional/limited layout very quickly.
Hope that all makes sense. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I'm not sure about Launcher Pro, but as Brobot stated this is possible with ADWex. In ADWex you simply backup your ADW settings and your desktop configuration. This will place 2 files in your /sdcard folder (adw_ex_launcher.db & adw_ex_settings.xml). Then it would just be a matter of saving them somewhere else (their own folder perhaps). When you wanted to switch "layouts" just move the files into your sdcard directory and restore them. A warning though, this is certainly not a perfect solution. This does not really work well with certain widgets like Desktop Visualizer and Minimalistic Text. Which is why I rarely use Desktop Visualizer anymore and instead incorporate the graphic/icon/whatever into the wallpaper and then place invisible icons over them. Seems to run a whole lot smoother in my opinion too.
Sounds like you want different user profiles.
I just read about this, you might want to try it out:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1475890
SwitchMe lets you log into separate user profiles with completely custom setups for each user.
Oh, here's the market link: https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.switchme
Thanks union, but sounds very clunky and not too quick of a process.
dmmcd said:
Sounds like you want different user profiles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sounds right. I'll check that out, thanks. I remember on my HTC Hero I was able to create different profiles and switch back and forth, but 4 Android handsets and a tab later, I forgot about that. Maybe it was a feature of Sense. Thanks for the heads up on that app.
I got Themer today, and I really love how a lot of them look, but I ended up sticking with my plain stock because I like to have most things on the home screen in folders. I tried making a folder, but it didn't work.
Are there any themes that incorporate folders? Did I just do it incorrectly or are they not an option? I realize you can go into apps, and then use the categories, but I'd much rather have them on my home screen.
Plus, if I have an app, like my flashlight, that I really need on my home screen for accessibility, it's kind of obnoxious against the pretty, cohesive theme, and sticks out. If there was a folder I could stick it in on the home screen that matched the rest of the theme, it would look better. Does that make sense? I might just be rambling now.
It's a really cool app though, I like that you can do these things without rooting, I didn't realize that was possible. (My noob is showing... )
Lumosx said:
I got Themer today, and I really love how a lot of them look, but I ended up sticking with my plain stock because I like to have most things on the home screen in folders. I tried making a folder, but it didn't work.
Are there any themes that incorporate folders? Did I just do it incorrectly or are they not an option? I realize you can go into apps, and then use the categories, but I'd much rather have them on my home screen.
Plus, if I have an app, like my flashlight, that I really need on my home screen for accessibility, it's kind of obnoxious against the pretty, cohesive theme, and sticks out. If there was a folder I could stick it in on the home screen that matched the rest of the theme, it would look better. Does that make sense? I might just be rambling now.
It's a really cool app though, I like that you can do these things without rooting, I didn't realize that was possible. (My noob is showing... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Lumosx,
With Themer, there are multiple ways of adding folders.
First, you can drag and drop apps from the app drawer onto one you've already added. To do this:
1. Drag an app onto the app drawer that you'd like in your folder.
2. Then drag another app next to it; a popup may appear asking you to unlock widgets.
3. Select Yes and open the Desktop menu and deselect Lock homescreeen Icons.
You're now able to drag icons into one another, creating folders accordingly.
Alternatively, you can use Smart Category folders. These are the categories you see in the app drawer, and adding one of these does come with some advantages. To add one:
1. Long press on the homescreen > Advanced > Desktop > Unlock homescreen Icons.
2. Long press on the homescreen > Smart Categories > choose your preferred category.
3. Tap the icon > Select the overflow icon (3-dot icon) > Manage, in order to manually add/remove apps.
Now this category will be saved for every theme that you use.
To change the look of a folder (with both methods), long press on the icon > Edit > then select an icon either from selected packs or a simple image. Let us know if you need to find an image/icon to match your theme.
Hope this helps!
-Marco
I got it to work, thank you very much! I'm very happy with it now.
One more question: The only issue I have now is that there's one particular widget that tells me it's already added when I try to put it on the screen, but it's not actually there. Do you know what the problem could be? It came with the phone (Walkmate) if that matters.
Lumosx said:
I got it to work, thank you very much! I'm very happy with it now.
One more question: The only issue I have now is that there's one particular widget that tells me it's already added when I try to put it on the screen, but it's not actually there. Do you know what the problem could be? It came with the phone (Walkmate) if that matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's your device and the widget called? We want to see if we can replicate this issue.
Also does it happen with all themes or one specific theme?
Lastly, is there room for the widget? What may happen is that a widget might take up the whole screen, not allowing for any widgets to be added. Deleting all the widgets on the page and try to add this widget will help us figure out what's causing the problem.
I have a Galaxy S3, the widget is Walkmate. It should fit, it's small and I have at least half the screen free. I tried when the screen was blank as well. The theme is Frosted Glass. I tried using a random theme as well and it still didn't work (it was Hi-Tech).
It's not a huge issue or anything.